Pascack Press 5.15.23

FISCAL ‘LAND MINES’ WARNED

Westwood council approves $21M budget; average $95 tax hike; home values rise on pandemic demand

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

The Westwood Borough Council adopted a $21 million 2023–2024 municipal budget at its April 18 meeting that raises an average homeownerʼs annual taxes by $95, said borough officials.

On an average assessed home of $496,700, the $95 increase comes from a $92 tax increase in municipal operations and a $3 tax increase in local library funding.

Total 2023–2024 appropriations were $21,033,000, with $4,936,774 coming from general revenues and $16,096,226 to be raised by local taxes, according to Westwoodʼs budget presentation.

“The Finance Committee considered more utilization of surplus but, after careful thought and deliberation, and the support of our Council colleagues, decided to maintain the version introduced at

See FISCAL on page 36

POWERING BOYS’, GIRLS’ STATE POWERING BOYS’, GIRLS’ STATE

Legion

162, Hillsdale PBA Local 207 team up

PASCACK VALLEY

VALLEY MAYORS SEEK ‘PAUSE’ ONHOUSING MANDATE

State

bill delaying start of fourth round of affordable housing obligations

Sen. Holly Schepisi co-sponsors

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

The Pascack Valleyʼs 10 mayors sent a letter to a Senate committee recently to express their support for a bill that calls for a “pause,” until July 1, 2028, on implementing a fourth round of statewide affordable housing obligations, set to begin July 2025.

American Legion Post 162 of

Lake, and Old

Association Local 207 for a generous donation to cover

thanks

for two students at New Jersey Boys’ State and New Jersey Girls’ State for 2023. Left to right: Hillsdale

Jordan Bruce, American Legion Post 162 Commander Doug Frank, and Hillsdale police officer Matthew Soltes. Courtesy photo

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan received a generous donation from the Hillsdale Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local

207 to cover the tuition for two students at New Jersey Boysʼ State and New Jersey Girlsʼ State for 2023.

At Post 162ʼs May 6 meeting, members presented the PBA with a certificate of appreciation and thanked them for their generous support.

General Leonard E. Wood Post 162, at 98 Legion Place in Hillsdale, is the home post for residents of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan but its active membership includes veterans from the greater Pascack

Continued on page 22

The bill, S3739/A5402, was introduced in the state Senate on March 30 by Republican Sen. Anthony Bucco, (25th District), and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee. As of May 3, it had not yet been introduced in the Assembly.

State Sen. Holly Schepisi, (RRiver Vale), a co-sponsor of the Senate bill, told Pascack Press, “I wholeheartedly agree with our local mayors: delaying the start of the fourth round of affordable housing obligations is the most practical

See MAYORS on page 38

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

Post

Hillsdale, Woodcliff

Tappan

Hillsdale Police Benevolent

tuition

police officer

WESTWOOD

Always here for our readers!

To the editor:

IWANTTO really thank you. My work as communications chairman for the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club was just judged first in the state for clubs our size! Your help was a huge reason why. Your support has been critical to our success this year. I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Kathy Grubb, Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dirty laundry in Hillsdale politics

To the editor:

IAMWRITING to offer a quick explanation of why Zoltá n Horváthwas not given the line in Hillsdale to seek re-election. Mr. Horváthcame before the County Committee in 2017 seeking the partyʼs line. Mr. Horváth was interviewed by the committee and was not considered a viable candidate and passed over. I believe the final vote had 0 votes in favor of putting Mr. Horváthon the ballot.

Unfortunately, the candidate that we did select was unable to commit to running and we had to go with the back-up candidate and Mr. Horváthwas selected.

Flash-forward three years when Mr. Horváthʼsseat was up for reelection for the first time. This would have put interviews and petitions due in April 2020. We all know what that was like with Covid on the rampage. The BCRO decided that all incumbents would be gifted the line, as the process of in person meetings and getting signatures had everyone fearful of contracting Covid.

Mr Horváth had his second lucky break as there were multiple candidates whose interviews

were lined up and canceled, and I am sure Mr. Horváthwould not have been granted a second term.

Now this year, we interviewed five candidates for two council positions. There were going to be three people who got passed over. Mr. Horváth came to the interview and let me say this nicely, he was a train wreck. Ill prepared for hard-hitting questions. Arrogance in that we were even asking him any questions.

For someone who claims in his own letter [“Horváth makes run for mayor (or council),” Pascack Press, May 1, 2023] that we are spiteful and cronies, his “altruistic mayor” was selected to run for council. Who, by the way, asked to replace Horváthon the county line.

And if you have any doubt about Mr. Horv á thʼsthought process, please re-read his letter. He is asking for you write in votes for which position? Mayor? Council? And he asks all Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to vote for him? Last I checked, you could only vote for your party in a primary and unaffiliated voters cannot vote in a primary

Chris Scalia, Vice chair, Hillsdale Republican County Committee

Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

Right really doing the canceling

To the editor:

ONEOFYOUR readers wrote in decrying the cancel culture she believed she was witness to at a recent area BOE meeting. I donʼt minimize moves to restrict language or points of view, but some words and perspectives are demonstrably damaging, including those aimed at demonizing and prohibiting personal and intellectual freedoms—like many of the misogynistic, homophobic, racist, and discriminatory philosophies inherent in [Westwood Regional School District] school board president Michael Pontilloʼs ongoing efforts to dictate curricula in accordance with what a vocal minority of conservative activists find objectionable. They seek victory over, rather than coexistence with, anything they see as a menace to their way of life.

But the notion that cancel culture is the sole province of the so-called “woke left” is

Volley on traffic estimates at proposed strip mall

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

A traffic consultant for the proposed Four Seasons Marketplace at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue said that recent traffic counts and pre-Covid traffic volumes show “high operating levels of service” at the busy intersection once county intersection upgrades are completed.

A sixth hearing on the proposed 17,100-square-foot marketplace — which might feature up to 11 shops including a restaurant — is scheduled before the Zoning Board of Adjustment at town hall, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The consultant, Dean & Dolan, Somerville, was addressing a recent Boswell Engineering review that pointed out 15 concerns with problems in a traffic impact analysis done by Dean & Dolan, traffic consultant for 660 Pascack Realty LLC.

In a May 5 letter to the Zoning Board, Dean & Dolan traffic engineer Gary Dolan said the consultant recently conducted traffic volume counts in March and April 2023 at the Pascack Road and Washington Avenue intersection that found “no difference” between September 2022 traffic counts when motorists were advised to avoid the intersection due to ongoing construction.

Motorists are still being advised to avoid the intersection as overhaul work continues. Some residents have called for a traffic study following the official completion of the intersection work, although that appears unlikely given the applicantʼs need to approve such an extension.

Moreover, the Dean & Dolan response letter said using Bergen Countyʼs pre-Covid traffic data at the intersection from 2017 “results in minor changes in Level of Service, all are acceptable and will continue to provide high operating levels of service once the county improvements are completed.”

The response letter said its prior traffic study used an Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Land Use Code for a Retail Strip Plaza for less than 40,000 square feet.

The letter said this land use code, “includes typical tenants such as restaurants, retail stores, banks, health clubs, etc. Strip retail plazas also typically include restaurants as well.” The letter

said use of this code used the “more conservative and higher (traffic) projections per the recommended ITE practice.”

The Boswell review letter had said that trip-generation rates for a restaurant can be “significantly higher” than the “Strip Retail Plaza” land use code, and that “trip characteristics need to be identified and discussed.”

The Dean & Dolan response noted, “As a restaurant tenant has not been identified it is not possible to clarify the intended hours of operation.”

On the applicant documents page, both dated April 14, applicant engineer Bertin Engineering, Glen Rock, responds to prior comments from the Bergen County Planning and Engineering Department and Zoning Board comments about the proposal.

Prior Four Seasons Marketplace hearing dates on March 21 and April 18 were postponed by the applicant, 660 Pascack Realty LLC, following Boswellʼs traffic review letter, posted on March 21, that noted specific concerns with the Dean & Dolan traffic study

(See “Boswell: ʻDisconnectʼ in Applicantʼs Strip Mall Traffic Estimates,” Michael Olohan, April 3, 2023, Pascack Press.)

New Dean & Dolan Traffic Counts

The two new traffic studies were conducted on a weekday. March 30, 2023 and on a Saturday, April 13, 2023, to compare

evening and weekend peak hour traffic counts. The Dean & Dolan response letter runs three pages, with 39 pages of appended support material.

The letter can be accessed on the Four Seasons Marketplace documents page online, under Boswell Review Traffic Response Letter, document #35.

“The appended figures show a comparison between the September (2022) traffic counts and March (2023) traffic counts. As noted, there is virtually no difference in traffic activity over the past six months. The influence of remaining construction has not materially affected traffic conditions,” wrote Gary Dean, of Dean & Dolan, in the letter.

“Nevertheless, our office obtained historic traffic data available from Bergen County collected in 2017 to ascertain ʻpreCovidʼtraffic conditions and before intersection construction commenced. “A revised intersection operational analysis was completed for the projected future site traffic and shows that while the use of the six-year-old traffic count data results in minor changes in level of service, all are acceptable and will continue to provide high operating levels of service once the county improvements are completed. These projections were completed for the AM, PM and Saturday peak hours. As such, any influence of the construction will not alter the conclusions reached in our analyses of

favorable future operating conditions,” wrote Dean.

Dean said the revised traffic analyses also used the phasing sequence and timing developed for the intersection, as designed and provided by Boswell, which

was a prior Boswell review criticism.

Tributary status questions

In addition to traffic con-

CONTINUED

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Where would you have stood on American Revolution?

PARK RIDGE

The Pascack Historical Society welcomes back guest speaker Robert Stevenson, Ed.D., for his latest lecture, “Picking a side: Where are your loyalties in the American Revolution?” on Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. The event takes place at the Societyʼs museum, 19 Ridge Ave. Admission is

Continued on page 17

The life and times of Pascack Inn

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS PARKRIDGE

HEREʼSATHROWBACK that only the long-timers will remember. The Pascack Inn used to stand on the north side of Madison Avenue between Hawthorne Avenue and the railroad tracks, a spot that locals came to call “hard luck corner.”

The location had seen many different owners and businesses over the years, as well as its share of prosperity and hardship.

A three-story wooden building constructed there in the 1870s started life as a boarding school. A New York clothier bought it in 1899 and tried to manufacture pants in Park Ridge—a venture that proved unprofitable. During the bicycle craze of the 1890s, there was a bar in the basement and a bicycle track in the rear of the building. In the 1900s and 1910s it was a hotel—that is, until 1918 when it burned

down.

It was rebuilt as a tavern, but fire struck in 1929 and again in 1931.

Albert Hebeler bought and remodeled the property, calling it

the Pascack Inn. His restaurant was extremely popular during World War II and the post-war era, the site of numerous dinners, celebrations, fund-raisers and meetings for individuals and organiza-

tions.

The advertisement on this page goes back 70 years to Mothers Day of 1953, when the Pascack Inn was promoting its $2.50 dinner special. Notice the old style of phone number

A few years later, in 1957, the Pascack Inn was destroyed in what would be the final fire at the location. More than 100 firefighters from Park Ridge, Montvale and Woodcliff Lake spent five hours battling the blaze before dawn on Oct. 14, 1957. Firemen were unable to get to the source of the fire in the basement, as it had only one entrance. Over several hours the flames devoured the building from within and left only the exterior walls standing.

Hebeler, who lived just a block away from the inn, could only stand by and watch the conflagration destroy the 24year-old building.

Nowadays the spot is a municipal parking lot.

Marker for Baylor Massacre Park in River Vale.Robert Stevenson presents on the American Revolution in Bergen County and the Pascack Valley on May 21.

Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society.

Pascack Inn was popular during World War II and the post-war era,the site of numerous dinners,celebrations,fund-raisers and meetings.

Mom’s worth it! Time was, you could treat Mom to a lovely dinner at Pascack Inn.

Again, mixed bag on PVRHSD tax impacts

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District approved a $62.7 million 2023–2024 budget at its May 1 board meeting, an overall increase of 3.27% in local tax levy from the prior yearʼs budget.

The $56,393,349 tax levy for 2023–2024 will lead to school tax increases in Hillsdale and River Vale while Montvale and Woodcliff Lake will see declines in their annual school tax.

Based on the state tax formula, Hillsdaleʼs average assessed home will pay an extra $65.01 in annual taxes; River Valeʼs average assessed home will pay a $159.31 annual increase.

Montvaleʼs average assessed home will see a $216.91 decrease in annual taxes and Woodcliif Lakeʼs average assessed home will see a $77.71 annual tax decrease.

On the average assessed homes in the four towns, taxpayers will pay $3,547 in Hillsdale; $3,903 in River Vale; $3,819 in Montvale; and $5,339 in Woodcliff Lake.

An average assessed Hillsdale home is $475,032; River Vale is

$592,000; Montvale is $561,962; and Woodcliff Lake is $857,184.

The budgetʼs annual tax levy is divided up based on a state formula taking into account taxable property wealth and student enrollment among the four towns, said Yas Usami, the regional districtʼs business administrator.

Usami said the state determines the tax percentages annually.

Hillsdale and River Vale students attend Pascack Valley HIgh School in Hillsdale and Montvale and Woodcliff Lake students attend Pascack Hills High School in Montvale.

The vote was 6-0 to approve the $62,663,064 budget. Voting to approve were Kelly Blundy, Kristin Martin, James Stankus, Debra Stephans, Michael Weaver, and board vice president Gini Varghese. Absent were board president Joseph Blundo, Elizabeth Calderone, and Pat Luisi.

Usami provided a budget overview and the district posted a user-friendly 2023 budget on its website. The meetingʼs YouTube video is posted on the district website.

Usami said the the regional school districtʼs tax levy was divided up by the state as follows: Hillsdale, 22.634% or $12,763,815;

DIRECTORYINTHE

Patricia J. Villano

River Vale, 25.14%, or $14,177,294; Montvale, 26.861%, or $15,147,956; and Woodcliff Lake, 25.635%, or $14,304,284.

Usami said contributing factors to the yearly 3.27% budget increase (which increased local tax levy by 3% overall) was an $886,083 jump in student transportation costs, an $868,307 increase in health/dental insurance costs, and a $562,273 increase in out-of-district tuition costs.

An itemized chart presented by Usami showed that 69% of the

budget was employee salaries and benefits, with salaries comprising 55.3% and employee benefits 13.7%.

Other large budget categories included tuition at 9.3%, and transportation at 5.6%.

A 2023-2024 list of expenditures showed total salaries as $34,656,523 and total employee benefits at $8,613,121. The presentation showed an additional 3.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) teacher positions, including three full-time special education professionals and

a speech therapist increased from a 0.6 FTE position to full time.

Capital projects in 20232024 include: a Pascack Valley Lecture Hall/Media Center Area Roof Replacement for $923,700, and a Pascack Hills “C” Wing Roof Replacement for $754,600. The total capital projects budget $1,678,300.

Usami also showed a tax impact history” chart that highlighted the state tax percentages allocated locally from 2016 through 2023 for the district.

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE

PASCACK PRESS.

Hillsdale gets $16M town budget and a tax bump

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

The Borough Council adopted a nearly $16 million 2023–2024 municipal budget at its May 2 meeting, adding $46.32 to an average homeownerʼs annual taxes — an increase of 1.6% over last year.

The council voted 5-1 to approve, with Councilman Zoltán Horváth opposed. Council introduced the budget at its April 4 meeting. Chief Municipal Finance Officer David Young provided a budget overview on May 2, noting the budget maintains and improves local services, and “does a very good job of doing that.”

No comments were made during the budgetʼs public hearing.

At its introduction, Councilwoman Abby Lundy said, the amount to be raised by taxes to support the budget, including the Public Library, is $10,889,947 an increase of $128,689 or 1.2% over

the 2022 tax levy.

She said this will result in a municipal tax rate of 63.7 cents which is an increase of .008 cents per $100 of assessed valuation compared to the 2022 rate of 62.9 cents.

She noted, “Applying this tax rate to an average Hillsdale home assessed at $469,392, municipal taxes will be approximately $2,990.30 vs the 2022 average of $2,943.98 – an increase of approximately $46.32 per home.”

The full April 4 budget presentation can be viewed on the council agenda/meeting website.

During the May 2 meeting, Horváth, a candidate for mayor, introduced amendments to further reduce the budget increase, but his motion failed to receive a second.

Despite the nominal budget increase, Mayor John Ruocco, a candidate for council, spoke against the issuing of debt to finance future road improvements, an accounting method used in the approved budget.

“(This) will mean an everincreasing amount of debt to be borne by residents to pay for what is a regular annual operating expense—keeping our roads upto-date. Thatʼs never a good idea, even if the state says the roads have a useful life of 20+ years and technically you can treat them (as) a capital expenditure eligible for borrowing. That doesnʼt mean itʼs sound,” Ruocco said.

He added, “When the budget was introduced, I read into the record a spreadsheet that portrayed the growth of our surplus over the past several years. Now we know from the engineerʼs report that our surplus account stands to increase further by $600,000 from grant reimbursements that are due us.”

He asked, “So why are we increasing the tax burden on our residents by 1.6%? It brings in $129,000. Excluding the library portion of that tax increase, we could easily charge the remaining $82,000 to our $5.3 million surplus account. So instead of increasing taxes by $46 (per) household, it would be only $13 (per) household. I also wonder how we justify raising property taxes unnecessarily.”

Ruocco noted local taxpayers “face an extraordinary increase in

taxes” due to future renovation of George G. White Middle School, in addition to debt service on a likely $10 million bond in 2024 to pay for improvements on Centennial Field, a new Stonybrook Community Center, and upgrades to protect the DPW building from flooding.

Ruocco dinged the council for approving “an almost 50% increase in compensation” for mayor and council, adding $21,000 in costs, which he called “gluttonous.” He said the increases would make Hillsdale the “highest paid” mayor and council among Pascack Valleyʼs 10 towns.

During council commentaries, the mayor, who speaks first due to a change in council by-laws, said he had a “sense of disappointment over the councilʼs willingness to increase property taxes when it is unnecessary, and the lack of transparency in failing to highlight for the residents the greater reliance on debt to fund the road improvement program.”

Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk said the stipend increases for council members and the mayor were long overdue, as no increases had occurred since 2005.

She said the increased

stipends were simply adjusted for cost of living increases over a nearly 20-year period.

The new stipends increase annual council compensation to $10,000 per member, and the mayor to $13,000.

She said the increased stipends bring local officials “up to par where we should be” and said they might attract more residents to step forward and run for public office.

She said she did not think the stipend increases were “greedy or overstepping and all these negative adjectives” used by Ruocco.

She said the increases cost about $7 yearly or 2 cents a day to give the council and mayor a raise.

Council President Anthony DeRosa said Ruoccoʼs “disappointment over the budget crosses over to being accusatory of council trying to intentionally deceive the public.”

DeRosa “took exception” to Ruoccoʼs description of the budgeting process. “Thereʼs nothing intentionally being done to deceive the public. Itʼs just different than the way that you would do it, and that doesnʼt mean itʼs

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

FROM PAGE 6

wrong, itʼs just different.”

DeRosa said he spoke to the borough clerk and administrator about getting out more information through borough social media to better inform residents about local issues and help prevent misinformation. He said more information on local topics was being posted on the boroughʼs Facebook page, and Twitter was coming.

Councilman Justin Fox said the borough had the “second largest” surplus out of Pascack Valley towns and also the “second lowest” tax increase.

Lundy, Finance Committee chair, said she disagreed with

Ruoccoʼs statement about a lack of transparency. She said she reviewed other townsʼwebsites and said Hillsdale was “the most transparent” of all the towns, noting Hillsdale was the only town adding links to resolutions on agendas.

The council offers a hybrid meeting format where residents can join meetings remotely on Zoom or watch the meeting later

on YouTube. Meetings are archived online. Generally, agendas link resolutions and ordinances up for a public hearing, plus selected professional reports from the consulting engineer, public works superintendent and police chief. She said Ruocco compares Hillsdale to other towns “when it suits your narrative” and said it was “a silly comparison.”

50+ CLUB SPRING

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club of Westwood has its spring luncheon on Wednesday, June 7 at Madeleineʼs Petit Paris, North-

vale. Cost is $50. For more information call Angie at (201) 6663888.

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool The Park Ridge Municipal Pool

BIZhub, WRHS connect local businesses, interns

Celebrate Westwood BIZhub Committee invites Westwoodʼs small business owners and operators to a presentation on Wednesday, May 24 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Westwood Regional High School (WRHS) to learn more about the opportunities for partnership with interns through the WRHS Work-Based Learning (WBL) program.

Registration is required by Friday, May 19 through the website listed below for admittance to the presentation.

Program coordinator Dina Murray says sheʼs eager to increase connections with the Westwood business community, noting that her students often bring desired skills to businesses understaffed in particular areas, for example, social media, technology, and graphic design.

In return, she says, interns benefit from the mentoring of local business owners and their employees while assisting with a variety of tasks based on the particular needs and industry of any given business.

The WRHS program is designed to help senior students with the opportunity to prepare for a rapidly changing world. Students

will be engaged in work experiences of their choice, allowing students to gain a competitive edge in their post-secondary transition. Students will gain hands-on experience while gaining academic credits.

High school seniors who qualify may elect to participate in the WBL program with a minimum requirement of 12 hours per month. WBL experiences are designed to be structured, super-

vised activities that will assist students in clarifying career goals, exploring career possibilities, developing employable skills, or making the transition between school and employment or further education and training.

The program allows for student exposure to the requirements and responsibilities of specific job titles or job groups and assists

them in gaining employment skills and making career and educational decisions.

WBL includes apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, cooperative education, and schoolbased enterprises. The experiences may be either paid or unpaid, depending on the type of activities in which the student is involved.

Students annually are paired

with local businesses, depending on their interests and skills. Recent partnerships have included Englewood Hospital, AIM Neuro Rehab (Westwood), A Little Cake (Park Ridge), Brookside School, the Office of Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Westwood Borough Hall, Bergen County Zoo, Westwood Ophthalmology, and Conradʼs Confectionery as well as a variety of financial and professional offices throughout the county.

Murray is looking to expand the relationship between WRHS and Westwood business and Celebrate Westwood is excited to facilitate introductions through its BIZhub community.

This event is designed for registered members of BIZhub which focuses on fostering local entrepreneurship while creating an opportunity for networking, professional development, and cross-promotion for the benefit of the entire community.

To register, visit celebratewestwood.org/bizhub. For more information about this event, BIZhub, or Celebrate Westwood, write RoseAnn Ciarlante or Lauren Letizia at celebratwestwood@gmail.com

For more information on WWRHS Work-Based Learning, write dina.murray@wwrsd.org

Marta Bystrowska,a 2021 senior at Westwood Regional High School, started her Work-Based Learning Internship at Congressman Josh Gottheimer's office. WWRSD photo

BizHub kick-off meeting hosted by The Paula Clark Group on April 19.The meeting featured special guest Joane Cimiluca,director of the Bergen County Division of Economic Development. Celebrate Westwood photo

Woodcliff Lake’s The Patelsky Twins in first concert

BY BRIANA KEENAN FOR PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

P ursuing a career in the music industry can be competitive, especially at a young age. Many aspiring artists have dreams of gaining a large following in the music industry, and are involved in other arts such as acting.

At 5 years old, Pascack Hills juniors — and fraternal twin sisters — Ava and Cora Patelsky decided to start singing lessons with their vocal director, Jennifer Cece, and have since been involved in different types of performances, from school musicals to planning their own, local concert.

For both, their songs are primarily inspired by teenage problems and relationship difficulties. They sometimes release songs together, but other times, they release individual songs.

“Weʼre trying to write relatable stuff because I know a lot of

girls go through a lot of tough relationships,” Ava told Pascack Press on April 26, “A lot of broken hearts inspired a lot of the songs.”

On June 7, The Patelsky Twins are giving their first concert, all-ages, at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck. Proceeds benefit charity, the girls say on the event

i nvitation. They describe their sound as like Olivia Rodrigoʼs (Grammy-nominated) teen pop.

They shared their excitement

of the new experience and goal of stepping into the music indus-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

On stage: Ava (left) and Cora (right) Patelsky are The Patelsky Twins,live in concert at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck on June 7.Proceeds benefit charity. Courtesy photo.

Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

SIGN UP FOR RAVEALERTS

The Hillsdale Police Department and Borough of Hillsdale are now using the RAVE Alert System, which replaces Swift Reach. If you were signed up for Swift Reach, your information will be transferred over, but officials encourage you to sign into your account and update your

PASCACK VALLEY

information. Under this new system, you will be able to receive alerts through a phone call, text message, email and social media. All you have to do is sign up and choose what you want to receive and how. See the borough website for more information.

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 uni-

forms. 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 choreography 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

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley.

Volley: Traffic estimates at proposed strip mall

FROM PAGE 3

cerns addressed by Dean & Dolan, resident Michael Agnello of Meisten Street has regularly expressed concern about the status of an unnamed tributary running behind homes on Meisten Streetʼs eastern side, directly behind the marketplace plaza at 660–682 Pascack Road.

The concern has been raised, briefly, during prior Zoning Board question periods, but as testimony did not address the issue, future questions and comments will have to wait until public comments are allowed, which is generally at a last meeting before the Zoning Board makes a final decision on the application.

Boswell Engineering, the township's engineer, recently found that the “more precise” LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data mapping of the unnamed tributaryʼs drainage basin was found to total 48.823 acres —

which is below the 50-acre threshold to be a state-regulated waterway and protected as a Category One waterway, said a Boswell official.

Agnello believes the developer will need to install a riparian buffer to protect the waterway, or at least take extra precautions to reduce polluted runoff flowing to it, if the waterway is protected as a Category One tributary as he maintains.

Previously, Agnello said, he was told the waterway was a protected Category One tributary to Musquapsink Brook, which eventually leads to Oradell Reservoir, a drinking water source for 800,000 Bergen and Passaic county homes and businesses.

Separately, however, a title search authorized by the township did not find an easement on Agnelloʼs property, though Agnello said his property title does show an easement when he purchased the property in 1981.

Also, an independent engineer from Emerson, Carol Hoernlein, has said using USGS Streamstats data shows that the tributaryʼs drainage basin encompasses 58.8 acres, which Boswell Engineer Kevin Boswell also agreed with during his recent presentation to council.

However, Boswell said the more precise LIDAR data and a technical manual rule that only requires inclusion of drainage areas served by stormwater pipes that can handle a 100-year storm reduced the drainage area to 48.832 acres.

Hoernlein said Boswellʼs exclusion of certain drainage areas due to stormwater pipe size was “based on a technicality.” She

added, “But now we know how the incredible shrinking drainage area for this one proposed development occurred and exactly why the method chosen was not based on USGS Streamstats data.”

(See “Pushback on engineer report over waterway status,” Michael Olohan, May 1, 2023, Pascack Press; also “So Close! Drainage Basin near proposed mall said shy of 50-acre threshold,” Michael Olohan, April 24, 2023, Pascack Press; and

“Progress flows toward title search touching on mall proposal,” Michael Olohan, April 10, 2023, Pascack Press.)

Back issues can be found on our archive at issuu.com.

Agnello had asked the council for an independent study of the tributaryʼs drainage basin, which was briefly discussed. Boswell Engineering is the consulting engineer for the township and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Letters:

FROM PAGE 2

irrefutably wrong.

T he Republican Party embodies the very cancel culture it pretends to rail against.

Right wing politicians earn votes vilifying “liberal cancel culture” and professing their belief in absolute free speech. Itʼs the rhetorical weapon they reach for the most.

Republicans have mastered buzzwords that turn out voters by activating inner fear. Their use of the term “cancel culture” exacerbates the lurking paranoia haunting many voters that they are slowly disappearing from the American mainstream.

But thereʼs an irony. The Republicans have bludgeoned American freedoms and rights with their own cancel culture for decades. The right has been far more prone to confine the First Amendment, limit free speech, ban and even burn books, squelch

protest, cancel, censor and circumscribe what we read, watch, and think.

Just in the past several weeks, the right has feverishly sought to ban or silence Disney, NPR, Bud Light, books, the FBI, the CIA, M&Mʼs, Mr. Potato Head, more books, healthcare, college professors, democratic lawmakers, any mention of diversity, any mention of the existence of LGBTQ people, the entire Department of Education, PBS, Oreos, insufficiently Christian or conservative businesses, and, yes, even more books.

And what more grotesque display of cancel culture is there than invading the U.S. Capitol in a violent attempt to cancel the constitutional tabulation of ballots in the 2020 presidential election? Or the Republican officials—among them Pascack Valley mayors— who even now seek to erase Joe Bidenʼs presidency (not to mention 81,283,100 votes) by refusing to say that he was elected?

There is a cancel culture, and itʼs the right thatʼs advancing it.

Adam Shapiro River Vale

The facts on WWRSD BOE meeting

To the editor: Regarding “Thoughts on school board drama,” Letters, May 8, 2023

WHENI READ this letter, I found myself questioning my own perceptions. Had the meeting been as chaotic as the author suggested? Was it raucous and disrespectful? Had participants engaged in “incredible abuse”? Had they attempted to “control, silence, and scare others for control”? Did the adults truly “yell” and then “encourage disrespectful conduct from kids in attendance”? Did the crowd commit the ultimate crime of trying to “cancel” people with whom they disagreed?

I was compelled to go back and rewatch the videos of the meeting. Here is what I found: On April 27, 50 individuals

spoke at the board of ed meeting, signing up for 59 speaking spots. Of those spots, 49 comments, by 43 speakers, opposed the formation of the ad hoc committee, the resistance to the display of the Pride flag, and/or board overreach in general.

Seven comments, from six speakers, supported the formation of the ad hoc committee or spoke in support of the board and/or its recent actions.

Three comments addressed other or unrelated topics.

To simplify, 83% of the speakers spoke against board overreach. But this is only the first part of this reconsideration.

According to the letter in last weekʼs paper, the majority crowd engaged in screaming and yelling, silencing and scaring others, and encouraging disrespect. I want to look at those claims more closely:

Of the majority that spoke: 10 spoke firmly and assertively, but did not yell; three were teary and emotional; yes, two arguably “yelled” at the board; 37 did not raise their voices at all. In that majority group, Westwood

Regional High School students accounted for nine of the speake rs. None of them yelled or screamed. None of them were “disrespectful” as most people would define it. The student speakers were inspirational in their composure and poise.

Of the six people who spoke in favor of the board and/or the ad hoc committee, almost none were shouted down or “canceled.” In fact, most received some degree of applause from the crowd in attendance.

Exactly one speaker was “booed,” “yelled at,” or “catcalled” during their comments.

This speaker attempted to antagonize the crowd by dismissing it as an NJEA organizing effort; made misinformed accusations about district test scores; referred to “leftists” as being a source of district discord; and conflated “leftists” with Nazis (while at the same time claiming that no one had “said anything even remotely hateful about any group”).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

RIVER VALESENIORS MEET MAY 17

The River Vale Senior Friendship Club meets May 17. After a brief meeting, there will be a celebration of members who have birthdays from January–June.

Members say, “Weʼre looking forward to celebrating with cake and a musical performance

by Francine and Joel.”

They add, “On June 21 is a members only luncheon, sponsored by the River Vale Police Department. There is still availability on the three-day, two-night trip, Aug. 21–23, to Lancaster, Penn. For information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.”

Club News?

WESTWOOD

Dragons Soccer Club posted May 8, “Moving on! The U12 Girls are all smiles after downing the Mahwah Raiders 7–2 in the second round of the NCSA League Cup! Great team effort. Way to go, ladies!”

Mayor Ray Arroyo added his cheers: “Dragons lighting it up! Great work, girls!”

The U12 Dragons downed the Vikings FC 5-2 in their first round NCSA League Cup Match, April 27.

This team won the cup last year and are looking for the repeat.

Dragons Soccer Club/Facebook

MEMORIALDAY BREAKFAST, PARADE

Hillsdaleʼs annual Memorial Day ceremony is Monday, May 29 at 9:30 a.m. in Veterans Park. The ceremony, which honors those who gave their lives in military service, is led by American Legion Post 162.

The day starts with a pancake breakfast, hosted by Boy Scout Troop 109, at 7 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church.

This yearʼs grand marshal is Legionnaire Guido Borella, who served in the U.S. Army with the A Company 119th Armored Engineer Battalion, 12th Armored Division during World War II.

Guido was wounded in combat and received, among other medals, the Purple Heart. As a combat engineer, Guido built the Bailey bridges that allowed our army to cross rivers where bridges were destroyed by the retreating Nazis. Guido, who turned 100 years old this past year, is a long-time resident of Hillsdale.

Deputy grand marshal is Legionnaire Bob Abaddie, who served with the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean war. Bob holds the Combat Infantry Badge for his service on the front lines of the war. He will serve as grand marshal next year.

FROM PAGE 12

The audience “screamed” only two other times: when board p resident Mike Pontillo first called for a motion to extend public forum (people were worried t hat he might shut down the forum, given his past public comments about not wanting to be scolded in emails); and when Pontillo called for a police officer to remove a speaker for directly addressing an individual board

member – an action that virtually nobody has seen happen at a WWRSD board meeting (at least not in the past several years).

These facts raise an obvious q uestion: did the person who wrote last weekʼs letter to the editor attend the same meeting the rest of us did?

Joseph J. McCallister Township of Washington

A call for more civility

To the editor:

IAMA Westwood resident since 2012. My family has enjoyed living in this community, which we have always felt is safe and wonderful and cares for all members. Until 2020, when Covid was unleashed on us all, I wouldnʼt have felt it necessary to have to write this letter. But it seems that ever since we began discussing topics such as schools being shut down, mask wearing, vaccines and now sexual education, LGTBQ issues, our community has been divided.

I am all for open and honest discussion and debate and feel it

is essential to live in a free country. But in order to debate freely, we all have to feel that our voices and opinions are heard and respected. We also have to respect the body in which we are voicing our concerns, which in this instance is the Board of Education. All members of the BOE have put their personal and social lives on hold in order to serve our entire community. They have put themselves out to the public for scrutiny and criticism. They do so in order to make this community a better place and they deserve to be respected for doing so, as do the members of the community who have voiced their opinions.

At the [April 27] BOE meeting, many members of the community voiced their opinions and concerns with a topic that I am not going to discuss because it is not the basis of my letter. They did so in a manner that does not

seem very respectful to the BOE members or other members of the community. We do not live in a country where the mob rules. We do not live in a country where shouting down people, a rguing with and demeaning people on social media, is acceptable.

Everyone is tough behind a keyboard and much of the time, people are shouting down members of our community that they know nothing about. It has been going on for far too long on a local and national level.

Based solely on the times we live in, I understand that we are not all going to agree and that we will not be able to change each otherʼs minds. So, I ask you all, what exactly are you trying to accomplish with the neverending arguing and fighting? I see a community being ripped

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

Where:

FROM PAGE 4

free for PHS members, $5 for non-members (cash only).

New Jersey was called the Crossroads of t he American Revolution.

Pascack Valley was in the center of that. This presentation will look at the three groups of differing loyalties who made up the population of the Pascack Valley.

Stevenson will discuss incidents including the Baylor Dragoon “massacre” in Old Tappan/River Vale and the fighting

at the VonSteuben House in River Edge.

S tevenson is a professor emeritus of the Graduate Counseling Program, Mercy College. He has edited/authored a dozen books and more than 70 articles and chapters in the areas of grief and loss, as well as in living history.

He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Montclair State, and Fairleigh Dickinson.

For his work after 9/11 with the 88th New York Guard, he r eceived the New York State Governorʼs Medal for Defense of Freedom.

His Living History Weekends have won awards for creative teaching and helped to make his high school a recipient of New Jersey State honors as an outstanding school.

The Societyʼs guests lectur-

ers pack the house, so plan to arrive promptly to guarantee a seat. A question and answer period follows.

Free admission to lectures is just one benefit of membership in the Pascack Historical Society. Members also receive the museumʼs quarterly publication, “Relics,” which is packed with photos and stories about life in bygone days in the Pascack Valley.

Twice a year the Society h olds Curiosity Sales teeming with antiques and collectibles at bargain prices, and members get early access. Being a PHS member also means you value historic preservation and education and you want to see these efforts continue in your community.

For more information visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org or call (201) 573-0307.

STEVENSON

Autographed Hemingway ‘tolls’ about $2,500 in value

Dear Jon, I really enjoy y our column each week and find it a pleasant change f rom all the drama of the news. Most i nforming too. Do old books have any value? My uncle was friends with Ernest Hemingway. He would visit him when Hemingway lived in Key West, Fla. As can be seen, Hemingw ay autographed this cop y of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” to my uncle sometime in the 1950s. Several years ago I had an antiques dealer look at this book. The dealer indicated the book was a first edition printing and quite rare. What do you

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

think itʼs worth?

—Laura in Norwood

Dear Laura,

Iʼm sorry you have had difficulty in establishing a value for your book. Thatʼs what Iʼm here for. The “antiques dealer” that told you this book is a first edition is incorrect: It is neither a first edition nor a first printing. A true first edition would have a capital letter “A” on the copyright page. Yours does not.

I see that the original dust

jacket is present and the actual book has remained in very good condition. My experience with book collectors is that they are very fussy about the condition. The dust jacket shows wear. That

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Ernest Hemingway,published in 1940,tells the story of Robert Jordan,a young American volunteer attached to a Republican guerrilla unit during the Spanish Civil War.As a dynamiter,he is assigned to blow up a bridge during an attack on the city of Segovia.

detracts from the value substantially.

However, all is not lost. The saving grace to your book is the handwritten dedication and autograph signature of Ernest Hem-

ingway (1899–1961), one of the 20th centuryʼs greatest American novelists. This autograph c hanges everything. If your book lacked this autograph dedication it would have a value of $30.

It is my pleasure to tell you that this copy of “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” with the handwritten dedication and autograph of Ernest Hemingway, is valued at $2,500. Any bibliophile would want your book in their collection.

Itʼs also a wonderful story to read. Enjoy the book.

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.

MOVING? DOWNSIZING?

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

PASCACK VALLEY

Picture-perfect 12th annual car show

Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee head Liz Falkenstern reports that on Saturday, March 6, 126 cars filled the Park Ridge town pool parking lot for the 12th Annual Recreation Committee Car Show.

“Adding to the showʼs charm was classic music, a dozen vendors, and many car enthusiasts,” Falkenstern said.

She added, “For the first time in years the show was held on the scheduled date without having to use a backup rain day. 70 degrees and sun were the perfect ingredients for the show, with cars rang-

ing from a 1934 Packard to a 2023 Corvette.”

Many trophies were won.

Mayorʼs Choice went to Greg Dees for his 1946 Chevy pickup.

Best in Show went to Scott Kallensee for his 1971 Plymouth Cuda.

Falkenstern gave special thanks to show chairman Ira Rosen and the Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee, “especially Doug Salvi, Mike Raia, Maureen Howell, Greg Hoffman, Rob Nicolich, Carolee Chirico, Binnie Sharma, Neil Pollentz, Jason Roth, Bob Fornatale.

and Kelly Epstein, who helped make this the best car show ever.”

Blue skies! For the first time in years the car show was held on the scheduled date without having to use a backup rain day 70 degrees and sun were the perfect ingredients…

Knitters and crocheters of all ages are called to raise their needles and join the Westwood “Yarn Bomb Squad.” Instigating joy throughout the community, unexpected pop-ups of knitted color and creativity will be found in various locations in downtown Westwood this summer.

“Yarn bombing” has grown in popularity over the years as a guerilla art form known for beautifying forgotten, overlooked outdoor spaces with colorful, textured art that canʼt help but bring smiles and joy to those who come across its bright installations.

The Westwood “Yarn Bomb Squad” is looking to color the community with summer-themed knitting — from flowers, vines and leaves to fruit and veggies, from butterflies, bees and ladybugs to rainbows, tassels and pompoms — with the goal of unveiling installations by the summer solstice on June 21.

Throughout May, volunteers can connect and create pieces together at the Westwood Free Public Library each Tuesday at 7 p.m. All skills and ages are welcomed. Whether made at the library, church groups, troop meetings, art class, or home, all donated creations

can be dropped off at the Westwood Free Public Library circulation desk from May 1 to June 1.

“I am so inspired by the creativity and talent within our community, and even more so, by the shared desire of so many to spread joy in big and simple ways,” said Heather OʼHara, joy instigator at Westwood Arts Hub. “This summer, weʼre excited to celebrate Westwood with a multi-generational communal effort, and together transform the unexpected or overlooked into something soft, colorful and bright. And as visitors come to Westwood for our many summer events and activities, our hope is the joy we spark here can spread to other communities throughout Bergen County.” Follow @celebratewestwood on socials or visit celebratewestwood.org/yarn-bombing for more information.

TO LIFE!

Seniors celebrate birthdays May 17

The River Vale Senior Friendship Club has two upcoming members-only meetings:

• May 17 to celebrate January–June birthdays. This includes a musical performance by Francine and Joel.

• June 21 for a barbecue

luncheon sponsored by the River Vale Police Department.

• The May 31 trip to Resorts

Catskills Casino is sold out.

Heads up: Aug. 21–23 brings a three-day/two-night trip to Lancaster, Penn., $470 per person, 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. Deposit received no later than June 10. For information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

Municipal pool registration underway

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

• Resident single: $300

• Resident seniors: Free

• Non-resident family: $510

• Non-resident: single: $360

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

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

Recently, as part of Congregation Bʼnai Israel in Emersonʼs annual Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) program, Rabbi Sholom Friedmann told stories of Jewish children who fled Germany during the Holocaust – including the story of his mother and aunt, as described in a 1947 newspaper article he displayed during his presentation.

Friedmann, director and CEO of the Amud Aish Memorial Museum in Brooklyn, also shared artifacts of the period with Hebrew School students and temple members.

The program included a moving ceremony where six candles were lit in memory of the 6 million Jews who perished, followed by an additional 18 candles, commemorating chai, the Hebrew number and word that signifies “life,” which recognized the lives that were spared and the fact that our generation rose from those ashes.

—Naomi Weinberg

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

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

Membership rates remain what they were in 2019:

• Resident family: $410

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

Please read the pool informa-

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool normally provides swim lessons and such activities as competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, story time, Red Cross lifeguard training, and other special events as posted throughout the summer. For more information visit parkridgeboro.com or write pool@parkridgeboro.com

EMERSON

Naomi Weinberg photo

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

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

E EMMEERRSSOON N 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org

• Monday, May 15 at 11 a.m.: Little Bookworms and Craft, ages 6 and under. Register. At 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Storytime, ages

2–5. Registration recommended. At 1 and 3 p.m.: Knitters Circle for adults. Register.

• Tuesday, May 16 at 11 a.m.: Baby and Me, newborn to 2. At 3:30 p.m.: Switch Club, grades

2–4. Registration required for each child per date.

• Wednesday, May 17 at 1 p.m.: Wednesday Matinee :

“Jerry and Marge Go Large”

(With Bryan Cranston and Annette

Bening. Based on the true story about long-married couple Jerry and Marge Selbee, who win the lottery and use the money to revive their small town).

• Thursday, May 18 at 3:30

p.m.: Afterschool Movie: “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Register.

• Friday, May 19 at 10:30

a.m.: Music and Movement, ages 1–4. Register.

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

•Monday, May 15 at 6:30

p.m.: Arden Place Community Meeting.

•Tuesday, May 16, at 1 p.m.: Mah Jong. At 7 p.m.: Meditation with Cherlyn. Register. At 4 p.m.: Page Turnerʼs Childrenʼs Book Club. Register

• Wednesday, May 17 at 3 p.m.: Think it, Make it, Share it! Woven Yarn Butterflies. Register.

• Thursday, May 18 at noon: Living with Alzheimerʼs for Caregivers part 2. Register. At 7 p.m.: Thursday Evening Book

Club

R RIIVVEER R V VAALLE E

M MOONNTTVVAALLE E

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

• Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m.: Virtual Guided Meditation Register.

• Thursday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m: Yoga Littles Storytime Register.

• Saturday, May 20 at noon: Georgia OʼKeefe Speaking with Colors and Shapes. Register.

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

• Monday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m.: Yoga

• Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee

• Wednesday, May 17 at 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee.

•Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee

• Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Crafts with Miss Renee. At 10:30 a.m.: MahJongg.

• Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Storytime with Miss Eileen

412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323

rivervalelibrary.org

•Monday, May 15 at 10

a.m.: Pre-K Story Time, ages 2–5. Register. At 1 p.m.: Adult Watercolor Painting: Van Gogh Iris: ages 18 and older. Register. At 4 p.m.: Candy Sushi for Kids, grades K–5. Register.

• Tuesday, May 16 at 10:30

a.m.: Music with Miss Nita: ages 6 months to 4 years. Register. At 1

p.m.: Movie Matinee: “Yellow Rose” (a 2019 American-Filipino musical drama film co-written and directed by Diane Paragas. The plot follows Rose, a Filipina undocumented immigrant, who dreams of leaving her small town in Texas to pursue her country music dreams. Her plan is put on hold when her mother is taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Rose is forced to flee to Austin, Texas).

• Tuesday, May 16 at 4 p.m.: Candy Sushi for Tweens/Teens, grades 4 and up. Register. At 5 p.m.: Mah Jongg Club

• Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m.: Baby Time. At 10:30 a.m.: Meet and Play, ages 0-3 with parent or caregiver. Register. At 1:30 p.m.: Alphabet Story Time, ages 3–5. Register.

• Thursday, May 18 at 1:30 p.m.: Chair Yoga. Doors open 15 minutes prior to scheduled class time. River Vale residents receive priority. At 4 p.m.: Lego Challenge Club: Lego Mini Golf: Grades K–5. Register.

• Friday, May 19 at 1 p.m.: Journey through the Slavic Countries in Music.Register.

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F

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

•Weekly Story Times through May 19. Register.

• Monday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m.: Cartooning and Animation Styles. Join John in an exploration of cartoon characters and techniques. Grades 3–5. Register.

• Tuesday, May 16 at 3:45 p.m.: Read to Fiona; grades 6–12. Therapy dog Fiona loves hugs and fun. Enjoy snacks and games.

• Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.: Mat Yoga, all levels of practice. Bring mat and any props you may need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Powering: Civics experience

FROM PAGE 1

Valley, Northern New Jersey, and out of state.

Its primary mission is to support and advocate for veterans, active military, and their families, and to foster patriotism and responsible citizenship to all.

The programs of the New Jersey American Legion (boys) and Legion Auxiliary (girls), are run separately at two New Jersey colleges, where attendees get valuable lessons in civics.

Participants create political parties, run elections, appoint officials, and pass laws. The competitive programs are viewed as valuable resume items for college admissions.

In 2023, due in part to the donation from PBA Local 207 — led this year by P.O. Joseph Mess-

Two of the many local veteran interviews,ceremonies,and photo features you’ll find on the YouTube channel AmericanLegion162.For more,visit General Leonard E.Wood Post 162 at americanlegionpost162.org.The post has received a generous donation from Hillsdale PBA Local 207 to cover the tuition for local students at New Jersey Boys’ State and New Jersey Girls’ State for 2023.

ner — the post was able to sponsor four young ladies for Girlsʼ State and three young men for Boysʼ State. The programs will run in June. They are open to students

finishing their junior year in high school.

For more information on the programs visit americanlegionpost162.org

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

FROM PAGE 22

• Wednesday, May 17 at 3:45 p.m.: Tween Program Paper Engineering! Grades 3–8. Register.

• Thursday, May 18, at 11 a .m. and noon.: C hair Yoga Register. From 6 to 7 p.m.: Social Stitching. At 6:30 p.m.: Mental Health Lecture with Diane Lang. Register.

• Friday, May 19 at 3:45 p.m.: Art Club grades K–5. Register.

• Saturday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m.: Mat Yoga.

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

• Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m.:

LVPV ESL Class, beginner.

• Tuesday, May 16 at 9 a.m.:

LVPV ESL Online Class , advanced. At 11 a.m or 7 p.m.:

LVPV ESL Online Class intermediate. At 2 p.m.: Adult Craft

DIY Yarn Flowers. At 6 p.m.: Junior Library Council (grades 6–12). At 7 p.m.: Knitting and Crocheting (Upstairs Meeting Room).

• Wednesday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m.: Peek A Book Story Time. Register. At 3:45 p.m.: ESL Game Time (grades 3–5) downstairs.

•Thursday, May 18 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, advanced. Register.

• Thursday, May 18 at 11 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class intermediate. At 1 p.m.: Movie Matinee: “Living.” 2022 British

drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus from a screenplay by Kazuo Ishiguro, adapted from the 1952 Japanese film “Ikiru” d irected by Akira Kurosawa, which in turn was inspired by the 1886 Russian novella “The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy.” Set in 1953 London, it depicts a

bureaucrat in the county public works department (played by Bill Nighy) facing a fatal illness. Downstairs Meeting Room. At 3:45 p.m.: Dog Man Meet-up (grades 2–5) downstairs. At 7 p.m.: ESL Online Tutor Roundtable. At 7:30 p.m.: Online Book Group: “The Storied Life of A.J.

Fikry” by Fabrielle Zevin (Upstairs Meeting Room).

• Friday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m.: Summer Series Music and Movement : Explorerʼs Playgroup (to age 5). At 11 a.m.: Knitting and Crocheting Club. Register.

Our

The military bridge sponsored recently by the NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club was the clubʼs most successful fundraiser post-pandemic. More than 130 people enjoyed a night of fun, food and prizes while raising money for local charities.

The club extended warm thanks to the many merchants and private individuals whose generosity made the evening possible. Due to their contributions all funds generated can be directed to our neighbors in need.

Participating merchants include:

• Montvale: Anchor Seafood, Daveyʼs Irish Pub & Restaurant, Jersey Girl Apiary, and TD Bank

•Park Ridge: Bubbakoos Burritos, Commuter Cleaners,

Jewelerʼs Workbench, Magic Nails & Spa, Park Avenue Hair, Park Ridge Animal Hospital, and Yukihana

• Hillsdale: Bergen Book Studio, Domani Ristorante Italiano, Dream Makers Art Studio, Karl Ehmer, Kenʼs Deli, Marsala Hardware, NVE Bank, Osso Bucco, Valley National Bank, and Vogue Nails

•Oradell: Visage Salon & Spa

• Woodcliff Lake: Bel Fiore Greenhouse and Mayberryʼs Nursery

•Washington Township: Eden Nail Salon

•Westwood: Avenue Custom Framing, Bellegio Jewelers, Bergen County Camera, Cutz & Stylez Barbershop, Donna Moda, Gem Mine, Goldbergs Bagels,

Pompilios, Tons of Toys, Westwood Cinema, Westwood Candy Company and Westwood Pets

Thanks also went to Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna and the editors of Pascack Press and Pascack Valley Community Life

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club has been a proud member of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs since 1990. The club welcomes all women who want to make a difference in their community and in their own lives.

For more information about the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club and how you can become involved, call Carolyn Delafrange at (201) 819-1000, email GPVWC1990@gmail.com, or find the group on Facebook.

Two of the many prize baskets donated to the Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club’s recent Military Bridge fundraiser as displayed by Elaine Mooney and Elaine O’Brien,co-chairmen of the event. Kathy Grubb photo

Borough celebrates Earth Day at middle school ceremony

Mayor Carlos Rendo, through proclamation, declared April 21, 2023 as Arbor Day in Woodcliff Lake. In celebration of this event, the Woodcliff Lake Shade Tree Committee, led by Clay Bosch, gathered at the Woodcliff Lake Middle School and planted a tupelo tree dedicated to retiring sixth grade science teacher Julie Ogden.

Superintendent Lauren Barbelet and principal Michael Andriulli welcomed everyone. Elizabeth Marzollaʼs class participated in The Importance of Trees activity; the middle school band and chorus entertained.

Local Arbor Day chair Marilyn Clark announced that Woodcliff Lake was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Foundation as a Tree City USA Community for its commitment to urban forestry. Woodcliff Lake has earned this national designation for 17 con-

secutive years.

Qualifying factors for this award are celebration of Arbor Day and an Arbor Day Proclamation, having a shade tree committee and a tree ordinance, and a commitment from the town to spend at least $2 per capita on tree plantings and related services.

Kathleen Bagley, David Berger, Clay Bosch, Marilyn Clark, Roberta Green, Josephine Higgins, Wiebke Hinsch, Andy Lukac and Bert Taylor are members of the Shade Tree Committee in addition to Chris Behrens representing DPW, and Lyle Garcia, Property Maintenance Manager The Shade Tree Committee is committed to planting street trees in Woodcliff Lake and encourages residents to contact Borough Hall at (201) 391-4977 if they would like to have a street tree planted in front of their home.

Left to right: Lyle Garcia, Josephine Higgins, Marilyn Clark, Roberta Green, Elizabeth Marzolla, Clay Bosch and David Berger.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Giulio’s Restaurant: Perfect for Mother’s Day

“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 Restaur ant offers contemporary Italian cuisine.

Built in 1880 by the Smith family, the rooms are adorned with carved woodwork and large beveled 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 y ears of world class experience and passion for culinary creations is evident in each and every of his signature dishes.

G iulioʼs Restaurant creates contemporary dishes with only the finest and freshest ingredie nts. Visit for a drink in the fullservice bar, a casual meal by the fireplace, or to celebrate your life's most memorable events in o ne of the private dining rooms.

Formerly Giulioʼs of Tappan, the new Giulioʼs Restaurant offers guests a fresh experience with an updated d é 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

Yes,

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

LOLto these moms at Township Theatre Comedy Corner

PATTY ROSBOROUGH will be headlining the next fun show at COMEDY CORNER at TOWNSHIP THEATRE in Washington Township on Saturday, May 20 at 9 p.m.

A favorite at comedy clubs and casinos across the country, recently appearing at the Borgata in Atlantic City, Pattyʼs been on Comedy Central and Showtime and was featured at the world famous Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

Also appearing will be GINA DIMAGGIO, who is regularly seen at comedy clubs across the region, including Broadway Comedy Club and the Greenwich Village Comedy Club, both in New York City.

She has worked with Vic DiBitetto, Anthony Rodia and Judy Gold and was a finalist in the Ladies

of Laughter competition.

LANA SIEBEL has performed at the top comedy clubs in NYC

PICKLEBALLTOURNEY

JUNE 10–11

The River Vale Fire Department Association is hosting a pickleball tournament at the new Mark Lane pickleball courts to celebrate their 100th anniversary of service to the community. To sign up for the June 10–11 event, or to make a donation, visit the River Vale Fire Department on Facebook.

WESTWOOD

Grand marshal candidates sought

The Westwood Veterans council, consisting of VFW Post 130, American Legion Post 206, and the Westwood Heritage society, is in search of Westwood residents who served honorably in our Armed Forces to be candidates for grand marshal for the Memorial Day parade — if not for this year, then for future parades.

including The Comic Strip and Carolineʼs, and here in New Jersey at Bananas and the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Recently on Amazon Prime, Lana is also a busy actor and was nationally ranked in International Latin Ballroom Dancing.

LUZ MICHELLE is our host for the evening and is a regular at comedy clubs in New York City. She has recently opened for DL Hughley and is the Founder of Hard

Headed Comedy, Inc. Tickets are $25 each, with NO DRINK REQUIREMENTS, NO FOOD REQUIREMENTS, and NO BRIDGE TOLLS TO NYC! Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets at ComedyCorner052023.brownpapertickets.com or by scanning the QR code on the picture of PATTY ROSBOROUGH. Group tickets are also available by emailing Jack@JirwinProductions.com.

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

The council tells Pascack Press, “We are trying to compile this list to honor their service to our country by participating as our grand marshal. Please if you are a Westwood resident, have served honorably, and youʼre interested please contact the Westwood American Legion at (201) 664-9734.

Please leave a message.”

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

PATTY ROSBOROUGH headlines the next fun show at COMEDY CORNER at TOWNSHIP THEATRE in Washington Township on Saturday, May 20 at 9 p.m.

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

Cheryl Todd Memorial Community Service Scholarship

The Westwood Heritage Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history, beauty and spirit of the Borough of Westwood, will award its $1,000 Cheryl Todd Memorial Community Service Scholarship to a high

school student who is a resident of Westwood and who is completing his/her senior year.

The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Cheryl Todd, former borough historian, who devoted her life as a volunteer to

the research and preservation of the history and heritage of the Borough of Westwood.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has the usual academic achievements and who also has a demonstrated record of community service in the

Borough of Westwood. The student must have been accepted for enrollment in a posthigh school educational program, Finally, the applicant also will be required to complete a questionaire concerning the WCTV-NJ program “A Historic Tour of West-

wood.”

For the application packet, the student should visit their high school guidance office or write WestwoodHeritage@usa.net , ATTN: Scholarship Committee. The deadline for submission of an application is May 26, 2023.

Memorial Day ceremony May 29

The Borough of Emersonʼs annual Memorial Day Ceremony is set for Monday, May 29 at 9 a.m. at Monument Park, across from Villano School on Linwood Avenue.The

public is invited to attend the ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 269 and the Emerson governing body, as we honor and remember those citizens from Emerson and our great

nation who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.Stay for light refreshments. In the event of rain, the ceremony moves to the Emerson Senior Center, 20 Palisade Ave.

Spring Fling Run/Walk 5K Sunday, May 21

The Township of River Vale, Fitness with Friends, and Run4Love host a Spring Fling Run/Walk 5K on Sunday, May 21. This is a race for runners and

walkers of all ages and abilities. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Mark Lane Sports Complex. Race time is at 9. Registrants get a commemorative T-shirt. Prizes are

awarded to top male, female, and child. Proceeds will be donated to the Helping Hand Food Pantry. To register, visit fitnesswithfriends.net/5kfunrunwalk.

EMERSON

Fentanyl Awareness Day in township

Township of Washington

o fficials and organizations were o ut in force on May 9, Fentanyl Awareness Day.

T he Township of Washingt on Green Team is sponsoring l awn signs. Pick yours up at the

times more potent than heroin

a s an analgesic.

It goes by by street names Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfell as, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, Poi-

skin, cyanosis, coma, and respir atory failure leading to death. The presence of triad of symp-

toms such as coma, pinpoint p upils, and respiratory depress ion are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.”

public library or town hall.

The Township of Washington Municipal Alliance organized two DEA agent talks on fentanyl on May 8 and spread the word about a series of nationally pro vided virtual w orkshops for residents to attend.

The Township of Washington Police Department hosted a Coffee with a Cop program at the library on Tuesday, May 9.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration e xplains fentan yl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50

HILLSDALE

son, and Tango & Cash.

Itʼs abused in the following ways: snorted/sniffed, smoked, orally by pill or tablet, spiked onto blotter paper, patches, sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances, has been identified in f ak e pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone.

Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces ef fects such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, dro wsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.

DEA says “Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold and clammy

SIGNUPFOR CAMP LITTLE HAWKS

Hillsdale Recreation presents Hillsdale & River Valeʼs Camp Little Hawks, for Hillsdale, River Vale, and St. Johnʼs Academy children entering kindergarten.

Camp runs June 26–July 28, Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Certified teacher supervision! Arts & crafts, swim (kiddie pool with lifeguards), Mad Science, music, dance, STEM,

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

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

•Age appropriate curriculum.

•State of the art security system.

•Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground.

• Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

sports, optional preordered lunch on swim days, two field trips/special events. Before and after care is available.

This is a great way for your kids to make friends heading into kindergarten.

For more information, visit hillsdalenj.org/summerdaycamp, call Jill at (201) 497-1542, or email jcohn@hillsdalenj.org.

Know the danger: Mayor Peter Calamari,Councilman Tom Sears,Police Chief Richard Skinner and P.O.Ian O’Hanlon help kick off the Township of Washington fentanyl awareness campaign. ViaLaura Rifkin

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: See me for tips on improving mental health

Letʼs come up with a plan to reduce stress and anxiety for you and your children in natural ways with no risks or side effects.

When you wake up, make your bed immediately. This is an

easy first step in the morning that will have you start your day with a victory. Do not check your cell phone for social media posts, text messages, or emails that will distract you from achieving your happiness and joy.

Do not start your day watching the news because that will create more stress and anxiety. Do not start your day with caffeine or sugar which also contribute to increased

anxiety. Learn to generate your own energy without relying on external sources.

Ways to do this are different for everybody, but may be exercising, meditating, journaling, stretching, breathing, listening to music, reading a motivational book, or praying.

Go to the bathroom. Take some coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. This is best to perform before you even talk or swallow. Coconut oil has been shown to help fight off the bad bacteria and in the morning you are most likely to have a lot of bacteria in your mouth. Swishing will help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which keeps you in a more relaxed state that will reduce anxiety and stress.

Gargling and gagging have been proven with neuroscience to activate the vagus nerve, which is a big part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve helps with sleep, energy, heart function, digestion, urination, sexual function, circulation, and respiration, just to name a few.

Another great activity that you can perform that helps to activate the parasympathetics to calm down your nervous system is to dip your head in a bucket of water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can immediately

lower your pulse rate if your heart is beating fast. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you and when performing this exercise, make sure you take time to breathe!

I am sure you have heard that laughter is the best medicine. Even fake laughing has been proven to help as well. Also, if you are watching TV, it is good to watch a comedy, which will help you be more productive throughout the day because you are less stressed.

When you listen to music, try only listening to one musical instrument. For example, only focus on the piano, and ignore the drums, the bass and the guitar. That will keep your brain focused and will help to relax an overactive brain.

The best way to determine anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, memory problems, sleep problems, balance problems, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, or a mood disorder is to do a complete neurological evaluation, which includes a VNG brain test to measure each area of the brain to see how it is functioning and what areas need the most help.

This is normally $500 at my Emerson office, but if you respond by the end of November, you can receive the entire test for only $21.

The next best test is called a qEEG brain mapping, which is a

noninvasive test that measures your brain waves to determine any damaged areas. This test is also normally $500 and now you can receive this entire test for only $21 as well.

The first seven people to sign up get a signed copy of my book, “Boost Your Brain Power,” a vitamin D supplement, and both tests for only $42 ($1,500 value) if you mention this article and schedule your appointment by the end of May. Email info@kaplanbrainandbody or call (646) 221-6738 to reserve your spot.

I am giving a lecture in River Edge, on May 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on “Mastering Nutrition.” This live event includes a free massage, free cold laser therapy, and free drinks and snacks, can be seen via Zoom, and you can get the recording so you can listen to it later.

It is normally $100, but for the first seven people that sign up, you can go to the seminar for only $49, plus get two other bonus seminars (that occur once a month) which cover sleep, energy, nutrition, inflammation, and improving memory and focus for FREE ($16 a seminar). Function better, feel better, live better.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

IHA Soaring Eagle Awards land with standout students

Immaculate Heart Academy

Soaring Eagle Awards are presented quarterly to students who demonstrate excellence and work to the best of their ability in a particular subject area. Soaring Eagle Award recipients are more than students with an impressive GPA; they are students who have distinguished themselves by embodying the ideals of the IHA education. They are enthusiastic, compassionate, creative, and intelligent young women dedicated to personal and academic growth.

2023 QuarterThree Soaring EagleAward recipients celebrated their achievement with their families, nominating teachers, and the IHA administration at a reception on April 19 in IHAʼs Information Commons. Kerry Carroll ʼ04, principal, presented Soaring Eagle Awards.

Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 62nd year A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approx-

imately 700 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from more than 100 towns in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson and Essex

counties in New Jersey and Rockland and Orange counties in New York.

Over the years, IHA has contin-

Standing,from left to right: A lison Morris ’25 of Ramsey (Mathematics – Greg McDonald), Michaela DeCastro ’24 of Central Valley,N.Y.(English – Jessica Whelan’13),Maggie Polchin ’25 of Hawthorne (Technology – Theresa Seymour Dolan ’95 P ’26),Katherine S pizzo ’25 of Mahwah (Communications – Jessi Shaheen), Isabella Duca ’26 of Wyckoff ( Physical Education – Jennifer Bednarek),Roisin McLaughlin ’26 of Glen Rock (World Language –Martha LoBianco P ’15),and Maria Byrnes’23 of Ho-Ho-Kus (Art –Patrizia Tersigni P ’14). Seated,left to right: Kathleen Sciabica ’25 of Ramsey (Theology – Heather Christman),Brookelyn Talmadge ’23 of Clifton (Science – Sue Adamo), and Shaelyn Auer ’23 of Emerson (Social Studies – Ian Elfers).

ually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of

society through their personal, professional and spiritual gifts. Immaculate Heart Academy is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave.

Letters:

FROM PAGE 16

apart and neighbor being pitted against neighbor. We should be able to put politics aside and act like responsible adults. We should not give in to a mob mentality. We should not give in to threats.

This all seems to be driven solely on politics, which we all know are dividing this country. Why doesnʼt everyone take a step back and take a long look at what is occurring. Do we really want to live in a country and community where one side gets their way based only on being the loudest and most threatening voice?

I think that the arguments occurring have nothing to do with our children. I think they are arguments between adults who have their own ideologies and are unwilling or incapable of seeing anyone elseʼs points of view.

I am a proud American who believes in the Constitution, and I feel a great sense of pride for

what our forefathers went through in order to make our country what it is today. But it is being ripped apart at the seams by individuals who believe that acting like a mob, disrespecting others and fighting, shaming and arguing on social media will help them get their way.

You all might not think it now, but if we continue on this path our country as we know it will be no more. We will have delved into chaos. I choose freedom over tyranny. I do not want my child to grow up in a world in a constant state of flux and misery.

Acting like this with other people canʼt possibly make any of you happy in your lives. So maybe it is time to truly take a step back and come together to try and look for a positive outcome to this all.

I know that every member of the board is willing and able to do so, so the question is, are the members of this community willing to do so as well?

Kevin Widmayer Westwood

Horváth on criticism, campaign

To the editor: H ILLSDALE COUNCILWOMAN

Abby Lundy put out a nasty and defensive hit piece about me in the Pascack Press May 8. She and her council friends, and some members of the Republican Committee, are upset at my running as an independent for mayor in my quest to speak up for the disenfranchised and overtaxed residents of Hillsdale.

Lundy criticized my twoterm council record but neglected to mention all the positions and committees and sub-committees I conscientiously served on with other council members. If I accomplished nothing while I was on those committees, then her lies can be extended to those I served with.

She ignored my 10-year contiguous involvement on the planning board where I had direct

involvement and voted on hundreds of important projects in prot ecting, building, and making Hillsdale the bucolic town that it is today.

Apparently, my dedication and time on the board was insufficient, now that the position has recently been filled by one of her friends who has not lived up to the time-consuming responsibility. She was puzzled why I did not want to be on her finance committee, where she, the self-appointed committee designator and consummate insider, assigned me without even speaking with me and where she has refused to give up her chair position since 2018. As the chair, she has always supported increasing taxes, even when we were all suffering with Covid.

Why was it so important for her to have me on a committee she controls, while continually refusing me the committee positions I wanted? And now, because she believes she has done such an exemplary job in the service of Hillsdale, she and her friends support giving themselves a 50% salary increase, making them the highest paid elected officials in the Pascack Valley.

Of course, this will be paid for by another Lundy-supported unnecessary tax increase of 1.6% for 2023 on top of the 2022 unnecessary Lundy 1.6% tax increase and the unnecessary 2021 Lundy 5.3% tax increase. Her tax increases will continue

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN LIFE YOU CAN CONTROL

trol

During times of heightened stress a person can quickly become overwhelmed and even

struggle to do things that might be considered simple or obvious. It can be helpful to focus on the things you can control, to identify actions that you can take, and to complete those action steps. Here are four action items an investor may want to consider completing during extraordinary (and ordinary) times.

Step 1. Review your investment plan. Before you start making changes to your investment portfolio, the first thing you should do is consider your goals. Are you saving for retirement? Do you need to build a college fund for your children? Did a recent event create a need to adjust your plan? If your goals have changed or if you havenʼt updated your plan in a while, set up a meeting with your Financial Advisor to review and update your investment strategy to support reaching your goals.

Step 2. Understand your risk tolerance. After recent events, you may have a new definition of your tolerance for risk.

Risk is a key principle in investing. Some investments are riskier than others, but every financial decision involves risk. Risk is inescapable, so the key is to understand your risk tolerance and manage the risk you are taking, which should be based on your long-term financial goals. If your tolerance for risk has changed, review your strategy with your Financial Advisor and make sure you are still comfortable with the amount of risk youʼre taking.

Step 3.Stick to your plan. When the market gets volatile, investors often have an emotional reaction and may want to pull out of the market to try to avoid loss. ry to remember that moving or estments during a market

decline will likely lock in the losses; staying invested may allow you to benefit when the market comes back. If you havenʼt updated your plan in a while, set up a meeting with your Financial Advisor to review it and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 4. Organize and update important documents. Are your important documents up to date and accessible to those who may need them?

Take time to create a reference list of your documents and consider creating a digital version for easy storage and accessibility. Also check that your beneficiary designations for investment accounts, life insurance, and other accounts are up to date to reflect any new circumstances such as marriage, birth, death, or divorce. Beneficiary designations typically supersede your will so youʼll want to confirm that your beneficiary designations are current and accurate.

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

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

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

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

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

When things seem out of control, there are some things you can con-

ERIC KOHLMEIER

PASCACK VALLEY

Spring Conference 2023

Deen Meloro, past president of The New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs and secretary of The Womanʼs Club of Westwood, backs Meri Quillio, president of The Womanʼs Club of Westwood, at the recent Spring Conference at The Fiesta in Wood-Ridge.

Clubs were awarded certificates for best all-around report writing. NJSFWC president-elect, Barbara McCloskey elaborated on “A Collect for Women,” a prayer recited by club women at all their meetings.

The annual convention of NJSFWC was held at The Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City May 1–3.

For more information about the club and its activities, call (201) 916-1580.

Get your beach bod back at WW Rec

Residents and neighbors age 55 and up looking to get their beach body back need to look no further than Westwood Recreationʼs ForeverYoung Yoga, Chair Yoga and Tai-Chi classes.

Certified yoga instructor Tori Karach leads ForeverYoung participants, beginners to advanced, in a 60-minute class designed to increase overall flexibility, assist in improving balance and posture, boost mood, increase muscle tone and ease aches and pains.

Yoga is held in the Westwood Community Center on Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

Deen Meloro,past president of The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and secretary of The Woman’s Club of Westwood,behind Meri Quillio,president of The Woman’s Club of Westwood. Madeleine Ciocco

Let us help promote your club or organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

Chair Yoga with Tori is also held in the Westwood Community Center on Thursdays from noon to 12:40 p.m.

The ForeverYoung yoga classes are free to age 55-plus Westwood residents and $20 per month non-residents.

Local residents 55 and up who are looking for a new challenge are also encouraged to try Tai-chi with instructor Hasmig

Mekjian. Tai-chi is a Chinese martial art that incorporates slow continuous movement from one pose to the next. It is widely hailed as a beneficial way to reduce stress and anxiety and regular practice promotes better sleep and weight loss. Tai-chi might also improve cognition and balance and relieve symptoms of arthritis.

ForeverYoung tai-chi classes run Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Itʼs free for Westwood residents; the non-resident fee is $30 per month.

To register, visit the Westwood Community Center office at 55 Jefferson Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (201) 664-7882 for more information.

Tori Karach leads Westwood Recreation ForeverYoung Yoga,Chair Yoga and Adult yoga classes at the Westwood Community Center and in Veterans Park when weather permits. Westwood Recreation photo

Mayors: Pascack Valley leaders urge delay on mandates

solution. We need to start evaluating future rounds and obligations on a regional need basis rather than a municipal level while also understanding the interplay of new NJDEP initiatives pertaining to flood mitigation rules, the new Environmental Justice Law, new initiatives from the New Jersey Highlands Council, as well as ever changing regulations from the EPA, with affordable housing obligations.”

PVMA President John Kramer, Old Tappanʼs mayor, said his town approved a resolution endorsing the bill at its May 1 council meeting. He said other towns were urged to pass resolutions of support.

As of May 2, Hillsdale and Montvale had passed resolutions.

The PVMA consists of the mayors of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, Old Tappan, Oradell, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

Asked to respond to the mayorsʼletter and legislative efforts to delay the upcoming 2025 affordable housing round, Fair Share Housing Center spokesperson Martina Manicastri said these efforts continue the townsʼ“longtime practices of exclusion.”

“Delaying the Fourth Round until July 2028 is ignorant of the needs of working families all across the state, but particularly in the towns represented in this letter which are historically exclusionary and deeply racially and economically segregated. This proposed legislation is a direct attempt to recreate a “gap” period. The previous gap period was a primary factor in the creation of today's affordable housing inventory shortage. Creating another

In that report,FSHC executive director Adam Gordon says in part,“[T]he success of Mount Laurel is clear.Tens of thousands of affordable homes have been constructed across the state,providing access to higher-opportunity communities for low-income individuals and families.Hundreds of thousands of lives have been transformed for the better.”

gap period despite the exorbitant need we have for housing in New Jersey, means abandoning the people of this state when they need the Legislature most,” said Manicastri.

She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis in our state, leading to unprecedented rental costs and high eviction rates. In fact, a recent study found that North Jersey is the most difficult place in the entire nation to find an apartment, with 12 prospective renters competing for the same one unit … It is clear that towns seeking to delay Fourth Round obligations under the guise of concern for their residents' well-being are really just seeking to extend their longtime practices of exclusion.”

Since 2015, the state Supreme Court has required towns to work with state Superior Courts, and Fair Share Housing Center as an intervenor, to deter-

mine a local “fair share” of affordable units.

Previously, the Council on Affordable Housing, created under the stateʼs Fair Share Housing Act of 1985, helped determine local affordable obligations. However, the Supreme Court declared the council “moribund” in 2015 due to inaction and its failure to determine affordable housing oblig ations, and assigned all affordable obligations to Superior Courts.

The mayors cite economic impacts from the Covid pandemic, inflation, and the so-called “builderʼs remedy” lawsuits as problems that require a delay in a fourth round of affordable housing.

“The bill (S3739) preserves the currently established third round obligations for an additional three years. This would give all parties additional time to assess the efficacy and local impacts of the third round agreements. It would also give the Legislature and the Governor time to reestablish their proper roles in balancing the needs of all stakeholders in this process,” the mayor say.

“New Jerseyʼs municipalities are still sorting out the ripple effects of Covid lockdowns on their tax base and land use plans. Post-Covid record inflation has driven construction, debt financing and service costs to levels that incentivize builders to overreach. Many are demanding more residential units than the infrastructure of our fully developed com-

munities can safely and responsibly a bsorb,” say the mayors.

They continu e, “The buildersʼʻdensity bonusʼ produces a whale of a market rate development by leveraging a barnacle of affordable units as justification to override local zoning limits. These limits are not exclusionary. They are proportional to the varying facts on the ground in each of our communities and were intended to allow the community to grow in a manner consistent with reasonable and carefully designed standards. To meet the number of obligated affordable units using this protocol, some of our towns would have to build new apartment units equal to the number of existing single-family homes.”

Moreover, the mayors note, “Common sense, public health, safety (and) welfare, limited infrastructure, and fiscal realities suggest a pause is necessary. Working through the third round obligations requires more time than had been allotted given the cascading effects of Covid. Extending that obligation to 2028 will present a clearer picture of how each of the towns fared in meeting their goals. It might also reveal the hyper-local environmental and infrastructure challenges each of our municipalities face in achieving those goals.”

They add, “We should work towards appropriately meeting our third-round commitments before adding yet another layer of unrealistic allocations — allocations that disregard the structural limitations, costs, and ancillary impacts on our already overburdened taxpayers.”

Westwood, Hillsdale mayors speak

We reached out to the mayors for comment on the future of affordable housing mandates.

Hillsdaleʼs John Ruocco and Westwoodʼs Ray Arroyo shared their views.

Ruocco said, “Get the overloaded court system out of the administrative process. Reexamine how one determines the appropriate number of required affordable housing units. The leg-

islature needs to own up to this responsibility. De-link the building of affordable housing units from the building of market rate units so that a town doesnʼt end up with an excessive number of apartment units. Incentivize builders to produce affordable housing closer to where potential applicants work. Allow greater preference for locals who qualify for affordable housing in their own town.”

Arroyo said, “This (builderʼs remedy) practice incentivizes builders to pursue massive, overly dense, market rate apartment complexes, using a garnish of affordable units as leverage. Residential multipledwelling developments, of the magnitudes contemplated, require additional infrastructure and services from both the school district and the municipality than is currently budgeted or planned for ”

Historically, most Superior Court approved affordable housing agreements do not take local infrastructure or school district costs into account when approving a settlement.

“The costs incurred to improve these services result in higher local taxes, effectively driving market rate rents higher again and begging the question: Is this approach really making New Jersey more affordable? If your income is just above the ʻmoderateʼlevel that qualifies you to enter the lottery for an affordable unit, how do you absorb the upward pressure of these ancillary costs? Move to Pennsylvania?” asked Arroyo.

Arroyo urged the Legislature to begin the process of reviewing affordable housing regulations and how affordable “need” numbers are determined, especially with many towns fully developed and lacking vacant or developable land for such housing.

“Before we are required to consider additional obligations, there needs to be a better understanding of the totality of local and regional impacts. Empowering even greater leverage, and unplanned change, in our communities does not serve our constituents well,” Arroyo said.

What do you think? See our Letters guidelines on page 2, and sound off!

From “Untapped Resources: How New Jersey Can Leverage State Financing and Land for Affordable Housing,”Fair Share Housing Center,September 2022.

Letters:

FROM PAGE 33

to force people to leave Hillsdale.

Lundy insinuated vaguely why the Republican Committee would not support me for another term as councilman and why some on that committee, her personal friends, would go out of their way to undermine me. I was never told why, but maybe she knows.

Regardless, I leave it up to the Hillsdale voters as to my qualifications and willingness to continue to represent their best interests. I urge voters to research my involvement in Hillsdale at http://ourhillsdale.us.

Because I wanted government transparency and more public involvement during every council and planning board meeting, I successfully advocated to

install an extra-large 4K monitor system with broadcasting capabilities in the Council Chamber so that live two-way meetings could be held at all times.

Lundy derisively stated that the mayor and I share the common goal of keeping the council majority from overtaxing Hillsdale residents, so now she is irked that he will run for my old council seat. She and her friends thought that the council was free of him and me. Too bad! Her need to control what is said and done on council is always evident.

She prefers having a mayor who goes along to get along with her, as opposed to one who would continue to hold her feet to the fire, as did Mayor Ruocco. Besides myself, he is the only one unafraid to stand up to a vindictive and spiteful council majority, even though they tried to silence him in several ways, including removing him from his

traditional role as an ex-officio member on various committees, and restricting when and where he can voice his opinions. Why? Because his views were too much of an impediment to Lundy and her council allies.

No matter what happens w ith my independent run for mayor, the outgoing, knowledgeable, and articulate Mayor Ruocco will have a powerful voice and vote as a councilman that will appeal to residents, young and old, who want fiscal sanity and transparent government.

Councilman Zoltá n Horvá th Hillsdale

Editorʼs note: Although we believe there is public value in this exchange for now, we ask our letter writers to consider that no one can know what another person thinks, feels, believes, or wants, and that itʼs unfair and possibly incorrect to allege such motivations.

OBITUARIES

Barbara E. MEYER

Barbara Elizabeth Meyer, 88, a longtime resident of Emerson, passed peacefully on Friday, April 21, at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehab under hospice care. Barbara was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She meant many different things to many different people. She was Mom, Ma, Mommy, Barbara, Bobbie, Aunt Bobbie, Auntie Bob, and Gram.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Claudia (Kenneth) Salzmann of Pawling, New York, Heidi (Tony) Dimitriadis of Dumont; son, Eric Meyer of Catskill, N.Y.; grandson, Samuel Miller of Chicago, Ill.; granddaughter, Melissa Rose Miller of New York City; sister Peggy Mackiewicz of Albany, N.Y.; and nine nieces and nephews, including her sisterʼs daughters, Vicki Hanley of Virginia and Joan Qualtere of upstate New York.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to any of the following: Zion Lutheran Church, Westwood, NJ; Friends of the Emerson Public Library, Emerson; and the Hydrocephalus Association, Bethesda, Md.

A mayor’s message to the moms

To the editor:

IPOSTEDTHIS on Motherʼs Day

2021, a year into all of us grappling with the pandemic. That was just two years ago, when the world felt much different. People were much sadder, then. But, perhaps, more humbled and forgiving. We realized how much we needed each other. We saw the good our people were capable of.

Today, frustration, anger, rage, and a lack of trust, plague the civil exchange of ideas. Vitriol drowns out the grace notes.

Iʼd written this with gratitude to all the moms in Westwood, whoʼd borne the physical and emotional brunt of catastrophe. They were determined to perse-

vere, and carry us through those troubles. I offer it once again to a cknowledge a nd maybe remind us of o ur better selves.

Happy Motherʼs Day!

A Motherʼs Day

Unlike the Last

A year ago, Westwood moms had just begun to grapple with the impact of Covid-19 upon themselves, their families, and our community. You had just entered the fray, deploying your considerable talents, energy, and determination in dealing with the scourge that had descended. But the plague was persistent. It ebbed and it flowed. It

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Barbara M c SPIRIT

Barbara McSpirit, 83, of Layton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 23 at Garnet Health Medical Center, surrounded by her loving, heartbroken daughters.

Along with her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her in-laws Eddie McSpirit, Dottie Garrabrant, Bert Garrabrant and Frank Koester.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5 at St. James the Greater Church, 75 River Road, Montague.

Helen W. SCARA

Helen W. Scara (Murphy) of Deerfield Beach, Fla. passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023, surrounded by her family. Helen is survived by her husband John, son John and wife Joanne of Batavia, Ill., daughter Beth and husband Chris of Warwick, N.Y. and son Joseph and Donna of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Joseph, Megan (Jeff), Christopher (Kalli),

Jessica, Jennifer, and Jarod and great-grandchild Henry. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth of Staten Island and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph Murphy, and James Murphy.

MEMORIALSERVICE Andrée M. M c ARDLE

Andr é e Valerie McArdle (né e Mounier), 85, born May 17,

1937, died on Nov. 23, 2022 at Harborage Hospice in North Bergen. A memorial service in celebration of André e to be held at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on May 20, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome.

André e is survived by her brother, Roger F. Mounier of Santa Cruz, Calif., her son Declan, daughter-in-law

Danielle and grandson Liam of Queensbury, N.Y., and daughter Kyna of West New York, N.J. Andr é e will be sorely missed by her family, as well as by many who know her from her long residence in Westwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to animal assistance charities such as clawsadopt.org and bartrescue.wixsite.com.

Our condolences to family and friends

Twins: Concert

you play with bands, but itʼs different when itʼs your own stuff.”

try as a career.

“Iʼm really excited because weʼre playing with a band, and Iʼve never done something like that before,” Cora said. “In shows

Ava added, “Besides plays, this is our own stuff and itʼs really cool because this could be the next big step to try to make it in the industry.”

It helps that the girls have enthusiastic support at home. Their dad, Brett Patelsky, told us, “ Weʼre really excited. Since theyʼve been little girls theyʼve been really theatrical; and what blows my mind the most about them is that even before theyʼre 17, between the two of them they have 20 original songs. Iʼm very proud of their hard work and creativity and discipline that theyʼve been putting into it. Itʼs been really fun.”

Brett works in the city, in finance. The girlsʼmom, Gina, teaches in Saddle River and is a former gymnast. The girlsʼbroth-

er, Luke, is a freshman at NYU.

Cora is the older twin, by seven minutes.

Both sisters shared their favorite songs that they wrote. Cora said that her favorite is called “A Part of You,” which will be released before their concert. Ava said that her favorite is one that has already been released, “Dry To Me.”

“Itʼs our most popular I think,” Ava said, “Itʼs fun when everyone knows [the lyrics].”

The girlsʼmusic is on Spotify, YouTube, and other digital platforms, and theyʼre working on a website.

In addition to taking these lessons and singing in the Pascack Hills Chamber Choir, the Patelsky twins take part in the schoolʼs musicals.

Cora explained that in fifth grade, they started to perform in shows through local programs Applause and Porch Light Productions outside of school.

“We were going to be Anna and Elsa in ʻFrozen,ʼthen it got canceled because of the Covid19 pandemic,” Ava said.

Outside of their musical endeavors, the Patelskys are involved in other sports. Cora runs cross country and track for Pascack Hills and Ava plays varsity tennis.

“My teamʼs also super supportive of my music and itʼs a great community,” Cora said.

Aside from singing on the actual track, producing songs involves writing lyrics and picking background instrumentals. Ava said that writing the songs is “really important” to her.”

Cora said that she enjoys the production process. “We build the whole song from scratch, so [we pick] the percussion, piano, and bass…I like that I get to be in control of all of it and I get to see my vision come to life.”

Even though the sisters sing for enjoyment, they especially enjoy leaving an impact on those listening to their songs or watching them perform. This is something that they hope to do at their concert.

“My favorite part of the process is just being able to translate my emotions into words and itʼs a way to cope with a lot of problems Iʼm having…I know I am touching the audience with my words and Iʼm making relatable content,” Cora said.

The Patelsky Twins play Debonair Concert Hall, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck, on Saturday, June 10 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6. For venue and ticket information visit https://debonairmusichall.com .

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

FIREFIGHTERSONTHEJOB; FIRE ‘SPRINGCLEANING’ TIPS

Fire Chief James Voorhis reports that the Westwood Fire Department was called 28 times for emergency assistance during March.

One of the calls turned out to be a serious incident:An attic fan at a local residence caught fire. The homeowner extinguished the fire before the fire department arrived.

As a precaution, fire crews checked the surrounding area and the attic. Fortunately, the fire didnʼt extend beyond the fan. The fire department advised the resident to have the fan professionally repaired.

Voorhis says the 28 emergency calls, five training drills and two maintenance nights required more than 425 hours of volunteer time

The Westwood Fire Department was called to assist the Emerson Fire Department three times and received mutual aid from River Vale Fire department at one call.

Automatic fire alarms were received seven times in February. Although no fires existed at any of these incidents, a full fire department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building to determine if an actual fire exists.

A variety of problems caused these automatic alarms: workers in the buildings unintentionally activated alarms, cooking smoke activated alarms, two malfunctioning systems and vaping near a smoke detector caused fire department responses.

Four times fire department responded for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO is an odorless and colorless gas given off by improperly burning heating or cooking equipment. It can be fatal at high levels.

Again, each of the CO calls required a full fire department response. Fire crews checked the entire building with meters and determined that at three CO incidents fire crews found malfunctioning detectors and at one call the alarms were being tested without notifying the fire department ahead of time. The occupancies were turned over to PSE&G gas technicians for further investigation.

On one call, citizens smelled natural gas at a residence. Fire crews checked with meters and found a malfunctioning air conditioning unit caused the smell. Fire fighters shut the power to the unit and advised to occupant to have the unit checked by a qualified A/C technician.

On one occasion the fire department rescue crew was called

to the scene of an overturned car at a motor vehicle crash. The occupant was out of the car when fire crews arrived.

Fire crews stabilized the vehicle, applied absorbent material to fluid spills and stood by until the vehicle was towed away.

ʻSpring cleanʼhazards at home

The Westwood Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau note that this is the time of year when you can spring clean certain

fire hazards in your home:

•Take the time to go through the attic, basement, or cluttered closets and donate, recycle, and/or throw away any unneeded,accumulated items such as newspapers, magazines, packaging, boxes, and clothing, all of which become potential fire hazards when stored in large quantities.

• Never store combustibles close to the water heater or furnace. Three feet away is a good rule of thumb.

•While often overlooked, not cleaning the clothes dryer vent can pose a significant fire hazard. When the highly combustible lint accumulates, it reducesthe airflow, which can increase the temperature enough to ignite it!

•Test all windows, not only to ensure that their locks are working properly, but that they can be quickly and easily opened from the inside, should you need to use one as an emergency exit. In many situations the window is your second

way out if the first way out (a door) is blocked by fire or smoke.

•Most important: have working smoke detectors in the home.

Submitted by the Westwood Fire Department. Email your Fire Department-related questions to wwfdchief@westwoodnj.gov or call (201) 664-0526. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at wfpb191@usa.net or (201)6647100 ext. 308.

For fire, police, and ambulance emergencies call 9-1-1.

Letters:

FROM PAGE 34

played peek-a-boo... and rope-adope... with us. Your own reflections in the storefront windows along the avenue were masked and unrecognizable. But we recognize you this Motherʼs Day Weekend.

T his year Westwood will pray the names of the missing moms. We salute all the mothers who have carried us while their own tender hearts kept bending, refusing to break.

You have nurtured our children throughout their pandemic dislocations. You juggled schedules and had to put your own plans on hold. Youʼve supported your partners through furloughs, sacrificed your own careers, or found yourself as the new primary breadwinner You might be a single working mom who had to find

a way through.

Youʼre the moms who had to monitor your actual children in virtual classrooms...while actually performing... your actual jobs. And who advocated fiercely, intelligently, and eloquently, for the return of your childrenʼs normal routines.

You helped your children of all ages reach milestones worthy of celebrations without being able to host the most normal of gatherings.

You wiped away tears caused by Covidʼs shutdown version of “cancel culture” while hiding your own disappointments.

You led birthday drive-bys and virtual play dates, and carved out time to thank our frontline heroes and teachers — many of whom are moms.

You are the grandmothers who stepped up as primary child caregivers, and the ones who sacrificed what should have been happy moments with children and grandchildren in order to “stop

the spread.”

Many of you are moms caught between caring for your own children and your older parents through a health crisis full of ever-changing challenges.

Four of you are my esteemed governing body colleagues, and in your eyes, I can see the toll the year has taken. But I admire your resolute spirit, positive attitude and good-natured humor. I treasu re your friendship and your efforts supporting our common cause: Westwood.

Youʼre also the volunteer moms who made it possible for 700 of our elders, residents, teachers, and downtown workers to get vaccinated! As I write this [on Motherʼs Day 2021], New Jerseyʼs transmission rate is .54 with only 80 total active positives ascribed to Westwood residents.

In the Biblical tradition, a merciful God made you from Adamʼs rib, knowing that without you Adam would be lonely and lost, banging around aimlessly,

somewhere east of Eden. (Probably wearing mismatched socks.)

Westwood always knew you were indispensable. And as we emerge from these dark days, and i nto the post-pandemic light,

Covid-19... just proved God and Westwood right.

Mayor Ray Arroyo Westwood

We welcome your letters! See guidelines, Page 2.

PartTime/Seasonal Workers to start A.S.A.P. Up to 29 hours a week, D.L. required, must be 18 years +. Contact DPW: (201) 664-3268 or Email: DPW@twpofwashington.us

WANT BUSINESS?

Call (201)664-2105

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, firstserved 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

• 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.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

FULL/PART-TIME FINANCE SPECIALIST – BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE - The Borough of Hillsdale is accepting applications for an immediate, full or part-time Finance Specialist. Experience and proficiency are required in municipal accounting; Edmund’s software; as well as Word, Excel and general municipal-government practices. Must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to perform various, finance-related functions and multi-task. Responsibilities include but are not limited to performing day-to day financial transactions, including verifying, classifying and recording accounts payable data. Preparing invoices to be processed for payment, reconciling and analyzing our accounts payable system: purchasing, prepare periodic reports on a monthly basis. Accounts payable, including end of year requirements; purchase requisitions and purchase orders; bill lists; payment and check processing; revenue and expenditure/budget reports. Finance Specialist will perform additional, various duties and functions as assigned by the CMFO or Administrator. Salary DOQ. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview and hire while this advertisement is active. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that includes salary requirements to the Borough Clerk, Denise Kohan at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org.

H HEEL

NIGHT CUSTODIAN

Anticipated start: July 1, 2023. 12-month/full-time position. High school diploma; Black Seal License preferred; public school experience preferred; knowledge of plant operation and maintenance, cleaning methods and procedures; criminal history check required and New Jersey residence required within one year from date of hire. Interested applicants are asked to forward a current resume or district application (rivervaleschools.com) to HR@rivervaleschools.com or fax to (201) 358-8319. EOE/AA.

Servers for busy restaurant in Park Ridge, NJ. F/Tor P/T. Please call (201) 391-4242.

P W WAANNTTEED D

Full-Time DPW Worker –Borough of Hillsdale. The Department of Public Works is seeking a responsible individual with building maintenance experience to perform various repairs on borough buildings & parks. Skills include carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical, & HVAC are preferred. Work will also include snow & leaf removal & other public works tasks. CDL Class B is required or the ability to secure within 1 year. Starting salary is $40,007 plus benefits. Applicants must fill out application which is available on town website: www.Hillsdalenj.org or pick up a copy at Borough Hall. 380 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale. Please send to DHayes@hillsdalenj.org or DKohan@hillsdalenj.org or drop off at borough hall.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

Seamstress/dressmaker, F/T or P/T, exp’d only, to alter couture gowns and fine ladies sportswear. Call (201) 664-3111.

I ITTEEMMS S W WAANNTTEED D

Wanted To Buy: All records, instruments, guitars, drums, microphones, old stereos, ect. Call Tony 201262-4970 or Cell 201509-7079.

Want Business? Call (201) 664-2105

H HOOUUSSEEMMAAT

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

WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

LP P W WAANNTTEED D

H HEELLP