Our Town Magazine - April 2021

OUR TOWN

LITTLE FALLS, TOTOWA, WAYNE & WOODLAND PARK Accentuating what is positive in your community.

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APRIL 2021

HINCHLIFFE STADIUM ECHOES OF THE PAST

BASKETBALL SEASON ROUNDUP

UNCLE FLOYD ON THE RIDE MEN

HOW TO CATCH A LEPRECHAUN

SCHOOL AND LIBRARY NEWS

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

Editor Paul Mencher 973-222-8872

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DEEP IN THE HEART OF JERSEY “Uncle Floyd” Vivino

TALES OF THE “RIDE MEN” They were simply called the “Ride Men” with their noises, motor oil spewing and clouds of smoke filling the air of urban neighborhoods. Small “kiddie rides” mounted on their wooden plank flooring. Blaring from their outside metal horns was recorded circus-style music—for the purpose of alerting children that they had arrived.

close enough to get sprayed. Little girls screamed in horror at such an attack and many a “ride man” would chase the boys away, often armed with an iron crowbar! This was life in the streets I knew in the early 1960s.

When a ride truck operator was violently threatened to move by neighborhood “tough guys,” many children never got a chance to spend their dime on a ride. That was OK, because soon enough the ice cream truck would appear, and for a dime, a kid could purchase two treats at a nickel apiece.

While such amusement rides were not timed by a device, as found today, these old trucks had buckets filled with all kinds of tools, ropes, chains, bolts, screws and rags blackened with the residue of motor oils, set close to the small rides when needed for “repairs”—often made while children were spinning around and screaming in fear.

Some New Jersey cities had “pony men” who would appear with a live pony, on which children could sit and have an instant Polaroid black and white photograph taken for a price or fee, which was always negotiable. Like the organ grinder and his small monkey (actually a rather tiny chimpanzee) and its act of taking a penny from a child’s hand, or having the youngster drop the penny in a tin cup held by the creature—these would fully disappear from the street scene.

The ride trucks often parked (as did traveling ice cream trucks) in front of a home, which could spark loud, vulgar arguing from the residents.

Sometimes women threw garbage out of their second, third and fourth floor windows onto the ride trucks. Once, I was hit on the head with a large steak bone, and my friend was struck by an empty soda bottle—family size!

It was a time when most families in the city did not travel to far away destinations to patronize gigantic amusement parks and spectacular thrill rides at expensive prices. Rather, our rides and ice cream traveled to us… and in reality, we had just as much, if not more, fun.

For a dime, kids went on mini two-horse merrygo-rounds, a three-seat Ferris wheel or the most popular ride—the whip! The trucks operated only during summer months, but everyone was aware of their presence as nearly every window was left open because nobody had air conditioning or the modern “central air” of today.

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino performs for all occasions; to learn more, call (973) 633-8856. He is bestknown as the host of “The Uncle Floyd Show” on television from 1974 to 2001.

Some young boys, those with the skills of opening a fire hydrant, delighted in an opportunity to do so at an unsuspecting ride truck which parked

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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HINCHLIFFE STADIUM

ECHOES OF THE PAST The story of Hinchliffe Stadium began in the early 1920s, when Paterson’s high schools needed new athletic facilities. Despite efforts to fund a new stadium, the issue remained mostly dormant until Mayor John V. Hinchliffe revived it in 1930. On October 10 of that year, an announcement was made that a city stadium and recreation field would be constructed on the Monument Heights site, adjacent to the Great Falls.

during these challenging times because it was a relatively cheap and accessible form of entertainment for all.

Demonstrated by the thousands of fans who continued to pack into the stadium for games, support of the venue by the community persisted even after World War II.

MEMORIES OF HINCHLIFFE Bessie Dritsas was a member of the Eastside High School Class of 1949 and a majorette in the high school band. She still vividly recalls marching across Paterson each Thanksgiving as large crowds cheered while the band made its way to Hinchliffe Stadium for the traditional showdown with rival Central High School.

The rectangular open-air sports arena utilized reinforced concrete and classic Art Deco styling and was completed and dedicated in 1932. The original bleacher seating configuration accommodated 7,500 spectators in a horseshoe curve. It is certainly unique to Paterson and in the region not only for its size and style, but for its location within the Great Falls Historic District and association with the public school system.

“It was an awesome thing to go to the stadium,” she says now.

“The stadium was packed. It was a big event, everybody would go to the game.”

The facility opened its doors to the public in 1932, under the name City Stadium. In 1934, the stadium was renamed Hinchliffe Stadium. While John V. Hinchliffe was still the mayor at the time, he publicly claimed the stadium was named for his uncle, also named John Hinchliffe, who had served as Paterson’s mayor from 1897 to 1903.

Now known as Bessie Bartzos, the former majorette said the stadium was “beautiful” back in the 1940’s. She recalls a semi-pro football team known as the Paterson Panthers, made up of African American players, who would dine at her father’s restaurant in the city, and also played their games at Hinchliffe.

Hinchliffe Stadium stands today as a powerful monument to the hopes and struggles of Paterson’s working class during the Great Depression era. Athletics continued to grow OurTown | APRIL 2021

In fact, the opening of Hinchliffe Stadium provided a large venue for Black athletes which gave the city’s residents the opportunity

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to witness integrated sports on a regular basis.

Most famously, the stadium hosted Negro Leagues baseball for more than a decade during an era when the major leagues barred any Black players.

The first baseball teams that played at Hinchliffe were white ballclubs, such as the Paterson City Club and the Paterson/Gavin Pros. But stadium promoters noticed that attendance would increase when African American ballclubs would come to town as the visiting team.

The Paterson Evening News reported that this was “the first time such a feat had ever been turned in by the Negro club in this territory.”

The Black Yankees were not the only team to call Hinchliffe Stadium home. The New York Cubans also played some home games at Hinchliffe Stadium in 1935 and 1936.

As a result, Hinchliffe was chosen as the site for what was referred to as the “Colored Championship of the Nation” at the end of the 1933 season, a matchup between the New York Black Yankees and the Philadelphia Stars. That game was the impetus for Negro Leagues baseball to be played in Paterson on a regular basis.

In 1935, the Cubans made it to the Negro National League Championship Series. The opening game of the series took place at Hinchliffe Stadium with the Cubans winning 9-3. The rest of the series was played in New York and Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburgh Crawfords won four games to three.

Other African American baseball teams that played home games at Hinchliffe Stadium were the Newark Eagles and the second version of the Mohawk Giants. In all, more than 20 Baseball Hall of Famers played on Hinchliffe’s hallowed grounds.

Two of those Hall of Famers began their pro careers at Hinchliffe. In 1937, the Newark Eagles invited Monte Irvin to try out prior to a game at Hinchliffe Stadium. Then in 1942, Paterson’s own Larry Doby, fresh from graduating Eastside High School, was also signed by Newark after a tryout.

THE NEGRO LEAGUES The 1934 season marked the first year that Hinchliffe Stadium was the regular home of the New York Black Yankees. New York began the 1934 season with an eight-game winning streak that was halted by legendary Hall of Famer Josh Gibson with one stroke of the bat.

Irvin and Doby went on to be teammates on the 1946 Negro League World Series champion Newark Eagles. In 1947, Doby became the first Black player in the American League, a mere 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The Black Yankees were largely an unsuccessful team on the field but provided some memorable moments at Hinchliffe Stadium. Ten days after winning the 1934 World Series, Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean and his brother Daffy played against the Black Yankees for the barnstorming Brooklyn Farmers. In 1935, Terris “Elmer” McDuffie pitched a no-hitter on the Hinchliffe Stadium mound against the House of David.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

The Black Yankees continued to play at Hinchliffe until 1945. The team eventually moved to Rochester, New York, and the Negro National League folded in 1948 as many of its stars, like Larry Doby, headed to the Major Leagues.

Story continues on page 35

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

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KINDERGARTENERS ENJOY STAR WARS READS Kindergarten teacher Sibel Odaman at Charles Olbon School in Woodland Park noticed that she had a lot of students obsessed with Baby Yoda, so she came up with something educational and enjoyable for them.

In March, the class celebrated Star Wars Reads, in addition to all the other fun things they had to celebrate. Students in Ms. Odaman’s class read their favorite books all month and kept track on a reading log as part of the challenge.

The students also dressed up as their favorite Star Wars characters, shared their favorite Star Wars toys and drawings as well as sharing and reading their favorite books.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS The Woodland Park School District recently marked Random Acts of Kindness Week. School 1 students created hearts and a kindness tree to post all the kind acts they have been sharing throughout the week.

Charles Olbon School and Beatrice Gilmore School students talked about spreading kindness by learning how to be bucket fillers. Everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled each day. By saying and doing kind things, a person can fill buckets! Students created their own buckets and did kind things, such as complimenting one another and their teachers.

Memorial Middle School students delved deeper into kindness. Classes wrote their own definitions of kindness, learned the science behind kindness, and wrote thank you letters.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

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ADULT VIRTUAL PROGRAM INFORMATION APRIL 2021 Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the Library!

waynepubliclibrary.org

Ricardo Pino, Library Director Doreen Shoba, Assistant Director Address 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 Phone: 973-694-4272 Library Director Ext. 5101 Assistant Library Director Ext. 5102 Reference Ext. 5401 Youth Services Ext. 5301 Circulation Ext. 5210 Business Office Ext. 5103 Hours: Monday—Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm—5:00 pm

Please call ahead or check the website for current building access hours and updates.

WPLWAYNENJ

Wayne Public Library Reflooring Project: The reflooring project we began only a couple of weeks ago is coming along well! The project entails replacing the older carpeting with new vinyl tile, a safer surface that is easier to clean and disinfect. 

We anticipate the Adult public computers will be available on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 3:00 PM. (Please call ahead to verify).

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We expect the Adult Reference area and Young Adult collections to be open by Friday, April 9, 2021.

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The Non-Fiction wing (up to the Laptop area) is still being improved; we will continue to update our progress.

The Children’s Room: We have already progressed on to the next stage which is the Children’s Room. This room is currently closed to the public, and a portion of the picture books, as well as the Juvenile New Books, have been moved into the gallery for browsing. We anticipate reopening the entire Children’s Room around Friday, April 16, 2021.

We encourage you to continue to check back for any updates and announcements. We post these on the library website, the Wayne Public Library Facebook page, and our Instagram page.). You can also call us during business hours at the numbers listed in the left column.

Adult Time Out: Library Bingo!

Monday, April 12 @ 2:00 PM

Adults can enjoy a pleasant time out playing Library Bingo. Register on the WAYNE PUBLIC LIBRARY library calendar to receive your Zoom invitation and bingo cards for you to print out. You provide the markers. No WPLLIBRARY prizes, but a good time for everyone!

973-694-4272

For more information, email Carol @ chasec@waynepubliclibrary.org

waynepubliclibrary.org

What’s For Dinner?

Recipe Exchange & Chat Group

Wednesday, April 14 @ 7:00 PM Preparing 3 meals a day? Do you run out of ideas or are you stuck in a rut?

Let’s chat about the latest meal prep trends, where you find your easiest recipes and share cooking ideas!

For more information and Zoom invite, email Karen Sharp at: sharpk@waynepubliclibrary.org Author Chats Jazz-related interviews

461 Valley Road Wayne NJ 07470

Lunchbox Learning

How-to-Videos

All programs for adults are being held online using Zoom.

If using a tablet or phone, you will need to download the app; \computer users click on the link provided in the invite; telephone users can call the number provided in the invite.

For information and tutorials on how to use Zoom, go to https://support.zoom.us/ and click on the link in the bottom left corner that says “Join a Meeting” OurTown | APRIL 2021

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ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS

ADULT VIRTUAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Wayne Public Library currently offers SEVEN virtual book discussion groups for adults: (5) meet in the morning or afternoon and (2) meet in the evening.

APRIL 2021

VIRTUAL LUNCHBOX LEARNING series Wednesdays from 12:00 PM—1:30 PM. All are welcome.

Register on Wayne Public Library’s Website Calendar to receive your Zoom Invitation.

Questions: contact Deborah Rosenblatt at 973-694-4272 x5401

April 14: Dr. Suzanne Geisler Bowles — The Burr-Hamilton Duel: a second look April 28: Evelyn Hershey, American Labor Museum — Hubert Henry Harrison & the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike May 12: E. Zoe Hassman — A Festival of Sounds in a Solo Cello Concert (pop, jazz, & classical) This program is sponsored, in part by the Wayne Public Library and the Friends of the Wayne Public Library, in addition to

Foreign Film Discussion Club

Wednesday, April 21 @ 7:00 PM The Interpreter (Languages: German, Slovakia, English) Before the meeting, participants will watch the selected film, available for FREE through Hoopla.

For information and to receive the Zoom invite, email Patty at: slezakp@waynepubliclibrary.org

New Jersey Winemaking: from Colonial days to the present Wednesday, April 28 @ 7:00 PM presented by:

Tom Cosentino, Executive Director Garden State Wine Growers Association

Learn about the history of winemaking in NJ, the impact of prohibition on the industry, the Creation of The Farm Winery Act, and the launch of the modern era of grape growing in NJ. Discover the different varietals of grapes growing in NJ and different micro climates throughout the state and more, and how to experience NJ wine country including what to expect on a visit to a winery.

To access Hoopla, go to: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Register on the Wayne Public Library calendar: https://waynepubliclibrary.evanced.info/signup

Fad Diets and Why They Don’t Work Thursday, April 29 at 1:00 PM This workshop will discuss how to identify a fad diet, and will present information to help you think critically about the various nutrition claims from fad diets. Increase your nutrition know-how so you can eat for health.

Virtual Author Chat with Carmela Catutti Tuesday, May 4 at 1:00 PM Join Reference Librarian,Janette Pardo, in a chat with local author, Carmela Cattuti. Learn about her book(s), her writing process, and what they’re working on next. Open Q&A will follow.

For a Zoom invite, please register on the WPL online calendar: https://waynepubliclibrary.evanced.info/signup

For a Zoom invite, please register on the WPL online calendar: https://waynepubliclibrary.evanced.info/signup

OurTown | APRIL 2021

Presented by: Sara Elnakib, Family & Community Health Sciences Educator; Cooperative Extension Passaic County-Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

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MEMORIAL SCHOOL UPDATE The students of Totowa’s Memorial School have been busy this spring!

In March, the school celebrated our differences with Kindness Week. Students participated in educational activities intended to create a welcoming community within the school.

The first and second grades will perform virtual spring concerts this year. Ms. DiDio, Ms. Manzi and the first and second grade students have been working very hard in preparing for these events. The children are excited to perform.

The school announced that it will be posting a virtual open house presentation for its preschool program on the district website. This presentation is intended to give families the opportunity to receive information about the preschool programs as well as information on the registration process for the 2021-2022 school year.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

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THE WP CHRONICLES Rick Lijoi, President of the Woodland Park Historical Society & Borough Historian

SCHOOL # 3 You might be thinking, where was School # 3? The schools in our borough are named Beatrice Gilmore, Charles Olbon, and Memorial School. So, what happened to this other school?

The story beings long before the Borough of Woodland Park and even before the Borough of West Paterson. The Union Township School District owned the school when it was built. At that time, our borough was the West Park section of Little Falls.

The School District of Little Falls had five one-room School Houses throughout Little Falls. In West Park, there were two schools: School #2 and School #3.

School #2 was on Rifle Camp Road; today, it is the building adjacent to the Bromilow Chocolates Store.

That leaves School # 3, which was located on McBride Avenue, near Brophy Lane. The school is now the building that houses the Woodland Park Board of Education.

The story goes: School # 3 was constructed on the property was on the Brophy Family farm.

The Brophy Family heard that a church was interested in buying land for a church. The family were devoted Catholics and did not want a church from a different denomination, so they had a school built on the property.

The family deeded the property and stipulated the building must be for educational purposes.

In 1914, residents of West Park broke away to form the borough of West Paterson, and both schools then became the property of the West Paterson Board of Education. The school has been used for an educational purpose since that then.

School # 3 was a single floor schoolhouse designed to serve the students of the community, built in 1868, just three years after the Civil War. The building has gone through many changes over the years, but it still serves the purposes of education more than a century and a half later.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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PASSAIC VALLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE EARNS NATIONAL SPORTS AWARD

By Chelsea Nakhleh (PVHS Senior)

Passaic Valley High School senior Brianna DeLuccia was awarded the National Girls and Women in Sports Award by New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). This prestigious honor is given to female athletes who are leaders both on the field and in the classroom.

The award is a way to empower women and celebrate the Title IX law, which made it illegal to discriminate against athletes on the basis of sex. “It really showcases girl power,” explained DeLuccia. “I was so happy to be included on the list with such amazing women. “ DeLuccia, along with female athletes from other New Jersey schools, was honored by the NJSIAA in a virtual ceremony in February. “I didn’t even know I was being considered for it,” DeLuccia explained.

“It was such a happy surprise.”

To win the NGWS Award, one must also have great academic standing along with a myriad of school activities. DeLuccia is a varsity athlete in softball, volleyball, and soccer. She also is a member of multiple organizations including the National Honor Society and the Academic Team, and she is in the top ten of her class.

DeLuccia credits her success to her time management skills. “I’ve been doing sports and school since elementary school, I have gotten really good at time management,” said DeLuccia. “There are definitely struggles, but it’s worth it.”

DeLuccia’s coaches say she is very deserving of this honor. “She is the ultimate teammate. Selfless, passionate, kind, [and] inspirational,” said volleyball coach William Robertazzi.

“Her dedication to her academics, coupled with playing two varsity sports, embodies what this award represents,” stated softball coach Kathy Hill.

Hill has coached DeLuccia since she was eight years old and watched her grow from a Totowa Tiger to a Passaic Valley Hornet. “Brianna has certainly developed into an amazing young lady that continues to make me proud each day,” Hill said.

Though she is unsure where she will attend school next year, DeLuccia plans to further her education and major in engineering science. She also hopes to participate in club softball while in college.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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www.ClothingDonationServices.com

CLOTHING & SHOE FUND DRIVE DONATE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR

TOTOWA PAL

DATE(S) OF EVENT

TIME(S) OF EVENT

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021

9am - 1pm

LOCATION OF EVENT

TOTOWA PAL, 150 CHAMBERLAIN AVE., TOTOWA, NJ

COLLECTING THESE ITEMS: CLOTHING / SHOES • All types and styles of used and wearable clothing (men, women and kids) • All used and wearable shoes and sneakers

ACCESSORIES

• Purses / Backpacks • Briefcases • Belts / Hats / Gloves • Socks / Scarves / Ties

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

ALL ITEMS MUST BE IN TIED PLASTIC BAGS

• Blankets & sheets • Pillows & bedspreads • Quilts & comforters • Towels & bath rugs • Table cloths • Drapery & curtains

NO FURNITURE • TOYS • BOOKS • GLASS • LIQUIDS • BRIC-À-BRAC If you are unable to drop off your items at these times, please contact: Suzanne Scalera

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

201.704.4407 PHONE

SuzanneScalera@gmail.com EMAIL

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UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES From the old world to Totowa Upon my saying hello to Totowa’s Nicolino Gallo

His yearly “bocce tournament” is attended by a

recently, he promptly handed me an air-tight,

capacity group of folks from literally all walks of life.

vacuum-sealed package of his own homemade

It is obvious to all that Nick Gallo truly loves seeing

Italian dried and cured sausage, a true delicacy to

people enjoying, eating, exchanging constructive ideas

people such as myself. And nobody makes it better,

and sticking together. For the next several months,

I’ll stand by that claim.

he will be focusing on the election for Passaic County Commissioner (Freeholder), in which he is a candidate.

Truly the old world, Italy, lives in the presence of Nick

I asked my friend how he felt about the climate of

Gallo, who came to America from Nicastro, Calabria, as

politics today, considered rather divisive, negative

a young boy with his family. He is quick to give thanks

and angrily argumentative by a large percentage

to a public-school teacher, Mrs. Codispoti, for teaching

of our nation’s citizenry. He said, “You have to be

him English. While still in high school, he began working

optimistic. Positive. Being pessimistic has never

in landscaping and construction, and in 1987 he went

solved anything.”

into business for himself.

His Italian immigrant parents were indeed optimistic

He often expresses how thankful he is to be an America.

when they left Italy to come to America, believing that

He talks about his parents with love, respect and honor,

their children would have a better life here…

and when he talks about his children—Michael, 24; Alyssa, 21; and Nicolino, 17—one feels the love and

Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd”

pride he holds for them, along with his wife, their

Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still

mother, Nancy.

performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.

He talks about his brother Michael, a captain with the Paterson Fire Department, and sister Angelina, who lives in Manhattan and has been an executive with the Metropolitan Life Company, with an equal admiration for both. That sums up Nicolino Gallo—the acts of giving, honoring his parents and his ancestral culture, being most thankful for his opportunities here in America and a loving father and husband—and to many in Totowa and beyond, a true friend, one who sincerely cares.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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April 2021 at the Little Falls Public Library ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dungeons & Dragons

April Book Club Selection Tuesday, April 6th at 7PM

Thursday, April 15th at 3:30PM

Join us on Zoom as we discuss Mark Bowden’s The Last Stone. This book is available in ebook and audiobook format on Hoopla and limited copies of this book are available for curbside pickup at the Little Falls Public Library.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86176233395 Zoom Meeting ID: 861 7623 3395 No Passcode Required!

Join us for our next exciting adventure in the world of Dungeons and Dragons! This program is intended for children ages 10 and up. We will be using Zoom and Roll20, info for both will be sent to registered patrons prior to the event. Space is limited! Follow this link to register for this program through Engaged Patrons: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=4861&EventID=431054&PK=

The Art, History, and The Benefits of Indoor Gardening Thursday, April 15th at 7PM

Welcome Spring Party with Miss Jolie

As the seasons begin to change, we all begin thinking about ways that to stay in touch with nature throughout the winter. Learn how to enhance your life and home by bringing the green in. Through photography and text the topics covered will include: A brief history of indoor gardening, choosing and caring for the right plant, decorating with live plants, and the health benefits of having houseplants in your home. This program will be hosted over Zoom: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/85835914167. You can also head on over to our website to register via Engaged Patrons and receive reminders for this event. Please check your spam/junk folder for any notifications, just in case.

Wednesday, April 7th at 11AM

Join Miss Jolie on ZOOM for silliness, stories, music, and fun for ages 1-6+! Singing, dancing, clapping, snapping, and stomping are highly encouraged! Register for this event through Engaged Patrons here: http://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=4861&EventID=431051&PK= You will receive an email prior to the event with the Zoom link.

Andrew Carnegie: From Steel to Libraries

Preschool Earth Day Story Time & Craft

Wednesday, April 7th at 7PM

Thursday, April 22nd at 11AM

Celebrate National Library Week by attending Andrew Carnegie: From Steel to Libraries on Wednesday, April 7 at 7:00 PM. This program will be presented by historian Rick Feingold, who teaches American Business History at Bergen Community College and holds an MBA from Penn State University. Register through Engaged Patrons here: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?

SiteID=4861&EventID=429939&PK= You will be sent a Zoom link the day before the event. If you do not receive an email notification, please check your spam/junk folder.

Join Miss Linda for a preschool Zoom story time! We will read books about Earth Day and end with an Earth Day craft that we will all make together. Craft packages will be available beginning April 12th for pick-up at the library (or call us for curbside pick-up). Follow this link to register for this event through Engaged Patrons: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?

SiteID=4861&EventID=431056&PK= You will receive an email prior to the event with the Zoom link.

Virtual Escape Room

Preschool Rhyming Story Time & Bingo

Thursday, April 8th at 3:30PM

Tuesday, April 27th at 11AM

For grades 4 and up Join us for a Virtual Escape Room via Zoom! Sign up through Engaged Patrons by following the link here: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?

SiteID=4861&EventID=431299&PK= You will receive a link prior to the event. Space is limited.

Join us for a fun Zoom story time that will feature silly rhyming stories! We will also play a few games of rhyming bingo throughout our session! Registration is required for this program through Engaged Patrons, follow the link here to sign up: http://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=4861&EventID=431166&PK= You will receive an email prior to the event with the Zoom link and a bingo card. Please let us know if you cannot print out your bingo board and we will mail one to you.

Van Gogh Starry Night Art Workshop Wednesday, April 14th at 3:30PM

Among Us

Join Miss Ariana on Zoom as we create an inspired painting of Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Learn about the infamous artist and test your knowledge through a quiz game! Materials will be supplied in a kit that will be available for pick up at the library once you register.

Additional items you will need are: a cup for your paint water, paper towels, and a pencil.

This program is for kids 8 and up. This event is for Little Falls Residents Only. Please register through Engaged Patrons by following this link: http://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=4861&EventID=431055&PK=

Wednesday, April 28th at 3:30PM There's an Imposter among us, and it could be you! Join us for a competitive game of Among Us. Participants will play together over Zoom and have the opportunity to meet new players, talk about the game, and compete in this multiplayer game of teamwork and betrayal. Participants must have access to the game via mobile download or computer.

Register through Engaged Patrons using the link here: http://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=4861&EventID=431306&PK= and you will receive a Zoom link prior to the event. This is for kids in grades 4 and up. Space is limited. Any questions, please contact: belen@littlefallslibrary.org.

8 Warren Street ∙ Little Falls, NJ 07424 ∙ (973) 256-2784 ∙ www.littlefallslibrary.org

April 2021 at the Little Falls Public Library We are currently open to the public at 35% capacity for browsing and computer usage! Curbside pickup is also available.

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Library CLOSED in observance of the Easter Holiday

Good Friday Library CLOSED

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11AM – Welcome Spring Party with Miss Jolie Virtual – Please Register 7PM – Virtual Book Club: The Last Stone by Mark Bowden

Easter Sunday

7PM – Andrew Carnegie: From Steel to Libraries Virtual – Please Register

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3:30PM – Virtual Escape Room Virtual – Please Register 7PM – Virtual Board of Trustees Meeting

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11AM – Preschool Story Time Yoga Virtual – Please Register 4PM – Van Gogh Starry Night Art Workshop

3:30PM – Dungeons & Dragons Virtual – Please Register

Virtual – Please Register

7PM – The Art, History, and Benefits of Indoor Gardening Virtual

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27 11AM – Preschool Rhyming Story Time & Bingo Virtual – Please Register 7PM – Friends of the Library Meeting Virtual

3:30PM – Among Us Virtual – Please Register

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more virtual programming information!

OurTown | APRIL 2021

@Lfplnj

https://bit.ly/3lVKHIa

@littlefallspl

The Little Falls Public Library is now on TikTok! Find us here: @Littlefallspubliclibrary

@LittleFallsLib8

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PAL TRAVEL SOCCER TEAMS TRAIN FOR SPRING SEASON Contributing Authors - Jess Siecieska, Mike Grant, and Rick Felix

The Totowa PAL travel soccer program’s practices are well underway as they head into the Spring season. The U10 team, coached by Rick Felix, and the U12 team, coached

by Mike Grant, began practices in late February indoors at the Totowa PAL. U12 player Ethan Thompson said, “I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with more teammates to play with.” The players have brought determination and team spirit into each practice. The kids are here to play, have fun, and express their creativity with their feet and the ball!

There’s a short amount of time to prepare during the winter off-season.

The coaches work creatively by creating at-home workouts and building practice sessions that blend conditioning, technical skills, and game play development into a small window. “Using the indoor gym at the PAL to practice has been great because it has allowed us to start our practices earlier than normal. The smaller space teaches players to play fast, pass in smaller windows, and work on their footwork and ball skills” U12 coach Mike Felix said.

When asked what their favorite parts of the training are, U10 players RJ Ardis, Kadin Karam and Luka Mladenovic agreed that they all enjoyed the 2V2 and shooting. “The drills help us to learn new footwork,” Joey Siecieska added. The off-season practices have been focused on developing their skills through game play scenarios so that it can more easily translate to the field.

“Soccer is a game of constant change. So, we work hard to prepare the players on how to understand and react to each game time scenario,” said coach Rick Felix. These players, most of whom play year-round, have a passion for the sport, as illustrated by comments from Liam Felix, U10, “I love soccer, and we get a chance to compete and play hard as a team.”

The travel teams compete as part of the Morris County Youth Soccer Association, with games beginning on April 11.

Nicholas Lisitano, who plays on the U12 team, also pointed out how much the teams like their coaches. “I love soccer and my team, especially Coach Mike. He makes practice so much fun and I’ve learned a lot,” he said. U10 player Landon Britting added, “I really like how we play together as a team.”

OurTown | APRIL 2021

If you are interested in joining the travel soccer family, reach out to Rick Felix at coachrick@totowapal.com. The PAL is always looking to continue to grow our teams, across age levels, and add to its soccer family.

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WAYNE FISHING DERBY SET FOR APRIL 24

Competition Dance

Kids in Wayne can put their fishing skills to the test on April 24 when the township Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Fishing Derby. The contest will take place from 8:00 am till noon at North Cove Park near the Wayne PAL building.

Ages5 & up!!

All Genres!!

Entry fees are $5 per competitor, and any youngster between the ages of 5 and 16 may take part. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest catch in three age brackets: 5-to-7, 8-to-10 and 11-to-16.

Competitors should bring their own rod and reel.

Bait will be supplied, but participants may bring their own if they wish. Parents are allowed to help their kids with the bait and reel but may not fish for their children.

Empire of the Performing Arts

Payments may be made online at waynetownship. com/parks or in person at the department’s office in the municipal building.

601 Union Blvd Totowa, NJ 07512 973 – 809 – 2995 Empire_pa@yahoo.com CALL US FOR AUDITION INFORMATION TODAY!

For more information on the Fishing Derby, email recreation@waynetownship.com or call (973) 694-1800, ext. 3260.

COME GROW WITH US! *New Hip Hop Competition Team Forming!!!!

973-333-3173 142 TOTOWA ROAD TOTOWA, NJ 07512 www.hillerystreetgrill.net UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

BREAKFAST * LUNCH TAKE-OUT * CATERING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday – Sunday: 8-3pm

OUTDOOR DINING AVAILABLE!! *Please visit our website or call us for daily specials and catering menu.

Also available for delivery through Grub Hub OurTown | APRIL 2021

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SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE The Totowa School District, as part of the celebration of the 100th day of school, held its first district wide food drive. Through the generosity of students, parents and staff over 1,100 items were collected.

Proceeds were donated to Senator Kristin Corrado’s March food drive as well as the St. Agnes Food Pantry. The district sends a big Thank You to everyone who supported its efforts!

GOLD PROPERTIES REALTY, INC.

420 Totowa Road • Totowa Boro • 973-595-1500 www.c21goldpro.com MEMBERS OF GARDEN STATE, NEW JERSEY & MONMOUTH OCEAN MLS’S EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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OurTown | APRIL 2021

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BETWEEN THE LINES

By Linda Hoffman, MLIS, Woodland Park Library Director

Did you know that libraries were one of the first to adopt a model of shared services? For decades, a vast nationwide network of libraries have been sharing resources and providing access to materials (books, DVDs, music, etc.) that they did not own. Within the industry, this is known as interlibrary loan.

You may be asking, why is this such a big deal? There are many reasons.

First, libraries come in all different sizes and serve the many different needs of unique populations. As such, it is virtually impossible (unless you are the Library of Congress) to own all the materials that meet the needs of a community. Through interlibrary loan, libraries can extend access to a seemingly infinite number of materials and open up a world of possibility and discovery for their patrons. Secondly, as most libraries face limited budgets coupled with a ceaseless demand for information, libraries rely upon resource sharing to provide access to materials in a cost-effective way.

Have you tried using the interlibrary loan system at your library? It’s easy! Check out your library’s website or call your library’s information specialist and they will guide you on how to get materials that may not be available at your library. Conditions for interlibrary loans are set by the PALS Plus library consortium, the New Jersey State Library, and individual libraries. So even if you do not see what you are looking for on your library’s shelves, don’t worry, in most cases your requests can be fulfilled by interlibrary loan!

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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Being My Mom’s Mom~

A Journey Through Dementia from a Daughter’s Perspective A Free Virtual Meet the Author Event

Tuesday April 27, 2021 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Featuring Loretta Anne Woodward Veney Author, Being My Mom’s Mom After learning that her beloved mother Doris was the first female in the family to suffer from dementia, Loretta began documenting the details of doctor visits and recording people, places, and things as a substitute for her Mom’s lost memory.

At Arden Courts we offer: • 100% Dedicated Memory Care • Safe, secure indoor/outdoor walking paths • Nursing services on-site

Through her book, Loretta offers practical ideas and a wealth of encouragement for her readers.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from Loretta and hear her speak about her journey.

ENROLLING IS EASY! Register in advance for this Zoom webinar by visiting the LINK below: https://tinyurl.com/2uhczyqg Questions? VirtualSeminars@arden-courts.org arden-courts.org

13950_NJ Clust_5x7.5.indd 1

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2/4/21 12:57 PM

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Hiya everybody! This is Lionel the Library Mouse,

Earth Day Shredding Event

reporting from the Totowa Library about all of the

We also celebrate Earth Day this month—a great day to show your love for the planet by taking steps to help the environment. You can start by recycling! You can securely dispose of your outdated documents and papers by taking advantage of the Totowa Library’s shredding event on Saturday, April 24th. From 9am to 1pm, Gaeta Recycling will be shredding documents on-site. With a suggested donation of $5 a box, you can recycle your old paperwork and clear out space in your home in a way that helps the environment.

exciting news and events going on this month.

April is a pretty exciting month, so here’s the scoop!

National Poetry Month April is National Poetry Month, which means that here at the Totowa Library, we’re celebrating the poetic contributions and creativity that abound in our community! We’re putting together a “Community Poet-Tree,” which is a special tree that will be in our main room that magically grows poems instead of leaves!

Okay, okay, you’re right, poems don’t grow on trees—April Fool’s! Actually, we’re going to need your help to turn our tree’s wintry bare branches into a flourishing, flowering tree for spring. We’re inviting you to write your own little snippets of poetry all throughout the month of April, and

Food Drive and Taste of Totowa

branch by branch, we’ll fill up the tree with lovely

Last month I told you about the projects that the Library is working on in order to support members of our community who are in need.

We’ve received your entries to the Totowa Care Cabinet Design Contest, and we can’t wait to update you when we choose the winning design and get started on building our Care Cabinet! In the meantime, the Food Drive conducted in partnership with Senator Kristin Corrado was a great success, especially thanks to the contributions of the Totowa schools! All of the items have been donated to the St. Agnes Food Pantry in Little Falls.

literary leaves and blossoms! At the end of April, we’ll read all of your poems, and our favorites will win Visa gift cards worth $100, $50, and $25!

We welcome poets of all ages for this challenge!

You can submit your poems online at totowapl.org/poettree, and we will write your poem on a leaf or flower and hang it on our sprouting tree. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages to watch it grow!

I can’t wait to see how many leaves will grow on our Poet-Tree!

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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The Scoop continued

The Farmer’s Market Returns!

up your Cookbook at the Library or the Farmer’s Market this May. And if you missed out on the pre-order, you’re in luck—we will have copies for sale at the Farmer’s Market! Note that quantities are limited, and you won’t want to miss out on this culinary treasure! (Especially since I submitted my favorite recipe for Mouse Mac-and-Cheese; you’ll love it, I promise!)

If the mention of food is making your stomach grumble, I’ve got some good news! The Totowa Farmer’s Market is returning this May! Starting Friday, May 14th, the Farmer’s Market will take place on Fridays from 10am to 4pm in a new location—515 Union Blvd here in Totowa. Next month I’ll give you the run-down of the vendors we’ll be featuring, but for now, if you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Doreen Makoujy at makoujy@totowapl.org or 973-790-3265.

We’re hoping to re-open our doors to the public this month with all the proper precautions and safety measures in place! Our tentative date for re-opening is Monday, April 19th, so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more information! I can’t wait!

Plus, the Taste of Totowa Community Cookbook full of local recipes submitted by our patrons will be arriving at the Library very soon! If you pre-ordered your copy, you’ll be able to pick

That’s the scoop, folks!

YOUNG RECYCLERS Students in Mrs. Casasnovas’s preschool class at School 1 in Woodland Park investigated how to reuse, reduce and recycle! The children created their own recycling bins to use throughout the study. After a lesson on how to identify various recyclable materials, students put their “trash” in the appropriate bins!

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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TRIBUTE BANNERS TO RETURN Military tribute banners will be reinstalled along McBride Avenue in Woodland Park this month​.

Any family who has had a service member from the town - active military, veteran, or KIA/MIA/POW - may sponsor a banner honoring that individual.

As the Borough of Woodland Park’s way of saying thanks to the men and women who have served in the military, it is their hope that by Memorial Day, all of McBride Avenue will be lined with these tributes. The color banners are 30 inches by 83 inches and are yours to keep after the display period.

For more information or to sponsor a banner, contact Lori Brigati at 973-256-1264 or lbrigati@wpnj.us.

SEARCH DRILLS The West Paterson Fire Department’s junior and probationary members recently conducted drills on search and rescue. Chief Anthony Ficcara continues weekly classes with the nine new junior and probationary members that have signed up with the department over the last six months.

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Don’t let the pandemic distract you from seeing your doctor. Cancer could take the lives of 10,000 people due to missed screenings. Book an appointment today.

atlantichealth.org/cancerhides

OurTown | APRIL 2021

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL SEASON ROUNDUP

By Jason Moussab

Wayne Hills -

The 2021 boys’ basketball season was delayed and shortened due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was far from a normal season, several local teams enjoyed success on the court.

After a 10-point victory in the opener against rival Wayne Valley,

Passaic Valley – The Hornets boys’ basketball team started its season by defeating West Milford 77-53 on February 5. The team went on to record notable victories against Wayne Hills and Bergenfield. From Feb. 13 to Feb. 23 the Hornets had a five-game winning streak before losing to Wayne Valley. But the Hornets gained revenge, beating Wayne Valley 47-46 in a thrilling overtime contest to conclude the season.

the Wayne Hills Patriots continued their winning ways for the next five games. During that stretch, head coach Rob Carcich and the Patriots beat Passaic County Tech 46-39, Clifton 58-46 and Paramus 51-32.

The team ended the season with 11-4 record and 7-2 conference record. Senior guard Philip Park led the Patriots with 256 total points scored and 29 steals.

Junior forward Ali Mansroglu paced the team with 167 rebounds.

Behind head coach Lou Paradiso, the team had two three-game winning streaks and ended the season with a 12-3 record and 7-2 conference record. Junior forward Angel Rodriguez totaled 210 points and 106 rebounds, the most on the team. Senior guard Elliot Whitney also led the squad with 18 steals.

Passaic Valley, Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills were named co-conference champions.

Passaic County Tech – The Bulldogs had a tough 2020-2021 boys’ basketball season. The team had close losses to Wayne Hills and Clifton. The lone victory came against Bergen Tech by the score of 59-35. Head coach

Wayne Valley – The Indians started the boys’ basketball season with a loss against in-town rival Wayne Hills on January 27. However, from Jan. 28 to March 4, Wayne Valley, led by head coach Mike De Moor, posted a 10-game winning streak despite a two-week layoff due to a COVID outbreak. The team defeated PV and exacted revenge against Wayne Hills. In that stretch, the team also beat Hanover Park 59-43 and Ridgewood 51-42.

Mike Boorman and the Bulldogs finished with a 1-11 record and 1-5 conference record.

DePaul - Under head coach Ryan Hagen, the Spartans started their 2020-21 boys basketball season with a tough loss against Ridgewood, falling 36-33. After another loss to Don Bosco Prep, the Spartans responded with a narrow victory against Paramus Catholic, winning 48-47.

At one point during the season Hagen ‘s team reeled ff three straight victories against Lakeland, Paramus Catholic and West Milford. The Spartans finished one game below .500 with a 7-8 overall record and 2-3 conference record. Freshman guard Jeremy Clayville led the team with 270 points while sophomore forward

The Indians ended the season with a 10-2 overall record and 7-2 conference record. Senior guard Ameer Coubati led the team with 190 points, 69 rebounds and 19 steals.

OurTown | APRIL 2021

Tyler Koenig led the team with 121 rebounds.

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Fourth graders at the Washington Park School built “leprechaun traps” to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, then wrote about what they built. Here are the descriptions from three students.

How to Catch a Leprechaun?

By Landon Britting How to make the greatest Leprechaun trap ever! You will need a few household supplies. First, I got a box of oats, because Leprechauns cannot resist grained substances. Second, I found a small box about the size of tissue box, opened it and put a piece of cut paper on top of the box, this would create a trap door. Next, I put a couple of oats on top of the paper, to lore the Leprechaun toward the trap door. However, that would not be enough, double-sided-tape would be needed on the bottom of the box to secure him down once he fell, he would get stuck to the bottom of the box. Finally, I left some Lego pieces he would go crazy for and the next day I would find him. However, it is possible that since he was alive for 200 years he could have experienced this sort of thing already. That is how to make the greatest Leprechaun trap ever!

By Isabella Grieco Have you ever tried to catch a leprechaun. A leprechaun is very sneaky and fast, he is always playing tricks on people. Lots of people make traps but never catch him. I am making a trap that will hopefully catch him finally.

You can make it out of boxes and other things like that. Some things you can use to make a trap are felt, gold coins, paper, a bucket of gold, a ladder, and lots of colors like black paper, yellow paper, and green paper. After you put everything together you can test it with a toy soldier or your finger and pretend it is a leprechaun.

However, leprechauns are very small so if you catch it, don’t get your eye off it, he might sneak away.

Are you going to try to make a trap and catch a leprechaun?

By Aleksander Nozka Have you ever wanted to catch a leprechaun? First, you have to try and find banging noises or if someone is using a hammer listen carefully, because leprechauns are working in their workshops making shoes. Leprechauns appear to be small old men in a top hats and a red beards. Next, for my trap I am going to have a green sign with a 4 leaf clover that says, “Free.”

He is going to get caught in my trap by trying to get the gold coin, but there is a hole where the gold coin is resting and he will fall through. Then the leprechaun will never escape and I will get his pot of gold. My trap is made of pipe cleaners around with paper taped on top and a hole that the leprechaun will not see. I also made a staircase for him to come up on my trap and then I will trap him. This is how I made my leprechaun trap.

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HINCHLIFFE STADIUM

continued from page 5

LATER YEARS

As one of only three remaining Negro League ballparks, Hinchliffe holds incredible historic significance, and in 2013, it became the first National Historic Landmark that honors baseball.

Efforts to restore the stadium have faltered, though, other than the painting of murals honoring Larry Doby and Alexander Hamilton.

Hinchliffe Stadium remained a busy place despite the end of professional baseball. The stadium would host boxing matches, auto and motorcycle races, semipro football and baseball, and other sporting events. Concerts also took place at Hinchliffe, including one of Dizzy Gillespie’s final shows in 1971.

But new momentum appears to be gaining to bring Hinchliffe back to its former glory, with an announcement expected soon. Perhaps within a couple of years, a crowd will roar again atop the Great Falls as athletes take the field on this historic and hallowed ground.

Of course, the stadium continued fulfilling its primary purpose as the home field for Paterson’s high school sports teams. But as the 20th century wound down, Hinchliffe began to deteriorate badly.

Finally, in 1997, the stadium was declared unsafe, and since then has hosted only a handful of events (with the grandstands totally off limits).

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