Pascack Press 3.27.23

PASCACK VALLEY

COUNCIL FLOATSON DRONE STUDY OF BROOK

Hillsdale defers, waiting for a Westwood flyby on data toward a flood fix

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Hillsdaleʼs governing body decided on March 16 to wait and see results from neighboring Westwoodʼs anticipated drone study of Pascack Brook waterways before deciding whether to fund a similar study in hopes of mitigating flooding.

However, Westwoodʼs council has not yet approved its proposed drone study, said officials.

Meanwhile, Veolia North America said it was trying to

See COUNCIL on page 31

SHARING the LOVE SHARING the LOVE

PVHS Music Honor Society serenades seniors

HILLSDALE

ST. JOHN’S EAGLES CYO BASKETBALL NETSFOUR TITLES

Cheers for ʻpalpable excitementʼand dedication of volunteers and coaches in programʼs growing success

This past week the St. Johnʼs Eagles CYO program of Hillsdale concluded an incredible season by winning four championship titles, including the top boys team across the Archdiocese of Newark (RCAN).

Some of Pascack Valley High School’s most talented and accomplished musicians entertained residents at the Jewish Home at River Vale, March 5, with a varied repertoire of vocal and instrumental pieces. Below: PVHS music advisor Argine Safari.

PASCACK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Tri-M Music Honor Society students and their advisor, Mrs. Argine Safari, performed a free concert on Sunday, March 5 for the residents at the Jewish Home at River Vale.

Some of the high schoolʼs most talented and accomplished musicians entertained residents with a varied repertoire of vocal and instrumental pieces.

The students were thrilled to share their talents and treat the

residents to an uplifting performance of a range of beautiful and meaningful music, including well-known songs such as “Orange Colored Sky,” “At Last,” “Canʼt Help Falling in Love,” and “All of Me.”

Tri-M Music Honor Society Members who participated in the concert are Elizabeth Barlow, Gabrielle Brayman, Alex De Biasio, Ally Elek, Evie Higgins, Minche Kim, Samantha Lagrosa, Nathan Prins, Ming-Jing Qin, Ming-Lang Qin, Ming-Yang Qin,

STANDING TOGETHER

At least three area towns join in crescent moon lighting revels to help kick off Ramadan, connecting Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors.

PAGE 28

Continued on page 25

The varsity boys 8th grade, varsity girls 7/8 grade, and JV boys 6th grade teams secured the titles in the CYO programʼs Bergen County group, outpacing more than 175 teams across the area.

The boys varsity team then moved on to represent Bergen County in the annual Tournament of Champions held last weekend in Kearny The TOC features the top varsity championship team from each of the four Archdiocese counties facing off to determine a single boys and girls champion.

St. Johnʼs defeated Hudson County champions Hoboken Catholic 53–48 before edging out Essex County champs St. Joseph of See ST. JOHN’S on page 20

Kristin Beuscher helps remind us why we’re celebrating Hillsdale’s 125th this year! Hillsdale broke off from the Township of Washington in 1898… PAGE

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake P ASCACKVALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Dylan Reithmayr, 9, wins the 10U state wrestling championship for his division. PAGE

PASCACK PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sheinfield: Why I’m running

To the editor:

IFILED the paperwork to run for mayor in Hillsdale this week. Since then, Iʼve been pondering my “elevator pitch” to the question, Why am I running? The answer revealed itself to me in

three items in the March 20 issue of Pascack Press The first was the failed bond vote which attempted to fund a new middle school. The second was a letter from our current mayor lamenting his horrible working relationship with the council. The third was an article about the Township of Washington securing $800K in federal state and county grants to address needs in town thus eliminating a potential tax increase to fill the gap.

[Editorʼs note:See “Bond loss ʻcomes as blow,ʼsays supt.,” News,

by Michael Olohan, page 1; “Mayor calls out council over bylaws,” John Ruocco, Letters; and “Town scoops $800K in grants over two years,” News, by Michael Olohan, respectively, in Pascack Press, March 20, 2023.] Instead of working together to identify and secure grants, the Hillsdale mayor and council have devolved into outward hostility to the detriment of its residents. Although the bond measure failed, the budget for the Board of Education looms over spending decisions in Hillsdale. Expensive repairs on the school are on the immediate horizon, and while the

municipal and BOE budgets are separate, they both impact the taxes we pay.

Like the Township of Washington, our elected leaders need to b e exploring ways to reduce spending and/or seek state and federal grants to counteract the impact of new school spending. Instead, they fight.

Iʼve spent the last six years directing policy and communications for the County Commissioners – formerly Freeholders, finding ways to get things accomplished with the County Executive and the 70 municipalities that comprise Bergen County. Iʼm run-

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email topascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

ning for mayor to direct our energies to finding solutions so that we can keep Hillsdale a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Itʼs time to stop the fighting.

Michael Sheinfield

Hillsdale

Democratic candidate for mayor of Hillsdale

Editorʼs note:The 2023 primary filing deadline with local clerks is March 27 at 4 p.m. The county clerkʼs office likely will post a roster of candidates late this week. See story, page 2.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

The scholarship committee of Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 will award another three scholarships from the James Picarella Memorial Trust Fund and one Mother Seton Schol-

arship. Each scholarship is for $1,000.

Applicants for the scholarships must be Township residents graduating high school this year Nonresidents who have a father, brother, grandfather, or uncle as a member of Mother Seton Council #5427 in good standing for at least one year prior to the date of the application may also apply.

The principal criteria for selecting the winners:

• The award must be applied toward tuition for a full-time student at any accredited institution of higher education: college, business, nursing, or technical school.

• The award will be in one payment to the student upon proof of enrollment.

• Although scholastic ability is of great importance, we will also consider financial need, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

• The application must be com-

pleted by the student in its entirety. Leave no blanks. If something does not apply, say so. A high school transcript must accompany the completed application. An incomplete application will be disqualified. Applications are available at the Westwood High School and Immaculate Heart Academy Guidance Offices, the school websites, and the Knights of Columbus Council. Completed applications must be in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr Paul Elterlein, Scholarship Chairman, Knights of Columbus, 79 Pascack Road, Twp. of Washington 07676, no later than May 15, 2023.

The scholarships will be presented at the Awards Night Meeting, Tuesday, June 13. For more information call the council at (201) 664-0422. Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. Call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACKVALLEY

The ranks of candidates filing to run for council seats in most Pascack Valley towns — and mayoral contests in Montvale, Hillsdale, Park Ridge, Westwood and Woodcliff Lake — will likely increase as the official Monday, March 27 filing deadline arrives for the June 6 Primary Election.

The deadline for candidates to file with municipal clerks is Monday, March 27 at 4 p.m..

Only River Vale lacks local races this November. The Primary Election is June 6, with early voting June 2–4. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 7, with early voting running Oct. 28–Nov. 5.

The Primary Election allows registered Democratic and Republican voters to select the candidates to represent their parties in the November General Election. Unaffiliated voters can only vote in a primary by declaring a party affiliation prior to Primary Election day.

Consult your municipal clerk or the Bergen County Clerkʼs Office for details.

Pascack Press will update last-minute candidate announcements in our next issue and online. Final Primary Election candidates may also be listed on the Bergen County Clerk website by March 31, said county election officials.

Some towns did not release early filings and others had not yet received any filings, according to our informal survey.

Hillsdale: Ruocco aims to trade mayorʼs gavel for council seat; Pizzella, Sheinfeld running for mayor

As of March 22, two candidates had filed for mayor in Hillsdale, where Republican Mayor John Ruocco recently announced he would not seek a third term. However, Ruocco has filed to run for one of two open council positions in the borough.

Longtime former Republican councilman Frank Pizzella has filed to run for mayor and he will be opposed by Democratic challenger Michael Sheinfield, who recently filed his petition, according to Borough Clerk Denise Kohan. Sheinfield, Hillsdaleʼs Democratic Party chair, has resided in Hillsdale since 2014.

Ruocco and Republican Clemente Osso have filed to run for two open council seats. The terms of Anthony DeRosa and Zoltán Horváth expire Dec. 31.

Watching Emerson for council moves

Emerson Borough Clerk Jane Dietsche noted no candidate petitions were yet filed in Emerson for two council seats open this year. The two three-year term council

seats up for election are held by Council President Michael Timmerman and Councilwoman Ashley Rice. Their terms expire Dec. 31; the new 3-year council term runs Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2026.

Montvale: Ghassali seeks re-election as mayor; council papers filed

In Montvale, Mayor Michael Ghassali, recently hired as Hillsdaleʼs administrator, told Pascack Press recently that he would be running for reelection this year.

Borough Clerk Fran Scordo said three petitions had been filed, including Ghassali, and the two Republican incumbent council members whose terms expire this year Those are Theresa Cudequest and Douglas Arendacs.

Park Ridge: Keith Misciagna seeks re-election; two council seats in play

In Park Ridge, Democratic Mayor Keith Misciagna told Pascack Press he intended to run for another four-year term via email March 21. No other candidates

had filed by March 21 with Borough administrator/clerk Maggie Giandomenico. She told us the two open council seats were from councilmen John Cozzi and William Fenwick, whose terms expire

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Courtesy photo.

County clerk says land records soon

searchable online

HACKENSACK

Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan has announced completion of a project that will make it possible for the searching of all land records — millions of pages — to be done online.

The project, which began years ago, involved the scanning of deeds from 1891 to 2009, in 9,500 deed books. Another phase saw the scanning of 17,000 mortgage books, 1896–2009.

Hogan said in a statement shared with Pascack Press on March 21, “This was a massive, labor-intensive project that involved the scanning of 26,500 books, each containing 1,000 pages. When we took on this project, we were well aware of the magnitude of the task:

See COUNTY on page 35

Happy birthday, Hillsdale!

Community got its start as a township 125 years ago

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS HILLSDALE

“THEFOLLOWINGBILLS were passed by the house,” the Passaic Daily News began its report about New Jersey legislative business on Feb. 17, 1898. “Authorizing Paterson to raise by bonds $3 per capita for the erection of school buildings; authorizing the deposit of a bicycle in lieu of bail for violation of city ordinances relating to the use of the bicycle; and creating the Township of Hillsdale in Bergen County.”

It was just another piece of business for the politicians down in Trenton, but it was history being made for the 800 people in the little railroad suburb called Hillsdale, a neighborhood within Washington Township that was looking to secede and form its own government.

A common thread that unites our eight towns of the Pascack Valley is that all were once a part of Washington Township, a sprawling 30-square-mile township that dated to 1840. At the end of the 19th century, one by one, sections broke off to form the Pascack Valley regionʼs individual municipalities.

The impetus for this change, perhaps unsurprisingly, was taxes. Prior to 1894, each public school in a township was its own separate school district. Then in 1894, a new law

enacted by the state legislature consolidated all schools within one township into a single district. Not only did this stifle the concept of “home rule” of the local schools, but it also had implications for taxes. The new township-wide district was to assume all debts of

the individual districts it absorbed. That meant if one school district was sorely in debt, the burden would be spread among taxpayers across the 30-square-mile township.

See HAPPY on page 34

Hillsdale’s student body in 1898. That same year, Hillsdale broke off from the Township of Washington.

The Manor train station was the site, in April 1898, of the Township of Hillsdale’s first election. Six days later the governing body held its first meeting there.

Bergen County Clerk John S.Hogan amid stacks of bound land records last week.

GETYOURMILITARY BRIDGETICKETS

The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club is pleased to invite you to an evening of military bridge on Thursday, April 27 at the Montvale Senior Center on Memorial Drive. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Play starts shortly afterward.

Military bridge is a fun variation of contract bridge that originated with servicemen in World War II. It has evolved to include teams of players competing against each other to win flags and prizes.

No formal knowledge of bridge is needed; it may even prove to be a liability. There will be people available to teach participants how to play the game.

The event includes tricky tray raffles, a 50/50 raffle and a

variety of refreshments to enjoy with your friends and neighbors while helping to raise money for local charities.

Tickets for military bridge are $15 per person. All funds raised will be disbursed by the club to local charities and scholarships as well as the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, the two-year special project of the New Jersey WomensʼClubs.

Seating is limited.To secure your place, your check should be mailed to the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, PO Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

Seats can be reserved, and questions answered, by calling Elaine Mooney at (201) 391-4947 or Elaine OʼBrien at (201) 5739132.

PASCACK VALLEY

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

The applicant pursuing a 17,100-square-foot strip mall in place of five single-family homes at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue has signed off on a postponement of a sixth hearing.

Originally set for March 21, the Zoning Board of Adjustmentʼs next hearing on the matter is April 18. The ZBA is still meeting March 21, on other business.

The hearing is anticipated to offer testimony from the townshipʼs engineer, Boswell Engineering, on an independent review of applicant 660 Pascack Realty LLCʼs traffic study, prepared by Dean & Dolan of Somerville.

The study found an increase of 43 vehicles amid peak travel, which was deemed “inconsequential” to overall traffic volume,

given ongoing improvements to the well-traveled intersection of two county roads.

Generally, such reports are made public at least 10 days in advance of a public hearing. As of our press deadline, no report appeared to have been released.

ZBA officials said applicant attorney Bruce Whitaker had sent a letter agreeing to allow the board until April 19 to make a decision on the application. Due to time constraints for making a decision, the applicant attorney must approve extensions of the hearing process.

We requested the applicant attorneyʼs meeting delay request letter and information on the Boswell Engineering traffic study in discussion.

Meanwhile, Meisten Street and Burke Street neighbors, pressed the Township Council March 20 to take action on determining once and for all whether

the unnamed tributary behind the proposed mall is a protected Category One waterway.

In addition, the council approved township attorney Kenneth Poller to conduct a title search of Michael Agnelloʼs property, at 667 Meisten St., to determine whether an easement for the unnamed tributary existed.

Agnello claims the easement was there when he bought the property more than four decades ago and that he was always told the stream was a protected C1 waterway.

Township officials are awaiting a proposal from Boswell Engineering to determine whether the drainage basin is more or less than 50 acres, including a review of LIDAR data maps prepared by Najarian Associates for Bertin Engineering, the engineer on 660 Pascack Realty LLCʼs Four Seasons Marketplace proposal.

LIDAR stands for “light

detection and ranging,” a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of pulsed laser to measure ranges, or variable distances, to the earth. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by an airborne system (drone; plane; helicopter) generates precise 3-dimensional information about the shape of the earth and its surface characteristics, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(See “Do mall applicantʼs drainage basin calculations hold water?”, Michael Olohan, March 13, 2023.)

Under the bills list approved in council March 20, three line items were listed for Boswell Engineering as “Proposal For Musquapsink Brook” and totaled $5,881.25. They were not discussed publicly by the council. The three items were listed as costing $2,176, 1,158.50, and $2,546.75.

We requested the proposals March 22.

Standards questioned

Meanwhile, Emerson resident and professional engineer Carol Hoernlein, writing as an interested outside observer, told Pascack Press recently that the LIDAR data being used was not “the standard” for determining a drainage basinʼs size. (“Questioning developer on standards,” Letters, page

21, March 20, 2023.)

Instead, she wrote, the U.S. Geologic Service (USGS) Streamstats was the standard measuring tool used by NJDEP. It “is more accurate than town tax maps or FEMA Firm maps because it delineates drainage areas, not just flood areas. Streamstats is easily available to anyone through the USGS website and takes minutes to use.”

She added, “I am concerned the USGS standard is not being used here. The borough engineer is raising questions of the developerʼs engineer regarding the use of a different technique to calculate drainage area. I would be too. It may seem simple, but the answer is the difference between NJDEP protection of a ʻregulated water,ʼbeloved local lake and our drinking water (Oradell) reservoir, or no protection at all.”

The applicantʼs Flood Hazard Area Determination letter, dated Jan. 30, 2020, from NJDEPʼs Bureau of Inland Regulation, states that “a Flood Hazard Area Permit is not required” for the unnamed tributary as its drainage area is less than 50 acres (48.2 acres), which “was confirmed with Najarian Associates using LIDAR data and a field investigation. The water feature does not have a riparian zone associated with it,” concludes the NJDEP.

Premier Martial Arts Park Ridge grand opening special

Premier Martial Arts Park Ridge is owned and operated under a franchisee agreement by the Torres and Paulino families from River Edge and Dumont, respectively.

Luis Torres and Andres Paulino met each other over 30 years ago in college when they were pursuing their degrees in computer science.

After several years in corporate America, Luis and Andres joined forces, and with another friend founded their original technology related business, which they have run for over 20 years.

During the pandemic they found themselves considering what kind of venture they could start to help the communities and the families in New Jersey to come out of these very hard times, flourishing.

Thatʼs when they found and fell in love with Premier Martial Arts.

“At PMA we specialize in

character development and life skills for children and fitness and self-protection for adults. We

believe that everyone has the right to be safe and healthy. Our kids programs start at 3 years old and

we have adults in their sixties,” they say.

The owners say their youth program incorporates a life-lesson curriculum integrating community service, daily talks, and monthly topics such as confidence, positive self-image, and social responsibility

The adult program takes a modern approach to real-life selfdefense. Whether you are a college student looking to stay safe on campus or the head of a household wanting to protect your fam-

Premier Martial Arts in Park Ridge kicked off its full schedule with a grand opening on Saturday March 4 at 177 Kinderkamack Road in the Ridgemont Shopping Center.Take advantage of a grand opening special with a free introductory lesson and great discounts. Photos courtesyLuis A. Torres Jr.

Two to represent borough over aircraft noise

Mayor Keith J. Misciagna has appointed Councilman Gregory Hoffman to serve as the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC) council liaison, and Audrey Herget as town representative, “to help us be heard.”

The two will spearhead TANS: Taxpayers for Aircraft Noise Solutions, a a community organization tasked with finding workable solutions to the aircraft noise that Misciagna and others says adversely affects resident quality of life in the Pascack Valley and surrounding towns.

In an update to residents on

March 17, Misciagna said “TANS members believe there are solutions that can be undertaken that will improve resident quality of life while continuing to provide safe, necessary access to air travel in and out of Teterboro Airport, Newark Airport and all others within our vicinity.”

Last year Park Ridge passed t wo resolutions to address increased low-flying planes en route to Teterboro and the effect that has on Park Ridge residentsʼ quality of life. One resolution urges the FAA, Teterboro Airport and the Port Authority to review and modify flight plans to

decrease the noise pollution. The other created a Park Ridge Aircraft Noise Abatement Committee.

If you are interested in joining these efforts, email your contact information to: TANSPVNJ@gmail.com.

In other updates, Misciagna posted on:

Womenʼs History Month

Misciagna noted March is Womenʼs History Month, “which provides an opportunity to honor the generations of amazing women and girls who have built our nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our character as people.”

He said, “From activists to politicians, educators to scientists, to mothers and daughters, generations of women of all backgrounds have made essential contributions and played a vital role in shaping our world and enhancing the growth of our community.”

Misciagna noted, “This past

week, the Mayor and Council proclaimed March 2023 as Womenʼs History Month in acknowledgement and appreciation of the many notable contributions and achievements by women past and present, to the growth and strength of our country in countless ways.”

Wrestling champs

The mayor also congratulated “Park Ridge Wrestling New Jersey Youth State Champs JoJo Burke 1st, Ray Burdette 3rd, Reed Burdette 3rd, and Declan Sharkey 3rd, way to go!”

Competitive cheer

Misciagna congratulated the PRHS 2023 Competitive Cheer team for taking second place at the States. “Your dedication to the sport and your passion does not go without notice, we are proud of you. Keep up the hard work in everything you each pursue in life to achieve continued success!”

Meet Peter Cottontail

Bring your camera and come see Peter Cottontail. Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee will hosts its annual egg hunt on Saturday April 1 at 11 a.m. The hunt will be held at Davies Memorial Field, behind Borough Hall. Rain date is April 2 at 11 a.m.

Spring Break Sports Camp

Donʼt miss the sign up for Recreation Spring Break Camp, held at Davies Memorial Field April 10–14. For more information, contact Kevin Rooney at (201) 375-7406 or krooney@playtga.com

12th Annual Car Show

The 12th Annual Car Show is set for Saturday, May 6 in the Park Ridge town pool parking lot, 123 Colony Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food and soft beverages for sale. Visit the borough website, parkridgeboro.com, for more information.

Park Ridge Municipal Pool Park Ridge Municipal Pool aims to open on May 27. Visit the Municipal Pool page at parkridgeboro.com for more information. The Park Ridge Municipal Pool normally provides swim lessons and numerous activities, including competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, storytime, Red Cross lifeguard training and other special events as posted throughout the summer

PKRG-TV

PKRGTV is looking for volunteers! Park Ridge is extremely lucky to have excellent broadcast TV coverage of PRHS sports events. However, in order to continue this top-notch coverage, PKRG-TV needs new volunteers to help with filming football, basketball, volleyball and other local sports in order to continue to bring such programs to our community

If you have enjoyed seeing your kidsʼevents or you are Park

PARK RIDGE PASSED

two resolutions in fall 2022 to address an increase in low-flying planes en route to Teterboro and the effect that has on Park Ridge residents’ quality of life.Mayor Keith Misciagna says to residents will represent the borough on this issue. PANYNJ.gov

Marijana Hair and Color 20 years strong

Marijana Hair and Color offers a full range of hair color, cut, and styling services using the finest quality hair products.

Here, everyone is unique and we are happy to give you that attention. Your appointment begins with a personalized consultation to assess your needs. Our fresh and creative approach will enhance your natural allure at Marijana Hair and Color. Our goal is to exceed your expectations because we care not just about your hair but about you.

Our clients are our friends!

Thatʼs the joy coming from Marijana Hair and Color, celebrating 20 years in Westwood this spring.

Owner, stylist, and colorist Marijana Dinic says, “I often hear comments like, ʻYou work a lot,ʼ but I donʼt see it like that. What is work, after all? Work is something we do that we donʼt like or something we do because we must. When I go to the salon, I look forward to it every time.”

She says, “I look forward to seeing my clients, who I consider friends. Because I spend a lot of time at the salon, the social aspect is also a big part of the day.”

Dinic says, “Many believe hairstylists listen to their clients a lot, itʼs true. And Ido listen. But my clients also have a significant impact on me and my life. For example, when I was newly divorced, my son went to his fatherʼs home every other weekend. As the weekend approached, I saw my son skipping and jumping joyfully, and saying ʻYippee, itʼs Dadʼs weekend.ʼI thought he must love his dad more than me.

“My client Dawn, a therapist, was in my chair, so I was more inclined to express my feelings. She explained how I have nothing to worry about —that I should be

Marijana Dinic did her color,cut,and blow dry.

happy because my son loves his dad and me, and what his dad can offer to him I canʼt, and vice versa. That chat improved my life, and I have since had a great relationship with my ex and son.

“I love and care for our clients and want to take this opportunity to thank you.”

Dinic says, “Our clients come from many walks of life and all have something new to share for me to learn. I love people and their stories. Itʼs not just about hair; itʼs about connection, understanding, listening, and friendship. Good listening creates a great haircut or color. When clients are happy, I am happy.

Booking is a breeze at Marijana Hair and Color 267 Center Ave., Westwood Visit MarijanaHairAndColor.com or call (201)497-5775. Leave a message and youʼll be called back ASAP.

The Hillsdale 50+ Club invites all to gather to meet neighbors and friends. The club meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the United Methodist Church on Magnolia Avenue between Hillsdale and Washington avenues.

A trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is scheduled for April 4. This trip includes a wonderful hot lunch and a terrific show, “Million Dollar Quartet.” The cost is $83 for members, $85 for non-members.

The clubʼs overnight trip to

MARIJANA HAIR AND COLOR customer Maya Scharf in April 2022. Owner,stylist,and colorist

Readers score on Abe Lincoln, Babe Ruth heirlooms

A reader seeks information on the authenticity and value of an autographed baseball given to his father by Babe Ruth at Yankee Stadiu m in the 1920s. The ball comes with a letter written by his father describing this baseball signing…

Senior appraiser Jon Felz of RZM Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers Pascack Press readers’ questions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

ferrotype photo, of his vice presidential running mate, Hannibal Hamlin. All are set in an embossed metal frame.

BYJONFELZ, RZMFINE ARTS &ANTIQUES

Dear reader,

What a great item to have!

Congratulations on owning such a desirable piece of baseball history.

George Herman “Babe” Ruth (1895–1948) was an important Major League Baseball player; his career lasted 22 seasons, starting in 1914 and finishing in 1935.

“The Sultan of Swat” and “the Bambino” was a left-handed pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, then a star outfielder for the New YorkYankees. He was one of the firstelected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Many rank him the greatest player of all time. He exerts a powerful influence on the game to this day.

Your ball appears to be correct for its alleged age. It is called a rabbit ball due to very strong wool on the interior. Notice the seam of this ball feels smooth and the threads are countersunk so as to be flush with the leather. It appears this autograph is done with carbon-based fountain pen ink,which also is correct for the time period.

Now for the good news and some bad news.

•The good news: It is this appraiserʼs professional opinion that this is an authentic Babe Ruth-autographed baseball ball circa the 1920s. The location of this autograph is in the sweet spot versus the side panel. Location, location, location.

•The bad news: The condition of the autograph. On a scale of 1–10, with 10 being the best quality, highest grade. I would

Above: An 1860 presidential campaign button,front and back,for Abraham Lincoln and his running mate,Hannibal Hamlin. Right: A baseball signed by Babe Ruth.

grade this signature a grade 1, poor condition. Sadly, the signature is quite faded from time and improper storage conditions. As such, the value of this item is $1,500.

Obviously, if the autograph had remained in better condition — meaning stronger in appearance — the value would skyrocket We have auction records in the five figures for some Babe Ruth baseballs.

Thanks for sharing this baseball with us. Youʼve got a wonderful family heirloom to pass down.

Next up: Sandra says, “This medal was found in a box when we moved into our house in 1966. The front says Abraham Lincoln. There

is another manʼs picture of the back. It measures just over 1 inch round. What is it, and what is it worth?

Dear Sandra,

This is a very desirable ferrotype political campaign button from the U.S. Presidential Election of 1860. One side features a bust view of a beardless Abraham Lincoln; the reverse has another

Your item is an early example of a political campaign button using a photographic print. A ferrotype is a print or lithograph produced inside a camera using a thin piece of tin coated with enamel.

Your button appears to have survived in very good condition for being over 150 years old. It exhibits very little wear.

Good news!The market for presidential campaign memorabilia is on fire. By most estimates it has risen 25% in the last three years — particularly items from the 19th century. Add to the fact that you have a very significant president and an important time in United States history, and itʼs all in the plus column.

The estimated value of your 1860 Lincoln–Hamlin presidential button is $1,500.

Surprisingly, this campaign button is not rare. I have owned two of these buttons in my career. However, this type of political button is extremely desirable to collectors. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

RZM Fine Arts & Antiques Inc is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

Patience

Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco wrote residents on March 10 to update them on pending roadwork, reminding them that he reached out more than two years ago “regarding the extensive amount of digging and roadwork that was taking place in the borough, largely due to infrastructure improvements needed by Suez Water (Veolia) and PSE&G.”

He said, “I asked for patience on your part, and I thank you for the great amount you have shown. There is no denying that our roads took a beating, but we were naturally hesitant to begin extensive milling and repaving of our streets until the utilities were largely done.”

Ruocco said, “I am happy to report that we are now approaching that point and have developed an initial inventory of roads that we will start to mill and pave this summer and fall.”

He provided a list of roads the borough expects to tend to this year and said “The actual schedule will be published as soon as it becomes available from the contractor. If your road is not on this list, it may be on an alternate list being developed based on available funds.”

Ruocco explained this list “reflects the input of our engineers using criteria that assessed the condition of each street. …As you might suspect, there will be major traffic disruption and detours once this work begins. I know I can count on your continued patience and understanding as the work progresses.”

Broadway (County)

Central Avenue (Knickerbocker to Hillsdale)

Clinton Avenue (Broadway to Kinderkamack)

Evergreen Street (Lincoln to Ralph)

Florence Street (St. Nicholas to Wilts)

Hillsdale Avenue (County)

Hillsdale Avenue (Kinderkamack to Holdrum)

Knickerbocker Avenue (Magnolia to Kinderkamack)

Knickerbocker Avenue (Railroad Tracks to Central)

Large Avenue (Magnolia to Cottage)

Magnolia Avenue (Knickerbocker to Piermont)

New Street (Valley to Patterson) Oakridge Road (North Court to Piermont)

Palm Street & Clayton Street (Knickerbocker to Kinderkamack)

Park Avenue (Broadway to End)

Patterson Street (Orchard to Hillsdale)

Prospect Place

Riverdale Street (Ralph to Knickerbocker)

Shady Side

Sierra Court

Valley Street (New Street to Prospect

For more information on the program, write borough administrator Michael Ghassali at mghassali@hillsdalenj.org

Initial inventory, via Mayor John Ruocco Alpine Terrace

Settingthestandardindentalimplanttherapy

Dental implants are not all the same and have varying success rates. The success is dependent on the product and the practitioner. As a periodontist, which is the ONLY specialty recognized by the American Dental Association as a “dental implant specialist,” I feel it is important to

inform the community about how dental implant treatments have changed over the past 50 years causing a decline in success.

Dental implants have been well researched and placed in patients by periodontist and oral surgeons since the 1970s. The published scientific literature in the ʼ70s and ʼ80s estimated 97-99% success rates when controlled for certain systemic diseases & smoking. More recently, the success rates have gone down while research and knowledge has increased.

In 2007, I graduated from a full-time three-year dental implant specialty training program from Rutgers Dental School called Periodontics. This was in addition to general dental school. At the time, only a handful of companies were fabricating dental implants. These companies were partnered with universities, periodontists and oral surgeons for decades to establish research to prove that their products met or exceeded the standard of care which was 97-99% success rate for 20-plus years.

Leave it to the Specialists for your dental implants!

Periodontists followed up on the implants for decades to see how the implants lasted in patientsʼ mouths: to see if gum disease developed or affected them, if loss of an adjacent tooth affected them, if the implant suffered consequences from smoking or if added to a denture. This is all the knowledge which is taught at a university level and takes years to learn. If implants are meant to last forever, it must be handled in such a manner and treatment planned accordingly anticipating changes to a patientʼs dentition and aging.

Today many more companies are fabricating these implants and come from overseas with little to no research proving their product has the same level success. This is completely legal through the FDA 501(k) approval process which allows clearance to sell the product.

But this should not preclude the company to perform some level of research to protect the public. These “knock-off” implants are much cheaper and have not taken initiative to prove their success.

What is also happening is that these implant companies and pri-

vate companies are offering short term “training programs” to general dentists in attempts to sell more product so generalists can do these surgical services at their.

In my opinion, as dental implants are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement option, it is important to go to a trained specialist, who is a periodontist, who has the science and universitybased training and the opportunity to practice these procedures hundreds of times on patients before a private practice setting.

I am a solo, female, dental implant specialist, surgeon and periodontist. I am a lead to a team of four hygienists, each with over 25 years of experience. I place hundreds of dental implants a year and follow them in my highly trained hygiene practice. I partner with many general dentists throughout Bergen County to design, perform and maintain complex dental implant restorations.

For more information, call (201) 664-3023 or visit their office at 354 Old Hook Road #201 or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.

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

Scholarships are available to senior students who live in Park Ridge, Montvale, or Woodcliff Lake.

The service club will select recipients based upon need, scholastic ability, and contributions to the school and the community.

Moreover, one scholarship is available for an eligible Park Ridge High School senior majoring in education. This scholarship is in memory of Dr. Robert Balentine, former superintendent of

Park Ridge High School, who was a member of the Park Ridge Rotary Club for more than 40 years. The completed application with supporting documents should be submitted no later than April 15.

Students will be notified of results in early June. The club will notify schools of a scholarship recipient(s) in advance of presenting the awards at senior assemblies.

For applications, see the guidance departments of Park Ridge High School, Pascack Hills High School, and St. Joseph Regional High Schools, or download the application PDF via parkridgerotaryclub.org

PRIYU GUPTA, DDS, WESTWOOD PERIODONTICS

S

Park Ridge: Mark your calendar; get involved

FROM PAGE 8

Ridge athlete alumni yourself and have any time to give, please consider volunteering. Without volunteers, coverage cannot continue.

All are welcome, no experience is required, camera training will be provided. Write to pkrg@parkridgeboro.com

Tri-Boro Ambulance

An Excellent opportunity to

help your community, the TriBoro Ambulance needs volunteers. Call (201) 391-2332.

Students:Rec volunteers sought

The Park Ridge Recreation Department is looking for middle school and high school students to help out with recreation events. This is a great way to earn Community Service Hours. Call (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 or write at

recreation@parkridgeboro.com.

COVID19 Update

The Bergen County Health Department recently provided a limited number of COVID19 rapid tests to the Borough for our staff and residents to help protect against further spread of the virus as we enter fall. If you need a test, please reach out to Borough Hall. Many insurance companies are providing free tests so be sure to check with your health insurance carrier to see if they can send

you some free tests to have on hand.

Transmission and hospitalization information for the area can be found on the dashboard by visiting https://covid19.nj.gov/#liveupdates

If you need a test or a vaccine the best resource is at newbridgehealth.org/health-services/covid-19 Current information can be found at COVID19.nj.gov.

Food pantry

Triboro Food Pantry contin-

ues to see a need for donations. If you are able to donate, please visit the pantry on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 and 11 a.m. You can also drop off donations at Borough Hall in the donation box located in the lobby during normal business hours. If you need to make special arrangements for a drop off time, please call 201-573-9083.

God Bless, Mayor Keith J. Misciagna

Mobile DMV at West Lot on April 18

Need help from the DMV? Itʼs headed your way. The mobile DMV is inbound April 18 in the West Lot, 411 Hillsdale Ave. Appointments are required for all

transactions listed below.

If you are just dropping off license plates, you donʼt need an appointment. To make an appointment, call Borough Clerk Denise

Kohan at (201) 497-1552. You will need to provide your name, email address, and telephone number. Time slots will be confirmed when making your appointment.

•Driverʼs license renewal (or name change);

•Registration renewal (no title work at mobile unit);

• Exam permit (no testing at mobile unit);

•Handicap placard;

•Boat stickers;

•Add veteran designation to license;

•Non-Driver ID. Initial license after passing road test;

RealID: (Enforced May 7, 2025.) No appointments available yet.

COUNCIL OKS 188 BROADWAY REDEVELOPMENTPLAN

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

In a 5–1 vote on March 20, the Borough Council approved an ordinance adopting the redevelopment plan for 188 Broadway.

The move allows the construction of 46 units — including 37 apartments and nine townhomes — on a 3.5-acre site that was the focus of two rejected and larger development projects.

Councilwoman Josephine Higgins cast the sole no vote.

The proposed 46-unit development project likely will be presented before the Planning Board, which will evaluate it based on the newly approved redevelopment plan.

As the plan provides specific zoning for the site, the application should be reviewed based on the new plan and existing borough zoning codes.

Approximately a week after the Planning Board voted 6-0 to agree that the redevelopment plan was “not inconsistent” with the borough Master Plan, the council approved the plan.

According to the plan, developed by Phillips Preiss Grygiel Leheny Hughes LLC, the intent is to permit a residential development of up to 46 residential units.

“The 46-units would consist of 37 multifamily rental units to be in the existing office building at 188 Broadway, which will be gutrehabbed and retrofitted to residential standard; and nine for-sale

townhouse units in the rear of the property,” the plan reads.

Planner Liz Leheny previously said that her redevelopment study of the 188 Broadway property met two of eight criteria that qualify it as “an area in need of redevelopment.” She said a property needs to meet just one criterion to be qualified for redevelopment.

Leheny said it was “a very strong contender” to meet criteria B and D:

B. “The discontinuance of the use of a building or buildings previously used for commercial, retail, shopping malls or plazas, office parks, manufacturing, or industrial purposes; the abandonment of such building or buildings; significant vacancies of such building or buildings for at least two consecutive years; or the same being allowed to fall into so great a state of disrepair as to be untenantable.”

D. “Areas with buildings or improvements which, by reason of dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light and sanitary facilities, excessive land coverage, deleterious land use or obsolete layout, or any combination of these or other factors, are detrimental to the safety, health, morals, or welfare of the community.”

Due to an updated affordable housing settlement agreement also approved with Fair Share Housing Center, and approved in Superior Court In January, eight affordable units originally required at 188

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

Winning ways

Broadway will be constructed at the borough-owned North Broadway site.

That brings the total units at North Broadway to 24 units, 20 affordables and four supportive housing units. Originally, 16 affordable units were to be constructed at the site as part of the boroughʼs 2017 affordable settlement.

However, those 16 units were never built due to developer problems, and pandemic-related delays. Under pressure from Fair Share Housing Center, the borough settled its 188 Broadwayrelated lawsuits and stalled affordable housing in a multi-part settlement that included an agreement to create a redevelopment plan for 188 Broadway, rezone the 188 Broadway site, allow Bergen County United Way to build and operate the 24 affordable units, and approve an amended affordable housing agreement with Fair Share and the state Superior Court in Hackensack.

(See “Itʼs settled: 46 housing units at 188 Broadw ay,” Michael Olohan, Dec. 12. 2022.)

The Redevelopment Plan reads, “There is no onsite affordable housing obligation. However, eight affordable housing units shall be constructed on Lots 1, 2 and 9 in Block 2602 otherwise known as the North Broadway Property pursuant to an amended settlement agreement between the Borough and Fair Share Housing Center dated Dec. 14, 2022, and a memorandum of understanding between the borough and the owner of the redevelopment area dated Dec. 15, 2022.”

PASCACKVALLEY

Members of GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood write to say they participated in the Palisades District Achievement Day contest held at the First Congregational Church in Park Ridge. This is a day for members to demonstrate their artistic and culinary talents and interests to their club, district and state-wide members.

“While so much of what clubs do is about helping others, this is a way to focus on members, share crafts and learn from others. Since there are categories for beginners, advanced and professionals, everyone is able to compete within her own competence level,” members told Pascack Press Gold awards were given to Barbara Marino (left) for a Door Decoration and Adult Coloring, and first place awards for Upcycle and a Paper Art greeting card.

Madeleine Ciocco (right) received a gold award for Candy — homemade marshmallows, and a first place award for Photography — Living the Volunteer Spirit

Joanne Toole received a Gold Award for a Black & White Pencil Drawing

All gold awards will be brought to convention in Atlantic City in May, where they will be judged on the state level.

For more information about the club and its activities, call the membership chairman at (201) 916-1580.

Courtesy photo

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Post lauds Eagle Scout AJGreco

To the editor:

A TOURMOST recent meeting, the Westwood American Legion Post 206 presented to Westwood Troop 350 Scout AJ Greco an award for the completion of his fantastic Eagle Scout project, in which he organized and procured funds to have portraits of Westwoodʼs veterans made and displayed in areas throughout Westwood.

Having the full support of Westwoodʼs mayor and council, the American Legion, the VFW, and many others in our community, AJ has proven Westwoodʼs continuing respect for our members of the armed services and veterans. His parents, Anthony and Kristen Greco, have every reason to be proud of AJ — as do our Legion, VFW members, and many in the Westwood community.

As we wander through Westwood this spring and look up at the portraits of these veterans, we can say hats off to AJ Greco for

Westwood American Legion Post 206 Commander Joe Collery congratulates AJ Greco on his Eagle Scout values and success.

completing his outstanding project. Thanks, and great job, Carl Williams Westwood

Time to move on, BOE

To the editor: A TTHISWEEKʼS meeting of the [Westwood Regional] board of education meeting, [Monday, March 20] a few trustees expressed a desire to move on from the community discussion of the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

March

PKRG-TV spotlights historic donation

PKRG-TV is pleased to announce a new program featuring the presentation of a mast artifact from the USS Maine by the Pascack Historical Society Museum to the Arlington National Cemetery.

The program, filmed on March 7 at the museum, includes a discussion by historian U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Whitaker (Ret.) of the events surrounding the catastrophic explo-

sion aboard the Maine on Feb. 15, 1898 in Havana Harbor, followed by a formal presentation by the Museum of the artifact to Roderick Gainer, Command Curator of the Arlington National Cemetery.

The artifact will shortly be placed on public display at the USS Maine Memorial at the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Viewers may enjoy the program starting March 13, on

PKRG-TV, Optimum Ch.77 (Park Ridge) and Verizon FIOS Ch.22 (Bergen County), or several weeks from now on PKRGTVʼs YouTube channel, youtube.com/PKRGTVOnDemand. For broadcast schedules, visit pkrgtv.com.

(And see our related story: “USS Maine relic donated to Arlington,” Kristin Beuscher, “Back in Time,” Pascack Press , March 12, 2023.)

7, from left,retired U.S.Navy Capt.Steve Whitaker,Arlington National Cemetery command historian Steven Carney,Arlington chief curator Roderick Ganier,PHS Second Vice-President Christopher Kersting,PHS President Kristin Beuscher,and Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna.Pascack Historical Society donate this spar,at left,in perpetuity,to Arlington National Cemetery.Arlington is home to the USS Maine Mast Memorial/PHSphoto

Giulio’s Restaurant ForFresh, Homemade Seasonal Cuisine

“At Giulioʼs, we only use the freshest ingredients in our homemade dishes. Featuring contemporary Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, we strive to please every palate.”

Owner Beni Qosja opened Giulioʼs Restaurant in 2022. Housed in a beautiful, romantic, Queen Anne Victorian in Historic Tappan, N.Y., just minutes from Bergen County, Giulioʼs Restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine.

Built in 1880 by the Smith family, the rooms are adorned with carved woodwork and large b eveled glass windows that make you feel like you stepped

into another era. The warm and inviting fireplaces in the Main Dining Room and Oak Room beckon guests to enjoy a fine glass of wine and a delicious

meal.

Beni brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to Giulioʼs Restaurant. Formerly of Vicolo of Old Tappan, Il Vicolo of Livingston and current owner

of Limoncello in Waldwick, the years of world class experience and passion for culinary creations is evident in each and every of his signature dishes.

Giulioʼs Restaurant creates contemporary dishes with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Visit for a drink in the full-

service bar, a casual meal by the fireplace, or to celebrate your life's most memorable events in one of the private dining rooms.

Formerly Giulioʼs of Tappan, the new Giulioʼs Restaurant offers guests a fresh experience with an updated dé cor and menu in a warm, romantic setting.

When you go… Giulioʼs Restaurant

154 Washington Street Tappan, N.Y. 845-359-3657

See website for hours: www.giuliosrestaurant.com giuliosrestaurant@gmail.com

Destination dining: Giulio’s Restaurant, 154 Washington St., Tappan, N.Y.

Private party rooms available for parties of 15-95 people at Giulio’s Restaurant, Tappan, N.Y.

Dining & Cooking Guide

COMMUNITY CALENDAR : ATTHELIBRARY

HEREʼSAROUNDUP of some of what our libraries are offering patrons in the next days and weeks. Thanks to Pascack Press interns Nick and Mitchell for the web research! Visit your library online or in person to get all the facts —and have fun getting involved!

E EMMEERRSSOON

20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604

emersonlibrary.org

• Monday, March 27 at 1 and

3p.m.: Knitters Circle, adults. At 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Storytime, ages 2–5

• Tuesday, March 28 at 11

a.m.: Baby & Me, to age 2. At

3:30 p.m: Switch Club, grades

2–4. Registration required for each

WLFD invites scholarship applications

The Woodcliff Lake Volunteer Fire Department (WLFD) is happy to announce that the Woodcliff Lake Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Program application is available on the department website, woodclifflakefd.com

Since 2003, the WLFD has given out 103 scholarships to assist the students of our community in furthering their education and achieving their goals. Only graduating high school students residing in the Borough of Woodcliff Lake or members of the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department are eligible to receive an award. Students must submit a com-

pleted application, including transcript by May 3, 2023. For all qualification and application details visit woodclifflakefd.com

child per date. At 1:30 p.m: Chair Yoga, adults.

• Wednesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m: Preschool Storytime & Craft, ages 2–5. March 29 at 1:30 p.m: The Great Books Club, adults.

• Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m: Family Yoga, grades 1-6. Bring your own mat. Register in person.

H HIILLLLSSDDAALLE E 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org

• Monday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. Hillsdale Democrats

• Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m: Knitting For Beginners; register in person and bring your materials. At 7 p.m: Scrabble Club, registration required. Email Norel Blundo at blundoquatro@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and experience level. Include “Scrabble” in your subject line; weʼll reply with confirming details.

• Wednesday, March 29 at 11 a.m: AdultPainting With Anastasia; registration required.

• Thursday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m: Tales for Tykes, ages 3–5; registration required.

• Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m: A Beginnerʼs Guide to Tarot, adults. Registration required.

M MOONNTTVVAALLE E 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org

• Tuesday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.: Tot Time; registration required. Toddlers 2 and up with a grown-up.

• Wednesday, March 29 at 4 p.m: Dinosaurs Rock. Register Ages 3 and up. Under 5 must be accompanied by a grown-up.

P PAARRK K R RIIDDGGE E 51 Park Ave.

Hillsdale, Wednesday, March 29: Painting with Anastasia “Have fun pushing around a few colors while being creative! We will be painting a moonlight scene.”

(201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org

• Monday, March 27 at 11:30

a.m.: Yoga

• Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee

• Thursday, March 30 at 10

a.m.: Storytime with Miss Renee.

• Friday, March 31 at 10 a.m.: Virtual Arts and Crafts with Miss Renee

• Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m.:

Virtual Storytime with Miss Eileen

R RIIVVEER R V VAALLE E

412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org

• Monday, March 27 at 10:30

a.m.: Letʼs Groove! Music for Kids, With Miss Lisa. Sing and dance while having fun with shakers, scarves, animal puppets, and bubbles. For residents birth to 5. Registration required. At 4 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Sew It Workshop: Learn to sew a cactus complete with a little pot to put it in. This project is hand-sewn. Registration required. At 6:30 p.m.: Pajama Party, ages 4–7. Bring

your favorite stuffed animal and wear your favorite pajamas at the library for a fun pajama party. We read a bedtime story, sing songs, and do a fun themed craft. Registration required.

• Tuesday, March 28 at 1 and 7 p.m.: Friends of the Library. The mission of the Friends of the River Vale Library is to enhance the library by providing financial support for programming and special projects that benefit River Vale.

• Wednesday, March 29 at 4 p.m.: Binary Code Keychains; grades 3–7. Create a beaded keychain with a secret message. Learn about binary code while making art. Register.

• Wednesday, March 29 at 6 p.m.: New York Yankees History Lecture. “The Least Among Them” by Dr. Paul Semendinger, Ed.D. Registration required.

• Thursday, March 30 at 10 a.m.: Morning Book Club: Start your day with a cup of tea and an informal, lively discussion of the book selection of the month followed by conversation

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

WOODCLIFF LAKE

PASCACK VALLEY

Running: Candidates declaring

FROM PAGE 3

ton, three council seats will be open as terms for Council President Desserie Morgan, Vice President Steven Cascio, and Councilwoman Stacey Feeney expire on Dec. 31. No information was yet available on candidates from the clerkʼs office.

Watching Westwood

In Westwood, Mayor Ray Arroyo had not yet indicated whether he planned a reelection bid. Council members Christopher Montana and Erin Collins, whose

WESTWOOD

terms expire Dec. 31, had not yet filed for reelection.

Woodcliff Lake: Rendo says to watch Facebook

In Woodcliff Lake, two-term Mayor Carlos Rendoʼs term expires on Dec. 31, also had not yet filed for reelection. Asked if he was running for reelection on March 21, he first replied via email, “No decision yet.” Later that day he said he would reveal his decision on March 27. “I will be announcing my intentions on a Facebook Live broadcast Monday at 8 p.m. on my Mayors page.”

31STKIDSFISHING CONTEST APRIL 29

Rendo started 2023 with informal coffee get-togethers at Whole Foods Market and a monthly Facebook Live Q&A “to increase transparency and provide upfront information to residents about local issues.”

Republican Rendo now helms an all-Democratic Council. Councilors Richard Schnoll and Josephine Higgins, whose terms expire this year, had also not yet filed for reelection.

We look forward to your views. See our Letters guidelines, page 2, and sound off!

Blood pressure screenings

Beginning April 11, Westwoodʼs Health Department and Senior Services are collaborating to offer blood pressure screenings the second Tuesday of the month at Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Drop in!

WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOLS

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. A test may be done as a part of a routine health checkup or as a screening for high blood pressure (hypertension).

WWRSD 2023–24 preschool registration

The Westwood Regional School District begins its annual preschool registration for the Integrated Preschool program for the 2023-2024 school year. This is a tuition-based program with an annual cost to be determined.

To be eligible, your child must be 3 years old and less than 5 years of age on or before Oct. 1, 2023. If

you have a child residing in the Borough of Westwood or Township of Washington, visit the district website for an overview of the program and tuition payment schedule.

An application can be downloaded from the district website at wwrsd.org under the Menu dropdown, select Preschool, or it can be picked up at the Department of

Special Services office. For further assistance, contact Rosie Rodriguez at (201)664-0880 ext 2047 or write rosalexa.rodriguez@wwrsd.org.

Completed applications will be accepted March 1–17. If a lottery is initiated, applications submitted after the March 17 deadline will not be eligible.

Itʼs back! The Friends of the Pascack Brookʼs 31st Annual Kids Fishing Contest is on for Saturday, April 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

Fish the Pascack Brook between St. John R.C. Church in Hillsdale and Brookside Place in Westwood. Judging is at the police booth by Veterans Park in Hillsdale. There will be trophies and prizes for the largest trout caught for each age group. Rain or shine, the event is open to all children aged 4–16.

See galleries from past yearsʼcontests at PascackPress.com

That’s the spirit! A 2022 contest participant. Photo: Danielle O’Brien.

St. John’s: Huge title haul

East Orange in a 43–41 thriller to take home the top award.

It was a banner season for St. Johnʼs, as nine of their 13 teams reached the semifinals, with five teams making it through to the final championship game.

That level of success, topped off by three county championships and the Archdioceseʼs top title, represents the best season for St. Johnʼs in recent memory.

“Iʼm just so proud of all our teams this season and especially thrilled for our 8th graders that were able to secure a well-deserved title as they finish their career with us,” said Greg Cox, athletic director for the St. Johnʼs Sports Association (SJSA) and coach of the 7-8 grade girls varsity team.

“Our program is such a special and unique hybrid that provides the competitiveness of a travel program with the all-play, no-cuts ethics of a rec program. We ensure that all kids get an opportunity to participate and excel athletically while keeping our Catholic values at the core of it all.”

St. Johnʼs varsity boys enjoyed a dominant season all the way, going undefeated on the court (save for a forfeit loss) and then beating Academy of Our Lady, 85–54, in the semifinals before moving on to take the Bergen County championship over Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Ridgewood.

The team, coached by Frank Ambrosio since their 5th grade season, finished its St. Johnʼs career with 36 straight wins, having not lost a game since returning from the

canceled COVID season in 2021.

St. Johnʼs varsity girls team secured the title as an underdog No. 3 seed by defeating No. 2 seed St. Joseph 44-31 and then outlasting No. 1 seed Notre Dame 30-26 in a thrilling overtime contest held in front of a packed crowd at Paramus Catholic.

St. Johnʼs JV boys team, coached by Rob Good, had an equally impressive season, finishing in first place with an undefeated season, then defeating St. Mary 43–33 in the semifinal and winning over Mt. Carmel Tenafly, 41–22, to take home the trophy.

The CYO basketball program is operated by RCAN and consists of 400 teams throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Participation is open to children in grades 3–12 who are members of an RCAN parish or school.

In addition to the winter basketball season, the SJSA offers a popular winter basketball clinic for grades K–2, and last year began offering a summer basketball league.

Beyond basketball, the SJSA runs a rapidly growing volleyball program for girls and boys in both spring and fall, with plans to offer cheerleading beginning this fall as well as a possible return of their track and field program.

An overhaul of the programʼs branding and technology this year, along with renovations to the gym — including new mats, refinished floors and state of the art sound system — have all contributed to the renewed growth of the SJSA, whose roots date back well into the 1980s.

Cox said, “Itʼs been incredibly rewarding to be a part of this resurgence and watch everything from our clinics to our basketball and volleyball programs to our newer offerings like summer basketball and cheerleading all come back full swing and flourish.”

He said, “The excitement around the program is palpable and the dedication of all our volunteers and coaches is what makes it all possible.”

“Watching these programs and children grow has been such a blessing,” said head coach Balasz Galdi, who runs the basketball clinic for grades K–2. “It is an incredible program that introduces young children to the fundamentals of basketball and teamwork.”

Pope Francis once said: “Sport is not only a form of entertainment,

but also — and above all I would say — a tool to communicate values that promote the good that is in humans and help build a more peaceful and fraternal society.”

SJSA coach and assistant coordinator Rob Truszkowski said he agrees wholeheartedly. “These values are more important than winning. Teaching our children the values of being a good person no matter the outcome. Although winning is always a plus, to see our kids grow as players and especially as individuals is what itʼs all about.”

Parent and assistant coach Anna DiPasquale was keen on sharing the importance of the CYO organization. “Without CYO, our girls and boys wouldnʼt have this opportunity. I love that although these kids may not go to the same school, they have an opportunity to play with their friends in a league that provides a less hectic alternative to travel.”

With a banner year for the basketball season now in the history books, there is no time for rest. The SJSA is already gearing up for their Spring volleyball season and looking ahead to a spring cheerleading clinic and summer basketball season. With any luck, they hope to add even more successes to their growing list.

To learn more about the SJSA, and to stay current on news, events, and announcements, follow StJohnsSportsAssociation on Facebook, visit http://sjsports.org , and write info@sjsports.org

Via Cathy Williamson,

Community of St. John the Baptist

6th-grade boys,front to back and left to right:Tyler Hurst,Ryan Good,Derek Brace,Tyler Hannigan,Noah Jarosz,Jason Rilli,Gavin Krause,Jackson Martin, Dante Boothe, head coach Rob Good,and assistant coach Dennis Krause.

8th-grade boys, front to back and left to right:Liam Verdicchio,Brady Babcock,Eamon Errity,Drew Kirkby,Anthony Ambrosio,Arthur Pereira Batista, Luke Kosoff,Shane Lamon,Evan Gallucci,Justin Hanna,Frankie Ambrosio,and head coach Frank Ambrosio.

7–8-grade girls, front to back and left to right:Sydney Williams,Mary Laux, Gabriela Gutierrez,Savannah Callea,Scarlett Robbins,Briana McNamara, Isabela Duarte,Brianna DiPasquale,Rose McNerney,Julianna Cox,Cameron Roche,assistant coach Anna DiPasquale,and head coach Greg Cox.

POPE FRANCIS

Easter Celebration April 9, 2023

Seniors meet Tuesday, April 11

The Westwood Seniors Club meets at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., on Tuesday, April 11. A nurse will be

Easter Celebration April 9, 2023 Chicagobound!

on hand to take blood pressure from 11 a.m. to noon; entertainment is by Anthony Duke Claus. Be there to sign up for the

Tuesday, June 13 club luncheon at Domani Ristorante Italiano. The cost is $40.

43rd Annual Good Friday Walk of Faith

Friday, April 7, 2023 from Noon to 3 P.M.

THEME: The Seven Last Words from the Cross

ST. ANDREW’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH - SERVICE STARTS AT NOON.

PARKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH- SERVICE AT 12:40 P.M.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH- SERVICE STARTS AT 1:20 P.M.

WESTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- SERVICE STARTS AT 2:10 P.M.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH- SERVICE STARTS AT 2:40 P.M.

READING OF THE PASSION

(PLEASE NOTE- ALL SERVICE TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AFTER THE FIRST SERVICE.)

Offering for Turkey and Syria earthquake victims. This will be distributed by Embrace Relief: Embrace Relief is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Invites you

PALM SUNDAY9a.m. (contemporary) & 10:30a.m. (traditional)

MAUNDY THURSDAY Noon &7:30p.m.

GOOD FRIDAYNoon & 7:30p.m.

EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICES

9:00a.m. (contemporar y)

10:00a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

10:30a.m. Instrumentalists and choirs

32 Pascack Rd., Woodcliff Lake, NJ (Corner of Pascack & Church Roads)

201-391-4224 • clc4u2@verizon.net www.clc4u.com

After winning the NJ State Elks Hoop Shoot on Feb. 12, Thomas Koch of Westwood advanced to the Northeast Central Regional Semifinals, held Saturday, March 18 on the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. As the New Jersey State Champion, Thomas faced off against the New York and Pennsylvania winners.

At the hoop shoot competition, players are given 25 free throws, broken up into two rounds. Each competitor attempts 10 free

Thomas entered Round 2 needing to make 12 of his last 15 foul shots to be victorious. He stepped up to the free throw line and calmly made 13 shots in Round 2. In all, Thomas nailed 21 of the possible 25 free throws to win the competition.

Thomas now advances to the National Finals, April 22 in Chicago, where heʼll face the nationʼs 11 other regional winners. The winner at nationals is crowned 2023 Elks National Hoop Shoot Champion. And because the Elks partners with the Naismith Memorial Bas-

PALM SUNDAY REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE SAT 5PM, SUN 8AM & 11AM

HOLY WEEK

HOLY THURSDAY 7:30PM

GOOD FRIDAY 3:00PM

EASTER VIGIL 8:00PM

SUNDAY 8:00AM & 11:00AM

PASCACK VALLEY

Easter Celebration April 9, 2023

Easter Celebration April 9, 2023

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

curriculum. They cited the fact that the curriculum has become a point of “public concern and scrutiny” and a “lightning rod.”

One board member indicated that, as a board, they were “sick of talking about it” and that they “want to move forward” and “find something thatʼs palatable.”

By the end of the meeting, board president Michael Pontillo proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to “explore the answers to unknowns” pertaining to what might happen if the district decides to abandon the curriculum, and that would work with other “like-minded districts” that are “struggling with the same issue” to petition the state to cede to individual districts the authority to adjust the timetable by which health and sex ed instruction is

provided (an authority that is already largely granted to districts by way of language that calls for standards to be addressed by the ends of certain grades, e.g, Grade 2, Grade 5, etc.) Such a committee certainly does not bring this discussion to a close. If the board wants to move on, then it should move on.

The board approved this curriculum, along with the instructional materials, last summer. This was despite a contentious debate and some disruptive misinformation circulating

Martial Arts:

FROM PAGE 7

ily, Premier Martial Arts provides fitness and self-protection for the modern world.

The studio will be the place for birthday parties, where guests get to participate in martial artsrelated activities and the birthday celebrant receives an honorary black belt and gets to cut the birthday cake with a sword.

PMA also looks forward to offering PNOs, or parent nights out.

PMA Park Ridge is the first of three territories acquired by the Torres and Paulino families from Premier Martial Arts International to develop into studios — includ-

ing Paramus and West Bergen, which should begin the development process in the near future.

Free lesson! Great discounts!

Premier Martial Arts in Park Ridge kicked off its full schedule with a grand opening on Saturday March 4 at 177 Kinderkamack Road in the Ridgemont Shopping Center. You and your family can take advantage of a grand opening special with a free introductory lesson and great discounts.

Start today! Sign up at premiermartialarts.com/new-jersey-parkridge, call (201) 552-4005, or write for more information at management@pmaparkridge.com

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

EASTER

The Wonder – The Promise – The Risen Christ

April 6 Maundy Thursday Dinner Church 7:00 p.m.

April 7 Good Friday Taizé Worship7:00 p.m.

April 9 Easter Sunday Early Morning Communion Service 7:00 a.m. In the Memorial Garden

Worship for Easter, Sanctuary10:00 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt, Front Lawn11:00 a.m.

in the community about the lesson plans that were prepared by our district teachers.

It was made clear on the night of that vote that the rights of parents who wished to opt their children out of sensitive lessons should be respected, and that the opt-out procedure should be easy and transparent. As a result of that vote, and the diligent work of district administrators and educators, what we now have is a system that is in keeping with state requirements, that is sensitive to community needs, and that allows parents to opt their children out of certain lessons if they choose.

I gather that the opt-out procedure apparently hasnʼt been perfectly smooth, as indicated by several parents who have spoken publicly and commented on social media, but it sounds like the district is aware of the problem, and is working on improvements. As a district, we have too much on our plate to be stuck relitigating old business in this way. The current situation allows everyone to get what they want.

Joseph J. McCallister Township of Washington

We invite you to

We invite you to ZION

LUTHERAN

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

for worship during Holy Week and Easter

CHURCH for worship during Holy Week and Easter

Dear Friends in Christ, We are fully open for worship, masks are optional, and all are welcome. Holy Week begins with our Palm Sunday services at 8 and 10:15 A.M. on April 2nd. We will have the distribution of palms for all in attendance.

Thursday, April 6th

Maundy Thursday Service at 12:30 & 7:30 P.M.

Friday, April 7th

Good Friday Walk of Faith begins at Noon at St. Andrews. See the separate ad for complete schedule, we will be at Zion at approximately 1:20 P.M. At 7:30 P.M. Zion will have a Tenebrae Service.

Easter Eve, April 8th

Easter Eve- Family and Childrens’ service at 4 P.M. Gifts for all children present.

Easter, April 9th

Easter services at 6:30, 8, and 10:15 A.M.

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT ZION!

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS.

Students are recognized at the March 20 WWRSD BOE meeting.

TGA, rec spring break sports camp

PARK RIDGE

S taying home for spring break? The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee offers TGA Sports Camp for spring break week (April 10–14) at Davies Memorial Field.

S Sc c h o o ol l N e w s REITHMAYR TOPS!

Camp is for kids ages 5–12 who want to stay active and play a variety of sports/games during their week off. There are half-day (9 a.m. to noon) and full-day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) options.

TGA coaches have a fun week of sports planned: golf, ten-

nis, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and more. R egister at B ergencounty.playtga.com For more info, write krooney@playtga.com or lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com, or call the rec at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521.

• We are a 12 month school, offering 5 day and 3 day programs.

•Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included.

•Age appropriate curriculum.

•State of the art security system.

•Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground.

•Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

WWW.CAROUSELEARLYLEARNINGCENTER.COM

Congratulations to Dylan Reithmayr, 9, winner of the 10U state wrestling championship, 125-pound division, at the USAW New Jersey Scholastic State Championships on Sunday, March 12 at Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton. Dylan, of Emerson, wrestles for RedNose Wrestling School in Hackensack for famed coach Mike Foca.

EMERSON

Courtesy photo

Sharing: Concert

FROM PAGE 1

Kareena Shah, Richard Tracz, and Juan Zapateiro.

The district told Pascack Press on March 21, “The residentsʼ response was so enthusiastic, the students performed several songs for an encore and encouraged audience members to sing along.”

It said, “A memorable and joyful time was had by all who attended and the students were filled with gratitude for being able to share their talents with such an appreciative audience.”

Tri-M says online that it welcomes student musicians in grades 6–12. There are more than 2,100 chapters in all 50 states, involving more than 84,000 students.

The society says that beyond “shining a bright light on their schoolʼs music programs,” these future leaders contribute more than 750,000 service hours in their local communities.

PVHSʼs chapter says, “Tri-M is the only nationally recognized Music Honor Society for high

school musicians. Our schoolʼs chapter consists of accomplished instrumental and vocal musicians who aim to promote the arts in our area as well as support music programs in underprivileged public schools in the area. This society is run by Ms. Safari and includes students from both our band and choir.”

It adds, “We love to perform for our school community, as well as outside our community, to raise awareness of the Arts and emphasize the importance of music and music education. We strive to continuously improve our musicianship and leadership skills and are proud to participate in honors bands and choirs, representing the best that PVʼs music department has to offer.”

Safari, whoʼs been teaching in Hillsdale since 2005 — and established Tri-M here — is 2017 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, among her many accolades. Fluent in Armenian and Russian, sheʼs taught repertoire in more than 20 languages.

Her bio notes sheʼs “passionate about transforming the lives of her

Preschool registration at PVRHSD

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District is pleased to announce the preschool programs at Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley high schools are accepting applications for the 2023–2024 school year.

The Pascack Valley Regional High School Districtʼs preschool laboratory is part of the Early Childhood & Family Education Program, which enables high school students to work with and observe young children, while learning about child development and parenting.

The program is designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to engage with and embrace new roles and responsibilities through their work with young children. The skills and competencies required

to perform these roles serve as preparation for parenthood and child service careers.

To learn more about the program and for the online application, families are encouraged to visit the Family and Consumer Science page of the district website: tinyurl.com/PVRHSDPreschool

Note that all children who register for the program must reside within the Pascack Valley Regional High School District (Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale, or Woodcliff Lake).

If you have questions about the program, contact Argine Safari, interim supervisor of world language, ESL, music, and family and consumer science, at (201) 358-7020 ext. 22054 or at asafari@pascack.org

Tuned in March 5 at the Jewish Home at River Vale: Tri-M Music Honor Society members who performed are Elizabeth Barlow, Gabrielle Brayman, Alex De Biasio, Ally Elek, Evie Higgins, Minche Kim, Samantha Lagrosa, Nathan Prins, Ming-Jing Qin, Ming-Lang Qin, Ming-Yang Qin, Kareena Shah, Richard Tracz, and Juan Zapateiro.

students through the power of music. In 2005, she came to Pascack Valley High School district and developed a nationally recognized vocal program. Under her direction, Pascack Valley choirs earned numerous awards and accolades, traveling nationally from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, Calif.; and internationally to Canada and Ireland, where their renditions of Irish songs were played on the Irish national radio.”

Her students are consistently accepted to top universities, conservatories and honor ensembles around the country.

She is director of music and organist at Christ Lutheran Church, and is active as a clinician and chamber musician, having performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Zankel Hall, among others.

In 2013, Safari co-founded a non-profit youth theater arts company, Stage Scene and Song Performing Arts, 3sPA, open to any New Jersey students in grades 6–12, and has since been serving as its artistic director, with a mission to transform and empower its

participants, foster a tremendous sense of community and an appreciation for contribution.

She says she believes that “through strong art programs in our public education, our students who are educationally, culturally and linguistically diverse, develop confidence, leadership qualities,

and discover their unique talents.”

See her robust curriculum vitae and much more at arginesafari.com

For more information visit pvhsmusic.org or write safari@pascack.org —Staff report

Some of PVHS’s most talented and accomplished musicians turned out March 5 to entertain local seniors.

“We love to perform…”

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Take care of your health now, enjoy later

above 5.7% are reason for concern.

For example, diabetes is one of the leading causes of Alzheimerʼs disease and one of the biggest comorbidities of Covid.

When reviewing blood work, a typical diagnosis of diabetes occurs after the fasting glucose levels are over 126 mg/dL. However, in my opinion, if your levels are greater than 100 mg/dL, it is time to take immediate action.

Bloodwork may also reveal a test called hemoglobin A1C, which is basically an average of the past three3 months of your levels. If your test shows your levels are above 6.4%, then you will be diagnosed with diabetes, however, results

The good news is that, depending on the severity of your condition, you can usually reverse diabetes within a few months by simply eating an earth diet, exercising everyday, drinking lots of water, not eating four hours before bed, and going to bed at least two hours before midnight.

If you bring your diabetes numbers back to normal, you will greatly reduce your chances of developing Alzheimerʼs disease later in life, as well as a multitude of other health benefits.

Another interesting neurological condition that can be prevented with early intervention is multiple sclerosis or MS. This is an autoimmune disease in which the bodyʼs immune system attacks its own brain, eyes, body and nerves creating vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination.

When looking at brain imaging, there will be white spots on the brain which occur as a result of inflamma-

tion of the brain and building of scar tissue. To be diagnosed with MS, you must have multiple brain lesions, however, in my opinion, if you see any scar tissue or brain inflammation, the time to start working on your brain is now. Do not wait for more lesions, more scar tissue, more inflammation or an official diagnosis to start working on your health.

The easiest way to improve the nerve signal and prevent the body from attacking itself is to avoid foods that create an autoimmune response. The most common autoimmune foods to avoid are dairy, gluten, soy, corn, coffee, and alcohol.

This applies not only for MS, but also for other autoimmune conditions such as Hashimotoʼs, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, celiac disease, Sjogrenʼs, Graveʼs, fibromyalgia, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

After you change your diet and reduce inflammation, increase fat because the nerves are covered in fat, and that helps the nerve signals improve drastically.

Eat healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, fish, olives, and coconut, and stay away from unhealthy fats such as milk, butter, margarine, meat, and poultry. Another harmful fat is called trans fat and that can be found in cakes, cookies, pies, chips, popcorn, pizza, biscuits, rolls, french fries, doughnuts, and creamers.

It is important to prevent cardiovascular disorders as well. Heart disease and stroke are the number one killer in America. More than 800,000 people in the United States die from cardiovascular disease every year, with many being under age 65, and is one of the biggest comorbidities of Covid as well.

The modern medical model has many people on high blood pressure

meds, blood thinners, and statin drugs to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in hopes of preventing stroke or heart attack. In my opinion, it is better to get to the root cause of the problem.

Even if everyone in your family has heart disease, you can make lifestyle changes to prevent it from progressing and prevent it from causing major health issues. Taking blood thinners, including baby aspirin, will lead to less clotting and more bleeding.

If this bleeding occurs internally, you might not be aware. When making a medical decision, sit down with your doctor and review the benefits and the risks of each medical intervention to see what is the safest way to progress.

Most laboratories that perform blood work state that if the cholesterol level is above 200mg/DL, it is too high, and therefore, the patient might be recommended to take statin drugs to treat the high cholesterol.

However, when evaluating blood work it is important to look at the good cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, and the ratio of the good to the bad, as well.

Cholesterol is very important and has a lot of positive benefits so taking medications to bring your cholesterol down may also be dangerous. Cholesterol is needed to help build the structure of your cell membranes, to make hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, to help with digestion and metabolism, and also, it is essential to produce vitamin D.

After heart disease, cancer is the next leading cause of death. Cancer loves sugar, so the first step to preventing cancer is eliminating sugar from your diet. When I say sugar I do not mean fruit, but I am talking about cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sweeteners and artificial flavors.

Sugar is more addictive than cocaine. If it is not in the house, you are a lot less likely to give in to the temptation.

Another way to prevent cancer is to reduce emotional stress. Sometimes, you have to make major changes in your life such as quitting a job, getting out of a bad relationship, or moving out of a stressful living situation.

The last important factor in reducing chances of getting cancer in the future is to avoid dangerous chemicals. Buy from a local farmer or get organic food.

Since the pandemic, people are going a little crazy with all the cleaning products, bleaches, and lysol sprays that contain lots of toxic chemicals, so start to use more natural types of cleaners such as lemon, vinegar, baking soda, peppermint, tea tree oil, and hydrogen peroxide.

Also be aware that candles, incense, and other products that are meant to make your car or your house smell good are loaded with toxic chemicals, many of which have been classified as carcinogens.

Sign up for my next seminar

If you are interested in learning about natural ways to reduce inflammation and disease, sign up for my next seminar on April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in River Edge. It is normally $100 a seminar, but if you sign up before April 21, you can attend or get the recordings of the next four seminars (Reducing Inflammation, Mastering Nutrition, The Brain Based Exercise Program, and The Boost Your Brain Power Bootcamp) for a total of $49 (only $12 a seminar).

Call (201) 261-2150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to reserve your spot immediately!

Preventing health conditions is more effective than trying to cure the problem after it occurs.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

Calendar

FROM PAGE 23

about book suggestions and recommendations. Registration required. At 1:30 p.m.: Chair Yoga in person; space is limited. Doors open 15 minutes prior to scheduled class time. River Vale residents receive priority.

• Friday, March 31 at 11 a.m.: Fashion and Beauty in Ancient Rome. Registration required.

HILLSDALE

T TOOWWNNSSHHIIP P O OF F

W WAASSHHIINNGGTTOON N

144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586

twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Monday, March 27 at 6 p.m. Get started with or brush up on your Italian. Classes with Bernardo Petrocelli. At 6:30 p.m.: Book Club discusses “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett” by Annie Lyons. (April 24: “The Henna Artist” by Alka Joshi.)

•Tuesday, March 28: Mat Yoga at 5:30 p.m. Open to all lev-

els of practice. Bring a own mat and any props you might need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. Drop in.

• Thursday, March 30: Chair Yoga at 11 a.m. and noon. From 6 to 7 p.m.: Social Stitching. Knit, crochet, and mingle with other crafters. Organized by Clayton Leadbetter. Drop in. At 5:30 p.m.: Cartooning with Mr. John. An exploration of cartoon characters and techniques. Grades 3–12. Please register.

•Friday, March 31: Coloring

Second Annual Hike for Hillsdale April 15

The Hillsdale Education Foundation invites you to its Second Annual Hike for Hillsdale, Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sapienza Gardens “for a day of Health + Environmental Wellness.”

The day includes yoga in the woods, movement and stretches, an environmental scavenger hunt and clea-up, planting, and a hike through the beautiful trails of Sapienza Gardens.

The invitation says, “Come see the rescue animals of TevaLand Sanctuary Farm as well as the Pascack Valley Bee Observation area!”

Bring the family: Second Annual Hike for Hillsdale,Saturday,April 15 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.,at Sapienza Gardens.

& Crafting at 1 p.m. Refreshments and coloring supplies provided, or bring your own project to work on.

• Saturday, April 1: Mat Yoga at 10:30 a.m. Open to all levels of practice. Bring a mat and any props youʼd like, such as blocks, straps, and bolster blankets. $5 per class. Drop in. At 1 p.m.: Sewing Tote Bags With Ellen Ellen brings all supplies, including the machines. Please register.

W WEESSTTWWOOOOD D

49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583

westwoodpubliclibrary.org

• Monday, March 27 at 3:45, 4:05, and 4:25 p.m.: Math Rookies Through April 3 from 7 to 8:30

p.m.: LVPV Beginner English Class

• Tuesday March 28 at 3:45

p.m: Open Lego Build, grades K–3; downstairs.

• Wednesday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m.: Peek a Boo Storytime to age 5. Registration required. At 4 p.m.: Comedy performance: The Maturely Motivated Players Registration required.

• Thursday, March 30 at 9 a.m.: LVPV ESL Online Advanced English Class (Virtual). Register online. At 11 a.m.: ESL Online Intermediate English Class (Virtual). Register online. At 7 p.m.: Westwood Garden Club Speaker Series, registration required.

• Friday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m: Music and Movement with Boogie Woogie Babies, to age 5. Registration required. At 11 a.m: Knitting & Crocheting Club Registration required.

COLLISION

Ramadan crescent moon lightings connect

The Township of Washington, Montvale, and River Vale were among those hosting crescent moon lighting ceremonies last week, uniting Muslim and nonMuslim families, friends, and neighbors in celebration of the start of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar,

with 1.8 billion people observing each year worldwide — itʼs a time of fasting, patience, prayer, reflection, charity, forgiveness, and community service and ends with celebrations, in Eid Al Fitr — started this year on March 22.

NorthJersey.com said 30 towns and villages in the county were planning to celebrate this

year as a sign of acceptance and recognition of their growing presence in North Jersey.

In the Pascack Valley, we were on the ground at the Township of Washingtonʼs ceremony, proposed by resident Saba Khan (see “A first for township,” March 6, 2023), had its inaugural ceremony at town hall on March 19.

The party, from 6 to 8 p.m.

drew scores — both sides of Pascack Road in front of town hall were lined with attendees — and featured catered refreshments and plenty of cake. Scouts from Pack 228 and Troop 321 helped facilitate.

Top: Montvale’s crescent moon lighting ceremony was Saturday,March 18 at 6 p.m.at North Park,intersection of Grand and Kinderkamack. Above, Hazem and Sherin from John’s Bagels — flanking mayor Michael Ghassali — were praised online for bringing chicken nuggets and fries for the children. “They are a true example of community! You both are great,” posted Zaheera Malik. Photos via Borough of Montvale on Facebook

“The Township of Washington had a Christmas tree lighting and menorah lighting. Iʼm very proud to say that with the help of our honorable mayor Peter Calamari and council members we now have a crescent lighting ceremony to welcome Ramadan with our community,” Khan told Pascack Press on Feb. 28.

Montvaleʼs crescent moon lighting ceremony was Saturday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at North Park, intersection of Grand and Kinderkamack.

Hazem and Sherin from Johnʼs Bagels were praised online

for bringing chicken nuggets and fries for the children. “They are a true example of community! You both are great,” posted Zaheera Malik.

River Valeʼs Cultural Affairs office invited guests to learn about

Ramadan and participate in the townʼs first crescent moon lighting ceremony, March 21 at the town hall parking lot at 6 p.m. Refreshments and donuts were served.

— Staff report

Left: Kids amid the Township of Washington’s crescent lighting revels March 19. Above: Councilman Tom Sears speaks outside town hall (next to him is resident Saba Khan,who proposed the event.) Below,local scouts help out at the party immediately following at the senior center.John Snyder photos.

IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

ment is considered to be.

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. When you look at a line chart of an investmentʼs historical performance, one feature to note is its volatility –how frequent and how extreme the ups and downs have been. This is significant because volatility is the most commonly used measurement of an investmentʼs risk. The greater the volatility, the riskier the invest-

ERIC KOHLMEIER

If you viewed a chart comparing the stock marketʼs versus the bond marketʼs performance, youʼd see stocks have been significantly more volatile than bonds. Logically then, a 100% bond portfolio should be less risky than one including both bonds and stocks. Right?

Not so fast.

In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the 20-year U.S. government bond) and 33% stocks (using the S&P

500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier.

Start with the basics

Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with understanding:

• The relationship between risk and return

• How diversification can help manage risk and return

In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs

risk increases, so should its return. If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of default is low. If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant—think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Recession—and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk.

Diversification is simply blending different investments in a portfolio in an effort to manage risk and return. The result is your “asset allocation.”

A very simple asset allocation might include stocks, which tend to be risky but offer growth potential, and bonds, which have been more stable and provide income (interest). You can help manage your risk and return by how much you allocate to each type of investment.

For example, if you have a 75% stock/25% bond portfolio, it should offer a greater risk and return potential than one thatʼs 25% stocks and 75% bonds.

Getting to an efficient frontier

Of course, there are lots of other investments for you to choose from, and there are an infinite number of portfolios you could construct from the stocks, bonds, and other assets available. Each of these blends has a unique overall risk and return level.

If you plotted them all on a chart, youʼd likely see whatʼs shown in the hypothetical graph below. The “pies”—representing different asset allocations—farthest to the left and highest up are the ones with the best expected risk/return tradeoffs. If you connected those “dots,” you would have it: the efficient frontier.

Thatʼs what the efficient frontier is, but what does it mean for investors?

It means that if your risk/return tradeoff doesnʼt land along the frontier, your portfolio is not as efficient as it could be. Youʼre taking on too much risk for the level of return youʼre getting, and you probably

PARK RIDGE

need to make adjustments to decrease risk, improve return, or both.

Finding help

Determining whether your portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a professional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value).

Based on your responses, your advisor can help build a portfolio designed to help reach your goals as efficiently as possible. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.

S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-valueweighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance.

The indices are provided for informational purposes only; investors cannot directly purchase an index. Past performance in not indicative of future results.

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.

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE.

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.

© 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #1119-019485050472.

ROCKY PILGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Park Ridge Volunteer Firemanʼs Association is again offering its Rocky Pilger Memorial scholarship.

This scholarship, started in memory of Chief Pilger, is given to three current high school seniors who will be pursuing higher education in the fall. The award is open to any Park Ridge resident graduating high school or in college and needing assistance.

If you attend Park Ridge High School, see your guidance counselor for an application. If you attend any other school, contact Mark Cookey Eisen at markeisen4@gmail.com for an application.

To be considered, all paperwork must be submitted to the PRHS guidance office, or to Mark Eisen at markeisen4@gmail.com , no later than April 10.

The Association is composed of all active firefighters, officers, life members, and honorary members and is committed to serving the community and ensuring the welfare of its members.

The Association is made up of many different committees; some focus on the serving the active side of the department while some focus on the community by funding school scholarships and sponsoring town events and athletic teams.

Council: Hillsdale waiting on Westwood for drone work

arrange a meeting with the Pascack Valley Mayors Association to discuss the proposed drone study.

Veolia spokesperson Debra Vial told us on March 20, “We immediately contacted the group when [we] received the letter in January. At that time, [Westwood] Mayor [Ray] Arroyo told us that he would set up a meeting in a few weeks. Our contact spoke to him again this week. If the group does not set up a meeting by the end of the week, we will take the initiative to do so.”

[Editorʼs note:Arroyo has been recovering from knee replacement surgery.]

Flooding has been a problem in most Pascack Valley towns, more so recently as frequent storms — some severe with brief intense rainfalls — have led to property damage in Emerson, Hillsdale, Park Ridge, Township of Washington, and Westwood.

Arroyo has said frequent “noname” storms have done increasing damage to local properties and he has strongly advocated for a regional approach to flood management.

Hillsdale mayor John Ruocco said March 16 that the governing bodyʼs “consensus” was to wait until Westwood does a study, see the results, and go from there. He said no funding would be put aside in the upcoming budget and that the cost for a drone study was approximately $27,000.

Hillsdale business administrator Michael Ghassali — who also is Montvaleʼs mayor — said the cost would likely be higher in Hillsdale and that the drone study “would document the flood areas.”

However, he said, without basin-wide involvement in flood mitigation, including towns in Rockland County, New York, “the work that you do here is going to be very limited and it will not solve the whole problem.”

So far, Westwood has not approved a drone study although the mayor and council had discussed it at an early March meeting. It was not listed as a discussion item or resolution on the March 21 council agenda. Pascack Press requested a copy of Boswell Engineeringʼs proposed drone study of Westwood streams but did not hear back by press time.

Ruocco said besides Westwood, and possibly the Township of Washington, the other seven Pascack Valley towns had not expressed interest in a drone study Those towns included Emerson, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Woodcliff Lake, Oradell and Old Tappan.

The drone study of Pascack Brook streams and tributaries was suggested by the Pascack Valley Mayors Association in a January 2023 letter to Veolia North America.

The three part-study included drone mapping of the Pascack Brook watershed; hiring a grant writer to seek federal and state funding for flood reduction actions;

and implementation of a multi-year project for basin-wide flood mitigation measures.

The PVMA said, “All parties involved in the ongoing issue of fluvial flooding – from our federal and state representatives, our county and local elected officials, DEP regulators and Veolia, to the thousands of residents and business owners adversely impacted on a regular basis – know that the piecemeal approach to a basin-wide flooding problem can only have limited, local effects bringing fleeting, short-lived relief, while simply moving the problem downstream to areas left unaddressed.”

It said it proposes “a unified plan of action and would like to enlist Veoliaʼs support to fund the costs of the Phase I Drone Study. Please advise if Veolia is willing to partner in a more effective, joint effort to mitigate a deteriorating, regional situation.”

While the letter was received by Veolia who called it “a good concept,” Ruocco said that the utility had not responded to PVMA on helping to fund a multi-town study.

When we contacted Veolia in late January regarding the PVMA outreach, Veolia sent a statement from Kevin OʼConnor, vice president, external affairs: “I reached out to Terry Maguire (PVMAʼs executive director) because weʼd like to meet soon. Itʼs a good concept and we want to know more. We spoke to the municipalities in late 2021 and again in 2022 about the need to clear the banks of the Pascack Brook and the obstructions in the waterways as we do on our property. Weʼre pleased they want to take action.”

Hillsdale councilman Justin Fox said that at a prior meeting with Veolia, the water utility said they would follow their reservoir guidelines for keeping the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir at 95 feet above sea level during the summer and at 91.5 feet above sea level in winter.

Legislation had been introduced to require reservoir managers statewide to conserve water for both potable water use and to lower water levels to reduce potential downstream flooding. The legislation is opposed by NJDEP and has not moved out of committee.

Fox said the utility said towns were “on our own” to deal with flooding related to rains and reservoir releases.

Ruocco said the state Department of Environmental Protection

previously said it will not interfere with how the utility manages its reservoirs. He said the utilityʼs role as seen by NJDEP was to conserve

and Washington Township did this alone, it “would be like spinning our wheels and throwing our money away.”

a Boswell engineer would write up recommendations to improve stream flow conditions. These recommendations would likely require grant funding to implement in future years, officials said.

water, not mitigate flooding.

“Theyʼre not flooding us is the official Trenton-endorsed line,” said Ruocco.

In addition to Westwood considering a drone study, Hillsdale officials said it was likely Washington Township might be considering funding a study. We could not confirm this by press time.

Township residents have complained at meetings of their governing body about storm debris exacerbating local flooding and impeding access to Schlegel Lake.

Hillsdale councilman Zoltán Horváth noted what one town does to improve water flow is likely to affect another town, and that if three towns such as Westwood, Hillsdale

Several officials pointed out that without watershed-wide “buyin” from towns in Rockland County, New York, as well as throughout Pascack Valley, implementing flood-mitigation measures might only move the problem downstream if storm runoff is not reduced, detained and controlled.

Ruocco said if a drone study was done, engineers might be able to better identify where the brook bends or a rock wall exists, and help determine if dredging, widening and clearing would help reduce local flooding.

Attorney Mark Madaio said the borough would still need NJDEP permits to do such work.

If a drone study were executed,

Editorʼs note: Last year, Arroyo took to Facebook to apprise residents after what he called the most recent “no name storm” caused flooding in the Westwood–Hillsdale area over Memorial Day weekend.

He compared his boroughʼs office of emergency management response with that of neighboring Hillsdale —both boroughs no stranger to flood issues — and said he is among those “again press[ing] for the only immediate relief measure that can mitigate our local flooding problem — which requires legislative intervention.”

Arroyo clarified his remarks for Pascack Press, saying “Saturdayʼs event was a clear demonstration of how a year-round lower elevation at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir could avoid repetitive flooding from what should have been a manageable event.”

Left: Flooding on Broadway,on the Hillsdale–Westwood line,in 2022. Right: Westwood has long struggled with flood issues. File photos

of the Hackensack River. At least one late 18th-century map calls the brook “Great Pascack River.” Its tributary Musquapsink Brook is shown as “Little Pascack River.” The brook forms a region near and dear to our hearts: the Pascack Valley. The brook is dammed to form the Woodcliff

Lake Reservoir in Woodcliff Lake.

P ARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING

Bracco to speak at Sundial Garden Club

The next meeting of the Sundial Garden Club on Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. will feature a presentation by Anthony Bracco: “Adapting Small Farm Methods to a Backyard Garden.”

The club meets at the Hillsdale Free Public Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave.

The Bracco Family Farm is a 25 acre farm in the “black dirt” region of Pine Island, N.Y. which uses sustainable techniques without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or glyphosphate.

Techniques include hand cultivation of weeds and the use of old-fashioned farm equipment. The soil is allowed to naturally regenerate each season. The farm supplies produce for individual customers, families, chefs, and farm2table eateries, and country clubs.

Bracco will show how the

public can produce fresh, naturally grown vegetables in their own gardens. He will discuss naturally grown and sustainable methods and describe the tools and implements used at the farm (and demonstrate their use).

He also will explain safe seed sources, cold greenhouse growing, and building and preparing garden beds. And heʼll share information on fertilizers, compost, and natural pest control methods.

Braccoʼs goal is to help the general public to successfully establish their own vegetable gardens to provide themselves with fresh, healthy, sustainable and delicious food.

The club welcomes all gardeners and would-be gardeners from the Pascack Valley to this information-packed presentation.

Itʼs a new year and the Westwood United Methodist Church is happy to announce that the Faithworks Thrift Shop and food pantry are open.

Mark your calendars: The thrift shop will be open the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Donations of clean used items will be accepted during those hours.

Hours for March: March 27 open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The food distribution program has expanded its hours to coincide with the thrift shop hours with only non-perishables available. Food distribution includes fresh produce, meat and pantry items.

The food pantry is open on the second Tuesday of each month (March 14) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free food is available to all in the area. Donations of unexpired food are gratefully accepted during thrift shop hours.

Westwood United Methodist Church is at 105 Fairview Ave., Westwood. The entrance to the thrift shop and food pantry is on Bergen Avenue. A sign outside the door is placed there for your convenience.

Start spring fun, fitness through Westwood Rec

Springʼs arrival means itʼs time to get outside for fitness and fun with the Westwood Recreation Department. Westwood resident registration began Monday, March 20. Non-resident registration begins on Monday, March 27 at 9 a.m. Non-residents may register for an additional $25 fee per program, space permitting. Most spring classes begin week of April 10. Classes with alternate start dates are noted in the guide viewable at westwoodnj.gov/recreation

The new Spring Programs Guide features information on classes for toddlers, kids and adults as well as special notices about Spring Break mini-camps, sports registrations dates for fall, upcoming Special Needs Activity Program classes,

HILLSDALE

Recreation pre-school registration and more.

Classes and mini-camps on the schedule for this session include:

• TGA Tennis Camp and USA Sports Multisports Camp April 3-7

• Spring Paint Party for Adults

18+ on May 15

•Soccer, Sports and T-ball for preschoolers

•Ballet/Tap, Kiddie Hop and Mini-Movement, including the new Westvale Adventure parent & me class

•Chess, Piano, Art, Theatre and Robotics

•Outdoor Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Golf and Tennis for kids

• Tennis, Menʼs Basketball, Pickleball, Yoga, Zumba and Art for

50+CLUBPLANSLIVELY SPRINGTRIPS

The Hillsdale 50+ Club invites all to gather to meet neighbors and friends. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hillsdale. The entrance to the meeting room is on Magnolia Avenue between Hillsdale and Washington avenues.

The Hillsdale club has two trips planned:

•A trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is scheduled for Tues-

day, April 4. This trip includes a wonderful hot lunch and a terrific show, “The Million Dollar Quartet” (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and others). Cost is $83 for club mem bers, $85 for non-members.

•A two-night, three-day trip is set for Cape May are many activities planned while the club is there, with hotel lodging. For more information on club trips call Evelyn Pachner at (201) 666-7675.

adults

Residents and neighbors are reminded that Westwood Recreation Preschool registration for the 2023–24 school year begins on March 28. [Details: westwoodnj.gov/recreation.]

Residents should save the date for 2023 Summer Playground Program registration, which begins on Monday, May 1 via Community Pass. The six-week Summer Playground Program session runs June

26–Aug. 4.

The Westwood Recreation Department uses Community Pass for its registration process. To register for classes, visit https://register.communitypass.net/westwood. Visa/MasterCard are accepted. To pay by cash/check, stop in the office at 55 Jefferson Ave.

Residents and neighbors who participate in Westwood Recreation programs will receive information on upcoming classes in programs

guides, emails and on social media.

To learn more about facility rentals including the use of the newly renovated kitchen for private events or for use by professional chefs and catering companies, reach out to Recreation Department director Gary Buchheister at (201) 6647882 or gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov

Westwood Recreation programs and forms are listed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation

PASCACK VALLEY

REAL ESTATE

Happy: Hillsdale started here

FROM PAGE 4

The loophole to all of this was that any city, borough, or incorporated town could be its own school district, separate and distinct from the township district. As if it were a mandate for division, a phenomenon historians call “Borough Fever” began. Four boroughs seceded in 1894, including Park Ridge, Montvale, Westwood, and Woodcliff (the “Lake” part came later when the reservoir was built). Hillsdale followed in 1898, incorporating first as a township and then changing to a borough form of government in 1923. Etna (later Emerson) formed in 1903 and River Vale in 1906.

The 3-square-mile town we now know as Washington Township is what remains after all the others broke off.

This phenomenon wasnʼt limited to our Pascack Valley. In the span of a couple of decades, the whole of Bergen County had transformed enormously. Previously divided into a handful of large townships, by the first decade of the 1900s the county was a jigsaw puzzle of little boroughs, each with its own ruling body.

The editor of the Hackensack Republican newspaper opined in

January 1906, “Bergen County has boroughs enough—it is a gridiron of boroughs—and the Legislature should smother any further efforts to create more twopencehaʼpenny municipalities here.”

With the signature of thenGov. Foster M. Voorhees, Assembly Bill No. 132 created the new Township of Hillsdale on March 25, 1898. The new township was to comprise “all the territory between the Hackensack River on the east and Orvil Township [Sad-

dle River] on the west—between the boroughs of Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, and the New York state line on the north and the Borough of Westwood and an imaginary line due west, on the south.”

The name “Hillsdale” had already been in use to describe the community, as it was used for the railroad stop created in 1870.

A March 6, 1870 article in the New York Sun reads, “The Hackensack branch of the Erie Railroad, extending from Jersey City to Hackensack, is already well known to the traveling public. Yesterday the extension of this branch to Hillsdale (a new name for Pascack), a distance of 8 miles, was formally opened...Hillsdale is a small settlement, containing several private houses, a large store, and a blacksmithʼs shop.”

When first incorporated, that 1898 version of Hillsdale was larger than it is today. The land east of Demarest Avenue-Cedar

Lane was taken to form part of River Vale in 1906.

The new Township Committee met for the first time on April 25, 1898 at the Hillsdale Manor train station. Their first action was to establish the local tax rate. After that, they set up the township into road districts and fixed a rate for roadwork at $1.25 cents for nine hoursʼwork, or $4 a day (nine hours) for one man and a team of horses.

Party on, Hillsdale! Visit the anniversary committee’s website, HILLSDALE125THANNIVERSARY.COM

An early 20th century view of “downtown”Hillsdale,looking toward the intersection of Broadway and Hillsdale Avenue from the area that is now the park.This building was a hotel called the Hillsdale House.It is still standing today with a salon at ground level.

Traffic around the railroad station in the early days of Hillsdale.

County: Soon you can search land records online

FROM PAGE 4

26 million pages would have to be scanned, verified, and redacted.”

At first, Hogan considered having an outside company scan the

voluminous documents. However, he said, this approach was quickly discarded due to security and cost.

“We didnʼt want the documents to leave the office and, at 15 cents

Bring your swing to Northwood Golf Club

The Northwood Golf Club, founded when Rockleigh Golf Course opened in 1959, invites area golfers who are interested in playing some friendly competitive golf to join its ranks.

The 2023 schedule of play includes 16 tournaments and two outings.

The tournament formats include individual, two-man, and four-man events with net and gross prizes. All players have sanctioned handicaps that range from single digits to upper ranges. The Club Championships have multiple flights to accommodate players at all skill levels. The Age Group Championships also have multiple flights to make room for the young bucks and the golden seniors who are still competing.

Play is primarily at the Bergen County courses, but other local courses are also used. For example, Rivervale Country Club is used so River Vale residents can take advantage of discounted greens fees.

A few years ago organizers

added Paramus Golf Course as itʼs convenient for many members. This year theyʼre adding Blue Hills and Rockland State for the same reason.

The $90 annual dues cover membership in the Metropolitan Golf Association, which includes a handicap service and the monthly MGA Magazine; tournament prize money; and trophies for special events.

The 2023 tournament season

per page, the total cost of nearly $4 million was excessive. So we carried out the project in a secure manner with current employees at a fraction of the cost with no overtime.” Once the documents were properly scanned, they had to undergo a redaction and verification process by which all personal data (driver licenses, social security numbers etc.) were removed prior to the documents being released to the public. Data is backed up in the countyʼs IT server and on microfilm. The originals are preserved and maintained.

Hogan said that he plans to begin releasing the online documents to the public in the summer.

“Our goal is to make land record searching for the public a much more efficient, streamlined process.”

runs April 24 through Oct. 15. The outings are in May and September. The golf season concludes with the annual business dinner meeting at Madeleineʼs Petit Paris in Northvale to recognize the winners, elect officers, and review the season and the plans for next year.

For more info and an application, contact secretary/treasurer Jim Dugan at dunloedoog@aol.com or (201) 666-8199.

PASCACK VALLEY

The 4th hole at Rockleigh is a signature hole.

County clerk staffer Graciela Marcano on the job. Photo courtesy John S. Hogan’s office.

PRE-K T-BALL REGISTRATIONOPEN

River Vale children who are entering kindergarten in the fall are eligible to take part in River Valeʼs spring T-ball program.

The clinic runs Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m: April 29; May 6, 13, and 20; and June 3 and 10 (no session Memorial Day weekend) at Holdrum School field.

The cost to participate is $50

Clean-up Day April 22; bring home a tree, free!

per child. Registration is required and available online via River Valeʼs Community Pass system through April 7. Space is limited.

Want to enrich your child's experience? Become a coach. No baseball/softball experience is necessary. See the town website for more information, including requirements.

The Montvale Environmental Commission is hosting the Annual Montvale Clean-Up Day and celebrating Montvaleʼs Arbor Day and Nationwide Earth Day on themorning of Saturday, April 22.

Once again this year the Environmental Commission will be giving away shirts to the early arrivers. As a special treat for our environment, they are giving away seedlings as well.

Writes Bob Hanrahan, chair of the Montvale Environmental Commission, “Thatʼs right, early arriver residents who sign in will

receive at least one small deer resistant tree in recognition of Montvaleʼs Arbor Day.”

Arbor Day is when the Borough of Montvale encourages all residents to plant at least one tree in town. If a resident does not have an appropriate property to plant a tree, they can designate the tree to be planted on borough property, where the Environmental Commission is organzing the planting of additional trees.

Hanrahan says trees reduce erosion, which prevents water problems; reduce heating and

cooling costs; clean our air; produce oxygen; and are used to produce countless wood products.

Organizers encourage “anyone and everyone in the community to join at 9 a.m. All paticipants will receive gloves and garbage bags and be directed to a location in town to help cleanup.”

The event runs until noon, when all of the garbage is returned to the DPW building across the street from the Red Shed.

For more information visit montvale.org or call the Borough of Montvale at (201) 391-5700.

M. NIEDERAUER

Joan M. Niederauer ( née Oehler), 75, of Montvale, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

She was a graduate of River Dell High School and Eastern School for Physicianʼs Aides.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, William K. Niederauer; her daughter, Kristen Babb and her husband, Jason, and their children Kylie, Madison and Aiden of Montvale; and her son, William John Niederauer, and his wife, Lauren, and their children Elizabeth and Hailey of Allendale.

She is survived by her sisterin-law Yvonne Niederauer and nephews Kevin and Mike as well as many cousins.

Joanʼs career in the medical field spanned more than 30 years and she developed many great, cherished friendships along the way however, her number-one job was being a devoted and adoring Nana to her five grandchildren. She spent countless hours on the sidelines and in the stands cheering on her grandkids and many hours seated in the audience of school plays, concerts and dance recitals, loving every single minute. There was no greater joy for her than spending time with them and her pride in each of them was evident in every conversation she had about them.

She was always up on the latest technology to keep up with them and loved taking silly selfies and texting with them.

Joan loved travel. Some of her best times were spent with her children and grandchildren on their trips together to Walt Disney World. She loved rollercoasters and was up for anything. She and Bill took many great cruise vacations with their beloved friends JoAnn and Robert Drake and Diane and Ralph Meyer.

She also loved to give back to her community She was an active

and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was part of the Lutheran Womenʼs Missionary League, ran the church picnic and was a member of the church choir. She spent many years delivering worship services and holy communion to area nursing home residents. She taught herself to knit during Covid and made many hats, which she donated to various organizations.

Visitation Monday, March 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com.

Funeral service Tuesday, March 21 at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 155 Second St., Westwood. Interment in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

Sera ARMENTANO

Sera Armentano was named Serafina Vietri when born the first of three daughters to Joseph and Jennie Vietri in Harlem, N.Y. Her parents raised her and her sisters in The Bronx. Family, food and music were part of the fabric of their upbringing. Seraʼs father played the violin and sang beautifully but was never recognized professionally for his talent. Seraʼs love for opera, Broadway and the arts were instilled from his influence. Sera was never famous, but definitely touched all who knew her with her infectious personality. Holidays were filled with great Italian food, wine, and no shortage on laughter

Sera met the love of her life, Neil Armentano, at a dance at The Enchanted Room and their story together of 68 years may not have always been enchanted, but it was filled with dance! They loved to dance together, and did so for over 60 of those 68 years.

They married in 1955 and both worked very hard to create a good life for their daughter and

twin son and daughter. They were New Yorkers through and through and moved to Bergen County to be close to their three treasured grandchildren once their children settled here.

Following a 20-year career with the City University of New York, as an administrative professional, Sera retired in 1988.

She got her driverʼs license at 56, became avid at physical fitness, and joined the choir at her parish in Township of Washington when they settled there. She and Neil enjoyed 26 years as an active retired couple, travelling and socializing with family and friends.

They loved to dance, which was a secret to their connection, as they were in lockstep with each other as partners for well over a half century Neil was Seraʼs only dance partner in life. Sera loved people and her dimpled smile disarmed everyone.

Sera is predeceased by her husband, Neil (2020) and her daughter, Jeanette (2021); her sister, Louise (née Vietri) Guerriero. She is survived by her cherished children: daughter, Maria (née Armentano) Calamari; son Joseph Armentano; son-in-law Peter Calamari, and daughter-in-law, Francine (née Bruzzese) Armentano.

She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren: Michele (née Calamari) Van Kalsbeck, Kyle Van Kalsbeck, Christopher Armentano, Melissa (née Schielzo) Armentano, Coleen (née Calamari) Rabin, and Evan Rabin.

She is also survived by her sister, Jeanette (née Vietri) DeVivo.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Family and friends are being received on Thursday, March 23 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 668 Ridgewood Road, Washington Township at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 24. Entombment at Garden of Memories Cemetery and Mausoleum in Washington Township.

Christine RUTHERFORD

Christine Rutherford, 77, of Bellevue, Wash. died Feb. 17, 2023, of natural causes. Services will beheld in Westwood. Christine will be waked at Becker Funeral Home, 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday March 3. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrewʼs Catholic Church of Westwood at 11:30 a.m. on Friday March 3.

Born Christine Roth in River Vale on Feb, 27, 1945, she was the daughter of John and Eleanor Roth. Her sisters and brothers included Mary Roth Browne, John Kyran Roth, Regina Roth Susek, Damien Roth, and Joseph Roth. Christine graduated from St. Andrewʼs grammar school in Westwood, Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, and St. Johnʼs University in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Later in life, she earned a masterʼs degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

She was the beloved wife of Andrew Rutherford, of Westwood, until his death in 2002. They were married for 33 years. His career took their family to Illinois, Texas, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota. Together they raised three sons: Dr. Drew Rutherford, a chemistry professor at Concordia College in Minnesota; Dr. Robert Rutherford, a biology professor at Seattle University in Washington, and Dr Daniel Rutherford, and environmental engineer with the International Council on Clean Transportation in San Francisco, Calif.

Christineʼs beloved daughters in-law include Dr. Julie Rutherford, Liska Barker Rutherford, and Eiko Fujioka Rutherford. These woman blessed her with four grandchildren: Eliana Christine, Ross Andrew, Vivienne May, and Hannah.

Before her marriage, Christine worked as a group contract analyst with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Manhattan. After an 11-year stint as a stay-at-home mother, she re-entered the job mar-

ket as a copywriter at KMNS/KSEZ sister radio stations in Sioux City, Iowa. She won several “Addy” awards for her creative work in radio. Over the years, she also worked as a freelance journalist, ghostwriter, switchboard operator, ice cream dipper, government documents clerk, customer service representative at a real phone company, and as a word processor at Farm Credit Service during the farm crisis of the mid-1980s.

In 1988, Christine enrolled in library school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, obtaining her masterʼs degree in library science shortly before her 45th birthday She graduated second in her class and was inducted into Beta Phi Mu, an honorary professional society. Thanks were due to her husband for his urgings, encouragement, and for single-parenting three teenagers. Thereafter, she enjoyed a challenging and satisfying career in librarianship.

She was employed, 1991–2005, as reference and Internet services librarian at Northwest Iowa Library Services, serving 115 small rural libraries. Her work included fielding the most difficult reference and research questions, teaching continuing education, and consulting in the area of emerging electronic resources.

Each personʼs life has its challenges. As a college student, Christine commuted three hours, 45 minutes five days a week to St Johnʼs University in Brooklyn, N.Y. She traveled via car, train, ferry, subway and then on foot. She was on campus during the 1965 blackout. During the 1966 transit strike she walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to get to class.

As a mother, her challenges included bearing three sons in four years; then as teenagers moving them in a span of nine months between Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.

In the 1980s, she prevailed in a sexual discrimination lawsuit against an industry giant.

She survived the crushing grief of widowhood at age 56.

She traveled to Japan at age 58, and to Ireland at 61 and again at 62. She had fortitude.

Joan

MONTVALE

Fundraiser for beloved doctor, coach gaining ground

The online fundraiser for Harry Elia, DC, who started the Emerson Junior Wrestling program and coached Pascack Valley Junior Recreation wrestling and baseball, continues to receive love from Pascack Press readers.

Elizabeth Spaeth organized the fundraiser on behalf of Elia, pulling for him as he battles back

from polycystic kidney disease, related surgeries, and significant lost earnings.

At press time nearly $17,000 of a target $50,000 was raised at https://gofund.me/d5357f5d , under “Doctor Who Gave All to Patients in Dire Straights.”

Longtime friends and patients of Elia said he “has helped us and

our family members through countless health concerns. Because of his compassionate care, we and many others have been able to live healthy and happy lives with our loved ones versus lives filled with illness and injury. Now, Harry needs our help and we are reaching out to you to ask for you to consider contribut-

ing to this campaign.”

We featured the effort with a writeup on March 1. Spaeth posted March 5, “As Harry recuperates from hernia surgery, heʼs undergoing a series of medical tests prior to kidney transplant surgery. Thankfully, Harry has a live donor — this is truly a testament to Harryʼs generosity that it inspired

such a selfless act!”

Spaeth said, “A close friend of the Elia family informed me that Harry will be unable to work for at least six months after kidney transplant surgery. Every donation is deeply appreciated by Harry, his loved ones, and all his patients to whom he has given his all.” Staff report

CROSSING GUARD P/T

BORO OF EMERSON. The Borough of Emerson, Bergen County, NJ has an opening for a P/T Crossing Guard. Experience preferred but will train. Background check required. Approximately 10 hours per week. Apply at Borough Hall, Police Department, 146 Linwood Avenue, Emerson. EOE.

date will have the ability to work a varying schedule.

Primary responsibility of this position is inventory management for landscape & holiday decorating materials. Attention to detail, the ability to follow processes & procedures & organizational skills are critical qualities. Ability to operate small to mid-size trucks required, as is a drivers license. Additional responsibilities include facility maintenance, picking up materials & possibly additional responsibilities such as equipment maintenance as the position grows. Hours & requirements of this position will fluctuate throughout the year. The busiest times will be during our holiday decorating season of Oct. thru Jan., when hours will be up to 40/week working Mon. thru Fri. From Feb. thru Sept., hours will vary from 8 to 24 hours per week. Call 844-642-9627 for more details.

PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN. PEST CONTROLHELPER. GREATPAYAND BENEFITS. CALL201-6643933.

Kitchen Cabinet installers helper. Must have basic knowledge of tools. Valid drivers license. Ken Bauer Kitchens, Hillsdale NJ (201)664-6881.

SERVICES - CLEANING

Cleaning business that values honesty and integrity with many years exp. Competitively priced with close attention to detail. Ref. Avail. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Call or text Analu for free estimate. 973-474-7383

THEUPS STORE is now accepting applications. Join our team today! Email your resume to store1588@theupsstore.com.

Live-in housekeeper, private room with full bath, light housekeeping. Call (201) 960-7707.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT– HILLSDALE BOROUGH (BERGEN COUNTY)

The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking a part-time administrative professional with experience in providing administrative support in the Municipal Clerk’s Office. This position is part-time and not to exceed 20 hours per week. The candidate must be able to work independently, take initiative, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Must be able to work well with residents, co-workers and elected officials. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required. Salary is dependent upon qualifications, however this is an entry level position. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview qualified candidates prior to the deadline. Email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk, at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by March 31, 2023.

1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck. 185,000 miles with 15k on new 350 v8 motor. $6,300. Hillsdale (201) 783-0353.

Harrington Park - Small apartment. 1 br. with garage. $1,200 per month. Call (201)7393561 for more information.

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