Pascack Press 6.21.21 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 BEST H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 14

BLESSING OF PETS

WESTWOOD/WASHINGTON TWP

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

TOWNSHIP FALCONS SOAR Out on top with sky-high, 12–2, season record

Save the date for Blessing of the Animals at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 27. SEE PAGE 18

HILLSDALE

PRIDE

MONTH AND A MAYOR’S Ruocco takes heat over alternate proclamation

VOICE

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A borough proclamation supporting Juneʼs LGBTQ+ Pride Month has led to Mayor John Ruocco preparing and issuing an alternate proclamation recognizing a July “Independence Celebration and Re-Affirmation Week.” What normally is a routine matter for a local governing body— issuing an honorary or official proclamation recognizing a cause, a week or an organization—caused the mayor on June 14 to draw a line between what he said was defending an organization or movement and advocating for it and its members.

See PRIDE on page 324

DOESN’T GET BETTER! Left to right, front to back: Brooke Becker, Laila Sayers, Hannah Andriulli, Savannah Matias, Sophie Xaka, Dina Sengos, Abigael Martinez, Emily Bruno, Izzy Arcuri, Ella Palmeri, Rosalie Mastellone, Regan Gugger, Nicole Zoback, and coaches Mike Andriulli, Jason Becker, and John Sayers. ONGRATULATIONS

the Washington Township Falcons Softball Team (Team Sayers), who won the 3/4 minors softball title at

JUNE 21, 2021

Gardener Field on Sunday evening, June 13. The Falcons beat River Edge in a 5-2 nail-biter in front of a standing-room-only crowd. HANDOUT PHOTO

The Falcons finished the season with an enviable 12-2 record, winning their last nine games.

Continued on page 14

WESTWOOD REGROUPS ON REC FEES Township of Washington youth lose ʻcourtesyʼrate

BY RACHEL COHEN OF PASCACK PRESS

The Township of Washington did not take the Borough of Westwood up on its offer to enter a shared services agreement for the boroughʼs recreation programs for this summer, but the invitation is open for fall and beyond. Meanwhile, the borough says itʼs been forced to withdraw the in-borough discount on user fees for youth coming in from the township, ending a tradition of more than a decade. On May 18, Westwoodʼs governing body passed a resolution that effectively “adds” $25 to the per-child cost, per program, for township residents taking advantage of borough recreation activities, putting them in the same category as every other town. “Be it resolved that the mayor and council hereby direct the Recreation Department to charge Township of Washington residents the non-resident recreation fees,” the resolution says. The measure passed unanimously. Member Robert Bicocchi was absent. Member Chris Montana, who spearheaded the effort to get the Township of Washington to partner on a shared service agreement for youth recreation, said he came away from his outreach disappointed. See REC on page 214

MOVING ON UP

B ck in time...

Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley Early Childhood Program held its moving up ceremony on June 15. SEE PAGE 34

At the start of the 1900s there was no graduating senior class in the Pascack Valley—in fact, there was no high school at all. Ah, but there were graduates… SEE PAGE 4

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Name HS stadium for ‘Pal’ Trause? To the editor: a silent observer to Ifield/stadium” the “naming of the football issue that has been HAVE BEEN

going on this year, a year which has been riddled with (what I consider to be) far more important and serious matters than the naming of an athletic field/stadium. While I had planned to continue being a spectator to this

debate, it has now come to my attention that there is an upcoming meeting which could potentially bring about a vote on this matter, therefore, I can stay silent no longer. While listening in to a recent board meeting, a caller, Mrs. Gerstmayr questioned the proposal by Mr. Stickel to name the field/stadium after Mr. Trause and wondered what the female athletes of Westwood Regional High School thought about the field/stadium, where they also practice and compete, being named after Mr. Trause. Would the female athletes also be in support? Mr. Stickel

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mentioned that many female athletes, including a Division 1 basketball player from Westwood High School, are in support of the field/stadium being named after Mr. Trause. Well, Iʼd like to let you know that this (former) Division 1 athlete is not in support of the field or stadium being named after Mr. Trause. Now, I want to start by saying that I am extremely appreciative of Mr. Trauseʼs service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation and to fighting for our freedom and I do not want anyone to misinterpret my gratitude and appreciation differently. It seems that to be in opposition of the naming of the field/stadium means you are anti-Vito or anti-American; this is simply untrue. To me, this matter is simply about a field/sta-

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dium being named after a fan, a fan who never competed for or attended Westwood High School. I have nothing against Mr. Trause and have nothing but respect for him and his memory; however, I am not in support of an athletic field/stadium being named after him. I am a 2004 graduate of Westwood High School, where I earned 12 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, softball, and tennis. I am also a former Division 1 softball player from Rutgers University where I earned four varsity letters. I also have two younger siblings that competed in various additional sports (volleyball, wrestling, and baseball) throughout their years at Westwood High School; however, in my familyʼs eight consecutive years attending and competing for Westwood High School (in seven different sports) we had never once heard the name Vito Trause. I first heard the name Vito about 12 years ago when I started dating my husband and we would attend my youngest brother-inlawʼs sporting events. I didnʼt understand “hiya pal” or who Vito was. You see, I was born and raised in Westwood, my husband born and raised in Washington Township. We both come from families active in the WestTownship wood/Washington sports programs, and my family never heard of Vito, but his did.

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.

In conversations with my husband, we have decided that Vito was a “Township guy,” not a “Westwood guy,” and more of a “football guy” so thatʼs why my family never heard of him growing up. Well, Westwood High School is made up of athletes from Washington Township and Westwood, athletes who represent various different sports, not just football, and that should be taken into consideration when naming the field or stadium. I do think that Vito is more well known with the more recent students and parents at Westwood High School than the older ones like me. I recently posted on the Westwood High School Alumni Facebook group to get an idea of how other alumni felt, and found that an overwhelming majority of people who responded also felt like me, especially when you consider the following: We have another veteran, Christopher Hrbek, who was killed while serving our country, and was a wrestler at Westwood High School. The Westwood Post Office was named after Chris. The wrestling gym was not. We have another veteran, Rob Romito, who was killed in a car accident while on leave from the military. He was an athlete at Westwood High School, yet nothCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Members of Stop Township Overdevelopment Projects, including residents on Ridgewood Boulevard East, have repeatedly stressed that the 3.2-acre parcel at 450 Pascack Road, adjacent to Memorial Field and Washington Elementary School, should be either rezoned or acquired via negotiation or eminent domain. But the first step for township

officials will be to make an offer, based on what weʼre told is a soon-to-be completed appraisal. The townshipʼs longtime attorney, Ken Poller, told Pascack Press in March that the township believes it has “more than enough justification for condemnation.” The negotiations to acquire the wooded parcel are likely to move along once township officials have the final appraisal report in hand, Poller said June 9. The township was awaiting one additional appraisal “component,” said Poller, before officials

can expect to receive a long-awaited report from McNerney & Associates of Glen Rock, its appraiser. Mayor Peter Calamari said acquiring the parcel—one of the townʼs last surviving woodlands— is a priority, especially given itʼs a rare piece of open space, as is the for-sale 6.4-acre Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club. The town is negotiating with swim club owners for that property, which Calamari said he worries might otherwise fall into a developerʼs hands and lead to more

multifamily housing and affordable units in the next round of Mount Laurel housing, which starts in 2025. Another concern is that a developer may wish to build a high-density housing development at 450 Pascack Road, though an effort last year by Lakos Construction Inc. to site a 48-unit senior complex was withdrawn soon

after it was proposed due to public pushback. Due to negotiations, and possible litigation should negotiations fail, details on the townshipʼs offer and resident/owner Robert Morrisʼs response may be behind closed doors, with residents scrambling for clues as to what progress is being made or

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

WESTWOOD

Westvale Park gets fitness upgrade

Westvale Park users have noticed curious construction work taking place near the childrenʼs playground. While it may look like a shallow swimming hole now, itʼs actually the site of the Westwood Recreation Departmentʼs new outdoor fitness area: a workout space with specialized equipment for adults, and kids over 10. The project is funded through a Bergen County Open Space grant and the boroughʼs Capital Improvement Fund. According to Gary Buchheister, director of Westwood Recreation, in addition to facilitating individual workouts, plans are in the works to offer outdoor fitness circuit training classes led by Westwood Recreation strength and conditioning instructors. He said heʼd have more details to share following the opening of the outdoor fitness

area in late July. “Weʼve always maintained our parks with the assistance of our Department of Public Works ensuring that walking, running, biking and playing sports can take place safely,” Buchheister told Pascack Press on June 14. He added, “However, until now, weʼve never had a dedicated area that allows for the type of fitness training that has become a part of a typical workout regimen.” The area features 10 workout apparatus stations mounted over a concrete slab covered by five inches of poured-rubber playground safety surface, which Buchheister says surpasses typical installation of outdoor equipment over mulch or playground tiles. Each piece of equipment will include a QR code that, when accessed, will play a brief video illustrating proper usage of the

apparatus. The workout circuit includes chest press, lateral pull down, vertical press, shoulder rotator, cardio walker, leg extension, knee lift station, climbing wall, bench dip and a combo fitness hub. The area is ADA accessible, as are most of the circuit stations. “If one thing has become obvious over the past year itʼs that our public parks are vital to keeping residents physically and mentally fit,” Buchheister said. He added, “We hope that by adding this outdoor equipment to Westvale Park, residents will be able to keep up their fitness goals in a cost-effective, easily accessible way, supplementing and promoting a healthy lifestyle for everyone in the borough.” For more information on other Westwood Recreation programs and upcoming events, visit westwoodnj.gov/179/recreation.

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Discover local history at museum The Pascack Historical Society invites members of the public to stop by its museum any Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Face masks are required. The Societyʼs John C. Storms Museum is located in an 1873 former chapel at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge (one block north of Park Avenue West). The barrier-free museum is home to thousands of objects, artifacts, and documents that chronicle life in the Pascack Valley as it was in past centuries. Visitors will discover a special section devoted to colonial artifacts, they will learn about why shell beads called wampum were so important in the Pascack Valley, and they will see rooms recreated to illustrate early19th century and Victorian life. The museum also has a collection of Lenape stone tools that predate European settlement. Adults are encouraged to bring their children for a unique learning experience. For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org and follow the museum on Facebook.

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS RAILROAD STATIONS The museumʼs latest exhibit highlights the railroad stations of the Pascack Valley line. Through photographs, documents, and artifacts, the exhibit will tell the story of how the coming of the railroad in 1870 helped form the Pascack Valley as we know it today, transforming our towns from isolated, sparsely populated rural hamlets into dynamic suburbs. Every train station in the valley will be highlighted (plus one that no longer exists!). The exhibit will continue into the autumn and is in addition to the museumʼs regular offerings.

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inside LIBRARY CALENDAR 12 DINING GUIDE

SCHOOL NEWS

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 HOME IMPROVEMENT 30 REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

OBITUARIES

B ck in time...

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

GRADUATES FROM ANOTHER ERA

HILLSDALE GRADUATES of 1905 are photographed with William W. Banta, who was their principal as well as the seventh and eighth grade teacher at the four-room Hillsdale Grammar School. Standing are Benjamin Klass, Charley Riley, Chester Simon, and William VanderClute. Seated are Roy Blauvelt, Kitty Storms, Banta, Elsa Vorrath, and Harold Herbert.

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER OF PASCACK PRESS

T THE START of the 1900s there was no graduating senior class in the Pascack Valley—in fact, there was no high school at all. Each town had its wooden schoolhouse, built with anywhere from one to four rooms, and these housed all kids in kindergarten through eighth grade under one roof. Before 1908 when Park Ridge High School opened, this areaʼs eighth-grade graduates who planned to continue to high school (and there werenʼt many of them) could attend the newly opened high school in Hackensack, which had graduated its first class in 1898. The eighth-grade graduates pictured on this page—above, Hillsdaleʼs from 1905, and at right, Westwoodʼs in 1900— represent class sizes that were typical for the Pascack Valley at the time. In fact, some years saw fewer graduates. In 1902, Woodcliff had two and Hillsdale had just one. These kids grew up in a Pascack Valley WESTWOOD’S EIGHTH-GRADE GRADUATES of 1900 included seven students: standing are Ella that was vastly different from our own. The Hopper, Albert Ackerman, Frank Musson and Lizzie DeBaun, and seated are Belle Ivy Brackett, region was still rural and largely undevel- Emily Wadsworth and Mabel Collignon. oped, covered in acres of farmland and forest, intersected by narrow dirt lanes that saw traffic from horses and phones, and later, as adults, airplanes, radio, and television. Any of wagons. While our children are navigating social media, Zoom them who lived a very long life might have seen a home computer. meetings, and virtual learning, in their youth these kids saw the We cannot help but imagine what these early 20th century teenagers emergence of technology like electricity, automobiles, and tele- would think about smartphones!

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

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Editor Assistant Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

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

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

DETAILS TOWARD A TOWN-OWNED POOL MIGHT SURFACE JUNE 21 TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Residents might get more information about the townshipʼs plans surrounding its bid for the 6.39-acre Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club when the council next meets, on Monday, June 21. The council had authorized Mayor Peter Calamari to negotiate for the property at $850,000. Talks have been ongoing in closed session, and itʼs not clear if that remains the purchase price. In the meantime, the private club is being advertised by the NAI James E. Hanson commercial real estate agency. No price is given on the listing. The listing is odd, as the property, at 464 Ridgewood Boulevard North, convenient to Garden State Parkway Exit 168 and Route 17, is zoned “AA” for single-family homes on half-acre lots. On April 8, after we reported that the town council had authorized Mayor Peter Calamari to offer up to $850,000, the mayor took to Facebook to share his thinking.

He said in part there was potential to store some townshipowned equipment there and that the council was committed to preserving open space. “The first use I would like to research is leaving it as a swim club. All the infrastructure is in place for it. I would like to review the numbers the existing club has to see the expenses and then estimate how much income it will need to generate,” he said. He emphasized the resolution on negotiating for the property “does not bind the town to anything yet. The town and the property owners decided to agree on a purchase price before further negotiations regarding the terms of the sale.” At a subsequent meeting, his rival for mayor this year, Councilman Michael DeSena, pressed Calamari for the origin of the $850,000 figure. Eventually Calamari said, “It was a negotiated number.” The swim club, established in 1963, is owned by its members, who pay for a share of the pool. Each share is listed at $725, which can be paid all at once or over a five-year period. Itʼs operated by

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an elected Board of Trustees. In September 2019, club copresident Loretta DeTitta told Pascack Press, in our coverage of the boardʼs financial troubles and the growing call for bond repayments, “Weʼre this tiny business. Itʼs seasonal. Weʼre struggling and need additional income, membership, whatever; itʼs really not that much. Itʼs not, in the grand scheme of things. But here we are.” She said, “When new members join, it says in the bylaws, those monies will be repaid. Or ʻwhen monies are readily available.ʼ We have no money.” She said, “We need a white knight or a queen, a white queen. That would be great.” DeTitta added at the time, “Something needs to happen. Weʼll either fold—and that means sell it to a developer, I guess—or maybe the town can assist us. That would be the two things that would happen,” she said. She added that the board had reached out to possible donors in town, but because the club isnʼt a charity any such donations would not be tax deductible. Then, like so much else disCONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Letters:

ing has been named after him. We have Barbara Luce who died in a tragic motorcycle racing accident. She played softball, basketball, and field hockey at Westwood High School; nothing is named after her. We have Ryan Henry, who was murdered in West Virginia and was a basketball player at Westwood High School. The basketball gym was not named after him. What about Hagop Minassian, also a wrestler, who died after a battle with leukemia; the wrestling gym isnʼt named after him either. We have Tyron Franklin, who was a student-athlete and former Paterson police officer who was shot and killed after being identi-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

fied as a police officer. Nothing is named after him either You see, these six individuals—and this list is not meant to be in any way exhausted— attended and competed for Westwood High School. The BOE has not named anything after them, and that is not a dig at the BOE, itʼs just a fact. Vito was a veteran and German POW, yes, and a fan, but he was not a Westwood High School athlete or alum. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to name a portion of the stands at the field after Mr. Trause; however, for the reasons previously mentioned, I have to say I am in opposition of the field/stadium being named after “our pal” Vito. Christine (Royland) Riedel Township of Washington Westwood High School Class of 2004

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Name the stadium for Vito Trause To the editor: 20 since the communityʼs initial request A to name the Westwood Regional FTER

MONTHS

High School Stadium to honor Vito P. Trause the WWRSD Board of Education has scheduled a public hearing for community members to speak on behalf of Mr. Trause and my facilities naming application that I submitted back in February to name the WRHS Stadium in his honor. The public hearing will be on Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m. in the Westwood Regional High School Campbell Auditorium. A supermajority vote (2/3 of the full board) will be required for my application to be approved. I believe it is important that the board approve my application to name the stadium after Vito Trause because of how important he was to the WWRSD community and athletic programs. Vito has impacted many students over several decades, including me. Action should be taken now so that students who played during his lifetime will have the opportunity to play at a stadium with his name on it. He supported them at all these years. This is a great way to give back to our #1 fan! Naming the stadium after Vito is important to me because he was a role model and the inspiration for my Eagle project, the Township of Washington Veterans

Memorial, next to the library. He was such a great mentor because of his unwavering support for his community and most importantly the children of Westwood and Township of Washington. He attended all sporting events for several decades simply because he enjoyed watching the games and supporting the students and the community he lived in. Not many other schools have a #1 fan as dedicated as Vito was still attending games into his 90s. As such a devoted fan, he is the only person I can think of who deserves the stadium to be named after him. The stadium has been missing a name for all these years and he is the perfect fit. He represents the best in people and is deserving of this honor. For all his support of the students of Westwood Regional High School I believe we must let his legacy live on for future generations and students at Westwood. I believe this is a great way to unite everyone in our community, something that was very special to Vito, and there is widespread support from students, our petition of more than 600 signatures recorded from graduates of the class of 1968 all the way to present students in the class of 2027. There is also widespread support from both Township and Westwood residents. Knowing Vito, he always supported the community as he could not only be found in Davidʼs Bagels or at high school and youth sports events but also at various events around town. He was very supportive of the youth in our town. I remember he came to my veterans memorial site every day I

was working on my Eagle project and he raved about all the hard work being done by my fellow scouts, volunteers, and me. I encourage residents of both Township of Washington and Westwood to come speak at Mondayʼs public hearing about how Vito impacted their life or simply show up to support the cause. Also, please consider signing the petition at tinyurl.com/vitotrausestadium. Letʼs do it for our pal! James Stickel Township of Washington Westwood High School Class of 2022

A flood of thanks in Westwood To the editor: of 4th Avenue, who have been W affected by flooding storm drains, E THE NEIGHBORS

express our sincerest thanks to Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Westwood Borough Council. After 35 years, this governing body finally acknowledged and approved a comprehensive drainage study, which was completed by Boswell Engineering. We are all very pleased to report that the work completed by Matt Donahue in February to correct the back pitch in piping has, to date, resolved our massive flooding issues. We all remain hopeful, especially after the severe rainstorm we encountered on June 8. Kim Scavo Westwood

PASCACK VALLEY

JEFF JASPER’S BASKETBALL CAMP RETURNS

Jeff Jasperʼs Basketball Camp returns for a 39th season. The camp is under the direction of Pascack Valley coach Jeff Jasper, “the winningest girls high school coach in New Jersey, with well over 1,000 career wins.” Camp runs 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday at Pascack Valley High School in the newly air conditioned gym. The three weeks of camp are June 21–24, June 28–July 1, and July 12–15. Camp is open to girls from K–12 and boys from K–7. The fee is $225 per week with discounts for sib-

lings and/or multiple weeks. The camp stresses Jasperʼs belief in the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing and moving without the ball. The main goal of Jeff Jasperʼs Basketball Camp is to make sure all the young people have fun while learning to enjoy the game. Every camper is given individual attention as the ratio of campers to counselors is 5 to 1. For registration and much more information, visit jjaspersbasketballcamp.com or call (551) 427-1030.

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Cannabis business bans pass in three towns BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Emerson, Hillsdale, and Montvale have voted to prohibit all six classes of marijuana-related businesses from opening locally citing a variety of reasons, including the need for more state guidance and regulation on such businesses. Each council voiced the possibility that they might reconsider a future cannabis business opportunity—without offering a timetable—but for now too many questions and challenges exist to allow such a business. Although the three towns banned all six types of cannabis businesses, the state legalization law allows them to opt back in at any time simply by passing an ordinance to permit a specific type of cannabis enterprise. Some local cannabis advocates urged the councils to allow retail or cultivation businesses and collect a 2% local tax on sales. Most said that residents will simply go elsewhere to purchase a legal cannabis product and that towns will miss out on tax revenue. Most public officials either did not have information on projected tax revenues or did not believe tax revenues would amount to much. Advocates, however, disputed that view, claiming that retail cannabis shops will soon be as accepted as liquor stores, but by then local officials will have missed the chance to reap tax revenues. Some reasons cited by residents and officials opposed to local cannabis businesses included

increased traffic, an alleged need for more security and police at retail stores, possible impacts on children, and the charge that cannabis is “a gateway drug” to more powerful drug usage. Under the stateʼs legalization law signed by Gov Phil Murphy on Feb. 22, municipalities have six months, or until Aug. 22, to pass an ordinance prohibiting all six types of cannabis business licenses, including cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, and delivery. Towns could also selectively permit specific types of cannabis operations. Montvaleʼs council banned all six cannabis businesses on June 10; Hillsdale passed its blanket ban on June 14, and Emerson followed suit on June 15. While all three public hearings offered diverse opinions from residents favoring and opposing recreational marijuana locally, every council member voting in the three towns voted against allowing any cannabis business. By a 5–0 vote June 15, the Borough Council approved ordinance number 1636-21 to prohibit all six classes of cannabis from operating in town. No public comments were made by Mayor Danielle DiPaola or the council upon ordinance adoption. Similar to other Pascack Valley towns, the ordinance was adapted based on a sample ordinance provided by the State League of Municipalities (SLOM), a nonprofit advocacy organization for New Jerseyʼs 565 towns and cities. Emersonʼs ordinance noted that the SLOM and New Jersey Institute of Local Government

Eme rs o n

Attorneys “have strongly urged that, due to the complexity and novelty of the act,” the most prudent course of action for all municipalities, whether or not generally in favor of cannabis or medical cannabis land development and uses, would be to prohibit all such uses within the actʼs 180-day period in order to ensure sufficient time to carefully review all aspects of the act and its impacts.

Although Hillsdale unanimously approved its ban on six classes of cannabis business, councilman Frank Pizzella stressed that the time allowed now by prohibiting cannabis should be used to think and plan for the future of cannabis locally. Hillsdaleʼs council voted, 5–0, to prohibit cannabis businesses. Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk was absent. He said the council should examine all six cannabis classes and see what might fit where including the redevelopment zone, downtown rehabilitation and farmland options. “I donʼt see it as just a blanket no, I see it as it gives us time to think it through as to what is best for Hillsdale,” said Pizzella. Resident Elan Schefflein, an attorney and former prosecutor, discounted claims that a local dispensary would lead to increased crime and noted cannabis dispensaries are tightly regulated. He said todayʼs situation with cannabis was similar to when communities did not allow liquor stores after Prohibition ended, and such businesses were considered undesirable and crime magnets. He asked members if anyone had ever even seen or visited the types of business they were banning. He said customers at cannabis shops must go through security, show identification, and can only purchase a specific quantity of items while those who enter a liquor store can buy whatever quantity of alcohol they want to. He said alcohol was “also one of the leading causes of domestic violence.” He called the banning of

H i ll s da l e

state guidance is released in late summer or fall. Ghassali said he spoke with Paramusʼs mayor, who favors hosting a cannabis business. He said he was told that Paramusʼs highways such as Route 4 and Route 17 “lends itself to a dispensary.” Ghassali did not cite the proximity of the Garden State Parkway to new retail shops at S. Hekemian Groupʼs Workplace North Market or Shoppes at DePiero Farm. Carolee Adams showed a book by Kavin A. Sabet, Ph.D., that described the problems with marijuana and she called the local ordinance outlawing cannabis “very reasonable, very wise.” She said in Colorado that people with medical marijuana cards were selling pot to younger friends without such cards. She charged “high potency pot” as available nowadays often leads to “addiction, psychosis and even suicide.” Councilman Douglas Arendacs clarified that the ordinance did not prohibit the use of medical marijuana though Montvale does not permit medical marijuana dispensaries. Arendacs said he would wait to see the stateʼs “playbook” after the Aug. 22 deadline but noted he considered cannabis “a gateway drug” that could also cause local security and traffic issues. Arendacs said he would “be irresponsible” if he voted for a local cannabis business and said it was “completely false” that the borough would miss out on tax revenues. Councilman Dieter Koelling said it would be “amazing folly of us” to approve a local cannabis business without more guidance from the state. Several out-of-town advocates called in to urge the council to consider including marijuana dispensaries, and especially medical cannabis dispensaries, as essential businesses in town. Some advocates criticized the borough for not allowing easy access for wheelchair-bound and those with chronic conditions who cannot travel long distances for legal cannabis.

cannabis businesses “an attack against the freedom of Americans, plain and simple.” He said, “as Republicans you should be for American businesses coming into our downtown and revitalizing it...If nothing else, do this for your own political future because we know this is going to be overturned,” he said. Resident Lisa Trager read a letter she sent to Pascack Press, noting that going to a marijuana dispensary was “like going to a gourmet food store.” She said leaving cannabis dispensaries to operate only in urban areas “perpetuates racial bias and the notion that only poor neighborhoods will have these types of stores. We should not let this opportunity pass, perpetuating the myth that these stores only invite the worst type of people and put our town at risk simply denies the reality,” Trager said. Borough Business Administrator Chris Tietjen said the municipal managersʼ association was exploring the six cannabis businesses and potential revenues and he would provide updates.

Resident Jarret Schumacher, a previous council candidate, demanded to know whether the ordinance prohibiting all six cannabis classes also banned the sale of vape pens, which he said can also be used to smoke marijuana pods. Previously this year, Schumacher said he favored a local cannabis business in town and urged members to consider it. When told the ordinance did not ban vape pens by Borough Attorney Joseph Voytus, Schumacher snapped, “Thereʼs tons of revenue, just look at any other state.” He also wanted to know if the ordinance banned either CBD products or hemp-based products and was told that it did not. Neither product contains THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that produces euphoria or a high feeling. Mayor Michael Ghassali called current state cannabis guidelines “vague” and said the issue can be reviewed when further

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Councilwoman Desserie Morgan advises that parents and coaches not depend on the townʼs lightning detection system, which it shares with two other municipalities and two school districts. Meanwhile, the townʼs business administrator has added a town-owned lightning detection system purchase to regular project tracker updates. The mayor says the purchase is on a priority list. Members at the June 9 council meeting suggested the system, shared with Westwood, Emerson, and the Emerson and Westwood Regional school districts, wasnʼt reliable. Moreover, they worried whether it should be trusted to warn coaches, parents and sports teams about a possible lightning threat from fast-moving summer storms. The governing body next meets Monday, June 21. According to the town website, the alarm system, from Strike Guard Lightning Warning System, consists of a horn and a strobe light, covering an area of roughly

700 yards. “When lightning up to 10 miles away is detected the signals will be activated. The detector, located centrally at Westwood Regional Middle School, will send a signal to remote devices located in all participating Pascack Valley municipalities. This system consists of a solar panel, a detection box, sirens, speakers and strobe lights,” the site reads. Residents also had the option of receiving an email or text alert when the system is activated. In February, the township paid $2,975 to Commercial Recreation Specialists Inc. for renewing a start-up and maintenance plan for 2021, records show. The town referred further inquiries to school district Business Administrator Keith Rosado. In summer 2020, the council was surprised to learn that the system had been turned off sometime that May due to construction at Westwood Regional Middle School, in the borough. The district had notified the township administration, but this alert was not then relayed to township residents. Mayor Peter Calamari said later he did not realize the detection system shutdown at the mid-

dle school had shut down the entire system; had he known that, he said, he would have promptly communicated that to the residents and the council. At the June 9 council meeting, Council President Stacey Feeney said she had heard that the lightning detection system was not working properly and she contacted Rosado to check on the system. She said June 9 that Rosado ran a system report that showed two lightning strikes recorded on May 26. Rosado said the company checked the system and had assured him that it was operating effectively. On May 26, the township posted a notice on the Township Taxpayers Group Facebook page noting, “Lightning Detectors are NOT currently working on Township fields. Please stay OFF the fields until further notice.” However, commenters below the notice said alarms had gone off at Memorial and Gardener fields. Rosado told Pascack Press June 11 that the system appeared to be operating fine, as alarms had gone off at several fields in the township on May 26, per Facebook reports. He noted that the system alarms when lightning strikes

within 10 miles of the detection systemʼs base at the district middle school. He said it seemed to be working well in Emerson and Westwood. The lightning detection system was purchased by the township and the boroughs of Westwood and Emerson, plus the Emerson and Westwood Regional school districts. All five partners must pay their own annual maintenance costs to keep their systems functioning, he said. Rosado noted that signs posted in Westwood by the district read, Attention: This field is equipped with a lightning detection system. If siren sounds and strobe light is on lightning in area. The sign also advises, Take appropriate action to ensure safety and notes that when the siren sounds again and the strobe light stays off, it is safe to return. It was not clear if these signs were also posted in the township. Rosado said that the district assumes no liability for lightning strikes, noting the sign states, Weather conditions can change. This system is not an absolute protection. Please use common sense. New Jerseyʼs first lightning fatality of 2021 occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on June 9 when a 70-

year-old man was struck at the Burlington Country Club in Westampton Township, between the courseʼs sixth and seventh holes. It was the first state lightning fatality since 2012, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. The death was also the first lightning death nationwide in 2021. Later that day, Councilman Michael DeSena said he spoke with Township Administrator Robert Tovo when he heard that detection systems in Cresskill and Emerson were detecting lightning in the area. He said, however, that the townshipʼs system was not detecting it. “Somethingʼs still not right” with the system, DeSena said then. DeSena said his Spark lightning detection app showed lightning within 6 miles of the township. He said the local lightning alarms had not been activated. Feeney noted that Rosado said the system was supposed to sound an alert on any lightning strikes within 10 miles of its sensors in Westwood. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

LIGHTNING ALERT SYSTEM CONCERNS: COUNCIL EXPLORES GOING SOLO

10 WESTWOOD

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Westwood Softball Association awards scholarships to four

Congratulations to four highachieving graduating seniors just named as the recipients of 2021 college scholarships awarded through the Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund. Isabelle Abou-Daoud, Sophia Barone, Samantha Di Bari, and Claudia Hastings are the four young ladies just awarded onetime $500 scholarships intended to offset their freshman tuition. The girls learned of their awards on Wednesday, June 9 at Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High

Schoolʼs annual Senior Awards Night. The Westwood Softball Association told Pascack Press on June 14 that its goals with the Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund include promoting positive experiences among the female youth population in Westwood; instilling courage, confidence, teamwork, and pride; and providing “a solid foundation from of which the girls can grow into positive female role models for the generations that follow.”

Applicants were required to demonstrate leadership both on and off the softball field, and were required to have: • Participated in the Westwood Softball Association as youth • Maintained certain GPA and academic coursework requirements • Demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and their community, and • Provided three letters of recommendation and an essay and

personal statement outlining how their experiences with youth sports and volunteerism helped shape their life experiences. The award winners are also required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during their first semester of college prior to the scholarship funds being formally disbursed. The Westwood Softball Association in conjunction with the Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund Committee held fund-raising activities including a day with the Rockland Boulders Frontier League baseball team and a consistent presence at the Westwood Farmersʼ Market. These events, plus direct donations from the public, helped fund the scholarship awards, the association told Pascack Press. The Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund Committee said it thanks the Westwood Softball Association Board of Directors and the Borough of

Westwood for its support of youth sports, and the Westwood High School Guidance Department for their assistance in administering the application process. The Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund is chaired by Westwood Softball Association President Mike Meisten. He said, “The five-votingmember selection committee is composed of individuals associated with the Westwood Softball Association and/or otherwise dedicated Westwood residents keen on assisting the female youth of today becoming the leaders of tomorrow.” For more information about, or to knock in welcome contributions for, the Westwood Softball Association Scholarship Fund, write westwoodsoftball@gmail.com. — Staff report

EMERSON

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Congregation Bʼnai Israel is accepting applications for 2021–2022 Hebrew School. The Hebrew School, which begins in September, offers a strong Hebrew and Judaic curriculum for grades K–8 that is innovative, fun, and educational. The two-day-a-week program (Sundays and Tuesdays) includes instruction in reading Hebrew, learning to read and chant the prayers, and gaining skills to lead their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and beyond. The Judaic curriculum

includes the study of Jewish Holidays, Israel, the Holocaust (for older students), and Jewish History, culture, and identity. The schoolʼs K-2 “Prozdor” program meets on Sundays for two hours. For more information about the Hebrew School or all that the temple has to offer, write office@bisrael.com or call (201) 265-2272. Congregation Bʼnai Israel is an innovative Conservative temple at 53 Palisade Ave. For more information visit bisrael.com.

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

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

LIBRARY CALENDAR: VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • In-person event: Magical Melodies for ages 2–4 will be live on the libraryʼs front lawn Monday, June 21 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Outdoor show features Mr. Chris and his rockinʼ guitar, highenergy songs, dance, instruments. Register on the libraryʼs website. • Baby & Me, for little ones newborn to 2, is live from the libraryʼs Facebook page Tuesday, June 22 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. An introduction to songs, dance and fingerplays with stuffed animals and rhymes. • In her Zoom program “Declutter for Summer,” bestselling author and organizer Jamie Novak will give tips to tidy up and get more done this season. Leave this laugh-out-loud funny program with an action plan and a sense of calm as you tackle your to-do list. On Zoom Wednesday, June 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online.

HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • In-person event: Eyes of the Wild, a live animal program for kids, will take place Thursday, June 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. outdoors on the library patio. Bring a towel or mat to sit on. • Work off those extra COVID19 pounds in a fun and socially distant way with Zumba! Every Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Janet Weller, certified personal trainer, leads this dance-based workout via Zoom. Register online.

MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • Visit the libraryʼs website to sign up for the Kids Summer Reading program. For all ages. A trail map will guide kids through their reading process as they log their books this summer. Plenty of prize pitstops and raffles will reenergize along the way. • Join the Montvale Libraryʼs Adult Summer Reading program either by picking up a bingo card at the library or online at montvale.readsquared.com. Ends with a grand prize drawing for a $100 gift card to the Montvale vendor of your choice. • The Cookbook Supper Club will meet to discuss “Rodney Scottʼs World of Barbecue” by Rodney Scott via Zoom on Monday, June 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Email therese.jones@montvale.bccls.org to register. • In-person event: Yoga for Beginners (outside class) continues on Monday, June 21 from 7–8 p.m. Certified yoga instructor Trish Corbett teaches this class on the libraryʼs lawn. Weather permitting. Bring your own mat. • 1967 was a year of extremes. The Beatles release “Sgt. Pepper,” Jimi plays Monterey, riots in the streets in the U.S., the Middle East erupts, the space program loses three astronauts, anti-war protests ramp up, and a heart is successfully transplanted. Turn on, tune in, drop out

and join in a virtual history lecture—“1967: Summer of Love or Not?”—on Thursday, June 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Register online for access. • During Bedtime Stories with Ms. Mary, little ones ages 3–5 hear special stories that will relax and get them ready for bed. Virtual program meets Thursday, June 24 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.

PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Register for Summer Reading and enjoy books from the library all season long. Log your books for prizes from Miss Renee. Visit parkridge.bccls.org to register and print out reading logs from home. • Storytime with Miss Renee, a weekly program for children through preschool age, is live on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. • Storytime with Miss Sherri is every Thursday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Stories, songs and craft for little ones. • Take-and-Make Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Miss Renee walks kids through a fun craft at home. You must call the library the Monday–Thursday before the craft to reserve your craft kit and it must be picked up that day. All ages. • Book It! Club with Miss Eileen is live on the libraryʼs Facebook page on Saturdays from 10 to

10:30 a.m. Stories, science and more geared towards kids in primary grades.

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • River Vale Libraryʼs Summer Reading Challenge for children, tweens, and teens starts the week of June 21. Visit rivervalelibrary.beanstack.org to register. Read all summer long to win a prize and enter to win one of the grand raffle prizes! • The Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins June 21. The more you read this summer, the more entries you can earn for the grand prize giveaway. Visit rivervalelibrary.org/adult-summerreading-challenge for details and to register. • This week brings a Summer Craft-to-Go for River Vale residents in grades Pre-K to 5. For the week of June 21, stop by the library to pick up a hanging trapeze animal craft to take home. One per child; supplies limited. • Award-winning, nationally syndicated cartoonist Rick Stromoski presents a kidsʼ Cartooning Workshop via Zoom on Tuesday, June 22 from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Grades 3–7. Rick will show you how to create a variety of furry, hooved, and feathered animal friends. All you need is plenty of paper and something to draw with! Sign up online. • Take a virtual journey to the land of spices during a Culture Club presentation on India, via Zoom on Tuesday, June 22 from

7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Deepti Darapureddy, a member of the Montvale library ESL program, will be sharing a slideshow presentation. • The Virtual Travel Series presents “Poland: The Remnants and Revival of Jewish Life,” a Zoom presentation, on Wednesday, June 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. Poland once had the largest Jewish community in the world. Explore the large cities of Warsaw and Krakow as well as some small towns. Learn what the current Polish view is on their role in the Holocaust. Discover the Jewish Cultural Festival that takes place in Krakow every summer. Register online. • Animal Tales with the Bergen County Zoo will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 24 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Ages 4 and up. Learn about what makes an animal a mammal, listen to a story, have a virtual visit with an animal, and play some interactive games. Sign up online. • The Virtual Knit & Crochet Club will meet on Zoom Friday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring a project to work on and chat with other members. New members of all skill levels are welcome. Register online for access. TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • The Summer Reading program runs June 25 through Sept. 3, with separate offerings for kids (through grade 5), teens (grade 6 and up), and adults. Visit the libraryʼs website for CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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Save the date for Park Ridge Recreation summer multisports camps for kids grades K–7 in June, July, and August. Park Ridge Recreation is offering TGA Sports Camps at Davies Memorial Field as follows: • Extended Camp: June 26–July 30, noon to 3:30 p.m. (off on July 5, and canceled for inclement weather). • August Multisports Camps Aug. 2–20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Full and half-day sessions offered. Sign up today at: http://bergencounty.playtga.com/ go/praug21 or call (201) 3757406. Registration closes June 21. For more information call Park Ridge Recreation at (201) 5731800 ext. 521.

PARK RIDGE

Sign up for Extra Innings Tournament, Aug. 7 that he admired in Kyle: sportsmanship, coachability and the 100% effort he gave to his teammates and coaches,” Troy told Pascack Press. Members of the community, notably Anita and Randy Green

(Kyleʼs parents), along with PRHS and town administrators, are organizing a day of softball and cornhole thatʼs open to all. Troy says heʼs hoping for a successful day of community bonding, fundraising, and lots of

fun. He and his sister Julia would love to see this become an annual event to help support local charities and perhaps an annual scholarship. Sign-ups for softball and corn hole teams are underway. Entry

costs are $300 per softball team of nine to 11 players or $30 per individual player. Itʼs $50 per pair for cornhole For more information visit extrainnings1624.com or The Extra Innings Group on Facebook.

THE PROJECT ORIGINATED with youth baseball coach Michael Taber, who wanted to honor the memory of Kyle Green.

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Park Ridge is the place to be for sports, food, raffles, and more on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Davies Field. The Extra Innings Tournament is a fundraiser created to honor beloved Park Ridge residents Kyle Green and Michael Taber. Registration is open for individuals, pairs and teams to participate in a pair of day-long tournaments of softball and cornhole. The deadline for registration is June 30. Proceeds from the benefit will used used to fund the Green Monster Project, a 10-foot by 100-foot green screen that will be installed atop the home run fence at the Park Ridge varsity baseball field. The project originated with Michael Taber, a lifelong resident and a youth baseball coach, who wanted to honor the memory of Park Ridge High School baseball player Kyle Green, who passed away Jan. 1, 2019. Coach Taber did not live to see his vision brought to life. He passed away unexpectedly in February. Now his son, Troy, is continuing the work to make his dream a reality. “My father envisioned an installation that would serve as a memorial to recognize the qualities he encouraged in all his players and

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Westwood Charity Golf Outing Sept. 9

The Westwood Charity Golf Outing will return in 2021 and the 25th annual Outing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Valley Brook Golf Course. The committee says that members are planning on hosting the Outing in the same manner they have for many years: in a manner

that has made it an anticipated fall tradition. Over the past 24 years, the WCGO has raised and distributed more than $125,000 for local charities. Since 2006, it has been presenting college scholarships to deserving Westwood resident high school seniors who are West-

Falcons: Champs They were a perfect 4-0 in the tournament, outscoring their opponents, 29-15. The Falconsʼ win is an impressive achievement considering the competition they faced in the 32-team league. This Falcons squad saved their best for last, combining key plays in the field

FROM PAGE 1

with timely hitting to secure the championship. Township booster Jim Dugan wrote, “The support from the town, family, and friends was incredible, giving off energy that made the win extra special. This special group of girls and coaches will never forget this championship run.”

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woodʼs future leaders. Despite the Outing being cancelled last year, the WCGO received contributions from Richard Breitweiser, David Rutherford, Thomas DeVita, John Colin, Beth Dell, Ray Albano, Grace Damino (a non-participant who simply wanted to help out), and Gary Vinci, as well as co-

founders Skip Kelly and Peter Grefrath. Said the Outingʼs Peter Grefrath, “The result permitted us to give out a $2,000 scholarship to a senior from the class of 2020.” This yearʼs winner is Abigail Hill of Westwood High School. Grefrath said the committee plans to distribute its annual letter

to former participants in early July. For an application or information about the WCGO, write westwoodcgo@gmail.com. The WCGO organizers would like to maintain the Outingʼs positive momentum, thank everyone for their continued support, and look forward to a successful 2021 Outing.

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Mini-golf, monsters, music and more continue to roll

Starting with the first monstrous putt in 2008, Monster Mini Golf locations in Paramus and Fairfield have been setting the standard for excellent family entertainment in their communities. Monster Mini Golf is a fun, affordable, upbeat experience for humans of all ages. The kiddos, teens, young adults, parental units and even hip grandparents who visit are proof that mini golf is for everyone. Monster Mini Golf is an indoor Family Entertainment Center featuring an 18-hole glow-inthe-dark miniature golf course complete with an on-course DJ, bowling, two lushly decorated private birthday party and event rooms and a state of the art arcade that includes Giant Space Invaders, Walking Dead and Giant Pac-Man. As you enter the golf course, the beaming blacklights bring to life local witty, comical and relatable pop culture artwork belonging to the local area, surrounding cities and the state of New York, as well as the exciting animatronic monsters. From spooky purple trees to an enormous green ogre, the array of monstrous characters is impressive. To create an energetic soundtrack to the experience, upbeat music pours out of their own Weird Radio station. The haunted mansion party rooms are ideal for any event, including birthdays, company events and bar/bat mitzvahs. Monster Mini Golf offers affordable, socially distanced safe, family-friendly fun and adheres to

all state and local COVID 19 guidelines. Open seven days a week, all year round. Being indoors means that weather is never an issue. Located at 49 East Midland Ave., Paramus, 194 US 46 East, Fairfield and a new location at 221 Market St. Unit 2950, in Ridge Hill Mall, Yonkers, N.Y. Monster Mini Golf®, licensed by Monster Entertainment, is corporate based out Las Vegas. They

are an international franchise with 28 locations open or in development in the United States and Canada, including a KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® (the legendary Rock Band), and Twilight® Zone by Monster Mini Golf® (the classic television series) as flagship casino locations in Las Vegas. For more in-depth information, visit monsterminigolf.com.

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STUDENTS DAVIES, GLOCK LAND GOLDEN SENIORS SCHOLARSHIPS BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Congratulations to two local high school seniors who, through their general excellence and outstanding commitment to the community, have been awarded $1,000 scholarships from The Golden Seniors of the Township of Washington. The awards are based on scholarship, extra-curricular activities, volunteer service, and financial need. Applicants also must submit an essay. The winners this year:

Danielle Davies and Brett Glock, both of Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School. According to The Golden Seniors: Davies is a member of the national, English, Spanish, and science honor societies and has been on the Honor Roll with distinction. As a varsity bowler, she earned First Team All-League, Second Team All-County, and Third Team All-State honors. She played three years of varsity softball. She was first chair trombonist in the Pit Orchestra, president of the American Sign Language Club, and was active in the Culinary Club.

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Danielle Davies

Her community-based activities included being a Girl Scout in Troop 1419 from K through 12th grade. Summer employment included life-guarding at the Washington Township and Pascack Valley swim

Brett Glock

clubs. She will attend Virginia Tech to pursue agricultural studies, an interest she started in her own back yard. Glock is an honor roll student and a varsity athlete on the lacrosse and bowling teams. He is also a

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member of the robotics, environmental, and ski clubs, and the yearbook staff. Through his association with the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department as a junior firefighter, he has volunteered his services to numerous township activities including the Munchkin Halloween Parade, Easter egg hunt, Santa runs, Fire Department parades, and Town Day. He has extended his services to many Knights of Columbus fundraising events. As an American Red Crosscertified Lifeguard, he has worked at both the Pascack Valley and Washington Township swim clubs. He will attend Florida Institute of Technology to study aeronautical engineering. On behalf of Golden Seniors President Jim Joyce, the scholarship awards were presented at the Westwood Regional High School Awards Night, June 9. In sharing the news with Pascack Press on June 14, Joyce conveyed his congratulations to the recipients, as well as the organizationʼs thanks to the Golden Seniors who contributed to the scholarship fund. The Golden Seniors of the Township of Washington was founded, in 1982, as its bylaws read, “to provide wholesome recreation and pastimes that create outlets and diversions to uplift morale above the daily routine.” The organization says on its web page, “As with any organization, the need for new members to keep it fresh is the why we are reaching out to the ʻyoungerʼ (60 and older) seniors who reside in the Township to join us.”

Feeney said she would forward the companyʼs report that was sent to Rosado to all members, but stressed she feared the system was not working correctly. She said she was recently on the field and although she witnessed a lightning strike close by, the systemʼs alarms did not sound. DeSena wondered if members might photograph their phone app images of threatening storms with embedded lightning that did

not cause alarms as evidence the system did not work well. Feeney instead urged members to email Westwood Regional board members to urge Rosado to get the system fixed. Morgan said that parents and coaches should not depend on the lightning detection system. DeSena noted that the council had considered purchasing its own system and Calamari said such a system was on the current capital expensesʼ “priority list.” Tovo told Feeney he would

add the lightning detection system purchase to regular project tracker updates. Whether a town has a lightning detection warning system or not, two federal agencies offer lightning safety tips online. “Lightning causes thunder! Energy from a lightning channel heats the air briefly to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, much hotter than the surface of the sun. This causes the air to explode outward,” states the National Severe Storms Laboratory website, part

of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Because light travels through the air roughly a million times faster than sound does, you can use thunder to estimate the distance to lightning. Just count the number of seconds from the time you see a flash until you hear thunder. Sound travels approximately one fifth of a mile per second or one third of a kilometer per second, so dividing the number of seconds by 5 gives the number of

miles to the flash,” according to the NSSL. The National Weather Service offers tips for staying safe during lightning storms. The NWS notes that lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times per year, mostly in summer. Lightning kills 20 to 30 people per year. About 300 per year are severely injured. The town council said 14 state residents were killed by lightning statewide since 2006.

rupted by the pandemic, the club was forced to cancel its 2020 season. We reached out to the clubʼs board for comment for this story

and did not hear back. If the town takes over as owner/operator as a public good, presumably it would form a public utility board to oversee it, and borrow for the purchase and any essential repairs. There is no such

board in place now, and itʼs not clear all on the council are in favor of retaining the facilityʼs leadership. There is no feasibility study we are aware of informing the townʼs at least initial offer of

$850,000. Listing talks up location The property listing, by NAI James E. Hanson, notes the property is offered on an exclusive basis and is improved with an Olympicsized pool, a kiddie pool, a large clubhouse, and a food concession area. The property is served by public water, sewer, electricity, and gas. The listing description states the property is zoned AA and permitted for single-family homes as of right. The description also notes nearby and prominent stores, hospitals, and schools, and adds that the property is an “ideal location for single family, townhouses, 55plus living or assisted living.”

It is zoned neither for townhouses nor senior living congregate homes, and does not lie within the townʼs affordable housing overlay zone. The listing notes the property is assessed at $1,382,600 and pays annual property taxes of approximately $34,357. On June 9, Calamari promised to update the council and likened secrecy around the issue to a home or car buyer not revealing their negotiation strategy. He said when negotiations have “gotten far enough along that it requires a vote, the council must vote on the issue at a public session.” — With John Snyder

FROM PAGE 9

Pool: Private club couldn’t succeed. What’s next? FROM PAGE 5

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Seed library is on the grow!

FUN IN THE SUN: Tax map shows the site of the attractive 6.39-acre private swim and rec club.

The River Vale Library is proud to announce the launch of its new Seed Library. Request a variety of herb, vegetable, and flower seeds to plant and grow at home. The Seed Library offers free seeds and resources for planting, growing, harvesting, and seed saving. The library says, “Our Seed Library is about empowering community members to grow their own

food, and reconnecting the community to the outdoors and the tradition of growing tasty, healthy food. Check with the River Vake Public Library on books about gardening. Donors are Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Burpee High Mowing Organic Seeds, Hudson Valley Seed Company, and Territorial Seed Company. For more information, visit rivervalelibrary.org/seed-library.

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Lightning: Township explores a system of its own

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide WOODCLIFF LAKE

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Save the date for Blessing of the Animals at Christ Lutheran Church, Sunday, June 27 at 10 a.m., 32 Pascack Road. CLC says, “Come to our annual summer celebration as we bless the special pets in our lives! Worship will be held outdoors (weather permitting) or in our large fellowship hall. All animals (and their humans) are welcome.” It adds, “We know our pets are more than just pets. They are members of our families. Weʼll honor the special grace God has given us through the amazing cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish in our lives.” The invitation reads, “If your pet is unable to attend or is not comfortable in large crowds, please bring a photo (a picture on your smartphone works great!) and Pastor Marc A. Stutzel will offer a blessing.” “For those who canʼt attend in-person worship,” the church says, “weʼll offer a special blessing during our online worship held at the same time. You can join online by visiting our facebook page (facebook.com/clc4u) or visiting our website at clc4u.com. For more information, call (201) 391-4224 or write clc4u2@verizon.net. Christ Lutheran Church

serves Woodcliff Lake and Northern Bergen County. Since 1959, CLC feeds the faith and body of the wider community. A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),

its 338 members “share Christʼs love wherever we can. We are worshipping indoors, online, and via conference call at 10 a.m. on Sunday.”

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

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Greater PV chamber to honor Laughton, McLaughlin Oct. 14

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner, honoring recipients for their selfless contributions to the Pascack Valley, is set for Oct. 14, and youʼre invited. Bill McLaughlin and Scott Laughton have been selected as Citizens of the Year for 2021.

Scott Laughton Laughton was born in California; his parents, Mary and David, moved the family to Park Ridge when he was very young. Scott grew up in Park Ridge with his brother, Bruce, and sister, Kimberly, who also still live in the Pascack Valley area. He attended the Park Ridge schools and graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1987 and attained the rank of Eagle Scout from BSA Troop 80 of Park Ridge. After a year in college, Laughton decided that he needed direction, so he joined the U.S. Army. He is a two-tour veteran of the Persian Gulf War. After the Army, Laughton worked as a police officer for 25 years. During his final years with the police department, Laughton decided to return to college and in 2016, earned a degree in nursing from Bergen Community College. Upon retirement from the Park Ridge Police Department in 2019, he embarked on a new career path, as a registered nurse, joining Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck in December 2019. Then, Covid-19 became a global pandemic and Laughton continued his frontline work, this time in that fight. Due to his background and training in dealing with crises, he was made the charge nurse of the Covid unit day shift. Laughton resides in Ramsey and is the father of two teen boys: Andrew, 16, is a wrestler at Ram-

sey High School. Finlay, 13, is a middle school lacrosse player.

Bill McLaughlin McLaughlin is very active in supporting several area nonprofit organizations. A Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board Trustee, he is a founder and the chairman of the board for The Jillian Fund. He has served as chair or committee member, responsible for raising funds and awareness, for Christian Health Care Center, Tackle Kids Cancer, Westchester Hospice, Girl Scout Heart of the Hudson and United Hospice of Rockland County. He resides in Montvale with his wife, Kristina, and two daughters: Sofia and Isabella. McLaughlin is senior vice president of Major Account and Strategic Sales at The Kaseya Companies, a global leader in technology automation and security software solutions. Prior to Kaseya, he was executive vice president and chief technology officer at Atlantic, Tomorrowʼs Office, a provider of office automation solutions and one of the largest privately held technology companies in the United States. He also held leadership roles at several top-tier office technology companies, including NER Data Corp, Parts Now, and Allied Office Products. The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce (GPVCOC) said in its announcement, “One of the things that makes the Pascack Valley such a wonderful place to live and work are those who actually reside here. One of many activities the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce has the pleasure of sponsoring is the annual Citizen of the Year Awards. Each year, the GPVCOC honors a person (or persons) who the Chamber feels

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exemplifies good citizenship and shows an admirable commitment to the community.” Information on ticket sales, journal ads, and donations will be Scott Laughton

available shortly via email from GPVCOC@gmail.com. The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce (GPVCOC) is a 501(c)(3) tax Billl McLaughlin

exempt, non-profit organization comprised of business organizations and professionals working together to enhance our community. It says, “Together, we can foster an environment that leads to increased growth in our businesses and neighborhoods. As concerned individuals working together at the GPVCOC, we can foster a vital and responsive chamber of commerce, which results in a better return for business, professional and industrial development.” A portion of the dinner profits will be donated to the recipientsʼ choice of charities and a portion will be used to fund the annual scholarships for deserving seniors at all Pascack Valley-area public high schools.

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Westwood Farmers’ Market open on Saturdays

Youʼre invited to the Westwood Farmersʼ Market, conveniently located in the parking lot of the Columbian Club/St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council at 2188 at 40 Crest St. The market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Do Re Me Farm is the local

organic farmer with the freshest seasonal produce around. Artisans youʼll find at the market include: • Smokinʼ Joeʼs (201 Magazine Best of Bergen 2021 winner, BBQ & Signature Sandwich) • Best Damn Lemonade • Three Charmed Gems • Elixir Kitchensʼ Gourmet

PARK RIDGE

2021 Summer Concert/Dinner Series

Save the date for these fun summer activities at Veterans Park Gazebo, 84 Park Ave., across from the train station. All times are 6:30 to 8 p.m. • July 1: No Discipline (reggae) • July 8: The Big Ones (rock ʻnʼ roll) • July 15: Abe Ovadia (jazz with a modern twist) • July 22: Sheridan Ruitin (New York suburbia Irish music) • July 29: The Al's (folk, country, original hits, more) • Aug. 5: Tim Gysin: (hits from 1960s–today) • Aug. 12: DJ Anthony (summer favorites and requests) • Aug. 19: The Kootz (rock ʻnʼ roll with fiber)

• Aug. 26: Over the Waterfall: (American and something from across the pond) Bring a chair or blanket. Current New Jersey Covid-19 rules will be followed. The rain location is Davies Field Pavilion, behind Borough Hall, 53 Park Ave. For a list of participating local food businesses offering a 15% discount on eat in/takeout food, valid on all nine Summer Concert nights, on July 1 visit parkridgeboro.com. For more information call the rec at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521. The rec thanks sponsor Carolee Chirico, NJ & NY Broker Associate with Keller Williams Valley Realty, 123 Tice Blvd. Woodcliff Lake. Cell (201) 400-3259, email caroleec@kw.com.

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• The Spice Beast • Deliciously Aliciaʼs • Sweet Spot Donuts • Paoloʼs Kitchen (Italian dinners on the go) • Westwood Softball Association Additional artisans might join on a guest-appearance basis. Covid-19 health and safety guidelines are in place for everyoneʼs benefit. All monies raised by the mar-

PASCACK VALLEY

APPLICATIONS FOR BCPO CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY OPEN

Sheriff Anthony Cureton announces that applications for the 25th Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office Citizenʼs Police Academy class are open. The Citizenʼs Police Academy is a five-week course designed to give residents a working knowledge of law enforcement policies and tactics. Bergen County residents 18 and older are eligible to participate. Cureton said in the program announcement that this yearʼs Citizenʼs Police Academy comes at a crucial moment in the history of police relations in this country. “BCSO values fostering and maintaining strong relationships within Bergen Countyʼs seventy diverse municipalities as an essential component of law enforcement. The Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office

Citizenʼs Police Academy gives residents firsthand knowledge of the essential work police do while bridging ties between the community and the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office,” he said. BCSOʼs Citizenʼs Police Academy is designed to education participants on the functions of the Sheriffʼs Office and the role the agency plays in Bergen County. The academy is offered in a classroom-style format with demonstrations of equipment and tactics used by law enforcement. Participants learn about the tools officers use in a broad range of areas, including motor vehicle stops, medical operations, disaster preparedness, homicide investigations, K-9 patrol and detection, fire safety, and crime scene analysis. The class will receive tours of

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the Bergen County Jail, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI). The next Citizenʼs Police Academy class is slated to begin on Thursday, July 1 at 7p.m. at the Bergen County Jail, 160 S. River Street, Hackensack. Class meets once a week at locations around the county and culminates in a graduation ceremony. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, BCSO can accommodate only the first 20 applicants for this yearʼs academy. All classes will adhere to COVID-19 protocols. The deadline to register is Thursday, June 17. Visit bcsd.us/images/pdf/CPAApplication.pdf to download the application. For more information, call the Community Outreach Unit at (201) 336-3540.

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ket benefits “The Westwood Scholarships in Memory of Elizabeth Fasciano.” To donate, mail a check, made out to The Westwood Scholarships in Memory of Elizabeth Fasciano, to Westwood Farmersʼ Market 40 Crest St., Westwood NJ 07675. Stop by and take a look at the newly renovated catering hall. For more information on the market and/or rentals, call (201) 723-8807.

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Rec: WW seeks ‘to reduce barriers, including fees’ met with Calamari and Scudieri March 31. The correspondence shows Montana making good-faith efforts to get traction on the idea with officials in the township. After Montana sent his proposal on April 9 by email, Calamari responded that the township Recreation Advisory Board and governing body were reluctant to change the taxpayer base but were willing to discuss an agreement further with a larger audience. On May 5, Montana wrote Calamari to say he was “disappointed to hear of your board and councilʼs reluctance. As it stands … 45% of total participants are township residents. In our meeting, you and Dan [Scudieri] agreed this is not reasonable and fair; additionally, from my perspective, it is not sustainable.” Montana urged agreement the week of May 10 — prior to Westwoodʼs summer sport sign-ups and in mind of his council meeting schedule —so that township youth could benefit this summer. Calamari then wrote to Montana on May 12 in part to say “I had a lot of emails from yesterday go into my spam folder.” With no further progress, Montana showed that on May 17 he emailed Calamari “of our intention to recommend nonresident fees for summer ʼ21 and openness to continue shared services conversations for fall and beyond.” He told his council on May 18, “Our shared service liaison Beth Dell, Gary Bucchiester, and I were available to meet with their council member, recreation board member and recreation director at any time.”

Significant participation by township families In 2019–2020, Montana said 429 Westwood children and 367 township children were involved in the boroughʼs soccer, basketball, football, baseball and track and field programs. At the same time, Westwood taxpayers paid for all field maintenance; custodial work at Westvale Park and the recreation center; and mowing, seeding, clay and application, irrigation, maintenance of the irrigation system, lighting and electrical cost and maintenance, and administration. “The inequity occurs as a result of Westwood taxpayers footing 100% of the cost for field and facility costs,” Montana said. “If someone wants to call and say weʼre ready to meet with you, Iʼd be extremely happy to do so,” Montana told Pascack Press last week. “The shared service is embedded in our taxes and the entire community shares in that, so thatʼs why we felt that this was a reasonable direction to go in— and we still believe itʼs a reasonable direction to go in.” He said, “My opinion, and it was the opinion of the recreation director and the governing body as well, is that our taxpayers are footing the bill.” And, he said, “It should be reasonable to us that the town would want to enter into a shared service agreement, especially if that town canʼt reciprocate equal field time. I believe that Westwood has a greater inventory of usable parks and fields for these programs, thus township residents are utilizing our programs versus their own.” Montana said he hopes to

continue to “reduce barriers, including fees,” for Westwood programs to Township of Washington residents. We connected with Calamari for this story, but then he did not follow up on our repeated requests to set a time for an interview. Buchheister told Pascack Press on June 16, “Iʼve been the recreation director for 13 years and the one that created the programs, and instituted — well, the governing body instituted — recognizing nonresidents have to pay an additional fee for our programs.” He said, “Whether itʼs Emerson, Harrington Park, River Vale, it doesnʼt matter — now the township — anyone whoʼs a nonresident, theyʼll pay the same exact rate.” Buchhiester said that in 2018, the Township of Washington also did not agree to a shared service to offset its residentsʼ use of Westwoodʼs award-winning Forever Young over-55 program, which would have made it more widely available.

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“Township people went to their council meeting, a bunch of people, remember? And they flat out rejected them as well. So weʼre trying to be good neighbors — we have a full-service recreation department, and weʼre trying to do the best we can, but once again, our priority is to the Westwood taxpayers,” he said. The two communities share a Special Needs Activities Program and Teen Center, where there are no fee changes. On June 14, Calamari posted on his official Facebook page about the end of the townshipʼs spring season, lauding team wins. He said in part, “I would like to take a moment this morning, after yet another long and difficult year to acknowledge our youth in the township… It was a heartwarming week and a great sense of community seeing our local baseball, softball and even our little kickball teams finish up their spring seasons with incredible achievements.” — With John Snyder

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“We understand that the townshipʼs resources in terms of their fields and infrastructure are limited, so we want to work with them,” he said. He added, “If youʼre getting to use all of these services for free, theyʼre probably not in any rush to create a shared service agreement. But our taxpayers canʼt shoulder 100% of the costs to do that — itʼs unfair.” Prior to the resolution, Montana presented on his efforts, along with those of Recreation Department Director Gary Buchheister and Shared Service Committee Chair Beth Dell, to get buy-in from the Township of Washington on a three-year, $20,000 per year assessment to keep costs down for township residents while paying toward overhead. Montanaʼs related correspondence with Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari, and township recreation leadership (which Pascack Press obtained by open records request) shows Westwood worked this spring to preserve the “courtesy” in-borough rate for the township, its partner in the Westwood Regional School District. The township recreation superintendent is Dan Scudieri. Its recreation director is Eeamon Twomey. The department runs a popular lacrosse and a summer camp, and its website promotes school district and independent offerings, and carries the Westwood Recreation Department 2021 spring programs flyer. Montana said that he reached out to Calamari and Scudieri by email on Feb. 16 and March 7, expressing “concerns relative to [the Township of Washingtonʼs] use of borough fields and facilities through participation in programs run in or by the borough.” Buccheister and Montana

FROM PAGE 1

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. When you look at a line chart of an investmentʼs ERIC KOHLMEIER historical performance, one feature to note is its volatility – how frequent and how extreme the ups and downs have been. This is significant because volatility is the most commonly used measurement of an investmentʼs risk. The greater

the volatility, the riskier the investment is considered to be. If you viewed a chart comparing the stock marketʼs versus the bond marketʼs performance, youʼd see stocks have been significantly more volatile than bonds. Logically then, a 100% bond portfolio should be less risky than one including both bonds and stocks. Right? Not so fast. In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the

20-year U.S. government bond) and 33% stocks (using the S&P 500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier.

Start with the basics Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with understanding: • The relationship between risk and return • How diversification can help

manage risk and return In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs risk increases, so should its return. If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of default is low. If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant— think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Recession—and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk. Diversification is simply blending different investments in a portfolio in an effort to manage risk and return. The result is your “asset allocation.” A very simple asset allocation might include stocks, which tend to be risky but offer growth potential, and bonds, which have been more stable and provide income (interest). You can help manage your risk and return by how much you allocate to each type of investment. For example, if you have a 75% stock/25% bond portfolio, it should offer a greater risk and return potential than one thatʼs 25% stocks and 75% bonds.

Getting to an efficient frontier Of course, there are lots of other investments for you to choose from, and there are an infinite number of portfolios you could construct from the stocks, bonds, and other assets available. Each of these blends has a unique overall risk and return level. If you plotted them all on a chart, youʼd likely see whatʼs shown in the hypothetical graph below. The “pies”—representing different asset allocations—farthest to the left and highest up are the ones with the best expected risk/return tradeoffs. If you connected those “dots,” you would have it: the efficient frontier. Thatʼs what the efficient frontier is, but what does it mean for investors? It means that if your risk/return tradeoff doesnʼt land along the frontier, your portfolio is not as efficient as it could be.

Youʼre taking on too much risk for the level of return youʼre getting, and you probably need to make adjustments to decrease risk, improve return, or both. Finding help Determining whether your portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a professional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value). Based on your responses, your advisor can help build a portfolio designed to help reach your goals as efficiently as possible. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-valueweighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance. The indices are provided for informational purposes only; investors cannot directly purchase an index. Past performance in not indicative of future results. This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director, Investments, in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472. Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKLOSE GUARANTEED/MAY VALUE. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #1119-019485050472.

Plant lawn flags this year with Troop 350

WESTWOOD

Join Westwood Scout Troop 350 by proudly displaying the American flag along the streets of the borough. Troop 350 will place a 12-inch by 18-inch polycotton American stick flag, curbside in your front yard, during five patriotic holidays throughout the year: • Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 • Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6 • Patriot Day, Saturday, Sept. 11; and • Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. The flags will be put out at least three days prior to the holiday. A scout will retrieve the flag

three to five days after the holiday. The cost of this service is $25 for the year for one flag per holiday, or $50 for the year for two flags per holiday. To support Westwood Troop 350 in this 2021 fundraiser, provide your name, address, email address and phone number to westwoodtroop350@gmail.com. Payment can be made via Venmo @WestwoodTroop350 and PayPal at paypal.me/Westwood Troop350. Checks payable to Westwood Troop 350 can also be dropped off or mailed to Westwood Troop 350 at 73 Wheeler Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

They’ll take you out to the ball game! NY Boulders, Team Israel

Valley Chabad invites you to an exhibition game at New York Boulders vs. Team Israel on Monday, July 12. Israelʼs national baseball team, en route to the Olympic games in Tokyo, is playing this tune-up game on their tour of the Northeast. From the comfort of a large suite, enjoying dairy dinner and drinks, Valley Chabad will be leading a group to cheer on Team Israel. All participants will receive a Team Israel Baseball hat. The event is presented in partnership with Closeout Bats of Westwood. Donations will be collected to support the Chabad Terror Victims Project, assisting those who have been affected by the recent rocket attacks. According to the New York Boulders, Team Israel, with a number of former Major League players including four-time All-

Star Ian Kinsler, will also have a free workout on Saturday, July 10 from 8 to 10 p.m. The exhibition game throws down at Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, N.Y. at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $70. To reserve yours, visit valleychabad.org/baseball.

Olympic dreams The New York Boulders noted in a press release that Team Israel won the round-robin tournament featuring Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the Czech Republic, the top five teams from the 2019 European Championship, in Italy, Sept. 18–22, 2019. As the winner of that tournament, it qualified to be one of the six national teams that will compete in Tokyo. “Japan automatically qualified as the host country while Mexico qualified as the best team in the Premier 12 tournament from the Americas. South Korea qualified as the best team in the Premier 12 from Asia (other than already-qualified Japan). “The two remaining spots in the six-nation field will be determined in tournaments this June. “Kinsler, 38, broke into the

HILLSDALE

Italian Studies Student Award winners

Congratulazioni a tutti! Pascack Valley High School has announced that Josie Gallina, Olivia Mattessich, and Adrian Testino were selected to receive the Italian Studies Student Award by the Coccia Foundation. Students were recognized for their exemplary work in their Italian class and their commendable

achievement in studying the Italian language. Honorees also will receive a monetary gift from the foundation. The student awards are made possible through a grant from The Paragano Family Foundation. Josie, Olivia, and Adrian are all students in Barbara Borghiʼs Italian 1 class at Pascack Valley High School.

The Coccia Foundation seeks to promote awareness of Italian and Italian American culture, history and societal contributions, and to celebrate and preserve those ethoses for the younger generations of Italian-Americans in the United States, as well as students from other backgrounds and ethnicities who are interested in discovering all things Italian.

major leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2006 and also played with the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres in a career that

Mets and Philadelphia Phillies between 2016–18, while Valencia, 34, logged time with six teams, 2010–18. “Lavarnway, 33 and a member

spanned 14 years. “He retired after the 2019 season with the Padres. Kinsler was an All-Star in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. “Kinsler won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2018 and the World Baseball Classic with Team USA in 2017 and is going for the trifecta with Team Israel in the Olympics. “Team Israelʼs roster also includes infielders Ty Kelly and Danny Valencia, as well as catcher Ryan Lavarnway,” the Boulders said. The organization added, “Kelly, 31, saw time with the New York

of the Cleveland Indians, has seen time with seven other MLB teams in a career that began in 2011.” A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Israel Baseball Association to help offset their expenses and help grow the sport of baseball in Israel. The Rockland County based Frontier League professional baseball franchise the New York Boulders was rebranded from the Rockland Boulders following a league merger in 2020, forming the largest independent professional baseball league in North America. For more information, call (201) 476-0157.

Sc h ool News

AHA cheers 129 into a brighter future; new dean named

The 129 members of the Academy of the Holy Angelsʼ 141st graduating class concluded their high school years at a June 4

Hall, Vanderbilt, and Yale. AHA President Melinda Hanlon noted the graduatesʼ extraordinary collective accomplishments,

steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious high school serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds.

AHA names new academic dean Meanwhile, students in the new term will have a new academic dean. Carmen Quiñones has been named to the post, succeeding Francesca Tambone-Puzio, who will retire at the end of June. Tambone-Puzio was the first person to serve AHA as academic

dean, and defined the role during her five years of service to Holy Angels. The outgoing dean is known for her honesty, fairness, and her ability to see each individualʼs unique gifts. AHA said in a press release, “She is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, and has worked closely with AHAʼs performing arts programs.” Quiñones joined the AHA faculty in 2005. She has served as a Spanish language teacher and moderator of the Spanish National Honor Society and the Asian Cul-

tural Society. She also chaired the Middle States Committee (2019). After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, Quiñones organized a service trip to the island. That outreach inspired AHA students to form a nonprofit that continues to assist a community center in Aibonito,” AHA said. Academy of the Holy Angels is at 315 Hillside Ave., Demarest. Call (201) 768.7822 or visit holyangels.org.

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commencement ceremony. The Class of 2021 gathered on the school field, sitting with their families to observe health and safety protocols. As a class, the new graduates dedicated 16,646 service hours outside of AHA, and amassed more than $11.5 million in scholarships. In a few months, the new graduates will be studying at toptier colleges and universities, including Bard, Brown, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Rutgers, Seton

saying this class learned to embrace adversity. “I hope youʼve learned that you can make a difference, choose a less traditional path, and that change can be a good thing. May these be the lessons you take from the last year,” Hanlon said. “I hope you know what smart and amazing women you are.” Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. While AHA is

WELCOME! Carmen Quiñones is new academic dean.

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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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: Community and connection vital for the brain

The human need for community and interaction is not just sentimental. The brain truly needs this type of stimulation to boost your brainpowDR. ERIC KAPLAN, er. KAPLAN BRAIN & This need for BODY community was researched in prisons, and they discovered that people who are in solitary confinement start to experience a quick decline in health. These prisoners hate being alone so much that they actually prefer to be next to murderers and violent criminals rather than in solitary. Because the brain needs interaction, communication, and social activity, prisoners will do anything to avoid this punishment. In regard to brain function, it doesnʼt matter how many Facebook friends you have, but rather how many in-person social experiences you have with friends or family. People are fooled into thinking they are being social because they are getting “likes” and “comments” on social media. We should actually call it “anti-social media” because it is preventing us from having face-to-face interactions. If patients tell me that they have no friends or family, then I let them know it is important to make some friends. If you really think it is too hard and there is absolutely no way you could ever make a new friend, you might choose to have a meaningful rela-

tionship with a pet. If you canʼt get a pet, try a doll. In the movie “Castaway,” for instance, Tom Hanksʼs character personified a volleyball to talk to and interact with, and that relationship saved his brain. My suggestion is to get off your phone, stop sitting at home on the computer or watching TV, and go out into the real world. If you donʼt have a friend to go out with, just walk outside and enjoy some people watching. You might see people sitting at a cafe having their first date, an old married couple holding hands walking down the street, kids hanging out together, or a mother strolling with her baby. Watching these activities activates mirror neurons that will stimulate the brain as much as doing the activities yourself. Another idea is to stop wishing people a happy birthday on Facebook or via text message, and instead pick up the phone. They will appreciate it so much more. You can hear a smile over the phone, and that will stimulate your brain. Donʼt send a text telling someone you love them; send them a card. They will probably never read that text again, but they will keep the card. Donʼt buy people presents for their birthdays; do something special like taking a painting class together, going to a show, taking a dance class,or going to a concert together! Make a memory together rather than buying some materialistic gift. And keep all your memories in a book. That way, if you are having a bad day or are feeling

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anxious or depressed, you can flip through the book, and it will lighten up your day, releasing endorphins that will give you a natural high to get you out of that funk. Life is a collection of memories, not a collection of things. It might be hard to believe, but staying connected is an extremely important step to boosting brain power. Staying engaged with people and having good, positive, face-to-face interactions, or getting out into the world and spending time in your community stimulates the brain while maintaining its health and strength. Start spending more time with your family. Neuroscience has proven that grandparents who spend time with grandkids live longer and report an increase in overall happiness. This is the result of a symbiotic relationship. Grandparents share their experience, knowledge, and love

with their grandkids, and in turn receive a brain power boost— improving their happiness, health, and quality of life. But donʼt just think about it. In these modern times, you have to actually manage your calendar—not only for work, holidays, or special events, but for meeting up with friends and family. Social interaction is vital to boosting brain function.

Youʼll Want My New Book! If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about boosting your brainpower without drugs, surgery, injections, supplements, or herbs, please purchase my new book, “Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory & Focus.” What better gift to give yourself and the gift of health! You can buy it on Amazon or I am offering signed books for free if you come pick it

up at our office or if it is easier you can just pay the shipping and handling fees and we can send it to you for free. This offer is valid for the first seven people that email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or call (201) 261-2150.

Get This Free Special Offer! Also we have a special in our Emerson for July 5 and 6 if you are interested in getting a non-invasive brain map or qEEG that normally costs $300 for only $97. This evaluation has no radiation and is able to find abnormal functioning areas of the brain. Text or call 646-221-6738 to reserve your spot because there are only five spots remaining. Kaplan Brain and Body is at 85 Kinderkamack Road Suite 100 Emerson. For more information visit https://kaplandc.com, call (201) 261-2150, or write info@kaplanbrainandbody.com

PASCACK VALLEY

‘Improving Food Security Through Gardening’ June 30

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites you to a webinar, Improving Food Security Through Gardening, on Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. The public will learn what they can do personally in their own gardens, locally, and regionally to address food insecurity. The event is free and open to the public. Register for this online event at http://bit.ly/GardenNNJCF. The Covid-19 pandemic brought attention to a serious problem facing the region for some time: food security. According to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, food insecurity grew more than than 50% and increased more than 75% for children in the Garden State. People turned to gardening and growing their own food. This highlighted another problem: food waste.

According to Ample Harvest, home gardeners waste up to 11 billion pounds of food each year. How can individuals and communities leverage gardening to improve food security, while building closed loop food systems? A panel of regional experts in New Jersey will present their findings in the NNJCF's webinar. Moderator Mary Blanusa, executive director of the NNJCF, will lead a question and answer session after the panel discussion. With: • Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. • Tobias Fox, Newark Science and Sustainability. • Melanie McDermott, Sustainable Jersey. • Chantelle Walker, Greens Do Good. • Gary Oppenheimer, AmpleHarvest.org. For more information visit www.nnjcf.org.

Library Calendar

information about how to log your books and be entered to win prizes. • Tweens and teens grades 3 and up are invited to a virtual Cartooning Class on Monday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. Have your pencil and paper ready, then join John on Zoom to learn step-by-step how to draw a cartoon. Register on the libraryʼs website. • Chair Yoga for Everyone, presented by Apple Rose Yoga, is offered free for Washington Township library patrons on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the libraryʼs website for information. • On New Release Tuesdays, Allyssa pops onto Facebook and Instagram to share some new book releases. Book reviews, laughs, and more. There is no set time for this live program, but it will be available on the libraryʼs website on demand in the evening. Follow the libraryʼs social media to see when Allyssa goes live. • Book Cooks Club is on Facebook Wednesdays at noon. Join Allyssa as she invites you into her kitchen to cook up a new dish. Recipes posted the week prior. • The Monthly Craft for July is for tweens and teens! Register FROM PAGE 12

online for a kit with materials to make a paracord keychain. Kits can be picked up starting July 13 and the instructional video will go online July 15 at noon. For incoming sixth-graders through teens.

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • The Womenʼs Lit Teen Book Group is a teen-led book group to discuss womenʼs classic literature. On Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m., members will gather on Zoom to discuss “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. Visit the libraryʼs website to sign up. • During Animal Kingdom Yoga, grades K–5 learn techniques in breathing, relaxing, and stretching while emulating animal poses. On Zoom Tuesdays in June from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Register online. • In-person event: Back to Bach Project Youth Ensemble will give a concert for families on the front lawn of the library Wednesday, June 23 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Back to Bach consists of young outstanding classical musicians and artists, many of whom have won prizes on national and

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international levels. Register online, and bring along a chair. • Explore the Delaware Water Gap during a Zoom presentation by the National Park Service on Wednesday, June 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. Looking for something to do this summer? Learn about this local gem and all it has to offer. Register online. • Creative Writing: Aesopʼs Fables, a series for grades 1–3, is

on Google Meet every Thursday in June from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Children listen to famous fables, watch short animated videos, and learn about fables vs. fairy tales, story sequence, and construction. Register online. • Coffee & Conversation via Zoom on Fridays at 10 a.m. Listen to fascinating podcasts and discuss over a cup of coffee. Meets weekly in June. Register on

the libraryʼs website to receive the Zoom link. • In-person event: Boogie Woogie Babies (up to age 5) is live and in-person at the bandstand at Veterans Park (across from the library) every Friday in June from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Little ones will move, dance, spin, twirl and be silly with Miss Tiffany. In inclement weather itʼs held on Facebook Live.

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

28 EMERSON

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Lady Cavos Basketball Camp June 28–July 2

Coach Colleen Malzahn and the Lady Cavos invite all boys and girls who will be entering kindergarten through 8th grade to attend a fun-filled five days of camp with individual instruction, skill development, team concepts, and individual and team competitions. Entering her 10th year as head coach, Malzahn brings years of playing and coaching experience to the Emerson girls basketball program. She has a career

record of 139–95 as a head coach and was selected as the Bergen County Coach of the Year in 2017. Malzahn is a former Div. 1 & II player and the all-time leading scorer at Emerson High School. Campers also will be instructed by assistant coach Jen Cella, a standout player for the Cavos and Emersonʼs all-time leader in blocked shots. She played Div. III basketball at Moravian College 2014–2018.

As well, campers will be instructed by varsity basketball players. Each child will have the opportunity to build a foundation to continue improving their individual basketball skills. Campers will have chances to win various team and individual awards. The flyer reads in part, “The Lady Cavos are looking to provide your child with the individual instruction and attention that will make their experience both positive and athletically benefi-

WOODCLIFF LAKE

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cial. In order to do this, space for the camp is limited.” Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Memorial Schoolʼs gymnasium. The cost is $150 for five days. A discount of $25 per additional camper will be provided for families who will send more than one child to camp. The full payment can be

A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on whether to approve a revised 53-unit rental apartment complex at 188 Broadway will be continued Tuesday, June 22, following a 3hour-plus hearing June 16 that featured the applicantʼs and boardʼs attorneys clashing over what testimony should be allowed to be considered. Five residents were raising hands on Zoom to question applicant planner Joseph Burgis when the meeting ended past 10:30 p.m. Those will come first on June 22.

The hearing will be the third on the revised 53-unit application, which also includes eight affordable units. In 2019, the Zoning Board unanimously rejected a 60-unit apartment complex at 188 Broadway following eight hearings. Applicant 188 Broadway LLPʼs attorney Paul Kaufman, and Zoning Board Attorney Salvatore Princiotto argued over what testimony was permitted, what board members should consider, qualifications of experts to offer specific testimony, and how often Princiotto should interrupt the applicantʼs expert witnesses. Offering applicant testimony were Richard LaBarbiera, an

engineer and applicant principal, Matthew Clark, an engineer, and Planner Joseph Burgis. Burgis said there were at least six “special reasons” under the local Master Plan and the State Development and Redevelopment Plan to approve the 53-unit apartment complex. Burgis said that as the borough has a 430-plus unit unmet need, they should not pass up an opportunity to provide affordable units despite having an approved affordable housing settlement. He said that Fair Share Housing Center probably was alert to municipal zoning and planning activity ahead of 2025.

made on or before June 18. Space is limited. Make checks payable to Parents for Athletes. Registration forms and payment can be mailed to Colleen Malzahn, 146 Eagle Dr., Emerson, NJ 07630. For more information, w r i t e cvogel@emersonschools.org.

For Post 153

THE PARK RIDGE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION is selling hats in support of the members of Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153. Officers said online, “The American Legion has valiantly supported and served our country in its time of need. Due to the pandemic, it has deeply affected them financially. Show your supPhoto courtesy PRPD port. Hats are available at Park Ridge Police Headquarters, 33 Park Ave. Stop by to purchase yours while supplies last! All proceeds go to American Legion Post 153.”

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Establish a barrier The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children between the ages of one and four in the United States. Pools attract curious children, so maintaining a barrier between the home and the pool is essential. Many municipalities require some sort of fencing around pools or ladders that self-latch or can be closed off to climbing. Locks and alarms on windows and doors that face or provide access to the backyard also can serve as barriers. Keep play under control

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obstacles are afoot. The township will use the appraisal to formulate an offer, Poller suggested. The townshipʼs immediate past mayor, Janet Sobkowicz, said her administration had offered Morris $700,000 for the tract, and that although she thought they had a deal, Morris asked for another $100,000 and the deal fell apart. It was unclear what offer might be made, but Sobkowicz speculated that the offer would be less than the amount she offered due to a perceived decline in property value. The property was reassessed in 2013, dropping from an assessed value of $541,900 in 2012 to an assessed value of 320,000 then, and remaining

FROM PAGE 3

unchanged for the past eight years. The land is assessed at $254,600 and improvements at $65,500. Annual property taxes are approximately $8,000. The property, referred to as “Morris Estate” in some listings, shows a wide-ranging market valuation—$500,000 to the mid$600,000 range—although the listings note the property is off the market. That might be because the current owner/landlord has marketing and development agreements with CODY property marketing, STEAM Realty, and Lakos Construction Co. Inc., owned by developer Nick Tsapatsaris. The STEAM real estate agent is Stacey Tsapatsaris. Two marketing companies hired by Morris both list the property, plus its development poten-

tial, at $2.1 million. Often, residents hoping to preserve or acquire the tract call meetings to press the council for details on the appraisalʼs status but Poller has repeatedly instructed members not to talk about thoughts or possible strategies related to future property negotia-

FO R

tions. Mostly, all updates and status reports are confined to closed-session discussion. One resident in a recent post asked whether the Westwood Regional School District had indicated it might have an interest in acquiring the tract for improve-

SA L E

SA F OR

ments of both school and field facilities. We checked with the school board president and have not heard back. A Pascack Press reporter could not recall any Township Council mention of the school boardʼs interest in 450 Pascack Road.

WESTWOOD

Juneteenth fun at Veterans Park June 19

The Westwood Clergy Council invites you to its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. The afternoon features a parade, live entertainment, games, and prizes. Legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in September 2020 set the third Friday in June as a state and public holiday, recognizing Juneteenth, short for June 19th, now a 156-year-old holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is now celebrated annually on June 19 throughout the United States, with increasing official recognition, becoming a federal holiday in 2021 (pending the sign-

ing of a bill to that effect by President Joe Biden on June 17). It is commemorated on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas. Modern observance is primarily in local celebrations. Traditions include readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs, and reading of works by noted AfricanAmerican writers. Celebrations include rodeos, fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, and Miss Juneteenth contests. For more information, call (973) 454-5186.

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

450: Town working toward acquiring property

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Pride:

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

The Pride Month proclamation was approved by council, 4–1. Voting against the proclamation was Zoltán Horváth, who did not take us up on our request for com-

FROM PAGE 1

ment. Every June, Pride Month activities offer an opportunity to recognize the contributions and progress made by the LGBTQ+ community, with communities nationwide celebrating LGBTQ+ pride with festivals, parades and flying the rainbow Pride flag. June marks the 51st celebration of Pride Month, going back to

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June 28, 1969, when police raided a gay club called the Stonewall Inn in New York. The “Stonewall riots” ran to that July 3, a milestone in the Gay Rights movement. At the June 14 meeting, Ruocco asked Borough Council President Abby Lundy to read the fiveparagraph Pride Month proclamation, with Lundy asking him why the Pride Month proclamation was “any different” from other proclamations requested and issued by the mayorʼs office and read into the record by Ruocco. Ruocco said he would answer the question later, which he did at the end of a nearly three-hour meeting. He told Pascack Press: “I read the Independence Celebration and Re-Affirmation Week Proclamation because it was issued from the mayorʼs office. I suggested to the council president that she read the LGBTQ Pride proclamation since that was prepared and submitted by her for a vote by the governing body. I thought that was an appropriate recognition of our

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respective efforts.” He added, “As someone who participated in the third LGBTQ parade back in June 1973 with my future wife, and who was honored as a manager/supporter by the Gay Alliance at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York about 11 years ago—I donʼt think they had adopted LGBTQ at that time—I thought a great deal about what I wanted to say about a PRIDE proclamation as a mayor.” Both the Pride Month proclamation and Ruoccoʼs alternate proclamation are linked to the online June 14 council agenda. “I feel like he [Ruocco] turned something that should have been a standard proclamation into a big deal,” Lundy told Pascack Press June 16. “His proclamation circumvents the Pride proclamation. I donʼt know how you can support something and not also advocate for it.” She added, “He made this controversial by what he did,” noting the council and Ruocco spent hours arguing behind the scenes about its reading and who would

issue the proclamation or vote on the Pride proclamation. Routinely, proclamations come from the mayorʼs office and are read by the mayor. Proclaiming July 4–10 as Independence Celebration and Re-Affirmation Week, Ruoccoʼs proclamation reads in part, “I, Mayor John J. Ruocco, do hereby designate the week of July 4–10, 2021 as “Independence Celebration and Re-affirmation Week,” proclaiming that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” and that discrimination based on a personʼs race, religion, ethnic background, age, gender, or sexual orientation that is intended to deny that person his/her Constitutionally guaranteed rights is inconsistent with that pledge and violates the principles expressed in our Declaration of Independence.” At the end of the June 14 meeting, following all council membersʼ comments, Ruocco offered a lengthy response on his thinking. “I have always preferred to view our nation and local community as a large melting pot, coming from many backgrounds but unified as one nation under God, with justice for all,” he said. He added, “Our nation was founded on words that soared with the principles of Enlightenment philosophers, stressing the inherent equality of all citizens and their rights. But often the nation failed to live up to those words.” He said, “That should not invalidate allegiance to those principles or to our Constitutional framework. It should inspire us to stamp out wrongful discrimination and injustice that victimizes any resident based on their identity characteristics, such as race, religion, ethnic background, age, gender or sexual preference.” Ruocco said, “With Independence Day approaching, I thought this was the appropriate unifying message that I as mayor should convey. I was concerned that adoption of a Pride Month proclaencourage mation would demands from others for government advocacy, and entangle the borough in time-consuming or divisive discussions.” He added, “This in no way is meant to be disrespectful of the underlying concerns that lead many to support LGBTQ+ Pride proclamations such as the one adopted by the governing body tonight, and to which I will attest with my signature once this meeting is over.” The mayor said, “I am completely comfortable with the role of proclaiming defense of the LGBTQ+ community from unlawful discrimination and bias. But I am also aware that assuming the role of advocate for the LGBTQ+ community or any other group can be a source of division among some members of our community based on religious or other grounds.”

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS PASCACK VALLEY

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Tenants and landlords must visit BergenCountyCARES.org to apply for the program. The window to apply will remain open June 14–23 and is based on available funding. Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco III said in a press release last week, “We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Bergen County tenants to experience financial hardship and struggle to pay their rent on a timely basis.” He added, “The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides meaningful funding to help tenants and landlords overcome these challenges. We encourage

those in need to apply for this assistance to cover past due rent and utility bills.” Commissioner Chair Steve Tanelli added, “Residents in every corner of Bergen County were financially impacted by the pandemic. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will not only provide relief to residents fearful of losing their home, but will ensure our communities have the financial resources to thrive once the pandemic is over.” Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Bergen County resident primarily responsible for paying rent; • Make less than 80% of the

average median income of Bergen County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four); • Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic; • Provide required supporting documentation (copies of stateissued ID, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

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Suez on water tank yank June 29

“Turn the faucet on, water come out, end of story? Not exactly that simple as I just learned myself. There are pumps and water tanks, reservoirs and treatment plants that bring the clean water to our homes and businesses.” That was Mayor Michael Ghassali in a note to residents on June 17, advising that “Our only water tank on the northwest side of town (off Hickory Road) is due to be replaced by SUEZ due to age and water pressure issues.” He said there would be no direct cost to taxpayers.

“Please mark your calendars for a town hall meeting where SUEZ engineers will talk to us about why and how the replacement will be done. Those who live within 200 feet of the tank will be receiving a letter advising them of this project,” Ghassali said. The in-person town hall meeting is June 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Borough Hall. Ghassali said he would broadcast the session on Facebook Live on his page. “We are working to upgrade and improve our infrastructure! Gas and water lines, roads, sewer system and the electric grid, all

need constant maintenance and upgrading,” said Ghassali

Environmental Commission to meet June 21 Unrelated to the water tank issue, the Environmental Commission is set to meet June 21 at 7:45 p.m. on Zoom and at Borough Hall. New business includes welcoming intern Shannon Stempler, a tree removal request, an Open Spaces Grant award, and the borough tree removal policy. For more information visit montvale.org.

In order to be eligible for the program, tenants must provide complete responses to the grant program application portal found at BergenCountyCARES.org. Applicants will be notified of the funding decision and, if approved, the approved funds will be provided to the landlord or utility provider on their behalf.

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County’s emergency rental aid portal opens to tenants

The County of Bergenʼs Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal is officially open to receive tenant applications. The ERAP program provides financial relief for Bergen County residents unable to meet their rental obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible ERAP applicants can apply for up to 12 months of assistance to cover unpaid back rent and gas and electric utility expenses (payable for amounts past due as of March 13, 2020). Amounts approved for funding will be paid directly to the landlords and utility provider.

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

34 PARK RIDGE

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Connect with Tots shine in moving-up ceremony Our Lady of Mercy Church

“In this challenging time of social isolation, distancing, and restriction on gatherings, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge has endeavored to stay in touch with its parishoners. “Under the spiritual guidance of our new administrator, Fr. Vincent DʼAgostino, several opportunities to worship and grow in faith are offered. Thatʼs according to OLM in an invitation directing readers to urolm.orgm which “provides an opportunity to register to attend daily and Sunday Masses in person or to view it online. The Sunday Mass also is broadcast on PKRG, channel 77 on optimum or channel 22 on Verizon,

every Sunday at 10 a.m.” OLM adds that the website contains information on events, the weekly bulletin, a newsletter, a video library, a link to Our Lady of Mercy Academy, weekly messages from Fr. Vincent, and more. The church also invites readers to follow it on Facebook at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge. OLM encourages all parishoners to update their contact information and email addresses, either through the website or by contacting the Rectory at (201) 391-5315. Parish news is shared through the website, Facebook, and email messages.

Photo courtesy TEPV

CONGRATULATIONS TO ECP graduates Benjamin Bakhash, Olivia Cohen, Cole Gelman, Benji Meytin, Farrah Perlman, and Jared Sandler.

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Professional Junk Removal Company seeks an enthusiastic and energetic individual to help join their growing team. Drivers license & transportation required. Call (201) 661-4940 for more details. HELP WANTED DPW P/T Seasonal Laborer - Township of Washington (Bergen County) E.O.E. has the need to hire P/T Seasonal Laborers for the Department of Public Works. All applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED, possess a valid N.J. Driver’s License and be capable of lifting heavy objects or equipment. Salary $16.00 to $18.00 per hr. Submit resume by email to William Lawlor at dpwsuper@twpofwashington.us or mail to the Township of Washington, 350 Hudson Ave., Twp. of Washington, NJ 07676.

Want Business? Call (201) 664-2105

Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley Early Childhood Program held its moving up ceremony on June 15 in the main sanctuary of the synagogue. Congratulations to graduates Benjamin Bakhash, Olivia Cohen, Cole Gelman, Benji Meytin, Farrah Perlman, and Jared Sandler. The program began with a

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Blessing of Our Children by Rabbi Loren Monosov and Cantor Alan Sokoloff. Rabbi Shelley Kniaz, Director of Congregational Education, greeted the parents. ECP Director Roni Shapiro thanked the teachers, Jodi Frisch and Shari Lederman, as well as administrator Cheryl Mazen for a

classifieds

HELP WANTED F/T Landscape help wanted - $16-$23 hr based on EXP. Paid W e e k l y. 4 0 1 k & Employee Match Career Growth Plans Call 201.664.4022. HELP WANTED PART TIME TEMPORARY SECRETARY TO HEALTH DEPT – WESTWOOD, BERGEN COUNTY. Seeking responsible, dependable individual with strong communication and customer service skills, professional demeanor, and excellent writing and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and deal effectively with residents and members of the public in a professional office environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Email resume to mbnetzer@westwoodnj.gov or send resume to Mary-Beth Netzer, Health Department, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. The Borough reserves the right to review resumes and conduct interviews as they are received. Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ph 201.358.9500 • fax 201.664.2109 • pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

HELP WANTED Cashier (bilingual) & Kitchen helper Wanted for restaurant. P/T and F/T positions. Call (201) 746-6130 for more info. HELP WANTED MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANY SEEKS an Assistant Quality Manager and a Customer Service Rep. Visit Careers page at www.gSource.com for job description and requirements. Email resume, cover letter and salary requirements/history to jobs@gsource.com. EOE. Emerson. HELP WANTED P/T Personal Assistant Cook, shop, drive, errands. Tenafly, 2-7 p.m., 5 days. Refs. required. Call (917) 374-1033. Want Business? Call (201) 664-2105

The Press Group is now hiring! Full Time / Part Time Help

The Press Group is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our expanding sales team. Must have excellent verbal and communication skills. Please submit resume to: e - m a i l: j ob s @ t h e p r e s s g r o u p .n e t

HELP WANTED RECORDS CLERK, WESTWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT – Required to have excellent computer, record keeping, and communications skills. Ability to interface professionally and tactfully with general public. Must quickly learn department specific software applications and general office software. Application available at police headquarters, 101 Washington Avenue and at www.westwoodnj.gov. Completed applications resumes must be submitted by June 25, 2021. Borough reserves the right to interview candidates prior to deadline.

Help wanted - Teenager with bike for summer job in Hillsdale. 6 days a week (no Fridays) to skim pool, empty skimmer baskets @ 10 a.m., $40/week. Call (201) 2944623 for interview. HELP WANTED Help Wanted - Labor position, good pay & good hours. Experience a plus - but willing to teach. Opportunity for growth in the company. Call (201) 664-3130.

HELP WANTED CLEANING PERSON WANTED- 2X A MONTH FOR MY HOUSE IN WESTWOOD. $13/HR. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE & REFS. CALL 201 615 7744 LV MSG.

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Caregiver seeks evening or overnight position. Care of elderly. Experience & refs available. Fully vaccinated. Call (201) 823-7923. SERVICES YOU NEED

SITUATIONS WANTED A POLISH WOMAN will CLEAN YOUR HOME, apartment, office, etc. Experienced, own transportation, good English. Please call 201-893-2145. GARAGE SALE Emerson- Fri. 25, Sat. 26 Forest Ave. to Cindy Ln. to 41 Karen. 10-4. Teacher Goods, Tools, Furn., Clothing, HH, Coach & Much More.

wonderful and exceptional year. TEPVʼs spokeswoman Simone Wilker said, “The children really enjoyed school this past unusual year. The families with their graduates, and faculty, with masks and social distancing, gathered outside in the Rabbi Ungar Garden following the ceremony.

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Tutoring Reading Specialist Tutor, Orton Gillingham Trained, 25yrs. Teaching Exp. All Subjects. Contact Patricia Terrents (201) 724-1588.

Home health aide avail. overnights Friday-Sunday. I take public transportation or Uber. Bergen County only. Good references. Call (201) 257-7003. SITUATIONS WANTED

AUTOS FOR SALE Autos for sale - 2007 Ford van, $1500 obo. 2007 Ford Escape, $1500 obo. Call (201) 906-2355.

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Salon Space For Rent ROOM FOR RENT in busy Emerson salon. Great for acupuncturist. Call for more information: 201-483-6365. COMMERCIAL RENT Professional Offices 180 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan – For Rent, $450/month. Call 201768-0218.

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JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Timothy W. RICE

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and son-in-law of the late Rosemary and Richard Reichert. Treasured brother of Noreen (Dave) Veffer, Kathryn (Carmine) Maceri, and William (Victoria) Rice, Jr. Dear grandson of Frances and the late Joseph Whitbeck and the late Maureen and John Rice. Loved also by nieces and nephew, Natalie, Bryanna, Carmine, and the late Arya as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Timothyʼs memory may be made to Farview Fire Co. #4 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2, Paramus, NJ 07653.

Timothy W. Rice, 42, of Emerson, formerly of Paramus, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Timothy was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School (1996) and received an associateʼs degree from Bergen Community College. Before retiring, Timothy was most recently a lieutenant for the Hackensack Fire Department and a captain for the Paramus Fire Department. Tim was also a dispatcher for the Paramus Police Department for 24 years. He was known as a fun-loving Cristina guy to all of his friends; a loyal CHIOLA Giants and Notre Dame football Cristina Chiola (née fan; and enjoyed spending time in Wildwood Crest with family and Albanese), 86, of Hillsdale passed away on June 7, 2021. friends. Cristina was Beloved husband of Regina born on November Rice (née Reichert). Loving father 30, 1934 in to Aubrey and Timothy Jr. CherGuardiaregia, ished son of Dale and William Rice Italy. Before retiring she had worked as a seamstress at Evan Picone in North Get the results you’re looking Bergen. for in the Service Directory Beloved wife of 60 years to in Pascack Valley Press. Domenico Chiola. Devoted mother To place your service ad, to Olga Chiola Del Giudice and please call 201.664.2105 her husband Marc, Sabatino Chio-

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la and his wife Jennifer, and the late Baby Maria Carmela Chiola. Adored grandmother to Julia, Marc and Alexander. Cherished sister to the late Olga Albanese and Vittoria Aiello and her late husband Vincenzo. Dear sister-in-law to the late Lorenzo Cafasso and Josephine Cafasso. Cristina is also survived by the Grandis family and her dear friend Nicholas Lonzisero. Entombment, Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee.

Anthony ZAGARIA

Anthony Zagaria, 62, of River Vale died on June 8, 2021. He is survived by his children, Kerri, Kimberly and Christina Zagaria; his significant other, Dalma Tejada; his mother, Adele Zagaria; his sisters, Denise (Tony) Trovato and Julia Salomon. Predeceased by his father, Albert Zagaria (2020). Anthony was born in the Bronx and was a diehard Yankees and Grateful Dead fan. He also loved taking trips to Atlantic City. Anthony enjoyed cooking, and was proud of the foods he prepared. He was an HVAC supervisor with PSE&G of Oradell. Entombment, Garden of Memories, Washington Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthonyʼs memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Catherine CASSIDY

Catherine Mary (Cathy) Cassidy of Westwood passed away on June 10, 2021 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Rod Cassidy. Loving mother of Kerry Heiser and her husband, Gary; Colleen Jankowsky and her husband, Paul; Chris Cassidy and his wife, Gioia; Sean Cassidy and his wife, Lisa; and Katie Cassidy. Awesome Nan to Taryn, Sean Paul, Shannon, Megan, Hugh, Ryan, Sam and Connor. She loved their family pet, Butch Cassidy, and her fur grandchildren Max, Eli, Ringo, Toby, and Rudy. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Craghan, and her brother Hugh Wilson. She is survived by her brother John Craghan and his wife Barbara and her sister Rosalie Lazar and her husband, John. She was a dear aunt to 35 nieces and nephews. Cathy was born in Brooklyn in 1937. She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) and graduated from Bay Ridge High School. She was an Irish step dancer, baton twirler and a member of the OLPH

band. She worked at Dewey Ballantine in New York. Cathy and Rod met at the Last Chance Dance at OLPH in May 1958. They married on Halloween in 1959. Rod and Cathy moved to Westwood in 1964 and raised their five children on Harding Avenue. She considered her Harding Avenue neighbors throughout the years as her extended family. Cathy was a CCD teacher at St. Andrewʼs and volunteered with the Bergen County Board of Elections. She was a NY Rangers, NY Mets and NY Giants fan by marriage. She loved visiting Long Beach Island. She cherished her time with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Cathyʼs honor to the St Francis Breadline (www.stfrancisbreadline.org).

Nicholas D. VERRASTRO

Nicholas Dana Verrastro, 71, a longtime resident of Westwood, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021. He was the beloved son of Nicholas T. & Iona (née Cappelletti) Verrastro. Survived by loving sisters Pamela and her husband Anthony Paretti and Christina and her husband Barry Minkin. Cher-

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ished uncle of Michelle, Glenn, Brentt, Jarett, Erynn, Grace, and Jett. Nicholas was a U.S. Army veteran who served proudly, 1971–1973, as a military police officer stationed in Miesau, Germany. He was a graduate of Marietta College in Ohio. His career was spent in travel media as editor for Travel Trade for many years and also associate editor for Travel Agent Magazine and senior editor with ASTA. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 25 at 12:30 p.m. at Garden of Memories Mausoleum in Washington Township. To honor his memory please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

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Marion A. LOMAGLIO

Marion A. Lomaglio, a 45-year resident of Old Tappan, and most recently of River Vale, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2021 at home. She was 85. Marion was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 55 years, Alfred P. Lomaglio. She is survived by their three children, Lynn Massey and her husband Bruce of Woodcliff Lake, Kenneth Lomaglio and his wife Berlida of East Sandwich, Mass., and Kara Weir and her husband Gary of Hillsdale. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Kate Hain and her husband Alain of Brooklyn, Kevin Massey and his wife Ava of Mechanicsville, Va., Kristina Feasey and her husband James of Pembroke, Mass., Deanna Barber and her husband Tom of Cary, N.C., Benjamin Weir of Philadelphia, Pa., and Corinne Weir of Brooklyn. She was a beloved Gigi to seven great-grandchildren, Callum and Vivienne Feasey, Mira and Ezra Hain, Harrison and Julian Massey, and Nicholas Barber. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Mary Matrullo, and in-laws Charles and Ines Lomaglio. Marion was a longtime parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Old Tappan, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She also was a 40-year member of the North Jersey Doll Club. Marion was known for her generosity and her love for the finer things in life. But even more, she was known for the love she had for her family, from the extended family that she grew up with in Brooklyn, to the family that she and Al created in Bergen County. Marion constantly found ways to bring the family together by hosting family gatherings and planning special events and trips. Most of all, she was known for the deep love she

had for her husband, whom she missed every day since his passing. We hope Al and Marion are now dancing together among the stars. Entombment, Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah. Memorial contributions can be made in Marionʼs name to the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center.

Raymond R. SMIZASKI

Raymond Richard Smizaski, 86, formerly of Park Ridge, passed away June 2, 2021 in Florida. He was born Feb. 10, 1935 in Jersey City to the late John and Helen (Peschler) Smizaski. Ray was a dedicated employee and manager at AT&T for more than 40 years in New York and proudly served in the United States Army at the end of the Korean War. He raised his family in Park Ridge and was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ray was an avid deep-sea fisherman and loved spending time with his grandkids, never missing any of their sporting events. Over the years, he would enjoy taking trips into New York City with his grandchildren and taking them to the Intrepid and sharing with them his many life stories and adventures. His favorite place to spend time with his entire family was on the Jersey Shore. Ray and his wife also spent their formative years traveling the world visiting more than 20 countries. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Marge; daughters Marge DʼAnna and her husband David, and Pamela Welch and her husband Gary; grandchildren Daryl McLean and her husband James, Derek and Jack DʼAnna, Liam and Caitlin Welch; and great-granddaughter Lucy McLean. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Gasnick.

Margaret R. DIPOPOLO

Margaret “Maggie” Roseann DiPopolo passed away on June 11, 2021 in the loving embrace of her family. She was 8 years old. Maggie was born on October 31, 2012, to parents Alfonso and Theresa DiPopolo and brother Alfonso T. DiPopolo of Montvale. Though she faced myriad of challenges that set her apart, Maggie was a sassy warrior princess who touched all who knew her with her light, grace and courage. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Maggieʼs name to one of the following organizations: CTC Academy (ctcacademy.org); MakeA-Wish Foundation of NJ (wish.org/nj); or the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation (aicardisyndromefoundation.org).

Bauer Garage Doors Corp. Cathy enjoyed reading mysteries, shopping, chocolate, shopping, crafting, and shopping. She was a social butterfly, always at events, lunches, or on the phone with a friend or family member. She put her grammatical skills to work as an office manager for Noyes Publications in Park Ridge, and volunteered for many years with Pascack Valley Hospital. Cathy was committed to her community. She served as an inaugural womenʼs softball coach in the Montvale Athletic League, a Girl Scout leader, and was a homeroom mother for all five of her kids. A staunch Democrat, Cathy was a member of the Montvale Democrats and served as a delegate in the 1976 Democratic Primary. Cathy enjoyed evenings out with Jim, visiting their favorite restaurants, and dancing the night away to Mike Byrne singing their song, Danny Boy. Catherine will be remembered for her sparkle and wit; the living embodiment of a fiber optic Christmas tree that tells dirty jokes. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and often did. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by family, friends and lots of laughter. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, James Bauer; her children Catherine Allison, James (Janice) Bauer, Eileen Moore, Michael Bauer, and Mary (Ed) Burtis; her grandchildren Richard (Alexandra) Allison, Jillian (Dustin) Allison-Warrington, Jack Bauer, Joshua (Kristin) Bauer, Michael (Catherine) Bauer, Martin (Danielle) Bauer, Amanda (Benjamin) Puff, and Travis Bauer; and her great-grandchildren Penelope and James Puff, and Frederick Warrington, with one more on the way. Cathy is also survived by her siblings Mary, Beatrice and Patrick. She is preceded in death by her siblings Georgina, John and Gerard, and her son-in-law Philip Moore.

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

OBITUARIES

playground on the way. Doug made fast friends with the other parents and was a welcome addition to the Douglas Arthur Groner, 80, afternoon chat sessions while the formerly of Hillsdale, passed away kids played. Doug lost his long battle with peacefully Tuesday, June 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Ga. at Fountainview Nurs- Parkinsonʼs disease. He was a faithful believer in science and medicine ing Home. Doug was born July 6, 1940 in and was adamant that his brain be Atlantic City to Dorothy Angliss donated to the Center for Moveand Walter Otto Groner who pre- ment Disorders at Columbia ceded him in death. He is survived University, Department of Neuroloby his wife, Marsha, of 59 years; his gy, where he participated in a study two daughters, Heidi (Cristian E. early in his diagnosis. Dougʼs gift Baguer) and Gena Lawrence; and was motivated by his wish to conhis four beloved grandchildren, tribute, in some way, to the research Cristian D. and Emma, Jack and and study of Parkinsonʼs Disease to someday find a cure. Hudson. In honor of Doug, donations to After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Doug attended and The Michael J. Fox Foundation graduated from Lehigh University (MichaeIJFox.org) or Columbia in Bethlehem, Pa. He continued his University Department of Neurololife of service by giving back to his gy, Movement Disorder Research community, in various ways, over (neurology.columbia.edu) would be greatly appreciated. the decades. Doug, Marsha and their two daughters lived in Hillsdale where Catherine R. he served on the pool commission BAUER for Stonybrook Swim Club for Catherine Ruth Bauer (née many years. Doug also served on the bor- Harvey), 89, peacefully passed ough council and as mayor of Hills- away at her home in Montvale, surdale, sat on the Pascack Valley/Pas- rounded by her loving family, on cack Hills Regional Board of Edu- June 6, 2021. Cathy, or “Sis,” was born in cation, was active in the local Republican Party and coached San Francisco on Friday the 13th, in many of his daughter Genaʼs soft- May 1932 to the late Archibald and ball teams in the 1980s. Rarely did Catherine (née MacLaughlin) Harhe miss a travel softball game or vey. Less than a year old, her first PVHS volleyball game in which trip was through the Panama Canal to Brooklyn where she was raised. Gena played. One of Dougʼs great joys in life She graduated top of her class at St. was his and Marshaʼs grandchil- Joseph High School. While working as a bank teller dren. They played an active role in their eldest grandchildrenʼs lives for in Park Ridge, Cathy met the love of the first 10 years of their lives. Over her life, Jim Bauer. They were wed those years, he shared with them his on Oct. 25, 1953 and sheʼd want you tremendous love of music, James to know that she weighed only 98 Bond, Alien series, Star Wars pounds on her wedding day. Even with Jim working both the day and movies and skiing. Doug and Marsha moved to night shift, they managed to have five Atlanta in 2013 to be closer to their children: Catherine, James, Eileen, younger grandchildren. He would Michael and Mary. Starting with nothing but their regularly walk to their school in the afternoons to accompany them love, they worked hard, built a wonhome—and maybe stop off at the derful life together, and founded

Douglas A. GRONER

JUNE 21, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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