Pascack Press 11.15.21 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

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

PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 35

WESTWOOD REGIONAL

HOUSING, MORE CLASSROOMS District, up against developments, mulls school bond in 2022

NOVEMBER 15, 2021

VOLUNTEERS TO CHEER FOR Township girls help power new program

See MORE on page 224

GROWING

PAINS OVER COMMUNITY CENTER Attorney urges cooperation on capital project

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Additional classrooms might be needed at schools in the Westwood Regional School District, which serves Westwood and the Township of Washington, as trustees look at new development rising in the township. Trustees at the Oct. 28 board meeting discussed a possible bond referendum or public question for construction of additional elementary school classrooms stemming from anticipated enrollment hikes. The town recently approved the 66-unit Viviano/American Dream project on Van Emburgh Avenue and is hearing an application Franklin Court Management LLCʼs 44-unit rental apartment complex, the first of its kind in the township [see related story, Page 3]. Board members noted other developments are possible on the horizon and requested its June 2020 demographics study be regularly updated. District Business Administrator Keith Rosado prepared a report based on district committee reports and the 2020 study that showed minimum, optimum, and maximum class sizes for kindergarten, grades 1–2, and grades 3–5. He said the finance and facilities committee wanted to know what it would be like with the optimum number of pupils in each grade. Sticking to the optimal number of 18 students for the elementary grades, Rosado said the district needs eight additional class-

HILLSDALE

The inaugural lineup of Westwood and Washington Township K-1 Mini Cards, backed by seasoned cheer mentors from Washington Township in grades 7–8. BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

OWNSHIP COUNCIL Vice President Desserie Morgan had the pleasure, Nov. 8, of helping to recognize the outstanding work of some of the townshipʼs most dedicated volunteers: bright young ladies who helped make the townʼs new K-1 Mini Cardinal Cheer Program a soaring success. Receiving framed service

awards from Morgan and Mayor Peter Calamari at that nightʼs meeting of the governing body were seventh-graders Gina Castronova, Alana Lucas, Alexis Morris, Emma-Claire Readie, Isabella Realbuto, Ellorie Roberts, and Jenna Zotolo; and eighth-graders Adrianna DeNobile and Brianna DeNobile. Morgan, a veteran cheer coordinator and cheer mom — and a registered nurse, with a

CHEER PHOTO VIA HEATHER CASTRONOVA

masterʼs degree emphasis on leadership and healthcare — proposed a rec cheer program to her fellow elected officials. And she went further, setting out to “volunteer to coordinate, manage, and assemble a team of mothers who shared her vision, enthusiasm, and willingness to volunteer,” according to an invitation we received on the occasion of the girlsʼ honor.

Continued on page 8

A pair of committees, one appointed by the council and the other by Mayor John Ruocco, both focused on evaluating sites for a community center and artificial turf field, should try to work together — although nothing in applicable law requires it. Thatʼs according to Borough Attorney Mark Madaio on Nov. 9. Madaio told council members and Ruocco that both have the power to create their own committees, and that though the mayor appointed a citizens advisory committee to assist the evaluation process for a community center and turf field, the council was under no obligation to consult with it. One resident has called the project taking shape “a hodgepodge” (Letters, page 2) and said it appears thus far out of scope with what the boroughʼs seniors have been calling for. A council majority and Ruocco have clashed since early this year when the five majority members included approximately $500,000 in the annual budget as a down payment for a possible $10 million bond issue on a future community center and artificial turf field. Also, members clashed over including a “density bonus”

See GROWING on page 394

NEW PLEDGES

B ck in time...

Temple Pledge Group #19 welcomes five new members on Oct. 26, pictured here with members of Temple Assembly #32 Rainbow Girls.

Local high schoolers in 1940 lacked for digital distractions, but nevertheless lived full, rich lives. Kristin Beuscher has this autumnal photo feature. SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 18

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Veterans Day message endures

To the editor:

Veterans Day, I am overcome with memories of my friends whom I knew so well and who lost their lives during World War II and Korea: It was once said “the paths of glory lead but to the grave” and of course as time goes on, the sacriN THIS WONDERFUL

fices made by those innocent young boys will be forgotten. However, I will never forget them, and they are constantly in my thought and in my prayers. I have also poignant memories of my immigrant family who sacrificed so much for America. My grandparents came to America from Italy in 1900. Their young son (my uncle) Frank Lucianna was killed while serving under General Pershing in Mexico. During World War II, my cousins served honorably: Frank Novello was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, and Joseph and James Novello served with distinction in Italy and North Africa. My

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Sgt. Frank Lucianna speaks in Englewood on Memorial Day 2019.

brother Victor, who died on April 14, 2011, served honorably and with distinction in The Battle of Okinawa in 1945. On this Veterans Day, I think of my young friends who died for America and the heroes who fought with honor and courage for America. Hopefully, the day will come when there will be no more wars and no more veterans to recall the anguish of the loss of their friends. Sgt. Frank P. Lucianna 15th Air Force World War II

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In WW, what difference a year makes To the editor: 2021 was very different than the pandemic H patterning of Halloween 2020.

Last year, we were still distancing. We were still obsessively sanitizing everything: mail, groceries, books at the library. Face-to-face distribution of treats was frowned upon because of the cruel tricks Covid-19 had played upon us. And so we set up tables outside our homes. Parents strictly scrutinized what went into their childrenʼs plastic pails and cloth sacks … more cautiously than ever. The childrenʼs Halloween parade was reimagined and reduced, although Celebrate Westwood gamely organized Westwood Avenue merchants for a Covid-compliant outdoor trickor-treat experience. Last year Covid-19 had smashed our pumpkins. This Oct. 31, with Covid in remission, Year 1 A.V. (After Vaccination) we were reacquainted with the joy of a normalcy weʼd previously taken for granted. Berkely Schoolʼs Trunk or Treat kicked off the weekend on Friday evening. Saturday was

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gray and rainy — just the right amount of Halloween spooky — and featured the Brookside Trunk or Treat to everyoneʼs delight. Westwood Softballʼs Field of Screams started Halloween Sunday with a well-attended gauntlet of local sponsor tables full with candy, and a steady flow of ghosts, ghouls, goblins, superheroes, and Disney characters (who were unrecognizable to me.) My son is 24 years old and our Disney days, with the OʼSullivansʼ, are a distant but dearly held memory. And so, I relied upon my younger colleague, Councilwoman Erin Collins, to fill me in on who was who and which witch was which. Councilman Rob Biccochi and I walked briskly past the “dunk tank.” Instead of pitching a ball at a target, and dumping the dump-ee in a water barrel, shaving cream pies were hurled at the volunteer to be pieʼd. Brian LaMotta, a Pied Piper of pie tossing children, was covered, head to toe, with cream. So, naturally, Fran Meisten volunteered Rob and me to take his place. In todayʼs political climate who wouldnʼt enjoy pie-ing a politician? But we had a childrenʼs Halloween parade to attend! The parade through town began and ended at Veteransʼ Park in a colorful confluence: a Hal-

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289 Pascack Rd. Washington Twp. • (201) 358-9660 (Washington Town Center)

44-unit complex vote eyed at Dec. 1 hearing TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Legal, building code, variance and affordable housing issues that should be considered when deciding whether to approve Franklin Court Management LLCʼs proposal to build a 44-unit apartment complex and two single-family homes off Van Emburgh Avenue should be provided by the applicantʼs attorney by mid-November. Thatʼs according to Planning Board members at the Nov. 3 meeting. The planned development, part of the townshipʼs affordable housing settlement, includes seven on-site affordable units and the Planning Board is under deadline to act to comply with the settlementʼs terms. The next hearing is Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Applicant attorney Donna Jennings said she hopes for a final vote by the board then. If not, she said she would allow a continuation to Dec. 15. Board attorney Louis Lamatina said he would review the detailed memo that Jennings, of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, Woodbridge, prepares prior to the hearing. He said he would let board members know whether he agrees with Jenningsʼ legal views and summations Jennings said she would prepare a summary of existing issues raised by the applicant, board and public over three public hearings and offer her legal views on those concerns for Planning Board members to review, consider, and discuss. The applicantʼs nearly 3.5-

hour third hearing, Nov. 3, focused on variances, fire vehiclesʼ access, setbacks, stormwater, traffic and a host of complaints and criticisms from four adjacent homeowners. The homeowners have appeared at most other applicant hearings. Once again, fire truck turning radiuses, fire vehiclesʼ ground clearance and lack of fire vehicle access to at least two sides of the proposed complex were raised as concerns. At one point, Sears appeared to wonder why the Townshipʼs fire official was not more concerned about fire vehicle and equipment access to the multifamily structure, one of the townʼs first such buildings. In response, the applicant attorney said the building met all fire codes and would be completely sprinklered. She noted the fire chief did not raise significant concerns. Jennings and Applicant Engineer Michael Pucci both said templates obtained from the fire chief and also the fire truck manufacturer, Pierce, were used to simulate turning radiuses and ground clearances. She said the departmentʼs on-order fire vehicles would be able to navigate the developmentʼs main road coming and going. Applicant architect Rob Larsen said the applicant was requesting a hardship variance due to the cul de sac in front of the two proposed single-family homes. He requested a reduced frontage setback of 25 feet versus a coderequired 50 foot setback. He said the reduced setbacks would allow more possible backyard areas. Upon questioning by member Leonard Sabino, Larsen said the applicant would be willing to locate another fire hydrant in the

development if fire officials did not feel the number of hydrants was sufficient. Throughout the hearing, issues arose with fire protection and fire safety, from members Tom Sears and Sabino. Fillmore Drive neighbors regularly speak out against the developmentʼs size and potential impacts to nearby residentsʼ privacy and quality of life. Board planner Stan Slachetka said it is up to board members to decide if they believe the cul de sac and nearby wetlands present a hardship for the single-family homesʼ development in an “AA” zone, which permits such homes on half-acre lots. Slachetka said the affordable settlement agreement allows two market-rate homes on the property and advised members to look at the alternatives presented by the applicant, including reduced frontage setbacks, “and what is best from a planning perspective.” Members said they could deny the variances if they donʼt like what the applicant presented. An easement for a sanitary sewer line that exists on the property was detailed in the site plan drawings, said Pucci. A stormwater conveyance

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pipe that did not have an easement may have to be moved, said Pucci. At one point, Slachetka wondered whether that storm water line might be left and worked around if the board granted a reduced frontage variance. Pucci said even if granted, the applicant might not be able to leave the stormwater line untouched due to site constraints. Sears asked Pucci when they would address the issue. Pucci noted that when the two homes “are in some fashion agreed upon” then the stormwater pipe easement

will be addressed. Throughout the nearly fourhour hearing, members frequently opened up the variance, township code, and public safety items under discussion to public comment. Four neighbors — Dan Sharma, Eric Uderitz, Richard Horwitz, and Darius Oggioni — oppose the development, citing potential negative impacts such as loss of privacy, lack of fire vehicle access and fire protection, runoff CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

B ck in time...

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

HIGH SCHOOL

HAPPENINGS OF THE SEASON

back more than 80 years, to autumn 1940. These were the days after the Great Depression, just before America became involved in World War II. There were no television sets, but Americans faithfully tuned in for radio programs. The digital age of computers, Internet, video games, and cellphones was decades away, and social media was not part of the teenage lifestyle. Young people occupied themselves by hanging out and chatting, seeing movies, going to dances, driving around, skating, and taking part in school activities. Dating was a more serious business than it is today; many would marry right out of high school. American youths were developing their own culture of music, dancing, and fashion distinct from adults. The word “teenager” had not yet entered the American vocabulary, but it soon would. Here are scenes captured at Park Ridge High School that autumn. Park Ridge was one of only two high schools in the Pascack Valley at the time — the other was Westwood. Its students came from Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, and beyond. HIS WEEK WE GO

YOUNG AND SCRAPPY: The high school as it looked 80 years ago.

ON THE STAGE: The cast of the senior play, “Spring Fever,” which showed in the high school’s auditorium in November 1940. This play had saw the largest attendance and made more money than any preceding it.

OWL FOOTBALLERS: The squad in autumn 1940 brought Park Ridge its most successful season since 1935—they beat rival Westwood for the first time in five years.

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EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood 201.664.2105 and Woodcliff Lake FAX 201.664.2109 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 E-MAIL US AT Westwood, N.J. 07675 pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

FALL ACTIVITIES: Posters advertise the senior play, the German Club’s hike in their very own “Alps” (Palisades Interstate Park), and an apple-on-a-stick fundraising sale. The apples were 5 cents each. Publisher Editor Assistant Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

John J. DeFina John Snyder Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher

The articles and opinions printed in Pascack Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Pascack Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. This publication contains material developed independently by Pascack Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part. Pascack Press is published in Westwood and is distributed to every household in our circulation area.

HIGH BIDS ON CAUSEWAY

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Faced with much higher than expected bids for improvements to Centennial Causeway, Borough officials told their business administrator Nov. 8 to request a state grant deadline extension so they might re-bid the project and still qualify for the $175,000 grant. It was not clear if state officials would grant an extension from the Nov. 21 deadline, although officials said they might still approve the low bidder and then negotiate to delete a nearly $300,000 Causeway fencing item from the bid. Borough officials had been working with Suez Water to help with fence financing or replacement but had not reached any agreement on fencing prior to going out for bids on the planned Causeway improvements. While officials expected bids in the $300,000 range — based on prior budget projections — the lowest qualified bid by AA Berms LLC, Belleville, was $716,444. A non-consent agenda resolution to award AA Berms the project was tabled pending a possible grant extension and project re-bid.

Borough Administrator Tom Padilla said he would request an extension of the state grant deadline, although he admitted “It was a bit of a long shot.” Councilman Craig Marson pointed out council only approved a $300,000 budget line item for the Causeway work, and even the lowest bidder was nearly $430,000 over that budgeted amount. He said the high bid was “making a mockery of what we were trying to do seven months ago” during budget reviews and development. Marson said even if the fencing cost was removed from the lowest bid, the bid was nearly $120,000 over what was budgeted. “We are so far apart. This is very disconcerting,” Marson said, asking for Padilla to provide more budget details. Padilla said the fence replacement cost in the bid was for $298,000. Councilman Steven Falanga said needing to include fence replacement in the bid specs “is what blew this out of the water.” Falanga suggested that council consider awarding the contract, due to its Nov. 21 grant deadline, and then reduce the contract by taking out the fencing replacement cost. Borough Engineer Evan Jacobs said the contrac-

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tor appeared agreeable to the revision. “Thereʼs a $175,000 grant in the balance,” said Falanga. Besides the low bid, the three other bids submitted were for $979,640 (Zaccaro Inc.); $1,357,883.97 (Your Way Construction, Inc.); and $1,380,908.00 (Covino & Sons Construction Co.). A public notice published Oct. 22 notes the planned improvements include new concrete sidewalks, curbing, landscaping, and minor drainage upgrades. Padilla said when sealed bids were opened publicly on Nov. 4, “we were all shocked” by the bid amounts. Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta said the fencing might be removed from the bid specs. “Do we need a new fence, absolutely, but at what cost?” she asked. She suggested that Suez should be responsible for replacing the fence. However, other officials said Suez only had offered to replace the fence with a chain link fence, which council members did not consider to be aesthetically appropriate for such a highly visible, well-traveled crossing that traverses Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.

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Mayor endorses $29.4M schools bond

Mayor Michael Ghassali has thrown his personal support behind a nearly $30 million school bond referendum vote to be held Dec. 14 to upgrade the boroughʼs middle and elementary schools. On Nov. 8, he wrote residents with his endorsement, saying “numerous developments in town will likely help to offset much of this cost for taxpayers.” The mayor, a two-term Republican, said, “I believe that these improvements to our schools are a necessary investment in our town and in our childrenʼs futures.” The districtʼs Dec. 14 ballot referendum asks voters to approve borrowing $29.4 million, with state aid likely to reduce that by approximately $7.2 million, said officials. On Montvaleʼs average home

($524,788), the district estimates a cost of about $27 monthly, or $325 per year for 25 years. District officials note the last major school renovations were made decades ago, with “facilities and systems aging to the point of inefficiency.” The $29.4 million referendum will upgrade HVAC systems, including new boilers to replace 60-year-old boilers, plus security upgrades, fire systems and bathroom renovations. The boardʼs referendum website notes local enrollment is projected to continue rising and the bond funding will add five new classrooms at Memorial Elementary and existing space would be renovated for better uses at Fieldstone Middle School. Moreover, the bond funding would help redesign space at both schools to create STEAM labs

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that blend concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and math with dedicated lab space. Ghassaliʼs endorsement comes with a sweetener to entice taxpayers to approve the schoolsʼ upgrade. “Over the past few years Montvale has seen a significant amount of development which will generate additional tax revenue and help offset the cost of anticipated school improvements,” noted Ghassali. He lists five major developments that are planned to be completed within two years that he says have the potential to generate an additional $2.7 million per year in property tax revenue: • A senior living facility at 110 Summit Avenue to add about $400,000 in property tax; • A senior living facility at 100 Summit Avenue to add about $300,000 in property tax; • A mixed use development

funded through a referendum that voters approve.” He adds, “The proposal includes key maintenance items that would take years to complete under our regular budgets such as upgrading boilers and replacing unit ventilators that bring heat and fresh air into the buildings.” He said the bond funds would pay for new heating and cooling systems and the new systems would take over when window air conditioning units no longer function. Also, restroom renovations at both schools and an outdoor standalone restroom near the recreational field at Fieldstone will be added. District officials presented to the governing body on Nov. 9 and held a virtual information session, gathering feedback, on Nov. 10. — Michael Olohan

at 1 and 3 Mercedes Dr. to add about $1 million in property tax; • A townhome development at 2 Paragon Dr. to add $400,000 in property tax; and • Sony Drive, projected at $600,000 in property taxes. The district hire Laura Bishop Communications LLC of Cherry Hill for up to $ 50,000 to help enhance outreach to residents. The firm has put together a referendum website at montvalek8.org/future and a video featuring superintendent Dr. Darren Petersen and board president Ernie DiFiore on where bond funding will go and the districtʼs rationale. DiFiore says in part, “Let me be clear: A bond referendum is part of a smart financial strategy. It can provide funding for necessary building improvements and spread the cost over time. Bond funding also makes the school district eligible for a special type of school aid available only for projects

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Master Plan update gets $20K boost

The Borough Council voted, 4–1, on Nov. 8 to authorize up to $70,000 — an increase of $20,000 — to complete a circulation and utilities study required to finish the update of its Master Plan. Earlier this year, the council authorized a special emergency appropriation for up to $50,000 to be spent on a Master Plan update by Phillips, Preiss, Grygiel, Leheney, Hughes. The emergency appropriation spreads the cost of the update over five years. Councilman Craig Marson opposed the added cost. Councilwoman Angela Hayes was absent. Apparently, said councilwoman Josephine Higgins, Preiss did not include the needed study in its scope of work, which

could also be done by the local engineer. However, it was easier to include the cost of the study over five years and get it done now as the updated Master Plan required it, she said. Padilla said the study costs were estimated at $16,240, but $20,000 was appropriated by resolution for a cushion. If costs are less, less will be paid out to complete the Master Plan, which had not been updated in decades, he said. The boroughʼs Master Plan came under fire for being outdated during 2019 Zoning Board hearings for a 60-unit rental complex at 188 Broadway. Moreover, with pressure to develop along the Broadway Corridor and commercial areas, a Master Plan update was

approved and undertaken this February. The plan includes elements such as land use, circulation, utilities, community facilities and schools, conservation and open space, sustainability, economic development, and historic preservation. It falls to the Planning Board to approve a revised plan. From 1985 through 2002, the borough adopted periodic reexamination reports. In 2002, a complete Master Plan update was conducted; reexamination reports passed in 2008 and 2019. A survey done this summer by the Master Plan committee found residents opposed to rental apartment complexes, multifamily, high-density housing, and increasing traffic. — Michael Olohan

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November projects, planning work in focus Planning Board Applications • Safari Energy/Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Solar Carports — The applicant has requested approval to install six car port structures containing 3,312 solar panels above 342-parking spaces north of the MSK building. The borough engineer is preparing a completeness and initial review. • De Pieroʼs/Montvale Development Phase II – This application was approved by the Board on June 15. Final resolution compliance and bonding estimates have been prepared. • Montvale Family Apartments — The resolution granting final site plan approval was tabled, awaiting additional information, and is scheduled for the Nov. 16 meeting. This application is for construction of a 25-unit development on Summit Avenue at the intersection with Craig Road. • Bank of America, 80 Chestnut Ridge Road — The application was approved with conditions at the Oct. 19 meeting contingent upon submission of revised plans prior to the Nov. 16 board meeting. • Mobius Solar I, LLC, 5 Paragon Dr. — This application for installation of solar panels over portions of the parking lot was approved at the March 2 meeting. There has been no activity on this application or permits requested from the borough. • Balchem Corp, 5 Paragon

Dr. — This application for a new tenant includes site improvements related to their operations. No hearing date has been set. • Moksha/Valley View SubDivision – 89 Valley View Terrace – The engineer issued resolution compliance and bonding recommendation to the borough. A developerʼs agreement will be prepared ahead of the issuance of any permits for the start of construction. “The applicant received approval on Oct. 6, 2020 for the construction of two homes on this undeveloped lot, which will be accessed from a new cul-de-sac off Valley View Terrace,” Ghassali said.

Planning Board Inspection Projects • De Pieroʼs Lifestyle Buildings — One tenant space is vacant in the “Ulta” building. • AR Landmark (Hornrock) – One Sony Dr. — A preconstruction meeting was held on Aug. 3 with CED and borough representatives in attendance. Only a permit for clearing the land and minor soil movement has been approved. The mayor said, “This development includes 185-dwelling units over parking in the Montvale portion of the larger AR Landmark development in Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. (448 units are proposed for the Park Ridge portion of the site).” • Village Springs at Mont-

Phase I development (buildings 1 and 3). • Premier Development (Alexa), 160 Spring Valley Road — This 81-unit townhome development north of Upper Saddle River Road has 29 units occupied in six of 11 buildings. The club/amenities building, on an adjacent lot in New York, is complete. • Thrive (Pike Development)/110 Summit – The applicant projects completion and occupancy in winter/spring 2022. “We met with representatives of the contractor on July 19, 2021 regarding site conditions, and work continues on the site which is nearing completion. The applicant has been approved for additional site amenities including pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking trail,” Ghassali said. — Staff report

vale (the former A&P site) — Model townhomes are open at 10–14 Driftway Lane, and the applicant will be filing for certificates of occupancy in the near future. According to Ghassali, work to stabilize and rebuild the north pond retaining wall continues. The project includes construction of 80 townhouse units in 18 buildings at 2 Paragon Dr. • Woodland Heights/Flintlock Road — This 20-home subdivision off Woodland Road has 16 homes occupied and two homes under construction. Two undeveloped lots remain in this development. COAH fees will be collected once the applicant applies for the construction of the final home site. • North Market/Triboro (the former Mercedes-Benz property) — Office Building No. 2 is partially occupied, as work proceeds. Construction is ongoing as well for the residential components of the

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Mayor Michael Ghassali shared these updates on town projects, Planning Board applications, and Planning Board inspection projects on Nov. 8: • Bergen County/Magnolia Avenue Bridge Replacement — Final easements prepared by the county were forwarded to homeowners and are awaiting their signatures. The contract for the bridge reconstruction work was awarded to Sanzari Construction. A preconstruction meeting was held Oct. 27. “Note that, as part of the required detours, the installation of a temporary traffic light at Grand and Woodland will be part of this construction project. The actual start date for construction has not been finalized by the county,” Ghassali said. • Bergen County 2018/2019 Road Program (Kinderkamack Road) — CED is working with the county to finalize the improvements to the ADA ramps along the length of Kinderkamack Road, prior to milling and paving. The schedule for the start and duration of this work is still not finalized. • Montvale 2019 Bergen County Open Space Grant – Memorial Drive Bocce Ball Courts — The contractor has completed the work on the new courts, and we are awaiting an invoice and related paperwork from the Contractor to prepare the payment application to the Borough.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Volunteers: Township honors young cheer mentors “Desserie believes it is important to highlight the impact these young volunteers have had on the youngest members of our community. They are the positive role models that our children need — and the fact that they are children themselves speaks volumes about the kind of community we have here in the Township,” the invitation read. At council chambers, where sat the girls and their families, and many others who had turned out for town business, Morgan said senior rec Cardinal cheerleaders

FROM PAGE 1

volunteered to help with the new five-week feeder program, open to kids in Wa s h i n g t o n Township and We s t w o o d , which share a MORGAN school district. Morgan said the program was received enthusiastically. Twentynine young ladies from both communities were the inaugural Mini Cards. Practices, Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m., Sept. 18 through Oct. 16, were at Memorial Field except for Town Day, when it was at

Gardner Field. She also lauded cheer squad moms, all from the township: Melissa Percontino, Nikki Prunella, and Andrea Vecchione. Morgan told Pascack Press on Nov. 11 that each intro class starts with a salute to the stars and stripes, emphasizing “respect, honor, and unity.” That leads into stretching, practicing sideline cheers, a “hello dance” (set to Cyndi Lauperʼs “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”), freeze tag “just to get the sillies out,” and essential positions and cheer moves and terms. “We wanted them to be familiar with hearing those

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words.” Mini Cards move up to Westwoodʼs Cardinal cheer program for grades 2–8, and then high school cheer. At the council meeting, Morgan said, “I have had the pleasure of working with these girls in several capacities. First when they were very young, and then as the cheer coordinator for several years. I was honored to watch as they grew into the amazing young ladies in front of us today. Now, they are coaches and mentors for our little ones, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to have been a part of that.” She said, “Volunteers are the backbone of our community. I, along with the adult volunteers … were completely blown away, week after week, by these nine amazing young ladies.”

Morgan said “They gave this program — this town — their time and energy and expected nothing in return. Every Saturday they showed up early and ready to engage. They have true character and are clearly leaders.” She read a spirited and motivating poem, “It Couldnʼt Be Done,” by Edgar Albert Guest. Morgan said, “As the first program of its kind here in Township, these ladies are the pioneers who did the impossible and taught 29 5-and-6-year-olds so much more than cheer: They taught them how to think beyond themselves, to work as a team, and — above all else — to be confident and proud.” As she resumed her seat at the dais she received a cheery bouquet from the programʼs volunteers — a gift in kind.

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Miano Family is Toys for Tots drop site

Miano Family Chiropractic Center LLC of Montvale will be a drop-off site for Toys for Tots. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 8 and can be dropped off on Mondays or Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There

will also be a bin outside the door, as the door is locked when we are cleaning between patient visits. If you have any questions or need to arrange another time to drop off, call (201) 746-0640. To drop-off toys, stop by 70-J Chestnut Ridge Road.

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Flag policy on hold as council reconsiders limits WOODCLIFF LAKE

Facing public pushback, the Borough Council decided Nov. 8 to table a proposed ordinance that would have restricted flag-flying on public property to the U.S. flag and certain governmental flags, prohibiting other flags including the Pride flag, which the borough has flown for the past two years. The council directed borough attorney John Schettino to research other town and governmental policies and ordinances that permit flying the Pride flag on public property and report back at the Dec. 6 meeting. At its introduction, Ordinance 21-15 that restricts flags permitted on public property, was narrowly approved, 3–2. It was opposed by councilman Craig Marson and council president Angela Hayes, though neither publicly noted objections at the meeting. Hayes was absent Nov. 8. Councilwoman Jospehine Higgins said Nov. 8 that she had also received requests to fly flags, including the Right-To-Life flag. On Nov. 8, newly reelected incumbent Democrat councilwoman Jacqueline Galdaleta said she “always supported” raising the Pride flag on municipal flag poles and urged the flag ordinance to be tabled. Gadaleta and her running mate, Jennifer Margolis, won Nov. 2ʼs council election over Republican challengers Michael Casale and Dianna Cereijo. Gadaleta said she had spoken to Schettino and Bergen County

Commissioner Tracey Zur for possible options to permit the display of a Pride flag on public property. It was unclear what other flags might be permitted, though no council person said that they wished to include other specific causes or organizations. Gadaleta said, “We do need to limit other flags that could be considered controversial or cause a legal situation or cause a legal situation if we chose not to raise them.” She asked Schettino to research Fair Lawnʼs flag-flying ordinance, which she said mirrors the U.S. House of Representativesʼ policy for flying the Pride flag. Marson said he favored raising the Pride flag on public property, which the borough has done for the last two years. Two years ago, Mayor Carlos Rendo stood with LGBTQ+ advocates in June and raised the Pride flag for the first time on the boroughʼs Centennial Causeway.

Support for Pride flag Other members appeared to support raising the Pride flag though some, including councilman Steven Falanga, voiced concern that flying it could create legal issues and pressure the borough to fly flags that it would prefer not to. Former councilwoman Nancy Gross read a statement from an LGBTQ+ individual that said raising the Pride flag “really touched” her but noted that raising the flag can show needed support to LGBTQ+ individuals, and especially adolescents, struggling with their identities. Resident Rebecca Bellin said she was “really relieved and grate-

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ful when the town decided to raise the Pride flag” and noted what the Pride flag flying meant to her. She said she has flown a Pride flag and urged the borough to not “[give] into the demands of a bully” and “take this opportunity to do what is right.” Cheryl Dispoto said the Pride flag was “a symbol of civil rights” and said she was “very disappointed” that the council chose to introduce such a flagflying ordinance. She said the White House, and nearby towns including

Ridgewood, Teaneck, and Wyckoff fly the Pride flag every June during Pride Month. Sara La Motta said “That the council would even consider doing this was horrible, absolutely horrible” and criticized the way the ordinance was introduced. She said she was “so grateful” the council decided to table the ordinance and look at other flag-fly-

ing policies. “Do right by our community and our youth who really are our future,” she said. Resident Liz Baxter said she supports finding an alternative so the Pride flag can be flown and is “hopeful that you can resolve this in an inclusive fashion.”

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Vaccine champion Ray Arroyo aims to inspire amid Covid recovery Mayor Ray Arroyo, one of the valleyʼs most visible and engaged champions of vaccines in the fight against Covid-19, is fielding messages of love and support after he recently tested positive for the virus. He said heʼs quarantining until symptoms subside and was sad to anticipate missing his first meeting of the governing body since he was elected to council in 2011 and installed in 2012, and a meeting with Suez about flooding and the operation of the Woodcliff Lake Dam. He wrote residents Nov. 8, “I share this with you all as I have transparently shared my understanding of Covid-19ʼs presence in our community over the last 19 months. Now I must report that it is in me.” Arroyo wrote, “I had been

waiting to get the third (booster) shot. Iʼd wanted to get a blood test to determine my level of antibodies. I should have ARROYO just gotten the third shot as soon as I was eligible.” The mayor said, “I believe had I done that I might still have gotten infected. But I doubt Iʼd have even minor symptoms.” He said he and his wife, Jo Ann, were informed they were exposed to someone with symptoms, and the coupleʼs subsequent tests showed that, fortunately, Jo Ann was negative. Arroyo observed that he recently wrote about the yearʼs wonderful Halloween festivities in Westwood as a great contrast to the situation in 2020. “I wrote that Covid seemed a bad dream: a night terror gradu-

ally receding from memory as we emerge from a fitful sleep. [See Letters, page 2.] A week later, I woke from a fitful sleep to a head cold, scratchy throat, and some minor congestion. I didnʼt think anything of it. It reminded me of the questioning weʼd all done, recalling allergy-like symptoms at the beginning of the pandemic, and wondering if weʼd actually had experienced mildly symptomatic Covid-19 before we knew what it was,” Arroyo said. He added, “But I was informed that during the week Iʼd been around someone whoʼd come down with symptomatic Covid-19. So my wife and I went and got the rapid test. She and I are both double-vaccinated.” He said, “We are all fortunate to live in the country that has rapidly produced and distributed effective vaccines and healing, antiviral drug therapies in response to the pandemic. The pharmaceutical scientists responsible for these advances have

impacts, improper landscape screening from the development, building height, water pressure, parking, and traffic. Uderitz, a 15-year resident of Fillmore Drive, wondered what Larsen referred to in describing the complex as being “contextual” or

“commensurate” with nearby homes. He questioned the safety of pedestrians needing to walk from the units out onto Van Emburgh Avenue. He said no nearby bus stop exists, and no access to mass transit. He said the complex would add traffic to the “dangerous” Van Emburgh-Washington Avenue

intersection, add pollution, decrease privacy, and have a negative impact on his property value. “This is an absolutely egregious and unnecessary development for Washington Township,” Uderitz said. He also slammed the proposal at the Nov. 8 meeting of the governing body.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

Complex: Next meeting Dec. 1 FROM PAGE 3

turned what was once a death sentence for so many into a mostly tolerable flu or bad head cold for 95% of those who are vaccinated. And they did it in less than two years. That is truly remarkable.” Arroyo said the council president and borough administrator would attend the Suez meeting in his stead. “And Iʼm going to miss Veterans Day [observances on Nov. 11]. So I am sad about that. But Iʼm probably not going to die from Covid-19. And I am extremely happy about that.” This reporter reached out to Arroyo to wish him well, as so many have done on Facebook and elsewhere, and observed that his announcement might help others to go for the vaccine. “That was absolutely my rationale for sharing my misfortune,” he said. He shared that heʼs been struggling somewhat with insomnia but did recently get a better nightʼs sleep. “I think itʼs my stress about not giving it to my wife and son.” Arroyo is the second area mayor to have been diagnosed with Covid-19, to our knowledge. This March, Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari, a fellow Republican, was briefly hospitalized with it — and similarly had many supporters to thank for their concern and care. In late September Arroyo released the boroughʼs latest Covid-19 numbers, saying PVMC had just reported one Covid-19 in-patient in a medical — not an ICU — bed. Four emergency room walk-ins were treated and released. The transmission rate was still above 1.0, at 1.06, “meaning each individual infected is still infecting slightly more than 1 additional person,” he said. He said at the time that PVMC administration had

advised that “the Northeast is the area with the lowest Covid numbers, and this has been the case for about a week now. That is a big change since the inception of Covid. The change is attributed to the high vaccination rates in the community.” He added that although area breakthrough infections are possible, “statistics suggest the unvaccinated are at far greater risk of contracting the disease and, depending upon age and general health, ending up severely ill, hospitalized — or worse.” In July, Arroyo had the pleasure of seeing his nominee, resident Lisa McKoy, named a Rep. Josh Gottheimer Fifth District Hometown Hero for her work leading a group of Westwood Borough volunteers assisting Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center on Westwoodʼs vaccination days. “She worked long hours and went door-to-door in her neighborhood to reach out to seniors without social media, helping get hundreds of Westwood seniors, residents, teachers, and workers vaccinated,” he said. Arroyo added, “Lisa epitomizes the kind heart and unbreakable resolve of Westwood: When things were at our very worst she was at her very best.” And he lauded the work of Councilwoman Cheryl Hodges, Westwoodʼs council liaison to the Board of Health — and the councilʼs first liaison to Pascack Valley Medical Center, where she was instrumental in arranging vaccines to seniors, teachers and merchants. She said during her re-election campaign she was working on a program to administer booster shots to those same residents who need them.

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Traffic signal on horizon for GSP exit 168 TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Mayor Peter Calamari says the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway, conveyed it is interested in a traffic signal at GSP Exit 168 and Washington Avenue “as soon as possible.” He reported at the Nov. 8 meeting of the governing body, “After reaching out to me, the Township Police Department and Bergen County regarding the request, Boswell [Engineering] is drafting a letter of support for the Township to forward to the Turnpike Authority as soon as possible.” Calamari did not elaborate. We reached out to NJTA for comment but did not hear back by press time. NJTA notes on its website that new toll rates and an updated long-range capital plan went into effect in May 2020 and that it is spending approximately $1 billion a year on capital projects “to boost mobility and safety for generations of New Jersey drivers to come.” Here are highlights of the remainder of Calamariʼs report.

Intersection progress The mayor delivered an update on the pending overhaul of the intersection of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue, saying that on Oct. 14, the Township received a commitment from Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III that the county will advertise for bids this fall or winter, with construction commencing in spring 2022. He said utility poles along Pascack Road have been relocated and wiring is being placed and relocated, and that Boswell Engineering has staked pole relocations along Washington Avenue. He said Township Administrator Robert Tovo and Boswell Engineering met with PSE&G on Oct. 21 to resolve minor issues with pole relocations. Road program The mayor discussed the 2021 Road Improvement Program. “DLS Contracting, Inc. is performing the work through a base bid of approximately $690,000 and an Alternate Bid A of approximately $68,000, resulting in a total amount of approximately $758,000,” he said. He said the scope of the work includes the following roads for

which the Township has received grants from the NJDOT: • FY 2020 grant of $200,000 for improvements to the Ridgewood Road extension from East Glen Avenue to Linwood Avenue, and, • FY 2021 Grant of $210,000 for improvements to Hudson Avenue, Bridge Street and the Municipal Complex Parking Area. And the following streets and work: • Calvin Street from Maple Avenue to Bergen Avenue Hicko-

ry Street from Ridgewood Road to northern terminus; • Hickory Street from Washington Avenue to southern terminus; • Asphalt Path Replacement from Jessie F. George School to Calvin Street; and • Alternate Bid A will cover Palm Street from Beech Street to Hickory Street. Calamari said the Township has funding available from the 2021 road paving program for another phase of paving: “Boswell Engineering will pre-

pare the specs for advertisement at the end of 2021 to commence in the spring of 2022.” He added that “The sewer main beneath the center of Salem Road has extensive cracking and needs to be lined or replaced, with replacement being the most likely option.” He said Boswell will prepare a proposal for engineering design and inspection services. Weathering the storm Calamari praised the townʼs CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

LIBRARY CALENDAR: PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Miss Danielle will offer a session of Bendy Bookworm on Monday, Nov. 15 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Traditional yoga poses and energy exercises are woven together with story books and rhymes. Age 6 and under. Register online. • In an indoor program for ages 1–6, sing and dance with Miss Jolie and her ukulele. Miss Jolie Music is Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Open to the children of Emerson only. Register online.

• Chair Yoga for adults is Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Participants gently move their bodies, gain strength and flexibility, and find some peace together in this fully supported, adaptable indoor class. All abilities; no experience needed. Chairs provided. Registration required. • Join Miss Victoria for Afternoon Storytime for ages 2–5 on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m. The program is indoors. Registration is recommended, but drop-in welcome. Due to capacity limit, only one adult will be per-

mitted in the program room per family. Additional guests will be asked to wait in the main library. • Little ones are invited to Move, Learn & Grow with Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga. In this class for ages 2–5, children sing, move their bodies, read stories, and learn about different topics at each class—from colors and animals to feelings and seasons. Meets Friday, Nov. 19, 10:30–11 a.m. Register online. • Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga presents Family Yoga Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11:15 a.m.

Play, move and learn with the whole family. Register online. HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • Author Louis L. Picone will be at the Hillsdale Library on Monday, Nov. 15 from 7–8 p.m. to speak on his new book, “Grantʼs Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon,” which looks at the memorialization of a U.S. president and Civil War hero. Takes

place in the library meeting room; reserve your seat online. • Join Maria on the library patio and start the day with a Chair Yoga class. Chair Yoga brings the floor to you and is a gentle but satisfying workout ideal for seniors or those who find regular yoga too aggressive. Thursday, Nov. 18, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration required. Class will be moved indoors in bad weather. • Zumba via Zoom is Thursday, Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m.

FUN AT SCHOOL

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Photo courtesy TEPV

WOODCLIFF LAKE

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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Mayor Peter Calamari, speaking at the Nov. 8 meeting of the governing body, allowed that the

Eton Road under a condition of emergency, officials agreed that the merriment was not universally appreciated. Calamari first lauded the work of the town public affairs office, under Daisy Velez, in running Town Day/Fall Festival, then

Colonial Boulevard resident Rosa D’Ambra speaks at the mayor and council meeting on Nov. 8 to raise concerns about crowds and restictions at the Third Annual Trick or Treat Safely Program. (Screen shot via WCTV-NJ.)

annual Halloween festivities on Colonial Boulevard had become “a victim of its own success.” After delighting in the results of the Third Annual Trick or Treat Safely Program, which ran the afternoon of Oct. 31 and saw Colonial Boulevard closed to vehicular traffic and off-street parking from Kenneth Street to

reported, “The Halloween events of the home decorating contest, pumpkin carving, pet costume, and trick or treating on Colonial Boulevard were all well received.” He said, “We thank the Cumming and Holzer families for sponsoring the hot dog cart on Colonial Boulevard in honor of Councilman Art Cumming, who

The WTPD posted that the Third Annual Trick or Treat Safely Program, centered on Colonial Boulevard, was “a blast.”

Park Ridge Rotary 34th annual fruit sale

PASCACK VALLEY

The Park Ridge Rotary Club is accepting orders for fresh seedless navel oranges and pink grapefruit delivered from the groves of Florida and California. At this 34th annual fruit sale, the club has lined up a new supplier with an online ordering option, making ordering a breeze. A case, approximately 42 pounds, is $48. A half case, some 21 pounds, is $30. To order, visit http://freshfruitorder.org/ParkRidgeRota ry. All proceeds will support Gift of Life, the local high school schol-

arship program, alleviating food insecurity in community, and service projects. “Fresh oranges and grapefruit in December make for a great holiday gift for family, friends, business, schools, and churches — or for any special someone or occasion. You can simply bring sunshine to a neighbor who could use some,” the club told Pascack Press last week. The deadline to place orders is Friday, Nov. 26. Pick up your order on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at International Bulb Company, 5 Wortendyke Ave., Montvale.

served the town in many capacities before his passing.” And he said, “We also thank the police, fire, and ambulance departments in their respective roles to close Colonial Boulevard to allow for a safe area for the people who attended the event.” Council Vice President Desserie Morgan, who lives on the boulevard, thanked “the residents on Colonial, all of the participants

who took the time and decorated their homes and all those who opened their doors for these massive amounts of trick of treaters that we did have.” She said, “I know it was overwhelming; it was a tremendous amount this year. … I canʼt even express to you how it felt like it was a party from 1 oʼclock to 4 oʼclock. But I knew our children were safe so I want to thank our

police, fire, and ambulance…” She said in years past parents had to hold their breath and hope no one speeding down the street would hit a child. She said closing the street gave young parents peace of mind. “Although Colonial can be a speedway it is the one thing that every year weʼre like, there is no more parade coming past our CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TOWN SAYS IT HEARS ALL FEEDBACK ON GROWING HALLOWEEN TRADITION

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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before serving). • Cook for 3 hours covered. • Serve over Gnocchi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables. • Serves 8 • Buon Appetito! Vicolo is at 216 Old Tappan

p.m. and 4 to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Visit Vicoloʼs website for its menu: vicoloristorante.com. For reservations, take-out, catering, and more, call (201) 497-8777.

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

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Dining & Cooking Guide

50+ Club New Year’s at The Brownstone

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club is planning a New Yearʼs celebration trip to The Brownstone on Thursday, Dec. 30. The afternoon event includes lunch, entertain-

ment, transportation, and gratuities. Cost is $75 per person. Reservations and payment are due by Nov. 17. Call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

HILLSDALE

Helping Hand Turkey Drive Nov. 20

The annual Helping Hand Food Pantry Turkey Drive is set for Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 349 Hillsdale Ave. Volunteers will be on hand to

assist in collecting the turkeys — for local Thanksgiving and Christmas tables — and any other donations for the pantry.

PASCACK VALLEY

Friedberg food drive thru Dec. 30

Friedberg Properties/Friedberg Neighbors Helping Neighbors community service group is collecting donations for local food pantries through Dec. 30, and you can pitch in. Manager and broker associate Robin Effron Malley says, “With the holiday season approaching, many people are beginning to wonder how they are going to feed their families, but the shelves in the pantry are getting bare and the need is great. We encourage everyone to donate.”

Wondering what you can donate? Malley has you covered: “Think about the food you would like on your Thanksgiving table! Food banks also need the day-today staples. Here are a few suggestions beyond the canned goods: cereals, instant oatmeal, powdered milk, apple sauce, granola bars, spices, soap, shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrushes, paper goods, laundry detergent, diapers,

canned meats, stews, vegetables and fruits, bags of apples, bags of potatoes, and cake mixes.” Donations can be dropped off at any Friedberg office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. any day of the week at 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale; 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine; and 105 Union Ave., Cresskill. For more information, call Friedberg Neighbors Helping Neighbors at (201) 666-0777.

Let us help announce your achievements. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

HILLSDALE

Troop 109 Turkey Trot Nov. 25–28

This Thanksgiving, join Boy Scout Troop 109 of Hillsdale for their Second Annual 5K Turkey Trot. Register for $30 at https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Hillsdale/Troop 109HillsdaleTurkeyTrot. Then go out for your run/walk any time (and anywhere) between Thanksgiving, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 28; send in your finishing time; and the troop will deliver your commemorative race T-shirt.

All proceeds from registration directly supports Scouting in Hillsdale.

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

eats WESTWOOD

Dining & Cooking Guide ORADELL

Shop the Hub ‘3D’ delights Nov. 11–13

Music, art, shopping, dining — Westwood offers it all as the Hub of the Pascack Valley. Residents and visitors will find unique opportunities to shop local before the rush of the holiday season during Celebrate Westwoodʼs Shop the Hub 3D. And that “3D” stands for three days of sales and specials: Thursday, Nov. 11 through Saturday, Nov. 13. More than three dozen business participants are expected across Westwoodʼs favorite restaurants and retailers of fashion, jewelry, art, home goods, beauty, gifts, sweet treats, and more. This fourth Shop the Hub event is CWʼs first multi-day extravaganza. Shop the Hub 3D begins Nov. 11 with a late night of shopping events at more than 20 locations, plus gallery opening events at Westwood Art Gallery and Bergen County Camera. Sales, specials, and pop-up

in-store events continue through the weekend, with a live performance by Arts on the Avenues musician Talia Green midday Saturday. Additional participating businesses include Bellagio Jewelers, Jackʼs Cafe, Threads, Osteria Crescendo, Ludovica, Stack Creamery, Monte Carlo Menswear, Mount Everest Ski Shop, Luxe XII Lifestyle, Beyond the Barre, Fitrition, Melting Pot, Flavor a little Taste of Home, Mirror Mirror, Optical Illusion, and CATS Resale Shop. The list grows daily. Interested businesses should contact celebratwestwood@gmail.com or sign up at celebratewestwood.org. For the most up-to-date information on sales, specials, and hours of operation, check with your favorite Westwood small businesses, visit celebratewestor check out wood.org, @CelebrateWestwood on Instagram and Facebook.

BERGEN COUNTY PLAYERS RETURN

Club News? Let us help promote your club or organization. Welcome back! Robert Quiles, Katrina Michalewski, Sarah Friedman, and Nancy Feldman. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or Bergen County Players returns Nov. 20 with the rousing musical revue “A Grand Night for mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675 Singing: A Celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein.”

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Marking a return to live theater after a 20-month hiatus, Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longest-running little theater companies, is thrilled to announce that its doors will reopen beginning Nov. 20 with the rousing musical revue “A Grand Night for Singing: A Celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein.” Under the direction of Alan Demovsky, musical direction by Steven Bell, and choreography

by Steve Dougherty, this twotime Tony Award-nominated show features the quintessential work of Rodgers & Hammerstein and "includes some of the best musical theater songs ever written; itʼs hard to resist!” (Variety). Performances are at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, Nov. 20– Dec. 19 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 2). Tickets, priced at $25, may

be purchased at bcplayers.org, by calling (201) 261-4200, or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. The Bergen County Players, Inc. is a non-Equity, non-profit community theater company dedicated to presenting quality productions for the enrichment of the community. For more information visit bcplayers.org.

Dining & Cooking Guide

Giving Tuesday: Colliers Engineering leads on LEAD MONTVALE

Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) is getting an extra boost this Giving Tuesday by partnering with Colliers Engineering and Design, which will match donations. The engineering company, which has a location in Montvale, said in a press release it will match any amount donated to L.E.A.D. The L.E.A.D. program is taught to school age children in

the Montvale area along with 40 other states by 2,800 dedicated police officers. The donations from Giving Tuesday will be used to assist in L.E.A.D.ʼs effort to educate school children in Montvale on the dangers of drugs in their communities. “We are thrilled to be partnering with L.E.A.D. this Giving Tuesday to raise money toward more classes and workbooks for students in the program and more training for officers teaching the

WESTWOOD

St. Andrew’s 50+ Club Christmas Luncheon

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Clubʼs Christmas Luncheon is set for Wednesday, Dec. 1 at noon at Acadia Catering & Events at

Soldier Hill Golf Club, Emerson. The cost if $50. Reservation and payment are due by Nov. 10. Call Angie at (201) 666-3888.

Let us help announce your achievements. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net RIVER VALE

Seniors’s holiday luncheon Dec. 7

The River Vale Seniors are hosting their Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 7 at the Emerson Hotel Restaurant in Emerson. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-member guests. Reservations must be made by Nov. 26.

On Dec. 15, the River Vale Police Department is hosting a luncheon for the River Vale Seniors at the Senior Center. This is a members-only event. For more information, call Raul Otey at (201) 387-0753.

program,” said Kevin Haney, CEO of Colliers Engineering and Design. He added, “Any donation will be matched, and every bit helps as we support L.E.A.D.ʼs mission to educate children in the Montvale area and across the U.S. on the risks of drugs and violence. We

are happy to be part of this effort to increase the impact of contributions being made to this wonderful organization that helps create safer, healthier communities.” Supported by dedicated police officers and school resource officers, L.E.A.D. provides leadership and resources so law

enforcement agencies can partner with educators, community leaders and families with the only proven effective anti–drug, anti–violence curriculum for students K-12. For more information and to donate, text GIVE2LEAD to 41444.

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274 Third Avenue, Westwood, NJ • 201-666-4417

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Library Calendar

Janet Weller, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, leads a dance-based workout. Register for Zoom link.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 13

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

• The Montvale Cookbook Supper Club will meet at the library Monday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register, email therese.jones@montvale.bccls.org. • Strength Training for Seniors, a virtual program, increases flexibility, strength and endurance using easy-to-follow movements. Via Zoom, Thursdays

in November at 1 p.m. Visit the libraryʼs website to register for as many sessions as you want. PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Join Miss Renee for Storytime every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the First Friends room (across the hall from the library). Geared towards

NEW PLEDGES

toddlers and preschool age, but open to all. Registration required. • Virtual Take-and-Make Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Miss Renee walks kids through a fun craft at home. You must call the library the Monday–Thursday before the craft to reserve your craft kit and it must be picked up that day. All ages. • Virtual Book It! Club with Miss Eileen meets live on the libraryʼs Facebook page Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Stories, science, and more geared towards kids in primary grades. RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Sign up for the Adult Craft Take and Make and receive a kit to make a mason jar votive. Kit includes jar, leaves, twine. Register online and then pick up Monday, Nov. 15. River Vale residents 16 and older. • The library offers Virtual Qigong classes, via Zoom, on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This class is open to all ages, and you donʼt have to be a River Vale resident. Register to receive Zoom link.

• Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. This gentle form of yoga is designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Register for Zoom access. • Catch “The Protege” (R, 2021) at the library on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Come for the Movie Matinee from 1 to 3 p.m., or watch during the evening encore from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Space is limited. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. All participants must sign a hold harmless agreement to attend. • Celebrate fall by making a beautiful wreath to hang on your door. Register now for the Tween & Teen Family Wreath Craft and then come to the library Wednesday, Nov. 17 to pick up your supply kit to make the craft as a family at home. For River Vale families with kids grades 4–8. • The library will hold an Adult Craft session Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon in the community room. Create a fabric-covered pumpkin centerpiece perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Registration required and open only to River Vale residents ages 16 and up.

WE BUY GOLD & DIAMONDS I N

Photo courtesy Hillsdale Hoops

WESTWOOD

Temple Pledge Group #19 welcomed five new members on Oct. 26, pictured here with members of Temple Assembly #32 Rainbow Girls. Pledge is for ages 5–11; Rainbow is for ages 11–20. New members are always welcome to join this unique service and leadership organization, meeting in Westwood since 1939. For more information write templepledge19@gmail.com.

A N Y

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

C O N D I T I O N

E X T R A $1 0 0 plus

FOR EVERY 50 GRAMS OF GOLD OR PLATINUM WITH AD.

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PASCACK LACROSSE Open to residents of Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale & Woodcliff Lake

Registration for the 2022 Spring Season Boys Registration - https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/281007 Girls Registration - https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/291128

Registration opens on 11/1/21. Registration closes on 12/31/21 Registration Fee: $150* *10% Sibling Registration Discount - $135 each sibling $50 Late Registration Fee after 1/1/22 - Late registration, if available, will close 1/15/22 Uniform Fee: $50* *Returning players may use last season’s uniform. New players or those returning players needing (e.g. size) to obtain a new uniform must purchase a uniform.

BOYS

GIRLS

21th year in the North Jersey Junior Lacrosse League (NJJLL) 3RD THROUGH 8TH GRADE

10th year in the Jersey Girls Lacrosse Association (JGLA) 3RD THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Each player must have their own US Lacrosse Membership.

All players must register, or renew membership, with US Lacrosse prior to registering for Pascack Lacrosse*. *A valid US Lacrosse membership through the 2022 season is required in order to register. $30 U.S. Lacrosse membership fee – register online at: http://ww.uslacrosse.org/membership.aspx

Bellagio

JEWELERS

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Angel Showcase Day Fuels Interest in AHA

Nearly 160 eighth grade applicants to the Academy of the Holy Angels participated in Angel Showcase Day on Nov. 4. The AHA Admissions Team said in a press release it had organized the event “so future ninth graders could spend a day exploring their individual interests at the Academy in a Covidsafe environment.” Admissions director Michèle McGovern and assistant admissions director Jennifer Bullis reserved the school building for the day. This format allowed visitors to receive personalized attention from their assigned Angel Ambassadors, and the faculty and staff who were on campus that day. “Based on post Showcase surveys, visitors had a positive experience. Guests said they received warm greetings, and most gave their Angel Ambassadors the highest rating possible,” AHA said. Many said AHA is their first choice high school, and most said they are now more excited about spending their high school years at the Academy. Faculty members prepared engaging, hands-on lessons to give visitors a better idea of life at AHA. Showcase participants chose from classes such as environmental science, psychology, engineering, art, religion, journalism, creative writing, math, and world languages. Visitors who worked with AHA Science Department chair Patricia Prucnel and Nadine

Behrens learned about beach erosion by creating “mini-beaches” in plastic containers and observing the effects of water on the terrain. Students in this class also put together take home versions of the beach by selecting natural ocean treasures and adding them to jars of sand. Students in Jing Looʼs engineering course experimented with

light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Angels and their guests put together basic circuit boards that lit small LEDs. Vanesa Formosaʼs students made quicksand by combining baking soda and water. This lab allowed future Angels to explore the phases of matter and become familiar with some equipment and techniques.

Teachers Andrew Sanchez and Chris Paladino also guided this experiment in their classrooms. The lesson was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” Theater arts teacher Katie Collinsʼ improv exercise had everyone generating outlandish stories, gesticulating, and laughing out loud.

Emily leads a demonstration of beach erosion at the Academy of the Holy Angels Angel Showcase Day on Nov. 4.

Students also explored their connections to various saints in religious studies teacher Kathleen Walshʼs class. Her guests also engaged in a brief research project and shared highlights of the lives of selected saints. Highlights of Angel Showcase Day included a special performance by the award-winning AHA Dance Team and a greeting from AHA head dance coach Jenny Sweet. The Academyʼs varsity dancers have earned five national championships. The JV team won its first national title this year. Prospective students also won prizes in an AHA-forward trivia contest, and enjoyed lunch in the Student Commons. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds. Thousands of women have passed through AHAʼs portals. Many go on to study at some of the nationʼs best universities, earning high-ranking positions in medicine, government, law, education, public service, business, arts, and athletics. For more information call (201) 768-7822 or visit holyangels.org.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

More: New WT developments ‘will be a challenge’ rooms to be in compliance with that optimum number by the 2024–2025 school year — when American Dream students may be entering local schools. If the grade levels were at a “maximum” of 22 students per classroom, the district would need only two additional classrooms for 2024–2025, according to the projections compiled by Rosado. Rosado presented his findings in a detailed report to trustees on Oct. 28. He said the next steps needed were for trustees to determine what would be the maximum class size they wished to achieve by 2024-2025; discuss the need for a new demographics study that includes the Franklin Court development; and determine whether a bond referendum or public question at the general election would be the better selection. Rosado said that a possible September 2022 bond referendum or public question, if approved, would enable them to complete construction of additional classrooms needed by September 2024, when students from American Dream and other developments are entering the district. Rosado noted bidding, getting funding, and signing contractor contracts must be done to get the project moving with a deadline before the 2024-2025 school year. In 2017 district voters approved a $24 million question to significantly expand Westwood Regional Middle School. The work was completed amid the pandemic, when many students were studying remotely. (Separately, weʼre reporting

FROM PAGE 1

on the Montvale School Districtʼs Dec. 14 special election on upgrades at its elementary and middle school.) Rosado said his recommendation would be to build four classrooms, a compromise between the two and eight classrooms projected to be needed. He said four classrooms could be built at Washington Elementary School or Jessie F. George Elementary School, which would balance the number of classrooms at 34 for the township and 34 for Westwood. The township currently has 30 classrooms offered in local schools. Otherwise, Rosado said, the board could consider Brookside in Westwood. He said Berkeley had flood zone and DEP issues with its proximity to a brook. Trustee Thomas Snee noted American Dream was a 66-unit project, with 24 townhomes and 42 single-family homes. He wondered how the classrooms would be added to either township elementary school. Snee said that the board previously considered doing an updated demographics study for Washington Township only. However, Rosado said any future study should include both district towns. “In fairness, if weʼre going to move forward, I mean thereʼs been a lot that has occurred over these past two years that could have a substantial impact on our decision… a lot of people moved out, a lot of people moved in.” Snee said he was glad another study would be done. Trustee Maureen Colombo questioned whether four new classrooms were enough and said

the project needed to be done right Member Michael Pontillo said that construction now might not be a good idea. “I think weʼre talking about building in possibly the worst time in the history of the world to build anything.” Pontillo, who also is Westwoodʼs police chief, noted supply chain issues, contractor time constraints, and a deadline for a referendum question six months before September 2022 made this effort “an uphill battle.” He said he agreed with Colombo about doing the project right. He said the finance and facilities committee identified Washington School as the best site. He said dealing with asbestos abatement and flooding issues at the school must first be addressed. “I donʼt know that we can actually do it and do it right,” Pontillo said of a classroom expansion. He said to address public concerns, other ways to address more students and increasing class sizes could be adding instructors for co-teaching and monitor the results. Meanwhile, he said the discussion should continue over how many classrooms need to be added. He said when the supply chain issues resolve and contractors are not so backed up, he said the district would get a “better value” for the construction needed. Rosado said the two projects, American Dream and Franklin Court, need to be fully accounted for “and will be subject to change to what (development) actually happens.” Rosado said the new demo-

graphic report may include the new units. He said even an updated demographics report “will be subject to change to what actually happens” with area development projects. He said that the impact of the American Dream project in the current demographics study projected four students more per grade in each grade from K–12 in 2024-2025, when families are expected to occupy Pontillo said we should update the demographics report in a year or two to give trustees “the current data” to make the decision on adding classrooms. Trustee Roberta Hanlon said “we really have to look at the eight” classrooms to be added. She said the eight classrooms is a better number. “It gives not just parity but cushions too,” she said. She said electrical upgrades along with HVAC “is a major focus.” She said the board first needs to agree on how many classrooms should be added. Member Andrew Gerstmayr said “We want to get this right”

regarding more classrooms, and that the district needs to look at upgrading its electrical infrastructure to match the new classes. Snee said the 44 Franklin Court development “will be a challenge” to the district. He later said they will fill homes as they build them on the site. He said should construction occur quickly, students could start arriving in district schools by late 2022 as homes are sold at the site. Snee said that means there would not be “an onslaught” of children in 2024–2025. He said itʼs likely to be “a drip, drip, drip sort of thing” for students being added to the district, starting next year or 2023. Rosadoʼs report also suggested an “art on the cart” option for teaching art, which could free up a classroom in schools if needed — and not cost millions, he said. Most trustees did not appear too happy with the art on the cart alternative.

HILLSDALE

$29K upgrade aims to boost civic participation

Can you hear me now and can you see me now? The answers to both will be yes for all residents early next year should the Borough Council purchase and install new audio and video equipment to enhance its two way, real-time communications with residents calling into Zoom council meetings. The Borough Council introduced a capital ordinance Nov. 9 to spend $29,000 on the gear, which will allow the council to hold “hybrid meetings” where residents can fully participate inperson or online. The capital ordinanceʼs public hearing is Dec. 7. It was introduced, 4-1, with Council President Abby Lundy opposed. Councilman Zoltán Horváth had technical difficulties and was not online for the vote.

Before that, he said, “This opens up another avenue for participation, there's no reason not to do this.” Borough Business Administrator Chris Tietjen said the improvements mean “Itʼs as if [residents] were in the room.” Lundy questioned the cost when people can access meetings streamed live online and archived on the website. Tietjen said those meetings are one-way and do not allow two-way communication between council and residents. In addition to enhancing twoway communication between members and public, meetings will be livestreamed on Zoom, broadcast on the public access channel, and archived for later viewing on YouTube. — Michael Olohan

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

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DR. KAPLAN: Visit us for evaluations against Parkinson’s disease

Parkinsonʼs disease is a movement disorder mostly characterized by hand tremors. People who suffer from this condition will also have DR. ERIC KAPLAN, balance probKAPLAN BRAIN & lems, depresBODY sion, memory issues, an expressionless face, and poor posture. The modern medical community focuses on the production of dopamine to help reduce the tremors. However, there is a condition called tardive dyskinesia that results from taking Parkinsonʼs medication. Tardive dyskinesia may cause a facial tremor in the mouth or lips that looks a lot worse than the hand tremor and is a lot harder to fix. In my opinion, it is best to prevent Parkinsonʼs disease from progressing rather than wait until it gets worse. If you wait too long, you may have to take medication that has side effects that may cause other problems. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are early signs that help doctors understand how the patient is functioning and if they would be at risk for Parkinsonʼs disease later in life. The first early correlation seen during childhood development is toe walking. Instead of having the proper gait and heel lift, some children walk in a way where their back heels do not always touch the ground. Interestingly, another early sign of Parkinsonʼs is shoulder pain as an adult. This does not mean that if you have shoulder pain you are developing Parkinsonʼs disease. There are many other things that need to be looked at before we even start thinking that you are at risk. For example, we also have to look at the gait and see how the arm swings. Parkinsonʼs is characterized by a lack of arm swing on one side of your body as you walk. Neuroscience studies have also shown that if you have lost consciousness due to a head trauma like a concussion or traumatic brain injury, and were unconscious for more than five minutes, this greatly increases your chances of getting Parkinsonʼs disease in the future. Other important scientific journals show that lack of smell can also be an early sign. The research has shown the best test to determine smell is the peanut butter test. An abnormal peanut butter test can occur 30 to 40 years before a tremor even develops so get your smell checked by a functional neurologist who can determine if there are any abnormalities. Researchers have also found that constipation usually occurs in

Parkinsonʼs patients. To reduce constipation, as well as helping with Parkinsonʼs disease, try eliminating dairy and gluten products. Also, drink water 30 minutes before each meal. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that have fiber that can help with digestion and brain function at the same time. Other important signs that have been linked to Parkinsonʼs disease are decreased facial expressions, decreased blinking rate, and increased drooling. When we put this all together, it may be significant. For example, if there is a person who was a toe walker as a child, has shoulder pain, has constipation, has poor smell, drools, has balance problems, has less facial expression, has a past history of concussion, and doesnʼt swing one arm while walking, we should be very concerned and start working on the brain immediately. One or two of these symptoms may not require intervention. Simply get your brain evaluated and make sure you do the right things to keep yourself healthy. Even if you already have tremors, it does not mean you cannot get better. To enhance your quality of life, one of the first things we do is improve balance to help you walk better and prevent falls. This will reduce depression and help you sleep better as well. Most Parkinsonʼs patients suffer from depression and one easy natural solution that may help is getting lots of sunlight or supplementing with Vitamin D3. If you do all the right things, your brain can change through a process called neuroplasticity which may help prevent and reduce symptoms of Parkinsonʼs disease. The bottom line is that with neuroplasticity, the brain can change! Many Parkinsonʼs patients have problems with the parts of the brain called the basal ganglia and the frontal cortex. Think of the brain like a muscle: “You use it, or you lose it.” Since these areas of the brain are weak in Parkinsonʼs patients, the solution is to strengthen those specific parts of the brain. Even more important is the side of the brain that is affected most. If we can figure out what side of the brain is weaker, we can focus our therapies specifically on that side, resulting in a better outcome. Therapies that have been shown to help reduce Parkinsonʼs symptoms are gait exercises, balance exercises, eye exercises, posture exercises, finger exercises, breathing exercises, movement therapies, coordination exercises, and many other natural types of neurological interventions. In addition to neurological therapies, there are many nutrients and supplements that may help reduce Parkinsonʼs disease as

well. The most researched nutrient is called glutathione. It is best taken intravenously or through a topical cream. It helps to bring more oxygen into the brain cells to help them function at a higher level. Another substance found in nature that has been proven to help with Parkinsonʼs disease is nicotine. This does not mean start smoking cigarettes. There are a group of plants called nightshades that can be eaten to get some of the positive benefits of nicotine. The most common nightshades are tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and green peppers. One last important thing to remember is that Parkinsonʼs disease can be helped through a process called autophagy. This is basically where the healthy brain cells “eat” the bad brain cells. As the bad brain cells are eliminated,

the brain can now create new neural connections that function at a much higher level. This can be accomplished by fasting for 48 hours during a time where you can just relax and take it easy. If your life is too busy and you need to be working, studying, moving or doing activities, it is not safe to do a complete 48 hour water fast. If this is the case, you can also do intermittent fasting where you eat from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., sleep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and fast from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. By following these recommendations and applying neuroscience, you can help reduce symptoms of Parkinsonʼs disease. It is sort of like doing physical therapy for the brain. Just like you can exercise a muscle to make it stronger, you can exercise your brain to make it stronger. The key is to take action and

Fantastic free offer! If you or someone you know are interested in learning about Parkinsonʼs disease I am giving FREE Parkinsonʼs neurological evaluations via Zoom or in person at my Emerson office or my NYC office if you call (201) 2612150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com and mention this article to reserve your spot. Offer is only valid until Dec. 7, so call immediately before all the spots fill up. For more information check out my website www.kaplandc.com and subscribe to my YouTube channel, Kaplan Brain & Body.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of Colin Murphy, 18, of Bergenfield, Jacob Inglis, 19, of Bergenfield, and Cameron Schneid, 20, of New Milford on robbery and theft charges. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love, and the Emerson Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Mazzeo. During a six-week investigation by detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office Special Investigations Squad and the Emerson Police Department, the defendants were identified as suspects in a robbery that occurred in Emerson on Sept. 23.

On Wednesday, Nov. 10, members of the Bergen County P r o s e c u t o r ʼs Office, Emerson Police Department, New Milford MURPHY Police Department, and Bergenfield Police Department arrested the three without incident while conducting search warrants at their homes. The defendants were each charged with one count of second degree robbery, N.J.S.A. 2C:151a(1); one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1); and one count of third-degree theft, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3A.

Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He thanked the Emerson Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Saddle River Police Department, and the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department for their assistance in this investigation.

not to wait. The longer you wait, the harder it is to change. If you function better, you will feel better, and you will improve your quality of life.

Three arrests over Emerson robbery

INGLIS

SCHNEID

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. When you look at a line chart of an ERIC KOHLMEIER i n v e s t m e n t ʼs historical performance, one feature to note is its volatility – how frequent and how extreme the ups and downs have been. This is significant because volatility is the most commonly used measurement of an investmentʼs risk. The greater the volatility, the riskier the investment is considered to be. If you viewed a chart comparing the stock marketʼs versus the bond marketʼs performance, youʼd see stocks have been significantly more volatile than bonds. Logically then, a 100% bond portfolio should be less risky than one including both bonds and stocks. Right? Not so fast. In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the 20-year U.S. government bond) and 33% stocks (using the S&P 500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier. Start with the basics Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with under-

standing: • The relationship between risk and return • How diversification can help manage risk and return In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs risk increases, so should its return. If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of default is low. If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant— think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Recession—and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk. Diversification is simply blending different investments in a portfolio in an effort to manage risk and return. The result is your “asset allocation.” A very simple asset allocation might include stocks, which tend to be risky but offer growth potential, and bonds, which have been more stable and provide income (interest). You can help manage your risk and return by how much you allocate to each type of investment. For example, if you have a 75% stock/25% bond portfolio, it should offer a greater risk and return potential than one thatʼs 25% stocks and 75% bonds.

Getting to an efficient frontier Of course, there are lots of other investments for you to choose from, and there are an infinite number of portfolios you could construct from the stocks, bonds, and other assets available.

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

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Each of these blends has a unique overall risk and return level. If you plotted them all on a chart, youʼd likely see whatʼs shown in the hypothetical graph below. The “pies”—representing different asset allocations—farthest to the left and highest up are the ones with the best expected risk/return tradeoffs. If you connected those “dots,” you would have it: the efficient frontier. Thatʼs what the efficient frontier is, but what does it mean for investors? It means that if your risk/return tradeoff doesnʼt land along the frontier, your portfolio is not as efficient as it could be. Youʼre taking on too much risk for the level of return youʼre getting, and you probably need to make adjustments to decrease risk, improve return, or both. Finding help Determining whether your

portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a professional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value). Based on your responses, your advisor can help build a portfolio designed to help reach your goals as efficiently as possible. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-valueweighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance. The indices are provided for

informational purposes only; investors cannot directly purchase an index. Past performance in not indicative of future results. 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 FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/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. CAR #111901948505-0472.

PARK RIDGE

PKRG-TV holiday lights contest

Residents are invited to enter the 13th Annual PKRG-TV Holiday Lights Contest. Prizes for the top three houses are sponsored by The Park Steakhouse in Park Ridge, Jackʼs Cafe of Westwood and Marc's Deli in Park Ridge. Deadline to enter, via the PKRG-TV website, is Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. Winners will be announced during a PKRG-TV program Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. For contest rules and to enter, visit pkrgtv.com. Tune in to Optimum Ch. 77 (Park Ridge) or FIOS Ch. 22 (most of Bergen County) to watch the program featuring contestant light displays.

WESTWOOD

Westwood Rec picks up slack on tai chi in fun new classes

EMERSON

relieve symptoms of arthritis. The new ForeverYoung tai-chi classes run on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Adults 55+ who are interested in joining the class can register via the Community Pass link at westwoodnj.gov/179/recreation or by visiting the Community Center at 55 Jefferson Ave. The program is free for Westwood residents; the non-resident fee is $30 per month and includes entrance to both classes. Westwood Recreation also has expanded enrollment in ForeverYoung Social Club – Mahjong and has resumed ForeverYoung Art with Brit Sikiric. “The continued success of Recreationʼs Westwood ForeverYoung program is integral to the Boroughʼs mission of promoting aging in place by offering a consistent and well-rounded wellness program,” Buchheister said. The program regularly partners with Westwood For All Ages and wellness professionals — dieticians, chefs, preventative care A class at the former Thomas J. Riley Senior Center. Westwood rec has picked up tai chi therapists — to deliver seminars instructor Hasmig Mekjian to continue her popular program in its ForeverYoung program. and resources for 55+ residents. Adults 55 and up are welcome. Westwood Recreation ForeverYoung participants led demonstration classes of pickleball NORTHERN VALLEY and mah-jong at Westwood Thrive, Westwood For All Agesʼ resource and information event geared toward older residents. The Academy of the Holy SSNDs in North America; Sister Haiti. For more information, visit Angels spent Oct. 22 celebrating Mary Nonna Dunphy, SSND, AHAʼs new Solidarity for westwoodnj.gov. Foundation Day 2021, the 188th founded the Academy of the Holy Haiti Club met with keynote speaker and Beyond Borders anniversary of the School Sisters Angels in Fort Lee in 1879. AHAʼs celebration included a Board Member Sister Limétèze of Notre Dame, AHAʼs foundressrenewal of vows for five SSNDs, Pierre-Gilles, SSND. The club, es and sponsors. The prayer service included a and AHA President Melinda Han- which includes Amelia Blanco of look back to Oct. 24, 1833, when lonʼs reminder to honor the Westwood and Elena DeBari of SSND Woodcliff Lake, is holding the Blessed Mother Theresa Ger- Atlantic-Midwest hardinger and two other women Provinceʼs commitment to the dig- Academyʼs first fundraiser to benestablished the SSND congrega- nity of life and care for all cre- efit Beyond Bordersʼ work in Haiti. Moderator is SSND Assocition and resolved to provide young ation. forming. Focus areas are dismantling ate and Campus Ministry Director women with a proper education. The revue includes an excluThe SSNDs work, which racism, addressing climate change, Kathleen Sylvester. sive video from industry luminar- began in Bavaria, is now being seeking justice for immigrants, The Academy of the Holy ies talking about what theatre carried out in many countries. ending human trafficking, and pro- Angels is at 315 Hillside Ave., means to them. Mother Caroline Friess led the moting sustainable development in Demarest. Call (201) 768-7822. MTI president and CEO Drew Cohen says “All Together Now!” is about bringing people back to the theatre, whether as audience members or cast, crew and musicians. “Our goal with this worldwide event is for organizations to provide hope, inspiration and excitement to their communities through the transformative power of musical theatre.” You can be part of this global event by purchasing tickets for any or all of the three performances on Nov. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. For ticket information call Ro DeFlora at (201) 599-4178 ext. 1302.

Students on world stage in revue

Emerson Jr./Sr. High School is excited to announce its participation in MTIʼs “All Together Now! A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre.” The show is an opportunity for schools and theatres around the world to locally produce and perform an exclusive musical revue featuring songs from MTIʼs beloved shows. As of Oct. 29 there were more than 2,500 schools and theatres from more than 40 countries and including all 50 U.S. states. This 60-minute revue features the junior high students acting, singing and dancing to songs from shows such as “Mary Poppins,” “Annie,” and “Hairspray.” Emerson High School students will have cameo appearances along with members of the community who will also be per-

Give your business the attention it deserves! TO PLACE YOUR AD Call 201.664.2105 fax 201.664.2109 or e-mail pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

Happy 188th! AHA marks Foundation Day

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

The Westwood Recreation Department has added tai chi to its roster of ForeverYoung programs. The class is taught by Hasmig Mekjian, the instructor who led classes at the former Thomas J. Riley Senior Center. More than 20 Westwood residents and seven non-residents have registered for the program, with more joining daily. According to Recreation Department Director Gary Buchheister, “The closing of the Thomas J. Riley Center was a big loss to the senior community who frequented their exercise and social gatherings. Knowing that, we worked to evaluate what we could easily and quickly add to our roster of classes.” (See “Thomas J. Riley Senior Center closing; Westwood working to meet the need,” Pascack Press, Sept. 17, 2021.) He said, “Tai chi was a natural addition to the roster given how many Westwood residents were already involved in the class and we are very happy to welcome them to the Westwood Community Center and hope they will try our other programs as well.” Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that incorporates slow continuous movement from one pose to the next. It is hailed as a beneficial way to reduce stress and anxiety and regular practice promotes better sleep and weight loss. Additionally, tai chi can improve cognition and balance and

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

INSURER TO SETTLE WHETHER CENTENNIAL FIELD IS SAFE FOR PLAY A disagreement between the Hillsdale Soccer Association and borough professionals over whether Centennial Field is safe to play on, since new silt drains were installed to improve field drainage, might be decided by the boroughʼs insurance carrier, officials said at the Nov. 9 council meeting. The association claims the fields at Centennial “are not playable and have not been safe since the Borough claimed they were ready,” Hillsdale Soccer Association President Drew Metz wrote to council. “Prior to work commencing on Centennial Field, which include(s) Corra baseball field, Harada soccer fields, and Knickerbocker baseball field, Hillsdale sports associations were told the fields would be in virtually the same condition as before work began and ready to be played on as soon as work was completed,”

said Metz. “Subsequent discussions indicated the drains would be 3” to 4” wide at most and grass would grow over it. We contend that the drains were not installed as described, the fields in their current state are not playable, and have not been safe since the Borough claimed they were ready,” Metz alleged. Borough Engineer Chris Statile said the silt drains are commonly used on fields to improve drainage, and all indications are the drains are working well to remove excess water from Centennial Field and allow play following small or large rain storms. He said the fields were safe to play on, as did Public Works Superintendent Billy Haffler. If the Joint Insurance Fund cannot resolve whether the fields are safe or not, Council President Abby Lundy suggested getting a “second opinion” from another engineer to determine whether field conditions are safe to play on. Borough Administrator Chris Tietjen said he would reach out to

the Joint Insurance Fund to see if they would like to send a professional to check the fieldʼs condition and surface safety. Tietjen said he would report back to council at the Dec. 7 meeting. Metzʼs letter to council (linked to the agenda) sparked discussion about how and who should determine that the field is safe to play on given the soccer associationʼs insistence that its surface is unsafe and that they will not allow play there. “It is the opinion of the HSA, which has members with several decades of experience in youth sports and child safety, that the fields are completely unplayable and unsafe. Soccer is a sport where players run at full speed and make sharp turns. Extreme forces are exerted on joints and a proper playing surface is instrumental in keeping a player unharmed,” Metz said. He added, “Turning on the gravel, a player can easily tear a ligament in the knee or ankle. Falling on the gravel will result in scrapes at best, or severe lacera-

tions. The irrigation pipe (now removed) is an impalement hazard.” He said, “In addition to the safety concerns, the uneven surface creates havoc on the playability of the sport. Balls cannot roll evenly across the swaths of gravel. The gravel does not stay in place, and in fact is suspected in enticing fauna to excavate and dig homes. It is unbelievable to think grass could ever grow over the gravel, since no seed was sown and the gravel is intended to be permeable — it will not hold the silt or topsoil needed for grass to germinate.” Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk asked whether the soccer association would accept an opinion on field safety from their insurance carrier since the association did not accept the professional opinion of the borough engineer that the field was safe to play on. Several members and Mayor John Ruocco said a safety expert could be hired to review field playing conditions. Previously, Tietjen said that

the JIF told him that it would accept the conclusions of the boroughʼs engineer and public works superintendent regarding the fieldʼs safe or unsafe playing condition. Both previously concluded the field was safe to play on with the new silt drains. Metz disagreed with that assessment. Councilman Frank Pizzella said the council needed to determine whether the fields were safe or unsafe to play on and needed to get professionals similar to those who evaluated the fields for them. Councilman Anthony De Rosa said, “If we say itʼs safe but they [Hillsdale Soccer Association] say itʼs not and we wonʼt play on it, thatʼs disappointing.” Ruocco said he was concerned that vandalism may be occurring on Centennial Field, noting a photo that showed a shallow ditch on part of one field. DeRosa said the council also needed to know what it could do between now and spring 2022 to

house, but we have Halloween and Iʼm really thankful that itʼs one of the highlights of the year — at least for my family and many other families on Colonial.” Rosa DʼAmbra, of 423 Colonial Boulevard, wasnʼt having it. She took to the public microphone on behalf of neighbors who were less than charmed by parking and traffic restrictions, and by rude, unfamiliar crowds. “The mayor said it was well received on Colonial Boulevard? No it wasnʼt,” she insisted, thumping her lectern. “I live on Colonial! When you start having people coming to the streets that you donʼt even know, pushing over my garbage cans, vomiting in my garbage can, that I had to disinfect... People that

are not in the status quo in this town are stepped on and overlooked to satisfy a few on Colonial!” she said. She said, “There was 12 houses that were decorated — not everybody decorated their houses!” DʼAmbra held aloft a letter from the police department, dated Oct. 28, advising that the area of her house would be closed to all vehicular traffic and no parking will be allowed from approximately 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The letter reads in part, “As a result, ingress and egress of vehicular traffic from your residence will be limited to emergency requirements only during this time. If you feel that you will require a vehicle during this time, we suggest you park on one of the roadways east of Colonial Boule-

vard (Beech, Fern).” She said she called the provided number to complain, and she could not reach the Traffic Bureau supervisor. She said she tried to connect with the town administrator, and likewise didnʼt hear back. “Why should it take place on Colonial? Why do we get all the crap on Colonial, with the speeders and everything else! You people took away my civil rights to leave my house whenever I want,” she said. Council President Stacey Fenney was absent from the meeting. We reached out to the Traffic Bureau supervisor for comment, including estimates on crowd size, and didnʼt immediately hear back. On Facebook Nov. 1, the WTPD said “Colonial Blvd Halloween event was a blast! Thank you all for coming.” The department posted lively photos showing a strong and friendly police presence and has garnered nearly 100 “loves” and “likes.” A few representative comments: • Christina Ragusa: “Great job keeping all the little werewolves safe” • Katherine Gomez: “Thank you for a wonderful job keeping us safe.” • Michelle Travis Sembler: “Thank you to all! Such a great community event!” • Michelle Capasso: “Thank you to WTPD & WTFD & Ambulance my kids loved stopping by for treats, collecting trading cards,

coloring books etc. Thank you, Thank you!” • Linda Fabiano: “A great day! Thank you for all you do for our town!” At the council meeting, DʼAmbra added that her road was impassable as late as 4:30, and that she couldnʼt get to errands. “It was every Tom, Dick, and Harry that passed in the morning, with New York plates, because everybody that had their houses decorated wanted to have a show on Colonial Boulevard. Why donʼt you have it on your block, mayor? And what about Mr. [Councilman Steve] Cascioʼs block?” She said, “Something has to be done about this. ... every year itʼs getting worse. This town has to do something. You took away my civil liberties! We might as well have Mr. Putin here on the dais. Probably he might straighten out things — because nobody up there cares!” And she held up a police notice reading “No parking — police emergency — tow-away zone.” “What was the emergency?” she said. And she said, “We had people on Colonial Boulevard who did not go along with this. We had strangers ... who I never saw beffore. There are other towns that have it in the park. So can this town.” Calamari apologized, particularly on the point of DʼAmbraʼs trash can being used inappropriately. “There is no excuse for that. And Iʼm sorry you didnʼt get to

enjoy the Halloween experience it was meant to be.” He said, “It absolutely exploded this year. We donʼt know if itʼs because people just wanted to get out because of Covid — it was a beautiful day out — there were a number of factors we couldnʼt foresee.” Calamari said, “Turnout like that, we are taking it into account for next yearʼs program because we agree itʼs kind of a victim of its own success.” Morgan added, “Having the privilege of living on Colonial for 15, nearly 16 years, I will tell you yes: This year there was a significant increase. However, children and families are going to come and weʼve never had less than 200 trick or treaters, 300, since Iʼve been there.” She added, “Yes, it is 100% parental responsibility, absolutely, hands down. But many people have more than two children, and there are two parents, and when your children take off to be with their friends itʼs nice to know that for that short time theyʼre not going to get mowed down by a car.” She said, “So Iʼm sorry it was a couple of hours of inconvenience. We can plan to make it more amenable to the few that did have some concerns about the closure of the street.” Editorʼs note: This reporter is a township resident who did not visit Colonial Boulevard this Halloween. Instead, he handed out candy at home to a welcome flow of trick or treaters.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Feedback: Colonial Blvd. closure delights, mostly FROM PAGE 13

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improve the field for safe play. Centennial Field recently was identified as the most likely to get a new artificial turf surface by the Borough Council Special Temporary Steering Committee on the Community Center and Fields, although final decisions and public input are yet to come. Officials noted even if Centennial is chosen, artificial turf would not be in place by spring 2022.

FROM PAGE 26

Metz wrote, “The drainage work was a test case for improving the quality of the athletic fields. It was supposed to be a simple job that would increase the availability of the fields by preventing them from being waterlogged and unusable after even moderate rains.” He said “The job was supposed to be an interim solution until and if the town could replace the grass with a turf field in the future. However, the town has failed in all but one thing. The drains work, but the field is unusable.”

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Hillsdale United Nursery School students learn about the growing process of bulbs. The 3-year-old classes planted 50 bulbs in the school garden last week. The little gardeners enjoyed digging in the soil, spotting earthworms, and planting bulbs. They anxiously await spring to see their daffodils emerge.

Letters:

loween mélange, of zombies, princesses, witches, and assorted superheroes. The inflatable corn

FROM PAGE 2

maze baffled and confused those munchkins who dared to enter. Best Batman goes to Frank Mantz. (Westwood PD may want to see about adding a “Bat Signal” to its arsenal of portable light stands!) There was a family dressed as the entire Oz ensemble,

replete with mom as a flying monkey and a grandpa swathed in silver as a creaky, and completely believable, Tin Man. Recreation Director Gary Bucheister wisely moved the event from Saturdayʼs rainy dregs to Sundayʼs glorious sun-kissed

The Woodcliff Lake Public Schools Special Education Department offers services to children 3–21 experiencing difficulties in their development. Communication delays, significant lags in cognitive and social/emotional development, delayed motor development, and difficulty learning are some of the signals that may portend learning disabilities. There is no charge for this

Spread the word! Let us help announce your achievements. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net afternoon. Halloween 2021 saw our children masked …but not with surgical ones. These were the masks that revealed our kids, once again, enjoying the fulness of a Covid-free, carefree youth. We saw their parents acting like kids too. Relaxed, smiling, many costumed, laughing, some sipping beverages from red plastic cups. Iʼm sure the kiddies slept well Sunday night, all tuckered out, their sugar rush of energy finally expended and depleted. For a moment, Covid-19 seemed like a bad dream: a night terror receding from memory as we gradually emerge from a fitful sleep. On Sunday morning we awoke to just a typical Westwood Halloween. And it was just wonderful! Mayor Ray Arroyo Westwood

Hillsdale senior on center aims To the editor: center was T supposed to be for seniors. Just a place where we could HIS COMMUNITY

Westwood Avenue this Halloween. “A sun-kissed afternoon,” said Mayor Ray Arroyo.

program. Evaluation of children, who seem at risk, is available at no cost to residents of Woodcliff Lake. Please contact the Child Study Team in your area. For more information, call Jessica Ballester, supervisor of Special Education, at (201) 930-5600, ext.113. “Our belief in early intervention is the foundation of our philosophy and programs,” Ballester tells Pascack Press.

meet, have coffee and have a senior club. We need an indoor pool, not basketball courts with bleachers. But now this has turned into a hodgepodge! Seniors not even being asked what is important to them. I read [in “Community sites in focus as mayor, BA clash,” Pascack Press, Nov. 8, 2021] they are going to put in a basketball court with bleachers. I donʼt know of any senior playing basketball at 79. Swim, yes, itʼs good therapy. Every school in Hillsdale, including the catholic school has a basketball court with bleachers. The people on these committees are not paying attention to what is needed here. An indoor pool will allow not only seniors, but all schools to participate in swim meets. We need a vote on a referendum before one dollar is spent. Christine Dembia Hillsdale Editorʼs note: Mayor John Ruocco and the Borough Council told us they agree that more community input is needed on a proposed community center, which as yet lacks a site. CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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emergency services workers, who responded ably to the recent norʼeaster that came through the area, “dumping 3–5 inches of rain on our already soaked town.” He said, “Our emergency services personnel were kept busy during the storm, and as always, they stepped up to the tasks they were forced to deal with.” He noted the resultant flooding at Washington School, which we reported Oct. 29 in “Towns team up as norʼeaster drives school evacuation.” Council members later discussed a transfer of appropriations over storm response, and agreed that weather trends were such that it would be prudent to lay in funds for rain contingencies as already happens with snow in mind.

FROM PAGE 11

Department of Public Works In DPW news, the mayor said: • The soil remediation project has been completed. • Garden and household debris collections for 2021 are complete. • The next metal and white goods collection will be scheduled after the leaf collection season. • Catch basins continue to be cleaned and dug out where necessary. • Two tons of asphalt were used to fill potholes utilizing a demonstration model of a Falcon hot asphalt patch trailer. • The department took delivery of a new 20-yard leaf vacuum and began prepping all the equipment for the leaf season. “Please check the town website and Facebook page for updates on when the crews will be in your neighborhood.” • A new bench was installed at the Clark Field playground. Veterans Day, Hannukah, Christmas events Calamari promoted the Veterans Day memorial service on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Monument at the library. He also said “We have ordered a new menorah that we are hoping will be here in time for our menorah lighting ceremony on Nov. 28; our tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 3.”

Fire Department In Fire Department news, Calamari said the department took delivery of new Scott packs and air bottles. “They are much improved from the current ones. They will be placed in service after training is complete.” He noted the Oct. 10 morning at call of smoke emanating from a

house on Ridgewood Boulevard East, and said the WTFD was dispatched and arrived on the scene quickly, and upon arrival made entry to the garage to find the contents fully involved with fire. The department thanked the quick-acting neighbor who reported the smoke condition. “Thanks to that person, the fire was contained to the garage, with minimal damage to the home,” Calamari said. He said mutual aid was provided by the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department. The Westwood and Ho-Ho-Kus fire departments were assigned to the townshipʼs firehouse as standby. “The Hillsdale Ambulance Corps and an ambulance from Valley Hospital were also on the scene, but thankfully were not needed, as no injuries were reported. We thank all the

mutual aid partners who responded to the call.” Calamari said the fire likely was caused by the spontaneous combustion of rags from floor staining that took place the previous day. On Oct. 16, he said, the department responded to a mutual aid call from Hillsdale for a reported structure fire. They were released shortly after arriving.

Police Department “On Oct. 16, Corporal Santa, Officer Ferrazzano, and SLEO II Parisi received the 200 Club Valor award at their annual awards ceremony,” Calamari said. He noted the call that led to the arrest of an accused murderer on Lexington Court on Oct. 24. (See “Resident is charged in brutal murder at condo; had self-

inflicted stab wounds.”) “A thorough investigation was conducted by our police department along with the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. The investigation was successful, with the help of the Westwood, Hillsdale, Emerson, Ridgewood, Paramus police departments along with the Bergen County Sheriff's Office,” Calamari said. He added that WTPD officers began training for New Jerseyʼs new use of force policies, Tasers, and body-worn cameras. And he reminded residents “to please remove key fobs from vehicles when they are not in use,” as this will help prevent vehicles from being stolen, which is a serious problem in the region. Recreation Department Calamari lauded the new K-1

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cheerleading program (see story, Page 1). “These programs would not be possible without the volunteers who take time from their busy schedules to make them happen.” He said, “Speaking of volunteers, basketball season is quickly approaching, and the program needs people to support all the age groups. Please call the Recreation Department at (201) 383-9768 for more details.”

Other news Calamari lauded the Public Affairs office under Daisy Velez for recent town events (see story, Page 13), and said he aimed to have the township lead on a petition seeking pilotsʼ buy-in on flight path changes to lessen area noise pollution from air traffic connected to Teterboro Airport.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS Library Calendar

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Yoga with Miss Danielle, for children ages 2–5 with a caregiver, is Monday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at the library. Stories come to life through interactive yoga poses. Please wear a mask and bring a mat or blanket. Register online. • November is Game Month—in addition to adding new games to check out and take home, the library will host indoor lawn games Monday, Nov. 15 at 3:45 p.m. All ages; register online. • Homework Help is available Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. at the library. Kids in grades K–5 can get homework help from an older student. Register online. • This monthʼs “Dinovember” events continue with a

Dinosaur Egg Hunt in the library all day (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on Wednesday, Nov. 17. No registration. All ages. • The library will hold a Movie Matinee Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Watch “Minari” (PG-13, 2021) with closed captions. • Read to a Dog, a program for young readers, is Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. Darcy is back with his mom to listen to beginning readers with no judgement but lots of love. Grade K and up. Register online. • STEAM Thursday is all about making crafts and trying science experiments. On Nov. 18 kids will make a dinosaur craft. Meets at 3:30 p.m. at the library. Grades K–5. Register online. • Art Club for Kids, a monthly program for grades K–5, will meet Friday, Nov. 19

WE S T WO O D 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • Bring your child and do activities with a speech and language educator and Ph.D candidate student, Caroline Beita-Ell. In Speech & Language Milestones, for parents/guardians of babies and toddlers up to age 4, learn drills and signs to look for at each stage of development. Outside the library Monday, Nov. 15 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Register online. • Lt. Chris Kelley of the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office presents “Cyber Scams and How to Protect Yourself,” online via Zoom, Monday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Register for Zoom link. • Peek-A-Book Story Time meets Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the library.

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

For age 5 and under. Little ones will enjoy listening to a story, learning nursery rhymes, fingerplays and dancing. Register online. • The library celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a virtual program for children Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Grades K–3 are invited to log onto Google Meet to listen to a story about a traditional cultural dance and participate in a discussion, games and a craft. Register online. • The Online Book Group

meets via Zoom Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Long Flight Home” by Alan Hlad. Open to all adults. Register online. • The Movie Reviewers Club, a monthly club for kids grades 4–5, watches a film before the meeting and then gathers on Google Meet to analyze, critique, and review it. For the meeting Friday, Nov. 19 from 3:30 to 4:14 p.m., the film to be discussed is “Annie” with Kathy Bates (musical). Register online.

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Buying or Selling? Call the Pascack Valley Specialist... Nicely done! Standing (L-R): Madeline Risbud, Alina Keshishian, Brooke Hess, AHA President Melinda Hanlon, AHA Principal Jean Miller, Elise Tao, Ava Goyal, Olivia Papp, and Caroline Dupas. Seated (L-R): Elizabeth Kim, Grace Watson, Isabella Dail, Isabel Stein, Natalia Ruiz, Beatrice Gee, Giovanna Corbisiero, and Giselle Acosta. (Jennifer Crusco photo) Madeline Risbud of Westwood semifinalists are traditionally hon- Scholarships during the 1990-91 academic year, when Holy Angels has been named a National Merit ored on Foundation Day. “Finalists are cognizant that, was celebrating the 25th anniverCommended Student. She is also a semifinalist in the with their ability, comes responsi- sary of the schoolʼs move from Fort Academy of the Holy Angelsʼ bility for sharing their gifts with Lee to Demarest. The awards are presented in 2021–22 Sister Nonna Dunphy others. Applicants must reflect the Scholarship event. Risbud is in her ideals Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy, honor S. Nonna, who reportedly SSND, foundress of the Academy had just $20 in her pocket on Oct. 2, senior year at AHA. Each finalist receives a $2,500 of the Holy Angels, embodied and 1879, when she and S. Cyrilla encouraged in her students,” the Geifel signed the contract for the award. Students are invited to apply school told Pascack Press on Oct. original AHA campus in Fort Lee. Founded by the School Sisters based on academic achievement, 26 It said, “In particular, appli- of Notre Dame in 1879, the Acadeleadership, character, service, and teacher recommendations. The cants must have the capacity to my of the Holy Angels is the oldest Scholarship Committee interviews make decisions based on faith, private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. the applicants and selects the final- character, and gospel values.” For more information visit The AHA Board of Directors ists from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes. Finalists and established the Nonna Dunphy holyangels.org.

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• Drop by the library Saturday, Nov. 20 to pick up a Thanksgiving Craft-to-Go for your child to complete at home. For River Vale residents Pre-K to fifth grade. While supplies last. FROM PAGE 18

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NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

OBITUARIES

In lieu of flowers, donations Westwood, married and raised her may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs family in Hillsdale. Research Hospital (stjude.org). Mary Ann is survived by her James R. Eck, 64, of Bergenbrother, Bill Nugent (Rita) of Yarfield, formerly of Westwood, lovmouth, Maine, and sisters Madeline Philip W. ing father and brother, passed away Giannini (Jim Dodd) of Arlington, KREY on Oct. 31, 2021. Virginia, and Cathleen Nugent of Philip W. Krey, 94, of Hillsdale Highland Mills, New York. She is He was welpassed away on Wednesday, Nov. 3, predeceased by her brothers, comed home in 2021. heaven by his late Richard and Tom Nugent. Beloved husparents, Charles Mary Ann loved her family band of the late most of all. She leaves behind her and Evelyn Eck Dolores E. Krey. grandchildren, Christine, Nicole, (née Ryan), brothDevoted father of David, Alea, Julia, Emily, Josh and er Robert Eck, and Mary Jo Krey, Riley; her many nieces and his nephew, Philip T. Krey and nephews; her godson David Timothy Eck. his wife Lisa, Nugent; and the most recent addiJim was a hard worker until Michael F. Krey tion, her great-grandson, Davey the day he passed, serving residents and his wife Chris- Glinbizzi. Mary Annʼs “children” and business owners with 45-plus tine, and Patrick A. Krey. He is pre- also included all of the Hillsdale years of knowledge in the HVAC deceased by his daughter, Kathleen kids that she babysat for over the industry. He always selflessly Sova. offered a helping hand to anyone, years. Loving grandfather of Alicia, friend or stranger, without hesitaMary Ann has been presiding Devon, Stacey, Jonathan and Liam. president of the Hillsdale Fire tion. He wore his heart on his Alice ‘Kathy’ Cherished great-grandfather of Department Ladies Auxiliary, of sleeve, always complimenting othGACHENY Kayli. ers and making sure to say “God which she had been a member for Philip dedicated himself to his over 45 years. bless” to anyone in passing. He Alice “Kathy” Gacheny, 81, also proudly served in the U.S. of River Vale, passed away peace- family, his career as an environOne of Mary Annʼs favorite mental scientist, and his life as an things was sitting on the front Navy. fully on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Jim was born on Sept. 27, Beloved wife of active parishioner at St. John the porch, watching the world, as she 1957 in Teaneck and grew up in the late Raymond Baptist Church. He gave himself sat in her chair, saying hello to those Westwood, along with five sibJ. Gacheny. Devot- passionately and completely to all who passed by and often stopped in lings. For him, getting together for ed mother of Ray- facets of his life and his exuberance, to visit. She will be remembered for holidays and dinners was more mond Gacheny Jr. energy and charity has left an her smile, her laugh, her warmth, than just a celebration. Family was and wife Theresa; indelible memory for all who knew her energy and her love for life. She his everything. He would rave Kevin Gacheny; him. made a difference in the lives of A funeral mass celebrating many. It was a privilege to know about how close-knit his family Karen Greene and was and that his daughters were his Andy; Philipʼs life and faith was held at St. her. It was a privilege to love her. husband world. He was known for the best Michelle Kidd and Kevin John the Baptist R.C. Church, A funeral mass was held at St. Hillsdale. Interment, Ascension John the Baptist R.C. Church, Hillsbear hugs and the strongest hand- McAleer. shakes. He also enjoyed spending Loving grandmother of Leah, Cemetery, Airmont, N.Y. dale. time at Grants in Dumont with Steven, Matthew and Brendan In lieu of flowers, donations to close friends, cracking beers and Gacheny; Thomas, Joelle and Carthe Sgt. Christopher M. Hrbek Mary Ann constant jokes. He had a laugh that ley Greene, Brody and Logan Scholarship Fund, 40 Second Ave., MCDEVITT filled a room and a smile that was Kidd. Westwood, NJ 07675, or the HillsMary Ann McDevitt, 78, of dale Fire Department Ladies Auxiltruly contagious. He had the Born in New York City, she biggest heart and was the guy who lived in River Vale for 52 wonder- Hillsdale passed away peacefully, at iary, 383 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, loved so hard. ful years, among great friends and home, in the early morning hours of NJ 07642 would be greatly appreciNov. 5, 2021. Jim is survived by his four neighbors. She was loved by all ated. Wife of Charles, daughters, whom he adored: who knew her. Mary Ann was the Jamielyn Eck of Shamong, Jenna Visitation at Becker Funeral Ronnie mother to Theresa Eck of Westwood, Julie Eck of Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, FRINGUELLO McDevitt, Laura Emerson, and Desiree Eck of Westwood, on Friday, Nov. 12 (Steve) Cohan, and Phoenix, Ariz.; and his “best from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral mass will Romildo “Ronnie” Fringuello, Charles McDevitt 88, passed away peacefully and surfriend” and mother of his three be held at St. John the Baptist R.C. (Vicki Ferraro.) children, Janet Eck (née LaStella) Church, 69 Valley St., Hillsdale, on rounded by loving family on ThursBorn in Washof Emerson. Saturday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. day, Nov. 4, 2021. ington, D.C., Mary Ann grew up in Also surviving are his sib- Masks are required. Beloved husband of Judith Fringuello and father to Amy Welker, Donna Girot, Lisa Kennedy, Leo Fringuello, and Timothy Fringuello (predeceased). Ronnie loved the joys of family. He was the dear brother of Marisa Roscio. Ronnie lives in a tender place in the hearts of his loving grandchildren Jacob, Emily, Megan, Chloe, Candice, Michael, Anthony, Grace, Gayle and Andrew. He will be talked about fondly to his great-grandchildren Christopher, Francie, Everet, Rose, Jack and Riley. Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., and Closter, Ronnie settled in Emerson for many years with his loving family. Ronnie Choice in-ground and new mausoleum sites available served in the U.S. National Guard and was honorably discharged in COMPARE OUR PRICES! 1962. Veteranʼs Discount Available Professionally, Ronnie was educated at the Manhattan School 23 S. Kinderkamack Road, Westwood NJ 201-664-7161 of Printing, worked as lithographer,

James R. ECK

lings, Donald Eck and wife Karen of the Township of Washington, Linda Irvin and husband Daniel of Altoona, Penn., Richard Eck of Altoona, Penn., and Diane Angell and husband Brian of Thurman, N.Y. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly; and, of course, his fur baby, Neo. Jim will be greatly missed by his daughters, family, countless friends, and the people whose lives he touched every day. Services were at Becker Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Jamesʼ memory to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608.

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and eventually owned successful print companies in the northern New Jersey and New York area. As enjoyment Ronnie was an amateur photographer who never met a flower he didnʼt like and snapped away on his many adventures out west and in Europe. Ronnie also loved to bowl and racked up lots of Lucky Strike Lanes awards. A service celebrating Ronnieʼs life and faith was held at Westwood United Methodist Church. Interment, Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westwood United Methodist Church, www.westwoodumc.org.

Marianna LATRONICO

Marianna Latronico, 97, of Hillsdale passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Marianna was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Michael Galgano and the late Clementina Gianni. Marianna was born in 1924 and was raised along with her eight brothers and sisters: Vivienne Caruso, Lucy Galgano, and the late Annie Cariello, Gloria Albano, and Peter, John, Jimmy and Michael Galgano, in Queens, N.Y. She was a resident of Hillsdale since 1971. As an alumna of Franklin K. Lane high school, she excelled in accounting and was a bookkeeper at the age of 17 until she retired from Bank of America. As a bookkeeper at Charles Trenley Wholesale Florist, she met her late beloved husband, Alfred Latronico, and they were married for 59 years. Marianna was an honest, kind, caring, creative, sensitive woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Throughout her adult life, Marianna was active in her childrenʼs school events and community affairs. She enjoyed attending and supporting Home Sharing Inc., and charitable events at church. Although shy and never wanting to be the center of attention, Marianna always went out of her way to make any person who approached her feel comfortable by starting an uplifting conversation. Marianna loved the Christmas holidays. She enjoyed taking her children to New York City to shop, admire the store windows, and grabbing a bite to eat while taking in the holiday atmosphere. Christmas was her obsession, ensuring every ornament and decoration was in its proper place. Mariannaʼs memory will be cherished by her loving son Alfred Latronico, his wife Melissa and their son and her grandson Lajos; daughter Andriette Mathews and her husband Paul; daughter Tina Marie Latronico; Nancy Marquart, mother of grandchildren Morgan, Gabrielle and her husband Christopher, and late grandson Nicholas. She was great-grandmother of Liam and Violet Mae. CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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A capacity crowd of 300 participants put their best feet forward at the Sixth Annual Bergen Community College Hero 5K, raising nearly $15,000 for student-veterans enrolled at the institution. The Nov. 7 fundraiser, organized by the College’s wellness and exercise science department and veterans committee, returned to the 167-acre main campus after a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time, and as part of the College’s new “Be Well Bergen” health and wellness initiative, a group of faculty and staff walked the 5K alongside Bergen President Eric M. Friedman. Recently reelected Bergen County Board of Commissioners members Steven A. Tanelli and Tracy Silna Zur greeted participants as well. Funds raised benefit the college’s student-veterans emergency fund.

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option for developers in the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan adopted late in 2020; Ruocco vetoed it and the council majority overrode his veto, 5-1. The council majority includes Council President Abby Lundy, councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk, and councilmen Anthony DeRosa, John Escobar, and Frank Pizzella. Councilman Zoltán Horváth generally is allied with Ruocco. Republican Ruocco and Democratic Council President Abby Lundy exchanged words over the role of Ruoccoʼs recently appointed Citizens Advisory Committee, which Ruocco charged was ignored by the councilʼs Special Temporary Steering Committee on Community Center and Fields, and not included in deliberations on potential sites for a center and new artificial turf

FROM PAGE 1

field. The consultant, DMR Architects, told the Steering Committee Oct. 29 that it recommended the West Parking Lot in the town center and east parking lot at Stonybrook Swim Club for potential community center locations. It recommended Centennial Field as its choice for a new artificial turf field. So far, besides individual council membersʼ reports, the site selections have not been publicly discussed or vetted — a point of regular contention between Ruocco and council members. Lundy charged that the council did not want an advisory committee “hand picked” by the mayor, and did not need to involve them in its decisions. She said the Steering Committee was “not at the point where we have to consult with an advisory committee.” Lundy said the public would

have chances to provide input and suggested a “town hall” style public meeting to discuss the two potential sites identified for a center and one site identified as most suitable for a turf field. Ruocco said these decisions were made without input from his Citizens Advisory Committee and questioned the transparency of the site selections, which have not been discussed in depth at a public meeting or community forum. He told Pascack Press recently that he had an agreement with Lundy and Borough Administrator Chris Tietjen made after the Oct. 12 council meeting that the Steering Committee would figure out a role for the Citizens Advisory Committee before meeting with DMR. This did not occur, Ruocco said. Ruocco said the citizens committee was to act as “a focus group” for the Steering Commit-

PASCACK VALLEY

Join in Bergen Volunteers Friday Forum Dec. 10

Bergen Volunteers is excited to continue its Friday Forum program on Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Terrace at Biagioʼs in Paramus. Friday Forum is a powerful networking and learning event that attracts 200+ leaders from every sector of Bergen County for high-profile speakers, networking, and stimulating conversation. Expert panelists will discuss “The Importance and Future of Topics Higher Education.” include the different routes students can take post high school, attending two and four year colleges, trade schools, going directly into the workforce, and how university enrollment numbers will shape the future of higher education. The discussion will elaborate on how the different routes can impact studentsʼ futures, and tackle the questions, is higher education as important as we once believed, do connections create more opportunities, and are there other viable options for success. There will be a Q&A session during the panel. Panelists for the forum include County Commissioner

Thomas Sullivan, Bonnie OʼBrien, president and CEO of Transition Professionals, and Dr. Maya Sanyal, career counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University. James Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber, will moderate. The $55 registration fee includes a three course lunch, the panel discussion, and networking

Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley St., Hillsdale, followed by entombment in Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee. Visitation 4–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack

Letters: FROM PAGE 28

Emerson Republicans give thanks To the editor: Brian Gordon and Don Pierro, I want to O thank the Emerson voters for N BEHALF OF

Obituaries: FROM PAGE 34

opportunities. Online registration is open until Dec 9. See bergenvolunteers.org/friday-forum. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and include promotion before, during, and after the event. If you are interested in sponsoring the event contact Olivia at ohall@bergenvolunteers.org. For more information visit BergenVolunteers.org.

tee, and to provide and solicit public input, which Madaio called “the pulse of the public.” “You substituted your own ideas without consulting with them,” charged Ruocco Nov. 9. DeRosa told Ruocco that the Steering Committee only gave guidelines to DMR to look further at the sites now under consideration. DeRosa also said the citizens committee appointed by Ruocco was “not really a focus group” and stressed no final decisions had been made. Ruocco pointed out “Itʼs how you get there” to a site selection for a future community center and turf field. He said he appointed the citizens committee to “get some structure here” to the selection process after an October council presentation by DMR left many unresolved and unanswered questions. Lundy said that DMR provided them with options at the Steering Committeeʼs first Oct. 29 meeting. She said the committee “did not direct them to do anything” and that DMR mentioned ideas for sites and what might be in a community center. After disagreeing with Ruocco over not consulting his citizens committee, Lundy said, “We know what the residents want,” noting that members regularly consult with taxpayers. “You may think you know

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Road, Park Ridge. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Grace Marie PIETROCCO

Grace Marie Pietrocco (née Gagliardo) of Westwood, born Dec.

31, 1929, passed on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Grace is survived by her loving children Anthony, Gina, Lisa and Linda; her grandchildren Elena Grace, Jessica, Jackie, Alex, Joshua and Frankie, as well as her greatgrandson Dylan. Grace is predeceased by her husbands, Matthew Vallone and Frank Pietrocco.

electing us as council members in this yearʼs council election. From that start of our campaign, Brian, Don, and I realized our shared values, beliefs, and views of what Emerson stands for would assist us in acting in the best interest of the Emerson residents. We diligently campaigned these past few months, getting to meet so many new faces and the

Grace was devoted to her family. She is loved by all who knew her for her sense of humor, her laugh, and being a great listener. Grace was intellectually curious and was an avid reader. She loved following politics and watching CNN and Rachel Maddow. Grace played piano and loved to sing when she was younger. She

what the residents want,” replied Ruocco. “That is not how DMR said they should do it,” added Ruocco. Ruocco cited a Pascack Press article stating steps DMR previously laid out for involving the public. These included forming an advisory or steering committee (both were formed), hold a public discussion, and then try to winnow the choices to two or three sites. “Again the process stinks,” said Ruocco, citing lack of transparency and councilʼs decision to not consult his appointed advisory committee. Following the meeting, Ruocco emailed an update to citizens committee members, copied to Pascack Press. “I suspect that you wonʼt be contacted for your views as a ʻfocus groupʼ (or utilized at all) until feasibility consultant DMR comes back with his comments… He was asked by the Steering Committee to price out a building that included basketball courts, office space, meeting rooms, and a kitchen,” Ruocco wrote. He added, “The consultant is expected to have these results ready in time for a meeting with the Steering Committee on Nov 29. Iʼll try to keep you in the loop, but at this point, I canʼt blame you if you say ʻthe hell with it!ʼ”

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Growing: Borough dais splits on community center

wonderful families who make up our beloved town of Emerson. It was a pleasure meeting you on the campaign trail! We also want to thank the sitting governing body members, who encouraged us throughout the campaign. This team is certainly made up of some smart, innovative, and also kind hearted people. They each have the trustworthiness, values and good moral character that you look for in representatives. Brian, Don and I look forward to working with them in the upcoming years to further the positive progress being made in Emerson. The future of Emerson and the role we will play in helping to keep Emerson as “The Family Town” is an exciting prospect for us. Thank you for entrusting us. We look forward to getting to work! Kelly Moore Emerson

was always doing crossword puzzles. She loved trees, tall hedges, woods, flowers, growing tomatoes, as well as the ocean. Grace loved color and bright prints and a natural feel to her surroundings. Services were held at Becker Funeral Home. Interment, Westwood Cemetery in Westwood.

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Pascack Press 11.15.21

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