Pascack Press 6.19.23

Rockin’ reads

TO A STRANGER, THE GIFT OF LIFE

Kidney donor Alyssa Dawson says too many are waiting

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

ALYSSA DAWSON, inrecovery, wrote well-wishers

“On May 15, I donated my left kidney. Three weeks later and my post-op test results were great. I wish I had more kidneys to donate because I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

PAGE 12

BOROUGH SEEKS $12M AIDON MILL POND DREDGE

Mayor Misciagna says Sen. Schepisi put in a state budget request; heʼd be happy to get matching funds; historic pond last dredged circa 1979

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Borough officials have requested both federal and state funding — up to $12 million — to help subsidize the escalating cost of dredging historic Mill Pond, home to the townʼs first hydroelectric plant, constructed in the early 20th century.

Last week, officials learned

See BOROUGH on page 6

Dawson, who answered a strangerʼs call for help after Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo signal-boosted her appeal on his official Facebook page, says the donation process started in February, “just a few months after my Grandma passed away. While only the Lord knows what really led to the fast decline in her final days, the ultimate cause of her death according to her death certificate was renal failure.”

Dawson, who had lived with her grandmother for the past four years, said, “Watching my Grandma as her kidneys gave out at the very end was really quite traumatic — her body retaining fluid, her skin discolored. And now, I had the opportunity to potentially prevent someone else from having to suffer like that. It was almost like my Grandma was giving me a sign when I stumbled upon a strangerʼs desperate plea for a kidney donor on Facebook.”

She said, “Yet still, even upon filling out the screening form for the Living Donor Pro-

Law student, Senatorial chief of staff, and former Westwood councilwoman Alyssa Dawson donated her left kidney to someone in need in the borough on May 15. With her is Dr. Ravi Munver. Courtesy photo

gram at HUMC, I did not know what would come of it. Then came the tests… blood tests, urine samples, CAT scan, EKG, and more blood tests. And then on March 3 I received a call saying that I was a match for the recipient.”

“In that moment, says Daw-

STATE CHAMPS

HILLSDALE

‘SIPPY POO’ BARBECUE CORRALS BIGBUCKS FOR FISHER HOUSE

Estimated 500 turn out to Demarest Farms for Scotty Macʼs Texas-sized thanks for vetsʼservice

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Scott McDowell, born and raised in Hillsdale and now living in Woodcliff Lake, has for the past several years been running a barbecue for Fisher House Foundation, which builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.

These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. “Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room, and an inviting living room.”

son, “I knew that it was meant to be — that somehow God was calling me to do this.”

And she said sheʼs alarmed by the statistics showing the gulf between those who need kidney donations and organs that are available, from live donors or

Continued on page 34

And fortunately for the organization, McDowellʼs party, hosted at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and attended this year by an estimated 500 welling from within and beyond his thousands-strong community on Facebook — Scotty Macʼs Sippy Poo &BBQ for the Veterans — has been the largest See BBQ on page 17

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

And just like that, Montvale’s Pascack Hills Broncos dominate their way to their third Group 2 championship in five seasons. PAGE 16

Hillsdale Public School graduated 28 eighthgraders in June 1935. Their principal was George G. White. Kristin Beuscher, president of Pascack Historical Society, reports.

4

Hillsdale’s Shane Svorec marks success with indie book awards.

PARK RIDGE

Wants different kind of change

To the editor:

PASCACK PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OECD says the United States is rated 34th in math and 24th in science!

Here is a good example of our faltering education. My sister-inlaw went to a Rite Aid in the area

to buy some Peeps. The price is usually $1.49 each, but they were on sale after Easter for 90% off. She brought her on-sale Peeps to the counter, where two young men used a calculator to determine the cost. They came up with 40 cents! She looked at them and said that doesnʼt make sense. They should be 14.9 cents or [rounded up to] 15 cents because of the 9. Holy crow! Why couldnʼt they figure to move the decimal point one space!

As a former teacher and [a] taxpayer, I am appalled! We need to attend to our important subjects and learning, not anxiety over a few studentsʼsexuality! Parents want their children edu-

cated! The definition of pride is ego and hubris! Letʼs have signs in our schools that say “Learn to think” or “Be humble and honest!”

Elizabeth Gheno Westwood

Pizzella: Thanks for your vote

To the editor:

IWOULDLIKETO thank Hillsdale residents for their support in the Primary Election. We have

LLC

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.

much work to do before the General Election. Together we will spread our message and galvanize the support we need to be successful in November 2023.

Frank Pizzella Hillsdale Candidate for mayor

Cheers to OLMC community

To the editor: W EAREVERY proud of Rev. Vincent DʼAgostino, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge, and his parochial vicar, Rev. Johann Betancourt. On the day of the feast of Corpus Christi, Latin for the Body of Christ, they led a Eucharistic procession from the church to downtown Park Ridge to participate in an inspiring Eucharistic prayer service. They were joined along the route, and at the service, by a large number of peaceful, joyful parishioners. What a wonderful expression of religious unity at this event on a beautiful June afternoon.

Carol and Arthur Lavis Montvale

BEFOREANYAPPEAL, ZBA MEMORIALIZESMALLDENIAL, JUNE 20

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will vote on a resolution of denial at its June 20, 7:30 p.m. m eeting that memorializes its rejection of a proposed Four Seasons Marketplaceʼs 17,100square-foot retail plaza at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue.

After six hearings over seven months, with a monthslong delay while the applicant answered review comments about its traffic impact study, Zoning Board members voted, 6-1, on May 16 to reject the application for a twobuilding mini-mall on one of the

townshipʼs busiest corners.

Following the vote, no public comments were made by Zoning Board members.

A pplicant attorney Bruce Whitaker told Pascack Press then that the applicant, 660 Pascack Realty LLC, was “disappointed w ith the decision” and was “weighing its options.” He said that his client believed it had “met our burden of proof” under New Jerseyʼs Municipal Land Use Law.

Contacted about the upcoming June 20 meeting, Whitaker said he had no comment as there was not a resolution of denial yet to comment on. Whitaker has not indicated whether his client plans

to appeal the decision or pursue another option.

Following the decision, Pascack Press reached out to nearby neighbors, including many who strongly opposed the retail development. Most said they could not see any benefits from putting a small shopping plaza at the newly expanded and improved intersection.

Bergen County paid for most of the improvements, while the township purchased property easements to allow expansion.

B oswell Engineering, the township engineer, reviewed the applicant traffic consultantʼs s tudy and found 15 concerns, which were addressed by the con-

Nico Savino sworn in as officer in the U.S. Armed Forces

Congratulation to Nico Savino of Emerson, one of the members of The Citadelʼs Class of 2023 who accepted a commission into the Army.

At a joint commissioning ceremony on Friday, May 5, approximately 30% of the Class of 2023 accepted commissions into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force. This yearʼs joint ceremony was held in McAlister Field House.

The ceremony included the now-officers reciting their oath, as well as having gold bars pinned on their uniforms by their sponsors.

Following the ceremony, the commissionees gathered on Summerall Field, where they received their first salutes as officers.

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, offers rigorous academic programs through its 16 academic depart-

ments that are organized into five schools. One of the newest departments is The Citadel Department of Intelligence and Security Studies, which is also becoming one of the most popular programs over-

all.

Savino graduated EHS in 2019 as a top student-athlete, impressing in baseball and football and in the classroom.

sultant, who did additional traffic counts and accessed historical traffic data before a final traffic presentation on May 16.

Applicant 660 Pascack Realty LLC, majority-owned by Seasons Catering principal owner James Kourgelis, applied in October 2022 for a use variance on the 2.4-acre site to construct a commercial shopping plaza with two buildings and up to 11 shops,

including a restaurant, on land zoned for single-family homes.

Three of five homes on the site have sat vacant and deteriorating for over a decade, marked by large “X” signs on entryways to indicate that they are not safe to enter. The homes were recently cited as “nuisances” under the townshipʼs property code, as were a half-dozen more properties.

EMERSON

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, offers rigorous academic programs through its 16 academic departments that are organized into five schools. The Citadel photo.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Thousands of NJ law enforcement personnel, including from the Pascack Valley, run to support Special Olympics every year. Zoltán Horváth photo.

Moving 40th anniversary of NJ Law Enforcement Torch Run

PASCACKVALLEY

2023 marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run, with this yearʼs run on Friday, June 9 carrying the “Flame of Hope” through Ramsey, Hillsdale, and New Milford, continuing to spreading awareness for Special Olympics New

Hillsdale kids of 1935 onward,

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS HILLSDALE

HILLSDALEʼSEIGHTH-GRADE graduating class numbered 28 when this commencement photo was snapped in June 1935.

The kids attended what was then called the Hillsdale Public School. Located at Hillsdale and Magnolia avenues, this facility for kindergarten through eighth grade was the only school in town. Their principal was Mr. George G. White, for whom the school would be named years later.

The graduation ceremony took place on June 19, 1935. The speaker was Mr. Clair S. Wightman, supervisor of practice teaching at

Red Cloud, chief of the Oglala Sioux, wears a wampum breastplate in this photograph dated to 1880.

In the 19th century, many residents of Bergen County were craft workers in a cottage industry of producing Native American shell beads. Park Ridge features prominently.

The former Hillsdale Public School, now George G. White Middle School, is 100 years old and due for replacement, says the school district. A related bond referendum this year failed.

upward

the New Jersey State Normal School in Paterson. That school, which at the time exclusively trained teachers, is now William Paterson University.

A few days before commencement the Hillsdale Parent Teacher Association threw a party at the school for the graduates. With tables set in the class colors of green and white, the kids enjoyed games, danced to the radio, sang songs, and one student played solos on the harmonica. There was cake and ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Each graduate left with a souvenir: a fancy fountain pen.

It would be 20 more years before Hillsdale had a high school in town. These kids were off to Park Ridge High School in September

Dive deeper on local wampum

He packed the house: Dr. Eric Johnson returns to Pascack Historical Society on Sunday, June 25

Back by popular demand, Dr. Eric Johnson returns to the Pascack Historical Society on Sunday, June 25 with part two of his lecture series on wampum making in Bergen County.

The program is at 2 p.m. in the museumʼs lecture hall, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. Admission is $5 at the door (cash only) for the general public. The lecture is free for Pascack Historical Society members and students. In the 19th century, many residents

of Bergen County were craft workers in a cottage industry of producing Native American shell beads, including wampum and hair pipes. One family went on to found the famous Campbell Wampum Factory in Park Ridge. Johnsonʼs first lecture covering this topic is available to watch on YouTube via the channel “PKRG-TV on Demand.” He delivered a fascinating

See WAMPUM on page 8

Hillsdale Public School graduated28 eighth-graders in June 1935. Their principal was George G. White.

SWEET! 50+CLUB MEETS JUNE 22

Hillsdale 50+ Clubʼs final meeting for the summer is an ice cream social, Thursday, June 22. Come and see friends! The club next meets Sept. 14.

Weʼre told there are trips planned: “We have a bus ride to Hanover Manor on Aug. 9. This includes a delicious lunch, a show featuring the music of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and dancing for all. Members $60/others $63.”

Another trip planned is for Sept. 11: “A full day trip to Villa Roma Resort in the Catskills, including a wonderful snack when we arrive, a delicious lunch, lots of activities, a wonderful show, and returning home 5:30 to 6 p.m. Members $63/others $66.”

Cut-off for both trips is July

Street fair turnout dazzles, delights

Were you at the Montvale Chamber of Commerce Montvale Street Fair Sunday, June 11, on Paragon Drive?

If so, you were in excellent company. Organizers tell Pascack Press more than 25,000 people showed up througout the day, exceeding expectations.

Wegmans Food Market was title sponsor, along with many other local businesses.

Paragon Drive has been a perfect setting for the annual fair. The tree-lined street is transformed, with more than 100 vendors featuring antiques and crafts from all over New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; rides; amusements; music; and exceptional food vendors.

10. For more information contact Evelyn at (201) 666-7675 or epachner157@gmail.com.

RIVER VALE FRIENDSHIP CLUBMEETINGS

The River Vale Senior Friendship Club has two upcoming members-only meetings:

• June 21 for a barbecue luncheon sponsored by the River Vale Police Department.

• The May 31 trip to Resorts Catskills Casino is sold out.

Heads up: Aug. 21–23 brings a three-day/two-night trip

to Lancaster, Penn., $470 per person, includes tickets to “Moses”; round-trip transportation; lodging; two breakfasts; two dinners; a guided tour; taxes; and meal and bus driver gratuity. Reservations must be made ASAP. Deposit received no later than June 10. For information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

Borough: Misciagna would seek referendum on dredge

that State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-39) said she had submitted a $12 million state budget request for the borough to conduct a d redging of Mill Pond, also known as Electric Lake.

M ayor Keith Misciagna said he hoped d redging the pond, a body of water used mainly for recreation, including fishing, could begin in 2024. “If need be, I am willing to include a referendum this November to get public input and support for the project. This is a project that I fully endorse getting done as soon as possible.”

Miscianga is running for reelection. He faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Liza M. Falato-Lau.

Schepisi, a Republican from River Vale, is counsel to the Park Ridge utility board (the utility has nothing to do with the dredg-

ing of the pond.) Sheʼs running for re-election to the Senate, facing Democratic challenger Jodi Murphy, a former Westwood councilmember.

Miscianga told Pascack Press, “The council chose not to put any funding in the budget this year. As you know, the mayor unfortunately does not get to vote on the townʼs budget.”

In an email message to resi-

dents, Misciagna said, “Earlier this year we submitted our application requesting funds from Congressman [Josh] Gottheimerʼs [D-5] office to potentially obtain funds for the dredging of Electric Lake by applying for the FY 2024 Community Project Funding Request. We also put in a budget request to our state senator, Holly Schepisi, requesting $12,000,000 for our dredging project.”

He said officials were not sure funding would be included in the state budget despite the

request. He said the last time Mill Pond was dredged was approximately 1979.

“The proposed project will have the dual benefit of reducing the sediment and debris that is polluting the pond to improve w ater quality and allow for wildlife to flourish, restoring the pond as a prime location for recreational trips and fishing.

The request includes the construction costs, permit fee costs and anticipated design/construction management costs, which encompasses the entire project

c osts. We look forward to working with everyone on obtaining the necessary funding to complete the project,” emailed the mayor.

“We have been investing in previous years to get some engin eering, testing and planning done so the project is now considered shovel-ready for grant and funding purposes. Ideally we can obtain state funding. Even matching funding would be extremely helpful as I believe this project is long overdue,” Misciagna told Pascack Press.

He added, “If and when the funding becomes available the project is estimated to take approximately one year. The silt must be dredged and dried before being transported. Preliminary estimates are approximately 2,000 truckloads to be removed,” he told us.

Misciagna noted earlier this year, Gottheimer was instrumental in “clawing back” [from what Gottheimer calls ʻmoocher statesʼ] $3.4 million in federal funds for the borough water treatment facility.

“This (was) the largest federal allotment to Park Ridge ever and will insure our water supply is safe for generations to come. We are grateful for the help,” Misciagna emailed residents.

Officials said Mill Pond has a rich history within Park Ridge. It originally served as the home to a hydroelectric plant constructed in 1906, allowing the borough to be the first town in Bergen County to generate its own electricity, and later to expand more rapidly to nearby towns.

In 1926, the water turbine at Mill Pond was serviced to turn a water pump located in a well drilled onsite.

In 1928, however, the water turbine was retired and an electric motor was installed to perform pumping operations. Since then the lake has been used only for recreational purposes such as fishing and non-power boating, officials noted.

Editorʼs note: We have received letters to the editor, including from local scouts, urging action on the issue.

SCHEPISI

Rep.Josh Gottheimer (D-5) with Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna and local leaders at the Park Ridge Water Supply on April 26,2022. Photo via Chris D’Aloia | Josh Gottheimer’s press secretary.

Mill Pondserved as the home to a hydroelectric plant constructed in 1906, allowing the borough to be the first town in Bergen County to generate its own electricity. File

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Wampum:

FROM PAGE 4

account of this early industry to a standing-room-only crowd at the museum back in February.

On June 25 he returns to continue the story of the shell beads that put Park Ridge on the map. He will follow wampum and hair pipes from Pascack Valley workshops to the American government, fur traders, and eventually into the hands of Native Americans from the Midwest to the Great Plains. He will explore the role of Jersey-made beads in two major conflicts over land in the 19th century: the War of 1812

and the Battle of Greasy Grass (or Battle of Little Bighorn). Here, shell beads were central to frontier economies, tactics of American colonialism, panIndigenous identity, and Native resistance to colonialism.

Either before or after the program, guests are encoura ged to view the museumʼs exhibit on the local wampum industry. Filled with wampummaking tools, examples of the beads, documents, and information on the mill and Campb ell family, the exhibit will help bring Dr. Johnsonʼs presentation to life.

For more information, visit p ascackhistoricalsociety.org and follow the museum on Facebook.

Joan’s Joy final annual yard sale June 24

After 17 years holding one of its most prominent community fundraisers, the Joanʼs Joy Foundation host its last yard sale on Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 45 Florence St. home office of the foundation.

Rain date is June 25. At least 13 long tables will be piled with jewelry, home decor, electronics, kitchenware, and toys, and thereʼll be racks of clothes.

Proceeds support a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure for local underprivileged children, and help orphaned children of Ukraine.

Pre-orders will be taken for the book “The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness,” by Rosemarie Birri DʼAlessandro, which will be available to see in prototype form.

Weʼre told “The book includes 325 letters by Joanʼs

Moving:

Jersey.

River Vale,NJ

One key sponsor was Inserra ShopRite.

Participating officers, known as “Guardians of the Flame,” showed that the Flame of Hope is aliveand well for years to come in the Garden State.

Organizers said more than 3,000 officers took to the streets of their local communities, split up into 26 separate legs with some starting as early as 4:45 a.m., and run to raise awareness for Special Olympics New

murderer to a pen pal and will leave the reader spellbound by the intrigue and the parallel story of the events in Rosemarieʼs life which will inspire.”

Rosemarie tells Pascack Press, “We canʼt thank everyone enough who participated in the

Jersey.

The Annual Torch Run preceded Special Olympics New Jerseyʼs Summer Games at The College of New Jersey campus, June 9–11.

Hereʼs the runʼs history:

In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games.

In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from

17 yard sales. The memories with stay with us.”

Related: “Joanʼs Joy marks 50th with vigil, festival, and a new book,” Pascack Press, June 12, 2023.

To donate or for more information visit joansjoy.org —Staff report

Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000.

In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially.

Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $2 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted yearround in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few.

In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities.

P Pa

assccaacck k

P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements an event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net

Left:Rosemarie Birri D’Alessandro with butterfly at a Joan’s Joy event. Credit Zoltan Horvath Right: Art shipping with Rosemarie’s new book,“The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness,” illustration Antoinette Martin.

FROM PAGE 4

Julian Robles soars far on intensive research project

Julian Robles, a member of the class of 2023 majoring in Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Mass., recently completed a senior thesis that is required of all graduating seniors as part of the universityʼs distinctive project-based educational experience.

The project, “Micro-Aircraft Design for 2023 AIAA DBF Competition,” was Julianʼs Major Qualifying Project (MQP), one that is usually team-based and often focuses on very specific issues or needs of an organization that has partnered with the university to sponsor the studentʼs work.

“Itʼs inspiring to see the creativity and skills that our students bring to these projects, as well as the professionalism with which they present their research,” said

Arne Gericke, interim dean of undergraduate studies and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.

He added, “Their experience managing a major project like this-including identifying a problem and researching all of the implications and possible solutions while also managing team dynamics over an extended period of several months-sets them up well for success not only in their first jobs after graduation but throughout their careers.”

A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, project-based learning offers students the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to real problems that affect the quality of peopleʼs lives-an experience that changes the student and their world.

In addition to providing tangible work experience that proves valuable to employers, MQPs often lead to publications in peerreviewed journals, presentations at regional and national conferences, patents, and entrepreneurial ventures. Others become useful innovations and products for their corporate sponsors.

Julian, who also wrestles for WPI, said on his LinkedIn he was looking forward to competing for a summer internship/co-op opportunity prior to beginning his MS degree in aerospace engineering.

He said, “I have worked hard over the years to be ahead of my curriculum to the point where I am graced with the opportunity to be able to complete both aeronautical and astronautical tracts here at Worcester Polytechnic Institute as opposed to just one of them.”

He said he would be completing his graduate level math requirements his second semester of his senior year, along with a minor in electrical and computer engineering.”

Salt water anglers meet June 20

New Jersey has one the best artificial reef programs in the country, providing excellent fishing oportunties for saltwater anglers. New Jersey DEP program coordinator Peter Clarke will present on this program at the June 20, 7:30 p.m. meeting of the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County.

The public is invited to attend. The meeting is at American Legion Post #170, 33 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Non-members are asked to contribute $5 to attend. The fee provides for a ticket on a raffle for fishing prizes and can be applied to a new club membership.

For more information call member Chuck Santoro at (201) 788-2460 or visit swabc.org

JULIAN ROBLES/LINKEDIN

PASCACK VALLEY

Council OKs $211 average tax bump; levy up 3.1%

An average homeowner will pay an additional $211 annual municipal tax increase under the boroughʼs $15.7 million budget adopted June 12, which increased 3.1% over last yearʼs local tax levy.

Borough Council approved the budget 6-0 following the June 12 public hearing. The budget was introduced on May 9. Average annual tax impacts were disclosed publicly in the auditorʼs presentation before the council vote. The

budget was posted online following its May introduction.

According to a budget presentation, the average borough home — estimated at $857,184will pay $4,391 in municipal taxes next year.

Last yearʼs budget cost the average home — estimated at $793,230 — $4,180 in municipal property taxes.

Although the municipal budget was up 5.1% to $15,696,161 from $14,936,170

last year, only approximately 75% of the budget comes from local property taxes, officials said.

The remaining 25% of revenues funding local government approximately include: an 11% anticipated fund balance; 8% from local revenue; 4% from state aid; 1% from delinquent tax receipts; and 1% from grants.

The 2023–2024 municipal tax levy approved was $11,764,819, which was an increase of $355,989 over last yearʼs levy of

$11,408,830, or a 3.1% increase.

Nearly 70% of the budget includes municipal employeesʼ salaries and wages, plus other expenses such as “employee benefits, insurance, legal, audit, engineering, utilities, facility costs, celebratory events, etc.,” stated a presentation by Auditor Paul

Lerch, of Lerch, Vinci & Bliss, LLP, Fair Lawn.

A graphic breakdown of a typical tax dollar showed 66 cents goes to local/regional schools, 24 cents goes for municipal expenses/services, and 10 cents goes to Bergen County.

—Michael Olohan

Local author writes her way to success

Shane Svorecʼs books made the cut in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Among the best 2023 indie books, “Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces” and “The Busy Bridge That Got Its Break” were chosen as finalists in several nonfiction categories.

Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest international book awards program for independent publishers and selfpublished authors. Judged by indie book publishing industry leaders, including many with long careers at major publishing houses, this is the 16th year of this award program.

Svorec and other finalists will be honored Friday, June 23 at a gala event at the Newberry Library in Chicago, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference.

Svorec is an award-winning author whose e xpressiv e and empathetic storytelling abilities promote positivity and personal reflection. With a sense of whimsy and wonder, her stories are heartw arming and touch readers of all ages.

She resides in Hillsdale with her husband, three chil-

dren, a rescue dog, and chickens. She is a mental health advocate and crisis intervention worker. Her humanitarian efforts span man y or g anizations, and her readers feel the pursuit of truth, understanding, and compassion in her writing.

For more information visit shanesvorec.com

HILLSDALE

Hillsdale author Shane Svorec’s books made the cut in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Blessing of the Animals at CLC June 25

Christ Lutheran Church invites all to its annual summer celebration “as we bless the special pets in our lives!”

The event is Sunday, June 25 at 10 a.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 32 Pascack Road. Worship is in the sanctuary. When you park in the main lot (entrance via Church Road), look for the large doors under the cross. All animals (and their humans) are welcome.

Pastor Marc A. Stutzel says, “We know our pets are more than just pets. They are members of our families. Weʼll honor the special grace God has given us through the amazing cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish in our lives.”

If your pet is unable to attend or is not comfortable in crowds, bring a photo (“a picture on your smartphone works great”) and

B lessed are the pups.

Pastor Marc A. Stutzel and a very good pooch in 2018.

Stutzel will offer a blessing.

Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) serves Woodcliff Lake and Northern Bergen County. Since 1959, CLC continues to feed the faith and body of the wider community

A congregation of the Evan-

Pastor Marc A.Stutzel

Christ Lutheran Church

gelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), its 335 members “share Christʼs love wherever we can. During the summer, worship is in our sanctuary and livestreamed on our website at 10 a.m. Find us on Facebook or Instagram.” Call the church office at (201) 391-4224, email clc4u2@verizon.net, or visit clc4u.com

HILLSDALE HELPING HILLSDALE

Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help residents maintain their quality of life and personal dignity by providing food and financial assistance during times of unexpected hardship. These hardships occur throughout the

year, not just around the holidays.

Donations can be sent to Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale, P.O. Box 1, Hillsdale NJ 07642. Donations are tax deductible and donors mailing checks will receive receipts via return mail.

Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale

chairperson Colette Killian adds, “Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale would welcome an opportunity to work with your organization to help residents in need.”

For more information visit hillsdalehelpinghillsdale.org/home or write hillsdalehelps@gmail.com

“We’ll honor the special g race God has given us through the amazing cats,dogs,hamsters, rabbits,guinea pigs,and fish in our lives.”

Registration open for Safety Township, ages 5–6

Together we create a safer community. With this mission in mind, the Township of Washington Municipal Alliance and Township of Washington Police Department are pleased to present a educational and engaging program for Township children ages 5–6.

Safety Township is designed to teach awareness and accident prevention skills while introducing the children to their local first responders and community helpers.

Children will learn from the experts in a fun and interactive way.

Each week the children will be introduced to a new branch of the Township – EMS, Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Library.

Learning skills such as basic first aid, bike safety, safety in a public building, and fire safety the attendees will practice how to pre-

pare and react to emergencies and go home to share their lessons with family and friends. They will tour police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances; build a first aid kit; learn bike safety skills; and learn important lessons such as stranger danger.

At the end of each class kids will go home with an activity book pertaining to that days lesson that they can work on with their family to better personalize and reinforce their safety plans and actions.

Classes are on Saturdays, July 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required and is limited to Township residents. Registration opens June 5. Register online from the WTPD or Municipal Alliance Facebook pages, or library website, TwpofWashingtonPL.org or call (201) 664-4586.

Club News?

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

LIBRARYHIGHLIGHTSOFTHEWEEK: TOWNSHIPOF WASHINGTON

Township of Washington Public Library

1 44 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586

twpofwashingtonpl.org

• Tuesday, June 20: S tory Time at 10 a.m. 2–5 years. S ongs, movement, and stories. Please register.

• Wednesday, June 21: Movie Matinee at 1 p.m. At 6 p.m.: Field Station Dinosaur p uppets and artifacts from amazing shows. Please register.

• Thursday, June 22: Chair Yoga at 9:45 and 11 a.m. Please register. At 6 p.m.: Social Stitching. Knit, crochet, and mingle with other c rafters. Social sessions are for those who already know how to knit or crochet — no lessons taught.

•Friday, June 23: Friday Friends at 10 a.m. Through 2 years. Stories, songs, and rhymes plus social playtime. Please register. At 1 p.m.: Adult Coloring & Craft Group. Coloring supplies

RIVER VALE

Adult coloring brings relaxation and cool art! Try your hand at it this Thursday at 1 p.m. at the public library.

will be provided or you can bring your own craft project to work on. Refreshments will be served. At 3 p.m.: Summer Reading Kick Off , ages 4 and up. Sign up for Summer Reading and help decorate the Childrenʼs Room. At 3:30 p.m.: Housel Fitness is here for Teamwork Dreamwork This interactive read-aloud program has children up and moving while being entertained by

great books. Kids will enjoy snippets of well-loved stories f ollowed by an “all together now” related activity, game or dance. Please register.

•Saturday, June 24: Mat Yoga at 10:30 a.m. Open to all levels of practice. Bring your own mat and any props you may need, such as blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. Drop in.

Seniors’ BBQ, Hudson River cruise

The River Vale Sr. Friendship Clubʼs annual summer BBQ, hosted by the River Vale Police Department, will be held on June 21 this year. This is a members only luncheon. Doors open at noon.

Aug. 22 brings a two-hour

luncheon cruise along the Hudson River, aboard the Luxury Bateaux glass boat in New York City, plus a visit to either Chelsea Market or Hudson Yards, where you might do a little shopping, or just take a walk on the High Line.

Reservations for this trip

must be made ASAP. Cost is $95 for members and $98 for nonmembers.

The Lancaster trip is cancelled over lack of interest. For more information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

Ask the Dentist: Plan before you plan to have a dental implant

The general public has gotten used to seeing advertisements and various information about dental implants.

An interesting fact is that many people do not understand that an implant is not a tooth. An implant is actually an anchor for a tooth or teeth. People think they want and need implants, but what they really want are teeth. In much the same way people want a house to live in, but they are not as excited about having a concrete foundation.

Why do I make this point?

For several reasons:

1. As more people understand this important concept, it makes our job as dentists easier.

2. Most importantly patients need to understand that if they decide to go though the implant process, they should begin with the end result in mind. Just like the process of building a house, the final plans should be completed before the actual building process begins .

In planning an implant case, the final plan or in many cases variety of plan options should be “engineered” and be presented by the restoring dentist who will be responsible for putting teeth on those implants. Patients may or may not have an idea about what they want their final case to be.

In some cases, the implant sur-

Sunny seniors at Hillsdale House

geon and restoring doctor may be the same, in many cases there will be one doctor who places the implant (or anchor) and another doctor who is responsible for fabricating the tooth or teeth on the implant anchor or anchors.

It is very important to know what the final case will look like before the implants are installed because the position, size, number and angulations of implants will vary from case to case and from individual to individual. The type of implant and implant design may vary from case to case and the type of foundation need in terms of bone volume and dentistry can affect both the planning and outcome of a case.

For these reasons, it is in the best interest of the patient to be evaluated prior to the placement of an implant or implants to plan the final case before it begins.

Once implants are surgically placed, and some time has passed, it is very difficult to remove or change the position of the implants without causing potential problems.

Hopefully this information will be helpful to those who are thinking about dental implants. Maybe it would be less confusing for dental implants to be called dental anchors, so that people would understand that an implant is not a tooth.

For questions about this and other dental procedures contact Dr Guller at askdrguller@aol.com or call (201) 391-5565.

CLUB NEWS?

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

Homestay hosts for international professionals needed in the Pascack Valley area

Compensation: $700 per week for 3 - 6 weeks

Requirements: Provide temporary accomodation in a clean home; have breakfast food available 7 days per week and a sit-down dinner 3 nights per week. An appreciation of travel and other cultures is ideal.

These English-speaking guests work for a Big 4 accounting firm. They will be enrolled in an all-day training course in Westwood 5 days per week to enhance their English communication skills and learn about American culture. Their approximate ages run 25 - 35. They often spend their weekends exploring NYC and other cities.

This is an easy way to make money and have an enjoyable cultural experience. If interested in being a host, please email Kathleen Ann Whalen at kwhalen@mothertonguecoach.com.

Public Health Nurse Lois Kohan, R.N., Hillsdale Board of Health, reports the Sundial Garden Club in Hillsdale visited the Hillsdale House on June 8 to deliver joy to the seniors. They brought plants for all, showed off garden herbs, provided refreshments, socialized, and broke out childrenʼs bubbles, which — how could one not — they thoroughly enjoyed. “It was a delightful evening for some lonely residents,” she says.

(See also:“Exercise Fun Speaks For Itself at Hillsdale House,” Pascack Press, Sept. 4, 2021.)

— John Snyder

The Sundial Garden Club brings spring joy to Hillsdale House,where the indefatigable Lois Kohan is on the job.

PH, PV, district students, staff, faculty honored

With graduation this week, the Pascack Valley Regional High School board of education recognized a passel of people at its June 5 meeting. Congratulations to:

Teachers of the Year

Michael Sherman — PV, video production

Lorrie Sandhage — PH, physical education and health

Education Services

Professionals of the Year

Goes to a member of each school who is not a teacher in the classroom but is vital to working with students.

Enrico (Rick) Attanasio — PV school psychologist

Marissa Watters — PH learning disability teacher consultant

Outstanding Support Staff

Member of the Year

Lauren Bielan — district, general secretary to the districtʼs supervisors of instruction

Antonieta Attong PV custodian

Ellen Doyle — PH special education paraprofessional

Appreciation to Student Representatives to the Board of Edu-

cation

Isabella Velez PV

Olivia Ge PH

Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Awards

Recognizes high school juniors who exhibit exceptional performance and potential in the areas of academics, athletics, community services, good citizenship and leadership.

Samantha Freed — PH

Toluwani Bosede — PV

Martin Luther King Jr. Certificate of Merit

Given to high school senior students from Bergen County public and private high schools whose academic achievement and community service best exemplifies the ideals of Dr. King

Kareena Shah, senior — PV

Bergen County Junior Commission on the Status of Women

Meets monthly to study issues affecting women in Bergen County—such as domestic violence, cyberbullying, healthy relationship awareness, childcare and women in the workforce—and takes on a public service project

over the course of the year

Kareena Shah, senior — PV

2023–204 All-State Jazz Ensemble and 2023-2024 All-State

Treble Choir

Ming-Lang Qin, a junior at Pascack Valley, has been selected to third chair trombone for the Jazz Ensemble

Eva Friedman, a freshman at PH, and Ashlyn Choi, a freshman at PV, were selected to the 2023–2024 Treble Choir

2023–2024 All-State Mixed Choir

Students from both schools were selected to this special choir

Reina Aliko – PH

Camilla Ambrocio – PH

Colin Barry – PH

Elijah Chen – PH

Nicole Choi – PV

Hadyn Hopper – PH

Joohee Yoon – PV

2023 Crystal Pillar Award for Outstanding High School Magazine

The following students from Pascack Valley High School who produce PVTV — Pascack Valleyʼs award-winning high school news show — were nominated. This award is sponsored by the MidAtlantic Emmy Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which is composed of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia.

Nshan Atakhanian

Ryan Campbell

Daniel DeGruccio

Zachary Gasperino

Blake Goldstein

Hunter Hein

Paul Santo

Anthony Sileo

Mark Welter

Advisor Michael Sherman

2023 Crystal Pillar Award

Nominated for Best Editor

Zachary Gasperino, PV senior

The Coccia Foundation Italian Studies Student Award

The following students are the recipients of this yearʼs Coccia Foundation Italian Studies Student Award. The Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute at Montclair State University recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary performance in their study of the Italian language. The awards are made possible through a generous grant from The Paragano Family Foundation.

Giuliana Balboni – PH

Madeleine Bell – PH

Abigail Comer – PV

Llaoly Coplin – PV

Ava DeFazio – PH

Joseph Marotta – PV

Emma Tritthart – PV

Amanda Varghese – PV

Chemistry Olympics

Students from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley High Schools, took part in the Chemistry Olympics competition and were awarded the following:

Pascack Hills High School

• Lysandra Pinto, Navdeep Bhalla, and Hyunjun (Fred) Lim: Silver Medal – Chemical Engineering Fuel Cell Event; Platinum Crucible (Outstanding Team)

•Seoyeon (Clara) Kim, Alexa Ornstein, and Cayla Solomon: Bronze Medal – Analytical Lab: Percent of Copper in a Penny

• Dylan Barrett, Ashley Chun, Olivia Ge, Suhani Mahale, Prisha

Mehta, Thomas Rottinger, Gowri Santhosh, Kuman Rekha, and Victor Urumov: Platinum Crucible (Outstanding Team)

•Advisors Leslie Pugliese and James Soltmann

Pascack Valley High School

• Lidia Guerriero and Agnes Koh: Gold Medal, Structure and Function of Flavors; Third Place

Overall Team

• Leesung Dang, Dylan DerSimonian, and Christopher Lee: Gold Medal – Instrumentation Lab: Determining the Concentration of Food Dye in a Sports Drink

• Michaella Darian, Anya Hynekamp, and Ainsley Kim: Gold Medal – Microscale Lab: Determination of Iron Amount in Vitamins; Third Place Overall Team

• Benjamin Faber, Liam OʼBrien:Silver Medal –Microscale Lab: Determination of Iron Amounts in Vitamins

•Sabrina Schmoyer, Hana

Yu: Bronze Medal – Debate: CRISPR & Agriculture; Third Place Overall Team

•Abigail DiSalvo, Liam Gaynor, Riley Kim, Shana Weiss, and Natalie Weissman; Third Place Overall Team

•Advisor Christopher Nilsen

Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Staff

Deborah Alt, PH, part-time nurse; Stephanie DeBruyne, Region II special education coordinator; James Devaney, PH, custodian; John Dinkey, PH, art teacher; Frank Eufemia, PH, physical education/health teacher; and Vicki Schultz, PV, paraprofessional

— Staff

Broncos are state champions

Weʼve got to defer to Diamond Nationʼs Bob Behre on the lead: “Good baseball and Pascack Hills have been synonyms for decades, but the school from Montvale in Bergen County will remember this particular era as, perhaps, its finest.”

Behre said of the June 10 Group 2 championship romp, “Lefthander Joey Giordano pitched a three-hit shutout and teammate Sean Busanic delivered, yes, Giordano, with the only run of the game on a two-out single in the bottom of

the sixth as the Broncos defeated Rumson-Fair Haven, 1-0, on Saturday in Hamilton.”

He said, “The victory at Bob Demeo Field gave Pascack Hills its third Group 2 championship in five seasons. The Broncos won back-toback Group 2 titles in 2018 and ʻ19.”

Follow the entire report at https://diamondnation.com/giordano-busanic-steer-gritty-pascackhills-to-group-2-crown.

NJSIAA Baseball Director Tony Maselli presented the Group 2

championship trophy to Pascack Hills, which capped a nine-game winning streak.

@PHillsBaseball trumpeted online, “2018 Triple Crown Winners; #1 in NJ, 2018, #3 in 2019; N1G2 champs 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023; NJ Group 2 State Champs 2018, 2019, 2023.

And the organization thanked Montvale and Woodcliff Lake police, fire and EMS as well as both boroughsʼmayors for welcoming the champs home.

Pascack Hills starting pitcher Joey Giordano and powerhouse Pascack Hills Broncos shake Rumson-Fair Haven, 1-0,in NJSIAA Group 2 final in Hamilton on June 9,2023.Giordano whapped in two of Hills’ six hits and scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth. Pascack Hills High School Baseball.

BBQ: Scotty Mac’s BBQ aids Fisher House Foundation

FROM PAGE 1

donor of the Fisher House Foundation for the past two years.

Last year, says McDowell, supporters raised more than $75,000 — and with that, Fisher House president Dave Coker “was so excited about what we do that he decided to show up this year for himself.”

McDowell, who owns Innovative Landscapes in Woodcliff Lake, said in advance of this yearʼs fun, May 6 from noon to 5 p.m., “I put a target on my head of $90,000 which everybody knows me Iʼm very determined, and I will get it.”

Tickets were $35. McDowell posted later that the proceeds were “epic.”

The much anticipated day included live music, Texas-style BBQ, raffles, vendors, a mechanical bull ride, and Daveyʼs Locker Beer Garden.

“Iʼve shared this passion of mine with my 10-year-old son. Together we visit local VFWs and American Legion halls. We often go around and shake the hands of our heroes and thank them for their service,” McDowell said in his outreach.

“I feel like America forgot about these heroes and doesnʼt show them the respect they all deserve. The least I can do it let them know I will never forget them. I love to see the smiles on

their faces, and sometimes tears in their eyes, when I just put out my hand to thank them,” he added.

McDowell said “This all stems from a barbecue group I have on Facebook. Itʼs what I call a Scotty Mac bubble: People can come to the page, cook, have fun; thereʼs no politics, thereʼs no animosity, thereʼs nothing but positive feelings for each and every one of us, and our main focus is to make the veterans feel at home and thankful for the service.”

He lauded Stephanie Bonney, who helps him manage his account at Fisher House.

And he said, “It was very nice to have actual people come up to

Dave Coker and tell them their experiences of using the Fisher House.”

The groupʼs name, incidentally, refers to McDowellʼs reputation as “the sippy-poo guy” after he posted a video of himself raising a mason jar in a toast, saying, “Cheers, everybody! Have a little sippy poo!”

McDowell, a father of two, is

not a veteran. He said he “did a stint” in boot camp in the U.S. Navy in the early 1980s and demonstrated early on that “I was a pain in the ass, and that was that.”

His father, however, served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hillsdaleʼs Jenn Gilmour told Pascack Press, “I have been a member of Scotty Macʼs Sippy Poo &BBQ for the Veterans since 2018. What Scott has created with this page is absolutely incredible, and Iʼm so glad to be a part of his journey.”

She said of the May 6 event, “We had perfect weather, great people, and delicious food. Veterans, supporters, and children of all ages were in the sea of people. Live music was performed by TK Walker and Company, which had the crowd dancing and singing.”

Gilmour reported, “The raffle prizes were fantastic. A lot of local businesses donated to this, and we really appreciated their support! A great time was had by all in attendance, and it was for

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Scotty Mac’s Sippy Poo &BBQ for the Veterans,May 6 at Demarest Farms.

Scott McDowell of Woodcliff Lake with Fisher House Foundation president Dave Coker at Scotty Mac’s Sippy Poo & BBQ for the Veterans,Demarest Farms,Hillsdale,on May 6;hungry,happy folks. Courtesy photos.

The crowds are covered at Scotty Mac’s Sippy Poo &BBQ.

Hanging on and making it look easy… Jenn Gilmour photos

Civil War soldier’s Brady portrait stands out as excellent

Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

type photography in America.

BYJONFELZ R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.

Hi, Jon, Hereʼs a photo of a relative who fought for the Union Army in the Civil War. Sadly, he did not survive the war. This picture appears to be on glass. We recently were having a yard sale and two men got into an argument over which of them saw it first. Both wanted to buy it. We were asking $20. We decided not to sell it to either of them, and to contact you. We are interested to know more about it.

—Confused in Closter

Dear Reader,

You learned a valuable lesson. If you are not aware of the value of an item, do not put it out for sale. Contact an expert or someone who has knowledge about the item first. I am very

The daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process (1839–1860) in the history of photography. Named after the inventor, Louis Jacques M andé Daguerre, each daguerreotype is a unique image on a silvered copper plate.

happy that you did not sell this valuable item at your yard sale for twenty bucks.

I was able to enlarge this photograph, which is known as a daguerreotype. It pictures a standing portrait of Union corporal assigned to the 59th New York

Infantry Regiment. As part of the Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac, it played a significant role in battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg.

It has remained in excellent condition — a nice clear image — and appears to be mounted in its original period case. All good news in terms of value to a collector.

If you look carefully on the

Top left: A standing portrait of a Union corporal,assigned to the 59th New York Infantry Regiment and with a local connection, as photographed by photojournalism pioneer Mathew Brady (top right) or one of his assistants.Left:the mark of Brady’s Gallery

inside of this case you can still read with a magnifying glass who took this photograph. It reads “Bradyʼs Gallery,” indicating the daguerreotype you possess was taken by Mathew Brady (1822–1896), one of the earliest and most famous photographers in American history. Most notably known for his images of the Civil War, he was a student of Samuel Morse, who pioneered daguerreo-

In 1861 Brady was given permission by President Abraham Lincoln to travel with the Army to photograph the various battles of the Civil War. He came under direct fire several times. While photographing the Battle of Bull Run he was so close to the action that he barely avoided capture by the Confederate States Army.

In 1862 Brady featured an exhibit of his photographs from the Battle of Antietam in his New York City studio. Many of the images were quite graphic in nature. Something Americans saw for the first time: the reality of war.

Brady also photographed Lincoln on many occasions. His Lincoln photographs have been used on the $5 note and the Lincoln penny, as well as several postage stamps.

In the red hot military collectibles market, a conservative appraised value for this outstanding image is $1,000.

Good luck with your next yard sale!

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

BBQ: Scotty Mac’s BBQ aids Fisher House Foundation

FROM PAGE 17

such an amazing cause.”

(Gilmour is no stranger to fighting for a good cause:She is among the founders of the annual Black Friday Moms Charity Flag Football game, supporting area food banks and other helpful groups.)

Demarest Farms, at 244 Wierimus Road, was founded in 1886 and is a staple of Bergen County. “Offering a variety of activities, including peach picking, apple picking, and pumpkin picking, the farm is the perfect spot for familyfun. The farm market offers plants, produce, fresh baked goods, and more for all of its guests to enjoy.”

McDowellʼs first annual veterans shindig there, in 2019, collected more than $13,000, with the funds divvied up among the Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153, the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home, and Fisher House Foundation.

In addition to the Pascack

Valley and wider Bergen County, members came from as far as Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida, and Chicago and San Francisco, and filled local hotel rooms.

McDowell told us at the time, “Iʼve never cooked for 600 people

before in my life. It was a labor of love, Iʼm gonna tell you that right now.”

He said, “We had to run a smoker in my driveway for three days, out there every hour, in the nighttime and the rain—you can imagine what that was like. But it

Skip Kelley Memorial Outing Scholarship Winners

The newly named Skip Kelley Memorial Outing will be held on Thursday, Sept 14 at Valley Brook Golf Course, with breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. and with the new scramble format shotgun start beginning at 8:30. The cost is $720 per foursome and/or $180 per golfer.

Although its legal name remains the Westwood Charity Golf Outing, it was renamed to honor former Mayor Skip Kelley, one of its founders, who passed

away in December 2022.

Over the past 26 years, the WCGO has raised and distributed nearly $130,000 for our local charities. Since 2006, Skip had the idea to present college scholarships to deserving Westwood resident high school seniors who are Westwoodʼs future leaders.

The results of last yearʼs Outing permitted the Committee to give out two $2,000 scholarships to seniors from the class of

2023. This yearʼs winners are Colby Laughton and Ariana Gaub, both of Westwood Regional High School.

The Committee plans to distribute its annual letter to former participants and local merchants in mid-June. For an application or information on the WCGO, write westwoodcgo@gmail.com.

Organizers thank all for their continued, vital support and look forward to a successful 2023 Outing.

was all worth it.”

To the groupʼs members, thousands strong, he posted, “To say Iʼm blessed to have all of you there is an understatement. The

It’s time. Time to let you in on a not so secret SECRET We have sold The Iron Horse to a long time friend and associate. It won’t be long now before a new owner takes over This is bittersweet as you can imagine, but after 51 years as an owner of the “Restaurant, Cafe and Gathering Place Down By the Tracks” Annie and I are starting a new chapter in our lives. We worked together on opening night, March 21, 1972 and we’ve been a team ever since. (Actually we first met when we were 5 years old in kindie at Berkeley School). The good news is that it will still be called “The Iron Horse” and Sean Tremble will still be a part of the “new” team. All of the memorabilia will remain. The change should be seamless and all the karma and memories will still be here. The chezburger, Railroad Tie Fries, coleslaw, pickles and wings will also remain. Annie and I will be at the bar on most happy hour nites til it’s officially not ours, greeting old friends for a final farewell and hugs. We’re not leaving Westwood as the four most important people in our world will need babysitters and fans.

But it’s time for us to see the world outside of Westwood and enjoy the fruit of our labor. We will never be able to thank you all enough for what you have given to us. See you around.

GATHERING PLACE!

Sippy Poo family is like nothing Iʼve ever experienced before. All of you make it what it is. Thank you for taking this journey with me.”

BBQ photos courtesy Jenn Gilmour

OLM celebrates Feast of Corpus Christi

Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 11 at a bilingual Mass. Immediately following, parishioners processed from the church to the center of town, accompanying the Blessed Sacrament to an altar near the 9/11 Memorial. The Blessed Sacrament was venerated as those who walked played hymns, sang, and prayed. The feast celebrates the Catholic belief that Jesus is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.

Park Ridge Rec’s Town Picnic a winner

What wasnʼt to love at the Park Ridge Recreation Town Picnic, Saturday, June 10! Marcʼs Deli staff cooked all the delicious food; there was live music all day featuring The Big Ones; and this year there were new rides, with face painting, balloon, animals, new games, magic, an ice cream truck, and a great beverage tent!

Liz Falkenstern, director of the Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee, thanks “our awesome volunteer members who helped with this huge event, and also our generous sponsors who donated toward our Picnic. Spe-

cial thanks go to the Park Ridge police and the police reserve for their assistance!”

Mayor Keith Misciagna ,Marc’s Deli &Pizza owner Marc Moschella, and Councilman Robert Metzdorf.

—Via Marilyn Miller

Summer class, specialty camp registration open

Itʼs time to make summer activity plans with the Westwood Recreation Department. Resid ents and neighbors can take part in tennis clinics and soccer squirts in July and specialty camps in August by registering v ia Community Pass at https://register.communitypass.net/ w estwood

On the class schedule for Summer: Soccer Squirts where toddlers/preschoolers will learn the fundamental skills of soccer, including dribbling, passing,

PASCACK VALLEY

shooting, and defending; tennis for kids in grades K-8 with certified USTA instructors who teach basic tennis techniques in a fun and engaging environment; tennis for adults includes tennis basics with dynamic warm-ups, s kill developments drills, and games that develop core skills and understanding of the sport rules and etiquette.

A ugust specialty camps include TGA Tennis & Golf Camps for Grades K-8 at Westwood High School; USSI Multi-

Sports Camp for ages 5-11 at Brookside Park and Lego Camp for grades K-5. Details on August camps can be found at w estwoodnj.gov/recreation i n the Summer Program Guide.

In addition, residents and neighbors are reminded that registration for the six-week Summer Playground Program is underway as is Westwood Recreation Pre-School registration for the 2023-24 school year. Details for both programs can be found at w estwoodnj.gov/recreation .

Middle school Angels on their way

T he Westwood Recreation Department uses Community Pass for its registration process. Interested participants who do not already have a Community Pass account can go to westwoodnj.gov/recreation and click the Community Pass Registration Page to be guided through the process.

To register for classes go to h ttps://register.communitypass.net/ westwood Visa and MasterCard are accepted. To pay by cash/check, stop in the office at 55 Jefferson Ave.

Residents and neighbors w ho participate in Westwood

R ecreation programs will receive information on upcoming classes in programs guides, emails and on social media.

Those interested in learning more about facility rentals including the use of the newly r enovated kitchen for private events or for use by professional chefs and catering companies a re encouraged to contact Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at (201) 664-7882 or gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov

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

The Academy of the Holy Angels Middle School celebrates eighth-grade commencement — the school’s second such milestone event — on June 9 in Cresskill.

The Academy of the Holy Angels Middle School celebrated eighth-grade commencement on June 9. The schoolʼs second graduation exercises and Baccalaureate Mass were held at Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cresskill with Father Samuel Citero O. Carm presiding.

AHA Middle Schoolʼs Class of 2023 includes Jaime Park Carlin, Gianna Elizabeth Castaldo, Anjolie Castro, Emma Aika Chang, Rebecca H. Cho, Lauren Sera Chung, Anabella Jade de Leon, Alexa K. Karounos, Emily Sooah Kho, Evangeline Grace Koo, Cailleigh Olivia Kraus, Madelyn D. Krol, Lavender Y. Lee, Mona Sakurako Lee, Eleanor Lim, Daniella Rose Luzzi, Kayleigh Elizabeth McGee, Joonhee Ester Myung, Keira Nordsvan, Bridget OʼSullivan, Sophia Diana Rendo, Allison Jessica Riccio, Angelina Seo, Emmeline Grace Terjanian, and Jane Yu.

AHA President Melinda Hanlon welcomed everyone to the event.

“You have all been part of our inaugural classes at the middle school,” President Hanlon told the graduates, adding that the eighth grade has helped to establish traditions that will endure through the years.

Father Sam shared that his first teachers were School Sisters of Notre Dame, the order that founded and sponsors AHA.

“God is invited into the classroom (at AHA),” he observed. “What a legacy (AHA is)…and youʼre part of it!” He added, “Youʼre off to a good start, and the

next four years are going to be phenomenal.”

AHA Middle School Dean Traci Koval shared that she was filled with anticipation as the 202223 academic year began.

“You were blessed with new successes and, most importantly, new learning experiences,” Miss Koval said. She urged the graduates to accept challenges and expand their horizons as they enter their upper school years. She reminded the Angels that Jesus will be walking with them along the way

Shortly before graduation, several Angels became charter members of AHA Middle Schoolʼs National Junior Honor Society chapter, which accepts students who demonstrate exemplary scholarship, leadership, character, service, and citizenship. Eighth grade honorees include Jaime Carlin, Gianna Castaldo, Emma Chang, Evangeline Koo, Esther Myung, and Allison Riccio. Seventh graders NJHS inductees are Ava Cifelli, Lizbeth George, Kaci Li, Cristyn Lindsay, Kaelyn Malig,

Maria Petrou, and Chloe Zaladonis.

AHA Middle School faculty member Linda Payonzack announced that several eighth graders received the Presidentʼs Award for Educational Excellence. These honorees include Jaime Carlin, Gianna Castaldo, Emma Chang, Rebecca Cho, Lauren Chung, Annabella de Leon, Emily Kho, Evangeline Koo, Madelyn Krol, Lavender Lee, Mona Lee, Eleanor Lim, Daniella Luzzi, Esther Myung, Allison Riccio, Angelina Seo, Emmeline Terjanian, and Jane Yu.

The following Angels earned departmental honors: Gianna Castaldo, physical education; Evangeline Koo, art; Anjolie Castro, religious studies; Allison Riccio, science; Emma Chang, English; Kayleigh McGee, math; Esther Myung, algebra; Lavender Lee, French; Angelina Seo, Italian; Emmeline Terjanian, Latin; Emily Kho, Spanish; Emma Chang, social studies; and Lauren Chung, music.

Keira Nordsvan led her classmates in honoring their families for their love, encouragement, and support. Each graduate presented her family with a yellow rose along with a letter of thanks and appreciation.

The event concluded with the singing of the alma mater, a closing prayer by Anjolie Castro, and photos outside the church.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County

PV’s Ricca lands Princeton Prize for distinguished teaching

Pascack Valley High School is pleased to announce Nancy Ricca was awarded the Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching.

Teachers from across the state are nominated by their respective administration and after undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, Princeton University awards this prize to four teachers each year.

Ricca is recognized for changing the lives of students through her incredible work and has been awarded $5,000, as well as $3,000 for the Pascack Valley High School library.

Through her research and instruction, Nancy Ricca (right) has helped students succeed beyond the halls of Pascack Valley High School in the field of Computer Science. Left:Working with student Maissa Boumlouka.

Ricca formally accepted this honor at the Princeton University Commencement on Tuesday, May 30. Teaching at Pascack Valley for more than 24 years, she is a self-taught programmer, teaching Honors Computer Science, AP Computer Science, and Advanced Topics in Computer Science courses, as well as Honors Precalculus.

Through her research and instruction, Ricca has helped students succeed beyond the halls of Pascack Valley High School in the field of Computer Science. Her extraordinary skill demonstrated in the classroom, extreme motivation to improve the lives of her students, and impressive record of service to her community is inspirational. “The Pascack Valley Regional High School District is incredibly proud of Mrs. Ricca and we congratulate her on achieving this distinguished honor.”

HILLSDALE

SIGN UP FOR CAMP LITTLE HAWKS

Hillsdale Recreation presents Hillsdale & River Valeʼs Camp Little Hawks, for Hillsdale, River Vale, and St. Johnʼs Academy children entering kindergarten. Camp runs June 26–July 28, Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Certified teacher supervision! Arts & crafts, swim (kiddie pool with lifeguards), Mad Science, music, dance, STEM, sports, optional preordered lunch on swim days, two field trips/special events. Before and after care is available. This is a great way for your kids to make friends heading into kindergarten.

For more information, visit hillsdalenj.org/summerdaycamp, call Jill at (201) 497-1542, or email jcohn@hillsdalenj.org.

P Paassccaacck k P

Prreesss s

welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements an event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley Send all news to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net

PASCACK VALLEY

S Sc c h o o ol l N e e w s

Cheers to Holy Angels’ graduates

The Academy of the Holy AngelsʼClass of 2023 engaged in a joyful graduation celebration on June 2. The 143rd Commencement and Baccalaureate Mass took place at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

Caroline Dupas of Pearl River, N..Y, graduated First in Merit and was named commencement speaker, the highest honor AHA can confer upon a graduate.

Giovanna Corbisiero of Franklin Lakes finished Second in Merit. Shivani Sahu of Paramus was chosen by her peers to deliver the senior response.

Alumna speaker was Katherine Polk Failla, J.D. (AHA ʼ87).

Faith Youn of Closter played a violin solo during the singing of “Shalom.”

AHA President Melinda Hanlon noted the Angelsʼmany achievements, which include amassing $11.3 million in scholarships toward their undergraduate studies, and providing an aggregate of 44,702 service hours local-

Caps away! The Academy of the Holy Angels’ Class of 2023 engaged in a joyful graduation celebration on June 2 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

ly, nationally, and internationally. These young women are continuing their education at Princeton, Yale, New York University,

and many other top-rated colleges and universities.

Pratt,

AHA is in Demarest. —Via Jennifer Crusco

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Improve memory and focus in six steps

The first step to improving your memory and focus is to make sure that your diet is conducive to the overall health and functioning of your body. It is necessary to seriously start avoiding sugar, as it is a leading cause of Alzheimerʼs disease. Scientists have found Alzheimerʼs disease is a combination of diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2, and they may even change the name of Alzheimerʼs disease to diabetes type 3.

It is also important to take your diet into your own hands and start cooking your own food. Avoid processed foods, natural or artificial flavors, food dyes, fast food, junk food, and pretty much any food in boxes, bags, or cans.

The brain loves healthy fat, so eat a lot of avocado, olives, fish, nuts, and seeds. The healthiest oils to eat are coconut oil and olive oil, and the healthiest oils to cook with are avocado oil and grapeseed oil.

The internet is an amazing resource for all kinds of great recipes, from keto to paleo to vegan, and if you are on Facebook, join our group Kaplanʼs Lunch Box for recipes, pictures, and easy meals to cook that we post daily.

The next step to improving memory and focus is to avoid sitting. Many doctors are calling sitting the new smoking. Do you remember the “Rule of 20”?Never sit for more than 20 minutes straight. Every 20 minutes, stand up for at least 20 seconds, walk 20 feet, and look at something 20 feet away. So take that 20 second stretch or movement break, and then return to what you

were doing. The brain can only hold three major concepts at a time, so frequent breaks will improve production at work, as well as retention for school. Sedentary life is not good for metabolic processes and brain function, so start exercising and moving ASAP!

The third step to improve your memory and focus is to maintain proper hydration. What happens to a grape when it is dehydrated? It shrivels up to a small raisin. Would you want your brain to be dehydrated and shrivel up as well? Therefore it is absolutely vital to be drinking plenty of well-filtered water.

The fourth step is breathing. Breathing is extremely important for brain function. Most people breathe shallowly, into the chest and raising their shoulders, but you should aim to breathe deeply, into the abdomen and push your diaphragm down and out during your inhale.

Your exhalations should be twice the duration of your inhalations. So you can practice inhaling for three seconds and exhaling for six seconds, then increasing it to inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds. Keep adding one second every week until you work up to inhaling for eight seconds and exhaling for 16 seconds.

When you exhale, make sure you breathe out every last breath of carbon dioxide because the more carbon dioxide you leave in your lungs, the more acidic your brain and body become. Your carbon dioxide helps give the trees, plants, and bushes the life they need, so not only are you helping yourself, but you are providing for the environment, as well.

The fifth step is that you should engage in new activities frequently. Diversify your workouts, your afterwork activities, and the routes you take to different places such as the

grocery store. If you do the crossword in the newspaper every day, changing it up with sudoku, the word jumble, playing cards, doing a puzzle, playing a board game, or finishing a maze. Doing the same activities stimulates the same areas of the brain but neglects others.

Try a physical activity that challenges the brain, like memorizing dance steps or going to a yoga class.

There are also many simple things you can do on a regular basis such as brushing your teeth or your hair with the opposite hand, taking a new route to work, reading a book, putting your feet in the grass, dirt, or sand, meeting new people, visiting a new place, playing a sport, drawing a picture, putting something together, gardening in the yard, cooking a new dish, or teaching someone something new.

The sixth step to improve your memory and focus is with a process called neuroplasticity which is where you can actually rewire your brain to make it stronger. Do not let anyone ever tell you that your memory just gets worse with age, or your memory decline is typical as you get older. That is not true, you just have to work harder as you get older. Maybe you need a brain bootcamp of functional neurology exercises.

Letʼs work together!

At my Emerson office, we do brain exercises to help improve your memory and focus. Think about it like if you were out of shape and hired a personal trainer to make your muscles stronger. However, instead of making your muscles stronger with weights and exercise machines, we make your brain stronger with neurological exercises such as balance exercises, eye exercises, memory exercises, breathing exercises, and posture exercises.

We also perform activities to

increase reaction times, improve coordination, challenge your motor skills, and add sensory sensations like touch, smell, light, sound, and taste to maximize the brainʼs potential. It is all non-invasive, we do not use any medications, and perform no surgeries. It is safe and it is effective.

Great special offers!

I want to bring functional neurology to everyone! We are happy to invite you to come in for a $21 BRAIN EXAM (Normally $500) for any new patient! This limited-time offer includes a one-on-one meeting with diagnostics tests where we can interpret which areas of the brain need therapy.

We can start building a plan to promote new neural pathways which can improve many aspects of your life!

The good news is that we have so many tools and resources that will help you to improve your brain function such as neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, cold laser, and many other ways that incorporate applied neuroscience and brain based rehabilitation.

We hope to have enjoyed this article on memory and focus. Keep focusing on improving your health and brain function. I know it is not easy, but if you start making small incremental changes to your daily life, the potential is unlimited.

Join my community!

We are so excited to be building a healthier community that we are hosting a live (Zoom and recordings also available) “Boost Your Brain Power” event with free organic food, free health and wellness seminar, free brain evaluations, free oxygen therapy, free cold laser therapy, free massages, free reading materials, and many other giveaways on Wednesday, June 28 and July 26 from 6:30 to 8 p,m, in a lecture hall in River Edge. Spots are limited and time is running out so please email any time at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com, call our office or text us at 646-221-6738 to reserve your spot for both lectures for only $49 (normally $200).

Feel free to bring friends and family because we would love to talk to you about this unique and revolutionary approach to healthcare, and add you to our healthy family!

For more info, please visit our website kaplandc.com. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel Kaplan Brain and Body. If you use social media you can like and follow Kaplan Brain and Body on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

One of my books is called Boost Your Brain Power: A Guide to Improving Your Memory & Focus, and can be ordered on Amazon.

Listen to my two radio shows, Saturdays on 970 AM at 8 a.m. and Saturdays on 710 AM at 2 p.m.

Flexible summer sports camps in August

Good news, parents! Park Ridge Recreation has partnered with TGA to offer full- day and half-day Summer Sports Camps the weeks of Aug. 7 and 14. Camps takes place at Davies Memorial Field behind Park Ridge Borough Hall, 53 Park Ave in Park Ridge.

Certified TGA coaches put together a sports-focused, funfilled week of activities. Campers age 5–12 will stay active and engaged while learning and playing various sports, including golf, tennis, lacrosse, Ultimate frisbee,

volleyball, and flag football. Sign up at playtga.com/bergencounty

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

The savvy senior: Can I collect Social Security from my ex-spouse?

for a higher benefit based on your own earnings record.

early see SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

BY JIMMILLER

D ear Savvy Senior, Is it possible t o collect Social Security benefits from m y ex-spouse? We were married 12 years and have been divorced for almost 20.

—Never Remarried

Dear Never,

Yes, depending on your spec ific circumstances, you may very well be eligible for divorced spouses Social Security benefits. Hereʼs what you should know.

Whoʼs Eligible?

A divorced spouse can collect a Social Security retirement benefit on the earnings record of their ex-husband (or ex-wife) if you are at least age 62, were married for at least 10 years, are unmarried, and are not eligible

In order to collect, your former spouse must also be at least 62 and eligible for Social Security benefits. But he doesnʼt have to be receiving them in order for you to collect divorced spouseʼs benefits, as long as youʼve been divorced for at least two years.

Even if your ex is remarried, i t wonʼt affect your right to divorcee benefits, nor will it affect your exʼs retirement benefits or his current spouseʼs benefits.

Benefit Amount

A divorced spouse can receive up to half of their exʼs full Social Security benefit, or less if they take benefits before their full retirement age, which is 66 for people born in 1945-1954 but is gradually increased to age 67 for people born in 1960 or later. To find out your full retirement age and see how much your benefits will be reduced by taking them

That’s a ‘wrap’

Keep in mind though, that if you qualify for benefits based on your own work history, youʼll receive the larger of the two benefits. You cannot receive benefits on both your record, and your exʼs work record too.

To find out how much your retirement benefits will be, see your Social Security statement at SSA.gov/myaccount. And to get an estimate of your exʼs benefits, call Social Security at 800-7721213. Youʼll need to show your marriage certificate and divorce decree to prove your marriage lasted at least 10 years along with his Social Security number to get it.

Other Factors to Know

You also need to be aware that working can affect your divorced spouseʼs benefits. If you start taking benefits while working, and are under full retirement

age, your benefits will be reduced $1 for every $2 you earn above t he annual limit, which is $21,240 in 2023. In the year you reach full retirement age, however, the annual limit increases to $56,520 and the reduction lowers to $1 for every $3 above that l imit. See S SA.gov/pubs/EN-0510069.pdf for more details.

Another factor that can reduce your divorced spouseʼs benefits is receiving a pension from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes (like a government). This is a rule know as Government Pension Offset (see SSA.gov/benefits/retirem ent/planner/gpo-calc.html ) which can reduce your benefits by twothirds of the amount of your pension.

Divorced Survivorʼs Benefits

You also need to know that when your ex-spouse dies (and if you were married for 10 or more years), you become eligible for

d ivorced survivor benefits, which is worth up to 100 percent of what your ex-spouse was due.

Survivor benefits are available to divorced spouses as early as age 60 (50 if youʼre disabled). But if you remarry before 60, you become ineligible unless the marriage ends. Remarrying after age 60 will not affect your eligibility.

Also note that if you are receiving divorced spouses benefits when your ex-spouse dies, you will automatically be switched over to the higher paying survivor benefit.

For more information visit S SA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html and click on Benefits for Your Divorced Spouse.

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior,P.O.Box 5443, N orman,OK 73070,or visit SavvySenior.org.Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior”book.

You can train to teach ESL

Make a difference in your community:Volunteer to teach English as a Second Language!

Since 1982, Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley has been training volunteers to teach English to adults in their community.

This online workshop is run by certified trainers and the program is an accredited member of Proliteracy.

Upon completion of the workshop, LVPV will match each volunteer with an appropriate student.

This workshop is open to residents of Allendale, Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Lodi, Montvale, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Teaneck and West-

wood. Tutoring may be remote or in person, depending on your preference.

Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley is pleased to announce the next online four-session Tutor Training Workshop on Aug. 1, 8,

15, and 22 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Contact Marilyn Katz or Cheryl Chang at literacyvolunteerspv@gmail.com to register. You may also register at literacyvolunteerspv.org/tutor-trainingworkshop-form.html

Marion Lorenzo, ACSW, LCSW (201) 666-1241

N.J. Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Providing Counseling & Psychotherapy, Individuals, Couples & Families, Anxiety, Depression, Co-Dependency Relationships, Loss, Self Esteem “Be The Best You Can Be”

WESTWOOD

GFWC/NJSFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood 2nd Vice President Joanne Toole recently planned a dinner at the clubhouse to end the club year, drawing 30 members.

Meetings resume September–June, on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., at the clubhouse on Kinkerkamack Road.

Even though the club takes a break for the summer, some summer activities are planned: The next fundraiser is a shake-the-can, to raise money for the clubʼs scholarship fund, at the Fresh Grocer in Washington Township on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A salad supper is planned for August.

For more information call the membership chairman at (201) 9161580.

Madeleine Ciocco photo, PPedit

DoDentalImplantsLastaLifetime?

Implant dentistry has been practiced by periodontists and oral surgeons since the 1970s. There is over 50 years of research proving that dental implants are a predictable long-term option when placed by an experienced surgeon. In fact, the data shows a lifetime success rate of over 98%!

Dental Implants are a Science, not a Technique

It takes years of academic training and practice to master and achieve this skill – and this level of success. Recently, more general dentists are offering to surgically place dental implants. However, their training is typically in the range of 40-100 hours of coursework, compared to the three-year, full-time residency which is required to be a Board-Certified Periodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon. This is one reason why the

American Dental Academy (ADA) stipulates that only periodontists (not even oral surgeons) can call themselves dental implant surgeons. There are a number of other reasons why it is important to choose a periodontist for your treatment – all of which involve maintaining the health of your implants. Periodontists focus on the gum and bone surrounding your teeth and implants. We also learn full-mouth treatment planning with the capability of saving your teeth, not just

replacing them. Unlike any other fields in dentistry, a periodontist can regenerate gum and bone on your teeth and implants. This allows us save teeth ailing from a bad bite and gum disease.

Our surgical skill within the mouth is unparalleled. An oral surgeon is a maxillofacial specialist whose training is focused outside the oral cavity, on the maxilla mandible spaces. This is why they are the right choice for buried wisdom teeth extractions.

Another reason for our success rate is that periodontists support the long-term health of the implants we place with strong hygiene practices. We not only surgically place the implant, but we monitor and follow up with the treatments during your routine cleanings on an annual or bi-annual basis. This allows us to diagnosis and treat any implant problems, regardless of their complexity. Oral surgeons do not provide this service and cannot monitor your treatments in the future.

Are Dental Implants

Worth the Expense?

Costs vary depending on the number of implants, the type of prosthesis and bone grafting. In addition, there is as much range in the cost of dental implants as there

is in the quality. Proven and predictable treatment outcomes involve the use of dental implants from manufacturers that have perfected the design based on decades of research involving thousands of their implants.

Less expensive implant options often lack proper research and follow up. Many of these companies target general dentists to do short training programs in order to sell their implants to them. Unfortunately, while cheaper implants do create a range in the cost, the patient assumes the risks in order for a general dentist to provide a service for a couple of hundred dollars less.

When it comes to making a decision about dental implants, I advise my patients not to compromise on the quality. Keep in mind that you are considering a treatment that should last a lifetime, so it is more important to take into account the value. While dental implants may be more costly than options such as removable dentures, the long-term value makes them a great financial investment. For more information, call (201) 664-3023 or visit their office at 354 Old Hook Road #201 or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

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PRIYU GUPTA, DDS, WESTWOOD PERIODONTICS

No one said it was cheap to rent here…

Where might renters pay the most on their next move? With rent being the largest contributor to inflation over the past year, Lawn Love ranked 2023ʼs most expensive metro areas for renters.

They compared 172 of the biggest U.S. metros based on average rent prices, year-overyear rent changes, and the share of renters spending over 30% of their income on rent and utilities, among nine total metrics.

1. New York-NewarkJersey City, NY-NJ-PA.

2. Miami-Fort LauderdalePompano Beach, Fla.

3.Oxnard-Thousand OaksVentura, Calif.

Most affordable metro areas for renters:

1. Sioux Falls, S.D.

2. Huntsville, Ala.

3. Lake Charles, La.

‘Extensive’ GSP bridge repair forcing closures

Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali alerted residents on June 14 that “We were recently shocked to hear that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority is planning to begin a major bridge repair project along the Garden State Parkway in Montvale and Woodcliff Lake later this year.”

He said the work is extensive and will require temporary closures on Grand Avenue, Summit Avenue, and on the southbound ramp from Grand Avenue onto the Garden State Parkway.

According to Ghassali, the project is scheduled to be put out to bid in July, with work to commence this fall.

The mayor said there is “a possibility of ramp closure and traffic disruption from 1.5 to 2.5 years and the work might not start until later in 2024. What makes the situation more complex is that Exit 171 continues to

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority plansextensive work on the parkway, requiring temporary closures on Grand Avenue, Summit Avenue, and on the southbound ramp from Grand Avenue onto the Garden State Parkway. Google

be ʻno right turnʼand only a referendum approved by the borough of Woodcliff Lake residents can make the change.”

Ghassali said, “We have been in contact with the Turnpike

Authority, the county, and our state senator [Holly Schepisi], and we are doing everything in our power to minimize the disruption and impact to our residents.”

He said, “We will remain in constant contact with the Turnpike Authority and the county to ensure that any lane closures, ramp closures, detours or other traffic impacts will be clearly communicated to our residents well in advance of any planned construction.”

Ghassali said, “This is a fluid situation and as soon as I have any additional information, I will provide updates on the Borough website, Facebook, and on Montvale TV Access.”

County observing Juneteenth with historic cemetery tour

County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Board of County Commissioners announce programming for this weekend in celebration of Juneteenth.

The Countyʼs Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs (DCHA) under the Countyʼs Department of Parks will open the County-owned historic site Gethsemane Cemetery in Little Ferry from Saturday, June 17 to Monday, June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours.

The cemetery, dateing to 1860, is a historic 1-acre burial ground that served as the eternal resting place for African American who lived in Hackensack from the

late 1800s to the early 1900s. Among those buried former slaves, wealthy landowners, and two Civil War veterans.

The county is also a presenting sponsor for two Juneteenth events, open to the general public:

•Thursday, June 15 at 12:30 p.m. – Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Countyʼs African American Advisory Committee –Bergen County Courthouse Green, Hackensack

•Saturday, June 17 at noon –Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Bergen County NAACP in partnership with the County of Bergen – Overpeck County Park, Leonia

On Saturday, June 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bergen Countyʼs Division of Community Transportation will provide continuous shuttle transportation from Overpeck County Park to Gethsemane Cemetery to allow attendees to visit both events.

“Juneteenth is an important day in our nationʼs history, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is crucial that we honor this significant milestone and celebrate the contributions and resilience of the African American community here in Bergen County,” said Tedesco. Bergen County Commission-

er Chairman Thomas J. Sullivan added, “Bergen County is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents. By sponsoring these Juneteenth celebrations and partnering with local organizations, we are demonstrating our support for the African American community and their rich heritage.”

The public can also access a recorded tour of Gethsemane Cemetery on the Bergen County website featuring historian Dr. Arnold Brown of Englewood, who was instrumental in saving this location. For more information, call the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs at (201) 336-7272.

The Gethsemane Cemetery,in Little Ferry,on an acre on a sandy hill just off U.S Route 46 and Liberty Street.The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 20,1994.

GHASSALI SCHEPISI

Reporter’s Notebook: In which I guest-DJ on ‘Opie in the Afternoon’

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

OVERTHELAST few years, my wife and I have enjoyed the “retro radio” sounds of WFDU-FM, 89.1 on the dial, a highly popular radio station that during most of the day plays an eclectic selection of top pop and rock hits from the ʼ50s, ʼ60s, ʼ70s, and ʼ80s.

In fact, I would highly recommend that if you miss the old-time AM radio of the 1960s and 1970s — but with more song selections and super-friendly and engaged DJs — then you want to make 89.1 FM a permanent setting on your radio dial, or stream it on your phone via the WFDU app.

My wife and I both generally have our car radios and cell phones tuned to WFDU-FM, as so many other pop and rock stations play a mind-numbing selection of Top 40 hits from a very limited playlist. You can only hear “Beat It” by Michael Jackson so many times!

WFDU-FM features highly entertaining DJs, who daily play hundreds of not-often-played pop, contemporary, soul, jazz, folk and rock selections — sometimes even country — and often provide entertaining musical facts about the songs and artists. Their songs span the Baby Boomer and even pre- and post-Baby Boomer generations.

And recently, I got a chance to try my hand as a guest disc jockey

Opie in the Afternoon

Mondays and Fridays 1 to 4 p.m.

(DJ) on WFDU-FM.

During a recent fund drive that the station had — it has several throughout the year — my wife and I made a donation and we were able to become guest DJs for the day. We were selected June 2, 2 to 3 p.m., as our slot to sit in the WFDU studio with one of WFDUʼs most popular afternoon drive DJs, Opie in the Afternoon.

While I did most of the talking with Opie — no surprise there to most who know me — my wife, Kathé, also was able to get in her own personal dedication for a favorite Bruce Springsteen song that she said she had found particularly meaningful while in her teens and early adulthood. The song was “GrowinʼUp” on Springsteenʼs “Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.” 1973 album.

We had a fantastic time as we arrived at WFDU-FM in Teaneck, which is owned by and on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University. We first met with Mike Phillips, a behind-the-scenes technical wizard — and on-air DJ with his wife — who welcomed us and regaled us with stories about prior and current radio experiences. Our son, Peter, also accompanied us to the station to take some pictures while we “appeared” on the radio.

Weeks before my one-hour

appearance, I put together a list of songs that I liked, and which also had some special meaning to me. I also thought: What would WFDUʼs regular listeners like to hear, and maybe might bring a smile to them as they toiled at home or drove around town.

My original list started out at nearly 100 songs, which I reduced over several days to 25 songs, and then eventually to 15 songs, which is what the radio station says can usually fit within the hour “guest DJ” time. (Opie was able to fit in 16 songs during the hour, in addition to our amiable chit chat

between songs.)

I was a little nervous, not having done radio while in college. Instead, I was on my college newspaper, The Beacon, at William Paterson College, now a university.

However, on Friday, June 2, Opie, the afternoon DJ greeted us warmly with hugs as we entered the WFDU radio studio and was so enthusiastic, gracious and accommodating — despite my obvious DJ shortcomings — that I felt totally at ease and warmed up to her instantly and was encouraged to share a few song “factoids” that I had found on YouTube for some

of my selections.

We arrived at the radio station in Teaneck, on the Fairleigh Dickinson campus, about an hour before air time and came into the studio around 1:50 p.m. to meet Opie and get settled in behind boom mics and headsets near where she was programming the upcoming hour of music.

Our one-hour radio debut was also recorded for the WFDU-FM radio archive and when my wife and I listened to it days later, we realized what Opie had told us then: We pretty much forgot most of what we had said while on the air and while we had a great time, the experience was extra meaningful because I got a chance to celebrate my momʼs birthday on the air and dedicate a song to her.

Discretion prevents me from revealing any age ranges but suffice it to say my momʼs a little older than her oldest child and son, yours truly, who also shares her birthday.

While I did not go out of my way to hype my appearance, my wife posted news of our early June radio debut on Facebook, and we had family, friends, cousins, and acquaintances tuning in.

Of course, Opie was there to facilitate our between-song banter, and also helped to organize

See OLOHAN on page 32

DJ Opie and guest DJ Michael Olohan consult on his playlist,then he offers WFDU listeners the scoop on 16 songs he played during his appearance with Opie In The Afternoon on June 2,2023. Photos courtesy Peter Olohan.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY...AND BEYOND

When looking for a firm to help you work toward your financial goals –whether itʼs affording retirement, helping a child or grandchild pay for higher education, or making a luxury purchase, such as vacation home – you obviously want to find one with the resources you need.

a better place. At Wells Fargo & Company, for example, all employees are called to:

• Be leaders

• Be engaged and connected in our communities

ERIC KOHLMEIER

But I think thereʼs more to it than that; you should seek one thatʼs committed to supporting our community and helping make the world

• Value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business

One way employees are encouraged to be leaders is by becoming members of board of directors at nonprofit organizations.

We know that employees play a valuable role in improving the lives of individuals and families, and board service is one way of demon-

strating commitment to our communities.

To help deal with the significant time commitment that a board membership, or other charitable activity, can represent, Wells Fargo & Co. allots each employee 16 hours of paid time per year to be used exclusively for volunteer work.

In addition, the Community Care Grants program, governed and funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, recognizes employees for their financial giving and volunteer service activities – including board service. Through this program, an employee can qualify for up to $2,000 per year in Community Care

Grants. Once an employee has received a grant, they can choose which eligible charities theyʼd like to support by directing the funds to any of the approximately one million eligible charities.

Leveraging our strengths

While our primary motivation is the chance to help others, we also see participating in community leadership as an opportunity for employees to commit to a cause, issue, or organization where they have an affinity and a passion. This experience can help them leverage their strengths and expertise, develop new skills, and tackle new challenges.

Investment and Insurance Products are:

• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency

• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate

• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

On top of that, volunteering offers a variety of development opportunities, including hands-on learning, either on the job or through volunteer activities or special assignments. Volunteering helps us to:

• Positively shape our communities

• Expand community connec-

tions with others where we live and work

• Expand our networks, gain visibility, and build business acumen

• Build greater insight by being a “voice” for inclusion and build diversity awareness and cultural competence.

Promoting diversity

As the last bullet above shows, Wells Fargo & Co. focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our strategic framework is focused on driving outcomes in three key areas:

•Workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes (recruitment, development, engagement, and retention)

•Marketplace outcomes (growing market share in diverse market segments and identifying new and improving existing relationships with diverse suppliers)

•Diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy activities (supporting regulatory, external-relationship, and reputation-building efforts as well as personal accountability for diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy)

This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director - Investments in Park Ridge at (201) 505-0472.

PVHS Jazz Bands Bring the Hot Sounds of Summer

With summer on its way, the Pascack Valley High School Jazz Band and Chamber Jazz Ensemble are about to embark on a June tour spreading warm and joyous sounds to local audiences.

Fresh off recent performances at the PVHS Spring Band Concert and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival, the bands are excited for these three local performances that are open to the public.

Directed by Pascack Valley band director, and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Craig Yaremko, the PV Jazz Band is devoted to playing big band repertoire by the likes of Duke Ellington and Thad Jones, while the PV Chamber Jazz Ensemble, is a small group that plays classics from the jazz repertoire and focuses on improvisation.

Both groups feature students who have earned places in NJ Region and All-State Ensembles and study at famed jazz education institutions such as Jazz House

Kids, as well as vocalists who include a recent American Idol contestant.

The June tour begins at the River Vale FarmersʼMarket (rivervalenj.org/219/Farmers-Market ) on Thursday, June 8 where the the PV Chamber Jazz Ensemble opens at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Craig Yaremko Organ Trio at 4.

On Saturday, June 10 at 2 p.m., the PV Jazz Band heads to Beachwood Park in Hillsdale to perform a set of big band jazz at the Hillsdale Art and Music Festival.

And to close out the tour, the PV Chamber Jazz Ensemble performs at the newest Bergen County Jazz Club, Brush Culture, in Teaneck on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. This evening features one set followed by a jam session with noted drummer and Brush Club owner Rodney Green. Reservations for this event can be made at https://brvshcul7ur3.com

For more information, visit pvhsmusic.org

HILLSDALE

J oan Irene KARTAN

Joan Irene Kartan (n ée Lowry), 80, of Hillsdale, and formerly of River Vale, surrounded by her beloved family entered eternal life on Friday, May 26, 2023. Joan was born in Passaic on Nov. 25, 1942.

She leaves her devoted daughter, Kimberly Cuffe and her husband Michael Cuffe of Hillsdale and her three cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Sean and Kevin Cuffe, and her dear daughter-in-law, Clarice Kartan of Burlington Flats, N,Y. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank, and her loving son Donald Kartan in the past three years. She was also predeceased by her twin sister, Joyce (Abrams) and her parents, Irene (Carter) and James Kenneth Lowry.

Born and raised in North Arlington, N.J., Joan graduated from NAHS and was full of school spirit. She attended Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania with her twin sister, Joyce, and graduated from Upsala College in New Jersey with a bachelorʼs degree in English education. She was an English teacher at West Kinney Junior High in Newark, which became West Kinney Alternative High School.

Joan was one of the founders of the SOS Suspension on Site program for the alternative school funded by the Chubb Foundation. She worked there for over 35 years, motivating her students, and sharing her passion for reading and writing, before retiring. In her retirement she worked part-time for Dial America in Mahwah as one of their top telemarketers.

Joan was a member of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church and in her younger days served on the Sunday School Education Committee. She was strong in her faith. The Lord is my Shepherd was her favorite psalm and In the Garden her favorite hymn.

She was an avid reader and could finish a book a day, enjoying all types of novels. She liked to draw and color and care for her plants. She loved to write poems and journaled for years. She played the piano and sang. She read the Bible each day.

Joan and her husband, Frank, and their family were summer residents of Ocean Grove, N.J. for 30 years. They had fond memories of the historic Methodist seaside community

Joan and Frank met while Joan was doing her student teaching at North Arlington High School and Frank was a first year math teacher and later a school counselor. They raised their children, Kim and Don, in River Vale. In their retirement they enjoyed a few cruises, loved visiting LBI and watching their grandchildrenʼs sports games and overall, just spending time with family

Joan was a kind, loving soul who always tried to make people feel special and loved. She instilled

OBITUARIES

a love of learning and reading in her children and grandchildren.

Donations can be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimerʼs Association.

The family is holding a memorial service on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 349 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale.

Robert HALL

Robert Hall, 93, of Emerson, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Smithers), his children Robert and wife, Wendy; Bonnie Cullen and partner, John Rinaldi; and James and partner; Jill Maccanico; his grandchildren Megan and Cooper Emery, Nicole and Sam Juckes, and Ryan Hall.

Bob was a resident of Emerson for over 62 years, served on the town council over 17 years, retired from the National Guard with 41 years service, and 30 years service with the New Jersey State Lottery.

Bob most enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Monday, June 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Robertʼs life and faith will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

Mary Ann DiGIORGIO

Mary Ann DiGiorgio, 82, of Ramsey, formerly of The Bronx, N.Y., passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023. She was born in 1940 to Anne and James McManus.

Mary Ann attended Cathedral High School in Manhattan, graduating in 1958. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Nicholas; her loving children Christine Lukaszcyk (Tom) and Nicholas Jr., her grandchildren Cole and Kate, and her brother, Michael McManus (Joan). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann is predeceased by her mother, father, and her brothers, James and John.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Wednesday, June 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

A Mass celebrating Mary Annʼs life and faith will be held at St. Gabriel the Archangel R.C. Church in Saddle River on Thursday, June 8 at 11 a.m. with private cremation to follow. Memorial contributions can be made in Mary Annʼs name to Maryʼs By The Sea. Becker-Funeralhome.com.

Charles W. SIEG JR.

Charles W. Sieg Jr. of River Vale passed away May 18, 2023. Beloved husband of Denise Sieg (n ée Reaboy). Devoted father of Jonathan and his partner, Mallory. Grandaddy to Oliver. Brother to Susan, John, and Steven Sieg. Also survived by many relatives and good friends.

Chuck enjoyed golf, watching all sports, and coaching River Vale sports. Chuck always wanted the kids he coached “just to have fun.”

A memorial to celebrate his life is set for June 15 at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to River Vale Free Public Library.

Michael ‘Mickey’ PANZENHAGEN

Michael “Mickey” William Panzenhagen, 47, of Montvale passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2023, surrounded by family.

Beloved husband of Kristen Sottile for 14 years. Loving son of William and the late Candace Panzenhagen. Dear son-in-law of Peter Sottile and Fran and Bob Firelli. Brother of Christine and Amber Panzenhagen, Tracy White and her husband, Jeff. Nephew of Bernard and John Panzenhagen, and Gordon Barr. Cherished uncle of Samantha, Nicole, Emma, William, McKenzie, Sophia, Timothy, Skyler, Scarlett, Sophia and Avery.

Also survived by his cherished “Sweet Dee Dog.”

Mickey was an accomplished guitarist who loved RC cars, camping, and being outdoors. He will be missed by his loving family and many, many friends.

Visitation 2–4 and 7–9 p.m. on Friday, June 16 at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mickey may be made to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org, or the American Cancer Society, cancer.org.

Margaret ‘Peggy’ SCHEULEN

Margaret (Peggy) Scheulen, 72, of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023. Beloved husband of Thomas Scheulen. Devoted mother of Jennifer Moss and Stephanie Noorigian. Dear sister of Michael Hourigan, Cathy Ferrero, and Colleen Davies. Loving grandmother of Madeline Moss (14), Daniel Moss (12), Lilianna Noorigian (11) and Abigail Noorigian (7).

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she lived in Park Ridge for 46 years.

Margaret worked as an administrative coordinator with West Bergen Mental Health Center. She had worked as a staff assistant for Congresswoman Marge Roukema. She was a volunteer on the Park Ridge Board of Health and the Park Ridge Public Library Board for many years. She believed in giving back to the community.

A Mass celebrating Margaretʼs life and faith will be held on June 14 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge. Interment at Garden of Memories in Washington Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Bergen Mental Healthcare Inc. Checks made out to West Bergen Mental Healthcare Inc., 120 Chestnut St., Ridgewood NJ 07450, attention Barbara Hand. Or visit westbergen.org.

Chanh BAZZANO

Chanh Bazzano, 81, of Township of Washington,passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Beloved wife of Louis Bazzano (predeceased). Devoted mother of Le Thu and her husband, Jeff Van Saders. Grandmother to Jessica and Jaclynn Van Saders. Mother to Van and her husband, Vahan Nokhoudian. Grandmother to Evan, Anthony Nokhoudian, Christina King, Nicole and Jensen Vizzard. Mother to Christina (Tina) and her husband Bill Saks. Grandmother to Peter and Anna Saks. Mother to Rick Bazzano, and grandmother to Alex and Noah Bazzano. Great-grandmother of five. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Known as Chi by her friends. She loved her family foremost, her gardening, her fish pond and cooking. She was known to help many friends and strangers over the years with her kind and gracious manner She was a generous and loving woman.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Private cremation followed by a family memorial service at a later date.

Eugene A. PAPAY

Eugene A. Papay, 91, of Montvale, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 22, 2023. Gene was born in Hoboken on Aug. 14, 1931 and was the son of Joseph A. Papay and Elizabeth E. Corse.

Gene earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and his masterʼs degree from Columbia University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958, stationed for a time in Morocco.

Geneʼs passions were music, travel, friends and family.

Whether in his 30-year career as a Bergenfield elementary music teacher or as a choir participant in many churches throughout New York and New Jersey, Gene surrounded himself with music. When he retired, he continued to teach singing at Emerson and Ridgewood community schools, as well as performing at many senior and community centers. Gene often traveled to NYC to attend performances of the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic and Broadway shows.

Gene is predeceased by his brothers Joe, Ray and Larry Papay. He is survived by his nephew Greg Papay, his niece Lisa Papay, his sister in-law Carol Papay as well as numerous cousins and their families.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church in Park Ridge on Saturday, June 10 at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Geneʼs name to Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church or the New York Metropolitan Opera.

Anne Florence CILIBERTI

Anne Florence Ciliberti (née Battaglia) passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.

She was born in Elizabeth on Aug. 29, 1930, to the late Lena and Pasquale Battaglia. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Patrick, Richard, and Joseph. Anne is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Donald, and wonderful nieces and nephews, Carol and husband Michael, Patricia and James, Barbara, Michael and wife Wendy, William and Sharon, her lovely sister in law Francis, wife of the late Patrick.

Anne was a cost accountant at Interchemical Corp. for 12 years. Her husbandʼs work transfer with IBM resulted in a relocation and residence in Montvale for seven years and the next 49 years in Hillsdale. She was office manager and bookkeeper for Semperit of America for 12 years.

Anne and her husband were frequent travelers and avid golfers. Anne won the Rockleigh Womenʼs Club championship three years in a row, one year matching her husbandʼs championship in the same year he won one of his six menʼs club titles at Rockleigh Golf Course.

Anne was always a generous and loving person and will be greatly missed by many.

Family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, June 8 at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Friday, June 9 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Hillsdale at 10 a.m. Entombment at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Judeʼs Childrenʼs Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. becker-funeralhome.com.

the flow of my musical playlist. She did a fantastic job on all counts! She was engaging, friendly, musically curious, and even a little self-revealing about her former hometown, Waldwick, (Something about that football rivalry between Waldwick and Midland Park back in the day!)

Opie was movinʼand groovinʼ to the music playing on the air, clearly enjoying the tunes and preparing the next selection or listener request.

As a staff writer at Pascack Press/Northern Valley Press, I felt a connection to WFDU as weʼve covered nearby Teaneck, Tenafly, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs —all near where the station is based. The station broadcasts from the Armstrong Tower, a 425-foot tall lattice tower in Alpine, another town we cover. (Also, the tower was the location of the first FM broadcast station and FM transmission in 1938.)

Another “local” connection was my first song played on the

guest DJ

air, ”Itʼs Your Thing,” an Isley Brothersʼclassic, which was their first record after splitting from the Motown label in 1968. The record was put out on the “T Neck” record label, based in Teaneck, the hometown of WFDU-FM.

I didnʼt realize the connection when I picked the record, including also that two of the Isley Brothers lived nearby, one in Teaneck and one in Englewood, where streets are named after them.

My hour flew by, and I became a reporter again, and asked Opie her secret for keeping her radio show so fun.

“Radio is my favorite thing in the world, and itʼs even more fun when the format is the greatest music ever recorded. I bounce into the radio station for every shift because I cannot believe that this radio station exists, right here in Bergen County! I thank the heavens every day that Fairleigh Dickinson University understands the value of it and supports what we are doing,” she told me.

Opie said, “Being able to play

music that takes the listener to their happy place. A good show should be an escape, and in our case a nostalgic throwback. In radio you always have to imagine that you are speaking to one just person, so I actively try to picture our listeners and how they are reacting to the music and stories. We are living in unprecedented times in just about every way, and having a local station that plays the familiar favorites of days gone by is just what we all need now.”

Opie joined WFDU-FM in November 2021. “In 1995 I started at Seton Hallʼs famous radio station, 89.5FM WSOU, and that experience really laid the groundwork for everything to come. Iʼve had the great honor of working at places like Q104.3FM, Sirius Satellite Radio, 92.3 K-Rock, Air America, and Westwood One.” She said our appearance also helped her better relate to the music she plays.

“Itʼs very intimidating to put

HOME & GARDEN

Olohan:

FROM PAGE 32

yourself out there like that, so kudos to you! Also, narrowing down a library of thousands of songs down to a playlist of 16 is no easy task. Normally in the studio itʼs just me and the microphone, so it was really a treat to have you and your family there with me, all enjoying the music together. It was also special hearing your stories, and how you personally connect to the music,” she said.

She added, “Since I am younger than the average listener these stories are how I am able to put the songs into the context of what was happening at the time.”

I asked her for her favorite groups…

“I have hundreds of favorites! I try to focus on the songs and artists that have essentially disappeared from NYC radio (i.e. Motown, Elvis, The Four Seasons, Jay & the Americans, etc.). The best part of this gig is surprising people with an old favorite they forgot about or havenʼt heard in forever,” she said.

My lineup was a mish-mash, a musical scrapbook of songs I selected that appealed to me but also that, hopefully, had some meaning to family and friends. I found out most people listening liked the diversity of my selections. Whatʼs more, I got to ramble about nearly every song.

One song I chose, Elton Johnʼs “Friends” was apparently the first song ever played over WFDU-FM airwaves when the station began broadcasting in 1971. Opie told me this while we spoke on-air and I was surprised to learn it. My wife, however, an avid listener, knew that bit of trivia.

Hereʼs my playlist, selected by me and arranged by Opie. Thanks, Opie, for a great hour!

• Isley Brothers: Itʼs Your Thing

• Gene McDaniels: A Hundred Pounds Of Clay

• The Animals/Eric Burdon: We Gotta Get Out Of This Place

• Simon & Garfunkel: 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelinʼ Groovy)

• Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: Wake Up Everybody

• Dionne Warwick: I Say a Little Prayer

• The Beatles: Dear Prudence

• Jackson Browne: Somebodyʼs Baby

• Bruce Springsteen: Growinʼ Up

•Elton John: Friends

• The Impressions: People Get Ready

•Roger Miller: Dang Me

• Roy Orbison: Working For The Man

•Blues Brothers: Rubber Biscuit

• Doris Day: Que Sera, Sera, Whatever Will Be Will Be

•Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World

WESTWOOD

Tequila Rose takes to bandstand June 22

Westwood Recreationʼs Summer Concert Series returns with seven concerts for 2023, kicking off with Reminisce, “NJʼs Premier Oldies Show & Dance Band,” on Thursday, June 15 in Veterans Memorial Park.The series is sponsored by First Westwood Realty LLC, Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center, Lakeland Bank and Lightbridge Academy.

Attendees are reminded to arrive early with their chairs and/or blankets and to “shop local” for their picnic baskets or pre-concert dinners.

“We are thrilled to be able to increase our concert schedule to seven concerts this year,” said Recreation Director Gary Buchheister. “The additional concert is made possible by our very generous sponsors who support our efforts to bring free musical entertainment to Westwood each summer.”

Up next: Tequila Rose (country) on June 22, Hereʼs Elton (Elton John tribute band) on June 29, Soul Groove (R&B/Pop) on July 6, The Wag (Beatles tribute band) on July 13, Danny Vʼs 52nd St. Band (Billy Joel tribute band) on July 20 and finally, Tramps Like Us (Bruce Springsteen tribute band) on July 27.

All concerts are on Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park.

For more than 50 years the Westwood Recreation Summer Concert Series has brought regional and national touring tribute bands to the historic bandstand in Veterans Park. As the family friendly, all-ages program has grown, so has attendance. Concerts can now bring several thousand people into the park for free outdoor entertainment.

Residents and neighbors are also reminded that registration is underway for Westwood Recre-

ationʼs summer programs and specialty camps at https://register.communitypass.net

/westwood. Participants in Westwood Recreation programs will receive information on upcoming special events and classes in programs guides, emails and on social

media.

To learn more about facility rentals contact Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at (201) 6647882 or gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov. Westwood Recreation programs and forms are listed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation

HOUSE TOURS

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Ladies and gentlemen… Tequila Rose performs at Veterans Memorial Park on June 22. Tequila Rose Band.

Gift: Dawson aims to inspire with kidney donation

FROM PAGE 1

deceased.

Dawson, 29, is accustomed to solving problems. Of Westwood, she attends Seton Hall Universityʼs School of Law as a part-time weekend student. She is chief of staff to state Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-39), and served as the youngest councilwoman in New Jersey in 2018 after being appointed to finish Peter Grefrathʼs unexpired term, when he retired.

In 2019, she ran on the Republican ticket for a seat on the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. Her career began in Trenton in 2015 where she worked in the governorʼs office and then for Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno during her gubernatorial bid in 2017.

Prior to working for Schepisi, of River Vale, who is seeking reelection this fall (against challenger Jodi Murphy, a Democrat, who also served on the Westwood council), Dawson spent a year working at Evergreen Partners, a leading crisis communications firm.

Sheʼs a member of the Borough of Westwoodʼs Zoning Board of Adjustment. In her spare time, her bio says, she enjoys playing basketball and is a passionate advocate for suicide pre-

vention and awareness.

Alyssa graduated summa cum laude in December 2014 from Concordia College–NY where she majored in history and played Division 2 basketball.

Her kidneyʼs recipient is Rena Svokos, who told Pascack Press June 13, “After four years of searching for a donor, my prayers were answered this year. Both of my brothers and three cousins were screened and were unable to donate. Then in February, Alyssa contacted me and changed my life forever.”

Svokos said, “The gift of life is the most unimaginable of all. I have the utmost admiration for those brave enough to go through with the process. There is a great need for these selfless acts. Please consider donating if you are healthy enough, there is a world of people who need your help.”

Dawson told Pascack Press, “In the lead-up to surgery, I can honestly say that I had no fear. My biggest worry was that the surgery would be successful for the recipient. And I still pray each day that the success continues and that her health continues to improve as a result.”

She said, “The entire experience of donating was so incredibly fascinating. In trying to describe how I feel as a result of it, the best

way I can sum it up is this: I wish I had more kidneys to donate because I would do it again and again. But since I need the one I have, I will settle for sharing my experience to hopefully get others to consider becoming a living organ donor! The need is so great.”

As of June 3, she said, there are 88,786 people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. “This year so far, there have been less than 2,000 living donor kidney transplants and slightly under 7,000 deceased donor kidney transplants performed nationwide do the math.”

In New Jersey, she said, the waiting list as of June 1 stood at 2,352 waiting for a kidney, with 55 living donors (“including me!”) and 112 deceased donors, for a total of 167.

Dawsonʼs surgeon was Dr. Ravi Munver.

Dawsonsaid, “I am so grateful to my entire living donor team at HUMC, and a special thanks to Gail Gordon, Hackensack Meridian Health Trustee, for being my first visitor post-surgery. The abundance of well wishes, flowers, and thoughtful notes were so appreciated.”

Arroyo, Dawsonʼs former running mate on the Always Westwood ticket, posted of the connec-

tion, musing on serendipity: “When a neighbor, in dire need, reached out wondering how her life and death ʻaskʼmight be circulated in Westwood; I offered this platform. And, unsurprisingly, someone from our generous town, selflessly stepped up and answered the plea.”

He said, “But surely the seeming randomness of the universe was compressed and directed by an unseen hand. This chain of events was like tumblers in a lock, clicking into place: I donʼt know my neighbor unless JoAnn and I landed right here in our Westwood home. I donʼt know the donor unless sheʼs my council running mate in 2018. I donʼt get the seat back in 2019 without the donor organizing the election challenge and successful lawsuit. Iʼm not the 2019 candidate for mayor unless we win that lawsuit. And I donʼt have this platform to cast the net…”

Dawson said her family was with her every step of the way. Her mom, Andrea Dawson, said “Itʼs not every day that your daughter gives the gift of a better life to someone in need by giving away her left kidney.”

She said, “I am so incredibly proud of the spirit Alyssa exudes

in life and I have no doubt that her courageous and selfless act will inspire others. Her father and I have watched her grow up with the overwhelming desire to help people, and this time she went above and beyond.”

She said, “The day of the surgery was frightening, but I trusted God was in control. When I knew in recovery that the recipient had been in her recovery room after the surgery, I literally had goose bumps knowing that she had one of my daughterʼs organs inside of her. All to help her have a better life. I still pray that it continues to work in her favor and that she has the gift of many more healthy years ahead.”

Learn more Hackensack University Medical Center says its Kidney Transplant Program is among the fastest-growing in the nation.

“Our comprehensive living donor program offers several benefits. Kidneys from living donors last longer – almost twice as long – function better, and may take place once the donor and recipient are medically cleared.”

For more information visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org

PRHS CLASSOF 1973 50THANNIVERSARY REUNION SEPT. 30

Park Ridge High Schoolʼs Class of 1973 holds its 50th reunion celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott in Montvale. Graduates from other classes are invited to attend.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see old friends while enjoying music, dancing, and a hot buffet. Several events have been planned for the weekend: On Friday night, the class will be featured at the homecoming football game, followed by an informal gathering at the American Legion. Saturday morning will feature a tour of the high school and a Sunday brunch is being scheduled. This promises to be a fun, memorable weekend.

50th anniversary apparel may be purchased at https://park-ridge-high-

school-class-of-73.square.site.

For registration, tickets and more information visit reunionmanger.com

PVHS Jazz Band hits the right note at jazz fest

Jazz

Ellington Regional Jazz Festival. The event was sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and featured 12 high school big bands from New Jersey, New York. and

Arizona.

Students had the opportunity to both perform and hear other bands, work with noted clinicians Terell Stafford and Bethany Robinson, play in a student-led jam session, and participate in both sectional clinics and improvisation classes with faculty members of the Manhattan School of Music, Rutgers University, and Montclair State University.

Pascack Valley High School senior trumpeter Nathan Prins and freshman alto saxophonist MingYang Qin received Outstanding Soloist Awards at the end of this musically inspiring day.

Members of the Pascack Valley High School Jazz Band are:

•Flute: Joohee Yoon

•Alto Saxophone: MingYang Qin, Paula Zapteiro, Ethan Platt

•Tenor Saxophone: Jacob Zeller, Liam OʼBrien

• Trombone: Ming-Lang Qin

•Tuba: Eddie Grcic

• Trumpets; Nathan Prins, Carolyn Veit, Ciara DerSimonian

•Guitar: Thomas Santos

• Piano: Timmy Ngai, Jaden Martinez

•Bass Guitar: Jess Grady

•Drums: Juan Zapateiro

The Pascack Valley High School

Band, directed by Craig Yaremko, recently traveled to Newark Academy in Livingston to perform in the Essentially

Nathan Prins and Ming-Yang Qin receive Outstanding Soloist Awards at the Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival; PVHS Jazz Band members in a workshop at the festival. Pascack Valley Regional High School District photos.

The PVHS Jazz Band, directed by Craig Yaremko, performs at the Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival.

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Catch Larry Stevens at NJPAC June 23

Larry Stevens, a Pascack Valley singer–songwriter, is honored to be opening solo for New Jersey icon Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark on Friday, June 23.

Stevens has opened for more than 30 national acts from America to The Doobie Brothers and Night Ranger.

He says on his website, larrystevensband.com, that heʼs spent the better portion of his life on stage.

“Through dynamic, energetic performances and a gift for connecting with his audiences, Stevens has found himself on stage at many of the most soughtafter venues from the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to the Bitter End, Kennyʼs Castaways, and The Iridium in New York City.

“He is frequently seen at noteworthy venues across New York and New Jersey including the PNC Bank Arts Center, Giants (MetLife) Stadium, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Bergen Performing Arts Center, Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Tarrytown Music Hall, Surflight Theatre, and the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning.

“Stevens has enjoyed sharing the stage with many top national acts including Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis and the News, Gin Blossoms, America, The Doobie

Brothers, The Yardbirds, Blood Sweat and Tears, Todd Rundgren, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and many others.

“Critics have compared the quality of his original melodies to those of Jack Johnson, Plain White Tʼs and the Beatles.

“During the years he lived in Nashville, Stevens studied, wrote, recorded and performed with many of the most prominent figures in music. It was during this

process that he created his signature blend of rock, pop, folk and country.

“Since returning to New Jersey he has continued to write and record, releasing five highlyacclaimed CDs and keeping a busy performance schedule. Stevens' CD Heart on Fire follows in the legacy of his popular albums Mercer Street, Downstairs at Mayoʼs, Heart of a Fighter and Our Country.

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FULL/PART-TIME FINANCE SPECIALIST – BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE - The Borough of Hillsdale is accepting applications for an immediate, full or part-time Finance Specialist. Experience and proficiency are required in municipal accounting; Edmund’s software; as well as Word, Excel and general municipal-government practices. Must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to perform various, finance-related functions and multi-task. Responsibilities include but are not limited to performing day-to day financial transactions, including verifying, classifying and recording accounts payable data. Preparing invoices to be processed for payment, reconciling and analyzing our accounts payable system: purchasing, prepare periodic reports on a monthly basis. Accounts payable, including end of year requirements; purchase requisitions and purchase orders; bill lists; payment and check processing; revenue and expenditure/budget reports. Finance Specialist will perform additional, various duties and functions as assigned by the CMFO or Administrator. Salary DOQ. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview and hire while this advertisement is active. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that includes salary requirements to the Borough Clerk, Denise Kohan at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org.

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recreation programs. The ideal candidate shall plan, organize, coordinate, and direct assigned recreation programs, activities, and special events as well as develop, organize and manage staff, contractors and volunteers in providing recreation and leisure activities for the community. The Recreation Coordinator’s task is to supervise and support in instructing various recreational programs and classes, and to help the community through developing and promoting the same.

Candidate must have a valid Rutgers Youth Sports Research Council Safety Course Clinician Certification or obtain within six months of employment. All interested applications should possess a valid New Jersey Driver's license, including a safe driving record and must pass a background check. Salary shall be commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates should submit their resume and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by June 13, 2023. Hillsdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and reserves the right to interview applicants as received.

covers

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Two pool ladders, inside and outside. $500 for pair. “That’s a wonderful price, let me tell you.” Call Mary at 201-358-1358.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D Wanted To Buy: All records, instruments, guitars, drums, microphones, old stereos, ect. Call Tony 201-262-4970 or Cell 201509-7079. I ITTEEMMS S W WAANNTTEED D

Larry Stevens, a Pascack Valley singer–songwriter, in action.