Pascack Press 4.17.23

Easter bounty

BRONCOS PIN MORE GLORY BRONCOS PIN MORE GLORY

Fourth consecutive championship; new records set

EMERSON

HEALING POWEROF MUSIC, FAITH

In ʻHoodwinked From Heaven,ʼElisa Brown connects with her dad through Alzheimerʼs care

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

The organizer of a fundraiser for beloved local doctor and coach Harry Elia has more going on, separately leveraging her musical talents in her fatherʼs memory.

BOROUGH

‘125TH’ FUN POWERSON

Calendar filling fast, anniversary committee says sponsorship opportunities available

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

After highly successful 125th Anniversary events in March and April, including a birthday celebration, a Hillsdaleʼs Got Talent celebration, a square dance, and a Bagels with the Bunny Easter event, more 125th anniversary events are on tap for May, June and the fall as the festive year unfolds.

Gerry Beatty, anniversary committee co-chair, told the mayor and See BOROUGH on page 7

MONTVALE

BY MARNEEROSEN

SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

CONGRATULATIONSARE in order to the Pascack Hills High School wrestling team, which enjoys a fourth consecutive championship season. Hills repeated as Big North Patriot league champ and won Bergen County Small School Team of the Year for the second time in the past three seasons while finishing with a 20–8 record.

Hills also qualified three wrestlers to the State tournament in Atlantic City, the most qualifiers for the program since 1989.

BCCA Small School Team of the Year

Back-to-back Big North Patriot League champs

The three representatives were senior Alejandro Camarena (Region finalist at 215 pounds), junior Jake Wacha (Region third at 150 pounds) and junior Tyler Duffy (Region fourth at 190 pounds). These three were all District

CLUB CONNECTS

finalists along with three other Bronco wrestlers who placed in the District 1 Tournament. Junior Fares Daraghmeh placed third at 144 pounds; senior Hunter Morton was a District finalist at 157 pounds; and sophomore Quinn Mercier placed third at heavyweight, bringing the total number to six District medalists.

At the state tourney, Camarena went 3-2 and finished one match short of placing in the Round of 12. Wacha also won a match at States; Duffy finished with 32 wins.

Head coach Dave Bucco, finishing his 15th season, told Pascack Press on April 11 that

Continued on page 35

Elizabeth Spaeth, a selfdescribed “65-year-old classically trained singer in Emerson,” turned country and Americana songs that she wrote for her late father, who suffered with Alzheimerʼs disease, into an off-Broadway show.

Spaeth, who works as Elisa Brown, invites you to check out “Hoodwinked From Heaven,” making its New York City debut at Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Peter Nortonʼs Symphony Space on Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. The address is 250 W. 95th St. at Broadway. Lyrics, music, and story are written and performed by Brown.

She pointed us to material helpfully informing us that her “melodious, soulful singing has been thrilling audiences around the globe for decades. Her ability to sing a wide range of vocal styles –

See HEALING on page 33

B kintime...

In 1923 Park Ridge’s senior class had 25 students, nearly all with roles in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” presented in the school auditorium that April 20–21.

PAGE 4

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

The Woman’s Club of Westwood hosts a lively Palisades District Civic Engagement and Outreach Day, connecting on K-9s for veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.

PAGE 22

Cameras flashed left and right in our towns and boroughs as Easter egg hunts rolled on.

PAGE 21

Head coach Dave Bucco,finishing his 15th season,says that “This senior class really came together throughout their high school careers.This was one of the most talented teams I’ve ever coached and we were a little more of a tournament team than a dual-meet team.”The Broncos program hit its 700th win. Courtesy photo

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Former BoE members on board’s duty

To the editor:

WETHE 14 undersigned former Westwood Regional School District Board of Education members write to express our legal, ethical, practical, and educational concerns with the current BoEʼs

conversations and actions related to the Health and Physical Education Standards and associated Curriculum.

These concerns come primarily from the March 20, 2023 Board of Education meeting under old business, where a conversation centered around the matter of one

Correction

INANEWSARTICLE April 10, “Mayor back on dais after rift with council president,” we incorrectly reported that Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari and Administrator Mark DiCarlo missed two meetings over the dispute. The two removed themselves from the dais for only one meeting:April 3. We regret the error.

Knights

or more teachers speaking in the classroom on the topic of families and including two mommies and two daddies in their daily lesson plan(s), only to be characterized during board discussion as “going rogue” on a “sensitive topic.” This was followed by a discussion on “community values” and then the reading of a prewritten proposal by the board president on the development of an ad-hoc committee to determine whether or not the Board of Education needs to comply with the Health and Physical Education Learning Standards required by the New Jersey State Department of Education.

Legally, a board of education gets its authority from the state and is required to adhere to all state mandates, including the adoption of state standards like those of Health and Physical Education.

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.

Legally, same sex marriage is recognized nationally and civil unions are recognized locally. Legally, affectional or sexual orientation is a protected class. Legally, gay couples can have families through childbirth and/or adoption. Any attempt to distinguish or marginalize families that have two moms or two dads is illegal.

Regarding ethics, on Nov. 22, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Education released a School Ethics Commission formal opinion, stating that a “Board member would violate the School Ethics Act (Act), N.J.S.A. 18A:12-21 et seq., if he/she (1) votes in the affirmative on a Board motion to refuse to implement the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

go big with four $1K scholarships

The scholarship committee of Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 will award another three scholarships from the James Picarella Memorial Trust Fund and one Mother Seton Scholarship. Each scholarship is for $1,000.

Applicants for the scholarships must be Township residents graduating high school this year. Non-residents who have a father, brother, grandfather, or uncle as a member of Mother Seton Council #5427 in good standing for at least one year prior to the date of

the application may also apply.

The principal criteria for selecting the winners:

• The award must be applied toward tuition for a full-time student at any accredited institution of higher education: college, business, nursing, or technical school.

• The award will be in one payment to the student upon proof of enrollment.

• Although scholastic ability is of great importance, we will also consider financial need, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

• The application must be completed by the student in its entirety. Leave no blanks. If something does not apply, say so. A high school transcript must accompany the completed application. An incomplete application

will be disqualified.

Applications are available at the Westwood High School and Immaculate Heart Academy Guidance Offices, the school websites, and the Knights of Columbus Council. Completed applications must be in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Paul Elterlein, Scholarship Chairman, Knights of Columbus, 79 Pascack Road, Twp. of Washington 07676, no later than May 15, 2023.

The scholarships will be presented at the Awards Night Meeting, Tuesday, June 13.

For more information call the council at (201) 664-0422. Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. Call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com.

Ambulance service to hire EMTs for weekday shifts

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Citing longer response times as a result of fewer volunteers, the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service is launching a paid perdiem ambulance service to be staffed by eight emergency medical technicians at an initial cost of $110,000 beginning in August.

Council President Anthony DeRosa said at the April 4 meeting of the Borough Council that the paid service was needed to provide timely assistance to residents calling with a medical emergency.

DeRosa is council liaison to the Volunteer Ambulance Service Committee.

“The number one responsibility of any government — local or national — is the safety of its people. Hillsdale has taken this bold step to help ensure that there will be an ambulance available and able to respond as quickly as possible when our residents need one,” DeRosa said.

He said the hope is that the paid ambulance service will become self-sustaining through insurance reimbursements. “But we couldnʼt wait any longer and felt the need to jump-start the program as soon as possible with the appropriation of funds now.”

He said the volunteer ambulance service took the initiative several years ago to work with the

council to address a chronic shortage of ambulance volunteers, especially during daytime shifts.

When a local ambulance was not available to respond to emergency calls, DeRosa said, the police chief noticed response times were getting longer. Some estimates put response times over 30 minutes when a local volunteer ambulance could not respond.

DeRosa said the $110,000 budgeted for this year would be to hire eight EMTs, including uniforms, at a $28 per hour starting salary, to cover daytime shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Other weeknight and weekend shifts would be staffed by volunteers. Two paid EMTs will staff the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daytime shifts, he said.

He said officials would assess the new paid service later this year or early next year.

Volunteer Ambulance Service President John Beatty, a former VAS captain, and an EMT for nearly 15 years, told Pascack Press that he was “thankful that we are able to work with Hillsdale to make this a reality and continue to provide great service to our residents.”

Beatty said there were 20 active volunteers, donating 12–24 hours each per week.

Beatty said “volunteerism has been a struggle” noting that high school and college age individuals often join but due to school demands cannot sustain a volun-

teer commitment.

Both DeRosa and Beatty noted the lack of ambulance volunteers has been a pressing problem throughout Pascack Valley towns in recent years, especially since the pandemic.

Three nearby towns who share ambulance service with TriBoro Volunteer Ambulance Corps Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake — recently hired a consultant to evaluate options and devise a long-term strategy to best provide timely, round-theclock ambulance response.

Beatty said the volunteer squad approached local officials in April 2022 to address “dire staffing levels” and to create a back-up plan to provide timely emergency response.

He said generally local volunteers are on the scene in 10 minutes or less after receiving a call. However, when no local rig is available, dispatchers must reach out to MICCOM (Mobile Intensive Care Communications) dispatch center to seek the closest mutual-aid, hospital, or a private ambulance service.

Beatty noted that Bergen County also has two ambulances staffed with EMTs to serve as a back-up when local mutual-aid volunteer ambulances are not available.

Beatty noted that the recommendation for a paid local ambulance service was partly a response to the long response times. He said many hospitals

have ambulance services and contracts with towns where they must respond first before assisting another community.

He said the ambulance committee was meeting on its proposal for over a year, looking into var-

ious options, and decided that covering the daytime shift would provide the highest level of safety and service to residents.

He urged EMTs interested in a possible paid position to contact him.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Free bayberry seedlings for Arbor Day

HILLSDALE

Get your free native tree seedlings on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hillsdale Train Station (Hillsdale Avenue and Broadway).

The selection this year is a bayberry, a small deer-resistant tree with a fragrant berry. Plant yours promptly, or store it in a cool, damp location for a day or so. Seedlings need to be protected from deer predation and kept watered through the first year or two.

Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is a dense deciduous shrub native to the eastern U.S.

This is an Arbor Day celebration in partnership with the Hillsdale Environmental Commission and Community Tree Recovery, and the New Jersey Tree Recovery Foundation. Due to limited supply, thereʼs a limit of one tree per household with priority given to Hillsdale residents. First come, first served. No prior reservations.

Replant trees you lost in recent storms or add trees to your yard. Instructions will be available.

Acting Owls took on Shakespeare

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS PARKRIDGE

ACENTURYAGO, Park Ridge High Schoolʼs senior class brought down the house with its production of Shakespeareʼs “The Merchant of Venice,” presented in the school auditorium April 20–21, 1923.

The cast, wearing their Elizabethan costumes, are shown above.

In 1923 Park Ridgeʼs senior class had 25 students, nearly all with roles in this play. In those days Park Ridge and Westwood were the only high schools in the Pascack Valley, so Park Ridge students came from all over, not just within the borough. Helen Brennan, playing Portia, was from Montvale; Herrick Booth, as Antonio, was from Woodcliff Lake; Antoinette Pisacano, who did double duty as the Duke of Venice and Balthazar, Portiaʼs servant, was from Hillsdale.

That yearʼs seniors had attended Park Ridge High during an eventful time. The public school that served all grades in Park Ridge was built in 1909, and so the building was brand new when this class entered it years earlier as young children. When they were freshmen, in June of 1920, the school was burned to the ground in what remains to this day the largest fire in Park Ridge history. During

their sophomore and junior years, classes continued elsewhere in town as the high school was being rebuilt. The new school, which was in the same location but three times larger than its predecessor, opened in 1922 as they were beginning their senior year.

The 1923 yearbook says of Park Ridgeʼs production of “The Merchant of Venice,” the play “was the first of its kind to be presented in the new school and was, according to [school principal] Mr. Schmerber and other competent critics, the best pro-

duction ever presented as a class play in Park Ridge.”

“The settings for the play were, of necessity, very simple, but the strip arras of tan burlap formed an excellent background for the brilliant Elizabethan costumes,” the writer described.

“Incidentally, the strips aided in the shifting of scenes, as they were fastened together only at the top. Thus the audience could be carried by a fairly rapid transit system from Venice to Belmont and back. A frieze of blue and brilliant red curtains for the Belmont casket scenes changed the

color scheme, and the dark green curtains formed the entire background for the garden scene.”

Science teacher Carl Laurier played Elizabethan music between acts, adding to the Shakespearean atmosphere. Park Ridge High School had only 10 faculty members back then; in addition to the principal, there were teachers for history, mathematics, English, Latin, Spanish, French, physical education, and industrial arts.

Kristin Beuscher is president of the Pascack Historical Society

Above: Park Ridge High School seniors in a cast photograph for “The Merchant of Venice,”presented in April 1923. Below:The rebuilt Park Ridge public school in the 1920s.

Northern Bayberry is a densely branching,evergreen shrub.The berries are an excellent food source for birds. Photo:The Spruce / Adrienne Legault.

OPTIONSOVERRUNOFF: HEARINGON FAIRWAYSAT EDGEWOOD APRIL 19

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

RIVERVALE

An amended preliminary and final site plan approval for 225 townhomes and condominium units at the Fairways at Edgewood, scheduled for the next Joint Planning Board meeting, proposes to reduce impervious surface area there by offering purchasers up to four rear yard design and landscape options that include pervious, or water-absorbing, surfaces.

The hearing is at Township Council chambers, 406 Rivervale Road, on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

“Specifically, the applicant

proposes to modify the landscaping by using pervious materials for the rear yard patios, whereas impervious materials were previously approved, thus reducing the overall impervious coverage on the property; and providing four different rear yard landscaping options for each owner to choose from during construction,” read the public notice published on April 7.

The Fairways at Edgewood project, approved in 2019, includes 225 townhomes and quadplex condominium units. A separate affordable housing complex containing 24 condominium units was constructed earlier and is leased, said officials.

The affordable apartments — known as River Vale Place — are

opposite the Holiday Farm condominium development and have an exit and entrance off Piermont Avenue, nearly opposite the entry and exit ways for Holiday Farm. The public notice describing the hearing says the amended approval sought by applicant Toll NJ I LLC — a subsidiary of Toll Brothers of North Lebanon — applies to Block 1201, Lot 6.01, a 43.08-acre site in an A-1 residence zoned district.

The 2019 approval by the Joint Planning Board included relief from the maximum impervious coverage area, allowing up to 53% impervious coverage where only 40% is permitted.

The prior approval included relief from the maximum impervious coverage requirements, allow-

ing up to 53% impervious coverage where only 40% is permitted.

As part of this application, the applicant seeks amended site plan approval to modify the previously approved landscaping associated with the approved townhouses and quadplex buildings.

According to the application, “Due to the very limited nature of the amended approval being sought,” the applicant requests a submission waiver from providing many of the required items but offers to provide requested documentation prior to the public hearing.

Public notices are available for free from njpublicnotices.com, offered by New Jersey Press Association.

All application documents are

available for public inspection from Land Use Administrator M aria Haag, in the Building Department from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, except holidays. Haag can be reached by phone at (201) 664-2346, ext. 1065 or by email at mhaag@rivervalenj.org

Application documents are available online under The Fairways At Edgewood Application For Amended Site Plan For 2023 on the boardʼs home page.

“All interested persons may attend and be heard at the aforesaid hearing. The public hearing may be continued without further notice on such additional or other dates as the board may determine,” the public notice reads.

TRAFFICSUBJECT OFSTRIP MALL PROPOSALHEARING NOW MAY 16

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOF WASHINGTON

A sixth and possibly final Z oning Board of Adjustment hearing on a proposed 17,100square-foot shopping plaza at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue is now set for Tuesday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m at town hall.

(It had been postponed to April but was pushed back.)

The hearing will likely focus on a traffic review report that found the applicantʼs traffic count estimates “can be significantly

higher” due to proposed plans for a restaurant on the site. Residents can attend in person or log onto Zoom for the proceedings.

The townshipʼs traffic cons ultant, Boswell Engineering, provided its applicant traffic study review dated March 21.

The Boswell review of the applicantʼs Dean & Dolan traffic impact analysis found a “disconnect” with the plans filed, and noted that the applicant traffic analysis used only trip generation rates for a proposed strip mall retail use and not a restaurant use.

Residents criticized the applicant traffic study that found

a peak-hour increase of 43 vehicles from the proposed strip mall, and Zoning Board members directed their engineer, Boswell, to perform an independent review of the applicantʼs traffic impact analysis.

The Boswell review found 15 concerns with the applicantʼs traffic study, and requested a “point-by-point written response to these comments.” (See “Boswell: ʻDisconnectʼIn Applicantʼs Strip Mall Traffic Estimates,” Michael Olohan, April 3, 2023.)

Our e-newspaper is archived at issuu.com; selected articles are posted at thepressgroup.net. Readers can also sign up on our website for free delivery of our online newspaper

In addition to not accounting for increased traffic from a potent ial restaurant, other concerns included not accounting for a potential drive-through use on the site, not accounting for recent traffic disruptions due to construction at the Pascack–Washington intersection, and not taking into account the new traffic signalʼs timing.

“The data used in the (Dean & Dolan) TIA (traffic impact analysis) was obtained while construction of the roadway and traffic signal was ongoing. This disruption to normal traffic patterns and volumes isnʼt known. Recent historical data should have been

used,” said Boswell in its review letter.

James Walsh, a Burke Street resident and critic of the Four Seasons Marketplace proposal, told Pascack Press that the Boswell review letter pointed out the disruptions to normal traffic at the busy intersection. He wondered if the board would require a traffic recount at the intersection following the completed upgrade.

Residents have pointed out how traffic counts were likely reduced over the last year as local officials urged residents to avoid the intersection as long-awaited improvements were undertaken by Bergen County, as part of a s hared-service agreement with the township.

Walsh, and Michael Agnello of 667 Meisten St., have criticized the applicant for its drainage basin study, claiming the applicant engineerʼs study left out nearby drainage areas in the Northgate Condominium complex and nearby Jacquelyn Woods area.

Both noted a letter to the editor from Emerson engineer Carol Hoernlein, who said that the applicant did not use a standard for drainage basin mapping required by NJDEP, the U.S. Geologic Service Streamstats model. Hoernleinʼs calculations using the USGS Streamstats data showed the drainage basin to be 58.8 acres in size. It was unclear if the Zoning Board might require a new study

Agnello also recently called for an independent review of the applicantʼs drainage basin measurements and subsequent NJDEP approval. Several residents have noted that the applicantʼs NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Determination letter approval was based on a prior proposal for a commuter parking lot, which it called “a public good,” and not a retail shopping plaza.

As Zoning Board members may soon vote on the retail plaza proposal, the Township Council has ordered a title search to determine if the unnamed tributary bisecting residential backyards on the eastern side of Meisten Street, including Agnelloʼs, was protected by an easement.

Moreover, the council also awaits a Boswell proposal to determine the size of the unnamed tributaryʼs drainage basin, a factor in whether the waterway may be a protected, or Category One, waterway

Boswell was to review LIDAR data provided by Najarian Associates to determine whether all drainage areas were accounted for in calculations provided to NJDEP

Both Walsh and Agnello claim drainage areas were missed, as does Hoernlein, which would make the tributaryʼs drainage basin over 50 acres in size and regulated by NJDEP as a protected waterway.

Borough: Sponsorships available for anniversary events

council on April 11 that the committee had sold 75 lawn signs at $25 each and had more available. She urged residents, and even council members not yet displaying one, to purchase a sign soon.

She thanked all residents who had already purchased signs and were displaying them.

She reminded residents of

upcoming events, including a Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23 in Beechwood Park and a grand 125th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Seasons Catering in Washington Township. Tickets are $125.

A 125th Anniversary celebratory float will appear in the Monday, May 29 Memorial Day Parade on Broadway or Magnolia Avenue, according to the boroughʼs anniver-

sary website.

Also, on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the committee will participate in the Hillsdale Education Foundationʼs Beechwood Park Arts Festival by creating a 125th anniversary mural — which residents can help to paint — as a backdrop for the parkʼs bandstand. Event organizers said to watch for updates.

Beatty thanked all the volunteers who donated time and effort at

recent events and noted that sponsorship opportunities were available for local businesses and organizations on upcoming 125th Anniversary events.

The groupʼs website notes, “The Hillsdale 125th Anniversary Committee is a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization focused on celebrating this milestone in the great town where we work and live. Your contributions will allow us to deliver a series of year-long events and celebrations, bringing together

the over 10,000 residents of Hillsdale.”

Residents can consult the 125th Anniversary Facebook page and hillsdale125thanniversary.com for the latest updates.

HOURS: Mon -Sat

Sun

COLD WEATHER ANNUALS & VEGGIES! COLD WEATHER ANNUALS & VEGGIES!

LAWN CARE PRODUCTS

Above: Kaitlyn Zimmerman designed the logo for the 125th Anniversary Committee. Right: “Stylish students of yesteryear,” colorized by Zoltán Horváth.

Spring rec classes and programs

River Vale, sign up today so you and your family can enjoy the beautiful weather!

• Pickleball – The two new pickleball courts at the Mark Lane Field Complex opened to River Vale residents and non-residents in fall 2022. This month a security system was implemented to protect the courts from damage. The pickleball courts are available for use on a first-come, first- served basis from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Starting May 15, a key fob will be required for access. Registration is required. Details and form are available at

Town Hall and at rivervalenj.org.

ї Girls Field Hockey — A two-week clinic, starting April 22, is open to residents of River Vale and Hillsdale and is focused on introducing field hockey to girls in grades K-5. All skill levels are welcome. Registration extended through April 12.

• Spring Fling 5K Run/Walk Sunday, May 21 at 9 a.m. starting at the Mark Lane Sports Complex. Registration is open. Proceeds benefit the Helping Hand Food Pantry.

• Fitness With Friends

Registration is open for indoor and

outdoor fitness and dance classes for adults and children. Walk in classes are available. Held at the River Vale Community Center and on River Vale fields.

• USA Sport Group Registration is underway for a variety of kidsʼsports clinics and camps in River Vale starting soon.

• Senior Fitness Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:15 pm and Monday evenings weekly at the Senior/Community Center. $48 for eight classes. No online registration required. Classes are ongoing. Payment in advance to River Vale Town Hall, 406 Rivervale Road.

PASCACK VALLEY

Cardinal youth cheerleading sign-up

The Cardinal Youth Cheerleading program is open to residents of Westwood and Washington Township who are in grades 1–7. Registration for the fall 2023 season runs Monday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave.

The registration fee is $160 for cheerleaders now in 1st grade and $185 for cheerleaders now in grades 2–7.

Cheerleaders must accompany their parents to registration so that they can be sized for uniforms. A cheerleading fleece jacket must also be purchased for an additional fee.

The program begins the week of Aug. 7 and continues into midNovember. There will be a chore-

ography camp the second and third weeks in August.

Practice is held three times per week; the cheerleaders will cheer for the Junior Cardinal Football team. Games are played every weekend starting in September. For the code of conduct and guidelines for the season, see cardinalyouthcheerleading.weebly.com

For more information write westwoodyouthcheerleading@yahoo. com.

Tri-Boro Memorial Day Parade May 29

The annual Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake Memorial Day services are set to kick off at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

Mayors and clergy will deliver remarks, and memorial wreaths will be laid. Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153 Vice Commander Tom Madru is emcee at Veterans Park in Park Ridge. All are welcome. Parade assembly is in Montvale by the firehouse, immediately following the services.

This yearʼs grand marshal is Montvale resident and Vietnamera veteran Leigh Hopper. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine, and proceeds to Kin-

derkamack Road, transits Park Ridge and concludes in Wood Cliff Lake at the firehouse.

Among the marchers are officials from the three boroughs, and the Post 153 color guard. Each town will also have its police and fire departments there, and the Park Ridge High School and Pascack Hills High School marching bands will perform.

As the parade grew through the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam era it became one of the largest in Bergen County. It remains a force despite an aging membership and tough times.

For more information call (201) 391-9754.

Patricia J. Villano

TRI-BORO

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

The Borough Council has cleared a $50,400 feasibility study to help determine whether the public works facility can be retrofitted to minimize flooding impacts or whether a new DPW facility is needed to be constructed on the site.

The April 11 vote was 5-0. Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk was absent. The resolution was not publicly available at the meeting, nor was the proposal from Colliers Engineering and Design, Montvale, the boroughʼs engineer. Mayor John Ruocco read from the resolution and briefly described the approved study.

Due to prior severe flooding at the DPW facility, especially during remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, officials have been pondering options for improving the site, and possibly sharing services, space and facilities with neighboring communities.

Craig Zimmermann, borough engineer, provided an update on the study in his monthly report.

“Late last year, [Colliers] was authorized to prepare a proposal in which to do a feasibility study for the current DPW property along

with a land survey of the property. The study will also include an analysis of the environmental constraints nearby and on-site, a conceptual [design] and estimates in regards to retrofitting the current DPW structure as well as a conceptual demolishing [of] the existing building and constructing a new building. Colliers will factor in stormwater drainage concerns and flood hazard area measures

into this study,” said Zimmermann.

New Area For Stonybrook Community Center?

Updating the council on the Stonybrook Community Centerʼs status, Zimmermann said another area at the Stonybrook Swim Club site was identified as “potentially plausible” to do another conceptual plan. He said this area would

not be in a flood zone.

He said he would likely present a proposal for the site surveying, design, and bidding for the community center project at one of the May council meetings.

Last December, we reported that Colliers was approved to do a $9,500 study (Resolution 22240) for “an approximately 5,000square-foot community center” at the 12-acre Stonybrook Swim

Club.

While Ruocco and councilman Zoltan Horvath have repeatedly questioned the need for what they term “a second community center” at Stonybrook, other council members noted that a final facility size would be based on site environmental constraints.

The prior $9,500 study at Stonybrook included: a prelimi-

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Bonnie &Clyde poster an arresting find

Jon, my grandfather was a captain with the Jersey City Police Department from the 1930s to the 1950s. Many years ago, when he passed, I found this item at his residence. Does it have any value and if so, how much?

Fred, You have an interesting piece of 20th century American history.

BYJONFELZ

—Fred in Hillsdale

As you are aware, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious criminals during the Great Depression. In addition to bank robberies and car thefts, it is believed they had murdered nine law enforcement officers and several civilians during their crime spree. In 1934 the pair were ambushed in Louisiana by sheriffs and Texas Rangers, and killed. An arsenal of weapons was found in

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

their car.

Note that your wanted poster is headed Division of Investigation. The FBI was established in 1908 as the Division of Investigation. It wasnʼt until 1935 that it

was renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Your poster is dated May 21, 1934, just before the name change.

Something else, I see there is reddish-brown staining throughout the poster. This is commonly known as foxing. It is basically an age-related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on old paper documents and books. This can only be caused by time and it can not be faked. I am convinced this wanted poster is

authentic, not a current reproduction, as are many Iʼve encountered.

The value of this wanted poster is $ 400. This poster would also appeal to collectors of police memorabilia. Wanted posters of infamous criminals are highly collected.

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

R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.

Hollingshead hosts Comedy Corner April 22

Volunteers needed in Park Ridge

• Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. Looking to become more involved in our community by helping your neighbors during their time of need? The Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department has been devotedly responding to our community for the last 125 years, helping our residents and neighbors in their time of need by doing whatever it takes to keep us safe, saving countless lives and property.

If you are interested in joining, please stop by the Park Ridge Fire Headquarters before their weekly drills on any Thursday night at 7:30 and speak to Chief Mark Durst.

• PKRG-TV is looking for volunteers! Park Ridge is extremely lucky to have excellent broadcast TV coverage of PRHS sports events. However, in order to continue this top-notch coverage, PKRG-TV needs new volunteers to help with filming football, basketball, volleyball and other local sports in order to continue to bring such programs to our com-

munity.

If you have enjoyed seeing your kidsʼevents or you are Park Ridge athlete alumni yourself and have any time to give, please consider volunteering.

Without volunteers, coverage cannot continue. All are welcome, no experience is required, camera training will be provided. Write pkrg@parkridgeboro.com

• Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps. An excellent opportunity to help your community, the TriBoro Ambulance needs volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested, call (201) 391-2332.

•Students needed. The Park Ridge Recreation Department is looking for middle school and high school students to help out with recreation events. This is a great way to earn community service hours.

Contact the recreation deptartment to join the team. Call (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 or write recreation@parkridgeboro.com

• The Triboro Food Pantry needs donations. If you are able to

donate, visit the pantry on Tuesday or Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. You can also drop off donations at Borough Hall in the donation box located in the lobby during normal business hours. If you need to make special arrangements for a drop off time, call (201) 573-9083.

Save the date!

• Military bridge. The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club is holding a fund-raiser for the benefit of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, local high school scholarships and local charities by hosting a military bridge on Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15. The event is at the Montvale Senior Center For more information and to reserve tickets write gpvwc1990@gmail.com.

• The East Brook Golf Outing is set for May 4 at Blue Hill in Pearl River, with dinner to follow at OʼGradyʼs Castle. For more information, write eastbrookgolf22@gmail.com

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Vanessa Hollingshead headlines the next fun show at Comedy Corner at Township Theatre, April 22 at 9 p.m. Hollingshead is a favorite on the top cruise lines and in comedy clubs and casinos across the country. She has done a special on Comedy Central and was featured on Showtimeʼs “Funny Women of a Certain Age,” hosted by Fran Drescher.

Also appearing

•Ken Perlstein, a busy actor and regular at all the New York City comedy clubs, most recently performed at “Stand Up New York.” His many acting credits include “Succession”(HBO) and his recurring role on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon).

•Rated G has appeared at comedy clubs throughout the region and was the winner of the Meadowlands Comedy Festival. He has performed at the Copacabana and the Apollo Theater in New York City and can be heard on iHeart Radio.

•Mary Capone is host. A regular at Long Island comedy clubs, she has opened for Adam Ferrara and Jim Florentine and was a recent finalist in the Long Island Laugh-Off.

Tickets are $25 each, with no drink requirements, no food requirements, and no bridge tolls to the city! Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets at ComedyCorner042223.brownpapertickets.com and by scanning the QR code above. For group tickets write Jack@JirwinProductions.com

Township Theeatre is at 249 Pascack Road. A three-screen showplace, the theater offers the latest films in a local and convenient environment in Bergen County Producer J Irwin Productions works with the top comedians in the country to present the best and funniest shows in theaters and restaurants, as fundraisers, and for private events.

J Irwin Productions

FAITHWORKS THRIFT SHOPOPEN

FaithWorks Thrift Shop — at Westwood United Methodist Church,corner of Kinderkamack Road and Bergen Street, one block from Five Corners — invites you to its $1 (or less) sale on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday, April 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A large assortment of mer-

Mobile DMV here April 18

chandise is available: clothing for men, women and children; household goods including small appliances; picture frames; dishes; glassware; handbags; scarves; jewelry; books; and toys.

The food pantry will open during these days and times. Join your friends and enjoy a great sale and pick up some free food.

Need help from the DMV? Itʼs headed your way. The mobile DMV is inbound April 18 in the West Lot, 411 Hillsdale Ave. Appointments are required. If you are just dropping off license plates, you donʼt need an appointment. To make an appoint-

ment, call Borough Clerk Denise Kohan at (201) 497-1552. You will need to provide your name, email address, and telephone number.

Time slots will be confirmed when making your appointment.

Driverʼs license renewal (or name change); registration renewal

(no title work at mobile unit); exam permit (no testing at mobile unit); handicap placard; boat stickers; add veteran designation to license; non-driver ID. Initial license after passing road test; RealID: (enforced May 7, 2025. No appointments available yet.)

Spring flower sale benefits Relay

The Third Annual Relay For Life of the Pascack Valley Flower Sale is on through Relay For Life, Saturday, April 29. To order your flowers, visit relayforlife.org/pascackvalleynj and click on the flower sale flyer.

On Saturday, April 29, the Teens Against Cancer Team from Pascack Hills High School will take orders for the flowers at the Pascack Valley High School football field. Pick up is Saturday, May 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale.

This yearʼs Relay For Life of the Pascack Valley is at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale from 3 to 11 p.m. All are welcome. Organizers tell Pascack Press,

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

types of flowers to choose from. Perfect for Motherʼs Day and to plant in your garden.”

Purple impatiens are among the beauties available to order in support at the Third Annual Relay For Life of the Pascack Valley Flower Sale

“The Annual Flower Sale has become one of our most popular and top fundraisers for the Relay. The beautiful flowers come from DePieroʼs Farm. There are many

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world's largest community fundraising event dedicated tosaving lives from cancer. For more than 35 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the American Cancer Society to fund breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving screenings, and much more.

For more information, visit relayforlife.org/pascackvalleynj

Bergen Dental Group’s digital edge

Digital dentistry has transformed the speed and accuracy of dental treatment.

Digital documentation means zero wait time even for the first appointment. Easy access in time of need, portability and backup so your dental data is never lost.

Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to replace traditional photographic X-ray film, producing enhanced computer images of teeth, gums, and other oral structures and conditions with less radiation.

Digital impressions — That means no mess, no extra materials in mouth, no gag reflex. Digital Impressions (also known as 3-D intraoral scanning) are the latest technology in capturing a replica of the mouth. By using a wandlike tool connected to a computer and advanced software, a dentist

Schedule a consultation at Bergen Dental Group — family owned and run by Drs.Mona and Kevin Ma — at 647 Pascack Road, Township of Washington.

can create a virtual model of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth.

The Digital Advantage

•Healthy: Lower radiation

exposure.

• Precise: Outstanding image quality produces brilliant images.

• Efficient: Quicker processing and efficient data management.

• Integrated: Mobile solutions and integrated technology to connect data systems.

• Accurate: A variety of analysis tools for simplified, accurate diagnosis.

• Educational: Visual images readily available for patient education in vivid detail.

We offer fully integrated digital forms, digital dental charting, digital X-rays and digital impressions at Bergen Dental Group!

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

Pinwheel power

Huge Relay For Life April 29 at PVHS

The American Cancer Society

ʻRelay For Life of the Pascack Valleyʼ is held this year on Saturday, April 29 from 3 to 11 p.m. at Pascack Valley High School, 200 Piermont Ave., Hillsdale.

The theme this year is Country and Western: Giving Cancer the Boot The community is invited to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer by forming or joining a team, becoming a sponsor, purchasing a luminaria in memory or in honor of a loved one impacted by cancer, and joining any of the many activities on the day of the event.

Registered cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to attend

an onsite dinner in their honor at 6 p.m.

At Relay, participants celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers, remember loved ones lost through a reflective luminaria ceremony, and fight back by raising money and awareness to help save lives from cancer at this fun, memorable and emotionally charged event.

During the event, teams sponsor fun themed laps. Funds raised at Relay help to fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Spokesperson Sue Vaccaro tells Pascack Press “There will be many events, including a wiffle ball contest, live bands, clowns, food trucks and

performances by students from Pascack Valley High School, Emerson High School, Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, and Academy of the Holy Holy Angels —some of the many high schools participating in this event.” She says, “We are hoping to increase the number of participants this year. The event is being held about a month early. We also are hoping to have more cancer survivors and their caregivers join us for the dinner that we hold at the event in their honor.”

To register for the event, visit relayforlife.org/pascackvalleynj To volunteer, or for any questions, write scvaccaro@verizon.net

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Madeleine Ciocco and Barbara Marino, residents of Washington Township and members of GFWC/NJSFWC The Woman’s Club of Westwood (shown left to right), planted a pinwheel garden at the Washington Township Public Library recently in recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.

The club tells Pascack Press, “Young children experience their world through their relationships with parents and other caregivers. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to preventing child abuse and neglect. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey (preventchildabusenj.org) builds a brighter future for children by promoting family wellness, positive parenting, healthy child development and nurturing communities.”

For membership information call (201) 916-1580.

RIVER VALE

SENIORS’ PIZZAAND BINGOFUN APRIL 19

River Vale Senior Friendship Club hosts a pizza party and bingo for members on April 19. The cost is $3 per person, which includes, pizza, refreshments, and one bingo card — extra cards available for $1 each.

Upcoming events

•May 17:January to June birthday celebrations with musical performance by Francine and Joel.

•The trip to Resorts Catskills is sold out, but the club has a threeday/two-night trip to Lancaster, Penn., Aug. 21–23, for $470 per person, which includes tickets to “Moses”; round-trip transportation; lodging; two breakfasts; two dinners; a guided tour; taxes; and meal and bus driver gratuity

Reservations must be made ASAP — no later than June 10. For information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

Smile Makeover and Implants. Veneers, Whitening and Clear Aligners. We Welcome Kids & Adults. All Major Dental Insurances Accepted. No Insurance? We offer in-house discount plan.

Courtesy photo

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education for the 2022–2023 school year, and/or (2) votes in the affirmative on a Board motion to change the application of the statutory language in N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.7 from ʻoptoutʼto ʻopt-in.ʼ”

Board members take an oath of office and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics for School Board Members, the first stating, “I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.” Our expectation is that the current Board of Education will comply with the Code. Refusing to implement state standards is unethical.

Practically speaking, a board of education has no business micromanaging comprehensive lesson planning for particular units of study, as lesson plans are not

part of a formally adopted curriculum. The curriculum serves as a framework and consists of referenced standards, enduring understandings, essential questions, content and skill overviews, assessments, and resources. In addition to approving curriculum, boards approve the funding for curriculum resources and should never micromanage those.

Educationally speaking, it is the responsibility of the teacher—the skilled expert—to plan daily lessons based on the curriculum and the curriculum resources. It is a building administratorʼs job to review lesson plans at least periodically.

Any board member attempt to interfere with that is a breach of his/her oath to abide by the Code of Ethics, as it is a clear act of trying to administer the schools.

Again, our administration and faculty are trained professionals who have expertise and understanding of both the NJ State required curriculum as well as the needs of all students whose families choose not to opt out of

public education and into parochial, private, or independent education.

Factually speaking, our community is a beautifully diverse one, and not only is it composed of different kinds of families; it comprises various beliefs, practices and needs.

While the Founding Fathers created public schools primarily to prepare people for democratic citizenship, that has evolved into a public system that supports academic (intellectual) growth, political and civic purposes, economic purposes, and socialization. Public education cultivates these through a common denominator that not only supports achievement but also teaches tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion. A local board of education has no right to modify any aspect of this to satisfy its own religious, developmental, or political views.

In our time on the dais, we served as representatives who worked to ensure that the students in our communities received a quality education, never engaging in illegal, unethical, or non-compliant actions. We understood that none of our actions could result in exclusion or marginalization, and none of our actions could preclude all students from acquiring mandated knowledge.

We stand with all the students and families in our communities. We support our teachers and administrators who are following the Standards and the Curriculum as set by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Laws of the State of New Jersey. We support our families that choose to “opt out” of a lesson when they deem it appropriate, but we do not support marginalizing and demoralizing children or families within our school district; a mom is a mom and a dad is a dad, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Letʼs work together and do better. Rather than “going rogue” and rather than determining curriculum based on perceived community values and not on legal, ethical, and practical operations, we ask you to please rise above

pervasive political issues and provide leadership and encouragement to our community. Please consider consulting with the New Jersey School Boards Association, its Delegate Assembly, and other field experts. This will not be the last difficult and divisive issue that you face. If you would consider our suggestions and handle critical issues more professionally and less personally, we believe that you would better serve our entire community.

Signed:

Donna Firriolo

BoE 2007–2010

Andrew Gerstmayr

BoE 2018–2021

Roberta Hanlon, BoE 2004–2022

Stephen Kalish

BoE 2015–2020

Paul Liddy, BoE 2005–2018

Darlene Mandeville

BoE 2008–2020

Joseph McCallister

BoE 2017–2019; 2022

Russell Miller

BoE 2013–2018

Eileen Mosolino

BoE 2003–2008

Carol Mountain

BoE 2004–2014

Frank Romano

BoE 2019–2022

Lee-Ann Schaadt

BoE 1998–2004; 2005–2015

Maria Straight

BoE 2015–2018

Susan Swietkowski

BoE 2010–2020

An offer to WT on water protection

To the editor:

Re: “Progress flows toward title search affecting mall proposal,” Michael Olohan, April 10, 2023.”

H EREISWHAT I would give the Washington Township Zoning Board to enter into the record, if I was confident they would allow it.

[Attached are] a USGS Streamstats map showing the tributary and

BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE

BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SUBMISSION OF A2023 BERGEN

COUNTY TRUST FUND GRANT APPLICATION

Application of the Borough of Hillsdale for Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Development Grant Funding for 2023.

TAKE NOTICE: that the Borough of Hillsdale will hold a Public Hearing on submitting the following application to the 2023 funding round of the Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Development:

MEMORIALFIELD PARKBLOCK 1301 LOT1

HILLSDALE AVENUE/HOPPER ST

The Borough of Hillsdale desires to obtain funds to provide for a new pavilion area (approximately 70 ft by 40 ft a Memorial Field Park.

Date of Public Hearing: May 2, 2023

Time: approximately 7:00 pm

Location: 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 - Council Chambers

Formal action may be taken.

In accordance with the regulation governing the submission of Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Development application, the Mayor & Council of the Borough of Hillsdale will conduct a public hearing to obtain citizen input concerning the grant application.

Denise Kohan Municipal Clerk

drainage basin clearly, the USGS Streamstats report showing 0.0919 square miles which shows the flow at that point for a 100-year storm (1% AEP flood) of 98.2 cubic feet per second (which is a lot – a standard catch basin is sized for 3 cfs) the conversion from square miles to acres, which equals 58.8 acres, and the NJDEP technical manual page referencing the Streamstats application and describing the LIDAR data allowed has to be from a government agency, not someone hired by the developer. Clearly this is a Category 1 tributary. 58.8 acres is greater than the 50-acre threshold. It should not have been changed from Cat 1. It still flows to our drinking water. It should be protected.

Carol A. Hoernlein, P.E., C.M.E., M. ASCE

Emerson

Editorʼs note: As senior staff writer Michael Olohan continues to report, Four Seasons Town Squareʼs application, pertaining to 2.2-acres now bearing five houses at 660-682 Pascack Road, seeks a 17,100-square-foot shopping plaza and restaurant across from Seasons Catering at the Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection and abutting many neighbors. The ZBA has its next hearing on the matter scheduled forMay 16 at 7:30 p.m.

HILLSDALE

Townwide garage sale June 10

Got stuff? Why not turn it into cash. Hillsdaleʼs Townwide Garage Sale is set for Saturday, June 10 (rain date, Sunday June 11). Participation is $10 per household. No refunds. The list will be posted to the town website and emailed out on June 9. See the town website for the registration form or visit borough hall.

EMERSON

Memorial tree plantings April 29

The Borough of Emerson, through its Shade Tree Commission, is once again planting trees in memory of those who have passed away, January 2022 to the present, in conjunction with their Arbor Day 2023 ceremony

This event runs at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Monument Park, on Main Street opposite Villano School. The names of the departed will be read and family members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts with the assemblage.

To have your loved one remembered at this yearʼs ceremony, please contact the borough clerk at (201) 262- 6086 Option 9 or clerk@emersonnj.org

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

We Crave Gourmet Pizza open!

We Crave Gourmet Pizza is open in Hillsdale daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. With delivery to neighboring towns, this new addition to Hillsdale is re-imagining pizza and other crowd favorite foods.

Using only high quality and fresh ingredients, We Crave Gourmet Pizza aims to give guests what they want and give back to the community — nurturing mind, body, and soul along the way.

We Crave Gourmet Pizza says itʼs a product of more than 30 years of restaurant leadership and experience. “Owners and management have dedicated their lives to providing the best quality food and bringing back the cornerstone

values of what small town pizzerias were founded upon. We Crave Pizza is more than just great food; we are about our community.”

Starting this April, We Crave Gourmet Pizza offers its CRUNCH (brunch) menu on

Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a flat, low price. (“Why CRUNCH and not brunch of lunch? Itʼs simple:We donʼt make breakfast and weʼre more than lunch!”) Check out the website for the

CRUNCHmenu and menus for everything from Grab-n-Go to starters, salads, pizza, calzone and

stromboli, pasta, parmigiana, entrees, and traditional heroes and wraps, to burgers, sides, and desserts.

Theyʼre also with us in celebrating holidays, town events, graduations, etc. by offering valuable discounts and promotions, and the website can get you started on catering options.

We Crave Gourmet Pizza

Now open at 321 Broadway, Hillsdale. Call (201) 32CRAVE, Instagram @WeCravePizza, order at wecravepizza.com (DoorDash, UberEats, Menufy, Grubhub).

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

We Crave Gourmet Pizza is open at 321 Broadway,Hillsdale.

Dining & Cooking Guide

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP MEETS MAY 9

The Westwood Senior Fellowship next meets on Tuesday, May 9. The doors open at 11 a.m. for anyone having their blood pressure taken. “Join us for

refreshments and social hour. Donʼt forget to sign up for our luncheon at Domaniʼs restaurant, Hillsdale, on Tuesday, June 13 at noon. The cost is $40 per person.”

Off and hopping!

Many familes turned out for the Hillsdale Recreation Department’s Easter egg hunt,this year with Bagels with the Bunny.

The best complement to the annual Easter Egg Hunt organized by the Hillsdale Recreation Department and Bagels with the Bunny run by the Hillsdale 125th Anniversary Committee? Zoltán Horváthʼs photos.

Thanks went this year to Horváth for the photos, Henryʼs

Bagel Cafe for donating 150 mini bagels with butter and cream cheese, and to Harmony Village at Care One for donating juice boxes. Organizers said, “We are thankful for our great community partners.”

Check out more photos from these events at digitalvisionphotography.us

The ears make the magic.

Liz Falkenstern sent in these photos from Park Ridge Recreationʼs 2023 Easter egg hunt, Sunday, April 2. She reports, “The wellattended event was sponsored by TD Bank and PIM Brands in Park Ridge. Our attendees enjoyed candy, treats and, toys left by our Easter Bunny. Residents also donated food for the Tri-Boro Food Pantry.”

Food donations are accepted at the pantry Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. If you would like to make a financial donation, mail a check to Tri-Boro Food Pantry 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 or Venmo @Triboro-Pantry

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

HEREʼSAROUNDUP of some of what our libraries are offering patrons in the next days and weeks. Thanks to Pascack Press interns Nick and Mitchell, and Milestones job coach Anne, 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, April 17 at 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Storytime, ages 2–5. Registration recommended. At 11 a.m: Little Bookworms and Craft 6 and under. Registration required. At 1 and 3 p.m.: Knitters Circle, adults. Registration required.

• Tuesday, April 18 at 11 a.m.: Baby & Me, birth–2. Registration required. At 3:30 p.m: Switch Club, grades 2–4. Registration required for each child per date. At 1:30 p.m: Chair Yoga, adults. Registration required.

• Wednesday, April 19 at 1 p.m.: Preschool Storytime and Craft, ages 2–5. Register in person.

• Thursday, April 20 at 3:30 a.m: Afterschool Craft, grades K–6. Register in person.

• Friday, April 21 at 1 p.m: Move, Learn, and Grow, ages 2–5. At 3:30 p.m.: Storytime with Mayor Danielle DiPaola. Registration required.

• Saturday, April 22 at 11:30

a.m: Remarkable Rocks, grades 2–6. Registration required.

H HIILLLLSSDDAALLE E

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

• Monday, April 17, at 7 p.m.: Highlights of Central Park With Mario Medici. Registration required.

• Tuesday, April 18, at 1 p.m.: MahJong. At 4 p.m.: Page Turners Childrenʼs Book Club, grades 3 and 4. At 7 p.m.: Meditation with Cheryln. Registration required.

• Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m.: Think it, Make it, Share it: Balancing toys. Registration required.

• Thursday, April 20 at 1:30

p.m.: Tales for Tykes. Registration required. At 7 p.m.: Thursday Evening Book Club Registration required.

• Friday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m.: Chair Yoga, adults. Register in person.

M MOONNTTVVAALLE E

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

montvalelibrarynj.org

• Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m.: Least Among Them: The Forgotten Yankees. Registration required

• Thursday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m.: Sensory Storytime. Registration required. At 6:30 p.m.: ChessWired for kids. Registration required. At 7 p.m.: Healthy Living for brain and body. Registration required. At 7:30 p.m.: Adult Chess Basics. Registration required

• Saturday, April 22 at noon.: Carousels Then and Now. Amateur photographer, art history enthusiast, and avid researcher Mario Medici is your guide. Registration required.

Townwide garage sale April 22–23

Celebrate Earth Day by keeping things out of the landfill. Shop several dozen locations across Westwood to find your next treasure on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Times may vary by location.)

Savvy shoppers can look forward to finding things like general household items and decor, furni-

PARK RIDGE

ture, holiday decor, teacher supplies, artwork, kitchen goods, women's bags, costume jewelry, shoes, clothes, books, toys, gadgets, a canoe, 40-foot ladder, power and hand tools, baby items, musical instruments, wetsuits, antiques, sporting equipment, art supplies, designer accessories, and much more.

Organizers say, “Please be sure to obey all traffic, parking, and property rules while perusing the posted sales.”

For a directory of participating addresses, sale highlights, and an interactive digital map, visit celebratewestwood.org

For more information write celebratewestwood@gmail.com

’23 Bergen Travel Hoops Champs

P PAARRK K R RIIDDGGE E

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

•Monday, April 17 at 11:30

a.m.: Yoga

• Tuesday, April 18 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee

• Wednesday, April 19 at 1

p.m.: Movie Matinee.

• Thursday, April 20 at 10 a.m.:

Storytime with Miss Renee.

• Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m.:

Virtual Crafts with Miss Renee. At 10:30 a.m.: Mahjong

• Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m.:

Virtual Storytime with Miss Eileen.

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

• Monday, April 17 at 10 a.m.:

Pre-K Story Time: Fun songs and coloring. Registration required. At 1 p.m.: Small Space Gardening: Yeoman farmer Anthony Bracco shows aspiring gardeners how to achieve a bountiful yield of vegetables and herbs in a small growing space. Registration required.

• Tuesday, April 18 at 10:30

a.m.: Music with Miss Nita, ages 6 months to 4 years. Registration is required. At 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee: “A Man Called Otto.” At 5

p.m.: Mah Jongg Club, adults, drop in.

• Wednesday, April 19 at 10 a.m.: Baby Time. At 10:30 a.m.: Meet and Play: Playgroup for River Vale residents up to 3 with parent or caregiver. Registration required. At 1:30 p.m.: Alphabet Story Time, ages 3–5. Registration required.

• Thursday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m.: Chair Yoga in-person; seats are first come, first served. Doors open 15 minutes prior to scheduled class time. Residents receive priority. At 4 p.m.: Earth Day Birthday Party, grades K–5. Registration required.

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F

W WAASSHHIINNGGTTOON N 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Weekly Story Times through May 19. Please register. Tuesdays at at 10 a.m., ages 2–3. Song, movement, and stories.

•Thursdays: Pre-K Story Time at 3:45 p.m. Music, movement, story, social growth, and early literacy. Fridays: Infant through 2 years at 10 a.m. Story, song, rhymes, social playtime.

•Monday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m.: Cartooning with Mr.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Celebrating excellence: Councilman John Ferguson,Coach Mike McGuire,Councilman Matthew Capilli,the Park Ridge 5th Grade Boys Travel Team, Coach Ron Fazio,and Mayor Keith Misciagna at council chambers on March 28.

Big congratulations to the Park Ridge 5th Grade Boys Travel Team, who won the 2023 Bergen Travel Basketball League Championship. They were honored at the March 28 meeting of Mayor Keith Misciagna and the Borough Council, led by William

Fenwick.

Congratulations to Matthew Capilli, Tommy Disanza, Cole Fazio, Brooklyn Fedzina, Jacob Kida, Jameson Lucania, Jack McGuire, Ridaan Patel, Deegan Reed and Christopher Shenloogian.

Players were told at the meeting, “Keep up the great teamwork and commitment to success and your team. These skills, used on the court and off, will help you accomplish all the goals you set for yourselves throughout the different chapters of your lives.”

Maggie Giandomenico photo

“At Giulioʼs, we only use the freshest ingredients in our homemade dishes. Featuring contemporary Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, we strive to please every palate.”

Owner Beni Qosja opened Giulioʼs Restaurant in 2022. Housed in a beautiful, romantic, Queen Anne Victorian in Historic Tappan, N.Y., just minutes from Bergen County, Giulioʼs Restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine.

Built in 1880 by the Smith family, the rooms are adorned with carved woodwork and large b eveled glass windows that make you feel like you stepped

into another era. The warm and inviting fireplaces in the Main Dining Room and Oak Room beckon guests to enjoy a fine glass of wine and a delicious

meal.

Beni brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to Giulioʼs Restaurant. Formerly of Vicolo of Old Tappan, Il Vicolo of Livingston and current owner

of Limoncello in Waldwick, the years of world class experience and passion for culinary creations is evident in each and every of his signature dishes.

Giulioʼs Restaurant creates contemporary dishes with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Visit for a drink in the full-

service bar, a casual meal by the fireplace, or to celebrate your life's most memorable events in one of the private dining rooms.

Formerly Giulioʼs of Tappan, the new Giulioʼs Restaurant offers guests a fresh experience with an updated dé cor and menu in a warm, romantic setting.

When you go… Giulioʼs Restaurant 154 Washington Street Tappan, N.Y. 845-359-3657

See website for hours: www.giuliosrestaurant.com giuliosrestaurant@gmail.com

Bottoms up at Westwood Library

Save the date for BBQ, Bourbon &Bubbles, a Friends of the Westwood Library event, Wednesday, April 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saying “Weʼre excited about our upcoming fundraiser and hope you will join us,” the Friends promise the “The evening is a chance to talk with some of the food and drink creators of Westwood, taste their amazing products, all in great company in one of the best places in town, your public library.”

A silent auction, live music, and more will round out the evening and all proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library which support the programs the Library is able to provide free to

the community.

Fun and educational childrenʼs programs, museum passes, educational toys and equipment for our growing library of things, summer reading incentive prizes...the Friends really do a lot for the library and in turn for the betterment and enjoyment of the entire community.

• Craft bourbon tasting from

Caffe Anelloʼs very own;

• Mouth-watering and award-winning pastrami from Kimchi Smoke;

•Delicious pastries from Bourbon Street Beignet;

• Lovely champagne and other wines from Super Cellars;

• One-of-a-kind brew from Five Dimes;

• Meet the creators;

• Food and drink tastings;

• Silent auction; and

• Live music.

21 and over only.

Westwood Library is at 49 Park Ave.

For tickets, visit the library with cash or check: the cost is $50 in advance, $65 at the door.

‘Dining for Dollars’ at Davey’s

Enjoy a

meal and support the Friends of the Montvale Library. Dining for Dollars is on for Daveyʼs Irish Pub & Restaurant on Monday, May 1 (lunch and dinner), Tuesday May 2 (lunch) and Thursday, May 4 (lunch and dinner).

Daveyʼs will donate 20% of your bill on these days to the

Friends of the Montvale Library each time you dine in, whether for lunch or for dinner

Daveyʼs, a great familyowned restaurant and Irish pub, has been in business for more than 48 years. It is on Kinderkamack Road and Grand Avenue and opens at 11:30 a.m.

Dining for Dollars coupons

are available at the Montvale Library, on the Libraryʼs website (montvalelibrarynj.org) and from any member of the Friends of the Library. A coupon must be presented before the bill is paid. For more information, call the Montvale Library at (201) 3915090.

Now Accepting Reservations For Private Parties!

WESTWOOD Kate Cribbin for the Westwood Advisory Committee writes to invite you to the annual Westwood Town Clean Up in honor of Earth Day. The event is Saturday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Cribbin says, “We’ll be meeting up in Westvale Park by the Community Garden and participants are asked to register through the link on Instagram or Facebook. You can also email westwoodeac@gmail.com. We have had great success with the previous events and look forward to another fun and impactful event! This is a great opportunity for service hours and for troops, groups and family members to come together and make a difference.”

Westwood Advisory Committee

MONTVALE

WESTWOOD

Woman’s Club powers connections

The Palisades District Civic Engagement and Outreach Day, March 28 at the Womanʼs Club of Westwood on Kinderkamack Road in Westwood, is in the books.

Susan Fosdick introduced the speakers: Sheila Bernstein, community educator for the Center for Hope and Safety; Carolyn McCombs, executive director of New Destiny Family Success Center; and Brian Reyngoudt for Operation K-9 Beethoven therapy dog program.

Bernstein said the mission of the Center for Hope and Safety is to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence in Bergen County by providing emergency and transitional housing, emotional support, and a continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. She also said “The most important three words are to listen, believe, and educate” and gave the 24/7 confidential hotline number: (201) 944-9600.

McCombs said founders partnered with community leaders in 2006 to establish the Center for

Hope and Safety, a resource hub serving more than 1,500 families each year.

Fosdick says, “They provide a myriad of services, such as housing related services, furniture assistance, parent education, parenting classes, Passaic County Healthy Start, Mobile Senior Success Center Senior Services, Fathers Advance Program and a full service community school. If you are interested in helping this organization, call (973) 278-0220.

Reyngoudt spoke about Operation K-9 Beethoven: Helping veterans one paw at a time Their mission is to supply every veteran and first responder suffering from PTSD, and other mental health issues, with a free emotional support dog.

All dogs come with a kennel, bed, leash, collar, dog bowls, a bag of dog food, toys, and treats – free of charge. An emotional support dog provides their owners with therapeutic benefits through companionship. In order to be considered an emotional support dog, it must be prescribed by a mental

Club News?

We are the Pascack Valley’s hometown newspaper! We can help promote your club or organization. Send your news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

health professional for a patient with a diagnosed psychological or emotional disorder.

Therapy dogs volunteer in clinical settings with their human teammate, such as veteransʼhospi-

tals, hospitals, mental health institutions, schools, nursing homes, etc. They provide comfort, affection, and love in the course of their work.

For more information about

Operation K-9 Beethoven, which is based in Rochelle Park, call (201) 986-1111.

For more information about The Womanʼs Club of Westwood, call (201) 916-1580.

Left to right: Chris Nolting with K-9

Duffy,Sheila Bernstein,Brian Reyngoudt,Palisades District Chairman of Civic Engagement and Outreach Susan Fosdick,Carolyn McCombs,Tammy Corra,and Arpi Kertesz with K-9 Beethoven.

Photo:Madeleine Ciocco.

Woman’s club offers Pampered Chef

The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is the beneficiary of a sale of Pampered Chef products, sponsored by the NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club.

Pampered Chef has been a provider of high-quality cooking tools directly to the consumer since its inception in Chicago

more than 40 years ago. Their product line includes fine cookware and bakeware, small appliances, kitchen tools, spices and rubs.

Browse the catalogue and place orders at pamperedchef.com/party/womensclub

Customers whose purchases reach $90 will receive a gift from Pampered Chef. A portion of all sales made through the online link now to April 15 are donated to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.

The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is based in New Jersey and

has offices in Midland Park. Its goal is to provide support and guidance to families with a child suffering from childhood cancer.

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club has joined with the other clubs of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs to raise money and promote public awareness of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and its services.

For more information about the sale of Pampered Chef products call Carolyn Delafrange at (201) 819-1000.

Arsenal Soccer Club

FALL

Access for All art show deadline

Hillsdale Access for All committee is holding its Third Annual 2023Art Show for People with Disabilities. All ages may participate by submitting original artwork in any medium, including photography and sculpture, with the theme “Spring is in the Air.”

The work will be displayed at the Hillsdale Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave., throughout May. All

April 19

participants will receive a certificate and gift.

Email submission form deadline: Wednesday, April 19. Artwork is collected on Friday, April 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hillsdale Library. Opening reception is Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information and submission form visit tinyurl.com/hillsdaleartshow2023

Clean-up Day

TRYOUTS TRYOUTS TRYOUTS TRYOUTS

TRYOUTS

April 22; bring home a free tree!

The Montvale Environmental Commission hosts the Annual Montvale Clean-Up Day and celebrating Montvaleʼs Arbor Day and Nationwide Earth Day on the morning of Saturday, April 22.

Once again, this year the Environmental Commission is giving shirts to the early arrivers. As a special treat for our environment, they are giving away seedlings as well.

Writes Bob Hanrahan, chair of the Montvale Environmental Commission, “Thatʼs right, early arriver residents who sign in will receive at least one small deer resistant tree in recognition of Montvaleʼs Arbor Day.”

Arbor Day is when the Borough of Montvale encourages all residents to plant at least one tree in town. If a resident does not have an appropriate property to plant a tree, they can designate

the tree to be planted on borough property, where the Environmental Commission is organzing the planting of additional trees.

Hanrahan says trees reduce erosion, which prevents water problems; reduce heating and cooling costs; clean our air; produce oxygen; and are used to produce countless wood products.

Organizers encourage “anyone and everyone in the community to join at 9 a.m. All paticipants will receive gloves and garbage bags and be directed to a location in town to help cleanup.”

The event runs until noon, when all of the garbage is returned to the DPW building across the street from the Red Shed.

For more information visit montvale.org or call the Borough of Montvale at (201) 391-5700.

All children should have a soccer ball, shinguards, cleats, and a drink. All applicants should attend at least one of the two sessions available for their age group. For updates on field locations, please visit our website at https://playasc.com

If you have other questions, please email: jpssport@aol.com Jeff Schneider

MONTVALE

Formerly Pro-Active Foot and Ankle, Curalta is the largest podiatry practice in the Northeast offering:

• General Foot Care for all conditions and all ages

• Wound Care and Clinical Trial Studies

• Diabetic Foot Care with Remote Patient Monitoring

• Surgical Procedures and Sports Medicine

• Custom Orthotics and Braces • Pediatric Care

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT:400 Old Hook Rd Suite 1-4 Westwood, NJ 74 Pascack Rd Suite 6 Park Ridge, NJ • 215 Old Tappan Rd Old Tappan, NJ

FOR ALL CURALTA LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE NJ & NY AREA PLEASE VISIT US AT WWW.CURALTA.COM CALL US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT 888-777-1430

DPW: Council takes up floodproofing, center space

FROM PAGE 9

nary regulatory constraints evaluation of wetlands; a flood hazard area and riparian zone preliminary assessment; and minor concept revisions to a prior DMR Architectsʼcommunity center plan.

Another community center is being built in Hillsdale at a new 256-unit luxury apartment complex in the Patterson Street Redevelopment Area. That center will be provided to the town free by the redeveloper. Itʼs estimated to include 5,000 square feet of indoor space and approximately 2,100 square feet of outdoor space, officials have said.

Upon questioning by Ruocco in December, then-business administrator David Troast said DMR Architects told him that cost estimates for the Stonybrook community center range based on the facilityʼs final size.

The council approved a $199,000 resolution to hire DMR Architects in mid-July, 2022 to design a freestanding 4,000 square foot senior community center at Stonybrook, then estimated to cost approximately $2 million. Recent estimates from Colliers put the

final community center at $2 million to $3 million, depending on its size.

Pickleball courts coming?

Administrator Mike Ghassali said he and Recreation Director Patty Hughes visited four locations to scout for potential pickleball courts. Initially, the plan was to construct four courts. He told Pascack Press that a final candidate site would need to have parking and not be near a residential area due to noise concerns.

He said he and Hughes would get guidance from the Recreation Committee, and present a proposal to the council. Once given a council go-ahead, he said Colliers would be asked for a proposal to design, construct and build the courts.

He said the Recreation Department would handle future scheduling on the courts.

Zimmermann told council that he estimated pickleball court construction costs at approximately $20,000 each.

Ghassali noted pickleball is a “very popular sport” and said he would likely report back to council at the next meeting on the site

selected for the courts.

Councilwoman Abby Lundy noted funds for the courts could be taken from this yearʼs capital budget account. Ruocco added that he was “not enthused” about the noise level from pickleball courts, based on news reports of

Ridgewood resident concerns.

“Just keep that in mind,” he added.

Zimmermann said Colliers would make a presentation in May on the 2023 Bergen County Open Space grant proposal for Beechwood Parkʼs nature trail.

He said a public hearing must

be held in early May as grant proposals are due by May 14. According to the county Parksʼ Department Division of Land Management, towns needed to submit a letter of intent by Friday, April 14 if they planned to submit a grant proposal.

Maggie Giandomenico photo

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

Westwood Woman’s Club scholarship

The Westwood Womanʼs Club is offering a scholarship to a graduating high school student. The scholarship is open to all female graduating seniors residing in Westwood or the Township of

Washington, regardless of which high school they attend.

The student must plan to further her education or career training in the fall, and must complete the application and send it to the

Womanʼs Club of Westwood, 205 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, attention: Scholarship Committee. Applications must be received by May 9, 2023 to be considered.

The Westwood Womanʼs Club tells Pascack Press, “As a service organization, we will be looking for the student who demonstrates community service, volunteerism, citizenship, aca-

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

demic accomplishments and financial need. Applications are available in the high school guidance offices or by emailing westw oodwomansclub@gmail.com for an electronic copy.”

IHA springopen house April 27

Immaculate Heart Academy is hosting its spring open house on Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m.

The invitation reads, “Take a tour with knowledgeable and friendly student Eagle Ambassadors, who will guide you through the state-of-the-art building and campus. Meet teachers, administrators, directors, students, and

coaches. Learn about the admissions process, including the Archdiocesan High School Placement Test (HSPT). Ask questions about curriculum, financial aid, transportation...and much more.

IHA is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington. Register at ihanj.com. Walk-ins are welcome.

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

Work-at-home parents gain pre-K options

Work-at-home parents looking for local, affordable preschool options are invited make an appointment to tour the Westwood Recreation Preschool at 55 Jefferson Ave.

The three-day a week, halfday programs for children ages 3–5 are designed to foster kindergarten readiness by creating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a nurturing setting. The part-time program is a perfect fit for parents who want to introduce their child to school but do not require full-time childcare.

“New work-from-home policies may offer parents better work-life balance and more enriching time with young children but all parents can agree that children benefit from social interaction with their peers,” said Gary Buchheister, Westwood Recreation Departmentʼs director.

He said, “While play-groups and activities are wonderful options, pre-school-aged children also benefit from the structure and routine of a school-based setting, like the Westwood Recreation Preschool, which is designed to introduce the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in kindergarten.”

The Westwood Recreation

Preschool is licensed by the State of New Jersey and follows state curriculum guidelines. Classroom activities prepare students for academic and social success by assisting in the development of self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, listening skills as well as providing a strong foundation in literacy, math, social studies and science.

JOAN’S JOY 50TH, WITH BOOKPREVIEW, APRIL 19 HILLSDALE

Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m., brings a musical “50th Anniversary, Remembering Joanʼs Light,” at the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden in front of the Hillsdale Train Station.

“The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness” by Rosemarie Birri DʼAlessandro will be previewed for the first time at the event, and book orders taken.

The book is a remarkable journey comparing the rise of “heroic activist” Rosemarie DʼAlessandro — and the reverber-

ation of her mission to empower and protect children — with the views of Joanʼs late killer (a former neighbor and teacher) in letters he sent a pen pal from prison.

Taken on Holy Thursday, 1973, Joan was found that Easter.

The Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Foundation honors the memory of Girl Scout Joan in promoting child safety via programs it provides and legislation it advocates.

Youʼre invited to wear green, bring the family, and bring chairs. For more information visit joansjoy.org

Art, music, seasonal activities and free-play round out the program offerings.

The Westwood Recreation

DEMAREST

Preschool program is open to children aged 3–5 as of Oct. 1, 2023. Proof of residency and birth certificates are required for registra-

tion. All children are required to be potty-trained before entering the program.

Annual tuition is $2,100 for kids aged 4–5 who attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Annual tuition is $1,800 for 3-year-olds who attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

For convenience, annual tuition is payable in four installments – at time of registration, Sept. 6, Jan. 3, and Feb. 5. The 2023–2024 school year begins Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Interested parents are encouraged to register immediately as class size is limited to 24 for the pre-K–4 morning class and 20 for the pre-K–3 afternoon class.

For registration information, see the Preschool section of the Recreation page at westwoodnj.gov or call (201) 6647882. For more information,write gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.

AHA upper school open house May 2

Dear seventh grade girls: Your wings are here! Try them on Tuesday, May 2, at the Academy of the Holy Angels Upper Schoolʼs Spring Open House.

Spend the evening (from 5 to 7 p.m.) at our 25-acre campus at 315 Hillside Ave. in Demarest. Learn all about AHA, including how young women benefit from the Academyʼs carefully crafted STREAM education (STEM plus religion and the arts). This nationally recognized curriculum encourages Angels to make interdisciplinary connections, engage in critical thinking, and act ethically, so they are well prepared for life at college and beyond.

Registration for Spring Open House is required. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to visit holyangels.org/admissions/visit-aha today. This event is limited to seventh grade girls and their parents/guardians.

The Academyʼs administration, faculty, and staff will provide an overview of Holy Angelsʼ mission and culture, curriculum, co-curricular and extracurricular offerings, the admissions process, financial aid, and summer programs. Best of all: Our friendly, knowledgeable Angel Ambassadors will lead campus tours and answer questions about life as an Angel.

So far, the Class of 2023 has gained early admission and millions of dollarsʼworth of scholarships to renowned colleges and universities that include Yale. This class has also logged

thousands of hours using their unique gifts to make a difference at school, in their communities, and around the globe.

Now itʼs your turn. Be part of AHAʼs 143-year success story

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many back-

grounds. AHAʼs current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential— spiritually, intellectually, socially, andphysically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.

Dear seventh grade girls: Your wings are here! Try them on Tuesday,May 2,at the Academy of the Holy Angels Upper School’s Spring Open House.

Author JD Thomas visits the Westwood Recreation Department Preschool,treating the students to a reading and a lively discussion of his book “Sandy Goes to Dog School.” Westwood Rec photo

Joan’s Joy’s Rosemarie D’Alessandro at her home in Hillsdale.Her movement for child safety is reaching a milestone. Photo by John Snyder

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Take care of your body for best brain health

If you want to keep your brain healthy and prevent memory loss, it is important to take care of your body. In my opinion, it is better to work on improving your health and quality of life by getting to the root cause of health problems rather than treating symptoms with pills, herbs, medications, supplements, vitamins, or even surgery.

The five biggest health problems in America today are cancer, heart disease, Alzheimerʼs disease, Covid-19, and diabetes. The good news is that all five of these diseases can be PREVENTED. So do not wait until you get cancer, put in the work now to help prevent cancer in the future. If you prevent cancer then

you will never have to receive chemotherapy. If you never get chemotherapy, then you will never get something called “chemo brain.” This may lead to memory loss, trouble with focus, and brain fog. Interestingly, a lot of the long-hauler Covid patients are also complaining of a brain fog similar to “chemo brain.”

In addition to chemotherapy and Covid-19 brain problems, another condition that leads to memory problems is diabetes. In fact, scientists are actually going to change the name of Alzheimerʼs disease to Diabetes Type III. So, it is a good idea to cut out sugar, reduce carbohydrates, and start exercising to prevent your glucose levels from rising above the normal limit which will, in turn, prevent diabetes.

Not only will these good habits prevent diabetes, but it will also help prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. Heart disease leads to decreased blood flow and oxygen to

the brain which negatively affects memory and focus.

Along the same lines, please do not wait until you get heart disease and have to take blood pressure medication or need some sort of heart surgery to start taking action. Meditating daily, going to bed earlier, taking vacations, and avoiding prolonged sitting are key components in your heart health. Focusing on these strategies, and this will help to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, which is around 120/80 mm Hg.

It is extremely important to stop eating dairy and bread products, so you do not get high cholesterol and then have to take prescription medications like Lipitor. Most statin drugs have side effects that may affect the brain, can lead to dementia, and can cause joint pain all around your body. The more medications you take, the less chance you have of maximizing your human potential.

Furthermore, some medications have side effects that require other medications. For example, I had a patient who weʼll call John, who consumed a lot of bread, cheese, alcohol, and coffee, which eventually led to acid reflux. John was prescribed an antacid to decrease the acid in his stomach.

However, because his stomach acid decreased, he developed an overgrowth of bacteria in his stomach, which led to an infection. He then had to go on antibiotics. These antibiotics made him nauseous, so then he had to take a pill for his nausea. This is how taking one medication can lead to taking multiple medications.

In my opinion, the best way of achieving optimal digestive health would be to avoid foods that cause acid reflux so that you never have to start taking medication in the first place.

So how can you prevent the five biggest diseases in America?

Remember that cancer can be prevented by avoiding chemicals, eliminating sugar, focusing on stress reduction, and maintaining your immune system. Heart disease can be prevented by diet, exercise, and reducing inflammation, which in turn decreases the chances of a stroke or heart attack.

The best natural anti-inflammatory is turmeric. Resveratrol also seems to work in helping reduce inflammation and, in addition to that, is anti-aging, as well.

Diabetes can be prevented with proper nutrition and a serious exercise regime. Covid-19 prevention occurs by washing your hands with soap and water, not touching your face after a possible exposure, taking your vitamin D, getting enough sunlight, and focusing on eating healthy, exercising, and weight loss.

If you prevent these five diseases, then you will avoid taking some extremely harsh medications, and in turn, you will also reduce your chances of developing brain issues like dementia or Alzheimerʼs disease.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning about how to reduce inflammation and naturally improve memory and focus without drugs, surgery, injections, supplements, or herbs, please set up a qEEG brain mapping, which is a non-invasive evaluation method with no radiation or risks, that helps to discover areas of the brain that are not working or functioning properly. It may be appropriate for you if you have ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, troubles with focus, motivation, pain, autism, have low energy, poor sleep, bad headaches, or dizziness. It is normally $500, but if you are one of the first seven people to sign up, you can receive the complete brain mapping evaluation for only $21.

Availabilities are extremely limited and there are only seven openings left, so please call or text (201) 2612150 today to reserve your spot.

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

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

We also have lots of YouTube videos that can be found under my channel Kaplan Brain and Body. Please like, comment, and subscribe!

I will be running a live and inperson Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series that begins April 26th, 2023 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in River Edge. This seminar is about the holistic and natural ways to reduce inflammation. Each seminar (Reducing Inflammation, Mastering Nutrition, Functional Neurology Brain Exercises, and the Boost Your Brain Power Bootcamp to Improve Memory and Focus) is normally $100, but if you call or text (646) 221-6738 before April 25, you can go to ALL of the live events (which include free massage, free cold laser therapy, and free drinks and snacks), or participate on Zoom, or you can even get all the recordings for a total of $49 (only $12 a module).

Itʼs a no brainer! Hope to see you there.

Note: This is advertiser content. Consult your health care provider with issues concerning your health.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

Calendar:

FROM PAGE 19

John, grades 3–12. Explore cartoon characters and techniques. Please register.

•Tuesday, April 18 at 10 a.m.: Story Time, ages 2–3. Please register.

•Wednesday, April 19 at 4 p.m.: Wild and Crafty Tales, ages 3–5. The Bergen County Zoo is here with a special animal guest. Please register.

• Thursday, April 20 at 3:45 p.m.: Pre-K Story Time, ages 3–5. Please register.

•Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m.: Friday Friends, birth–2 years. Story, song, rhymes, and social playtime. Please register. At 3:45 p.m: Art Club, K–5. Our teen volunteer is back to show you how to draw simple, seasonal pictures. Please register.

•Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Drop-in Earth Day Scavenger Hunt, all ages. Stop by the library and pick up a form and a seed starter to take home.

•Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m.: Mat Yoga, all levels. Bring your own mat and any props you may need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. No registration necessary. At 6 p.m.: Teen Tuesday Hang Out. Watch a

movie or play Nintendo Switch. Snacks, too! Grades 6–12.

• Wednesday, April 19 at 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee: “Knives Out” (2019).

• Thursday, April 20 Teen Craft Pickup. Registered participants pick up their craft kits. Everyone can follow along with our virtual DIY craft video. At 11 a.m. and noon: Chair Yoga. From 6 to 7 p.m.: Social Stitching Looking for the chance to knit, crochet, and mingle with other crafters? Drop in.

• Friday, April 21 at 1 p.m.: Adult Coloring and Craft Group Refreshments.

• Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m.: Mat Yoga, all levels. Bring your own mat and any props you may need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. No registration necessary.

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

• Monday, April 17 at 3:45 p.m., 4:05 p.m. and 4:25 p.m.: Math Rookies grades K-3. Registration required. At 7 p.m.: LVPV ESL Class, beginner

• Tuesday, April 18 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, advanced.

• Tuesday, April 18 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.: LVPV Online ESL

Tutor Training Workshop (virtual). At 11 a.m. or 7 p.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, intermediate. At 2 p.m.: Adult Craft: DIY Sun Catchers with Coloring Pages. Registration required. Until April 28: Baby Chick Viewing.

• Wednesday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m.: Peek-a-Book Story Time. Registration required. At 3:45 p.m.: ESL Game Time for grades 3–5. Registration required. At 6 p.m.: BBQ Bourbon and Bubbles Fundraiser.

• Thursday, April 20 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, pre-registration required. At 11 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, intermediate. At 3:30, 3:45, 4, and 4:15 p.m.: Read to a Dog, grades K–3. Registration required. At 7 p.m.: Bearing Witness For My Family: Surviving the Holocaust. Registration required. At 7:30 p.m.: Online Book Group: “A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World” by C.A. Fletcher. Registration required.

• Friday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m.: Letʼs Groove, to age 5. Registration required. At 11 a.m.: Knitting and Crocheting Club Registration required. At 3:45 p.m.: Earth Day Art Craft. K–12. Registration required.

• Sunday, April 23 at 11 a.m.: Gardening Time (outside). Want to join? Email Martha at urbiel@westwood.bccls.org

PASCACK VALLEY

Ask the Dentist: Risk factors for gum disease

T here are a p lethora of factors dictati ng the risk l evel for gum disease. I personally question family h istory when I see evidence of gum problems in order to h elp gauge the risk level for the patient. Multiple studies have shown that people have a genetic predisposition to this inflamm atory disease.

Diabetes, which of course increases with obesity as well as smoking are important risk factors and tend to increase the severity and rapidity of the problems. Other factors include stress, poor oral hygiene, various medications and connective tissue disease. Diets very high in carbohydrate

l evels as well as faulty dentistry can also be added to the list.

A previous history of active p eriodontal disease increases the risk of future jawbone and gum problems because it indicates that the personʼs immune s ystem may not be capable of dealing with bacterial levels p resent in their system. This predisposition for perio disease i s a lifetime reality for some a nd can often be controlled but not eliminated.

It is important to note that f or the most part, risk factors are not additive but rather exponential in their effects. As with all matters of health, knowledge and prevention are your best defenses.

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

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

SIX PRIORITIES FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only.

The “Sandwich Generation”— adults caring for aging parents as well as children—faces several stressful challenges that come from trying to juggle everyoneʼs needs.

One of those top stressors: finances, such as how to cover education and health care costs and still save enough for retirement. The demands often compete

with one another—which is why setting clear priorities is so important.

Here are six tips for setting those priorities to help you deliver the support your loved ones need—without shortchanging yourself.

• Take care of your future first. Saving enough for retirement should be your top priority. You have to take care of your needs before you help your parents and your children.

• Create or update your investment plan. Create an investment plan that will help you balance your financial goals with

the needs of your children and parents. Review your budget, analyze your expenses, and set savings targets to help you prioritize planning for an expense, such as college costs or long-term care for your parents.

•Review your insurance coverage. Protecting your income is always a good idea, but itʼs even more important when you have two generations depending on you. Make sure you have enough life insurance in case something happens to you to pay off your mortgage and other debt, and to help cover the future living expenses of your dependents.

And donʼt forget disability insurance: More than a quarter of todayʼs 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the Council for Disability Awareness.

• Check in on your parentsʼ financial health. Though it might seem awkward, talk to your parents about their wishes for the future and their financial health. What financial assets and expenses do they have? How do they plan to meet their financial obligations? Do they have a plan to cover the costs of long-term care? This conversation can help you determine how much financial support you will need to provide.

Also, make sure your parents have done adequate estate planning, and ask for copies of their will or trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. Make sure your own estate-planning documents are complete and updated as well.

•Consider reducing financial support for grown children. Many parents still help their grown children with their finances—sometimes even to their detriment. Many young Baby Boomers are still paying their kidsʼexpenses, cell phone bill, or car insurance. If this is the case for you, talk with your children about the steps they can take to start becoming more financially independent.

• Look for ways to help reduce your taxes. In some cases, you may be able to claim your aging parents as dependents. Also check with a tax advisor to see if their medical expenses qualify as a tax deduction. Another way that may benefit your financial bottom line is to set up a 529 Plan for your childrenʼs education expenses.

Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor.

All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan.

The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest.

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

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

© 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

Club News?

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Sundial Garden Club is rosy May 1

The Sundial Garden Club is pleased to announce a presentation, “Top Ten Roses for Your Garden,” by Jeffrey Van Pelt on Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m. The club meets at the Hillsdale Free Public Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave., in Hillsdale.

Van Pelt is the retired supervisor of horticulture for the Somerset County Park Commission. He oversaw the maintenance of the Colonial Park Gardens and golf course, and designed and directed the installation of landscape plantings throughout the park system. He also oversaw the maintenance of the Rudolph W. Van der Goot Rose Garden.

He is an avid organic home gardener who enjoys growing vegetables, herbs, and perennials, especially roses.

Van Pelt says he is aware that roses have a bad reputation for being hard to grow due to numerous disease and insect problems.

In this lecture he will discuss roses that will perform well in most garden situations without the need of constant spraying for insect and disease control.

Have your rose questions

answered by an expert. The club welcomes all gardeners and would-be gardeners.

The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club is pleased to invite you to an evening of military bridge on Thursday, April 27 at the Montvale Senior Center on Memorial Drive. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Play starts soon thereafter Military bridge is a fun variation of contract bridge that originated with servicemen in World War II. It has evolved to include teams of players competing against each other to win flags and prizes.

No formal knowledge of bridge is needed; having any might even prove a liability There will be people available to teach participants how to play the game.

The event includes tricky tray raffles, a 50/50 raffle and a variety of refreshments to enjoy with your friends and neighbors while helping to raise money for local charities.

Tickets for military bridge are $15 per person. All funds raised will be disbursed by the club to local charities and scholarships as well as the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, the two-year special project of the New Jersey WomensʼClubs.

Seating is limited.To secure your place, your check should be mailed to the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, PO Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

Seats can be reserved, and questions answered, by calling Elaine Mooney at (201) 391-4947 or Elaine OʼBrien at (201) 573-9132.

PASCACK VALLEY

Jeffrey Van Pelt presents “Top Ten Roses for Your Garden”on Monday,May 1 at 7 p.m

Healing: ‘Hoodwinked’ May 7

FROM PAGE 1

from country to pop to Spanish musical theater and opera – have taken her to solo performances on Off-Broadway, The Bitter End, and Carnegie Hall, as well as to concert venues in South America, Spain, and China, and onward to her own show on PBS, ʻThe Heart

that he would forget me, so he asked me to write some Country and Americana songs that he could listen to every day to keep my memory alive in his heart and mind. I did so and my fatherʼs plan worked. He never forgot me.”

She says, “The showʼs foundation is rooted in the healing power of music and faith, and the

Dowding, teaches me at Dance With Me in Glen Rock.”

For tickets ($45) and more information, visit elisabrownmusic.com.

To donate the medical-costrelief fundraiser Spaeth helps organize for Harry Elia, D.C., visit https://gofund.me/d5357f5d

of Art with Elisa Brown.ʼHer CDs, ʻ The Ave Maria Experienceʼ and ʻNew World,ʼco-written and co-arranged with Grammy Awardwinning producer Barry Goldstein, have garnered worldwide praise.”

She tells us, “My father knew he had Alzheimerʼs and was afraid

father/daughter connection.”

And the show is Jerseyproud, she says: “My showʼs musical arranger, Dave Fields, is originally from Demarest; my music director, Jana, lives in Englewood; my stage manager, Burkett Horrigan, is from Teaneck; and my dance coach, David

Broncos:

FROM PAGE 1

this senior group has been through a lot.

“This senior class really came together throughout their high school careers. This was one of the most talented teams Iʼve ever coached and we were a little more of a tournament team than a dualmeet team,” Bucco said.

He said, “We set a goal to have four championship seasons in a row and this group got it done by repeating the Big North Patriot and then earning BCCA Small School Team of the Year. The program also reached our 700th win, advancing to the state section semifinals.”

At the County tournament with more than 40 teams entered, the Broncos finished as the second scoring public school and the sixth place team overall.

Camarena and Wacha led the way with third-place finishes. Duffy and Mercier both earned fifth.

Seniors Athan Stamis, Max Unger, Christian Funke and Morton all qualified for the second day of the Counties as well.

The Broncos also cleaned up with All-League and All-County selections. Camarena was second Team All County and finished his senior year with 40 wins, a Pascack Hills all-time record for a single season.

Daraghmeh, Wacha, Morton, Funke, Duffy and Mercier were all Honorable Mention All County selections as well.

First Team All League selections were Stamis, Wacha, Morton, Duffy and Camarena.

Second Team All League selections were Unger, Funke and Mercier.

Honorable Mention All League selections: senior Nick Lulla and Daraghmeh. Bucco was also voted League Coach of the Year for the second consecutive

season.

Wacha finished with 34 wins and an astounding 30 pins, a Pascack Hills single-season record.

In all, 10 of 14 starters earned awards, showing the tough, balanced lineup coming out of the small school in Montvale.

Bucco said, “We faced really good competition all year. We had tough losses to Pope John, Delsea, Hanover Park and Don Bosco. We sought out some elite tournaments

over their four years. In 2020 we won a league title, in 2021 we won Small School Team of the Year, last year we won the league and the County Group and this year they kept it rolling it again. We always talk about passing the torch to the next grade to keep it going and they did just that,” Bucco said.

Rounding out the starting lineup were Aaron DʼAlessandro, Nick Frangiosa, Gary Cooper, Matt Daniels, Matt Velez, Hassan

like the Delaware Valley Tournament the first weekend of the season and the Sam Cali Invitational. Ultimately, we wrestled our best at the end of the season and our guys peaked during their individual post seasons, which is always the goal.”

Bucco praised his assistant coaches for their dedication and knowledge: Jim Freeman, Bruce Wacha, Adham Shawkat and Kevin Moran. Moran was also voted District 1 Assistant Coach of the Year.

“This senior group went 72–19

Shawkat, Sean Herman and Kyler Alexander

The Broncos also commemorated their Team of the Year award at the All County dinner at the Fiesta on March 22 and were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on March 27.

Although the team is graduating an excellent senior class, Bucco says with a dedicated off season, next yearʼs group has enough to try for their fifth championship season in a row and hunt for the teamʼs 25th league title in program history

Back to front,left to right: assistant coach Kevin Moran,Hunter Morton,Alejandro Camarena,Jake Wacha,head coach Dave Bucco,Tyler Duffy,Fares Daraghmeh,team historian Pete Santoli,and assistant coaches Bruce Wacha and Jim Freeman. Courtesy photo.

With thanks to Dick Bonsignore

Mayor Raymond Arroyo shared the following with residents on April 11, days after he and Westwood lost a friend. We are reprinting it with permission.

Pascack Press

ON WEDNESDAYMORNING

we will lower the Borough flags to honor the passing of longtime Westwood resident Richard “Dick” Bonsignore.

During his 54 years in Westwood, Dick, along with his beloved wife, Mary, raised a beautiful family of seven children, that eventually blossomed into 23 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Dick worked as a professional architect and planner in New York City and volunteered his expertise in the service of Westwoodʼs land use governance.

He served on our Planning Board for 43 years and was its chairman emeritus, leading its members in master-planning the boroughʼs development and redevelopment.

Dick was instrumental in the creation of Westwood House and had served as a board member since its inception. The cul-de-sac in front of this senior living facility, at 100 Madison Ave., is named after him.

But the depth of his long service to Westwood canʼt be captured in any single structure or repaid with a street sign. It was far more pervasive yet elusive, below the threshold of conscious awareness.

Dick had a keen eye for Westwoodʼs small-town scale and sublime visual environment. He understood that the volume of negative space surrounding the human- scaled structures in our downtown streetscape, and in our residential neighborhoods, was essential to the townʼs success.

He intuitively understood

Westwoodʼs “brand” before that was an overused cliche.Dick knew it as something intimately connected to how our community experienced, enjoyed, and identified itself.

And he worked hard to preserve that connection, by passing on his love for it, to the Planning and Zoning Board members who were fortunate enough to learn it from him.

A long line of Westwoodʼs governing body members came to their elected positions through our land use boards. And so, Dick Bonsignoreʼs influence and perspective are still apparent in the boroughʼs critical land use decisions.

Aside from his beautiful family, this is Dickʼs greatest legacy. Even those whoʼd never known him, or will ever meet him, get to experience that legacy, just by walking through the streets of our town.

On Tuesday evening at Beckerʼs, during his prayerful remarks, St. Andrewʼs Father Joe noted that “God remembers those who did good with the life with which theyʼd been blessed.”

R.I.P. Mr. Bonsignore. Westwood will remember you too.

Ray Arroyo Westwood Mayor

Banners will feature a photo of the veteran or active-duty member,his or her name,their date of service,and their branch of service.The sponsor family or name will be printed on the banner. militarytributebanners.org.

Military tribute banners

The Hillsdale Police Department and American Legion Post 162 are proud to announce the Inaugural Homet own Heroes Program.

Police Capt. Sean Smith tells Pascack Press the project pays tribute to those who fought under our nationʼs flag. Patriotic banners on lamp posts will line the downtown business district.

Hillsdale residents and businesses are invited to sponsor a banner honoring their military hero. Banners will feature a photo of the veteran or activeduty member, his or her name, date of service and branch of service. The sponsor family or name will be printed on the banner

Smith says, The 20-inch by 40-inch patriotic banners are completely funded by the Hillsdale Police Department in conjunction with the cooperation of

OBITUARIES

Richard N. BONSIGNORE

Richard (Dick) N. Bonsignore, 90, resident of Westwood for 54 years, passed peacefully on April 8, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family.

Dick is survived by his seven children: Dianne, Regina, Patrice, Lauren, Karalyn, Richard, and Robert and their respective spouses. In addition to being a loving husband and father, Dick enjoyed

spending time with his 23 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his numerous pleasurable pastimes, Dick was a single engine pilot and owned and operated a flight school in Caldwell. Before that, he was president and a founder of the architecture firm Bonsignore Brignati & Mazzotta P.C., having an illustrious career for 30 years.

Dick was a parishioner at St Andrewʼs Church for 54 years and

a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Westwood, New Jersey Planning Board for 40 years, serving several years as chairman, and has been affiliated with the New Jersey Foundation of Municipal Planners and New Jersey Builders Association. He is a past president of the Westwood Senior Citizens Housing Corporation and a past president of the board of directors of Talbot Perkins Childrens Service Agency.

The family will receive their friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at Church of St. Andrew, Westwood at 10:30 a.m. Interment Cemetery of the Ascension, Airmont, N.Y. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Thomas J. IVANCICH

It is with great sadness that we inform you that our loving husband, father and grandfather Thomas J. Ivancich passed away peacefully in his home on Friday April 7, 2023. Thomas was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Sept. 7, 1938, to Agnes and Thomas H. Ivancich. He was raised in Brooklyn, where he lived until he married the love of his life, Eileen Mulligan, May 21,1960.

Shortly after they were married, Tom was drafted. He served in the U.S. Army as a service engineer and was stationed in Ulm, Germany. Upon returning from Germany, the couple settled in Lodi before moving to Hillsdale, where after 53 years of raising their family together, they still reside.

Family was important to him, a consistent priority throughout his 84 years of life. Tom enjoyed spending holidays with his large, extended family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.

Tom worked as a driver for Red and Tan Bus Lines. His hobbies

American Legion Post 162.”

He says, “Applications are accepted on a first-come, firstserve basis. Space is limited. To ensure a spot, we encourage you to submit your heroʼs sponsorship order today. The submission deadline is May 1.”

The individual honored and recognized must reside or have resided in Hillsdale or be a family member of a Hillsdale resident or business owner. The nominee must serve or have honorably served in any of the six branches of military service including the Reserves and National Guard.

The banners will be displayed through this Veterans Day in Veterans Park and downtown. F or guidelines and an application, visit militarytributebanners.org/new-jersey/hillsdalenj.html. F or more information, write ssmith@hillsdalepolice.com

included fishing, bowling, and, most of all, cooking.

Tom was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Hillsdale Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years. He was also a member of American Legion Post 162, where he served as treasurer and trustee. Tom brought his love of cooking to both of these organizations, where he thoroughly enjoyed cooking for their meetings and special events.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, and sisters, Frances Ivancich, Marilyn (Eddie) Powers, and Noreen White. Tom is survived by his wife Eileen, his children Kathleen (James) Rattigan, Deborah (Brendan) Mulholland, Thomas (Joyce) and Michael, and his grandchildren Brendan, Ryan, Shannon, Kelly, Connor, Kerry, and Kendall.

Memorial visitation is Wednesday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. The American Legion will hold a service at 3:30 p.m. and a fire department service will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

The funeral Mass is at St. John the Baptist, 69 Valley St. Hillsdale at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 13. Interment follows at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Legion Post 162 or the Hillsdale Fire Department.

The late Richard ‘Dick’ Bonsignore, Westwood’s Planning Board Chairman Emeritus. Courtesy photo.

TGA, REC SPRING BREAK SPORTS CAMP

PARK RIDGE

Staying home for spring break? The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee offers TGA Sports Camp for spring break week (April 10–14) at Davies Memorial Field. Camp is for kids ages 5–12 who want to stay active and play a variety of sports/games during their week off. There are half-day (9

a.m. to noon) and full-day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) options. TGA coaches have a fun week of sports planned: golf, tennis, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and more. Register at Bergencounty.playtga.com. For more info, write krooney@playtga.com or lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com, or call the rec at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105

OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

CROSSING GUARD P/T BORO OF EMERSON.

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

The Westwood Habitat ReStore is looking for funloving people to volunteer! Positions include customer service and the loading dock. Join the family at Habitat Bergen ReStore and help us build homes for families while having a feel-good experience volunteering. Call (201)547-1020 for more information. Habitat for

Journalist

Freelance or P/T.Are you interested in public affairs? Are you passionate about objective journalism? Newspaper group seeks local reporters to cover area governmental bodies. Experience and knowledge of APStyle preferred. Email ads@thepressgroup.net for more information.

THEUPS H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN. PEST CONTROLHELPER. GREATPAYAND BENEFITS. CALL201-6643933.

Kitchen Cabinet installers helper. Must have basic knowledge of tools. Valid drivers license. Ken Bauer Kitchens, Hillsdale NJ (201)664-6881. H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck. 185,000 miles with 15k on new 350 v8 motor. $6,300. Hillsdale (201) 783-0353.

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

WashingtonTownship, lakefront community, all access. New kitchen, more, gorgeous! $1,500 covers all. 201-819-4780.

H HOOUUSSEEMMAATTE E W WAANNTTEED D WANT BUSINESS? Call (201)664-2105

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

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

WANT BUSINESS?

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