Passaic Valley Life January 2019

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Page 4 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

PASSAIC VALLEY

EDITORIAL

Passaic Valley Life Thank you for reading Passaic Valley Life.

The Passaic Valley area is a great place to work, live and play.

There is so much here for the residents to enjoy that we’ve decided to publish a new community magazine serving Little Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park.

Our goal is to provide you with articles about people, places and things throughout your community. We are also asking our readers to send us photos and information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, engagements or any other milestones. You can send them to editor@ mylifepublications.com.

Each month you can pick up a copy of the magazine at local businesses or visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign

up for a free copy that will be sent directly to your email each month.

You can also visit our website www.passacivalleylife.com or on Facebook under “Passaic Valley Life.”

Please support all of the advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated.

We welcome your feedback please send your comments to editor@mylifepublications.com Thank you for choosing “Passaic Valley Life” I hope you enjoy it every month.

Jeff Koonjy Publisher

Next Issue February 2019, Deadline January 24th To receive your free copy of Passaic Valley Life direct to your email visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up!

Subscribe $35 / year / $60 for 2 Call 800-691-7549 Editorial Jeff@ mylifepublications.com 5 Vista Drive., Flanders, NJ 07836 800-691-7549 • joe@mylifepublications.com turn our pages at www.passaicvalleylife.com © 2018 YUM, Inc. Oak Ridge, NJ

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

Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 5

Page 6 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

National Art Honor Society Kicks Off Holiday Season with Annual Card Fundraiser

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“We have a lot of options of how we can go about the design of the cards,” said Sania Khan ‘20. “So there’s a thrill in adding creativity into each one to truly make it special.”

By Kayla Leonard ‘20 ith the holidays right around the corner, the National Art Honor Society, advised by Ms. Carolyn Ingraham, has continued its decade-long card fundraiser that took place during the Winter Concert on December 20th. This year, NAHS took part in a printmaking workshop from SCAD and welcomed a local businesswoman as a guest speaker to make this year’s sale extra special.

These festive and creative cards are designed and created by the NAHS members, with preparation beginning almost a month before the event.

Once cards are made, the NAHS sells their finished products at the Winter Concert. The sales fund the NAHS induction dinner at the end of the year.

Once approval from the Board is received, the card making process begins with the collecting of materials, ranging from watercolor paper to glitter. Each member is required to create eight cards:

eight unique designs or a single design as a series of eight. Although there are two meetings per month, referred to as “Making Meetings” where members are given a chance to work on their cards, the NAHS members take these projects home to fully invest in their designs.

Ms. Ingraham gives students a great deal of freedom in their projects. “We have a lot of options of how we can go about the design of the cards,” said Sania Khan ‘20. “So there’s a thrill in adding creativity into each one to truly make it special.”

On November 28, a local card designer and painter, Helaine Zwibel, who has her own card company Shoezees, attended a meeting and shared her journey as an artist. She brought her artwork and card examples and demonstrated how the students could transform their paintings into cards.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 7

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“It was really inspiring to see how a working artist uses her life as inspiration for her artwork,” Ingraham said.

Some students, such as Melissa Myrtaj ‘20, applied Zwibel’s teachings to their own holiday cards. Myrtaj created a Hawaiian themed Christmas card after hearing the song, “Mele Kalikimaka,” Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas.” “[Zwibel] spoke with such passion and it was obvious she enjoyed what she has done with her life and job,” Myrtaj stated.

“I enjoyed listening to how her awareness of her surroundings turned into beautiful pieces of art. I decided to bring that awareness into my own designs.”

A holiday card printmaking workshop, sponsored by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), also took place in early November and further educated attending NAHS members on crafting cards. Admissions representative Devon Lee demonstrated how to use a rubber stamp to

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“The printmaking workshop taught me a whole new art. I never thought I’d ever make my own stamp with my design,” said NAHS Vice President YeonJyu Kitahara ‘19. “[By] going to the workshop, I found that it was possible for anyone to make a stamp of their own.”

The techniques displayed taught members how to simply stamp their own designed image onto cards, rather than repeatedly transferring the design, allowing them to produce cards much quicker.

“The most exciting part is getting the overwhelmingly positive feedback we get from the staff, administration, and students; it makes all the hard work worth it,” President Bushra Choudhury ‘19 mentioned.

Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 9

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Page 10 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

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Wrestling Wins Opening Day Tournament

he Hornets took first place at the Mahwah HS, Harry McLaughlin Tournament. This championship is significant because it was the debut of newly appointed Head Wrestling Coach, Joe Wassel. Mr. Wassel was a stand-out champion wrestler for Passaic Valley having graduated in 2008. He is currently back teaching math and computer programming at PV as well as being the Head Wrestling Coach, Head Golf Coach and Assistant Varsity Football

Coach. Coach Wassel was a natural leader 10 plus years ago so, it is fitting that he is leading the current Hornets today both the classroom and athletic arenas.

The team was led by 5 champions on the day that

included the 3 captains (Jordan Sconciafurno, Greg Sabbak and Logan Rodriguez). In addition to the captains, Guy Fontana and Matt Ciarlo also took home gold medals.

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Page 12 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Critical Thinking Team Develops Lunchtime Activity

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By Raima Islam ‘21 tarting in early November, the Passaic Valley Critical Thinking Team implemented an activity to encourage critical thinking during lunch periods in the cafeteria. Every Friday, a word puzzle, logic problem, or other activity geared towards improving students’ questioning and critical thinking skills is posted on the white board in the middle of the cafe.

The first two students to submit the correct answer receive a prize.

The activity and Critical Thinking Team operate under the guidance of Ms. Lori Kelly, Professor-in-Residence from William Paterson University. The Passaic Valley Critical Thinking Team is comprised of twelve teachers and administrators: Mr. Michael Carlucci, Mr. Joseph Feinstein, Mr. Andrew Greco, Ms. Cheryl Joseph, Ms. Richeall Kennedy, Mr. William Phillian, Ms. Ana Radice, Mr. Richard Ramos, Ms. Gianna Riccardi, Mr. Cornelius Van Ess, Ms. Pia Vanderstreet, Ms. Geraldine Volonnino, Mr. Joseph Wassel, and Ms. Leanne Weiss.

Ms. Kelly elaborated on how the idea came about.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 13

thinking, Mr. Phillian and Mr. Carlucci came up with an idea to challenge the students to think more critically during a time when they would normally have idle time,” explained Kelly. “The team was enthused about the idea. Mr. Feinstein took charge of supplying the prizes for the winners and the activity was born.”

The Critical Thinking Activity is currently held every Friday during fifth, sixth, and seventh periods in the cafeteria. Ten minutes before the end of the period, a word puzzle, riddle, or numerical problem is written on a white board at the front of the cafeteria by a teacher in the Passaic Valley Critical Thinking Team.

Students then have the opportunity to write their answers on a sheet of paper and give it to the teacher. The first two students to submit the correct answer win a prize. Currently, first prize is a $5 certificate towards lunch in the cafeteria. Second place is a coupon for two free cookies. In the future, a “Critical Thinker” T-shirt, designed by Sabrina Riley ‘19 and made by the Art Department, will be added to the prize pool.

The creation of the PV Critical Thinking Team is a part of a comprehensive plan to find ways to encourage the use of critical

thinking throughout the school. “The activity gives the teachers a chance to interact more with the students because the teachers can challenge the students to solve problems and riddles,” remarked Phillian. “We’d like to enable students to be more productive and rewarded during lunchtime.”

Many students enjoy the new Critical Thinking Activity, rushing up to the white board as soon as the announcement is made. Betul Koc ‘21 especially likes the trickiness of the problems. “The riddles are a fun way to challenge your mind and I really enjoy the satisfaction that comes when you figure out one,” stated Koc. “I feel like the riddles are a good addition to our lunch periods because it brings people from all grades and all different groups together to engage with each other and challenge themselves.”

The activity began as a trial in November. Due to its success, the Critical Thinking Team has expanded the project and looks to include it in 4th period lunch in the near future. “From what I can see, the students enjoy the activity. They will stop me in the hallway and ask, ‘Are we doing a riddle today?’, ‘Give me a hint, I want to win today,’” stated Feinstein. “The excitement from the students is far beyond what we expected from this activity in such a short amount of time.”

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Page 14 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Buyers Are Looking for Your Home, NOW!

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s we enter 2019, many news outlets and housing experts warn that the housing market may slow down creating uncertainty regarding the real estate market. Over the past few years, the inventory of homes for sale have been near historic lows, which has been the force behind increasing home prices.

This has been excellent news for sellers profits as many of them have been able to capitalize on the demand in the market and sell their homes quickly.

One of the major reasons why inventory has remained so low for so long is that an entire generation of home buyers is finally buying! The millennial generation (ages 19-35) have been the driving force behind bidding wars in many areas of New Jersey as they ditch their renter lifestyles, move out of their parent’s houses, and put down roots in new communities. “...As more millennials age into their early-to-mid thirties, and begin to get married, have children and form households, they will continue to be the primary drivers of homeownership demand.” First American recently released a study entitled “How ‘Renter’ Millennials Will Transform the Housing Market.”

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The real estate market is shifting to a more normal market, not a slow down! Though mortgage requirements have loosened somewhat during the last few years, we are nowhere near the standards that helped create the housing crisis ten years ago. A normal real estate market is healthy for both buyers and sellers, which gives great opportunity for both to thrive.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 15

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Page 16 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Senior Academic Team Answers Its Way to Silver at NorJac

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By Isabella Nicosia ‘19 n December 8, the Passaic Valley Academic Team competed against schools such as Seneca, Bergenfield, and BioTech in the North Jersey Academic Championships (NorJac) at Leonia High School. They faced off answering Jeopardy style questions from various categories like Science, Sports, Arts, Entertainment, etc. The senior team placed this year, achieving silver status by collecting almost 1,900 points.

Three PV teams faced off against their opponents, each playing three rounds, and led by at least one captain per round.

The senior team captains included: Jake Son, Tommy Ehrenberg, Inayah Khan, and Raima Islam.

Leading the team to victory was no easy feat. For Son “being a part of the Academic Team is always a group effort. I answer the questions after given enough time to get together with my team and

talk about what the answer may be.” Son’s future plans for the team is to recruit more members while also attending more competitions himself.

Raima Islam ’21, a member of the Sophomore Team, describes the competition as rigorous but enjoyable. “Having meetings after school and answering sample questions is how we prepare for the competition,” she said. “We are given twenty seconds to answer each question and the assistant writes down how many points each team

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receives. It was extremely fun to be involved in.”

Even though the sophomore team did not place this year, their team did extremely well against everyone they competed with. The sophomores were led by captain Victoria Povolo ’20, who described the experience as “a fun competition because the PV teams were very laid back compared to other teams we [competed against]. We also did much better than I would have

expected.”

The Academic Team is advised by Ms. Kathleen Menake. “I’m proud of our students on the Academic Team who competed with knowledge and with true school spirit,” she reflected. “My role as advisor to the Academic Team is to provide the students with opportunities such as this one to compete against their peers and to work as a team.”

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Page 18 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Boys Basketball Wins Vernon Viking Tournament

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he Passaic Valley Boys Basketball team won the team title for the Vernon Viking Basketball Tournament. The PV boys hoops team beat Vernon and Mt. Olive to take home the team title. The team was led by sophomore Elliot Whitney who was named tournament MVP. Whitney scored double digits in each of the tournament games. Senior Steven Nitch was named to the All-Tournament Team for his play. This is the first team championship for Coach Jim Holsworth in his promising career as the head coach. The 3rd year Head Coach was a stand-out player in North Jersey and St. Anselm College as well. The team now has 3 wins for the month of December having also upset Passaic HS on opening night with an exciting come from behind win.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 19

WP First Aid Squad Auxillary to Hold Fish ‘n Chips Dinner

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P First Aid Squad Auxillary is sponsoring a Fish ‘n Chips Dinner (chicken dinner on request) at the American Legion Post 238, 410 Mount Pleasant Ave. Woodland Park, on Wed., April 10, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $17.00, or $8.00 Children (10 and under).

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he Woodland Park Board of Education on Dec. 17 saluted two outgoing members who are finishing up their terms Jo-Anne Mitchell, who has served for 10 years, and Maria Flynn, who has served for 6 years. Their fellow board members, Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari, as well as current teachers and representatives of the Woodland Park Education Association spoke during the meeting, applauding both board members for their dedication to the students of town.

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Page 20 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Woodland Park Police Department Promotions

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oodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council on Dec. 5 promoted Woodland Park Police Department Lieutenants John Uzzalino and Luigi DeLuca to Captain before a packed house in Council Chambers.“You will never find a person who would have anything bad to say about either of these two men,” said Police Chief Eileen Tiernan.Mayor Kazmark noted that the two new Captains complement each other perfectly in helping to lead the department with Chief Tiernan - with Uzzalino’s strength in technical aspects and DeLuca’s strength in community policing.

Uzzalino, a lifelong resident of Woodland Park, graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1989 and the New Jersey State Police Academy in July 1995. He has been with the department since March of 1995. Prior to serving a as school resource officer from 2002 to 2005, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2005. Uzzalino was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and to Lieutenant in 2013. The Police Department’s lead firearms instructor, he is in charge of the Detective Bureau, training and firearms.DeLuca, a resident of Woodland Park since he was 10, graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1987 and the New Jersey State Police Academy in May 1994.

He has been with the department since Dec. 24, 1993.

DeLuca was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and to Lieutenant 2013. The Police Department’s CPR and DEFIB instructor, he is in charge of the Patrol Department, crossing guards, vehicles and outside road work.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 21

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Page 22 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Appreciation Night

T

he Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library recently held its annual appreciation night to honor its residents, community, business, program and school partners. The library Board of Trustees and staff would send thanks to everyone who contributes their time and talents to the library.

Honorees: Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough of Woodland Park Council Members, Community Partners: Dina Bargiel, Michelle Bolen, Pat Lepore, Matt Mulroony, Christine Murphy, Jimmy Pacelli, Jack Wagoniere.

Community Business Partners: Woodland Park Business Assn.; Pat Pianelli, Palace Laundromat; Ginny Monk, Bromilow Chocolates; Celia Salomone, Sip N Swirl; MaryAnn & Pat Spinoso, Trevi Jewelers; Emily Santangelo, Santangelo Funeral Home; and Anthony Calandro, Woodland Park Range.

Donations and Support: Pet Lover’s Outlet, Rich Greco, Samantha Feuss, Christine O’ Keefe.

Program Partners: Shehrieen Bakhtyar, Anthony Billson, Jen Caggiano, Michael DeLuccia, Philip DiCristina, Rosemary Ficarra, Will Gallei, Cynthia Giardina, Ken Griffin, Roz Herwitt, Wiebke Hinsch, Joy Kalfus, Joan Katz, Mayor Keith Kazmark,Rick Lijoi, Erik Luker, Dr. Michael Magwood, Steve McGorty, Jenna Moore, Liz Parker & Delilah, Jeanine Patel, Patti Pfeifer, Eric Schaefer, Heather Shasa, Michael Sica, Liz Stanton, Sharon Tomback, Lois VanLenten,

and Sandy Williams.

Library Partners: Eric Luker and Sam Yodice.

Berkeley College Partners: Jessica Bure and Maria Ortega-Cubas.

School Partners: Dr. Michele Pillari, Woodland Park Superintendent; Charles Silverstein, Memorial School Principal; Sharon Tomback, Beatrice Gilmore School Principal; and Giovanna Irizzary, Charles Olbon School Principal.

Teen Volunteers: Lina Abdelfattah, Hassan Chaabane, Ahmad Chaabane, Jaidyn Dillon, Alexander Ferenc, Maria Flores, Othman Haddouche, Hatem Had-

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Dr. Seuss Day Partners: Councilwoman Maria Cordonnier, Gina D Astalfo, Mayor Keith Kazmark, Stacey Perry, Michelle Petriello, Dr. Michele Pillari, Christina Scano, Veronica Seavy.

Adult Volunteers: Alan Darnell, Candace Eardley, Sean Keating, Justin Minnella, Connie Pelak, Susan Pelavin, Joan Perzanowski, Eleni Rotsides and Karyn Senatore.

Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library: Lynda Hade, Elizabeth Stanton, Connie Poalillo, Nancy Palumbo, Roz Herwitt, Joanne Hirkaler, Stefania Cohen, Mary Beth DiMinni, Marie Garcia, Patricia Joyce, Margo Micale, Samantha Feuss, Rohit Shah, and Theresa ‘Twiggy’ Varcadipane.

Library Beautification Partners: Girl Scout Troop #411: Dr. Mark Salemi and Ann Salemi, Troop Leaders, Brianna Getzoff, Shea Lulla, Sarah Mitchell, Lauren Russo; and Girl Scout Troop #96362: Trish Ryan, Troop Leader, Chloe Bergrin, Elizabeth Bolen, Zoe Castro, Reina Castro, Alissa Gencarelli, Arianna Mastrangeli, Gracyn Roehrich, Erin Ryan, Katie Ryan and Sania Shah.

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Page 24 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Community Toy Drive

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 25

Tommy’s Taste of Italy

T

ommy Smeragliuolo had been a fixture around the Paterson area long before opening this namesake Italian Pork Store, deli and pizzeria to McBride Avenue a decade ago. Originally based in Paterson, he moved to the borough to expand his business while maintaining his loyal area following.

“This was already here,” he says, shrugging his shoulders to indicate the shop around him. “I bought a closed pizzeria and added a deli.”

Tommy’s Taste of Italy is a true Italian deli and meat shop, specializing in hero sandwiches and Italian pasta dishes, prepared to eat in the tidy dining area (outdoor dining is available in good weather) or to take out. The store aisles are lined with fine imported Italian foods and cooking ingredients, the showcases are filled with a myriad of meats, cheeses and freshly prepared salads, and the ceiling hangs dreamily with a large assortment of hams, cheeses and cured meats.

It’s the neighborhood Italian market that my Italian grandmother used to dream about.

A butcher by trade, Smeragliuolo cures his own deli meats in a basement meat locker that he refers to as “heaven.” On a recent weeknight, the chef/owner carefully opened the locker door to reveal the wafting aroma of weeks’ worth of hanging prosciutto in various stages of readiness. Heaven indeed.

Tommy’s menu starts off with his famous heros, with Italian subs named for famous (and infamous) Italians from Hollywood and history, while the American sandwiches opt for names like Betsy Ross, which, incidentally, contains roast beef, Swiss cheese and horseradish. All heros are priced at $8 to $9 for an 8-inch sandwich, or $16 to $18 for a whole 16-inch.

The Godfather tops the Italian hero list, made with ham, prosciutto, capicola (a whole-muscle salami made from pork shoulder or neck), and fresh mozzarella. The Guido features ham, sopressata (an Italian dried salami), fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers. The Goodfella boasts mortadella (a sausage native to Bologna, Italy made with ground pork and cubes of pork fat), and fresh mozzarella.

The Leo DaVinci features grilled chicken, arugula and honey mustard. The Rocky Balboa has hot ham, prosciutto, sopressata and imported provolone, not to be confused with the Italian Stallion, which has ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar. And The Soprano comes loaded with hot (spicy) capicola, hot sopressata, imported provolone and roasted peppers.

Tommy’s most popular heros are pretty much anything made with his signature breaded chicken cutlets, like the Psycho Chicken, featuring chicken cutlets, bacon and melted cheese; the Mona Lisa, with chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers; The M.V.P., with chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella, arugula, bruschetta; The Cowboys, with chicken cutlets, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo; and the Marco Polo, with breaded chicken, melted fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Not to be outdone, the Tommy Special includes imported prosciutto, bel paese cheese (a semi-soft cheese whose name means “beautiful country”), arugula and dry tomato. Tommy’s also serves an assortment of Paninis and wraps.

Tommy’s does a variety of regular pizza flavors along with a long list of its specialty pizzas, 18-inch pies that range from $15.95 to $21.95. They include Quattro Stagione, a classic Italian pie that is traditionally prepared with four sections, each with different ingredients: ham, fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, artichoke and plum tomato sauce, at $17.95; Ala Carrettierre, a hearty traditional pie with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, sausage and broccoli rabe, also at $17.95; Capricciose, with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, arugula and prosciutto, at $19.95; Alla Amore,

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Page 26 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, grilled artichokes and oil-cured olives, also at $19.95t; Alla Tartuffo, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto, truffle spread and olive oil, at $19.91; and Il Diavolo, with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, hot capicola, hot sopressata, and hot peppers, at $19.95.

The Taste of Italy Special is the signature pie, with sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, peppers, onions, mushrooms and olives, also at $19.95. The Vitello (veal) and Melenzane (eggplant) entrees

include Vitello Parmigiana, with plum tomato sauce and melted mozzarella over linguine, at $13.95; Vitello Marsala, with mushrooms, onion and Marsala wine over linguine, at $14.95; Vitello alla Saltimbocca, with spinach, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella layered over sautéed medallions of veal an herbs in a brown Marsala sauce over linguine, at $14.95; Eggplant Parmigiana, battered eggplant with tomato sauce and mozzarella over spaghetti, at $10.95; and Eggplant Rollatini, eggplant rolled and stuffed

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Tommy’s is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

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Page 28 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Spectrum Painting Is Now Certified Penntek Installer

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By Natalie Marsella pectrum Painting is excited to announce a new venture, concrete floor coatings! As northern New Jersey’s only certified installer of Penntek products, we are excited to offer a variety of exceptional floor coating systems for your home or business.

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 29

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weethearts who want to keep their relationships running strong know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on February 14. But even the most ardent Valentine’s Day enthusiast might not know just why this day designed for lovers to express their affections for one another is celebrated in mid-February. According to the Library of Congress, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, though the date might have ties to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a spring festival celebrated each year on February 15. The holiday was moved to February 14 after the spread of Christianity. The Christian faith had several early martyrs named Valentine, and each of them were celebrated with a saint day on February 14. But the unique history of Valentine’s Day and its association with February 14 as well as its romantic sentiments does not end there. The Library of Congress also notes that, in the Middle Ages, people believed birds selected their mates on February 14. As a result, it was not uncommon for lovers to recite prose to one another on this date.

Page 30 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

The Dey Mansion Offers a Slice of Revolutionary War History in Local Wayne

G

By Dawn M Chiossi eorge Washington, Benedict Arnold, Major Andre…these are names people are familiar with from the pages of history books, from classes in school. They are part of the history of America when it was just starting out in its infancy.

As one of the original thirteen colonies, New Jersey has much to entice those who seek to learn more about these notable people and places.

Wayne’s Dey Mansion is a prime example of a true slice of American history right here at New Jersey’s fingertips.

Located at 199 Totowa Road in Wayne, visitors are invited to step backward through time through America’s Revolutionary War days and will be thrilled to discover the exciting history of this local place, with its own story to tell.

During this turbulent time,

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questions and ideologies abounded for the ordinary man, questions that still echo in the Dey Mansion today: Should they remain loyal to the world they knew and were invested in, or to begin totally anew, uprooting themselves for independence?

Originally known as Bloomsburg Manor and built by Theunis Dey in the 1770’s, the Dey Mansion was the home of Theunis and Hester Day. (A prominent family, the Dey’s roots reached back to 1641). The Dey Mansion soon became more than just a residence

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During the Revolutionary War, Theunis Dey served as colonel of the Bergen County Militia. As such his position brought him contact with General George Washington, with whom he

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Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 33

Page 34 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

had much in common: besides their shared political ideologies, both men were nearly the same age, were land owners, and had served in civil capacities.

The Dey Mansion was chosen for the encampment of Washington’s forces because of its strategic position, and accessibility to food and the hunt.

Though Washington ventured back and forth from the headquarters, The Dey Mansion itself saw its fair share of drama: From the Battle of Bull Run, to Benedict Arnold, to other military attacks and maneuvers.

Although Washington left the Dey Mansion on November 27, 1780, people will be intrigued to learn that documents at the Library of Congress mention it specifically as a military headquarters. While in residence there, George Washington received approximately 610 communications numbering a staggering 1,275 pages.

Want to learn more? Visit the Dey Mansion today. Officials

there will be thrilled to share their passion for history with anyone who comes to visit.

One such person is Jessica Bush, Director of Interpretation and Education at the Dey Mansion since 2017, describing that she has always been interested in history and how working at the Dey Mansion was a perfect fit. “I spent most of my childhood visiting historic sites with my family and I have always had a love of history.

When I first came (to the Dey Mansion) I was intrigued by its history but what really got me was the feeling of stepping back in time.”

In 1970, the Dey Mansion was added to the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. Now as a museum, the Dey Mansion is now operated and maintained by the County of Passiac. As recently as 2010, the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders began a comprehensive project to refurbish and restore the mansion. This is a great activity for parents, kids, grandparents, and everyone alike. It’s an outing that spans the

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generations, and creates lasting memories.

Dedicated to preserving and celebrating history, there’s so much to enjoy at the Dey Mansion, from guided tours where people can enjoy seeing artifacts and exhibits, to educational programs, events and activities.

Tours are offered on Wednesday through Sunday from the hours of 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. (sorry, no tours available during 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.) Prices will be $5.00 for adults, children ages 6 through 16 will be $3.00. General admission can be purchased at the visitor’s center.

People will be enchanted with the history as they explore the house, exhibitions, collections and other delights as they follow in the footsteps of those who came before, and officials there are thrilled.

Group visits and tours are always welcomed, but advanced reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.

Students and teachers alike will enjoy the Dey Mansion’s School Group Programs to make history leap off of the pages of the history books and come alive.

Offered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), from the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. school programs have offerings for every grade level including “Colonial Life,” “Dey Mansion And The American Revolution,” and “Being A Historian.”

As true champions of history, programs are enthusiastically run by staff and volunteers who are eager to share their enthusiasm, sharing it with the community.

What was life like in the 18th century? What was the Dey Man-

sion’s role in the American Revolution? How did all of those events that came before influence Americans today? Sign up at the Dey Mansion today to find out.

“All of our programs are inquiry based and object driven,” Bush asserts. “We use objects, images, and documents to encourage students to use critical thinking skills, allowing for them to become active participants in their own learning.”

“We host an entire calendar year full of events at the mansion including lectures, living history demonstrations, concerts, movies, craft Saturdays and more,” Bush explains. “Our recent annual Dutch Christmas brought in nearly 600 visitors this past weekend,” she enthuses.

Bush states that feedback is amazing with many different types of people visiting the Dey Mansion. “We do get a lot of people who are making their way around the state visiting sites connected to the Revolutionary War and lots of locals who are visiting their families from out of town. My favorites are the people who grew up in Wayne and visited the mansion as a child, and are returning with their spouse and child who have never been here before.”

People won’t want to miss George Washington’s Birthday Celebration with re-enactors in February. The Dey Mansion is much more than just a place for an outing, it’s about connection.

“There is definitely a sense of awe when you look up at the mansion for the first time,” Bush remarks. “Engaging with our past allows for a chance to think critically about human nature and help us understand not only how we are today as individuals, but as members of society,” Bush shares.

Page 36 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

William Paterson University Professor Nominated for Another Grammy Award

F

Photos by Philippe LEVY-STAB

The 61st Grammy Awards will be held on February 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

By Steve Sears or Bill Charlap, William Paterson University Director of Jazz Studies since 2015, being nominated for a Grammy award is not unfamiliar territory. In fact, neither is winning one. He has been nominated for five, his mom, singer Sandy Stewart, has been nominated for one, and he was awarded one in 2015 for his work on The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, when he collaborated with the legendary Tony Bennett (“Tony IS the American popular song,” says Charlap of Bennett).

His current nomination is as an artist, arranger and co-producer for the combined effort of Bennett and popular Jazz singer, Diane Krall, titled Love Is Here to Stay. The categories of nomination are “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”, and “S’Wonderful,” a tune from The Offering, was nominated in the “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” category. The Bill Charlap Trio, his band of 21 years – Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums - perform on the album.

The 61st Grammy Awards will be held on February 10, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Charlap’s accolades being what they are, you get a sense while in discussion with him that they’re not the most important thing. Keeping great music alive is. “Entirely true,” he agrees. “I think it’s very important to remember that’s it’s lovely to be recognized by your peers and by the industry. Music is and the arts, for someone who

Passaic Valley Life • January 2019 • Page 37

lives a life in it, it’s about your contact with each other, and a spirit that’s greater than all of us. It’s why you’re here and why we do this. It’s nice to be recognized, but that’s not why we do it.” He continues. “We’re here to elevate each other. I think if you want to find God in other people and nature, we try to elevate each other.

That’s what we’re here for and that’s where we can bless each other with that gift.”

Charlap also says, for example, that if he’s playing “S’Wonderful”, “I can feel up in a high shelf in the room the Gershwins, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, and all the people that you love, and all the people you may have touched or have touched you, they’re all in the room all the time. They never leave. So, I think that’s part of what we’re doing when we’re playing.”

There is a thrill working with Bennett and interpreting the songs of great songwriters and composers, especially with the above-mentioned albums. “Jerome Kern really was the first really prolific and important musical theater composer, and all of the other composers looked to Kern for inspiration. Kern was born earlier in 1885, and the Gershwins were (born) at the turn of the century. Kern was most definitely Gershwin’s greatest influence as a songwriter. You know, there’s a sort of Mount Rushmore of songwriters when it comes to the American musical theater, and they are in my opinion Kern, (Irving) Berlin, (George) Gershwin, (Richard) Rodgers, (Cole) Porter, Harold Arlen, and Duke Ellington. Those seven, in terms of the theater, because they’re the most prolific and the most innovative.”

“But Kern and Gershwin are really right at the center of American popular music, and of jazz – and the lyricists that they wrote with.”

Charlap has been enveloped in musical theater since childhood. His dad, Moose Charlap, was a Broadway composer, his credits including Peter Pan. He passed away when his son was just seven years old. His mom, who toured with Big Band leader Benny Goodman and was also a regular on the Perry Como Show, earned a Grammy nomination in 1963 for her recording of “My Coloring Book”. “It was just natural for me,” says Charlap of his interest and love of music. “Nobody steered me towards anything; it was always central to my life. I was always a musician for as long as I can remember. I just imitated my father on the piano, just expressing myself there as long as I can remember.” Charlap’s mom still performs with him, singing beautifully still. “She’s still a great vocalist, and we’ve made a number of records over the years, and we’ll

be performing this summer at 92Y, as part of a concert series that I am director (for 13 years) of. So, she’s doing great.”

Charlap works in partnership with William Paterson University Jazz Studies coordinator, Dr. David Dempsey, bringing as much of a comprehensive approach to what it is to be a creative, improvising musician as he can, and any experience he has, his relationship to great jazz artists he’s worked with, such as Joe Woods and Wynton Marsalis, and vocalists like Bennett and Barbara Streisand. “I try to give them (his students) as comprehensive an approach to understanding the repertoire and jazz musician’s imprints on that repertoire.”

Charlap also points out that every student is so individual and each one needs to be listened to as an individual.

“You find that you can help them discover who they are for themselves,” he says. Per Charlap, creativity is not the most important aspect of music, but imagination. “And then, simply the discipline of developing a full box of tools. Imagine and craft.”

Charlap states that music is the most central thing in his life, but there is another important component that make that life a full one. “Next to my family, and my family is music too, at least part of it. My wife, Renee Rosnes, is one of the world’s greatest jazz pianists and composers; my mom, Sandy Stewart, is a singer; my brother Tom is a bass player – a very fine one. So, music has always been very central to my being.”

Charlap sings the praises of his Bill Charlap Trio partners of 20 years for both their talent and support. “Oh, in a very, very big way,” he says of their contribution to his success. “They’re family to me first of all, and second they’re both virtuoso musicians, they’re both giants on their instruments, they know the music very profoundly in terms of their own instruments, and the chemistry of them just together is an unbelievable chemistry. Then, there’s something that happens with the three of us. So, its 33 1/3 (each, we all contribute equally to the group. Perhaps I’m the general who decides which path we might take at any given time, but I listen to my partners. It’d be silly to waste all that intelligence. They contribute in a very, very big way. I can’t say enough about how important they are to me.”

Visit Bill Charlap’s website, www.billcharlap.com, for more information and a complete schedule of his upcoming performances.

Page 38 • January 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

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