Pascack Press 6.13.22 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 13

Blood drive

JUNE 13, 2022

ARTISTS BRING THE MAGIC

PASCACK VALLEY

ADDITIONAL

HIGH SCHOOL SEASON Hillsdale Access For All 2nd Annual Art Show NO STRETCH Local baseball players Saul, Roche tapping bridge year pilot program

BY NOAH SCHWARTZ OF PASCACK PRESS

The Park Ridge Rotary Club is sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Cole McKeon, 6. SEE PAGE 26

PASCACK VALLEY

REMATCH: GOTTHEIMER, PALLOTTA Republican voters define top-ballot races; clerk reports ʻhistorically highʼ vote by mail requests BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

While most municipal Republican and Democratic party races were uncontested in the June 7 Primary Election, Republican voters selected candidates for Congressʼs Fifth District, along with Bergen County executive and county commissioner races in the Nov. 8 General Election. Less than 8% of Bergen Countyʼs 657,359 registered voters, or approximately 50,394 registered voters in the Democratic and Republican parties, cast votes in the June 7 Primary Election, according to unofficial data from

See REMATCH on page 134

Hillsdale Access for All, which advocates for members of the community with special needs, earned rave reviews for “Spring is in the Air,” its second annual art show, held this May at the Hillsdale Free Public Library. Nearly two dozen local artists participated, submitting a wealth of artworks. Here, the crowd delights as Peter Jovanovic collects an award. BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

there, you knew: Hillsdaleʼs Access for All Committeeʼs 2nd Annual Art Show, showcasing some of the best artwork in the Pascack Valley and from further F YOU WERE

afield, made a strong statement at the Hillsdale Free Public Library this May. The event, “Spring is in the Air,” a follow-on from last yearʼs committeeʼs inaugural art show at the train station, all but raised the roof of the library. The event provides an

opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in events in the community, putting their stamp on a treasured public space for all to enjoy. The committee is composed of three Borough Council mem-

See ARTISTS on page 394

Charlie Saul, a senior baseball player at Pascack Valley, will graduate high school later this month alongside the rest of his classmates. Afterward, most of his peers will move on and pursue their own endeavors outside of PV. This wonʼt be the case for Saul, a 2022 All-Bergen County first-team selection, who has one additional season to stick around and patrol center field for the Panthers. And it wonʼt be true either for Connor Roche, a senior infielder at Westwood Regional High School, who recently committed to Wagner College to play baseball but feels he could benefit from waiting until 2023 before making his debut for the Seahawks. “Iʼm really excited for next year,” Saul told Pascack Press on June 2. “Iʼm hoping that everyone is going to grow, so I think it could be special.” Saul is going to be participating in an extra season of baseball at PV as a result of new legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy. The law, P.L. 2020, c. 41, requires districts across the state to follow the Bridge Year Pilot Program for school-related

See ADDITIONAL on page 314

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B ck in time...

The Hillsdale Girls on the Run team tackles the 10th Annual GOTR New Jersey North 5K at Lake Mohawk in Sparta.

As PNC Bank’s longtime tenancy in the Township of Washington strip mall winds down, Kristin Beuscher is on hand for a fragile find of a generation. SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 6

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Westwood Woman’s Club thanks To the editor: W ʼ C of Westwood thanks everyone who T donated to our clothing and shoe HE

OMAN S

LUB

drive on Saturday, June 5. The support of the community and the NJSFWC Womenʼs Clubs in the Palisades District was overwhelming. We could not have done it without you. Thank you also to Pascack Press and everyone who promoted this drive. We

are so appreciative of the effort and time you all gave to help us with this project. With the lack of fundraising during the pandemic our club was in need of financial help to support our ongoing charitable work such as, scholarships to local high school students, local library, social services, Westwood ambulance and fire departments, Paramus Veterans Memorial Home and many other non-profit organizations we support. The company we worked with is Clothing Donation Services (CDS) and they are partnered with Strengthen Our Sisters, to help raise funds through the collection of used clothing and household items. The funds generated provide much-needed finances to allow the organization to continue their program to aid and assist domestic violence victims under the care of (SOS). CDS also helps non-profit organizations, schools, police departments, fire departments, charities, churches, and various other groups. For Womanʼs Club of Westwood membership information, please call (201) 916-1580. Judie Gargano Westwood

since 1978

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Hillsdale mayor on flood relief To the editor: several O months, we have experienced several storms that resulted VER

THE

PAST

in flooding in parts of the Borough that historically have been prone to this challenge. They are areas that are close to the Pascack Brook or are otherwise in designated floodways or flood zones. However, it appears that with each passing storm it takes less and less rainfall to cause the brook to overflow its banks. Certainly, the urbanization and spread of new construction occurring in the Pascack Valley and the natural accumulation of silt in the brook over decades is having an effect. Iʼve also come to realize that those same factors occurring to the north exacerbate our flooding here, as the watershed in Rockland County is connected to our brook via water that flows into the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir. Another factor in understanding the causes of the flooding is the management of the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir by its owner and

operator, Veolia Water. Many residents blame Veolia for the flooding because they presume that Veolia routinely lowers its dam gates during every storm, releasing a torrent of water. This usually does not occur but can happen when the volume of water entering its reservoir is creating excessive pressure on the damʼs flood gates such that it threatens their structural integrity. This can occur even when water is being allowed to flow freely over the gates. Lowering the gates alleviates the pressure and is initiated automatically by sensors. However, there is a more prominent aspect of the reservoirʼs management that affects us, and that is the level at which the gates are maintained. In the summer months, the gates are maintained to hold water up to 95 feet above sea level, but in the winter, they are set for 91 feet. This is because there is a greater need to hold a larger volume of water in the warmer months when both evaporation and demand is high, and the need to “stock up” for a possible drought which sometimes occurs is critical. The various towns in the Pascack Valley subject to flooding have regularly asked the reservoir

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289 Pascack Rd. Washington Twp. • (201) 358-9660 (Washington Town Center)

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

operators for years to lower the gates when a storm is forecast to hit within 24–48 hours so as to allow some water to escape into the brook in a gradual manner, thereby increasing the reservoirʼs capacity to hold water from the storm. This would help ameliorate and “smooth out” the effects of the rainfall, though not necessarily guarantee that water would not crest over the gates later if enough rain actually fell into or otherwise entered the reservoir. The reservoir operators have never agreed to this, pointing out that forecasted storms often produce less rain than expected and sometimes none. They also point out that the NJ Dept of Environmental Protection charters them to conserve water, not release it for flood management. However, the power of such arguments is waning, as the frequency and severity of flooding in the Valley has increased, causing its residents and businesses to suffer severe financial loss, disruption, and emotional turmoil. Furthermore, it needs to be demonstrated that the concerns of Veolia are valid in the face of more accurate forecasting when the storm is only 12 hours away and an early release of water from the reservoir would still help residents who live downstream. You should know that our local legislators have introduced bills in both the Senate (S-790) and the Assembly (A-4200) to force the operators of reservoirs around the state and the NJDEP to address this problem. In the meantime, the governor has been asked to issue an executive order directing Veolia to maintain the WCL reservoir at 91 feet above sea level until further notice. This would create a more significant buffer against the probability of flooding, creating 4 feet of “headroom” within the reservoir to accumulate water before it would be allowed to spill over the gates. I will introduce a resolution for the Hillsdale Mayor & Council to consider on June 14 that expresses support for S-790 and A-4200 to the governor, to the NJDEP, and to key legislators in CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

BY NOAH SCHWARTZ OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

For students, staff, and all others on the campus of Pascack Valley High School, cell phone service is virtually non-existent. Without being connected to the schoolʼs Wi-Fi network — permission for access is rare — various forms of messaging are mostly unable to be sent or received by anyone on school grounds, due to PV being situated within a cellular “dead zone.” “All faculty, staff, and students lack cell signal, not only in the building, but outside the building, and even in the immediate neighborhood,” Paul Zeller, director of technology and com-

munication for the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, told Pascack Press on June 2. He said, “There are some areas outside that have very limited coverage, but by and large, the entire Pascack Valley High School campus largely is without cell signal.” PVHS, at 200 Piermont Ave., serves families in Hillsdale and River Vale. Given its location in a low-elevation area, finding a way

Via UpPhone

to bring cell service to the school has proved difficult. This is not the case at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, where cell phone service is accessible to students and staff. PVHS administrators have made efforts to negotiate with cell phone carriers for more than a decade, but thus far no deal has been reached to bring service to the school. Zeller said the district is in exploratory talks with consultants who are speaking with providers on its behalf. According to Zeller, these talks have gone on in the recent past, including within the last year, when PV inquired about building a cell tower the size of a large garbage can. Zeller told Pascack Press that the district has yet to hear back

from AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon responded with plans of “implementing a solution” in the vicinity of PVHS that they feel will improve the signal in the area, but there is no timeline on when that project will begin. If a provider were to create a proposal for the district to add cell service, the PVRHSD Board of Education would discuss it in hopes of agreeing on a contract. “Weʼre trying, and in fact, right now weʼve sent another request to cellphone carriers to

reach out waiting to hear back, but theyʼre not terribly motivated,” Zeller said. “But I would love to see cell phone coverage.” According to Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco on June 6, “The condition is limited to within the high school building, so no residents have complained.” He said, “Our police department has been working with the high school administration to address the problem as quickly

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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B ck in time...

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

The Pascack Valley makes prominent appearances in Frazza’s research.

Road trip through history PASCACK VALLEY

As local-history buffs weʼre more than intrigued! this resource sent our way Wednesday morning, created by New Jersey historian Al Frazza, is billed as an extensive online photographic field guide, providing New Jerseyans a guide to exploring the history of the Revolutionary War in their home state. Bergen County is featured prominently. Frazza says his award-winning website RevolutionaryWarNewJersey.com “is the most comprehensive field guide to New Jerseyʼs Revolutionary War historic sites ever compiled. It features photographs and information for 650 Revolutionary War historic sites, locat-

See Road on page 344

inside DINING GUIDE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS 28 HOME IMPROVEMENT 30 REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

OBITUARIES

This First National Bank branch, opened in 1963, predated Washington Town Center on Pascack Road.

Found photo tells a WT story

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

PNC BANKʼS longtime tenancy in the Township of Washington strip mall, Washington Town Center, winds down, and the branch prepares to close its doors this month, a little piece of local history was discovered in an office. The photo above, taken July 20, 1963, dates to the early days of the shopping center, when the first bank at this location, First National, had its grand opening there. Back then it was a standalone structure — the rest of the strip mall, going south toward the movie theater, had not yet been built. Up until the 1960s the people of Washington Township had to go to neighboring towns, such as Westwood and Ridgewood, for just about any service — to deposit money, buy groceries, mail a letter, see a movie, get a haircut. The commercial element in town was nearly non-existent, and that had everything to do with the way the township developed. In the Pascack Valley, the two communities that were the slowest to grow were the Township of Washington and River Vale--the only ones without railroad stops. In all others, the railroad stations, which came in the 1870s, had been the nucleus of development. The Township of Washington and River Vale, off S

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

PNC Bank at Washington Town Center from a Google Street View image. The branch is closing this month. the beaten path, stayed rural well into the 20th century. Even as late as 1940 the Township of Washington's population was still under 500 people, while Westwood's was greater than 5,000. All that changed in the years after World War II. The Greatest Generation was getting married and looking to raise families in the suburbs (those kids became the Baby Boomers). Construction was a big business, as the township was subdivided into lots and hun-

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Editor Staff Writer Contributing Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

dreds of homes went up. In 1955 one could buy a new three-bedroom ranch on a 75-by100-foot lot in the township for about $15,000. The 3-square-mile Township of Washington was the fastest growing community in all of New Jersey during that era. By 1960 Washington Township had caught up to the rest of the Pascack Valley. The now 6,600 residents that called it home were

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

See Back in Time on page 304

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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Volunteers on their way! K of C Summer Food Drive June 18

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 will conduct its annual Summer Food Drive to collect non-perishable food goods to help the needy through local food pantries. Personal hygiene items are also welcome. The drive runs Saturday, June 18. The council asks all residents to place bagged donations at their front door before 10 a.m. on that Saturday. Knights (volunteers) from the K of C will pick up the parcels as they cover every residence in the Township. A food drive notice will be mailed to township households ahead of time, and newspaper cosponsor Pascack Press will run a notice in an issue preceding the event. Needed are powdered milk, hot and cold cereals, canned fruits, vegetables, stew, fish, meats, soups, one-can meals, peanut but-

ter, pudding, Jell-O, jelly, pasta products, rice, baby food, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, pancake mix, etc. Personal hygiene items are especially appreciated, as they cannot be obtained with food stamps. In lieu of these items, monetary donations may be sent to the K of C Food Drive, 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Your donations may be left there as well. For more information, call co-chairmen Chuck Merlo at 661-0191 or Jim McPeak at 7071519, or the K of C at 664-0422 (all area codes 201, of course). In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, then a young parish

priest in New Haven, Conn., founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the worldʼs leading international charitable organizations, with 2 million members in more than 16,000 local councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 47 million service hours and $150 million for worthy causes in their communities. In calendar year 2020, despite the effects of the pandemic on fundraising efforts, Mother Seton Council contributed $13,427 to charities and awarded $4,000 in scholarships.

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COUNCIL WAVERS ON DEEPER ENVIRO LOOK AT 95 LINWOOD; DPW OPTION LIVES ON BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

After first publicly voting 3-2 to nix a “supplemental” Phase 2 study of 95 Linwood Avenue to determine if alleged underground storage tanks may be present near the front of the site, Councilman Tom Sears changed his no vote after coming out of closed session in the early morning hours of June 9 to authorize a third environmental study on the site. The council adjourned to closed session after a nearly fourhour public meeting, then worked to about 1 a.m. They took up what town attorney Kenneth Poller was a discussion “in your best interest” on contract ramifications after the council initially voted against a resolution heʼd prepared to authorize the deeper study. No information on either course of action was provided to the public attending the meeting in-person, on WCTV-NJ, or watching on YouTube. “We went back in public after closed and Mr. Sears changed his vote,” Council President Desserie Morgan told Pascack Press on June 9. “Iʼm so disappointed. So now the due diligence has been extended. However, we should know very soon whether we are pro-

ceeding with a vote to purchase 95 Linwood once we have this latest environmental study complete which should be in a couple of days,” Morgan wrote. “Mr. Cascio and I were the only two ʻnoʼ votes for the study because he and I do not want to purchase the property,” Morgan said. Earlier in the June 8 meeting, Poller told council and the public that the propertyʼs seller had residented then agreed to extending the townʼs due diligence period to July 18, from its original deadline of June 14, providing additional time for a third environmental study. He said the townʼs LSRP had agreed to expedite the new work, at a cost of nearly $17,000. Mayor Peter Calamari has advocated for the 1.5-acre triangular property, in a residential area on the Paramus line and on a feeder for Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway, as the new Department of Public Works headquarters. The town pulled the property MORGAN

SEARS

out from under a Montessori School that was performing its due dilliegence on the purchase. The town offered the seller a comparable $1.35 million under threat of eminent domain. The governing body has been weathering a large and passionate contingent of residents — here and in Paramus — opposed to a DPW at the site, but there is more support for a new WTPD headquarters there, which is Calamariʼs second choice. An attorney for Paramus spoke at the meeting, dunning the council — “bad planning” — for considering a DPW at the intersection so vital for travel in both towns and in the wider area. He also spoke to the loss of ratables, a

closed session. Only Morgan and Cascio voted no. Awful news,” texted Hemlock Drive resident Rose Candeletti on June 9. A special session on the DPW was called for June 2 but cancelled that morning over what has been described as a problem with advertising the meeting. The council next meets June 20. Prior to the nightʼs first vote rejecting the third environmental study, Morgan had raised a series of questions — and possible votes including not purchasing the site — that she urged the council to address and vote on immediately. However, no additional pub-

loss to property values here, and a barrage of anticipated tax appeals. The DPW was razed at the municipal complex after toxic soil was remediated. DPW equipment now is kept at the former private township swim and rec club on Ridgewood Boulevard North, which the town recently closed on. Neighbors there also object to the presence of heavy machinery and anticipated disturbances. When the governing body emerged after closed session near 1 a.m., and voted 3-2 to permit the third environmental study, no one provided additional information or clarity on possible next steps. “This is crazy. They voted against spending the [$16,961] in public but changed their minds in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

HILLSDALE

GIRLS ON THE RUN GOES BIG

UNCLE FRANK’S BARBER SHOP Stop In And See Frank & Franco! The Hillsdale Girls on the Run team ran on the 10th Annual GOTR New Jersey North 5K at Lake Mohawk in Sparta on Saturday, May 21. Thirteen local girls participated in this 10-week

program with four volunteers as coaches. The girls used the 10 weeks also to learn about the important connection between physical and emotional health. Vanessa Hefa told us, “The

race was a huge success. All the girls finished and celebrated their accomplishment with their friends and families.” — Via Vanessa Hefa

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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

A former curriculum committee chair who helped develop local lessons to implement the new state standards for comprehensive health and sex education said the local K-5 curriculum was developed using a “very thoughtful, conservative approach” for K–5 students. The district will soon be developing plans to implement the new state Comprehensive Health & Physical Education standards for middle school students, Superintednent Jill Mortimer said at the May 12 district board meeting. She said lesson plans would be made public to parents in August and reviewed and approved by the school board before fall semester begins. Trustee Michelle Sembler, former curriculum chair, said “The district has taken an extremely conservative approach on the standards.”

Links to the local lesson plans implementing the state K-5 standards are posted on the district website under curriculum and were sent to parents in a previous letter by Mortimer. Sembler noted that there has been “pushback” about the new K–5 state standards and stressed that “Weʼve had a lot of discussion on these and had the ability to go back, edit and revise” the different curriculums and materials to be used in the classrooms.” She said, “We went through every single lesson and I believe theyʼre all very well done. Whatʼs out there is not necessarily whatʼs going to be taught in our classrooms. We donʼt have to follow all that language. There is some leeway. So I would suggest to really look at what Westwood is doing and what materials we are using.” Sembler added, “We are just meeting what we need to meet as a district, weʼre not going beyond any of that and all parents will have the option to opt out and I do hear you and I feel you and Iʼve felt that and we really have dug in

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

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on that.” All school districts are allowed to adapt the state learning standards to community norms and values, as long as the district meets the core student competencies as outlined, officials said. Trustees unanimously approved purchasing a teacher resource guide, The Great Body Shop, on May 12 that includes lessons and resource materials tied to the new state standards, for middle school. The curriculum resource guidebook is also used and customized for the K–5 grades, said officials. On May 26, similar to public comments May 12, a Paramus resident with five grandchildren in or entering Westwood district schools took issue with anatomy terms in K–5 health and physical education. Matthew Andriotis told trustees he was present May 26,

“to protect my grandsons and granddaughters from having their innocence taken away from them because once itʼs taken away they cannot get it back.” He said, “Do you board really believe that teaching secondgraders about penises, testicles, vaginas, and vulvas… serves our children well?” And he asserted that if the lessons contain anatomical illustrations “thatʼs pornography.” He questioned whether parents had access to the health curriculum literature. Mortimer said parents can find and review the contents of all health and phys ed lessons and opt children out of specific lessons that go against their religious or moral values. Later in the meeting, Sembler said the local curriculum did not need to use all the language as detailed in state standards, and urged concerned residents to

review the updated health and phys ed curriculum that is being taught in district schools. The curriculum is available on the district website or by contacting the superintendent. Asked about Andriotisʼs comments, Mortimer emailed Pascack Press: “We teach students medically accurate names for body parts as part of the Your Body is Private! unit in Grade 2. The focus of that unit is on safe and unsafe touches, personal boundaries, and behaviors that would be considered child abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse in childhood.” She said, “Ninety-one percent of the time a family member is the abuser. Those statistics are horrific. I feel the manner in CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PARENTS TO GET ‘CONSERVATIVE’ K–5 HEALTH LESSON PLANS IN AUGUST

8 WESTWOOD

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

10th Annual Dad’s Dash on Father’s Day, June 19

The 10th Annual Westwood Dadʼs Dash will be held on Fatherʼs Day, Sunday, June 19 at 8:45 a.m. in Westvale Park. This 5K race and family mile walk is held to support the Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship Fund. On Jan. 14, 2010, United States Marine Sgt. Christopher Hrbek, a 2002 graduate of Westwood Regional High School, paid the ultimate sacrifice. The 25-year-old artilleryman

was killed by an improvised explosive device during a combat operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was a nine-year member of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department and came from a family of firefighters. The Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student at Westwood Regional High School who demonstrates a commitment to pursuing a career involving serv-

ice to others. The fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The race has turned out over 400 runners and walkers each year. The event includes a tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces, the 5K Run & Family Mile, and award ceremony. Race amenities include commemorative T-shirts, a DJ, refreshments, and computer scored race results. Awards include top father and son/daughter teams and top Westwood fin-

ishers. The race is pleased to have the support of returning Gold Sponsors Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley and Lakeland Bank. (Additional sponsorships are available. Contact the race director if youʼre interested.) To register, visit https://run-

WESTWOOD

Westwood Elks 1562 Flag Day ceremony

Youʼre invited to join Westwood Elks Lodge 1562 at its Flag Day observance, honoring those who served, on Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park gazebo, 50 Madison Ave.

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$16.4M ‘claw-back’ sought for water system upgrades PARK RIDGE

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D5) said he would try to “claw back” more than $16 million in federal funds for Park Ridge to help pay for upgraded water treatment filtration systems to remove so-called “forever chemicals” at nine of its 15 active drinking water wells. Speaking June 2 at a press event at the Ridgewood Water Treatment facilities, Gottheimer said, “With bipartisan legislation I just helped pass and get signed into law, and the $1 billion for water infrastructure I helped secure for Jersey through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, weʼre helping get lead and ʻforever chemicalsʼ out of our drinking

water.” He said, “Iʼm also working with other towns across the Fifth District, including Park Ridge, Mahwah, and Fair Lawn, to replicate this success and claw back even more of our own tax dollars to help improve their water treatment facilities.” He added, “The more of our federal tax dollars that we get back to Northern New Jersey, the less our towns have to charge in local taxes — and Iʼm all about lowering taxes.” Gottheimer will face the winner of the hotly contested fourcandidate Republican primary election on June 7 in the Nov. 8 General Election. Last fall, the Park Ridge Water Utility removed three wells from service when levels of PFOA — a man-made chemical found in non-stick cookware, stain-resist-

ant carpeting and waterproof clothing — was detected above new state-mandated environmental standards. Park Ridge was one of 34 municipal water systems statewide whose wells and groundwater were found to exceed new statewide standards for the “forever chemicals” that went into effect late in 2021 from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Recently, Park Ridge appropriated more than $3 million in emergency bond funding to purchase granulated activated carbon filtration systems for the three wells removed from service last November. In late April, at a press conference held in front of Park Ridge Waterʼs facilities, Gottheimer had estimated Park Ridge needed at least $8 million to upgrade its

PASCACK VALLEY

Tri-Borough Volunteer Ambulance Corps

The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serving Montvale, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake, and further afield under mutual aid agreements, has put out an urgent call: Members needed. “If you or someone you know would like to join us, or would like more information email membership@tbvacnj.org,” the corps says. It adds, “Our all volunteer crews are here to answer your call for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Typically we respond to as many as 1,600 calls for help including serious medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, injuries suffered at home, at work, in school, or on the many sport and recreation fields in our communities.” And it says, “While we are fortunate to have such dedicated and enthusiastic members we are always in need of more volunteers. If you or someone you know would like more information about becoming a member of the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, write membership@tbvacnj.org or call (201) 391-2332. You can find additional information and an application on the corpsʼ webpage, tbvacnj.org under Membership Info. The corps says, “You will find participation as a Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps volunteer a personally enriching and rewarding experience — and a lot of fun!” The TBVAC 2022 Annual Fund Drive is under way as well. Check out tbvacnj.org.

water filtration systems. June 2, Gottheimer said in addition to the $16.4 million for Park Ridge, he would seek to acquire $35.6 million for Fair Lawn and $800,000 for Mahwah from the bipartisan Infrastructure bill. Gottheimer was able to secure $2.8 million in federal infrastructure funds for filtration upgrades for Ridgewood Water, which serves over 60,000 customers in four towns, including Ridgewood, Midland Park, Wyckoff and Glen Rock. Park Ridge Water serves approximately 5,000 customers in Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake. Gottheimer said he submitted three Community Directed Project requests for federal dollars for the

three new water filtration projects. No timeline for receiving the funds was available. Each of the three water systems requires water treatment system upgrades to remove the new class of PFAS chemicals from well water and groundwater recently detected under the new state standard. Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, a Democrat, said in a statement, “Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake appreciate our Congressmanʼs efforts in bringing federal funds back to the Fifth District to protect our water supply. There is nothing more important than clean water for our children and we need federal

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Champagne toast for new Marsel’s Jewelry

Congratulations to Marselʼs Jewelry, which enjoyed its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 4. Champagne toasts, cheers, and applause set this small business off with a sure sparkle — perfectly paired to the lovely goods inside at 484 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.

Watch batteries are $3 each, no limit. Come on by for a free Marselʼs Jewelry reusable tote bag, no purchase necessary. Marselʼs Jewelry, 484 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge. Call (201) 342-4400, visit marselsjewelry.business.site, and write marselsjewelry@yahoo.com.

Representing the Borough of River Edge was council member Michelle Kaufman. Marselʼs buys gold, silver, and diamonds; repairs gold and silver; sells personalized and costume jewelry, restrings pearls; sets diamonds; engraves jewelry; conducts appraisals; and pierces ears. Jewelry cleaning is free.

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JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

the county clerkʼs office. Historically, turnout is low for primary elections, generally underwhelming the even off-year November General Elections that do not feature a presidential or gubernatorial contest to draw voter interest. Woodcliff Lakeʼs Democratic primary is competitive with three candidates vying for two open council seats. Benjamin Pollack (240 votes) and Nicole Marsh (258 votes) won the Democratic nod, registering about 44% and 47% to former councilman Craig Marsonʼs 10% (53) vote total. Running uncontested for the two Republican Party nominations were Brian DiStefano (189 votes) and Joshua Stern (179 votes). Readers interested in updated voting totals, including vote-bymail totals, should access the Bergen County Clerkʼs Office website at: livevoterturnout.com/ENR/bergennjenr/10/en/Index_10.html. While incumbent Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III, a Democrat, and three incumbent Democratic county commissioners ran unchallenged, two Republicans challenged for the partyʼs County Executive nod and six Republican candidates faced off for the three open county commissioner seats. Republican Todd Caliguire bested Republican Linda T. Barba, grabbing (14,092 votes) 59 percent to 41% (9,785 votes) to grab the County Executive nod. Republican candidates Ronald Joseph Lin (14,205 votes), Douglas Holden (14,197 votes) and Dierdre G. Paul (13,697 votes) secured the Republican ticket by besting Paul A. Duggan (9,777 votes), Mary J. Guinchard (8,971 votes) and Angelique R. Hakim (8,533 votes). Running uncontested for Bergen County commissioners were incumbents Thomas J. Sullivan, Mary Amoroso, and Germaine M. Ortiz. They pulled down 19,469, 19,121, and 18,529 votes, respectively. Tedesco, also unopposed, pulled down 20,288 votes. FROM PAGE 1

Pallotta beat back a challenge from Nick De Gregorio to win the partyʼs nomination June 7 to take on incumbent Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer in the Nov. 8 General Election. According to unofficial results with 95% of votes counted, Pallotta had 15,670 votes compared to De Gregorioʼs 14,201 votes, winning by about 50% to 45%. The other two Republican candidates, Fred Schneiderman and Sab Skenderi, each drew about 2% of votes. While De Gregorio beat Pallotta in Bergen County, 50% to 47%, he lost significantly to Pallotta in Passaic County, 61% to 31%, and also Sussex County, 58% to 37%. Gottheimer, repeatedly voted most bipartisan Democrat in the House, ran uncontested for his partyʼs nod. Gottheimer and Pallotta last faced off in November 2020, when Pallotta was endorsed by then-president Donald Trump. Leading up to the primary election, two campaign fliers tying Pallotta to Trump have turned up in Fifth Congressional District voter mailboxes, noting the “Pallotta–Trump agenda is too conservative for New Jersey.” The fliers were paid for by the Opportunity For All Action Fund, which is described on the fliers as “not authorized by any candidate or candidateʼs committee.” In 2020ʼs election, Pallotta grabbed 46% of the vote compared to Gottheimerʼs 53%, a difference of about 32,000 votes. After De Gregorio conceded early Wednesday morning, Pallottaa issued a statement saying in part, “I would like to thank all those who supported our campaign and recognized that the steep economic challenges our country faces require a businessman like Fifth District me, not a politician. We now move Congressional Race Fifth District Republican to November, and we will make Congressional candidate Frank T. ourselves heard loud and clear: we GOTTHEIMER

PALLOTTA

are done with politicians defunding the police and endangering American citizens. We are done with politicians who sold out our economy and supply chain to China. And we are done with those who have no solution to the inflation or gas price crises.”

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(2021) to 78,006 (2022).” Hogan noted only 5,000 vote-by-mail ballots were requested in 2018. “As more voters realize the convenience of vote by mail, our office is preparing for more record-breaking numbers in the future.” For more coverage on municipal races, see “Election 2022: Primary, June 7, to shape Nov. 8 contests,” Pascack Press, June 6, 2022.

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Rematch: Pallotta gets Republican nod in tight tally

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DISTRICT’S ‘PVR ALUMNI HUB’ AIMS TO SPARK CONNECTIONS

students and staff to connect.” He said he discussed the idea with then-senior Buckley, who PASCACK VALLEY was his intern at the time, and he took it on as his internship project. More than 25,000 alumni of “Brian ran away with the conPascack Hills and Pascack Valley cept, bringing in great ideas to high schools can now network via take the project even further and the Pascack Valley Regional Hub, handling all of the software develor PVR Hub, a database of alumni opment,” Zeller said. from the two regional high He explained, “When the schools, serving Montvale, River pandemic forced schools to go Vale, Hillsdale, and Woodcliff remote in March 2020, the fate of Lake. the project was unclear. HowevThe resource is the work priner, after graduation, Brian was cipally of Paul Zeller, the districtʼs willing to continue on. Two years director of technology and com- Off and running: Detail of PVR Alumni Hub within minutes of its official later, the PVR Alumni Hub is now munication, and his former intern, launch this month. At press time many more users had signed up. (Screenshot) ready to serve the community.” Brian Buckley, a 2020 graduate of He added, “We are incredibly Pascack Valley High School, now the intent is for it to be a hub and staff, building stronger bonds grateful to Brian for all of the where alumni, teachers, and cur- throughout our community.” at Montclair State University. work he put into this project. An At the district BOE meeting rent students can connect.” Alumni can claim their pro- alumnus helping his fellow alumni Anyone can visit the website, file on the PVR Alumni Hub, pro- and our entire community stay on Monday, Feb. 7, Zeller said his and vide as much (or as little) informa- better connected is a happy ending team was working on data clean- https://alumni.pascack.org, up and awaiting a green light from search to find alumni. The public tion as they choose, then specify to this great story.” legal. On June 7, Zeller sees the name, school, year of their preferred methods of comZellerʼs announcement says, announced the PVR Alumni Hub graduation, and senior year photo munication through their own “All are encouraged to visit the of the alumnus; the same informa- social media. was live. PVR Alumni Hub. If you know of He explained, “At a mini- tion found in school yearbooks. “Current students and staff, as alumni who have moved away Zeller said, “The hope and well as other alumni who have from the area, the district asks you mum, the PVR Alumni Hub is a digitized library of all students intent is for alumni to use this as a claimed their profile, will have to consider forwarding them this who graduated Pascack Hills and tool to connect with one another, access to search the site to make website so they can stay connectPascack Valley High Schools, but as well as with current students connections based criteria such as ed.” location, profession/industry, and if they are willing to mentor,” Security baked in Zeller said. Weʼve been following this He explained the idea for this project since February, when Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the came from “the districtʼs desire to Zeller and Buckley presented the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near have a stronger connection with plan to the board. He told Pascack future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to our alumni, coupled with a digital Press at the time, “Levels of secusucceed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and yearbook concept I learned about rity are put in place so that the existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other at a National School Public Rela- alumni can share as little or as publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also tions Association conference.” much as they choose. They have include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. He added, “What I saw at the the ability to make information conference was great, but I public to the world, closed to the FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 thought it would be even better if registered alumni community, to OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net we had ways for alumni, current PVRHS District students/staff, or not share any information at all.” He said, “The information will never be sold, and will only be used as the alumni choose. Weʼre not selling your information; weʼre not sharing your information.” Zeller said the district does not store user names or passwords but that is done though existing social media accounts. He said that no communication occurs on the PVR Hub but instead via the social media platform that a user is “already comfortable with” — including Facebook, Google, Instagram, Amazon, LinkedIn, and Spotify. In his part of the presentation to the board, Buckley walked trustees through account creation, identity verification, and profile editing. He also demonUP TO 12FT. strated how to filter for alumni in specific occupations or locations. ANNUALS, Zeller said alumni will be & MORE! PERENNIALS, TREES & SHRUBS able to opt in for district updates. Board President Joseph BlunARRIVING DAILY! • SUMMER ANNUALS • SUCCULENTS do lauded the presentation in • HANGING BASKETS February. “Those of you who have been around, weʼve been talking • COMBO FLOWER POTS • MULCH • TOPSOIL about that for years. You guys DELIVERY AVAILABLE brought it home, thank God. Great HOURS: MON.-SAT. 8AM-6PM • SUN. 9AM-5PM HELP WANTED! INQUIRE WITHIN job.” 731 PASCACK ROAD • PARAMUS, NJ • 201-265-6811 Zeller, whose office aims to

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deliver “world-class instructional technology tools for our students and faculty” and give district stakeholders and the general public “a clear understanding of district direction,” undertakes a project with each of his interns.

Zellerʼs interns add their stamp Zeller told Pascack Press he and each yearʼs intern tackle a project based on need, interest, skill, and the studentʼs plans beyond high school. “We figure it out together as we go.” His intern this year, Izzy DiBari of PVHS, developed a district YouTube series, “Spotlight On,” consisting of videos of 2–5 minutes showcasing aspects of student and academic life, from the wrestling team to the robotics team to the school newspapers. Planning to to go school for radio and television broadcasting, she started with Zeller helping her through the technical demands of the internship “and sheʼs to the point now where sheʼs scheduling the shoots on her own, and developing the production schedule on her own. Now itʼs really her own,” Zeller said. He added, “Itʼs wonderful. Sheʼs so excited about it, sheʼs so good at it, and I didnʼt have the manpower for it. This is part of her internship — part of her grade. Itʼs something she takes seriously and the districtʼs now got a stronger YouTube presence, so itʼs a win for both of us.” Past intern Samantha Goldman from Hills, now a communications major at Tulane University, assisted Zeller in launching the districtʼs social media presence and revising its communications plan. “She might not have done something like that until her junior or senior year in college. So we try to give them a step ahead,” he said. Indeed, leveraging her internship experience with the district, Goldman landed an internship at the Kaplan JCC as their social media coordinator this summer. In point of fact, all of Zellerʼs interns have had a hand in PVR Hub, though he emphasized this is principally Buckleyʼs project. “Brian is interested in becoming a computer science educator, so this was very much a computer science-type project he would maybe do in his senior year of college but he got the experience … in his senior year of high school,” Zeller said. He added, “Itʼs a great experience for the kids and itʼs a great experience for me. I wouldnʼt have gotten as much work done in the past three years without those interns.”

PASCACK VALLEY

Assemble and pack 10,000 meals in two hours? Thatʼs what 92 members and friends of West Side Presbyterian Church were able to accomplish for Rise Against Hunger, a growing global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to

emergencies. Among the volunteers were several from Westwood and the wider Pascack Valley area. “We originally planned on recruiting 80 volunteers, which was a tall order,” said Rev. Christine Park, pastoral associate at West Side Presbyterian Church.

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“But we ended up closing the registration at 92 participants.” According to Rev. Penny Hogan, associate pastor, volunteers ranged in age from 3 to 91. “It was an opportunity to

serve with people you knew and people you havenʼt met before. It was perfect for singles, families and couples. And it was an opportunity for everyone to serve side by side because every job

was important to the success of the event,” Hogan told Pascack Press on June 6. She added, “The room was so energized; it filled my heart! CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Nearly 100 volunteers, age 3–19, help pack meals at West Side for Rise Against Hunger.

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JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Letters:

Trenton. I will also continue to work with other mayors in the Valley through the Pascack Valley Mayors Association or independently to explore other actions that could be taken to address this situation. In the meantime, the Hillsdale Office of Emergency Management and the Hillsdale Police Department are updating their flood warning and communication protocol for our residents. Once it is finalized, the borough clerk or I will distribute it via town notice, and it will be available on the boroughʼs website and on the social media outlets of both departments. Mayor John Ruocco Hillsdale To residents, June 7 Editorʼs note: See our related story, “Arroyo: Relief possible for Westwood–Hillsdale flooding,” June 6, 2022.

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Westwood Historic Preservation Commission events! To the editor: W H T Preservation Commission is excited to announce a new series HE

ESTWOOD

ISTORIC

of events celebrating historic preservation in Westwood through 2022. We invite you to join us (and

the Westwood Heritage Society) at our kick-off event on Sunday, June 12 at 11 a.m. where we will recognize Westwoodʼs first listing on the National Register of Historic Places: the train station. Weʼll meet outside of the train station for this familyfriendly event. Afterward, be sure to check out the Westwood Heritage Societyʼs “Crafts in the Park” event in Veterans Memorial Park! As part of our new series, you can look forward to taking self-guided historic walking tours through beloved Westwood on the TravelStorys app this summer. In the fall weʼll be exploring home restoration topics at how-to demos, so bring your most challenging project questions! Our first demonstration, on Sept. 10, will cover paint removal from wood surfaces. You can also learn much more about the role of historic preservation in our community today at our fall speaker series. By appreciating our unique residential neighborhoods, commercial architecture, and downtown streetscapes, you assist in the stewardship of historic Westwood — thank you! All events are free and some may require pre-registration. Prior knowledge not required. Event information will be provided at our website and on social media. If youʼre on Instagram, be sure to check us out at @historicwestwoodnj for updates! Are there any preservation topics you want to hear more about? Write to us at historical@westwoodnj.gov. The Westwood Historic Preservation Commission

Call to action on water co., state DEP To the editor: Pascack Press T for its coverage of last weekʼs back-to-back flood events. HANKS TO THE

Sadly, the stress and trauma visited upon residents and business owners will only plague us more often, until the Legislature and the governor act to limit these preventable occurrences. Holding the ARROYO water level at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir to 91 feet year round is the safest, most reliable and straightforward way to do so. It wonʼt eliminate all flooding, but it will reduce the increasingly frequent nuisance events that hit our lowest lying streets and properties. Thatʼs what 4 extra feet of freeboard (headroom) provides: a cushion and a hedge against floods with rainfall profiles like the ones over Memorial Day Weekend and immediately thereafter on the following Thursday. Flood zone residents had hoped the change in ownership from Suez to Veolia presented an opportunity to realize their longstanding ask for this accommodation. However, a review of the

boroughʼs flood archive suggests that neither the water company nor the DEP are likely to move off their long-standing position that the utility “is not in the flood control business.” The DEP, as recently as this April, “does not recommend” that the utility manage its product in a way to mitigate flood damage. While their position has never changed, circumstances surely have. And these changed circumstances are reflected in the DEPs latest “emergency rulemaking” adjustments to the Flood Hazard Area Control Act (FHCA) Rule and the Stormwater Management Rule. From the NJ League of Municipalities: “The rules will be premised on the presumed threats of higher energy storms, increased levels of precipitation and flooding … attributable to climate change.” This new rule making is proceeding on an expedited “emergency” basis, with the DEP arguing that “extreme rainfall, widespread flooding … caused by Tropical Storm Ida … shows that the public does indeed face imminent peril from climate change, and that an immediate rule change is needed.” The agencyʼs precipitation projections render the rationale for maintaining 95 ft. at the Woodcliff Lake reservoir, based upon the fear of drought, increasingly less defensible or sustainable. It is especially troubling considering how seldom mandatory water restrictions have been

imposed on United Water/Suez (now Veolia) ratepayers since the turn of the 21st century: once in 1999, again in 2010. The rarity of these historic occurrences, at roughly 10-year intervals, compared with the rising threat of more frequent and rain intense storms, as acknowledged by the DEP, suggests the old standard of 95 feet is increasingly obsolete — an outdated metric that needlessly exposes residents to more frequent harms. Per its own rationale for “emergency” policy amendments, the agencyʼs failure to adjust the utilityʼs protocols at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir is on track to do more harm than good. This is underscored by the math: The Woodcliff Lake Reservoir represents 3% of the water utilityʼs entire deliverable product inventory, so the reduction in elevation of 4 feet from 95 to 91, represents a tiny, fractional percentage of the aggregate available inventory system wide. During prior drought periods, some of the affected retention basins have fallen to 60% of capacity. Insisting on retaining that tiny fraction of inventory, in the 4-foot reduction requested, seems an ineffective, unbalanced and illusory hedge against drought. Instead, maintaining that 4 feet of freeboard, year-round, seems like the more responsible thing to do. I think most of us would trade reducing the now CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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Hereʼs a lovely scene from the recent induction ceremony of new members of The Womanʼs Club of Haworth. Left to right are Deborah Munoz of Haworth, co-president Barbara Farina of River Vale, Irene Russano of Hillsdale, copresident Marie Hennese of Park Ridge, Anita Crooks of River

Vale, June Martell of Franklin Lakes, membership officer Joyce DeSantis of New Milford, and membership officer Dolores Abruscato of Oradell. Not pictured: Rosemary Kirk of Haworth and June Bauernfeind of Westwood. The Womanʼs Club of Haworth is part of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs

Clubs. Meetings are held during the day at the Haworth Library. Members come from many towns and new members are always welcomed. For more information, call Dolores Abruscato at (201) 8056912 or Joyce DeSantis at (201) 406-0201.

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

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

Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes 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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Visit Giulioʼs website for its m e n u : www.giuliosrestaurant.com For reservations, takeout, catering, and more, call (845) 354-3657.

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

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Rise: Volunteers outdo themselves for families The representatives from Rise Against Hunger brought music, speakers and a huge gong. Every time we filled a box with 250 meals, they would ring the gong and everyone would cheer. It was a lot of fun!” The packets of food contain enriched rice, protein powder, dehydrated vegetables and a vitamin supplement that provides 100% of recommended daily nutrients. In 2021, 17 million

FROM PAGE 15

meals were packaged and distributed around the world. Park said, “Rise Against Hunger will be letting us know where our meals will be delivered. They will also be educating us on why the meals were sent to certain destinations. While we donʼt see the faces, we get to feel the impact of our efforts beyond the initial event.” Organizers said another event is planned for fall. Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organ-

ization, has locations across the United States and five international offices. The organization provides immediate nourishment for those facing hunger today and implements sustainable solutions that will lift entire communities for years to come.

Rise Against Hunger has facilitated volunteer meal packaging of more than 540 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world. For more information visit riseagainsthunger.org. West Side Presbyterian

Church, founded in 1912, “is a welcoming church, rooted deeply in Christ, inviting all to connect, grow and serve.” Visit West Side at 6 South Monroe St. in Ridgewood. For more information visit westside.org or call (201) 652-1966.

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SENIOR FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON JUNE 14

The Westwood Senior Fellowship luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 14 at noon at Domani

restaurant in Hillsdale (at the Kings market plaza.) The cost is $40. Call Rita at (201) 666-1754.

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Farmers’ Market runs to 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 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 fullor 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.

Pascack Press We welcome press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from every town in the Pascack Valley. Send yours to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

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Mikhail Zakin Gallery reopens June 20 University, where heʼd also studied photography with Walker Evans. Smithʼs work has been widely featured in publications, including The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Departures, and Architectural Digest. His photographs have been collected by individuals and institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

SMITH

Nature: The Art & Wit of Rodney Smith” from June 20 to Aug. 2. At 561 Piermont Road in Demarest, the exhibition, curated by Leslie Smolan and Hank Gans, features 27 black & white and color photographs inspired by Smithʼs enduring love of nature and humanity. Combining style, humor, and surrealism, Smith brings whimsey and clarity to his subjects.

Save the date for Julia Scotti and Friends at The Comedy Corner, June 25 at 9 p.m. at Township Theatre, 249 Pascack Road. The event is by J. Irwin Productions. The evening stars Scotti, the headlining transgender comedian who brought down the house on “Americaʼs Got Talent.” Sheʼs been featured on Showtimeʼs “More Funny Women of a Certain Age” and headlines comedy clubs, theaters and other venues around the country. The evening open swith a screening of the documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way,” directed by Susan Sandler. That leads into a main event you wonʼt want to miss, which closes with a Q&A with Scotti and Sandler hosted by Bergen Record humor columnist Bill Ervolino. The evening is hosted by Anthony Torres, founder of BCLA Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance. Tickets are $35. Get yours now by visiting brownpapertickets.com/event/5388 131. Group rates are available. Connect with Jack Hoffman at (201) 745-5837 or Jack@jirwinproductions.com.

ter in Demarest. Named for the schoolʼs founder, The Mikhail Zakin Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public. For more information, call The Art School at (201) 7677160.

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Smith died unexpectedly at 68, leaving behind an extensive archive of photographs that shed new light on the depth and breadth of his work. Founded in 1974, The Art School at Old Church is a nonprofit, non-sectarian cultural cen-

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Heʼs said, “The secret for me in all my photographs is the location, using the environment as a studio, editing with light. Iʼm always attracted to a location where the hand of man is apparent.” Smith (1947–2016), born in New York City, was the son of a successful fashion executive. Smith rejected his early upbringing by studying theology. Graduating from the University of Virginia in 1970, he went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Yale

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JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DEAN’S LIST AND MORE: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT

PASCACK VALLEY

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… ASCACK

Sc h ool News

• On Saturday, May 14, Zachary Harris of Westwood, who majored in management systems, was information bestowed a bachelorʼs degree at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Instituteʼs 153rd Commencement. Nearly 1,200 undergraduate degrees were awarded during the universityʼs 153rd commencement ceremony. This undergraduate ceremony marked the first time the entire class and their family and friends were able to gather together for an in-person ceremony since 2019. • Theresa Levy of River Vale received a master of science degree in nursing from Wilkes University. The degree was one of over 700 bachelorʼs, masterʼs and doctoral degrees at its 75th spring commencement ceremonies on May 21 in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, 169 S. Main St. in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. • Matthew Haag of River Vale graduated magna cum laude with a BA in economics from Washington College during the

239th commencement exercises on May 22. Haag was among the 247 students who received undergraduate degrees. • Rebecca Cirillo of the Township of Washington was among 561 students to process at Stonehill Collegeʼs 71st Commencement on Sunday, May 22. Stonehill College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1948. Located on the beautiful 384-acre campus and former estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames in North Easton, Mass., it is a community of scholarship and faith, anchored by a belief in the inherent dignity of each person. • Ahren Frey of Hillsdale was named to the University of Mississippiʼs Spring 2022 Honor Roll lists. Frey, majoring in freshman studies, was named to the Deanʼs Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50–3.74. • The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass. celebrated nearly 755 bachelor of arts degree recipients at its 176th Commencement held in person on Friday, May 27 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Acclaimed writer and infectious disease physician Abraham Verghese delivered this yearʼs address to the Class of 2022 and received an

Smarties! Left to right: Gabrielle, Joseph, and Danielle Piacentile of Woodcliff Lake had graduation ceremonies in May. (Family photo)

honorary degree. Local students earning degrees: Kelly Petro of Hillsdale and John Morano of Park Ridge. • Woodcliff Lakeʼs Piacentile family had much to celebrate this spring, with triple graduation festivities: Gabrielle Piacentile graduated from the Class of 2020 from New York University; her sister Danielle Piacentile graduated from NYU Law School Class of 2022; and their father, Joseph Piacentile, graduated New York Law School in 2020. Mom Darcie Piacentile tells Pascack Press, “The classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 had their ceremonies in May of this year so we had a triple graduation party.” • Jacob Murad of Hillsdale has been named to the Deanʼs List at Georgia State University for the spring 2022 semester. • Park Ridgeʼs Kira Mitchell, a health science PA major, has been named to the deanʼs list for spring 2022 at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Penn. — Youʼve earned it! Email your alumni updates, and news of other family milestones, to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net. Please include a daytime telephone number for our staff to follow up.

FROM PAGE 16

more frequent trauma and anxiety experienced by our flood prone neighbors, every time it rains; for the inconvenience of odd-even lawn watering restrictions every 10 years or so — when it doesnʼt. There are only 200 or so flood-prone properties in Westwood. Not a very large interest group. Mostly hard working-middle class residents. Some older retirees. No professional lobbyists. No entrenched advocates based in Trenton. The older residents could put up with what used to be fairly infrequent flooding episodes. The newer residents desperate to secure a home, in an increasingly unaffordable state, probably found the 5% flood write-down on property values an attractive price inducement to purchase. And there are kids in the midst of flood danger. Parents are rightfully worried about the physical and emotional stress this has on the young ones. Not all of these families are eligible for the stateʼs Blue Acre Buyouts or are able to participate in its reimbursable Home Elevation Initiative. But, unlike the DEP, they probably didnʼt consider the rapidly escalating pace of flood events. And they didnʼt bargain on becoming the collateral damage of a rigid, inflexible approach to their growing problem, especially when the agencyʼs new, forwardlooking policy metrics are premised on flood, not drought. As we get into summer and the rains, extending ever later into Spring, subside, the flood threat will recede as well. The flood zone residents will get on with their lives and the issue will lose its saliency, and its urgency, for state-level policymakers — until we are next under water. So, for the sake of the majority who will not get bought out or elevated out of harmʼs way, the governor and the Legislature must act, now, to recalibrate the seasonal water level in the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir — and require that the water utilities institute flood control measures as part of their standard operating procedures. The DEP recently noted, “The stateʼs reliance on data that looks backward from 1999 is no longer sufficient to ensure continued protection of our homes,

can, reliably, be re-captured. Those NOAA predictions do not include the “minor” no-name storms that leave our streets, yards and basements flooded and our flood zone residents and business owners anxious and stressed. With every thunderclap and ensuing rain drop the fear and uncertainty begins. The first step toward that

Wonderful Mayors urge work by vets Gov. Murphy scouts, To the editor: Memorial on flood bill T Day, Westwood American To the editor: Legion Post 206 and Westwood the Pascack VFW Post 130, with the help of T Valley Mayors Association Scout troops 350 and 47, placed fully support the expedited review

overdue relief requires legislation to compel the water providers to add a flood mitigation component to their water management facilities — as part of their standard operating procedures. We mayors understand there is no single, practical solution that can cure all our flooding problems. However, we are certain that measures can be taken to

On behalf of Westwoodʼs post 206 and VFW post 230 I thank our scouts, members, families, friends, and all who participated in this honorable task.

defuse some of these threats, reducing the number of flood events the resultant amount of property damage and the accumulating mental anguish our constituent are experiencing. We are appreciative of the Blue Acre Buyout and Home Elevation Programs the LegisCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Thank you all.

For the post, Carl W. Williams Westwood

HE WEEK BEFORE

HE MEMBERS OF

and passage of Senate Bill S790 currently assigned to the Senate Energy and Environmental Committee. We further support its companion Assembly bill A4200 filed and poised to be introduced during the next Assembly session. We further request the governor expedite his review and quickly sign this measure into law. Our sense of urgency is driven by the pace of climate change and years of painting at the margins of this statewide problem that is visiting misery on so many of our constituents. Only legislative action and the governorʼs pen can alleviate their suffering. The DEP and the water utilities can no longer cling to the rigid position that the only water management considerations are preserving the water asset and ensuring the structural viability of the dams. Those are important public interests. However, their responsibilities cannot end there. Escalating events have made that narrow view no longer tenable. Climate change predictions posit more frequent and more severe storms for our area. NOAA predicts an above-normal 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting 14–21 named storms including three to six major hurricanes. Tasking the utilities to implement flood mitigation protocols in their operating procedures is not irresponsible water management. The ramping up of both storm frequency and rainfall amounts suggest that asset loss, due to prestorm release or lower standing elevations in the retention vessels,

flags on the graves of local veterans at the Westwood Cemetery. A hearty breakfast prepared by post 206ʼs Eddie Condello and Johnny-O was served with the help of American Legion Auxiliary and SAL. After breakfast our group set out to do our solemn duty of locating the graves and placing the flags.

SCAN CODE FOR FREE ESTIMATE

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Letters:

communities, economies and people.” Westwoodʼs residents and business owners in the path of the next deluge could not agree more. Ninety-five feet is obsolete. Call, email, and write the governorʼs office requesting that the governor hold his agency to its word — and protect them. Phone: (609) 292-6000. Email: constituent.relations@nj.gov. Email through the governorʼs website: nj.gov/governor/contact/all. Mayor Ray Arroyo Westwood

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY... AND BEYOND

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

thatʼs committed to supporting our community and helping make the world a better place. At Wells Fargo & Company, for example, all employees are called to: • Be leaders • Be engaged and connected in our communities • Value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business One way employees are encouraged to be leaders is by becoming members of board of

directors at nonprofit organizations. We know that employees play a valuable role in improving the lives of individuals and families, and board service is one way of demonstrating commitment to our communities. To help deal with the significant time commitment that a board membership, or other charitable activity, can represent, Wells Fargo & Co. allots each employee 16 hours of paid time per year to be used exclusively for volunteer work.

In addition, the Community Care Grants program, governed and funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, recognizes employees for their financial giving and volunteer service activities – including board service. Through this program, an employee can qualify for up to $2,000 per year in Community Care Grants. Once an employee has received a grant, they can choose which eligible charities theyʼd like to support by directing the funds to any of the approximately one million eligible charities. Leveraging our strengths While our primary motivation is the chance to help others, we also see participating in community leadership as an opportunity for employees to commit to a cause, issue, or organization where they have an affinity and a passion. This experience can help them leverage their strengths and expertise, develop new skills, and tackle new challenges.

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

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

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

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

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Council: Flipped vote clears $17K for radar look lic votes on the matter were taken as Poller urged members to consider a closed session to discuss the potential purchase contract impacts of deciding to vote for or against the options, either the DPW or police department, currently under consideration for the property. He said the town should not be in the business, essentially, of “flipping” properties. He reminded the council the bond was for the site for a public good. At the meeting, Morgan, Councilman Steven Cascio, and Sears expressed opposition to purchasing the property, while Council Vice President Stacey Feeney and councilwoman Daisy Velez both called for a post-purchase survey of what residents would like to see on the site. Velez also found fault with an online petition against the DPW here that has approximately 800 signatures. She said she located

FROM PAGE 6

Town administrator Robert Tovo, Mayor Peter Calamari, and attorney Kenneth Poller in a WCTV-NJ screenshot from early 2020. Residents are vocally opposed to a DPW at 95 Linwood Ave., Township of Washington. The council has limited time to bail on the purchase.

one signatory in Florida and did not see proof of local residency. Based on comments made, it appeared that council members were split 3-2 against the siteʼs purchase, although Feeney and Velez appeared willing to purchase the site and decide what to do with it later. After the closed session, Sears agreed to vote for a supplemental environmental study. Earlier, Calamari defended

Option 2 — putting the police department at 95 Linwood Avenue and upgrading facilities at town hall for DPW — as “the best use of the land for all the residents of the town.” That project would cost a little over $10 million, he said, and cost the average household $80 per year, or $2,400 over a 30-year bond. Calamari asserted that a developer of “luxury apartments”

PARK RIDGE

Rotary sponsors blood drive for fighter, 6

Cole McKeon is a smiling 6year-old kid, like any other, from Waldwick. Cole enjoyed attending kindergarten, playing with friends, attending birthday parties. But you would never know how brave a boy he actually is: Cole has been fighting cancer for four years. He was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. His many fans at the Park Ridge Rotary Club told Pascack Press last week, “The tough times are too many to count but itʼs amazing how the good times

always shine through. His strength and ability to stay focused on just being a great kid every chance he gets. Cancer will MCKEON never define who he is. Even after 158 nights in a hospital, 424 hours of chemo, 32 radiation sessions, 40 blood transfusions, and 100 platelet transfusions.” You can help Cole and other

young fighters. Save the date: Thereʼs a blood drive set for Monday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Park Ridgeʼs Mancinelli Center, 53 Park Ave. The drive is by appointment so visit only, donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/55202. Call 1877-258-4825 to ask about donor guidelines ahead of an appointment. Visit vitalant.org for more information. Coleʼs story is at Facebook as “Cole Conquering Cancer– #colescrew.”

was eyeing the 95 Linwood site, and noted multistory apartment buildings or “forced overdevelopment” could occur there in the stateʼs next affordable housing round. Sears said the original vote to buy the Charlie Brownʼs site was because members agreed it would house the DPW. He said he could not support putting the police department there and recommended placing it for sale, and allow it to be developed to help the town meet future affordable housing goals due in 2025. During the meeting, the board took a spontaneous vote to decide whether to fund the third required environmental study for $16,961, to make sure there were no buried underground storage tanks near the front of the property. L i s k o did not discover such a previous use in its Phase 1 study. The vote failed 3-2, with Morgan, Cascio and Sears opposing the study, while Feeney and Velez voted in favor. The council voted 4-1 to later go into closed session to discuss the matter. Only Cascio voted against the closed session. The third environmental investigation was requested by Poller after he received an email from Hemlock Drive resident Rose Candeletti wondering why the consultant hired by Lisko, the licensed site remediation professional, to perform ground-penetrating radar at 95 Linwood did not scan the front of the property

where gas tanks were previously shown. She noted that an archival photo, circa 1940-1960, which was displayed by resident Bill McAuliffe at a prior public council meeting, showed at least three gas pumps in front of the Washington Grove convenience store that apparently once occupied the site. She asked why the consultant did not scan the property frontage where the tanks appeared. Poller told council that he was able to extend the due diligence period for purchasing the property until July 18, giving members breathing room to decide whether to approve the property purchase. Previously, council had only until June 14, the end of its due diligence period, to decide whether to approve the purchase. Poller and Candeletti disagreed over who was responsible for determining what areas at the site were to be scanned. Poller said Lisko was in charge of determining that but Candeletti argued that McAuliffe had shown a photo displaying gas pumps onsite and that both officials should have been aware of their relevance to the prior search for underground storage tanks. If the third environmental investigation to scan the property front occurs, Poller said that may occur on June 9 and that Lisko would provide timely results with a report due on June 17.

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Ambulance corps dino club members

RIVER VALE

Congratulations to these members of the River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps on their milestone achievements! Captain Nancy Miles reached 31 years. Treasurer Andrea Velthaus attained 30 years. Stephen Velthaus reached 20 years. Lt. John OʼDonnell has served 10 years. Cheers and messages of love and gratitude flooded in on Facebook after the department posted several images and spread the happy news June 2. — Via River Vale Ambulance Corps on Facebook

PASCACK

Another way to reduce blue light exposure and nighttime cortisol production is to set your cell phone on the night shift mode if you are required to be on your phone at night. However, most people are not required to use electronics at night and are voluntarily doing it. Make the right decision and avoid electronics at night to get you into that deep sleep, which will reduce anxiety and improve memory and focus. Sleep is one of the most important factors for your health and well-being. If you want to feel the best and function best it is necessary to get proper sleep. Sleep will help with anxiety, Alzheimer's, diabetes, weight loss, heart disease, cancer, headaches, dizziness, and depression. However, it is not just lying in bed, it is getting a deep sleep that is most important. It is better to get six hours of deep sleep than eight hours of restless sleep. Watch good brain exercises by subscribing to my YouTube Chan-

PASCACK VALLEY

Concerts, movies, more in Veterans Park Robot Camp and Pre-teen Business Bonanza Camp with Minds in Motion and Theatre Camp with drama coach Krista Reagan. Spaces are limited for all specialty camps. This yearʼs Summer Concert Series kicks off with Tequila Rose (country) on June 23, followed by Danny V (Billy Joel) on June 30, The Wag (Beatles) on July 7, Reminisce (oldies) on July 14, Soul Groove (R&B/Pop) on July 21 and Tramps Like Us (Springsteen) on July 28. Concerts are free and are spon-

which we cover this content is entirely appropriate for the age group. Given the lifelong effects of abuse, I firmly stand by our practices. For any parent/guardian who objects, there is an opt-out provision.” Mortimer said so far this school year there have been 10 optout requests by parents in grades K–5, excluding Brookside School, for which numbers were not yet available. She added, “I have nothing but praise for the manner in which the district has handled the implementation of the 2020 NJDOE Health standards. Our phys. ed. teachers, principals, elementary curriculum coordinator, and director of school programs worked hard to ensure we are appropriately meeting the standards and are using a well-regarded resource to teach them.” Mortimer sent the following links for parents/residents interested in viewing the new K–5 health c u r r i c u l u m : sites.google.com/wwrsd.org/curriculumoffice (scroll to bottom), and sites.google.com/wwrsd.org/curriculumoffice/curriculum-resources.

ʻHomosexuality, transgenderismʼ? Leading off the public comment period May 26, Andriotis again raised topics similar to his May 12 criticism of the new standards. “Do you board really believe teaching elementary school children about homosexuality and transgenderism is the best educational experience for our children? If a prepubescent child truly has issues with their gender identity wouldnʼt that be the school counselorʼs job and with the parentsʼ permission?” he said. Andriotis again called for a referendum on teaching the new state health and sex education curriculum. Board secretary Keith Rosado has said a school referendum can only be held on a financial decision, not whether to teach a state-mandated curriculum. It was unclear if Andriotis was referring to the state standards, or local curriculum, as he did not clarify where the graphic language he cited was stated. The state Board of Education is awaiting a decision by the state Attorney Generalʼs Office to decide if they can delay implementation until October to further review the

sored by Lightbridge Academy, Howard Hanna Rand Realty, Lakeland Bank Westwood and Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center. The Movies in the Park line-up includes “Meet the Robinsons” on Aug. 4, “Aladdin” on Aug. 11, “Bend it Like Beckham” on Aug. 18 and “The Goonies” on Aug. 25. All concerts and movies are held on Thursday evenings at 8 in Veterans Park. Residents and neighbors are reminded to bring chairs and blankets for park events.

Movies are free, include popcorn and are sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, CareOne at Valley, Lipkin Orthodontics and Westwood Family Chiropractic. The Westwood Recreation Department is also pleased to be able to host The Westwood Community Band on Fridays (7 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.) in July (follow them on Facebook for concert updates). In addition, the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra will play on Sunday, July 10 at 4 p.m. and The

Ramsey Wind Symphony will play on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. All concerts take place in Veterans Memorial Park and event details will be posted at facebook.com/westwoodnjrec. To register for classes and camps using Community Pass, go to register.communitypass.net/westwood. To learn more about programs and special events visit the Recreation Page at westwoodnj.gov, call (201) 664-7882 or follow the department on social media @westwoodnjrec.

Parents: Superintendent praises district on update FROM PAGE 7

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state standards, which were approved in summer 2020 for implementation in September 2022.

For a full report on the boardʼs 90-minute health and sex ed curriculum discussion on May 12, see “District Approves Health-Sex Ed

Teacher Resource Guide,” Pascack Press, page 3, May 30, 2022 or watch the meeting video archived online.

PASCACK VALLEY

Club movers and shakers net awards

Members of the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club attended the convention of the more than 200 womenʼs clubs statewide that are part of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs. Representing the Greater Pascack Valley Club at convention in Atlantic City were Judy Brendel, Elaine Mooney, Merci Norwood, and Elaine OʼBrien. The club and its members received several awards. The Membership Department, chaired by Elaine OʼBrien, was named third best in the state among clubs of a similar size. Members were also lauded for their creativity. Hilda Woodson received a Gold Award for black and white photography. Judy Brendel won first place for her line drawing. Cathie Roberts received a first place award for quilting and second place for a pieced quilt block. Carolyn Delafrange was second for her painting using fabric

as a medium. Additional members won prizes at the Palisades District Elaine Achievement Day: Mooney, oil painting; Hilda Woodson, color photography; and Sue Creighton, Landscape Photography. The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club was founded in

1990 to provide service to the residents of the Pascack Valley as well as personal growth for its members. Meetings are held each month, September through June, at the Park Ridge municipal building. For more information call Elaine OʼBrien at (201) 788-5868 or write gpvwc1990@gmail.com. Courtesy photo

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Summer 2022 is heating up with classes, camps, concerts, movies and other community events offered by the Westwood Recreation Department. Regisration is underway for summer classes including tennis for kids and soccer and sports squirts classes for preschoolers. Adults can register for tennis and outdoor yoga classes. Kids can look forward to the Summer Specialty Camps starting Aug. 8 including Golf and Tennis Camps with TGA, Multisports Camp with USA Sports Group,

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clamoring for the convenience of a shopping center in town. The issue became a talking point during election season. For local officials, it was a balancing act: the need to

FROM PAGE 4

"shop local" was tempered by the idea that it was the quaint nature of the township that had drawn so many people there in the first place. The solution took the form of a municipal master plan, the town's first, that rezoned for a single shop-

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ping area on Pascack Road, centered on an 11-acre site. In this way, local officials hoped to provide for the residents' shopping needs while also keeping the commercial element tucked neatly onto a single site. The owners of that 11-acre tract, home builders James Leone and John Durante, had bought it with different plans in mind. However, with some urging, and some concessions on the township's part as well, they agreed to change course and build a shopping center. The original anchor store, an Acme supermarket located where Fresh Grocer is today, opened in May 1960. The shopping center, which back then had a red brick exterior, was built in sections as

RIVER VALE

demand for storefronts arose. July 20, 1963 brought the grand opening of a new bank at the shopping center. It was a branch office of the First National Bank of Westwood, founded some 55 years earlier as the Pascack Valley's first bank. The new township branch was originally in a standalone building, as the photograph shows, which allowed it to have a drive-up teller window. Burglars struck at the townshipʼs First National branch only three weeks after it opened. In August 1963, burglars climbed through a side window at the bank and broke into a small safe used for drive-up deposits, which, unlike the main safe, was not linked to the police via an alarm

system. Police believed there were two people involved. They got away with $5,900, equivalent to about $56,000 today. The FBI launched an investigation, but the thieves were never found. In 1960 then Mayor John Wagner remarked that the township had about 200 acres of undeveloped land left, and that if houses were to be built on that land, the population could approach 10,000. Today some 9,250 people live in the township. — Krisin Beuscher, a former editor of Pascack Press, is president of Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge and edits its quarterly membersʼ newsletter, Relics.

SENIORS IN FOR A FREE RVPD BBQ

The River Vale Seniors had a garden tea party on May 18 in celebration of all members who had birthdays from January to June. The club celebrates June–December birthdays this November. On June 15 the River Vale Police Department will host an eagerly anticipated barbecue for mem-

bers. New members are welcome. The club meets every third Wednesday of the month (with the exception of July and August). For more information call Hilda Gonzalez at (201) 265-5257.

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clubs and spring sports. According to New Jerseyʼs website, the bridge year program is meant to “provide students in the graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 with the opportunity to offset disruptions to learning opportunities and participation in extracurricular activities that might have resulted from the closure of schools to in-person instruction in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Students who sign up are allowed to take classes at a New Jersey community college and receive up to 24 academic credits over the course of one year, while they also get to remain involved in activities at the high school level. Participants must meet certain standards, such as maintaining a 2.0 grade point average during the entire bridge year. All public institutions of higher education within the state are required to accept the earned credits. The program allows all spring athletes to continue their high school careers for an additional season and have four years of future collegiate eligibility. Fall FROM PAGE 1

and winter athletes cannot take a bridge year because sports in those seasons were not canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Saul, from River Vale, will study kinesiology at Bergen Community College for two semesters then transfer his credits to a different school once he makes a decision on where he will be playing collegiate baseball starting in the spring of 2023. During his final season at Pascack Valley he hopes to impress Division I coaches off the field with his grades and character traits, but also on the diamond with an improved arm in the outfield and added consistency at the plate. “I looked at the bridge year as a way to get my missed season back and hopefully get recruited SAUL

ROCHE

and develop in the classroom and on the field,” he said. “Iʼll have credits that Iʼll transfer to college and Iʼll be able to progress mentally and physically. So I just thought it was a good decision for me and my parents agreed.” A few institutions have been in touch with Saul already, and he plans to commit to a school at some point prior to the end of next season. At this point, he considers George Mason University in Virginia to be his top choice. “I haven't been there but Iʼve done virtual tours and it looks like a really cool environment and a beautiful campus,” he said. “They also have my major and itʼs a very good baseball program.” Not every student taking part in the bridge year program is still undecided in terms of where they will be attending college after their high school career officially ends. Roche told Pascack Press, “Iʼm a skinny guy playing at shortstop,” Roche said. “I just need more power and more explosiveness. Iʼm going to have to get stronger to be better in baseball and expand my work in the weight-

PASCACK VALLEY

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room.” Roche said that he didnʼt do many baseball-related activities during the early months of the pandemic, and regrets not working harder during that period on his skills and fitness. He plans to make up for that time during his final season playing for Westwood, while simultaneously taking business classes for a year at BCC. His work with the Cardinals, in addition to his ongoing sessions at the RPP Baseball training facility in Paramus, should help Roche mature and be ready for Wagnerʼs Division I athletic standards the following academic year. “Itʼs better to take this extra year and then be a freshman at Wagner when Iʼm older and more men-

tally tough,” he said. “Iʼd rather be ready when I arrive at a good school and then make my way up.” Both players said they feel that taking the bridge year is the best choice for them as they forge their own paths in baseball and attempt to succeed at a higher level of the sport. Each expects to have the skills they need to thrive once theyʼre in college, but for now, the mindset is on taking advantage of the opportunities directly in front of them as they finish high school. “I cannot wait for next year to just be around all the guys again,” Saul said. “Iʼm really close with some of the younger kids on the PV team, so itʼs going to be really fun.” — Courtesy photos

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EW CONCEPTS FOR LIVINGʼS annual Walk-A-Thon took place on Sunday, May 22 at Wood Dale County Park in Woodcliff Lake. Organizers tell Pascack Press the event was a huge success. “Despite the unseasonable heat, family, friends, and many of our sponsors joined us to walk with our group of extraordinary individuals,” said administrative assistant Jen Ulman. She said, “All funds raised go toward the programs, services and community inclusion that is vital to the well-being of the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities we are fortunate to care for. Thank you to all who participated.” New Concepts for Living is dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information visit ncfl.net.

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REAL ESTATE Additional: Players Saul, Roche tapping bridge year

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Convenience, security issues Meanwhile, the lack of serv-

ice has provided a unique set of challenges to parents and guardians who have children attending PVHS. “I really do think it is a safety issue, first and foremost, but it is also a convenience issue,” said Marc Rothenberg, a parent with two children attending the school. “Kidsʼ schedules are very busy, and parentsʼ schedules are very busy. Not everyone gets the bus and many stay after school for

activities so thereʼs always logistics and it just makes it that much more complicated when you canʼt communicate with your child. Sometimes I just donʼt know where my child is.” The school does have a Wi-Fi network, but for the most part, only district-issued devices such as laptops or faculty-owned cell phones, are allowed to connect. Zeller said there are exceptions made for students, such as to

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New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center director Marilyn Laquidara joins with Westwood councilmemb Robert Bicocchi and Council President Beth Dell at the Celebrate Westwood Volunteer Fair at the town library as part of the borough initiative to introduce local organizations to the community. New Hope helps first-time single mothers with support and subsidies for rent, food, education, day care, and many of the needs of their newborn babies. For more information, including resources, testimonials, and how to get involved as a volunteer, visit newhopeprc.org, or write marilyn@newhopeprc.org. Photo courtesy New Hope

accommodate a medical device. “Cell phones are a distraction,” Zeller said. “We are trying to minimize the number of distractions in the classroom. Teachers are not allowed to use their cell phones while theyʼre in classrooms, so thatʼs not an issue for us, but with children, itʼs a little harder.” With cell phone use out of the equation, parents typically email or Google Chat their children while they are on school grounds. Those sites are not blocked by the administration, so students can access these messages with their laptops when they are connected to Wi-Fi. Regardless of those alternative methods of communication, the inability for parents to reach their children via cell phones remains a point of contention for community members, particularly in this modern technologically advanced era. “Technology is everywhere in the world we live in,” said Erica Ban, a River Vale resident with two daughters at PVHS. “And of course I didnʼt grow up like this; I went to school and didnʼt have a cell phone and I was fine, but being able to reach your parents is just what we have come to expect.” In the event of an emergency where an intruder enters the

building, Zeller said the district has recommendations from law enforcement for students and staff members to not use their cell phones during a lockdown to contact family members. If someone were to make or receive a call in a dangerous situation, a criminal could potentially hear those voices and be more inclined to try and enter the particular room where the noise was coming from. “While we understand the desire for students to communicate with loved ones during an incident such as this, this can garner the attention of such a perpetrator and actually bring more harm,” Zeller told Pascack Press. “The schools have emergency communication plans in place to safely keep students, staff, parents and the community aware of an emergency situation.” Despite unsuccessful efforts so far, PVHSʼs administration is determined to continue searching for a way to get a good cell signal on campus. “Finding a solution to get cell signal into Pascack Valley High School is an initiative we are working on, but being at the mercy of cellular providers, we do not have any details as to the feasibility or timeline,” Zeller said.

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as possible, begun even before the recent events of the last month [the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas], given the heightened need to ensure uninterrupted communication.”

FROM PAGE 3

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Water: $16.4M ‘claw-back’ sought for system upgrades support in order to achieve this goal. Thank you, Congressman Gottheimer.” Misciagna, a Democrat, appeared at the news conference with Gottheimer, and other Democratic mayors and public officials. In mid-November, three Park Ridge Water wells, numbers 12, 14 and 18, were found to contain elevated PFOA levels and were immediately taken offline. This occurred on Nov. 10, 2021 as soon as the elevated levels were discovered. Wantwater Your Child Like other utilities statewide under atonew Be astatewide environmentalBar/Bat rule for removing Mitzvah PFOA and PFAS, the Park Ridge Sensation? Water Utility moved swiftly to

FROM PAGE 9

address the contamination probThe water utility issued a letlem. Both PFOA and PFOS ter to customers on Dec. 21 to belong to a larger class of chemi- inform them that the three wells cals known as PFAS, or perfluo- that had tested over state limits for roalkyl substances. PFOA were offline. These chemicals do not occur “The DEP [state Department naturally; rather, they have dis- of Environmental Protection] limpersed into the environment from its appear to have been established their use in non-stick cookware, due to an abundance of caution carpeting, waterproofing treat- and a concern about consumption ments, packaging for food, and of water over an entire lifetime,” firefighting chemicals and foams. said the Park Ridge Water notice. PFOA is linked to kidney and To assure local customers, liver cancer, high cholesterol, Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos ulcerative cholitis, thyroid dis- Rendo posted that no water from ease, and pregnancy-related any of the three wells testing hypertension. above state PFOA limits went “You are an chemicals amazing teacher! believe that after one or two Other inI cannot the PFAS lessons, I already knewlinked several of the prayers and I was able family have been to Hebrew health to singon alongthe at theliver Bar Mitzvahs some of my friends!” effects and ofimmune – Matthew W. system, infant developmental delays, and risk. our daughter feel comfortable, “Richard wascancer terrific in making confident, and poised etc. Richard’s ability to work with the family FROM PAGE 4 in getting everyone ready is such a terrific benefit!” ed throughout – Jodi B.

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lion. It is 13 parts per trillion for PFOS. The state says one part per trillion is “equivalent to one drop split among 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” the notice said. The new state standards for PFAS chemicals went into effect in April 2021. The notice said, “Due to the recent DEP rules, many water utilities…will be required to install new treatment processes to eliminate these chemicals that are found in their source water.”

when many people and families take an increased interest in exploring the history of the Revolutionary War era. RevolutionaryWarNewJersey.com is utilized by thousands of people every week to help them explore and learn about New Jersey local history, and it provides the perfect starting point for those looking to begin their own historic explorations for the holiday,” Frazza tells Pascack Press. Frazza is responsible for all of the research, writing, and photogra-

phy on the website, created over thousands of hours between 2009 and 2017. He also recently published a book about the years he spent exploring New Jerseyʼs history, “State of Revolution: My SevenAnd-a-Half-Year Journey Through Revolutionary War New Jersey,” which has been receiving great reviews and has consistently ranked as an Amazon best-seller for books about New Jersey. Frazza is a proud lifelong resident of North Jersey. — Staff report

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directly from the wells into homes. The Dec. 21 letter noted that Park Ridgeʼs water utility had been monitoring concentrations of PFOA since 2020 and planning for the necessary treatment when concentrations of the contaminant “were trending towards the thenpending New Jersey Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).” The new state standard for PFOA (perfluorooctoanoic acid), which is part of a larger class of chemicals known as PFAS, which are associated with cancers and other illnesses, is 14 parts per tril-

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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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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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JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

CLIMATE SURVEY: DIVERSITY, SAFE SPACES BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY REGIONAL

Increasing opportunities for social and emotional learning, improving student-staff relationships, and enhancing diversity by including new content into school curriculum, such as LGBTQ+ history, were some of the recommendations heard at the June 6 Pascack Valley Regional High School District school board meeting. The board took no action on the recommendations presented following a report on the districtʼs recent school climate survey. Dr. Mark Russo, district supervisor of diversity, equity and

inclusion, presented the results of the high schoolsʼ climate survey, along with two high school students from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley, who presented recommendations based on survey findings. The school climate survey, Russo previously said, was mainly used to help shape ongoing efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the regional high schools. He said, “My hope is that some of these recommendations weʼve just heard will help all of our students, and groups of students, flourish and thrive.” During public comment, Pascack Hills Senior Rebecca Cohen said though she believed it was a

law to teach LGBTQ+ history in New Jersey now, she did not learn anything about LGBTQ+ history. She suggested incorporating more topics about “race, gender, sexuality, everything like that it would make (for) a more enriched environment for the classroom.” She said this could help “in making more identities seen and heard.” Trustee Kelly Blundy, Woodcliff Lake, praised the students who presented recommendations, noting “wellness is very near and dear to my heart.” She said she would like to meet with them to get specific details about the climate survey. She said the survey raised topics such as coping skills, conflict resolution, trauma resolu-

tion, and working through difficulties and becoming stronger. She said “maybe we have classes on how to get out of your comfort zone” and noted she had moved to two different middle schools as a youngster, and that may have helped her handle things better. She told Russo that she “would love to be more involved with this.” Trustee Michael Weaver, Montvale, said the survey data was well-presented and noted related work is happening with students and administrators in high schools. “But I donʼt know if we as a board have done the necessary work in this area over the past

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Teresa M. LATICI

ter Josephine Adintori. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Donald; her daughter Mary Azzolina, husband Paul, and granddaughter MaryAlice; her daughter Gayla Latici; and son Christopher Latici; sister Mary Ann Grygorcewicz and brotherin-law Chester; along with many nieces and nephews. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Tuesday, June 7. A Mass celebrating Teresaʼs life and faith was be held at R.C. Church Of The Presentation in Upper Saddle River on Wednesday, June 8 with private cremation following. Memorial contributions can be made in Teresaʼs name to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital.

Teresa M. Latici, 85, of Montvale, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., Teresa attended the of University Connecticut where she earned her bachelorʼs and masterʼs degrees in education. She was a high school English and history teacher for many years in public and parochial schools in Connecticut and New Jersey. Teresa was very active in her faith, serving as a Eucharistic minister. She was also very involved in Cursillo and as a member of several prayer communities. She enjoyed playing tennis, birdwatching, NYC opera, Broadway thePeter atre, and spending her summers HAUSCH vacationing in Cape Cod, Mass. Peter Hausch, 84, of Westand Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. Teresa is predeceased by her wood, passed away on Sunday, parents, Anthony and Rose June 5, 2022. Born in Somerville, DiNuzzo; brother James; and sis- he resided in Westwood for the

past 75 years. Peter graduated from Westwood High School in 1956, then served in the United States Air Force, July 1956 through July 1960. After his service, Peter joined the the New Jersey State Police, where he served for 30 years and in 1991 retired as captain. He is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anne Hausch, and sister, Patricia Mitchell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janet; his children Anne (Robert) Kelly, Jackie (Tom) Villano, Mike (Michele) Hausch, Carol (Dieter) Wegner, Don (Erica) Hausch, Diane (George) Brahm, and Peter (Alex) Hausch; 22 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Peter enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, trips to Atlantic City and, most of all, spending time with his family. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kin-

WESTWOOD CEMETERY CO.

derkamack Road. Westwood on Tuesday, June 7. A celebration of Peterʼs life and faith was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 8. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

Brian DUFFY

Brian Duffy passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, at his home in River Vale. Beloved husband, for 60 years, to Maura Duffy. Devoted father to Deirdre, Colleen, Thomas, and Tara. Brother to Catherine. Grandfather to Maeve, Sophia, Amelia, Keira, Cathal, and Theo. Born on April 30, 1939, in East Harlem, N.Y., Brian lived in Closter for 44 years before moving to River Vale in 2013. Brianʼs career as a CPA in Manhattan spanned 55 years. He retired from PKD OʼConnor Davies in 2016. His many friends and colleagues were invited to attend a memorial gathering on Wednesday, June 8. A Mass celebrating Brianʼs life was held on Thursday, June 9 at St. Pius X R.C. Church in Old Tappan, followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimerʼs FounAmerica dation of (www.alzfdn.org).

Arno SIREL

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Arno Sirel, 76, of Woodcliff Lake passed away suddenly on May 21, 2022. He was born in Estonia on Jan. 11, 1946 to Helmi (née Pillau) and August Sirel. Beloved husband of the late Carol (née Gondek) Sirel. Brother of Lida, Raul, and the late John. Brother-in-law of the

year,” he said, noting he was uncertain when the boardʼs Equity Committee had met since last summer. Weaver questioned at what point trustees would take the recommendations “and do something about it.” He noted “it would be nice to know how we as a board can support that work.” Some Pascack Hills recommendations focused on social and emotional learning and diversity. To enhance diversity, a student committee called for more diverse representation as well as student choice in class content. — Thereʼs much more! Read the whole story at PascackPress.com! Then sound off in Letters!

late Francine (George) Bellinghiere, the late Danny (Alice) Gondek, Randy (Linda) Gondek, Susan (Bruce) Brown, Brian (Lori) Gondek and Bruce (the late Susan) Gondek. Cousin of Reet Hayden. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Arno served in the United States Army and operated a thriving landscape company, A&D Landscaping Inc., as well as a professional tree service, Tree Time. He was well regarded in the community and will be missed by so many. Funeral services were private. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. rsfhi.com

Alex T. CERRATO

Alex T. Cerrato, 89, of Park Ridge passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane Cerrato (née Cambria) of 60 years and their children Alex Cerrato and his wife, Beth, and Connie Amicucci and her husband, John. He is predeceased by his daughter Rosemarie Vasoll. He was the cherished grandpa of John Alex Amicucci and his fiance, Erin; Harrison Amicucci; Jannal Vasoll; Luke Amicucci; Ben Cerrato; and Cole Cerrato. A veteran, he proudly served his country in the Korean War. Alex was a softball umpire for 45 years. A love of his was to coach young athletes, beginning with his own children, then his grandchildren, and lastly with the Park Ridge Recreation football Owls. Visitation was Sunday June 5 and Monday, June 6 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge with funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 7 at the Roman Catholic Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, srfcure.org.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

bers and advisory members who are residents. The group notes itʼs “a cross-section of the community, with each member providing diverse experiences and unique skills.” 2022 members are Ruta Fiorino, assistant chair Yana Mermel, secretary Ron Miller, chair Gia Schneider, Elizabeth Callahan, Cherry Ying Zhu, councilman Frank Pizzella, rec rep Debbie Szabo, health board nurse Marguerite Deppert, ambulance representative Laszlo Horvath, police Sgt. Adam Hampton, fire department rep Lt. Barry Peterson, and school board rep Nicole Klas. Schneider told Pascack Press on June 2, “It went really well! We had a lot of participants this year, a lot of new and returning artists.” She estimated the number at two dozen and said they brought “a multitude of submissions.” She said word of mouth was effective, and “the committee has been making a lot of relationships.” “A lot of our participants were older, which was nice. It wasnʼt just school-age children. We had people from all over, as far as Lyndhurst.” Schneider said the committee is aiming for a fall event as well. “It just depends on what kind of feedback we get from our outreach.” Two of the participating artists made a particularly huge

Letters: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

lature has made available to qualifying property owners. However, there are far more residents and business owners adversely impacted by preventable flood events who do not qualify for these programs and who will necessarily remain in harmʼs way. S-790 and A4100 are their best hope at relief. Additionally, and closer to home, we support Senator Holly Schepisiʼs letter of June 3, 2022, urging Gov. Murphy to immediately order Veolia to roll back the water level at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir from “Summer” mode of 95 feet, to “Winter” mode of 91 feet until further notice. That action, although temporary, would immediately reduce the threat of recurring flood problems downstream as our towns experienced on Saturday May 29, and then again on Thursday June 2. It will take pressure off the earthen dam at Oradell Reservoir which routinely spills over with the runoff coming from up north. These latest discrete flood events, both occurring within less

impression, Schneider said: Lisa Gonzalez and Generoso Del Regno, who receive services from Adler Aphasia Center. Aphasia is a language disorder that usually results from a brain injury such as a stroke, brain tumor, accident, or infection. While aphasia can affect oneʼs ability to speak, read, and write, it does not affect intellect Gonzalez wrote Pascack Press June 7, “I had my stroke in 2015. I started painting afterward. It was a way to help me communicate. I never took lessons. I taught myself. My husband bought me art supplies and motivated me to paint.” She said, “I loved being in the show. It was fantastic. I am going to do it again next year. Being in the art show made me feel like a star.” Del Regno conveyed to Pascack Press that he suffered a stroke in 2005 and had always had artistic abilities. Before his stroke he owned a tile and granite company, making mosaics and designing tiles for display inside that one week of each other, illustrate why the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir must be held at the lower elevation of 91 feet by executive order, until the Senate and Assembly bills can advance, and the regulatory regimes governing the water utilities catch up with reality. Our flood-weary residents and business owners deserve no less. Sincerely, Terry Maguire, Executive director, Pascack Valley Mayors Association — undersigned Mayor Danielle DePaola Borough of Emerson Mayor John Ruocco Borough of Hillsdale Mayor Michael Ghassali Borough of Montvale Mayor John M. Kramer Borough of Old Tappan Mayor Dianne Didio Borough of Oradell Mayor Keith Misciagna Borough of Park Ridge Mayor Glen Jasionowski Township of River Vale Mayor Peter Calamari Township of Washington Mayor Ray Arroyo Borough of Westwood Mayor Carlos Rendo Borough of Woodcliff Lake

Artists, friends, and family at the Hillsdale Free Public Library for the borough Access For All Committee’s Second Annual ‘Spring is in the Air’ Art Show. (Courtesy photos)

and outside homes. He also was a semi-professional soccer player in Germany and served in the military in Italy for four years. He paints at home and at Adler Aphasia Center. Asked how it was for him to participate in Hillsdaleʼs Access for All Committeeʼs 2nd Annual Art Show, he said he was excited to show his paintings. “Felt very proud.” Meredith Gemeiner, support group facilitator and outreach manager for Adler Aphasia Center, told Pascack Press that the center is a post-rehabilitative therapeutic program that addresses the long term needs of people with aphasia and their families through a variety of innovative group-based activities. “Typically, when someone is diagnosed with aphasia, they will receive individual speech therapy, in both in-patient and outpatient settings. Due to insurance limitations, people are often discharged from individual therapy just a few months after acquiring their aphasia,” she said.

The Adler Aphasia Center is a non-profit organization with full-service facilities based in Maywood, West Orange, and Toms River. It offers smaller Aphasia Communication Groups in nine other locations throughout the state and one virtual group for state residents.. For his part, library director Dave Franz said it was a pleasure to have the boroughʼs Access for All group enjoy the library. “Itʼs great to be open and be useful again. We have a meeting room and we lined the walls — itʼs open to any artist or collectors. We like to have an exhibit in there every month — we had some sculpture and 3-D artworks in our display cases. As far as I could tell everyone really enjoyed it.” The library has a new exhibit in place: paintings by Jeanne Beusser of Paramus — and a collection of dolls in the exhibit cases. Franz said the library also displayed Hillsdaleʼs Access for

All Committeeʼs first annual art show banner — a really huge item showing off last yearʼs works — inside the library. He said “Weʼre trying to get people back to the library. Foot traffic is down. People are still hesitant, what with Covid. Weʼre giving out tote bags — weʼre trying to lure people back to using the library.” He said of the falloff, which is affecting all libraries in our area, “Thatʼs OK. It turned out 10% of everyone who had used library card last year were downloading our ebooks and audio books. So even though people were not coming into the library theyʼre still utilizing the resources that we provide. So I thought that was pretty cool.” As for the art show, he said it was a natural fit for the space. “Itʼs a small town so I attend meetings all the time and the organizers had asked if they could exhibit at the library. The library was happy to host the event — and any other artist in the area.”

EMERSON

Chamber’s Third Annual Car Show roars 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.

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Artists: Hillsdale Access for All 2nd Annual Art Show

JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Pascack Press 6.13.22

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