13 minute read
OBITUARIES
The time is now to pre-register for Alumni in Recoveryʼs “A Walk to Remember,”set for April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westvale Park, 235 Harrington Ave., Westwood.
The event supports addiction awareness and recovery. Rain date is May 1.
Participation is $20 by preregistration, or $25 after Feb. 22.
The event includes remarks by prominent community leaders and a tribute to first responders led by the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office. It will feature food and interactive displays. Attendees may stroll at their leisure; the walk isnʼt timed.
Registration will continue through April 24. Onsite registration is welcome and encouraged. No one will be turned away for lack of admission fees.
Sponsorships are available. Corporate sponsor is Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
About Alumni in Recovery
Alumni in Recovery, a nonprofit organization of dedicated young adults who are now living in recovery and abstinent from all drugs and alcohol, provides a safe and reliable program to heighten awareness, hope, and resources for our local communities.
It says, “We aim to end the stigma of the disease of addiction by sharing our stories with middle and high school students, parents and communities. As AinR volunteers, we speak openly about our struggles with addiction and how we overcame them.”
AinR says, “Our recovery members are abstinent from all mind-altering drugs, including alcohol. They are responsible, local young adults living in the community, rebuilding their lives and actively living a life of recovery.”
Its Parent Program helps change perceptions. “Our town and school based events for parents/adults is intended to help them navigate the addiction landscape. These events typically consist of two AinR members and a bereaved parent sharing their personal stories of loss. These events bring together real life voices to change the perception of substance abuse and addiction.”
And the organization says parents speak from their hearts. “As an act of love and caring, our volunteers do not expect anything other than the gratitude that comes from helping others. It is their hope that Alumni in Recovery helps others better understand this deadly disease — all with the desire to help save lives.”
For more information and to register for the walk, visit alumniinrecovery.org.
— Staff report
Barbara
BOULLAIN
Barbara Boullain, 63, of Greensboro, Ga., passed away Oct. 19, 2021, peacefully at her home. Barbara previously resided in Newburgh and Mahopac, N.Y. She was born July 3, 1958 in Montvale to Eugene and June Boullain. Barbara graduated from Pascack Hills High School, Montvale, in 1976 and obtained a bachelorʼs degree from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Penn., in 1980. With physical fitness and nutrition as her passion, she was a general manager for Sportsplex (Newburgh) and coowner of World Gym (Pleasantville).
When she wasnʼt spending hours at the gym, she could be found fulfilling her other passion, landscaping. Having been featured numerous times for best of the best garden tours in New York, she created a business, Bar Bou Co. Landscape Designs, sharing with others her knowledge and love for beautiful landscaping.
Barbara met and fell in love with her beloved Mike and they married on July 19, 2021. Blending two families into one, the best days of her life were spent surrounded by an ever-growing clan that expanded to seven grandkids in five years.
Barbara moved to Georgia full-time in 2019, where she quickly joined the Harbor Club Womenʼs Golf League. She enjoyed attending mahjong and trivia tournaments, as well as playing pickleball. The last few years of her life were spent enjoying the quiet, relaxed life that Harbor Club had to offer.
Barbara is survived by her three adoring daughters, Kimberly Keil and husband Jared of Easton, Conn.; Lindsay Ralph and husband Harry of Danby, Vt.; and Jaimie Picard and husband Phil of Hoschton, Ga.
She was always so proud of her daughtersʼaccomplishments,
but mostly the grandkids that made her Mimi. She will be greatly missed by her grandkids Allison Keil, Dylan Keil, Tyler Ralph, Alex Keil and Jeremy Ralph.
She is also survived by a stepson, Matt (Emily), and his two children, Justin and Valerie.
Barbara leaves behind her two brothers, Gene Boullain (Carol) and Richard Boullain (Karen), many nieces and nephews, as well as cherished and dear friends who became family.
Barbara was predeceased by the love of her life and devoted husband, Michael J. Costa, on Nov. 23, 2018; her mother June and father Eugene. Also predeceasing her were her beloved English bulldogs, Luca I and Luca II.
In lieu of flowers, her daughters ask that any donations be made to the Scotty Fund (a pediatric cancer foundation in honor of her grandson, Dylan Keil), P.O. Box 1080, Bethel, CT 06801.
Lucy
DE PAOLO
Lucy De Paolo, 94, originally from the Bronx, a longtime resident of the Township of Washington, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Beloved wife of 56 years to the late Vincent De Paolo (2004), she is survived by her sons, daughters, daughters-in-law (past and present), many nieces and nephews, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
A milliner by trade, she worked for hat designer Florence Reichman, where Lucy made hats for such well-known women as Rosalind Russell and Bess Truman, for whom she made the hat worn for President Trumanʼs inauguration.
She welcomed family and friends to her home for holidays, birthdays, and Sundays. She will always be remembered as someone who was overwhelmingly capable of unconditional love.
Floyd R.
BABCOCK
Floyd Roger Babcock, 77, of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, 2022. Floyd is survived by his wife, Valerie Babcock, his daughter, Erica Dahl, son-in-law, Jason Dahl, his grandchildren, Elizabeth Dahl, Mikayla Dahl, and James Dahl, and his sister, Laurel Cody.
Floyd was born in Suffern and attended Tappan Zee High School until entering the U.S. Marine Corps at 17. After his military service, he worked for the postal service for over 30 years. In retirement, he enjoyed driving a school bus for children with special needs, reading, taking long walks, and spending time with his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a memorial donation to the veterans charity of your choice.
Patricia Ann AGER
Patricia Ann (Reynolds) Ager, 68, of Columbia, Md., formerly of Emerson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Beloved wife of David Scott Ager. Devoted mother of Steven David Ager and Gina Patricia Ager. Dear sister of David Edward Reynolds and Kathryn Mary Reynolds Carnarius.
Born in Englewood, she lived in Emerson for 29 years before moving to Maryland. She was a licensed clinical social worker with the Maryland Department of Social Services before retiring.
She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood and All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick, Maryland.
A Mass celebrating Patriciaʼs life and faith was held at Grace Episcopal Church, with interment following at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blossoms of Hope—Power of the Purse at blossomsofhope.org/potpv21. Contact Vera Simmons at (443) 538-0858 or vera@blossomsofhope.org for more information. You may also donate to Guiding Eyes for the Blind at donate.guidingeyes.org.
Sharon
BONGARD
Sharon Gercken Bongard, 83, of Woodcliff Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 16, 2022. Sharon was a resident of Woodcliff Lake for more than 50 years and a member of Christ Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor Bongard Jr., and her parents, Zelda Kellems Gercken and William F. Gercken.
She is survived by her loving children: Alexandra B. Stremler (Alexander M. Stremler) of Hillsdale, Victor Bongard III (Emily Austin) of Nashville, Ind., and Eric W. Bongard of Hillsdale. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Victoria Bongard, Mattias Stremler, William Bongard, Christian Stremler, and Griffin Bongard, and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Born in Evansville, Ind., on April 6, 1938, Sharon spent her early years in southern Indiana. Later she and her family moved to Lakeland, Fla., where she attended Lakeland High School. Sharon graduated from Duke University, where she was a member of the Pi Phi sorority. After college Sharon moved to New York, where she married Victor, the love of her life.
Sharon loved travel and enjoyed her career as an international flight attendant with Trans World Airlines.
For several decades Sharon also was active as a real estate agent in Bergen County. She was a longtime member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), a member of the Woodcliff Lake Senior Association, and active in the community for many years.
Patricia
LAMBERT
Patricia Lambert, 89, of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on Feb. 18, 2022.
Beloved wife of the late Robert Lambert. Devoted mother of Karen, Robert, Michael, Thomas, and Maureen. Cherished mother-in-law to Lorraine, Bob, Brandy, and Kim. Loving grandmother of Douglas and wife Beth, Matthew, Christopher, Addison, and Charlie. Dear sister to Bill, Peggy, Helen and sister-in-law to Etta (all predeceased). She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that adored her.
Patricia was born in Hoboken but resided in Hillsdale for 58 years. She was a dedicated nurse with Pascack Valley Hospital for over 30 years.
She was a member of St. John parish and Saint Andrew parish, and actively participated in St. Johnʼs Rosary Society, Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels, Hillsdale Van, 50+ Club, SASSY Ladies dance group, PVH Retirees – Act II, as well as various other community senior groups.
She was an extraordinary woman who loved to travel and experience all that life had to offer. Beyond that, sheʼll be remembered for her deep love of family and friends and for her commitment to help others in any way possible.
A Mass celebrating Patriciaʼs life and faith was held at St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale. Interment, George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimerʼs Association (alz.org), Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels (pvmealsonwheels.org), or any animal rescue/shelter of choice.
FROM PAGE 13
plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.
The World Health Organization warns lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. “There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.”
20,000 notices go out
According to Debra Vial, Suezʼs communications director, her company mailed 762 advisories in the Pascack Valley out of 20,000 advisories it sent customers statewide. Its territory extends from Bergen and Hudson counties to West Milford, Vernon, Lambertville, and Toms River.
Vial told us on Feb. 22 that Suez owns the portion of the service line that runs from its water main near the middle of a street to a customerʼs property line. The customer owns the remaining portion of the service line that extends from oneʼs property line (generally the curbline) into the customerʼs home or business.
She said, “As we move through neighborhoods and find customers with lead lines on their side, we offer to replace them at no cost to the customer. Our goal is to remove all the lead from the system.”
Vial said her company was proud of its lead removal efforts ongoing since 2019, when it “launched an aggressive attack on lead service lines, spending $95 million and removing 8,000 lead lines through the end of 2021,” she said.
She added, “More than 20 construction crews, some working six days a week, have swept through 57 municipalities in Bergen and Hudson counties. The companyʼs work in the field will continue in 2022, with Suez investing $20 million to replace thousands more lead service lines.”
According to the NJDEP, water systems in New Jersey were required to notify residents, nonpaying consumers (e.g., a renter not responsible for the water bill), and any off-site owner of a property (e.g., landlord) “when it is known they are served by a lead service line” no later than Feb. 21, 2022.
“Water systems will also be required to replace all lead service lines in their service area by 2031,” NJDEP says on its “Lead Exposure Reduction” webpage.
“While lead in drinking water poses health risks, your water system is required to assess appropriate actions and may be required to treat your water to minimize corrosion of pipe materials into the water,” the department notes.
According to NJDEP, water utilities statewide have identified some 186,830 lead service lines still serving homes and businesses; moreover, utility providers donʼt have information about more than 1 million service lines.
The American Water Works Association estimates up to 350,000 lead service lines exist statewide.
DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said at a Feb. 17 press conference on the lead notification letters being disseminated, the metal “poses significant threat particularly to our children, and we have to eliminate it where we find it.”
Those receiving letters are advised to visit nj.gov/dep/lead for more information. As well, check your town or borough website for the latest.
WESTWOOD
WWRSD INTEGRATED PRESCHOOLAPPLICATIONS
The Westwood Regional School District begins its annual preschool registration for the Integrated Preschool program for the 2022–2023 school year.
This is a tuition-based program with an annual cost of $3,000. To be eligible, your child must be 3 years old and less than 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2022.
If you have a child residing in the Borough of Westwood or Township of Washington, please visit our website for an overview of the program and tuition payment schedule.
An application can be downloaded from the district website, wwrsd.org. Under the Menu dropdown, select Preschool. You can also pick an application up at the Department of Special Services office.
Completed applications will be accepted March 1–18. If a lottery is initiated, applications submitted after the March 18 deadline will not be eligible.
For more information contact Rosie Rodriguez at (201) 6640880 ext. 2047 or rosalexa.rodriguez@wwrsd.org.
Letters:
FROM PAGE 2 Thank you, foundation donors!
To the editor:
WEANDOURFAMILY have continued to support Tomorrows Childrenʼs Fund at Hackensack hospital in memory of my daughter Dominique Franco. We raised more than $4,000 in donations in gift cards and monies despite Covid. This is a charity my daughter began a toy drive for at 16 and continued even when she was in college at URI for nursing. She passed on Feb. 16, 2019, at only 21, in her sleep, with no known cause. We will continue her legacy for her passion of helping children with much gratitude for all those who continue to support Dominiqueʼs Journey, which is our foundation.
Gina and Mike Franco Park Ridge
Gina and Mike Franco pass along donations to Tomorrows Children’s Fund in memory of their daughter, Dominique.
Announcements?
MONTVALE
The Pascack Hills Players are set to return to the stage with “9 to 5: The Musical.” This high-energy show features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick that is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.
Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot boss, Franklin Hart (Zachary Ligasan).
In a hilarious turn of events, Violet (Rachael Lokshin), Judy (Shariany Then) and Doralee (Madeline Leibman) live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had kept them down.
Lokshin describes Violet as “a no-nonsense middle-aged woman with a sharp sense of humor. “Iʼm very excited to join this cast of powerful female actresses and characters...itʼs going to be an experience I remember for a while.”
The show is directed by Allison Andresini and choreographed by Adria Warfield, with music direction by Nicole DʼAngelo and scenic design by Pascack Hills alum Valentina Cannao.
Catch the PHHS Players in action at Pascack Hills High School from March 24 to 27 with evening and matinee shows available. Buy tickets at showtix4u.com/event-details/60536 or at the door.
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