Pascack Press 5.29.23

EMERSON

MAYORFOR A DAY ACTSFAST ONHIS PRIORITIES

First-grader Nicholas Aramini approves ice cream sundae, free pass on homework; Memory Garden reopens

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A first grader from Memorial School got a day as Mayor on May 16 and then honored by a mayoral proclamation — from Mayor Danielle DiPaola — celebrating his accomplishment.

DiPaola shared the mayoral spotlight, and responsibilities, with her “Mayor For A Day” on May 16 and then proclaimed May 17 as first grader Nicholas Aramini Mayor For A Day day.

Nicholas was picked up from Memorial School on May 16 in a borough vehicle driven by DPW Superintendent Perry Solimando.

Officials told Pascack Press that Mayor Nicholas inspected the DPW facility and was given a ride in a dump truck. The truck took Nicholas to the fire department, where he got a tour from chief Tom Carlos and then rode in a fire engine with his father.

See MAYOR on page 12

PI-ONEERS SCOOP TOP AWARDS PI-ONEERS SCOOP TOP AWARDS

PH,

WOODCLIFF LAKE

50 TURN OUTOVER CANNABIS QUESTIONS

Petition urges ʻnot in my backyardʼon adult-use dispensary; town committee preparing to hold first session

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Almost half of nearly a dozen residents addressing the Borough Council May 22 told them to remove the potential for a local marijuana dispensary from consideration by a newly formed cannabis exploratory committee and asserted a hypothetical retail dispensaryʼs negative impacts on borough quality of life.

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

THE PASCACK VALLEY Regional High School District community is proud of the Pascack Pi-oneers, its robotics competition team, “as they win countless awards, contribute to the community, and mentor other teams that are start-

ing up around the world.”

Thatʼs Paul Zeller, the districtʼs director of technology and communication, on the occasion of the teamʼs latest accomplishments: making it to the 2023 FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas and walking away with the Engineering Inspiration Award–Johnson Division. At FIRST Mid Atlantic District

Championship, Eliza Krigsman was Engineering Inspiration Award Deanʼs List finalist — a major honor.

The “Super Bowl of robotics,” the World Championship includes 600 teams in the FIRST Robotics Competition level from many countries .

Continued on page 38

Nearly 50 residents attended the meeting, with all speakers opposed to a retail cannabis dispensary coming to the borough. Local officials stressed that there were no plans for a cannabis dispensary and that the cannabis committee had not yet held its first meeting.

Other residents told the Borough Council that a cannabis dispensary (or shop) does not belong in the borough and that an online petition started by one resident suggests growing opposition.

An petition started by resident Stephanie Huang five days earlier See CANNABIS on page 36

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

PV kids dazzle through ʻSuper Bowl of roboticsʼ

Students from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley high schools are the Pascack Pi-oneers –FIRST Robotics Team 1676 — the district’s award-winning robotics team. Courtesy photo

Northgate board thanks WT ZBA

To the editor:

T HANKYOUFOR all your very informative articles. In general, the residents of Northgate are greatly relieved that the appli-

Reception catered, not ‘open’

To the editor:

Re: “OLGC brunch to celebrate 60 years for Rev. Norton”

INTHE May 22 issue of the Pascack Press there is a lovely article covering Fr. Tom Nortonʼs 60th anniversary Mass at OLGC, on Sunday, June 4, at 11 a.m. Following the Mass there will be a formal reception in the Marian Center, including a catered brunch. Unfortunately, the writeup mentions an open invitation to the reception. It is not an open invitation; it is a sit-down catered brunch. We have asked all those

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

cation for a shopping plaza at the 660–682 Pascack Road site was denied. Per the Master Plan of our town, this site was zoned for residential use, and there is no value in rezoning this property as commercial in order to add a shopping plaza when there is already one about a mile down the road. What would be the benefit to the public?

The intersection upon which this was to be built already has three corners with commercial activity as well as emergency serv-

ices close by on Washington Avenue. In addition, an assisted living facility is being built in the lot after Four Seasons. This intersection, which has finally just been widened and improved, is already busy with traffic. Adding a shopping plaza would further increase the traffic flow, possibly causing congestion and accidents.

During the Zoning Board hearings, not one resident came forward to speak in favor of the proposed strip mall. The footprint of the buildings and the number of parking spaces provided for a tightly packed site of commercial activity which caused great concern among residents. The question was always, Who would benefit?

Thank you to the Township of Washington Zoning Board of Adjustment for denying this application.

Missy Valantassis President, Board of Directors, Northgate Township of Washington

WT ZBA made right call on mall

To the editor:

ICOMMEND our Washington Township Zoning Board for making an excellent decision in denying the Four Seasons Marketplace application to build a shopping center at the intersection of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue despite the enormous amount of pressure to do otherwise.

There isnʼt a single intersection in the entire nine miles starting north of us in Montvale all the way south to Route 4 in Paramus along this roadway that sees anywhere near the amount of traffic and unparalleled complexity of traffic patterns that the intersection of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue will see once the roadways are expanded with four and five lanes of traffic moving in all four directions.

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed, 500 word maximum. Subject to editing. Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

pedestrians alike.

What was especially concerning was that while residents of the Township had expressed alarm over the many near accidents which have happened where cars exit the Garden State Parkway and merge with traffic onto Washington Avenue only one half mile down the road from that very same intersection, the Mall would have had allowed cars to stop to pull in, or merge to pull out, for ingress and egress to and from the mall right at the corner where an enormous amount of movement, turns, merges and through-traffic would already be taking place with large numbers of cars.

This would have been a hundredfold more dangerous than the merges which are presently happening coming off the GSP on to Washington Avenue with only a single lane of traffic in each direction.

interested in attending to formally do so by signing up at church or calling George Toole, event chairman, at (201) 954-5286. (Fr Tom probably told the writer the world was welcome.)

Jim Dugan Township of Washington

To have added to these complex patterns of moving traffic the additional element of cars stopping, merging, crossing, leaving and entering a shopping mall at the very same intersection would have amounted to a dereliction of duty and a permanent, irreversible danger to both vehicles and

I am deeply relieved that our township has been spared the traffic and safety nightmare that the proposed Seasons shopping center would have caused at the new intersection. Thank you for a job well done.

Diane

M.

Ferrara Township of Washington

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Next chapter of Westwood history could soon go digital

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

Westwoodʼs Historic Preservation Commission is looking to make the Central Business Districtʼs history come alive using an app that provides sound and archived photos to highlight local history in a self-guided tour that residents can access on a cell phone.

The Historic Preservation Commission has applied for a second state Historic Trust Fund grant to create the second installment of an interactive digital downtown district history tour. Its first such grant was received in 2021.

On May 16, the governing

body unanimously approved a grant application for $5,000 in state funding to create another digital module to reveal the downtown districtʼs history. It is not a matching grant.

Councilwoman Beth Dell said she was not aware of any other Pascack Valley municipality that uses the travel story app travelstorys.com to help highlight its communityʼs history.

She said the first module created using the app cost about $5,750 to create and details a “Journey Down Broadway Avenue.”

The first Broadway installment can be found at travelstorys.com/tours/journey-downbroadway-avenue

A writeup on the appʼs Westwood tour site says, “This tour

explores the history of business development on one block of Westwoodʼs Broadway avenue. On this tour, you will visit several stops on your way to the heart of downtown Westwood, at the intersection of Broadway and Westwood Avenues. Learn about the bold spirit, work ethic, and local innovation that inspired Broadwayʼs development. This ethos is still present today in the heart of downtown Westwood.”

Dell noted that using the app to illustrate local history “was a great effort initiated by Lauren Letizia, then chairperson of the HPC. The project was finalized with a labor of love by Camille Sasena who took over the reins of the HPC and assumed the role when Lauren vacated to assist Westwoodʼs Land Use on the Zon-

ing Board.”

Dell said, “We are working on getting someone filmed utilizing the app as requested by WCTV. Itʼs a great presentation showcasing the history of business development of downtown Westwood. Itʼs an immersive experi-

ence that provides an encounter with the past while informing our present (and) it fulfills a goal of historic preservation.”

She said the HPC is discussing what section of Westwood to highlight next using the app if the state grant is received

NJSFWC/GFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood was recently awarded a third place award for their donation of $2,000 to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.

Shirley Holly, president of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, chose ECF as the two-year Special State Project. ECF is committed to being a beacon of light for New Jersey families facing pediatric cancer. Through trained professionals and dedicated volunteers, ECF provides a variety of free supportive services to help families replace fear with hope and confusion with balance. Any child under 18 is eligible, and the application process is simple with no red tape.

ECF's professional caseworkers provide free in-home counseling and emotional support to the entire family throughout their journeys, as well as advocacy with insurance and medical providers, utility companies, and landlords. They offer food, clothing, household items, toys and birthday/holiday gifts to families in crisis to ease their enormous burdens and preserve their quality of life.

ECFʼs emergency assistance can help families pay their bills and other urgent financial needs. They have helped nearly 2,000

families since its inception in 1983, free of charge, and with no regard to race, creed or socioeconomic status.

For more information on how to receive services, refer a family in need, volunteer at any of their regional offices, or to make a donation, call (908) 322-4323, write info@emmanuelcancer.org, or

visit emmanuelcancer.org or Facebook.com/EmmanuelCancerFou ndation. The nearest center in our area is at 174 Paterson Avenue, P.O.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

County connects via food pantry management software

PASCACK VALLEY

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Countyʼs Department of Human Services announce that the Countyʼs Food Security Task Force has rolled out an innovative pantry management software to help manage client intake at 25 pantries across Bergen County.

Continued on page 33

Remembering the fallen Pascack Valley has proud tradition in Memorial Day

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS PASCACKVALLEY

MEMORIAL DAY used to be called Decoration Day. The annual remembrance, which came about in the 1860s to honor those who died in the Civil War, was so named because it was a time to

decorate the soldiersʼgraves with flags and flowers. Decoration Day was always held on May 30, because flowers would be blooming all over the country by that time. The holiday was later moved to the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day has always been an important occasion in the

Pascack Valley, and the Pascack Historical Society has photographs of observances going back well over a century. In this photograph above, from the museumʼs archive, Park Ridge residents of the 1930s have held a solemn graveside service. Some of the men in the back are wearing hats that show they are members of the American Legion. What is

now Park Ridgeʼs Jedh C. Barker post had formed after World War I, and in the 1930s it was still going by its original name, Pascack Valley Post 153.

We know this photo must have been taken after 1932, as the flag on the left is for Park Ridgeʼs chapter of the Daughters of the

See BIT on page 12

The Food Security Task Force’s rollout of Oasis Insights will continue throughout the summer as more pantries are onboarded.

Park Ridge residents of the 1930s hold a solemn graveside service. Some of the men in the back are wearing hats that show they are members of the American Legion.

The Borough Council will hold a public hearing June 13 to vote on approving nearly $1 million in bonds and another $150,000 from capital surplus to fund various public improvements including purchase of a sewer jet cleaner and the refurbishing of the Voorhis Park basketball courts.

The council unanimously introduced seven ordinances on May 16 that appropriated a total of $850,000 in bonds and $150,000 in general capital fund surplus monies for local upgrades, purchases and projects.

The $850,000 in bonds includes: $150,000 for refurbishing of Voorhis Park basketball courts; $110,000 for the purchase of computer equipment; and $565,000 for public improvements

and machinery acquisition. The $565,000 in bonds includes: $90,000 for a pickup truck for use by the public works department (DPW); $70,000 for replacement of sidewalks near borough parks; and $405,000 for the purchase of a sewer jet machine for DPW use.

Moreover, the $150,000 appropriated from general capital surplus includes: $120,000 for purchase of fire safety equipment for the volunteer fire department; $20,000 for improvements to the Community Center and its irrigation system (plus $50,000 from Recreation Trust Fund); $10,000 to acquire and install a walkway cover over the police department entrance; and $5,300 for additional costs to install a salt shed at the DPW facility.

Originally, the council appropriated $30,000 for the salt shedʼs purchase and installation.

Borough administrator

Durene Ayer said it would likely

take a couple years before the sewer jet machine arrives, due to supply chain backups.

She noted the police department walkway would help protect

visitors and officers from the elements and occasionally bird droppings.

Staff writer Michael Olohan

46-unit development at 188 B’way gets June 5 hearing

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 5, 7 p.m. on the proposed 46-unit residential development planned for 188 Broadway — one piece of a multi-part legal settlement with the applicant, borough and Fair Share Housing Center that was approved by the Borough Council in December 2022.

The applicant, 188 Broadway LLP, had filed separate lawsuits against prior Zoning Board of Adjustment decisions in 2019 and 2021 that rejected prior applications for a 60-unit and a 53-unit development on the former office building site.

As part of the agreement, the council approved a memorandum of understanding between the applicant and borough that called for the borough to rezone the 188 Broadway site and allow the 46

residential units, including 37 rental units and a total of nine townhomes.

The agreement allows the existing office building to be converted into 37 rental units, and allows two buildings behind that structure that contain the nine townhomes. (See “Itʼs Settled: 46 Housing Units At 188 Broadway,” Michael Olohan, Dec. 12, 2022, Pascack Press.)

The borough agreed to build eight units of affordable housing — required as part of the development — along with a prior 16 units it previously planned to construct at a North Broadway site, which now includes 24 units. A state Superior Court recently approved the amended affordable housing plan.

To implement the settlement, a redevelopment plan for the site at 188 Broadway was recently developed and approved by Borough Council earlier this year.

ʻThe applicant seeks preliminary and final site plan approval for a project consistent with the Rede-

velopment Plan. Specifically, the applicant seeks to convert an existing 42.300 (approx.) square foot office building to multifamily residential use consisting of 37 units and site plan approval for the construction of nine townhomes in two buildings,” states the public notice published on May 23.

The project requires 81 park-

ing spaces and 96 are provided, the notice states.

The applicant requests a variance from the Supplemental Standards For Townhomes of the Redevelopment Plan, “which requires that the minimum townhome driveway apron width be 20 feet, and where 18.67 and 19 feet are proposed,” the notice states.

The public can view the application at the Planning Board offices between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. The offices are at 188 Pascack Road. To view documents, contact board secretary Clairesse Neumann at (201) 391-4977 ext. 210 or at cneumann@wclnj.com

Montvale Street Fair June 11 MONTVALE

With all the events around Bergen and Rockland County, the Montvale Street Fair — Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Paragon Drive — is one of the most popular events of the season The fair expects to attract more than 20,000 people from all over the region.

Wegmans Food Market is the title sponsor, along with many other local businesses.

Paragon Drive has been a perfect setting for the fair. The tree-lined street is transformed into a large fair with more than 100 vendors featuring antiques and crafts from all over New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; rides; amusements; music

and exceptional food vendors. The fair has something for each member of the family.

For more information visit montvalechamber.com

Bids on new DPWdigs expected by summer

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OFWASHINGTON

The township administrator said local officials hope to advertise bids for construction of the new DPW facility by sometime this summer, if all goes as planned.

Township administrator Mark DiCarlo told Pascack Press on May 22 that the architect, Arcari & Iovino, was working on all final site drawings and was anticipating putting out bid specs during the summer.

“There is no set date but the architect is working on all the final drawings. The architect is shooting for the summer for putting it out to bid. Of course, nothing is set in stone. Give it a little in either direction,” DiCarlo told Pascack Press.

Mayor Peter Calamari told residents May 15 that if initial bids come back too high, the

council could reject all bids and rebid the project to try to lower costs.

Calamari told residents in May that the townshipʼs consulting architect and engineerʼs work on the new DPW facility were “progressing” and that they hoped to soon advertise bid specifications for the estimated $5 million DPW facility that council members approved earlier this year.

In mid-February, township council members selected an allbrick facade for the roughly $5 million new public works facility that will be built behind town hall. The new facility will replace the former DPW facility, which was razed amore than a year ago due to long-standing soil contamination from leaking gas storage tanks on site in the 1970s.

The NJDEP had ordered the township to demolish the structure and remediate soil contamination beneath the building, although the project lingered for years before the township took action to

demolish it and remediate the soil contamination.

In December 2022, the townshipʼs consulting architect, Arcari Iovino, estimated a brick and mortar building would cost $4,978,350. (An all-brick facade building was not offered then as an option.)

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

two utility rooms; two staircases, and an elevator.

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

When approved in February, it was not yet clear what would happen with space currently occupied by the former volunteer ambulance headquarters behind town hall. The ambulance corps

recently moved to new quarters in the new Emergency Services Building on Washington Avenue.

Calamari also said May 15 that paving contractors would meet soon to coordinate paving schedules as completion nears for the countyʼs Pascack RoadWashington Avenue intersection project, begun last summer with multiple road delays and backups over the last 10 months. Pascack Road and Washington Avenue are county roads.

WW Community Band Spring Concert June 4

The Jazz and Brass Bands from the Westwood Community Band will combine to play a special spring concert on Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m.

The concert is free of charge and open to the public, and will take place in the Hurley Theater at

Westwood Regional High School, 701 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington.

The 15 piece Brass Ensemble features the unique sound of the Community Bandʼs trumpet, flugelhorn, french horn, baritone, trombone, euphonium and tuba

players.

The 17 piece Jazz Band is reminiscent of the big band era from the 1930s and ʼ40s, and will feature the Community Bandʼs saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections.

Both ensembles are part of the Westwood Community Band, a group of 40 adult volunteer musicians from Westwood and surrounding towns who have played Friday night summer concerts on the Bandstand in Veterans Memorial Park since 2001.

Director Tom Offerjost says, “We are looking for additional

woodwind, brass, guitar, piano, and percussion players for our upcoming concerts. This is a great opportunity for musicians to continue playing after high school or college, or to dust off their instru-

ments after a few years of inactivity.”

For more information, visit the Westwood Community Band on Facebook and write wwcommunityband@optonline.net.

SHOPTHE HUBRETURNS! BUSINESSES ENCOURAGEDTOREGISTER

Celebrate Westwood's BIZhub committee invites Westwood businesses to register for participation in its premier shopping and dining event, Shop the Hub, on Saturday, June 10. Retailers, service providers, and restaurants are invited to register their participation by May 30 to unlock a host of publicity and support benefits.

Participation can be as creative or simple as a business desires. Unique sales, specials, promotions, giveaways, popup events, and the use of outdoor spaces are encouraged.

Downtown Westwood has historically experienced a significant increase in foot-traffic and parking demand during past Shop the Hub events. This Shop the Hub event coincides with Celebrate Westwoodʼs Arts in the Park outdoor gallery which will feature more than 25 local artists and artisans in Veterans Park from 3 to 7 p.m.

At 7 the Celebrate Westwood Music on the Avenues series welcomes musician Steff Beate at the intersection of Center and Westwood avenues.

Celebrate Westwood created Shop the Hub days in spring 2020 as a way to create the spirit of a sidewalk sale in which many businesses participate toward a common goal, without needing to close the streets. Participation is complementary to registered BIZhub committee members, and $20 to all non-BIZhub members.

To register by May 30, visit https://tinyurl.com/celebratewestwoods hopthehubREG or direct questions to celebratewestwood@gmail.com

Westwood Community Band/Facebook

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

Club women haul in awards at state convention

The 129th Annual Convention of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs dazzled recently in Atlantic City.

Attendees from the 200 clubs throughout New Jersey participated in workshops on fundraising ideas, membership retention, and the impact of volunteers on our communities.

The achievement of clubs and their individual members were recognized. The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club and its members were honored to receive numerous awards. The clubʼs work in communication and its pressbook were both judged best in the state. Their work for the special state project and the performing arts received second place awards, and their work in membership received a third-place award.

Achievements of individual club members were headlined by Suzi Geraceʼs Gold Award winning photograph in the GFWC Volunteers in Action competition. The photo, taken as members of the Greater Pascack Valley Club took part in a 2022 holiday party for the children supported by the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, will be displayed in competition with others taken by the member clubs of the General Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, an international organization, at their annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in June.

Suzi Gerace also won additional honors for her photographs in both black and white and color, knitting, jewelry making, painting

Suzi Gerace’s photograph of members of the Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club volunteering at a holiday party for the children served by the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation was judged as best in the state in the GFWC Volunteers in Action competition at the annual convention of the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs.

using various media and upcycle garments. Kathy Grubb received awards for knitting.

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, call Carolyn Delafrange at (201) 819-1000, email GPVWC1990@gmail.com, of find the club on Facebook.

PASCACK

Pride committee sets events for colorful, festive June

The Pride Committee of Westwood & Twp. of Washington, a diverse group of residents who have recently come together to support the LGBTQIA+ community in both towns, proudly announces its Pride Month celebrations for 2023.

The lineup starts with a flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 4 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Borough Hall.

All of the committeeʼs events are supported through the sale of Westwood & Twp. of Washington Pride lawn signs with additional proceeds supporting the GSA of Westwood Regional High School and cosponsored by Parkside Community Church and Westwood for All Ages. Other scheduled events are listed below. Register at parksidechurch.net for the first three events. Events requiring registration are free and open to all.

• An evening of showtune performances in “Westwood Goes Broadway” on June 16, (7 p.m. at Parkside Community

Church). Registration required at parksidechurch.net featuring some of the best new and old Broadway hits performed by an array of professional theatrical performers in our region.

• Faith and LGBTQIA+ panel presentation on June 21 (7:30 p.m. at Parkside Community Church) “focusing on how we reconcile LGBTQIA+ inclusion through the lens of faith tradition.” Panelists will include clergy from Christian and Jewish faith traditions as well as transgender and gay members of the faith community sharing their personal faith journey. Time for Q&A will be included.

• BBQ and family friendly pride party on June 24 (5 p.m. at Parkside Community Church) with food, music, games, and more.

• Understanding the ABCs of LGBTQ+Educational Forum on June 25 (4 p.m. at Westwood Community Church) led by Westwood resident Michael Tozzoli, LCSW, CEO of

West Bergen Mental Healthcare. This event is sponsored by Westwood for All Ages and is designed to help people understand the LGBTQIA+ terminology, the spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity, and

how to best support your loved LGBTQIA+ loved ones and friends. Light refreshments will be provided. Register at westwoodforallages.org or call (201) 831-4192.

• Pride Meet & Greet on

June 26, 6 p.m. at Five Dimes Brewery. Come enjoy a brew and celebrate together as we close out a great month of Pride activities.

T he committee was selfformed to encourage broad community participation in the a dvocacy and education of LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity. According to Youth.gov , each J une, Pride Month activities work to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Worldwide celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts as well as memorials for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally and has been officially recognized by the federal government since 1999.

Eventsare supported through the sale of Pride lawn signs.

Mayor:

FROM PAGE 1

Following that, the young mayor came to Borough Hall, where he spent part of the day in his office, signing memoranda, eating doughnuts, drinking seltzer and feasting on an ice cream sundae.

He then toured the Police Department with Captain Mark

Savino and met several sergeants and officers. He was then escorted to school in a police vehicle and greeted his friends at the schoolʼs dismissal.

As mayor of “the Family Town,” Nicholas also toured Borough Hall, visiting administrative offices, learning about government procedures, and especially enjoying perusing books of council meeting minutes, including one from the year he was born.

After a break, Nicholas returned to Borough Hall, where

he was sworn into office as Mayor for a Day and opened the May 16 council meeting, asking his parents to lead the pledge of allegiance. He read a proclamation granting his peers at Memorial School a homework pass.

“Mayor Aramini enjoyed his day with borough staff and looks forward to returning to visit in the future,” DiPaola told Pascack Press

Memory Garden Reopens

Later in the meeting, DiPaola said that residents interested in placing a memorial paving stone in the public libraryʼs Memory Garden should contact the borough. The bricks will be printed toward the end of summer and then placed back into the Memory Garden. “Weʼve done it periodically

but there are many people who have been asking me about it lately,” said DiPaola. The garden was part of an Eagle Project completed in 2016 by Franklin Praschil, with major fundraising and other support from the police department.

FROM PAGE 4

American Revolution. This local D.A.R. chapter, which formed in the spring of 1932, was for any adult woman from Park Ridge, Montvale, or Woodcliff Lake who

living veterans of that war were still in their 30s and 40s and kept the torch of patriotism burning bright for their fallen comrades.

There were also a few Civil War veterans still kicking around the Pascack Valley. After the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization for Union veterans, formed in 1866. There were posts all over the Northern U.S., and this regionʼs GAR was based in Westwood. At one time it had a flourishing membership of men from all over this section of Bergen County who had served with the 22nd New Jersey Volunteers.

had been admitted to the membership of the national organization.

In the 1930s the conflict that everyone most closely associated with Memorial Day was the Great War, or World War I as it later came to be called. Americaʼs involvement lasted 1917–1918, but in that time the nation lost more than 116,000 servicemembers. The

By 1927 the chapter was down to five living members. The last man standing was 90-year-old Henry J. Herring of Emerson, who died in 1934.

For as long as their health allowed, the men of the GAR were always present at Memorial Day events, walking in the parades until their age forced them to ride in automobiles.

Left to right: Council President Michael Timmerman, Councilwoman Nicole Argenzia, Councilwoman Ashley Rice, Mayor Danielle DiPaola, Mayor for the Day Nicholas Aramini, Councilwoman Kelly Moore, Councilman Brian Gordon, and Councilwoman Jill McGuire.

Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Mayor For a Day Nicholas Aramini discuss appropriations. Courtesy photos.

— Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society.

Weʼve seen a tremendous rise in interest in planting native plants to attract pollinators. The customers of Metropolitan Farm in Closter frequently select the following five native and deer resistant perennials.

• Milkweed provides crucial habitat for Monarch butterflies. Asclepias tuberosa and incarnata

favorite cultivars include Ice Ballet, Cinderella, and Hello Yellow.

Purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea types include magnus (tall), PowWow White and Berry (shorter), and an array of color selections to match your imaginations.

•Agastache, licorice mint or anise hyssop, smells and tastes like licorice. It makes a nice tea!

•Blue Fortune, Black Adder, and Little Adder are types of Eastern Agastache. Western U.S. cultivars come in shades including pinks, apricot, and coral.

•Coreopsis verticillata produces yellow daisies from early

summer on. Zagreb and Moonbeam flower in bright yellow and paler yellow respectively.

• The fifth candidate, Actaea, black cohosh, is a hot seller for a cool shady spot. Dark burgundy/purplish foliage are topped with spires of white/pink flowers in August and September, It is an excellent native substitute for Asian Astilbe. Consider giving these and

LWV’s ‘Make a Voting Plan’ for June 6 Primary Election

The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley (LWVNV) wants citizens to be prepared with nonpartisan information to participate in New Jerseyʼs Primary Election on Tuesday, June 6.

To prepare voters in Bergen County for what they need to do for the Primary Election, the League developed a voting plan.

“Voters need to educate themselves about the voting process and exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 6. The League of Women

Voters of Northern Valley encourages people to review our voting plan and go to VOTE411.org for nonpartisan information on local races, polling locations, and other details,” said Joyce Luhrs, vice president of marketing, League of Women Voters of Northern Valley.

The New Jersey Primary Election allows members of a political party to choose a candidate to represent them in the General Election, which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

In New Jersey, only voters who are registered members of a political party may participate in nominating that partyʼs candidates. Unaffiliated voters can register with a political party up to and including Primary Election Day. They may declare a party affiliation in person at the polls on Primary Election Day, during the early voting period or upon casting their mail-in ballot. Currently, only the Republican and Democratic parties use a primary election system to select nominees.

Three Voting Options

First, voters may vote in person at local, designated polling sites from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 6. Voters may find their polling location at lwvnj.org or vote411.org A polling location

will also be shown on the sample ballot, which should be received about a week before Election Day.

Second, New Jersey voters may vote early in-person at a designated early voting polling location. This may be done from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4 prior to the Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6. During these days, voters may cast their ballots on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Polling locations for early voting in Bergen County may be found at lwvnj.org or https://nj.gov/state/elections/voteearly-voting.shtml

Third, registered voters may vote using a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election. In New Jersey, any eligible registered vote may Vote by Mail without a reason needed to request a Vote by Mail ballot. Mail-in ballots are available to send to all registered voters by applying through May 30, the date by which the Bergen County Clerk must receive the application. They may also apply in person at the Bergen County Clerkʼs office by June 5 by 3 p.m.

For information from the Bergen County Clerkʼs Elections Division office, visit bergencountyclerk.org or call (201) 336-7020.

Their office is at One Bergen C ounty Plaza, Room 380 in Hackensack, NJ 07601-9832.

Voters may return mail-inballots to a ballot drop box, through the U.S. postal system, or in-person at the Bergen County Board of Elections office. For a list of drop box locations in Bergen County, check co.bergen.nj.us/board-of-elections/ballot-dropbox-locations

Mail-in ballots may not be dropped off at polling locations.

The League encourages voters to return the mail-in ballot as soon as possible. The postagepaid ballot must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 6, and received by the Bergen County Board of Elections within 144 hours or six days after the polls close.

The ballot may also be brought in person to the Bergen Countyʼs Board of Elections Office or to a secure ballot drop box location before polls close on Election Day

The ballot can be tracked at nj.gov/state/elections/vote-track-myballot.shtml

VOTE411

VOTE.411, a one-stop-shop for election related information, provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on the election process. Find out what will appear on the ballot, learn the candidatesʼpositions, and identify your polling location. To learn about candidate debates and forums taking place in your municipality, including events moderated by the League of Women Voters, check regularly VOTE.411 for updates. To obtain additional information about the June primary, visit the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at lwvnj.org/vote and VOTE.411.

The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley services 29 municipalities in Bergen County. These municipalities include: Alpine, Bergenfield, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Edgewater, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Leonia, Montvale, New Milford, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, River Vale, Rockleigh, Tenafly, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

PASCACK VALLEY

Voters can educate themselves about the voting process and exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday,June 6.The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Northern Valley can help.

RIVER CROSSING FAMILYDAYMUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 4

River Crossing Concerts presents a festival on June 4 from noon to 5 p.m. with live music ranging from American jazz and ragtime to Afro-Latin salsa, from the rhythms of Brazilian Samba and Caribbean

microphone, community games, arts and crafts.

Rain or shine, the event is on the lawn and parking lot of First Congregational Church, 109 Continental Ave. (corner of Kinderka-

Reggae to the sparkling sounds of Irish bagpipes. Featuring violinist Ali Bello & The Sweet Wire Band, vocalist and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis, City Winds Trio, River Edgeʼs own TriCounty Irish War Pipe Band, and the Black-led, all-women percussion ensemble Batalá New York, the festival offers an immersive audience experience including open

mack Avenue).

River Crossing Concerts is possible through the generous support of First Congregational Church of River Edge and the help and donations of patrons, friends, and volunteers.

Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. For more information visit rivercrossingconcerts.org.

Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

FROM PAGE 2

Pascack Press readers get extra credit

To the editor:

Re: “Donate extra newspapers for art work,” Feb. 20, 2023.

IT HANKALL the community members for the newspaper donations given throughout the school year. We were able to use them for various art projects and we were also able to give a portion of it to the theater department for their musical and play set designs. It will definitely be put to

good use. With your generosity we were able to collect enough newspaper to last us for a long time. We are always so grateful for the support from the community. As of now, we are fully stocked and will not be needing newspaper donations for a while. Thank you again.

Michelle Stoute Art teacher Westwood Regional High School

Hillsdale’s Memorial Day plans

To the editor:

THEBOROUGH is maintaining its annual tradition of holding a Memorial Day parade on

Monday, May 29. The ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 162 to honor the nationʼs war dead will be held before the parade out of a sense of respect and reverence.

T he day starts with Boy Scout Troop 109 holding its traditional pancake breakfast at Holy Trinity Church at 7 a.m. The Ambulance Corps will hold their memorial ceremony in front of their building at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Volunteer Fire Dept memorial service at their monument in VeteransʼPark at 8:45 a.m., and then the Hillsdale Police Dept. service at 9 a.m. in front of the police station.

The main Memorial Day ceremony, led by the American Legion Post 162, will be held in Veterans Park at 9:30 a.m. The theme for 2023 is Yes, Iʼm proud to be an American. All the Hillsdale schools are participating in

an essay and poster contest with this theme. Selected winners will be given the opportunity to read their essay or poem as part of the ceremony.

The Pascack Valley High School Band will play at the ceremony as well as march in the parade.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. from the normal location in front of George White School, Liberty Ave. and Trinity Place. The route will be same: north on Magnolia to Knickerbocker, then west to Broadway, then down Broadway to Veterans Park. The Recreation Department will be offering free cookies and bottle water in Veterans Park. Inserra ShopRite will have their food truck parked on Park Avenue serving food, snacks, and drinks.

This yearʼs grand marshal is Guido Borella, a WWII U.S. Army combat engineer who was

awarded a Purple Heart during his service in Europe. Guido celebrated his 100th birthday a few months ago and is excitedly looking forward to the parade!

I encourage all residents and visitors to attend the ceremonies and the parade, and look forward to greeting you. In the event of rain or threatening rain, you will hear three siren blasts at approximately 7 a.m. indicating that the parade has been cancelled and the Legionʼs ceremonies will be moved indoors to George White School for a 9:30 a.m. start. The police, fire, and ambulance ceremonies will be held outdoors regardless of the weather.

I have been told by the parade organizers that the mayor is always in charge of providing good weather. Although I have prepared a “General Patton-like”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Dear Jon,

Hereʼs somet hing we've been curious about for years.

I know itʼs a bit out of the ordinary since itʼs only an old pen. I t measures 6 inches in length and has a box m arked Watermanʼs w ith the paper instructions inside. The pen is in great shape. It was my grandfatherʼs. He was an attorney in Hackensack. What do you say about this?

—Mike in Northvale

Hi, Mike, Your curiosity has paid off. You possess the Holy Grail of vintage fountain pens. The best of the best. Your Watermanʼs #58 leverfilled fountain pen was produced in the 1920s. The case is made of hard rubber and the color pattern

design is called Red Ripple. The nib is 14K gold. Yes, real gold!

Although this cigar-shaped fountain pen is quite large it is a great writer. Your example appears to have remained in excellent condition with no apparent damage or wear.

The best part is you still possess the original Watermanʼs box, which also appears in excellent condition and the original paperwork. I frequently mention in this column how collectors, including myself, love original boxes. I can not overemphasize how important original boxes are to serious collectors.

In addition to the box you have the original paperwork. Typically these items were discarded. No one couldʼve imagined these items would enhance the value of said item. Your grandfather is to

be commended for saving everything. The value of your beautiful condition Watermanʼs number 58 fountain pen with the box and original paperwork is $1,700. If you desire to use this fountain pen it would certainly benefit from a tune up. I recommend The Foun-

tain Pen Hospital. This company has been in New York City for over 65 years, and could bring this magnificent pen back to life. If you decide to visit this location you will be able to view hundreds of vintage fountain pens from around the world.

Thank you for sharing such a special item with us. My best wishes to you.

R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

The best of the best. “Your grandfather is to be commended

153,

Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153 will be at various storefronts and on various street corners in Park Ridge this weekend, collecting funds to support their many charities. This is a post pre-Memorial Day tradition of many years.

Commander Bob Oppelt says, “We recognize many people do not carry cash so we will be able to accept donations through Venmo by dialing (201) 403-7724 on your cell phone. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful donations.”

Municipal pool registration underway

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

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

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

Membership rates remain what they were in 2019:

• Resident family: $410

• Resident single: $300

• Resident seniors: Free

• Non-resident family: $510

• Non-resident: single: $360

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

Registration is available electronically 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-

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.

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

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

HEREʼS AROUNDUP of some of what our libraries are offering patrons in the next days, This is a holiday week, so light listings this issue. 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

WESTWOOD

emersonlibrary.org

• Tuesday, May 30 at 3:30

p.m.: Switch Club, grades 2–4. Registration required for each child per date.

• Wednesday, May 31 at 1:30

p.m.: The Great Books Club, adults.

• Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m.: Family Yoga, grades 1-6. H

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.

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.”

hfpl.org

•Tuesday, May 30 at 1 p.m.: MahJong. At 7 p.m.: Meditation with Cherlyn. Register.

•Wednesday, May 31 at 4 p.m.: Local Author Dan Schlossberg Register.

• Thursday, June 1 at 1 p.m.: On Exhibit: Lynn Massey.

• Friday, June 2 at 11 a.m.: Chair Yoga. Register.

M MOONNTTVVAALLE E 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100

PASCACK VALLEY

(201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org

• Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m.: Gardening For Butterflies and Birds. Register.

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

•Tuesday, May 30 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee.

• Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee.

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

•Tuesday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m.: An Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting and Beyond. Ages 18 and older. Register.

• Wednesday, May 31 at 10 a.m.: Baby Time. At 10:30 a.m.:

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

You can train to teach ESL

Make a difference in your community:Volunteer to teach English as a Second Language!

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

Upon completion of the

HILLSDALE

workshop, LVPV will match each volunteer with an appropriate student.

This workshop is open to residents of Allendale, Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Lodi, Montvale, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Teaneck and Westwood. Tutoring may be remote or in person, depending on your preference.

Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley is pleased to announce the next online foursession Tutor Training Workshop on Aug. 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Contact Marilyn Katz or Cheryl Chang at literacyvolunteerspv@gmail.com to register. You may also register at literacyvolunteerspv.org/tutor-training-workshopform.html

COFFEE WITH A COP AT THE BARISTA’S TOUCH JUNE 4

Officers from the Hillsdale Police Department and community members will come together June 4 in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

Coffee with a Cop runs 10 a.m. to noon on June 4, hosted by The Baristaʼs Touch, 66A Park Ave.

Detective Sergeant Adam Hampton tells Pascack Press that Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the departmentʼs work in Hillsdale neighborhoods.

“The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community and some community members may

feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction,” Hampton says.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Similar events are being held across the county, as local police

departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Please contact with questions: (201)664-4200.

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

FROM PAGE 22

Meet and Play, to age 3 with parent or caregiver. Register. At 1:30 p.m.: Alphabet Story Time:Ages 3–5. Register

• Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m.: Movie Club. Register.

• Friday, June 2 at 1 p.m.: An Architectural Exploration of the Pascack Valley. Register.

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

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

• Thursday, June 1 from 6 to 7 p.m.: Social Stitching. Knit, crochet, and mingle with other crafters. June 1–July 27 at 9:45

a.m.: Advanced Chair Yoga : Register.

• Friday, June 2 at 4 p.m.: “The Little Mermaid” at the Township Theater, 249 Pascack Road. Register. At 6 p.m.: Adult Coloring and Craft Group

Register.

• Saturday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m.: Mat Yoga.

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

•Tuesday, May 30 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class, Advanced. At 11 a.m.: ASL Practice Group. At 11 a.m or 7 p.m.:

LVPV ESL Online Class intermediate. At 7 p.m.: Knitting and Crocheting. Register.

• Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m.:

LVPV ESL Online Class, Advanced. At 11 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Class intermediate.

• Friday, June 2 at 11 a.m.: Knitting and Crocheting Club Register

• Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m.: Game Zone Tournament.

“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

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

RIVER VALE

Seniors’ BBQ, Hudson River cruise

The River Vale Sr. Friendship Clubʼs annual summer BBQ, hosted by the River Vale Police Department, will be held on June 21 this year. This is a members only luncheon. Doors open at noon.

Aug. 22 brings a two-hour

luncheon cruise along the Hudson River, aboard the Luxury Bateaux glass boat in New York City, plus a visit to either Chelsea Market or Hudson Yards, where you might do a little shopping, or just take a walk on the High Line.

Reservations for this trip

K OF C SUMMER FOOD DRIVE JUNE 3

must be made ASAP. Cost is $95 for members and $98 for nonmembers.

The Lancaster trip is cancelled over lack of interest.

For more information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

MEMORIALDAYBREAKFAST, 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

Investinginthefuture

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 of the Township of Washington Annual Summer Food Drive is set for Saturday, June 3.

The event will collect non-perishable food goods to help the needy through local food pantries. Personal hygiene items are also welcome.

Knights ask all residents to place bagged donations at their front door before 10 a.m. that Saturday. Volunteers from the council will pick up the parcels as they cover every residence.

A food drive notice will be mailed to local households before the drive, and co-sponsor Pascack Press will run a large notice in an issue preceding the event.

Non-perishable food items needed are powdered milk, hot and cold cereals, canned fruits, vegeta-

bles, stew, fish, meats, soups, onecan meals, peanut butter, pudding, Jell-O, jelly, pasta products, rice, baby food, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, pancake mix, etc.

Personal hygiene items are especially appreciated as they cannot be obtained with food stamps.

In lieu of these items, monetary donations may be sent to K of C Food Drive, 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Your donations may be left there as well.

For more information call (area code 201) co-chairmen Chuck Merlo at 661-0191 or Jim McPeak at 707-1519, or the K of C at 6640422.

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

As part of its work promoting vocations, the St. Thomas More Council 2188 Westwood/Hillsdale has again provided annual monetary support to three seminarians from the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, and a fourth seminarian who is studying elsewhere for the priesthood. Left to right:Rev. Msgr. Peter Smutelovic, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale; Vincent Sicari, Deputy Grand Knight; Joseph Bisi, Trustee; Rev. Thomas Norton; John Garabedian and Bryan Bangs, Seminarians. Not shown: seminarians Thiago Santos and Pedro Jose Soriano. Via Joseph Bisi.

HILLSDALE

Renovatedauditoriumopensjustintimeforspecialevents

The doors to Holy Angelsʼ completely renovated, state-of-theart auditorium opened wide — just in time for GrandparentsʼDay and the Easter Liturgy. AHA President Melinda Hanlon and Principal Jean Miller beamed with joy as they cut the ribbon at both sets of doors to celebrate the reopening of the auditorium and music wing.

Long-awaited updates include improved acoustics, lighting, seats, curtain, stage, floor, and technology. The refreshed music wing includes a new vestry for visiting clergy and welcome updates to the choral room and offices.

“Itʼs faith that brings us all here today,” Hanlon said as she welcomed everyone to the first gathering in the new auditorium, including grandparents of members of the Class of 2023, and those watching the livestream. She quoted Blessed Mother Theresa Gerhardinger, foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, saying, “If the dear Lord wants to call something into life, He also always gives the means for that to happen.”

Hanlon thanked the many people who were instrumental in bringing the auditorium project to fruition. She began with the School Sisters, AHAʼs foundresses and sponsors, acknowledging that AHA is their school. She recognized the donors; the AHA Board of Trustees, including Chairperson Raphaela Giampiccolo and immediate past chair S. Sharon Slear, SSND. S. Sharon was involved in the initial planning for the renovation project.

Hanlon also acknowledged S. Mary Foley, SSND, who was liaison for the installation of the sound and light systems; the

administration, faculty, staff, and students; parent-run organizations; advancement, finance, and maintenance staff; Campus Ministry leaders Kathy Sylvester and Maryanne Miloscia; architect Jerry Rubino; Project Manager Raymond Smith; Glenn Vanas and Stephanie Brex of Vanas Construction; consultant Theresa Shubeck; and the performing arts staff and student performers.

Miller, in turn, thanked President Hanlon for the work she invested in the successful, extensive renovation.

The auditorium closed in June 2022 so the construction crew could focus on the plans developed by DiCara/Rubino. This portion of the school had not been updated

school community immediately missed the space, where everyone comes together for Mass, presentations, Open House, concerts, dramas, and more. Large gatherings were held in the gym while the auditorium was closed.

Bishop Michael Saporito blessed the gleaming new spaces as he presided over the morningʼs Mass. His homily deftly blended news of a burgeoning mental health program led by grandmothers in Zimbabwe, the message of hope that wells from “The Road to Emmaus,” and the way grandparents let us know we are loved.

tion.

“You canʼt have hope when

since the building was constructed in 1965, and the space was in need of a full transformation. The

Saporito pulled news of “The Friendship Bench” from current events, noting that the scarcity of mental health professionals led a doctor in Zimbabwe to recruit grandmothers. These intrepid women, who are custodians of local culture and wisdom, sit on park benches with those who seek counseling. Clients receive the message that they are loved and respected, and gain solid, practical advice.

Saporito distilled the Gospel message, “The Road to Emmaus,” saying, “Itʼs a story of faith lost and hope restored.”

He noted that the two apostles who encounter Jesus, but do not immediately recognize him, are leaving Jerusalem downcast.

“They thought that everything was over,” Saporito said. Although the men tell the story of the Resurrection in great detail, they are still walking away. “The facts alone failed to restore hope,” the celebrant said, noting the necessity of uniting information with inspira-

you sit by yourself…Community does that,” he said.

He commented on the love and perspective grandparents provide, concluding, “ʼThe Friendship Benchʼis as close as your grandparents.”

In addition to vising grandparents, distinguished guests included Theresa Shubeck, Glenn Vanas, Stephanie Brex, Jerry Rubino, Norberto Figueroa, Valdemar Fracz, Natalie Fariello, Raphaela Giampiccolo, S. Sharon Slear, SSND, Tom Kohli, and Margaret Saxenian.

AHA Choir members and instrumentalists who shared their talents at the celebration included Hyerin “Ella” Eom, Sooah Jeon, Faith Youn, Martine Alvarez, Haedyn Brig ati, Bella Butler, Alessandra Cardamone, Raphaela C á rdenas, Areni Chaglasin, Claire Chiang, Audrey Collins, Grace Costanza, Mia Diaz,

Alyssa Finch, Ellie Finnegan, Zaharah Fiorentinos, Lilianna Garber, Nora Giannantonio, Lauren Gumban, Alexis Jacob, Kate Kim, Sarasihu Kim, Caroline Ko, Faye Kontzamanis, Kiera Kwiatkowski, Charlotte Lasaga, Jenni Lee, Francesca LaPera, Caitlin Liau, Erin Liddy, Christina McCoy, Gigi Ochs, Haily Park, Norah Park, Gabriella Petriello, Sophia Petriello, Mina Puma, Helen Quigley, Gabriella Ragucci, Ellie Sawyer, Kate Shen, Kira Sullivan, Lilly Tsurushima, Victoria Velasco, Isabella Wisniewski, Rachelle Wu, and Kaitlyn Zheng.

Carina Adizzone, Audrey Collins, Christina Hur, Emily Y. Kim, Chloe Kim, Leslie Kim, Sarahsihu Kim, Caitlin Liau, Julia Paeck, Anna Park, Chelsey Park, Gabriella Ragucci, Ellie Sawyer, and Kaitlyn Zheng played the handbells.

Eucharistic Ministers and lectors included Caterina Cardamone, Raphaela Cárdenas, Bianca Cifelli, Dominique Dela Gente, Katherine Gallagher, Natalia Gonzalez, Autumn Morrissey, Ella Oaten, Maria Calianese, Alexa Diaz, and Grace Cuttitia.

Altar servers were Bridget Sullivan, Ella Menapace, Hailey Smith, and Alessandra Boncaldo.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County.

Updates include improved acoustics, lighting, seats, curtain, stage, floor, and technology.

Hooray! Trustee Margaret Saxenian and Principal Jean Miller.

Melinda Hanlon, Bishop Saporito, and Jean Miller.

Grandparents’ Day at AHA.

PASCACK VALLEY

Three from area named outstanding Catholic-schoolers

The Archdiocese of Newarkʼs Office of Catholic Schools recently presented its annual Outstanding Catholic School Graduates Award to 46 eighth graders in recognition for excelling academically and embodying Catholic values through service.

The award recipients — who all attend archdiocesan schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties — were presented with a medal in front of their families during one of two Masses in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Kearnyʼs St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center on March 25 and April 1.

They also received a letter from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, who congratulated them on being exemplary students.

Among Bergen Countyʼs recipients: Ciaran Henry, St. Johnʼs Academy, Hillsdale; Nicholas Robert Brady, St. Joseph School, Oradell; and Rachel Mathew, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Park Ridge.

“As Outstanding Catholic School Graduates, you have distinguished yourselves not only in academics but also in something

far more valuable in the long run — the way you live out the Gospel message in your words and deeds,” Tobin wrote in his letter.

“We are indeed both proud and blessed by your endeavors and achievements.”

For more information on the Archdiocese of Newarkʼs 73 Catholic schools, visit

https://catholicschoolsnj.org.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each

week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services.

For more information, visit rcan.org.

Outstanding in eighth grade: Ciaran Henry (above),St.John’s Academy, Hillsdale;Nicholas Robert Brady,St.Joseph School,Oradell;and Rachel Mathew, Our Lady of Mercy Academy,Park Ridge earned Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Catholic Schools’ annual Outstanding Catholic School Graduates Award. Henry stands in front of the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Pope John Paul II Youth Retreat Center in Kearny. Archdiocese of Newark photo

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

The 2023 Outstanding Catholic School Graduates Award recipients from Bergen and Hudson county Catholic schools at the Sacred Heart Chapel in Kearny. Archdiocese of Newark photo

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

HighmarksforHills,ValleyhighschoolsonHIB

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District anti-bullying coordinator said at the May 15 school board meeting that Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley high schools attained the highest levels of compliance with the stateʼs Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying law and policies.

Sean Struncis, district guidance supervisor and anti-bullying coordinator, provided an “AntiBullying Bill of Rights Annual Report” to the board. He said during the decade-plus that the district has been implementing

state-mandated HIB rules, “our s chools continue to make progress in addressing harassment, intimidation and bullyi ng.”

Jennifer Zimmermann is anti-bullying specialist at Pascack Hills High School. Christie Rossig is anti-bullying specialist at Pascack Valley High School.

Struncis said each school assessment was done by an HIB self-assessment team and then backed up by data sent to the state Department of Education for verification.

He said school climate and culture is “continually improved” with programs for students and staff, and by celebrating the “Week of Respect.” He showed a

chart that noted both regional high schools and the district achieving near-perfect scores on the 2021-2022 annual state education department assessment based on HIB criteria established by the NJDOE.

S truncis said the state assessment comprises eight core elements with 26 indicators where self-reported scores range from 0 to 3 for each indicator. The top score possible is 78 points. In the 2021-2022 school year, Pascack Hills scored a 78 score, while Pascack Valley scored 76, and the district which includes both, scored a 77.

He said the core HIB elements include programming implemented in each school;

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

training for staff; instruction; curriculum; personnel; reporting; and investigating.

He said every school in New Jersey is required by law to complete this self-assessment.

He said the annual HIB selfassessment will be conducted in late June for the 2022-2023 school year.

Struncis listed programs and activities that helped the high schools and district “rank high” in its HIB assessment. These included: freshman class meetings and orientation including the “Signs of Suicide” program; mindfulness in freshman physical education classes; socialemotional learning lessons such as improving self-esteem, resiliency and conflict resolution.

Other programs: a “Week of Respect” in October, plus related yearlong activities; during health

class, an Alternatives to Domest ic Violence class which addresses healthy and harmful friendships and relationships; in and out of school clubs and organizations that emphasize inclusivity and acceptance; and resources to support appropriate social interactions.

Struncis also showed staff programming and activities that support the HIB mandate.

According to the NJDOE, “New Jersey has been a leader in the establishment of a strong statutory, regulatory policy and program framework to support the prevention, remediation and reporting of HIB in schools.”

Struncisʼs presentation can be viewed online beginning at about the 40-minute mark and ending at the 50-mark of the nearly 56-minute meeting.

Thrive at Montvale celebrates first anniversary in style

Thrive at Montvale, a luxury senior living community at 110 Summit Ave., recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a lively party attended by residents, families, and team members.

“Thrive at Montvale is thrilled to celebrate one year of providing seniors with a vibrant and comfortable lifestyle,” said community president Peter Gunderson. “We strive to create an environment where our residents can truly thrive, and itʼs a joy to see them enjoying all the activities we offer.”

The community takes inspiration from the local town that reflects its farming roots by incorporating a modern farmhouse design with light-filled spaces.

A unique feature at Thrive at Montvale is The Social Court — a generous interior greenspace of approximately 18,000 square feet. This space includes a dining area with a barbecue, a bocce ball court, a ping pong table, a life-size chess board, an outdoor movie theater, fire pits, and a central indoor Hub with a community greenhouse.

The residents and their fami-

lies are taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoying all of the outdoor amenities, including yoga classes on the lawn and partnering with their local girl scout troop to tend to the gardening in the greenhouse.

In addition to the outdoor activities, there are a variety of

RIVER VALE FRIENDSHIP CLUB MEETINGS

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

• 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

HILLSDALE

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.

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,

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.

opportunities for residents to stay engaged indoors, including spending time in the Convivium Coffee Co., listening to live music every Thursday, and playing poker on

Friday nights. Thrive at Montvale offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The team focuses on purposeful living and creat-

ing memorable experiences for its residents. To find out more and schedule your visit, call (201)596-8639.

• 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.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Thoughts on diabetes prevention

There are different types of diabetes. Most people first think of diabetes type 2, or adult onset diabetes, which usually develops later in life and is medically treated with Metformin. However, there is

also diabetes type 1, or juvenile diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in childhood and is medically treated with insulin. In addition, scientists have learned that people who have a combination of diabetes type 1 and type 2 have striking similarities to Alzheimerʼs disease. In fact, there is such a strong connection between diabetes and Alzheimerʼs disease that scientists have contemplated renaming Alzheimerʼs disease to

“diabetes type 3.”

Since autoimmune disease results in the body “attacking” itself, one way to help is to work on decreasing the overactive immune system and not being so sensitive to foreign invaders. Modern research has shown the most effective way to do this is through an autoimmune elimination diet. This is quite involved, but the basics are to eliminate all grains, diary products, corn, soy, alcohol, and coffee. Some of these food products have certain proteins or that activate an immune response, so many functional medicine doctors recommend avoiding them completely.

Avoid foods with a high glycemic index like soda, lemonade, bread, pastas, chips, cookies, and pastries. People with diabetes type 1 should avoid all trans fats, hydrogenated foods, and high fat animal products, as well.

Extremely beneficial and helpful for diabetes type 1: sardines, vinegar, cinnamon, berries, and fresh vegetables. It is also better for diabetes type 1 patients to not go too long without eating.

I recommend working out in the morning, finding exercises that you enjoy, and making sure you do a wide variety of exercises as well. Keep moving throughout the entire

day. Maybe you can make it a family habit where every day after dinner, everyone goes for a nice walk around the neighborhood.

Try reading a book, listening to a podcast, writing in a journal, or playing some music at night time instead of watching the news, binging on Netflix, playing video games, or browsing the internet.

If you follow these tips and make these lifestyle changes, you can help yourself prevent diabetes. Your neurological function will improve, and if your brain is functioning well, the rest of your body can do its job. Brain health and vitality is possible by reinforcing healthy habits.

To learn about your brain health, the best test that measures your brainwaves and can tell you what areas of the brain are not working well is qEEG brain mapping. It may be appropriate if you have ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, troubles with focus or memory, motivation, pain, autism, pain, brain fog, have low energy, poor sleep, bad headaches, or dizziness. Say you read my article and if you are one of the first seven to respond you can receive the brain mapping ($500 value) for $21. You can also email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to be one of the first seven to take

advantage of this health care gift. For more about functional neurology and our services, visit www.kaplandc.com. Follow my weekly articles for updates on lectures and follow our Instagram @kaplanbrainbody or our Facebook Kaplan Brain and Body for valuable health tips. Listen to my radio shows every Saturday morning at 8 on 970 AM and Saturday afternoon on 710 AM at 2. We have YouTube videos under my channel Kaplan Brain and Body. Like, comment, and subscribe! I will be running a live Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series from May 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in River Edge. This seminar is about holistic and natural ways to Master Nutrition and evaluate blood work. Each seminar (Mastering Nutrition, Functional Neurology Brain Exercises, and the Boost Your Brain Power Bootcamp to Improve Memory and Focus) is normally $100, but if you call or text (646) 221-6738 by May 27, you can go to ALL three of the events (which include free massage, free cold laser therapy, and drinks and snacks), or participate on Zoom, or you can get all the recordings for a total $49 (only $16 a module). Itʼs a no brainer! Hope to see you there.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

At the Park Ridge Rotary Club fellowship luncheon meeting on May 5, members gathered with the clubʼs partners at Family of Caring at Park Ridgeʼs The Residence assisted living.

The partnership brings the fight against Alzheimerʼs disease and dementia within our community, aiming, the club tells Pascack Press, “to find a cure for one of the most debilitating diseases we have seen in our lifetime.”

Park Ridge Rotary says “Alzheimerʼs/dementia is in the top five of most fatal diseaseswith no cure. Family of Caring at Park Ridge knows all too well the impact to residents in their assisted living and memory care facilities. The Alzheimerʼs Association is one of top three global contributors to research and long-term care infrastructure on a 24/7 basis.”

The club says, “Park Ridge Rotary Club is a sponsor of the New Jersey chapter of the Alzheimerʼs Associationʼs annual Bergen–Passaic Walk to End Alzheimerʼs. Our Rotary Club pledged to Family of Caring at Park Ridge a donation in their behalf to charity of their choice — NJ Chapter Alzheimerʼs Association —in exchange for their generosity in catering our luncheons

EMERSON

at the Dean Mansion at no cost to us.”

The club says, “In total for 2023, the NJ chapter of the Alzheimerʼs Association has received over $1,500 of additional

support from Rotary on behalf of Family of Caring at Park Ridgeʼs The Residence. Both Park Ridge Rotary and Alzheimerʼs Association send a big thank you to Family of Caring for their support.”

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

PARK RIDGE

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.

OLM to celebrate Corpus Christi

Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge will mark the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 11. The feast will be celebrated at a bilingual Mass at 11 a.m. followed by a procession.

The Holy Eucharist in a monstrance will be carried from the

Church north on Pascack Road and then east on Park Avenue, concluding at the Park Ridge

Library

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ, historically known by its Latin name, Corpus Christi, celebrates the

PASCACK VALLEY

Ask

PR Rotary, Family of Caring deliver on Alzheimer’s PARK RIDGE Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

the Dentist:

Why are seniors at risk for breaking teeth?

It is a fairly common occurrence for dentists to see patients with broken teeth. Usually the patient is aware of the broken tooth but may not remember when it broke. In other cases, the patient may be unaware of the broken or fractured tooth if there are no symptoms.

Overall, the more mature among us tend to have a higher incidence of tooth fracture and this is likely due to several reasons. First, our teeth tend to become more brittle as we age and protective enamel tooth structure tends to wear away leaving teeth vulnerable to damage.

In general, older individuals are more likely to lose a back tooth or teeth and not get a replacement, which in turn puts additional strain on the remaining teeth allowing susceptibility to shifting and cracking. As we age

and tend to take more medications, the mouth tends to dry out leading to increased decay rates and in turn weaker teeth. Teeth which have been treated with root canal therapy during early or middle age also tend to have a greater tendency to break later in life as the root of the tooth loses its “flexibility” over time due to the lack of a live nerve.

Live nerves normally also “warn” us if we are biting too hard or biting on a hard object and prevent us from damaging our teeth.

Many of the causes of tooth fracture can be prevented or minimized by being examined on a regular basis, being aware of your potential deleterious habits such as tooth grinding and replacing back teeth when possible in order to help stack the odds in your favor.

Ask your dentist or hygienist what you can do to minimize potential problems in the future.

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

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

Catholic faith “in the real presence of Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.”

The feast dates back to the Middle Ages and is celebrated by some other religious denominations. All are invited to join in the procession.

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

Left to right: Club president Terry Ciulla,Family of Caring director of admissions Lisa Nixdorf, Family of Caring at Park Ridge and club treasurer Debra Gagliano,and club treasurer Brian Landy.

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.

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.

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.

TOASTMASTERS 35TH ANNUALDINNER JUNE 19

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.

Valley Toastmastersʼs 35th annual dinner and reunion at Donatellaʼs restaurant in Harrington Park is Monday, June 19 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. New officers will be installed, old officers thanked. All are welcome to join. $35 payable in advance. F or details write maxinekauf-

man@optonline.net.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Headquartered in Colorado, the organizationʼs membership is some 280,000 in 144 countries.

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

County:

FROM PAGE 4

The implementation of Oasis Insights followed a successful pilot period for the pantry management software during the summer of 2022. The database software platform allows pantries to digitize client management and assistance records.

Created by Simon Solutions Inc., the system provides scheduling tools for appointments at pantries and operates as a network allowing pantries to communicate and work collaboratively with the ability to request needed items and notify pantries about volunteer opportunities, events, and other pantry happenings.

“Food insecurity is a symptom, not a cause. Since the Task Force was created, its mission has been to support local food pantries and their efforts — most recently enhancing their ability to serve as ambassadors to the many social services our county offers,” said

Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. “By connecting so many of our vital services to each other, our food pantries are now equipped to serve as critical referral points to get to the root of food insecurity, and enable our residents to access services of which they may not have been aware.”

The Food Security Task Forceʼs roll out of Oasis Insights will continue throughout the summer as more pantries are onboarded through this new initiative. Work is also underway to administer another key feature of the software, which has the ability to refer clients to social service agencies for additional services.

“A critical goal of the Food Security Task Force is to improve

connectivity between food pantries and service providers, while also fostering a ʻno wrong doorʼapproach to service delivery,” said Tedesco. “That way, no matter where the initial intake of a client takes place, pathways are in place to ensure those in need receive access to critical the services and programs.”

Currently, divisions within the Bergen County Department of Human Services including Senior Services, Veterans Services, Disability Services, Family Guidance, and the Office for Children have the ability to receive referrals –and have already began receiving intake information from our pantry partners. The Food Security Task Force is in the process of connecting additional agencies. The pathways are designed to ensure ease of use for both pantry staff and services providers; following a client signing a release of information form, their name, contact info and a general description of the services they are looking for are sent to the receiving agency – who then reach out to

conduct their initial intake.

“The process in Oasis for referring our pantry clients to county agencies has been incredibly seamless and simple to do,” said Lisa Bontemps Parkside Community Church pantry director. One of our veteran clients was contacted because of the referral we made in Oasis and told me the next week how thankful he was that someone called him to help him access much needed dental services that he didnʼt know he was entitled to receive. This process opens up so many more

avenues for getting valuable information on resources and services to the hands of those in highest need.”

The Bergen County Food Security Task Force was formed in July 2020 as a response to the skyrocketing need for food and services after the onset of the pandemic. The Task Force has been working to connect the food providers in Bergen County and assist them in sourcing best practices and sustainable solutions to combat the persistent levels of hunger in the community.

TEDESCO BONTEMPS

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

Cannabis: Several Woodcliff Lake residents speak out

had gathered 449 signatures by late afternoon on May 22, Huang said.

Huangʼs petition reads, “We encourage everyone in Woodcliff Lake, especially those with children — to ask yourselves the following question: Am I OK with having a cannabis dispensary in the backyard of where I live? Although a majority of Woodcliff Lake residents voted to legalize marijuana use, we did not vote to have dispensaries in our neighborhoods.”

“Significant concerns that we have include the following: traffic volumes intensifying, loitering, crowding and lines, increased noise, littering, decreased home valuations, mis-distribution of cannabis to our minors, reputational harm to the town, increase in crime, and harm to our ability to attract other commercial and retail tenants, just to name a few,” reads the petition.

At the May 9 meeting, the council formed a Cannabis Exploratory Committee to investigate the potential tax revenues from hosting any one of six cannabisrelated businesses, including growing cannabis plants, storing cannabis and cannabis products, making cannabis products, transporting or delivering cannabis, sell-

L.

Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulator y, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act into law, legalizing and regulating cannabis use and possession for adults 21 years and older and decriminalizing marijuana and hashish possession, A-1897 (P.L.2021,c.19). He also signed S-3454 (P.L.2021,c.25), clarifying marijuana and cannabis use and possession penalties for individuals younger than 21 years old. (New Jersey State League of Municipalities.)

ing cannabis, and testing cannabis and cannabis products.

This was undertaken, said committee members, due to a dropoff in tax revenues from local hotel tax receipts, as well as changing economic conditions lowering local tax revenues.

Following several residents noting that no local police official

SCOTT BERKOBEN, P.A. A Professional Corporation Attorneys

at Law

Disposable money is for having fun...

to spend and enjoy any way you want.

On the other hand, real estate is a valuable asset, one that should be protected and watched over especially when buying or selling. Our law firm provides expert services in handling real estate transactions and this expertise comes in part from having performed these services almost 2,000 times. We hope you don’t have to leave our area, but if you do we are ready to help you... from contract to closing.

Experienced Municipal Prosecutors and Defenders

Visit

meet within the month and said they would report back to the council, and public.

The committee is advisory and meetings are not open to the public. At its conclusion, the committee will likely make a recommendation to the council, and the council will then discuss them at a public meeting.

Earlier, they said they hoped to hire a legal consultant with expertise in the cannabis industry to assist their research into cannabis opportunities. Attorney John Schettino said that the hiring of any consultants must be done in public and come before the council for approval. Schettino also noted that the council does not need to follow the committeeʼs recommendations.

Resident Anna Flores Locke, a nine year-resident, said allowing a marijuana dispensary was “not acceptable” in Woodcliff Lake and her 10 year-old son, Charles, said he did not like marijuana “because it smells bad and makes people crazy.”

Former Councilwoman Nancy Gross, a Democrat, who plans to oppose Rendo this November, said she hopes the public “remains engaged” in the debate over marijuana in the borough. She said she was concerned “greatly” about the “misinformation being put out there.”

was on the exploratory committee, Mayor Carlos Rendo requested a motion to add a local police representative to the committee. The motion was approved, 5-0. Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta was absent.

The Cannabis Exploratory Committee is composed of councilman Richard Schnoll, councilwoman Nicole Marsh, Planning Board Vice Chairman Corrado Belgiovine, Zoning/Code Official Mark Berninger, and Borough Planner Elizabeth Leheny, plus a police official yet to be appointed.

Following the meeting, Marsh said the committee would consider all the public comments and emails they have received, and discuss the suggestion to remove retail dispensaries from consideration.

Both Marsh and Schnoll said they anticipated the committee to

Rendo said he was opposed to cannabis in the borough, noting he did not sign the petition opposing a dispensary because he may have to vote on the issue.

“If it comes to a vote, Iʼm voting ʻnoʼ,” said Rendo, who is running for reelection this November.

She said she appreciated that the cannabis committee would discuss its findings in public. She said that “this is a marathon and not a sprint” and urged the public to stay involved.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities provides related background and resources at njlm.org/969/CannabisLegalization

Jennifer Chernow, a Hills Valley Coalition leader and 17-year resident, reminded the council that marijuana was “one of the things that we work so hard to keep out” of town.

Resident Alex Couto said the borough “should not profit from human misfortune” and said allowing a dispensary would make Woodcliff Lake “known as the drug town of New Jersey.”

Another resident said a retail dispensary would bring in crime and lower home values.

PASCACK PPASCACK ASCACK PASCACK PASCACK

Resident Joshua Stern said he did not want to live in a town with a cannabis dispensary. “This isnʼt Rochelle Park, this isnʼt Bergenfield, this is Woodcliff Lake,” he said, noting if marijuana is viewed as the only source of potential revenue, “the council has failed this town.”

He noted the online petition opposing a retail dispensary “shows how much people do not want this.”

Other residents stressed concerns including a potential dispensaryʼs association with increased crime and criminal activity, traffic, odors, impacts on children, and impacts on the boroughʼs reputation.

Schnoll said the committee would be speaking with officials in other towns who have played host to various cannabis enterprises to get data and information on the results and impacts.

Councilwoman Jennifer Margolis said a governing bodyʼs responsibility was to “seek out alternate revenue streams” and urged residents to contact them with ideas about local tax revenues. She said the council would be looking at other revenue streams in upcoming months.

“We need to do our due diligence to see whatʼs out there,” she said, noting the decline in hotel tax revenues and an increase in local office vacancies.

Pro? Con? Other? See our Letters policy on Page 2 and sound off!

Letters:

FROM PAGE 17

prayer in advance of the occasion, your involvement in communicating with Divine Providence would be much appreciated!

Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale

Teen leaders at Valley Chabad

To the editor:

VALLEY C HABAD ʼ S Teen Leadership Initiative, a nonprofit social service, educational and community service program for teens, throughout the Pascack and Saddle River Valley, will be recognizing over 180 teens who have volunteered this year to better our community

I extend my thanks to the Valley Chabadʼs Teen Leadership Initiative for their service to our community. The over 180 dedicated teen volunteers make a significant contribution to our entire community by working with kids with special needs and helping to educate fellow youth on the Holocaust. The countless hours spent volunteering their time by making holiday food packaging for families in need, decorating mugs with inspirational quotes and kind messages for cancer patients in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as many other activities with our local seniors, are admirable!

Their service to the greater community through these programs makes us all proud. Their hard work and dedication to volunteerism and helping others will help them accomplish all the goals they set for themselves throughout the different chapters of their lives. We are lucky to have such shining examples of leadership and service in our community. Thank you!

Mayor Keith Misciagna Park Ridge

PRPD’s finest show they care, alertly

To the editor:

IWOULDLIKETO recognize two of our Park Ridge police officers, DiGregorio and Dutcher, for an outstanding job while community policing. The officers recently assisted one of our Park Ridge families while they waited for paramedics to arrive, after they called that their 2-year-old son was experiencing difficulty breathing while in his crib due to a severe case of croup.

The child was treated and is doing well. The two officers visited the boy a couple of days later to see how he was doing and to say hello — they even brought with them two D.A.R.E. stuffed animals for the boy and his brother.

I have always said we have the best police department in the county, if not the state! Thank you for protecting our community and serving our residents by safeguarding life and property.

Mayor Keith Misciagna Park Ridge

Restore energy tax receipts to towns

To the editor:

ICO - SIGNED ALETTER dated May 16, 2023, from most NJ mayors to urge the Governor and the legislature to amend the proposed New Jersey state budget to include funding for energy tax receipts to municipalities.

For over a decade, at least $350 million has been diverted from municipal governments for state budget purposes. A restoration of this funding would bring significant property tax relief for Hillsdale homeowners. The state has never been in a better position to restore this funding and should seize the opportunity to restore this funding to where it belongs. The letter can be read on the Hillsdale Borough website, under Mayorʼs Spotlight: Joint Letter on Restoration of ETR 5-16-23.

Taxes on gas and electric utilities are for the use of public land (the public right of way) for their equipment. These taxes were originally collected by the host municipalities, and when the State made itself the collection agent for these taxes, it promised to return the proceeds to municipalities for property tax relief

Just as municipalities collect property taxes for the benefit of

school districts, counties, and other entities, the state is supposed to collect energy taxes for the benefit of municipal governments. For years though, state officials have diverted funding from energy taxes to plug holes in the state budget and to fund state programs. Instead of being spent on local programs and services or used to offset property taxes, the money has been spent as successive legislatures and administrations have seen fit.

The diversion of dedicated energy tax receipts to the stateʼs G eneral Fund has left many municipalities with serious needs and burdensome property taxes and it further jeopardizes this critical property tax relief funding for future years. Local elected officials are in the best position to decide the best use of these resources, which were always intended to fund local programs and services.

Last year the state budget included an additional $75 million in Municipal Relief Funds as the first step in restoration of the

Energy Tax Receipts — but next yearʼs proposed state budget does not include this funding! With a nearly $10 billion budget surplus, the time has come to restore to local budgets the millions in property tax relief that have been annually diverted to meet state needs.

Please contact the Governorʼs office and our state legislative officials to let them know that Hillsdale taxpayers want the State to live up to their promise.

•State Sen. Holly Schepisi contact: senschepisi@njleg.org;

• Assemblyman Robert Auth: asmauth@njleg.org;

•Assemblywoman DeAnne DeFuccio: aswdefuccio@njleg.org;

•Gov. Phil Murphy: nj.gov/governor/contact/all Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale

Lack of north exit off GSP

To the editor:

REGARDINGTHE Township of Washington and traffic at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue: the township has been the recipient of all this traffic for many years, ever since, and continuing to this day, of the Garden State Parkway not having an exit off northbound and being able to make a right turn, only a left turn off it. (Glen Road.)

Instead, traffic has to get off the GSP at Washington Avenue, then head south, and at the traffic light, which was just expanded, head north. Itʼs a tremendous inconvenience for those going to Woodcliff Lake or Park Ridge.

Itʼs a shame, because the expense of the [ongoing county expansion of the intersection] could have been minimized by that simple right turn.

Nick DeLucca Park Ridge

Your turn! We know our readers have opinions. We welcome respectful and informed letters on timely local topics. See our guidelines on Page 2!

Rainbow Girls plant a bit more of Westwood

Temple Pledge Group #19 Rainbow Girls planted a tree with the Westwood Shade Tree Committee out front of the Westwood Masonic Temple on April 25 in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Courtesy photo

Temple Pledge Group #19 Rainbow Girls planted a tree with the Westwood Shade Tree Committee out front of the Westwood Masonic Temple on April 25 in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. They learned how to properly plant a tree to give the tree the best chance of a long life.

The girls are excited to watch “their tree” grow through the years.

Thanks went to councilperson Erin Collins, Shade Tree Committee chairman Dan Zambrano, and committee member Beth Staples (with pup Piper!) for giving the Rainbow Girls this

opportunity.

Rainbow is a unique leadership and service organization for girls ages 5–20 that develops incredible public speaking skills and lifelong friendships. New members are welcome year round. Write templepledge19@gmail.com

WESTWOOD

Pi-oneers:

FROM PAGE 1

FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” 1676 is the number FIRST assigned to the team when they registered in 2004. The team were world champs in 2017.

More than 18,000 students from 59 countries competed with team-built robots and showcased innovation skills. The top 23 teams qualified for this yearʼs World Championship.

First says the championship “combines sports excitement with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, students are challenged to fundraise, design a team identity, exercise teamwork, and build and program robots to compete in an exciting game that includes autonomous and driver-operated periods. In the 2023 game, CHARGED UP presented by Haas, teams were inspired to see the potential of energy storage in a new light as they competed in alliances to charge up their communities.”

Mentor Lisa Ruggieri told Pascack Press “The Pi-oneers qualified not only with their high ranking, they also automatically qualified by winning the FMA District Championship Engineering Inspiration Award.”

She reported “The judges said ʻThis team has a long established track record of supporting FIRST

and STEM education. While this team may promote STEM legislation and assist local teams, no state line will hold them back. They also help educate and inform teams in all FIRST programs across the globe. Whenever you need legislative support, rookie team training, or just a good LEGO story, this team will help you read all about it.ʼ”

Honors at the Mt. Olive First Mid-Atlantic District Event and Warren Hills FIRST Mid-Atlantic District Event included Excellence in Engineering and Engineering Inspiration, respectively.

Krigsman, a junior on the

team from Pascack Hills High School, has much to be proud of as a finalist for the 2023 Deanʼs List Award. According to FIRST, Deanʼs List candidates “are great examples of current student leaders who have led their teams and communities to increased awareness for FIRST and its mission while achieving personal technical expertise and accomplishment.”

Krigsman is the team chief operating officer, leader of the Community Outreach Project Group, a member of the International Outreach Project Group, and a member of the Robot Division, where she is hands-on with building the robot.

The district honored the team at the May 15 school board meeting. Zeller said, “Team 1676 truly provides opportunities for students with varying interests and skill sets to thrive in what FIRST calls coopetition — where teams cooperate with one another while competing, all at the same time. Team 1676 has a reputation around the world as a leader among FIRST teams and we continue to be impressed with their work.”

Lauded were:

Art Allajbegu PV

Kenneth Ang PH

Adinadhan Athreya PH

Grant Bancroft PH

Dylan Barrett PH

Joshua Baskin PH

Leisha Bhosle PH

William Bramley PV

Yushin Cho PV

Jake DePaolo PV

Giulia DiSalvo PH

Sonny Drozd PV

Max Dryerman PH

Hugh Gorman PV

Julian Guggino PV

Benjamin Gulleyan PV

Colin Hill PH

William Hill PV

Karyn Hill PV

Suzanna Kalishman PH

Roderick Kennedy PV

Minche Kim PV

Eliza Krigsman PH

Ciara Leen PV

Grant Linardic PH

Alex Liptak PV

Estrella Luna PV

Suhani Mahale PH

Benjamin Miller PH

Evan Minneker PV

Tyler Minneker PV

Dylan Minneker PV

John Murno PV

Treshan Nilaweera PV

Triyana Nilaweera PV

Olivia Nixon PH

Ciaran OʼBrien PV

Sean OʼNeil PV

Aditya Pokala PH

Nathan Prins PV

Ming-Lang Qin PV

Thomas Rottinger PH

Emily Rottinger PH

Jessica Ruderman PV

Christina Samouhos PH

Thomas Samouhos PH

Gowri Santhosh Kumar Rekha PH

Jason Schwartz PH

Ryan Schwartz PH

Tyler Seferian PV

Kareena Shah PV

Matthew Sheehan PH

Aastha Shukla PH

Aryan Shukla PV

Gavin Sibley PH

Benjamin Smith PH

Danielle Stanchak PV

Ayan Swain PH

Adrian Testino PV

Aleksey Trust PV

Victor Urumov PH

Nathaniel Veit PV

Vincent Wang PV

Christine Yang PH

Justin Yoo PH

Raymond Yoo PV

Joohee Yoon PV

Derek Zheng PH

Kirill Zhukau PH

Coache Kevin Killian

Coach Lisa Ruggieri

Coach Jack Teadore

Coach James Whitfield

Mentor Stephan Bacica

Mentor David Banovic

Mentor Barbara Bressler

Mentor Brian Buckley

Mentor Ellen Drennan

Mentor Ryan Hall

Mentor Michael Herman

Mentor Eric Kasper

Mentor Matthew Lantry

Mentor Steve Mertz

Mentor Kaushal Pandya

Mentor D. J. Solleder

Mentor Alex Wolosiuk

As well, the team continues its effort to supply custom-made food donation bins to local supermarkets. The donation bin at Kings is in support of the Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale.

On May 19 the team was interviewed at WCTV-NJ in Washington Township along with its FirstLegoLeague team, the River Vale Cyberhawks from River Vale Public Schools.

On May 24 the team held its annual Sponsor Appreciation Night, thanking the BOE, Crestron, Haigʼs Service Corp., Comcast, and Brian Wamsley. For more information visit https://team1676.com/sponsor-us

CURVE AT FIRST AND MILL CLAIMS A TESLA — NO INJURIES

An 18-year-old driver crashed through a chain link fence and down a stream embankment after losing control of her Tesla sedan at the intersection of Mill Street and First Avenue late Tuesday afternoon, May 23.

Neither the driver nor her two male passengers were injured in the mishap.

Two tow trucks were involved in recovering the car from its predicament. Westwood PD responded to the incident along with a Hillsdale EMS ambulance.

No summonses were issued at press time.

— Boyd A. Loving.

Follow Boyd on Instagram and Facebook.

IG: instagram.com/boydaloving

WESTWOOD

PHjunior Eliza Krigsman stands proud as Engineering Inspiration Award Dean’s List finalist at the 2023 FIRST World Championship in Houston. Courtesy photo

Bergen County remembers the Armenian Genocide

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners joined Armenian communities across the world on Monday in commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, the event was attended by community members, organizations, and parishes including the Armenian National Committee, Tufenkian Foundation, St. Leon Armenian Church, and the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus.

The Borough of Montvale, too, remembered the Armenian Genocide, in an event organized by the Armenian National Committee of New Jersey — ANC of NJ at Huff Pond.

April 24, 1915 is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, as it marks the first phase of the systematic extermination of the Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman troops arrested and mur-

Pietro Luigi BULDO

Pietro Luigi Buldo, 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Beloved husband of the late

dered hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders that day, then went on to deport and kill an estimated 1.5 million Armenians by 1923.

Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali said in part, “As a decedent of victims of the Genocide, I appreciate the efforts of the community for this remembrance.”

In Hackensack, Tedesco said in part, “We are called to remember the

Born in Pescopagano, Italy, he came to America in 1967 and lived in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. and Englewood before moving to River Vale in 1974.

He was a proud owner of Buldo Brothers Sanitation Inc.

He enjoyed gardening, watching soccer, taking long walks around the neighborhood, and most of all being around his family and friends.

Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Hillsdale, followed by entombment at Garden at Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Colorectal Cancer Center, www.mskcc.org.

victims of the Armenian Genocide and understand this history together. We stand with the thousands of Armenians who call Bergen County home to honor all those whose lives were tragically cut short by hatred.”

The program featured speakers such as Knights of Vartan Grand Commander Hunan Arshakian, Dr. Antranig Kasbarian Development Director of the Tufenkian Foundation, and Armenian Genocide Sur-

OBITUARIES

byterian Church in Norwood, where she helped with ESL classes and she was also involved in the Stigma Free movement in Bergen County

The family will receive their relatives and friends on Thursday, May 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. There will be a prayer service for the first 15 minutes of the memorial service.

While flowers are appreciated, to celebrate her life, donations and tree memorials may also be made in

vivor Anoush Krikorianʼs poem recited by his great-granddaughter.

“The Armenian Community, known for their tenacity, has survived one of the worst atrocities of humankind. Their unyielding will and courage have enabled them to flourish in so many communities across the world, including here in Bergen County,” said Commissioner Germaine Ortiz. “It is our role to ensure the truth is spoken about his-

her name to the National Wildlife Federation. becker-funeralhome.com

Joseph POGGI

Joseph Poggi, 92, of River Vale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Beloved husband of Stephanie (nee Macanka) Poggi for 45 years. Devoted father of Roman and Susan. Cherished grandfather of Robert, Jamie, Michael and Colleen and

The Borough of Montvale remembered the Armenian Genocide,in an event organized by the Armenian National Committee of New Jersey — ANC of NJ with Huff Pond as the backdrop.(Zoltán Horváth photo)

tory to prevent it from repeating itself.”

The call to action most speakers emphasized was the immediate threat to the peace and safety of Armenians living in NagornoKarabagh.

“We gather to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide even after 108 years to ensure it never happens again,” said April 24 Committee Co-Chair John Shahdanian II, a member of the Bakradouny Lodge. “It is imperative that we call out the warning signs of another genocide as the Armenians of Artsakh live under blockade by Azerbaijan.”

great grandfather of Robbie, Emily and Henry Also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Joseph was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War. Visitation was 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. Funeral Mass 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 25 at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church, Park Ridge followed by entombment in Garden of Memories, Township of Washington. rsfhi.com

Maria Giuseppa Buldo. Devoted father of Ana DiMarco and her husband, John, the late John B. Buldo and his wife, Janet. Loving grandfather of Maria DʼAndrea and her husband, Michael, Teresa Klingele and her husband, Michael, John Anthony Buldo, Christina Santagato and her husband, Eric and RoseAnn DiMarco. Great-grandfather of Christina, Adriana, Edward, Brayden, Johnny, Avery, Hudson, and Luca Pietro.

Loving son of Giambattista Buldo and Maria Giovanna Lanza. Dear brother of Geraldine Scioscia and Maria Antoinetta Scioscia, and the late Caterina, Francesco, Salvatore, and Giuseppe.

Send condolences to beckerfuneralhome.com.

Lydia Lee KIEVIT

Lydia Lee Kievit, 73, of Westwood, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2023. Beloved wife of Judith Banes and beloved mother of Jenny Banes-Kievit.

Born in Paterson, she grew up and lived in the town of Ridgewood for many years before planting her roots in Westwood in 1993. Lydia worked as a social worker and psychotherapist for over 30 years and served many of those in the disabled and homeless community

She was a member of the Pres-

A rundown on DIY demos

Homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budget-friendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves in an effort to cut costs. That is why many individuals opt to handle demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors get started. There are important things to keep in mind when doing demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the space where youʼre working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular saws and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You donʼt

know what is behind the drywall, including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. Youʼll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump in into the container, rather than having to toss debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless itʼs a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.

Homeownersʼfasciation with a lush, green lawn is something that has developed over time and is still “growing” strong. According to a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81 percent of all Americans had lawns and 79 percent said a lawn is an important feature when buying or renting a property.

Even though lush lawns are still coveted, due to drought, the financial climate and even invading insect populations, many people are taking inventory of their landscapes and deciding if a lawn is a priority, even going so far as to reinvent their spaces with lawn alternatives. Still, there are ways to keep properties green no matter which route is taken. Hereʼs a look at some environmentally friendly ways to address a landscape.

Irrigate from below

There are many ways to water landscapes, but homeowners may want to take their cues from the commercial farming industry. Drip irrigation systems utilize a network of valves, pipes and tubing close to the roots of plants or under the soil. Such systems are more efficient than surface irrigation options, helping to save water and nutrients in the soil.

Water early

Scotts Lawn Care suggests watering a lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it is cooler and winds tend to be calmer This ensures water can be absorbed into the soil and grass roots before evaporation occurs. Watering midday may cause the water droplets on the lawn blades to heat up and actually scorch the lawn.

Plant a new grass type

Homeowners can experiment with eco-friendly grass seed blends that mix native grasses and may not require as much water nor ideal growing conditions.

Utilize green alternatives

Rather than focusing solely on grass, some homeowners are turning to alternatives like clover and even moss, particularly if their landscapes do not have the most pristine growing conditions. This may reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides. The result is still a green, inviting yard.

Watch the lawn height

Mowing too frequently or at too low a height may compromise the

lawnʼs ability to thrive. Grass cut to the proper height develops a deep root system to better locate water and nutrients in the soil. That means homeowners may not have to water as much or as frequently. Taller lawns also shade the soil and the roots, reducing some evaporation.

Compost Leave the clippings on the lawn to break down and further feed nutrients to the lawn, helping

Keep your lawn looking green HOUSE TOURS

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

it look greener and thrive. Furthermore, rely on supplementation with compost to reinforce the nutrient profile in the soil. The National Resources Defense Council says composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer. It doesnʼt take much to nurture compost in a yard.

Green landscapes are possible with a few tips that help conserve water and maximize natural resources.

How to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable

Private backyards are now go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind.

O ne ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was more time spent outdoors, even if it was predominantly on oneʼs own property. OnePoll, in conjunction w ith the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic.

In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic.

A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. Though COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, the desire to enjoy outdoor spaces has not waned.

While enjoying outdoor living areas, homeowners can do all they can to make these spaces comfortable and welcoming. The following are some good starting points.

Get all lit up

Outdoor spaces can be enjoyed no matter the hour when there is ample lighting. That could be why the International Casual Furnishings Association reports those who plan to renovate their outdoor spaces list outdoor lighting as a priority. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.

Increase privacy

No matter how friendly homeowners are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is paramount. Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.

Address the elements

Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions

of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong sun during the d ay, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often hit by winds, trees or bushes planted strategically as windbreaks can help.

Sit comfortably

High-quality comfortable seating increases the liklihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or love seat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.

Take a dip

A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/hot tub can bridge t he gap to cooler weather. According to the Family Handyman, soaking in hot tubs can relax tired muscles after a long day, loosen up stiff joints, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

Bite back at bugs

Homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces. As people spend more time enjoying their properties, they can consider the many ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable.

EMERSON BOROUGH

is seeking two PT Police

Records Clerks to perform varied clerical, data-entry and retrieval, and recordkeeping tasks, and other required duties for the Police Dept. The position works with Police administration. Prior experience in municipal government preferred. The successful candidate must be highly self-motivated, with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and be able to multitask efficiently as well as maintain confidentiality

Part time M-F, 8:30am-2 pm or 2-7:30pm. Email cover letter and resume by 4pm on June 16 to Borough Administrator

Robert G. Hermansen at rhermansen@emersonnj .org. The Borough reserves the right to interview and hire a candidate before the closing date of this advertisement. EOE

Choraliers bring B’way June 4

The Lakeside Choraliers recently entertained an enthusiastic group of residents of the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus with selections from Broadway shows spanning the decades.

The Lakeside Choraliers will present their full spring concert, Broadway: Then & Now on Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 131 Pascack Road, Park Ridge.

Songs from such Broadway

hits as “Hello, Dolly!,” “Pippin,” “Rent, “Les Misérables” and “Dear Evan Hansen” will be performed.

The Lakeside Choraliers, founded in 1972, is a non-sectarian mixed community choir for singing enthusiasts of all ages and is based in Montvale, under the artistic direction of George W. Swope and accompanied by Fiona Smith Sunderland. Members hail from Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Rockland counties, and beyond.

Tickets for Broadway: Then & Now are $20 ($10 for children under 17) and can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling Dorothy Waldt at (201) 820-5923.

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.

F/T Temporary Seasonal Laborer –Hillsdale DPW. Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to assist with maintenance beginning on or about May 15. Experience not necessary. Pays $15 per hour

Responsibilities include park & field maintenance, emptying garbage cans, litter removal, & performing other manual labor duties. 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.

Wanted To Buy: All records, instruments, guitars, drums, microphones, old stereos, ect. Call Tony 201-262-4970 or Cell 201509-7079.

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. CDLClass 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.

FULL TIME RECREATION COORDINATOR –BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE – BERGEN COUNTY - The Borough of Hillsdale seeks an experienced professional for a full-time Recreation Coordinator. Demonstrated experience required in the operation of recreation programs. The ideal candidate shall plan, organize, coordinate, and direct assigned recreation programs, activities, and special events as well as develop, organize and manage staff, contractors and volunteers in providing recreation and leisure activities for the community. The Recreation Coordinator’s task is to supervise and support in instructing various recreational programs and classes, and to help the community through developing and promoting the same.

Candidate must have a valid Rutgers Youth Sports Research Council Safety Course Clinician Certification or obtain within six months of employment. All interested applications should possess a valid New Jersey Driver's license, including a safe driving record and must pass a background check.

Salary shall be commensurate with experience.

Qualified candidates should submit their resume and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by June 13, 2023.

Hillsdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and reserves the right to interview applicants as received.

Caregivers seek position for evenings, weekends, overnight and live-in. Experienced, with references. Fully vaccinated. Call 201-823-7923.

Two pool ladders, inside and outside. $500 for pair “That’s a wonderful price, let me tell you.” Call Mary at 201-358-1358.

Creative Graphic designer - wanted for an education company 1520 hours per week. Strong eye for design with ability to create graphics, logos, assist with email campaigns. Excellent writing and communication needed. Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite. Send resumes to info@eduscape.com

Help WantedLandscaping: crew leader- clean DL, experience driving with trailers & trucks & running equipment & crews , 2 yrs. min. Good pay & hours. Growing company. 201-664-3130.