Pascack Press 2.5.24 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

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

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

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 47

Bring it on

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

A SEAT AT THE TABLE

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Annual mayorsʼ breakfast a hit for chamber

CHATBOT SIDES WITH DISTRICT ON STUDENT INTEGRITY BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Kaitlin Brill from BSA Troop 47G in Westwood soars on service. PAGE 24

PASCACK VALLEY

RESIDENTS PRESS FAA ANEW ON AIRPLANE NOISE POLLUTION BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Taxpayers for Aircraft Noise Solutions, a local group representing some 90,000 residents in the Pascack Valley and Hackensack area, is pressing the Federal Aviation Administraionʼs Eastern Region administrator, and air traffic controllers, for a solution to vexing private-aircraft noise thatʼs impinging on local quality of life. In a letter sent on Jan. 24, TANS representatives Warren Feldman of Woodcliff Lake, Audrey Herget of Park Ridge, and Mary Ellen Stickel of the Township of Washington Township reminded Marie Kennington-Gardiner, FAA Eastern Region Administrator in Jamaica, N.Y.,

See NOISE on page 264

Powering the 2024 Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Mayors' Breakfast Jan. 24, left to right: Chamber webmaster Ralph Crespo; Westwood Councilwoman Lauren Letizia; Chamber President Tony Pallogudis; River Vale Mayor Mark Bromberg, Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari, Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola, Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, Chamber past president Robin Malley, Oradell Mayor James Koth, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, Old Tappan Mayor Thomas Gallagher, Hillsdale Mayor Michael Sheinfield, State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale); and Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo. Photo: Mike Olohan.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

INE AREA MAYORS and a

new councilwoman headlined the annual Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce mayors breakfast at The Tavern at The Iron Horse in Westwood on Jan. 24, delivering updates on infrastructure projects, economic develop-

ment, and community engagement. At the event, the chamber—

LIDDY HITS 800 Coach Susan Liddy of Emerson earns her 800th career victory with the Academy of the Holy Angels' varsity basketball team.

PAGE 23

which supports 10 towns—honored its longtime member and Robin chamber advocate Malley, a Realtor and brokersales representative for Friedberg Properties & Associates, River Vale. (See “Chamber honors Robin Malley, ʻan inspirationʼ” on page 6.) State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) spoke as well,

Continued on page 13

The Westwood Regional School District says itʼs formulating a student integrity policy about ChatGPT and so-called artificial intelligence. Alongside a photo of their team at work, on Jan. 30 the district posted, “The goal of the committee is to create and foster a policy in which all students learn and demonstrate proficiency in their skills and knowledge in an honest manner. Here are our edureorg cators workingBorough together and collaborating on what that looks like across all subjects.” We asked ChatGPT3.5—a chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in 2022—what it made of the districtʼs work in this new arena. It said: “The initiative by the Westwood Regional School District to formulate a student integrity policy regarding the use of ChatGPT and AI demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the ethical considerations surrounding technology in education.”

See CHATBOT on page 244

B ck in time... In this image snapped in winter, early 20th century, a man waits in his horse-drawn carriage outside the Montvale train station. It must have recently snowed… PAGE 4

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

parts of the school are more than a sive solution to the challenges towns and their facilities is upon ‘Saving century old. The goal we have raised by the current building. All us. Post 153 As we continue to share embraced is “Saving George the identified challenges at White” all while lowering the tax George White will be solved in information, please remain gears up George impact to homeowners. Our devel- this referendum. The confusion is apprised and informed to help oping plans deliver on all of this rooted to the fact that we are like- make the best decision for the White’ and also maximize New Jersey ly going to ask a two-part ques- learners of Hillsdale today, and for spring tion on the referendum; providing well into the future. The guiding state aid. To the editor: As with any important voters the most transparency and principles of lowering the cost, fundraising excitement that we welcome in 2024 and look change, itʼs never easy. In the past options. Voter approval of both accessing state funds and preservItoward a new and exciting refer- two weeks I am pleased to see that questions will allow the Hillsdale ing while building back a better To the editor: winter holiday endum project on behalf of the discussion around the new referen- Public Schools to access approxi- George G White Middle School Hillsdale Public Schools. With dum is starting, but we want to mately $16 million in New Jersey remain present as we continue to N season is over, itʼs time to start thinking about the spring. In state aid! T IS WITH

empower every Hillsdale resident with the way to get the most accurate information by accessing resources supplied by the Board of Education. There is some misinformation that we wanted to clarify. First, the referendum we are proposing to voters this fall will be an all-inclu-

the community, the Board of Education has been hard at work. Following voter rejection of the March 2023 referendum we have made progress and concessions that both sides are happy with. We all agree that something has to be done about George White Middle School and soon; many

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Second, saving George White, maximizing state aid, and keeping tax impact low were key learnings from the first referendum. Those that have attended our meetings all agree that updating George White is a priority. This was the consensus of those that voted down the first referendum, and those that supported it. The need to update this precariously out-of-date facility before the children in our community fall further behind neighboring

educate our community about the importance of the vote in fall 2024. The opportunity to be part of a solution that will impact the teaching and learning in Hillsdale for years to come remains in front of us. A link to the most recent presentation can be found by visiting our District website or youtube.com/watch?v=gisi1YwZ0Uw. Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S. Superintendent of Schools Hillsdale Public Schools

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Bromberg serves up town’s priorities for 2024 obligations, and said proposed affordable housing legislation appeared to be coming in July 2025, noting “theyʼre about to move the goalposts once again, which is kind of ridiculous.” He said towns were “finally solidifying plans” for affordable housing and implementing them, and noted State Sen. Holly Schepisiʼs (District 39) role to moderate the proposed affordable housing legislation (Senate-50; Assembly4) proposed for action during the lame duck session, where it failed, and again early this year. Early in 2023, the Pascack Valley Mayors Association (PVMA) supported a bill co-sponsored by Schepisi, and other legislators, that would have stalled 2025 affordable obligations until July 2028. The bill has not advanced out of committee. He said a proposal to decrease state parking requirements (under the Residential Site Improvement Standards) for future high density proposals was addressed in a “great letter” by Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo, this yearʼs PVMA president. Bromberg said the state proposal reduced parking “and likely [would] have things spill out into our neighborhoods.” He said the council opposed this. He said he helped get the Township Council to pass resolutions and support efforts not to reduce parking requirements and delay the upcoming affordable housing round. He called flooding “a significant issue” in River Vale, noting the township was participating in a drone study of Pascack Brook. “This hopefully will give us information that we can then take and then apply for grants and get

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He said River Vale had “a great shared service” with Mont-

agement of the reservoir and also provided state funding for a study to help better manage the reservoir.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

some other support from county, state, and possibly federal so that we can maybe help alleviate some of the flooding,” he said. Bromberg noted that Schepisi, also in attendance, had sponsored legislation for better man-

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Mayor Mark Bromberg said at the annual Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors on Jan. 24 that the township has “numerous shovels in the ground” on the long-stalled $15 million Public Safety Complex project, which the town bonded nearly $20 million for, including planning, architecBROMBERG tural, engineering, legal, furnishings, and communications equipment costs. The council awarded the construction bid to Dobco Inc. of Wayne, for $14,778,500 in November. The breakfast, at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. In his turn at the microphone, Bromberg said construction of the long-planned $15 million Public Safety Complex, affordable housing obligations, flooding mitigation and shared services were the top 2024 priorities. Bromberg said also planned for the area were a couple of small group homes, as well as “an affordable housing component.” He said that River Vale was “in compliance” with its Fair Share Housing Center requirements under the third round. “We have all our ducks in order and projects are underway,” the mayor said. He said the township has achieved “substantial certification” on its affordable housing

B ck in time...

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

Check your town website for senior events and services.

Happily supporting our seniors

FOOD PANTRY The Pascack Food Center is in Park Ridge at 65 Pascack Road, (201) 573-9083. Hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11 a.m. (new clients need to call first) and by appointment. SENIOR ASSISTANCE FOR NJ TRANSIT NJ Transit offers a reduced fare program for seniors. Applications are available at Borough Hall. Call NJ Transit at (973) 378-6401 or (973) 378-6327 with questions.

E-Z PASS The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has a senior citizen discount program for E-Z Pass. You must hold a valid driverʼs license in any state to qualify. Call (732) 4428600 ext. 2100 with questions. To open an account, call (888) 288-6865 and press “7” or apply online at ezpass.nj.com. LIHEAP HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE LIHEAP Home Energy Assistance Program, designed to help lowincome families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. For more information call (800) 510-3102.

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Montvale train station, a winter’s day in the 1900s, as enjoyed under the open air.

Gaining ground in Montvale

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS H, MODERN TECHNOLOGY! On a February morning in 2024 you can start your car remotely before even setting foot outside the house. Entering a prewarmed vehicle, you settle in for a cozy trip: wonderfully warm air is blowing from the vents, the seats are heated, and even the steering wheel has a warming element. Meanwhile, the man in this weekʼs featured photograph probably would have settled for windows and doors.

MONTVALE

Kristin Beuscher is president of the Pascack Historical Society. The John C. Storms Museum at Leach Chapel and Ellen Berdais Hall together make up the headquarters of the Society, at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. PascackHistoricalSociety.org

In this image snapped on a winter day in the early 20th century, a man waits in his horse-drawn carriage outside the Montvale train station. It must have recently snowed, as a few spots that had not yet melted are visible on the ground and on the roof of the station in the background. On such days, our forebears had a few methods for combatting the cold when riding

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

in an open carriage: they would bundle up in warm clothing, cover themselves in lap blankets, and also use foot warmers, which were portable metal boxes into which hot coals were placed. A foot warmer diffusing heated air under a lap blanket made things somewhat more comfortable for a personʼs lower half, which helped balance out the frigid air that was blasting the top half. (In any case, it was better than nothing.) The station in the top photograph no longer stands. The wooden building was destroyed in an apparent act of arson in 1921, and then rebuilt in the 1920s in the same location. That version, through modified, is still in use. Some might recall the period

from 1954 to 1971 when the borough leased it from the Erie Railroad for use as a borough hall and police station. The Pascack Valley railroad line was extended up through Montvale in 1871, and the original train station was built soon after. Before this, the center of town in the rural community was at Spring Valley Road and Summit Avenue—the area traditionally known as Upper Montvale. When the railroad cut through the vicinity on its way to New York State, it took a route a couple of miles to the east and established a stop at present-day Grand Avenue and Kinderkamack Road, thus shifting the nucleus of Montvale to that location.

We’ve got it pretty good these days, you have to admit.

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Editor Staff Writer Contributing Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

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

(c) 2023 The Press Group, all rights reserved. Material is developed independently by Pascack Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is forbidden. Views printed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. We are neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. Email us with correction requests. Pascack Press is published in Westwood and distributed to every household in our circulation area.

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4-0 vote extends superintendent’s contract into 2028 BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale Public School Board trustees approved, 4-0, a new employment contract for the superintendent at the Jan. 15 meeting that extended his employment through June 2028 and increased annual salary raises from 2.0% to 3.2% yearly, with a 2028 salary of $240,076. “Iʼm happy for that, congratulations,” said trustee Kevin Donatello, noting the contract extension. “Itʼs always good to have stability in your seat and knowing that we have so for five more years is very comforting. So congratulations, Mr. Lombardy.” Added Justin Saxon, “Thank you, Kevin, I second that. Iʼm very appreciative of the work you do here in Hillsdale,” he told Lombardy. The public hearing on the

extended, increased salary contract agreement was noted as agenda item No. 8, and slightly more detail was offered under Financial Resolution 13P. Voting yes: President Justin Saxon, Vice President Christina Jennings, and board members Kevin Donatello and Michael Kenduck. Trustee Salvatore Sileo abstained, explaining to Pascack Press following the meeting that he did so because a relative of his is a district employee. Lombardy started with the district on July 1, 2018. In 2018, the last year of the new contract, he will celebrate his 10-year anniversary in the Hillsdale Public Schools district. Following the vote, Lombardy told us, “Hillsdale has wonderful kids, wonderful families, a wonderful Board of Education and a wonderful staff. To put it simply, it is a wonderful place to serve and I am thrilled to be here.”

Over the last several years, Lombardy has been at the center of the school districtʼs efforts to build public support and pass a referendum to replace—and now renovate—the more than 100-year-old George G. White Middle School. In March 2023, taxpayers defeated the first $82.7 million middle school replacement referendum by an almost 2 to 1 mar-

gin.

Recently, following three public meetings, there appeared to be public consensus on one referendum question that costs $61,258,000 (the lowest cost option available), which breaks the question into two parts. In Lombardyʼs prior contract, annual raises were capped at 2.0%. The new contract,

approved Jan. 15, supersedes the prior employment agreement, and caps raises at 3.2%. The previous contract, effective from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026, included a salary of $209,195 for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The new agreement includes a retroactive salary of $211,656 for the same period.

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Chamber honors Robin Malley, ‘an inspiration’

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Robin Malley, a longtime Realtor and two-decade member of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, which was founded in the 1970s, was honored for her decades of dedication and service at the chamberʼs annual Breakfast With the Mayors Jan. 24 at The Iron Horse Restaurant in Westwood. Malley, who is moving to North Carolina, has served the chamber in a variety of positions, including past president and vice president. Malley is a brokersales representative with Friedberg Properties & Associates, River Vale. She is a longtime Woodcliff Lake resident. “Robinʼs been so instrumental in the continuity and strength of this chamber,” said Kenneth Baron, chamber treasurer. He noted Malley as a critical person in the execution of the annual cit-

izen of the year award and student scholarships to the 10 communities served by the not-forprofit chamber. “Additionally, she chaired the Chamberʼs regular meetings and provided great leadership for our group for many years. We wish her the best and are extremely grateful for all of her work over the years,” Baron said. He said over the years, Malley helped organize the Citizen of the Year dinners “have probably raised a couple hundred thousand dollars” and noted that Malley “is an inspiration to all of us, and weʼre going to miss her significantly,” We reached out to Malley for

Longtime Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce member and Realtor Robin Malley is flanked by GPVCOC president Tony Palogudis and treasurer Kenneth Baron, following a recognition ceremony honoring her decades of commitment and service to the not-for-profit. Photo: Mike Olohan.

her reaction to the impromptu ceremony celebrating her service to the chamber. She said, “I am typically the person that makes sure that everyone else gets recognized, so

the recognition came as a surprise,” she told us. “Although I am a take-charge person, I am not usually the one in the spotlight. I like to make sure that my team gets credit for their accomplish-

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ments.” Malley said she “really enjoyed” working with the chamber, local businesses, mayors, and other state and local officials “to help our towns thrive.” She said she also enjoyed being part of the Citizen of the Year celebrations and awarding of scholarships to area high school seniors, plus assisting the food bank and other local organizations in need. “Fundraising is the key to success for the chamber and I expect to continue to help out in any way that I can,” she told us. Sheʼll still be helping the Greater Pascack Valley chamber, even though sheʼs moving. “Just so everybody knows, Iʼm not retiring. Iʼm still doing real estate up here and Iʼll be doing real estate down there,” said Malley, speaking at the breakfast. “And thank you everybody,” she added, to a round of applause. Her bio on the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, which sheʼs led, adds that sheʼs administrator of Friedberg Real Estate School (Real Estate Pre-licensing school) in Alpine; director, Friedberg Academy (Real Estate CE classes); and chairperson of Woodcliff Lakeʼs Zoning Board of Adjustment. A Woodcliff Lake resident for more than 50 years, she boasts personal knowledge of the area's school districts, neighborhoods, transportation, recreation, shopping, and more. Her two children attended Woodcliff Lake public schools and Pascack Hills High School. Prior to real estate, Malley was a vice president for Chemical Bank.

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Calamari looks to gains for DPW, police HQ

Mayor Peter Calamari says the yearʼs top municipal priorities include approving construction of a new facility for the DPW and expanding the police departmentʼs space at town hall. Calamari, speaking at the Jan. 24 mayors breakfast sponsored by the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the townCALAMARI shipʼs infrastructure projects include “a new home for the DPW” due to the former building being razed under order over soil contamination. Moreover, he said the township is hoping to expand the police department facilities. “So looking to do both of those at the same time.” And Calamari noted the township recently bought the former Washington Township Swim Club property, about 6.2 acres, to preserve as open space. “Weʼre working with an architect to come up with plans for that to make it open space, fields, like that because the township is very short on open space, we are almost 100% developed,” he said. The breakfast, at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. Discussing economic development, Calamari said the vacancy rate is “very low” at the Washington Town Center Shopping Center,

which recently changed management. He said there is no really no office space in town, and noted the shopping center is “doing good, they seem to be serving our residentsʼ needs.” On community engagement, he said the public affairs department sponsors “a lot of events for our residents” and noted residents “always turn out in droves” during Town Day, Movies in the Park, and concerts, adding, “I think weʼre in good shape with that.” Recapping 2023 events, he said the township is purchasing 450 Pascack Road, a 3.2-acre sliver of land between Ridgewood Boulevard East, and Memorial Field and Washington Elementary School, via a county Open Space grant. “Sometime in the future we will look to incorporate this new piece of property into the field,” Calamari added. He said in 2023, the expanded and improved Washington Avenue–Pascack Road intersection was completed. “That was great, weʼre not seeing any more traffic backups there anymore.” Also, he said the county paved the full length of Pascack Road in town, noting “itʼs always a pleasure to work with our colleagues from the county on these projects.” He said the police department started to complete their accreditation process this year, the ambulance corps moved into new space at the Emergency Services Building, where the fire department already is located, and a drone study of the Musquapsink Brook was conducted, “and weʼre waiting for

some necessary approvals from DEP to make some repairs along the brook,” He said the 2024 “major tasks” are getting the DPW and police department the space they need to do their jobs. Lastly, he quipped, “Our taxpayers are looking forward to our new council majority; they stated that they are going to do a 10%

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municipal tax cut. Not sure how theyʼre going to do that yet, they havenʼt shared their plan but as I was telling my mayors [the Pascack Valley Mayors Association], once they do Iʼm going to spread it around to everyone because I want everyone to get at least a 10% tax deduction.”

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FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Mayor Ghassali bullish on cosmopolitan Montvale

“Mayor Mike” — as heʼs known to many residents — told fellow mayors and business leaders at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerceʼs annual mayorsʼ breakfast Jan. 24 that new development here is generatGHASSALI ing $4 million in annual tax revenue and that Montvaleʼs “diverse mix” of local

professionals is what attracts businesses to the town. The breakfast, at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. Ghassali said his presentation “may sound like a campaign speech but itʼs not.” He said that pre-Covid, Montvale had 20,000 employees working here during daytime and a 5% corporate

vacancy rate, and post-Covid, the borough hosts 7,000 daily employees and a 20% corporate

vacancy rate. He said the school district is spending $30 million on improve ments courtesy of voter approval of a 2021 referendum; that sanitary sewers are 50 years old; and that what Montvale does to deal with flooding from Pascack Brook affects downstream communities. He said Montvale has built 365 affordable units, or 10% of local housing stock. He said last year the borough bought a 28-acre undeveloped plot on Summit Avenue and resold the property to Veolia North America, who will install two water towers “so we can have more [water] pressure in Montvale, River Vale and Old Tappan.” He quipped to those townsʼ mayors, including Hillsdaleʼs Michael Sheinfield, whose borough he serves as administrator, “Youʼre welcome.” He said the borough bought the last farm property in Montvale, DePiero Farms on Craig Road, for $5 million and plan to keep part of it as a strawberry farm. He said a property on Kinderkamack Road will be used for housing for eight veterans, and seven more borough-owned properties will be used for similar uses. He said two committees dealing with local commerce are working to maintain established

businesses and attract new enterprise. “We decided last year as a community to brand Montvale as a medical hub,” said Ghassali, noting doctors, nurses, medical professionals, vendors, suppliers, patients, families, “they need to eat, they need to shop and that will generate commerce for restaurants and small businesses.” He said a new steakhouse is inbound this year. He said Montvale is generating an additional $4 million yearly in taxes from new developments, with the school district getting $2.5 million, the borough $1 million, and the county $500,000. He said Montvale is home to residents from 57 countries, who speak 27 languages. “I speak four of them.” He said local businesses communicate with 110 companies daily “around the globe and I strongly believe that the diverse mix of the talent is what attracts these companies to Montvale, especially for the medical professionals.” The mayor said the boroughʼs downtown is vibrant and “doing wonderful” with new restaurants and businesses enlivening the downtown scene. — Michael Olohan

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DiPaola on sale of Emerson Plaza, more legislative team, and Fifth District Congressman Josh Gottheimer “to claw back funding for infrastructure and some much needed measures to eliminate flooding in prone areas of the borough.” She said in 2024, streetscape improvements along Kinderkamack Road funded by a state Transportation Alternative Program grant will begin “and improve the overall aesthetics and make Emerson more inviting” to travelers who enter the borough coming from Oradell. She said due to challenges in getting volunteers for the volunteer ambulance corps, the borough continued its contract with Holy Name Medical Center for local ambulance service. She said the Land Use Board recently approved a four-unit affordable housing complex for disabled veterans, which includes a meeting facility for the local American Legion. She said that property owner Urstadt Biddle recently sold the Emerson Plaza, 8.67 acres at 411495 Old Hook Road, at the Main Street–Old Hook Road nexus, which is anchored by ShopRite.

“So we do have a new owner at one of our largest spaces in Emerson, commercial space, and weʼre excited to see what that brings this year,” added DiPaola. Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. says online it was acquired by Regency Centers Corporation in an all stock transaction valued

The plaza includes a 93,000square-foot retail shopping plaza and an 8,900 square foot, twostory professional office building.

around $1.4 billion. The takeover took place in August 2023. In late 2021, Urstadt Biddle reportedly owned interests in 79 properties nationwide totaling 5.1 million square feet of gross leasable space. — Michael Olohan

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Mayor Danielle DiPaola, speaking at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors on Jan. 24, said developments to watch in 2024 included the recent sale of Emerson Plaza Shopping Center and the new ownerʼs potential plans, plus the upcoming streetscape improvements along KinDIPAOLA derkamack Road. The breakfast, at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. DiPaola said a shared senior bus service with Westwood is popular with local seniors; a shared service with Upper Saddle River on a tree trimming truck also saves the borough money. She said the borough has continued to pursue collaborations with the county, the District 39

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Schepisi alerts mayors on faster low-income-housing gains BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Republican State Sen. Holly Schepisi—speaking at the annual Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce “Breakfast With the Mayors” event on Jan. 24 at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood—urged the mayors to speak out on “fast-tracked” affordable housing legislation sponsored by Democratic legislators in the Senate and Assembly. She urged the mayors to “make your voices heard every single day, for the next couple of weeks” on proposed affordable housing legislation (A-4; S-50) that “ r e f o r m s municipal responsibilities concerning the SCHEPISI of provision affordable housing, abolishes the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), and appropriates $16 million,” states the billʼs heading. She also discussed liquor license reforms, urging the mayors to speak to municipal clerks and look at every “pocket license” for alcohol in their towns, and any “C” licenses inactive for two years or more, should be able to be sold off at auction for fair market value and add revenue for towns.

FAIR SHARE HOUSING CENTER LAUDS MURPHY ON PRIORITIES

And she said that if the assembled mayors know of community projects that need state/federal funding, they should contact her or Fifth District Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “Get it to us sooner rather than later. We need to get that in and start fighting for you tomorrow.” The mayors or their representatives from all 10 towns in the Greater Pascack Valley are invited to present their annual town updates at the breakfast and field questions from chamber members. Urging input on affordable housing measure The affordable housing bill Schepisi (District 39) discussed was introduced by Senate Democrats Troy Singleton (District 7) and Senate President Nicholas Scutari (District 22) in the lame duck session and reintroduced this year. Democrats hold majorities in the state Senate and Assembly. Schepisi said that she had heard the day before [Jan. 23] that the bill was to be fast-tracked at

In his Jan. 8 State of the State Address, Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his commitment to eliminating New Jerseyʼs shortage of affordable homes by signing legislation to make building affordable housing more effective and equitable. In response to his address, Fair Share Housing Center issued the following statement:

E ARE GRATEFUL to Gov.

Murphy for his leadership and commitment to advancing the development of affordable housing in New Jersey. We are hopeful that

the state Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee hearing the next day [Jan. 25]. Schepisi sits on the committee. That committee heard three hours of testimony on the affordable housing bill Jan. 25, and by a party-line vote, referred it to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Officials said the referral was due to the billʼs appropriation of $16 million for future implementation. “Voice your concerns, whatʼs

effective legislation to streamline and strengthen the enforcement of municipalitiesʼ affordable housing obligations will pass quickly in this legislative session. The lack of affordable housing options in New Jersey impacts everyone, especially low-income families and people of color. Solidifying how the next round of affordable housing obligations will work as soon as possible is critical to set up all stakeholders for success and to ultimately build as much affordable housing as possible for New Jersey resi-

positive and whatʼs negative … theyʼre going to fast-track this through, regardless of whatever unintended consequences may exist,” Schepisi said. She added, “We should be meeting with mayors, we should be meeting with stakeholders, we should be having a real intense couple of months to come up and fashion what makes sense for this state to be able to afford.” And she said of overdevelopment, “you have no place for the

dents. We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to enact strong legislation this session. — Adam Gordon Executive Director Fair Share Housing Center

2 Fair Share Housing Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization that uses legal, policy, and community-building strategies to dismantle decades of racial and economic discrimination in New Jersey and nationally that excludes people from the opportunity to live in safe, healthy, and affordable housing. Visit fairsharehousing.org.

water to go,” which leads to flooding. She said related flooding impacts residents statewide. “We keep doing things like buying up land, doing studies, and then we buy up here, and you build here, and itʼs just a temporary solution and weʼre not coming up with long-term types of solutions.” Schepisi said that proposal, if signed into law, “would redo everything we know about CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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affordable housing and our obligations and itʼs going through

FROM PAGE 10

RIVER VALE

Two-day pickleball sessions added

Fitness with Friends in partnership with River Vale Recreation is offering two additional two-day pickleball sessions: Feb. 20 and 27, and March 5 and 12, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at the River Vale Community Center, 628 Rivervale Road. Sign up quickly as slots fill up fast. This is available to residents and non-residents. Organizers say, “Sign up alone or with a friend; either way you will have fun while learning this amazing and popular sport. This class will help you be ready to get on the courts in the spring with confidence.” To take the next steps visit fitnesswithfriends.net/adult-series. For more information call (917) 566 4640 or write fitnesswithfriends2@gmail.com.

units. Most Pascack Valley towns settled affordable housing obligations early—most in 2017 or 2018—though some are only now moving to construct the units due to pandemic interruptions or other factors that delayed completion.” Schepisi stressed that speakers talking at the affordable housing billʼs hearing would have little time to comment on the complex legislation being advanced. She also urged mayors to make sure local developments incorporate infrastructure upgrades such as new electrification mandates, new electric vehicle mandates, and new energy master

plans, warning that it could cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to retrofit new buildings in a couple years if not done during planning and construction. Schepisi told the mayors that “The issues within our communities are pretty much the same” and all grapple with the impacts on residents and businesses. “And we all try to solve these issues together.” The state League of Municipalities website notes major provisions of the the new affordable legislation: abolishes COAH; designates the Department of Community Affairs to calculate regional and local affordable obligations based on the 2018 Jacobson Opin-

ion; and each town sets its own affordable obligation number and must adopt that number through a binding resolution. Other legislative details can be found at njlm.org. To read the full bill, go to njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search and type in S50. In a related appellate court matter, a lawsuit brought by 17 towns—including Montvale—to force Gov. Murphy to make appointments to COAH was declined because the appellate court ruled it lacked the authority to compel the governor to make nominations.

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tomorrow [Jan. 25].” Schepisi said, “Most of our towns have been proactive, theyʼve done what they needed to do, they have satisfied their last [third] round [affordable housing] obligations.” One of the last towns to settle its third round affordable obligations was Park Ridge. Its borough council and mayor fought a legal battle, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, with a major developer for nearly five years over the development of the former Sony 30-acre property before ultimately agreeing to settle and allow a 448-unit rental apartment complex, including 68 affordable

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

ASK THE APPRAISER!

Cupid’s Shopping Guide

Valentine’s Day, February 14

‘Resplendent’ glass vase named for elusive quezal bird

Hi, Jon, We recently saw you at the Pascack Historical Society. You were giving a very informative discussion on Art Nouveau BY JON FELZ period glass. R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & You mentioned ANTIQUES INC. several such glass makers. I went home and started digging around our attic and there it was, all wrapped up

4 Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers your questions on fine art, American coins, and great antiques. Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

Named for a tropical bird, it’s “The Glass That Looks Like Pottery.” Owner’s photo, with background replaced in Photoshop.

in a newspaper from 1966! The vase in the pictures Iʼm sending to you was my momʼs pride and joy. She said she had gotten it from her grandmother. — Irene in New Milford

Read All About It! Want to receive our weekly digital newspaper? Subscribe on our website, www.pascackpress.com, or on our Facebook page!

Dear Irene, Iʼm gratified you enjoyed the Antiques Appraisal Fair at the Pascack Historical Society. We conduct many such events in the Tri-State Area throughout the year. Your beautiful vase was produced in 1917 by the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Co. This

attractive and distinctive line of art glass was appropriately named “The Glass That Looks Like Pottery.” The subtle color blending and soft finish of the glass has all the rich color tones of the finest contemporary art pottery produced in America. In 1919 the name of this line was changed to “Innovation.” This is the name most collectors will recognize. A word about Quezal Art Glass: Some of the most beautiful and alluring glass was produced by this company. Quezal art glass ranks right alongside the iridescent glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frederick Carder. The Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Co. was started over a century ago, in 1902, in Mespeth, Queens, N.Y. Owner Martin Bach was hired by Louis Comfort Tif-

fany as the latterʼs glass chemist or batch mixer at the newly established Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co. in Corona, Queens. After several years, Bach left Tiffany and started his own glass works. He named his company after one of the worldʼs most beautiful birds—the elusive quetzal, which lives among the treetops of the tropical forests of Central America. I place the value of your beautiful vase is $1,500. Thatʼs assuming it has remained in excellent condition: no chips, cracks or restoration. Todayʼs astute collectors increasingly appreciate the resplendent glass created by skilled artisans during the Art Nouveau period. Thank you for allowing me to appraise this wonderful item. R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River, N.Y. Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

MOVING? DOWNSIZING?

It’s Back! Montvale Troop 334 Community Dinner, Raffle March 8

Itʼs back! The Annual Community Dinner and Raffle fundraiser for Montvale BSA Troop 334 is Friday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale. Join your neighbors for a fun evening of food, friends, music, a tricky tray raffle, and so much more. Your dinner includes a pasta

Seat:

urging the mayors to speak out on fast-tracking of affordable housing measures. (See “Schepisi alerts mayors on faster lowincome housing gains,” page 10.) The event, graced by an allyou-can-eat buffet-style breakfast, featured updates from first-time mayors James Koth of Oradell, Tom Gallagher of Old Tappan, and Michael Sheinfield of Hillsdale. Also serving updates, and some zingers, were Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari, River Vale Mayor Mark Bromberg, Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola, and Woodcliff

FROM PAGE 1

Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo; and Westwood Councilmember Lauren Letizia, subbing for Mayor Ray Arroyo. The chamber says Oradell and Old Tappan are included in the “greater” Pascack Valley “due to their proximity and socio-economic similarities to the other towns.” Separately, the eight mayors

and meatball entree with salad and garlic bread. After dinner, enjoy dessert and coffee and the highly anticipated raffle drawing. Prizes include sports tickets, restaurant gift cards, and much more. Face painting and activities for the kids are provided. Tickets are $12 at the door,

in Pascack Pressʼs circulation area constitute the Pascack Valley Mayors Association, which meets to lobby on solutions to issues facing this part of Bergen County. Ray Arroyo is the PVMAʼs president this year. Highlights from the chamberʼs breakfast session follow, inside this issue and our editions of Feb. 12.

Valentine’s Day, February 14

$10 in advance. Kids under 5, free. See your Troop 334 scout, write Troop334Montvale.com, or call (201) 701-1140.

Proceeds benefit BSA Scout Troop 334 Montvale. Sponsored by the Montvale Fire Department.

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tunes that all share the theme of love. This unique sound, provided by Alex Prizgintas and his amplified cello, is yours at the Montvale Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 10 at noon (register online). For more info: montvalelibrarynj.org and alexprizgintas.com.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

HILLSDALE

Cupid’s Shopping Guide

Valentine’s Day, February 14

Mayor Sheinfield: We’re not going through it alone

The boroughʼs new Democratic mayor, Michael Sheinfield, said that working together on common local and Pascack Valley problems, despite political parties, makes sense as towns deal with concerns related to flooding, SHEINFIELD taxes, and emergency services. The mayor heads up a council

Plenty Of Fresh Fish!

composed of six Republicans— including his predecessor, John Ruocco. The breakfast, at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. Sheinfield, who arrived to the breakfast after dropping off his kids at school, said, “Whatʼs interesting is listening to everybody talk about problems weʼre experi-

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encing in Hillsdale, and to realize weʼre not going through it alone.” He said those issues include flooding, “Water isnʼt our friend, it is our friend we need to drink it but weʼre all inundated with it.” He said Hillsdale has issues with its DPW, and Woodcliff Lake helped them find temporary space for DPW office operations at 160 Broadway and additional parking at 150 Broadway, while they sort out a long-term solution to DPW flood-

ing problems. He said the borough was working to improve the downtown economy, and areas in need of rehabilitation that were recently identified. He said officials were looking to keep taxes down while “balancing that” with an upcoming fourth round of affordable housing obligations set to begin in July 2025. “So there are just a lot of moving pieces, itʼs wonderful to see everybody here and to know that weʼre all working together,” said Sheinfield, noting issues with emergency services staffing, including recruiting volunteers for the local ambulance service, similar to other townsʼ recruiting concerns. He said incentives and towns working together can help improve the situation. “Itʼs not easy but weʼre going to get it done and I really appreciate everyone in this room. Itʼs not polit-

ical parties, itʼs about getting the job done and everybody here, this is my first time here, Peter [Calamari of the Township of Washington] your seventh [the event was held virtually amid the pandemic], so youʼve got a heck of a lot more experience than I do but the fact that I know these people, beyond party, really makes it easy for us and Iʼm looking forward to working with them,” said Sheinfield. He cited drone studies of Pascack Brook and regional flooding as concerns, noting Hillsdale cannot dredge its waterways without impacting downstream communities. He said he appreciated the efforts of State Sen. Holly Schepisi, including addressing flooding. — Michael Olohan

PARK RIDGE

Driving donations to Tri-Boro pantry

An enthusiastic group gathered on Sunday afternoon at Dean Mansion in Park Ridge for a Triboro Food Pantry fundraiser put on by Drivinʼ News. The event featured a gallery showing of original photography by Burton Hall and a panel discussion with five nationally recognized collectible car experts on the subject of the future of collectible cars. Organizers tell Pascack Press the event raised $1,250. Photo: Packard Goddess of Speed, Burton Hall.

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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Valentine’s Day, February 14

Misciagna: PR bounded back from ‘Flint,’ and how

Mayor Keith Misciagna said at this yearʼs Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors that the borough is “extremely busy—I like to say weʼre good and getting better.” He said a few MISCIAGNA years back at this event he got himself in trouble by saying that Park Ridge “was starting to look like Flint, Mich. because we had all these empty storefronts. People didnʼt like that. Itʼs not so any more; we are very vibrant—our downtown is doing wonderfully.” The breakfast, held Jan. 24 at The Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood, is an annual tradition and major fundraiser for the chamber, which serves the eight towns of the Pascack Valley and nearby Oradell and Old Tappan. Misciagna, a Democrat just sworn for a third term, boasted

the borough has its own water and electric utilities, which is rare in New Jersey. He said maybe a dozen towns statewide have such utilities. He said having its own utilities “is a great asset but itʼs also a great liability” because they have the responsibility to make sure the water is clean. Misicagna said he “was very grateful to have our state Senator here” — River Valeʼs Holly Schepisi — “who was able to secure state funding for water filtration devices on two wells, both long taken offline, where PFAS residues were found.” Misciagna repeated that both wells that indicated levels of PFAS were shut down immediately when the PFAS were detected. He said the borough was very fortunate to get $3.4 million from the federal government to keep local water clean, “and to make sure that our water system is viable and clean for generations.”

He said the boroughʼs own electric company buys and sells electricity like a commodity. “So we provide electricity to our residents at a reduced rate, but once again itʼs a liability and we have upgrades that we have to deal with.” He said officials are working on an electrical upgrade through PSE&G to provide power off the grid “and they like to charge what they like to call a delivering fee, which is continually going up.” He said the borough is working on a $6 million to $10 million upgrade with PSE&G for local electricity customers “for generations to come.”

He said Park Ridgeʼs downtown “is really becoming a vibrant community. The development that everybody was so afraid of has not destroyed our community. We have new businesses going in there,” explaining a new restaurant will open at the north end of The James in March.

He said new retail businesses such as a physical therapy company, and cosmetic dentist, are moving downtown, “which is creating a much more vibrant downtown community for Park Ridge and Iʼm happy for that.” — Michael Olohan

Fri Feb 9th 7PM

EMERSON

HS choir serenades seniors Feb. 8

have a St. Pattyʼs Day luncheon at the Brownstone Banquet Hall. The Ace in the Hole Band will perform. The cost is $65 per person. Only checks will be accepted. Please be at the center by 10:15 a.m. The Emerson Senior Citizens

thank Chief of Police Mark Savino and the Emerson Police Department for hosting our annual pasta dinner—and for the special gift that was given to all. Both were greatly appreciated. — Via Sue Leale

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Valentine’s Day, February 14

Westwood Restaurant Week returns, Feb. 22 to March 3

Celebrate Westwoodʼs BIZhub is pleased to announce the return of Westwood Restaurant Week Feb. 22–March 3. This newly organized dining event will feature daily specials and/or pre-fixe menus at participating eateries. The event is being by Columbia Bank. Participating business will be announced in February at celebratewestwood.org. Interested diners are encouraged to save the dates. As the areaʼs foodie destination, Westwood, the Hub of the Pascack Valley, boasts more than three dozen eateries with options to please every palate and pocketbook. The event is designed to encourage restaurant patronage during the winter months and

offers the opportunity to beat the winter doldrums by trying new restaurants or new dishes at longtime favorites. Event organizers from BIZHub include Luke Farrelly, owner of PJ Finneganʼs, who is excited to bring Westwood Restaurant Week back into the communityʼs annual event schedule. “Restaurant Week is a

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reminder that our local eateries are community spaces where friends and neighbors can gather year round and experience the hospitality of the small business owner,” Farrelly said. Kim Alutto, BIZhub committee chair and owner of Westwood Candy Company & Gift Shoppe agreed with Farrelly, adding that she was excited for this new event. She said, “Westwood has a wide breadth of dining options

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including casual dining and global offerings. Westwood has everything from fine dining Italian to gourmet hot dogs nestled in our charming downtown, perfect for shopping or a post dinner stroll.” Westwood restaurants interested in joining Westwood Restaurant Week should register at celebratewestwood.org Retailers and other businesses who are interested in supporting the event can also register directly, or

express their interest at WestwoodBizhub@gmail.com. Celebrate Westwoodʼs BIZhub is a committee with more than 65 member businesses who meet regularly to socialize, learn about upcoming events and share their best practices in running successful local businesses. Learn more about BIZhub and see a directory of members at celebratewestwood.org/bizhub.

Five Dimes presents VendorFest Feb. 10

Feel the love of the local community! Five Dimes Brewery on Westwood Avenue presents VendorFest 2024, Saturday, Feb. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. Thereʼll be a kids craft area, and live music by Sandy Stones Trio at 7 p.m. Proceeds go to the RamapoBergen Animal Refuge, a leading no-kill animal shelter dedicated to providing second chances, safe

Five Dimes Brewery, 247 Westwood Ave., showcases local vendors at VendorFest 2024, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2–6 p.m.

refuge, medical care, and forever homes to local homeless dogs and cats in New Jersey. A highlight: Five Dimes Breweryʼs new seasonal beer release, Mi

Amore Chocolate Cherry Stout. Located in the heart of Westwood, where the old L.N. Grand 5 & 10 Cent Store used to be, Five Dimes Brewery is “a deep-rooted passion project committed to establishing a local watering hole for everyone to enjoy craft beer as much as we do.” It says, “Our highly skilled brewmaster uses time-honored

methods and top quality ingredients to produce great tasting beer. We are a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) location and have a variety of local restaurants to order from and our outside rooftop is pet friendly.” For more information on VendorFest 2024 or Five Dimes Brewery visit fivedimesbrewery.com.

Cupid’s Shopping Guide

Aw yeah, SQ Pizza Bromberg vale that efficiently runs the Pascack Valley DPW. He said the township was hoping to recruit volunteers for emergency services roles, “which are becoming harder and harder to find.” He said thereʼs “a lot of requirements” for new emergency

FROM PAGE 3

Valentine’s Day, February 14

services volunteers, adding the township was in talks with Old Tappan to possibly share some volunteers in emergency services. He said “one of the things we have going great for us” is the Community Emergency Response Team or CERT, which back up the first responders, which includes a lower level of training.

Bromberg said the town has been able to get a lot of people involved in CERT and that the “highly active” CERT team is being utilized for parking help at major events, and other local emergencies. — Michael Olohan

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Cupid’s Shopping Guide

Valentine’s Day, February 14

Giulio’s Restaurant, a valley favorite, celebrates 2nd anniversary

“At Giulioʼs, we use only the freshest ingredients in our homemade dishes. Featuring contemporary Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, we strive to please every palate.” Thatsʼs owner Benny Qosja, who opened Giulioʼs Restaurant in 2022 and now has the pleasure of presiding over second anniversary celebrations. Benny tells Pascack Press the milestone is earned on the strength of fresh ingredients, outstanding recipes and presentation, excellent service, impeccable, Old World atmosphere, and word of mouth. “We love what we do, plain and simple. The kitchen is always busy and we hear all the time from our diners that Giulioʼs is where theyʼre making their traditions.” Benny says, “The two years flew by. When you have a good reputation you have to earn it over and over again, and thatʼs what we do. Weʼre grateful every day.” Formerly Giulioʼs of Tappan, Giulioʼs Restaurant offers guests a fresh experience with an updated décor and menu in a warm, romantic setting. Housed in a beautiful

Benny Qosja brings more than 27 years of culinary experience to Giulio’s Restaurant, opened in 2022 at 154 Washington St., Tappan, N.Y

Queen Anne Victorian in Historic Tappan, N.Y., just minutes from Bergen County, Giulioʼs Restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine. Built in 1880 by the Smith family, the rooms are adorned with carved woodwork and large beveled glass windows that make you feel like you stepped into another era. The warm and inviting fireplaces in the Main Dining Room

and Oak Room beckon guests to enjoy a fine glass of wine and a delicious meal. Benny brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to Giulioʼs Restaurant. Formerly of Vicolo of Old Tappan, Il Vicolo of Livingston and current owner of Limoncello in Waldwick, the years of world class experience and passion for culinary creations is evident in each and every of his signature dishes.

The warm and inviting fireplaces in the Main Dining Room and Oak Room beckon guests to enjoy a fine glass of wine and a delicious meal.

Giulioʼs Restaurant creates contemporary dishes with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Visit for a drink in the full service bar, a casual meal by the fireplace, or to celebrate your life's most memorable events in one of the private dining rooms.

W H EN Y OU G O: G IU LI O’ S R ES T AU R A N T 154 Washington Street Tappan, NY 10983 Call (845) 359-3657 See website for hours giuliosrestaurant.com giuliosrestaurant@gmail.com

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Bergen County Players in a romp: ‘Pride and Prejudice’

ORADELL

Heed the invite from some of the most memorable characters in fiction! Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longestrunning little theater companies, will open its first mainstage production of the new year with a comedic retelling of Jane Austenʼs great romantic tale “Pride and Prejudice.” Performances are Saturday Feb. 3–24 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell, with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 2. Tickets are $25 for Friday and Saturday performances; $23 for Sundays. They can be purchased at bcplayers.org, by calling (201) 2614200, or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. Jane Austenʼs most famous novel has been adapted hundreds of times—but the theatrical production written by Kate Hamill breaks a few boundaries. As Hamill herself tells directors of the play, “If you think something can be a dirty joke, it probably is.” In 2017, Hamill was named Playwright of the Year by the The Wall Street Journal, and since then

she has become one of the mostproduced playwrights in America. Her plays are primarily female-cen-

tered, playful and sometimes absurd. “Pride and Prejudice” is no exception: wickedly funny, it fea-

Valentine’s Day, February 14

tures deviousness, disgrace, and deceit. “As written…it has a giddy

“The play stays true to the source material and its intent…” Richard Frant photo.

sense of chaos, while attempting to maintain the upper crust veneer of British society types vying for social position…” (DC THEATRE SCENE). This rendition, based on a novel written more than 200 years ago, is about more than a mother trying to marry off her daughters. It keeps things contemporary with discos and characters in high tops who play multiple gender roles. “The play stays true to the source material and its intent, while playing up the sexuality and silliness,” says director Carol Fisher. “But it is amazingly relevant, and the story is timeless. I want audiences to fall in love with it as they did the original but have a lot of laughs along the way.” The tale follows the clever and independent-willed Elizabeth Bennet, who has no thoughts of marriage, unlike her sisters and overzealous mother, but the arrival of the enigmatic Mr. Darcy may change all of that. As they navigate Regency-era expectations and societal obstacles, they must learn to overcome their pride and prejudice to find their happy ending. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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THESAVVYSENIOR: Does Medicare Cover Weight-Loss Treatments? Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover any weight-loss treatments for overweight retirees? I just turned 65 and need to lose BY JIM MILLER about 100 pounds and would like to know if Medicare can help. — Overweight Owen Dear Owen, Yes, traditional Medicare does indeed cover some weight-loss treatments like counseling and certain types of surgery for overweight beneficiaries, but unfortunately it doesnʼt cover weight-loss programs or medications. Hereʼs what you should know.

Whoʼs Eligible For beneficiaries to receive available Medicare-covered weight-loss treatments your body mass index (BMI), which is an estimate of your body fat based on your height and weight, must be 30

or higher. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese and increases your risk for many health conditions, such as some cancers, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and sleep apnea. To find out your BMI, the National Institutes of Health has a free calculator that you can access online at nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lo se_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm.

tion, such as diabetes or heart disease. You must also show that youʼve tried to lose weight in the past through dieting or exercise and have been unsuccessful. These procedures make changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight and improve the health of your metabolism. Some common bariatric surgical procedures covered include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which reduces the stomach to a small pouch that makes you feel full even following small meals. And laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, which inserts an inflatable band that creates a gastric pouch encircling the top of the stomach.

Whatʼs Covered If you find that your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 months of weightloss counseling conducted by a medical professional in a primary care setting (like a doctorʼs office). Most counseling sessions Whatʼs Not Covered entail an initial obesity screening, a Unfortunately, original Medidietary assessment and behavioral therapy designed to help you lose care does not cover weight-loss weight by focusing on diet and programs such as fitness or gym memberships, meal delivery servexercise. Medicare also covers certain ices, or popular weight-loss protypes of bariatric and metabolic surgery for morbidly obese beneficiaries who have a BMI of 35 or RIVER VALE above and have at least one underlying obesity-related health condi-

grams such as Jenny Craig, Noom and WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Medicare also does not cover weight-loss drugs, but it does cover FDA approved diabetes drugs that have unintentionally become very popular for weight loss. Medicare Part D plans cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes only, not for weight loss! So, your doctor will need to prescribe these medications for diabetes in order to get them covered. Medicare also does not cover Wegovy or Zepbound; theyʼre approved only for weight loss. The reason behind the weightloss drug omission is the Medicare Modernization Act, which excluded them when the law was written 20 years ago. They also excluded drugs used for cosmetic purposes, fertility, hair growth, and erectile dysfunction. Without insurance, weightloss medications are expensive,

often costing $1,000 to $1,300 a month. To help curb costs, Eli Lilly recently launched a website (LillyDirect.Lilly.com) to give consumers direct access to the weight-loss drug Zepbound at a lower rate. Medicare Advantage If you happen to be enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for gym memberships and some weight loss and healthy food delivery programs. These are considered expanded supplemental benefits and have gradually been added to some plans to provide coverage for nutrition, health and wellness. Contact your plan to see what it provides. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Presidential Scholars Program calls…

Congratulations to River Valeʼs own Patrick Bunal, who recently earned his Eagle Scout badge with Troop 206 and—even more exclusively—was the only candidate from River Vale chosen for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The U.S. Department of Education tells Pascack Press that Patrick was named one of more than 5,000 candidates in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2024. Patrick, a graduating senior with Bergen County Academies, is the child of Kristine Salva and Norwin Bunal. Heʼs an intern with state Sen. Holly Schepisi and doing research with the president of The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, based in Plymouth Notch, Vt., reporting in Washington, D.C. “Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic

PATRICK BUNAL achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities,” said the DOE. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating

exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion. — Staff report

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Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners announce the County has filed an amicus brief in support of the State of New Jerseyʼs legal action against the Metropolitan Transportation Authorityʼs proposed congestion pricing scheme. “New Yorkʼs unilateral decision to finally address years of financial mismanagement at the MTA by plugging revenue holes at the environmental and financial

detriment of Bergen County residents and businesses is shameful and must be stopped,” said Tedesco in a statement on Jan. 29. He said, “In the interest of Bergen Countyʼs nearly one million residents, my administration fully supports the State of New Jersey and Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolichʼs efforts to pump the brakes on this selfish money grab by New York City.” Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz of

Emerson said, “By joining the State of New Jersey lawsuit against congestion pricing, we affirm our commitment to supporting the well-being of our community. The failure to thoroughly consider the impact on neighboring states is evident. We demand to be part of the decision-making process, and will never stop advocating for the needs and health of all Bergen County residents.” In the brief filed on Jan. 8, the County argues that the plan will

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Women’s Circle and such sweeties

Valley Chabad held a Tu Bʼshevat celebration on Jan. 25 for 50 women and teen girls in Woodcliff Lake. Each participant created her own delightful fruit, chocolate, and cheese board to take home and enjoy. Tu Bʼshvat is the Jewish New Year for Trees, an ancient biblical holiday that today takes focus on the life-lessons and importance of trees and plant based products. The group discussed the unique attributes of trees that can be applied to better living such as: growing toward light, providing shade and protection to those around us, ensuring strong foundational roots and bearing fruit to bring sweetness to others—“just to name a few.” The program was offered by Valley Chabad Womenʼs Circle and CTeen youth group. For more information visit valleychabad.org or call (201) 476-0157. — Valley Chabad report, photo

11th Annual HFPL Makers Day seeks participants

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Feb. 5. Tedesco said Bergen County “remains committed to protecting the interests of its residents and businesses, advocating for fair and transparent solutions that do not compromise the wellbeing of our 70 communities.”

EMERSON

HS choir serenades seniors Feb. 8

The Emerson Senior Citizens next membership meeting is Thursday, Feb. 8 at noon at the Clubhouse, 20 Palisade Ave. The Emerson High School Choir will present a musical program. Refreshments will be served. On Friday, March 15, we will have a St. Pattyʼs Day luncheon at the Brownstone Banquet Hall. The Ace in the Hole Band will perform. The cost is $65 per

person. Only checks will be accepted. Please be at the center by 10:15 a.m. The Emerson Senior Citizens thank Chief of Police Mark Savino and the Emerson Police Department for hosting our annual pasta dinner—and for the special gift that was given to all. Both were greatly appreciated. — Via Sue Leale

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HILLSDALE

The Hillsdale Free Public Library will celebrate the creativity and craft of its community on NJ Makers Day, Saturday, March 16. The Friends of the Library are sponsoring this event. $50 prizes are offered in the categories of: best reuse of materials, best electric thing, best thing that makes sound, best thing that can be worn, best family/group entry, best moving thing, and most creative/artistic entry. Entry forms are available at the library or may be downloaded from the library website, hfpl.org. Forms must be submitted by March 11. “This is always a fun day at the library,” library director Dave Franz tells Pascack Press. “Iʼm always surprised by the entries and every year we see something new. Last year featured chain maille jewelry and shifu, the delicate Japanese art of making thread or yarn from paper.”

burden Bergen County residents by increasing air pollution and increased traffic. The brief further argues that the congestion pricing plan is designed to only benefit New York City at the expense of Bergen County and its residents. The Countyʼs legal team is expected to receive a decision on whether its brief is accepted on

This will be the 11th annual event hosted by the Hillsdale Free Public Library and is part of the ongoing Think It, Make It, Share

It campaign for creativity launched in 2011. For more information write dave@hfpl.org.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

County files brief in support of New Jersey’s congestion pricing lawsuit

PASCACK VALLEY

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Zion Lutheran ECC fundraiser April 20 ‘Pre-sale’ tickets available Feb. 26; school celebrating 55th anniversary

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center invites you to save the date for its Tricky Tray and Live Auction Fundraiser, an inperson event on the evening of Saturday, April 20 from 6 to 10

p.m.

Zion says, “This yearʼs theme celebrates the schoolʼs 55th anniversary with a nod to the 1950ʼs – join us at the ʻZion American Diner.ʼ” The ticketed, adult-only, BYOB event features a catered buffet, three Tricky Tray rooms, a spirited live auction, and 50/50. Participants can enter to win a variety of big ticket items including a Yeti cooler, barbeque grill, kayak, tickets to the Crayola experience, as well as themed gift bundles, collectible items, local gift cards, services, experiences, and much more. Funds raised through this event represent a significant portion of the operating budget for the Zion Early Childhood Center education programs for 2 1⁄ 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old students. Most recently, funds raised have been used to cover portions of capital improvements made to the Zion campus such as a newly paved parking lot and installed

fence around the field which fronts First Avenue. Additional funds have been used to purchase new classroom tables, learning rugs, and art supplies. Future funds will continue to support our earliest learners as they grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Tax deductible donations will be accepted until March 1. We welcome gift certificates, items to be included in the tricky tray, or monetary donations. No contribution is too small. There are also tiered opportunities for corporate sponsorship. We are grateful to all of our local businesses, families, alumni, and congregation for your continued support of our earliest learners. To receive a donation form and arrange a pickup, write ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com. Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center (64 First Ave, Westwood) was established in 1969 (as Zion Lutheran Nursery School) to provide families with preschool

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

children a place where the child could be part of a program designed to help him/her grow socially, intellectually and creatively in a Christian atmosphere. The programs are designed to help each child come to greater awareness of the world and the people around them through broad exposure to language, mathematical concepts, social studies and science concepts, arts, music, and motor and visual coordination. The preschool program has grown and developed over the years to become one that is highly regarded by parents who have had children enrolled, and also by the community. The school is licensed by the state of New Jersey and is staffed by certified teachers and qualified assistants. Tickets are $50 and historically have sold out quickly. Current school families will have an opportunity to participate in a digital ticket presale (two tickets per family) beginning on Monday, Feb. 26. In-person sales will open to Zion Lutheran Church members on Sunday, March 3 and will go on sale digitally for the general public on Monday, March 4. See zionlutheranschool.org for more information. Questions? Write the Fundraising Committee at ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com.

AHA celebrates Liddy’s, Serrano’s basketball milestones

A legendary Holy Angels coach and a rising hoop star realized athletic milestones on the basketball court within a few days of each other. On Dec. 30, 2023, Coach Susan Liddy of Emerson earned her 800th career victory with the Academyʼs varsity basketball team. On Jan. 2, 2024, combo guard Samantha Serrano (AHA ʼ24) of Nanuet, N.Y., scored her 1,000th career point. “When I made my shot and was about to score my 1,000th point, I was thinking about all the hard work, late nights, and extra hours I put in the gym,” Serrano said. She added, “Hitting my 1,000th point was a dream come true; it has been on my mind since freshman year…I knew coming into the Paramus Catholic game that it was going to be tough. I know that Iʼm known in Jersey and teams know how I play, but that wasnʼt going to stop me from hitting my 1000th.” Serrano said her teammates helped to her open so she could get her shots and helped her achieve my goals. “Without my teammates, my coaches, family, and friends this wouldnʼt be possible.” Serrano said she is looking

“I feel it is a great accomplishment. With that said, I have been blessed with very good players who bought into the system, listened, and gave 100% all the time. I have had some tremendous assistant coaches along the way who made me look good,” Liddy said. Liddyʼs assistants are Sean Liddy and Alyssa Lane. The varsity roster includes Anna Calianese, Daria Coll, Julia Covino, Angelina Finnerty, Amanda Garcia, Celeste Harper, Lara Kraus, Sarah Machado, Sam Serrano, Julia Toker, Genevieve Tuohy, and Emily Vonderhorst. What was going through Liddyʼs mind during the final minutes of the tournament? “I was thinking about finishing the game. Then the players who were on the bench started jumping up and down and I On Dec. 30, 2023 Coach Susan Liddy of Emerson earned her 800th career victory with the knew it was over. I felt relieved. There was a lot of pressure on Academy’s varsity basketball team. AHA photo Athletic Director Jessica Hogan. She is known for deep three-point- this team to win. I am proud of ahead to her next athletic goals. “Before I graduate from AHA “When sheʼs on the court, sheʼs ers and her ability to steal the ball them and every player I coached I would like to take my team to the hard to shut down. Iʼm looking from her opponents. This Angel is because they were a part of this championship and win,” she said. forward to seeing what she brings also part of the AHA softball team milestone.” Liddy retired from her fullthat played in the 2023 NJ State She also aims to play basket- the rest of the season.” time work at AHA in 2022. She Serrano has been playing bas- Tournament. ball at the college level, and is Liddy said sheʼs thrilled with was a long-time health and physalready receiving attention from ketball for about five years. In the spring of 2023, she earned First her 800th career win with Holy ical education teacher who made Division 1 teams. “Sam is probably one of the Team All-County recognition for Angels. The victory came at the a name for herself as coach of the most naturally talented athletes scoring over 25 points per game, Joe Poli Tournament, as AHA Academyʼs varsity basketball, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Iʼve seen in a while,” said AHA and her game high of 37 points. played Cresskill.

DON’T MISS OUR UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE! T U E S D AY, A P R I L 3 0 T H , 2 0 2 4 Visit our website for personalized tour opportunities! www.holyangels.org

H O LY A N G E L S S E R V E S Y O U N G W O M E N I N G R A D E S 6 - 1 2 .

Learn about our curriculum, activities, and opportunities for girls in Grades 9-12, tour our campus with student ambassadors and meet with faculty and staff.

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Sc h ool News

Chatbot:

It said, “By establishing guidelines for the use of AI tools

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 1

like ChatGPT, the district is emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsible use of technology among students. “This initiative also highlights the evolving role of AI in education and the need for educators to pre-

pare students for responsible interaction with these technologies. By involving educators in the process and fostering collaboration across subjects, the district can ensure that the policy reflects a comprehensive understanding of how AI impacts

various areas of learning. “Overall, such initiatives are essential for promoting ethical behavior and integrity in academic settings while also equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.” Makes sense.

(For the record, itʼs Pascack Pressʼs policy to not employ artificial intelligence or language models at any stage of its editorial products, except in cases like this, where weʼre calling it out as part of the story.)

WESTWOOD

WESTWOOD FLEDGES HER FIRST FEMALE EAGLE Kaitlin Brill, Westwood Regional junior, soars on gift of music to memory care residents

The Westwood Regional School District on Jan. 30 works toward a student integrity policy on the use of trained language models and artificial intelligence. WWRSD photo

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Congratulations and job well done to Kaitlin Brill from Troop 47G in Westwood, who recently made history as the first female scout in the borough to achieve the capstone Eagle Scout rank. She joined the Boy Scouts of America in 2019, when the organization opened up to girls as well as boys. She was one of two girls to found Troop 47G, one of the first female troops in northern Bergen County. For her service project, Kaitlin assembled music therapy kits—instruments and binders with song lyrics—and organized and performed a concert of patriotic songs for the memory care residents of the Brookdale Senior Living facility in Emerson. In March 2022 Kaitlin was one of two scouts representing troop 47/47G at Borough Hall, presenting to the mayor and council on efforts to clean Brookside Park. The scouts said they looked forward to removing all the trash and debris to make it safe for all to enjoy, both young and old. Mayor Ray Arroyo commended the scouts on their service work, and on behalf of him-

Liddy:

varsity softball, and JV tennis teams. She retained her coaching duties, which she began with the Angelsʼ basketball team in 1974. Over the years, her teams have won multiple Bergen County Championships, played in several State Sectional Finals, and won a state championship. Her squad was Team of the Year four times. Her softball teams have made the State Sectionals several times. Liddy earned a bachelorʼs degree at Upper Iowa University and a masterʼs at Montclair State

FROM PAGE 23

self and the council told them how appreciative all were of the scoutsʼ efforts towards the Borough of Westwood. Kaitlin, a junior at Westwood Regional High School, tells Pascack Press she plans to study biology and neuroscience in college. — Staff report University. She was inducted into the Upper Iowa Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Borough of Closterʼs Hall of Fame. In 2018, the floor of AHAʼs gym was rededicated as “Lidʼs Court.” She served as the Academyʼs athletic director from 1988-2001, and runs the Sue Liddy Basketball Camp during the summer. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds.

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

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Noise:

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

that TANS has more than 50 members and 1,100 signatures on a petition [“Reduce Air Traffic Noise En-route to Teterboro Airport”] seeking a collaborative solution. The petition takes issue with “minimal” notification for pilots to utilize air over Route 17, “specifically RNAV GPS X RWY 19, to mitigate noise over Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), over Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC) resident member towns and the Pascack Valley Region.”

FROM PAGE 1

‘Pride’:

BCP Life Member Carol Fisher of Teaneck has directed numerous productions for BCP, including “Church and State,” “The Lion in Winter,” “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” “A Shayna Maidel,” “Is There Life After High School?” and “Sordid Lives.” Audiences have enjoyed her performances at the Little Firehouse Theatre in various shows, including “Steel Magnolias,” Pippin,” and “One Flew Over the Cuckooʼs Nest.” The talented cast of “Pride and Prejudice” includes Angelina Aragona of Township of Washington as Jane/Miss De Bourgh, Erin Arnold of West Orange as Lizzy, Janica

FROM PAGE 19

It says the large volume of private jets flying into Teterboro Airport (TEB) “brings noise to levels intolerable for many residents in the Pascack Valley Region.” And it says “TANAAC has been supportive of addressing these issues since 2016 and their resident members as well as Pascack Valley residents still need relief.” It also says “Since 2019 the air route over Route 17, RNAV GPS X, was established as an alternative route; and … voluntary noise abatement recommendations have failed to effectively achieve the necessary utilization of this route.” “Now, therefore, the undersigned concerned residents, including the Mayors of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Old Tappan, Oradell, Park Ridge, River Vale,

Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake and TANAAC resident members do hereby petition the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and air traffic controllers who mandate this air space to prioritize the Route 17 alternate route as the preferred route for arrivals to Runway 19 which is the RNAV GPS X at TEB Airport. TANS says the RNAV GPS X approach to Runway 19 avoids HUMC and the Pascack Valley region and provides relief to TANAAC resident members. The TANAAC Board is comprised of towns within 5 miles of Teterboro Airport which are concerned about the noise and flight patterns. “The Taxpayers for Aircraft Noise Solution (TANS) is a community organization tasked with finding workable solutions to

Carpenter of Old Tappan as Lydia/Lady Catherine, Mic McCormack of Tenafly as Mr. Bennett/Charlotte Lucas, Sean Buckley of Secaucus as Mr. Darcy, Damon Fischetti of Nyack, N.Y. as Mr. Bingley/Mary, Eric Holzer of Bloomfield as Mr. Collins/Mr. Wickham/Miss Bingley, and Rachel Alt of Ridgefield as Mrs. Bennett. The ensemble includes Darlene Slezak and Ken Slezak of Oradell, Joellen Tierney of Wyckoff, Lola Yona of Glen Rock, Olga Garey of Paramus, Scout Schiro of Moonachie, Maureen Mulvihill of Edgewater, S.B. Kates of New Milford, and Malina Halpin and Fergus Halpin of Ridgewood. The production team: Michele Roth (producer), Christine Francois (assistant director), Debbie Zika (stage manager), Elisabeth Julia (choreographer), Allan Seward

(lighting design), Sandra Conklin Hughes (lighting operation), Tim Larsen (sound design), Adam Mahonchak (sound operation), Gerard Bourcier (set design), Ellyn Essig (set decor), Maureen Mulvihill (costume head) Scout Schiro, Karen Markle and Cathie Mack (costumes), S.B. Kates (props head), Melina Halpin (props), Richard Frant (photography), Cammy Bourcier (publicity), Marci Weinstein and Danny Sherwood (program bios), Katie Lupfer (member-at-large), and Sharla Herbert (headshot board). The Bergen County Players, Inc. is a non-Equity, non-profit community theater company dedicated to presenting quality productions for the enrichment of the community. For much more information on this production of “Pride and Prejudice,” visit bcplayers.org.

the aircraft noise which adversely affects the quality of life of residents in the Pascack Valley and surrounding towns. TANSʼ members evolved from TANAAC and believe there are solutions which can be undertaken that would improve residentsʼ quality of life while continuing to provide safe and necessary access to air travel in and out of Teterboro Airport, Newark Airport and all others within our vicinity.” TANS says “The following mayors and councils passed a resolution supporting the TANS petition: Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Westwood, Washington Township and Hackensack. … These governing bodies represent over 90,000 residents. We are not a small group, and we deserve to be heard. Therefore, we hope you will continue an open dialogue and consider our concerns. We believe there are attainable solutions to alleviate the excessive air traffic plaguing our communities, preventing us from “quiet enjoyment,” said TANS. The letter is in response to a reply TANS fielded from the FAA in summer 2023, and includes questions and comments. Furthermore, says TANS, “the Pascack Valley Mayors Association requested a seat on TANAAC to represent the 10 Pascack Valley towns that are experiencing excessive air traffic noise due to the increased private jet traffic utilizing Teterboro Airport, and they were denied. Therefore, we created TANS.” TANS rep Audrey Herget of Park Ridge tells Pascack Press, “The FAAʼs first response to our

first letter was underwhelming. They challenged the map we presented, stating it ʻseemsʼ to include overflights, not just arrivals into runway 19 at Teterboro, over a 24hour period. Our second letter proved itʼs being only arrivals into runway 19.” She said, “The FAA stated we should be part of TANAAC if we want to be heard. The Pascack Valley Mayors Association had requested membership, one seat, and were denied by the TANAAC board. Maybe the FAA should encourage the TANAAC board to revise their bylaws to open membership to the Pascack Valley communities.” Herget said “TANS believes the FAA could do a much better job communicating with TANS and other agencies like PANYNJ, New Jersey elected officials, etc., to bring the best minds together for solutions, not just deflection.” Among their comments, TANS asks the FAA, “Based on the attached map, can any reasonably astute aviation professional seriously suggest that this concentration is appropriate? Newark Airport has slot controls in place that do not allow more than 79 arrivals/departures each hour. Teterboro approaches that number periodically and is smaller. Why not establish a maximum number per hour for Teterboro?” Copies of the letter were sent to Gov. Phil Murphy, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5), and state Sen. Holly Schepisi (RRiver Vale).

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DR. KAPLAN: Food as medicine, medicine as food… My interest in health started when I was 13 years old. I was a very sick child. I had bad acne, low energy, and worst of all, I was overweight. Actually, the pediatrician DR. ERIC KAPLAN, said I was clinicalKAPLAN BRAIN ly obese accord& BODY ing to the World Health Organization. In addition, every waking morning I started my day coughing up thick phlegm from my chronic bronchitis partly due to the fact that I had a horrible diet and was also exposed to second hand cigarette smoke. To top it off, I had terrible “brain fog” which affected my academic and sports performance due to lack of focus, organization, planning, and motivation. When I asked the doctor what I should do, his advice was to take antibiotics and steroids. Because I was born in the 1970's and grew up in the 1980's, I never really saw anybody question the doctor, so of course, I decided to take the medications that he recommended. However, I quickly realized that the medications made me super sick. I was constantly nauseous and dizzy. These harmful pharmaceuticals made me vomit five to 10 times a day. Because I was embarrassed about always throwing up, I stopped going outside to play with my friends. I became depressed and I felt hopeless. I thought that because I did what the doctor said and felt even worse, then I might have to live like this for the rest of my life. As I was going through my health struggles, I was desperate to find a solution. Luckily, I didn't even have to leave my own house to find the solution. My father, Dr. Larry Kaplan, is the one that changed my life forever by introducing me to a health group called the Natural Hygiene Society. After I showed a deep interest in health and well-being, he and my mom began paying for all my health seminars and education; buying me all the health books I could ever imagine, purchasing very healthy food for me to eat, and leading me in the right direction. One of the first things I learned from the Natural Hygiene Society was that dairy is a major cause of congestion in the lungs. I made the connection that quitting dairy might help my chronic bronchitis. As a result, I completely eliminated all dairy from my diet. That means no cheese, no milk, no yogurt, no cream cheese, no cookies, no cake, no ranch dressing, no creamy sauces, no butter, and do I dare say it....no ice cream and no pizza! Because I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired, I decided to give it a try. To my amazement, within one month of quitting dairy, my bronchitis was completely gone. Imagine the look on the doctor's face when I went back and told him, “Thank you, but I

won't be needing these antibiotics or steroids anymore. I cured my bronchitis myself.” I even lived in the same house as a smoker, and I was still able to heal myself of bronchitis just by changing my diet. This is when I first realized that food is the original and most important medicine. As Hippocrates said, “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” Not only does milk consumption cause lung congestion and phlegm, but dairy products also contribute to increased risk of obesity, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Many studies have even shown milk and other dairy products are linked to prostate cancer in men and ovarian cancer in women. Milk has also been linked to harmful pathogens including salmonella and E. Coli. The higher the consumption of dairy products, the higher the amount of colic, constipation, diarrhea, and even bloody stool. A 2016 study found that teenagers who drank higher amounts of milk, especially low fat or skim milk, had a much higher incidence of acne. Moreover, dairy products have been linked to adult acne, as well. In addition to acne, skin conditions that are linked to dairy consumption are eczema and rosacea. Not only can they occur in a child that is eating dairy products, but they can also be seen in the child if the mother was consuming lots of dairy products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Sensitivity to dairy is more likely seen in people with autoimmune disorders. For example, if you have Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto's, Graves, Fibromyalgia, Celiac disease, Lupus, IBS, Colitis, Gastritis, Leaky Gut, Eczema, Sjogren's, Psoriasis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is highly recommended to eliminate dairy products because they are the biggest triggers of autoimmune disease. You will hear a lot of people telling you that drinking milk makes your bones strong, however, scientists have found the opposite. A sugar found in milk, D-galactose, causes an increase of bone fractures if you have 3 servings of dairy products a day. The truth is you do not need milk to make your bones strong and prevent fractures. Do not listen to those celebrities with their milk mustaches. Milk does not do your body good. To keep your bones strong and healthy, you need movement, sunlight, weight resistance exercises, green leafy vegetables, and high levels of Vitamin D. The confusion may come from when researchers stated that a cup of milk contains almost 30 percent of the daily requirement for calcium. However, the problem is that most Americans are not calcium deficient, and most humans cannot digest milk properly because our bodies are designed to only digest human milk (breast milk), not cow's milk. Since I am not a baby, and I can eat solid foods, I should not be drinking milk. Milk is for babies. Also, since I am not a calf, I should not be drinking cow's milk. Many people ask me about sheep's

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milk and goat's milk, but my answer is the same. Since we are not baby sheep, we should not be drinking sheep's milk either. Since we are not baby goats, we should not drink goat's milk or consume goat cheese. There is not an animal on the planet that drinks the milk that comes from a different animal. It is completely unnatural. The only drink we should be imbibing is water. Squeeze some lemon or lime in your water to give it some flavor. If you are interested in improving your health and well-being, adding cucumber to your water will help improve your skin, adding mint to your water will aid with digestion, and adding ginger to your water will help support weight loss. In addition to the great health benefits of these drinks, they are also great drinks that will detoxify your body. Please try your best to stay away from not only milk, but also juice, soda, lemonade, sport drinks, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, coffee, or other drinks full of sugar, sugar replacements, preservatives, food dyes, and other harmful chemicals. Living a healthy lifestyle will improve your quality of life. There is nothing more important than your health, and there is no bigger link to your health than nutrition. If you are interested in learning more about your health, we are offering qEEG brain mapping at all of our offices to discover how your brain is

functioning. It may tell us about your the first seven people to call or text memory, your mood, your stress levels, 646-221-6738 you can get this your energy levels, your sleep patterns, Memory and Focus seminar for only your digestion, your neurotransmitters, $97, and as a bonus, we will include if you have susceptibility to diabetes, the next five seminars completely for heavy metal poisoning, concussion, FREE, which includes seminars on sleep, energy, anxiety, depression, and and many other health issues. Not only does it tell us the areas of nutrition ($1,000 value). your brain that are not functioning properly, but it also provides you with the solutions to reduce your symptoms PEARL RIVER, N.Y. to get you to feel better, function better, and live better. It is non-invasive, there is no radiation, and tells us lots of valuable information. It is normally $500 for the entire neurological evaluation, but for the rest of February, we are offering this amazing brain mapping session for only $21. This is done in our Emerson location or our NYC location, and you must emailinfo@kaplanbrainandbody.com or call 646-221-6738 to reserve your spot immediately because they are filling up quickly. Also, if you are interested in hearing my live radio show called Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan, please tune in to AM 970 Dominiqueʼs Journey Founevery Saturday morning at 8am and dation invites you to a fundraiser, AM 710 at 2pm every Saturday after- marking the fifth year of local stunoon. You will learn the healthiest and dent Dominique Francoʼs passing, most natural ways to improve brain on Feb. 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The function and get your body to function Pearl River Saloon. better, feel better, and live better. The fee is $30 per person and Lastly, we are running a Boost includes appetizer and one raffle Your Brain Power Seminar Series. This ticket. Proceeds go to Dominiqueʼs is a live event in River Edge on Feb. 27, Journey. Mom and dad Gina and but you can watch over Zoom or get Mike Franco tell Pascack Press, the recording to watch at a later date. “These events allow us to continue This seminar is typically $200, but for to raise money to support Saint Judeʼs Tomorrowʼs Children, and the local scholarships.” The foundationʼs mission “is to keep Dominiqueʼs spirit and passion alive. We will continue her at 7 p.m. $5,000 prize pool (based efforts of raising money for St. on 75 players); $100 buy-in (5,000 Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital chips); 500 extra chips for early and Hackensack University Mediregistration (48 hours); re-buys and cal Center, the two organizations add-ons. Light buffet, soft drinks that she was so dedicated to helpincluded. Beer, wine for purchase. ing and supporting.” Cash admission. Doors open 6 p.m.

Westwood Elks Fish Fry, Texas Hold-’em Tourney

Westwood Elks 1562 Fish Fry is Ash Wednesday, Valentineʼs Day, Feb. 14, 5–8 p.m. Eat in or take out, $15. 523 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. The Elks have a Texas Hold ʻem Poker Tournament on Feb. 17

Dominique’s Journey fundraiser Feb. 16

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

RETIREMENT PLANS CAN BE SIMPLE

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. If you own a small business (or are selfemployed), there ERIC KOHLMEIER are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your employees plan your financial future. One popular option for organizations such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to consider is the SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match

Plan for Employees) Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Unlike some retirement plans, there are criteria a business must meet to participate in a SIMPLE IRA plan. Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about this type of retirement plan: Can any business establish a SIMPLE IRA plan? Self-employed individuals and employers with fewer than 100 employees may adopt a SIMPLE plan. However, the business must not maintain any other employer-sponsored retirement plan where contributions are made or accrued during

the calendar year in which the SIMPLE plan is effective. (This does not apply to plans that cover only union employees who are excluded from the SIMPLE plan.) What is the deadline for establishing such a plan in order for it to qualify for the 2019 tax year? The IRS deadline for establishing SIMPLE IRA plans for the current year is Oct. 1. Afterward, plans can only be established for the next tax year. An exception to Oct. 1 exists if the business is a newly established company and has never sponsored a SIMPLE IRA plan.

Which employees are eligible to participate in this type of plan? An eligible employee has received at least $5,000 in compensation from the employer during any two prior calendar years (does not need to be consecutive years) and who is reasonably expected to receive at least $5,000 compensation during the current year. In the planʼs initial agreement, the employer is able to reduce the amount of compensation and the number of years required. However, there is no required participation for this plan – eligible employees can choose whether or not they want to participate and contribute. How much can employees contribute to the plan through salary deferral? The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan for 2019 cannot exceed $13,000. If an employee is 50 or older before Dec. 31, an additional catch-up contribution of $3,000 is permitted. What are the maximum employer contribution limits for a SIMPLE IRA? Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or non-matching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019). All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision. When must contributions be deposited? Employee deferrals should be deposited as soon as administratively feasible, but no later than 30 days following the last day of the month in which the amounts would otherwise have been payable to the employee. These rules also apply to selfemployed individuals. The employer contributions deadline is the due date of the employerʼs tax return, including extensions. Can there be a vesting scheduled with a SIMPLE IRA? There is no vesting schedule with this type of plan – both employer and employee are immediately 100% vested. How are withdrawals from SIMPLE IRAs taxed? Withdrawals from this type of account are taxed as ordinary income. However, if a participant is younger than age 59? and makes a

withdrawal within the first two years of plan participation, he or she will owe a 25% IRS penalty and ordinary income taxes on the amount withdrawn. After the initial two years of plan participation, the 25% IRS penalty is reduced to 10% for pre 59? withdrawals. Exceptions to the 10% penalty on traditional IRAs are also exceptions to the 25% penalty for SIMPLE IRAs. Direct transfers to another SIMPLE IRA will not be subject to this penalty. Can the assets in a SIMPLE IRA be rolled over? Participants are able to roll over funds from one SIMPLE plan to another at any time. After two years of participation, employees may roll assets to a traditional or SEP IRA without tax penalties. As with any investment alternative, you should check with your Financial Advisor to evaluate the best option for your financial situation. Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences. Please keep in mind that transferring or rolling over assets to an IRA is just one of multiple options for your retirement plan. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, including investment options and fees and expenses, which should be carefully considered. Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences. Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDICINSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director - Investments in Park Ridge at 201-5050472. 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. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

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Scholarship for an MLS student

If you are a Westwood resident enrolled in graduate library school in an ALA accredited graduate Library school program please consider applying for the Friends of the Westwood Library Shy Touba Memorial Scholarship. Named in honor of Shy Touba, a beloved member of the Friends, a $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to assist with tuition and course fees. Rosemary Roche, Friends President, says, “Supporting future librarians has long been the mission of the Friends of the

Westwood Library. We look forward to receiving applications from Westwood residents.” The application form can be downloaded from the Westwood Library website at westwoodpubliclibrary.org/friends-scholarship.html and must be accompanied by: • Name of graduate school enrolled. • Transcript of current course(s). • Personal statement of educational and library career goals. • Two letters of recommen-

dation. • Proof of residency in Westwood. Applications and additional materials may be mailed or delivered to Westwood Public Library. Address the envelope to: Friends Scholarship Committee, Westwood Public Library, 49 Park Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675. Deadline for submission is April 1, 2024. The applicant must maintain a B average. Payment of award will be made at completion of the 2024 spring semester course(s).

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Temple Pledge #19

WESTWOOD

Temple Pledge Group #19 Rainbow Girls held their Installation of Officers on Jan. 30 at the Masonic Temple in Westwood. There was a Cool Cat theme for the evening. Service projects this term are collecting candy to make candy gift bags for the Westwood Food Pantry and planting flowers out front the Masonic Temple for Earth Day. Rainbow is a unique leadership and service organization for girls ages 5–20 that develops incredible public speaking skills and lifelong friendships. New members are welcome year-round. For those not in the know, Rainbow Girls constitutes Pledge Girls (ages 5–10) and Rainbow Girls (ages 11–20). Pledges meet as Pledge Groups and Rainbow Girls meet as Assemblies. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls headquarters is in McAlester, Okla. Rainbow was founded in Oklahoma in 1922. The first Assembly in New Jersey was opened in 1923. Temple Assembly #32 opened in September 1939, and Temple Pledge Group #19 opened in April 2017. We’re told, “Girls get incredible public speaking skills. Every girl that goes all the way through can give a speech in front of thousands of people like nobody’s business.” For more information write templepledge19@gmail.com.

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

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Men’s open-gym basketball at the rec

Pascack Valley Men ages 21plus are invited to join Westwood Recreationʼs Open Gym Basketball January–June Program at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The Tuesday and Thursday sessions are held from 9 to 11 p.m. A registration fee of $75 for Westwood residents and $125 for non-residents is required to join the program. To register, use Community Pass: https://register.communitypass.net/westwood.

Open Gym Basketball is played pick-up style and is group managed without an instructor. Participants are asked to include everyone in play throughout the evening. For adults, regular involvement in a basketball program promotes fitness by improving balance, coordination and building muscle and endurance by providing a cardio workout. The Westwood Recreation Department offers many fitness opportunities for adults including

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yoga, Zumba, tennis, volleyball and a fitness training program with partner UFC Gym. Registration

for Winter 2024 Programs is underway via Community Pass. For more information, consult

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MONTVALE

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HILLSDALE

Lombardi Challenge Poker Feb. 9

50+ Club Valentine’s Day auction

The Montvale Fire Department is hosting a Texas Hold-em Poker Night, The Lombardi Challenge, on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. to support its 1 0 0 t h anniversary celebrations. A superb buffet is includded. Reserve your seat at mikespokertables.com.

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club of Westwood will hold a Valentineʼs Day auction at its meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 7th at 1 p.m. in the school gym. Bring a wrapped new or “regift” item (no clothing, please). Small change will be helpful. $15 dues for the new year are due. New members are always welcomed. Cake and coffee will be served. Bring an item/donation for the food pantry. For more information call Elaine at (201) 664-7037.

Hillsdaleʼs Rosemarie DʼAlessandro writes, “Dr Elia has to receive infusions of antirejection drugs for the next six months. The side effects give extreme fatigue and dizziness. A week ago he fell and had to be taken to the hospital, and is recovering slowly. He is able to see only a few patients because of all he is going through. “He is trying to keep his

house and office and is barely able to pay his mortgage because of financial difficulties and medical expenses. He wants to be able to help people again. He needs every bit of help to make his struggle a little lighter. Google Dr. Harry Elia GoFundMe to contribute.” For more, see “$50K target for beloved chiropractor, coach Harry Elia,” March 5, 2023.

Local pup Bean is up to date on his shots.

Get your cats, dogs licensed PASCACK VALLEY for 2024 Aid urged for Dr. Harry Elia

2024 pet licensing is open. All dogs and cats 7 months and older must be licensed by Jan. 31 to avoid penalties. For more information and to license your pet, visit hillsdalenj.org/boardofhealth. Rabies vaccination must be good through Nov. 1, 2024 as per the law. If you registered your pet online and chose mail-in, the town must receive your check by Jan. 31 or your registration will be rejected.

HILLSDALE

Garden club hosts Rohsler Feb. 5

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The Sundial Garden Club invites you to a presentation by Eric Rohsler, New Plant Varieties with Emphasis on Extending Seasonal Interest in the Garden, at its next meeting, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Hillsdale Free Public Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave. Rohsler, of Rohslerʼs Allendale Nursery, is a fifth-generation nurseryman, horticulturist, and garden designer. He has worked ROHSLER with plants throughout his life and has a decade of experience in the green industry, including landscaping and garden design,

greenhouse growing and cultivating a wide variety of plants. Dive in and explore some of the newest and most fascinating garden plants. The talk is geared toward contemporary plant selection, with an emphasis on reliable

plants with characteristics that extend seasonal interest. The club welcomes all gardeners and wouldbe gardeners from the Pascack Valley. It promises there will be something new and exciting for every gardener.

PASCACK VALLEY

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool will open on Saturday May 25. Pool memberships will be open to all Park Ridge residents, previous year pool members and non-resident employees of Park Ridge Borough and Board of Education. A limited number of memberships will be offered to non-residents so ensure you get your registrations in early once they are available. New non-residents must be

sponsored by a Park Ridge resident or prior pool member. 2024 membership rates: • Resident family: $425 • Resident single: $310 • Resident seniors: Free • Non-resident family: $525 • Non-resident: single: $370 • Non-resident senior: $77 / $105 per couple (both must be 65 or older). Registration is available electronically from Feb. 15 on the PR Municipal Pool page at parkridge-

boro.com. You must register and pay by May 24 to avoid a $40 late fee. If electronic signup is not possible, paper pool registration forms can be picked up at the PR pool office weekends from noon to 3 p.m. beginning May 4. Please read the pool information packet concerning hours of operation, guest fees, swim lessons and other important information by clicking on the link on the PR Municipal Pool page. The Park Ridge Municipal

Pool normally provides swim lessons and numerous activities, including competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, Story Time, Red Cross lifeguard training and other special events as

posted throughout the summer. For updates visit the PR Municipal Pool page on parkridgeboro.com. For more information write pool@parkridgeboro.com.

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Kindergarten registration open

The Hillsdale Public School District has opened the registration process for its 2024–2025 kindergarten program. Any resident child who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2024 is eligible for enrollment. Children living on the east side of Magnolia Avenue (even house numbers) running from Lincoln Avenue to Lawrence Street will attend Meadowbrook School. Children living on the west side

of Magnolia Avenue (odd house numbers) running from Lincoln Avenue to Lawrence Street will attend Ann Blanche Smith School. The district uses an online preregistration format for all incoming kindergarten students. All the preregistration forms can be found on the districtʼs website, hillsdaleschools.com. Once on the website, click the Registration tab. Make sure to register for the 2024–2025 school year and to

select grade 00 for kindergarten. On completion of the online registration, you will be contacted by school personnel to schedule an appointment for your registration conference. The district will conduct a kindergarten orientation for Ann Blanche Smith School and for Meadowbrook School in spring. Your school principal will send out further information once the registration process is completed.

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services, as well as supporting veterans charities. We plan to start our fundraising in April and look forward to our communityʼs continued support. We have been fortunate to have strong support from the many organizations that have participated in the parade over the years and we are always open to adding any group that would like to march with us or enter a float. They should send an email to post153nj@hotmail.com, attention: Parade Committee. Keep up the great work, Bob Oppelt, commander Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial

FROM PAGE 2

American Legion Post 153 Park Ridge

Shared service axes long-term employees To the editor: “Westwood, Hillsdale in shared-court R pact,” page one, Jan. 29, 2024, the EGARDING

Borough of Westwood administrator failed to tell the whole truth regarding this merger. All Westwood court personnel were replaced with Hillsdale employees except for Westwoodʼs court

administrator. I was the deputy for Westwood for 17 years, I was terminated on Dec. 29, 2023 with no notice or severance. The borough prosecutor, also 17 years, was terminated, along with Westwoodʼs public defender. We all were replaced by Hillsdale employees so it looks like Hillsdale is the only town that benefited from this merger. Shame on Westwood and its mayor and council and the borough administrator for destroying the careers of dedicated employees. I have also reached out to our District #39 Sen. Holly Schepisi and [Assemblyman] Robert Auth and am awaiting response from them. If towns are going to do shared service agreements long-

PARK RIDGE

PARK RIDGE POLICE DEPT. SEEKS RESERVE 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. Powers at (201) 391-5401 ext. 5235 or stop by police headquarters.

term employees deserve some form of protection. Elizabeth Kraus Old Tappan

5 Editorʼs note: We ran this letter by Westwood BA Durene Ayer for her response. She told us, “The agreement negotiated the staff to be split as follows: Westwood judge, Hillsdale alternate judge; Westwood court administrator, Hillsdale deputy court administrator; Hillsdale prosecutor, Westwood alternate prosecutor; Hillsdale public defender, Westwood alternate public defender. She [Elizabeth Kraus] did receive severance pay in accordance with borough policy.”

Calamari on campaign promises To the editor:

WANT TO THANK the Pascack Press for your coverage of our first two council meetings of the year. There has been significant and excellent reporting of the new council membersʼ attempts to walk back their campaign promise of a “guaranteed 10% municipal tax cut.” They guaranteed they would do it in their first year. They were very clear about that promise. There was no “fine print” in their campaign material and their ad in the Pascack Press on Nov. 6, 2023. Now, as the paper reported, they are trying to switch that promise to a 10% cut in “discretionary” spending. But the word “discretionary” was never mentioned during the campaign. Their fellow council members and I have asked about their plan to make these cuts. They have not shared it. They never shared it with the voters either. They did state on the dais that they will not cut

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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Letters:

salaries and I could put salary increases in the budget, and they will not cut emergency services. I hope these are commitments they will keep!

FROM PAGE 35

Council members Sears and Velez, and I as mayor, knew the ridiculousness of these campaign promises. We believe in being fiscally responsible and not making false promises and insincere guarantees. We know those are the exact reasons so many are disappointed with government and distrust politicians. And we are deeply disappointed that council

members Cascio, Desena, and Ullman have now created that in our town. Councilman Cascio stated, “It (the increases) built up over time, itʼs going to take a while to build down over time.” Their campaign guarantees specifically stated they were “first year guarantees,” not “take a while to build down over time” guarantees!

Family frolics at Winter Wonderland Outdoor skating, bumper car sessions at Van Saun County Park through Feb. 25

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Parks Department are excited to announce that the Bergen County Winter Wonderland ice rink will continue to offer sessions in Van Saun County Park through Sunday, Feb. 25. Visitors seeking family friendly outdoor winter activities have to look no further as the Rink at Winter Wonderland in Van Saun County Park which will offer sessions for both outdoor ice skating and the Countyʼs award-winning ice bumper car attraction. Skating tickets, which include skate rentals, will be sold for $10 in hour-and-a-half sessions. Ice bumper car sessions will be sold in 45 minute intervals and allow visitors the opportunity for two eightminute rides at a price of $20. Tickets are only good for the day and time indicated. Tickets are available for purchase at bergen-

Call 201.358.9500 to place your classified ad today!

fax 201.664.2109 or email pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

F/T Temporary Seasonal Laborer – Hillsdale DPW. Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to assist with maintenance & leaf collection. No experience is necessary. Pays up to $18 per hour. Responsibilities include park maintenance, emptying garbage cans, litter removal, raking & blowing leaves and performing other manual labor duties. NJ driver’s license is required. Applicants must fill out application which is available on town website: www.Hillsdalenj.org or pick up a copy at Borough Hall. 380 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale. Please send to DHayes@hillsdalenj.org or DKohan@hillsdalenj.org or drop off at borough hall.

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Councilman Ullman actually stated he did not know what that amount (a 10% tax cut) totaled. Yet he made every township resident a promise and gave them a guarantee that he and his running mates would deliver a 10% cut in their first year. The amounts are all public information, and he is certainly familiar with the OPRA process to get information. The bottom line is they used these and other campaign lies to get votes just to get into office. They made you promises and guarantees, and they had no plan to deliver them. I urge you, the voters, and taxpayers,

to let your voices be heard at a council meeting in person, via Zoom, or via email. I have tried to be your voice, but council president DeSena silenced me. Request you be heard or that your emails be read into the record and responded to during the public session. Perhaps if enough people demand it, they will either share their plan, or admit what I believe is the truth: that they lied, and they had no plan to begin with. Mayor Peter Calamari Township of Washington

WINTER FITNESS AND ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Bring the crew! Ice skating tickets, which include rentals, will be sold in hourand-a-half sessions. Ice bumper car sessions will be sold in 45-minute intervals.

countywinterwonderland.com. Hours of operation are subject to change. For an updated schedule visit bergencountywinterwonderland.com/c alendar. The Bergen County Parks Department is dedicated to providing recreation opportunities for all, preserving open space, enhancing environmental health, and protecting significant cultural and historic

sites for current and future generations. The Bergen County Parks System which has been connecting people to nature for 75 years, spans over 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. — Via Amanda Karpinski

Registration is underway for the Westwood Recreation Departmentʼs 2024 Winter Programs. Residents can now register for toddler, kid, teen and adult fitness and enrichment classes at https://register.communitypass.net/west wood. All program listings can be viewed at westwoonj.gov/recreation by using the Seasonal Program Brochures tab. This winterʼs offerings include: • For adults: Culinary Classics, Painting, Zumba (16+), Yoga (16+), Open-gym Basketball, Pickleball, Recreation and Power Volleyball, plus a training program with UFC gym and two painting pop-up classes. • For toddlers: Indoor Soccer Squirts, Parent & Me Art, Parent & Me Movement, Abrakadoodle Art,

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HELP WANTED Small office in Park Ridge Sales background, call/email outreaches to customers to facilitate appointments for design team. Use of existing database and aspects of Google, Houzz, etc. M-F, 10am–2pm; $18 - $20 per/hr. Please send resumes to teri@riccisales.com HELP WANTED

Help Wanted - Twp. Of Washington DPW Seeking 2–3 PartTime/Seasonal Workers to start A.S.A.P. Up to 29 hours a week, D.L. required, must be 18 years +. Contact DPW: (201) 664-3268 or Email: DPW@twpofwashington.us

Newspaper Newspaper Delivery Baggers

IMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR NEWSPAPER BAGGERS AVAILABLE HOURS: FRIDAY MORNNGS, 6-8 HOURS WEEKLY WESTWOOD LOCATION

Call 201.664.2105

ph 201.358.9500 • fax 201.664.2109 • pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

SALES TALENT NEED A GREAT sales rep for your business? Call (201) 815-2636. “Guaranteed Results.” SalesTeamStaffing.com. HELP WANTED PERMANENT AND SUBSTITUTE CROSSING GUARD POSITIONS, WESTOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 101 WASHINGTON AVENUE - 201664-7000 ext. 152. You are off during the summer and all holidays during the school year. Must be able to work in all types of weather. Uniform is provided. Pay is $17.00/hour. Applications available at Police Headquarters. Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Newspaper Newspaper Delivery Delivery CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call 201.664.2105

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Want Business? Call (201) 664-2105

HELP WANTED

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED P/T Individual - Should have skills in email, Craigslist, etc. Call Howard at (201) 4814542. THANK YOU Thank you, Blessed Mother and St. Jude. — GLV WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

Falasca’s Friendly Service is seeking P/T Mechanic Exp. Preferred, motivated, Tires, Oil Changes & more. Call Carl at 201666-1414.

HELP WANTED

Immediate opening for Newspaper baggers in our Westwood location. Hours available are Friday mornings through the afternoon. Approximately 6-8 hours. Call (201) 664-2105 for more information.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as a Sales Associate for the Pascack Press and Northern Valley Press. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

Happy Piano and Dance. • For grades K-8: Chess, Pickleball, Dance, Lego Stem, Theatre Games, Improv, Robotics, Clay Art, Tennis, After School Kids Club and Kids Training Class at UFC Gym. Also, new for winter 2024 is Teen Art for grades 8–12. Taught by artist/instructor Britt Sikiric, participants will work at their own pace as they learn new painting and drawing techniques and composition guidance to create landscapes, still-lifes, abstract paintings and more. Detailed information about Westwood Recreation Department programs and events can be found at westwoodnj.gov/recreation or on the departmentʼs social media pages: facebook.com/westwoodnjrec and Instagram.com/westwoodnjrec.

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SITUATION WANTED Home health aide seeks live-in, full time. 30 years experience, with references. (862) 367-3331.

SITUATION WANTED Woman seeks job as caregiver. Please phone 347-638-7809.

WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105 HELP WANTED Help Wanted Landscaping: crew leader- clean DL, experience driving with trailers & trucks & running equipment & crews , 2 yrs. min. Good pay & hours. Growing company. 201-664-3130.

TEAM PLAYER WANTED

Professional Junk Removal Company seeks an enthusiastic and energetic individual to help join their growing team. Drivers license & transportation required. Call (201) 661-4940 for more details.

SITUATION WANTED Caregivers seek position for evenings, weekends, overnight and live-in. Experienced, with references. Fully vaccinated. Call 201-823-7923. HOUSE CLEANING Polish lady will clean your house, apt, office. Free estimate. Refs available. Call Maria at 201-4782236. SITUATION WANTED Upscale car service. FORMER LIMO DRIVER avail. for Business & PROFESSIONAL people for nites out, airports, DUI, etc. Se hablo Español. Call 201-384-5240.

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

Professional Offices 180 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan – For Rent, $450/month. Call 201768-0218. COMMERCIAL RENT

OBITUARIES Matthew and Judy, Philip and Christine, Andrew and Jacquie, and Patty and Ed; as well as her 18 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, William Norbert Burke, M.D. Growing up in Westchester County, N.Y., Rosemary graduated from the College of New Rochelle and earned a masterʼs from Hunter College, which led to her early career as a high school history teacher. After marrying Bill, they moved to Westwood, where he established his practice as a pediatrician and where they raised their eight children in the next 14 years. An avid reader, Rosemary always found time to conquer the Westwood Public Library and devour two newspapers every day. As the kids grew older, she sold real estate, played golf, became a well-loved member of several social bridge clubs, served as an officer in a number of school, church, and local organizations, and in later life returned to teaching English as a second language to many new citizens. The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Thursday, Feb. 1. A Mass celebrating Rosemaryʼs life and faith will be held at St. Andrewʼs R.C. Church on Friday, Feb. 2 with interment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Rosemaryʼs name to Shriners Hospital or St. Josephʼs Indian School. Becker-FuneralHome.com

Thomas TEDESCO

T h o m a s Tedesco was born on March 19, 1952, to Mary Yatchisin Tedesco

and Thomas N. Tedesco. He grew up in Demarest and Rockleigh. Tom had many fond memories of spending his summer vacations with his big brother, Tim, and his large extended family in Peckville and Scranton, Pa. Tom was a graduate of Northern Valley High School in Old Tappan and Moravian College in Allentown, Pa., where he majored in art. Tom began his career as an art teacher in the Archie F. Hay Village School in Rockleigh, but found his true passion was working with students with learning differences. He spent most of his career teaching English and Special Education at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, until he retired in 2013. For most of his life, Tom worked a second job and loved to share stories about his time bartending at Frickeʼs Old Hook Inn in Emerson, where he met some of his closest friends. Tom met his wife, Jenny, while living the good life as a confirmed bachelor playing shuffleboard with his dear friend, “Uncle” Mike Watson, at the Hudson House in Long Beach Island. His life was never the same and before he knew it, they had gotten married and started a family. Tomʼs two sons, Tommy and Johnny, became his pride and joy and nothing gave him more pleasure than raising them to be the amazing men they are today. Tom spent his last moments watching the football playoffs with the two of them by his side (even though he was a lifelong Cowboys fan and they were Giants fans). He always encouraged them to follow their own interests and dreams. Tom was something of a Renaissance man. He had the heart of an artist and saw beauty in unexpected places. He loved to read and learn about new things, but he loved working with his hands just as much. He could figure out how to fix anything and he loved his

assortment of tools and gadgets. Tom was obsessed with cars and could rattle off details about different models, especially muscle cars from the Sixties. He loved strumming a guitar and listening to all different types of music. Tom enjoyed his trips to ShopRite to make sure his home was stocked with everyoneʼs favorite snacks and he cooked dinner for his family every night. Tom was even known to break out a sewing machine from time to time, which came in handy during Covid, when he quickly figured out how to sew homemade face masks for his family. Tom will always be remembered as someone who inspired others by overcoming tremendous challenges while never losing his passion for life. He was a gentle soul, who taught his boys that all people deserved empathy and a second chance. He was known as “St. Francis” to many because of his love of animals and he took comfort in believing he would be reunited with his many beloved pets in Heaven. Tom is survived by his wife, Jenny (Sparno), his sons, Thomas and John, his sisters-in-law, Janet Tedesco, Beatrice Garrison, and Leanore Sparno, his nephews Roger Tedesco (Martha) and Jack Garrison, his nieces, Rebecca Van Ry (Daryl), Christina Tedesco, and Nora Garrison, his grand-nieces, Ashlyn and Kiersten Van Ry and Abigail and Lillian Tedesco, his beloved dogs, Belle and Bentley, his cat, George, and his “grand-kittens” Poco and Marcy. Tom is predeceased by his parents, and his older brother Timothy Tedesco. Tom came from a large, loving family and had wonderful memories of his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He will be missed and his legacy will live on in all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your favorite charity.

WESTWOOD CEMETERY CO.

Choice in-ground and new mausoleum spaces available COMPARE OUR PRICES! Space for private mausoleum installations 23 S. Kinderkamack Road, Westwood NJ 201-664-7161

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Kristin; and great-grandchildren Lucy Ann Paisley, Olivia, A.J., Callie, Liam, CARBONE Erik, Lucas, Nora, Nate, Colton, Lucy Ann Carbone (née Yan- Brayden, and Cane. Rest in Peace, Dad. nerelli), 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Jan. Marilyn 23, 2024. HAYDEN Beloved wife Marilyn Hayden (née of the late George for 38 years. Healy), 87, of New Port Richey, Devoted mother of Fla., formerly of Westwood, passed away Theresa Caplan peacefully on and her husband Sunday, Jan. 21, Mark, Joanne Fitz2024. patrick and her husband Michael. Marilyn is Cherished grandmother of reunited with her Nicole Mandelkow and her hushusband of 55 band Russell, John Prudhomme years, James T. and his wife Courtney, Michael Hayden Sr., who and Sabrina Fitzpatrick. Greatgrandmother of Russell, Jackson, predeceased her seven years ago. Devoted mother of James and Chloe and Hunter. She is predeceased by her sister Anna and two wife, Wioletta; Christopher and wife, Eileen; Laura Lee Daniels brothers, Marco and Tony. Lucy was a parishioner of and husband, Mark; and Jean Our Lady of Mercy R. C. Church Marie Haworth and husband, and a member of the Park Ridge Kenneth. Loving grandmother of Golden Age Social Club. Lucyʼs greatest love was her Robert and wife, Amanda; Daniel family and friends. She touched and wife, Jenna; James, Christothe hearts of all who knew her. pher, Connor, Nicole, and Kyle She was sweet, loving and com- Hayden; Sarah, Mark, and passionate. Whether she was knit- Matthew Daniels; Riley and ting you a hat, sweater or blanket, Patrick Haworth; and great-grandcooking for you, sending you a mother to Parker Hayden. She is also predeceased by card, or checking in on you with a phone call, she was always think- her four siblings; Mildred Harting of others and what she could man of Maryland, Patricia Milne do for them. With a nurturing of Massachusetts, Fredrick Healy spirit she would thoughtfully offer of New York, and Janet Pachanko her honest opinions and advice. of California. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., she Always kind, she will be greatly lived in Westwood for 52 years missed. Visitation on Sunday, Jan. 28 before moving to New Port at the Robert Spearing Funeral Richey. Marilyn will be remembered Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. for hosting many backyard barbeMass Monday, Jan. 29 at Our cues and birthday and holiday celLady of Mercy R. C. Church, Park ebrations at her home that brought Ridge, followed by interment in her whole family together. She loved vacationing with St. Raymondʼs Cemetery, the her family at the Jersey Shore and Bronx, N.Y Donations in lieu of flowers enjoyed long walks on the beach to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research searching for sea glass. She will Hospital and Memorial Sloan Ket- be deeply missed. The family will receive tering Cancer Center. guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, WestLawrence ‘Pop’ wood, NJ on Sunday, Feb. 4 from O’CONNOR 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of MariLawrence “Pop” OʼConnor, lynʼs life will be held at the funer88, passed away peacefully on Fri- al home on Monday, Feb. 5 at 10 day, Jan. 12 2024 at the Paramus a.m., followed by entombment at Veterans Memorial George Washington Memorial Home. He was Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations born Dec. 28, 1935 in Manhattan, N.Y. may be made the Michael J. Fox to Lawrence and F o u n d a t i o n , Mary OʼConnor. michaeljfox.org/donate. Becker-FuneralHome.com Dad went to Power Memorial High School in ManhatRosemary S. tan and soon after joined the U.S. BURKE Navy Seabees. Rosemary S. Burke, 97, of He married Kathleen Lamb on June 1958 and moved to Pearl River Vale, formerly of WestRiver, N.Y. in the early 1960s and wood, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. worked as a labor relations negoRosemary is tiator. survived by her He is survived by his three eight children and sons and their wives: Larry and his their spouses: wife, Rita; Jimmy and his wife, Mary and Mark, Debbie; and Kevin and his wife, Bill and Lenni, Lorraine. Also: grandchildren John and Bernard, Tori, Brianne, Shannon, Kaitlyn, Ellen and Helen, Jennifer, Leanne, Sean, and

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS