Pascack Press 2.27.23

Soup’r support

CELEBRATING A CAREER CELEBRATING A CAREER

Stateʼs top girls volleyball coach, IHAʼs Nolan, retires

THAT’S CAPTAIN ALISHA FOLEY

Veteran officer first female in MPD history to attain that rank

PAGE 17

FOLLOW THEWATER ONSTRIP MALL APPLICATION

Stream status uncertain in dueling DEP rulings

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A Meisten Street resident speaking out against the way a proposed strip mall is eyed for his neighborhood — and adjacent to the busy Pascack Road—Washington Avenue intersection — says he hopes to get a survey and title search done soon on his property.

His task: to prove that an easement has long existed and that a modest waterway coursing through his property has been and should be a protected Category 1 stream, regulated under NJDEP rules.

If the waterway is not protected, resident Michael Agnello says he

See FOLLOW on page 26

FOLLOWING 19 recordbreaking seasons coaching at Immaculate Heart Academy, Maria Nolan P ʼ08, has declared the 2022 volleyball season as her last. She officially announced her retirement on Feb. 6.

If you have ever followed New Jersey high school volleyball, you have heard Nolanʼs name. Prior to working at IHA, in the Township of Washington, Nolan coached for 27 years at

Secaucus High School, where she led the program to 16 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state titles, 17 league titles, 15 county titles, and eight undefeated seasons.

She began at IHA in 2004 and has coached hundreds of Blue Eagles over the last two decades. She also started Maria Nolanʼs Developmental Volleyball Camp for Girls at Immaculate Heart Academy in 2002.

KINDNESS COUNTS

PAGE 13

Nolan ended her IHA coaching career with a 581–47 record, a 93 winning percentage. She also holds the title of all-time wins leader in New Jersey volleyball history with a record of 1,101–116.

IHAʼs overall home record is 214–1 (a more than 99 winning percentage), boasting only one at- home loss since Coach Nolan began.

“For the first 10 years, I

Continued on page 21

Alisha R. Foley began her law enforcement career in 1997 with the Montvale Police Department. At her formal swearing-in ceremony on Feb. 14, she became the first female in the departmentʼs history to attain the rank of Captain of Police.

Foley has risen through the ranks, starting in patrol, promoted to patrol sergeant in May 2015, and making patrol lieutenant in August 2018.

She holds a masterʼs degree in education administration and supervision from Seton Hall University and has attended leadership courses throughout her career.

The department tells Pascack Press Foley continues to lead through a successful re-accreditation process. “A formal reviewing process allowing a third-party auditor to evaluate the leadership standards, personnel accountability, training development, recordkeeping and financial management, arrest and investigation pro-

See CAPTAIN on page 28

PAGE 4

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake P ASCACKVALLEY’S HOMETOWN

Isabella Novo of River Vale is one of four students at at Academy of the Holy Angels lately honored with a Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award.

Years before a shovel hit the dirt to construct the large shopping center on Pascack Road in the Township of Washington, there was the Washington Center. Kristin Beuscher reports.

Members of GFWC/NJSFWC

The Woman’s Club of Westwood support Soup’r Bowl Sunday.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Maria Nolan ended her IHA coaching career with a 581–47 record,a 93 winning percentage.She also holds the title of all-time wins leader in New Jersey volleyball history with a record of 1,101–116.IHA’s overall home record is 214–1 (a more than 99 winning percentage),boasting only one at-home loss since Coach Nolan began.

FOLEY

PASCACK PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Donate extra newspapers to the kids

To the editor:

IAMTHE art teacher at Westwood Regional High School. In the art room we have great use for newspapers for various art assignments. I used to collect old newspapers from staff and students for my students to use. In recent years the number of students and staff who actually get newspapers has reduced drastically. I wanted to inquire what you did with old or misprinted papers and if you are willing to donate them to our school.

Michelle Stoute

Westwood Regional High School 701 Ridgewood Road Township of Washington

For the fridge and scrapbook:“My son/daughter/grandchild was in the Pascack Press! How can I get extra copies?”

Photo credit John Snyder

Editorʼs note: What? Print newspaper readership is in decline? Say it ainʼt so! Everyone around here loves the smart snap of newsprint.

We can chip in a little, but as it happens we run off as many papers each weekend as we intend to distribute, reserving a bundle of

extras as back issues, for which we get requests from all over the country.

We asked Ms. Stoute if she wanted to submit her request as a letter to the editor as a way of asking readers if they had any extra newspapers theyʼd be willing to part with, and she said that would be great. Her number is (201) 664-0880. And, presumably, other area art departments have a similar need. It couldnʼt hurt to ask.

Meanwhile, youʼll find Pascack Press, the Pascack Valleyʼs hometown newspaper, in good old reliable print and in digital editions at pascackpress.com and issuu.com/thepressgroup

A correction on pay in Hillsdale

To the editor: F IRST, LETME thank you for the work that you do in keeping our residents informed. Knowing that you do not have abundant resources makes that an even more impressive feat that you pull off week after week.

I would like to correct one aspect of the lead story, Feb. 20, 2023 aboutHillsdale [“More shakeup in Hillsdale,” page 1, Michael Olohan]: Mr. [Christopher] Tietjenʼs salary as a QPA [qualified purchasing agent] has been $1,000 per month despite council resolution R22061 passed in February 2022, which authorized only $500 per month.

It is my understanding from communicating with the borough clerk that this increase was put through by the borough administrator in May 2022. I raised that as an issue at the last council meeting and the council decided at that time that they would not feel comfortable now reducing his salary.

I also want to let you know that I was informed late this afternoon that Mr. Tietjen is no longer interested in becoming a temporary CMFO for Hillsdale. Our search for a temporary

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email topascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

and/or permanent CMFO will continue. I will be discussing the legal aspects of this with our labor attorney tomorrow.

Mayor John Ruocco Hillsdale

Editorʼs note: See our related story, page 3.

Sorry that Ruocco won’t vie for third term

To the editor:

IʼM SORRYTOREAD that Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco will be resigning [“More shakeup in Hillsdale,” Feb. 20, 2023]. He is the voice of reason and common sense. He thought through matters, helping residents to see the cost and consequences of some of the councilʼs decisions. It is sorely needed in Hillsdale.

A. Moore Westwood Formerly of Hillsdale

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Former town business administrator Christopher Tietjen, who resigned in January 2022 after serving nearly two years to take a similar position in Wayne, has decided not to take the temporary Chief Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) position despite Borough Council approval at the Feb. 14 meeting.

The news of Tietjenʼs decision reached Pascack Press late on Feb 16, after press time for our Feb. 20 editions. Weʼd reported on page 1 that Tietjen was taking the job (“More shakeup in Hills-

dale.”)

Tietjen will still continue to serve as the boroughʼs qualified purchasing agent, at a monthly stipend of $1,000. Mayor John Ruocco said a Pascack Press article that cited Tietjenʼs monthly QPA stipend as $500 was incorrect though the resolution hiring Tietjen authorized only a $500 monthly stipend. It was unclear when his stipend was increased, although Ruocco said the borough clerk told him that it was increased by the administrator in May 2022. (Letters, page 2.)

Councilwoman Abby Lundy said that Tietjen told Borough Council officials he had had “a change of heart” and would not be taking the interim position despite

previously agreeing to serve as a temporary CMFO. She said the borough has posted the position on the State League of Municipalities website and started a search.

“Weʼll see how that goes and what we do in the interim,” Lundy told Pascack Press

“After Tuesdayʼs meeting and the discussion that ensued, he decided not to accept this temporary position and will remain only QPA,” Lundy told us.

Ruocco — who also has announced heʼs not seeking his partyʼs nomination for a third term, largely over frustration to do with restrictions set for him by the council majority — told Pascack Press he learned that Tietjen would not be taking the position in

late afternoon on Feb. 16. He said he would be discussing legal details with the boroughʼs labor attorney on Feb. 17. Efforts to reach Tietjen were

not returned by press time. It was unclear whether he submitted an official letter or email declining the position, despite a public records request.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Mardi Gras revelers at

ParkElksRidge

PASCACKVALLEY

New Concepts for Living hosted its first Mardi Gras party on Friday, Feb. 17 at Park Ridge Elks Lodge #2234.

New Concepts for Living — an organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families — reports that “Three of our lucky residents found babies with their king cake cupcakes, and we crowned two queens and a king. The event was a great success!”

Residents, day program participants, staff and family enjoyed an amazing night of delicious food, fun, collecting beads and dancing.

Speaking for the organization, Jennifer Ulman told Pascack Press on Feb. 21, “All funds raised go toward See MARDIGRAS on page 8

Postwar shopping in Washington

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

YEARSBEFORE a shovel hit the dirt to construct the large shopping center on Pascack Road in the Township of Washington, there was the Washington Center. The structure, originally built in the late 1940s as a grocery with apartments above, is still standing as a Verizon store and Axia Creations. Long ago, in a much different Township of Washington, this place planted the seed for business in this section of Pascack Road.

James “Vinnie” Farrell owned this store for nearly 30 years before he retired in 1973. Farrell was a decorated Army veteran of World War II who had received the Bronze Star for combat in France. After coming home, he built this store on Pascack Road in the late 1940s.

It was the beginning of a transformative period for the Township of Washington. Slower to develop than its neighbors due to being off the beaten path from the railroad, by 1940 fewer than 500 people lived in town. After the war, the Baby Boom saw folks looking to buy houses in the suburbs, and hundreds of new homes sprang up in multiple developments. By 1950 there were 1,200 people in town. By 1960, that had risen to over 6,600.

Farrellʼs Washington Center was not an easy sell with the town officials. Early in 1946 he had applied for a permit to construct his store, but he was rejected on the grounds that zoning in the township was strictly residential—and many people wanted to keep it that way. He got 87 residents to sign a petition urging the creation of a business zone on Pascack Road. Eventually the town relented, and Farrell constructed his shop with two apartments above in 1947. He lived in one of the apartments and rented out the other.

“Country Store to Open in Township” was the Westwood Newsʼheadline on Oct. 16, 1947.

“A far cry from the country general store of

bygone years is the store to be formally opened by James V. Farrell Friday, Oct. 17, on Pascack Road. Large, orderly, and spotlessly clean, this new enterprise, known as Washington Center, presents a most inviting appearance. Mr. Farrell will offer the folks of the community a wide variety of merchandise, including fruits and vegetables, groceries, delicatessen, candy, ice cream, cigars, and cigarettes.” In short order Farrellʼs liquor license was approved and he added wines and spirits to his storeʼs shelves.

Farrell also ran a post office within his store. It was a branch of the Westwood Post Office, which at the time served the much smaller township. This satellite office was a welcome convenience for local residents.

In our main photo, a Coca-Cola delivery truck laden with wooden crates of glass Coke bottles makes a stop at the Washington Center. We can

Twp.

place this photograph before 1952, the year when an addition on the north side of the building added a second storefront.

The same rezoning that had enabled Farrellʼs store also made way for the creation of the townshipʼs first shopping center across the street. James J. Leone, a real estate developer, bought the 11acre site on Pascack Road in 1958 and began building an Acme supermarket. As demand for other types of businesses increased, Leone added onto the strip mall in stages. A drugstore moved in, as did a dry cleaner and baker. By the early 1960s, the second section of the center was being built with space for a luncheonette, bank, hardware store, jewelry store and second supermarket.

— Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society

A Coca-Cola distributor pauses to refresh at the Washington Center store on Pascack Road,circa 1950.This recently renovated building still stands,as a Verizon store (after serving many years as Italian Touch delicatessen).

Left: Washington Center sold groceries,wine,and spirits. Right: The Westwood News published this advertisement for the Washington Center in 1947.Notice the old style of phone number,Westwood 50686.The smaller township went through Westwood’s telephone exchange.

Mardi Gras royalty at the Park Ridge Elks lodge on Feb.17.

Referendum outreach in focus ahead of March 14 vote

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A newly released video on why residents should vote to approve the $82.7 million bond referendum to replace George G. White Middle School was sent to parents and posted on the district website as school officials continue to press for the referendumʼs passage.

Moreover, a second walkthrough tour of the aged middle school classrooms and facilities is planned for Saturday, March 4, so that residents can see for themselves why the school should be replaced, school officials said.

Registered voters will vote yes or no on Tuesday, March 14, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at two polling sites to decide the issue.

District officials estimated the bondʼs tax impacts will average approximately $1,140 annually, or $95 per month on Hillsdaleʼs average home assessed at $474,172. The tax impacts would likely start in the 2024-2025 tax year, said officials.

If the bond referendum passes, the district also receives $5.4 million in state aid.

Superintendent Robert Lombardy said the first walk-through at the school on Saturday, Feb. 11 was such a “positive experience”

that the district wanted to do it again.

He said the question most asked was, What happens if the referendum doesnʼt pass? “As I have explained many times, doing nothing is not a viable option because the district is out of space, out of date and out of time,” said Lombardy

He said, “If March 14 yields a no vote, the Board of Education will step back to the starting point of determining how to meet the needs for quality instructional space and functional, efficient building systems. We cannot fund any large-scale capital improve-

ments within the annual operating budget, so the process would culminate with another referendum in 12 to 18 months.”

School officials and trustees have repeatedly stressed that renovations cannot address the middle schoolʼs numerous educational and physical deficits, including undersized classrooms, that plague the school and affect student learning.

Lombardy told Pascack Press Feb. 17, “The video was released early this week. I personally shared the link with the Board of Education and staff, and also sent it to our database of parent email addresses. We donʼt have that kind of database

for all taxpayers.”

The video features Lombardy, BOE President Nicole Klas, and BOE Grounds and Buildings Chair

Justin Saxon. Saxon describes small classrooms, outdated science classrooms, “ancient” restrooms, old heating and electrical systems, an undersized gym/cafeteria.

“George White was built for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade, not the nearly 500 middle schoolers who use it today,” Saxon says at one point.

In the video, Lombardy notes the proposed new middle school “would meet or exceed New Jerseyʼs current learning stan-

dards.”

Klas ticked off benefits of a new middle school including a new HVAC system, upgraded security, larger, right-sized classrooms, and dedicated spaces for music, art, science and STEM classes.

Moreover, Saxon said, a new school would include a properly sized gymnasium, more efficient traffic flow, “and welcoming spaces for both community and student use.”

Concluding the video, Lombardy said, “To learn more, start

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

A second walk-through of the aged George G.White Middle School classrooms and facilities is planned for Saturday,March 4.

DPW FACILITYFLOODPROOFINGSTUDY, AREAFORREHABILITATIONPROPOSED

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A $50,400 proposal to provide conceptual drawings, designs and cost estimates for possible floodproofing building alternatives at the flood-prone public works facility likely will come before the Hillsdale Council at its March 16 meeting.

Councilwoman Abby Lundy told Pascack Press that the council planned a March 16 vote but that that may be affected by”how the transition with the new business administrator [Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali] goes.”

On Feb. 14, council briefly discussed the proposed Colliers Engineering and Design (CED) study of floodproofing alternatives, with administrator David Troast noting that funds for the study needed to be included in the upcoming 2024

budget.

Lundy wondered if the study could be funded through previously received American Rescue Plan

(ARP) funds.

Pascack Press requested a copy of the CED proposal letter but it was denied as the CED letter was considered “draft” until officially approved by the council, said Borough Clerk Denise Kohan.

Told that we were going to report on the document nevertheless, and would rather have it for reference, the clerk explained why such documents are withheld.

Kohan said, “I cannot release a document that is not finalized. Changes can be made to it and until it becomes finalized, this is where the OPRA exemptions come in. I have attached a list of those exemptions in which I must follow … The document has not been approved by council and therefore is considered a deliberative document until it is finalized and approved by council. These are guidelines which municipal clerks follow when replying to records requests.”

Mayor John Ruocco has pressed for release of such “draft” documents previously, most especially when reports, letters, or studies are to be discussed in public and involve taxpayer funds.

Occasionally, such mayorcouncil exchanges have grown heated, but no change has occurred as the borough clerk consistently follows the stateʼs Open Public Records Act, which allows exemptions for public records considered to be “advisory, consultative or draft” documents.

Troast said that funding the CED study might be possible via ARP, and said an accountant he spoke to at the State League of Municipalities said “a really good case” could be made for using ARP funds. He said he would reach out to

state officials to see if ARP funding could be used.

He said the CED study would “prepare a couple of concepts” for the DPW building in its current location, and possibly a replacement building elsewhere on the site.

He said the future DPW facility designs were “very complex” as they required new site designs to be compatible with state Department of Environmental Protection rules that affect the site.

He said, “When you overlay those changes with NJDEP rules, what would DEP accept or not accept, that would be part of it.”

Troast said he did not put the study on the Feb. 14 agenda for approval because a funding source was needed. He said he could not find any capital program for the study and hoped a funding source would be located, possibly in the upcoming budget if needed.

Rehabilitation resolution

Also on Feb. 14, the council approved resolution 23073, by a 5-0 vote, that sends a draft resolution to the Planning Board to allow council to designate certain identified properties as “in need of rehabilitation” according to New Jerseyʼs Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

It also forwarded a copy of DMR Architects preliminary investigation that determined that certain properties, identified by lot and block number, fit specific criteria to be considered as an area in need of rehabilitation.

According to the resolution, these properties include Block 1209, Lot 1; Block 1101, Lots 4-9; Block 1206,K Lots 1, 2, and 10; Block 1201, Lot 5-11; Block 1401, Lot 8; Block 1408, Lots 2-7; Block 1409,

Lots 1-9; Block 1407, Lots 10-14; Block 1102, Lots 1-4; Block 1309, Lots 12-16; Block 1105, Lots 1-4; Block 1104, Lots 1-5; Block 1103, Lot 1; Block 1106, Lots 1-3,4.01, 4.02, 4.03, and 4.04; Block 1107, Lots 1-8, 19 and 20; Block 1308, Lots 19-21 and 1; Block 1307, Lots 1 and 13; Block 1306, Lots 1, 10, and 11.

The Planning Board has 45 days to respond to the councilʼs request on whether its proposed rehabilitation recommendations are consistent with the borough Master Plan.

After the council receives back comments from the Planning Board, it will consider the comments and vote at a public meeting, likely in May, to declare the specific properties as an area in need of rehabilitation.

The resolution notes the state Local Redevelopment and Housing Law “permits the governing body to determine, by resolution, that a program of rehabilitation may be expected to prevent further deterioration of an area and promote the overall development of the community.”

If that occurs, the council will direct its planning consultant to develop a rehabilitation plan, and when that plan is completed, council holds a public hearing on the plan. Troast said he anticipated the process to take at least four to six months to complete.

Attorney Mark Madaio asked Feb. 7 that the DMR rehabilitation study be posted on the borough website.

Pascack Press could not find it posted Feb. 21. Efforts to determine if the study was online were not returned by press time.

The Park Ridge

Pool

Pool The Park Ridge

Hillsdale's new borough administrator Michael Ghassali (left), on his first day in office,invited staff members, department heads,Mayor John Ruocco (right),and council members to an introductory meeting. Hillsdale Happenings photo

Family-owned Bergen Dental

Dental emergencies happen when patients avoid going to the dentist until they have pain with their teeth, gums, mouth, or jaw. It is recommended to get routine dental checkups so the problem can be found and fixed before it is too late, in order to avoid extensive and costly treatments.

For some individuals, even that is not enough. As we age, we see gradual changes in our jaw, gums and teeth that need to be thoroughly assessed and treated proactively. This prevents permanent damage to the jaw, loss of bone that holds the teeth, loss of gums, loss of teeth structure, changes in the facial structure (increased folds on cheeks, lips and chin).

About Dr. Kevin Ma

Dr. Kevin Ma is a dual specialist in periodontics (gum and implant specialist) and fixed prosthodontics (complex restorations/oral rehabilitation).

A diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association, he received his training at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, he worked at University of Pennsylvania faculty practice in Philadelphia before moving to New Jersey. He also served as clinical associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, department of postgraduate periodontics and fixed

prosthodontics, where he enjoyed teaching and discussing complex cases with his students and residents. He took the Directorʼs Award — Postdoctoral Resident of the Year for his outstanding performance.

His unique training enables him to see the interconnectivity of

oral and facial elements and reconstruct full mouth cases. He places implants ideally and

restores smiles and function.

Referring dentists benefit from his abilities, foreseeing the final restorative outcome. Referring dentists are welcome to join his expert dental treatment planning seminars.

Ma completed his dental training (DMD) from Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where he was class president and member of the student council; was inducted in OKU (Omicron Kappa Upsilon) National Dental Honor Society, and graduated with high honors.

About Dr. Monali Ma

Dr. Monali Ma graduated from Boston University School of Dental Medicine with high honors. She treats patients with care and compassion. She always stays in the forefront of learning and keeps herself updated with current dental advancements.

She took advanced training in orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry and has treated many children and adults with excellent results.

She also completed her residency in Lutheran Medical Center where she received extensive training in all fields of general dentistry

Ma educates patients about their oral health, as she believes it is essential in order to get and maintain a beautiful smile. She loves that she has an opportunity to help people improve their health and appearance every day. She also loves spending time with her husband and two children.

She is a member of the American dental association, New York Dental Society, Ninth District Dental Association.

Schedule your consultation at Bergen Dental Group — family owned and run by Drs. Mona and Kevin Ma — at 647 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. Call (201) 383-0085.

Council firm on brick facade for new DPW near town hall

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

Township Council members selected an all-brick facade for the roughly $5 million public works facility to be built behind the town hall.

The project will replace the former DPW facility in the same site, which was razed recently due to longstanding soil contamination caused by leaking gasoline storage tanks decades ago.

Township Administrator Mark DiCarlo presented the two

proposed building designs for a new DPW facility: either a concrete and brick building, or an a ll-brick exterior building.

DiCarlo said between the two exterior designs the architect said there were no cost differences “even worth mentioning.”

He asked the four council members present to select what option they preferred. Councilwoman Stacey Feeney was absent due to issues she was experiencing with a remote connection.

DiCarlo did not provide a cost estimate on Feb. 21, and did not respond to Pascack Pressʼs

Marion Lorenzo, ACSW, LCSW (201) 666-1241

N.J. Licensed Clinical Social Worker

emailed questions before press time. In December, Arcari Iovino estimated a brick and mortar building would cost $4,978,350. (An all-brick facade building was not offered then as an option.)

DiCarlo said he would be meeting next week with Mayor Peter Calamari, the architect, and

Boswell Engineering to discuss timeframes and move forward.

In December, Arcari Iovino estimated a 10,000 square foot building, although the two designs presented showed about 7,960 square feet of space.

The new two-story DPW

facility includes a first floor with five vehicle bays (one is a wash bay), and also first floor space for tools, tires, a laundry, two utility rooms; two staircases, and an elevator.

On the second floor are two

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Mardi Gras: Celebration time

occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold.

New Concepts for Living also has enjoyed the Elksʼ hospitality

for its prom night, Valentineʼs dance, and other socials. For more information, visit NCFL.net

The Township Council discussed plans to construct a new DPW building at 350 Hudson Ave.Feb.21.This all-brick facade is council’s pick moving forward. Arcari Iovino

Providing Counseling & Psychotherapy, Individuals, Couples & Families, Anxiety, Depression, Co-Dependency Relationships, Loss, Self Esteem

“Be The Best You Can Be”

SLEO III hired;mayor touts grant,cheer,events

PARKRIDGE - Saying

“The health, safety and welfare of our children is of the utmost importance,” Mayor Keith Misciagna on Feb. 20 announced both the mayor and council and the Park Ridge School District passed recent resolutions to enter into an agreement for the hiring and placement of Special Law Enforcement Officer IIIs in the school district.

Misciagna said the agreement will be effective for the remainder of the 2022–2023 school year, and thanked district superintendent. Dr. Robert Gamper, the local school board, police chief Joe Madden, the borough council, “and everyone else involved in the process for working together to provide, assist and support the school district with respect to providing security for our schools and children.”

Wortendyke Barn grant

Misciagna also said that through the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grant, the Wortendyke Barn was awarded $254,000 for the roof restoration project.

“The Barn is a real connection to our past and is a point of pride here in our borough. Park Ridge was once a significant economic hub in the area, and anything to connect us to our past we are proud of,” the mayor said.

Here, he thanked Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco III, Commissioner Chairman Tom Sullivan, and the rest of the Bergen County Commissioners “for their commitment to the preservation of our coun-

tyʼs and boroughʼs history, through the allocation of these funds.”

Much to cheer about

In his remarks, Misciagna wrote, “Congratulations to Park Ridge High School Cheer on placing second in the 2023 Winter Cheer Challenge and 6-0 in mini meets. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Keep grinding, Owls!”

Welcome to Curbside Confections

Misciagna said he had the recent pleasure to join the owners of Curbside Confections and staff for their official ribbon cutting. “If you have not yet stopped by, next time you need a dose of sweetness, check them out. The Gift Shoppe at Curbside Confections is at 130 Kinderkamack Road. … Weʼre thrilled to have them join our Park Ridge business community — welcome aboard!”

Upcoming events

•Sign up for Recreation Spring Break Sports Camp. The fun is at Davies Memorial Field April 10–14. For more information, contact Kevin Rooney at (201) 3757406 or krooney@playtga.com

•Bring your camera and see Peter Cottontail. Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee hosts its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at Davies Memorial Field, behind Borough Hall. Rain date is April 2 at 11 a.m.

• Park Ridge Municipal Pool plans to open on May 27. Registration started Feb. 15 at

parkridgeboro.com. The Park Ridge Municipal Pool normally provides swim lessons and numerous activi-

ties, including competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, story time, Red Cross lifeguard

training, and other special events as posted throughout summer.

450 Pascack Road, well sited, sees pressure for deal

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The township attorney said Feb. 21 that the town has not yet filed to condemn 450 Pascack Road and will continue negotiations despite calls from nearly a dozen residents to purchase the 3.2-acre mostly wooded property now before a developer proposes a development or it is no longer available.

For over two years, some residents have pressed council to acquire the property, hoping to preserve the property sandwiched between Ridgewood Boulevard East homes and Washington Elementary School and Memorial Field.

In summer 2021, the township had the property appraised and bid $430,000 for the property. Negotiations have continued since, mostly in closed session, with recent rumors that the prior developer was waiting for summer 2025 to propose another multifamily development that included affordable housing. (That could not be confirmed,)

The next round of affordable h ousing obligations begins in July 2025.

Moreover, several residents suggested on Feb. 21 that affordable housing developments could bypass zoning boards or require minimal Planning Board a pproval due to a previously court-approved affordable housing settlement. (No such settlement has yet been approved nor has any such development been proposed for the 450 property.)

Whatʼs more, no development application has been filed f or the 450 Pascack property since the failed senior complex proposal was withdrawn almost three years ago.

Prior to the townshipʼs bid of $430,000 for the property in mid2021, Lakos Construction Inc., had proposed and withdrew an application for a 48-unit senior

WESTWOOD

Lynda Bager recently installed MaryJo Birrittier-Parente in GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood, and presented her with a gift to commemorate the occasion.

The goal of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs is to enhance the quality of life within our respective communities and state by transforming public interests and concerns into meaningful projects and programs, to afford members opportunities for the development of individual skills, talents and abilities; and to serve as a grassroots volunteer resource in New Jersey communities.

If any woman would like to volunteer their services and make new friends, call (201) 916-1580 for more information about the club and its activities.

complex. Prior to the townshipʼs bid, under threat of condemnation.

Of nearly a dozen speakers Feb. 21, several suggested council speak with Westwood Regional School District officials to find out if theyʼre interested in splitting the cost of acquiring 450 Pascack Road.

Officials did not indicate any

such contacts had been made. Poller said should the township file a condemnation complaint against 450 Pascack Road — due to failed negotiations to a cquire it — that each side would likely present appraisal reports, and expert witnesses at a hearing before condemnation

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

450 Pascack Road, Township of Washington.There’s not much to see from the front but the tract goes back past field and school. Michael Olohan photo.

Left to right: Joanne Toole,second vice president;MaryJo Birrittier-Parente; and Lynda Bager, second vice president and membership chair

Council: Firm on brick facade

FROM PAGE 8

sleeping quarters, two offices, a meeting/break room, three lavatories, two showers, menʼs and womenʼs lockers, and a storage and mechanical room.

It was not clear what would h appen with space currently occupied by the former volunteer ambulance headquarters behind town hall. The ambulance corps recently moved to new quarters

in the newly opened Emergency Services Building on Washington Avenue.

DiCarloʼs presentation occurred nearly 2.5 hours into the meeting, after residents had left following the public comment period. Council discussed the two outside design choices for about four minutes.

Council also approved a resolution to employ Lisko Environmental as its licensed site reme-

diation professional (LSRP) to continue environmental monitoring including “soil remediation s ervices related to DPW site, 350-354 Hudson Avenue.” This includes monitoring wells and soil sampling as required under its NJDEP agreement, officials said.

No cost or task breakdown is provided on the resolution. We have reached out for a copy of the proposal.

Purim shpiel, Megillah reading March 6

Congregation Bʼnai Israel in Emerson presents its annual Purim Shpiel and Megillah Reading, directed by Cantor Lenny Mandel, on Monday, March 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The templeʼs Hebrew schoolers will perform original song parodies and up-to-date dialogue to tell the story of the Purim holiday in a fun and unique way

All are encouraged to come in costume or a crazy hat to experi-

ence the jokes, silliness, and singalongs that are traditional for the holiday. Rabbi Debra Orenstein will chant selections from the Book of Esther in Hebrew and English, eliciting boos (and the clamor of noisemakers) for Haman and cheers for Mordecai and Esther.

Hamantaschen (traditional Purim cookies) and other refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for an ongoing food

Vote: March 14

FROM PAGE 5 by visiting the website at hillsdaleschools.com/referendum To do more, please make the time to vote in this bond referendum."

He said the video was also posted on the districtʼs Twitter account @HPS_District Lombardy said he hoped people might share the video, attend the final George White walk-through 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday March 4, and plan to vote on March 14 or via mail-in ballot.

Lombardy said the new four--

DORCHESTER KINDERGARTENREGISTRATION

The Dorchester Elementary School is accepting applications for kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2023, children must be 5 years of age by Oct.1, 2023.

For a complete registration packet, visit the school website at woodcliff-lake.com Click on Dorchester School under schools,

and then 2023-24 Kindergarten

Registration under Links & Announcements.

The school requests you email a completed registration form and all required documentation as directed on the Kindergarten

For help, call the main office at (201) 930-5600 ext. 100.

drive benefiting local food pantries.

All are welcome to this family-friendly event. RSVP to the temple office at (201) 265-2272 by March 3 to be sure your name is on the guest list and to accommodate all attendees.

Congregation Bʼnai Israel, a place for connection, innovation, and inspiration, is at 53 Palisade Avenue in Emerson,down the road from the Emerson Public Library

For more information or directions, call (201) 265-2272, write office@bisrael.com, or visit bisrael.com

minute video details “the daily challenges that come with a 100-yearold middle school, and why it is the right time to move our Hillsdale students and community forward with a modern, right-sized school.”

Should the upcoming $82.7 million bond referendum be approved on March 14, a financial adviser told an online bond referendum forum in January that it was likely the bonds would be refinanced at least twice over the bondʼs 30-year term, reducing bond interest costs and lowering property taxes on residents.

EMERSON

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Settingthestandardindentalimplanttherapy

Dental implants are not all the same and have varying success rates. The success is dependent on the product and the practitioner. As a periodontist, which is the ONLY specialty recognized by the American Dental Association as a “dental implant specialist,” I feel it is important to

inform the community about how dental implant treatments have changed over the past 50 years causing a decline in success.

Dental implants have been well researched and placed in patients by periodontist and oral surgeons since the 1970s. The published scientific literature in the ʼ70s and ʼ80s estimated 97-99% success rates when controlled for certain systemic diseases & smoking. More recently, the success rates have gone down while research and knowledge has increased.

In 2007, I graduated from a full-time three-year dental implant specialty training program from Rutgers Dental School called Periodontics. This was in addition to general dental school. At the time, only a handful of companies were fabricating dental implants. These companies were partnered with universities, periodontists and oral surgeons for decades to establish research to prove that their products met or exceeded the standard of care which was 97-99% success rate for 20-plus years.

Periodontists followed up on the implants for decades to see how the implants lasted in patientsʼ mouths: to see if gum disease developed or affected them, if loss of an adjacent tooth affected them, if the implant suffered consequences from smoking or if added to a denture. This is all the knowledge which is taught at a university level and takes years to learn. If implants are meant to last forever, it must be handled in such a manner and treatment planned accordingly anticipating changes to a patientʼs dentition and aging.

Today many more companies are fabricating these implants and come from overseas with little to no research proving their product has the same level success. This is completely legal through the FDA 501(k) approval process which allows clearance to sell the product.

But this should not preclude the company to perform some level of research to protect the public. These “knock-off” implants are much cheaper and have not taken initiative to prove their success.

What is also happening is that these implant companies and pri-

vate companies are offering short term “training programs” to general dentists in attempts to sell more product so generalists can do these surgical services at their.

In my opinion, as dental implants are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement option, it is important to go to a trained specialist, who is a periodontist, who has the science and universitybased training and the opportunity to practice these procedures hundreds of times on patients before a private practice setting.

I am a solo, female, dental implant specialist, surgeon and periodontist. I am a lead to a team of four hygienists, each with over 25 years of experience. I place hundreds of dental implants a year and follow them in my highly trained hygiene practice. I partner with many general dentists throughout Bergen County to design, perform and maintain complex dental implant restorations.

For more information, call (201) 664-3023 or visit their office at 354 Old Hook Road #201 or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.

The Westwood Senior Fellowship called in to say its next meeting, Tuesday, March 14, is at The Iron Horse restaurant, 20 Washington Ave., at 11:30 a.m. for its annual St Patrickʼs Day luncheon (members only).

The menu: corned beef cabbage, Irish soda bread, potatoes, beverage, and dessert.

For more information call Rita before March 3 at (201) 6661754. Fellowship president is Mary Cerrati.

GUPTA, DDS, WESTWOOD PERIODONTICS

Sundial Garden Club lecture March 6

The Sundial Garden Club is pleased to sponsor a presentation by photojournalist Bob Crane on his photo book“A Peek Inside — The Artistʼs Garden” on Monday, March 6, at 4 p.m.

The club meets at the Hillsdale FreePublic Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave.

Crane, a devoted gardener and a member of the Riverview Garden Club of Wayne, has served as the program, activities, and trip chair, fundraising chair, and president.

Recently he entered his photo of a butterfly alighting on a butterfly bush in the Mountain Lakes Garden Club photography contest, placing first in the garden pollinators category and awarded best in show.

His presentation is a visual garden wandering, exploring the essence of flowers and butterflies.

Kidsstandoutoninspirationalkindness

Isabella Novo, Ellie Sawyer, Joy Lee, and Victoria Perez Vega received the Academy of the Holy AngelsʼSister Catherine Green Kindness Award on Feb 3. Each winner is a reflection of the inspirational kindness for which S. Catherine was known.

Journey into the world of macro photography with incredible images of flowers and butterflies with poetic quotations.The perfect book to inspire the gardener or artist! 70 pages,published May 20,2008.

Come and be inspired. The club welcomes all gardeners and would-be gardeners from the Pascack Valley.

AUDITIONSOPEN: ‘HILLSDALE’S GOT TALENT’

The Hillsdale 125th Celebration Committee says auditions are open for “musicians, singers, dancers, actors, comedians, magicians, etc.,” all welcome to try out for ʻHillsdaleʼs Got Talent.ʼ”

The invitation contains a link to a registration form, from which

you can upload your video. (See the borough website for a link to the form.)

The deadline is March 4. The show is Saturday, March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pascack Valley High School. For more information write Gerard.Sandt@gmail.com.

S. Catherine was a member of the AHA Religious Studies Department from 1982 to 2014. Those who knew this School Sister of Notre Dame remember her ready smile, nurturing spirit, and her willingness to offer a sympathetic ear and warm encouragement.

The award established in her name honors the many current Angels who exhibit exceptional attitudes every day.

Isabella Novo of River Vale, the senior honoree, is described as the kindest of souls, and a constant source of support. Her positive choices and dedication to doing the right thing are hailed as an inspiration to her friends.

Friends nominated junior Ellie Sawyer of Weehawken for her warm heart, kind smile, and genuine nature. Sawyer lets people “know they are loved, listened to, and appreciated when they interact with her,” according to her friends.

Joy Lee, a sophomore from Tenafly, lights up AHAʼs hallways. Classmates say her friendliness, positive energy, and contagious smile lift othersʼspirits.

One person said Lee “creates a

Way to go! Isabella Novo,Ellie Sawyer,Joy Lee,and Victoria Perez Vega received the Academy of the Holy Angels' Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award.The AHA community appreciates these students for their inspirational kindness,humor,compassion for others,and the way they light up every corner of the campus.

very comfortable environment in our class through her bubbly personality.” She is also known for her humor.

Perez Vega is always ready to lend a helping hand. This ninth grader from Cliffside Park is kind to everyone and always has something posi-

tive to say. Friends say she is always there for them, and for acquaintances. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to submit nominations for this award to the AHA Dean of Students. Kindness Award winners are announced at the end of each quarter.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

E EMMEERRSSOON N

20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604

emersonlibrary.org

•Mondays in February at 1 and 3 p.m.: Knitters Circle. All levels of experience welcome. Basic materials provided, or bring your own. Registration recommended, drop-in welcome. At 2 p.m.: Mahjong, registration required, open to the adults of Emerson only. At 3:30 p.m.: Fairy Tales, Mysteries, Adventure: Join Miss Victoria for Afternoon Storytime. Ages 2–5. Registration recommended, drop-in welcome. A parent/guardian is required to remain in the building for the duration of storytime.

• Monday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m.: Join Miss Danielle, The Bendy

Bookworm, for Yoga and Storytime + Craft Learn silly yoga poses, enjoy a good read aloud story, and make a craft with your little one(s). Suitable for 6 and under. Registration required for each child.

• Tuesdays in February at 11 a.m.: Introduction to song, dance and finger play with stuffed animals and rhymes. Newborn to age 2 All families. Registration required for each child per date. Join the waiting list if weʼre booked. At 3:30 p.m.: Switch Club Local grades 2–4 are welcome to play our Switch on the flatscreen television set or on their personal device. Registration required for each child per date. For ages 7–8, a parent/guardian is required to remain in the building

for the duration of the game.

• Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m.: Join Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga for a lovely indoor Chair Yoga class. We will gently move our bodies, encouraging mobility and flexibility, and find some peace together in a fullysupported, adaptable class. All abilities, no experience needed. Shelley provides lots of adaptable variations for all poses. Chairs provided.

• Thursdays in February at 1 p.m.: Mahjong in small groups. Registration recommended, drop-in welcome.

• Saturday, March 4 at 1 p.m.: Join Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga for Afternoon Family Yoga. Play, move and learn. Grades 1-6. Feel free to have yoga mats or a large blanket and enough space for the whole family. This is a class for families of all abilities and capabilities. Comfortable clothes.

H HIILLLLSSDDAALLE E

509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072

hfpl.org

• Tuesdays in February and March at 1:30 p.m.: Winter Story Time ages 2.5 to 5. Call (201) 3585073 or e-mail Cindy at cindy.greenwald@hfpl.org.

• Wednesdays in February and March at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Time, with a caregiver. Registration is required and is open to Hillsdale card owners only.

• Thursdays in February and March at 1:30 p.m.: Tales for Tykes Ages 3-5; without a caregiver. Registration required and is open to Hillsdale card owners only.

• Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.: Get away from your screens and bring the family to BINGO at the library. Fun, fast-paced play. Prizes! Registration required. Bring your own daubers if you have them;

we will provide everything you need to play.

• Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.: Ellen Lauria is available to provide instruction and guidance to beginners and knitting enthusiasts. All are welcome to join and work on individual projects in this friendly group. Bring your own materials. At 1 p.m.: Mahjongg For Beginners as organized by Cathy Widner; sixweek series. Reading Warriors Book Club — Grades 5 and 6. At 7 p.m.: Hillsdale Library Scrabble Club. Email Norel Blundo at blundoquatro@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and experience level. Include “Scrabble” in your subject line, and weʼll get back to you with confirming details. Spread the word!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

50+Club plans lively spring trips

The Hillsdale 50+ Club invites all to gather to meet neighbors and friends. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hillsdale. The entrance to the meeting room is on Magnolia Avenue between Hillsdale and Washington avenues.

The Hillsdale club has two trips planned:

•A trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4. This trip includes a wonderful hot lunch and a terrific show, “The Million Dollar Quartet” (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and others). Cost is $83 for club mem-

bers, $85 for non-members.

•A two-night, three-day trip is set for Cape May, May 8–10. There are many activities planned while the club is there, with hotel lodging.

For more information on club trips call Evelyn Pachner at (201) 666-7675.

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

Contemporaries’ progressive dinner benefits Meals on Wheels

The Contemporaries of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood invite members and their guests to its first Progressive Dinner on Friday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Westwood.

Tickets are $75 per person with proceeds supporting Meals on Wheels of North Jersey and the Womanʼs Club of Westwood.

The night will begin with a cash bar at Cafe Anello and attendees will be randomly selected to carry on to one of three undisclosed BYO restaurants in downtown Westwood for a three-course prix fixe meal. The night will conclude at Five Dimes Brewery.

Traditionally, a progressive dinner party is a social event where multiple courses are served at different locations throughout the night. Guests have the opportunity to meet new people and explore different cuisines.

With an interest in supporting Westwood restaurants, The Contemporaries progressive dinner features an evening in three parts:

Ticketed guests will meet at Cafe Anello for the opportunity to mingle and enjoy complimentary hors-dʼouevres and a cash bar. At 7:30, attendees will randomly select their dinner location.

Groups will travel to their assigned location — within walking distance — where they will be

treated to a three-course prix fixe menu of appetizer, entree, and dessert.

The mystery of dinner partners and dining locations are all part of the fun, so locations are only revealed the night of the event.

After their meals, all guests are invited to meet up at Five Dimes Brewery for another chance to mingle and introduce new friends.

The Contemporaries selected Meals on Wheels of North Jersey as beneficiary of the proceeds raised through Progressive Dinner ticket sales in fulfillment of the clubʼs mission to serve the greater Westwood community.

According to its website, Meals on Wheels “provides more than just a meal to our homebound neighbors, nourishing both the body and mind through the delivery of nutritious food and a daily wellness visit.” The nonprofit has its headquarters in Westwood and serves 31 communities across Bergen County with hundreds of volunteers delivering meals across 20 routes. 2022 marked its 50th anniversary.

“We want to be sure that the fulfillment of our philanthropic mission is always at the forefront of what we do as a committee,” co-chair Jennifer Sirchio said.

She added, “The Contemporaries will be moving through Westwood during the progressive dinner, just as the Meals on Wheels volunteers move through the community to complete their critical work of delivering meals to seniors! Itʼs a perfect fit.”

Tickets for the Progressive Dinner are $75 per person. Tickets are limited to members of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood and their spouse/partners, as well as up to two additional guests. Couples or pairs who purchase tickets together will be seated together at dinner, however larger groups will be split in the spirit of meeting new neighbors and friends.

To purchase tickets visit https://tinyurl.com/ProgressiveDinner 324 before Friday, March 17. Space is limited and payment is due via check or Venmo at the time of reservation.

The mission of The Contemporaries of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood is to bring together a diverse group of women in an inclusive environment who, through fellowship, volunteerism, and leadership, engage in hyperlocal philanthropy to serve the greater Westwood community.

To learn much more, including how to become a member, write westwoodcontemporaries@ gmail.com

St. Patrick’s Day dinner/dance

Our Lady Mother of the Church, 209 Woodcliff Ave., is hosting a St. Patrickʼs dinner/dance on Friday, March 17 at 6 p.m. The delicious dinner buffet will include both Irish and

Italian fare and Irish beer on tap. Music is provided by an Irish DJ from Premier Entertainment. Tickets are $40. Bring your friends and family to celebrate this wonderful evening.

Tickets are on sale in the parish office at (201) 391-2826 or call Marie Ruppel, event coordinator, at (201) 396-2947. “Donʼt miss out! You wonʼt be disappointed!”

WOODCLIFF LAKE

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

PASCACK VALLEY

Can’tgetouttoGiulio’sRestaurant?Prepareitssignaturedishathome

Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes walk-ins, but takes reservations and offers takeout.

Giulioʼs will be delighted to host your holiday business of fam-

ily parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines.

Enjoy making our Signature Dish at Home!

Send off used books in the church bin

What can you do with all the books that have been gathering dust on the shelf, or going unnoticed in boxes, for years?

Books are for reading and renewal. You can give yours a fresh start. Hillsdale United Methodist Church has partnered with New Legacy Books, which gives used and unwanted books a “new life” through reuse, redistribution, or recycling.

Organizers say all donated books collected will be used in some way: either resold to individuals who can give them a new home or, if the books have seen better days, they will be recycled properly and diverted from the landfill.

Youʼll find the convenient

Chicken alla Giulio

What youʼll need:

• 4 chicken breasts

• 1 1/2 cups light sweet sherry wine

•Remove from stove.

•Add the pear and sher-

bright green donate books bin in the church parking lot, 349 Hillsdale Ave., at the corner of Magnolia. Book donations can be made at this location at any time.

Donation guidelines

• Only books with ISBN numbers/bar codes should be donated. The ISBN is either in the first 1–3 pages or in the back of the book. Books without the ISBN number should not be donated.

• Encyclopedias are not accepted.

• Magazines are not accepted. For more information, call Terry Stevens at (201) 694-9172 or email her at terrystevens956@yahoo

• 1 pear, sliced •1 tsp. shallots •1/2 cup dried cranberries

What to do:

•Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

•Saute chicken in pan with olive oil and shallots.

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club invites you to join in the fun on Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m. in the gym to welcome Fr. Jerry

Pull up a chair at Giulio’s Restaurant, where elegance meets affordable -and delicious -Italian cuisine.

ry wine to the chicken and shallots. •Bake in 375 degree oven for 8–10 min. (ovens vary).

•Buon Appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is

Hahn as guest speaker. Dues for the new year will be collected. New members are always welcome. Cake and coffee will be

located at 154 Washington S treet, Tappan NY. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Visit Giulioʼs website for its menu: www.giuliosrestaurant.com For reservations, takeout, catering, and more, call (845) 359-3657

served. Please bring an item/donation for the food pantry. For more information call call Elaine at (201) 664-7037.

Perfection!

Faithworks Thrift Shop, food pantry

Itʼs a new year and the Westwood United Methodist Church is happy to announce that the Faithworks Thrift Shop and food pantry are open.

Mark your calendars: The thrift shop will be open the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Donations of clean used items will be accepted during those hours.

Hours for March: March 4

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

and 18 open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6, 13, 20, and 27 open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The food distribution program has expanded its hours to coincide with the thrift shop hours with only non-perishables available. The church partners with Connex4NPO to provide food donations to those in need. Food distribution includes fresh produce, meat and pantry items.

The food pantry is open on the

second Tuesday of each month (March 14) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free food is available to all in the area. Donations of unexpired food are gratefully accepted during thrift shop hours.

Westwood United Methodist Church is at 105 Fairview Ave., Westwood. The entrance to the thrift shop and food pantry is on Bergen Avenue. A sign outside the door is placed there for your convenience.

Knights’ spelling bee returns March 1

The members of Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 5427 are excited to invite the students of the Township of Washington and Westwood to take part in its 2023 Spelling Bee.

The event had been a staple

Club News?

Spread the word!

Send your club news to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net

on the Knights of Columbus calendar for many years.

The event, Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, 79 Pascack Road, is open t o all students in grades 6–8. Contestant sign-in starts at 6:30.

In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, students are asked to pre-register for the event by sending an email to spelling bee committee chairman Mike Fusco

Soup’rsupport

at KofC5427@mail.com . Include your full name, grade, and the name of the town you live in. A reply email will be sent to confirm your attendance.

The committee says, “We look forward to continuing this traditional event with a new generation of students.”

For more information call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com

Pool registration underway

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool will open on Saturday, May 27. Pool memberships are open to all residents, previous pool members, and non-resident employees of Park Ridge borough and the local board of education.

A limited number of memberships will be offered to non-residents, so get your registrations in early once they are available.

New non-residents must be sponsored by a Park Ridge resident or prior pool member.

Membership rates remain what they were in 2019:

• Resident family: $410

• Resident single: $300

• Resident seniors: Free

• Non-resident family: $510

• Non-resident: single: $360

• Non-resident senior: $75/$100 per couple (both must be 65 or older).

Registration is available electronically from Feb. 15 on the Park Ridge Municipal Pool page at parkridgeboro.com. Note the registration due dates to avoid a $35 late fee. If electronic signup is not possible, paper pool registration forms can be picked up at the pool office weekends, from May 6, from noon to 3 p.m.

Please read the pool information packet concerning hours of operation, guest fees, swim lessons and other important information by clicking on the link on the Park Ridge Municipal Pool page page.

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool normally provides swim lessons and such activities as competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, story time, Red Cross lifeguard training, and other special events as posted throughout the summer.

For more information visit parkridgeboro.com or write pool@parkridgeboro.com

WESTWOOD

Judie Gargano and Kathy

Kherlopian, members of GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood, were at The Fresh Grocer in Washington Township to celebrate Soupʼr Bowl Sunday. They collected and delivered soup and cash donations to the Westwood Food

Pantry. The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, an international womenʼs organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. For more information call (201) 916-1580.

Elks’ St. Pat’s dinner

March 4

Park Ridge Elks Lodge holds its St. Patrickʼs Day Celebration March 4 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Dinner is traditional corned beef and cabbage, with dessert. All are welcome.

Live entertainment is via

High Strung Band and Irish Step Dancers. Tickets are $45 per person. For tickets/reservations, call or text Shelly Thiele at (201) 8352246. The lodge address is 13 Sulak Lane.

PARK RIDGE

Madeleine Ciocco photo

69 WOODLAND AVENUE WESTWOOD, NJ

S Sc c h o o o ol l N e w s

PASCACK VALLEY

DEAN’S LIST AND MORE: LOCALSTUDENT-SUCCESSBRIEFS

PASCACK PRESSSALUTES the Pascack Valleyʼs highachieving alumni of our area high schools. Hereʼs what theyʼve been up to lately, according to their schools and families…

•The top 22 Muhlenberg College plays for 2022, including the No. 1 play as voted on by fans, in the sports of baseball, menʼs basketball, womenʼs basketball, field hockey, football, menʼs golf, menʼs lacrosse, womenʼs lacrosse, menʼs soccer, womenʼs soccer, softball, menʼs track & field, volleyball and wrestling. These students are among the featured ath-

letes: Michael Feaster of Montvale and Dylan De Magistris of Emerson.

• Sarah Kim from Park Ridge was one of nearly 900 students named to the Fall 2022 Presidential Honor List at New York Institute of Technology. To qualify for the Presidential Honor List, a student must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 3.7 and complete at least 12 credit hours without any incomplete grades.

•The following local students were named to the Deanʼs List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year: Bari

Hayden of Hillsdale, graphic design; Daniel Wolosiuk of Hillsdale, computing security; Katelyn Park of Montvale, film and animation; Elle Shenkin of Park Ridge, film and animation; Cole Witko of Park Ridge, microelectronic engineering; Aidan Costello of River Vale, computer science; Geoffrey Guindine of River Vale, computer engineering; Ryan Quigley of Westwood, game design and development; and Josh Haizen of Woodcliff Lake, 3D digital design.

• Select students have been named to the Fall 2022 Deanʼs List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Angelo Celli of Montvale, Noah Martin of Hillsdale, AJ Menendez of River Vale, Nico Prospero of Hillsdale, and Jake Putterman of River Vale.

• James Stickel of the Township of Washington made the Deanʼs List at Syracuse University for fall 2022.

•Members of every Golden Eagles athletics program gathered in Gemmell multipurpose room Jan. 26 for the Bob Carlson Scholar-Athlete Luncheon, with a greater proportion of student-athletes than ever before earning recognition. All told, there were 251 names on this yearʼs Clarion scholar-athlete list, including criminal justice administration major Logan Peter Mazzeo of Emerson

(wrestling) and finance major Erik Heinart Rank of Westwood (baseball).

• Kayla S. Creagh of River Vale was among the 124 University of Scranton students who studied abroad during the Intersession 2023 semester. Creagh, an occupational therapy major at Scranton, participated in the American Institute for Foreign Studies in Rome.

• Amanda Hopper of Park Ridge is one of 90 students who performed with Lebanon Valley Collegeʼs Pride of The Valley Marching Band at the London New Yearʼs Day Parade. Hopper, a graduate of Park Ridge High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in music education at The Valley. Along with performing in the parade, LVC students toured London, Oxford, and Windsor, including a stop at the London Tower and a ride along the River Thames.

• The University of Hartford is pleased to announce the local students who have been named to the Deanʼs List for Fall 2022: Temitayo Amusan of Westwood, Analisa Bonizzi of Township of Washington, Kyle Dittamo of Woodcliff Lake, Leah Dorman of Westwood, Amelia Hanson of Township of Washinton, Grace Mohr of Westwood, and Scott Morris of Hillsdale.

• The following students from

the Pascack Valley were named to the Fall 2022 Deanʼs List at Montclair State University:

Emerson: Alexis Aguilar, Daniel Amoia, Cory Atkinson, Nicole Biel, Mehmet Celaj, Angelo Desalvo, Fernando Ferra, Daniel Granucci, Stephanie Seretis, and Amanda Speno

Hillsdale: Sofia Alarcon, Thomas Arcaro, Angelica

Bomma, Stefano Bravi, Christina Conti, Enes Dervishi, Christa Grajcar, Valerian Monceau, and Maria Nicolini.

Montvale: Michael Bease, Jake Bellmer, Michael Brinskele, Kristen Brown, Alyssa DiPalma, Nicholas Giannattasio, Ruoyi He, Jason Kaplun, Ally Lum, Rahaf Michael, Catalina Morales, Emily Penza, Hugo Vargas, Madison Wahler, and Kelly Weckstein.

Park Ridge: Andy Choi, Julia Rose Duardo, Philip Iacono, Briana Jones, Gabrielle Martin, Allison Santos, Andrew Scrivanich, Jordan Spagnola, Emily Vangelakos, and Jannal Vasoll.

River Vale: Marie Ayoub, Sam Demayo, Erica Masseria, Daniel Menendez, Cayla Seferian, and Lauren Tordik.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Get more, and better, sleep for less stress

Getting a good nightʼs sleep is directly related to improving memory and reducing anxiety and stress levels. The human body enjoys getting seven hours of sleep in the summer and eight hours of sleep in the winter.

Another thing to note is that children require more sleep than adults, so put them to bed earlier There are many steps that you can take to start improving your sleep immediately.

The first step is to stop watching television, going on social media, and browsing the internet at night.

Another way of describing the stress mode that the news causes is called the “fight or flight” mode. We will see this with patients with a history of physical trauma, emotional stress, and biochemical exposure. This will cause a certain wiring of the brain that will interfere with the circadian rhythms that control your sleep. \

To get out of fight or flight mode, you must rewire your brain through a process called neuroplasticity. Think of creating neuroplasticity like you would if you were going to the gym to get stronger. However, instead of getting your muscles stronger and bigger, you can train your brain to have stronger connections and strengthen any weak areas.

One simple way to make your brain stronger that will help with sleep patterns is to gargle intensely for 30 seconds and perform this exercise three times a day.

Another easy way to get you out of fight or flight mode that has been proven through neuroscience is the bucket dip exercise in which you dunk your head in a bucket of cold water (50 degrees F.) for 30 seconds total. These exercises may calm down the overactive brain and help to

improve sleep quality. This is a noninvasive therapy that does not involve harmful sleeping pills, but it is always important to ask your doctor if these exercises are appropriate for you.

Some people will try the medications anyway, so please be aware that most sleeping pills have only been researched on males because scientists state that it is harder to do research on women due to the variation of the female menstrual cycle.

As a result, females will end up taking sleeping pills that are made for men but women take about 40% longer to break those pills down. Consequently when they get up in the morning, it may lead to major issues like car accidents, cooking mishaps, knife injuries, falling down stairs, and many other possibilities because their brains are still being affected by the dangerous pharmaceuticals.

In my opinion, it is better to work on sleep by rewiring your brain through non-invasive therapies, rather than the risk of taking pills with lots of side effects.

Another important factor in getting a good nightʼs sleep is to stop eating at night. If your last meal is at 5 p.m. and you do not snack at night, you will greatly increase your chances of getting a good nightʼs sleep, thereby increasing energy and decreasing anxiety.

Remember, the reason we eat is to give us energy for our daily activities, so we do not want to eat at night because that will increase our energy when we want to relax and go to bed to get a deep sleep. Eating at night may result in it being more difficult to fall asleep or more difficult to stay asleep.

A very easy strategy to help with sleep is to take a walk outside during sunset. The brain will see the sun go down and realize it is almost time for sleep. When you get back to the house, dim all the lights as well so all the bright lights do not trick the brain into thinking it is daytime.

One last but super important fac-

tor in getting a good nightʼs sleep is avoiding electronics at night. These electronics have a harmful blue light that will stimulate cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone and will put you in the fight or flight mode which will make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep because it results in you being a light sleeper that causes you to wake up from little noises or lights in the house.

If your job requires you to use electronics at night, please invest in a blue light filter that will minimize the effects of the electronics.

Patients report to me that after they start following these rules, they will also lose excess fat. The reason is because their cortisol production is down. When cortisol production is up there is an increase in belly fat storage, so as a result, if you decrease cortisol production at night, you will lose belly fat. This is a much better side effect than the side effects of sleep medications.

Sleep is one of the most important factors for your health and wellbeing. If you want to feel the best and function best it is necessary to get proper sleep. Sleep will help with anxiety, Alzheimerʼs, diabetes, weight loss, heart disease, cancer, headaches, dizziness, and even depression.

However, it is not just lying in bed, it is getting a deep sleep that is most important. It is better to get sixhours of deep sleep than eight hours of restless sleep. If you stop eating at night, eliminate nighttime electronic use, donʼt watch the news, and perform the proper brain exercises, you will start sleeping more efficiently You can watch some of these exercises by subscribing to my YouTube Channel at Kaplan Brain & Body or email info@kaplanbrainandbody and we can send you the link.

ACT NOW!

The brain is very complicated and insomnia and sleeping problems need the proper attention. One of the best neurology tools we have in our

office is called a qEEG with neurofeedback which measures brain waves. Basically you wear what looks like a swimmers cap on your head. It has electrodes attached to it and can measure the different areas of the brain and tell you what areas are not functioning well. It is noninvasive, there is no radiation, no pain, and only takes about 15 minutes to perform.

If you are interested in getting this complete neurological evaluation (valued at $500) to find out how reduce depression and anxiety, while improving motivation, memory and focus using applied neuroscience, neuroplasticity, as well as hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy, cold laser, and neurofeedback, sign up by calling or texting 646-221-6738. If you are one the first seven people that respond, you can receive the entire brain mapping for only $21. You can also email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com

For more information about

functional neurology and services, please visit our website www.kaplandc.com. Follow my weekly articles for updates on upcoming lectures and follow our Instagram page @kaplanbrainbody or Facebook page Kaplan Brain and Body for lots of valuable health tips. And listen to my radio shows every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 970 AM as well as Saturday afternoon on 710 AM at 2.

I will be running a live Boost

Your Brain Power Seminar Series from March 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in River Edge. This first seminar is about the holistic and natural ways to reverse, as well as prevent, insomnia and chronic fatigue. Each seminar, covering different topics, is $100, but if you call or text 646221-6738 before March 22 you can go to all the live events, or participate on Zoom, or you can get all the recordings for a total of $49 (only $10 a module). Itʼs a no brainer! Hope to see you there.

PASCACK PPASCACK PASCACK ASCACK PASCACK

AUTO BODY

Divorce, Custody, Visitation Rights...

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide THE SAVVY SENIOR: How to protect seniors from scam calls

older victims.

The Federal Trade Commission recently found that 24% of adults over 60 who reported losing money to a scam in 2021 said it started with a phone call — the largest percentage of any method, including email, text and mail.

scam calls, it will stop unwanted calls from legitimate businesses who are trying to sell her something. To sign up, call 888-3821222 from the phone number you want to register, or you can do it online at DoNotCall.gov.

(Hiya.com) and YouMail (YouMail.com) are all good options to consider.

Built-in Call Blockers

BY JIMMILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, What tools can you recommend to help protect trusting seniors from scam calls? My 74year-old mother gets tons of unwanted telemarketing and robocalls on her cell and home phone and has been duped out of hundreds of dollars.

Frustrated Daughter

Dear Frustrated, Itʼs a great question! Scammers are always looking for new ways to dupe people out of money, and in the U.S., phone calls remain the primary way swindlers hook

To help protect your mom from the onslaught of robocall scams, telemarketing and spam calls, here are some tips and tools you can help her employ.

Register Her Numbers

If your mom hasnʼt already done so, a good first step in limiting at least some unwanted calls is to make sure her home and cell phone numbers are registered with the National Do Not Call Registry. While this wonʼt stop fraudulent

Cell Phone Protection

Most wireless providers today offer good tools for stopping scam calls and texts. For example, AT&T has the ActiveArmor Mobile Security app; Verizon provides the Call Filter app; and T-Mobile offers the Scam Shield app.

To activate these tools, download the spam-blocking app from your momʼs carrier on her phone, which you can do at the Apple and Google App store. These apps are free to use, but most carriers will also offer upgraded services that you can get for a small monthly fee.

If, however, your mom uses a regional or small wireless carrier that doesnʼt offer scam/robocall protection you can use a free thirdparty app. Truecaller (Truecaller.com), Call Control (CallControl.com), Hiya

Many smartphones today also offer built-in tools that can block spam calls. If your mom uses a newer iPhone (iOS 13 or later), she can completely silence all unknown callers who arenʼt in her contacts list in the phone “Settings.”

Silencing all unknown callers is an extreme solution that will definitely stop all unwanted calls, but your mom will also miss some legitimate calls too.

However, unknown callers do have the option to leave a voice message and their calls will appear in her recent calls list. And she can add any number to her contact list to let them through in the future.

If your mom owns a new Android phone, she can also block spam calls in the phone “Settings.”

If she owns a Samsung Galaxy phone, she can use “Smart Call,” which flags suspected spam calls and allows her to block and report them. She can also block specific reoccurring spam call numbers on

iPhones and Android manually.

Home Landline Protection

To stop scam calls on your momʼs home phone set up the “anonymous call rejection” option. This is a free feature available from most telephone companies, however some may charge a fee.

It lets you screen out calls from callers who have blocked their caller ID information — a favorite tactic of telemarketers. To set it up, you usually have to dial *77 from your landline, though different phone services may have different procedures. Call your momʼs telephone service provider to find out if they offer this tool, and if so, what you need to do to enable it. And if they donʼt offer it, find out what other call blocking options they offer.

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior,P.O.Box 5443,Norman, OK 73070,or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior”book.

Career: IHA’s Maria Nolan retires; legacy of excellence

FROM PAGE 1

was fortunate enough to be a cocoach with Michael DeCastro,” Nolan reflected in this profile IHA shared with Pascack Press

She said, “These years were pivotal in developing IHA into the premier volleyball program in New Jersey. When Mike left to work for the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland, Eddie Rossiter and Ed Jedziniak helped continue the legacy.”

Under Nolanʼs leadership, IHA has been New Jerseyʼs #1 volleyball team 12 of the last 15 seasons. She has coached more than 70 players who received county and state accolades and has led IHA to 14 NJSIAA Non-Public State titles, 15 NJSIAA Sectional titles, seven Bergen County titles, and 19 league titles.

IHA also earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award seventeen out of the last possible 18 years.

Nolan holds several IHA NJSIAA records including Most Consecutive State Titles (13 from 2007–2019), Most Consecutive Final Appearances (16 from 2006–2022), Most Consecutive Tournament of Champion titles (four from 2011–2014), Most Tournament of Champion titles (10), and Most Consecutive Tournament of Champion championship final appearances (nine from 2011–2019).

Since she began at Immaculate Heart in 2004, IHA won 10 of a possible 17 Tournament of Champion titles.

She has coached numerous athletes who continued to play collegiately at all levels. Many have become high school and college coaches and officials, and two who were All-Americans and NCAA Champions trained and played for the USA National Team.

Under Nolanʼs leadership, IHA has yielded 10 Gatorade Players of the Year including Ariel Scott ʼ10 in 2008 and 2009; Nia Reed ʼ14 in 2011, 2012, and 2013; Caitlyn Floyd ʼ16 in 2014; Julia Morris ʼ18 in 2017; Anna Morris ʼ20 in 2018 and 2019; and Brookelyn Talmadge ʼ23 in 2022.

Maria wasnʼt the only Nolan

to start her IHA career in 2004; her daughter, Andrea Nolan Boyd ʼ08 entered as a freshman that same year. Andrea played volleyball under her mother, and they even shared the thrill of winning Mariaʼs first NJSIAA State and ToC titles at IHA during Andreaʼs senior season.

“After winning so many at Secaucus High School,” Coach Nolan said, “I wanted to do the same for her. Little did I know that in years to come, so many other IHA Volleyball players would experience the thrill of becoming state champions.”

Nolan said that one of her main joys of coaching has been to help girls develop into confident, competent young women and outstanding volleyball players.

“The wins have been rewarding, but what I will miss the most is helping and watching the players progress,” she said. “The IHA student-athlete is focused, com-

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB MEETS MARCH 15

The River Vale Senior Friendship Club meets March 15. Club President Hilda Gonzalez tells Pascack Press, “The theme will be our ʻGetting Acquainted Meetingʼpostponed from January. There will be getting-to-know-you questions and two games: two winning tables will get to pick small prizes from our prize table. Upcoming events include pizza bingo party, birthday celebrations with entertainment.”

New members are always welcome. The membership fee is $15. The club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the River Vale Senior/Community Center from noon to 4 p.m. The club is open to residents and non-residents. If any seniors have questions regarding the Senior Friendship Club, call Club President Hilda Gonzalez at (201) 265-5257.

She was named The StarLedger Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1998 and 2009, the NFHS National Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1999, the NJSIAA Volleyball Legendʼs Award recipient in 2004, the American Volleyball Coaches Association Region Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2022, #6 NJ.com Top New Jersey Coaches of All Time in 2019, and Coach of the Year in Hudson County, BCSL, and United Division over numerous years, in addition to receiving a number of other accolades and awards.

Nolan was also inducted into the Halls of Fame at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (2003), New Jersey State Coaches Association (1989), Hudson County (2000), Secaucus High School (1996), and Immaculate Heart Academy (2019).

mitted, and hard working. I am very grateful to have coached so many volleyball players who were diligent in the classroom, and then attacked the court with the same intensity.”

Throughout her career, Nolan has served on various boards and committees for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), NJSIAA, and the New Jersey State Coaches Association (NJSCA).

Steve Ferro, IHA director of athletics, wished Nolan the very best in her retirement. “As probably one of the greatest high school volleyball coaches of all time, Maria Nolanʼs wins and losses and the number of championships achieved will always be remembered in the record books.”

He added, “But her ability to develop, teach, and motivate along with her gift of inspiring young women with her life lessons is what I believe is her true IHA legacy.”

Jason Schlereth, IHA presi-

dent, said that Nolan has been “an exemplary coach at IHA both on and off the court. Her goal has always been the successful development of the complete studentathlete.”

He said. “Mariaʼs resume speaks for itself, but her passion for coaching young athletes and f or the sport of volleyball is incomparable. On behalf of everyone here at Immaculate Heart Academy, we will miss her and congratulate her on her retirement.”

Nolan sends special thanks to the players, coaches, parents, and IHA administration who have all contributed to helping her achieve the many milestones of her career.

“This chapter of my life has come to a close,” she said, “but the memories will last forever.”

Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark now celebrating its 62nd year.

A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 700 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from more than 100 towns in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson and Essex counties in New Jersey and Rockland and Orange counties in New York.

IHA has continually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional and spiritual gifts.

Immaculate Heart Academy is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington.

WHICH RETIREMENT PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. If you own a small business, there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees save for retirement.

For most closely held business owners, a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) was once the most cost-effective choice. Then

the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) became a viable alternative. Today you may find that a defined benefit or 401(k) plan best suits your needs.

To make an informed decision on which plan is right for your business, review the differences carefully before you choose.

• Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA). This plan is flexible, easy to set up, and has low administrative costs. An employer signs a plan adoption agreement, and IRAs are set up for each eligi-

ble employee. When choosing this plan, keep in mind that it does not allow employees to save through payroll deductions, and contributions are immediately 100% vested.

The maximum an employer can contribute each year is 25% of an employeeʼs eligible compensation, up to a maximum of $280,000 for 2019.

However, the contribution for any individual cannot exceed $56,000 in 2019. Employer contributions are typically discretionary and may vary from year to year.

With this plan, the same formula must be used to calculate the

contribution amount for all eligible employees, including any owners.

Eligible employees include those who are age 21 and older and those employed (both part time and full time) for three of the last five years.

• Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). If you want a plan that encourages employees to save for retirement, a SIMPLE IRA might be appropriate for you.

In order to select this plan, you must have 100 or fewer eligible employees who earned $5,000 or more in compensation in the preceding year and have no other employer-sponsored retirement plans to which contributions were made or accrued during that calendar year

There are no annual IRS filings or complex paperwork, and employer contributions are tax deductible for your business. The plan encourages employees to save for retirement through payroll deductions; contributions are immediately 100% vested.

The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan cannot exceed $13,000 for 2019. If an employee is 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $3,000 is permitted.

Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019).

All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision each year no later than Nov. 2 for the upcoming year.

•Defined benefit pension plan. This type of a plan may be a good solution for a profitable company with stable cash flow with intentions of benefitting employees over the age of 40. This type of plan can also help build savings quickly. It generally produces a much larger tax-deductible contribution for your business than a defined contribution plan; however, annual employer contributions are mandatory since each participant is promised a monthly benefit at retirement age.

Since this plan is more complex to administer, the services of an enrolled actuary are required. All plan assets must be held in a pooled account, and your employees cannot direct their investments.Certain factors affect an employerʼs contribution for a plan, such as current value of the plan assets, the ages of employees, date of hire, and

compensation.

A participating employee with a large projected benefit and only a few years until normal retirement age generates a large contribution because there is little time to accumulate the necessary value to produce the stated benefit at retirement.

The maximum annual benefit at retirement is the lesser of 100% of the employeeʼs compensation or $225,000 per year in 2019 (indexed for inflation). This plan design should only be considered with the intention of funding for a minimum of five years.

•401(k) plans. This plan may be right for your company if you want to motivate your employees to save towards retirement and give them a way to share in the firmʼs profitability. 401(k) plans are best suited for companies seeking flexible contribution methods.

When choosing this plan type, keep in mind that the employee and employer have the ability to make contributions. The maximum salary deferral limit for a 401(k) plan is $19,000 for 2019. If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 is permitted.

The maximum amount you, as the employer, can contribute is 25% of the eligible employeeʼs total compensation (capped at $280,000 for 2019).

Individual allocations for each employee cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation or $56,000 in 2019 ($62,000 if age 50 or older). The allocation of employer profit-sharing contributions can be skewed to favor older employees, if using age-weighted and new comparability features. Generally, IRS Forms 5500 and 5500-EZ (along with applicable schedules) must be filed each year. Once you have reviewed your businessʼs goals and objectives, check with your financial advisor to evaluate the best retirement plan option for your financial situation.

Written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, senior financial advisor, managing director—investments in Park Ridge, (201) 5050472. Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDICinsured/not bank-guaranteed/may lose value. Wells Fargo Advisors, LAC, Member SIPS, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.І

ERIC KOHLMEIER

Winter Winter

Available: 450 Pascack sees pressure for a deal

FROM PAGE 10 commissioners.

He said the commissioners would then set the price for 450 Pascack Road, requiring the t ownship to “pay fair market value for the property” under eminent domain law.

Tommy Snee of Koch Peak Road said a “rumored cost” of $500,000 for 430 Pascack Road was being speculated and Poller said the $430,000 bid, “rounding up” with soft costs (possible

legal expenses) might be close to $500,000.

“Condemnation commissioners will decide what itʼs worth. They may decide itʼs worth that, they may decide itʼs worth more. Thereʼs no way to tell without having a trial. Itʼs a full trial on the issue of valuation,” Poller told Snee.

He said filing a “complaint of condemnation” would start that process; Poller said that nothing has been filed.

Isabel Iglesias of Pascack

Road said for nearly 43 years she has lived opposite 450 Pascack Road, “staring at this dilapidated property for years, nobody in this town ever did anything about it. He should have been fined or that should have been condemned ages ago. Unbelievable,” she said.

T he townshipʼs new code enforcement official, Dino DeVirgilio, recently sent a “nuisance property” violation to 450 Pa scackʼs owners, requiring action by March 6, 2023. “Correct the dilapidated appearance and other conditions that exist with the property, including the fallen front porch overhang and rear building (barn),” states the notice. (See “ʻNuisanceʼhouses face deadline on repairs,” Michael Olohan, Feb. 20, 2023, Pascack Press.)

She said she strongly supported 450ʼs purchase, noting another speakerʼs comment that its purchase would likely only

cost $16 yearly for an average homeowner. ( Pascack Press could not verify that estimate, which appeared based on bonding costs for $500,000 for 20 years.)

I glesias said a “threat of a d eveloper coming around is real” and said the property s hould remain zoned as singlefamily residential.

Several residents referred to Council President Desserie Morganʼs recent letter to Pascack Press decrying what she called “scare tactics” being used to pressure council to purchase the property. Most residents said they expect a developer to try again to develop the property if the township does not purchase it.

On the Feb. 21 agenda, the topic of “Proposed acquisition/litigation/450 Pascack Road; Litig ation/tax appeals” was listed under closed

session discussion.

Several residents repeated prior police chief comments about traffic congestion and s afety concerns around Washi ngton Elementary School during student pickup and dropoff times.

M ost said it was only getting worse, and would continue to deteriorate as more children e ntered the school from new developments, including Franklin Court and Vivianoʼs American Dream complex approved in recent years.

Nicole Vogel of Ridgewood Boulevard East reminded councilors that 450 Pascack was being marketed on commercial property sites for $2.1 million. She advised them to “see how itʼs being presented…itʼs something that would take away from the beauty of our town.”

Other residents noted councilman Thomas Searsʼ recent concerns about the townshipʼs disappearing tree canopy, citing 450 Pascackʼs forested property. Sears said the township had lost 49% of its tree canopy, which declined from 27% loss only five years ago.

Residents also e xpressed worries about increased stormwater flows and more local flooding should the 450 Pascack property be developed with multifamily or high-density housing.

HOLI FESTIVAL

A number of Woodcliff Lake residents are celebrating the Indian festival Holi on March 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Gathering, 209 Rivervale Road, River Vale.

BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER

NJ LIC#13VH06676600 OWNER OPERATED CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

PASCACK VALLEY RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ENVIROMENTLY FRIENDLY FREE ESTIMATES www.FlawlessFinishNJ.com FULLY INSURED

Organizers tell Pascack Press “There will be live music and dhol [folk drumming], and the mayor of Woodcliff Lake will be joining us. There will be plenty of Indian food and we will be celebrating the festival of colors with our community.”

Holi is one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates “the eternal and divine love of god Radha Krishna.”

Calendar

FROM PAGE 20

• Wednesday, March 1 at 9 a.m.: On Exhibit: Ashley Lane. At 2 p.m.: Hillsdale Movie Matinees — “The Fablemans:” Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

M MOONNTTVVAALLE E

12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org

• Adult Book Club meets the first Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. or the second Monday of the month at noon. Call George Galuschak at (201) 391-5090 or write george.galuschak@montvale.bccls.org and provide your name, telephone number, and BCCLS Library bar code number.

• Thursday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m.: Calling all preschoolers! Stories, activities, and more. Registration required.

• Thursdays, March 2 and 16 at 6:30 p.m.: Chesswired continues to offer kids chess classes twice a month in March. Registra-

REAL ESTATE

tion required for each session.

• Thursdays, March 2 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.: Chess Basics. Ingame instruction provided. All materials provided. Register.

• Friday, March 3 at 10:30

a.m.: Babies in the ʻBrary forsong, rhyme, and fingerplay, all building blocks for early literacy. Birth to 18 months, with grownup. Registration required.

P PAARRK K R RIIDDGGE E

51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org

• Lots of fun! See website or drop in!

R RIIVVEER R V VAALLE E

412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org

• Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.: Baby Time , birth to 2. Come listen to stories and sing songs with Miss Rebecca.

•Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m.: Alphabet Story Time with themed craft for ages 3–5. Eight sessions. At 4 p.m.: Childrenʼs Bingo . Prizes! Registration required.

•Thursday, March 2 at 10 a.m.: Movie Club: “The Godfather” (1972). This is a watch first, meet later group. Pick up a copy of the movie from the library and

watch at your own convenience, then meet at the library on the first Thursday of the month for a lively discussion with light refreshments. Registration required. At 1:30 p.m. Chair Yoga in-person.

•Friday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m.: Storytime with a Twist Brought to you by Miss Shelley from Every Little Thing Yoga. Registration required. At 1 p.m.: Oh What a Night. Joey Gilligan takes us on a journey through the Fabulous Fifties. Register.

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F W WAASSHHIINNGGTTOON N 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Tuesdays throughout the year at 10 a.m: Story Time ages 2– 3. Songs, movement, and stories

•Thursdays throughout the year at 3:45 p.m.: Pre-K Story Time Music, movement, stories, social growth, and early literacy.

•Fridays throughout the year at 10 a.m.: Friday Friends. Infant through 2.

•Monday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m.: Cartooning with Mr. John. Grades 3–12. Please register.

• Monday, Feb. 27 until April 3 at 6 p.m.: Italian Lessons: Register online.

• Monday Feb. 27 at 6:30

p.m.: Book Club: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.

• Tuesday, Feb. 28 after school until 4:30 p.m.: Teen Tuesday. Snacks, crafts, and Nintendo Switch. Grades 6–12. At 5:30 p.m.: Mat Yoga $5 per class. Drop in.

•Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee: “The Fablemans.”

•Thursday, March 2 to May 18 (no class March 9 and May 11) at 11 a.m. and noon: Chair Yoga. Please register.

• Thursday, March 2 at 6 p.m.: Social Stitching organized by Clayton Leadbetter. Drop in.

•Friday, March 3 at 1 p.m.: Adult Coloring and Crafting.

Calling all coloring fans, stitchers, knitters, crocheters, and more. Craft & chat with friends Refreshments and coloring supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own project to work on. At 3:45 p.m.: LEGO Free Build kindergarten and up. Register.

•Saturday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m.: Mat Yoga. All levels of practice. Bring your own mat and props. $5 per class. Drop in.

W WEESSTTWWOOOOD D 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org

• Tons going on, as always. See website or drop in!

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Follow: Questions raised as applicant seeks strip mall

FROM PAGE 1

fears that more runoff from the proposed 17,100-square foot retail plaza, 4 Seasons Marketplace, might further degrade water quality, increase flooding, and impair a waterway that feeds into Oradell Reservoir.

That reservoir is owned by Veolia North America and provides drinking water to 800,000 Bergen County residents.

The project siteʼs three longvacant and deteriorating homes along Pascack Road — opposite Seasons Catering — are owned by James “Jimmy” Kourgelis, a Seasons Catering owner, as are the other two homes comprising the 660–682 Pascack Road tract proposed for a strip mall.

The matter is before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, where the applicant seeks a use variance to operate the mall in a residential zone.

The applicant initially proposed, in 2020, a commuter parking lot on the site, not a strip mall, and won assurance that it did not therefore need a flood hazard area permit. The project, Agnello says, has changed, and therefore so should the threshold for permitting.

Meanwhile, the applicant has declined our interview requests, saying it will speak only through professionals in public proceedings. The ZBA next meets Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in person at Council Chambers and on Zoom.

Getting

the facts to flow

In less than a decade, a small waterway behind some homes that enters Musquapsink Brook, heads to Schlegel Lake, and then heads toward Pascack Brook — which drains into Oradell Reservoir — went from a protected waterway to a non-protected waterway.

The difference, says Agnello, was a Jan. 30, 2020 letter from NJDEPʼs Division of Land Use Regulation that declares the stream

behind the five lots proposed for the mall as only draining a 48.2acre basin while just seven years before the same stream drained an area over 50 acres, which qualified it as a regulated stream and likely protection under state “Category One” or C1 water quality rules.

C1 waterways are state-protected waterways buffered by riparian zones and regulated to prevent land uses that may impair water quality, says NJDEP.

The unnamed tributary to Musquapsink Brook eventually feeds into Pascack Brook that goes toward Oradell Reservoir. Its use as a water supply waterway designates it as a C1 stream, says NJDEP.

On Feb. 15, Lawrence Hajna, an NJDEP spokesman, directed Pascack Press to an NJDEP website on C1 waterways in New Jersey. The only reference to the area is:

“Pascack Brook (Hackensack) — New York/New Jersey State line to confluence with the Oradell Reservoir, including Woodcliff Lake, and all tributaries FW2-NT (C1).” That reference indicates the small tributary likely is a Category One waterway.

Agnello wonders how a stream previously regulated as a C1 waterway is no longer a protected stream. He said he has ordered a survey of his property and a title search to determine whether a stream easement existed on his property.

He said for 40-plus years he was told by town officials he had to consult with NJDEP over any land alterations or uses near the stream.

Agnello also said he met recently on his property with township administrator Mark DiCarlo and Boswell Engineer John Yakimic, and Burke Street neighbor James Walsh to go over some maps and documents that he said raised questions about the engineering studies that determined the drainage basin totaling only 48.2 acres.

He said local officials said they would let him know what they found out, adding he sensed the engineer felt something was awry

At the Feb. 21 council meeting, DiCarlo told Agnello that it was best if he made his case to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

DiCarlo agreed that NJDEP makes the final decision on a C1 waterway and said he sent a public records request to DEP to “find a better trail of paperwork as to initiation and declassification of the C1 waterway ”

DiCarlo also said he would have Boswell do a title search of Agnelloʼs property for a stream easement if his surveyor had not already undertaken such a search.

Agnello urged the Township Council on Feb. 21 to support the residents of Meisten Street, Burke Street, Northgate condos and Jacquelin Woods to keep the streamʼs C1 water designation. He urged them to help protect the waterway but officials did not agree to provide support.

DiCarlo told Agnello that Zoning Board Chair Michael DeSena was made aware that 660 Pascack Realty LLCʼs initial application was for a parking lot and not a strip mall.

Agnello said the applicant proposing a 17,100-square-foot strip mall on the five lots near Pascack–Washington, three with vacant, boarded up houses and two currently occupied at 660-682 Pascack Road, initially submitted drainage and elevation maps to

NJDEP for permission to construct a 137-space commuter parking lot over four lots, which also included parking for Seasons Catering.

(That was years prior to current construction on a commuter lot next to the new Emergency Services Building.)

In two documents filed by applicant 660 Pascack Realty LLC for a Flood Hazard Area Determination to construct a 137-space parking lot, the waterway in Agnelloʼs backyard is called an “unnamed tributary” and an “unnamed ditch.”

660 Pascack Realtyʼs approval to build the parking lot was granted in the Jan. 30, 2020 letter, which found that a “Flood Hazard Area permit is not required.”

However, the applicant did not build a commuter parking lot on the site. Now the applicant plans to build a 17,100-square-foot strip mall, Agnello said, instead of a commuter parking lot.

The Jan. 30, 2020 NJDEP letter further states the reason for the decision was: “The stream has a drainage area of less than 50 (48.2 acres). This was confirmed with Najarian Associates using LIDAR data and a field investigation. The water feature does not have a riparian zone associated with it,” states the NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Determination letter sent to Calisto Bertin, applicant engineer for 660 Pascack Realty LLCʼs proposal for “4 Season Marketplace” mall now before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Almost a year before (Jan. 22, 2019) the NJDEP determined a Flood Hazard Area permit was not needed for a 137-space parking lot near the stream, NJDEP environmental specialist Monica Zabroski wrote an email stating that 660 Pascack Realty LLC “will need to document a compelling public need for the parking lot and demonstrate that this location within the riparian zone is the only practicable location (i.e. no other available areas outside of the regulated areas.)”

Zabroski noted further, “Any riparian zone disturbance must be minimized, and located as far from the stream as feasible. If it is documented that this location is the only practicable location, then the number of parking spaces should be greatly reduced and the applicant will need to provide documentation demonstrating the need for the minimal number of spaces.”

Efforts to determine how the regulated stream, with riparian buffer requirementsas noted by NJDEP, became no longer regulated, could not be determined. Requests to NJDEP for comment did not clarify why the stream no longer qualified under Category One waters.

Previous 2012 NJDEP Ruling on Tributary

Moreover, Agnello told the

An unnamed tributary behind resident Michael Agnello’s Meisten Street home as it heads south toward Washington Avenue.Agnello,above,says the stream was a protected waterway but in 2020 was no longer protected by an NJDEP decision. He claims that decision was wrong,and a proposed strip mall developer (660 Pascack Realty LLC) left out properties in a drainage basin map that would qualify the stream as a protected waterway. Photos: Michael Olohan

Follow:

FROM PAGE 26

Township Council that he discovered an April 13, 2012 letter from NJDEP Division of Land Use Regulation to former Township Engineer Chris Statile that stated that

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

on Feb. 20, the small stream in his backyard was flowing steadily, and stream banks appeared to be eroded from prior storms. Large areas of the stream bed appeared clogged with sediment, and grass grew on parts of it.

He pointed out that during new construction on the PascackWashington intersection, Bergen County had placed a concrete cul-

unnamed tributary behind Agnelloʼs house. Walsh said he hoped to present testimony that a large area was left out of the applicantʼs drainage maps at a Zoning Board hearing.

Rutgers report: Brook, tribs lead to Oradell Reservoir

In a 2012 Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program report. Musquapsink Brook Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan, the report notes the importance of the Musquapsink Brook to the area's water supply.

The Musquapsink Brook is a tributary of the Pascack Brook, which flows along the New York/New Jersey State line to its confluence with the Oradell Reservoir. The Reservoir is managed by United Water of New Jersey and provides drinking water for an estimated 800,000 residents of Bergen and Hudson counties (United Water, 2010).

The Pascack Brook and its tributaries are classified as FW2NT (C1), or freshwater (FW) nontrout (NT) category one (C1) in the 2010 N.J.A.C. 7:9B New Jersey Surface Water Quality Criteria. “FW2” refers to water bodies that are used for primary and secondary contact recreation; industrial and agricultural water supply; maintenance, migration, and propagation of natural and established biota; public potable water supply after conventional filtration treatment and disinfection; and any other reasonable uses, states the Rutgers study

the stream, an unnamed tributary of the Musquapsink Brook, has a drainage area greater than 50 acres.

“After a review of the submitted drainage area maps it was determined the stream has a drainage area greater than 50 acres. A Flood Hazard Area verification is required to establish the flood hazard elevation and riparian zone limits. The previously issued Flood Hazard Area verification letter, dated Feb. 25, 2009, is now considered null and void,” states the April 2012 Flood Hazard Area Determination letter

The NJDEP letter further notes, “Comparing the submitted drainage area maps with Lapatka Associates drainage area map, inlets are shown in the vicinity of Hillsdale Avenue and Ellen Court which pick up additional drainage not shown on the Lapatka drainage area map.”

Pascack Press reached out to Statile for comment but did not hear back by press time.

Talking with Pascack Press, Agnello said the stream enters the Musquapsink, then Schlegel Lake, Pascack Brook and Oradell Reservoir. According to NJDEP, waterways that supply drinking water reservoirs are considered Category One, and require protection.

The lay of the land

When a reporter visited him

vert under Washington Avenue to help with storm flows.

Behind some large shrubs, and a 4-foot-high retaining wall, a reporter could glimpse the three vacant homes from his backyard.. Agnello said James Kourgelis had put up the retaining wall and shrubs as a favor to help shield the view of the vacant properties from his home.

Another nearby neighbor, James Walsh, Burke Street, told Pascack Press recently that areas in nearby Northgate Condominium complex that once included a small stream, now redirected into a detention basin, flow steadily and sometimes heavily during rain storms through his backyard.

He said that the Northgate drainage area was not included in the maps submitted by the applicant for NJDEP Flood Hazard Area approval. He said areas not included could easily push the drainage basin over the 50 acres threshold required to be regulated by NJDEP permit.

He showed us a depressed, low area of his yard where water runs, and sometimes pools, following a heavy rain. He said that storm runoff drains to the

NT means those freshwaters that have not been designated as trout production or trout maintenance. NT waters are not suitable for trout due to physical, chemical, or biological characteristics, but can support other fish species.

C1 refers to those waters designated “for protection from measurable changes in water quality based on exceptional ecological significance, exceptional recreational significance, exceptional water supply significance or exceptional fisheries resource(s) to protect their aesthetic value (color,

clarity, scenic setting) and ecological integrity (habitat, water quality and biological functions) (NJDEP, 2011).”

The C1 classification for the Musquapsink Brook and Pascack Brook are due to their significance as sources for the Oradell Reservoir, notes the report.

The report notes that having more riparian zones, or transition areas between pervious surfaces and the stream, would improve Musquapsink water quality.

“Riparian zones are impor-

This Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program study’s riparian area map of the Musquapsink drainage basin appears to encompass the unnamed tributary running behind 660–682 Pascack Road.

AGNELLO

Captain: MPD’s Alisha Foley

FROM PAGE 1

cedures, weapons training and call for service response guidelines.”

Moreover, in the course of her career, Foley has worked closely with domestic violence victims, child safety programs, Special Olympics events, community outreach coordination, Junior Police Academy development, as senior citizen liaison, and in personnel selection.

With this promotion, Foley a ssumes command of the departmentʼs Internal Affairs Division while continuing the maintenance of accreditation s tandards, policy compliance, and use of force guidelines.

In addition to her commitment to the police department, Foley serves as a Girl Scout leader and member of the Montvale board of education.

She participates in the annual Police Unity Tour, raising money for police officers killed in the line of duty, and can often be seen at functions supporting youth sports and other character-building events.

According to the 2023 police department salary guide, the salary range for police captain is $200,000 to $225,000. The local salary ordinance is up for final hearing and adoption Feb. 28.

Alfred ‘Al’ LOMBARDI

Alfred “Al” Lombardi, 96, of the Township of Washington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Feb 9, 2023.

Beloved husband of Millie Lombardi for 67 years, devoted father to Gary Lombardi, Glen Lombardi and Steven Lombardi. Cherished grandfather to Glen and his wife Amy, Steven, Jeffrey and great grandfather to Vincent and Valentina Lombardi.

Al was born on May 2, 1926 in New York, N.Y. and was a resident, since 1967, of Township of Washington, where he was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel church and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5427.

Al enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and vintage cars, especially his 1965 Ford Mustang. One of his greatest joys was to spend time with family, friends and especially dining at restaurants throughout the Pascack Valley with his beloved wife, Millie.

Al was an exceptional mason and his work stands throughout Bergen County. Al was very dedicated to his service at the Knights of Columbus, his church and community. Al served as a Past Grand

Follow: Application

FROM PAGE 27

tant natural filters of stormwater runoff, protecting aquatic environments from excessive sedimentation, pollutants, and erosion. They supply shelter and food for many aquatic animals and also provide shade, an important part of stream temperature regulation. Because the streams within the Musquapsink Brook Watershed are designated as “C1,” New Jersey regulations require a 300 foot buffer on either side of the waterway (NJDEP, 2011),” states the 2012 Rutgers study.

“Approximately 1,444 acres of land are designated as riparian area in the Musquapsink Brook Watershed using the 300 foot buffer rule (Figure 7). Riparian zones are instrumental in water quality improvement for both surface runoff and water flowing into streams through subsurface or groundwater flow.

ther enforced nor required.

The study lists recommendations to improve Musquapsink Brook water quality, including eight site-specific restoration projects in the township.

One local recommendation includes Washington Town Center: “This site is occupied by a shopping center. The parking lot of the shopping center is in close proximity to the Musquapsink Brook; they are separated by just a small grassed area. There is evidence of streambank erosion, and the site would benefit from streambank stabilization measures. A rain garden or swale can be installed to capture the pollutants in runoff from the nearby parking lot.

“In addition, the parking lot can be retrofitted with permeable pavement,” states the report.

We are working to determine if any restoration projects recommended in the 2012 Rutgers study were completed.

Police Chief Doug McDowell told Pascack Press on Feb. 21, “I know Captain Foley will continue to do great things for the residents of Montvale and for the Police Department.”

Mayor Michael Ghassali

added his well wishes: “I am proud of our new captain; she is an incredible public servant, not only in her role in the police department but also in the community and the board of education.”

“The decrease of riparian areas in the Musquapsink Brook Watershed due to urbanization has contributed to poor surface water quality conditions and increased streambank erosion,” the report adds.

From the figure 7 map, it appears the stream abutting Agnelloʼs property should require a riparian zone. However, many such protective zones were nei-

OBITUARIES

Knight and Past Faithful Navigator of the 4th degree Joseph F Lamb assembly #0665 of the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Knight of Columbus building.

There are no words to express how he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. We will always love him and hold dear to our hearts the beautiful memories that he left behind.

You will never be forgotten Rest in peace.

Aldo J. ‘Butch’ SERVILIO

He is survived by his wife, Michele Mitchell; four children, Odette Edbrooke (née MitchellServilio) and her husband, Todd Edbrooke, Josiah Mitchell-Servilio and his wife, Kathleen Servilio (née Marzan), Marshall MitchellServilio and his wife, Katelin

Servilio (née Katelin Quest),and Aldo Lucas Mitchell-Servilio; and four grandchildren, Aldo Marcus, Seneca, Isaac, and Ava.

He was loved by his extended family, neighbors and countless friends that he had made around the world.

Butch was a loving husband, a devoted father, and grandfather. To him, strangers were just friends he hadnʼt met yet. He made friends wherever he went, and he was always remembered by those people who met him, even if only for a short time.

He was outgoing, gregarious and loved to share stories of his life. Most of them were true, and all of them were embellished, but he loved being the hero of his own tales.

Butchʼs identity was rooted in his more than 20 years running the automation on the Lion King on Broadway. After retirement, he took that same devotion to being Mr. Fix It on his beloved island of Montserrat in the Caribbean, tapping into his earlier career as a home builder. He was exceptionally terrible at retirement because he always needed something to do.

To honor Butch, the family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, that you strike up a conversation with a stranger — a friend you havenʼt met yet. We will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., Park Ridge, NJ rsfhi.com.

Applications on the ZBAʼs agenda at press time (see website for details)

• 396 Jackson Ave. — Feb. 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

• 174 Lafayette Ave. — Feb. 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

• 4 Seasons Town Square — Feb. 28, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

• 11 Blvd. S. — to be continued March 21, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Rosalie GATHRIGHT

Rosalie Gathright passed in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was the beloved wife of Raymond, and devoted mother of Frank and Stephanie Wagner, William and Elsa Wagner, and Daniel Gathright.

She was the loving grandmother of Cole and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her siblings Francis Bordonaro, Phyllis and Pat Cassela, John and Ellen Caronia, and Mary and Tom Zydel.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Rosalieʼs name. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Patricia A. FOLEY

Patricia Ann Foley, 94, of Woodcliff Lake, beloved widow of David William Foley Jr., passed on peacefully on Feb 19, 2023. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood on Thursday Feb. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to RENEW International (renewintl.org). More information

regarding services and burial is available at Beckerfuneralhome.com.

Finn R. WATTERS

Finn Ryan Watters, 18 months, of Emerson died suddenly on Feb 16, 2023. He is the beloved son of Colin and Kelly Watters (Hall). Loved by his grandparents, Tim and Maura Watters and Jim and Kathy Hall, as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Finn gave us a lifetime of love during his brief time on Earth. Finn enjoyed the outdoors, animals, cars, trains, and his friends and teachers at Cradles to Crayons. Although he was taken from us too soon, the family is grateful for the memories made together, and for all the love and laughter Finn experienced every day of his life.

Colin and Kelly will receive their family and friends on Friday, Feb. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Woodcliff Lake, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 25. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate in Finnʼs memory to the World Wildlife Fund or March of Dimes.

To our sweet boy: We love you endlessly. Rest in sweetest peace.

Aldo Joseph “Butch” Servilio, 70, of Park Ridge passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

Police Captain Alisha Foley celebrates with her family during her swearingin ceremony at Borough Hall on Feb.14.Foley,the first female to make captain here,rose through the ranks,starting in patrol. Courtesy photo.

Student: DEAN’S LIST AND MORE: SUCCESSBRIEFS

FROM PAGE 18

Township of Washington: Kristen Aigotti, Carly Coleman, Christina Dahdah, Dominick

Damato, Ashley Di Tecco, Samuel Goldman, Taylor

Hirstius, Jarek Krebs, Giana

Lakomy, Lianna Scherer, Marisa Solomon, Red Stapleton, and Dante Zuppichini.

Westwood: Anna Costello, Hailey Brown, Rufino Garcia, Raffi Karakashian , Elina Muller, Lauren Rojo-Sanchez, Brianna Scallo , Catherine Thaureaux, Joshua Tucker, and Carly Wandell.

Woodcliff Lake: Brianna Espindola, Gabriel FontouraLyon, Haley Meyerson, Luke Miniatis, and Matthew Perez

Fernandez.

• Ithaca College congratulates local students named to Deanʼs List for the fall 2022 semester: Jake Esposito of Township of Washington, Ben Kalb of Woodcliff Lake, Matt Lokshin of Woodcliff Lake, Jamie Rossig of Montvale, Stephen Soravilla of River Vale, and Seth Weinstein of Hillsdale.

• Ithaca College congratulates all December 2022 graduates, including, from the Pascack Valley, Cade McDermott of Park Ridge, BS in business administration; and Mark Volkov of Woodcliff Lake, BS in computer science.

• Missouri State University awarded 1,538 degrees to students in fall 2022, including to Kareem

Bosede from Hillsdale, who graduated with a Doctor of Nursing —Anesthesia Prac.

John Snyder compiles Deanʼs List and More Email your alumni updates, and news of other family milestones, to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net. Please include a telephone number for follow-up.

CROSSING GUARD P/T

BORO OF EMERSON.

The Borough of Emerson, Bergen County, NJ has an opening for a P/T Crossing Guard. Experience preferred but will train. Background check required. Approximately 10 hours per week. Apply at Borough Hall, Police Department, 146 Linwood Avenue, Emerson. EOE.

the seasonal nature of this position, the ideal candidate will have the ability to work a varying schedule.

Primary responsibility of this position is inventory management for landscape & holiday decorating materials. Attention to detail, the ability to follow processes & procedures & organizational skills are critical qualities. Ability to operate small to mid-size trucks required, as is a drivers license. Additional responsibilities include facility maintenance, picking up materials & possibly additional responsibilities such as equipment maintenance as the position grows. Hours & requirements of this position will fluctuate throughout the year. The busiest times will be during our holiday decorating season of Oct. thru Jan., when hours will be up to 40/week working Mon. thru Fri. From Feb. thru Sept., hours will vary from 8 to 24 hours per week. Call 844-642-9627 for more details.

SERVICES - CLEANING

Cleaning business that values honesty and integrity with many years exp. Competitively priced with close attention to detail. Ref. Avail. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Call or text Analu for free estimate. 973-474-7383

DPW LABORER, FULLTIME – BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD. The Borough of Westwood is accepting applications for a Full Time Laborer positions in the Department of Public Works. Responsibilities include but are not limited to manual labor; snow plowing; maintenance of roads, parks, grounds, sewers, landscaping, leaf/brush collection; road work; tree work; equipment operation in all weather conditions, and some mandatory overtime. Must be available to wok some Saturday’s. HS diploma or equivalent, valid Driver’s License required; must have CDLClass B License. Successful applicant must undergo background check and drug test prior to appointment. Employment applications are available on the Borough website www.westwoodnj.gov or can be picked up at Borough Hall, 101 Washington Avenue. Submit completed applications to Attention: Rick Woods, Superintendent or email rwoods@westwoodnj.gov no later than March 3, 2023. EOE

Want Business? Call (201) 664-2105