Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

HERE’S TO OUR MAIN MAN!

Some dads teach their kids how to swing a baseball bat; others offer tips on fixing a leaky faucet, changing a flat tire or simply living a stress-free life. Bergenites love their pops for the lessons they teach, or maybe just the people they are—or were. So in honor of Father’s Day on June 19, BERGEN asked: “When you think of your dad, what comes to mind?” Here’s what you said:

“How much I miss him! He had an infectious laugh, was kindhearted and loved the U.S.A.—he was a World War II vet. No one ever had a bad word to say about him.”

—Christine Catenaro, Saddle Brook

“My dad always had snippets of wisdom that he would impart to us as the situation warranted: ‘This too shall pass,’ ‘If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right,’ ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff,’ ‘All it is is a series of simple steps,’ and so many more! These snippets have held me throughout my life, and I always find myself referring back to them to help me in any given situation. He is always alive and well in my world.”

—Lynne Berry, Mahwah

“I think of the word ‘community.’ My dad was someone who believed in volunteering. He was a police officer who mentored many young adults through the Police Athletic League.” —Liz Scolpino, Bergenfield “My dad was incredibly witty and fun. In fact, his tombstone reads, ‘The doctor said it wasn’t this serious.’ So even after he is gone he makes me laugh. He was an amazing person.”

—Melissa Garrity Gonzalez, Ridgefield

“I think about how strong he is after surviving cancer five times, having a portion of his lung removed and missing one kidney. I think of his selflessness and how he goes out of his way for his family no matter what. He’s my hero and best friend.”

—Christina Gombert, Lyndhurst

“He is a strong mountain of a man who melted when he met his grandchildren. He gives more worthy advice than any therapist. He always has ’50s and ’60s music on, which we both sing along to. My dad creates beautiful memories for me every time I see him without him even realizing it as he’s just going through his day.” —Debby Bianchi, Carlstadt “I always remember his love of family and his garden. My father would start over the winter planting seeds of all the vegetables in his garden in our basement: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, corn. Everything he grew was the best!”

—Randi Barron Adelman, Paramus

“I remember Dad was Mr. Fix-It. I believe there was nothing he couldn’t fix; he even turned a pantry closet into a bathroom. He could do anything he set his mind to, and gave me and my family that spirit too.”

—Laura Nicholson, Westwood

“I’ll always remember my dad’s love of family, his sense of humor, his garden and Spanish peanuts from Sears, where we would buy them for him by the pound. He was my first love.”

—Terri Delorme Collins, New Milford

“I think of my childhood home, which my dad built in Bergen County 60 years ago. When he passed away two years ago, my son bought it and he is renovating it. My dad would love it!” —Mary Sterbinsky, Ramsey

“Any time we baked, my dad was the official cookie taster. He was quality control!”

—Peggie Maisch, Westwood

“He is the best pop and can make you laugh until your belly hurts. He’s also the only man who can eat a pound of bacon and a box of Devil Dogs in one sitting.”

—Nicole Ward, Fair Lawn

“I smile and think of his gigantic heart. He is always there to lend a helping hand no matter the hardship to him. People love him, as he is such a positive spirit and is always down for a fun activity. At 73, he says life is too short not to have fun.”

— Cambria Curtis Ildiz, New Milford

DID YOU KNOW? The average consumer spends approximately $174 on Father’s Day gifts. After greeting cards, the top item purchased for good ol’ Dad is clothing, says the National Retail Federation.

DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranks third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million).

EAGLE EYES

You may not be able to tell the difference between a sparrow and a swallow, but there’s no mistaking a bald eagle when you see one. To spot this bird of prey and patriotic symbol in the wild is a thrill for nonbirders and enthusiasts alike. On American Eagle Day, June 20—or any day—head to one of these parks for a chance to see one: • DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Waders and other waterfowl are more common at this Meadowlands park, but birders have reported seeing bald eagles as well as other raptors such as osprey and peregrine falcons. • New Bridge Landing, River Edge. The Bergen County Audubon Society hosts eagle watches here year-round, as eagles often fly over as they make their way up and down the Hackensack River. • Overpeck Park, Leonia and Ridgefield Park. Eagles have been spotted flying over all sections of the park. Pro tip: Take a kayak or paddleboard onto Overpeck Creek and scan the trees along the shores.

• Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine and Englewood

Cliffs. The cliffs overlooking the Hudson River are filled with raptors such as hawks, owls and falcons, but eagles often take flight over this area too. • Riverside Park, Hackensack. A walking path behind The Shops at Riverside provides easy access to the banks of the Hackensack, where eagles are known to swoop down and grab fish.

WHY WASTE?

You’re not alone if you’ve been storing cleaners and other chemicals you no longer need under the sink or in the garage—but you can do something about that. More than 14,600 Bergen homes participated in Bergen County Utilities Authority’s household hazardous waste collection last year, and the program is continuing this summer. The county asks Bergen residents (no businesses, please!) to properly dispose of their hazardous waste materials by bringing them to Bergen Community College in Paramus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 12 or to Bergen County Campgaw Mountain Reservation in Mahwah from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 16. The lists below reveal things you may—and may not—bring: Acceptable: Aerosol cans, antifreeze, blacktop sealant, bug spray, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fertilizer, fire extinguishers, fluorescent light bulbs, gasoline, insecticides, kerosene, paints and varnishes, pesticides, propane gas cylinders (1- and 20-lbs. only), thermostats, thermometers, used motor oil and filters. Unacceptable: Empty or hardened paint cans, alkaline batteries, unlabeled waste or containers with unknown contents, medical waste and sharps, radioactive materials, explosives, compressed cylinders (oxygen or acetylene), computers, electronics, smoke detectors, construction debris, tires. For a complete list, visit bcua.org.

WHERE THERE’S A GRILL, THERE’S A WAY

Whether it’s Father’s Day, June 19, or simply the first summerlike days, this month gives outdoor cooks their cue to ’cue. But are your backyard barbecue and its accoutrements in tip-top shape? If not, the businesses below can help. (Pro tip: The second and third sell top-ofthe-line grills too, so inquire if you’re in the market for a new one.) If you need cleaning…try Sparkle Grill. This mobile-only BBQ cleaning company will come to your home and give your grill a full checkup. They’ll inspect it for possible damage or issues, recommend replacement parts if needed and remove all grease and carbon so that it looks and works like new.

• 540.805.0600; sparklegrill.com/nj/bergen-county/ If you need accessories…try BBQ Bernie’s. This store carries all specialty items to make the perfect barbecue meal, including tool sets, pressure cookers and even wood pellets in various flavors to enhance the taste of the meat.

• 205 Rte. 46, Elmwood Park, 201.791.8855; grillstorenj.com If you need propane…try Modern Propane. The folks here can help you find the perfect grill that suits your needs and budget, and also deliver propane tanks to your door so you won’t run out of gas right before that July 4 cookout.

• 199 Rte. 46, Lodi, 973.778.0812; modernpropane.com

IT’S MARKET TIME

The trouble with National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17, of course, is that we have an equal need for nutritious veggies on the other 364 days—but never mind. Farmers’ market season is here, and our county abounds in places to pick up fresh veggies along with freshly baked bread, eggs, cheese, honey, nuts and more. (Look for your town in the market rundown below. Dates and times are subject to change; inquire with the town to confirm before you show up with your reusable bags eager to shop—and eat): • Englewood: Depot Square Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; cityofenglewood.org • Fort Lee: Plaza at Fort Lee Community Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays; fortleenj.org • Glen Rock: 1 Harding Plaza, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays; glenrocknj.net • Oakland: Borough Hall, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; oaklandfarmersmarket.com • Oradell: 618 Veldran Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; oradell.org • Paramus: Petruska Memorial Park, 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; paramusborough.org • Ramsey: Ramsey Train Station at Erie Plaza, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays; ramseyfarmersmarket.org • Ridgewood: Garber Square, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; ridgewoodchamber.com • River Vale: Town Hall, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; rivervalenj.org • Rutherford: William’s Plaza, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays beginning in July; rutherfordboronj.com/farmers-market/ • Teaneck: Garrison Avenue and Beverly Road, 12 to 6 p.m. Thursdays; facebook.com/teaneckfarmersmarket/ • Tenafly: Washington St. and Tenafly Rd., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays; tenaflynj.org

DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED!

What do burgers, mascara wands and cell phones have in common? They’re three of the most common distractions that steal our attention when we’re behind the wheel, according to a new study from Rowan University in Glassboro. In the research, engineering students drove some of New Jersey’s most treacherous roads—including the Garden State Parkway, I-80 and I-95—logging which distractions interfered with drivers’ attentiveness. The most common culprits, in no particular order, were phones, fidgeting, personal grooming, eating or drinking, talking to a passenger, reaching for the radio or another object and driving drowsy.

“It’s scary how many people I see on the roads not paying attention while driving,” says Seth Guttenplan of Fair Lawn. “Most of the time I notice drivers on their phones, but I’ve seen people eating meals or checking themselves out in the mirror too. I wish Bergen County drivers were more careful.” Researchers hope the study will help the Department of Transportation create a safer driving environment. But until that happens, keep your eyes on the road, folks!

PUPPY LOVE

NOW READ THIS!

As you prep your summertime beach bag, don’t forget to pack one or two good books—perhaps one of these by Bergen Countybased authors. • The king of twists and turns, Ridgewood’s own Harlan Coben gives fans another thriller with the recently released The Match. The story follows The New York Times best-selling author’s character Wilde, who has no memory of his past, as he uncovers clues about his origins. • Jack Curry, a River Vale resident and New York Yankees TV broadcaster, has published Swing and a Hit: Nine Innings of What Baseball Taught Me, which he co-wrote with former Yankees player Paul O’Neill. The piece is the memoir of O’Neill, a fan favorite whose jersey number will be retired this summer at Yankee Stadium. • Former superintendent of Ridgewood schools Tom Gorman has penned his first book. I Called Her Mary: A Memoir, written with Margaret O’Hagan, tells the story of Gorman’s mother-in-law, who had unwavering faith, hope and love while growing up in Ireland before moving to America. Dog: Brian, 6-month-old goldendoodle Owners: Ronald and Harry Chakmakian of Englewood Cliffs From their earliest days, the Chakmakians always had golden retrievers. But as family members grew older and moved away, caring for the breed became difficult. “They are great family dogs, but shedding was always a problem,” says Ronald, 65, who lives with his father, Harry, who turns 99 June 24. That’s why they welcomed Brian the goldendoodle, a breed with little to no shedding, to their home in December.

Not only was Brian easy to groom, but his temperament made for easy bonding. “His friendly and loving personality closed the deal,” Ronald recalls. Today, Brian shows affection to just about anyone. “When visitors leave our home, he cries after them.” True to the breed, Brian loves to play fetch with just about anyone and anything, especially his favorite stuffed carrot or elephant. He’s also very playful with other dogs, including his cousin-in-law,

Bernedoodle Rigby, who belongs to Ronald’s niece and lives up the street. If playing is Brian’s main hobby, eating is second on the list. “You can’t go into the kitchen without him running in to hopefully get a treat,” his owner reports.

BE MOWER EFFECTIVE

How sharp does your lawn look? And how about the blades that cut it? If your lawn-cutting technology could use a tune-up, take it to one of Bergen’s several pros, listed below; they can help keep your lawn mower a well-oiled machine all season long. Colaneri Brothers in East Rutherford services most major brands of lawn mowers and sells other outdoor equipment.

• 236 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201.939.4405; facebook.com/colaneribrothers/ Garden State Power Equipment in Garfield will fix any engine, sharpen every blade and tune up all generators.

• 506 Rte. 46, Garfield, 201.710.5700; gardenstpower.com Keehn Power Products in Hackensack repairs and sells equipment made by the biggest names in lawn care. Bring in your mower for a tune-up or repair, or arrange to have it picked up from your home for service.

• 132 Johnson Ave., Hackensack, 201.489.4454; keehnpower.com Mobile Mower Repair in Waldwick maintains most makes and models of power lawn equipment on site. Visit its retail store if you’d rather drop off your equipment instead.

• 34 Harrison Ave., Waldwick, 201.934.8683; onsitemowerrepairs.com The Sharp Shop in Midland Park repairs most power equipment made in the last 50 years. It also sells new mowers and other lawn maintenance tools needed to keep your property pristine.

• 251 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201.444.3646; sharp-shop.com

KUDOS TO A YOUNG TRIO

Want to feel like a comparative underachiever? Read about three Bergen County youngsters whose accomplishments would be impressive at any age—and they’re just getting started. Rounds of applause for… • Ayaansh Jain, a fifth grader at Glen Rock’s Clara E. Coleman Elementary School, who was one of 20 semifinalists in NASA’s Lunabotics Junior Contest, a national contest that sought young engineers to help design a new robot for an excavation mission on the Moon. Ayaansh’s submission—named for Diana, Roman goddess of the Moon— earned him a Lunabotics Junior prize pack. • Laila Jeffries-El, a senior at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, who received the YWCA of Northern New Jersey’s 2022 Racial Justice Awards April 25. Jeffries-El is a co-founder of the Black & Latinx Student Organization and a member of BCA’s National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society, among other clubs and extracurriculars. • Luke Scaglione, a fourth grader at Ridge Ranch Elementary School in Paramus, who organized a toothbrush and toothpaste drive at his school for refugees in Ukraine. Through his efforts, 1,188 toothbrushes and 391 tubes of toothpaste were collected at Baranova 27 in Fort Lee, a Ukrainian humanitarian fund, and will be sent to orphanages in Ukraine.

WATCH THEM LIGHT UP THE SKY

What’s on the agenda for July 4th weekend? Towns in all corners of Bergen are moving full steam ahead with fireworks plans, parades and concerts to celebrate Independence Day. Here’s a sampling: • Paramus: Entertainment, food trucks and fireworks at Cliff Gennarelli-Paramus Sports-Plex, July 3, from 2–10:30 p.m. Info: paramus4thofjuly.com • Meadowlands State Fair: July 3-4: Fireworks show; 10 p.m. Info: njfair.com • Ramsey: Independence Day Celebration at Finch Park, with fireworks, food and refreshments, July 4, 6:30–10 p.m. Info: ramseynj.com • Ridgewood: Flag raising in Wilsey Square at 9 a.m., July 4, followed by the parade at 10 a.m. and evening entertainment and fireworks kicking off at 6 p.m. Info: ridgewoodjuly4.net

DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranksDID YOU KNOW? Ridgefield Park’s Fourth of July main parade is the longest continual Independence Day parade in the third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million).country. The village has never skipped one—even during wars and pandemics—since starting the event in 1894.