Critics undeterred in fight against stateʼs ʻunconstitutionalʼ affordable housing law
BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
A Superior Court judge has rejected a challenge from a group of 36 New Jersey municipalities led by Montvale that sought to block the stateʼs sweeping new affordablehousing law, which could add tens of thousands of low-cost homes statewide.
In an 81-page opinion issued Sept. 30, Mercer County Assign-
See SUITS on page 13
PVHS “Commended
Students” in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, front to back, left to right: Ian Weinstein, Ming-Yang Qin, Nicholas Ocampo, Kaitlyn Conway, Tyler Cigercioglu, Christopher Corcoran, Jaiden Bavalia, Johanna Chang, Ashlyn Choi, Charlotte Moy, Abigail Metz, Carolyn Veit, and Wojciech Piotrowski.
Inset: Thijs Van Veen, 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. PVRHSD photos.
PASCACK VALLEY High School is pleased to announce that Thijs Van Veen, Class of 2026, has been recognized as a semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Thijs is one of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 71st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program competition. These
academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
More than 1.3 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Continued on page 30
$5,800 PER MONTH Council clears 18-month pact— Source of funds: ʻIt will be paid for out of the budgetʼ
BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
The Township Council emerged from closed session, Oct. 6, and without comment voted, 5-0, to approve an 18-month lease with Bethany Community Center to temporarily store DPW vehicles and equipment on a 1.25-acre lot — to be fenced and gated, and shielded from view.
The terms: $5,800 per month for up to 18 months. There will be no public access to the site, and no public debris drop-off.
Town officials said they had to remove DPW vehicles and equipment now stored behind town hall so that construction of a $4.9 million DPW facility could begin.
For months, council and the administration had been negotiating with Bethany Community Center, at 605 Pascack Road, behind closed doors.
Bethany, a short walk from Memorial Field, is a partner on the townshipʼs summer rec camp. Itʼs a See DPW on page 16
Garret Hering’s sawmill was on Grand Avenue across from where the Montvale Post Office now stands. Every October, the building became a cider mill. Its story is inextricably linked with the Octagon House. Kristin Beuscher. PAGE 4
To the editor:
AS A 22-YEARRESIDENT of Hillsdale and father of three children who all attended Hillsdale schools, Iʼm proud to seek the opportunity to continue serving on
S Seerrvviiccees s y yoou u n neeeed d Get more done, the right way — via our Service Directory!
Pascack Press service ads start on Page 37
the Hillsdale Board of Education.
My mission has always been to ensure every student has access to the same opportunities and resources that helped my own children succeed.
Though my children have graduated, my continued service reflects a deep commitment to all Hillsdale students. Iʼve never served on the board solely because it impacted my family — I serve because I care about the future of our schools and our community.
As a lifelong educator, I bring classroom experience and a strong understanding of educational systems to my role. Iʼve taught mathematics at Passaic Valley Regional High School for 33 years and,
for the past 24 years, have been an adjunct professor at Bergen Community College, preparing students of all levels for academic and career success.
Over the past 10 years on the Hillsdale Board of Education, Iʼve served on the Education, Policy, and Finance committees. Working collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and the community, weʼve achieved important progress, including:
• Hiring a talented new administrative team, including a superintendent, business administrator, and
two principals.
• Successfully negotiating fair teacher contracts that respect both staff and taxpayers.
• Enhancing student safety with an additional dedicated school resource officer — the only K–8 district in the Pascack Valley to have one.
• Supporting a strong socialemotional learning curriculum.
• Upgrading facilities at both elementary schools.
• Building community engagement through the successful George White referendum and a new web-
A Washington Avenue resident told the mayor and council Oct. 6 that speeding near the Emergency Services Building is putting neighbors and pedestrians at risk.
Linda Pistono, of 631 Washington Ave., said “crazy drivers” race through the Pascack–Washington Avenue intersection and onto her lawn as they merge into a single lane. She urged police to step up enforcement and issue more tickets.
Pistono referenced Coun-
site to improve transparency and communication.
Itʼs been an honor to serve alongside many dedicated individuals, including my running mate, Kathleen Puerta. Together, our goal is to ensure Hillsdale schools continue to be places where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
We are committed to thoughtful dialogue, responsible leadership, and collaborative decisionmaking to uphold and strengthen the excellence that defines Hills-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
cilman Tom Searsʼearlier call for warning lights near the firehouse to protect first responders, but said flashing signals alone would not deter drivers who “know nothing is going to happen.” (See “Warning signals urged at firehouse; 450 Pascack Road update” by Michael Olohan, Sept. 27, 2025, at thepressgroup.net).
She said a stronger police presence could prevent an eventual tragedy. “Perhaps if people know theyʼll be ticketed for unsafe driving, theyʼll be more cautious,” she said.
Town administrator Mark DiCarlo said Oct. 7 that Mayor Peter Calamari had not yet heard back from county officials on the proposed safety lights.
—Staff writer Michael Olohan olohan@thepressgroup.net
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
The borough engineer said Oct. 7 that “a few slight tweaks” to Hillsdaleʼs $5.8 million Memorial Field improvement project were necessary after the vendorʼs initial cost estimate came in “way above” the townʼs approved budget.
Borough engineer Nick Chelius, of Colliers Engineering & Design, said a final presentation of project changes is planned for the Oct. 14 council meeting. Borough Administrator Mike Ghassali said the presentation will include final changes agreed upon by the engineer and general contractor and reviewed by the Fields and Recreation Committee.
Ghassali said the borough hopes to hold a “shovel in the ground” ceremony by the third week in October at Memorial Field.
Council members expressed concern that the projectʼs quality and scope could be affected, but Chelius assured them that was not the case. He said that in some areas, similar but less expensive materials were substituted and that a few nonessential items were cut.
Chelius said comparable replacements were made for benches, trash cans, and tables to reduce costs, and another type of retaining wall was selected. He said he went “line by line” through
the contractorʼs estimate to identify savings.
One “creative” cost-saving measure, Chelius said, involves having the contractor leave and reuse clean excavated soil onsite to build up certain areas, while adding topsoil from other sites seeking to dispose of it.
“Weʼre looking at all options things we can do to get the number on budget — and weʼre very close,” Chelius said. He added that his team compared its project estimate to the contractorʼs actual costs and asked for a “second look” wherever major differences appeared.
Councilman Clemente Osso asked whether it might be better to go out for bids. Chelius said it was “possible” that bidding could reduce costs overall but noted that doing so would delay the project timeline.
Ghassali told Pascack Press that the project price was procured through Athletic Fields of America, a general contractor participating in a county purchasing cooperative. He said Oct. 8 that the engineer and general contractor would continue refining pricing and meet with the Fields and Recreation Committee before the Oct. 14 meeting.
Councilman Robert Colletti said the committee would discuss proposed cuts and which amenities remain in the plan. Chelius said he would provide a list of changes and emphasized that he saw no
“significant sacrifices on quality.”
“Most of the stuff weʼre selecting is a similar, smarter choice,” Chelius said.
Chelius said the team also reviewed vendor costs for installing underground electrical conduit. Councilman John Ruocco noted that such work might lead residents to assume field lighting would be added later.
Chelius said pathway lighting — originally estimated at $500,000 would be eliminated, as the park closes at dusk. The conduit instal-
lation, about $100,000, would also be removed from the project. However, he noted that if future field lighting were desired, the conduit would have to be installed later, requiring excavation and running of electrical tubes, at a higher cost.
On March 11, the Borough Council voted, 4–2, to approve Resolution 25-102, authorizing the Memorial Field improvement plan and capping spending at $5.8 million. Councilmembers Robert Colletti Jr., Justin Fox, Melissa Mazza-Chiong, and Clemente
Osso voted in favor; John Ruocco and Janetta Trochimiuk voted against.
Ghassali explained that, following a 2021 budget increase, the borough has been allocating $500,000 annually into a field improvement account. Some $1.2 million from that account, combined with $4.6 million in bonding, will finance the park upgrades. He said there will be no annual tax increase as long as the project remains within the approved $5.8 million cap.
The Pascack Historical Society will present its Autumn Curiosity Sale on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The sale takes place in the museumʼs lecture hall, 19 Ridge Ave. Admission is free.
A special presale for Pascack Historical Society members runs Friday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who have paid their 2025 dues are welcome to enjoy early access during that time. For those who become members on the day of the sale, your dues cover through 2026.
This annual event brings shoppers from across northern New Jersey for its selection of antiques and collectibles. From Victorian treasures to mid-century retro relics, this sale has something for everyone.
This event will feature a wide selection including china, glassware, crystal, pottery, artwork, lamps, books and ephemera, serving pieces, jewelry, vintage and modern handbags, postcards, linens, antique sheet music, paperweights, small furniture, and tons of unique and one-of-a-kind finds.
Special this year is a large selection of milk glass. Photographs will be posted on the museumʼs Facebook page in the days leading up to the sale.
As the sale is indoors, it runs rain or shine. Organized and staffed by PHS volunteers, the Curiosity Sale is an important fundraiser for the Pascack Valleyʼs local history museum. Proceeds help keep the museumʼs doors open and provide educational programs for children and adults.
Cash and Venmo are accepted. If you have any questions, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org or call 201-573-0307.
A A f faavvoorriitte e o of f a auuttuummnns s a ag
go o
N THELATE 19th and early 20th centuries, Garret Heringʼs sawmill was on Grand Avenue across from where the Montvale Post Office now stands. Every October, the building also became a cider mill.
The story of this mill is inextricably linked with that of the Octagon House that still sits a short distance away. The Octagon House was built by John Blauvelt upon land he had inherited in 1832. That land also included a sawmill and a mill pond from which ice was harvested during the winter and sold in the summer.
In 1857, Blauveltʼs daughter, Jane Amelia, married Garret Hering. After Blauveltʼs death in 1882, Garret, Jane, and their three children moved into the Octagon House and Garret continued the operation of the sawmill and ice harvesting businesses.
Hering was a strong voice in petitioning for the creation of the Borough of Montvale in 1894. That same year, he was the first freeholder to represent Montvale in the county seat, Hackensack. He was also an early mayor of the borough, serving from 1898-1901, a station agent for the railroad, a justice of the peace, and Montvaleʼs postmaster
In the 1923 “History of Bergen County,” author Frances A.
Westervelt recalled that Heringʼs mill was famous throughout the county for producing the purest apple cider.
In 1906, Hering advertised “fresh, sweet, pure cider in any quantity” in the cent-a-word column of the Montvale Standard, a weekly newspaper of the era. Hering did not list a price, but another seller showed 20 cents a gallon, which is probably indicative of the going rate at the time.
That same autumn, Heringʼs mill was mentioned in a news clipping about a runaway horse-drawn wagon. The article, Cider Lays the Dust, went as follows:
“An exciting runaway occurred in Montvale on Wednesday. A team hitched to a lumber wagon and belonging to J. H. Cooper, the Pearl River milkman, took fright at an approaching train and started off as fast as the horses could run. Gus Rubins, the driver, was busy on the floor of the freight shed at the time. On the wagon were one barrel and one keg of
cider fresh from Squire Hering's cider mill on the other side of the track.
“As the horses ran and the wagon bumped over the stones in the road, the barrel and the keg thumped one another until the keg burst wide open. The precious fluid left a snake-like streak in the track of the runaway. The horses, of course, headed for home. They ran all the way to Pearl River, and finally landed at their stable hot, but happy. The barrel was saved.”
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Westwood Fire Department was established in October 1925 by then-Mayor Irving T. Brickell. The first meeting was held Oct. 1, followed by another on Oct. 15, in the Palm Room above what was then Charlie Nomicʼs Candy Store — a space that later became the Westwood Travel Agency and today houses The Frame Store.
Among those attending the first meeting were several familiar Westwood family names, including Brickell, Blauvelt, Collignon, and Sternbergh. Thirty-one women were designated charter members, as their names appeared on the rolls for the organizationʼs first year. By November of that same year, the Auxiliary had $17 in its treasury
From the beginning, mem-
bers realized they could not survive without fundraising. At their very first meeting they collected dues and conducted a “dark horse” raffle, depositing the proceeds in their first checking account.
Monthly card parties soon became a tradition, supplemented by cake sales, plant sales, rum-
mage sales, and military bridge events. More recently, the Auxiliary raised funds by selling comm emorative afghans depicting local landmarks such as the firehouse, Veterans Park, and Westwood Avenue.
The Auxiliary also launched the town-wide paper drive, which the firemen later took over, as another means of raising money.
In 1926, Chief Allison — who had been chief when the Auxiliary was founded — donated a blue and gold banner, which still hangs proudly in the firehouse hall near the elevator. One of the groupʼs first projects was helping to refurbish the club room at the firehouse at a cost of $35.
In 1927, the Ladies joined the New Jersey and New York Auxiliary.
On March 22, 1928, they hosted a dinner for the firemen — the first of what would become the popular “Chiefʼs Dinner.” Many lifelong memories were made during these gatherings and are still fondly recalled today.
On Oct. 30, 1929, the Ladies were invited to stand inspection alongside the men. During the Depression, when the town could not fund the annual inspection dinner, the Auxiliary stepped in and provided all that was needed.
In 1940, the Ladies helped
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Two Democratic newcomers, Thomas Greco and Lynda Nettleship-Carraher (Park Ridge United), are challenging Republican incumbents Gregory Hoffman and Bruce Goldsmith (Preserve Park Ridge) for two open three-year council seats on Nov. 4.
Six of eight Pascack Valley towns feature contested council r aces this fall. Pascack Press reached out to all candidates to gather their views on key cam-
paign themes and local issues. Montvaleʼs race is uncontested, with two Republican incumbents running unopposed, and River Vale has no council seats on the ballot.
Hereʼs a look at the Park Ridge candidatesʼresponses to our questions. We asked about t heir campaign platforms and their views on deer management, Mill Pond, and the Robert Fisher Jr. school board recall referend um. (Now moot, as Fisher resigned after losing related legal challenges.)
The candidates at a glance:
Gregory Hoffman (R)
• 32-year resident; civil litigation attorney.
•Served on borough council; pro bono counsel; Eagle Scout.
Bruce Goldsmith (R)
• 40-plus-year resident; married, two children.
•Paraprofessional teacherʼs aide; vice president, Goldsmith Studios.
•Served on council for three years; PKRG-TV station manager and volunteer.
Thomas Greco (D)
•Park Ridge native; married, two sons.
•PRHS Class of 1994; returned to town in 2020.
•Owner, Pop Empanada and That Supper Club
• Served on Planning Board
and Recreation & Culture Committee.
Lynda Nettleship-Carraher (D)
• 12-year resident; married, three children.
•Visual artist; former Disney and Nickelodeon artist.
• Member, Zoning Board and Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Campaign platforms
Incumbent Greg Hoffman said his platform centers on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and preventing overdevelopment. He noted three consecutive years without a municipal tax increase, the addition of a dedicated traffic enforcement officer to enhance pedestrian safety, and continued e fforts to push back against overdevelopment to preserve the boroughʼs “small-town feel.”
Incumbent Bruce Goldsmith said his platform shares Hoffmanʼs vision, emphasizing low taxes, fiscal responsibility, and open government.
Democratic challenger Thomas Greco said his campaign focuses on property taxes and quality of life. Under property taxes, he listed three priorities: securing grant funding for public safety, prioritizing infrastructure investment, and stabilizing taxes. His quality-of-life goals include expanding open space and recreation, creating a new community center, and ending “divi-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
FROM PAGE 6
sive politics.”
•Carraherʼs platform mirrored Grecoʼs priorities.
On deer population
Hoffman said the borough should “pursue safe, humane population-control strategies” that might include sterilization and, if necessary, culling.
He added that the borough should continue public education on Lyme disease and vehicle safety, and explore shared services such as fencing and landscaping solutions.
Goldsmith said local towns should form a joint committee, with guidance from wildlife experts, to take an “incremental, informed approach.”
Greco said he favors a countywide effort combining sterilization, feeding bans, and education on deer-resistant planting. He opposes lethal control methods. Carraher agreed, opposing lethal methods and supporting education on deer-resistant plants and mitigation strategies.
Mill Pond public question
On Nov. 4, the local ballot will include three non-binding public questions about Mill Pond: whether to bond up to $5 million; up to $10 million; and whether to dredge the pond. The referendum will gauge public support for bonding and spending local funds
Voters can grab a cup of coffee and meet this yearʼs Board of Education candidates at an informal community meetup on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge, 13 Sulak Lane.
Organizers say all candidates have been invited for casual conversation and Q&A in a neighborly setting. According to the flyer, the contenders in order of appearance on the ballot are: Matthew Rozzi, Rosemarie Malloy, Shanai Jensen, Richard Kuiters, and Holly Misley.
to address the long-deteriorating pond. Officials say that demonstrating local support could strengthen the boroughʼs chances of obtaining state or federal grants for dredging.
[Related story: “Shall Park Ridge Dredge? Unpacking the ballot question” by Michael Olohan on page 10]
Hoffman said his focus was on crafting an “objective, clear” ballot question so voters can decide whether to dredge Mill Pond, with full cost options presented. He offered no opinion on the question and pledged to “fully respect” the votersʼdecision.
Goldsmith said he supported the non-binding referendum as a way to give residents a voice on funding pond improvements. He added that the borough should work with neighboring towns to stabilize streambanks and reduce
The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is helpful but not required (a QR code appears on the flyer for planning purposes). Hosts note this is not a Board of Education–sponsored event.
If you canʼt attend the forum but want to preview the issues, residents are encouraged to bring questions about curriculum, facilities, budgeting, student wellness, and long-term planning to future forums—or contact the candidates through their campaign channels.
silt inflow.
Greco said he supports the $10 million option as a “long-term solution.” He said doing nothing risks dam failure — a repair that could cost more than $30 million and increases mosquito-borne health risks and the chance of toxins polluting waterways. He said dredging protects both community health and finances.
Carraher said Mill Pond has collected silt that will eventually cause the dam to fail and said she favors investing in a long-term solution.
Editorʼs note: 2024 dam testing downgraded the damʼs condition from satisfactory to fair, though it remains structurally sound.
Fisher recall effort
Pascack Press asked candidates whether they supported the recall effort to remove school
at a glance
• What: Coffee with the Candidates — Park Ridge Board of Education
• When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2–4 p.m.
•Where: Park Ridge Elks, 13 Sulak Lane
•Cost: Free; RSVP helpful, not necessary
• Note: Community-hosted; not BOE-sponsored. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
trustee Robert Fisher Jr. Fisher was accused of living out of state, missing repeated meetings, and not adequately representing residents.
He resigned Sept. 19 after a Superior Court challenge failed to block the recall question from appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot. The board will soon select a replacement. [In a statement, Fisher said in part that he was “immensely grateful to God for the opportunity to serve our borough, a wonderful community in the greatest country on Earth.” — Ed.]
Hoffman and Goldsmith both noted Fisherʼs resignation and said the council has no role in selecting his replacement.
Goldsmith added that he h opes for a successor who ensures local kids receive “the same high quality of education” h is sons did in Park Ridge schools.
Greco and Carraher both said they supported the recall.
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
The boroughʼs contested council race features Democratic incumbents Benjamin Pollack and Nicole Marsh facing off against Republican challengers Corrado Belgiovine and Nicholas Pulsonetti.
Six of eight Pascack Valley towns feature contested council races this Nov. 4, and Pascack Press reached out to the candidates to get their views on key campaign themes and local issues. Montvale offers an uncontested race, with two incumbent Republicans unchallenged, and River Vale has no seats on the ballot.
We asked the candidates about their campaign priorities, their approach to deer overpopulation, and their views on redevelopment at the former BMW headquarters and now-demolished Hilton Hotel, as well as the debut of the Woodcliff Park.
First, the candidates in brief:
1985
Democrat Benjamin Pollack
• Seven-year resident; married, three children
•Vice president, international IT company (global marketing strategy)
•Council president (2024); police commissioner; Finance Committee member
Democrat Nicole Marsh
•Eleven-year resident; attorney specializing in utility, energy, and environmental law
• Serves on Land Use Board; Legal, Economic Development, Affordable Housing, and Parks and Recreation committees; fire commissioner
•Five-year volunteer with Woodcliff School PFA
Republican Corrado Belgiovine
• Eighteen-year resident
•Real estate broker and property manager
•Former two-term councilman; current Land Use Board chair
•Longtime youth softball coach; community garden and reservoir cleanup volunteer
Republican Nicholas Pulsonetti
•Resident of more than five years
• Head of business develop-
The Woodcliff Lake Senior Association invites residents to a CandidatesʼNight for two council seats on the Woodcliff Lake Borough Council. The event is Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Woodcliff Lake Tice Senior Center, Chestnut Ridge Road. All residents are invited to attend.
Vying for the two council seats Democrats Benjamin Poll ack and Nicole Marsh and Republicans Corrado Belgiovine and Nicholas Pulsonetti.
ment, pest services company
•Married, three young children
• Youth coach for basketball, flag football, baseball, and softball
Their priorities
Democratic Candidates
Pollack said his campaign platform focuses on infrastructure improvements, sensible development, parks and recreation, and public safety.
Under sensible development, he called for “firm accountability for new developments (BMW and Hilton) that protects small-town charm and community values.”
Under public safety, he said he supports equipping police and fire departments with cutting-edge tools,
Candidates will make opening and closing statements regarding their candidacy and answer t wo pre-determined questions. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit written questions to the moderator — a representative of the League of Women Voters of Northern Valley. After the program, candidates will be available to meet audience members.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
such as automated license plate reader cameras, electronic road signage, and up-to-date vehicles.
Marsh said her campaign priorities include enhanced communication, investing in infrastructure, responsible development, expanding commercial revenue, and fostering community unity. She said she supports future development “that aligns with the character and standards of our community.”
Marsh said she hopes to attract businesses that strengthen the local economy and ease the property tax burden. She said enhanced communication includes using the boroughʼs website,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Voters will have a chance to weigh in Nov. 4 on whether theyʼre willing to commit taxpayer dollars to the future dredging and cleanup of Mill Pond, also known as Electric Lake.
More than a dozen residents voiced concerns Sept. 30 about a public question on the Nov. 4 ballot, wondering how much should be spent — if anything — on dredging the boroughʼs Mill Pond, long plagued by poor water quality, debris, and heavy accumulations of sediment.
The public question is nonbinding, which means the mayor and council must still act to appropriate funds or issue bonds to finance a pond dredging project after the Nov. 4 election results.
The General Election ballot features the public question on the ballotʼs second page. The question reads:
“How much shall the Borough of Park Ridge appropriate and expend, if anything, up to for the purpose of facilitating the partial dredging of Mill Pond (also known as Electric Lake)?”
The question offers voters three options:
•Option A, which would incur $5 million in bond debt to finance pond dredging;
•Option B, which would incur $10 million in bond debt to finance pond dredging; and
•Option C, which asks voters if the borough should dredge the pond.
Voters may cast votes on all three options, or only the one they prefer.
The borough previously received a $1.5 million grant for pond improvements, which will be added to any future dredging project approved by the borough.
Option A will cost the average $500,000 homeowner about $101 yearly for 25 years, while Option B will cost about $202 yearly over 25 years, officials said.
The nearly two-hour public forum, held before a packed council chamber, featured testimony from the townʼs engineer, John Dunlea, on the benefits of dredging projects, and auditor Jeff Bliss, on costs to local taxpayers if officials bond to dredge the pond.
One surprise near the meetingʼs end came when resident Laura Clark asked about the wording of Option C, which now reads, “Shall the Borough of Park Ridge dredge?” and offers voters a yes or no choice. Previously, residents were told that Option C would read, “Do Not Dredge,” with a yes or no response.
However, Borough Clerk Maggie Giandomenico said the County Clerkʼs Office changed the wording of Option C. She said counsel Paul Kaufman advised that Option C needed to be changed and provided the updated language to appear on the ballot. As several officials and residents noted, the “explanatory statement” that accompanies Option C still says “Do Not Dredge,” which could confuse voters.
Both Clark and Kerry Shelby, who started a petition to put a pond dredging referendum question on the ballot, urged the mayor and council to communicate with residents to clear up any confusion about the dredging question. Mayor Keith Misciagna said the borough would look into providing more information, and some council members suggested posting details on the borough website to assist voters.
Shelby urged the borough to communicate the new Option C language with “as much clarity and integrity as possible.”
Voters can access sample ballots for Park Ridge at bergencountyclerk.gov. Under the County Clerkʼs website, click Elections & Voting, then Sample Ballots under Election Information. All 70 municipal ballots are posted. Each registered voter should receive a printed sample ballot in the mail before Oct. 25, when early in-person voting begins. Any registered voter can vote early inperson at any of nine countywide polling places.
Misciagna said he did not realize county election officials had changed the Option C question and hopes residents will read the sample ballot and ask questions if confused. He said the borough would look to share more pond dredging information, possibly through a mailing.
Another resident suggested Pascack Press print the ballot questions [Got you covered at this story on our website, PascackPress.com — Ed.] and notify the community television station to cover the referendum and pondʼs history.
Misciagna urged residents to speak to neighbors and write letters to Pascack Press supporting pond dredging. He has long supported dredging but noted that only the council can take action and appropriate funds for capital projects.
Shelby suggested residents simply vote “yes” on all three options. Council members have noted that the public question is nonbinding — an attempt to gauge public support, or lack thereof, for using taxpayer funds.
Each of the first two options, A and B, states approximately how much sediment could be dredged for
up to $5 million or $10 million in bonds. For $5 million, sediment could be dredged between 6.5 and 7.8 feet in depth, with results lasting 13 to 16 years. For $10 million, sediment could be dredged between 13 and 15.2 feet in depth, with results lasting 29 to 31 years.
For Option C, voters can voice their opinion on dredging in general, voting yes or no on “Shall the Borough of Park Ridge dredge?” Some council members said they will be looking closely at the results to gauge residentsʼwillingness to spend local tax dollars on the pond, and at what level.
A PKRG-TV video of the Sept. 30 town hall can be found on the borough website under Government > Meeting Videos > 2025 Meeting Videos.
Several residents pressed the council to act without a referendum, citing the pondʼs historic value and its past uses for fishing, ice skating, kayaking, and even cooling off during hot summer days decades ago.
One resident said the costs of dredging amounted to little more than a monthly cup of coffee. “Itʼs about a cup of coffee. Itʼs not a frivolous project,” noted Misciagna, when one resident called for homeowners to bite the bullet and fund the restoration. Misciagna added, “The best time to do a project is yesterday, and the second best is today.” He urged residents to support the dredging question.
Editorʼs note: We will update this story as more public information is released by residents, local leaders, or election officials.
BYJONFELZ R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.
Good morning, Jon, I have long wondered about this vase. I'm assuming that it is a vase. Iʼm told it belonged to my uncle, an antiques dealer in Hackensack, 1940s through the 1960s. My mother inherited his possessions. Most of his things are long gone, except this vase. There is a 139 on the base, and it stands about 7 inches tall. Iʼve checked eBay and our library, but found no information. A relative wants to buy it. I intend to sell it to him, but I want to be fair.
—Lydia
Hi, Lydia,
It was a pleasure to receive your inquiry concerning this vase — and yes, it is a vase. It is a very special one, and I can understand the great
Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com
difficulty you had in attempting to identify it. Right off the bat, I can tell you it was produced by Louis Tiffany. Yes, that Tiffany.
In 1900, a small pottery and enamel studio was added to Louis Comfort Tiffanyʼs operations in Corona, Queens. Located on what is today the corner of 43rd Avenue and 97th Place, Tiffany called this new business the Stourbridge Glass Company, later renamed Tiffany Studios.
For the record, Louis Comfort Tiffanyʼs company is best known by the name Tiffany Studios, but his vast enterprise operated under several names through the years: Louis C. Tiffany & Company (1878–85); Tif-
fany Glass Company (1885–92); Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co. (1892–1902); Allied Arts (1900–02); and Tiffany Studios (1902–32). Additional production support came from the Stourbridge Glass Co. (1893–1902), which produced your vase; Tiffany Furnaces, Inc. (1902–20); and Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces Inc. (1920–28). All were owned by Tiffany companies.
organize and later joined the Bergen County Fire Ladies Auxiliary. Members of the Westwood group served the county organization proudly, with many elected as officers over the years.
Throughout the decades, the Auxiliaryʼs purpose has remained constant: to support the members of the Westwood Fire Department in any way possible. The group has purchased numerous items for the firehouse and its members, including new flags for the color guard and first aid kits for the fire trucks. Gifts, flowers, and cards have always been sent to firefight-
Tiffany produced ceramics only briefly, making this example rare. It is what Tiffany referred to as a copper-and-enamel decorated vase. It has a slight baluster form, with a collar of overlapping leaves above pink milkweed flower clusters, all s et against an iridescent gold ground.
Louis Tiffany was the president and art director, the creative and technical force behind all production. He was the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany (1812–1902), founder of the renowned jewelry firm. Louis advanced his reputation by his own genius as well as his fatherʼs name.
Arthur Nash, a skilled glass chemist from Stourbridge, England, was hired by Louis Tiffany in 1892 to head the Stourbridge Glass Co. — later Tiffany Studios. Nash developed the secret formulas for Tiffanyʼs trademarked Favrile glass, an iridescent art glass distinct from European lustred glass. He discovered that adding various minerals and metal oxides to glass and ceramics, such as your vase, could produce stunning new colors and effects.
Having the ability to understand and properly identify Tiffany markings is crucial in my business
ers and auxiliary members who were ill or bereaved. The group also proudly contributed $1,000 to equip a room at Pascack Valley Hospital.
For many years, the Ladies organized childrenʼs Christmas parties for the firemenʼs families. They marched in countless parades — even as far as Kingston, N.Y and took home their share of trophies, including several first-place honors. Their uniforms and precise marching were the envy of many in the valley.
Today, the Auxiliary continues with 27 members. While not as active as in the past, their dedication to supporting the men and women of the Westwood Fire Department remains strong.
Over the years, the group has
knowledge is power! Now, letʼs focus on your vase. Tiffany produced ceramics for only a short time, making your example rare. It is what Tiffany referred to as a copper-and-enamel decorated vase. It has a slight baluster form, with a collar of overlapping leaves above pink milkweed flower clusters, all set against an iridescent gold ground.
You missed part of the incised mark on the base. The full mark is “SG 139” — “SG” for Stourbridge Glass Company, and “139” the model or production number.
Your vase appears to have remained in very good condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. That being so, the current value of this vase is $20,000. A most rare and important ceramic vase, produced by a renowned maker.
Thank you for sharing this treasure with our readers.
Editorʼs note: Sorry for the confusion on last weekʼs column. We goofed! Weʼll circle back to bring you “Striking Villeroy & Boch beer tankard missing its set” in an upcoming issue.
R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.
also supported the New Jersey State Firemenʼs Home in Boonton, the Burn Unit at Hackensack University Medical Center, Pascack Valley Hospital, Home for the Holidays, and other local fire department causes.
The Ladies Auxiliary takes great pride in the leadership of the women who founded the organization 100 years ago this month. As they do every Memorial Day, members continue to honor Those Who Came Before Us and the enduring spirit and commitment that have guided the Auxiliary for a century.
—Submitted feature. Pascack Press congratulates and thanks the Ladies Auxiliary of the Westwood Fire Department for this past century of selfless service.
ment Judge Robert Lougy dismissed two lawsuits filed by Local Leaders for Responsible Planning coalition, led by Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, ruling that the 2024 statute falls within the Legislatureʼs constitutional authority to implement the state Supreme Courtʼs Mount Laurel housing mandate.
Lougyʼs decision dismissed the cases with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. His ruling follows earlier denials by the Appellate Division and Supreme Court of the coalitionʼs attempts to stay the law.
A separate federal lawsuit— arguing the law improperly exempts the stateʼs largest “urban aid” cities
Save the date for Push to Walkʼs first “experiential event,” Thursday, Oct. 16, 5–7 p.m. at its adaptive gym in Montvale. Executive director Céline Gustavson says, “This is an open house for the Pascack Valley community to see and try our specialized equipment and learn about the resources available for people living with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions right here in their own community.” Push to Walk is at 11 Philips Parkway Visit pushtowalknj.org.
from new housing obligations— remains pending.
Affordable-housing advocates hailed the decision. “Itʼs outrageous that a handful of wealthy towns are spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars trying to block the affordable homes New Jerseyans desperately need,” said Josh Bauers of the nonprofit Fair Share Housing Center.
State officials note that roughly three-quarters of New Jerseyʼs 564 municipalities have submitted plans under the new law, the highest participation rate in the 50-year history of the process. Towns with approved plans are protected from so-called “builderʼs-remedy” lawsuits. Final plans are due by March 15.
Ghassali calls judge ʻrogue,ʼvows appeal
Ghassali, who spearheaded the
LLRP, denounced Lougyʼs opinion and said the coalition will appeal to the Appellate Division.
“The trial courtʼs rogue decision held that municipalities and mayors cannot even challenge the affordablehousing process because it is optional,” Ghassali said in a statement. “We are appealing because there is nothing optional about mandating hundreds of thousands of new units in our communities.”
He said the decision would not deter the coalition—representing more than a half-million residents across nine counties—from pursuing its state and federal challenges, which also target the state Housing and Mortgage Finance Agencyʼs rule-making process and the lawʼs urban-area exemptions.
Coalition attorney Michael L. Collins said his clients believe the judge erred in finding that municipal-
Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Israel Hosts Sukkot Gathering
EMERSON — The Sisterhood of Congregation Bʼnai Israel recently hosted its annual evening of blessings and conversation in the templeʼs sukkah — a temporary shelter built in honor of the festival of Sukkot. The celebration commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. For more information about Congregation Bʼnai Israel, email office@bisrael.com or call (201) 265-2272.
ities lack standing to contest obligations imposed upon them. “We look forward to bringing these issues to the Appellate Division,” he said.
A day before the ruling, Ghassali announced that New Milford had joined the coalition, expanding its membership to 36 towns including Montvale, River Vale, Hillsdale, Old Tappan, Westwood, and Township of Washington. “For 50 years, highdensity housing has failed to solve the affordability crisis,” he wrote. “Yes, we need affordable housing— but not high-density housing.”
Supporters flooded the mayorʼs Facebook page with praise and encouragement. “Thank you for continuing the fight to save our small suburban towns,” wrote one com-
menter. Others urged Ghassali to “run for higher office” and called the Mount Laurel doctrine “an unconstitutional abomination.”
Some residents, however, questioned the litigationʼs cost and prospects. “Local zoning is granted by the Legislature,” one commenter wrote. “If the Legislature changes the rules, towns must comply.”
Despite the setback, Ghassali said he remains committed to challenging what he calls “50 years of disastrous Mount Laurel Doctrine law.”
“It will be a multi-year effort,” he said. “But our residents deserve local planning that reflects the character and capacity of our communities.”
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15TH 4:00PM
In case youʼre wondering what those green curbs are in downtown Westwood, the borough is implementing a pilot “Grab and Go” program in its central business district to make those short errands easier.
Starting Sept. 15, three loading zones are being repurposed as 10minute free parking zones. Marked by green curbs and explanatory signs, these areas will allow for
quick pickups without having to drive around to find a parking space.
“Whether itʼs a bagel and cup of coffee on the way to work, dropping off dry cleaning, picking up the takeout order on the way home, or running into the post office to mail a letter, convenience makes a difference,” Mayor Ray Arroyo tells Pascack Press. “As we look at holistic ways to improve the parking
throughout the Borough, we recognized that the successful pickup zones implemented on the avenue during the pandemic would continue to serve our downtown well if we could somehow strategically place them without sacrificing parking spaces and traffic flow.”
Arroyo explained how the Parking Utility and the Police Department analyzed loading zone
Through Oct. 31, three loading zones are repurposed as 10minute free parking zones. Marked by green curbs and explanatory signs, these areas will allow for quick pickups
usage, vehicle circulation, and foot traffic to come up with three locations that could be transitioned to Grab and Go zones without a detriment to traffic flow, pedestrian safety and/or deliveries. The following locations were identified:
• Center Avenue, north of Westwood Avenue on the east side;
•Fairview Avenue, south of Westwood Avenue on the east side;
•Madison Avenue, north of Washington Avenue on the east side.
The pilot program runs Sept.
15 through Oct. 31. The free 10-minute period will be strictly enforced. Loading and deliveries will not be permitted in those areas.
“If the pilot program proves successful we will look at making it permanent in those locations,” said Arroyo. The borough welcomes user feedback. Deliver yours to assistant administrator Karen Hughes at khughes@westwoodnj.gov or call 201-664-7100 ext. 149.
The Westwood Recreation Department and parade planning committee are pleased to announce “Everyoneʼs Favorite Holiday Movies” as the theme for this yearʼs signature Home For The Holidays Parade, set for Saturday, Dec. 6.
Local organizations and youth groups interested in hosting a float or marching in the parade can register by filling out a short form at: tinyurl.com/HFTH2025 or by emailing Westwood Rec Supervisor RoseAnn Ciarlante at rciarlante@westwoodnj.gov.
Organizations are reminded that a certificate of insurance is required for participation. Deadl ine to register and return all required paperwork is Friday, Nov.14. Space is limited.
The Recreation Department and parade planning committee are pleased to announce, for the first time, the Home for the Holidays parade will be live-streamed by the Westwood High School Film and Television program. Students in the program will host their WTV show live from the parade route and will feature onthe-spot interviews and commentary — as well as a few broadcast surprises.
The Home for the Holidays Parade has been a Pascack Valley tradition since the 1960s, when Santa Claus took his first ride
Home for the Holidays parade 2025 is set for Saturday, Dec. 6. Register your community group at tinyurl.com/HFTH2025. Credit: Richard Frant/Frant Visuals.
through downtown Westwood on the back of the Westwood Fire Departmentʼs ladder truck.
Heʼs been back every year as the parade has grown, delighting children and their families with a big waves and jolly winks from high atop the fire truck followed by visits with his fans at Westwoodʼs historic bandstand.
This yearʼs parade includes pre-parade activities at the Westwood Free Public Library, Veterans Park, and on Center Ave. Step off is at 6 p.m., rain, snow or
shine!
Tree lighting in Veterans Park and photos with the big jolly elf himself, courtesy of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department, will immediately follow the parade.
The Home for the Holidays parade is made possible by the Borough of Westwood and its Recreation, Police, Public Works, and Fire Departments with the assistance of a dedicated corps of community volunteers.
For more information about the parade contact the Westwood
Let us help announce your achievements. Send your news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
Recreation Department at 2016 64-7882 or visit westwoodnj.gov/recreation. For updates see Facebook and Instagram for @westwoodnjrec.
estimated costs for the lease or anticipated site improvements, including required fencing and an access driveway.
DiCarlo explained the administration will keep tabs to “keep the inconvenience to a minimum and safety to a high regard.”
ing to secure the leased area within the parking lot, and a new access driveway off of Woodfield Road.
FROM PAGE 1
year-round hub for fitness, recreation, and community life. The 60,000square-foot facility features a wellness center, indoor track, swimming pool, and group-fitness studios, and hosts programs from basketball and pickleball to senior games and personal training. It partners with independent academies offering swim instruction, martial arts, soccer, and boxing, and rents space for parties and events. Sundays, the building serves as the home of Bethany Churchʼs worship services.
BSA Troop 321 Eagle Scout Derek Kaine was just honored by the Westwood Regional School Districtʼs board for his capstone project, a community garden behind Bethany Community Center.
No information was released prior to the councilʼs vote — such as
Two reminders from Westwood Senior Fellowship Club president Mary Cerrati:
• The next membersʼmeeting is Tuesday, Oct. 14 at noon at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The doors open at 11 a.m. A luncheon of salad and sandwiches, with refreshments, is planned for members. Sign up for the luncheon at 201664-4538.
•Remember to sign up for the clubʼs Dec. 9 Christmas luncheon at Armandoʼs. The cost is $40 per person.
On Oct. 7, the day after the vote, town administrator Mark DiCarlo emailed Pascack Press that the lease was $5,800 monthly for up to 18 months, or $104,400. He said no estimates were available for planned site improvements. He said he hoped the lease would begin “as soon as possible in October.”
Asked, “Where are those funds coming from? Were they budgeted in advance or being taken from one or a bunch of accounts?” DiCarlo replied,
“It will be paid for out of the budget.”
Pascack Press reported Oct. 3 on the lease, discussed in closed session for months, after details began circulating following letters sent by DiCarlo to 37 nearby households notifying them of the proposal.
DiCarlo also spoke with neighbors about the plan and reported that almost no objections were voiced.
The Emerson Senior Citizens have their monthly membership meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9 at noon, at the Clubhouse, 20 Palisade Ave. They add,“We will be having an in house Halloween party on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at noon. The cost is $10 cash per person. Food, beverages and deserts will be served. Halloween costumes are requested but not required. All members are welcome.”
Zoning questions
Prior to the council entering closed session, resident James Stickel questioned the lotʼs zoning and whether commercial vehicles could be stored there. Town attorney Siobhan Spillane Bailey said she thought it was in the “B,” or business, zone.
Mayor Peter Calamari said the centerʼs lot was a nonconforming use in the Office-Research zone. Pascack Press sought clarification but could not confirm the zoning or whether vehicle storage was permitted.
Bethany stipulated that the DPW not use the main driveway. DiCarlo told Pascack Press he was seeking construction quotes for fenc-
Asked how many DPW vehicles might be entering/exiting the lot on a daily basis, he said he had “no idea.”
As for vehicle/equipment storage after the lease expires, DiCarlo said, “there is no solid plan at this time.”
Calamari said post-lease storage needs would be addressed.
Council President Michael DeSena, who is independently challenging Calamari for mayor this Nov. 4 —as is Democrat Meghan Stamatopoulos — said the council had been looking for alternate DPW vehicle sites for the past two years and longer, with nearly a dozen sites failing to pass muster due to size, wetlands, price, and other restrictions. DeSena thanked DiCarlo for his work in finding and reviewing potential sites.
DeSena said DPW vehicles had to be removed from the former township swim club (purchased in April 2022) when county open space funds were accepted; the county grant required no vehicles be stored there due to open space rules. He noted once the Bethany lot is ready, DPW vehicles will no longer be stored on Our Lady of Good Counselʼs parking lot, where 35 spaces were leased for nearly four years.
When the new DPW facility is finished, that project will resolve work Mayor Peter Calamari identified as a key priority when he undertook his first term as mayor, in 2019. For more information, see “ʻThank God, weʼre finally getting it doneʼon DPW HQ” by Michael Olohan, Sept. 13, 2025.
Pascack Valley High School seniors recently shared their experiences participating in the American Legionʼs Boys State and Girls State programs with members of American Legion Post 162.
On a recent Saturday morning, the students reflected on what Post 162 Vice Commander Joe Sgroi described as “major, lifeenhancing personal development.”
“In their comments, a common thread emerged,” Sgroi said. “Each spoke about newfound selfconfidence — the ability to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. They came away with tools that will continue to sharpen over time, leaving them ready to ask, Whatʼs next?”
He added, “Theyʼre ready to turn challenges into opportunities and move forward with enthusi-
American Legion Post 162 photo. asm, knowledge, awareness, and confidence.”
The American Legionʼs Boys State and Girls State programs provide rising high school seniors the opportunity to learn about
civic engagement and leadership through immersive, hands-on experiences in government and community building.
— Staff report
HILLSDALE
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E xperience the Halloween s eason like never before at Demarest Farms with their dazz ling Halloween Light Show! Known for its popular Orchard of Lights, Demarest Farms brings you a spine-tingling adventure perfect for the whole family.
Take a Guided Tour Through 32 Acres of Halloween Magic
Load up your vehicle and embark on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliantly spooky Halloween light displays. As you navigate the grounds, tune your radio to 107.9 FM for a full immersive experience that brings the Halloween spirit to life. The tour takes 20–25 minutes, with all vehicles directed by farm staff to a designated area upon arrival.
Make Your Reservation!
To attend, you must make a reservation online through our booking system, via halloweenlightshows.com Arrive at the farm 10 minutes
RIVER VALE
before your scheduled time, as tickets are not available for purchase at the farm market. Be prepared for a potential wait of up to 30 minutes during peak times between your reservation and the start of the show.
Dates and Times for the Halloween Light Show:
•Sept. 27 and 28: 7 to 9 p.m.
•Oct. 3–5, 9–13, and 16–31: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Demarest Farms is at 244 Wierimus Road. Sorry, transit vans and other oversized vehicles cannot be accommodated.
Orchard of Lights
And plan ahead for Demarest FarmsʼNorth Pole-themed Orchard ofLights at Demarest Farms:“Join us during the most magical time of year and experience the joy and wonder of the Orchard of Lights. Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light
displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in our retail farm market. Take pictures with Santa. Make your own Sʼmores. Listen to Santaʼs singing Reindeer! For more info visit orchardoflights.com
2025 Season is Open D emarest Farms, at 244
Wiermus Road in Hillsdale, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 2025 season, offering a range of fun-filled activities for the whole family. For more information visit demarestfarms.com or call 201-664-0472
Upcoming events for adults at River Vale Library. Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Register at rivervalelibrary.org.
•Lecture: The God, The Bad, and the Scary of AI with Eddi Khaytman – Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
•Outdoor Patio Concert: Westwood Community Jazz Band – Bring your own chairs or blankets. – Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m; Rain date Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
•Lecture: Numerology: The Meaning Behind your Birthdate with Vivi Stockwell – Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
Take
Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm fresh goodies in our retail farm market.
Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of spooktacular Halloween light displays, enjoy our farm
WHENIT comes to Social Security and retirement, you may have conflicting viewpoints: On one side, you may hope to collect your benefits as soon as you are eligible due to cash flow needs or other goals.
On the other side, you know that if you wait, your monthly benefit amount will be greater.
While it may make sense to wait as long as you can, Sherman Hohen-
berger, lead business growth strategy consultant at Wealth & Investment Management, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., recommends you reevaluate your situation every year in retirement before deciding whether to continue delaying the beginning of Social Security benefits.
“Because each individual, couple, widow, and widower has a unique lifestyle and unique income needs, I believe a year-by-year evaluation prior to beginning benefits is the best approach,” Hohenberger says.
One item you need for that annual retirement review is a current copy of your Social Security benefit estimate
from ssa.gov. This provides personalized estimates of future benefits based on your real earnings and lets you see your latest statement and your earnings history. Here, Hohenberger outlines a comparison of claiming now vs. later and offers key considerations as you review your strategy each year.
Comparison:
Claiming sooner vs. later
Letʼs start with a hypothetical example: John Doe was born in 1960, is retired, and he decided to claim benefits as soon as he became eligible at age 62, or five years before his full retirement benefit age of 67. His
monthly benefit in todayʼs dollars is $2,106. If he had delayed receiving benefits until he was 70, heʼd receive $1,625 more a month, or $3,731. And he would make up for the eight-year delay in not taking any benefits in about 10 years. “Unlike personal assets that can be exhausted, Social Security is a vast resource provided by the U. S. government. As long as you are alive, you should continue to receive your Social Security benefits and with a cost-of-living adjustment throughout your retirement years.”
Make wellness a deciding factor
Your health can play a big role in helping determine when you should start taking benefits. Do your loved ones live long lives, or have most succumbed to illness before age 65? “Itʼs not the most accurate indicator of whatʼs going to transpire in the future, but it can have some bearing, and therefore should be taken into consideration,” Hohenberger says.
“If youʼre in reasonably good health and anticipate a continued healthy lifestyle, that usually counsels in favor of waiting,” he continues. “If, on the other hand, youʼre in poorer health and have concerns about longevity, that counsels toward drawing benefits sooner rather than later.”
Do you have enough income?
Another key factor is having other sources of income to help you live comfortably in retirement without needing Social Security benefits. He says you should consider the rate of return Social Security offers: 6.25% –8.00% (plus a cost-of-living increase).
“I ask: ʻIs that an attractive return to you over the next 12 months?ʼ” he says. “And given the current interest rate environment and unpredictability of the securities markets, the response is typically a resounding yes.”
Considerations for married couples
Hohenberger suggests married clients look at multiple factors when determining the timing for each spouse to claim Social Security benefits.
For example, if youʼre working part time or seasonally, your Social Security benefits may be dramatically lower if your partner is working fulltime. It still may be wise for both of you to wait, if possible.
“Not only does waiting to claim increase the size of the benefit that the [higher earning] individual personally receives, but it also increases the size of whatʼs known as the survivorʼs benefit that the [lower earning] spouse could
draw if the other spouse passes away,” Hohenberger says.
Keep in mind that the current average life expectancy of a 65-yearold man is about 84 years, while a woman that age can expect to live until around age 87, according to the Social Security Administration.
What about taxes?
When it comes to when to claim Social Security benefits, Hohenberger advises not to focus primarily on the tax ramifications. “For the vast majority of people, their marginal tax rate in retirement will likely be fairly constant,” Hohenberger says. “If retirees were to take their Social Security benefit at 62, we typically see that their marginal tax rate is the same or approximately the same as it would be if they claimed the benefit at age 70. We want [them] to focus instead on working to help maximize the net cash flow over the remainder of their lifetime.”
Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM) offers financial products and services through affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.
Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.
Investment and Insurance Products are:
• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
© 2022 – 2025 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
Sponsored Content
FORMORETHAN fifteen
y ears, Bellissimo Ristorante has been more than just a place to dine — it has been a gathering spot, a neighborhood tradition, and a home away from home for countless families, friends, and neighbors.
Since opening its doors in Montvale in 2008, owner Tony Meto and his team have remained steadfast in their mission: to serve authentic Italian cuisine with warmth, generosity, and the kind of hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
A Tradition of Flavor and Warmth
S tep into Bellissimo, and youʼre welcomed by an atmosphere that blends Old World charm with modern comfort. The
aromas of fresh seafood simmering in garlic and herbs, the warmth of house-baked bread, and the
colleagues meet for lunch, and friends toast to lifeʼs special moments.
The staff, known for their attentiveness and warmth, ensures that every detail is cared for, turning each visit into more than just a meal — itʼs a memory.
Lunch: Montvaleʼs Hidden Gem
While evenings at Bellissimo are well known for their energy and elegance, lunchtime has quietly become one of Montvaleʼs bestkept secrets.
For local professionals, itʼs the perfect spot to recharge in the middle of a busy workday. For families and seniors, the lunch menu offers a welcoming variety of traditional dishes at approachable prices.
sight of plates filled with colorful pastas, tender veal, and vibrant vegetables remind diners why Bellissimo has become a staple of Montvale dining.
Proudly a BYOB establishment, Bellissimo encourages guests to bring along their favorite wine or beverage — a personal touch that allows every celebration, whether big or small, to feel uniquely theirs. Conveniently, thereʼs a wine shop just next door, making it easy to select the perfect pairing before settling in for the evening.
A Place for Every Occasion
From romantic dinners on the charming outdoor patio to milestone celebrations in the private dining rooms, Bellissimo offers a setting for every occasion. Families gather here for Sunday meals,
Whether itʼs a quick bite between meetings or a leisurely afternoon meal with friends, Bellissimoʼs lunch service brings the same level of care and flavor as
dinner — just with a brighter midday energy. See the website for latest prices.
Dinner: A Celebration of Community Dinner at Bellissimo remains the cornerstone of the restaurantʼs
reputation. Portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the setting — whether indoors in the warm dining rooms or outside under the stars — always feels celebratory
Guests bring their favorite bottles of wine, conversations stretch long into the evening, and laughter fills the air.
In Montvale, a night at Bellissimo is more than just dining; itʼs a cherished ritual.
More Than a Restaurant
As the seasons turn and the year moves forward, Bellissimo wishes all of Montvale and the surrounding communities a healthy and joyful holiday season. To the students beginning another school year and to the teachers guiding them forward, the restaurant extends best wishes for success and fulfillment.
Bellissimo is proud to be part of a community that values both
tradition and growth, and it is grateful for the loyalty and support that has sustained it for more than a decade and a half.
In a world where restaurants
come and go, Bellissimoʼs staying power is no accident. It is built on consistency, quality, and a simple promise: that every guest will be treated like family, every meal will
be prepared with care, and every visit will leave you eager to return.
The Bellissimo Experience
•Location: 12 S. Kinderkamack Road, Montvale, N.J.
• Web:bellissimonj.com
•Style: BYOB Italian dining w ith fresh seafood, handmade pastas, tender meats, and vibrant vegetarian options
• Seating: Cozy dining rooms, private event spaces, and a charming outdoor patio
Whether youʼre planning a special evening, looking for a dependable lunch spot, or simply craving the comfort of authentic Italian food, Bellissimo Ristoranté delivers what we love: food with heart, service with soul, and a dining experience as memorable as it is delicious.
O UR LADY OF M E RCY C ATHOLIC C HURCH T WO F REMONT AVENUE PARK R IDGE , N EW J ERSEY 07656
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 PM Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM (no music) 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM - Spanish Evening: 6:15 PM
Monday thru Friday 6:30 am and 8:30 am Saturday Morning: 8:30 AM
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Immaculate Heart Academy invites prospective students and their families to its Fall Open Houses on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
If you are a young woman seeking a school known for acad emic excellence, competitive
athletics, and vibrant creative expression—all grounded in Catholic values—IHA is the place for you.
Students from nine counties across New Jersey and New York call IHA their second home, and we would love for you to join them. The sisterhood forged at IHA is unparalleled, with lifelong
friendships among our 11,333 graduates.
At our Open Houses, you will:
•Tour our state-of-the-art campus with our knowledgeable Eagle Ambassadors.
•Meet teachers, administrators, students, and coaches—the heart of the IHA community.
•Learn about the admissions process, including the Archdiocesan High School Placement Test (HSPT).
•Ask questions about academics, financial aid, transportation, and more.
Registration is requested at ihanj.com; walk-ins are also welcome.
For more information, contact Ms. Lauren Rhein ʼ09, Director of Admissions, at (201) 4456800, ext. 112, or lrhein@ihanj.com.
Immaculate Heart Academy is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington. Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark, now celebrating its 65th year. A U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 650 students in a rigorous college preparatory program.
Nearly 100 towns in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties
in New Jersey, as well as more than 20 towns in Rockland and Orange counties in New York, are represented in its student body. IHA continues to strengthen its academics, activities, and facilities to prepare young women for higher education and for lives of leadership, service, and faith.
Oct. 17 for
St. Thomas More Council
2188 and Valley Charities Inc. will host an Oktoberfest dinner on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 40 Crest St. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The menu features brats and sauerkraut, roasted chicken, pretzels, German potato salad, red cabbage, potato pancakes, spaetzle, dessert, and coffee, tea, or soda. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $20 per person; couples age 65 and over pay $35; children 12 and under, $15. Reservations required by Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Contact Frank Mariconti Sr. at (551) 579-1123 or fms12250@aol.com, daily, 4–8 p.m. Checks payable to Valley Charities Proceeds support scholarships.
FROM PAGE 2
dale. Together, Kathleen and I share a common passion, integrity and commitment to all the students of Hillsdale.
I respectfully ask for your vote in November — for me, Salvatore Sileo, and for Kathleen Puerta. For the experience and dedication that matters to you — Vote Column 2! Salvatore Sileo Hillsdale
To the editor:
IWRITEINSUPPORT of Kyle Lagatol, who is running for Westwood Borough Council. As a resident of Westwood for the past 54 years, Iʼve observed the importance of elected bodies reflecting and considering differing points of view within our community.
This isnʼt necessarily in opposition to the majority. The importance of that voice is to bring a more nuanced look that might not have been previously considered for the decisions that will affect all the citizens of Westwood.
It is also paramount for our representative to exhibit honesty, integrity, fairness and empathy. Kyle exemplifies all of these qualities as well as possessing the leadership to follow through and fight for what is best for her constituents.
Evidence for her service and commitment to the Westwood community is apparent in Kyleʼs
role as Girl Scout troop leader, service unit manager supporting 18 local troops, Westwood Recreation Department instructor, Kiwanis, Girls on the Run, Celebrate Westwood and PTO activities. She has made all of these investments into our borough while running a successful photography business.
And for the past 20 years I have seen up close and personal the love, dedication and sacrifice Kyle has made for my son and two granddaughters.
I enthusiastically, and without reservation, endorse Kyle Lagatol for the Westwood Borough Council.
Janice Lagatol Westwood
To the editor:
I
AMWRITING in support of Sal Sileo and Kathleen Puerta for Hillsdale K-8 BOE. Both are trustees of the BOE and have successfully navigated the school district through the start of the huge undertaking of both the construction of GW Middle School and the relocation of the students during this time.
As a former BOE trustee, I have recently read statements on BOE issues that are misleading and false:
1. Lack of transparency –New Jersey Sunshine Law states
what constitutes “proper notice” on public meetings (Pascack Press does not receive legal advertising revenue). Also, starting March 1, 2026, websites will be the new place for official public notices, so the BOE website is something all residents need to look at.
The law also allows for timesensitive matters to be addressed immediately at “special meetings,” and very clearly lays out what issues can and cannot be discussed at public meetings. So, the special BOE meeting “to approve a general contractor” was correctly handled. As a side note, the BOE is required — again, by law — to go with the contractor with the lowest bid, so no “selection” up for discussion.
2. Adding a third SLEO to cover all schools is a promise that we can all get behind, but what line item in the already tight school budget will be decreased to allow for it? Does this promise factor in a town financial contribution? How is that being coordinated at both the school and town level?
As trustees, Sal and Kathleen know the rules, professional conduct, and budgeting processes at the BOE level. Unfortunately, many lack knowledge in these areas, and distort the truth to cause discord in a time when we should be working together. Campaign promises about increased community engagement, transparency, and adding personnel are easy to make. However, execution of such promises is not as simple – especially when you are not familiar with the guidelines that surround those areas. This is why you need people on board who not only have the experience to lead the way but
also understand that there are processes and rules of order in getting things done.
I attest to the character, service and knowledge of both Sal and Kathleen, who are seasoned, intelligent volunteers — something that this district needs during this time. Nicole Klas
Hillsdale
To the editor: T HEROLEOF a board president is vital to the success of any school district. Effective leadership, vision, and dedication guide the board while setting the tone for collaboration, progress, and a shared commitment to students, staff, and families.
I endorse Jason Garcia for reelection to the Westwood Regional Board of Education. From the very start of his tenure, Jay embraced this responsibility with focus and determination. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Westwood
Regional School District Board of Education reflects the needs of our students and community, always holding the highest standards for education and treating all stakeholders with respect.
Under Jayʼs leadership, the board achieved important milestones that will have a lasting, positive impact on our schools, including successfully settling the teachersʼcontract and hiring a new superintendent. Both required hours of thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and perseverance. Jayʼs ability to build consensus and guide the process ensured decisions were made thoughtfully and in the best interest of our district.
What impresses me most about Jay is his unwavering commitment to the WWRSD. He attends every board and committee meeting, comes prepared, and approaches every decision with care. Jay is fair and balanced, listening to all points of view, making sure every voice is heard, and never losing sight of what matters most—advocating for all of our students. Beyond his dedica-
FROM FACEBOOK Marketplace fraud to a midnight DWI at the municipal complex, Emerson police have kept busy this summer. Officers handled cases involving fake insurance cards, roadside deceptions, fights in progress, and even a boxc utter chase at a gas station. Hereʼs a look at the latest arrests and investigations that kept patrols o n their toes in August and September.
The following arrest summaries were provided by Chief Mark F. Savino of the Emerson Police Department. A charge is not a conviction. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed.
Aug. 1 | 2:01 p.m. | Arrest –Counterfeiting (Forest Avenue)
A motor-vehicle stop on Forest Avenue led Officer J. Chichizola to discover that the d river had presented fictitious proof of insurance.
The 23-year-old man from Elizabeth was arrested and charged on a complaint summons for exhibiting a fraudulent motorvehicle insurance card, a fourthdegree offense. He was released on his own recognizance pending
court dates in the Central Judicial Processing (CJP) Court in Hackensack.
Aug. 4 | 4:43 p.m. | Arrest –Obstructing Administration of Law (Lincoln Boulevard)
During a roadside investigation on Lincoln Boulevard, Officer C. Murphy determined that a driver was operating a vehicle while his license was suspended and with license plates registered to another vehicle. When questioned, the man also provided a false name.
The 32-year-old from Bridgeton was arrested and charged with obstructing administration of law, issued several
motor-vehicle summonses, and released on his own recognizance p ending appearances in both Hackensack and Emerson courts.
Aug. 6 | 11:23 a.m. | Arrest –Warrants (Old Hook Road)
A routine motor-vehicle stop by Officer J. Schwarz revealed a 44-year-old woman from Lincoln Park wanted on an active NCIC warrant for fraud. Field-sobriety testing also showed she had been driving under the influence of alcohol.
She was arrested, transported t o police headquarters, issued multiple motor-vehicle summonses, and ultimately turned over to Lincoln Park police.
Aug. 8 | 12:18 a.m. | Arrest –DWI (Municipal Place)
Officer C. Murphy, on motor patrol near the municipal complex, noticed a parked vehicle with the operator slumped over the wheel, apparently asleep. After field-sobriety tests, it was determined that the 22-year-old Emerson man was driving under the influence of alcohol.
He was arrested, brought to headquarters, and charged with DWI. He was released with a mandatory court date in Emerson
The Golden Age Social Club was treated to a special seminar Sept. 16 featuring a demonstration on the proper use of voting machines. Presenters included Wes Wagner, poll worker trainer and coordinator; Elaine Mooney, event planner; Debbie Francica, superintendent of elections and commissioner of registration; and Brenda Yanni, club president. Wagner and Francica brought voting machines for the demonstration and conducted a Q&A session. The club thanked them for providing detailed information on the voting process and the various ways to cast a ballot — especially helpful for those who vote early or by mail. Their most important message: Vote!
Municipal Court.
Aug. 11 | 9:20 a.m. | Arrest –Warrants (Forest Avenue)
Information relayed to Officer T. Solimando led to the location of a man wanted by Paramus police on a lewdness warrant. The 49-year-old, from Kansas City, Mo., was spotted walking near Forest Avenue and Soldier Hill Road. He was detained, secured, a nd turned over to Paramus authorities.
Aug. 13 | 11:15 a.m. | Arrest –Theft by Deception and Criminal Simulation (Park Avenue)
An Emerson resident reported last year that a used vehicle purchased on Facebook Marketplace had been stolen from their driveway, even though they still held both key fobs.
After a lengthy investigation, Det. Sgt. D. Kearns identified a 4 0-year-old Romanian national living in Federal Way, Wash., as the suspect. He was charged on a complaint warrant with theft by deception, criminal simulation, and unlawful possession of a motor vehicle.
Aug. 15 | 3:33 p.m. | Arrest –DWI (High Street)
While monitoring traffic, Officer T. Solimando stopped a vehicle for speeding on High Street. The 54-year-old Hillsdale driver failed sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.
At headquarters, he provided two breath samples registering .13 percent BAC. He was charged with DWI, issued several traffic citations, and given a court date in Emerson Municipal Court.
Aug. 19 | 7:22 p.m. | Arrest –Simple Assault (Kinderkamack Road)
Police were called to Kinderkamack Road and Locust Avenue for a fight in progress. Officers C. Merkle and C. Murphy found an 18-year-old Washington Township man with a chin abrasion and learned that he and friends had pulled over to confront a male pedestrian, later identified as a juvenile.
The argument escalated into a physical fight, leaving the juvenile with cuts to his hand and knee.
With Det. Sgt. D. Kearns assisting, police determined the 18year-old to be the primary aggressor He was arrested, charged with simple assault, and released pending court.
Aug. 23 | 10:09 a.m. | Arrest –Aggravated Assault (Kinderkamack Road)
Officers J. Chichizola and T Solimando took a report from a man who said he was chased with a knife at a local gas station. The complainant told police that while smoking in the rear lot, he was confronted by a man who brandished a knife and pursued him as he tried to get away.
Investigators, including Det. Sgt. Kearns, learned that the sus-
pect attempted to stab the victim with a box cutter as the victim retreated into a vehicle, striking the car window instead.
A 40-year-old Emerson man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to have weapons, and criminal mischief. He was remanded to the Bergen County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center pending a CJP hearing.
Aug. 31 | 12:06 p.m. | Arrest –Warrants (Forest Avenue)
During a traffic stop, Officer J. Chichizola discovered that a 27-year-old Hackensack woman h ad two active warrants — $1,000 out of Hackensack Municipal Court and $500 out of Garfield. She was released on her own recognizance after receiving new court dates from both jurisdictions.
Sept. 3 | 6:41 a.m. | Arrest –DWI (Dyer Avenue)
While searching for a reported missing person, Officers J. Schwarz and J. Chichizola found the man operating his vehicle on Dyer Avenue. The 38-year-old Emerson resident showed signs of intoxication and failed sobriety tests.
He was arrested, provided two breath samples showing .18 percent BAC, and was charged with DWI pending municipal court.
Sept. 12 | 8:08 p.m. | Arrest –Shoplifting and Receiving Stolen Property (Kinderkamack Road)
A vehicle with a fraudulent temporary registration caught Officer J. Chichizolaʼs attention on Kinderkamack Road. During the stop, the driver — a 33-yearold man from Newark — consented to a search that turned up multiple bags of merchandise still bearing Marshalls price tags. Further investigation revealed that his passenger, a 30year-old Newark woman, had been captured on Marshallsʼsurveillance video shoplifting those same items.
She was later charged by mail with shoplifting and receiving stolen property and given court dates in Hackensack and Emerson.
Sept. 12 | Arrest – Receiving Stolen Property (Kinderkamack Road)
In a separate case, Det. T. McDermott investigated a local businessʼs fraud complaint involving a stolen purchase made with a fraudulent credit card. The investigation traced the stolen merchandise to a 67-year-old Little Ferry man who had obtained it through a Facebook Marketplace transaction.
He was charged with receiv-
See POLICE on page 33
FROM PAGE 21 tion, he brings a positive spirit and calming presence that inspires confidence in every situation.
For these reasons, I am proud to support Jay for re-election to the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education on N ov. 4. His leadership has s trengthened our district, his vision has guided us toward progress, and he has inspired those who have had the privilege of working alongside him. I am confident that, with Jay continuing in this role, our schools and community will remain on the path to success.
Andrea Peck Member, Westwood Regional Board of Education
To the editor: F ORTHOSEWHODONʼT know me, I have been a Hillsdale resident for 12 years and am running for the Hillsdale Board of Education.
My wife, who is an elementary teacher, and I have three children in the district. This gives me valuable insight to be a strong advocate for both students and teachers alike in the district. Although I have never served on the board of education, I have extensive and relevant leadership experience.
I have served on various professional committees, task forces and delegations for years, and I was president of my medical school class and chief resident of family medicine. Since 2014, I h ave served on the Board of Directors for the NJ Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. Having just completed my term as NJAOPS president in April, I decided to focus my efforts more locally.
As a physician, I have always valued transparency. I value transparency from my patients when taking their history, and they appreciate me being transparent when I am discussing their diagnosis and treatment plan. It builds trust, and itʼs the ethical thing to do. If elected to the school board, I plan to operate the same way.
Last September, the town passed a massive, $62.4 million bond referendum to renovate George White Middle School. Along with the multimillion-dollar operating budget, taxpayers want to know where their money
is going. This shouldnʼt require attending board meetings to get this information, when it can simply be disseminated through email or other means. One of the 20242025 goals of the board was to produce a quarterly newsletter, but it never occurred. My goal is to see that newsletter created.
Another ideal I value is safety. Our children and our school s taff should always feel safe. While I applaud the current board for adding a second officer, I believe a third officer should be added so each school has a dedicated SLEO. As a member of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, I have had the opportunity already to speak with multiple chiefs who were able to provide a dedicated officer to every school in their district. I plan to continue discussions with them and formulate a plan to achieve this goal.
This Nov. 4, a vote for me is a vote for safer schools and a more transparent board.
Daniel DeFeo Hillsdale
‘Westwood
To the editor:
ASACOUNCIL colleague,I strongly support the re-election of Council President Rob Bicocchi and Councilwoman Beth Dell. They are part of the Always Westwood team—a team dedicated to keeping our town the place we know and love, balancing progress with preservation.
Right now, Trenton is pushing policies that threaten to take away
local control from towns like ours. State-level planners, who donʼt live here and arenʼt accountable to us, are advancing a “Vision 2050” that would impose high-density housing and “one-size-fits-all” d evelopment into communities that have thrived under thoughtful, local planning.
This is not about resisting progress—itʼs about ensuring that Westwood, not Trenton, decides how our neighborhoods grow. For decades, Westwood has done its fair share. Weʼve met —and exceeded — our affordable housing obligations, welcomed reasonable redevelopment, and created o pportunities for inclusionary housing in ways that align with our Master Plan. Weʼve grown responsibly while preserving the small-town character and quality of life that make Westwood special.
Rob Bicocchi and Beth Dell have been on the front lines of that effort. Theyʼve strengthened our e mergency services, supported local businesses, invested in infrastructure, and worked to protect neighborhoods from flooding and irresponsible development. Theyʼve balanced progress with preservation, always keeping residentsʼinterests first.
Two years into my term, I can say thereʼs no substitute for experience. Even after years serving on borough boards, I quickly learned that borough governance brings a whole new perspective—and real growth comes from being in the seat where decisions are made.
The choice in this election is clear: Do we want our future shaped by the influence of distant policymakers in Trenton, or by local leaders who know our community, listen to our residents, and understand what makes Westwood thrive?
Rob and Beth have the experience, dedication, and proven
record we need. Theyʼve already shown they can put in the work for Westwood, and they will continue to ensure our town remains strong, vibrant, and welcoming.
I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting to re-elect Council President Rob Bicocchi and Councilwoman Beth Dell. Letʼs keep Westwood in our hands — the hands of the people who live here and love it.
Lauren Letizia Westwood Council land use liaison and Mayor Arroyoʼs appointee to the Westwood Planning Board
To the editor: I ENCOURAGE HILLSDALE to vote for the Democratic cand idates, Gabriella Ianni and Chris Camp, both of whom are committed to building our community through business relations with merchants, support for the schools and a transparent and accessible government. Hillsdale has had a Republican council for many years, accustomed to doing as it pleases. The Republican Party has controlled Hillsdale government and has overseen turnover at the police department, DPW, the finance and the recreation departments, and repeated business administrators. Two of the turnovers resulted in severance pay packages.
Our council spent $440,000 studying artificial turf at Cen-
Advertisement O CTOBER is Breast Cancer Awaren ess Month, which means weʼre about to see a sea of pink ribbons, charity walks, and slogans like “Save the Tatas” plastered everywhere. Raising awareness is important. But instead of just wearing pink, letʼs talk about something that actually saves lives: prevention and early detection — and that starts with you, not a machine or a mammogram. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in
women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. The good news: early detection saves lives, and the simplest, most effective early detection tool doesnʼt cost a dime — itʼs called your hands.
One of the best ways to prevent advanced breast cancer is to perform a daily self-exam. Get to know your own body. Know what feels normal and what doesnʼt. If something changes — a lump, a thickening, a rash, a dimple, or tenderness thatʼs unusual — get it checked. No doctor knows your body as well as you do. You live in it 24 hours a day!
This advice isnʼt just for breasts. Itʼs about body aware-
ness in general. Men should regularly check their testicles for l umps, everyone should check their skin for unusual moles or discolorations, and people should pay attention to thyroid swelling, eye puffiness, and other small signs that something may be off. In other words, donʼt wait until your body screams — listen when it whispers.
Letʼs talk about some of the root causes that increase cancer risk. Number one? Sugar. Cancer cells love sugar — in fact, they f eed on it. A study from the University of Texas MD Anders on Cancer Center found that high sugar intake promotes tumor growth and metastasis. So that
daily frappuccino might be doing more than giving you a caffeine buzz — it could be giving your c ells a sugar rush they didnʼt need.
Another big culprit is chronic stress. When youʼre constantly in fight-or-flight mode, your body pumps out cortisol, suppresses your immune system, and increases inflammation — a perfect storm for disease. So breathe, meditate, walk in nature, and do what I call “brain exercise” — relaxation techniques that help you rewire your nervous system from stress to serenity.
And then thereʼs chemicals. Modern life is full of toxins — from pesticides in food to pollutants in air — but one sneaky offender often flies under the radar: antiperspirants. Many contain aluminum, a neurotoxin that not only clogs your pores (preventing toxins from leaving your body) but has also been linked in studies to breast tissue changes. My advice? Ditch the aluminumladen antiperspirants and switch to natural deodorants. You might sweat a little more, but thatʼs called detoxification, not a fashion emergency.
A controversial topic: mammograms. For years, weʼve been told that annual mammograms are a must, but the science isnʼt so clear Studies published in the British Medical Journal and New England Journal of Medicine suggest that routine mammograms donʼt significantly reduce mortality and can sometimes lead to overdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments. Plus, they expose you to radiation — not exactly ideal if weʼre trying to prevent cancer
An alternative is thermography Itʼs a non-invasive, radiation-
free scan that detects heat patterns and blood flow in breast tissue — often identifying abnormalities years before they become tumors. Think of it as the bodyʼs “early warning system.”
Do your research and make informed decisions. When it comes to breast cancer charities, remember that not all are created equal. Some spend more on marketing than on helping patients. Before you donate, look up how much actually goes toward research or direct care. Sometimes the best way to help is by supporting someone in your own community whoʼs fighting the disease.
Because stress and inflammation affect not only cancer but brain function, I always remind my patients: your brain controls your body. Thatʼs why we offer qEEG Brain Mapping — a diagnostic tool that measures your brainwaves to find imbalances linked to stress, fatigue, and inflammation. Normally itʼs $600, but this month weʼre offering it for just $21 to help our community prioritize prevention and early detection in all areas of health. Call 201-261-2150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to schedule your session. Check out www.kaplandc.com for more information about our offices in Emerson and New York City Tune into my radio show, Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan, every Saturday at 8 a.m. on AM 970 and 2 p.m. on WOR 710 AM. Weʼll dive deeper into how your brain controls your hormones, immune system, and even how your body fights cancer
This October, skip the pink cupcakes and “awareness” hashtags and take real action. Check your body daily, clean up your lifestyle, reduce stress, and learn what your body is trying to tell you. Prevention isnʼt just power itʼs freedom.
The River Vale Senior Friendship Club will celebrate Halloween on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Doors open at noon; the meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. Costumes are optional, with prizes for the best entries and entertainment by Neil Dankman. Coffee and dessert will be served. Flyers and reservations for the clubʼs Early New Yearʼs Celebration will be available at the meeting. Info: Membership, Angie 201-6663888. Trips, Hilda 201-265-5257.
FROM PAGE 8
newsletter, and social media — including Facebook and Instagram
“to provide more frequent updates” on meetings and promote transparency.
Deer Population Impacts
Pollack said he recommends a multifaceted, humane approach focused on nonlethal methods. This includes planting deer-resistant plants, using organic repellents, and community education on deterrents for effective long-term management.
Marsh said managing the deer population requires collaboration, noting the borough will continue to work with neighboring towns to explore sustainable solutions. She said managing deer is a “shared responsibility” between towns and must be approached “thoughtfully and collectively.”
Development: BMW Headquarters and Former Hilton Site
Pollack said the developments proposed at the BMW and Hilton sites reflect a post-COVID shift away from commercial space. He said that “instead of risking wasteful
litigation, which we would lose,” the borough is proactively collaborating with developers “to find the best solutions.”
He said local development is a complex, long-term process that must serve community needs “without placing undue burdens on schools, public safety, or other vital services.”
Marsh, a Land Use Board member, said officials worked diligently to determine the most suitable uses for the BMW and Hilton properties as they became vacant. She said declining demand for office space led both sites to be eyed for residential development.
She said the new development will help fulfill Fourth Round affordable housing obligations, generate “substantial tax revenue,” add new restaurants and businesses, and help maintain the high standards of public services — DPW, EMS, fire, police, and schools — that give the borough its small-town charm. Minimizing traffic disruption is key too, she said.
Woodcliff Parkʼs Opening
After the borough purchased the 2.1-acre former Galaxy Gardens site in January 2018 for $1.65 million — following years of delays and additional costs, including
The Borough of Hillsdale will celebrate several promotions within the Police Department during a public ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Beechwood Park bandshell.The Mayor and Council invite residents to join them in recognizing the following officers for their achievements and service to the community: Travis Woods, promoted to chief; Mike Camporeale, promoted to captain; Matt Buesser, promoted to lieutenant; Corey Rooney, promoted to sergeant. The event will include remarks from borough officials and members of the Police Department. Residents are encouraged to attend and show their support for the officers taking on new leadership roles.
Deen J. Meloro, president of GFWC/NJSFWC Woman's Club of Westwood, Michaela Mantz, Skylar Mantz, and club member Joanne Toole at WestwoodFest, Saturday, Sept. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park.
“For more than a decade, women’s clubs have been preparing and sending holiday stockings to troops serving overseas. We partner with Operation Jersey Cares, which ensures these stockings reach our military men and women. At our October meeting, club members will be filling stockings with essential items and treats for veterans. During WestwoodFest, the club engaged children in coloring and signing cards for our servicemen and -women, which will also be included in the stockings,” the club says.
For information about the club and its activities, call 201-916-1580 or visit westwoodwomansclub.org.
$500,000 in remediation, a $1.5 million settlement of a discrimination lawsuit by Valley Chabad, and $2.75 million in construction costs — the park opened May 3.
Pollack said the townʼs first municipal park would have taken much longer to complete had it not been for “a more pragmatic design and expense profile” finalized by the council in 2024, which he led as council president.
He said the council made the best of the siteʼs investments, including “significant remediation and construction costs,” and that members are proud of the result. He called the park “a thriving hub of community engagement and programming,” adding that his current
focus is on enhancing pedestrian and vehicular safety at the busy Werimus Road and Woodcliff Avenue intersection.
Marsh said the parkʼs creation was a significant undertaking that “placed considerable financial burden” on residents due to remediation costs. Since joining the council in 2022, she said she has served on the Park Committee and helped move the park forward “in a responsible and cost-effective manner.”
She said the park still needs improved parking accessibility and safety features such as perimeter fencing. Looking ahead, she said the council must ensure that future projects do not incur such significant costs and delays. She noted that the
park has already become “a cherished space that brings our community together.”
Their priorities: Republican Candidates Belgiovine and Pulsonetti provided a joint response to our questions.
Belgiovine said that since he left the governing body, local taxes have jumped 50%. (He did not specify how that figure breaks down among county, school, and municipal taxes.)
He said his ticket will focus on reducing taxes and addressing overdevelopment by joining the lawsuit filed by Montvale Mayor
FROM PAGE 24
tennial Field before determining that it was too costly. It then contracted for grass sod at a further cost of $380,000. In 2023 the Council contracted for $79,000 of improvements to Memorial Park, most of which will be replaced by a multi-sports park with artificial turf and a cost of $5.1 million. The final plans for this park have yet to be presented to the planning board for review as promised last winter.
The council has approved 30year PILOT agreements — Payments In Lieu of Taxes —that will apply to 255 apartment units and the self-storage facility. These agreements provide for reduced tax payments for 30 years with incremental increases. Both properties have previously paid taxes, so only part of the payment is new income to the borough. PILOT payments differ from property tax, as it is not included in the school tax. These new developments will not contribute to the school budget for 30 years, or to the school bond issue.
The council voted to spend $20,000 to support a failed legal challenge to affordable housing quotas that had not been issued. (Notably, Emerson did not join this lawsuit because the action did not have a legal theory to support its claim.) The Republicans also voted to double their own salaries.
There have been several grant awards for Beechwood Park, the bandshell and the nature trail since 2022. A contract has now been awarded to work on the trail entrance, so you may soon see the first phase of these delayed projects.
Gabriella and Chris are innovators who will continue to work for the community. Visit them at Ianni-Camp.com, or on Facebook or Instagram, and consider voting
for change. Above all, please vote and stay in tune to your local government at meetings or on YouTube.
Rick Savino Hillsdale
To the editor:
I
AMHAPPYTOSUPPORT Jason
“Jay” Garcia for re-election to the Westwood Regional Board of Education.
Jayʼs campaign is fundamentally centered on the values we strive to instill in our children: respect, acceptance, compassion, and kindness. He understands that we build a better tomorrow by addressing the challenges of today, and he has been on the forefront of this effort, always leading by example. Jay is an active and dedicated community member, who continues to donate significant time and energy to our district and various borough activities.
Jay has proven to be a vital voice of reason and balance on the board. He listens thoughtfully to complex issues and consistently makes pragmatic, well-considered decisions. In this time of heightened noise and divisiveness, it is encouraging to know we have leaders like Jay on the board who approach governance with a discerning eye, always prioritizing the best interests of the district, the community, our teachers and staff, and above all, our students.
If you havenʼt had the opportunity to speak with Jay or learn more about his work, I strongly encourage you to reach out to him or attend a meeting. I am absolutely certain that once you see his commitment, his balanced approach, and his focus on student
success, you will agree that he is the right person to continue serving on our board.
I am proud to not only support Jayʼs re-election but to call him a friend.
Jodi Murphy Former member Westwood Borough Council
To the editor:
IOFFERMYSUPPORT for re-election of Westwood Council members Rob Biccochi and Beth Dell.
I am a small-business owner in Westwood for 23 years, and a lifelong resident. I have always cherished Westwood and that is why at 15 I wanted to give back to Westwood. My Eagle project was refurbishing the Westwood Bandstand. Today I live on a beautiful quiet street in town with my wife and three children with our dog Buster. Many of my neighbors and friends have become clients of mine showing their support. Westwood is the greatest town!!
Rob and I first met in April of 2020 at a town function and I loved hearing about everything he does and has done for the town. I have been doing Robʼs landscaping for five years now and have gotten to know what a great family and hardworking guy he is. Rob has full support for always making Westwood first and keeping our beautiful town preserved the way it is. Rob attends many of the town functions every month and is always looking to give a helping hand.
Beth is a great council woman who has full support of Westwood also. I recently got to meet Beth at a town function and
loved hearing everything about how she has grown up in the area in a similar way as myself and wants the best for all of the Westwood residents. Beth can always be found showing her support around our beautiful town.
Rob and Beth are both amazing people and have my full support on Nov 4. Please come out and vote for them and show your support.
Brian Tofel Westwood
the
I STARTED becoming apprised of the WWRSD Board of Education a couple of years ago, I attended Field Day at Brookside, where both of my children go to school. I saw Jay Garcia manning one of the stations hosting games the kids play at. At this point, I was still learning things like who the board members were, what exactly they did, etc.
I messaged a friend and asked if members of the school board were obligated to participate in events like Field Day, as a matter of course. “No,” I was told. “Jay volunteers for everything. He just cares that much.”
In the past two to three years, I was involved as a helper — posting campaign signs, writing letters to the editor, bemoaning the absolute chaos of the previous board. During that period, I saw Jay receive unwarranted abuse, harassment, and lies. But you wouldnʼt know it from his demeanor. He always seemed cheerful, he was always affable, he was always confident and he always had a plan.
When Jay was voted in as president, it was contentious at first, but eventually… it was like Westwood became a normal town again: no unwanted press, no embarrassing headlines, no teacher friends awkwardly t elling you, “Oh Iʼve heard about Westwood...”
It is so different, and so much better. If you watch the videos from back before Jay was president to now, it would seem like two different towns — a marked shift from a dysfunctional, turbulent past to a functional, pleasant “now.” It remains a stark contrast, a real “before and after” comparison: t he G oofus and Gallant o f school boards.
Iʼve seen BOE members work hard on campaigns, and speak vociferously on stage. Town civics positions are not for low-energy people. Jay Garcia works hard, he speaks well, he enacts a shared vision and purpose. It is inspiring and wellpracticed leadership. How do you even find the energy to be school board president on top of a full-time job, full-time parenting, and the hustle culture of modern day life? How does he manage everything? Simple: He just cares that much.
Thatʼs why Iʼm voting to reelect him and why I think you should too.
Michael Sawyer Westwood
To the editor:
ASABUSINESSOWNER in Westwood for the past 28 years at Pompilioʼs Pizzeria Restaurant, I have seen many council members come and go, and the impact that effective leadership can have on our community.
Councilmembers Beth Dell and Rob Bicocchi have done more for the business community than most, implementing policies that have helped our downtown truly thrive. Their dedication and commitment have strengthened both our local economy and our sense of community I strongly encourage the residents of Westwood to cast their votes in favor of these two candidates. I am confident they will not disappoint. With their continued leadership, our town will continue to flourish.
Pompilio Sambogna Westwood
FROM PAGE 1
The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the stateʼs percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
Thirteen Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students
Pascack Valley High School moreover congratulates 13 seniors who have been named “Commended Students” in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. PV
Principal John Puccio presented a letter of commendation on behalf of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to the following scholastically talented seniors: Jaiden Bavalia, Johanna Chang, Ashlyn Choi, Tyler Cigercioglu, Kaitlyn Conway, Christopher Corcoran, Abigail Metz, Charlotte Moy, Nicholas Ocampo, Wojciech Piotrowski, Ming-Yang Qin, Carolyn Veit, and Ian Weinstein.
Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2025 competition by tak-
Scholar with
Front to back, left to right:Hugh Gorman, Ian Weinstein, Ming-Yang Qin, Kaitlyn Conway, Angelina Graham, Aleksey Trust, Llaoly Coplin, Joely Ross, Kristina Wegner, Ashlyn
ing the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Text (PSAT/NMSQT).
AP Scholars Also Announced
Pascack Valley High School also is pleased to announce that 44 students from the Class of 2026 have earned 2025 AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. These students are acknowledged for their performance on AP Exams taken
during their junior year of high school.
Ashlyn Choi, Kaitlyn Conway, Llaoly Coplin, Christopher Corcoran, Hugh Gorman, Angelina Graham, Doyun Kim, Charlotte Moy, Ming-Yang Qin, Joely Ross, Aleksey Trust, Kristina Wegner, and Ian Weinstein qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
Fifteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Jaiden Bavalia, Mia Boretti,
Kaldus, Abigail Metz, and Jaiden
Amanda Bramley, Johanna Chang, Abigail Comer, Lila Dolgoff, Ella Gokhale, Benjamin Gulleyan, Riley Hirsch, Olivia Kaldus, Jonathan Lee, Abigail Metz, Mitchel Roznitsky, Sophie Schmoyer, and Jacqueline Sohl.
Sixteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars from the Class of 2026 are Dylan Biegel, Kaylee Cortolano, Caliana Dembowski, Addison Demyen, Leah Fox, Julia Kolax, Andrew Li, Maya Newell, Nicholas Ocampo, Olivia Pampliega, Emily Pincus, Brian Slasinski Jr., Markiyan Slyusarchyn, Thijs Van Veen, Carolyn Veit, and Brady Viola.
The College Boardʼs Advanced
Placement (AP) Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. As members of the Class of ʼ26, these students have one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higherlevel AP Scholar Award.
“Pascack Valley High School is incredibly proud of these students,” said John Puccio, Principal. “These academic achievements acknowledge our studentsʼability to master complex subject matter and demonstrate a readiness for college-level academics.”
The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 131 Pascack Road, will hold its Fall Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25.
A special presale night runs Friday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission to the presale is $5, which supports the Bergen County Summer Campership Fund. The regular sale follows on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shoppers will find vintage costume jewelry, Avon bottles, household items, linens, handbags, toys, elec-
tronics, tools, sporting goods (including New York Giants jerseys!), furniture, and shoes — even a few designer names. The sale also features a Boutique & Gift Shop with new and nearly-new items, including custom Royal Goedewaagen (Delft, Holland) ceramic Williamsburg miniatures, a collection of Madame Alexander dolls, a new dehydrator, a barely used pizza oven, Cuisinart and coffee makers, vintage Schlitz salt and pepper shakers, and classic board games like Monopoly — per-
fect for early holiday shopping. In the Book Room, browsers will discover everything from cookbooks to fiction to travel titles. As always, there will be a large Christmas section filled with ornaments and decor, plus a wide selection of clothing for the entire family. Proceeds benefit the churchʼs local and international mission efforts, including Rise Against Hunger. For more information, call (201) 391-5800, visit congregationalchurch.net, or find the church on Facebook.
On Friday, Sept. 12, past presidents of the Palisades District of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, along with friends, spent a delightful afternoon at Van Saun Park. Attendees enjoyed the sunny weather, shared a meal, and exchanged ideas about their clubs and activities. The clubs are members of both the General Federation of Womenʼs Clubs and the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs.
Pictured left to right: Barbara Marino and Joanne Toole, members of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood, along with Marge Heeren, member of the Contemporary Club of Hasbrouck Heights, enjoying a friendly game of cornhole. The Womanʼs Club of Westwood welcomes new members. For details, call 201-9161580 or visit westwoodwomansclub.org.
William “Bill” Curl, 72, of River Vale passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Bill was welcomed in heaven by his beloved wife, Mary Anne, his parents, Nelson and Margaret, and his sister, Linda Guillerme.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his six children: Joseph Buldo and his wife Dawn, Christopher Buldo and his wife Stephanie, David Buldo, Laura Buldo, Greg Buldo and his wife Lindsay, Katie Newman and her husband Robert.
To his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Pa, he was a constant source of joy and laughter. Samantha and Taylor Buldo; Joey and Louie Buldo; Ayden, Harper, and Reagan Kijowski; Anthony and Evan Buldo, and Scarlett Newman will forever carry his love in their hearts.
Bill lived a life defined by service. With courage and humility, he served his country as a proud United States Marine, his community as a dedicated police officer, and his neighbors as a volunteer firefighter. The values of honor, duty, and compassion guided him in every role he held—not only in uniform, but most importantly as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Outside of his service, Bill found joy in lifeʼs simple pleasures. He was a proud member of the Blue Knights, loved classic cars, kayaking, and cycling, and shared a special bond with his loyal dogs, who rarely left his side.
The family received guests for a celebration of life at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The funeral service was Thursday, Oct. 2 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Billʼs memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, ensuring that his spirit of service and generosity continues to touch the lives of others. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
James (Angie).
Dorothy is survived by a large, loving family of relatives by birth and by marriage, all of whom she loved with all of her heart. Known affectionately as Dor, Dorothy, Dot, Dottie, Mom, Grandma, and Nana, she will truly be missed by all.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Aug. 23, 1940, Dorothy attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School and Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School. At 16 she met and fell in love with Marty on the steps of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where they would marry five years later. They began raising their three children blocks from that church and school before settling down in Montvale in 1972, where she became a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Park Ridge until her passing.
Dorothy was an active and devoted parishioner of St Isabel Catholic Church in Sanibel, Fla. for more than 40 years.
Dorothy most of all enjoyed spending time with Marty, the love of her life, and their entire family as well as their many close friends, some of whom shared lifelong relationships with her. They traveled widely and often, living for many years in Sanibel while managing to divide their time between there and Montvale.
Through all of their years together they never forgot to enjoy every moment and appreciate the simple blessings, whether it be dinner on the patio in Montvale with a glass of wine or meeting with neighbors on the beach for sunset in Sanibel, also with a glass of wine.
Dorothy was passionate about service and always looked for ways to help others. That continued right up until her passing. Whether formally as a member of organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Birthright, the OLM Parents Guild, and the Captiva Island Yacht Club or informally by cooking and shopping for neighbors, volunteering at a hospital, and supporting countless charities, Dorothy selflessly dedicated her time and resources to helping others.
Her faith in God, the Catholic Church, and the power of prayer were the foundation of her life and guided her daily
er, where his true home was, he would say Woodmont, Conn. It was there that he spent every summer, and it always remained close to his heart.
Andy was a gifted photographer, computer programmer, artist, radio DJ, and devoted father. His music collection was second to none, filled with artists and albums from every genre and every era.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Zoia Bologovsky. He is survived by his two sons, Andy of West Allis, Wis., and Mark of Pearl River, N.Y.; his sister, Zoia, of Stoneham, Mass.; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He will be loved and missed by many, and his memory will live on. Memorial service Friday, Oct. 3 at Clarkstown Reformed Church, West Nyack, N.Y. Arrangements are by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., Park Ridge.
Rose M. Kennedy, 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 4, 2025. Born in Manhattan, she was the daughter of the late Biagio and Biagia Pace and sister to the late Vincenza Caruso. Rose was the beloved
wife of the late Thomas M. Kennedy for 65 years.
Rose was the devoted mother of six children, the late Thomas J. (Marilyn), Anne Tremble (Lee), James (the late Teresa), Michael (Susan), Robert (Laura) and Maryellen Yale (Mark). She was predeceased by daughter-in-law Linda Zeno.
Rose was the proud grandmother of 22 grandchildren, Thomas (Michelle), Brianne (Frank), Meghan, Sean, Corey (Joanna), Kaitlyn (Michael), Jennifer (Joseph), Lauren, Rebecca, Aimee (Joseph), Brittany (Barry), Kerry (Kyle), Danielle (Chad), Michael (Deirdre), Christopher (fiancée Olivia), Jennifer (Davis), Alyssa, Sarah, Matthew (fiancée Jessica), Jessica and Emma. She was predeceased by her first grandson Ryan Kennedy Tremble.
Rose was the blessed greatgrandmother of 23 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, Frankie, Zoe, Mia, Freya, Harper, Blake, Jack, Lily, Grace, JJ, Abby, Logan, Thomas, Joey, Nathan, Zoë, Nolan, Connor, Scarlett, Ethan and MJ who affectionately referred to her as “GG.”
Rose grew up in the Bronx where she attended James Monroe High School. Not long after graduation, she met her future husband, Tom, on a blind date. It was then that they learned that they lived across the street from each other and had gone to the same high school. They married in 1948 and left the city in 1952 to raise their family in Westwood, where Rose would remain for the next 73 years.
Although raising her family was always her priority, Rose often took jobs locally until she transitioned to a full-time career at Lehn & Fink in Montvale, where she continued on for 20 years.
Upon retirement, Rose and Tom traveled extensively, served as Eucharistic Ministers at Assumption Church in Emerson, became more involved in the Westwood Elks and enjoyed watching their family continue to grow. Rose will always be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith, and love for her family.
Visitation is Friday, Oct. 24 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at Assumption Church in Emerson on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Contributions in Roseʼs memory can be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
FROM PAGE 27
Michael Ghassali against the Fourth Round of affordable housing. “To continue to force high-density housing into suburbs is not the answer to affordable housing,” the Republican challengers said.
Their additional priorities include restarting the broadcast of council meetings on local television to better inform residents and expanding Parks and Recreation programming to better serve families with children.
Deer Population Impacts
Belgiovine and Pulsonetti said the deer population has been a prob-
lem for years and continues to grow. Given the lack of natural predators, they said, the only effective way to reduce deer impacts “is safe, controlled, and structured hunts similar to what Saddle River has done for years.”
They said Bergen County should also be addressing the issue, which they called “much larger than just Woodcliff Lake.”
BMW and Hilton Developments
Asked about proposed redevelopment at BMW and Hilton, the Republican ticket said the townʼs infrastructure was not built “to absorb rapid, large-scale development.” They said affordable housing mandates complicate zoning, strain budgets, and erode thoughtful planning.
They said they would work to restore local control, collaborate with neighboring towns, “and push back against one-size-fits-all policies that threaten the integrity of our communities.”
Woodcliff Parkʼs Opening Belgiovine and Pulsonetti called the newly opened Woodcliff Park a “vibrant, central gathering space that reflects the heart of our community.” They described the parkʼs delays and remediation costs as “frustrating” and said officials must learn from the experience by ensuring future projects are managed with greater efficiency and transparency.
They said the park represents a valuable quality of life investment for the community.
Dorothy Regina Gallagher, née Devlin, of Montvale, and Sanibel Island, Fla., passed into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Sept, 25, 2025 at Valley Hospital, Paramus after an overwhelming battle with cancer.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 58 years, Marty. Loving mother of Martin III (Carolann), Brian (Pamela), Colleen Blake (Kevin), proud grandmother of Martin IV (Sarah), Ryan (Kayla), Caisey, Taylor (Nathan), Brendan, Vaughn, Jace, and Owen, caring daughter of the late Dorothy Devlin (James), oldest sister to Marie Lynch (John), Peggy Meyer (Joe), and
The family received visitors at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Thursday, Oct. 2. Funeral Mass at Our Lady Mercy Catholic Church, Park Ridge, was Friday, Oct. 3.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her memory to either Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church of Park Ridge or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Dec. 22, 1958 – Sept. 23, 2025. After growing up in Queens, N.Y., Andrew “Andy” George Bologovsky moved to Montvale, where he graduated from Pascack Hills High School, and later from Rutgers University He spent most of his adult life in Pearl River, N.Y., where he lived until his passing.
If you were to ask him, howev-
Pascack Hills High School
senior Valerie Kimel has been transforming yarn into lasting tokens of hope. In her free time, Valerie crochets roses and gifts them to patients undergoing infusion treatments at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey in Teaneck.
Valerie began crocheting in middle school with friends and a former teacher, never imagining the hobby would blossom into a personal mission. Now, while working at the infusion lab, she sees firsthand the emotional and physical toll of biologic treatments for rare autoimmune conditions.
“Patients can often feel isolated because their conditions are rare,” Valerie tells Pascack Press, “But when theyʼre in the infusion room with others on a similar journey, thereʼs a shared sense of understanding. I hope these roses remind them that someone cares.”
Each rose takes Valerie four to five hours to make. She carefully
their day and offer something lasting they could associate with hope and strength,” she added.
Patients and staff alike have embraced Valerieʼs gesture. Photos show her presenting a rose to patient Sylil Geyer, and sharing smiles with infusion nurses Erin Melvin and Cheryl Butler. Valerie calls them her “flowers that wonʼt wilt.” She tells Pascack Press she plans to keep crocheting and sharing them as long as there are patients who can use a little extra light on their journey. Staff report
selects the colors and textures, ensuring each flower feels personal.
She recently completed her 20th rose — nearly 100 hours of care and
encouragement given stitch by stitch.
“I wanted to do something small but meaningful to brighten
The Zack Latteri Foundation invites the community to c elebrate a decade of “paying it forward: one story at a time” at a special anniversary event on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Edgewood Country Club, 449 Rivervale Road.
The evening will feature a buffet dinner and dancing. Tickets are $100 per person, with a cash bar available. Payment is due by Oct. 1, and reservations can be made online at tinyurl.com/ZLF-Event.
Proceeds benefit the foundationʼs ongoing mission of honoring the legacy of Zack Latteri by helping others in need.
For more information, email zacklatterifoundation@yahoo.c om.
Sept. 16 | 10:12 a.m. | Arrest –Forgery (Ross Avenue)
A resident told Det. McDermott that a $2,000 check mailed to a creditor had never arrived. The i nvestigation revealed that the check had been intercepted and an attempt made to deposit it via mobile banking.
A 27-year-old woman from the Bronx was charged on a complaint summons with forgery, a third-degree offense, pending CJP court.
Sept. 18 | 10:33 p.m. | Arrest –Warrants and Possession of CDS (Hartland Avenue)
Officers J. Chichizola and J. Schwarz, observing what
appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction outside a local convenience store, conducted a motor-vehicle stop.
The suspected driver, a 36year-old man from Paterson, fled the scene but was identified. An 18-year-old male from Woodcliff Lake admitted that the driver had been dealing controlled dangerous substances, including Promethazine.
A 28-year-old Paterson passenger had three active warrants
totaling $2,250.
A K-9 search of the vehicle yielded suspected oxycodone, Alprazolam, Promethazine, and two pairs of metal knuckles.
The main suspect was charged with multiple drug and weapons offenses and remanded to the Bergen County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center. The codefendants were charged or turned over to other jurisdictions on their outstanding warrants.
Sept. 22 | 3:22 p.m. | Arrest –DWI (Van Wagoner Avenue)
Officers J. Schwarz and J. Dmirtuk responded to a collision involving a parked vehicle on Van Wagoner Avenue. The driver, a 71year-old Emerson man, displayed signs of intoxication and was unable to complete field-sobriety tests.
He was arrested, taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, and charged with DWI pending municipal court.
Reminder: A charge is not a conviction. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges may be amended or dismissed.
ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.
To the editor:
LECTIONSEASON is here
a gain, and with it comes plenty of talk and unfortunately, some misinformation about township matters. I would like to clear up a few thingsabout the Department of Public Works (DPW) project and the temporary lease agreement for Bethany.
Current candidate Morgan, w ho served on the Township
Council from 2020 to 2023, lost her prior election to her now running mate, Mike DeSena. She chose to join his ticket in this election even after he failed to deliver on key campaign promises and guarantees, including a 10% municipal tax reduction and adding household garbage collection into taxes. Now, she is misleading the public.
On Oct. 1 she told Pascack Press the potential Bethany lease “disrupts another pocket of our township” and argued for a “permanent, centralized solution for D PW operations that consolidates storage, equipment, and vehicles in one appropriate location rather than scattering them throughout neighborhoods”.
While that may sound reasonable, it does not reflect the facts. During her time on the
c ouncil, Morgan had every opportunity to suggest locations for the DPW that meet those criteria. None were suitable then, and none are available now.
In fact, on her way out of o ffice she was in favor of a plan nearly identical to the one being implemented today: b uilding a new DPW facility at Town Hall, on the same site where the old one stood. If she o r anyone else has new ideas, they have always been welcome to share them publicly. To now suggest “other locations” exist without naming any is misleading to residents and unfair to those who have worked hard to move this project forward.
Here are the facts: After an exhaustive search, the council and administration awarded the
b id for the new DPW facility at Town Hall. The Bethany lease is t emporary, aligned with the c onstruction timeline. It will not be a permanent operations site, a nd the public will not access it f or any reason. The weekly debris drop-off service will cont inue at Town Hall as always.
Election season is underway with mail-in ballots already
being returned and early voting starting soon. I urge resid ents to focus on facts, not p olitical spin. Our team, Calamari, Sears, and Velez believe i n transparency, steady p rogress, and following through on our commitments.
Mayor Peter Calamari Township of Washington
BY MICHAELOLOHAN AND JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
The long battle over embattled school board trustee Robert Fisher Jr. ended Friday, Sept. 19, when Fisher resigned at 5 p.m., hours after a state appeals court upheld a Superior Court ruling that would have placed his recall question on the Nov. 4 ballot.
His attorney, Michael Collins, notified Superior Court Judge Peter Geiger that afternoon:
“This office represents Defendant Robert Fisher in the above-captioned matter. As this Court and the parties are aware, the Appellate Division issued an order on emergent motion yesterday in this matter. In response to same my client intends to resign his office as a member of the Park Ridge Board of Education by 5 p.m. this afternoon.”
With Fisherʼs departure, there will be no recall referendum. The Park Ridge Board of Education will now determine how to fill Fisherʼs vacant seat.
‘AUF WIEDERSEHEN’: Left, former Park Ridge school board trustee Robert Fisher Jr., a student in Nashville, Tenn. Right, Park Ridge’s Laura Clark and Theresa Hollers at a League of Women Voters of Northern Valley Constitution Day event in Westwood, Sept. 17. They, and panelist Kelly Epstein, raised funds in their fight to bring to voters in November a recall question against Fisher, in part over his residency. Within 48 hours, having lost a related court effort, Fisher resigned. Fisher, via his social media. Clark and Hollers photo byJohn Snyder.
The recall effort began earlier this year with petitions signed by 2,141 residents — nearly 300 more than required. Critics cited Fisherʼs
The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club invites you to an Afternoon High Tea on Sunday, Oct. 26. The event starts at 1 p.m. at the Montvale Senior Center on Memorial Drive.
The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club is bringing this British tradition home to the Pascack Valley by providing a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon featuring a variety of teas, scones and finger foods for you to enjoy with your friends, family and neighbors while helping to raise money for local charities.
Tickets for the tea are $30 per person. All funds raised will be disbursed by the Club to local charities and scholarships as well as the New Jersey Childrenʼs Alliance, the twoyear special project of the New Jersey Womenʼs Clubs. Your check to secure your place should be mailed to the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, PO Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 15. Seats can be reserved, and questions answered, by calling Daryll Datz at 862-4329637.
move to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, his reported absences from about 30% of meetings, and questions over whether a $10-amonth rental in town satisfied residency requirements.
The petitions were initially rejected by the Bergen County Clerkʼs Office on the grounds that signatures had not been notarized. Organizers countered that notarization was not required, and Judge Geiger agreed, ruling that the petitions must be certified. Fisher appealed repeatedly, calling the recall politically motivated and “discriminatory,” but the Appellate Division denied his emergent motion, leaving the recall on track for the ballot.
Facing the imminent printing deadline for November election ballots, Fisher stepped down.
Recall Leaders Declare Victory
Laura Clark, a leader of the recall effort, told Pascack Press, “Weʼre very pleased that the courts (Superior and Appellate) decided
with us and that Fisher decided to resign rather than be subject to a recall.”
Kelly Epstein, a former teacher of Fisherʼs and a panelist at the League of Women VotersʼConstitution Day program in Westwood on Sept. 17, said at that event — where she discussed the matter in the context of democracy and resistance — “At every level the courts are upholding the will of the people as this was about putting a question on the ballot for residents to decide.”
Epstein noted that nearly 30% of borough voters had signed the petition, calling it bipartisan:
“As citizens, we are allowed to hold our elected officials accountable. Itʼs not easy, but the process exists for a reason.”
Fisherʼs Farewell
Fisher, who turned 20 on July 1 and was at the time the youngest ever elected trustee in Park Ridge (surpassed by Christopher Amitrano in 2024), joined the board in January 2024 while a freshman at Vanderbilt
University. He had graduated from Park Ridge High School in June 2023 and was elected that November.
In a Sept. 23 statement, Fisher thanked supporters:
“My sincerest thanks are to the taxpayers of Park Ridge, hardworking families who entrusted me with the oversight of the schools that their children attend. Without their labor, thrift, and entrepreneurial spirit, not a single pupil could be enriched by our school district.”
He said, “Within this group of exceptional people, I recognize my supporters, those who remained firmly by my side through a grueling two years. I must also pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by the young veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, whose spilled blood purchased my right to vote and serve the people at just 18 years old through the 1971 passage of the Twenty-sixth Amendment.”
In his letter of resignation he called his “most prized accomplishment” requiring the district to comply with Title IX, which he said saved “$100,000 annually in federal funding and ensur[ed] every girl in our schools can excel in the sport they love participating in.”
Defending his approach, Fisher wrote:
“In a world full of electeds who serve as thermometers of public opinion, strive to be the thermostat, setting the temperature for the just world you desire to see.”
Concluding, he stressed his resignation was not final:
“This is not Tschau, merely Auf Wiedersehen, in my advocacy for our community through monumental advancements in policy, psychology, and pedagogy.”
In previous comments to Pascack Press, Fisher cast the recall effort as politically motivated and discriminatory. He also thanked state Sen. Holly Schepisi and Assemblyman John Azzariti for support.
Mechanic
Preferred, motivated, Tires, Oil Changes & more. Call Carl or Rich at 201-666-1414. Busy Food/Berverage Truck Seeking help from May-Oct. Must be 18 yrs. old, No Experience Necessary,
