GIRLS DELIVER Students’ viral toy drive benefits nonprofit’s kids in need
Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake VOLUME 24 ISSUE 39
PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S BEST H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R
DECEMBER 14, 2020
WOODCLIFF LAKE
Holiday Shopping Guide
See page 17
HILLSDALE
REDEVELOP Passes handily, 5–1; Ruocco, Pizzella clash
PLAN A GO
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Following almost three hours of public comment, including an angry outburst between a councilman and mayor, the Borough Council Dec. 8 easily approved the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan, 5–1, with the mayor noting the plan “reflects badly on this council.” Mayor John Ruocco told Pascack Press Dec. 9 that he was not sure whether he would sign the ordinance, veto it, or let it become law after 10 days without his signature. If he vetoes it, then the council would vote on whether to override his veto. The plan rezones 14 acres around Patterson Street industrial zone, imposes design standards, setbacks, and architectural requirements on new types of possible residential, congregate living and mixed-use developments. Existing industrial and commercial uses can continue as nonconforming land uses but cannot expand, said officials. Councilman Frank Pizzella, a
See PLAN on page 284
BY MATTHEW WIKFORS SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
An act of volunteerism became an act of spreading holiday cheer for Woodcliff Middle School students Nina Indugula, Astrid Velozo, and Avery Maloney. The girls collected more than 70 toys for Oasis — A Haven for Women and Children, a nonprofit in Paterson. The organization, founded in 1997, carries out educational and social service programs that help women enter and succeed in the workforce and help children flourish academically. It also operates a soup kitchen and provides emergency food, clothing, and social support to city residents in need. Oasis has suspended its onsite volunteering program due to COVID-19, and encourages people to volunteer from home through fundraisers, collection drives, and purchasing restaurant meals for making grab-and-go lunches. The toy drive, an act of kindness Haritha Indugula says is typical of the girls, was the first volunteer project the friends took on by themselves. All three families had wanted to help their daughters find something meaningful to do during the pandemic. Indugula suggested Oasis, as she had experience supporting them. She works for KPMG in Montvale, and her office, along
CAN DO! Woodcliff Middle School students (left to right) Nina Indugula, Avery Maloney, and Astrid Velozo ran a toy drive to help save the holidays for needy children in Paterson.
with the firmʼs Short Hills and nearby New York offices, encourages its employees to volunteer at
TOP PHOTO BY AMANDA SHERIDAN
Oasis. KPMG has performed volunteer work with Oasis since 1997, the year Oasis was formed.
Proximity also played a role. The parents hoped that the toy drive would foster a joy of
Continued on page 16
WONDER WOMEN
B ck in time...
Congratulations to the members of the Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club who have just distinguished themselves with honors and awards.
The festive backdrop of an early-1960s Christmas scene in Hillsdale contrasts with images of a three-car accident there.
SEE PAGE 16
SEE PAGE 4
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
2
PASCACK PRESS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanking Mayor DiPaola
To the editor: IT IS CUSTOMARY for residents and politicians to write letters on behalf of candidates seeking office. I am, however, writing to express my pride and satisfaction for the mayor of Emerson, Danielle DiPaola. She has, in my opinion, sur-
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passed what is expected of a mayor. She has given time and efforts on improving our town. She has tried to give Emerson back some meaning to the title “The Family Town,” something I had to laugh at before now. I am certain that, having had the opportunity, she would have reversed the proposed four story buildings still in limbo if only to try and keep this town suburban which, as it appears, will never again be. She has telephoned the citizens, publicly and privately, frequently, advising, reminding and informing us of certain functions that are or may be important. She makes personal visits when necessary, I being among them. I am a Democrat but I vote according to whom I sense can be trusted with handling important matters that affect me as a resident of Emerson.
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Shops Struggle as Cases Rise” (online, Dec. 7; page 5 this issue), I believe “persevere” is a more appropriate verb in the context of Westwoodʼs small businesses. I write to you from the perspective of Celebrate Westwood, a volunteer organization recognized by the governing body and the Mayorʼs Economic Recovery Group for its essential, creative support of local businesses. Through ongoing initiatives focused on small-business, we have been hearing a different pandemic story than your title relays: Yes, things are difficult. Yes, small businesses are struggling. But perhaps more resoundingly here in Westwood, yes, they are persevering. Do they need ongoing support to ride out this tide? Certainly. But first, let us acknowledge their tenacity, grit, and heart. Our local businesses have To the editor: RATHER THAN YOUR recent exceeded expectations by demonheadline, “Local Restaurants, strating flexibility and ingenuity
I have, admittedly, been fooled by sugared words and promises from various prior mayors. But thatʼs how the game is played. That is why I am writing this letter. I wish to thank our mayor for working toward keeping her promises, for trying hard to be an exemplary mayor. I believe she is succeeding. I wish her everything good: health, happiness, and continuing perseverance. Respectfully, Phyllis “Kiki” Sembos Emerson
Westwood rises to the challenge
NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.
in the face of this pandemic. Forced to take the COVID shutdowns and capacity restrictions on the chin, our restaurants stumbled but did not fall. In fact, when the governor allowed work to resume, they wiped off the dust, and got cooking. They offered hundreds of meals to our front line heroes in those early months when we had no sense of how bad this would get. They served up family-style meals to weary parents, and created curbside and outdoor dining options which stretched them beyond their typical business models and comfort zones. They made something out of a potential catastrophe. In an uncertain economic climate, our retail shops tried new ways to safely engage with customers. Many of them created social media accounts and online ordering systems for the first time. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
PARK RIDGE
Only a day after Park Ridge settled its long-contested affordable housing plan with a developer that permits 448 multifamily units on a 30-acre former Sony tract, the same developer appeared before the Zoning Board of Adjustment to request permission to build an access road through Park Ridge to its adjacent 185-unit development in Montvale. The first Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing Nov. 24 on Landmark AR Park Ridge LLCʼs application ran nearly 2 1⁄ 2 hours, featuring testimony from applicant engineer Brett Skapinetz and traffic engineer Nicholas Verderese, plus questions from the board and public. The hearing continues Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. A Zoom link can be found on the Zoning Board website. A planning consultant is scheduled to testify. A hearing public notice stated the proposal requested a land use variance due to the access road leading to a multifamily development, which is a use not permitted by Park Ridgeʼs ORL (OfficeResearch Laboratory) zone. Two minor variances for access road setbacks and buffers also are requested.
Throughout the hearing, detailed, technical questions were asked by planners and public about proposed access road improvements including grade changes between adjoining properties, stormwater runoff rates, storm pipes and detention basins, infrastructure upgrades, possible asbestos during Sony office building demolition, and traffic generation and impacts. Skapinetz said unlike previous plans, the application included the demolition of the former Sony office building, which will temporarily reduce impervious surface on the Park Ridge property. Plus, since the building will be demolished, another use variance previously requested will no longer be required, he said. A couple residents questioned whether asbestos might be released during building demolition. Both Skapinetz and applicant attorney Peter Wolfson assured them an asbestos report had been submitted and that the developer will follow all relevant environmental laws. Asked whether it was publicly available, Wolfson said its public release was up to local officials to decide. At one point board secretary Tonya Tardibuiona told Skapinetz that the Building Department had not yet received a demolition permit request from the developer.
Traffic consultant Nicholas Verderese noted the results of a traffic study and projections conducted in 2018 and 2019, using several planned area developments, plus traffic projections for 185 units in Montvale and 972 possible housing units in Park Ridge on the Sony site. He said the traffic projections included Montvaleʼs Triboro Square residential development (several hundred units under development), 80 planned Toll Brothers luxury townhomes, and potential reoccupation of 150,000 square feet of office space at the Sony site. Based on projections using well-established national traffic data based on similar land uses, Verderese said peak traffic volumes for the access road and nearby intersections would occur weekdays between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. He said due to “complimentary” flows of traffic from the multifamily residential developments during morning and evening hours versus nearby offices, he saw “little to no” impact or deterioration on existing traffic congestion or delays. Verderese said the 185 units will generate only one vehicle per minute at peak traffic times, and noted though the development includes 357 parking spaces “that
doesnʼt mean all those people are coming and going at the same time, it spreads out over time.” He noted that when his traffic study data was initially presented,
an attorney representing Park Ridge at Montvale hearings did not raise concerns. He said the trip-generated data derived from
Happy Holidays
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Museum’s sale is now open for members
B ck in time...
PASCACK VALLEY
Due to the governorʼs latest executive order limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer, the Pascack Historical Society has had to change course for its Holiday Boutique and Curio Sale that was set for the weekend of Dec. 5–6. For now, the usual sale is being postponed until the spring. However, because so many donations have come in, the museum is opening up the sale exclusively to its members by appointment in the coming weeks. Time slots are available on Wednesday mornings and Sunday afternoons. If you are a Pascack Historical Society member, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety .org to arrange a time to shop (feel free to bring your immediate family, or a friend). The thousands of sale items include antiques, collectibles, holiday decor, artwork, books, vintage jewelry, handbags (from 1950s to designer), china, small furniture, brand new toys, and so much more. For those who arenʼt members, now is the perfect time to join. Annual dues start at $30. If you sign up now, your dues will cover the 2021 year. Membership also entitles you to receive the Societyʼs quarterly newsletter, “RELICS,” which is full of local history features. The Pascack Historical Society is at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. The museum is open to visitors every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org, call (201) 573-0307, and follow the museum on Facebook.
HILLSDALE
THE HOLIDAY rush is on… but remember to drive safely, folks! These photographs snapped in downtown Hillsdale show a three-car fender bender from an early 1960s Christmas season. In the image above, the photographer is looking south on Broadway from the area of Park Street. Below, the same incident from a different angle gives a better idea of what happened. We found a report about three-car crash
at Broadway and Park Avenue on Dec. 7, 1962 that likely refers to this incident. The drivers listed were from Washington Township, Emerson, and Fair Lawn. The vehicle in the foreground of the top photo is a Pontiac police patrol car. An officer and another man are standing at the trunk taking down a report. Notice the downtown streetscape decorated with wreaths and bells and the Hillsdale Fire Departmentʼs banner advertising Christmas trees for sale. The arrow points to ward the firehouse on Hillsdale Avenue,
where the firefighters annually sold trees, wreaths and roping. Remember some of these stores? Above we see the Pascack Pharmacy at far left with the locksmith next door. That oval sign says “Country Club Ice Cream” and belonged to Hillsdale Stationers. Thereʼs also the Hillsdale Diner, and beyond that would be Marsala Hardware, Hillsdale Bakery, George Fredericʼs Salon and Chicken Delight. Below, Pascack Valley Bank is on the left and the Peterson Jewelry building is on the right.
inside LETTERS EATS DINING
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LIBRARY CALENDAR 22 HEALTH & WELLNESS 31 HOME IMPROVEMENT 35 REAL ESTATE
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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
Photos courtesy Sean Smith via Facebook
PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
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.
5
SHOPS STRUGGLE AS CASES INCREASE BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
PASCACK VALLEY
New Jersey and nationwide, a much-debated question among business owners and business advocates is whether the traditionally busy holiday shopping season will be enough to sustain struggling local businesses, restaurants and shops. While a vaccine may begin to become available in late December or January, most health experts predict it will not be until spring or possibly summer 2021 until enough people get the vaccine to create herd immunity to the novel coronavirus. Nearly 30% of restaurants and diners have gone out of business or shut down and many local merchants have seen revenues dip dramatically, said Marilou Halvorsen, of New Jerseyʼs Restaurant and Hospitality Association. She predicted up to half of restaurants and dining establishments may close due to the pandemicʼs impacts. Generally for small business owners, the two months leading up New Yearʼs Day often bring in the mother lode of sales and profits, say chamber of commerce officials. as winter This year, approaches and outside dining ends, chamber representatives urge residents to consider support-
ing local eateries by ordering takeout for curbside pickup. Also, with indoor dining limited to 25% of occupancy, restaurants will be hard pressed to eke out enough profit to survive, she said. While restaurant owners and statewide associations and the Pascack Valley Mayorsʼ Association have called on Gov. Murphy to increase indoor dining capacity, any short-term relief appears unlikely due to increasing covid outbreaks, suggested chamber officials. Also looking to assist business owners and others hurt by the health crisis, a bipartisan congressional group of 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats known as the Problem Solversʼ Caucus recently proposed a $908 billion stimulus bill. The proposal was made to help kick-start debate on a new federal pandemic relief package, said caucus co-chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), which covers portions of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. The caucus was formed in 2013, in response to the rise of the Republican Tea Party wing. In early December, Senate Republican leaders were talking about a compromise relief bill totaling $550 billion to $700 billion, with a possible vote before the congressional holiday recess. The caucusʼs proposal included
Get Into The Spirit Of An Old Fashioned Christmas At
$288 billion to resuscitate the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses such as restaurants. Small business Saturday on Nov. 28 came and went, with some shops seeing increased foot traffic. Promotions to shop local to help boost “Main Street” shopkeepers appeared to make a positive economic impact, some local businesses told Pascack Press However, state health officials were urging residents to avoid large crowds outside and inside that might increase chances for Covid-19 transmission. In late November, Murphy limited outdoor gatherings to 25 people and earlier in November he limited indoor gatherings to 10 people. And despite much support pushing Murphy to open up indoor dining to 50% of capacity only a month ago, before cases surged, Murphy left indoor dining at 25% capacity. “Itʼs going to be a tough winter. The vaccine is not coming to rescue us until later this winter so the question is: will it be in time?” asked Michael Fitzsimmons, secretary of the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, on Dec. 3. He said the chamber has produced two videos promoting local businesses, and placed both on social media and a cable TV news station to help drum up customers. “It seemed like the town was doing a little bit more business,”
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Fitzsimmons said of a recent holiday weekend. He said most local businesses had taken big economic hits this year due to monthslong spring shutdowns when the pandemic began and slowly returning customers. He cited promotional efforts spearheaded by Celebrate Westwood as being instrumental to driving customers to local shops, including recent Share the Joy, Shop Small and Shop the Hub outreach efforts.
A recent Facebook promotion features a snowy downtown Westwood decorated for the holidays as Michael Bublé croons a Christmas classic. Only six weeks ago, 10 Pascack Valley mayors urged Murphy to reopen indoor dining to 50% capacity, citing eateries in neighboring Rockland County that were then operating at 50% CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
Think Positive! Have anything you would like to share, past or present? Let us help announce your achievements, honors or birthday wishes. Send it to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
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TO FILE OBJECTIONS WITH COURT
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
PARK RIDGE
While about a dozen residents criticized the affordable housing settlement that approved 448 housing units—including 68 affordable units—on a 30-acre former Sony tract, the deadline for filing objections to the agreement is Dec. 28, according to the boroughʼs special counsel. At its Nov. 23 public hearing, a dozen residents offered comments, mostly negative, with some demanding the fight to continue, and most upset with the borough settling the long-running legal feud with a developer and Fair Share Housing Center. According to the notice posted Dec. 7, objections to the agreement need to be filed in writing with Superior Court Judge Gregg
Padovano, special master Frank Banisch, and at least half a dozen attorneys listed as interested parties, including Fair Share MISCIAGNA Housing Center, by Monday, Dec. 28. “Anyone who wishes to object to the settlement on any grounds and wants to be heard by the court at the fairness hearing shall be required to submit their objections in writing to the court, Special Master Francis J. Banisch III, PP, AICP, Adam Gordon, Esq.; Anthony S. Bocchi, Esq.; Scott E. Reynolds, Esq.; Richard J. Hoff, Jr., Esq.; Brett E. Tanzman, Esq.; and Ronald Shimanowitz, Esq.,” reads the public notice. It gives the deadline and an address, and adds, “If they wish to
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THE PARK RIDGE/MONTVALE border bifurcates the former Sony campus site. The council has approved a settlement deal to allow high-density housing here, which has angered and dismayed a number of residents. Mike Olohan photo
call any witnesses (lay or expert) to testify at the fairness hearing, they shall be required to submit a written summary of any lay testimony and a written expertʼs report.” Public notices are posted at njpublicnotices.com. Despite the boroughʼs more than five-year legal battle against two intervenors pushing for highdensity development to satisfy affordable obligations, the council voted, 4–2, on Nov. 23 to approve a settlement under pressure from the Superior Court and Banisch. (For the story, see “Best We Could Do”: Council Takes Deal For 448 Units at Former Sony Site,” Nov. 30.) The settlement calls for 448 units on the former Sony property with 68 affordable, a 100% affordable, 51-unit development at Bearʼs Nest, a $150,000 payment for Fair Share Housing Center
legal fees, adoption of ordinances to rezone the property for affordable housing, plus affordable setaside ordinances for future multifamily (five or more) housing. Following several court decisions that went against Park Ridge, including Padovano barring its expert witness from testifying, disallowing its Bearʼs Nest affordable agreement into the settlement, and the special masterʼs recommendation to increase Sony density to 35 dwelling units per acre from its long-discussed 12–15 DUA, borough attorneys said it was too risky to go to court and risk losing immunity to builderʼs remedy lawsuits and be stripped of local zoning powers. Possible court fines and legal costs were also cited as reasons to settle, with Mayor Keith Misciagna describing legal fees of $700,000 yearly for several years as “bleeding us” and delaying
other capital needs. Following the Nov. 23 vote to approve, borough attorneys appeared before Padovano the next day to provide an update and schedule a fairness hearing. Had Park Ridge not settled, Padovano would likely have stripped the borough of zoning powers and allowed builders to file lawsuits to construct highdensity housing, said borough attorneys repeatedly Nov. 23. In a letter to Pascack Press, resident Burton Hall called the decision “a travesty of bad governance and a total betrayal of the expressed will of the residents of Park Ridge.” Hall said, “Clearly the bullying actions by Judge Padovano played to the apparent increasingly tepid response from Park Ridge. Many believe that the strong defense supported by a united citizenry of Park Ridge was the last best chance to stem the corrupting New Jersey Supreme Court enabled Fair Share Housing overdevelopment onslaught intent on turning our towns into cities. It is all so wrong.” Asked if he would oppose the settlement at the hearing, he told us, “absolutely.” Hall said the decision was “legally wrong” and he noted that the special master publicly said previously that the courts do not care what local impacts are caused by mandated affordable housing. Others criticized the Nov. 23 early meeting start time (5:30 p.m.) and lack of transparency in CONTINUED ON PAGE 39
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Should you replace your tooth with a dental implant or not? How do you answer that question?
Should you replace your tooth with a dental implant or not? How do you answer that question? You should replace your PRIYU GUPTA, DDS, tooth with a WESTWOOD dental implant PERIODONTICS if no other treatment option can save your tooth. To replace your tooth should be the last option considered. A dental implant is a replacement option,
not a treatment option. I am Dr. Priyu Gupta, Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon. A periodontist is a dental implant surgeon specializing in the gum and bone, the supporting structures of your teeth. A periodontist is a dental surgeon, not an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon is vastly trained outside of the oral cavity. They can perform extensive procedures like jaw reconstructions and even treat oral cancer. A periodontist is a surgeon of the teeth and only trained to save them or replace them with dental implants. My specialty,
periodontics, is more specific to saving teeth and dental implant therapy. During my surgical training, the question, “Should we save the tooth or replace with an implant?” was always asked of me. My professorsʼ intent was to challenge my thinking and ability to grow as a periodontist. We were taught that a dental implant is the last resort to therapy when all other options have been considered. During training to be a periodontist, we are taught many forms of therapy to salvage natural teeth suffering from gum and bone diseases. That is the purpose of a peri-
odontist. There are several options for managing and maintaining declining teeth. For instance, lost gum and bone on teeth can be regenerated to make them stronger. Or, if the teeth have gotten loose, a periodontist can stabilize the occlusion and control disease to delay tooth loss. This is the salient difference between an oral surgeon and a periodontist. Periodontists are the only specialists recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a dental implant surgeon. Many specialties and even general dentists have
incorporated this within the services they provide, but only periodontists have the formal education and training. Most of my practice is dental implant surgery, and the remaining is focused on surgical therapy to save teeth. Before you opt for replacement, it is best to get an opinion from a periodontal surgeon who may be able to save your natural teeth.
Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) models is based on housing unit type, not bedrooms, and based on average data from similar developments in the United States. Verderese said he was “pretty confident” that the traffic generation models will show even less impact when updated analyses are done based on the lower apartment number (448) approved versus the number (972) he used when projecting the traffic impacts for Montvale.
Verderese said when 448 units were recently approved by Park Ridge, he added those to 185 units previously approved, which totaled 633 units. He said when he compared that number to potential traffic generated by 220,000 square feet of office space at Sonyʼs office complex, results “were eerily similar.” He said they each generated 200 to 250 trips during peak traffic hours. Wolfson noted that an updated traffic report will be generated for applicant hearings on the 448unit multifamily inclusionary
development. That complex includes 68 affordable units. Former Park Ridge resident David OʼSullivan, now residing in Tennessee, called in to challenge the accuracy of Verdereseʼs peak traffic predictions—which led to Verderese defending the data and engineering computer model that generates traffic estimates. Verderese said the trafficgeneration data was reviewed by engineers from two towns, plus the county engineer, and accepted as valid traffic estimates during previous public hearings.
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Access: Traffic in focus FROM PAGE 3
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Stirring first novel from longtime Montvale writer BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
MONTVALE
Joseph and Josephine Morelli came to America from Italy in 1907 with their three young children and a secret that would go undiscovered for 80 years. Through four generations the family ran a restaurant while dealing with depressions, recessions, drought, disease, allegations, investigations, and murder— their own seven plagues. To survive, they had to cook up a lot more than the daily specials. Sometimes, the best kept secrets are best kept for good reason. So begins the promotional material for “Let the Sauce Simmer: A Novel. Not a Cookbook,” the debut novel of Montvaleʼs Tim Davis, who knows his way around history, kitchens, and evocative and persuasive writing. “While the novel is fiction, it is based loosely on real life experiences of a family that owned and operated an Italian restaurant in Geneva, New York—the setting for the story. Despite the subtitle the book really did start out as a cookbook in honor of my late mother, Adelaide ʻAddieʼ Davis, a truly world class chef,” Davis told Pascack Press last week. “But somewhere between Alfredo and zuppa, my imagination got the better of me. Like most novels, ʻLet the Sauce Simmerʼ is rooted in some perception of the
Pascack Press
AUTHOR TIM DAVIS, left, and his wife, “the lovely Helene,” live in Montvale. He tells Pascack Press, ”Our two children grew up in the same house we have lived in for 30 years. They are both grown and on their own now. And thankfully off my payroll. Which, in part, allowed me the opportunity to finish my novel.”
LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGH T
truth, but for the most part this novel is purely a product of my imagination and intuition,” he said. Davis, a journalist and diehard Yankees fan, has been a professional writer for more than 40 years, “mostly B2B stuff.” He said heʼs interviewed many captains of global industry, written for and about some of the worldʼs most iconic companies and brands, helped both his children pen their college essays, “and authored hundreds of touching and witty birthday, anniversary, and Valentine notes” to his wife. “Writing for a living always got in the way of writing for fun. Finishing this novel has been on my bucket list for as long as Iʼve
had a bucket list,” he said. And in a rhetorical flourish we have to respect, he said, “Getting my book mentioned in Pascack Press is also on my bucket list.” We are absolutely with him on the enthusiasm. The book is listed on Amazon under the Humorous Fiction category. Weʼre reading the book now and find itʼs well worth our recommendation. From the opening lines of the prologue the reader is swept along on the tide of history and
reaching America in time for the adventure of several lifetimes. “This book is the story of all the people who came to this country for the promise of a better life, but wound up realizing the grass is not always greener on the other side,” said Davis. He added, “They could have been butchers or bakers or candlestick makers, but they all had the same crosses to bear.” An appetizer for the table: After the mass, Goodman saw
Edie standing on the curb waiting for a car to take her to Saint Patrickʼs Cemetery. It was a snowy March morning; Edie was shivering. Goodman gave her a hug and wrapped his white silk scarf softly around her neck. “You donʼt want to catch cold. You could lose your voice. No one would be happy about that,” he whispered. That scarf remained in Edieʼs house for as long as she lived there. Publisher is LifeRich Publishing, an imprint of Readerʼs Digest, Bloomington, Indiana. 208 pages; softcover $14.99, ebook $4.99. Cover design is by Bruce Crilly. Itʼs available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all major book sellers and bookstores. Recommend local authors via pascackpress@thepressgroup.net. Weʼre also looking for recommended reading for kids and adults. Thanks in advance for writing to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Master Plan Update Ekes By; Hearing Set for Dec. 21 BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
WOODCLIFF LAKE
After more than two hours of spirited, sometimes testy dialogue among residents and officials, a split Borough Council voted, 4–3, with the mayor breaking a tie, to
introduce an ordinance that appropriates $50,000 over five years to fund a comprehensive review of the Master Plan. A public hearing on the ordinance is set for Dec. 21. “The sum of $50,000 is hereby appropriated for expenses incurred for implementing the Master Plan of the Planning
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Board, by the Borough of Woodcliff Lake and shall be deemed a special emergency appropriation,”states the ordinance. According to law, the appropriation for such expense can be funded over successive annual budgets, and payable over five years. Accusations from residents said that the process was being rushed, and should be delayed until a new council with incoming Democrats Josephine Higgins and Richard Schnoll, is seated before voting on the decision for a comprehensive Master Plan review. Two lame-duck members, Democrats Nancy Gross and Brian Singleton, were on opposite sides, with Gross voting yes and Singleton voting no. Joining Gross voting in favor were Republican Stephen Falanga and Democrat Jackie Gadaleta, while Democrats Angela Hayes and Craig Marson joined Singleton in opposing the measure. Rendo, a Republican, broke the tie
by voting in favor. Rendo has long spoken out for an updated Master Plan, especially due to a recent Broadway Corridor study and reexamination. Moreover, a recent Zoning Board of Adjustment rejection of an application to build a twostructure, 60-unit apartment complex at 188 Broadway was marred by applicant allegations that the Master Plan had not been updated and therefore was not binding. The applicant is appealing the Zoning Boardʼs unanimous rejection voted in July 2019. While those opposed to a comprehensive update said it was better to wait until new members joined and that there was no need to rush, those in favor said too much time has gone by and an updated Master Plan was needed sooner not later. Most in favor said borough professionals have been calling for a comprehensive Master Plan update for years, including planner Richard Preiss, the boroughʼs
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longtime planning consultant. Unable to get through on Zoom during the public session, ZBA Chair Christina Hembree was able to get through later and Rendo allowed her to comment. She said she has been “an advocate for an update of the Master Plan for many years… this has been going on a long time and it is critically important to update the Master Plan. To ignore it would be a huge mistake.” She said the lack of an updated Master Plan has hampered the Zoning Boardʼs ability and pushed them to do spot zoning. She urged the council to begin “to commit to a plan for the future. Just do the right thing.” While most callers appeared Mayor Carlos Rendo
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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PV clubs face challenges after going virtual HILLSDALE
Pascack Valley High School Senior Natalia Chinchilla said that the biggest challenge in hosting virtual clubs is trying to get every member involved. Chinchilla participates in numerous extracurricular activities, including Asian Culture Club, World Culture Club, Girls Who Code, and Harvesters Club—all of which take place virtually following coronavirus restrictions. “Clubs are completely different [this year],” Chinchilla said. “Weʼre being restricted on what we can and cannot do.” According to a PV history teacher and club advisor Marisa Mathias, due to the change in coronavirus guidelines students and staff have resorted to meeting virtually over Google Meets and Zoom calls. “I really appreciate the students and kids that are so much more willing to turn on their cam-
eras and talk,” Chinchilla said. In hopes of engaging more students, Chinchilla said that clubs have gotten “a little more creative” to boost engagement during meetings. Many clubs have come up with new activities that can be completed virtually. Chinchilla has taken part in breakout rooms, Among Us games, and cooking activities over Zoom and Google Meet, all while at home. World Culture Club hosted a virtual cooking tutorial over Google Meet in which students made empanadas. During the Asian Culture Club meeting, students played Among Us, an app where players complete tasks and try to find the “impostor” with their peers. According to Chinchilla, World Culture Club membership has grown by two to three times over recent years. “We were really excited [about how the club] is getting big and itʼs fun because youʼd like to see that people are at least interested,” Chinchilla said.
Chinchilla said that since the start of the new school year many clubs have been gaining more new members due to the “easy” accessibility of meetings. “Students now spend a lot of time at home, so there are less commitments for them to follow through with,” she said. She added, “Many are turning to clubs to have fun and get involved, which is a positive take of everything going on.” Club meetings are no longer being held primarily during lunch, with some taking place at 3 and 7 p.m. according to Chinchilla. With the new school schedule in place, Mathias has organized her weekly meetings at a different time of the day compared to previous years. “Itʼs just hard trying to schedule everything in the day,” Mathias said. Mathias recognized that meetings and fundraising opportunities will not be the same because of the pandemic, saying “Raising money for charitable organizations is a bit different. We are not
GPVCOC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization composed of businesses and professionals working together to enhance our community. Its goal is to foster an environment that leads to increased growth in our businesses and neighborhoods. The chamber offers scholarships to students living in Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Old Tappan, Oradell, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake who are graduating seniors at Emerson, Northern Valley Old Tappan, Pascack Hills, Pascack Valley, Park Ridge, River Dell, and Westwood Regional high schools, based on need, academics, and
community service. One student from each of these Greater Pascack Valley Area towns attending these schools is awarded a $750 scholarship based on winning essays. As fundraising efforts have been affected by COVID-19, the GPVCOC is accepting financial donations to help fund the 2021 scholarships. Donations to GPVCOC are tax-exempt. For more information on membership or donating, write GPVCOC@gmail.com or call Robin Malley at (201) 666-0777. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 364, Westwood, NJ 07675.
Chamber scholarships aid high school seniors
PASCACK VALLEY
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Thorn and Lauren Perini of Pascack Valley High School, Hallie Wikfors and Heather Fusco of Pascack Hills High School, Robert Nicolich from Park Ridge High School, Marina Bobles and Thomas Rosta from Westwood Regional High School, Reese Ferrante from Emerson High School, and Adrian Perez from Riverdell High School. The students are 2020 recipients of $750 scholarships from the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce (GPVCOC), which has been raising money for scholarships and other local causes for more than 40 years.
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Mathias. “[Virtual meetings] have been a challenge, but we somehow always figure it out and do it [and I am] thankful it always works out,” she said.
Editorʼs note: This piece originally appeared Dec. 2 in The PV Student Publication. We are reprinting it with permission as part of our commitment to amplify student voices in the valley. For this and much more, visit https://pvsmokesignal.com.
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consistently meeting in person and canʼt do in-person events that help raise money.” Despite the setbacks due to the coronavirus, Mathias has found a positive outlook on leading her club in a virtual setting. Using Google Meets, she said, “I was now able to open up the speakers who talk during the Religion in America course, to Harvesters Club members.” Many PV clubs have been operating virtually for months now with the help of advisors like
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BY MEGAN AUSTIN PVHS STUDENT JOURNALIST
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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FIELDSTONE STUDENTS STUDY BIAS, THEIR WORKS BOUND FOR SMITHSONIAN BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
MONTVALE
George Merrill, eighth-grade social studies teacher at Fieldstone Middle School, says his students are famous but donĘźt know it: “Well, famous to future historians,â€? he says. Those historians will see MerrillĘźs students through their own “primary sourcesâ€? around the Covid-19 pandemic. Merrill says the Smithsonian Institution—the worldĘźs largest museum and research complex, in Washington, D.C.—is taking in some of the projects, and heĘźs in
talks with Rutgers University about that public institution taking other pieces. The students have been documenting their experiences, which include not only life amid the pandemic but their awareness of the political landscape. The work consists of video, photo, illustration, and written diaries “that explain how they saw their world change at this unique time.â€? ItĘźs informed by a study of what teens and others were going through in two previous pandemics going back centuries. “The goal of the project was for students to understand the importance of bias in their primary
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sources,â€? Merrill told Pascack Press on Nov. 25. “In the modern age, there is a lot of information out there so it is important to support students as they look for bias within news stories, events, and other information.â€? He had the teens complete a self-reflection about their lives then keep Covid-19 diaries. He said Lauren Lynch and John McGinley on faculty worked with him to develop this assignment. Merrill said primary sources “have helped students to understand that the past is always someoneĘźs perspective‌ As they wrote their journals or completed their projects we discussed our own points of view.â€? Merrill said his students “really took the task to heart and dived into their experiences. Some spoke of the fear that struck them in the beginning but generally subsided throughout the summer.â€? Others, he said, took pictures ZEYNEP ILLUSTRATES a mood we can all relate to. of covid-related messages around the Pascack Valley—by law, you 180 AD, also known as the Plague not get lost. We talk to people so must wear a face mask for entry; of Galen. we donĘźt forget their stories. Histocurbside pickup only; stay six feet They found a lot to compare ry is happening right before us.â€? apart, and so on—and spoke about and contrast. In the same way, there are how these signs might instill a sense “The doctors of 1918 often curated archives and exhibitions of of safety or apprehension during didnĘźt use masks when treating primary sources around the events visits to local shops. patients. The Romans had no idea of Sept. 11, 2001, all reflecting Yet other students made quar- that masks helped stop diseases deeply personal points of view. antine survival videos, “showing from spreading,â€? Merrill said. how they passed the time or One “teenagerâ€? the students In studentsĘź own words engaged with new skills.â€? heard from wrote about her experi• Zeynep said, “If something Merrill, who has worked in ence missing school in 1918 and is biased you might only be getting four school districts and is in his how she missed her teachers and one side of the information. Or it second year at Montvale, says his friends. “My students related to that might make one side look better students have proved “incredibly aspect,â€? Merrill said. than the other. It is not a good idea resilient.â€? Asked what other contempo- to use a biased site because it does He adds theyĘźre “kind, hard- rary examples of primary sources on not give the perspective of both working, and dedicated to making the Covid-19 pandemic there might sides. Primary sources help people this atmosphere work. The students be for our posterity to note, he said relate in a personal way to events have gone above and beyond to social media has been a big asset in of the past and promote a deeper make sure they do their best.â€? looking at the lives of students. understanding of history as a Through the assignment, his However, he said, “Social series of human events.â€? students “were really able to under- media is not an authentic view • Gowri said in part, “It is stand their own spot in history,â€? he because of the social constructs important to recognize bias said. around it.â€? because if youĘźre biased to one The desired effect, he said, is Indeed, there is a growing body thing then you will forget to think “to have students understand they of scholarship showing how artifi- about if it was the right choice or truly are living history and histori- cial—how contrived—the social not.â€? ans will look to their diaries to bet- media realm is, with implications • Noah was succinct: “It is ter understand them.â€? for youth mental health. important to recognize bias In contrast, when you write a Another source, he said, is for- because if you donĘźt you could get research paper, you are creating a mal writing and documentation scammed.â€? secondary source based on your from the government. “But rarely • H. Foley said the study of own analysis of primary source do we have access to teenage bias “makes me do more research material. diaries, thoughts, or experiences and look more deeply into what I Some of the illustrations the during life-altering events.â€? look at, especially if I am using it kids produced show how face masks In addition, he said, “Polls for writing or an essay/project.â€? and Google Meet affect their lives; allow a glimpse into the nation and • Keira found that informahow ballots, Black Lives Matter, how [respondents] feel about the tion online and in ads is often misand the Nov. 3 election registered to virus.â€? leading. “Learning about bias and them as global concerns; and what As The New York Times claims has helped me find good they imagine other kids feel. explained in a piece this June, amid information. I now can recognize Among them: worry, anger, protests there and worldwide, “The bias and make sure a claim is sadness, ignorance, paranoia, scope of what some museums now accurate. I look for signs of fatigue, knowledge, and calm. call Ęťrapid response collectingĘź has extremes such as always, never, expanded significantly in recent and everybody. I can also factBeating bias years. Curators often mingle with check the information against As part of their work on the crowds, scoop up fliers and ask other sources.â€? unit, his students read letters from people to part with signs, or per• Michael said, “Learning doctors dealing with the Spanish haps a piece of clothing.â€? about bias shows how much inforflu, also known as the 1918 flu panIn the piece, Aaron Bryant, a mation can be skewed. Claims demic, which infected 500 million curator at the National Museum of online can be biased but not techpeople in four successive waves. African American History and Cul- nically incorrect, due to differThey also reviewed records left ture, told the Times, “It is critical ences in perspectives.â€? from the Antonine Plague of 165 to that we collect so this moment does
Ghassali: Development in Rockland could worsen traffic MONTVALE
Mayor Michael Ghassali reached out to residents Dec. 4 to urge their awareness of a school project in Village of Chestnut Ridge across the boroughʼs northern border in New York State. “This project, which would be constructed on property north of the Garden State Parkway between Red Schoolhouse Road and Summit Road, is the first major project of many proposed across the border, and could add several hundred buses on local roadways as they travel from the Parkway and ancillary roads to this proposed school property,” Ghassali said. “Regrettably, the Village of Chestnut Ridge Planning Board and administration have not reached out to us or shared any information other than what is publicly available on their website,” Ghassali said. “Typically, it is considered professional courtesy to share with neighboring towns information about major projects and events, especially when it is going to impact the neighboring towns,” he added. Directing residents to the related public documents, Ghassali said he and the Borough Council, along with borough engineers and attorneys, “are committed to ensuring that there is minimal impact to our town and to our lifestyle.” He promised, “We will have our own professionals review the relevant documents and raise any concerns, especially concerning traffic, with the Chestnut Ridge Planning Board. We have limited authority as to what is built outside of our town, but we do have authority, along with Bergen County, to regulate traffic flow on our roadways.” Ghassali said, “We will have a public meeting for Montvale residents to discuss concerns and for the Borough to share its own analysis of the traffic studies and other relevant documents as soon as we have them.” According to Village of Chestnut Ridgeʼs website, the construction of two new school facilities along Red Schoolhouse Road (Rockland County Route 41) and Summit Road in the Village of Chestnut Ridge, Town of Ramapo, Rockland County, New York is proposed as part of the Wellington Educational Initiative to provide a campus for the education of Jewish children. • One school is a girls elementary day school (pre-K through 8th grade) consisting of a building footprint of approximately 31,668 square feet. The other school is a boys high school/college consisting of a building footprint of approximately 20,757 square feet and includes dormitories.
improvements along Red Schoolhouse Road. The RCHD concurs that this relationship shall be integrated into long-range planning efforts in the area including CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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AJC LAW
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
The Rockland County Highway Department, in its review of the site plan, observed that the development “indicates than an essential component of success… is ensuring the relationship between land use and road/traffic
BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
15
201-664-0540 • www.ajclawoffice.com • River Vale ELDER LAW • TRUSTS & ESTATES • DIVORCE MEDIATION
• The girlsʼ school could eventually have 1,000 students. The boysʼ school will be a residential secondary school for up to 400 students. • The elementary school is located along the northern side of Red Schoolhouse Road with its vehicle access across from the Promenade at Chestnut Ridge. • The high school/college will have access along the southern side of Summit Road. There will be very limited interaction between the two schools although the schools will coordinate activities to insure that no conflicts arise. According to an August 2019 traffic impact study by Provident Design Engineering of Hawthorne, New York, the initiative will yield more traffic. “Based upon observations, the existing Elementary School consisting of 472 students generates approximately 82 entering vehicles and 56 exiting vehicles during the peak AM hour, and 49
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SCHOOLED: Mayor Michael Ghassali advises residents to be alert to development eyed for the Village of Chestnut Ridge.
entering vehicles and 71 exiting vehicles during the peak PM Hour,” it says. “Using the same ratio, a proposed elementary school consisting of 1,000 students would conservatively generate approximately 174 entering vehicles and 119 exiting vehicles during the peak AM hour, and 104 entering vehicles and 150 exiting vehicles during the peak PM hour,” it adds. “However, a higher percentage will likely utilize the buses, further reducing the amount of traffic,” it says. “The proposed highAmeri Dr. Lashgari and Dr. school/college will not have daily student traffic as students will live … in the proposed dormitories. The only traffic would be the incoming and departing staff. The conservative estimated trips for the staff are approximately 30 entering vehicles and three exiting vehicles during the peak AM hour, and three entering vehicles and 30 exiting vehicles during the peak PM hour,” the study says.
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Girls: Middle schoolers rally for kids of Oasis volunteering for their daughters, and “having something thatʼs close by so they can go there after COVID and build a relationship with a place where they can volunteer would be ideal,” Indugula told Pascack Press. She also said she hoped that the girls could meet the people in charge of Oasis when dropping off the toys so they can build a connection with them for future volunteer opportunities.
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Aside from arranging the toy drive with Oasis and driving over to their building to deliver the toys on Dec. 10, the parents left the toy drive details up to the girls. And the young ladies rose to the challenge. According to Indugula, the girls reached out to their friends and family via social media to promote the campaign. They collected approximately 70 toys in short order. “When I first heard we would do it ourselves, I was nervous. It was nerve-wracking, but once we
Jigsaw puzzles capture scenes in Westwood
The Friends of the Westwood Public Library and Celebrate Westwood have teamed up to bring you a way to recognize some of your favorite places in town, while also supporting the community. They are now selling commemorative jigsaw puzzles— each one 100 pieces, approximately 9-by-12 inches—perfect for any Westwood lover. There are five local scenes to choose from: PJ Finneganʼs, The Iron Horse, Westwood Cycle, the
Westwood Library, and the bandstand in Veterans Park. They go for $20 each, or, for a limited time, all five for $75. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Friends of the Library and Celebrate Westwood, who in turn support local businesses, restaurants and residents in this difficult time. Visit the libraryʼs website, westwoodpubliclibrary.org, to see the puzzles and for information about purchasing.
started getting toys, I was excited,” Nina Indugula said. Oasis Director of Development Laetitia Cairoli told Pascack Press the girlsʼ work and the donorsʼ generosity make a significant difference. “We are a nonprofit and we rely entirely on private donations to make this happen. This Christmas, unfortunately, people are really suffering badly in Paterson, because Paterson is one of the poorest cities in New Jersey,” Cairoli said. “Families there have been very hard hit by the pandemic because they have suffered unemployment at extraordinary rates, because for the most part theyʼre low-wage workers. Theyʼre restaurant workers, theyʼre house cleaners, and those are the people that lost work in this pandemic,” she added. This year—Dec. 18—Oasis is distributing toys to 450 of its clients. “The women who come to our adult classes, we give them gifts for their children. And then we give gifts to the children who come to our afterschool programs, teens and young children, in K-6,” she said. “We try to give children a wish list. We give them each a toy, a game, and an item of clothing,” she added. “These are the same people
weʼre literally giving bags of food, weʼre giving them hot lunches daily; these are families who really are struggling, and who have been struggling, but because of the pandemic theyʼre facing unemployment, theyʼre facing eviction, theyʼre facing hunger. So this is not going to be a good Christmas for these families except for what we can do to help,” she said.
Young volunteers at work The biggest challenge Nina, Astrid, and Avery faced in running the drive was unexpected, but they discovered a solution by themselves. “It was probably being able to get the word out,” Nina said. “We couldnʼt spread the word in school”—they had planned to place flyers around the middle school, and were ready to go but couldnʼt get school permission— “so we had to get more creative.” They posted the flyers on Snapchat and Instagram, reaching potentially many more supporters. Astrid told Pascack Press that her team didnʼt have a specific goal to reach in terms of how many toys they collected. She said that they were just happy to pass along toys to the children Oasis serves. “I feel that anything would have counted and made a child smile,” she said. In line with the virtual promotion, collection for the toy drive
was no-contact due to COVID. People dropped off new, unwrapped toys at their houses. The toys were then brought inside and sanitized. The drop-off involved little contact with Oasis folks meeting the girls and their families outside the building. Everything was done without seeing the faces of the donators or the people receiving them. Despite the challenges, the girls said it was rewarding to hold the toy drive by themselves. Astrid and Avery volunteer at Family Promise in Ridgewood, an organization that provides shelter and support for families experiencing homelessness. Astrid said her volunteer work involves working with families in the morning, taking care of children and helping the parents get ready to start their day. She said it felt different to be the one in charge of a volunteer project. “Itʼs a really good experience, especially with whatʼs going on now,” she said in regard to COVID and the holiday season. Asked for their reflections on the project, the girls wanted it known they thank their family, friends, and everyone who donated to the toy drive. — With some reporting by John Snyder
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There’s no need to “shop ’til you drop” with our HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE, a special holiday section packed with innovative and useful gift suggestions. Whether you’re shopping for a discerning teen, the friend who has everything, a young child or grandma and grandpa, you’ll find gift ideas to please even the most selective name on your list. Wrap up holiday shopping with HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE!
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
HolidayShoppingGuide
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Pascack Valley Town Briefs
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
EMERSON
Shared service agreement for a senior bus?
In new business at the meeting of the mayor and council on Nov. 10, members discussed a senior bus shared service. Mayor Danielle DiPaola said the borough was reaching out to other the Pascack Valley municipalities to join in a shared service agreement for a senior bus to be available several days a week.
Plenty Of Fresh Fish!
Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen said it was a good time to work on this because they were working on the 2021 budget and would need to get more information before they could vote on this item. The governing body asked questions related to who would drive, whether the current health crisis should be considered and, insurance costs. At the same meeting, a motion to move forward with a volunteer snow shoveling program for seniors and the disabled was moved by Council President Hoff-
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man, seconded by Councilman Gordon, and carried unanimously.
Circling back to young resident on plastic bag ban
At the meeting of the mayor and council on Nov. 10, Councilman Bayley asked if the governing body could send a letter to a grammar school student who had presented at a council meeting last year, speaking to urge a plastic bag ban. He said that now that the state law has been passed, he thought it would be nice if a letter could be sent from the governing body thanking her for her ambitious drive and said it did make a
difference. For more, see our story “Resident, 9, Calls For Plastic Bag Ban For Sake of Environment,” Aug. 26, 2019.
HILLSDALE
All welcome to post-holiday Styrofoam drive
The Hillsdale Environmental Commission hosts a post-holiday Styrofoam recycling drive at 441 Hillsdale Ave., Town West parking lot, between Friendlyʼs and Wendyʼs on Dec. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or whenever the truck fills up. Rain/snow date
is Jan. 2, 2021. Open to all Bergen County residents (with the first hour designated for Hillsdale residents) and sponsored by the Sustainable Jersey Bergen County Regional HUB. Volunteers will collect your items for recycling. No food containers or packing peanuts. Masks and social distancing are required at all times.
Extension on Senior Freeze tax relief applications
The 2019 senior freeze (property tax reimbursement)
SHINING THROUGH
od eafo S ed lect ly” “Se Dai
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CONGRATULATIONS—mazel tov—to the Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, its co-presidents, Staci Klonsky, left, and Sandra Forman, right, and Torah Fund cochairs Deborah Barcan and Jill Strassberg, for raising money for Torah Fund and receiving the 5780 Torah Fund Award. On Nov. 19, Women’s League of Conservative Judaism held its Garden State Region annual event honoring support for The Torah Fund. The event, “A Spiritual and Enlightening Night of Music to Support Torah Fund,” was shown on Zoom. For more information write sisterhood@tepv.org or visit on Facebook.
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The Religious School of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley is celebrating Hanukkah 2020 with
The Eric Carle Museum Create a Collage. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the one day supply of oil for the eternal lamp in the synagogue lasting, not for just one day, but eight days. Typically, Jews enjoy Hanukkah by eating foods that use oil in the ingredients or the preparation. Common dishes include sufganot (doughnuts) and latkes. To join Ben in cooking, the students were sent a list of ingredients necessary to prepare Beignets
Create a Collage workshop is a hand-on virtual workshop exploring how illustrators use collage to
a series of virtual programs sponsored by the David Shore Fund at Temple Emanuel. This yearʼs program is two workshops, divided into sessions according to the age levels of the students: Cooking with Ben! and and latkes. Beignets is a French term for a pastry made by deep frying the dough in oil. Latkes, potato pancakes, are also fried in oil. “The kids, our TPV super chefs, had a great time making their own dishes! Sooo professional. Maybe itʼs the start of a career path?” wrote TEPVʼs Simoke Wilker. The Eric Carle Museum
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their own creativity through their individual experiences of the joy of Hanukkah. What fun! How lucky can you be—eight days to celebrate one holiday,” Wilker said.
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Hannah
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Virtual Hanukkah Celebration at TEPV
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Holiday home decoration contest seeks photos
The Westwood Recreation Department is happy to invite residents to participate in its first holiday home decorating contest. Recreation Director Gary Buchheister says in the invitation, “Get outside with your family and have fun creating magical holiday displays with lights, inflatables, scenes and more! We want to see how you add a little flair to make this unusal holiday season merry
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and bright! To enter, send a photo of your decorated home to rciarlante@westwoodnj.gov by Dec. 18. Your photo will be added to the recʼs Facebook photo gallery (facebook.com/westwoodnjrec) for viewing. Judging by the Westwood Recreation Advisory Board commences on Dec. 19. Three winners will be announced on Dec 22.
Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Westwood business or restaurant of their choice and a lawn sign designating the winning homes. Buchheister says, “We know there are limits to how we can gather, but there is no limit to how we can support each other by showing some holiday cheer. We canʼt wait to see how you add some joy to the season.”
Free Zoom session: How to Build a Limitless Mind
has helped over 7,500 patients with an 80% success rate. Chait has earned licenses and numerous certifications in physical therapy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, herbology, and clinical nutrition with specialties in autoimmune, chronic pain, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. He is a published author and well-known speaker for radio and television on the national, regional and local levels in the health and fitness world. Chait educates and trains his staff to be leaders in the industry and sets exceptional standards of care creating one of the strongest physical therapy, acupuncture and personal training teams in the country. For more information, call Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee Director Liz Falkenstern at (201) 822-3121 or visit kineticrehabspine.com.
Is fear of COVID affecting your life? Is this fear causing stress and anxiety? Join renowned speaker, licensed acupuncturist, and mindset coach Dr. Evan Chait of Kinetic Rehab and Spine in Park Ridge and Paramus and discover why stress is the No. 1 cause of disease, how to release past emotional traumas, two empowering techniques to help achieve your goals, and simple strategies that will have a positive impact on your daily life! The free Zoom session is Tuesday, Dec. 15 at noon. Chiat provides the leadership and clinical foundation for his Clinical Team. He is the founder and creator of the Chait Neuropathic Release Technique (CNRT), a multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment tool that focuses on the treatment of chronic and acute pain patterns, which
PASCACK VALLEY
Preschool piano lessons offered online Due to Covid 19, Happy Piano has not been able to offer piano for preschoolers in Westwood Community Center. For parents who want their child to continue piano or to begin piano lessons, Happy Piano is now offering online classes. University studies show that children who receive early piano lessons enjoy amazing benefits, now and in later years, such as
higher IQ, better SAT scores, increased creativity, improved memory, and heightened math and problem-solving skills. Online class size is limited to between four and six children, so register early to ensure a spot. The first session will begin in a few weeks. For additional information, visit happypianoonline.com.
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Lunches from Thomas J. Riley Senior Center
Thomas J. Riley Senior Center Program Director Marisa Tarateta writes to say the center is offering local seniors lunch for a nominal donation of $3.50. November menu items include meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies, Parmesan crusted flounder with rice pilaf and string beans, and egg salad on rye with pasta veggie salad. “Pick-up of meals is avail-
able to everyone from our takeout ʻgoodie window.ʼ Delivery is available to all Westwood House residents! Catering is from La Casa Formoso,” Tarateta says. The mutli-purpose Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, serving individuals 60 or older and disabled individuals throughout the Pascack Valley, is at 100 Madison Ave. To reserve your meal, call (201) 666-0840.
WESTWOOD
Patience, 50-Plus Club. No meetings yet
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
HELP FILL SANTA’S SLEIGH AND GET A FREE CAR WASH
Organizers of the St. Andrewʼs 50-Plus Club (Westwood) regretfully announce that due to the pandemic, the club still does not have permission to schedule in-person monthly meetings. Meetings would normally have started back up in September. “We certainly will advise everyone when our meetings may be resumed,” they write. “Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.”
WE BUY GOLD! TOP 5 REASONS TO SELL
During the most wonderful time of the year, be of good cheer and join the Closter Car Wash in helping get Santaʼs sleigh in gear. Along with the Closter Police Department, Closter Car Wash will be collecting toys for local families in need. Help them fill Santaʼs sleigh to make this holiday season jolly and bright
Car Wash thanks you. Unwrapped, new toys can be dropped off at Closter Car Wash, 11 Endres St., Closter. Upon your donation, you will receive a free “Regular Wash” service. Upgrades are available for a fee. For more information, call (201) 767-0048.
for those less fortunate. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…Donate a new toy and receive a free car wash! Your car will be glistening and shining bright! Let your car sparkle, just like the twinkle in the eyes of kids from 1 to 92. Although itʼs been said many times, many ways, Closter
CLOSTER CAR WASH offers free washes in exchange for toy donations.
Pascack Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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LIBRARY CALENDAR : VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THIS WEEK
HOLIDAY
EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • In a special Holiday StoryWalk, “Five More Sleeps ʼTil Christmas” by Jimmy Fallon is on display during December at the Emerson Memory Garden next to the library. Open to all. • There are two holidaythemed Grab & Go Crafts in December. There are cookie kits; each family can select one of four varieties to bake at home. Choose your pickup day: Dec. 14 or 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also ornaments. Take home a clear ornament ball (one per child) to fill or decorate to your liking. Both crafts are open to Emerson families only. Register online. • Magical Melodies meets Monday, Dec. 14 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Facebook Live. Features high-energy songs, dance, and instruments, followed by a trombone parade with Mr. Chris. For children 2–4. • Baby & Me is on Facebook Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m. An introduction to songs, dance and
finger plays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Newborn to 2. • Bendy Bookworm Storytime for ages 2–5 meets on Facebook Live Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. This twist on traditional storytime weaves yoga poses and energy exercises together with story books and rhymes. • Little ones are invited to join Miss Jolie on Facebook for “Winder Wonderland!” on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. In this special program for children, Miss Jolie celebrates the winter season with music and a dance party. • Boxing for Fitness & Fun, a program for adults, is on Friday mornings through December. Presented by the Jewish Home Family, these virtual classes are free and held through Zoom. Certified Rock Steady boxing coach Tom Elliott leads. Find link to register on the libraryʼs website. HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org
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• Maria Elena BaezDominguez leads Virtual Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Register on the libraryʼs website. Registered yoga teacher Maria shares strategies to help you relax, avoid burnout, and nourish body and mind. • Zumba via Zoom is every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Join Janet Weller, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, as she leads a dance-based workout. Register online for Zoom link. MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org
• The Monday Afternoon Book Group will discuss “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett when it meets Monday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. If interested in joining, email Lorissa.Lightman@montvale.bccls.org. • Montvale Cookbook Supper Club meets on Monday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join the group as members discuss the popular mystery with recipes genre. Choose any book you like and join the discussion via Zoom. Write to therese.jones@montvale.bccls.org. • Kids are invited for a Magical Storytime on Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. This two-forone program features Mr. Chris of
Magical Melodies and the Bendy Bookworm coming together for a mash-up of music, story time, and yoga. Registration required; sign up online. Best suited for kids 8 and under. • At BedTime Stories with Ms. Mary and Stardust, Ms. Maryʼs elf friend will be there to help decorate the tree and present a favorite Christmas story. This online event for children is Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Register on the libraryʼs website. • Join the library for a talk with local author John Holl, CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
WOODCLIFF LAKE
Integrated preschool applications open
The Woodcliff Lake Public School District is accepting applications for Integrated Preschool for September 2021. The preschool will be conducted for 2 1⁄ 2 hours daily, five days a week, with both morning and afternoon sessions. The program incorporates the education of special education children with that of general education children, offering a quality early childhood program. Special education children are selected and placed in the program through an evaluation process performed by members of the districtʼs Child Study Team. Typical peers will be selected into the program through a lottery.
The Woodcliff Lake Public School reserves the right to modify the typical peer program as needed. Letters of request will be accepted until Feb. 5, 2021. Send letters of request to the Special Services office, 100 Dorchester Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, or fax to (201) 391-0508. To be eligible, children must be 3 years of age on or before Oct. 1, 2021. A birth certificate, copy of immunizations, and proof of residency will be required of those students admitted into the program. Children are expected to be toilet trained, as this essential skill promotes independence in all children. The Woodcliff Lake Board of
Education has approved a yearly tuition rate of $3,350 (10 months) for the enrollment of any typical peer selected into the program. A $750 deposit is required at time of registration. The 3-year-old children accepted into this program will be given a preferred opportunity to continue the following year. A lottery will be held the week of Feb. 22, 2021. You will be notified following the lottery if your child was selected for the program. This program is subject to change at any time as a result of COVID-19 school guidelines. For more information, call Jessica Ballester at (201) 9305600, ext. 111.
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this proposed development.” It adds in part, “Red Schoolhouse Road is congested during peak hours, resulting in traveler delays. During the most heavily traveled times, traffic can back up from, entrance ramp to beyond Summit Road. To avoid congest, some travelers bypass the county road, causing a burden to the local road system.” It says, “As the proposed development is expected to have both project-specific and cumulative traffic impacts in the area, the need to provide road and traffic improvements will become an even higher priority. The applicant shall have to investigate the impact and implement potential road and traffic improvements in the area…” Charles H. “Skip” Vezzetti, superintendent of highways for Rockland County, told Pascack Press on Dec. 7 that Red Schoolhouse Road is zoned for commercial use—“Theyʼre looking at more sort of commercial develop-
FROM PAGE 15
ment down there”—and his office had given input on issues related to widening it. He said he was not aware Montvale had informed his office of any local developments that might affect the Village of Chestnut Ridge. “We certainly are open to any input that any of our neighbors would have.” He directed inquiries related to the state of communications with Montvale officials to Douglas J. Schuetz, acting commissioner of the Rockland County Planning Department. We have left voicemail seeking comment.
Montvale on the grow too A survey of our land use stories by staff writer Michael Olohan shows that Montvale recently approved a 185-unit apartment complex on seven acres of former Sony property; several hundred apartments and luxury units are planned for the North Market and TriBoro Square off Mercedes Drive; an 80-unit townhouse development is planned for 2 Paragon Drive; and another 157-
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unit active-adult senior complex off of Summit Avenue is seeking a green light at the Planning Board. Earlier this year, Peter S. Hekemian, senior managing director of S. Hekemian Group, which developed the Shoppes at DePiero Farm, told a business forum that the planned North Market development on Mercedes Drive would add 71,500 square feet of retail to
Montvale and bring the Shoppes to 302,500 square feet of retail. Approximately 300 residen- welcomes press releases, tial units and 91,000 square feet of birth announcements, office space are planned at North wedding announcements Market. and event photographs Related documents are live at from all towns in the https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0 Pascack Valley. /folders/1ponuvb9nSolAgX8y8U pascackpress@ YjJxRAmIMS4ctd.
Pascack Press
thepressgroup.net
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Rockland: Montvale’s mayor worries about buses
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Pascack Valley Town Briefs
program has been extended to Dec. 31. This vital lifeline for many seniors and disabled individuals throughout New Jersey helps keep their property taxes stable so they can remain in their homes well into their golden years. This year, due to COVID19, the borough has extended the application to ensure as many eligible taxpayers as possible can take advantage of this program. Check your eligibility at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/index. shtml.
FROM PAGE 18
Fire Department Santa detail a go!
The Hillsdale Fire Department is announcing Santa detail 2020 is on, beginning Monday,
Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., east to west. No candy canes will be handed out and there is no collection for the food pantry. The department says, “Please hand out candy canes or lollipops to your kids and tell them they are from Santa. The food pantry is in desperate need of your donations, this missed opportunity will be difficult for them, PLEASE make every effort to donate directly to them with either food or money. They could really use your help.”
MONTVALE
Menorah lighting Monday, Dec. 14; Santa inbound
and times for the Christmas tree lighting and Santaʼs arrival into town will be posted on the town hompage.
Gas main replacements under way
PSEG continues to install new gas mains and services in the borough. Due to recent notice issues, the administration requested that PSEG notify all homeowners with hang tags on their doors in advance of the work.
Senior center visitors toasty after boiler fixed
The town menorah lighting is Mayor Michael Ghassali Monday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Dates reports that Air Systems complet-
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PARK RIDGE
ensure you have a safe plan. For assistance, call Elena Rega at (201) 391-5224 or Tonya Tardibuono at (201) 391-5673.
RIVER VALE
Supporting local restaurants into chilly weather
The borough administration reminds local restaurants that choose to continue outdoor dining in the chilly weather to make sure they have contacted the borough for assistance in choosing outdoor heating and electricity options that are safe and legal. Tents can cause safety issues in bad weather, so make sure you have consulted with the building and fire prevention offices to
Santa signs on, but RVFD isn’t handing out candy
Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday, Dec. 19. The Fire Department reports “Things are going to be a little different this year. Santa will not be stopping and our members will not be handing out candy canes. More details will be posted on our website, rivervalefd.org.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
PASCACK VALLEY
Kids can meet Santa in Zoom charity drive
Happy Holidays! Order our HOMEMADE es cakes, pies and pastri
ed replacement of the hot water boiler providing heat to the senior center.
Voted One Of 201 Magazine’s Best Breakfast Places 7 Consecutive Years!
Although the holiday season is a bit different than in years past, the GFWC Paskack Junior Womanʼs Club wants to give children the opportunity to meet Santa Claus—virtually! Santa has mastered Zoom so children can tell him whatʼs on their wish lists and hear him read a holiday story.
GFWC Paskack Junior Womanʼs Club is offering 10 minute private Zoom sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 17. Slots are available from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m Private session costs $20. Proceeds will be donated to local charities. For more information and to register, visit paskackjuniors.org.
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WESTWOOD
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Buy Your Westwood Local Gift Card Today!
As small businesses work to weather the Covid-19 storm, the Westwood Chamber of Commerce and Celebrate Westwood are encouraging residents and neighbors to shop local for the holidays by launching the Westwood Spend Local Card, a community-based digital gift card. Most local businesses do offer their own gift card and buying them as gifts is a great way to shop local. The Westwood Spend Local Gift Card is just one more option for gift-giving this holiday season. To purchase a Westwood Spend Local Gift Card use the gift card link at www.celebratewestwood.org. The card is designed to be used at any participating store, service provider, or restaurant in Westwood. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of the growing number of participating merchants in Westwood— or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations.
All-digital and always available on a smartphone, the Westwood Spend Local GIft Card makes the perfect gift for teachers, employees and office mates, or stocking stuffers for those hard to buy for people on holiday gift lists. To facilitate the Westwood Spend Local Gift Card, Celebrate Westwood and the Chamber are working with eGift Card organizer Yiftee (Yiftee.com). Yiftee, an awardwinning, no-hassle eGift card and promotions solution for local businesses and communities is working with more than 100 cities and towns across the United States to offer shop local, shop small initiatives. With no special technology or point of sale integration it's easy for merchants and communities to offer eGift Cards, boosting local business awareness and sales. “Participating in this program means supporting the heart of what
MONTVALE
‘Bring a Smile to 1 Child’ seeks gifts
This is the 18th year of the celebration Bring a Smile to 1 Child. In previous years a party was held for underprivileged children at the Montvale Senior Community Center. According to founder Mario Liriano, “There will be no grand
ter, 1 Memorial Dr., Montvale, NJ 07645, (201) 838-7542; • The Liriano Home, 8 Hamilton St., Montvale, NJ 07645, (201) 838-7542, marioliriano@gmail.com. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. Checks made
makes the Westwood community unique,” organizers said in a press release. “By supporting local businesses, we are showing them that not only do we love their personalized shopping and delicious dining experiences, but that we also want them to continue to
be flourishing members of the Westwood community.” Studies have shown that local independent retailers recirculate 47% of their revenue back into the community, while only 14% of national chainsʼrevenue stays in the community. More dramatically, restaurants
recirculate 73% of their revenue back into the community, versus only 30% for national chains. Merchants interesting in joining the Westwood Spend Local gift card program should email celebratewestwood@gmail.com for more information.
WESTWOOD
Pitch in! Shovel snow for borough’s elderly
While children look forward to those first fluffy flakes of snow that might lead to sledding and snowman building, for many older residents a snow storm can be worrisome. Westwood For All Ages, a local non-profit dedicated to improving quality of life for local senior citizens, is recruiting volunteers for its program aimed at easing sidewalk snow removal duties for Westwood seniors. Now in its second year, this program is a continuation of the groupʼs successful leaf raking volunteer program that matched eager teen volunteers with several senior homeowners. Organizers are looking to recruit more volunteers, adults and teens, to help seniors with the more difficult snow removal chore. This program is a contactless service: No volunteer will enter any home and all arrangements will be made via email or phone. Volunteers will need to provide their own shovels. While many older residents are able to hire snow removal companies, those on fixed incomes
often struggle to keep up with snow removal duties. According to program manager, Lisa Bontemps, “It is our hope that Westwood residents will keep an eye out for their older neighbors and offer assistance with snow removal.” Bontemps also encourages older Westwood residents who need
this type of snow removal assistance to contact Westwood For All Ages to be put on the volunteer matching list. Teen and adult volunteers or seniors (65+) who would like snow shoveling assistance should write ww4allages@gmail.com or call (201) 834-4192.
A Taste of Italy Right Here in River Vale! party this year, but the plan is to carry on with toy collection and distribution.” Liriano says toy or other gift collection is going on now, and distribution will take place the week of Dec 14. Please add a label on the outside of each new wrapped gift/toy with the following info: gender (boy or girl); age; and a brief description of the toy/gift (example: boy, age 10, a football). Liriano says approximately 200 gifts have been delivered to underprivileged children from New York City and Montvale each year. Toys are needed for children from infancy to 15. Collection sites: • Montvale Evangelical Free Church, 141 W. Grand Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645, (201) 3916233 or (201) 838-7542; • Montvale Community Cen-
out to Mario Liriano can be mailed to the Liriano home, 8 Hamilton St., Montvale, NJ 07645. On the memo line please write, “Bring A Smile To 1 Child–2020.” Liriano has been practicing and teaching martial arts for more than 40 years and teaches taekwondo to all ages through Montvale Recreation. He also ran a taekwondo program for many years in the Dominican community in Washington Heights, his home when he moved to the United States. Liriano suffered a serious brain injury last month and is recovering. Guided by his faith, he said heʼs orchestrating the program from his home where he is convalescing and trying to follow his doctorʼs orders to stay off the computer. — Via Alison Faubert
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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HOLIDAY
DINING TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
BUY LOCAL: Farmers’ market open Nestrowitz, Bradley Saturdays in Westwood
The Westwood Farmersʼ Market is in the parking lot of the St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council 2188, at 40 Crest St., Westwood. The market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closter Farm & Livestock Co. is the local organic farmer with the freshest seasonal produce around!
Some of the artisans found at the market include Smokinʼ Joeʼs, Best Damn Lemonade, Three Charmed Gems, Traveling Mermaid Boutique, Elixir Kitchenʼs Gourmet Pet Treats, Olive Branch & Grape Vine, Conradʼs Confectionery, Spread the Rub, Jerky Rob, Paoloʼs Kitchen (Italian dinners on the go),
Gunter Wilhelm Knives & Sharpening, Catalina Empanadas, Guac A Lot, Whole Plant Medicine, Riley & Mee, and Artisanal Soaps. Additional artisans may join on a guest basis. For more information, call (201) 723-8807. Help raise funds for so many of the Knightsʼ charitable donations/events.
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Peter and Gerri Nestrowitz of Washington Township are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Sara Nestrowitz to Owen Bradley, the son of Michael and Tammy Bradley of Upton, Massachusetts. Miss Nestrowitz, a 2014 graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy and a 2019 gradu-
ate of Marist College, is a graduate student at George Mason University. Mr. Bradley, a 2018 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a graduate student at the University of Arkansas, is a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force. The couple plans to wed in fall 2022.
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whose book “Dishing up New Jersey” contains 150 mouth-watering recipes that celebrate the cuisine and culture of the Garden State. Thursday, Dec. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Register online. • Little ones can log on for Frozen Storytime with Princess Elsa on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wear a princess costume or bring your hat and gloves to keep warm as everyone enjoys stories and songs. Registration is required. Program is best suited for 5 and under. FROM PAGE 22
PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Join James Mokarry for an hour of Virtual Chair Yoga from the comfort of your own home. Class is geared towards adults and seniors, but anyone can join in. Stretch, breathe, realign and focus. Find this class live on the libraryʼs Facebook page, Park Ridge Public Library-NJ, on Monday, Dec. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. • Miss Renee Reads the Classics for Kids on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Visit the libraryʼs Facebook for the best classic books in kid-friendly versions. • Park Ridgeʼs Ferguson sisters will be on the libraryʼs Facebook Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to teach kids how to Make Holiday Slime. No signup required; just log onto Facebook and find the libraryʼs page. Visit the libraryʼs website for a list of the materials you will need. • Storytime with Miss Sherri is every Thursday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ). Stories, songs and a craft for little ones. • Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook. 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 are invited to participate as Miss Renee walks you through a fun craft at home. • Join Miss Eileen every Saturday for the Book It Club. Stories, science and more geared towards kids in primary grades. Takes place on the libraryʼs Facebook page Saturdays at 10 a.m.
RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Pick up a Winter Craft-toGo for your child to complete at home—this week itʼs a snowman picture frame. One craft per child, for kids in pre-K through fifth grade. Supplies are limited and crafts are first come, first served. • The In-BeTween Book Club for grades 4–5 will discuss “Save Me a Seat” by Sarah Weeks and
Gita Varadarajan. This program is held via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. Registration is required. • Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom every Tuesday at 11 a.m. This gentle form of yoga is designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Visit the libraryʼs website to register. • At the Penguin Art Class, a
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Zoom program set for Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 5 p.m., River Vale children 7 and up will learn how to draw and create a 3D penguin scene. Log onto the libraryʼs website for registration and materials list. • The program How COVID19 is Changing College Admissions will look at how college admissions officers are handling the pandemic and how high school students can best position them-
selves for success. Meets on Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register on the libraryʼs website. • Teen Talks Book Club for grades 6–8 will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. The selection is “Once” by Morris Gleitzman. Register online for access to the meeting. • Music with Miss Nita, for River Vale residents ages 6 months to 4 years, is Friday, Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to noon on Zoom. This
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program is about sharing songs, playing instruments, and enjoying rhythm in a relaxed, playful, family-style class. Register online. TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • That all-time favorite Book Bingo is back Monday, Dec. 14 at CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Library Calendar
HOLIDAY
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
28
Plan: At least 55 residents online over hot topic
HOLIDAY
longtime redevelopment advocate, lashed out at Ruocco following the mayorʼs harsh criticism of the plan that was put together by a planning consultant and long-sought by Pizzella, council members and Ruocco. At one point, 55 residents appeared to be online viewing the Zoom meeting. Most callers Dec. 8 opposed the plan, citing the density bonuses option, its potential for overdevelopment and the lack of local impact studies on traffic, schools and property taxes.
FROM PAGE 1
Ruocco also charged that the plan would lead to overdevelopment and lacked impact studies, which he had done previously, and that incensed Pizzella. Pizzella charged that Ruoccoʼs negative remarks about the plan were “irresponsible” and that the mayor was making members who favored the plan “look like idiots.” He chastised Ruocco, noting “Either you donʼt get it or you refuse to get it,” and Ruocco at one point asked the borough clerk to silence Pizzella so he could respond. Ruocco said that Pizzellaʼs charges of him not requiring
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impact studies for affordable housing units—similar to Ruoccoʼs demands for studies of plan density impacts—was not similar because Ruocco was not involved in those negotiations and he later told Pascack Press that those negotiations only involved 24 housing units. “Stop trying to present this vision of doom and gloom,” Pizzella told Ruocco after the mayor read a statement highly critical of the redevelopment plan. At one point, Pizzella told Ruocco he was “full of it” and Ruocco later called Pizzellaʼs comments offensive.
EMERSON
B’nai Israel invites you to Chanukah events
Congregation Bʼnai Israel of Emerson invites prospective members of all ages and stages to join in a week of Chanukah events. “Join us on Zoom on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9:40 a.m. for ʻChanukah: History, Mystery Aftermath,ʼ and hear the story of Chanukah for adults. Itʼs probably not what you learned in Hebrew school,” it adds. “Then come back on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. as we ʻLight Up the Night Sky. You can join
us in person at this socially distanced event, or be with us on Zoom, as we light candles outdoors and sing Chanukah songs.” For more information and Zoom links, write membership.chair@bisrael.com. Congregation Bʼnai Israel, an innovative conservative synagogue, is at 53 Palisade Ave., near the Emerson Public Library. For more information call (201) 265-2272 or visit bisrael.com.
When Ruocco mentioned no other town was offering a developer up to 60 dwelling units per acre, Pizzella noted that he did not care what nearby towns were doing, “I donʼt really give a ratʼs ass about what the towns around us have done,” and then suggested developments in Emerson, Montvale and River Vale as high-density examples. The tense exchange between Pizzella and Ruocco preceded the 5–1 council vote approving the plan. Since its release online Oct. 6, the plan has been dissected by Planning Board members, who opposed its density bonuses for increased housing units but mostly found it consistent with the boroughʼs Master Plan, which was the boardʼs major review role. The council is not legally obligated to follow Planning Board recommendations, although they did revise the plan to accommodate some suggestions. Despite the boardʼs objection, the option for future housing density bonuses that may be negotiated with developers was left in the plan, which caused Council President Zoltán Horváth to oppose the plan and drew a lengthy rebuke from the mayor, who only votes in case of a tie. Horváth said the plan was “effectively ceding Hillsdale to a developer” and that until the plan can be revised to leave out the bonus density option, he could not vote for it despite his strong belief in redevelopment. He said he was an “ardent advocate” of relocating Waste Management but could not support the plan. Much public controversy and plan opposition was generated by its future option for density bonuses, or increases in housing units based on a developer providing a community benefit such as a community center, park, or open space. Plan advocates stressed such bonuses—which are not a foregone conclusion in any negotiation —offer council members and borough professionals added flexibility in negotiations with developers. Also, Pizzella said that the boroughʼs affordable housing settlement already sets a limit of up to 28 dwelling units per acre for the redevelopment zone, which he equated to at least a three-storyhigh building. He said having an “option” to add density, which cannot exceed five stories, may provide an incentive to a developer while also gaining a community benefit such as a community center. Ruocco repeatedly noted a community center should best be obtained by a borough bond issue, which would allow borough professionals to monitor construction.
Opponents, including Ruocco, alleged that the bonuses would lead to oversize buildings that would forever change the character of small-town Hillsdale. Moreover, they said the bonus option would put officials at a disadvantage in future affordable negotiations by allowing an option of up to 60 dwelling units per acre (DUA) in the redevelopment zone. They charged that the 60 DUA allowance would become the new baseline to be met with Fair Share Housing Center. Also, no impact studies on traffic, taxes or schools was done, charged Ruocco. Bauman said that whether 60 DUA would be considered a Fair Share baseline was unknown but stressed Fair Share officials agreed not to require additional housing units for density bonuses that may be granted over 28 dwelling units per acre. Whether a density bonus is granted is ultimately determined by a council vote. Moreover, how transparent the process is depends on steps the council takes to inform and include the public, said special redevelopment counsel Joseph Bauman. After multiple callers charged Hillsdale was likely to wind up with a five-story, 500plus unit multifamily building soon if the plan's density bonus option remained, Bauman said that scenario was not likely to occur. He said the redevelopment plan will begin to play out over the next several years and that any developerʼs proposal will take “months and months of analysis and negotiations,” including public meetings, possible forums held for public transparency and input, a Planning Board hearing, and then a public hearing before the council finally votes on the redevelopment proposal. He said the goal was to create ratables and draw residents who can help support downtown businesses, and attract other businesses to downtown. “This is not something that happens overnight, it's going to happen iteratively and slowly, possibly over a decade or more. Youʼre at the beginning of a journey thatʼs at least 10 years long,” Bauman said. He said fears that overdevelopment will soon occur due to the planʼs approval were “just not close to reality.” He suggested residents check out the plan, posted on Hillsdale's website, and view the illustrations and architectural design styles proposed for new developments. “Our goal was to get residents who would frequent downtown businesses,” he said.
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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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 understanding: • 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. 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.
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PASCACK VALLEY
Reps press for state’s plan to protect care facilities’ vulnerable
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) led a bipartisan group of New Jerseyʼs Congressional delegation on Dec. 8 to request that the New Jersey Department of Health provide information on the stateʼs plan to effectively address any current and future COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities, as we enter the winter months and COVID-19 cases continue to spike. Since March, 7,337 long-term
care residents and staff have died from COVID19, and there have been outbreaks at 1,068 longterm care facilities in New Jersey. Gottheimer said the group wrote New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, “As we enter the winter months, holiday season, and flu sea-
PARK RIDGE
GOTTHEIMER
Diversity Committee seeks members
The Borough of Park Ridge is establishing a Diversity Committee to advise the administration. Volunteers willing to meet regularly and make recommenda-
tions related to diversity and inclusion in Park Ridge are welcome. Anyone interested should send their contact information to jfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com.
PASCACK VALLEY
New Bridge testing its 2,200 employees
As New Jersey and particularly Bergen County see a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases, Bergen New Bridge President and CEO Deborah Visconi announced that the medical center will test all of its 2,200 employees in a facility wide COVID-19 surveillance testing program. “We have led the way with community COVID-19 testing from the beginning of the pandemic,” said Visconi. “With significant community spread, implementing this employee surveillance testing program was another way for us to protect our staff and all those in our care.” She added, “We have already been testing staff in our long term care division, and now is the right time to expand our testing to all
employees throughout our facility.” Visconi shared the importance of universal testing as a way to enhance staff safety while reassuring the public that itʼs safe to seek the care they need, thus quelling concerns that could cause delays in care. “We need people to keep themselves healthy, manage any chronic conditions they have, seek emergency care, and get their vaccinations, especially the flu shot,” she said. COVID-19 testing for the community continues both at the Medical Center and remotely in partnership with the County of Bergen. Testing information and appointments can be made at newbridgehealth.org.
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son, our collective vigilance will be more important than ever. Residents and their families deserve to know that a comprehensive plan is in place for protocols to mitigate COVID-19, including isolating positive residents, containing any potential outbreaks, and protecting
all staff coming to work every day.” They added, “We urge you to consider all staff and their work environments, including front-line health care workers, administrators, custodial workers, and kitchen staff.” The officials also told Persichilli, “The loved ones of these residents and staff deserve transparency, regular communication, assurances that personal protective equipment (PPE) is stockpiled, and
the peace of mind that a plan is in place and protocols are being followed.” The letter is signed Gottheimer and reps Andy Kim (NJ3), Tom Malinowski (NJ-7), Donald Norcross (NJ-1), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ10), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Albio Sires (NJ-8), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
Pascack Valley Town Briefs FROM PAGE 24
Changes at Spectrum for Living
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Pursuant to mandate from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Spectrum for Living has suspended in-person services at its six adult training centers effective through at least Jan. 19, 2021. The organization said in a press release that virtual programming from its ATCs will continue throughout the period of the suspension of in-person services, and that DDD has issued new residential visitation guidelines in preparation for the holidays. Spectrum for Living is based at 210 Rivervale Road.
Fire Department 2020 PBA toy drive selling trees at in gear. Thanks for Memorial Field This year, with construction your donations The Washington Township Police Department says the 32nd Annual PBA Toy Drive is happening. More than 45 participating agencies are collecting toys to make the holidays special. Tomorrowʼs Children Hosptial, U.S. military families, and Valley Hospital pediatric center are just a few organizations that benefit from the toy drive. Please donate a new unwrapped toy to police headquarters, 350 Hudson Ave. For more information visit www.washtwppolice.org.
underway for a new firehouse and ambulance headquarters, the WTFD is selling trees, wreaths, and other greens at nearby Memorial Field daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tree prices range from $25 to $150. This is the departmentʼs biggest fundraiser of the year. Editorʼs note: Pascack Valley Town Briefs are compiled by our staff. Pascack Press is looking for news correspondents, particularly in covering public meetings. Experience is preferred but a commitment to accuracy, brevity, and clarity go a long way. To be considered write pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net.
Pascack Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide
DR. KAPLAN: ‘Give your body an advantage against COVID’
In addition to Covid-19 cases being up, hospitalizations are up. The good news is that as more people are hospitalized, the death rate is DR. ERIC KAPLAN, becoming lower. KAPLAN BRAIN & In the beginning BODY of the pandemic, if you were hospitalized as a result of covid, you had a 25% chance of dying. Researchers have recently reported that currently the chance of dying after hospitalization is around 7%. Now although that is still really high, it is much better than before. Now letʼs review why our covid death numbers are so high as well. One of the most significant reasons is the way the deaths are reported. If someone dies of a heart attack or stroke, but also tested positive for coronavirus, the death may be listed as a Covid-19 death. If someone dies of pneumonia, but also has coronavirus, the death may be listed as a Covid-19 death. If someone dies of the flu, but also tested positive for coronavirus, the death may be listed as a Covid-19 death. Analyses are showing heart disease, pneumonia, and flu deaths are lower this year than a typical year and this may be due to the miscategorizing of diseases that are inflating Covid-19 numbers. We will see at the end of the year, if this is true. Before Covid, researchers were predicting about 2.9 million people would die this year in the United States. If we add the Covid deaths to the typical year, we should have about 3.2 million deaths this year in the United States. However, the way things are
going now, it is looking like the total death count for this year will be closer to 2.8 million, but we will see the final numbers in January. Death is never a pleasant subject to think about, and the news is bombarding us with all the death and sickness from coronavirus. Instead of focusing on the deaths, reporting all the increase in cases, and telling everyone to wear masks and social distance, I am going to go over major health tips that may help prevent poor outcomes from coronavirus so we do not have to fear death and can get back to normal without masks and without social distancing. The solution has nothing to do with a medication or a vaccine, but it has to do with your own immune system. The human immune system is already 99% effective in preventing Covid-19 deaths, but let us review how we can help the other 1% and save hundreds of thousands of lives. The good news is that it is possible and that you just have to put in a lot of work. We know Covid-19 is very deadly for people over 80 years of age who suffer from heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, or obesity. We also know it is not nearly as bad for those individuals who are healthy, have normal vitamin D levels, and do not have a compromised immune system. Therefore if you desire a healthy life, it is necessary to take action immediately. The first step I would take that would help all of the comorbidities of Covid-19 is to lose weight. The countries that have high obesity rates like the U.S., Mexico, and Great Britain all have had bad outcomes with high Covid death tolls in comparison with the rest of the world. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and China have had better
outcomes and they all have lower obesity rates. The truth is that Americans are very unhealthy and fat and that is the main reason we have poor outcomes with Covid-19. The simple solution is to lose weight, wash your hands, do not touch your face, get healthy, and boost your immune system! There are many diets and fads that claim they can help you to lose weight. However, the problem is that diets don't work. After people lose their desired weight, they go back to eating normally and will typically gain the weight back, and sometimes even more. In my opinion, it is not about going on a diet, it is about making certain lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight and keep the weight off permanently! The first lifestyle change is to stop having meals or snacks late at night. After 6 p.m., you should not be eating anymore, and should only be drinking water. At night, people are usually not very active. They are sitting on the couch watching TV, scrolling through social media, searching the internet, or reading a book. These activities are not big calorie burners and slow down your metabolism. Having a late dinner or snack results in having food just sitting in your digestive tract and not getting digested properly. I also recommend taking a nice 30 minute walk after you finish your early dinner, rather than going to the couch to watch the news or Netflix. Additional important habits to implement immediately are to exercise in the morning, drink lots of water, and take vitamin D. The second lifestyle change is to stop eating so many grains, carbohydrates, sugars, starches, and processed foods. Instead of pasta, start having spaghetti squash or
zucchini noodles. Also, try replacing your rice with cauliflower rice. My children like pancakes, so to keep it healthy, my wife makes it with no flour or wheat and only two ingredients: eggs and bananas (skip the syrup). You can also substitute wheat wraps or tortillas by making lettuce wraps. You can have sandwiches but instead of using a bun, you can use two slices of a red pepper and put the meat in the middle. You can mimic mashed potatoes by using carrots, cauliflower or peas. I also like to use sliced cucumbers like crackers or cut it the long way and use it as a hero roll. Have carrots or apple slices instead of french fries. These techniques are not that hard but will lead to immediate weight loss. The third lifestyle change is to reduce stress. When you are feeling stressed a hormone called cortisol is released which leads to fat deposits around the waist. There are many ways to reduce stress, but I think the most important thing to do is to take vacations. If during the week you usually work all day at a computer, eat a big dinner, watch TV, and then go to bed, that is a recipe for weight gain. Start activities that make you more active and require you to move the body. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to go on many vacations. If you only have two weeks of paid vacation, then take lots of little mini vacations. For example, you can take off a Thursday and Friday and take a total of five four-day vacations. Besides taking a break and going on vacations, you might also have to get out of a bad relationship, quit a high stress job, or move out of a stressful city. It might be a major lifestyle change that you have to do, or it may be little changes that are easy to implement. For example, waking up 20 minutes earlier to work out or meditate in the morning can make a huge difference. Another thing I also recommend is to stop watching the news at night. The news is full of stressful stories like murders, fires, criminal activities, natural disasters, terrorism, medical diseases, racism, sexism, political corruption, suffering, starvation, floods, hurricanes, tornados, droughts, rape, poverty, and police brutality. I had a patient that lost five pounds in two weeks (in addition to reducing anxiety and sleeping better) simply by not watching the news. If stress reduction was the only thing you did, you could actually lose weight quickly. The last lifestyle change that is important for weight loss is to stop using electronics at night. Most people are sitting all day long at the computer, and then come home to eat a late dinner and
sit on the couch to watch TV or play on the computer. These electronics have a harmful blue light which can not only increase cortisol as well, but confuse the brain into thinking it's not really night time. This will interrupt your circadian rhythms which can lead to difficulty in weight loss, as well as difficulty sleeping. For immediate weight loss, it is important to go to bed by 10 p.m. at the latest, and have absolutely no food for the four hours before you go to sleep. This will help break down fat, improve digestion and reduce cortisol activation at night. My last bit of advice is to not stress over weight loss. That will work against your goal. Don't weigh yourself every day and do not obsess over the scale. The less stress in your life, the quicker the weight loss. In my opinion, it is best not to do any diets, but to change your lifestyle. If you function better, you will feel better, and the fat will come off much quicker. If you follow these simple rules, you will be healthy. When you are healthier, the weight comes off naturally and most importantly safely. Do not count calories, points, or pounds. This can lead to eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, and body dimorphism. Letʼs end the year on a good note. Do not wait until the new year to start these lifestyle changes. The best time to start is immediately. Go grocery shopping today and give away your old food to a charity or a food pantry. I have realized that the people that wait until January to start are never as successful as the ones that start in December. If you are interested in my healthy six week weight loss program (includes lifestyle changes, foods to avoid, foods to eat, food diary, food calendar, recipes, accountability session, supplements, exercise program, sleep program, stress reduction program, brain training program, and many other benefits), contact me at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or call me at (201) 251-2160. If you mention this article, you will get this first visit completely FREE. Also if you are interested in losing weight, improving memory, and reducing anxiety, email or call to sign up for my New Yearʼs Virtual Zoom Lecture on Monday, Jan. 4 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.! Editorʼs note: The authorʼs views do not necessarily reflect ours. Publication is not an endorsement. We have not factchecked the assertions made in this or other advertiser content. Check with your primary care physician on health concerns.
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Library Calendar
4 p.m. Sign up on the libraryʼs website to receive the link and a printable Bingo sheet. Prizes can be picked up at the library after the program. This is a great way to stock up on books for winter reading. For school-age kids. • On Mondays at 7:30 p.m., join instructor Jacki for a Virtual Yoga Class. Follow along at your own pace in this class that is great for all abilities and skill levels. Registration information available on the libraryʼs website. • Yoga with Miss Danielle is Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live. For little ones ages 18 months and up. • Tween and Teen Sewing class, for grades 3 and up, meets on Zoom Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. Sew hand warmers for yourself or gift giving! Materials will be ready ahead of time. Register online to reserve materials for pick up and to receive the Zoom link. • Virtual Crafting, a series for adults and teens, brings a new craft tutorial to the libraryʼs Facebook page and YouTube on select Thursdays at noon. Registration FROM PAGE 27
and craft kit pickup dates will be posted on the website and social media. For Dec. 17 the craft is a candle.
WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • Come and get your Reindeer Snack Pack! Kids in pre-K to fifth grade can visit the library to check out a juvenile holiday book or holiday DVD and get a reindeer snack pack (not for human consumption) to sprinkle on your lawn on Christmas Eve. Limited supplies. One snack pack per one-time visit. • Kids in grades 3–5 can go on a Virtual Field Trip to the North Pole on Monday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Using Google Meet, the kids will make the journey on an ice breaker ship through high grade 360-degree panoramic videos. They will meet the crew, see the inside of the ship, and learn about the region and Arctic Ocean. Register on the libraryʼs website. • There will be a Virtual
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 PARK RIDGE
PARK RIDGE POLICE RESERVE SEEKS OFFICERS
The Reserve Unit of the Park Ridge Police seeks new officers. The Reserve Unit is committed to upholding the Constitution, community, and agency it serves. The unit relies upon the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of its officers to accomplish this task. The vision of the Reserve Unit is to work as a vital part of the police department in building and maintaining the strong bonds of a healthy community policing program. This will be accomplished by providing all officers with the tools they need. In turn, the unit will assist the police department in meeting the challenges of reducing crime, creating a safer community, and improving the quality of life. The core values of this Unit are: integrity, professionalism, commitment, moral character, mutual respect, and teamwork. Applications to become a reserve officer in Park Ridge will be accepted until January. Applicants should understand
they are volunteering to contribute to the overall mission of the unit. Individuals are expected to be professional on and off duty and will be held accountable for their actions at all times. Before applying, make sure you and your family are ready for what will be required of you. In order to qualify you must be a citizen of the Unites States, live within five miles of Park Ridge (provided no program exists in your municipality), be at least 18, be in good physical and mental health, be at least a high school graduate, not have a criminal record or unsatisfactory driving record (background check required), successfully complete the next class held at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy in Mahwah (classes held at night for three months), and expect to serve around 150 hours a year (includes training and duty time). For more information and an application, call Sgt. DiBlasi at (201) 391-5400 ext. 5232 or stop by police headquarters.
Teen Escape Room on Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. Join for fun puzzle challenges found in escape rooms. Open to teens in grades 6–9; registration required. • Holiday Bingo for children ages 2–4 is on Google Meet Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. No number counting skills
necessary; little ones just have to recognize holiday symbols. After registering, you will receive an email about when you can pick up your bingo cards/paper chips and candy cane for participating. • Boggle (grades 4–5) is on Google Meet Thursday, Dec. 17 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Kids will have fun playing this game where you
have to write down as many words as you can from the cubes in three minutes. Register online. • Kids up to 6 can join Miss Jolie to Move and Groove on Facebook Live Friday, Dec. 11 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Miss Jolie will get them moving, dancing and singing with her energetic and fun performance.
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Master Plan Update to oppose moving forward with a n update, several also implied that councilmembers might be trying to appease a potential developer. However, council members in favor, plus Mayor Rendo, said that was not the case. Council members favoring the plan update appeared offended at allegations they had hidden motives, especially Jackie Gadaleta, who called out residents and councilman Craig Marson for remarks that allegedly disparaged
FROM PAGE 12
council members and Rendo. Gadaleta vigorously defended her nearly decade-long public service, and while doing so her and Marson exchanged words, though Marsonʼs replies were mostly inaudible due to a bad Zoom connection. Marson offered remarks via a phone line due to a bad connection. Rendo also defended those voting in favor, and himself, and stressed over and over that the public will have multiple opportunities for input over six to nine months as a new comprehensive
PARK RIDGE
Master Plan is formulated. He stressed that the approval was just to hire a planner to help the borough develop a much-needed plan, not to approve a plan. “No one is in the pockets of any developer,” said Rendo, noting “to avoid the issue is a dereliction of duty.” He said in addition to Gadaleta and Falanga heʼd gladly appoint incoming Councilwoman Josephine Higgins, who now serves on the Planning Board, to the Master Plan committee. “This is our plan to engage you, every member of our community” said Rendo of a Master Plan update. “You have the right to control your own destiny, not
some developer, not some attorney.” Several times, members raised concerns about empty office buildings at Tice Farms, the possible loss of the Hilton and what might happen there, and the future of BMW. Resident Cheryl Dispoto alleged the council was trying to “jam this through” with two lameduck members voting, and urged the council to wait until January. She said the two Republican candidates who lost election highlighted the Master Plan update while campaigning and were defeated. She also criticized the councilʼs new meeting format requiring
residents to speak first before hearing the views of council members on an issue. She called the format “inconsiderate and a bit obnoxious” and said a fuller debate was required before undertaking a complete Master Plan update. In addition to Hembree supporting an update, Zoning Board attorney Salvatore Princiotto and Corrado Belgiovine, former councilman and Planning Board member, spoke in favor. “This is an opportunity to plan for the future which needs to be done,” Princiotto said. Belgiovine said, “This should have been done many years ago.”
Woman’s Club members are top achievers
Congratulations to Judy Brendel, president of the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, who was honored at a recent club meeting for her leadership, loyalty and service.
ACHIEVEMENT DAY award winners, from left to right: Elaine O’Brien, Elaine Mooney, Carolyn Delafrange, and Judy Brendel. Photo by Bev Mancini.
PASCACK LACROSSE Open to residents of Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale, Woodcliff Lake
Registration for the 2021 Spring Season Register On Line at www.pascacklax.com Registration Closes On 1/8/21 • Registration Fee: $150* *10% Sibling Registration Discount – $135 each sibling If you registered for 2019/2020 and did not receive a refund, the payment will be carried over but registration is still required. US lacrosse fees did not carry over.
$50 Late Registration Fee - Late registration, if available, will close 1/22/21 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.
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20th year in the North Jersey Junior Lacrosse League (NJJLL) 3RD THROUGH 8TH GRADE
9th year in the Jersey Girls Lacrosse Association (JGLA) 3RD THROUGH 8TH GRADE
ety of arts and crafts projects, such as, drawings, painting, photography, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, baked goods, etc. Four ladies from the club were awarded ribbons: Elaine
ELAINE MOONEY, club secretary, at left, presents honors to Club President Judy Brendel for her leadership, loyalty and service. She was given a charm and OʼBrien: Second Place, Photogracertificate for her placement on phy, Living Things; and Second the State Honor Roll. Normally Place, Photography, Scenes. this prestigious award would be Elaine Mooney: First Place, Phogiven at the Annual New Jersey tography, Volunteers in Action; State Federation of Womenʼs Club Second Place, Photography, Convention in Atlantic City, but Scenes; Third Place, Living due to the pandemic and cancella- Things. Carolyn Delafrange: Gold tion of the convention it was pre- Ribbon, Painting on Other Material; First Place, Photography, sented here at home. Several members of the Scenes in Color; and First Place, Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Photography, Scenes In Black and Club participated in Achievement White. Judy Brendel, First Place, Day, which was held at the First Drawings; Second Place, PhotogCongregational Church in Park raphy; and Second Place, PhotogRidge. Twenty seven clubs from raphy Collage. For membership information, the Palisades District of the New Jersey State Federation of call Elaine OʼBrien at (201) 573Womanʼs Clubs entered in a vari- 9132. th ry 25 ersa s v i ial n An Spec
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Township of Washington At Washington Town Center mall on Pascack Road in Washington Township, property manager Alex DiChiara said the nearly 40 shops there appear to be doing better now as opposed to earlier this year when the pandemicʼs initial shutdowns hurt business. The DiChiara family has owned the mall property for 61 years. “This property has always catered to the local neighborhood. Itʼs my job to create an environment that gives them the best opportunity to thrive,” said DiChiara. He said the continuing payment of rents by businesses leasing space at the mall indicates that theyʼre doing well and the economy is improving. “When the rent comes in thatʼs the bellwether for me,” said DiChiara, who said he worked with tenants on rent bills following the spring pandemic shut-
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down. He said a diversity of stores helped to draw customers to the busy strip mall. An anchor tenant, the movie theater, has stayed dark. Overall, DiChiara said, “I think things are going very well here.”
Park Ridge After eight months in business, pharmacist and owner Amgad Wassef of Park Ridge Pharmacy, on Park Avenue, said that business was gradually improving and customers were increasing. He said his opening day, April 20, was the peak of springʼs covid outreak. “We were a new place and nobody would risk it in that time of ambiguity,” said Wassef, empathizing with customers who were initially few and far between. He said “traffic is certainly improving” and “word of mouth from customers is very encouraging.” He said the new pharmacy offers flu shots, plans to offer Covid-19 testing, and looks forward to soon offering a Covid-19 vaccine. He said the storeʼs convenience and his friendly, serviceoriented manner “makes the difference” between his pharmacy and a chain pharmacy. He said he previously worked for a chain pharmacy. He said as the pharmacist and owner at Park Ridge Pharmacy he is able to give personal service and attention to customers.
Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Realtor Robin Malley, president of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, said that her real estate business is doing well though covidʼs impacts have reduced the number of agents over child care duties and some health concerns. “Weʼre getting a lot of New York people moving out here to the Pascack Valley,” Malley said. She said low mortgage interest rates are partly driving the exodus from more congested urban areas. Malley said while real estate is doing well, many other businesses are fighting for survival due to the governorʼs shutdowns and capacity restrictions on restaurants. Lower numbers of customers, capacity limits and the need for social distancing are factors that impact businesses, she said. Montvale Some area chambers have also begun programs to bolster local businesses, such as Montvale Chamber of Commerceʼs “gift back” effort initiated this summer to award gift certificates to first responders when a customer purchases a gift certificate at a local restaurant or eatery. Chamber co-chair Steven Fox told Pascack Press this fall that the program may be restarted during the winter months to help sustain local restaurateurs.
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for months. No action was taken, though Murphy said then he was mulling increasing capacity by 10% increments if transmission rates stayed low. That did not occur. “Eventually, you have to make the call and determine how long you can last and just how long you can keep [the business] afloat,” Fitzsimmons said. He said Murphyʼs limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, and capacity restrictions, “are definitely not ideal” and local businesses need another round of federal/state stimulus funding to survive. He said he understood the health rationale for restrictions during a pandemic but all kinds of businesses may never recover from the shutdowns, closures and lack of customers. As owner of Westwood Gallery, he said if annual business was down only 20% at yearʼs end, heʼd see that as hopeful. “I would say that what weʼre all trying to do is make up what we lost this year if possible. If Iʼm only 20% down, then at least Iʼm moving in the right direction.” Fitzsimmons said revenues were down dramatically for his popular gallery this year and that he took out a loan that he hopes can be resolved by yearʼs end. He said he hopes “this should be a very good holiday season” and residents support local shops.
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OUR VISION - YOUR DREAMS - DELIVERED ON TIME.
Struggle: Support for business FROM PAGE 5
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Letters:
Others offered free local delivery and specialized shopping hours for senior citizens and high-risk populations. Additionally, we have seen a sense of communal business welfare that was previously rare downtown Westwood. Businesses that had been reluctant to participate in community-wide initiatives are now some of the first to ask, “How can we lean in?” Cornerstones of downtown Westwood have spent their available resources elevating their Westwood commercial district neighbors through joint marketing campaigns. Landlords have helped where they can, professionals have offered pro-bono services to navigate the ever changing waters of PPP loans and newly released executive orders, and those who represent the borough have been working around the clock to figure out how to best traverse these unknowns. Our community has internalized the need to think local first, to take advantage of personalized services, quality merchandise, and lack of crowds that downtown Westwood provides (in contrast to big box stores and malls). They did this in recognition that the shopkeepers, employees,
FROM PAGE 2
PASCACK VALLEY
REAL ESTATE
servers, chefs, and service providers are in fact our neighbors and friends who focus not only on their business interests, but on the welfare of their own neighbors, friends, and customers. We are not on the other side of this, it will be a long winter, and it is certainly not all sunshine and roses. But there is something special going on in Westwood and we would be remiss to not broadcast that tremendous tale. Lauren Letizia Celebrate Westwood
Park Ridge settlement ‘so wrong’
To the editor: THE PARK RIDGE town council meeting to vote on the Sony project appears to be a travesty of bad governance and a total betrayal of the expressed will of the residents of Park Ridge. On Monday evening, Nov. 23, I witnessed approval of a devastatingly bad plan based on a fabric of misstatements that will forever change the character of Park Ridge with the potential to exact a terrible toll in quality of life issues and taxes. I applaud the two council members, Matt Capilli and Kelly Epstein, who voted no and refused to be a part of this sham.
What occurred included: • The town with only two days over a weekend to assess a vague and punishing proposal chose to rush a vote. • The short notice scheduling of this meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday night on Thanksgiving week was an embarrassingly transparent effort to rush this vote through with a minimum of public awareness. • No effort was made by the town to provide appropriate time to inform the citizens of the specific nature and scope of the proposal. • The citizens of Park Ridge were denied their right to view a detailed proposal at a public hearing and make comments. • After five years of intense public involvement the town agreed to vote on nothing more than vague parameters. • At the town council meeting Town Attorney Anthony Bocchi assumed the role of passionate advocate for approval of the massive development plan. I invite any interested party to view the tape of the meeting. • It appears that since Mr. Bocchi took over as town attorney in February his significantly more accommodative tone in the Sony situation, to some, may have seriously undermined what some believed to be a strong position held by the town. • At the meeting Mr. Bocchi made statements indicating that a
failure to approve this plan that night would result in immediate loss of “builderʼs remedy” protections in advance of the scheduled trial. This claim has been challenged by some. • Mr. Bocchi made the statement that Park Ridge was expending $700,000 a year on this case. Some feel that number was inflated. However, can it now be assumed that this vote will eliminate a $700,000 line item from the town budget and result in a tax reduction? • Noticeably quiet during this town meeting was attorney Scott Reynolds who for the past few years has been lead attorney and architect of what, many believe, was a strong case for Park Ridge. • Since Mr. Bocchi replaced the previous town counsel, some have felt that the case assembled by Mr. Reynolds suffered from reduced support by the town. Clearly the bullying actions by Judge Padovano played to the apparent increasingly tepid response from Park Ridge. Many believe that the strong defense supported by a united citizenry of Park Ridge was the last best chance to stem the corrupting New Jersey Supreme Court enabled Fair Share Housing overdevelopment onslaught intent on turning our towns into cities. It is all so wrong. Burton Hall Park Ridge
Is town deal with church ethical?
FEA
D LI TURE
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TWP. OF WASHINGTON • $688,000
To the editor: SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, I wrote regarding Mayor Peter Calamari and Township Ken Attorney Poller negotiating a contract to lease property from OLGC for space to park DMF vehicles. As I stated at that time it is my opinion the lease transaction is in direct violation w i t h respect to Township Ethics Code 24-5 standards: A. No officer or employee of the Township of Washington or member of his or her immediate family shall have an interest in a business organization or engage in any business, transaction or professional activity which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his or her duties in the public interest.
B. No officer or employee shall use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure the unwarranted privileges or advantages for himself or others. C. No officer or employee shall act in his or her official capacity in any matter where he, a member of his or her immediate family or any business organization in which he or she has an interest has a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement that might reasonably be expected to impair his or her objectivity or independence or judgment. L. No officer or employee shall approve or disapprove or in any way recommend the payment of any bill, voucher or indebtedness owed or allegedly owed by the Township of Washington in which he or she has a direct personal, pecuniary or private interest. As a follow up, I have corresponded with outside counsel to the Archdiocese of Newark and its parishes. It was stated that the proposed lease together with the addendum prepared by the Township attorney requires that the Township as tenant comply with “all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the municipal government and all of its departments , bureaus, and subdivisions,” and this in turn requires that the municipal attorney certify to the municipal council that the lease is valid and would entail compliance with the Township Ethics Code, which I was kind enough to alert them. This is not about state and church, it is about right and wrong, and this is wrong and, in my opinion, unethical. Yet Calamari and Poller were negotiating the contract with the intention to use taxpayer money to lease space for vehicles and funnel money into the church for personal reasons. I was informed space is available to the town at a cost of $0.00. Robert Bruno Township of Washington Editorʼs note: Town Resolution 2 0 - 2 9 9 approves an agreement with OLGC for parking. We have not been able to see this agreement, as the town denied our records request in October on the grounds that the agreement contains an error that was being corrected within the week. We reached out to the town Dec. 9 but did not hear back on the status. Meanwhile, the mayorʼs father is an OLGC trustee. For more, see Michael Olohanʼs story, “Progress on Parking for DPW; Agreement with OLGC pending,” Oct. 26, 2020. CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
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REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS Many homeowners wish they had more storage space, and kitchens are one area where people seemingly can always use more storage. Despite a desire for more kitchen space, until recently, kitchen pantries fell out of favor. Builders and architects may have thought that close proximity to supermarkets as well as multi-use cabinets in kitchens would offset the need for pantries. But according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, a kitchen pantry is the most desirable kitchen feature for buyers in the market for a new home. According to a 2018 survey from ReportLinker, 98 percent of Americans say cooking at home is their preferred way to prepare a meal. And despite the wide array of restaurants, prepared meals and fast food options nearby, more than one-third of people cook at home daily, with nearly 50 percent cooking between three and six days a week. In order to accommodate for spending more time in the kitchen, homeowners are directing additional attention to kitchen preparation and storage features. In fact, one recent trend in kitchen renovations is creating custom-designed pantries.
Letters: FROM PAGE 36
Name WRHS field for ‘Pal’ Trause soon
To the editor: THERE HAS NOT been much traction on the call to rename the field at Westwood Regional High School for Vito “Pal” Trause since school board policy 7250 had to be changed to allow facilities to be named after non-students or staff. Now it reads, “A member of the community who has a connection to the school district and has served as a role model in some capacity.” The policy also states that three years should pass before it is considered, unless there is a twothirds vote by the Board of Ed in support. It was officially changed in January and then due to the COVID crisis no further action was taken to name the field after Vito. I reopened it in early November by emailing the superintendent, Dr. Gonzalez. First it
different sizes. Adjustable shelves are ideal because they can be modified as foods change. Sliding drawers can improve reach in cabinets. In smaller spaces, French doorstyle reach-in cabinets are convenient and flexible. In complete kitchen remodels or new constructions, walk-in pantries offer the most space and flexibility.
HEART OF THE HOME: In order to help make the kitchen a great place to spend time in, homeowners are directing additional attention to kitchen preparation and storage features. One recent trend in kitchen renovations is creating custom-designed pantries.
Locate the appropriate space Ideally, pantries should be in or adjacent to the kitchen. But not every home layout allows for this setup. Some homeowners need to move storage pantries into the garage, the basement or a mud/laundry room. Various factors should be considered before placing a pantry out-
side a kitchen. What is the climate? Will food spoil? Is there a possibility that vermin or insects can infiltrate the room and access food? These factors will dictate whether to have closed cabinets, air-tight bins or open shelves or if other modifications must be made to the room prior to building.
Choose the type of pantry Accessibility is essential in a pantry. Everything should be easily reached and grabbed as needed without having to move too many things. Ideally, foods should be arranged in a single layer so that all items can be viewed at a glance. Shelves of various depths and heights can accommodate items of
had to be brought to the Finance and Facilities Committee, who believe it is in the boardʼs best interest to wait three years, which would bring this ʻtil October 2022 as the first time it could even be voted on. I believe it is important that the board votes to name the field sooner and bypass the three years. I believe the name change will lose impact if we wait any longer since the majority of the students Vito has impacted will have graduated by then, including me. This is evident since in addition to current students there has been an outpour of support from the most recent graduating classes. Naming the field after Vito is important to me because he was a role model to me and the inspiration for my Eagle Project, the Township of Washington Veterans Memorial, next to the township library. Vito, our townʼs local hero who passed away on Oct. 31, 2019, cared so much about the Westwood school community, specifically Westwood athletics, for so many years and I believe this is the best way to give back to him. He attended all sporting events for several decades simply because he enjoyed watching the games and supporting the students and the community
he lived in. Not many other schools have a #1 fan as dedicated as Vito was still attending games into his 90s. As such a devoted fan, he is the only person I can think of who deserves the field to be named after him. The field has been missing a name for all these years and he is the perfect fit. He represents the best in people and is the one and only person who truly deserves this. For all his support of the students of Westwood High School I believe we must let his legacy live on for future generations and students at Westwood. I believe this is a great way to unite everyone in our community, something that was very special to Vito, and there is widespread support from students, our petition of more than 400 signatures recorded from graduates of the class of 1968 all the way to present students in the class of 2027. There is also widespread support from both Township and Westwood residents. Knowing Vito, he always supported the community as he could not only be found in Davidʼs Bagels or at the field but also at various events around town. He was very supportive of the youth in our town. I remember he came to my veterans memorial site every day I
was working on my Eagle project and raved about all the hard work being done by my fellow scouts, volunteers, and me. The Board of Ed next meets Dec. 17. There has been a call for this to happen since last November and it has been a year without the Westwood Board of Education taking action. It is possible they could vote on the matter at the
Must-have features Pantries serve different functions in different homes. For the bulk shopper, a pantry with plenty of room for large items will be needed. Lighting can be beneficial in all pantries. Lights can improve visibility when trying to locate items. Others prefer an outlet for charging hand-held vacuums or other small appliances. Counter space in the pantry enables homeowners to unload groceries directly onto pantry shelves. For pantries located outside of the kitchen, built-in freezers can maximize storage possibilities, especially for those who freeze-and-eat after bulk shopping ventures. Pantries are popular features that homeowners can customize depending on their storage needs and the amount of time they spend in their kitchens. Dec. 17 board meeting. I encourage residents of both Township of Washington and Westwood to come speak at this meeting and have their a voice heard. Please consider signing the petition at tinyurl.com/vitotrausefield. James Stickel WRHS Class of 2022 Township of Washington
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Design a more functional pantry
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
38
providing the final settlement document online. Moreover, some alleged they were kept in the dark by local officials and were not given adequate opportunity to offer public input on the settlement decision. Resident Dawn McPartland requested a breakdown of bedrooms in the 68 affordable units but was told by Borough Attorney Anthony Bocchi no bedroom totals were required for the 380 market-rate apartment units. “Iʼm not in favor at all to settle. I donʼt see any reason to settle. “Weʼre putting ourselves at a detriment,” she said. Other critics said an increase in school children and burden on local services would not be made
FROM PAGE 6
up by increased tax revenues from a 448-unit complex. Borough Administrator Julie Falkenstern estimated current property taxes at $890,000 annually, which would increase to $2.64 million after occupancy, with $1.7 million set aside for schools. Resident Nick DeLuca asked Nov. 23, “Where are they going to put all these kids? No one is going to pay for all the teachers and benefits. Why has that not been brought up?” Several residents criticized recent quality-of-life changes due to developments. Some cited increased traffic and wondered how those would be mitigated by the 448-unit developer. Ellen Brothersten asked, “Will there be another way out of the complex besides Spring Valley
Road?” She alleged a “big increase” in traffic due to Wegmans in Montvale, open since late 2017. She questioned what could be done to slow or reduce traffic, whether the developmentʼs impacts would harm property values, and called more traffic “scary.” Bocchi said that “a parade of horribles” awaited Park Ridge if the borough voted against the settlement. Another former resident, David OʼSullivan, questioned Nov. 23 why special affordable housing master Banisch waited two years into negotiations before making a recommendation to increase Sony density to 35 dwelling units per acre. During the Nov. 23 meeting, Reynolds said that Banischʼs rec-
PASCACK VALLEY
Friedberg & Associates Coat Drive Thru Jan. 7
Friedberg Properties & Associates is participating again with the Greater Bergen Realtors Community Service Annual Coat Drive. Donations of adult and childrenʼs winter coats will be collected and distributed through the 25th Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. For over 20 years, Jersey Cares has collected, sorted, and distributed more than 500,000 coats to New Jersey residents through their annual coat drive. Join Friedberg Propertiesʼ
agents by donating gently used, clean winter jackets and coats for men, women, children and infants. Your donated coat opens opportunities for someone who needs warm outerwear. Help a student to focus on his or her studies in a cold classroom or allow a job-seeker to continue a search during the winter. Enable a neighbor to go out for medication in a storm. A spare coat or jacket hanging in the back of your closet can be life-changing for someone in need.
Due to COVID-19, all donations must be in sealed bags without hangers. Donations can be made by appointment only, at any Friedberg Properties office, from Nov. 16 through Jan. 7, 2021. Drop-off locations are at 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale (201) 666-0777, 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine (201) 768-6868, and 105 Union Ave., Cresskill (201) 871-0800. For more information, call your local Friedberg Properties & Associates office.
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ommendation to increase density was “a substantial burden for the borough to clear” and courts were likely to follow special master counsel.
We reached out to Reynolds and Misciagna for comment on the settlement and fairness hearing but didnʼt hear back by press time.
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Settlement: ‘Parade of horribles’ if plan is nixed? REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS
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DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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POLICE BLOTTER
WE REQUEST neighborhood police reports every week and share certain items in the interest of public safety. The following are mere allegations. Defendants are innocent until and unless they’re found guilty in court.
p RIVER VALE
Alleged speeder gets complaints over marijuana
An officer on motor patrol on the morning of Nov. 10 observed a vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Ivy Land and Rivervale Road. As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Radar confirmed the observation, having the vehicle traveling 38 mph in a 25 mph zone. The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Brookside Avenue. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer immediately detected the
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odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A backup officer arrived. During a subsequent search of the vehicle the officer located a bag containing marijuana, and a metal grinder containing marijuana residue. The driver also voluntarily surrendered an empty liquid marijuana vaporizer pen. The defendant, 22, from River Vale, was read his Miranda rights and placed under arrest. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. There, he was issued a criminal complaint for possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a motor vehicle summons for speeding. He was released pending an appearance at the River Vale Municipal Court on Nov. 17.
Random plate check turns up hit on $1,000 warrant
An officer on motor patrol on the afternoon of Nov. 20 was conducting random license plate queries when the response from a passing vehicle displayed an outstanding warrant for the vehicleʼs registered owner. The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Westwood Avenue, near the Westwood border. A backup officer arrived on scene. Further computer check confirmed that the suspect, 43, from Oakland, had an outstanding warrant from Wanaque for $1,000. Placed under arrest and trans-
ported to police headquarters, where he was unable to post the required bail, he was released on his own recognizance pending an appearance at Wanaque Municipal Court.
Car ‘lodged atop rock and bushes’ in DWI wipeout
Officers responded to a single car motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle that ran off the roadway and onto the front lawn of a township residence on Nov. 29 at approximately 1:35 a.m. Officers arrived at the Rolling Hill Drive home and saw the vehicle “lodged atop a large rock and bushes on the front lawn, with the rear tires on the walkway.” The occupant of the vehicle, a 22-year-old man from Mahwah, had exited the vehicle and was uninjured. While speaking with the driver, officers immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. The man was asked to perform field sobriety tests, which he subsequently failed. He was read his Miranda rights and placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was transported to Police headquarters to be processed. There, the defendant submitted to a breathalyzer exam, which yielded a reading over the legal limit. Upon completion of processing he was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated and careless driving
(operating a motor vehicle causing property damage) and released to a responsible adult pending a River Vale Municipal Court date of Dec. 22. The vehicle was impounded as per protocol.
p TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Vehicle stolen, others burgled; fob left inside
At approximately 4 a.m. on Dec. 6, a vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a house on Willow Street. Two other vehicles in the area, which includes Clark Field, were also entered. Police said in a tweet, “Video shows two males exiting a small black SUV and entering a vehicle parked in a driveway on Willow Street. The stolen vehicle was later located and recovered in East Orange.” Police noted the stolen vehicle was unlocked and the key fob was inside the vehicle, leading to its being taken. The other vehicles that were entered also had been left unlocked, and items were taken. The Township of Washington Police Department encourages all residents to lock their vehicles and not to leave key fobs or any other valuables in unattended vehicles. Editorʼs note: We hear you: We miss the full police blotter too. Weʼre working on restoring the feature as circumstances allow. (Take your key fobs in!)
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Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined local medical leaders to highlight the COVID-19 testing sites available to Fifth District residents and unveiled a new one-stop-shop
online resources for public and private testing sites across North Jersey. On Dec. 5 Gottheimer also discussed ongoing work towards a bipartisan, bicameral emergency
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With online shopping expected to be at an all-time high because of the coronavirus pandemic, police all over are gearing up for potentially record-breaking cases of porch pirates. More than 5.5 million Americans have been victimized by package thefts over the past year, according to Finder, a personal finance comparison website, in a study released in November. The Township of Washington Police Department shares the following tips with you for making your packages/home less vulnerable this holiday season: • Track your deliveries so you know when packages will arrive. Many online retailers offer notifications and tracking information to keep you updated;
• Have your package delivered to your workplace if thatʼs possible; • Have your package delivered to the home of a relative/neighbor or friend who you know will be home; • Have your package held at your local post office for pickup; • If you can try to schedule your shipment for when you are home; • Take advantage of the “ship to store” option many stores offer; • Request your package needs signature confirmation upon delivery; and • Consider installing a video doorbell or security system that provides a view of your porch— so you know when items are delivered.
relief package, and available federal resources. “With so much COVID-19related information thrown at us every day, it can be a challenge to keep everything straight. After talking with many constituents, Iʼve found that there needs to be a resource that has current testing sites compiled in an easy and accessible manner, so itʼs easier for folks to find,” Gottheimer said in a press release. During a virtual event this weekend, Gottheimer was joined by Dr. Adam Jarrett, chief medical officer of Holy Name Medical Center; Dr. Gian Varbaro, chief medical officer of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center; Dr. Joseph Underwood, chair of Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center; Dr. Suvid Chaudhari, chair, Deptartment of Emergency Medicine, Atlantic Health System Western Region; Joshua Gregoire, MS, MPH, RN, director, Quality & Clinical Operations for Valley Medical Group; and Dr. Paul Owens, chief medical officer of Atlantic Health Newton and Hackettstown Medical Centers. The resource is at gottheimer.house.gov/covid19testing.
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Mary-Ann MCELRONE
Mary-Ann (Wordsman) McElrone, 89, of River Vale, passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Dec. 2, 2020. Survived by her husband of 63 years, John (Jack) McElrone, her loving children John McElrone and his partner Trisha Tolentino of Jersey City, Brian McElrone and his wife Nancy of North Haledon and Mary-Lou Alexander and her husband Denis of Dallas, Texas, and her cherished grandchildren Jack, Denis, Sean, Daniel and Erin. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she lived in River Vale for 55 years. She was a stewardess for American Airlines before she was married. She enjoyed teaching ESL in River Vale for a number of years and most of all loved being a mother and grandmother (Grammy). A funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge. A celebration of MaryAnnʼs life will be held at a later date when it is safe for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Ann Elizabeth Bell HARRISON
Anne Elizabeth Bell Harrison, 92, a longtime resident of Westwood, died on Nov. 27, 2020. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Gastonia, North Carolina. Anne was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, on Dec. 9, 1927 as Asta Hansen to birth parents Edna L. Herbert and Halvor Peter Christian Hansen, both from Christiansted, St. Croix. She was
OBITUARIES
adopted as a young child by Jenette and Fletcher Bell who doted on her while raising her in Queens, New York. She was the apple of her fatherʼs eye. As a teen, she moved to Westwood with her family. When weekends came around, you could find Anne on the dance floor at Jerryʼs House. She loved swing dancing and doing the jitterbug. In fact, she met the love of her life, Pate, during one of these outings. Pate had just returned from serving in the Army during World War II in the previous year. They began their new life together when they married on Dec. 8, 1946. Her family was her world. She devoted herself to her six children showering them with love, affection, and support. She could be found at every Girl Scout meeting, athletic event, and school activity, cheering each of them on. Anne was also active in her community. She was a very proud member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Westwood for over 30 years, where she served on the Willing Workers committee, Missionary committee, and the Friendship Circle. She joined the workforce when her children were older, working in the medical field. She retired in 1987 from her position as a medical clerk at Pascack Valley Hospital. A few years later, after the death of Pate, Anne moved to Gastonia, North Carolina, to reside with William and Priscilla. Anne loved candy, especially chocolate, and she loved lamb chops. She was quick to laugh at a good joke and had a mischievous sense of humor. If you tripped in front of her, it would surely invoke laughter. She loved Lifetime movies and if you called her during “The Young and the Restless,” she would answer just to let you know that she would call you back after her “story.” She was kind and warm; she was a loving wife and doting mother. She was preceded in death by her older brother Owen Hansen, her beloved husband Pate Harrison,
and two of their children, Robert Harrison and David Harrison. She is survived by her brother, Halva Hansen, along with four of her children: Christine Ravenel, Priscilla Graham, Loretta McFarland, and Clifford Harrison. Anne also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 27 greatgrandchildren, and one great-greatgrandchild. Multiple sclerosis was a challenge for our Annie, but we are certain she is now back to dancing the night away with her best guy. A graveside service will be hosted in 2021 in Westwood at Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anneʼs name to the Hospice Foundation of America.
Robert J. MANCINELLI
Robert J. Mancinelli, Esq., 61, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Robert is survived by his two sons, Robert “RJ” and Ryan Mancinelli; four siblings, Laura D e F o r n e (Mancinelli), Michael, Richard, and Donna Mancinelli; and 11 loving nieces and nephews, Melissa (Mancinelli) and Jeffrey Woodhouse, Michael and Robert Occhipinti, John and Daniel DeForne, Paula, Christopher, Danielle, Madison and Matthew Mancinelli. Robert was predeceased by his beloved parents, Florence and Pasquale J. Mancinelli, and loving niece, Nikki Mancinelli. Rob had a distinguished career as a successful attorney and businessman. After serving as Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel for a national travel company, and then as a solo practitioner, Rob joined Meyerson, Fox, Mancinelli, and Conte, P. A. in 2007 as a senior partner. As a longtime resident of Park Ridge, Rob was an active and well-respected member of the community.
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Robert was laid to rest at George Washington Cemetery in Paramus on Nov. 9. The Mancinelli family is requesting donations be made in honor of Rob to the American Cancer Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Thomas W. WITKOWSKI
Thomas Walter Witkowski, 79, formerly of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Northvale, passed away at noon on Monday, Dec. 1, 2020 from a swift and sudden illness that had nothing to do with Covid-19. Beloved father of sons Robert, Joseph, Thomas and his wife Heather. Adored by his granddaughters Samantha, Alexandra, Isabel and Ashley. Loved by his brother and golf partner Joseph S. Witkowski and his wife Constance. He is also survived by loving cousins, nieces, nephews and more friends than most people can assemble in a mere lifetime. Born March 9, 1941 to Lottie and Joseph Witkowski in Chicago, Illinois, Tom was a high school basketball star of Monticello High School. There, he met and married head cheerleader, Joanne Stephens. After serving in the Army Reserves in Georgia, Tom earned a business degree at Eastern Illinois and began his career as a labor executive. They had his first son, Robert, but Joanne had multiple sclerosis, and died in 1978. Tom met and married his second wife, Margaret Hewer, while working at Sun Chemical in Fort Lee. He eventually became the corporate VP of Labor Relations. Married for 43 years of sharp-witted banter and love, they had two more sons, Joseph and Thomas, before she passed away from ALS in 2018. Tom thrived when golfing, playing more than 20 of the greatest courses in the world, including St. Andrews. He relished fine dining (but preferred pubs), Broadway shows, and summers in Long Beach Island with his family. He also enjoyed annual vacations to Aruba with friends. He was a skilled blackjack player and was riveted watching any sports—especially his NY Giants. He loved two women (and more importantly captured their love back), raised three VERY different sons, delighted in four granddaughters, threw legendary parties, and traveled the globe—even riding aboard the iconic Orient Express! He led by example, instilling the importance of love, faith, honesty, loyalty, family, and strong work ethic. His family will forever miss his gracious nature, the mischievous smile, merciless jokes, loving hugs, overly generous soul, wicked humor, and his calming demeanor in the greatest of storms. An anchor for all, the world is suddenly a lot less interesting without him in it. Funeral and memorial services are deferred until Covid-19 is in the history books so everyone can gather safely together—anyone who knew Tom knows all heʼd want is a
big party (with open bar). In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater Illinois, 525 W. Monroe St., Suite 1510, Chicago, IL 60661 (nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/ILD/Donate) or The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004 (alsny.org).
Norma Ann KILLIAN
Norma Ann (Simmons) Killian, 91, formerly of Emerson, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones late on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in New Braunfels, Texas. Beloved wife of the late John Gregory Killian. Devoted mother of Patricia Ann (Killian) Vesperman. Loving grandmother of Kathryn Rose Vesperman. She is predeceased by her brother, William Simmons. A funeral mass celebrating Normaʼs life and faith was held at Church of the Assumption, Emerson. Interment followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Norma to the St. Josephʼs Home for the Elderly, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512, littlesistersofthepoortotowa.org
Mitsuhiro MATSUMOTO
Mitsuhiro Matsumoto, 73, of Montvale, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Mitsuhiro is survived by his dear wife Kyoko, his children Akiko and Takeshi, his grandchildren Akira and Alex, and his two nephews. Mitsuhiro was born in 1947 in Tokyo, Japan to Tetsuji and Yoshiko (Hashida) Matsumoto. He is predeceased by parents and his sister, Iuko Ishida. Mitsuhiro attended Chuo University in Tokyo and the University of Southern California. After his studies, he began working for the Morito Company in Osaka and Tokyo. In 1983, he moved to the U.S. to help establish Kane-M, a subsidiary of Morito. After over 20 years with the company, he parted ways with them when he was asked to relocate back to Japan so that he and his family could continue to live in the U.S. Mitsuhiro began working for Tocad America and worked there more than 25 years. Dedicated to his work, he never chose to retire and continued to work all throughout his life. Mitsuhiro was an avid golfer and kept himself in shape by running, swimming, and practicing yoga. He ran the New York City CONTINUED ON PAGE 47
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PASCACK VALLEY
NHL-worthy ice skating rink at Van Saun County Park this public health crisis. Despite the County not being able to host our annual Winter Wonderland Festival, I am glad that we will still be able to offer families a slice of safe, socially distant holiday fun this winter,” Tedesco said in a press release. The Rink @ Winter Wonderland opened to the general public on Friday, Nov. 27 and be open daily through Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Weekend admission tickets will be sold in three hour sessions. For entry, face masks must be
OBITUARIES Marathon and never missed a day at the gym. Mitsuhiro grew up listening to American pop/rock music from the ʼ60s and ʼ70s and expanded his interest into jazz. Mitsuhiro cared deeply for his family and took great pride in his work. He will be remembered for his dedication, work ethic, warm smiles and deep laughter. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and his loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and colleagues. Memorial contributions can be made in Mitsuhiroʼs name to the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Englewood.
FROM PAGE 46
Audrey B. NYE
Audrey B. Nye, 87, of River Vale, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Audrey is survived by her dear children William P. Nye and his wife Claudia Ann and Linda Pedersen; her brother Al and his wife Carol; her four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is pre-
deceased by her parents Peter and Bella Bart and her sister Arlene Megnin. Audrey was a volunteer for many years at Pascack Valley Hospital and co-owner of Woodcliff Lake Greenhouses in Woodcliff Lake.
Edward R. VAKULA
Edward R. Vakula, 83, of Emerson, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. Beloved husband of Suellen Vakula with whom he shared 58 years of being happily married. Devoted father of Andrew Vakula; Lori Ballen and her husband Toby. Loving grandfather of Jon, Jason and Kelly.
Louis E. WESTON
Louis E. Weston, 85, of Vernon, and formerly Park Ridge, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis for 59 years. Devoted father
In loving memory LEILA GOLDBERG
In loving memory and commemoration of the second anniversary of the passing of Leila Goldberg, on Nov. 28, 2018 at 88 years old in Israel. Leila, with her husband Sol, was a 54-year resident of Hillsdale and taught third grade at George G. White School for 27 years. Vivacious, and with a huge love of people and a passion for life, Leila always had a smile on her face, and a caring and sensitive concern for all those around her. She impacted and favorably influenced hundreds of students with her creative and enthusiastic personality and teaching skills, many of whom stayed in touch for years after graduating her class. Leila was blessed with many close friends and a loving family. She engaged in life to the fullest, ever creating new friends, embracing them with her tremendous energy and enthusiasm. She and her husband Sol moved to Israel to join their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were living there, in 2014, the year in which Sol passed away. We miss her greatly, but her goodness, energy, and smile, lives on strongly in us, and in all those who knew her. Judy, Alan and Randey Goldberg
worn at all times and visitors must purchase tickets in advance at BergenCountyWinterWonderland.co m. Wekend skating admission will be sold in three hour sessions. Saturday and Sunday ticket include unlimited access for Van Saun Carousel and Bergen County Zoo Train Ride Bergen County is also proud to once again partner with the New Jersey Devils for their Learn to Play program, offered to new, firsttime participants (boys and girls). The program provides a unique opportunity for families to join the
hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the NHL and the NHLPA, this eight-week on-ice program includes a full set of CCM equipment and features special appearances from New Jersey Devils Alumni. For more information and to register, visit http://learntoplay.nhl.com/devils. The Bergen County Parks Department is dedicated to providing recreation opportunities for
Howard C. DONNELL
Julia H.C. MAH
of Deborah Hunter and husband Jeff, Cindy Rich and husband John Trumbetti, Eileen Laughton and son Frank Weston and wife MaryAnn. Dear brother of Ronald Weston. Cherished grandfather of Douglas, Kathleen, Stephanie, Lizzie, Andrew and Finlay and greatgrandfather of Axel. Also survived by special friend Linda Roskos. Before retiring in 2014, Lou was an owner of Variety Stores, namely J.O. Grand in Washington Township and Big Bens in Woodbridge for 20-plus years. Big Lou loved to ski in the winter and did so into his 70s. He also loved to fish in the summer and take the family crabbing. His favorite holiday was Christmas where his trains were always a staple. Burial in Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth. A Celebration of Life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Louis E. Weston may be made to the PKD Foundation. Howard C. Donnell, 98, of Mulberry, Florida, passed away at home on Nov. 30, 2020.
He was the loving husband of the late Rosaria L. Donnell. Howard was the service manager at the former C&G Buick in Emmaus, Pa., until retiring. Born in Oradell, he was the son of the late Alexander and Amy (Kellett) Donnell. He was World War II B24 pilot in the Pacific Theatre, attaining the rank of captain. He also served as a member and eventual chief of the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, 1954–1965. Howard is survived by a son, Howard Jr. (Sichun); daughters Mary Demane (John), Hope Donnell (Janice McFadden) and Judy Donnell; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JoAnn Donnell. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Howardʼs memory to: Chapters Health Foundation In Support of Good Shepherd Hospice, 3010 West Azeele St., Suite 120, Tampa, Florida 33609.
Julia H.C. Mah, 82, of River Vale, passed away on Dec. 1, 2020. She was born in China to Sing
all, preserving open space, enhancing environmental health, and protecting significant cultural and historic site for current and future generations. The Bergen County Parks System which has been connecting people to nature for over 73 years, spans nearly 9,000 acres and includes a nationally accredited zoo, six golf courses, 21 parks, two horseback riding areas, an environmental center and nine historic sites.
Ng Chan and Lau Y. C. Chan. Beloved wife of Harold W. T. Mah, beloved mother of Jonathan H. Mah and his wife Samantha, beloved grandmother of Isaac A. Mah and Hana R. Mah. Beloved sister of Daniel H. M. Chan and his wife Hally, Samuel H. P. Chan, and Moses H. W. Chan and his wife Jessica. Loving sister-in-law of Katherine Mah, the late Sonia Mah and her late husband Joe Tabowitz, and the late Mildred Fung and her husband Bing. Loving aunt of Archon Fung and his wife, Deborah; Micah Chan and his wife, Penny; Jonah Chan and his wife, Jenny; Jeremiah Chan and his wife, Christine; Lydia Chan and her husband, Mark Timpson; Albert Chan; and Linus Chan and his wife, Emily. Before retiring, Julia was a librarian for Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong where she received her bachelorʼs degree, and a graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo where she received her masterʼs degree in library science.
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announced that the Bergen County Parks Department will open a regulation NHL-size ice-skating rink and a smaller synthetic childrenʼs practice rink this holiday season in Van Saun County Park. The Rink @ Winter Wonderland will offer a local outdoor amusement for residents to enjoy with their families throughout the winter. “I understand how hard it has been for parents and families to find fun activities throughout
DECEMBER 14, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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