Pascack Press 5.16.22 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

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

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

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 9

Patrons covered

MAY 16, 2022

RACING TO MEET THE NEED

Community outreach, membership push at EVAC

HILLSDALE

PUSH FOR $3.5M BALLOT ASK REBUFFED Community center, field upgrade, and alleged divisiveness

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Hillsdale Free Public Library distributes tote bags at Kings Market as the state’s single-use plastic bag ban takes effect. SEE PAGE 6

PASCACK VALLEY

EXPERT: ‘COEXIST

WITH DEER’ Forum at River Vale Public Library against backdrop of collisions

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

An official from a Bergen County nature preserve told approximately a dozen residents at River Vale Public Library on May 6 that homeowners should learn to coexist with deer, take care to minimize deer impacts, and hope that the county begins a regional approach to deer management. Merely local efforts, she said, only push the problem from one town to another. Meanwhile, River Vale police reports we requested for 2020, 2021, and year to date show there

See COEXIST on page 264

Emerson Brownie Troop 97609 visits Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC) on April 24. The scouts toured the ambulance and asked terrific questions. Meanwhile, EVAC is looking for new members. Adults left to right are EVAC Capt. Mike Davis, treasurer Maureen Howlin, president Janine Davis, secretary George Howlin, and new EMT Maya Zhang.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

BROWNIE Troop 97609 charmed the Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC) on April 24 in a visit. The scouts toured the ambulance and learned from volunteers about the important things EVAC does when someone calls 9-1-1. EVAC provides emergency medical services to the Borough MERSON

of Emerson and neighboring towns. It notes online that every year it touches the lives of hundreds of patients and their families. EVAC treasurer and publicity chair Maureen Howlin told Pascack Press this group of youngsters, in pursuit of badges in Life Skills, was particularly engaged and curious and asked lots of great questions. “It was very hands-on and a lot of fun. At the end we band-

5PHOTO VIA MAUREEN HOWLAND/EVAC

aged one of the kids up — showed them how we treat lacerations, and so forth,” she said. Community outreach is picking up, she said, and EVAC looks forward to resuming school visits. Right now the corps is participating in a staged DWI accident scenario at the firehouse for the benefit of high school seniors. “It involves the fire department, the ambulance,

Continued on page 15

The Borough Councilʼs fivemember majority criticized a proposal from councilman Zoltán Horváth — supported by Mayor John Ruocco — to bring up a discussion of a public referendum for the General Election on the counplans to spend cilʼs $3.5 million on Centennial Field improvements, including a new artificial turf field. Horváth moved an “off-consent” agenda motion to propose a non-binding referendum question on Nov. 8 “to ascertain the sentiment of the legal voters of the municipality” up for council discussion. The motion lacked a second and failed to carry, said Ruocco, who did not allow discussion as the motion died. However, later under council commentaries — time set aside for Ruocco and council members to offer personal opinions — Ruocco, Horváth, and several other council members made sure their points of view were heard. Ruocco said he was “a little bit disappointed” that the council, all fellow Republicans, failed even to discuss a non-binding referen-

See BALLOT on page 314

COMMUNITY BBQ

B ck in time...

Valley Chabad invites the entire community for a Lag B’omer barbeque at Hillsdale’s Beechwood Park on Thursday, May 19.

Thanks to the postcard craze of the early 20th century, we see today what Pascack Valley residents of 115 years ago would have recognized as obvious landmarks. They’re gone today. SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 15

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Not all seniors want community center To the editor: following the IRedevelopment Hillsdale Patterson Street with great interHAVE

BEEN

est. As a 47-year resident of Hillsdale, and alas a senior, I write in strong opposition to the creation of a community center in Hillsdale. I expressed this view

in the detailed community survey of several months ago as well. And I hope the next time the Pascack Press does another Patterson Street Redevelopment story, you will add “Not all seniors are interested in or supportive of the creation of a community center.” Between the Hillsdale Library and numerous church/faith buildings in town, I am sure there is ample space for seniors to meet. Iʼve never seen any data on how many seniors are asking for this building or what would be the annual carrying costs for the building and associated staff expenses. If the community center is to include gyms and meeting spaces,

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Ruocco on Hillsdale spending To the editor: H Council meeting of May 10, CounA cilman Horváth attempted to T THE

ILLSDALE

introduce Resolution 22-105 calling for a non-binding referendum on the $3.5 million project to install artificial turf at Centennial Field and make other capital improvements there. This project will require the average homeowner to pay approximately an additional $111 in property taxes each year — more if interest rates rise. His motion drew a stern

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I would prefer the existing public schools are utilized for that purpose. There are better uses for any contribution the developer is asked to make the the community than what is being suggested. Barbara Dunn Hillsdale

since January in an effort to get this firm introduced to the Borough before competitive bid specifications for the project have even been developed. One can easily see the benefits of the field project, especially if properly vetted in public and prioritized. It would follow on the heels of a project completed last year that improved the drainage of Centennial Field at an approved cost of approximately $149,000. However, I also can understand Councilman Horváthʼs frustration over the way this project has been handled up to this point. That is why at the May 10 meeting I expressed disappointment that the non-binding resolution was not seconded, with some councilmembers even arguing (incorrectly) that Horváth should never have been allowed the right to place it on the agenda! As for a community center, hope springs eternal. The council seems to have abandoned its original desire for a large recreational community center because of an $11+ million price tag. However, negotiations with the conditionally appointed redeveloper of the industrial area could produce a community benefit in exchange for the high apartment density and height bonus that the council is allowed to grant under the Redevelopment Plan it adopted. Mayor John Ruocco Hillsdale

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rebuke from other council members, especially DeRosa and Lundy. The latter two have been staunch proponents of the project and advocated strongly for four prior studies focused on the field renovation, a new community center, or both. Though completed at a cost of approximately $50,000, three of these studies were never discussed publicly. In 2021, the council majority increased property taxes by 5.3% (rather than keeping them stable) for the sole purpose of making a down payment for debt payments that would finance the field project and a community center. No debt has been issued even though taxpayers continue to bear the increased taxes. Moreover, no plans have been adopted for building a community center, despite support from a Citizens Advisory Committee favoring the center and protecting our DPW compound over field improvements. Yet there is a concerted effort to move ahead with the field project. On April 12, the Council authorized additional spending of $45,000 for preliminary engineering due diligence services on the field project. The die seems to be cast. Indeed, DeRosa, Lundy and Councilman Escobar, as part of a self-appointed Committee on Fields, have been communicating with an artificial-turf installer

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$16.5M BUDGET BRINGS $35 BUMP BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Following a nearly hourlong discussion May 3 between the mayor and council over whether to increase municipal taxes by about 1%, the Borough Council approved, 5-1, a $16.5 million municipal budget that increases taxes 1.2%. The spending plan costs approximately $3 more monthly, or $35 annually, on an average home, over the current year. Mayor John Ruocco pressed to use surplus funds to pay down a $97,000 increase in expenses to avoid any municipal tax increase; however most council members preferred to pay for the slight bump in appropriations by increasing local taxes by slightly over 1%. The total municipal budget is $16,511,696.62, with a total local tax levy of $10,761,258.53. However, Ruocco noted that the state-mandated library tax of $655,890 is included in the municipal tax levy of $10.7 million, which means the average homeowner will pay an extra $35 yearly. Excluding the library tax, the increase would be up only one percent annually, or $27, said Ruocco. The average assessed home in Hillsdale is $468,049. Ruocco said preliminary tax jump estimates from the school districts (local and regional) and Bergen County for 2022 total about 2.2%, or $309 for an average assessed household. He said he did not believe the council needed to tax property owners an additional one percent levy.

Opposing the tax increase was Councilman Zoltán Horváth. Approving the budget were Council President Janetta Trochimiuk, councilwoman Abby Lundy, and councilmen Anthony DeRosa, Frank Pizzella, and John Escobar. Ruocco, who votes only in case of a council tie, offered a detailed explanation of why he opposed increasing taxes on homeowners even by $27 yearly, especially given that the $97,000 budget bump could have easily been covered by a surplus account that showed about $2.7 million heading into the 2022 budget year. Ruocco presented council a chart, not broadcast on Zoom, showing large surpluses over the past eight years. He said the surplus account budget “exceeds anything weʼve had in the last 10 years” and argued against any new municipal tax burden on homeowners. “The council majority has now made its decision. Hillsdale residents will have to needlessly fork out an extra $27 to go with tax increases that other federal, state, local and school taxing authorities are about to hit them with in 2022 and beyond,” Ruocco emailed Pascack Press. Before the vote, he said, “Why do we need to tax residents when just emerging from a pandemic, [who] have a looming recession and thanks to Washington and Trenton, we have record inflation. Itʼs almost as if we don't care what happens to our residents. Itʼs an unnecessary tax.” Most council members said they believed Ruocco was mischaracterizing the 1.2% municipal increase and they stressed that just

because the local surplus fund was $2.7 million entering 2022, that it was still important not to rely on it to pay down a tax increase. Moreover, they noted that the funds could help if tax revenues slow down or unanticipated expenses arise. Ruocco told Pascack Press May 4, “Yes itʼs 1%, it doesn't sound like a lot, but it is. Weʼve had a whopper tax increase of 5.3% last year, in anticipation of building a community center and turfing a field.” He said the community center was tabled “because we found how expensive it would be” and the proposed $3.5 million field renovation project proceeds. He noted that should a 2023 referendum to replace George G. White Middle School pass, the average homeowner could pay an additional $1,300 per year for 30 years. For more on that, see “George G. White estimates in: Options to $82.5M for a new middle school; parent forums set,” Pascack Press, April 18, 2022. A BOE decision on whether to renovate or replace the middle school is likely at the June 13 meeting. Ruocco also noted should the Claremont-March redevelopment plan come to fruition it might provide “significantly increased tax revenues” to Hillsdale within several years, after construction and occupancy occurs. The redevelopment plan proposed a 250-unit luxury apartment building for a 5.4-acre site formerly occupied by Waste Management in the Patterson Street redevelopment zone. The plan has not yet come before the Planning or Zon-

ing Board. He said he believed the 1% tax increase should be thought about “more carefully” and preferred not to “rush to adopt the budget tonight.” Councilwoman Abby Lundy said she saw “nothing wrong with this budget” and said “I will continue to support it.” She said Ruocco “was counting the money before we even have

it” from any new redevelopment property. She said most finance professionals had no issues with a minor municipal budget increase yearly as it helps the surplus reserve and for unexpected expenses. Councilman Anthony DeRosa said Hillsdale did not raise municipal taxes in 2020 and CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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B ck in time...

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

3This postcard, part of the Pascack Historical Society’s collection, was mailed to Lyons Farms, an older name for the town of Hillside in Union County. Postmarked May 15, 1907, the greeting from an unidentified author writes, "How are you? Did you enjoy the olives? We are having fine weather. Have you heard from 'Dear Louise'?" 6In the early 20th century, America was in a postcard craze and the Pascack Valley happily joined in. Hundreds of area scenes were printed on the little paper cards, especially from the towns of Westwood, Hillsdale, and Park Ridge. The one below, showing Westwood Mayor T.E. Brickell and two local landmarks, dates to approximately 1907.

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The Pascack Historical Societyʼs hands-on technology exhibit The World on Your Screen continues with even more vintage gadgets recently added. The exhibit highlights the vintage and antique versions of the apps that now exist in our smartphones. The oldest artifact in the exhibit is a late Victorian “magic lantern” projector; the newest, a rotary phone from the 1970s (children are welcome to try dialing it). Newly added is a 1950 television that was the “big screen” model of its day, boasting a 12-inch blackand-white picture. Visitors will see cameras, telephones, music players, and much more, dating back over a century. Many of the items are interactive and kids are welcome to handle them, with guidance from a museum docent. The Societyʼs John C. Storms Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. at 19 Ridge Ave. For more information visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org.

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Do you have any local vintage postcards — and know the story behind them? Drop us a line at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

They put their stamps on history

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

either of the places shown on the postcard at right? Many years ago these were Westwood landmarks, chosen as points of pride to appear alongside the borough's mayor in this early 20th century graphic. Postmarked this week back in 1907, we see Westwood Mayor Thomas E. Brickell, along with photos of the Continental Hook & Ladder Companyʼs firehouse and the Lincoln School. For the people of Westwood 115 years ago, all of this would have been immediately recognizable. Today? Not so much. Both of these landmarks are long gone. The little wooden firehouse, with its tower and single bay, stood on Center Avenue in just about the same location as today's fire department. This earlier version was built in the 1890s, a time when Westwood firemen had to haul the apparatus to a fire scene by hand. Later, a team of horses pulled it there. The department was motorized in 1918. That first firehouse was demolished in 1928 to make way for a new municipal center. The new borough hall building stood for the next 70 years before it, too, was torn down. The Center Avenue site was again designated as the home of the firefighters alone, and things came full circle when the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department moved into its present headquarters there in 2005. The second building pictured on this postcard was the Lincoln School, built in 1900 near the corner of Mill Street and Third Avenue. Westwood children of the early 1900s, from kindergarten through eighth grade, all attended classes in this two-story O YOU RECOGNIZE

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

wooden building. A high school—among the first in the area—was built adjacent to Lincoln School in the 1910s. As the high school expanded, the old grammar school had to be moved. The wooden schoolhouse was transferred to a new foundation on Fourth Avenue in 1922. It was later demolished. The high school became a middle school before closing in 1988. The Enclave condominium complex now stands on the site. Just as these buildings would have been well known to the people of Westwood, so, too, would the man pictured with them: Thomas E. Brickell served as Westwoodʼs

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

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mayor from 1903 to 1908, and again from 1914 until his death while in office, in 1919. He was a member of one of Westwood's founding families and was involved in just about every area of local life. Brickell was born in New York City in 1848 and shortly thereafter his parents moved to Old Tappan, where he spent his early childhood. By the time he was 10 they had relocated to Westwood, then just a rural village occupied by a handful of families who farmed the land. His father worked as the village blacksmith. Around the time of the Civil War, a young Brickell opened the first butcher shop in Westwood, one of the earliest businesses on Westwood Avenue. When the railroad line came through in 1869, Brickell supplied provisions to the men who were working to build it. In addition to mayor, at different times Brickell held the titles of postmaster, fire chief, and president of the First National Bank of Westwood, the first-ever bank in the Pascack Valley, which he helped organize. He was president of the local Building and Loan Association, the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman's Association, and superintendent of Westwood Cemetery. During World War I he chaired the Pascack Valley Chapter of the Red Cross. He was a deacon and elder of the Westwood Reformed Church. In her 1923 “History of Bergen County,” author Frances Westervelt wrote, “The town of Westwood never saw such a funeral as was given Thomas Edgar Brickell. Every place of business was closed and not only the town of Westwood attended the services, but many people from surrounding towns.” — Krisin Beuscher, a former editor of Pascack Press, is president of Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge and edits its quarterly membersʼ newsletter, Relics.

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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Italian foundation honors two PV students

HILLSDALE

Pascack Valley High School is pleased to announce that Peyton Gallo and Jake Hanau are the two award recipients for this yearʼs Coccia Foundation Italian Studies Student Award. The Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute at Montclair State University recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary performance in their study of the Italian language. Peyton, a freshman, and Jake, a junior, were nominated by Barbara Borghi, Pascack Valley World Languages teacher. The student awards are made possible through a generous grant from The Paragano Family Foundation. Each student will be awarded $125 to honor their commitment to excellence in learning the Italian language.

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25 affordable units on Summit Avenue eyed for fall construction BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

The 25-unit income-restricted or low-income apartment complex planned for 159–161 Summit Avenue, at the intersection with Craig Road, plans to break ground this fall, according to its developer. Called Cornerstone at Montvale, the complex will be constructed by Walters Group of Barnegat, builder of affordable housing statewide and agerestricted housing in the Jersey Shore area. Addressing residents via email on May 7, Mayor Michael Ghassali said the applicant, Walters Group, aka Montvale Family Apartments, has submitted construction plans to the boroughʼs construction offices for review. Ghassali said the resolution granting major soil movement approval was approved by the Planning Board at their February 15 meeting. According to the developer, “The modern 25-unit, two-build-

ing residential development will feature LEED- and Energy Starcertified design and construction. The units will be split between two buildings, each two stories, with 15 units in one building and 10 in the other. The property will have 55 parking spaces, and a bike shed will accommodate 18 bicycles. Recently, the 3.3-acre property was transferred from the borough to the developer for a nominal $1 fee, to build affordable units agreed to in Montvaleʼs 2017 settlement agreement. Originally, 32 units were to be built, in conjunction with Wegmans/lifestyle center application approved in 2014. However, in June 2020, the borough approved a developerʼs agreement with The Walters Group, of Barnegat for a 25-unit multifamily affordable building, seven units less than the settlement agreement. Since the site, transferred to Montvale as part of the Shoppes at DePiero Farmʼs affordable obligation, contains seven fewer apartments, those lost credits may need to be made up in the boroughʼs

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third or fourth round of affordable housing. The site lies near the Garden State Parkwayʼs exit and entrance ramps. Originally, credits offsetting the loss of the seven apartment units was to be made up by 13 affordable credits from the Waypoint Residential Servicesʼ 157unit senior (55 and over) complex proposed at 127 Summit Ave. However, that project was canceled early last year by the developer following several public hearings. A statement from the devel-

oper said preliminary work on the site will occur through spring and summer months with a planned fall groundbreaking. “Cornerstone at Montvale will bring a new level of affordable housing and services to families in Bergen County,” said Joseph Del Duca, partner and director of affordable housing for Walters. “Our use of environmentally friendly design will also promote the health and well-being of all who reside there.” Moreover, Cornerstone at Montvale will offer several com-

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale Library tote-ally has this

Hillsdale Free Public Library tote bags were distributed to local shoppers as the ban on single-use disposable plastic bags took effect in New Jersey on May 4. More than 700 totes were distributed by volunteers from the Hillsdale Free Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Library, and the Board of Trustees. Residents are encouraged to make use of the resources of the library. They will receive a tote bag if they register for a new card or renew a long-expired card. While supplies last.

Hillsdale resident Julia Silverman shows off her free library tote bag at Kings Supermarket. Via David J. Franz, director, Hillsdale Free Public Library

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munity spaces for residents to enjoy. Amenities will include a fitness room, playground and outdoor areas with seating and gas grills. A staffed social services coordinator will be available upon request, said the developerʼs statement. “Priority is given to residents whose incomes are at or below 60 percent of the area median income. Rental rates are based on the renterʼs gross annual income, according to the rent/income requirements chart,” the developer said.

Magnolia Ave., Hillsdale. • New: Camp Little Hawks, kindergarten; • Camp Pascack, grades 1–4; • Camp Adventure, grades 5–6; • Field Trip Camp, grades 7–9. • Grades are based on September 2022. • When: Monday, June 27–Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before care is available 8 to 9 a.m. After care is available 3 to 6 p.m. • Registration runs April 15–May 7. Late registration runs May 8–June 10. Register at https://register.communitypass.net. When Camp Pascack and Camp Little Hawks are at George White School,children will participate in a structured schedule of specialist-run classes taught by certified teachers/instructors and/or long-employed collegeaged staff. For more information, visit hillsdalenj.org.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

RIVER VALE

The Township Council has approved a nearly $19 million 2022-2023 budget that raises an average homeownerʼs taxes by 3.1%, or approximately $98 annually, said the townshipʼs business administrator and chief financial officer. Council Vice President Paul Criscuolo was absent for the 4–0 vote, held May 9. Gennaro Rotella, business

administrator, told Pascack Press that the $18,964,584 2022-2023 municipal budget was under the 2% local budget cap. He said last yearʼs budget raised municipal taxes about $70 yearly on the average homeowner. The 2022 municipal tax levy — or amount that taxpayers will be assessed via property taxes — is $12,278,220.00, said Rotella. The average township home is assessed at $592,000, he said. “The two major areas of increase were the health benefits for current and retired employees

and also the step increases for our union employees. We have a very young base after retirements,” Rotella said. He noted union employees generally get salary increases, or steps, every year based on the negotiated union contracts. Some may be over the 2% municipal caps. He said union employees include the police department and public works. The police department has 23 officers and the DPW, a shared service with

Montvale, has 27 full-time employees, including a secretary. Rotella said he believed that the Pascack Valley DPW, the shared service with Montvale, has likely saved the township hundreds of thousands of dollars by combining the two departments. At the May 9 meeting, the council also approved $2.3 million in bonds for municipal upgrades and golf course improvements at the townshipowned River Vale Country Club.

These included costs for DPW site remediation, DPW land acquisition, ADA doors for the community center, and new doors at the South Fire House. Also, radios and equipment for the volunteer ambulance corps, fire department and DPW were included. The golf course bonding was for drive range netting, and a storage building. (See “$2.3M for upgrades; hearing set for May 9,” Pascack Press, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

PARK RIDGE WESTWOOD

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 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.

Girl Scouts taking registrations

Do you have an incoming kindergartener? Sheʼs the perfect age to join Girl Scouts! As a Girl Scout, she will make new friends, earn cool badges and patches, be creative with crafts, go on outdoor adventures, and help the community! Please consider signing up to be an adult volunteer or leader — we canʼt run new troops without you! This is a great way to connect with other adults in Park Ridge. For more information, contact Linda Menzel at prgssum@aol.com

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

COUNCIL OKS $19M BUDGET; TAXES UP $98 FOR HOMEOWNERS

8 MONTVALE

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Planning board applications and inspection projects

Via Mayor Michael Ghassali in his April report to residents, emailed May 9:

Planning Board applications • North Market Phase II – Building 4 — The Applicant has submitted an amended application that proposes a 3-story 87,976square foot retail and medical office building at the corner of De Piero Drive and Grand Avenue, with a future development pad site noted as Phase IIA in the northwest corner of the site. The initial public hearing will be held in May. • Gray Capital, LLC – 100 Summit Avenue (former Western Union campus) – The Applicant submitted revised plans ahead of the third public hearing, May 3. The second hearing was held on March 15 for this project, which proposes to demolish the easternmost building and construct a 180bed, three-story nursing home while using the existing (western) building for offices, support services and meeting rooms. The existing building would

be refaced to complement the proposed nursing home addition. Site improvements are also proposed including parking, landscaping, and stormwater. Revised plans are to be submitted and the hearing will be carried to a future date. • Montvale Family Apartments (Cornerstone at Montvale) – The applicant has submitted construction plans to the borough Construction offices for review. 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 25-unit development on Summit Avenue at the intersection with Craig Road. (See story, page 6.) • Moksha/Valley View SubDivision – 89 Valley View Terrace – The borough is still awaiting the submission of revised plans. The Applicant has cleared 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 to the borough due to an

existing sewer line not on the Engineerʼs plans. • Montvale Grove, LLC – 24 Spring Valley Road – The borough is awaiting revised plans, as their initial submission was deemed incomplete. 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 has not been set. • Metropolitan Homes – 91 Spring Valley Road – This application for the construction of four single-family homes at the end of Deep Wood Lane (off Stem Brook), and seven single-family homes on Spring Valley Road opposite Bear Brook Village, was approved by the Board on May 21, 2019. The applicant had submitted final subdivision plans which were approved by resolution on Feb. 15, 2022.

WESTWOOD

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Registration is open at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center for the 2022-2023 School year. The center is at 64 1st Ave. Zion, offering programs for children 2 1⁄ 2, 3, and 4 years old, is located in a safe residential area away from main streets and traffic. Within small classes led by certified teachers, each student is viewed as a unique creation with special gifts and talents. Through a Christian curriculum, children

learn of the wonderful world God has created for them. They are

encouraged to explore this world through a hands-on approach to learning. Responsibility, accountability, and respect are encouraged. Children learn how to properly interact with others in word and deed. For information call the school office, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at (201) 664-8060, visit the school at zionlutheranschool.org and follow on Facebook.

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool

• Metropolitan Homes – 5561 Magnolia Ave. – This application for the construction of sevensingle family homes on a new culde-sac north of Magnolia Avenue (between Pineview Terrace and Sunnyside Drive) was approved by the Planning Board at their Oct. 15, 2019 meeting. • 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. Planning Board Inspection Projects Village Springs at Montvale – 2 Paragon Drive – To date, the Borough has issued a number of certificates of occupancy. Model townhomes are open at 10–14 Driftway Lane, and the applicant will be filing for certificates of occupancy in the near future. Work to stabilize and rebuild the north pond retaining wall has been completed. This project includes the construction of 80-townhouse units in 18-buildings at 2 Paragon Drive. • North Market/Triboro (former Merceds property) –The Office Building (Building No. 2) has three COs. No applications have been submitted for the retail component of this building. Construction is ongoing for the residential components of the Phase I development (Building Nos. 1 & 3) and the applicant is requesting inspections ahead of final permits. • Premier Development (Alexa), 160 Spring Valley Road. This 81-unit townhome development, north of Upper Saddle River Road, has 41-units occupied in seven out of a total of 11 buildings.

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• AR Landmark (Hornrock) – 12 Van Riper Road – The applicant has obtained all required building permits from the Borough and 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 185dwelling units over parking in the Montvale portion of the larger AR Landmark development in Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. 448 units are proposed for the Park Ridge portion of the site. • Thrive (Pike Development)/110 Summit – The applicant was provided a punch list of items that are required to be addressed prior to the issuance of a CO. Due to changes made by the applicant, they will need to submit revised plans to the board for review and approval. • De Pieroʼs/Montvale 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. • De Pieroʼs Lifestyle Buildings – Two tenant spaces are vacant: one in the “Ulta” building and the one in the “Chase” building. • Woodland Heights/Flintlock Road – This 20-home subdivision off Woodland Road has 16-homes occupied, and two 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.

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HILLSDALE

A nearly $27 million school district budget was approved, 4-0, at the April 25 school board meeting. The measure will raise average taxes approximately $119 annually — slightly under 2% —said the Hillsdale Public School District business administrator. The district includes Ann Blanche Smith and Meadowbrook elementary schools and George G. White Middle School. High school students attend Pascack Valley Regional High School in Hillsdale,

alongside students from River Vale. The high school is part of the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, which also includes Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, which serves students from Montvale and Woodcliff Lake. The total district budget approved, including annual debt service, was $26,998,697. Board President Shane Svorec was absent on April 25. Board secretary and business administrator Sacha Pouliot said the district tax levy increased $448,759 for 2022-2023 over 2021-2022. The total school tax levy for 2022-2023 was $22,886,716; last yearʼs total tax levy was $22,437,957.

The 2022-2023 adopted budget means an “approximately $9.91 per month tax increase based on 2022 average Hillsdale home assessment of $474,172,” Pouliot said at a presentation. Pouliot detailed 10 categories in the 2022-2023 operating budget, showing increases and decreases from the prior year. Some categories cited included General Education costs, which decreased $302,000 to $8,009,680 for 2022;

special education costs increased $372,136 for 2022; out-of-district tuition costs increased $148,958 in 2022; unallocated and health benefit costs were down $310,982; and capital outlay decreased $119,050. The districtʼs projected 20222023 enrollment was 1,088 students, including 1,070 in-district and 18 out-of-district students. Fulltime teachers for 2022 are estimated at 127.25, same as 2021; 23.35 special education aides, same as 2021;

16 custodial/maintenance personnel, same as 2021; 5.2 child study team members, versus 6.2 in 2021, school nurses 3, same as 2021. For the last month, school trustees have met with parents and taxpayers in public forums to discuss four options for the centuryold George G. White Middle School including various degrees of renovating, completely replacing the structure, or doing a miniCONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Once again American Legion members are about town offering poppies in remembrance of those who gave the final measure and are raising money for veterans in need, activeduty service members, and their families. Please show your support for this most worthy cause by donating and wearing a poppy with pride. Veterans still serving America. — Zoltán Horváth

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MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

$27M schools tab adds $119 to average annual property tax bill

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Mental health, diversity, elder care feature in PKRG-TV series BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARK RIDGE

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and in concert with the Mayors Wellness Program, PKRG-TV will present a three-part series of programs “to enhance the well-being of our town” that focus on topics

including anxiety, diversity, and eldercare. The programs began airing in May and will continue through June, said PKRG Managing Director Howard Fredrics. He said the topics were chosen by PKRG-TVʼs member committee. “We decided based on what we (PKTG-TVʼs member committee) believed would be of

interest and value to our audience, in order to enhance the well-being of our town, and based on the availability of potential guests” said Fredrics. He said the shows initially will be broadcast on Optimum Ch. 77 or FIOS Channel 22, and then posted to YouTube at a later date. No timeline for such posting was provided. In Episode. 1, Conquering

Anxiety and Stress, “Itʼs pretty clear that we're living in times of considerable stress, brought on by such events as the pandemic, the 2020 election and events surrounding the Jan. 6th insurrection, and the current war in Ukraine,” said Fredrics. Appearing alongside Lori Fredrics, a PKRG-TV host, in episode one was child psychologist Dr. Frank J. Sileo, a state licensed psychologist, and founder/executive director of Psychological Enhancement, LLC, of Ridgewood. In Episode 2, former New York Giants player Robert E. Douglas, a 2008 Super Bowl winner and certified diversity expert, speaks about diversity, equity and inclusion in society and sports. He is interviewed by PKRG-TV host Trevor Dublin. “We felt that the subject would be helpful in educating our viewers about the value and impact on the well-being of having a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and community,” noted Fredrics. He said discussing the topic is consistent with Park Ridgeʼs newly created Diversity Committee. Douglas has a masterʼs degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and is owner of Clarity/Triumph Coaching and Consulting.

Episode 3 features a Q&A with eldercare attorney Steve Tarta of Midland Park that touches on topics such as advanced directives, health care proxies, living wills, and selecting a senior facility, including fiscal and physical health management for seniors. Fredrics said here, “We felt that our community, including both our seniors, and their family members would benefit from learning about both financial and physical health management issues, that would address a range of concerns affecting our senior citizens.” Tarta has been in business since 1992. Fredrics said, “Our town, through its Mayorʼs Wellness Program, managed by the Mayorʼs Wellness Committee, has organized a series of events that are taking place during May and June, which are designed to help residents to improve their physical and mental health and well-being.” He added, “PKRG-TV is working to try to include coverage of some of these events, either under the auspices of our Well Being TV series, or as stand-alone programs, as appropriate. But in any case, all of these events and programs are CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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Ghassali on new convenience store, police staffing

Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on May 9 to note a variety of updates: He said, “With summer finally approaching and holiday and vacation plans in motion, we at borough hall continue to work and plan for summer activities. We are also busy with PSE&G and SUEZ projects along with our own road paving projects.” He said, “I received several emails and messages about our downtown and why are making changes to existing older buildings and losing the character of our little downtown.” To that, he said, “Those who lived in town prior to 2010 remember the old gas station on the corner of Kinderkamack and Grand Avenue, currently the 7/11 build-

ing. And now we all love how the 7/11 building turned out, beautifying downtown.” He said, “The CITGO gas station building GHASSALI across the train station and its underground tanks are in desperate need of rehab. The new structure will complement the 7/11 building, and when the old furniture store brown building is rebuilt it will also complement the general architectural look and feel.” As for the perceived need for another convenience store, Ghassali said, “The owners have done their due diligence and determined

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Mayor: Development drives need for additional police officer Ghassali said, “We had two police retire and leave the department and we are in the process of hiring two officers. We are expecting at least two more retirements this year, and will be looking to hire two more. We have a total of 26 members including the chief of police and will be maintaining this number for the next few years.” But, he said, “With the added residential and business units, I will be asking the council to consider adding an additional officer to the department next year. The cost of the additional officer will be covered with the added revenue from the new ratables.” The mayor said he would have more detail on the financing “as we get closer to making the request.”

Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps needs volunteers Meanwhile, he said, “Our Trip-Boro Ambulance Corps is in need of additional members, and with the added headcount in all three towns, Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, the ambulance service will need to add additional members.” For more information on the ambulance corps, write membership@tbvacnj.org.

The Montvale Police Department set up a course at Pascack Hills High School on Friday, May 6 to illustrate the dangers driving while impaired. This year's sophomore driver’s ed class, along with students who missed out last year, were invited up to the coned course, put on Fatal Vision goggles designed to simulate inebriation, and try their best to make it through without running any cones over. Thanks went to Edgewood Country Club and Rich’s Automotive Specialist. (Montvale Police Department photos.)

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Shop the Hub for Dads, Grads June 11

Saturday, June 11 will be a great day to get out and Shop the Hub for Grads and Dads! Residents and neighbors are encouraged to save the date. Westwood businesses are encouraged to register as participants. This Shop The Hub also coincides with the Westwood Clergy Councilʼs Juneteenth celebration (10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park) and the Westwood portion of the Creative Bergen Arts Amble (4 to 8 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park). Celebrate Westwood created Shop the Hub days in spring 2020 as a way to create the spirit of a sidewalk sale in which many businesses participate toward a common goal, without needing to close the streets. Participants have set up merchandise or activity tables along the sidewalk adjacent to their

storefront, created sales or highlighted already ongoing promotions and menu items, and have invited unique pop-up experiences. Sales, specials, and sips at the discretion of individual businesses. For businesses to take full advantage of publicity and marketing for the event provided by Celebrate Westwood and the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, registration must be completed by Friday, May 27 at tinyurl.com/registerShopTheHub. Businesses can opt in to all the remaining 2022 Shop the Hub events with one click, and receive a discount on the nominal fee levied to cover materials (flyers and oversized mylar balloons to mark participation). The Westwood Chamber of Commerce is offering discounts for Shop The Hub participation for all paid active members.

Marine Murner’s dress whites draw sharp salutes

daughter. In 2015 the borough dedicated five ball fields in the names of “The Hillsdale Five” — the five young men from Hillsdale who were killed in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Post 162 held a fundraiser to install plaques at each of the fields. The formal dedication of the fields was carried out on Memorial Day 2015.

Murner Field, the main baseball field for town leagues, is on Hillsdale Avenue. Recently Murnerʼs sister, Maureen Theisz of Westwood, contacted General Leonard E. Wood American Legion Post 162 Commander Doug Frank to say sheʼd kept her brotherʼs dress white uniform over all these years. Sheʼd had it cleaned and

mum of repairs to keep mechanical systems working. (See “George G. White estimates in,” Pascack Press, April 18,

2022.) Officials have cited figures from $82.5 million to replace the structure (option 1); provide upgrades and a bigger gym, $58.5 million (option 2); renovate the school and gym but no gym expan-

sion, $52 million (option 3); and gutting the existing classrooms but adding no new classrooms or space, $25.5 million (option 4). A final school board vote is likely at the June 13 meeting.

pressed and was hoping that it could be used or properly preserved. The post arranged for needed insignias and on May 7 at its monthly meeting unveiled Murnerʼs uniform and put it on display at its entrance hall. All are welcome to pay their respects. The other men of the Hillsdale Five are Ernie Elfenbein, Edward Maher, Michael Roell, and George Poor. General Leonard E. Wood Post 162, although located in Hillsdale, is

Hometown hero Peter Patrick “Rick” Murner’s dress whites are on view at General Leonard E. Wood American Legion Post 162

Hillsdale schools: Budget up FROM PAGE 9

the post for residents of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan. However active membership includes veterans from the greater Pascack Valley, Northern New Jersey and even out of state. The next general meeting and the canteen is in early June. This will be the installation meeting for the slate of officers elected for 2022–2023. For more information visit http://americanlegionpost162.org.

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Peter Patrick “Rick” Murner Jr. grew up in Hillsdale. He attended George White School and St. Andrewʼs School and was a 1963 graduate of Don Bosco Prepatory High School. He graduated from Mount St. Maryʼs University in Emmitsburg, Md., in 1967. MURNER Murner enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation and went on to attain the rank of second lieutenant at Quantico, Va. He was sent to Vietnam on Aug. 4, 1968, where he served with the 3rd Transportation Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. On Aug. 26, 1968, at 23, he was killed in action near Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign and RVN National Order 5th Class military medals. He left behind his wife and

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Dick Bozzone on the lives behind Memorial Day

Throughout America on Monday, May 30, Americans, at least those who care and remember what this day truly means, will gather in villages, small towns, boroughs and larger cities to perpetuate a holiday set aside to honor Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Over the past several decades attendance at Memorial Day observances especially in many large urban centers has diminished. Other than some politicians and veterans units perpetuating the ideals of this once venerated day, many citizens will basically ignore what was once a significant occasion. Thus, the cultural changes in such places have led to the diminution of a day once held with due reverence. However, in places like Pascack Valley in Bergen County, led by zealous veterans groups, political officials who care along with untold thousands of ordinary people, will make sure that a multitude of memorial services, parades, other patriotic observances and gatherings of folks who will enjoy some leisure following their attendance at earlier ceremonies. Why honor Memorial Day? Intellectually it has been expanded to also honor the men and women who have served our nation in its various wars and conflicts as well as those who suffered wounds and

injuries along with the heroes who gave their lives. While the day in many ways has become synonymous with hedonistic pleasures BOZZONE together with the sales of autos, televisions and other merchandise, the day also offers families and friends the opportunity to enjoy picnics and relax. The pre-summer weather allows us to set aside everyday concerns and worries. Ironically, it was these pleasures for which so many men and women have given their lives in far off fields of conflict since the war against terrorism reared its ugly head. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, In some far-off fields across the sea, wherever Americans have died that piece of land will forever be a part of America. Of course there are untold thousands of Americans who gave their lives and are buried in the deep oceans and seas. Others were incinerated in the skies and fell to an unforgiving landscape and do not enjoy the dignity of a grave. In the Pascack Valley parades will be held and cemeteries will be decorated with flags being placed on the graves of loved ones as well

WESTWOOD

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as veterans. Numerous services will be held and speeches will eulogize the fallen and those in attendance will be reminded that their freedom is not free since it was bought with a staggering cost of our nation's treasures both monetary and human. Over the past several years the annual parade held in the Tri-Boro that began in the 1920s as a modest Decoration Day event has evolved into a much larger activity and this is a positive enhancement of the reason why Memorial Day is national holiday. If you pass a memorial or a cemetery with our American flag waving proudly, please pause for a moment and render a silent thank you to our fallen. You might also stop to wonder what these heroes would have become had they lived beyond their 20s. In fact, some never lived to become young adults. Enjoy the parades and other

outdoor gatherings and shopping but remember those brave men and women who gave you Memorial Day.

How did Memorial Day become part of America? After many years of competing against each other for the honor to be designated the originator of Memorial Day, the federal government declared that the small town of Waterloo, N.Y., was the actual birth place of Memorial Day. On May 5, 1866, the citizens of that northern part of the Empire State located close to the Seneca Lakes region first honored those soldiers who had died in the recently concluded Civil War. For many years the holiday we now refer to as Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. In Waterloo the citizens honored fallen solders from the Civil War, businesses were closed, and

flags were flown at half staff. In some areas of the United States model boats were filled with flowers and set sail to especially honor those lost at sea. In countless places including Gettysburg, Pa. and Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknowns famous ceremonies are held. In 1971 Memorial Day was designated to be observed on the last Monday in May. Following the end of the Great War, also called World War I, 1914–1918, many organizations including the Auxiliary Units of the American Legion began the distribution of artificial poppies to obtain funds for the benefit of veterans and their families. Remember to honor our veterans this Memorial Day! By Dick Bozzone Historian and past commander, Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153

Hillsdale: Budget passes disagreed with Ruoccoʼs charge that the council members, except for Horvath, were just trying to get taxpayers used to annual tax increases. “Itʼs so erroneous to say that itʼs to get taxpayers used to it.” Council President Janetta Trochimiuk said the surplus was a “savings account” but Ruocco disagreed calling it a “liquidation account,” adding itʼs “there to plug the hole in revenues.” Trochimiuk said reserve funds might be used to help move or upgrade the Department of Public Works facilities, which suffered flood losses during post-Ida flooding, or for a senior center that may not be on the table now but in the future. She said the reserve should be there to help residents get what they want to get. “We argue about peanuts all day long and thereʼs all these things

FROM PAGE 3

that need to get done,” Trochimiuk said. “But we need to tax so we have a bucket of money to move forward on for the benefit of Hillsdale in the savings account.” Business Administrator David Troast, who said he has worked since 1990 for municipalities, said the borough should have two to three years of surplus “banked” to prevent any unexpected large tax increases. Troast said the economy made him “nervous. It may be heading for recession and doubledigit inflation too.” Troast advised maintaining two to three years of untouched surplus, noting three prior consecutive “tough years” of 2008–2010 which were unanticipated and stretched many municipal budgets due to an economic downturn. Addressing council members before the budgetʼs adoption, Ruocco said, “On April 5, I heard some views around the dais that

there is something unsafe or unsound in not increasing property taxes annually. But I didnʼt hear any concrete reasons for that except that it would prepare us for the future, — in other words, it builds up our surplus for the rainy day, when there might be an unanticipated need for a large appropriation.” He said, “But as you can see, our surplus account is strong and growing, and likely to continue to grow (unless anyone here knows differently, and I hope by now that if such a threat exists, I would have been apprised of it.” He added, “Any philosophy among elected officials and Borough employees that we must acclimate our residents to annual property tax increases, no matter how small, when they are not needed is wrong. It feeds a tax and spend mentality that is a cancer in government. Itʼs financial lard.”

WESTWOOD

Memorial Day Parade returns – May 30

The Westwood Veterans Council and American Legion Post 206 will host the Westwood Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 30, immediately following the 8 a.m. Westwood Fire Department Memorial Service at Firemenʼs Park. The parade will begin at Five Corners, at the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and Harrington Avenue, and process down Westwood Ave to Veterans Park. Immediately following the procession, the Veterans' Council will host their annual Memorial Day Military Memorial Service at the war memorial. Residents are encouraged to line the streets for the parade as it returns in full for the first time in three years. During 2020 and 2021, the traditional parade was replaced by caravans of veterans through the streets of the Borough and a series of virtual

events. This year, the day will be marked by a more traditional parade procession which will be led by Grand Marshal Chester Kovaleski. A collection of antique cars, members of the Westwood Veterans Council, Police Department, Fire Department, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Elks, scouts, youth athletes, and the Westwood Community Band will round out the parade lineup. Additionally, children are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons and join in the parade, too, as part of the Childrenʼs Bike & Wagon Brigade. Parents must accompany their children throughout the parade route. All riders must wear a helmet. Those interested in participating should assemble at the corner of Roosevelt and Harrington at 8:30 a.m.

the coroner and everything. Itʼs pretty realistic.” She noted, too, that working on the ambulance corps makes for happy marriages: there are two married couples in EVAC, including hers, to EVAC secretary and fellow EMT George Howlin. At the end of June neither Maureen nor George will be EMTs “but still involved with EVAC, giving a lot of our time. We are both life members: a status earned after 10 years of active membership,” Maureen said. She added, “We both were EMTs since 2004. Iʼm not riding anymore but Iʼm still involved as an officer. Georgeʼs EMT certification expires at the end of June but he is riding when needed until then. He may continue riding as a driver after June.” She referred questions on recruitment — EVAC has banners downtown strongly urging volunteers sign up — to veteran EVAC Capt. Mike Davis, who, with his

FROM PAGE 1

wife, Janine, has been with the corps 20 years. Theyʼre both EMTs. After his full-time job ended for the day on May 11, Davis told us, “We, along with all the other EMS services in the area, have seen a decline in membership — and recently, because of the pandemic and having lost our building because of the redevelopment downtown, we lost a number of members and that has put us in a position where we have a tremendous staffing shortage.” He said, “Now that weʼre kind of past the hurdle of the pandemic, and weʼve gotten temporary accommodations from the borough for a place to park the trucks and a facility that we can use as a meeting room and offices and whatnot [including beds, at a town-owned house on Locust Street], weʼre trying to rebuild the department.” Davis said, “Since the first of the year weʼve gotten nine new applications; weʼre looking to get 30 new members in total, so weʼre

PASCACK VALLEY

THE LINCOLN AWARD EVENT MAY 18

The Woodcliff Lake Republican Club invites you to its 26th Annual Lincoln Award Event, this year honoring Jack Ciattarelli with its Lincoln Award. Special guest speaker is Lt. Steven Rogers. The event is We d n e s d a y, CIATTARELLI May 18 at 7

p.m. at The Estate at Florentine Gardens, 97 Rivervale Road, River Vale. Enjoy music and cocktail hour with an open bar followed by a sit-down dinner. Cost is single $100, couple $175, and table of 10 is $875 RSVP at woodclifflakerepublucanclub@gmail.com or call (201) 394-7438. Must be on the RSVP list. There are no walk-ins allowed.

a third of the way there.” He said, “Unfortunately, it takes a decent amount of time to get these new members trained so we can actually staff the truck, and the EMT course is offered only twice a year.” Most new members are going to be getting trained in September and will be certified December and into January, 2023. “So we might not see a tremendous change immediately but weʼre working in the right direction.” Davis said, “We had 10–15 active, riding members before, coming into this year we had probability four or five active riding members, so that really was a tremendous decline.” He said some members moved out of town and others have stopped riding “because of the conditions,” by which he meant due to Covid and owing to

the loss of their headquarters. (Borough Administrator Robert G. Hermansen told us on May 12 that he was set to meet this week with the architect and builder on the Borough Hall project, that progress was being made on a new EVAC HQ as part of the work, and that the borough has been responsive to every volunteer need brought forward. He said next steps and revised estimates would be forthcoming.) Davis said EVAC needs drivers and, prominently, EMTs. The majority of EVACʼs volunteers are trained at the Bergen County EMS Training Center in Paramus. Some training is covered by the state and some by the borough. Meanwhile, residents of the borough and the Pascack Valley continue to fall victim to injuries and illnesses requiring ambulance dispatch.

“If anything, the demand is up — and across the board not just volunteer but also aid services are having a hard time finding employees to staff ambulances. thereʼs a real big shortage not just across the state but also across the country,” Davis said. He added, “Unfortunately a paid service isnʼt an end-all solution because there are only so many paid employees available as well. So weʼve found when we have a good group of volunteers that works out well.” Davis said recruiting has been helped by social media, banners throughout town, flyers at local businesses, the downtown message board, and Mayor Danielle DiPaolaʼs announcements at town council meetings and other events. “Every little bit, you never know.” Write evac@emersonnj.org.

WESTWOOD

Westwood rec preschool registration

Registration for the Westwood Recreation Department Preschool is underway for Westwood residents and non-residents at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The three-day-a-week halfday programs for children 3–5 are designed to foster kindergarten readiness by creating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a nurturing setting. Class size is limited to 24 for the pre-K–4 morning class and 20 for the pre-K–3 afternoon class. Led by teacher/director Natalie Boes, Westwood Recreation Preschool is licensed by the State of New Jersey and follows state curriculum guidelines. Classroom

activities prepare students for academic and social success by assisting in the development of self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, listening skills as well as providing a strong foundation in literacy, math, social studies and science. Art, music, seasonal activities and free-play round out the program offerings. The Westwood Recreation Preschool program is open to children 3–5 as of Oct. 1, 2022. Proof of residency and birth certificates are required for registration. All children are required to be 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) 664-7882. For more information, write , Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Valley Chabad community BBQ May 19

Valley Chabad invites the entire community for a Lag Bʼomer barbeque at Beechwood Park on Thursday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. Lag Bʼomer celebrates the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a famous Jewish leader and author of the Zohar, the book upon which most Kabbalistic teachings are based. Rabbi Shimon asked that the day not be of mourning but rather of joy and celebration. It has been traditionally celebrated with outdoor games, bonfires and the like. The program includes a barbeque, acrobatic show and other exciting activities. It will be another one of Chabadʼs many programs geared to giving families and individuals an exciting and positive Jewish experience. Photo credit: Valley Chabad

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Racing: Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

150th Anniversary of Arbor Day at Dorchester School

Mayor Carlos Rendo, through proclamation, declared April 29 Arbor Day in Woodcliff Lake. In celebration of this event, the Woodcliff Lake Shade Tree Committee gathered at the Dorchester School and planted a Northern Red Oak, the state tree of New Jersey, which was dedicated by chairman Clay Bosch. Dorchester School principal Stefanie Marsich welcomed guests; students Mia Cucchiara, Ariana Kuntz, and Juliette Maniscalco led the pledge of allegiance. Jordan Cherkas read “The Giving Tree” and Georgia Fusco presented an original poem. The Arbor Day proclamation was read by Councilwoman Josephine Higgins. Arbor Day chairperson Marilyn Clark announced that Woodcliff Lake was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Foundation as a Tree City USA Community for its commitment to urban forestry. Woodcliff Lake has earned this

Mayor Carlos Rendo and councilwomen Jen Margolis and Josephine Higgins are joined by the Shade Tree Committee and Dorchester faculty at this year’s tree planting; Left to right, with banner, are Marilyn Clark, Kathleen Bagley, Stefanie Marsich (principal of Dorchester School), Wiebke Hinsch, Mayor Carlos Rendo, Councilwoman Josephine Higgins, (DPW supervisor Chris Behrens, David Berger, Councilwoman Jen Margolis, and Clay Bosch. Courtesy photos. national designation for 16 consecutive years. Qualifying factors for this award are celebration of Arbor

St. Andrew’s 50+ Club Spring Luncheon

WESTWOOD

St. Andrew's 50+ Club Spring Luncheon is set for Wednesday, June 1 at Donatella’s in Harrington Park. Cost is $50.

Day and an Arbor Day proclamation, having a Shade Tree Committee and a tree ordinance, and a commitment from the town to spend at least $2 per capita on tree plantings and related services. In addition, fifth grade students participated in the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day by presenting original art. Rendo acknowledged these

student artists by presenting certificates of excellence to Mia Cucchiara, Stefania Viso, Alex Paikin, and Krissh Chopra. The Shade Tree Committee consists of Kathleen Bagley, David Berger, Clay Bosch, Diane Cereijo, Marilyn Clark, Roberta Green, Josephine Higgins, Wiebke Hinsch, Andy Lukac and Bert Taylor.

Chris Behrens represents the DPW, Councilwoman Angela Hayes represents the Borough Council, and Lyle Garcia is property maintenance manager. The Shade Tree Committee is committed to planting street trees in Woodcliff Lake. For more information call Borough Hall at (201) 391-4977.

WESTWOOD

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Registration is open at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center for the 2022-2023 School year. The center is at 64 1st Ave. Zion, offering programs for

children 2 1⁄ 2, 3, and 4 years old, is located in a safe residential area away from main streets and traffic. For information call the

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WESTWOOD

Dining & Cooking Guide HILLSDALE

Troop 350 Stars and Stripes fundraiser

Join Westwood Scout Troop 350 this year in proudly displaying the American flag along the streets of town. Troop 350 will place a 12” x 18” poly-cotton American stick flag, curbside at your front yard during six patriotic holidays: • Memorial Day, Monday May 30; • Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14; • Independence Day, Monday, July 4; • Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5; • Patriot Day, Sunday, Sept.

11; and • Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11. Scouts will put the flags out at least three days prior to the holiday and retrieve them three to five days after the holiday.

The cost of this service is $25 for the year for one flag per holiday and $50 for the year for two flags per holiday. To support Westwood Troop 350 and participate in this 2022 fundraiser, email your name, address, email address, and phone number to westwoodtroop350@gmail.com no later than May 15. Payment is via Venmo @WestwoodTroop350, PayPal at paypal.me/WestwoodTroop350, or by check mailed or in person to Westwood Troop 350 at 430 Center Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.

Elks Army of Hope ready with signs

WESTWOOD

A dispatch from the Westwood Elks: “Itʼs that time of year again. The Westwood Elks is doing the Elks Army of Hope fundraiser. The Elks Army of Hope supports our troops who have been injured, maimed, or have given the ulti-

mate sacrifice performing their duties for our country.” The Elks say such community support helps these heroes and their families with housing, daily necessities, schooling, and more. “Please show your support by decorating your lawn with our

lawn sign for a $25 donation to the Elks Army of Hope. This year we have a choice of two signs. Pick one for your lawn. Act now and have it in time for Memorial Day.” Call Carl at (201) 446-6047 or the Westwood Elks lodge at (201) 666-1562 (leave a message).

JOAN’S JOY ANNUAL YARD SALE MAY 21

Joanʼs Joy Foundation is having its 16th Annual Yard Sale on Saturday May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 45 Florence St. home office of the Foundation. More than 10 8-foot tables and clothes racks filled with jewelry, clothing, home decor, electronics, kitchenware, and toys

will be available. The event will also feature a small tricky tray raffle. Proceeds will go toward yoga therapy programs for underprivileged children and the homeless and abused children of Ukraine. To make a donation or for more information visit joansjoy.org

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Dining & Cooking Guide

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

Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes 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!

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Chicken alla Giulio

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PASCACK VALLEY

Dining & Cooking Guide

Singers, songwriters in Sounds in the Round May 16

Rockland and Bergen counties are home to many creative residents, a number of whom can be seen playing your favorite covers of popular music at local venues on any given day. However, singer/songwriters in our area seem to be underrepresented when it comes to performance opportunities for their own, original music. “Sounds in the Roundʼ is a new local songwriters round that was founded by local singer/songwriter Allison Cipris (of Country Fresh band) “with the hopes of creating a sense of community and

support for local musicians who live far from big music cities such as Nashville and Austin, where their craft is celebrated.” “As a singer/songwriter myself with ties to Nashville, I noticed that there really werenʼt many opportunities for local songwriters to perform their music in front of a live audience in our area,” Cipris told Pascack Press on April 4. She added, “My hope is that these writersʼ rounds not only allow us to gauge audience reaction to our work but also help to grow our local songwriting com-

Seniors to meet May 18; A.C. trip planned in July

RIVER VALE

The River Vale Seniors will host a High Tea Social Luncheon, which includes entertainment by Don Anthony. The club says, “Also will be celebrating the January–June birthdays, come join us and share a sandwich and a smile with old and new friends. Members, if you havenʼt signed up previously for the luncheon, please call Hilda to add your name to the list.” A trip is also planned for Caesarʼs Atlantic City on July 28. Reservations are on a first-come,

first-served basis — and must be paid for by May 31. Members pay $56, non-members pay $61. The price includes round-trip transportation, $25 slot play, private buffet for groups on this tour, and tickets to The Drifters. Membership fee is $15. Meetings are held at the River Vale Senior Center, 628 River Vale Road on the third Wednesday of the month. New members are always welcome. Call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

HILLSDALE

Troop 109 Pancake Breakfast before parade

Hillsdale Boy Scout Troop 109 Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast returns after a two-year absence. Runs Memorial Day, May 30, from 7 to 10:30 a.m. (before the parade, rain or shine) at Holy Trinity Church, 326 Hillsdale Ave. On the menu: freshly made

pancakes (gluten-free available), with specialty toppings, sausages, bagels, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, milk, juice, and much more. Live music and fun for all! Donation is $5; kids 5 and under free. The event benefits Troop 109 and local charities.

munity.” She said, “Our first event will be hosted in Pearl River; moving forward we hope to garner enough attention to also bring our event to New Jersey area venues.” The inaugural Nashville-style

Sounds in the Round is Monday, May 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gentle Giant Brewing Company, 7 N. Main St., Pearl River, N.Y. Featured songwriters are local favorites with impressive credendials:

• Alice Leon of The Alʼs; • Allison Cipris of Country Fresh; and • Rory DʼLasnow and Dave Kopec of Franklin Turnpike. For more information visit facebook.com/soundsintheround.

RIVER VALE

Farmers’ Market runs May 26–Oct. 27

Calling all neighbors — bring the family, friends, and pups too! The Township of River Vale says itʼs very excited for its new season. The Farmersʼ Market runs May 26–Oct. 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot (behind the tennis courts), 406 Rivervale Road. Organizers say, “Each Thursday come and enjoy shopping the great outdoors for the finest local products. Visit our favorite fabulous farmer bringing delicious produce, microgreens including farm raised meats and eggs all from Hope Cress Farms. We will have foodies and from time to time special artisan vendors. Shop for an array of fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, lunch, dinners, stuffed breads, sides, baked goods, Ice cream, desserts and so much more!”

Organizers add, “We will feature some of our favorite vendors including Clydeʼs Homemade Italian Ices, Picklelicious, Pie Eyed Bar Pies, the Empanada Lady, Buon Antipasto, Eat My Balls

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food truck, Kimchi Smoke, Strawberry Lembeck Jewelry, Knot of This World Pretzels, Sawdust Unlimited, Voyager Espresso, The Pampered Chef and The Body Shop.” The invitation says, “Some of our new vendors will be full- or part-time or a guest. We will try our best to have knife sharpening, nutritionist days, balloon creations by Balloon Chica, storytime and crafts, music, pet adoptions, and blood drives, etc., weather permitting.” To learn when these special events will take place and for an updated list of weekly vendors, visit rivervalenj.org and check out River Vale Farmerʼs Market Facebook page. Also: “River Vale Farmersʼ Market Cookbook” Vol. 1 is for sale at Town Hall for $8.

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MORE WORK NEEDED TO REMEDIATE SOIL AROUND FORMER DRY CLEANERS BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

The state site remediation manager for the former Alexander Cleaners property at 127 Broadway said that contamination in underground aquifers there meets or is below state water quality standards, at the May 10 Borough Council meeting. The site has been under state environmental remediation since 2019, when perchloroethylene was found in soil and groundwa-

PASCACK VALLEY

ter plumes beneath the former Alexander Cleaners site. A twostory structure there was demolished and extensive soil excavation and groundwater remediation studies undertaken since then. At the May 10 council meeting, state Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Manager Kevin Langley told council members that low levels of contamination were found to be moving towards a nearby parking lot and will require further investigation and site design work. In addition to Langley, three other NJDEP site remediation

PV Junior Police Academy returns

Application are available for the 2022 Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy. This program, organized by officers in Westwood, Emerson, and the Township of Washington, is for kids 10–14 and runs for one week, June 27 to July 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “The kids will learn what the job of a police officer is like and

staff attended the meeting, including Shana Shepherd, community relations manager, Bill Buchanan, construction manager, and John Doyon, section chief. Shepherd advised officials to contact her with questions at (609) 292-1923 and via email. Langley said this will likely take another five to six months from environmental consultant

H2M Architects & Engineers to develop a groundwater protection plan. He said no drinking water wells were in the immediate area or affected. Langley said over the last year, soil gas sampling, installation of three new monitoring wells, and the delineation of toxic plume movement south of the former Alexander's Cleaners has

been documented. He said once soil excavation is completed, the contaminated plume “will attenuate naturally…once the (toxic) source area is removed.” Councilman Frank Pizzella said since the fenced-in site area is across from local businesses, and given the boroughʼs focus on CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

PASCACK VALLEY

LAKESIDE CHORALIERS SPRING CONCERT MAY 15

be exposed to a variety of awesome demonstrations and participate in a variety of training exercises,” reads the invitation. Space is limited and no late applications will be accepted. Applications, available from Westwood Police Headquarters at Borough Hall, must be returned the the department, completed, no later than May 21.

After a two-year hiatus from in-person, live audience performances, The Lakeside Choraliers is pleased to present its spring 2022 concert, “Golden Tunes, Golden Years: A Musical Journey with The Lakeside Choraliers” in celebration of its 50 years of singing together. The concert is Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 131 Pascack Road, Park Ridge. Under the direction of George W. Swope, the choir will perform with the program originally scheduled for spring 2020, before the pandemic hit. The theme then was “Songs of the

Twenties.” Now, in conjunction with this 50th year of providing musical entertainment for our audiences, the theme of “Golden Tunes, Golden Years” has evolved. Selections include Ainʼt Misbehavinʼ, Blue Skies, It Had To Be You, Somebody Loves Me, Someone To Watch Over Me, and What Is This Thing Called Love? Founded in 1972, The Lakeside Choraliers is a non-denominational, mixed community choir for singing enthusiasts of all ages. Based in Montvale, members hail from northern New Jersey and Rockland County. The repertoire of its two

annual concerts encompasses a wide variety of genres including classical, choral pop, multicultural, Broadway, and folk. The choir gives back to the community by performing at nursing homes, veteransʼ homes, and senior centers throughout the area. Additionally, a percentage of concert ticket sales is donated to Meals on Wheels North Jersey. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door or by calling (201) 820-5923. To learn more about The Lakeside Choraliers, visit LakesideChoraliers.com.

Golden Tunes, Golden Years: A Musical Journey with The Lakeside Choraliers. Get tickets!

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Junior Police Academy applications due

PARK RIDGE

The Park Ridge Police Department is excited to announce the return of its Junior Police Academy (JPA), which runs Monday, June 27 until Friday, July 1. Orientation night is Thursday, June 23. Download the application at parkridgepolice.com. The last day to submit applications is May 15.

_____ June 9, 2004 • Pascack Press

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Sc h ool News

DEAN’S LIST AND MORE: STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

PASCACK VALLEY

ASCACK PRESS SALUTES the Pascack Valleyʼs highachieving alumni of our area high schools. Hereʼs what theyʼve been up to lately, according to their schools and families…

• The following students at The College of New Jersey recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nationʼs oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines: Elizabeth Parisi of Hillsdale, Andrew Rosen of Park Ridge, Casey Lewis of River Vale, and Carlye Danziger of the Township of Washington. Representing Idaho State University was Ana Swaminathan of Hillsdale. They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty,

professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. • Keyri Villegas-Saenz of Township of Washington, a senior biology major, was among the 52 University of Scranton students inducted into Beta Beta Beta, the national honor society for biology. The society encourages undergraduate biological research through presentations at conventions, publication in the journal BIOS, and research/travel grants.

• Congratulations to Michael Banovic of Montvale, one of 35 students to be recognized with an Outstanding Student Employee Award for their hard work, dedication and contributions to Montclair State University. • The UW-Madison chapter

of Phi Beta Kappa has inducted 133 new members, including Perri Cochin of Woodcliff Lake. The Society sponsors activities to advance the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences in higher education and in society at large. The alpha chapter of Wis-

consin was founded at UWMadison in February 1899. — Email your alumni updates, and news of other family milestones, to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net. Please include a telephone number for followup.

May 9, 2022.) Rotella said a recent bid solicitation for pickleball courts came in more than $100,000 over its estimated budget, and will likely be rebid soon. He said following approval of architectural design and specifications for the estimated $13.3 million new Public Safety Complex, he anticipates going out to bid on the project in June. Last October, Pascack Press reported the average township homeowner likely will see an approximate $185 annual property tax increase over 30 years due to the $13.3 million bonding necessary for a proposed one-story,

18,000-square-foot new Public Safety Complex planned for 3.25 acres at the corner of Rivervale Road and Prospect Avenue. The estimated tax impact was calculated by Rotella, who told Pascack Press that the projected annual increase was “conservative” and might wind up being less depending on bond interest rates when bonds are issued. So far, no bonds have been issued and so no tax impacts have yet hit local homeowners. However, Rotella said previously that as new townhomes come on local tax rolls, the tax impact of bonding for the new Public Safety Complex should be reduced.

According to Rotella, the $14 million project cost included a $700,000 down payment on the bonds, courtesy of a contribution by Woodmont Properties as part of its developerʼs agreement with the town. Woodmont won approval for a 249-unit townhome development, Fairways At Edgewood, in summer 2019, which is now under construction on nine holes of the Edgewood Country Club. The public safety building, which will house only the police department and all its related functions, will replace an outdated facility that has been a hot topic for mayors and councils for nearly two decades.

River Vale: Budget’s bump FROM PAGE 7

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

GOTTHEIMER BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARK RIDGE

On the same day the Borough Council approved $2.2 million in bonds to finance purchasing three

tions Paul Longo, and Borough Chief Finance Officer Connie Carpenter, while he talked about federal infrastructure funds to soon be available to municipalities. PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a member of a family of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl

may require multi-million-dollar expenditures for filtration to meet new state standards. Gottheimer said “Park Ridge is looking to make key infrastructure improvements to update and upgrade their water system to comply with New Jersey Depart-

Gottheimer noted that New Jersey haa 350,000 lead service lines, according to the American Water Works Association, which are lead pipes that connect a water main to premises like a home or school — from the curb to the home. “Any pipe leading to a home or school built before 1988 could have lead pipes. According to 2019 research, approximately 480 school buildings across a third of New Jerseyʼs school districts recorded lead levels that exceeded 15 parts per billion, which is unacceptable, said Gottheimer. Most Pascack Valley and statewide school districts list their recent water quality testing results on the districtʼs website. Schools are required to test for lead levels every three years. The next testing is in 2024-2025. The March 2022 notice states

Park Ridge Water has voluntarily monitored PFOA concentrations since 2020 — even before DEP set maximum contaminant levels – and had already taken proactive steps for PFOA treatment at three well treatment plants where PFOA levels appeared to be trending upward. Both public notices (December 2021 and March 2022) issued to customers note the timeline for filtration installation. “We are working toward having water treatment facilities installed at all three treatment plants by December 2022. You will receive additional PFOA notification letters until the water treatment facilities are online and our systemʼs running annual averages (RAAs) are in compliance with the PFOA maximum contaminant level,” Park Ridge Water said in March.

AHA SPRING OPEN HOUSE MAY 17

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) with Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna and local leaders at the Park Ridge Water Supply on April 26. Photo via Chris D’Aloia | Josh Gottheimer’s press secretary. granulated activated carbon ves- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ment of Environmental Protection sels to filter so-called “forever (PFAS) used as a processing aid in (NJDEP) requirements, and to get chemicals” from three Park Ridge the manufacture of fluoropoly- any dangerous chemicals out of Water wells, Fifth District U.S. mers used in non-stick cookware, residentsʼ drinking water — Congressman Josh Gottheimer and other products as well as other including PFOAs, a type of revealed that it was likely to cost commercial and industrial uses. PFAS.” He said, “Updating Park the borough up to $8 million to PFOA is used in foams for fireremove the chemicals from its fighting, and also in stain-resistant Ridgeʼs water supply to provide coating for upholstery and carpets, clean water to our community is water system. The three Park Ridge water water-resistant outdoor clothing, exactly the type of project the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill can wells found with slightly elevated and greaseproof food packaging. The state DEP recently began help make a reality. I believe that levels of PFOA were taken offline last November and no longer con- requiring testing for PFAS in every child — every family — tribute water to the Park Ridge drinking water, and multiple state deserves to drink water thatʼs free Water system which serves nearly water systems, including Park of lead and dangerous chemicals, 5,000 customers locally and in Ridge, notified customers of and every parent deserves to know recent elevated PFOA levels in that their school and townʼs drinkWoodcliff Lake. ing water is safe to drink.” Gottheimer said April 26 that late 2021. He added, “Across the board, In late March, the water he would help “claw back” up to $1 billion over the next five years board told customers major we simply should not be relying from the bipartisan Infrastructure sources of PFOA in drinking on major infrastructure that is Investment and Jobs Act, although water include discharge from decades old and puts our commuhe did not say how much funding industrial facilities where it was nities at risk — that goes for our might be available to assist Park made or used and the release of water, roads, bridges, tunnels, and more. Instead, we should be buildaqueous film-forming foam. Ridge. “Although the use of PFOA ing infrastructure that is ready to “Currently, the Park Ridge Water Department has 18 to 20 has decreased substantially, con- last and support our communities wells and three of those wells have tamination is expected to continue for the decades to come.” A 2021 Park Ridge Water been shut down due to having bor- indefinitely because it is extremederline amounts of PFOAs. It will ly persistent in the environment Update noted, “Our water is supcost Park Ridge $8 million to and is soluble and mobile in plied by groundwater from 18 wells located throughout Park update and upgrade their water water,” the notice says. In Park Ridge, with the ele- Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. This system and investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill are vated PFOA wells offline, the water is drawn from the critical to ensuring these invest- Borough Council on April 26 Brunswick Aquifer. In addition, ments are made,” Gottheimer told approved $2.2 million in bonds for we have three water storage tanks a small group near the boroughʼs PFOA water filtration treatment. and five booster stations which an emergency can transfer water between differPreviously, water storage tanks. At an impromptu press brief- $900,000 appropriation and ent parts of the distribution sysing, Gottheimer was joined by $247,000 for installation was tem.” In addition to mitigating the Mayor Keith Misciagna, Park approved for water well treatment. Moreover, Park Ridge Water PFAS threat, Park Ridge Water Ridge Water General Manager Chris OʼLeary, Borough Adminis- rates have increased, in part due to provides extensive information on trator Julie Falkenstern, Park the new state-mandated PFAS reducing and eliminating lead in Ridge Water Director of Opera- water filtration requirements that drinking water on its website.

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 142-year 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.

SUMMER 2022:

JUNE 21 - JUNE 24 SOLD OUT

JUNE 27 - JUNE 30 MONDAY - THURSDAY

JULY 11 - JULY 14 MONDAY - THURSDAY

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MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

ESTIMATES $8 MILLION FIX OVER TOXINS AT WATER SYSTEM

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Coexist: Tracking deer–vehicle collisions in River Vale were 82 deer–vehicle collisions on township roads — 32 in 2020 and 38, an increase of about 19%, in 2021 — leading to this year, where by press time there were 12. (Last year averaged approximately 16 such collisions through May, based on year-end totals.) Late in 2021, a River Vale resident was killed in Teaneck on Route 4 East when his motorcycle collided with a buck on the road during early-morning hours. Weʼre looking at 2022 numbers to date and will report on patterns or trends that emerge. Fortunately, there are steps we can take throughout the Pascack Valley, even barring a comprehensive regional approach on deer population. According to Tenafly Nature Center executive director Debora Davidson, speaking at a 90minute session with Q&A on May 6 — Living With Nature:

FROM PAGE 1

Dealing With Deer — residents should not feed wildlife, including deer, as doing so causes the animals to associate people with food. Davidson said wildlife can find food on its own, even in winter, and should not grow dependent on handouts from humans. Davidson described lethal and non-lethal strategies for deer management that are possible options due to Bergen Countyʼs lack of predators for deer. She said she believed a regional deer management approach would be best taken by the county to address a problem that spans municipal boundaries. And she said whatever one town does to control or manage deer ultimately affects nearby towns as deer often range over a mile or more habitat to forage. However, Davidsonʼs presentation offered a variety of options for individuals to deal with deer impacts, and she said everyone

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Hunt talk paused Over three years ago, following River Vale Mayor Glen Jasionowskiʼs call for a deer bow hunt in 2019 to trim the local population, River Valeʼs Township Council spent eight months considering a hunt and hearing from experts on lethal and nonlethal deer management, plus residents, a majority who appeared opposed to a bow hunt, although the issue was never put to a referendum. Officials, including the mayor, said then they preferred to make the “tough decisions” and it appeared the council favored a hunt. However, limited public open space (e.g. River Vale Country Club), public safety concerns, not enough time to pass needed ordinances, and heated public opposition caused the mayor and council to “pause” a decision on the issue and no further action was ever taken. In 2019, River Vale contracted for a drone aerial survey of deer that then found 96 deer per square mile, way over the 10 deer per square mile recommended carrying capacity. Multiple public meetings held on the deer issue, and social media comments, often degenerated into highly emotional and sometimes disparaging and angry exchanges between non-lethal deer management advocates and those favoring an open-minded approach, including the possibility of a state-regulated hunt and non-lethal options. In mid-September 2020, the council briefly discussed conducting a second deer drone survey, similar to one conducted in 2019 that found 96 deer per square mile, almost 10 times what most biologists consider sustainable. The mayor and council took no action. Only Saddle River in Bergen County has held a deer bow hunt, with one occurring over the last five consecutive years.

Tenafly Nature Center Executive Director Debora Davidson, holding a deer skull, talks to River Vale resident Bernie Barker about white-tailed deer. Davidson, speaking May 6 at a forum — Living With Nature: Dealing With Deer — at River Vale Public Library, said deer were smart animals that habituate to their environment . She offered tips on managing deer overpopulation in Bergen County. Photo: Michael Olohan.

However, no action to reduce deer population has been taken by Bergen Countyʼs other 69 municipalities. Saddle Riverʼs 2022 Deer Harvest Report notes, “The United Bowhunters of New Jersey thanks you for allowing us to help with your wildlife control. This season our hunters have reported pleased residents with the results referring to the reduction of deer numbers and its effect on their gardens and flower beds. I have witnessed a dramatic reduction of the browse line along the Saddle River. The low brush cover has returned making it possible to support ground nesting birds. If the deer numbers are kept within the carrying capacity of the available land, Saddle River residents will begin to see and enjoy an increase in Grouse, Quail, Snipe, Killdeer, Pheasant, Turkey, Woodcock and others again.”

Hunters saved the deer for ʻsomething to shoot atʼ Davidson said deer were almost extinct in the early 1900s, numbering only 500,000 in the entire United States, but through conservation efforts — mostly paid for by hunters — deer were reestablished and now total almost 14 million nationwide. She said efforts by the hunt-

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must choose the option that best fits their situation. Neither Bergen County nor any regional effort is looking into deer management options.

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ing community to reestablish the deer, “to give [them] something to shoot at” were instrumental to bringing back the deer population. She said previously natural predators such as wolves and mountain lions kept the deer population in check, and even now coyotes may prey on weak or sick deer but not larger, healthy adult deer. “We basically killed off in this region all their primary predators which were wolves and mountain lions. We donʼt have those here, theyʼre gone,” she said. She said people also “created a constant supply of food for them by bringing in plants to eat” with lush landscapes and backyard gardens. She said more abundant food means the deer population can expand faster due to many nearby food sources, including landscapes, plants and gardens. Also, hunting is prohibited in Bergen County. “We have, in effect, created the problem weʼre frustrated with right now, which is fabulous,” Davidson said. She said “one of our biggest problems right now has to deal with [deer] populations.” She showed a chart of deer populations, 1984–2018, numbers rising and falling due to natural population fluctuations. Overall, however, the deer population keeps increasing, especially in Bergen County. She said now human beings are the only predator for deer in Bergen County. She said the deer populations keep increasing, even in areas with hunting, because hunters favor taking bucks over does to get the largest rack to hang on their wall. She said the successful return of deer nationwide was a success story “but itʼs almost CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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DR. KAPLAN: Tips to avoid stress and reduce anxiety

Stress is extremely dangerous for your brain and your body. Your body responds to stress as if it were a disease. For this reason, DR. ERIC KAPLAN, it is healthy to do KAPLAN BRAIN & your absolute BODY best to avoid stress. The three most significant stresses are physical stress, emotional stress, and biochemical stress. Physical stress could be from sitting at the computer all day, typing on the keyboard, or using your phone. Emotional stress might result from being unsatisfied at work, being in a bad relationship, or having an unhealthy living situation. Biochemical stress can be due to toxins in our environment, like the pesticides in food, mercury in fish, fluoride in toothpaste, radiation from technology, or aluminum in deodorant. To combat the physical stresses, we must get the body moving. If you are sitting at the computer all day, make sure you participate in the 20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a twenty-second break, walk 20 feet, and look 20 feet away. After a 20-second break, you can go back to the computer. These activities will help prevent depression, back pain, headaches, heart disease, and Alzheimerʼs disease, in addition to improving vision and the function of your brain and body. Another way to avoid physical stress is to make sure the body is balanced. For example, if you are playing golf and are always twisting in one direction, practice swinging the other way, so you donʼt just build the muscles on one side of your body. If you are a sanitation worker and are always tossing garbage over your left shoulder, start tossing it over your right shoulder. Make sure you do not do activities that only use one part of your body. This will avoid physical imbalances and help your brain and body function better and feel better. Emotional stress is even more important to deal with than the physical. To do so, you might have to move out of a big city and into the suburbs, to seek out nature and relative calm. Or you might have to quit an unsatisfying job. If the job

RIVER VALE

pays well, but the hours add stress to your life, your boss is mean, and you donʼt get along with your coworkers, it might be time to start looking in the classifieds. In this case, the stress is not worth the money. Without your health, nothing else matters, including money. Emotional stress is a true “silent killer.” Monday morning is the most common time for a heart attack. People are stressed out about going to a job they hate. The worst phrase in the world is “Thank God itʼs Friday.” That means that people do not like their jobs and canʼt wait for the weekend. You should love to wake up Monday morning—full of energy and excited to go to work. Your job should be rewarding and related to your passion. It should involve helping others and allow room for growth and progress. Progress is vital to boost your brainpower. Climb the ladder to success and keep on increasing your income so you can increase your charity and help more people. Give bigger tips and give people more compliments. Thank people more and have more gratitude. Pray more and meditate deeper. Be more mindful and improve your physical and mental fitness. Eat healthier and get more restful sleep. Love more people and bring more joy. Have more fun, tell more jokes, smile more frequently, and make others laugh. Teach more people and learn more from others. Listen more and talk less. Complain less, worry less, stress less, and stop fighting with friends and family. Hold fewer grudges and gossip less. Stop reading the news, watching the news, and stop watching TV or Netflix, as well. Use social media less and put away your cell phone more. Check your email less and spend more time with people. Surround yourself with positive people who are going to cheer you on and build you up, rather than people who are negative and criticize you and criticize others around you. Lastly, spend more time outside and in nature to help decrease your emotional stress. The third major type of stress is biochemical stress. This includes the chemicals we are exposed to in our lives. In the past, we discussed many products that contain chemicals we should avoid, like aerosol

Townwide garage sale June 4

Save the date for the River Vale Townwide Garage Sale to benefit the River Vale Food Pantry. For a $20 donation, sign up to be included in the garage sale on June 4 (rain date June 5) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to host a sale at their home and earn cash for their

“treasures” that have been taking up space in garages and attics. Registration forms are available at rivervalenj.org, at Town Hall, and at the public library. Shoppers: participating addresses will be posted to rivervalenj.org the week prior to the sale.

sprays, deodorants, bleaches, perfumes, Febreeze, Lysol, colognes, candles, and most suntan lotions. These products are not only toxic to the environment, they are also toxic to inhale and are toxic to your skin. In addition to chemical exposure, we also need to limit metal exposure such as aluminum, mercury, fluoride, lead and arsenic. Many people are exposed to aluminum from antiperspirants, cooking pans, foils, cans, medications, and even in the air. Exposure to mercury usually occurs from eating big fish and leaking of dental fillings. Fluoride can be found in drinking water, in

toothpaste, and is also administered during dental cleanings, as well. Lead can be found in drinking water, old houses, and batteries. One more common metal that causes toxicity in our bodies is arsenic, which can be found in apple juice, water, rice, and cereal. If you check your levels of these metals and they are high, you might want to discuss with your doctor a way to lower your levels. Simple, cheap and easy ways to do this are drinking celery juice in the morning or taking supplements such as bentonite clay. A more invasive and very risky procedure to eliminate these metals

from your body is called chelation therapy, but that should only be done as a last resort because it can cause other problems as well. There is a safe non-invasive test, a qEEG, that can determine if your brain has been affected by any of these stresses and what is the best solution for you. It is normally $400 but if you text or call (646) 221-6738 by the end of May, you can receive this test for $21. If you reduce the three stresses mentioned in this article, you are less likely to be affected by the most common chronic conditions and will therefore function better, feel better, and live better.

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PKRG-TV: Series a resource on wellness topics part of a larger effort by the town to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents.” All programs will be broadcast initially on PKRG-TV and later added to the stationʼs YouTube. Approximately 15 local wellness activities and events are also planned locally in May and listed on the borough website. Interested residents can register on the borough website and participate in an online raffle. Remaining wellness activi-

FROM PAGE 10

ties include: • May 15: Family Workout with Life Time Bergen County (all ages welcome); • May 16: Eating Healthy on a Budget. • May 18: Put Your Best Fork Forward nutrition education class; How Not to Feed Disease nutrition education class; Red Cross Blood Drive: an opportunity to make an impact; • May 21: Strength in Motherhood by FIT4MOM Bergen: Rise & Shine Body Boost workout and Maternal Mental Health Seminar;

• May 22: Strength in Motherhood by FIT4MOM Bergen: Stroller Strides workout (all

ages and the whole family is welcome); and • May 24: Open house at

Life Time Bergen County (all ages welcome). Visit pkrgtv.com.

EMERSON

Swim-club bound

Photo: John Snyder/Pascack Press

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Mayor Peter Calamari wrote his Facebook followers on May 11 to note that on May 4 “the DPW began moving seasonal equipment from the Valley Bank location to our new acquired property, the former swim club. I would like to again thank the Valley Bank for their cooperation and hospitality in allowing our equipment to be stored there.” He said, “I am happy to report, we have now canceled the $2,500 per month lease for the Our Lady of Good Counsel property as well. We are in the process of moving the seasonal equipment from OLGC to the former swim club. This transition will be complete next month. Thank you to OLGC for accommodating our equipment during this time.” (We took the photo above in summer 2021, showing a portion of the town equipment stored at OLGC.) Calamari added, “I understand this may be a less than ideal situation for some of the local residents. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we move towards creating a new DPW facility. And once again, you have my commitment that DPW operations will NOT be located at the swim club property. I would also like to inform you that I have spoken with our grant writer who assured me that storing the equipment there will NOT hinder or interfere with our Bergen County Open Space Grant application to recover the cost of acquiring the swim club property.” He said, “The town will be conducting a full study and assessment of all our fields and facilities, including the former swim club. We will explore the costs and benefits of various uses and upgrades.”

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Chamber’s Third Annual Car Show June 18

Save the date for the Emerson Chamber of Commerceʼs Third Annual Car Show. Proceeds support local charities and Emerson High School scholarships. The event is June 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stop and Shop parking lot, Kinderkamack Road. Classic and exotic cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome. All makes and models. Trophies in all classes. Spectators: Adults, $5; under 12 free. Car registration: $20 pre-registration, $25 day of show, $50 vendor spots. Chamber president Giovanni Mazzei told Pascack Press on April 22, “The three platinum sponsorships have been taken by Richʼs Automotive Specialist, Liberty Subaru and Valley Body & Fender. The

Emerson Dairy Queen has also generously taken a gold sponsorship. Again, we are so grateful for the businesses and the community.” Mazzei added, “We continue to work out the logistics, and are planning a May meeting as we speak. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes and there is a strong partnership developing between The Emerson Borough and Chamber. Thank you Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Councilwoman Jill McGuire for helping us move together in lockstep. We are so strong working together to benefit our community!” For more information and vendor spots visit Emerson Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or call Giovanni Mazzei at (201) 248-6193, Dan OʼBrien at (201) 376-6496, or Laura Lichult at (201) 785-6661.

PASCACK VALLEY

Tri-Boro Memorial Day parade May 30

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the annual Tri-Boro Memorial Day parade kicks off, rain or shine, on Monday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. from West Grand Avenue, Montvale. Thatʼs according to American Legion Post 153 Commander Robert Oppelt, who says the parade will transit Kinderkamack Road in Montvale, proceed to Park Avenue in Park Ridge, then turn left on to Pascack Road and continue to the finish line at Woodcliff Lake Borough Hall. According to past commander Dick Bozzone, this event has become the largest Memorial Day parade in Bergen County. Starting around 1920 right after the Pascack Valley American Legion Memorial Post 153 was chartered, the parade has weathered the Depression and several wars. In that time, he said, the region changed from a

rural and farming area to an upscale and booming suburban setting. The postʼs name was changed in 1977 to honor Cpl. Jedh C. Barker, a United States Marine from Park Ridge who died in Vietnam and was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor. Park Ridge councilman Robert Metzdorf, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam war, is the boroughʼs liaison to the post, which manages the annual parade. He said the event has grown each year and that he looks forward to another great display of patriotism. Oppelt said that the 9 a.m. ceremonies held in each of the three towns will be held prior to the parade. Parade participants are invited to attend a reception after at the post, 118 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. — Staff report

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Telling signs 3 common insects are infesting a lawn

Well-maintained laws are a byproduct of hard work. That hard work is a point of pride for homeowners who spend countless hours throughout spring, summer and fall tending to their lawns. All that hard work can be compromised when uninvited guests, namely insects, show up in a lawn. Insect infestations can turn a normally pristine and lush green lawn into a brown and sickly eyesore. Identifying which type of insect is damaging a lawn is the first step toward returning that lawn to its green glory. These are three common lawn insects and signs that theyʼre infesting a lawn. 1. Grubs Grubs like to feast on the roots of grass right below the surface. Michigan State University Extention Turf & Landscape reports that grub damage can appear from March to early May or from mid-September to early November. The lawn and garden experts at GardenTech note that wilted grass blades are often the first indicator of a grub infestation, which is followed by patches of brown turf and eventually death. Crows, skunks and moles eat grubs, so the sight of them in a lawn could indicate an infestation.

2. Chinch bugs The experts at BobVila.com report that chinch bugs are not necessarily problematic when their populations are limited to around 10 to 15 bugs per square foot of lawn. In such instances, chinch bug populations are generally controlled by ants and ladybugs. However, extreme heat and drought, problems that have plagued various regions in North America in recent years, reduce the populations of bugs that feed on chinch bugs, thus increasing the population of these unwanted guests that feed on grass. GardenTech indicates that damage from chinch bugs is most visible between June and September. That damage begins with grass taking on a purple tinge before it turns yellow and then brown after wilting. 3. Cutworms The lawn care experts at

Scotts note that cutworms are moth larvae that hide in the thatch layer of a lawn during the

day before emerging at night to between one and two inches in width is a sign of cutworm infesfeed on grass blades. Patches of brown grass tation. Homeowners who notice a growing number of birds pecking away in their lawns may have a cutworm infestation, which can be confirmed by peeling up a section of damaged grass and looking for cutworms, which are

brown, gray or black and tend to be around two inches long. The good news is that grub, chinch bug and cutworm populations can be controlled. Local turf specialists can recommend strategies to curtail such populations and help homeowners restore their lawns to full health.

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Soil: Concern unsightly work is bad for business HOME & GARDEN

downtown improvements, he asked DEP officials if they might better screen the site with green fence slats, calling the site “an eyesore.” He told DEP officials that it is hard to attract local businesses “if the town looks shabby” referring to the fenced-in, vacant prop-

FROM PAGE 20

RIVER VALE

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY MAY 28

Youʼre invited to join the Township of River Vale in “honoring our nationʼs brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.” The townshipʼs Memorial Day ceremony is Saturday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, behind Town Hall, 406 River Vale Road. Guest speaker is U.S. Army veteran Ssgt. William Peters. Light refreshments to follow. In the event of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at the River Vale Community Center.

erty. Doyon said green slats can be placed in the fencing and that DEP would get personnel to maintain the site including weeding and mowing. Hoping to make the site more presentable, Pizzella requested DEP assistance. “We don't know how long it's going to take for the site to be cleaned. “(Iʼm) positive that it's going to be a negative impact,” on downtown revitalization and redevelopment efforts, he said. In November 2019, Pascack Press reported that the two-story

office building at 137 Broadway, which replaced Alexander Cleaners, had recently been demolished and site remediation and studies would soon commence. The DEP considers PCE a potential carcinogen, and it is regulated as a hazardous substance, said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. Hajna said in July 2018 that the chemicals migrating beneath the former dry cleaner were not yet a public health concern and that the demolition and cleanup will initially be funded via a publicly funded cleanup supervised by NJDEP, with likely future actions against identified responsible parties.

in 2019. “Upon completion of soil excavation, the area will be backfilled to match existing site grade using certified clean fill. The area will then be paved with asphalt. Additionally, post-remediation groundwater monitoring will be implemented,” noted NJDEPʼs site remediation document. In July 2018, NJDEP estimated implementation of its remedial action plan to cost $1,880,059, which included groundwater monitoring. No cost updates were provided during the NJDEPʼs May 10 presentation.

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friends.” It adds, “This new, exciting communitybased program is led by professional trainers and doctors, and will help us GHASSALI overcome the stress and anxiety of the pandemic while achieving our own individual goals.” The challenge is tailored to meet the needs of the participants, so mark your interests on the registration page, via montvale.org. Separately, the borough has an active year-round community

rec program, administered by a Special Events Committee and director. The committee offers a program of events, the highlight of which is an annual Day in the Park celebration held in September. Recreational programs including pickleball, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, yoga and tai chi, among others, are offered year round to kids and adults. The borough has four parks on 32 acres. Fcilities include two playgrounds along with courts and fields that allow for tennis, basketball, baseball, football, roller hockey, pickleball, softball, and soccer.

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dum and said even a discussion of it “would help the council improve its image of being more open.” He said the decision not to have that discussion “feeds a certain amount of distrust on the part of residents” especially on field returfing “that will help certain parts of the community but not all parts of the community.” He said the new turf field will help “young parents” and repeated that a discussion of a non-binding question “would have been helpful, particularly on projects where weʼre all going to be paying on it.” He said if the field improvements are “properly planned and costed out,” he felt most residents would favor it. He spoke to Horváthʼs premeeting reminder to him that the citizens advisory committee, appointed by Ruocco, ranked resolving the DPWʼs flooding issues and community center before the recreational field improvements. The council approved $44,500 in mid-April for Colliers Engineering and Design to begin studies, field work, and prepare bid specs for Centennial Field upgrades.

FROM PAGE 1

A concept plan for field improvements is expected by June, borough engineer Craig Zimmerman said in April. (See “Preliminary studies OKʼd on $3.5M Centennial Field fix,” Pascack Press, April 18, 2022.) Councilman Frank Pizzella said previously the discussion on Centennial Field was tabled by councilwoman Abby Lundy and needed to be reintroduced and dealt with within 30 days. Also, he said he thought the council on May 3 had agreed to “push for the senior center and also going to push for the fields.” He said seniors and families with young children “have been pitted against one another” since heʼs been on the council. He said both groups had been asking for their needs: seniors for more space and parents for improved recreational fields and facilities. “These are all things that we all said that we were going to do… there has to come a time where we give people who pay taxes here what theyʼre looking for,” Pizzella said. Horváth said he “had no objection to doing the fields, no objections to doing anything else” but favored a public referendum on Centennial Fieldʼs planned $3.5 million upgrade to

“get the input from the town.” He said “there are two ways of doing a referendum” noting that either council approves a public question or residents can petition for a referendum. At that point, Lundy said, “Weʼve already tabled this discussion. Why are you talking about it? Itʼs tabled.” Calling a parliamentary point of order, Ruocco said Horváth could discuss any topics he wished to during his council commentary. Horváth said he thought “everybody in this town should have input into this” in light of taxes being raised last year to set aside $500,000 for down payment on a $10 million bond for a new community center and turf field. Council President Janetta Trochimiuk questioned why some council members were pitting certain groups, such as seniors and parents, against each other. She suggested Horváth may be using “propaganda” or “grandstanding” about the field improvements “in very negative or accusatory tones that somehow someone is trying to do something to someone else.” She said, “We have agreed that we are going to do the fields,” and noted that a senior

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youʼre a senior… so does a community center/senior center: again, all positive good things that we want to do and I just donʼt want to hear all this negativity.” She urged the council to “move forward.” Councilman Anthony DeRosa said Ruocco and Horváth continue to raise concerns about the fields and the need for a referendum. He said their “implication: is council majority is trying to hide something. “I donʼt understand why you donʼt see this as a tremendous benefit to the town,” DeRosa told the two. He added, “We all have to get on the same page at some point in time. I suggest that point in time is now.”

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center would be done and council had agreed to do both. She said doing the fields was “low-hanging fruit” that could be done in a short period of time, whereas a senior center would take more time for design and location. She said fields could be done this year and the senior center may follow next year. She called a referendum asking whether to spend $3.5 million on field upgrades that mentioned increased taxes is “already constructed in a very negative manner.” She said the needed field renovations have been discussed for seven years. She said having recreational fields improved “adds value to the town” and added “it adds value to your house, even if

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MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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WESTWOOD KNIGHTS GOLF OUTING

The St. Thomas More Council $10,000 prize will be awarded for a 2188 of Westwood is sponsoring a hole in one on the fourth hole and a golf outing to raise funds for its 50-inch TV, a set of golf clubs, and scholarship and charity funds and air fare for two to any location in the Continental for the United States. Columbian Club Westwood of Westwood. Council 2188 is Scholarships also seeking will be awarded individuals and to deserving stubusinesses in the dents to assist in area to support paying for their the event by college experisponsoring a ence. hole, cost of The event $100 or by will be held at the donating an item River Vale Counthat will be used try Club on Monas a door day, June 13. A hot breakfast Funds raised at the outing go to prize for the participants. buffet, all- scholarship funds and charity. For more information, contact inclusive golf, door prizes, and a buffet luncheon are included in the Ray Polomski, (551) 427-7321, after 10 a.m. cost of $150 per person. Forms for registration, hole Competitions for longest and straightest drives, closest to the pin, sponsorships, and gift donations and lowest score foursome will be are available at the St. Thomas More Council 2188 website, held. Hole in One prizes include kofc2188.org.

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MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Voter Registration Deadline for General Election is May 17

Bergen County Superintendent of Elections Debra M. Francica issued a notice that Tuesday, May 17 is the last day for residents to register to vote for the June 7, 2022, Primary Election in the State of New Jersey. To be eligible to vote, a person must be an American citizen, be 18 years old on or before June 7 and be a resident of New Jersey and Bergen County 30 days before the next election. Bergen County residents

may register to vote at the Office of the Superintendent of Elections, One Bergen County Plaza, Room 380, in Hackensack. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. For your convenience, you may download and print a voter registration form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/voterregistration.shtml. You may also register at your local municipal clerkʼs office, hours vary.

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Francica says voters already registered in Bergen County should be aware of the procedures regarding late address changes within the county. “If a voter has moved from one election district to another in the same town or has moved to another town in Bergen before Tuesday, June 7, 2022, but did not notify our office in writing by May 17, 2022, they must vote at their new polling location, on a provisional ballot, in their new municipality on Primary Election

Day,” Francica says. Voters can call their local municipal clerk or the Superintendent of Elections for information. The Bergen County Superintendent of Electionsʼ office is responsible for voter registration and all associated concerns, issuing voter acknowledgement cards, maintaining custody of voting machines and e-poll pads, as well as other duties relating to the enforcement of elections laws as per NJSA Title 19.

On Tuesday, June 7 voters will cast ballots for candidates for members of the House of Representatives, County Executive, Members of the Board of County Commissioners, local candidates and County Committee. It is up to each American citizen to exercise their right to vote. Francica and Deputy Jamie H. Sheehan-Willis are available to questions at (201) 336-6115.

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reads the invitation. The concert will be held at the Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, 51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River, N.Y. Admission is at the door: $20 for adults, free for students and children under 18. Contact person is Sam Amdurer.

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HELP WANTED SUMMER CUSTODIANS - River Vale Public Schools 609 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675 July 1–Sept. 9 2022 M-F, 7am-3pm $15/hr.Landscaping, painting, cleaning classrooms & equipment, moving furniture, etc. Ken Contact Mr. Peterson, Director of Building & Grounds at 201-358-4000 ext. 4034 or Email: rbajati@rivervaleschools.com. AA/EOE

P/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - HILLSDALE BOROUGH (BERGEN COUNTY) The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking 2 part-time administrative professionals with multiple responsibilities in the Municipal Clerk's Office. The positions require someone who is detail-oriented, well organized, able to multi-task, proficient in Word/Excel. Must have strong communication skills and the ability to interact well with the public. Candidates should have a general working knowledge of municipal government issues. Will frequently exercise independent judgement and make decisions in accordance with responsibilities. Strong verbal and written communication skills, computer literate and knowledge of various software applications required. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk, via email to dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by May 20, 2022. Salary commensurate with experience. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview qualified candidates prior to the deadline.

HELP WANTED

Rockland Camerata, under the interim direction of Elaine Royal and conducted by Mathew Rupcich, invites you to its concert “Make Them Hear You” on Sunday, June 5 at 3 p.m. This is director and conductor emeritus Rupcichʼs final performance with the Camerata — its first since Covid — “as we sing works celebrating diversity, acceptance, peace, and unity. Diana Hughes will be our talented accompanist, with guest artists Katherine Filatov on clarinet, and Nurkit Lucksome on violin,”

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HELP WANTED SUBSTITUTE CUSTODIANS - River Vale Public Schools, 609 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675. $25/hr. Black seal license, knowledge of plant operation/maintenance, cleaning methods/procedures and public school experience preferred. Contact Mr. Ken Peterson, Director of Building & Grounds at 201-358-4000 ext. 4034 or Email: rbajati@rivervaleschools.com. AA/EOE

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HELP WANTED 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. River Vale Public Schools, 609 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675. $25/hr. Black seal license, knowledge of plant operation/maintenance, cleaning methods/procedures and public school experience preferred. Contact Mr. Ken Peterson, Director of Building & Grounds at 201-358-4000 ext. 4034 or Email: rbajati@rivervaleschools.co m. AA/EOE

HELP WANTED Internal medicine office seeks candidate for a full time position. Receptionist/clinical duties. Must be reliable, willing to learn, and able to multitask. Experience a plus, but not mandatory. Please email resume to J S TA P L E T O N . J K M D @ GMAIL.COM. HELP WANTED Borough of Hillsdale – Dept of Public Works. The Borough is accepting applications for Temporary Full Time Spring/Summer Help. Duties will include but are not limited to field maintenance, road repairs, grass cutting, heavy lifting & potential storm debris clean-ups. Must have a valid New Jersey Driver’s License. Applications can be found on the Borough website or picked up at Borough Hall. Completed applications can be hand delivered or emailed to the Borough Clerk at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org with a copy to the DPW Superintendent, dhayes@hillsdalenj.org by June 10, 2022. The Borough reserves the right to review résumés and conduct interviews as they are received.

HELP WANTED Small sales office in Park Ridge seeking part-time bookkeeper to help run accounting dept. QuickBooks proficient required 2 days a week, flexible hours, $21 per hour. Please send resumes to: teri@riccisales.com.

Borough of Emerson seeks qualified candidates for part-time Recreation/Communicat ion Coordinator. Salary DOQ. Provide cover letter, resume with three refs, to Administrator Robert Hermansen at administrator@emersonnj.org by May 24. Borough reserves the right to interview candidates sooner. Job description available at emersonnj.org. EOE

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OBITUARIES

Robert ‘Mick’ McKERSIE

Robert “Mick” McKersie, 79, of Westwood, passed away on Wednesday evening, May 4, 2022. A resident of Westwood for 75 years, he was a hardworking man up until his retirement. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, very interested in WWII history, and enjoyed nothing more than talking and sharing stories with family and friends. He leaves behind daughter Gina, brother Greg, four nephews, one niece, four Grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter Crystal, nephew Brian, and grandson Jacob. Services were May 13 at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. Interment was May 14 at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

Larry HICKS

Larry Hicks, 102, of Park Ridge, formerly of Emerson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8. Predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Ethel Hicks, and his second wife, Marguerite Mescall Hicks. Beloved father of Carolee Chirico and Randy Douglass, Larry and Bev Hicks, Jack (deceased) and Peggy Mescall, Margie Mescall (deceased), Kathleen Browne, Ellen and Eamon Ryan, Barbara and Willy Madsen, Frank and Rosalie Mescall, and Edward Mescall (deceased). Loving grandfather of Amy, Joseph, Edward, Evonne, Elisa, John, Brian (deceased), Stacey, Jamie, Patricia, Kathleen, AnneMarie, William, Laura, Christine, Andrew, Annie, and Francesca.

He was blessed with 19 beautiful great-grandchildren. Larry loved to swim, dance, cruise, and make people laugh. Born and raised in Lynn, Mass., he was a World War II veteran who served as part of the D-Day invasion landing on Omaha Beach. Larry raised his family in Emerson for 28 years before moving to Greenwood Lake and later to live with family in Park Ridge. He was a member of the American Legion in Emerson and later Greenwood Lake and the Assumption Church Knights of Columbus. The family received relatives and friends on Thursday, May 12 with service at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. Burial was Friday at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Craigville Road, Goshen, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Anthony ‘Tony’ VALLONE

Anthony “Tony” Vallone of Westwood. Born Sept. 28, 1953, passed on April 10, 2022. Anthony is survived by his sisters, loving Linda, Gina, and Lisa; his nieces and nephews, Elena Grace, Jessica, Jackie, Alex, Joshua, Frankie; his great-nephew Dylan Michael,and many cousins, friends and colleagues, whom he cared for deeply. Anthony is predeceased by his parents, Grace Pietrocco and Matthew Vallone, as well as his beloved dog Coco. Anthony is loved by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and took tremendous pride in himself and everything he did. He enjoyed fitness and relaxation, enjoying summers and the sunshine. Anthony enjoyed the holidays, with Thanksgiving his

favorite. He loved cooking for family and friends — making amazing food that everyone loved. Anthony traveled the world when he was young, with his late grandfather Anthony Gagliardo. He pursued work in hairdressing, modeling, and art, working in multiple galleries. He had a love and talent for flowers and landscape design, in which he spent most of his life as a floral designer, owning PaulAnthony Designs in Cresskill. Anthony was a very generous person; he was caring, humble, and nonjudgmental. For the past 10-plus years he worked with teens as a certified alcohol drug counselor, helping and saving many lives. A memorial Mass celebrating Anthony's life and faith was held at R.C. Church of the Assumption in Emerson on Friday, April 22. Inurnment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood. A large crowd memorialize and shared stories of beloved Anthony at the Knights of Columbus in Township of Washington following the inurnment.

Thomas J. MARKEY

Thomas Joseph Markey, 90, of the Township of Washington passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 7, 2022. Tom was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and raised his family in Washington Township. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served in the Korean War. He received his accounting degree from City College and became a CPA. He was vice president and treasurer at National Spinning Co., where he worked for decades. Tom volunteered as treasurer of the Washington Township library and loved puzzles, walks around town and spending time with his

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family. Tom is survived by his son, Thomas, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, son-in-law, Emil and grandchildren, Thomas, Christine, Nicholas and Jennifer. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Helen and daughter, Cathy. The family will hold a private service for immediate family.

Kenneth BAKER

Kenneth Baker, 66, of Emerson passed away, surrounded by his family, on May 7. Beloved husband of 42 years of Debra (Foss) Baker. Devoted father of Gregory Baker and his wife, Johanna; and Daniel Baker; and grandfather to Louden Baker. He is survived by his mother, Josephine (Tudisco) Baker; siblings, Joseph Baker, Kevin Baker, and Donna Fisher; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Jesse Lee Baker. Ken graduated from Emerson High School and went on to earn a degree in biology from Trenton State College (TCNJ). He devoted his career to the field of microbiology and worked for various pharmaceutical companies including American Cyanamid, Barr Laboratories and Genzyme Biosurgery. His expertise in the field led him to become an associate director of quality control before starting his own consulting business. Ken enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hiking, and gardening. He was an avid exerciser and enjoyed playing bridge. He loved coaching his boys in baseball and was very involved with the Emerson Little League. He served as president for two years and was on the board of the Friends of Emerson Baseball. Visitation is Monday, May 16

from 4 to 8 pm at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption in Emerson on Tuesday, May 17 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at donate.als.org.

Harold SPENCE

Harold Spence, 95, of the Township of Washington, formerly of the Bronx, N.Y., passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Harold is survived by beloved children Barbara Rutigliano, Linda Delaney and her husband James, Donna Burke and her husband Walter, Debbie Iannelli and her husband Michael, Theresa Friedemann and her husband Jeff and Patricia Heffren; his daughter-in-law Jeanine; his 23 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara (née Azoon) in 2016; son John and son-in-law Vincent Rutigliano in 2019; his parents Robina (née Brown) and Robert as well as his three brothers and twin sisters. Harold was a truck driver for Dornʼs and later Oneida Trucking for almost 40 years before retiring and joining Bergen County Parks Dept. for eight years until his full retirement. A WWII veteran, heʼd served with the the U.S. Army Air Corps in Italy. A Mass celebrating Haroldʼs life and faith will be held at Our Lady Of Good Counsel R.C. Church in the Township of Washington on Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. with entombment at Garden of Memories in Township of Washington to follow. Memorial contributions may be made in Haroldʼs name to the VHL Alliance at vhl.org/donate.

HILLSDALE

PVHS competes at model U.N. conference

The Pascack Valley High School Model U.N. team recently competed in the 31st Annual High School Model United Nations Conference, held at Saint Peterʼs University in Jersey City. A simulation of the U.N. General Assembly, the program allows students to assume the role of ambassador of an assigned county to debate current issues. PVHS sophomores Richard Tracz and Allison Varghese earned most improved delegate awards at the conclusion of the conference. The PVHS Model U.N. Team, representing Mexico and South Africa, sent its largest delegation in recent years with 15 students participating at the

Conference. Members of the Model U.N. Club planned to tour the United Nations in New York in May and look to continue to build on this yearʼs successes at future conferences. Saint Peterʼs Model United Nations is a two-day commuter Model United Nations Conference for high school students. The conference is coordinated and led by Saint Peterʼs University students from its awardwinning SPU MUN Team. Model U.N. is a simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, and global health.

exceeded a little too well, super quickly.” She said excessive deer population leads to deer browsing and less plant diversity, including increasing growth of non-native and invasive plants such as garlic mustard. She said the loss of native plants includes “pollinator plants” which affects the bee and butterfly populations, which also affects the health of other plants and natural biodiversity.

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Human health impacts Davidson described the role that deer play on health and human safety in tick-borne diseases, vehicle collisions, and agricultural property damage. She said the so-called deer tick, or tick bearing Lyme disease, actually comes from the whitefooted mouse, which acts as its host, before the tick manages to climb up on a larger plant and attach itself to a deer. She suggested people working outside “always do a tick check” and noted ticks can be anywhere, even coming out on a slightly warmer winter day. She said a lint roller rolled over clothes often removes attached ticks. She noted ticks removed within 24–36 hours usually have not yet transmitted any diseases to their recipients, unless the tick is engorged.

Collisions in focus She said between 2010 and 2011, over 1 million deer–vehicle collisions occurred nationwide. Between 2011 and 2012, accident data showed over 31,000 deer–vehicle collisions in New Jersey. River Vale police Capt. Chris Bulger reported 32 deer–vehicle crashes in 2020 and 38 in 2021, an almost 19% increase. Bulger provided Pascack Press with accident reports and we will report on them in a future issue. Davidson said due to deer numbers increasing, “itʼs highly likely for you to potentially hit a deer when driving on roads.” She said human population density, deer population density, deer habitat, road size, and vehicle speeds all play a part in possibly hitting a deer. “If youʼre driving 20 to 25 miles per hour, youʼre most likely not going to hit a deer. But if youʼre going 60 to 70 miles per hour, youʼre going to be more likely because you canʼt stop in time, thereʼs just no way,” she said. She said single lane, twoway roads have higher deer-vehicle collision rates but roadways with medians have lower rates because deer often stop on the median.

If an area is known for deer or signs indicate deer, take extra caution at dawn and dusk and she advised driving slower, sticking to posted speed limits, and using defensive driving techniques, she said. She said nearly 80% of agricultural, or crop-related wildlife damage, comes from deer, including sustained crop impacts in heavily agricultural Hunterdon and Warren counties. As for managing deer populations, she said she was “not here to say what option is the best option” but to present all the options for deer management. She said these include “lethal” and “non-lethal” strategies for deer population control.

ʻToo many people here…ʼ She said hunting in North Jersey, specifically Bergen County, is hampered by high population density, ordinances that prohibit firearms and hunting, and lack of hunter access to properties and deer habitats. She said Bergen County cannot be accessed for hunting “because there are too many people here…we have too many people, we have just as many deer if not more, and we canʼt, we have no way of keeping their population [down].” She said bow hunting faces strong opposition in the county. She noted the state Department of Environmental Protection offers a manual of guidelines for how to organize and regulate a local deer bow hunt. She said she did not favor a specific type of deer management strategy. She noted “non-lethal” strategies included chemical fertility controls, trap and relocation, fencing, deer repellents, and deer-resistant plant selections. However, most of these are not effective and deer contraception/sterilization is not a state-approved local strategy. She said sterilization of deer with contraceptives is laborintensive, will not lower populations for 5–10 years, is not 100% effective, and is costly. One Princeton study a decade ago showed it cost over $800 per deer to sterilize them, she said. As for trapping and relocating deer, she said Itʼs only been done on a small-scale, it transports the “deer problem” from one area to another area, often spreads diseases among deer, and results in deer deaths due to problems related to transport and relocation. It also is a labor-intensive process, she said. Other strategies include “excluding deer” from planted areas with barriers or netting, fencing, and electric fencing. All these types of deer exclusionary devices are labor-intensive too, cost-prohibitive and deer may

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adapt to them, she said. She said itʼs not just deer eating landscape plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, so exclusionary devices donʼt always work longterm. Other ways to prevent deer impacts on landscapes include planting deer-resistant plants, though no plant is completely deer-resistant to a hungry deer, she said. Moreover, deer repellents such as coyote/bobcat urine, hot sauce, and putrescent eggs may work short-term but lose any repellent quality once washed off by a rainstorm, she said, and must be reapplied. She also noted black coyote silhouettes and fake owls donʼt scare off deer, geese, and other wildlife, which often habituate to them over time, finding they pose no threat. Another deer/wildlife management strategy is to keep garbage cans sealed, said Davidson. Davidson said “the removal of understory in forest” is one indicator of a “big issue” with deer. She said Flat Rock Brook Nature Preserve in Englewood excluded deer from a small portion of forested preserve to help restore understory. So far, she noted Tenafly Nature Center has not had to do that as its property spans 400 preserved acres and lies adjacent to Palisades Interstate Park, while Flat Rock Brook comprises about 150 acres. She said drone studies are also used to determine deer populations and deer range a mile or more while seeking food, shelter

and mates. One attendee at the session noted that if the public were more aware of potential negative impacts from deer, maybe something would be done. She said deer may spread disease, leave droppings, and eat landscape plants. She said at 18 months, does generally can give birth every six months and have one to three fawns every birth cycle. She said generally deer live 12–16 years. Asked whether there might be a regional solution for deer management, she said, “I think thatʼs the only way for Bergen County to take care of it is that the county take care of it. If the county made a decision and took it and people had to vote on it.” However, she noted, even if the county wanted to address the deer problem, it would be difficult. “But I really do believe you would find a lot of obstacles, a lot of objections. You do have a lot of people who donʼt want any type of lethal management to be considered,” she said, noting the public battles over New Jerseyʼs onagain, off-again bear hunt.

Towns took tentative action In August 2019, Pascack Press reported that County Parks Director James Koth said county park officials would likely participate in efforts to find a regional solution to deer overpopulation problems. That year River Vale was considering a bow hunt, Englewood held a deer management forum, and many towns were advocating for a regional effort to manage deer. No further action occurred.

Moreover, the county did not address deer management in its first-ever 2019 Bergen County Parks Master Plan that addressed issues affecting its 9,000-acre park system. “This problem is not solved in a vacuum,” Koth said then, speaking of countywide concern about deer overpopulation. “It has to happen regionally and with lots of partners participating.” Pascack Press emailed County Executive James Tedesco III on April 3 and 7 with ask six questions about deer management in Bergen County. We havenʼt heard back. Davidson also said the state “could override ordinances” in municipalities if a deer hunt was deemed “for the health and safety” of the public. That option is not under consideration by state officials now at any level. She also said too often individuals think they may know more than the specialists or naturalists who deal with and study wildlife. “We donʼt know everything. Iʼm more than happy to listen to somebody and they might know more than I do. Thatʼs fabulous, thatʼs great it means that theyʼve shown an interest in learning more and educating themselves,” Davidson said. She provided a list of native, deer-resistant plants compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ithaca, N.Y in 2021. The list includes herbaceous plants, vines, grasses and sedges, ferns, shrubs and trees, plus a description of six deer repellents.

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Coexist: Tracking deer–vehicle collisions in River Vale

Stonybrook Swim Club Open House May 21

HILLSDALE

Stonybrook Swim Club is hosting its first open house May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. New members get 10% off their membership. Opened in 1940, Stonybrook Swim Club is a 12-acre property with a 50-meter pool, an intermediate pool, a kiddie pool and a diving pool, a 14-foot slide and a small slide for little kids, and a heated 25-meter competition pool. Its director, Patty Hughes, says the pools are the hub of summer activity at Stonybrook, which was named (201) Magazineʼs 2020 No. 1 Swim Club in Bergen County. “We have something for everyone, from beginners learning to swim, to adults getting their workout in, to our championship swim and dive team holding exciting meets. The great sense of community is seen through the constant stream of Stonybrook Swim Club activities.” There are a variety of daily kidsʼ activities, including camps, swim lessons and arts and crafts

classes, which are available to members and non-members. Some of the newer camps include the Guppy Swim Camp and the Fin Fitness Camp for children ages 5–12, and adults. The club offers a number of membership options to fit almost any interest or budget. For those people whose children may be grown and are looking for a place to grab sun and fun, Stonybrook offers an “Empty Nester” membership for ages 50-61. Stonybrook Swim Club offers

a broad range of activities beyond the pools. Members have access to the basketball court, playgrounds, ping-pong tables, plus theme nights, movie nights, and live music. The club also features a fullservice snack bar, two gazebos and a pavilion for shade, hot showers, state of the art changing areas, and tiled bathrooms. Stonybrook Swim Club: 380 Hillsdale Ave., (201) 497-1560, hillsdalenj.org/stonybrook.

MAY 9, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS