Pascack Press 2.7.22 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

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

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

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 47

Standout student

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

MESSAGES RIGHT ON TIME Park Ridge author aims to empower

PARK RIDGE

THE JAMES LEASES ALL 240 UNITS

Residential/retail center home to seniors, new commuters, others

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Editorʼs note: The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual “Breakfast With the Mayors” on Jan. 26. Invited were the mayors of Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, River Vale, Old Tappan, Hillsdale, Washington Township, Westwood, Emerson, and Oradell. We covered their talk on affordable housing Jan. 31 — check it it out online. Weʼre also rounding up highlights from each town…

Jacqueline Rosta of the Township of Washington makes dean’s list at RMU. SEE PAGE 15

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

TEST TO STAY AT WWRSD

New rules could keep more kids in class

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN AND JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Days after Westwood regional K-12 trustees offered contrasting views on the districtʼs quarantine protocols for the unvaccinated and un-boosted, newly appointed superintendent of schools Dr. Jill Mortimer wrote families with an update on K-12 Covid cases. She also followed through on a free-to-families “courtesy” program she had settled on, as offered by the state health department: Test to Stay, which requires registration and every-other-day testing at the middle school, among other restrictions, that allows more exposed kids to stay in their classrooms. On Feb. 3, Mortimer said, “Fortunately our numbers have

See TEST on page 354

Erika Wells of Park Ridge is preparing children’s books she hopes foster conversations on grief and motherhood. Her first title, “Scarlett Slays the Day,” on a theme of selfesteem, is based in the borough. Above, right: the author with her sons Colton and Wesley.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

TʼS A SWEET BOOK of personal transformation and triumph, and West Ridge Elementary School has never looked grander. Park Ridge native Erika Wells, graduate of Park Ridge High School Class of 1999, spent the 16 years pre-covid living in New York and working as a celebrity hairstylist for such shows as “Billions,” “The Late Show With Stephen ColAUTHOR’S FAMILY: AMANDA LEE SEELY PHOTOGRAPHY

bert,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” When the pandemic struck and the entertainment industry shut down, she found herself in what she calls “a real pickle.” “Iʼm a single mom of two boys and being out of work was extremely difficult. I was living on Long Island, and I put my mortgage on forbearance for a year and I was like, I have a choice: I can keep doing this or make a decision to follow

Continued on page 20

KEITH Misciagna told the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce mayorsʼ breakfast Jan. 26 that The James, the boroughʼs new downtown mixed-use residential and retail development on Kinderkamack Road, featuring 240 rental units, was “completely 100% occupied, which was a surprise for both the developer and the borough.” He said The James only opened “a few months back” and that “the good news” is that the new tenants are “a mixed group,” including seniors who have scaled down — and new residents commuting into New York City, with rail transit close by. Regarding the siteʼs 17,000 square feet of retail space, Misciagna said B&M Meat Market was moving in, offering dining and takeout. AYOR

See PARK RIDGE on page 334

CURTAIN RISING

B ck in time...

Bergen County Players, one of America’s longestrunning little theater companies, brings us a wild run of ‘Moon Over Buffalo,’ opening Feb. 12.

The Hillsdale that so many remember from the 1960s returns in a photo comparison by assistant editor Kristin Beuscher, president of the Pascack Valley Historical Society. SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 19

PASCACK PRESS

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Alarm on turnover in Hillsdale To the editor: environment T created by the unprofessional and hyperactive members of the HE

CHAOTIC

Hillsdale Borough Council Escobar, Pizzella, (Lundy, DeRosa) has led to yet more turnover. This will continue to be a problem for our town as long as these council members serve. Hillsdale is on its fifth CFO in the last four years. Our well performing and certified DPW superintendent, Billy Haffler, is now leaving. The recently hired Borough Administrator Tietjen has also tendered his resignation. (See “Borough admin, DPW chief resign,” Pascack Press, Jan. 31, 2022.)

Club News?

The council has also terminated our borough engineer, who has served the borough well for 40 years, and replaced them with a national organization that has no knowledge of Hillsdale. This will be very expensive for the taxpayers as they learn the systems of our town. Council will also have to find a grant writing organization, as this was previously done very successfully by the townʼs knowledgeable, experienced borough engineer. These same council members have no tolerance for open discussion which led to them to limiting the role of Mayor John Ruocco, who just happens to be the only member of the governing body with professional business management experience. Their behavior has destroyed the continuity of town management which started when they removed a well performing administrator/CFO in 2018, for petty personal reasons. They have punished the town with their poor management and lust for power. Residents will ultimately pay the price with high taxes because of poorly defined projects and unnecessary high density development. Doug Frank Hillsdale

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BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

MAYOR Ray Arroyo was unable to attend the annual Breakfast With the Mayors, hosted by the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, on Jan. 26, but he was prepared with updates on business and economic trends. In 2023, one hopes, the annual breakfast will return to its traditional home at the Iron Horse Restaurant, in Westwood. Here, edited for space, is what on Jan. 31 the mayor told Pascack Press he would have said, had he been able to attend the Zoom session: ESTWOOD

New Developments, Redevelopments, and New Land Use Arroyo said the pandemic has caused “supply chain scarcity, material price hikes, and labor shortages from symptomatic sickness, or mere exposure/quarantine requirements. All have been playing havoc with scheduling construction work. Nevertheless the redevelopment and improvement of Westwood properties has forged onward.” Since 2019, the Westwood Central Business District has netted more than five new businesses, he said. “We have positioned ourselves to be more desirable for business investment post pandemic than we were pre pandemic — offering new life, energy, and contemporary amenities.” He said, “Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated redevelopment is the Five Dimes Brewery in the heart of downtown Westwood. The project is moving steadily along

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Westwood

with its upgraded Suez water service recently tied in from the street.” An early spring opening is anticipated. He said a few doors down, at the corner of Westwood Avenue and Kinderkamack Road, the 5 Corners redevelopment expects to begin construction in March or April. Arroyo said this will add six residential units (one of them meeting affordable housing criteria) atop first floor commercial space, at the townʼs western gateway. “A few blocks over, the former New York Sports Club on Jefferson Avenue is ready to start façade work on its 28 new units of housing (five of them meeting affordable housing criteria), once the temperature is mild enough for masonry installation. Marketing of units is anticipated to begin May 1,” Arroyo said. In the other direction, on the empty lot on the corner of Irvington and Broadway, said the mayor, a plan for seven residential units (one meeting affordable housing criteria) is expected to be presented at the Zoning Board of Adjustment in March. “These developments are adding affordable units in a way that is consistent with the modest

density and intensity that is vital in maintaining Westwoodʼs small town charm and scale,” Arroyo said. He added, ARROYO “While no use applications or construction permits have been filed with our construction code official as of yet, the sale of the former Jos A Banks building across from the Westwood Post Office has been completed. We eagerly await a new tenancy.” Arroyo said the borough is “watching the K-Mart Plaza, the Red and Tan Bus Depot, and other transitional properties for what comes next. And whatever that is must align, holistically, with the boroughʼs zoning and master planning.” He added “Preserving the health — including the economic health — safety and welfare of our people is the governing bodyʼs focus and priority.” Taking the big picture, Arroyo noted the Federal Reserve “is tightening lending to rein in inflation. Higher points on loans, plus increased pandemic costs, may chill new investment. These are foreseeable, not inevitable, consequences of policies beyond local governmentsʼ control.” He said, “However. continuing to deliver high value public services at budget-conscious price point will keep Westwood attractive and competitive as these monetary policies are adjusted.” Outdoor dining here to stay: Arroyo, who takes quiet pride

in an apt turn of phrase, said, “Outdoor dining has been our phoenix sprung from the viral ashes.” He explained, “Our permission for businesses to expand their dining space along the sidewalks in the temperate seasons was a resounding success. It received near unanimous support from a survey that solicited opinions of Central Business District business owners across all business segments.” Arroyo said, “Those same

business owners overwhelmingly support the continuation of Celebrate Westwood's Arts on the Avenues series, recognizing the vibrancy it infused into the street life of our downtown.” The mayor said, “In light of this data, and additional feedback, the Planning Board is studying the governing bodyʼs emergency zoning (and administrative) code relaxations. which enhanced outCONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Museum chronicles local history The Pascack Historical Society invites members of the public to stop by its museum any Sunday from 1–4 p.m. Admission is free. Please wear your mask. The museum is located in an 1873 former chapel at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. While the museum is located in Park Ridge, it tells the story of all eight Pascack Valley towns: Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake. The museum is home to thousands of objects that chronicle life as it was in past centuries. Visitors will discover a special section devoted to colonial artifacts, they will learn about why shell beads called wampum were so important in the Pascack Valley, and they will see rooms recreated to illustrate early-19th century and Victorian life. The museum also has a collection of Lenape stone tools that predate European settlement. Adults are encouraged to bring their children for a unique learning experience.

NEW EXHIBIT LOOKS AT LIFE DURING WORLD WAR II

The museumʼs latest exhibit looks at the World War II experience overseas and on the homefront. Uniforms, medals, documents, military gear, newspapers, ration books, flags, and posters are among the hundreds of objects curated to paint a picture of this important event in American history. This new exhibit is in addition to the museumʼs regular offerings and will remain a permanent fixture at PHS. For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org and follow the museum on Facebook.

B ck in time...

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE that many remember from the winters of their childhood. This scene looks north on Broadway from Park Avenue in the 1960s. The photographer was standing in front of Pascack Pharmacy. The building on the far right is the same one that is there now. Built in the 1920s as Hillsdale National Bank, by the 1960s it was Park Wines & Liquors. More recently, for many years it had been a Starbucks. Now it is HIS IS THE

a barbecue restaurant, Reillyʼs Rib Cage, which opened in 2020. The light-colored storefront on the opposite side of Broadway was Peterson Jewelers, run by Fred Peterson. That building and the partially obscured house behind it would later be torn down, to be replaced by the bank parking lot and a new commercial building that was Alexander Cleaners from the late 1960s to 1996. The cleaners eventually became a Sothebyʼs real estate office before that building was also razed, just a couple of years ago. That demolition was the first step in the New Jersey Department of

Environmental Protectionʼs multi-year plan to remediate chemical ground contamination at the site, stemming from its long-term use as a dry cleaner. The land is vacant. Continuing north, on the other side of Orchard Street in the 1960s was Jimʼs Atlantic Service Station, run by James Hendrie. Beyond that, a one-story building that was the Progressive Savings & Loan. That corner has kept the same uses, but under different brands—you can find a Shell station and NVE Bank there today. The photo below shows Broadway from the same angle as it looked last week.

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

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

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Lindvale Gardens attorney faults proposed 14-unit development BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

RIVER VALE

An applicant engineer and architect for the proposed Collignon Estates townhome development provided testimony Jan. 26 to the Joint Planning Board on key aspects of a proposed four-building, 14-unit townhome complex on two adjoining lots at 234 and 238 Rivervale Road. However, an attorney for nearby Lindvale Gardens alleged that the applicant failed to provide adequate notice of all variances needed for the project, questioned the applicantʼs height calculations,

and whether the board should even hear the application that night due to improper public notifications. Despite the allegations, the applicant decided to go ahead with its application. The applicant, Collignon Estates LLC, proposes four “pods” of townhome buildings on the 1.25-acre site, including two, three-unit pods fronting Rivervale Road, and two, four-unit pods to the rear of the site. The second hearing will be continued on March 30 at 7:30 p.m. Approximately 26 Zoom attendees took in the Jan. 26 hearing. At the next hearing, the public will be allowed to question

applicant architect John Lignos, who finished testifying on Jan. 26. Moreover, the applicant planner and traffic expert are scheduled. A possible board vote may occur March 30 if testimony, questions and public comment are concluded. Meanwhile, the attorney representing nearby Lindvale Gardens raised questions about whether the Joint Planning Board had jurisdiction over the application due to the applicantʼs alleged failure “to apply for or provide adequate notice of multiple variances and waivers, which if accurate would affect the jurisdiction of the planning board to proceed with the application as designed

and submitted.” Lindvale Gardens, at 252 Collignon Way, are rental apartments in a 43-unit, two-story complex built in 1980. Without resolving the attorneyʼs alleged numerous notification failures and failures to apply for what it claims are needed variances, the applicant agreed to proceed at its own risk, offering testimony from its engineer and architect. However, attorney Jameson Van Eck, representing Lindvale Gardens, alleged that the applicant had failed to provide notice of a use variance for height of the principal structure that exceeds requirements by 10%.

The attorney also called into question “the manner in which the applicant has calculated height.” Moreover, they alleged the applicant has failed to request a variance for an increase in impervious coverage, which the applicant contends went from 46.9% to 49.2%, adding about 1,000 square feet. “Notably, and whether a Cvariance or D-variance is required for height, the applicant can provide no justification for violating the height restrictions, other than its goal of maximizing profits, which is not a valid zoning consideration,” states the

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Town pushing for land deals nears intersection overhaul

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

remarks to the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors on Jan. 26, Mayor Peter Calamari — who was reelected for a second consecutive term in November 2021 — noted that the township lost two former mayors in 2021: Charles Devine and Janet Sobkowicz. Devine, 73, who passed in April, served 24 years in public service as a councilman and mayor. Sobkowicz, 74, who passed in September, served 37 years, including as councilwoman and nine years as mayor. “In addition to serving their towns in their elected positions, we miss their involvement in the community,” said Calamari. EGINNING HIS

Project roundup Calamari said on the Zoom session, “Things are progressing well in the township” and that

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Township of Washington

many projects were completed in 2021 and more will be in 2022. He said the township and the Borough of Westwood cooperated in applying for a state Department of Transportation grant to repave Lafayette Avenue, which runs through both towns. He said County Executive James Tedesco III confirmed via an October 2021 letter that the Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection upgrade will begin in spring. “We hope it brings the necessary relief to our

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township residents and other people traveling through our town.” Calamari noted Bergen County also informed the township CALAMARI that the entire length of Pascack Road within the township would be paved in 2022. He said the police department are now wearing body-worn cameras and new digital radios were ordered that will communicate with the county system. Special officers in schools He added the local police will cooperate with Westwood police and the Westwood Regional School District board “regarding the placement of special officers within buildings in the school district.” Milestone; emergency services Calamari said on March 17

the Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps celebrates its 65th anniversary of service to the community. He noted the volunteer fire department took delivery of a new fire engine in 2021 and will take delivery of a new ladder truck this year. Calamari said progress on the new Emergency Services Building, continues. “We look forward to supplying our ambulance corps and firefighter volunteers with a state-of-the-art building to continue their operations for many years to come.” The $5.2 million building, under fire from nearby neighbors over its size, height, and scale, has an opening now tentatively scheduled for April.

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Lighting the action He said the 40-year-old-plus lights at Memorial Field were replaced with “bright, energy-efficient” LED lights and a new base system for the high schoolʼs light-

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objections to one provision in early 2021 — allows residential development such as townhomes, multifamily, senior housing, and continued care retirement commu-

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

AYOR JOHN

Ruocco told the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 26 that negotiations are ongoing with a developer to prepare a plan for the former Waste Management site near downtown Hillsdale. The Waste Management facility had been a source of concern among officials, residents, company officials and the state DepartRUOCCO ment of Environmental Protection while the facility operated as a waste transfer station for decades. Pascack Press reported in October that the borough and redeveloper had signed an agreement to prepare a redevelopment plan within 180 days, with a deadline of mid-April. Similar to the other eight mayors who answered questions and offered 2021 recaps, Ruocco provided a list chock full of ongoing projects. He said that Claremont Devel-

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Hillsdale

opment and March Development, of Morristown, are working on a redevelopment agreement for the former Waste Management property. Ruocco said he and two council members were negotiating with the redeveloper, assisted by the redevelopment counsel and borough planner. In October 2021, we reported, one of Claremont Propertiesʼ mixed-use projects includes the recently opened The James in downtown Park Ridge, a fivestory, 240-unit complex that includes 17,000 square feet of ground-level retail space. Coincidentally, that project replaced a former waste transfer facility in downtown Park Ridge. Ruocco said the redevelopment plan — approved over his

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nities, mixed-use, and commercial/personal services. He said there was a 15% affordable set-aside for rental housing and 20% for market-rate

on the first 28 units per acre in the Patterson Street redevelopment zone. He said ongoing redeveloper

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Ruocco warns of worse traffic amid conflicting priorities

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Mayor bullish on age-restricted, assisted, medical tenants

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MAYOR Michael Ghassali said five new major projects will bring 950 new housing units to the borough this year, starting in April. He said half will be senior living and assisted living, and half will be one-, two- and three-bedroom units, including rentals and ownership. “We expect about $2.2 million [more] a year in tax revenue and hoping that some of the senONTVALE

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Montvale

iors stay in town and move into these apartments,” Ghassali said

Jan. 26 at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors, a Zoom event. He said local corporate office GHASSALI space can accommodate 25,000 employees working daily in Montvale, where today there are fewer than 8,000 employees. “We have several vacant office buildings.” He said Montvale is “pushing

hard” focusing on “medical and professional uses” and said that he was hoping to soon announce a major medical company coming to town before April. Ghassali said he had recently asked the council and planning professional to rezone certain areas of town to help bring in light manufacturing businesses that handle furniture assembly, small signs, and over-the-counter creams and shampoos. He said the borough lost 50 businesses and gained 55 as of December 2021. He said Montvale is trying to work with the county and state to help local businesses suffering Covidʼs economic impacts. He said “on a light note” this year, he has issued a mayorʼs fitness challenge to Montvale residents to join together to help shed 1,000 total pounds, assisted by gym owners, trainers, and Zumba dancers and instructors. He said the challenge would be mutually beneficial for local businesses and residents to get into better health overall. Regarding traffic, he said a borough traffic study, in 2017 when Wegmans was built, “said weʼll be fine but we do have more traffic now especially coming from

New York.” He said one Rockland County school project involves 1,000 students and 60 buses daily traveling via the Garden State Parkway and then through Montvale. He said Montvale was working with the N.J. Turnpike Authority, which controls the parkway, to help minimize traffic concerns. He said two council members, Dieter Koelling and Douglas Arendacs, were working with Teterboro Airport officials to help address noise concerns and reduce flights over borough homes. The officials were attending regular meetings of TANAAC (Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee). Meanwhile, other Pascack Valley mayors and council members, including Woodcliff Lake, have been regularly advocating for reduced flights and noise over the Pascack Valley. Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco, for example, wrote to Maria Sheridan, Teterboro Airportʼs manager, on Dec. 30, to urge noise abatement and to be given advance notice of related meetings. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

HILLSDALE

LIBRARY BOARD SETS 2022 MEETINGS

The Trustees of the Hillsdale Free Public Library will meet on the following dates in 2022: Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11 (optional), Aug. 8 (optional), Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12 Director is David J. Franz. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Zoom information will be provided on the libraryʼs website, hfpl.org, in advance of each meeting if held virtually.

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WOODCLIFF LAKE TO PROVIDE $800K FOR 16 AFFORDABLE UNITS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

CARLOS Rendo told the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the AYOR

Mayors on Jan. 26 that 16 affordable housing units will be built on Highview Avenue in late 2022 or early 2023. He said due to Covid and supply chain snags, construction on the units fell behind but action at

the Feb. 16 council meeting should move the project forward. He said part of the affordable housing settlement requires the borough contribute $800,000 for construction. He said $600,000 will be contributed from an appli-

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights

Woodcliff Lake

cation pending for 15 townhomes on Old Pascack Road. He said though the borough is on the hook for the balance, or $200,000, the local affordable housing trust fundʼs balance is $400,000 and will cover it. “So weʼll be moving on that hopefully this year and Iʼm confident that the shovel will be in the ground, hopefully at the begin-

Party City chooses borough Rendo said the b o r o u g h attracted Party Cityʼs corporate HQ to move to the RENDO borough, bringing with it about 750 jobs. (“Party City moving HQ to borough: Hundreds of new jobs; firm is first to land NJ recovery act award,” Pascack Press, Oct. 21, 2021.) He said the borough was one of the first municipalities to participate in the NJ Merge program, a tax incentive program to entice corporations to establish headquarters in the state. The Borough on Oct. 20, 2021 announced that Party City

Woodcliff Lake Causeway circa 1908: The roadway is yet unpaved, and trees have yet to be added. Via Bill Wassmann/PVPHOTOBASE.org. Holdings Inc., “the global celening of next year.” brations leader,” will move its new U.S. headquarters here, to 216 Broadway application the empty ESAI building, 100 pending Rendo said the 216 Broadway Tice Boulevard, in the second project at the old Faber Carpet half of 2022. The mayor noted a commitstore proposes to bring six residential apartments to Broadway tee he established helped sell the (three already stand there) but he borough to Party City executives. could not elaborate due to its sta- “We were able to beat [White tus before the Zoning Board. (See Plains] New York for Party City “Six-unit Broadway plan dinged We were able to win big even on trash, density, safety,” Pascack though New York had promised larger tax incentives to the corpoPress, Jan. 31, 2022.) ration [estimated at $15 million]. New Jersey gave about $10 mil188 Broadway under appeal He said a 53-unit proposal for lion.” He said corporations that get 188 Broadway that was rejected by the Zoning Board and is being tax incentives via NJ Merge are appealed by the developer is cur- required to invest in municipalirently before Superior Court. (See ties participating in the program. “ʻGaslighting,ʼ ʻhara-kiriʼ alleged He said Party City will invest in 188 Broadway appeal,” Pascack funds for improvements to Galaxy Gardens Park, the Press, Nov. 7, 2021.) CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

WESTWOOD

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP MEETS FEB. 8

Seniors 55+, join the Westwood Senior Fellowship! New members are welcome at meetings, the second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 8. The group meets at the Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. During the year the group enjoys luncheons, trips, and special

events. (Reminder: Dues are due.) At the meeting will be a signup sheet for the fellowshipʼs St. Patrickʼs Day luncheon, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8 and will be catered by the Iron Horse Restaurant. The event is limited to members. For more information, call Mary Cerrati at (201) 664-4538.

EMERSON, A BOROUGH WITH GREAT HISTORY,

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

AYOR DANIELLE DiPao-

la said that “at least” six businesses have opened or reopened in Emerson in 2021 and noted the borough is a “pass-through town” without the commercial district most towns have. Speaking at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce annual Breakfast With the Mayors — on Zoom again, initial plans to host the event at Westwoodʼs Iron Horse Restaurant having been nixed over Covid concerns — she said a large chunk of the downtown is undergoing redevelopment, with no clear idea when the work will be finished. DiPaola said the borough is continuing to seek remedies for traffic bottlenecks in town, including the “6-minute light” for motorists traveling on Linwood Avenue at the Kinderkamack Road intersection. She said the borough constantly reaches out to Bergen County and NJ Transit officials to see whether they can do something about the light timing. The mayor said Emerson outdoor dining has been a constant at the Emerson Hotel for at least a century and stressed local restaurants have a strong take-out business. She said that Emerson is helping to keep the food take-out business vibrant throughout the Pascack Valley. DiPaola said Emerson has commercial space available and some active liquor licenses are available privately. “We do hope that we will have some restaurants moving in with a liquor license that will afford a more vibrant restaurant persona in Emerson.” She said “we continue to wait” to hear whatʼs going on with the now-vacant Armenian Home. She said they had heard it will continue as a medical facility but they await “definitive plans” from the owners. (See “Armenian Homeʼs plans? ʻNo comment,ʼ weʼre told,” Pascack Press, July 23, 2021.) The mayor said Subaru Motors also has applied for an expansion of its facility in town to the council and land use board. No details could be shared, she said. Regarding the stalled Emerson Station Block 419 downtown redevelopment, being contested in Superior Court, she said, “We look forward to working with the developers on this ongoing project and we look forward to it coming to fruition.” Site demolition work was halted in fall 2021 due to a finding of perchlorethylene, a common cleaning agent, in soil beneath the former Ranch Cleaners at 190 Kinderkamack Road. It was unclear if work had restarted and Our calls to the construction

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Emerson

official for an update were not returned. The developer, Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal, and the borough were ordered by the Superior Court last year to expedite construction of 29 affordable housing units, agreed to in a late 2018 settlement agreement. An implementation manager, retired Superior Court Judge Harry G. Carroll, was assigned by the court to expedite construction.

Tw e n t y - t w o affordable units are required on site and seven elsewhere in Emerson. Moreover, the borough and redeveloper have DIPAOLA filed dueling lawsuits, the redeveloper charging the borough with delays, obstruction Also, DiPaola said the borough is “working very hard” on a new emergency services building and the addition/renovation of its historic Borough Hall. She said the renovations will preserve the historic building as well as provide additional space for police, ambulance and municipal court. She said the 250-year-old American Legion Post 169 Building, also known as the DeBaun House, which is owned by the post and one of the boroughʼs oldest

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The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 70 Main St. in Emerson, was in sight of expansion before it was forced to close on Easter Sunday, 2021, after 83 years of operation. ANRC’s administrator blamed tough competition and the pandemic’s economic toll. (John Snyder photo) remaining buildings, will be with the Bergen County Housing knocked down and replaced by Authority. Previously, officials said four new apartments for disabled veterans to be built in cooperation CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Valentine’s Day, February 14

Pascack Pi-oneers robotics team Valentine’s Day Food Drive Feb. 1–13

“Show your community love, be a Food Pantry Valentine!” The Pascack Pi-oneers are donating collected food items to the TriBoro Food Pantry in Park Ridge and Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale. The Pascack Pi-oneers are the 2017 FIRST World Champions, and have won many awards both on and off the competition field. Team members are from Pascack Valley High School and Pascack Hills High School.

This second annual drive runs Feb. 1–13. Needed are flour, sugar, cooking oil, and Hamburger Helper; hot and cold cereals; rice and pasta; canned fruit, veggies, and meat; paper goods; and shampoo, conditioner, liquid hand soap, and dishwashing liquid. Drop-off sites are in Hillsdale, River Vale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake: All the libraries, both high schools, some private homes, ShopRite, and Daveyʼs Irish Pub in Montvale.

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Front porches: 272 Ruckman Road, Hillsdale; 38 Rivervale Road, River Vale; and 200 Glen Road, Woodcliff Lake. To arrange for pickup, write piparents@team1676.com. The Pi-oneers are committed to helping their community in many ways, with food insecurity in the Pascack Valley a particularly important issue to the team. The Carpentry Subdivision recently designed and constructed food collection bins for the Hillsdale ShopRite store to support its effort of sending food donated by generous customers to local food pantries. The team also holds a Thanksgiving food drive every year. Recent team activities include: • The annual STEAM Fair, where children are inspired to learn and have fun with hands-on activi-

ties in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. (See “Delivering on STEAM: District robotics team building a ladder up,” Pascack Press, Dec. 20, 2021.) • LEGO & a Movie events encourage children in grades 1–6 to explore their creative side using their building skills. There are themes to each event, such as Girls Who Build, Day at the Races, and LEGOs & a Story, where participants write a story about their LEGO creation, combining engineering and creative writing. • Family Coding Day is Feb. 22. • International outreach is ongoing: The Pi-oneers mentor teams in South Africa, Nigeria, Singapore, and elsewhere. For much more information visit team1676.com.

PASCACK VALLEY

‘Soup’r’ Bowl Sunday Feb. 13

New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs of GFWCʼs The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is collecting soup on Soupʼr Bowl Sunday on Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Fresh Grocer of Pascack Road in the Township of Wash-

ington. The soup will be distributed to local food pantries. The club tells Pascack Press that kind donations of soup, whether packaged or canned, will be greatly appreciated by those in need.

OLM’S ‘ASK YOUR PASTOR’

PARK RIDGE

Our Lady of Mercy Pastor Fr. Vincent DʼAgostino invites you to bring your questions and comments on the church as a whole, questions about faith, and anything about the parish, for discussion at “Ask your Pastor: Letʼs get to know each other better!” This is open to all, so bring your friends, neighbors, coffee, and questions on March 24 at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. The session will be held in the Lower Gathering Space of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Pascack Road, Park Ridge. Our Lady of Mercy Church is a Catholic community that worships God the Father,the Son and the Holy Spirit, celebrating Mass, proclaiming the Gospel Message and uniting in prayer. Pastor DʼAgostino also notes, “Beginning Sunday, Feb. 6, our 9 a.m. Sunday Mass will change to 9:30 a.m. We will also begin our Sunday evening 6:15 p.m. Mass.”

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Arroyo: Managing parking will be key to success door dining, entertainment, curbside pickup, and other pandemic adaptations over the last two years.” Arroyo said, “We hope to make some of these accommodations easier to secure and more reliable for merchants. Such recommendations to the governing body will include earlier and later seasonal start/end dates and further clarity on required compliance to Americans with Disabilities Act with regards to walkway clearance in the right of way.”

FROM PAGE 3

Increasing traffic through the Pascack Valley: The GPVCC had asked whether thereʼs a solution to increased traffic through our communities. “Unfortunately, given our 19th century street grid, the answer is ʻnot really,ʼ Arroyo said. He explained major north/south corridors — county roads such as Broadway and Kinderkermack — are limited to two lanes. Broadway is further constrained by the train tracks. Westwood Avenue — also a county road — is a busy east/west thoroughfare. “These are the infrastructure and transportation features which make us the Hub of the Pascack Valley. They are a blessing for commerce, but come with the curse of traffic intensity and challenges for pedestrian safety,” Arroyo said. He explained the borough has presented Bergen County with a request for several pedestrianfriendly traffic calming measures, and these await action at the Board of County Commissioners. Arroyo also said “Rideshare will not appreciably reduce the traffic burden anytime soon. Increased gasoline prices and labor costs have pushed up fares.” He said, “In Manhattan, roam-

ing Uber and Lyft contractors have actually added congestion and increased pollution. The effect has been to snarl travel to a crawl. There, the 15MPH streets average 7MPH due in large part to this added volume of rideshare contractors.” Arroyo said “NJ Transit doesnʼt go to ShopRite or to Dragons soccer practice.” He said “the post-pandemic work-from-home shift (which, Westwoodʼs survey of more than 700 participants from the greater Pascack Valley showed to be at least 25% permanent full time, and even greater on a some-days per week basis) will trade some portion of the now lesser commuter parking demand for the higher demand created by a larger local workforce coming into town to receive weekday services, retail, and dining and thereby raising a commensurate increase in parking demand.” The mayor said, “Westwood has facilitated reasonable rates of re-development with an appreciation of the impact new businesses and residential units will have on parking, but ʻthe Hubʼ is not in a bubble. Large-scale residential developments rising in our surrounding municipalities will challenge our parking inventory.” The bottom line: “Traffic volume is going to increase. Our focus in Westwood has been, and will continue to be, on what that means for pedestrian safety and our parking resources. Managing the parking intensity generated by permitted uses in our own Central Business District will be key to our success.” Seniors and their sustainability in Westwood Arroyo said “This year has been tough on everyone, but in

particular, our senior population. has suffered under the stress of pandemic health concerns and economic changes.” He said Westwood continues to work to make itself a place where seniors can age in place. “Responsible municipal budgeting has helped soften the tax bite on the average assessed home: Between tax years 2017 and 2021, our municipal property tax increase on the average home has been: $86. Thatʼs a net total across five years, not a yearly increase.” During that same period, he said, the value of the averaged

Valentine’s Day, February 14

assessed home grew by $33,100. ($410,000 to $443,100). “The governing bodyʼs fiscal stewardship, in combination with the senior freeze, helps our older population stay in their Westwood homes,” Arroyo said. He noted that Westwood has a Senior Advisory Board of resident seniors and professionals who can advise the governing body on senior-friendly policy and programs. The Borough Council in 2021 created the role of Senior Services Coordinator and hired someone well qualified to fill it: Marisa Tarateta, formerly director of the

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now-defunct Thomas J. Riley Senior Center at Westwood House. Moreover, Arroyo said, Council President Beth Dell has worked with Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola on a shared shuttle service, and the Recreation Department has continued to expand its 55+ Forever Young program. He lauded vital non-governmental organizations operating in this space, including Westwood for All Ages, the Westwood Senior Fellowship, and the Westwood Clergy Council.

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Valentine’s Day, February 14

BOE AWARDS FIRST CONTRACTS FOR BOND REFERENDUM PROJECTS

BY SHERI BERKERY FOR PASCACK PRESS

RIVER VALE

The River Vale Board of Education has awarded contracts for bond referendum construction projects at all three district schools, paving the way for major building work this summer. The contracts were the first approved for projects since last Aprilʼs referendum. The board awarded a $5,870,000 contract at its Feb. 1 meeting for an addition and renovations at Holdrum Middle School to APS Contracting of Paterson. The companyʼs bid was the lowest among 16 submissions. Two other contracts, for extensive renovations at Roberge Elementary and new rooftop HVAC units at Woodside, were awarded on Jan. 25. H&S Construction & Mechanical of Elizabeth was the low bidder on the Roberge construction, for a total of $5,685,000, as well as the Woodside project, for $1,235,000. H&S was one of 13 contractors submitting bids for the Roberge work, and among six bidders for the Woodside project. The construction at Roberge

includes classroom unit ventilators for heating, cooling and filtration; new lighting and flooring; renovation of eight bathrooms; and an accessibility upgrade for the nurseʼs office bathroom. “Weʼre excited to move closer to improvements that will make school an even better place for River Vale students,” said Superintendent of Schools Melissa Signore. She added “The renovations will make our classrooms brighter, more open spaces for learning and collaborating. And the HVAC work is essential for student comfort. The timely award of these bids will allow us to complete plenty of work during the summer months when students are not in the building.” The district also rejected two over-budget bids it received for main entrance canopies at the three schools. The project will be readvertised at a later date. Voters also approved the following projects in the referendum: • Roof replacement at Woodside Elementary School and Holdrum Middle School, and partial roof replacement at Roberge Elementary; • New classroom unit ventilators and replacement of rooftop HVAC units at Roberge; • Holdrum HVAC upgrades;

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tion by the end of summer 2024. The districtʼs architect, LAN Associates, is responsible for drawing up final designs for each of the projects, preparing bid specifications and ensuring compliance with state code. EPIC Management adds another layer of oversight; the construc-

Roberge School rendering, LAN Associates.

• Holdrum and Woodside classroom improvements. The long-anticipated opportunity to provide district-wide air conditioning was the centerpiece of last yearʼs bond referendum. Construction will be done in phases, with all projects targeted for comple-

tion manager reviews bids to make sure they reflect market value. EPIC will have a construction trailer on site during the projects. The referendum authorized River Vale Public Schools to finance the projects by borrowing $33,325,000 through the sale of bonds. State aid that is only available through a voter-approved referendum will contribute 29.3% toward the project costs. River Vale also applied $6.7 million from its capital reserve funds as a “down payment,” reducing the amount of borrowing. For more information visit rivervaleschools.com/vote. Editorʼs note: The author is an account manager for Laura Bishop Communications, which the River Vale Board of Education retained in 2021 to help it in its successful referendum push.

MONTVALE

Riccardi graduates University of Tampa

Rebecca Riccardi of Montvale graduated from the University of Tampa on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 with a bachelor of arts in biology. The commencement ceremony included 1,063 undergraduate and graduate candidates. The ceremony included

remarks by Lonnie Bryant, chair of the Department of Finance and professor of finance, and the student challenge speaker. The University of Tampa is a private, comprehensive university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown

Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves more than 10,000 students from 50 states and most of the worldʼs 195 countries.

Cupid’s Shopping Guide

LIBRARY CALENDAR: PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Emerson Library offers Grab & Go Crafts that can be picked up at the library and completed at home. The week of Feb. 7 brings two crafts for kids: one for preschoolers (“bee” mine Valentine) and another for grades K–6 (wood string art). One per child; Emerson residents only. Preregister online and choose the pickup day that works for you. • Parents, this class is for you and your little ones—just follow along! Baby & Me, for age 2 and under, meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. An introduction to songs, dance and fingerplays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Register for each date you plan to attend. • Fairy tales! Mysteries! Adventures! Join Miss Victoria for Afternoon Storytime Thursday, Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Open to all children ages 2–5. Registration is recommended, but drop-in welcome. One adult per family in the program area. Masks required. • Little ones are invited to Move, Learn & Grow with Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga. In this class for ages 2–5, children sing, move

their bodies, read stories, and learn about different topics at each class— from colors and animals to feelings and seasons. Meets Friday, Feb. 11, 10:30–11 a.m. Register online.

HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • Zumba via Zoom is Thursday, Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Janet Weller, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, leads a dance-based workout. Register for Zoom link. • In his newest holiday program, author, photographer, and musician Kevin Woyce explores the romantic History of Valentineʼs Day, from Saint Valentine, Cupid, and the first Valentine cards to some of the seasonʼs most popular songs. At the library, Monday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. This program also features giveaways and treats. Register online. MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • Kids third grade and up are

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

invited to join Ms. Mary for a virtual Valentineʼs Day Craft. With some basic materials and carefully chosen words, Ms. Mary will guide the children as they create a unique heart-shaped craft. Via Zoom, Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Register online to reserve your craft kit. • Strength Training for

Valentine’s Day, February 14

Seniors, a virtual program, increases flexibility, strength, and endurance using easy-to-follow movements. Via Zoom, every Thursday at 1 p.m. Visit the libraryʼs website to register for as many sessions as you want. • In the virtual program Building and Understanding Family

Remember Us For

Trees, learn how to start your family tree with certified genealogist Eric Migdal. Topics include the difference between pedigree and family tree charts, different options to build your tree, and how to analyze and understand familial relationships. Via Zoom, CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Rosta scores big at Robert Morris U.

Jacqueline Rosta, daughter of Rob and Annette Rosta of the Township of Washington, was named to the deanʼs list at Robert Morris University for fall 2021 after earning a 3.84 GPA. Jacqueline is a freshman nursing major and a graduate of Westwood Regional High School. Robert Morris University is a private institution that was founded in 1921 and is located just outside Pittsburgh, PA. The university offers nearly 100 undergraduate programs of study and U.S. News & World Report ranks RMU in its top 50 "Best Value Schools" among national doctoral universities. The RMU School of Nursing is located in the 7000+ square foot RISE (Research and Innovation in Simulation Education) Center, which is one of only a few select nursing programs in the world accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The RISE Center is a major regional educational resource and a center of excellence for simulation training. All RISE senior faculty have their

ROSTA PhDs and are recognized for their simulation research. In addition to her nursing studies, Jacqueline is a member of the RMU Sentry Media organization. When not producing telecasts for the universityʼs sports teams on the Colonial Sports Network, she delivers weather updates on the schoolʼs student-run TV station and hosts the "Sunset Radio" program on the RMU radio station and RadioFX app from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

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

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DiPaola: Emerson they were told the DeBaun House was not restorable due to its rundown condition, water damage, and mold, despite prior efforts to save it. (See “Timeʼs up for DeBaun House: Home served American Legion, generations of Emersonians,” Pascack Press, Nov. 6, 2021.) “We are sad that the building will be razed. We have gone through every avenue to save it but it doesnʼt seem that anything can be done. And the post needs a

FROM PAGE 11

home, our veterans deserve a home, and that will be moving forward this year,” she said. (As of Feb. 3, the building was still standing.) DiPaola said an urgent care practice and a speech therapy business are inbound at Stop & Shop Plaza this year. She said Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa celebrated its 10th anniversary this year at the plaza. Check out the breakfast on WCTV-NJʼs YouTube channel.

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Sgt. McNiff retires as 26-year veteran

The Westwood Police Department posted congratulations to Sgt. Scott McNiff on his retirement Feb. 1, effective that day. He started with the Westwood Police Department in July 1995 after serving as a dispatcher for the Wyckoff Police Department. McNiff worked in the patrol division “and contributed to the town and organization in numerous ways,” the WTPD said. It added, “Scott was known far and wide for his appreciation for the police brotherhood and our military services. One of Scottʼs proudest moments was when his eldest daughter joined the Marine Corps.” The department noted, “Scott will always be remem-

bered for being the department bagpiper making appearances at many funerals, weddings, department functions, the 9-11 MemoriMCNIFF al, the Memorial Day Parade, and many other events.” McNiff received a number of awards and commendations throughout his career and made many contributions to important cases through the years. In 2011, he saved an 88year-old grandmother, Marge Rosenbauer from Hillsdale, from choking on a piece of food. Rosenbauer had stopped breathing and was turning blue

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negotiations were confidential and he that could not offer details on possible development. “I do have a concern — Iʼve expressed this several times — about the possibility of high-density, residential development that exceeds the maximum of the 28 units per acre that was what we signed in our affordable housing agreement,” said Ruocco. He noted the redevelopment plan allows “bonus densities” that he vetoed. (The council majority overrode his veto). He said the redevelopment “bonus density” option allows multifamily housing up to five stories and 60 units per acre “in exchange for a community center, open space, or sustainable design elements. So we have to be careful what we get and what we give up in terms of getting.” He said he was aligned with his peersʼ position in seeking to control high-density residential developments in the area. Of traffic, he said, “I don't know if thereʼs any solution. Itʼs likely to get worst in Hillsdale, especially if the development in

the Patterson Street area continues. Thereʼs always that tension between the desire of residents to keep the small-town feel of Hillsdale and the need to accommodate the political demands of Fair Share Housing Center as well as the market-driven demands of younger folks who want rental units.” He said local seniors need a place to meet that is not currently available, and need reliable transportation as the senior van provides. Ruocco said the borough and Woodcliff Lake were waiting for delivery of a new senior van to be shared between towns, and although NJ Transit gave approval, the van has not yet arrived. He said keeping property taxes low helps seniors age in place, and that offering services such as snow removal by linking seniors with young adult volunteers helps. He said the town would unveil that soon. According to Ruocco, zoning changes for outdoor dining and relaxed restrictions due to Covid are being reviewed by a council committee and may be made permanent. He said the borough-owned Stonybrook pool “has rebounded

financially” and has provided hope that there will be good, financially healthy years ahead. And he said the borough needs to avoid a property tax increase, noting the councilʼs approval of a 5.33% increase last year, mostly due to a $500,000 down payment for future bonds to finance a planned $10 million community center and new artificial turf field. Ruocco said he opposed the increase then, “and here we are, a year later, and we still donʼt have any council consensus on what to build or where to build it.” Ruocco revealed in early December that DMR Architects estimated the two projects at nearly $16 million; recently, two council members said options would be discussed in early February. He said that residents have not been allowed input on the center/turf field plans. He said Hillsdaleʼs $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan funding, half received in 2021 and half due in 2022, will be spent mainly on infrastructure projects, including sewers. He said heʼs asked the business administrator and attorney to look at possible ordinances to adopt to better regu-

Valentine’s Day, February 14

late the rollout of 5G technology locally. Also, he said, due to recent resignations from Business Administrator Chris Tietjen and DPW Superintendent William Haffler,

the borough will be reviewing candidates to replace them. (“See “Boro admin, DPW chief resign,” Pascack Press, Jan. 31, 2022. You can see the breakfast on WCTV-NJʼs YouTube channel.

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Rendo: Passive park, nature trail, causeway Lydecker House, and infrastructure projects. “And that lessens the tax burden on all residents, so itʼs a home

FROM PAGE 10

run for the community,” said Rendo. He said “good development” is open space development, and the borough offers that. When the move was

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announced, Rendo told Pascack Press in part, “Our residents take great pride in building a strong sense of community and Party City is going to be a wonderful addition to our town.” Galaxy Gardens park Referring to Galaxy Gardens, Rendo said, “Weʼre taking an old gas station and an old landscape company and converting that into a park in the center of our town.” He said an architect will present a proposal at the next council meeting, with fall 2022 as the projected completion. (See “Next step for ʻGalaxyʼ passive park: hiring a landscape architect,” Pascack Press, November 2021.) Hope on the trail Rendo said he was “hopeful” that the 1.5-mile long Reservoir Nature Trail around Woodcliff Lake

Valentine’s Day, February 14

Reservoir (a part of Suez North Americaʼs potable water supplies) by working together with Park Ridge and Hillsdale. He said the borough was looking to connect with the walkway and open a restaurant at the old public works barn on Broadway that faces the reservoir. He said if any restaurants are interested, “Itʼs a great and beautiful venue.” Centennial Causeway He said plans are in motion to refurbish the Centennial Causeway. The council plans to rebid the project soon, as original estimates were way over funding allotted to the upgrade. (See “Causeway upgrade project focus of M&C meeting Nov. 22.”) Airplane noise He said the borough was “taking the leadership role” in addressing airplane flyover routes and noise,

with resident Warren Feldman and councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta. He said both have been attending TANAAC (Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee) meetings at Teterboro Airport. He said pilots have not been following the alternate route over Route 17 to land at Teterboro Airport. Oradell Mayor Diane Didio urged Pascack Valley mayors to attend a joint call on the issue on Feb. 1 and express concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (Related: “Progress seen on Teterboro airport noise pollution; residents urged to complain,” Page 21.) You can see the entire informative breakfast session on WCTV-NJʼs YouTube channel.

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Bergen County Players’ ‘Moon Over Buffalo’ Feb. 12-March 5

Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longest-running little theater companies, is excited to present the knockout, mile-a-minute, show-within-a-show-stopping “Moon Over Buffalo,” opening on Feb. 12. Under the direction of Rachel Alt, this slapstick farcical romp, written by Americaʼs preeminent comic playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor”), “packs more comic genius onto the stage than anything in recent memory,” says USA Today. Performances are at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, Feb. 12–March 5 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 8, and Sunday afternoons at 2). Tickets to “Moon Over Buffalo,” priced at $22 for Fridays/Saturdays and $18 for Sundays, may be purchased at bcplayers.org or by leaving a message with the box office at (201) 261-4200. Ludwig has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London's West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 28 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages, and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year. Set in a theater green room in 1953 Buffalo, N.Y., “Moon Over Buffalo” is a “comedy [that] has audiences rolling in the aisles,” says the New York Post. With over-the-top comic antics, running gags, and hilarious misunderstandings, the trials and tribulations of fading stars George and Charlotte Hay are on full display as they try to keep things together before a famed director arrives to see them perform. From pregnant trysts, unexpected love triangles, and a drunk leading man, anything and everything can and does go wrong. Two-time Tony-nominated “Moon Over Buffalo” wowed Broadway audiences and was by far the yearʼs “…funniest, most enjoyable lighthearted play,” says Entertainment Weekly. “Moon Over Buffalo” will be directed by Rachel Alt of Ridgefield. Altʼs directing credits include “Circle

Mirror Transformation,” “Cymbeline,” “Winterʼs Tale,” and “Twelfth Night.” “My objective was to bring this comedy of mistaken identity, drunkenness, infidelity, and slamming doors to its knees with deftly performed double takes, slow burns, and pratfalls,” says Alt. “I personally enjoy self-effacing, physical comedy over nearly all others. When I read the script I couldnʼt stop laughing, and I still laugh when Iʼm watching rehearsals.” The talented cast includes veteran performers Jody Laufer of Hawthorne, Janet Gaynor-Matonti of River Edge, Emily Gardner of Mahwah, Dan Loverro of Paterson, Mara Karg of Nanuet, N.Y., Eric Holzer of Bloomfield, Patrick Little of Hackensack, and Paige Marian of Woodland Park. Acting on its desire to keep its members and patrons safe, new and upgraded MERV filters have been installed on all HVAC units, as well as UV lights on all HVAC units to help eradicate airborne pathogens. BCP will continue to follow CDC and State of New Jersey guidelines. All cast, theater volunteers and audience members must be fully vaccinated. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required of everyone upon entry. Face coverings will be required in all public areas of the theater including lobby areas, restrooms and when seated during the performance. A new program is now available for qualified non-profit organizations to use one performance of each production as a fundraising event. The

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Messages: ‘Own your power, use your voice’ Super Bowl Sunday

something else and see where it leads. So I sold my house, returned to Park Ridge, and worked to rebuild.” Wells used several months in 2020 for “a lot of soul searching” — asking herself at one point, “If Iʼm not this career, what am I?” — and noticed that a lot of what she was telling herself came from “a lot of fear-based conditioning,”

FROM PAGE 1

the sorts of messages sheʼd absorbed as a polite, people-pleasing girl. But then, another idea: “If I donʼt sit in this box, what does that mean for me? What do I wish I had learned? I wish I had learned to be a little bit mouthier. I wish I had learned to not be afraid to take on a problem and solve it myself. And all of it started coming out. I still have value even if Iʼm not doing someoneʼs hair.”

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Wells figured out she was free to chart her own course, and knew she had to write this story for herself and others. “Itʼs about a little girl learning to believe in herself. Before she leaves for school her mother reminds her of the rules that all ladies should follow. Instead of being the rules that my generation was taught” — Wells is an Eighties kid — “these rules are all about owning your power, using your voice, and being brave.” On her way to school, Scarlett hits a few snags — naturally — and instead of giving up remembers her motherʼs words. These she puts into life-changing action. The art is earthy and winning, and very much celebrates the natural world at hand that kids are more prone to notice than adults are. “I had a lot of reservations about undertaking the illustrations myself, even though Iʼm an artist, and I was like, No you can do this too. And I really had a lot of fun with it,” Wells told Pascack Press on Feb. 2. She said, “I really wish Iʼd heard this message when I was little. And I felt like a lot of little girls could relate to that. I think itʼs a great message for the girls in our community.” The book came out Oct. 16, 2021, at $22 on the Lulu platform, hardcover. Wells said she wanted her main character “to be African

American and have natural hair because I read a lot of books to my kids, and I donʼt see lots of different ethnicities, lots of different types in books. And I think itʼs starting to shift. But it was important to have a little girl be able to see herself in the book in a way that maybe isnʼt as readily available.” Wells, who also runs a reiki practice, The Blissful Owl, in Piermont, N.Y., said the reaction from readers has been wonderful. “My friend from high school who still lives in Park Ridge used the book for her daughterʼs second grade book club and it got rave reviews. The girls also made affirmations to take home and it made me so happy to see this message of empowerment being enjoyed by these little ladies,” she said. Locals will recognize Park Ridge High School as the school Scarlett attends. “Thereʼs also a house on Third Street that makes an appearance as the farmhouse she passes on the way to school. I loved putting in these little touches as my hometown continues to inspire me every day.” Wells, who also works in the arts media of resin, pyrography, and watercolor, said her dream is to present at schools. “I want every girl out there to know how strong and capable she is. If I can inspire the next generation in any small way I would be the happiest lady in the world.” She has two more self-pub-

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lished childrenʼs books in the works: one on grief and one on “all the different kinds of moms out there. And there are so many.” She says the booksʼ universal themes are for boys and girls. “I plan on writing one specifically for boys as I have the unique perspective of raising two of them,” she said. “ʻScarlettʼ felt like a natural first step to healing my own inner little girl so I guess thatʼs why that one came first. I really like writing to kids in a way that appeals to them as tiny humans.” Wells dedicates “Scarlett Slays the Day” “to all the moms out there who needed to hear how brave and powerful they were when they were little.” She acknowledges her sons, Colton and Wesley, “the best editors in the business.” And she thanks her life coach, Areta. Sheʼs promoted “Scarlett” at fairs and looks forward to appearances at independent bookstores. Asked what sheʼd gained from, perhaps, mentoring her younger self the way Scarlettʼs mom counseled her, Wells said “Itʼs like the creative juices started to flow.” On grief and other powerful life work, she said, “Just opening up that really hard conversation — I think thatʼs what my books are going toward: What kind of hard conversations do we need to have with our children? Because itʼs not like these things donʼt happen to them. But are we talking about it?” For more information: theblissfulpwl.com and Erika Wells on Lulu.com.

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ENTHUSIASTS TO MEET FEB. 11

The Bergen Rockland National Railway Historical Society invites you to a rail-oriented event — and a discussion local railroad news with updates — at its monthly meeting Friday, Feb. 11. This monthʼs presentation features a retrospective of color slides donated to the chapter by longtime member Wayne Johnson. Anyone interested in railroading, current and past, meeting with others sharing common interest, should attend. Itʼs free! 8 p.m. at Closter Senior Center, 4 Lewis St. Closter. For more information call Rich Harrington at (845) 623-7634.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Woodcliff Lake Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta, who has emerged as a leading voice in the Pascack Valley for changes to operations at Teterboro Airport that could help with airplane noise pollution here, says sheʼs optimistic the work is heading in the right direction. On Feb. 2 she told Pascack Press she was pleased with the efforts of the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC), established in 1987 to “establish a meaningful dialogue between the airport community and the residential communities” to balance quality of life with efficient airport operations. At the committeeʼs most recent quarterly meeting, Jan. 26, she said, officials noted they were working: • To encourage more pilots with the properly outfitted aircraft to use a new, alternate approach along Route 17 and advertise this option more to pilots on night routes, to get them accustomed to it for day flights; • Possibly to redirect some larger aircraft to Newark Airport, taking pressure off Teterboro; • To raise pilotsʼ altitude of approach, when feasible, and have certain routes approach Teterboro over the industrialized Meadowlands rather than the suburban Pascack Valley. Meanwhile, area mayors and councils, increasingly hearing from irate residents, are organizing to make more noise of their own, saying the airportʼs work to

reduce the number of area flyovers can go further. Gadaleta said continued “pressure” would help the cause. She GADALETA amended this to an idea of more people using Teterboroʼs noise complaint line, saying the airport takes complaints seriously and breaks them out at TANAAC meetings. “Iʼm definitely encouraged. This is an ongoing process. In Woodcliff Lake, we do not want to burden other towns with the new flight pattern; we believe it should be equitable for all the towns, and anything that Teterboro and the FAA can do to alleviate some of the noise pollution for all of the Bergen County towns will be greatly appreciated,” she said. She emphasized that Woodcliff Lake isnʼt just trying to kick the problem to someone elseʼs airspace; she said the solution must take a larger view. “Iʼd like that on the record: I donʼt want them to think Woodcliff Lake doesnʼt want its fair share.” She added, “In their own way they are trying to accommodate us, and itʼs a long process, but we all agree first and foremost that safety is the main concern. Also, itʼs pilotsʼ comfort level in dealing with any new routes, but they are trying to get the word out and make it work as best as possible.” A Teterboro Airport official says residents with flight path noise complaints centered on Hackensack University Medical Center and the surrounding resi-

dential areas can contact the airport directly. Meanwhile, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is briefing Bergen County mayors on Feb. 8 on airport operations, aircraft activity, and the roles played respectively by the Port Authority as the airport owner/operator and the FAA, the principal federal regulator of national air space. Pascack Press reported in July 2021 that the FAA had completed its air traffic controller training for the new alternate route. Gadaleta said then that she believed pilots often use Woodcliff Lake Reservoir as the point to veer off toward Teterboro. She also said aircraft noise appears worse over weekends, when residents spend more time outdoors, at least in nicer weather. (See “Teterboro flight path adjusted; Woodcliff Lake, in victory, urges vigilance,” Pascack Press, July 12, 2021.) A resolution that Woodcliff Lake approved Sept. 13 “recognizes the serious negative impact on its residents resulting from the barrage of business jets flying overhead for arrival at Runway 19 at Teterboro Airport [and] the detrimental effect of low flying jets at high rates of speed with low altitudes often on a descending path, generating high pitched, loud, whistling and roaring engines [that] degrades the quality of life for borough residents.” The resolution notes noise from jets using Runway 19 at Teterboro affects nearby Pascack Valley towns and sometimes “upwards of 200 arriving business jets per day” fly over residential areas “generating unreasonably high levels of noise pollution.”

Towns, boroughs speak up Mayors speaking at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors on Jan. 26 discussed frustration on the airplane noise and agreed something must be done (see stories, this issue). Township of Washington residents have been complaining to their governing body about airplane noise, with several speaking out in October 2021. On Nov. 8, council minutes show, resident Mary Ellen Stickel updated the governing body on the upshot of a TANAAC meeting after members had been forced to miss it amid a memorial for former mayor Janet Sobkowicz. Stickel said she was strongly considering “getting a rally started at Teterboro to get media attention about the excessive plane noise,” the minutes show. In a subsequent meeting the governing body discussed taking a leadership role in the valley on this issue. Township of Washington

Council President Desserie Morgan told Pascack Press on Feb. 2, “We are in the process of developing a townwide survey via email to gauge the impact that aircraft noise has had on our residents.” She said, “Having personally experienced this nuisance, I feel I can speak on behalf of the town, however I want to ensure our residents have an opportunity to be heard and for them to know that they were influential in the outcome.” Morgan added, “We are going to extract as much data from the survey as we can and we will be looking to collaborate with our neighboring towns so that our impact can be felt.” In Hillsdale — which Mayor John Ruocco noted in a recent letter to airport officials was not a member of TANAAC — residents were yielding “a noticeable uptick in complaints … regarding aircraft noise impacting quality of life.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PROGRESS SEEN ON TETERBORO AIRPORT NOISE POLLUTION; RESIDENTS URGED TO COMPLAIN

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PARK RIDGE

Sc h ool News

Tubing fun, 125th gala, and poster project

In his update to residents on Jan. 28, Mayor Keith Misciagna noted three events to get on the calendar:

• The 2nd Annual Charity Campgaw Tubing Extravaganza to benefit the TriBoro Food Pantry and the TriBoro ambulance corps

will be held on Monday Feb. 14. See the borough website ti register, and support these organizations. • The boroughʼs 125th anniversary celebration is scheduled for April 29. “Our gala committee is meeting [in February] to plan all the finishing touches but tickets are available. The pandemic has postponed this a few times, but it is looking like we will be able to go ahead with the event this spring. “ Misciagna said tickets are on sale and available for $95 per per-

son until March 1. After that date, if there are tickets still available, they will be $110 per person. The festivities will begin at the Park Ridge Marriott, with cocktail hour from 7 to 8 p.m. and an elegant sit-down dinner, dancing and open bar until midnight. For more information, to place an ad in the commemorative journal, or to purchase tickets, write lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com or call Liz Falkenstern at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521. • Park Ridge High School is

hosting the Black Poster Project, an event to raise awareness and address the dangers of addiction. As part of the event there is an evening program for the community from 6 to 8 on Wednesday, Feb. 22. There will be a special presentation at 7 p.m. The mayor said, “I encourage everyone that is able to attend this powerful program aimed at fighting the scourge of addiction and the devasting effects on our families and community.”

WOODCLIFF LAKE

The Woodcliff Lake Public School District is accepting applications for the Integrated Preschool for September 2022. The preschool will be conducted for 2 1⁄ 2 hours a day, five days a week, with morning and afternoon sessions. Integrated Preschool incorporates the education of special education children with that of gener-

al education children, offering a quality early childhood program. Typical peers are selected into the program through a lottery. Letters of request are accepted until Feb. 5. Please send letters of request to the Special Services office, 100 Dorchester Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, or fax to (201) 391-0508. To be eligible, children must

be 3 on or before Oct. 1, 2022. A lottery will be held the week of Feb. 22. You will be notified following the lottery if your child was selected for the program. The program is subject to change at any time as a result of Covid-19 school guidelines. For more information, call Jessica Ballester at (201) 930-5600, ext. 113.

HILLSDALE

Kindergarten registration is open

The Hillsdale Public School District has opened the registration process for its 2022–2023 kindergarten program. Any resident child who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2022 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 pre-registration format for all incoming kindergarten students. All the pre-registration forms can be found on the districtʼs website, hillsdaleschools.com. Once on the website, please click the “registration” tab. Make sure to register for the 2022–2023 school year and to

select grade “00” for kindergarten. Upon completion of the online registration, you will be contacted by school personnel to schedule an appointment for your registration conference. A kindergarten orientation for Ann Blanche Smith School and for Meadowbrook School is set for April. This orientation may be provided via remote platform. Your school principal will send out further information once the registration process is completed.

HILLSDALE

Baseball, softball registration ends soon

Registration for Hillsdale baseball and softball started on Dec. 15, 2021 and ends Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. The maximum family fee is $325. The last date for a refund is March 1. Online payments are by credit card. If the player is not signed up by the deadline, Hillsdale Baseball & Softball Association can

guarantee neither a spot on a recreational team roster — nor a uniform. To sponsor a T-ball, baseball or softball team this season or for

a banner at one of the associationʼs fields, write joegallucci@verizon.net. “Itʼs the support from our sponsors that help keep our program running. We cannot thank our community and past sponsors enough for their support,” notes the HBSA. To register your player, visit hillsdalebsa.website.sportssignup.com.

PARK RIDGE

School board meetings, 2022-2023

The Park Ridge Board of Education announces its 2022 board meeting schedule, January 2022 to 2023, as Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater of the Park Ridge High School, 2 Park Ave. Executive session may be held on the day of all scheduled meetings: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, Aug. 29, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19, and

Jan. 4, 2023 (reorganization meeting). The Park Ridge School District Board of Education is composed of seven board members who are elected by constituents within the municipality and who dedicate their time and energy to serving the school community. For more information, visit parkridgeschools.org or write prboe@parkridge.k12.nj.us.

Officials noted that pilots landing at Teterboro have their choice of landing pathways. They could use a route over Route 17 which minimizes Pascack Valley flyovers and noise, or alternate routes that fly directly over Pascack Valley towns. (Related: “Progress seen on Teterboro airport noise pollution; residents urged to complain,” Page 21.) You can see the entire breakfast session on WCTV-NJʼs YouTube channel.

FROM PAGE 8

Planning Board Applications Separately, Ghassali has reported on recent planning board applications: • Gray Capital, LLC – 100 Summit Ave. (former Western Union campus) – the applicant is proposing to demolish the eastern-

most building and construct a 180bed, three-story nursing home while using the existing (western) building for offices, support services and meeting rooms. The existing building would be refaced to complement the proposed nursing home addition. Site improvements are also proposed including parking, landscaping and stormwater. • Montvale Grove, LLC – 24 Spring Valley Road – This application proposes the construction of 19-individual age-restricted buildings including a 3-unit affordable building located on 4 acres northwest of the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Grand Avenue with proposed access opposite Akers Avenue. The initial hearing date has not been set. • Metropolitan Homes – 91 Spring Valley Road – This application for the construction of four single-family homes at the end of

Deep Wood Lane (off Stem Brook), and seven single-family homes on Spring Valley Road opposite Bear Brook Village was approved by the Board on May 21, 2019. The applicant submitted a final subdivision for review by CED and several changes were identified requiring a return to the Board for an amended approval. • Montvale Family Apartments – The Resolution granting Final Site Plan Approval was approved by the Planning Board at their Jan. 18 meeting. This application is for construction of a 25unit development on Summit Avenue at the intersection with Craig Road. • Safari Energy/Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Solar Carports – This application was deemed incomplete on Oct. 26, 2021 and CED has requested additional information and revised

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Dorchester Elementary registration

Dorchester Elementary School is accepting applications for kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September, children must be age 5 by Oct. 1, 2022. For a registration packet,

visit the school at woodclifflake.com. Click on Dorchester School under schools, and then 2022-23 Kindergarten Registration under Links & Announcements. During the Covid-19 restrictions, the district requests you e-

mail a completed registration form and all required documentation as directed on the Kindergarten Registration page by Monday, Feb. 7. For more information call the main office at (201) 930-5600, ext. 100.

plans from the Applicant. The applicant has requested approval to install 6-carport structures containing 3,312 solar panels above 342-parking spaces north of the MSK building. • Mobius Solar I, LLC, 5 Paragon Drive – This application for installation of solar panels over portions of the parking lot was approved at the March 2, 2021 meeting. There has been no activity on this application or permits requested from the Borough. • Balchem Corp, 5 Paragon Drive – This application for a new tenant includes several site

improvements related to their operations. No hearing date has been set. • Moksha/Valley View SubDivision – 89 Valley View Terrace – CED issued the Resolution Compliance and Bonding recommendation to the Borough. A Developerʼs Agreement will be prepared ahead of the issuance of any permits for the start of construction. The applicant received approval on Oct. 6, 2020 for the construction of two homes on this undeveloped lot, which will be accessed from a new cul-desac off Valley View Terrace.

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Ghassali: ‘We have several vacant office buildings’ Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: Natural Ways to Help with ADD/ADHD

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excessive restlessness. They also back can be extremely beneficial for tend to fidget, shake their legs rest- people who have anxiety, ADD or lessly or tap pens on desks. ADHD. Neurofeedback is a Of course, such issues often machine that has electrodes lead to these children having trouble attached to it that are placed on the in school or studying, or being seen childʼs head in specific areas to find as disruptive. the weakness in the brain and give a The first step to diagnosing noninvasive and pain-free stimulathese conditions is to evaluate the tion to make the brain function betnervous system and the frontal cor- ter to reduce anxiety and tex of the brain. ADD/ADHD without drugs or It is also vital to check for the medication and no risk for side retention of primitive reflexes effects. because many children with Lifestyle and nutrition are ADD/ADHD typically still express extremely important. We all rememprimitive reflexes well after 1 year ber days of going out to play with of age which is not normal in brain friends all day, then when the streetdevelopment and can lead to trou- lights came on we ran home for a bles with focus and anxiety. nice home-cooked dinner. We spent To show our commitment to time outside in the sun and in nature the community, Kaplan Brain & and had companionship. All of Body offers primitive reflex evalua- these things are good for the frontal tions of your children for $21 (nor- cortex. mally $400). Take advantage of this Fresh food is also important – offer — we have five spots left. Functional neurology, primitive reflex remediation exercises, HILLSDALE and a treatment called neurofeed-

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people with ADD/ADHD should avoid processed foods, sugar, stimulants, caffeine, juices, food dyes, and preservatives. Besides the primitive reflex evaluation, the best way to determine this is to do a complete onehour neurological evaluation, which includes a VNG to measure each area of the brain to see how it is functioning and what areas need the most help. This is normally $400 at my Emerson office, but if you respond by the end of February, you can receive the test for $97. The next best test is called a qEEG, a noninvasive test that measures your brain waves to determine any damaged areas. This test is also normally $400 and now you can receive it for $97 as well. To top it off, for the first seven people that sign up, you can get both tests (which would normally cost a total

of $800) for only $150 if you mention this article and schedule your two-hour appointment before the end of February. Always remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do not wait until your symptoms get worse and worse and the damage is harder to reverse. The time is now. Take control of your brain health and find out what areas are not working well. All of my solutions are holistic and do not have any side effects, and are risk free If you function better, you will feel better, and you will live better. Letʼs work together to improve your quality of life and your mood. Call me at (201) 2612150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to set up your initial evaluation.

Post 162 paying for Boys, Girls State

The Gen. Leonard E. Wood American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale is looking for qualified high school juniors who might be interested in participating in a week that can shape their future. Boys and Girls State programs will be held once again in the early summer — Boys State at Rider University and Girls State at Georgian Court University — this year, June 19–24. The programs, sponsored by the American Legion, are a lifetime experience. Members will will pay the tuition for those students who are selected to attend from Post 162. According to post commander Douglas Frank, the Boys and Girls State experiences, by way of active participation in the devel-

opment of a “mythical” government, immerses our youth into the fundamentals of active democracy. These one-week programs educate our youth in the duties, rights, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship. The programs endeavor to provide a foundation for understanding self-government, a rational approach toward the solution of public questions, and a faith in the ideals and processes of democracy as our Founding Fathers intended. The student participants gain a deeper understanding of American ideals and expand their knowledge of the underlying principles of government. Boys and Girls State are nonpartisan political programs. Issues

are examined by delegates without regard to the views of the existing political party system. This enables delegates to offer their own solutions free from political contamination and then to understand the political problems they encounter in the adult world. These programs have been viewed as an excellent development program by most college admissions officers. To qualify you must be a high school junior and resident of New Jersey related to a member of Post 162. Contact your high school guidance counselor or visit http://americanlegionpost162.org for application details. — Staff report

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

SIX PRIORITIES FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. The “Sandwich Generation”— adults caring for aging parents as ERIC KOHLMEIER well as children—faces several stressful challenges that come from trying to juggle everyoneʼs needs. One of those top stressors: finances, such as how to cover education and health care costs and still save enough for retirement. The

demands often compete with one another—which is why setting clear priorities is so important. Here are six tips for setting those priorities to help you deliver the support your loved ones need— without shortchanging yourself. • Take care of your future first. Saving enough for retirement should be your top priority. You have to take care of your needs before you help your parents and your children. • Create or update your investment plan. Create an investment plan that will help you balance your financial goals with the needs

of your children and parents. Review your budget, analyze your expenses, and set savings targets to help you prioritize planning for an expense, such as college costs or long-term care for your parents. • Review your insurance coverage. Protecting your income is always a good idea, but itʼs even more important when you have two generations depending on you. Make sure you have enough life insurance in case something happens to you to pay off your mortgage and other debt, and to help cover the future living expenses of your dependents.

And donʼt forget disability insurance: More than a quarter of todayʼs 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the Council for Disability Awareness. • Check in on your parentsʼ financial health. Though it might seem awkward, talk to your parents about their wishes for the future and their financial health. What financial assets and expenses do they have? How do they plan to meet their financial obligations? Do they have a plan to cover the costs of long-term care? This conversation can help you determine how much financial support you will need to provide. Also, make sure your parents have done adequate estate planning, and ask for copies of their will or trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. Make sure your own estate-planning documents are complete and updated as well. • Consider reducing financial support for grown children. Many parents still help their grown children with their finances—sometimes even to their detriment. Many young Baby Boomers are still paying their kidsʼ expenses, cell phone bill, or car insurance. If this is the case for you, talk with your children about the steps they can take to start becoming more financially independent.

• Look for ways to help reduce your taxes. In some cases, you may be able to claim your aging parents as dependents. Also check with a tax advisor to see if their medical expenses qualify as a tax deduction. Another way that may benefit your financial bottom line is to set up a 529 Plan for your childrenʼs education expenses. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director –Investments in Park Ridge at (201) 505-0472. 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.

EMERSON

Seniors meet Feb. 10. Topic: elder law

The Emerson Senior Citizens will have their February membership meeting on Thursday, Feb. 10 at noon at the clubhouse, 20 Palidade Ave. Annual membership dues of $12 will continue to be collected, as will

food pantry contributions for needy local families. There will be a program and speaker on the subject of elder law. Refreshments will be served. For membership information, call (201) 655-3586.

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FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Neighbor towns speak as partners within Pascack Valley

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

our service area are Oradell and Old Tappan, whose mayors also were invited to present at the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce annual mayors breakfast on Jan. 26. Because the challenges and fortunes of all in the Pascack Valley are inextricably linked, weʼre happy to present this summary of their reports to the chamber, which works for the success of all in the Pascack Valley. UST OUTSIDE

Oradell Two new eateries coming to town Oradell Mayor Dianne Didio said she was grateful to be part of the Pascack Valley Mayors Association and represent the southern end of the Pascack Valley. She said the Pascack Valley Mayors Association does a lot of good things together, such as sharing ideas, and suggested Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco call to get information about their shuttle

2022 Mayors’ Breakfast

Highlights Oradell and Old Tappan

program for seniors and efforts to match seniors with high schools students to handle snow shoveling duties. She said two new restaurants are coming to town: Aura, under construction in the central business district, where previously a coffee shop stood. Also, she said, the former Charlie Brownʼs at the southern end of Kinderkamack Road will be opening as a new Fire & Oak Restaurant, a sister restaurant of the Fire & Oak – An American Grill in Montvale.

“Oradell has been starving literally and figuratively for restaurants, so weʼre very excited to have these two new additions to our town,” said Didio. She said housing for people with special needs should be started this year, and another pending United Way supportive-housing building for people with special needs is in the works, too. She said an application is pending for an apartment building with an underground garage, although she could not provide details or comment. Also under construction is a 20-unit apartment building for seniors 62 and older, which should help to allow seniors to age in DIDIO

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place, she said. She said “Weʼre all challenged” by traffic and with all the development going on, the Kinderkamack corridor will see increased traffic. “I donʼt know what the answer is. I donʼt think anybody does.” Didio said she suspects the borough will have more applications for senior housing to be built and the borough provides services and programs, including times for games, social interaction, games, regular meals, exercise classes, and history lessons. She said outdoor dining is “here to stay” but was not sure where it can go on Kinderkamack Road. She said, “People enjoy it when the weather is nicer.” The mayor said the Bergen County League of Municipalities will be having a discussion on Teterboro Airport flight patterns at its next meeting, Feb.8. She said she invited all mayors to include them in the discussion.

Old Tappan ʻExtremely busyʼ with renos, knockdowns Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer noted his community was in the Northern Valley though he appreciated being included with the Pascack Valley neighbors. He said that the construction department has been “extremely busy” over the past two years, adding personnel and expanding office space. He said “many applications” have come in for residential renovations as well as “knockdowns” for new homes. He said that a 220unit mixed-use retail/residential development, The Enclave, is

under construction on a 20-acre site at 200 Old Tappan Road (formerly Pearson Education) adjacent to the Bi-State Shopping Center. He noted the site includes condos with affordable housing units now under construction. Our sister paper Northern Valley Press covered the initial public hearings on the 200 OTR LLC proposal for a 229-unit, 21.000 square feet of ground level retail townhouse development in early 2020. Kramer said “high-end rental units” are included in The Enclave. (See “229-Unit, Mixed-Use Proposal Faces Board Questions, Concerns,” Northern Valley Press, Feb. 17, 2020.) Kramer said a 3-acre parcel opposite Northern Valley Regional High School called “Central Square” has been cleared and readied for construction of a 26unit condominium, including six affordable units. Also on Central Avenue, is a fully-approved site for an 84-bed memory care facility with construction yet to occur. Moreover, Kramer said, the Planning Board was scheduled to begin hearings on an 80-bed assisted living facility, located on a five-acre parcel on Old Tappan Road, near the Syrian Orthodox Church. He said in northern Bergen County, “Thereʼs nothing but development going on which adds to all of our traffic woes. As a result of some of these developments going in, weʼve seen an increase in flooding not quite as severe as to what some of the Pas-

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attorneyʼs complaint. Moreover, “In addition to failing to request or provide notice of the d(6) variance, the Applicant has also failed to apply for and provide notice of multiple waivers/exceptions from the requirements of the Townshipʼs Subdivision and Site Plan Ordinances. This failure also deprives the Board of jurisdiction to proceed with the current application,” alleges the Lindvale Gardensʼ objection.

The complaint cites applicantʼs failure to comply with code for buffering; landscaping and submission of a landscape plan; provision of commons space and open areas for developments with more than 4.5 units per acre; and installation of fencing and/or landscaping near retaining walls. In addition, the complaint notes a failure to request a waiver from a requirement for “side lot lines to be straight from the street to the rear property line, for the entire depth of the lot.”

cack Valley towns have had.” He said outdoor dining is permitted in Old Tappan, and the former Charlie Brownʼs restaurant was taken over by Aurora, a Mediterranean/Greek-style restaurant. He said the borough offers “many programs” for seniors; however many were affected by Covid. He said after more than 50 years of operation, Old Tappanʼs

municipality-owned golf course will be managed by a private company for the 2022 golf season. He said it will now be a “semi-public course” operating seven days a week, scheduled tee times, and a spring reopening. He urged golfers to check the borough website at oldtappan.net for more information. When he finished his report, his host, Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce chair Robin Malley, assured him, “We still like to consider you part of the Greater Pascack Valley.”

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Also, the complaint charges the board cannot hear the application due to applicantʼs failure to provide landscape plans at least 10 days before a public hearing. The complaint states though the applicant contends it should be governed by standards of the TH1 (Townhouse) Zone, the more appropriate zone would be the adjacent PRD (Planned Residential Development) Zone, which is where the Lindvale property is located. The complaint charges the applicant fails to comply with multiple requirements of the TH-1 Zone, including but not limited to proper bedroom distribution, the requirement to provide affordable housing units, the prohibition against cash contributions for affordable units in lieu of constructing the same, and a mini-

mum lot area of 5 acres. The complaint notes, “Overall, Lindvale Gardens contends, Lindvale Gardens has significant concerns with the design and overdevelopment of the property, and the number and type of variances being requested. The height, number of stories, density, configuration, lack of setbacks, lack of open space and recreational areas, and lack of buffers and landscaping, among other things, will negatively impact Lindvale Gardens and the surrounding community. Adds the complaint, “The subject site appears to be particularly unsuitable” for a 14-unit townhouse development in a commercial zone where multiple variances are required, “the lot needs to be terraformed,” and “the applicant cannot comply with most of the requirements of comparable

EMERSON

Kids, stand out as a Snow Buddy!

The Borough of Emerson is seeking high school students, Boy and Girl Scouts and other volunteers who would like to participate in our Snow Buddies program by helping our Emerson seniors with snow shoveling this winter. Volunteers will earn community service hours for helping a senior in need. All volunteers will be recognized at a mayor and council meeting at the end of the season. If you are interested in helping your neighbors or are a senior interested in registering for snow shoveling assistance, visit emersonnj.org and complete the regis-

tration and waiver forms and email to Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen (administrator@emersonnj.org) or drop the paperwork off at Borough Hall, 146 Linwood Ave.

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multi-family residential zones.” It claims, “The immediately adjacent PRD Zone was well planned and developed and allowing this property to be overdeveloped without regard to the applicable design standards will degrade the character of the community and substantially impair the intent and purpose of the zone plan.” While the complaints were not resolved, the objectorʼs attorney said he reserves the right to address all charges as hearings continue and also present expert witnesses in rebuttal. Steven Napolitano, of SNS Architects & Engineers, Montvale and John Lignos, also of SNS, testified for the applicant at the hearing. Lignos said all townhomes will be three-stories high, with three bedrooms, and have a driveway and one-car garage. He said residents will be able to exit and enter from both Collignon Way and Rivervale Road. Lignos said the soil on the site drains really well, and noted there were no drainage problems. However, borough engineer Chris Statile said he would have to monitor percolation pits dug on the site to gauge drainage for storms rated as 2-, 10-, 25- and 100-year storms. At one point, resident Leianne Eskinazi said she was concerned about “adding more density to the neighborhood” and questioned how the applicant would handle runoff. Napolitano assured her that the storm runoff design “retains all the water within the property.” He said no stormwater would exit the property but in case of an overflow due to a heavy storm, all overflow is directed into the municipal stormwater system. Several traffic concerns related to increased volumes and childrenʼs safety were held until future testimony by the applicant traffic expert. In its public notice, the applicant, Collignon Estates, requests two “D” or use variances: one to permit townhouse development in a commercial zone and one to exceed maximum allowable density. In addition, it requests 11 bulk or “C” variances. The notice, dated Jan. 16, 2022, can be found at njpublicnotices.com, a clearinghouse of municipal public notices.

PASCACK VALLEY

FROM PAGE 6

for the property. Amon, vice president for real estate and development with Apple Montessori Schools, said her company was under contract to purchase the site before the township made its offer on Jan. 4, under threat of condemnation should the owner fail to sell voluntarily. Swim club circles back Also, Calamari said when the owners of the Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club rejected the townshipʼs prior $1 million bid last summer, he told them that if anything fell through to reach out to him. “The deal did fall through and they did reach out to me,” he said on Jan. 26. He noted, “We came to an agreement to purchase the property and look forward to using that over-6-acre tract in town for additional recreation purposes.” The township council votes Monday, Feb. 7 on a $792,000 bond, plus a $38,000 down payment, totaling $800,000, to purchase the 6.5-acre swim club. Neither Calamari nor council members have discussed the rationale for the $800,000 purchase nor bonding costs to taxpayers in public. All meetings and negotiations have been in closed session.

Town wants 450 Pascack Road In addition to efforts to purchase the swim club and 95 Linwood Ave., the township offered $430,000 on a 3.2-acre mostly wooded parcel at 450 Pascack Road — under threat of condemnation — over the summer and remains in negotiation for the property. Those three properties are likely to cost the township nearly $2.6 million, or more, to acquire. No public discussion has occurred on what the township plans for 450 Pascack Road after acquisition.

Airplane noise a persistent woe Calamari said the township continues to work with other towns to reduce noise from planes flying overhead and approaching Teterboro Airport, and stormwater issues “plaguing our entire region” (see related story, page 21.) New developments pending, promising traffic

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The mayor said the township has many new developments in town. “Unfortunately too many of them are due to COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) and Fair Share housing agreements.” He said the 66-unit Viviano “American Dream” development (off of Van Emburgh Avenue) recently approved (including townhomes and single-family homes), was originally approved around 2000 under an affordable housing agreement. The 66-unit housing site contains no affordable units; rather, the developer must reimburse the local affordable housing trust fund in lieu of affordable construction. (See “Deal hits housing trust fund?”, Pascack Press, June 14, 2021.) The settlement agreement notes affordable units were to be

reimbursed “in lieu of construction” at $25,000 apiece. At a 20% affordable set-aside for market rate units, the 66 units would equal approximately 13 affordable units, or $325,000 reimbursed to the trust fund. Calamari said the Franklin Court development of 44 rental units, also off of Van Emburgh Avenue, was approved, which includes seven affordable units and 37 market-rate units. (See “Franklin Court development approved; work starts in spring,” Pascack Press, Dec. 12, 2021.) He noted an assisted living complex is being built on the former Washington Township Tennis Club on Pascack Road: 100 beds and 85 units. (See “Assisted living units, replacing tennis club, break ground,” Pascack Press, Oct. 31, 2021.)

Calamari said all these projects “will collectively bring additional traffic onto already crowded roadways throughout the township. The [Pascack–Washington] intersection project will bring some relief and we will work with the county to see if any additional changes can be made at the other county roads within the borders of the township.”

Unsafe intersection Another possible trouble spot identified recently was the Van Emburgh Avenue–Washington Avenue intersection, due to anticipated traffic increases from development. The intersection is served only by a blinking warning light. (See “Fix for dicey Van Emburgh–Washington Avenue crossing?” Pascack Press, Dec. 13, 2021.)

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Connecting with seniors Calamari said giving seniors options to remain in town “is near and dear to me.” He noted that many seniors “are parents to my childhood friends.” He said, “We hope if needed they will take advantage of the new rental units that will be constructed, and if needed, they can move into the new assisted living complex that is currently under construction.” He said none of the townshipʼs restaurants have favored permanent outdoor dining but that the township is willing to work with all local eateries interested in creating more outdoor dining opportunities. You can see the entire breakfast session on WCTVNJʼs YouTube channel.

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

REAL ESTATE Calamari: Intersection fix toward relief on traffic

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Park Ridge: Mayor on borough’s ‘reinvention’

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es into town to help keep taxes low. He said a 55-plus apartment site is coming to the borough, and noted he was in favor of maximizing outdoor dining options, which proved popular valleywide during the height of the pandemic. He said the borough has fine dining and small restaurants and that the borough is “suited for” outdoor dining facilities. Misciagna said he did not want to be “a downer” but noted the next round of affordable housing obligations was coming soon in 2025. “I think we learned a lot over the last round and I hope we can work together so that we meet our obligation and we stick together and try to come up with a solution that we can all live with.” (See “At breakfast, mayors urge regional strategy on 2025 housing mandates,” Pascack Press, Jan. 31, 2022. Park Ridge recently settled its years-long, costly Superior Court battle against Hornrock Properties (i.e. AR Landmark) and Fair Share Housing Center by agreeing to allow a 448-unit rental complex (with 68 affordable units) on a 30acre former Sony property in late 2020. In addition, the borough agreed to build a 50-unit, 100% affordable complex on borough property. Park Ridge was the final Pascack Valley town to settle its third round

MISCIAGNA

(1999-2025) affordable housing obligations. (See “Deal Lands: Developer would get to build 448 multifamily units on former Sony site,” Pascack Press, Nov.

19, 2020.) Misciagna said a new community center is progressing, and will be located near The James. He said the project, which was started a few years ago, has architectural drawings and theyʼre trying to deal with a doubling of center costs. He said they hope to break ground by spring. The mayor said he hoped Kinderkamack would be paved this year and noted an Ida-damaged new turf field should be replaced in a few months and be ready for spring. He said the Pascack Valley Mayors Association was planning a joint meeting on regional flooding solutions with state officials, which he supported. “Iʼm proud to be part of the Pascack Valley Mayorsʼ Association,” said Misciagna. Misciagnaʼs report was momentarily punctuated by his dog, Deacon, barking loudly at an Amazon delivery man. “Itʼs a big dog, Iʼm sorry … itʼs Deacon right here, itʼs my bernedoodle,” Misciangna told the Zoom audience. [Bernedoodle: “A cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle.” — Ed.] He explained his dog was barking at a delivery next door, though his wife occasionally orders coffee pods through Amazon. Robin Malley, chair of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the annual meeting, leveraged the light

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He said another “high-end restaurant,” Wayland Fair, was moving into the north end of town. Misciagna cut the ribbon on The James in August 2021. A crowd of residents and stakeholders filled the luxury lobby lounge, taking in the new upscale rental community that its developer said “stands as a beacon of the boroughʼs evolution while honoring its most famous hometown hero.” Guests included family and friends of the late actor James Gandolfini, a local son widely known for his producing and acting, his lead role on HBOʼs “The Sopranos,” and his generosity — and the buildingʼs namesake. Michael Gandolfini, Jamesʼ son and a rising star in his own right, joined Misciagna, other municipal officials, and principals from Claremont Development in cutting a ceremonial ribbon marking “the heralded addition to the boroughʼs housing landscape,” a collection of 240 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences. Claremont Development told Pascack Press at the time that half was leased, with a number of residents moved in. Officials lauded The Jamesʼ development team “for transforming the dilapidated property on Madison Avenue into a vibrant new community that will benefit generations to come.” It includes street-level retail space, structured parking, and a public plaza. The project, replacing a waste transfer station, is helping the borough meet its statemandated affordable housing obligations. Its developer is contributing toward a community center. At the Jan. 26 breakfast, which was intended for the Iron Horse Restaurant in Westwood but moved to Zoom over pandemic concerns, Misciagna reported, “As you know Park Ridge has reinvented itself over the past few years. Weʼre becoming a lot like our neighbors, with a nice walkable downtown.” He said traffic “is always going to be an issue” and noted “thatʼs a problem created by success.” As one possible option, Misciagna said he “has always been a proponent” of a shuttle bus or trolley from the northern end of Montvale all the way down to Oradell and also back up through the Northern Valley. He said that could “be very helpful for traffic and convenient.” He said he hoped the shuttle bus idea might be a project of the current Pascack Valley Mayors Association. He said the new development may help keep seniors in town, and touched on remarks by Hillsdale Mayor Ruocco: lower taxes “are the big thing we can do to help our seniors.” Misciagna said Park Ridge is also trying to bring more businessFROM PAGE 1

The James, in a rendering by Claremont Development, reportedly has leased all 240 of its residential units. It had its ribbon cutting in summer 2021. a local store, please do. Donʼt moment to make a point: Locals should always “buy order it from Amazon. I wonʼt say local” even though Amazon has any more.” You can see the entire breakoperations based in Mahwah, Malley said. “So we just challenge fast session on WCTV-NJʼs everybody: If you can buy it from YouTube channel.

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trended significantly downward. I wish everyone a quick recovery. I sincerely hope you and your family members are well.” The case count she shared: • Jan. 1–7: 282 • Jan. 8–14: 149 • Jan. 15–21: 100 • Jan. 22–28: 48 • Jan. 29–Feb. 2: 28 Mortimer said, “The District will start our Test to Stay program, which will enable unvaccinated close contacts, with no Covid symptoms, to attend school provided they have a negative rapid Covid test result every other day of their five-day quarantine time.” Testing is available on school days in the Westwood Regional Middle School cafeteria, 7 to 8:30 a.m., from Monday, Feb. 7 “at least through the end of February. Only students who test through our program are eligible for the Test to Stay option. This program is an option the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) affords to school districts,” she said. She added, “Parents should bring their students to the testing location, along with their identification and health insurance card. A brief televisit will be conducted via a laptop, and then students will be individually tested.” Mortimer said the results take 15–20 minutes, “and the parent/child is asked to wait in the cafeteria or their car if they prefer. A paper result will be provided, and that result should be provided to the school nurse immediately upon entry to the school. There are no out-of-pocket fees or co-pays.” She said, “All students and staff must be registered, using the link below, in order to participate in the testing program. Parking in the schoolʼs lot will not be permitted, as those spaces are reserved for staff. Please park on the school side of Third Avenue in front of the residential homes, not in front of the school.Enter door #5 and look for the signage. The link she gave is https://forms.gle/mc1gMrLTYHkfJuq 48. Mortimer said more information on Diligent Urgent Care is available on the districtʼs Covid page. Unvaccinated staff are invited to participate as well so they have the needed weekly documentation for HR. Mortimer said participation in TTS modified quarantine protocol is limited to unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated Pre-K–12 students who: • Do not have any signs or symptoms of Covid-19. • Meet the criteria of a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case where the exposure occurred in a school setting and both case and contact were observed to be fully masked at time of exposure. • TTS is not applicable to

FROM PAGE 1

exposures that occur outside of school or in the community (e.g., in a household, recreational sports team, social activity). • Are able and willing to follow the below modified quarantine and testing protocols with parental consent (if applicable). • Are not exempt from masking under EO 251. Individuals, vaccinated or not, who have been positive have a 90-day grace period without testing and may remain in school even if they are a close contact. MORTIMER

ROMANO

NJDOH Test to Stay Protocol Eligible students/staff participating in TTS program must adhere to the following protocols: • Wear a mask indoors and outdoors at all times when at school (except for eating/drinking) for the entirety of the Test to Stay program (up to and including the last day of the recommended quarantine even if all test results are negative). • The mask should fit securely over the nose and mouth. • When masks are removed for eating/drinking, itʼs imperative that students should be at least 6 feet from other students. “Please know this means your child may be able to be identified as being unvaccinated, as not all children are spaced 6 feet apart while eating.” • Quarantine when not at school and refrain from all extracurricular activities. • Exception: Students may participate in school extracurricular activities that take place in a structured (e.g., classroom) indoor or outdoor setting where masking and physical distancing can be strictly adhered to and enforced. • Monitor for symptoms daily until 14 days after their last exposure to Covid-19. • Comply with the TTS testing protocol. NJDOE Testing Frequency • Students/staff should be tested immediately following the notification of being a close contact. If notification occurs after school hours, the student should be tested the following morning at school prior to attending inperson instruction. • After the first negative test result, the student may continue to attend in-person instruction and then submit to testing every other day until the end of the quarantine timeframe with the last test being performed on the final day of quarantine or next school day (if weekend/holiday). If testing would fall on the weekend or a school holiday based on

this schedule, testing must occur in school on Monday or the day following the holiday. • If the final test result is negative, no further TTS testing is required; students would be permitted to resume normal activities the day after completing quarantine but should continue to monitor for symptoms through Day 14. Mortimer said, “Please be patient if there is a line, as this is being provided as a courtesy. Your child will not be marked tardy if there is a delay in getting to school on time as a result of the testing.” She directed health-related questions or those about Test to Stay to your school nurse. If you have questions or comments about the program or vendor, contact Director of School Programs Mike Kenduck at michael.kenduck@wwrsd.org or call him at (201) 664-0880 ext. 2070. Lively school board meeting Eight of nine board members present at the nearly four-hour school board meeting on Jan 27 appeared split on whether to maintain the districtʼs stay-home quarantine protocol for unvaccinated kids who are exposed, which is based on state Department of Health guidelines. Trustees weighed in on the rules during an hourlong exchange. Most members appeared willing to leave the issue for Mortimer to explore and act following consultation with other district professionals, infectious illness professionals, and the board attorney. Earlier in the meeting, trustees voted, 6-1, to appoint Mortimer as superintendent, knocking the “acting” from her title. Contract details were unavailable at press time. Voting for were Maureen Colombo, Roberta Hanlon, Joseph McCallister, Kristin Pedersen, Michael Pontillo, and

board president Frank Romano. Andrea Peck voted no. Board vice president Michelle Sembler abstained. Stacey Price was absent. Peck, a new board member, said her vote was not “personal” but rather due to her disagreement with the process used by the board to select a superintendent. She said before she joined the board but would appear at meetings, Mortimer often called her on the phone later to discuss questions and issues she raised. “She was always very respectful, and professional and informed. This is not a personal decision. I am not making any accusations against anybody sitting here at all, just for my own conscience, I guess, Iʼm not comfortable that there were not other candidates interviewed and thatʼs the bottom line for me and thatʼs all it is,” Peck said. Romano said several residents had emailed him wondering why the board did not conduct an external search. He said that the board advertised for an interim superintendent six months ago, received nine applications, and evaluated them based on education, experience, and compatibility. Mortimer topped all candidates, he said. Mortimerʼs predecessor, Raymond González, took heat from some in the district — and some who later joined the board — who objected to his relatively restrictive approach to the coronavirus and to what appeared to some as a lack of transparency. Meanwhile, the state Department of Education notes online that “One of the most basic responsibilities of schools is to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program of immunizations, screening and referral, education, and exclusion, if necessary.” Some trustees suggested a change that would not require

unvaccinated students to quarantine at home for five days following an exposure. Some trustees preferred that the decision to quarantine be left up to parents. Others said they trusted Mortimer and her research. Pontillo, who is Westwoodʼs police chief, noted that Mortimerʼs Jan. 26 letter said the district would no longer require children over 12 get boosted to be considered vaccinated, which he favored. He said quarantine and vaccine mandates issued by the state were “polarizing.” He worried that students in quarantine get only a portion of the education received by inclass students and suggested that educators look at virus transmission rates inside and outside school as one scientific measure for assessing Covid risks. Pedersen said “thereʼs no one-size-fits all solution” and called for the district “to implement protocols that put the decision-making back with the parents.” She said if a child is sick, parents should “do the right thing” and keep them home. Hanlon said she trusted Mortimerʼs guidance on quarantines. Colombo, who chairs the boardʼs policy and governance committee, said she supported the then-current policy, noting, “I think weʼre all working toward the same goal.” Peck said she was “comfortable” in letting Mortimer determine quarantine protocols, but noted if a child is in close contact with a Covid-positive person, the parents should get options for remote schooling and returning to school. Mortimerʼs Feb. 3 letter arrived at press time, requiring a substantial update to this story. See the Jan. 27 meeting video for the full conversation.

Teterboro: Protests on noise He wrote Maria Sheridan, Teterboroʼs manager and TANAACʼs co-chair, on Dec. 30, 2021 that “complaints [to Hillsdaleʼs governing body] are originating from residences further inland than what we understood would be the new GPS approach to Runway 19 at Teterboro, along State Route 17.” He said it was his understanding that RNAV-capable aircraft — the technology gives pilots more flexibility in choosing courses, the same way drivers on the ground can use their own GPS to plan commutes — landing at Teterboro are obligated to use a certain approach west of Hillsdale.

FROM PAGE 21

He said “It is apparent that aircraft are not exclusively using” that approach,” and that turbo-prop aircraft and jets without RNAV are still following the prior arrival procedure. “This takes the planes directly over Hillsdale and other towns to the east of Route 17,” he said, asking for clarification if he was not correct. Ruocco said, “The greatest complaints I am receiving are well east of Hillsdaleʼs proximity to Route 17, which we were not expecting based on the noise models provided to the public prior to implementation of the new … approach to Runway 19.” Ruocco heard back on Jan. 18 from Teterboro Airportʼs noise abatement and environ-

mental compliance manager, Gabriel Andino, who noted that the FAA had implemented the alternative procedure for arrivals to Runway 19 at Teterboro such that planes that could generally would follow Route 17. “The FAA developed this procedure at the request of TANAAC as an additional procedure [that] does not replace the existing ʻstraight-inʼ approach to Runway 19 which the FAA will continue to utilize as the primary approach for this runway,” Andino said in part. Andino said complaints are welcome at (201) 288-8828 and noiseoffice@teb.com. For more information visit https://aircraftnoise.panynj.gov/teb-airport-noiseoffice.

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Grace J. CARLSON

Grace J. Carlson (née Thomsen), 91, entered into Eternal Life on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Carl G. Carlson, who passed away 24 years ago, and the cherished mother of Nancy I. Newman, Susan J. Martens (Paul) and Richard L. Carlson. She also leaves behind a sister, Joan A. Bates, and seven grandchildren: Adam Scholl, Erin Scholl, Steven (Kristie) Scholl, Patrick Scholl, Brianne Carlson, Michael Carlson and Francesca Bottini. She was the great-grandmother to: Paige Mazar, Jaden Mazar, Makenzie Scholl, Jeremy Scholl, Dominick Neal, Jaxon Scholl and Luka DePompe. She had dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives who knew and loved her dearly. Her former son-in-law, Gerald S. Scholl, still considered her a second mother. She is preceded in death by her parents, Irving A. and Mildred M. (Applegate) Thomsen, her sister Dorothy M. Thomsen and brother, Arthur R. Thomsen. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all adored her. It would have been difficult to find anyone who disliked Grace Carlson. Born in Westwood in a fourgeneration family home, Grace lived in her hometown for the majority of her life. Raised on Center Avenue in Westwood with three siblings—Dolly, the oldest, and younger siblings Joanie and Butchie—she later became a commuter, by train, to New York City where she worked at Chemical Bank as a secretary in lower Manhattan, on the site of what was later the World Trade Center. She married Carl G. Carlson of Brooklyn on Nov. 5, 1955, after

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meeting him through a series of letters. Carl had been hospitalized with tuberculosis in a V.A. Hospital, and friends put his name in the paper to receive mail. The rest is history. Carl and Grace settled in Westwood, and Grace stayed home with their three children, Nancy, Susie, and Richie, doing what she seemed born to do—be a mommy. Carl worked hard as a machinist at Bendix in Teterboro, and his stable income supported the family. The children always had food on the table, a Mom in the home, and friends on the block. Grace attended the Westwood Reformed Church, a Protestant Christian denomination, and raised the children there. At church, they were surrounded by their Nana and extended family. Grace continued to attend that very same church until the day she died, now known as Parkside Community Church. A widow of 24 years, in her old age she sold her home and moved in with her daughter, Nancy, where she resided in Northvale until her passing. Daughter, Susan, and son, Richard, raised families in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. Grace will be remembered by her friends and family as a loving, caring, kind person, who was dependable and generous. Her family meant everything to her, and she to them. She will be sorely missed until reunions in Heaven. Internment took place at Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association.

Alfred F. ALTANO

Alfred Francis Altano Jr., 71, of Montvale, peacefully passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Beloved husband of Lynn (née Weber) for 47 years. Devot-

ed father of Alfred F. Altano III and wife Lydee, Daniel L. Altano and wife Alison, and Stephen M. Altano and wife Jade. Dear brother of Danny Altano and wife Sydney. Predeceased by his sisters, Rosemary Altano and Jean Weiland. Cherished grandfather of Evelyn, Luke and Brendan Altano. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Before retiring Al worked for Local 472, Road and Bridge Construction/Heavy General Laborers, Newark, for 33 years. In his retirement he owned and operated Altano and Sons Painting and Power Washing. He was famously known as “Mr. Buns” while he operated the hotdog cart at his childrenʼs sports events. He loved his German shepherds, faithfully taking Libby to the dog park daily. He loved his Christmas village and spent many hours arranging it. What Al enjoyed most was the time he spent with his family, grandchildren and cherished friends. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society or Living Breath Foundation.

Helen R. CALDER

Helen Ruth Calder, 92, of Montvale, passed away on Jan. 20, 2022 with her devoted daughter at her side. Born Jan. 9, 1930 in Mount Kisco, N.Y., to Adolph C. Ohrle and Hazel L. (Ryer) Ohrle, Helen was the youngest of three daughters raised in Hawthorne, N.Y. She fondly described her childhood as idyllic, despite the excruciating loss of her father at a mere 8 years old, which strengthened the bond she shared with her mother, sisters and grandparents. In 1947 she graduated from

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Pleasantville High School, where she played field hockey, basketball and softball, served as student body president and yearbook sales manager, and was voted Most Innocent. Helen went on to earn her business degree in 1951 from St. Lawrence University, where she played field hockey, sang in the university choir, wrote copy for the college radio station, served as editor of the yearbook, school paper and sorority magazine, and served as chapter officer and member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She married her college sweetheart, Don Calder, in 1954 after his discharge from the U.S. Army, and worked for the phone company until 1958 before starting their family. They bought their home on the hill in Montvale, with the big bay window facing the sunsets, in 1959. She resided there until her passing. Helen shared a particularly strong relationship with her mother. Together, every Friday, they could be seen shopping for bargains at Alexanderʼs Department Store or perhaps enjoying a cup of black coffee and hamburger on toast at the local Friendlyʼs before returning to Helenʼs house on the hill to greet the kids coming home from school. Helen was an amazing, hardworking, nurturing stay-at-home mom (a.k.a. “a broker—investing in her childrenʼs future”), always at the ready to bake brownies or her delicious apple crisp, have a catch with her daughter in the backyard, or drive to baseball, football, softball, basketball, track or wrestling practices and events. In the 1970s, Don suggested getting her a CB radio for her maroon Pontiac Catalina and assigning her the handle “Red Taxi.” Helen was a kind, generous, and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, always putting others before herself. She was the caretaker not only for her husband and kids but also, in their later years, for her mother and mother-inlaw. She had a naturally perfect smile (before orthodontics), quick wit and friendly disposition. Helen never complained and faced lifeʼs many challenges, including metastatic lung cancer in her 90s, head on with an “it is what it is” attitude. She was sharp as a tack, reading the daily newspaper cover to cover—often while wearing her favorite yellow sweater and sipping a cup of Tasterʼs Choice instant coffee (only black!), always current on world and local news, and she never failed to mail her friends and relatives their birthday, anniversary, and graduation cards on time. (With her passing, her family hopes Dollar Tree and Hallmark will be able to stay afloat.) After her children were grown, Helen was relieved that she could finally stop cooking big meals. When someone asked her grandson JT what Grama liked to make for supper, he didnʼt hesitate to answer, “Reservations!” Helen especially enjoyed dining out with family and Daveyʼs friends—Bellissimoʼs, Locker, and The Ridge Diner being

her favorite local haunts. In their retirement, she and Don spent their summers at Kring Point on the St. Lawrence River where they were often joined by their four kids and their families. Her love for the river and the tranquility of Mother Nature lives on in their children and grandchildren. Helen is survived by her loving children, all of whom were “her favorite”: Bob (Dyann), Bill, Carol Vallay (Jules), and John (Stacie); her grandchildren: Jackie and Alex Calder, Rob and Hailey Calder, JT (Alexa), Samantha and James Vallay, Madison (Emma) and Alexa Calder; cousins, nieces, many lifelong friends, especially neighbors Margrit and Herb Willenborg and Joan Lavery, and many dear friends at Kring Point. Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband Don, sisters Hazel Smith and Elaine Sizeland, and daughter-in-law Pamela Kowar-Calder. As per Helenʼs wishes, she will be cremated and interred with her husband at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y., following a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Hawthorne Reformed Church, 65 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532, or Save the River (savetheriver.org).

Maureen P. BLUST

Maureen Patricia Blust, 82, of River Vale, passed away on Jan. 22, 2022. Maureen was born in Hellʼs Kitchen, New York, in 1939 to wonderful parents, Edward and Mary Abramsen. Her dad passed unexpectedly when she was just 6 months old. She grew up a kind, gentle person in a rough town. But she was pretty tough, too. She graduated from high school and worked at McGraw Hill in New York City. She was married to John Blust, who passed away from cancer as a young man. Suddenly on her own, she had to learn to drive and get a job so she could take care of her older mom and teenage son. She did it all without anyone ever knowing how hard it was at times. She was amazing. She worked in medical records for Valley Hospital in Ridgewood for over 30 years—always with a smile and a kind word. Always on time, every day, except for the occasional snow storm. Driving in snow was probably the only thing that scared her (make that snow and raccoons). She bravely beat breast cancer once. The second time, many years later, she fought it hard with the help of her devoted niece Marlene Vangelas and her husband, Nick, who took care of her when she could no longer live alone. On Jan. 22 she heard God calling her home to be with her Mom CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Thursday, Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online. • Artist Peri will host a virtual Kids Art Class, via Zoom, on Monday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. With step-bystep instructions kids will create a personal work of art. All you need is some paper, a pencil, and crayons. Best for age 6 and older. Registration is required. FROM PAGE 15

PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Join Dr. Parmar of Smile Stop Pediatric Dental in Park Ridge for a special Storytime event in celebration of Dental Health Month. Dr. Parmar will be at the library Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, and registration is requested, but not required. This storytime will be held in the Community Room across the hall from the library. Masks required for age 2 and up. Parents/caretakers are asked to stay and participate. • Join Miss Renee for Storytime Thursday morning, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. in the First Friends room (across the hall from the library). Geared towards toddlers and preschool age, but open to all. Registration required. • Virtual Take-and-Make Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Miss Renee walks kids through a fun craft at home. Call or stop at the library during the week to pick up your craft kit. The videos remain on Facebook; check them out live or anytime your schedule allows. • Virtual Book It! Club with Miss Eileen meets live on the libraryʼs Facebook page Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Stories, science, and more geared towards kids in primary grades. • Join Trevor Plattel live on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ) Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. for an awesome cartoon drawing class. This time everyone will learn to draw a Valentine Tweety Bird. KICC It Cartoon Class for Kids requires no registration, and all are invited to log on and learn from one of Park Ridgeʼs talented students. Have pencils, paper, and coloring materials handy. RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Drop by the library starting

Monday, Feb. 7 to pick up the Adult Take & Make craft kit. It has the supplies you need to make an upcycled paper heart decoration. No registration required. Crafts are first come, first served. • Are you a tea lover or just getting started and want to taste and learn? Join the libraryʼs Tea Club! Sign up each month to receive a sample of a different variety of tea. The pick for February is Tulsi Sweet Rose from Organic India. Pick up begins Feb. 7. River Vale residents only. Register online. • At the Tween and Teen Craft session on Monday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., River Vale residents grades 5–8 can create a fun love bug made from yarn, pom poms, and pipecleaners. Registration required. • Catch the film “Last Night in Soho” (R, 2021) at the library Tuesday, Feb. 8 during the Movie Matinee from 1 to 3 p.m. Space is limited. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. All participants must sign a hold harmless agreement to attend. • Friends of the River Vale Library Book Group will meet in the community room Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Nature of Fragile Things” by Susan Meissner. The club meets the second Wednesday every month. Join them! Upcoming dates/titles, and registration, both available online. • Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. This gentle form of yoga is specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities to help them strengthen, stretch, and tone the body, and to connect body, mind and spirit. Register for Zoom access. • The Hybrid Knit & Crochet Club will meet both in person in the library community room and via Zoom on Friday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring a project to work on and chat with other members. New members of all skill levels are welcome. If attending virtually, register to receive meeting link. If attending in person, bring a mask and be prepared to sign a hold harmless form. • Drop by the library Saturday, Feb. 12 to pick up a Valentineʼs Day Craft-to-Go for your child to complete at home. One per child, pre-K through fifth grade, while supplies last. • During Jewelry with Jess, for fourth grade and up, Miss Jess will be on hand to help kids make

Obituaries: and Dad, and all her loved ones she missed and talked about so much. Now itʼs our turn, the lucky ones, to talk about you and miss you always. Rest in peace, Mo. The lucky ones who will miss her every day are her son, Ed Blust, and his wife Bee Borromeo; her beloved sister, Margaret Miller; her grandchildren Megan and John

FROM PAGE 38

Blust; her nieces and nephews and their kids; her many friends; and all the dogs and people who loved her and whom she loved. The funeral Mass was at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Hillsdale. A graveside service followed at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Cartooning Class for tweens and teens grade 6 and up takes place Monday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. This session is virtual. Register online. • Monthly Adult Crafts continue with Februaryʼs project, heartshaped button art in a shadowbox. Visit the libraryʼs website to register, then pick up your craft kit Monday, Feb. 7 at the library. Log onto the libraryʼs Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or website anytime after Thursday, Feb. 10 at noon to watch the instructional video. • Virtual Preschool Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and the libraryʼs website. No registration needed. • In the Book Cooks Club— next date, Wednesday, Feb. 9 at noon—join Allyssa virtually in her kitchen to cook up a new dish or two! Cook along live or watch the video on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or the libraryʼs website to see how itʼs done before you give it a try. Recipes are posted on the libraryʼs website. • STEAM Thursday is all about making crafts and trying science experiments. The next session, Feb. 10 at 3:45 p.m., will be virtual via Facebook and YouTube. It will be a Valentine craft with materials to pick up in advance at the library. Grades K–5. Register online. • Spice up your kitchen! Try something new and sign up for one of the libraryʼs spice kits. A new kit is offered each month. Included inside is a spice or dried herb, information about the ingredient, and some recipes to try. Register

for Februaryʼs kit (sumac) online; pickup starts Feb. 14. • In-person Storytimes will begin on Feb. 17 and run through March 18. Visit the libraryʼs website to register for Infant and Toddler Storytime, Fridays at 10 a.m., or Pre-K Storytime, Thursdays at 10 a.m. Masks are required for all over 2 years old.

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • The library is offering a virtual Intro to Chess program for grades 6–12. The four-session class, via Zoom, takes place Monday afternoons from 4 to 4:45 p.m. starting Feb. 7 and ending March 7 (no class Feb. 21). Learn the basics of the game. To receive the full benefit, it is best to attend all sessions. Sign up online. • Peek-A-Book Story Time (children to age 5) is Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the library. Children will listen to stories, sing, dance, do fingerplays, review numbers, colors, animals and more. Register online. • No-Bake Valentineʼs Day Cookies with Shoprite, for grades 6–12, takes place via WebEx on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. There is nothing but “yum” when you make this easy and nutrition-conscious, mouth-watering treat. Find recipe with ingredient list online. Registration required. • In Black History Month Bingo, kids will play this popular game with a twist—they win by recognizing well-known African Americans. Grades 3–5. Via Google Meet, Thursday, Feb. 10 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Register online; the library will contact you when the bingo cards are ready for pick up. • The next title in the Reading for Equity book discussion series is “The 1619 Project” by Nikole

Hannah-Jones. Adults are welcome to join the book talk to be presented online by Professor Richard Bell, professor of history at the University of Maryland, Thursday, Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. “The 1619 Project” was a special edition of The New York Times Magazine that sought to focus attention on the centrality of race slavery in American history, and analyzed how slavery impacted the social, economic, and political institutions in America. Dr. Bell will discuss four of the central theses of “The 1619 Project.” Register for access. • The Coffee & Conversation series continues Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. Each week, the group gathers virtually to listen to a fun, interesting, short podcast and then have a chat about it. Register online for meeting link. • Debate Club (grades 6–8) is on Google Meet every Friday afternoon in February from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Students gain valuable experience in public speaking, forming and defending arguments, and logic. The club meets to read sources, compare research, play games to enhance critical thinking, and prepare arguments. Register online. • The Junior Library Council presents “Friday Night Folk Tales” on Instagram, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. This winter, kids can enjoy a new themed story read to them each week by a volunteer member of the JLC. Themes vary each month; February brings African tales. Best for ages 4–10. Readings are posted Friday evenings on Instagram. • Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Books, magazines, DVDs and more for great prices. Donations for the sale are collected Mondays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Library Calendar

beautiful beaded jewelry. Monday, Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Registration is required.

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Pascack Press 2.7.22

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