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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 April 2019, Deadline March 21st 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

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 5

Page 6 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

New Elective Opportunity Offered for ABA Students

By Brianna Rodriguez ince 2015, PV and Bergen County Special Services (BCSS) have provided an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program. It is designed to meet the behavioral, social, and academic needs for students with special needs. Recently, the ABA program expanded its elective choices provided for students. The students are now able to partake in Photography, Art, Media, and Music. As the marking periods change, the students rotate between each new elective. Having a new, wide range of electives is working out well for the students. Melanie Vasa, who teaches Photography for the ABA students, assigned them to use automatic cameras outside in the courtyard, photographing around the building. Vasa developed the film, as it might have been a challenge for them sensory wise to do it on their own. The students were able to do a lot of successful work in the dark room all on their own, which is quite amazing. She also had them do some digital work, where they took pictures with their iPads.

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The students have been doing great in media and music classes as well. They seem to be enjoying learning new activities in each elective class. Behavioral Consultant Abby Rodgers takes notice of all the great work these students are doing in the elective classes. “Obviously there’s a lot of steps to the process with the activities that they’re doing, so the teachers definitely have to tailor it to the students’ needs and break it down

into smaller, teachable units where they’re able to understand,” Rodgers explained. “For the most part, the kids definitely seem to be enjoying the new opportunities being offered to them.” As it is the first year, the rotating electives is still very much a trial and error process. However, from early returns, it has been a success. “The feedback has been really good so I’m hoping it’s going to continue next year,” Vasa happily exclaimed.

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Berkeley College Recognized Again for Supporting Veterans “Interestingly enough, we moved up,” Dennis says, “and it was pretty signiﬁcant (the jump in ranking).

By Steve Sears or the sixth consecutive year, Berkeley College was ranked in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor Degree programs, placing among the top for the Best Online Bachelor Programs and Best Online Bachelor Programs for Veterans. The placement was not surprising for Edward Dennis, Assistant Vice President, Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA). Berkeley has been ranked before. “Interestingly enough, we

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moved up,” he says, “and it was pretty significant (the jump in ranking). There are some criteria that everybody is evaluated on. You submit all of your documents, and all the criteria are weighted. It’s kind of like going to class. What’s your ranking in the class? Who has the highest-grade point average? So, in doing that we moved up in ranking in the ‘class’ because we increased our overall performance based on the metrics they

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look at.” As a retired Army Major, the recognition means even more to Dennis. “Everyone knows who U.S. News and World Report is. So, as a veteran, if I’m looking at colleges I want to attend, that’s going to be a part of my evaluation criteria.” The OMVA was formed in 2009. The post-9/11 GI Bill was passed, and for the first time since World War II, there was a large influx of veterans returning from overseas that started attending college. “When that happened,” says Dennis, “ a lot of schools really weren’t prepared for it.” Recognized were needs for veterans returning home that are unique: adult learners whose lifetime experiences were different. “There are a lot of studies that show different things you can do to provide the best environment for them. So, that’s what many of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs has done, look at how we can enrich and improve the experience for the students that are here.” Berkeley College has seven campuses where 450 veterans in the system attend classes, and they can do so either online or at the physical school itself. Berkeley also has a Virtual Veterans Resource Center set up on its website that students can access a variety of resources. Gabrielle Peralta joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. “The reason I joined was because my grandpa served in the Army during World War II.” Peralta researched other colleges before picking Berkeley, finding Veterans Affairs representatives were not in

their office and one didn’t have a veteran’s affairs representative on campus. When she visited Berkeley to apply, Tami Pichardo, Veterans Affairs representative at the Woodland Park campus, was present, explaining to Peralta what she needed to do to attend the institution. Peralta was sold on the worth of Berkeley College, and a special friend aided her decision. “Also, having Skyla the therapy dog in the office also sealed the deal for me coming to Berkeley. My relationship with Skyla - I’m her best friend. She helps me with the PTSD that I have, and in return I play and walk her when she needs it.” Dennis values his work with the “Also” she adds, “the vetOMVA and his relationship with the eran representative is always students. “I ﬁnd it personally available to help you with any rewarding to be able to go back questions.” and help veterans go to school. Peralta, working towards A litt le under 90% of servicemen a degree in Business Adminisare ﬁ rst generati on in their tration – Management, is also family to go to college. President of the Woodland Park Spartans, the New Jersey Veteran’s club at the school. “The purpose of our club is to give the veterans at Berkeley an outlet, and everyone in the club knows what you have gone through and understand what you are talking about. Also, it helps veterans transition from military life to college life.” Dennis values his work with the OMVA and his relationship with the students. “I find it personally rewarding

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to be able to go back and help veterans go to school. A little under 90% of servicemen are first generation in their family to go to college. So, they can’t call home and ask, ‘What’s a bursar?’ or ‘What’s a registrar?’, which are words you don’t hear anywhere else in the world. It’s kind of confusing to navigate through, so I help bridge that gap, because I myself am a first generation in my family to go to college. So, it’s nice to inspire them, to let them know they can achieve more than they thought they could.” Dennis every semester also writes a letter to every student who scores a 4.0 GPA. “I write them a letter and I give them a little gift.” He then adds with a smile, “I had to write 68 of them last semester.” Josephine Cornacchia, who served 5 years in the United States Air Force, began attending Berkeley College during the winter 2017 semester. She is also seeking a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Management and serves as Vice President of the Woodland Park Spartans. Cornacchia has a certificate in Culinary Arts from Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson, and her instructor in that realm was also a veteran who attend-

ed Berkeley and sang its praises as a veteran-friendly school. “I actually live in Woodland Park, so it’s very convenient and it worked out.” Her plans are to combine her culinary talents with her eventual business degree and forge a nice future. Of the OMVA, Cornacchia says, “I go there often. I ask questions, get information, and they’re very helpful. Berkeley College works very well with veterans. I think it’s good to have veterans in a school setting; I think we add something to the classroom with our experiences.” The Woodland Park Spartans are a new club, and they believe in giving back. “We are just kind of learning as we go,” says Cornacchia. “Last semester we did a fundraiser with Saint Joseph’s (University Medical Center in Paterson), we got a bunch of toys and donated them to the Hematology and Oncology units at Saint Joseph’s for Christmas for all the kids. We like to do drives and help people. So, we also want to be there for veterans, because a lot of veterans have different issues and they feel comfortable talking with someone in the same situations as they were.”

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Dennis elaborates on how the OMVA benefits veteran students in a few ways. “The Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, three different departments of the government– rules conflict, it’s confusing, so we kind of help them (veterans) navigate through that. They may fall under all three with their benefits if they’re actively serving, have their GI Bill, and are going to college. We help them understand their benefits, just give them the information to make an informed A special Veterans Graduation choice on how to best use their Gala will be held on March 28 benefits. So, that’s very importat the Chart House in Weehawken ant. Another piece that comes to honor the hard-working folks out, that goes way beyond who served and studied. the educational piece, is – and I have this conversation with a lot of veterans – maybe they’re having an issue with their pay. So that creates problems for them because most of them have families, and most of them have to feed their families and house their families, and the money they were expecting to come in for their budget doesn’t come in. We guide them to resources in the community and help them out.” “In talking to veterans regularly and getting to know them, you can tell if something’s not right for somebody. Sometimes I, or one of the staff, will pull them aside and ask, ‘Are you alright?’ All of the sudden they’ll open up.

We’ll ask them, ‘Do you know about this resource?’ or make a phone call with them there and put them in touch with the right person to eliminate some of those barriers so they can focus on what they’re ultimate goal is, to graduate from college, get the career that they want, and provide better for their families.” A special Veterans Graduation Gala will be held on March 28 at the Chart House in Weehawken to honor the hard-working folks who served and studied. “It’s not the graduation ceremony,” says Dennis, “but it’s to highlight them in an environment where it’s for the veterans.” The big goal for Dennis and OMVA is to change the veteran cultural mindset. “One little thing,” he said. “When things start to go wrong, reach out to other veterans or reach out for help. Don’t put your head down and drive harder forward. If it’s not working, reach out to us. I just want that little cultural mind shift to recognize that if things aren’t going right, ask what support is out there to help you out.” He adds in conclusion, “For any veteran, they earned their GI Bill. It’s not a benefit just given to them. They earned it. So as with anything you earn, they should really know about where they want to go (to school). Don’t rush into a decision, go talk to the student veterans, go look at the campus.”

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LittleFallsBiz a Win-Win for Businesses and the Community

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ings so that owners could meet each other, hear about our vision and we also held seminars on social media, marketing, etc. to encourage participation.” “As the years have gone by, we have grown strong and developed a great relationship with each other, the town, and its residents”. LittleFallsBiz is currently comprised of 35 “strong” businesses, a nice combination of dining, retail, professional services providers, and specialty shops well worth meeting and knowing.

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end of December 6th. “Many businesses also attend the Little Falls Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Bash where they hand out goodies to the kids,” adds Winick. “ Also, in 2019, LittleFallsBiz will be co-hosting a “Little Falls Green” event with the town on March 30th at the Civic Center, the event featuring information about recycling, gardening, environmentally-friendly products and crafts for kids, and will also be hosting a Health Fair in October. The latter date is to be determined. LittleFallsBiz, which is “We also have quarterly networking constantly adding new meetings, where the business owners events for the community, can exchange ideas and address any does not make a profit on town issues,” says Winick. any of these events and many of them are made possible through sponsorships and donations. “As you can see from the number of events that we sponsor,” says Winick, “we give the residents lots of opportunities to get to know each other and meet the business owners in town.” In regard to the “get to know each other” statement, LittleFallsBiz offers a new “Welcome to the Neighborhood” coupon program which is currently being mailed to new residents in town. “We hope,” says Winick, “that with this coupon book, new residents will come to town and solicit the businesses and get to know us. They will also be saving money through the coupons that the businesses are offer-

ing.” As a benefit to LittleFallsBiz members, many of the above events offer advertising opportunities for the businesses at a very low price. Also, members and not charged for tables events, and they also have access to the “Shop Little Falls” Facebook page which has over 1,000 followers. “We also have quarterly networking meetings, where the business owners can exchange ideas and address any town issues,” says Winick. “For the businesses, we will also be focusing on more networking events so that business owners can meet each other. These have proven to be great ‘get togethers’ and many wonderful ideas have come out of them.” Little Falls has a great Main Street area. Besides location, Winick was asked what makes the area a great place to own a business and shop. “Many businesses in town have been here for many, many years. Little Falls is a wonderful small community. Over the years we have seen it grow with many new businesses, restaurants and new buildings. I think that residents have gotten to know many of the business owners since we have had so much visibility. In the years ahead, I think that Little Falls will be looked at as one of the best places to live in the state with great schools and thriving businesses. The business community is supported by the Mayor and the council and I think that has brought everyone together. All in all, it is a wonderful town to be a part of.”

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March is “Workplace Eye Injury & Wellness” AWARENESS MONTH: ECC-NJ Pearls & Tips Ophthalmologists Say 90 Percent of Work-Related Eye Injuries Can be Avoided by Wearing Eye Protection

n-the-job safety goes well beyond avoiding slips, falls, and heavy lifting. Caring for your eyes should be a high priority and part of an overall workplace wellness routine. Each day, over 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. However, the majority of these accidents can be avoided by wearing eye protection. As part of an ongoing effort to stress the importance of workplace eye wellness, *EyeCare Consultants of NJ (ECC-NJ) and the *American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), during the month of March, are encouraging the public to do right by their eyes and wear appropriate eye protection. Workplace eye injuries account for nearly $400 million dollars in lost productivity, treatment, and compensation. These injuries range from simple eye strain to trauma, which may lead to irreversible damage, vision loss, and even blindness. If an eye injury does occur, an individual should seek care from an ophthalmologist — a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions — or go to an emergency room for immediate care.

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working on a desktop computer, try placing the monitor at an arm’s length away from your face. Feel free to adjust the font size to appear larger at that distance. Follow the “20-20-20 rule”: Eye strain and dry eye occur after long, continuous periods of viewing digital screens up close. To help alleviate this, take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking at a distance allows your eyes to relax and return to a regular rate of blinking again. Normally, people blink about 14 times a minute and with every blink, your eyes are lubricated with fluid that contains moisturizing elements, including oil. Reduce glare on your smartphone and digital screen: While many new phones and digital devices have glass screens with excellent picture quality, they also produce a strong glare that can aggravate the eyes. If you use a glass screen device, adjust the low light filter setting to lower screen brightness or use a matte filter to reduce eye strain. Adjust environmental lighting at your work: If your computer screen is brighter than your office surroundings, your eyes need to work harder to see. You can reduce eye strain by adjusting the lighting in your surroundings. “Eye wellness should be a daily routine, especially at work. Eye protection and the ‘20-20-20’ rule can be implemented right away and will prevent over 90% of work-related eye injuries and strain!”--DrJ (*education provided in collaboration with the AAO)

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 21

“Night to Shine” in Woodland Park

By Steve Sears 8-year-old Reanna Fakhoury smiles broadly, recalling the moment vividly. “The red carpet was really the best. All the volunteers, they gathered around, they clapped, they cheered, and as we walked out, they kind of were waving and high-fiving all of the guests, and everybody gets a crown – everybody!” Tiaras for all the ladies, crowns for all the boys and men. Tim Tebow, whose ministry founded the now world-wide “Night to Shine” prom event, even announces it via video: “It’s my honor to crown each one of you King and Queen of the prom.” “Heaven. Getting along, celebrating,” says Reverend Kenneth Sherman, Pastor of Saint Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park, where the second annual “Night to Shine” prom was held on Friday evening, February 8th. “People getting along and celebrating God’s love.” “It’s a gift,” says Doreen Pierson, who along with Joann Fakhoury and Debbie

Caruso, planned the evening for all the guests. Fakhoury, who first approached Pierson with the idea for the initial prom for 2018, says she couldn’t have done it alone. “There’s the three of us, then we have decorating, we have food, flowers.” Courtesy of the website, “Night to Shine” is a national, Tim Tebow-initiated organization event (www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine) that “is an

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Page 22 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older.” This year, almost 700 proms took place worldwide. The evening started at 5:00 p.m. with hair and makeup; a popup shop hair stylist was on-site. There was also a pop-up shop for men’s’ and ladies’ evening wear at the church three weeks prior to the event, the guests selecting their attire for the evening. Fakhoury first discovered the wonderful event in 2017. “Because she (Reanna) is special needs, she goes to a special needs school, she belongs to gymnastics, she swims, so one of the moms said she was sending her daughter to this prom, and at that time it was in (Liquid Church) Parsippany. We signed her up, my husband

(George) and I took her because we didn’t just want to leave her there, we didn’t know anybody. We were able to stay, we went downstairs and had dinner while she went in and enjoyed the evening.” Also at the event that evening was another familiar face who brought the Fakhoury’s upstairs and wanted them to see where it was. “When it started,” says George, “he looked at me and said, ‘I know you’ and I said, ‘And I know you.’ He was one of the helpers at the event. He said he would take me in the back way to show me what’s going on because the parents were not allowed to go in. He took us around backstage and we were watching, and we were amazed what was going on in that room.”

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 23

“We walked in on the Tim Tebow video,” says Joann. “They had their big screen TV with Tim Tebow on it, and they (the guests) were cheering and I was amazed that they even knew who he was. But they were all dancing around and cheering for him. When we were downstairs, we talked to another parents, the parishioners all came over and introduced themselves, and I just thought it was just a great thing. At our parish, we’re a family parish, and I just wanted to do it.” “Two years ago, Joann presented it to me,” says Rev. Sherman. “I said, ‘That sounds good to me.” There is a 92-page manual of instructions to follow to put on the prom. It deterred the small committee none. “It’s overwhelming but very thorough, but everybody came through very well from background checks to col-

or-coordination to…everything. It’s very down to the precise instruction.” The prom is important to Reanna and others with special needs. “They don’t have much of a social life,” says Joann. “Many of them as they get older, they don’t go to school anymore, and nobody really offers anything to them. ” “It’s not just young ones,” says Rev. Sherman. “Tell about the oldest,” he says to Joann. “Our oldest is 70 years old,” says Joann. You must be 14 to attend the prom, and there is no age ceiling. “This becomes socialization for them other than their sports and things like that. And I’ll tell you that older group, that Clifton group (The Clifton Adult Opportunity Center), they’re happy to be there, because

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Page 24 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

they’re in a facility all the time.” “It’s really a night,” says Pierson, “that’s all about them, and not about us, but we get more out of it than they do.” “But they are amazing,” says Joann. “We don’t get to give of ourselves very often,” says Pierson, reflecting on how the evening benefits all. “Usually you’re always giving something, but you’re always expecting something in return. This is an opportunity where we give, not expecting something in return, and the amount of love that you get back is remarkable. It takes you to a different place.” Joann and her team hear the words, too. “Every volunteer that we have – and this is two years now – say ‘This is the most unbelievable, special night of my life. I will do it again.’ And nobody pays for anything. All of our volunteers…we ask for something, they give it, without question.” 93 special needs guests attended the prom, and the total number of volunteers was 197. “Even our teenagers,” Joann says, “they come because they need their community service hours. All of our volunteers aren’t there just to serve them; they’re supposed to enjoy the night with them, to be their friends.” Per Joann, antennae are already turned towards the 2020 prom, even though the wrap up of the 2019 one is still going. “We’re actually not finished with this event yet,” she says with a laugh, saying post-prom bookkeeping is still ongoing. She then mentions it all starts with figuring out costs. “We have to start with a budget. Debbie is my money person; we sat together, and we figured out how much things would be, and they give you an outline Mon-Fri 7a-10p Sat & Sun 6a-10p Hablamos Español

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of a (suggested) budget.” “They do very well,” says Rev. Sherman. “Last year the Tim Tebow Foundation financed the majority of it, and you,” he says to Joann, “did raise money which we had left over, so that this year we were self-funded, we didn’t take any money from the foundation. For year two I think that’s great.” The emotional, mental, and physical involved effort and pulling off the event is time consuming, but Joann doesn’t see it that way. “I never thought of it that way. I love working for my church – I’ve been there all my life – so I think its just part of my life and I just think when I can give back and - you see, I’m in the special needs world, and it’s one of the best worlds to be in. For me to bring that world into the world that I also love, gave me the opportunity to give back to our parish, too, because it’s such a great place to be. Even the parents, we all share so much.” At Saint Ann Melkite Catholic Church, says Rev. Sherman, there’s a deep sense of community. “Plus, their ancestors founded the parish. Next year it will be 100 years, and it gives the parish a chance to give back to the community. As Doreen was saying, it’s a chance to serve others. Sometimes you get so caught up in serving each other within the parish, but this was a good opportunity to serve others outside the community and outside the parish.” “I’m the Chief Mechanical Officer,” says George Fakhoury with a laugh. “I’m CMO – mechanical and electrical officer. A solutions provider. I do some decorations, layouts – what works, what doesn’t work – come up with different ideas.” As for gym

Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 25

preparation for the event, he says it takes about two weeks for it to be ready. “It’s not just the gym,” say Pierson. “There’s the whole hall, there’s classrooms, and there’s so many things that have to occur. The layout just getting into the building, he has to handle all of that.” One challenge for the first year was there was no wheelchair access. George came up with the solution: add a special door entrance. “We had to do some sort of wheelchair access. There was none.” Reanna has many fond memories of the 2019 “Night to Shine” prom, especially the DJ starting a conga line for the guests, and the police officers joining the line and also doing the limbo. “The dancing was just awesome, the music was awesome, the confetti part was just awesome. I think it was just amazing the way it worked out so perfectly.” Reanna and other guests arrived via party bus. The question is often raised: why not a twice a year prom? “I had some one come up to me and she said, and it was her first time there, ‘We should have this twice a year,’” says George. “‘Why are we having it just once a year?’”

“We had talked about that. Remember we had said we should do something in the summer time to keep that feeling going and keep that community together?” says Pierson, posing the question to Joann. Rev. Sherman sums it up. “The guests and their buddies enjoy it but, I noticed this last year and it was the same thing this year, especially parents who were there the first time this year. ‘Thank you for doing this for my child. And we have no idea who you are but thank you for doing this,’ they say. I tell them, ‘Well, we just do it because we want to be Christ-like in our lives, and if you’re a stranger that’s okay, and if you’re a parishioner that’s okay, too.’ They say, ‘But you don’t even know us.’ And I say, ‘That’s okay.’” There is lots of joy shared throughout, as well as a lot of tears (“Yes, a lot of tears,” says Rev. Sherman). It was a memorable evening for all. “They (those with special needs) don’t realize,” adds Joann Fakhoury, “how much love they have inside of them. To them, they just give it. It just comes so easy to them. We think too much with our heads. They think with their hearts.”

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Page 26 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Passaic Valley High School Operation Graduation to Host Fundriasers

assaic Valley High School Operation Graduation will be holding a “Masquerade Ball” Tricky Tray on Thursday, March 21 at The Bethwood in Totowa. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and prizes will begin being called at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person and include dinner and 1 sheet of small prize tickets. To purchase tickets please call Jackie at 973-650-5157 or email pvhsopgrad19@gmail. com. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Passaic Valley High School Operation Graduation 2019 presents “An Evening with Laura Cifaldi, local Psychic

Medium.” This event will be held on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Totowa PAL, Chamberlain Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, Totowa. Price is $35.00 per person and no one under the age of 16 is permitted. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations or questions please contact pvhsopgrad19@gmail.com or phone Valerie at 973-3891470, Jackie at 973-650-5157, or Maria at 973-204-1009. Checks may be mailed directly to Passaic Valley High School, 100 East Main Street, Little Falls. Attention: Operation Graduation. Due to a group setting, a reading is not guaranteed.

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 27

PVHS Theater Announces The Addams Family As Spring Musical

By Grace Rose his year’s spring musical, The Addams Family was announced on the PVHS Theatre Instagram on December 9. In preparation for auditions, the Drama Club hosted a workshop in late December, where PV alum, Jess LeProtto ‘11, and other Broadway stars, Jelani Remy and Jesse Corbin, provided guidance on the process. The workshop was helpful for underclassmen and upperclassmen alike. Students learned a dance combo choreographed by LeProtto. Then, students learned how to audition, pick the best song, and the “Do’s and Don’ts” of auditioning. Jelani Remy, Cedar Grove High School alumnus, and Jesse Corbin helped students with confidence, song interpretation, and song choice. “The Broadway stars were so incredibly helpful!” exclaimed Mia Preziosi ‘20. “They showed us how important it is to stay grounded, have good posture, and to be confident.” Freshman Gabriella Cielo added, “The main point was that confidence is key, as

well as allowing yourself to not be ashamed or feel awkward when playing a character outside of your comfort zone. They stressed adding your own personal touch in both singing and dance auditions so that the directors remember you.” The Addams Family is based off the original comic strip by Charles Addams. The Addams’ are depicted as a satirical reversal of a normal American family. The Addams Family has evolved from television to literature to various films, and is truly iconic. The musical will portray what happens when daughter, Wednesday Addams, breaks the usual ghoulish family tradition by bringing home a normal boyfriend. “This year was one of the hardest to choose. When you look to pick a musical, you look to see what is best for the students,” Director Jennifer Shue explained about the selecting The Addams Family. “I tried to pick a show that had many lead roles because we have so many talented students. This show also has a very cool ensemble that will be featured throughout the show.” Information on the show dates and ticket sales will be coming soon.

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Page 28 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Charles Olbon Elementary Book Sale A Success

Woodland Park Senior Citizen’s Valentine’s Dance Successful Once Again

harles Olbon Elementary School Home & School Association held its first Scholastic Book Fair of the year Feb. 11-14. Students were able to come down at a designated time to shop for books. Due to the success of its spring Book Fair last year, the Home & School Association was able to provide a book to every child in the school. During the year, sales made at the Book Fair and through classroom flyers sent home bring in packed house enjoyed a delightful afternoon of lunch, numerous books to the school. The Home & School Association desserts, dancing and prizes at the annual Woodland Park receives 40 percent back in Scholastic Dollars from their Book Senior Citizen Valentine’s Dance. The event was sponFair sales. When students place orders via classroom flyers, they receive points they can redeem towards books or class supplies. sored by Mayor Keith Kazmark, the Borough Council and the DeParents can shop any time at www.Scholastic.com and purchases partment of Recreation. will benefit the school classrooms.

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 29

West Paterson Fire Department Beginning Fundraising for New Firehouse

est Paterson Fire Department Company #3, serving the Borough of Woodland Park, is working to raise funds to construct a new firehouse. Treasurer Jim Frain said that the goal is to demolish the current building at 357 Rifle Camp Rd. and replace it with a four-bay firehouse. The building has been pieced together over the last century. The original firehouse on the site was a barn, in the current space of the firehouse hall. The Company added on the current two bays to the right. The building has four boilers and is extremely energy inefficient, Frain said. The energy bills in the winter are exorbitant. In addition, every few years, the Company has to re-coat the flat roof due to puddles and leaks. The Company does not use all the current space it has, as the hall is in poor shape and lack of parking does not allow large gatherings or rentals. More storage space is needed for trucks, Frain noted, including the department’s antiques. The Company envisions the new space having four bays, a member’s room, kitchen and some offices. There would not be a hall in the new building. The Company over the last number of years has collected

money from cellular companies who rent space on the cell tower on the property and those funds have been earmarked for the new building. “We approached Anthony (Colandro, of Guns for Hire/Woodland Park Range) and he was very excited to get involved,” Frain said. Colandro built and paid for a custom AR-9 gun that is being used in a contest at the Range, located at 1267 McBride Ave., called “Raise the Roof.” Customers can come shoot the AR-9 for a donation to the Fire Company of $20 for five shots. No skill is required, as scoring is based on a target with hidden playing cards. The winner will win the trophy gun, valued at $1,200, or two GFH Gold memberships The Range is also looking for corporate/personal sponsors for the firehouse. Their name/logo will be displayed on a printed plaque at Gun For Hire, on its website and at the firehouse. In addition, Fire Co. #3 is planning a fundraising Purse Bingo in April. Details will be available shortly. It’s estimated by the Fire Co. #3 that the new firehouse would cost about $1.3 million to construct. Frain said the project is likely about five years out, unless a significant amount of money is raised earlier.

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Page 30 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Recognizing Taylor Hill ’21 for Achieving Goals in Sports and Academics

By Raima Islam assaic Valley is a melting pot of exceptional students, one of which is Taylor Hill ‘21. Only a sophomore, Hill has already proven herself to be one of the most athletic, intelligent, and kind students at PVHS. Hill is noted for her excellence in sports. She currently plays basketball, soccer, and softball, all of which she began playing in kindergarten. Her interest in these sports came from the atmosphere surrounding her when she was younger. “Being around sports as a kid and having my parents both being such good athletes, I guess, drew me towards playing sports,” remarked Hill. As a captain of the Girls Varsity Basketball Team, she feels she has great expectations to fulfill. “As a varsity team player, I feel my role is to do whatever the team needs me to do and whatever will help the team to reach our goal of winning,” stated Hill. Coach Marc Salvatore regards Hill as one of the most hard-working student athletes. “Taylor has a positive attitude every single day at practice,” claimed Salvatore. “I have her in class as well, and she’s extremely open-minded as far as interacting with other students and other players on the team.” Not only is Hill’s athletic record impressive, but her academic record is too. She tackles work from several honors classes and

maintains a high GPA. Hill’s Chemistry Honors teacher Dr. Susanne Iobst notes how exceptional Hill is as a student. “She’s one of the sweetest students, she’s got a great personality, is very conscientious, has a great work ethic, and just is really kind and nice to people,” said Iobst. “To me, when I think of Taylor, I think this is what we want a PV student to be. Academically excellent, a great role-model for people, a kind person, and also very involved in our extracurricular program.” Softball teammate and friend Devyn DiPasquale ‘21 emphasizes how great of a teammate and friend Hill is. She especially admires Hill’s optimism and dependability. “Taylor is really positive and is able to pick her teammates up. She is hardworking and has an amazing work ethic,” noted DiPasquale. “Taylor is a good friend because she is reliable and always has my back.” In 2018, she became a member of the NJSIAA Student Athlete Advisory Council. As a member of the council, she gives a voice to the student athletes of New Jersey. Hill plans on continuing her softball career in college and improving in all sports. Her ambition and dreams continue to push her every day. “As a team, my goal would be to capture the County and State Championship. As an individual, my goal is to be better each day than I was the day before,” concluded Hill.

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When Do I Need to See a Podiatrist for Ankle or Foot Pain?

ur feet are crucial for our general well-being; however, they can cause big problems, each step you take involves a remarkably intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Pain and discomfort in our feet can change the way we walk, creating a domino effect that can result in problems with the knees, hips and the back. This in turn can significantly affect our quality of life. Sports and physical activity can cause our feet to hurt or become numb. Exercising too fast or too long without warming up properly can set you up for painful or numbing injuries. Excess weight puts extra stress on your feet and poorly fitting shoes and other footwear are common causes of foot problems as well. Health problems can also affect the feet. Lack of feeling in your feet could be a sign of a serious illness, such as a diabetes or a nerve disorder

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Page 32 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

immediately. If you are unable to stand on your foot or walk without assistance, contact a podiatrist. Anant Joshi , DPM, ABPM Dr. Joshi is a board-certified specialist. He specializes in state-of–the–art foot and ankle surgical techniques and technologies. He treats pathologies such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arch foot and ankle arthritis. Dr. Joshi also treats diabetic wounds, warts and other dermatological problems. His training includes trauma and plastic surgery, which allows him to optimize aesthetic results for his surgical patients. Dr. Joshi is a recipient of the 2013 Mahmood M. Cheema, MD Orthopedic Award for excellence in clinical care and podiatric surgery.

Marc S. Kitrosser, DPM,FACFAS Dr. Kitrosser holds Board certifications by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. American Board of Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics. Dr. Kitrosser is a board-certified wound care specialist by the American Board of Wound Management. Dr. Kitrosser prides himself on providing compassionate and friendly care to his patients and offering them the most advanced techniques and innovative treatments for any problem of the foot.

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

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 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.00, or $8.00 Children (10 and under). Eat in or take out available. Get your tickets in advance by calling WPFAS at 973-279-2500 (mailbox #3) or email wpfasauxiliary@aol.com. Please specify fish or chicken and adult or child. Limited tickets will be sold at the door.

Did You Know?

ccording to data from Statistics Brain, the American Cancer Society and Health Land, around 70 percent of smokers harbor a desire to quit altogether, while 40 percent of smokers will try to quit this year. Quitting smoking is a popular New Year’s resolution, and a choice that can improve smokers’ health dramatically. Smokers can reduce their rate of dying from smoking by half just by quitting before age 50. Although the percentage of smokers who will succeed in quitting the first time around is small, it is still worth the effort. Today there are many different plans, medications and smoking-cessation support groups to help smokers as they attempt to quit.

CASINO NIGHT!

Thursday, March 21st 7:00 PM Hosted by FAB at The Brownstone Paterson, NJ Eat, drink and be merry - play for fabulous prizes! All proceeds go to the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library Fund.

FAB

Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library Serving the Woodland Park community since 1962.

Admission Tickets Available Now! Standard Ticket: $75p/p (receive $25 Casino Money with ticket)

High Roller Ticket: $125p/p (receive $100 Casino Money with ticket)

Your Admission Ticket includes: Buffet Unlimited Beer Wine & Sode Gaming Packet, Music & more! Raffle Prizes 50/50 Pass the Hat!

For Information Call: 973-345-8120 or www.abwplibrary.org 7 Brophy Lane, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 33

Woodland Park Promotes Officer Erik Luker to Lieutenant

ayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council promoted Woodland Park Police Department Sergeant Erik Luker to Lieutenant before a packed house in Council Chambers on Feb. 6. “Erik is the type of guy who, when he puts his mind to something, he gets it done,” Kazmark said. “Not only has he done that with the Department as a training officer, he has done so at the American Legion Post 238” which he worked to revitalize and renovate. Luker served as Commander for the Post for several years. Luker graduated from DePaul Catholic High School in 1999 and served in the United States Marines from 1999 to 2003. He was a Sergeant in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002, and in Iraq in 2003. Luker worked in the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department from 2003 to 2005 before joining the Woodland Park Police Department. He has also been teaching at the Passaic County Police Academy since 2008. Luker also graduated recently from Montclair State University with a From left, Mayor Keith Kazmark, WPPD Chief Eileen Tiernan, Lt. Erik Luker, degree in Justice Studies. and Councilman Joseph Spinelli.

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Page 34 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

PVHS Student Catherine Fergesen Accepted to Oxford University

A By Derek Pezo

s the school year nears its midpoint, many seniors are finishing college applications or eagerly awaiting responses. For Catherine Fergesen, her four years of hard work and relentless studying have earned her a well-deserved acceptance letter from Oxford University. Catherine plans to study Psychology and Linguistics in college, but she wishes to hear from other schools first before making her final decision. “After I narrowed down my academic interest to neurolinguistics, I found that Oxford offers the best program for undergraduate study of language and brain science,” stated Catherine. “I’m more interested in neuropsychology, which is the focus of the psychology program at Oxford.” As expected, Oxford has a very strict list of qualifications in order to simply be considered as an applicant. While there are no GPA requirements, a student must score a 700 or above on each section of the SAT, and score three 5’s on the AP tests relevant to what that student will be studying. Along with these

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Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 35

grueling specifications, Catherine had to write a personal statement that consisted of her educational interests. “I needed to write a detailing description on why I wanted to study neurolinguistics and how my academic background has prepared me for more advanced study,” said Fergesen. “I didn’t necessarily have to write about my extracurricular activities, but I did write about the sociolinguistics research that I’ve done along with neuroscience projects and programs.” In addition, Catherine also teaches STEM classes to ESL students. She also spent about two weeks in the Philippines where she did English outreach volunteer work. Besides the fact that she was able to see her family members, Fergesen’s visit had only solidified her interests in linguistics. “My time in the Philippines piqued my interest in the language as a whole,” she explained. According to Catherine, one of the most demanding parts of her application was taking the entrance exams for her future courses. Since she is planning to double major, she had taken two of these tests. “The public testing center in New York was sold out, and the next closest ones were in Boston and Chicago,” said Catherine. “I asked some private testing centers in New York

state if they would take me, but they didn’t want to administer more than one test.” When it seemed that all hope was lost, Catherine’s guidance counselor Mr. Pantale made several decisions so that she was able to take these tests. One act in particular was to arrange a meeting with a testing coordinator in England over Skype at three o’clock in the morning. After this call, Catherine was able to take the test. “Mr. Pantale’s dedication got me into my dream school, and I’m really grate“Mr. Pantale’s dedication ful to him for that,” Fergesen got me into my dream school, said. and I’m really grateful to him In all of her time in high for that,” Fergesen said. school, Catherine has benefitted from the determined efforts of her teachers. Those that have had an impact on her include Ms. Dellanno, Ms. Garofalo, Dr. Iobst, and Dr. Clinton. “Besides the fact that writing will be essential no matter where I go, Dr. Iobst has also shown me the crucial roles that science plays in the world around us,” concluded Catherine. “Many of my teachers have made me dedicated to my studies, which is something I will never forget.”

Page 36 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Passaic Valley High School Partners with Montclair State University on Communication Programs ”We are preparing our students to be able to use the 3 credits in any general elective program [in college].” said Cardillo. “With regard to cost, our students will be paying a discounted rate for the 3 course credits because they are high school students. The actual course will run on our campus daily.”

By Megan McGaha assaic Valley High School (PVHS) has partnered with Montclair State University’s (MSU) School of Communication and Media Program to support the high school’s Broadcasting Program. The Broadcasting Program is part of the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, and includes courses such as Audio Communications and Media, Visual Communications, Television Production, Advanced Television Production, Broadcast Experience, and Introduction to Communication Arts and Media, the last of which is now a dually-enrolled course, meaning that students who take it can also receive MSU credit upon satisfactory completion of the course. Superintendent Dr. JoAnn Cardillo said the Dually-Enrolled Intro to Communication is the gateway course to the Communications program at MSU. ”We are preparing our students to be able to use the 3 credits in any general elective program [in college].” said Cardillo. “With regard to cost, our students will be paying a discounted rate for the 3 course credits because they are high school students. The actual course will run on our campus daily.” According to the PVHS website, “This new addition to the school’s curriculum will greatly prepare students with a passion for media studies for a future in the subject. While this course does not take effect until next year, students and faculty members alike are looking forward to the new possibilities this partnership offers.” One such possibility is access to MSU’s professional-grade television sets and equipment; a much-needed improvement for PVTV’s Broadcast program, as well as their TV Studio. As of two years ago, both the program and the studio were set to be closed. It wasn’t always this way. Cardillo said PVTV was a premier program in its early years. “The teacher who developed the program worked to get it to be a force in the community and during that time period television was the only venue to give information other than the newspapers both local and town wide. He retired.” said Cardillo. “Somewhere along the following years the program lost its steam and the focus was more on filmmaking than television production. There was still a small following of students but any innovative growth in curriculum writing and execution of the program was not there.” It was the Passaic Valley community who renewed interest in the program. “The community made it known to the district that they wanted a strong focus on the program going forward.” said Cardillo. “We now have all new curriculum and course work. We can now

say that PVTV is in it’s renaissance and getting better everyday.” Much of this is thanks to Mr. Randall Rossilli, who brought a wealth of TV production knowledge from both educational and professional perspectives when he was hired in 2017 to lead the PVTV program. Rossilli holds a Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University in Communications and a Master’s from Seton Hall in Education and Administration. He’s been nominated for 4 Emmy awards, and in 2008 his animated children’s film The Adventures of Young Thomas Edison, won an Emmy for Outstanding Children/Youth/Teen Program or Special. Rossilli has also received several other film and media accolades, and earlier in his education career was awarded the Apple Distinguished Educator Award. PVHS has talented students as well. Junior Billy Pinckney created a website and YouTube channel, “Billy the Batboy’s Corner” over the summer of 2015 to share his interviews with athletes and sports commentators, which has expanded to include Michael Strahan, Joe Maddon, Nick Swisher, and many more. To date, he’s uploaded more than 200 videos and currently has 119 subscribers. His top video, “Tim Adleman 2017 Highlights” has 14,000 views. According to the article on the PVHS website, Pinckney was inspired to interview the professional athletes after seeing professional journalists do it. When interviewed in 2017, he said, “I thought it was cool how the professionals do it and I wanted to get into that field.” Pinckney became the first PVHS freshman to be included in the school’s Media class, which is usually barred to freshman due to a Public Speaking prerequisite. According to a 2017 post about him on the PVHS website, “An exception was made for Billy because his middle school math teacher, Mr. Vinnie Plateroti, a PV alum, knew of Billy’s talents and recommended that Billy take Media right away.” “Mrs. Stephanie Roberts, Billy’s Media teacher, had Mr. Platerotti as a student so when he contacted her over the summer, she reviewed Billy’s work. ‘I looked at his website and videos and immediately reached out to Mr. Jared Fowler, assistant principal of Humanities, and asked if there was any way to get Billy in this class.’ When everything was approved, Billy was contacted,” continues the article. Pinckney plans to pursue a career in Broadcast Journalism, but he isn’t the only one. There are approximately 45-55 students in the Broadcast program this year, and the school is looking to increase the program to 60 students. Cardillo said the high school now offers a 3-course-sequence of electives, of which students often double up in their junior or senior year. “Next year we will have a career and technical educa-

Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 37

tion sequence that is aligned with the requirements for CTE with the New Jersey Department of Education. That is where the partnership comes in with MSU. We needed a university partner to work with and our location to MSU and their program offerings were a great fit for us.” said Cardillo. “The studios at MSU are wonderful and our students are what they are looking for, serious students of Television Arts and Communication.” “We have an eclectic talented group of students attending our school.” continued Cardillo. “Many go on to 4 year schools, a good majority 2 year schools and trade schools and work. We have had students go to ivy leagues in the past 4 years and two of our students in the past 3 years have been accepted to Oxford University. The first young lady went and loves it. We do not know if the young lady that got accepted this year will choose to go abroad but she is waiting to see what all of her options are.” Cardillo also said that many PVHS students also go on to MSU and William Paterson University because they want to remain local. “Many have jobs and will continue to work during their college experience.” she said. “We also have students who go to community college. Some receive STAR scholarships of 2 years of free classes if they meet the community college criteria for this honor.” But although it’s convenient to work with such a local college, Cardillo said location “was only the tip” of why they chose to work with MSU. “It is the caliber of the program that they are offering that at-

tracted us to MSU. We are the first high school to collaborate with MSU in terms of dual enrollment and we intend on strengthening the relationship going forward.” she said. The partnership will also allow PVHS students to “attend lecture series in communication whenever possible,” according to Cardillo; though they are still working out the details for this. “We do not know how many times we will have visiting professors from the university on our campus.” she said. “We are also looking for university interns to be with us. That is being worked out between the administration of our school and MSU, but our PVTV teacher Mr. Randi Rossilli will be the teacher of record. He is qualified to teach the university course.” It is also unclear how PVHS will utilize the MSU facilities, though it seems like they will be accessed through a combination of field trips and extracurricular activities. Cardillo said PVHS will transport the students to campus using their district owned bus as needed. “Students will have to sometimes choose between other PV activities if they are after school,” said Cardillo. “But the students of PVTV are often the students that do our AV School club and help to produce our theatre programs.” PVTV now has it’s own Youtube channel, which can be accessed through their website, mypvtv.com. It’s also accessible from the PVHS website, https://www.pvhs.k12.nj.us. They host a daily morning show called “Good Morning Hornet” that plays each morning at the school, and their channel has amassed 214 subscribers so far.

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Page 38 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Memorial School Students Growing Veggies for Cafeteria

emorial School 7th and 8th graders who are part of the STRIVE Gifted and Talented Program recently enjoyed pizza and a salad bar which utilized the first cut growths off their Tower Garden, a vertical, aeroponic growing system which enables the growing of up to 20 items in less than three square feet, indoors or out, at a time. Under the direction of Miss Ament, STRIVE teacher, the students planted seeds to grow bibb lettuce sprouts, rainbow chard, marketmore cucumbers, and bok choy. The lettuces harvested allowed the students to sample the fresh produce that will be utilized in the school cafeteria as it continues to grow and produce. The Tower Garden, which was donated

to the school by food service provider Pomptonian, uses aeroponic technology, which is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment, without the use of soil. It is an effective and efficient way to provide plants with the necessary nutrients, hydration and oxygen.

Does Selling Make Sense?

Five Questions You Should Ask When Considering Selling Your Home

If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition amongst buyers. Beat the rush of housing inventory that will enter the market and list your home today!

oday’s housing market presents considerable opportunities for both sellers and homebuyers. The demand for homes is high and now that prices are stabilizing, and in many cases increasing, across much of the country, it may be the right time to consider taking advantage of the market and selling your home. While potential homebuyers are aware of the positive impact of historically attractive low interest rates, we’re seeing many sellers who are confused and concerned whether now is indeed the right time to put their home on the market. If this is the fence that you’re sitting on, here are five questions to help you decide if now is the right time to make a move: 1. Have you built equity in your home? Home equity can be defined as the value of a home, minus the amount of outstanding debt. Although equity does not generally develop in the first few years of home ownership, five or more years of home payments may create significant unrealized gains. Any equity you may have can be used to move up to a larger home or as a comfortable nest egg if you’re nearing retirement and considering downsizing. 2. Has your income or financial situation improved? You should consider your overall financial situation, including current and future expenses, in order to make an educated decision on a price range for a new home. For example, an increase in salary may al-

low for an increased mortgage. 3. Has your lifestyle changed? Lifestyle changes are one of the most common reasons people choose to move. Starting or adding to a family may require an extra bedroom or additional square footage. A desire to live closer to work or family may provide the motivation for a home in a new town. Or now may be the time to downsize to a home that requires less up- keep. 4. How is the housing supply in your neighborhood? Demand for homes is high and there are currently not enough sellers for potential buyers. Have you noticed there is only a spattering of for sale signs in your neighborhood? And more importantly - have you noticed how quickly those sale pending signs are posted? With fewer homes on the market, there is more competition for yours, which could mean more offers and potentially more money. 5. Are interest rates attractive? A low interest rate means lower mortgage payments on your next home, even if it is in the same price range. Mortgage rates may be going up this year. As rates increase, fewer buyers can afford your house. If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition amongst buyers. Beat the rush of housing inventory that will enter the market and list your home today!

Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 39

Page 40 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Woodland Park Schools Host Annual “Souper Bowl of Caring” Food Drive

he Charles Olbon and Beatrice Gilmore Schools in Woodland Park recently concluded their annual “Souper Bowl of Caring - Tackle Hunger” collection drive. The Charles Olbon School community collected 715 items of non-perishable food and Beatrice Gilmore collected 784 items. The food was donated to the Food Pantry at St. Agnes Church in Little Falls, located at 65 Union Ave., and will benefit those in need throughout the area.

St. Agnes’ food pantry serves area families by providing supplemental groceries to those who cannot afford enough food to sustain themselves and their families. Those wishing to make a donation can do so anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via a drop box outside the church. The pantry accepts donations of non-perishable food items such as cereal, peanut butter, canned meats, pasta, canned vegetables, soups, sauce and cat and dog food. Paper products are also accepted.

Woodland Park Upcoming Events Library Friends 50/50, Casino Night Help the Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Library (FAB) raise funds for the library’s planned renovation and construction project. The plan is to bring residents a 21st Century facility that can be used by everyone in the community. FAB will be selling 50/50 tickets on March 9 at the Woodland Park Range, 1267 McBride Ave; March 10 at ShopRite in Little Falls, 171 Browertown Rd.; and on March 16 at Fairway Market, 1510 Route 46 West. Tickets are $5 each. The drawing will take place on March 21. Tickets are also on sale at the Library. Additionally, FAB is planning a fundraising Casino Night on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at The Brownstone in Paterson. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 for “high rollers.” Tickets include a buffet, unlimited beer, wine and soda, games of chance, music and more. Tickets are available at the library, 7 Brophy Lane, or visit abwplibrary.org and to use PayPal to purchase tickets. If you or your business would like to sponsor a gaming table, contact Linda Hoffman at the library. Charles Olbon HSA tricky tray The Charles Olbon School Home & School Association is hosting a “Totally 80s” themed beefsteak and tricky tray on Thursday, March 28 at The Brownstone, 351 W. Broadway, Paterson, from

6 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $55 each and include dinner, dessert and one sheet of small raffle tickets. Checks can be made payable to COHSA. Prizes are also being sought for the event. For tickets or to make a donation, contact Bonnie McGovern at BMcGovern820@gmail.com. American Legion Dinner Dance The Woodland Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit #238 will host a beefsteak dinner dance to mark the 100th anniversary of the American Legion and Auxiliary at the Russian Hall, 4 Woodhull Ave., Little Falls on Saturday, March 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person and include live music by Foggy Minded Boys, dinner, beer, soda, coffee, and dessert. Wine may be purchased. No BYOB - liquor is sold on the premises. Call 973-699-6270 for tickets. American Legion Open House Woodland Park American Legion Post 238 will mark the 100th Year anniversary of the American Legion with a community open house on Friday, March 15, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at the post, located at 410 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Woodland Park. Post 238 cordially invites you to celebrate with them on the 100th year anniversary of the American Legion with live music, catered food, 50/50 raffle, money tree, free t-shirts and more.

Passaic Valley Life • March 2019 • Page 41

Refacing vs. Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets

by Natalie Marsella ew and current homeowners alike are always looking for ways to update their home, especially their kitchen. While doing a complete overhaul can be quite expensive, there are other ways to achieve the look, one being refinishing your cabinets. Changing the look of your cabinets can give this active space in your home a whole new feel. While the most expensive option if refacing your cabinets (changing out hardware and all the doors and cabinets with new ones or applying a laminate), the most effective option is refinishing. This can be achieved by either painting or staining the fronts and either cleaning and installing the previous hardware or upgrading. This option also offers your best return on investment. Just as the painted wood work and doors in your home need periodic painting, so the kitchen cabinets will also need maintenance. An advantage to painted cabinets is that any nicks or worn areas can easily be touched-up, thereby extending the life of the paint job. Cabinets in colors can be very exciting in the kitchen: in

postal blue, light pastels, whisper gray and sunny yellow can all create surprising results. Decorating magazines often show cabinets in spruce green, Navy blue and weathered or faux finishes. Typically, we tend to see homeowners keeping with a clean white finish or a modern black color. Small to medium kitchens can be completed in as little as three days, while larger kitchens can take upwards of five days. Spectrum Painting is able to offer either a brush or spray finish, depending on the job and customer preference. In terms of spraying, we are able to achieve this on site or in our shop, depending on the work space, etc. We have a portable spray system we are able to assemble in your garage or basement, or we can take all the cabinet fronts off and transport them to our shop, where we’re able to spray them. Call Spectrum Painting today to set up an appointment and to discuss your options with one of our estimators. Also, feel free to check out our cabinet refinishing page or take a look at a previous article we did on awesome color combinations for your kitchen! Call us today at 973-706-6033 for your estimate.

The Origins of the Leprechaun Myth

he tricolor flag. A pint of Guinness. Bagpipes. Each of these things are symbols of St. Patrick’s Day, which celebrates the patron saint of Ireland every year on March 17. While each of the aforementioned symbols is tangible, one popular image has proven a little more elusive. Leprechaun imagery is ubiquitous during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but even the most ardent Paddy’s Day revelers may know little about these mythical creatures. Now widely depicted as tiny, bearded and mischievous men clad in coats and hats, leprechauns have been traced to ancient Ireland. The precise etymology of the word “leprechaun” is unknown, though many scholars believe the word we use today is derived from the old Irish “Lú Chorpain,” which means “small body.” Some scholars point to the 8th century word “luchorpán,” meaning “sprite” or “pygmy,” as the origins of the word leprechaun. Another word, “lubrican,” which first appeared in the English language in a 1604 play written by Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker, also has been linked to the modern word leprechaun. Some historians believe the myth of the leprechaun has ori-

gins in ancient Ireland, when people believed the tiny creatures were among the various inhabitants of fairy forts and fairy rings throughout the Emerald Isle. Another take on the source of the leprechaun myth is that these tiny creatures were modern incarnations of the Euro-Celtic god Lugh, who was the sun god as well as the patron of arts and crafts. Manuscripts from the 12th to 15th centuries suggest leprechauns lived underwater and were not all male (modern leprechaun depictions are all male). In fact, the resource Ancient-Origins.net states that female leprechauns were depicted during this time as figures devoted to luring human men away for various adventures. While 21st century celebrants of St. Patrick’s Day might be hard pressed to find images of leprechauns not dressed in green, that wasn’t always the case. Prior to the 20th century, leprechauns were described in various depictions as wearing red. The images of leprechauns can be seen everywhere on and around St. Patrick’s Day, and those images have evolved considerably over the centuries.

Page 42 • March 2019 • Passaic Valley Life

Welcome to Passaic Valley Life!

To receive your free copy of Passaic Valley Life direct to your email visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up! PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY AT ONE OF THE LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW! LITTLE FALLS 2 Sweet, 44 Main St Albert John Hair Designers, 106 Main St Anthony Boni OD & Alicia Dorman OD/PA, 245 Paterson Ave A-Z Dentistry, 159 E Main St Bagel Bistro, 123 Newark Pompton Turnpike Bagels Unlimited, 163 E Main St Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 76 E Main St Butterfly Kiss Eyelash Studio, 101 Newark Pompton Tpk., suite 9 D&Y Convenience Store, 101 Newark Pompton Tpk. Dunkin, 126 Newark Pompton Turnpike Electric Flair, 105 Main St Health on Main, 155 E Main St Joy Wok, 113 Newark Pompton Turnpike Krausers, 163 E Main St Lakeland Bank, Main Street Auto Body, 41 Main St Civic Center, 19 Warren Street Library, 8 Warren St Post Office, 229 Main St Maggies Town Tavern, 10 Van Ness Ave Main Street Antique Center, 87 Main St Nail Clinic, 103 Main St Once Upon A Time Boutique, 453 Main St Pencil Works, 96 Main Street Revive Deli & Convenience, Main Street Shag 86, 86 Main Street Sun Nails, 101 Newark Pompton Turnpike The Falls Kitchen, 90 Main Street The Fine Grind, 101 Newark Pompton Turnpike The Kitch, 101 Newark Pompton Turnpike The UPS Store, 163 Main St. Troy Orthodontics, 159 E Main St . TOTOWA Apollo Flag, 594 Union Blvd Arc Auto Glass, 560 Union Blvd Aspire Studio, 394 Union Blvd Blooming Nails & Spa, 370 Union Blvd Brooklyn Bagels, 345 Union Blvd Century 21 Gold Properties, 420 Rd Cyndia’s, 169 Union Blvd De La Torre Chiropractic, 442 Union Blvd Dr. David Martin, 336 Union Blvd Elite Spine & Sports Care, 349-351 Union Blvd Gina Marie Hair Studio, 340 Union Blvd Hair To Stay, 595 Union Blvd Hillery Street Grill, 142 Totowa Rd Joey’s Peruvian, 344 Union Blvd Lux Nail Lounge, 650 Union Blvd Mazzo Jewelers, 384 Totowa Rd Mila J Salon, 9 St James Pl Minnie Nails, 328 Union Blvd Optics By Frank, 386 Totowa Rd

Pappy’s Diner, 315 Union Blvd Pawndingo, 594 Union Blvd Premier Dental, 418 Union Blvd Progressive Car Care, 587 Union Blvd Se7te Woodfire Pizza, 534 Union Blvd Sunshine Blinds, 296 Union Blvd The Barnyard & Carridge House, 754 Totowa Rd Tiki Bowls, 534 Union Blvd Bagel, 159 Union Blvd Chinese Restaurant, 324 Union Blvd Nails, 534 Union Blvd Union Food Store, 357 Union Blvd Young Star Nails, 169 Union Blvd WOODLAND PARK Amore Ristorante, 140 Rifle Camp Rd Cartridge World, 250 Browertown Road Carvel, 1045 McBride Ave Dental Aesthetics, 1000 McBride Ave Dunkin, 999 McBride Ave Eye Care Consultants, 1225 McBride Ave Suite 204 Fast Pizza & Salad, 271 Overmount ave Golden Styles, 154 Rifle Camp Rd Golden Styles Barber Studio, 154 Rifle Camp Rd Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 250 Browertown Rd Joey McBrides, 1145 McBride Ave Kay Spa, 744 McBride Ave Lorenzo Bistro, 223 New St Massage Spa, 271 Overmount ave Mauro Tollis Salon Hair Colour Group, 281 Browertown Rd Medi Center Pharmacy, 993 McBride Ave Mini Mart Food Store, 1045 McBride Ave Miracle Nails, 744 McBride Ave My Sister’s Gourmet Deli, 150 Rifle Camp Rd Nino Tollis Salon, 281 Browertown Rd Palace Laundromat, 1116 McBride Ave Parkwest Bagel Cafe, 991 McBride Ave Pipe Kingz Smoke Shop, 250 Browertown Rd Pizza City, 1051 McBride Ave Platinum Real Estate Solutions, 1011 McBride Ave Rovers Make Overs, 1045 McBride Ave Salon Amici, 1021 McBride Ave Shadow Hobbies, 1012 McBride Ave Thomas Haircutters, 744 McBride Ave Tommy’s Taste of Italy, 654 McBride Ave Town Deli, 1048 McBride Ave Trendz, 271 Overmount ave Trevi Fine Jewelry, 1001 McBride Ave Tu Nails, 146 Rifle Camp Rd Viva La Pizza, 1005 McBride Ave Washington Convenience Store, 654 McBride Ave Library, Brophy Lane Municipal Building, 5 Brophy Lane Post Office, McBride Ave

Dine In • Banquets • Catering • Take Out

CLOSED MONDAYS

FRANCESCO’S RESTAURANT 568 McBride Ave • Woodland Park T: 973-925-1100 • F: 973-925-1144 www.francescos-restaurant.com Gift Certificates Available

1011 McBride Ave Woodland Park 973.837.8510 S

D OL

EXCLUSIVE TOTOWA 159 UNION BLVD.

R DE T UN TRAC N CO

WANAQUE BORO $160,000 MLS: 3501007

R DE T UN TRAC N CO

VERNON TWP. $75,000 MLS: 3521281

Faith Salviano Broker of Record

Elyse Adrian-Johnston Sales Associate R DE T UN TRAC N CO

DENVILLE TWP. $640,900 MLS: 3516430

R DE T UN TRAC N CO

FAIRFIELD TWP. $410,000 MLS: 3520873

R FO LE SA

WOODLAND PARK $335,000 MLS: 3461481

HALEDON BORO $269,900 MLS: 3498183

Bipinchandra Shukla Sales Associate Lillian Dobre Sales Associate

Indar K. Ahuja Sales Associate

Antonio Arenas Sales Associate

Joseph Muccio 3rd Sales Associate