Issuu

No. 2 Vol. 7

July 2020

Cub Scouts Host “Pizza with the Police” Event For Woodland Park Police

By Tina Pappas ub Scout Pack 31 hosted a “Pizza with the Police,” an event which focused on community policing with officers of the Woodland Park Police Department on June 16. The event adhered to relaxed social distance guidelines, and was presented in-person to Cub Scouts and their parents at the American Legion, located at 410 Mount Pleasant Avenue. It was also offered via Zoom telecast. Community policing, also referred to as community-oriented policing, is a police strategy that focuses on building ties and working closely with the community in order to foster the public’s trust. Many events have been scheduled in recent years to help foster a positive relationship between police and the local community it serves.The aim of the recent presentation was to give children some clarity towards the role of police,

Cub Scout Pack 31 in Woodland Park, is pictured along with Lt. Erik Luker and police officers of the Woodland Park Police Department after the “Pizza with the Police” event, held on June 16.

with respect to the image of police depicted by recent protests throughout the country that was sparked by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, including three other offi-

cers in connection with his death. Lieutenant Erik Luker was the guest speaker, along with Officer Omaira Carino, who gave first-hand perspectives on the role of police and duty in the com-

munity. Officers Justin Castro and Fina Matranga, who are among the newest recruits to the police line-up, also shared some of their recent experiences. Luker specifically spoke about the U.S. Constitution,

including the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and the right to assemble, He also discussed the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unlawful searches, adding that police officers do not set out

to violate anyone. He also emphasized the amount of training they undergo before officially becoming officers. “We have to have a lot of training because the continued on page 6

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Welcome to Passaic Valley Life and Cedar Grove Life! We hope you enjoy your complimentary DIGITAL version of Passaic Valley Life and Cedar Grove Life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are unable to produce and distribute the print version of the papers so we are emailing over 19,000 digital copies to the homes and businesses throughout Little Falls, Totowa, Woodland Park and Cedar Grove. Stay safe and healthy!

Subscribe $35 / year / $60 for 2 Call 800-691-7549

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Editorial Jeff@ mylifepublications.com Sales Nick Celeste nicholasceleste3@ gmail.com cell 973-570-6550

Publisher Jeff Koonjy Editor Megan Roche Graphic Designers Terri Armswood Mary Lalama Sales Manager Jeff Koonjy

July 2020 â€¢ Page 5

Page 6 • July 2020

Woodland Park Library Offers Curbside Service

he Alfred Baumann Library in Woodland Park is currently open for contactless pick-up. Temporary public hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The limited library services will include lending books and materials; online/ phone reference and reader’s advisory; inter-library loan (when available); virtual pro-

grams; virtual technology assistance; virtual collaboration with groups, families, businesses, and educators as requested; and virtual notary. Library fines for late materials will be waived during this time. Services: - Circulation of books and materials: patrons will place holds on materials electronically by using the library’s catalog, by phone with library staff, or via email mescontinued on page 7

Pizza with the Police... continued from front page number one thing is that we don’t want to violate somebody’s rights,” he explained. “If we’re here to serve the community, it doesn’t make sense to violate that trust.” Luker said that today’s role of a police officer is looked upon more as a career than a job. “More and more officers are getting educated,” Luker noted. “I teach a class at the Passaic County Police Academy, so training and getting educated are very important.” Carino was recently trained as a LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), a new program similar to the previous DARE program and is spearheading law enforcement education in the local school district. She added that the advent of body cameras and dashboard cameras have been instrumental in investigating with police incidents. “The cameras are there to protect police and anyone else involved in an incident that police respond to,” she said. The officers then each shared recent experiences of calls they responded, such as ambulance calls, motor vehicle accidents, disputes, and even locating missing pets. They also explained the protocol of what happens when they may need to make an arrest. Luker then asked those in attendance if they felt crime has increased or decreased in recent years, adding afterwards that the the crime rate has gone down in the borough. “It’s been down over the past 20 years,” he said. “Woodland Park is really a safe town. It’s safer than the national average.” Luker then said the recent coronavirus pandemic have put police on the front lines of dealing with the crisis, where police have had to respond to a higher amount of people who have been sick and needed help.. “If people thought signing up to be a cop was tough enough, imagine dealing with this global pandemic. They were there

ever single day, leaving their families, children, to make it better for all of us,” he further added. “That’s the definition of a hero to me - being able to limit the amount of problems we have. Much of it is due to the bravery of patrol officers and I want to thank them.” A question and answer session was then held with the scouts and their parents after the presentation. When Luker was asked about the main thing that they want kids to always remember about police, he responded that “police are there to help.” “We are here to help and to serve the community,” he said, with Carino, Castro and Matranga echoing the sentiments. He also added that he understands the recent frustration by protesters regarding recent incidents but reassured those in attendance that each officer of the WPPD truly care about those they serve in the community. “Every officer here cares about every one of you,” he told the Cub Scouts and their parents. John Brost, Pack 31 leader, said that the Cub Scouts really appreciated the opportunity to meet some of the police officers and have a chance to speak with them about the role they play in town. “It’s always great for the Cub Scouts themselves to be able to ask question directly and have their own concerns be addressed. The officers did a wonderful job answering the children’s questions,” he said. Brost also said that the officers have expertise in subjects that the boys learn about through the Cub Scout program. “This event let the Cub Scouts dig a little deeper in those areas and see how the same skills they learn are practiced by police,” he added. “We thank Lieutenant Luker and the WPPD for spending time with Pack 31, and we look forward to meeting with them again.”

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- The public is not permitted to access to the main library building. The public may access the parking lot, designated outside waiting areas or lobby when curbside moves to lobby for inclement weather or if patron is not driving. The building’s interior doors will be locked. - No more than two patrons may be inside the lobby at any given time when opened to the public - The public will be required to wear masks when in the lobby to retrieve materials until the order is lifted by the Governor and/or County and local governments. - When the lobby is opened to the public, patrons must use the designated entry and exit doors (to maintain safe distancing) to/from the building. - Curbside pick-up will take place in the parking lot. Staff will put materials in the trunk or backseat of car. Patron must have door or trunk open. The four parking spots adjacent to the library will be designated for library curbside pick-up only. Signs will clearly mark the area. Patrons are not permitted to linger/socialize in the library’s lobby. The Library’s website is https://www. abwplibrary.org. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.

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continued from page 6 sages to library staff. - Materials will be retrieved by library staff and checked out to the patron, packaged and labeled for curbside pick-up, or for pick up by the library patron from the lobby or designated area outside the building. Materials will be quarantined for 72 hours. - When opened, items not retrieved by patrons from the lobby in 3 days will be discharged and placed back in the collection. Circulation Changes: - Due dates on materials currently checked out will be extended through June 30, 2020. - Through June 30, due dates will follow a 30-day rolling schedule. For example, materials checked out on June 3, 2020 will be due July 3, 2020. - Limit of 15 items checked out on a card at any one time. - Requests filled only with materials owned by the patron’s library. Limit of 15 holds on a card at any one time. Suspension of all email and text notifications. - All returns should be put in the book drop. Patrons:

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July 2020 • Page 9

Twenty-Two Hornet Athletes Sign with Colleges and Universities to Continue Athletic Careers

Valley Echo Staff wenty-two of Passaic Valley›s talented athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. College Signing Day is a commemorative celebration of these student athletes who have given so much to their respective teams. This group of graduating athletes is the largest since Passaic Valley began the College Signing Day tradition four years ago. Normally, the twenty-two athletes and their families would be invited to the cafeteria for a ceremony that included speeches from coaches, photo opportunities, and refreshments. Doing so this year was impossible due to health-related school closures. So, to celebrate these accomplished athletes, Supervisor of Athletics, Health/PE, and Activities Mr. Joseph Benvenuti designed the flyer below and shared the document with the community. The Valley Echo reached out to the students› coaches, who offered words of advice, encouragement, and gratitude. Supervisor of Athletics, Health/PE, and Activities Mr. Joseph Benvenuti: «What a tremendous honor it is to commit to collegiate athletics. We are tremendously proud of your accolades and achievements throughout your amazing careers here at Passaic Valley. The entire PV community is so lucky to have had

you representing the Green and White on the field and on the court. Your legacy at PV will be of championship levels and hard for future Hornets to live up to. Best of luck in your future seasons on the collegiate level. We will be following you and cheering you on from PV.” Ms. Lori Demsey, Head Girls Lacrosse Coach: «Being part of a team molds you into the type of person you will become after college. Work with your teammates and never let any obstacle get in the way of your goal. Winning is easy; losing, dusting yourself off, and getting back at it the next day is the challenging part. My advice is to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you. If you believe, you can achieve!” Mr. Joel Thornton, Head Spring Boys Track and Field Coach: “During these unprecedented times, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to miss out on the most anticipated and final spring season of your high school career, Senior Prom, and traditional graduation. Your resiliency and ability to overcome this adversity will mold you into successful and amazing individuals. I am extremely proud of each and every one of you as you embark on the next chapter of your life. I am honored to have been able to coach you for the last four years. Best of luck.” Mr. Ken Burke, Head Spring Girls Track and Field continued on page 10

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American Legion Essay Contest Winners Announced

he Woodland Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit #238 has announced the winners for the 2020 Americanism essay contest. Due to the pandemic, there was not an in-person awards ceremony this year. The following students are the winners at the unit level:

Third grade: Anthony Matthewson. Honorable mentions: Ayah Madani and Sebastian Gomez Fourth grade: Lena Preziosi. Honorable mention: Fouad Sada Fifth grade: Sofia Perillo. Honorable mention: Hailey Diaz

Sixth grade: no winner. Honorable mention: Gianna Ricci Seventh grade: Harry Cusack. Honorable mention: Robert Papienuk Eighth grade: no winner Winning essays advanced to compete with others from throughout Passaic

County. Passaic County winners: Grades 3 and 4: Lena Preziosi Grades 5 and 5: Sofia Perillo Grades 7 and 7: Harry Cusack All county winners have moved on for consideration on the NJ State Level.

special place in my heart and in the history of this proud program for all that you have done to advance the Girls Track Team. I look forward to leading this team to great heights in the years to come.” Mrs. Kathy Hill, Head Softball Coach: “These young ladies have put countless hours and dedication on and off the field and are excited to pursue their passion at the college level. They will each have success on and off the field and I am excited to continue following their college careers. It has been a pleasure to be their coach and watch them grow up. I’m honored to have been part of their childhood. I wish them the very best of health, happiness, and success today and always! Sha-

na, Jada, Alex, Bella, Maiya, and Michaela never forget... ‘Work with purpose and play with passion!’.” Mr. Jason Tiseo, Head Baseball Coach: “The best is yet to come! Thank you for all your time and effort you have devoted to Passaic Valley. Continue to make yourself better every day, as a person, student, and athlete. This season was unfortunate in light of the pandemic, but it is out of your control. All we can do is control how we respond to the situation, and knowing the type of people you are, I am confident that your future is very bright.” Mr. Marc Salvatore, Head Girls Basketball Coach: “College athletics is a much bigger commitment than high school ath-

letics. It is a year-round commitment that puts the responsibility on the athletes’ shoulders more than anyone else. You’re expected to do what you are supposed to do without anyone holding your hand. The mature, responsible athlete will make it while the others will stop playing because of the expectations.” Mr. Michael Couden, Head Boys Soccer Coach: “Always seek to better yourself. Never be satisfied with your development. Use every defeat or failure on the pitch or in the classroom as a learning experience. Every moment of your college experience should be cherished. Make lots of new friends and take advantage of all your university or college has to offer.”

Athletes Sign... continued Coach: “Lady Hornets, I was extremely proud to be able to take over for Coach Johnson as the Head Coach of the Girls Spring Track Team this season. I know all of you were working hard to have a great spring season and the few days of practice that we had together led me to believe that we would have had a successful year. I would like to give special recognition to the senior athletes who missed their last year on the track due to this pandemic. I want to give a special thank you to: Zuania Victoria, Victoria Pardi, Kristina Martir, Juliana Perro, Krisha Rana, Natalie Garofalo, Zoe Moore, Julie Garrity, Patricia Giurieco, and Olivia Picariello. You will always have a

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The Little Mermaid’s Production Turns to Technology to Continue Rehearsals

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By Gabriella Gutierrez assaic Valley’s Spring Musical this year has been delayed indefinitely due to the recent school closing. However, Passaic Valley’s Theatre Program continues to rehearse, while innovatively adhering to social distancing guidelines. Staff and cast members of this year’s The Little Mermaid have turned to online conferencing technology to direct cast members in memorizing lines, choreographing musical numbers, and everything else a traditional production entails. The cast is working extremely hard and are remarkably determined to put on the musical when restrictions are lifted. They rehearse several times a week for several hours on Zoom and continue to practice by themselves at home. While rehearsing via video conferencing, the cast comes together and has a chance to rehearse their lines, practice blocking (learning spots for scenes), and rehearse the musical routines. Some areas of rehearsal are more challenging with online tools. “The music is quite difficult with any online program, because there is a lag and students can’t sing together and it cuts each other out,” said Ms. Jennifer Shue, Director of the Spring Musical. Technological issues involving computer lags and network connections presented challenges for the Theater Department early on, but cast and crew have worked through these issues. “I think we are all adapting as well as we can given the situation,” said Mr. Michael DeLuccia, Music Director. “We all know that we want this show to happen so we are all doing whatever we can to make this work.” Crucial components of The Little Mermaid include set design, stage settings, intricate costumes, acting, and lots of singing and dancing. Members of the production communicate online with directors, theatre alumni, set designers, and dance and music instructors to ensure the play’s success. They even held a video conference

with Broadway star, John Treacy Egan, who played Chef Louis on the Broadway production. As far as the spring musical’s set design, directors had the opportunity to work with Rob Lavagno, who generally helps Passaic Valley with the plays and musicals. Mr. Lavagno used an online art program to not only create the scenery and props, but to share and explain his ideas and artwork with The Little Mermaid staff and cast members. Prior to the school’s closing in March, the cast and crew were able to complete two weeks of rehearsals. “Rehearsals were going really well!” said Mr. DeLuccia. “We learned as much music as possible and were starting to get a great handle of the show.” The cast is proud of the work they have been able to do despite the obstacles with social distancing. “I think the cast and crew have been putting in a tremendous amount of effort to do the best they can during these times,” said sophomore Chris Perez, who plays Scuttle. However, the entire production relishes the day when they can finally come together to perfrom. “I’m looking forward to being able to sing with the rest of the cast and having a great time performing when this is over,” said sophomore Chyna Sinclair, who plays Ariel’s mersister. A cast list for the production can be found on the Passaic Valley Theater website. The enitre cast and crew, which includes Director Ms. Shue, Musical Director Mr. DeLuccia, Assistant Music Director Ms. Pia Vanderstreet, Assistant Director Maggie Lavagno, Set Design and Construction Director Mr. Lavagno, Choreographer Jenny LeProtto, Choreography Consultant Jess LeProtto, and Lighting Designer Nick Marmo, have working diligently to produce a show on par with their past productions despite new challenges. The entire Passaic Valley community anxiously awaits the debut of their work.

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Sunglasses: Your Prescription for Eye Health

ext time you step outside to enjoy the summer sun, don’t forget to bring a pair of sunglasses. Most people know that the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are bad for the skin. But did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye diseases? This summer, *EyeCare Consultants of NJ joins the *American Academy of Ophthalmology in observing UV Awareness Month by sharing shopping tips for sunglasses. Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye, and a rare form of eye cancer. Even short-term exposure can damage the eyes. Sun reflecting off water can cause a painful sunburn on the front part of the eye, called photokeratitis. It causes redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to bright light, and in rare cases, even tem-

porary vision loss. The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. When purchasing sunglasses, ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – urge the public to choose substance over style, and consider these 6 shopping tips: Shop labels. The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses is a sticker or tag indicating that they block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Buy oversized. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side. Don’t be fooled by color. While very dark lenses may look cool, they do not necessarily block

more UV rays. Consider your sport. Some sunglasses come with amber, green or gray lenses. They do not block more sun but can increase contrast, which may be useful for athletes who play sports such as baseball or golf. Consider polarized lenses. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. This does not offer more protection from the sun but can make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable. Don’t break the bank! Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as pricier options. If you doubt your sunglasses have the UV protection claimed by a retail tag or if they are simply old and you want to make sure, take

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Woodland Park Virtual School Counseling Rooms Make Debut

chool Counselor Danielle Indri at Charles Olbon in Woodland Park created virtual counseling rooms for the students and posted them on her webpage. Over the last few weeks of school, she was thinking of the students and missing them. She created the pages as a means to have more contact in the final weeks and supplying families with something they can use at home even during the summer. Each room has clickable objects related to different ways of dealing with stress and relaxation. Some children may recognize aspects of her actual counseling office and calm down corner. Additionally, there is a mailbox in each room that children can click to send Ms. Indri a message. They can also see if they can find Chip, the school mascot, in each room. She plans to

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Cyber Safety is Important for Every Grade

eople rely on the internet every day. In recent months, reliance on digital technology was pushed even further as social distancing measures had the world going online for school and work and to maintain relationships with friends and family. A 2018 report from Pew Research Center indicated that nearly 25 percent of young adults in America reported being online almost constantly. Common Sense Media says teens spend an average of nine hours a day online, compared to roughly six hours for those between the ages eight and 12 and 50 minutes for kids younger than eight. Students must exercise caution when spending time online. Connectivity can be empowering, but it also puts students at risk from others and even their own, sometimes irresponsible behaviors. Staying safe online should remain a priority for students who must spend more time on the internet and using digital education tools. These are some tips for maintaining cyber safety. • Exercise caution when sharing information like your name, address, phone number, and other personal data online. Check with a trusted parent or teacher before sharing private data. • Report any online activity that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused, whether it is directed at you or a classmate.

• Think carefully before you post comments online. Data remains online indefinitely, and your words and actions today can greatly affect your future. • Respect others online by refraining from demeaning or bullying comments. • Do not try to get around firewalls and blocked websites set up by school administrators. These limitations are there for your protection. • Stick to school-sanctioned assignments and internet browsing when using school-issued devices. Administrators may have the right to monitor student activity without students’ knowledge and you can easily get yourself in trouble. • It is easy to hide or fake one’s identity on the internet, so never take someone you meet or speak with online at face value. Never meet up with someone you do not know or only met online. • Talk to your parents or educators about extortion and ransomware that tries to trick you into providing payment in some shape or form to prevent a perpetrator from releasing private information about you, advises the Readiness and Emergency for Schools Technical Assistance Center. Various steps can be taken to promote cyber safety among students, parents and administrators.

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Page 18 • July 2020

Woodland Park Middle School Holds Virtual Spring Concert

oodland Park’s Memorial Middle School band and chorus recently held its annual spring concert, only this year, it was virtual for the first time

ever. Starting after spring break, the band and chorus students sent in recordings of themselves playing or singing their music selections, as well as still photos, to music director Eric Schaefer. The band students also attended weekly virtual lessons where they learned new concepts and new

pieces. Some of the selections in the concert were learned entirely after school closed down. Mr. Schaefer took the hundreds of audio and video files sent in and put them together to form the virtual concert. It brought them together as if you were there watching them perform at school. The theme was “Together Through Music,” with the goal of bringing the Woodland Park and Memorial community together. Mr. Schaefer hoped the concert would give a sense of normalcy and familiarity in the

unsettling times we’re living through. The concert featured two selections from the Memorial jazz band, three from the 5th grade band, three from the 6th grade band, one from the 5th and 6th grade chorus, one from the 7th and 8th grade chorus, and three from the 7th and 8th grade symphonic band. View the concert video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1bVNG0aTQ&feature=youtu.be.

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Memorial Middle School Holds Special Graduation

he Class of 2020 graduated from Memorial Middle School in Woodland Park on June 18 in a unique drive-by event held in the parking lot at Passaic Valley High School. It was a historic event for both Memorial School and Bor-

ough of Woodland Park, as it was the first Woodland Park class to graduate outside. In 1958, the first 8th grade graduation was held in Memorial School’s gymnasium. Each year students graduated in the gym until the event was moved to Passaic Valley H.S., held in the Schneider Auditorium.

COVID-19 restrictions did not allow the school district to hold its traditional event this year so with help from Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council, the Board of Education and school district administration devised an outcontinued on page 21

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continued from page 20 door event plan in which all students could attend with their families. The event accomplished two things: it allowed the entire class to graduate together and it followed the exact same event program it would have had it been held inside and that it has had since 1958. With help in planning and on site by the Woodland Park Police Department, West Paterson Fire Department and West Paterson First Aid Squad, graduates and their families arrived and parked in an assigned spot in the lot. A number of massive video screens and speakers were placed throughout the lots so everyone was able to view the ceremony. At the front of the high school’s back entrance, the Borough’s DPW truck used as

a viewing stand for parades served as the stage for the graduation speakers. After all the speeches commenced, the graduates were called up one by one, their family’s car pulling to the decorated stage. The graduate got out of the car, received their diploma, and then had their photo taken by a professional photographer, before exiting the lot. On their way out of the event, graduates had a surprise waiting for them in the front of the Passaic Valley property. Numerous of their teachers from Memorial School lined the sidewalks, waving signs and cheering each of them out. The event was streamed on the school district Facebook page, on PVTV and on radio 97.5 FM so families both on site or afar could all watch and listen.

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Page 22 • July 2020

Little Falls Graduates Receive Festive Drive-Thru Graduation Send-Off

By Tina Pappas he Little Falls Township Public School District held a graduation ceremony for its eighth grade graduation class on June 16, that was moving in both the literal and figurative sense. Due to state restrictions on the size of gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, a traditional ceremony was not allowed, so a drive-thru motorcade celebration was conducted for this year’s commencement. Under sunny skies, educators, administrators, staff, and parents from the district came together in the parking lot of School No. 3, which houses third and fourth grades, to dress up their vehicles with the school district’s colors. With an upbeat attitude, the atmosphere was positive as they proceeded to line up their decorated vehicles for the parade in order to give a special send-off for those in the Class of 2020. The festivities kicked off as the students were invited to watch the graduation video on YouTube with their friends and families that included a photo montage of the class set to the “Pomp and Circumstance” graduation march theme performed by music teacher Owen Davitt, who played eight different instruments in a symphony. Also featured in the video were speeches from students, elected officials, and school administrators. Choral Director Matthew Schmidt oversaw the student choir performing the National Anthem. The Pledge of Allegiance was open to any eighth grader who wanted to take part in the video. The graduates, along with their family and friends, were able to watch the video prior to the drive-thru ceremony. The graduates were also shown saying thank you to the school district to show their appreciation in the video.

The event was a group effort led by Superintendent Tracey Marinelli who brought in help from district staff, administrators, parents and township residents to make the day a success. Councilman Al Kahwaty put together the video with contributions from students and teachers. Mike Schiff from the Little Falls Education Foundation drove his convertible in the parade with the Little Falls Hornet mascot, and local resident Steve Baskinger donated his time driving the fire engine truck. At the start of the parade, Marinelli declared “Let the motorcade begin!” and the vehicles set out on their four-hour journey to the students’ individual homes. The vehicles lined-up to greet the graduates as they wore their caps and gowns in front of their homes, where their diplomas were handed to them by first-year principal Dana Sprague, along with a fanfare send-off. Confetti bombs were triggered by eighth grade advisors James Delfino and Vincent Plateroti from the top of the Fire Party Patrol fire engine truck as the graduates accepted their diplomas. Pencilworks Studio donated s pencil-drawn picture of the School No. 1 sign that Marinelli had framed and hand delivered to each graduate, along with their diploma, as a graduation favor. Earlier in the day, the graduates also had the opportunity to take formal pictures in front of School No. 1, which houses fifth through eighth grades. by the district’s art and photography teacher, Kelly Henneberry. According to Marinelli, the district aimed to create as many special moment as possible for the graduates. One of those special moments was to have celebrities sending personalized video messages featured in the graduation video.

“We have approximately 27 video messages from famous people and politicians, completely personalized for our district, that was included in the graduation video,” Marinelli said. “A bunch of us jumped on the computer and into Twitter and Instagram accounts to ask these celebrities. They were more than willing to do the messages. It was really exciting and overwhelming.” The video messages were released each week and every day this week, Marinelli added. “It was really emotional to see the video,” Marinelli noted. “Our motto this year is ‘Everyone Counts.’” Marinelli also said giving the graduates some happy memories, after they finished off the year in an unconventional way, was the goal of district. They took into into account the last few months of what would be their final days in the district that consisted of being quarantined and participating in remote learning. She said she also feels a special connection with the Class of 2020. “I knew this was going to be an emotional graduation for everyone, but it’s especially emotional for me,” she explained. “These kids were in fourth grade when I first came onboard as district superintendent and as principal at School No. 3. We all wish them the best of luck and hope they can have special memories of their graduation to look back on.” Councilwoman Tanya Seber, whose daughter Amy is an eighth grade graduate, said the ceremony was heartwarming and was very personalized, unlike a traditional graduation ceremony. “It was so personal and touching. The Little Falls School continued on page 23

July 2020 • Page 23

Drive-Thru Graduation... continued from page 22

District made it very personalized with this parade,” she said. “My family and friends really enjoyed the experience. It moved me to tears.” Seber’s daughter Amy, 14, said she and her fellow graduates were very happy with the district’s efforts to make the ceremony special. She will be entering Passaic Valley High School this fall as a freshman. «We weren›t suppose to have a graduation ceremony so the school district really did well making it very personal to all of us,» Amy explained. «It wasn›t a whole group celebration like traditionally, but instead was individualized. This will be very memorable for us.» She also said she›s ready to start high school. «I feel very ready overall, attending in-person or online,» she added. «I feel confident going into PV, I do want to go back to school in-person.» Dan Gulak, Seber’s father, said it was an experience that he, his family, his granddaughter Amy, and all the graduates will always remember. “This is the kind of experience that will be talked about in future generations because it wasn’t your regular graduation,” he said. “This definitely was different and it was made very special.” Marinelli also she has received positive feedback after the drive-thru ceremony and that many educators and parents are pushing to have it done each year. “It’s amazing that despite the difficult time everyone has gone through these last few months, something so beautiful and positive can come from it.”

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Page 24 • July 2020

Yearbook Staff Sends Class of 2020 Edition for Publishing

By Brianna Rodriguez very year, new students join the Yearbook Class to work together, create a memorable theme and commemorate the graduating class. This year’s yearbook staff consists of 23 hard-working students along with Mrs. Cheryl Joseph and Mrs. Darcy Hall as their editors. Each student is assigned to a different role for the yearbook at the beginning of the year. However, as the year goes on, some students end up switching roles based on

what suits their skill level. This group is especially unique. When it came down to dedication and teamwork, this group showed that they could still get things done, regardless of the new and sudden circumstances. Creating a yearbook theme is one of the first things done in order to build upon the central idea of the book. This year’s theme was decided by co-editors Gabriella Cordova and Alexandra Ward, with help from members Isabella Guarente and Ashley Martin. The theme, “Through Our

Eyes” felt just right for these seniors. “We focused on creating this book for the student body and greater community to reflect what PV looks like through the eyes of the Class of 2020,” Cordova shared. The “Yearbook Ladder”, which is a blueprint for what the book will look like, is developed in the beginning of the school year. Planning ahead is important to ensure that the yearbook is properly highlighting the school year. The yearbook staff was committed to ensuring a positive outlook, continued on page 25

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Yearbook Staff... continued from page 24 especially from the Class of 2020 personal statements. “I think what is different about this year’s book is that the screening process for acceptable quotes was more stringent and we, along with the Yearbook Committee, looked very closely at each and every quote submitted as we wanted to ensure that the message and tone of the book was positive and uplifting,” Mrs. Joseph explained. While a tribute to the graduating class, each yearbook also serves as a time capsule of sorts for the surrounding community. “Alex and I understood that this yearbook is not only for the graduating class, but also for the local citizens whose Hornet Pride remains strong,” said Cordova.

“We went through a rigorous proofreading process to avoid any significant mistakes where myself, Alex, Samiha Allan, Isabella Guarente and the advisors would collaborate and make edits where necessary before submitting the book to be published. Our yearbook is a wonderful depiction of Hornets contributing to PV and the community around them.” Due to the closure of schools and the switch to online learning, Passaic Valley’s spring athletes did not get their chance to play out their respective seasons. As a result, the yearbook page for athletes will look a bit different. “Since spring sports never got a chance to really get going this

year, the layout of those pages will look different,” Mrs. Joseph said. “We did our best to give spring athletes the credit they deserve using the resources we had under the circumstances.” Switching to remote learning did not lessen the dedication from the Yearbook Class to finish strong with the creation of this book. The staff was close to being finished with the final product by the time students had to switch to the remote learning model. However, the group continued to meet via video chats and online communication to ensure that every last detail was done before sending the final product out for publication.

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Diary of a Scout Leader:

Reflections at Thorpe Hall

By Richard Mabey Jr. ur story so far: It is the first day of summer vacation of 1969. I am 15 years old and have just completed my sophomore year at Boonton High School. It is nearing high noon and I have spent the entire morning painting Thorpe Hall of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, for my Eagle Scout project. After eating my lunch, a man comes to the door and begins banging on the door and demanding that I let him in. Fortunately, I had locked the door. I try to huddle out of sight of this man, who is continuing to hammer on the door and scream for someone to let him in. Shortly after that, my mom knocks on the door of Thorpe Hall. My sister, Patti, is with Mom. I clean up and we all go to Moe’s Sweet Shop. Cute Mary Tafano is at Moe’s. To my utter surprise, Mary asks me to her birthday party on Saturday. Later that afternoon, I help Mom to get supper ready, while my sister Patti plays in the yard, with her neighborhood friend. After supper, Dad comes into my room, while I am at my desk and offers words of encourage-

ment and hope to me. Morning comes, Dad drives me to Thorpe Hall on his way to work. In Thorpe Hall that morning, I hand write an essay, “What Scouting Means to Me.” My plan was to give it to Mr. Marino, Editor of the Lincoln Park Herald, for him to publish. Our story continues. As I painted the interior walls of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s infamous Thorpe Hall, I dwelt upon the essay I had just written about what scouting meant to me. I had placed it in my shirt pocket, close to my heart. My plan was to type it up that night and present it to Mr. Marino, Editor of the Lincoln Park Herald, the next morning. At the time, I had no idea that the hand-written essay abiding in my shirt pocket was going to change my life. As I continued to paint the walls, I welcomed the quiet and solace of Thorpe Hall. There was no television and no radio playing. There was a certain stillness, a solitude that welcomed thought and reflection. How is it that a moment in one’s life, will return to heart, mind and spirit, without any warning? And, in those moments continued on page 32

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f you’ve ever noticed how thirsty you get when it’s hot outside, that’s because your body’s natural water content evaporates more quickly in warm weather. It’s not just your mouth that gets parched, however; your entire body, including your skin, can feel the impact of climbing temperatures. Although it’s often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body. Keeping your skin supple, soft and well-hydrated helps ensure it doesn’t dry and crack, which is just as possible during the warm summer months as winter. Use these tips to create a healthy summer skin care regimen. Use proper sunscreen. The sun can dry out and damage your skin quickly even on an overcast day, and more so if you’re near water, where reflections can magnify its intensity. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 any time you venture outdoors. Also remember to check the sunscreen’s expiration date to ensure you’re actually being protected. Moisturize often. Make moisture part of your daily routine, not just when you get out of the shower, but throughout the day. An option like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Lotion contains a proprietary botanical blend of nutrients, emollients and antioxidants, including green tea, clove and safflower oleosomes. Its smooth, rich formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft with no greasy or oily residue. Formulated by skin care experts, the lotion helps skin stay moisturized for up to 24 hours and is free of 80 of the most common allergens that contribute to irritation and skin sensitivity. For more information, visit remedyderm.com. Shorten bathtub and shower time. It may seem contradictory that spending more time in the tub or shower strips your skin of moisture, but prolonged heat does exactly that. Keep your bathing time brief to minimize the chance of dehydration. “Although a long, hot shower or a nice soak in a tub is very relaxing, hot water can really dry out your skin,” said board-certified dermatologist and Medline Remedy consultant Dr. Jeanine Downie. “Damp skin helps hydration from your moisturizer lock in, so the best time to apply moisturizer is not when your skin feels the driest but rather after a bath or shower. Be sure to apply a thick coat of lotion immediately after getting out while skin is still wet to help keep skin soft and supple.” Exfoliate. Take time to regularly exfoliate, which removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for moisturizer to penetrate and reveal healthy-looking skin. Be sure to exfoliate gently and adjust your exfoliation schedule to your skin’s unique needs so you don’t ir-

Smart Summer Skin Care ritate it. Hydrate frequently. Applying lotion is an external strategy for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, but you can also keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. When you’re dehydrated, the body pulls water from any source it can, including your skin. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8-11 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and keeping a bottle of water on-hand at all times can provide easy, on-the-go hydration. Consume hydrating foods. Similar to upping your water intake, you can increase your body’s overall water content by eating the right kinds of foods. Many types of produce have a high percentage of water, like berries, melon, cucumbers and zucchini. 6 Causes of Dry Skin Everyday activities, including some that are intended to improve your overall health, can have a big impact on the condition of your skin. Bathing too often. A nice hot shower or soak in the tub may be a great way to relax and chase away aches and pains, but that heat strips away your body’s natural moisture. Avoid excess bathing, shorten your showers and aim for more moderate temperatures to reduce the impact on your skin. Too much chlorine. It’s essential to keep pools safe and clean, but chlorine is a harsh chemical that can be damaging to your skin, hair and eyes. To minimize the impact, take a brief shower as soon as possible after leaving the pool to rinse away chemicals, and apply lotion while skin is still damp for maximum absorption. Washing your hands frequently. Thorough handwashing is important to keep germs and illnesses at bay, but all that washing can wreak havoc on your skin. If possible, choose a soap that has moisturizing ingredients along with the anti-bacterial agents. Follow up each wash with a layer of lotion to seal in moisture. A consistent summer moisturizing regimen, including a high-quality moisturizing body lotion like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Lotion, can help keep your skin supple and smooth all summer long. “While touching something that you’re allergic to such as chemicals or latex gloves can lead to dry, cracked hands, more often the culprit is handwashing,” Downie said. “In fact, there are several professions where frequent handwashing is associated with the job. In that case, it is best to carry around moisturizer or keep a jar of it next to the sink so that applying lotion after washing your hands becomes second nature.” Excess hand sanitizer. It may be convenient when you’re not near a sink, but the most effective hand-sanitizers contain more than 65% alcohol, and alcohol is extremely drying. If possible, supplement usage with a sanitizing lotion. Air conditioning exposure. The cooling relief of an air conditioner may help reduce the natural evaporation that occurs when you’re

hot and sweaty, but it also makes the indoor air drier, which pulls moisture from your skin that you probably don’t even notice. It’s easier to maintain moisture in skin before it’s dry and scaly, so use a regular moisturizer as a preventive measure and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier to moisture loss. Soaking up the sun. While many people

think of sun-kissed skin as a healthy glow, the opposite is actually true. A tan is a clear sign of skin damage, and the darker the tan, the greater the damage. Use appropriate sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors, and when you come inside, use moisturizers designed to reduce chances of irritation of sensitive skin from fragrances or dyes. (Family Features)

July 2020 • Page 29

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Page 30 • July 2020

I Remember Dad:

The P-51 Mustang, The Plane That Helped Win WW2

By Richard Mabey Jr. y father’s contribution to the good old U.S. of A. winning World War II, was that Dad was an airplane mechanic at the infamous Hickam Air Field in Hawaii. After Dad went Home to be with the Lord, my mom, my sister Patti and myself, went through Dad’s old paperwork from his years of service in the US Army Air Corps. The old shoebox was filled with awards and certificates for Dad’s service as an airplane mechanic. Sometime, when I was in high school, I asked my dad why he didn’t take on a job as an airplane mechanic after the war. He simply answered me that he liked the open road. That his job as a long-distance truck driver gave him a chance to see America and meet so many different people. Dad did work on B-25 Bomber Planes. But, the plane that he worked on the most, was the one and only, P-51 Mustang. A lot of World War II historians have credited this plane for playing an integral role in the victory of the Allied Forces. And, the Mustang sports car was not named after

the horses that run wild in the rugged west. Rather it was named after one of the greatest fighter planes of all time, the fast-moving P-51. The wing span of the P-51 Mustang measured 37 feet across. This fighting tiger plane measured 32 feet and three inches in length. It proudly stood between 12 and 13 feet in height. And, this amazing plane could hit speeds of up to 437 miles an hour. It was packed with four to six .50 caliber machine guns, that the pilots would use to rip apart enemy planes. The P-51 Mustang also had the ability to carry up to 2,000 pounds of bombs. The P-51 Mustang has rightfully earned a place of being on display in the World War II Museum in New Orleans. What puts a chill in my spine, is to think that my dad may have worked on the very plane that is now on display in this great museum. I personally have not ever been to this museum, but I have it on my bucket list to visit someday. During World War II, approximately 1,000 African American men were trained

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A rare photo of a few of the brave African American pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group. Sixty-six African American pilots lost their lives, fighting in their planes for America.

to become pilots at an Army Air Corps base located in Tuskegee, Alabama. Many of these American heroes, piloted the fast-moving P-51 Mustang. During the Sec-

ond World War, 66 African American pilots lost their lives fighting in the wild blue skies for the USA. Many of them were picontinued on page 19

July 2020 • Page 31

A Dad atop the wing of a P-51 Mustang plane at Hickam Air Field in Hawaii.

P-51 Mustang... continued from page 20 loting P-51 Mustangs at the time. When I was 12 years old, I built a P-51 Mustang model. I remember it so very well, because I was in the Barnett Hospital in Paterson at the time fighting a severe case of rheumatic fever. Dad had bought the model for me. I remember that there

was one nurse who gave me a hard time because she felt that I might be getting high from the model airplane glue. I had a little table, by my bed. When I completed it, I kept that Mustang airplane model on that little table throughout my long hospital stay. I remember that my father was

very proud of me for doing such a good job in building the model. My dad once told me that the late great Jerry Siegel wrote several articles about the airplane mechanics of Hickam Air Field. Jerry Siegel, who along with Joe Shuster, were the creators of Superman. Mr. Siegel served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II at Hickam Air Field. Mr. Siegel’s biographies credit him with writing for Stars and Stripes newspaper, which he did. But Jerry did also write for Hickam Highlights, the official Army Air Corps newspaper of Hickam Air Field. Dad did get to meet this great American comic book icon at Hickam Air Field. My dad always said that Jerry Siegel was a very down to earth, regular guy. I am very proud of my dad for the role he played in helping the USA win World War II. While, he didn’t hold a machine gun in a foxhole in Europe. My dad, and all the Army Air Corps men of Hickam Air Field, played a vital role in America’s victory. The Japanese wanted to take control of

Hawaii. Make no mistake about it. Hawaii would have been their stepping stone to building an air force focused on attacking America. That is why Hickam Air Field was so important in the Pacific Theater. It could never be caught off guard again, as it had been on the seventh of December of 1941. Very few World War II veterans are still with us, on this side of Heaven’s Gate. Most of their stories went with them. I knew so very many veterans of the Second World War, from when I was growing up in Lincoln Park. Most of them were incredibly humble about the great thing that they had done to keep democracy alive for all of us here in the USA. I deeply regret that I didn’t persevere to learn more about the sacrifice these great men made. So many true-life stories of courage and sacrifice will never be known. The veterans of World War II were a very special breed. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Page 32 • July 2020

Diary of a Scout Leader... continued from page 26 of reflection, insight into one’s self will seem to flow into the deepest chambers of heart and mind, bringing one to a greater understand of their unique Divine calling, their purpose of breathing and living upon this planet. As I painted, I reflected upon my very early childhood. Mom and Dad had rented a home on Hazel Street in Clifton. I remember that it had a little backyard for me to play in. The two-story home was divided into three separate apartments. My dad had built a little blackboard desk for me. I would spend hours upon hours at this little desk, while my mom cleaned and cooked supper, before Dad came home from work. I was a very shy, quiet, sensitive child. My mom often told me that I had a most wild and vivid imagination, even at a very, very young age. Mom also often told me how I would write stories at my desk, even at the age of two, drawing stick figures. I would draw each little scene in a little block then tell Mom the story that I had just dreamt up. They say that you’re not supposed to remember moments when you’re as young as two, but I do remember writing at my little blackboard desk at such

a very young age. Each and every one of us has a Divine gift, that is uniquely ours. It is ingrained in our DNA. It is something that is very sacred. Sometimes, we try to deny it, to avoid it, but it seems that our unique Divine gift will call us back, again and again. It is likened to the tides of the deep blue sea. Sometimes it comes upon the sandy shores, at full force. At other times, it seems to retreat. To allow us to go our own way, but then it returns once again, stronger than ever. For me, I know in my heart of hearts, that my Divine gift is putting words down on paper. To tell a story. Most of them true stores. But none-the-less, to tell a story. As I painted Thorpe Hall that afternoon, all I could think about was to be in my bedroom, at my desk, typing up the essay that I had written earlier that day. At the time, I had no idea that that very hand-written essay, in my shirt pocket, was going to have a very profound effect upon my life. To be continued. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.

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