Northern Valley Press, Jan. 20 (south edition)

GOT TALENT?

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Singers and dancers, comedians and poets—no mater your medium, all talented folks who live or work in the city can audition for ʻEnglewoodʼs Got Talent.ʼ

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SEE PAGE 3

ALPINE • CRESSKILL • ENGLEWOOD • ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS • TEANECK • TENAFLY

JANUARY 20, 2020

FRIENDS GATHER Valentine’s AT THE LIBRARY Greetings

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Us Your

Published in February 10th Edition SEE PAGE 2

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FIRE DEP’T STAFFING SET WITH LAWSUIT Concert, networking event invites support STILL PENDING

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

NORTHERN VALLEY

BILL TO END RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS FOR VACCINES DELAYED

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Advocates for a bill to eliminate religious exemptions to vaccines—cited by an estimated 14,000 students statewide— vowed to reintroduce the measure soon after coming up one vote short in the last legislative session Jan. 13 after hundreds of vocal anti-vaccine parents and supporters rallied against its passage.

The increase in unvaccinated children has jumped more than 600 percent from a decade ago, warned health officials, with measles cases also increasing nationally and a regional outbreak in nearby Rockland County, New York, in early 2019.

Opponents said the bill violated their constitutional rights by requiring them to vaccinate their children against their will.

Many opponents charge that vaccinations may cause more

See Vaccines on page 154

ENGLEWOOD

ENGLEWOOD LIBRARY FRIENDS AND STAFF: (kneeling, from left) Jonathan Nacht, Esperanza Pacheco, Adolfo Borromeo; (standing, from left) Dorothy Nelson-Gille, Director John Arthur, Irmari Nacht, Ella Urdang, Louise Schwartz, Birgitha Tray, Deiadre Helm and Bobbie Bouton-Goldberg.

BY HILLARY VIDERS SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

The Friends of the Englewood Public Library held a special event Jan. 14 that showcased the good work their organization does supporting and boosting library programming and special events.

At “Music, Munchies and Members,” guests and members of the Friends enjoyed a performance

by noted concert pianist Carolyn Enger, along with delicious refreshments, while learning about the nonprofit organizationʼs ongoing initiatives.

“We hope new members will join our lively group in helping us do good things for the library,” said Friends President Ella Urdang.

Urdang said the Friends are seeking more vol-

Continued on page 23

PHOTO BY HILLARY VIDERS

A GREENER FUTURE

Polystyrene food containers could soon be a thing of the past in Englewood.

See page 12

Englewood has agreed to maintain fire department staffing at 49 firefighters—five more than the current roster—for the duration of a three-year $607,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, while pending litigation brought by 10 firefighters suing for “wrongful termination” appears to be nearing resolution.

Current department staffing is 44 firefighters.

FEMA grant officials told Northern Valley Press that FEMA and Englewood had agreed that the city must maintain at least 49 firefighters as a “maintenance level/staffing number” for the grantʼs three-year timeline.

The agreement between the city and FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant officials was confirmed by a FEMA spokesperson, though he could not provide any comment on previous city budgeting for up to 59 firefighters, as stated repeatedly in their federal grant application.

However, the city can certainly hire additional firefighters, said FEMA officials.

The terminated firefightersʼ lawsuit alleges the city illegally

See Staffing on page 144

B ck in time...

Tenaflyʼs railroad station is a high point of borough heritage, but do you know its true importance.

See page 4

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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Booker suspends year-long presidential effort

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

After a nearly year-long campaign to make headway in the

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better. I will miss seeing you Democratic Presidential priand Rosario on the trail, but mary, Harrington Park native not for long. The fight continand U.S. Sen. Cory Booker ues,” wrote Yang. suspended his campaign Moving forward, Booker Monday, Jan. 13, citing a said he did not believe he had lack of campaign funds and the resources to remain comhis failure to make the latest petitive—having raised about nationally-televised primary $6.6 million in 2019ʼs last debate held last week. quarter—and would need to Since kicking off his be in Washington, D.C. for campaign in February 2019, Trumpʼs Senate trial, further Booker has generated much interrupting his campaign. interest but lagged consisBookerʼs fundraising was tently in polls and fundraisonly a fraction of funds raised ing. by other top Democratic canAccording to Mondidates including Joe Biden, mouth Universityʼs latest Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth poll, Booker was polling at 1 Warren, and Pete Buttigieg. percent support in New Bookerʼs campaign Hampshire, and about 3 pertheme was to restore a sense cent in Iowa, the two early U.S. Sen. Cory Booker has left the campaign trail, of community to America, Democratic primary states.

Booker had qualified for dropping out of the Democratic primaries for a calling on Americaʼs citizens the first five presidential presidential nominee. The Harrington Park native is to come together in “common debates with polling numbers pictured here in a Northern Valley Press file photo. purpose” for greater justice and social change. ranging from 3-5 percent, but He pushed for reform of failed to qualify for Decemberʼs mourning when a year-long effort comes to an end,” he told Maddow. gun laws including a national gun debate and the January debate.

“Itʼs with a full heart that I “But the experience itself, the peo- license, reforms to criminal justice share this news—Iʼm suspending ple Iʼve met, the irrationally com- including marijuana legalization my campaign for president. To my mitted folks to the vision and the and expunging records of people team, supporters, and everyone who mission that we had in this cam- convicted of marijuana-involved gave me a shot—thank you. I am so paign, that just lifts me and my heart crimes.

Even Democratic presidential proud of what we built, and I feel is really full.”

Booker said he ran the type of candidate Mike Bloomberg—a nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together,” wrote Booker campaign he preferred, the same latecomer to the primary camtype of positive campaign he ran paign—commented on Bookerʼs on Twitter Jan. 13 at 8 a.m. when he was elected mayor in leaving the race.

“Cory Booker ran a strong and Newark. ʻPerfect stormʼ “The call of the country right substantive campaign to lift and Appearing Monday on Rachel Maddowʼs MSNBC show, Booker now is to mobilize this nation to inspire Americans, which speaks to said he called off his run for presi- deal with the problems that are big- the heart of the guy that Iʼve known dent due to a “perfect storm” of not ger than our partisanship,” he said. and supported for many years — qualifying for Tuesdayʼs candidate “Itʼs not about beating somebody from when we worked together on debate and lack of campaign fund- else, itʼs about winning this nation, issues as mayors. New Jersey is which means bringing us together.” lucky to have Cory fighting for ing.

“Clearly I was not good them,” tweeted Bloomberg.

“For us, it was a perfect storm,” Bookerʼs departure even merBooker said on the MSNBC show. enough to get that message ited attention from President Don“It was not making the debate stage. through,” he added.

Fellow candidates bemoaned ald Trump, who issued a sarcastic It was being off the field for a week or two. We just got hit with every- Bookerʼs withdrawal from the cam- tweet marking his campaignʼs thing at once and had to make the paign, including Andrew Yang, who demise.

“Really Big Breaking News tweeted his support. call.”

“Cory Booker—my friend, my (Kidding): Booker, who was in He told the host that he enjoyed the “experience itself” but he will brother. Running alongside you has zero polling territory, just dropped hold off for the moment in making been one of the joyous parts of this out of the Democrat Presidential race. You inspire me and millions of any candidate endorsements.

See BOOKER on page 124 “Thereʼs obviously a sadness, a other Americans to be better and do

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ENGLEWOOD

HEY, ENGLEWOOD: GOT TALENT?

PHOTOS COURTESY MICHAEL WILDES

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PHONE: 201-784-3330 • FAX: 201-782-1975 • www.whalenives.com “Englewoodʼs Got Talent” is the newest show to be produced by the extraordinary team of students, teachers, and parents who bring “Englewood Idol” to the BergenPAC stage each year.

“Students from the Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund Club … have made the bold decision to embark on a new production journey, where from now on they will be presenting ʻEnglewoodʼs Got Talentʼ and ʻEnglewood Idolʼ in alternating years,” say organizers.

Auditions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium at Dwight Morrow High School (274 Knickerbocker Road, Englewood).

The show will be at Bergen Performing Arts Center in the Spring of 2020.

The performance is open to anyone who lives in, works in, worships in or goes to school in Englewood. Performers can be singers, musicians, dancers, rappers, comedians, poets, magicians, video makers, talented pets, and humans of any age. If you have questions, contact jaronson@epsd.org or call (201) 294-0725.

All profits benefit the Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund, a not-for-profit organization that has raised and awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to more than 300 Englewood public school students in its 15 years of existence.

Interested in auditioning?

Go to EnglewoodsGotTalent.com.

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ABOVE: Students in the Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund Club are hard at work marketing Englewood’s Got Talent. Auditions are Jan. 25 and 26.

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Mayor Michael Wildes reports that the Seoul Trading Asian Grocery Wholesaler recently donated $20,000 to two Englewood charities, calling the gifts a great way to wrap up the year 2019. The beneficiaries were the Elks Ideal Lodge #470, whose doors were recently closed (pictured far left) and the Kesher Synagogue, which is looking to preserve the Taylor Bliss House (pictured near left).

JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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B ck in time...

inside LIBRARY CALENDAR . . . . .6 FOCUS ON HEALTH . . . .14 POLICE BLOTTER . . . . . .16 OBITUARIES . . . . . . . . . . .18 REAL ESTATE . . . . . . .19 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . 20 SERVICES PAGE . . . . . . .20

WINTER AT THE TENAFLY STATION TENAFLY

Itʼs a 1930s winter in this scene that looks at the Tenafly Railroad Station. Just look at those old cars!

Today the Tenafly station stands as a prized historical gem in the midst of a busy suburban town.

Yet few people realize just what the railroad once meant to this region.

Tenaflyʼs settlement, like many other Bergen County municipalities, hinged largely on the railroad.

On May 26, 1859, the first train on the Northern Railroad line came down from Piermont, N.Y.,

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING 69 WOODLAND AVE., WESTWOOD NJ 07675 PHONE: 201.358.9500 FAX: 201.664.2109 E-MAIL US AT northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

southbound toward Jersey City.

Originally Englewood and Closter were our only two local stops on the line, but by the turn of the 20th century there were also stations in Tenafly, Cresskill and Demarest, plus two more stops in Englewood.

The trip to New York City had previously taken hours in each direction by horse-drawn wagon and ferry. Isolated from the East Coastʼs hub of commerce, the Northern Valley had been sparsely populated and little developed.

Land could be purchased for a pittance. The small number of families all knew each other, and farm-

SERVING: Alpine, Cresskill, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs & Tenafly.

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ing was their way of life.

With the coming of the railroad, land speculators realized the regionʼs potential. The man of the house could now commute to New York City by day, while his family could live far from the hustle and bustle, where the water and air were clean, and the vistas unspoiled. Speculators bought up acreage from farmers, subdivided it, and built homes from the railroad depots outward. The price of land increased exponentially.

The railroad station was built in 1874, back when Tenafly was a village within Palisades Township.

The station was designed and built

by Daniel T. Atwood, a New Yorkbased architect, in the High Victorian Gothic style. This was no humble country station—its elegant style was intended to draw an affluent population, who wanted the clean country air along with a side of sophistication.

A new way of life took hold, and Tenafly went from an isolated country hamlet to a bustling suburb.

Many wealthy New Yorkers made homes in Tenafly, and elegant mansions dotted the landscape by the late 19th century.

—Kristin Beuscher

Publisher ________________________ John J. DeFina Editor _____________________________Tom Clancey Art Director_____________________ Keith J. Harcher Director of Advertising __________ George F. Harcher

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.

This publication contains material developed independently by Northern Valley Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part.

EXTRAORDINARY ENGLEWOOD: Rev. Preston Thompson ENGLEWOOD

Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr. is the senior pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Englewood.

A native of New Jersey, Thompson received most of his formal education in the Teaneck Public School System. Upon graduation from high school, Thompson matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Basis of Behavior.

In 2005, Thompson received a Master of Science in Elementary Education from St. Joseph University, as well as a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia with honors.

A gifted and creative educator, Thompson has a passion for making theological lessons applicable to various areas of life. He has conducted workshop on various topics including: music ministry, singles ministry, evangelism, menʼs ministry and general education.

Known for his creativity and interactive lessons, Thompson challenges those that are present to “think outside the box” and to apply spiritual lessons to our contemporary circumstances. He is a firm believer that the preaching moment should always contain a didactic component so people can grow and mature in their faith.

Recognized for his community service, Thompson received the 2008 Educational Leadership Award from the Urban Education

United States. During the summer of 2004, Thompson was privileged to travel with Bishop Hunter to minister in Cape Town, South Africa.

••• Hillary Viders: What is the mission of the Ebenezer Baptist Church?

Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr.: Our mission is to mobilize and motivate families of all cultures to embrace the mandate of maximizing ministry by strengthening faith, teaching Godʼs word, outreaching communities, nurturing families and empowering PHOTO BY HILLARY VIDERS disciples (S.T.O.N.E.).

Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr. HV: What do you feel are the greatest challenges that Fund and the 2008 “Men Making A Difference” award from the Ameri- the Englewood community faces today? can Cities Foundation.

PT: One of the greatest chalWhile living in Philadelphia, Thompson served as a member of lenges in Englewood right now is POWER (Philadelphians Organized our school system and we have to to Witness Empower and Rebuild), find ways to give our children the and the Menʼs Ministry Steering best possible education. This probCommittee of the Philadelphia Bap- lem is systemic, all the way to the collegiate level. Iʼve spoken with tist Association.

Thompson currently serves as friends at Bergen Community Colthe president of the Ebenezer Com- lege and others in the community munity Development Corporation, a and what Iʼve heard is that several of member of the Mayorʼs Clergy our students qualify to go to Bergen Council, the Teaneck High School Community and they get money to Class of 1982 Scholarship Commit- go; however, they spend so much tee. He is also a founding member time in remedial classes trying to of the North Jersey Black Caucus catch up that by the time they have For Civil Rights and is a member of finished all the remedial classes they have used up all of the money.

Faith in New Jersey.

In conjunction with the probDuring his 24 years of ministry, Thompson has ministered in various lem of our childrenʼs education is places within and outside of the the fact that many families in this

community are facing some very difficult challenges—economic struggles, not being able to find affordable housing, social inequality, insufficient nutrition and other problems—and we need to recognize and address them so that students do not come to school bearing those problems.

HV: You were a speaker at the recent Englewood vigil for the shooting victims in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. What do you feel has to be done to combat gun violence?

PT: Itʼs not an easy fix. We need to look at our gun legislation,

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BY HILLARY VIDERS SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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Community Calendar AT THE LIBRARY

CRESSKILL 53 Union Ave. cresskilllibrary.org (201) 567-3521 • The library will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20.

• Tot Time, for kids 2–4, meets Wednesdays at 11 a.m. until March 4. Join for stories, songs, crafts and more. Register in advance.

• Chair Yoga is every Wednesday at 1 p.m. For adults. No sign-ups necessary, just drop by.

• The Anime Club meets Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m.

The program for tweens will watch anime on Crunchyroll.

• Baby & Me, for newborns to 24 months, meets Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. until March 5. Babies and their caregivers will listen to interactive stories, sing songs and rhyme. Register in advance.

• Join Hercules Invictus for the mythic adventure Greek mythology game, Voyage of the Argo, Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m.

• Volunteer Homework Helpers will be at the library to help students in grades K–6, Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m.

Drop in; no registration.

• The Nintendo Switch Club for kids and teens meets every Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Play the libraryʼs console with your friends. No registration necessary.

ENGLEWOOD 31 Engle St. englewoodlibrary.org (201) 568-2215 • The library will be closed on for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20.

• Guitar Story Time with Mr. John is Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Stop by for songs, stories and dancing! For kids up to 5 years old.

• Dress Up Storytime for kids in grades Pre-K–2 is Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children are welcome to come in costume if they wish. Fairytales and other stories will be read.

• Rich Lofredo and Evan

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Ardelle will discuss Financial Planning for Special Needs Families in the MacKay Room on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.

• Preschoolers will use a variety of skills and materials to create take-home art projects at Art for Littles (ages 2–4) on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m.

• Tot Time is a new program for kids 2–4 featuring stories, songs and crafts every Wednesday at 11 a.m. through Feb. 12. Registration is preferred.

• Fit4Kids Presents Magic, Music and Puppets with Muscle Man Mike and Hopper Hoops, Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.

Children are entertained as they learn how to keep their bodies healthy through sports and eating right.

• Join certified aromatherapist Karen Ravensbergen at Aromatherapy for Winter Wellness, Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. She will focus on natural seasonal solutions for health and wellness during the winter season.

• Meditation has been known to reduce stress, relieve pain and recharge mind and body.

Sahaja yoga meditation is easy to learn, and all ages or cultural backgrounds are welcome to attend. Attendees can sit either in a chair or on the floor and should wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hour-long sessions. Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 7 to 8 p.m.

• Baby & Me is a new pro-

gram for babies 0 to 24 months and their caregivers, Thursdays at 10 a.m. until Feb. 13. Listen to interactive stories, sing songs and rhyme. Registration preferred.

• Instructor Olivia Qiu leads a free Yoga Class each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Focus will be relaxation though gentle stretching and breathwork; no prior yoga experience necessary. Students should bring a mat.

• Preschool Storytime is back on Friday, Jan. 24 at 10:30 a.m. in the Childrenʼs Room.

• Make Your Own Bracelet, during an adult art class led by Judith of Rock Collage Healing Gallery. She will hold a bracletmaking workshop for women and men on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.

Space is limited, so reservations will be required.

• The All Seasons Chamber Players present Music through the Ages: Renaissance to Romantic, on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Itʼs the groupʼs 37th annual concert at the library, featuring works for harpsichord, flute, and strings.

TEAN ECK 840 Teaneck Road teanecklibrary.org (201) 837-4171 • The library will close early on Monday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Children can sign up to Read to Dogs with Nugget on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Read a book or books to a therapy dog during a “one-on-one” 20-minute session. The purpose of

this program is to encourage reading, improve language skills, and give children a sense of security and confidence in their reading ability. Contact the Childrenʼs Department at (201) 837-4171, ext.

4 for more information or to register.

• The library provides beginner Internet Training on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Get help concerning how to: use a computer keyboard and mouse; set up and utilize an e-mail account; navigate the internet; conduct a job search online; and download eBooks from the BCCLS catalogue/website onto an eReader. Basic instructions on Microsoft Word or other office skills can also be provided. Bring your Teaneck Library card to class. Sessions are 30 minutes and take place in the Reference Room.

• Toddler Time is a storytime for toddlers, walking to age 2, that meets Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 and 11 a.m. Registration is required. The group reads stories and rhymes, sing songs, does fingerplays and movement activities, and has a great time. Free play follows storytime.

• Stop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and Friday, Jan. 24 to make a fun craft with your child at DropIn Craft, best for ages 3 and up.

No registration necessary.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation

Area Hadassah installs Weiss as president

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Hadassah of the Pascack Valley and Northern Valley is proud to announce the installation of its new president, Arlene Weiss.

Shown in the photo left to right are Kenny Weiss, incoming President Arlene Weissʼs husband; Geri Lipschitz, the new president of the Northern New Jersey Region of Hadassah; Arlene Weiss, the new president of Hadasssh of the Pascack Valley

and Northern Valley; Judy Shereck, member of the national board of Hadassah and the PRAZE division chair; and Gail Black, past president of the Northern New Jersey Region of Hadassah and the installing officer.

Hadassah is a womanʼs Zionist volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and a commitment to the land and the peo-

ple of Israel.

It enhances the health of people worldwide through its support of medical care and research through the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem.

Hadassah empowers its members and supporters in Israel and America through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and the continuity of the Jewish people.

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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Community Calendar AT THE LIBRARY

Group meets Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Mayor Lizette Parker Memorial room on the main floor. The practice group is open to anyone who would like to improve their English skills by actively participating in group conversation led by a trained tutor. No registration is necessary.

• Teen Gaming Tuesdays, featuring board games, card games or video games, is Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. No registration required; for teens only.

• There will be a Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m., for preschoolers 3 and up. No registration required.

• The Bubblegum Book

JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

FROM PAGE 6

Club for kids in grades 2–3 meets Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.

Club members will read a book in preparation for each meeting, then discuss and enjoy related games or activities. Advance registration is required.

• Mother Goose Time, for kids 2 to 3 years old, features stories, rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities, Thursday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. Free play follows. Toys are provided.

Register in advance; residents get priority.

• Infants not yet walking are invited to Lap Time, a storytime for the littlest library-goers, Thursday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. This features simple and interactive stories and rhymes, songs and fin-

gerplays, and movement activities.

• The Teen Drop-In activity is Thursday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. No sign up required. Feel free to call and confirm.

• The Super Bowl is much more than a football game—it impacts every community in the United States. But did you know that the Super Bowl rose out of the civil rights movement, specifically the African American boycott of the AFL All Star Game in New Orleans? Evan Weiner, a veteran sports broadcaster will take us on a journey from the birth of the Super Bowl to talk about the halftime shows and everything in between, including how the famed football game got its name,

Friday, Jan. 24 at 10:30 a.m.

• Toddlers are invited to join the library for stories and play time on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at Saturday Babytime. For walkers up to age 3; no registration required.

• Kids 4 and up can join the library for reading and a fun craft at Craft Storytime, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.

• The Adelphi Orchestra Music on a Sunday Afternoon Concert will be Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.

The concert features two works

by Schubert: “Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major,” and “Trout, and Quintet for Strings in C major.”

T EN AF LY 100 Riveredge Road tenaflylibrary.org (201) 568-8680 • The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Toddler Tales Storytime, for children ages 2 to 4, meets Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m through Feb. 25. Toddlers will hear stories and sing songs. Class ends with a simple take home craft requiring coloring, gluing and/or cutting. No registration required.

• The Fourth and Fifth Grade Book Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. This month, theyʼre reading “Pay Attention Carter Jones,” by Gary D. Schmidt. Pick up a copy of the book at the Service Desk before the meeting.

• Enjoy light refreshments while viewing portraits of artwork at the Jean Lu Artist Reception, Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. (In the event of inclement weather, snowdate is Thursday, Jan. 23).

• Register for Tech for Novices, an adult class that will teach everything you wanted to know about tech but were afraid to ask. The Jan. 22 session at 11 a.m. will teach Libby, which is available

to all BCCLS patrons and a great way to access ebooks and eaudiobooks. Hoopla will also be discussed, which is a program to access books and media available to Tenafly patrons. Upcoming sessions include: Feb. 22, discussing the streaming movie platform Kanopy; and March 25, discussing Rosetta Stone, a language learning software.

• Kids ages 6 to 10 can take the Ozobot Challenge, Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. Ozobots are fun little robots with a virtual eye that makes them a ton of fun to play with while children are learning about problem solving.

• Babytime Storytime, for children ages birth to 2 years, meets Thursdays through Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m. Each class includes songs, storybooks and free playtime. Babies are encouraged to sing along, act out rhymes and interact with other attendees as they begin to make the connection between language and the written word. No registration required.

• Read to a Dog, for ages 5 and up, is a great way to foster fluency in language and reading, as well as develop confidence and independence.

Takes place on Thursdays at the library. Register for a 20minute one-on-one session at 4:30, 4:50 or 5:10. The popular program often fills up a month or more in advance. Call early to reserve your childʼs spot.

• Kick Start your Art, for teens over 14 and adults, meets Jan. 25 and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. for colored pencil drawing. No previous training required; all supplies provided.

The class is meant for beginners or more experienced artists. Registration required; register for all or each separately. Future sessions on March 28 and April 25 will focus on art with soft chalk pastels.

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EXTRAORDINARY ENGLEWOOD the place where we see others as humans all created in the image of God and begin to care for each other. Historically, in this country we have isolated and demonized groups of people, using words like “infestation,” and hate rhetoric that motivates mentally unstable people to justify violent extermination.

HV: Every year, on Martin Luther Kingʼs birthday, you lead a march from Englewoodʼs City Hall to the Ebenezer Baptist Church

fill in any loopholes and hold our elected officials accountable. We need to look at the availability of guns. I do not believe that anyone who is not in the military needs a semi-automatic weapon. The purpose of the Second Amendment was for militias to protect our government.

Most of all, this country also needs to search its soul and get to FROM PAGE 5

where you hold a memorial service.

Why is Martin Luther King such a cornerstone of your beliefs?

PT: There are several reasons.

First and foremost, Dr. King was an American hero whom I aspired to model my life after. So, when I came to Ebenezer Baptist Church I learned that this church had been holding a memorial service for him every year. I am proud to carry on that tradition which in 2020 will mark 50 years.

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It was a wonderful experience, but in certain poor townships, there is a lot of violence and gang activity, so we could not travel through them at night. There was one particular place that Iʼll never forget. It was a meeting club for a gang. The gang leader got converted and saved, and now it is a church!

HV: What are the most common problems for which people come to you for guidance?

PT: In my 24 years of ministry, Iʼve encountered everything from rape, incest, domestic violence to suicide. One of the most common concerns that people have is how do I navigate life? How do I deal with losing a loved one with my faith? How does God care about me even though I am going through this tragedy? There is no one solution for everybody, and I advise each person to grieve as long as they have to, not according to any preconceived standard.

HV: Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture that you use to inspire your congregants?

PT: I am deeply moved by Jeremiah 29:11, that says, “ʻFor I know the plans that I have for you,ʼ declares the Lord, ʻplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.ʼ” HV: At this point in your life, what inspires you?

I am inspired to serve this community and to serve Godʼs people. I never aspired to be famous or well known. I have this kind of saying that I created and dwell on quite a bit: “I donʼt need to be famous. I just want to be effective, and if I can be effective at what God has called me to do, I think I will have lived a successful life.”

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Now, we need to take up the mantle of his journey and his ideals.

We donʼt want to just honor Dr. King one day a year; we need to take the lessons that he taught, duplicate them and apply them to our lives every day.

HV: The Ebenezer Baptist Church also hosts the summer enrichment camp for the Defining Moment Foundation. What does that camp offer?

PT: The Defining Moment Foundation helps a multitude of people from all ethnicities and all walks of life. The camp usually has 50 kids, but this year we expanded to 60. The camp has field trips every week that offer bowling, skating, miniature golf and other fun activities.

We also have an educational component and many wonderful guest speakers and teachers such as Dr. Sharon Bernstein, Ph.D. president of the Defining Moment Foundation. Several times a week, Dr. Bernstein teaches substance abuse prevention, anti-bullying and selfesteem building. This year we also had Rev. Rosemary Perry who taught the children sign language and we had a performance by a chamber ensemble called Engle Winds that plays at Lincoln Center.

HV: Can you tell us about your experience ministering in Cape Town, South Africa?

PT: Having the opportunity to travel to Africa was the fulfillment of a childhood dream and I look forward to returning next year. I went with my mother in the ministry, whom I consider my bishop, and she oversees over 70 different churches in South Africa. What I loved about Africa is that some of the people would travel 3 hours on foot to get to a revivalist tent. Over there, when people hear that a preacher from the United States is

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The Community Chest welcomes new trustees to board

NORTHERN VALLEY

The Community Chest announces six new trustees have joined the Board of Managers.

The nonprofit agency welcomes these active members of the community from eastern Bergen County to guide the organization: • Jamie Toolen, an insurance manager from River Edge; • Vicki Sidrow, former CEO of Vantage Health and a real estate agent from Fort Lee; • The Rev. Dr. William H. Allport, II, Rector and Senior Clergyperson of Saint Paulʼs Church in Englewood; • Andrew Kovar, owner of an events planning business, from Tenafly; • Anton Schermer, an executive with Staples, from Tenafly; and • Jennifer Yanowitz, an administrator with Englewood Health from Tenafly.

These new trustees will serve a three-year term, working with the organization to carry out its motto, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. As part of their tenure, they must serve on at least one board of managers committee.

“Each is a dedicated member of the community and presents a unique set of skills, expertise, and talent which will be very valuable to The Community Chest. They are all expected to

Jennifer Yanowitz joins The Community Chest’s Board of Managers.

work on governance and fundraising and to help to market The Community Chest, as widely as possible,” explained Executive Director Shelly Wimpfheimer.

“I am delighted to welcome these fine community members to the board. They will make excellent contributions to The Community Chest and aid us in

carrying out the organizationʼs mission,” said Richard Kennedy, president, Board of Managers.

The Community Chestʼs Board of Managers is comprised of 21 community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need. People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Dr. Wimpfheimer at (201) 5687474.

Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, taxexempt organization, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for 86 years. The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County.

Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens.

The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network.

For further information about The Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the organizationʼs activities on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos courtesy The Community Chest

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The Community Chest welcomes these neighbors to the board of managers: Jamie Toolen, Vicki Sidrow, Andrew Kovar, and Anton Schermer. Not shown: The Rev. Dr. William H. Allport II, rector and senior Clergyperson of Saint Paul’s Church in Englewood.

Northern Valley Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Northern Valley.

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Sc h ool News Local volunteer leading effort to ban Styrofoam

BY HILLARY VIDERS SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

ENGLEWOOD

The Englewood Environmental Commission will be introducing a proposal to ban expanded polystyrene food containers from restaurants, grocery stores, and school cafeterias.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the term used for foam takeout containers, whereas extruded polystyrene (XPS) refers to block foam used for shipping, insulation, etc. EPS and XPS are both often called Styrofoam, but Styrofoam is a trademarked version of XPS. Styrofoam is a plastic made from oil, mostly fossil fuel oil.

Styrofoam is a public health issue because it exposes people to carcinogens particularly when used with hot foods. Further, from a waste management standpoint, it is not recyclable (in most cities) and stays in landfills for hundreds of years.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is more easily recyclable, and while it cannot be put in curbside recycling, Englewood DPW has a collection bin at its Recycling Center for this. The XPS is then taken to Foam Pack Industries in Springfield, N.J. On the global scale, Styro-

foam presents an even greater problem—it is made with hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFC, as blowing agents that affect ozone depletion and global warming. As a greenhouse gas, HCFCs are about 1000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

A ban on Styrofoam is being sought by the Sustainable Jersey Bergen Hub, a group of cities in Bergen County collaborating on environmental issues. The Bergen Hub has a Styrofoam Committee which created a Styrofoam-Free program. They received funding from various entities to pay for award certificates and decals to encourage businesses to go styrofoam-free (ANJEC, Food & Water Watch, Suez, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and the Northern NJ Community Foundation.)

In Englewood, the “Styrofoam-Free Bergen County” program is overseen by Chelsea Gleis, chairwoman of the Englewood Environmental Commission, Max Walters, and Daniel Feliciano, with support from Mayor Michael Wildes.

Some Styrofoam bans are already in effect. Leonia banned foam takeout containers in 2019 and Paramusʼs ordinance took effect Jan. 1. Foam containers are also banned from Bergen County property, facilities and sponsored events. Hobokenʼs ban will go into

Mayor Michael Wildes, Chelsea Gleis, Max Walters, and representatives from Blue Moon Mexican Cafe receiving their Styrofoam-Free award certificate.

effect in March.

Gleis explained, “The Englewood Environmental Commission introduced the polystyrene ordinance in March of 2019, and since then, we have been conducting outreach to businesses as part of the Bergen County ʻStyrofoamFree Bergen Countyʼ initiative. We have surveyed approximately 100 food-related businesses in Englewood and found that roughly half of the businesses use polystyrene containers and half do not.”

Businesses that do not are presented with Styrofoam-free award certificates and window decals.

For the businesses that do use EPS, the Environmental Commission is encouraging them to switch to other materials such as aluminum and sugarcane foam.

Many of the businesses that use EPS use it only for limited

purposes. For example, one pizza shop uses it only for chicken wings, and some establishments use foam containers only for patrons to take home leftovers, not for takeout orders.

Some of the other foam-free restaurants participating in the program include Good Neighbor Juice Bar, Playa Bowls, Bennieʼs, Cassieʼs, Burgerim, Manhattan Bagel, Red, White & Pasta, Ben & Jerryʼs, Lucky Rolls, Poke Crew, Chatkaew Thai Cuisine, Biddy OʼMalleyʼs, and Ritaʼs Italian Ice. “Once we complete our outreach, we will ask city council to take the next step in considering the ordinance,” Gleis said.

Seeking a ban on Styrofoam is one of several steps that the Englewood Environmental Commission has been taking to protect, develop and sustain the natural resources of the city under the

auspices of the city council and to ensure action on the initiatives.

This includes research, obtaining expert advice, and promoting citizen involvement.

In his annual Englewood State of the City Address on Jan 2, Mayor Wildes said, “I am proud of our Environmental Commission and the recognition we have received statewide, in having effectively signed onto the Paris Agreement [the agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, signed in 2016]. Sustainability is imperative to responsible development, and we owe it to our future generations to ensure that our actions work for our residents, both now and for years to come.”

PHOTO BY RJ CLEMOR

Booker suspends effort FROM PAGE 2

Primary Race. Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him!”

Booker did not respond to Trump.

Following Bookerʼs exit, not a single African American candidate remains, following earlier departures of California U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.

Tuesdayʼs nationally televised Democratic debate featured six white candidates, a result that minority candidates partly blame on the partyʼs stringent fundraising and polling thresholds for such debates.

Booker will now face a pro-

gressive challenger in a Democratic Primary for his Senate seat in 2020, with Newark civil rights leader Lawrence Hamm declaring his intention to seek the seat.

New voter deadlines New voters hoping to vote in the June 2 Democratic presidential primary must be 18 by Election Day and register to vote by submitting a voter registration form postmarked no later than May 12, 2020, say election officials.

To vote in the Nov. 3, 2020 presidential election, voters must be 18 by Nov. 3 to be eligible.

Deadline for voter registration should be postmarked by Oct. 13, 2020.

County Clerk John Hogan conducts voter outreach events, which include registration opportunities in

Bergen County towns.

On Jan. 21, county officials will be in Rockleigh, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and similar times on Feb. 5 at Ramapo College; and March 11 and 12 at Lyndhurst Borough Hall.

More information can be found online on the Bergen County Clerkʼs website.

As of December 2019, Bergen County had approximately 631,536 registered voters, including 231,387 registered Democrats, 135,091 registered Republicans, and 258.909 unaffiliated voters, said county elections officials.

Approximately 5,000 total county voters are registered to parties such as the Conservative Party, Green Party, Libertarian Party, Natural Law Party, Reform Party, Socialist Party and New Jersey Constitutional Party.

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The kindergarten students of North Cliff Elementary School wanted to find a way to give back to their local community this recent holiday season. With the help of educators Gina Clavel, Jennifer DeGidio, and Anna Kontzamanis, the children organized a pajama drive throughout their school. They collected over 116 sets of pajamas, along with boxes of hot chocolate, and a variety of children’s books.

The kindergarten team and their classes also held a pajama wrapping party on the night of Dec. 18, 2019. Students were proud of their efforts and of the overwhelming support of their peers.

The teachers explained, “The party was a great way for our students to not only celebrate the holiday season, but also to spread kindness to other children in the community.�

One kindergartner said, “We wrapped pajamas to give away to the kids who don’t have any.�

The entire collection was donated to the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview. As a reward for the school’s collective efforts, a pajama day is planned for everyone at North Cliff on Feb. 3. The team looks forward to hosting another event next year!

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Northern Valley Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Northern Valley.

Send all news to: northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

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Staffing: Fire Department will maintain 49 members fired 15 firefighters last April after the city “conditionally” hired them in January 2019 and then said they could not start at the county Fire Academy due to an unapproved budget.

In addition, the lawsuit alleges the firefighters were fired due to

FROM PAGE 1

calls from the Jabari Society, an association representing African American firefighters, and other groups, calling for a new firefighter exam and hiring preference for residents in early 2019.

Whether Englewood funds additional firefighter positions above the 49 required—possible in the 2020 budget—could be decided soon due

to both ongoing lawsuit negotiations and upcoming department budget requests.

Overtime covers hiring Two attorneys for the 10 terminated firefighters maintain that the cityʼs near-doubling of firefightersʼ overtime budget in 2019 would easily cover the hiring of 10 new firefighters

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at approximately $38,000 annually, with funds to spare. The overtime budget was increased in 2019 when firefighters were not hired as planned, said officials.

Preliminary 2019 city budget documents stated that 11 firefighters were planned to be hired, together with four grant-funded firefighters.

The proposed 11 firefighters to be hired were publicly cited by former City Manager Ed Hynes and Fire Chief Erik Enersen, as well as included in the cityʼs SAFER $607,659 grant application.

The grant, officially accepted by council members Dec. 10, 2019, funds hiring four firefighters for three years, 75 percent for years one and two, and 35 percent funding in year three.

FEMA officials said though fire departments are not required to maintain positions, most do following grant expiration.

In its grant application, the number of 59 firefighters was determined necessary for Englewood to provide adequate fire protection based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Additional justification?

FEMA officials said if firefighter numbers between a grant application and current staffing showed “any significant variances” that additional justification might be required.

Questions to FEMA to determine whether the city needed to provide such justification were not returned by press time.

Current staffing numbers are 44 firefighters, as opposed to the 55 firefighters the city said it would hire in the grant.

Since council voted to accept the federal SAFER funds Dec. 10, it appears a federally-mandated 180day recruitment period began then and once firefighters are hired—that would be four in Englewoodʼs case— the three-year grant period may begin.

If the hires are in place prior to 180 days, grant recipients must amend the grantʼs timeline. ʻNew, additional firefightersʼ “According to the SAFER

Notice of Funding Opportunity, SAFER funds may only be used to hire new, additional firefighters or change the status of part-time or paid-on-call firefighters to full-time firefighters,” a FEMA spokesperson told Northern Valley Press.

“Only full-time positions are eligible for funding. Since the SAFER program seeks to enhance incident scene safety, recipients must agree to make the primary assignments (more than 50 percent of time) of all SAFER-funded firefighters on an operational fire suppression vehicle, regardless of their collateral duties,” the spokesperson added.

According to people familiar with the matter, the cityʼs firefighter exam three-year eligibility list expired in November 2019; it was unclear if the city could extend the listʼs viability.

Whether residency preference may apply to the FEMA grant hires was also not clear.

Also uncertain was whether city residents would still be eligible for a six-point exam bonus when taking the Englewood firefighter exam, which was previously provided before the cityʼs adoption of a residency preference ordinance in May 2019.

Chiefʼs concerns “It should also be noted that staffing levels in the Englewood Fire Department fall well below the minimum staffing recommendations set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA),” wrote Fire Chief Erik Enersen in his 2019 budget narrative.

He said staffing had fallen from 55 firefighters in 2015 to 44 in 2019, plus retirements of two lieutenants in 2017 that led to increased overtime costs and a planned 2019 lieutenantʼs retirement.

The chief said the “issues of greatest concern” for 2019 were staffing and replacing aging fire apparatus.

Efforts to determine when a 2020 fire department budget will be presented could not be confirmed by press time.

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harm than good, though medical professionals vouch for the value of vaccines to prevent a variety of childhood infectious diseases, which may turn deadly if left untreated.

Despite several last-minute attempts to reach a compromise by allowing parents to send unvaccinated children to private schools, which would be required to disclose rates of unvaccinated children, a vote on the bill did not occur because the Senate was one vote short of passage, said legislative leaders.

In addition, sponsors said, apparently the last-minute changes to the bill allowing unvaccinated children to attend private schools or daycare caused other senators to express reservations that only affluent parents could afford to send children to private schools.

State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), a bill co-sponsor, said getting the bill passed remains a priority in 2020 due to pressing public health concerns.

“Though I understand the passion of those opposed, fundamentally, this is not a personal choice, and in society it is the duty of healthy members to work together to protect

FROM PAGE 1

those who cannot protect themselves,” Weinberg said in a statement.

She said she would not stop pressing to eliminate religious exemptions to vaccines.

In New Jersey, parents need only write a letter saying they have religious exemptions to have children exempted. No specific objections were required to be listed.

Weinberg has publicly said that no major religion sheʼs aware of is opposed to vaccinations. The state also does not allow “personal choice” exemptions, as some states permit.

ʻScience is settledʼ “The science is settled. They can stand outside and ring sirens and beat pots and believe what they want to believe but our responsibility is to protect the larger residents of the state of New Jersey,” Weinberg told reporters after Jan. 13ʼs cancelled vote.

Last year, measles cases reportedly reached the highest levels in nearly three decades nationwide— and the number of unvaccinated children continues to climb every year, said federal health officials.

Measles cases in the United States soared to a record in 2019, with 1,276 cases in 31 states, the

most since 1992, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Two states—Maine and New York—recently passed laws ending religious exemptions to vaccines.

California, Mississippi and West Virginia already have such laws.

If a bill is eventually passed and signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey would become the sixth state nationwide to only allow medical exemptions to vaccines for children entering public schools.

The bill allows the state Department of Health to define what qualifies for a medical exemption for vaccines.

More people citing religious exemption A recent study by the New Jersey Hospital Association found that families claiming religious exemptions for vaccines has increased 53 percent statewide in the last five years.

Currently, 45 states allow parents to cite religion as a reason to avoid the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, and others. Critics note New Jersey law did not require parents to state a specific religious teaching that prohibits vaccinations, or get confirmation

from a religious leader.

This makes the religious exemption an easy-out for antivaccination believers, critics said.

ʻGo to warʼ “Weʼre ready to go to war over this,” state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) told reporters after Jan. 13ʼs final 2019 voting session at the Statehouse.

“We will pass this bill. This is about public health. Itʼs about protecting people,” Sweeney said.

Neither the state Senate nor Assembly took up the revised bill Jan. 13—which allowed private daycare and schools to accept unvaccinated children—mainly due to the Senateʼs inability to muster 21 votes to pass the measure.

Both state chambers are required to approve the revised bill before sending it to Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature.

Murphy has not said publicly whether he opposes or supports the legislation.

Efforts to pass the bill ending religious exemptions have occurred at least four times since midDecember, with hundreds of antivaccination advocates jamming meetings and protesting loudly at bill hearings.

Most Americans pro-vaccine Nationwide, polls show between 86 to 90 percent of Americans support childhood vaccinations, though support appears weakest among people ages 30–49.

Most Americans believe the vaccinations are not more dangerous than the diseases they prevent, according to recent surveys.

Health authorities and medical professionals note that more than 90 percent of children need to be vaccinated to protect those individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies and individuals with compromised immune systems.

According to the World Health Organization, skepticism about vaccines was listed among the top 10 “global health threats” of 2019.

Should the bill be reintroduced, approved and signed by Murphy, it will take effect in six months.

Asked about the bill in December, Murphy would not comment on pending legislation but said “the safety of all nine million residents is job number one for me, and in particular our kids.”

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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POLICE BLOTTER

Police Reports

This section is based on data provided to the Northern Valley Press by neighborhood police departments. Due to pending court appearances and other variations, the following information shall be read in “press time” context.

p BERGEN COUNTY

PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

Line cook, 27, charged over child porn

Carlos Armando Guillen of Northvale is charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Bergen CounGuillen ty Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of Guillen, 27, a line cook also known as Carlos Geovani

Guillen and Geovani Guillen, following a BCPO investigation.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, members of the BCPO Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at Guillenʼs residence during the course of an Internet child pornography investigation.

Musella said the investigation revealed that Guillen used the Internet to view, download, and possess approximately 35 digital files depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent and pubescent children, and also share at least one such video online.

“As a result of the investigation, Carlos A. Guillen was arrested … and charged with distribution of child pornography in an amount less than 25 files, a second degree crime; and one count of possession of child pornography in an amount less than 100 files, a third degree crime,” Musella said.

Guillen, who is single, was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

Musella noted that the

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charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

He thanked the Northvale Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

p CLOSTER

Man in domestic dispute charged with assaulting officers

A 26-year-old Lodi man was charged with aggravated assault of a police officer and resisting arrest after a Jan. 5 incident inside a High Street residence.

The suspect allegedly antagonized officers responding to a domestic dispute, at one point “squar[ing] himself” and “clenching both fists” in front of Patrolman Luis Ruiz, the officer wrote in an investigation report.

The officer had responded at about 12:26 a.m. to a report of an out-of-control intoxicated male.

The officer arrived to find a female party outside of her second floor apartment. She stated her boyfriend had been drinking all night, and had screamed and called her names.

Patrolman Justin Krapels entered the apartment to speak to the man about the verbal dispute, and the man was observed to be highly intoxicated and agitated.

Ruiz and Sgt. James Buccola were also at the scene.

The man repeatedly told officers that nothing was going on and that his girlfriend was drunk. He was visibly upset with police being in his apartment, Ruiz wrote.

Officers tried to explain that all they wanted was for him to explain what had happened, asking him to sit, but the man refused to cooperate and kept pacing back in

forth, saying he wanted to check on his daughter. Officers told the man his daughter was fine.

The manʼs volume dramatically increased and he stated “no one—not even you guys—are going to get between me and my daughter.”

He began walking towards Ruiz, then tried to forcefully get past the patrolman, placing his hands on his chest. He was ordered to step back and sit down.

Thatʼs when he squared and began clenching his fists. He once again walked toward Ruiz, who pushed him back with his right hand to get him off balance.

Krapels and Ruiz attempted to arrest the man, who began to get combative.

They had to physically wrestle him to the floor as he grabbed onto the sofa and used it as leverage against the officers. They persisted, wrestling him to the floor, but he flayed his arms and legs, refusing to be handcuffed. Officers managed to place his arms behind his back and handcuff the man, who then demanded to be let go for having done nothing wrong.

He cursed the officers, taunting Ruiz that he wasnʼt so tough without a badge.

Officers from Haworth and Norwood arrived to assist and the man was led outside, and transported to police headquarters, where he was charged with aggravated assault of a police officer, resisting arrest and domestic violence. The man was later remanded to Bergen County Jail, with charges pending.

p U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Old Tappan man guilty of insurance fraud gets six

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A 55-year-old Old Tappan man will spend six months in jail and another six months on home confinement after he pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding a state health insurance provider, said U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.

Lawrence Ackerman is guilty of health insurance fraud, he admitted in U.S. District Court in December 2018, Carpenito said.

He was sentenced on Jan. 15

by U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton.

The former insurance broker, who had an office in Fort Lee, used two shell companies to market health insurance nationally to people who were not his employees and therefore not eligible for health coverage, said Carpenito.

During the month of January 2011, he delivered $481,500 in health care benefits to ineligible participants, said Carpenito.

Ackerman must make restitution to Blue Cross Blue Shield for the fraudulent claims paid between 2009 and 2013, said Carpenito.

Ackerman originally was charged in a two-count indictment with conspiring to defraud Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of $5.6 million in fraudulent claims, and for defrauding the Local 2326 (UAW) Welfare Fund of $1 million in fraudulent claims, said Carpenito. After pleading guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of health care fraud, those charges are now dismissed, said Carpenito.

Ackerman is also obligated to pay restitution of $1 million to the Local 2326 Welfare Fund, Carpenito said.

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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THEODORE L. BURZENSKI

Theodore L. “Ted” Burzenski, 76, of Teaneck, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020.

Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Corvino), childhood sweethearts, together since the eighth grade.

Loving brother of Joan Roos and the late Barbara Lannin and brother-in-law to Danny Corvino and Jack Lannin.

Dear uncle of Suzanne, Elizabeth, Matthew, Eric, Gwen, Jason and the late Danny.

For many years, Ted was the owner and operator of Ted Burzenski Wholesale Meats and later worked at Northern Valley Regional High School as a custodian. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Services for Ted were held privately by the family. For those desiring, memorial donations can be made to the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Hospital located at 92 2nd Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

OBITUARIES HAROLD GELLERT

Harold “Hal” Gellert, 97, passed away peacefully at home in Teaneck, on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019. Before moving to Teaneck in 2017, Hal and his beloved wife Kathleen “Kay” Gellert (nee Steiner) resided in the Township of Washington for over 60 years.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner-in-crime of 76 years, Kay Gellert of Teaneck; three children, son Daniel Gellert (and wife Deborah Posey) of Aiken, S.C.; daughter Sandy Roff (and husband Terry Roff) of New Orleans, La.; and daughter Susan Gellert of Englewood; six grandchildren, Jonah, Matthew, and Rayna Gellert, Jesse and Brian Roff, and Jayde Gellert Beronio; two great-grandchildren, Florence and Duncan Roff; nephew, Jeffrey Gellert, and nieces, Wendy Waldman and Jillian Sandrock.

In addition, Hal is sadly

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missed and fondly remembered by a large network of extended family and dear friends from around the globe who were embraced as family.

Hal is preceded in death by his parents, Leah and Irving, his brother Alvin, brother-in-law Fred Steiner, and son-in-law Peter Beronio.

Arrangements were handled

by Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. A celebration of Halʼs life will be held at a future date to be announced. Visit www.beckerfuneralhome.com for full obituary and to leave messages of condolence for the family.

RICHARD SCHMIDT

Richard Schmidt, of Demarest, 65, lost his 25-year battle with Parkinsonʼs Disease on Jan. 1, 2020.

Richard grew up in Closter and was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. He started his career as a licensed plumber and retired as a real estate developer. He was passionate about sailing and was always available to lend a helping hand to his friends.

He is survived by his mother, Joan Schmidt (Pearse) and his four siblings: Barry (Paula), Carl, John (Dorothy) and Lyn and by his father, Donald. Uncle Rich to 11 nieces and nephews and 13

great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his nephew, Seth.

A service was held at St. Andrewʼs Church in Harrington Park on Jan. 18.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to his FULL OF SCHMIDT Parkinsonʼs Team at unitywalk.org.

MARY L. CORNET

Mary Lou Cornet (Aragona), 79, formerly of Closter, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at her home in Middlesex. Born in New York, she is the daughter of the late Marion and Stanley Aragona.

Mary Lou graduated from Dwight School for Girls in 1957, and received an Associates Degree from Green Mountain College in 1959. Mary Lou was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose family always came first. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jacques Cornet, three children, Jacques Cornet Jr. and wife, Jill, of New York City, Peter Cornet and wife, Sue, of Bridgewater, and Anne Cornet and wife, Rose Labriola, of North Carolina, Grandchildren, Nicole, Olivia, Julie, Katie, Abby, Sarah and Sophie and her sister Joan Duncan and husband Jock of Florida.

All services were handled by Sheenan Funeral Home, Dunellen, NJ. For more info visit www.sheenanfh.com.

Save on winter heating costs with these tips PSE&G will lower residential gas bills for its residential customers effective Jan. 1, 2020. This reduction is in addition to a reduction that took effect Oct. 1, 2019.

“The reduction reflects the continued decline in natural gas prices,” the utility said. “Lower gas prices, combined with PSE&G’s ability to efficiently manage its gas supply contracts and purchases, have produced cost savings that the utility will pass along to customers. Residential gas bills today are 50% lower than they were in 2008.”

The typical residential gas heating customer will save about $21 per year, representing an annual savings of approximately 2% on their total gas bill, PSE&G said.

In addition to the price decrease, the utility offers a list of steps that customers can take to reduce their costs even further: • Lower your thermostat by just 1 degree. You’ll hardly notice and this may reduce your heating bill by up to 3%. Save even more by lowering your thermostat 2 degrees during the day and 5 to 10 degrees at bedtime, if health conditions permit. Consider a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust settings automatically.

• Everyone loves a cozy fire on cold days, but make sure to close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent warm air from escaping your home.

• Ceiling fans aren’t just for the summer. In the winter, you want the ceiling fan to slowly spin clockwise to push the air upward toward the ceiling. This will circulate warm air near the ceiling down the walls and toward the occupants in the room.

• Replace old windows.

Replace old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows for added insulation and reduced heat loss.

• Rearrange the room.

Move furniture and drapes away from heating registers, radiators and baseboard element covers.

Open register or baseboard dampers to allow for maximum heat.

• Seal windows and doorframes. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal cracks and prevent drafts. While you’re at it, install draft stoppers beneath doors. You can get them at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Also be sure to remove or cover window air conditioners to reduce drafts.

THOMAS F. DEITMARING

Thomas F. Deitmaring, 71, of Norwood, died on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.

The son of the late Dr. Francis A. Deitmaring and Marion E. Deitmaring (nee Herrmann); beloved husband of the late Barbara S. Deitmaring (nОe Carlson) and adoring father to Melissa and Robert.

Tom was born in Jersey City, and grew up primarily in North Bergen. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University he served in the US Merchant Marines where he was stationed in Africa.

He worked as an auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency for over 40 years while giving generously of his time and financial expertise to the causes and organizations he supported.

Tom had a passion for fishing, photography, cars and German Shepards. He was the Treasurer of the Northern New Jersey German Shepard Club for many years. He served as Treasurer of the New Jersey Wave Swim Team. He also served on the School Board of Immaculate Conception School lending years of financial experience to the budget process. As a member of the Immaculate Conception School Parent Guild, he provided logistical support for many of the school fund raisers.

Tom was known for his dry wit and the twinkle in his eyes.

He will be missed by many for his ability make people laugh.

Visitation was at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, where a memorial service was held.

WILLIAM L. HELFERICH

L. “Bud” William Helferich, 94, of Haworth passed away on Jan. 4. He is predeceased by his wife Virginia, son Paul, and his sister Florence Frei Scott. He is remembered with love by his surviving children, William S., Rhonda and Meryl, five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Visiting was at Riewerts Memorial Home, Bergenfield.

Funeral service was at Clinton Avenue Reformed Church, Bergenfield. Cremation will be private. Send a lasting condolence at riewertsmemorialhome.com.

Get the Results Get the results you’re looking for in the Service Directory in Northern Valley Press.

To place your service ad, please call 201.358.9500.

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JANUARY 2020

real estate

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CALL OR TEXT KAREN LEDDY Attorney (Non-Practicing)

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FRIEDBERG CELEBRATES STAR PRODUCERS

Friedberg Properties celebrated its 2019 Star Producers on Jan. 13. Top agents from each of Friedbergʼs four offices were celebrated with a beautiful lunch at es Estiatorio in Englewood Cliffs.

Marlyn Friedberg says, “I am so proud of these agents who diligently, professionally, and pleasantly help their clients make dreams come true! These agents volunteer and contribute to our local communities in many ways.”

Friedberg Properties has been assisting buyers and sellers for more than 25 years.

“We have assisted clients through economic highs and downturns. While keeping the latest technology, we never lose sight of the personal connection,” Friedberg says.

You can reach any Friedberg Properties Realtor professional as follows: 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine, (201) 7686868; 105 Union Ave., Cresskill, (201) 871-0800; 20 W. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, (201) 894-1234; and 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale, (201) 666-0777.

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK. Borough of Old Tappan seeks full-time accounts payable clerk to begin March 2, 2020. Must be a motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent organizational, computer and communication skills along with ability to work cooperatively with local officials, department heads, employees and the general public.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to processing of all purchase orders, preparation of monthly bills list, assist collecting taxes when needed, escrow and various other clerical duties including DPW record keeping. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Purchasing experience and knowledge of Edmunds Software in local government a plus, but not required. Excellent benefit package. Email cover letter, resume, and two references to Rebecca Overgaard, CFO at roverg a a r d @ oldtappan.net by Jan. 31, 2020. EOE. HELP WANTED

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HELP WANTED The Harrington Park Police Department is accepting applications for a substitute crossing guard. Those interested may obtain an application at the Harrington Park Police Department, 49 LaRoche Avenue, Harrington Park, New jersey 07640. The Borough of Harrington Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all rules and regulations that pertain accordingly to the advertising and hiring of such employees.

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12 LGBTQ ‘pilots’ head toward September statewide launch NORTHERN VALLEY

Twelve schools throughout New Jersey will serve as proving grounds for newly developed lessons focused on teaching about the contributions of LGBTQ individuals to middle school and high school students.

On Jan. 7 at Union County College, Cranford, representatives from Garden State Equality, a statewide LGBTQ-advocacy organization, announced the 12 schools participating in pilot programs to help introduce LGBTQ-focused curriculum into grades five through 12.

“We believe that when classroom materials are both aligned with the Core Curriculum Content Standards and reflect diverse instruction, students will be able to appreciate differences and acquire skills and knowledge that are essential to function effectively with LGBTQ individuals, LGBTQ allies, and people of various backgrounds,” said Jon Oliveira, a spokesperson for Garden State Equality. “Further, we hold it to be true that when LGBTQ individuals see themselves reflected positively in instruction and various aspects of their school, the educational climate and well-being of LGBTQ individuals will be positively impacted.”

Of the 12 schools, Bergen Arts and Science Charter Middle School and Bergen Arts and Science Charter High School, both based in Hackensack, were selected to participate by Garden State Equality in the pilot project.

The schools will try out gradeappropriate lesson plans developed

by Garden State Equality, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization which developed the lessons for grades 5-12 in public and charter schools.

Beginning September 2020, school districts statewide must implement lesson plans—subject to local school district control—to include the social, political and economic contributions and issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

“Our youth deserve to see themselves reflected in the classroom, and we know the work weʼre doing is going to change the lives of LGBTQ students for the better by reducing bullying,” said Ashley Chiappano, safe schools and community education manager, Garden State Equality.

Law signed Jan., 2019 Last Jan. 31, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum bill into law, making New Jersey the second state nationwide— after California—to mandate LGBTQ-focused education.

The new law sets New Jersey apart as the first state to require an interdisciplinary, across-the-curriculum approach to integrating LGBTQ contributions and history.

The pilot program will run from January through June 2020 and be followed by a survey of educators.

For 2020-2021, all pilot schools will be offered additional LGBTQ lessons for grades 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11, said GSE officials.

All pilot schools must offer a minimum of two classes in each content area.

Oliveira said lesson plans for the pilot schools are not finalized and will be refined based on educator feedback in June.

To give the public a preview, Oliveira shared samples of LGBTQ lesson plans with Northern Valley Press. Following are brief outlines of a few selected LGBTQ lessons provided to pilot schools. ʻInclusiveʼ pronouns One 50-minute LGBTQ lesson shared focuses on grades 6-8, titled

“Teaching Inclusive Grammar: Pronouns,” the lesson focused on the role that pronouns play in writing and how and why they are used.

In addition, the lesson uses an assortment of online resources and documents, helps clarify gender identification and the role pronouns can play in identity, misconceptions about gender, how gender identity reflects in language and vice versa.

Another LGBTQ lesson for eighth grade students that was shared is entitled “Sakia Gunn, Media Coverage of Anti-LGBTQ Crimes and Value Assumptions” and follows a prerequisite lesson titled “Sakia Gunn, Safe Spaces and NJ AntiLGBTQ Violence Mobilization” which both focus on the 2003 murder of Sakia Gunn in Newark, which was dubbed a hate crime that marked a turning point in Newarkʼs LGBTQ history.

The lesson addresses the role news media play in making value judgments about what news is; how the murder of Sakia Gunn—a black, gay, gender-fluid teen was reported; social and cultural factors that influence news coverage and public understanding; along with misconceptions found and new ways of thinking about LGBTQ issues covered by media and discussed and debated in society.

ʻPink Triangleʼ lesson Another lesson for 10th to 12th grade students is titled “The Pink Triangle” and focuses on the experiences of homosexual victims of the Holocaust, who were mostly ignored until the 1970s when testimonies from these victims began to appear, notes the lesson.

While the “pink triangle” is recognized as a symbol of Hitlerʼs oppression against homosexuals, it now represents a symbol of unity in the gay community and a protest against oppression, states a “Brief Summary of Cultural Competencies

Related to the Unit/Lesson.”

The lesson also focuses on why experiences of homosexual victims are mostly left out of the Holocaust narrative, how stigma affects homosexuality, and that the Holocaustʼs genocide also included millions of victims such as Jehovahʼs Witnesses, homosexuals and other groups.

The lesson includes a learning plan, instruction and learning activities, plus online reading and supplemental resources.

Oliveira told Northern Valley Press that although only 12 schools are piloting the new LGBTQ curriculum, many of the 200 schools who initially applied to participate have come on board to informally give the curriculum a tryout, although they are not part of the official pilot program.

Critics say lessons ʻviolate rightsʼ of parents Critics of the new initiative bemoan the current law offers no provision for parents to “opt-out”; but proponents note that the LGBTQ-inclusive content is designed to be woven into the curriculum, not taught on special occasions or as stand-alone lessons.

“The law violates the fundamental and constitutional rights of parents to direct the moral and educational upbringing of their children,” states a Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey online petition opposing LGBTQ-inclusive education. “It was written with no protections for families—families cannot opt their child out of the content for any reason, not even if they have religious or moral objections.”

N.J. Family Policy Alliance describes itself as a Christ-centered organization, public policy partner of Focus on the Family, and part of a vibrant national alliance of profamily state groups.

“This law encourages revi-

FRIENDS GATHER AT THE LIBRARY LGBTQ lessons in 2020

unteers to represent the group at events and serve as webmaster, social media manager, documents manager, book sale sorters and workers, and coming up with fresh ideas for membership, marketing and fund-raising.

Organized in 1958, the mission of the Friends is to support the library staff by providing funding for adult, teen, and childrenʼs programs and special projects that exceed the libraryʼs budget. It supports and cooperates with the library in developing services for the community and helps focus public attention on the library.

The Friends meeting included an explanation of the library activities, programs, and events for which the Friends raised money. Besides individual donations, the biggest source of income this year was the book sale, which earned $13,203.50 this past October.

At the meeting, the Friends also discussed some of the libraryʼs newest innovations, such as more coordination with the Englewood Public Schools, introducing Spanish

FROM PAGE 1

language flyers, and the very successful skating party that they held at the Mackay Ice Rink in Englewood, where children were given free books.

Urdang also presented the “Champion of the Library” award to Howard Haughton, an Englewood high school student who redesigned the libraryʼs website.

The Englewood Library, a friendly place for the entire community, is constantly adding new free programs and events. Some of the most popular activities are yoga, meditation, book clubs, guest presentations, movies, databases, art gallery, play and story time, museum passes, English-as-a-secondlanguage classes, music programs, and a dedicated Teen Area.

“Itʼs not just books anymore!”

Urdang said.

“Weʼve seen a huge increase in the number of people of all ages that are coming to our programs,” added Library Director John Arthur. “The total attendance this year was 13,421 people, a change of 43.99% since 2017, and the circulation— that indicates how any books are checked out—was 137,741, a

sionist history and teaches children that theyʼre no more than the sum of the sexual desires and feelings,” wrote Shawn Hyland, advocacy director for the alliance.

Hyland urges website visitors to sign a petition demanding an opt-out provision at minimum to the new law.

ʻChallenge Bibilical teachingʼ “Parents should know that the scope of these changes affects every subject in school, and it takes away their right to opt their children out of the questionable instruction. In many ways, this instruction will directly challenge Biblical teaching on homosexuality and what parents choose to teach children at home,” said Hyland, Family Policy Alliance advocacy director.

Hyland said that over 7,000 people had signed the online petition since October. He said he anticipates a bill to be introduced in the 2020 legislative session to provide an “opt-out” provision for parents opposed to mandated LGBTQ education.

Hyland said he was told by legislators that many did not realize “how much of a big deal it was” when passed last January.

He noted “most parents too were just not aware of this when it was passed.” He called the law “concerning and troubling.”

The law to integrate LGBTQinclusive curriculum was signed in late January 2019 by Gov. Phil Murphy, making New Jersey the second state nationwide to mandate such curriculum, following California.

Before Murphy signed the LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum law, it was approved by a 52-vote majority in the Assembly and a 27-vote majority in the Senate, drawing wide bipartisan support from state legislators.

Pictured at the Music, Munchies and Members event, from left: Chani Berger and her daughter, Mia, love coming to the Englewood Library every week; Ella Urdang presents Howard Haughton with the ‘Library Champion Award’ for his outstanding work in redesigning the library’s website; Pianist Carolyn Enger entertained guests with a concert.

10.4% increase from 2018.”

Arthur said the libraryʼs goal is to expand and offer more services, classes, training, reading materials and digital resources.

Guests at the event were happy to share what it is they enjoy about the library.

Eight-year-old Mia Berger smiled and answered, “Itʼs so big and so beautiful, and I love the books!”

Miaʼs mother, Chani, added, “I love the flow of the library, and the

librarians are very helpful. Anytime you need anything they are happy to get it for you. The Englewood library is calm and welcoming.”

Peter James, who lives in Hawaii, visits the Englewood library whenever he is in town. “Of all the libraries Iʼve been to, this one has the best layout and resources.”

Englewood resident Jennifer Melkin said, “We love the library and we walk here all the time. I have five kids and the library is a very big part of all our lives. When my kids

were getting their library cards, it was a big deal! … Now that all my kids have graduated from the childrenʼs room downstairs, they love to read the books and they use the libraryʼs many resources for research papers. Also, the staff here is so nice that it feels like home.”

The Friends always welcome new volunteers. For more information, go to englewoodlibrary.org/friends-ofthe-library.

PHOTOS BY HILLARY VIDERS

JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

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JANUARY 20, 2020 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS SOUTH

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