Desert Storm vet sets example through work with Legion Post 162, VFW Post 6192
BYJOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
A beaming Bergen County Commissioner Steve Tanelli recognized Hillsdaleʼs James Gerbig as the countyʼs February Veteran of the Month, citing a Navy career that included multiple deployments and continued service to veterans after retirement.
Tanelli, in a brief celebration at One Bergen County Plaza, said Gerbig is a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served in the United States Navy and completed five deployments “in See GERBIG on page 13
‘THE HEART MATTERS’ ‘THE HEART MATTERS’
Westwood Regional Middle School students deliver for American Heart Association
TOP FUNDRAISERS: Flanked by Westwood Regional Middle School physical education teachers Anthony Orsini and Elyssa Wottring are the school’s top student fundraisers for the American Heart Challenge, culminating in activities Feb. 18. Left to right are Ryleigh Fitzpatrick (6th grade), Maeve Fitzpatrick (7th grade), Nicholas “Nick” DeTore (8th grade), and Caroline Fennell (8th grade). The event raised at least $6,600 for the American Heart Association. John Snyder photo.
BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
STUDENTSAT Westwood Regional Middle School spent the day, Feb 18, moving through hearthealth activities, including learning hands-only CPR, as
part of the schoolʼs American Heart Challenge, a fundraising and education program of the American Heart Association.
The event was organized by PE and health teachers
Anthony Orsini and Elyssa Wottring, backed by Erin Del Moro, development director of
‘OLD SPICE GIRLS’
The Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club takes to the stage at the Palisades District Performing Arts Day of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs.
the American Heart Association; and the school nurses and guidance department.
Orsini and Wottring emphasized moreover the contributions of Officer Danielle Neuberger of the Westwood
Continued on page 14
HILLSDALE
BAGELS, COFFEE, ANDGRANT DOLLARS
Local businesses get face time with Bergen County business development experts at session Feb. 23
Local business owners are invited to Bagels for Businesses, a grants and resources seminar set for 9-11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at Borough Hall, Councilwoman Melissa Mazza-Chiong tells Pascack Press.
Businesses wishing to attend should email emclaughlin@hillsdalenj.org to RSVP. MazzaChiong said the email address shared with us last week, for our Feb. 9 edition, needed to be updated, and urged businesses to RSVP by Feb. 19. A free buffet featuring coffee and bagels will be offered.
Presentations will be made by Michelle Osorio of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Joanne Cimiluca, director of the Bergen County Division of Economic Development. The session is intended to provide an overview of current grant opportunities and other resources available to local businesses.
The NJEDA supports New Jerseyʼs economy through programs aimed at job creation, investment and community development, with a focus on expand-
See BAGELS on page 11
Kristin Beuscher walks us through the local news of 110 years ago, as printed in the Feb. 17, 1916 edition of the Westwood Chronicle Have we changed all that much? PAGE 4
Park Ridge first responders greet some of their top fans.
Ackerman Park due more love via open space bid
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK
Borough officials said Feb. 17 that they would like to continue making improvements at Ackerman Park by applying for a county Open Space grant for a gazebo to create a shaded area for park picnics and childrenʼs birthday parties.
Local officials asked new administrator Michael Carelli to check into it and apply for the funding. Carelli was appointed as part-time administrator at the Jan. 20 meeting, effective Feb. 1, as part of a shared-services agreement with Pompton Lakes running through Dec. 31, 2026. [More
details on page 3]
Mayor Danielle DiPaola said other likely Ackerman Park improvements planned include a mister for keeping children cool during hot summer days, new playground equipment, and a basketball court. “Weʼre trying to make that into a user-friendly park for small children,” said the mayor.
Councilor Nicole Argenzia noted childrenʼs birthday parties could be conducted with a permit from the borough.
Council approved a $75,000 grant application for 2026 state Department of Community Affairs Local Recreation Improvement Grant funds for Ackerman Park upgrades. That would leave only $4,500 left on a prior county
matching grant, officials noted.
“Start on one park at a time and make one perfect and then move onto the next one,” DiPaola said.
Carelli said he met with DPW Supt. Perry Solimando and he recommended that they apply for a state DCA Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant to replace the existing fuel tank station used by DPW and local school district vehicles. LEAP grants are often used for shared service capital improvements, Carelli noted.
Originally, officials were asking school officials to pay half the cost of replacing the fuel tank. Carelli said the grant offered possible funding up to $350,000. DiPaola agreed with Solimandoʼs grant recommendation to replace the fuel tank.
Carelli also sought possible grant ideas to provide to the boroughʼs state and congressional representatives for future funding earmarks and grants. He said last year
the borough submitted funding applications for borough hall reconstruction, fire department elevator project, and West End drainage project. He said 39th District State Sen. Holly Schepisi also accepts appropriation requests to possibly be included in the state budget. DiPaola suggested councilors provide Carelli with possible grant ideas that might be funded via federal and state representatives.
Carelli said the boroughʼs DPW road salt storage bin was in “bad shape” and he would be working with Solimando on possible future repairs. He said he had an upcoming meeting with KC Sign & Awnings to discuss the progress of a new digital sign, He said the preliminary 2026-2027 municipal budget would be introduced at the March 3 meeting.
Council also introduced three ordinances to “effectuate” the bor-
oughʼs fourth round affordable housing plan, which covers 2025 through 2035, DiPaola said. These included:
•1712-26: An Ordinance
Amending Borough Code to Include a New Zone District, the RC Overlay Zone;
•1713-26: An Ordinance Amending Borough Code to Include a New Affordable Housing and Development Fee Ordinance; and
•1714-26: An Ordinance to revise the required affordable setaside in the Multifamily Residential Affordable Housing Overlay Zone.
Public hearings on the ordinances are at the March 3 meeting. No details on the ordinances were immediately available. Most towns in New Jersey are required to submit revised affordable housing plans and implementing ordinances to the state by a March 15 deadline.
EMERSON
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
EMERSON
Emerson has hired a part-time borough administrator under a shared-service agreement with Pompton Lakes, approving a $79,000 contract that runs Feb. 1 through Dec. 31.
Michael E. Carelli, Pompton Lakesʼborough administrator, will serve Emerson 20–25 hours per week and act as the boroughʼs qualified purchasing agent, according to the agreement approved Jan. 20. Carelli attended the mayor and councilʼs Feb. 3 and Feb. 17 meetings and provided reports on local matters. Mayor Danielle DiPaola said Carelli has worked for several years in Pompton Lakes and previously in Oakland.
Carelli replaces Robert Hermansen, who left the borough in May 2025 after nearly six years as full-time administrator. In the
interim, Emerson hired former administrator Richard Sheola in August 2025 through Strategic Municipal Advisors LLC to handle administrative matters. Borough officials confirmed at the time that Hermansenʼs salary was $135,304.02 when he departed.
“This is a huge win for the borough. I think itʼs going to work out famously for us,” DiPaola told Pascack Press on Feb. 18. “The borough is so pleased to have Michael Carelli on staff and we look forward to hearing his innovative approaches.”
Under the agreement, Carelli will oversee day-to-day operations and implement policies set by the mayor and council; supervise department heads and coordinate
personnel administration; assist with municipal clerk functions as needed; and support budgeting, grants, and capital planning in coordination with the chief financial officer.
The agreement also assigns Carelli responsibility for procurement and contracts in compliance with the Local Public Contracts Law; coordination of capital improvement projects; liaison work with county, state, and other government entities; and support for public communications, emergency management, and continuity of operations.
Carelli will work two halfdays per week onsite in Emerson, with remaining time performed remotely, the agreement states. It
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In addition to this crisp newsprint, you can get your hands on Pascack Press via PDF at our website, Pascackpress.com — which welcomes submissions!
also specifies that Carelliʼs duties for Pompton Lakes “shall take priority” over Emersonʼs, and that he must attend borough council meetings, as well as committee meetings and other after-hours meetings and events as needed.
The agreement was unanimously approved by the council as Resolution 69-26. It is signed by Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra and Borough Clerk Elizabeth Brandsness, and by DiPaola and Emerson Clerk Triessa DeSimone.
Tuned in: Pascack Press “Back In Time” columnist Kristin B euscher is a guest on “Montvale in Motion,” discussing Pascack Valley history and programs at the Pascack Historical Society.
Right on time: PHS’s Kristin
Beuscher in Montvale TV debut
“SHEʼS GOT got her fingers on the keyboard, and her heart firmly entwined with the history of the Pascack Valley. If you want to know how we got to be what we are today, this is the person to talk to. Stay tuned…”
Staying tuned is well worth it. For the second time in recent months, a contributor to Pascack Press has been featured on Montvale in Motion, a local cable television interview program.
Kristin Beuscher, historian for the Pascack Historical Society and author of our long-running “Back In Time” column, appears as a guest on “Montvale in Motion” during episodes debuting the week of Feb. 15. The program is hosted by Anthony “Tony” Salerno Jr., a history buff. The two are in their element.
Beuscher follows Pascack Press senior reporter Michael Olohan, who appeared on the same program in August 2025
In her interview, Beuscher discusses her 23 years writing “Back In Time,” shares stories from Montvale and Pascack Valley history, and previews upcoming events at the Park
See DEBUT on page 5
Bckintime... Bckintime...
Timely Pascack Valley Happenings, February 1916
PASCACKVALLEY
N 1889, the first newspaper serving the Pascack Valley was founded in the form of the Park Ridge Local Compiled by editors John C. Storms and James B.H. Storms, two brothers, it featured local news on its front page, followed by three pages of syndicated content—short stories, fashion advice, and agricultural tips. In 1895, the brothers branched out with the Westwood Chronicle, another weekly paper The Chronicle ran through the 1950s.
The Pascack Historical Society—which the Storms brothers also founded—has an extensive archive of these old papers. The particulars of daily life printed in their pages paint a picture of a bygone age in the Pascack Valley. The rural way of life was giving way to suburbia, but we werenʼt quite there yet.
Here, we take a look at the local news of 110 years ago, as printed in the Feb. 17, 1916 edition of the Westwood Chronicle
• J.B. Matienzo, of Jefferson Avenue, will drive a new automobile this season, which he has just purchased.
• The cold snap of the season prevailed Monday night. Tuesday morning temperatures were reported at from 6 to 12 degrees below zero, and the plumbers were kept busy repairing frozen water pipes. Sleighing as good as any of this season—or any other season, for that matter—is here at present.
• Foundations for two new houses in
SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
By Kristin Beuscher, Historian, Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge. Call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org
Hegeman Park have been laid, one by Mrs. Snorden, on Pleasant Avenue; and the other on Westwood Boulevard, by Rev. J.H. Hartley, pastor of the First African M.E. Church. Lewis Sugland is clearing his land, on which he proposes to establish a big poultry farm.
• Wednesday afternoon, Feb 9, the Westwood High School girls defeated the Suffern girls at basketball in the Suffern gym. The score at the end of the first half was 2–1 in Suffernʼs favor; the second half ended 3–3. It was decided to play until one team scored, and for the first time this season the Suffern team suffered defeat.
• Showtimes for the Casino Theater, Westwood: Saturday, Feb. 19 brings Lenore Ulrich, star of The Bird of Paradise, in Kilmeny; and Mary Pickford in Fanchon the Cricket on Washingtonʼs Birthday. Matinees at 3:30 on both dates; evening shows at 8:15.
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Pauline Frederick appears in one of the greatest features on the Paramount Programme: Sold. (8:15 only.)
• The Hillsdale–Westwood Equal Suffrage League will give its first entertain-
ment—a cake sale—at the residence of Mrs. H.M. Kyle, corner of Magnolia and Large avenues, Hillsdale, on Saturday afternoon. No admission will be charged, but there will be music during the afternoon. Ice cream, tea, and cake will be served at moderate prices. The league, which now numbers 63 members and is growing rapidly, was organized in January as a branch of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Organization.
• The barn dance given by the young people of the Emerson Catholic church was well attended and was a great success. The firehouse was suitably decorated for the occasion, and excellent music was furnished for the dancing.
• The Westwood mayor and council met Tuesday evening. Bills of $138.61 were ordered paid. Mayor Brickell objected to one bill of $2 for taking three men—who asked for a nightʼs lodging—to the lockup. The bill was held up. The mayor also reported on a proposition to require the Hackensack Water Co. to extend its mains out on Fourth Avenue.
• In Fire Department news, the borough council authorized coats, hats, and buckles lettered W.F.D., as well as the purchase of service helmet fronts, three cap shields, six collar decorations, and chemicals for fire extinguishers. The hose of Hose Company No. 1 will be painted with one white stripe; the hose of Hose Company No. 2 will be painted with two white stripes. The
See BEUSCHER on page 9
Downtown Westwood looking familiar in 1916. Automobiles line the southern portion of Westwood Avenue in this view looking toward Railroad Avenue (Broadway) from Center Avenue. A decade earlier, the avenue would have seen mainly horse-drawn vehicles.
Borough affordable housing plan hearing Feb. 24
BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
WOODCLIFF LAKE
A Land Use Board public hearing on proposed amendments to the boroughʼs fourth-round affordable housing plan is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 188 Pascack Road, ahead of the mid-March state deadline for approved plans.
After the Feb. 24 hearing, officials said the revised plan is expected to return to the Borough Council for a final vote March 16. Councilor Joshua Stern told Pascack Press the borough received a one-day extension on the state deadline, moving it from March 15 to March 16.
Officials said Borough Planner Daniel Hauben of T&M Associates, the boroughʼs affordable housing planner, is expected to give a brief presentation Feb. 24 outlining the changes.
Residents may ask questions at the Land Use Board hearing and again before the council vote March 16. Officials said residents must appear in person to participate.
Stern said one of the largest changes is proposed zoning tied to the former Party City site, allowing 91 units, including 18 agerestricted affordable units, which
officials said would help address the boroughʼs fourth-round “unmet need” requirement of 58 units.
The draft amendment document, titled First Amendment to the Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, is available online under Land Use Board Applications on the Land Use Board website.
Key figures in the draft amendment
The proposed plan states the borough updated its “realistic development potential” (RDP) after a vacant land analysis found Woodcliff Lake could support zoning capacity that could yield 131 affordable units under inclusionary development standards.
The plan also states the boroughʼs “prospective need” is 360 units, creating an “unmet need” of 229 units. Under the state framework referenced in the draft, the borough must provide a realistic opportunity for at least 25% of that unmet need to be created during the fourth round — 58 units, officials said.
Projects and mechanisms cited in the plan
The draft outlines multiple sites and mechanisms used to satisfy the RDP and unmet need, including:
Toward the 131-unit RDP
(affordable housing capacity):
• 240 Broadway area: Redevelopment plan contemplated for 63 units, including 12 affordable units, on an expanded tract (including 258 and 264 Broadway), with bonus credits cited due to proximity to the train station.
• Hilton Hotel, 200 Tice Blvd.: A redevelopment plan is expected to permit 147 units, including 30 affordable units, with bonus credits cited.
• BMW redevelopment site: A previously adopted plan permits 370 units, including 74 affordable units (34 family and 40 supportive/special needs), with credits split between RDP and unmet need in the draft.
• 126 Broadway: Eight apartments, including two affordable units, with transit-oriented bonus credits cited.
• 230 Broadway (North Broadway): A third-round project with 24 affordable units; the plan proposes applying a surplus of four units to the fourth-round RDP
• Waterfront Rest Home Boarding House: The draft states the borough will continue to credit 13 bedrooms/units of transitional
housing toward the RDP. Toward the 58-unit unmet need:
• BMW redevelopment site: The draft applies the remaining 36 supportive housing units toward unmet need.
• THO Townhouse Overlay Zone: The plan anticipates four affordable units at full build-out
FROM PAGE 4
Ridge-based Pascack Historical Society and its John C. Storms Museum tied to preparations for Americaʼs 250th anniversary.
Beuscher is a former Pascack Press reporter and editor and immediate past president of the Pascack Historical Society, founded in 1942. She also edits the societyʼs member newsletter, “Relics.”
At PHS, a new museum exhibit, “Revolutionary War in New Jersey,” is now open. The exhibit is available during regular visiting hours: Sundays from 1–4 p.m. and Wednesdays (Labor Day through Memorial Day) from 10
(based on a 20% set-aside) on Block 908, Lot 2 (88 Overlook Drive).
• 100 Tice Blvd./former Party City site: The draft calls for an ordinance permitting up to 91 total units, including no fewer than 18 age-restricted affordable units.
a.m.–1 p.m. Admission is free. The society hosts historian Tim Adriance, on The Revolutionary War & Pascack Valley, March 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
In his segment, Olohan spoke about how he got started in journalism, what he values about local reporting, and the challenges facing community newspapers.
Montvale in Motion is available under “My Montvale TV” on the boroughʼs website and airs on Channel 35 (FiOS) and Channel 77 (Optimum). Interviews typically run for about a month on local television before being archived online.
Salerno also hosts “My Montvale,” a companion program that frequently features local and county officials.
Eight cats perish in two-alarm house fire; residents out safely
A two-alarm structure fire Tuesday afternoon on Highland Avenue in River Vale resulted in the deaths of eight cats and left one additional cat hospitalized, officials said.
The River Vale Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 4 p.m. to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Chief 53-1 reported fire showing from the rear of the residence, with heavy smoke visible from all sides. Fire officials said the bulk of the fire was located in the attic and rear kitchen area.
Engine 53, the first-due engine, placed a 1 3/4-inch handline into operation to begin fire suppression, while Ladder 53 performed vertical ventilation on the roof in coordination with interior crews. Rescue 53, Squad 53, Hillsdale Rescue 27, and Westwood Ladder 67 assisted with primary and secondary searches, ventilation support, and overhaul operations.
Multiple cats were removed from the residence during firefighting operations. River Vale Police Capt. Josh Wisse confirmed that eight cats died in the fire and one was transported to an animal hospital for treatment. Thankfully, no human injuries were reported, and residents were able to escape safely.
Feb. 17 two-alarm structure fire on Highland Avenue in River Vale claims eight cats and injures one. River Vale Fire Department / Stephen Christopher via Facebook.
The incident was upgraded to a second alarm, with mutual aid responding from Old Tappan, Westwood, Hillsdale, Harrington Park, Park Ridge, Pearl River, N.Y., and Orangeburg, N.Y. The Closter Fire Department provided coverage at headquarters. Westwood EMS, Hillsdale EMS, and River Vale EMS also assisted at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
—News in Brief —
Schepisi bill
on economic development advances
TRENTON — The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Holly Schepisi (R–Bergen) that would authorize the creation of regional economic development partnerships, according to her office.
S-1944 would allow local governmental entities to enter into regional partnerships to engage in joint economic planning and to develop an economic development or redevelopment strategy.
“Amidst our … affordability crisis, our local municipalities have been forced to bear the burden of unfair mandates from Trenton that have undoubtedly stunted economic growth,” Schepisi said. “…We can help reverse those negative impacts and restore the vitality of our beautiful local communities through sound economic planning.”
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Historic Preservation Commission meeting dates
WESTWOOD — The Westwood Historic Preservation Commission will hold its public meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Remaining 2026 dates are: Feb. 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov 19 and Dec. 17.
Masons Blood drive March 1
WESTWOOD — Masonic Temple Lodge No. 173 will host a Red Cross blood drive Sunday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lodgeʼs collation room/meeting hall at 275 Kinderkamack Road. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter WestwoodMasons.
Get involved, Park Ridge (and friends)
• Park Ridge Pool registration is underway. For details visit parkridgeboro.com, then click Residents / Pool.
• Visit the Pascack Historical Society at 19 Ridge Ave. to explore Revolutionary War exhibits and attend six special lectures in 2026, beginning March 22. Tim Adriance speaks on the Revolutionary War & Pascack Valley on March 22, 2–4 p.m. Admission is free for PHS members, or $5 at the door; children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
• PRHS 2026 Operation Graduation sponsors a dodgeball tournament fundraiser on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) in the PRHS gym. Teams register and receive additional raffle tickets by emailing lustig77@optonline.net.
Share your news! Send submissions to PascackPress@ thepressgroup.net
OLGC Casino Night spins March 21
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 668 Ridgewood Road, is continuing its parish food collection and announcing details for Casino Night 2026, set for Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m.
The parish said there is a strong need for donations of nonperishable food, paper products, and personal hygiene items. Donations may be placed in the
basket at the back of the church. Casino Night will feature casino-style games along with raffles and tricky tray baskets.
The parish said non-players are welcome and can participate in the raffles and prizes.
Tickets will be sold after Mass starting Saturday, Feb 28. Registration forms with payment may be dropped at the rectory,
placed in the collection basket at Mass, or mailed to the rectory addressed to “Casino Night.”
The parish is also seeking donations to support the event, including gift cards, scratch-off lottery tickets, bottles of wine, and new, unwanted gifts. Donations may be brought to Pat at the rectory. For more info, call John Brunelli at 201-248-0558.
Lively December, January reports from Emerson
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.
$4,200 Shoplifting Investigation Leads to Mahwah Man
Charged
Dec. 1, 2025 — Police said that on Nov. 23, Officer J. Dmitruk responded to a local groc ery store on Kinderkamack Road to speak with a loss prevention employee about a shoplifting i ncident totaling about $4,200 that allegedly occurred Nov. 19. CCTV footage was secured and provided to Det. T. McDermott. With assistance from Wyckoff police, a 53-year-old man from Mahwah was identified and charged on a complaint warrant with third-degree shoplifting, police said. He was issued a court appearance date in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Motor Vehicle Stop: Paterson
Woman Arrested on Active Warrant
Dec. 5, 2025 — During a motor vehicle stop near 4th Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard, Officer T. Solimando learned the driver, a 24-year-old woman from Paterson, had an active failure-to-
appear warrant out of the Bergen C ounty Sheriffʼs Department, police said. She was taken into custody, issued multiple traffic summonses, and released on her own recognizance after receiving a new court date.
Clifton Man Arrested on Two Warrants; Police Cite Suspended License
Dec. 16, 2025 — During a vehicle stop on Forest Avenue, Officer J. Chichizola learned the driver, a 31-year-old man from Clifton, had two active $1,000 warrants out of Wayne Township Municipal Court, police said. Police said the driver was operating with a suspended license, was taken into custody, issued multiple summonses, and released on his own recognizance after being provided a new court date.
River Vale Woman Charged
After $375 Shoplifting Report
Dec. 19, 2025 — Officer J. Chichizola and Officer Schwarz responded to a local grocery store on Old Hook Road to speak with loss prevention about a detained shoplifter in an incident valued at about $375, police said. A 21year-old woman from River Vale was taken into custody and charged on a complaint summons with fourth-degree shoplifting, then released on her own recognizance with a court date in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Task Force Stop in Rutherford: Englewood Man Turned
Over on NCIC Warrants
Dec. 26, 2025 — While on patrol with the Bergen County Crime Suppression Task Force on Eastern Way in Rutherford, Officers J. Schwarz and J. Chichizola stopped a vehicle they said was registered to a wanted person, following an equipment-violation stop. Police said the driver, a 40year-old man from Englewood, had two active NCIC warrants out of Jersey City and Englewood police departments. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Englewood Police Department without incident.
Crash Call on Linda Place Leads to Emerson Womanʼs DWI Arrest
Dec. 26, 2025 — Officer J. Dmitruk responded to Linda Place for a motor vehicle collision and located a vehicle with heavy front-end damage and airbag deployment matching the description of a wanted vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash in Oradell, police said. The driver, a 33-year-old woman from Emers on, performed field sobriety tests and was suspected of driving under the influence, police said. She was arrested, processed at headquarters, charged with DWI and other motor vehicle summonses, released to a responsible party, and issued a mandatory court appearance in Emerson Municipal Court.
Saddle Brook Teen Arrested on Ramsey Warrant After Traffic Stop
Jan. 2, 2026 — During a motor vehicle stop on Forest Avenue, Officer J. Chichizola learned the driver, a 19-year-old man from Saddle Brook, had an active $750 ATS warrant out of Ramsey Municipal Court, police said. He was taken into custody, issued multiple summonses, and released on his own recognizance after being provided a new court date.
East Orange Driver Charged After Police Report Fictitious Temporary Tags Jan. 3 — During a motor
vehicle stop on Demarest Avenue, Officer J. Chichizola determined the vehicle was displaying fictitious temporary registration tags, police said. The driver, a 31-yearold woman from East Orange, was charged with falsifying/tampering with records, issued multiple summonses, and given a mandatory court appearance in Emerson Municipal Court, police said.
Emerson Man Arrested on Teaneck Warrant; Police Cite Suspended License
Jan. 4 — During a motor vehicle stop on Forest Avenue, Officer J. Chichizola learned the driver, a 27-year-old man from Emerson, had an active $1,000 ACS warrant out of Teaneck Municipal Court, police said. Police said the driver was operating with a suspended license, was taken into custody, issued a summons, and released on his own recognizance after being provided a new court date.
Driver Remanded After DWI Arrest, Alleged Patrol-Car Crash
Jan. 4 — Officer J. Schwarz found a vehicle idling in a closed business parking lot on Kinderkamack Road and observed the driver, a 40-year-old man from Greensboro, N.C., slumped over
See BLOTTER on page 29
Pascack Press Police Blotter
Local women stir in the spice for district glory
The Performing Arts Group of the GFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club took part in the Palisades District Performing Arts Day of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs on Feb. 13 at the Womanʼs Club of Paramus clubhouse.
The annual event brings together members from district clubs for performances in music, dance, drama, and comedy.
The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club was one of eight clubs represented. Club members presented a musical satire, “The Old Spice Girls,” performing a dance in spice costumes to a version of the Spice Girlsʼ “Wannabe.”
Participants included Teri Bet, Geralyn Cargulia, Daryll Datz, Elaine Mooney, Elaine OʼBrien, Abby Vasquez, and Maxine Wolf.
The Womanʼs Club of Para-
mus won the eventʼs grand prize and will perform at the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs annual convention in May. The club has served the Pascack Valley community since 1990 through service and philanthropic projects. New members are welcome. For information, call (201) 694-4440, email GPVWC1990@gmail.com, or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.
The Greater Pascack Valley “Old Spice Girls” perform at the Palisades District Performing Arts Day on Feb. 13 at the Woman’s Club of Paramus. Pictured left to right are Daryll Datz, Elaine O’Brien, Maxine Wolf, Elaine Mooney, Suzi Gerace, Teri Bet, and Geralyn Cargulia. Not pictured: Abby Vasquez. —ViaKathy Grubb
Fire Department fields 36 emergency calls in Jan.
Fire Chief Bryan Wiecenski reported that the Westwood Fire Department responded to 36 emergency incidents in January 2026, none of which resulted in a serious fire in the borough.
In addition to emergency calls, firefighters conducted two training drills and handled five work and maintenance details, including three snow-clearing details around fire hydrants. Wiecenski said the monthʼs activity required more than 430 hours of volunteer time, reflecting time spent responding to and attending events — not standby or on-call time.
Under mutual aid agreements,
Westwood firefighters responded 10 times out of town: seven to River Vale, two to Hillsdale, and one to Montvale. One River Vale response involved a serious commercial truck fire, where Westwood crews assisted with suppression. Westwood also received mutual aid from River Vale on one occasion, Wiecenski said. The department responded to 11 automatic fire alarms in January. Standard operating procedures require a full department response to fire alarms, with firefighters checking the entire building to determine whether a fire exists. None of the January alarms were connected to an actual fire.
Wiecenski said three responses were due to alarm malfunctions, four were triggered by cooking, two by contractors working in buildings, and one by water leaking onto a smoke detector.
Firefighters also responded to three carbon monoxide (CO) calls. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be caused by malfunctioning heating or cooking equipment and can be lethal at high levels, the department noted. Low readings were found at two incidents, Wiecenski said, while cooking smoke triggered a CO detector in one case.
Two calls involved the smell of natural gas. Firefighters investigated
both incidents; one involved a stovetop burner left on, and in the other, Public Service gas technicians were already on scene and investigated the source. The departmentʼs policy is to turn gas and CO issues over to Public Service technicians for further investigation, Wiecenski said.
Other January calls included a motor vehicle crash where crews assisted with area lighting; two boiler malfunctions in which firefighters ensured the issue was contained to the boiler and summoned Public Service technicians; a stove fire that was out on arrival; and a candle that fell over, causing smoldering on a tabletop. In both cases, firefighters confirmed the incidents did not extend beyond the immediate area.
Crews also responded to reports of strange odors, determining there was no emergency, and to waterrelated incidents, including equip-
ment leaking water and a burst water pipe. Firefighters isolated the leaks to prevent further damage, Wiecenski said.
The department reminded residents that winter storms can create access issues for emergency response and urged neighbors to clear snow and ice from around fire hydrants. Hydrants should be cleared 3 feet in all directions, the department said, noting that borough and state regulations require hydrants on private property to be kept accessible.
Submitted by the Westwood Fire Department. Fire Department questions go to westwoodfdchief@gmail.com or 201-664-0526. Fire Prevention Bureau questions: dblankenbush@westwoodnj.gov or 201-664-7100 ext. 308. For emergencies, call 911
WOMEN’SAUXILIARYHOSTS MEDIUM MARCH 14
The Westwood Womenʼs Auxiliary will host “A Night with Medium April Pope” on Saturday, March 14, at the Westwood Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Road.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program will run 7–10 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person. Beverages will be available for
purchase, and guests may bring light snacks.
Organizers said proceeds will support veterans and special children.
For reservations or more information, call Cathy Shrader at 201-832-9341 or Rebecca Casey at 201-543-9214.
WESTWOOD
Beuscher:
FROM PAGE 4
borough is soliciting bids for installing a steam heating system in the truck house.
• The Borough Council voted to purchase a revolver, plus a holster and 50 cartridges, for $16, for a police marshal.
• The Westwood Millinery Shop has hats for early spring, ranging in price from $3.50 to $7.50.
• $250 cash buys a sevenroom home, corner plot opposite
ForestersʼHall [Kinderkamack Road], Park Ridge. Contact Schlueter, Park Ridge.
• From the joke column: Mr. Oldwed—Did I talk in my sleep last night? // Mrs. Oldwed— You were talking, but Iʼm sure you were not asleep. // Mr. Oldwed— Why so? // Mrs. Oldwed—Most of your talk was about how much you thought of my mother.
Items for sale
•Mrs. Page in Park Ridge has 14 Rhode Island Red chickens for sale, while Mrs. J.J. Hopper in Montvale has a top buggy and bob sleighs. R.W. Howth, in Pearl
River, is advertising a six-cylinder Stevens-Duryea three-passenger touring car, first-class condition. Just $12 will get you a full bedroom set with box spring and hair mattress from Mrs. Fink on Washington Avenue in Hillsdale. Albert Seidler in Woodcliff Lake has a good work horse he is looking to rehome, and also a surrey.
• Mr. Avenengo on Grand Avenue in Montvale has an array of items for sale. For the house: three beds, four bureaus, chiffonier, armchairs, rockers, Morris chair, parlor table, large iron parlor lamp, lot of pictures with frames, bookcase, blue-flame three-burner oil stove, kerosene
oil heater, and kitchen utensils. For the farm: a good horse, two wagons, horse rake, mowing machine, incubator with 250-egg capacity, and brooders.
• Come to the Westwood Auto Garage, opposite the train depot, to see the Overland Model 79 touring car. Complete, $950. Ask for a demonstration.
• Those looking to rent can obtain a five-room cottage, wired for electric light, with running
water in the kitchen. Inquire of Mrs. J. Leach, Park Ridge. There is also a seven-room house available on Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge; it, too, has running water in the kitchen. Rent is $12 a month.
• For those looking to buy, Fred Herring in Park Ridge has a house for sale: six large rooms, one small room, hot and cold water in the kitchen, a new hotair furnace, and electric lights and fixtures throughout. On the main county road, seven minutes from the Park Ridge depot; three minutes to school. Price $3,500 with half-acre plot; or $3,000 with 70-by-150.
Valley Chabad will host Omer Shem Tov for an evening talk on March 25 at 7 p.m. in Woodcliff Lake, where he will share his story of survival and resilience after being taken hostage during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. Valley Chabad said Shem Tov was abducted from the Nova music festival and held captive for 505 days.
The program is being presented in the lead-up to Passover, which Valley Chabad noted is centered on themes of freedom and redemption. The community is invited to attend; registration is requested at valleychabad.org/shemtov.
In addition to making the news go, ads in Pascack Press help our many thousands of local readers find and support businesses like yours. Hi! We’re at ads@ThePressGroup.net and 201-664-2105
Sunflower wall pocket bloomed from hiding in cabinet
BYJONFELZ R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.
Hi, Jon, Iʼve had this item in my kitchen cabinet for so long that I forgot it was there. When I had new cabinets installed, it resurfaced. It was my motherʼs; I have no idea where she got it. Is it part of something bigger? I canʼt wait to find out what this thing is.
Mitchell
Hi, Mitchell, Your “thing” is commonly known as a wall pocket. Ceramic wall pockets are decorative items dating back to the Victorian era, originally designed to store household objects and keepsakes.
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
Today, various styles of new and vintage wall pockets are often hung in kitchens to store everyday items; theyʼre the perfect size to hold an iPhone!
Early wall pockets from the 1920s typically came from Europe or were produced in America by major ceramic companies. By the 1950s, Japanese exporters flooded American shops with wall pockets and other small ceramics. Common designs include cornucopias, seashells, flowers (like yours), and fans.
glazed pottery) can be quite valuable. Some prized Japanese wall pockets were made of lusterware or majolica.
Your wall pocket was made by the Roseville Art Pottery Company in Zanesville, Ohio, around 1930. It features a large sunflower blossom extending from long green stems that encircle the shape. The background is in mottled earth tones, with terra cotta at the top and dark green grass covering about two-thirds of the piece.
It would have originally had a black paper label, but these labels often wore off over time, so many are found unmarked today.
Letʼs talk value. Two factors
Antique French fan wall pockets made of faience (fine
ETHICAL CULTURE SOCIETY PI DAYFUN
The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, which counts Pascack Valley residents as membes, will host its second annual Pi Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, offering hands-on math activities and creative challenges for all ages.
The family-friendly event plays off the mathematical constant pi — 3.14 — and will feature interactive math exhibits, a para-
bolic art project, and a variety of food-themed fun, including buildyour-own “pizza pi” and sweet dessert pies to sample. Participants can also take part in a pi-throwing contest or compete in the Express Triominos Tournament, a fast-paced game rooted in mathematical strategy. The tournament is open to players ages 7 and up, with prizes awarded.
Organizers said the event celebrates the beauty of math as it appears in nature and art, while supporting the societyʼs commitment to science literacy.
The celebration will be held at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, 687 Larch Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event runs until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10.
For more information, visit ethicalfocus.org.
contribute to your wall pocketʼs worth. First, the pattern: “Sunflower” is one of the more desirable patterns for Roseville pottery collectors, ranking second in popularity. Second, the condition: after examining the photographs, I can see that your item is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or damage.
Given these factors, Iʼm pleased to inform you that the “thing” from “many, many years” in your kitchen cabinet is worth $500. Hope this helps with the cost of your new cabinets..
R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.
Zion Lutheran ECC seeks donations for fundraiser
Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center is seeking donations from local businesses for its annual Tricky Tray and Live Auction, set for Saturday, April 25.
MOVING? DOWNSIZING?
In an email to supporters, the school said donated items, gift certificates and monetary contributions help enrich studentsʼeducational experiences while also spotlighting local businesses. Donations must be coordinated for pickup or drop-off by March 31, the organization said. Tickets are expected to go on sale in early March. For more information, contact Zion Early Childhood Center, 64 First Ave., Westwood, or call (201) 664-8060.
WESTWOOD
The reader’s ceramic wall pocket was made by the R oseville Art Pottery Company in Zanesville, Ohio, around 1930.
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
‘RESIDENT APPRECIATION
WEEK’ IN TOWNSHIP
The Township will hold a Resident Appreciation Weekend Feb. 20–22, offering free fitness and food specials for township residents at participating Pascack Road businesses.
• FREEROWING CLASS: On Friday, Feb. 20, Row House will offer one free rowing class at 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. (pre-registration required).
• FREESLICE: On Saturday, Feb. 21, Original Italian Pizza will offer a free slice from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. while supplies last.
• FREE BAGEL AND SMALL COFFEE: On Sunday, Feb. 22, Davidʼs Bagels & Coffee Roasters will offer a free bagel and small coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. while supplies last.
The event is open to Washington Township residents only. Participants must print and present event coupons (one per person, per event); valid ID may be required. Details, coupons, and updates are available at twpofwashington.us.
We’re online, too
In addition to this crisp newsprint, you can get your hands on Pascack Press via PDF at our website, PascackPress.com — which welcomes submissions!
Hillsdale Public Schools has opened registration for the districtʼs 2026-27 kindergarten prog ram, Superintendent Robert Lombardy Jr. said.
Resident children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2026 are eligible to enroll.
Attendance is determined by location: children living on the east side of Magnolia Avenue ( even house numbers) from Lin-
coln Avenue to Lawrence Street will attend Meadowbrook School; children living on the west side of Magnolia Avenue (odd house numbers) from Lincoln Avenue to Lawrence Street will attend Ann Blanche Smith School.
The district uses online preregistration. Forms are available at www.hillsdaleschools.com under Resources > Parent
Resources > Registration. Families should register for the 2026-27 school year and select grade “00” for kindergarten. After submission, school staff will follow up if additional information is needed. Kindergarten orientations for both schools will be held in spring 2026, with details to be sent by each principal after registration is complete.
Imagine what it can do for your business. Affordable options for every local shop and service. Call Pascack Press at 201-664-2105 or write ads@thepressgroup.net
eats Dining & Cooking Guide
Spring Craft Show March 22 at Paramus High
Advertisement
The Spring Craft Show at Paramus High School will be held Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers can browse 145 exhibitors from three states featuring arts, crafts, and photography.
The show spans two gyms, the vestibule, and the cafe—so plan to visit each area to catch all the vendors and one-of-a-kind finds. The event is sponsored by Project Graduation and organized by P.J.ʼs Promotions.
Expect booths filled with hand-painted flower pots and glassware; home decor and apparel; resin pieces; handcrafted jewelry; table runners and pillows; fiber arts; crocheted animals and soft sculpture; country crafts; porch and door signs; jeweled utensils; heat packs; ceramics; and more.
Shoppers will also find wood bowls and pens, charcuterie boards, birdhouses, bonsai items, soaps and candles, stained glass, chocolates, sports clocks, florals,
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pottery, mandala and diamond art—plus plenty of other unique gifts and seasonal items.
Outside vendors will offer treats and specialty foods, including homemade pickles, beef jerky, kettle corn, and desserts, along with chainsaw-carved items and tie-dye.
Admission is $4. A breakfast
Troop’s community dinner, raffle March 6
Itʼs back! The Annual Community Dinner and Raffle fundraiser for Montvale BSA Troop 334 is Friday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Fieldstone Middle School.
Join your neighbors for a fun evening of food, friends, music, a tricky tray raffle, and so much more.
Your dinner includes a pasta and meatball entree with salad and garlic bread. After dinner, enjoy dessert and coffee and the highly anticipated raffle drawing.
Prizes include sports tickets, restaurant gift cards, and much more. Face painting and activities for the kids are provided. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance. Kids under 5, free. See your Troop 334 scout, email Troop334Montvale@gmail.com , or
MONTVALE
The Annual Community Dinner and Raffle fundraiser for Montvale BSA Troop 334 is Friday, March 6.
eats Dining & Cooking Guide
Gerbig:
FROM PAGE 1
support of strategic national objectives.”
Tanelli described Gerbig as an Operation Desert Storm veteran who served as an operations
their families.
Tanelli added that Gerbig is active with youth and education efforts as a substitute teacher in Closter, a CCD instructor, a youth sports volunteer, and a service academy mentor who assists with candidate evaluations for the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and West Point.
officer aboard a guided-missile cruiser and later held roles on deployed command staffs and within Surface Force Atlantic Fleet, helping direct fleet operations and readiness.
“I am proud to recognize Mr. James Gerbig as Februaryʼs Veteran of the Month!” Tanelli wrote in announcing the honor.
Tanelli said Gerbigʼs responsibilities included planning and resource management, fleet budgeting, oversight of communications and electronics systems, and leading sailors in wartime environments.
After his Navy career, Tanelli said, Gerbig continued supporting veterans and the community by co-founding a Guitars for Veterans program aimed at building camaraderie and peer support through music.
He also serves as a service officer for Hillsdale American Legion Post 162, assisting veterans with benefits and resources, and as chaplain for Washington Township VFW Post 6192, providing support to veterans and
Gerbigʼs awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and multiple commendation medals, including one for valor in combat, Tanelli said.
County Exec Jim Tedesco III was delighted with the pick, noting in a post after, “Jimʼs impact on those around him was impossible to miss. His family filled the room, joined by a strong showing from VFW 6192 in Hillsdale.”
Gerbig accepted a medal and certificate from the commissioners, and a letter from the governor, acknowledging what Tedesco — a former mayor of Paramus and board member with Red Cross of Northern New Jersey reported was “his enduring commitment and contributions to our community over the years.”
In the comments on Tanelliʼs post, retired Navy officer Robert Ross praised the selection, writing that he had “stood watch with Jim during countless Fleet engagements and a number of important Naval missions,” adding, “Our ship, and I personally, benefited greatly from his leadership.”
In addition to this crisp newsprint, you can get your hands on Pascack Press via PDF at our website, PascackPress.com — which welcomes submissions! We’re
Hillsdale’s James Gerbig is Bergen County Veteran of the Month. Credit: Zoltan Horvath
Heart:
FROM PAGE 1
Police Department, who helped coordinate with local EMS, fire officials, and town council members.
“Not only did they visit during the event to show their support for our students, they also took part in the activities. A special thank-you to Officer Neuberger, Westwood EMT Captain Rush Sherman, EMT Janet Dunn, E MT and Westwood Regional High School senior Carter Morin, Township Cpl. Clayton Kenny, and Township dispatcher Andrew Eckhardt, for teaching our students hands-only CPR,” said Orsini.
The event took place in the gym during physical education and health classes, with students roaring through through six stations designed to get their heart rates up while teaching basic concepts about cardiovascular health and how the body works.
At one station focused on nutrition, students used scooters to race and stack sugar cubes representing “added sugars,” paired with posters showing sugar equivalents in popular drinks.
Other stations emphasized measuring exertion and recovery: students jumped to elevate their heart rate, found their pulse, and calculated their rate, then tracked their effort with heart stickers posted by class period.
Another activity, with hula hoops, demonstrated circulation and oxygen delivery, with students linking arms and working together to move a “red blood
cell” through a human “blood passageway,” illustrating how the body constantly moves oxygen throughout the system.
A basketball station reinforced that everyday physical activity — including sports — can help keep the heart healthy.
The programʼs CPR component ran throughout the day, with students practicing hands-only CPR on training mannequins. (Hands-only is CPR without rescue breaths.) Organizers said the goal is for students to leave with enough skill and confidence to respond in an emergency.
“When somebody has cardiac arrest, it takes time to get professional help there,” said Sherman. “Itʼs important for the general public to know the basics of CPR, to keep the blood pumping until professional help can arrive. … Seconds count.”
Students also wrote positive messages on paper hearts that were displayed in school win-
HILLSDALE
Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps Capt. Rush Sherman helps lead a hands-only CPRorientation Feb. 18 at Westwood Regional Midle School. Six stations of heart-health-education fun kept the school jumping all day. John Snyder photos.
dows, an activity organized with help from the guidance department to reinforce community support and well-being.
Orsini said the event is held annually in February, aligning with heart-health awareness efforts, while many of the fitnessbased activities are part of regular PE instruction throughout the year This year, organizers expanded the CPR portion by bringing in additional community support so students could get more direct, hands-on practice.
The school raised $6,603 (at
last count) through donations made via the American Heart Associationʼs website as part of the American Heart Challenge campaign. Org anizers said funds support the associationʼs research and programs, including assistance for children and families navigating heart conditions.
The schoolʼs top fundraisers were Ryleigh Fitzpatrick (6th grade), Maeve Fitzpatrick (7th grade), Nicholas “Nick” DeTore (8th grade), and Caroline Fennell (8th grade).
St. John’s St. Pat’s party March 21
St. John the Baptist Church will host a St. Patrickʼs Day Party on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 6 p.m., at the parish center, 69 Valley St.
The evening will feature food,
complimentary Guinness beer, live music by Mary G and Frankie Lees, Irish dancers, and other entertainment. Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. Reservation forms are available by the church
doors. Completed reservations and payment should be brought to the rectory office. For more information, call 201-664-3131 or visit stjohnhillsdale.org.
‘How much cash should Ikeep on hand?’
HO W M UCH cash
should I have now? It seems like a simple question, but the answer can be complicated — especially in times of market volatility. Apart from an emergency fund, the amount of cash or liquid assets you need depends on many factors, including the current state of the market and major life events.
“There isnʼt really a general rule
in terms of a number,” says Michael Taylor, CFA, Vice President – Senior Wealth Investment Solutions Analyst at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.
“We do say it shouldnʼt be more than maybe 10% of your overall portfolio or maybe three to six monthsʼworth of living expenses.”
Taylor notes that the number could change depending on whatʼs going on in the economy and markets.
“You should make sure your emergency fund and cash reserves can meet your current needs,” he says.
Taylor shares five events that should prompt a conversation with
your financial advisor about how much cash to have on hand.
1. When the market is in flux. The state of the market can have an impact on how much cash you should have on hand, how long you decide to hold an asset as cash, or when to convert assets to cash. This can be especially true when you foresee a large discretionary purchase such as a vacation home or a luxury vehicle.
“Plan for those purchases or defer them so you donʼt have to liquidate assets at a loss during market uncertainty,” Taylor says.
2. When your job status may
change. If youʼre contemplating a career move such as starting a business, retiring soon, or facing a possible layoff, consider meeting with your financial advisor. “If you donʼt have enough cash on hand during those transition periods, you might have to dip into an investment account or sell a stock at an inopportune time,” Taylor says. “That means you could end up losing money when you can least afford it.”
3. When your marital status is about to change. Getting married or paying for a wedding? According to “The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study,” on average in 2023, couples spent $35,000 total on their wedding, including ceremony, reception and engagement ring. Note that doesnʼt include a honeymoon or the expense of setting up a household.
A divorce can set you back as well, thanks to legal fees, asset division, and other costs. That means you need enough cash on hand to weather the transition from being single to getting married or vice versa. Talking to a financial advisor ahead of time can help you identify how much onhand cash you need.
4. When your child is ready for college. According to projections by Wells Fargo Advisors based on the College Boardʼs “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid,” the estimated cost of attending a private college for four years (including tuition, fees, and room and board) starting in the 2024 – 2025 school year is more than $251,000.
“Itʼs important to plan so that you have enough liquidity to pay those tuition bills when they arrive,” Taylor says.
5. When you receive a windfall. If you receive an inheritance, a large bonus, or a generous financial gift, ask your financial advisor about investment options relative to the amount of cash you should have in your portfolio. If that money stays in
savings or short-term CDs, it wonʼt decrease in value, but it also may not be able to earn to its full potential.
Your long-term goals, risk tolerance, and spending and saving habits also affect how much cash you should have on hand. A financial advisor can help you strike the right balance.
Total yearly costs for in-state tuition, fees, books, and room and board (transportation and miscellaneous expenses not included). Base is 2024 – 2025 school year. Costs for all future years projected by Wells Fargo Advisors in November 2024 assuming a 3.3% national average increase per year for private colleges (based on a 10year historical average).
Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc., is a registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.
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
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We’ve been trained to serve your needs and solve your problems and, for the most part that’s what we do. Obviously, every case is not winable and every crisis doesn’t vanish over night...but appropriate measures taken at the right time can improve situations that once looked hopeless.
We care about our clients and we try to give them the very best that is in us. That’s our promise, so if you need legal help and don’t mind visiting a well used office...give us a call.
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Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide
Water, the most overlooked prescription
Advertisement
BOOSTYOUR BRAIN POWER
By Dr. Eric Kaplan, DC, DACNB, FACFN, FABVR
IF WATER were introduced today as a pharmaceutical drug, it would dominate prime-time television. “Side effects may i nclude improved focus, b etter digestion, balanced mood, joint s upport, glowing skin, and enhanced brain function.” Doctors would prescribe it. Insurance companies would debate coverage. Investors would line up.
Instead, water is everywhere—and most Americans are chronically dehydrated.
Research from Harvard shows that even mild dehydration can impair attention, short-term memory, and mood. Yale studies link dehydration to increased cortisol, the bodyʼs primary stress hormone. The National Institutes of Health reports that chronic low-grade dehydration contributes to fatigue, headaches, kidney strain, and poor cognitive performance. In other words, sometimes itʼs not stress or aging—itʼs dehydration.
Your brain is approximately 75% water, and your body about 60%. When hydration drops, circulation slows. Detox systems struggle. Digestion weakens. Inflammation increases. Too often, we reach for coffee, sugar, or medication to compensate for what might have been prevented with better hydration habits.
But hydration isnʼt just about drinking more water—itʼs about drinking it correctly.
First rule: sip, donʼt chug.
When you drink large amounts at once, much of the water passes through too quickly to be a bsorbed. Sipping steadily throughout the day allows your cells to actually use the water.
Second rule: avoid ice-cold water. Cold water can constrict blood vessels and slow digestion. R oom-temperature or slightly warm water supports circulation and digestive efficiency.
Third rule: timing matters. Drinking water about 30 minutes before meals prepares the digestive system. Waiting roughly two hours after eating before drinking again helps protect digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption.
How much water should you drink? A simple guideline works well: half your body weight in ounces per day. A 160-pound person should aim for about 80 ounces daily, adjusting upward with exercise or heat exposure.
Quality is just as important as quantity. Many municipal water supplies contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Reverse osmosis filtration effectively removes these impurities—but it also removes beneficial minerals.
Thatʼs why I recommend adding them back with a pinch of high-quality sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This supports proper hydration, mineral balance, and detox pathways—without artificial additives or sugary sports drinks.
Another overlooked detail: how you drink. Sipping from an open glass is easier on digestion than chugging from a bottle, which often causes excess air intake. Whenever possible, choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic.
At Kaplan Brain & Body, we
Elks St. Pat’s Day fun
March 14 at lodge
assess how well the brain is functioning using qEEG brain mapping, a safe, non-invasive test that measures electrical activity in the brain. This allows us to identify patterns related to stress overload, inflammation, focus c hallenges, and imbalance—
HILLSDALE/RIDGEWOOD
o ften influenced by hydration and lifestyle habits. To support our community, we are offering qEEG brain mapping for $21 (normally $600) for a limited time when you mention this article. Call 201-261-2150 or v isit www.kaplandc.com to
schedule.
Sometimes the most powerful medicine doesnʼt come from a pharmacy. It comes from a properly filtered glass of water— sipped slowly, mineralized wisely, and supported by smart brain testing.
Towns partnering on Styrofoam
A Hillsdale Environmental Commission member told councilmembers Feb. 10 of a new shared-service agreement with Ridgewood to recycle Styrofoam/polystyrene in the borough. He said the commission plans to host at least two recycling events in 2026.
The council unanimously approved the agreement, 6-0, under resolution 26071. The pact requires the borough to pay the Village of Ridgewood $5 for every 95-gallon bag of plastics
being delivered to the Ridgewood plastic recycling site, said Environmental Commission member Owen Peacock. He said the HEC recommended doing two recycling events this year.
He said in January 2025, the town filled a 14-cubic yard dump truck and the DPW dropped off the recycling bags in Ridgewood. He said the recycling will be charged on a per-bag basis.
There is no minimum payment to be part of Styrofoam recycling, he said, but rather
towns pay for the number of bags that they recycle in the machine. Peacock said some recycled styrofoam is made into decking and railing materials for cruise ships.
He said the group would be purchasing bags soon for recycling events, costing about $100 for 50, 95-gallon bags.
He noted last year that Ridgewood recycled 12,000 pounds of Styrofoam. He said events planned for 2026 would be run in the West Lot.
—Staff Writer Michael Olohan
PROTECTING OUR KIDS: APRIL 8 FORUMONSOCIAL-MEDIADANGERS
THE HILLS VALLEY Coalition hosts “Protecting Our Kids: The Many Dangers of Social Media” on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in Pascack Hills High Schoolʼs auditorium.
Billed as a powerful, multi-dimensional conversation—not a lecture—the program is intended for adults and children ages 12 and up and will focus on what children are encountering online, including social media harms, cyberbullying, counterfeit pills and sextortion.
Attendees will hear from four parent advocates who have experienced loss connected to these issues and have since turned their grief into education, prevention and awareness. Local law enforcement officers will discuss what is happening now in area communities, including tactics predators use and practical steps parents
and teens can take to stay safe.
School guidance counselors will also share how frequently social media plays a role in Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) cases, including warning signs, behavior patterns and supports available to families.
The event is held in memory of Emily Michaela Murillo and is associated with Emmyʼs Champions. Registration is requested.
Scan to RSVP
For tickets, call or text
Sharon Herman at (201) 2807602 or Dennis Cosgrove at (201) 739-9296.
Park Ridge Elks Lodge will hold its annual St. Patrickʼs Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the lodge, 13 Sulak Lane, Park Ridge. Tickets are $65 per person and include a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with dessert, beverages, and live entertainment by the High Strung Band, along with Irish step dancers.
HIRING MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE
Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net
DR. ERIC KAPLAN, DC
Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide
FOOD ADDICTSIN RECOVERY ANON.
F ood Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA), a free 12-step recovery program for people struggling with food obsession, overeating, under-eating or bulimia, holds a special introductory meeting Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. at the Montvale Senior Center Atrium, One Memorial Drive.
FA is an international nonprofit recovery program modeled
MEETING MARCH 7
on Alcoholics Anonymous. Organizers describe food addiction as a condition that can show up in a range of behaviors, including overeating, under-eating, bulimia, over-exercise, laxative abuse, or painful obsession with body image.
The program views recovery as addressing physical, mental and spiritual dimensions through a structured food plan, help from
a sponsor and fellow members, and ongoing support working the 12 steps.
In addition to the March 7 information session, a weekly FA meeting is held Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Montvale Senior Center.
Visit foodaddicts.org or call Susan L. at (978) 886-5469 or Miggie R. at (646) 552-7078.
Free brain-health program Feb. 26
The Alzheimerʼs Association Greater New Jersey Chapter presents a free educational program, “Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body for Aging in Good Health,” on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Christ Lutheran Church.
The session runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the church, 32 Pascack Road, and is hosted by the Rev. Marc A. Stutzel.
The program will be led by Alzheimerʼs Community Educator Terry Ciulla.
Light food and refreshments will be provided.
According to organizers, the presentation will highlight current research on the connection between brain and body health and how lifestyle choices may support healthy aging.
Topics include diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, as well as practical tools to help attendees
Jessica
Scientist
incorporate recommendations into a personal plan. Registration required. Call 800-272-3900 or visit the
Alzheimerʼs Association at https://action.alz.org/mtg/769408 594. Family members and friends are welcome.
ST. JOHN’S ACADEMY INVITESYOUTO RED & WHITE GALA MARCH 19
St. Johnʼs Academy hosts its 26th Annual Red & White Gala on Thursday, March 19, 6–10 p .m. at Edgewood Country Club, 449 Rivervale Road, River Vale.
The Red & White Gala is an annual fundraiser featuring food, entertainment, and “hundreds of prizes,” according to the school.
Tickets went on sale Feb. 2 and can be purchased at sjahills-
dale.org/gala. Tickets are $125 if purchased before March 2, and $150 if purchased March 3–9. Sponsorships are available.
For more information, contact gala co-chairs Christina Uzzi and Andrea Scirocco at sjaredandwhitegala@gmail.com, or call St. Johnʼs Academy at (201) 6646364. St. Johnʼs Academy is at 460 Hillsdale Ave. in Hillsdale.
Woman’s Club military bridge March 27
The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club will host a Military Bridge/Tricky Tray night Friday, March 27, at the Montvale Senior Center on Memorial Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7 p.m. Military Bridge is a team-based, WWII-era variation of contract bridge—no bridge experience required, and help will be available to learn the game. The evening will also feature a large Tricky Tray raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. Tickets are $20 per person, with proceeds supporting local charities and scholarships at local high schools. Seating is limited; registration deadline is March 20. To register, mail a check to Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, PO Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, and include your name/contact information and the names of your playing group (seating will be assigned). Questions: 551-2365817 or gpvwc1990@gmail.com.
Ask the Dentist: Dental implants Age limit?
Question: I was wondering if there is age limit for a person to have dental implant.
- J. P., Rivervale, NJ
Answer: Fortunately, age by itself does not limit a personʼs ability to have a dental implant.
In fact, one of our patients who was 97 at the time, requested and successfully had an implant placed at our office. Although age is not a factor, some issues, which go along with aging need to be examined when planning for implant and other oral surgical procedures.
Overall health characteristics including blood pressure, diabetes and allergies should be evaluated. Medications taken by the patient also need to be reviewed. Blood thinners and use of baby aspirin (81mg) may be adjusted prior to implant procedures and antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgical
appointments in some cases. Medications generally known as bisphosphonates (ex: Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel) which are given to patients in order to maintain bone density, can cause complications in the healing process following implant or extraction surgery. These drugs are given either by mouth or by injection. Patients taking these medications orally are at much lower risk for adverse effects than those given in the injectable form. I find that patients on thesemedications are often not well informed as to the potential effects on healing of the jawbones.
As with all medical and dental procedures, make sure that the doctor and staff are kept up to date as to changes in your health and changes in medications you may be taking.
For questions about this and other dental procedures ask your dentist or contact Dr. Guller at info@pascackdental.com or call (201) 391-5565
WOODCLIFF LAKE
Alzheimer’s disease has destroyed neurons in the righthand brain above.
Wilson/Science Photo Library/New
PASCACK VALLEY
ROBERT H. GULLER, D.M.D OF PASCACK DENTAL ARTS
Reader asks:Is long term care insurance worth it?
Dear Savvy Senior,
My husband and I have been thinking about getting a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is long-term care insurance worth it?
—Approaching Retirement
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Dear Approaching, There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a longterm care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for you and your husband. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 7.5 million Americans own a policy.
Who Needs LTC Insurance?
As the cost of LTC – which includes nursing home, assisted living and in-home care – continues to rise, itʼs important to know that most people pay for LTC either from personal savings or Medicaid when their savings is depleted, or through a LTC insurance policy.
National median average costs for nursing home care today is over $100,000 a year, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey. Assisted living facilities and home care aides average more than $65,000/year.
While national statistics show that about 70% of Americans 65 and older will need some kind of LTC, the fact is, many people donʼt need to purchase LTC insurance. The reasons stem from a range of factors, including the fact that relatively few people have enough wealth to protect to make purchasing a policy worthwhile.
Another important factor is that most seniors who need LTC only need it for a short period of time, for example, when theyʼre recovering from surgery. For those people, Medicare covers in-home
An A.I. Workforce Training Act
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ5), co-chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy, introduced the bipartisan AI Workforce Training Act to help American workers and businesses prepare for the rapid integration of AI across the economy. The bipartisan bill is co-led by Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17).
A statement from Gottheimer on Feb. 18 said, “As artificial intelligence continues to advance at lightning speed — reshaping jobs, national security, health care, energy, and everyday life — this new bipartisan legislation will incentivize employers to invest in training for their workers by creating a new tax credit for workforce AI education.”
He said, “The legislation will
help ensure workers can effectively use AI tools to boost productivity and remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
“AI is already changing how we work and that transformation will keep getting faster, and we canʼt let the American worker get left behind,” said Gottheimer. “Change is coming, and if we want America to continue to lead the world in AI innovation, we need to make sure American workers are ready for the jobs of the future. This bipartisan bill will help workers build critical AI skills, boost productivity, and strengthen our economy — all while keeping the United States at the front of the pack.”
Gottheimer said the Act will allow companies to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of qualified
expenses, up to $2,500 per employee per year, for costs related to teaching workers how to use, manage, and build AI systems. Eligible expenses include accredited courses, workshops, certificate programs, and inhouse instruction covering areas like data literacy, machine learning fundamentals, prompt engineering, and AI ethics.
Pascack Press reached out for Gottheimerʼs views contrasting the idea of AI “reshaping jobs,” as he put it, and posing a threat to American labor overall, as some close watchers worry.
A staffer said Gottheimer will be working on these issues from his position as co-chair of the House Commission on AI all this year.
— Staff writer John Snyder
health care and nursing home stays of 100 days or less following a hospital stay of more than 3 consecutive days.
So, who should consider buying a policy?
LTC insurance make the most sense for people who have investable assets of $500,000 to around $2 million that they want to protect. Anything less, and you will likely deplete your resources and go on Medicaid for LTC coverage. Anything more, and you can probably afford to pay for care yourself.
Another factor to weigh is your personal health and family health history. The two most common reasons seniors need extended long-term care is because of dementia and/or disability. And, almost half of all people who live in nursing homes are 85 years or older. So, whatʼs your family history for Alzheimerʼs, stroke or some other disabling health condition, and do you have a family history of longevity?
You also need to factor in gender too. Because women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of needing extended LTC.
Choosing LTC Coverage
After evaluating your situation, if youʼre leaning towards buying a LTC policy, be aware that premiums can vary widely. According to the American Asso-
—PASCACK
WCL seniors host St. Pat’s Day luncheon
The Woodcliff Lake Senior Association St. Patrickʼs Day Luncheon is Thursday, March 5, at the Senior Center, 411 Chestnut Ridge Road. Music and entertainment will be provided by Peter Lieberman. Non-members are welcome. Cost is $25 per person for non-members and $20 per person for members. RSVP by Feb. 22 by calling Marilyn at (201) 391-4720.
Hillsdale 50+ Club trips
The Hillsdale 50+ Club is planning three upcoming bus trips:
• March 26: LiGreciʼs Res-
ciation for Long-Term Care Insurance, premiums for a policy bought by a couple who are both age 65 for a benefit pool of $165,000 each, with a 3% inflation rider, ranged from $7,137 to $8,493 a year.
You can buy LTC insurance from an insurance company or through an agent. Or you might also be able to buy a policy at work. Be sure to get quotes from several sources for the same coverage to compare prices.
There are two main types of long-term care coverage youʼll want to consider. Traditional LTC insurance, which is “use it or lose it.” And hybrid policies that combine LTC coverage with life-insurance benefits. These policies promise that if you donʼt end up needing long-term care, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. Both types of policies require medical underwriting to qualify.
Another hybrid product to consider is an income annuity that includes a provision to increase your payout if you need LTC. However, the payout may not cover the full cost of care, and the added cost of this provision, known as a rider, can reduce the standard payout from the annuity.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
taurant, featuring a Frank Sinatra tribute (music and dancing), a comedian, and lunch.
•April 29: Bronx Zoo day trip.
• May 16: The Barn Theater to see Monty Pythonʼs Spamalot Space is limited. Contact Evelyn Pachner at 201-666-7675 or epachner157@gmail.com.
St. Andrew’s 50+ Club, March 4
St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club next meets Wednesday, March 4 at 1 p.m. in the gym. Fr. D and Fr. Diego will give a presentation on Lent. Annual dues of $15 will be collected, and new members are welcome. Cake and coffee will be served. Attendees are asked to bring an item to donate to the food pantry. For information, call Elaine at 201-664-7037.
VALLEY BRIEFS —
INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
The Westwood Regional School District will begin its annual preschool registration for the Integrated Preschool program for the 2026–2027 school year.
The tuition-based program is open to children who are 3 years old and under 5 on or before Oct. 1, 2026, and who reside in the Borough of Westwood or Township of Washington, the district said. Tuition for the program was listed as to be determined.
Families can find an overview of the program and the tuition payment schedule on the district web-
site. Applications may be downloaded at wwrsd.org by selecting Preschool from the Menu dropdown, or picked up at the Department of Special Services office.
Completed applications will be accepted from March 2 through March 23, 2026. The district noted that if a lottery is initiated, applications submitted after the March 23 deadline will not be eligible.
For more information, contact Christine McNeil at 201-664-0880, ext. 2047, or email christine.mcneil@wwrsd.org.
She advocates for foster kids in Bergen County
TOWNSHIPOF WASHING-
TON resident Nilene
Evans became a Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) after reading a Bergen Record story about the work nearly a decade ago — and thinking, I can do that.
Evans, a retired corporate securities lawyer, said she was looking for meaningful, handson service after leaving full-time work. “I could still just write checks,” she said, “but I didnʼt want to write checks. I wanted to do, and be involved.”
Today, Evans is a volunteer Advocate with Bergen County CASA — now a colleague of the volunteer whose story first drew her in — and she is also a member of the organizationʼs board. She described the role as a serious commitment, one that often requires persistence, coordination, and a willingness to keep showing up.
“When I signed up, I was told you have to think of it like a part-time job,” Evans said. “It is a commitment… Weʼre supposed to be with the kids for as long as it takes.”
Volunteer Advocates appointed by family court judges work alongside schools, service providers and child-welfare professionals to help ensure foster childrenʼs educational, medical and mental-health needs are addressed — and that judges have the information they need to make well-informed decisions in each case. Bergen County
CASA, a Hackensack-based nonprofit, follows that model and is part of a nationwide network of more than 900 CASA affiliates operating in 49 states, the organization says. It says its advocacy is guided by the principle that children do best with their family of origin when that can be achieved safely.
For many children, a CASA Advocate is the only consistent adult presence while they are in care — particularly when placements change, Executive Director Lucy Rosen said.
Evans said that consistency matters because even when removal is necessary, the disruption itself is traumatic. “The mere act of taking a child from a home — no matter how neglectful or how terrible the home is — is traumatic.”
While people sometimes assume CASA work is primarily one-on-one time with a child, Evans said much of the role involves advocacy inside a complicated system: speaking with educators, physicians, therapists, caseworkers, foster parents and biological parents, then “We advocate… We think about whatʼs going on and what does the child need,” Evans said. “We nag. We nag politely; we work the system.”
One concrete example, she said, is education. State rules can require a child to remain enrolled in the school district from which they were removed, even when they have no meaningful ties there and the commute becomes punishing.
“There are kids who… can be on the road two hours a day,” Evans said. “And so we figure out those things.”
Evans said delays and gaps in mental-health services remain among the hardest challenges — not because professionals donʼt care, but because there are not enough providers and childrenʼs cases can shift quickly
“There arenʼt enough providers,” she said. “Everything takes longer than you planned… and if a therapist leaves, you have to start over.”
Bergen County CASAʼs next Advocate training class begins Saturday, Feb. 28. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend an information session before applying. (For details visit bergencasa.org and bergencasa.org/information-sessions.)
Evans said volunteers bring different strengths — whether they know school systems well, understand community resources, or simply connect with children — but the essential qualification is a steady commitment to a childʼs well-being.
“Itʼs caring,” she said. “You want to make a difference in a childʼs life.”
—By Staff writer John Snyder. Read more at thepressgroup.net
Inset: Nilene Evans of the Township of Washington. Evans became a Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) after reading a newspaper story about the work nearly a decade ago. Courtesy.
Scouts sweeten first responders’ Valentine’s Day
PARK RIDGE Girl Scouts marked Valentineʼs Day by making and donating more
than 100 chocolate-filled “fancy envelopes” and handmade cards for the Park Ridge Police Depart-
HILLSDALE
Knights fishfry March 8
The St. Thomas More Council 2188 hosts a Sunday Fish Fry on March 8 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 40 Crest St. Doors open at 2 p.m. The menu includes fried fish with tartar sauce, fries, cole slaw, cornbread, mac ʼnʼcheese, pickles, and dessert with coffee/tea/soda. A cash bar will be available. (Menu subject to change.) Tickets are $20 per person, $35 per couple (age 65+), and $15 for children 12 and under. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, March 4. Proceeds will support scholarships. For reservations, contact John at (201) 245-7555. Checks should be made payable to “Knights of Columbus 2188.”
ment, Park Ridge Fire Department, and the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
The troop also assembled “sock cupcakes”—each containing warm socks, skin lotion, and chocolates—for Meals on Wheels recipients, providing an extra surprise with meal deliveries this week.
W ith members of the PRPD: Ella Donnelly; Girl Scouts with members of the Fire Department.
—Via Carrie Rauschenberger
For the kids at HFPL
•Tinkering Tuesdays – Open Maker Tuesdays, Feb. 17 and 24, at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.
•Jiggly Wiggly Music –Tuesdays, March 3 and 13, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
•Tales for Tykes –Thursdays, Feb. 12 and 26; March 5 and 17, at 1:30 p.m. Ages 2? to 5. No registration required.
•Childrenʼs Book Clubs –Wednesdays, Feb. 10 and 17, at 4 p.m. For grades 2–3 and 4–6. Registration required.
• Kids Garden Club – Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 4 p.m. Ages 5 and up.
For much more: hfpl.org
Announcements?
Let us help announce your achievements. Send your news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net
ON THE ROAD
What is that odd noise? Could mean this…
Many drivers understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, but plenty of others donʼtt know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm.
Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Hereʼs a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.
High-pitched squealing
Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.
Rattling in the wheel
If you hear rattling inside of a wheel at low speeds which stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasnʼt tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Clicking
If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of
the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed.
Squeaky or scraping windshield wipers
Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.
Clunking sounds
Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in offroading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
Humming, whining or whirring
These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic.
Flapping noise
A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may
cause severe engine damage, so itʼs important to address the issue.
Squealing under the hood
Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts
are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes.
These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage.
Connect with safe driving — mobile devices yield deadly distractions
Few likely imagined that a day would come when a person could communicate, browse the internet, take photos and videos, play music, and much more all from a device small enough to store in a pants pocket. But thatʼs just what one gets with a smartphone. These amazing devices have transformed how people engage in everyday life. Although smartphones have their upside, there are disadvantages to the connectivity they provide — including the threat phones pose when used while behind the wheel.
• 24 hour emergency towing with our own trucks
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Anything that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off of the road, even if only for a few seconds, can prove disastrous. And smartphones have proven particularly distracting for drivers. In fact, according to Franciscan Health, one in four accidents occur because a driver was using a cell phone, hands-free or not. Distracted driving contributed to 3,522 deaths and 362,415 injuries in the United States in 2021, the most recent year for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationʼs published estimates. More than 20 percent of respondents in a 2022 NHTSA survey admitted to using at least one smartphone-based distraction, such as social media, tex-
Here are some facts that highlight how dangerous using a smartphone while driving can be.
ting or video calls, while driving.
Each time a driver gets away with using a phone without incident while behind the wheel, he or she may feel like it is no big deal. However, there is very real danger in doing so. Here are some facts that highlight how dangerous using a smartphone while driving can be.
• The National Safety Council has found drivers using handsfree and handheld cell phones fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. This is known as “inattention blindness.”
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says using a cell phone while driving increases crash risk, as researchers have consistently linked texting or manipulating a cell phone to increased risk.
When the IIHS monitored drivers who frequently use cell phones while driving for one year, those drivers had the highest rates of near crashes and crashes.
• Using driving simulators or instrumented vehicles, various analyses have found typing or reading text messages significantly slowed reaction time and increased lane deviations. It also increased the length of time drivers looked away from the roadway The NSC says drivers using cell phones had reaction times slower than drivers impaired by alcohol at .08 blood alcohol concentration.
• When a person sends a text message or reads a message, it takes his or her eyes off the road for five seconds. Going 55 miles per hour while texting is like driving the length of a football field with oneʼs eyes closed. Although smartphones are convenient, they should be stored out of reach while driving to limit the temptation of use.
Annoying shake, rattle, or squeal? Don’t ignore it.
WESTWOOD
Recreation pre-K registration begins March 10
Parents of 3- and 4-yearolds are encouraged to save the date for Westwood Recreation Preschoolʼs 2026–27 registration day on Tuesday, March 10. Residents should attend the 9 a.m. session; non-residents should attend the 11 a.m. session.
A first payment of $550 ( Pre-K-4) or $475 (Pre-K 3) is due at registration. Call 201664-7882 to book a registration appointment and schedule a tour.
Parents seeking local,
affordable preschool options may find the Westwood Recreation Preschool part-time program a good fit for introducing a child to school when full-time child care is not required. The threeday-a-week, half-day programs for children ages 3 to 5 are designed to foster kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a nurturing setting.
Westwood Recreation Preschool is a State of New
Jersey-licensed child care facilit y. Classroom activities support academic and social development by building self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, and listening skills, while providing a foundation in literacy, math, social studies, and science. Art, music, seasonal activities, and free play round out the program.
The program is open to children ages 3 to 5 as of Oct. 1, 2026. Proof of residency and birth certificates are required at
registration. Children must be potty-trained before entering the program.
Annual tuition is $2,400 for 4- to 5-year-olds attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Annual tuition is $2,000 for 3-year-olds attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuition is payable in four installments: at registration, September, January, and February. The 2026–27 preschool year begins Sept. 9.
Parents are encouraged to
register in March, as class size i s limited to 24 for the Pre-K 4 morning class and 20 for the Pre-K 3 afternoon class.
To schedule a tour or ask questions about the program or registration process, call 201664-7882. Additional information is available at the Westwood borough websiteʼs preschool page.
For more information, contact Gary Buchheister, recreation director, at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.
Westwood municipal budget session March 9
There will be a special meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Westwood on Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood. The purpose of the meeting is to review the 2026 budget. The Council reserves the right to go into closed session, if needed.
WESTWOOD
Seniors invited to Forever Young yoga, tai chi
Westwood Recreation is i nviting residents and neighbors age 55 and older to take part in yoga and tai chi through the departmentʼs Forever Young program.
F orever Young yoga, led by certified instructor Tori Karach, is a 60-minute class for beginners through advanced participants.
The class is designed to build flexibility, improve balance and posture, boost mood, increase muscle tone and help ease aches and pains. Yoga meets Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Westwood Community Center. The program is free for Westwood residents age 55 and older; the fee for nonresidents is $20
per month.
Forever Young tai chi is taught by instructor Hasmig Mekjian. Tai chi, a Chinese martial art, features slow, continuous movement from one pose to the next and is often practiced to reduce stress and anxiety. Classes meet Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Tai chi is free
for Westwood residents; the nonresident fee is $30 per month and includes both classes.
To register, adults 55 and older may visit the Westwood
The Sundial Garden Club will sponsor a public lecture, “Spring Beauties for Biodiversity,” by Deb Ellis on Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m. at the Hillsdale Public Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave. Ellis is founder and leader of the Essex Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. An environmental advocate focused on native plants and biodiversity, she is also a Master Gardener and Rutgers Environmental Steward, and previously served on the Montclair Environmental Commission. A retired social justice lawyer, Ellis was named a White House “Champion of Change” in 2011.
Organizers said Ellisʼs talk will highlight simple, practical ways gardeners can use native spring flowers to support biodiversity. The program is open to the
meeting room.
The Sundial Garden Club invites you to a public lecture, “Spring Beauties for Biodiversity,” by Deb Ellis on Monday, March 2. Above:with Virginia bluebells.
C irillo ‘Jerry’ VITTI
Cirillo “Jerry” Vitti, 93, of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., formerly of Hillsdale, N.J. and Queens, NY, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. Jerry is survived by his sons Guy and his wife, Suzanne; Sal and his wife, Donna; and Anthony and his wife, Pamela; his grandchildren Victoria, Tabitha, and Adam and his wife, Kari. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary; his son Jerry, as well as his siblings Rudolfo, Raphaela Drago, and Gilda Capone.
Jerry, a Korean War veteran, began working for the Maxwell House Coffee / General Food Corporation shortly after being discharged from military service. He worked at Maxwell House for more than 40 years, retiring in 1994.
Jerry was a special law enforcement officer for the Hillsdale Police Department during the 1980s and ʼ90s. He was heavily involved in the Hillsdale Little League and Menʼs Recreational Softball League.
OBITUARIES
Jerry was always interested in popular music and passed that passion onto his four sons. His affinity for music led him to attempt to play the saxophone—with mixed results.
Mary and Jerry were inseparable, and known among friends to be the life of the party. People would gravitate to him for his sense of humor and general good feelings. They would never hesitate to invite large groups to the house for a social gathering.
Jerry and Mary relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 1994 and spent more than 30 years there making friends, traveling the world and generally earning a well-deserved rest. He also was employed by the New York Mets and worked at the spring training facility for many years.
The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Tuesday, Feb. 17. A Mass was held at St. John The Baptist Church in Hillsdale. Interment at St. Raymond Cemetery in the Bronx, N.Y.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jerryʼs name to Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997 or at TreasureHealth.org/292/Donate.
Becker-FuneralHome.com
Kathleen E. F OLEY
Kathleen E. Foley, 84, of West Windsor, passed away on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Bear Creek Assisted Living. Born in B ayside, Queens, N..Y, Kathleen was a resident of West Windsor for the past six years.
Kathleen lived in Hillsdale 1979–2020, where she raised her four children with her husband, George P. Foley Sr. The Foley house in Hillsdale will always be remembered for its half-court basketball court in the backyard that launched a neighborhood love for basketball.
Kathleen will be remembered by many as their coach, tutor, and the biggest sports fan for youth sports.
She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale.
Kathleen taught chemistry for Northern Valley Old Tappan High School, from which, after 25 years of service, she retired in 2005. Many students remember her as Dr. Foley and were astounded by her kitchen chemistry experiments. An avid chemistry tutor, she shared her positive attitude that “chem-is-try,” transforming her students into science superstars.
in honor of Kathleen Foley in your home community or at the Beechwood Park / Memorial Field Tree Fund, payable to Borough of Hillsdale Tree account, attn. Mike Ghassali 380 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ 07642. Trees are being planted this spring at Memorial Field.
Frank L. BARKER III
Frank L. Barker III, 92, died peacefully on Feb. 10, 2026. He was born April 8, 1933 in Elizabeth, to Frank L. Barker Jr. and Marcel (Langdon) Barker. The eldest of three boys, he was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Charles and Michael.
Frank graduated from Roselle Park High School in 1951 and earned a B.A. from Yale University in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army, 1955–1957 in Korea. After his military service, he attended Columbia Law School, but ultimately pursued a career with American Express, where he held a variety of roles in the companyʼs then-new credit card division.
While at American Express, Frank met his wife, Virginia (Sorbello), whom he often described as “the best decision I ever made.”
Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Kathleen Mulhall Neilson; her husband, George P. Foley Sr., and her son Joseph J. Foley, she is survived by her son George P. Foley Jr, and his wife, Molly, of Princeton Junction; her daughters, Kathie Foley of Dover, N.J., and Elizabeth (Beth) Foley Barnes of Greenwood, Miss., and her husband, Brian; her grandchildren, Luke, William, Caroline, and Elizabeth Foley, and Ruby and Orla Barnes; her brothers, Joseph Neilson of Garnet Valley, Penn. and his wife, Donna, and William Neilson of Metairie, La.; her sister, Margaret Szady of Whitefish, Mo. and her husband, Dave; her sisterin-law Mary Foley Reilly of Avon by the Sea, N.J.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, greatnephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. David the King Catholic Church 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550.
A Mass of Christian Burial follows on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at St. David the King Catholic Church. Arrangements are by the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton.
In lieu of flowers, plant a tree
They settled in Emerson, where they raised their four children: Frank IV (“Chip”), Douglas, Suzanne, and Melissa. After 54 years in Emerson, Frank and Virginia moved to Township of Washington, where he spent the final years of his life.
An avid sports fan, Frank rooted for the New York Mets (and earlier in life, the Dodgers) and encouraged his children to participate in sports for the life lessons it taught. His hobbies included bowling, crossword puzzles, cards, coin collecting, baseball cards, and paperweights, and he rarely passed up a scratch-off lottery ticket. His family said he took special pride in his four children and nine grandchildren, and loved attending their activities.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son Frank L. Barker IV (“Chip”) of Ridgewood and his children Frank L. Barker V (“CJ”), Olivia, and Chelsea; son Douglas of Centennial, Colo., and his children Huntley and Virginia (“Ginny”); daughter Suzanne Korb (Dan) of Morristown and her children Margaret (“Maggie”), George, and Ryan; and daughter Melissa Cherven (Kevin) of Montvale and their son Carson. He is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews and their children.
A wake was held Friday, Feb.
13 at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, followed by a Mass on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Church of the Assumption in Emerson.
Gloria R. McCOY
Gloria R. McCoy (formerly McAlpine, Iseldyke), born Sept. 27, 1930 passed away in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 6, 2026. She was the youngest of 11 children born to Gerard and Cora (Vink) Iseldyke. Gloria was born in East Rutherford and was a resident of Old Tappan for more than 50 years. Gloria was a homemaker who stayed home to raise her four children. After they were grown, she began a career working for Dr. Jeffery Berdini in Montvale. After retiring from that position, she began a second career at the Old Tappan Public Library, where she worked well into her nineties.
She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters Anne, Marion and Minnie; her brothers Gerard, Leonard, Leroy, John, George, William and Robert; and her daughter Beth.
Gloria is survived by her daughters Dana, Judi and Jane; her son Brian; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
A small service will be held at Crest Haven Memorial Park, 750 Passaic Ave., Clifton, on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m.
John F. BROGAN
John F Brogan, 66, of Hillsdale, formerly of North Bergen, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaina; children Daniel, Robert (Angie), Ryan, and Pamela (Paul); grandchildren Matthew, Evelyn, Julie, Nico, and Paul; and his brother, Richard (Maureen). He was predeceased by his parents, Julia and Francis. The family received visitors at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Friday, Feb. 13. A Mass celebrating Johnʼs life and faith was held at St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale on Saturday, Feb. 14. Private cremation followed. Memorial contributions may be made in Johnʼs name to the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org/Donate. Becker-FuneralHome.com
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FROM PAGE 7 behind the wheel, police said. Police said the driver became responsive and accelerated into a snowbank, then reversed and struck a patrol vehicle.
He was removed from the vehicle, arrested, and charged with DWI and resisting arrest on a complaint warrant, along with other summonses, police said. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending mandatory court appearances in Emerson Municipal Court and Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Emerson Man Charged in $104 Shoplifting Case
Jan. 6 — Officer K. Cullen responded to a local grocery store on Kinderkamack Road to speak w ith loss prevention about a s hoplifting incident valued at about $104 that had occurred previously, police said. The case was turned over to Det. D. Kearns, who police said was familiar with the suspect, a 35-year-old man from Emerson. The suspect was charged on a complaint summons f or shoplifting and issued a mandatory court appearance in Emerson Municipal Court, police said.
Paterson Man Charged After Stop; Police Report Suspected CDS Found
Jan. 7 — Officer J. Schwarz observed a vehicle idling in a closed business parking lot on Soldier Hill Road, then initiated a
motor vehicle stop after observing violations, police said. The driver, a 34-year-old man from Paterson, consented to a search t hat produced suspected controlled dangerous substances, police said.
He was charged on a complaint summons with possession of prescription legend drugs (less t han four dosage units) and issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, with a mandatory appearance in Emerson Municipal Court, then released on his own recognizance, police said.
Brooklyn Man Charged After Police Link Suspect to $2,225 in Shopliftings
Jan. 28 — Police said that on Jan. 15, a loss prevention e mployee spoke with Det. D. Kearns about multiple shoplifting
incidents totaling about $2,225. After coordination with the Ridgewood Detective Bureau, police identified a 27-year-old man from Brooklyn, N.Y. and charged him on a complaint warrant with third-degree shoplifting, police said. He was issued a mandatory
court appearance date in Central J udicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Note: A charge is not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges may be amended or dismissed.
L.W.K Landscaping Park Ridge, N.J FOREMAN AND LABORERS NEEDED
Lawn Maintenance Crew for Spring 2026. Minimum 3 years experience preferred. Drivers License preferred (but not mandatory). Use of commercial mowers, weedwhackers, and blowers are mandatory. General Knowledge of the business. Hourly Salary ranges from $20-$35 per hour depending on experience, license, etc. References Preferred. Call Larry at 201-697-3458.
DENTALOFFICE- Park Ridge Front Desk Receptionist Wanted. Friendly, organized professional with strong customer service and communication skills needed for busy dental office. Dental or medical office experience preferred, but willing to train. Send résumé to: office@ alldentalsolutionsnj.com.
Caregiver for
Person. Live in 7 days per week. Cooking, Light cleaning. Loving, kind, caring 22 years experience, Refs. Available. Call Nataliya @ 201-566-8166.
Westwood - large furnished master bedroom, private bathroom & deck, shared kitchen $1,200 per month, 1 month security. Call or Text 201-694-9817.
FOR SALE- Commercial lawnmowers, 36 inch and 48 inch Scag belt drive machines. Very well maintained. Prices between $1,200-$2000. Call or text Larry: (201) 697-3458.
Polish lady will clean your house, apt, office. Free estimate. Refs available. Call Maria at 201-4782236.
