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Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake

T H E PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 30

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Wall of remembrance a milestone for scout

TASTE OF WEST- Community WOOD HOT STUFF ties grow PASCACK VALLEY

11th Annual Friends fundraiser ducks the weather, tells a story of warm community

PH senior Austin Miller earns Eagle after creating a tribute to vets at school

For Austin H. Miller, a tribute to veterans at Pascack Hills High School began with his own familyʼs military service and grew into a project connecting the schoolʼs past with its present. Miller researched former students who served, traveled to Washington, D.C., to see names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and repurposed discarded furniture into a frame for a veterans wall at his school. The project helped the Woodcliff Lake resident earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Scoutingʼs highest advancement rank, with Montvale Troop 334, chartered by the Montvale Fire Department. A senior at Pascack Hills, Miller developed the project, raised funds and oversaw construction. His inspiration came from his grandfathers, Peter M. Strassberg and Harold Miller, and his great-grandfather, George Strassberg, all of whom served in the military. The effort brought together historical research and hands-on work. Miller sought information about Pascack Hills veterans and visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to see former studentsʼ names in person. For the physical display, he sourced discarded furniture and recycled it into a frame, giving old materials a new purpose. The resulting wall honors those who served while giving todayʼs students a connection to the veter-

See SCOUT on page 294

OCTOBER 5, 2026

into new mission for volunteers

Better Together Foundation launches as Hills Valley Coalition prepares to expand to fifth town BY JOHN SNYDER AND MICHAEL OLOHAN EDITOR@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

Flanking Westwood Free Public Library Director Catherine Dileo at the Friends of the Library’s keynote fundraiser on Sept. 27 are volunteers Juliette Sobon, Suzanne Gorham, Patricia Klecanda, Lauren Rogers, Michele Hastings, and Susan Hardin. Photo by Richard Frant of Frant Visuals LLC.

BY JOHN SNYDER EDITOR@THEPRESSGROUP.NET NORʼEASTER—youʼll

WE S T WO O D

find it churning around 551.5 in the Dewey Decimal System, under meteorology

and storms—did nothing to dampen the fun at the Friends of the Westwood Public Libraryʼs 11th Annual Taste of Westwood fundraiser on Sunday evening. Under tents in the Westwood Public Library parking lot, local restaurant crews worked

through the damp remains of much-ballyhooed norʼeaster, grilling and smoking food while, just steps away, the library swelled with neighbors eating, drinking, talking, and rediscov-

Continued on page 5

After 22 years of friendship, raising children and volunteering in local schools, Jen Charnow and Jen Auerbach are building something new together: a foundation designed to connect neighbors with charitable organizations close to home. At the same time, Charnowʼs longtime work with the Hills Valley Coalition is expanding, with Park Ridge expected to become the fifth municipality in the regional prevention and wellness organization in January. The two developments reflect years of community involvement by Charnow and other local volunteers—and an emphasis on connecting residents with resources and opportunities to help close to home. Charnow and Auerbachʼs new Better Together Foundation will hold its first fundraiser Oct. 22, benefiting Spoil Me Pink, a local nonprofit supporting women affected

See LAUNCH on page 94

OPEN HOUSES

B ck in time...

Immaculate Heart Academy in the Township of Washington invites prospective families to its fall open houses, set for Sunday, Oct. 18 and Thursday, Oct. 22 PAGE 16

Kristin Beuscher continues our stagecoach journey through the 1860s Pascack Valley, following the path that the stagecoach made here 165 years ago. PAGE 4

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Frank for Osso and Ganter N PASCACK PRESS

To the editor: SERVED H ILLSDALE as a Republican councilmember 2010–2014, and as mayor in 2016

and 2017. When I vote, I try to select the person whom I feel will be best for Hillsdale. I supported Democrat Michael Sheinfield for mayor, and I am glad I did. He is doing a good job. I also supported the Democratic councilwoman, as I think a local government should contain bipartisan input. However, we need to be cautious. After the 2012 election, while I was on council, there was a change in control of our council from Republican to Democrat, and a period of chaos ensued. Allegedly pushed by party forces from out of town, the new Democratic majority fired our long-

OTE TO READERS: We are

running three letters to the editor in full this week, from Douglas Frank, Rick Savino, and Harold Shill, after versions of these letters appeared in our Sept. 28 edition suffering improper and material altertion by paperʼs ownership. The changes were undertaken after the normal editing process and without your editorʼs

knowledge or consent. A staffwritten article on our website, covering a Hillsdale vote, also was revised by ownership, and now repaired. The intent was to remove all reference to Hillsdale Council President (and candidate for re-election Clemente Osso in our pages, regardless of context, as requested. — John DeFina, Publisher

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serving borough engineer and replaced his firm with a larger firm with little knowledge of our town and much larger fees. They brought in a controversial person for borough attorney. They fired our outside auditor, who knew our finances in detail and hired another firm, perhaps at the direction of their party. And they replaced our longtime local insurance broker/provider with a politically connected firm from Central New Jersey (who, I say in jest, could not find Hillsdale on a map). The coup was complete with the firing our borough administrator/CFO, which led to a revolving door for what become two positions at extraordinary expense. We still are recovering from this revolving door. We are in the middle of perhaps the highest tax increases in my 51 years in Hillsdale due to the George G. White Middle School and sports fields projects.

See LETTERS on page 74

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Six towns share in county Open Space Fund $600K BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

PASCACK VALLEY

Bergen Countyʼs Open Space Trust Fundʼs Public Advisory Committee is planning to award slightly over $600,000 in historic preservation and park improvement grants to six Pascack Valley towns - including $175,000 to Park Ridge - according to the trust fundʼs executive director. Ken Aloisio, director, said an Oct. 1 public hearing at the County Commissioners Public Meeting Room, 7 p.m., will propose the 2026 funding allocations as detailed in a two-page list attached to a public notice dated Aug. 25. Generally, the allocations are approved for funding at the meeting, officials told Pascack Press. Pascack Press requested information on the grants but did not hear back from the county. Instead, we found the proposed appropriations list included on another townʼs September council agenda. Last year, Park Ridgeʼs historic Wortendyke Homestead, 12 Pascack Road, received a $232,000 grant from the countyʼs Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund to support the acquisition and preservation of

the Frederick Wortendyke Jr.ʼs house, a historic Dutch-style homestead built between 1750 and 1755 and listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. This year, the proposed $175,000 county Open Space grant was for the “Wortendyke House Preservation Plan & Restoration,” according to the public notice. “Itʼs wonderful to see that our county officials agree with our vision for this homestead and the timing with our nation's 250th anniversary is perfect. This homestead is an important part of not only our local history but that of the countyʼs and countryʼs,” Mayor Keith Misciagna told us. Misciagna said local staff worked with the county administration and historic preservation commission on the grant and thanked them for “this sizable grant.” He said heʼs excited to see the homeʼs restoration to its former glory, which was likely to start in spring 2027. Following a tri-boro 250th celebration of Americaʼs independence on July 4th, parade marchers and spectators gathered around the historic Wortendyke Homestead to eat and rest, while tours were offered informally by the mayor and other

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local historians. The mayor told a Pascack Press reporter then that officials had big plans for the historic homeʼs restoration and future uses. Also earlier this year, Misciagna told us the borough was seeking funding to protect the Wortendyke home as historically significant, with a goal of safeguarding the site for future generations and creating opportunities for community education. At the time, Misciagna said the project was intended

to complement the nearby Pascack Historical Society Barn, described as one of New Jerseyʼs few remaining Dutch farmer barns. While county Open Space funds funds are allocated to River Vale for a park improvement project, the county trust fund awarded $200,000 to the countyʼs Division of Historic & Cultural Affairs for its “support and design” of the Baylor Massacre Historic Burial Site ahead of the siteʼs 250th anniversary on Sept. 28, 2028. Last year, the Divi-

sion received a $100,000 grant for archaeology monitoring at the site. Baylor Massacre, in which the British surprised a force of Third Continental light dragoons at night, occurred in September 1778 in River Vale. Approximately 11-15 dragoons who died there were believed buried in tanning vats along the Hackensack River, Some remains of Continental soldiers were discovered in 1967 buried in the river. The remains were rein-

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Curiosity Sale moves to Oct. 3–4

PARK RIDGE — The Pascack Historical Society has postponed its popular Curiosity Sale by one week due to concerns about severe weather. The sale will now be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, at the Societyʼs museum, 19 Ridge Ave. The sale features vintage and antique finds at bargain prices, with a particularly large selection of Christmas collectibles and HO model trains can this time around. Shoppers browse collectibles, home decor, china, glassware, crystal, jewelry, handbags and accessories, lamps, serving pieces, pottery, linens, postcards, artwork, antique sheet music, figurines, cameras, ephemera, furniture and more. Saturday hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with Sunday hours 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The sale takes place indoors and outdoors. Cash only; credit cards are not accepted. For more information, call 201-573-0307 or visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org.

Free memory training course

HILLSDALE—A free, four-session memory training course will be offered at the Hillsdale Community Center on Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how memory works and explore evidencebased strategies for common memory complaints. The course will be held at the Hillsdale Community Center, 137 Patterson St. The program is presented in connection with Hackensack Meridian Health and the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission. To register, contact Erica Abbruzzese at 201-445-7217 or Eabbruzzese@nwbrhc.net.

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B ck in time...

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

An 1860s trip through the Pascack Valley: Part 3

ETʼS CONTINUE our stagecoach jour-

ney through the 1860s Pascack Valley. We are following the real path that the stagecoach made through this area 165 years ago. The route began at the old Trading Post at Pascack and Mill roads in Park Ridge, with the horse-drawn carriage collecting passengers as it meandered through villages that we now call Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Westwood, and Emerson. Its destination was the Northern Railroad depot in Closter. This was how people traveled to New York City during that decade before the Pascack Valley got its own railroad

Henry Smith lived in this house off Hillsdale Avenue in the 1860s, but its final occupant was his grandson, Henry Clendenny. It was torn down in 1970. The land supports a housing development.

SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS By Kristin Beuscher, Historian, Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge. Call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org

line. If you missed that first two parts of the story, you can visit Pascack Pressʼ website and find them under the “Back in Time” tab. As we continue down Pascack Road in Woodliff Lake, making our way toward Hillsdale, we pass a blacksmith shop, a saddle maker, and the inns run by Peter Wortendyke and J. Hopper. In this time, this section is called “West Pascack.” We have no need of overnight accommodation on this trip, but if we did, a hearty dinner and a place to sleep at one of these inns would cost us about 50 cents. We could add a quart of cider for 8 cents or warm up with a small glass of brandy for 12 cents. Unfortunately, there is no free parking at these hotels. The price is 16 cents for a spot in the stable and a quart of oats. We continue through expansive farmland and woods owned by the Banta family. When we reach the intersection of Hillsdale Avenue, we see on our right side the Lower Pascack School House, also called the Hillsdale School. William W. Banta is the princi-

Baylor Massacre remembrance event Sunday, Oct. 11

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As our stagecoach makes a left from Hillside Avenue onto Washington Avenue in Westwood, it passes the John D. Haring House, built in the 1760s. In 2026, the house is among the oldest in the area.

pal here, overseeing the few dozen students from kindergarten through eighth grade. For the majority of them, this one-room schoolhouse will be the extent of their education. It will serve them well as they follow in the footsteps of their parents, becoming farmers. Here we turn toward the east, making a left from Pascack Road onto Hillsdale Avenue. Just a handful of homes dot the length of this country lane that will one day be fully lined with houses. One of these belongs to Henry Smith, the local undertaker.

RIVER VALE — A ceremony honoring the American soldiers killed in the Baylor Massacre will take place Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Baylor Massacre Burial Site, 486 Rivervale Road. The event marks the 248th anniversary of the Revolutionary War attack. Bergen County officials postponed the originally scheduled ceremony because of anticipated inclement weather. On Sept. 28, 1778, British forces surprised Col. George Baylorʼs 3rd Regiment of Continental Dragoons, whose soldiers had taken quarters in local farmhouses. According to the siteʼs historical marker, British

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Staff Writer Editor Back in Time Art Director Director of Advertising

He lives in a pre-Revolutionary home that Hillsdale residents of the future will associate with the name Clendenny, one of his descendants. Mr. Smith is in his office writing out a bill to James Demarest, whose mother, Bridget, recently passed away. Bridget was born in 1779, and her life was considered a very long and fruitful one. Her total funeral expenses, including a casket, gravesite in

See TRIP on page 64

troops surrounded the Americans during the night and bayoneted soldiers, with some killed or wounded after surrendering. The commemoration invites visitors to learn about those events, meet historical reenactors and remember the soldiers whose service forms part of River Valeʼs Revolutionary War history. This yearʼs observance also falls during the nationʼs 250th anniversary year, connecting the local remembrance with broader commemorations of American independence.

John J. DeFina Michael Olohan John Snyder Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher

See BAYLOR on page 274

(c) 2026 The Press Group, all rights reserved. Material is developed independently by Pascack Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is forbidden. Views printed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. We are neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. Email us with correction requests. Pascack Press is published in Westwood and distributed to every household in our circulation area.

Taste:

5 OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

ering a Westwood tradition seven years after its last appearance. If the weather outside was raw, nearly all the warmth at the revived Taste of Westwood came from within. The power held. All rose together. The Sept. 27 fundraiser for the Friends of the Westwood Public Library brought together local restaurants and businesses, library staff and volunteers, borough employees and officials, musicians, sponsors and residents

FROM PAGE 1

“It’s like a big giant party,” Library Director Catherine DiLeo tells Pascack Press. “Everybody just wants to get together.” The fundraiser became a Westwood tradition during the 18-year tenure of DiLeo’s predecessor, Martha Urbiel. Photos by Richard Frant of Frant Visuals LLC.

for an event that organizers had spent months assembling — and that the community appeared more than ready to welcome back. “Itʼs like a big giant party,” Library Director Catherine DiLeo told Pascack Press. “Everybody just wants to get together.” The fundraiser became a Westwood tradition during the 18year tenure of DiLeoʼs predecessor, Martha Urbiel, who retired at the end of 2024. Urbiel helped organize 10 Taste of Westwood events with Mike Fitzsimmons, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Friends of the Library, describing the program upon her retirement as both a beloved community gathering and an important source of support for the library. Urbiel was among the familiar faces appearing in a ranging

social-media video announcing the eventʼs return. “It was a really quick mad dash, but it all came together,” she said. “People were really excited to do it,” DiLeo said of the video. By Sunday, vendors filled the library and its kitchen while crews worked beneath tents in the parking lot. Inside, tables offered an abundance of food, wine and beer as guests circulated through a building that, for the evening, seemed built for the purpose. A party place with stacks. “The restaurants were super generous,” DiLeo said. “People were like, ʻOh my God, I canʼt even try everything.ʼ There was just so much.” Westwood Wine & Liquors coordinated wine and beverage distributors, with donated selections adding to the evening. A DJ played on one side of the event while students from Westwood Music performed on the other. The weather forced organizers to adjust their plans. Park

Avenue had been closed to accommodate the anticipated outdoor footprint, but with the rain limiting outdoor activity, organizers reopened the street after vendors unloaded and set up. They also resisted the temptation to squeeze in more guests. The event had sold out in advance, DiLeo said, with a waiting list that reached about 70 people before organizers stopped taking names. With forecasts pointing toward rain, they decided against releasing additional tickets. That decision proved fortunate, DiLeo said. The crowd remained comfortable inside while the outdoor grilling stations continued operating beneath their tents. She estimated attendance, including restaurant crews and other participants, at close to 200, with a final count still being compiled. For DiLeo, the evening's success was the number of people and organizations that had to work

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together to make it happen. Friends volunteers and library employees worked alongside participating businesses. The Health Department helped organizers navigate food-service requirements and inspections. Other borough employees assisted with per-

mits and logistics. Sponsors backed the fundraiser, and restaurant crews committed food, staff and hours to an event whose weather prospects became increasingly uncertain as Sunday approached.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Trip:

Pascack Cemetery, the labor of the diggers, tolling of the church bell, and services of the minister come to $22.50. Bridgetʼs funeral had tested the skills of the bell toller at the Pascack Reformed Church. The

FROM PAGE 4

sexton always takes his place in the belfry long before the time of the service. This gives him an advantageous position—he can see the funeral procession approaching from either direction on Pascack Road for approximately a halfmile from the church. As the wagons come into sight, he begins to toll. The number of strokes indicates the years of the deceasedʼs age. For octogenarian Bridget, it required considerable skill to give

the proper number of strokes before the procession reached the church. Undertaker Smith, seated on his high perch at the front of the hearse, had to use his skill, too— he had to check his horses so that he arrived in front of the church just as the final stroke sounded. Shortly after Mr. Smithʼs place we make another turn, this time to the right, and we are on Yesler Way—at least thatʼs what people in the future will call it. The

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narrow, crooked, and rough path has us jostled about. On our right, we pass the Westervelt farm, which includes over 74 acres and a Dutch sandstone homestead dating to before 1750. Casper Westervelt lives here now. He is one of the farmers in this section that specializes in strawberries. Yesler Way turns into Hillside Avenue, and at its end we make a left onto Washington Avenue. As we make the turn, the home on the left is one of the oldest in the area. This was once part of a large tract owned by Daniel Haring of Haworth, and he had the house built for his son, John D. Haring, after he waxs married in 1763. The house and its 50 acres stayed with the Harings until 1847. As our stagecoach passes by, through the window we spot its current owner, John C. Westervelt. We are in Pleasantville—a sparsely populated rural area that future people will call Westwood.

There is no “downtown” to speak of. The stores have not yet come; the first ones will arrive a few years from now, along with the railroad. For now, the few commercial enterprises belong to millers and tradesmen. About two dozen houses stand in the vicinity, and we pass three of them on our right—the Ottignons, Hoppers, and Westervelt farms—as we make our way down Washington Avenue. Ahead we come to William Bortickʼs place—he is the postmaster here in Pleasantville. This location will one day be the entrance to busy Westwood Avenue, lined with shops and restaurants. The coming of the railroad at the end of this decade will mark the beginning of a new era for this section. For now, the modern world has not yet reached this place. Our journey concludes in next weekʼs Pascack Press…

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We already have a bipartisan council and an effective Democratic mayor. We canʼt afford the chaos of a changeover in all our critical relationships and services. We should learn from our mistakes. I support the reelection of Clemente Osso and the election of Danielle Ganter to Hillsdale Borough Council, and urge our residents to do the same. Respectfully, Douglas Frank Hillsdale

FROM PAGE 2

tives. The vote for a cell tower at Stonybrook failed by a 4-2 vote. The proposed tower would provide necessary coverage and as much as $100,000 through rental agreements between the borough and the providers. Iʼve been speaking during public comment at council meetings and have told true stories of people needing emergency assistance who were deterred by a lack of cell coverage. Itʼs easy to identify these events; they happen all the time. The next incident could be your parent. The Republican platform

includes a vague promise to expand connectivity, look for options and next-generation solutions, and continue to try to compel the phone carriers to install dozens of individual small cells (with no power backup). This problem has been considered for years, and there is no viable alternative to address this public safety need. One of the “no” votes was cast by council candidate Clemente Osso. The only solution so far is to pass the cost of cell service on to the residents and recreation users through Starlink sub-

scriptions. That would mean an 7 added cost to citizens instead of an income stream. There would be an ever-increasing connection fee and subscription on top of what we already pay. Instead of reducing our tax burden by generating revenue for the town, heʼd pass those costs on to the residents. Thatʼs a double hit. No cell tower, no revenue and a bill for private satellite service. That doesnʼt make sense. Dena Toms and Gabriella Ianni support a cell tower for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Metzdorf touts Mintz on security Toms, Ianni To the editor: Park Ridge, we can take confidence in connect in A knowing that protecting our water infrastructure and the security of Hillsdale our community remains a serious To the editor: priority. east side of HillsAs Park Ridgeʼs utility liaison and chair of the Technology Idale and have minimal cellular Committee, Councilman Michael coverage. Iʼm not alone. My S RESIDENTS OF

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Mintz takes the security or our critical infrastructure seriously. Following recent reports of cybersecurity attacks by foreign actors targeting water systems in New Jersey, Councilman Mintz and

neighbors are also desperate for coverage. This isnʼt about convenience; itʼs about public safety. I attend council meetings, and I watched the testimony and deliberations concerning alterna-

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Letters:

Mayor Keith Misciagna met with Congressman Josh Gottheimer to discuss the security of our critical infrastructure and steps that can be taken to strengthen our defenses. Working with Borough professionals, they continue to monitor our systems and strengthen our cybersecurity programs to help protect our water utility from potential cyber threats. Most importantly, we want our residents to know that there are no known threats or indications that the Park Ridge water system has been compromised. Cybersecurity is an ongoing responsibility, and we will remain vigilant and proactive. Protecting our water supply, our infrastructure, and, most importantly, our families and our community is a responsibility we take seriously. Robert C. Metzdorf Councilman, Park Ridge

OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Council approves clerk’s three-year agreement n 5-1 vote follows debate over raises, access to contract

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The Borough Council approved a three-year employment agreement for Clerk Denise Kohan on Sept. 8, with supporters citing her performance and the value of retaining an experienced employee, while the lone dissenter questioned the size of the raises and the agreementʼs unavailability to the public before the vote. The 5–1 decision followed praise for Kohan from both supporters and Councilor John Ruocco, who voted against the agreement. The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2029. Kohan also serves as the boroughʼs qualified purchasing agent and Board of Health secretary, positions that carry separate com-

pensation. Her annual base salary as clerk will rise from $102,000 to $120,174 in 2027, remain at $120,174 in 2028 and reach $129,174 in 2029. That represents a 17.8% increase in the first year and a cumulative 26.6% increase over the current base by the final year. Compensation for her purchasing-agent duties will be $13,000 in 2027, $13,390 in 2028 and $13,791 in 2029. She also receives $22,600 annually as Board of Health secretary. With the health secretaryʼs pay held at its current amount, combined compensation for the three positions totals $155,774 in 2027,

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$156,164 in 2028 and $165,565 in 2029. Those totals include pay for all three roles, rather than the clerkʼs position alone. During the councilʼs discussion, Ruocco said Kohan should receive “a robust and above average salary increase” for her clerk and purchasing-agent duties, describing her as “highly proficient in those roles.” But he called the proposed increases “excessive in comparison to increases afforded to other borough employees.” As Finance Committee chair, he said they were not “fiscally responsible” given the boroughʼs budget challenges and what he described as “above-average” tax increases recently levied on residents. Ruocco also warned that the agreement was “likely to spike expectations for similar increases among our staff in the future whether unionized or non-unionized.” He said he might have supported the agreement if “the size of the increases were reduced somewhat,” but did not specify an amount. Mayor Michael Sheinfield said the borough needed to remain competitive to retain an experienced clerk. He said salary infor-

mation for Pascack Valley clerks was “all over the map,” but compensation needed to reflect the current market. Sheinfield noted that Kohan is a resident who knows the borough and its operations. He said the administrator views her as “a righthand person,” adding that her experience has considerable value. “We are fortunate to have this person,” the mayor said. He supported the agreement but did not vote; the mayor votes only to break a tie. Council President Clemente Osso said the new salary agreement “serves as an investment to secure a very valuable resource for us for the next three years. So I appreciate the work the clerk has done for us.” Councilor Melissa MazzaChiong agreed, saying, “This clerk goes above and beyond. She has proven that she can do her job plus many others.” Councilor Chris Camp called the clerkʼs position “arguably the most important role in the borough” and said the agreement needed to be considered in light of previous yearsʼ increases. Councilor Robert Colletti Jr. said he shared Ruoccoʼs cost concerns but also weighed the alternatives: turnover, potentially adding positions, and the accompanying salaries and medical benefits. He described Kohan as “outstanding” and said that, in her case,

it was “warranted to move forward with this.”

Questions over public access Ruocco also objected that the agreement was not available to the public when the council considered and approved it. Pascack Press submitted a public records request following the meeting and received the contract Sept. 20. Sheinfield confirmed details before the newspaper received the agreement from Kohan. During the meeting, Sheinfield asked Borough Attorney Mark Madaio when an employment agreement becomes a public document. Madaio said it becomes public upon signature, rather than upon council consideration. The discussion did not clarify whose signature would make the agreement public. The resolution authorizing it included signature spaces for the mayor and borough clerk. Asked about the vote afterward, Ruocco reiterated that his objections concerned compensation and disclosure, rather than performance. “I think our clerk is highly proficient in her various roles. If the proposed employment contract had been a bit less fiscally exuberant with the size of the salary increases, I would have supported it.”

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by cancer. For Charnow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2023, the choice is personal. “Once youʼve heard the words you have cancer, you understand in a completely different way how important it is to feel supported and cared for,” she said. “There are so many things happening medically and emotionally at once. Organizations like Spoil Me Pink remind women that they arenʼt walking through it alone.” The event launches a broader effort the founders call “Give Where You Live,” aimed at drawing attention, donations and volunteers to grassroots organizations whose work residents might not yet know. “There are incredible grassroots organizations doing important work right here in our own backyard,” Charnow said. “These are often smaller organizations with passionate people behind them, where a donation, a new volunteer or simply greater awareness can have a tangible impact. We want to help shine a light on them so they can reach and help even more people.” The founders describe Better Together as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that will support charitable organizations through events, promote volunteerism and philanthropy, and provide educational opportunities. Both women bring years of experience in school leadership, fundraising and community service. With their children moving into adulthood, they saw an opportunity to put those relationships and skills toward a shared project. “Weʼve spent so many years nurturing our families and supporting our schools and community,” Auerbach said. “Better Together feels like a natural next chapter for us—taking everything weʼve learned and the relationships weʼve built and using them to bring people together for causes that matter.” Charnow, a Woodcliff Lake resident for 20 years, holds a masterʼs degree in clinical social work and has worked in education, prevention, mental health and community engagement. She founded Parent Academy, has served as co-coordinator of the Hills Valley Coalition and spent four years as co-president of the Pascack Hills High School Parent Faculty Association. She also serves as Woodcliff Lakeʼs stigmafree liaison and vice president of the Wilder Family Foundation. Auerbach holds a bachelorʼs degree in communications and has held leadership roles with the YJCC Parent Faculty Association and YJCC board, the Woodcliff Lake Parent Faculty Association and Pascack Hills High School Parent Faculty Association. She is vice president of the JA4 Family Foundation. Through Better Together, they hope to make community involvement accessible to people with varying amounts of time and money to give. “Giving back doesnʼt always have to mean making a huge donation,” Charnow said. “Sometimes itʼs showing up. Sometimes itʼs volunFROM PAGE 1

Jen Charnow and Jen Auerbach are building something new together: a foundation designed to connect neighbors with charitable organizations close to home. Courtesy photo. teering. Sometimes itʼs telling someCoalition co-coordinators one else about an organization doing Charnow and Jennifer Zimmermann great work. We want to make it eas- told the Woodcliff Lake governing ier for people to find meaningful body Sept. 16 that they have been ways to get involved.” speaking with Park Ridge officials about joining the organization, likely Coalition looks to Park Ridge effective Jan. 1, 2027. Meanwhile, the Hills Valley Charnow said Park Ridge offiCoalition, which for two decades has cials “had reached out to us and they focused on educating young people want to join us and thatʼs pretty and parents and promoting stigma- cool.” free and substance-free communi“Park Ridge is right there. ties, is preparing to broaden its own Thereʼs no reason for us not to be reach. combining our forces together,” she The coalition currently serves said. Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciand River Vale, the four municipali- agna welcomed the move and the ties covered by Pascack Hills and involvement of resident Tammy Pascack Valley high schools. Levinson. “We are very happy to join this

ty involvement and hard work. This 9 marriage is certainly great for all of us and I look forward to supporting HVC.”

See LAUNCH on page 274

OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Launch:

great organization and I'm so happy to have Tammy Levinson representing our town. Tammy is one of our town's most dedicated residents who has a long track record of communi-

OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Council candidates meet Oct. 13

WOODCLIFF LAKE — The Woodcliff Lake Senior Association and the League of Women Voters will sponsor Candidatesʼ Night on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tice Center in the Tice Shopping Center. Participating council candidates are Democrats Eric Bittman and Aleisia Gibson Wright and Republicans Julie Brodsky and

Joshua Stern. Each candidate will deliver a two-minute opening statement and answer two questions provided in advance in early October. A League of Women Voters moderator will pose those questions, followed by written questions submitted by audience members. Each candidate will then give a closing statement.

The public is invited to learn about the candidates and their positions before the Nov. 3 general election. According to organizers, early voting will be available at the Tice Senior Center beginning Oct. 24. For information, contact Marilyn Clark at 201-391-4720 or mjjclark@yahoo.com.

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the equipment. Bergen County Superintendent of Elections Anthony Nicodemo also attended. The club thanked the presenters for their time and information. Elaine Mooney organized the event. — Staff

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Elections — told voters that mail-in ballots went out to about 76,000 registered mail-in voters before Sept. 19, and even earlier to voters living overseas and in the military. And on Wed., Sept. 22, the first day of ballot collection from drop boxes, Board of Elections Chair Richard Miller said 750 ballots had been collected that day from 35 drop boxes countywide. “We want a fair, honest, and safe election and thatʼs what weʼre here to do,” Miller said. County Clerk Elections Division Supervisor Sabrina Taranto said “thereʼs been a lot of misinformation for years” about elections and noted that residents should seek out information from trusted county elections officials or their municipal clerk rather than social media. In the last two General Elections, Tarantoʼs office has distributed a print flyer to all registered voters that addresses “election disinformation,” which is information “designed to mislead, undermine trust in elections, and discourage you from voting.” A flyer is planned

to go out prior to this yearʼs Nov. 3 election, she said. Early voting runs nine days before the election, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1 at 10 countywide locations, where registered voters in any Bergen County town can cast

early ballots. A Mahwah location at Bergen Countyʼs Law & Public Safety Institute is new this year. Miller said Sept. 22 that he anticipated receiving more than 60,000 vote-by-mail ballots in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

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Mayor warns of scams targeting seniors

Plus: Open-space vote, fall events, and volunteer opportunities

PARK RIDGE—Mayor Keith Misciagna is urging residents to watch for scams targeting older adults, including fraudulent calls, unexpected visitors posing as service workers, identity theft and mail theft. In a message to residents, Misciagna warned that scammers may arrive at a home claiming to be contractors, utility employees,

plumbers or electricians, sometimes inventing an emergency to gain entry. Residents should keep unexpected visitors outside while checking identification and independently contacting the company or Park Ridge Utilities through a trusted telephone number, he said. Anyone who feels something is wrong should keep the door locked and contact borough police. The mayor also cautioned against unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment. Scammers may impersonate utility companies,

the IRS, law enforcement or hospitals, or claim a relative has been arrested, injured or is in danger. Residents should hang up, verify the story through a trusted number and consult someone they trust before sending money, Misciagna said. They should not provide financial information or buy gift cards in response to an unexpected call. “These criminals can be extremely convincing and may already know personal information about you or your family,” he wrote. Misciagna encouraged residents to involve a relative, friend,

neighbor or police when something seems suspicious, emphasizing that there is no reason to feel embarrassed about being targeted.

Open-space fund on November ballot Park Ridge voters will decide in November whether to continue the boroughʼs Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. According to Misciagna, renewal would maintain the existing dedicated tax of up to $0.007 per $100 of assessed value, approximately $33.29 annually for the average borough homeowner. The money is restricted to open space, recreation, conservation and historic preservation. The mayor said the fund has supported recreational improvements, open-space preservation and restoration work at the historic train station, while helping the borough secure more than $1.1 million in county grants. He encouraged residents to review the referendum and participate in the election. Oktoberfest Sept. 26 Park Ridge Recreation and the Elks will host their annual family Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge, 13 Sulak Lane. The event includes live music, German-inspired food and beverages, face painting, balloon animals and other family activities. Admission is free. Pets are not permitted.

American Legion picnic Oct. 3 Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153 will hold its second annual picnic Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 5 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 118 Ridge Ave. The rain date is Oct. 10.

The menu includes a pig roast, fresh clams, sides and more. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the American Legion.

Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony Oct. 8 Park Ridge High Schoolʼs Athletic Hall of Fame will celebrate its Class of 2026 on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Seasons Catering, 644 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. The ceremony will honor athletes, coaches, contributors and teams. For information and tickets, email athletic director Chris Brown at ChrisBrown@ parkridge.k12.nj.us. Chair yoga and garage sale Chair yoga classes continue Thursdays through Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., at the Community Center behind Borough Hall. No experience is necessary. Registration and waiver forms are available at parkridgeboro.com. The townwide garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 18. Registration forms are available on the borough website. For either program, contact Liz Falkenstern at 201-573-1800, ext. 521, or lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com.

Get involved Park Ridge Recreation seeks middle and high school students to help with events and earn community service hours. Call 201-5731800, ext. 521, or email recreation@parkridgeboro.com. Girl Scouts welcomes girls in kindergarten through grade 12, with troops at East Brook, West Ridge CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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FROM PAGE 5

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Sc h ool News IHA sets open houses for Oct. 18, 22

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

cial aid, transportation and student life. IHA draws students from eight counties in New Jersey and New York and emphasizes the sense of sisterhood and community among its students and more than 11,600 graduates. Founded in 1960, IHA is an allgirls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark. The Blue Ribbon School enrolls approximately 650 students in its collegepreparatory program. Online registration is requested at ihanj.com; walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, contact Director of Admissions Lauren (Rhein) Glarner at 201-445-6800, ext. 112, or lglarner@ihanj.com. IHA is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington.

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Let us promote your organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

Thoughts amid ADHD Awareness Month

CTOBER IS

National ADHD Awareness Month, a good time to ask: Are we doing enough to understand BOOST YOUR c h i l d r e n ʼ s BRAIN POWER brains, or simBy Dr. Eric Kaplan, ply trying to make children DC, DACNB, fit into environFACFN, FABVR ments never designed for them? Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder is a real neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adults. Diagnosis and treatment require careful evaluation because attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity can also be influenced by sleep, anxiety, stress and other factors. The modern classroom creates a contradiction. We tell children movement is healthy, then ask them to sit quietly for hours. We expect concentration after a morning at a desk, an afternoon in a car and an evening in front of a screen. Then we become surprised when someone cannot sit still. Physical activity supports brain function, mood and attention. Research has found associations between physical activity and improvements in aspects of cognition and executive function in children. Per-

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and OLMA. For information, contact Carrie Rauschenberger at prgstoolkit@gmail.com. The Golden Age Club welcomes residents 55 and older. Contact club President Brenda Yanni at 201-410-7981. Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps seeks volunteers; no prior experience is required, and training is provided. Call 201-391-2332 or

FROM PAGE 12

haps recess deserves more respect. For many children, movement may be part of learning. Lifestyle matters as well. Children need adequate sleep, water, nutritious food and opportunities to move. Highly processed diets containing large amounts of added sugar are not ideal for anyone. Some studies suggest artificial food colors may worsen hyperactive behavior in susceptible children. That does not mean every child with ADHD needs a special diet, but parents can consider the entire picture alongside professional treatment. Caffeine deserves attention. Soda, coffee and energy drinks can interfere with sleep and may increase jitteriness, heart rate and anxiety. Children generally do not need energy drinks. They already have more energy than most adults could purchase at a luxury car dealership. Water is a better everyday beverage. Sleep may be an overlooked piece of the attention puzzle. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health emphasize adequate sleep for childrenʼs learning, memory, emotional regulation and overall health. A chronically exhausted child may appear inattentive, irritable or hyperactive. An evaluation of attention problems should

visit tbvacnj.org for information and a membership application. PKRG-TV also needs volunteers to film high school sports and other local events. Camera training is provided, and no experience is necessary. Email pkrg@parkridgeboro.com.

Food pantry donations The Triboro Food Pantry accepts donations Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Residents may also leave donations in the Borough Hall lobby collection box during regular business hours.

include a basic question: Is the child sleeping enough? Then there is the smartphone. Short videos, notifications, games and social media are designed to capture attention repeatedly. Research on digital media and attention is evolving, and it would be too simple to claim phones cause ADHD. However, excessive screen use can interfere with sleep, physical activity and sustained attention. After hours jumping from one short video to another, sitting quietly with a textbook may feel difficult. Parents can consider technology-free periods, especially before bedtime. Dim the lights, put phones away, read a book, take a walk and have a conversation. Blue light from screens can affect circadian rhythms and melatonin timing, particularly late at night. Nighttime screen exposure can interfere with healthy sleep, and poor sleep can make attention problems worse. Medication can be an important treatment for appropriately diagnosed ADHD, and stimulants have been studied extensively. They can also cause side effects, including decreased appetite, sleep problems and increased heart rate, and should be prescribed and monitored by qualified clini-

For special drop-off arrangements, call 201-573-9083.

Thanks for ʻBack to Scoopʼ Misciagna thanked the Park Ridge Police Department and the local Dairy Queen for hosting “Back to Scoop,” an event connecting officers with children and families. He praised Chief Joseph Rampolla and the department for their community outreach, calling those relationships an important part of keeping Park Ridge safe and connected.

cians. The brain is adaptable. Attention and executive function involve networks throughout the brain, including frontal regions responsible for planning, inhibition and decision-making. ADHD is not simply caused by one weak spot in the frontal cortex. Children have different strengths and weaknesses, which is why individualized evaluation matters. During ADHD Awareness Month, perhaps we should stop asking only, “How do we make this child sit still?” Instead, ask, “What does this childʼs brain need to function better?” Movement, sleep, hydration, nutritious food, time outside, social interaction and structure all deserve attention, alongside professional evaluation and treatment when appropriate. At Kaplan Brain & Body, we are offering a VNG evaluation for $21 and a one-on-one neurological session for $21 for a lim-

ited time. These services can be used as part of a broader evaluation of balance, neurological function and individual needs. Call or text 201-261-2150, email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or visit kaplandc.com for information. For more information about brain health, follow me on social media and listen to “Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan” every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. on AM 970 and from 2 to 3 p.m. on AM 710. My book, “Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory and Focus,” is also available on Amazon. This ADHD Awareness Month, letʼs remember that children are not computers that need to be rebooted when they become inconvenient. They are developing human beings. Sometimes the smartest thing we can do for a busy brain is give it room to move, sleep, play, learn and grow.

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OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Letters:

east side. On Nov. 3, Iʼm voting for them. For our safety, Iʼm asking you to do the same. Rick Savino Hillsdale

FROM PAGE 7

Endorsing Letizia, Staples To the editor: W has been debated for years. While P there is a documented shortage of ARKING IN

ESTWOOD

spaces, there has never been a shortage of opinions about what we should do differently.

A few years ago, Lauren Letizia and I began asking how our parking system was actually working. We considered concerns from residents, businesses and employees and realized we needed better information before making bigger decisions. We combed through decades of zoning and planning approvals to understand how individual variances contributed to the gap between parking required by code and the spaces that actually exist. Our preliminary analysis identified a code-based downtown parking deficit of more than 1,000 spaces. Recognizing that parking is both a finite resource and a fluid utility, the Borough brought in professional parking consultants for a comprehensive analysis. Now we are putting what we learned into action. This year, we increased

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employee parking permit costs. I understand the sticker shock, but employees continue to receive a significant discount compared with regular hourly parking, and the increase is a fraction of what our consultant recommended. We also increased parking fines because previous penalties were no longer encouraging compliance. Regular hourly downtown parking rates have not increased. For those who follow regulations designed to preserve customer access and turnover, there is no additional financial impact. Our work went beyond revising rates. We restructured parking enforcement to operate directly under the Westwood Police Department, allowing for greater coordination and discretion. We are evaluating mobilepayment options, investing parking revenue in lighting, maintenance and equipment, and continuing efforts to acquire property to expand municipal parking resources. We have also begun offering senior hang tags for $20, allowing Westwood residents age 70 and older to park downtown without paying meters. Lauren has been part of this process from the beginning: identifying a problem, doing the research, seeking professional guidance and following through on what we learned. That is how I have watched her approach her work on Council. She digs into issues, listens and stays involved through implementation. After years of discussing parking, we now have data, a plan and tangible improvements underway. That is the kind of progress I want to see continue. Beth Staples has a long history of community service to Westwood, including service on zoning, planning and historic preservation boards. As a former Councilmember, Beth brings extensive land-use experience. Together, Beth and Lauren make a great team. That is why I support Lauren Letizia and Beth Staples for elec-

tion to the Westwood Borough Council. Cheryl Hodges Westwood councilmember Parking Utility Liaison

Westwood senior all in for Letizia To the editor: strong endorsement Lauren Letizia for WestIwoodfor council I have known LauOFFER MY

ren since I moved to Westwood and she has been instrumental in making our town a thriving community. Notably, she helped launch Celebrate Westwood, initiative that brings our community together through various Recreation and Presavation efforts. As a senior, it is especially important to my peers and me that Westwood remain a senior-friendly town, and Lauren has consistently supported this priority. I fully support Laurenʼs candidacy and am confident she will continue to serve our community effectively. Sally Proto Westwood

Lodge 46 for Robert Metzdorf for council To the editor: to announce our full and unequivocal W support for Robert Metzdorf for E ARE PROUD

re-election as Councilman for the Borough of Park Ridge. On behalf of myself, President Dennis P. Shanahan, The Executive Board and the 600 members of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46, we are honored to stand with

Robert Metzdorf as he seeks another term serving the people of Park Ridge. Our endorsement is grounded in our belief that Robert Metzdorf understands what it means to serve a community, protect its residents, and put public service ahead of personal interests. Robertʼs record reflects a longstanding commitment to service. He is a United States Army veteran, a former investigator with the State of New Jersey, an attorney, and a longtime Park Ridge resident who has served his community in numerous capacities. Before serving on the Borough Council, he was involved with the Planning Board and community recreation, and he coached Park Ridge youth in baseball, basketball, and football. As a Councilman, Robert has continued that commitment. His public record includes an emphasis on pedestrian safety, responsible development, recreation, and maintaining the quality of services provided to Park Ridge residents. His history of involvement demonstrates that his commitment to the community extends well beyond election day. For members of law enforcement, public safety is personal. We recognize the importance of elected officials who understand the challenges facing our communities and appreciate the men and women who work every day to keep residents safe. Robert Metzdorf has earned our support. The members of Lodge 46 believe Robert has demonstrated the dedication, experience, integrity, and commitment to community that we want to see in local leadership. We are therefore proud to give him our full endorsement for re-election to the Park Ridge Borough Council. This is more than an endorsement. It is a statement of confidence from 600 members of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 that Robert Metzdorf has the experience and commitment we believe Park Ridge deserves in its Borough Council. We encourage the residents of Park Ridge to consider Robert Metzdorfʼs record of service and commitment to the community as they make their decision this election. The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 stands proudly with Robert Metzdorf. Dennis P. Shanahan, President, New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 On behalf of the Executive Board and membership

Letizia, Staples, ‘Always Westwood’

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

OCTOBER 5, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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take a “set it and forget it” approach to investing. But over time, life events, the timing ERIC KOHLMEIER of when you need the money, and market events are likely to compel you to revisit your strategy. Here are some things to consider when they arise. Dealing with life events Events — both expected and

unexpected — like the following could cause a change in your longterm goals and time horizon: • Graduation • Marriage, divorce or remarriage • Birth of a child or grandchild • Change in health status • Job loss, retirement or early retirement • Death of a loved one These types of events may prompt you to revisit your investment strategy, and in fact, they may be good reasons to make changes. Do you need to reprioritize your investment goals, spending, or how much

Investment and Insurance debt you need to pay down? Products are: Before you reallocate your investments, remember to plan with • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any the same careful consideration you Federal Government Agency gave to creating your original invest• Not a Deposit or Other ment strategy. Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate Responding to market action • Subject to Investment Risks, In addition to life events, you Including Possible Loss of the Principal may want to revisit your investment strategy during periods of market Amount Invested

volatility. Is that college tuition, mortgage or vacation payment nearer than you anticipated, making you realize that you may need to be more conservatively invested? It is worth noting that your time

horizon for needing the money is the key factor here. Avoid making emotional decisions based on todayʼs 24/7/365 news cycle. It can be tempting to react to headlines when you might be better off simply riding out volatility if you have a longer time

horizon. That doesnʼt mean you should never respond to market action. However, itʼs often a good idea to think long and hard before you change — or, at the extreme, abandon — your strategy.

This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of FA Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2023 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. PM-12032026-7425974.1.26

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Letters: W

To the editor:

FROM PAGE 18

ESTWOOD HAS been more than a place for my family to live it has been a place to grow, connect, and build lasting memories. Through recreation programs, youth sports, community events, and local organizations, I have seen how neighbors come together to create the powerful sense of community that makes Westwood special. That spirit does not happen by accident; it depends on residents who are willing to volun-

teer, serve, and invest their time in the people around them. That is why I am proud to support Lauren Letizia and Beth Staples for Westwood Borough Council. Both understand what makes Westwood worth preserving and what it takes to keep our community moving forward. I first met Lauren when she ran for council in 2023. Since then I have watched her dedicate substantial time and energy to Westwood. Her commitment began long before she became an elected official. She volunteered, served on borough boards, coached youth sports, and helped build community through Celebrate Westwood, bringing resi-

dents, businesses, organizations, and families together. The things that make Westwood special depend on people who volunteer, collaborate, listen, and do the work. Lauren has shown that dedication through her involvement in recreation, community programming, and historic preservation. She understands that a strong community must offer more than municipal services. It provides a holistic environment where people want to live, raise their children, and stay connected. I know Beth through my service on the Republican County Committee. Her longstanding commitment to Westwood stands

out. Her involvement in borough government and community service predates this campaign, including on the Planning Board and Shade Tree Committee. To me, being an “Always Westwood” Republican means putting Westwood first. Local government is about quality of life in our neighborhoods: supporting families, improving parks and public spaces, investing tax dollars responsibly, and keeping Westwood a place that people are proud to call home. Lauren and Beth understand that local government is about the everyday things residents rightly expect it to deliver. But they have raised the bar to deliver what enhances our lives together here in “the Hub”. I have seen Laurenʼs commitment, and I know Beth shares that dedication. Westwood is fortunate to have such people willing to serve. I encourage my fellow residents to support Lauren Letizia and Beth Staples for Borough Council. Your vote is a wise investment in the community we are fortunate to call home. Raymond J. Pletsch Westwood

bolstered public safety by funding a secure communications system for first responders, AT&T FirstNET. That measure alone should ensure that police, firefighters, and EMTs will be able to send and receive vital communications. The losses to quality of life and property values in neighboring homes will be real. Some directly back onto, or are across the street from, the proposed site, which will contain not only an industrial monopole but typically a mechanical enclosure with cabling, HVAC, blowers, and backup generators. The negative impact of cell towers on property values has been extensively studied, with findings showing that cell towers typically lowered the sale value of homes within a 1,000-foot radius. In Hillsdale, there are dozens of homes within this area. Should any homeowner be expected to suffer such losses when even basic questions remain unanswered? A monopole at Stonybrook Pool would also mar that community-wide asset. As existing technologies evolve and as new ones come onto the market, it does not make sense to commit to a large permanent structure involving longterm obligations and collateral damage. Harold B. Shill Hillsdale

Monopole at Stonybrook remains a bad option Worries To the editor: to learn that Gabriella Ianni and Dena on police IToms, candidates for Hillsdale Borough Council, are committed surveillance to resuscitating the rejected proposal for a huge cell tower over- To the editor: difference looking Stonybrook Pool. between China and the W Opposition to a 130-foot Pascack Valley? Apparently at T WAS DISAPPOINTING

monopole hovering over Stonybrook Pool was expressed by a clear majority of participants in open council sessions, including 19 of 23 speakers immediately before councilʼs vote rejecting that proposal. Those opponents were not opposed to cell service improvements per se, just to the initial solution and location that Verizon had proposed. I especially appreciated the careful consideration that Mr. Osso gave to the breadth of issues and viewpoints in explaining his vote. In earlier meetings, Verizon representatives showed a bubbleshaped map purporting to show areas with poor reception. That map was surprising to us. We live right in the middle of the bubble and have no cell reception issues. If memory serves, most or all the residents with reception issues were Verizon subscribers. We use a different carrier. The nature and extent of the reception issue remains unclear. Does it apply to all carriers? Are there simply gaps that can be resolved by more modern small cell and other technologies that would be much less intrusive than a giant monopole? These questions require systematic study. Happily, council has already

HAT

THE

least in China you know you are always being surveilled by the police. In the valley you have no idea as towns roll out license plate readers technology whenever they want without prior notice to their own communities. Latest stealth rollout highlighted in the Pascack Press was where Washington Township evidently rolled out $100K license plate reader project with apparent little or no input from the community. Following the Pascack Pressʼs coverage that Montvale was considering a similar surveillance rollout I made inquiry to my town of River Vale and found that not only had the police installed stationary license plste reader cameras, they also had installed the technology in their patrol cars. I do not consider myself a Libertarian like the letter writer from Washington Township but I do want to know when I am being surveilled daily by an unelected/unsupervised [sic] Police Department without prior notification and community input. Joseph Gould River Vale

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WESTWOOD — The Westwood Recreation Department will introduce two Forever Young classes in October: water aerobics and Menʼs Fitness: Senior Strength, Balance & Mobility. Both are open to residents and nonresidents ages 55 and older. Registration is required in person at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both classes are free for Westwood residents. Nonresidents pay $20 per month for menʼs fitness and $40 for the eight-week water aerobics session. Strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer Karen Arbegast will lead the menʼs fitness class. The full-body workout combines functional strength training, core stabilization and balance exercises to help participants remain active and independent. Exercises will also address mobility through the spine and hips, supporting movements used in golf, pickleball, tennis, softball and other recreational sports. Water aerobics will meet Wednesdays at 11 a.m. from Oct. 7 through Nov. 25 at the Bethany

Community Center pool, 605 Pascack Road, Township of Washington. Instructor Jamie Paretti will lead the low-impact, full-body workout, designed for all fitness levels to improve strength, balance and endurance. Participants must be registered with Forever Young. Forever Young offers free fitness and activities for Westwood residents ages 55 and older, including chair yoga, tai chi, open gym basketball, mahjong, art, cardio fitness, strength and conditioning, pickleball and yoga. The program supports the boroughʼs aging-in-place efforts and partners with outside organizations to offer wellness, safety and educational seminars. For more, contact Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov or 201-664-7882.

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

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

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Nov. 3 General Election, following the U.S. Supreme Courtʼs recent rejection of President Donald J. Trumpʼs executive order to implement a new mail-in voting system controlled by the U.S. Postal Service. That order was halted and will not go into effect, the court ruled. On Sept. 14, the U.S. Supreme Court nixed Trumpʼs executive order that would have required the postal service to pre-approve ballot envelope designs and require states to provide lists of all voters receiving mail-in ballots. The SCOTUS ruling came after two federal judges previously issued stays. Under the U.S. Constitution, states are responsible for elections and election administration, not the federal government. The executive orderʼs requirements would have likely disenfranchised “a significant number of otherwise appropriate absentee and mail-in ballots,” according to a prior federal court decision. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Governor Mikie Sherrill

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issued a statement: “Once again, a court has halted Trumpʼs attack on vote by mail and this time, itʼs by a judge Trump appointed. Thatʼs because the Constitution is clear: states run elections, not the federal government,” Sherrill said. Only a week after the ruling, the League of Women Voters Interleague Organization held a livestreamed 90-minute webinar. Titled Voting and Security: Bergen County Election Officials Answer Your Questions, the Q&A session featured Taranto and Miller. LWV officials Ilene Kahn and Nike Bach moderated the session, assisted by LWVʼs Elissa Kapp. You can view the recording of the event here. ʻUnlawfulʼ to have police at polls One topic focused on what a voter could do if they saw election interference occurring, such as an ICE agent, or FBI, or police outside a polling place. Taranto said that it is “unlawful” to have officers or police stationed outside a polling place. She said “no uniformed officers” can be at polling places unless theyʼre responding to an active threat at the polling place. “You cannot have National Guard or ICE agents

patrolling” outside a polling place, Taranto said. She said it was a “federal law and a federal crime” to have armed law enforcement at a polling place. Miller said if an individual is causing a disturbance inside or outside of a polling place, he advised voters to request that the onsite Super Poll Worker be notified and they should handle the situation. Also, municipal clerks can be notified, and like the Super Poll Worker, they can ask the individual to leave the premises. In a worse case scenario, Miller said elections officials can get speedy counsel from a state government attorney and judge on how to handle a situation. Taranto said that voters will not be encountering any troops or police outside their local polling stations. “Itʼs just not happening. Youʼre not going to see patrols at the polls, itʼs not something for voters to worry about,” she added.

35 secure drop boxes for mail ballots Miller explained when vote-bymail ballots are collected daily from 35 drop boxes countywide, they are collected by one Democrat and one

Republican, accompanied by a sheriffʼs officer, logged, and delivered in a sealed bag back to the county clerkʼs office. Then the ballots are logged into the countyʼs system and then scanned by ballot readers that record the votes. Paper copies of the ballots are kept for later election audits. The countyʼs system is not online and the scanned ballots are not transmitted over the internet, officials said. The countyʼs 35 drop boxes are monitored 24/7 by security cameras, Miller said, and all boxes will be emptied for the last time, locked and sealed at 8 p.m., Nov. 3, when the election ends. Taranto said the vote by mail packets have a new look, including a newly designed inner certificate where mail-in ballots are to be sealed, plus a new instruction guide and mailing envelope. A brochure mailed to voters called, “3 Ways to Vote In The Nov. 3 General Election,” discusses the new updates for “simple, safe and secure voting by mail.” Taranto suggested that someone mailing a ballot through the U.S. Postal Service should ask for the ballot to be manually postmarked on the date it is being mailed. General-

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ly, the officials recommend using a secure drop box to send back mailin ballots, as these are collected daily up to and including Election Day. Miller noted that recently about 32,000 individuals were removed from the countyʼs registered voter rolls due to those individuals either passing away or moving out of state. If a Sample Ballot is received for an individual no longer at the address cited. Taranto suggested residents simply mark the Sample Ballot with “return to sender” and note if the person has moved, passed away, or no longer lives there. That allows the Supt. of Elections Office to remove the person from voting rolls, she said. Copies of all 70 townsʼ Sample Ballots can also be found on the county clerkʼs website. Taranto said that complete election results are certified by 15 days after the election. Vote by mail results are generally posted shortly after 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, followed by early voting tallies, she said. Election Day results, which comprise the majority of voting on CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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A family fall springs forth at Metropolitan Farm

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

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terred later onsite. Hereʼs a list of towns in line for county Open Space park improvement grants: • Emerson: $75,862 for Ackerman Park pavilion, new playground picnic tables and swing components • Hillsdale: $107,062 for Memorial Field ADA-compliant

FROM PAGE 3

abound. There are pumpkins, gourds and decorative squash in many colors — traditional orange, greens, blues, yellows, white and other hues — for your decorating or carving needs. Choose from many shapes and sizes to complete your own harvest scene. Complement them with straw

and inclusive playground equipment • River Vale: $75,000 for renovation of basketball courts at Mark Lane Athletic Complex • Washington Township: $107,062 for ADA-compliant walking path, bleachers and parking space at Memorial Field • Westwood: $71,176 to install new rubber safety surface at Westvale Park childrenʼs playground It was not immediately clear whether Montvale and Woodcliff

ums melted from Augustʼs drenching rains. Choose from mums, asters, brilliant paintbrushes of celosia and other fall annuals. In the nursery area, explore fall-flowering perennials, evergreens, deer-resistant plants (deer repellents always help!) and ornamental trees. Perhaps youʼll find something special for that perfect little corner or a line of shrubs to march along a walkway. Metropolitan Farm also sells bagged mulches and lawn and gar-

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

bales, mini or large, ornamental grasses, flowering plants, and fall and Halloween decorations. There are shrieking ghosts, spooky signs, scarecrows, witches, black cats, metal sunflowers and much more to discover at the farm. Traditional and nontraditional plants are also available for your autumn display or to fill that empty spot in the garden where the gerani-

Lake applied for county Open Space grants. The public notice states anticipated project commencement dates are on or about Nov. 24, 2026 and anticipated completion dates are on or about Nov. 24, 2028. Last year, all eight Pascack Valley towns received county Open Space grants, snagging $861,006 in total funding. See “Towns awarded nearly $900K in open space funds,” by Michael Olohan, Sept. 7, 2025, thepressgroup.net.

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The coalition brings together municipal leaders, law enforcement, schools, health care professionals, community organizations, parents and students to promote healthier communities through prevention, wellness and education. Charnow said its educational programs are offered free to community members. “We believe that the most important thing we can do is to educate as many people as possible,” Charnow said. Since 2021, the coalition has conducted 19 major educational events or programs. Recent topics have included recovery, mental health, delaying smartphone use and the dangers of social media. The coalition has emphasized “parallel programming,” in which

children learn about an issue in school while parents receive related education. Charnow said they were “really big on parallel programming” where the kids learn about a topic in school and that is also addressed with parents later at night…thatʼs the best way for kids to learn and the best way for parents to get involved. If parents are learning and kids are learning they can go home and talk about it and learn together,” she said. More than 200 people from the four school districts have signed up for the Wait Until 8th program, in which parents agree not to give their child a smartphone until eighth grade. The coalition also promotes the Balance Project, aimed at helping families establish healthier boundaries around technology. The coalitionʼs plans for 2026–27 include drug and alcohol awareness programming during Red Ribbon Week in October;

County Executive James Tedesco III, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners and the county Parks Departmentʼs Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs are presenting the event in partnership with the Township of

River Vale. The event flyer also recognizes Bergen 250, the Daughters of the American Revolutionʼs Polly Wyckoff-David Demarest Chapter and the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. For more information or to request special accommodations, contact Natalie Geroski at NGeroski@BergenCountyNJ.gov or 201-336-7310.

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Borscht Belt entertainment takes spotlight Oct. 8

MONTVALE — Author and historian Alex Prizgintas will explore the entertainers who helped define the Catskills resort era in “Borscht Belt Entertainment: Comedy and Music in the Mountains” on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Montvale Public Library. The presentation is the third in his series on the Borscht Belt and will feature audio excerpts, video clips and oral interviews with people who worked and lived in its entertainment industry. The program traces enter-

tainment from turn-of-the-century boarding houses to the hotelsʼ activity leaders, traditionally known as tummlers. Among those featured will be Lou “Simon Sez” Goldstein of Grossingerʼs, known for leading guests in his signature game. Prizgintas will explore the hotel venues where comedy and music flourished, with stories about performers including Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Red Buttons and Sid Caesar. To reserve a seat, register through the libraryʼs website or call 201-391-5090.

Alumni in Recovery speakers and presentation of a Woodcliff Lake Buster Box providing free naloxone in November; a digital safety and Signs of Suicide program in December; programming on body positivity, self-esteem and recognizing signs of disordered eating in February; and a community wellness event in April. With Park Ridge expected to join, coalition leaders also hope to establish stigma-free representatives and council liaisons from all five municipalities and increase engagement with families of elementaryage children. “Like I said, weʼre really hoping to start earlier, thatʼs been the goal. We really want to get to kids before it becomes a problem,” Charnow said. The Hills Valley Coalitionʼs first meeting of the 2026–27 school year is Monday, Oct. 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting ID is 909 951 6173. New and

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First fundraiser Oct. 22 Better Togetherʼs first event, “Pink Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” is Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pearl River Saloon. The 1980s- and ʼ90s-inspired evening will feature music, dancing, light bites, drinks and local vendors, with guests encouraged to wear pink. Tickets are $50, with proceeds benefiting Spoil Me Pink.

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For Charnow, both efforts reflect a belief in starting close to home. “I have always believed that I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can make a difference in my little slice of the universe,” she said. “If we all did that—if we looked around our own communities and asked where we could help—the collective impact could be extraordinary.”

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OBITUARIES

Kathleen ‘Claire’ COX

Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 88 E. Saddle River Road, Saddle River. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave., Mahwah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Claireʼs memory to the Alzheimerʼs Foundation of America.

Kathleen Cox, fondly known as Claire, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2026. She was 83. Born Jan. 15, 1943, in Cloone, County Leitrim, Ireland, Claire was the cherished daughter of Margaret and James Reynolds. She was the ninth of 11 children, and Mary F. her life was shaped by a deep sense of family, love and dedication. LUTZ Claire is survived by her loving Mary F. Lutz passed away husband of 59 years, Patrick; their daughter, Kerry, and her husband, peacefully at home on Sept. 17, 2026, Gerard Marsh; her beloved grand- surrounded by loved ones. She was 101. daughters, Alexandra and her fiancé, Born May 28, TJ Downey, and Kendall and her hus1925, in Brooklyn, band, Thomas DePriest; her brother, New York, Mary Kevin Reynolds; and many nieces was the daughter of and nephews around the world. She the late Americo was predeceased by her parents and and Maria Rizzo, nine of her 10 siblings. who immigrated to Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Becker the United States from Italy.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, George, Jimmy and Artie; her sisters, Lucille and Lillian; her eldest child, George; and her beloved husband, Peter. Mary believed that death was not a final goodbye but a reunion with those she loved. She found comfort in the hope that she would one day be reunited with them in heaven. Mary is survived by her daughters, Paula Sullivan and her husband, Terrence, and Mari Mills and her husband, Robert. She also leaves four grandchildren: Brian Sullivan and his wife, Jennifer; Kelly Sullivan and his partner, Alicia Shelton; Taylor Mathis and her husband, David; and Emma Mills and her fiancé, Michael Pressler.

She filled her home with fun and memories. Her grandchildren fondly remember summer days in the pool on Alpine Terrace and weekend sleepovers with their grandmother. Maryʼs enduring love of her church and unwavering Catholic faith were central to her life. For more than 45 years, she served the community at Our Lady of the Mother Church in Woodcliff Lake, continuing her involvement at other parishes after moving. She participated in toy drives, fundraisers and other efforts that brought joy and support to those around her. Her devotion and service remain a lasting part of her legacy. “And afterward you will receive me into glory.” — Psalm 73:24 Mary loved having flowers plant-

ed at her familyʼs gravesites. In lieu of traditional floral arrangements, her family invites contributions toward planting flowers at her final resting place, honoring her wish for flowers to grow there throughout the year. To contribute, call Ramsey Nursery at 201-942-9669 and ask for John, who will assist with preparing a gift card. All contributions will be shared with the family.

Jean D. BELLOTTI

Jean D. Bellotti, 92, of Paramus, formerly a longtime resident of the Township of Washington, peacefully passed into the presence of her Savior on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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