199
7-2022
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 26 ISSUE 4
APRIL 11, 2022
Tops in SHARP SALUTE TO class CONNOR MUNSON Multi-event standout signs with USAF Academy
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
LINWOOD AVENUE DPW PLAN
Dozens from township, Paramus beg council to pull out of deal
HITS HOME
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN AND JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
PVRHSD has named its Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley 2022 valedictorians, salutatorians. SEE PAGE 24
MONTVALE
VALLEY HEALTH
TAKES BIG STAKE HERE North Market, on former Mercedes-Benz campus, enjoys a shot in the arm
BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on April 6 to say he was excited to inform them that Valley Health System has committed to occupy 60,000 square feet of a new medical building to be built on the far northwest side of North Market, next to exit 172 off the Garden State Parkway. “Valley Health Systemʼs mission is to serve the communities of northern New Jersey and southern New York with exceptional, worldclass healthcare in a regional healthcare setting. Montvaleʼs con-
See MONTVALE on page 74
OFF HE GOES, into the wild blue yonder: At Westwood Regional High School on March 4, Westwood studentathlete Connor Munson signs a letter of intent with the United States Air Force Academy. Behind him - and his parents, Stephen Munson and Stacey Price-Munson - are track coach George Glover, superintendent Jill Mortimer, athletic director Dan Vivino, and principal Frank Connelly. Connor says the secret of his success is giving 100%.
C
nor, of Westwood, posed for photos — pen in hand — and said he was honored to have the opportunity to serve his country. The agreement he signed reads, “Given that I have been granted this Certificate of Intent to attend the United States Air Force Academy beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, I, Connor Payne Munson, agree to enroll at the United States Air
BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS ONGRATULATIONS
TO
Westwood Regional High School Senior Connor Munson, who was accepted with well-deserved fanfare into the United States Air Force Academy. At his signing ceremony, at the high school on March 4, Con-
ABOVE: JOHN SNYDER PHOTO
Force Academy and compete on the Academyʼs NCAA Division I Track & Field team. “I understand that this agreement is dependent on me being granted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, and I must meet all U.S. Air Force Academy admis-
Continued on page 28
Dozens of residents of Washington Township and Paramus who live near the proposed DPW facility at 95 Linwood Avenue — the former Charlie Brownʼs restaurant — criticized the plan for two hours during the April 4 Township Council meeting. Only Mayor Peter Calamari and the council leadership spoke for it, though in terms that itʼs the only site left in the mix. The officials assured residents that a concept rendering publicly glimpsed for the first time March 21 was not yet final and changes will be made. The hybrid session packed council chambers. It also was livestreamed on WCTV-NJ. Speakers — appealing for consideration as homeowners, families with young children, newcomers, retirees, and seniors — hammered the proposal over anticipated increased traffic, pollution, noise, and risks to public safety to this Route 17 residential doorstep of the township. They called the project “shameful,” unconscionable,” and “a loselose” and expressed anger that the town didnʼt write to homeowners
See DPW on page 324
SOCCER STARS
B ck in time...
River Vale’s 3rd and 4th grade girls indoor soccer team brings its best games as 2022 Division B Harnisch Cup champions.
Pascack Historical Society President Kristin Beuscher take us back 75 years, to familiar landmarks of downtown Hillsdale. SEE PAGE 4
SEE PAGE 16
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
2
PASCACK PRESS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DPW move to Linwood ‘just wrong’ To the editor: 30 attendA ed the April 4 Township of Washington Council meeting to BOUT
RESIDENTS
express their displeasure for relocating the DPW to the site of the former Charlie Brownʼs. Concerns for a number of issues were raised: increased traffic, pollution, noise, reduction in home values, etc.
Of greatest concern was the fact that the town made this decision without notifying homeowners that would be impacted by it. This decision to relocate the DPW at this site is just wrong. Though the council heard every resident who presented their views, I could not help but feel they were being placated. Apparently one possible site, that would have been perfect, with little or no impact on any homeowner, was voted down. I have lost complete faith in the governing body of the Township of Washington to show consideration to its loyal taxpaying residents before making such a major decision without giving
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past participants of the parade and would like to hear from any group or organization that hasnʼt received our letters and would like to join the Tri-Boro Parade, which starts in Montvale and ends in Woodcliff Lake. The day starts with a 9 a.m. memorial service at Veterans Park (near the train station). The parade steps off from Montvale at 10:30. This is going to be big. Please reach out to post153nj@hotmail.com and include your phone number . To the editor: Bob Oppelt, commander LANS ARE UNDERWAY for Jedh C. Barker Post 153 Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153ʼs first Memorial Day Service and Parade in three years: Monday, May 30. We sent letters out to all those affected a chance to share their view. To them I say, “Shame on you all.” Elizabeth DeLaura Township of Washington
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Ukraine drive,” Pascack Press, April 4, 2022.] This drive was first brought to my attention two weeks ago by Assemblyman Robert Auth. After I notified Hillsdale Fire Chief Billy Haffler of the drive, the Department responded by donating several pairs of turnout gear (coats and pants) that had technically “expired” for use under local regulation, but which was still useful for most practical purposes. This valuable equipment is on its way to the Clifton FD and then will be shipped to distribution points just outside of the Ukrainian border to be transported overland to Ukrainian fire fighters. Flying it directly to cities in the Ukraine is not an option due to dangerous airspace conditions. This is the second time that I can recall the generosity of local NJ firefighters responding with donations of fire equipment to other fire departments. Several years ago, donations of both equipment and labor were made to help fire departments in U.S. Southern states that were experiencing extreme stress and losses due to natural disasters. Our generosity has become international! Please join me in thanking the HFD for their participation in this effort and in praying for a cessation of the fighting and incredible destruction that is now occurring in the Ukraine. Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale
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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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Reporter’s notebook: Which towns, school boards livestream? PASCACK VALLEY
Three of eight Pascack Valley government bodies broadcast local council meetings on public access television or electronic platforms — such as YouTube or Zoom — that enable residents to watch government in action, or catch a meeting rerun later if they cannot watch it “live.” Due to a patchwork of meeting formats in use — including Zoom, cable TV and most towns not offering any live broadcasts of meetings — and an apparent lack of a statewide standard for broadcasting or recording meetings, Pascack Valley taxpayers are left to fend for themselves when seeking information discussed at open council and school board meetings. [They also have Pascack Press, in print and online. – Ed.] In only three towns — Emerson, Hillsdale, and the Township
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within days following the session. However, other towns do not broadcast “live,” or else post meeting videos later. For many residents, their only option to find out what took place at a public council meeting is to
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request an audio recording, often provided on compact discs, or wait for the meeting minutes to be approved and released — often weeks or months later. Access to livestreams and recorded meetings of local Pascack Valley school boards is even more challenging, with only River Valeʼs school board offering both a livestream and archived meetings on the district website. Fortunately, for parents and taxpayers in the four towns served by the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, the regional
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
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B ck in time...
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES
Downtown Hillsdale as it looked 75 years ago this week. (Pascack Historical Society archives.)
Borough of Hillsdale on the go — April 12, 1947
F
BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
HILLSDALE
of the Pascack Historical Society comes this snapshot of Hillsdale as it looked 75 years ago this week. This photo, dated April 12, 1947, looks at Hillsdale Avenue towards the Broadway intersection. The Hillsdale Fire Departmentʼs ROM THE ARCHIVES
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1941 Ward La France Combination Hook and Ladder truck drives west on Hillsdale Avenue. Visible on the truck is Frank Whalen, who had formerly served as chief in 1945. Two buildings in the background are still standing today and are easily recognizable. The Hillsdale House, visible on Broadway, was built in 1870 as a hotel and inn. It was the Smith Department Store in the late 1940s. The train station, built when the railroad line first came through Hillsdale in 1869, is also shown. The rightmost building, the storefront on Hillsdale Avenue, is no longer standing. Longtime residents might remember this as the Leddy building, so called because it once housed the Leddy Coal & Oil Company. Hillsdaleʼs newly formed public library moved into this building in 1938. A white sign reading “Hillsdale Public Library” is visible on the front of the building in this 1947 photo. The library found its permanent home at Hillsdale Avenue and Yesler Way in 1957. The Leddy building was torn down and now the land is part of the Wendyʼs parking lot. Some might remember that before Wendyʼs came to town, this was the parking lot of Rustler steakhouse.
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
Roughly the same scene via Google Street View, 2022. (Kristin Beuscher photo)
PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
Publisher Editor Staff Writer Contributing Editor Art Director Director of Advertising
John J. DeFina John Snyder Michael Olohan Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher
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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Cardinal youth cheerleading signups
The Westwood Cardinal Youth Cheerleading program is open to residents of Westwood and Township of Washington who are in grades 1–7. Registration for the fall season will be held on Wednesday May 11 and Monday, May 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The registration fee is $175. Cheerleaders must accompany their parents to registration so that
they can be sized for uniforms. A cheerleading fleece jacket must also be purchased for an additional fee. The program begins the week of Aug. 8 and continues until mid-November. Practice will be held two to three times per week and games will be either Saturday afternoon or evenings, Sunday afternoon, or Monday evening each week. For more information write westwoodyouthcheerleading@yahoo. com or call (201) 666-9637.
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15-townhouse proposal gets April 14 hearing BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
WOODCLIFF LAKE
A proposal for 15 high-end townhomes on Rosengren Court part of an agreement originally approved in the boroughʼs 2017 affordable housing settlement — will seek preliminary and final site plan approval on April 14 at 5 p.m., before the borough Planning Board via the Zoom platform. Woodstack Homes Inc., Newark, will build the townhome
development on the approximately 7-acre property, located at Old Pascack Road and Pascack Road, and officially designated as Block 2205.01, Lots 2.01, 3,4,5, and 6. Residents interested in viewing application documents can find them under “Application Information” on the Planning Board website. The development agreement was part of the affordable housing settlement. In exchange for construction of the 15-townhouse development, Rosengren was to contribute $600,000 to the bor-
oughʼs affordable housing trust fund. Those funds were to be earmarked for “extending affordability controls” at Centennial Way and the North Broadway affordable family rental project. Initially, Rosengren sought rezoning of the property to build 43 townhomes, although the site was originally zoned for five single-family homes. “The applicant will request any and all variances, waivers, exceptions, deminimus exceptions, interpretations and/or incidental relief from the require-
ments of the Municipal Land Use Ordinance of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake that may be required by the Planning Board or its professionals after review of the application,” states the April 1 public notice. Per the settlement, the borough will rezone the Rosengren site for 15 high-end, market rate townhouse units expected to sell in excess of $1 million. The agreement limits the townhouses to a maximum of 35 feet high and 3,500 square-foot per unit, “with limited impact on the neighboring properties.” According to a study by Community Housing and Planning Associates, the 15-townhome development is likely to generate 42 persons based on a Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research study. “Added to the 2020 count of 6,126 persons, this would be an increase of 0.69%, which is a negligible change in terms of total population.” The study also predicts
school population increases based on the number of townhouses. Projected increase in school children K-4 were estimated at 1.9 students; 0.6 students for middle school; and 0.9 students for high school. The proposed townhouse units will consist of two residential floors over recreational space and parking, and no more than 35 feet in height “to be compatible with residences in the vicinity.” The study notes Woodcliff Lake provides 2.94 police officers for every 1,000 residents, which exceeds the accepted planning standard of 2.2 officers per 1,000 residents. Based on the addition of 42 residents, the borough would have 2.92 officers for every 1,000 residents. It would not need to hire additional officers. The study concludes the 15townhome development would have “minimal impact” on the property, adjacent property and the neighborhood.
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venient location and the existing presence of other world class medical doctors aligned perfectly with Valley Health Systemʼs goals,” he said. He noted, “It was only in 2015 when Mercedes-Benz decided to leave for Georgia. After they fully vacated the property in 2017, the future of about 30 prime acres was in question.” Ghassali said, “I believe we are now on a good footing with a modern, mixed-use development and a strengthening reputation of being an exciting new medical hub. Montvale is well-positioned to compete with many other great towns for top world class medical and professional tenants.” Ghassali said, “On behalf of the Montvale community, we welcome Valley Health System to town. Many thanks to the S. Hekemian Group for the diligent work they have done to acquire and maintain quality, long-term tenants, which benefits all of the Montvale community.”
FROM PAGE 1
Ghassali also forwarded a copy of a report from Real Estate NJ, which follows commercial deals of this type. The piece cited S.Hekemian Group in saying the project will create “a modern surgical center that allows the provider to continue expanding in Bergen County.” The report said, “It will also be part of an 86,000-square-foot
building that includes 26,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, marking the latest addition to the former Mercedes-Benz campus off Exit 172 of the Garden State Parkway.” Peter Hekemian, senior managing director of The S.Hekemian Group, says, “Itʼs a nice moment of validation that Valley Health System is excited to be part of the
neighborhood experience weʼre trying to create in North Market. They saw that joining one of the premier projects in northern Bergen County was a high-visibility opportunity for their brand, and they will be a big addition to what weʼre building here.” Real Estate NJ said the developer is eyeing a fall 2023 groundbreaking for the new building,
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Montvale: Valley Health commits to North Market
7
Applications, inspections speak to new life, improvements
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
8 MONTVALE
According to Mayor Michael Ghassali in his March report to residents, shared over email on April 3, March was busy in terms of Planning Board applications:
• Gray Capital, LLC – 100 Summit Ave. (the former Western Union campus). The second hearing was held on March 15 for this project, which proposes
to demolish the easternmost building and construct a 180-bed, threestory nursing home while using the
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existing (western) building for offices, support services and meeting rooms. The existing building would be refaced to complement the proposed nursing home addition. Site improvements are also proposed, including parking, landscaping, and stormwater. Revised plans are to be submitted and the hearing will be carried to a future date. • Metropolitan Homes – 91 Spring Valley Road. This application for the construction of four single-family homes at the end of Deep Wood Lane (off Stem
Brook), and seven single-family homes on Spring Valley Road opposite Bear Brook Village, was approved by the Board on May 21, 2019. The applicant had submitted final subdivision plans which were approved by Resolution on Feb. 15, 2022. • Montvale Family Apartments. The resolution granting major soil movement approval was approved by the Planning Board at their Feb. 15 meeting. This application is for construction of a 25unit development on Summit Avenue at the intersection with Craig Road. • Moksha/Valley View SubDivision – 89 Valley View Terrace. The applicant is in the process of clearing the property for the construction of two homes, which will be accessed from a new cul-de-sac off Valley View Terrace. Revised plans are to be submitted
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to the Borough due to an existing sewer line not on the engineerʼs plans. • Montvale Grove, LLC – 24 Spring Valley Road. This application proposes the construction of 19-individual agerestricted buildings including a three- unit affordable building located on 4-acres northwest of the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Grand Avenue with proposed access opposite Akers Avenue. The initial hearing date had not been set at the time of Ghassaliʼs report. Planning Board Inspection Projects • D e P i e ro ʼs / M o n t v a l e Development Phase II. The applicant is continuing work on Building #1. This application proposed the construction of two buildings, with a daycare center and a separate lifestyle building with up to four tenant spaces. • Village Springs at Montvale, 2 Paragon Dr. To date, the Borough has issued 10 certificates of occupancy (CO). Model townhomes are open at 10–14 Driftway Lane, and the applicant will be filing for CO in the near future. Work to stabilize and rebuild the north pond retaining wall has been completed. This project includes the construction
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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The April 5 mayor and council work session was packed, with presentations on World Trade Center steel for the 9/11 Memorial and an Eagle Scout candidateʼs proposal for a final project. The council heard from the borough engineer via his biweekly report, and members discussed desilt/de-snag options pertaining to flood control. The council introduced Resolution #22, the 2022 Municipal b u d g e t : ARROYO $19,983,357, representing a 1% increase. (Itʼs accommodating road resurfacing, rec improvements to be paid by fees, and a new garbage truck.) Items for discussion included “various resolutions” (Mayor Ray Arroyo); electronic vehicle chargers (Cheryl Hodges); signs at Veterans Memorial Park/Train Station fence (council president Beth Dell); Special Law Enforcement Office draft ordinance (Erin Collins); and a Westwood Regional Middle School traffic change (Erin Collins). There were ordinances for introduction: • 22-10 Calendar year 2022 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation • Limits and to establish a CAP bank (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14). An ordinance was adopted: 22-9 Bond ordinance to authorize the acquisition of a new pumper fire engine, including original apparatus and equipment (to appropriate $620,000 to pay the cost thereof, to make a down payCONTINUED ON PAGE 16
that reality, older adults need to take charge of their health and engage with providers to guide their care, regardless of age.” To that end, the workshop will help participants learn more about how to have these conversations. Bontemps said, “During the workshop attendees learn more about how to contemplate what matters most when thinking about the last phase of life. Expressing what means the most makes it easier for others designated to make decisions in the event of an indi-
vidualʼs incapacity to do so on his or her own.” The workshop offers a complete approach to discussing and documenting the care and comfort choices of aging adults. Bontemps said, “Contrary to what many might think, these do not have to be depressing or difficult conversations. Sharing endof-life care wishes can actually bring families closer and possibly even prevent conflict within families when they are left to guess at what would have been end-of-life wishes.”
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On Thursday, April 21, Westwood for All Ages will host “Five Wishes,” a workshop designed to empower older adults to voice their individual end-of-life care wishes and to provide a legal means to document their wishes. The free workshop will take place at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a free boxed lunch. Advance registration is required by either calling (201) 834-4192 or emailing ww4allages@gmail.com. The Westwood Senior Van service is available for anyone 65 and over by reserving a spot at (201) 6647100, ext. 170. Program manager Lisa Bontemps told told Pascack Press on April 6, “The U.S. healthcare system is the most complex and diverse in all the world. Given
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Mayor: Keep Memorial Field free of litter, bicycle tire damage
Mayor Keith Misciagna wrote to residents — “my Park Ridge family” — on April 1 with March updates, including the problem of trash resurfacing now that Memorial Field is open. He said, “It is actually disgraceful how many water bottles and candy wrappers and fast-food containers and just general trash is left on our fields and in our public spaces every day. Our DPW spends every morning cleaning up while their time and your tax dollars could be put to better use.” Misciagna said, “Please
speak to your children and remind them that there are trash receptacles everywhere! There is just no need to treat our public spaces like a
dumping ground.” He said, “The other major issue we are having on the turf field is tire tracks. This is a very expensive field that we invested in so that our kids will have a safe MISCIAGNA
place for soccer and softball and lacrosse that is being damaged by bicycles.” The mayor said, “There is absolutely no reason to be riding a bicycle on this field. Please, remind your kids that bicycles should not be on the field. If you are at the field and you notice bicycles being ridden on the field, please say something or call the police.” Misciagna said, “The fields are monitored by cameras but no one relishes having to spend time reviewing camera footage, identi-
fying which kids are riding bicycles on the field and sending a police officer to the house to speak to their parents. Letʼs work together as a community so it doesnʼt get to that.”
An update from the Pascack Historical Society According to Misciagna, the Pascack Historical Society Museum, at 19 Ridge Ave., remains closed until further notice due to recent water damage from a burst pipe. He passed along a note from the societyʼs volunteers, noting “Our work has not stopped as we carry out the mission to preserve the history of Park Ridge and the entire Pascack Valley.” The society said its biggest sources of income are its two Curiosity Sales (spring and fall) and Holiday Sale (December). “Our spring sale has been postponed until late spring till our restoration is complete. As our volunteers are preparing for the sale, they are looking for more donations. Thus, as you do your spring cleaning consider donating items to the society for upcoming sales.” What to donate: “The sales have become known for its oneof-kind attic treasures. The usual fare includes antiques, collectibles, jewelry handbags, china, linens, silver, glassware, artwork, pottery, and other vintage bric-abrac of all kinds,” said the society. No clothing, modern toys, stuffed animals, books or media
such as DV Ds, VHS and CDs. If you have items you wish to contribute, drop them off at the society on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sundays (once it reopens) from 1 to 4 p.m. “We are truly appreciative of the continuing support from the Borough and residents of Park Ridge.” Misciagna said, “In light of the recent damage and the fact that the society is still recovering from financial losses due to the pandemic, I hope all our residents will join me in becoming members.”
Upcoming events: In addition to the annual Easter Egg hunt, scheduled for April 9 at Memorial Field, Misciagna promoted: • The 11th Annual Park Ridge Car Show, May 7. For details visit parkridgeboro.com. • East Brook PTO is holding its first golf outing on Thursday, April 28 at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, followed by dinner at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge. Funds will be used to help supplement the Covid-ravaged PTO budget. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information. You can learn more at eastbrookpto.membershiptoolkit.com. • Park Ridgeʼs 125th Anniversary Celebration is April 29. “The pandemic has postponed this a few times, we
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Budget hearing, vote set for April 26; project updates
The borough introduced its 2022 budget on March 29 and will present and vote on the spending plan during the April 26 meeting of the governing body. You may review the budget at montvale.org, government, budgets. Mayor Michael Ghassali told residents via his emailed March report, on April 3, “We are increasing our surplus and we will be purchasing a new fire truck per our rotation schedule. The tax increase this year will be a little over $10 per average household. This will allow us to add about
$150,000 to our surplus.” H e said that at the April 26 meeting “[W]e will be sharing how much the new ratables will be GHASSALI adding in terms of additional tax revenue, and I think you will be pleased. I hope you take the time to review the budget and join us on the 26th and ask your questions.” Ghassali said, “Also, look for
new businesses and corporate tenants moving to town and taking up empty office space.” He also thanked residents for patience while the Magnolia bridge is being replaced “and we work out the kinks with the traffic light timing. The county has been extremely cooperative and prompt and that has made our job that much easier.” The mayor also furnished a report of the latest project activities in town. Here are highlights: Water Main • Suez Replacement Program. “Our
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Collier Engineering & Design (CED) has discussed the replacement of water mains with Suez on various roads in the Borough. The initial roads proposed are Wayne Street, Craig Road, and the municipal portion of Summit Avenue from Spring Valley Road to North Avenue. These roads are scheduled to be milled and paved under the borough and NJDOT programs for 2021 and 2022.” Ghassali said “Additional roads include Terkuile Road, Hilton Place, Crestview Terrace, Fox Hill Road, Lark Lane, Huff Terrace, and Highland Road. CED is working with Suez to coordinate the milling and paving with our scheduled road programs and credit road improvements to the remaining streets.” • Emergency Service Contracts. “Bids were received on March 15 with the following apparent lowest bidders: Emergency repairs to catch basins, storm, and sanitary sewers: Colonnelli Brothers, $199,520.20; Roadway and stormwater repairs: American Asphalt & Trucking, $70,200. These are two-year contracts, with two optional one-year extensions.” • Bergen County/Magnolia Avenue Bridge Replacement. Detours are in place, with the temporary lights installed at Grand and Woodland. • Montvale 2021 Road Program. A preconstruction meeting will be held within the coming weeks to schedule the road work within the borough. The 2021 milling and paving improvements include Erie Avenue (from Main Street to Ladik Place), Main Street (from Jefferson Place to the
New York State border), Marion Road (from Grand Avenue to Hemlock Street), Pennsylvania Avenue (from Myrtle Street to Terminus), Wayne Street (from Kinderkamack Road to Degroff Place), and Roberts Road, as an alternate.” Fields • Fieldstone Restroom Facility. On Jan. 5 NJDCA announced that Montvale was awarded $40,000 for the installation of a three-unit (ADA, menʼs, and ladiesʼ room) restroom trailer that would be available to the public three tjree seasons of the year. The proposed location is where the existing portable toilet unit is located.” • Montvale 2020 Bergen County Open Space Grant: La Trenta Parking Lot & ADA Improvement Project. On Feb. 16, 2021, the county awarded the Borough $96,309 for proposed improvements to include milling and paving the parking lots and driveway, new curbing and ADA parking and viewing areas at the tennis court and fields. • Montvale 2019 Bergen County Open Space Grant – Memorial Drive Bocce Ball Courts. The contractor completed the work on the new courts, and the initial/final payment recommendation to the borough was dated Nov. 10, 2021 in the amount of $90,579.35. Once all paperwork is finalized, CED will prepare as submission to the county for reimbursement. Note that the borough was awarded $45,000 under the 2019 grant program. Ghassali reported on borough, county, and state road programs going back several years. See his report for details.
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Proposed $16.5M budget includes 1% annual increase HILLSDALE
The Borough Council introduced a $16.5 million budget on April 5, with an approximate 1% increase, or $96,876, that will nudge local homeowner taxes by $27 annually. However, Borough Finance Committee Chair Abby Lundy also pointed out that municipal taxes comprise 20% of a homeownerʼs annual tax bill, with school taxes (70%) and county taxes (about 10%) making up the difference. No specific plans to bond for a future community center were included in the proposed budget. A budget public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3. “Financially weʼre in great shape,” said Lundy, after a short budget presentation. Residents can access the draft budget and budget presentation via highlighted links on the online April 4 Borough Council agenda. Lundy said the $16,511,696.62 plan represented stagnant state aid for 11 consecutive years; $1.1 million in pandemic-related aid via the federal American Rescue Plan; FEMA grant funds for Hurricane Ida impacts; recycling and clean communities grants; and fund balances from prior year operations. A percentage breakdown of
the $16.5 million budget shows 20% to public safety; 15% to DPW; 11% for insurance; 8% for pensions; 7% for BCUA and recycling; and 15% for “other” expenses such as uncollected taxes, code enforcement, public health, volunteer service stipends, Planning Board and shared services. Mayor John Ruocco said he would have preferred a flat budget by paying off the $97,000 increase with funds from the surplus account, currently at about $414,000. He criticized the 1% increase as “still tax and spend.” However, chief financial officer Sheryl Luna, who worked closely with the finance committee and Business Administrator David Troast to prepare the draft budget, called it “a solid budget” that contained “no fluff” and met the needs of residents. She said like other CFOs, she was not a fan of zero-percent increase budgets, noting the budget can always be revisited and that the increase was “technically less than 1 percent.” She noted the state mandates local library budgets, and minus that increase, it would be below 1%. Last year, the council voted to increase municipal taxes by 5.33% by including nearly $500,000 for a future bond down payment on a community center and new turf field. So far, no decisions have been made on either initiative after a consultant estimated their com-
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bined cost at $16 million. Some capital appropriations include Beechwood Park matching grant funds; a pickup truck for DPW; Office of Emergency Management radio and technology upgrades; a Fire Department Scott Pack air filler machine; new flashing pedestrian crossing and stop signs; a new police vehicle; and a
“significant” road resurfacing program. Under a recap of municipal debt, with current interest rates low, Lundy said the committee recommended “going to bond for some capital improvements” including a Maple Avenue Park retaining wall, a Fire Department rescue boat, and “significant
improvements/turfing at Centennial Field Complex.” “The borough has very little debt because we have historically utilized a cash capital improvement program. The borough paid down its previously issued debt in 2021 by making a $485,000 bond principal payment,” said Lundy.
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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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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are thrilled to finally be able celebrate. The festivities will begin, at the Park Ridge Marriott, with cocktail hour from 7 to 8 p.m. and an elegant sit-down dinner, dancing and open bar until midnight. If you havenʼt gotten your tickets yet, email lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com or call Liz Falkenstern at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 to inquire about availability. • Summer camp planning is in full swing “and our director has some great things lined up for a fun filled summer in Park Ridge. Registration is set to open on April 15 and will be done online through community pass. We will be offering some on site extras
FROM PAGE 10
much like last year, but the registration has been streamlined so you will notice a separate link to sign up for those days directly with TGA and Green Kids Crafts.” • Park Ridge Municipal Pool plans to open on May 28 and membership registration is underway. The pool commission is hard at work planning for a great summer. Visit parkridgeboro.com to register through Community Pass. Pay attention to registration due dates to avoid a $35 late fee. If electronic signup is not possible, paper pool registration forms can be picked up at the PR pool office weekends from noon to 3 p.m. beginning May 7. Should you have any questions or concerns, write pool@parkridgeboro.com.
PARK RIDGE
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) 244-4537 or lhanlon@kearnybank.com. Address: Linda Hanlon, 211 Cambridge Ave., Saddle Brook, N.J. 07663.
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Back the food pantry The Tri-Boro Food Pantry continues to need donations. If you are able to donate, visit the pantry on Tuesday or Thursday 9 to 11 a.m. You can also drop off donations at Borough Hallʼs lobby donation box. If you need to make special arrangements for a drop off time, call (201) 573-9083.
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Free at-home tests (4 per residential address) are available at https://special.usps.com/testkits. If you need a test or a vaccine the best resource is at newbridgehealth.org/healthservices/covid-19. Updated Covid-19 information can be found at COVID19.nj.gov.
Covid-19 The rate of transmission and hospitalization rates have dropped to a point that the county will no longer be proactively reporting case totals on a regular basis for the first time since April 2020. The information is still available on the dashboard by visiting covid19.nj.gov/#liveupdates.
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Park Ridge: Help borough protect Memorial Field Easter Celebration
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Meet the 3/4 indoor soccer champs
Congratulations to River Valeʼs 3rd and 4th Grade Girls Indoor Soccer team, the 2022 3/4 Girls Division B Harnisch Cup champions. These warriors ran wild over Park Ridge in the semifinals, 7-0, then shut out Norwood in the championship game, also 7-0. The roster from left to right: Alex Carlson, Evelyn Lowenfels, Tatum Pellegrino, Morgan Bishay (kneeling), Hannah Bishay, Noemi Ligon, Savi Madmon, Danica Gollub, Kiera Dalton and Bria Boothe. Coaches are Rosalie Boothe and Dennis Lowenfels. (Photo via Rosalie Boothe)
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ment, to authorize the issuance of bonds and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of those bonds.) Various resolutions were passed: • Appointment of grant writer – Fred Rella. • Authorizing Westwood Volunteer Fire Department – Matters of personnel. • In support of reforms to the New Jersey Attorney Generalʼs Use of Force Policy, Addendum B, Vehicular Pursuit Policy. • In support of bail reform measures under consideration by the New Jersey Legislature and in support of additional reforms. • Opposing A1294/S2103a and its impact on flood-prone properties. • Supporting A3669 with revision. • Objecting to potential purchase of defunct bus terminal by New Jersey Transit as continuation of use contrary to boroughʼs Master Plan and detrimental to the health and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Westwood. • Supporting S790 Flood Control Measures. • Authorizing preparation of plans and specifications, bidding, and construction inspection for the 2022 Road Resurfacing Program.
FROM PAGE 9
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Arroyo explains resolutions At the meeting, Mayor Ray Arroyo expanded on thoughts he shared with us in “Hub Kmart soon to be last; eyes on Westwood Plaza as anchor tenant wavers,” March 19, 2022. Heʼd worried about Assembly bill 1294, which would overrule local zoning and allow developers of qualifying office parks and shopping centers to redevelop with residential mixed use as of-right.” He said his post on those views generated a good question in the comments. Overall, he remarked on three resolutions: • Gas Tax Pause. A3669. “Itʼs a regressive tax disproportionately impacting low-wage earners. February saw a year-toyear average increase of 43.6 % in the price of U.S. fuel oil. Three states (Maryland, Connecticut, and Georgia) have paused their state gas tax. Twenty other states
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are debating it,” he said. Arroyo said, “Summer, when demand is high, supply is stressed, and prices normally creep up — will soon be upon us; and there will be nothing normal about the coming season. Given that U.S. prices have never been this high, we think New Jersey should consider this temporary relief measure.” He said, “And we note that the revenue estimates for the last two budget cycles were exceeded (last yearʼs collection was $4.6 billion over estimate) and that the state has collected $8.6 billion more in revenue since its 2019 pre pandemic collection — which at the time was also a benchmark record.” The mayor said, “We believe the state can find the money to cover the gas tax revenue shortfall that a pause would entail.” • A1294/S2103. Arroyo said, “We oppose on the basis that the municipalities are entrusted with local planning and zoning per the Municipal Land Use Law, because of the intimate knowledge local land use boards have regarding unique, local conditions and features that inform the local zone plan.” He said, “Our objection is underscored by the draft bill failing to make a carve-out for office parks and shopping centers that may be in, or adjacent to, flood zones.” And he said, “We have included in our resolution a request that should the legislation advance, such a carveout be included, leaving flood-prone properties subject to local land use planning and zoning ordinances.” In the event that request fails, he said, “We are asking that a hold-harmless clause shielding municipalities from class action suits brought by property owners adversely impacted by this bill.” • Resolution objecting to Transfer/Sale of Coach Bus Property to NJT. Arroyo said, “This nonconforming and environmentally compromised use – adjacent to both the R1 Zone to the north and the apartments between it and the Hospital – as a continuing use is contrary to the master plan and zoning ordinance as spelled out in the resolution.” For more information visit westwoodnj.gov. — John Snyder
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.
17
of 80 townhouse units in 18 buildings at 2 Paragon Dr. • North Market/Triboro (former Mercedes property). The office building (No. 2) has three COs. No applications have been submitted for the retail component of this building. Construc-
FROM PAGE 8
tion is ongoing for the residential components of the Phase I development (Nos. 1 & 3). • Premier Development (Alexa), 160 Spring Valley Road. This 81-unit townhome development, north of Upper Saddle River Road, has 41 units occupied in seven of 11 buildings. • AR Landmark (Horn-
April 17, 2022
rock) – 12 Van Riper Road. – The applicant continues to clear and grade the site and is constructing many of the stormwater improvements required for this site. AR Landmark was issued permits on Nov. 1, 2021 for building and site improvements. This development includes 185 dwelling units over parking in the Montvale portion of
HEAD OF THE CLASS
the larger AR Landmark development in Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. (448 units are proposed for the Park Ridge portion of the site). • De Pieroʼs Lifestyle Buildings. Two tenant spaces are vacant with one in the “Ulta” building and the other in the “Chase” building. • Atlantis Fresh Market – 12 Railroad Ave. The applicant received approval from the board on Oct. 20, 2020 for construction of a 2,899-square foot convenience store and three fuel dispensers. They have filed for construction permits with the borough.
• Woodland Heights/Flintlock Road. This 20-home subdivision off Woodland Road has 16 homes occupied, and 2 homes under construction. Two undeveloped lots remain in this development. COAH fees will be collected once the Applicant applies for the construction of the final home site. • Thrive (Pike Development)/110 Summit. – Due to changes made by the applicant, they will need to submit revised plans to the board for review and approval.
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FARM TO TABLE The Farm and Cafe are Open! Photos courtesy EJSHS
EMERSON
Congratulations and job well done go to Emerson Junior-Senior High School Class of 2022 valedictorian Celine Mallouhi and salutatorian Jake Denekamp! Emerson Public Schools called out the high-achieving students on April 1.
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Montvale: Planning Board activity via mayor Easter Celebration
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Easter Celebration
April 17, 2022
PASCACK VALLEY
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 walk-ins, 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!
What youʼll need:
Chicken alla Giulio
• 4 chicken breasts • 1 1/2 cups light sweet sherry wine • 1 pear, sliced • 1 tsp. shallots • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
olive oil and shallots. • Remove from stove.
• Add the pear and sherry wine to the chicken and shal-
NY. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
What to do:
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. • Saute chicken in pan with
Perfection!
Pull up a chair at Giulio’s Restaurant, where elegance meets affordable - and delicious - Italian cuisine.
lots. • Bake in 375 degree oven for 8–10 min. (ovens vary). • Buon Appetito! Giulioʼs Restaurant is located at 154 Washington Street, Tappan
Visit Giulioʼs website for its m e n u : www.giuliosrestaurant.com For reservations, takeout, 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.
50th An niver Thank you f sar y r om the H
2022
or s e F
or ce In this, our 50th year, we have experienced emotions that we never expected and we are exhausted from it all. So we are taking the very Holy weekend off to allow our staff to celebrate the Holidays with their families. With Passover and Seders and Good Friday and Easter it is the perfect time to give thanx for all we have been given as Westwood’s favorite place. The religious stars are aligned and the timing is perfect. See you all on Tuesday…. PEACE
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20 WASHINGTON AVE., WESTWOOD • (201)666-9682
19
Easter Celebration
April 17, 2022
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
EMERSON
The Borough Council introduced a $14.5 million municipal budget on April 5 that includes a “very small” 2.7% increase over 2021ʼs budget, which is estimated to cost an average homeowner approximately $97 extra in yearly taxes. Copies of the budget are available from Borough Clerk Jane Dietsche and posted on the borough website. Questions from the public will be answered by the boroughʼs auditor and chief financial officer at the May 3 hearing, said the mayor. Mayor Danielle DiPaola said the borough, like all towns, was required by New Jersey to intro-
duce its annual budget no later than a public meeting closest to March 30. The $14,475,538 municipal budget is approximately $29,691.32 over its 2% budget cap, according to the preliminary budget. “This remains a living breathing document and we will continue to work on this number,” said DiPaola. “We plan to whittle away at the budget to adopt a budget with a tax increase of less than $97 which is currently proposed,” she added. For the average home assessed at $443,000, local taxes will increase slightly over $8.00 monthly or about $97 yearly, “which is a very small 2.7% increase over last year,” DiPaola said.
The proposed 2022 budget shows $3.7 million for public safety (police); $2.5 million for public works (DPW); $1.3 million for insurance; $1.35 million for statutory expenses; $1.2 million for utilities and bulk purchases; $151,000 for landfill/solid waste disposal; and about $92,000 for
parks and recreation, plus other expenses. DiPaola thanked budget committee members including councilwoman Kelly Moore, councilman Michael Timmerman, CFO Lauren Roehrer and Administrator Rob Hermansen who “worked diligently in order to get this num-
ber and we will continue to do so.” For details, see the borough website Government drop-down menu, click Financial Documents, then Municipal Budgets, and select the 2022 municipal budget or user-friendly budget for details.
Wishing you a Happy Easter!
PARK RIDGE
Easter Bunny visits Our Lady of Mercy April 16
The Easter Bunny visits Our Lady of Mercy Church, Pascack Road, on Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m. Children are encouraged to bring their baskets. The bunny will be handing our treats. Easter baskets will be blessed as well. An Easter Vigil Mass will be held at 8 p.m.
The church adds, “Please join us on Easter, April 17, for Mass which will be celebrated 7:30, 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish Mass).” For more information, including a list of Holy Week services, visit urolm.org.
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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Shake the Can fund drive April 22-24 Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 of the Township of Washington, led by drive chairman Ed Garland, will be donning bright yellow and red trimmed vests to signify that the annual fundraiser for the developmentally disabled has begun. From Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24, Brother Knights will be “shaking the can” at key locations in the township, soliciting donations. A council spokesman says, “All Knights volunteer their time for these activities and bear any expenses themselves. For this, and all such events, 100% of every dollar received by the K of C volunteers goes directly to local charities.” He adds, “Our last drive, in 2019, raised $22,100 thanks in part to a grant of $10,000 from OritaniBank Charitable Foundation.” In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, then a young parish priest in New Haven, Conn,, founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a
Mini Easter Buns 4 for $10 • Cupcakes $3.50 Fruit Tart $4.00 • Easter Cookies $2.95 • Easter Bread $12.00 Crème Brulee Cheese 10” $35.00 (Serves up to 12 people) Flourless Chocolate Cake w/Raspberries 9” $35.00
largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the worldʼs leading international charitable organizations, with 2 million members in more than 16,000 local councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 47 million service hours and $150 million for worthy causes in their communities. “In calendar year 2021, despite the effects of the pandemic on our fundraising efforts, Mother Seton Council contributed $18,000 to charities and awarded $4,000 in scholarships.” Donations by mail are always welcome to K of C Charity Fund, 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. For more information call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com.
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Proposed $14.5M budget bumps local taxes $97 annually
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
20
Easter Celebration
April 17, 2022
East Brook PTO Golf Outing, Dinner April 28
PARK RIDGE
WESTWOOD
Woman’s Club meets April 14
GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood will meet for its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse on Kinderkamack Road (next door to Becker Funeral Home). Through volunteer work, members address concerns that will better the life of people in the
community and the nation. The club says, “If you are looking to learn more about our area and working with like-minded women for the betterment of our community, then we are looking for you!” For more information about the club, call (201) 916-1580.
WESTWOOD
St. Thomas More Council Friday night dinner April 22
The St. Thomas More Council #2188 Westwood/Hillsdale will host the first Friday Night Dinner of the year on Friday, April 22 at 40 Crest St. in Westwood. The doors open at 6 p.m. The menu includes lasagna, meatballs, bread, salad, dessert and coffee, tea, and soda. Bar service is available. The cost is $18 per person and $45 per family (up to five children). Reservations are required and must be made by noon on
Tuesday, April 19. Payment may be mailed to the council address or deposited in the mailbox at the Council Hall entrance. All CDC guidelines are strictly followed. Monies raised provide the funds for the councilʼs many charitable activities/donations. For reservations contact Jay Rattino at jay@rattinomail.com or (973) 760-3166.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS.
East Brook School PTO announces its inaugural Golf Outing and Dinner, April 28 at Blue Hill Golf Course, “27 holes of golf overlooking Lake Tappan in Pearl River, the largest hamlet in the Town of Orangetown, N.Y.” Thereʼll be two divisions: a two-person scramble and a four-person team scramble. Organizers say, “Put together your own team or we can help you blend a team with other golfers already signed up. Solo players are welcome too.” $165 per golfer includes lunch, golf, cart, beer, soda, snacks and prizes. Lunch is 11 a.m., shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. An optional dinner follows at the Elks in Park Ridge for an additional $30 for golfers or $70 for standalone dinner
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Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, N.Y. and have a fun day on the golf reservations (non-golfers). Catherine Lu of the East Brook course to support our kids.” For more info and to register, PTO tells Pascack Press, “The pandemic has really limited some of our write eastbrookgolf22@gmail.com. Or fundraising opportunities for call Nate Brown at (952) 210-6637. schools. This is a great opportunity You also can sign up by visiting eastto launch a new and exciting way to brookpto.membershiptoolkit.com/golget our community back together fanddinner.
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21
Easter Celebration 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. There will be a signup sheet for the June luncheon at this meeting. For more information call (201) 664-4538.
PARK RIDGE
‘We’re looking for camp counselors’
Saying “Itʼs that time of year, the best time of year,” Park Ridge Day Camp Director Leah Sinisi put out the call for hiring for the 2022 season. She said the camp seeks: • Senior counselors: students going into grades 11 and 12 and college. • Junior counselors: students going into grades 9 and 10. • CITs: Students going into 8th grade, and 9th graders who will not be 14 by June 27. If interested, grab an application from parkridgeboro.com,
Helping out and making it look easy
Students at Valley Chabad Hebrew School in Woodcliff Lake collected food for the annual Mega March Food Drive in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. The annual drive to feed those in need is more pressing this year due to rising expenses from inflation and gas prices. On Sunday March 20, parents and students filled their cars with items in participating in this mitzvah — a good deed.
Sixth-graders collect food for the annual Mega March Food Drive. Photo credit Valley Chabad
complete it, and return it to Borough Hall by May 13. “Looking forward to getting our 2022 crew established!” said Sinisi.
Let us help announce your achievements. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
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Can not be combined with other offers. Expires 4/30/22.
New clients only. Can not be combined with other offers. Expires 4/30/22.
42nd Annual Good Friday
Walk of Faith Friday, April 15, 2022 from Noon to 3 P.M. THEME: PEOPLE OF THE PASSION NOON - UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WESTWOOD 12:35 - GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1:20 - ST. ANDREW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2:00 - PARKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH 2:35- ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (Please note all times are approximate after the first stop. Also, please respect the safety guidelines when in each church for each church.) The offering will be received for the people of Ukraine. SPECIAL THANKS TO BECKER FUNERAL HOME FOR SPONSORING THIS AD.
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
WESTWOOD
April 17, 2022
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
22
Easter Celebration April 17, 2022 LIBRARY CALENDAR: SELECT HIGHLIGHTS!
EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Monday, April 11. Spring Break Crafternoon: Aliens & Robots, grades K-6. Due to the volume of materials for each craft, the Grab & Go option will not be available. 2 to 4 p.m. • Tuesday, April 12, 19. Baby
& Me, 11 a.m.: Newborn–2. Introduces song, dance and finger plays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Open to all families. Indoors. Masks Recommended. Registration required for each date. Register each childʼs name, or parent/guardian if preferred. Call ahead that day for space availability. Join the waiting list if itʼs booked; Chair Yoga, April 5, 19 at
Invites you PALM SUNDAY 9:00a.m. (contemporary) & 10:30a.m. (traditional) MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:30p.m. GOOD FRIDAY Noon & 7:30p.m. EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICES 9:00a.m. (contemporary) 10:30a.m. Instrumentalists and choirs
32 Pascack Rd., Woodcliff Lake, NJ (Corner of Pascack & Church Roads)
201-391-4224 • clc4u2@verizon.net Each Worship Live Streamed At
www.clc4u.com
1:30 p.m. Indoors, Zoom optional. Adults of all abilities; Spring Break Crafternoon: Monster Art, Grades K-6. Turn a sand bottle or paper plate into a monster! The plate is ideal for K-2, and the sand bottle for grades 3-6. Registration required for each child. Emerson only. 2 to 4 p.m. • Wednesday, April 13. Matinee, “Belfast” (PG-13), 1:30 p.m.
• Thursdays, April 14, 21 & 28 at 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Storytime, ages 2–5. 3:30 p.m. Fairy tales! Mystery! Adventure! Join Miss Victoria. Space markers provided. Registration recommended, drop-in welcome. Indoors. Masks recommended. HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • Monday, April 11: Monday Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. 1962: A retrospective with Evan Weiner. Cuban Missile Crisis, Nelson Mandela jailed amid the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, Marilyn Monroe died, Beatles fail the audition, Space Race, Seattle Worldʼs Fair and cordless phones, “and then thereʼs the Mets...” 7 to 8 p.m. • Tuesday, April 12: Page Turners Children's Book Club, grades 3–4, 4 to 4:30 p.m. • Thursday, April 14: Chair Yoga with Maria, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Storytime on the Patio, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Zumba (Zoom). Join every Thursday from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m. as Janet Weller, RN, BSN, CES and a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor leads a dance-based workout. Register for the link.
MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • Monday, April 11: Kids Art Class with Artist Peri (Zoom). Sstep-by-step instructions in creating a personal work of art. All you need are paper, a pencil, and crayons. First grade and up. Registration required. 4 to 4:45 p.m. • Tuesday, April 12. Bring in Spring: Stories and More (morning session). Join us as we celebrate the beginning of spring with stories, fingerplays, and rhymes. This onetime program is geared for kids under 5 and one grown-up. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday Movie Matinee: “Respect” (PG-13) at 1 p.m. in the Childrenʼs Activity Room. No registration required, but the library reserves the right to limit seating. • Wednesday, April 13. Spring Craft-No Sew Sock Bunny (Zoom). We supply the materials. You pick up your kit and join in. Register for link; runs 4 to 5 p.m. Spring Grab ʻn Go Craft for Adults. Register on LibCal - supplies limited. Join Giulia on Zoom for a brief tutorial and show off what you create. 7 to 8 p.m. • Thursday, April 14. Bring in Spring: Stories and More (afternoon session). We celebrate the beginning of spring with stories, fingerplays, and rhymes. One-time program geared for kids under 5 and one grown-up. 1:30 to 2 p.m. A
Talk with author John Lescroart (Zoom). New York Times bestselling author John Lescroart is interviewed by espionage author Gayle Lynds. A Zoom link will be emailed on the day of the event. 7 to 8 p.m. PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Tuesday, April 12, Storytime with Miss Renee, 10 to 10:30 a.m. • Thursday, April 14, Storytime with Miss Renee, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Virtual Take & Make Crafts with Miss Renee (Facebook), 10 to 10:30 a.m. • Saturday, April 16. Virtual Book It Club with Miss Eileen (Facebook). Stories, science and more for primary grades. 10 to 10:30 a.m.
RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Monday, April 11. Tween & Teen Earth Day Craft, residents in grades 5-8. Paint an earth shaped planter in celebration of Earth Day. Register. 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. • Tuesday, April 12, Movie Matinee, “West Side Story” (2021, PG-13), 1 to 3 p.m. • Wednesday, April 13. Friends of the Library Book Group usually meets every second Wednesday of each month at 6:50 p.m. in the Community Room. Newcomers are always welcome. “The Great Alone” by Kristen Hannah. (Wednesday, May 11: “The Music of Bees” by Eileen Garvin). TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Marvel Mondays, April 18, May 9, June 6 at 3:30 p.m. Register. We'll work our way through the Marvel Cinematic Universe in chronological order. Hang out with friends, color, draw, whatever youʼd like as we watch along. Snacks provided! Rated PG-13 for language and violence/action sequences. • Read to a Dog Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Darcy's back! • Drop-in Mat Yoga, select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. All levels of practice. Bring your own yoga mat and any props you may need. $5 per class. WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • See the library website for the full calendar.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS.
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April 17, 2022
WESTWOOD
Zion Lutheran ECC fundraiser back in person May 21
Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center invites you to save the date for its Tricky Tray and Live Auction Fundraiser, an inperson event on the evening of Saturday, May 21. Participants can enter to win a variety of big ticket items including a Yeti cooler, barbeque grill, kayak, 65-inch television set, a Cricut Explore Air2, themed gift bundles, collectible items, local gift cards, services, experiences, and more. Funds raised through this event represent a significant portion of the operating budget for the Zion Early Childhood Center education programs which focus on the spiritual, intellectual, physical, empotional, and social development of students age 2 1⁄ 2 to 4. Most recently, funds raised have been used to purchase critical supplies to ensure the safety of Zion students and staff throughout the pandemic: larger tables, a portable sink, personalized sup-
plies for each child, and preschooler height handrails. Funds will continue to support the schoolʼs earliest learners as they grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Tax deductible donations are accepted until April 1. The drive welcomes gift certificates, items to be included in the tricky tray, or monetary donations. There are also tiered opportunities for corporate sponsorship. Organizers say theyʼre grateful to all of our local businesses, families, alumni, and congregation for your continued support of the schoolʼs earliest learners. For a donation form and arrange a pickup, write ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com. Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center (64 First Ave.) was established in 1969 (as Zion Lutheran Nursery School) to provide families with preschool children a place where the child could be part of a program designed to
WESTWOOD
$2K IN SCHOLARSHIPS VIA HERITAGE SOCIETY
The Westwood Heritage Society, a volunteer organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the history, beauty and spirit of the Borough of Westwood, will award its Cheryl Todd Memorial Community Service Scholarship to a high school student who is a resident of Westwood and who is completing his/her senior year. The society will be awarding scholarships totaling $2,000. The scholarship, which is dedicated to the memory of Cheryl Todd, former borough historian, who devoted her life as a volunteer to the research and preservation of
the history and heritage of the Borough of Westwood, will be awarded to a student who has been accepted for enrollment in a posthigh school educational program and who has a demonstrated record of community service in the Borough of Westwood. For more information and an application form — the deadline to get this in is April 30 — write WestwoodHeritage@usa.net or, by USPS, Westwood Heritage Society, ATTN: Community Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 611 Westwood, NJ 07675-0611.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
EASTER SERVICES The Wonder – The Promise – The Risen Christ
help him/her grow socially, intellectually and creatively in a Christian atmosphere. The programs are designed to help each child come to greater awareness of the world and the people around them through broad exposure to language, mathematical concepts, social studies and science concepts, arts, music, and motor and visual coordination.
The preschool program has grown and developed over the years to become one that is highly regarded by parents who have had children enrolled, and also by the community. The school is licensed by the state of New Jersey and is staffed by certified teachers and qualified assistants. In accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, your
donation is considered a charitable gift to Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center, a 501(c)(3) organization and is deemed 100% tax deductible. EIN:221607-279. Check back at zionlutheranschool.org in the coming weeks to purchase event tickets. For more information write ZionWWFundraising@gmail.com.
We invite you to
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH for worship during Holy Week and Easter Dear Friends in Christ, We are fully open for worship, masks are optional, and all are welcome. Holy Week begins with our Palm Sunday services at 8 and 10:15 A.M. on April 10th. We will have the distribution of palms for all in attendance.
Thursday, April 14th Maundy Thursday Service at 7:30 P.M.
Resurrection Window at Zion
Friday, April 15th The Good Friday “Walk of Faith” from Noon to 3 P.M. This year the walk begins at the United Methodist Church of Westwood, see the ad for the Walk of Faith in this issue for the complete schedule.
Good Friday Tenebrae Service at Zion at 7:30 P.M.
Easter Eve, April 16th Family and Children’s Service “A Very Special Garden.” 4 P.M. at Zion. All children in attendance receive a special gift.
Easter, April 17th
April 14
Maundy Thursday Service
7:00 p.m.
April 15
Good Friday Taizé Service
7:00 p.m.
April 17
Easter Sunrise Service In the Memorial Garden
6:30 a.m.
Worship at 6:30, 8 and 10:15 A.M. There will be special music at all of these services.
April 17
Easter Service
10:00 a.m.
YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT ZION!
ALL are Welcome - We are an Open and Affirming Community
131 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ • 201-391-5800 www.congregationalchurch.net
Zion Lutheran Church 155 SECOND AVE. • WESTWOOD, NJ • 201-664-1325
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
Easter Celebration
Sc h ool News
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
24
MONTVALE
District names PH, PV valedictorians, salutatorians
Congratulations to Pascack Regional High School District Class of 2022 valedictorians Jolie Lefkowitz from Pascack Hills and Harlee Hayden from Pascack Valley, and salutatorians Lina Kim from Pascack Hills and Drew Petaccia from Pascack Valley. Lefkowitz is on the Teens Against Cancer Executive Board, and she is conducting scientific
research through her genetics class. Outside of school, she enjoys playing tennis, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. Hayden is president of the Italian Honors Society, an editor for the Yearbook Club, and a Peer Leader executive. She is a member of the National Honors Society
and Camp Raspberry. Outside of school, she dances competitively at Anita Ehlerʼs Dance Company. Kim is vice president of the National Honors Society, cofounder/co-president of the Medical Club, co-president of Model UN, and a three-time DECA State Qualifier. She has published research in
Westwood
Norwood
201-722-9822
201-767-0784
200 Third Ave.
535 Walnut St.
• Programs from 8 weeks - 5 years. We offer a year round full and half day program. • Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included. • Age appropriate curriculum. • State of the art security system. • Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground. • Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.
the Journal of Emerging Investigators and DNA sequences in National Center for Biotechnology Information for genetics. Sheʼs a member of the French Honors Society and the Teens Against Cancer club. Outside of school, she enjoys playing the violin and hiking. Sheʼs a receptionist at a doctorʼs office on the weekends. Petaccia is Student Council treasurer, Executive Council Spirit/Sport liaison, and captain of the KIM, LEFKOWITZ
golf and wrestling teams. Heʼs been on varsity for both sports all four years of high school. Heʼs a member of the National Honors Society, Camp Raspberry, and the Zach Latteri Foundation. He served on the school mascot and logo committees. The district posted, “We are incredibly proud of Jolie, Harlee, Lina, and Drew, as well as all of their classmates, as they work toward their graduation in June.” HAYDEN, PETACCIA
EMERSON
SUMMER CAMP at both locations! Call for details!
WWW.CAROUSELEARLYLEARNINGCENTER.COM
Class of ’22 dodgeball fundraiser April 22
Dodgeball fun is back! Emerson Project Graduation Class of 2022 is hosting six-on-six dodgeball on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Emerson Junior-Senior High School gym. All are invited to attend. If you are interested in putting a team together, email project-
graduation2022EHS@gmail.com. Participants must be 14 and up. Yes, adults are welcomed too. The fee is $10 per Emerson student or recent graduate or $20 per non-Emerson student/adult. Complete and submit all paperwork by April 8. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS.
SUMMER 2022:
JUNE 21 - JUNE 24 TUESDAY - FRIDAY
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Sc h ool News
Behind every successful Angel is her growth mindset education. Plan to attend the Academy of the Holy Angelsʼ Spring Open House on Tuesday, May 17, and discover how this prestigious all-girls school empowers young women through a nationally acclaimed STREAM education. Angels learn to lead in an uplifting atmosphere, where they are encouraged to surmount temporary obstacles, and encounter success throughout their lives. So far, the Class of 2022 has
gained early admission and millions of dollarsʼ worth of scholarships to renowned colleges and universities that include Princeton and Yale. Be part of AHAʼs 142year success story. Register for Spring Open House at holyangels.org/admissions/visit-aha beginning May 1. Spring Open House will begin at 5 p.m. at the Academyʼs campus at 315 Hillside Ave. in Demarest. Friendly, knowledgeable Angel Ambassadors will lead tours and answer questions. The
administration, faculty, and staff will cover AHAʼs mission and culture, curriculum, co-curricular and extracurricular offerings, and more. The admissions team will discuss the application process, and scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. 315 Hillside Ave., Demarest. Call (201) 768.7822 and visit holyangels.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 half-day 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 pre-K–4 morning class and 20 for the preK–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 freeplay 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 potty-trained 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) 6647882. For more information, write , Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.
WESTWOOD
Two Charity Golf Outing scholarships!
The Westwood Charity Golf Outing has been raising money for worthwhile recipients for the past 24 years. Fifteen years ago, the WCGO Scholarship Committee began giving its proceeds to the WCGO Scholarship Fund to assist Westwoodʼs 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 scholarship-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 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,
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
AHA spring open house May 17
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT
DR. KAPLAN: Thoughts on autism
April is Autism Aw a r e n e s s Month. In 2021, the CDC reported approximately 1 in 44 children in the US are diagnosed with autism (1 in DR. ERIC KAPLAN, 27 boys and 1 in KAPLAN BRAIN & 116 girls). For BODY children with autism, movement and diet are crucial to help them reduce symptoms. Parents of children with autism have reported speech and language difficulties, low IQ, head banging,
arm biting, skin scratching, abnormal social behavior, poor eye contact, and lack of affection. To increase focus, take movement breaks every 30–50 minutes while in school, at home, at work, or while doing homework. Caffeine, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, food dyes, dairy, gluten, corn, soy, and sugar should also be avoided to reach optimal brain function. The diagnosis criteria for autism has changed in the past several years – but there are many more autistic children now, but the jury is out on what exactly is caus-
ing this significant increase. There are probable environmental factors that are more common now than they were 30 years ago that are likely contributing to autism in children. In my opinion, one of the most significant is the extreme amount of chemical exposure we face in our society today. Much of our foods, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, toothpastes, cosmetics, and even soaps and body washes are filled with unrecognizable chemical ingredients that might not have even existed 30 years ago. Heavy metals that may cause
brain inflammation can be found in many places such as public water, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even in the air. Fish, which most people see as healthy, has also been shown to have high levels of mercury. The bigger the fish the more the mercury. It is also better to buy Atlantic, Norwegian, Icelandic or Mediterranean fish that are caught wild. Fish that are from the Pacific Ocean have been found to have high levels of radiation as a result of the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown in Japan in 2011. Another complicating issue with autism is mold exposure. You hope that your children are safe in schools, but oftentimes the old buildings have lead in the water and mold in the structures. Exposure to mold can have serious health repercussions including issues with brain function. It is important to keep your childrenʼs schools accountable by making sure the environment is safe for your children and their health. If you live in an older house, make sure you test for mold and make sure your water is free from heavy metals. If you have had any floods or water damage in your house, you and your children have most likely been exposed to mold. Some people with mold exposure will have symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, red eyes, itchy skin, brain fog, or fatigue. Abnormal primitive reflexes (certain automatic reactions that occur after a stimulus) are often found in children with developmental disorders such as autism/ASD or ADD/ADHD. With these developmental delays, it is important to address these primitive reflexes first to start repairing the brain. Primitive reflexes should disappear at age 1, but with children with autism, they have retained these primitive reflexes. If a child still has these primitive reflexes, then the speech therapy, the cognitive therapy, and the behavioral therapy will not work as well. It is vital that autism be dealt with in the proper order for optimal healing. The first step is always performing remediation exercises to remove the primitive reflexes and help the brain to develop properly. The second step is to do motor and sensory exercises specific to the areas of the brain with the most dysfunction. In my experience, this
is often the right frontal cortex for children with autism. These frontal cortex imbalances are also seen with ADD, dyslexia, bipolar, schizophrenia, and Touretteʼs. Functional brain exercises may integrate the left and right brain to create balance and homeostasis. Using a process called neuroplasticity, children can improve eye contact, emotional activity, reduce distractibility, improve behavior, memory, focus, and organizational skills. Children with developmental delays are not the only ones who can benefit from balancing the right and left frontal lobes. All children can benefit and improve their academic and sports performance with the help of functional neurology.
Act now! Special offer!!! If you, your child, or someone you know are facing an autism diagnosis, the first step is to get a thorough exam, so we are happy to offer a $21 Neurological Evaluation (normally $400) to anyone looking to improve their brain function for the month of April! Our offices are in Emerson and New York City. We see patients from all around the world, so if you live far from Emerson, we provide virtual visits, as well. Functional neurology is great because itʼs noninvasive, drugfree, and surgery-free. We use applied neuroscience to help benefit health and get to the root cause of the problem. At Kaplan Brain & Body, we use an integrative and holistic approach to improve your wellbeing. Our office motto is Function Better, Feel Better, Live Better. You and your family do not have to suffer anymore. You can improve your health and improve the quality of your life. Remember, functional neurology isnʼt just for children with developmental disorders – itʼs for anyone looking to improve their lives! Spread the word and take advantage of our offer for a $21 Neurological Evaluation that is worth $400! To make your appointment, call our office at (201) 261-2150 or email us at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com. For more information visit our website at kaplandc.com or like our Facebook page “Kaplan Brain and Body.”
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APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Salute: Connor Munson signs with USAF Academy sions requirements and Department of Defense medical qualifications, as well as being granted a Congressional or equal nomination. “I, Ralph Lindeman, Head Track & Field Coach at the United States Air Force Academy, agree to provide Connor Payne Munson with the opportunity to compete on the Air Force Academyʼs intercollegiate Track & Field team for the 2022-23 season and beyond, pro-
FROM PAGE 1
EE s FR ate im Est
vided he successfully completes all eligibility requirements set forth by the NCAA, Mountain West Conference and the U.S. Air Force Academy.” Connorʼs mom, Stacey PriceMunson, told Pascack Press at the ceremony — where the anthem of the U.S. Air Force played — that Connor comes from a family that well values service. In his immediate family, grandfather Harry “Bud” Munson served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam; grandfather Richard
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Price served in the U.S. Navy in WWII; step-grandfather Daniel Decker served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam; uncle Richard Scott Price was a U.S. Marine in Operation Desert Storm; and brother Stephen P. Munson attended Army ROTC/Virginia Military Institute. Connor told Pascack Press he will miss his high school graduation because he reports for in-processing the same day. He also said heʼd worked hard to get to this point and deeply appreciated everyone who helped him along the way. When it was suggested he was a role model for other young people in the community, he said, “Well, I donʼt really see it that way. Westwood’s Connor Munson is on his way. Photo courtesy High I just put in a lot of hard work.” A representative of U.S. Rep. Intensity Track LLC. Josh Gottheimerʼs (D-5) office was at the ceremony as well; she said ships in mathematics, science, and Gottheimer would acknowledge French; FBLA; Venture Crew. It Connor personally at a district goes on. His hobbies are outgoing: service day event. Gottheimer lauded Connor, of Westwood Boy self-taught guitar, singing, rifle and Scout Troop 350, in 2021 at the shotgun shooting, and spikeball. He told MileSplitNJ this time annual Fifth District Scout Honor last year that the COVID-19 panCeremony. demic had prevented him from competing the previous spring. “At One to watch As the Record and others have first, I kept running, I kept doing long observed, Connor is one of the workouts. However after we found nationʼs top pentathlete/decathletes out that all the big national and and has the moniker “King of the international meets were cancelled, Multi-Events in Bergen County” I lost focus and didnʼt feel like I and ranks among the all-time would be training towards anything so I stopped for about a month. I greats in state history. His resume is weighty with didnʼt feel like the training would sports distinctions and honors, and be worth it. However, as soon as it describes excellence in academ- Dave at High Intensity Track in ics, community service/volun- Fairfield decided to reopen, I regained the wind in my sails.” teerism, and leadership. He said “At the beginning of Thereʼs the Boy Scouts; National Honor Society; New the lockdown I was running about Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy in 3 miles every day and doing calisFrench; honor society member- thenics training to keep my
strength. In May, I stopped training because of the headspace I was in. After I got back in the right headspace in June, I simply did not stop training.” Asked how he decided to pursue multi-event stardom, he explained, “When I was 11 years old, I didnʼt qualify for the USATF Regional meet in any individual events. Since my brother, Stephen, did qualify and the multi-events automatically advance to the regional meet, my mother didnʼt want me to be bored, so she entered me in the pentathlon because I already did most of the events. Ever since, I have been doing the multis.” He explained that “Before high school, I competed for the Roadrunnerʼs Elite Track and Field program. I started in kindergarten when I was 5. I did many sports like football, basketball and lacrosse, but in seventh grade I decided to purely focus on track.” He said he finds training and competition “so much fun despite it being so physically taxing and demanding. However, I believe the toughest part about being a decathlete is compartmentalizing oneʼs emotions during a competition. For example, if I do poorly in one event, I canʼt allow that to interfere with the rest of my competition.” Connor added, “Being a decathlete is the ultimate test of athleticism in track and field. …What I love the most is the friendships made during the decathlon.” He said his greatest strength as a track and field athlete is “My determination to always go 100%. If youʼre not giving your workout 100%, youʼre not improving.”
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Managing your investments during difficult times
The combination of a pandemic, economic difficulties, political unrest, and natural disasters have all presented their ERIC KOHLMEIER respective challenges. Investors may be wondering what effect these events could have on their investments. Which is why itʼs helpful for investors to focus on three fundamental actions that could help them work toward meeting their investment goals - know yourself,
build a plan, and keep an eye on the long term.
Know yourself When stocks drop by 20% or more, some investors might ignore the drop, others might feel the urge to sell, while still others might see it as a good time to buy. This range of reactions illustrates different levels of risk tolerance, or how sensitive investors are to market volatility. Risk tolerance varies from one investor to another, and no level of tolerance is considered the “right” level thereʼs only the right risk tolerance for each investor.
Talking with financial advisors or completing online questionnaires can help investors determine their risk tolerance. While understanding your risk tolerance is essential, it should not be considered in isolation. Risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon all play a role in setting an investment plan. Investing more aggressively may yield more rewards but the length of time available for investing also plays a part. A longer time horizon could give investors the potential for compound growth. And setting specific goals can help to determine how much an
investor should accumulate to support their goals.
Build a plan Dwight D. Eisenhower may have said it best - “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” Even though a plan may need to be modified to adapt to changes, the very process of setting a plan will help investors to discover and focus on their most important investment goals. For a plan to be useful, itʼs important for investors to clearly detail which goals they are trying to achieve. Some of an investorʼs goals will be shorter term, such as building a rainy day fund.
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 Intermediate-term goals might include buying a house or paying for a childʼs education. Longer-term goals might include planning for retirement and potentially leaving a legacy for charities or family. Investor assets can then be matched to those various goals. For example, investors might own short-term bonds to meet a nearterm expense, and a mixture of stocks and longer-term bonds to
meet needs that are further in the future. The investorʼs risk tolerance will help determine the mix of more volatile assets — such as stocks — to less volatile assets such as bonds.
Keep an eye on the long term Once a plan is in place, itʼs important to maintain it over the long term. This process includes regularly rebalancing the portfolio if allocations move too far away from targets, a task that in many cases can be automated. Maintenance also includes revisiting plans as investor goals or situations change. A plan is meant to be a living document. While market drops can be troublesome, unpredictable economic events have presented challenges in the past. With resilience and creativity, Americaʼs businesses and households have managed to overcome them. While there are no guarantees that past performance will repeat itself, history has shown us that investors who reach their goals are often those who stick to their investment plans and take a long-term view of the markets. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.
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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Arbor Day memorial tree plantings
The Borough of Emerson, through its Shade Tree Commission, will once again plant a
HILLSDALE
FREE EARTH DAY TREE SEEDLINGS APRIL 23
The Hillsdale Environmental Commission will distribute free 6inch to 24-inch bare root tree seedlings as an Earth Day offering for the community on April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
tree in memory of those Emerson residents who have passed away between January 2021 and the present in conjunction with their Arbor Day 2022 ceremony. This event will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30 at a location within the Borough. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
The names of the departed will be read and family members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts with those gathered. If you would like your loved one to be remembered at this yearʼs ceremony, contact the Borough Clerk at (201) 262-6086 Option 9 or write clerk@emersonnj.org.
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MONTVALE CLEAN-UP SATURDAY, APRIL 23
Residents of all ages are invited to join the fun, for a great cause, at Montvaleʼs next borough clean-up, in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day, on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to noon Participants get a small tree as a thank you gift. (The borough has a video up showing how to plant them.) Your gloves and trash bags are provided by the Bergen County
Clean Communities program. Hold harmless forms must be signed and submitted by all participants and parents of minors. Meet at the Red Shed (across from the firehouse) on Memorial Drive. For more information call (201) 391-5700 ext. 257 or email Robert Hanrahan at rhanrahan@montvaleboro.org.
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Earth Day was first held in 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year it falls on Friday, April 22. Seedlings are native species, and are available at the Hillsdale Train Station (Hillsdale Avenue and Broadway) while supplies last. Instructions are provided. These guides help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree, while considering the treeʼs future full-growth. Homeowners should plant the seedlings within two days after pickup to prevent the roots from drying out. The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign met its goal in 2019 of distributing more than 600,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the course of seven years. The Hillsdale Environmental Commission told Pascack Press last week, “With recent storms and damage caused by several new invasive insects to New Jersey, the need for new tree seedlings is as significant as ever. Therefore, the campaign has continued into its ninth year.” The commission said that among many other benefits, trees improve the visual appeal of neighborhoods and business districts, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat. For a list of distribution locations sites the state, visit forestry.nj.gov or facebook.com/newjerseyforests.
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REAL ESTATE DPW: Township, Paramus residents seek deal’s end that this plan was in the works. A developer would have had to notify abutters within 200 feet by certified mail; the municipality is not required to, though the council leadership said it had requested the administration notify residents in writing. And on April 6 the Borough of Paramus council unanimously passed a resolution that its clerk said speaks to the need to think about and show concern for all surrounding towns. (The document was unavailable at press time.) The Township of Washington is conducting due diligence including a land survey and environmental site assessment on the triangular 1.45-acre site, for which it
FROM PAGE 1
recently approved a $1.35 million bond to purchase. Beyond the spectre of waking up to an industrial site, speakers April 4 worried that heavy trucks would likely turn onto Linwood Avenue and then Parkway Court, and would traverse area streets and neighborhoods, adding heavy traffic, noise, pollution and public safety concerns to streets frequented by children and pedestrians. A traffic light, they said, would back traffic up to Route 17 and box in side streets. Calamari and Council President Desserie Morgan assured residents that if DPW crews are directed not to drive heavy vehicles down certain streets, that policy would be followed — under threat of severe discipline.
Calamari insisted, “Most if not all of our DPW employees have CDL licenses. They are probably safer divers than I want to say the average driver; they take it very seriously. As far as accidents and safety, that is almost a non-issue because their livelihood depends on having this license.” Based on town administrator Robert Tovoʼs estimate, council leadership assured residents that ground will not be broken for 8–12 months, providing time for refinements to the plans. Calamari also has said that the plans for the facility were shaped over months by senior DPW leadership. The property is under contract, the deal having been wrested from Apple Montessori Schools,
A good neighbor? The DPW at 95 Linwood Ave. in an architect’s rendering March 21.
which until recently had the sale under contract, was undergoing due diligence, and would have had to have secured a use variance. (See our web archive for our coverage of this acquisition.) The timing of the advertisement of the ordinance would seem to give the town until mid-June to back out of the deal, a move many speakers desperately urged. Indeed, one speaker, William McAuliffe of Hemlock Drive, has since launched an online petition, “No to WT DPW,” asking Washington Township and Paramus residents to help stop the purchase. Well after the public speaking portion of the meeting, late in the session, the council approved $207,100 for down payments on both 95 Linwood Ave. and the 6.1acre swim and recreation property, at 464 Ridgewood Boulevard North. Member Steven Cascio, who had sided with residents on the likelihood that DPW trucks simply would take the most direct route available — “itʼs the nature of the beast; itʼs going to happen” — voted no on that question. (He explained his vote to Pascack Press on April 6: “We do not
95 Linwood Ave. was for lease, then sale.
On the dais: Mayor Peter Calamari (left) and town attorney Kenneth Poller (WCTV-NJ screenshot).
need to be the land barons. We use the threat of condemnation and eminent domain to take these lands and stop private buyers … We have enough space for equipment needed to run and service the town. We just buy too much equipment and now make a problem that we need to store it all.”) Calamari said the swim club site, if the $800,000 deal closes, would be added to the townshipʼs inventory of recreation space. CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
William McAuliffe, a Hemlock Drive resident, shows the site’s current exit to Hemlock. (Michael Olohan photo)
Both deals were discussed at the nightʼs closed session. Also speaking at the meeting was Lynn Pistono, 631 Washington Ave., who objected to the “spotlights” of the under-construction emergency services building recently being left on all night, with neighbors experiencing “sunshine all night in their houses. Are all the lights and noise punishment for noting the absurdity on the building?” (Calamari said the lights and their timers would be adjusted.)
FROM PAGE 32
Pistono told the DPW protesters, “A warning to those who live in that neighborhood: I hope you fare better than we did.” Julianne Lipnick of 184 Finnerty Place said her struggles against the shopping centerʼs longago expansion did not get her the town help sheʼd long appealed for, complained of litter, noise, and public urination there, and said of the DPW plan, “Youʼre putting a great burden on [those residents].” She also asked town attorney Kenneth Poller for an update on a 2021 lawsuit brought by Joseph Sanzari, of Joseph M. Sanzari
Construction, a heavy construction and highway builder, and Lorraine Rubino, alleging that several borough officials delayed or failed to provide permits for a home being built by Sanzari. Poller said the suit remained pending. Officials heard repeated complaints over a declining quality of life and loss in property value, especially for Hemlock Drive residents whose properties lie opposite the proposed facility. Accountant Sam Batraki of Edgewood Drive estimated that 38 homes would be “significantly
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Friedberg Real Estate School back in action
Friedberg Real Estate School is pleased to announce that in-person learning is back for the New Jersey Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-Licensure class beginning in May at 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine. If you are considering a new career in real estate, Friedberg Real Estate School can help you achieve your goal. Barry Bettinger has returned to teaching with our in-person day session. Bettinger has more 25 years of real estate experience and more than 10 years as a real estate instructor. Throughout his real estate career, Barry earned awards and
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For more information on inperson day or the instructor-led virtual evening classes, and for schedules and pricing, call Marlyn Friedberg or Robin Malley at (201) 497-8990 or visit the new FriedbergRealEstateSchool.org. Friedberg Real Estate School says, “Whether you are just starting out, have a full-time career, or are enjoying retirement, and now have an interest in getting your real estate license, Friedberg Real Estate School can help you achieve your goal.” It adds, “Our program and instructors give you the best possible start in the real estate business, hands down.”
accreditations including the coveted NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award in 2012 and 2015. He earned the Accredited BETTINGER Buyerʼs Representative (ABR) and The Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certifications from the National Association of REALTORS. Bettingerʼs former students praise his knowledge of real estate and how he tries to get all the students engaged.
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affected” that would involve about $569,000 in annual tax revenue, which would be subject to tax appeals and reductions based on the new DPW facility. He estimated a loss of $76,000 in annual lost revenue due to tax appeals. He asked why the DPW could not stay where it was, behind town hall, where the site was razed and its contaminated soil remediated. He also suggested building the facility at the former swim and recreation club. Speakers urged that the council consider moving the planned facility to the swim clubʼs much larger property, against the highway, where trucks would not be visible or in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Morgan explained the municipal complex site was ruled out because the DPW was expected to outgrow the available footprint. She started to explain the town was not interested in cutting down trees at the swim club site, but gave up amid a sharp reaction. Paramus resident Kenneth Buckler spoke about the “horrible” intersection of Highland Avenue and Linwood Avenue, and asked whether the council had consulted
the mayors of Ridgewood or Paramus. Buckler told council that they should not put his homeʼs value “in the toilet” and questioned why the facility was planned at such a busy location. He and others asked who on the council would want to live next to such an industrial function. Morgan noted that the facility would be within the Township of Washington and said the council would work to “do everything in our power to make it beautiful, as pretty as we can; we already want it to look like a home. Itʼs not your typical DPW industrialtype building. So yes, I would be okay living next to it, I would, I would.” As members of the public scoffed, Morgan rapped her gavel. “Iʼm not going to do this all night. Iʼm going to close this. Weʼre going to stop the meeting if this continues. This is the last time Iʼm saying it.” Town attorney Poller, who grew up in Paramus and works for the borough, backed Morgan, saying in part, “Thereʼs a protocol. Thereʼs going to be an order-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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DPW: Township, Paramus residents seek deal’s end REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS
33
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
34
DPW: Township, Paramus residents seek deal’s end ly meeting and weʼre not going to have the shouting out and the hollering and the hooting… Weʼre not going to have a polling of the council.” Poller suggested he was not able to weigh in on anything helpful to a protest, given that that would constitute a conflict of interest. “All I can tell you is if youʼre aggrieved go get a lawyer and find out your rights.” Srba Nikolic, of 99 Linwood Ave., said, “My concern here is that you are mentioning that you are doing something in the public interest. How many people do we have here? 50? 60? Are we part of the public or not?” He said, “Please consider
FROM PAGE 33
what youʼre doing. You didnʼt inform a single resident of your plans that youʼre going to put a DPW in front of our houses. At least you should consider who lives next door to it and send a letter.” He said, “Try to make everybody happy. Donʼt look just at your side. You're just working here. Youʼre going to be here six months, a year, two more.” To Morgan, he said, “Youʼre putting yourself so emotionally, shouting at these people. Why? We should shout, and we should make scream and cry over here. Not you.” Morgan replied, “Youʼre right, Iʼm as emotional as you guys. I do not want anyone being disrespectful in here and you will not get
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HELP WANTED CROSSING GUARD P/T BOROUGH OF EMERSON. The Borough of Emerson, Bergen County, NJ has an opening for a P/T Crossing Guard. Experience preferred but will train. Background check required. Approximately 10 hours per week. Apply at Borough Hall, Police Department, 146 Avenue, Linwood Emerson. EOE.
PUBLIC WORKS/FT Sanitation (Laborer)– Borough of Woodcliff Lake Woodcliff Lake is seeking a full-time public works TEMPORARY SEASONAL LABORER – Woodcliff Lake Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to fill the summer seasonal Labor positions beginning on or about May 1. Experience not necessary $15/hr. Responsibilities include lawn cutting, weed whipping, mulching, emptying trash cans and recycle cans and performing other manual labor and other related duties as required. Send letter/resume to: Cbehrens@wclnj.com SUBJECT: Temporary Seasonal Laborer, DPW or call the DPW: (201) 391-3172.
that from us. We are not shouting … you can interpret that how you like, but itʼs order. Iʼm trying to maintain order.” She noted she and her family are township residents. Zillow gives 99 Linwood Dr. — off the market with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and1,569 square feet — a “Zestimate” of $634,100, within a range of $577,000 to $698,000.
ʻWe feel for youʼ Referring to a concept illustration presented March 21, Annette DeSciora of 62 Edgewood Dr. said “I donʼt want to keep hearing how glorious the new DPW building will look. In fact itʼs mentioned over and over again that it will look like a house. Yes: a house that belches obnoxious diesel fuel; a house that has bright yellow garbage trucks and has monstrous equipment in the driveway; a house with a shed full of salt — a mountain of salt. Iʼm sorry, but thatʼs not the type of house that I would choose to live in.” She said, “To the residents on Hemlock Drive, just understand that the residents on Parkway Court and Edgewood [Drive] and Andrea [Lane] feel for you and weʼre with you on this 100 percent,
110 percent.” She told the governing body, “You cannot compare living next to a restaurant to living next to a DPW… Residents who bought their homes around here, where the original DPW site was, bought their home at a discounted price and knew that the DPW was here. Hemlock Drive property owners have seen their property values plummet overnight. through no fault of their own, and that is shameful.” She said affected residents “should not have to bear the burden of truck traffic. They should also not have to play truck police and be monitoring which trucks are coming and when theyʼre coming and taking pictures and making phone calls. Thatʼs absurd.” DeSciora called for “at the very least” signs directing truck traffic around Route 17 to East Glen. “Making the left out of [the facility], thereʼs going to be some truck–car accidents that are going to be horrific.” And she said, “As you can see, dozens of residents are imploring you to rethink and carefully reassess this plan. And to keep our quality of life as it is now. Itʼs your duty and itʼs your responsibility.” Morgan responded to a differ-
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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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HELP WANTED Kitchen helper. Chop, dishwashing, assist in small shop. Exp. preferred, Spanish speaking is OK. Call (201) 543-7627. WANT BUSINESS?
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DEMAREST PUBLIC SCHOOL is seeking Food Service Lunch Aides. Duties include food prep, serving and light record keeping. Criminal background required. Hours are approx. 2.5 daily. Send resume to: RinaldiD@nvnet.org or apply online applitrack: http://demarestsd.sc hoolwires.net > Board of Education > Employment. EOEAA
HELP WANTED CUSTODIAN, RIVER VALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Long-term sub., M-F 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. $25/hr., no benefits. Black Seal lic and public school exp. pref. Knowledge of plant operation and maintenance; cleaning methods & procedures. No boiler license req. Apply to Mr. Ken. Peterson, Dir. of Building and Grounds, 609 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675. Send an email to RBAJATI@ rivervaleschools.com or call 201-358-4000 ext. 4034. EOE.
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HELP WANTED PUBLIC WORKS/FT Sanitation (Laborer)– Borough of Woodcliff Lake Woodcliff Lake seeks a full-time public works/sanitation laborer. The work includes but is not limited to: leaf/brush collection, road work, parks maintenance, buildings maintenance, public works projects, snow plowing, lifting of heavy equipment, garbage/recycling pickup, and general maintenance of the Borough buildings and properties. Must possess a NJ driver’s license; CDL B License with Air Brakes is required at the time of hire. Without the manual transmission restriction is preferred at the time of hire but is mandatory within the first six months of employment. Tanker endorsement is mandatory within 12 months from date of hire. A CDL A is optimal. Send cover letter and resume to Chris Behrens, via email to: cbehrens@wclnj.com or mail to 188 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677. For more information call Chris Behrens at (201) 391-3172.
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HELP WANTED PART TIME VIOLATIONS CLERK – EMERSON. The Borough of Emerson seeks a qualified, motivated self-starter for the position of Part Time Violations Clerk. Will perform detailed Municipal Court clerical work involving the collection of fees for traffic violations. Candidate should have considerable experience and knowledge of ATS/ACS, eMACS systems and have excellent customer service skills. Responsibilities include answering inquiries from public regarding the Violations Bureau and maintaining accurate records and files. Salary commensurate with experience. Submit letter of interest and resume to Robert Hermansen, Borough Administrator, 1 Municipal Place, Emerson, NJ 07630, or email to administrator@emersonnj.org by Thursday, April 14. Full job description on Borough of Emerson website emersonnj.org. EOE
Office help - Exp. person needed for busy garden center, duties include: customer service, ordering, dispatching, etc. Call (201) 394-2806.
ent speaker. “We have to do it. Thatʼs the answer.” She said, “As much as I would like to take this building and move it over there and move that over here, am I going to pay for that in taxes or are you guys going to protest that? Weʼre doing the best we can with what we have.” She also insisted that the plan at the moment is “just on paper,” and that the purpose of the hearing was to solicit input for the governing body to forward to the project architect. “None of us up here are architects,” she said. She said the town needs a DPW in town and cannot continue with the DPW spread out in three locations. “We have no solutions right now because we're still in the planning stage.” Council vice president Stacey Feeney, who was council president last year, said sheʼs supported two other proposed sites — one, she said, was perfect — but that the administration did not support it and she found herself in the minority. It was not clear what properties she was referring to. She did not respond to our request for clarification by press time.
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Interior painting and Handyman work Specializing in carpentry, deck building , kitchen & bathroom renovations. Call (845) 569-1216 for more information. HOUSE CLEANING Polish lady will clean your house, apt, office. Free estimate. Refs available. Call Maria at 201-478-2236.
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HOME HEALTH AID HOME HEALTH AIDE — Looking to take care of your loved ones. Loving caring, genuine and competent. Over 19 years experience. References available (201) 993-4748.
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Four-story luxury rental complex on former WM site? BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
HILLSDALE
A redevelopment proposal for a 250-unit, four-story luxury rental apartment complex spanning 5.4 acres — with potentially 400 new residents — was presented April 6 to residents who raised questions about traffic, flooding, public safety, schools, taxes, and the first-ever high-density multifamily development in town. The proposal, still being developed by Claremont Development, the boroughʼs conditional redeveloper for the former Waste Management site, has yet to be formally presented to the Planning Board for review. The April 6 session, billed as a town forum, featured an in-person presentation in Town Hall and was aired live on Zoom. Officials said the forum, and site architectural renderings, would be posted on the borough website. As the meeting was not an officially noticed public meeting,
the mayor and Borough Council members could not comment during the session, said Joseph Baumann, borough special redevelopment counsel. Baumann provided context on the redevelopment plan approved in early 2021, and noted that many more public meetings will occur as the proposal evolves. Baumann said the redeveloper has not yet inked a redeveloperʼs agreement with the borough. Claremont Development said that it is negotiating with the boroughʼs redevelopment counsel and redevelopment financial advisor on the agreement as well as what community benefits the developer may provide to Hillsdale for an increase in density allowed under the redevelopment agreement. The so-called bonus density provision in the Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan allows redevelopers to propose higher-density developments in exchange for providing a community benefit or benefits as mutually agreed upon by the developer and the town. The redevelopment plan
allows 28 dwelling units per acre but in certain cases. However, a bonus density of up to 60 units per acre can be permitted if the redeveloper and council agree on community benefits in exchange for the increased dwelling unit density. While negotiations continue, the forum offered residents a first glance at what is being proposed on the former Waste Management property. The town forum featured two officials from Claremont Development, Morristown, who presented a short overview of their proposal, joined by the projectʼs architect, landscape architect and civil engineer. The two officials, Richard Sciaretta and Anthony Marchigiano, showed building renderings and explained how the new highend rental apartment building would improve the mostly industrial and commercial area with a luxury apartment complex. The building would be designed in Second Empire style per the redevelopment plan design guidelines, and features mansard
roofs throughout, bay windows, Juliette balconies, and amenities on the ground floor. “Weʼve taken a big building and we break down the scale of the architecture and try to make this as comfortable as we can for everybody,” said architect Bob Hillier of Studio: Hillier, Princeton. One new feature, said Sciaretta, will be a public park to be built near the corner of Piermont Avenue and Patterson Street. Hillier said the building will feature towers seen off of Patterson Street, noting the structure “is a brick complex all the way around” featuring three colors of brick and external features designed to be attractive and present a residential-style feel. Baumann said the will include 24 affordable rental apartments, which in effect fulfills the entire affordable obligation for the approximate 12-acre redevelopment zone. Sciaretta said the developer would have its traffic engineer, John Korac, of Stonefield Engi-
OBITUARIES
Stanley A URBANIAK
Stanley A. Urbaniak, 93, passed away on April 2, 2022. Born in Bayonne, Stan moved to Park Ridge in 1967 with his beloved wife of 58 years, Emily. He was the son of Sophie Narbdalik and George Urbaniak, father of David (Erin), Kristine, Daniel (Carolyn), and Kathryn (Andrew), and grandfather of Nicholas, Sofia, Will, Elizabeth, Faith, and Noelle. He attended St. John Kanty Prep High School in Erie, Pa. and Seton Hall University. Stan was a proud veteran of WWII, where he served in the occupation forces, and of the Korean War. He worked in the sales division of Ford Motor Co. for 42 years, retiring in 1996 to enjoy his passion for life. Also known as Stan the Man and Stash, Stan was a man who treasured his faith, family, and friends. He was a man of integrity and kindness who lived by the golden rule. Stan served as Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Mercy Church and as president of the Park Ridge Athletic Association. Among his favorite pastimes was coaching little league and watching professional sports. He enjoyed following every step of his grandchildrenʼs school and sporting events. If Stan was late, it was assumed that he had found a ballgame along the way. He was also an avid stamp and coin collector and enjoyed traveling and cruising. Above all, he loved people;
whether family, friends or strangers, Stan conversed with them and enjoyed their company. Stan is predeceased by his parents, his sister Veronica, and his brothers, Joseph and Walter. He is survived by his wife, Emily, his brother, Frank, sisters MaryAnne and Theresa, sixteen nieces and nephews, and 26 great-nieces and nephews. Stanʼs life and faith were celebrated on Friday, April 8. Visitation was at Becker Funeral Home. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church, followed by burial at Ascension Cemetery. Donations in Stanʼs memory may be made to the ALS Association at als.org.
Irene FRASER
Irene Fraser, 94, of the Township of Washington passed away on April 1, 2022. Born on Nov. 5, 1927 and raised in South Philadelphia, Pa., she was the daughter of Vincenzo DiTomasso and Asunta Pesce DiTomasso. After graduating from high school, she worked as a secretary for the American Can Company, where she met her husband, Walter Winfield Fraser. They married in 1949, and raised two children in their home in Township of Washington, where she lived the remainder of her life. Irene will forever be remembered as a great lover of animals, art, and music. She is survived by her son Walter J. Fraser (Bryan Rumble), her sister Betty DiTomasso Moore (George), her grandchildren, Scott (Tricia), Meredith (Chris), Glenn, Daniel (Rachel), and Michael (Katie). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren
Nora and Walter. She is predeceased by her daughter, Deborah Fraser Tiene, and her many beloved pets, including Percy, Baron, Dundee, Bianca and Sweetie. Visitation was Thursday, April 7 at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. Funeral services were Friday, April 8 at the funeral home, with burial immediately following the service at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. Memorials or donations may be made to the ASPCA.
Kelly Ann FOLEY
Kelly Ann Foley, 46, of Park Ridge passed away peacefully on the morning of March 26, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 7, 1975, Kelly is the beloved daughter of John Thomas Foley and Gail Ann McFarland Foley of Park Ridge. Dear sister of Kimberly Heelan (Paul Heelan) and Kaitlin Foley. Proud aunt of Brenna, Addilyn, and Caedan Heelan. Proud niece of James Foley and Matthew McFarland. In 1985, Kelly was a poster child for the Park Ridge Elks, as well as a poster child for the New Jersey Womenʼs Club State Project called “Spina Bifida, On the Wings of Love.”" She graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1993 and she was an advocate for handicap accessibility in the school system. She also was an avid Barry Manilow Fan and is now dancing to
his songs in heaven. A Memorial visitation was held at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. Memorial Mass was at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake.
Reyes RAMIREZGUTIERREZ
Reyes Ramirez-Gutierrez, 43, of Hillsdale passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Reyes was born Aug. 19, 1978. A visitation for Reyes was held Friday, April 8 at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. A visitation was held Friday, April 8. A funeral Mass was held Saturday, April 9 at St. Andrew R.C. Church, Westwood. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Becker-FuneralHome.com.
Robert C BEGGS
Robert Carnahan Beggs, 84, died peacefully, surrounded by his family in his River Vale home, on April 3, 2022. Robert was born on Sept. 11, 1937 in Englewood. He was the son of Fordyce Waters Beggs Sr. and Dorothy Pierce Crabbe. Robert graduated from Northwood School for Boys in Lake Placid, N.Y. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served four years active duty and two years in the reserves. After serving his country Robert attended New Jersey Institute of Technology for engineering. He was a commercial industrial builder for
neers, immediately begin on a traffic study. Sciaretta said that the 250 units would include single-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with amenities, and allocate 1.6 parking spaces per unit. Only a few three-bedroom units would be built for required affordable obligations. Total parking would include 403 spaces in a parking deck to be built, along with 40 new spaces on nearby streets. He said the complex would also provide spaces for electric vehicle charging stations. He said the development would manage its stormwater runoff according to state rules which mandate no net increase in runoff post-development. Claremont officials said that construction may start by spring 2023 if plans move along and approvals are granted, and take approximately 18-20 months from start to finish. Thereʼs more to this important and developing story. Read on at thepressgroup.net.
Iris Construction Co. for 35 years. Robert married Jonath (Jonni) Elaine Oprandy on Aug. 26, 1961. They had two daughters, Jana-Lee and Tiffany. An avid skier, he was on ski patrol at Lake Placid during his high school years. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, gardening, reading, playing games and model ship building. His favorite pastime was playing with his grandkids and spending time with family. Robert is survived by his wife Jonni of 60 years, daughters Jana-Lee (Edward) Bair and Tiffany (Steven) Roth, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Valley Hospital Hospice, Paramus, NJ. valleyhealth.com/locations/valleyhospice.
Jean PALLADINO
Jean Palladino, 91, of Westwood passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Jean was born Jan. 5, 1931. A visitation for Jean will was held Tuesday, April 5 at Funeral Becker Home, Westwood, NJ 07675. Funeral Mass was April 6 at St. Andrew R.C. Church, Westwood. A committal service was held Wednesday, April 6 at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side Ave., Jersey City. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at BeckerFuneralHome.com.
Condolences to family and friends. May their memory be a blessing.
Boards: Livestream
Three Towns That Livestream Meetings The three towns that “livestream” council meetings — putting them on Zoom, YouTube, or both online and via community TV — take different approaches. Emerson has been broadcasting its council meetings live on YouTube for several years; its online video archive goes back to August 2019. Recently, the council approved an effort to move toward hybrid meetings. where residents can call in remotely and participate. For nearly eight years before becoming mayor, Danielle DiPaola had pushed for council meetings to be broadcast without success. Within six months of her election, working with two other council members, borough meetings were broadcast online via YouTube and then the next day on public access TV. DiPaola said that “bringing our government into the living rooms of residents is one of my greatest accomplishments.” She said, “In order to run an open and honest government there is no other vehicle than to have the public watching you while it happens.” In Hillsdale, residents can watch council meetings live on
Optimum or Verizon FIOS, and can participate via Zoom. All contact information is on the borough website. Prior meetings can be watched by clicking the View tab on the 2022 Meeting Agendas and Minutes List. In November 2021 the council approved $29,000 to purchase new audio and video equipment for the council to conduct hybrid meetings. In addition to enhancing twoway communication between members and public, meetings will be livestreamed on Zoom, broadcast on the public access channel, and archived for later viewing on YouTube. In a recent effort to increase borough transparency, Mayor John Ruocco appealed to three legislators representing the 39th Legislative District to press to revise the 50-year-old state Open Public Meetings Act. Ruocco wants OPMA to require all documents listed for discussion or vote on the online agenda to be available by a link so that the public can access them before a meeting. Currently such documents are usually considered “drafts” and under state records law are not available to the public. In the Township of Washington, they offer both “live” versions of its council meetings and school board meetings, the only town to offer both meetings broadcast live. The township shares the Westwood Regional [K-12] School District with its neighbor, Westwood, which broadcasts its meetings live. Township council meetings are broadcast live and archived for future viewing. Also, school board meetings are streamed live. Go to the WWRSD website, click on Menu, then Agenda/Minutes, and then “Recorded Public Meetings” to select among numerous recent YouTube meeting broadcasts available. The Township offers its council meetings “live” via Optimum Ch. 77, FIOS Ch. 24 and on WCTVʼs YouTube livestream. Residents interested can click on a “Township Council Meetings” link on the Townshipʼs Agen-
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
On its website, the district notes, “Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education meetings will be posted here within 48 hours and will be retained for one year. Live streaming of meetings and the past year of recordings as well as other district videos are available on the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education YouTube Channel.” And while only three councils offered livestreams of meetings and/or public TV broadcasts, others such as Park Ridge and Montvale offer delayed viewing of council meetings. However, other towns such as River Vale and Westwood offer no community TV or electronic broadcasts of their council meetings.
FROM PAGE 3
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Pascack Hills High School student representative Hilary Siegel (second from left) closes with a joke at the PVRHSD regular board meeting at Pascack Hills High School on March 28. (Screenshot from PVRHSD website)
das/Minutes dropdown menu to access the live meeting. For those wishing to participate remotely, accessing the Zoom platform link permits remote participation. As of 1/3/2022, all Township Council meetings returned to the Zoom platform.
Park Ridge Meetings Not ʻLiveʼ Park Ridge broadcasts its council meetings the week after the in-person meeting, though PKRG-TV cameras are rolling during the meetings. PKRG-TV Director Howard Fredrics said while they did do some live cable broadcasts on special occasions, that takes more resources, set-up time and staff, which is generally not available. “PKRG-TV is not currently regularly broadcasting ʻlive,ʼ either through our cable stations or through our YouTube channel, and we have no current plans to do so. Rather, we record meetings, and normally broadcast them on cable stations, Optimum Ch. 77 and Verizon Ch. 22 starting during the week following the meeting. We do not, as a matter of longstanding policy, upload recorded Mayor and Council meetings to our YouTube channel,” Fredrics told Pascack Press. Also, no Park Ridge school board meetings are available online. “The Park Ridge Schools does not currently make its meetings available online or on TV. Additionally, the Board does not
record its meetings,” emailed Robert Wright, district business administrator and secretary.
Montvale While Montvaleʼs TV says it offers a “livestream” online, Pascack Press could not find any council meetings being broadcast “live” via the website. The borough administrator told us that no livestreams are done. However, she said that council regular meetings (second Tuesday every month) should be posted online for viewing the day after the council meeting. Workshop meetings, however, are not posted, she said. However, a recent March 29, 2022 council meeting was not yet available online by April 5. Woodcliff Lake Council meetings are not usually broadcast online but during the pandemic, meetings were streamed on the Zoom platform. As recently as Jan. 24, 2022, the council put a meeting on Zoom, probably due to a Covid-19 spike occurring then. All told, about 10 previous council sessions broadcast on YouTube are archived under Meeting Videos on Woodcliff Lake websiteʼs Government drop-down menu. However, not all the Zoom meetings have been archived for viewing. Recently, however, meetings are not being broadcast online or archived by the borough. Meetings have returned to in-person only, said Business Administrator Tom Padilla. The Woodcliff Lake School District, which includes Dorchester Elementary School and Woodcliff Middle School, also does not broadcast or offer livestreamed meetings. Generally, most councils and school boards offer audio recordings of meetings, which must be requested via a public records, or Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request. However, Pascack Press has found out that all audio CD recording formats may not be
user-friendly, and some require downloading software to run audio compact disks. Residents should check with municipal administrators, clerks, and school board secretaries for further information about electronic or audio records available if a meeting video recording is not currently available to the public. Whether councils or school boards ultimately decide to broadcast and archive meetings often appears related to the public pushing for such publicly accessible video recordings, as well as council and school public officialsʼ desire for more transparency in government operations. While most officials prefer face-to-face interaction with residents, some towns who do not broadcast or livestream meetings — such as River Vale Township _ have come under fire for lack of public participation in major town-wide decisions, most recently the approval of a $13.3 million Public Safety Complex. Also given the Covid-19 pandemicʼs disease variants and on-again, off-again face mask and social distancing requirements, letting meetings remain remote and available via Zoom and online broadcasting seems to be one more option available to enhance public participation. Moreover, online meeting options allow those who feel uncertain or fearful of in-person meetings an opportunity to listen and participate remotely. Whatʼs more, online meetings — including archived sessions — allow media outlets to cover multiple meetings with reduced staff since in-person attendance is not necessary to cover what are generally multiple-hour public meetings for most towns and school boards. Upcoming: What Pascack Valley towns offer online broadcasts or livestreams of Planning and Zoning Board meetings.
Club News? Taking care of business at the April 5 Borough of Emerson council meeting.
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
APRIL 11, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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