Pascack Press 9.12.22

Farm last of its kind in borough; faces forces of Covid, economy, deer

BY MADDY LAURIA OF UDAILY

SEE PAGE 16

A LMOSTFROM the first moment Hannah Epstein set foot on the Picatinny Arsenal military base not far from her northern New Jersey home, she knew what she wanted to do when she grew up: become an engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense. So when she heard about the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (DoD SMART) Scholarship as a teenager, she knew she had to go for it once she got to college. Epstein, now a junior in the University of Delawareʼs Department of Mechanical Engineering, recently achieved her goal of being awarded the DoD SMART Scholarship, which provides students with full tuition for up to five years as well as mentorships, summer internships, a stipend and fulltime employment with the DoD after“Hannahʼsgraduation. selection as a DoD SMART Scholar attests to the breadth and quality of education students receivein the College of Engineering,” said Chuck Shermeyer, assistant dean for undergraduate services in the College of Engineering. “Her drive to represent the college through this prestigious scholarship is admirable and will only serve to show those she works with that we are edu cating the next generation of amazing engineers.” But it wasnʼt as easy as she hoped. The first time she applied as a freshman in college, she didnʼt get it, she said.

River Valeʼs Hannah Epstein locks down DoD investment

HANNAH EPSTEIN, A RIVER VALE NATIVE studying mechanical engineering with minors in entrepreneurship and English, recently was awarded the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship, which provides students with full tuition for up to five years and full-time employment with the Pentagon after graduation,as well as other educational benefits Photos courtesy Hannah Epstein and U.S. Department of Defense | Photo illustration by Joy Smoker.

VIA MAYOR GHASSALI

BYJOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Bckintime... MONTVALE

Emerson •

Plenty has changed in Emerson since 1930. Kristin Beuscher shines the love on 184 Kinderkamack Road, once home to Bamond’s Grocery Store. SEE PAGE 4

SAFETY FEST

Continued on page 31

PH senior Briana Keenan brings home $1,000 prize, only one of five in U.S.; follows in Julia Stieglitzʼs 2021 footsteps

ENGINEERINGENGINEERINGSUCCESSSUCCESS Hillsdale

SCHOLARSHIPCHALLENGE’WINNERREPEAT

Local Girl Scouts are planning to turn out in force at the 8th Annual Joan’s Joy Child Safety Fest, set for Sept. 24 in downtown Hillsdale.

Congratulations to Mont valeʼs Briana Keenan, proud recipient of a $1,000 American Heart Association scholarship under the American Heart Chal lenge, “a school-based program that helps middle and high school students feel good about their health while doing good for the community.”TheAmerican Heart Association awards five high school seniors $1,000 college scholarships to energize their commitment to community health through serv ice-learningKeenan,opportunities.aNational Honor Society student, is editor-in-chief of the award-winning Pascack Hills Trailblazer and spent two weeks this summer attending the School of the New York Times, exploring media, business, politics, arts, culture, and technology. This summer she also wrote stories on the Pascack Valley High School District board approving policies for the upcoming school year and discussing goals and ethics at its annual retreat; and her schoolʼs gyms being renovated for the logoSheʼschange.an officer at her schoolʼs Interact Club, which takes on service projects, and she dances competitively for Perpetual Motion Dance Studio in River See KEENAN on page 7 ‘HEART

MONTVALE

BYMICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

RALLIESFORMAYORDEPIERO’SSHYOF100THYEAR

• Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake P ASCACKVALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERVOLUME 26 ISSUE 26 SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Less than a quarter mile from the longstanding, Dairy Queen at one of Montvaleʼs busiest corners lies the boroughʼs sole remaining working farm and farm stand — DePieroʼs Farm Stand and Greenhouses — at 156 Summit Ave., and the farm stand is at 56 Craig Road, just a block off of Summit Avenue.In2024 the DePiero farm will celebrate a century of farming in town — if it sustains itself given recent impacts from Covid-19, a difficult economy, and a growing deer population wreaking even more economic havoc on its downsized operations. In 1951, the first DePieroʼs farm stand was opened in Montvale, which followed the founding of DePieroʼs farming operations here in Over1924.the past several weeks when Pascack Press visited the farm stand on weekday afternoons, a handful of cars and shoppers could be found patronizing the well stocked farmstand and purchasing locally grown pro See DEPIERO on page 20

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the editor: A SANYPARENT with kids that go to or have gone to [school here] knows, there is absolutely no cell service inside of Pascack Valley High School. Not even a text can be sent or received. At best this is a major inconvenience for aHerefamily.is an example. When I am picking up my daughter, I leave my house approximately 25 minutes before school gets out in order to arrive 10 minutes or so early. Sometimes her plans have changed and she may be staying late or going to a friends house but she canʼt even text me until she is physically out of the building at which time I have already been there waiting. This such an absolute waste of a parentʼs time. At worst, this could be life threatening.Now I realize the chances of these things happening are extremely small, but itʼs not out of the question that they in fact could come to Herepass.isanother example: A student or a teacher in some back hall or gym slips and falls, or has a medical emergency that renders them immobile and need immediate help. They cannot call anyone for assistance. Even if someone else was with them, they would have to leave and run to the office or somewhere else in order to call an ambulance or police. Sometimes seconds count! Another scenario could be that a dangerous person has entered the school with the intent to cause harm. After they entered, they were spotted by someone in the school but that person was not

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100% settled. But people need to know a candidateʼs perspective and opinions so they can trust the candidates they vote for are going to act in their best interests. In 2018, a Westwood council race was decided by 3 votes. The eventual winner of that race was our current mayor, Ray Arroyo. If not for the efforts of a few dedicated people, we may not have had him in place for the once in a lifetime challenge of COVID. I thank God we did. Never again believe your vote doesnʼt matter. It does.

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1978since only 30% goes to the municipality, it bewilders me that people seem to pay more attention to a special House race in Alaska than they do our local Board of Ed races. There is a natural hesitation to ask tough questions of local candid ates, likely because you may interact with these candidates outside the arena of local politics. Maybe you already know a candidate in a different context and think to yourself, “Oh I know Joe! He coached my daughterʼs soccer team! Heʼs great!” But how would Joe vote on the school budget? I implore you. Ask the hard questions. Ask every single candidate how they would vote on the recent health curriculum updates. Ask them how they would prioritize facilities upgrades such as air conditioning against things like increased teacher pay Ask them what their thoughts were on COVID policies and remote schooling, and what would their preferences be should there be another COVID flare-up. Ask them how they would direct the district and its administration in terms of goals and objectives. Ask them how they feel about having armed police protecting our children. Figure out what truly matters to you, your family, and the allocation of your tax dollars, and ask questions about it. Do not let 60% of your tax dollars be allocated by a popularity contest. Ask more of your elected officials and those we entrust with not just our money, but with setting the policies and priorities of an organization with significant influence on the lives of our children. Do not accept evasive answers. Do not accept, “I have to be up there to decide.” Itʼs okay to learn and do more research and not enter an elected position with your mind already PASCACK PRESS

Cell service lack at PVHS a problem

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

BOE races require scrutinyyour To the editor: A S THECAMPAIGN to elect three people to the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education begins, itʼs important for residents to be tuned in to this race as much, if not more so, than traditional partisan races elsewhere on the ballot. Given that approximately 60% of our property tax dollars are dedicated to education while

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

COUNTYOFFERS ‘LAST-RESORT’ HELPON DPW BY

The council has yet to agree upon a design for the estimated $4.5 million facility, though some members suggested going up in height or adding a new steel storage building to house all DPW vehicles and equipment at the town hall site, where the department was based for years until toxic soil there was ordered remediated and the headquarters was razed. Pascack Press filed a records request for the designs presented at the Sept. 6 meeting.

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The township had been renting 35 spaces at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for $2,500 per month to store excess equipment, but moved some seasonal equipment, used for leaf and snow removal, plus some vehicles, to the 6.1-acre swim and recreation club property after its acquisition in late April.The club, at Ridgewood Boulevard North, has remained closed in 2020, 2021 and 2022 before its recent acquisition. The town engineer is preparing a study looking at the townʼs recreational facilities to recommend how to use the new recreational property. Calamari said that during construction of a new DPW facility, it was likely that the town might need storage space exceeding what the club property could provide. A few council members suggested that a steel building might take the place of the current ambulance corps, providing additional storage. It was not clear how much storage could be provided.

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Township Council members said Sept. 6 that they would rather ask the Bergen County executive to help them store excess Department of Public Works equipment and vehicles temporarily instead of returning to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, on Ridgewood Road across from the high school, to lease parking spaces. Mayor Peter Calamari told the council that the newly drawn plans he showed at the meeting did not allow enough space for the new facility to house the current inventory of Calamariequipment.firstsaid that at the councilʼs Aug. 15 meeting.

Calamari said that the architect, Arcari Iovino, had ruled out using the soon to be vacant volunteer ambulance corps building footprint for a police department sallyWhenport. Calamari mentioned the option to lease the OLGC property, most council members voiced opposition, preferring to explore free Councilalternatives.President Desserie Morgan said that Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III advised her that the county would help the township as a “last resort” if it needed a place to store excess equipment.Feeney said she would like an inventory of all DPW equipment, and its square footage, to get an accurate inventory of space needs and storage alternatives. She said some DPWs are using hydraulic racking storage systems that might be explored for the town hall site or somewhere else in town. Morgan suggested an inventory of the last time certain DPW equipment was used, and if it was feasible to even keep certain equipment. She said some equipment might be auctioned off. Calamari told her that DPW does prepare an annual list of equipment to be auctioned off, which includes equipment or vehicles not used in the past year. He said he thought the DPW had already completed this yearʼs list. Council members were against spending any more money on leasing parking spaces. Calamari said it would likely be at least a year before any agreement on what to do at the swim club is final, which could allow parking there for at least a year. Calamari repeated that council may have to renew the OLGC agreement because DPW vehicles now parking at the town hall will be displaced by construction of a new DPW facility. He said previously when DPW equipment was stored there, neither the church nor the town received complaints from MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 Westwood, N.J. 07675 Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood and Woodcliff Lake

Borough of Montvale Environmental Commission chair Robert Hanrahan, “We have the distinct pleasure and privilege to welcome back our esteemed bat expert and New Jerseyʼs own resident ʻBATMAN,ʼJoaseph DʼAngeli, a NJ licensed chiroptologist and founder of the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center in Garfield.” Hanrahan saus DʼAngeli will lead participants “through the world of bats, past, present and future with a discussion about their fascinating biology and a demonstration of their amazing navigation system.” Afterward, DʼAngeli will lead an interactive “bat walk” utilizing echo locators to pinpoint the bats as they transmit their navigation signals. The program is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and will begin at the Montvale Senior Community Center at 1 Memorial Drive and move right outside to Huff Park. The event is rain or shine and moves indoors if the weather is inclement.For more info visit montvale.org/boards/environmental.

The Bamond grocery store in Emerson in 1930.

Art DirectorKeith

TO SEE MORE

PublisherJohn J. DeFina Olohan Beuscher J. Harcher Harcher BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

Contributing Editor Kristin

Bckintime... Bckintime... BACK IN mmaannyy hhaadd eenntteerreedd tthhaatt aarrcchhwwaayy??

(Or ‘Bat Time…’)inSept.18

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MONTVALE

HENTHEPHOTO at top right was taken, in 1930, this building, at 184 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson, was home to Bamondʼs Grocery Store. Note the Ford Model A coupe. The store was founded and owned by Rocco Bamond (1890–1955) and his wife, Carmela. According to author Dwight de Stefan in “Emerson: From Basilicata to Etna,” Rocco was the son of Frank Bamond, a local farmer. Many times a week, Frank traveled for several hours by horse and wagon to Paterson and to the ferry in Edgewater to sell his produce. As Rocco aged, it seemed more practical to sell the vegetables locally. Rocco and Carmela, who disliked farming, handled the mercantile side of the family business. Roccoʼs nephew, Johnny Bamond (1916–1975), later took over the grocery, expanded it, and improved the building.The building stood for a century, though in later years a nail salon took the place of the old grocery storefront. Still, the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, with its little arched doorway that was a throwback to a different era in Emerson. The structure, like those around it, was razed as part of Emersonʼs ongoing downtown redevelopment project.

Editor John Snyder Staff WriterMichael

The building at 184 Kinderkamack Road changed little as Emerson grew up around it. This photo was snapped in the 2010s. At left, the site today. Below, a rendering of the planned Emerson Station project on Kinderkamack Road.

The Montvale Environmental Commission invites borough residents to attend an educational presentation and demonstration on Sunday, Sept.Reports18.

—Kristin Beuscher, a former editor of Pascack Press, is president of Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge and edits its quarterly membersʼnewsletter, Relics.

SCHOOL NEWS16 DINING GUIDE15 HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 HOME IMPROVEMENT 24 REAL SERCLASSIFIEDESTATE25ADS26VICEDIRECTORY27OBITUARIES30 inside 4 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

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.

EDITORIAL & pascackpress@thepressgroup.netFAX201.664.2105ADVERTISING201.664.2109E-MAILUSAT HOMETOWNPASCACKVALLEY’SNEWSPAPER

Director of Advertising George F.

TIME FEATURES HHooww

The next phase, the milling, takes the longest and should begin as soon as the concrete work is complete,” he said. He added, “While milling will cause traffic diversions, these are easier to manage than paving and there will be adequate signage and police working to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience. The biggest traffic headache comes with the actual paving. The good news there is that it is the shortest part of the project and shouldnʼt take more than two to three days.” Misciagna said, “The tentative schedule for paving is to make every effort to conduct this portion on Sept. 26–27 while the schools are closed to again minimize interruption.”And he said, “If you commute along Kinderkamack Road, please plan on avoiding the road where possible during paving on your morning commute. All work days should end by approximately 4 p.m., so the evenings should go smoother.”Hethanked all in advance for their cooperation and patience during September, as “it is important to get this work done before the cold weather begins. Thanks again to Bergen County for getting us on their busy paving schedule.”He promised more information via email and on the boroughʼs Facebook page.

FROM PAGE 3 neighbors. [That said, heʼd taken heat from, and strongly pushed back at, critics who pointed out his alleged appearance of conflict of interest over his and his fatherʼs roles in church governance. Ed.] “I donʼt agree with spending money when we have a place [the club site] to store all the equipment,” said CalamariFeeney.ison record assuring residents the club property would be for recreational uses and not for DPW operations. He said recently he was encouraged by feedback on the townshipʼs application for a substantial open space grant over the club site purchase. Morgan noted that the county agreed to serve as a “last resort” to provide parking space for some DPW vehicles and equipment. Calamari said that the meaning of “last resort” may be different for the county executive and local officials.Morgan said if all DPW equipment does not fit at the club site, the council should ask the county executive if they could temporarily store equipment at the Bergen County annex.

aboutbeginfintrusiveworkpaving.milling,followedcrosswalks,bythen“Therampistheleasttotraf-icandshouldonorSept.9.

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Mayor Keith Misicagna wrote residents Sept. 1 to advise them of progress toward the longawaited paving of Kinderkamack Road.He said he and his team met with Bergen County Roads Department and their contractors for a preconstruction meeting on the project, which calls for milling, paving, and restriping the entirety of the Park Ridge portion of the road, from the Woodcliff Lake border to the Montvale border.“We are pleased that we were able to get the county to prioritize this heavily traveled road for our residents now that the downtown redevelopment and the PSE&G gas main upgrades are complete,” he said.He said the work will be done in stages beginning with the concrete work, which includes the upgrading of the ADA ramps at the

DPW: County executive offers ‘last-resort’ help

“We should definitely explore that before we pay rent,” said Councilwoman Daisy Velez. CalamariCalamariagreed. had long advocated for a new DPW facility at the border with Paramus, on the footprint of the former Charlie Brownʼs restaurant at 95 Linwood Ave. — plans were drawn up out of public view and presented as a concept — but that investigation fell through over environmental concerns and amid a firestorm of opposition from neighbors. The town council voted not to proceed with that purchase.

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She said, “The American Heart Association is just such an incredible organization, and being named one of their scholarship recipients is an extreme honor — I love everything that they fight for and everything that they stand for.” In addition to her advisor promoting the scholarship, Keenan said she was aware Julia Stieglitz, who graduated Hills a year ahead of her, won in 2021. The other 2021-2022 scholarship •recipients:SarahGutierrez of Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart Miami, Fla. • Esha Hindupur of Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, Calif.• Anna Shanar of Ridge Point High School Missouri City, Texas.

S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S 7

Vale.The American Heart Association told Pascack Press in a statement on Sept. 6 that, as itʼs devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, it offers a service-learning inschool fundraising program that prepares students for success by offering leadership development opportunities, community service hours and a college application booster in addition to supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing.Juniors and seniors across the country who participated in their in-school or virtual American Heart Challenge program for the 20212022 school year were eligible for the scholarship program. Student applicants were required to demonstrate leadership skills within their schoolʼs American Heart Challenge event and showcase their passion for impacting community health. Applications also required a letter of support from their school American Heart Challenge advisor. Keenan told Pascack Press on Sept. 6, “When Ifound out I won, I was definitely surprised. Iwas in shock. I remember saying to my mom, Icanʼt believe I was picked.”

8 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

Part One: What is Thrive and Planning For the Future Sept. 6, 2 to 4 p.m.

Join Thrive at Montvale Senior Living for its free Thrive Talk Series in September, where they will answer all your retirement living questions.The

Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk takes place virtually from Thursday, Sept. 1 through Friday, Sept. 30. A virtual 5K is one in which participants run/walk on their own and self-report their results for compilation. The event organizer then shares the complete results and pictures with all the event participants.Organizers say, “As the Covid-19 virus has continued to have a major impact on our daily lives and routines, many special events have been cancelled, postponed or significantlyThemodified.”add,as this 5K Run/Walk has become such a beloved community and regional event, the club wanted to maintain the spirit of its 5K by providing everyone the opportunity to participate virtually This is a communitywide effort to raise funds for college scholarships for high school seniors in Park Ridge, Montvale and Woodcliff Lake. The non-refundable entry fee is $13. Register at run signup.com/Race/NJ/ParkRidge/ ParkRidgeRotary5k. Donations are also welcome. Sponsor ship opportunities are available. Call Linda Hanlon at (201)The819-8281.ParkRidge Rotary Club is part of Rotary Inter national; a global service organization with a stated purpose of bringing business leaders together in order to promote goodwill and offer humanitarian services. It has a global membership of 1.4 million friends and neighbors spread across 46,000+ clubs worldwide.Formore information visit Park Ridge Rotary at portal.clubrunner.ca/2088

Thrive Talk Series on retirement living

Presenters: Kesha Davis with Relocation Solutions; Carolee Chirico, broker associate with Keller Wil-

Part Three: Rightsizing Your Life, and Current Real Estate Market Trends Sept. 27, 2 to 4 p.m.

•Overview of the Thrive Senior Living retirement lifestyle for active older adults, the levels of care offered, and the many benefits of an independent living community. • The differences between 55+, CCRC, and Independent Living communities.•Howto select the right home for you.•Questions to ask when researching your •Guidanceoptions.tohelp you make the best decision.

ROTARY’S 10TH ANNUAL 5K GOES VIRTUAL PARK RIDGE CREATING HAPPY SMILES FOR OVER 35 YEARS Golub Pediatric Dentist ry proudly welcomes Dr. Zachary Golub to our practice! Local Pascack Valley Resident, Columbia University Trained Pediatric Dentist. PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 354 OLD HOOK ROAD WESTWOOD, NJ • (201)-722-0220 • 2185 LEMOINE AVENUE FORTLEE, NJ• (201) 944-7636 www.golubpediatricdentistry.com DR. ZACHARY GOLUB, D.M.D SPECIALIST IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SPEC. PERMIT: 07114 DR. JAMIE DIAMENT GOLUB, D.M.D SPECIALIST IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SPEC. PERMIT: 03667 liams Realty • Whatʼs next? Youʼve selected your new home, prepared your finances, and now you are ready to make the •Understandingmove. the current real estate trends and positioning your home for a successful sale and move. •Expert advice on cleanouts and decluttering.•Rightsizing and maximizing your new space. Next steps: RSVP for the whole Thrive Talk Series in September or a specific date: Call (201) 596-8639 or email RSVP@ThriveAtMontvale.com. Actively Purchasing & Paying Top Dollar • Fine Art Paintings • Jewelry, Diamonds • Rare Coins • Gold & Silver • Wrist Watches and Fine Time Pieces • Statues & Sculptures Marble and Bronze • Antique Lighting • Fine Porcelain • Military & Sports Memorabilia STERLING ASSOCIATES FINE ANTIQUE AND ART AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS THE ONLY COMPLETE FULL ESTATE SETTLEMENT SERVICE One Item To Entire Estates Purchase • TOP PRICES PAID • Consign We offer totally secure financial transactions and professional handling of your items. Visit Our Gallery at 537 Broadway • Norwood, NJ 07648 Call us 220011--776688--11114400FREEAntiqueAppraisals www.antiquenj.com • info@antiquenj.com AVAILABLEHOUSECALLS ForNewServingJersey35Years

The Murray Firm • How to plan for the move successfully by maximizing affordability. • Important advice to help you prepare for the cost of the move along with what legal documents are key. • Financial options for funding senior living expenses (including a look at VA benefits and long-term care insurance).

Part Two: Important Advice When Planning to Move to a Retirement Community Sept. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.

Presenter: Robert Murray, elder law and estate planning attorney with

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Westwood Regional School District; Pascack Valley Regional High School District CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 MCCALLISTER SEMBLER CUSATO COOPERGARCIA

He said, “Roughly 20% of our seniors participate in the career learning program each year. However, at high achieving schools like Bergen County Academies, nearly 100% of seniors engage in this program, which helps students have better visibility into career options after high school and/or collegeAccordinggraduation.”toCusato, “From my eight years of experience mentoring students out of Bergen County Academies, I personally observed such programs turning into high-paying summer internships, fresh out of college employment opportunities and inspirations for the student to help them focus on a degree that makes sense.”And Cusato questioned the districtʼs recent adoption of the stateʼs 2020 revision of learning standards for comprehensive health and physical education, as the state requires, which include parent opt-outs, as priorities that “are wrong, dead wrong and need to change. There are model curriculums this district could follow; all it takes is some innovative thinking and willingness to push back against the woke ideologies being forced into schools.”

Regional BOE candidates on their ‘one goal’ if elected

Westwood In Westwood, three candidates are competing for two open seats on the Westwood regional board, includingimportantgichavingJasonCooper,seatsforbler.MichelleincumbentSem-CompetingtheopenareLauraandR.Garcia.Semblersaidastrate-planisto accomplish, if only one thing could be accomplished. “One of our board goals for 2022-23 is to create a three-year strategic plan that features a detailed, time-bound action plan that is designed to track progress and lead to the achievement of intended outcomes for school improvement,” Sembler wrote. “This is extremely important to me, and Iʼm looking forward to being part of the process. We need to set our goals, the measurable success towards those goals, and improvements, if needed, to achieve the goals that we set,” she added.Cooper said “Building Westwood Regional school district into a destination educational system ihproducesthatappy,healthy,ntellectuallycuriousandhighlyfunc-tioningyoungadultsthatpos-sesstheadaptability and passion to thrive in a rapidly changing environment” was her primary goal. Garcia told us that while student success remains number comespositivesuccess,all,second.takesstakthetioncommunica-one,betweenboardandeholdersaclose“Over-studentwithout-both academically and in personal growth, is a priority. This entails addressing learning loss and ensuring the mental and emotion-

PASCACKVALLEY School Board candidates for regional and local districts this Nov. 8 in the Pascack Valley listed a variety of goals worth focusing on if they could only accomplish one goal during their term, according to replies to a recent Pascack PressWsurvey.easked the candidates, “If you could accomplish just one goal in your term, what would that be?” [For local races, see page 12.]

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Township of Washington In the Westwood Regional District, two candidates are running for two open Washington Township seats, including incumbent Joseph J. McCallister, and Douglas Cusato. McCallister said devising a permanent solution to “overcrowding in the classroom” would be his top goal if he could accomplish only one goal. He said when he joined the board in 2017 he ran on a platform that included advocating for smaller class sizes. “While the board I sat on was able to alleviate this problem somewhat by spearheading the expansion of the W estwood Regional Middle School, and r eevaluating how we managed space in the elementary schools, the problem persists — and given the population growth and housing development that is on the horizon for Township of Washington, I can only imagine the situation will become more urgent.”He said he would like to see several initiatives launched in the next few years, including installing air conditioning in all classrooms, and developing mental health and wellness programs. Cusato, running unopposed for the second open township seat, said “A major initiative I intend to drive into the district includes a complete refocus of our towardsapproacheducation to ensure our students have the tools, vision, and experiences to excel following graduation including those that wish to go to a fouryear college, community college, trade school or military, etc.” He asserted, “For too long education systems like WWRSD have been focused on a one-track approach — all kids go to a fouryear college. The challenge with this is abundantly clear, more and more students are pushed into a four year college with a lack of vision for what comes after graduation.”He said, “This is inevitably fueling the growing number of students exiting college with arbitrary degrees, limited opportunities to obtain employment and massive portions of debt via student loans. Ultimately, this situation is leading to younger generations struggling to acquire wealth and delaying or preventing their ability to build sustainable financial compensations to support themselves and/or a family.”Hesaid “Some of the key items I would like to drive to support this refocus include a successful career learning program, effective schooling in personal finances and the impact of debt acquisition and the value of four-year degrees, two-year associate degrees, trade schools, military etc.”

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Parkside church block party Sept. 17

11 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

WESTWOOD

The party is Saturday, Sept. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. and all members of the community are welcome to attend. The church, known for its weekly food pantry distributions and open and affirming setting, is on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Park, next to Veteransʼ Memorial Park. “Unlike your typical church picnic exclusive to church members, our parties really are meant for the community as a whole” says Parkside pastor Rev. Rodney Haveman.Parkside started these parties several years ago, inviting neighbors who live in the general vicin ity of the church, according to Haveman. But, he added, “We quickly realized that we should invite anyone who wants to have a fun afternoon for themselves and the whole family. Haveman said, “Parkside has always been known in Westwood for our radically gracious hospital ity. It has been the foundation for our ministry and outreach for many years. This block party is just one more way we can show love and welcome with some great food, fun and fellowship.” For more information, visit parksidechurch.net or call (201) 666-8998.

FROM PAGE 10 al well-being of our students is a central focus. At this time, the district has a blueprint for achieving this goal. Still, I want to ensure implementation remains on track and that we are frequently analyzing progress and improving the areas that require addressing,” he said.“As wheels are in motion on the student success front, I would like to prioritize an equally important goal of improving communication between the community and the board of education,” he said. He added, “I hope to develop a subcommittee and issue experts on the board whose job with [Superintendent] Dr. [Jill] Mortimer will be to meet with parents at each school and explain in detail (with Q&A sessions) the policies, processes, and goals that are unclear to the public.” He said, “We know the superintendentʼs job is to run the district, and the boardʼs job is to ensure the district runs well. Still, we have not established what the stakeholderʼs role is in public education, and I believe the three should work together symbiotically. This liaison will bridge the informational gap and resolve the disconnect between the public and the board.”

Pascack Press adaptation of flyer Parkside Community Church,known for its weekly food pantry distributions and open and affirming setting, is on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Park,next to Veterans’ Memorial Park.

FROM PAGE 7

•Olivia Wilson of Southwest Christian High School in Chaska, Minn.“Each of these students represents the spirit of the American Heart Associationʼs mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Raymond P. Vara Jr., chairman of the board of the American Heart Association, in the organizationʼs statement..He added, “We are encouraged by their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing within their local communities and are hopeful these scholarships will continue to shape their future actions of serving and inspiring others.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesʼ2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations.The American Heart Challenge says itʼs rooted in proven science that shows that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. Funds raised by American Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Associationʼs scientific research and outreach programs, while creating healthier communities.Schoolsare encouraged to register now for the American Heart Challenge to bring expanded curriculum resources to their classrooms for the 2022-23 school year. For more information visit heart.org/kids

Keenan: Scholarship winner

Pascack Valley Regional In the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, which includes the Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley high school communities, incumbent James L. Stankus is running unopposed in River Vale and Elizabeth Neve-Calderone is running unopposed in Woodcliff Lake.Neve-Calderone told Pascack Press that if she could accomplish only one goal it would be to “improve communication and work with all communities to be one cohesive unit.”

Regional: BOE goal NEVE-CALDERONE

STANKUS

Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, delicious additional picnic foods, a jump castle, face painting, corn hole, games for all ages, a D.J., and prizes are all in the works for this yearʼs annual block party being held on the front lawn of Parkside Community Church.

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Arguably the most competitive local school board race, in number of challengers, is Park Ridge. Six candidates are vying for two open three-year seats. Two teams of candidates are running, including LeeAnn Frank and Liza Falato-Lau, and John Pierotti Jr. and Joseph Bucco, as is Erin Kate Comeau and Timothy J. Carroll. (Carroll had not responded by press time).

Westwood Senior Fellowship president Mary Cerrati writes, “Our Tuesday, Sept. 13 meeting, at 11:30 a.m. at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., will feature the Westwood fire marshal, who will speak about safety. Refreshments will be served.” Cerrati says, “Just a friendly reminder: if you are coming to the Halloween hootenanny, Saturday, Oct. 29, your remittance is due by Sept. 13. The cost is $20, payable to Westwood Senior Fellowship. The party runs 5–8 p.m.; doors open at 4:30. See you

at our next meeting.” SENIORMEETSFELLOWSHIPSEPT.13 WESTWOOD CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Emerson In Emerson, four candidates are up for two open seats. Running together are Keith W. Smith and Amy Mara, who oppose William Graulich V, running under the slogan “Experienced, Passionate, Reliable”; a fourth challenger is JosephMaraPolvere.said her top priority would be to broadcast BOE meetings so more residents could participate in local school affairs. “One goal I would like to meet in my term would be to have greater communication exchanges between the school district and the community This would include broadcasting board of education meetings virtually so that parents who might be otherwise con strained from attending an in-person meeting due to childcare needs can still stay informed,” wroteAddedMara. Smith, “Improving communication is the catalyst to driving stronger alignment between our Board of Education and the Borough of Emerson. This can be easily achieved by leveraging the technologies and best practices already employed in our schools and other committees and clubs.”Smith noted, “We need to include live broadcasting of Board of Education meetings for those unable to join in person – whether they are working, carpooling children to extracurricular activities, or physically incapable of safely getting to evening meetings.” He said, “We need to provide access to previously recorded meetings so parents and community members can have the information at their convenience if they cannot attend in person.” Graulich said “I, like any candidate, have a myriad of goals Iʼm hoping to see accomplished. But when being asked to prioritize –for the sake of this question – just one goal, the answer for all candidates should be focused on increasing student achievement. Educating students is the primary function of any school district –but working with all community and district stakeholders to maximize student achievement should be paramount. Always.” Polvere said “strong, open communication” is an important goal to accomplish. He said, “I will strive to build strong open communication between the community and school district. Every parent should be able to trust the district to provide a quality education in a safe environment. There will always be varying opinions as to how to best accomplish this.” He added, “All community members have a right to be heard and respected. Toward that end, I plan to be available to the commu nity through email, telephone, and meetings. We are all on the same team, striving for the very best for our children.”

PASCACKVALLEY

The Pierotti-Bucco team said, “One goal that we would like to accomplish during our term would be to effectively serve our community who have entrusted us to represent them and to leave the district better than we found it.”

They added, “During our term, we plan to keep the mindset of Excellence Continued. We will continually build on the excellence that has been established and what brought most of us and our families to this great town.” They said, “We would never be satisfied accomplishing only one goal. We plan to address many objectives through collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators, and other board members.” And they said, “We want all students to read at, or above, grade level. We want them to excel in STEM and history We want more after school programs that encourage creativity and a love for learning. Unfortunately, we have seen too many kids grow apathetic towards learning and they need to be encouraged. Students should be excited to come to school and all feel success is within reach.” Frank and Falato-Lau noted, “We would never be satisfied accomplishing only one goal. We plan to address many objectives through collaboration with par ents, teachers, administrators, and other board members.” They added, “We want all students to read at, or above, grade level. We want them to excel in STEM and history. We want more after-school programs that encourage creativity and a love for learning.Unfortunately, we have seen too many kids grow apathetic towards learning and they need to be encouraged. Students should be excited to come to school and all feel success is within reach.” Comeau said “The Covid pandemic disrupted the ways in which we all communicate and interact. This is especially true in our school setting. I would like to build stronger communication and transparency between all stakeholders: students, staff, board members and the town public.”

River Vale In River Vale, three candidates are on the ballot for two open seats, including incumbent trustees Deborah Rothenberg and Virginia “Ginny” Senande. Rothenberg was elected in 2017; Senande in 2018. Challenging them is Louana Austin. Rothenberg did not directly answer our survey questions, but rather sent in general replies. “Going forward, some issues our District and many others face include security and safety, an area in which our administration works closely with the local police officers and town officials. Other future opportunities for the District include strengthening our academic initiatives, addressing student wellness and leveraging technology,” she wrote. “Our board has been fiscally responsible while continually making improvements to the schools. Recently, our town approved a referendum to make valuable improvements in our schools such as important safety measures, air quality improvements including air conditioning, so that will ensure that our children continue to enjoy a healthy, safe and secure environment,” she added.Senande said, “I believe student achievement and well-being should be paramount when the Board sets policies, goals, and objectives for the district while remaining fiscally responsible to local taxpayers. During my tenure on the Board and the Finance Committee, we have

Local BOE candidates on their ‘one goal’ if elected

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS Ridge, Emerson, River Vale, Woodcliff Lake,

Park

Hillsdale, and Montvale 8th Annual Charity Car Show Sun Sept 19Closter11am-4pm18thPlazaVervalenSt.Closter201481-5406Raindate:Sept25thProceeds will go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center joeyscharityfund.org Car Registration $20 Online Pre-Register or $25 Day Of Show FREE For Spectators GIVEAWAYS - Gas Grill, HDTV & More DOOR PRIZES • TROPHIES • CONCESSIONS

Fire Chief James Voorhis Sr. reports that the Westwood Fire Department was called 30 times for emergency assistance in July. None of the calls turned out to be serious fires.“These 30 emergency calls one training drill and two maintenance nights required almost 400 hours of volunteer time,” Voorhis department said the departmentʼs monthly update to Pascack Press readers.The Westwood Fire Department was called four times to neighboring towns to assist fire departments under the mutual aid agreement: one incident in each town to Emerson, and River Vale, and twice to the Township of Washington, which is closing in on the open house of its new fire and ambulanceWestwoodʼsheadquarters.firedepartment was called once to assist local emergency medical service crews. Automatic fire alarms were received 13 times in July. Although no fires existed at any of these incidents, a full fire department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building to deter mine if an actual fire exists. No cause for the alarm activation was found at four of the calls and cooking smoke set off alarms at another incident.Dust from workers in a building caused an alarm and workers testing the alarm system in another building required a fire department response.These responses are caused when people test alarm systems and do not call fire dispatchers prior to the test to notify them that tests are being conducted. The department responded two times to natural gas odors. Each time a full department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building with meters. At the one incident no gas was present. At the other incident a stove was found to be left on. Fire crews shut the stove and vented the gas with fans. As is standard procedure, these incidents are turned over to PSE&G gas company technicians for further investigation. Four fire department responses were for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO is an odorless and colorless gas given off by improperly burning heating or cooking equipment. It can be fatal at high levels. Each of the CO calls required a full fire department response. Fire crews check the entire building with meters and determined that a dead detector battery caused one alarm.COdetectors malfunctioning were found at two calls. At one incident, an acetylene torch prompted the readings. The occupancies were turned over to PSE&G gas technicians for further investigation.

Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! For more info and to purchase tickets online visit www.demar estfarms.com

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ARE LOCATED ON

Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! your on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market. Warm-up by the fire pits & make your own S’mores! For more info and to purchase tickets online visit www.demarestfarms.com

WE 244 WIERMUS ROAD, HILLSDALE, NJ

WE LOCATED ON 244 WIERMUS ROAD, HILLSDALE, NJ

ARE

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS A LIVELY JULY, WITH NO SERIOUS BLAZES WESTWOOD Westwood Fire Deparment members at their monthly drill in August.This drill helped members learned how to correctly follow a hose line out of building in zero visibility conditions. Via Facebook. Westwood Cub Scout Pack 350 registration night for boys entering kindergarten through 5th grade is set for Monday, Sept. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westwood Fire Department, 93 CenterForAve.more information write cubscouts350@gmail.com Cub Scout Pack 350 registration night WESTWOOD September 18th Sunday - 11am to 5pm 200 Quality Exhibitors with Arts, Crafts, Pony Rides, a Petting Zoo, Inflatables, A Large Food Court & All Day Entertainment. Save the Date...Be There! Sponsored by: The Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Dept. Located on East Ridgewood Ave. Rain or Shine FREE ADMISSION Promoted by: P.J.’s Promotions 201-410-5416 • www.pjspromotions.com Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Festival September 18th Sunday - 11am to 5pm DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! DEMAREST FARMS PRESENTS A FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT! SStartingFriday,EPT.16ReservationsRequired! 201-666-04201-666-047272201-666-0472201-666-0472201-666-0472201-666-0472

AUTH

14 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S AUTHENTIC GERMAN SPECIALS & BEER NOW BEING SERVED! • Sauerbraten • Knockwurst • Bratwurst • Weisswurst • Wienerschnitzel • Roast Pork • Red Cabbage • Potato Pancakes • Apple Strudel • German Chocolate Cake Visit our website: www.TheIronHorse.com 20 Washington Ave., Westwood (201) 666-9682 RESTAURANT CAFE GATHERING PLACE! BE KIND!BE KIND! Receive 10% Off your entire check with this coupon Limit one per table. May not be combined with any other offers. Dine in only. Not valid on catering or holidays The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! The Cornerstone, Your Celebration Destination! Book your party with us! 84 BROADWAY HILLSDALE NJ 201.666.8688 • www.thecornerstonenj.com TRENTON Two 39th District legislators have introduced measures aimed at greater municipal government transparency — including town councils, school boards and planning/zoning boards. The measures require advance meeting notice online and call for links to “relevant documents” now exempt from disclosure under the Open Public Meetings TAct.he legislation was introduced this summer by state Assemblyman Robert Auth (ROld Tappan) and state Assemblywoman DeAnne DeFuccio (RUpper Saddle River), to update the stateʼs Sunshine Laws initially approved in 1975 to make government more transparent. The legislators are seeking cosponsors, hoping to make what they say are needed changes to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), a law passed nearly a half-century ago, and last updated over two decades ago. Auth said he hoped the bill would be posted in the Assemblyʼs State and Local Government Committee soon.

Moreover, Ruocco has been criticizing the Hillsdale Borough Council majority for more than a year, pressuring the body to release certain public documents, such as the local redevelopment plan, the redevelopment agreement, and architectural studies, in advance of meetings where they were to be discussed. His efforts have not been successful; instead the borough clerk and attorney say they rely on the OPRA exemption to not release “advisory, consultative or deliberative” documents in advance of a public meeting where they are on the agenda.Ruocco and the council, all Republicans, have repeatedly argued over the need to release so-called “draft” documents in advance of public meetings, with Ruocco charging council members with refusing to be “trans parent” and members saying that Ruocco is wrong and that the current OPRA law is on their side.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS DEFUCCIO RUOCCO TROCHIMIUK

Meeting of the Hillsdale governing body,Aug.9,2022.Among the agenda items for adoption:an ordinance adopting an amendment to the Patterson Street redevelopment plan;a capital ordinance appropriating $952,250;a long-term tax exemption and the execution of a financial agreement related to redevelopment;and a bond ordinance for public improvements and new additional or replacement equipment. Screenshot

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 325 BROADWAY, WESTWOOD, NJ • (201)666-0400 10% OFF Catering CANNOT BE COMBINED EXPIRES 10/15/22 10% OFF Entire Check CANNOT BE COMBINED EXPIRES 10/15/22 Due to a tremendous amount of catering, Jack’s will no longer be serving dinners! NEW HOURS: Wed.- Mon.8am-3pm.Closed Tuesdays Place Your Order For Catering! Place Your Order For Catering! Order Online! Free Delivery! www.jackscafenj.com They don’t come any better than this, I LOVE YOU SARA D’ELTTO To the moon and back!

“There isnʼt any guarantee it will ever get posted; we are subject to the dictates of the majority partyʼs whims and judgment on what bill will be given a hearing,” Auth told Pascack Press The district, represented in the state Senate by Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale), covers most of northern Bergen County and portions of Passaic County. Auth and DeFuccio had developed the proposed law after discussing the need to update the OPMA legislation — originally drafted in 1975 and last revised in 2002 — with Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco, who has been pressing for advanced release of public documents that are listed on a public agenda but often not publicly available until after the meeting where they are discussed.

Auth, DeFuccio

Generally, the public and press can request so-called “ACD documents” via a public records request after meetings when they are officially introduced. That normally occurs, though the public and press do not get to review the documents until they have been officially acted upon, leaving residents in the dark as public officials discuss their contents. In Hillsdale, the Borough Council majority, by a 5-1 mar gin, together with the clerk and attorney, have consistently opposed Ruoccoʼs pushing for early release of documents, citing current OPRA law. seek Assembly backing on transparency push

S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S 15eats Dining & Cooking Guide 168 KINDERKAMACK RD, PARK RIDGE • 201-690-6101 OFF PREMISES CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS! STOP IN, WE CAN CREATE A MENU UNIQUE TO YOUR TASTE. Visit pestoitalianbistro.comfor menu COMPLETE PRIX FIXE LUNCH: $13-$18 Served Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 12pm-2:45pm INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING • PRIVATE PARTIES • TAKE OUT Enjoy fresh ingredients, traditional table service and help us create an experience to your taste. Our Outdoor Cafe is Now Open! DAILY LUNCH $14-$17 12 S. Kinderkamack Road• Montvale, NJ (CVS Shopping Ctr.) 201-746-6669 • www.bellissimonj.com Mon-Thurs 11:30-9 • Fri 11:30-10 • Sat 1-10 • Sun 1-9 usLikeon * Complimentary Uncorking Service * * On and Off Premise Catering * CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS Gift CertificatesAvailable INCLUDES: SOUP, SALAD, ENTREÉ- Monday-Friday 11:30am-3pm TWO PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE For Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Christenings, Retirements, Corporate Events, Etc... Book Your Private Party With Us WINNER CONSECUTIVEFIVEYEARS2014-2019 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS FOR 6 OR MORE PEOPLE. 201-746-6669 On-line ordering at www.bellissimonj.com Get the results you’re looking for in the Service Directory in Pascack Valley Press. To place your service ad, please call 201.664.2105 Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes walkins, but takes reservations and offers takeout. Giulioʼs will be delighted to host your holiday business of family parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines. Enjoy making our Signature Dish at Home! Black RibeyeAngusSteak What youʼll need: • 22 oz. Black Angus Ribeye Steak• Salt & Pepper • Fresh Herbs (garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.) What to do: • Season steak with salt, pepper and herbs. • Grill or broil for 3 min. each side for medium rare. Serve with fried onion rings, garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. •Buon Appetito! Giulioʼs Restaurant is located at 154 Washington Street, Tappan NY. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.VisitGiulioʼs website for its menu: www.giuliosrestaurant.com For reservations, takeout, catering, and more, call (845) 359-3657 Can’tgetouttoGiulio’sRestaurant?Prepareitssignaturedishathome PASCACK VALLEY Pull up a chair at Giulio’s Restaurant, where elegance meets affordable —and delicious —Italian cuisine. Black Angus Ribeye Steak

Club News?

• 2:30: Speakers.

JOAN’S JOY 8TH ANNUAL CHILD SAFETY FEST SEPT. 24

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

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

Rosemarie and her family formed the foundation in 1998 in memory of her daughter, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by a neighbor on Holy Thursday in 1973. Joanʼs body was discovered that Easter Sunday in a sepulchre-like space in Harriman State Park inNew York. The killer was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. He died last summer while serving out his term at the South Woods State Prison in Cumberland County. DʼAlessandro has put much symbolism in a white butterfly, which she has said greets her at the site on visits. Joanʼs Joy promotes child safety via programs it provides and legislation it advocates. It provides support to neglected and abused children through fun and educational excursions and it helps victims of crime by way of consultation.SafetyFest is free to attend. Proceeds from the raffle and sponsorships will help at-risk children shelters impacted by COVID-19. To contribute “in any way” or for more information, visit joansjoy.org or write rosebd@email.com

S Sc c h o o ol l N e w s

The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee is excited to host a joint Family Fun Oktoberfest with the Park Ridge Elks at their lodge, at 13 Sulak Lane, on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m.There will be great live music, delicious Oktoberfest food/beverages, games, balloon animals, face painting, prizes, and much more. Rain date is Oct. 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. For the flyer and sponsor form visit parkridgeboro.com Make your check payable to Park Ridge Recreation Committee and mail it to Recreation, 53 Park Ave., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. (You also can put your form and check in the white mailbox marked “Recreation/Oktoberfest” in front of Borough Hall by Oct. 1.) Organizers say, “Thank you for making a difference for our community by helping our Park Ridge Elks help so many! Proceeds go to the Park Ridge Elks who support vets and children with special needs.”

PARK RIDGE FROM PAGE 2 in a position to leave where they were without putting themselves in harms way, like a bathroom or storage room. Again there is not a way to call 9-1-1 or alert others to mitigate any harm! From what I understand, there is equipment available that can pick up the cell signal and b oost it, then re broadcast it stronger and make cell phone use possible.

• 3: Butterfly release. • 3:30: Entertainment: professional singers and dance company.

HILLSDALE

•4:30:Raffle winners are announced. (There are more than 57 raffle baskets in the mix so far.) Thereʼll be a fun area for kids, with face painting and balloon twisting. And of course a tricky tray and raffles. This year, local Girl Scouts will be out in force, running an Internet safety table and handing out back-to-school kits. Rosemarie told Pascack Press on Sept. 7, “This is the most Girl Scout involvement we have had! I think a lot of scouts will attend.”

The Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Memorial Foundation is looking forward to its Eighth Annual Child Safety Festival, Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden at the Hillsdale Train Station, on Broadway. The schedule of events, according to Rosemarie DʼAlessandro:•2p.m.:Come together in a circle to stand up and do something for social justice.

Rosemarie D’Alessandro, center,is a fierce advocate of victims’ rights,and a champion in the cause of standing up for oneself,a message she says children need to hear. File photo

16 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

Borough, Elks Oktoberfest Oct. 15

DavidHillsdaleMorton

Editorʼs note:For more, see our news story “District working to improve cellular service at PVHS,” Noah Schwartz, June 9, 2022.

17 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

When you work out, try to focus on the muscles you're work ing on, feel your breath increasing in lung capacity, feel your heart beating faster, take note of the sweat on your skin, and pay attention to your technique and posture.

18 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

Stress is one of the leading causes of abnormal brain health and is a silent killer. A lot of people do not realize many of their symptoms may be caused by, or aggravated by stress. They may go to a bunch of doctors trying to discover where their symptoms are coming from, but do not get answers. They get bloodwork, X-rays, urinalysis, MRIs and ultrasounds, only to find out that all the tests are negative. Obviously it is good that the tests are negative, but it also might be frustrating because they know they do not feel well physically, but there are no abnormal test findings. Sometimes it is possible that the environment may be influencing their health more than they realize.There are three main stresses that must be avoided: Physical, emotional and biochemical. Physical stress In regard to physical stress, we get the body moving. If you are sitting at the computer all day, make sure you do what I call the 20 Rule: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to walk 20 feet and look 20 feet away and then go back to the computer. You can also do 20 seconds of jumping jacks, 20 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, 20 crunches, 20 squats, 20 lunges, 20 burpees, a 20 second sprint, 20 pull-ups, 20 seconds of jump rope, 20 seconds of backwards shoulder rolls, or do 20 seconds of shadow boxing. This will help prevent anxiety, depression, back pain, headaches, and may even help with obesity, heart disease, and Alzheimerʼs disease.Walk every day; preferably at sunrise and sunset to help set your circadian rhythms which will contribute to better sleep and more energy. Start taking weekly fitness classes or playing sports that are written into your schedule, keeps you active and more social. Always give yourself a reason to move the body more often. If you are at a party and someone wants a glass of water, you can be the person that gets up and goes to the kitchen; therefore you get to move your body more, you did a good deed for someone else, and additionally, that will encourage other people to do good deeds, as well.

Biochemical stress

Emotional stress

For less emotional stress, practice mindfulness. For example, when eating a meal, smell the food, feel the texture in your mouth, enjoy each bite, chew your food 30 times, and focus on your swallow.Donot watch television, read the paper, or check social media at the dinner table, as this distracts from eating mindfully.

Biochemical stress includes the chemicals we are exposed to such as deodorant, candles, laundry detergent, foods preserved in bags, plastic containers, cans, or boxes, aerosol sprays, suntan lotions, perfumes, plug-ins, nonorganic fruits and vegetables, bleaches, Teflon pans, many toothpastes, plastic storage containers, make-up, car air fresheners, cleaning products, plastic water bottles, and most beauty products. These should be removed from your house.Reduce physical, emotional, and biochemical stresses to ensure that the body functions best and feels best. You will prevent illness and maximize your brainʼs potential and prevent memory loss and other neurological disorders. If you have stress in your life, it will make any medical condition you have much worse. Act now! Amazing offers! To find out more about Dr. Kaplanʼs holistic and integrative services please contact us at 201261-2150 or visit our website www.kaplandc.com.Ifyouareinterested in getting a non-invasive brain mapping test called a qEEG with neurofeedback, to determine how stress is affecting your brainwaves, please call or text 646-221-6738 or symptoms.tion,rootpridemedicationsupbodylyeneurologicalusmappingSept.isandinfo@kaplanbrainandbody.comemailmentionthisarticle.Thistestnormally$400,butifyoucallby30,youcanreceivethebrainforonly$21socontacttoday!Wearealsoofferinganentiretestandphysicalxaminationforonly$21(normal$400)todeterminehowyourisfunctioningandtocomewithanaturalsolutionwithoutorsurgeries.AtKaplanBrain&Body,weourselvesongettingtothecauseofyourhealthcondi-ratherthanjusttreating

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The legislation would impart a flood mitigation duty upon all water management facilities throughout the state. Referring to a letter the mayors sent to NJLM president William Pikolycky on Aug. 8, Arroyo told Pascack Press on Aug. 30 that the league has indicated it will support the legislation. “We are just waiting for their official signoff.”

THE

—Lookingdressing?

MayorscourtNJLMasfloodreliefally

The letter, addressed to Pikolycky in Trenton, signals the undersigned mayors of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Old Tappan, Oradell, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake are looking for changes that Veolia Water would have to adjust to.

The mayors said, “That standard operating procedure is surely impacting flora and fauna ecosystems both above and below the water surface. This is a statewide issue, experienced by our constituents.”The mayors also said “overdevelopment in northern Bergen County along the Pascack Valley drainage reservoir basin has exacerbated runoff. Even seemingly modest rainfall amounts can cause our low-lying creeks and brooks to crest their banks.”Unaddressed, the problem will get only worse, they said. They noted “The capacity of these channels has been greatly diminished by a half-century accumulation of silt and deadfall.” Appealing for support for the measures as a public good, the mayors said, “We hope you will see the both the necessity and the urgency for enacting S-790 and A4200.” — John Snyder Editorʼs note: This piece, teased for page 39 in our Sept. 5 issue, was left out at the last minute. Weʼre happy to bring it to you this week. Your turn:Sound off on flooding and other timely topics in a letter to the editor!

Westwood mayor Ray Arroyo says the nonprofit, advisory New Jersey League of Municipalities has signaled it will formally endorse legislation sought by the 10-member Pascack Valley Mayors Association: S-790 and its companion, A4200.

Dear Savvy Senior,What kinds fwholengedmavailableoclothingofptionsaretoobilitychal-seniorshaveadif-iculttime for Mom DearDressingLooking, and undressing in traditional clothing can be difficult, time-consuming and even painful for millions of people with certain health and mobility problems. Fortunately, thereʼs a wide variety special clothing, known as adaptive clothing, that can help with most dressing challenges. Hereʼs what you should know.

S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S 19

Where to Shop? Because each personʼs dressing needs and style is so specific, finding appropriate adaptive clothing can be difficult. Recently, mainstream clothing stores such as JCPenney (jcpenney.com), Target (target.com) and Tommy Hilfiger (usa.tommy.com) have started offering a line of adaptive clothing for adults that combines fashion and functionality, but their instore options are limited. To get a bigger selection, visit the storeʼs website and type adaptive clothing into their search engine. You can also find a large selection at online stores that specialize in adaptiveclothing like Buck & Buck (buckandbuck.com) and Silverts (silverts.com). Both of these companies have been selling adaptive clothing for decades and offer a wide variety of garments to accommodate almost any need, condition or style, for independent self-dressers and for those who need help. Other adaptive clothing sites you should visit include Joe & Bella ( joeandbella.com ), Ovidis ( ovidis.com ), and IZ Adaptive ( izadaptive.com ), which sells clothing primarily designed for wheelchair users. And, if your mom is in need of adaptive footwear, Velcro fastening shoes (instead of shoelaces) have long been a popular option and can be found in most local shoe stores. Other new lines of adaptive shoes that may interest her include Kiziks ( kizik.com ) and Zeba ( zebashoes.com ), which make fashionable sneakers and comfortable walking shoes that just slip on, hands-free, along w ith Billy Footwear ( b illyfootwear.com) and Friendly Shoes (friendlyshoes.com ), which makes uniquely designed zip-on shoes. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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“Many water providers are exempt from this [flood mitigation] duty and therefore … given no consideration in how the water is managed within their reservoirs and under their control. They are only responsible for maximizing the asset, which is released during storms to protect the structural integrity of the dams.” The mayors said, “This omission has caused local flooding, property damage and psychological trauma, as residents and businesses weather an increasing number of rain events — due to climateTheychange.”add, “There are 709 reservoirs in New Jersey. Some number of them will flood downstream properties, as we, in the Pascack Valley, are experiencing. Unlike coastal flooding that storms like Sandy will generate, fluvial (river) flooding is particularly susceptible to runoff and sediment accumulation over time.” They said, “Add in a reactionary, rather than a preemptive, release of water from an upstream reservoir and the situation can quickly move from bad to worse. Releasing water during storms, while necessary to prevent the structural failure of the dams, contributes to bank erosion and shoal formation by repeatedly sending swift water into the long-neglected creeks and brooks.”

What is Adaptive Clothing? Adaptive clothing is specially designed garments for people with mobility issues, disabilities and cognitive challenges who have a difficult time getting dressed. This type of clothing incorporates discreet design features to make dressing and undressing easier, while still having the outward appearance of typicalDependingclothing. on your momʼs needs, here are some of the many different types of adaptive clothing options that could help. For self-dressing seniors who suffer from Parkinsonʼs or other disabilities that affect dexterity, there are pants, shirts, dresses and outerwear made with Velcro or magnetic closures instead of but tons and zippers, which are much easier to fasten and unfasten. But be aware that magnetic closures are not suitable for those who haveForpacemakers.thosewho are disabled or who have limited range of motion and need assistance dressing, there are adaptive pants with zippers or snaps on both sides of the pants that are easier to pull on. And a wide range of rear closure shirts, tops and dresses with Velcro or snap fasteners in the back for those who canʼt raise their arms over their head. For wheelchair users there are higher back and elastic waistband pants that donʼt slip down, as well as pants with fabric overlaps at the seat to allow for easier toileting access. For people with tactile sensitivity, there are garments you can purchase that have soft and stretchy fabrics without tags and are sewn with flat seams to help preventing chafing. And for seniors with Alzheimerʼs disease there are onepiece jumpsuits thathave a backzipper access to prevent the wearer from disrobing inappropriately.

PASCACK VALLEY SAVVY SENIOR: Adaptive clothing takes the stress out of dressing

DePiero: Mayor:‘We have a working farm in Montvale’

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Ticeʼs, Van Riperʼs, sold to developers Two nearby farms in Woodcliff Lake, Ticeʼs and Van Riperʼs, which were sold off to developers in the 1990s — Van Riperʼs sold in 1994 and was turned into an A&P, now Whole Foods; and Ticeʼs sold in 1997 and was turned into an upscale mall — have disappeared, leaving no traces of their former agricultural history. Glen DePiero, a Park Ridge resident who has worked on the DePiero farm for six decades, told Pascack Press that the enterprise is struggling to stay afloat as it deals with a declining wholesale market and increasing costs, including on everything from utilities, employees, and the price of staples such as planting pots, shipping, and additional trucking fuel surcharges. He said the utility bill alone to heat the greenhouses in 2021 was $46, 000. Pascack Press interviewed DePiero as he watered hundreds of small mum plants and hanging plants in one of the farmʼs cavernous greenhouses on a hot, late August afternoon. He said he would like to increase retail sales to North Jersey

FROM PAGE 1

20 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S duce, along with annuals and perennials.Inmid-August, following a visit to DePieroʼs farm stand, Mayor Mike Ghassali posted a video on his Facebook page and urged residents to frequent the stand.“Did you know we have a working farm in Montvale? DePieroʼs Farm and Stand at 156 Summit Ave. One of the last farms in the region. DePieroʼs Farm Stand & Greenhouses,” wrote Ghassali, also providing a link to the farmʼs website.

Clockwise from left: Shadows fall on longtime local farmer Glen DePiero as he waters plants in one greenhouse on the 12-acre farmstead,which includes a popular farm stand;employee Jaime Medina prepares fresh herbs and produce for sale at the farm stand.Medina says he has worked for DePiero for “many,many”years;rows of mums soak up the sun behind an 8-foot-high plastic deer fence at DePiero Farm Stand & Greenhouses off Summit Avenue. Photos by Mike Olohan

“And itʼs basic economics: the farm has to generate revenue to stay in business. The prices of the plants and flowers are cheaper than the big stores, the fruits and vegetables are fresh and look delicious,” the mayor observed. “If we want the farm to stay, we all have to support it. Please make a point to visit the farm and see for yourself,” Ghassali said. However, the farm and farm stand is in a struggle to survive, buffeted by forces they cannot control, including a falloff in their wholesale business to landscapers, heavy plant losses due to deer browsing, fewer markets and buyers for wholesale plants, and the long-ago loss of a potential regular customer — the local Wegmans — when a deal to provide seasonal plants there fell through during negotiations.

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David “Chico” Esparza, Senior Fiduciary Advisory Specialist with Wells Fargo Private Bank, remembers meeting two clients, a brother and sister whose parents had passed away. “Unfortunately, their parents had not discussed their estate plans with the adult children. When the siblings learned they were

“Trusts are an opportunity to build generational wealth, not only for the trustor but also for the beneficiary,” Esparza says. “For that reason, the trustee should be thoughtful in administrating the trust to help the funds last not only through beneficia ryʼs lifetime but also potentially for future generations.” Ask questions before taking distributions “Before taking a trust distribution, some beneficiaries find it useful to inquire about the potential tax consequences.Thatʼs where a tax advisor should provide guidance,” Esparza says. “Beneficiaries also may consider consulting with the trustee and investment advisor about additional considerations or impacts a trust distribution may have.” In addition, beneficiaries should consult with their own legal counsel if they have specific questions regarding their rights with respect to a trust or the possible impact of a trust distribution. Esparza shares the story of a young beneficiary who wanted to use her trust fund to purchase a luxury car when she turned 16. “As trustee, I posed this question: ʻWould a less-expensive car meet your transportation goals and preserve trust assets for the long term?ʼ” he says. “It is important for beneficiaries to stay connected with the trustee and to ask clarifying questions so they understand the impact certain distributions may have to the trust. As a fiduciary, a trustee is there to educate and can help the trust sustain longer term financial well-being for the beneficiary.”Wells Fargo Private Bank offers products and services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & WellsCompany.FargoBank, N.A. offers various advisory and fiduciary products and services including discretionary portfolio management. Wells Fargo affiliates, including financial advisors of Wells Fargo Advisors, a separate non-bank affiliate, may be paid an ongoing or onetime referral fee in relation to clients referred to the bank. The bank is responsible for the day-to-day man agement of the account and for providing investment advice, invest ment management services, and wealth management services to clients. The role of the financial advisor with respect to the Bank products and services is limited to referral and relationship management services. Some of The Private Bank experiences may be available to clients of Wells Fargo Advisors without a relationship with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. Please consult your legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your taxes are prepared. Trust services available through banking and trust affiliates in addition to non-affiliated companies of Wells Fargo Advisors. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director - Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.

the beneficiaries of a sizable trust,” Esparza recalls, “they had no idea what to do next.” The brother and sister had many questions. Who handles the estate? What are the terms of the trust? And what should their next steps be? “Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., was the trustee, so we explained the timeline and process for settling the trust estate,” Esparza says. “It helped to ease their minds to know that professionals would be handling everything.”

• Distribution restrictions: Can beneficiaries access the principal or just the income from the trust? Does the beneficiary need to provide the trustee with proof of the beneficiaryʼs own income and expenses to receive distributions? What categories of expenses can the trust cover for the beneficiary? For what reasons may distributions be adjusted?

Build an advisory team A good first step for the beneficiary is to meet with the trustee who is tasked with executing the terms of the trust. It may be an individual, such as a CPA or lawyer, family member, or a corporate trustee. “There will be a lot of questions, THESE THREE SUGGESTIONS SHOULD YOU INHERIT A TRUST so itʼs important to establish a communication plan and a general timeframe for how long it will take to settle the estate,” Esparza says. In some instances, once the estate is settled, a new trust is funded with the beneficiaryʼs share of the estate; in other cases, assets will be distributed outright to the beneficiary. If the assets will be retained in trust, the trustee typically collaborates with an investment advisor to help manage the assets according to the terms of the trust.“The trustee and investment advisor will create a plan that is based on the terms of the trust and considers the needs of the beneficiary,” Esparza says. “Beneficiaries also should consider seeking the guidance of a tax consultant regarding tax implications related to trust distribution.”

• Age restrictions: Does the beneficiary have to reach a certain age before accessing some or all of the trust?

• Beneficiary or beneficiaries: Is there a sole or several beneficiaries of the trust? How do the terms address the rights different beneficiaries have to distributions from the trust?

As Esparzaʼs clients found, stepping into the role of beneficiary can feel a bit like stepping into the unknown. Here, Esparza offers three suggestions to ease the process.

Understand the terms of the trust One of the first questions a beneficiary might have for the advisory team is, “What does the trust mean for me?”Esparza explains that a trust is a useful tool for holding, managing, and distributing property as outlined by the trustor(s) - the creator(s) of the trust - in the trust agreement, but each trust is unique in how assets can be distributed to beneficiaries. It is important to understand the terms of the trust. Some key trust aspects to discuss include:

• Lifetime of the trust: Does the trust terminate once the beneficiary reaches a certain age, or is it meant to last the beneficiaryʼs lifetime? Is any portion of the trust designated for future generations?

ERIC KOHLMEIER

CONSIDER

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This year, a monument to those sickened and killed working the “pile,” searching for victims at Ground Zero is debuting at the train station near Broadway. The principal donation of Andy Scallo and organized by Daniel Olivier as a labor of love joined in by many, it includes recovered WTC steel with crosses burned out of it; these crosses were given to victimsʼfamilies in the wake of the attacks.

• The Township of Washingtonʼs observance takes place on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Township of Washington 9/11 Memorial Monument, on Pascack Road (in front of town hall). All are invited.•

Paul Beatini, Joseph Keller, Ronald Magnuson, Joseph Maio, Paul Rizza, Scott Vasel, and Martin Wortley.

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The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Color Guard will present colors along with many other members of the department. The Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Westwood Police Reserves will be in attendance.

•River Vale says, “Please join us as we remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 at River Veterans Memorial Park 9/11 Memorial Garden (next to the Library) on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

We have reached out to Hillsdale Council President Janetta Trochimiuk for comment. In December 2021, Ruocco publicly released a $16 million estimate for proposed recreational field upgrades and a possible community center from a consulting architect, ahead of what other council members said was an agreed-upon release date. That created a council uproar, and a subsequent change to council bylaws that eliminated Ruoccoʼs “ex-officio” status on committees and made him speak first during the regular meetingsʼfinal council commentaries, preventing Ruocco from having the final comment on any borough matter. Ruocco said the bylaws were changed to punish him for demanding transparency and criticizing the councilʼs decision not to consider early release of some “ACD”(Seedocuments.“Mayorreleases $16M estimate for center, turf field ahead of councilʼs plan, drawing membersʼire,” Dec. 17, 2021, PascackUnderPress.) recently introduced Assembly bill 4432, the legislation states: “...A public body that is a municipal governing body shall provide electronic notice of a meeting of the municipal governing body through the Internet, which electronic notice shall include any documents relevant to the scheduled deliberations, including those documents that are considered deliberative, advisory, or consultative drafts that have been discussed by the munic ipal governing body at any prior meeting of the governing body, except those documents which are deemed to be confidential…” The legislation provides for a minimum 48-hour advance meeting notice unless specific “emergency” circumstances exist. The bill also provides for state reimbursement through the Department of Treasury for local costs incurred to comply with the bill. (No cost estimates were noted in the bill.)Following the failure of a June resolution to increase Borough Council transparency and which failed to get a second to be put up for a vote, Ruocco wrote to Pascack Press to express his frustration.“Elected officials should be held accountable for the actions that they take in public meetings and should make it possible for residents to know in advance what they are voting on. Yet there are many municipalities like Hillsdale that vote on resolutions that refer to agreements without disclosing those agreements until after the Council takes actions,” Ruocco said.“Not only is this contrary to ʻgood governmentʼ, but it is inefficient since it forces the public to make requests under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for that information,” said Ruocco. Ruocco previously wrote to the state Government Records Council, which adjudicates OPRA questions and concerns, and they told him that the matter related to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), not OPRA. He noted, “On Feb. 15 (2022), the GRC responded in a letter saying that the issue was not a proper one for its guidance. They referred me to a decision by the courts that initially supported my view of more transparency, but which was subsequently overturned because the appellate judge didnʼt believe that he had the freedom to deviate from how the term ʻagendaʼwas defined by the Legislature 47 years ago when the Open Public Meetings Act was passed.”He continued, “But he Legislators take up

Assembly:

Ruocco’s call CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

The original World Trade Center (WTC) was a large complex of seven buildings in New York City’s Financial District.Opened April 4,1973,it was destroyed in 2001 during the Sept.11 attacks. Photo, by the late photographer William Tremper, was forwarded by Dick Bozzone, a friend of Tremper.

Westwood holds its annual 9/11 candlelight ceremony at 8 p.m. rain or shine at the 9/11 Memorial, at the south end of the Westwood train station. In keeping with the tradition that began two days after the attack, it is a solemn ceremony, beginning with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and our national anthem.

• In Park Ridge, a ceremony is set for Veterans Park at 7:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Mayor Keith Misciagna and state Senator Holly Schepisi. The program includes the recitation of the names of the deceased by council president Robert Metzdorf and American Legion Post 153 historian Dick Bozzone. Members of Auxiliary Unit 153 will place American flags on the monument. Park Ridge Girl Scouts will provide luminarias and candles.The boroughʼs lost include

S UNDAY, SEPT. 11 is the 21st anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on American soil, a tragedy that continues to resonate in the shaping of local and world history. Towns, boroughs, churches, schools, families, and many others have planned observances.Here are several events we were able to confirm at press time. Check online for locations and organizations near you.

FROM PAGE 14

• Emerson asks the community to join the Emerson Fire Department for a memorial service in front of the firehouse near the 9/11 monument on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.

AROUNDOBSERVANCESTHEVALLEY

• Hillsdaleʼs commemoration is Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8:40 a.m. in VeteransʼPark, lasting approximately 30 minutes. No speeches are made. First responders, both paid and volunteer, will line the north side of Hillsdale Avenue opposite the train station in silence, marked by the tolling of bells timed to correspond to the events of that day. Mayor John Ruocco says he encourages all residents to “stand with our police, fire, and ambulance first responders in silent prayer as we again remem ber all those individuals who were innocent victims or were among the heroes who gave their lives trying to rescue others. That evening, at 7:30, Boy Scout Troop 109 will lead a memorial candlelight ceremony in VeteransʼPark to honor all the victims and the first responders. All residents are invited to participate.(Jennifer Frantin writes Pascack Press, “After 20 years, Rich Curran and I are happy to pass the torch. We are happy to see youth in our community that werenʼt even born in 2001 become involved in this remembrance.”)•Montvaleʼs observance, including a candle lighting, is Sunday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Drive.

The borough says, “A number of songs will be played, allowing people to reflect about all of the lives that were lost on that fateful day that now is part of our nationʼs history. Special recognition will be given to the four Westwood residents who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on that day: Daphne Pouletsos, Michael Wholey, Francis Riccardelli and Kalyan Sarkar. In addition, we also recognize Sgt. Chris Hrbek, USMC, killed in action in Afghanistan.” The public is asked to please bring candles if possible and to have them in glass containers.

— Staff report SEPT. 11

The Second Annual Haydn S. Smith Memorial Basketball Tournament is set for Sept. 10 at Hegeman Park, SandTheRoad.Fifth Annual Boots vs. Badges Softball Tournament, honoring the memory of Detective Tyron D. Franklin, is set for Sept. 24 at Westvale Park.Mayor Ray Arroyo tells Pascack Press both growing borough traditions are “hugely important community-unifying events representing the best of Westwood: fellowship, inclusion, and memory. They honor the indelible mark that Haydn and Tyron left upon us and our town.”Do you play basketball? Do you have a team you can assemble? Then youʼre ready to go! Thatʼs the start of the invitation to join the Second Annual Haydn S. Smith Memorial Basketball Tournament. Flyers are going up all over the borough. Smith was a longtime Westwood resident and prominent community leader, instrumental in the revitalization of Hegeman Park and the development of members of the Westwood community. The tournament is free and open to the public. Register at 10 a.m. Tip off at noon. Visit on Facebook.

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FROM PAGE 23 astutely observed that the emergence of the Internet allowing information to be shared more easily should prompt the Legislature to reconsider adopting a more transparent and modern view of what municipalities should share via published agendas.”

BOOTSTOURNEY;SMITHVS.BADGES

HAYDN

The proposed legislation offers four conditions to exempt a meeting from the new 48-hour electronic notice for agendas and related documents, upon the approval of three-quarters of its members.Theexemptions include: •If a delay would cause “substantial harm” to the public interest;•If the meeting is limited to discussion and acting on such matters of urgency and importance; •If electronic notice is provided as soon as possible following the meeting scheduling; and 4) if the public body “could not reasonably have foreseen the need for such a meeting.” In mid-June, the council voted 5-0 (Councilman Frank Pizzella was absent) to support Resolution 22-118, calling for 16 OPRA statewide reforms to reduce the time and effort required of municipal clerks to fulfill local OPRA requests. The resolution noted reform legislation on OPRA had remained stagnant since 2019, when first Askedintroduced.whythree years went by and 16 prior OPRA reforms called for remained unaddressed, Ruocco said, “As was explained to me and other mayors who attend monthly meetings of the (Bergen County League of Municipalities) chapter, there seems to be an inherent bias in favor of greater public disclosure.”Ruocco said, “But municipalities are now pointing out the abuses and expenses related to excessive OPRA requests, some of which have led to the release of personal information of residents or otherwise have threatened their privacy. So, the municipal empire is striking back, so to speak. I would note that my transparency resolution would actually serve as a means to reduce OPRA requests.”Ruocco told Pascack Press in June that after attending a state League of Municipalities seminar with a panel of attorneys, “I learned that this practice of denying information to the public was taking place around the state since many municipalities were automatically applying in blanket fashion a certain exemption contained in OPRA that treated agreements coming before Council for a vote as drafts or works in progress.”He said the attorneys acknowledged it was legal, but raised questions about why elected officials would routinely do this. There is no requirement that municipalities apply that particular OPRAMunicipalitiesstandard. are free to adopt other reasonable standards or make exceptions to the blanket application of the “draft” standard, Ruocco said then.

Assembly: Members worked with Ruocco on draft

FROM PAGE 12 kept the school budget under 2% each year. In response to parents who expressed concerns about the lack of air conditioning in the school buildings, we asked citizens to vote on a proposed referendum,” she wrote Senande also did not answer specific survey questions. She said in part, “Implementation of the voter-approved portion of the referendum is now underway bringing improved facilities, including air conditioning, to our students. At the same time, as presented during several board meetings this year, the administration has rolled out several academic initiatives to improve student achievement, especially in the areas of math and literacy, as well as a district-wide program for student wellness.”

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Eisler offered a general statement:“As a Board of Education member, I would like to see the Woodcliff School District continue to grow and flourish, making our kids the priority. I want the district to explore the possibility of adding a before the bell program to our already successful after the bell program, allowing parents to drop their kids off earlier if Heneeded.”said, “Most of the surrounding towns already have similar programs to model and I feel this would make it easier for parents and alleviate some of the traffic concerns at drop off. I also would like the school to further pursue opportunities to make real world connections to the curricu lum, especially with the technology available to facilitate the process.”And he said, “We need to be smart about district spending, making sure our funds are used wisely and appropriately to allow our schools to continue to be a premier district in the state.” The Wolpove and Starr team said implementing “curricular mandates” and keeping within community standards are top priorities.“One of the key challenges school districts in New Jersey face is implementing the many curricular mandates that have been released over the last few years. As board members, we strive to ensure that we meet regulatory requirements while making sure that the curriculum we implement is in keeping with the needs of our community. It is essential that we accomplish this goal in an open and honest manner that keeps the community fully involved and informed,” they said. Hillsdale and Montvale Non-competitive school board races are on tap in Hillsdale and Montvale.InHillsdale, two candidates vie for two open seats: incumbent Salvatore G. Sileo runs on a slogan, “Passion, Vision, Integrity” and Kevin Donatello, runs uncontested for an unexpired two-year

term of former president Shane Svorec.The Hillsdale school board voted unanimously in mid-June to approve an $82.5 million referendum to replace the century-old George G. White Middle School, planned for March 2023. In Montvale, also running unopposed for two full-term seats are incumbents Alisha R. Foley and Anita Bagdat. We kicked this series off Sept. 5; it continues next week.

Local: BOE candidates on their ‘one goal’ if elected TO PLACE YOUR AD Call 201.664.2105 fax 201.664.2109 or e-mail us at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net Give your business the attention it deserves!

“I assure you that, if given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education, I will be present, focused and prepared to work collaboratively with the other Board members with the best interests of our children in mind. I know that people have different opinions and viewpoints. In fact, I believe that a diversity of ideas results in more solid outcomes as opposed to simply speaking an idea into an echo chamber,” she said. She added, “This “pressure testing” of ideas by those with opposing viewpoints helps us to assess those ideas and, ultimately, enables us to make decisions that are in line with our childrenʼs best interests.” Woodcliff Lake In Woodcliff Lake, three candidates are on the ballot for two seats, including incumbents Robert Wolpov and Debra Starr. Newcomer Andrew S. Eisler is challenging the incumbents.

Austin did not answer our survey questions but did post a statement, Sept. 2, addressed to “friends and neighbors.”

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FROM PAGE 20 customers, which have fallen off over the years, and said he hoped that more residents would frequent the farm stand. He said annual budget hits caused by declining sales to landscapers, and more frequent plant destruction by deer grazing has really hurt the business. He said deer recently destroyed $20,000 of mums in 2021. On one recent night, he said, the deer ate or destroyed nearly 1,000 mums. He said he was then forced to install a $5,000 plastic deer fence, 8 feet high, the next day to prevent more destruction. The state Farm Bureau, which represents and advocates for New Jersey farmers, reports that deer overpopulation is an “emergency” statewide. A sustainable and healthy deer density, according to wildlife biologists, is five to 15 deer per square mile. A recent infrared deer population survey conducted by environmental services firm Steward Green involved eight sites throughout New Jersey. The survey concluded that New Jersey averages 112 deer per square mile. “In some counties, the deer population is as high as 270 individuals per square mile,” said the bureau website. The study did not include any Bergen County sites but did include one in Passaic CountyThe state Farm Bureau has called for a “public policy solution” to deer overpopulation and cited a Rutgers University study that stated. “More than $2 million in deer-related depredation to select grain crops — and more than $13.6 million in deer-related depredation to nursery stock article in the Journal of Extension, citing negative deer impacts on 13 northeastern states including New Jersey, reported: “The estimated annual economic loss from deer depredation to nursery stock was $27,878,180, ranging from a low of $13,660 for Vermont to a high of $13,628,950 for New Jersey.”

A lockdown lifeline goes away DePiero said he hoped more local residents would frequent the farm stand, and purchase produce or plants. However, he noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, DePieroʼs offered a curbside pickup of fruits and vegetables that was successful. Unfortunately, he said, sales slumped following the pandemic when the curbside pickup ended.Hesaid DePieroʼs runs a monthlong haunted Halloween hayride that provides some leasing income and pay for tractor driving.

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ʻItʼs getting worse every yearʼ DePiero said because deer eat nearly all plants, including lately even begonias, homeowners and commercial customers have been buying fewer plants overall for home and commercial grounds. That has cut deeply into annual sales, he said, and more deer are also reducing his sales because no one wants to purchase plants if the deer will eat them. “Itʼs getting worse every year,” he said of the deer impacts. He said he saw a recent online video that showed 21 deer visible at one time on a side street in Park Ridge.He said the deer overpopulation is a big problem and a drain on revenues. He said due to this yearʼs drought, landscapers report the deer are eating almost all plants and shrubs. DePiero said so far the only plant they do not seem to be browsing on is vinca.

“They do very well, we donʼt do very well because I just get paid for driving the tractor,” along with minor land leasing income, he said.He said the spooky hayride generally starts the last week in September and runs through Halloween. Details can be found on the farmstand website. He said theyʼve been doing that for about a decade, although it has not boosted farmstand sales enough.Another potential customer base, a proposed 157-unit senior complex at 127 Summit Ave., was withdrawn by its developer a couple years ago and the borough recently offered $4.5 million to purchase the 28-acre property for possible preservation and future market-rate, age-restricted and affordable housing. In August, acres of mums could be seen on the farm. DePiero said the farm has used a drip irrigation system for many years to assure plant growth. In addition to mums, he said poinsettias, hydrangeas, and lilies are grown in the greenhouses, and in the spring annuals of all varieties are grown. Asked if they might add more farm entertainment and events to draw customers, DePiero said he has put in 14hour work days at the farm for decades.“Icannot work any more hours,” he said. Callor apartment. Free estimates. 201-681-6170. CCLLEEAANNIINNGG

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HHEELLPP WWAANNTTEEDD TEMPORARYSEASONALLABORER – Woodcliff Lake DPW. Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to fill the seasonal Leaf Collector position beginning on or about Oct. 15.Experience a plus. Pays $15/hr Responsibilities include working with a vacuum leaf loader, performing manual labor by raking and other related duties as required.Applicants must fill out an application and send to: Woodcliff Lake DPW, 188 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677. Attn: Chris Behrens, DPW or e-mail it to: cbehrens@wclnj.com

Cresskill, 1BR, 1st floor, Victorian house, garage, porch, yard. No pets. Ref req. $1,700 plus utilities. Call 917-374-1033.

Male caregiver to take care of sick and elderly Specialize in Parkinson’s, dementia, and hospice care. Live in or out, overnight available. Refs available, fully vaccinated. Tel. (845) 664-1132. SSIITTUUAATTIIOONN WWAANNTTEEDD Caregivers seek position for evenings, overnight and live-in. Experienced, with references. Fully vaccinated. Call 201-8237923.

SSIITTUUAATTIIOONN WWAANNTTEEDD Kitchen Cabinet installers helper. Must have basic knowledge of tools. Valid drivers license. Ken Bauer Kitchens, Hillsdale NJ (201)664-6881. HHEELLPP BUSINESS?WANTWWAANNTTEEDDCall(201)664-2105

SUBJECT: Temporary Seasonal Laborer, DPW.Applications can be picked up at 188 Pascack Road in Woodcliff Lake or downloaded from the website: wclnj.com.

About a decade ago, the DePiero family sold off 27 acres of a then 55-acre farm to a developer to create The Shoppes at DePiero Farm, now known more informally as “The Farm,” which includes a Wegmans supermarket and assorted retail shops and busi nesses.However, the DePiero farmstead acreage has been slowly dis appearing.Alittle over a decade ago in June 2012, a headline in The Recordʼs “Local” section noted, “Montvale hears plans for farm,” and a subhead, “Wegmans would replaceWhileDePieroʼs.”thenewspaper reported reviews of the farm property sale were mixed, the article noted DePieroʼs was a fixture in Montvale since 1924, when 16-year-old Dante DePiero purchased an initial 13 acres of land that grew over decades to 102 acres covering 31 parcels.In1951, Danteʼs son, Ed, and wife Elaine opened the first local DePieroʼs farm stand, where they successfully sold fruits and vegetables.The DePiero family owns approximately 12 acres, with 2 acres covered by greenhouses used to grow annuals including mums, and another 10 acres mostly used for growing plants and a few houses. Farmstand moved when construction started The DePiero Farm Stand moved from the corner of DePiero Drive (formerly Mercedes Drive) and Grand Avenue to its Summit Avenue location when construction began at the “Shoppes” complex.DePiero said though they originally had a sign at the prior Grand Avenue location giving the standʼs new address, local officials had them take the sign down. DePiero said that his younger brother and sister work in the farm stand, but noted all the siblings and relatives are getting older “A lot of people donʼt know that we moved here even though itʼs only one block from where we used to be,” said DePiero. He said if the stand could draw more customers from North Jersey, it might help sustain the farm and its long-running Farm Stand. However, he could not predict the future, he said. He said five DePiero families have a stake in the remaining farm operations. A Pascack Press reporter admitted to DePiero that he frequently drove by the location off of Summit Avenue without realizing the farm stand was only a few feet away on Craig Road. (The reporter purchased approximately $27 worth of produce, including tomatoes, eggplant, a blueberry pie and some preserves from the Farm Stand. Everything was delicious, our reporter said.)

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The family will receive guests for a memorial visitation at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood on Monday, Aug. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Linda's name to the Holm stead School at 14 Hope St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

Robert J. Purcell Jr., 49, of Piermont, N.Y. and formerly of Montvale passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Most beloved son of Rita and Robert and loving brother of Reyna. Robert is predeceased by his wife, Stephanie Bozak Purcell, and was godfather of Jacob Moskowitz. Robert was co-owner of Barell Associates in Moonachie and Carlstadt. He was dedicated to rescuing animals and contributed to many pet charities. His infectious smile and personality live on with everyone he has touched. Bob is loved by all who know him — his charming personality and childlike spirit lit up the room. He was always there for his family and friends, whether called on or not. And you can tell everybody this is your song, it may be quite simple, but now that itʼs done, hope you donʼt mind, hope you donʼt mind, that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while youʼre in the world. Sir Elton John

James MUELLERC.SR.

C elebration Of Cancer Survivors. She and her grandchildren, Anisa and Billy, made the cover of the National Cancer Surv ivors publication that year. Margaret also created “The Outlook," the first newsletter for the Perry’s Lake community in Manahawkin. She loved to write; it was her gift and contribution to her community. Marge strongly believed life is for sharing. She will be sorely missed. T he family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Friday, Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Acelebration of Margaret’s life and faith s tarts at noon. Interment is at Ponds Reformed Church Cemetery in Oakland, N.J. M emorial contributions can be made in Margaret’s name to the Alzheimer's Association.

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105

OBITUARIES sports into her mid-eighties. But Evelynʼs greatest love was for her family and her church. She was a pillar of strength for her family and seldom missed an activity or sports event that her children or grandchildren participated in. Evelyn was an active member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal church in Hillsdale for 80-plus years. She was their bookkeeper for many years, and handled the churchʼs food gift card program for the parishioners.Amemorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hillsdale on Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Interment is at George Washington Memorial Park at 11:45. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of the Pascack Brook, P.O. Box 84, Hillsdale, NJ 07642-0084.

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

Margaret DRAGOTTT.A Margaret T. Dragotta, 91, of Manahawkin, formerly of Oakland and the Township Danielletasonsurvived2022.Friday,passedWashington,ofawayonAug.26,MargaretisbyherGeneDragot-anddaughterOelkers

James Calvin Mueller Sr., husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, brother-in-law, uncle, wassomemost2022.denlypassedfrienddog-daddy,great-uncle,andatomany,awaysud-onAug.5,James,knowntoasJim,andtoasJimmy,bornin1942.

James M. MEYER‘Jimmy’

He was the son of the late Jacob Mueller and Evelyn Westervelt Mueller of Old Tappan. He was recently predeceased by Susan B. Whitley-Mueller, his caring wife of 41 years.Jim graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest in 1959. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Jim pursued his lifeʼs work by joining the Jersey City Fire Department. He served the city for the rest of his career, becoming a battalion chief, training officer, and lead fire inspector instructor Being a firefighter and first responder embodied who Jim was. He viewed himself as an aid to those in need. Asked about this dangerous work, he said, “Iʼve always wanted to help others. I put that first. I donʼt know any other way.” While working shifts, Jim attended Jersey City State College, obtaining bachelorʼs degrees in fire safety and fire prevention and safety technology He then taught prospective firefighters at the Bergen County Fire Academy in Mah wah. A resident of Westwood for more than 25 years, Jim served on committees related to fire prevention, and volunteered for Rotary. His favorite activity was to go into the schools and teach children how to respond in case of fire. He partic ularly loved to encourage them to Stop! Drop! And Roll!, enjoying how vigorously they took to this fun yet lifesaving drill.

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and siblings Ann Gaffney and Anthony Zampino. She is predeceased by her husband, Charles; and brothers John, Joseph, and Salvatore Zampino.Marge was former owner of Cards and More in Midland Park for nine years, a place in which she expressed her creativity and imagination.Shestarted APlace For Us, the first caregivers' group for cancer patients at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, in memory of Charles Dragotta. Margaret also spoke on behalf of caregivers at the National

LindaSMITHAnne Linda Anne Smith, 67, of Westwood, passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. Linda is survived by her dear husband, Gordon; her beloved son Alexander; and her mother, Irma Miraglia.She is predeceased by her father, Leonard Miraglia Sr She also is survived by siblings Laura Green, Leonard Miraglia Jr. and his wife Jeanne, and Lisa Ranoff and her husband, Jay, as well as her niece, nephews, goddaughter, and extended family and dear friends. She was director of the Disabil ity Resource Center at Montclair State University until her retire ment. She had served as president of the board of directors of the Holm stead School. Her passions included her beloved New York Mets, vacationing in Stone Harbor, and her three cats, which she considered members of her family.

30 S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 2 • P A S C A C K V A L L E Y P R E S S

HAEvelynWKEN Evelyn Hawken, 95, passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2022. Evelyn was born to the late Fred and Ethel Acker of North Bergen on July 10, 1927 and graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1944. She married the late Fred Hawken, Jr in 1944 and raised their family in Hillsdale. She later moved to Westwood, where she lived for the past 30 years. Evelyn is survived by two of her children, Robert Hawken of Punta Gorda, Fla. and Ted Hawken of Montvale.Sheisalso survived by seven grandchildren and 14 great grand children. She was predeceased by Fred in 1989 and her eldest son, John, in Evelyn2020.loved the outdoors and all types of sports. She was an avid gardener, fisherwoman, bowler, golfer and a diehard New York Giants baseball fan — until they moved West in 1957 and the New York Mets became her team. The gardens at the complex where she lived in Westwood were her domain and the beauty she cre ated was enjoyed by the residents. Evelyn was a legend on the streams of Bergen County, Vermont, and Michigan, where she and Fred fished often. She was a champion bowler and an accom plished golfer and enjoyed these

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His pleasures, which he took very seriously, were loyalty to the New York Rangers and the New YorkJimGiants.loved his dogs, his Labrador retrievers, Cheyenne, Maverick, and Jake. Nothing pleased him more than driving his truck with a dog at his side. After retiring from the fire department, he and Susan settled in Pawleys Island, S.C. Here he finally had the time to putter around the house, tinker in his garden, do some woodworking, and watch old Westerns into the night. He joined the Pawleys Island Rotary Club and availed himself again to teach fire safety. He loved and cherished his time with his family and sadly — but with wonderful memories — leaves a son, James C. Mueller Jr.; a nephew, Jimmy Kelly and his wife, Nicole of Portland, Conn.; a dear niece, Elizabeth Kelly of Bristol, Conn.; a stepson, Douglas Lemberg and his wife, Cheryl, of Toms River; a dear niece, Aurora Stolz and her husband Justin, of Atlanta, Ga.; a sister-in-law, Priscilla WhitleyMatthews of Atlanta, and two grandchildren and three greatnieces and -nephews. His only sister, Karen Kelly, whom he loved deeply, also is deceased. Burial is be private at the peaceful Eckerson Farm Cemetery in Old Tappan alongside his wife, sister, and parents, who, he loved, as they too, loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Bob to Hi Tor Animal Care Center, Inc., 65 Firemenʼs Memorial Drive, Pomona, NY 10870, Visitation845-354-7900.was3to7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8 at Robert Spear ing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kin derkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ. rsfhi.com. Funeral service was 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at Ascension Cemetery Chapel. Entombment followed.

Nancy L. Garito (née Good), 70, of Whiting, and formerly of Westwood and Ramsey, and Bloomington, Ind., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.Nancy was a graduate of Ramsey High School. Before retiring, she was a nurseʼs aide, dental assistant, office manager, and dental research assistant for TKL in Paramus.Nancy was a Girl Scout leader and enjoyed camping with her family and friends, shopping, attending country music concerts and relaxing in Lancaster, Penn. She also enjoyed cruises with friends to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Nancy was predeceased by her first grandson, Anthony. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Jim; her son Jim, Jr. and his wife Kristy; her daughter Christina and her husband, Tom; her sister Molly and her husband, Danny; and the pride of her life, her four grandchildren, Matthew, Zachary, Michael and Skylar; and her nephews, Kiel and Jarod. Visitation was Thursday, Sept. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Road, Whiting. Funeral services were at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. To post a tribute, visit andersoncampbellwhiting.com.

Robert PURCELLJ.JR.

James Michael “Jimmy” Meyer, 43, of Hillsdale, passed into the afterlife to the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. Devoted grandson to Leona; son to Marilyn and Jim Sr.; brother to Christal; and nephew, cousin, and friend to many, many more.

Nancy GARITOL.

Jimmy was a self-employed electrician with a passion for people, fun, adventure, country music, and the outdoors. He was loved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. RIP. Cremation held privately with memorial services to be announced.Please share fond memories and condolences at Becker-Funeralhome.com.

Emerson Community School new courses

pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

• Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. — Haworth Country Club, Haworth. Tickets: Organizers request that tickets be purchased by Sept. 24 ($100 each). This includes appetizers, a buffet dinner, dessert, open bar and dancing to ʼ70s tunes. Tickets can be purchased by check, Zelle or Venmo.

Hannah Epstein helped lead Pascack Valley High School’s Pascack Pi-oneers (FRC Team 1676),and now is a junior in the University of Delaware’s Department of Mechanical Engineering,recently meeting her goal of being awarded the DoD SMART Scholarship. UDaily photo

“Picatinny, through robotics, has been a part of my life since high school,” Epstein said. “Itʼs crazy that now I get to work for them and do exactly what I said I was going to do since I was 16 yearsWhenold.” she enrolled at UD, she was on the fence about pursuing chemical or mechanical engineering, but ultimately chose the latter. She said she fell in love with mechanical work during her time on the robotics team in high school when she had to fill in for the carpentry subdivision. Now, sheʼs helping out at UDʼs machine shop as a teaching assistant, supporting her love of power tools. [During her junior and senior years at Pascack Valley High School, Epstein was PVʼs CEO of the world champion Pascack Pioneers (FRC Team 1676). — Ed.]

EMERSON

Engineering: DoD invests in River Vale native national security mission of the Department of Defense. The DoD is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers in the nation, with nearly 150,000 civilian STEM employees working across the Department. For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly skilled STEM workforce that c ompetes with the evolving trends of industry to support the next generation of science and technology for our nation. For more information on the SMART Program or to learn how students can apply, visit smartscholarship.org Applications are open annually August–December.Formoreinformation on the world-champion Pascack Pi-oneers (FRC Team 1676) visit team1676.com

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MONTVALE

•Friday, Oct. 7 — The Saloon Rooftop bar in Pearl River. Food and drinks, a la carte.

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The reunion committee for Pascack Hills High School Class of 1977 has announced its 45th reunion schedule. Many events are planned throughout the weekend.

She was ready to give up, but her mom convinced her to work harder and try again. When she did, not only did she earn the prestigious award, but she also secured a placement at Picatinny, where she had been dreaming of working.

“Hannah has a strong sense of community, always helping peers around her,” said Jenni Buckley, an associate professor of mechanical engineering who has worked closely with Epstein. “We are lucky to have her represent the mechanical engineering department.”In addition to her engineering studies, with a focus on automotive engineering, Epstein also is pursuing minors in entrepreneur ship and “NothingEnglish.is more valuable than an engineer who can write well,” Epstein said, noting that her love of writing and literature had her toying with the idea of pursuing a career in journalism at one point. English has always been her first love, but she also wanted to do something businessrelated with her collegiate studies. Beyond her classes, sheʼs also the programming director for the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and recruitment chair of Alpha Kappa Psi, a business-focused fraternity. When sheʼs not busy with classes or extracurriculars, she can be found consuming lots of coffee, spending time in the Morris Library or doing homework in the labs at ButSpencer.herexperiences on the robotics team in high school sealed the deal for her future in engineering.Thatexperience is also what exposed her to the Picatinny Arsenal and what it would be like working as a female engineer for the military. She remembers attending a career fair for women interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the start of her senior year, right before the COVID pandemic hit, and seeing some of the coolest tech sheʼd ever seen in her life — guns and bullets and radar technologyAfter speaking to several of the female professionals, she decided they had “the coolest job on the face of the planet,” and thatʼs exactly what she wanted to do. So they told her to look into the DoD SMART Scholarship. The idea stuck. Her work with the robotics team in high school started out in electrical engineering and then shifted to mechanical engineering, and competitions included fully uniformed high-ranking officers in attendance. She chose UD because of its highly ranked Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and also because her father is an alumnus who helped her fall in love with UDairy at a young age. “Delaware also had the most of that hands-on engineering aspect, by comparison to a lot of other schools,” she said. “Every semester you get to build a different project. I fell in love with the idea that every semester I could do something hands-on.” During summer 2022, Epstein got to work for a different military branch through an internship with the U.S. Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division in Virginia. There, she served as a member of the B53 branch, which specializes in the integrated top-side design of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard“Basically,ships. anything that goes on top of a warship, we get to work on,” she said. “Itʼs a lot of design strategy and working with differentBoardingtechnologies.”anassault ship at the Norfolk Naval Station through that internship is probably the coolest thing sheʼs ever done in her life, she said, but itʼs also been a wild experience to hear war stories and soak up the experience of decades-long members of the military as she works alongside them. “I feel like Iʼve grown up a lot this summer in terms of engineering skills, real-world skills and what itʼs like to be an engineer for the Department of Defense,” she said while still in Virginia.She added, “Itʼs been so cool. The whole message down here — and you can truly feel it because everyone works with purpose — is that our job is to protect the war fighter. Our job is to bring people home. Itʼs emulated so strongly in the work everyone does and in the attitudes of everyone. It gives it such a deeper meaning.” After she graduates from UD in 2024, Epstein will head to Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, New Jersey, where she will work for at least two years in the Munitions Engineering and Technology Center.“When you think of the military, you think of a very rigid structure,” she said. “But actually thereʼs so much room for creativity and design within that structure. Iʼm so excited for Picatinny and am excited to hear about those experiences from a completely different branch of the military.”According to the Department of Defense, the Scholarship-forService Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the

• Sunday, Oct. 9 – Daveyʼs Locker, Montvale. Brunch, a la carte.Please refer to the PHHS Class of ʼ77 Facebook page for details and/or change of schedule. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Courtyard Marriott on Chestnut Ridge Road. The Class of ʼ77ʼs song was “Old Days” by Chicago. Although, ironically, most of the class voted for The Whoʼs “Teenage Wasteland” (Baba OʼRiley). Perhaps the “powers that be” chose the right song all along. The Class of ʼ77ʼs high school years were always “good times they remember and fun days filled with simplePleasepleasures.”passthis information on to classmates (or parents of) who moved out of the area and are not on social media. For more information or to purchase tickets, feel free to email Renee@maximumexposurepr.com

PPaassccaacckk PPrreessss aallssoo welcomes news and feature leads, alumni updates,spot photos,and letters to the editor from all towns in the Pascack Valley.

Courtesy Renee Sall

■ Editor’s note: This feature originally appeared as “A SMARTScholar” in the University of Delaware’s UDaily on Aug. 25. We’re reprinting it with permission.

Hills Class of 1977 reunion Oct. 7–9

Pre-prom party! There are nearly 400 students in Pascack Hills High School’s Class of 1977.Their 45th reunion is set for Oct.7–9.Spread the word! Registration for the Emerson Community School is open! New and updated classes are available for children and adults. Classes begin the week of Oct. 10. Popular childrensʼ classes include childrenʼs baking and art, robotics and gamemakers. Adult classes range from health and recreation to cooking, languages, computers, and more. Registration is open and fills up quickly, so donʼt miss out. If you would prefer to register in person, come out on Monday, Sept. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Emer son High School (131 Main St.) and meet the two new directors. For the brochure, visit emer sonschools.org, click the Depart ments tab, then click on the Community School tab

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