JANUARY 12, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Power-packed piano show unites borough for good cause
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HE WOMANʼS CLUB of Westwood, led by its Contemporaries committee, welcomed 100 guests to its third annual Dueling Pianos charity fundraiser on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Lolitaʼs Mexican Cantina. Organizers said the event surpassed 2024ʼs event proceeds and delivered a high-energy evening of music, dancing, and community spirit, featuring the celebrated Flying Ivories piano duo. In 2025, The Contemporaries planning committee members Kate Creadon, Jessica Johns, and Jennifer Sirchio selected American Legion Post No. 206 (264 Washington Ave., Westwood) as the primary beneficiary. Their decision honored the eventʼs close timing to Veterans Day and recognized the Postʼs enduring commitment to veterans and service members of every generation. In Westwood, the American Legion also organizes the annual Memorial Day Parade and Services as well as the communityʼs Veterans Day observances. Guests included many of the sponsorsʼ owners, colleagues, and family members, along with a diverse group of attendees from Westwood and neighboring towns including Township of Washington, River Vale, and New Milford. The crowd offered a round of
applause to four local veterans and their families who were present, acknowledging their service. The success of the 2025 fundraiser, weʼre told, was made possible through the support of Lead Sponsor Eric Kohlmeier, senior financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors. (The Womanʼs Club said it expressed “profound gratitude for Kohlmeierʼs enthusiasm and generosity—both as the lead financial supporter for the second consecutive year and as an active participant in the eveningʼs festivities.”) Backers included Silver Sponsors Becker Funeral Home and Patriot Home Inspection Services, and Bronze Sponsors Debbie Tedino & Tina Lowry of Coldwell Banker Realty, LaViano Jewelers, Noteworthy Academy of Music, and Twin Boro Pest Control. Many sponsors were in attendance to celebrate the cause alongside the community. “As the Womanʼs Club of Westwood continues its long tradition of service, events like the Dueling Pianos fundraiser underscore the Clubʼs deep commitment to giving back to the community,” weʼre told. “Through hands-on volunteerism, charitable partnerships, and programs that uplift residents of all ages, the Club plays a vital role in strengthening the social
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Guests included many of the sponsors’ owners, colleagues, and family members, along with a diverse group of attendees from Westwood and neighboring towns including Township of Washington, River Vale, and New Milford. Courtesy photos.
fabric of Westwood and its neighboring towns.” The organization says it warmly welcomes new members who are eager to make a meaningful impact, build connections, and collaborate on initiatives that support local families, veterans, and community organizations. For more than 105 years, the
Buerk:
this morning against a real estate agent and lawyer,” added the New York Tribune, which also picked up the story. “Her weapon was a heavy club, which she wielded so effectively that both men were put to flight. Efforts at argument were useless. Mrs. Buerk flourished her formidable weapon so vigorously and in such close proximity to their heads that the lawyer and his client left the house.” The Tribune added: “As the lawyer went away from Etna standing on the rear platform of the train, the last thing he saw was
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A Traditional Barber Shop with a Modern Edge! We offer Senior Discounts Wed. & Thurs. TUESDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-3:30PM SATURDAY 7AM-2:30PM NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY 89 PARK AVE. • PARK RIDGE, NJ • 201-782-9060
Womanʼs Club of Westwood has supported local communities through volunteer service, charitable giving, educational programs, and initiatives that meet the evolving needs of area residents. Founded in 2023, The Contemporaries committee engages a new generation of members through collaborative fundraising
the storekeeperʼs wife shaking the stick alternately after him and Weaver, who went up the road on foot.” The story of Mrs. Buerk and her wooden club became the talk of the town in Etna, but the saga did not end there. A few days later, as the woman kept a watchful eye, a furniture van pulled up in front of the building. “A furniture van drawn by four horses was driven up to the unoccupied building, and Peter McCloskey, the driver, soon had his assistants unloading furniture. Before they had taken out half a dozen articles, Mrs. Buerk ran across lots to the scene brandishing her hickory club. McCloskey and his assistants surrendered and drove away.” The furniture was the property
with local businesses and nonprofits to strengthen the greater Westwood community. To learn more about the Womanʼs Club of Westwood— including upcoming events and membership opportunities—visit westwoodwomansclub.org or follow @westwoodwomansclub on Instagram. of Paul Decker of Jersey City, who said he purchased the building and land from the investment company. “Justice Angell and two constables appeared later, but Mrs. Buerk was not intimidated. Mr. Decker agreed with the justice that conciliation would be better than force. Mr. Decker said that if necessary he would seek redress from the company.” Whatever happened to the Buerks is unknown — but for a short period of time, Etna earned a strange kind of fame in the New York papers, thanks to the woman who took matters into her own hands. 8 You can learn more about local history at PascackHistoricalSociety.org