Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake
PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 17
JULY 8, 2024
Grace’s ONE GOOD TURN POLICE FILE toy drive AFTER ANOTHER CHARGES TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Lots on deck for vital Meals on Wheels North Jersey FOR 13 OVER
FIGHTS THAT MARRED GRADUATION One person was hospitalized; incident videos make the rounds online
Grace’s Gold Ribbon Gang hosts its annual Holiday in July Toy Drive. PAGE 17
MONTVALE
TROOP 334 CELEBRATES EAGLE BEN MILLER Woodcliff Lake teen launches four small libraries to promote literacy
Montvale Boy Scout Troop 334, chartered by the Montvale Fire Department, is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scout, Benjamin L. Miller. Benjamin, a resident of Woodcliff Lake, is a rising senior at Pascack Hills High School, where his family says he has just completed six AP classes. He is the eldest of three sons born to Carolyn J. Strassberg and Rick Miller. Benjaminʼs Scouting journey began as a Cub Scout under the leadership of Adam Schwartz, the Cubmaster of Pack 349 in Woodcliff Lake. He later joined Troop 334 in Montvale, where he received guidance and mentorship from scoutmasters Dan Sawitz, Bob OʼNeill,
See TROOP on page 5
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Meals on Wheels North Jersey relies on community support to continue is important mission to serve the seniors of Bergen County. Volunteers Nancy and Anthony Taormina (inset) and local customer photos courtesy John Snyder. ON WHEELS North Jersey, based in Woodcliff Lake, says it is thrilled to be the early summer recipient of the Wishing Well program from Stew Leonardʼs in Paramus. The non-profit says online, “You can donate your extra change to Meals on Wheels during the months of July and EALS
August when you check out at the cashier stations. Every penny, nickel, dime, and quarter add up to more meals we can serve to our clients in need. Thank you, Stew Leonardʼs!” (The store is at 700 Paramus Park.) Thatʼs a taste of whatʼs cooking as Meals on Wheels North Jersey prepares for a spe-
SOUNDS PERFECT The Westwood Community Band is set to delight residents and visitors with its annual summer concert series. PAGE 22
cial gathering, Sept. 14, to celebrate the more than 20 years of leadership of immediate past executive director Jeanne Martin “as her retirement opens a new chapter for her life. It will be a celebration to remember!” (See “On to greater heights at Meals on Wheels North Jersey,” April 28, 2024 for our
Continued on page 25
The Township of Washington Police Department has concluded a thorough investigation into disturbing incidents that played out just after Westwood Regional High School graduated the Class of 2024. According to WTPD Cpl. Chris Osenbruck in a statement on June 27, video footage was reviewed, interviews were conducted, and the involved parties were identified. The investigation determined that the melees, June 20, involved two graduating students and their families. As a result, 25 charges have been filed against 13 individuals. The charges include: • NJSA 2C:12-1A(1) – Assault • NJSA 2C:33-2A(1) – Disorderly Conduct • NJSA 2C:33-1B – Failure to Disperse • NJSA 2C:29-1A – Obstruction The Township of Washington Police Department said it is aware
See POLICE on page 7
B ck in time... Kristin Beuscher on the women behind the scenes 80 years ago: the Montvale Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in the summer of 1944. PAGE 4