Pasack Press 3.13.23

Makers Day

ZBA GETS PRESCHOOL REQUESTS FOR 95 LINWOOD

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

An application to construct an Apple Montessori preschool/daycare for up to 154 toddlers at 95 Linwood Ave. — where a defunct Charlie Brownʼs restaurant stands gets its first Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on Monday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The session format is hybrid, via Zoom and in-person at Town Hall.

Last year, the township pursued the siteʼs purchase only to back off after a consultant found remnants of piping linked to prior gas pumps housed at the site.

See ZBA on page 33

CITIZENS of the YEAR —

CITIZENS of the YEAR —

Chamber 2023 awards dinner April 25

HILLSDALE

HILLSDALE VOTES TUESDAY,

MARCH 14

Voters head to polls on $82.7 million question over new middle school

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

The boroughʼs 8,000-plus registered voters may head to polling stations at Ann Blanche Smith School and Pascack Valley High School on Tuesday, March 14 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote yes or no on approving an $82.7 million school bond to replace the century-old George G. White Middle School.

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

CONGRATULATIONSTO

T he Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce 2023 Citizens of the Year: the Napoletano Vitale family and Dee Gillen.

Theyʼll be honored at the 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at Seasons Catering, Township of Washington.

The 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner will feature

a silent auction in addition to dinner, drinks, and the awards program to help raise more funds for the GPVCOC, The Black Poster Project, Graceʼs Gold Ribbon Gang, and the Chamber.

The non-profit GPVCOC promotes the business and community interests of the greater Pascack Valley including Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Westwood,

TO THE RESCUE

River

Vale, Washington Township, Oradell, Old Tappan and Emerson. It says John Vitale and

Continued on page 29

District finance officials have also said bond costs are likely to be refinanced over its 30-year term, reducing the burden on local taxpayers. If the bond referendum is approved, the district will receive $5.4 million in state aid to construct a new middle school.

School district officials, including superintendent Robert Lombardy and school board president Nicole Klas, spoke to Pascack Press March 7 and urged undecided voters to visit the districtʼs Road To Referendum portal (hillsdaleschools.com/referendum).

Both emphasized that the 100See SPECIAL on page 34

Bckintime...

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake

Probationary members of Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service and members of River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps support Pascack Valley High School blood drive.

Trustees of the Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge donate a spar of the USS Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, home to the USS Maine Mast Memorial.

4

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Citizens of the Year are the Napoletano Vitale family (above:John Vitale, Joe and Cheryl Napoletano, the late Grandma Trudy, and Alissa Vitale, standing); and at right: Dee Gillen.

Ramadan coverage connects

To the editor:

PASCACK PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ramadan,” John Snyder, March 6, 2023.) I canʼt put in words how grateful I am for your support. Because of you, many Muslim and non-Muslim community members, Zakiʼs school parents, and people from Pascack Valley reached out to me to tell me how proud they were of me.

Township of Washington about 34 years ago. I created a group chat to connect all Muslim families in town. Once I added her, she connected with a friend that she lost touch with about 30 years ago. They realized theyʼre both in the same town.

not be receiving the amount of s tate aid as compared to the amount of money that would be received if [the] current school [were] updated. Board of Education admitted ignoring the middle school for years and only focused on the two elementary schools.

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.

Thank you so much! Hope to see you and your family on March 19 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

Most of all, Zaki was so proud of me.

A lady called me after she read that article. She was the first Muslim family that moved to

Saba Khan Township of Washington

Alternatives to school referendum

To the editor:

IMPERATIVETHAT we all go out and vote March 14. Childrenʼs safety and environmental issues are at stake as well as substantial increase in property taxes due to proposed new school which will

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face leading to more injuries. Also, not environmentally friendly being a hotter surface, provides no oxygen and does not percolate at the same rate as natural grass. Playground areas at the elementary schools and parks are covered in materials to prevent children from injury yet artificial turf is a material proposed for the middle school and Veterans Fields. Artificial turf has a limited life expectancy. Not all material is recyclable and will have to be replaced at a much higher cost within the proposed bond of 30 years.

After being approached at the Feb. 11 presentation at George White the representatives present from the Board of Education did not know the year the present gym was added, did not know when the windows were replaced, did not know the age of heating system.

As far as classroom size George White can be expanded both up and/or out. Another alternative is including the 5th grade in the elementary schools from the present grades 1–4 to 1–5, leaving the middle school with grades 6–8. This works for other towns.

Approached as to the ballfieldʼs relocation to the present school grounds which will be 11,000 square feet less and closer to private homes and the church. I was told they did not have a plan for its layout on the artificial turf. Present field has room for two ballfields, soccer and basketball.

T HANKYOU so much for the beautiful article in the Pascack Press (“A first: Crescent lighting ceremony March 19: Families invited to help celebrate CONTINUED

During this project there will be no ballfield available for approximately four years; two years on construction site and the remaining time for demolition of school and installation, of new ballfield. Both children and adults use the area for gym, lunch and after school/weekend activities.

Artificial turf is a harder sur-

In addition, Hillsdaleʼs Borough Council proposes a community center be built in an existing flood zone on Piermont Avenue which will need flood insurance, furnishings, maintenance cost, property insurance, security, salaries and benefits. New school, artificial turf, new community center. How much more will this add to property taxes; $1,500 or $2,000 more a year.

Not included are the annual increases in taxes: municipal tax, Pascack Valley H.S. tax, Board of Education tax, and county tax. After take-home pay how many hours will you have to work to cover these expenditures?

Community center proposed to be provided by new development on Patterson Street. Why would we build another one?

Lorraine Thalmann Hillsdale

Special officers OK’d for three schools

The Borough Council unanimously passed two ordinances Feb. 28 for hiring up to five special law enforcement officers — retired, armed police officers — for the school districtʼs two elementary schools and high school.

The officers likely will be in place by May at a starting salary of $35 per hour, borough administrator and clerk Maggie Giandomenico told us.

The ordinances set the hourly pay rate at $35 to $50 per hour and set the maximum number of SLEOs to be hired at five officers.

No public comments were offered on either ordinance

approved to hire the special officers. These officers will be the first armed officers to be hired for local schools.

Giandomenico told Pascack Press that three officers will be hired for the school year ending in June. She said the three special officers will likely be rehired under a contract for 2023–2024 beginning in September 2023 and ending in June 2024.

She said the borough is paying the officersʼsalaries but will be reimbursed by the school district. One officer will be stationed each at East Brook and West Ridge elementary schools and at

Park Ridge High School.

Mayor Keith Misciagna said Feb. 28 that initially only three SLEOs would be hired, though the ordinance allows for up to five.

Giandomenico said officers would generally work an eighthour school day, plus extra hours, when necessary, for after-hours school-related activities.

Councilman Matt Capilli thanked fellow council members for “working with the schools” and approving the hiring of special law enforcement officers. “I think itʼs really important, unfortunately, that we have to talk about it these days but that is the state of

Mayor updates on big town projects

Bid specifications for construction of the new DPW facility will likely go out by June as the first step to soliciting contractor bids for a new public works complex behind town hall, said the mayor on March 6.

Mayor Peter Calamari said he had recently met with Boswell Engineering, Arcari Iovino Architects, and Administrator Mark DiCarlo to discuss next steps for the facility.

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

An early 2022 effort to purchase 95 Linwood Ave. as a site for a new DPW fizzled when remnants of piping from gasoline tanks was detected and additional investigation was recommended. In June 2022, the council withdrew its $1.35 million offer.

In December, Arcari Iovino estimated a 10,000 square foot building, although the two designs presented in February showed approximately 7,960

square feet of space.

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

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

In other news, Calamari said the Recreational Advisory Board and Boswell Engineering held their first on-site meeting at the former swim club on Ridgewood Boulevard North to discuss property uses. He said “many ideas were expressed” for recreational activities and Boswell is researching which ideas may be possible. He did not provide specifics.

He said the administration

would be soliciting estimates for cleanup of dead and downed trees on the 6.1-acre site. He said once those are received and evaluated, he will come back to council with a recommendation to fund a site cleanup. He said after the initial site cleanup is complete, “Weʼll reach out to the community to do a more general cleanup of the property.”

Council president Desserie Morgan asked if members will get the opportunity to offer suggestions for recreation activities.

“Oh, definitely,” replied Calamari.

On the Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection upgrade project, he said Verizon had completed moving wires from old poles onto new poles and removed the old poles.

He said the contractor would resume work soon and anticipated a spring completion of intersection improvements.

He suggested residents check the township web page and Facebook page daily to stay updated on detours.

— Staff writer Michael Olohan

affairs in our country.”

In other business, council approved a tax-exempt status for a local disabled veteran, Darren OʼDonovan; approved a Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) pension donation for eligible local emergency fire and

ambulance responders; and approved an “emergency temporary appropriation” of $40,000 for acquisition and installation of athletic field amenities and sports equipment acquisition.

— Staff writer Michael Olohan

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Park Ridge Rotary Club celebrates anniversary, allies

PASCACKVALLEY

Park Ridge Rotary Club, serving Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake, held an intimate Recognition of Community Giving and Outreach dinner Feb. 23, honoring local organizations and individuals for making a difference through community service and giving.

The event, at Hearth & Tap, Montvale, was a birthday party as well: Rotary International just reached a sunny 118 years young. The organization, started by Paul Harris, has seen generations of members create access to education, empower communities, push polio to the brink of eradication and improve

See ROTARY on page 5

March 7,from left,retired

USSMaine relic donated to Arlington

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS PARKRIDGE

“REMEMBER the Maine!” That was the patriotic battle cry that accompanied the United Statesʼ entry into the Spanish-American War in 1898. A U.S. Navy battleship called the Maine had been sunk by a massive explosion in Havana Harbor on Feb. 15. The ship had been sent to the Caribbean to protect U.S. interests during a time of local insurrection, as Cuba, then a colony of Spain, grappled for independence.

The great majority of the Maineʼs crew, 266 men, were killed as a result of the explosion. The source of the blast—an internal accident or a Spanish underwater mine—has been debated by historians in the years since.

However, in 1898 an incensed American public placed the blame squarely on Spain. The U.S. declared war on April 19, 1898. The short-lived conflict lasted under four months.

By the end of it, Spanish colonial rule in the Americas was over and the U.S. had acquired new territories in the Western Pacific and Latin America including Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam.

Fast-forward 125 years: A wood and metal relic sits in the Pascack Historical Societyʼs museum in Park Ridge, 2,000 miles from Havana Harbor. As the story goes, it was a piece of the Maineʼs mast, sawed off the wreck by a scuba diver, and it later found its way to Oradell where it was sold at a garage sale.

The buyer, whose name has been lost to time, brought it to the museum. There it remained for years as historical society volunteers puzzled over the object and debated its authenticity.

In 2021, Christopher Kersting of Park Ridge, a retired educator, entered the picture. These days he serves as the museumʼs second vice president and keeps track of artifact

accessioning and the member rolls. He is also the grandson of a Spanish-American War veteran, Arthur Kersting, who served with 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

“My father, himself a World War II veteran, shared my grandfatherʼs stories of the heat and humidity, the heavy uniforms, and

U.S.Navy Capt.Steve Whitaker,Arlington National Cemetery command historian Steven Carney,Arlington chief curator Roderick Ganier,PHS Second Vice-President Christopher Kersting,PHS President Kristin Beuscher,and Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna.Pascack Historical Society donated this spar,at left,in perpetuity,to Arlington National Cemetery.Arlington is home to the USS Maine Mast Memorial. PHSphoto

The remains of the USS Maine protrude above the water of Havana Harbor.

Park Ridge Rotary Club president Terry Ciullia with Wegmans of Montvale store manager Nick Tassi on Feb.23.

Rotary: Allies

lives around the world.

Rotary also promotes business-to-business networking, and guests brought business cards.

Receiving the Recognition

Award: Wegmans Montvale store manager Nick Tassi; Tri-Boro Food Pantry founder Janelle Larghi; Montvale Landscapingʼs Jeff and Deb Piatt; the Outreach Award went to Pascack Press, and was accepted on the newspaperʼs behalf by editor John Snyder.

“Itʼs an honor to bring the

Pascack Valley news of the Park Ridge Rotary Clubʼs accomplishments. We know club members as particularly dedicated to the wellbeing of our community, and it means the world to our team that we can help tell your story,” Snyder said.

Special guests were Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, Rotary District Governor Ray Cywinski, and Meals on Wheels North Jersey executive director Jeanne Martin.

For more information, write parkridgerotaryclub@gmail.com

DOMALLAPPLICANT’SDRAINAGE BASINCALCULATIONSHOLDWATER?

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The township engineer said March 6 that he would request a copy of the remote-sensing data from the proposed 4 Seasons Marketplaceʼs consulting engineer to evaluate it for correctness.

Questions have been raised whether applicant LIDAR (light detection and ranging) basin calculations of 48.2 acres are correct for an unnamed tributary that, until recently, was designated as protected.

Neighbors to the tributary, which runs behind their Meisten Street homes and behind a 2.2acre property at 660–682 Pascack Road proposed for a neighborhood retail plaza, assert that the drainage basin calculations used were incorrect and that the stream

should still be classified as a Category 1 or C1 waterway, and protected from runoff and development.

The tributary flows into Musquapsink Brook, then Schlegel Lake; joins with Pascack Brook, and flows to the Oradell Reservoir.

It was classified as a C1 tributary due to its significance as a water supply source to the reservoir. (See “Follow the water on strip mall application,” Michael

Olohan, Feb. 27, 2023.)

John Yakimic of Boswell Engineering told the council on March 6 that LIDAR technology, used by a consultant to Bertin Engineering to help map the drainage basin to the tributary is a new technology (in the last five to seven years) that is “much better than walking the neighborhood and eyeballing things.”

He said reviewing the LIDAR data used could help to clarify whether its 48.2-acre drainage basin calculation included all the land areas that needed to be included.

“We will be more precise; I can give better answers to the council than I can this evening if I just simply have all the background information on that,” Yakimic told the governing body.

He added the mayorʼs suggestion to review the LIDAR data was “excellent.”

He said a decision by NJDEP about a decade ago that deter-

mined the tributaryʼs watershed was over 50 acres “was superseded because the technology has gotten better.”

However, Yakimic also said that the NJDEP official, Dennis Contois, who ruled in 2020 that the watershed basin was only 48.2 acres and the tributary was not regulated under the Flood Hazard Area Rule, told him in a recent phone call that he visited the area in 2020 and determined that the 50 acres did not factor into his decision on whether the stream was in a riparian zone.

Riparian zones generally require a 300-foot buffer on both sides of a protected waterway.

Yakimic said Contois made that determination “based on his engineering judgment and being a person from the (state) DEP.” Contois is listed as an engineering supervisor, DEP Bureau of Inland Regulation, Division of Land Use Regulation, on the Jan. 30, 2020 NJDEP letter that says the

unnamed tributary is not regulated under the stateʼs Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules.

The Contois letter notes the 48.2-acre drainage basin calculation as one reason for its determination, and adds, “The water feature does not have a riparian zone associated with it.”

LIDAR stands for light detection and ranging, a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of pulsed laser to measure ranges, or variable distances, to the earth. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by an airborne system, generates precise 3-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Yakimic said that his firmʼs engineers found it unusual that NJDEP reversed its decision on the unnamed waterwayʼs C1 designation, calling the reversal

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Generic retail names and uses given with the application for 4 Seasons Marketplace,proposed across from Seasons at the Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection.The applicant’s drainage basin calculations have been questioned,and a ZBA hearing on the application is set for March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Kids team up to clean Beechwood Park

The Hillsdale Animal Club went to work on Friday, Feb. 17 to remove plastic and other trash from Beechwood Park.

Local mom Vanessa Hefa tells Pascack Press that the club, launched by her daughter Leilani, 9, is a community group of kids who are committed to helping animals in the area.

“With the spring coming soon, more animals will be coming and will be more active. These compassionate children wanted to work to make the community a better place to be,” Vanessa said.

The Westwood Seniorsʼnext meeting is Tuesday, March 14 at 11:30

Audition videos for ‘Hillsdale’s Got Talent’

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

If youʼve got hidden talent — or better yet — not so hidden talent, then make sure you upload a video showcasing your talents to the “Hillsdaleʼs Got Talent” website soon.

And soon means March 10,

according to the 125th Anniversary Committee. The old deadline was March 4, which was extended to allow a few more local would-be stars to send in their audition videos.

Maybe theyʼll extend it a few more days for talented local performers who make haste to get in their submissions.

Talented residents of all ages are urged to submit videos and

share their performing arts in celebration of the boroughʼs 125th anniversary birthday party/talent show on March 25 at Pascack Valley High School.

“The talent show is open to all ages and weʼre seeing some great talent! Calling all musicians, singers, dancers, actors, comedians, magicians, etc. We invite you to audition by submitting a registration form and uploading a video of your talent,” states the boroughʼs 125th Anniversary Committee on its Facebook page.

Residents wanting to apply can also reach out to Gerard Sandt at gerard.sandt@gmail.com

Talented residents interested in applying can find registration forms and upload a video at https://forms.gle/4XhNgs5bixGBfJxR8

. Hillsdale 125th Year Committee member Gerry Beatty offered an update at the March 7 Borough Council meeting. “We have kids that are entering, we have seniors that are entering. Itʼs a whole

range, anybody in town is welcome to do that.”

She said that scheduled performers currently include singers, dancers, musicians and one gymnast.

Approximately seven minutes is allowed per performance, said Beatty, with all performers receiving a certificate of appreciation from the committee.

Beatty said as of March 7, 16 talented local performers had signed up to contribute to the March 25 Hillsdaleʼs Got Talent show at Pascack Valley High School.

So far this year, the Hillsdale 125th Anniversary Committee held a square dance on March 3, with another likely; sponsored an audio-visual presentation, “History of Hillsdale,” by Police Capt. Sean Smith at the library that featured archival photos curated by Smith; and will hold an official birthday party and talent show on March 25 at the high school.

The official borough birthday party runs 4:30 to 5 p.m., with brief remarks likely from two-term Mayor John Ruocco to recognize the occasion.

From 5 to 7, the “Hillsdaleʼs Got Talent” show will spotlight talented local performers and artists.

A couple of 125th birthday sheet cakes will be donated by Shop-Rite of Hillsdale. The talent show is free and all are welcome to attend, said Beatty.

Other 125th year anniversary events include a sale of decorative lawn signs ($25) celebrating the boroughʼs birthday (sale deadline March 15), historical photos and artifacts displayed at the Hillsdale Public Library, and an official 125th gala dinner/celebration on Nov. 30 at Seasons Catering in the Township of Washington.

Gala tickets are $150 apiece and can be ordered in advance on the website.

Beatty noted on March 7 that relatives of John H. Olley, a local builder and former Washington Avenue resident, who built the iconic Hillsdale police booth in 1925, offered to donate related memorabilia and photos to be displayed in town.

Beatty suggested that the council consider historical display cases that could be rotated between the two community center spaces being planned.

The Womanʼs Club of Westwood writes in with an alert on poison hemlock:

The New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Club Environment Community Service Program encourages awareness of our natural resources and caring for the world around us.

According to a recent envi-

ronment bulletin, thereʼs not a state in the country that doesnʼt have poison hemlock growing in it. Although it looks like an ordinary weed, poison hemlock is one of the most dangerous plants on the planet. It Iooks innocuous with a little pretty while flower on it resembling Queen Anneʼs lace, but if you pick some of it or walk through it and shake the dust

around and inhale it you can actually get pretty sick.

Symptoms such as sleepiness, lightheadedness, dilated pupils, trembling and dizziness can begin showing as early as 30 minutes after ingesting the plant. But even touching it can cause symptoms: from COVID-19 symptoms to full-blown lung and/or heart failure.

The best way to prevent any poisoning from hemlock is to remove the plants —but leave this to the experts. Youʼve got to remove the entire root because if you cut or mow mature hemlock plants they can re-sprout or emit toxic fumes.

If you must interact with poison hemlock plants, make sure you wear gloves, facemasks and protective clothing and wrap up any plants in plastic bags and then immediately throw them in the trash.

The Womanʼs Club of Westwood meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse at 205 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood.

Membership is open to all women who would like to volunteer their time for community improvement while getting the opportunity to make new friends.

For more information call (201) 916-1580.

Mall: Do drainage basin calculations hold water?

FROM PAGE 6

“extremely unusual.”

The LIDAR data was compiled by Najarian Associates of Eatontown, a consultant working with Bertin Engineering on a previous commuter parking lot proposal submitted by applicant 660 Pascack Realty LLC.

667 Meisten St. resident Michael Agnello had requested the councilʼs assistance in trying to determine what happened to the C1 stream running through his backyard, and his neighborsʼ yards, which also required an easement on his property and a buffer area.

He alleged if the stream was a C1 waterway, and an easement existed to help protect the unnamed tributary, it would require extra protection as a C1 waterway from storm runoff and

nearby development.

On March 6, Agnello said he believed there was “reasonable doubt” on basin calculations and offered to pay up to $5,000 for engineering studies to help the township review the 48.2-acre basin determination.

He said he will come back with the same question again.

“Just answer me, which engineer lied?”

He said a decision on what drainage basin calculation is correct needs to happen before the Zoning Board of Adjustment makes a decision on a proposed 4 Seasons Marketplace, with 17,100 square feet of retail space, and up to 11 shops or stores.

A ZBA hearing on that application is set for March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Later in the meeting, Councilman Thomas Sears questioned

whether the LIDAR drone had “scanned the whole area” and covered the areas that needed to be

scanned for the drainage basin. He said he understood how LIDAR data is gathered.

He said, “Technology is great but it can be manipulated.”

Roseville vase and a rare $500 bill

A reader sends in a question relating to a ceramic vase she absolutely loves that has been a family heirloom for many years. She asks what it is and what itʼs worth.

Dear reader,

Your beautiful American art pottery vase was produced in the 1930s by the Roseville Pottery Company located in Zanesville, Ohio. The vase is in the Wisteria floral pattern and originally had a silver paper label on the bottom that has been lost to time.

Assuming your art pottery vase has remained in excellent condition, no damage, its current value is $400.

Unfortunately, the market for most American art pottery has declined in the last several years. This Roseville vase formally had a value of $800. The Wisteria pattern has always been a very popular pattern among the Roseville line. Roseville pottery is one of many collectibles that has decreased in value.

Another reader writes, “Enclosed please find a picture of a $500 bill I inherited from my grandfather in 1968. He told me that he had gotten it for partial payment for the purchase of a house in Paterson

Senior appraiser Jon Felz of RZM Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

he was selling in the 1930s. Can I spend it or is it no longer usable?

Dear reader,

The use of $500 notes to perform illegal transactions became so widespread that the notes were discontinued by order of the federal government in 1969. All notes that were returned to the U.S. Federal Reserve were destroyed, decimating the supply and increasing their value to collectors of U.S. currency.

So, then, how much is your Series of 1934 $500 note worth today? As with all antiques and collectibles, condition is of paramount

Expect this note to have a value of $750 to $1,000.Excellent-condition notes can have a value of $2,000 or more.

importance. Folds, creases, staining, rips, etc., have a large effect on the value. The note pictured appears to be clean and undamaged with nice square corners.

Expect this note to have a value of $750 to $1,000. Excellent condition notes can have a value of $2,000 or more.

This note is still fully recognized as legal tender and can be used in everyday business transactions.

However, it would be foolish to spend this $500 note as regular currency considering it is worth more to a currency collector.

RZM Fine Arts & Antiques Inc is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

PASCACK VALLEY

ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINENEARS

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

PASCACK VALLEY

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

HOLIFESTIVAL M ARCH 12

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

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

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

Roseville pottery is one of many collectibles that has decreased in value.

Settingthestandardindentalimplanttherapy

Dental implants are not all the same and have varying success rates. The success is dependent on the product and the practitioner.

As a periodontist, which is the ONLY specialty recognized by the American Dental Association as a “dental implant specialist,” I feel it is important to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laugh with Billy Garan March 18

Stonybrook club tops in ‘201 Magazine’

Stonybrook Swim Club is a great place for families to spend the summer. With five pools, including an Olympic-size main pool, featuring a 14-foot slide most water parks would envy, a heated 25meter competition pool for adults and lap swimmers, a kiddie pool with interactive water features, and a diving well that features two springboards for the perfect dive or cannonball, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

According to club director Patty Hughes, “The pools are a hive of summer activity at Stonybrook and are always buzzing.”

Featuring championship swim and dive teams, group and private swim lessons for swimmers of all ages and abilities, a junior lifeguarding course, and Guppy Camp, a week-long day camp for kids 5–10 with swim lessons, crafts and more, Stonybrook is the swim club to be this summer.

For family-friendly fun out of the water, there is member-access to theme nights, movie nights, “live” bands and music, a full-service snack bar, playgrounds, a bas-

ketball court, ping-pong tables, a pavilion, gazebos, and umbrellas for shade, plus updated bathrooms with hot showers and state-of-theart changing areas.

Stonybrook Swim Club, 183 Cedar Lane, is hosting its open house on Sunday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with new members receiving a 10% discount off their membership.

From those just starting out to those about to start their next chap-

ter, Stonybrook offers options for every family and every budget, including “The Graduate” (ages 18–25) and “The Empty Nester” (ages 50–61).

For more information: Patty Hughes, CPO, LMD, Recreation and Stonybrook Director, Borough of Hillsdale, 380 Hillsdale Ave. (Club location: 183 Cedar Lane, Hillsdale). Call (201) 497-1560. Summer phone: (201) 358-5065. www.hillsdalenj.org/stonybrook.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Billy Garan headlines the next comedy show at the Comedy Corner at Township Theatre on Saturday, March 18 at 9 p.m.

Billy has performed at comedy clubs and casinos across the United States and is a favorite headliner on cruise ships. He has performed at the world-famous Friars Club in New York City and is a regular at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. Billy has also appeared on NBC, Showtime and A&E TV.

Also appearing: Ed McGonigal and Al Cheli. These pros have been featured at some of the top comedy clubs in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania region, including Scottyʼs Comedy Cove in New Jersey and The Comedy Works and Helium Comedy in Pennsylvania. Hosting the evening is Scott Brennan, who has performed at comedy clubs in the

tristate area and is the host of the “Verbal Shenanigans” podcast.

Tickets are $25 each, with no drink requirements, no food requirements, and no bridge tolls to NYC! Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets at ComedyCorner031823.brownpapertickets.com or by scanning the QR code on the picture of Billy Garan. Group tickets are also available by emailing Jack@JirwinProductions.com.

TOWNSHIP THEATRE is at 249 Pascack Road. A three-screen showplace, the theater offers the latest films in a local and convenient environment in Bergen County J IRWIN PRODUCTIONS, the producer of this show, works with the top comedians in the country to present the best and funniest shows in theaters and restaurants, as fundraisers, or for private events.

Patricia J. Villano

J. Irwin Productions

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

A solid yes on school referendum

To the editor:

HILLSDALERESIDENTS have a difficult choice in the March 14 bond referendum. I sympathize with residents who have expressed concerns about the price tag of the proposed replacement of George G. White Middle School. The net amount of $95 per month for the median home price is not inconsequential to many households.

Unfortunately, doing nothing is not an option. A few weeks ago, during Winter Workshop, a pipe a bove one of the classrooms broke, flooding the room. Luckily

this was on a weekend and did not interfere with the school day. This is just one of many stories of how the school is showing its age.

The school district has been very transparent in its assessment of the school and evaluation of options. As a build-up to this proposal, taxpayers were shown several options to remediate the issues at George White. The renovation option which most adequately addressed the issues of the schoolʼs deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate learning space came with a price tag of approximately $72 p er month, inclusive of the “increased” state aid that many previous letters have mentioned.

This option includes trailers to be placed on the existing fields across from George White. The placement of trailers would render George White sports fields unusable for the d uration of the construction project, consistent with the current “build new” proposal. The

trailers would cost $3.7 million and provide no future value to the taxpayers.

Worse, the trailers would be the primary learning environment for our kids for the duration of the renovation. This is going to be an awful educational experience for the children and parents involved and in my opinion, not worth the savings of $18 per month.

Iʼve lived in this town with my wife for 10 years. We have t hree children who will go through the Hillsdale school system. We love Hillsdale. It provides great value for the price of a home in the form of education, convenience and community.

During our time here, weʼve observed dozens of houses in our neighborhood being vacated by empty-nesters and subsequently occupied by, in almost all cases, young families or couples who will ultimately put roots down in this town and send their kids t hrough the Hillsdale schools. Classroom sizes are 17 to 19 students, which is maximum capacity for the current room square footage.

While I acknowledge the estimates for “modest growth” in student populations, I have seen firsthand the influx of young families in my neighborhood. I believe, even with declining marriage and birth rates, Hillsdale will continue to attract young families because of the quality of the school system. Classrooms, restrooms and the cafeteria are crowded, common space is non-

existent and the problem will get worse if no action is taken.

I am a finance professional and am concerned about the increasing financial strain that is created by excessive spending and borrowing. I am just as concerned as many of you about the burgeoning deficit of the state of New Jersey and the federal government.

Throughout my career, Iʼve been part of many budget rationalization exercises. In these exercises, I typically look for two things: the most important function of the e ntity, and who is delivering results. Although education is the largest line item on Hillsdale budgets, the quality of our education system is exceptional. Talk to anyone whoʼs moved here recently and theyʼll tell you the schools are the main attraction.

The school district has also delivered in a big way during the pandemic by keeping our schools open and quickly reacting to the changing environment with our kids as the top priority.

The answer to our financial problems is not to penalize the education system that has attracted us all to this town and continues to make Hillsdale a great place to live and raise a family. Letʼs all do our part and vote “yes” and give our children and community the best learning environment that we can offer.

For more information, visit hillsdaleschools.com/referendum.

Pat Farley Hillsdale

Vote yes on school bond for the kids

To the editor:

I SUPPORT the construction of the new middle school in Hillsdale and urge Hillsdale residents to vote yes on the bond referendum on March 14.

The facts surrounding this issue matter greatly. Visit hillsdaleschools.com/referendum to learn more about the financial and environmental impacts of this decision. However, I want to focus on what I believe is the most pressing issue facing us: our responsibility to our community and our children.

There is no serious debate about whether or not the current George G. White Middle School, is in disrepair, terribly outdated, and fails to meet the modern demands of Hillsdaleʼs children. There are good-faith voices about what to do about this issue, ones that I respect deeply, but it is clear that the current school is no longer adequate and needs a solution. We have a responsibility as a community to ensure that children learn in an environment that embraces them by providing safe and modern facilities. It is, in my opinion, a moral imperative.

Many of us are parents of school-aged children who will be

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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

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

HILLSDALE

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

Enjoy making our Signature Dish at Home!

Curtain rises! ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’

Pascack Valley High School

Theatre is proud to present “Chicago: Teen Edition” on March 16, 17, and 18 at 7 p.m., with a Saturday, March 18 matinee at 1 p.m.

The cast includes 24 Pascack Valley High School students, with a crew of 37.

“Chicago: Teen Edition” is a musical extravaganza that is sure to wow audiences of all ages. Set in the roaring 1920s, it tells the story of Roxie Hart (senior Kelly Donlan of Hillsdale) and Velma Kelly (senior Meghan Roberts of River Vale), two women who are imprisoned for murder and must fight for their freedom.

With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the musi-

cal features a book and original direction from Bob Fosse, whose inimitable dance style is infused into the choreography and staging of this production.

With high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters, “Chicago: Teen Edition” promises to be a memorable experience for all who take it in.

Performances are at Pascack Valley High School, 200 Piermont Ave. in Hillsdale Tickets are available for purchase at pvhstheatre.org, and at the door one hour prior to curtain.

A free performance for senior citizens is offered on Monday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. (Note the new date.)

•Remove from stove.

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

•Buon Appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is locat-

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

Preliminary town budget up $2M; ‘very hard job ahead’

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Township Council vice president Steven Cascio told members March 6 that the projected 20232024 municipal budget was up nearly $2 million over last year and that he hoped to work over the coming two months to get it “down to a reasonable number.”

“Iʼve been very productive going over the budget presented to us … and I think thatʼs going to be a major hurdle that we have to broach here during our budget meetings because thatʼs a significant increase and I think the council really has a very hard job ahead of it to bring that number down,” said Cascio.

Cascio did not provide specifics during his brief update.

He said the economy was “not doing as good as it should and I think itʼs going to cause a major impact to our residents.”

He said he hoped the council would work together to “get the budget down to a reasonable number and thatʼs going to be my focus for the next two months.”

His colleagues at the dais did not follow up with questions or comments.

The council set the following tentative dates/times for 2024 budget discussion:

•March 13, 7:30 p.m.: budget meeting;

•March 20, 6:30 p.m.: regular meeting (budget talk during conference session);

•March 27, 6:30 p.m.: budget meeting;

• March 28, 6:30 p.m.;

• April 3, regular meeting (budget conference session);

• April 4, 6:30 p.m.: budget discussion.

Readers should confirm meeting dates and times with the online council meeting dates/agenda calendar before attending any session.

Later in the meeting, town tax assessor Sarah Holbig reported that the townshipʼs property values were being taxed at 77.94% of true market value. She said that was below the 85% of market value threshold set by the state Division of Taxation.

She said below 85% of true market value indicates “non-compliance” with true market value and indicates the need for a property revaluation or reassessment soon.

“It (revaluation) doesnʼt necessarily have to be this tax year but I think itʼs something we really need to keep our eye on in order to make sure the tax burden is equally distributed among the taxpayers,” said the tax assessor.

Holbig said the last revaluation was done in 2014. She noted that a revaluationʼs purpose “is to distribute the tax burden among taxpayers according to the true market value (of property).”

Holbig said a lot of homes in town “are selling for well above what theyʼre assessed at right now.”

She said a revaluation “has nothing to do with raising taxes; it has nothing to do with decreasing taxes. Itʼs really about bringing the values to market value.”

According to Holbig, the “multiplier of the tax rate” is what allows the town to meet its approved municipal budget. She said her proposal — provided to council only — included some tax impacts from the 2014 revaluation “just to kind of show where that inequality of the values are coming from.”

Holbig cited two examples of a revaluation on a similar model of townhome, noting that in 2014 two townhomes in Pine Lake Estates were revaluated and one increased in taxes and one decreased in taxes.

She said the reason that since the 2006 revaluation, there was a disparity in the two townhomesʼ assessments based on a tax appeal that had been filed.

She said that “one property was overpaying and one property was underpaying.”

Holbig said local options for revaluation include contracting with a third-party appraisal company that is put out to bid, a reassessment that works in conjunction with the tax assessor, and a reassessment with a five-year maintenance plan.

St. Patrick’s Day dinner/dance

event coordinator, at (201) 396-2947. “Donʼt miss out! You wonʼt be disappointed!”

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

Asked whether she had included an estimate for a revalua-

tion in this yearʼs budget, she said no.

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

impacted by the decision we will all make on March 14. A yes vote will meet the needs of Hillsdaleʼs children for decades to come by providing an educational facility worthy of all of their needs and hopes.

A no vote does nothing more than fail to solve this problem and place this burden on all of our children. There is no upside or benefit if this referendum fails because it leaves us without a solution to a pressing problem for our community.

Our children, however, are not the only people that will benefit from a new middle school. Our community does by declaring, together, that we value education and will do what is necessary to uphold our commitments to our children.

Failing educational facilities is not a characteristic of thriving communities in any society, anywhere. Outdated schools in desperate need of modernization is, I submit, a symbol of communities that are regressing.

Whether we were born, raised and continue to live in Hillsdale or we recently moved here, this community has been one committed to education and

we must remain loyal to that commitment. A yes vote will do that.

I want to stress that I am convinced the current proposal is the most economically responsible approach to solving this problem. I know that our educational leaders in Hillsdale have developed this proposal responsibly and with deep thought and consideration of all of Hillsdaleʼs residents.

I have been involved in many discussions regarding this proposal and want to express to you that transparency and honesty have been deeply held principles of this process. The quest ion on the referendum was brought to us by talented educational leaders that are parents of school aged children themselves and care profoundly for our children. This has all been done in good faith by good people that we should all respect.

Vote yes on the bond referendum on March 14. Letʼs progress together, uphold our commitment to education, and most of all, remain a community that values the futures of all of our children by providing them facilities worthy of their promise and of our community.

Kathleen Puerta Hillsdale

Voting no over tax fatigue

To the editor:

IF YOUAGREE that Hillsdale needs to renovate and upgrade the George White middle school, utilizing the maximum funding from the state and keeping our precarious tax situation in Hillsdale somewhat in check, then itʼs important to go to the polls and vote no Tuesday March 14 on the $82.7 million bond referendum to build a brand-new school that would include a large gymnasium [with] a $4 million turf field.

The BOE cites a proposed tax increase of $1,200 per year for a house assessed at $454,000. What they are saying is the tax rate will increase by 0.267% However, our taxes were just increased 2021 by 0.065% and in

ʼ22 by .033% for a total of 0.098%.

Part of this tax was raising $500,000, a downpayment for a future $10 million bond to fund projects like the Centennial Field renovation. This alone increased municipal taxes by 5.3% in 2021.

This is relevant because the total tax rate increase in just three years will be 0.365% or $1,657 for the $454K home. The Hillsdale tax rate would rise to a whopping 3.263%, the highest tax rate in the Pascack Valley. Higher than any other town in the Pascack Valley Regional school system. These towns already bonded to renovate their schools for well under $50 million including Woodcliff Lake in 2021.

Calculating a monthly payment is important to home buyers especially without the S.A.L.T deduction and these higher taxes will affect those numbers significantly.

This is not the only tax increase you will see next year. To

paraphrase Mayor John Ruocco, in his 2023 “State of the Borough,” he informed us that the Borough Council is planning the issuance of the aforementioned “$10 million bond that would fund a second community center and address the flooding issues at our DPW. How will they fund significantly increased health insurance costs, inadequate ambulance coverage, and tsunami-like increases in garbage pick-up costs when the contract expires this year? They all involve greater taxpayer contributions.”

Add all these tax increases together and this townʼs tax base is in serious trouble. The BOE needs to put out a plan that maximizes the state funding and repair and/or upgrade all the areas in the school that are most critical. All this is outlined in the BOEʼs option #4, for $25.5 million. Until I see that on the ballot my vote will continue to be no

Richard Bade Hillsdale

Woodington Players ‘Into the Woods’ March 16–18

The Woodington Players of Westwood Regional High School present “Into the Woods.” Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, the production has captured audience hearts since its debut in 1987.

The Woodington Playersʼ staged production of Into the Woods will delight the audience and emphasize the importance of storytelling.

Audiences will recognize familiar songs such as “Giants in the Sky,” “Hello, Little Girl,” and “Stay with Me.”

Drama teacher and Woodington Players advisor Lauren Florek is director and producer.

The productionʼs creative team consists of experienced student crew members led by production staff advisors Keith DeBlasio (set construction advisor), Daniel Peñ a (light and sound advisor/pit orchestra conductor), Joseph Fritz (assistant director/music director/stage art advisor), and Samantha Lewis (costume and

Club

Evening performances are scheduled at 7 on Thursday,March 16;Friday, March 17;and Saturday,March 18.A matinee is set for 2 p.m.on Saturday, March 18.

makeup advisor).

Evening performances are scheduled at 7 on Thursday, March 16; Friday, March 17; and Saturday, March 18. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 18.

The students look forward to showcasing their incredible hard

work and bringing a beloved classic to life in this incredible musical.

All performances are at Campbell Auditorium at Westwood Regional High School, (701 Ridgewood Road). Tickets are $13 for general admission and $10 with student ID. They can be pur-

chased at showtix4u.com and an hour before all performances at the door.

About The Woodington Players

The Woodington Players is an extra-curricular theater company at Westwood Regional High School. The mission is to provide students with the opportunity to explore theater and to guide them through the creative production process.

During their annual season, which includes a fall play and a spring musical, students will gain an education in both technical and performing arts.

The Woodington Players emphasize important skills that will help students to succeed within and beyond the field of theater.

Hawks swoop to first championship win

River Dell Middle School Ice Hockey delivers!

Congratulations to the River Dell Middle School Ice Hockey Team, which just won its 2022–2023 league championship at Montclair State Arena. The team is composed primarily of boys and girls from

Westwood, Township of Washington, Emerson, Oradell, and River Edge. This is the team’s first championship win and a great way to end the season! Way to go, Hawks!

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

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 Nick and Mitchell for the web research! Visit your library online or in person to get all the facts and have fun getting involved!

E EMMEERRSSOON N

20 Palisade Ave.

(201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org

• Monday, March 13 at 1 and 3 p.m.: Knitters Circle All levels of experience welcome. Basic materials are provided, or bring your own. Registration recommended. At 1 p.m.: Miss Jolie: Move and Groove Lucky Leprechaun. This musical performance for ages 1–6 celebrates St. Patrickʼs Day. Registration required for each child. Open to all families.

• Mondays in March at 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Storytime, ages 25. Registration recommended, dropin welcome. Parent/guardian is required to remain in the building for the duration of storytime.

• Tuesdays in March at 11 a.m.: Introduction to song, dance and finger play 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.

• Tuesday, March 14, 21, and 28 at 11 a.m. Baby and Me, newborn to 2 Open to all families. Registration required for each date per child. Register each child's name, or parent/guardian if preferred. Join the waiting list if booked. Call ahead the day of for space availability.

• Tuesday, March 14 and 28 at 1:30 p.m.: Chair Yoga. Registration is required per class. Zoom optional upon request by contacting the library.

• Tuesdays in March 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.

• Wednesday, March 15 at 1 p.m: Matinee: “The Fablemans.”

• Thursday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m.: Afterschool Movie “Strange World.” Open to all families. Registration rec ommended. Under 9, a parent/guardian is required to remain in the building for the duration of the film.

• Thursday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m.: Music and Movement. Ages 1-4. Registration required..

H HIILLLLSSDDAALLE E

509 Hillsdale Ave.

(201) 358-5072

hfpl.org

• Monday Book Club, Monday, March 13 at 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m.: Social Security Explained. At 6 p.m.: Author Visit: “A History Loverʼs Guide to Bergen County.”

Featuring narratives of key historical moments, legendary personalities and fascinating landmarks, this guide to Bergen Countyʼs past is essential for any resident or visitor alike.

Authors Bob Nesoff and Howard Joseph Cohn sign copies and discuss

the book .

• Tuesday, March 14 at 10 a.m.: Knitting for Beginners and Enthusiasts Ellen Lauria is available to provide instruction and guidance to beginners and knitting enthusiasts. All are welcome to join and work on individual projects in this friendly group. Bring your own materials. At 4 p.m.: Page Turners Childrenʼs Book Club For grades 3–4. At 7 p.m.: Scrabble Club Play friendly games of traditional Scrabble. All levels are welcome. E-mail Norel Blundo at blundoquatro@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and experience level.

• Wednesday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Time with a caregiver. Registration required; open to Hillsdale cardholders only.

At 3 p.m.: Think It, Make It, Share It: OPEN MAKE. Makers under 9 must be accompanied by a guardian or older responsible sibling. At 7:30 p.m.: HFPL Foundation.

•Thursday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.: Tales for Tykes Ages 3–5 without a caregiver. Registration required; for Hillsdale cardholders only. At 7:30 p.m.: Thursday Evening Book Club.

• Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m.: Beauty and Benefits of Ecological Gardens.

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.

• Thursdays, March 16 and 23 at 10 a.m.: Chair Yoga taught by certified yoga instructor Shelley Sontag. Increase strength and mobility using gentle, easy-to-follow movements. All skill levels are welcome. This is a virtual event, a Zoom link will be emailed to all participants the day before the event.

• Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m.: Chesswired offers kidsʼchess classes twice in March. Come to one or both. No experience or supplies are needed. For grades 2 and older. Registration required for each session. At 7:30 p.m.: Chess Basics. In-

game instruction will be provided. All materials will be supplied onsite. Register for as many sessions as you want. Library Activity Room.

• Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.: The Photography of Weegee (1888–1968).

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

• Mondays in March at 11:30

a.m.: Yoga. All levels. Register with payment at the library.

• Tuesday, March 14 at 10 a.m.: Story Time with Miss Renee.

• Thursday, March 16 at 10

a.m.: Story Time with Miss Renee

• Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Crafts with Miss Renee

At 10:30 a.m.: Mah Jongg.

• Saturday, March 18 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, March 13 at 10:30

a.m.: Letʼs Groove! Music for

Kids. With Miss Lisa. Sing and dance while having fun with shakers, scarves, animal puppets, and bubbles. River Vale residents birth to 5. At 1 p.m. History Bites: The Potato Chip. Learn about the invention of the potato chip and then participate in a blind taste test of chips. River Vale residents 18 and older. Registration required. May not be suitable for individuals with food allergies.

• Tuesday, March 14 at 1 p.m. Movie Matinee: “Armageddon Time” (drama, 2022). Seating is first come, first served. At 4 p.m.: Leprechaun Traps grades K–5 We read a St. Patrickʼs Day story and make Leprechaun traps. At 6 p.m.: Home Buyer Seminar. Claudia Inoa and Irene Zervoudis answer all of your questions. Food will be served.

• Thursday, March 16 at 1 p.m Chair Yoga in-person. Doors open 15 minutes prior to scheduled class time. Residents receive priority. Seating is limited. At 4 p.m: Lego Challenge Club: Hidden Treasure. Registration required.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Zion Lutheran ECC fundraising returns

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center invites you to save the date for its Tricky Tray and Live Auction Fundraiser, an inperson event on the evening of Saturday, April 29 from 6 to 10 p.m. This yearʼs theme: “Lights, Camera, Auction!”

T he adult-only, ticketed BYOB event features a catered buffet, three Tricky Tray rooms, a spirited live auction, and 50/50. Participants can enter to win a variety of big ticket items including a Yeti cooler, barbeque grill, kayak, 65-inch television set, as well as themed gift bundles, collectible items, local gift cards, services, experiences, and much more.

F unds raised through this event represent a significant portion of the operating budget for the Zion Early Childhood Center education programs which focus on the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development of students aged 2 1⁄ 2, 3, and 4.

Most recently, funds raised have been used to update the

lighting throughout the entire s chool building. Future funds will continue to support the programʼs earliest learners as they g row spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially.

The fundraising committee tells Pascack Press , “Tax d eductible donations will be accepted until March 4. We welcome gift certificates, items to be included in the tricky tray, or monetary donations. No contribution is too small.”

There are also tiered opportunities for corporate sponsorship. “We are grateful to all of o ur local businesses, families, alumni, and congregation for your continued support of our earliest learners.”

For a donation form and to arrange a pickup, write ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com.

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center (64 First Ave.) was established in 1969 (as Zion Lutheran Nursery School) to provide families with preschool children a place where the child could be part of a program

designed to help him/her grow socially, intellectually and crea tively in a Christian atmosphere.

The programs are designed t o help each child come to greater awareness of the world a nd the people around them through broad exposure to language, mathematical concepts,

social studies and science concepts, arts, music, and motor and visual coordination.

The preschool program has grown and developed over the years to become one that is highly regarded by parents who have had children enrolled, and also by the community.

The school is licensed by the

s tate of New Jersey and is staffed by certified teachers and qualified assistants.

Tickets are $50 and will go on sale for the public on Monday, March 6.

For more information visit z ionlutheranschool.org o r write ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com.

NJ Makers Day in Hillsdale March 25

Save the date:Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hillsdale Free Public Library

The library seeks local artists, crafters, makers, and inventors for a one-day exhibition of creativity and craft. Consider entering something in this community showcase. If you knit, crochet, sew, build, join, turn, paint, sculpt, bake, code, solder, or otherwise invent, weʼd love to see what you do.

Entrants are eligible to win a $250 grand prize or one of $50 prizes in seven categories. Entry forms must be submitted to Dave Franz, Chief of Fun, no later than March 17. The entry form is on the website.

There will be other activities

to enjoy. The Hudson Valley Woodturners will assist participants in crafting their own wood pens on portable lathes. Advanced registration is required.

NJ Makers Day at the Hills-

dale Free Public Library is sponsored by the Friends of the Hillsdale Free Public Library.

“Think It, Make It, Share It” is the ongoing creativity initiative at the Hillsdale Free Public Library.

HILLSDALE

2022 participant Sadie Shynn with her hand-sewn creations. Hillsdale Public Library photo.

Westwood Charity Golf Outing renamed for Skip Kelley

The Westwood Charity Golf Outing has been renamed the Skip Kelley Memorial Outing in honor of one of its co-founders, who gave Westwood a lifetime of municipal service. Mayor Kelley passed away on Dec. 11, 2022.

The Skip Kelley Memorial Outing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at Valley Brook Golf Course, with breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start beginning at 8:30. The cost is $720 per foursome and/or $180 per golfer.

Although its legal name remains the Westwood Charity Golf Outing, the name is not the only change participants will notice.

At last yearʼs Outing, Kelley conducted a vote during the

HILLSDALE

luncheon, and the results of that vote established a new Scramble (best ball) format; rather than participants playing their own ball as in years past.

For 27 years, the Outing has been raising money for worthwhile recipients. During its first 10 years, proceeds went to local charities. Sixteen years ago the WCGO Scholarship Committee began giving its proceeds to the WCGO Scholarship Fund, offering scholarships to Westwood resident high school seniors.

This year, the WCGO Schol-

HILLSDALE 50+CLUB PLANSSPRINGTRIP

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

A trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is scheduled for April

4. This trip includes a wonderful hot lunch and a terrific show, “Million Dollar Quartet.” The cost is $83 for members, $85 for nonmembers.

The clubʼs overnight trip to Cape May in May has a waiting list. More trips are planned for the fall. For more information, call Evelyn at (201) 666-7675

arship Committee offers two $2,000 scholarships to talented Westwood resident senior students for whom the assistance would meet a real need.

The scholarship-winning students may come from Westwood Regional High School or one of the private high schools in the area to which Westwood residents attend. To date, 36 recipi-

ents from six high schools have been awarded WCGO Scholarships.

Scholarship applications are with the clerkʼs office at the Westwood Municipal Center, in the Recreation Department at the Westwood Community Center, in the Westwood Library, and on the Borough of Westwood website.

You also may send your request for an application to westwoodcgo@gmail.com, or ask your guidance counselor for an electronic copy.

For more information write to WCGO Scholarship Committee, 37 Goodwin Terrace, Westwood, NJ 07675. The deadline for scholarship applications to be received is April 30, 2023.

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

Local girls shine as AHA dancers bring home six state titles

The last few weeks have been supercharged for the dance teams of the Academy of the Holy Angels. AHA has been hard at work earning state and national honors, pitting their skills against some of the best teams in the country.

The weekend of Feb. 25, the Angels — including several from the Pascack Valley area — rocked six titles at the statewide competition in Lincroft.

The event, hosted by the New Jersey Cheerleading and Dance Coaches Association, attracted 10 of the stateʼs best squads to the competition at Brookdale Community College.

AHAʼs varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams each brought home two titles for their pom and hip-hop performances.

The varsity team also received multiple perfect scores in communication and projection, creativity, and overall impression.

Among them were, from Emerson: Ava McAdams, Noelle Wacker, and Alexandra Nicholas; from Hillsdale: Ava Cifelli; and from River Vale: Emily Figueroa and Kayleigh McGee.

AHA head dance coach Jenny Sweet told Pascack Press on March 6 that she elected not to sit in the designated coach area but rather in the stands as a spectator. “As I sat back and really took in their performances, I felt so proud of our school and our program seeing so many Angels in blue.”

In early February, AHA competed at the Universal Dance Asso-

ciationʼs national high school event in Orlando, Florida. AHAʼs varsity team earned a silver medal (second of 46 teams) in small varsity hiphop, and finished fifth out of 60 in pom. JV finished third out of 14 in hip-hop, and third out of 16 in pom.

The middle school dancers were rated fifth in the nation in hiphop and sixth in pom.

“This is the first time in program history that all six routines made it through the preliminary and semifinal rounds to compete in the finals at Nationals,” Sweet said.

She added, “Year after year our dancers prove that they rank among the top programs in the nation!The secret to our success lies in the dancersʼlove for each other, love for the program, and love for dance.”

Since Sweet established the team 13 years ago, varsity has danced its way to five national titles in small varsity hip-hop (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021). The JV dancers earned their first national title in small varsity pom in 2021. Holy Angels has also pulled off sweeps at multiple statewide competitions.

Captains for 2022–23 include:

•Varsity: Katie Fragola and Noelle Wacker;

•JV: Isabella McMahon and Alexandra Nicholas;

•Middle school: Bella de Leon, Emily Kho, and Maddie Krol.

The varsity roster includes Katie Fragola, Noelle Wacker, Jordyn Wynn, Karis Cho, Juliet Gelineau, Maggie Yu, Mackenzie Crim-

mins, Emily Figueroa, Milena Hiza, Ava McAdams, Quinn Reicherz, Auden Cho, Julia Struhs, and Samantha Zeccardi.

JV dancers are Isabella McMahon, Maggie Danahy, Alexandra Nicholas, Caelyn Lindsay, Olivia Leys, Gianna Pasquale, Kat Bing, Caroline Kartman, Chloe Kwon, Stella Chung, Alexis David, Lyla Dove, Madeline Lee, Kate Rifon, Cyia Sabathia, and Leyla Ziemba.

Members of the AHA Middle School Team are Annabella de Leon, Emily Kho, Maddie Krol, Kayleigh McGee, Ava Cifelli, Sophia Garzon, Cristyn Lindsay, Isa Rodriguez, Viv Van Ost, Camila Martinez, and Gemma Alvarez.

Sweet launched AHAʼs dance program with 14 dancers. Now, the

Academyʼs three teams include more than 40 members.

The coaching staff includes JV coach Alyssa Aponte (AHAʼ12) and AHA middle school coach Kristen DePeri (AHA ʼ09).

Over the past few years, several Angels have continued their pursuit of this performing art by signing with collegiate dance teams. Angels have gone on to dance for schools that include Vanderbilt, Villanova, The Ohio State University, Rutgers University, University of Mississippi, University of Central Florida, and Penn State.

Be sure to look for AHAʼs dancers on ESPN in April.

Katie Fragola of Bergenfield takes to the air the weekend of Feb.25, doing her part as AHAnets six titles at the statewide dance competition in Lincroft.

Academy of the Holy Angels’ varsity,junior varsity,and middle school teams each brought home two titles for their pom and hip-hop performances the weekend of Feb.25 at the state dance championship.

Calendar

FROM PAGE 21

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F

W WAASSHHIINNGGTTOON N

144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586

twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Weekly Storytimes at 10 a.m.. Ages 2–3. Song, movement, and story. Thursdays: Pre-K Story Time at 3:45 p.m. for ages 3–5. Fridays: Infant through 2 at 10 a.m.

• Monday, March 13: Spice Up Your Kitchen Lemongrass. Registered participants will receive an email to pick up their monthly kits. At 5:30 p.m.: Cartooning with Mr. John. Grades 3–12. Please register. At 6 p.m.: Italian lessons with Bernardo Petrocelli.

• Mat Yoga Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m Open to all levels. Bring your own mat and any props you may need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. You can just drop in.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

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

• Wednesday, March 15 Movie Matinee at 1 p.m. See website or call for title.

• Thursday, March 16: Chair Yoga at 11 a.m. and noon. Virtual Paint-along: Grades K–5. Register for a kit to paint along with Miss Marie and make some cacti! Video will be on our social media and website. Please register. At 6 p.m.: Social Stitching organized by Clayton Leadbetter, a local crafter and instructor. Social sessions are for those who already know how to knit or crochet — no lessons will be taught. Share ideas and inspiration, meet new people, and knit and crochet together. Drop in.

• Friday, March 17: Coloring & Crafting at 1 p.m Refreshments, coloring supplies provided, or bring your own project. At 3:45 p.m. Art Club, grades K–5. Our teen volunteer is back to show you how to draw simple seasonal pictures. Register.

• Tuesday, March 16 at 3:45 p.m.: Cactus Painting (virtual program).

• March: Wednesday

Council clears $160K over pool issues

Following a special meeting closed session March 6, the Borough Council passed two resolutions totaling approximately $160,000 to settle a contract with its pool vendor, approve pool shell upgrades, and approve a contract for pool construction oversight prior to the municipal poolʼs scheduled opening on Memorial Day.

The amended contract with Premier Pool Renovations Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Penn., was to resolve issues with prior pool remediation work undertaken by the company that did not meet specifications and was under dispute.

Padilla said the original pool renovation contract with Premier was approximately $328,000, and a dispute arose over the last installment payment due to work quality. That payment ($85,000) was paid by the borough, said Padilla, and an additional payment was included ($65,000) for redoing the whole pool shell, he said.

“A lot will depend on the weather cooperating,” said Padilla about the pool being ready by opening day

The agreement requires Premier to remove previously applied plaster and apply new quartz aggregate plaster finish. Costs are not included on the resolution but were provided by the borough administrator The total settlement for removal and reapplication costs the borough $150,000.

A second resolution approved an amount not to exceed $10,000 to hire consulting aquatic engineer James B. Rumen, to

Scavenger Hunt: Come to the Library Teen Room and follow the clues about “The Addams Family” and “Nevermore Academy” and use library resources to find the passcode. Use that passcode to claim a prize at the front desk.

• Friday, March 17 at 1 p.m.: Adult Coloring and Craft Group

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

• Monday, March 13 at 7 p.m.: “A Raisin in the Sun” discussion

new date.

• Tuesday, March 14 at 11 a.m: LVPV ESL Intermediate Online Conversation Class (virtual). Register online. At 2 p.m.: Adult Craft: Lucky Shamrock Canvas

Art. At 7:30 p.m.: LVPV ESL Online Tutor Training Workshop. Register online. At 7 p.m.: LVPV

ESL Online Intermediate Class. Register online.

• Thursdays, March 16 to March 23 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Advanced English Class (virtual). Register online. At 3:45 p.m.: STEM Club (grades 3–5). At

7:30 p.m.: Online Book Group: “Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz.

• Friday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m: Music and Movement with Boogie Woogie Babies: To age 5. At 11 a.m: Knitting & Crocheting Club. At 3:45 p.m: St. Patrickʼs Day Craft: Leprechaun Bookmark, grades K–3.

• Saturday, March 18 at 10 a.m.: Friends of the Library meeting. At 11 a.m.: Game Zone Poké mon Tournament.

oversee the pool construction work.

The resolutions, which mention no costs, were provided by Padilla around 2 p.m. on Wed., March 8, following Mondayʼs special meeting on the pool litigation settlement.

By the same time Wednesday, the special meeting video had not yet been posted online.

A resolution was approved “not to exceed” $10,000 to hire a pool engineer/consultant to oversee the contractorʼs approved pool upgrades.

Padilla said the council was putting a work deadline in the contract to be completed by the end of May. He estimated that the final contract was likely to include a $600 to $800 daily fine for each day past the construction deadline.

Bert Taylor, the lone resident calling into Mondayʼs special meeting, claimed that the pool shell work was being redone less than three years after prior pool shell maintenance. He asked where the money for resurfacing the pool was coming from and wondered if the work might affect the poolʼs opening for summer

Taylor also wondered whether Party City would be able to pay $250,000 towards the planned Galaxy Gardens Park, given its recent bankruptcy filing.

He also questioned possible impacts from new population he said would come from the approved 46-unit development at 188 Broadway and “for-profit housing” that may be built on about 20 acres up for sale at the 85-acre BMW campus.

— Staff writer Michael Olohan

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

• 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.

The Park

• Sunday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m.: Opera: Arias & Scenes Enjoy

Pool registration will be conducted electronically this year using Community Pass. Visit our website at www.parkridgeboro.com for registration details. A limited number of registration packets will be available at the pool located at 123 Colony Ave. weekends beginning on May 6 from

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: ‘A breath of fresh air’

To function at its highest level, the brain needs oxygen, healthy food, and lots of neuronal activation. This week we discuss how to maximize oxygen intake.

If your body does not have enough oxygen and has too much carbon dioxide, it becomes unhealthy and acidic, instead of healthy and alkaline. If the body is too acidic, it can lead to a weak immune system, headaches, fatigue, weight gain, trouble sleeping, weak bones, tooth pain, poor digestion, inflammation and brain fog.

Foods to avoid to reduce the acidity in the body are not necessarily the acidic foods, but more the inflammatory foods like milk, eggs, meat, processed foods, coffee, soda, bagged snacks, canned foods, and

deli meats.

Foods to consume that make the body more alkaline are kale, broccoli, arugula, spinach, cucumbers, nuts, collards, seeds, legumes, and raisins. So not only can you improve your well-being by breathing properly, you can also help improve your health by eating properly.

To really boost your brainpower and improve memory and focus, breathing correctly is vital because it will help you get the ideal amount of oxygen to your brain and other organs to function best.

The proper way to breathe is a one-to-two ratio of inhale to exhale. If you inhale for two seconds, it is best to exhale for four seconds. Perform this breathing exercise five times and then repeat it three times a day for one week. Then the following week, extend your inhalation to three seconds and your exhalation to six seconds.

For the next week, inhale for four seconds and exhale for eight

seconds. Repeat this process all the way up to inhaling for eight seconds and exhaling for sixteen seconds.

The good news is that one of the easiest ways to make your body strong, healthy, and resilient is to improve oxygenation.

As the brain needs oxygen to function at optimal levels, it is best to breathe from your diaphragm, as the body intended. As you inhale, push your stomach down and out like a pregnant belly. Try not to breathe from your shoulders or your chest, keep your chin up slightly, and bring back your shoulders as you take the large inhale.

When you exhale, bring your stomach in and tighten your core. This will maximize oxygen intake, improve posture, reduce anxiety, and increase core stability.

To ensure youʼre getting enough oxygen, adding high-oxygen-producing plants in and around your household can help just as much as focusing on breathing. The best oxygen-producing plants are money plants, snake plants, spider plants, aloe vera, gerbera daisies, areca palms, and chinese evergreens.

If you have yard space, I recommend planting lots of trees, as well. One tree produces enough oxygen for five people.

Pay attention to your posture. Many adults and children have bad breathing habits and poor posture due to “text neck” because they are always looking down at their cell phones, computers, and iPads.

Not only does this cause poor posture, but it also decreases their oxygen levels, and that may lead to anxiety, depression, low energy, headaches, neck pain, a hunchback, and difficulty concentrating.

One home exercise you can do to help combat this problem is to stand up, look up, and roll your shoulders back in big circles for 30 seconds. Perform this posture exer-

cise at least three times a day.

In our office, lots of patients improve their posture by getting spinal manipulative therapy that realigns their spine to help improve posture. As the posture improves, the amount of oxygen usually increases, as well.

When there is a lack of oxygen to the brain this can lead to headaches and dizziness. One condition, POTS, can cause the heart to beat really fast. These patients usually get very lightheaded and can even pass out if they transition too quickly from a lying or seated position to a standing position.

For this problem, a Table Tilt Test can help to diagnose it or a functional neurologist can help determine if there is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. You can ask your doctor if that is appropriate for you.

Because your brain health depends so much on oxygen, it is very important to monitor your oxygen levels. You can check it frequently by using a pulse oximeter device. Many believe that your blood oxygen saturation should be above 94 or 95 percent, but in my opinion, it should be at least 98 percent or higher because it will increase your energy, vitality, and help make your immune system stronger.

In addition to good nutrition and an active lifestyle, increasing oxygen levels through proper breathing, plant care, and improving posture are some of the most important factors in boosting your brainpower

The brain is very complicated and we need to make sure it gets enough oxygen and energy to perform at optimal levels. One of the best neurology tools we have in our office is called a qEEG with neurofeedback which measures brain waves. Basically you wear what

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

Act now! Special offers!

If you are interested in getting this complete neurological evaluation (valued at $500), sign up by calling or texting (646) 221-6738. If you are one the first seven people that respond, you can receive the entire brain mapping for $21. You can also email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com

For more information about functional neurology and services, please visit our website www.kaplandc.com. Follow my weekly articles for updates on upcoming lectures and follow our Instagram page @kaplanbrainbody or Facebook page Kaplan Brain and Body for lots of valuable health tips.

Also, please listen to my radio shows every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 970 AM as well as Saturday afternoon on 710 AM at 2.

Lastly, I will be running a live “Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series” that begins March 22 from 6:30 to 8 pm. in River Edge. This first seminar is about the holistic and natural ways to reverse, as well as prevent, insomnia and chronic fatigue.

Each seminar, which covers different topics such as mastering nutrition, natural reducing inflammation, learning functional brain exercises, and the Boost Your Brain Power Bootcamp, is $100, but if you call or text (646) 221-6738 before March 22 you can go to all the live events, or participate on Zoom, or you can get all the recordings for a total of $49 (only $10 a module).

Hope to see you there!

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

THE SAVVY SENIOR: Donating your body to science

• Donation denial: Most body donation programs will not accept bodies that are extremely obese, or those that have infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, H.I.V. or MRSA. Bodies that suffered extensive trauma wonʼt be accepted either.

BY JIMMILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in donating my body to science when I pass away. What can y ou tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up?

— Getting Old

Dear Getting,

If youʼre looking to help advance medical research, and in the process, eliminate your funeral and burial costs, donating your body to science is a great option to consider Hereʼs what you should know.

Body Donations

Each year, itʼs estimated that approximately 20,000 people donate their whole body, after death, to medical facilities throughout the country to be used in medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice.

After using your body, these facilities will then provide free cremation and will either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year.

And, just in case youʼre wondering, your family cannot not be paid for the use of your body. Federal and state laws prohibit it.

Here are a few other things you need to know and check into, to help you determine whether whole-body donation is right for you:

• Organ donation: Most medical school programs require that you donate your whole body in its entirety. So, if you want to be an organ donor (with the exception of your eyes), you probably wonʼt qualify to be a whole-body donor too.

• Religious considerations: Most major religions permit individuals to donate both their full body and organs, and many even encourage it. If you are unsure, you should consult with your pastor or spiritual adviser.

• Special requests: Most programs will not allow you to donate your body for a specific purpose. You give them the body and they decide how to use it.

• Memorial options: Most programs require almost immediate transport of the body after death, so thereʼs no funeral. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have one without the body. Or, some programs offer memorial services at their facility at a later date without the remains.

• Body transporting: Most programs will cover transporting your body to their facility within a certain distance. However, some may charge a fee.

How to Proceed

If you think you want to

d onate your body, itʼs best to make arrangements in advance with a body donation program in y our area. Most programs are offered through university-affiliated medical schools. To find one near you, the University of Florida maintains a list of U.S. programs and their contact information at A natbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms. If you donʼt have Internet access, you can get help by calling the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700.

In addition to the medical s chools, there are also private organizations like Science Care (ScienceCare.com) and Anatomy Gifts Registry (AnatomyGifts.org) that accept whole body donations too. Some of these organizations will even allow organ donation because they deal in body parts as well as whole cadavers.

Once you locate a program in your area, call and ask them to mail you an information/registrat ion packet that will explain exactly how their program works.

To sign up, youʼll need to fill out a couple of forms and return them. But you can always change your mind by contacting the program and removing your name from their registration list. Some programs may ask that you make your withdrawal in writing.

After youʼve made arrangements, youʼll need to tell your family members so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. Itʼs also a good idea to tell your doctors, so they know your final wishes too..

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

Kids to the rescue

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service posted on March 6, “Some of our probationary members and cadets volunteered some of their time today at the Pascack Valley High Schoolʼs blood drive with members of River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. They were present to assist in case of an emergency and to help show other students how they can make a difference in the community by becoming a volunteer EMT!”

Interested in helping make a

difference? HVAS is always accepting applications for members 16 and up who want to help the community Message HVAS for details about training opportunities and membership!

Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service on Facebook Probationary members of the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service volunteer March 6 at the Pascack Valley High School blood drive with members of River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior”book.

Beuscher: Spar

FROM PAGE 4

unsavory food rations. As I looked across the room at the mysterious artifact, I wondered if this small piece of wood could actually be from that tragic ship, the same vessel whose demise led our nation into war and affected my grandfather's life so profoundly,” says Kersting. “I was determined to find out once and for all if the piece of a shipʼs mast in the collection of the Pascack Historical Society was truly a relic of the USS Maine.”

His quest brought him in contact with some of Americaʼs top brass on matters of militaria: Roderick Ganier, chief curator at Arlington National Cemetery, and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Whitaker, a historian/archaeologist who is considered one of the nationʼs foremost experts on the USS Maine. In examining the smallest details of the artifact, down to its trace flecks of paint, and comparing these with the historical timeline of the ship, these experts determined that the museumʼs relic was indeed a missing piece from the side spar of the main mast of the Maine.

In light of this revelation, the trustees of the Pascack Historical Society determined that the correct course of action would be to

donate the spar, in perpetuity, to Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington is home to the USS Maine Mast Memorial, honoring those Americans who died in the event on Feb. 15, 1898. There it

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will be restored, preserved, and used as a teaching tool for the four million people who visit the site annually.

“Our mission at the museum is to acquire and preserve the artifacts that tell the story of our Pascack Valley,” says PHS President Kristin Beuscher. “Items like our wampum drilling machine from Park Ridge, the Tice family quilt from Woodcliff Lake, a 1776 grandfather clock from Hillsdale, and our latest acquisition, a 19th century church pulpit from Montvale—these are our local treas-

ures. Once we received word that the experts believed this was a spar off the USS Maine, as much as we would have loved to keep this relic, we knew it did not belong with us. This was an item of national significance that needed to be at Arlington.”

On the morning of March 7, Ganier and Whitaker visited the museum, along with Arlington National Cemeteryʼs command historian, Steven Carney, to accept the gift. Also on hand to witness the handover was Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna. Whitaker

graciously answered questions about the artifact and spoke about the process of authenticating the spar. Park Ridgeʼs local cable station PKRG was on hand to capture the event and the footage will be aired on that station (Optimum Ch. 77 and Verizon Ch. 22) and on YouTube in the coming days.

The visiting USS Maine experts also enjoyed a tour of the Pascack Historical Societyʼs museum, and PHS volunteers relished the opportunity to share their own brand of historical knowledge with Whitaker and the delegation from Arlington.

The Pascack Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization serving the towns of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake. This nonprofit 501(c)3 organization runs a free-admission museum at 19 Ridge Ave. in Park Ridge.

Housed in an 1873 former chapel, the museum tells the story of the Pascack Valley region through thousands of artifacts spanning centuries of local history. For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org

— Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society

LIC. #00081A

The USS Maine enters Havana Harbor on Jan.25,1898.Three weeks later,an explosion sinks the ship

Arlington National Cemetery chief curator Roderick Ganier formally accepts the gift from the Pascack Historical Society.

Pascack Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization serving Emerson,Hillsdale,Montvale,Park Ridge,River Vale, Township of Washington,Westwood,and Woodcliff Lake.

GPVCOC: 2023 Citizens of the Year dinner April 25

FROM PAGE 1

Alissa Napoletano Vitale were inspired during their honeymoon in Paris and Tuscany in 2012 to create Sogno Coffeehouse, along with Alissaʼs parents Joe and Cheryl Napoletano.

Within a year they expanded to open Caffe Anello, a staple in the Westwood community, with Tuscan-inspired dishes and more recently a full-service bar.

Early in the pandemic, while the cafe was closed to the public for in-house dining, the family found a way to extend their reach beyond their doors.

The Napoletano family aided in the efforts to make and bring hot meals to frontline workers through their Anello Feeds First campaign.

April 2020 to October 2022, Anello Feeds First, with the support of the community who purchased meals at $10 each, John created and delivered more than 48,000 meals.

To date, that number has more than doubled. Eighty percent of all proceeds raised went to making and delivering meals; 20% was put aside to help the small businesses of Westwood and Greater Pascack Valley.

The Napoletano family has now revamped its initial initiative into The Wonderful World of Birthday Wishes. It teamed up with Joseph M. Sanzari Childrenʼs Hospital and Graceʼs Gold Ribbon Gang to deliver birthday cakes, gifts, and meals to families, and healthcare providers of kids under 18 years old who are hospitalized on their birthday.

Dee Gillen, a lifelong resident of Haworth, with her husband Greg, are the proud parents of

Scott, Deborah, and Eric.

In 2015, after losing Scott to an overdose, Gillen attended the first of many overdose awareness event. During one of these events Gillen felt there would be a greater impact to have posters of lost loved ones surrounding the speaker.

In 2019, Gillen founded The Black Poster Project. Since its inception, tragically, the project has grown from 50 awareness posters to more than 550. Gillen hand-makes each poster, starting with a photo submitted by the grieving family — and at no cost to them.

Gillen travels throughout New Jersey and New York, displaying these posters of loved ones in an exhibit, “Silent Memorials.” Volunteers usually assist with setup at these events, but transportation of these posters now requires a large van and the need for raising funds.

In summer 2022, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5) honored Gillen with a Fifth District Hometown Hero award. He said, “She brings together grieving families, people in recovery, and local communities, in an effort to educate attendees about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.”

Tickets to the awards dinner can be purchased at pascackchamber.org/coty.

2023 Donors and Sponsors

C2 Education

Fig & Tomato

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Past Citizens of the Year Honorees

Citizen of the Year awards have been given every year by the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce every year since Harold Effron was first honored in 1974. Here are the previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year award:

Peggy Andrews (2012)

James R. Beattie

Lynne Bennett

John Birkner (2012)

Donna Bott (2008)

Rev. Norman Brinkmann*

Lupe Budelman*

Andre DiMino

Libby and Keith Durie (2016)

Harold Effron* (1974)

Bernard J. Finnegan

Joseph Fisher

Mike Fitzsimmons (2018)

George Haskew Jr.

Timothy Hampton

The Hodges Family (2015)

John Johl

Skip* and Nina Kelley (2013)

Lois Kohan

William Kroepke* (2010)

Scott Laughton (2021)

Thomas Lehmann*

Bill McLaughlin (2021)

Jeanne Martin (2015)

Det. Rachel Morgan (2011)

George Mulhauser (2007)

Charles Naden*

Bea Napier (2010)

James Napolitano

Father Thomas J. Norton (1996)

Debra Oberg-Kmiecik

Julia Ogden (2018)

Florine Ponton*

Harry Randall* and family (2009)

Kathy P. Randall

John Redden* (2004)

Yash Risbud (2019)

Donald J. Ruschman

Jay and Elin Stolz Lee Tremble

Susan C. Vaccaro (2019)

Sophie Werner*

Fred Winkler* (2008)

Louis R. Ycre Jr.

Bergen Medical Volunteer Initiative (2016)

*deceased

WOMAN’SCLUBHOSTS SPEAKERONHEALTH

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club holds its next meeting on Monday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Park Ridge Community Center, 53 Park Ave., Park Ridge.

The featured speaker is Tara Piantadosi of Hackensack University Medical Center, who will disciss how nutrition affects our immune systems and promotes disease prevention.

Also on the agenda: plans for the clubʼs annual military bridge fundraiser. This event is slated for Thursday, April 27, and will

include a fun game of cards (no experience required) and a tricky tray raffle. Tickets are $15, with all proceeds donated to local charities.

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club has been a member of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs since 1990. The club welcomes all women who want to make a difference in their community and in their own lives. For more information call Carolyn at (201) 819-1000, write GPVWC1990@gmail.com , or visit the club on Facebook.

PRE-K T-BALL REGISTRATIONOPEN

River Vale children who are entering kindergarten in the fall are eligible to take part in River Valeʼs spring T-ball program.

The clinic runs Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m: April 29; May 6, 13, and 20; and June 3 and 10 (no session Memorial Day weekend) at Holdrum School field.

The cost to participate is $50

per child. Registration is required and available online via River Valeʼs Community Pass system through April 7. Space is limited.

Want to enrich your child's experience? Become a coach. No baseball/softball experience is necessary. See the town website for more information, including requirements.

PASCACK VALLEY

RIVER VALE

CLAIM BENEFITS SOONER OR LATER?

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. When it comes to Social Security and retirement, you may have conflicting viewpoints: On one side, you hope to start collecting your benefits as soon as youʼre eligible—after all, itʼs your hard-earned money. On the other side, you know that, if you wait, your monthly benefit amount will increase.

While it does make sense to wait as long as you can, Rob Arthur, first vice president/manager of the Federal Benefits Consulting Group, Wells Fargo Advisors, recommends you reevaluate your situation every year in retirement before deciding whether to continue delaying getting benefits.

One item you need for that annual retirement review: a current copy of your Social Security benefit estimate from ssa.gov. This provides personalized estimates of future benefits based on your real earnings and lets you see your latest statement and your earnings

history. Here, Arthur outlines a comparison of claiming now vs. later, and offers key considerations as you review your strategy each year.

Comparison: Claiming sooner vs. later. Letʼs start with a hypothetical example: John Doe was born in 1960 and was earning $200,000 a year when he retired. He decided to start receiving Social Security benefits as soon as he became eligible at 62, or five years before he would receive full retirement benefits. His monthly benefit in todayʼs dollars is $2,106. If he had delayed receiving

benefits until he was 70, heʼd receive $1,700 more a month, or $3,806. And he would make up for the eight-year delay in not taking any benefits in about 10 years. (And because one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, according to the Social Security Administration1, the longterm benefit could be substantial.)

Make wellness a deciding factor. Your health can play a big role in helping determine when you should start taking benefits. Do your loved ones live long lives, or has everyone succumbed to illness before age 65?

“Itʼs not the most accurate indicator of whatʼs going to transpire in the future, but it can have some bearing,” Arthur says. “If youʼre in reasonably good health, that counsels in favor of waiting,” he continues. “If youʼre in poor or guarded health, that counsels toward drawing benefits sooner rather than later.”

Do you have enough income?

Another key factor is having other sources of income to live comfortably in retirement without needing Social Security benefits. He says you should consider the guaranteed rate of return Social Security offers: 6.25% (plus a cost-of-living increase). Thatʼs better than the guaranteed rate of return available in todayʼs market.

Considerations for married couples. Arthur advises married clients look at multiple factors when determining the timing for each spouse to claim Social Security benefits.

For example, if your spouse works full time and you work part time or seasonally, his or her Social Security benefits may be dramatically higher than yours. Itʼs still wise for both of you to wait, if possible.

“Not only does it increase the size of the benefit that the [higherearning] individual personally receives, but it also increases the

size of whatʼs known as the survivorʼs benefit that the [lowerearning] spouse could draw if the individual passes away,” Arthur says.

Keep in mind that the current average life expectancy of a 65year-old man is 84 years, while a woman that age can expect to live until age 86, according to the Social Security Administration.

What about taxes? When it comes to when to claim Social Security benefits, Arthur advises his clients not to focus primarily on the tax ramifications.

“The vast majority of people that I counsel, their marginal tax rate in retirement will be fairly constant,” Arthur says. “If retirees were to take their Social Security benefit at 62, what I typically see is their marginal tax rate is exactly the same or approximately the same as it would be if they claimed the benefit at age 70. I want [them] to focus instead on maximizing the net cash flow over the remainder of their lifetime.”

Global Investment Strategy is a division of Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. (“WFII”). WFII is a registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company and provides investment advice to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Advisors and other Wells Fargo affiliates. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, senior financial advisor, managing director—investments in Park Ridge, (201) 505-0472.

Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDICinsured/not bank-guranteed/may lost value.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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Orchard Street, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

HILLSDALE

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

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

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

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

The food distribution program has expanded its hours to coincide with the thrift shop hours with only non-perishables available. Food distribution includes fresh produce, meat and pantry items.

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

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

ZBA: Preschool/daycare with pool sought at 95 Linwood

FROM PAGE 1

However, Apple Montessoriʼs consultant expressed no concerns about the site, one of its officials told Pascack Press

Apple Montessori Schools proposes to build a two–story structure comprising 18,743 square feet of gross space. The applicant requests a use variance to put a daycare/preschool on a site zoned “AA” for single-family residential, with a prior nonconforming use as a restaurant.

According to its public notice published March 3, the applicant seeks approval to demolish the existing building and construct a new two-story daycare center/early childhood education/school, along with related site improvements, including parking, pool, landscaping and lighting.

The applicant moreover seeks use variance relief for construction of a daycare center/early childhood education/school where same is not a permitted use.

Readers can find the public notice at njpublicnotices.com, a free service provided by the New Jersey Press Association. Digital application documents can be found by clicking the link by Zoning Board Applications Before The Board, and then Apple Montessori School on the Zoning Board web page.

The application seeks four variances to local code:

• For building height greater than permitted (30 ft. permitted; 34.75 ft. proposed). The applicant also seeks bulk variance relief along with design waivers/exceptions, including: front yard setback less than required (50 ft. required; 31 ft. proposed on Hemlock Drive);

• Accessory building frontyard setback less than required (50 ft. required; 21.9 ft. proposed on Linwood Avenue);

•Minimum parking space

size less than required (180 sq. ft. required; 162 sq. ft. proposed);

• Off-street parking prohibited in front yard where same is proposed; and

•Number of parking spaces less than required (108 spaces required; 34 spaces proposed).

Applicant attorney is Jason R. Tuvel. Apple Montessori Schools director of development is Erica Amon. We invited comments from both for this article.

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

Township balked at purchase

In late fall 2022, Amon told Pascack Press that the applicant had submitted a preliminary and final site plan application for a 154-student preschool on the 1.45acre site. The application was reviewed by township professionals late last year and in early 2023 before it could be deemed “complete” and the proposal was then

set for hearings before the Zoning Board of Adjustment that begin March 13.

This followed an early 2022 attempt to purchase the site for $1.35 million that was interrupted when the township moved to purchase the site for the same price — under threat of condemnation — at first for a new location for its razed DPW facility, which was demolished due to longstanding toxic contamination on site.

When the effort to site a new DPW facility at 95 Linwood failed due to public resistance from township and neighboring Paramus residents, Mayor Peter Calamari suggested the site be used for a new police headquarters.

That effort petered out when remnants of an underground piping system were discovered from the siteʼs prior land use as a convenience store/gas station.

The Township is planning to build a $5 million DPW facility back at Town Hall, on top of its former footprint, while no plans for police department upgrades are ongoing.

Due to possible environmental contamination, the township council voted unanimously last June to withdraw its bid to purchase the property. However, within two months of the townshipʼs decision to drop out, Apple Montessori Schools moved to restart efforts to purchase the property contingent upon site approval for a school.

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 was to keep the main school building “as far away from residents” as possible and nearer the highway side of the property. Site renderings show the school positioned near the east side of the property that adjoins southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway, and away from residences on Hemlock Drive, a cul-de-sac.

P Paassccaacck k

P Prreesss s

welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements an event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net

Left:95 Linwood Ave.,most recently a restaurant;is prominent on an approach to the Township of Washington from Paramus and the Garden State Parkway; middle: Apple Montessori School,which specializes in early childhood education and summer camp programs,is proposing to raze the restaurant and erect a two–story daycare facility comprising 18,743 square feet of gross space. Photos: file;AppleMontessoriSchools;file.

REAL ESTATE

Special: Hillsdale votes on Tuesday, March 14

year-old middle school is past the point where renovations will be able to keep the school functioning for modern-day learning needs.

At recent middle school walkthroughs and an online questionand-answer forum in January (archived on the Road To Referendum website for residents), Lombardy said the top question asked was what will happen if the referendum fails.

Lombardy said that there are no short-term fixes, and that should the bond referendum be defeated, the district will need to start preparing again for another bond referendum, likely to be held in the next two to

three years, with costs for replacing the school only likely to increase.

Both Lombardy and Klas stressed that the best answer was to replace the middle school now rather than try to put additional “Band-Aids” on the schoolʼs many mechanical, physical and educational deficits.

Following consideration of several lower-cost options to renovate existing facilities, the school board voted unanimously last June to support replacing the middle school with a new state-of-the-art facility,

rather than renovate the aged facility and relocate students for up to two years in temporary trailers that would be located on a nearby recreational field.

On its website, the district addresses why it chose not to expand and renovate the middle school.

“During the Boardʼs process, the cost of building a new school was compared to a ball-parked cost of $72 per month to expand and renovate. That included about $3.7 million (in 2021 pricing) to rent modu-

lar trailers for a minimum of two years. It would have disrupted the middle school experience for students. After that, Hillsdale would be left with the many unknown factors that come from renovating a 100year-old school, and some architectural constraints could not be overcome. A survey of people who learned about the options showed very strong support for the proposal to invest in a new middle school,” notes the district website.

Recently, both Lombardy and Klas, along with board member Justin Saxon, were featured in a 4minute-plus video — available on the Road To Referendum site — that shows the middle schoolʼs problems and why a new middle school is the smart choice now and for future students.

Klas told Pascack Press on March 7 that the middle school needed major investments, and rather than doing maintenance “Band-Aids” the board considered all options and found that a new middle school would be the best choice moving forward. She said investing major dollars for upkeep in a 100-year-old building “is not worthwhile now.”

Hillsdale Public Schools is asking voters for support borrowing for a new middle school.It’s been making its case at open houses,traveling presentations,and at its Road to Referendum web portal,hillsdaleschools.com/referendum. The special election is Tuesday,March 14.

Special: Hillsdale votes March 14

FROM PAGE 34

Lombardy said most residents who recently toured the 100-yearold middle school during two Saturdays in February and March saw how outdated the school is and how run down are its classrooms, heating and electrical systems, bathrooms, and an undersized gym/cafeteria.

Laura Bishop Communications, a public relations firm hired by the district to assist public outreach and communications, provided Pascack Press with a list of most-asked questions by residents at the referendumʼs email address.

District answers questions

“As of March 6, we have received emailed inquiries from more than 30 citizens, and some of those posed as many as 12 questions. Several called for input from the districtʼs architect, and we sought and shared that information. Questions that were asked multiple times were added to the website, either on the “FAQs” page or the “Process” page that covers what brought Hillsdale Public Schools to this point,” said the press statement.

Selected resident questions and district answers:

•Question: If the building was renovated, how much state aid can be utilized?

District Response: “The districtʼs architect, who specializes in school construction, estimated the potential state aid that could be awarded if we renovated George White, as well as the much lower percentage of aid that could be expected for building hat additional (new) space that is needed. Those estimated costs and state aid projected a permonth tax impact of $72, including an estimate for state aid — compared to the $95 per month cost of building a new school.”

• Question: I was told that the school board is trying to obtain the church property next to George White School. How would that property be paid for?

District Response: “The Board of Education did inquire about potentially buying that land, because having more land would give us more options for expansion. However, the current GW property has enough space for the expansion that the district needs. The Board of Education considered all the implications of a renovate/expand option and determined that building a new school was a better option for Hillsdale students and community.”

“If voters reject this referendum, the BOE would step back to the point of determining how to meet Hillsdaleʼs needs for addi-

tional instructional space and efficient building systems. Those costs cannot fit in the operating budget; another referendum would be required and it would take another year to plan for that and get state approval. If the BOE pursued the purchase of additional land, the cost for that would come on top of the cost of renovations and additions.”

•Question: As the town grows, the two elementary schools may also enroll more students. Where would money come from if those schools need an addition or improvement over the next 30 years?

District Response: “Enrollment in the elementary grades is projected to rise by about 60 students over the next few years. The most immediate concern is that those elementary students would eventually be middle school students at George White, which is already cramped.”

“Less pressing is the forecast for the elementary schools. Right now, we have projections that are 4 to 5 years out. If those come to fruition, it is possible that our elementary schools will also begin to feel tighter. However, we have the ability to adjust the boundary lines that determine which homes are assigned to Meadowbrook or Smith, and that gives us some flexibility. With just one middle school, we donʼt have that kind of

flexibility.”

“Regarding where future funding would come from for capital improvements: One funding avenue that is open to the district is to apply for special state grants offered for school renovations.

Another funding avenue would be the districtʼs capital

PASCACK VALLEY

reserve account, which is specifically set aside for capital projects aligned with its Long-Range Facility Plan.

Furthermore, should an additional funding vehicle be needed, another option could be a lease-purchase in the amount of the proposed addition.”

Free training to tutor ESL

Make a difference in your community —volunteer to teach English as a Second Language.

Since 1982, Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley has been training volunteers to teach English to adults in their community. This online workshop is run by certified trainers and the program is an accredited member of Proliteracy.

Upon completion of the workshop, LVPV will match each volunteer with an appropriate student.

This workshop is open to residents of Allendale, Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Lodi, Montvale,

Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Teaneck and Westwood. Tutoring may be remote or in person, depending on your preference.

Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley is pleased to announce the next online foursession Tutor Training Workshop on April 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Volunteers must be 18 or older. Contact Marilyn Katz or Cheryl Chang at literacyvolunteerspv@gmail.com to register. You may also register at literacyvolunteerspv.org/tutor-training-workshopform.html.

Miriam K. GRAY

Miriam Kraemer Gray, 85, a longtime resident of Westwood, died Saturday, March 4. Mrs. Gray (“Miriam”) was born April 27, 1937 and was the second of two children. She was born in Newark and raised in Hillside and later Paterson.

Following graduation from Montclair State College in 1958, she became a speech therapist in West Orange and later a religious school teacher at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center. She continued her education, earning a MA from The Jewish Theological Seminary after which she became principal of the religious school at the Jewish Community Center of Paramus. She finished her career as the educational director of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake.

She is survived by daughter Alyssa and her spouse Robin Riback of Woodside, N.Y.; son, Michael and his wife, Stephanie of HoHoKus; daughter Ann and her husband, Jay Webb of Jersey City; four grandchildren: Erica, Skylar, Derrick and Jake Gray, all also of Ho-Ho-Kus; and stepgrandson Paxton Webb.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert M. Gray, brother Joel Kraemer, mother Annabelle Kraemer and father Mayo Kraemer. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Miriam loved spending time with her family. She was a Westwood baseball team mom and board member in the 1980s and subsequently was a regular at many local concerts, lectures and at her grandchildrenʼs school performances and sporting events.

She loved attending the theater in New York City and concerts in Bergen County. She was a baker, cook, intellect, musician, voracious reader, story teller and friend. She lived her life with passion and tenacity. She exuded LOVE.

Miriam spent her retirement years in service to others. She frequently taught adult education, tutored under privileged students in local communities, delivered food with the local Interfaith organizations, performed as a therapy clown for local senior care facilities, spoke at her synagogue during the high holy days services and drove elderly people to religious services.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 6 at Robert Schoemʼs Menorah Chapel Inc., 150 Route 4 East, Paramus; interment at Cedar Park Cemetery, Forest Avenue, Paramus. Shiva will be observed at the family home in Westwood.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Miriam Kraemer Gray Ed Fd 48 Dogwood Court Westwood, NJ 07675 or to the Jewish Historical Society of North Jersey 17-10 River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.

Lillian G. ‘Jill’ A X

Lillian Gilda “Jill” Ax, 94, of the Township of Washington passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born Lillian Gilda Bruno in Lyndhurst in 1928 to Victoria Bruno (n ée Dorsa) and Vincent Bruno of Calabria, Italy; predeceased by siblings Kathryn Bollerman (Ken) of Old Tappan, Mary Zockoll (Herb) of Wayne and her brother Joseph Bruno. Jill is also predeceased by and reunited with her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Bob Ax.

Jill is survived by her five children and their partners, Laurie and Leonard Knies; Nancy Seter and Howie Glickberg; Ellen Schulz and Will Nivins; Robin Ax and Gregg Mulgrew; Bob and Michele Ax.

Jill is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer Hitch (Ryan), Sara Oudersluys (Mike), Krista Mills (Chris), Laurie Bratt (Dave), Lenny Knies (Taylor), Annalise Suchoski (John), Elizabeth Bradley (John), Christopher Seter (Erin), Keri Kida (Darrel), Steven Schulz (Betsy), Robert M. Ax and Daniel Ax.

Jill was also a great-grandmother (GG) to 17 beautiful children. Jill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jill worked for many years for IBM in Montvale and enjoyed vacationing with her family in Long Beach Island.

After her retirement, Jill and Bob would go on to spend time with their extensive family and travel the world — occasionally with best friends Marie and Howie Olson of Ridgewood.

Jill was an active member of the Our Lady of Good Council community for many years as a CCD instructor and parishioner She was a member of the seniors community and enjoyed creating art — especially Christmas figurines to distribute to her family. Jill was also passionate about sports — especially tennis, which she played with her beloved Bob for nearly 30 years and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Westwood Cardinals, the New York Mets and had a passion for football as well as being an avid reader. Jill was also part of an amazing neighborhood that featured the Friends Of Heidi — and many legendary Super Bowl parties.

Please consider a donation to the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Jillʼs name, in lieu of flowers. Visitation Wednesday, March 8 at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood from 4 to 8 p.m. with a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel in the Township of Washington to follow on March 9 at 10 a.m.

J oseph J. HODER

Joseph J. Hoder, 86, of Mahwah and formerly of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.

Joe was the beloved husband of the late Jane Hoder for 51 years.He is survived and adored byhisfiancée, Doreen DiFiore, and his children:Lisa Hoder Quatroche and her husband, Matthew, and Jeffrey M. Hoder and his wife, Maggie. He is the cherished Opa to his grandchildren: Sophia Quatroche, Emily, Ryan and Lyla Hoder. He was predeceased by his parents;hissister, Mary; and two older brothers, Edward and William.Born and raised in Pawling, N.Y. to parents Anna Güttler and Joseph Hoder.

He attended Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.. majoring in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of captain. Afterbeing honorably discharged, he relocated to Park Ridge where he worked in a range of careers that included sales, hotel management, real estate, and for the Park Ridge Town Halluntil his retirement.

Joe was an active parishioner, choir member and a member of the Knights of Columbus at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. When not working, he enjoyed golf, watching his favorite sports teams: the Yankees, Knicks, and Giants, and singing, both for churchand with his grandchildren.

Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc.,155 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. Funeral Mass 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 9at the Church of the Presentation, 271 W. Saddle River Road,Upper Saddle River.Interment in Loudon Park Cemetery, Baltimore, Md.on Saturday, March 11.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations in memory of Joseph J. Hoder be made to the American Cancer Society or to Chelseaʼs Hope Boxer Rescue,c/o Liz Morgan, 22 East Quackenbush Ave., Dumont, NJ 07628 to honor his loving rescue dog, Rosie.

Haig

KALFAIAN

Haig Kalfaian, 93, of Woodcliff Lake, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Haig was born in Weehawken in 1929. He attended the Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), where he took his bachelor of science in electrical engineering and later went on to earn a masterʼs

in engineering.

Haig served in the Army during the Korean War in Okinawa as a communications specialist. He married Hazel (née Margosian) Kalfaian in 1955, and they raised two children in Paramus and later Woodcliff Lake, which became their permanent home.

Haigʼs career as a magnetics engineer at Bendix Guidance Systems Division in Teterboro spanned more than 40 years. At Bendix he worked on many notable space and defense programs, including the Gemini Space Program and the Apollo Space Program, and he received special recognition for his contributions to the Apollo Lunar Excursion Modules, the first of which landed on the moon in 1969.

Throughout his life, Haig enjoyed spending time with family and friends, supporting his wifeʼs artistic career, and supporting his childrenʼs and grandchildrenʼs endeavors. He framed all of his wifeʼs artworks and built sets and contributed to production design for his daughterʼs dance recitals. Haig sang in his church choir and served as a trustee and treasurer of the church, and he enjoyed playing the violin, listening to classical music, walking for fitness, and solving jigsaw and math puzzles.

Haig is predeceased by his beloved wife Hazel. He was dedicated father to daughter Diane Sartor and her husband, Mark and son, Charles and his wife, Susan; and was loving grandfather to Michelle Lang and her husband, Christopher; Nicole Sartor; and Anna, Eva, and Eli Kalfaian. Haig was adoring great-grandfather to Mackenzie and Keegan Lang.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Tuesday, March 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A service celebrating Haigʼs life will follow at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. with interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus to follow

Memorial contributions can be made in Haig's name to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), 31 W. Century Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Helena ‘Bunny’ CANGELOSI

Helena “Bunny” Cangelosi, 83, of the Township of Washington on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. She was born in Passaic on Dec. 17, 1939 to Rudolph and Helen Pawlikowski.

Beloved wife of the late John Cangelosi, Jr. Devoted mother of John P

and his wife Carolyn, Ann Dixon and her husband Chris, the late Michael and his wife Mary, and David and his husband, Manuel.

She is a graduate of FDU. Bunny was an active member of the Westwood Elks Lodge, where s he was past president of the Womanʼs Auxiliary and a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel since 1960.

Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Township of Washington, NJ on Monday at 10 a.m. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

Memorial gifts to Miracle on the Mountain Fund, NJSEA-SCC, PO Box 1596, Woodbridge, NJ 07095-1596 would be appreciated. Becker-Funeralhome.com.

Robin J. KREISMER

Robin Jean Kreismer, 71, a resident of Sanibel Island, Fla., formerly of Upper Saddle River, passed away from cancer Feb. 28 at Joanneʼs House Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, Fla.

Robin was the first daughter born to Roberta and Stephen Bienkowski, the beloved wife of Jack for nearly 45 years, loving mother of Jeffrey, and wonderful sister to Randi Willey (Stan) and the late Ruthe Roberts.

She is survived by a sister-inlaw, Rory Tomlinson (Jim) and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Robin grew up in Park Ridge, graduating from high school in 1969, then from Alphonsus College in Woodcliff Lake and Dominican College in Blauvelt, N.Y.

She worked as a borough administrator in Park Ridge before becoming the co-owner of a novelty publishing company, Red-Letter Press.

Robin remained positive, brave and cheerful throughout her illness. Al ways compassionate and kind to others, she had a special heart as well for animals and wildlife.

There will be a Celebration of Life held Wednesday, March 8 at 11 a.m. at the Pascack Reformed Church, followed by a burial at Pascack Cemetery and a repast.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ, 07656. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Treasures! Westwood-wide

Ready to spring clean and upcycle? What better way to celebrate earth day than by giving your old stuff a new home and keeping it out of the landfills! Join the Westwood-wide Garage Sale, hosted by Celebrate Westwood, on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23.

Registration is open through April 1.

Registration includes: general event publicity in Pascack Press, Facebook, Instagram, and email newsletters; address featured on address directory and digital map which will be created one week prior to the event; a digital file that may be printed and displayed in accordance with borough regulations; link to online digital map for sharing on social media; and

sale April 22, 23

the option to participate on one or both days.

Registration begins at $20 for one individual address, but in the spirit of community building and celebrating our wonderful neighborhoods, there is a discount for subsequent neighbors on the same block registering together ($25 for two addresses, $50 for three addresses, or contact us for group

rates for even larger neighborhood conglomerates!)

Proceeds benefit Celebrate Westwood, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports com-

munity events and programming. To register, visit c elebratewestwood.org before April 1. For more information write celebratewestwood@gmail.com

H

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.

& 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

THEUPS STORE is now accepting applications. Join our team today! Email your resume to store1588@theupsstore.com.

Live-in housekeeper, private room with full bath, light housekeeping. Call (201) 960-7707.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT– HILLSDALE BOROUGH (BERGEN COUNTY)

The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking a part-time administrative professional with experience in providing administrative support in the Municipal Clerk’s Office. This position is part-time and not to exceed 20 hours per week. The candidate must be able to work independently, take initiative, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Must be able to work well with residents, co-workers and elected officials. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required. Salary is dependent upon qualifications, however this is an entry level position. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview qualified candidates prior to the deadline. Email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk, at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by March 31, 2023.

1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck. 185,000 miles with 15k on new 350 v8 motor. $6,300. Hillsdale (201) 783-0353.

A AUUTTOOS S F FOOR R S SAALLE E WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

Harrington

Park - Small apartment. 1 br. with garage. $1,200 per month. Call (201)7393561 for more information.

WE PERFORM ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING AND HARDSCAPE WORK: Specializing in developing creative, custom landscape solutions and outdoor Living Spaces, our concept plans and 3-D renderings will help you