Our Town magazine March 2023 digital edition

LITTLE FALLS, TOTOWA, WAYNE & WOODLAND PARK

Elite Spine and Sports Care’s approach is based on the functional model and the dynamic use of manual medicine into physical therapy and rehabilitation. Offering Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, Pre-Operation and Post-Operation rehabilitation & more!

Elite Spine is the leading northern New Jersey Physical Therapy center with over 140 5-star reviews on Google!

Conditions

• Neck Pain

• Back Pain

• Headaches

• Shoulder Pain

• Tendinitis

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DEEP IN THE HEART OF JERSEY

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino AT THE

SERVICE STATION

I sat in the customer waiting area at a local auto repair center, reading a newspaper. I ran into an old friend, who inquired why I was there. What was wrong with my car? It was nothing major, I assured him. I was only there for an oil change.

We then talked about the cars we were driving. Mine was twenty years old and had close to 300,000 miles on it. His was less than a year old with less than 5,000 miles on it.

He then went on to tell me all about his “electric car,” its wonders, its modern advantages. He actually mocked my car with its age and physical appearance. Then he lectured me on why I should buy a new electric car.

I told him that I was OK with my old car. He went on and on about how much money I had to spend on gasoline and engine maintenance. He boasted that he need not worry about such costs. Electric cars don’t need this, they don’t need that, they are the car of the future with all their advanced improvements and technology. He said I should look into it.

and he has no power to move. He said it only “turns off” when he is going around a corner!

The auto mechanic then came into the waiting room and said to him—“We’ve got some big problems to deal with. You’ll have to leave your car here for a couple of days.”

Soon afterwards, my friend asked me if I could drive him home…about two miles away!

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

973-333-3173

142 TOTOWA ROAD TOTOWA, NJ 07512

www.hillerystreetgrill.net

Sunday – Wednesday: 7am-3pm

Thursday – Saturday: 7am-8pm

Delivery Mon-Friday 11am-2

*Please visit our website or call us for daily specials and catering menu for your next special event.

After a short, quiet pause in our conversation, I asked him, “So what brings you here?” He explained that every now and then when he drives his car, the motor, the vehicle shuts off

Also available for delivery through Grub Hub/Door Dash

FRIENDS OF LAURELWOOD ARBORETUM PLANT SALE PRE-SALE NOW UNDERWAY

The annual Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum plant sale will be held this year during Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 13th and Sunday, May 14th. The organization is accepting pre-sale orders for annual flats until April 21st. To place an order, go to https://laurelwoodarboretum.org/ plant-sale/ Members of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum will receive a 10% discount on their orders. All orders will be available for pickup at Laurelwood Arboretum, 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne before the Mother’s Day plant sale.

Ordering in advance ensures that you will have the plants you wish. You can protect our pollinators by planting native plants! The flats available for preorder include ageratum, alyssum, begonias, coleus, dahlias, dusty miller, impatiens, marigolds, petunias, salvia, snapdragons and

vinca. The onsite plant sale at the arboretum is scheduled for Saturday, May 13 from 9:30 am to 2 pm and Sunday, May 14th from 9:30 am to 2 pm. It will feature rhododendrons, azaleas, native shrubs and special plants from the arboretum grown in the greenhouse from cuttings. There will also be a selection of high-quality annuals and perennials, container gardens, and hanging baskets.

The popular plant sale is an important fundraiser for Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum. All proceeds help the non-profit organization maintain and preserve the beautiful 30-acre arboretum. For further information, send an email to info@laurelwoodarboretum.org

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

BY JASON MOUSSAB

Wayne Hills – The Wayne Hills girls’ basketball team finished the season with a 20-6 record and captured the Big North Independence Division title. The Patriots also made it to the finals of the Passaic County Tournament before losing to Paterson Eastside 50-39. Coach Todd Green’s team qualified for the NJSIAA Tournament but fell to River Dell in the first round. The leading scorer for the Patriots was junior Sienna Schuster who racked up 375 points and also grabbed 265 rebounds.

Passaic Valley – The Passaic Valley Hornets girls’ basketball team ended the season with an 8-14 record. The team defeated Pompton Lakes in the opening round of the Passaic County Tournament 51-27, before losing to eventual champion Paterson Eastside in the quarterfinals 56-26. The team also beat Paterson Kennedy to end the season. Senior Janesy Ruiz scored 270 points on the year and made 29 3-pointers. The team is coached by Marc Salvatore.

Wayne Valley – Head coach Kathy Sinram and the Wayne Valley Indians made it to the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament where they lost to Sparta. The team, however, had a 4-2 record in February, including a quarterfinal victory in the Passaic County Tournament over Lakeland by the score of 39-30. However, the team lost in the semifinal round 58-45 to Paterson Eastside. Junior guard Olivia Isaacson scored a team high 267 points on the year. The team ended the season with an 11-12 record.

Passaic County Tech – The Passaic County Tech Bulldogs girls’ basketball team and head coach Mike Iurato lost in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament 60-47 to North Star Academy. In the Passaic County Tournament, the Bulldogs defeated Passaic 44-32 in the opening round before losing to Wayne Hills in the quarterfinal round 48-32. Junior guard Leilani Pena scored 261 points on the year while sophomore center Amare Brinson grabbed 119 rebounds. The team ended the year with a 10-17 record.

DePaul – The DePaul Spartans finished the year with a 7-19 record, but defeated Passaic 41-30, and DwightMorrow 64-19 in the month of February. Coached by Sheniqua Griffin, the Spartans lost in the opening round of the Passaic County Tournament 56-29 to Lakeland. Junior guard Sydney Jacobs scored 159 points while teammate and senior Tami Adedeji grabbed 37 rebounds.

UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES

Rumor has it…

While I enjoyed breakfast with several of my friends at a Totowa establishment, the subject of “rumors” came up. Someone suggested that all rumors are dangerous and bad. Someone else said that they are all based in lies and untruths. Another stated that they are spread by troublemakers, nosy people and those who are jealous.

When it was my turn, I explained that rumors travel faster than truths. I also believe that here in Totowa, rumors travel fast because people in this town still talk to each other. The art of conversation and exchanging ideas or debating is very much alive here. When neighbors talk to each other, they reinforce a sense of community, a bond amongst each other which is, in my opinion, a good thing.

Sadly, I know that there are many towns, many neighborhoods, where nobody says anything to anybody. In many cases people don’t even know who lives next door or across the street. They don’t even wave hello to each other. Under such living conditions, it is impossible to hear rumors, never mind spread rumors.

It was Monday morning as we sat together having coffee. I said, with a sense of pride, that I could start a rumor right here, right now, which everyone in Totowa will have heard within two days. I said that I heard a well-known “fast food” business has purchased Pappy’s Diner, a now-closed Totowa landmark and one-time very popular eatery. Within two days, people were coming up to me—many people—and telling me of this business transaction! They believed the rumor!

To further prove my point, I shall start a few rumors now:

• The Totowa Wax Museum has acquired land for its facility, planned to open next fall on Union Boulevard.

• A miniature golf course is being planned to open upstairs on the rooftop of Murph’s.

• Piggy, the “Mayor of Piggyville” and “The Lower Borough” has applied for a license to operate the first-ever “drive through” laundromat, adjacent to his property at Puhlman’s Service Station!

You see, rumors are not only a bad thing, not here at least, in Totowa…

Legendary entertainer and TV show host

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.

It’s March, and at the Totowa Public Library, we’re feeling as lucky as a leprechaun to have so many fun things to look forward to! I’m Lionel the Totowa Library Mouse, here to get you hyped for everything coming up this Spring at the Library!

Fitness and Exercise

The Totowa Library is a hub for even more health and fitness options than ever! In addition to our regular offerings including Light and Easy exercise and Chair Cardio with Karen, Monday fitness with Kathryn, and Adult Yoga on Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, there will be a Drop-In Zumba class with Lauren on Saturday, March 11th! Pop in at 10:30am and get energized with Zumba for only $5. Register at totowapl.org/register or call the Library!

Plus, Monday nights just got better with Monday Evening Adult Yoga from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Join Zachary Van Peenen at the Totowa Library each week to take advantage of the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Cost is $15/month for Totowa residents and $20/month for non-residents. Make sure to register at totowapl.org/register and fill out your waiver to participate.

Step Up Your Career with Resume & LinkedIn Help

Your resume and LinkedIn profile should be crafted in a way that best advocates on your behalf and spotlights your professional experiences and progression. Schedule an appointment for a special consultation to review effective resume tips and practices to make sure you secure that interview. Additionally, learn how to maintain a powerful LinkedIn profile and make it more searchable to employers. Inquire at the main desk

or call the Library at 973-790-3265 to request your appointment and take control of your job search!

Irish Origins

What better time of year to learn about the history of the Irish people? Join Walter Choroszewski as he presents the story of Ireland and its people, who descended from waves of migrants that found their way to this westernmost island of Europe over the last 12,000 years. On Tuesday, March 14th at 6:30pm, learn about the early European hunter-gatherers, Celts, Gaels, Britons, Vikings, and Normans as Walter shares the latest genetic data revealing the complex mixture of the Irish. Registration is required at totowapl.org/register

COMING UP IN APRIL: Declutter Your Life

It’s almost time for some Spring cleaning! Diane Lang, national speaker, educator, and certified positive psychology coach, believes that decluttering our lives helps us to remove the negative and to feel calm and peaceful.

The Scoop continued on page 16

WAYNE RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Community Garden: Garden plots for the Wayne Community Garden located at 533 Berdan Avenue, on the grounds of the Van Riper Hopper House Museum, are available to the public. All gardeners are limited to one plot per household prior to April 14, 2023. Now – March 31, 2023 All returning gardeners have first opportunity to purchase their previous year garden plot. April 1 – April 13, 2023 –

All Garden plots are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. April 14, 2023 - Additional plots may be purchased at this time. (Residents only)

Camp Hope- Wayne Seniors 62+ are invited to Camp Hope in West Milford, NJ for a day of socializing, bingo, cards, dominoes, etc. On the following dates a bus will depart from Wayne Town Hall, 475 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ at 8:30 a.m.  The day will start with continental breakfast, followed by an activity, followed by hot lunch and dessert. The bus will return to Wayne at approximately 3:30 p.m. Fee is $10.50 per senior, per day, cash or check, made payable to GACW. Pre-registration is required at least one-week in advance of each trip. To pre-register, please contact Golden Age Circle of Wayne. Dates: March 20th, April 17th, May 15th, June 12th.

Easter Carnival: Will be Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 9:30sm – 12:30pm at Alps Road Complex, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!! (Pre-register your child only). Age appropriate games for children 3-10 years old. Enroll in one of the two sessions. Registered children will receive tickets to play the carnival games and win prizes. This is for Wayne Residents Only!!! Bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny!! Registration open. (29 spots left at 9:30am & 8 spots left at 11:00am) (Residents only)

Wayne Walks: Ages 16 and over. Kick off walk is April 15, 2023 at Waks Memorial Park at 10:00am. We’ll be doing our first walk of the year, plus giving out walking schedules, maps, t-shirts and giveaways courtesy of Arbor Ridge to all attendees! Weekly Challenges will begin on Saturdays and end on the following Friday.  Week 1 Dates: Saturday, April 15, 2023 through Friday, April 21.  All weeks will follow in order, with the program concluding at the Milestone Awards on Thursday, June 8th. We are also looking for walk leaders. Registration open. (Residents and Non-Residents)

Paint Night: Ages 18 and over. April 20, 2023 from 7:15pm -9:15pm. Class will be held at the Municipal Complex in Health Rm 2. What will be painted can be seen on our website. Registration closes April 18, 2023. (Residents and Non-Residents)

The Scoop continued from page 12

Learn how to clear the emotional clutter in your head while eliminating the physical clutter around you with Diane on Monday, April 3rd at 6:15pm at the Totowa Library! Register to attend at totowapl.org/ register or call the Library to reserve your seat at this informative and inspiring talk.

Learn How to Sell on Ebay

Learn from an eBay PowerSeller how to sell successfully on eBay from start to finish, including the ins and outs of how eBay works, safe trading, selecting items to sell, learning their value, taking product photos, shipping, and more. Rick Feingold is an Education Specialist trained by eBay with an MBA from Penn State University, and he’s about to share the inside scoop on how to achieve eBay success. Join us on Tuesday, April 18th at 6:00pm! Register to attend at totowapl.org/register or call the Library to reserve your spot.

Learn about Beekeeping

What’s the buzz at the Totowa Library this Spring?

On Thursday, April 20th at 6:15pm, learn all about beekeeping and how bees make honey! Taste some samples of different types of honey, maybe even purchase some to take home, and guess what—the bees may actually “bee” there for you to meet! Visit totowapl.org/register or call the Library to register to attend this free and informative family program.

Food and Clothing Drives

On Saturday, April 29th, help our neighbors in need at a Food Drive sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado’s office along with a Clothing Drive to raise funds for the Totowa Library. From 9:00am to 1:00pm in the Library’s parking lot, stop by to drop off your donations of non-perishable food items, as well as used and wearable clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding, tablecloth, and curtains.

In addition to helping those in need, you can also help the environment at the shredding event fundraiser going on at the same time. Gaeta Recycling will be shredding documents onsite from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, April 29th, and will be collecting electronic waste as well.

WAYNE HONORS EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

The Wayne Board of Education recognized the Educators of the Year at a recent meeting. In recognizing the teachers, Assistant Superintendent Donna Reichman said, “Congratulations to all of our winners for their unconditional commitment and dedication to our students and the Wayne school community. Each day you inspire our students with your creativity, innovative practices, kindness and care. The outstanding work you do to support our students teaches them some of the most important lessons in life and helps shape their future.”

The Governor’s Educator of the Year program is designed to highlight educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and the important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success.

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Mark Toback noted, “Wayne is a community that is blessed in many ways and one of those ways is that its schools are staffed with many excellent teachers. We thank all of our teachers and educational support professionals for their dedication to their students.”

Congratulations to the Teachers of the Year and Educational Services Professionals were honored at each of the township’s 15 schools.

SCHOOL TEACHER EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Early Childhood Center

APT Elementary School

James Fallon Elementary School

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Lafayette Elementary School

Packanack Elementary School

Pines Lake Elementary School

Randall Carter Elementary School

Ryerson Elementary School

Theunis Dey Elementary School

Anthony Wayne Middle School

George Washington Middle School

Schuyler-Colfax Middle School

Wayne Hills High School

Wayne Valley High School

Suzanne Baumann Preschool

Kym Distaso Kindergarten

Jacquelyn Wach Grade 3

Denise Indomenico Grade 5

Francesca Vitale Grade 2

Elizabeth Collins Health/Physical Education

Lori Barrows Resource

Brittany Kotsadam Grade 5

Steve Rodriguez Grade 5

Holly Perry Grade 2

Genna Garilli Special Education

Laura Medley Vocal Music

Robert Sarti Mathematics

Todd Green Mathematics

Maureen Damer TV/Production

Christina McNulty Paraprofessional

Rosemarie Di Palma Reading Specialist

Denise Malone School Counselor

Linda Mandarino Media Specialist

Kelly MacKay Speech/Language Specialist

Carolyn Allen Paraprofessional

Jodi Jensen Paraprofessional

Colleen Lee Media Specialist

Maria Grave Paraprofessional

Kristen Valencia School Counselor

Angela Tetla Paraprofessional

Patricia Montini School Counselor

Leanne Christian Speech/Language Specialist

Harrison Bender School Counselor

Jennifer Montana School Counselor

THE FORGOTTEN IRISH AMERICANS

BY UNCLE FLOYD

This is the month where just about everybody partakes in the festivities and celebrations in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day. The forty shades of green can easily be seen throughout the land. There is corned beef and cabbage along with Irish soda bread for all to enjoy.

It is a time when Irish Americans as well are remembered for their historical contributions to our greater American way of life. Two, however, are really not included in this Irish American Parade of Honor. One is Mr. McGoo and the other is Quick Draw McGraw.

Both achieved great fame and a loving popularity among countless Americans for their wonderful work on television. Quick Draw McGraw was the first Irish American sheriff in the Wild West and Mr. McGoo had the unique ability to drive his car onto the rooftops of many a home.

The Borough of Woodland Park held a ribbon cutting at the SNJ1 Amazon Distribution Center on McBride Avenue. After years of serving the Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp., the redeveloped site houses about 400 employees as well as a fleet of independent “Flex” drivers who pick up deliveries from the site.

The 205,000-square-foot facility utilizes advanced robotics to provide an efficient operation that can have packages to customers in as few as five hours. The 120 Flex drivers currently working with the site are making same day deliveries to a radius of about 30 miles.

The Woodland Park Amazon is the only same-day fulfillment center in the entire network that also features an Amazon Hub, an area where customers can come in to pick up packages from lockers as well as make returns.

Amazon will be a great benefit for the local economy and for taxpayers, Mayor Keith Kazmark said, adding that the property will jump from a $10 million ratable to a $25 million ratable.

“We are exceptionally excited and look forward to a great partnership,” he said.

AMAZON DISTRIBUTION CENTER OPENS IN WOODLAND PARK CALENDAR WINNERS HONORED

Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council honored two students from the Beatrice Gilmore School for their success in the 27th Annual Passaic County Poster Contest.

Fourth grade student Francesca Huelmo was one of the 12 selected winners. Her artwork is showcased on the 2023 Passaic County Calendar Poster for the month of December. Fourth grader Viviana Galindo received an honorable mention.

The County had received 471 submissions by fourth grade students from across all 10 municipalities in Passaic County. The contest is sponsored by County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

By Nicholas Caggiano

Through 38 games this season, the Wayne Wolfpack have 34 wins and only four losses. Following a reality check in an AAU style tournament, the Wolfpack has responded tremendously.

They had a stretch of four challenging games which saw them visit Ramsey, play Wyckoff, go back to Ramsey, and finally play the 2nd place team Mahwah. In the first Ramsey matchup, the Wolfpack dominated in every aspect of the game with a 25-point victory. In the following game against Wyckoff, the Wolfpack had a hard fought 15-point win. The second Ramsey game was a back-and-forth battle. Ramsey came out early, making what felt like every shot, and held a lead heading into the fourth quarter. In the final quarter, the Wolfpack took over with a healthy dose of Shane Jacobs and Ryder Turi to put the Rams away. But in the final game of their tough stretch against Mahwah the Wolfpack were without two starters: leading scorer Shane Jacobs and Austin Jones. The shorthanded Wolfpack had deficits of 13 twice in the game, but battled back and pulled out the victory against Mahwah.

The next few games for the Wolfpack were during their annual trip to Boston where they played five games. The biggest highlight of the Boston tournament was a quadruple overtime, sudden death loss to a very respected AAU team in the Boston area. A last second three by Ryder Turi led to a fourth overtime in which the first basket won. Unfortunately, the opposing team scored first, resulting in a two point loss for the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack have had an extremely successful season so far but have recently struggled with injuries. Shane Jacobs went down in Boston with a scary eye injury and had to go to the hospital, and Austin Jones suffered a twisted leg. The silver lining lies in the fact that the Wolfpack has been stepping up around the injured players and helping by committee to continue their success.

Shane Jacobs is continuing to blossom running the point. He has been tremendous; attacking the rim with ease and scoring in bunches. Jacobs’s biggest improvement in the recent weeks is his vision developing and being that true quarterback as the point guard. Ryder Turi, along with Connor Chessin, stepped up in a huge way when Jacobs was hurt, handling the ball. Turi has taken massive steps forward this year, becoming the Wolfpack’s second leading scorer. Defensively, Turi is a thief of a defender, getting steals left and right leading to easy buckets. David Rojas is the Wolfpack’s big man. He allows them to shut down opposing teams night in and night out.

Rojas is an incredible athlete for his size and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. He has gained much more confidence down low as a scoring presence as the season has gone on.

Connor Chessin has helped steady the boat with his ball handling and scoring in recent weeks and all season long. He is fearless and has an incredible knack at finding the seams in the paint, slithering by much taller kids and scoring. Austin Jones has been gaining confidence all season long and has continued to knock down shots and play great defense. He is always in the right spots and his IQ on the floor helps the whole team. Nico Squeglia played an extremely important role in shutting down Mahwah’s best player. Squeglia, along with Austin Jones, are always spotted up ready to knock down shots. AD Khan is the Wolfpack’s wildcard. Opposing teams have a hard enough time covering the Wolfpack’s guards and bigs down low.  When Khan is locked in he brings high energy and is a very hard player to guard. He has guard skills in a big man’s body, while also having fantastic passing vision.

Jordan Laracuente has had a massive few weeks for the Wolfpack. He has stepped in and played extremely impactful minutes, has grabbed rebound after rebound while being a defensive threat in the paint and is there for easy layups off drives. Patrick Clark performed very well in Boston providing constant athleticism and energy on defense. Matthew Espinosa has been ready and always played with 100 percent effort on the court.

Looking ahead, the Wolfpack will play in the Clark Tournament, featuring a three-game pool play format with potential semi-final and championship opportunities. The Wolfpack went undefeated in NJJBL (North Jersey Junior Basketball League) play, locked up the number 1 seed, and are looking forward to hitting the ground running in the playoffs. The Wolfpack hope to get healthy and continue the success they have had all season long.

FRIENDS OF TOTOWA LIBRARY OFFER A RIVER LADY CRUISE

The Friends of the Totowa Library will run a bus trip to Toms River for a “River Lady Cruise” Thursday, June 22. Cruise includes lunch and choice of upper or lower deck seating to be picked ahead of time when signing up! Each deck is limited to a certain amount of seating.

All meals come complete with a salad, vegetables, potatoes, rolls and dessert. Coffee and tea are served with dessert. Menu: Chicken Francese, Chicken Marsala, Filet of Salmon, Penne Vodka, Plain Grilled Salmon. Cash bars are available on each deck. In addition to soft drinks, they serve wine, beer, champagne and hard seltzer.

The fee is $95.00 per person payable to the “FRIENDS of the Totowa Library” upon reservation. Please arrive at the Totowa Library parking lot at 8:30am, bus departs at 8:45am. Bus arrives in Toms River by 10:30am for an 11:00am to 1:30pm

“River Lady Cruise”! The bus will also be stopping at the “Delicious Orchard” on the way home!

Please call 973-790-3265 with any questions, and stop by the Library to reserve your spot, space is limited!

SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

Both Memorial Middle School and Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park recently held spelling bees.

Memorial students first competed in class competitions during language arts. Top spellers from each class moved on to the finals. The 24 competitors at the finals went through four rounds. The top three spellers, seen in the adjacent photo, were Jake Parkerton (first place), Jayda Blucher (second place), and Fouad Sada (third place). Jake now moves on to the regional Scripps Spelling Bee.

Beatrice Gilmore’s spelling bee was its first one ever. Students first competed in class competitions during language arts. The top spellers from each class moved on to the finals, which had 45 competitors. The students went through 14 rounds. The top three spellers were Memhet Aybar (first place), Melina Figarella (second place), and Yusra Gulam (third place). Memhet now moves on to the regional Scripps Spelling Bee.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

BY JASON MOUSSAB

Wayne Valley – Head coach Joe Leicht and the Wayne Valley Indians had a great run in February, advancing all the way to the finals of the Passaic County Tournament as the #6 seed before losing to top-seed Paterson Eastside. The team defeated Passaic Valley in the first round, 60-26, Clifton in the quarterfinals, 61-57, and Paterson Kennedy in the semifinals, 58-42. The Indians hosted and defeated Morris Hills in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament by the score of 53-48. They would lose in the quarterfinals to Pascack Valley to end their season. Junior forward Omar Ali led the team with 305 points, while forward and senior Andrew Teicher tallied 181 rebounds. Wayne Valley finished 16-13 and won the division title.

Passaic Valley – The Passaic Valley Hornets ended the season with an 8-14 record. The team struggled in February, only winning two games, with one victory coming against Wayne Hills. In the first round of the Passaic County Tournament PV lost to Wayne Valley. The team’s other February victory came against Garfield on Feb. 13 with the score of 66-51. Junior forward, Stavros Makrygiannis led the team this season with 317 points scored while teammate and junior, Hamza Ibrahim, grabbed 167 rebounds. Head coach Kevin Tuohey and the Hornets will look to bounce back next season.

Wayne Hills – After winning two straight games heading into February, head coach Kevin Grimes and the Wayne Hills Patriots boys’ basketball team struggled down the stretch. The team lost in the first round of the Passaic County Tournament to Passaic and then lost a close one to in-town rival Wayne Valley 38-34. In the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament, the Patriots faced Ramapo, a top ten team in the state, and lost 64-26. Junior forward Corey Mulholland led the team with 104 points scored. The Patriots ended the year with a 7-19 record.

Passaic County Tech – The Passaic County Tech Bulldogs and head coach Mike Boorman defeated Paterson Kennedy, 68-52, and Hackensack, 64-59, before losing to Ridgewood in the semifinal round of the NJSIAA Tournament. The Bulldogs ended February with a 7-2 mark, with their other loss coming against Paterson Eastside in the Passaic County Tournament. Senior Ayden Brown scored 428 points on the year, while fellow teammate and senior Jordan Lugo grabbed 156 rebounds. The Bulldogs won 19 games while only losing 10 on the year.

DePaul – The DePaul Spartans finished the year with a 13-14 record and defeated Oratory in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament 67-60, before losing to St. Peter’s Prep in the quarterfinals. Head coach Ryan Hagen and the Spartans went 4-5 in the month of February with wins against St. Joseph’s, 55-54 and St. Mary, 57-54. Sophomore guard Jordan Ghee scored 341 points on the season, while senior forward Zahmir Pringle tallied 88 rebounds and 20 steals.

A MATCHMAKER’S TAKE ON WHY YOU ARE UNLUCKY IN YOUR LOVE LIFE

By Rachel Russo

Sometimes people get stuck in their dating and relationships. They desperately want a change but don’t know where to begin. They feel all alone in the search for a partner or lonely with their significant other.

Are some people just luckier in their love life than others? What if you could make your own luck?

There are many ways to find the relational bliss that you desire. It starts with knowing what you want— and don’t want—and getting really clear on maintaining healthy boundaries, while staying laser-focused on your relationship goals.

One of the first things you would notice if you were in my shoes as a matchmaker and dating & relationship coach: A lot of people have a lot of irrational thoughts that are most definitely having a negative impact on their dating and relationships. Just about everyone has these cognitive distortions at one time or another, but some people are extreme and at risk of self-sabotage.

There are four common irrational thoughts that are leading people I see to self-sabotage in relationships:

1. Overgeneralization: This is when you make broad interpretations from limited experience. Don’t define yourself as awkward just because you had one painfully awkward date.

2. Catastrophizing: Some truly believe they are the only one in the world who deeply struggles in relationships—not true, everyone has issues!

3. Jumping to conclusions: With this flavor of cognitive distortion, people interpret the meaning of an event with hardly any evidence. For instance, I tell my client that the woman I hoped to introduce him to has declined the invitation to meet. He automatically assumes it is because he’s too old, and she prefers to date younger. But the truth is, it has nothing to do with that.

4. Disqualifying the positive: You are seriously getting into dangerous territory if you do this in your relationships. When you focus on the negative about your partner, and conveniently forget all the positive, you have a recipe for bitterness and disaster.

Are you guilty as charged? Working on changing your thoughts can improve your love life. Soon enough, you may even consider yourself lucky!

For more on dating and relationships, check out www.RachelRusso.com

Teddy Bear Ends It All

The little guy sat on a swing on the top window sill.

Each day he swung back and forth, as the sun shone on to activate him.

For a long, long time, maybe two or three years, Teddy swung on his swing tirelessly, motivated by the sun.

Until one day, he tired of it all, jumped to his death into the sink, shattering his plastic bones, breaking his tiny swing.

Maybe it was an accident. Maybe he just fell. But I like to think, romantically, he ended it deliberately, like Romeo without a Juliet, maybe he was lonely, after all.

Elizabth Marchitti

February 22, 2022

I like to thnk of this poem as a true tale, this tiny Teddy Bear, with a panel to make the sun move his swing each day, finally succumbed to his loneliness, and decided to end it all.