Pascack Press 3.14.22 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 52

MARCH 14, 2022

Trusted PICTURE THE HUB: service GIVING TIME Celebrate Westwood spotlights volunteers

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

DPW PLANNED FOR CHARLIE BROWN’S Council introduces $1.35M appropriation; public hearing March 21

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Eric Kohlmeier celebrates his 24th year of service with Wells Fargo Advisors, Park Ridge. SEE PAGE 28

EMERSON

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Emerson Station requires 7 offsite units — ʻwhereʼ could wind up in court

SITE DISPUTE

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Whether Emerson Stationʼs redeveloper needs to get local zoning approval to construct seven offsite affordable units at 129 Kinderkamack Road — now zoned for commercial and mixed-use multifamily — is a question that could wind up in court, be answered by the borough, or be answered by the implementation monitor appointed last year to expedite the downtown development. The next Borough Council meeting is March 15. In early December, the redeveloperʼs attorney appeared before council, after its previous application to the Land Use Board for a

See AFFORDABLE on page 324

Left to right and top to bottom: Maria Montana; Andra Bell; Mike Violano; Peter Meany; Nolan Foley and Amanda Sallemi; Lou Scheidler; Jim Gines; Olivia Lionetti, Jackie Poquetter, and Nina Lionetti; Dan Olivier; Lauren Lucanera; Dee Kalman; David and Roei Mendez; Mayo Credel; Michelle Sembler, Michael Pontillo,Andrea Peck, Kristen Pedersen, and Roberta Hanlon; George Tompko;Tom Offerjost;Anthony Greco, Rob Biccochi, Chris Montana, Erin Collins, Cheryl Hodges, Ray Arroyo, and Beth Dell; Janet Dunn; James Drew; Junior Friends of the Library; Sally Roberts; Yash Risbud; Rashida Tewarson; Roseanne and Mark Brill; Jaymee Hodges; Christine Greene; Mike Saul, Jimmy Vorhees, and Scott Vorhees; and Richard Frant. Visit the gallery installation “Picture The Hub: ELEBRATE WESTWOOD invites us all to help laud the countless ways in which volun- Giving Time,” March 14–April 30 at the Westwood teers have improved Westwood and the Continued on page 30 greater Pascack Valley. PHOTO BY RICHARD FRANT/FRANTVISUALS

Mayor Peter Calamari confirmed at the March 7 Township Council meeting that a new Department of Public Works headquarters will be constructed at 95 Linwood Ave., the 1.45-acre former home of a Charlie Brownʼs Fresh Grill, which the township plans to purchase soon. Calamari said the township would purchase the property for $1.35 million, the same amount Apple Montessori Schools put in for the property. Apple Montessori Schools evidently thought it had a deal with the seller sufficient to undertake tens of thousands of dollars on due diligence efforts. Nevertheless it withdrew its offer after the township demanded to purchase the property instead — under threat of “the condemnation route.” On March 7, council introduced a $1.35 million appropriation, including a down payment of $65,000, with $1.285 million authorized in 40-year bonds or notes. Ordinance 22-07 comes up for vote March 21. Council President Desserie Morgan was absent. Members voting for were VP Stacey Feeney, Tom Sears, Steve Cascio, and Daisy Velez. Calamari has said DPW build-

See DPW on page 334

COOKIES WITH DREW

B ck in time...

River Vale Daisy Troop 98287 to appear on “The Drew Barrymore Show” March 14 to help celebrate National Girl Scout Day.

Jill McGuire on the 113th anniversary of the adoption of Emerson’s “new” name; Kristin Beuscher reminds us that superstition can spell big trouble. SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 14

PASCACK PRESS

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Time for political will on Ukraine To the editor: we stand with the IianUkrainian people against Russaggression. How can we, a T IS TIME

world away, help? Besides contributing money, medical supplies, food, and clothing to assist with the humanitarian aid needed for refugees and those trapped in Ukraine, we must muster our

political will. This is a non-partisan fight for the heart and soul of the United States. First and foremost we must demand of our elected leaders fully boycott Russian products, particularly Russian oil. We must write, petition, and, if needed, vote out any member of Congress or the Senate who does not have the conviction to stop all Russian imports and start increasing domestic production. We must become self-sufficient and also an exporter to assist the European Union in weaning off Russian energy imports.

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Montvale. The extensive interview you had with Reverend Jill Williams allowed her to give the clear impression that the unrest was caused as a result of resistance to her sexuality. Her frequent references to it seem to indicate that. Nothing could be further from the truth. My wife and I have been members of Saint Paulʼs Church for over 40 years, and have never witnessed or heard of any type of bias as a result of color of skin, ethnicity or sexual orientation. On the contrary, our church and its congre-

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gation have quietly and without fanfare gone about promoting an aura of inclusiveness in everything we do. Phil Krug was our rector in 1981. I believe his daughter was a lesbian. At that time our long time brilliant organist and choir master was gay, as was one of his replacements in later years. Over the years we have had a number of the congregation who identified as either gay or lesbian, and were totally comfortable in their surroundings at Saint Paulʼs. Why would they not be. We are all worshiping together, and following our Christian beliefs. In recent years, A couple in our congregation had a son who was very active in the gay community in New York City. When he died suddenly the memorial service was held at Saint Paulʼs. The

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We need to stop our consumption of Russian, Iranian and yes now we are seeking Venezuelan oil. How green are we if we continue to burn our enemiesʼ oil? We must also boycott any petroleum company that continues to refine Russian oil. For example, Shell Oil Co. is continuing to use Russian oil. They have pledged to give all profits to help Ukrainian refugees. How ironic, the purchase of the Russian oil is bankrolling Putinʼs invasion creating the refugees. We need an immediate boycott of any company that continues to sell Russian goods or energy products. It is time for our government and populace to stop this madman before he starts World War III. It may already be too late. The time is now to make our voices heard. Dr. William Greco Montvale

NOTE: Copy deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday. Publication not guaranteed. Letters must be signed, with town and tel. Send your letter to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

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Tracking change orders at emergency services building TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

The cost of the new emergency services building, taking shape on Washington Avenue and tentatively scheduled for move-in this spring, has increased by at least $216,785, about 4% over its original estimate. Thatʼs according to public records detailing 16 construction change orders since work began in late 2020. The cost of the building as a joint home for the townʼs volunteer firefighter and ambulance corps units has come under fire by residents over cost increases, its height and scale, its lack of an available project budget, and officialsʼ transparency on progress. Public records obtained we obtained note that 20 change orders have been issued. Most show increases, but a few decreases or credits, on building construction. The records returned do not specify totals for change orders 4, 6, 7, and 10. Pascack Press received the following reply March 8 to a public records request for the missing change orders. “Change Order #6 will be the concrete apron once it is issued. Change Order #4 has been provided to you via OPRA 87… on March 1. There are no change orders for 7 and 10 at this time. This OPRA request is considered CLOSED.” The OPRA request 87 referred to was Pascack Pressʼs request for all change orders issued on project. That request provided no change order “Change Order #4,” which was why we requested it again. It appears no actual change orders exist for numbers 4, 7, and 10. Our request for the recent $30,000 apron change order for

concrete was returned marked, “No such Government Record.” An approximately $30,000 change order was submitted to upgrade the material used for the buildingʼs drive apron from asphalt to concrete. (See “Another $30K gets apron material upgrade,” Pascack Press, March 7, 2022.) Administrator Robert Tovo said all parties had agreed the $30,000 increase was necessary as the concrete apron will hold up much better to use by the heavy apparatus. A firefighter website says average pumper and hook and ladder vehicles weigh 19–30 tons. At the March 7 meeting of the governing body, pressed on how the inferior material was allowed in the plans, Tovo said the increased cost was “not expected but still within

201.730.SOIL

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the overall budget” and that concrete was the advised material for the purpose. Member Steven Cascio responded in part, “Iʼm surprised the architect didnʼt know that.” At the same meeting, former council member Michael Ullman asked whether project planners had considered installing a radiant heating system beneath the apron to work against icing; Tovo said no. Previously approved change orders include $1,320.49 to cut and dispose of two maple trees; $1486.47 to clean, clear, and repair a pipe; $18,889.49 to remove three seepage tanks; $206,518.30 for “unforeseen conditions” during retaining wall installation; $13,514.84 for a parking lot extension by 3 feet including curbing;

$50,041.97 credit for removing a keystone retaining wall from contract; $4,051.10 for owner-requested interior windows in two rooms. Other changes were $2,141.86 credit for removal of fresh air inlets for heaters; a contractorʼs request for additional time (no charge and extra time not stated); $20,000 credit for removing automation controls from HVAC system; $2,298.05 for removal of two maple trees; $8,156.61 to change from MRL to elevator machine room; $2,703.53 to remove a maple tree at

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east end of property. Underneath that it notes the change order includes a $4,932.57 “net credit” back. Other concerns While the new building was needed to replace an outdated, 70year-plus-old firehouse to house fire and ambulance vehicles and volunteers, the structureʼs size and scale has come under fire from neighbors, who allege the building CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

B ck in time...

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

Etna for six years, suddenly an Emerson emerges

EMERSON

ARCH 9 MARKS the 113th anniversary of the borough selecting its rechristened name, Emerson, in 1909. The borough was incorporated as Etna in April 1903, amid the Bergen County “boroughitis” frenzy of the late 1800s to early 1900s. Six years after its incorporation as Etna, the boroughʼs governing body deemed it necessary to consider a name change. The oral history passed down from long-time residents of Emerson hints at a couple of possible reasons. Some share that it was over postal issues occurring at that time. It appears that mail for Etna, N.J. and Aetna, N.Y. were being misdelivered to one another, causing significant issues in ensuring timely service to residents. Borough minutes at the time reflect postal issues, at a minimum, did contribute to the boroughʼs decision to change its name. Some say the name Etna — also the name of a volcano in Italy — sounded “too Mediterranean.” The early 1900s was a time of cultural transition in the borough. There was an influx of Italian Catholic residents to the predominantly German Protestant population of Etna. News clippings of the era reflect that there were sometimes tensions between the residents due to the population shift. That said, research found no corroborating findings that directly link those tensions as a catalyst to move forward with the name change from Etna to Emerson. Borough minutes from the Feb. 9, 1909 regular meeting of the mayor and council include an agenda item for discussion: “The Question of Changing the Name of Etna.” At that meeting, Mayor R. M. Hart appointed a committee to research a possible name change for the borough. Serv-

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ing on the committee were Walter Schantz, J. A. Ackerman, and D. Wulff. The committee was instructed to research the item and report back to the full governing body at the next scheduled regular meeting. Indeed, at the March 9, 1909 regular meeting of the mayor and council, minutes show the committee advised that the borough take action on the item, offering three possible names for consideration: Emerson, Bellaire, and Sunridge. The committee shared that the “Post Office Department reports… there are no post offices in the states of New York or New Jersey named Emerson, Bellaire or Sunridge.” Although the minutes do not reflect the discussion that occurred at that meeting, they do note that a resolution was motioned by Councilman Savoye and seconded by Councilman Haring: “Be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Etna that the Borough now known as the Borough of Etna be hereafter known as the Borough of Emerson and that the latter title be and the

Youngsters at the Etna Train Station in the early 1900s.

same is hereby adopted as the corporate name of said Borough, pursuant to the provisions of an act entitled A General Act relating to boroughs.” The resolution passed unanimously and was adopted. Etna would be reincorporated as Emerson. It is widely believed that name Emerson was chosen in honor of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famed American poet and essayist. Dwight de Stefan, a local historian and the author of “Emerson, From Basilicata to Etna,” writes that “oral history provided by the late Helen Wulff Hillman indicates that Councilman Tim-

berman was a great admirer of Ralph Waldo Emerson. […] If so, he apparently had some influence over the committee.” In addition, the borough firemenʼs newly purchased helmets sported a large E helmet shield. Therefore, it is highly possible that the vote for a name change to Emerson required no additional uniform expenses for the borough. Neither the borough minutes nor news clippings of the era make mention as to whether Councilman Savoyeʼs influence or an additional uniform expense were factors as to

‘He went at his farming partner without gloves…’

RURAL ETNA had fewer than 400 residents at the time, but in autumn 1894 the boroughʼs name made it into the Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, and newspapers as far away as Kansas, Montana, and Iowa. ITTLE

ALL BECAUSE OF A BLACK CAT

BUSINESS PARTNERS FIGHT— ONE HAS THE OTHER ARRESTED A black cat is admitted to be the cause of a quarrel between two business partners of Etna, N.J., which has already resulted in the arrest of one. Mrs. Thomas F. Land and Mrs. D.G. Steinecke quarreled about the black cat and accused their husbands of cowardice because they kept out of the

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

fight, until, at last, the business partners and former friends punched each other on the barn floor. “It is all because Mrs. Land is superstitious about a black cat,” declared Mrs. Steinecke. “Our husbands were in business together, and we thought it would be nice for our two families to live together. Everything went well until Mrs. Land learned that I had brought a black cat here with me, when she became frightened. It is all nonsense to have any such idle fears, but she has got them. Iʼve got the cat and I guess it will break up our happy home.” She continued, “Mrs. Land has done everything she can to make us get rid of the cat. She said it killed her chickens. Why,

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

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I would be willing to put it in a cage with a little chicken and bet that it wouldnʼt hurt a feather.” “The cat does kill chickens, and Mrs. Steinecke must get rid of the cat or else get out of here,” was all that Mrs. Land said. Land and Steinecke, besides being in business together under the title of Land & Co. Steamfitters, are running a big farm in partnership. They had a drove of 25 New York truck horses to pasture and were Publisher Editor Assistant Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

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

why Emerson was chosen over Bellaire or Sunridge. For now, those possible factors will remain part of the folklore of Emerson. — Guest columnist Jill McGuire has been a resident of Emerson since 2006. She has served as chair of the Emerson Historic Preservation Committee and a trustee of the Westwood Heritage Society. She is a councilwoman for Emerson. You can often find her working the Westwood Heritage Societyʼs Museum Day, the second Saturday of the month, and at the societyʼs events throughout the year.

making a good thing out of their farming scheme, as well as out of their steamfitting business. Their business affairs prospered until Mrs. Land declared that the black cat or the Steinecke family had to go. Every time an accident happened Mrs. Land declared that it was because of the presence of a black cat. The climax came when a valuable horse died. Mrs. Land was on hand with her black-cat theory and her husband became so enraged that he went at his farming partner without gloves on the threshing floor of the barn. To offset his arrest for assault he has had Steinecke sued for ejectment.

— Kristin Beuscher is taking a week off from Back in Time to put the finishing touches on the latest Relics, published by the Pascack Historical Society. This item is from our archive.

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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Parklets, gamelets, green streets: The future of Hillsdale? BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A councilman on the boroughʼs Economic Development Committee has reported on several new ideas toward boosting commerce, increasing foot traffic and safety, and creating more dining options downtown. In a brief presentation, “Rethinking Streets,” Councilman Frank Pizzella said at the March 1 meeting of the governing body that streets represent “the livelihood of our community and the foundation of suburban life.” He pressed his colleagues to consider new options to assist local businesses and entice more people to come to the boroughʼs downtown

to help spur revitalization. Pizzella said he hoped the council would take these ideas up at a later date. Mayor John Ruocco had asked Pizzella and the Economic Development Committee to come forward with suggestions to “liberalize” current code and allow outdoor dining options. “I donʼt want Hillsdale not to do it when these other towns are doing it,” the mayor said. Pizzella told council that options to expand outdoor dining spaces are already being used in New Jersey and elsewhere. He said these start out gradually and often evolve and become more permanent. He said some options to increase downtown visits and expand dining include seasonal

parklets, which extend the sidewalk and take up the space of one or more parking spaces, to expand the footprint for dining and retail sales. He said parklets are “basically an extension of the sidewalk” that allow dining tables or retail goods to be placed in a protected place just off the curb allow pedestrians to pass by unhindered by tables or wares blocking the sidewalk. Other options, he said, may be a “streetery” that permits the borough to close the street and allow for outdoor dining or retail. He said a “gamelet” — similar to a parklet in using existing parking space — could be an area set up with tables for chess or board games or other passive activities. These would “be for fun

and create interest” in the downtown, he said. Also, he floated the creation of “public green streets” would allow the public to use the street for safely strolling and accessing downtown stores and shops safely without vehicle traffic. “Basically what weʼre trying to do is promote safety, promote safe spaces, promote local business,” said Pizzella. He said such additions could help create a sense of place downtown, revitalize the downtown, and promote walking and biking. His presentation included links for more information and resources that can help town officials consider what options may be best suited for Hillsdale. He showed examples of possible parklets and expanded outdoor

dining options for Hillsdale to consider. He also showed a boroughwide map and suggested specific street options to increase pedestrian traffic, including Broadway, Hillsdale, Avenue, Orchard Street, Park Avenue, and a possible walkway from the Patterson Street Redevelopment Area. He said Orchard Street might become a “green street” and link the redevelopment area to the downtown. Also, Park Avenue could have outdoor dining options, as traffic is generally light there, he said. Pizzella said it was important for officials to decide where temporary outdoor dining might CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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DIVIDED SCHOOL BOARD RETAINS EMPLOYEE VACCINATION POLICY

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

A split Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education failed to pass an updated school employee vaccination policy at the Feb. 28 meeting, a move that leaves the original policy in effect, requiring district employees to be fully vaccinated or tested at least weekly. The vote was 3-3. Voting

against were Pat Luisi, Debra Stephans and Michael Weaver. Voting for were James Stankus, Gini Varghese, and President Joseph Blundo. Absent were VP Tammy Molinelli, Kelly Blundy and Kristin Martin. Paul Zeller, director of technology and communication, and the districtʼs spokesman, explained that as the amendment was not approved, the current policy remains in effect as approved September 2021. He said the district has 22

employees who are not vaccinated and are screened weekly for Covid-19, per state requirements with regard to exemptions. District officials said 297 fulltime employees are “fully vaccinated,” meaning they have completed a one-shot-only or two-shot vaccine series against Covid-19. “All unvaccinated employees, regardless of exemptions, are required and continue to be screened. To be clear, unvaccinated employees are not in jeopardy of losing their jobs and will not be

terminated. They are simply required to be screened for Covid19 weekly until the state requirements are changed,” Zeller said. He explained that by not having an updated policy the board risks not being in sync with state Department of Education health guidance on Covid-19. As well, the board could lose points in one element of the stateʼs district self-evaluation system for public school districts, or NJQSAC, an acronym for New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum. The NJQSAC system monitors and evaluates districts on metrics of instruction and programs, fiscal soundness, governance, and operations and personnel. According to Interim Super-

intendent Daniel Fishbein, the vote might have an impact on funding though it struck him as unlikely as pandemic regulations are eased statewide with Gov. Phil Murphyʼs removal of school mask mandates, in class and on buses, effective March 7. Opinions from board members on maintaining vaccination requirements varied, especially given the slowing spread of Covid-19 variants and general relaxation of mask and social distance mandates. The old policy allows all those not wanting to be vaccinated to be tested weekly instead. However, Fishbein said when the vaccination policy

Hillsdale: Streets be permitted now, noting “you cannot make outdoor dining a reality if you cannot tell a business where it would go.” First, he said, officials must decide where outdoor dining will be allowed that still allows safe pedestrian passage. He said along Broadway, the sidewalk is not

FROM PAGE 5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

large enough for outdoor dining and pedestrians to pass safely, especially elderly people. Pizzella said he would present suggestions to incorporate expanded dining options into borough code soon. He noted grants may be available to help businesses purchase prefabricated parklets that allow for easy installation and removal.

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Woo! Asbestos remediation over spring break struction to assure the contaminants do not go airborne and that everyone in the building will continue to remain safe” The timeline ZELLER for the work is April 18–22, which is during the district spring break, said Zeller. At Pascack Valley High School, the areas are second floor menʼs and womenʼs restrooms, first floor common bathroom, and the kitchen boiler room. At Pascack Hills High School, the areas are first floor toilet room, first floor custodial closet, first floor robotics team office, second floor toilet room, second floor custodial

WESTWOOD

Swish! NJ Special Olympics Basketball

The North Jersey Blast is excited to announce that Westwood Rec has joined the Special Olympics for basketball. If youʼre an adult who would like to keep playing, consider joining the team. Itʼs free to play. Practices are at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson, Ave., on Saturdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Games are on Sundays at

Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton. There is also an opportunity to play in a Special Olympics tournament in Wildwood on March 26–27. Contact Reggie Malz at Bask8BaLL247365@aol.com or (201) 317-3585 so you can fill out the paperwork online.

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

closet, second floor music room, and HVAC duct vibration collars in several locations. A pre-bid meeting held Feb. 23 was a prerequisite for bidders, the notice states. It says project specifications and bid documents can be obtained via Ahera Consultants Inc. of Oceanville. The district has the right to reject any and all bids and to waive immaterial deficiencies in the bidding if it is in the interest of the regional district to do so, states a public notice published Feb. 11. For more information visit pascack.org. — Michael Olohan

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Bids for asbestos removal and disposal at both regional high schools are due back to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District office in Montvale by March 11. The bids are being solicited in advance of summer upgrades for HVAC systems and bathroom facilities at both schools. Funding for the abatement projects will come via capital reserve and maintenance reserve accounts. “The consultant found that asbestos abatement is required for the completion of these projects, in both buildings,” said Pascack Valley District spokesperson Paul Zeller. He added, “It is important to note that the asbestos found is all currently contained and not a danger to anyone in the buildings. Abatement is required prior to con-

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Master Plan update gets planners’ vote March 16 BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Residents wishing to preview the boroughʼs newly updated 2022 Master Plan — scheduled for a Planning Board vote on Wednesday, March 16 at 5 p.m. — can access the 95-page document on the boardʼs webpage. It can also be accessed at wclnj.com. Search for Master Plan. The document was posted March 6. If the Planning Board signs off in it, itʼll go before the Borough Council for a final vote. The new $70,000 Master Plan

use and is as close to 100% highdensity residential without actually stating it.” He said in a letter to the editor on Feb. 28, “Most disturbing is the attempt by the Planning Board to defend loading virtually 100% of new high-density and COAH-eligible development on the east side of town while creating a special ʻcarveoutʼ for a significant 5-plus-acre parcel located, not surprisingly, on the other side of town.” In 2019, during Zoning Board hearings on an application to put 60 rental apartment units at 188 Broadway, which was rejected, the boroughʼs Master Plan had come under fire for being outdated.

update has been beset by controversy over its yearlong development and revision, and throughout 2021 was the focus of townwide meetings, surveys, and recently public criticism. (See “Master Plan overhaul raises concerns,” Pascack Press, Feb. 28, 2022.) A local citizen organization opposed to high-density overdevelopment, Woodcliff Lake SHINE, has opposed the planʼs density allowance of up to 10 units per acre on the boroughʼs east side. Moreover, a former councilman, Craig Marson, recently called for the newly updated draft Master Plan to be tabled, charging “their plan seems to minimize real mixed-

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In most cases, Master Plans are fully updated every decade or so, while periodic reexaminations are generally undertaken every 3–5 years. The Master Plan was last fully updated in 2002, with several reexaminations over the last two decades. While the Master Plan update was approved by council in early 2021 for $50,000, another $20,000 increase was approved that November to complete two new sections addressing borough circulation and utilities. Neither element had been included in the original proposal but planners agreed both should be updated in the new plan. The Circulation Element includes: vehicular circulation; signalized intersections; modes of public transportation; public bus lines; public train line; walking paths; and circulation objectives. The objectives include traffic incidents and areas of concern; and pedestrian connectivity. The Utility Element includes: Utility Service Plan objectives; sanitary sewer; water supply; electricity and natural gas; culverts; and stormwater. “The 2022 Woodcliff Lake Master Plan is a comprehensive planning and regulatory framework to guide future development and investment within the community for the next 10 years. The Master Plan outlines the communityʼs

vision of its future and provides a roadmap to realize that vision,” notes the draft Master Planʼs introduction. “At its core, the Master Plan forms the policy foundation for the Boroughʼs development regulations and other planning decisions. It serves as a guide for elected officials, municipal staff, business owners, potential investors, residents, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions affecting land use, transportation, natural resources, and other factors that shape the built environment and quality of life of the community,” reads the document. The revision lists 16 planning districts under zones including: one-family residential, affordable housing, Broadway Business, Chestnut Ridge Road Business, Executive/Administrative/Researc h Office, Office Research, Special Office, and Affordable Housing Overlay Zones.

Broadway Corridor explained The plan lists Broadway, Tice Boulevard and Chestnut Ridge Road as “the three main commercial areas within the borough.” The plan excerpt below describes Broadway. “The commercial portion of the Broadway corridor extends from the Woodcliff Lake train staCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Trustee apologizes over ‘misunderstanding’ on Brown v. Board BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD REGIONAL DISTRICT

A trusteeʼs remarks at a late January school board meeting — tying then-district policy on unvaccinated students to a 1954 court decision that ruled segregation of Black students in public schools was unconstitutional — erupted again at the boardʼs March 3 meeting. Kristin Pedersenʼs comment has roiled the Westwood and Washington Township school communities, incited angry social media posts, and led to appeals for courtesy and civility from the regional board president at board meetings. At the Jan. 27 meeting Pedersen had said the treatment of children under state DOH quarantine rules did not appear equal, “and almost feels a little reminiscent of the situation that led to the 1954 Brown versus Board of Ed

PEDERSEN

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Supreme Court ruling that dismantled segregation in schools.” She said there is “no one-size fits all solution” and called for the district “to implement protocols that put the decision-making back with the parents.” Pedersen, a finance executive and mother of two in the district, said a healthy child should come to school “and experience an equal education” and if a child is sick, parents should “do the right thing” and keep them home. She said under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitutionʼs 14th Amendment, children are entitled to equal edu-

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cation opportunities in New Jersey “void of discriminatory mandates or laws and we as a board of education took an oath to support the (U.S.) Constitution.” Pedersen said she felt the then-current DOH quarantine recommendations “to be discriminatory” based on a childʼs vaccination status. She noted this “creates a stigma for a portion of the population. It adds additional stress to children that are already suffering from the emotional and mental trauma of the past two years.” She said the treatment of children under state DOH quarantine rules did not appear equal, “and almost feels a little reminiscent of the situation that led to the 1954 Brown versus Board of Ed Supreme Court ruling that dismantled segregation in schools.” Pedersen spoke again at the board meetings on Feb. 17 and March 3, meetings heated in hourlong public comment periods with parents deriding and supporting Pedersenʼs position. Both meetings featured testy exchanges, harsh criticisms, and sometimes divisive repartee between parents and board members. On March 3, former trustee Tommy Snee praised Pedersenʼs “courageous leadership” on the districtʼs unvaccinated learners. He said she had become the target of a “very small, noisy group” opposing her on social media. He noted the last few board meetings, running 3- and 4-plushours long, reminded him of “disastrous meetings of last year” when divisive meetings went for hours. Many of those meetings were marked by ongoing personality conflicts between specific

board members and occasionally, administrative staff. Joanne Morell said she counted on Pedersenʼs board meeting recaps on social media prior to her election and was grateful to have her voice now as a trustee. She said “She has a right to express herself in the way she expresses herself” and that residents with differing views should not see Pedersenʼs comments as “racially insensitive.” Washington Townshipʼs David Ritchie called Pedersenʼs Feb. 17 explanation “a non-apology” and expressed his disappointment. He said his objection to her comments was not about “canceling anyone” but rather about “human decency.” Ritchie read Pedersenʼs Jan. 27 statement noting her use of the word “reminiscent” and defining the term: tending to remind one of something; suggesting something by resemblance. “This statement is insensitive and offensive. It is either a gross understatement of Americaʼs understanding of its history of segregation or a gross exaggeration of the quarantine recommendation. Either way it is ignorant,” he said. Pedersen, who in 2020 launched a petition to remove then-Superintendent Ray Gonzalez in part over school closure and transparency, took pains at the Feb. 17 school board meeting to clarify her position, which she said “has been potentially misconstrued by a few people and maybe misunderstood as well.” She said, “I apologize for the misunderstanding or if what I was trying to convey did not come through effectively. In no way was I trying to compare the

current situation to anything that Blacks experienced. Obviously, very different circumstances.” She said she had her original remarks in front of her and asserted that they established she had not made “a comparison” between Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka and unvaccinated students. She said she referenced the decision “simply because it dismantled segregation in public schools and at the time we had certain students, the unvaccinated, who were being segregated.” Pedersen described herself as “a vocal advocate for our children and for equal educational opportunities and I will continue to speak out against acts of segregation. But you have my word that I will be sensitive to any references, and ensure that they are crystal-clear going forward. And again I do apologize for the misunderstanding.” When she finished speaking and members began reacting, Board President Frank Romano III of the Township of Washington interrupted them, banging his gavel. “Excuse me please, excuse me, please folks, itʼs not a twoway conversation. I know itʼs emotional but itʼs not a two-way conversation, thank you,” he said. He urged attendees to not interrupt the meeting “out of respect” and reminded them that no one had interrupted them during their five minutes at the podium. When audience reaction continued, Romano moved to adjourn into closed session until 9:45 p.m. Neither Romano nor CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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LIBRARY CALENDAR: PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave.

(201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • The Monday Book Club will discuss “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson at the next meeting, Monday, March 14 at 12:30 p.m. The club meets at the library on the second Monday of the month. For information, email info@hfpl.org. • Join the Knitting Group to chat with friendly fellow knitters as everyone works on their own projects. Meeting Tuesday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. Bring your own materials. Space is limited, so register online. • Girls Go Coding is conducting free Introduction to Python classes at the library. Four-week series runs Tuesday afternoons, 5–6 p.m., starting March 15. The aim of these classes is to provide girls access to STEM opportunities to foster interest in computer science. The class will provide role models and an environment in which they can feel comfortable exploring STEM. All girls, especially those in middle or high school, are welcome to register. Bring a laptop or Chromebook. • Join Maria on the library patio and start the day with a Chair Yoga class. Chair Yoga brings the floor to you and is a gentle but satisfying workout ideal for seniors or those who find regular yoga too aggressive. Thursday, March 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration required. Class will be moved indoors in bad weather. • Zumba via Zoom is Thursday, March 17 at 4:30 p.m. Janet Weller, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, leads a dance-based workout. Register for Zoom link. • The Thursday Evening Book Group will meet virtually to discuss “The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich on March 17 from 7–8:30 p.m. This meeting is via Zoom. New members welcome. Email info@hfpl.org.

Patricia J. Villano

• Get away from your screens and bring the family to BINGO Night live at the library, Monday, March 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. Fun, fast-paced play for all ages—with actual prizes! Space will be somewhat limited, so registration is appreciated. Bring your own daubers if you have them, but the library will provide everything you need to play. MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org

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• Learn how art historian Mallory Mortillaro uncovered a lost Rodin sculpture, a bust of Napoleon (Napoleon wrapped in his dreams), that languished in the conference room of a borough hall in New Jersey for over 75 years! “Discovery of a Masterpiece” is virtual, via Zoom, Thursday, March 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register for Zoom link.

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• Artist Peri will host a virtual Kids Art Class, via Zoom, Monday, March 14 at 4 p.m. With stepby-step instructions kids will create a personal work of art. All you need is paper, a pencil, and crayons. Age 6 and older. Registration is required. • Strength Training for 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.

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EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Miss Danielle will offer a session of Little Bookworms (yoga and storytime) for age 6 and under Monday, March 14 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Learn silly yoga poses, hear a story, and create a Pete the Cat craft with your little one. Registration required for each child. • 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. • Miss Jolie Music is on Zoom this Wednesday, March 16 from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Children ages 1–6 will laugh, learn, dance, and play along with Miss Jolie and her ukulele. This session brings songs and rhymes about lucky leprechauns. Register online. • The library will hold an Afterschool Craft for grades K–6 Wednesday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m. Make a DIY stained glass jar by turning an eight-sided faceted plastic jar into a display piece perfect for storing all sorts of items! There is also a grab-and-go option for those who would rather complete the craft at home. Choose your option during registration. Open to Emerson residents only. • Fairy tales! Mysteries! Adventures! Join Miss Victoria for Afternoon Storytime every Thursday in March 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. • Miss Shelley of Every Little Thing Yoga presents Virtual Family Yoga Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m. Log on with Zoom to play, move and learn with the whole family. Register online.

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Is convenience killing the dental industry? Part one: Laser technology

I will never forget the first day I went for my training using what is referred to as a “laser.” Lasers are a new technology in denPRIYU GUPTA, DDS, tistry, utilized WESTWOOD for the purpose PERIODONTICS of performing gum surgery,

which is technically referred to as periodontal surgery. I attended that training course in lasers about 15 years ago, when I was a recent graduate from UMDNJ, now known as New Jersey School of Dentistry. I completed three years of additional surgical training, following dental school, in order to be a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon. The laser course I attended

back in 2007 was at the infamous Mortonʼs Steakhouse in NYC. The laser technology company provided an endless wine list and many delicacies. As the lecture began, one of the lecturing doctors approached me and stated, “Throw away your textbook, this is the new way to do surgery! What you learned in school is outdated.” I was shocked and confused—the only thought that circulated my mind was my student

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loan debt. As this person took the stage and began explaining how healing takes place using the laser, I especially recall the photo slides he used, which were all straight from my textbook, the one he so passionately told me to throw away. As the lecture delved deeper into the material, I realized that he is a general dentist. My confusion had left, leaving pure shock. Why is a general dentist telling me to throw away my textbook and then using the same material to lecture at me? I knew in that moment that I was not going to learn a single new thing from this experience, so my mind started drifting to gauge the enthusiasm of the crowd. “How can anyone be interested in such basic material?” I thought. My boredom evolved into anger when I realized that the entire room was filled with general dentists, all of whom were interested in the material he presented. As the lecture neared its end, the sales pitch of buying the $100,000 laser began. I was saddened by this experience, because what essentially was happening was this laser company was targeting general dentists, not dental surgeons, and they were presenting the basic sciences of surgery without showing one minutia of scientific evidence that the laser can get the job done with a high level of success.

This is a growing problem in dentistry, where the marketing of lasers has replaced real discussions on proof of efficacy, coupled with the idea that pointing a laser at the gum line instantly replaces the skillset of the hands holding the laser. Thatʼs in no way an attack on general dentists. However, the more this specific technology is promoted without any emphasis that gum surgery should remain specialized to surgeons, the more these productsʼ efficacy and long-term results never come into question. For patients who truly want the luxury of convenience by going to their general dentist for a “one stop shop” procedure, itʼs never that easy, and in laser technologyʼs case, itʼs rarely that painless, inexpensive, or effective, either. I continue to attend the laser lectures, waiting to see some scientific evidence. It has been 15 years and the marketers of laser technology have yet to prove themselves or publish a singular clinical trial which shows superior results to even a deep cleaning. Yet the ads continue specifically to those practitioners who are not trained in gum surgery. For more information, call Westwood Periodontics at (201) 664-3023 or visit us at 354 Old Hook Road #201 in Westwood or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.

Club News?

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

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51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Join Miss Renee for Storytime every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the First Friends room (across the hall from the library). Geared towards 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 10–10:30 a.m. Stories, science, and more geared towards kids in primary grades. FROM PAGE 11

No registration needed. • STEAM Thursday is all about making crafts and trying science experiments. Classes meet in person at 3:45 p.m. Grades K–5. Register online. • Calling all coloring fans, stitchers, knitters, crocheters, and

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • Does your child like to write or have lots of ideas that

PH wrestling dominates - champs again!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

MONTVALE

BY MARNEE ROSEN SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

The Pascack Hills wrestling team crushed it in a third consecutive championship season this year, winning the Big North Patriot League title as well as a County Group title. The team finished 17-5 on the year with league wins

their team and they had to be our main guys who had to come through and come through they did,” Pascack Hills head coach Dave Bucco said after completing his 14th season. The Broncos started their season at a tough opening tourney at Delaware Valley, where the results

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Celebrate Pi Day on Monday, March 14 with an Adult Take and Make Craft from the library. Pick up the supplies to create a DIY paper pie box at home. One per person, while supplies last. • Catch “House of Gucci” (R, 2021) at the libraryʼs Movie Matinee Tuesday, March 15 from 1–3 The Broncos in high spirits after clinching Big North Patriot after their win vs. p.m. Space is limited and seating Ramsey. (Team photo) is first come, first served. All participants must sign a hold harm- over Westwood, Mahwah, River did not exactly go the teamʼs way. Dell and Ramsey. less agreement to attend. That said, the tough competition In 2020 the team won the Big benefitted them as they moved to • The Mahjong Club meets Tuesday, March 15 from 5–7:30 North American League title. In their dual meet season. p.m. Bring friends or come alone 2021 the Broncos were named The Broncos beat league rival and find new partners. Experi- Small School Team of the Year. Westwood by 30 points in their first “Iʼm really proud of this team. dual — and then Mahwah by 54 enced adult players only. Bring your 2021 Mahjong card and your A lot of these wrestlers were points — and then had their big own tiles, if possible. See the involved during the last two cham- showdown against the returning pionship seasons but they were league champs and Big School libraryʼs website for details. • At the Adult Craft session more of the secondary figures on Team of the Year River Dell, where Thursday, March 17 from 10–11 those teams. This year, this was the Broncos prevailed, a.m., River Vale residents 18 and older are invited to make a lucky shamrock centerpiece in the libraryʼs community room. All materials will be provided. Space is limited; registration is required. TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Yoga with Miss Danielle, for children ages 2–5 with a caregiver, is Monday, March 14 at 10 a.m. Stories come to life through interactive yoga poses. Class will be in person. Register online. • Itʼs Marvel Monday on March 14 at 3:30 p.m. In this series, the library is screening the Marvel cinematic universe movies in chronological order. Hang out with friends as everyone watches along. Guardians, note these movies are rated PG-13 for some language and violence/action sequences. • Virtual Preschool Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and the libraryʼs website.

Grades 6–12. Kit pickup is Monday, March 21. Register online.

3:45 p.m. A teen volunteer leads kids in exploring fun drawing techniques. Register online. • Sign up for the Teen Craft and reserve a kit to make your own custom jelly soaps. Included is the glycerin-based soap base, various fragrances, colors, instructions, and two soap molds. Mix and match colors and scents to create a truly custom soap!

36-34. The Broncos wrapped up their league title with a 13-point win over Ramsey in the final week of the season. “Much respect to all of our league rivals,” Bucco said. “This was only the second time weʼve been able to knock off River Dell in the last 20+ years and chasing that type of program has definitely elevated our program. That is a team

that is always well coached and itʼs a match we always have circled on the schedule. It was a total team effort, but we got the job done.” The teamʼs next goal: winning a County Group title, which came on Jan. 22 and 23 at Hackensack High School. Bucco described that competition as “really tough, as there were three teams ranked in the Top CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Library Calendar

more! The Adult Coloring and Craft Group meets Fridays at 1 p.m. in the community room. Coloring and crafting promote relaxation and keep your mind active. Use the coloring supplies provided or bring your own craft project to work on. • Art Club for Kids, a monthly program for grades K–5, will meet Friday, March 18 at

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

eats

Dining & Cooking Guide

Board: Vaccination began last September, unvaccinated employees were being tested twice weekly, but that changed to once weekly in October. Trustee Michael Weaver said that having a vaccination policy doesnʼt seem to be following the data that indicates declining cases of Covid and lower transmission rates. He said having a vaccination policy “contradicts what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is saying.” He questioned when the board should ask the state education department, and said, “What is the point of this vaccination policy?” He said he understands that the board still needs to follow state mandates. However, he added, “This policy no longer seems logical and doesnʼt seem to make sense.” Trustee James Stankus said “Vaccines have been known to work to keep people out of hospitals” and said he feels that the vaccination requirement is necessary. He said although the vaccines may not guarantee the virus wonʼt be transmitted, “It does keep people from getting severely sick.” Trustee Gini Varghese said the vaccination requirement was about keeping teachers healthy

FROM PAGE 6

THE

and keeping teachers in school for students. She said teachers not being in school “does have significant impact on students” and that “protecting our teachers is a really important point.” Pat Luisi said the Supreme Court “got it right” when they voted against a government vaccine mandate for private companies over 100 employees. He said the reasons people chose not to be vaccinated may be valid, invalid, ignorant or logical but noted heʼd “hate to see someone not be able to efficiently work because of a requirement like this.” Debra Stephans said people could still wear masks if they were not comfortable getting the vaccine. “Itʼs your safety if you feel more comfortable wearing it.” Blundo said he voted in favor because he supported the education departmentʼs mandates and worried about possible impacts on NJQSAC-related district funding. Fishbein agreed with Weaver that the district might “be dinged” for its non-vaccine policy compliance but that it would not likely face major funding impacts. The defeated policy amendment included one revision: “Workers who do not submit test results on the specified day must stay home and will not be paid for that day.”

Cookies with Drew

Photo courtesy Jessica Liik

RIVER VALE

Daisy Troop 98287 members Riley Hawkes, Riley Noonan, Isabella Liik, and Ashlynn DiMaria will appear on “The Drew Barrymore Show” on Monday, March 14 to help celebrate National Girl Scout Day by delivering Drew Barrymore and Ross Mathews Girl Scout Cookies. “The Drew Barrymore Show” airs at 9 a.m. on CBS.

Pascack Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley.

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Can’t get out to Giulio’s Restaurant? Prepare its signature dish at home

Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes walkins, but takes reservations and offers takeout. Giulioʼs will be delighted to host your holiday business of family parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines. Enjoy making our Signature Dish at Home!

Black Angus Ribeye Steak

What youʼll need: • 22 oz. Black Angus Ribeye Steak • Salt & Pepper • Fresh Herbs (garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.) What to do: • Season steak with salt, pepper and herbs. • Grill or broil for 3 min. each side for medium rare.

Serve with fried onion rings, garlic mashed potatoes

and sauteed spinach. • Buon Appetito! Giulioʼs Restaurant is located

Visit Giulioʼs website for its m e n u : www.giuliosrestaurant.com

Black Angus Ribeye Steak

Pull up a chair at Giulio’s Restaurant, where elegance meets affordable — and delicious — Italian cuisine. at 154 Washington Street, Tappan NY. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

For reservations, take-out, catering, and more, call (845) 354-3657.

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

1972

Pesto Italian Bistro Enjoy fresh ingredients, traditional table service and help us create an experience to your taste.

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ALMOST THERE THIS COMING MONDAY, MARCH 21 WE’LL TURN 50... In 1971, 3 friends decided to step off their life treadmill and buy a local shot and beer tavern, the Park Tavern, in Westwood. Marion, Dudley and Bill would ride the Iron Horse and try a two year experiment in the restaurant business. They persuaded Lee to leave his surfboards in San Diego and babysit / bartend in their new venture. And here I am 50 years later (they all retired), trying to figure out what happened

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Library Calendar

would make a great story? Then sign them up for the Intro to Creative Writing Workshop, where they will learn to brainstorm, outline, and make a story board. For grades 3–5 on Google Meet, Monday, March 14 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Register online. • Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency for Beginners is online, via Zoom, Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. This is an overview of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, forms of digital money that can be exchanged directly, person-to-person, without the need of a third party or bank intermediary. Presenter Lindsley Medlin is an international executive with more than 30 years of experience building and running businesses. He has studied Bitcoin in depth and is the FROM PAGE 13

Dining & Cooking Guide

founder of the NJ Blockchain Center. Register online. • Peek A Book Story Time is in the childrenʼs room Wednesdays in March from 10:30–11 a.m. Bring your little one, age 5 or under, to hear stories, dance to action songs, enjoy some fingerplays and more, all while building literacy and socialization skills. Register online. • Crafternoon (grades K–5) is on Google Meet Wednesday, March 16 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Each month brings a unique craft to create, followed by themed trivia. A craft kit will be supplied to each registered child. Sign up online. • The Online Book Group meets via Zoom on Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “Finding Freedom” by Erin

HILLSDALE

HUMC HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE MARCH 26

Hillsdale United Methodist Church invites you to a holiday boutique on Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This event is sponsored by the United Methodist Women, who work all year to raise funds for missions around the world. According to the event announcement, “This is a chance for our community to shop for the spring in a way that will benefit others. Shopping local and supporting

our church will be the best way to get some great products as well as support our missions.” Youʼll find an abundance of craftware, the work of local artisans, jewelry, skin care products, and more. Admission is free all are welcome. Local businesses and organizations interested in participating should contact Lesa Brinker at umwrocks@gmail.com or call (201) 390-7442.

and spelling through worksheets and video games to help with phonemic awareness and reading. Worksheets will be provided. Register online. • Junior Library Council presents “Friday Night Folk Tales” on Instagram every Friday in March 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; March brings Celtic/Irish tales. Best for ages 4–10. Readings are posted Friday evenings on Instagram. • Longtime Bergen County resident Dan Schlossberg presents

French. All adults are welcome. Register online. • Try your hand at Pen & Paper Games in the libraryʼs upstairs meeting room Friday mornings in March at 10 a.m. All adults are invited for good conversation and to play some fun games requiring only pen and paper. Each week brings a different set of games and a small prize. Register as space is limited. • Could your early reader use a spelling/reading boost? The library presents “Spelling, Sights & Sounds” on Google Meet, Friday, March 18 at 4 p.m. This class will review sight words, sounds,

“Baseball Oddities & Ironies,” a live program that includes a trivia contest with prizes and a book signing, Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the library. The former AP sportswriter and author of nearly 40 baseball books will present a humorous baseball PowerPoint, take questions, and conclude by signing copies of his 480-page illustrated paperback, “The New Baseball Bible: Notes, Nuggets, Lists, and Legends From Our National Pastime.” Register online. • Children grades 1–3 are CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Join Us For

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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WESTWOOD

Dining & Cooking Guide PASCACK VALLEY

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP MEETS TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Seniors 55 and up, join the Westwood Senior Fellowship the second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at Westwood Community Center, 55 jefferson Ave. During the year the group enjoys luncheons, trips and special events.

The next meeting, April 12, features a Westwood police offer, who will speak on how to protect yourself against scams. All seniors are welcome to attend. For more information call (201) 664-4538.

Break the ice at Valley Toastmasters

Many people fear public speaking. At Valley Toastmasters you can develop great public speaking skills and the confidence to conquer this fear. Toastmasters International is a private, non-profit organization to develop public speaking and

leadership skills with thousands of clubs worldwide. Itʼs great training for job interviews and membership on resumes is impressive. Learn and have fun in a friendly, supportive environment at one of the premiere Toastmasters clubs in

Northern New Jersey. Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month, currently on Zoom from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Guests are always welcome. For more information, call: (201) 767-3063 or visit 3181.toastmastersclubs.org.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

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The Woodcliff Lake Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Lt. Steve Regula to Captain and Officer Matthew Schanel to Sergeant. Regula has been an officer with the department since January 2001. He became a sergeant in December 2014 and a lieutenant in April 2019. He has been an

integral part in the Woodcliff Lake Police Department, attaining accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Schanel has been an officer with the department since January 2014. He has been assigned to the Traffic Bureau and to assist in the Detective Bureau. He has also

been certified as a field training officer. The department thanks Mayor Carlos Rendo, Police Commissioner Josephine Higgins, Police Commissioner Richard Schnoll, and the other Council members for all their support in enabling these promotions to move forward.

Here to serve and protect: Woodcliff Lake Police Department (courtesy photo).

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RIVER VALE

PV Theatre is proud to bring the fun, family-friendly production “Youʼre A Good Man, Charlie Brown” to Pascack Valley High School in its annual spring musical production. Charlie Brown and the “Peanuts” gang explore lifeʼs great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over crushes, and technological enhancements and celebrate the joy of friendto the K-8 students in Hillsdale,. ship. For more information, visit The production offers group hefnj.com or email sales and pricing for groups of 10 info@HEFNJ.com. or more for all shows: Thursday, March 17, and Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March

Pre-K T-ball registration open

Local children entering kindergarten this fall are eligible to take part in the spring T-ball program. The 2022 clinic runs Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m. April 30; May 7, 14, and 21; and June 4 and 11 (no session Memorial Day weekend) at Holdrum School field. The cost is $50 per child.

PV Theatre spring musical March 17–19

Registration is required via River Valeʼs Community Pass system through March 31. Want to enrich your child's experience? Become a coach. No baseball/softball experience is necessary. For the requirements, visit the town website, rivervalenj.org.

your group name announced at the show. Available for purchase at the event: patches (can also be preordered and prepaid when you register your group); concession stand snacks and drinks; PV Theatre spiritwear; and candygrams for cast/crew members.

19, at 1 and 7 p.m. Group sales includes discount tickets ($16 adults, $8 children/students); personal liaison at the event; cast autograph signing and photo ops after the show; and

Learn more! For more information about the performances, visit pvhstheatre.org. For group registration, write publicity chairs Pamela Duffus at pamduffus@hotmail.com or Maria Leibfried at leibfried2@hotmail.com.

Pascack Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

CALL OR LOG ON TODAY!

RIVER VALE

Rotary scholarship application available

The Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation is granting college scholarships to local high school students this year. Scholarships are available to seniors living in Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake. The club will select recipients based upon need, ability, and contributions to the community. This year one scholarship will be granted to a Park Ridge High School senior majoring in education, in memory of Dr. Robert Balentine, former superintendent of PRHS, who was a member of the Park Ridge Rotary Club.

The completed application and supporting documents should be submitted by April 15. Selected students will be notified in June. The club will notify schools with a recipient in advance of presenting the awards at senior assemblies. Applications are at the guidance department of Park Ridge and Pascack Hills high school and via parkridgerotaryclub.org. Contact Rotary Scholarship Chair Linda Hanlon at (973) 2444537 or lhanlon@kearnybank.com. Address: Linda Hanlon, 211 Cambridge Ave., Saddle Brook, N.J. 07663.

HILLSDALE

MAKERS DAY AT HILLSDALE LIBRARY MARCH 26

The Hillsdale Free Public Library seeks local artists, crafters, makers, and inventors for a oneday exhibition of creativity and craft. Consider entering something in this community showcase, NJ Makers Day at Hillsdale Library, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who knit, crochet, sew, build, join, turn, paint, sculpt, bake, code, solder, or otherwise invent are encouraged to submit an entry

form by March 20. Download and print the entry from from the library website: hfpl.org. Visit the library for demonstrations and giveaways. Make a button on the button machine. Watch the laser cutter in action. Meet your creative neighbors. Find inspiration. — Via David J. Franz, director Hillsdale Free Public Library 509 Hillsdale Ave.

Give your business the attention it deserves! TO PLACE YOUR AD Call 201.664.2105 fax 201.664.2109 or email us at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool Enjoy swim lessons and numerous activities, including competitive swim and dive teams throughout the pool season.

We Welcome Non Residents! Pool registration will be conducted electronically this year using Community Pass. Visit our website at www.parkridgeboro.com for registration details. A limited number of registration packets will be available at the pool located at 123 Colony Avenue weekends beginning on May 7 from noon until 3PM.

Rates Remain The Same As 2019 Resident Family ........................$410 Resident Single..........................$300 Resident Seniors........................FREE Non-Resident Family ................$510

Non-Resident Single......................$360 Non-Resident Senior Single ..........$75 Non-Resident Senior Couple ........$100 (both must be 65 or older living in the same residence)

New Non-Residents must be sponsored by a Park Ridge Resident or a registered Park Ridge Pool Member. These rates are valid until May 27. Afterwards, a $35 late fee will be applied for each category.

Visit our website at www.parkridgeboro.com for further details. Any questions or concerns, please contact Tom Scheulen at pool@parkridgeboro.com

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Hike For Hillsdale Saturday, April 9

Connect with nature and join the Hillsdale Education Foundation for an outdoor family adventure through the trails of Sapienza Gardens, Hillsdale Brook, on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thereʼll be vendors, activities, fitness fun, and more. Hillsdale Education Foundation is a non-profit, 501C (3) charitable tax-exempt organization providing enrichment programs

HILLSDALE

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

Fun, fitness for the whole family through rec’s spring offerings

Registration for Westwood Recreation spring 2022 programs is underway. Residents can register starting Monday, March 7 at 9 a.m.; non-residents may register beginning March 14 at 9 a.m. for an additional $25 fee. The Spring 2022 Program Guide can be viewed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation. Registration is via Community Pass:

https://register.communitypass.net/westwood or in person at 55 Jefferson Ave. This spring, Westwood Recreation hosts enrichment and sports classes for preschoolers including music, dance, art, soccer and T-ball in addition to a new Parent and Me class on Friday mornings with Colorful Warriors. Elementary and Middle School

students can look forward to music, magic, dance, yoga & art, science and drama classes as well as tennis, golf, outdoor volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee. Adults can register for beginner or intermediate tennis as well as outdoor yoga. Spring break mini-camps will run April 11–14. Kids can choose from TGAʼs morning tennis camp and afternoon golf camp or USA

PARK RIDGE

Class of ’22 Night of Fun & Games

The Park Ridge High School OpGrad Class of 2022 is holding “A Night of Fun & Games” at Woodcliff Manor on Friday, April 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets for dinner and dancing can be purchased at $55 per person.

There will be a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and tricky tray raffles (including designer handbags and great prizes) for purchase at the event. Tickets can also be purchased via Venmo @maryann-degeorge. Be sure to reference 4/1 Night of Fun &

PARK RIDGE

Sportsʼ half-day multisports camp. Residents and regular non-resident participants will notice a new format for the 2022 Spring Program Guide. Inside the expanded brochure, available at westwoodnj.gov/recreation, is detailed information on the registration process, class locations, facilities and park rentals, local sports organizations, summer camp previews and more including special notices on preschool registration and the annu-

Games. All proceeds will benefit Park Ridge High School Class of 2022, keeping kids safe while they have fun. If you have questions, contact Val at (201) 519-4955 or The Park Ridge Board of Eduvalerie@netrealm.com. cation 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 be picked up at the pool office on session may be held on the day of all weekends, from May 7, from noon to scheduled meetings: March 21, April 18, May 16, 3 p.m. The Park Ridge Municipal Pool, June 20, Aug. 29, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, at 123 Colony Ave., provides swim Nov. 21, and Dec. 19, and Jan. 4, lessons and numerous activities, including competitive swim and dive WESTWOOD teams, arts and crafts, storytime, Red Cross lifeguard training, adult nights and other special events as posted throughout the summer. Moss said, “As statewide safety protocols are released, we will evaluThe Westwood Charity Golf ate our ability to continue these servic- Outing has been raising money for es.” worthwhile recipients for the past 24 For more information on mem- years. Fifteen years ago, the WCGO bership fun at the Park Ridge Munici- Scholarship Committee began giving pal Pool visit its proceeds to the WCGO Scholarparkridgeboro.com/residents/pool or ship Fund to assist Westwoodʼs write pool@parkridgeboro.com. future leaders. This year, the WCGO Scholarship Committee is offering two $1,500 scholarships to two Westwood resident senior students who are very talented, and the assistance for college would really help them and their families. The scholarship535 Walnut St. winning students may come from Westwood Regional High School or one of the private high schools in the area to which Westwood residents attend. To date, 32 recipients from

PARK RIDGE

School board meetings, 2022–2023

Town pool opens May 28 – register now

Rich Moss of the Park Ridge Municipal Pool Commission says the pool is expected to open for the season on Saturday, May 28, most likely under safety guidelines in place for 2021). “In 2020 and 2021, the pool offered an outdoor respite for the Park Ridge community and prior member non-Park Ridge residents. We received great feedback on the value the pool offered the community,” Moss told Pascack Press. He said pool memberships will be open to all Park Ridge residents, previous-year pool members, and non-resident employees of Park Ridge Borough and the Board of Education. A limited number of memberships will be offered to non-residents

so ensure you get your registrations in early once they are available. New non-residents must be sponsored by a Park Ridge resident or prior pool member. 2022 membership rates will remain as they were in 2021: • Resident family: $410 • Resident single: $300 • Resident seniors: Free • Non-resident family: $510 • Non-resident single: $360 • Non-resident senior: $75/$100 per couple (both must be 65 or older). Registration is available from Feb.15 at parkridgeboro.com/residents/pool (click on Pool Information Packet). Note registration due dates to avoid a $35 late fee. Paper pool registration forms can

Westwood 200 Third Ave.

201-722-9822 • Programs from 8 weeks - 5 years. We offer a year round full and half day program.

• Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground. • Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

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.

Two Charity Golf Outing Scholarships!

Norwood 201-767-0784

six high schools have won WCGO Scholarships. If you would like a scholarship application, you may find them in the Clerkʼs Office at the Westwood Municipal Center, in the Recreation Department at the Westwood Community Center, in the Westwood Library, or on the Borough of Westwood website. You also may send your request to westwoodcgo@gmail.com, or you can ask your guidance counselor for an electronic copy. If you have any other questions, you may write to us: WCGO Scholarship Committee, 37 Goodwin Terrace, Westwood, NJ 07675. The deadline for applications to be received is April 30, 2022,

WESTWOOD

WWRSD INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL APPLICATIONS

• Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included. • Age appropriate curriculum. • State of the art security system.

al egg hunt. The Westwood Recreation Department runs enrichment and sport programs for children, teens and adults of all ages. The department is proud to be able to bring new and innovative programs to residents and neighbors in the Pascack Valley area. For more information please email recreation@westwoodnj.gov. or call the Recreation Department at (201) 664-7882.

SUMMER CAMP at both locations! Call for details!

WWW.CAROUSELEARLYLEARNINGCENTER.COM

The Westwood Regional School District begins its annual preschool registration for the Integrated Preschool program for the 2022–2023 school year. This is a tuition-based program with an annual cost of $3,000. To be eligible, your child must be 3 years old and less than 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2022. If you have a child residing in the Borough of Westwood or Township of Washington, please visit our website for an overview of the program and tuition payment schedule. An application can be down-

loaded from the district website, wwrsd.org. Under the Menu dropdown, select Preschool. You can also pick an application up at the Department of Special Services office. Completed applications will be accepted March 1–18. If a lottery is initiated, applications submitted after the March 18 deadline will not be eligible. For more information contact Rosie Rodriguez at (201) 664-0880 2047 or ext. rosalexa.rodriguez@wwrsd.org.

Sc h ool News EMERSON

Hillsdale, River Vale summer day camp

Hillsdale and River Vale residents, and non-resident children attending St. Johnʼs Academy, get ready for fun at Hillsdale and River Vale Summer Day Camp at George White Middle School, 120 Magnolia Ave., Hillsdale. • New: Camp Little Hawks, kindergarten; • Camp Pascack, grades 1–4; • Camp Adventure, grades 5–6;

7–9.

• Field Trip Camp, grades

• Grades are based on September 2022. • When: Monday, June 27–Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before care is available 8 to 9 a.m. After care is available 3 to 6 p.m. • Registration runs April 15–May 7. Late registration runs May 8–June 10.

Register at https://register.communitypass.net. When Camp Pascack and Camp Little Hawks are at George White School,children will participate in a structured schedule of specialist-run classes taught by certified teachers/instructors and/or long-employed college-aged staff. For more information, visit hillsdalenj.org.

WESTWOOD

Westwood rec preschool registration

Registration for the Westwood Recreation Department Preschool begins Tuesday, April 5 at 9 a.m. for Westwood residents and at 11 a.m. for non-residents at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The three-day-a-week halfday programs for children 3–5 are designed to foster kindergarten readiness by creating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a nurturing setting. Interested parents are encouraged to register on April 5. Class size is limited to 24 for the preK–4 morning class and 20 for the pre-K–3 afternoon class. Led by teacher/director Natalie Boes, Westwood Recreation Preschool is licensed by the

State of New Jersey and follows state curriculum guidelines. Classroom activities prepare students for academic and social success by assisting in the development of self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, listening skills as well as providing a strong foundation in literacy, math, social studies and science. Art, music, seasonal activities and free-play round out the program offerings. The Westwood Recreation Preschool program is open to children 3–5 as of Oct. 1, 2022. Proof of residency and birth certificates are required for registration. All children are required to be pottytrained before entering the program. Annual tuition is $2,000 for

kids 4–5 who attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Annual tuition is $1,700 for kids aged 3 who attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. For convenience, annual tuition is payable in four installments: April 5 (time of registration), Sept. 7, Jan. 2, and Feb. 6. The 2022–2023 school year begins Wednesday, Sept. 7. For registration information and forms, see the Preschool section of the Recreation Page at westwoodnj.gov or call (201) 664-7882. For more information, write , Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL SET TO REOPEN

As a service to the community, the Board of Education sponsors an evening adult and continuing education program, Emerson Community the School. The Emerson Community School offers over 200 courses to 3,000-plus area residents each year. The school also sponsors camp and instructional programs each summer, where 500-plus area children participate in more than 30 specialty programs. The Emerson Community School will be offering more than 75 course selections to area residents in the upcoming Spring 2022 session. Offerings will include com-

puter classes, wellness and recreation courses, foreign languages, arts and crafts, cooking, music, and many special interest courses. The Community School recently sent out its brochure by mail to all of the surrounding towns. Registration is at emersonschools.org and then clicking the Department tab and the Community School tab. The complete brochure can be found on that site. Spread the word and learn something new. Interested readers may also call the coordinator of the Emerson Community School at (201) 262-5502.

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

PARK RIDGE

Treat what ails you at Park Ridge Pharmacy, so close to home

Park Ridge Pharmacy is an independently owned pharmacy in the heart of Park Ridge — right on Park Avenue. The staff say they feel strongly that their patientsʼ health matters and that theyʼll go to just about any length to make sure they can assist in their care. The pharmacy has been open almost two years. “We hire professional and competent staff that go the extra mile to ensure patient satisfaction. In fact, we go above and beyond what the large chain stores can offer: We have the freedom and flexibility to take the time to listen and care for our patients,” the pharmacy says. It adds, “Unlike major

chains, If you want something that isnʼt in the store we will try our best to get it for you from our many wholesalers.” Services include: • Special medication packaging at no cost • A wide variety of home health care products • Durable medical equipment • Non-sterile compounding • Free delivery • Wound care products • Incontinence products • Compression stockings • Prescription refills and reminders: “Refill 24/7, set reminders, save on medications and access your account from the

new PocketRx mobile app.” • Generic drug discount: “We offer a special drug discount price to help with your prescription cost.” • Medication therapy management: “Our pharmacists will ensure the best therapeutic out-

Club News?

PARKRIDGEPHARMACY

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

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PocketRx makes it easy... comes for our patients through this program.” Park Ridge Pharmacy makes staying healthy a whole lot easier with tailored services to help you and your loved ones live better: • Health classes: “Discover health and wellness classes including nutrition, diabetes, smoking cessation, senior health and more.” • Vaccines: “We offer a wide range of safe, convenient, and affordable vaccines including flu, pneumococcal, shingles, Covid, and more.” • Onsite testing: “Our pharmacy is a certified testing site. We can help you with variety of

‘We are grateful that you have chosen us...’

tests, including Covid, flu, and many others.”

Heartfelt appreciation Park Ridge Pharmacy expressed deep appreciation to all those who stood by them in recent times. “We thank our loyal customers for their understanding and patience throughout the unprecedented and at times chaotic winter months while we worked through the Covid-19 outbreak within our community. We are grateful that you have chosen

us and we will strive to provide you with the best service you deserve,” Park Ridge Pharmacy said. Make a note of this location and clip it to your fridge. Youʼll be glad you did: Park Ridge Pharmacy, 40 Park Ave. Unit #5, Park Ridge. Call (201) 5542200, fax (201) 554-2300. Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 7p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Closed Sunday. parkridgepharmacy.com for the PocketRx mobile app and other resources.

FAST PRESCRIPTION PICK UP OR FREE DELIVERY! 40 PARK AVE UNIT #5, PARK RIDGE • 201-554-2200 contact@parkridgepharmacy.com

You’ll find it here: Park Ridge Pharmacy, 40 Park Ave. Unit #5, Park Ridge.

THE SAVVY SENIOR:

Cheap Smartphone Plans for Scrimping Seniors

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you direct me to some really cheap wireless smartphone plans for seniors who donʼt use much BY JIM MILLER data? I use my smartphone primarily for texting and talking but need data for checking my email and a few other things when Iʼm away from Wi-Fi. I pay $30 per month but am looking for a better deal. — Senior Scrimper

Dear Scrimper, There are several super cheap wirelesses providers I can recommend for older smartphone users who are looking to save money by paring down their cell phone plan. Here are three of the cheapest options available that you can switch to without sacrificing the quality of your service. Cheapest Wireless Plans For extremely light smart-

phone data users, the very cheapest wireless plan available today is through Tello (Tello.com), which lets you build your own plan based on your needs or budget. For as little as $6 per month you can get unlimited texting, 100 minutes of talk time and 500 megabytes (MB) of highspeed data. Increases in talk time or data can be added in $1 increments. Tello uses the T-Mobile network and gives you the option to bring your existing phone or purchase a new device, while keeping your same phone number if you wish. If you want to keep your phone, it must be unlocked. Just enter your phoneʼs ID (press *#06# on your keypad to get it) on Telloʼs website to make sure that itʼs compatible with the network. Another super cheap plan to consider is the annual prepaid plan offered through Boost Mobile (BoostMobile.com). For only $100 per year (or $8.33 per month) this plan provides unlimited talk, text and 1 gigabyte (GB) of 5G or 4G data each month. If

you need more data, their $150 annual plan (or $12.50/month) gets you 5 GB. Boost Mobile uses the TMobile and AT&T networks and lets you use your existing phone (if compatible) or buy a new one. And a third option to look into is Mint Mobile (MintMobile.com), which is recommended by Consumer Reports and has one of the best values for a cheap plan. Mint offers a $15 per month plan (plus taxes & fees) that provides unlimited talk and text, and 4 GB of 5G/4G data each month. They too use the T-Mobile network and will let you use your existing phone (if compatible) or buy a new one. Lifeline Program If your income is low enough, another option you should check into is the Lifeline Assistance Program. This is a federal program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy that could go towards your phone or internet service. To qualify, youʼll need to

MONTVALE

Fitness challenge through June 30

Mayor Michael Ghassali has challenged residents to join together to help shed 1,000 total pounds, assisted by gym owners, trainers, and Zumba dancers and instructors. More than 150 people have taken him up on it so far. He says this yearʼs mayorʼs fitness challenge, March 1 – June 30, will be mutually beneficial for local businesses and residents to get into better health overall. Saying “Eat well, move well, relax well, and manage well,” the challenge webpage invites you to “Join our journey to improving our Montvale communityʼs health and wellness, while exercising, meeting and making new friends.” It adds, “This new, exciting community-based program is led by professional trainers and doctors, and will help us overcome the stress and anxiety of the pan-

demic while achieving our own individual goals.” The challenge is tailored to meet the needs of the participants, so mark GHASSALI your interests on the registration page, via montvale.org. Separately, the borough has an active year-round community rec program, administered by a Special Events Committee and director. The committee offers a program of events, the highlight of which is an annual Day in the Park celebration held in September. Recreational programs including pickleball, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, yoga and tai chi, among others, are offered year round to kids and adults. The borough has four parks

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show that youʼre receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, public housing assistance, veteransʼ pension and survivorsʼ benefit, or live on federally recognized Tribal lands. Or, if your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $17,388 for one person, or $23,517 for two – youʼre also eligible. To check your eligibility or apply, visit LifelineSupport.org. If you do qualify, contact a wireless

provider in your area that participates in the Lifeline program and sign up for service with them. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting, if it offers the benefit. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

PASCACK VALLEY

‘GOT JESUS? JOIN US AT ALPHA’ Explore a unique life-changing course with us! Jesus, truth or lie? What is the meaning of life? What is a relationship with God? Come join us at Alpha! Alpha is an 11 week journey discussing the meaning of life from a Christian perspective. It is a place to have conversation without judgment, ask questions, and make lasting friendships. All adults are welcome to come, express their opinions and share thoughts about the topic of the night. Topics include but aren’t limited to: Is there more to life than this? Who is Jesus? How can I have faith? We chat over refreshments, watch an inspirational video, then discuss the video in small groups. We meet on Tuesdays at 7–8:30 p.m from March 15 at Bethany Community Center, 605 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. Email: BethanyCCAlpha@gmail.com. Registration: www.bit.ly/alphabcc.

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: Activate your parasympathetic nervous system

One of the biggest health problems right now that people are not talking about is peopleʼs mental status. Letʼs come up with a plan to DR. ERIC KAPLAN, reduce stress and KAPLAN BRAIN & anxiety for you BODY and your children in natural ways with no risks or side effects. First of all, when you wake up, do not press snooze. Make your bed immediately. This is an easy first step in the morning that will have you start your day with a victory. Do not check your cell phone for social media posts, text messages, or emails that will distract you from achieving your happiness and joy. Do not start your day watching the news because that will create more stress and anxiety.

PASCACK VALLEY

Do not start your day with caffeine or sugar which also contribute to increased anxiety. Learn to generate your own energy without relying on external sources. Ways to do this are different for everybody, but may be exercising, meditating, journaling, stretching, breathing, listening to music, reading a motivational book, or praying. After you make your bed, the next step is to go to the bathroom. Take some coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. This is best to perform before you even talk or swallow. Coconut oil has been shown to help fight off the bad bacteria and in the morning you are most likely to have a lot of bacteria in your mouth. In addition, the action of swishing will help activate the parasympathetic nervous system which keeps you in a more relaxed state that will reduce anxiety and stress.

Other simple exercises you can do in the bathroom: gargling intensely for 30 seconds and eliciting the gag reflex with your toothbrush or a tongue depressor. Gargling and gagging have been proven with neuroscience to activate the vagus nerve, which is a big part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve helps with sleep, energy, heart function, digestion, urination, sexual function, circulation, and respiration, just to name a few. Kiss your loved ones and give them a nice compliment. It is very unhealthy to start the day with a complaint, a negative comment, or a worrisome topic because that increases stress and anxiety for all parties. Another great activity that you can perform that helps to activate the parasympathetics to calm down your nervous system is to dip your

ADVERTISER CONTENT

Diamond Vision first in area to offer ocular response analysis technology

Diamond Vision has always been about providing exceptional services and the most advanced treatments for our patients with the goal of obtaining their personal best vision. Itʼs not just about optimizing their vision quality but about helping them achieve the quality of life they desire. Great results are always preceded by thorough examination and analysis. As a way to ensure the best predictable outcomes, our practice took everything one step further. We are the only practice in the area to feature ocular response analysis to determine

corneal dynamic strength. Before the start of the previous decade, experts could not measure corneal biomechanical properties in vivo. However, with the introduction of the ocular response analyzer, medical professionals finally received a noninvasive device that enables them to examine corneal biomechanical characteristics quickly and with ease. The device can estimate corneal hysteresis and allows corneal-compensated Intraocularpressure measurements. The result is improved accuracy of measurements. Coupled

with the gathered corneal data, experts can get a better-adjusted estimate of intraocular pressure. Simply put, the device can critically improve glaucoma management as well as laser refractive procedure outcomes. This is yet another way in which Diamond Vision continually strives to improve patient safety and deliver outstanding visual outcomes.

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head in a bucket of water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can immediately lower your pulse rate if your heart is beating fast. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you and when performing this exercise, make sure you take time to breath! To further activate the parasympathetic nervous system, perform a diaphragmatic breathing exercise where you push your belly down and out and inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and then suck your stomach in as you exhale for eight seconds. You can repeat this three times and practice this three times a day. The more activation of the parasympathetics, the less likely you are to have anxiety. However, if you are medically diagnosed with anxiety, always talk to your medical doctor for treatment options. None of these exercises are intended to replace medical treatments, but are just activities that neuroscientists have studied and we can possibly use this information to help us feel better. Start to try and make some of these exercises part of your daily routine that may help with anxiety. Everytime you brush your teeth, gargle water immediately after you are done. Or every time you are in the shower, sing or laugh loudly. Every time you are waiting in line

at the store, draw the infinity symbol.

Call now! Terrific offers here for a limited time only! The best way to determine anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, or a mood disorder is to do a complete one hour neurological evaluation, which includes a VNG brain test 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 March, you can receive the entire test for $97. The next best test is called a qEEG, which is a noninvasive test that measures your brain waves to determine any damaged areas. This test is also normally $400 and now you can receive this entire test for $97. The first seven people who sign up get both tests (which would normally cost a total of $800) for $150 if you mention this article and schedule your two hour appointment before the end of March. All you have to do is email info@kaplanbrainandbody or call 201-261-2150 to reserve your spot. Function better, feel better, live better.

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.”

PASCACK

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Calling all artists: Thrive at Montvale Mural Contest

What do you think of when you hear the words “senior living community”? Your first thought might be “old folksʼ home” – right? We get it. Well, we are here to expand Montvaleʼs view of the possibilities in senior living. We are building a place where older adults come to live and thrive every day: where the possibilities are endless, where older adults rule the roost, and where life only gets better as you age. Just inside the front doors of Thrive at Montvale you will find Convivium Coffee Company (CCC), a one-of-a-kind specialty coffee experience that will have carefully crafted brews served by baristas with a passion for service and creating meaningful, intergenerational connections. Convivium Coffee Company has two corresponding brick walls that will act as a canvas for a local artist(s) to permanently show off their talent with two complimentary murals that will inspire and unite the local community. Contest overview This project is for artist exposure, community involvement, contribution to Thrive at Montvale, and for all to enjoy.

ously painted a mural? Have you painted on brick before?

Design details • Two brick walls approximately 9ʼ6” h. x 8ʼ w. each. • Artist(s) will paint their design directly on the brick walls. The designs should be inspired by the town of Montvale. • We are looking for familyfriendly, inspirational, and Instagram worthy designs.

WESTWOOD

Elks golden ticket raffle aims at $10,000

The Westwood Elks invite you to their golden ticket raffle on Sunday, March 27 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Elks Lodge 1562. Ticketholders will be able to enjoy a buffet and refreshments. Two hundred tickets are available at a $100 donation. If all 200 tickets are sold, $10,000 will go to the winner. Organizers say this is an elimination draw-down from start to finish. Three $150 consolation prizes will be pulled, leading up to the big winner. The last ticket pulled will be winner — or the last two owners may agree to split the grand prize. You can buy as an individ-

ual, split with a friend, or go in on a group ticket. Depending on availability, last-minute tickets will be sold on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to the start of the drawing. See ticket for details and license number. This is a great opportunity to do a lot of good. Proceeds benefit Elks charites, including children and adults with special needs, our veterans, and vital drug awareness programs. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Carl Williams at (201) 446-6047 or the Westwood Elks Lodge at (201) 666-1562.

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

Eligibility • All Bergen County artists are welcome to enter the contest!

Artist submission details • All submissions must be original art and the artist(s) must have the capacity to paint the design themselves. • Artists are welcome to submit a single design for one brick wall, a design that encompasses both brick walls, or a design for

Left: Put your artistic talents to the test and try for a $500 prize. Above: Thrive Senior Living, Montvale. Both photos via Thrive Senior Living. each brick wall. • Artists can be individuals or a group with a designated lead. The following must be included in the submission: • A concept sketch must be provided of the mural design(s) in color or black and white if applicable. • A statement providing the story behind the mural and how it reflects the town of Montvale. • Production schedule and materials needed. • Portfolio of previous work if applicable. Artist bio or resume (for all participants). • Include answers to the following questions: Have you previ-

Winnerʼs selection process • A group of local judges will select the final winner(s). • The final winner(s) will be announced on April 15, 2022 via the Thrive at Montvale website and Facebook page. • Painting of the mural is anticipated to start in May 2022.

Award $500 will be awarded to winner(s). In the event of multiple winners, the $500 will be split among all winners. Thrive Senior Living will reimburse for all paint supplies. For more information, write mural@ThriveAtMontvale.com. The due date for submissions is March 31. Submissions are accepted only via email at Mural@ThriveAtMontvale.com. Winner(s) and painting will be included in various marketing efforts, including press releases and social media photography and videos. Thrive at Montvale, 295 W. Grand Ave. (201) 201-8815. Hello@ThriveAtMontvale.com. Thrivesl.com/Montvale. — Via contest announcement

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

MONTVALE

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY...AND BEYOND

When looking for a firm to help you work toward your financial goals – whether itʼs affording retirement, helping a ERIC KOHLMEIER child or grandchild pay for higher education, or making a luxury purchase, such as vacation home – you obviously want to find one with the resources you need. But I think thereʼs more to it than that; you should seek one thatʼs committed to supporting our community and helping make the

world a better place. At Wells Fargo & Company, for example, all employees are called to: • Be leaders • Be engaged and connected in our communities • Value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business One way employees are encouraged to be leaders is by becoming members of board of directors at nonprofit organizations. We know that employees play a valuable role in improving the lives of individuals and families,

and board service is one way of demonstrating commitment to our communities. To help deal with the significant time commitment that a board membership, or other charitable activity, can represent, Wells Fargo & Co. allots each employee 16 hours of paid time per year to be used exclusively for volunteer work. In addition, the Community Care Grants program, governed and funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, recognizes employees for their financial giving and volunteer service activities – including board service. Through

this program, an employee can qualify for up to $2,000 per year in Community Care Grants. Once an employee has received a grant, they can choose which eligible charities theyʼd like to support by directing the funds to any of the approximately one million eligible charities.

Leveraging our strengths While our primary motivation is the chance to help others, we also see participating in community leadership as an opportunity for employees to commit to a cause, issue, or organization where they have an affinity and a passion. This experience can help them leverage their strengths and expertise, develop new skills, and tackle new challenges.

Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested On top of that, volunteering offers a variety of development opportunities, including hands-on learning, either on the job or through volunteer activities or special assignments. Volunteering helps us to: • Positively shape our communities

• Expand community connections with others where we live and work • Expand our networks, gain visibility, and build business acumen • Build greater insight by being a “voice” for inclusion and build diversity awareness and cultural competence.

Promoting diversity As the last bullet above shows, Wells Fargo & Co. focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our strategic framework is focused on driving outcomes in three key areas: • Workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes (recruitment, development, engagement, and retention) • Marketplace outcomes (growing market share in diverse market segments and identifying new and improving existing relationships with diverse suppliers) • Diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy activities (supporting regulatory, externalrelationship, and reputationbuilding efforts as well as personal accountability for diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy) This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director Investments in Park Ridge at (201) 505-0472.

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

28 PARK RIDGE

Financial advisor Eric Kohlmeier celebrates 24 years with Wells Fargo

Eric Kohlmeier, a senior financial advisor, Managing Director–Investments with the Park Ridge branch of Wells Fargo Advisors, is celebrating his 24th year of service with the company. “Serving the needs of my clients and helping them achieve their financial goals has remained the top priority throughout my career in the financial services industry,” said Kohlmeier. “I am honored to continue this service and look forward to many more years.” Kohlmeier has been named to the 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Ranking for New Jersey. This annual list recognizes advisors as among the top in

America. Its algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. Kohlmeier has served on the boards of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation and the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center. He is a volunteer with the Rockland County Sheriffʼs Department and supports the Park Ridge Athletic Association. He lives in Orange County, Greenwood Lake, N.Y. with his

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PASCACK VALLEY

Friends of the WW Library Scholarship

Are you or someone you know enrolled in a graduate library school in an ALA accredited program? If so, consider applying for a Friends of the Westwood Library scholarship honoring Shy Touba, a beloved member of the Friends who passed away last year. A $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to assist with tuition and course fees. According to Friends president Liz Bellamy, an ongoing mission of the Friends of the Westwood Library — and the cause championed by Shy Touba — is supporting future librarians through this annual scholarship. Although preference is given to applicants from Westwood, the scholarship award is also open to any student enrolled in an accredited master of library science (MLS) program who resides in Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, River Vale, Washington Township, Oradell,

Old Tappan and Emerson, or a community within the Bergen County Cooperative Library System. The application form can be downloaded from westwoodpubliclibrary.org/friends-scholarship.html and must be accompanied by: • Transcript of current courses and grades. Applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 credits from an accredited program at time of submission. • Transcript of completed courses and grades and current course(s). • Personal statement of educational and library career goals. • Two letters of recommendation. • Proof of residency in Westwood or any of the eligible towns. Applications and additional materials may be mailed or delivered to Westwood Public Library. Address the envelope to: Friends Scholarship Committee, Westwood Public Library, 49 Park

Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2022. The applicant must maintain a B average. Payment of award will be made at completion of the enrolled course(s). The president of the Friends and the scholarship committee will review applications of the most promising applicants. Finalists for the award will be interviewed. Announcement of the scholarship winner and presentation of the award will be held at the May meeting of the Friends of the Westwood Library. The Friends of the Westwood Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to actively support the library through advocating, fundraising and volunteering. The Friends of the Westwood Public Library welcome all newcomers to the organization.

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wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons, Justin and Jonathan. With $1.97 trillion in client assets as of Dec. 31, 2021, Wells Fargo Advisors provides advice and guidance to help clients maximize all aspects of their financial lives. Its vast network of financial advisors, one of the nationʼs largest, serves investors through locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wells Fargo Advisors is a part of Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM), a division within Wells Fargo & Company and one of the largest wealth managers in the United States. WIM provides financial products and services through various bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. All data includes

Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, as of Dec. 31, 2021. wellsfargoadvisors.com. Investment and insurance products are: • Not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency; • Not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the bank or any bank affiliate; • Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors associates referenced, when registered, are registered with Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. © 2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

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The Golden Age Social Club of Park Ridge welcomes new member Celmi Dawli (left), greeted with warm applause at a ceremony at the March 1 business meeting. With her stands 1st Vice President Cheryl DeMallie, who conducted the installation. We’re told, “Celmi said that she wanted to make friends and have fun, and she wisely chose the Golden Age Club to fulfill her wishes. All Park Ridge seniors are welcome to join and attend our Tuesday meetings at the Elks Lodge on Sulak Lane. An entrance fee of $1 provides members with coffee, tea, and pastries. Annual dues are $5.” For more information, call President Brenda Yanni at (201) 4107981. Adding, “Let the good times roll,” members add they’re looking forward to a festive Anniversary Luncheon on April 5 at Hackensack Golf Club.

FROM PAGE 10

trustees stated the purpose of the adjournment into closed, or executive, session. When the board returned, Romano was speaking, apparently making a statement on the boardʼs need to adjourn into closed session. However, due to technical difficulties noted by board Business Administrator Keith Rosado, much of Romanoʼs extemporaneous comment on the need for a closed-session adjournment were not broadcast. Almost the entire period during closed session Feb. 17, cameras were live-streaming a view of the near-empty Campbell Auditorium. However, when the board returned and Romano started speaking, the livestream read “No signal.” “Try to stay together as a community and it canʼt get out of hand like that,” he was heard saying when the broadcast returned, likely referring to audience talking following Pedersenʼs comment. He said, “Hopefully we can count on a significant period of relief from all this” as the pandemic wanes. “So letʼs try to get there and letʼs try to get there together.” He said he was not “dismissing anything that happened here tonight.” School boards in the Pascack Valley, including the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, have faced off regularly with taxpayers over vaccination and masking requirements, and their impacts on students, educational quality, and individual liberties and freedom. All area school districts have been following state Department

“I CAN ’T LET ALL OF THIS NEGATIVITY, the constant fighting, the this-side-that-side, you know, Dr. Mortimer shouldn’t be here, all of that stuff, I’m putting that aside, folks; I’m moving on. It’s not healthy, it’s not right and I’m not going to tolerate it, quite frankly.” — Westwood Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Jill Mortimer

of Health guidelines MORTIMER related to such requirements. Some have also consulted regularly with health departments to adjust their responses to specific Covid-19 outbreaks and to facilitate contact tracing efforts. Westwoodʼs Laura Nicholson questioned why the district did not go through a search process before hiring Superintendent Jill Mortimer, noting that it “always seemed tainted and off.” She also questioned what the school boardʼs “bar for decorum” at public meetings was with yelling occurring and people occasionally speaking in costume. “Whoʼs really running the school there… Is this how we want to run our school district?” she asked. She urged trustees to “watch your words, watch your actions, watch closely what youʼre doing; so many others are watching and counting on you to do the right thing.” Alina Rejas noted that current Covid science shows people can catch Covid-19 whether one has a booster shot or not. She said that Pedersenʼs comparison regarding segregation was “a perfect statement” and that “it wasnʼt about race” and that she made no reference to race. “Regardless whether you want to acknowledge, thatʼs exactly what was happening in our community … segregating healthy students due to vaccina-

B O R O U G H O F HI L LS D A L E B E RGE N C OUNT Y, NE W J E RSE Y N O TI C E O F P U B LI C H EA R I N G P U B L IC H E ARI N G O N T H E S U BM ISS ION O F A 2 02 2 BE RG E N COU N T Y T R U S T F U N D G R A N T A PP L I C A T I O N

Application of the Borough of Hillsdale for Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Park Program for Park Development Grant Funding for 2022.

TAKE NOTICE: that the Borough of Hillsdale will hold a Public Hearing on submitting the following application to the 2022 funding round of the Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Development: BEECHWOOD PARK NATURE TRAIL Hillsdale Avenue & Everdell Avenue Block 1906 Lot 1 Demolition of current trail and replace wood base walkway and observation areas Date of Public Hearing: April 12, 2022 Time: 8:00 pm Location: Hillsdale Borough Hall – Council Chambers 380 Hillsdale Avenue Hillsdale, New Jersey 07642 Formal action may be taken.

In accordance with the regulation governing the submission of Bergen County Trust Fund Municipal Program for Park Development application, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hillsdale will conduct a public hearing to obtain citizen input concerning the grant application. Denise Kohan – Borough Clerk – Borough of Hillsdale

tion status,” she said. Recent public comments have also criticized Mortimer, appointed in January, over her qualifications, the boardʼs search process (which Romano has repeatedly addressed), and how she has handled aspects of the districtʼs test-to-stay and vaccination programs. Mortimer spoke out March 3, noting being superintendent was “the highlight of my career” after she had served seven years as district assistant superintendent.

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She said, “There is this element of negativity, quite frankly, out there that brings me down on a daily basis,” she said. “So I have a small group of people slandering me, outright lying and making up things about me. And I really wish they would stop attacking me at board meetings and saying things that are untrue.” She said she “made a conscious decision to really focus on my projects and focus on what I really want to get done and thatʼs

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80% of my effort.” She added, “I canʼt let all of this negativity, the constant fighting, the this-side-that-side, you know, Dr. Mortimer shouldnʼt be here, all of that stuff, Iʼm putting that aside, folks, Iʼm moving on. Itʼs not healthy, itʼs not right and Iʼm not going to tolerate it, quite frankly.” She said she “canʼt wait to get going to do it and everybody will be proud of me, I can guarantee you that.”

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Trustee: Romano: ‘Let’s try to get there together’

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Picture: ‘Hub’ volunteers’ work radiates in valley Public Library, 49 Park Ave. The exhibition of portraits — and the sittersʼ stories, giving their reasons for volunteering and so much more — are part of a celebration of April as National Volunteer Month. Fifty-six nominations were sourced from the community in November 2021. Those nominees represented more than 45 volunteer organizations or initiatives. Fiftyone volunteers agreed to sit for portraits and storytelling. The portraits were taken by Celebrate Westwoodʼs volunteer photographer, Richard Frant of FrantVisuals, and the stories collected and edited by Celebrate Westwood co-chairs RoseAnn Ciarlante and Lauren Letizia. Prints of the photographs were donated by Bergen County Camera and generously mounted by Westwood Art Galleryʼs Mike Fitzsimmons — whom organizers told Pascack Press on March 8 should also be celebrated as a serial volunteer. This project springs to life online, as well: For the digital gallery and edited interviews from For all they do, too: Westwood Junior Friends of the Library: Koushik Swarna, Andrew Pipia, Ritvik Swarna, Ryan Awad, each participant, with links to their Allaine Lara, and Maribel Garcia-Ocelotl. There are 14 active members in all. (Richard Frant/FrantVisuals.) volunteer organizations, visit celebratewestwood.org/picture-the- creating “small-moment events” rating contests and more were all teers, “It quickly became apparent that allow safe gathering under made possible with funding from that the geographic reach and hub. resident donations, a grant from impact of ʻWestwoodʼ volunteers Formed in 2018 to organize pandemic protocols. Arts on the Avenues, Broad- Westwood For All Ages and the goes well beyond the boroughʼs Westwoodʼs 125th Anniversary Year festivities, Celebrate West- way Sings America, Chalk the support of the Westwood Chamber borders.” Ciarlante said, “It is the hope wood has since been tasked with Park, Trek-or-Treat, holiday deco- of Commerce as well as the Borough governing body and borough of Celebrate Westwood that by seemainstays such as the Westwood ing the faces of neighbors and Recreation Department and West- friends, and by reading their stories and experiences of giving their wood Public Library. Let us help promote your club or organization. Letizia told Pascack Press on time, talent, and treasure to their Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or March 8, “ʻPicture The Hub: Giv- community, that other residents mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675 ing Time” was designed “to cele- will be inspired to also step up and brate the selfless generosity of our be a part of something larger than hometown volunteers and to high- themselves.” Martha Urbiel, director of light the many varieties of ways residents can — and should — get Westwood Public Library, now in her 16th year in that role, told Pasinvolved.” Participants from the likes of cack Press on March 9 that “Itʼs the Westwood Volunteer Fire excellent to have it here at the Department, Westwood Ambu- library because we deal with a lot lance Corps, and Westwood Base- of volunteers at the library.” ball Association are pictured beside She said, “Theyʼre excellent representatives from newer or less photos, and the person who took public-facing organizations such as them, Richard Frant, has been such the Literacy Volunteers of the Pas- a wonderful addition to Westwood, cack Valley, Boy Scout Troop 47, because heʼs offered to take photos Expert Repairs Performed By An Experienced Senior Advisory Committee, Con- of lots of events.” He also took the And Professional Team nex4NPO, and Westwood Cares. library staffʼs professional photos. The portraits capture a microShe said, “It was really wonCertified Foreign & Domestic Collision Experts cosm of volunteerism in West- derful for me to put the photos up wood: a variety of volunteer roles on a display and recognize so many WE WORK WITH ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES and organizations; some are new of the people that are being recog• 24 hour emergency towing with our own trucks members and some are veterans of nized for their volunteer efforts.” • Estimates are always FREE • License #02043A many decades; many held leaderFor Urbiel, the exhibit res• Frame Straightening • Restoration ship positions in their organizations onates also “because I worked while others said they simply with most of them in some capac• Custom Painting enjoyed supporting their groupʼs ity or another and that made me • Dent & Scratch Removal mission. feel that the library has been a • Interior Repair The Westwood Library hosts a great partner to all these organizaclosing event and Volunteer Night tions, and those organizations give OUR WORK IS on Wednesday, April 27. back to the library — and together 100% GUARANTEED. Letizia said one thread ran thatʼs done so much good in the through each interview: “the unde- Pascack Valley.” niable benefit of volunteering both on the volunteer and the communiA sample, in their own words ty at large.” Via Celebrate Westwood (roll And she said that although this over the photos at CWʼs website www.richsautospecialists.com project was designed to highlight for the full text): Westwood and its resident volun• Janet Dunn, president of the HOURS: M-F 8AM-5PM • SAT 8AM-12PM FROM PAGE 1

Club News?

Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, said “Itʼs so gratifying to help other people no matter what you decide to do if you're going to be a scout leader, help out at the school. [...] Just give yourself a little joy by helping somebody out wherever it is because people are so appreciative.” • Maria Montana, volunteer for SNAP (Special Needs Athletic Program), noted that her athletes come from all over the Pascack Valley and about half a dozen municipalities in greater Bergen County. • Tom Offerjost, director of the Westwood Community Band, was proud of the high volume of Westwood resident musicians but noted that many members hail from nearby towns and he actually lives in Washington Township. • Rashida Tewarson noted her ESL students come from different countries to the Pascack Valley and Westwood library and often move on to live and work across the region. • James Drew, a past member of the Shade Tree Commission and an active Literacy Volunteer of the Pascack Valley, said “Itʼs a win-win. Itʼs very rewarding. It gives you extra meaning. Not only for the person youʼre attempting to help but also for yourself.” • Lou Scheideler, member of the Westwood Fire Department and Historic Preservation Commission, said, “Thereʼs always open doors in this town and always people willing to give.” He added, “Iʼve always felt this huge sense of community pride and living in town. This town has given me and my family so much, I always felt like I wanted to give back in some way shape or form and this was, this was the decision and Iʼve loved every second of it.” • President of the Westwood Baseball Association, current Planning Board member, and former Environmental Committee member Yash Risbud: “For anyone thinking about volunteering in Westwood, I never envisioned ever taking this much on and never really wanted to, but it was a great way to meet neighbors.” He said, Thereʼs always something to do. Thereʼs never enough help. And never be afraid! Everything from an email to volunteering at an event to taking something on. It all counts.” • Jim Gines, longstanding member of the Westwood Heritage Society, echoed that sentiment. “We always say, look… One day a week, one day a month, one day every six months […] any little bit you can give is useful. [And] little by little, you pick up more and then you become one of the veterans.” • Sally Roberts of the Senior Advisory Committee and Senior Fellowship agreed. “Youʼll always get back more than you give.” — Staff report

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variance from the commercial restrictions on ground-floor uses in the CBD-15 zone. The board said it could not grant a variance; the council, it said, would have to eliminate the commercial space requirement and allow multi-family residences on the first floor. The councilʼs March delibera-

FROM PAGE 1

tion on the matter was tabled when Borough Attorney John McCann said he had yet to read a letter sent to him by the redeveloperʼs attorney addressing council questions from December 2021. The redeveloperʼs attorney also contends the zoning dispute, or zoning variance matter, can be resolved by the implementation monitor, a retired judge, and that the borough agreed to that.

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McCann disagrees. The monitor was appointed by Superior Court last year to expedite construction activities and the 29 affordable units agreed to under the borough affordable settlement. The redeveloper contends that because 29 affordable units are mandated by the boroughʼs affordable housing settlement, and retired Judge Carroll was put in charge of expediting their construction, he should have jurisdiction over whether the seven units can be built at 129 Kinderkamack Road. David Phillips, of Sills Cummis & Gross, an attorney representing Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal LLC, appeared Dec. 7, 2021 before the council to request an amendment to local zoning so the redeveloper could construct the seven off-site affordable housing units at 129 Kinderkamack Road. The site was purchased by the redeveloper exclusively for seven affordable units, said Philips. Following Phillipsʼ Dec. 7 request to council, McCann submitted an email that posed nine council questions to Phillips, among them: • When did the redeveloper close on 129 Kinderkamack Road? • Whether the seven offsite affordables might be put onsite at Emerson Station; • When the redeveloper knew

that Emerson understood its intention to use 129 Kinderkamack for seven offsite units; • Whether the redeveloper realizes that 129 Kinderkamack was not zoned for multifamily housing; and • How many alternate sites were considered for the seven offsite units. Philips presented five reasons Dec. 7 on why the implementation monitor should permit the affordable units at 129 Kinderkamack Road. Some included: • The redeveloper purchased the land about two years ago with the intention (allegedly known by the borough) that the units were to be built there; • The requirement for commercial space on the ground floor would drive up project costs and threaten its viability; and • Public policy favors 100% affordable buildings, which this would be if it did not need to have commercial space on the ground floor. McCann said the borough did not know the redeveloper planned to build affordable units at 129 Kinderkamack Road. Phillips said Dec. 7 that the monitor was deciding whether to allow 100% affordable housing at 129 Kinderkamack Road. However, it was not clear if the monitor had the authority to permit a zoning change on the property. According to the Dec. 7 meet-

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ingʼs approved minutes, McCann accused Phillips of making “conclusionary statements without any support.” “McCann asked Phillips to go over the first point made to the monitor as he did not hear it. Mr. Phillips said that the Borough had agreed in the settlement with Fair Share Housing that it would demonstrate a realistic opportunity for these seven units on or before July 1, 2020 and that had not been done,” the minutes say in part. They add, “McCann asked if Phillips had a page where that was in the settlement agreement. Phillips said it had not been done. McCann said he was asking for the basis for what he was saying was accurate and asked him to cite the document. Phillips said no, he could not cite it.” From there, according to the minutes, McCann said that if Phillips kept making conclusionary statements without any support, “that was something he was trying to flesh out.” that McCann charged Phillips had not proven that the borough ever knew that the redeveloper had purchased 129 Kinderkamack for offsite affordable housing. Also, Board Planner Caroline Reiter, of Statile & Associates, said she first heard about the 129 Kinderkamack Road property being used exclusively for affordable units on Dec. 7, a meeting she also attended. She defined the CBD (Central Business District)-15 zone, where 129 Kinderkamack stands, as meant to have mixed use structures, such as retail/commercial on the ground floor and multifamily units above. Reiter said that an affordable family unit is one that was not restricted to a certain subpopulation, such as senior citizens. Reiter said CBD-15 permitted uses were retail stores, personal service businesses, restaurants, offices, child care and nursery facilities. Moreover, CBD-15 zoning permitted multi-family residential dwellings above at-grade nonresidential sues and multi-family residential uses above parking in specific locations. Multi-family residential uses are permitted at grade only at certain locations — this did not apply to the subject property, Reiter said.

PASCACK VALLEY

ing plans have been in the works among the administration and senior DPW officials. No concepts, renderings, or designs have yet been presented to the public, although Calamari said that may occur on March 21. The former Department of Municipal Facilities-turnedDepartment of Public Works lost its home at the Municipal Complex after the site was found to be contaminated, dating to toxins leaching since the 1970s and 1980s. The facility, which was part of a list of town properties found to be in disrepair by the men and women who work there, as far back as the administration of the late Janet Sobkowicz, was razed in 2021, and its soil remediated under an NJ DEP extension. Last June, the township approved a $193,541 professional services contract with Lisko to remediate the DPW site that was awarded without competitive bid. Officials said at the time that a 2019 estimate to replace the DPW facility was approximately $1.5 million, with part of the capital cost to come from the sale of a school building in Westwood. (See “Decades on, Township of Washington Council clearer on

FROM PAGE 1

finances,” Pascack Press, July 13, 2018.) Calamariʼs March 7 comments come after nearly two months of public speculation that the DPW would be moving to 95 Linwood Ave. The township council also recently approved $800,000 for the private 6.5-acre Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club, on Ridgewood Boulevard North (a land survey and environmental assessment are under way), for a purpose Calamari said is not necessarily for a swim club. The town also is gunning for 450 Pascack Road, a mostly wooded 3.2-acre tract adjacent to Memorial Field, for a reported $430,000, also for purposes yet not disclosed. According to emails and records provided to Pascack Press, the township has been involved with negotiations to purchase the property since early this year, although Calamari asserted he expressed interest in the site last summer and alerted council members to its availability as a potential DPW location. Calamari said that local officials cannot reveal their negotiation strategies, minimum/maximum price points for negotiations, and alternatives as this “would be

detrimental to the taxpayers and the townshipʼs interests in achieving the best outcome for the township.” Calamari said on March 7, “With the introduction of the bond ordinance for the purchase of 95 Linwood Ave. … the final chapter of a new DPW facility is being written.” He said the search for a new DPW site “has been an ongoing process since I took office.” He said the DPW will be moving from “cramped quarters” behind the municipal complex to a site “with access to a major roadway and space to provide expanded DPW services to township residents now and for generations to come.” The mayor said the relocation of would provide more parking spaces for seniors using the senior center at town hall and residents who visit the municipal building. He said, “This location is ideal for its intended use.” He said the bond ordinance was one of the parts required to purchase 95 Linwood Ave. He cited closed sessions allowed in the Open Public Meetings Act that allow public officials “to openly discuss these matters in a non-public setting.” He said this “worked out very well” for the township with 95 Linwood Ave. and prior

transactions. “By conducting the process as we did we have avoided condemnation, have an amicable sale with the seller, and have put the relocation of our new DPW facility on the fast track for the benefit of township residents.” He said he had instructed the DPW facility architect, Arcari & Iovino, of Little Ferry, to prepare a presentation “of what the floor plan and the building will look like for the next meeting, when the public will have input on the bond ordinance.” Pascack Press first reported the townshipʼs offer after Erica Amon, an Apple Montessori real estate development official, called into the Jan. 13 special public meeting to question the council on its intentions. (See “Hardball $1.3M bid on Charlie Brownʼs property,” Pascack Press, Jan. 31, 2022.” Township attorney Kenneth Pollerʼs language in an email to the sellerʼs representative, urging a voluntary sale against the threat of “the condemnation route,” alarmed

residents, one of whom pressed him at a subsequent meeting on whether the town would take such a stance with residents. Poller said no. That said, the town did execute an easement condemnation on SZ Realty as part of a pending county overhaul of the Pascack–Washington intersection. While Calamari said the owners of the former Charlie Brownʼs property said the site was available for leasing and not sale when he initially approached them, he said he would keep in touch. At that point, in July 2021, he said the board conducted an appraisal that found the site valued at $1.3 million. It was unclear why the property owner was already in negotiations with Apple Montessori Schools if the township had expressed interest. However, Amon told Pascack Press that Montessori had already spent tens of thousands of dollars on CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Tracking: Cost increases said to be within budget was higher than local codes allow, among a multitude of complaints. Its architect, Robbie Conley, of

Robbie Conley Architects LLC, Woodbury Heights, visits the site every two weeks to meet with general contractor Tekcon Construction Inc., Somerset, and subcontrac-

tors to evaluate progress. Conley has inspected the buildingʼs height, as well as the cupolaʼs height, and said the buildingʼs height remained within the 53-foot-high code

due diligence reports before the township stepped in with its offer. Amon did not answer our invitation to comment on the bond ordinance introduction by press time. Calamari did not address the timing of the townshipʼs offer nor explain its threat of condemnation, which knowledgeable sources told Pascack Press effectively ended the Montessori acquisition. In February Pascack Press reached out to 17 neighbors within 200 feet of the property, seeking their views on a possible sale, including then-hypothetically to the town for a new DPW. Public records show there are eight property owners adjacent in the township and nine in Paramus.

Church lease still raises questions The Township Council, and Calamari, have been under pressure since early 2021 to locate parking spaces for heavy DPW vehicles displaced by the DPWʼs demolition and required soil remediation work at its former site behind the municipal building. At the 2021 Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce mayorsʼ breakfast, a public forum on hot-button issues, Calamari put out a general appeal among his peers for parking spaces for the townshipʼs DPW vehicles. Those efforts were not successful, nor were efforts to locate vehicle parking elsewhere in town at borough-owned properties at Sherry Field and near the Doghouse Saloon.

Township officials eventually leased 35 parking spaces at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for two years at $60,600. Other seasonal DPW equipment has been temporarily stored in an adjacent bank parking lot for free. On March 7, former Councilman Michael Ullman asked whether a variance was required for the church to allow DPW vehicles to park on its land. He also questioned the revenues being generated by the church given that it is tax-exempt organization. Poller said a variance was not needed because the township is not a commercial entity and said questions about revenues and tax status should be directed to the tax assessor.

FROM PAGE 3

DPW: Vote set for March 21; site’s neighbors in WT, Paramus

FROM PAGE 33

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allowance. Conley submits bimonthly reports to Tovo detailing updates on building construction and changes. Those reports are also shared with council members, which was not the case during the initial phases of construction. Among local building critics, its alleged rising cost, and a lack of available information on progress at the rising new complex at Township Council meetings has been a sore point. The viewing public is generally not privy to updates: Asked at the March 7 meeting for “project tracker” update on the project, Tovo told the council vice president, running the meeting, “Itʼs in your [meeting] packet.” Conley appeared at one public meeting in 2021, and was to appear again, but his appearance was cancelled by Mayor Peter Calamari after Calamari issued a public update on issues raised by neighbors about the building's roof, trusses, and overall size. His update cited Conley and a private party inspection report and noted that the disputed issues had been addressed and were resolved. Early on, a $206,000-plus change order for extra work needed to drive a steel foundation retaining wall into hardpan soils caused

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PART-TIME SECRETARY, BOARD OF HEALTH, DPW: The Borough of Emerson seek a qualified person to work on a part-time basis. Duties include working for different departments and agencies as assigned including but not limited to Board of Health and DPW. Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail and organization a must. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: answering phones; preparing correspondence and filing; preparing and assembling meeting packets; scheduling meetings, scanning, data entry, and other related duties as assigned. Experience working in a municipal government environment a plus but not required. Applicant must have excellent computer skills including Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Outlook). Certified Recycling Professional certification a plus. Must be able to attend one evening meeting per month. Salary DOQ. Please submit cover letter/resume by email to Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen at administrator@emersonnj.org, by Friday, April 1, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. The Borough reserves the right to interview candidates prior to the closing date for responses. EOE

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some council and public pushback. Some council members, including former member Michael DeSena, said the contractor should have foreseen the soil situation and some residents questioned Conley about the alleged general contractor oversight. Even more upsetting to neighbors, the project appeared to lack proper oversight when a subcontractor installed its roofing structure, including shingles, during a tropical summer downpour. After some council members and firefighters observed the suspect roof work, Conley inspected it and ordered the subcontractor to replace the roof so that the work would qualify for its lifetime warranty. While neighbors have complained about everything from alleged increased storm runoff, the buildingʼs height, added cost of its cupola, fire vehicle turning radiuses, light pollution, and inadequate public notice, another sore point raised by critics was that the township did not follow its own local building codes. For more, see “Council punts on call to reform town projects,” Pascack Press, Oct. 24, 2021. The town also is planning a new DPW headquarters.

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Mary SAUL

Mary Saul (née Carpenter), 96, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Mary was born in Hackensack and raised in Westwood and Hillsdale. Mary was the oldest of five children born to Michael Carpenter and Mary (née Barnes). Mary lived in Livingston for 47 years, raising her children there before moving to East Hanover. Mary is predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Frank “Pep” Saul in 2019 and her parents and her brother John. She is survived by her adoring children, Frank (Sally), Mary Jane Gruppuso, Michael (Jessica), Dr. Pat Saul and Jed Rosen, Elizabeth (Richard) Fleet, Daniel (Loretta), Meg (Daniel) Prosicki, and Gerald (Tricia), along with 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her siblings Patricia Lawler, Kathryn Quinn and Michael Carpenter, as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Maenelle K. THOMPSON

Maenelle K. Thompson, 89, of River Vale, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Maenelle is survived by her beloved son Bob and his wife Jill, as well as her grandsons, Chris and Josh. She is predeceased by her dear husband, Richard, and daughter, Laura. She loved cooking and music as a member of multiple symphony orchestras. Interment was held at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood. Memorial contributions can be made in Maenelleʼs name to the NJ Wind Symphony, P.O. Box 151, Ridgewood, NJ 07451 or njwindsymphony.org.

Vincent J. VESPE

Vincent Joseph Vespe, 83, a longtime resident of Hillsdale, passed away on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. Vincent is survived by his wife Gail; his children Vincent and his wife Blanca and Jacqueline; his grandaughter Gabriella and his brother Frank, of Essex Fells. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean, and parents Salvatore and Mary Vespe, of Paterson. For many years he was a teacher at Bergenfield High School. Vincent had a love for American history and a passion for

OBITUARIES

travel that led him and Gail to drive throughout the United States and Mexico in his beloved red VW Karmann Ghia and numerous trips to Europe. He loved sharing these passions with others, especially in later years with his granddaughter Gabby. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. Memorial contributions can be made in Vincentʼs name to the Alzheimerʼs Association, alz.org.

Edward A. DECANDIDO

Edward A. DeCandido, 86, of Park Ridge, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. He was born in Park Ridge to Ettore and Stella DeCandido. Beloved husband of the late Marie DeCandido. Devoted father of Edward C. DeCandido and his wife Doreen, Denise DeCandido-Jones, and Dina DeCandidoAltieri and her husband Joseph. Cherished grandpa of Edward, Timothy, Lukas, Dakota, Ashley, Emily and Joseph. He is predeceased by his son, Kevin. Interment was at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Edwardʼs name to the American Diabetes Association.

James J. MAWDSLEY

James J. Mawdsley of Westwood passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2022. He was the son of the late Charles and Helen (née Tierney) Mawdsley and was born and raised in Wa s h i n g t o n Heights, N.Y. His beloved wife Peggy predeceased him. He is survived by his son James C. daughter Susan Mawdsley, DuBeck and her husband Christopher, and daughter Eileen Harrington and her husband Neal along with grandchildren Jimmy and Jennie Mawdsley, Sean and Ryan Harrington, and step-grandchildren Bryan and Ryan DuBeck. He is also survived by his sisters, Catherine and Frances, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. James was very active in Westwood with 52 years of service to the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department, where he served in many roles including chief. He also served on various committees within the community. In his professional life, James served in the National Guard and had a long career as an electrician with Local 3 IBEW and concluded his career as director of facilities with New York Presbyterian

Hospital. James lived his life in a way that always prioritized family, friends and service to others. Interment was at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Martin J. BOYLE

Martin Joseph Boyle, 91, of Calabash, N.C., formerly of Woodcliff Lake, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022 peacefully at home. Marty, as he was called by his friends and family, was born in New York City on Dec. 30, 1930. He wed his wife, Elaine, on June 6, 1969 and they were married for 40 years, until she passed in 2009. Marty was a veteran, and dedicated his life to the military. He served in the U.S. Army, 1949–1952 and multiple tours in the U.S. Air Force, 1957–1973. He saw combat in Korea and was a cook in the Air Force while stationed in Vietnam. He is the recipient of a Purple Heart during his time in the Air Force. Marty was a loving and generous uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was an avid and decorated bowler who had spent many hours trying to teach others how to bowl as well as him. He was inducted into the Duluth Area Hall of Fame for bowling in Minnesota. He often enjoyed playing cards, golfing, word searches, playing pool, and he was always known to have a massive sweet tooth. Marty had never learned how to drive, making him the worldʼs best co-pilot, who always made sure your gas tank was filled. Marty had roots in many states during his time in and out of the service including New York, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Las Vegas, New Jersey and North Carolina; but he always liked it better where it was warm. Marty and his sense of humor will deeply be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bridget (Norris) Boyle, his wife Elaine (Peterson) Boyle, his sister Mary (Mae) Clements, brothers Thomas Boyle, John (Jack) Boyle, and Joseph Boyle, and step-children Sherri and Larry. He is survived by his loving family including his sister Rita Scully, his sisters-in-law JoAnne and Terry, his nieces and nephews Mary, Rita and John, Rose and Don, his great-nieces Sara, Francesca, Ashley, and Cristin, his great-great-nieces and nephews Brittany, Amelia and Carter, and Sherriʼs daughter Lisa.

Mary Louise BRENNAN

Mary Louise Brennan (née Hilton), 78, of the Township of Washington, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 3, 2022, among many of those who loved her so dearly. Born in Brooklyn to Paul and Helen Hilton, she and her parents would move to then-rural Mahwah three years later, residing across the street from the former home of poet Joyce Kilmer, author of “Trees.” After completing grammar school, Mary Louise enrolled at The School of The Holy Child Christ in nearby Suffern, where her rigorous 10-hour curriculum instilled a depth of knowledge that impressed just about everyone around her for the rest of her life. She was a member of Holy Childʼs class of 1961. Following a year away at college, Mary Louise became homesick, and there are so far two generations quite happy she did. She took a job as a tour guide at NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, a position and a city she thoroughly loved. It was there she met James “Jim” Brennan of Chicago, who told a friend shortly after, “Iʼm going to marry that girl.” Jim, a member of NBCʼs renowned Page Program, made good on his pledge, and the two were married in 1964, a day after Mary Louiseʼs 21st birthday. They were married for nearly 56 years before Jimʼs passing in March 2020. It was a deeply loving marriage that never wavered. The new couple took an apartment in Maywood and soon began a family: James Jr. was followed by Paul and then Lynn, each 18 months apart. Jimʼs three-job regimen became one when he was hired in 1967 to write comedy for Johnny Carson and “The Tonight Show,” and the family was able to buy a house—back in Mahwah—in 1968. In 1974 they moved to Naples, Fla., but returned to New Jersey two years later, settling in Ridgewood. Having tirelessly and devotedly raised her children into their high school years, Mary Lou, as she was more commonly known, had a desire to work again, and took a job at The Valley Hospital, within walking distance of home. She would spend 28 years at Valley, most of them as operating room secretary, an integral position in the surgical functions and medical professional scheduling of the hospital. Despite the numbing pace of her position, Mary Lou never turned down an opportunity to be with any and sometimes all of her six grandchildren, adding to the nurturing and imagination of their youth. “Grandma Brennan” made the most of the gift of grandchildren, and each of them will fondly carry those moments and that special relationship for life—as will her own children. Hiking and kayaking until age 70, planting and gardening to the end and rarely missing a Mets game,

Mary Louʼs life was rich, familycentric, and full of friends who had nothing but love and the deepest respect for her. Mary Lou, who spent her last 22 years in Washington Township— most of them with Jim by her side— was predeceased by her kid brother Alan. She is survived by children Jim Jr., Paul and Lynn, all of Bergen County; grandchildren Jaclyn and Daniel OʼConnor, James III, Erin, Michael and Kevin Brennan; daughters-in-law Nancy and Ronni Sue Brennan, son-in-law Justin OʼConnor; and niece Keri and nephew Pete.

Helen LENICEK

Helen Lenicek (née Kukta) passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 94 years young (or age 39 in her eyes). Helen was a resident of Emerson for 65 years. Helen was the beloved wife of the late William Lenicek, mother of Laura LenicekJohnson, her husband Ken Johnson, Steven Lenicek, and the late David Lenicek. Helen was the devoted grandmother of Krista, Ryan, and Matthew Johnson and cat mom to Buddy and Buddie. Helen was born at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, and grew up on Cropsy Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights and Corona, Queens. Helen spoke so highly of her days growing up in the city, going to high school on 42nd Street and Third Avenue, and roaming the city with friends during lunchtime for the best automats and coffee shops, before working after the school day. Those who met Helen also know how fond she was of her working days in Manhattan after high school—from her work with the American Institute of Physics, working with the U.S. Navy on sonar during WWII, to her proud memories of being able to work on the 55th floor of the Empire State Building. She was known for winning over new, reluctant colleagues by always sharing the best pastries during their coffee breaks. Even after moving to the suburbs to raise her family, Helen jumped at any opportunity to spend a day in the city. Even when it wasnʼt possible to make the trip to NYC, Helen found time to walk to Westwood or take the bus to Hackensack, pushing all of her kids in a stroller who enjoyed the day out. In Emerson, Helen found lifelong friends who helped her adjust from city to suburban life in Margaret and Elfriede—friends who were walking and volunteer buddies, taught her how to drive and ride a bike, and always found time to have a cup of coffee and pastry (any time of day or night). In adulthood, Helen had an enriching 40-year career working with Sterns/Macyʼs. Alongside her second career, Helen was an active grandmother in her grandchildrenʼs CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

FROM PAGE 8

tion area to the Boroughʼs boundary with Hillsdale to the south. Near the train station, there is a barn structure that has been designated as an area in need of redevelopment, as well as a retail building and the Waterfront Rest Home across the street. Immediately south of the train station, the corridor is characterized by a number of office buildings.” As well, “South of Prospect Avenue, there are small-scale retail, 24 personal service, and restaurant uses on both sides of the corridor. In terms of the physical characteristics and current development pattern, the Broadway Corridor faces many challenges and are constrained in development potential by multiple factors.” The plan details factors that could affect Broadway develop-

ment. “Many of the existing properties are too small and do not have enough lot depth to accommodate commercial uses that require abundant parking, such as restaurants. At the same time, there is no public parking or centralized parking facility in the vicinity with enough capacity to accommodate parking demand for businesses along the corridor,” states the plan. It notes, “Because many existing commercial spaces along Broadway were converted from former residential homes that are of an older building stock, many of these spaces do not offer amenities or configurations that are desired by todayʼs market.” It says, “There is no physical separation, such as a right-of-way, between the business and residential zones and properties on the east side of Broadway. On the west side of Broadway, many properties are

constrained by their proximity to the NJ transit train tracks, and several properties are also currently conserved by water companies who draw from the Reservoir.” The plan observes, “There are a number of dilapidated, vacant, or abandoned properties (such as the vacant office building at 188 Broadway and the former gas station property at 126 Broadway) that are detrimental to the visual appeal of Broadway and/or are not utilized at their highest potential.” And it says, “The Broadway right-of-way itself is a County Route and a major arterial that connects Woodcliff Lake with adjacent municipalities. As such, measures like sidewalk widening, traffic calming, and on-street parking that are commonly utilized to increase walkability, alleviate parking demand, and enhance the pedestrian realm are not suitable and difficult to implement.”

PASCACK VALLEY

$3K library scholarship going fast

Are you or is someone you know enrolled in a graduate library school in an ALA accredited program? If so, consider applying for a Friends of the Westwood Library scholarship honoring Shy Touba, a beloved member of the Friends who passed away last year. A $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to assist with tuition and course fees. Organizers tell Pascack Press youʼll want to move on this one quickly: The deadline for submission is April 1. According to Friends of the Westwood Library president Liz Bellamy, an ongoing mission of the Friends of the Westwood Library — and the cause champi-

oned by Shy Touba — is supporting future librarians through this annual scholarship. Although preference is given to applicants from Westwood, the scholarship award is also open to any student enrolled in an accredited master of library science (MLS) program who resides in Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, River Vale, Washington Township, Oradell, Old Tappan and Emerson, or a community within the Bergen County Cooperative Library System. The application form can be downloaded from westwoodpubliclibrary.org/friends-scholarship.html and must be accompanied by: • Transcript of current cours-

es and grades. Applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 credits from an accredited program at time of submission. • Transcript of completed courses and grades and current course(s). • Personal statement of educational and library career goals. • Two letters of recommendation. • Proof of residency in Westwood or any of the eligible towns. Applications and additional materials may be mailed or delivered to Westwood Public Library. Address the envelope to: Friends Scholarship Committee, Westwood Public Library, 49 Park Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675.

WESTWOOD

WVFD scholarships available

The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to announce its annual Community Service Scholarship Program for the college academic year beginning September 2022. The Westwood Fire Department has been awarding scholarships since 1981. The program awards two $1,000 scholarships each year. The scholarship award is paid directly to the college or university the student will attend and is applied toward such items as tuition, room and board, fees and books. Applicants must be a current high school senior and a resident of Westwood, a Westwood Fire department member, or the child of a Westwood Fire Department member, and apply and file the appropriate admission application forms at any college or university that he or she may be interested in attending. Each scholarship winner must present an acceptance letter to an

accredited college or university in order for the award to be paid to the institution. All applicants must complete the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Application, verify a record of volunteer service to the citizens of Westwood with a letter from the community service organization where the student volunteers. This letter must certify their service, and state the approximate number of hours of

volunteer service they provided during the past year. Applicants also write an essay of approximately 500 words on how their volunteer service to the Borough of Westwood affected their lives. The Westwood Fire Department Scholarship Committee administers the program. A separate Scholarship Review Committee comprised of leaders of area volunteer organizations reviews the scholarship applications, requests additional information if needed and recommends candidates to receive the awards. The scholarship selections are based on scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities and community service. They are not decided based on financial need. Eligible applicants are encouraged to grab an application packet from the department at westwoodfire.org. Submissions must be postmarked no later than Sunday May 1, 2022.

Library Calendar

invited for a virtual Womenʼs History Month Game on Monday, March 21 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Kids will log on to Google Meet to decode clues about some important women in history and learn about some others in this fun twist on the classic game, “Who Am I?” Register online. FROM PAGE 17

• There is a new book club starting up! The Non-Fiction Book Club will read timely books across subjects: history, science, medicine, nature, and more. The first title is “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari, with discussion taking place online Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Register for the meeting link.

Wrestling: Champs

5 in the state of New Jersey there this year and we finished as the fourth public school out of 40 teams competing.” He said “Junior Hunter Morton (157) was our highest place winner, earning a 4th. Sophomore Tyler Duffy (190) placed 6th, junior Max Unger (138) placed 7th and junior Alejandro Camarena (215) placed 8th. Seniors Pat Cahill (126) and Ryan Baudisch (165) each went 4-1 to take 9th” He said, “We thought we were the favorites to win this County Group title and we wrestled well and took care of business.” Gary Cooper, Matt Daniels, Athan Stamis, Aidan Varkey, SharFROM PAGE 13

Letters:

bel Nicolas, Michael Frangos, Christian Funke, Alex Leon, and Kylir Alexander. Seniors Nicolas and Frangos were three-year starters for the program. He thanked assistant coaches Jim Freeman, Kevin Moran and Ben Brisman “for all of their contributions this year and all through our years together.” And he thanked his wife for her tireless support. Bucco said of next season, “We have four county placers returning along with five other varsity starters and few other guys who we like what we saw on the JV level this year who will get their turn to make a varsity impact.”

church was packed not only with our congregation but also many of his friends from New York. This included members of the New York City Gay Menʼs Chorus. We enjoyed some of the most beautiful singing ever heard at Saint Paulʼs. The coupleʼs sonʼs ashes were interred in our memorial garden at the church. Recently they sent a donation, $2,000, towards the general upkeep of the garden. This check was returned by Jill Williams. The reason given was that quote: “You are no longer members of the church.” Just before our last rector, Ed Hasse, retired, he was able to marry his son to his partner at Saint Paulʼs. Again the church was packed with those friends of the

family and the congregation of Saint Paulʼs. Interestingly when Rev. Hasse retired and moved out of the rectory, the vestry at that time offered the son and his new husband the use of the rectory to live in until they were able to find a more permanent home for their life ahead. These are just a few of the many examples of inclusiveness that I can remember over the years. You have to ask yourself, does this seem like an environment where a lesbian should fear for her safety. Or could there be another reason for the unrest at Saint Paulʼs. David Riley Park Ridge Editorʼs note: We appreciate Mr. Rileyʼs views. Our print story, “Unrest continues at St. Paulʼs Episcopal Church,” Feb. 28, 2022, runs unabridged on our website, pascackpress.com.

lives, taking care of each of them from birth to grade school. Helen enjoyed any time she spent with her grandchildren, walking to the nearby park, library, and Dunkinʼ Donuts, department store shopping, lunches out, reading in the garden “baby” house, playing Scrabble and Rummikub, and long phone calls. Helen found lifelong community with her longtime Emerson neighbors, Church of the Assumption goers, and Rummikub friends at the Emerson Senior Center. Helen entertained family, friends,

and strangers alike with stories from her youth. Helen had the best one-line jokes, which always had people laughing and on their toes. Helen was the kindest, strongest, and most loving family member and friend, she will be remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing paths. In lieu of flowers, Helen would have loved for donations to be received by her church of 65 years, Church of the Assumption in Emerson (eservicepayments.com/cgibin/Vanco_ver3.vps) and the Emerson Senior Center (emersonseniors@emersonnj.org).

FROM PAGE 2

Obituaries: FROM PAGE 38

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

WCL: Master Plan vote

MARCH 14, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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