Pascack Press 8.28.23

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14U HEROES ofHILLSDALE 14U HEROES ofHILLSDALE

Parade after Hawks storm Junior League World Series

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

‘BEYOND THRILLED’: THREE DERELICT HOUSES RAZED

Move comes amid property ownerʼs lawsuit over ZBAʼs strip mall rejection

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

VICKY MEO, NEWAT HELM, VOWS CLUB WILL EMBODY NEEDED HOPE

New Rotary officers for 2023–2024; Linda Hanlon, Ray Falcon take outstandingmember honors

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

The Park Ridge Rotary Club kicked off its 2023–2024 year on July 17 with the induction of president Vicky Meo and other club officers.

Meo, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, shared with members and guests what it means to be a Rotarian, and her vision for the year She said the districtʼs theme for the year is “to create

See MEO on page 12

SIRENSBLARED and crowds spilled out, cheering, as the Hillsdale 14UHawks were conveyed in style to Veterans Park on Aug. 21.

The team, returned from a local-history-making romp to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Mich., took it all in, waving from atop Hillsdale Fire Department Tower 31, with

local police and EMS leading the way.

The Hawks, said the Hillsdale Baseball and Softball Association, were eliminated on a 3-2 loss to host team (and national finalist) Michigan D5 on Aug. 18 — “but to see these 14U Hawks live out their dreams of playing in the World Series in front of a national

MONTVALE WINS!

Demolition began Monday, Aug. 21, on three long-vacant houses at Pascack Road and Washington Avenue, as a large crane was seen clawing at and dismantling the corner home; two adjacent rundown, vacant houses appeared next in line. A crane operator and workers from Mauro Excavating of Northvale were seen Monday on site demolishing the first, corner home. The others soon followed.

A ALLSSO O

audience has been such an incredible experience.”

They said, “Thank you to the town, businesses, and residents of Hillsdale for support-

Continued on page 28

The nearly 2.5-acre property at 660-682 Pascack Road also contains two homes occupied by renters, and the site was recently proposed for a 17,100-square-foot retail plaza. That development proposal was rejected by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in mid-May and the applicant and property owner, 660 Pascack Realty LLC, appealed in Superior Court Aug. 4, alleging the denial was arbitrary, capricious and See BEYOND on page 26

Pascack Road paving starts Page 6

Bckintime...

“The Holy Name smoker was not only a first in this area (bringing Golden Glove boxers for Father-Son Night), but it was one of the most successful events sponsored by the group.” Jack Dempsey visits the Pascack Valley. PAGE

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

Congratulations to the Montvale 1st/2nd grade softball team for winning the Kinderkamack Softball League 2023 summer travel championship.

4

Ryan Novakowski graduates from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. PAGE 6

PARK RIDGE

Champs return to fanfare Aug. 21: Among them Coach Chris Kirkby, Frankie Gravina, Sam Stalb, Drew Kirkby, Thomas Eichner, Evan Galluchi, Jason Wormer, Ethan Rettew, Justin Morgan, Coach Greg Stalb, Sebastian Fernandez, Joseph Luciano, Max Stalb, Coach Frank Gravina. Hillsdale Baseball &Softball Association

Floodsolution advocates cheer plan

Re: “Westwood taking lead on $200,000 study toward flood aid,” Aug. 7, 2023.

To the editor:

WELOOKFORWARD to studies which will lead to implementation of policies addressing repetitive severe flooding in our area. In a recent report, Veolia, in its decadeslong resistance to any role in managing water to avoid flooding, misstates history with

PASCACK PRESS

respect to Hurricane Sandy. With greater than usual warning of the oncoming storm, local officials and residents spent days imploring the governor to order the lowering of reservoirs in advance. At t he 11th hour, with the storm underway, he finally did so and t he water company began to release some water.

After reducing the level of the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir by well under 1 foot it stopped when it became apparent that Sandy was not the severe rain event feared. There was no local drought afterw ard. There was also no water shortage when the reservoir was virtually empty for over two years during dam renovation a few years later.

A recent hazard vulnerability assessment study presented to the Westwood Planning Board found

the predominant threat was from flooding due to increased frequency and severity of storms from climate change.

The report went on to state that effective water management w as essential to address the impacts of climate change on the Pascack Brook and Woodc liff Lake Reservoir and that this was the sole responsibility of Veolia.

With the indisputable effects of climate change at hand, it is ludicrous that we continue to abide by legal positions and practices developed over 100 years ago.

We are encouraged that one study will examine how water systems in New Yorkʼs Catskills and areas in California are currently monitoring improved and more accurate weather forecasts to determine when water levels can be reduced in advance of storms.

We also urge enactment of

legislation currently pending in t he New Jersey Legislature which ultimately can require sensible water management to avoid severe repetitive flooding.

Thomas A. Bisdale Westwood c hange.org/demandfloodcontrol

Editorʼs note: See also “Veolia weathers voices seeking greater flood conrol,” News , Pascack Press , Sept. 18, 2022;

“Mayors get Veolia to agree in principle on flood study,” News , Pascack Press, Jan. 30, 2023; and, most recently, “Carnival closure and facts on flooding,” Ray Arroyo, Letters , Pascack Press , Aug. 12, 2023.

WWRSD BOE must k eep livestream

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.

To the editor:

AT THE JULY 20 Westwood Regional School District Board of Education meeting several trustees spoke in support of canceling the live-streaming of public school board meetings. Revisions may be proposed to policy 0168 via a first reading at the Aug. 31 meeting.

I believe the cancellation of the live-streamed public board of education meetings is unwarranted and will do a disservice to stakeholders across Township of Washington and Westwood. Stakeholders tune in to these live streams to stay informed about their learnersʼeducation and understand how their school tax dollars are being allocated.

The board first began livebroadcasting their meetings via the districtʼs YouTube channel in November 2021. This came to be following a WWRSD school board-conducted community survey in which 87% of stakeholders indicated they would utilize the live-stream option to view public school board meetings.

The elimination of this

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Correction

An article on the Township of Washington in our Aug. 21 edition, “ʻIt just makes no senseʼ – Fits, starts on DPW, police HQs,” incorrectly stated that the cost of Boswell Engineeringʼs proposed survey of the former private swim club property is $48,000. The cost is $19,000.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARKRIDGE

Residents will sound off on Nov. 7 as to whether the borough should spend slightly over $15 million, including bonding costs over a 20-year period, to dredge Mill Pond and restore water quality and improve water retention and recreational value.

The Borough Council agreed, 5-0, on a resolution Aug. 8 to place the non-binding referendum on this Novemberʼs General Election ballot. The referendum question is designed to canvass the opinion of Park Ridge voters on whether or not they wish the borough to incur the cost of the potential dredging of Mill Pond (Electric Lake).

“The results of the referendum will be one factor considered by the Park Ridge mayor and council as future dredging options are evaluated and or implemented. Any such dredging project, if implemented, may be completed in stages,” reads the referendum questionʼs explanatory statement.

The resolution asks, “Shall the Borough of Park Ridge spend a minimum of $15,500,000, incur $10,500,000 in bond debt, and raise taxes at least 5% to facilitate the dredging of Mill Pond (Electric Lake)?”

The resolution notes the borough engineer estimates that the minimum dredging cost for Mill Pond would be “at least $12 million.” (See “Borough seeks $12M aid on Mill Pond dredge,” June 17, 2023, Michael Olohan, Pascack Press.)

However, a state grant recently received could reduce that by $1,500,000, officials said. That grant was to be used for a local infrastructure project.

The borough auditor estimated the borough would need to incur at least $10,500,000 of debt and raise

property taxes by at least 4.91% to undertake the dredging project, officials noted.

Moreover, the auditor estimated a cost of at least $15,452,000 over a 20-year-bond repayment period.

“It makes little sense to spend our $1.5 million in grant money in initiating the project if we did not know our residents were actually willing to spend the additional taxpayer money required to complete such a dredging project,” said Council President William Fenwick.

A couple residents wondered what would happen with the $1.5 million in state grant money should registered voters oppose the dredging project. Officials said that could be used for another local capital improvement project but that not

doing something about Mill Pond was not the answer.

Several said the issue had been delayed too long and would only increase in cost the more it was delayed.

Officials said the last time the pond was dredged was in 1979.

Mayor Keith Misciagna said that Republican state Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) was able to secure the infrastructure grant. He said working with other mayors and towns in the 10-town Pascack Valley Mayors Association has helped to secure some funding for dredging and that most towns face similar challenges in raising funds to address flooding and stream bank erosion concerns.

Misciagna said if residents

Bckintime... Bckintime...

J Jaacck k D Deemmppsseey y in Emerson

Holy Name Society fundraisers draw boxers, wrestlers, comics, and fathers and sons

D ancers from t he Mayura School of Arts performing a Semi Classical Indian Fusion dance.

Indian Independence marked on joyous Aug. 15

PASCACKVALLEY

On Wednesday, the County of Bergen, in partnership with Arya Samaj of New Jersey, the EID Committee of New Jersey, the Indo-American Senior Citizens Association of Bergen County, the Hindu Samaj Temple of Mahwah, Indian Americans of Paramus, the Malayalee Christian Fellowship, and the Ridgewood Indian Community, hosted a celebration in honor of Indian Independence in the Piazza at the One Bergen County Plaza Administration Building.

Indian Independence Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 15 and commemorates the end of British rule in 1947 and the establishment of a free

See INDIA on page 12

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS EMERSON

“

THE HOLY NAMe smoker was not only a ʻfirstʼin this area (bringing Golden Glove boxers for the Father-Son Night), but it was one of the most successful events ever sponsored by the group. Six-hundred men and boys attended the bouts and really got a good show,” read a Feb. 16, 1961 report from the Westwood News.

In the early 1960s, the Holy Name Society of Assumption Church in Emerson sponsored a series of smokers, or boxing exhibitions, to benefit the church building fund. These Golden Gloves events, which brought boxers to town for matchups held in the Assumption School auditorium, were billed as fun nights out for fathers and sons.

The inaugural 1961 event included eight

three-round bouts with past Golden Gloves champions, plus a wrestling match and a half-hour comedy show by Al Kelly, who did take-offs on boxing and baseball.

See BIT on page 21

Boxing legend Jack “the Manassa Mauler”Dempsey (seated, left) shakes hands with event chairman Jim “Doc" Sweeney on the occasion of the 1962 Assumption Church boxing fundraiser.Looking on, from left:Father Caesar Orrico, Tom McDermott Sr.,Tom McDermott Jr., Joe Korzak, George Stahlin,Jim Sweeney Jr., and Ron Soldano Two other boys in the photograph are unidentified.

Below, the iconographic Golden Gloves.

The wrestlers were local high schoolers Joseph DiFalco and Robert Galvin.

Dempsey and Firpo,1924 painting by George Bellows,hailed as the most acclaimed American artist of his generation.Dempsey won this brief Sept.14,1923 prizefight,but not before Firpo sent him sailing through the ropes.

‘CARJACKING, THEFT, BURGLARY, ELUDING’

Park Ridge Police Chief Joseph Madden announces the arrest of Jordan D. Dufont, a 23year-old from Westwood, on charges of carjacking, theft of movable property, and eluding, and two counts of burglary.

In a press statement, PRPD said, “On Aug. 15 at approximately 10:33 p.m., Park Ridge Police responded to a Park Avenue apartment complex for a report of a burglary and theft from a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers were provided a description of a suspect, who had fled the area.

“Within several minutes, officers were advised that a nearby resident, provided the same description of the initial incident, had just attempted to steal his bicycle off of his property. The homeowner immediately intervened, gave chase, at which time the suspect fled toward Kinderka-

mack Road.

“Within several minutes of this incident, a resident of a Kinderkamack Road apartment was pulling into her lot, at which time the same suspect attempted to enter her vehicle that she was operating. The victim, in fear for

her safety, immediately began to pull away as the suspect began to aggressively pull onto her vehicleʼs door handles in an attempt to enter the vehicle. The victim then alerted police who canvassed the area. The suspect was able to flee the area.

“Through investigative means, the Park Ridge Police Department Detective Bureau was able to identify the suspect as Dufont

“On Aug. 16 at approximately 4:20 p.m., a Park Ridge Police Officer spotted Dufont operating his vehicle on Park Avenue. As the officer began to follow the suspect, he began to aggressively drive, at which time the officer activated his lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a motor vehicle stop. Upon noticing the officerʼs signals to stop, Dufont began to elude the officer. Based on

Dufontʼs driving, it was decided not to pursue.

“On Aug. 17, we were notified by Stony Point, N.Y. Police Department that they had the suspectʼs vehicle at a location in their jurisdiction. Members of the Park Ridge Police Detective Bureau were enroute to meet with officers from Stony Point when detectives were advised that Stony Point PD was attempting to stop the vehicle, and that they were currently in foot pursuit of Dufont.

“Dufont was subsequently arrested by Stony Point Police Department for multiple charges out of their jurisdiction. Dufont will be held in custody in Rockland County as a fugitive of justice on the charges out of Park Ridge.”

Madden emphasized that the charges lodged against the defendant are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed

innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Madden thanked the Westwood Woodcliff Lake, and Montvale police departments, the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office, and the Stony Point Police Department for their assistance.

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

PARK RIDGE

Pascack Road paving starts

The township advises that a pre-construction meeting was held on Aug. 15 with the administration and Bergen County in regard to pending milling and paving of Pascack Road.

“The project will be the entire length of Pascack Road from Linwood Avenue to the Hillsdale Municipal Line/Ell Road. The hours

of work will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” says the town.

• Concrete work:Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

•Milling: Sept. 11–15.

• Paving: Sept. 18–20.

Detour information will be posted by the Washington Township Police when available.

The town says the start date and

LABOR

the anticipated completion date are subject to change due to unforeseeable weather events. According to the township, “The resurfacing of Washington Avenue was discussed. The county has not received its state funding for Washington Avenue as of yet and anticipate the work to be performed in 2024.”

— Staff report

Congratulations to Ryan Novakowski, a 2019 graduate of Pascack Valley High School, who this June 17 graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

Novakowski received a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and shipyard management, and was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy Reserve.

At Kings Point Novakowski was a platoon commander during first rotation, and was Fourth Company executive officer for second rotation.

He pitched on the Mariners baseball team, was a member of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club, and played on the Womenʼs Basketball Scout Team.

During mission-critical sea year training, Novakowski served as an engine cadet aboard the M/V Maersk Denver and M/V Ocean Giant, traveling to Spain, Egypt, Slovenia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Dji-

bouti, Oman, UAE, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and South Korea.

He also completed an internship at Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, Fla. as a project manager in test and trials.

Novakowski will fulfill his commitment serving on his Unlimited Third Assistant Engineerʼs License in the U.S. Merchant Marine and as a U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift officer.

Motor vehicle mobile unit here Sept. 6

The Borough of Montvale will be offering the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's Mobile Unit on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Borough Hall Administration Building, 12 DePiero Drive in the employee parking lot.

REAL ID customers will register and choose a time slot on a Google form via the borough website.

There are a limited amount of REAL ID registrations available and the spots will fill up quickly. All other customers will be on a walk-up basis. CDLs, exams, titles and out-of-state transfers are not performed at the mobile unit.

Mayor sounds alarm on village warehouse project

Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on Aug. 20 over a land use application for a warehouse project proposed in Ramapo, N.Y.ʼs Village of Chestnut Ridge, on the border of Mont-

to this plan based on traffic and narrow roadways constraints, and the negative impact a warehouse operation would bring to not only New Jersey residential units but also to the New Yorkʼs upcoming

Ridge Village and have several mutual aid agreements with the village.”

“Of course the Borough of Montvale has no jurisdiction outside of its borders, but we do maintain a courteous and a neighborly relationship with Chestnut

Ghassali said “Mayor Rosario Presti [Jr.] and I met and spoke several times about this project and other ongoing projects. We worked together in the past on other local issues pertaining to our towns, and we continue to keep the line of communication open. I will keep you posted as this application progresses.”

Stalwart Chestnut Ridge

Applicant is seeking preliminary site plan and subdivision approval for the proposed demolition of the existing building and the construction of a 210,605 sq. foot warehouse with 14,000 sq. feet of office–mezzanine space, 25 loading bays as well as associate car parking, and trailer parking. The site consists of six tax parcels includes approximately 16 acres of land. Tax map designation: Section: 68.09 Block: 2 Lots: 16,17,18,19,20 and 21, Zone: RS.

vale, north of Spring Valley Road and adjacent to the Alexa townhouses in Montvale.

Ghassali said, “I have been in contact with the mayor of Chestnut Ridge Village and I will be testifying during their planning board meeting on Aug. 28 in opposition

residential units directly across from the proposed warehouse structure.”

He said “The developer has been arguing that the truck traffic will operate northbound toward the thruway and that trucks will not travel southbound on Spring Valley Road (a county road).

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

GHASSALI PRESTI

Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on Aug.20 over a land use application for a warehouse project proposed in Ramapo,N.Y.’s Village of Chestnut Ridge. Langan plan

450 Pascack Road is longstanding — but historic?

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

A Bergen County Open Space grant request for $900,000 by the Township to acquire 3.2 acres of mostly wooded property at 450 Pascack Road for active and passive recreation — a purchase long sought by neighbors and residents hoping to expand Memorial Field — can go forward despite the possible historical status of the house and barn on the property.

Thatʼs according to Elaine Gold, the countyʼs historic preservation specialist, in an email.

The townshipʼs grant request was made in mid-May to Bergen Countyʼs Open Space program by the grants consultant, GLD Associates of Summit.

The request estimated the total acquisition costs for 450 Pascack Road at $950,000, with $50,000 likely in such soft costs as legal and engineering fees to be paid by the township.

That request likely will be decided in the next few months,

with a Bergen County Commissioners vote likely in December.

The property is occupied by a dilapidated single-family home fronting Pascack Road, accompanied by a large barn and shed.

Behind is a mostly wooded tract, providing a buffer between Washington school, Memorial Field and homes on Ridgewood Boulevard East.

The home has remained in disrepair well over a decade as the owner negotiated with various parties, including the township and a developer who proposed a 48-unit independent senior complex, before withdrawing the proposal in fall 2020 after public pushback.

The grant proposal lists Robert Morris as executor for the estate of Nora Morris, under the property owner consent form section of the grant application. The property was recently cited as a nuisance under the property maintenance code for its deteriorating porch and barn. It was not clear

what action, if any, was taken in response to the code violations.

Hints at history

The information on 450 Pascackʼs possible historic status was revealed in a May 2023 letter from Gold, the countyʼs historic preservation specialist, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, county parks department.

Town administrator Mark DiCarlo told Pascack Press on Aug. 22 that the township would seek a letter clarifying the historic status of the home and barn. He said the owner has not indicated that the property is historic.

“If the house is a historical structure, it could impact the townshipʼs ability to demolish it. However, the current owner, whose family has lived there for almost 80 years, is unaware of any historical significance,” DiCarlo told us.

Council vice president Steven Cascio told us, “I am unaware of any historical significance of the property. If there is, I would like to see it preserved on the county level with county funding. I would have no problem with asking Ms. Gold to look into it further and will ask [council president] Ms. [Desserie] Morgan to do the same.”

We first noted the possible historical status of improvements there after a recent public records request for the grant revealed that Gold had written the townshipʼs grants consultant on the matter.

That email was in response to grant consultant David Biunnoʼs request for a historic preservation assessment on 450 Pascack Road about two weeks before the application was due in May. Biunno is employed by GLD Associates,

Summit.

A similar request by Biunno had been made for the 6.1-acre former Washington Township Swim & Recreation Club property, Ridgewood Boulevard North, which the town is eying for recreational uses and on which it is storing public works equipment. No historic structures were identified there.

In a May 12 email provided to Pascack Press, Gold wrote, “450 Pascack Road, Washington Township, is a circa 1890–1910 American Foursquare home with a garage structure contemporary to the construction of the residence.”

According to Wikipedia, The American Foursquare or Prairie Box is a post-Victorian style, “which shared many features with the Prairie architecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright.”

The entry says, “During the early 1900s and 1910s, Wright even designed his own variations on the Foursquare, including the Robert M. Lamp House, ʻA Fireproof House for $5,000ʼ, and several two-story models for American System-Built Homes.”

It says, “Unlike other houses of the style, Wrightʼs versions featured more open main floor plans achieved by removing or minimizing partitions between the entry, living room, and dining room. He in turn inspired other Prairie School architects, such as Walter Burley Griffin, to design similar Foursquares in the following decades.”

Gold told the township officials that she has been unable to track the chain of title past the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

The Township of Washington has desired 450 Pascack Road for years,and is in talks to acquire it.The property abuts Memorial Field and Washington Elementary School. Michael Olohan photo

FROM PAGE 8

previous owners “with certainty.”

Before they applied for the grant, Gold told local officials that the property appears on a 1930 aerial photograph and “It does appear that the property was once part of the larger Van Emberg holdings, parts of which were sold to George Schlagel, who appears on the 1912 Bromley Map of Bergen County in the vicinity of 450 Pascack Road.”

She said, “But more time would be needed to verify this information and to track the occu-

pation of this house on U.S. Census tracts. [Neither] this lack of information nor the presence of a historic property … preclude[s] Township of Washington from acquiring the property,” Gold advised in her May 12 email.

Pascack Press asked a county spokesperson if further county research on the house or barnʼs historic status might cause restrictions to be put in place. We did not hear back by press time.

Prior to applying for a county Open Space Land Acquisition grant in May, local officials had discussed purchasing the tract on and off for nearly a decade, with administrations trying to acquire the parcel wedged between a dozen homes on Ridgewood Boulevard East and

Emerson Seniors to Riverview Inn — sign up!

The Emerson Seniors are headed to the Riverview Inn in Matamoras, Pa. on Thursday Sept. 21. Included are a luncheon with free beer and wine, and a nightclub-style show starring JJ Russell.

The price is $ 70 per person. The bus leaves the Senior Center at 9:15 a.m. Make checks out to the Emerson Seniors; no cash accepted. Questions? Call Jeanneann Scarano at (551) 404-7359 or Jo Monahan at (201) 265-1933.

George Washington Elementary School.

Derek Sands, a county spokesperson, told Pascack Press that the county Open Space Trust Fund does not provide 100% funding for land acquisition and typically grants are awarded in the 65% to 80% range.

Sands said the Trust Fund Advisory Committee met on Aug. 1 to make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

“However, these are merely recommendations and will require a preliminary vote of approval at an upcoming Board of Commissionersʼmeeting. The exact date is not

set,” Sands told us. We requested a copy of the recommendations but did not immediately hear back.

Sands said there is “no cap or limit” on the funding amount a town could receive in one year from the county Open Space Trust Fund. However, he said towns can only apply for a maximum two grants in a funding year per program.

This includes a maximum of two grants per year among the land acquisition, floodplain protection, and farmland preservation programs (the ʻCounty programʼ) and a maximum of two municipal park improvement grants are allowed

yearly (the ʻMunicipal programʼ), Sands said.

Should the town acquire 450 Pascack Road partly using county Open Space funds, certain restrictions will apply to its uses, with primary use only for active and passive recreation.

Editorʼs note: There is no historic element in the townshipʼs Master Plan. Neighboring municipalities, which split from the sprawling Township of Washington in the 1890s as part of the countyʼs “boroughitis” or “borough fever” period, do boast historic elements and properties.

Volunteers said first key to safer school pick-ups, drop-offs

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACKVALLEY

One short-term solution to improve traffic flow during busy student drop off and pickup times around George Washington Elementary School was increasing volunteers and parents to assist with the offloading of students.

Thatʼs according to Township council president Desserie Morgan at the Aug. 14 council meeting. Morgan said thatʼs a shortterm solution, with students set to return Sept. 7.

So far, the townʼs Traffic Flow Committee, formed in May, has met twice to discuss improving traffic and student safety around the school.

Morgan said members hope to create a drop off/pickup system that flows better, and that might include maps to help alleviate bottlenecks, and possible resolutions and ordinance changes.

The issue of how to improve flow around the school and increase studentsʼand parentsʼ safety has been a formal topic since spring, when the council proposed sidewalks on Wayne Place.

That drew fire from neighbors, and residents of nearby streets including Wayne Place and White Birch Road, who have generally opposed sidewalks as a solution to help support school transition times, although police

and some parents support sidewalks as a safe option rather than students walking on streets after exiting cars.

Morgan said the committee would continue considering action plans.

She said herself, Westwood regional district school board member James Parrino, and Washington Elementary Principal Melissa Palianto had been getting together to work out details.

Morgan said more volunteers and more parent sign-ups to help offload students arriving by car prior to the start of the school year are being planned.

She said there were “strong conversations” from some residents that adding sidewalks would hurt property values.

Moreover, she said, some positives from reversing traffic flows around the school (similar to Berkeley School in Westwood) provided better sight lines for parents, and fewer traffic hazards for crossing guards.

Morgan said members asked the township engineer to look into reversing traffic flow patterns around the school.

She said during discussions, someone noted Westwood has sidewalks near local schools “and people are still walking in the streets.” She said other ideas included splitting up dismissal times, shuttling children in from different dropoff areas, and possibly making White Birch Road a

no-parking street.

Other ideas were to buy the 450 Pascack Road property and use it for parking, which would not be allowed if the property is partly purchased with county Open Space funds; and what traffic flow directions might work best around the school.

However, Mayor Peter Calamari said just because the township applied for a county open space grant, they do not have to accept the funds should they wish to purchase a property for other purposes. He said if the 450 Pascack Road space was determined to be better used for “safety and traffic” then the Open Space grant did not have to be accepted.

Traffic loop around school favored

Morgan said the loop around the school had the “strongest feedback where a lot of people who were at the meeting were in favor” including herself. She said the general consensus was the block around the school is not unsafe but overcrowded.

She said “It was a really long meeting.”

Other ideas dealt with multiple egress options, challenges to egress onto Pascack Road, and where sidewalks might be required under the Circulation Element of the Master Plan.The township engineer said often sidewalks are only required in new facilities, not existing facilities.

Morgan said the Westwood board member agreed something

needed to be done, suggesting possibly reversing traffic flow, as well as exploring the loop-around idea for dropoffs/pickups, plus adding more parents to help out with offloading at some point.

Morgan noted the police department recommended sidewalks on streets around the schools.

Councilwoman Stacey Feeney said that a suggestion to take away teacher parking near the school was not a good idea. However, Morgan said the idea came up when creating a loop was suggested to enhance traffic flow around the school.

Feeney asked that if the school board expanded the school, would it be required to put in sidewalks. Township Engineer John Yakimic said that the board would only be required to have sidewalks in front, which is what they have now.

Sabino grills town engineer Leonard Sabino of White Birch Road — who chairs the township Planning Board — questioned what subject matter experts were used to evaluate the recommendations made by residents of options to improve traffic flow.

Sabino questioned Yakimicʼs expertise to evaluate traffic-related options. Yakimic allowed that there was at least one other traffic expert with Boswell Engineering with more expertise.

Sabino asked whether the council was familiar with a 2014 state transportation department

school design guide to ensure safety of students when going to school. He asked Yakimic if he had consulted the document to prepare a response to council about possible options, including recommending sidewalks.

Sabino asked Yakimic if he considered any other options outside of sidewalks, as noted in the state guidance document. Yakimic said he did not consider other options “because sidewalks in my mind were much more important.”

At that point, town administrator Mark DiCarlo interrupted Sabino, noting the engineer was making himself available to discuss a resolution, not to be put “in an adversarial position.”

He said, “This [questioning] is not fair to our professional.”

Sabino said he was under the impression that Yakimic was there to discuss sidewalks as the best option for traffic safety around the elementary school.

Morgan told him to address questions to her and she would help to find answers.

Sabino said that trafficcalming devices are mentioned in the state document, and agreed that traffic would only get worse due to new developments and the future planned expansion of Washington Elementary School.

Sabino said the Master Plan does not have a circulation plan that would provide guidelines for the flow of traffic around township roads.

Emerson, Park Ridge team 10UNat’l League champs

Congratulations to thePark Ridge Owls, managed by Ryan Burdette. The team, built on Emerson and Park Ridge 10U talent, tenacity, and discipline, won its division in the NEBAS Summer League. Park Ridge boys : Gianni Battaglia, Connor Bianco, Reed Bur dette, Michael Cronin, Pierce Dargan, Tyler DiGaetano, AJ Farina, James Giordano, George Ikonomakos, Kieran Kenlon, and Timothy McPartland. Emerson boys: Noah Justo, Colton Maus, and Tyler Trass. — Staff.

Horváth says he’s

COUNCILMAN Zolt á n

Horváth, snubbed by the town Republicans, says heʼs running as a personal choice write-in for mayor.

On Aug. 12 he again took issue with a boost in mayor and council compensation, which the council recently adopted over Mayor John Ruoccoʼs partial veto.

He also took the council to task on “the cost of several large capital projects that it is planning or has launched, namely Centennial Field enhancements, [a] second community center, at Stonybrook, pickleball courts, flood protection measures at our DPW compound, [and] the expected huge increase in garbage pick-up rates if the council maintains its leaning toward making no changes in the schedule.”

Among his ranging complaints, he called the council majority “spiteful” and took aim at “the biased, dysfunctional Hillsdale Republican County Committee and councilwoman Abby Lundy (finance chair and running for re-election next year)” who “did everything within their power to remove the one council member (myself) who fought for keeping Hillsdale affordable by consistently voting no on all unnecessary tax increases and advocating for transparency and peopleʼs choice referendums.”

Challenging for the gavel are councilman Republican Anthony DeRosa, throwing his hat in the ring after redevelopment champion Frank Pizzella, formerly on council, bowed out citing personal reasons; and Democrat Michael Sheffield, who ran uncontested in the June 6 primary.

Mayor John Ruocco, who often wins Horv á thʼs minority support on council, is running unopposed for a council seat — as is Republican newcomer Clemente Osso.

Horváthʼs council term ends this year.

Serving since 2017, he lost the recent primary as a Republican, blamed his ouster from the Republican party ticket on Lundy, Republican County Committee chair Jim Comville, and Republican County Committee vice chair Chris Scalia, who petitioned County Clerk John Hogan with a “sore loser” complaint and evidence on June 13.

Following an unsuccessful write-in campaign where Horváth garnered 63 write-in votes for mayor on the Republican party line, he submitted a petition, with about 176 signatures, to run on the Independent ballot line.

On June 15, Hogan, an elected Democrat, ruled that Horváthʼs mayoral bid as an Independent on the November ballot was not

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

this year’s mayor race

He added, “Based upon the facts presented, it is undisputed that these facts demonstrate that Mr. Horváth maintained a campaign for elected office launched by multiple documents by which Mr. Horváth described himself as a Republican primary candidate for nomination for mayor in the June 6 primary election.”

council meetings, tune in via Zoom meetings, ask questions, and make the council majority justify their actions and decisions. Vet those running for election as to what they have actively done to make Hillsdale the Goldilocks town of Pascack Valley.”

allowed under the stateʼs Sore Loser Law that prohibits candidates who lose in the primary to run again as another partyʼs candidate in the general election.

“There is no question that Mr. Horváthʼs intent was to seek the Republican nomination for mayor as a write-in, and if unsuccessful, to get on the November ballot as an Independent. Contrary to Mr Horváthʼs intent, N.J.S.A. 19:138.1 does not permit a Plan B,” the clerk wrote.

Hogan said evidence included a website, campaign position statements, letters to the editor, social media postings, and lawn signs “identifying him as a writein candidate while at the same time circulating a petition for direct nomination in the November General Election.”

Horv á th posted Aug. 12, “With the upcoming election campaign, you will hear many platitudes and half-truths from both sides of the aisle. It behooves you to do your due diligence, attend

Politics and administration in the Borough of Hillsdale have come across as fraught, with a number of key employees in and out in recent years, and elbows thrown in our Letters pages.

The borough also is a jewel in the Pascack Valley, celebrating 125 years of incorporation this year, whose people, and schools, churches, committees, and other organizations so often stand out in our news and feature stories.

The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Pascack Press

Meo:

FROM PAGE 1

hope in the world.”

“I am honored to serve as president. I have met great people in this club and have seen how this club works together to make a difference in so many lives both here in our community and internationally with the assistance of our district and other clubs,” said Meo in a club statement outgoing president Terry Ciulla shared with Pascack Press

Meo said, “I know the last few years have been difficult for everyone. We have greatly missed being able to help those around us and are looking forward to continuing the service above self we have demonstrated in the past.”

Meo said of the districtʼs theme for the year, “We are looking forward to being that hope for everyone around us. We will continue to help those in need in our community with our efforts at the food pantry. We will continue our fundraising efforts to support our local high school seniors through

our scholarship fund as well as charitable donations to local charity who share in our commitment to make a difference in the world.”

Awards of Recognition

The Park Ridge Rotary Club grants a Paul Harris Award to a club member who meets the highest professional and personal standards and live a Life of “Service above self” exemplified by Paul Harris, who, in 1905, founded what became Rotary International.

The Walter D. Head award is award to an individual who exemplifies similarities to Walter D. Head. This award was created in memory of the renowned educator who presided as provost of the college that became Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Head was also an active Rotarian highlighting importance of education, dedication to the community and the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

Linda Hanlon was awarded both the Walter D. Head award and the Paul Harris Award Meo, said Hanlon, “has always been an energetic trailblazer and breaking those glass ceilings throughout her professional

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career and being a Rotarian.”

Within months after in 1987 Supreme Court ruling to allow women to join Rotary, Hanlon was the first woman to join the Park Ridge Rotary Club.

“She didnʼt stop there as she climbed the Rotary Ladder to club president; she continues serving her community as chair of the clubʼs Charitable Foundation.

“Over the past 35 years and more, Hanlon has contributed her leadership and organizational talents as a commercial banking executive to integrate within our club.

“What keeps her mojo going is her selfless passion for every student given a chance to obtain

India:

FROM PAGE 4

and independent Indian nation.

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III issued a

their academic dream to go to college with the help of Rotary Scholarship of which program Linda has led for decades,” said Meo.

Ray Falcon accepted his Walter D. Head Award from outgoing president Terry Ciulla.

Meo said, “Rayʼs outstanding dedication of Service Above Self shonefor decades within our club and communities we serve. This year Ray stepped up to a big challenge in the reconstruction of financial processes and tools for our Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation to bring us into the 21st century.” She said, “He has honored us with taking the position as founda-

tion treasurer and partnering alongside chair of charitable foundation Linda Hanlon.”

The club told Pascack Press, “We as Rotarians are in your neighborhood, your schools, and local businesses — volunteering for the betterment of family life in our community and goodwill around the world. We are people of action and always looking for like-minded individuals who want to volunteer to make a difference.”

For more information: P arkRidgeRotary@gmail.com , ParkRidgeRotaryClub.org, Facebook.com/ParkRidgeRotaryClu bNJ

proclamation recognizing Aug. 15, 2023, as Indian Independence Day. The proclamation and a Key to the County were presented to Consul Head of Chancery of the Consulate General of India in New York, the Honorable Suman Singh, who also served as the events keynote speaker.

The event featured a semi-

classical Indian Fusion dance by the Mayura School of Arts and a vocal performance of “Vande Mataram” by the Musicsunita Academy of Indian Music.

The County of Bergen presented 2023 Indian Independence Day Outstanding Service Contribution Awards to members of the community

The event culminated in the raising of the Indian flag as Palakshi Aurora and Krishi Shah of Musicsunita Academy of India performed the Indian National Anthem.

Refreshments were provided by various organizations and community members, including Surinder Chaddha, Arya Samaj of New Jersey, the EID Committee of New Jersey, the Indo-American Senior Citizens Association of Bergen County, the Kerala Cultural Forum of New Jersey, the Malayalee Christian Fellowship, Indian Americans of Paramus, Milan Group Paramus, the Ridgewood Indian Community, and Nick Patel.

2023 Indian Independence Day Outstanding Community Service Contribution Honorees: Vinod Chaddha, Joy Chakkappan, Sanjeev Goyal, Mehreen Khateeb, Varghese Plammoottil, Naseem Qadeer, Anjali Thanawala, Assistant Professor, Bergen Community College.

Club officers for 2023–2024, left to right: treasurer June Bertini, secretary Harriet Kellet, vice-president Steve Hopper, president Vicky Meo, president-elect Brian Landy, sergeant-atarms Bob Bustard, and past president Terry Ciulla. Park Ridge Rotary Club photo

B&MMarket is What’s Cookin’ on PKRG-TV

PKRG-TV is pleased to present its 14th episode of “Whatʼs Cookinʼ, Park Ridge,” featuring

tuna, Maryland crab cakes, steamed broccoli, asparagus and salads.

BBQ grillinʼat B&M Market.

Howard Fredrics of PKRGTV tells Pascack Press that i in the episode Jonathan Goldstein, owner of B&M Market, demonstrates how to prepare delicious grilled steaks and shows off a variety of side dishes, including grilled shrimp, Cajun-style ahi

Park Ridge volunteer opportunities

Park Ridge offers plenty of volunteer opportunities. Here are a few suggested by Mayor Keith Misiciagna on Aug. 4

PKRG-TV

Park Ridge is extremely lucky to have excellent broadcast TV coverage of PRHS sports events. However, in order to continue this top-notch coverage, PKRG-TV needs new volunteers to help with filming football, basketball, volleyball and other local sports in order to continue to bring such programs to our community. If you have enjoyed seeing your kidsʼ events or you are Park Ridge athlete

alumni yourself and have any time to give, please consider volunteering. Without volunteers, coverage cannot continue. All are welcome, no experience is required, and camera training will be provided. Write pkrg@parkridgeboro.com

Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps

Hereʼs an excellent opportunity to help your community. The TriBoro Ambulance needs volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested, call (201) 391-2332.

Recreation Department seeks students

The Park Ridge Recreation Department is looking for middle school and high school students to help out with events. This is a great way to earn community service hours. Contact the rec department to join the team: call (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 or write recreation@parkridgeboro.com

Townwide Garage Sale Oct 14. The Park Ridge Rec Annual Townwide Garage Sale is set! Join your neighbors for this fun event. For information call (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 or write lfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com

The program is hosted by Trevor Dublin and Lori Fredrics. Viewers can watch the program on Optimum Ch. 77 (Park Ridge) and Verizon FIOS Ch. 22 (Bergen County), as well as on YouTube @youtube.com/pkrgtvondemand. For broadcast schedules visit pkrgtv.com

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

Giulio’s Restaurant: Perfect for private parties

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

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

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

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

meal.

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

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

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

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

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

When you go… Giulioʼs Restaurant 154 Washington Street Tappan, N.Y. 845-359-3657

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

Dining & Cooking Guide

Fire apparatus, Milestones kids

Mayor Keith Misciagna wrote residents on Aug. 18 with a slew of notes and updates. In the mayorʼs words:

New fire apparatus

Last night I was proud to join Fire Chief Mark Durst, and the entire Park Ridge Volunteer Fire

joining forces with this program to offer them work experience at the Borough Hall. Within the upcoming few weeks, officials from the program will work with the borough to place up to two individuals for the school year.

[See “Working up to independence: Districts, businesses team up for winning life skills,” Briana Keenan, Pascack Press, April 10, 2023.]

serving in any branch of the military. The banners will be doublesided, 24” x 48” vinyl, hung throughout the Borough. Each

Seniors plan fall overnight outings

The Montvale Seniors invite all to join them on their overnight trips in October and November.

• Oct. 9–12: Castles of New York, New York State Capital is a four-day, three-night trip. Cost is $719 each for a double room.

• Nov. 27–29: Pennsylvaniaʼs Lancaster Show Trip and the Dutch Country includes the famous American Music Theater Show and the Sight & Sound Theater presenting “The Miracle of Christmas.” Cost is $440 each for a double room.

Department, as they welcomed their newest member of the team, a 2023 Pierce Mfg ArrowXT Rescue Truck. Ex-chief Tom Lepore was given the honor of driving the truck to the firehouse for the first time. As is also custom, the entire department pushed the new truck into its new home taking very good care of her along the way. Thank you to the whole department for all you do, and for the sacrifices you make to protect our community! Park Ridge is extremely privileged to have a great group of volunteers, the best in the State. Stay safe!

Borough welcomes Milestones youth

I am happy to announce that we have teamed up with the Milestones@PVR Program. The program is for students with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21 to assist them with developing skills that will help them for future endeavors. The Borough is

In addition to the Milestones@PVR Program, we will also be continuing with the Senior Experience/Internship Program run through Pascack Valley Regional School District. We have been involved in this program for over five years now providing job experience to high school seniors that want to work in finance and/or political sciences in the future. I am excited to continue to make the strides to get the next generation of individuals excited about local government.

Hometown Heroes program deadline Sept. 15

I would like to honor past and present members of the Armed Forces and their family members by becoming a Hometown Heroes Community.

I am excited to announce our Hometown Hero program starting in Park Ridge. It is important that we all take time to appreciate all the brave men and women who are serving and have served our great country and for defending American values, especially those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to remember these fine men and woman and be thankful for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families and loved ones.

This program is a living tribute meant to honor Park Ridge residents and former residents who have served or are currently

banner will include a photo of the soldier in uniform, along with their name, branch, dates of service, conflict, rank, and any medals or accommodations. The name of the banner sponsor will be displayed at the bottom of the banner.

A sponsorship of $100 is required for each submission which will be used to purchase the banner, the borough will do a matching, in the same amount, to purchase the brackets and do the installation.

Banner applications will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis with a deadline of submission by Sept. 15. For more information and submission forms, visit parkridgeboro.com

All trips depart from the Montvale Senior Center, off Grand Avenue and adjacent to the firehouse. For more info call Rosemarie Kelly at (201) 391-8718 or write montvalerose@yahoo.com

PARK RIDGE

MISCIAGNA

MONTVALE

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

Emerson Community School has offerings for kids, adults

Registration for the Emerson Community School is now open. New and updated classes are available for children and adults. Classes begin the week of Oct. 2.

Popular classes for children include babysitting, robotics (a different version of the class from the fall), and sewing. Adult classes include the likes of pickleball, health, recreation, cooking, languages, and special interests. For the brochure, visit emersonschools.org, click on Departments, then click on the Community School

Third straight championship!

Congratulations to the Montvale 1st/2nd grade softball team for winning the Kinderkamack Softball League 2023 summer travel championship.

Montvale defeated a talented River Vale team, 13–12, to secure the title. This is Montvaleʼs third consecutive championship in the 1st/2nd grade division.

In his report to Pascack Press, Aug. 8, coach Mark Amodeo said the girls finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record, winning 11 straight games to complete their title run. Montvale bested Emerson in the first playoff game by a score of

10-6, then defeated another River Vale team 15-14 in the semifinals.

He said the championship game was won by a combination of big hitting as well as clutch defensive plays made throughout the game. Our hitters put the ball in play and forced River Vale to make plays in the field, while our defense was outstanding. We had an amazing run.”

Amodeo added “I had so much fun with this group of girls and coaches. I am so proud of what we accomplished. Everyone improved from day one and had fun along the way.” Staff report

From left to right: players Scarlett Richman,Cassidy Ryan,Amelia Khan,Sara Ahmed,Lilianne George,Taylor Campbell,Madison Anders,Leila Hayes,Emma Shea,Mae Potter,Charley Jachens,Olivia Clifford,Tegan Hopp,Lilianna Amodeo (not pictured:Eden Rosa and Charlotte Fish);coaches Dave Richman,Jeff Anders,Josh Hopp,Mark Amodeo, Doug Campbell,Mike Clifford,and AnneMarie Jachens. Photo via Mark Amodeo

MONTVALE

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

Musical Munchkins a big step up

At Musical Munchkins, the most important ingredient in classes is fun. Your child will get their first introduction to music, and they will leave Musical Munchkins with a trained ear for rhythmic and melodic sounds — and, of course, theyʼll be joyously singing!

Thatʼs according to Musical Munchkins director Joanne Zuravnsky, who tells us, “Our carefully developed curriculum, our well-trained, professional staff, our use of high-quality instruments and props, and our sensitivity to each developmental stage of your childʼs musical experience all reflect our total commitment to excellence in early childhood music education.”

Zuravnsky says, “Your child will be in a class with children

their own age, our curriculum is designed to work in age-specific classes: babies, 1-year-olds, 2year-olds, and toddlers 3–4.”

And she says, “In our classes your child will learn how to keep a beat, enhance their sense of rhythm, pitch, meter and melody — thereby honing speech, language, listening, and focusing skills.”

Whatʼs more, says Zuravnsky, Munchkins gain self-confidence and self-esteem. “Musical

Munchkins children also learn important social interaction skills, such as sharing, taking turns and how to be part of a group.”

Check it out: Musical Munchkins offers classes in Allendale on Mondays Thursdays, and Fridays, and Fair Lawn on Sundays. For more information, including reviews, the full class schedule, parties and programs, and the mailing list, visit musicalmunchkinsnewjersey.com or write munchkinsnj@gmail.com

Fun under the canopy at Musical Munchkins in Allendale and Fair Lawn.

Your child will learn in a class with children their own age,as the curriculum is age-appropriate — and lots of fun.

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 biannual 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 pre-

HILLSDALE

dictable 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.

Attention flood-prone residents: The Borough of Hillsdale is offering the parking lot between Wendyʼs and Chipotle for you to park your cars if you are planning on going away on vacation. The higher ground should help your vehicle avoid flooding. Notify the police department at (201) 664-4200 so they can note your license plate, should you want to take advantage of this offer.

PRIYU GUPTA, DDS, WESTWOOD PERIODONTICS

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: I can help you with Lyme disease relief

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is usually transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. Here in Bergen County, we have many deer and many ticks, especially since the spring is now here. These ticks may transmit the bacteria to human beings.

Ticks love the woods and the grass so if you go outside, raise your socks up really high so it is harder for the tick to attach to your skin and check your body thoroughly when you get home.

The first sign of Lyme disease may sometimes be a skin rash found at the site of the tick bite that has a bullseye pattern. This will usually develop three days to a month following exposure and is usually not itchy or painful.

Lyme may cause flu-like symptoms such as a fever or chills,

HILLSDALE

so be careful not to get them confused.

Another important thing to remember is that when you have a temperature, your body is heating up to kill off the bacterial infection of the Lyme disease. The same is true for the flu or Covid. If your body temperature rises high enough, it will kill off the virus.

Most people who have a fever go straight to the medicine cabinet to take an anti-fever medication. However, it is possible that by lowering your temperature, you may become more susceptible to other viruses or bacteria because there is no longer an increase in temperature to kill them off.

The next big symptom is fatigue. Even if someone is well rested and does activities that would normally help someoneʼs energy, Lyme disease will cause extreme tiredness. Not only will they have low energy, but they may also complain of muscle and joint pain. These pains may be anywhere, but the most common places are knee, elbow, shoulder,

HILLSDALE 125TH ANNIVERSARY LAWN SIGNS; EVENTS ON TAP

The borough is in the midst of a year-long celebration to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of this wonderful community. Lawn signs are available for $25 each. Get one for your residence or business by visiting https://hillsdale125thanniversary.com

While you're there, note upcoming events:

•Saturday, Sept. 23 — Hillsdale Fall Festival at Beechwood Park. (Hillsdale Recreation is looking for vendors, merchant sponsors, and advertisers for the annual Fall Festival.)

• Thursday, Nov. 30 —125th

Anniversary Gala, Seasons, 6–10 p.m. This includes dinner, open bar, and music by DJ Willie Wilson.

RSVP by Sept. 9.

hip, neck, lower back and hips. Many times the pain in the body is accompanied by headaches. The Lyme headaches seem to get worse over time, even after the muscle and joint pain dissipates.

Lots of people will also complain of cognitive problems after the Lyme infection takes place. The most common brain problems are short term memory loss, word retrieval difficulties, concentration problems, and decreased alertness. This would require brain exercises that we do at the office to stimulate the weak areas of the brain that are most affected by the infection.

Other symptoms of people who suffer from Lyme disease are numbness, tingling, burning, or even sharp or stabbing pains in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. A lot of times this can be confused with diabetes which can also cause peripheral neuropathy.

Besides taking antibiotics, there are many other ways to help

reduce symptoms of Lyme disease. One of the best ways is through hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy

(HBOT). With HBOT, the patient lies down in a chamber that is full of oxygen and then there is an increase in pressure that kind of squeezes the oxygen into the cells and helps to decrease symptoms, increase energy, and help improve the quality of life.

Although usually considered alternative healthcare, HBOT is now being used in hospitals as a post Covid-19 treatment as well as helping with Lyme disease.

In regards to Lyme disease it is also recommended to get a qEEG which measures the brain waves and discovers what areas of the brain are not functioning well in a process called brain mapping.

Lyme patients may also receive neurofeedback treatments that may help reduce any symptoms associated with the Lyme bacterial infection.

Many times, functional neurology therapy will help to improve cognitive problems using a process called neuroplasticity, especially when it is done with infrared cold laser therapy and brain based rehabilitation.

Neuroplasticity is when you rewire the brain with neurological exercises. It is sort of like brain gym or physical therapy for the brain, but you need to figure out where the problems are.

What a deal!

If you want to function better, feel better and live better, we are offering a qEEG brain mapping for only $21 (normally $500) to find out where the dysfunction in the brain is to help you best. Be one of the first seven people to email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or call (201) 261-2150 and say you are responding to the newspaper article and want to sign up for the qEEG brain mapping.

Senior Fellowship meets Sept. 12

The Westwood Senior Fellowship meets on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at the senior center, 55 Jefferson Ave. A nurse will take blood pressure at 11. Coffee and cake are served at 11:30. The boroughʼs senior services program manager, Marisa Tarateta, will speak on the Files For Life program and other events.

This is the first meeting since the groupʼs president, Mary Cerrati, was honored in July with three others from Westwood as a Fifth District Hometown Hero by Rep. Josh Gottheimer. (“Hometown Heroes from Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale, Park Ridge,

Westwood,” Pascack Press.)

Cerrati, 93, worked as president and chaplain of the Westwood Senior Fellowship for the past eight years — helping organize trips, parties, luncheons, and well visits for its 75 members with the goal of keeping local seniors engaged, involved, and active.

Cerrati is also a part of the board of directors at the St. Andrews Church 50-Plus Club, helping serve the social and spiritual needs of community members aged 50 and up.

Five years ago, she was appointed by the mayor and coun-

cil to the Borough of Westwood Senior Advisory Committee — helping advocate for seniors and their needs directly to the governing body.

For nearly 20 years, Cerrati has been a member and board member of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood — a nonprofit club that supports the enrichment of the community.

Cerrati has also spent six years in the Westwood school system as a teacherʼs aide, and more than 40 years in the local VFW, serving as vice president for 12 years and president for four years.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

SIX PRIORITIES FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only.

and still save enough for retirement. The demands often compete with one another—which is why setting clear priorities is so important.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

The “Sandwich Generation”— adults caring for aging parents as well as children—faces several stressful challenges that come from trying to juggle everyoneʼs needs.

One of those top stressors: finances, such as how to cover education and health care costs

Here are six tips for setting those priorities to help you deliver the support your loved ones need—without shortchanging yourself.

•Take care of your future first. Saving enough for retirement should be your top priority. You have to take care of your needs before you help your parents and your children.

• Create or update your investment plan. Create an investment plan that will help you balance your financial goals with the needs of your children and parents. Review your budget, analyze your expenses, and set savings targets to help you prioritize planning for an expense, such as college costs or long-term care for your parents.

•Review your insurance coverage. Protecting your income is always a good idea, but itʼs even more important when you have two generations depending on

you. Make sure you have enough life insurance in case something happens to you to pay off your mortgage and other debt, and to help cover the future living expenses of your dependents.

And donʼt forget disability insurance: More than a quarter of todayʼs 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the Council for Disability Awareness.

•Check in on your parentsʼ financial health. Though it might seem awkward, talk to your parents about their wishes for the future and their financial health. What financial assets and expenses do they have? How do they plan to meet their financial obligations? Do they have a plan to cover the costs of long-term care? This conversation can help you determine how much financial support you will need to provide.

Also, make sureyour parents have done adequate estate planning, and ask for copies of their will or trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. Make sure your own estate-planning documents are complete and updated as well.

•Consider reducing financial support for grown children. Many parents still help their grown children with their finances—sometimes even to their detriment. Many young Baby Boomers are still paying their kidsʼexpenses, cell phone bill, or car insurance. If this is the case for you, talk with your

children about the steps they can take to start becoming more financially independent.

•Look for ways to help reduce your taxes. In some cases, you may be able to claim your aging parents as dependents. Also check with a tax advisor to see if their medical expenses qualify as a tax deduction. Another way that may benefit your financial bottom line is to set up a 529 Plan for your childrenʼs education expenses.

Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor.

All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan.

T he official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest.

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

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered brokerdealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

© 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

$58K to address two critical issues in brook health report

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Township officials directed consulting engineer Boswell Engineering to move quickly with plans and permits to shore up two badly eroded stream banks where sanitary manholes are exposed.

If these manholesʼconditions worsen they could contribute to contaminating the protected waterway that drains into Oradell Reservoir.

The Township Council authorized nearly $58,000 in emergency funding for preliminary planning and permitting work along two eroded streambank areas of the Musquapsink Brook that require immediate attention to prevent possible brook contamination from exposed sanitary manholes that may be undermined and leak fecal waste into the stream.

Township administrator Mark DiCarlo told Pascack Press in an email, “The mayor authorized this proposal because funding already existed. The council authorizes funding when funding does not exist. In this circumstance, the council will have to approve the funding to actually perform the work once we receive a cost estimate from Boswell. The timeline is as soon as possible.”

The two “critical” issues were highlighted in the Musquapsink Brook Condition Assessment report, a drone aerial survey of the brookʼs path through the township conducted by Boswell Engineering earlier this year

The report was discussed in detail by Boswell Engineering at the councilʼs July 10 regular meeting and a special public meeting on July 24.

We first reported on the drone study, including the critical sanitary sewer line concerns, in “Drone study highlights brook obstructions; recommends ways to improve flow, stem flooding,” Michael Olohan, April 17, 2023.

Several council members contacted then declined to comment on the report.

The $57,525 Boswell Engineering proposal, “Environmental Engineering Services For The Emergency Bank Stabilization To

The Musquapsing [sic] Brook,” details seven tasks to be completed by Boswell “as soon as possible,” according to DiCarlo.

This includes $49,500 for Boswell Engineering services and $8,025 for needed NJDEP and county soil conservation permit fees.

The emergency proposal outlines costs for Boswellʼs tasks, including:

•$3,000 for an emergency NJDEP permit request;

•$8,000 for a topographic survey;

•$5,000 for a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis;

•$15,000 for a site plan and environmental permitting plan;

• $10,000 for NJDEP Land Resource Permitting;

• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification; and

•$6,000 to prepare bid documents.

“Due to the severity of the (streambank) damage, and the sewer line rupturing and discharging raw sewerage into the Musquapsing (sic) Brook, we will be requesting an emergency permit authorization from the NJDEP,” writes Kevin Boswell, Boswell Engineering, in the proposal.

Boswell notes that the two areas where streambanks are eroded around sanitary manholes comprise approximately 245 linear feet and 45 linear feet, respectively.

BIT: Jack

FROM PAGE 4

Boxing referees were Fitzie Pruden, former welterweight fighter, Gus Lesnevitch, former world light-heavyweight champion, and Lee Savold, former European heavyweight champ.

With 600 men and boys attending an event that had planned for 500, the night was deemed a great success.

Another smoker and sports night the following year, on Feb. 11, 1962, featured nine boxing bouts on the schedule and one very big name on the bill: former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey.

Nicknamed the Manassa Mauler for his hometown in Colorado, Dempsey reigned as heavyweight champ, 1919–1926,

“The eroded banks were washed downstream, depositing approximately 7,585 square feet of sediment along 475 linear feet of stream in Section 4,” reads the report.

The brook drone report by Boswell breaks the brook into eight sections as it travels through the township.

The 70-page Boswell drone report, available on the township website, was produced in February but released to Pascack Press in April following a public records request. The report lists nearly 100 obstructions, including 45 downed trees and 33 sediment shoals, along the major Pascack Brook tributary.

At least three other Pascack Valley towns, including Westwood and River Vale are planning fall drone studies, and Hillsdale is

and became one of the most famous boxers in history and a cultural icon.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame explains, “Jack Dempsey was one of America's

considering a similar study.

Westwood Mayor Raymond Arroyo said previously that flooding concerns in Pascack Valley are best approached on a regional basis and this approach may be eligible for more county and state grant funds in the future to address brook restoration and flooding.

In addition to addressing the critical sanitary issues, township officials are working with Boswell to prepare a town-wide educational mailing to inform homeowners about stormwater management and responsibilities of property owners bordering a brook.

Mayor Peter Calamari said the mailing will also include information updates from department heads to keep residents informed on township matters.

first great sports heroes. His savage style captivated the public and made him as popular a figure as Babe Ruth or Red Grange...His power was so prodigious that he once scored knockouts in 14 and 18 seconds. In his 78-bout career, Dempsey compiled 49 knockouts, with 25 of them in the first round.”

Refereeing along with Dempsey were former world heavyweight champion Jimmy Braddock, who held the title 1935–1937, and Lesnevitch with a return appearance. The Assumption School auditorium was packed to capacity and the event was another boon to the church building fund.

Construction of the new Assumption Church on Jefferson Avenue started in September 1963 and the building was dedicated in March 1965. The opening proved to be a massive event attended by 1,200 people.

Township officials directed consulting engineer Boswell Engineering to move quickly with plans and permits to shore up two badly eroded stream banks where sanitary manholes are exposed. Michael Olohan photo

WestwoodFest returns — big time — Saturday, Sept. 9

Westwood residents are invited to spend the afternoon celebrating community at the second annual WestwoodFest on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event is cohosted by Celebrate Westwood and the Borough of Westwood.

WestwoodFest is a familyfriendly afternoon featuring live music, inflatable attractions, opportunities to create art, and the chance to sample Recreation Department offerings.

There will also be a variety of lawn games like oversized chess, giant Jenga, and cornhole scattered throughout the park. The event is free to Westwood residents.

Westwood non-profit organizations have been invited to set up information tables or host their own activities for fest-goers. Organizers Lauren Letizia and RoseAnn Ciarlante say they look forward to welcoming Cub Scout Pack 350, Westwood Baseball 12U Cooperstown Team, Westwood Classic Car Club, St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus, The Kiwanis Club, Westwood Cares, and the Westwood Special Education Parents Advisory Group.

Post 206 50/50 raffle drawing Sept. 30

American Legion Post 206ʼs 50/50 raffle drawing is Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. at 264 Washington Ave., Westwood. Tickets are $20 each. First-, second-, and thirdplace prizes are 35%, 10%, and 5% of the amount received for all tickets, respectively

Proceeds support American Legion Post 206 and its charitable efforts for veterans and fami-

The Borough of Westwood will be present with information from the Clerkʼs Office, Police Department, Health Department, and Northwest Bergen Regional Health. The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department, Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Department of Public Works will be pres-

PASCACK VALLEY BRIEFS

lies in need.

No substitution of the offered prize may be made and that winners need not be present to win. For more information and to pick up your chance call the post at (201) 664-9734 after 3 p.m. or Carl Williams at (201) 446-6047.

MFD Texas

ent with information and a small touch-a-truck area.

The Recreation Department will be hosting a sampler of their adult and Forever Young class offerings, with a full schedule to be posted soon.

Additional activities will be hosted by Westwood Girl Scouts,

Register for Montvale Fire Departmentʼs Texas Hold ʻem Poker, set for Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at 35 W. Grand Ave. The fun offers regulation tables, licensed dealers, a $5,000 prize pool (75 field), champion bracelet, chip bonus, $100 buy-in, and food included. Proceeds support the departmentʼs 100th anniversary celebrations. Reserve your seat at mikespokertables.com. Send your news to PascackPress@thePressgroup.net

Westwood Pride, and the Westwood Baseball Association.

Local business Row House will host a rowing competition, Yellow Door Art Studio will offer free beading activities, and Harmony Village at CareOne Valley will host complementary sand art for children. Supp Hub and the UFC Gym Westwood will pair to offer on-site fitness competitions to Festgoers.

The Recreation Department will also host an art station with artist/instructor Brit Sikiric throughout the event, and Celebrate Westwood ArtsHub invites attendees to participate in the creation of an oversized community canvas.

Additionally, the Westwood Heritage Society will open the Westwood Museum at the train station from 2 to 6 p.m. The Westwood Free Public Library invites all to the Friends of the Library used book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and to the Westwood Garden Club Mums Sale from noon to 3 p.m., both at the Library.

Live music will be played from the bandstand, featuring the Westwood Community band at 2, followed by Dave Dunn and Westwood resident Liv Lion.

A food court will be open throughout the duration of Westwood Fest, featuring a selection of foods for sale from Tokyo Cafe, Osteria Crescendo, Phoenician, SmokinʼJoeʼs, Joeʼs Craft Pies, Westwood Candy Company, Sogno/Caffe Anello, and Craft Taco Company (coming to West-

wood this fall!).

The day concludes with two options for extended entertainment open to residents of all ages: live music at the Westwood Fire Station from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring the band “Nick & Bobby,” or Westwood Recreation Departmentʼs Movie in the Park at the Bandstand, featuring “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” at 8 p.m.

Additional funding for WestwoodFest has been pledged from Harmony Village at CareOne Valley, Supp Hub, The Paula Clark Group, CKO Kickboxing Emerson, UFC Gym, Zion Lutheran Church and Early Childhood Center, Sara Kossove LLC, EDJ Acquisitions, Speech Warrior Speech Therapy, Mercedes Amato Interiors, and BizHub.

Last yearʼs WestwoodFest saw more than 500 guests enjoying an afternoon of fun with neighbors and friends. Likewise, this yearʼs event promises to be a full and fun day in the Hub of the Pascack Valley.

Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Westwood Food Pantry or consider making a monetary contribution to the efforts of Westwood Cares, which will have a table on site during the event.

Volunteers are still welcome. Please direct questions to Lauren Letizia or RoseAnn Ciarlante at CelebrateWestwood@gmail.com. For more information on the activities of the day, please go to celebratewestwood.org or find us on social media.

NEXT CERT TRAINING SEPT. 26

The River Vale Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is looking for additional men and women to join the ranks of citizen volunteers within the Township.

This group is composed of residents ages 18 and up who receive specialized training in the various areas of emergency management and response.

The purpose of the CERT program is to train ordinary citizens to care for themselves, their family, their neighbors and finally, their community, in case of an emergency. These volunteers will

help to improve the response and preparedness of the community and the emergency services.

The CERT training and education experience forms a crucial link between the community and the professional emergency response teams. CERT training is a great way to feel more empowered to protect yourself, your family and potentially your community. The next training session starts Sept. 26.

For more information visit www.rivervalenj.org/155/Training or contact deputy OEM coordinators Bill Peters or Linda Wayne.

TANS climbs with borough website presence, council liaison

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARKRIDGE

Borough officials agreed on Aug. 8 to host a Taxpayers For Aircraft Noise Solutions (TANS) page on the borough website to help promote the regional groupʼs efforts to reduce jet aircraft noise prompting complaints in the 10 towns of the Greater Pascack Valley.

The Borough Council also made TANS an official committee of the borough. Council liaison Greg Hoffman said the TANS recognition would help to publicize TANS efforts, increase outreach and lead to more community involvement from across Pascack Valley.

TANS member Audrey Herget, of Park Ridge, thanked the borough for stepping up. She said there was “so much interest and so much support. Weʼre fired up and weʼre not backing down.”

Mayor Keith Misciagna said TANS was formed locally after Teterboro Airportʼs noise advisory committee, or TANAAC, rejected the Pascack Valley MayorsʼAssociation attempts to secure a seat on the committee. That committee only includes towns within five miles of Teterboro Airport.

Misciagna said he hoped that

TANS would soon include a representative and council liaison from each of the 10 Pascack Valley towns.

“Since we represent 100,000 residents we feel that it would demand more respect when we ask for consideration (from the FAA and Port Authority),” he said.

Pascack Valley mayors have long contended that jet aircraft noise is impairing residentsʼquality of life in most towns, especially on weekends, and have lobbied for pilots to use an alternate route over Route 17 to reduce aircraft volumes and noise.

The Federal Aviation Administration says that pilots have discretion to choose a landing route and that the FAA cannot compel a pilot to take a specific landing route.

TANS members wrote the FAA and received a response. Herget told Pascack Press recently that “their response highlights that there is more work to be

done—the increased air traffic, choices the FAA is making when routing planes, and pilot and airport management decisions are adversely impacting the lives of the taxpayers beneath the planes and surrounding the airports.”

Councilman Hoffman said he spoke at a recent TANAAC meeting and introduced the TANS group to show that the two committees have similar goals, “and look out, cause weʼre coming,” he

added.

The borough has included TANS on its website at parkridgeboro.com/Committees, along with Access For All, D.A.R.E./Municipal Alliance, Diversity and Inclusion, Electric Lake, Green Team, Historical Advisory Committee, PKRG-TV, and others.

Woodcliff Lake discussion

At the boroughʼs Aug. 21 meeting, Mayor Carlos Rendo and

councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta urged residents to complain about low-flying jet aircraft noise. Both said that the more complaints received from more individuals has a bigger impact on airport and federal officials.

Both noted that Teterboro Airport operators keep track of residentsʼnoise complaints, totaling the number of separate complaints coming from each town. Rendo said when he had requested a total number for weekend jet aircraft flights over the borough, “they came back with a tremendous number of flights.”

He said that the Pascack Valley Mayors Association and TANS have requested that the FAA divert more flights to the new alternate landing route for Teterboro over Route 17, although the pilots have final choice for a landing route.

Rendo asserted that although the PVMA is a bipartisan group, “none of our [state or federal] representatives” have made the Pascack Valleyʼs noise concerns a priority.

Will residents’ efforts fly? Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

MISCIAGNA HOFFMAN

Letters:

FROM PAGE 2

resource will prevent many in the community from getting information in real-time, which is important in this day and age. We must consider that many parents and guardians of WWRSD learners work 9-to-5 jobs, have long commutes home, need to prepare dinner for their families, a nd may have to assist their learners with homework. These responsibilities often make it challenging for them to get to meetings by 7 p.m.

Many taxpayers also take i nterest in these meetings as school taxes account for nearly two-thirds of our taxes. Senior residents will be adversely affected as some may not have the transportation means to attend these meetings.

Again, the facts are clear: 87% of stakeholders from the representative sample the WWRSD BOE gathered indicated they would utilize the livestreams to view meetings. The board and administration should direct their attention more press-

ing academic and safety issues such as restoring honors level courses at the middle school, reducing HIB occurrences district-wide, and prioritizing student achievement.

I donʼt understand why some trustees want to make the WWRSD BOE meetings less accessible for public consumption.

On Aug. 31, I hope that the WWRSD BOE votes to continue live-streaming public board of education meetings, so stakeholders are not left in the dust.

James Stickel Township of Washington

Internet lottery ticket sales

To the editor:

THE NEW JERSEY Gasoline, Convenience Store, Automotive Association, which represents small businesses across the state who sell lottery tickets, opposes the Lottery Commissionʼs vote earlier today [Aug. 17] to move forward with their

p roposed regulation granting themselves the ability to sell lottery tickets over the Internet, w ithout the involvement of a retailer.

“I just canʼt imagine that this wonʼt take business that would have otherwise been in neighborhood stores, whether thatʼs irregular players jumping in on a jackpot now doing it on their phone, or regular players making a portion of their purchases online” said Eric Blomgren, NJGCA chief administrator and director of Government Affairs.

If there is a large market only captured by the availability of internet sales, shouldnʼt they already be satisfied by the existing lottery courier companies?

Ultimately, the state selling lottery tickets directly to the consumer through the internet puts physical retail stores in competition with the very government entity that is their supplier, distributor, and chief advertiser.

We also thank those legislators who have already stood up against this plan, especially grateful to Monmouth County Sen. Vin Gopal for his continued strong advocacy for small businesses on this issue and we look forward to working with him and others on a bipartisan effort to protect small retailers.

The New Jersey Gasoline, Convenience Store, Automotive Association (NJGCA) is a non-

profit trade association that represents nearly 1,000 independent small businesses in the motor f uel retail, convenience store, a nd auto repair industries

statewide.

New Jersey Gasoline, CStore, Automotive Association (NJGCA) Eatontown, N.J.

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Beyond: Eyesore houses come down where mall eyed

FROM PAGE 1 unreasonable.

660 Pascack Realty LLC is principally owned by Seasons Catering owner James Kourgelis. Other owners were given as George Kourgelis (16.7%); and Carl Carfello (16.7%).

Seasons occupies the other side of Washington Avenue at the intersection.

“I am beyond thrilled to see them finally come down. I have been waiting for this day for a very long time! Way overdue,”

Township Council President Desserie Morgan told Pascack

Press on Aug. 22.

A first hearing for the application, which required a use variance — or change in land use zoning — plus other variances and waivers, was held Oct. 18, 2022 via Zoom.

Five additional hearings were held, and the ZBA memorialized its decision in extensive detail at the June 20 meeting, noting traffic impacts and other concerns.

The 660-682 Pascack Road site, Block 2110, lots 6 through 11, had remained an eyesore for a decade as the owner pushed for area development options, including a CVS, DunkinʼDonuts, liquor store, townhomes, commuter parking lot, and most recently the strip mall.

Kourgelis also reportedly offered to sell the properties to the township during former Mayor Janet Sobkowiczʼs tenure and was reportedly told the township could not afford to buy them.

Ordinance 18-20, passed in 2018, amended the townʼs abandoned-property rules and authorized the identification of abandoned properties and establishment of an abandoned properties list, but these properties were not dinged.

During a Nov. 8, 2021 council meeting, then-town administrator Robert Tovo and councilman Michael DeSena disagreed about the condition of the properties,

with DeSena questioning why the houses had not been cited under the townshipʼs property maintenance codes.

Tovo noted that the township lacked a code enforcement official, despite advertising twice for the position. He said property code violations were handled by himself and officials from the public works and zoning office.

However, the deteriorating houses remained a sore point with DeSena.

“Thereʼs obvious grass growing out of the roofs,” DeSena told Tovo, calling them “zombie houses.” Tovo brushed off the comment, saying, “Thereʼs no violations there.”

The properties were marked with red placards set off by a large white “X” across entryways, alerting emergency responders of potential hazards there.

Recently, the three houses were cited for property code violations while the applicantʼs proposal for the mall was before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

A Mauro Excavating employee on site Monday said the company was hired to demolish all three vacant houses over the upcoming week.

Nearby on Meisten Street, a resident living within 200 feet of the corner property said she had not received notification that the homes would be demolished.

The strip mall application had identified 23 property owners within 200 feet of the proposed development.

Michael Agnello said neither he nor his Meisten Street neighbors had been notified of the planned demolitions.

“Iʼm actually very happy that theyʼre coming down and the town has enforced the laws it has on the books,” said Agnello, a critic of the proposed strip mall.

He alleged the proposed use would impact a Category 1 stream — a so-called unnamed tributary — that runs through his backyard but the township engineer, Boswell Engineering, determined the waterway was not a protected waterway because it drained an area less than 50 acres.

Agnello told Pascack Press that he notified the township recently when he saw workers inside the three abandoned houses who appeared to be gutting them and venting material outside the dwellings.

He said township administrator Mark DiCarlo told him everything was being done according to township code.

Asked about the demolition work, DiCarlo told us he had no comment. Other township officials we sought for comment on the process did not get back to us by press time.

With Seasons Catering in the background, it’s the end of the road on Monday,Aug.21 for rundown houses long lamented as eyesores at the busy, and recently overhauled, Pascack Road and Washington Avenue intersection. The landowner is appealing the town’s rejection of his LLC’s proposal for a strip mall at the site John Snyder photos top; Mike Olohan photo bottom.

Erna Margaret VON AUTENRIED

Erna Margaret von Autenried, n ée Bergmann, 90, of Park Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023 at Emerson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson.

Erna was predeceased by her husband, Guido, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.

She was born on July 11, 1933 in the Bronx, N.Y. Her father, Henry, was a machinist and her mother, Frieda, was a book binder. As a child, Erna traveled to Germany several times to visit her paternal grandmother and cousin. While there, she learned to speak German fluently.

In 1954, she graduated from The City College of New York, Baruch College, with a Bachelorʼs Degree in business administration. After college, she worked for TheNew York Times as an administrative assistant to the editor.

Erna met Guido in Darmstadt, Germany, during one of her visits with her grandmother, who was Guidoʼs landlady while Guido attended college. Guido immigrated to the United States in 1953 and Erna and Guido were married in August 1954. They first settled in Staten Island, N.Y. and then Park Ridge for the last 51 years.

Erna was loving, caring and a good friend to all in her life. She enjoyed vacations, traveling with family and visiting friends, and taking retirement cruises with Guido.

Erna and Guido were both only children and the friendships they made throughout their lives were as close as family. In her spare time, Erna enjoyed ice skating, bowling, solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles, traveling, stitchery, knitting and crocheting, bead crafts, making greeting cards, and listening to music.

Erna is survived by her sons Ronald and Paul and their wives Jonelle and Elizabeth respectively. She is the grandmother of five: Bridgette, Brittina, Paul Jr., Christopher and Kurt; and great-grandmother of Emma.

Erna will be buried at a private service at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union where her husband Guido, and her parents, are buried. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimerʼs Association at https://alz.org, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 112 N. Main Street, Pearl River, NY 10965 (https://gspr.org/give/), or your favorite charity in Ernaʼs memory.

Answering the call

The Westwood Community Concert Band will play its final concert of the summer on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 3, at the Bandstand in VeteransʼMemorial Park. This concert begins at the unusual start time, 5 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

In the case of rain or extreme heat, this concert will be moved indoors to the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., where chairs and air conditioning are provided.

The Westwood Community Bandʼs 17-piece Jazz Band plays its own concert as the opening act

EMERSON

of Celebrate Westwoodʼs Westwood Fest, Saturday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m.

The Jazz Band plays Big Band swing and rock music from the 1930s through the 1990s, and features the Community Bandʼs saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections.

The Community Band is a group of approximately 40 adult volunteer musicians of varying ages and experiences. In addition to the Concert Band, the Community Band includes a Jazz Band, Brass Band, Brass Quintet, and several quartets.

Director Tom Offerjost tells Pascack Press, “We are always looking for additional woodwind, brass and percussion players. This is a great opportunity for musicians to continue playing after high school or college, or to dust off their instruments after a few years of inactivity.”

Offerjost says rehearsals for concerts start in September. Email now, at wwcommunityband@optonline.net, if you would like to be involved.

For more information, including updates, visit the bandʼs Facebook page.

Hogan honors pal Pietro Venizia, 90

Pietro Rocco Venezia recently celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends with a luncheon at the Granita Grill in Westwood.

“Rocky” is a longtime resident of Northvale and Emerson, where he resides. He is a Life Member of the Northvale Fire Department and the Northvale Fire Association, as well as a member of the Northvale Exempt Fire Association.

A skilled tiler, Rocky was a master of any installation. In his retirement years, he has meticulously made detailed model firetrucks, ships and many other creations.

Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan, a friend who served with Rocky as a Northvale firefighter, presented him with Certificates of Recognition from his office, Sheriff Anthony Cureton, County Executive James Tedesco, and the Bergen County Commissioners.

Hogan recognized Rockyʼs milestone: “Rocky did not have an enemy in the Northvale firehouse. Everyone loved him. He always did the right thing for his family, his friends and the communities in

Nov. 7:

FROM PAGE 3

donʼt want to move forward with dredging, in the future they may be forced to spend large sums should further problems develop. “Everything weʼre going to do is going to cost money. … Iʼd rather not put that burden on the taxpayer.”

PASCACKVALLEY

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club says close to 100 unused and outdated smartphones and other digital devices have been donated to their phone recycling program so far.

The club has been working with Smartphone Recycling, powered by GRC Wireless. Devices are collected at boxes in the Park Ridge and River Vale libraries. Funds the project raises are donated to local charities.

Devices to be recycled include smartphones, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, iPods and Apple Watches. Not accepted: modems, GPS devices, game consoles, wireless home phones and digital cameras. All data, including SIM cards should be removed from the devices prior to donation. Please do not include chargers, wires or other accessories.

For more information call the club at (201) 694-4440 or write GPVWC1990@gmail.com

— Kathy Grubb

He noted there are no low-cost options that involve dredging the pond and said that the dredging, and drying of the dredged material, plus testing, and ultimate disposal of the sediment is a “very complicated issue” that should be addressed on a regional basis. He said he has been trying to work with county, state and federal officials to get funds for the dredging project.

which he lived. Rocky is just a wonderful person.”

Fellow firefighters Robert “Bobby” Brondi, secretary of the

Northvale Exempt Fire Association, and Peter Briscoe also presented Rocky with tributes.

— John S. Hoganʼs office

Bergen County Clerk John S.Hogan,left,a friend who served with Rocky as a Northvale firefighter,presented him with certificates of recognition. Courtesy

FROM PAGE 1

ing these boys all week. We hope we made you all proud.”

They added the boys “finished as the Top 3 team in the U.S. and the fifth best team in the world — not too shabby for a bunch of kids from the same little town in Bergen County.”

Hopes were high, and well rewarded, over the players, most of whom comprised the core group that had such a successful season in 2019 in the 10U age bracket: Thomas Eichner, Sebastian Fernandez, Evan Galluci,

Frank Gravina Jr., Joseph Luciano, Drew Kirkby, Justin Morgan, Ethan Rettew, Max Stalb, Sam Stalb, and Jason Wormer.

All six international teams qualified for the World Series:

• Asia-Pacific Region: TaoYuan Junior Little League from Taoyuan, Chinese Taipai

• Australia National Champion: Wanneroo Giants from Western Australia

• Canada National Champion: Diamond Baseball Little League from Mirabel, Quebec

•Europe-Africa Region: South Czech Republic Little League from Brno, Czech Republic

• Latin America Region: Pabao Little League from Willemstad, Curaçao

•Puerto Rico National Champion: Jaime Collazo Little League from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

The six American teams that earned their way to the World Series:

•Michigan District 5: Taylor North Little League, Mich.

•USA Central Region: Elmhurst/River Forest Little Leagues, Ill.

•USA East Region: Hillsdale Little League, N.J.

•USA Southeast Region: Irmo Little League, S.C.

•USA Southwest Region: Lubbock Southwest Little League from Lubbock, Texas

• USA West Region: Honolulu Little League from Honolulu, Hi.

State Sen. Holly Schepisi (RRiver Vale) wrote, “Come cele-

brate this teamʼs amazing accomplishment. ... This is no small feat for a small-town team of 11 players coached by volunteer parents.”

She said, “They are only one of two teams in the history of New Jersey to achieve what they did in making it to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan!”

The Hawks — managed by Chris Kirkby and coaches Frank Gravina and Greg Stalb — drew cheers from watch parties at The Cornerstone and elsewhere tuned to ESPN+, the JLB Eastern Region champs fighting with discipline, talent, and excellent sportsmanship.

Online, fan Ryan Smith posted, “They play better baseball than the Mets and Yankees. Thank you for representing Hillsdale and providing an example our boys can always strive for. Hats off on a

phenomenal season and run with these boys.”

The same team won the NJ Little League East Region tournament in Rhode Island at 10 years old and finished as runnerup in the 12-year-old NJ State Tournament in 2021.

This year they won the state title in Deptford on July 26, then advanced in defeating teams from New York, Delaware, and Maryland.

The series finale pitted host team Taylor North Little League aganst Asia-Pacific Region champs Tao-Yuan Junior Little League from Taoyuan, Chinese Taipei; the international team emerged victorious, with a 6-0 shutout.

At Veterans Park, food was served from trucks in from Taxi Cab Burgers and Conradʼs Confectionery.

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P/T Yard Attendant –Hillsdale DPW. Department of Public Works is seeking a responsible individual to man our recycling center and assist residents with their recycling drop off. Responsibilies include documenting visitiors, cleaning yard, emptying garbage cans, and other manual labor type tasks. Loader operating experience a plus. Pays $20 per hour. Mondays & Wednesdays 7AM-3PM. Applicants must fill out application which is available on town website: www.Hillsdalenj.org or pick up a copy at Borough Hall. 380 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale. Please send to DHayes@hillsdalenj.org or DKohan@hillsdalenj.org or drop off at borough hall.

Newspaper Delivery Newspaper Baggers

Call 201.664.2105

PARAPROFESSIONAL AIDES AND SCHOOL LUNCH AIDES. Parttime/10-month positions. New competitive pay rate increase. Forward cover letter and current resume or district application to HR@rivervaleschools.com. River Vale Public Schools Office of the Superintendent, 609 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675. EOE.

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The Westwood Habitat ReStore is looking for fun-loving people to volunteer! Positions include customer service and the loading dock. Join the family at Habitat Bergen ReStore and help us build homes for families while having a feel-good experience volunteering. Call (201) 547-1020 for more information.

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PERMANENT AND SUBSTITUTE CROSSING GUARD POSITIONS, WESTOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 101 WASHINGTON AVENUE - 201664-7000 ext. 152. You are off during the summer and all holidays during the school year. Must be able to work in all types of weather. Uniform is provided. Pay is $17.00/hour. Applications available at Police Headquarters. Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

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Falasca's Friendly Service is seeking P/T Mechanic Exp. Preferred, motivated, Tires, Oil Changes & more. Call Carl at 201666-1414.

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ence driving with trailers & trucks & running equipment & crews , 2 yrs. min. Good pay & hours. Growing company. 201-664-3130.

WANT BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

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MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

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

SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

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Polish lady will clean your house, apt, office. Free estimate. Refs available. Call Maria at 201-4782236.

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WashingtonTownship, lakefront community, all access. New kitchen, more, gorgeous! $1,500 covers all. 201-819-4780.

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H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D Caregiver seeks position for mornings, 8 a.m to 2 p.m., M–F. Experienced, with refs. Fully vaccinated. Please call 201-281-9853.

Woman seeks job

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Zoltan Horvath photo