Our Town Totowa June 2020

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TOTOWA BOROUGH OF TOTOWA • JUNE 2020

TOTOWA BLOOD DRIVE HELPS SAVE LIVES 5 TH GRADERS’ LETTERS TO LOCAL HEROS

PVHS ADJUSTS TO REMOTE LEARNING

LIBRARY PROMOTES SUMMER READING

UNCLE FLOYD OBSERVES NATURE

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Editor Paul Mencher 973-222-8872

Email Us: OurTownTotowa@gmail.com Follow us on:

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UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES Totowa’s Nature Trail I live in an apartment on the second floor of a two-family house

I have also noticed a decrease in the number of wild rabbits

on Grant Avenue. I have been at this location now for a few

in my neighborhood this year. While I have no exact proof,

years. Grant Avenue has the best air in all of Totowa. It comes

I suspect these coyotes have possibly scared them away as

from high atop a graveyard hill, the granite upright markers act

well. Most people in Totowa love nature and enjoy living with

as a filter as the wind and breezes pass through the terrain.

nature. Why, Mother Nature herself would live in Totowa if she had to pick a town.

That same air then must pass through the fences, trees, bushes, homes and clotheslines—acting as a second “air

With my windows open I need not wake up to an alarm clock.

purifier”—on Dewey Avenue. By the time that air reaches

I wake up to the wonderful bird symphony, colorfully and

the next street, my street, Grant Avenue, it has become

comically sung by our feathered friends. When my windows

crisp and clean—cool on the hottest summer nights and

are closed, I wake up to the sound of the garbage trucks and

less cold during winter than other streets here in town.

recycling trucks, which always arrive early here on Grant Avenue… Totowa’s Nature Trail.

I like to sleep with my windows open and enjoy the fresh air which flows through my apartment on summer nights. Here on

STRANGE MAN WEARING PAPER BAG OVER HEAD

Grant Avenue we have a wonderful, soft and gentle summer

SEEN STROLLING ON UNION BOULEVARD

breeze—the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the

(From the Stanley Street Wire Services—the Eyes and Ears

Borough. There has been a noticeable change, however.

of Totowa Borough)

Since this past spring, no skunks have passed through my back-

A man with a paper bag covering his entire face was spotted

yard. None. Like clockwork, for years a skunk would visit my

on the sidewalk. The bag had two round holes for his eyes,

backyard, always at about two o’clock in the morning, and leave

but the mouth and nose remained totally covered. A woman,

his calling card. It would take about ten minutes for the skunk’s

horrified by such a spectacle, screamed hysterically.

perfume to pass through and disappear, but that is no longer the case. What has happened? Where have the skunks gone?

Several witnesses to the event used their cell phones to place calls to the police, state troopers and county sheriff

My theory is that the recently-arrived coyotes have chased our

personnel…none of whom responded.

skunks away! These tricky and sneaky coyotes came from the outside world—not from Totowa! I have seen them here in town.

Suddenly, the bag-head man started laughing loudly and

I have seen countless deer, fox, raccoons, possum, wild turkeys

pulled the bag off his face. The startled crowd soon learned

and turkey vultures, owls, woodpeckers and birds of every

that the mystery man was one of Totowa’s popular legendary

feather, and down by our river banks, gigantic turtles which

characters, known simply as “Monk”… and that’s no bunk,

make me run back up to Grant Avenue.

here on Union Boulevard in Totowa, New Jersey.

I have seen the black bear here, and woodchucks, and once

Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd”

ran into a fat pig on our streets! Years ago, when I lived in

Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still performs

Dey Hill, I reported the sighting of a large eagle to the

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

New Jersey Audubon Society. They thanked me for my telephone call and said they had heard about it from three other people in Totowa. I was proud to be part of the discovery.

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TOTOWA BLOOD DRIVE A BIG SUCCESS With blood supplies dwindling during the coronavirus pandemic, Totowa residents stepped up to help save lives. On June 2, the borough government and State Senator Kristin Corrado sponsored a blood drive, which took place at the Totowa Police Athletic League building.

In all, 47 people gave blood at the event. “Every red cell unit can help save three lives,” said Totowa Recreation Director Mark Monteyne. “Huge thanks to the donors at our first annual Totowa Community Blood Drive—we saved up to 141 lives in New Jersey.”

Senator Kristin Corrado and Mayor John Coiro at the Totowa Blood Drive on June 2.

“The blood supply is facing a unique and unprecedented shortage in the wake of the pandemic,” said Senator Corrado, a Totowa resident. “I am so proud of our community coming together to give the gift of life.”

“I am thrilled with the response from our community.

The fact that all time slots are reserved is a testament to our residents,” added Mayor John Coiro.

Due to the success of the blood drive, the Senator, Mayor and Council are now planning to turn it into an annual event.

Totowa Councilwoman Debbie Andriani gives blood as State Senator Kristin Corrado observes.

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TOTOWA 5TH GRADERS WRITE LETTERS TO FIRST RESPONDERS

Dear Totowa EMT, Thank you all so much. You guys are risking your lives for us while we have to stay home. This is such a big responsibility. We are all so thankful and grateful that you are here saving our lives each and every day. Thank you for all that you do. You might not be saving me physically, but you are in my heart!

Sincerely, Isabella

As part of a class project, Totowa 5th graders wrote letters of thanks to local police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

Here is just a small sample.

Dear Totowa EMT, Thank you for taking risks caring for sick patients. Thank you for risking your life to help other sick patients. It really means a lot to us. I hope that this pandemic gets better and life can go back to normal.

Dear Totowa EMT, Thank you so much for all that you have done during this pandemic. If it weren’t for you a lot of lives would be lost, including some of my close friends and family. The EMT is super important because if there was no EMT there would probably be twice as many lives lost from today. Whoever is doing this job is the bravest and a very big soul for all the people that are suffering.

You guys are like Americas Superheroes right now. I hope you’re staying safe and healthy.

Gratefully, Keshav

I saw the EMT in action at my neighbors a few times and it was amazing to see how fast you guys work, how brave you are, and how you care for people that you don’t even know! Thank you to all the EMT’s, not just in Totowa; everywhere.

Dear Totowa Police Officers,

Sincerely,

Thank you for your service. You are always protecting families and trying to keep us safe. I really appreciate your service. Even when families are home, you are still working and continuing to protect us. I am grateful that the police station is right next door to the library, and you, officers, are always there to protect students during school hours. I could not be more grateful for what you do to keep Totowa safe. Thank you, again.

Carl

Dear Totowa Police Officers, My family and I wish all of you the best during this time. We appreciate all your hard work. I am very grateful that you leave your homes to protect our community. I know it’s not an easy time to be away from your families, but we appreciate you being there for our families. Please stay safe and be careful out there. Thank you for everything you do!

Sincerely, Shanaya

Sincerely,

Dear Totowa EMT,

Natalie

I know that there is a lot of crazy stuff going on, but we will all get through it one day. I am super grateful and happy that you are with us to help us stay safe and take care of people who are going through this kind of stuff. A lot of other people are grateful for that too.

Dear Totowa Firefighters, I am very grateful that you have been keeping our town safe. You guys have been working tirelessly all day and all night for our safety. You even go around town for everyone’s birthday. You came to my house and made my brother happy. Every day you are sacrificing your lives for our safety. I want you to know how much my family and I appreciate you all.

We are being careful, but some people don’t even realize how brave you are these days. EMT are one of the most needed people these days because of all the people who are sick. The EMT has to be there to help those people to feel better! All those people are really grateful because of the EMT, and so am I.

Sincerely,

Yours truly,

Aiden

OurTown Totowa | JUNE 2020

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TOTOWA 5TH GRADERS WRITE LETTERS TO FIRST RESPONDERS CONTINUED Dear Totowa Police Officers,

Dear Totowa Firefighters,

I am incredibly grateful for what you guys do. Police officers catch people who break the law because they choose to. You are so brave and even in the situation we are in right now you guys still work. I cannot even imagine how difficult the job must be, to keep everybody safe. You all inspire a lot of kids and even adults to be like you. The job of a Police Officer takes a lot of skill and practice. Keep working hard and stay safe.

Thank you so much for putting your health on the line for our town. It means so much to us that you are keeping our homes safe. My dad is a Totowa fireman. I hear the calls come over his pager during the day. Please make sure to wear all of your protective gear to stay healthy. I really love seeing and hearing the birthday brigade every day. It makes me happy.

Stay Safe!

Sincerely,

Gratefully,

Chloe

Mason

Dear Totowa Police Officers and Totowa EMT,

Dear Totowa Firefighters,

I am very grateful to you because you kept my sister and her friend safe and calm when she got into a car crash in March. If it weren’t for you, they would have been there stuck not knowing what to do. Besides that, you keep the town safe and that is a big job which you must work hard for.

I am very grateful for your services to our community. Emergencies would be hard to deal with without firefighters. Thank you for putting out fires and saving people’s houses and buildings. You save other people’s lives while risking yours which is very brave and heroic.

I am grateful for the service that the officers and EMT provide for this town and neighboring towns. The entire police force are great people that risk their lives to keep the town safe every day. All your hard work is appreciated.

I appreciate your services that you offer 24/7, whether it is day or night, cold or hot, rainy or stormy. I truly realize how valuable your services are when my dad showed me a video of firefighters saving people in a flood situation. Firefighters are real life heroes.

Gratefully,

Sincerely,

Saul

Sakina

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TOTOWA PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENS SUMMER READING PROGRAM The Totowa Public Library has opened its Summer Reading Program early! Participants (Totowa residents only) are able to log their reading minutes in their READsquared account.

As participants log their minutes, they will accrue points, up to a maximum of 700 points in one day. In turn, these points will earn participants prizes; the more minutes you read, the more points you earn towards prizes!

Participants can also earn points by inputting secret codes, which they will receive for attending virtual activities! All activities are listed on the events page on the totowa.readsquared.com site. Prizes will be available at later dates for participants to pick up.

To create an account, Totowa patrons should visit totowa.readsquared.com and click the “Register now” tab under the “Login” section on the right side of the home screen.

The Library’s Facebook page (@totowaplkids) has posted some information that can help participants with logging their points and inputting secret codes. A how-to video on the Facebook page will help explain how to navigate READsquared and its various features.

For more information, patrons can visit totowapl.org/summer or they can contact the Library at 973-790-3265 or totowapl@gmail.com with questions.

PASSAIC VALLEY EMBRACES REMOTE LEARNING MODEL

By Olivia Manfredo (Passaic Valley HS senior)

On March 16, Passaic Valley High School students and teachers began the transition to remote learning, in following the proper safety precautions of social distancing. Teachers have been working harder than ever to ensure students are continuing to succeed academically, even when not in the traditional classroom setting.

and post assignments that go along with them. Teachers also schedule office hours, where they are available to answer any questions a student may have via email or a Google Classroom post. Some teachers also offer the option to meet over Google Hangouts if it helps a student understand things better.

Passaic Valley teachers and administrators had been planning for the possibility of school closures in response to the Coronavirus before March 16. Therefore, PV was well-equipped when Governor Murphy declared that schools would be closed and moving to online learning.

Despite the preparation, the transition was still difficult for many.

However, as the days and weeks have gone on, both teachers and students have found it running smoothly and effectively. “I’m really trying to structure our online learning just as I would run my classes.

So I’m making sure we hit all the objectives and skills we normally would in person, but now I’m coming up with creative ways to deliver that instruction online,” said English Teacher Jaime Picarelli.

Of course, no matter how much PV prepared and how seamlessly the transition to online learning went, the closing of school is difficult for many students, particularly those graduating soon. “It is tough as a senior not being able to be in class with my friends and teachers, but I think this situation will teach us to cherish them so much more when we get back to school,” said Patricia Guiriceo.

One of the major disadvantages of remote learning is the removal of in-person interaction. In order to continue some type of face to face learning, some teachers have set up Google Hangouts and Zoom calls with their classes to simulate authentic classroom experiences.

“It makes me so happy to be able to see my students and hear their voices!” added Mrs. Picarelli.

Hope and optimism are key components for overcoming this unique experience. “I think you have to have a lot of optimism when dealing with remote learning, while also being aware of the barriers that accompany it,” said World History teacher Kathleen Menake.

Despite difficulties, students have been determined to make the model work, showing up each day to continue their academic careers. This is reflected in Passaic Valley’s improved attendance records. “Attendance is actually better,” said Assistant Principal of Humanities Dr. Jared Fowler.

“As far as performance, I see a lot of work being done and some innovative work from both teachers and students.”

This experience has also taught teachers how to teach students in ways they may have never considered. “Teachers are educating as effectively, if not more effectively, because many teachers were asked to step outside their comfort zone and work with technology in a way that they probably never imagined,” explained Dr. Fowler.

For many students, the use of familiar platforms and technologies eased the sudden change. “Since we are all using the Google Classroom platform, I feel like the students are comfortable with completing their assignments with it,” said senior Billy Pinckney.

There is a silver lining as digital learning has opened eyes to new possibilities for the future of education. “It’s not the best of situations for high school classes,” said Ms. Menake, “But teachers and students are making the best of the situation under the extraordinary circumstances we face this spring.”

Teachers are doing their very best to deliver lessons in the most efficient way possible. They record presentations explaining lessons

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TAYLOR HILL CELEBRATED FOR 1,000TH POINT Passaic Valley High School junior Taylor Hill scored her 1,000th point as a Hornet in a home game against West Milford.

Varsity girls’ basketball coach Marc Salvatore originally planned to honor this incredible achievement at the end-of-year Basketball Dinner. When this event was cancelled due the recent health-related closures, Salvatore got creative.

lockers. I am so beyond appreciative for all Coach Salvatore has done to make this so special.”

Scoring 1,000 points is an amazing achievement for a student athlete. Hill is among eleven Hornets to reach this milestone and just the fourth girls’ basketball players in the 50-year history of the team. What makes it more incredible is the fact that Hill still has one year left.

He ordered a commemorative basketball with Hill’s picture and her accomplishments printed on it in March.

By the time it arrived in the Business Office, school had been closed in accordance with social distancing guidelines. However, Salvatore came up with an alternate plan. He quickly contacted Hill’s mother, Athletic Director Joseph Benvenuti and the team to let them know about what he wanted to do.

“Taylor Hill is a great leader by example and an even better teammate.

How she interacts with all her teammates and how hard she works during practices and prepares herself during the season is tremendous,” said Salvatore. “She is one of the best players I have coached in any sport. If you haven’t watched Taylor Hill play, please come out next year and watch one of the best athletes to come through Passaic Valley.”

“It is definitely a great feeling to have accomplished this, but we celebrated it and now the bar is raised,” said Hill. “The milestone makes me work harder and push more to achieve even bigger goals.”

Benvenuti delivered the ball to Hill’s house, and Coach Salvatore told Hill that the box contained locker room materials. As a returning captain next year, she would open the box in front of the team and they all would vote on what materials they wanted to keep for the 2020-2021 season.

The rest of the team played along and joined a Zoom call to celebrate under the guise of catching up as a team.

Hill’s current point total stands at 1,115 points. More will undoubtedly be added in her senior season. As a captain, she sets an example for the young core of the team, who look to her as a model to aspire to. “To the younger athletes, never settle. Keep pushing yourself by putting in the extra work, by taking another shot, by running another sprint because it will pay off,” Hill said. “I wish the best for all of you and love you all.

Thank you guys for everything!”

“I was completely surprised and grateful as I opened the box,” said Hill.

“I was assuming it was pictures, quotes, or maybe numbers/signs for our

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