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BACK-TOSCHOOL SPLASH ALPINE • CLOSTER • CRESSKILL • DEMAREST • ENGLEWOOD • ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS • HARRINGTON PARK HAWORTH • NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • ROCKLEIGH • TENAFLY TENAFLY

CONCERTS NOT TO MISS AT

PCAT

Violinist Elli Choi and organist Daniel Ficarri perform free this month

The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly will present two free September concerts featuring internationally recognized musicians Elli Choi and Daniel Ficarri. Choi, a 2020 graduate of Tenafly High School and an award-winning violinist, will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the churchʼs Old Stone Chapel. She will play sonatas by Paul Hindemith, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, among other works. Ficarri, associate director of music and organist at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City, will perform at 3 p.m. Sept. 19 as part of the churchʼs continuing Organ Recital Series. Both concerts will be held at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, 55 Magnolia Ave. Choi, 23, has performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Her appearances have included Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall and the David H. Koch Theater in New York; the Berliner Philharmonie; the Kimmel Centerʼs Verizon Hall in Philadelphia; Maison Symphonique de Montreal; Tonhalle Zurich; Rudolfinumʼs

See PCAT page 164

Hundreds gather on the Mackay Park lawn for a free afternoon of swimming, food, music, and games

PAGE 25

SEPTEMBER 2026

CHEERS TO HOMETOWN HEROES

5th District ceremony honors residents for lifesaving acts, volunteerism, advocacy

Samuel Kim (center) of Englewood Cliffs and nearly two dozen other recipients listen as U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer speaks during the Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony July 31 in Hackensack. Kim was honored for founding two nonprofit organizations serving senior citizens. John Snyder photo. BY JOHN SNYDER EDITOR@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

A C K E N S A C K —

A teenager helping seniors avoid fraud, two educators who revived a student in cardiac arrest, a food

pantry leader and a longtime advocate for children with food allergies were among the Northern Valley residents honored July 31 at the Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer recognized first responders, vet-

erans, volunteers and community leaders from across the district during the ceremony at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center. “Each day, our friends, family and neighbors quietly go out

See HEROES page 174

NORTHERN VALLEY

HAWORTH 5K RETURNS SEPT. 19

Now in its 17th year; run/walk brings state championship races

The Haworth 5K Run/Walk returns Saturday, Sept. 19, for what organizers say will be the community eventʼs 17th running. The 3.1-mile race will begin at 9:30 a.m. at 142 Terrace St. It is open to runners and walkers, combining a competitive championship field with a community race intended for the broader public. The event traces its beginnings to spring 2009, when a small group of local volunteers formed the Haworth Road Runnersʼ Association with the goal of bringing a 5K back to the borough. From the start, organizers wanted the course to showcase Haworthʼs picturesque streets, small-town character and community spirit. They also wanted the race to benefit the organizations and causes serving Haworth and its neighbors. Organizers say the event has raised more than $300,000 for local organizations and causes since it began. This yearʼs race will serve as the USA Track & Field New Jersey

See RACES page 284

TO SERVE, PROTECT

B ck in time...

Three veterans of the Tenafly Police Department assume new leadership roles during an oath-ofoffice ceremony at Borough Hall.

This class photo shows older students from the Nathan Hale School in 1916, the same year their borough was formed.

Page 64

Page 44

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Q&A: Elizabeth Halverstam on effective advocacy

ENGLEWOOD HALVERSTAM has devoted much of her life to arts education and community service. Raised in London, she The NVP came to New Interview York aboard Cunardʼs RMS Queen Mary in 1966, following her boyfriend, John, an anesthesiologist who had planned to stay for three weeks By Hillar y but remained. Viders After a year of exchanging aerogrammes, she joined him. They married in 1967, lived in Manhattan for seven years and moved to Tenafly in 1974. Halverstam joined Englewood-based Arts Horizons as a three-hour-a-week volunteer in 1986. She later became acting executive director and was formally named executive director LIZABETH

in 2010. She retired in 2014. She subsequently served five years as a co-president of the National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section and received its Woman of the Section Award in 2022. In 2025,

she volunteered as a Reading Buddy with Bergen READS, a Bergen Volunteers literacy program that closed in June. Halverstam moved to Fort Lee in 2022. She has two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren. Hillary Viders: What kind of work did you do at the United Nations? Elizabeth Halverstam: I worked in the Examinations and Language Training Dept., which oversaw the translators and interpreters at the UN and also offered a wide selection of classes in several different languages. HV: How did you become involved with Arts Horizons? EH: I found the position through the Bergen Volunteer Bureau (now Bergen Volunteers, of Paramus). HV: What arts education or performance experience did you bring to the position? EH: The arts are included in a British education. I also

appeared in many plays. HV: You met Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother when you were 10. What do you remember about the occasion? EH: It was a brief photo op as she shook hands with several members of the cast of the play, but I was excited and proud that it happened. HV: What do you consider some of the National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Sectionʼs most important accomplishments? EH: National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section was founded 103 years ago. It improves the lives of women, children and families by partnering with 14 nonsectarian Bergen County community service programs, bringing important services to the community through initiatives that feed the hungry, empower women and encourage children to reach their potential. It makes its voice heard in Bergen County and

beyond by advocating on such issues as reproductive rights, gender equity in the U.S. and Israel, voting rights and a hateand violence-free society. HV: Besides your mother, have you had other role models who inspired your dedication to community service? EH: My great friend, Carole Benson, who passed away in September 2025, was a passionate advocate for those less fortunate than herself and for Israel. HV: Given the complex problems society faces, do you believe one person can make a difference? EH: Yes, I definitely do! Whether itʼs making a difference in the lives of women, children and families, or enhancing the life of a child through the power of the arts or the gift of literacy, I believe that one person can impact the lives of others, one building block at a time.

Alpine Joins Bergen County Fiber Network

Alpine has connected its municipal operations to Bergen Countyʼs publicly owned fiber network under a shared-services agreement, county officials announced. The high-speed connection is owned and maintained by Bergen County. It is intended to support municipal government

operations and reduce Alpineʼs reliance on commercial internet providers. The announcement did not indicate that Bergen Fiber service would be offered directly to Alpine residents or businesses. “When we first began building out Bergen Fiber, the goal was to create an asset that

could benefit not just county government, but communities throughout Bergen County,” County Executive James J. Tedesco III said. “Every new connection brings us closer to that goal.” The county says the network is designed to meet the growing technology needs of local governments while offering participating municipalities greater reliability and the possibility of long-term savings. “This partnership gives Alpine access to a reliable, high-speed network while

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko are joined by County Clerk John S. Hogan, Commissioners Rafael Marte and Mary J. Amoroso, Alpine Police Chief Matthew S. Kent and County Shared Services Director Brendan O’Reilly.

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allowing us to take advantage of infrastructure Bergen County has already invested in,” Mayor Paul Tomasko said. Bergen Fiber now connects 48 county and municipal facilities, including borough halls, libraries and utility authorities. Alpine is the 31st municipality to enter a sharedservices agreement for the network, according to the county. The countyʼs announcement did not disclose the cost or term of Alpineʼs agreement, identify the borough facilities connected to the network or provide an estimate of anticipated savings. Municipalities interested in joining the network may contact Bergen County Shared Services Director Brendan OʼReilly at BOReilly@BergenCountyNJ.gov.

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EC breaks ground on $1.1M sewer upgrade

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS— Borough officials broke ground Aug. 3 on a nearly $1.1 million sanitary sewer improvement project designed to repair aging infrastructure and improve the reliability of the municipal sewer system. Mayor Mark Park, members

of the Borough Council, Borough Administrator Intashan Chowdhury and other local officials gathered at Floyd Street and Hollywood Avenue to mark the start of construction. Representatives of Fastech Consulting Engineers and contractor National Water Main

Cleaning Company also attended. Chowdhury described the borough-wide Phase I project as the largest underground infra-

said. “It marked the beginning of a project that will strengthen our

structure investment in Englewood Cliffs history. “Today was more than a groundbreaking ceremony,” he

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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 DINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..10 HEALTH & WELLNESS ...20 HOME & GARDEN........ ...27 SCHOOL NEWS............ ...16 .................... 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

These were older students at Northvale’s Nathan Hale School in 1916. The borough broke off from Harrington Township the same year. (Colorized)

Back to school in newly minted Northvale BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

HE FIRST SCHOOL in Northvale, named for the patriot Nathan Hale, was constructed in 1909. A modest wooden structure, it burned to the ground just a few years after it was built. The people stuck with the name, but went with a better building material, and the Nathan Hale School reopened in a large brick building on Paris Avenue. Many years later, that building became the Northvale Public Library and municipal building. This class photo shows older students from the Nathan Hale School in 1916, the very same year the borough was formed. Northvale has always been on the smaller side in terms of population (about 4,800 today), but in 1916 only around 500 people called the rural community home. The borough, when it seceded from Harrington Township and incorporated that year, included both Northvale and East Northvale. The latter broke off in 1923 to form Rockleigh. Those students who went on to a more advanced education attended either Closter High

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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

The second Nathan Hale School still stands on Paris Avenue. For years it has been Northvale’s library and municipal building. There were three school buildings named for Nathan Hale in the borough’s history. Publisher ________________________ John J. DeFina Art Director_____________________ Keith J. Harcher

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

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.

MUSICAL TRADITION born in Washington, D.C., took the stage downtown Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, when The JoGo Project performs as part of the boroughʼs municipal concert series. The free concert began at 7 p.m. at Huyler Park. Led by Washington, D.C., native and jazz musician Elijah Jamal Balbed, The JoGo Project blends jazz improvisation with the rhythms and traditions of go-go, a style of music that emerged in Washington in the 1970s and became deeply connected to the cityʼs cultural identity. The group was created in 2014 after Balbed, then a student

Courtesy Alona Wartofski

indispensable biography of go-go music and its gurus.” Wartofsky tells Northern Valley Press that Tuesdayʼs concert offered Bergen County residents a chance to experience a musical tradition that many may not know. “Just as New Orleans has jazz, Washington has go-go,” she said. Go-go was designated the

The JoGo Project blends jazz improvisation with the rhythms and traditions of go-go, a style of music that emerged in Washington in the 1970s and became deeply connected to the city’s cultural identity. Courtesy.

at Howard University, had the opportunity to perform with Chuck Brown, widely recognized as the “Godfather of Go-Go.” Balbed continued playing with Brown until Brownʼs death in 2012, and later created The JoGo Project as a way to bring together the jazz and go-go traditions. The band has since performed at venues including the Kennedy Center, Strathmore and Blues Alley, earned two WAMMIE Awards, and brought its music to audiences beyond the Washington region, including through a 2018 cultural diplomacy tour in Russia sponsored by the U.S. State

Department. The Tenafly appearance also has a local connection through resident Alona Wartofsky, a former music journalist with The Washington Post and an author of Crankin! Power and Resilience in Washington, DCʼs Go-Go Culture. Wartofskyʼs book explores the history of go-go music, from its origins through the musicians and communities that have sustained it for more than five decades. The book has received praise from journalists and go-go advocates, including Kevin Merida, former managing editor of The Washington Post, who called it “the

official music of Washington, D.C., in 2020. For residents unfamiliar with the genre, Wartofsky said the best introduction is a live performance. “Go-go is meant to be felt as much as heard,” she said. — Staff report

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Tenafly concert introduces Bergen County to Washington’s go-go sound

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Veteran officers on the rise in Tenafly Greeley sworn in as chief; deMoncada named deputy chief and Kopesky captain

TENAFLY—Three longtime members of the Tenafly Police Department formally assumed new leadership roles during an oath-of-office ceremony July 31 at Borough Hall. Mayor Mark Zinna administered the oaths to Police Chief Michael Greeley, Deputy Police Chief Michael deMoncada and Police Capt. Adam Kopesky. Borough officials said the appointments support the Police Departmentʼs continuing commitment to providing exemplary service to the community. Greeley became a Tenafly police officer in 2005, a sergeant

in 2013 and a lieutenant in 2018, according to a biography supplied by the borough. His assignments have included patrol, the Commu-

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nity Policing Unit, detective work and supervision of the field training program. Greeley also served as a member and supervisor of the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office Crisis Negotiations Team and as Tenaflyʼs deputy emergency management coordinator. His departmental recognition includes an Honorable Service Award for managing the response to a serious motor vehicle crash in which five juveniles were severely injured. He also received unit citations for helping locate a missing and endangered 72-year-old woman and for his communitypolicing work, as well as an Exceptional Service Award for assisting with a triple-homicide

investigation. Greeley holds a masterʼs degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a graduate of Rutgers Universityʼs Certified Public Manager Program. DeMoncada became a Tenafly police officer in 1998 and was promoted to sergeant in 2009, lieutenant in 2011 and captain in 2013, according to his boroughsupplied biography. His assignments have included patrol, the Traffic Division, the Emergency Response Team and the Honor Guard. As a member of the departmentʼs administrative team, he has had responsibility for information technology, internal affairs and public-records man-

They swear of affirm— Tenafly Police Chief Michael Greeley, Deputy Police Chief Michael deMoncada and Police Capt. Adam Kopesky were joined by families, colleagues, and local officials, including Mayor Mark Zinna, Borough Administrator David Fanslau, Borough Clerk and Assistant Borough Administrator Omar Stovall, Councilwoman and Police Commission member Jamie Corsair, and Councilwoman Lauren Dayton. Courtesy photo.

agement and has served as press information officer and emergency management coordinator. DeMoncadaʼs record includes commendations for his involvement in and management of a triple-homicide incident and for stopping and arresting two juvenile burglary suspects. He also received recognition for the professional management of large community events. He attended FBI SWAT and sniper schools at Fort Dix and earned a bachelor of science degree with high honors, doublemajoring in administration of justice and sociology. Kopesky, who served in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Englewood Cliffs appoints Tracy acting chief

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS — Lt. James Tracy, a 24-year veteran of the Police Department, has been appointed acting chief and officer in charge. The mayor and council unanimously approved the appointment at its May meeting. It became effective May 23 following the departure of Chief William Henkelman, who had been on leave and retired from

the department. Tracy serves as the Police Departmentʼs training coordinator and as the boroughʼs emergency management coordinator. Before joining the department, he was chief paramedic at Pascack Valley Hospital. As acting chief, Tracy said he plans to build on the departmentʼs existing foundation while continu-

ing modernization efforts and developing leadership throughout the agency. “A one-team mentality serves both the community and our coworkers, while helping us identify service needs and operate more efficiently,” Tracy said. Mayor Mark Park praised Tracyʼs leadership, professionalism and dedication to public service,

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citing his work during major emergencies, including last yearʼs wildfire along the Palisades. Councilwoman Rivka Biegacz, chair of the councilʼs Public Safety Committee, also noted Tracyʼs success in securing emergency-management grants and reimbursements and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen departmental operations. “Lieutenant Tracy has consistently demonstrated the professionalism, integrity and commitment to service that our residents expect from their police department,” Borough Administrator Intashan Chowdhury said. “His extensive experience in law enforcement and emergency management, combined with his collaborative leadership style, make him exceptionally wellqualified to guide the department forward during this transition.” The borough said Tracy is believed to be among the first openly gay law-enforcement leaders appointed to head the Englewood

Cliffs department. In 2018, Tracy received national attention for developing a bias and diversity training program that subsequently became mandatory for police officers throughout New Jersey. His work was featured by NBC and other national television outlets. Tracy also serves as chairman of the Planning Board and is a member of his hometownʼs Democratic County Committee. Councilman Tim Koutroubas, a member of the Public Safety Committee, said the appointment reflected the councilʼs emphasis on experience and public service. “The councilʼs decision reflects our continued emphasis on experience, professionalism and public service above politics or personal background,” Koutroubas said. “We will always do what is right by our residents, not what is politically easy for us.”

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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 York, New Jersey and Idaho. As a teenager, he learned electric guitar by ear from Jimi Hendrix records before going on to study classical guitar with Sharon Isbin at the Manhattan School of Music. Rodriguez is also a music

TPD:

U.S. Marine Corps, became a Tenafly police officer in 2003, a sergeant in 2011 and a lieutenant in 2015, according to information supplied by the borough. His assignments have included patrol, juvenile investigations and supervision of the detective bureau. He also has served as an evidence officer, field training officer, domestic-violence training instructor and department liaison, and as a member of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Team. Kopesky has received departmental recognition for investigations involving theft, burglary and narcotics, as well as his involvement in a triple-homicide investigation. He also received an award recognizing exemplary service to the Tenafly High School community. He was executive officer of his police academy class, graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program and holds a masterʼs degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. The ceremony was attended by the officersʼ families and fellow members of the Tenafly Police Department. Also present were Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley; Borough Administrator David Fanslau; Borough Clerk and Assistant Borough Administrator Omar Stovall; Councilwoman and Police Commission member Jamie Corsair; and Councilwoman Lauren Dayton. Thomas Greeley is the brother of Tenaflyʼs newly appointed police chief. A community-wide celebration honoring the departmentʼs new leadership is planned for Oct. 27. The borough said additional information about the event will be announced.

educator. He runs an honorslevel guitar program for young people in Brooklyn using African, Latin, flamenco, jazz and classical RODRIGUEZ styles, and previously founded and directed an after-school guitar program at a Latino social service organization in New York City. He is a regis-

tered 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.

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, Sept. 19, 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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SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

GUITARIST TOMAS RODRIGUEZ RETURNS TO ST. PAUL’S OCT. 4

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SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

eats

Dining & Cooking Guide

Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Fair Sept. 20

Mark your calendar for the Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Fair, a fun, family-friendly event on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Ridgewood Avenue in downtown Ridgewood. Each year, thousands attend this once-a-year street fair from near and far. Two hundred exhibitors from four states will

highlight arts, crafts and photography. Shoppers are sure to find the perfect gift or something special for themselves at this vibrant outdoor event. Discover one-of-a-kind handcrafted items ranging from jewelry and art to pottery, stained glass, mixed media, woodwork, garden items, apparel, photography, home

decor and much more. A large food court will be set up in front of the park with a variety of festival foods, including fish, sausage and peppers, gyros, empanadas, steak sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, kebabs, zeppole, desserts and more. A large area dedicated to childrenʼs entertainment will feature a

variety of inflatables, face painting, games and items specifically geared toward young attendees on Walnut Street and in the park. Live music will be played near the food court. This is a fun and exciting event you wonʼt want to miss. The show

is sponsored by Ridgewood Parks & Recreation and organized by P.J.ʼs Promotions. Admission is free. The event is rain or shine. For more information, visit pjspromotions.com or call P.J.ʼs Promotions at 201-410-5416.

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Onwuachi to headline hot Table to Table gala 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, Emil and Debbie Iannone, and Ilene

Capella of Summit House; Roberto Carnero of Warique; Casey 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

centers, child care programs and other community organizations. Table to Table says it works 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.

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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 provided 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

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SEPTEMBER 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.” “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. 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

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Honey Bee Day celebration oh so sweet BY HILLARY VIDERS OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

ENGLEWOOD

More than 100 residents and visitors gathered on the front lawn of the Englewood Public Library on Sunday, Aug. 16, for the cityʼs sixth

annual National Honey Bee Day celebration. Held on its scheduled rain date, the event was hosted by the Englewood Environmental Commission and Green Team in collaboration with the library and with support from the Englewood Health Department and Hackensack Riverkeeper. Visitors met local beekeepers, sampled honey, learned about pollinators and entered a raffle for prizes. Environmental Commission members attending included Chair Crystal Brown, Vice Chair Kevin Lake, Daniel Hoey, Jack Silberman and Erin Thomas. Other guests

included Third Ward Councilwoman Angela David, former state Assemblyman Arnold E. Brown, former Councilwoman Charlotte BennettSchoen, Englewood Rotary Club President Henry Washington, and Englewood Public Schools Interim Superintendent Lamarr Thomas. The dayʼs theme was “Bee Part

of the Solution.” “The goal was to demonstrate that everything is connected,” Crystal Brown said. “When we manage stormwater by installing rain gardens and planting pollinator gardens, especially with native plants, we help our pollinators—bees and butterflies—who in turn pollinate the fruits and vegetables that we consume. … Everything we do makes a difference. By managing stormwater, we can help ourselves.” Washington and Outreach Coordinator Isaiah Leach of Hackensack Riverkeeper distributed information about using rain barrels to manage stormwater and conserve

water. They also discussed the organizationʼs environmental programs and recreational activities. Hackensack Riverkeeper donated the raffleʼs grand prize, a rain barrel, which one attendee took home. The Englewood Health Department offered health information and giveaways. The Environmental Commission held a honey tasting and distributed raw honey harvested from its hives.

Visitors also received information and sample plans for rain gardens and native plantings suited to different levels of sunlight. At an activity table, participants created take-home projects and contributed to a community bee mural.

Why pollinators matter About 35% of the worldʼs food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce, according to the U.S.

Department of Agriculture. Pollinators include honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, birds and bats. They carry pollen between flowers, allowing plants to produce fruits and seeds. Habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental contaminants threaten many pollinator species. Planting native flowers can provide them with food and habitat.

Religious education at Sacred Heart

HAWORTH—Registration for the 2026-2027 Religious Education Program is open. Registration forms are available at the parish office and on the parish website. Questions? Contact the Religious Education Office. “We look forward to helping your children continue to grow in faith and in their relationship with

Jesus this year.” Call 201-387-0080, email Barbara at bagawel613@gmail.com, or visit sacredhearthaworth.com for more information. Consider becoming an altar server at Sacred Heart Church. Any child from grades 3–8 is welcome to join this ministry. Call 201-3870080.

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 201387-0080 for more information.

Northvale:

School at the corner of High Street and Durie Avenue (later Village Middle School, and now closed) or St. Ceciliaʼs in Englewood. The creation of the Northern Valley Regional High School District was decades away. Northvale named its school for Nathan Hale (1755-1776), a Continental Army soldier during the Revolutionary War. While on an intelligence gathering mission in New York, Hale was captured by the British and later hanged. He is wellknown for his famous last words: “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Before the war, he had been a teacher in Connecticut.

FROM PAGE 4

There were three versions of the Nathan Hale School in the boroughʼs history. The first was the wooden schoolhouse that burned in 1909, the second was the Paris Avenue brick building that was used until 1969, and then there was the third, built on Tappan Road, which was a middle school until the 2011-2012 school year. At that time, Nathan Hale Middle School and the Thomas Jefferson Elementary next door were consolidated into the Northvale Public School. With that, after over a century, there ceased to be a Nathan Hale School in Northvale.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Joey’s Fund Classic Car Show Returns Sept. 20

UNDREDS OF MUST-SEE cars, plus food trucks, raffles and an Elvis impersonator, return to Closter Plaza on Sunday, Sept. 20, but the purpose behind Joeyʼs Fundʼs annual charity car show is much more

serious. The Bergen County nonprofit, founded in memory of Joey DeCarlo, says its 2025 show raised $25,000 to help adults, children and families facing the medical and financial pressures that can come with life-threatening illness. Now in its 12th year, the Joeyʼs Fund Charity Car Show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Closter Plaza, 19 Vervalen St. The rain date is Sept. 27. Joeyʼs Fund was created after founder Tony DeCarlo and his family experienced firsthand the burdens that can accompany serious illness. The organization says insurance may cover much of the direct medical care, but families are often left with copays, prescription costs, lost wages, transportation, tolls, parking, food and other daily expenses.

The organizationʼs mission, DeCarlo says, is to “pay it forward” by helping other families navigate those pressures. Last yearʼs car show marked one of the groupʼs strongest fundraising years. Of the $25,000 raised in 2025, Joeyʼs Fund says $8,000 went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and $8,000 to Johns Hopkins All Childrenʼs Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. Additional donations were made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, Make-A-Wish and the American Red Cross. The organization says its giving stretches back more than a decade. From 2015 through 2017, Joeyʼs Fund donated a combined $67,000 to St. Josephʼs Childrenʼs Hospital. Since 2018, it has directed substantial support to Memorial Sloan Kettering, along with donations to Johns Hopkins All Childrenʼs Hospital and other charitable organizations. The practical need behind that giving can be substantial. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, financial-assistance programs help patients with medical costs not covered by insurance, while its Social Work Patient Fund assists eligible patients and families with expenses such as transportation, parking, housing, food, utilities and other basic needs. According to information supplied by Joeyʼs Fund, that fund distributed $3.6 million to 1,912 patients in 2024. Johns Hopkins All Childrenʼs Hospital similarly uses charitable assistance to help families with uncovered medical bills, specialized medications, transportation, meals and

other expenses tied to prolonged treatment. For Joeyʼs Fund, the car show has become the community-facing engine that helps support those efforts. The Sept. 20 event is expected to feature hundreds of vehicles, trophies, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, dozens of raffles, vendors, food trucks, a DJ, bounce house, an Elvis impersonator and family activities. Organizers are seeking car owners, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and

donors. The event also gives Joeyʼs Fund a chance to explain why the financial side of serious illness matters. A diagnosis can quickly affect much more than a hospital bill. Parents may miss work. Families may spend heavily on travel and parking. Ordinary household expenses continue even as treatment takes over daily life. That is the gap Joeyʼs Fund says it was created to help fill. Its message: families dealing

with illness should be able to focus more of their energy on getting well and less on the costs piling up around them. The 2026 show comes with another clear goal — build on the $25,000 raised last year and continue expanding the help Joeyʼs Fund can provide. For sponsorships, vendor opportunities, donations or information, call 201-481-5406, email donations@joeyscharityfund.org, or visit joeyscharityfund.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

It’s live: School ban on cell phones, per governor

TERNTON—New Jersey students are beginning the 202627 school year under a statewide bell-to-bell restriction on cellphones and other personal internet-enabled devices. The law, signed Jan. 8 by then-Gov. Phil Murphy, requires public school districts, charter schools and renaissance school projects to prohibit students in kindergarten through 12th grade from using covered devices throughout the school day. The state defines bell to bell as the period from the opening bell through dismissal, including lunch and time between classes. Smartphones, tablets, smart-

watches and smart glasses are among the devices covered. School-issued technology may still be used for educational purposes. The mandate sets a statewide floor but leaves storage and enforcement to local officials. State guidance lists several options: locked pouches, schoolmanaged lockers or bins, classroom storage stations, or requiring students to turn devices off and leave them in backpacks or lockers. Boards may tailor procedures by grade level and adopt rules stricter than the state minimum. Policies must allow excep-

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tions when a device is needed for an individualized education program, a 504 plan, a documented health plan or translation services. Exceptions also apply to student caregivers, circumstances in which no reasonable alternative exists, uses required by law and emergencies. The change is intended to reduce distractions while improving academic engagement, student well-being and face-to-face interaction. Jeffrey Lane, a Rutgers University researcher who surveyed New Jersey parents and teenagers for

the state, told the New Jersey Monitor that the policy seeks “a pretty global culture change around the relationship to the phone.” Lane said nearly 40% of teenagers surveyed use social media four hours a day. Parents and teenagers identified sleep, attention span and insufficient physical activity among their leading concerns. Some parents remain uneasy about reaching children during

severe weather, lockdowns or other emergencies. State guidance says unregulated phone use during a crisis can interfere with official communications and spread misinformation. Families are advised to contact the schoolʼs main office when they must reach a student. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a mother of four, told the Monitor that students she met described feeling freer when disconnected during school. She welcomed the new policy from a parentʼs perspective. “The best way I can describe it is almost a sense of relief,” Sherrill said. “Everybody needs a break.” — Staff report

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Heroes:

Sc h ool News

and change lives through their service to others,” Gottheimer said. “They do it all without expecting any special recognition. They do it simply because itʼs the right thing to do.” Among the honorees was Samuel Kim of Englewood Cliffs, who at 17 has founded two nonprofit organizations serving senior citizens. Aim for Unity offers free

FROM PAGE 1

archery workshops intended to support brain health and has served more than 600 seniors. Kimʼs Senior Shield Project provides fraud-prevention and digital-literacy programs that have reached more than 150 people. Kim, a DECA regional cham-

Left, Closter Food Pantry co-chair Tom Colwell; above, Northvale school nurse Joan Bohan and athletic director Mike Schulman; and right, Englewood firefighter John Herrmann are recognized during the Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony July 31 in Hackensack. John Snyder photos pion and Regeneron science fair Schulman were recognized for ation event in May. “Instinct took the student. The AED delivered winner, said his work is inspired saving a 14-year-old student who over.” one shock, after which Bohan by the grandparents with whom he suffered cardiac arrest during a The student was unconscious performed chest compressions lives. and had no pulse. Bohan called for and Schulman administered resbasketball game Jan. 20. Closter resident Tom Colwell Bohan, a nurse for more than the automated external defibrilla- cue breaths. was honored for his leadership of 40 years, spent her first 25 years in tor mounted on the gym wall CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 the Closter Food Pantry. Since critical care, including 15 years in while Schulman helped position becoming co-chair in 2023, Col- cardiac catheterization and elecwell has helped transform the trophysiology laboratories. She pantryʼs operations while person- has served as the Northvale disally ordering, collecting and deliv- trictʼs school nurse for the past 15 ering food each month. years. He also maintains the Bohan later recalled that she pantryʼs financial records and had remained at school after work secured grants for new equip- to watch the game. Early in the ment—all while working full time third quarter, she saw the student and volunteering alongside his suddenly collapse on the court. wife and three children. “Decades of caring for carNorthvale school nurse Joan diac patients kicked in before my Bohan and athletic director and mind could catch up,” Bohan said physical education teacher Mike during an American Heart Associ-

Mommy & Me Music Program

Locations in Allendale and River Edge Join our email list for more updates: http://www.musicalmunchkinsnewjersey.com

SEPTEMBER 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 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

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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

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.

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Advertisement BERGENFIELD, N.J. / TAPPAN, N.Y. — As Dr. Mariliza LaCap celebrates her 63rd birthday, she is also marking another milestone: 35 years in dentistry and a career devoted to caring for generations of local families. Her journey began at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she attended on an academic scholarship and met her future husband, Dr. Darren Tong, who graduated in the top 10% of his class. After completing their residencies, the couple married, started a family and began building their dental practice together. In 1992, Dr. LaCap and Dr. Tong opened their first office in Dumont, New Jersey, with just two dental chairs. “We really started very simply,” Dr. LaCap recalled. “It was the two of us, two chairs and a lot of hard work. We wanted to build an office where people felt comfortable, listened to and truly cared for.” Five years later, the practice moved to its Bergenfield location and expanded to six treatment rooms. As the practice grew, so did Dr. LaCapʼs vision. Much of that vision came from raising five children while running a growing business. “As a mother of five, I knew how difficult it was to take the kids to one office for cleanings, another for braces and another for a specialist—and then somehow find time to take care of yourself,” she said. “I kept thinking, there has to be an easier way.” Her goal became to provide all the dental care a family could need under one roof—including general and cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, root canal treatment, dental implants and specialty care—all coordinated by one team. In 2013, the family expanded again, opening Smile More Dentistry in Tappan, New York, along with a pediatric dental office upstairs created especially for children. The concept was intentionally designed around busy families. “A mom can have her cleaning while her children are having theirs,” Dr. LaCap explained. “She can relax, watch a show or even enjoy a paraffin treatment, knowing the kids are being cared for nearby. As a busy mom myself, that was exactly the kind of dental experience I wanted to create.” Today, what began with two chairs has grown into two locations, six associate dentists, three specialists and an extensive Smile Team. Although Dr. LaCap retired from treating patients two years ago, she remains actively involved in leadership, mentoring, practice growth and maintaining the standards of care she and Dr. Tong established decades ago.

She is particularly selective about the dentists invited to join the practices. “We may see many applications, interview only a few and ultimately choose one,” she said. “Clinical ability is essential, but it isnʼt enough. Our doctors need to be friendly, kind, caring and patient. They need gentle hands, excellent communication skills and a good heart.” For Dr. LaCap, those qualities are critical because dentistry is about much more than teeth. “Patients are trusting us with their health, their confidence and sometimes their fears,” she said. “We want them to feel comfortable knowing that whichever doctor on our team takes care of them, they are in very good hands.” Over the past 35 years, one of her greatest rewards has been watching relationships with patients span generations. She has seen children grow into adults,

Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Tong are local expert in dental care. Their mission is to have a community of healthy, beautiful smiles through proper dental care and education. Dr. LaCap and her husband are both graduates of Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery we they both graduated at the top of their class. They are owners of Washington Dental Associates, Smile More Dentistry and Smile More Kidz.

patients return with families of their own and people who once feared dentistry become comfortable and confident in the dental chair. Her philosophy now extends beyond dentistry to total-body wellness. “I believe a healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body,” Dr. LaCap said. “My message has become very simple: Smile More. Live More. Give More. Take care of your health, enjoy your life and, when you can, give something back.” Looking back on the journey from two dental chairs to the practices she and Dr. Tong lead today, Dr. LaCap says she feels mostly gratitude. “The technology has changed, the offices have grown and my role has changed,” she said. “But our purpose never has. It has always been about taking really good care of people. It has been the honor of my profession-

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Come meet our Smile Team Dr. LaCap, Dr. Tong and their entire team invite local families to visit either location, meet the doctors and experience their approach to comprehensive, family-centered dental care. Washington Dental Associates 19 Legion Drive Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-384-2425 WashingtonDentalNJ.com Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Road Tappan, NY 10983 845-359-1763 Dentist-Tappan.com

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SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

LACAP MARKS 35 YEARS IN DENTISTRY AND A CAREER BUILT AROUND FAMILY-CENTERED CARE

SEPTEMBER 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

If you'd like to learn whether myopia management is right for your child, schedule a Myopia Assessment at River Vale Eyecare, 688 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ, with Dr. Robin Semegran or Dr. Lorenzo Stampone. Scan the QR code below to schedule an appointment, or call or text (201) 664-5596.

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FROM PAGE 3

scriptions are changing each year or who have one or both parents who are nearsighted may be especially good candidates for treatment.

priority locations where inflow and infiltration deficiencies were allowing groundwater and stormwater to enter the sanitary sewer network. That excess water can place unnecessary pressure on the system, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Phase I will address those trouble spots as part of a borough-wide rehabilitation strategy rather than treating them as isolated repairs.

Sacred Heart Church plans fall Bible study

Sacred Heart Church, 100 Park St., Haworth, will offer a sixsession Bible study this fall led by Greg Holden, a longtime parishioner and member of the Pastoral Council. Sessions will meet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 3 and 24, Oct. 8 and 22, Nov. 12 and

Dec. 3, in the Parish Center. The first session will introduce the program and include reflections on Genesis 1–2 and 2 Samuel 22. To register, email shrehaw@aol.com or call the Parish Center at 201-387-0080 and ask for Anna.

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, NJ, with Dr. Robin Semegran or Dr. Lorenzo Stampone. Scan the QR code below to schedule an appointment, or call or text (201) 664-5596. Paid advertisement. Claims made herein are those of the advertiser and have not been independently verified by Northern Valley Press.

“Projects of this magnitude do not happen overnight,” Chowdhury said. “They require a willingness to evaluate existing conditions, challenge conventional thinking, assemble the right team of professionals and develop a strategic roadmap that transforms engineering plans into meaningful public investment.” The initiative builds on an earlier phase of sewer rehabilitation along Hudson Terrace, where officials said improvements significantly reduced groundwater infiltration. Information collected during that work, combined with the results of the borough-wide smoke study, helped engineers develop the next phase. National Water Main Cleaning Company was awarded the construction contract by the borough in July. Chowdhury thanked Park and the Borough Council, along with the boroughʼs engineers, Department of Public Works, finance and procurement personnel, utility partners and residents. “From planning to investment. From investment to action. In just one year,” Chowdhury said. “Decades in the making. The work continues.” Officials said the project reflects the boroughʼs continuing effort to strengthen critical infrastructure and meet the long-term needs of residents and businesses.

Church picnic in Teaneck Sept. 12

Join St. Anastasia Church for the church picnic on Sept. 12 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the St. Anastasia Church grounds, 1095 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, with seating inside the Redmond Center. Feel free to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets! To volunteer or learn more call 201-8373354 or email secretary@saintanastasia.org.

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Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

On National Suicide Prevention, Awareness Month

Advertisement eptember is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, an important opportunity to talk openly BOOST YOUR about mental BRAIN POWER health, recogwarning By Dr. Eric Kaplan, nize signs, and DC, DACNB, encourage peoFACFN, FABVR

ple to seek help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023. Millions more experience serious thoughts of suicide each year. Behind every statistic is a person—a family member, friend, colleague, neighbor, or patient—and the impact extends throughout entire communities. Suicide does not have a single cause. Depression, trauma, chron-

ic stress, substance misuse, social isolation, chronic pain, financial pressure, relationship problems, and other challenges may contribute to a crisis. Because each personʼs circumstances are different, effective support must begin with listening and appropriate professional care. If someone appears to be struggling, do not assume the problem will resolve on its own. Check in. Listen without judgment. Take statements about sui-

cide seriously, and help the person contact a qualified mental health professional or crisis service. A direct, compassionate conversation can be an important first step. Mental and physical health are closely connected. Prolonged stress can affect sleep, concentration, memory, mood, energy, and decision-making. Poor sleep can make emotional regulation more difficult. Chronic pain and untreated medical conditions may also increase distress. These connections are why we believe health should be evaluated as a whole rather than as a collection of unrelated symptoms. At Kaplan Brain & Body, we focus on helping patients better understand factors that may be affecting their brain and neurological health. Our approach considers concerns such as focus, memory, sleep, stress regulation, cognitive performance, and overall wellness. One tool we offer is quantitative electroencephalography, commonly known as qEEG Brain Mapping. This non-invasive assessment records electrical activity in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp. The resulting data can help identify patterns that may warrant further discussion as part of a broader health evaluation. A qEEG does not diagnose suicidal thoughts, determine whether someone is at risk of suicide, or replace an evaluation by a

licensed mental health professional. It is also not a substitute for emergency care, psychotherapy, medication, or medical treatment. Its value lies in providing additional information that can be considered alongside a personʼs symptoms, history, goals, and care from other qualified providers. For National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Kaplan Brain & Body is offering qEEG Brain Mapping for only $21—a service normally priced at $600. This special offer gives more people an affordable opportunity to learn about their brain-wave activity and begin a conversation about their neurological health. For individuals experiencing problems with focus, sleep, stress regulation, or cognitive performance, the assessment may provide useful information for planning appropriate next steps. The process is comfortable and non-invasive. Sensors measure brain-wave activity without sending electricity into the brain. After the recording is completed, the data are reviewed and used to create a map of activity across different regions. We then explain the findings in clear language and discuss how they may fit into a broader wellness or care plan. No single scan, treatment, supplement, exercise, or lifestyle change can address every mental health concern. Depending on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

24 ASK THE APPRAISER!

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

$1K surprise: Old bill turns out to be worth much more

Dear Jon, I was going to take this old bill into my local bank and see if they could change it for me. I mentioned this to my neighbor BY JON FELZ and showed the R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & bill to him. He ANTIQUES INC. told me that I would be better off writing to you and getting your expert opinion about it. All I can tell you is that it belonged to my father. I actually remember seeing it way back in the 1960s. It was forgotten about until recently, when I had new closets installed. As we were emptying the closet, we found this bill in a small box with other money. You can imagine how excited we were upon seeing it! Is this still able to be spent? I donʼt want to get into any trouble. Do they still produce thousand-dollar bills? Any information would be

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

greatly appreciated. My neighbor told me youʼre the person to go to with questions about antique money. — Helen

Dear Helen, Your neighbor gave you good advice — and whatever you do, donʼt take this note to the bank and exchange it for $1,000. Your Series of 1934A $1,000 Federal Reserve Note is still legal tender and could technically be spent or deposited at face value. However, banks generally remove these high-denomination notes from circulation when they receive them, and yours is worth considerably more to a collector than the $1,000 printed on it.

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

The story of the $1,000 Federal Reserve Note goes back to 1918. That large-size issue featured former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton on the front and an impressive flying bald eagle on the reverse. These high-denomination notes were intended primarily for bank-to-bank transactions rather than everyday pocket use. A redesigned, smaller $1,000 Federal Reserve Note appeared with the Series of 1928, this time featuring Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Your Series of 1934A note carries that same basic Cleveland design. The green seal on your note is characteristic of Federal Reserve Notes of the period. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing continued producing $1,000 notes through 1945. The federal government discontinued issuance of large-denomination notes in 1969, but they remain legal tender today. Now for the important part: value. As with coins and currency, condition plays an enormous role in determining what a note is worth. Yours appears to be a circulated but well-preserved example, with nice square corners and no obvious rips, tears or major damage. I do notice a light stain to the left of Grover Clevelandʼs portrait. Based on what I can see, I would describe this as a very fine

ed $10,000. So yes, Helen, the bill is real money — but its collector value is the reason you should resist the temptation to spend it. R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River, N.Y. Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

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Back-to-School Splash one for the books ENGLEWOOD

Hundreds of residents gathered on the Mackay Park lawn Sunday, Aug. 23, for the Back-toSchool Splash, a free afternoon of swimming, food, music, games and school-year preparations. The event was organized by Englewood Parks & Recreation, Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Programs, Bergen Family Center, Embrace Relief and Peace Islands Institute. Guests included Mayor Michael Wildes; Parks & Recreation Director Teshawn Warren; Kevin Meacham of Embrace Relief; Adam Ozdemir of Peace Islands Institute; Stephanie Cucuta of Global Sisters Collective; and chef Dion Cucuta, founder and CEO of Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Programs. “The reason for this event is to celebrate the diversity of our community and to ensure that every child leaves feeling excited about going back to school!” Stephanie Cucuta said. “We want to make sure they are supported and prepared for the upcoming school year. We want every family to have a positive experience with our partner organizations.” Local clergy members invocations before offered exchanging greetings with Wildes. “The next generation will do what we do, not what we say,”

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.

Wildes told the gathering. “I cannot wait to one day turn this microphone over to one of them as they lead this beautiful experiment in democracy forward.” Throughout the afternoon, volunteers served burgers, hot dogs, chicken and chili. Popcorn and cotton candy were also available. Information and giveaway tables represented the eventʼs sponsors, the Englewood Health Department, the Englewood Police Department and HIPPY, or Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. Children played in a bounce house and tried video games inside an entertainment trailer as a DJ kept the music playing. Mackay Pool, staffed by lifeguards and Parks & Recreation employees, was another popular attraction. The afternoon culminated in a backpack giveaway. Englewood students received backpacks filled with school supplies and organized by grade, helping them begin the new school year prepared.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

BY HILLARY VIDERS OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

— Photos by Hillary Viders.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

Heroes:

The student regained consciousness within moments. His first question, Bohan recalled, was whether the teams could finish the game. Bohan credited the outcome to immediate action, the availability of an AED and Northvaleʼs requirement that every district employee receive CPR and AED training. “I am not here because Iʼm a hero,” she said. “Iʼm here because I witnessed what happens when research, training and community commitment come together.” Schulman has worked in Northvale for 18 years and was named the 2025–2026 Bergen County Teacher of the Year. Haworth resident Laurie Epstein was honored for more than two decades of advocacy and community service. After her daughter was diagnosed with food allergies, Epstein became a leading voice for allergy safety in New Jersey, even bringing her daughter to Washington to testify while she

FROM PAGE 17

was still in second grade. Epstein has also led Girl Scouts in Haworth since 2005 and now oversees a program serving more than 130 girls. “Her support has produced generations of future female leaders who believe in themselves,” Haworth Councilwoman Dina Siciliano said. Hillsdale resident Andrew Dunn, a U.S. Army veteran and retired English teacher, has served as a Habitat for Humanity construction crew leader for more than three decades. His work included a dozen trips to help with rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. Dumont residents Jim and Meredith Drobinske, retired Teachers of the Year, serve as pantry managers for the Food Brigade. They logged 1,804 volunteer hours over two years while helping provide food to approximately 150 families each week. Jim Drobinske, a 52-year member of the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department, was previously named a Hometown Hero in 2018 after performing CPR to save a man on a golf course. Oradell Police Officer Frank Stefano was recognized for reviv-

Left, Dumont residents and pantry powers Meredith and Jim Drobinske, and right, Ramsey resident and Bergen Volunteers veteran Paul Coller, are recognized during the Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony July 31 in Hackensack. John Snyder photos.

ing a hockey goalie who suffered cardiac arrest at a Hackensack rink. Stefano, who was off duty, performed CPR and administered two shocks from a defibrillator. The goalie has since recovered. River Edge Fire Chief Robert Schlossberg was honored following a career that included deliver-

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ing a baby, making three CPR saves and receiving several unit citations for courage. He was also named the 2025 New Jersey Fire Chief of the Year. Ramsey resident and U.S. Army Reserve veteran Paul Coller volunteers twice a week with CHORE, a program of Paramusbased Bergen Volunteers. For more than a decade, he has performed home repairs that help seniors and residents with disabilities remain safely in their homes. He has also served as president of the organizationʼs board. “Paul is a community champion who strengthens Bergen County every day,” Bergen Volunteers Director Shara Nadler said. Englewood firefighter and union president John Herrmann serves as clinical coordinator for the state Professional Firefightersʼ Peer Support Team, helping departments and firefighters through line-of-duty deaths, suicides and other personal struggles.

Drawing on his own experience with anxiety, he provides the counseling without compensation. At 93, Teaneck resident Razak Buddha is the oldest volunteer at Holy Name hospital. The retired physical therapist has logged more than 3,498 volunteer hours at the hospitalʼs courtesy desk and continues to visit elderly patients in their homes to provide care and companionship. Helen Whalen was honored posthumously. A Westwood resident for more than 70 years, Whalen devoted much of her life to preserving and sharing the regionʼs history through the Pascack Historical Society and Westwood Heritage Society. Her history of Westwood was published after her death in 2023. Other Bergen County honorees included Waldwick resiCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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dent Michele Weber, chair of the boroughʼs Access for All committee, and Upper Saddle River Police Officer and PBA President Anthony Pulizzano, who has supported Special Olympics New Jersey through “Climb with a Cop” and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Honorees from elsewhere in the Fifth District included Michael McNamara of Branchville; Sussex crossing guard Nick Vanhorn; Keri Marino of Franklin; Linda Schaefer of Ringwood; AmpleHarvest.org founder Gary

Edge; Westwood Council President Lauren Leitzia and Councilwoman Erin Collins; Councilman Paul Rubacky; Englewood Cliffs Councilman Phillip Liang; Council President Thomas Kelly; Councilman David Bandfield; Closter

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FROM PAGE 22

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of that work. To learn more about the $21 qEEG Brain Mapping offer or schedule an appointment, call or text Kaplan Brain & Body at 201261-2150, email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com, or visit www.kaplandc.com. You can also listen to my radio show, Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan, every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. on AM 970 and again at 2:00 p.m. on AM 710. Each week, I discuss practical approaches to brain health, memory, focus, stress management, and healthy aging. For additional educational content and daily health tips, follow Kaplan Brain & Body on Facebook, Instagram, and

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SHORE BRINGS ‘A STRONG AND CLEAR VOICE’

toured the studio, learned about Heidkampʼs career, created additional work, received personalized feedback and discussed careers in

the arts. “I was drawn to artworks with a strong and clear voice,” Heidkamp said.

“This exhibition gave our teens the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic methods,” said Agnes Mauro, CEO of One River School. “Thereʼs something special about the way teenagers see the world. Theyʼre honest, curious and unafraid to express what matters to them. Itʼs an honor to champion their work; how we listen to and support these young artists now will shape the future they go on to create.” The other Best in Show recipients attend One River schools in Scarsdale, Port Jefferson Station and Roslyn Heights, New York; Verona, New Jersey; Evanston, Illinois; and Fairfield, Connecticut. One River School was founded in Englewood in 2012. The company operates 15 locations in six states and offers art and digital-media instruction for students of all ages. Cresskill Mayor John Morgan added his congratulations , saying “Weʼre proud to see local young talent recognized. Way to go, Leonie!” — Staff report

Masters Championships for men and women. Eligible USATF-NJ runners can earn up to 700 Grand Prix points. The championship designation does not limit the field to USATF members. The race remains open to all, although runners must be USATF-NJ members to qualify for the championship prize money. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the menʼs and womenʼs open and masters divisions. First-place finishers will receive $250, followed

by $150 for second place and $50 for third. Prize money will be distributed by mail after the results become official. The event also offers an incentive for runners pursuing the

fastest times in race history. A separate $250 prize is available to any man or woman who breaks the applicable overall course record. USATF-NJ membership is not required for the course-record

awards. Organizers also plan a postrace gathering featuring food, drinks and music, extending the event beyond the finish line. Advance registration is $35

through Sept. 17, with a $3 discount for USATF members. Race-day registration is $45. Registration, the course map and additional information are available at haworthrun.org.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

EONIE SHORE of Cresskill was named one of eight Best in Show winners in a national teen art exhibition organized by Englewood-based One River School. The exhibition features more than 1,800 original works created by students at One River locations across the country. One River describes it as the nationʼs largest teen art exhibition. Students were invited to depict a place that matters to them while drawing inspiration from the work of American artist Daniel Heidkamp. Shore participated through One Riverʼs Digital Art Focus: Manga & Cartooning program. Heidkamp, born in Wakefield, Mass., in 1980, is a Brooklyn-based contemporary figurative painter known for finding the otherworldly in ordinary places. Working in a tradition associated

with Edward Hopper, David Hockney and Peter Doig, he transforms plein-air studies into richly textured oil paintings of New England woodlands, Brooklyn interiors and brightly colored, sometimes semi-abstract landscapes. Trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University, Heidkamp has exhibited internationally and at New York venues including White Columns, Half Gallery and Pace Prints. Inspired by Heidkampʼs vivid, atmospheric landscapes— which blend art history, travel, memory and imagination—the students worked in media ranging from oil paint and chalk pastel to animation and digital design. The works were initially displayed at the One River schools where the students are enrolled. All 1,800 pieces are now available through One Riverʼs online exhibition (oneriverexhibits.com). Heidkamp reviewed the submissions and selected eight Best in Show recipients. Shore and the other winners were invited to his Brooklyn studio Aug. 14. During the visit, the students

Cresskill teen Leonie Shore a national ‘best in show’ winner; work impresses expert

Races:

Inspired by Heidkamp’s vivid, atmospheric landscapes— which blend art history, travel, memory and imagination—the students worked in media ranging from oil paint and chalk pastel to animation and digital design. This ranging piece, a Best in Show, is by Leonie Shore.

FROM PAGE 1

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HELP WANTED The Westwood Police Department is hiring for per diem Public Safety Telecommunicator. Applicants are not required to possess a Basic 911 Telecommunicator Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification or CPR certification, but these are preferred if the applicant possesses them. Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification is required within 60 days of appointment. Position requires good communication skills, public contact, the ability to multi-task, basic computer familiarity, and the ability to solve problems. Must be able to pass a background investigation and drug screening test. Applications available at Westwood Police HQ — 101 Washington Avenue Westwood, NJ 07675. You may also contact Chief Michael Pontillo at mpontillo@westwoodnj .gov. The Borough of Westwood is an equal opportunity employer.

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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

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Dvořák Hall in Prague; BOZAR in Brussels; the Abu Dhabi Palace; and Beijingʼs National Centre for the Performing Arts. She has appeared with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Belgian National Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Musica, Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and The Juilliard Orchestra. Choi has performed for French President Emmanuel Macron, former Vice President Mike Pence at the U.S. Department of State, and the Duchess of Gloucester at Buckingham Palace. Her other appearances include the 2019 Lincoln Center Fall Gala honoring John E. Waldron; the 2022 Kids in Need of Defense gala, “Coming Together for Children Alone,” at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City; the annual American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union gala in Brussels; and the World Childrenʼs Day Concert at Expo 2020 Dubai, where she appeared as a UNICEF ambassador. Choi won the Monaco World Music Masters competition in 2016. She later received top prizes at the Qingdao International Violin Competition, Classic FROM PAGE 1

Free concerts in the perfect venue: Violinist and Tenafly graduate Elli Choi performs Sept. 13; organist Daniel Ficarri follows Sept. 19. Courtesy photos Ficarriʼs program will lorʼs and masterʼs degrees. He of his music is published by E.C. studied composition privately Schirmer and MorningStar Music include: • Philip Glass: “Mad Rush” Publishers. with Rachel Laurin. • Johann Sebastian Bach: The Rev. Dr. Martin Ritchie, His compositions include inaugural organ works for the pastor of the Presbyterian Church Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, Miller-Scott Organ at St. Thomas at Tenafly, said “Weʼre thrilled BWV 543 • Daniel Ficarri: Prelude and Church Fifth Avenue and the that Daniel has agreed to give this restored Hazel Wright Organ at recital in Tenafly. Our corner of Fugue on “Thaxted” • Daniel Ficarri: Suite No. 2, Christ Cathedral, formerly known the town used to be an organist hotspot, with famous and flam- “Homage to H.T. Burleigh,” comas Crystal Cathedral. His chamber works include boyant recitalist Clare Cocci and prising “Deep River,” “There Is a music written for a collaboration star organist of Riverside Church, Balm in Gilead” and “Evʼry Time with violinist Stella Chen and for Virgil Fox, both living within a I Feel the Spirit” • Virgil Fox: “Simple Gifts” the organ-and-cello duo of Greg stone's throw of our church. Dan • Johann Sebastian Bach: will be rekindling memories of Zelek and Thomas Mesa. Ficarriʼs sacred choral works those days and bringing his Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, range from “Magnificat & Nunc incredible skills across a very BWV 565 The Ficarri concert is made Dimittis in D,” premiered by Kent wide range of exciting and beautiTritle with the Cathedral Choir ful organ music. Having heard his possible through the generosity of and Cathedral Brass of St. John playing in St John the Divine on the families of the late Beatrice the Divine, to “Ah, Holy Jesus,” many occasions I know that this Van Poznak and Margaret and written for the Church of St. Paul will be an unmissable treat and a Bob Cooper. For more informathe Apostle in New York City dur- “red letter day” in the Tenafly and tion call the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly at 201-567-0111. ing Ficarriʼs tenure there. Much Bergen County calendar.”

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Strings International Competition in Dubai and China International Music Competition. Most recently, she was awarded third prize at the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition. She completed her undergraduate work at Columbia University while enrolled at The Juilliard School, where she had studied since 2009. She recently completed her masterʼs degree as a Kovner Fellow. Choi has since begun professional studies at Kronberg Academy with professor Antje Weithaas under the patronage of the Gingko Foundation. She plays a circa-1840 J.B. Vuillaume violin on loan. Six days after Choiʼs concert, Ficarri will take the console for the latest installment of the churchʼs Organ Recital Series. Ficarri was named one of The Diapason magazineʼs “20 Under 30” organists. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centerʼs Alice Tully Hall under the batons of Marin Alsop, Itzhak Perlman, David Robertson, James Gaffigan and Bernard Labadie. He has performed in concert halls and houses of worship around the country, including Symphony Hall in Boston and St. Patrickʼs Cathedral in New York City. The New York Times featured Ficarri in its “Weekʼs Eight Best Classical Music Moments,” and classical radio station WQXR presented him as part of its 2014 Bach Organ Marathon. Ficarri studied organ with Paul Jacobs at The Juilliard School, where he earned bache-

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