NOVEMBER 3, 2025 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
28
Letters:
and town council for not making its residents go out and buy and fill a bunch of biodegradable paper bags. It is also nice to know that our townʼs mulch pile is available the following spring to support our community and specifically, the Shade Tree Committee. Please try to keep sticks and branches in a separate pile from the loose leaves, be extra conscientious about doggy droppings, and give a happy wave as the
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nom-nom machine and the folks at the DPW pass by in your neighborhood. Rick Miller Woodcliff Lake
Jay Garcia, ‘a quiet protector’ To the editor: to express my wholehearted support for Jay IGarciaʼs reelection to the WestAM WRITING
wood Regional School District Board of Education. Jay has
brought much-needed balance, fairness, and compassion to our school board, and I believe our community is stronger with him in leadership. Iʼve known Jay since high school, and his commitment to standing up for others has never wavered. One moment that has stayed with me for decades happened on what seemed like a quiet train ride when we were younger. There were no other passengers besides me, Jay, a few friends, and three aggressive individuals who were verbally harassing an older gentleman. Jay calmly stepped in and, using his words, defused the situation and shielded that man
WESTWOOD
Local women back Operation Sisterhood
Members of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood joined colleagues from across the state at the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs (NJSFWC) Fall Conference, held Oct. 20 at the Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant Beach. The event spotlighted Operation Sisterhood, a new initiative from YWCA Northern New Jersey that supports women veterans in Bergen County through programs promoting physical, social, and mental well-being. Keynote speaker Lucy Del Gaudio, a U.S. Army veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, shared her story of trauma, recovery, and advocacy. Now working with the YWCA, Del Gaudio helps other women veterans rebuild their lives after service. Representing Westwood at the conference were Madeleine Ciocco and Joan Vieni, who attended alongside past NJSFWC presidents MaryEllen Brock,
from further abuse. That is who Jay is: a quiet protector, a natural leader, and someone who always chooses courage over silence. Jay brings that same integrity to his role on the Board of Education. He does not play political games or take sides. He listens—truly listens—to every resident, regardless of their background or beliefs. In a time when it is easy to be divided, Jay brings people together. Since becoming board president, he has helped change the tone of the meetings. What once felt tense and dismissive now feels inclusive and respectful. Parents, teachers, and students are now being heard. This kind of leadership is not only rare, it is essential. We need Jay Garcia to continue the work he has started. We need a board president who hears all voices and values them equally. That is who Jay has always been, and that is who heʼll continue to be if reelected. Lea Simone Westwood
Camp, Ianni: ‘We’ll make you proud’ To the editor: Election Day, we thank the residents A who have taken the time to get S WE APPROACH
Past NJSFWC presidents MaryEllen Brock, Deen J. Meloro, and Shirley Holly are backed by Woman’s Club of Westwood members Madeleine Ciocco and Joan Vieni. Courtesy photo.
Deen J. Meloro, and Shirley Holly. Funding for Operation Sisterhood was provided by Women United in Philanthropy, a Bergen County–based giving circle dedi-
cated to supporting women and families facing financial instability. For information on membership and future programs, visit westwoodwomansclub.org or call (201) 916-1580.
to know us and share their thoughts about Hillsdaleʼs future. When you support both of us, youʼre choosing a team with a unified vision and a shared commitment to moving our town forward responsibly. We have great respect for anyone who steps up to serve, including our opponents. But as
Louis Casale said when he ran against Anthony DeRosa in the Republican primary, Hillsdale needs fresh, new leadership. The local Republican County Committee agreed, choosing not to endorse Anthony for council in 2023, 2024, or 2025. Being an effective council member isnʼt just about attending meetings and voting on ordinances. Itʼs about doing the work, finding ways to strengthen our community, increasing ratables as an alternative to raising taxes, supporting local businesses, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. The Memorial Field project, funded through a mix of reserves and long-term bonds, will require that kind of attentive management. Weʼre ready to bring that energy to every corner of town. From improving safety with common-sense e-bike rules to coordinating across towns on flooding and deer management, weʼll stay focused on results that matter to Hillsdale families. Our tagline is more than just a campaign slogan, itʼs how we envision and embrace Hillsdale: Community Comes First. Vote for us, Gabriella Ianni and Chris Camp, and let us show up for you and make you proud of the neighbors representing you on council. Christopher Camp and Gabriella Ianni Hillsdale Council candidates
Re-elect Rob Bicocchi To the editor:
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