Pascack Press 2.6.23

Raised high

POWER THROUGH THE PAIN POWER THROUGH THE PAIN

Westwood Lady Cards rally, and win, vs. injuries

PASCACK VALLEY

BODY IMAGE ISSUES ATFORUM FEB. 8

Parent Academy tackles eating disorders, a top killer in the

U.S.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

HOPEFUL

PRESCHOOL STAKESOUT

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A March Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing date is possible on a new site plan application by Apple Montessori Schools to build a 154-student preschool on the former Charlie Brownʼs property.

As soon as the hearing date is finalized, it will be posted on the Zoning Board website, said the board secretary.

See HOPEFUL on page 25

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TAKE

BY MICHAEL GARAFALO OF PASCACK PRESS

THE WESTWOOD Lady Cardinals have roared into another season, and are off to a solid start at 13 wins, 5 losses.

This should come as no surprise as the team, headed up by coach Charles Collis, have been league champions eight of the past nine years and have been to

SPRING FLING

the State Sectional semis in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020.

This time last year, Collis was celebrating his 200th career win (it was over Ramsey at home), who managed the feat in less than 10 seasons.

The secret of Collisʼ success is simple:defense, heart, and hustle. Collis, a popular social studies teacher at Westwood Regional, also is head varsity coach for girls tennis and softball.

On the court heʼs assisted by Andrew Camporeale and Katherine Ondrof.

This yearʼs Lady Cards felt the sting of two temporary personnel losses, to injuries: Cardsʼ star and all-but-certain AllCounty player Camelia Brown, and talented sophomore Erin Gashler

Brown tore an ACL. Gashler played 11 games and in a prac-

Continued on page 23

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

The PHHS PFA Parent Academy presents “Body Image Issues: Helping People to Love Themselves, Inside and Out” on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at Pascack Hills High School Media Center, 225 W. Grand Ave., Montvale.

The invitation reads, “Establishing healthy attitudes and habits in todayʼs society can be challenging, especially with the influence of social media.”

Join licensed clinical social worker Nancy Graham and registered dietitian Randy Mintz from The Renfrew Center of Northern New Jersey in Paramus, who will talk about body image and eating disorders including nutrition strategies and healing a personʼs relationship with food.”

Topics will include myths surrounding eating disorders, the influence of the media, signs and symptoms, how to get help, what to expect in treatment, preventive tips for parents, and how you can be supportive to your child, loved one or yourself.

Eating disorders involve dis-

See ACADEMY on page 29

These days it’s mostly history-minded people who’ve heard of Mittag & Volger, but the factory put Park Ridge on the map as a center for manufacturing. Kristin Beuscher reports.

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

Our Lady of Good Counsel has a new choir, directed by Sara and Chad Armstrong.

‘SIGN’ AS

CHARLIE BROWN’S ZBA could take up Apple Montessori application in March

A

Westwood girls varsity basketball packs a punch:Front to back, left to right: Victoria Eichler, Madison Alesso, Ashlyn Geipel, Fiona Doyle, Gabriella Tavares, Samara Payne, Camellia Brown, Camryn Dempsey, Erin Gashler, Jade Morgan, Andrew Camporeale, Charles Collis, Katherine Ondrof, Kate Walsh, Julianna Batelli, and Greta Gashler. Photo courtesy Rod Bolton Photography

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Need is real on new middle school

To the editor:

ITWASDISAPPOINTING to read our former mayor Doug Frankʼs letter in a recent issue voicing opposition to replacing George G. White Middle School. [“Letʼs keep George G. White school,” Letters, Jan. 30, 2023.]

Mr. Frankʼs argument seemed to rely on the notion that, because many in town live in old houses, our old school is just fine. He allowed that repairs would have to be made, and should have

been made sooner, but seemed to entirely miss the idea that this is an opportunity for Hillsdale to do more than just throw good money after bad.

While Mr. Frank may not have participated in the early forums or surveys, the BOE did in fact present multiple options to solve GWʼs problems. Unfortunately, the options that cost meaningfully less fell well short of what our children deserve. For tens of millions of dollars and several years of sending our kids to class in trailers, our classrooms would remain too few or too small, our gym insufficient, our HVAC inefficient and our layout congested.

I respect Mr Frankʼs admiration for the architecture of our middle school. It hearkens back to

our roots as a smaller town, when that one building satisfied our needs. It is a stately building, certainly compared with town hall, which clearly puts form ahead of function. And to that extent, I do hope that the replacement middle school will be designed with aesthetics in mind.

Our priority, however, must be our students, not our architecture. Iʼm quite certain the next young family considering where to live will be more attracted to a modern, high-performing middle school than a dated one with a pretty facade.

Hillsdale has a once-in-generations opportunity to act boldly and set itself up for a bright future. This middle school, offering improved educational oppor-

tunities for kids, as well as a gym and auditorium to serve our entire community, is a choice we need to make.

Jonathan Braunstein Hillsdale

Thoughts on community center

To the editor:

PROPOSED HILLSDALE Community Center would be located in a flood zone along the Holdrum Brook on Piermont Avenue. Present estimated cost is $3 million to build, plus costs not mentioned additional monies needed for equipment and furniture along with ongoing expenses of insurance, salaries, maintenance, benefits, utilities and flood insurance. Patterson development offering community area space of 5,000 square feet for town use. They are offering $750,000 to the town in exchange for that space to build an additional six apartments. That does not compare to the cost for building and maintaining a community center. What will be the true cost to property owners?

New community center besides tax increase due to construction; property is located along the Holdrum Brook and may increase flooding issues for residents on Piermont Avenue and Stonybrook Swim Club.

Summer camp is a few weeks in the summer. The Meadowbrook School has a gym, playground, ball field and the use of open field across the street which is proposed for the community

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.

center. Children have used that field for soccer and other activities. Beechwood Park has also been used for years.

Community center also plans installing artificial turf. Not an ideal material. Does not percolate like natural grass surface, also requires maintenance, is a hotter surface, more injuries on playing field, questionable life expectance will need to be replaced and not all materials are biodegradable.

Existing organizations have been using the library, churches and schools along with the borough hall for meetings. A community center is not necessary especially when Patterson Avenue development will provide one to the town.

Lorraine Thalmann Hillsdale

Congrats to PRpolice reserve unit

To the editor:

ATTHE JAN. 24 Mayor and Council meeting we had the pleasure of administering the oath of office to our Chief of the Park Ridge Police Reserve, Chief Paul Witte, and Sgt. Schipilliti, as well as two new members: Reserve officers Matthew Shine and Thomas Arcaro. Congratulations to all of our 2023 Police Reserve officers: Chief Paul Witte, Captain Christopher Brown, Lt. George Harcher, and Sgt. Roque Schipilliti.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our com-

District: $82.7M bond tax impacts could lessen

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Should the $82.7 million bond referendum to replace George G. White Middle School be approved on March 14, a financial adviser told an online forum Jan. 26 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 for residents.

Residents will vote Tuesday, March 14, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at two polling sites.

School 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.

The next opportunity for residents to ask questions about the referendum will be at a districtsponsored open house and tour of George G. White Middle School on Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Project Architect Joseph DiCara will be there. The school is at 120 Magnolia Ave. (See the website for details.)

Sherry Tracey, senior managing director at Phoenix Advisors LLC, said that the 30-year bond for replacing the outdated 100year-old middle school was being spread out over three decades and “conservative” estimates put bond interest rates at around 4.25 percent when bonds are likely to be sold in late 2023 or early 2024. Current bond rates are 3.75% to 3.8%, she said.

Tracey noted the bonds are sold with a call provision, which

means they can be refinanced likely at a lower interest rate, which will lower the annual tax hit for homeowners. She said the bondʼs 30-year term remains unchanged, and by law the bond approval only permits a 30-year bond payback period. Bonds sold this year would expire in 2053, she said.

“Over the years going forward, 10 years from now, seven years from now, whatever it may be, weʼre able to refinance at a lower interest rate, thatʼll reduce the interest youʼll pay on the remaining life of the bond, and the average tax impact at that point,” Tracey said.

A few weeks ago, the district received final state notification they will receive $5.4 million in state aid if the March 14 bond referendum is approved. Finance officials said Jan. 26 that they would need to bond for the full $82.7 million amount, which exceeds the districtʼs current bond borrowing limit.

However, the district will use approximately $24 million of the borough bonding capacity, which would leave the borough with about a $43 million borro limit. Borough officials said this would not affect future borough bonding needs, and the mayor said it was “unlikely” that the district exceeding its bond limit would increase future bonding rates although it could should the boroughʼs credit rating be downgraded as a result.

Some borough officials were surprised that school officials did not directly notify them that they would need to use some of the boroughʼs borrowing capacity. School officials said the borough was notified through its bond counsel, who also serves as bor-

ough bond counsel, and stressed that borrowing borough bonding capacity was completely legal under state law and did not obligate the borough in any way to pay off the school bonds.

(See “$82.7M Middle School Bond Borrows $24M of Boroʼs Bonding Capacity,” Michael Olohan, Pascack Press, Jan. 27, 2023.)

The forum did not offer a dialogue with audience members; rather, questions could be emailed in real-time by viewers. School board president Nicole Klas and member Justin Saxon moderated. Speakers included Tracey, superintendent Robert Lombardy, business administrator Sacha Pouliot, bond counsel Steven Rogut, George White principal Donald Bergamini, and DiCara Rubino Architects principal Joseph DiCara.

A recording of the nearly two-hour forum is posted on the school districtʼs Road To Referendum page.

Lombardy said the district was “out of space and we are out of date” at the school. He said a demographics study showed that by 2030, Hillsdaleʼs population will increase 7% and by 2040, it will increase 12.5%.He said the study showed that in five to six years, the student population would increase by 59 students in elementary schools.

Lombardy noted the demographics study did not account for any new students from the proposed 256-unit Patterson Street luxury apartment complex.

He said the middle school serves 500 students in classrooms averaging about 540 square feet, versus todayʼs standard 750 to 800. He said the infrastructure in place “cannot meet the demands

of our students,” noting the gym was undersized, counseling and nurseʼs offices were “tucked into small corners…and science labs are antiquated” and “not up to standards needed by 21st century learners.”

If the referendum is approved, a new school could open by fall 2026, the district says.

Answering a residentʼs question on what it would cost to fix problems at the middle school should the referendum fail, DiCara said millions of dollars in immediate repair costs may be

needed.He said the building was not in danger of collapsing but the exterior brick surface is cracking, roof needs replacing, and some mechanical systems, including boilers, need replacing. Lombardy said should the bond referendum fail, “there is no ʻdo nothingʼoption” as challenges at George White are “significant” including infrastructure, facilities, and student space needs.

“Significant work is needed over at [the middle school],” including replacement of boilers,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Wampum,beads made from clam shells,helped drive early Park Ridge industry and put the Pascack Valley on the map.

‘Wampum Making in Bergen County’

PARKRIDGE

The Pascack Historical Society invites you to “Wampum Making in Bergen County:New Evidence from Park Ridgeʼs David Campbell House,” a special presentation by Dr Eric Johnson.

The free event is Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at John C. Storms Museum, 19 Ridge Ave. All are welcome.

The PHS, which otherwise is closed for winter break, says that in the 19th century many residents of Bergen County were craft workers in a cottage industry producing Native American shell beads, including wampum and hair pipes.

“One family went on to found the famous Campbell Wampum Factory in Park Ridge. This story has been known locally for over a century. The

See WAMPUM on page 10

A striking impression in Park Ridge

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

PARK RIDGE

BY INDUSTRY We Flourish. Those four words appear on Park Ridgeʼs borough crest, but the motto didnʼt just come out of nowhere. These days itʼs mostly history-minded people who have heard of Mittag & Volger, but at one time the factory put little Park Ridge on the map as a center for manufacturing.

The photograph above, from the Pascack Historical Societyʼs collection, was taken outside the Mittag & Volger factory on a winter day of the early 20th century. The factory faced Park Avenue and stretched back along the train tracks parallel to Broadway. The main building that you see stood about where Veterans Park is now, nearly opposite the train station.

Founded by Frank Mittag and Theodore Volger in 1887, the factory made carbon paper and typewriter ribbons and sold them throughout the world. The company had offices in New York, Chicago, Paris, and London, but its headquarters remained in Park Ridge. For decades Mittag & Volger was a major employer of people in the Pascack area.

A group of Mittag & Volger employees pose for the camera on the right side of the frame. Do you recognize the item they are standing around (and on)? This wooden frame with a large ring inside was an early fire alarm made from the metal tire of a train wheel. In the early 20th century it was com-

Founded by Frank Mittag and Theodore Volger in 1887, the factory made carbon paper and typewriter ribbons and sold them throughout the world. The company had offices in New York, Chicago, Paris, and London, but its headquarters remained in Park Ridge.

Local newspapers reported that early on the morning of Monday, Feb. 9, 1903, the factory narrowly escaped destruction after an employee was careless in emptying hot ashes in the rear of the building. The embers ignited a haystack, and the morningʼs strong winds whipped it into a fierce blaze.

With many residential homes located near the factory, Park Ridgeʼs firemen worked feverishly to prevent the flames from spreading. Their hard work kept the fire contained to the haystack and a shed on the property, which was the only building destroyed.

This was not the companyʼs first brush with fire. Seven years earlier, the Mittag & Volger factory was destroyed in a massive conflagration in September 1897. That blaze had done $25,000 worth of damage and only the office safe and a few fixtures were able to be saved. Mittag & Volger was entirely rebuilt.

That fire was so destructive that it prompted the formation of Park Ridgeʼs first fire department, in 1898. Frank Mittag was a founding member.

At the end of February 1903, it was reported in the newspapers that a fire alarm, “one of the regulation railroad tires,” had just been placed outside the factory

mon for worn out railroad tires to be repurposed in this way. The metal ring would be struck with a hammer to create a resounding “clang” that signaled a fire.

It was a fire in the winter of 1903, 120 years ago this week, that inspired the factory to install this alarm just outside the front door

In 1949 Mittag & Volger merged with the larger Burroughs Adding Machine Company, but as carbon paper and typewriters were replaced with copy machines and computers, the mighty Park Ridge factory was closed in 1986.

Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society

The Mittag & Volger typewriter ribbon and carbon factory, Park Ridge, early 1900s

Park Ridge once housed the world’s largest manufacturer of typewriter ribbon. Today the Pascack Historical Society’s John C.Storms Museum boasts an extensive typewriter collection dating to the late 19th century.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARKRIDGE

After a tense, hour-plus exchange Jan. 24 between Mayor Keith Misciagna and Council President William Fenwick over whether the Republican majority should have pressed to remove Business Administrator Julie Falkenstern, the council unanimously approved a separation and release agreement for her.

About a dozen residents, including former councilmen Robert Metzdotf and Michael Mintz, spoke up for Falkenstern and called out Fenwick over a nearly 80-minute public comment period for his alleged role in leading the effort to terminate Falkenstern.

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Borough Clerk Magdalena Giandomenico as qualified purchasing agent for $10,000 annually and also as part-time borough administrator It was unclear what she would be paid as the part-time administrator

Resolution 023-050 calls for Falkensternʼs termination as borough administrator, land use administrator and qualified purchasing agent “effective upon the execution of a separation and release agreement subject to the terms outlined in said agreement.”

Fenwick said the $85,000 in savings anticipated from Falkensternʼs separation comes from not paying her salary as land use administrator ($67,000), plus not paying medical benefits.

Falkensternʼs 10-page separation agreement provided to Pascack Press on Feb. 1 pays her six months of severance of her salary as borough administrator and land use administrator ($58,564.50), a one-time payment of $16,500, and up to six monthsʼ reimbursement (no cost provided) for health care coverage under COBRA.

Falkenstern signed the agreement Jan. 27.

Misciagna told Pascack Press Feb 1 that he would nominate Giandomenico for the borough administrator position soon. It was not clear what salary the addition-

al position would pay.

Giandomenicoʼs annual salary listed in the approved 2023 exempt employee salaries list was $110,000. Falkensternʼs salary listed in the 2023 guide included $69,313 as land use administrator and $48,036 as borough administrator, a total of $117,349. The salaries list was approved Jan. 24.

Misciagna, detained on a personal matter, arrived about 20 minutes after the meeting started. When he took over the dais from Fenwick, he immediately disagreed with Fenwickʼs version of why a meeting had to be held on Jan. 16, a national holiday celebrating Martin Luther King Day.

Fenwick said that Misciagna could not make an earlier meeting and Miscianga said that was incorrect as he saw no need for a “special meeting” on the Falkenstern matter. He said he believed the meeting should be held in public.

Fenwick told us that the separation agreement would save the borough “approximately $85,000 in savings next year moving forward.”

Fenwick led off the meeting noting he was unable to talk about Giandomenico at the Jan. 16 meeting because she had said she did not want her employment dis-

cussed in public, while Falkenstern did, and this prevented him from fully discussing the personnel matter, which involved Giandomenico.

Fenwick said she later gave permission to provide some employment-related details. “One of the campaign promises my fellow Republican councilmen and I made while running for office was to take a hard look at the budget and to do our best to ensure there would be no tax increases this year. While we were having internal discussions about same involving the borough administrator position, we learned that our Borough Clerk (Giandomenco) had been offered a municipal clerkship in another town for substantially more money that we could not

afford to match.”

Fenwick noted, “It therefore became clear to us that the only way we would be able to match the offer would be to offer our clerk the part-time borough administrator position. At the Council meeting on Jan. 16, the mayor stated that our clerk was “the best in the state” and we agreed. We did not want to lose her years of experience and professionalism that our residents greatly value and by offering her

the borough administrator position we have achieved that in a cost-effective manner.”

Misciagna said he never agreed with the Republican council majority that Falkenstern should be terminated and he said he was opposed to two new Republican councilmen wanting to terminate Falkenstern without knowing her value to the borough.

The mayor said he opposed

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Ballotquestiononschoolbondin;forumFeb.11

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Voters will get an opportunity to question Hillsdale Public School officials at an open house at George G. White Middle School on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, 120 Magnolia Ave.

“In addition to seeing the classrooms, gym, cafeteria and other rooms designed for K-8 students in the 1920s, visitors will be able to see pictures of what a modern middle school looks like,”

superintendent Robert Lombardy said in a statement.

School Board President

Nicole Klas added, “We hope to see many Hillsdale residents at this event to see firsthand the daily challenges we face at GW. We also encourage everyone to make their voices heard on March 14.”

She said, “A bond referendum allows a smart financial path for our community to invest in the future, the same way previous taxpayers did in the past.”

Details — including on voting — are provided at the districtʼs “Road To Referendum” web portal.

Meanwhile, district officials released the referendum question that will appear on local ballots on Tuesday, March 14. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the question: RESOLVED, that The Board of Education of the Borough of Hillsdale, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey shall:

(A) undertake the following improvements (including related work) in the School District (the “Project”): demolition of the existing George G. White Middle School and the construction of a new middle school adjacent there-

to, including site improvements and, if bond or note proceeds are available, the acquisition of new furniture, equipment and apparatus required for the new school;

(B) expend therefor not exceeding $82,724,265; and

(C) issue bonds or notes of the School District for the Project in the principal amount not exceeding $82,724,265, thus using up $23,708,976.39 of the $66,709,635.25 borrowing margin of the Borough of Hillsdale previously available for other improvements. The Commissioner of Education (the “Commissioner”) has determined that the final eligible costs of the Project are $13,565,898.

The State of New Jersey, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-9, has approved debt service aid equal to

40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the Project. The Project includes $69,158,367 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner, or that are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).”

District officials estimate an average homeowner will pay an extra $95 monthly, or approximately $1,140, on a home assessed at $474,172.

Voters are assigned to poll locations based on address. Sites are Pascack Valley High School, 200 Piermont Ave., and Ann Blanche Smith School, 1000 Hillsdale Ave.

LAKESIDE CHORALIERS

OPEN HOUSE FEB. 6

Do you enjoy singing? Join The Lakeside Choraliers for an open house for prospective members on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paulʼs Episcopal Church, 4 Woodland Road, Montvale.

Members tell Pascack Press, “See what we are about, sing

along, and enjoy refreshments. Now in our 50th year of providing entertainment for our audiences, we are a non-denominational community choir composed of members from Bergen and Rockland counties.”

For more information, write lakesidechoraliers@gmail.com

PASCACK VALLEY

256-UNITLUXURYAPARTMENTCOMPLEX GETSFIRST PLANNING BOARDLOOK FEB. 9

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A redevelopment proposal for a new 256-unit, luxury apartment complex on the former Waste Management site — the first project in the boroughʼs redevelop-

2022.)

The Planning Board meeting will be in person at Borough Council chambers. A video recording of the meeting should be posted within days, said a Zoning Board staffer.

On the boroughʼs website, residents can access many redevelopment documents for review.

to demolish the structures on the property and construct a fourstory multi-family residential building with amenities, consisting of 256 residential units, a community center of approximately 5,059 square feet, and a multilevel parking garage with approximately 448 parking spaces on the property.

The applicant also proposes related site improvements, including signage, landscaping, lighting

and stormwater management infrastructure.

The applicant also proposes a street/road vacation of Brookside Place from Patterson Street to Prospect Place which is along the propertyʼs frontage, as well as along the frontage of several blocks/lots.

Applicant proposes related site improvements along the vacated areas of Brookside Place, the notice states.

Public notices are posted at njpublicnotices.com , a database provided free by the New Jersey Press Association.

The full application and supporting materials (maps and plans) should be available for public inspection at hillsdalenj.org at least 10 days before the public hearing. Moreover, application documents may be inspected at least

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

The Hillsdale Borough Council recently approved the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan for the former Waste Management site.The redevelopment plan for the almost 12 acres known as the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan was written in consultation with DMR Architects and includes a requirement for the developer to provide approximately 5,000 square feet of community space within the project.

ment zone — will have its first hearing before the Planning Board on Feb 9 at 7:30 p.m.

The project is estimated to add a potential 400 residents to Hillsdale. It includes 24 affordable housing units, which effectively fulfills the boroughʼs affordable obligations for the new redevelopment zone.

(See “Four-story luxury rental complex on former WM site?”, Michael Olohan, April 11,

However, as of press time, Pascack Press did not find the Patterson Street Urban Renewal LLC application documents online.

The public notice published Jan. 30 by applicant Claremont March Development, also known as Patterson Street Urban Renewal LLC, notes the property is in the Industrial Zone, and is within the Hillsdale-Patterson Street Redevelopment area.

The applicant seeks approval

WT sets own traffic study on a 4 Seasons mall at intersection

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The Zoning Board of Adjustment authorized an independent traffic study, Jan. 24, of the proposed 17,000 square-foot-plus retail complex called “4 Seasons Marketplace” proposed at the Pascack–Washington intersection, and results are expected at its next Feb. 28 hearing.

The board authorized its consultant, Boswell Engineering, to

conduct the traffic study following heavy questioning by residents and board members about the consultantʼs study findings of little traffic impact from the proposed strip mall at one of the townshipʼs busiest intersections.

The new traffic studyʼs cost and when it might be posted for public review before the Feb. 28 hearing was not available at press time.

Over two-plus hours Jan. 24, the applicantʼs traffic consultant, Gary Dean, Dean & Dolan,

Somerville, answered board and resident questions about his 53page traffic study that found an “inconsequential” increase in nearby intersection traffic from the proposed strip mall.

The study, dated Sept. 28, 2022, notes on page 6 that “the proposed use generates a minimal number of new trips during the peak hour. The impact of 43 additional vehicles (at most) per hour is not considered a significant increase in traffic as defined by ITE (Institute of Traffic Engi-

neers) and NJDOT (state Department of Transportation). This volume is considered too low to have any type of measurable effect on operation conditions and presents on average, less than one new vehicle every minute – at peak times.”

The Dolan & Dean traffic study can be viewed on the Zoning Board website under the “Four Seasons Town Square” documents link.

At the proposalʼs Dec. 20 third hearing, Dean detailed his

study, noting a new strip mall, with up to 11 stores, would generate 43 additional vehicles “over the course of a peak hour at most” and called the extra traffic “inconsequential” to overall traffic volume at the busy Pascack–Washington intersection. He said the new traffic flow improvements being made by Bergen County Engineering, including additional through lanes and turning lanes, would add extra traffic capacity to the

The ZBA authorized Boswell Engineering to conduct a traffic study for the applicant behind 4 Seasons Marketplace following heavy questioning about the applicant consultant’s study findings of little traffic impact from the proposed strip mall at the PascackRoad–Washington Avenue intersection.These are generic tenant names for purposes of the plan. Plan detail via Montoro Architectural Group

Units: Board hearing

FROM PAGE 7

10 days before a public hearing (approximately Jan. 31) at the Building Department Office, 380 Hillsdale Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Claremont March has promised to build a free community center on the new luxury buildingʼs ground floor.

Meanwhile, the Borough Council is awaiting architect plans for more community space planned for Stonybrook Pool & Swim Club.

Although the developer offered the borough $750,000 if it would sell the community center

space back to them in order to add six more apartments, council had tabled the resolution, and later heard from special bond counsel Joseph Baumann that it made economic and community sense to keep the community space.

The community center space was provided in exchange for a density bonus granted to the redeveloper to build the high-density complex. The “bonus density” is part of the Redevelopment Plan approved for the 14-acre redevelopment zone, an area of industrial and commercial structures.

The provision caused controversy before winning final council approval, with Mayor John Ruoc-

co strongly opposed. Ruocco, however, only votes in case of a tie vote.

The Redevelopment Plan, approved in early 2021, allows council to grant a developer a “bonus density” of up to 60 units per acre in exchange for an agreed-upon “community benefit” to be provided free by the developer to the town.

In August 2022, the borough and Claremont March signed a 30year PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of

Taxes) agreement for the luxury rental complex on 5.4 acres. The agreement calls for estimated annual revenues of $735,000, which totals approximately $40 million for Hillsdale over the agreement. The redevelopment PILOT agreement provides 95% of revenues to the borough and 5% to Bergen County. Under the agreement, the minimum payment to Hillsdale would be $500,000 annually should rental revenues drop. The

PILOT agreement provides a nearly $700,000 annual jump in tax revenues over the siteʼs former $35,000 annual property tax bill.

(See “Possible $40M to borough in redevelopment pact; vote Aug. 9,” Michael Olohan, July 18, 2022, Pascack Press.)

Applicant attorney Jason R. Tuvel of Prime & Tuvel of Hackensack did not return our outreach for comment by press time.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

HEREʼS AROUNDUP of some of what our libraries are offering patrons in the next days and weeks. Thanks to Pascack Press interns Ashley and Christian for the web research! Visit your library online and in person to get all the facts —and have fun getting involved!

E EMMEERRSSOON N 20 Palisade Ave.

(201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org

• Mondays in February at 1 and 3 p.m.: Knitters Circle afternoons. All levels of experience are wel-

come. Basic materials provided, or bring your own. Registration recommended, drop-in welcome. Mondays in February at 2 p.m.: Are you curious about how to play Mahjong? Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and luck which has been found to improve short-term memory, attention, and logical thinking. Registration required.

Adults of Emerson only. Mondays in February at 3:30 p.m.: Fairy Tales, Mysteries, Adventures, Join Miss Victoria for Afternoon Storytime. Ages 2-5 welcome. Registration recommended, drop-

in welcome. A parent/guardian is required to remain in the building for the duration.

• Tuesdays in February at 11 a.m.: Join us for an introduction to songs, dance and finger plays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Newborn to 2. Open to all families. Registration required for each child per date. Join the waiting list if weʼre booked. Tuesdays in February 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. 7 at 1:30 p.m.: Join Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga for Afternoon Family Yoga Play, move and learn with the whole family in grades 1–6. Feel free to have yoga mats or a large blanket and enough space for the whole family. For families of all skill level.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10:30

a.m.: Create a Valentineʼs Day craft and enjoy storytime with your little one(s) 2–5. Structured around preschool readiness. Registration is required for each craft, one craft per child.

• Thursdays in February at 1

p.m.: Mahjong with a small group. Drop-in welcome.

• Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10:30

a.m.: Sensory Storytime is an interactive, pre-reading class for children of all abilities through sensory play. Stories, songs and play with a focus on social skills and developmental benefits. Registration required for each class per child. Emerson kids have registra-

tion priority.

• Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.: Move, play and learn with Miss Shelley from Every Little Thing Yoga Sing, move our bodies, read stories, and learn about colors, animals, feelings, seasons, etc. Registration required for each child.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m.: Patrons of Emerson are invited to have their Valentine “Couples” Caricature taken. Ideal for any two people. Significant others, parent/child, siblings, bffs, etc. characters optional. One caricature per person.

H HIILLLLSSDDAALLE E 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org

• Monday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m.: Jiggly Wiggly Childrenʼs Music Program, ages 1–3.

• Monday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.: Sundial Garden Club.

• Tuesdays in February at 1:30 p.m.: Winter Story Time for ages 2.5 to 5. Call (201) 358-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Wampum: Feb. 19

FROM PAGE 4

Campbells revolutionized wampum production by inventing a hydraulic drilling machine that streamlined production (displayed at the PHS museum). Bergen County archaeologists and historians such as Frances Westervelt, John C. Storms, and Carl Schondorf were the first to enshrine the Campbell Factory as part of the industrial history of Park Ridge.”

PHS says, however, “More recent investigations into wampum crafting in Bergen County shine a new light on this history. Dr. Eric Johnson (Postdoctoral Fellow at Brown Univer-

sity) investigated the Campbell Factory for his dissertation between 2018 and 2021. His work reveals the untold story of other wampum producers that have escaped previous researchers.”

It adds, “Analysis of merchant ledger manuscripts housed at the Pascack Historical Society reveal the microeconomy of wampum making, and archaeological collections suggest an unexpected darker side to the industry.”

The only existing Wampum Drilling Machine now displayed in the Pascack Historical Society museum. (The John C. Storms Museum, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge.)

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

munity and we welcome the new officers into their new roles! I have always said we have the best volunteers in the state, they are the lifeline of our community and I thank them all for their hard work.

Mayor Keith Misciagna Park Ridge

In a message to residents

Huge thanks for help in Hillsdale

To the editor:

WETHANKOUR friends at Our Lady of Victory, Pascack Bible Church, Hillsdale Post Office, Emerson Girl Scouts, Pascack Valley High School Honor Society, American Legion Post 162, and all those in the Pascack Valley area who donated in any way to help provide a happier holiday season for those in need in our community.

Your hard work and generosity during the holidays enabled us to provide gift baskets and gift cards for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We truly live in a won-

derful community. Members of the community i nterested in volunteering or supporting our efforts, please contact us at Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale Inc, P.O. Box 1, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 or hillsdalehelps@gmail.com

Many blessings, Kathie Elgert Hillsdale Local Assistance Board and Nancy Culhane, Lillian Jeffery, June Jones, Colette Killian, Lois Kohan, Valerie Schroeder, and Ruth Vandervliet

Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale

Questions referendum costs

To the editor: IA

MWRITING to Hillsdaleʼs taxpayers today to urge them to vote no on March 14 on the referendum to add $82 million to the already burdened borough tax rolls.

My main reason is that a vote of yes will empower every school board in New Jersey and beyond to allow schools to disintegrate until, Well, we have to build a new one, folks!

I started school at George G. White in 1952 and graduated in 1961 and I know I received a quality education. I learned just enough to know and understand that a promise of “only $95 a month” is an evil chimera. The tax rolls will increase considerably more than $95 per month per

TOWNSHIP

household, and nobody has mentioned that the taxes will go up this year, like most years, regardless of the vote on March 14.

The taxpayers do not deserve an unreasonably low estimate or a burden caused by Board of Education neglect.

Vote no, change the staffing

of the Board of Education at the upcoming elections, and bring fiscal responsibility back to Hillsdale. Then do what is best for the children.

Walt Brown Hillsdale

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

OLGC raises joyful voices in new choir

Carolyn R. Vinagre writes Pascack Press, “Our Lady of Good Counsel has a new choir! The choir, directed by Sara and Chad Armstrong, have been singing together since October 2022 and rejoice with song at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturdays. Their beautiful voices have brought a new light to the Mass. If interested in joining OLGC, call the Rectory at (201) 664-6624.”

Left to right: Roy Mainelli,Arlene Dukette,Willene Braun McGovern,Rebekah BraunMcGovern (cantor),Fr.Ray Rodrigue (parish administrator),Marianne and Ray Grocela,Mary Mazzei,Allison Pouletsos,and Ellen Boccia.Credit:Rebekah Braun-McGovern.

Community Calendar

FROM PAGE 10 5073 or write cindy.greenwald@hfpl.org.

• Tuesdays, Feb. 7 & 21 at 10 a.m.: Knitting with Ellen Work on your own projects in our friendly group. Bring your own materials. Space is limited, online registration required.

• Wednesdays in February at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Time Ages 18 months to 30 months with a caregiver. Registration required; Hillsdale cardholders only. Wednesdays in February at 3 p.m.: Think It, Make It, Share It crafts (paper quilling, hardware jewelry, and a robot artist.) Under 9 must be

accompanied by a guardian or an older responsible sibling.

• Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10:30

a.m.: Childrenʼs Valentine Story & Craft for ages 1–5. Waitlist is available online.

• Thursdays in February at 1:30 p.m.: Tales for Tykes. Ages 3–5. Registration required; open to Hillsdale cardholders only.

• Fridays in February at 10:30 a.m.: Join Cherlyn for a gentle workout in our chair yoga class.

SpringFlingshoppingfunMarch25

Hillsdale United Methodist Church invites you to Spring Fling on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The event is sponsored by The United Methodist Women, “who work all year long to raise funds for missions around the world. When you do your shopping at a local vendor event, you support local merchants and small businesses. Every year, there is a wonderful variety of gift ideas on display and a great group of local professionals anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

On offer: arts and crafts, jewelry, skin care products, and so much more. Admission is free. All are welcome.

Local businesses and organizations interested in participating should email Lesa Brinker at umwrocks@gmail.com

SUPER

All Sale Yarns Are 60% Off Final Sale.

Cherlyn Demarest is a registered yoga teacher. Registration required for each session.

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.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10:30

a.m.: Musical Munchkins is back to lead your little ones in song, fun, and friends. Birth to 5 with a grownup are welcome to join. Registration required.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m.: Love reading but not sure what book to choose? Want to find a new author or genre to sink your teeth into? Join Ms. Mary for First Chapter Fun and let her do the work for you. She will reveal a new book and two or three others by reading the first chapter aloud. All you have to do is sit back and listen! Grades 3–7. Registration required.

• Thursdays, Feb. 9 and 23 at 10:30 a.m.: Join us for Bozza Yoga Littles and enjoy creative yoga poses, movements, and storytime fun. Meet new friends and improve eye–hand coordination and motor skills through yoga. Age 18 months to 4 years with a grown-up. Registration required for each class.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 at noon. A

Peek Under the Lid: A Beekeeperʼs Journey. Learn the basics of beekeeping from third-generation Montvale resident Lisa Skoglund, owner of Jersey Girl Apiary LLC, who has kept bees since 2014. Registration required.

P PAARRK K R RIIDDGGE E 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org

• Mondays in February at 11:30 a.m.: Yoga. All levels welcome. Please register with payment at the library.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.: Story Time with Miss Renee.

• Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.:

Story Time with Miss Renee

• Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Crafts with Miss Renee Pick up a craft bag at the library.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Story Time with Miss Eileen

R RIIVVEER R V VAALLE E 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org

• Monday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.: Baby Time: Story and song with Miss Rebecca. At 1:30 p.m.: Chef Alexis Sicklick, author of “A Taste of the Nutcracker: This Cookbook is for Dancing” discusses the inspirations for her book and conducts a cooking demonstration. Samples will be provided for guests in attendance. Copies will be available to purchase. Registration required. At 4 p.m.: Super

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

S U P E R B OWL WE E K SALE!

As you are all aware this is still NOTa normal year - that said - Super Bowl Sale will NOT start on Sunday Feb 12th. It will start on Monday 2/13 thru Saturday 2/18

SALE HOURS -MONDAY, FEB 13TH THRU SATURDAY, FEB 18TH - 11AM TO 4PM

REGULAR SHOP HOURS • CLOSED SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Since we need to keep some social distancing for everyone’s safety - the sale is for 6 days, giving everyone the opportunity to shop with ease (more days, less crowding, safer for all).

–

Its Sale Time at Yarn Diva.

All Regular Stock is 20% off, Sale Yarns are 60% off and all Sale Bags get additional 10% off.

There’s something for everyone!

The above hours are our regular shop hours. Come see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!!!!

HILLSDALE

Residents: Fingers point, but PR makes changes

FROM PAGE 5

terminating an employee for “political reasons” as Falkenstern received highly complimentary yearly performance reviews.

Misciagna said he wanted to keep both Falkenstern and Giandomenico and said he told Fenwick that “we could get the money” and match the offer she received.

The mayor read a two-page list of Falkensternʼs value as administrator, purchasing agent and land use administrator, citing her knowledge and “institutional capacity” from over a decade securing grants, handling affordable housing, and initiating community programs and services.

Fenwick and Misciagna argued over who knew what when with Fenwick insisting the special meeting Jan. 16 was called at the

RIVER VALE

mayorʼs behest. Fenwick said the meeting was called to show the borough clerk that they were acting on her salary concerns.

Misciagna said Fenwickʼs statement was “absolute nonsense. … I said we have to make this work, I didnʼt say ʻLetʼs fire somebody.ʼ”

Misciagna said, “Everyone knows how I feel about this. It was done in secret, you talked to the council without me,” noting that as mayor he has no power to veto any resolution or ordinance, only “the power of the bully pulpit.”

Nearly a dozen speakers lauded Falkensternʼs service, and many faulted the council.

Glendale Road resident Brenda Yanni said she was “very angry” at the council and Fenwick in particular. She called Falkensternʼs termination “very underhanded (and) bullying tactics” and

SENIORS’ ANNUAL AUCTION FEB. 15

The River Vale Seniors hold their annual “Regift No See Auction” at their Feb. 15 meeting.

The club tells Pascack Press, “You know the gift you got and never used or would like to regift, wrap it and and bring to the silent auction. Bidding for the package

will begin at 50 cents to $2. It is a fun afternoon and youʼll be surprised at how competitive you are when it comes to bidding.”

Refreshments and coffee will be served. New members are welcome. For more information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

noted that politicizing professional positions “is wrong and shows a very great lack of integrity.”

She said trying to fire Falkenstern on Martin Luther King Day was done deliberately to limit

public input. She called that “despicable … and a total lack of transparency.”

After resident Frank Huntley questioned how terminating Falkenstern would save $85,000,

Fenwick said the savings were based on “no increases” from other positions.

He said there was “no vengeful purpose behind what Iʼm doing.”

P Poopp--uup p p phhoottooss, , b booookkmmaarrkks s

“Dear Pascack Valley — Will you be our Valentine? Love, The Hub.”

So begins the invitation to weeks of timely sweetness brought to you by Celebrate Westwood.

Beginning Feb. 1, love is in the air in Westwood. Stop by the Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., and enjoy Celebrate Westwoodʼs outdoor pop-up mural installation, hosted by the Westwood Recreation Department.

The installation is up all month, with an interactive 3D element to be added on Tuesday, Feb. 14 in celebration of Valentines Day.

Moreover, while supplies last, shoppers can find complementary Love the Hub bookmarks at businesses throughout Westwood, courtesy of Celebrate Westwood and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Westwood Library. Bookmarks also are available at the Westwood Free Public Library (49 Park Ave.) and the Community Center

CW says, “Help us spread the love by uploading photos to social media and tagging @CelebrateWestwood on Instagram or Facebook or emailing your photo to celebratewestwood@gmail.com. All submissions will be eligible for a random drawing to win one of three prizes from a Westwood business. The contest runs Feb. 1–28.

Rules of entry

• Photos must include the Love the Hub bookmark or pop-up mural and tag @celebratewestwood on Facebook or Instagram.

• Photos must include where you took the photo (such as a business name or location within town) as a tag or written in the caption.

• Each photo equals one entry to the prize drawing. Multiple entries are encouraged.

The design for the 2023 Love the Hub campaign was designed by Westwood resident Heather OʼHara.

Celebrate Westwood says it seeks to celebrate and raise awareness of the resources of the Westwood Public Library and the Westwood Recreation Departments, as well as of the boroughʼs vibrant downtown.

Formed in 2018 to organize Westwoodʼs 125th Anniversary Year festivities, Celebrate Westwood evolved into a 501(c)3 organization focused on creating events and engagements to amplify the richness of our local community through collaboration with the borough, businesses, nonprofits, and residents.

For more information about Celebrate Westwood, visit celebratewestwood.org or write celebratewestwood@gmail.com

s spprreeaad d t thhe e l loovve e

Community Calendar

FROM PAGE 12

Science: Make your own snow: Dan the Science Man is here to teach you about chemistry. Grades 2–7, registration required.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Music with Miss Nita: Share songs, play instruments, and enjoy rhythm in a relaxed, playful, family-style class. Registration required. At 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee: “Tár.”

668

• Tuesday, Feb.7 at 5 p.m.: Mah Jongg Club: Bring friends or come alone and find new partners. Adults only; experienced players only.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10:30

a.m.: Winter Story Time: Ages 2–5. Listen to great stories and enjoy fun songs and coloring. At 1 p.m.: Alphabet Story Time: Ages 3–5. Listen to great stories and enjoy fun songs while learning

about a letter of the alphabet. Also a themed craft. At 6:50 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Group:“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles.

• Thursday, Feb.9 at 10 a.m.: Adult Painting: Heart Tree: Join Emily at the library to paint a heart tree on canvas. River Vale residents 18 and up. Registration required. At 4 p.m.: Puzzle Art: Recycle puzzle pieces into a work of art, perfect for a gift on Valentineʼs Day.

• Friday, Feb.10 at 10 a.m.: Knit and Crochet Group: Bring a project to work on and chat with

other members. New members of all skill levels are welcome. At 1 p.m.: Afternoon Mah Jongg Club

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F

W WAASSHHIINNGGTTOON N

144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586

twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Monday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m.: Italian Lessons with Bernardo Petrocelli, a local ESL and foreignlanguage teacher. Please register.

•Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.: Story Time, ages 2–3. Song, movement, and story. At 5:30 p.m.

Mat Yoga: Open to all levels of practice. Bring your own mat and props. $5 per class; drop in. At 4:30 p.m.: Teen Tuesday after school:Nintendo Switch gaming, crafts, games, and snacks.

• Thursday, Feb. 9 at 3:45 p.m.: Pre-K Story Time: Ages 3–5. Music, movement, stories, social growth and early literacy. At 11 a.m. and noon: Advanced Chair Yoga. Registration opens Weekly classes return March 2 to May 18. (No class May 11.) Registration opens Feb. 9. $20 for town

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Celebrate Westwood invites the business community to celebrate Westwoodʼs womenowned and -run businesses on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Caffe Anello, 11 Madison Ave.

The event is sponsored by Celebrate Westwood and features refreshments by Caffe Anello and networking opportunities.

• Special guests Kim Aluotto founder of Westwood Candy Company will share her perspectives on hosting in-store and local events.

•Jane French of Maci Collected Works will share her experiences and best practices for creating engaging and seasonal window displays.

•RoseAnn Ciarlante and Lauren Letizia will speak about community events.

• Newcomers Sara and Katie of Lucky Eden Studio will be there taking photos of the event so attendees can be featured in upcoming Celebrate Westwood social media postings and newsletters [and in Pascack Press ! – Ed].

The event is designed to celebrate the people behind Westwoodʼs women-owned and -operated small businesses, while creating an opportunity for netw orking, professional development, and cross-promotion for the benefit of the entire community.

Opportunities to create a subcommittee of business lead-

ers looking to maximize their outreach and engagement within Westwood and the Pascack Valley community will be discussed.

The event is open to all Westwood small-business owners and operators, downtown or otherwise. Admission is $10. Registration is required at celebratewestwood.org

For more information, write celebratwestwood@gmail.com

Community Calendar

FROM PAGE 14

residents. $50 for other patrons.

•Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.: Coloring & Crafting: Calling all coloring fans, stitchers, knitters, crocheters, and more. Craft and

WESTWOOD

chat with friends. Refreshments and coloring supplies provided, or bring your own project. At 10 a.m.: Infant through 2 stories, songs, and rhymes plus social playtime

• Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.: Family story time: Listen to stories and do a craft with your child.

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

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.:

26 emergency calls; winter fire safety tips

Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Voorhis reports that the department was called 26 times for emergency assistance in December 2022. None of the calls turned out to be a serious fire. These calls and one fire department work/maintenance detail required more than 225 hours of volunteer time.

The department escorted Santa Claus to every street in the borough for the 59th consecutive year, and the department was called on twice to assist the Emerson Fire Department under the mutual aid agreement.

For Voorhisʼcomplete report, including details on automatic fire alarms sounded in December, see the departmentʼs Facebook page.

Winter fire safety tips

Meanwhile, the Westwood Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau remind readers that, according to the United States Fire Administration, more fires

happen in the winter months than any other time of the year.

“During the cold months, we spend more time indoors and use different methods to heat our homes. It is important to keep fire safety in mind when you are heating your home,” says Voorhis.

If you are using a portable heater:

• Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so if it tips over, it shuts off.

• Keep anything that can burn such bedding, clothing and curtains. at least three feet from the heater.

• Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip.

•Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

If you are using a fireplace:

•Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and starting a fire.

• Do not burn paper in your

fireplace.

• Before you go to sleep or leave your home put the fire out completely.

• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least three feet from your home.

If you are using a wood stove:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from the stove.

• Do not burn paper in your wood stove.

• Before you go to sleep or leave your home, put the fire out completely.

All yet: Have working smoke detectors on every level of your home. Send your WWFD-related questions to wwfdchief@westwoodnj.gov or call (201) 664-0526. You can reach the fire prevention bureau at wfpb191@usa.net and (201) 664-7100 ext 308.

Adult Craft: Paint your own Valentineʼs Day-themed mason jar perfect for gifting to your loved ones. We supply the paint, ribbon, and stencils. You fill it with whatever youʼd like. Registration r equired. At 4 p.m.: I ntro to A frican Drumming : (K–5): Youʼll learn lots about this ancient i nstrument from West Africa. Youʼll get to play it too. Registration required.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10:30

a.m.: Peek A Book Story Time: Story Time helps your child get to know sounds, words and lang uage, develop early literacy skills, learn to value books and stories, and spark imagination and curiosity. Weʼll sing, dance, and learn fingerplays. Registration required. At 3:30 p.m.: Exploring Artists (grade 6–12): Do you love to create art and wish you could identify the work of famous artists? We explore a new artist

and their work each month. Youʼll get to recreate one of their pieces, too.

•Thursday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m.: March to the Oscars: “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”: Join us in our countdown to the Oscars on March 12. Weʼll show some of this yearʼs nominees. Cast your vote! Registration required.

• Friday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m.: Mommy & Me: African Dance: Children benefit from improved physical, emotional and mental health while learning about different dances of Africa. Registration required. At 11 a.m.: Knitting & Crocheting Club: Meets weekly with light refreshments served. Registration required. At 3:45 p.m.: Valentineʼs Day Card Writing: Create two cards for the special people in your life. We provide all of the materials; you provide the love. Registration required.

BERGEN BOOK STUDIO

Author of almost 30 books for girls aged 7 to 13

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ goes right Feb. 18–March 11

Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longest-running little theater companies, will continue its 90th season on Saturday, Feb. 18 with the hilarious Tony Awardwinning hit Broadway comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Performances run through Saturday, March 11 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 2.

Tickets, priced at $24 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $21 on Sundays, can be purchased at bcplayers.org, by calling (201) 2614200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.

In “The Play That Goes Wrong,” the “Cornley University Drama Society” is putting on a production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” This riotous playwithin-a-play whodunnit has everything you never wanted in a show— an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that canʼt play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).

Audiences can sit back and bust a gut at all the misplaced props, banged heads, missed cues, pratfalls, door slams, broken fingers and mispronounced words as the show liter-

Patricia J. Villano

Co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, “The Play That Goes Wrong” was the winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, “one of the most laugh-filled works that has ever jollied a stage” (NY Stage Review). Ben Brantley of The New York Times called The Play That Goes Wrong “A gut-busting hit.”

The Broadway production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” opened at the Lyceum Theatre on April 2, 2017, and by its closing on January 6, 2019, the production played 27 previews and 745 performances, making it the second longest running show in the history of the Lyceum Theatre.

Not yet done with New York, “The Play That Goes Wrong” officially opened Off-Broadway on Feb. 20, 2019, at New World Stages –Stage 4.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” received a Tony Award for Best Set Design, Broadway.comʼs Audience Choice Award for Best Play and the Theater Fans Choice Award for Best Play.

The talented cast features Angelina Aragona of Township of

Washington, Sean Buckley of Secaucus, Eric Holzer of Montclair, Wes Laga of Wood-Ridge, Nyasia Legra of Rockaway, Dan Loverro of Parsippany, Josh Switala of Allendale, and Craig Woodward of Little Falls.

Angelina (Sandra) appeared in this seasonʼs BCP opener, “Ragtime: The Musical,” as well as in “Pippin.” At Ramapo College she appeared in “The Library,” “Urinetown,” “Extremities,” and others, prior to receiving her masterʼs degree summa cum laude.

Sean (Chris) appeared in “The Lion in Winter” and “Cymbeline” at BCP. His stage credits at other area theaters include “The Ghost Train,” “Loveʼs Labourʼs Lost,” “Dial M for Murder,” and “Wm. & Jas. — A Ghost Story.”

Eric (Dennis) has pulled double duty at BCP handling publicity, as well as appearing in “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Clue,” and “Ragtime: The Musical.”

Other BCP credits include “Veronicaʼs Room,” “33 Variations,” “Pippin,” and “The Lion in Winter,” for which he received a Perry Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Wes (Trevor) teaches drama to students in grades 6–11 in Manhattan, and he is the co-founder and vice president of Full Circle Theatre Collective based in New Jersey.

Nyasia (Annie) is making her BCP debut in this production. Her prior credits at other theaters include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night,” and “Almost, Maine.”

Dan (Jonathan) most recently appeared on our stage in “Ragtime: The Musical.” Previous BCP credits include “Spamalot,” “Pippin,” “Itʼs Only a Play,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “The Lion in Winter.” Performances on other stages include “Matilda the Musical” and “Avenue Q.”

Josh (Max), a recent graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he was part of the Alph Psi Omega theater honor society, is excited to make his BCP debut. Credits include The Old Library Theaterʼs “It Shoulda Been You,” Ramapo Collegeʼs “Urinetown,” “A Midsummer Nightʼs Dream,” and “Of Mice and Men.”

Craig (Robert) last appeared on our stage in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” His performances on other stages include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Falsettos” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”

A Life Member of BCP, director Alyson Cohn has been active with the Players for over 35 years. Her long list of directorial credits includes “God of Carnage” (Perry Award for Best Director of a Play), “Art,” “The Laramie Project,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “One Flew Over the Cuckooʼs Nest,” “The Heidi Chronicles,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” “Proposals,” “True West,” and “Proof” (Perry Award for Best Production of a Play), among others.

She has appeared on the BCP stage in many productions, including “Lend Me a Tenor,” “A Year with Frog and Toad,” “Into the Woods,” “The Full Monty,” and “Little Shop of Horrors” (Best Actress Perry Award).

Alyson is the founder and director of Music Together of Northern New Jersey, an acclaimed music and movement program for pre-schoolers.

Regarding her directorial choices on “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Alyson says, “Everything needs to be precisely timed in this show. Thereʼs no room for actors to do something a little different each night as you might in a drama.”

She says, “The nice thing is theyʼre supposed to be bad actors in a poorly directed show, so finally I have the freedom to create all this terrible staging. I get to break all the director rules! Iʼm like, yes, make it look ugly! Thatʼs kind of freeing and exciting and creative.”

Bergen County Players strongly encourages its patrons to be vaccinated for Covid-19 but will not require proof of vaccination to enter the building. The use of face coverings/masks is also very strongly recommended. Reminders of that recommendation will be visible throughout the facility and stated by our Front-ofHouse staff before each event.

For more information visit bcplayers.org

ally falls apart at the seams. Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.

Bergen County Players continues its 90th season on Saturday,Feb.18 with the Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Elks golden ticket raffle aims at $10K

The Westwood Elks invite you to their golden ticket raffle on Sunday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Elks Lodge 1562. Ticketholders will be able to enjoy a buffet and refreshments.

Two hundred tickets are available at a $100 donation. If all 200 tickets are sold, $10,000 will go to the winner.

Organizers say this is an elimination draw-down from start to fin-

ish. Three $150 consolation prizes will be pulled, leading up to the big winner. The last ticket pulled will be winner — or the last two owners may agree to split the grand prize. You can buy as an individual,

PHHS Class of 1972

split with a friend, or go in on a group ticket.

Depending on availability, lastminute tickets will be sold on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to the start of the drawing. See ticket for details and license number.

This is a great opportunity to do a lot of good. Proceeds benefit

Elks charites, including children and adults with special needs, our veterans, and vital drug awareness programs.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Carl Williams at (201) 446-6047 or the Westwood Elks Lodge at (201) 6661562.

MONTVALE

The Pascack Hills High School Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion on Sat, Nov. 5, 2022 at the Montvale Marriott. On Friday evening there was a meet and greet to help get everyone reacquainted. A tour of the high school was the activity on Saturday morning. The tour was led by current principal Timothy Wieland. Visits to Dairy Queen and local restaurants occupied that afternoon. The main event was on Saturday evening with music, food and great memories. Attending were approximately 75 classmates, 30 guests and five faculty.

—

Via Donna Maggio

Photo courtesy Donna Maggio

Super Bowl Sunday

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

Economic Development Committee

WESTWOOD

Enjoy making our Signature dish at home!

above date and time.Beth Gorin of the Bergen County Economic Development Corporation will make a presentation followed by a question and answer period.

• 1 tsp. honey mustard

Tax Aide program for seniors

PARKRIDGE

The pancake breakfast will be held on Feb. 6 at 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The cost will be $5 per person, and all proceeds will go to the Suyam Charitable Trust. Through the award-winning Asian Studies pro-

Giulioʼs will be delighted to h ost your holiday business of family parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines.

gram at the high school, Emerson was able to locate a specific charitable organization that is funding educational needs of schools that were destroyed by the tsunami.

Salmon Giulio stuffed with crab meat

What youʼll need:

• 10 oz. Salmon filet

Tickets can be bought in the high school main office or at the door. For more information, call (201) 262-4447.

• 3 tbs. Colossal Crabmeat

• Dash of honey & balsamic vinegar

A meeting of the Westwood Parking Authority, Economic Development Committee has been scheduled for Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. at Westwood Community Center.

The Economic Development Committee of the Westwood Parking Authority will conduct a “town hall” style meeting at the

In addition to Westwood residents, commercial property owners, owners and operators of businesses located in Westwood and professionals with offices in Westwood are invited to attend and participate in the question and answer period.

Don’t miss the bus

PASCACKVALLEY

• 1 pepper, diced

• Stalk celery, diced

• Salt & pepper to taste

What to do:

Slice salmon down center (lengthwise). Dice peppers and celery; salt and pepper to taste.

Add honey mustard mix together w/crabmeat. Stuff in center of salmon. Cook 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drizzle with a dash of honey

Student residents of Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale, and Woodcliff Lake - who are seeking transportation to nonprofit private elementary or high schools - must submit a transportation application (B6Tform) for the 2005-2006 school year.

Transportation applications are available from the non-profit private school the student plans to attend, and should be completed and returned to the school no later than March 10.

Failure to register before the March 10 deadline could result in denial of transportation.

Tobe eligible for publicly supported transportation, elementary pupils must reside more than two miles from the school they attend, while high school pupils must reside more than two and a half miles from school.

The Tax Aide Program sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will be available from Feb. 1 through April 15 at the Park Ridge Borough Hall.

The program, a community service, offers free tax assistance to seniors and others of low and moderate income who do not have complex returns. Volunteers who have been trained in federal and state matters pertaining to seniors and low-income individuals will be available.

Taxpayers seeking assistance are reminded to bring their tax packages received from the Internal Revenue Service and the State of New Jersey along with their copy of last year’s return. Other documents you must bring include forms covering 2004 earnings such as wages, pensions, interest, dividends and social security. If deductions are to be itemized, bring documents to substantiate the deductions.

& balsamic vinegar dressing

For appointments, call (201) 573-1800.

•Buon appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is at 154 Washington Street, Tappan N.Y. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Visit Giulioʼs website for its menu and much more: www.giuliosrestaurant.com.

For reservations, takeout,

Valentine’s Day, Conrad’s Confectionery, and ‘love–love’

ITʼS FEBRUARY, and for many of us that means facing a day we acknowledge with a love/hate relationship: Valentineʼs Day.

For years, I was no different. When single, it was dreaded as everyone around me looked blissfully in love; when coupled, it was a glorious day for which I held high hopes. I had visions of the man in my life gliding through the front door, laden with rich chocolates and red roses.

My batting average is dismal when it comes to attracting men with a flair for romance. Instead, as Valentineʼs Day grows into evening, I find myself eventually asking, Do you know what day it is? And to that, I get something akin to “Yeah, hon, itʼs Thursday.” My relationship with Valentineʼs Day soured from love–hate to hate–hate.

A quick poll of my friends told me I wasnʼt alone. It made me wonder who set these poor men (and women) up for such epic failure? I was surprised to learn that this demon was none other than a priest:

According to the BBC, the

Places We Love

By Tara McCann

holiday began in Rome in the third century AD. Popular belief is that a priest — who would become St. Valentine — defied the law of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius, believing married men made bad soldiers, banned marriage. Valentine disagreed and continued to perform marriages in secret.

When his “treason” was discovered, Valentine was jailed, and sentenced to death. But the story doesnʼt end there. In a twist that would launch many Hallmark cards, Valentine fell in love with the jailerʼs daughter. And on Feb. 14, the fateful day he was taken to be executed, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine.”

In 496 AD, it was a Roman festival that made Valentineʼs Day universal. The festival Lupercalia was held in the middle of February, which officially marked the start of their springtime.

The story goes that, as part of the celebration, boys drew names of girls from a box. The duo were then paired and were boyfriend and girlfriend for the duration of the festival. Sometimes it led to marriage.

Many years later, when the church wanted to turn the festival into a Christian celebration, it decided to remember St. Valentine who martyred himself for love.

SO, 496 AD to present day… thatʼs a whole lot of years of disappointed significant others. Or was it? It dawned on me that in the beginning, it was love, pure and simple, that marked the day. When did it become commercialized? While Valentineʼs card giving had been a tradition for centuries in

England, it was here in the United States that gift-giving took form in the mid-19th century.

Today, Valentineʼs Day consumerism is big business. Last year, Americans spent $23.9 billion on the holiday. While an expensive evening out or jewelry marked a portion of the money spent, the majority of it (56%) was candy. Candy became a Valentineʼs staple in 1866, when Daniel Chase developed a machine that could press food dye letters onto the candy hearts that his brother Oliver created.

Conrad’s Confectionery is at 107 Westwood Ave.,Westwood.Call ( 201) 664-2895 or visit conrads1928.com.Hours are Monday –Saturday 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.,closed Sunday. Photos courtesy Richard Frant/FrantVisuals.

These Sweetheart candies still exist. Theyʼre the one with slogans such as “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me.” In the six weeks that they are on the market, around eight billion of them sell. Thatʼs a lot of candy hearts.

Conradʼs to the rescue LUCKILYFORME, I have a candy gem thatʼs just a few minutesʼdrive away from my home in the Northern Valley. Conradʼs Confectionery in Westwood was started by Fred Conrad, who came to the United States after being orphaned in South Africa during

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FROM PAGE 19

the Boer War. He took confectionery classes in New York City, and then opened the business in 1928.

In the 1930s, Jim Pouletsos, grandfather of the current owner JJ Krachtus, started working for Fred as a soda jerk (the kid behind the counter who operated the soda machine, preparing and serving soda drinks and ice cream sodas).

Jim soon left to serve his country in the United States Army, where he

Cupid’s Shopping Guide

— and Conrad’s, of course

was stationed in Europe during WWII.

Upon returning, Jim became a partner in Conradʼs. This partnership continued for some time until Fred sold his partnership to Jim and another partner, Kenny Fournier.

Soon Jim bought out Kenny, and he became the sole owner of Conradʼs.

In 1987, the next generation of the family, John and Corinne, took over the company. Their son JJ

became involved in the family business in 2005, when he began working alongside his parents. In 2015, JJ took over the ownership.

Thereʼs a feeling that one experiences when patronizing a family-owned generational company. I feel it as soon as I walk though Conradʼs door. Almost all of the candy is made right on the premises, and you can see the dedication that goes into each piece. The store retains an old-world charm. I can easily envision young couples in the 1950s sitting down, sharing an egg cream. The salespeople are warm, outgoing and

PASCACK VALLEY

helpful. They clearly care about each other, and their customers.

To add to that charm, Conradʼs experiences a metamorphosis over the calendar year. From fall through Easter, candy is Conradʼs main business and artistic chocolates line the shelves.

From spring to fall, itʼs ice cream. So after Easter, Conradʼs physically changes its establishment from a retail store, geared toward selling candy with no place for customers to sit down, to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain with counter and booths. Both designs are well

Sundial Garden Club meets Feb. 6

The next meeting of the Sundial Garden Club, Monday, Feb. 6, at 4 p.m., features a presentation by Lynne Proskow: “Regenerative Gardening: How You Can Help Create Biodiverse Ecosystems.”

The club meets at the Hillsdale Free Public Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave.

Proskow practices organic regenerative gardening using permaculture principles. She is passionate about healthy food, healing nature through eco-restoration, and teaching others the benefits of these gardening practices.

The club notes Proskow has

worth visiting, many times over.

I wandered in there recently with my daughter Sadie. The reception, as usual, made us feel like weʼve known the sales ladies for years. Extremely helpful to me, and thoroughly interested in Sadieʼs school activities, they exhibited no pressure to buy.

But I had come with a mission: I was searching for their chocolate nonpareils, my favorite. Iʼm planning to save them for Valentineʼs Day. I might even pick up my own bunch of red roses. This year Iʼll be my own hopeless romantic and shower myself with the staples of the holiday.

This year, I will finally experience a love/love relationship with Valentineʼs Day.

been a lifelong learner, “starting with a BA concentration at UMASS in Sustainable Food Systems. She has many certificates from various educational institutions in sustainable food, farming, and ecosystem restoration.”

The club says, “She is also a master gardener and works with seniors, garden clubs, Girl Scouts, and individuals to create pollinator gardens and organic vegetable gardens to increase biodiversity.”

The club says it “welcomes all gardeners and would-be gardeners from the Pascack Valley to this timely and informative lecture.”

Conradʼs Confectionery is at 107 Westwood Ave., Westwood. Call (201) 664-2895 or visit conrads1928.com. Hours are Monday — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Sunday.

— Tara McCann, a local mom and experienced seafarer, Hollywood producer, and magazine columnist, can be reached at PascackPress@ThePressGroup.net

Mm! Valentine’s Day tasting Feb. 8

Mayor Danielle DiPaola hosts a free, healthy Valentineʼs Day Tasting on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Emerson Senior Center.

Renowned Chef Michael Merida, winner of Food Networkʼs “Beat Bobby Flay” and owner of RockinʼRoots in Hills-

dale, is preparing delicious, healthy creations to sample, and will be sharing menu recipes to inspire nutritious delights to celebrate this special holiday.

Pre-registration, limited to the first 100 Emerson residents to RSVP, is required by contacting the Emerson Board of Health at

healthdepartment@emersonnj.org or (201) 262-6086 ext. 1213 through Feb. 3.

This event is sponsored by a grant from the Mayors Wellness Campaign, promoting healthy lifestyles in New Jersey communities. Please join in for this fun evening.

Music knows no language barrier, as is proven at Hillsdale House. Victoria King, a music therapy student intern from Montclair State University, leads music therapy at Hillsdale House. The residents shown are from South Korea, China, Syria, and Iraq.

Courtesy Lois Kohan, R.N.

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.

G Geet t t h he e R Reessuul l t s

The event had been a staple 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 to 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 chair-

man Mike Fusco 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

WESTWOOD

RIGCHECKSETTO INSPIRE EMS VOLUNTEERISM

Residents wanting to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps can attend a pre-shift rig check this coming Sunday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at 101 Washington Avenue, Westwood.

Generally, the volunteer emergency medical service welcomes any resident to attend the rig check the first Sunday of each month to get to know more about the ambulance squadʼs critical role responding to local medical emergencies.

Corps president Rush Sherman said “Each shift begins with a rig check. Crew members meet to prepare for the shift and ensure that the ambulance is ready for service. We will invite community members interested in becoming a

member to join us for this rig check so they can meet members, hear more about what it is like to serve in the corps and get a chance to see how the ambulance works.”

The corps is reaching out to recruit new members, with membership at 28 active members of a total 42 members, including lifetime members and college students, Sherman said.

He said in 2022, the corps staffed 1,995 shifts, responded to 589 ambulance calls, and provided 13,094 hours on call for the borough and mutual aid for nearby towns.

For more information write join@westwoodvolunteerEMS.org or call (201) 664-0003.

— Michael Olohan

Seniors meet Feb. 9

The Emerson Senior Citizens meet Thursday Feb. 9 at noon at the clubhouse, 20 Palisade Ave.

The Emerson Chamber of Commerce will present a program and speaker.

Elks Ash Wednesday Fish Fry

its annual Ash Wednesday Fish Fry — eat in or take out — at 523 Kinderkamack Road. The cost is $15.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

EMERSON

Power: 2023 Lady Cards rally, and win, vs. injuries

FROM PAGE 1

tice fractured her thumb and ended up getting surgery.

Kate Walsh has already stepped into the role left by Brown, averaging 17 points and 3.5 steals per game.

Fiona Doyle is a top defender, point guard, and fearless leader.

Victoria Eichler, a four-year player, adds team captain senior leadership.

Julianna Batelli already is a contributing freshman showing off excellent passing and rebound skill.

Ashlyn Geipel is another talented contributing freshman.

Rising to the challenge, Collis has shown he can go far in meshing together the talent he has on

hand, leaning on Walsh for scoring, and counting on Doyle for just about everything else. C ollis told us Jan. 31, “The girls have come together and made the most of it. Our girls play pretty much nine months of the year, and their hard work in the off season, and continued hard work during the season — even despite the challenges — have made for a successful season.”

He said, “With [Brown] kind of not being here, there was a moment for someone to take the reins on offense, and [Walsh] pret-

ty much stepped into that goal from the first game of the season, the first practice; sheʼs made it a point to improve her outside shooting, her ability to drive to the rim, and she does all of that.”

He said the timing of Brownʼs injury was “pretty hard — brutal” and said sheʼs about a month from being fully recovered. “Her progress is pretty good.”

Collis said Eichler, the teamʼs other senior, “has done a fantastic job being a captain on the court, and she has experience playing varsity and is a great source of stability and composure on the court.”

He said, “Sheʼs had two really big games against Mahwah, kind of one of our league rivals, and she scored 14 points each game — and definitely we need the additional

Give to ‘Soup’r Bowl’ on Feb. 12

NJSFWC/GFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is collecting soup on Soupʼr Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nicholas Markets Fresh Grocer in Washington Township.

The soup will be distributed to the local food pantries. All dona-

tions of soup, packaged or canned, will be greatly appreciated by those in need.

The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, an international womenʼs organization dedicated to communi-

offensive production and itʼs been extremely helpful from Victoria.”

Theyʼre doing something right. As of this writing the team has already won their first county tournament game and is preparing

for the States.

YOURTURN: Whatʼs your Pascack Press High School Sports Take? Submissions are welcome at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

ty improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, with members in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries. For more information about the Federation and the Womanʼs Club of Westwood, call (201) 916-1580.

Giulio’s Restaurant

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

DEAN’S LIST AND MORE: STUDENTACHIEVEMENT

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…

• Among students at Pennsylvania Western University, in California, Penn. who have been named to the Deanʼs List for the 2022 fall semester are our own Logan Mazzeo of Emerson and Erik Rank of Westwood. Rank studied at PennWestʼs Clarion Campus this semester.

•Congratulations to Jennifer Henry of Park Ridge. She was named to Southern New Hampshire Universityʼs fall 2022 Presidentʼs List.

• Nazareth College, in Rochester, N.Y., is proud to announce that Kelly Bottini of the Township of Washington has been named to the deanʼs list for the fall 2022 semester.

•Belmont University in

RIVER VALE

Nashville, Tenn. has announced the list of students recognized on the Deanʼs List for fall 2022, including Logan Applin of Park Ridge.

• Isabella Garabo of Hillsdale, a Class of 2023 Sport Management major at York College of Pennsylvania, was named to the Fall 2022 Deanʼs List. To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

• Centenary University in Hackettstown has announced its Deanʼs List for fall 2022. Among recipients: Michael Carmosino of Emerson.

• Jonathan Maul of Westwood was recently named to the Castleton (Vt.) University Deanʼs List for the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year.

•More than 2,500 students earned recognition for academic excellence on SUNY Cortland Deanʼs List for the Fall 2022

semester. The Deanʼs List is the highest ranking for undergraduate students in their respective academic areas of the university. Making the grade: Amanda Lacorazza of Emerson and Steven Riedel of Township of Washington.

• Samuel Miller of Emerson was among the nearly 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students conferred their degrees last month at the University of Iowa. Miller was a student in the College of Law whose program of study was law. The degree awarded was a Juris Doctor. Miller and fellow graduates engaged, excelled, and stretched to reach their goals-often overcoming the obstacles created by a pandemic.

• Elizabeth McCarthy, a resident of Westwood and majoring in sport and exercise physiology, made the 2022 Fall Deanʼs List at DeSales University in Center Valley, Penn.

Ravens tough, tenacious on the court

Four days after suffering one of their worst losses of the season, 26-12, against a big River Edge team, the third-grade girls Ravens held the same River Edge team scoreless and shotless throughout halftime —and held on for an 8-8 tie to remain 11⁄ 2 games out of second place.

Molly Cooper dominated by holding the top scorer to zero points. “Just doing my job to help

Westwood

200 Third Ave. 201-722-9822

• We are a 12 month school, offering 5 day and 3 day programs.

the team,” she said. The defensive unit had wrapped up 11 steals.

The Ravens followed with a fast-paced 14-6 win at Montvale. Brooke DeSantis took advantage of her extended minutes by outhustling and rebounding anyone near her.

Mackenzie Burke and Ariel Chavez have been steady all year, with Burke starting to break out

the last couple of games. Chavez is tough as nails and not afraid to take it to the hoop.

X-factor Velma Pellegrinos continues to be a force on both sides of the court.

With the season approaching the halfway point, this Ravens team is peaking and has a defensive unit that can shut teams down.

—Antonia Hroncich

Nor wood

• Allison Sandt of Park Ridge was one of more than 250 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Provostʼs List honors for the fall 2022 semester. Sandt is studying the music industry. To qualify for the Provostʼs List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

• Hofstra University congratulates the students named to the Fall 2022 Deanʼs List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Deanʼs List. Students to be honored from the Pascack Valley include Gavin Gertsen of Park Ridge, whose major is natural sciences; Alyssa Mattera of Emerson, whose major is physician assistant studies; and Isabella Matthews of River Vale, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies.

• Bucknell University has released the deanʼs list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year. Honored are Hillsdaleʼs David Oh, 2023, mechanical engineering and Jodi Siegel, 2025, undeclared; and Westwoodʼs Lexie Terjanian, 2024, business analytics.

• Commonwealth UniversityBloomsburg (Pa.) congratulates the more than 1,870 students named to the fall 2022 Deanʼs List, including Joseph Minuto from Westwood, who is a business admin/management BSBA major.

• The following students have been named to the Deanʼs List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2022 semester. Madeleine Diaz of Emerson, earning high honors; Katherine Haight of Emerson, earning high honors; Renni Johnson of Emerson, earning highest honors; and Molly Kimball of River Vale, earning honors.

• Susquehanna University congratulates its students named to the deanʼs list for the fall 2022 semester, including Tristan Costanza of Montvale and Sebastian Bortz of

• Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included.

• Age appropriate curriculum.

• State of the art security system.

• Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground.

•Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

Westwood.

• James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students from the Pascack Valley made the Deanʼs List for the fall 2022 semester: Michael Garay of Hillsdale, majoring in finance – BBA; Nicholas Pantaleo of Park Ridge, majoring in finance – BBA; Aisling Geraghty of Hillsdale, majoring in general psychology – BA; Kaleigh Higgins of Hillsdale, majoring in general psychology – BA; Jianna Varga of Township of Washington, majoring in health sciences – BS; Samantha Petrellese of Woodcliff Lake, majoring in media arts and design – BA; and Samantha Vassallo of River Vale, who is majoring in social work – BSW.

• Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., names students to the Deanʼs List for the fall 2022 semester. Kristina Gatto of Township of Washington, Kristen Kiernan of Westwood, and Lindsey Terjanian of Emerson.

•The following local students are named to the Muhlenberg College Deanʼs List for the fall 2022 semester: Steven Belloise and Dylan De Magistris of Emerson, Brendan Hughes and Matthew Manning of Park Ridge, Nicolas Messina of Hillsdale, Isabella Metzger and Isabella Stokes of the Township of Washington, and Ellsa Peabody of Westwood.

•James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following local students made the presidentʼs list for the fall 2022 semester: Payton Moran of Montvale, majoring in communication sciences and disorders – BA; Georgia Curcurato of Hillsdale, majoring in general psychology –BS; and Carly Borges of Hillsdale, majoring in sociology – BA.

—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.

at both locations!

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

Hopeful: Apple Montessori getting WT ducks in a row

FROM PAGE 1

The application, for 95 Linwood Ave., was originally submitted in September 2022 and has been undergoing review from Zoning Board professionals for completeness and applicant professionals,

application, site maps and photos, a traffic study, and documents including a “preliminary list” of zoning variances and waivers being requested.

Among the materials is a mockup of a “monument” style sign indicating “Apple Montessori

building height. For example, the variancesʼlist submitted by Dynamic Engineering Consultants of Lake Como notes maximum building height as 2.5 stories and 30 feet.

The applicant requests a variance due to its proposed structure

spaces are proposed. Waivers requested include five waivers on a Zoning Board checklist and a request for waivers on two items from a Planning Board checklist.

Brushed back by town over dropped DPW bid

Apple Montessori Schools was first interested in the 1.45-acre parcel and was pushed aside in early 2022 after the township placed a $1.35 million bid on the site, threatening condemnation if the owner did not negotiate with them.

Erica Amon, Apple Montessori Schoolsʼvice president of development, originally called into a council meeting last January and revealed the township was pursuing the property,

She also let Pascack Press know last year the company had submitted an application.

Documents submitted Jan.30 include preliminary and final site plan application,maps and photos,a traffic study,a preliminary list of zoning variances and waivers sought,and this sign concept.

The townshipʼs bid matched the prior Apple Montessori bid. However, following due diligence and site environmental reports that found remnants of underground piping from a prior gas station, the council unanimously voted in June 2022 not to purchase the property.

soil contamination, but residents here and in neighboring Paramus opposed the move, citing traffic, noise, pollution, and public safety issues.

Mayor Peter Calamari then proposed using 95 Linwood for a new police department headquarters but council and public sentiment was mixed. Eventually, faced with paying to further investigate contamination concerns related to a prior gas station use, the council voted to not purchase the property.

Amon told us that the private school will educate infants and toddlers, and feature preschool programs for a maximum of 154 children.

She said the school will have a “residential feel” and include a swimming pool.

She said last year that the plan is to keep the main school building “as far away from residents” as possible nearer the Garden State Parkway side of the property.

She said she hoped residents would see it as a “beneficial asset to the community” as opposed to a DPW building or a restaurant.

including engineers and planners.

The applicant has applied for a “D” or use variance to construct a school on a site currently zoned for single-family homes only, said officials.

A Pascack Press reporter scanned a box of application documents submitted Jan. 30, including a preliminary and final site plan

Schools / Summer Camp / Swimming Lessons / Phone Number / Ages 2–5 years.”

Zoning Board secretary Grace Kalish said the application documents would be posted when a hearing date is confirmed and documents arrive in digital format.

Preliminary variances cover front-yard setbacks and maximum

being two stories and 36 feet, 6 inches high. Under Parking Requirements, the applicant requests a variance from the parking space minimum of 180 square feet. Its proposed spaces are 162 square feet in size.

Other parking variances requested include a variance from the required 108 parking spaces; 34

In September, a school representative told Pascack Press that their environmental consultant had no concerns about site contamination when they submitted an initial site application last fall.

Initially, the council hoped to use 95 Linwood Ave. to site a new public works facility, after razing their DPW building due to toxic

She said their application includes a “full traffic study” and that the planned facility will be a two-story structure mostly hidden from neighbors by landscaping.

Apple Montessori Schools has been operating in New Jersey for 50 years, said Amon. She said 16 of its preschools operate in north and central New Jersey.

The former Charlie Brown’s restaurant at 95 Linwood Ave.,for lease for some time,drew strong interest from the Township of Washington as a purchase.It’s now the focus of plans by Apple Montessori Schools,which is preparing to appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a use variance.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

THE SAVVY SENIOR: How to cover dental care in retirement

BY JIMMILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, I had dental i nsurance through my work for many years but lost it when I retired and joined M edicare.

Where can retirees find affordable dental care?

—Uninsured Al

Dear Al, Unfortunately, about twothirds of U.S. retirees donʼt have

dental insurance today. Without coverage from traditional Medicare, and with private dental insurance typically costing too much to be feasible, most seniors are stuck paying full out-of-pocket prices every time they visit a dentist. While thereʼs no one simple solution to affordable dental care there are a variety of options that can help cut your costs. Hereʼs where to look.

• Medicare Advantage: While dental services are mostly excluded under original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage for dental

care, but itʼs usually very limited. Medicare Advantage plans are government approved health plans (usually HMOs and PPOs) sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. To shop and research Advantage plans in your area visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227.

• Dental insurance: If you have gum problems and need extensive dental care, a dental insurance plan may be worth the costs versus paying for care yourself. Monthly premiums for individual plans range from about $20

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

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show, “The Million Dollar Quartet” (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and others). Cost is $83 for club members, $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.

to $80. A typical plan includes two or three cleanings and checkups per year, but these plans will likely have a waiting period – anywhere from a few months to a few years – before coverage for more expensive procedures kicks in. To find dental plans in your area, see eHealthInsurance.com.

• Dental savings plans: While savings plans arenʼt as comprehensive as insurance, they are a good option for those who donʼt have dental insurance. How this works is you pay an annual membership fee – around $80 to $200 a year – in exchange for 10 to 60 percent discounts on service and treatments from participating dentists. To find a savings plan, go to DentalPlans.com (or 888-6325353) where you can search for plans and participating dentists, as well as get a breakdown of the discounts offered.

•Veterans benefits: If youʼre a veteran enrolled in the VA health care program or are a beneficiary of the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), the VA offers a dental insurance program that gives you the option to buy dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. The VA also provides free dental care to vets who

have dental problems resulting from service. To learn more about these options, visit VA.gov/dental or call 877-2228387.

• Cheaper dental care: Because prices can vary by dentist, one way to ensure you get a good deal on your dental care is to call multiple provides and compare prices. To get an idea of what different dental procedures cost in your area, see FairHealthConsumer.org. If youʼre paying cash, itʼs also perfectly reasonable to ask your dentist for a discount.

There also are health centers and clinics that provide low-cost dental care to those in need. And all university dental schools and college dental hygiene programs offer dental care and cleanings for less than half of what you would pay at a dentistʼs office. Students who are supervised by their professors provide the care. See TeethWisdom.org to search for a center, clinic or school near you.

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.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: ‘It’s all about creating good habits’

People have been asking me what they can do for depression and anxiety from all the doom and gloom of the news. I would start by unplugging the TV, computer, and cell phone. Take a social media break.

Most anxiety is caused by the nervous system being over-stimulated. The best way to help reduce anxiety is to relax the brain.

The most common stimulants are in beverages like coffee, tea, soda, juice, energy drinks, sports drinks, carbonated drinks, shakes, sugar-free drinks, milk, lemonade, and smoothies. The only healthy drink is water, but not carbonated water, smart water, or coconut water.

A better option is to add a touch of pink Himalayan salt and squeeze some organic lemon, lime, cucumber, or oranges in the water, or even heat it up and flavor it with some ginger, cinnamon, apple slices, or mint leaves.

Sugar and sugar replacements such as honey, syrup, stevia, high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, maltose, agave, corn syrup, corn fructose, xylitol, rice syrup, and many other sweeteners are stimulants.

Food dyes, food preservatives, food coloring, artificial sweeteners, natural flavors, and artificial flavors are also stimulants so look at all the labels. The easiest way to avoid these

products is to only shop on the outside of the supermarket. That is where you will find all your fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, poultry, fish, and meat.

Stay away from all the products in the aisles where food is stored in bags, cans, boxes, and containers.

Stay away from all food after 5 or 6 p.m. Eating or drinking at night will stimulate cortisol, which is the stress hormone and will increase anxiety and disrupt your sleep.

Another way to reduce cortisol production is to stay away from all electronics, including cell phones, after 5 p.m. The electronics emit a blue light which will increase stress and anxiety, as well as causing difficulty with focus and anger management, which will result in a short temper.

Try to unplug as much as possible and keep the electronics at least 6 feet away from you at night and always at least 6 inches away during the day.

Forming good health habits will also drastically decrease your levels of anxiety, as well as depression. For example, a very important tip to reduce depression is taking vitamin D to avoid seasonal affect disorder where people get depressed in the winter. Many people are already getting it now.

We really want to help so the first seven people that call my office at (201) 261-2150 will get a free vitamin D bottle, a free signed book (“Boost Your Brain Power: A guide to improving your memory and focus”) as well as a complete neurological

Ask the Dentist: Why save a back tooth?

Question: My dentist wants me to save my back tooth, but I donʼt feel I need it. I canʼt see it anyway. Do I really need to save it? P.L. –Montvale, NJ

Answer: There are many important reasons to save a back tooth (molar tooth). The back teeth are there for heavy chewing and crushing of food and are built for that purpose. Although you may not see the tooth, eventually that missing tooth will cause problems for your front teeth as forces are shifted forward and teeth move out of place. Additionally, other teeth behind or above/below a missing tooth space will shift and become crooked.

People often break other teeth shortly after losing a back tooth because the whole chewing mechanism is compromised when one part is missing. Think of a watch

evaluation at my office for $21 (normally $500).

This evaluation will help get to the root cause of your depression or anxiety and we will come up with natural solutions that do not have risks like certain medications.

To lift your mood at home immediately, start a routine that includes exercising every day, eating healthy, taking vacations, going in the sun, being in nature, avoiding sugar and alcohol, walking barefoot in the grass, going to bed before 10 p.m., getting off social media, detaching from your cell phone, writing in a journal, complimenting people, showing love to your family and friends, giving to charities, gardening, writing, telling jokes, volunteering, practicing mindfulness, reading everyday, listening to positive podcasts, breathing deeply, meditating, cleaning, praying, and laughing.

It is all about creating good habits. Even if you improve just 1% each week, at least you are going in a good direction.

The greatest thing about life is that every day is a new opportunity. Performing well today and living in the moment is a better option than worrying about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow.

The most important factor to reduce stress is to take action and come up with a plan. Set up your daily schedule to include your health. Every night before bedtime, say three things you are grateful to have in your life right now.

When you wake up, it is best to have a “health power hour.” Start with a simple stretching routine. Wash your face with cold water for 30 seconds. Swish coconut oil around in your mouth for 30 seconds to help kill off bacteria and viruses and then spit it all out. Drink a 12 ounce glass of warm lemon water. Read positive quotes or inspirational passages. Meditate for 10 minutes. Then partake in physical exercise for at least 30

functioning without one of its gears or a transmission working with part missing. The missing tooth will cause alterations in chewing patterns as the person compensates for the change.

Long term, tooth loss leads to bite collapse and facial deformity

Have you ever seen an elderly person chewing and having their nose look like itʼs going to touch their chin. This is the end result of bite collapse. Joint and muscle pain are also potential problems related to tooth loss and bite changes.

Teeth are often saved with a crown, root canal and other restoration, or if the tooth cannot be saved it can be replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. You should discuss your options with your dentist, but keeping that tooth you canʼt see is a wise investment.

For questions about this and other dental procedures contact Dr. Guller at askdrguller@aol.com or call (201) 391-5565.

minutes of either aerobic or weight resistance exercise.

Make sure you make your bed, clean your closet, do the dishes, take out the garbage and clean your car before you have to go to work or take care of the kids. If your house is clean and your body is healthy, your brain thinks clearer, and you will have less stress and anxiety.

Another easy brain hack to reduce stress and anxiety is gargling intensely for 30 seconds. The tragus part of your ear is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system so getting it pierced or stimulated properly can actually have a neurological benefit on some people. Swallowing, singing, whistling, blowing air, and rubbing your face can also have a calming effect on you and your children.

Great deal for February!

For more healthy habits and information about our in-office and virtual services, visit my website, www.kaplandc.com. For the month of February, we are offering a $21 neurological evaluation which is normally $500. Mention this ad and when you come to the office you will also get a FREE vitamin D bottle and a FREE signed copy of my book

WOODCLIFF LAKE

“Boost Your Brain Power: A guide to improving your memory and focus.”

Call today! Act fast!

Call us today at (201) 2612150 or email us at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to reserve your spot immediately as spaces are filling up quickly.

Everyone deserves to feel better, function better, and live better.

See my lecture!

Lastly, if you are interested, I will be giving a live lecture (also Zoom and recordings available) in River Edge on Feb. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the best ways to reduce depression and anxiety. It is normally $100, but for the first seven people that sign up, you can go to the seminar for only $49, plus get five other bonus seminars (that occur once a month) which cover sleep, energy, nutrition, inflammation, and improving memory and focus.

Letʼs connect!

Just call ot text (646) 221-6738 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com and say you are interested in the Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series for only $49.

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 Registration page by Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. For help, call the main office at (201) 930-5600 ext. 100.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

PASCACK VALLEY

ROBERT H. GULLER, D.M.D OF PASCACK DENTAL ARTS

ERIC KOHLMEIER

HOW TO RAISE KIDS WITH MONEY SMARTS

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about f inances—and thatʼs true for wealthy families and less affluent families alike.

Kids are smart enough to pick up on signals that their family may have more than others. But if the conversation stops at the benefits that money can bring, youʼre missing out on important life lessons. Theyʼre not really being taught how to be

financially responsible once they leave the house and become independent. What steps can parents take to teach both sensitivity and responsibility about money?

S tep 1: Find teachable moments. It can be difficult to find time to sit down and talk specifically about wealth, but natural opportunities to teach pop up every day.

For example, you can incorp orate financial responsibility into an impromptu math lesson about money: If you find something that originally cost $100 and itʼs on sale for 30% off, you can

ask kids how much the new price is—and, now that they are only spending $70, what they might do with the $30 thatʼs left.

Step 2: Take a lifelong view toward financial literacy. Every child, and especially those who will one day inherit substantial wealth, should have a tool kit of basic financial literacy skills by 18, including concepts such as how to spend, how to save, how to give, and the value of a dollar. This can start very early with an exercise as simple as a three piggy banks analogy. You encourage the child to divide any money

he or she receives into three piggy banks: spending, saving, and community/charity. This shows the concept of different types or purposes of money as opposed to all being for spending. Repeating this exercise can help ingrain the habit of saving regularly.

By late childhood or adolescence, parents can add concepts such as what it means to invest, what companies one might invest in, and how you assess risk with an investment.

You can encourage children in high school to think about college expenses logically by examining the costs and coming up with a credible college budget. Ask them to consider basic questions: What will you need in order to make this happen? What will the family need to supply, and what is the student expected to supply, in terms of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and normal spending money?

And parents and grandparents can continue to encourage responsible, long-term financial responsibility by giving young adults an incentive to begin saving for retirement early. If youʼre able, and they have earned income, offer to match what they save into a Roth IRA. Itʼs also wise to coax contributions to a 401(k) at work.

Step 3: Show your kids how itʼs done. Your childʼs healthy relationship with money begins with an open and honest relationship within a family that models

good money behavior. These discussions can be challenging, but the fruit is well worth the labor.

Stress education and expect them to do well in school. The parents who do really well in teaching financial literacy typic ally lead by example—they tend to be savers, and theyʼre more careful with spending money. Remember to be that example..

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax consequences. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state.

This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and prov ided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing D irector–Investments in Park Ridge at (201) 505-0472.

Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDIC-insured/not bank-guaranteed and may lose value.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered brokerdealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

© 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

We’ve been trained to serve your needs and solve your problems and, for the most part that’s what we do. Obviously, every case is not winable and every crisis doesn’t vanish over night...but appropriate measures taken at the right time can improve situations that once looked hopeless.

We care about our clients and we try to give them the very best that is in us. That’s our promise, so if you need legal help and don’t mind visiting a well used office...give us a call.

Academy: Body image issues in focus at Hills on Feb. 8

torted feelings and behaviors related to food and eating. They can have serious and often fatal consequences.

According to Jennifer Charnow, founder and organizer of PHHS PFA Parent Academy — an educational program for parents to address topics of importance related primarily to studentsʼsocial, educational, emotional or physical health — “Itʼs going to be an intimate evening. I hope that thereʼs a good turnout. Itʼs an extremely important topic.”

She told Pascack Press on Jan. 31, “All the time Iʼve been in school systems Iʼve never seen a program done on eating disorders and itʼs really such an important topic that is really overlooked and hits a lot of families — kids and parents.”

The local mom also is Woodcliff Lakeʼs Stigma-Free representative. She started the PFAParent Academy a handful of years ago in Woodcliff Lake.

“We focus a lot on opioid addiction as being the deadliest of mental health conditions but surprisingly, eating disorders comes in at the second highest toll, and in New Jersey alone more than 375,000 residents are affected by eating disorders,” Charnow said.

She added, “People donʼt like to talk about it because some people believe itʼs not real, some people believe itʼs something to feel ashamed about.”

She said, “My whole thing, everything I do: itʼs [about] stigma-free. We all have things that we deal with, and itʼs important to share them and get help and support each other.”

Charnow said the event is “for everybody; itʼs not just for kids, though kids are obviously welcome.”

She spoke to the rise of social media as fueling the rise of body image issues. “It plays a huge factor. Itʼs unrealistic, and kids are constantly comparing themselves to their friends, or people they see on TV, or TikTok-ers or Instagrammers.”

She said that beyond Graham and Mintz presenting, organizers nearly had the benefit of a youth

presenter from the school community. “Itʼs a very private thing and they just werenʼt ready.”

Other organizers of the event are Hills-Valley Coalition (led by Charnow and Jennifer Zimmerman), “an alliance of dedicated community members, who work to promote a stigma-free and substance-free environment for the families of Hillsdale, River Vale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake”; and

The Renfrew Center, whose “evidence-based treatment model emphasizes respect for the unique psychology of women, the importance of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and the belief that every patient needs to actively participate in their own growth and recovery.”

The facts are sobering. According to the Eating Disorders Coalition for research, policy, and action:

• At least 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime.

• Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups.

• Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness. “Someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder every 52 minutes.”

•There is relatively little U.S. federal funding for research on eating disorders.

There are four main eating disorders.

• Anorexia nervosa: Anorexia involves serious restriction of food and/or calorie intake and a

distorted vision of self as overweight even if underweight.

• Bulimia nervosa: Bulimia generally follows a binge–purge pattern of eating where an individual eats a large amount of food in a binge and then compensates for this with laxatives or diuretics, forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these actions.

• Binge eating disorder: Unlike with bulimia, binge eating disorder is not followed by purging

CHARNOW GRAHAM

behaviors and involves a loss of control over eating.

• Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): ARFID involves severely restricting the amount or type of food eaten, but unlike with anorexia, this is not due to a distorted body image.

The organization says that although eating disorders “have commonly been considered to mainly impact women and those in Western countries, studies show that men also develop eating disorders, and there is a high prevalence of eating disorders in Asia and developing Middle Eastern countries.”

Looking ahead, The Renfrew Center is marking Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 27 –March 5, with a campaign, “Weʼve

Got the Power,” which “aims to acknowledge the effects of societal pressures to look or live a certain way. We are constantly overwhelmed with messages of the ʻrightʼway to eat, how to best dress to hide our ʻproblem areasʼ and the next diet trend seems to always be right around the corner. The fact of the matter is, we live in a culture that makes it exceptionally difficult to find the freedom to simply be ourselves.”

The center says its campaign is “a call to action to wholeheartedly reject the messages which tell you you are not enough and to embrace yourself for all your eccentricities and imperfections.”

It says, “Find power in your vulnerability. Through a variety of interactive and engaging workshops and resources, Renfrew encourages you to give yourself permission to live fully in your body and celebrate everything that makes you you.”

Space for “Body Image Issues: Helping People to Love Themselves, Inside and Out” is limited. RSVP at https://forms.gle/vd3uYBSIhzfmlc5Z7

Pool registration starts Feb. 15

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

PARK RIDGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Swim club members want refunds

To the editor:

BELOWARE the board members and trustees for the [now defunct] Washington Township Swim Club as shown on its website. Each of these members has a fiduciary responsibility to act on behalf of the bond holders.

HILLSDALE

It is my opinion they are not being transparent with the funds received from the sale of the property and have certainly made no effort to communicate with the bond holders despite numerous unanswered emails.

It is unconscionable that there hasnʼt been a published reconciliation of how and where the funds received will be allocated and when the bondholders will receive their money. It is also difficult to understand why the board and trustees allowed the property to be sold below market value. Perhaps some closed-door meetings and private phone calls facilitated a flawed transaction.

If you are lucky to be one of

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

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

the existing bond holders and a township taxpayer, bear in mind that your tax dollars paid for the [townʼs recent acquisition of the] swim club [property], and the club will pay off your bonds and past due property taxes with the same money used to buy the club. (Yours). Such a deal! How many more months do we have to wait?

Iʼm available to review the financials and help assist with the reconciliation of the liabilities as compared to the money received.

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Cathy McCarter, president; Lorett a DeTitta, president; Kevin Dugan, treasurer; Theresa Petrov, secretary.

TRUSTEES: Heather Perin, Vinny Vinagre. Robert Bruno

Washington Township

Your turn! Join the conversation! See our Letters guidelines on Page 2 and sound off.

District: Tax hit could lessen

FROM PAGE 3

piping, and unit ventilators in each room. “A project that only addressed heat … that could cost many, many millions of dollars.”

Lombardy said if the referendum fails, the district will need to start planning again “for another referendum that will come with significant costs because so much work needs to be done.”

He said that process will take time to do planning, create drawings, get community feedback, and seek state education department approval, which could delay improvements needed “for two

PASCACK VALLEY

years or more. As time progresses conditions will remain stagnant or possibly deteriorate further, and over time the further we delay this project, the more likely it is we could see costs increase over time.”

In an email to Pascack Press on Jan. 30, he said, “George White has such significant needs that we cannot address them in the districtʼs annual budget. Bond funding would still be necessary, and that would require developing preliminary plans, making new cost estimates and submitting again for state approval.” He said, “The timeline would

be one to two years before a public referendum, which puts us into pricing of 2024, action in 2026, and completion in 2028 of work on this long-standing challenge for the Hillsdale community.”

He said should renovations be required at the middle school, students would be housed in “modular classrooms” or trailers for possibly two years at up to $4 million. He said there would be “no return” on the money spent on trailers, and noted they were not ideal for students during class changes and inclement weather. He also raised safety and security concerns.

Rotary Club scholarship deadline nears

The Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation is pleased to announce it is again granting college scholarshipsto local high school students.

Scholarships are available to senior students who live in Park Ridge, Montvale, or Woodcliff Lake.

The service club will select recipients based upon need, scholastic ability, and contributions to the school and the community.

Moreover, one scholarship is available for an eligible Park Ridge High School senior majoring in education. This scholarship is in memory of Dr. Robert Balentine, former superintendent of Park Ridge High School, who was a member of the Park Ridge Rotary Club for more than 40 years.

The completed application with supporting documents should be submitted no later than April 15.

Students will be notified of results in early June. The club will notify schools of a scholarship recipient(s) in advance of presenting the awards at senior assemblies.

For applications, see the guidance departments of Park Ridge High School, Pascack Hills High School, and St. Joseph Regional High Schools, or download the application PDF via parkridgerotaryclub.org

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

Quick and easy ways to give your kitchen a new look

Kitchens are often described as the busiest rooms in a home.

Kitchens are where meals are prepared and tend to be go-to gathering spots on holiday get-togethers and during other events when homeowners host family and friends.

With so much time spent in the kitchen, itʼs easy to see how homeowners might grow a little bored by these rooms. The cost of a kitchen remodel wonʼt be cheap, as the home improvement resource Angi.com notes that the typical cost of such a project in the United States is between $13,000 and $38,000. Angi.com estimates even indicate that a high-end remodel could cost homeowners as much as $61,000. Thatʼs beyond many homeownersʼbudgets. But the good news is that there are many

quick and easy, not to mention less expensive, ways to give a kitchen a new look.

• Repaint and restyle the cabinets. Cabinet space is an undeniably precious commodity in a kitchen, especially as more and more homeowners embrace their inner chef and cook more complicated meals at home. After all, the more expansive a home chefʼs culinary repertoire, the more space that person needs to store all the tools of the cooking trade.

A full cabinet replacement is unnecessary if the cabinets are still functional and not overcrowded, so repainting them can be a great way to give the kitchen a new look while keeping costs reasonable.

During the painting project, homeowners can install new cabinet knobs and/or drawer pulls to freshen up the style of the cabinets even further.

• Install under-cabinet lighting. Another inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look is to

install under-cabinet lighting.

Under-cabinet lighting serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, under-cabinet lighting can

make a kitchen feel more warm and keep the kitchen illuminated when meals arenʼt being prepared and homeowners donʼt want to have their overhead lights on but still want to be able to navigate the kitchen safely. During meal prep, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate counters so itʼs easier to chop, peel and perform other prep tasks.

• Replace the backsplash. Replacing backsplash is another simple, inexpensive and effective way to give a kitchen a new feel. Homeowners can opt for something neutral that wonʼt upset their existing decor or go with a more bold backsplash that immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. This simple job can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer and the cost of new backsplash wonʼt break the bank.

• Replace seating. Whether you have an island countertop with bar stools or a breakfast nook with cushioned seats, replacing the seating is a budgetfriendly job that can create a new look when entering the room.

Countertop bar stools come in many styles, so giving this area of the kitchen a new feel can be as simple as shifting from classic, high-back stools to more modern swivel stools with a chrome base. For the breakfast nook, replacing a light-colored bench cushion with a bolder alternative can instantly transform the look of the space.

Kitchen remodels can break the bank. But a host of budgetfriendly ways will see cost-conscious homeowners revitalize these popular spaces in their homes.

Install uplighting beneath kitchen cabinets for an inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look.

Handle a lengthy renovation with confidence

The global pandemic reignited peopleʼs passions for home renovations, as they directed dollars that would normally have been spent elsewhere into the places where they were now spending the most time — their homes. According to the 10th Annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 70,000 respondents in the United States, higher-budget projects cost around

$85,000 or more in 2020, compared with $80,000 in the two years prior. Kitchen projects were the most popular among renovat-

renovation projects understand that a certain measure of upheaval is to be expected, but some may not fully anticipate the impact that renovations have on daily life. The following are some tips for making it through a lengthy renovation.

• Discuss the timeline with contractors. It may be easier to make a plan for how much life will be disrupted if you have an idea of how long the renovation will be (if everything goes according to plan). Sit down with contractors and have them spell out the minutiae of the project so youʼll be able to anticipate whatʼs going on dayto-day.

• Start at the right time. Some contractors may say they can fit your project into their schedules in between other jobs. While this may seem convenient and timely, your work may be put on hold if there are delays with the

other job or jobs. Instead, it may be better to hold off until the contractors can devote the bulk of their attention to your renovation.

• Recreate commonly used spaces elsewhere. A kitchen or a bathroom remodel often requires giving up spaces that are used throughout a typical day. Unless you have a spare full bathroom or kitchen, youʼll need to make due. Set a microwave, tabletop electric burner and a coffee pot on a folding table in the garage or utility room. Rent or purchase a small refrigerator where you can store a few necessities. Ask your contractor to set up a makeshift outdoor shower so you have a place to get clean when the bathroom is under construction.

• Pack up and cover. Remodeling one room may cause a trickle down effect on other areas. Dust from drywall sanding can infiltrate

many rooms in the home. Pack and label boxes with items not immediately needed and store them in another area. Cover most things so a film of dust wonʼt form on them.

• Adjust your schedule. Sleeping in will be a thing of the past for the duration of the renovation, as may be working from a home office. Try to get out of the work zone as much as possible for new scenery and respites from the noises and smells.

• Ease up on cleaning standards. Itʼs challenging to keep a home clean during a renovation. Relax standards and expect a mess for some time. Explain to guests what theyʼll find if they drop by.

Renovations can disrupt life, but often are well worth the sacrifices homeowners must make to see them through to completion.

ing homeowners. Even though many COVID19-related restrictions have lifted and life has largely returned to regular programming, renovations remain a popular investment. Homeowners embarking on home

Take charge of the battle plan and you’ll come out on top in a lengthy renovation project.

WT: Town wants second opinion on traffic flow

FROM PAGE 8

intersection and vehicles generated by a proposed strip mall, including cars and delivery trucks, would not affect that.

At the proposalʼs Dec. 20 third hearing, at least a half-dozen residents questioned Deanʼs conclusions, and resident Leonard Sabino (also Planning Board Vice Chair) previously had called for an independent traffic study on the proposed retail strip mall. Dean said then he had “no problem” with an independent traffic study to review his findings.

On Jan. 24, more than a dozen residents questioned Dean and many raised concerns that the studyʼs manual traffic counts did not take into account township warnings and message boards that advised motorists to avoid the intersection due to expected construction delays.

Newly elected Zoning Board chair Michael DeSena also raised the issue. He said residents were told to “avoid [the] intersection at all costs” and called that “a big factor” in peopleʼs minds about why future traffic flows might increase more post-construction.

Dean estimated that “maybe 20 percent paid attention to the signs” and noted that there are “always variations in traffic flow”

day to day. “We are trying to incorporate engineering and human behavior … we do our best.”

Dean said that the ITE data used to project traffic flows included 25 studies of strip malls under 40,000 square feet of retail space. He could not say whether any studies were from Bergen County, although some studies were from New Jersey, with locations unspecified. Other strip malls studied were in Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Wisconsin, Vermont, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Canada.

Braeburn Drive, Northgate Condominiums, resident James Case questioned Dean on how many cars will be returning to the intersection when improvements are complete.

He also asked if different types of retail stores generate different traffic volumes, such as a fast-food store or coffee shop.

Dean said that the ITE data includes data generated from other similar strip malls but does not include traffic data generated by specific types of retail stores. Applicant Attorney Bruce Whitaker previously said no tenants are signed up for the mall and wonʼt be unless the application is approved.

Case questioned why Dean

said the site was “particularly well-suited” for a strip mall and Dean cited the existing two busy county roads and ongoing intersection improvements. Case criticized Dean for not knowing an estimate of how many more cars would traverse Pascack–Washington on a monthly and yearly basis from the proposed strip mall.

Braeburn Drive resident Susanne Sloan attempted to offer information on accidents occurring at Pascack–Washington intersection and was told she must submit the data before a hearing to the Zoning Board secretary and that the data must be authenticated.

Generally, following expert or professional testimony before the Zoning Board, the public may only ask questions of a professional related to their testimony, without offering personal opinions or unsubstantiated data or reports unknown to the applicant.

However, the public is permitted to offer personal opinions, commentary, and specific criticisms of the application, and applicant experts, at the final hearingʼs public comment period.

Amherst Drive resident Diane Ferrara asked that the application be paused until the intersection improvements are done and regular traffic returns.

However, board attorney

Gary Giannantonio told her that board members were under “certain time restraints” to act on the proposal and he would defer to the board traffic expertʼs report at the next meeting.

Summing up, Dean told Whitaker that the current “F” level of service at the nearby intersection will improve to a “C” level of service, after county upgrades are completed. The Dolan & Dean study notes “F” service level as an 80-second or greater delay at a traffic signal, while a “C” level of service is a signal delay greater than 20 seconds but less than 35 seconds.

Let

Dean previously said that the proposed site plan, including entryways and driveways, was approved by the county engineering and planning department. Both Pascack Road and Washington Avenue are Bergen County roadways.

The next meeting, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., will likely feature testimony and questions on the boardʼs independent traffic study, plus testimony by Applicant Planner Paul Grygiel, and board and public questions if time allows. Check the Zoning Boardʼs Feb. 28 online agenda for details.

Club News?

Three towns team up for study on Tri-Boro EMS need

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

With Montvaleʼs approval Jan. 31 to fund a $15,000 consultantʼs study of the challenges facing Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, public officials in all three towns, including Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, should be discussing the studyʼs findings soon on ways to support and sustain the volunteer ambulance corps.

Officials told Pascack Press that they expect the study back within 45 to 60 days, based on the consultantʼs timeline.

Late last year, the corps had appealed to all three towns for $100,000 each to help fund a volunteer stipend program that would pay volunteers dedicating at least 60 hours per month a stipend of $750. The towns have been meeting regularly since and consider-

June HAVRILIAK

June Havriliak, 93, of Spring Valley, N.Y. passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2023, at Pascack Valley Hospital. She is survived by her three children

Damian (Joanna), Roman (Karen) and Mark, and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence. Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood on Feb. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 with a service from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Burial on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, 64 W Church St., Spring Valley, N.Y.; repast to follow

ing options.

Prior to Jan. 31, both Woodcliff Lake and Park RIdge had approved equal $5,000 appropriations to fund the study. Montvaleʼs Borough Council approved its $5,000 last, but also put aside another $15,000 in its budget for a volunteer stipend program proposed by the corps to help retain volunteers who dedicate 60 hours or more monthly.

“The study will tell us what the (volunteer ambulance) service needs, and where itʼs short in equipment and other services,” said Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali. He said the towns prefer to keep the Tri-Boro squad a volunteer operation. “I am positive that weʼll keep it on an all-volunteer basis. We donʼt want to go to a paid service.”

The study will be conducted by EMS Consulting Services of Berlin, N.J.

The proposal notes the consulting firm, “possess strong capa-

Rita C. FOLEY

bilities and broad experience assisting customers in assessing their current environment, formulating new and creative tactical and strategic alternatives, and implementing positive change. Our staff is comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive emergency and technology management experience to benefit the municipality.”

The proposal adds, “With the approval and direction of Woodcliff Lake, Montvale and Park Ridge, EMS Consulting Services through facilitated discussions of focused groups, interviews, documentation supplied by the agency and relevant stakeholders will assess the emergency medical services of the three communities. When appropriate, national, state,

OBITUARIES

al loving nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and neighbors, both in the United States and Ireland.

Rita C. Foley (née Cullinane), 91, of Park Ridge was called home on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 passing peacefully with her loving children by her side. Beloved wife of the late Edward Foley, Sr., for 45 years.

Devoted mother of daughters Bernadette (husband Rick) and Susanne (husband Bill) and sons, Declan, Edward and Patrick.

Loving sister of Norah (Nonie) (husband Frank) and her brother Patrick (PJ) (wife Teresa).

Cherished grandmother of Anthony, Ryan and Jaclyn.

Rita is also survived by sever-

In addition to her parents, Ellen and Michael, Rita was predeceased by her dear siblings: Thomas, Eileen, Bernadette (husband John) and Frances (Francie) (husband Edward).

Rita, born and raised in the soft, green fields of County Galway, Ireland, completed her education at the Royal Hospital School of Nursing in England. After working as a registered nurse and midwife in Dublin she emigrated to the United States in 1959 to work at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

After raising her children she continued her nursing career as a private nurse, until retirement.

She loved being outside, tending to her garden and enjoyed tak-

ing daily walks in all weather. Her greatest joys were cooking for her family, reading and writing, watching football with her sons, and displaying the flag of her adopted country.

A devout Catholic, she regularly attended a bible study and prayer group. She was a cherished wife, mother, mother-in-law, and Nanaloo, and will be deeply missed.

Visitation 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb 5 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. Funeral Mass 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 at R. C. Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, Pearl River, N.Y. Interment follows in Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, N.Y

Mary E. MATTES

Mary E. Mattis (née Princiotto), 72, of Cape May and formerly of Woodcliff Lake, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

Born in Queens N.Y., Mary was the eldest of five siblings. They spent the majority of their childhood in Allendale, where many great memories were created.

Mary will be dearly missed and forever loved by her family, which includes her husband of 50 years, Peter Mattes; three sons, Justin Mattes, Christopher (and Natalie) Mattes and Petey (and Susan) Mattes; siblings, Sal (and Debbie) Princiotto, Charles N. Princiotto Jr., Geraldine DiLorenzo and Matthew (and Shannon) Princiotto; two grandchildren, Zander and Quinn; as well as nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Maryʼs life, relatives and friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb 3 at the Robert Spearing Funeral

and regional benchmarks, as well as best practices, will be compared to the agencyʼs core attributes,” states the three-page proposal letter.

According to its scope of work, the EMS study will address system operational demographics, including a review of operations and projected/forecasted department plans;a review of strategic partners, with structure look; and an overview of the EMS environment.

The study will look at TriBoroʼs financials.

The third part will look at “EMS system deployment” including a review of the structure, and the system status plan such as staffing and available resources.

The fourth element studied will be technology in EMS including current and future trends; and technologyʼs impact on patients, the overall system, and system stakeholders.

Home Inc.,155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Alzheimerʼs Association or the American Cancer Society.

Dino FAVETTA

Dino A. Favetta, 64, of Park Ridge, was called home to God on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Beloved husband of Marylou Talafous for 42 years. Devoted father of Michael and his fiance Stephanie of Bayside, Queens; Christine of Kaua'i, Hawaiʼi; and Nicole and her husband Adam Fallacaro of River Vale. Loving grandfather (Nunu) of Serafina, 3.5, and Lucia, 1.5. Dear youngest brother of Antonio of Jersey City and Marcel of Pennsylvania. Proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. Born in Jersey City to the late Carmela and Anthony, he moved to Park Ridge this summer after 35 years in Hanover Township, Morris County.

Dino was a self-employed chemical and electrical engineer and for 30 years was an adjunct professor at his alma mater Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 32 years, becoming a fourth-degree member with the Whippany Council.

Dino enjoyed a life of travel and listening to the Beatles with his wife, filled with love, laughter, and all things Disney with his children and grandchildren, and shared a passion for food, wine, and the New York Giants with friends.

His stories, wisdom, patience, wit, and love will be deeply missed,

SHERIFF REMINDS YOU TO LOCK YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicle thefts are up 25% in New Jersey. To curtail vehicle thefts, especially in Bergen County, the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office will showcase bumper sticker magnets on marked vehicles, reminding drivers to take their key fobs when exiting their vehicles.

“Vehicle thefts are at a high in our county. Itʼs imperative for drivers to make sure they are in possession of their keys and key fob to deter motor vehicle thefts and/or other crimes of opportunity,” Sheriff Anthony Cureton said.

RIVER VALE

The Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office tips to help combat the uptick of vehicle thefts and breakins:

•NEVER leave your key fob in your vehicle.

•Many luxury vehicles have side mirrors that fold inward once the key fob is no longer in the vehicle. This is an easily visible sign for would-be thieves

•Lock your car doors and keep windows up while vehicle is parked

•For extra security, install a car alarm or steering wheel lock

LINKING HEARTSTEENS BRINGJOYTO JEWISHHOME

Middle school teens from Valley Chabadʼs Linking Hearts program visited the Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale on Tuesday, Jan. 17 for an intergenerational program.

The group made clay art and kosher bingo, learning about the traditional customs of keeping kosher.

The group meets monthly on Tuesday afternoons at the Jewish Home. The program is open to all middle school teens regardless of affiliation — the requirement is the desire to do a mitzvah and bring joy to seniors.

Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative offers a wide range of volunteering and community service programs for middle and high school teen throughout the Pascack Valley and Saddle River

community.

Call (201) 476 0157 or visit valleychabadteens.org

•Remove valuables from your vehicle

• Store accessory items, including phone chargers and dash

WESTWOOD

mounts, in glove compartment or trunk •If applicable, turn on outside lights around your residence

Keep your residence doors locked

The Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office notes itʼs dedicated to protecting and serving our community.

‘Bigger than Roe’ rally draws allies

On Jan. 22, marking 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the constitutional right to a womanʼs right to choose in Roe v. Wade, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and other prominent voices joined the North Jersey community and local elected officials at the “Bigger than Roe — Womenʼs Rally” in Westwood.

FROM PAGE 38 but never forgotten. Visitation is on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2 to 7 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A Mass celebrating Dinoʼs life will be held on Monday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale. Private cremation service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus at kofc.org or mailed to the Knights of Columbus Council 6904, PO Box 37, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Following the Supreme Courtʼs new decision, in Dobbs vs. Jackson Womanʼs Health Organization, Gottheimer announced action to protect a womanʼs right to choose, including against new legislative threats to in vitro fertilization (IVF), to protect womenʼs data and privacy on reproductive health apps, and to push to fully codify Roe v. Wade in federal law.

Gottheimer said, “I want to be clear: I will always oppose any attempt by those in Washington or around the country to roll back the clock and stand between a woman and her doctor, or her faith, when making personal health care choices.”

He said, “A bunch of lawmakers forcing their way into a womanʼs doctorʼs office is an egregious and unwarranted breach of personal privacy that puts a womanʼs life and health care at risk. The Supreme Courtʼs dan-

gerous ruling last year ended 50 years of precedent and is now having grave widespread consequences.”

Gottheimer, a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, said, “Here in Jersey, we protect — and will continue to protect a womanʼs right to choose. All women have a fundamental right to make health care decisions about their own bodies, lives, and futures. This is just common sense, and what most Americans believe is right. We canʼt allow extremism to win. We must fight

to defend a womanʼs right to choose.”

Gottheimer was joined by Bergen County Commissioners Tom Sullivan, Germaine Ortiz, and Mary Amoroso; Westwood Councilwoman Erin Collins; other local leaders; and members of the North Jersey community

The State of New Jersey has codified the freedom of reproductive choice into law. Gottheimer has cosponsored and voted for the Womenʼs Health Protection Act, which the House passed in 2021 to codify Roe v. Wade into law.

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.

Kitchen Cabinet installers helper. Must have basic knowledge of tools. Valid drivers license. Ken Bauer Kitchens, Hillsdale NJ (201)664-6881.

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

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

F/T POSITION – HILLSDALE BOROUGH. The Borough of Hillsdale Department of Public Works is seeking qualified applicants for a permanent full-time Laborer position. Duties will include but not be limited to buildings and ground maintenance, grass cutting, operating a variety of motor vehicles including automated and rear load trash trucks, dump trucks and other equipment used in public works services, assisting in the snow and ice removal operations, collection of leaves, repairing potholes, repairing water main breaks and service leaks etc. Applicant will be required to work scheduled and emergency overtime. Must possess a valid Class B (CDL) license or if hired be able to acquire license within one year. Driver history will be checked upon hire. Public works experience is preferred. Applicant must have the ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with employees and the general public. Applicant will be required to submit to employment drug/alcohol screening, both pre-hire and randomly upon hire. Employment applications are available at www.hillsdalenj.org or at 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ. To apply, please complete a job application from our website and submit to the DPW Superintendent at dhayes@hillsdalenj.org or you may drop off your application at 380 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ 07642 by Feb. 10, 2023. The Borough reserves the right to interview candidates prior to the expiration of the job posting. EOE.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D Food Service/Lunch Aide positions available - in our K-8 unique lunch program. Duties include food prep, cooking, serving, cleanup and computer entry. Position is available five days per week, 3 hours per day. Substitute lunch positions also available. Criminal background check and fingerprinting required upon hiring. Send brief resume to Debra Rinaldi at rinaldid@nvnet.org or apply online.

Josh Gottheimer,a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus,lends his voice to the “Bigger than Roe — Women’s Rally”in Westwood on Jan.22.

(Courtesy photo)