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PUTTING KIDS ON THE MAP ALPINE • CLOSTER • CRESSKILL • DEMAREST • ENGLEWOOD • ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS • HARRINGTON PARK HAWORTH • NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • ROCKLEIGH • TENAFLY

When Cresskill Congregational Church brought back its pumpkin patch last fall, some visitors arrived with memories as well as children: They had picked out pumpkins there when they were young. Now they were introducing their own families to the tradition. That connection across generations is part of what organizers hope to nurture as the patch returns Oct. 4, filling the grounds at 85 Union Ave. with more than 1,000 pumpkins and gourds. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 31, the patch offers pumpkins in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors for carving, cooking and decorating, along with a setting for autumn family photos. Behind the display is a volunteer effort that helps sustain the church and its community outreach. According to sales records supplied to the church by Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, the congregation participated annually from 2006 through 2019. It opted out in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and revived the patch in 2025 in response to community interest. The return brought familiar faces, including longtime church members whose memories stretch back to earlier seasons of helping

See PATCH page 124

PAGE 5

OCTOBER 2026

‘IT’S A GREAT EVENING!’

CRESSKILL

At church pumpkin patch, new generation sprouts into play

Ion Bank presents the Tenafly Rotary Club with big funds to provide dictionaries and atlases to young students

TENAFLY

At PCAT’s new gallery, More than 2,000 catch the beat at another local artists graced with winning Tenafly Community Night spotlight Ellen Nathan Singer exhibition debuts Oct. 17; Christina and Jason Hart perform Oct. 25

School of Rock Cresskill provided live music. Children enjoyed an inflatable slide, a carousel and a chance to meet a corn snake with naturalists from the Tenafly Nature Center. Below: local educator and personality Hercules Invictus adds to the fun. Hillary Viders photos.

BY HILLARY VIDERS OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

O R E T H A N 2,000 residents and visitors filled Riveredge Road on Sept. 15 for the Bor-

oughʼs 12th Annual Community Night, enjoying free food, live music, rides and opportunities to meet local first responders.

See TENAFLY page 234

A new gallery at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly will give local art a home this fall, opening with woodcuts and etchings by Tenafly artist Ellen Nathan Singer as the congregation expands its arts outreach. The exhibition will debut during a fall open house Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church, 55 Magnolia Ave. The afternoon will include an exhibition reception, live music, fall games, refreshments and tours of the churchʼs historic Lamb Studios stained-glass windows, made in Tenafly in the 1960s. Singerʼs work will be the inaugural exhibition in the churchʼs “Imagination Zone,” a long gallery newly equipped to display art. The name reflects the congregationʼs belief that imagination offers a connection to the divine. The gallery opening and an Oct. 25 recital by Tenafly musicians Christina and Jason Hart are part of

See PCAT page 264

IN THE HOT SEAT

B ck in time...

Reports of climate-related risks are increasing. But how concerned are residents, and what are Demarest officials doing on this front?

A Tenafly man was first to drive across the George Washington Bridge when it first opened to traffic—but he wasn’t meant to.

Page 184

Page 44

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Zackarie Lemelle on leadership, community involvement

ENGLEWOOD Housing Authority Commissioner Zackarie Lemelle leads New Hope Coaching and Consulting. His The NVP career spans Interview more than 40 years in business, including work as a global vice president and chief information officer at a major health care company By Hillar y and a subseViders quent role in coach training. I sent Lemelle a questionnaire about his career, leadership philosophy and involvement in Englewood. In his written responses, he discussed his work with the housing authority and the Bergen County NAACP. NGLEWOOD

His answers appear below verbatim. HV: You worked as a global vice president and chief information officer at Johnson

& Johnson. What were your responsibilities? ZL: I was responsible for supporting the companyʼs growth and success by leading the Digital Technology & Transformation for one of J&Jʼs global franchises. HV: Which coach-training firm did you work for, and what was your role? ZL: The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). I was the vice president, for corporate development. HV: What inspired you to become a leadership coach? ZL: Iʼve always been a servant leader! Itʼs at the core of my being. I decided to become a coach during my time at J&J. I wanted to strengthen my leadership ability to build proactively engaged, high performing organizations. Developing leaders is what Iʼve done all my life. Coaching helped me refine my leadership

competencies and style, and become an even more inspirational leader. Iʼve been asked many times, “whatʼs your definition of leadership.” My response is, “If they take away your title, will they follow you?” Thatʼs how I led every organization I had the honor to lead each and every day. Q: What is your role with the Englewood Housing Authority? ZL: Iʼm a commissioner, along with other authority members and we provide governance and oversite for the local authority. HV: What major challenges does the authority face? ZL: We have spent the last two years recovering from hurricane damage to one of our main properties. However, due to the excellent work of our Executive Director and his team, we are excited to announce our resident

can begin returning to their new fully renovated homes! HV: How long have you been involved with the Bergen County NAACP? ZL: Itʼs been three years now. Iʼm part of the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program. This program is the flagship youth achievement and enrichment program. Iʼm passionate about working with all of our youth! HV: What changes would you like to see in Englewood? ZL: First, let me say, I love Englewood! Itʼs a vibrant, diverse city filled with wonderful people! Itʼs one of the reasons my wife I decided to move here. However, I would love to see less apathy and complacency, and more engagement from a larger segment of all the communities. If we can come together in one accord, we all win! n

NORTHERN VALLEY

Puffin Cultural Forum names new artistic director

work with the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts and The 92nd Street Y, known as 92NY. At 92NY, she launched and ran Collective by 92NY, a program for adults in their 20s and 30s that increased attendance among younger audiences, according to the Forum. also Her experience includes nonprofit fundraising galas for the Harmony Program, LycОe FranНais de New York and the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She has volunteered

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Gladys Rosenstein, executive director of The Puffin Foundation, said the Forum plans to expand its community arts offerings while continuing its jazz, classical and folk music performances. Exhibitions, artist appearances and comedy are also planned. “We have always believed in the power of art to bring people together, spark conversation, and inspire change,” Rosenstein said. The Forum said its pro-

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Garden club flower show Oct. 28–29

The Garden Club of Englewood will present “Classic,” a flower show featuring floral design, horticulture, photography and botanical arts, Oct. 28–29 at the Englewood Field Club, 341 Engle St. The show is free and open to the public Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An educational exhibit will explore New Jerseyʼs importance as a stopover for migrating songbirds and demonstrate how residents can provide food and shelter through native plantings. Founded in 1921, the Garden Club of Englewood is a private nonprofit service organization dedicated to gardening and environmental protection. It is a member of the Garden Club of America, a national nonprofit founded in 1913 that supports horticulture, conservation and civic improvement.

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Our towns share $1.21M in Open Space grants The proposed 2026 Open Space Trust Fund allocations included: $1,181,360 for Open Space Land Acquisition Pro-

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

HACKENSACK

Nine Northern Valley towns were in line to collect slightly greater than $1.2 million in Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grants for 2026, according to Ken Aloisio, the fundʼs executive director. Aloisio said an Oct. 1 public hearing at the County Commissioners Public Meeting Room, 7 p.m., was to present the 2026 funding allocations as detailed in a two-page list attached to a public notice dated Aug. 25. Generally, the allocations

jects; $2,526,667 for Historic Preservation Projects; $12,350,000 for County Park Improvement Projects; and

$6,940,773 for Municipal Park Improvement Projects. Both Englewood and CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

HOLIDAY CATERING

are approved for funding at the meeting, officials told Northern Valley Press. The Northern Valley townsʼ grants total $1,247,482, nearly double the amount that six Pascack Valley towns garnered in the annual grant awards.

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SHARE YOUR VINTAGE PHOTOS

B ck in time...

NORTHERN VALLEY Those old black and white photos have been sitting in the drawer for decades. Give those treasures more love by sharing them with your neighbors on this page. Northern Valley Press welcomes old photographs depicting scenes in any of the towns in the region: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly. Specifically, we’re looking for materials dating to the 1970s and earlier. These can be photos of local buildings, notable people, homes, streets, parks, stores, special events — you name it. Old advertisements for businesses in the Northern Valley are also most welcome. The submissions are sought for publication in the weekly “Back in Time” local history feature, which appears to the right of this column. Photographs can be submitted by scanning the photo or taking a good digital photo (the highest resolution possible to facilitate clear printing) and emailing a copy of the photographs along with some detailed information to northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (201) 358-9500

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inside

NVP INTERVIEW . . . . . . . . .2

A mad dash across the George Washington Bridge

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE was dedicated Oct. 24, 1931 amid great fanfare. Over 30,000 people— equivalent to the population of the Northern Valley from Old Tappan down to Englewood at the time—attended the ceremony, which featured an Army Air Corps airplane show and a military parade. New Jersey Gov. Morgan Foster Larson and New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt, dressed in their suits and tophats, gave speeches and cut the ribbon. That evening, between 6 and 11 p.m., pedestrians were allowed to stroll the length of the bridge. But it was the next day, when the dignitaries were back in their offices and the spectator stands had been taken down, that things really got moving. When the bridge was opened to traffic on Oct. 25, the volume it saw set a new world record when 7,098 autos crossed it in a single hour. In the first 24 hours of operation, 57,778 cars crossed the bridge, as well as 35,580 pedestrians (and one horse). It was actually a young man from Tenafly who was the first to drive across the bridge when it opened to traffic—but it wasnʼt supposed to be. That honor had been reserved for Jacob W. Binder, secretary of the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson River Bridge Association. That morning, Binder and his party were in a car at the front of the line, but many eager drivers— including 20-year-old William Agnew Jr. of Tenafly—had been lined up for hours waiting for a chance to cross. Agnew, who lived on Depeyster HE

DINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..10 SCHOOL NEWS............ ...16 HEALTH & WELLNESS ...20 HOME & GARDEN........ ...27 .................... ASK THE APPRAISER . .24 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . 28 SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . .29 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING 69 WOODLAND AVE., WESTWOOD NJ 07675 PHONE: 201.358.9500 FAX: 201.664.2109 E-MAIL: northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

SERVING WITH PRIDE: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh, and Tenafly

A snapshot from the George Washington Bridge’s first day of operation, Oct. 25, 1931, shows traffic at the New York entrance, with the Hudson River and New Jersey in the background. // Cars are lined up, their drivers awaiting a chance to cross the new bridge. It opened to automobile traffic on Oct. 24, 1931. // New Jersey Gov. Morgan Foster Larson and New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt hold two sides of the ribbon at opening ceremonies for the George Washington Bridge, Oct. 24, 1931. Roosevelt was elected president the following year.

Avenue, had graduated from Tenafly High School in June and was working for a New York newspaper. For months he had been sneaking into the construction site, dressed as a workman and carrying a bucket that concealed a camera, so that he could photograph the bridge as it took shape over the Hudson. When Binderʼs auto took off from the New Jersey side, Agnew, who had reportedly been camped out in line since the previous morning, slammed on the gas of his brown roadster, overtook Binderʼs car, and ended up reaching the New York side first— thereby claiming the honor of being “first to

cross.” He wasnʼt the only young man who had his eyes on the prize. The New York Daily News wrote all about it on Oct. 29, 1931. “A 65-mph race for the title of first man over the new George Washington Memorial Bridge was revealed for the first time yesterday when Jacob W. Binder of Hackensack, officially credited as first over, admitted yesterday he was really beaten to it by two 20-year-old daredevils,” the paper reported. “Yes, two youths in geared-up flivvers

Publisher ________________________ John J. DeFina Art Director_____________________ Keith J. Harcher

Director of Advertising __________ George F. Harcher Editor ___________________________ John D. Snyder

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Copyright 2026. The articles and opinions printed in Northern Valley Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Northern Valley Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. Contains material developed independently by Northern Valley Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part.

Ion Bank backs Rotary Club kids push

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

From left: Debora Davidson, Marlyn Friedberg, Ion Bank Relationship Manager Joann Rudy, Christine Evron, Peter Rustin, Andrew Mikesh, Ion Bank Community Foundation Executive Director Karen Melon, Bobby Thompson and Berni Koch. All except Melon are Tenafly Rotary members. Photo courtesy of the Tenafly Rotary Club. TENAFLY — Ion Bank pre- grader, and a world atlas to every aries and atlases for years, but this sented the Tenafly Rotary Club fifth-grader in the Tenafly Public marks its first partnership with a local business to support the with $2,500 on Sept. 10 to pro- Schools. vide a dictionary to every thirdThe club has donated diction- effort.

Northern Valley Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements, and news and feature tips from all towns in the Northern Valley. Send yours to northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

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Remembrance carries promise to next generation BY HILLARY VIDERS OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

ENGLEWOOD

At the cityʼs latest remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks, the message extended beyond honoring those lost: Teach younger generations what happened, support those still suffering and carry the spirit of service into everyday life. Residents, students, first responders and city officials gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to mark the attacksʼ 25th anniversary and remember eight victims with ties to Englewood. Moments of silence at 8:46 and 9:03 a.m. marked the times the planes struck the World Trade Center towers. Behind the gathering stood the cityʼs five-sided memorial, bearing the victimsʼ names and a steel beam pointing toward where the towers once stood. Mayor Michael Wildes, who recalled reporting for duty as a volunteer emergency medical technician beginning Sept. 12, 2001, urged continued support for first responders, recovery workers and others living with the consequences of exposure at Ground Zero.

Englewood stands together at 25th anniversary of the attacks — and heroic response — on Sept. 11, 2001

A scene from Englewood’s remembrance, 25 years after the deadly terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Hillary Viders photo.

“The people who answered our nation's call should never have to wonder whether their nation will answer theirs,” Wildes said. “Our commitment to the heroes of September 11th cannot be limited to ceremonies and

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speeches. It must include a lasting commitment to the men and women who continue to carry the physical and emotional consequences of that day.” City Manager Robert Hoffmann recalled volunteering to cook for recovery workers in October and November 2001. He met firefighters from New York and across the country, some still covered in dust from their work. “This helped me begin my

own healing process. It showed me our countryʼs humanity. We were all united, we were all Americans,” Hoffmann said. Councilwoman Lisa Wisotsky remembered struggling to reach her eldest daughter, then beginning high school in New York City. She also described a recent conversation with a young man born after the attacks who did not understand their significance,

underscoring the need to teach both the history and the courage that followed. Fire Chief Jeff Kaplan called attention to the continuing toll of Sept. 11-related illnesses and urged listeners to give meaning to the promise never to forget. Students from Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School and the Janis E. Dismus Middle Schoolʼs National Junior Honor Society participated in the remembrance. Police and fire honor guard members presented the colors, Devry B. Pazant sang the national anthem, and the Rev. John Givins of Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church delivered the invocation. Deputy Police Chief Matthew De La Rosa read the names of those remembered: Michael S. Baksh, Alejandro CastaЦo, Frank Joseph Doyle, Uhuru G. Houston, Howard L. Kane, Michael Matthew Miller, Frank Bennett Reisman and Alva Cynthia Jeffries Sanchez. Rabbi Chaim Poupko of Congregation Ahavath Torah offered the closing prayer. Wildes called on neighbors to renew the unity that emerged after the attacks. “Let us honor the memory of September 11th not merely by remembering how Americans came together after that terrible day, but by asking ourselves how we can come together again.”

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COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICIALS TOUT MAIL-IN BALLOTS’ SECURITY, CONVENIENCE BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

frequently asked questions from voters. In a League of Women Voters webinar broadcast Sept. 22, two top Bergen County elections officials — representing the County Clerkʼs Elections Division and the Board of Elections — told voters

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COLUMBUS DAY With mail-in ballots already coming back, early voting starting Oct. 24, and the Nov. 3 General Election day only four weeks away, county elections officials joined with the League of Women Voters officials Sept. 22 to answer frequently asked questions from voters.

that mail-in ballots went out to about 76,000 registered mail-in voters before Sept. 19, and even earlier to voters living overseas and in the military. And on Wed., Sept. 22, the first day of ballot collection from drop boxes, Board of Elections Chair Richard Miller said 750 ballots had been collected that day from 35 drop boxes countywide. “We want a fair, honest, and safe election and thatʼs what weʼre here to do,” Miller said. County Clerk Elections Division Supervisor Sabrina Taranto said “thereʼs been a lot of misin-

formation for years” about elections and noted that residents should seek out information from trusted county elections officials or their municipal clerk rather than social media. In the last two General Elections, Tarantoʼs office has distributed a print flyer to all registered voters that addresses “election disinformation,” which is information “designed to mislead, undermine trust in elections, and discourage you from voting.” A flyer is planned to go out prior to this yearʼs Nov. 3 election, she CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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CLOSTER—Guitarist and composer Tomas Rodriguez returns to St. Paulʼs Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. as part of the churchʼs 2026–2027 Concert & Lecture Series. Rodriguez, a New York Citybased guitarist, will introduce a new album of original compositions drawing on a wide range of influences, including the folk music of Galicia, Spain; Venezuelan harp music; and musical traditions from Africa and the Americas. Born in Washington, D.C., to a Spanish father and a mother from Virginiaʼs Appalachian region, Rodriguez grew up in New

Bridge:

eluded my police escort and dashed ahead of the official car containing myself and Mayor Hoebel of Fort Lee,” Binder told reporters. “Flivver” was an old slang term for a cheap, small, often beat-up automobile, especially a Ford Model T. Binder continued, “I was riding in the big coupe presented to me four years ago when ground was first broken for the bridge. I could easily have passed them, but felt it was foolhardy to race. Several times these young fel-

FROM PAGE 4

York, New Jersey and Idaho. As a teenager, he learned electric guitar by ear from Jimi Hendrix records before going on RODRIGUEZ to study classical guitar with Sharon Isbin at the Manhattan School of Music. Rodriguez is also a music educator. He runs an honors-level guitar program for young people in Brooklyn using African, Latin, flamenco, jazz and classical styles, and previously founded and

lows nearly went over the rail. They were lucky they didnʼt end up in the Hudson River!” The other daredevil was Wesley T. Simpson of Astoria, a clerk for a Broadway machine company. He, like Agnew, had been camped out all night. By all accounts published after the event, Agnew beat Simpson to the New York side. “The cops were chasing us so hard,” Agnew told the newspaper. “I finally pulled over, but not till we were well past the New York line. The other fellow paid

directed an after-school guitar program at a Latino social service organization in New York City. He is a registered Suzuki guitar instructor and has taught at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. The concert is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10. A wine-andcheese reception and meet-andgreet with Rodriguez will follow. St. Paulʼs Evangelical Lutheran Church is at 171 Closter Dock Road and is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call the church office at 201-768-6310. no attention to the cops and kept right on.” Many people came forward to claim “firsts” after the opening of the bridge: Misses Audrey Moran and Edith Staeger of Ridgefield were the first pedestrians to cross. Mr. and Mrs. W.D.C. Smith of Grantwood were the first married couple across. Babette, a mare owned by Mrs. Van Dyke See of Ridgewood, was the first on horse to make the crossing, and Mr. See himself was the first person to cross in a buggy.

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The Father Jim McKenna Memorial Fund will hold its Third Saturday Recovery Mass and Meeting of Hope this fall at the Church of St. Mary, 20 Legion Place, Closter. The Recovery Mass begins at noon, followed at 1:15 p.m. by a Meeting of Hope featuring a recovery speaker in the Parish Hall. The gatherings are scheduled for Saturdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. The September gathering coincides with National

Recovery Month. The events are open to people affected by substance use and addiction, including those in recovery, those currently struggling, family members, friends and other community members. People of all faiths or no religious affiliation may attend. Participants are not required to be Catholic or belong to a recovery fellowship. For more information, visit FatherJimMcKenna.org or email Info@FatherJimMcKenna.org.

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OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

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Father Jim McKenna Memorial Fund events

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Family fun awaits at Nyack’s Famous Street Fair Oct. 11

Advertisement Enjoy a “do not miss” family fun day at Nyackʼs Famous Street Fair on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Main, Broadway and Cedar streets in downtown Nyack. Spend a fall day in this historic Hudson River village while getting a head start on holiday

shopping—or finding something special for yourself. More than 300 exhibitors from four states will offer a diverse selection of arts and crafts, new retail items, home decor and unique gifts. Food for all Come hungry! Food and drink offerings include the

Cousins Lobster truck, Thai dishes, empanadas, sausage and peppers, fried fish, Jamaican and Greek foods, and French and American fare. The popular NY Soda Jerks truck will serve old-fashioned egg creams and more. Nyackʼs outdoor cafes will offer event specials.

Music will play at the gazebo, and visitors are encouraged to explore Nyackʼs shops and boutiques. Sponsored by ACADA of Nyack for more than 50 years, the fair combines shopping, dining and family fun. The event takes place rain or shine. No pets, please.

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Onwuachi to headline hot Table to Table gala Other participating chefs represent restaurants, country clubs, specialty food businesses and private dining operations across New Jersey. They include Brandon Campney of Stirling Tavern; AJ Capella of Summit House; Roberto Carnero of Warique; Casey

“It is a great privilege to recognize Chef Kwame as our 2026 chef honoree,” Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson said in announcing the event. “We are honored to celebrate his achievements and are grateful that he is sharing our mission of reducing food waste and feeding our community in need.” The regional lineup includes Giuseppe Agostino, chef and owner of Verana in Norwood, and Alex Gorant, executive chef and partner at Axia Taverna in Tenafly.

Colaneri and Gus Gutierrez of Cubita Cafe; Michael Cosenza of Mikeʼs Pasta Shoppe; Antonio De Ieso of Fiorentini; Luis Estacio of The Capital Grille; Robbie Felice of Viaggio; Leia Gaccione of The Saint Clair; and Jeffrey Galan of Fossil Farms. The roster also includes Melanie Gonzalez of Saddle River Inn; Stephen Hayek of Saddle River Cafe; Dennis Mathews of Ember & Eagle; Greg Power of Matisse 167; Logan Ramirez of Gioia Mia; Andrew Riccatelli of The Morris Proper; Tom Silvestri

of ORA; and Sean Yan of Ram & Rooster. Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio will return as gala cochairs. Knott, a Table to Table trustee, owns Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335 and Madame. DePersio is chef and partner at Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle and TillingHouse. The gala also will recognize the late Elisabeth Durbetaki, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

ROCKLEIGH — James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Kwame Onwuachi will be honored this fall as more than 30 chefs gather in Rockleigh to support a North Jersey organization that rescues surplus food for people in need. Table to Tableʼs 2026 Chefs Gala is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, at The Rockleigh. Organizers said demand prompted the annual fundraiserʼs move to the larger venue. A cocktail reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a multicourse dinner prepared and served tableside by participating chefs. The evening also will include wine pairings and a live auction. American Express is the presenting sponsor. Onwuachi, the galaʼs chef honoree, won the James Beard Foundationʼs Rising Star Chef of the Year award in 2019. Time magazine included him on its list of the 100 most influential people of 2025. His restaurants include Tatiana in New York City, DЎgon in Washington and Maroon in Miami. He also is the author of the memoir “Notes From a Young Black Chef” and the cookbook “My America: Recipes From a Young Black Chef.”

Patch:

children choose pumpkins and chatting with visiting families. “Last year, we welcomed people who told us they had visited our pumpkin patch as children,” organizers wrote in responses to questions from Northern Valley Press. “In 2025, they were returning with children of their own.” Fundraising Committee Chair Cindy Micucci and church Treasurer Jack Rickly lead the project,

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 1

Fundraising Committee chair Cindy Micucci and church Treasurer Jack Rickly lead the project, supported by about 20 volunteers who arrange the display and staff the sales table throughout the month. Before sales can begin, friends, relatives and students from area high schools help unload the pumpkins from a tractor-trailer. Courtesy photos New Mexico and employs Native size, with volunteers using a meassupported by about 20 volunteers volunteers carry forward. uring tape to determine the price of The patch is the churchʼs sec- American workers. who arrange the display and staff Church Moderator Carole larger pumpkins. Smaller pumpthe sales table throughout the ond-largest fundraiser, behind its month. Before sales can begin, monthly White Elephant thrift Lotito described the patch as “a kins and gourds are priced from an friends, relatives and students from shop. Proceeds help support treasured event that brings our inventory list. Cash, cards and area high schools help unload the church operations and, in turn, its community together in a fun, beau- Venmo are accepted. The church will also host a pumpkins from a tractor-trailer. outreach, including hosting the tiful display celebrating autumn Organizers also remember Cresskill Cares Food Pantry, Alco- and our connection to Cresskill free Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., rain church members who contributed holics Anonymous meetings and and the entire Northern Valley.” That spirit extends to visiting or shine. Open to all children in the to earlier pumpkin patches and Fitz by Horan teen clothing events. have since died, leaving a tradition Other efforts include the Sandwich groups. Schools, day care centers community, the event includes of welcoming visitors that todayʼs Line, Rainbow Cafe, a Helpsy and residential facilities are invited crafts, games and candy. Cresskill Congregational clothing donation bin and Parentʼs to arrange mini-field trips. There are no scheduled activities or Church, United Church of Christ, Night Out. The fundraiser also has a con- group admission fees; visitors pay is at 85 Union Ave., across from NEW nection beyond Bergen County. only for pumpkins they purchase. Kings. For more information, visit MERCHAND According to organizers, supplier Groups should register in advance cresskillucc.org/pumpkins. IS ARRIVING E Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers grows at cresskillucc.org/pumpkins. DAILY! Pumpkin prices are based on pumpkins on the Navajo Nation in — Staff writer John Snyder

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server at Sacred Heart Church. Any child from grades 3–8 is welcome to join this ministry. Call 201-387-0080. Consider joining the choir. Adult Choir rehearses on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the church; sings at 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. The Joyful Noise Youth Choir sings at one 10 a.m. Mass monthly and rehearses on Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the church prior to the Sunday Mass. Contact music director Corinn Somers at shhaw@aol.com or 201-387-0080 for more information.

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OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

IHA sets open houses for Oct. 18, 22

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Immaculate Heart Academy will hold its fall open houses Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Prospective students and their families are invited to learn about IHAʼs college-preparatory academics, competitive athletics and opportunities for creative expression, all grounded in the schoolʼs Catholic tradition. Visitors can tour the campus with IHAʼs student Eagle Ambassadors and meet teachers, administrators, program directors, students and coaches. Families can also learn about the admissions process, including the Archdiocesan High School Placement Test, and ask questions about curriculum, financial aid, transportation and student life. IHA draws students from

eight counties in New Jersey and New York and emphasizes the sense of sisterhood and community among its students and more than 11,600 graduates. Founded in 1960, IHA is an all-girls Catholic regional high

Table:

Emil and Debbie Iannone, and Ilene Isaacs as new members of Table to Tableʼs Founderʼs Table. Established in 2023 by founder Claire Insalata Poulos, the recognition honors people, businesses and foundations that have provid-

FROM PAGE 11

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school of the Archdiocese of Newark. The Blue Ribbon School enrolls approximately 650 students in its college-preparatory program. Online registration is requested at ihanj.com; walk-ins are also welcome.

ed significant support to the organization. Crossroads Companies will receive the 2026 Mission Impact Award. Founded in 1999, Table to Table collects fresh and perishable food that otherwise could go to waste and delivers it free of charge to food pantries, shelters, senior centers, child care programs and other community organizations. Table to Table says it works

For more information, contact Director of Admissions Lauren (Rhein) Glarner at 201-4456800, ext. 112, or lglarner@ihanj.com. IHA is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington.

with approximately 466 food donors and delivers to 276 community partners in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties. Since its founding, the Saddle Brook-based nonprofit says it has rescued nearly 133,300 tons of food—enough to provide more than 266 million meals. Tickets and additional information are available at tabletotable.org/chefsgala2026.

Bergen County has been awarded a $70,000 Age-Friendly Community Grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Servicesʼ Division of Aging Services to support planning and community engagement aimed at helping the county remain a place where residents can “grow older” with quality of life. County officials said the grant will support Bergen Countyʼs participation in the Age-Friendly Communities framework, a model developed by the World Health Organization and facilitated in the United States through AARP. The initiative focuses on creating communities that promote health, inclusion and quality of life for residents of all ages. “This grant reinforces what we have long believed in Bergen County—that supporting our older adults strengthens our entire community,” County Executive Jim Tedesco said. Commissioner Mary Amoroso said the effort will include direct resident engagement to better understand day-to-

Archdiocese of Newark honors grandparents

NEWARK — The Archdiocese of Newark celebrated the role grandparents play in their families and the Church with an inaugural afternoon of reflection and Mass in Newark on Sept. 12, one day before American Catholics observed World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The event began with a threehour workshop in which Marilyn Kravatz-Toolan, Ph.D., a family faith formation expert, and Deacon Asterio Velasco, director of the archdiocesan Hispanic Ministry, discussed ways grandparents can share their faith with their grandchildren. Afterward, the grandparents attended a Mass in their honor at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, praised them as a “faithful example of a life well-lived.” He also spoke about the need to cherish the elderly, especially in a society that emphasizes “putting oneself first.” “Each person, together with their families, has irreplaceable dignity,” Cardinal Tobin said, calling older Catholics the “greatest theologians of mercy” because they have developed much wisdom about love and forgiveness over their long lives. “Our elders [refute] the lie that we donʼt need each other.” This event was the first of several initiatives the archdiocesan Office for Family Life Ministry has planned to directly benefit older Catholics. Next, the office will help parishes develop ministries for grandparents and use workshop feedback to guide future efforts. For more information about the Office for Family Life Ministry, visit rcan.org/family-life.

day needs. The county said grant funding will be used to conduct a countywide needs assessment, including surveys and focus groups, with findings to inform an action and evaluation plan and guide future policy and program decisions. Community engagement activities are expected to launch early next year, officials said. The age-friendly framework examines eight “Domains of Livability,” including housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, social participation, communication and access to community and health services.

Bergen County said it currently provides services for older adults through its Division of Senior Services, including countyoperated senior centers, transportation assistance through the Community Transportation Ride Connect program, nutrition support through Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs, Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and benefits screening and general assistance through the Senior HelpLine. More information is available through the Senior HelpLine at (201) 336-7400, the county said.

Hellenic Women’s Club Charity Luncheon Oct. 16

The Hellenic Womenʼs Club of Bergen County is hosting a charity luncheon on Oct. 16 at noon at the Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Michaelʼs future home in Uniondale, N.Y. The luncheon

will feature a special program, including entertainment by Flamenco dancers. For more information and to make reservations by Oct. 6, call (201) 768-3153 or (201) 568-3765. For sponsorship opportunities, contact (917) 374-1033.

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Pancake Breakfast Saturday, October 24 9:00-12:00 Adults $10 / Kids $5 20 S. Summit St. Tenafly, NJ, 07670

Join us at the T e n a f l y S e n io r C e n t e r for a delicious Pancake Breakfast, Halloween Giveaways, Face Painting and Fun! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Don’t forget to wear your Halloween Costumes!

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

County wins $70K state grant on age-friendly work

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News Bergen County Players opens 94th season with Mel Brooks’ ‘The Producers’

ORADELL—Bergen County Players will raise the curtain on its 94th season with the area premiere of Mel Brooksʼ “The Producers,” running Sept. 19 through Oct. 10 at the Little Firehouse Theatre. The production arrives during a milestone year: 2026 marks both the 25th anniversary of the musicalʼs Broadway debut and the 100th anniversary of Brooksʼ birth. Based on Brooksʼ classic 1967 film, “The Producers” follows struggling Broadway producer Max Bialystock and nervous accountant Leo Bloom as they devise a seemingly foolproof scheme to make money by staging the biggest flop in theatrical history. Their plan, naturally, does not unfold as expected. With a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks, the original Broadway production won a record-setting 12 Tony Awards in 2001, including Best Musical. Its best-known numbers include “The King of Broadway,” “I Wanna Be a Producer,” “That Face,” “Along Came Bialy” and “Springtime for Hitler.” Alan Demovsky directs the Bergen County Players production, with Leonardo Leuci serving as

musical director and Nikki Alvarado as choreographer. “Mel Brooksʼ genius lies in taking outrageously bold satire and wrapping it in pure, classic Broadway showmanship,” Demovsky said. “Our goal is to deliver that exact high-energy, laugh-out-loud theatrical magic right here in Oradell. From the spectacular dance numbers to the larger-thanlife characters, our cast and creative team have pulled out all the stops.” Russ Crespolini of Randolph stars as Max Bialystock, with Jesse Kriesel of New City, N.Y., as Leo Bloom. The principal cast also features Lisa Benke of Westfield as Ulla, Larry Brustofski of Oakland as Roger De Bris, Ian Kenny of Jersey City as Franz Liebkind and

Based on Mel Brooks’ classic 1967 film, “The Producers” follows struggling Broadway producer Max Bialystock and nervous accountant Leo Bloom as they devise a seemingly foolproof scheme to make money by staging the biggest flop in theatrical history. Photos by Richard Frant/Frant Visuals

Joey Lozada of Hackensack as Carmen Ghia. The ensemble includes Patrick Dwyer and Nicole Henry of Ridgewood; Beckham Kern of Wyckoff; Ariel Sanchez-Bello of Teaneck; Janica Carpenter of Old Tappan; Carlos Palencia Junior of Fair Lawn; Melissa Giordano of Fort Lee; Kyle Rifkin of River Vale; Rachel Silverstein of Carlstadt; Maria Possavino of Chestnut Ridge; Allana Mariano of Ledgewood; and Joseph Martinez of New York City.

Howell Mayer and Joellen Tierney are the producers. The creative team includes stage manager Michele Roth, assistant directors Kathleen Ruland and Geri Berhain, set and lighting designer Gerard Bourcier, sound designer Derick Delosreyes, costume mistress Rebecca Kaufman and property designer Rich Ciero. Following the performance on Friday, Sept. 25, the theater will hold a “Questions & Artists” talkback with members of the cast and production team.

Bergen County Players will donate a portion of the proceeds from its 2026–27 season to the Food Brigade of Paramus, which provides fresh and packaged groceries to Bergen County families experiencing food insecurity. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with weekend matinees at 2 p.m. (Sunday, Sept. 20 has an early, 1 p.m., matinee.) Tickets are available at bcplayers.org, by calling 201261-4200 or at the Little Firehouse Theatre box office, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell. Discounted advance tickets are available for students 25 and younger for $19 with valid identification. Student rush tickets $10, cash only, beginning 30 minutes before curtain, subject to availability. Group sales, call 201-2614200 and select option 6, or email groups@bcplayers .org. Patrons requiring accessible seating should contact the box office directly. Free parking is available in the Park Avenue municipal lot, approximately one-half block north of the theater; along Kinderkamack Road; and in the municipal lots behind Oradell Borough Hall and the library on Church Street. Founded in 1932, Bergen County Players is a nonprofit, volunteer theater company and one of the nationʼs longest-running community theater organizations.

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Residents voice concerns about flooding, heat The Possums perform at the Nancy Woods Memorial Gazebo in Demarest during Feeding Neighbors Night on Aug. 12. At the event, student reporter Karin Lee polled residents about climate change concerns and their awareness of local resilience efforts. Photo by Karin Lee.

BY KARIN LEE SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

DEMAREST

Bergen County residents on the evening of Aug, 7 received their 10th flash flood warning from the countyʼs Office of Emergency Management amid the countyʼs third heat wave of the summer. The New Jersey Department of Health also reported 387 emergency department visits and 29 suspected heat-related deaths from July 1 to 4. Reports of climate-related risks are increasing. But how concerned are residents, and what are local officials doing on this front? Demarest residents attending a performance by The Possums on Feeding Neighbors Night on Aug. 12 shared their views on climate change through a brief, unscientif-

ic poll. Asked which impacts concerned them most, most respondents selected flooding and extreme heat. Participants rated their concern on a scale from zero, meaning not worried at all, to 10, meaning the most worried they had ever been. Extreme heat received an average rating of 7.7, while flooding averaged 7.43. Responses varied. One resi-

Caregiver workshop Oct. 13

ENGLEWOOD — Nancy Oh of Bonya Cares will present “The Caregiverʼs Essential Toolkit: Five Steps to Get Organized” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. on Zoom through the Englewood Public Library. The workshop will help caregivers organize medical, insurance and care-coordination information, with practical guidance for medical visits, communicating

with hospital staff and finding caregiving resources. Register at bccls.libcal.com/event/ 17395634. The Zoom link will be emailed one hour before the program starts. For more information, contact David at 201-568-2215, ext. 8230, or programming@ englewood.bccls.org.

dent said limited funding restricts the boroughʼs ability to address flooding and extreme heat, adding that such large-scale issues should be addressed at the state or county level. Other respondents said they did not know what Demarest was doing to address these issues. According to Mayor Bernstein, the boroughʼs approach to flooding involves several measures. “I donʼt know that thereʼs a single step thatʼs taken. I think all steps are interrelated, and each contributes toward the overall mitigating effect that the council wants to achieve with respect to water.” Efforts include improving road drainage, installing catch basins, requiring seepage pits and other stormwater-management measures for new construction, and seeking outside funding. At the June 23 council meeting, Borough Clerk Julie Falkenstern said Demarest had submitted

an initial request for $2.5 million through the Water Resources Development Act for stream maintenance. As of Bernsteinʼs latest update, the borough had not received approval for the federal funding. In a separate interview, Borough Engineer Nick Chelius described how flood mitigation is incorporated into new construction. “Rather than it being a big project we did to reduce flooding, itʼs more like we are just constantly monitoring all the construction thatʼs going on to make sure they are complying with all the rules that are already placed to mitigate flooding,” Chelius said. New construction requires seepage pits, which temporarily store stormwater and allow it to return gradually to the soil, reducing runoff into rivers, streams and neighboring properties. Demarest is also developing a Watershed state-required Improvement Plan to address watershed conditions and potential flooding.

While the poll showed similar levels of concern about extreme heat and flooding, officials described fewer municipal measures specifically addressing heat. Chelius said he was not aware of any projects related to extreme heat. Planning Board member Todd Adelman said rising temperatures could increase electricity demand through greater use of air conditioning and heat pumps. He noted the importance of good insulation and roofs that meet building codes. Adelman also discussed potentially recommending reflective roofs. “Weʼre not there yet, but I can see when we are going to get there.” For now, Demarestʼs efforts focus largely on flooding and stormwater management. The survey suggests an information gap as well: Most respondents said they were unaware of what the borough was doing to address their concerns. About the author: Karin Lee is a student at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest who is interviewing residents and local officials across the Northern Valley to explore how towns view their vulnerability to climate change, particularly around flooding and extreme heat. Northern Valley Press is proud to amplify the voices of student journalists. For more information write editor@thepressgroup.net

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A family fall springs up at Metropolitan Farm of the season abound. There are pumpkins, gourds and decorative squash in many colors — traditional orange, greens, blues, yellows, white and other hues — for your decorating or carving needs. Choose from many shapes and sizes to complete your own harvest scene.

brushes of celosia and other fall annuals. In the nursery area, explore fall-flowering perennials, evergreens, deer-resistant plants (deer repellents always help!) and ornamental trees. Perhaps youʼll find something special for that perfect little corner or a line of shrubs to march along a walkway. Metropolitan Farm also sells bagged mulches and lawn and garden soils to help with planting

preparation. Add a bag of starter fertilizer to help roots become established before winter sets in. While youʼre there, pick up a dozen eggs from the on-site hens — come early in the day for the best availability! The goats always enjoy some attention, too. And be sure to say hello to the four Maine coon cats: Adree (the original!), Ace, Alex and their new, fast-growing baby brother, Andy.

Complement them with straw bales, mini or large, ornamental grasses, flowering plants, and fall and Halloween decorations. There are shrieking ghosts, spooky signs, scarecrows, witches, black cats, metal sunflowers and much more to discover at the farm. Traditional and nontraditional plants are also available for your autumn display or to fill that empty spot in the garden where the geraniums melted from Augustʼs drenching rains. Choose from mums, asters, brilliant paint-

‘Salon 561’ showcases TASOC faculty

DEMAREST — The Art School at Old Churchʼs annual faculty exhibition, “Salon 561,” returns to the Mikhail Zakin Gallery Sept. 25 through Oct. 16. The salon-style exhibition features visual arts and crafts created by faculty members in their own studios, offering visitors a look at the work of the artists behind the schoolʼs classes. Proceeds will benefit the schoolʼs programs and financial aid initiatives. The public was invited to

meet the artists at a reception Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Light snacks and refreshments were served. The gallery adjoins the school at 561 Piermont Road. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Founded in 1974, the nonprofit Art School at Old Church and its gallery serve more than 5,000 participants of all ages annually, according to the school. Call Justin Lerant at (201) 446-6104.

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OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

The cool weather has arrived again, and everyone knows what that means — pumpkin spice time! No, thatʼs not where this was heading. Pumpkins, yes. Pumpkin spice, not so much. Another fall season has arrived at Metropolitan Farm in Closte and bright, cheerful signs

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

THE GROWING MYOPIA EPIDEMIC AND WHAT PARENTS CAN DO ABOUT IT Advertisement By Lorenzo Stampone, OD As summer winds down and a new school year begins, parents are busy preparing their children for academic success. While shopping for school supplies and organizing schedules, one important item should also be on the back-to-school checklist: a comprehensive eye examination. Children spend more time than ever reading, using computers, tablets, and smartphones, while spending less time outdoors. This shift in lifestyle has contributed to a dramatic increase in myopia (nearsightedness), making it one of the fastest-growing eye health concerns worldwide. In fact, experts estimate that by 2050, nearly half of the worldʼs population will be myopic. Many parents think myopia simply means a child will need stronger glasses each year. While that is certainly inconvenient and costly, the greater concern is that worsening myopia often means the eye is growing longer than normal. As the eye elongates, the risk of serious eye diseases later in life—including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration—increases significantly. The good news is that myopia can often be slowed. Advances in eye care have led to proven treatments that help reduce the progression of myopia during childhood. At River Vale Eyecare, we offer two FDA-approved options: Essilor

ment begins, the more effective it can be. Children whose prescriptions are changing each year or who have one or both parents who are nearsighted Learn whether myopia management is right for your child. Schedule a Myopia Assessment at River Vale Eyecare, 688 Westwood Ave., River Vale with Dr. Robin Semegran or Dr. Lorenzo Stampone. Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment, or call or text (201) 664-5596.

Stellest™ eyeglass lenses and CooperVision MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. These specially designed lenses help slow the eyeʼs growth by changing how light focuses on the retina, sending signals that reduce the stimulus for the eye to continue elongating. Clinical studies have shown these treatments can slow myopia progression by approximately 60%–70%, helping many children maintain lower prescriptions and reducing their long-term risk of vision-threatening eye disease. The earlier myopia manage-

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may be especially good candidates for treatment. Again, experts estimate that by 2050, nearly half of the worldʼs population will be myopic. If youʼd like to learn whether myopia management is right for your child, schedule a Myopia Assessment at River Vale Eyecare, 688 Westwood Ave., River Vale, with Dr. Robin Semegran or Dr. Lorenzo Stampone. Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment, or call or text (201) 664-5596.

Program invites valley schools to ‘Love Where You Learn’

Northern Valley public and private schools are invited to turn campus cleanups into lessons in environmental responsibility through “Love Where You Learn,” a new initiative from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. The program connects schools with local Clean Communities coordinators to establish designated Litter Free School Zones. Participating schools agree to conduct at least two campus cleanups during the school year and include litterawareness education. Environmental clubs, Key Clubs and other student groups may organize the activities, or teachers can incorporate them into existing environmental education and community service programs. “Love Where You Learn is about creating a culture of pride and

responsibility that extends well beyond a single cleanup,” said Linda Doherty, chair of the councilʼs board of trustees. “When young people take ownership of their school environment, we hope they carry that same sense of responsibility into their neighborhoods and communities.” Local Clean Communities programs may offer guidance, funding and cleanup supplies such as gloves, bags, safety vests and litter grabbers. Participating schools will receive Litter Free School Zone signs and may receive certificates and other recognition. Students may also earn community service hours. The suggested schedule includes cleanups in October or November and March or April, with results reported and participants recognized in May. Schools will docu-

ment volunteer hours, student participation, collected litter and recyclables, and educational activities. School staff should first secure approval from their principal or school board and designate a representative. They can then contact their local Clean Communities coordinator, complete a participation agreement and order a personalized sign. For information, visit njclean.org.

Bergen Center for Child Development tricky tray

The Bergen Center for Child Development will hold its inaugural tricky tray Saturday, Oct. 17, at 140 Park St., Haworth. Doors open at 11 a.m., and prize calling begins at noon. Tickets are $40 in advance through Eventbrite or bergencenter.com and $50 at the door. Admission includes one sheet of raffle tickets and a selection of brunch items. Additional ticket packages will be available for purchase. Featured prizes include a 60-inch television and a Nespresso machine. Proceeds will benefit the school and support students with disabilities. The school also is seeking sponsors and prize-basket donations, which will be accepted through Oct. 8. To contribute, email hlange@bccdschool.com or akauman@bccdschool.com. Donations also may be made at bergencenter.com.

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Thoughts amid ADHD Awareness Month

Advertisement ctober is National ADHD Awareness Month, a good time to ask: Are we doing enough to understand BOOST YOUR c h i l d r e n ʼ s BRAIN POWER brains, or simBy Dr. Eric Kaplan, ply trying to make children DC, DACNB, fit into environFACFN, FABVR

ments never designed for them? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a real neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adults. Diagnosis and treatment require careful evaluation because attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity can also be influenced by sleep, anxiety, stress and other factors. The modern classroom creates a contradiction. We tell children movement is healthy, then ask them to sit quietly for hours.

We expect concentration after a morning at a desk, an afternoon in a car and an evening in front of a screen. Then we become surprised when someone cannot sit still. Physical activity supports brain function, mood and attention. Research has found associations between physical activity and improvements in aspects of cognition and executive function in children. Perhaps recess deserves more respect. For many children, movement may be part

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of learning. Lifestyle matters as well. Children need adequate sleep, water, nutritious food and opportunities to move. Highly processed diets containing large amounts of added sugar are not ideal for anyone. Some studies suggest artificial food colors may worsen hyperactive behavior in susceptible children. That does not mean every child with ADHD needs a special diet, but parents can consider the entire picture alongside professional treatment. Caffeine deserves attention. Soda, coffee and energy drinks can interfere with sleep and may increase jitteriness, heart rate and anxiety. Children generally do not need energy drinks. They already have more energy than most adults could purchase at a luxury car dealership. Water is a better everyday beverage. Sleep may be an overlooked piece of the attention puzzle. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health emphasize adequate sleep for childrenʼs learning, memory, emotional regulation and overall health. A chronically exhausted child may appear inattentive, irritable or hyperactive. An evaluation of attention problems should include a basic question: Is the child sleeping enough? Then there is the smartphone. Short videos, notifications, games and social media are designed to capture attention repeatedly. Research on digital media and attention is evolving, and it would be too simple to claim phones cause ADHD. However, excessive screen use can interfere with sleep, physical activity and sustained attention. After hours jumping from one short video to another, sitting quietly with a textbook may feel difficult. Parents can consider technology-free periods, especially before bedtime. Dim the lights, put phones away, read a book, take a walk and have a conversation. Blue light from screens can affect circadian rhythms and melatonin timing, particularly late at night. Nighttime screen exposure can interfere with healthy sleep, and poor sleep can make attention problems worse. Medication can be an impor-

tant treatment for appropriately diagnosed ADHD, and stimulants have been studied extensively. They can also cause side effects, including decreased appetite, sleep problems and increased heart rate, and should be prescribed and monitored by qualified clinicians. The brain is adaptable. Attention and executive function involve networks throughout the brain, including frontal regions responsible for planning, inhibition and decision-making. ADHD is not simply caused by one weak spot in the frontal cortex. Children have different strengths and weaknesses, which is why individualized evaluation matters. During ADHD Awareness Month, perhaps we should stop asking only, “How do we make this child sit still?” Instead, ask, “What does this childʼs brain need to function better?” Movement, sleep, hydration, nutritious food, time outside, social interaction and structure all deserve attention, alongside professional evaluation and treatment when appropriate. At Kaplan Brain & Body, we are offering a VNG evaluation for $21 and a one-on-one neurological session for $21 for a limited time. These services can be used as part of a broader evaluation of balance, neurological function and individual needs. Call or text 201-261-2150, email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or visit kaplandc.com for information. For more information about brain health, follow me on social media and listen to “Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan” every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. on AM 970 and from 2 to 3 p.m. on AM 710. My book, “Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory and Focus,” is also available on Amazon. This ADHD Awareness Month, letʼs remember that children are not computers that need to be rebooted when they become inconvenient. They are developing human beings. Sometimes the smartest thing we can do for a busy brain is give it room to move, sleep, play, learn and grow.

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OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Tenafly:

Presented by the boroughʼs rec and police departments the event featured dozens of local vendors and community organizations. Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians greeted families and shared safety information. Ambulance corps members demonstrated CPR, while the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department invited children to tour its bomb squad vehicle. Restaurants and stores served samples ranging from empanadas to pasta and wraps. Police grilled hot dogs, and members of Tenafly Elks Lodge 2271 served hamburgers.

FROM PAGE 1

School of Rock Cresskill provided live music. Children enjoyed an inflatable slide, a carousel and a chance to meet a corn snake with naturalists from the Tenafly Nature Center.

Mayor Mark Zinna, Assemblywoman Shama Haider and other local and county officials joined the crowd for the threehour celebration. “Itʼs a great evening!” Zinna said. Hillary Viders photos

24 ASK THE APPRAISER!

OCTOBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Magnificent chandelier valued at a hefty $20,000

Hello Jon. Weʼve wanted to ask you about this very large chandelier for some time. According to my late grandfather, he and his father helped demolish the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 1920s to make way for the Empire State Building. He said this chandelier was going to be discarded, so he retrieved it from a junk pile on the street outside the demolished building and took it home to Queens. Iʼve owned it since the early 1980s and have no idea what to do with it. It currently hangs from two iron beams in my garage. It is

4Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers your questions on fine art, American coins, and great antiques. Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

very heavy and measures about 60 inches tall. Can you identify its manufacturer, approximate age and potential value? I may be wrong, but I think it is valuable. Thank you for your help. We love your article each week. — Nancy

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Hi, Nancy, It seems every grand crystal light fixture Iʼve encountered over the years allegedly escaped from the Titanic, the Waldorf Astoria or the Rockefeller estate. Establishing provenance requires evidence beyond family lore. The original Waldorf Astoria Hotel opened in 1893. If your chandelier dates to that era, its manufacturing methods can offer clues. Wiring is especially useful: Fixtures from the 1890s were often “gasoliers,” built for gas, or early conversions to electricity. In my opinion, you own a magnificent French gilt-bronze 21-light chandelier dating to the late 19th century. Its imposing scale and exceptional sculptural richness make it a tour de force of Parisian decorative art. The expansive circular corona is surmounted by stylized foliate motifs and supports a suspended etched-glass bowl within a deeply pierced framework of Cscrolls. Acanthus-leaf finials crown the composition, while finely modeled mermaids hold candle branches aloft, lending movement and theatricality. Its lavish sculptural bronze

The circular corona is surmounted by stylized foliate motifs and supports a suspended etched-glass bowl within a deeply pierced framework of C-scrolls. Leaf finials crown the composition, while finely modeled mermaids hold candle branches aloft

and commanding proportions would have suited a grand hotel such as the Waldorf Astoria, where scale and brilliance were essential to the architectural effect. Suitability, however, does

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not establish that it hung there. Chandeliers of this elaborate type reflect the craftsmanship of leading late-19th-century Parisian bronziers, including workshops such as that of Ferdinand Barbedienne, whom I recently wrote about. This comparison does not establish a maker for your chandelier. The mythological figures, luxuriant foliage and superb gilding exemplify the Belle Époque taste for monumental lighting that bridges functional objects and decorative art. Its substantial size and specialized installation requirements limit the pool of potential buyers. Despite its artistic merit, i t s market value depends heavily on finding someone with both the space and the design need for such a fixture. Taking those factors into account, I estimate its market value at $20,000. The Waldorf Astoria connection remains unsubstantiated; a period photograph showing the chandelier in the hotel would help establish that provenance. R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River, N.Y. Call (845) 735-1313 Visit rzmantiques.com

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PCAT:

the churchʼs effort to bring neighbors together through the arts. “Our Outreach program aims

FROM PAGE 1

to connect people and change lives through sharing extraordinary experiences of the arts,” Pastor Martin Ritchie said. “Weʼre thrilled to have so many incredibly talented people in our local neighborhood, and even more delighted that they are willing to share their gifts with us.”

Following the open house, Singerʼs exhibition will remain on view through Nov. 30. Visitors may see it free of charge Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. The focus turns to music Sunday, Oct. 25, when mezzo-soprano Christina Hart and her husband,

pianist Jason Hart, present “The Golden Hour” at 4:30 p.m. in the churchʼs Old Stone Chapel. The couple met at Florida Southern Collegeʼs music school and have performed together for more than 25 years at venues in New York, New Jersey, Tennessee and Florida. Their hometown recital will explore romance, warmth and quiet beauty through four musical sets featuring poetry set to song in Eng-

lish, French, Spanish and German. “We canʼt wait to welcome more local people to our church this fall to share in this central part of our mission,” Ritchie said. All are welcome. Admission is free, and donations supporting the churchʼs arts outreach program are welcome. For information, visit tenaflypresby.org, email Office@tenaflypresby.org or call 201-567-0111.

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Left: Ellen Nathan Singer’s “Charleston Market” pastel. Right: Mezzo-soprano Christina Hart and her husband, pianist Jason Hart.

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St. Anthony Church, 199 Walnut St., Northvale, will hold its annual blessing of the animals Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon in the church parking lot. All pets are welcome and should be leashed or in carriers. For information, call 201-768-1177. Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit St., Norwood, will bless pets Sunday, Oct. 4, following the noon Mass in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 10 County Road, Tenafly, offers Childrenʼs Liturgy of the Word for grades K–5 during Sundayʼs 10 a.m. Mass. Participation is free; no registration is required. For information or to volunteer as a catechetical leader, email Jennifer

at jennifer.schippert@gmail.com. The parishʼs Menʼs Cornerstone group offers prayer, friendship and support on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The next meeting is Oct. 7 at St. Maryʼs Church, 20 Legion Place, Closter. All men of the parish are welcome. Call Deacon Michael Giuliano at 201-983-1591. The Mount Carmel Book Club meets Oct. 13 in the church conference room. The morning group will discuss “Augustine the African” by Catherine Conybeare at 9:15 a.m.; the evening group will discuss “The Things We Never Say” by Elizabeth Strout at 7:30 p.m. New members are welcome. Email Elliot Guerra at guerra@academyolmc.org.

PARAMUS—The Knights of Columbus, Msgr. McCorristin Assembly 1289, will host a Columbus Day Italian Dinner Extravaganza from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Our Lady of the Visitation, 234 N. Farview Ave. The evening will feature Italian food, live entertainment and fellowship. The menu includes

garden salad, garlic focaccia, pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, flank steak, meatballs, vegetables and dessert. Beer, wine, soda, coffee and tea will also be available. Admission is $35 for adults in advance and $40 at the door, $20 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children younger than 6. To reserve, call Chuck Capone at (201) 599-1636.

K of C plans Columbus Day Italian dinner

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TEANECK — The Puffin Cultural Forum has appointed Celeste Lannen-Kooistra as artistic director to lead its new season of performances, exhibitions and community arts programs. Lannen-Kooistra brings more than a decade of programming and event management experience, including work with the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts and The 92nd Street Y, known as 92NY. At 92NY, she launched and ran Collective by 92NY, a program for adults in their 20s and 30s that increased attendance among younger audiences, according to the Forum. Her experience also includes nonprofit fundraising galas for the Harmony Program, Lycée Français de New York and the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She has volunteered with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Dancers Responding to AIDS. “I have spent much of my

tions, artist appearances and comedy are also planned. “We have always believed in the power of art to bring people together, spark conversation, and inspire change,” Rosenstein said. The Forum said its program-

career striving to create meaningful programs that make a lasting impact on the communities I serve,” Lannen-Kooistra said in the announcement. “There is nothing quite like seeing the joy on patronsʼ faces as they leave an event feeling inspired, connected, or positively

impacted by the experience.” Gladys Rosenstein, executive director of The Puffin Foundation, said the Forum plans to expand its community arts offerings while continuing its jazz, classical and folk music performances. Exhibi-

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Election:

said. Early voting runs nine days before the election, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1 at 10 countywide locations, where registered voters in any Bergen County town can cast early ballots. A Mahwah location at Bergen Countyʼs Law & Public Safety Institute is new this year. Miller said Sept. 22 that he anticipated receiving more than 60,000 vote-by-mail ballots in the Nov. 3 General Election, following the U.S. Supreme Courtʼs recent rejection of President Donald J. Trumpʼs executive order to implement a new mail-in voting system controlled by the U.S. Postal Service. That order was halted and will not go into effect, the court ruled. On Sept. 14, the U.S. Supreme Court nixed Trumpʼs executive order that would have required the postal service to preapprove ballot envelope designs

FROM PAGE 8

and require states to provide lists of all voters receiving mail-in ballots. The SCOTUS ruling came after two federal judges previously issued stays. Under the U.S. Constitution, states are responsible for elections and election administration, not the federal government. The executive orderʼs requirements would have likely disenfranchised “a significant number of otherwise appropriate absentee and mail-in ballots,” according to a prior federal court decision. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Governor Mikie Sherrill issued a statement: “Once again, a court has halted Trumpʼs attack on vote by mail and this time, itʼs by a judge Trump appointed. Thatʼs because the Constitution is clear: states run elections, not the federal government,” Sherrill said. Only a week after the ruling, the League of Women Voters Interleague Organization held a livestreamed 90-minute webinar. Titled Voting and Security: Bergen County Election Officials Answer Your Questions, the Q&A session featured Taranto and Miller. LWV officials Ilene Kahn and Nike Bach

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HELP WANTED EMERSON PUBLIC LIBRARY seeks two parttime Circulation Assistants: one for Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and occasional Saturdays; and one for Tuesdays, 2–8 p.m., Fridays, 2–5 p.m., and occasional Saturdays. Both positions pay $16.30 per hour and start Tuesday, Sept. 29. Also seeking a part-time Bookkeeper, approximately 6 hours per month, at $26–$30 per hour, depending on experience, starting Thursday, Oct. 1. Must be proficient in Quickbooks. Send résumé and references to Camille Valentino, Director, at valentino@ emerson.bccls.org. No phone calls, please.

moderated the session, assisted by LWVʼs Elissa Kapp. You can view the recording of the event here.

In a worse case scenario, Miller said elections officials can get speedy counsel from a state government attorney and judge on how to handle a situation. Taranto said that voters will not be encountering any troops or police outside their local polling stations. “Itʼs just not happening. Youʼre not going to see patrols at the polls, itʼs not something for voters to worry about,” she added.

ʻUnlawfulʼ to have police at polls One topic focused on what a voter could do if they saw election interference occurring, such as an ICE agent, or FBI, or police outside a polling place. Taranto said that it is “unlawful” to have officers or police stationed outside a polling place. She said “no uniformed officers” can be at polling places unless theyʼre responding to an active threat at the polling place. “You cannot have National Guard or ICE agents patrolling” outside a polling place, Taranto said. She said it was a “federal law and a federal crime” to have armed law enforcement at a polling place. Miller said if an individual is causing a disturbance inside or outside of a polling place, he advised voters to request that the onsite Super Poll Worker be notified and they should handle the situation. Also, municipal clerks can be notified, and like the Super Poll Worker, they can ask the individual to leave the premises.

35 secure drop boxes for mail ballots Miller explained when voteby-mail ballots are collected daily from 35 drop boxes countywide, they are collected by one Democrat and one Republican, accompanied by a sheriffʼs officer, logged, and delivered in a sealed bag back to the county clerkʼs office. Then the ballots are logged into the countyʼs system and then scanned by ballot readers that record the votes. Paper copies of the ballots are kept for later election audits. The countyʼs system is not online and the scanned ballots are not transmitted over the internet, officials said. The countyʼs 35 drop boxes are monitored 24/7 by security

Englewood Cliffs were awarded sums of $218,471. Englewood received the funds for improvements to Morris Park, including a new ADA-accessible playground structure with new equipment. Englewood Cliffs received its funds for Johnson Field upgrades, including restoration

of tennis courts, vegetation removal, surfacing, nets and posts. Other grant awards: • Cresskill: $115,500 for Terhune and Cranford Parks: Upgraded acrylic sports surface, ADA-compliant walkways • Demarest: $132,229, for Wakelee Field Tennis courts new asphalt, tack coat, court surfacing, netting, and fencing Park: • Harrington $100,000, for Swim Club walking path, signage, dog waste stations, trash receptacles

Grants: FROM PAGE 3

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HELP WANTED RIVER VALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Employment Opportunities 2026-2027 School Year. The River Vale BOE is seeking candidates for: • School Lunch Aides • Special Education Aides View individual postings on the district website: www.rivervaleschools .com To Apply: Email a cover letter, current resume to: HR@rivervaleschools .com River Vale Public Schools Office of the Superintendent. EEO/AA MEDIA SALES

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HELP WANTED The River Vale BOE is seeking candidates for the following part-time positions: • School Bus/Van Driver • School Bus/Van Aide View individual postings on district website at www.rivervaleschools .com. To apply: Forward a cover letter, current resume, to email: HR@rivervaleschools .com. River Vale Public Schools Office of the Superintendent. EEO/AA.

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cameras, Miller said, and all boxes will be emptied for the last time, locked and sealed at 8 p.m., Nov. 3, when the election ends. Taranto said the vote by mail packets have a new look, including a newly designed inner certificate where mail-in ballots are to be sealed, plus a new instruction guide and mailing envelope. A brochure mailed to voters called, “3 Ways to Vote In The Nov. 3 General Election,” discusses the new updates for “simple, safe and secure voting by mail.” Taranto suggested that someone mailing a ballot through the U.S. Postal Service should ask for the ballot to be manually postmarked on the date it is being mailed. Generally, the officials recommend using a secure drop box to send back mail-in ballots, as these are collected daily up to and including Election Day. Miller noted that recently about 32,000 individuals were removed from the countyʼs registered voter rolls due to those individuals either passing away CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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30 ENGLEWOOD—For years, members of Congregation Kol HaNeshamah have shared responsibility for more than keeping a synagogue running. They lead prayers, read Torah, offer teachings and support one another through celebrations and difficult times. Now the egalitarian Jewish congregation is marking that history with KH@30, a yearlong anniversary celebration that will bring together current members, former members and the now-adult children who grew up in its community. The series includes a January gala, visiting scholars, community service and an April homecoming Shabbat, with opportunities for newcomers to participate as well. “Kol HaNeshamah has always been about much more than a place to pray,” said congregation Presi-

Election:

or moving out of state. If a Sample Ballot is received for an individual no longer at the address cited. Taranto suggested residents simply mark the Sample Ballot with “return to sender” and note if the person has moved, passed away, or no longer lives there. That allows the Supt. of Elections Office to remove the person from voting rolls, she said. Copies of all 70 townsʼ Sample Ballots can also be found on the county clerkʼs website.

FROM PAGE 28

dent Elyse Haber. “It is a community in which people show up for one another — to celebrate, to learn, to question, to serve and, when necessary, to support one another through difficult times. Our 30th anniversary gives us an opportunity both to honor what generations of members have built and to imagine what we can build together in the years ahead.” Kol HaNeshamah, Hebrew for “Voice of the Soul,” combines traditional and contemporary elements in informal, participatory services. The congregation welcomes people from a range of Jewish backgrounds and levels of observance and is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Its rabbi-in-residence, Rabbi Ethan Linden, is director of educational operations and design for the

Taranto said that complete election results are certified by 15 days after the election. Vote by mail results are generally posted shortly after 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, followed by early voting tallies, she said. Election Day results, which comprise the majority of voting on elections, are added last. Voting results are not official until all qualifying late-arrival ballots are counted, plus provisionals, she said. Provisional ballots are used when the registered voter may have been sent a mail-in ballot, or is confused about whether they voted, or simply wants to vote in person. Sometimes a person claims not to have voted but their registration

Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and a former director of Ramah Berkshires. His work with the congregation emphasizes prayer, learning and building community. The anniversary program spans the Jewish year 5787, with a Progressive Dinner Sukkah Hop scheduled for Sept. 30 to open the celebration. Rabbi Aviva Richman will visit as scholar-in-residence for a Shabbaton Oct. 23–24. A Hanukkah dinner celebration is scheduled for Dec. 4, followed by the 30th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 30, 2027. Scholar and storyteller Miriam Anzovin will lead a session Feb. 28. On April 9–10, a Welcome Home Shabbat will invite former members and those raised in the congregation to return. That weekend will also feature a musical Shabbaton led by

information shows they voted. In that case, those individuals are offered a provisional ballot until it can be determined whether they voted. “Even if someone does try (to vote twice), only one ballot can be counted per person,” Taranto said. And only one vote is counted per person, she stressed. Miller said previously about 10,000 provisional ballots were cast, and about 4,000 of those voters had already voted by mail. She told us, “Donʼt be discouraged from voting. Vote early if you can. If you have a mail-in ballot, use it and put it in a drop box rather than opting to vote provisionally at the polls. Bring your

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of State Division of Elections coordinates the statewide Voter Information Portal, and provides election information at https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml. Important upcoming dates: Oct. 13 is voter registration deadline for the General Election; Oct. 21 is the mailing of Sample Ballots for the General Election; Vote By Mail applications are due Oct. 27. To avoid Election Day lines or inclement weather, county election officials recommend voters consider voting by mail or early voting starting Oct. 24 at one of 10 polling locations.

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Sample Ballot with you to the polls for faster check-in,” she advised. Taranto noted that Nov. 9 is the deadline for receipt of timely mailed postmarked mail-in ballots (six days after election) and Nov. 14 is the deadline for receipt of cure forms for mail-in ballots. For more election information, contact https://www.bergencountyclerk.gov/ or your municipal clerk. The County Clerkʼs Office lists information under the Elections & Voting tab, and provides election and voting updates on its home page regularly. Often, news banners scroll across the page to alert visitors to updates about elections. The New Jersey Department

verman said in a joint statement. “We want this year to bring together the people who built Kol HaNeshamah, the people who call it home today and those who may become part of its next chapter. KH@30 is a celebration of the relationships and shared experiences that turn a congregation into a community.” Kol HaNeshamah holds Shabbat and holiday services at 9:45 a.m. on the St. Paulʼs campus, 113 Engle St. Visitors are welcome.

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Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz. Additional plans include a Community Mitzvah Day, participation in the Salute to Israel Parade and a discussion marking the 30th anniversary of Philip Rothʼs novel “American Pastoral.” Service remains a central part of the congregationʼs work. Its projects include blood, food and clothing drives; serving meals at Ronald McDonald House; providing holiday gifts for people in need; and supporting lone soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Organizers describe those efforts as expressions of chesed, or lovingkindness, and tikkun olam, often understood as repairing the world. “Thirty years is both a milestone and an invitation,” KH@30 co-chairs Rebecca Ivry and Gail Sil-

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