Pascack Press 3.11.24

READING SPRINGSTO LIFEAT CHARACTER CON

School board hears from kids, teachers, on immersive program; board sends retiring staffer off with thanks

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Memorial Elementary School second-grade reading teacher Ariane Giannone was sure the project would resonate with the gradeʼs approximately 100 students and their families.

Not to say there werenʼt butterflies.

“It was super, super cute, and successful—everyone was like, please work.”

And so it came to pass that ata lively Montvale Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Feb. 26, at Fieldstone Middle School, a group of Memorial Elementary School second-grade students presented on their fall experience of Giannoneʼs faculty team invention, “Character Con,” a celebratory event at the heart of a reading unit on character studies.

The festive day taking its name from Comic Con — Giannone describes herself as a huge Marvel nerd — saw the schoolʼs second-graders dressed as their favorite literary characters, from Dr. Seuss icons to Dog Man to Fancy Nancy to Scaredy Squirrel and from “Dork Diaries.”

More than that, theyʼd considered their charactersʼback stories and the central problem their

See READING on page 12

Allie Shenloogian sets all-time girls scoring record

BY PAUL SULLIVAN SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

ONE-SEED Park Ridge High School Owls girls varsity basketball team defeated the two-seed Mountain Lakes High School Lakers, 4328, on Saturday, March 2 before a packed gym, to win the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 Championship.

This was Park Ridgeʼs first sectional championship. Park Ridge fought on to the Group 1 State Tournament on Wednesday, taking it to Franklin Lakes to play the University H.S. Phoenix (Newark) in the Group 1 Tournament Semifinal Round

at Ramapo High School.

The Owls lost, 57-17. Allie Shenloogian was held to 6 points. Senior forward Juliana Barros led the team with eight

HISTORIC WIN! Inset, Park Ridge Owl Abigail McManus cheers—and above, the Owls team basks—after winning their first NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 Championship. —Paul Sullivan photos.

rebounds. Park Ridge ended the season, 23-6.

Ah, but that historic sectional showing! Head coach Ryan Dennis told Pascack Press, “It was a great win for our program. These girls played incredibly hard all season to try to get back to this game. Iʼm so proud

Continued on page 27

HILLSDALE

‘BATTLEOF

THESEXES’

SOCCER MATCH SCORESBIG ONFUN

Second annual Hawks throwdown raises funds for George G. White Middle School clap-out

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Discipline, skill, and sportsmanship defined the second annual Hillsdale Soccer Association 7/8th grade girls vs. boys indoor soccer fundraiser game, which thundered the boards at Pascack Valley High School on Leap Day, Feb. 29.

Erin Lepore wrote us on March 2, sending a radiant twoteam photo by Ashok Ginde: the competing teams standing side by side with officers from the Hillsdale Police Department, a vital sponsor

The event drew a small wealth of admission donations and proceeds from swag and snacks, all to benefit George G. White Middle School eight-grade clap-out.

“We opened the night with team intros, the national anthem and a coin toss by our very own Hillsdale Police Department. It was a great match — the kids had so much fun while raising money toward our 8th grade class and bringing the community together,” Lepore said.

See SOCCER on page 17

March 10–14, 1924, life at Park Ridge High was a real popularity contest. Eleanor Pause and John Healey emerged the winners. Kristin Beuscher reports.

The Emerson Borough Council honors longtime resident and Academy of the Holy Angels coach Susan ‘Lid’ Liddy on her 800th career win.

Ruocco worries on ‘get out the vote’ efforts

To the editor: I TISATTHISTIME that the local Republican and Democratic committees in Hillsdale consider who they should place on the June primary ballot as council candidates for the general election in November. I would be

eagerly anticipating a successful effort to dislodge the two republican incumbents, Abby Lundy and John Escobar.

If the past is prologue, strong efforts will be made across the county by democrats to place applications for mail-in ballots into the hands of registered democrats and independents in the hope that “vote harvesting” will propel them to victory nationally and across the state.

They are pragmatic in doing this, as republicans have been slow to adopt these tactics because most

Corrections

• News, “DʼAlessando asks push on Paulaʼs Law,” March 4, gave an incorrect approximate age for Joanʼs Joy founder Rosemarie DʼAlessandro. She advises, sweetly, that she is not “in her late 80s.”

•News, “ʻObsceneʼ— Mayor backs shocked tenants on rent hike at The James,” Feb. 26, suggested a public recreation center was proposed to be sited at The James in downtown Park Ridge. Not so: rather, on the adjoining and borough-owned commuter parking lot.

We apologize for the errors.

PASCACK PRESS

of them prefer to respect the traditional, more straightforward, and secure practice of casting their ballots in person on Election Day. It was mail-in ballots that proved decisive in narrowly defeating the Hillsdale republican candidate for mayor last year after I chose not to run for a third mayoral term.

In that mayoral election, the

democrats defeated one of a group of council members who (1) supported the wasteful capital project of two community centers, (2) poorly planned and failed to execute on recreational capital projects that have dragged on for years and which still are in tow, (3) gave themselves exorbitant pay raises, (4) approved residential development with density lev-

13th Annual Rec Car Show in gear for May 4

The 2024 Recreation Committee Car Show is set for Saturday, May 4 with a rain date of Saturday, May 11.

The show takes place in the Park Ridge Town Pool parking lot, 123 Colony Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spectators free; vendor spaces available from $25. Food and soft drinks are for sale

For more information write parkridge.carshow@gmail.com and visit ParkRidgeBoro.com

els that far exceeded what was required by our affordable housing plan, (5) chose the most expensive garbage pick-up schedule offered by the winning bidder, (6) approved a large tax increase in 2021 for a purpose that still has not been executed, (7) refused to even consider referendums on significant capital ventures out of fear that these would be defeated, (8) refused to increase the transparency of documentation available to the public during council meetings, and (9) changed the councilʼs bylaws to reduce the mayorʼs participation in committee meetings and limit his ability to receive information freely.

Recently, the remnants of that group voted to include one of their own as a member of the councilʼs negotiations committee, even though the individual is a member of the very union which the committee must bargain with!

As a long-time resident of Hillsdale, I understand that good government is not the exclusive characteristic of one party. We have had good and not-so-good elected officials from both sides. While one may disagree vehemently with the direction the Democratic Party has taken on many national and social issues, it would be foolish to allow yourself to be blinded by that when considering local candidates who can represent Hillsdale in a favorable light, who are ready to engage residents in a respectful and transparent manner, and who are willing to guide it in ways that meet the needs of all its residents,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

LOOKINGATREVISEDCOSTSFOR ARECCENTERNEXTTO THE JAMES

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARK RIDGE

The Borough Council president said that “wheels are in motion” to get updated construction costs for a possible future community recreation center on property adjoining The James, a residential mixed-use development named in honor of late “The Sopranos” star and borough native James Gandolfini.

The developer of The James, Park Ridge Transit LLC, was

required to put $750,000 toward the construction of a community center.

Both Mayor Keith Misciagna and Council President John Ferguson said the council is looking to get more updated price information before deciding whether to move forward, responding to questions from former councilman William Fenwick at the Feb. 27 meeting.

Misciagna said, “There is a renewed interest. We are revisiting the numbers. The builder who was required to oversee the project and be the construction manager is

still on the hook for that at a very reduced rate.”

Addressing Fenwick, he said, “So if in fact the project could be done less expensive, we would like—I think everybody would love, including you—if we could do it, but weʼll have to see.”

Fenwick then asked if there were any new plans for the community center project.

Ferguson said, “The plans are the plans. When we got prices for it in 2020 the construction costs were through the roof for materials.”

Officials have said that cost

Borough stands fast on Mill Pond

Council president John Ferguson says some residents have expressed concerns since voters in November defeated the $15.5 million non-binding referendum to dredge Mill Pond.

“We are exhausting all possible options, whether it be recreation or filling it in—we are going through everything possible,” he said at the Feb. 27 meeting of the governing body.

He said the council did agree to hire a special grants writer, contingent on a few things, “that

is going to hopefully get us some big money Weʼre looking for big money.”

Referring to a recent county Open Space grant, Ferguson said the borough was planning a kickoff meeting on Feb. 29 for a renovation project on the townʼs historic train station. The project was approved for a $412,150 county Open Space historical preservation grant in December 2023.

Train station preservation work on track

On March 1, Mayor Keith Misciagna advised that on Feb. 29 he met with members of the boroughʼs Train Station Preservation Committee, which includes borough historian Ralph Donnell,

council president John Ferguson, Terry and Eileen Maguire, and Tammy Levinson.

“Everyone got a history lesson from Ralph and viewed photos of our historic train station among other parts of our borough,” the mayor said.

He said that in the next several weeks the borough will undertake an engineer survey to review the exterior and interior conditions of the train station as well as design plans for the restoration.

“Our history is very important in Park Ridge, and we have a lot to be proud of so we need to be good stewards of our history so that the next generation can enjoy and understand where we all came from,” he said.

Pool opens May 25

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool will open on Saturday, May 25. Pool memberships will be open to all Park Ridge residents, previous yearsʼpool members, non-resident employees of the Borough of Park Ridge, and the Board of Education.

A limited number of memberships will be offered to non-residents, so ensure you get your registrations in early once they are available.

Registration is available at parkridgeboro.com. Register and pay by May 24 to avoid a $40 late fee. If electronic signup is not possible, registration forms can be picked up at the pool office on weekends from noon to 3 p.m. from May 4.

estimates jumped from around $2.5 million to more than $8 million for the community center.

Ferguson said the borough

has reached out to the engineer and construction company “to

Bckintime... Bckintime...

win

Honors for ‘Lid’ on 800th

EMERSON

The Borough Council honored long-time resident and Academy of H oly Angels coach Susan ʻLidʼ Liddy on her 800th career win with a ceremony and proclamation at its March 5 meeting.

Liddy, a 50-year basketball coach, most recently with Academy of Holy Angels, and other teams, was honored in a special ceremony with Mayor Danielle DiPaola, and councilwoman Ashley Rice. Rice, a former softball player on a Liddycoached team, read the proclamation.

Liddy is also coach of AHAʼs varsity softball and junior varsity tennis teams.

“Youʼre not only an example of dedication, hard work, strength, commitment and perseverance to all of your players, but to all Emerson residents, especially during Womenʼs History Month,” said DiPaola.

Rice read the proclamation honoring Liddy, noting that sge had led the Academy of Holy Angelsʼvarsity basketball team to four Team of the Year titles, multiple Bergen County championships, several state sectional finals and a state championship in 1989.

She said Liddy has also led her softball teams to state sectionals, most recently in 2019.

Reading the proclamation, Rice noted that Liddy had been inducted into her alma materʼs (Upper Iowa University) Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Pause and Healey superlative

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS PARKRIDGE

FROM MARCH 10 to 14, 1924, life at Park Ridge High was a real popularity contest.

That week the students cast their ballots in a race to proclaim the most popular boy and girl in the school. In the mid-1920s, the contest was

Kristin Beuscher is president of the Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge.

For more information call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org

held annually as a school fundraiser. The cost to place a vote was 1 cent. As the students could vote as many times as they wanted, those pennies actually did add up, with thousands of votes typically being cast.

The 1924 contest started out slow. On the first day only a few votes came in, and there wasnʼt much of a commotion around the school. By Tuesday the word must have gotten out, because suddenly everyone was eager to spend their extra pennies. The rivalry between the girls became the dominant topic of hallway conversation.

The boys were generally nonchalant about the whole thing, or at least they pretended to be.

In the girlsʼcontest, three students from Hillsdale vied for the top spot: junior Josephine Stewart, senior Eleanor Pause, and sophomore Hazel McConser. The leading candidates

among the boys were junior John Healey of Park Ridge and senior Hans Pause (Eleanorʼs brother).

If you are wondering what Hillsdale kids were doing in Park Ridge, the explanation is simple: The Pascack Valley had only two high schools back then: Park Ridge and Westwood. Kids from across the valley attended either of them, usually whichever school was closer to home.

The final days of the contest saw Hazel and Eleanor battling for the top position, with only a handful of votes separating them. When the votes were tallied on Friday afternoon, Eleanor emerged victorious, along with John Healey (No worries about Hazel—she would win the contest in 1926, her senior year.)

1934, at age 28, she was the first woman in Bergen County to apply for a permit to carry a pistol. She needed to be armed, she said, because she frequently transported cash between her home and Newark for a private organization.

Voted most popular a century ago: Eleanor Pause and John Healey.

Eleanorʼs and Johnʼs portraits got a special feature in the yearbook and are shown above. Though the contest took place a century ago, certainly these kids are still remembered in the Pascack Valley today. Both went on to make a mark in their adult years.

Eleanor Pause was a lifelong Hillsdale resident and became a teacher in the townʼs public school in 1930—starting salary $1,200. She never married, and instead lived with two of her siblings at the family home on Vincent Street. She taught fourth grade in Hillsdale for nearly 40 years.

An interesting tidbit about Miss Pause: In

The fact that a woman had applied for the permit was a front-page news story back then. (The papers never followed up on whether she received it.)

John “Jack” Healey spent his life in Park Ridge. He was rather popular in adulthood as well, due to his involvement with so many local organizations. Before retiring in 1976 he was the tax collector for 20 years, and also served as a councilman and Park Ridge treasurer. He was active at Our Lady of Mercy Church, helped charter the local Knights of Columbus, volunteered with the Rotary Club, and was a lifelong member of the Park Ridge Fire Department.

A U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, he was a member of American Legion Post 153. He lived to be 94.

New delays sought in borough’s $500K case on ambulance HQ

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

EMERSON

A Superior Court judge has delayed a trial launched nearly four years as the borough works to recoup $500,000 in remuneration from its Emerson Station developer, given in exchange for a deed to the former ambulance property.

The trial was delayed from March 4 to March 11 by Judge John OʼDwyer, but possibly conflicting trial scheduling demands on Joseph Fiorenzo, attorney for Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal, may likely further postpone the trial.

Moreover, on Feb. 26, Louis Flora, Giblin & Gannaio, attorney for Emerson, told the judge he caught the flu and also

requested a trial delay at least until March 6. The judge ordered the trial be delayed at least until March 11.

Another legal option may pose a wrinkle in the lawsuitʼs march to trial.

Fioerenzo wrote the judge, “When the parties were previously before (OʼDwyer) on this matter for the Oct, 16, 2023 trial call, the Court advised that in light of the nature of this case— an alleged excuse of condition and breach of a Redevelopment Agreement between Plaintiff Emerson and Defendant developer (Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal) related to the construction of an emergency municipal services building and Mount Laurel affordable housing, in which seven substantive motions in limine have been filed—Your Honor sought to

explore assigning this matter to the Bergen County Complex Business Judge, Hon. Mary F Thurber, J.S.C., for a pretrial conference and trial. Defendant s eeks to discuss whether that option remains workable.”

The in limine motions were made by the developerʼs attorney to attempt to exclude certain evidence that Emerson was prepared to introduce at the trial. No decision has yet been made on that motion.

Fiorenzoʼs letter to the judge also notes that if jury selection did not begin by March 6 in the Emerson case, which is estimated to take two weeks, “it would appear unlikely that we will be able to keep the trial date” due to commitments for another trial in Morris County.

He requests a telephone conference with the judge to dis-

13 SULAK LANE, PARK RIDGE, NJ

cuss the schedule.

According to the borough, the Emerson Station developer, E merson Redevelopers Urban Renewal, reneged on a $500,000 payment and claims that the borough did not meet its contractual deadlines to provide a new emergency services building site and design by a Dec. 31, 2019 deadline.

However, the developer contends they offered an extension through 2020, but the borough did not respond to its offer. Instead, the borough filed a lawsuit against the redeveloper on June 10, 2020 for breach of con-

tract.

T he Emerson Station development, a 147-unit residential mixed-use complex, with 15,000 square feet of retail space, dominates the downtown landscape, and remains under construction.

I t was approved in late 2018 by the Land Use Board despite objections voiced by residents and public officials, including then councilwoman, now mayor, Danielle DiPaola.

CHEERS ON BUY OF NEW PUMPER TRUCK

The Borough Council unanimously approved ordering a new $1.26 million Pierce pumper fire truck for the volunteer fire depart-

ment at its Feb. 27 meeting. The new pumper takes 24 to 30 months lead time before delivery, Deputy Fire Chief Richard

REPAIRS • RESIZING WATCH BATTERIES 289 Pascack Rd. Washington Twp. • (201)358-9660 (Washington Town Center)

Bosi told Pascack Press, noting that it will replace Engine 2, “Back Sheep,” a 2003 Pierce Lance model.

The departmentʼs Engine 4 is a 2014 Pierce Arrow, says the departmentʼs “apparatus” page, which shows the PRFDʼs fleet.

The total purchase price listed on the resolution is $1,259,628.13.

Bosi added, of the council, “With their unwavering support we are able to provide the residents of Park Ridge with a high standard of service, allowing us to keep our residents safe.” He thanked the mayor

and council for “being extremely supportive” of the fire department. Borough administrator and clerk Maggie Giandomenico said the council has bonded for the fire truckʼs purchase. Information from the manufacturer said that delivery could be anticipated 46–50 months from date of the purchase order, although firefighters said that was unlikely.

Cooperative Purchasing Program, a political subdivision of the State of Texas.

EMERSON WE PAY CA$H ON THE SPOT For Gold,Diamonds,Silver Jewelry, Coins,Silverware & Watches

The pumper truck, a new Base Model 23P-105 Custom Chassis Pumper 1023 from Pierce, was ordered through the Houston–Galveston Area Council

According to Resolution 24112 awarding the purchase, the business administrator and fire chief have determined that the boroughʼs use of the cooperative purchasing contract will result in cost savings to the borough. The resolution did not specify the anticipated savings.

Michael Olohan

The Emerson Senior Citizens March membership meeting is Thursday, March 14 at noon at the Clubhouse, 20 Palisade Ave. Kari Heitzner will present on aging in place. Refreshments will be served.

A trip is planned on Friday, March 15 to the Brownstone Banquet Hall for St. Patrickʼs Day. The Ace in the Hole Band will perform. The cost is $65 per person, and only checks are accepted. Please be at the bus by 10:15 a.m.

Another trip is eyed for Wednesday, May 15 to Monticello in the Catskills at the Palladium Hotel. The cost is $ 60 per person, checks only, and you get back $25 to play with. Lunch is included, as is Simply Tina, a musical tribute to Tina Turner.

Planning Board asks $85K for Master Plan overhaul

Last updated in 1974;recommendations adopted in 2019 reexam not implemented

The Planning Board chair and planning consultant urged the Township Council on March 4 to include $85,000 in its 2024 budget to fund a comprehensive update

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

of the townshipʼs Master Plan, which helps guide community development. Members said they would consider the request during budget

meetings.

Planning Board Chair

Leonardo Sabino and consultant Joseph Burgis, of Burgis Associates in Westwood, told council that the Master Plan was last updated in 1974, although a reexamination took place in 2019.

SNAPPYSALUTESFORMINGUP ABOVETOWNSHIPSTREETS

The Township of Washington is launching a Hometown Heroes Banner Program “as a living tribute for our community to honor past and present members of the Armed Forces.”

Heather A. Henry says on behalf of the township that the banners will be hung on Pascack Road initially, and the project will grow along Washington Avenue between Pascack and Colonial and on Ridgewood Road and Colonial Boulevard.

She says the banners will be hung approximately between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “Our goal is to replace them in midNovember with holiday banners taking advantage of the brackets that will already be in place.”

To sponsor an entire banner, the cost is $125.

If you know someone whom you would like to honor, visit the town website (twpofwashington.us) and complete the honoree form found there. The form provides a link to an online payment portal for your convenience.

There also is a link to print out the form and mail in/drop off a check instead.

The township says, “Please submit all forms and payment no later than April 1 to ensure printing in time to hang on Memorial Day.”

Make checks out to Twp. of Washington and mail them to Township of Washington, Attn: Veterans

Banner Project, 350 Hudson Ave. Twp. of Washington, NJ 07676.

To sponsor a portion of a banner, multiple banners, or a single banner, donations in any amount are accepted both online and by mail in the form of a check.

[A municipalityʼs master plan is a living document; residents speaking out in recent years over a town proposal toward siting a new DPW headquarters at the former Charlie Brownʼs restaurant on the Paramus line, and a commercial proposal to site a strip mall off the Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection, have referred to the townʼs Master Plan. Both proposals eventually were rejected. — Ed.]

Burgis said that four recommendations from the 2019 reexamination report, adopted that summer, had not been implemented: a review of bulk standards for single-family residen-

Banners will be hung roughly between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

Mayor warns on N.Y. projects

Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on March 4 to warn on major projects in “another town, in another state, with planned developments that could have potential negative impact on Montvaleʼs traffic and roadways, and will even impact our neighboring towns with flooding concerns and added traffic.”

He targeted “three major projects in the Village of Chestnut Ridge in New York within feet of the Montvale border that you should be aware of.”

The “immediate concern” he said, is a 200,000-square-foot warehouse with 25 truck bays on the border with Montvale “and feet away from The Alexa” on Spring Valley Road.

“I, along with residents from The Alexa will be testifying in opposition of this warehouse on Thursday March 7 at 8 p.m. at the Chestnut Ridge Planning Board meeting,” he said urged that Montvale residents turn out to show solidarity.

Ghassali said that projects

taking shape on Schoolhouse Road are a school for 1,000 girls and 328 boys; hundreds of residential condominiums; and the warehouse, “all within literally hundreds of feet of each other.”

The mayor said, “My obligation as your elected official is to make you aware of these projects, and to find ways to limit their impact on our town given the zero authority we have over these projects.”

For more information search thepressgroup.net

ilies to the high schoolers who ran it, everyone had a blast.

The Pascack Hills Players held a Youth Theatre Workshop on Friday, March 1 to share their love of theatre and promote their production of Rodgers & Hammersteinʼs “Cinderella.” The Players invited local children from grades 1–5 to participate. They loved sharing their show with the younger students, teaching them a number from the show and making a souvenir prop.

The turnout was amazing It was a good time all around. From the kids who came with their fam-

The Players want to share the magic of theater with everybody in the Pascack Valley, and this past workshop was an amazing opportunity to further that mission.

Come see “Cinderella” in the Pascack Hills High School auditorium March 21–24.

Thank you to all the kids and families who came out for the workshop. We hope to see those families and anyone else with a love of classic musicals at the show.

Pascack Hills Players

Council revisits construction materials on new DPW

town hall.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The three-member Township Council majority said Feb. 20 that they would review a previous letter prepared by their architect on the benefits of a steel Department of Public Works building versus a brick-and-mortar building before moving forward on approving a replacement DPW facility.

Mayor Peter Calamari has said that he would continue to place a continuing conference agenda item for the DPW building and police department upgrades to move the project forward.

The former DPW (formerly DMF) facility at town hall was razed in 2021 following soil remediation due to contamination caused by leaking fuel tanks on the site in prior decades.

Town administrator Mark DiCarlo said March 4 that the council had requested additional information from architect Arcari Iovino for renovations and a second story to the police department facilities at town hall. He said the architect would be working on that design.

Calamari asked councilors if they had had a chance to review a letter previously prepared by architect Arcari Iovino, which was in their regular meeting packet. The November 2022 letter points out the differences in expected lifespans and costs between brick

and mortar versus steel structure buildings.

Calamari said questions on the Arcari Iovino letter should be sent to DiCarlo for responses from the architect.

At the Feb. 20 meeting, member Tom Sears said the architect noted that steel buildings last about 45 years, while a brick-andmortar building lasts at least 65 years.

Member Daisy Velez said the longer lasting brick and mortar was why a prior council chose that option.

Previously, Council President Michael DeSena had asked if DiCarlo could take a look at a new steel DPW building in Moonachie, off of Route 17, as a possible model for a new facility here. DiCarlo said at the meeting that Arcari Iovino had designed the Moonachie facility.

DiCarlo said Anthony Iovino, of Arcari Iovino, told him that the townshipʼs DPW “could have a similar design using a metal structure,” adding that the Moonachie DPW includes vehicle bays and no second floor.

DiCarlo said Iovino said metal structures donʼt last as long as masonry structures and noted that a council in early 2023 preferred a masonry DPW for aesthetic purposes. He said Iovino told him that a metal building could have a second floor constructed.

Moreover, the mayor said “In

light of what weʼll be discussing in closed [session], just going to keep this on the agenda.” The agenda noted that, “moved PD discussion to closed session, protection of the safety and property of the public.” No further information was provided.

The council. with a new Independent majority, has paused a prior councilʼs approval to move forward on a $7.6 million DPW facility plan that approved a $5 million DPW facility and another $2.6 million for police department renovations and expansion at the

The Township Council voted 5-0 on Dec. 5, 2022, to move forward with full schematic drawings of a nearly $5 million DPW facility after a presentation by the architect where he highly recom-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

The Skip Kelley Memorial Outing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Valley Brook Golf Course, with breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start beginning at 8:30.

The cost will again be $720 per foursome and/or $180 per golfer.

The Outing, renamed last year in honor of one of its co-founders who gave Westwood a lifetime of munici-

pal service, will again be run using a Scramble and Shotgun format.

WCGO Scholarship Applications

Available to Westwood Resident

Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation scholarships

The Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation is again granting college scholarshipsto local high school students.

The scholarships are available to senior students who live in Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake.

The 501(c)3 non-profit service club will select scholarship recipients based upon need, scholastic ability, and contribu-

tions to the school and the community.

One scholarship is available to an eligible Park Ridge High School senior majoring in education, in memory of Dr. Robert Balentine, former superintendent of Park Ridge High School, who was a member of the Park Ridge Rotary Club for over 40 years. Completed application and supporting documents should be

submitted no later than April 15 Students selected by the Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee will go through a review process. Students will be notified of results in early June.

You can obtain applications from the guidance office of the Park Ridge, Pascack Hills and St. Joseph high schools or download a PDF of the form by visiting https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2088

High School Seniors

Although its legal name remains the Westwood Charity Golf Outing, the Outing has raised more than $125,000 for charities for the past 28 years. During the first 10 years, proceeds went to local charities.

Then in 2007, the WCGO Scholarship Committee began giving its pro-

WESTWOOD

‘Ladies Who Launch’

March 13

Celebrate Westwood BIZhub committee invites the Westwood business community to celebrate Westwoodʼs women-owned and women-run businesses on Wednesday, March 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Market House at the Third Annual Ladies who Launch. Space is limited and registration is required at westwoodbizhub@gmail.com

The event is sponsored by Celebrate Westwoodʼs BIZhub committee and will feature refreshments including tea and coffee from Market Houseʼs new in-store cafe as well as networking opportunities and special guests.

ceeds to the WCGO Scholarship Fund, offering scholarships to Westwood resident high school seniors, thus assisting Westwoodʼs future leaders.

This year, the WCGO Scholarship Committee is offering three $2,000 scholarships to three Westwood resident senior students who are very talented, and the assistance for college would really help them and their families.

The scholarship-winning students may come from Westwood High School or one of the private high schools in the area to which Westwood residents attend. To date, 36 recipients from six high schools have been awarded WCGO scholarships.

If you would like a scholarship application, you may find them in the clerkʼs office at the Westwood Municipal Center, in the Recreation Department at the Westwood Community Center, or on the Borough of Westwood website.

You also request an application at westwoodcgo@gmail.com, or you can ask your guidance counselor for a copy. If you have any other questions, you may write to us: WCGO Scholarship Committee, 37 Goodwin Terrace, Westwood, NJ 07675.

The deadline for scholarship applications to be received and reviewed is April 30, 2024.

PASCACK VALLEY

Easter Celebration MARCH 31, 2024 Easter Celebration MARCH 31, 2024

Reading: Second-graders bring books’ characters to life

FROM PAGE 1

character faced in the book.

They became fluent in why.

Giannone said “Our students enjoyed exploring how characters can change and grow. They were able to fully immerse themselves into their favorite characters and make connections to their own lives.”

Dressed as their characters, the students talke d about the worlds of wonder theyʼd sprung from. Giannone described it as “a creative celebration of their reading comprehension and analysis.”

And she said students e njoyed interacting with e ach other in character, “further exploring the traits and interests of various literary figures.”

She said, “If you're going to

Parks, principal of Memorial Elementary School, congratulated the students on their diligence, thanked the teachers for creating such an imaginative learning experience, and thanked the parents for their enthusiastic support.

The students were excited to not only present in front of the Board of Education, but also in front of Ghassali, who said, “I was so impressed by the students. Events like Character Con foster a love of reading and learning for children. I loved it.”

Giannone told Pascack Press the reading team hopes to continue the tradition for years to come.

Oh, the places youʼll go when you follow the meeting agenda…

pretend to be them you need to know them really well. The growth of characters — we asked them to dig deeper when they read their books, make predictions, note character traits, and think about What if you were in their shoes? What would you have done?”

Moreover, in costume, they hosted the kindergarten and first grades and — just like for fans at New York Comic Con (“a fan convention dedicated to Western comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, cosplay,

toys, movies, and television”) — they gave autographs and answered questions about their characters.

“You want to get people youʼe reading it to excited about the book. These kids had so much fun with it, and they really got it,” Giannone said.

The unit primed them for weeks of nonfiction study. “It really does a 180, with real facts and research and things like that. It was a real celebration, analyzing and presenting these charac-

ters; because for the next few months we step away from that,” Giannone said.

She and another reading teacher are relatively new to the school; the other four are very familiar with the unit, and were way supportive, Giannone said.

At the Feb. 26 school board meeting, president Ernie DiFiore said, “Seeing the students so passionate about reading and fully engaged with their stories brought Character Con to life.”

After the presentations, Erik

On Feb. 26 the school board also lauded bookkeeper Janet Breen, in the service of the school district since March 1, 1990, on her retirement after 34 years of exemplary service.

And, among housekeeping items and other resolutions, it accepted with appreciation a generous $4,000 donation from the Montvale Athletic League for items to be used by the Fieldstone Middle School Track and Field extracurricular program.

It also accepted, with appreciation, a $1,000 Ruth Levy Memorial Scholarship grant from the Montvale Educational Foundation.

THE MONTVALE SCHOOL BOARD; students, staff, and faculty; and Memorial Elementary School’s principal and the district superintendent on Feb. 26 joined in celebrating Character Con, a fun event surrounding a reading unit focused on character studies. Photos via Superintendent of Schools Darren A. Petersen, Ed.D.

MONTVALE MAYOR Michael Ghassali meets students from Memorial School at the board meeting on Feb. 26.

Easter Celebration MARCH 31, 2024 Easter Celebration MARCH 31, 2024

Mayor’s prelim. budget taps average homeowner $174 more

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Despite the call from a council majority to reduce the municipal budget 10% across the board—which has caused friction

between the mayor and council majority—the mayor offered a 2024 budget on March 4 that imposes a $174 annual tax increase on the average assessed home.

The draft budget will go through at least six hearings where

council members will look to find cost savings before a final spending plan is adopted by the council in late March or April. Whether the council majority, as promised, can cut about 10% of the budget remains to be seen.

A tentative schedule of six

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budget discussions was proposed, including March 11 at 7 p.m.; March 12 at 8 p.m.; March 18 at 7 p.m.; March 20 at 7 p.m.; March 25 at 7 p.m.; and March 26, 8 p.m.

Calamari said $160 of the increase was due to municipal increases and $14 due to a required library increase.

The town clerk denied Pascack Pressʼs request for a copy of the preliminary budget due to the “advisory” nature of the document. The mayor and administrator did not state what the total budget would be and did not answer emailed questions following a presentation at the March 4 council meeting.

“Fewer than 10 items account

RIVER VALE

for $697,000 of the $704,000 increase,” in 2024, the mayor told council, reading from his letter which was posted on WCTV for viewers.

The 2024 budget increases included: $230,000 for a property value reassessment; $105,000 for a fully outfitted police vehicle; $92,000 for an increase in debt service payments; $85,000 to create a new community Master Plan; $44,000 for non-union salary increases; $44,000 for a state formula contribution to the public library; $34,000 for liability insurance; $33,000 for workers compensation insurance; and $30,000 for Zoning Board litiga-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Pizza,bingo at seniors’ meeting March 20

River Vale Senior Friendship Club meets March 20. After a short presentation by Lauren Lopez of Thrive at Montvale

Assisted Living Community in Montvale, the club will hold its annual pizza and bingo. $5 gets you two slices of pizza, refresh-

ments, and a bingo card (additional bingo cards available for $1). This is a members-only function, so no guests at this meeting. New members are always welcomed.

Membership fee is $15 for the year.

Dive into Stonybrook Swim Club this summer

As Memorial Day draws near, and with it the unofficial start to the summer, the question on everyoneʼs mind: When does Stonybrook Swim Club open?

The answer: “We are open weekends May 25–June 23 and f ull-time June 24–Sept. 2, with membership options for all.”

Director Patty Hughes says, “ Joining Stonybrook Swim Club has never been easier. Every year we host an open house for potential new members. Tour our state-of-the-art facilities: five pools, including a heated lap pool and Olympicsize main pool, water slide, modern bathrooms, and lush grounds, and learn all about the extensive programs we offer throughout the summer and into the fall.”

EMERSON

Scholarship for Jewish H.S. seniors

The K-S Scholarship Foundation, administered by Congregation Bʼnai Israel, will award one $1,000 scholarship to a deserving student in 2024. Applicants must be Jewish, and current high school seniors who reside in any one of the following towns: Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Norwood, Oradell, Old Tappan,

Paramus, Park Ridge, Ridgewood, River Edge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, or Woodcliff Lake. Judging criteria

include demonstrating academic achievement and financial need. The applicantʼs family need not be a member of Congregation Bʼnai Israel. For an application, contact Congregation Bʼnai Israelʼs office administrator at (201) 265-2272 or office@bisrael.com. Applications must be submitted by this May 31. The recipient will be notified on or about June 15.

Hughes says, “Plus, youʼll enjoy access to our swim and dive teams, swim lessons, swim camps, a new Forever Friends program, Red Cross lifeguard training courses, junior lifeguard courses, senior citizen camps, infant and toddler safety training, movie nights, theme nights, a beer garden, a car show, and our first Community-Wide Yard Sale!”

And she writes, “Our Open House [for residents and nonresidents] is Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 183

Cedar Lane. New members are eligible to receive a 10% discount off the ʻafter May 6thʼ membership rate.”

Lifeguard certification courses take place all summer at Stonybrook Swim Club. Pictured: 2023’s new Red Cross-certified lifeguards, via Stonybrook Swim Club on Facebook.

To expedite the registration process at the open house, Hughes encourages you to set u p a CommunityPass account, making sure to list all the family members residing in your home.

She gently reminds: “We accept only check or credit card (+3% fee) as payment for membership.”

Hughes says, “Returning to Stonybrook this year? Online registration begins on Monday, March 18. Visit register.communitypass.net/Hillsdale to register and pay by May 5 to get the best rate.”

For pricing and programs visit hillsdalenj.org/stonybrook after March 13. For more information write phughes@hillsdalenj.org or stonybrook@hillsdalenj.org

WESTWOOD

Westwood Rec spring programs enroll from March 18

Westwood residents and Pascack Valley neighbors are invited to view Westwood Recreationʼs 2024 Spring Programs brochure at westwoodnj.gov/recreation . Registration via Community Pass (https://register.communitypass.net/w estwood) begins on March 18 for residents and March 25 for nonresidents (additional $25 fee per program, space permitting).

The 2024 Spring Program brochure includes information on registration policies, a 2024 calendar for recreation programs and events, class location overview, a

Soccer:

FROM PAGE 1

DJ was Michael Goodell. National anthem was led by Sophia Pourakis. Sponsors were the Hillsdale Police Department, the Westwood Elks Club, the Hillsdale Soccer Association, OʼCathain Law Group, and Leporeʼs Italian Market.

The Hillsdale Soccer Association said “It was a packed house and the players worked extremely hard. Thank you to the parent volunteers for organizing and putting on an amazing event. Thank you to the fans who showed up and donated. This is an annual event and we are looking forward to it continuing to grow!”

Days before the friendly match, the association wrote, “Joan of Arc vs. The English, Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs, Taylor Swift vs. Kanye, and Ron Burgundy vs. Veronica Corningstone. These ʻhistoricalʼevents have nothing on Hillsdaleʼs own Battle of the Sexes Come out to … show support for our 8th grade George White class. Watch the 8th grade girls take on the 8th grade boys in a soccer match that rivals Argentina vs. France. All donations will go to supporting the entire graduating

WESTWOOD

2024 Summer Playground Program preview, Special Notices from local athletic organizations as well as facility and park information.

This seasonʼs offerings include the following classes and programs:

•Spring Break Camps with Abrakadoodle & USA Sports April 1–5 and Adult Spring Painting Night April 22 (programs listed under Winter 2024).

• Toddlers/Preschoolers can look forward to Parent & Me Art, Hippity Hop Jazz, Mini-Move-

ment, Abrakadoodle Art, Soccer Squirts, T-Ball Squirts and Multisports Squirts. Additionally, parents are reminded that registration for the Westwood Recreation Preschool will begin on March 26th.

•Kids in grades K-8 are invited to register for Culinary Classics, Tennis, UFC Gym Training, Hippity Hop Jazz, Lego STEM, Theatre Games, Improv, Golf, Chess, Doodle Draw & Design, Chemical Reactions, Girls Outdoor Volleyball and a new coed Ultimate Frisbee Clinic for

grades 6-12.

•Adult classes include Tennis, UFC Gym Training, Culinary Classics, Painting, Yoga, Zumba, Men's Open Gym Basketball, Adult & Family Pickleball and the new Women's Kickball League. Enrollment is also open for Forever Young 55+ Programs & the Special Needs Activity Program.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on March 18 for residents and March 25 for non-residents (additional $25 fee per program, space permitting).

class.”

Hillsdale dominates Meanwhile, with the playoffs for the indoor travel league about to start, the Hillsdale Soccer Association says it congratulates all the hard work by the players and coaches for a great season. Hillsdale dominated the regular season in every division.

• Boys 3/4 North Division, Hillsdale takes 1st place with an undefeated record of 6-0.

•Boys 3/4 South Division, Hillsdale takes 1st place with an undefeated record of 6-0.

• Boys 5/6 North Division, Hillsdale takes 1st place with an undefeated record of 6-0-1.

•Boys 5/6 South Division,

Woman’s club meets over St. Pat’s dinner March 14

GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood next meets on Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse on Kinderkamack Road. A tradition-

al St. Patrickʼs Day dinner will be served. For information on membership and activities, call (201) 9161580.

Hillsdale takes 2nd place with a record of 5 and 2.

•Boys 7/8 Hillsdale team 1 takes 1st place with an undefeated record of 7–0.

•Hillsdale team 2 takes 2nd place with a record of 6–1.

•Girls 3/4 North Division, Hillsdale takes 3rd place with a record of 5–2

•Girls 3/4 South Division, Hillsdale takes 3rd place with a

record of 4–3.

•Girls 5/6 Hillsdale takes 1st place with an undefeated record of 7–0.

•Girls 7/8 Division, Hillsdale takes 3rdplace with a record of 4-11.

HSA writes with pride that itʼs a volunteer-driven organization of board members, league directors, and coaches working together to structure a program that provides

To view the guide before registration begins, visit westw oodnj.gov/recreation Printed guides are also available at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., Westwood.

At registration, use your Community Pass account at https://register.communitypass.net/w estwood or visit the Westwood Community Center to fill out a paper form.

Questions? Zap them to Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at (201) 664-7882 or recreation@westwoodnj.gov.

Hillsdale residents a fun, safe, educational and recreational soccer program.

The fall outdoor recreational program spans pre-K through grade 9. Clinic programs are offered for grades Pre-K, K, 1, and 2

Recreational leagues combine with River Vale, start in third grade and are divided:

•Girls 3-4 Grade

•Girls 5-6 Grade

•Boys 3-4 Grade

•Boys 5-6 Grade

•Co-ed 7-9 Grade

The winter indoor recreational program is offered in partnership with the NVSL for grades 1–8.

The spring outdoor recreational program is a clinic program that is offered for Pre-K children ages 3–5.

2024 spring Pre-K registration is open.

HSA says “We are looking forward to another great year with our 3-, 4- and 5-year-old program which will take place at the Stonybrook Field on Saturdays starting on April 6 at 11 a.m.”

Discipline, skill, and sportsmanship defined the second annual Hillsdale Soccer Association 7/8th grade girls vs. boys indoor soccer fundraiser game, at Pascack Valley High School on Leap Day, Feb. 29. Photo courtesy Ashok Ginde.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Great Offers for Brain Injury Awareness Month

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

The brain loves changing your routine and switching it up frequently. You must try something new each and every day to break the bad habits.Jump out of bed in the morning and make your bed immediately

If you have trouble even getting out of bed to begin with, I recommend doing a countdown like you are launching a rocket ship. Say five, four, three, two, one and jump out of bed like a rocket ship blasting off. Then make your bed nice and neat to give yourself a victory first thing in the morning.

Exercise is one of the quickest ways to feel better. Do some pushups, go to the gym, go for a bike ride, do some stretching, dance, play a sport, take a walk, do some sit ups, or go for a run. The brain loves movement! During the day, do not sit for more than 20 minutes at a time. Get up for at least 20 seconds and give yourself a break three times an hour.

Drink water, open a window, walk around your work station, stretch up to the ceiling, perform breathing exercises, mediate, or do some shoulder roll exercises.

Find ways to increase your movements such as parking far away from your office, using stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to work or school. After work or school, don't come home and watch TV, surf the internet, or play on your cell phone. All of this technology leads to higher rates of depression.

Drink more water. Just as a grape that is dehydrated shrivels up to a raisin, your brain shrivels up when you do not have enough water. Drink half of your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 160 pounds, it is rec-

ommended to drink 80 ounces of water a day. Coffee, soda, juice, tea, and alcohol not only do not count as water, but they can actually lead to more dehydration. These drinks also may cause brain inflammation which can result in depression.

Almost all with depression have a vitamin D deficiency, which also results in a poor Covid-19 outcome. You must do blood work to discover the levels, but the ranges used in most labs are way too low for depressed patients. If you suffer from depression, it is better to have higher levels than the WebMD recommended levels of 20 ng/mL.

The best test that measures your brain waves and can tell you what areas of the brain are not working well is called a qEEG brain mapping. If you are interested in getting this complete neurological evaluation to find out how reduce depression and

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

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If you are one of the first seven people to respond, say you read my article and you can receive the brain mapping ($500 value) for $21. You can also email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to be one of the first seven people to take advantage of this health care gift.

For more information about functional neurology and our services, please visit our .kaplandc.com. Follow my weekly articles for updates on upcoming lectures and follow our Instagram page @kaplanbrainbody or our Facebook page Kaplan Brain and Body for lots of valuable health tips. Listen to my radio shows every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 970 AM as well as Saturday on 710 AM at 2 p.m. We also have lots of YouTube videos that can be found under my channel Kaplan Brain and Body. Please like, comment, and subscribe!

I am giving a lecture in River Edge on March 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on “Boost Your Mood” to prevent anxiety and depression. This live event includes a free massage, free cold laser therapy, and free drinks and snacks, can also be seen via Zoom, or you can even get the recording so you can listen to it later. It is normally

$200, but for the first seven people that sign up, you can go to the seminar for only $97, plus get four other bonus seminars (that occur once a month) which cover sleep, energy, nutrition, inflammation, and improving memory and focus for FREE ($19 a seminar). Function better, feel better, live better.

PARK RIDGE

Woman’s Club meets March 11

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club meets on Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Friends Room of the Park Ridge municipal building on Park Avenue.

Brook progress cited; ‘swim club’ design ongoing

The township administrator on March 4 said “good progress” was being made on efforts to improve Masquapsink Brook, and a cost estimate for repairing two critical sanitary issues along the brook was due in the next several weeks.

Moreover, Mayor Peter Calamari said he would ask the town's new engineer, Beckmeyer Engineering, to take over future work and recreation designs on the Swim Club property.

On Musquapsink Brook, Administrator Mark Di Carlo said the engineering design by Boswell Engineering was completed for the repair of two critical sanitary issues identified in a Boswell drone study of the brook done early last year.

He said the DPW superintendent was able to remove some

fallen trees from the brook during winter, and he came up with a list of what trees are still down and where the potential responsibility lies for removing those trees.

He said the engineering plan to remedy the critical sanitary issues affects Section 4 and Section 7 of the brook, as identified in the drone report. He said the plan uses sediment shoals in section 4 to help stabilize and repair eroded stream banks in section 7, where at least two sanitary manholes were exposed by severe stream bank erosion.

Swim club

Answering questions from member Michael Ullman, DiCarlo said that Boswell previously did a topographical and boundary survey at the swim club, which led to production of several design

options for recreation activities.

DiCarlo said Boswell had completed a Conceptual Design E, which the mayor would soon show to the Recreation Committee and possibly to council for approval.

Ullman asked if he could see Option E for the swim club. Calamari said he would provide it, noting that Ullman should understand “Itʼs a work in progress, nowhere near final.” Ullman advised him to put the word draft on it.

The 6.1-acre swim club was purchased nearly two years ago and a recreation plan has yet to be discussed by council.

— Michael Olohan

The club is finalizing plans for Breakfast with the Bunny, a fundraiser to be held on Saturday, March 16 at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge. The cost is $10 for children under 10 and $15 for those age 11 and over. Pre-registration is required. A collaboration of the club and the Elks, the event will raise money for local charities supported by both groups.

The club plans a military bridge fundraiser for April 26, and continues to collect used smartphones and tablets for recycling at their collection boxes at the Park Ridge and River Vale libraries

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club meets on the second Monday of each month, September–June. For more information call Carolyn Delafrange at (201) 819-1000 or write GPVWC1990@gmail.com

ERIC

KOHLMEIER

RETIREMENT PLANS CAN BE SIMPLE

Editorʼs note:

The following article is for informational purposes only.

SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Unlike some retirement plans, there are specific criteria a business must meet to participate in a SIMPLE IRA plan. Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about this type of retirement plan:

Can any business establish a SIMPLE IRA plan?

Self-employed individuals and employers with fewer than 100 employees may adopt a SIMPLE plan. However, the business must not maintain any other employer-

sponsored retirement plan where contributions are made or accrued during the calendar year in which the SIMPLE plan is effective. (This does not apply to plans that cover only union employees who are excluded from the SIMPLE plan.)

What is the deadline for establishing such a plan in order for it to qualify for the 2019 tax year?

The IRS deadline for establishing SIMPLE IRA plans for the current year is Oct. 1. Afterward, plans can only be established for the next tax year. An exception to

Oct. 1 exists if the business is a newly established company and has never sponsored a SIMPLE IRA plan.

Which employees are eligible to participate in this type of plan?

An eligible employee is one who has received at least $5,000 in compensation from the employer during any two prior calendar years (does not need to be consecutive years) and who is reasonably expected to receive at least $5,000 compensation during the current year.

In the planʼs initial agreement, the employer is able to reduce the amount of compensation and the number of years required. However, there is no required participation for this plan – eligible employees can choose whether or not they want to participate and contribute.

How much can employees contribute to the plan through salary deferral?

The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan for 2019 cannot exceed $13,000. If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catchup contribution of $3,000 is permitted.

What are the maximum employer contribution limits for a SIMPLE IRA?

Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019).

All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision.

When must contributions be deposited?

Employee deferrals should be deposited as soon as administratively feasible, but no later than 30 days following the last day of the month in which the amounts would otherwise have been payable to the employee.

These rules also apply to selfemployed individuals. The employer contributions deadline is the due date of the employerʼstax return, including extensions.

Can therebe a vesting scheduled with a SIMPLE IRA?

There is no vesting schedule with this type of plan – both employer and employee are immediately 100% vested.

How are withdrawals from SIMPLE IRAs taxed?

Withdrawals from this type of account are taxed as ordinary

income. However, if a participant is younger than age 59? and makes a withdrawal within the first two years of plan participation, he or she will owe a 25% IRS penalty and ordinary income taxes on the amount withdrawn.

After the initial two years of plan participation, the 25% IRS penalty is reduced to 10% for pre 59? withdrawals. Exceptions to the 10% penalty on traditional IRAs are also exceptions to the 25% penalty for SIMPLE IRAs. Direct transfers to another SIMPLE IRA will not be subject to this penalty

Can the assets in a SIMPLE IRA be rolled over?

Participants are able to roll over funds from one SIMPLE plan to another at any time. After two years of participation, employees may roll assets to a traditional or SEP IRA without tax penalties.

As with any investment alternative, you should check with your Financial Advisor to evaluate the best option for your financial situation.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences. Please keep in mind that transferring or rolling over assets to an IRA is just one of multiple options for your retirement plan. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, including investment options and fees and expenses, which should be understood and carefully considered.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences.

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAYLOSE VALUE

This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of 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.

©2024 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

Mat donations give kids’ artwork superstar treatment

Ahmad Amin of Avenue Custom Framing at 89 Westwood Ave. in Westwood hit a home run with donated/gifted mat boards it put into showcasing the work of preschoolers and art students.

“We end up with remnant boards, which we can reuse for projects, but as thereʼs a demand by some local schools, we donate hundreds of mat board pieces to many different local art schools, elementary and preschools,” Amin told Pascack Press on March 4.

He said, Students use these archival-quality boards to paint on and make pieces of art. The boards are sturdy and do not shrink or get wavy from watercolors, so they are much better than paper and last long because they are acid free.”

And he said, “They are also cut into manageable sizes. Our mat board donations have been used in so manyplaces with a wide range of people of many ages.”

Amin said his team is glad these boards are being put to good use with young artists. “Seeing pic-

tures of the kids with their beautiful artwork gives us satisfaction and a sense of helping the community.”

He said, “Every year we also issue donation gift certificates to some local schools and many charity events.”

One recent series of art workshops, taught by a local artist Maureen Bennett in her studio in

Demarest, was with high school students with special needs.

Amin said, “Thanks to Maureen, our matboards made their way all the way to Arlington, Va., where Montessori preschool kids were given these boards to paint watercolors and have a good time creating beautiful pieces of art.”

— Staff report

your help

DPW:

years while the metal was only estimated to last 30 years.

The difference in price between brick and metal structures then was approximately $538,000.

On Dec. 5, 2022, Iovino had said a concrete block building was recommended “because we have a lot of salt, moisture, etc., and it takes a lot of abuse and the masonry would do a lot better than a metal structure.”

Weʼre signal boosting for Westwood Councilwoman Erin Collins, who posted on Feb. 7 “a call to help our Borough Emergency Food Pantry for a few specific items to help stock up on inventory that are extremely low or only have one item left.”

Please consider picking up the following items

and donating to the box(es) at Westwood Borough Hall, 101 Washington Ave., and the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave.:

•Spaghetti sauce

•Tuna

•Meals in a can (such as Dinty Moore Stew)

•Progresso soups

• Vegetable or olive oil

• Jelly

• Cake mix

• Parmalat or other shelf-stable milk

•Tea

•Snack items

•Paper towels

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Body soap

•Toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Cleaning products, especially laundry detergent

No canned vegetables or beans, please, as there is a healthy surplus of these at the moment. For more information call Kathy Elgert, Westwood Social Services, at (201) 664-7100 ext. 110.

FROM PAGE 9 mended a brick-and-mortar structure over any type of metal building. Pascack Press reported that at the Nov. 9, 2022 meeting, the architect, Arcari Iovino, said a metal building would likely cost about $4,440,370, while a brick and mortar building would cost $4,978,350, although the brick building would last at least 60

Master:

FROM PAGE 7 tial lots; commercial vehicles on residential properties; a review of town impervious surface coverage; and vacant land at the northwest corner of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue.

Burgis suggested that the council consider a comprehensive update due to the affordable housing obligations that begin in 2025 and because “we live in a litigious society” where an out-of-date Master Plan will not fare well in a court case involving local planning/zoning.

Burgis said it could take up to

He said metal buildings also have a long lead time over supply chair backups and concrete blocks being more widely available.

nine months to complete a comprehensive update. He said a new Master Plan would provide “ammunition” to fight any affordable housing numbers imposed for the fourth round of affordable obligations.

Councilman Michael Ullman, one of a bloc of three members seeking a 10% budget cut, asked if the cost could be amortized over years as a capital expense. Administrator Mark DiCarlo said that appeared to be possible.

Planning Board meetings are hybrid, usually held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom, 350 Hudson Ave. — Michael Olohan

Ahmad Amin from Avenue Custom Framing in Westwood donates surplus matboard to students near and far. “Seeing pictures of the kids with their beautiful artwork gives us satisfaction and a sense of helping the community.” Courtesy photos

Free tree seedlings April 13

The Borough of Hillsdale offers free tree seedlings on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hillsdale Train Station, Hillsdale Avenue and Broadway. (Rain/alternate locat ion: Hillsdale Free Public Library.)

Residents and non-residents, replant trees you lost in recent storms or add trees to your yard. Seedlings of native species will be distributed free. Hillsdale residents are encouraged to attend early. Two items max per family until the end of the event—if any seedlings remain.

This is a joint undertaking of the Hillsdale Environmental Commission and the Hillsdale Department of Public Works, supported by Community Tree Recovery, an Arbor Day Foundation Program; and the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.

The Tree Recovery Campaignʼs goal of distributing over 700,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over an eightyear period was met in 2020. However, trees are more important than ever because of natural disasters and invasive species that harm and destroy them.

Aside from looking nice, trees increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Instructions will be avail-

able. Plant your seedlings promptly, or store them in a cool, damp location for a day or so. Seedlings need to be protected from deer predation and kept watered through the first year or two. Types of species will be updated to Hillsdale Environmental Commissionʼs Facebook on the week of the event.

For more information write hec@hillsdalenj.org

Letters:

FROM PAGE 2

avoiding the temptation to please a comfortable circle of social contacts.

W hile Hillsdale would be well-served if my own Republican Party chose candidates who fit this bill, residents need to weigh the merits of any nominees who will shoot for a higher standard of governance values, professionalism, and ethics at Borough Hall.

Councilman John J. Ruocco Hillsdale

Seniors want answers on manager’s resignation

To the editor:

A S ARESIDENT of Westwood for 40 years, I have seen our town grow in population and technology improvements. Lately I question Westwood Borough Hallʼs decision-making ability.

Over two years ago, Marisa Tarateta, MS, MFT, was hired by Westwood Borough Hall as senior services program manager for her skills and decision-making, man-

agerial experience, and interaction with the Westwood senior population. We were very fortunate to be working with her on t he mayorsʼSenior Advisory Committee, of which I am a board member since 2017.

Marisa [most recently of the Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, which closed Sept. 30, 2021, and was picked up for 29 hours per week as a senior services coordinator for focus on a “vulnerable population of Westwood”] is an excellent example of adaptation in a leadership role. She came prepared to every monthly board meeting with information on getting grants for senior seminars, helped seniors keep doctors appointments via the town van, made seniors appointments to get their Covid vaccine, presented guest speakers, provided our library with a lecture on adults with dementia and special care for them, assisted seminar correction senior with filling out a life file, day trips to the mall, and grocery.

Marisa planned two buses for seniors to ride in Home for the Holidays Parade in December. When Marisa went on vacation, even then she helped seniors by providing them with answers to their concerns. Whatever challenges we had, and the council presented to Marisa, she was able to give timely information, provide answers on prob-

lems and present guest speakers on topics that seniors needed to learn about: wills, estate planning, power of attorney, and other legal matters, and services available for seniors.

On Feb. 9 at a luncheon prese ntation for seniors, Marisa announced that she had resigned her position. Her last day was Feb. 23. We seniors have been struggling to find another qualified leader to address senior needs. Weʼre asking ourselves, Why did Westwood Borough Hall let Marisa down? When will we get a new senior director for our seniorsʼneeds?

We have had no response from Westwood Borough Hallʼs administrator nor our council liaison. Our questions addressed to Marisaʼs supervisor have gone u nanswered. As taxpayers, we seniors deserve civil answers, not silence, from paid professionals. What is going on here? We want to ride the bus — not be thrown under it.

Mrs. Marie Kaplow Westwood Senior Advisory Committee

Westwood: Seniors in good hands

To the editor:

IN LATE FEBRUARY, Westwood Senior Services Program Manager Marissa Tarateta resigned from her role with the borough. We understand that for many seniors who relied upon the coordination of the Senior Services Program Manager, Marissaʼs departure has proven worrisome.

However, we would like to make abundantly clear that senior programming and resource management remain a high priority for this mayor and council and we are working to ensure there are no disruptions in programming.

We have taken steps to seamlessly continue critical services:

•20-year borough employee M argret (Margie) McDonough was reassigned to manage the coordination of shuttle services which bring residents to and from local appointments and shopping trips. Margie had formerly been senior van coordinator at the onset of Westwoodʼs senior van services.

•The borough is actively leveraging the considerable senior resources it already had in place. The library and recreation departments continue to offer a wide variety of senior programming ranging from movie screenings, book clubs, and educational pro-

grams to a wide variety of fitness and wellness classes within the free Forever Young program. The popular Lunch and Learn series will continue.

•The borough, in collaboration with the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and relevant department directors, will make communicating those services and offerings a priority. The mayor and council will continue to address the needs of our seniors in furtherance of maintaining an age-friendly community

Please be on the lookout for details on all of Westwoodʼs senior resources in the coming weeks right here in this newspaper. In the meantime, questions may be directed to Borough Administrator Durene Ayer at (201) 664-7100.

Anthony Greco Council liaison, Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and Recreation Department

Lauren Letizia Deputy council liaison, Recreation Department Beth Dell Councilwoman

Cheryl Hodges Council president Ray Arroyo Mayor, Borough of Westwood

Budget:

FROM PAGE 14

tion.

Calamari said the administration was “always looking for sensible ways to cut spending.” He said health benefit costs would be reduced by $200,000 from last yearʼs $1.2 million cost and be cut further next year.

He said salary increases for non-union employees ($44,000) equal 0.27% of the entire proposed budget.

He said most salary increases were a "a reasonable 2%" while the consumer price index for 2023 was at 3.4% increase.

He said capital programs funded included: $641,000 for a 2024 road improvement program; $125,000 for stationary automatic license plate readers at key intersections to assist police.

“This long-term investment will assist law enforcement at all levels in solving crimes not just in Washington Township but our surrounding towns that already have the readers in use,” Calamari said.

Other capital costs: $30,000 to replace two dump truck bodies to extend vehicle life; $146,000 to rehabilitate seven fields at four locations; $60,000 for batting cages at Clark and Sherry fields;

and $72,000 to replace playground equipment at Gardner Field.

Calamari said a “look back” over the last four years—including 2024ʼs proposed budget— showed an increase of an average $124 for a typical homeowner.

“Many of the increases during the later years are due to necessary spending the recently elected council members voted in favor of,” he said.

He noted that, “Looking at the increase or decrease of one year is not a true measure of how much money it takes to operate and make improvements to the town facilities.”

Administrator Mark DiCarlo told council that the process for preparing a 2024 budget began in October 2023 with department heads submitting proposals for budget lines that they manage.

From that point, DiCarlo said, several reviews are conducted on budget requests to make sure that the amounts requested are budgeted correctly. He said he hoped to

DiCarloʼs statement addressed “employee motivation and morale” based on his 30 years of government employment. He said some indicators include sick time use, productivity, need for discipline, and complaints from the public.

“I am proud to convey that the data indicates that our employ-

ees are productive, use little to no sick time, and receive positive accolades from the residents,” DiCarlo told council.

He said it was his professional opinion that reducing funds for employee training, equipment, and materials to do job tasks, including dues, conferences and meetings “will lead to a loss in morale and motivation” and he asked the councilʼs consideration when working through those items in the budget.

He said non-union employees account for about half of the townshipʼs 61 municipal employees. He also said that a 2% raise given in 2024 to non-union employees “is more than reasonable.”

He said of 30 non-union employees who were rated, none received ratings of “below job standards.” Instead, he said, all received a “meets” or “exceeds” standards rating in nine performance categories.

He requested that council not Rice notice any municipal employee to discuss their job performance or salary raise. (A Rice notice is a required legal notice that permits public employees to decide whether to discuss their jobs in public or private when possible changes are considered.)

“I am concerned that Rice noticing our employees will lead to undue stress, anxiety and uncertainty, which will directly affect

motivation, morale, and the work product only to come to the ultimate conclusion that we have terrific employees that deserve their raises,” DiCarlo said. DiCarlo provided the council a brief overview of the 2024 preliminary budget. Council members did not discuss numbers in detail at the meeting, although

some councilors asked questions. Independent member Michael Ullman asked for a list of non-union employees covered by health benefits. Township attorney Kenneth Poller agreed that a list could be provided. DiCarlo said that likely would include 35 employees.

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

Honors:

FROM PAGE 4

the Borough of Closterʼs Hall of Fame.

She said that AHA rededicated its gym floor in her honor

in 2018. Moreover, she said Liddy continues to run AHAʼs summer basketball camp for girls in fifth through tenth grades. She said Liddy earned her 800th career coaching victory on Dec. 30, 2023, when the Holy Angels basketball team defeated Cresskill. The proclamation recognized Liddy as “one of the all-

t ime greatest coaches in New Jersey sports.”

DiPaola declared March 6, 2 024 as “Coach Susan Liddy Day” in Emerson. Liddy thanked the mayor and council for honoring her. “It was greatly appreciated but unnecessary,” she said.

“Winning and losing was never what I thought about. I just

Breakfast with the Bunny March 16

The Easter Bunny is arriving early this year: at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge on Saturday, March 16. Have Breakfast with the Bunny that day at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge from 9 to 11 a.m. The morning includes a nutritious breakfast along with music, crafts and lots of fun. The Bunny will be available for autographs and photos with your child.

The cost of the morning is $10 per child aged 1–10, and $15

for attendees aged 11 and up. Breakfast with the Bunny is sponsored by the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club and Park Ridge Elks Lodge #2234. All pro-

ceeds will benefit local charities supported by both organizations. Pre-registration is required. Send your name, contact info, number of tickets required and payment to GPVWC at 134 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Cash or checks (payable to GPVWC) are accepted. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 8.

For more information call (201) 822-1397 or write gpvwc1990@gmail.com

thought about making kids better, along with my coaches and the school. But along the course of time you do win,” said Liddy, who congratulated all her assis-

PARK RIDGE

tant coaches, and the kids “who have bought into the system we run.”

— Michael Olohan

Lenten–Easter at Our Lady of Mercy

Our Lady of Mercy Church presents…

• Stations of the Cross, Fridays at 7 p.m. (except for March 8, when itʼs 6:30 p.m.).

• Catholicism Video Series with Bishop Robert Barron: Feb 20–April 30, sessions offered at 9:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Gathering space.

• Xavier Company Returns with a Lenten performance: “Whom Shall I Send?” Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., after Stations of the Cross.

• Womenʼs Retreat with Cathy Ingrasci: “Faith Over Fear” Saturday, March 9 to noon, Main church. Breakfast served.

• Menʼs Retreat with Dan Balogh, “From Athiest to Evangelist” Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to noon, main church. Breakfast served.

• Parish Lenten Talk with Fr.

Center:

FROM PAGE 3

revise the pricing on it and so the wheels are in motion to get the updated pricing.”

Ferguson said “It might behoove us to go out to bid on it and it might be cheaper; we have to see. Once we start getting the new numbers weʼre going to make that decision, but the wheels are in motion, 110%.”

The mayor corrected previous reporting that stated that the community recreation center would be placed on The Jamesʼ property. He said there was never a plan to put the recreation center on The Jamesʼ property, but rather on the adjoining commuter parking lot, a borough-owned property.

Borough administrator Maggie Giandomenico confirmed last October that the developer monies provided for a community center

Glebb Sudano, “Standing Strong in Turbulent Times,” Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m., main church.

• Parish Penance Service, Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m., main church.

• Tenebrae Service, Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m., main church. “Tenebrae is a service and ancient tradition that reminds us of the somber events that occurred in Jesusʼlife from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.”

• Easter Bunny visits OLM Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m.

• Divine Mercy Parish Mission: Fr Dermot Roache, SMA, Monday–Wednesday, April 8–10 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the main church. Learn the inspirational story of Divine Mercy from Fr. Roache. Through an experience in South Africa, Fr. Roache founded a special apostolate for family healing called the Family of Divine Mercy.

were in a dedicated account. Fenwick, then finance committee chair, said that some of the funds may have been spent on engineering for preliminary plans.

Former administrator Julie Falkenstern had told Pascack Press that the downtown developer, Park Ridge Transit LLC was required to contribute $250,000 in soft costs (for architect and engineering services) and $500,000 toward center construction.

The Borough Council had hired Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners of Lambertville in September 2020 on a $20,000 retainer to provide design development, schematic design and architectural services for the development of a community recreation center.

Misciagna told Pascack Press in spring 2019 that the developerʼs $500,000 contribution would help in moving toward a community center, which would include a public plaza, a space for outdoor dining, and a space for residents to relax in.

PARK RIDGE

The Emerson Council honored long-time resident and Academy of the Holy Angels coach Susan Liddy on her 800th career win with a ceremony and proclamation at its March 5 meeting. Team photo courtesy AHA

Owls: Program nets first State Sectional title

FROM PAGE 1

of them for all that they achieved. I know it meant a lot to our girls to do this for Park Ridge. We have a tight community here and the community was behind us all season.”

Mountain Lakes scored first, but after junior guard Allie Shenloogian hit a three to make it 3-2, it was all Owls.

They led 17-6 at the end of the 1st quarter, 20-13 at halftime and 36-17 at the end of the third quarter.

Winners of their last seven games to that point, Park Ridge stood at 23-5.

Shenloogian led the team in scoring with 26 points. Senior Forward Abigail McManus had 10 rebounds and 10 steals.

Dennis said, “Abbey McManus is a player that just gives max effort in everything she does. Abbey always finds a way to impact the game with her hustle and heart. She and her teammates on this team are great examples for the future Owls that will one day take the court at Park Ridge High School.”

Beyond the championship

team win, Shenloogian had her own big moment. In the fourth quarter, on a lay-up, she set the Park Ridge All-Time girls scoring record with her 1,666th point. The record had been held by Shannon

Burns (Class of 2020) who posted 1,664 career points and is a senior on the Ramapo College womenʼs basketball team, and studying finance and business analytics.

Shenloogian finished the game with 1,670 points.

Dennis said after the game, “Allie Shenloogian, in my opinion, is one of the best players in the county. She makes an impact on both ends of the floor and has continued to work on her game so that she can play at the next level.”

We checked with Burns for her reaction to Shenloogianʼs accomplishment—toppling her record.

She said, “I am so happy for Allie. Putting Park Ridge and

other small, Group 1 athletics on the map is so important. I realized after finishing my senior college basketball season how grateful I am to have come from such a supportive and close-knit town and

Road to victory: Park R idge HS Girls Varsity Basketball F #24 (Abigail McManus) looks to go up in the paint March 2 against Mountain Lakes. Paul Sullivan photo

school. I can't wait to see more amazing things come out of Park Ridge basketball!”

IHA fights valiantly

The other Pascack Valley team that made it to its sectional final was IHA. They were the second seed and played top seed, Pope John XXIII, on Monday, March 4 at Patersonʼs Kennedy High School in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Non-Public A Final. The IHA Blue Eagles lost, 39-38.

Pope John XXIII Lions led after the 1st Quarter 10-6. IHA led at halftime, 17-14, and at the end of the third quarter, 29-25. The Lions came back in the fourth and outscored the Blue Eagles, 14-9.

Pope John took the lead with 1:51 left in the game and were able to keep IHA scoreless the rest of the way.

M ildred ‘Millie’ D. BIRKNER

Mildred Delores Birkner, 99, formerly of Bergenfield, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2024 with family at her side.

“Millie” was the beloved mother of Michael (Robin Wagner) of Gettysburg, Pa., Patricia (Kelly Mahon) of Manasquan, and John (Susan Birkner) of Westwood; and the adored grandmother of Ben, Madeline, and Joanna Birkner, Lauren Mahon Ferrelli, Kelly, and Sarah Mahon, and Paris and Kyle Birkner, and five great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were all special to her. She was predeceased by her husband, John J. Birkner, sisters Mary and Lucy, and brother Anthony.

Millie was born in Bergenfield to John and Lena (DeMelfi) Marsilio on June 16, 1924, and grew up on Warren Street at a time when

Bergenfield was still a country town.

She left Bergenfield High School during World War II to work in a slipper factory in Hackensack, after her mother vetoed her plan to volunteer for the Womenʼs Army Corps. With the Teaneck Armory—a training and transfer facility in walking distance of her home—so close by, Millie had a busy social life during the war. But her attentions remained fixed on a suitor from the slipper factory, John Birkner, who was serving in the United States Army Air Corps in Europe.

When “JB” returned from the war in late 1945, he proposed and Millie accepted. Millie and John married in April 1947 and settled in Bergenfield, as did her siblings. Italian dinners on Sundays on Warren Street were a staple of family life for decades to follow.

Millie was known for her amazing energy and kindness. She had a knack for making and keeping friends and touched many lives in a positive way because of her outgoing nature.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105

OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

Part Time Summer Camp Director and 2 Assistants - Borough of Park Ridge, NJ (Job descriptions on www.parkridgeboro.com) Park Ridge is seeking energetic, responsible and dependable individuals with experience in working with children in day camps or schools to work at our outdoor Summer Day Camp that runs from June 24 through July 26 from 8:30 am-12 pm. You must be available to work every day of camp. The Director of Summer Camp will also handle all communication with parents of participants and will respond to them in a timely manner. The Camp Director will plan and prepare our team of counselors/volunteers for the operation of the camp. The Camp Director must also have experience and comfort with technology and related areas. Experience with Community Pass a plus. Salary based on qualifications. The Borough of Park Ridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer Please email your cover letter and resume to Magdalena Giandomenico, Borough Administrator at Mgiandomenico@parkridgeboro.com by February 27, 2024. The Borough reserves the right to hire candidates before the closing date of this advertisement.

Small

Sales background,

outreaches to customers to facilitate appointments for design team. Use of existing database and aspects of Google, Houzz, etc. M-F, 10am–2pm; $18 - $20 per/hr. Please send resumes to teri@riccisales.com

Newspaper Delivery Newspaper Baggers

IMEDIATEOPENINGSFOR

She was always in motion, at work as a well-loved waitress at Montammy Country Club in Alpine for many years, as a daily walker on the track at Bergenfield High School, and as a passionate bowler well into her seventies.

In later years, she loved taking senior citizen trips to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and especially to Atlantic City, where walking the boardwalk was a favorite activity when sheʼd had enough of playing the nickel slots. Bingo subsequently became her favorite recreation, along with doing jigsaw puzzles and spending time with family members.

Her wizardry in the kitchen was a special magnet for family and friends alike, and her green thumb was evident to the many passers-by as she tended to her tulips and roses.

Millie had many catch phrases and favorite sayings, including “doll,” to describe her favorite people—and that list was long. Millie was warm-hearted, funny, optimistic, and perpetually agreeable. People were attracted to her. Those who will miss her will undoubtedly include many individuals who met her in person only once or twice.

Family and friends will gather on March 16 at 11 a.m. for a funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, followed by interment at St. Josephʼs Cemetery in Hackensack. In lieu of flowers, please take a walk in the outdoors, as Millie so often did, make a new friend, or donate to someone in need.

George R. HAMLIN

George R. Hamlin, 72, of Lakewood, formerly of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

George is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine (n ée Poor); his daughters Michelle Hamlin and Tracey Rose; son-in-law Brian Rose; grandchildren Fiona and Colin; father George J. Hamlin; and siblings Roger Hamlin and his wife, Karen, Deborah Reisser and her husband, Peter, and Kenneth Hamlin. He is predeceased by his mother, Lillian Hamlin.

George was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served as a Hillsdale volunteer firefighter for 30 years. He retired in 2017 from a lifelong career in the heavy equipment industry. He loved spending time in the woods, at the beach, and with his family.

The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Sunday, March 3. A firemanʼs service took place Sunday, March 3 at the funeral home. A celebration of George's life and faith was held at the funeral home on Monday, March 4 with private cremation to follow.

Memorial contributions can be made in George's name to the

Hillsdale Fire Department, 383 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ 07642.

Becker-FuneralHome.com

John C. ‘Jack’

KENNEY JR.

John C. Kenney Jr. (Jack), 88, of the Township of Washington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan; his daughters, Kathleen Kenney and Eileen Sirois and son inlaw, Marcel Sirois. He was the proud grandfather of Lindsey, John, and Dan Sirois. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie (Feher) Kenney and his brother, Brian Kenney.

Jack was born in Hoboken and graduated from Weehawken High School and the Agricultural and Technical Institute of the State University of New York at Delhi. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked as a telecom consultant after retiring from a long career at Bellcore/Telcordia.

Jack lived in the Township of Washington for 61 years and was an active member of the community helping coach his daughterʼs softball teams and was a faithful member of Our Lady of Good

Call 201.664.2105

Call (201)664-2105

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

Administrative Assistant – Borough of Hillsdale – Part/Time - The Borough of Hillsdale is looking to hire for a Part-Time position to provide direct assistance to the Borough Clerk. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be highly-organized with attention to detail and be able to multi-task. Must be able to work cooperatively with government officials, department heads, staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Candidate must possess excellent clerical capabilities including, but not limited to, record keeping, data entry, and filing. Responsibilities also include annual miscellaneous license renewals, and raffles/bingo applications; and performing various assigned duties. Evening availability may be required on election days and during tax time. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook required. The Borough of Hillsdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Interested candidates should submit cover letter which must include salary requirements and resume and at least two professional references to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk, via email dkohan@hillsdalenj.org. The position is open until filled.

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S

Obits:

FROM PAGE 30

Counsel Church. He was a former Grand Knight of the Mother Seton Council #5427 of the Knights of Columbus, and a former treasurer of the Golden Seniors of the Township of Washington.

He was also an avid reader whose love of books was evident in his over 50-year volunteer dedication to the Township of Washington Library.

As a trustee for over three decades and former board president, Jack was instrumental in planning and establishing the Township of Washington Public Library from its various temporary locations to its home on Woodfield Road.

Jack enjoyed gardening, running, golfing, fishing trips with his nephews and brothers-in-law, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family and friends.

The family received relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Thursday, March 7. A Mass celebrating his life and faith was held at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, 668 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington on March 8, with interment at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Township of Washington Public Library, 144 Woodfield Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.

Becker-FuneralHome.com

Dorothy B. AVERNA

Dorothy B. Averna, 85, of Woodcliff Lake, formerly of Park Ridge, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Don; her children Donald and Kristen; her daughter in-law Teresa; her grandson Jake; her sister in-law Rita as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and many friends from multiple walks of life.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joe and Dottie Streim, and her sister, Regina Deer and her husband, Ron.

Dorothy was born in Astoria, Queens, N.Y. and raised in Park Ridge. After graduating Park Ridge High School, Dorothy attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and graduated with a teaching degree.

Dorothy started her tenure with the River Vale school system, initially starting in fifth grade and later changing to kindergarten, a decision she never regretted. She approached teaching early education with a zeal for drawing children in to loving to learn.

After nine years, Dorothy took

a hiatus from teaching to start a family with her husband, Don, in 1965. After 18 years, she felt the calling back to Roberge School to teach kindergarten once again, ultimately working 13 more years and retiring in 1999.

In her free time and retirement, Dorothy loved to maintain her garden and travel the world. She enjoyed going to the beaches of Montauk as a child and Ocean Beach 3 in her adulthood. She is a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and so much more who will be greatly missed.

The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Sunday, March 3. Memorial contributions can be made in Dorothyʼs name to any of the following:

• American Legion Post #162, 98 Legion Place, Hillsdale;

•PBA Local #206, P.O. Box 701, Westwood;

•Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 10 Mill Lane, Park Ridge;

•Woodcliff Lake Fire Dept., 180 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake;

•St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital at StJude.org/donate;

•Shriners Childrenʼs at ShrinersChildrens.org/donate.

Becker-FuneralHome.com

MaryAnne CURL

MaryAnne Curl, 75, of River Vale, passed away peacefully on Feb. 27, 2024. She will be deeply missed by her husband, William Curl, and six children; Joseph Buldo and his wife, Dawn, Christopher Buldo and his wife, Stephanie, David Buldo, Laura Kijowski, Greg Buldo and his wife, Lindsay, and Katie Newman and her husband, Robert.

She is also survived by her two loving sisters, Loretta Buldo and her husband, Ambrose, and Diane Giovanniello.

“Nanny” will be forever remembered by her grandchildren; Samantha and Taylor Buldo, Joey and Louie Buldo, Ayden, Harper, and Reagan Kijowski, and Anthony and Evan Buldo.

She is predeceased by her parents, William and Virginia Sohmer.

MaryAnneʼs legacy is one of love and a deep commitment to caring for others. She consistently prioritized the well-being of those around her, whether it was through her dedicated service as an EMT in the community or her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her acts of kindness, infectious laughter, and genuine warmth have left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who hold her memory dear. Mom, we “Lalalala love you.”

Honoring her memory, the family received guests for a celebration of life at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Tuesday, March 5.

Becker-FuneralHome.com

J ohn A. BRUMMER

John A. Brummer, 88, of Township of Washington, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Carole; his daughter Cynthia Brennan and her husband, John; his g randchildren Maureen Sullivan and her husband, Neil, Tara Brennan, Sean Brennan and his wife, Chelsea, Jessica Lewis and her husband, Curtis, Nicole Palma and her husband, Phil, Danielle Neyra, Samantha Serres and Bryan Pursley; his 14 great-grandchildren Genevieve, Makayla, Sophia, Declan, Gabriel, Reagan, Georgiana, Lucas, Lincoln, Cassidy, Finn, Kieran, Kohl, Kannon, and Shane; his sister Patricia Harcher, brother-in-law Lenny Scott, and brother Max.

He is predeceased by his daughter Laura Pursley, sister Marion Scott and brother-in-law George Harcher Sr.

John was born in New York City and raised in River Vale. After high school, John served in the U.S. Army Reserves while going into the workforce as a lineman for New Jersey Bell, retiring after 25 years as a switchman for AT&T.

He also served his community as member of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

He enjoyed spending his free time in his home in New Hampshire, working on his collection of cars and watching NASCAR racing.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, March 11 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's name to the Township of Washington Ambulance Corps, 354 Hudson Avenue, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.

George M. NORMAN

George M. Norman died on Feb. 26, 2024. Beloved husband of Jacqueline (née Schnell) and loving father of Robert Norman of Cary, N.C. and Kimberly Healey and her husband, Patrick, of Hillsdale. He was the loving Pop Pop to Katelyn, Caroline, Ava and Gavin Healey and Brooke Norman.

He was predeceased by his sisters Barbara VanRiper and Gwynedd Reyle.

George and Jackie would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April. They enjoyed traveling together and

went to the Grand Canyon, where they rode mules; they visited both Disneyland and Disney World; had a romantic getaway in St. Maarten and spent a little time (and money) in Las Vegas.

He loved to spend his free time chasing a little white ball around the golf course. He especially loved spending time with his family every year in Myrtle Beach where he made many wonderful memories.

Before retiring in 1998 he was vice president and trust officer at PNC Bank.

He was a past member of the Bergen County Bankers Association and The Estate Planning Council of Bergen County.

He was a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in accounting. He was also a graduate of The Graduate School of Banking conducted at Rutgers University, the Graduate School of Economics and Finance at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bank Operations Courses at Oklahoma University and New York Bank Mortgage School courses at West Point Military Academy.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, he was stationed in the Far East in the Korean War era.

He served with many philanthropic organizations during his working career. He was past treasurer at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Westwood, where he continued to be an active member for many years.

He was also a member of the American Legion Post 162 in Hillsdale.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in his memory to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 155 Second Ave,. Westwood, NJ 07675 or via Electronic Giving on Zionʼs website, zionwestwoodnj.org.

Robert John BAZZANELLA

Robert John Bazzanella, 79, of Hillsdale passed away on March 4, 2024 surrounded by family, following a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Robert, fondly known as “Mr. Bob” to many of the area school children who rode his bus, was born to Mario and Teresa (Pressel) Bazzanella on Sept. 2, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Middle of three siblings, he attended Grover Cleveland High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic, specializing in OV-1 Mohawks.

Following his discharge, Robert worked in the family catering business which is how he fortuitously met his wife, Charlotte. His long range career was as a driver for the United Parcel Service, where he accumulated a lot of fond memories and crazy stories.

He moved his family to Hillsdale in 1972 into a brand new home on the former Clendenny Farm

property and remained in residence since.

His first retirement, after 25 years, from UPS led to a long second career driving for Scholastic Bus Company.

He was well known throughout the Pascack Valley by current and former students as Mr. Bob. Many students were lucky enough to be one of “his kids” who he watched over like family, and a couple of them reconnected with him during his illness as his nurses who in turn took care of him like family.

He loved his work and took such tremendous pride in how he connected with people.

Bob met his beloved wife, Charlotte, by way of introduction by his father.Bobʼs father was quite fond of Charlotte and knew that his son would be too.They married in 1969 and settled in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in a duplex where they welcomed their son, Rob, in 1971.

They moved to Hillsdale in 1972 with his adored mother-inlaw in tow so that they could enjoy a more rural life.

Over the years they watched Hillsdale grow, became active members of St. John the Baptist Church and school, volunteered with the scouts, and worked many fundraisers.

In his later years, he joined the Hillsdale Post #162 of the American Legion.

In 1998, Bob gained a daughter when his son married Stephanie and, in 2004 and 2005, they welcomed two beautiful granddaughters, Sophia and Amelia.He was the kind of grandpa who climbed into the playhouse, watched Disney shows, played checkers, and shared chicken nuggets.

Bob absolutely adored his family and his pride in them was ever present.

Bob had many hobbies which included incessantly doting on his granddaughters, amateur gardening and landscaping, feeding all the birds of the neighborhood, watching sappy movies on the Hallmark Channel, being incredibly mischievous, and endless word search puzzle books.

Robert is survived by his wife, Charlotte, his son, Robert and daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and his granddaughters Sophia and Amelia.

He is also survived by his brother Richard (Theresa). Robert was predeceased by his sister Ginger Handel. He also leaves behind a great number of nieces and nephews of whom he was incredibly fond.

A visitation for Robert was held Wednesday, March 6 at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood.

A funeral Mass ran Thursday, March 7 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale. Burial to be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robertʼs honor would be appreciated to either St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital or to The American Legion General Leonard E. Wood Post 162, Hillsdale.