Pascack Press 5.31.21

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake

PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S BEST H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 11

BLOOD DRIVE

PICTURE PERFECT

Hillsdale Access For All art show delights A blood drive is set for Thursday, June 10 in Park Ridge to benefit fighter Cole McKeon, 5.

SEE PAGE 25

WOODCLIFF LAKE

CLASH ON 188 B’WAY Next hearing over apartments June 16

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Attorneys for the borough and 188 Broadway LLP sparred throughout a four-hour first hearing May 25 for a revised application to construct a 53-unit apartment complex at 188 Broadway that includes construction of a new second twostory building on the site.

An original application to construct a 60-unit apartment complex on the site was unanimously rejected by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in July 2019. application The revised requests a use variance for multifamily housing in an Special Office (SO) zone, plus a variance for interior parking lot landscaping and waivers for grades on walkways and swales. A small portion of the property is zoned R-15, but no develop-

See CLASH on page 314

S

HILLSDALE ACCESS FOR ALL, which advocates for individuals with disabilities, is powered by a cross-section of the community. The group’s first annual art show, Spring is in the Air, drew artists aged 6 to 62 from the Pascack Valley and across wider Bergen County — and gave Hillsdale much to cheer on May 21.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

PRING IS IN the air, and hung with pride at the Hillsdale Train Station, in a project thatʼs brought out some of the finest art from across Bergen County.

At Hillsdaleʼs Access For Allʼs first annual Spring is in the

Air Art Show reception, held on a gorgeous May 21, artists from 6 to 62 saw their works applauded and standing tall.

The exhibition, up all June, presents original artwork created by people with disabilities.

As the Hillsdale chapter of Access For All said in the leadup to the event, “This has been a difficult year for everyone, but

PHOTOS BY DIGITAL VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

itʼs disproportionally affected people with disabilities who are even more isolated and have had fewer opportunities to participate in community activities.”

Hillsdale AFA chair Gia Schneider, a speech therapist, told Pascack Press on May 26, “Itʼs incredible. We were really

Continued on page 26

MAY 31, 2021

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

RESIDENTS SETTLE WITH DEVELOPER American Dream Estates hearing June 2

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A long-delayed development proposal for 14 acres off of Van Emburgh Avenue known as the American Dream Estates was reduced from 73 units to 66 units with no variances needed and will be up for its first Planning Board hearing on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

The development of the Viviano tract has been a subject of debate, contention and controversy for at least two decades, and most recently a series of hearings in 2018 that ended without resolution over wastewater concerns.

The subject application for amended preliminary site plan approval, amended preliminary subdivision approval, final site plan approval and final subdivision approval is a continuation of a Planning Board public hearing commenced on Sept. 26, 2018 and last heard that Oct. 24, says the public notice, published May 23.

The project, initially approved in 2004, was stalled by previous court cases, fights over affordable housing, and wastewater concerns, plus opposition by nearby residents to high-density housing and potential stormwater runoff impacts.

Known locally as the Viviano property, at 463 Van Emburgh Ave., the proposal now includes 66 total residential units, a reduc-

See VIVIANO on page 334

TOP TEACHER

B ck in time...

Elena Spathis, PVHS world language teacher, is Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey 2021 State Teacher of the Year.

SEE PAGE 6

On Memorial Day in 1925, the people of Park Ridge gathered to watch a parade in Depot Square. Your local history maven, Kristin Beuscher, has the story.

SEE PAGE 4

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Hillsdale budget referendum?

To the editor: M [John] Ruocco IHorváth and Councilman [Zoltán] for taking their fiduciary THANK

AYOR

roles seriously and listening to the residents during the 2021 budget process. There appears to be an overwhelming lack of transparency from the Hillsdale Council from redevelopment, the budget, now capital, and continued closed ses-

sion meetings.

Due to the current pandemic, how can the Hillsdale Council think itʼs a wise choice to increase taxes an estimated total increase of $340 per average assessed household including the $138 municipal increase 5.3%.

The budget includes a $120,000 increase in garbage collection expenses to provide for twice a week pick-up which is not necessary. This service level was not in the prior bid, has Hillsdale received a legal opinion if the other bidders will challenge the no bid award of additional service.

Itʼs surprising that it appears capital was discussed for the first

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time at budget introduction. The details of $10 mil of spending have not been provided to the residents.

One of the projects, a community center, has not even been defined regarding size, cost, location, and ongoing operating expenses. What is the annual cost to service the debt?

Why has Hillsdale not undertaken a feasibility study and obtained input from all residents?

Hillsdale has four public schools, they should all be thoroughly evaluated to fully utilize their facilities.

What grants and or donations have been sought? Due to the long-term impact of such an undertaking, Hillsdale should have a referendum for these projects, since itʼs the largest amount of debt in history.

In the 2021 budget there is a $500k appropriation for down payment that should be in the 2022

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budget when the debt matures not the 2021 budget. If this appropriation is removed from the 2021 budget the tax increase would have been zero.

Does Hillsdale have a financial advisor? If so what advice have they provided in regards to timing of projects and or potential timing of debt issuance?

As for public safety communications why does Hillsdale not have all the costs in place and the budget was adopted May 4, 2021? Hillsdale should ensure that all departments have all the necessary tools needed to provide services to our residents.

It appears some of the other departments in this yearʼs capital are only receiving minimum items based upon the allocations.

Where is the anticipated revenue of pool capital fund balance that was intended to be paid to the pool operating in order to repay the general capital fund. Fully funded ordinances were canceled. The Stonybrook revenues are based upon a three-year average whatʼs the likelihood the budgeted revenues will be obtained.

The residents have an obligation to question their elected Council's priorities and actions. This is the highest borrowing in borough history, which is without a clear plan. A referendum is needed to seek approval from the public.

Jonathan M. DeJoseph Hillsdale

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didates who have unique experience to vital to the Borough now and in the future. Craig Marson and Veronica Appelle will bring unique experience to face major challenges facing our community.

1. Who can help the Borough deal with escalating administrative costs, maintaining municipal facilities, pending legal suits and other financial burdens? Incumbent Councilman Craig Marson has outstanding credentials in the world of finance and administration. He is currently a member of the Woodcliff Lake Council and previously served as a member of the town Planning Board. A licensed attorney and CPA, he is a Registered Investment Advisor with offices in New Jersey and New York.

2. What accounts for the largest part of Woodcliff Lakeʼs annual tax levy? The answer is our mandated share of the Pascack Valley Regional school costs. Veronica Appelle has over

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

The township attorney told the governing body on May 17 that he expected to receive a final property appraisal for 450 Pascack Road “soon,” and that once negotiations begin for the 3.2-acre tract these “will not be a public matter… to protect the town and taxpayer.”

“I hope everybody understands that. Iʼve said it before and Iʼll try to say it again; itʼs not in the townʼs interest to discuss everything that is thought about publicly because obviously itʼs a negotiation to start with and a condemnation if we canʼt acquire it amicably, which we will try to do,” said Township Attorney Kenneth Poller.

He said certain closed-session discussions cannot be aired in public as these might put both the township and taxpayer at a disadvantage as negotiations continue.

Under the eminent domain law, the Township may be allowed to take private property for public use in exchange for “just compensation.” This taking is authorized under the U.S. Constitutionʼs Fifth Amendment.

Poller was reporting on the status of a $2,500 property appraisal of 450 Pascack Road, which the council ordered in midFebruary. Poller told the council on May 3 that the appraisal was due back the first week of May. Two residents, Diane Ferrara and Antony Udina, members of Stop Township Overdevelopment

Projects, (STOP), both advocates for preserving the wooded tract between Ridgewood Boulevard East and Memorial Field and Washington Elementary School, had questioned what was going on.

Poller assured residents that the propertyʼs appraisal would only incorporate its current zoning and repeated that its appraisal would be an “as is” valuation and not include any speculative valuation, including future development potential.

“Yes, weʼre all in agreement that the appraisal is an appraisal as is the property as the property is right now,” said Poller May 17.

In addition to zoning, physical characteristics, frontage, property size, “and a whole bunch of other things,” Poller said he ordered a title search to detect any easements or encumbrances, an evaluation for wetlands/tidelands, and a property environmental assessment to uncover environmental issues on or surrounding the property.

He said all of these “go into the concept of what this property is actually worth.”

Poller noted that while an

appraisal “generally encompasses all of these other things,” he would provide these documents to McNerney & Associates to incorporate into the final appraisal report and propertyʼs fair market value.

“Ultimately the idea is to get a real sense of what the fair market value is. There are several approaches to the value of real estate … and I work with the appraiser on that. The bottom line on that is we are getting close to having a final appraisal,” said Poller.

He said once a final appraisal is in hand, the council will meet in closed session to discuss the appraised value of property and to discuss its options, including where the Township will start negotiations with an offer on the property.

Poller previously told Pascack Press that the township believes it has “more than enough justification” for condemnation.

Last summer, Lakos Construction Inc., owned by Nick Tsapatsaris, had proposed a 48unit senior apartment and town-

home complex, and withdrew the application following public pushback at council and neighborhood meetings.

Tsapatsaris is 450 Pascack Roadʼs contracted purchaser, although it was unclear if the township would negotiate with Robert Morris, one of 450ʼs owners currently living on site, or Tsapatsaris.

We reached out to Poller for

comment but did not hear back by press time.

“I cannot comment on who the Township will eventually decide to make initial contact with. In the event that they contact Mr. Morris, he will in turn provide any notice to Lakos Construction, Inc. We have a good relationship with Mr. Morris and will respond in unison and in the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

PASCACK VALLEY

WOMAN’S CLUB GARAGE SALE JUNE 5

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club is planning a garage sale on Saturday, June 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park Ridge Depot Square by the railroad station. Rain date is Saturday, June 12.

Donations are welcome and

tables are $25 each. For both matters, call Merci Norwood at (201) 666-3040.

Items being sold include Baby Jogger, ride-on toys, bedspread, matching drapes, jewelry, small appliances, etc.

Proceeds go to local charities.

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Discover local history at museum The Pascack Historical Society invites members of the public to stop by its museum any Sunday, 1–4 p.m. Admission is free. Face masks are required.

The Societyʼs John C. Storms Museum is in an 1873 former chapel at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge (one block north of Park Avenue West).

The barrier-free museum is home to thousands of objects, artifacts, and documents that chronicle life in the Pascack Valley as it was in past centuries. Visitors will discover a special section devoted to colonial artifacts, they will learn about why shell beads called wampum were so important in the Pascack Valley, and they will see rooms recreated to illustrate early19th century and Victorian life.

The museum also has a collection of Lenape stone tools that predate European settlement. Adults are encouraged to bring their children for a unique learning experience.

For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org and follow the museum on Facebook.

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS RAILROAD STATIONS The museumʼs latest exhibit highlights the railroad stations of the Pascack Valley line.

Through photographs, documents, and artifacts, the exhibit will tell the story of how the coming of the railroad in 1870 helped form the Pascack Valley as we know it today, transforming our towns from isolated, sparsely populated rural hamlets into dynamic suburbs. Every train station in the valley will be highlighted (plus one that no longer exists!).

The exhibit will continue into the autumn and is in addition to the museumʼs regular offerings.

Advertise your service in the Service Directory in the Pascack Press.

B ck in time...

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

MEMORIAL DAY, 1925: A Park Ridge fire truck is on Hawthorne and approaching Park Avenue during the borough’s parade. At the time, Park Ridge was still providing fire protection to Woodcliff Lake. Montvale had formed a fire department a couple years earlier but had not yet gotten a vehicle.

The photographs on this page come from the archives of the Pascack Historical Society.

A long-ago Memorial Day in Park Ridge

WORLD WAR I veterans on the march in Park Ridge’s Depot Square. The flag on the right is for the American Legion, the local post having been founded in 1919.

inside LIBRARY CALENDAR

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DINING GUIDE

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SCHOOL NEWS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS 24 HOME IMPROVEMENT 29 REAL ESTATE

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SERVICES

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OBITUARIES

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BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER OF PASCACK PRESS

A CROWD GATHERS for commemorative services. It was an era when ladies wore dresses or skirts out (pants were not yet acceptable) and gentlemen wore suits and hats.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood 201.664.2105 and Woodcliff Lake FAX 201.664.2109 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 E-MAIL US AT Westwood, N.J. 07675 pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

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N MEMORIAL DAY in 1925, the people of Park Ridge gathered to watch a parade in Depot Square.

The fire trucks and other autos that proceeded past them would now be prized antiques.

The marching veterans were from the recent Great War, or as we call it now, World War I. There might have been some aged Civil War veterans in the mix as well.

World War II was still a ways in the future; the boys who would go off to fight in that conflict, and in many cases never return, were infants and young children when this parade came past them in 1925.

That dayʼs guest speaker in Park Ridge was William B. Mackay Jr., a state senator. Mackay was a Bergen County attorney (later a judge) who served in the Senate from 1917 to 1928. He championed two important causes: women gaining the right to vote (this happened in 1920) and the building of the George Washington Bridge.

At the time of his 1925 appearance in Park Ridge, he was right in the thick of gaining public support for this new bridge that would span the Hudson River from Bergen County to New York City. The bridgeʼs construction began two years later.

John J. DeFina John Snyder Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher

The articles and opinions printed in Pascack Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Pascack Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. This publication contains material developed independently by Pascack Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part.

Pascack Press is published in Westwood and is distributed to every household in our circulation area.

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VOTING SWITCHED TO MUNICIPAL CENTER FOR 7,749 VOTERS TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Registered voters in districts 1, 3 and 5 will have a new voting location June 8 due to difficulty in continuing to operate a polling location at the public library, said the township clerk May 17.

Township Clerk Sue Witkowski said due to the library being closed, and library staff not available, plus the room where voting machines were previously located currently full of books, she said she had to find a new secure voting location.

No voting will occur at the library, Witkowski said. Instead, all local voting will occur at the Municipal Building, located at 350 Hudson Ave. Witkowski plans to send out a postcard to nearly 3,600 voters in the three districts affected, informing them of the new voting location.

Districts #1 and #5 will now vote at the Municipal Buildingʼs Court Room and District #3 will vote at the Senior Room, also located in the Municipal Building.

Districts 1, 3, and 5 total 3.581 registered voters, while the Township has a total of 7,749 registered

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location to make voting more convenient for voters.

Witkowski said she spoke with the borough administrator, Calamari, the police department and public works department, “and we will make it work.”

She said that Election Day may be a day that employees work from home or park in alternate locations.

She also said she hopes to keep all voting at the township hall, unless unforeseen problems require a change.

Witkowski said 55–60 spaces exist in the municipal lot and because an election runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. “People do spread out and itʼs not like theyʼre all coming at the same time.”

voters, Witkowski told Pascack Press.

District 2, 4 and 6, which already vote in the Senior Room, will remain unchanged and District 3 will be joining them there. District 3 has 849 registered voters, said the clerk.

Council unanimously approved an extra $2,000 in the annual budget ballots line for a postcard mailing to voters, increasing the line to $12,000 for 2021–2022.

Councilman Michael DeSena worried about parking challenges given the increased election day traffic and parking needed at the municipal building. Councilman Stephen Cascio suggested that the voting locations be spread out to another

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PV’s Spathis is top New Jersey foreign language educator, 2021

¡Felicitaciones! The Pascack Valley Regional High School District announced with pride that Elena Spathis, Pascack Valley High School world language teacher, has been selected as the Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey 2021 State Teacher of the Year.

Each year, FLENJ identifies an exemplary world language teacher who personifies and promotes the best in the profession. FLENJ is a non-profit, foreign language organization that represents all world language educators at all levels in New Jersey.

Its Teacher of the year is honored at the Annual Conference in the spring and competes on the regional level the following winter at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL). That winner then competes to become the ACTFL Teacher of the Year at the national level.

PV graduate Isabella Tjan said “An essential aspect of Srta.

Spathisʼs instruction was the use of materials that connected the classroom to the real world. I enjoyed this immensely; in an honors Spanish class, one does not normally expect to learn about artists such as Picasso or Dalí, consider immigration policy through the lens of a family from Nicaragua or Honduras, or explore climate change throughout Chile and Spain.”

Tjan said, “However, this is exactly the realm of what we covered in Honors Spanish IV. It was enlightening. Not only did it make me care about the subject, but the

global perspectives that I gained through this class that I still carry with me have permanently shaped my way of thinking.”

According to Tjan, the goal of Spathisʼs instruction “is not limited to memorization of vocabulary and conjugation forms; rather, she aims to develop fluidity with the language that the student is then able to apply to current topics through a global lens.”

Tjan said, “Therefore, I have not only been educated in the Spanish language, I also have been educated about the Spanish-speaking world, and there is no other way to have gotten that other than through this incredible teaching style.”

According to District Supervisor of World Languages Noemi Rodriguez, Spathis consistently pushes her own growth as a world language educator.

“This has led her to share her own ideas through a variety of professional development workshops, published articles and webinars. She has presented at the local, state and national levels year after year,” said Rodriguez.

She added, “In my opinion, Ms. Spathis is a truly ʻconnectedʼ educator, sharing her insight on different social media platforms and maintaining her own blog with a tremendous wealth of resources and strategies for immediate application.”

With the change to hybrid instruction, said Rodriguez, Spathis continues to strive to deliver engaging lessons with comprehensible

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ELENA SPATHIS, Pascack Valley High School world language teacher, is Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey 2021 State Teacher of the Year.

input at the heart of each class meeting. “She has found unique, engaging ways to maintain a positive [vir-

tual] classroom environment with all of her students and classes.”

Taking the top honor in 2020

was Ashley Warren of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.

WESTWOOD

Summer specialty camps and classes

Registration for residents and non-residents is underway for Westwood Recreationʼs summer specialty camps and classes.

On the schedule for 2021 is a fun round-up of sports, art, drama and STEM. To register use the Community Pass link at westwoodnj.gov/179/recreation.

Kicking off the summer specialty camp season is Colorful Warriors with an Art Mini-Camp, two hours of art daily July 13–15.

Aug. 9–13, kids can choose from a half-day Art & Movement Camp, a new Theatre Camp with drama coach Krista Reagan, as well as two new STEM camps: Chemi-

cal Creations or CSI Camp.

Also on the schedule is Tennis and Golf camps with TGA and Multisports Camp with USSI. Both sports camps will run morning and afternoon sessions the weeks of Aug. 9 and 16.

Classes for kids this summer include Soccer Squirts and Sports Squirts for kids 2–5 and Tennis lessons for kids grades K–8. Adults can get moving and sharpen their skills with tennis lessons and outdoor yoga.

“Getting our kids together for small camps both outdoors and indoors is more important than ever this summer,” said Recreation

Director Gary Buchheister.

“We recognize how much our kids need to socialize and rekindle friendships as we move through the loosening of pandemic restrictions,” he added.

Buchheister said the rec team hopes this schedule of “quality, reasonably-priced programming addresses the communityʼs need to get back to regular activities. We canʼt wait to see everyone playing and learning together this summer!”

For details about classes and camp programs, session locations and times, see the 2021 Summer Programs flyer at westwoodnj.gov/179/recreation.

WESTWOOD

Shop the Hub with Westwood on June 5

Residents and visitors will find unique opportunities to shop local as summer arrives in the Hub of the Pascack Valley during Celebrate Westwoodʼs next Shop the Hub on Saturday, June 5.

The event will feature live music, sales and specials from Westwoodʼs small businesses including favorite retailers of fashion, jewelry, art, home goods, beauty, gifts, sweet treats and more, just in time for Fatherʼs Day, graduations, and end of school year celebrations.

As part of Celebrate Westwoodʼs Arts on the Avenues program, live music will fill the air downtown throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Enjoy the smooth instrumentals of series newcomer Benjamin Weise from 1 to 2 p.m. near the Center North Parking Lot; rock out with crowd favorite Mama D and the Vexations and their high energy cover songs and knockout vocals in Veterans Park from 4 to 6; and as the sun sets, find pianist/vocalists Liv Lion near the Westwood Post Office and Theresa Abou-Daoud near Center Square from 7 to 8:15.

Participating businesses include Market House, Westwood Pool Company, Ginger ʻnʼ Cream and its three sister stores, Threads, Ludovica, The Gem Mine, Urbann Touch, Hunt & Orchard, Collected Works, Tapestrie, The Iron Horse, Tokyo Cafe, and Conradʼs Confectionery,

with more locations signing on each day.

In the three months since the last Shop the Hub event, at least four new businesses have opened or changed ownership, so be sure to pay them a welcome visit as well Luxe XII, Mexica, BR Tanning, and Mi Flor Latin Cafe.

Convenient parking is available on streets and municipal lots via the touch-free ParkMobile App. Shoppers are encouraged to extend their stay and “Dine the Hub” at one of more than 44 unique Westwood eateries by dining in, taking out, or enjoying some of the outdoor seating options around town.

Shoppers and diners are encouraged to celebrate the relaxation of gathering restrictions, capacity limits, and masking rules, however remember that individual businesses are permitted to enforce their own policies to ensure the comfort and safety of their customers and staff.

Businesses participating in the Celebrate Westwood Shop the Hub event will be marked with brightly colored balloons.

For the most up-to-date information on sales, specials, and hours of operation, check with your favorite Westwood small businesses or visit celebratewestwood.org or @CelebrateWestwood on Instagram and Facebook.

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LIBRARY CALENDAR: VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

EMERSON MONTVALE 20 Palisade Ave. 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org (201) 391-5090 • Baby & Me is on Facebook montvalelibrarynj.org Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Newborn • In-person event: Yoga for to 2. Songs, dance and finger plays Beginners (outside class) launchwith stuffed animals and rhymes. es Monday, June 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. Certified yoga instructor HILLSDALE Trish Corbett will teach this four509 Hillsdale Ave. session introductory class on the (201) 358-5072 libraryʼs lawn. Bring your own hfpl.org yoga mat; blankets and blocks • The library has launched the suggested but not required. In the new Page Turners Childrenʼs event of bad weather, classes will Book Club for kids in grades 2–3. be rescheduled. Register online On June 2 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. the for as many sessions as you want. group gathers on Zoom to discuss • Members of the True “Time Jumpers: Stealing The Crime Book Club are reading Sword” by Wendy Mass. For more “The Babysitter: My Summers info, call the Childrenʼs Room at with a Serial Killer” by Liza Rod(201) 358-5073 or email Cindy at man for their next meeting, Thurscindy.greenwald@hfpl.org. day, June 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. on • Work off those extra COVID- Zoom. The group meets virtually 19 pounds in a fun and socially dis- to discuss a new true crime title tant way with Zumba! Every every month. The group still has Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Janet Weller, openings! If interested in joining, certified personal trainer, leads this email george.galuschak@montdance-based workout via Zoom. vale.bccls.org.

Register online.

PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Storytime with Miss Renee, a weekly program for children through preschool age, is live on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ) Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

• Storytime with Miss Sherri runs Thursdays at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Stories, songs and craft for little ones.

• Take-and-Make Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page. Miss Renee walks kids through a fun craft at home. You must call the library the Monday–Thursday before the craft to reserve your craft kit and it must be picked up that day. All ages.

• Book It! Club with Miss Eileen is live on the libraryʼs Facebook page on Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Stories, science and more geared towards kids in primary grades.

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • The library offers OnDemand Kidsʼ Crafts for River Vale residents ages 4–8. For June itʼs a Donut Sewing Project. Register online, pick up craft kit, then watch the instructional video anytime in June. Kids will learn to sew on a button as they complete this fun project that requires no prior sewing experience.

• Qigong is a science-based exercise that works the body as a whole with movement, breathing practices, and mindfulness to improve overall health. The library offers online qigong classes for all ages on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to

noon. Via Zoom. Open to everyone; sign up online.

• Author Mathew Duman, creator of the book “The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture from Ten American Colleges and Universities” will give an illustrated talk via Zoom on Wednesday, June 2 from 7 to 8 p.m. Duman traveled to 10 universities to photograph the unique grotesques and gargoyles roosting on their academic buildings. His lecture will show the variety of ornament, history and humor these campuses have to offer. Register online for access.

• At “Bug-themed Snacks with ShopRite,” kids in grades 2–6 will join registered dietitian Barbara Stavrou via Zoom as she teaches them to make yummy June bug crackers and a healthy dirt cup. Thursday, June 3 from 4 to 5 p.m. Register and find ingredients list on the libraryʼs website.

• River Vale Readers Book Club (grades 2–3) will meet on Zoom Tuesday, June 8 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss “Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail” (Book 1) by Kate Messner. Register online.

• Friends of the River Vale Library Book Group meets the second Wednesday every month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Newcomers welcome. For June 9: “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins. Register on the libraryʼs website.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Chair Yoga for Everyone, presented by Apple Rose Yoga, is offered free for Washington Township library patrons on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the

libraryʼs website for information.

• In-person event: Kids can play Lawn Games outside the library every Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Grades K and up with a grownup. Wear a mask and play safely outside. The library will have a selection of games. No registration required. Weather permitting.

• On New Release Tuesdays, Allyssa pops onto Facebook and Instagram to share some new book releases. Book reviews, laughs, and more.

There is no set time for this live program, but it will be available on the libraryʼs website on demand in the evening. Follow the libraryʼs social media to see when Allyssa goes live.

• Yoga with Miss Danielle, for children ages 2–5 with a caregiver, is Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. on Facebook. Each class is posted for several days, and you do not need a Facebook account to access it. Stories come to life through interactive yoga poses.

• Book Cooks Club is on Facebook Wednesdays at noon.

Join Allyssa as she invites you into her kitchen to cook up a new dish. Recipes posted the week prior.

• In-person event: Weekly Storytimes are held outdoors at the library. Preschoolers (ages 2–5) meet Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Infants and toddlers meet Fridays at 10 a.m. See the libraryʼs website for details and signup.

• STEAM Thursdays, a virtual program for school-age kids, is every Thursday at 4 p.m.

Each week the kids make a craft or try a science experiment.

Links on Facebook, YouTube and library website.

• In-person event: Snack Chat for tweens and teens is every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Drop by for snacks, easy crafts, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Borough’s first ‘pride’ event takes root June 13 MONTVALE

The Montvale Diversity and Inclusion Committee announced Montvaleʼs first pride event is set for June 13. The committee, along with Mayor Michael Ghassali and the town council, will host a tree dedication ceremony at Huff Park for the LBTQ+ community in Montvale and surrounding towns.

“The goal of our committee is to make sure everyone feels wel-

come and has a voice,” said committee member Elizabeth Gloeggler.

The ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes several speakers from the Bergen County community, including Pastor Mark Suriano of First Congregational Church of Park Ridge and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy live music, performances, arts and crafts for all ages, and free snow cones provided by a Kona Ice

truck.

All are welcome and the event will be held rain or shine.

Gloegger, who served on Borough Council January 2017 to January 2020, said that the dedication is in celebration of pride and the LGBTQ+ community.

Several of the members of Diversity and Inclusion Committee are members of the GayStraight Alliance at Pascack Hills High School and part of the LGBTQ+ community. Their efforts and a desire to see everyoneʼs voices heard in the commu-

Paterson man charged over grandparent scam

ment.”

Gloegger said the tree itself is “a wonderful way to give a gift to everyone in Montvale.” She noted it blooms every year and acts as a symbol of pride in the Montvale community.

She also said that this event might be the first pride event to take place in the Pascack Valley area. She commented that Para-

nity helped lead to the committee being formed, Gloegger told Pascack Press last week.

Britannica explains “June has long been recognized as LGBTQ Pride Month, in honor of the Stonewall riots, which took place in New York City in June 1969.

During Pride Month, it is not uncommon to see the rainbow flag being proudly displayed as a symbol for the LGBTQ rights move-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

HILLSDALE

Police Chief Robert Francaviglia announces the arrest of Elvis Guzman-Silia, 43, of Paterson on charges of conspiracy to commit theft by deception and trafficking in personal identifying information of another.

The arrest is a result of an investigation by the Hillsdale Police Department Detective Bureau.

Francaviglia told Pascack Press on May 25 that GuzmanSilia was arrested as a result of a two month investigation into what is commonly referred to as a grandparent scam.

Francaviglia said the investigation showed that the elderly vic-

tim was contacted via telephone, convinced that her grandnephew Guzman-Silia

had been involved in a motor vehicle accident and subsequently placed under arrest.

The victim was then instructed to provide $9,000 cash bail to a female party that would be sent to her residence in order to bail her family member out of jail.

A short while later, a courier arrived posing as a bail bonds worker and retrieved the money.

As a result of the investigation, Guzman-Silia was arrested and charged.

Francaviglia states that the charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Community weighs in on student ‘District Equity Team’

Board member Debra empowered and now see things they didnʼt before,” Molinelli said. Stephans said, “There are so many “[The three students from the equi- other, equally important political, ty team that I spoke with] were religious, cultural, [and] ethnic glowing with excitement that they clubs—how could we choose MONTVALE felt like they were more compre- which ones to fly and why?”

She added, “I think this is the hensive [people] and they underAt the recommendation of disstood their world better. They perfect example of a slippery trict Superintendent Erik Gunderunderstood themselves better, [as slope.” sen, the Board of Education well as] how they actually fit into approved the District Equity Team BOE has openings in the context of their community.” as a new co-curricular club for the Board member Gini Varghese Hillsdale, River Vale, Montvale 2021–22 school year, with Erica Board Secretary Yas Usami felt that as a board member one Franceski as the clubʼs advisor. must “leave personal feelings to the shared that there are three board The board discussed this deciside” in order to hear every view- member seat vacancies, one each in sion during Monday nightʼs BOE point that is being offered in a topic. Hillsdale, River Vale, and Montmeeting, held in Pascack Valley “Weʼre not here to do this job vale, for voters to decide in the High Schoolʼs cafeteria and virtualfor one child or two children, or two November election. ly on Zoom.

Also, the administrative team different groups of children,” “[The District Equity Team] Varghese said. “Weʼre here to do is finalizing the details of the has been tasked with evaluating all governance for the entire district. sorts of topics that we deal with in We are not trying to shove anything WESTWOOD the school district with regards to down any childʼs throat at all whatembracing student differences, and soever.” looking at those differences as Following the discussion of the assets,” Gundersen said. “[The club club, there was questioning on pays attention to how] we can conwhether there was a policy on the tinue to make improvements to request of displaying a flag on cammake sure that all students feel The annual Crafts in the Park pus for certain clubs. equally welcome in the Pascack Show will returns to Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This picturesque park will feature 95 exhibitors from three states with crafts, art, and photography.

The show is sponsored by the Westwood Heritage Society and pro$ moted by P.J.s Promotions. $ Items shown will include stained glass, wood animal puzzles, photograOZ. phy, artist prints, florals, birdhouses, metal art, jewelry, pottery, ceramics Sell Your A V A I L A B L E A T ld, and soaps.

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Valley family.”

Gundersen clarified that joining the club is voluntary and it will serve as an outlet for students to have their voices heard, including when it comes to informing the BOE of improvements that can be made from “an equity standpoint.”

River Vale resident Eli Moallem conveyed his opposition to the club, stating that he didnʼt see why the board was concerning itself with “non-essential” issues amid the pandemic.

Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco shared his thoughts on the topic, hoping to urge the board to be “less dependent” in creating the vision statement on “identity politics, which is not embraced by all the residents, and also less reflective of a theory of modern Marxism, which is the theory of equity.”

BOE President Tammy Molinelli said the students in the club have expressed that the club is “one of the best things they have ever experienced.” “[Students] have said they feel

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2021–22 schedule, which includes the enrollment of an eighth period, according to Gundersen.

Hailing the lifting of Covid restrictions Gundersen addressed Gov. Phil Murphyʼs announcement that Covid-19 related outdoor and indoor precautions have been lifted. “[Murphyʼs announcement] continues to bode well for our springtime events as we continue to celebrate proms, senior trips, and ultimately graduation,” Gundersen said. “We are all growing increasingly excited for the seniors CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Crafts in the Park returns June 13

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Questions on emergency spend over Memorial Field lights TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

An emergency contract for $150,000 to replace bulbs in Memorial Fieldʼs lighting system caused sparks during the May 17 Township Council meeting though council members voted, 5–0, to approve the expenditure.

Councilman Michael DeSena, who will face Mayor Peter Calamari in this yearʼs mayoral contest, questioned why the lights needed replacing now when lighting had been an issue at Memorial Field for at least four years.

DeSena asked for the bid specs and said he wanted to see vendor price quotes he was told previously had been received.

However, Administrator Robert Tovo said only one price quote was received to replace burned-out bulbs with LED bulbs.

The resolution listed on the May 17 agenda notes, “Resolution No. 21-209 Authorization to ratify award of an emergency contract for Memorial Field lighting.” It neither states a vendor to perform the work nor lists an amount to be paid out.

DeSena said that he knew of six other vendors who could have provided estimates on the bulb replacement work and questioned its timing and the need for

an emergency contract. Tovo said no competitive bids were required under an emergency contract.

Council President Stacey Feeney and councilwoman Desserie Morgan both strongly pressed the need for improved field lighting. Morgan said local and visiting cheer squads noticed the poor field lighting and that at night, animals were seen on the fieldʼs less-well-lit areas.

Feeney said she had spoken with lacrosse teams and was told “a good amount of lights were out.” Tovo said more lights were out this year than last year.

DeSena questioned Tovo on how adjustments would be made to optimize field lighting levels and Tovo said that lighting adjustments would be possible as part of the vendorʼs quote. Tovo said a two-page quote had been provided to the clerk, which DeSena could review.

Tovo noted that the LED light bulbs being installed last an estimated 10 years. It was not then clear when the vendor would begin replacing the bulbs.

Calamari said he “personally thanked” Tovo for expediting the emergency lighting contract, which was done to protect public health and safety on the public recreational fields.

Feeney said the improved lighting would benefit “general safety on the field, not just players but guests.”

On May 12, DeSena told Pascack Press, “I am in full agreement that something needs to be done with the lights at Memorial Field. I asked for the administration to provide the quote from K Hanrahan Enterprises [of Fair Lawn] and it was not sent for the bill list meeting.”

He said, “I asked the administration the night of the bill list was the lighting improvements

designed by our township engineer and the answer was no.

Field lighting is not just removing old bulbs and replacing them with LED bulbs a full ISO survey of light levels needs to be completed to ensure players do not encounter high light levels in certain areas and low levels in others.”

DeSena said, “A project with a value of upwards of $150,000

needs to be bid. The project needs a bid advertisement, full plans and specifications, and most of all a proper funding source.”

DeSena said, “I will support a resolution to reallocate the funding for lighting if the project is handled correctly.”

For more information, including public meetings set, visit twpofwashington.us.

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Asian American identity, celebration to fore in Montvale

BY MATTHEW WIKFORS SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Montvale Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosted a panel discussion on May 20 about community resources and initiatives to help the Asian American community in the Pascack Valley area.

Amaka Auer and Elizabeth Gloeggler, co-chairs of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, hosted the Zoom event along with committee members Cindy Lam Pieroni and Daniel Galeon.

Guest panelists included Mayor Michael Ghassali, Bergen County Commissioners Tom Sullivan and Ramon M. Hache Sr., and Head of Asian American Advisory Board Lori Hughes.

Meanwhile, according to asianpacificheritage.gov, the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are “paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched Americaʼs history and are instrumental in its future success.”

The site notes that, “A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).”

It explains, “The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”

As of census data from 2019, the Asian American community makes up 17% of the population in Bergen County, steadily rising over the past few years.

The 2010 U.S. Census found Bergen County had the greatest percentage of Korean Americans than any other community in the country.

Montvale ʻall inʼ on diversity Galeon moderated Montvaleʼs panel discussion, asking the panelists questions and leaving the rest of the time open for questions from attendees.

One of the recurring discussion points was the idea of being “all in” when it comes to embracing diversity and giving a voice to everyone in the community.

Galeonʼs first question was “Why celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?” He started the ball rolling by noting that, to him, it is “a time for Asians and Pacific Islanders to reflect on their time in the United States.”

Ghassali, a Syrian immigrant, and the members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee discussed efforts to celebrate diverse cultures and voices. They raised the point of how the committee relies on volunteer efforts to plan their celebrations.

Ghassali said, “We have the full support of the governing body and full support of the community, and Iʼm happy we can have these diverse celebrations.”

He also said that there are natives of 44 countries living in Montvale and that the Asian Pacific

Westwood Memorial Day Observances Westwood will observe Memorial Day 2021 with in-person memorial services, an honorary caravan of veterans through the Central Business District, and a special procession of veterans and emergency vehicles through Westwood neighborhoods on Monday, May 31.

The day begins with the Firemen’s Memorial Service at Fireman’s Park at 8 a.m., hosted by the Westwood Fire Department.

At 10 a.m. the Veterans Council will lead its service at Veterans Memorial Park across from the Iron Horse Restaurant.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a caravan of veterans will be led by the Westwood fire and police departments and American Legion Post 206 color guard from the Westwood Train Station through downtown Westwood and then around the periphery of the borough, following the route outlined below.

Residents are encouraged to

bring their flags downtown or walk to a nearby street along the route to enjoy the procession with family, friends, and neighbors.

Route for Veterans' Caravan Procession: Park Avenue to Jefferson Avenue Jefferson Avenue to Kinderkamack Kinderkamack to Westwood Avenue Westwood Avenue to Washington Avenue Washington Avenue to Lafayette Lafayette to Forest Avenue Forest Avenue to 4th Avenue 4th Avenue to 3rd Avenue 3rd Avenue to Mill Street Mill St to 1st Avenue 1st Avenue to Old Hook Road Old Hook Road to Emerson Road Emerson Road to Palisade Avenue Palisade Avenue to Pascack Road Pascack Road to Sand Road Sand Road to Harrington Avenue For more information, visit westwoodnj.gov or call 201-664-7100.

Islander community is “one of many cultures we would like to celebrate.”

The idea of being “all in” also returned when Hughes discussed what the Asian American Advisory Board is and what she and the board do for the Asian American community.

She explained that the advisory board was formed in 2013 and consists of seven officers who hold three-year terms. The officersʼ role is to offer advice and support to the county on how decisions will affect the Asian American community.

Hughes and the advisory board also plan events for the Asian American community in Bergen County.

“Each family story is unique and adds to the community,” Hache said about the growing Asian American community in Bergen County.

“All of these stories are woven together to create our culture in the community.”

Hughes also called the Asian American community complex.

When she described the process of working with the leaders of Asian American communities, she talked about being “all in” and the importance of establishing trust and a connection with the leaders she works with. “You really need to know every ethnic group and connect with the head of the community.”

By doing so, she said that it allows you to learn what is best for each community and it can help unite communities.

She talked about the food truck event that the Asian American Advisory Board held Saturday May 22 as an example. She said that the event was possible with community leaders working together to help make it happen.

She also discussed efforts to help Asian American businesses affected by the pandemic by applying for CARES grants.

“They want to see that youʼre helping, that you care,” she said.

Sullivan, Hache, and Ghassali also expressed being “all in” when Galeon asked them, “What are some ways your offices are showing community support?”

Sullivan talked about the resources available for the Asian American community in Bergen County, including mental health resources and crime resources.

He said that he feels it is important for Bergen County and its residents to embrace and invite others because “Weʼre the melting pot of New Jersey.”

When the topic of hate crimes against Asian Americans came up, Sullivan and Hache expressed the importance of everyone being “all in” to report and reduce hate crimes.

Sullivan talked about taking an active role to help others by “not just sitting on our hands and waiting for the train to go by.”

“Hate has no place here in Bergen County,” Hache said about hate crimes. He talked about the county prosecutorʼs office and its zero tolerance for hate crimes.

He and Sullivan also talked about New Jerseyʼs Bias Crime Unit, a statewide toll-free number or individuals who feel they are targets of bias crime.

According to nj.gov, the Bias Crime Unit is the statewide coordination of efforts to eliminate crimes motivated by prejudice against others based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression and national origin.”

Multiple times during the evening, they told participants the number for the Bias Crime Unit, 1800-277-BIAS (2427), and stressed that it is everyoneʼs duty to report hate crimes.

They said that hate crimes only get reported if people speak up and report them.

Ghassali expressed similar points. He said that there are “zero reports of hate crimes” in Montvale, but urged residents to call the police if they see or respect hate crimes. He said that police can only take action if hate crimes are reported to them.

The second recurring discussion point was the need for educating the Asian American community on how to report hate crimes and law enforcement on how to best understand and work with other cultures in their community.

This discussion point briefly popped up throughout the night, but the main discussion came during Galeonʼs final question, “How are you holding yourself accountable to create a diverse and inclusive culture?”

Hughes said that “Asian are peaceful people” and that this is one

mus held its first pride event last summer and plans to again this summer, but had not heard of any pride events that have taken place within Pascack Valley communities in recent years.

In 2019, at emotional meetings that summer and fall, LGBTQ individuals, and parents and friends spoke in favor of displaying the pride flag on municipal property as a sign that Montvale is a welcoming and inclusive community.

The Borough Council voted

down creating a flag-flying policy Sept. 24, citing concern that the measure could lead to lawsuits from residents wanting to have other perhaps less inclusive viewpoints flown on a borough flagpole in the public square.

Westwood held a pride flag raising ceremony at its Borough Hall in recent years, then also followed legal advice not to open the doors to advocacy flags, citing potential lawsuits.

“We invite everyone to come and join us, to come together on a beautiful June night to celebrate pride,” Gloeggler said.

Pride: Event June 13 FROM PAGE 9

of the reasons that hate crimes that take place in the Asian American community often go unreported.

She talked about the need to educate the Asian American community on how to report hate crimes and to be there when people need help.

She also talked about how there also needs to be an understanding among law enforcement about Asian American culture. She said that the Asian American community needs to be “part of the mainstream,” meaning that they need to be seen as part of the larger Bergen County community, not just their own separate community.

Sullivan and Hache discussed education on a county level when it comes to law enforcement and helping the Asian American community. Sullivan talked about the recent grants the county received for police training. He said that the money would be used for educating police officers on other cultures and to retrain them based on the current changes in culture.

He also talked about part of the grant going to unbiased investigators and the four people on staff dedicated to cultural training. Sullivan expressed that we will “continue to be an advocate for every program.”

As a member of the Asian Advisory Advisory Board, Hache said it is their job to continue “breaking silence and raising voices of the Asian Pacific Islander community.”

He talked about how the need to speak up is a personal issue to him, as his wife is a first-generation Asian immigrant and he is familiar with the reluctance in Asian American culture to speak up.

He said that breaking the silence “starts with each and every one of us.”

The panel discussion ended with time for attendees to express their concerns, share their stories or ask questions. Questions ranged from “How can I get involved with the diversity committee?” to “How can we create an environment where hate is socially unacceptable?”

One attendee, a first-generation immigrant from China, talked about the aftermath of the Atlanta shootings and how it affected her and her family.

She said she was surprised to see that there was no school wide communication to ease student and parent fears about the shootings when the school sent out communication to families after the various police shootings that have affected the nation.

She said she reached out to the superintendent of the school and asked them where the communication on Asian hate crimes was.

Her story, as well as the stories and questions from attendees, gave rise to further discussion from panelists on topics like how to raise awareness for younger generations in the Asian American community, how to get involved to celebrate and share diverse voices, and how to best reach older audiences from ethnic communities.

13

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

TANDUP COMEDY COMING TO VETERANS PARK

Itʼs said that laughter is the best medicine and after enduring a pandemic year (and then some), the Westwood Recreation Department is offering up a healthy dose of comedy, Residents are invited to a Standup Comedy Show in Veteransʼ Memorial Park on Saturday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free but attendees are asked to register via the Community Pass link at westwoodnj.gov/179/recreation.

Presented by Misterdirectʼs Real Talk, the program will feature comedians performing all-ages, family-friendly sets. Comedienne Gina Dimaggio is hosting the event with performances by comedians Ben Green, Tony Parlante and Ralph Anthony.

Opening the evening with a musical performance is Celebrate Westwood Arts on the Avenue performer Liv Lions.

“Itʼs been a crazy year of closures, changes and losses and we feel really strongly that getting together as a community for some hearty laughs is really important

PASCACK VALLEY

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

K of C’s annual spring food drive June 5

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 is conducting its annual spring food drive to collect non-perishable food goods to help the needy through local food pantries. Personal hygiene items are also welcome.

The drive runs Saturday, June 5. The council asks all residents place bagged donations at their front door before 10 a.m. on that Saturday. Knights and other volunteers will pick up the parcels as they cover every residence.

As a reminder, a food drive notice will be mailed to township households before the drive. The driveʼs newspaper co-sponsor, Pascack Press, will run a notice in an issue preceding the event.

Non-perishable food items needed are powdered milk, hot and cold cereals, canned fruits, vegetables, stew, fish, meats, soups, one-can meals, peanut but-

right now,” said Recreation Director Gary Buchheister. “Being outside with our neighbors, enjoying an event in person, without Zoom or FaceTime—itʼs exactly the type of activity we want to experience with everyone as we start to resume nor- RIVER VALE mal activities. We expect the evening to be a lot of fun.”

For more information, write gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.

Calling all neighbors: Bring the family, friends and pups too!

The Township of River Vale is excited about its new season and pleased to announce that the Farmerʼs Market is all set for opening date, June 3.

The market will run every Thursday through Oct. 28 from 2 ship and Charity accounts.

For information on hole to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall parking sponsorship, gift donation, and lot (behind the tennis courts), 406 golfer registration, write Rivervale Road.

Come and enjoy shopping kofc2188.org or call Ray Polomski the great outdoors for the finest at (201) 664-3920. local products. Farmer bring delicious grown produce, microSee you there!

one of the most active charitable organizations in the United States.

In the past year, the organization has raised more than $4.4 million for Christian and other religious minority refugees in the Middle East.

The Knights also set new records in fiscal year 2019 for charitable giving with donations of $185.7 million and 76.7 million hours of hands-on service to charitable causes.

In calendar year 2020, Mother Seton Council contributed $68,785 to charities and awarded $4,000 in scholarships.

Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. For more information call (201) 664-0422, or visit kofc5427.com.

Farmers’ Market Thursdays from June 3

Sponsor K of C golf outing set for June 14

St. Thomas More Council 2188 Westwood/Hillsdale sponsors its annual Golf Outing at the River Vale Country Club on Monday, June 14. Monies raised will fund the councilʼs Scholar-

ter, pudding, Jell-O, jelly, pasta products, rice, baby food, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, pancake mix, etc.

Personal hygiene items are especially appreciated as they cannot be obtained with food stamps.

In lieu of these items, monetary donations may be sent to the K of C Food Drive, 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Your donations may be left there as well.

For more information, call cochairman Chuck Merlo at (201) 661-0191, Jim McPeak at (201) 707-1519, or the K of C at (201) 664-0422.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 at St. Maryʼs Church in New Haven, Connecticut, by Fr. Michael J. McGivney. It is the worldʼs largest Catholic fraternal organization with nearly 1.9 million members worldwide. It is also

Happy Memorial Day!

greens including farm raised meats and eggs all from Hope Cress Farms. The market will have foodies and from time to time special artisanal vendors.

Shop for an array of fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, lunch, dinners, stuffed breads, sides, baked goods, ice cream, desserts, and much more.

The market features Clydeʼs Homemade Italian Ices, Picklelicious, Pie Eyed Bar Pies/dinners, the Empanada Lady, pies and quiches, and Buon Antipasto.

Organizers say theyʼre look-

ing forward to Kimchi Smoke, Strawberry Lembeck Jewelry, Knot of This World Pretzels, Sawdust Unlimited, and Voyager Espresso.

Some new vendors will be full or part time or a guest. The marketʼs organizers say theyʼll try their best to have nutritionist days, stories and crafts, music, pet adoptions, and blood drives, etc., weather and Covid permitting.

Visit rivervalenj.org and the River Vale Farmerʼs Market Facebook page for vendor rosters before the market day each week.

Pascack Press welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley.

Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

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40 years of experience as a teacher, guidance counselor and school principal. She is uniquely qualified to fight to maintain our excellent schools, while reigning in the constantly escalating costs.

As a resident of the Borough for nearly five decades, she is keenly aware of the tax burden we all

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Weekly Specials!

BYOB

Dining & Cooking Guide

share. Veronica chaired the Woodcliff Lake Affordable Housing Committee, founded the East side Residents Association, and volunteers at Meals on Wheels and Atrium Acute Care facility.

These two candidates offer a unique balance of recognizing the importance of the history of Woodcliff Lake, as well as a much needed foundation in the world of finance and administra-

tion to guide the Borough through difficult times now and in the future.

Craig and Veronica have been endorsed by fellow Democratic members including Council President Angela Hayes, former Mayor and current Councilwoman Josephine Higgins, and Councilman Richard Schnoll.

On June 8th vote for Craig Marson and Veronica Appelle in Column 3 in the Democratic pri-

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A proud veteran remembers To the editor: Memorial Day, I am overcome with O memories of my friends whom I N THIS WONDERFUL

knew so well and who lost their lives during World War II and Korea: It was once said “the paths of glory lead but to the grave,” and of course as time goes on, the sacrifices made by those innocent young boys will be forgotten.

However, I will never forget them, and they are constantly in my thought and in my prayers.

I have also poignant memories of my immigrant family who sacrificed so much for America.

My grandparents came to America from Italy in 1900. Their young son (my uncle) Frank Lucianna was killed while serving under General Pershing in Mexico. During World War II, my cousins served honorably: Frank Novello was killed in the Battle of the Bulge and Joseph and James Novello, served with distinction in Italy and North Africa. My

brother Victor, who died on April 14, 2011, served honorably and with distinction in The Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

On this Memorial Day, I think of my young friends who died for America and the heroes who fought with honor and courage for America. Hopefully, the day will come when there will be no more wars and no more veterans to recall the anguish of the loss of their friends.

Sgt. Frank P. Lucianna Englewood 459th Bomber Group, 759th Bomber Squadron, 15th Air Force, World War II

Lenape deserve local honor To the editor: very disillulately in reading about Ithesioned reason for the changing of HAVE BECOME

the Pascack Valley High School mascot. Ever since the school was established in 1955 the mascot has been the Indians. Growing up in River Vale and living here my entire life I have always thought that the Indian mascot recognized the historical signifiCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Dining & Cooking Guide

2021 Summer Concert/Dinner Series

Save the date for these fun summer activities at Veterans Park Gazebo, 84 Park Ave., across from the train station. All times are 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• July 1: No Discipline (reggae) • July 8: The Big Ones (rock ʻnʼ roll) • July 15: Abe Ovadia (jazz with a modern twist) • July 22: Sheridan Ruitin (New York suburbia Irish music) • July 29: The Al's (folk, country, original hits, more) • Aug. 5: Tim Gysin: (hits from 1960s–today) • Aug. 12: DJ Anthony (summer favorites and requests) • Aug. 19: The Kootz (rock ʻnʼ roll with fiber)

• Aug. 26: Over the Waterfall: (American and something from across the pond) Bring a chair or blanket. Current New Jersey Covid-19 rules will be followed. The rain location is Davies Field Pavilion, behind Borough Hall, 53 Park Ave. For a list of participating local food businesses offering a 15% discount on eat in/takeout food, valid on all nine Summer Concert nights, on July 1 visit parkridgeboro.com.

For more information call the rec at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521.

The rec thanks sponsor Carolee Chirico, NJ & NY Broker Associate with Keller Williams Valley Realty, 123 Tice Blvd. Woodcliff Lake. Cell (201) 400-3259, email caroleec@kw.com.

Fresh Food Distribution at Parkside Church

WESTWOOD

Parkside Community Church, at Third Avenue and Park, is once again offering its guests the opportunity to “shop” for a variety ofo fresh and frozen foods, pantry items, breads, dry and canned goods, fruits and vegetables, dairy items, diapers, household cleaning products and paper goods, and personal care toiletries.

Its monthly distribution event is set for Tuesday, May 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

According to pantry coordinator Lisa Bontemps, these events continue to serve residents here

and in the surrounding communities of Bergen County to fill a critical need of supplementing their grocery needs so that no one goes hungry.

Bontemps told Pascack Press last week, there are no identification or residency requirements for guests who attend these events.

Contact information is collected for record-keeping and communicating pantry developments.

Homebound seniors in Westwood in need of supplemental food may call Bontemps at (201) 832-4192. Donations of non-per-

ishable foods, toiletry or household cleaning products may be dropped off at the church by placing them in the donation bin at the front entrance on Park.

Monetary donations to pantry operations may be made to Parkside Community Church and mailed to the church at 545 Fourth Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.

For more information on the food pantry operations or to volunteer, call the church office at (201) 666-8998.

OUTDOOR PATIO PARTIES FOR SUMMER!

RIVER VALE

TOWNWIDE GARAGE SALE TO AID HELPING HAND

Organize your home and support the Helping Hand Food Pantry at the same time. For a $20 donation, you can sign up for the River Vale Town Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, June 5.

Rain date is June 6.

The Township of River Vale office of Social and Cultural Affairs says residents are encouraged to

host a garage sale at their own home and earn cash for the “treasures” that have been taking up space in their garage and attic for too long.

Registration forms are available at rivervalenj.org, at Town Hall, and at the public library. Shoppers, participating addresses will be posted to rivervalenj.org the week prior to the sale.

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Westwood Farmers’ Market open on Saturdays

Youʼre invited to the Westwood Farmersʼ Market, conveniently located in the parking lot of the Columbian Club/St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council at 2188 at 40 Crest St. The market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

Do Re Me Farm is the local organic farmer with the freshest seasonal produce around. Artisans youʼll find at the market include: • Smokinʼ Joeʼs (201 Magazine Best of Bergen 2021

winner, BBQ & Signature Sandwich) • Best Damn Lemonade • Three Charmed Gems • Elixir Kitchensʼ Gourmet Pet Treats (201 Magazine Best of Bergen 2021 winner, Best Pet Store/Services) • Conradʼs Confectionery (201 Magazine Best of Bergen 2021 winner, Best Ice Cream & Place for a Sweet Treat) • House of Jerky • Riley & Mee Dog Training • Artisanal Soaps Creations

• J & R Cookie (Italian breads and more) • Shipwreck Hot Sauce • The Spice Beast • Deliciously Aliciaʼs • Sweet Spot Donuts • Paoloʼs Kitchen (Italian dinners on the go) • Westwood Softball Association Additional artisans might join on a guest-appearance basis.

Covid-19 health and safety guidelines are in place for everyoneʼs benefit.

Our Outdoor Cafe is Now Open!

All monies raised by the market benefits “The Westwood Scholarships in Memory of Elizabeth Fasciano.” To donate, mail a check, made out to The Westwood Scholarships in Memory of Elizabeth Fasciano, to Westwood Farm-

ersʼ Market 40 Crest St., Westwood NJ 07675.

Stop by and take a look at the newly renovated catering hall. For more information on the market and/or rentals, call (201) 723-8807.

WESTWOOD

Clothing, toy drive fundraiser June 5

The Westwood Womanʼs Club is sponsoring a clothing drive fundraiser on Saturday, June 5 from 9 to 1 p.m. at their clubhouse, 205 Kinderkamack Road (in the rear parking lot).

If you cannot make it Saturday, donations can be dropped off on Thursday and Friday, June 3 and 4, by appointment and you can call (201) 666-9637 to set up a time to drop off your bags.

“You do not have to get out of your car, we will take care of lifting and putting them in the truck. All donations must be in tightly tied plastic bags when dropping them off,” the club told Pascack Press on May 11.

Accepted items: gently used/unwanted adultsʼ and childrenʼs clothing, shoes, handbags, sandals, sneakers, boots, jackets,

coats, rain gear, leathers, belts, ties, pants, shirts, sweaters, vests, blouses, dresses, skirts, robes, undergarments, sheets, pillowcases, towels, linens, hats, scarves, gloves, purses, wallets, uniforms, and jerseys.

Also: stuffed animals and small toys, jewelry, watches, backpacks, tablecloths, and new diapers.

The club said, “Since the start of the Covid-19 restrictions we have not been able to fundraise, which would allow us to give scholarships to local students, monetary donations to various charities and local organization in addition to maintaining our clubhouse. Thank you in advance for your help and contributions so we can continue to make a difference in our community.”

For more information call Judie Gargano at (201) 666-9637.

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19

PLAGIARISM CHARGES AGAINST

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD REGIONAL

Following allegations that a top school board official plagiarized a letter sent to district parents to praise the departing superintendent, at least two board members— Michelle Sembler and Michael Pontillo—called for the resignations of Board President Matthew Perrapato and Vice President Joseph Abou-Daoud at a tumultuous May 13 meeting.

No other regional school trustee joined them in their call for Perrapato and Abou-Daoudʼs resignations, although several trustees appeared disturbed by a highlighted letter template shared by Pontillo that showed how the letter sent

by Perrapato closely matched a letter found on the Internet.

Perrapato said he would not resign though he admitted he had used a letter found on the internet and only made “tweaks” to adapt it to address District Superintendent Ray Gonzalezʼs accomplishments and departure. The letter was sent to parents.

Local social media featured a six-minute Zoom montage from the May 13 meeting that showed selected board membersʼ accusations and responses with a voiceover critical of the boardʼs alleged unethical behaviors. However, a Pascack Press reporter reviewing the spliced-together video footage found it slightly misleading as some commenters were clearly out of order and did not necessarily follow the back-andforth exchanges that actually occurred.

However, the actual board discussion lasted nearly 35 minutes, beginning initially about three hours into a three-hour, 45-minute board session. The discussion ended prematurely when a motion was made by trustee Maureen Colombo to end the discussion.

Her motion was approved 5–4 by board members.

Voting against stopping discussion were Pontillo, Sembler, and trustees Frank Romano and Stacey Price.

Noting she was angry, Sembler criticized Perrapato for allegedly plagiarizing a departure letter to Gonzalez, adding, “You lied to me and you lied to us.”

She further alleged that had the departure letter been signed by the whole board, “You could have taken this entire board down on an ethical violation.”

The letter was signed only by Perrapato and Abou-Daoud.

“We do not, cannot, and will not tolerate plagiarism. Itʼs unethical, itʼs a form of theft. We do not condone it with our students and we certainly shouldnʼt condone it with our board leadership. Iʼm angry Iʼm being put in this position now,” said Sembler.

When discussion was ended by a motion okayed 5–4, Pontillo

voted no and commented, “Letʼs go from plagiarism to censorship.”

Previously in the meeting he charged that Perrapato had plagiarized 100 percent of the superintendentʼs departure letter, except for the name, gender and time of departure which he changed.

“Itʼs plagiarized; just apologize to the community,” urged Pontillo.

“You took ownership of this [departure letter] and itʼs not yours.

This is awful. How can we stand behind someone who plagiarizes this?” asked Pontillo.

Perrapato admitted he had “Googled” departure letters and tweaked the letter before sending it out. Sembler said she was “appalled” by Perrapatoʼs behavior.

Price said Perrapato sending out a plagiarized letter “puts all of us in a bad light.” She said when her students plagiarize in her classroom, they face “repercussions.”

“Iʼm not sure we can do much worse,” added Price.

Romano said the board needed to work through the allegations of a plagiarized letter and its implications.

“People have been sunk for similar or less than this,” Romano said.

Trustee Roberta Hanlon, who exchanged words with Sembler over parliamentary procedure stating that she had the floor a couple times while Sembler interrupted, said she was not “belittling” what went on, but that the boardʼs statement on the superintendent was sent out in advance to all board members for comment.

She said it was the board presidentʼs role to send out statements on behalf of the board. Board attorney Rodney Hara agreed with Hanlonʼs position that the board president has the power to send out statements on behalf of the board.

Perrapato had sent the statement, along with previously drafted statements, to members for review in advance.

However, some members also complained that their earlier efforts

Meeting screenshot

to draft a statement on Gonzalezʼs departure, based on earlier drafts, were summarily disregarded or ignored by Perrapato. Perrapato said he stood by what he did and wrote.

“I think that this is not productive,” said Hanlon of plagiarism accusations and demands for resignations.

She added, “No one should be stepping down about a letter that was sent.”

Trustee Andrew Gerstmayr urged Perrapato to do better.

“It shouldnʼt have gone down like that; please do better. We have so much in front of us,” he said, referring to a search for a new superintendent.

Perrapato said he would not make any excuses for what occurred and to Gerstmayrʼs point, he said he should do better, and would issue a statement to board members about what occurred with the letter, requesting trustees move on to another topic.

Following the vote to end discussion on alleged plagiarism, Pontillo raised the topic of hypocrisy and criticized Hanlon for her efforts to “shut this down and sweep this under the rug.”

Pontillo asked Hara to comment on whether Perrapato's actions regarding the alleged plagiarism were appropriate. Hara told him they can have differing opinions but that Perrapatoʼs actions were “not violative of any legal provision or code of conduct.”

Pontillo replied he wanted a simple yes or no answer from Hara and said Hara “went on a longwinded sentence that basically justified it.”

“This was an abomination, this was awful,” added Pontillo.

Abou-Daoud said later that all trustees should “be here for the betterment of the children.” He noted that some have called on social media for teachers to be paid a half-salary due to their alleged decrease in work time during the pandemic, and said this was unacceptable.

“To those that believe that, well, you have half a brain. Yes, I said you have half a brain,” he repeated.

He said that administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, and maintenance have been working three to four times as hard during the pandemic. He called on those who made such negative comments to apologize for their comments.

He called on people to become “community uniters” and not “community dividers.” He asked the public and board to “have respect.”

Pontillo chastised AbouDaoud for calling people names, such as half-brain. He also asked Gonzalez to assist the board over his final months here before his departure and wished him well.

Perrapato issues apology Board President Perrapato went on to issue the following letter on May 19: Dear Westwood Regional School Community, First, I would like to acknowledge and take complete responsibility for the May 10 message that I sent using the words of another school district to inform you of the next steps in our search for a new

superintendent.

Following the formal resignation of the superintendent which coincided with the birth of my third son, my primary intention was to get a message out to the school community as soon as possible using an announcement I found online as my template. There was no malicious intent in my action and I sincerely apologize for it. I want to reiterate that I remain fully committed to my role as a member of this board, demonstrating ethical leadership, and doing what is best for all of our children.

Next, I would like to share the latest developments regarding the search for a new superintendent as a result of action taken by the Board of Education on May 13.

During the public meeting, the board approved three motions to direct the board secretary/school business administrator to: • Request any current lists of interim superintendents from the NJ Department of Education, the NJ School Boards Association, the NJ Association of School Administrators, and the NJ Association of School Business Officials.

• Advertise as needed and appropriate.

• Formally solicit proposals for search firms who can work with the board to conduct a search for a full-time superintendent.

In addition, pursuant to Bylaw 0155, I have created co-chair positions for the Superintendent Search Steering Committee of the Board of Education for the purpose of facilitating the general work, partnering with the board secretary/school business administrator, advising on the logistical aspects of the items listed in the previous paragraph, and providing timely updates to our school community regarding the progress of the search.

The co-chairs of the ad hoc committee, who will collaborate with the other members of the Board of Education, are Ms. Roberta Hanlon and Dr. Frank Romano.

Best, Matthew Perrapato Westwood Regional Board of Education President

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

22

BOROUGH RECOGNIZES

OUTGOING DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

Days after the Westwood Regional School District approved a plan to call for an interim replacement for Dr. Raymond González— as well as kick off the search for a permanent replacement—the Westwood Borough Council honored González with a proclamation for his service.

González is stepping down to take a similar position with Westfield Public Schools. (See “WWRSD Superintendent Ray González resigns, welcomed at Westfield Public Schools,” Pascack Press, May 4, 2021.)

He was not present on Westwoodʼs Zoom session to receive the May 18 proclamation, attested by Mayor Ray Arroyo, which reads: WHEREAS, Westwood Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ray Gonzalez began his career in education

as a teacher in the Paterson School District in 1998; and WHEREAS, by the time he landed for the first time in the Westwood Regional School District as Principal of the Berkeley Elementary School from 2006-2009, Ray Gonzalez epitomized the motto he continuously expounded to the students and staff, “Always remember to keep reaching for the stars,” having already obtained two Masters degrees; and WHEREAS, while reaching

for his personal star meant leaving WRSD for a while, he ultimately returned in 2014 as a freshly minted Doctor of Education to take over the reins as the Superintendent of Schools for the Westwood Regional School District; and WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalez embraced the challenging job of leading a staff of 400 educators in teaching a student body that is 2,800 pupils strong, while overseeing the six physical campuses – four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school; and WHERAS, during his tenure as Superintendent, Dr. Gonzalez spearheaded the drive to bring 21st century technology into the classroom, ensuring the students had access to Chromebooks and the teachers had professional development training that would allow them to incorporate platforms such as Google for Education into the daily curriculum; and WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalez avidly promoted the concept of renovating and expanding Ketler Elementary School into a true middle school, which was approved by voters in December 2017 and substantially completed in 2020, despite the inevitable shutdown delays the Covid-19 pandemic caused; and WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalez is still reaching for the stars and has announced his resignation from WRSD to become Superintendent of Schools for the Westfield School District; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Westwood hereby thank Dr. Ray Gonzalez for his nine years of service to the Westwood Regional School District and to the children of West-

González

wood and Washington Township; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Mayor and Council wish Dr. Gonzalez well in all his future endeavors as he continues to reach for the stars.

Next steps In new business in the Westwood Regional School District boardʼs May 13 session, the board approved motions to direct the board secretary/school business administrator to: • Request any current lists of interim superintendent from the NJ Department of Education, the NJ School Boards Association, the NJ Association of School Administrators, and the NJ Association of School Business Officials.

• Advertise as needed and appropriate.

• Formally solicit proposals for search firms who can work with the board to conduct a search for a full-time superintendent.

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Eight local girls are AHA top scholars

This spring, the Regina Angelorum Chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed 84 of the Academy of the Holy Angelsʼ top scholars from the junior and senior classes.

Among them were eight from the Pascack Valley.

NHS Moderator and AHA science teacher Sharon Jureller organized the May 20 induction ceremony, which was led by NHS Chapter President Valentina Zazzali and Vice President JaeMin Chu. Inductees are selected for

Equity: New club to experience a ʻnormalʼ send-off.”

FROM PAGE 10

Positions filled; summer reading list approved At the recommendation of Gundersen, the position of special education/English teacher at PV has been approved to be filled by Denna Mahmoud.

Crystal Pomales has also been approved as a part-time day custodian for PV. In addition, the 2021-22 summer reading list was approved by the board per Gundersenʼs recommendation. The list contains each

grade levelʼs standard book options as well as texts for courses such as Sports Literature, Language Myth & Culture, and Literature of the Holocaust.

This piece originally ran May 24 at pvsmokesignal.com, the award-winning student news outlet of Pascack Valley High School, as “Community discusses new District Equity Team.” We are reprinting it with permission through our Pascack Press Student Press Partnership, which amplifies student voices throughout the Pascack Valley. Abby Shapiro and Isabella Zuluaga are staff editors.

reflecting the societyʼs pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. This yearʼs theme was service, which Jureller said builds a better quality of life and allows individuals to grow and develop.

AHA Principal Jean Miller congratulated the 2021 inductees, noting the great potential of those students who rise to the top in a school that is known for rigorous academics. Miller pointed out that induction is not a goal in itself, but a stepping stone to the greater gifts life offers when we serve others.

Inductees promise to uphold

the societyʼs ideals at school and in their lives. The following honorees took the NHS pledge: Montvale Alexa Watson

Park Ridge Alexa Cawood River Vale Hannah Glaser Julianna Sirico Ashley Terjanian Westwood Amelia Blanco Madeline Risbud Emma Yale

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious high school serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds.

For more information, including regarding admissions, the school calendar, and two summer experience programs, call Academy of the Holy Angels at (201) 768-7822 or visit holyangels.org.

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Sc h ool News

23

PASCACK VALLEY REGIONAL

District seeks school board candidates

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education will have three vacancies, one from Hillsdale, one from Montvale, and one from River Vale, in the Nov. 2 annual school election. A full term on the school board runs for three years.

According to Board Secretary and District Business Administrator Yas Usami, candidates must file a nominating petition with the county clerk for his or her name to appear on the ballot during the Annual School Election.

The deadline to submit the nominating petition is 4 p.m.

Monday, July 26. The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Pascack Valley BOE school trustees whose terms expire in 2021 are Joseph Blundo of River Vale, Michael Fronte of Hillsdale, and Debra Kradjian Stephans of Montvale.

Candidates for open seats have until July 26 at 4 p.m. to submit a nominating petition to the county Board of Elections.

Prospective school board candidates can download candi-

date information from the New Jersey School Boards Associationʼs website at njsba.org/about/membership/membership-school-boardmembers/school-board-candidacy.

The School Board Candidate Kit includes information about nominating petitions, legal qualifications for school board candidacy, and the role of the school board member.

Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process are also included.

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

24

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: Get out of the chair and into healthier routines

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Set an alarm, get a cooking timer, or have your cell phone beep or vibrate every 20 minutes as a reminder.

You can do so many different things every 20 minutes. For example, get a glass of water, go to the bathroom, send a fax, perform some backward shoulder rolls, do some push ups, walk to the office down the hall, turn down the air conditioner, walk around your desk, take a 20 second movement break, do some jumping jacks, add paper to the copy machine, have a quick conversation with a coworker, open a window, wash your hands, perform air boxing, make a call outside, or take a stretch break before going back to sitting.

Sitting will also lead to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which are the three most common comorbidities of Covid-19 and the biggest influencers of a bad outcome.

Sitting at work all day is bad for your brain and body, but remaining sedentary at home doubles the consequences.

In addition to sitting at the computer every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., some people sit on the subway, in a bus, or in their car

during their commute. After work, they sit down and eat dinner. Then they sit on the couch and watch TV. Next, they sit down and spend time on their computers or iPads.

Maybe they sit and read the newspaper or a good book. Finally, they might end the night by sitting and using their phones to browse social media, YouTube, or watch Netflix.

When the weekend comes, they sit at the bar drinking, sit in the movie theatre, sit at their childrenʼs sporting event, sit at a party, sit during a dinner date, or sit at a play. Almost every activity people do involves sitting.

To keep your brain strong and healthy and to boost your brainpower, you must stay active. If you are in New York, take a walk along the High Line. Play tennis in Central Park. Go to the Bronx Zoo. Instead of taking the elevator or escalator, walk up the stairs.

Instead of taking the subway, walk the 20 blocks.

When you go to the supermarket, get more exercise by parking far away from the entrance rather than up close to the store.

Start biking instead of driving.

Walk your kids to school instead of driving them. When your children have a pool party, bring your bathing suit and swim.

When your kids want to take their scooters out, try to run alongside them. Take a walk in the park or the woods. Go to a farm and play with the animals. Take laps around the pond. Hike the trail at a local park. Have fun! Go to Bounce U or Sky Zone and jump around. Itʼs great exercise, and you are moving your body.

Many people have started

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using standing desks at work.

Look into it! Some companies might be amenable to helping pay for a Varidesk, which is a desk topper that can convert between sitting and standing heights. By standing at the office, you might even start a trend that will eventually benefit your work community, since everyone is standing and getting healthier and therefore using less sick days.

If you choose to sit, you can get a cushion that fills with air so it is like you are sitting on an exercise ball and will be moving constantly rather than sitting in one position for an extended period of time.

Getting a dog would be great as well. They give you so much love, and you will have to take it out multiple times a day. The good news is you do not have to social distance from your pets or wear a mask outside when you take it for a walk.

There are so many activities to try. Of course, sitting is comfortable, but it will have lasting negative impacts on your health that

will be very uncomfortable later. If you must sit, make it a priority to get up every 20 minutes.

A better alternative is to choose to do activities where you do not have to sit. Adjust your workplace and lifestyle to create more movement in your life, which will help you function better, feel better, and live better.

Sitting at the computer will also lead to neck pain, back pain, and even headaches. Back pain is the number one reason people call out of work. The longer you sit, the more your muscles tighten up and get stiff. This may even lead to arthritis down the road and we want to prevent health problems.

The body loves to move, and the more you sit, the greater your chances of developing back pain.

You do not want to end up taking Tylenol that makes you feel drowsy and will result in you being less productive and having less energy. You also do not want to take Aspirin which has an effect on the thinning of your blood and may even cause bleeding problems you may not even realize.

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PARK RIDGE

Join Post 153’s Memorial Day salute May 31

Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153 invites you to the boroughʼs Memorial Day observance at Veterans Park on Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m.

The post is composed of veterans who take the lead in some of the boroughʼs most sacred ceremonies, including the annual 9/11 memorial, the Memorial Day parade, and Veteranʼs Day ceremonies.

Dick Bozzone, a past commander of the post and for many years chairman and co-chairman of the event, joined Post Commander Robert Oppelt in extending regrets that the annual Tri-Boro Memorial Day parade has been cancelled a second year over the pandemic—and in saying that they look forward to its return.

“The essence of what Memorial Day truly

means will be highlighted in this yearʼs service, dedicated to the 26 Park Ridge veterans who gave their lives in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict,” the post said.

Honors will include the presentation of floral wreaths by post members, community officials, and local organizations.

All participants must wear face coverings and practice social distancing. They may bring chairs if they wish. This will be a rain or shine event.

Traditionally, on Memorial Day, people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.

25

Park Ridge Rotary hosts blood drive for young Cole on June 10

PARK RIDGE

A blood drive is scheduled at Park Ridge Richard Mancinelli Community Center on Thursday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit Cole McKeon, 5, who has been battling cancer for three

always shine through. Coleʼs strength and ability to stay focused on just being a great kid every chance he gets. Cancer will never define who he is.”

Terry Ciulla, Park Ridge

COLE MCKEON, 5, has an amazing support network, including his family and the Park Ridge Rotary Club. years.

Cole was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma.

The cancer has spread to parts of his body that are some distance from where it started.

The Park Ridge Rotary Club tells Pascack Press, “The tough times are too many to count but itʼs amazing how the good times

Rotary Club vice president, says Coleʼs fight is an inspiration and that help to win it is needed.

Donations are by appointment only. Visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-258-4825 to ask about donor guidelines ahead of an appointment.

Ciulla says, “Donating blood for this young boy is so critical to

PASCACK VALLEY

Memorial Day in the Pascack Valley

In addition to observances in Westwood and Park Ridge, given elsewhere this issue, we are pleased to round up the following:

Montvale Wreath presentation May 31 at 9 a.m. rain or shine, Veterans Memorial, Kinderkamack Road and Grand Avenue.

Hillsdale The parade is canceled, but ceremony at Veterans Memorial is May 31 at 10 a.m. with Mike Gela, grand marshal. Students present on "Honoring the Revolutionary War Heroes Who Fought and Died on the Battlefields Of New Jersey, Crossroads of the Revolution.”

Township of Washington Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m.

Support our veterans as they process along the parade route.

Emerson Join American Legion Post 269 and the governing body on Monday, May 31 at 11 a.m. Monument Park, across from Villano School. Light refreshments.

River Vale Saturday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. In inclement weather, the Community Center. Light refreshments.

Woodcliff Lake Friday, May 28 at 11 am at the VFW on Broadway we honor our veterans for their service.

his life, but because of your help, life doesnʼt stop for Cole. Please join us as a community to stand up and support Cole. Much thanks in advance to our good neighbors.”

On the “Cole Conquering Cancer #ColesCrew” Facebook page, a May 21 update says “Today is a great day. Cole got to go to school! He was so excited to

spend time with his friends and teachers at the Wyckoff Family YMCA!” It adds, “As much as we try to keep things normal for Cole, we canʼt replicate the social interaction he craves with his peers.

Being an early childhood educator, I know how important these interactions are. Iʼm so so happy

he gets to be a 5-year-old boy this morning.”

Cole was still having gas and stomach pains and his family was “trying to figure out what will ease that and whatʼs causing it.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/Cole-ConqueringC a n c e r - c o l e s c r e w 107909633904918.

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

26

Picture: First annual Spring is in the Air art show blown away by some of those submissions. Theyʼre spectacular.

And these kids are young, who did them.”

In perusing the images that grace the eventʼs banner — light and airy, grounded and blooming, in worlds of pink and purple, yellow and green, and in a variety of media — Schneider said it was a pleasure to open Hillsdale to participants countywide.

“Weʼre trying to build this in Hillsdale because we see the need.

We have a growing population of people coming in, we have people who have lived here for a long time, and weʼre trying to find ways to support people with disabilities in our community who donʼt always have the opportunity to access things outside of their town — whether it be because of physical limitations or cognitive

FROM PAGE 1

limitations or even age,” she said.

The event was as much sigh of relief as it was gasp of recognition. “Hillsdale needed this” after a difficult year, Schneider said.

“It was awesome. The participants, families that came, even people who had read about it… it was really nice. It was a beautiful night, and really a joy,” she said.

She added, “The closing of most adult day programs, many special education school programs and the risks to medically fragile children have resulted in numerous barriers and hardships for families.”

She said, “The Hillsdale AFA recognizes that persons with disabilities have many creative talents, skills and desires. It is part of our mission to include all people, not just as part a passive arts audience, but as the creators of art.”

This was the committeeʼs first major event following its 2019

SPRING AWAKENINGS, sunshine, reflections, treats, and wildlife, all “in the air” this June.

Halloween celebration, which could not be repeated in 2020. The Halloween event is tentatively back on for this fall, she said.

Also taking shape: “a petting zoo/music night; weʼre going to have another recreational activity A WORLD of wonder awaits.

MAYOR JOHN RUOCCO, center, amid artists and families at the Hillsdale Train Station on May 21. PHOTOS BY DIGITAL VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

for anybody who is interested in joining an Access For All event,” Schneider said.

Hillsdale Access For All is powered by members Elizabeth Callahan, Marguerite Deppert, Anthony DeRosa, Ruta Fiorino,

Adam Hampton, Laszlo Horváth, Sara Mermel, Yana Mermel, Ronald Miller, Barry Peterson, Frank Pizzella, Gia Schneider, Debbie Szabo, and Cherry Zhu. For more information, write accessforall@hillsdalenj.org.

WESTWOOD

Summer Concert Series kicks off June 6 FAMILIES FROM Hillsdale, Park Ridge, and the wider county put their stamp on a cool arts event here May 21.

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SUMMER CONCERTS RETURN to Westwood. Here, Councilwoman Beth Dell introduces Reminisce at their 2019 appearance in Veterans Memorial Park.

The Westwood Recreation audiences for more than 80 years and dents are advised that weather may Department is pleased to announce is dedicated to bringing educational cause some concerts to be reschedthe return of the Summer Concert opportunities to young musicians. uled. Any changes will be announced More information is at ridgewoodsym- via social media and on Series in Veterans Memorial Park. westwoodnj.gov.

The lineup includes everyoneʼs phony.org.

The Summer Concert Series On June 24, the 2021 Summer favorite tribute bands and the addition of a special classical music event. The Concert Series kicks off with country would not be possible without the concerts are free and residents are rock by Tequila Rose followed by generous support of Westwoodʼs asked to bring their own chairs or Danny Vʼs 52nd Street Band, a tribute local businesses. This year the conblankets for open seating on the lawn. to Billy Joel on July 1; Real Diamond, certs are sponsored by Hackensack The summer outdoor entertain- the premier Neil Diamond tribute Meridian Health Pascack Valley ment season begins on June 6 at 7 band on July 8; Soul Grooveʼs mix of Medical Center, Lakeland Bank p.m. with the Ridgewood Symphony funky favorites on July 18; oldies and and Lightbridge Academy.

All event attendees are Orchestra, conducted by Brent Chan- dance music with Reminisce on July cellor. The orchestra will present 22; and finally the season will close reminded to follow current pantimeless favorites from Copland, with a tribute to “The Boss,” Bruce demic protocols for large outdoor events which includes maintaining Rossini, Strauss and more. The Springsteen, by Tramps Like Us. All concerts will begin at 8 p.m. physical distancing when not utilizRidgewood Symphony Orchestra has performed for northern New Jersey in Veterans Memorial Park. Resi- ing masks.

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28

THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN LIFE YOU CAN CONTROL

When things seem out of control, there are some things you can control During times of heightened stress a person ERIC KOHLMEIER can quickly become overwhelmed and even struggle to do things that might be considered simple or obvious. It can be helpful to focus on the things you can control, to identify actions that you can take, and to complete those action steps.

Here are four action items an investor may want to consider

completing during extraordinary (and ordinary) times.

Step 1. Review your investment plan. Before you start making changes to your investment portfolio, the first thing you should do is consider your goals.

Are you saving for retirement? Do you need to build a college fund for your children? Did a recent event create a need to adjust your plan? If your goals have changed or if you havenʼt updated your plan in a while, set up a meeting with your Financial Advisor to review and update your investment strategy to support reaching your goals.

Step 2. Understand your

risk tolerance. After recent events, you may have a new definition of your tolerance for risk.

Risk is a key principle in investing. Some investments are riskier than others, but every financial decision involves risk.

Risk is inescapable, so the key is to understand your risk tolerance and manage the risk you are taking, which should be based on your long-term financial goals. If your tolerance for risk has changed, review your strategy with your Financial Advisor and make sure you are still comfortable with the amount of risk youʼre taking.

Step 3. Stick to your plan.

Plant lawn flags this year with Troop 350

WESTWOOD

Join Westwood Scout Troop 350 by proudly displaying the American flag along the streets of the borough. Troop 350 will place a 12-inch by 18-inch poly-cotton American stick flag, curbside in your front yard, during five patriotic holidays throughout the year: • Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 • Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 • Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6 • Patriot Day, Saturday, Sept.

11; and • Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11.

The flags will be put out at least three days prior to the holiday. A scout will retrieve the flag three to five days after the holiday.

The cost of this service is $25 for the year for one flag per holiday, or $50 for the year for two flags per holiday.

To support Westwood Troop 350 in this 2021 fundraiser, provide your name, address, email address and phone number to westwoodtroop350@gmail.com.

Payment can be made via Venmo @WestwoodTroop350 and PayPal at paypal.me/Westwood Troop350. Checks payable to Westwood Troop 350 can also be dropped off or mailed to Westwood Troop 350 at 73 Wheeler Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.

WESTWOOD

FIRE DEPARTMENT FIELDS 10 EMERGENCY CALLS IN APRIL

Fire Chief Michael Griffin Sr. reports that the Westwood Fire Department was called 10 times for emergency assistance during April, with one a serious fire.

This was a large Dumpster on fire adjacent to a commercial building. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire. No damage occurred to the building, according to the departmentʼs monthly update.

These 10 emergency calls, and three training events required more than 200 hours of volunteer time.

The Westwood Fire Department was called to assist the Emerson Fire Department once under the mutual aid agreement.

Automatic fire alarms were received four times in April. Although no fires existed at any of these incidents, a full fire department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building to determine if an actual fire exists.

Two of the responses turned out to be malfunctioning detectors. One time workers in the building set off the alarm and one automatic alarm was caused by cooking smoke.

Two fire department responses were for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO is an odorless and colorless gas given off by improperly burning heating or cooking equipment. It can be fatal at high levels.

Again, each of the CO calls required a full fire department response. Fire crews check the entire building with meters and determined that one alarm was for workers testing equipment in a building.

A CO detector malfunction was found at one

call. At one incident slight readings were found.

The occupancies were turned over to PSE&G gas technicians for further investigation.

The remaining fire department responses were for a citizen stuck in an elevator who was removed from the elevator prior to fire department arrival and an oven smoking but no fire existed.

Hotel fire safety tips The Westwood Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau remind readers that fire safety is still very important even when away on vacation.

• Just as two ways out of every area is important at home it is very important when you are away at a vacation home, motel or hotel.

• As soon as you arrive look for two exits.

• In a large hotel count how many doors your room is from the stairway exits.

• Do not use elevators during a fire.

• Count the doors because in smoke you may need to use your sense of feel.

• Find the emergency phone number for that city, or how to call 911 on the hotelʼs phones.

• Feel any door before you open it. If it is hot, do not open it, use the second way out or listen for directions from the fire department.

• Once you are out, stay out, do not go back in until you are told to do so by fire officials.

— Submitted by the Westwood Fire Department. Any Fire Department-related questions can be e-mailed to firechief@westwoodnj.gov or called in to (201) 664-0526. The Fire Prevention Bureau can be reached at wfpb191@usa.net and (201) 664-7100 ext, 308.

When the market gets volatile, investors often have an emotional reaction and may want to pull out of the market to try to avoid loss.

Try to remember that moving or selling investments during a market decline will likely lock in the losses; staying invested may allow you to benefit when the market comes back. If you havenʼt updated your plan in a while, set up a meeting with your Financial Advisor to review it and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 4. Organize and update important documents.

Are your important documents up to date and accessible to those who may need them?

Take time to create a reference list of your documents and consider creating a digital version for easy storage and accessibility.

Also check that your beneficiary designations for investment accounts, life insurance, and other accounts are up to date to reflect any new circumstances such as marriage, birth, death, or divorce.

Beneficiary designations typically supersede your will so youʼll want to confirm that your beneficiary

designations are current and accurate.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.

Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax consequences. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state.

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.

Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDIC-insured/not bank-guaranteed and may lose value.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

EMERSON

Borough seeks veterans’ names for memorials

The mayor and Borough Council are seeking names of Emerson residents who served in one of the U.S. armed services, for inclusion on the various memorials.

The requirement for having the names added is the serviceperson must have been a resident of Emerson at the time of induction and either returned to Emerson once their tour of duty was completed or have paid the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

When submitting a name,

PARK RIDGE

include the name and rank of the veteran, branch of service and dates of service as well as a copy of the veteranʼs form DD-214.

Send the information to Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen at administrator@emersonnj.org or mail to his attention at Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Place, Emerson, NJ 07630. The Borough is moving forward with this shortly and requests that you provide this information as soon as possible.

MUNICIPAL POOL OPENS ON MAY 29

Remember to register your family to spend the summer at the Park Ridge Pool, which plans to open on Saturday, May 29. Online registration is well underway.

The town will not be sending out packets this year. Visit register.communitypass.net/ParkRidge Borough or visit the pool page on the Park Ridge Borough website to register.

You can also pick up registration forms at the pool office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Be sure to register on or before May 28 to avoid a $35 late fee.

New ID cards will be issued this year and if you want to avoid possible delays after opening, you can visit the office at the times above to get your ID cards printed.

RIVER VALE

Seed library is on the grow!

The River Vale Library is proud to announce the launch of its new Seed Library.

Request a variety of herb, vegetable, and flower seeds to plant and grow at home. The Seed Library offers free seeds and resources for planting, growing, harvesting, and seed saving.

The library says, “Our Seed Library is about empowering community members to grow their own

food, and reconnecting the community to the outdoors and the tradition of growing tasty, healthy food.

Check with the River Vake Public Library on books about gardening. Donors are Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Burpee High Mowing Organic Seeds, Hudson Valley Seed Company, and Territorial Seed Company.

For more information, visit rivervalelibrary.org/seed-library.

29

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WESTWOOD

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County,

guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat

“Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family of all ages in crucial work

Gottheimer was joined by Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County Board President Roxanne Camejo, Executive Director Teri Capparelli, Board Vice President Anita DeSilva, Director of Construction Gary Kuhl, and Site Supervisor Thomas LoRusso.

In a press release May 17, Gottheimer said Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County received federal relief investment from both rounds of the forgivable Paycheck Protection Program, to help the non-profit organization retain staff during the pandemic and to support their fundraising efforts.

“Our brave service members and veterans have helped protect

and take care of our nation, and itʼs our duty to take care of them.

I greatly appreciate all the work Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County and their volunteers do for North Jerseyʼs seniors and veterans, and Iʼm honored to be able to help with this new home here in Westwood today,” Gottheimer said.

He added, “Itʼs great to see how the first and second rounds of the federal Paycheck Protection Program are helping businesses and local organizations throughout North Jersey make it through the COVID-19 crisis, and help them give back to our community and those in need.”

Club News?

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Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message. You can also come alone, and make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly,” the nonprofit says.

REP. JOSH GOTTHEIMER and Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County in Westwood.

which received two rounds of PPP investment, to help local volunteers build affordable housing for local veterans and families.

Gottheimer and Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County also marked “Women Build Week,” which brings together women from throughout local communities to volunteer.

The construction taking place in at 95 Sand Road is for a threebedroom home, which will be made available for an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran within the maximum annual income limit.

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County told Pascack Press May 17 that Lakeland Bank, its premier sponsor, also had a team of women working on the project.

Women Build Week was sponsored by Lowes.

Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County says Women Build opportunities are available across the U.S., and any woman who wants to learn how to build and construct a home is invited to join.

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PASCACK VALLEY

ment is planned there.

The application will be continued at a special meeting on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Three to give expert witnesses are expected to testify for the applicant.

“By this Application, the Applicant seeks to: (i) renovate and convert the existing vacant office building into a multi-family dwelling structure to contain 37 residential units (consisting of 33 one-bedroom units and four twobedroom units); and (ii) construct a new two-story structure on the Property behind the existing building to the East, which will contain 16 residential units (12 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units). In total, the Property will contain a total of 53 residential units (45 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units),” said the public notice.

The 188 Broadway site contains a vacant two-story office building with an underground parking garage. The building lies near the busy intersection of Broadway and Woodcliff Avenue, close to the boroughʼs train station and opposite Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.

From the hearing start, applicant attorney Paul Kaufman and Zoning Board attorney Sal Princiotto disagreed over testimony, questioning, and whether a real estate professional called by the applicant to offer testimony was an expert.

The attorneys spent a good portion of the hearing arguing over witnesses, testimony, and its relevance.

While Princiotto questioned the relevance of the applicantʼs first witness, David Bernhaut, of Cushman & Wakefield, Kaufman verbally pushed back against Princiottoʼs questioning, accusing Princiotto of preventing him from presenting the applicantʼs case.

Kaufman said that Bernhaut would speak about “market conditions” for office space in North Jersey.

“Let him testify. Why donʼt we let him testify and hear what he has to say and you can decide whether itʼs relevant or not?” said Kaufman to Princiotto.

Princiotto briefly apologized if he offended anyone and Kaufman replied, “Mr. Princiotto, let me present my case without having to explain my case to you in advance, which is what you want me to do. Let me present my case.”

In an opening statement, Kaufman said that the only tenant in the office building when 188 Broadway LLP purchased it was its then owner, WWL Realty Americas LLC, not multiple tenants as was alluded to during the first proposalʼs hearing in 2019.

FROM PAGE 1

He said he wanted to “clarify the record” as hearings begin on the revised application.

Member Christina Hembree said because Kaufman initially mentioned the buildingʼs prior owner was the buildingʼs only tenant at the time of purchase by 188 Broadway LLP, she wanted to state that that issue was mentioned during the first 2019 proposal and is relevant to the case, including the issue of whether the new owner tried to lease the building as office space.

Kaufman said at the time of purchase the building was fully occupied by WWL, its owner and sole tenant. It became unoccupied when the owner vacated the property following its sale to 188 Broadway LLP. Kaufman said if required, testimony will be put on record to confirm that later during hearings.

Bernhaut gave an overview of corporations and office buildings that have left and entered the North Jersey market, including the Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge and Montvale market.

Princiotto characterized Bernhaut as having “very limited” qualifications to be an expert witness and that board members can “accept or reject” Bernhautʼs testimony.

Kaufman objected to Princiottoʼs characterization of Bernhaut, emphasizing Bernhaut had 34 years of experience dealing with the office marketplace in this region.

Bernhaut noted the configuration of 188 Broadwayʼs office building “is very inefficient for multi-tenant use” and said that “very few” tenants can be found to rent such office space.

He said the property is too far from major highways and offers no nearby amenities, such as buildings along Chestnut Ridge Road or the Tice Center.

Similar buildings to 188 Broadway with office space available often go unleased for many months, Bernhaut said, and some for years due to an oversupply of higher-quality office space. He said office buildings such as 188 Broadway are being torn down and repurposed for industrial or residential use.

Under questioning by Chairwoman Robin Malley, Bernhaut said it would be “incredibly expensive” to convert 188 Broadway into smaller spaces of 500–600 square feet for rent, or to convert it

for so-called coworking or shared office space, where employees or employers rent a shared office space for part- or full-time use.

Malley said 188 Broadway was “very neglected over the last couple years.”

Resident Ann Marie Verelli wondered whether 188 Broadway could be converted into a medical or healthcare facility. Bernhaut said it was expensive to convert an existing office building to medical use but it could be done. He said corporate clients generally do not want to share space with a medical enterprise.

Bernhaut said whether that should be done comes down “to what is the economic value and return on investments” noting the economic calculation is complex.

He said he found it “really hard to believe” that the highest and best use for the property was as office space, contradicting a statement by Princiotto.

Princiotto had said earlier that he was quoting from an appraisal done on 188 Broadway that stated its highest and best use was office space, asking Bernhaut whether he was aware of that report. Bernhaut said he was not.

Later Princiotto said the appraisal would be submitted into evidence by the borough as it was based on zoning, physical conditions and forecasted economic conditions. Kaufman said he “didnʼt realize this was going to be an adversarial proceeding where the board is presenting evidence that it deems relevant to try to counter the application.”

However, Kaufman countered, noting, “Iʼm going to put on the record right now that I absolutely object to the appraisal report being put in… Under what law do you have the right to start submitting evidence against an application?” he asked.

Princiotto said it was not evidence against the applicant. I think itʼs evident what the appraisal was for,” Princiotto said, to Kaufmanʼs strong objections to including the appraisal as evidence. Kaufman asked whether the appraiser would be available to be cross-examined.

“Itʼs not evidence, itʼs absolutely irrelevant to this proceeding,” Kaufman said. Princiotto replied that based on “what your client understood when they purchased the property” and the appraisal goes to whether there was a hardship after the propertyʼs purchase.

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When resident Laura Jeffers asked whether the building could be repurposed. Bernhaut said “any building can be repurposed” but stressed “whether it makes economic sense and where it is” also factor in.

Asked if 188 Broadway was marketable, Bernhaut said it was “certainly not for sale and not for lease” and that better quality office space was for lease. “Weʼve seen high vacancy rates getting higher,” said Bernhaut at one point.

When Kaufman said he wanted to call Borough Traffic Engineer Brian Intindola to testify as a witness, and Princiotto objected to allowing it, Kaufman said he would be subpoenaed as a witness.

However, Priciotto said Intindola could be cross-examined when he testifies as a witness for the borough.

Following a brief back and forth, with Kaufman threatening subpoenas on Intindola “and anybody else I want” to testify, Kaufman agreed at about 10 p.m. to call applicant traffic engineer Louis Luglio, of Sam Schwartz Engineering.

Luglio said based on the lower-density 53-unit complex proposed, traffic would be approximately 20% less than he estimated when the proposal included 60

apartment units.

Luglio said the siteʼs use as apartments, even at non-peak hours would be a “low generator of traffic” but conceded on weekends the apartment complex will generate more vehicle trips than an office use since office buildings are closed on weekends.

Luglio said weekday “peak hour” morning traffic volumes for the 53 apartments would be 19 vehicles, five going in and 14 going out; the evening “peak hour” volume would be 23 vehicles, with 14 going in and nine going out.

He said the Saturday “peak hour” volume would be 29 vehicles, 14 going in and 15 going out.

Several times during the hearing, Kaufman noted that the Bergen County Planning Board had previously given its approval for the 60-unit apartment complex proposed in 2019, stressing that Broadway was a county road and under Bergen Countyʼs jurisdiction.

Princiotto advised residents with questions about regional traffic impacts to contact the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, as local zoners have no jurisdiction over regional traffic impacts.

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Clash: 188 Broadway: ‘Let me present my case’

REAL ESTATE

31

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

32

Appraisal: Town has its eye on 450 Pascack Road REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

best interest of both parties,” Tsapatsaris told Pascack Press May 24.

Ferrara, who helped organize local opposition to 450ʼs development, wanted assurances that the property appraisal would not include any “extravagant proposals” for development of the property, as none have been recently proposed, nor approved.

Ferrara said she continues to do research with zoning experts and noted the lot can only be appraised based on its current zoning, which is “AA” and permits single-family homes on half-acre lots.

Previously, she called the lot “unbuildable” due to its width not allowing required property setbacks and lack of space for an access road for emergency vehicles.

Also, she has cited the lotʼs environmental elements, including steep slopes, stormwater retention

FROM PAGE 3

and over 700 trees that dot the landscape, probably the townshipʼs largest remaining contiguous tree canopy., for reasons to preserve the tract.

The elongated property serves as a wooded buffer between Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners and a recreational field and Washington Elementary School, part of the Westwood Regional School District.

She said preserving the tract was “really an investment” for the townʼs future and said she was in favor of negotiating with Morris “for a fair offer” on his property.

She said what developers were proposing on the property was “a far cry from what a fair appraisal would be.”

She thanked the council and Poller for seeking a “very comprehensive and legally defensible”

WESTWOOD

Primary vote goes ‘in person’ on June 8

The 2021 Primary Election will be held in person on Tuesday, June 8.

All Districts in Westwood will vote at the Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Districts 1, 2, 4, and 6 will vote in the all-purpose room.

Districts 3, 5, 7 and 8 will vote in the gym.

Vote-by-mail ballots for the June primary, also knowns as mail-in ballots, are available by request only. Vote-by-mail ballot applications may be obtained from the Borough Clerkʼs office at

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appraisal. The council contracted McNerney and Associates at $150 per hour for future testimony should any court proceedings be necessary.

A recent Pascack Press review of online real estate sites showed 450 Pascack Roadʼs value between about $450,000 to the mid $600,000 range, although several sites listed the property as off the market.

(201) 664-7100. A request for a mail-in ballot must be submitted to the County Clerkʼs office no later than June 1.

For more election information, including a list of secure election ballot drop box locations, visit westwoodnj.gov.

Other sites, including the propertyʼs marketer Cody, and STEAM Realty, of Ridgewood, both list the property for $2.1 million based on its development potential, with both sites offering potential buyers likely development plans, none of which have been approved.

Cody, with Edward K. Bonner as property broker, placed an “available” sign in front of 450 Pascack Road more than six months ago.

Also recently, immediate past mayor Janet Sobkowicz told council that she negotiated with and offered Morris $700,000 for the property but the possible deal fell through when Morris requested $100,000 more at the last minute.

Tsapatsaris recently told Pascack Press, “I cannot comment on any negotiations that I was not part of except to say that I have copies of certain offers made by the Township several years back, none of which obviously materialized into a sale of the property.”

Tsapatsaris said, “At this time, however, any offers will have to be negotiated with the contract purchaser which is Lakos Construction, Inc. To date we have not received any offers and continue to list the property for sale,” he said.

While the mayor and council recently made an offer of $850,000 to purchase the Washington Township Swim & Recreation Club, with negotiations ongoing, it was unclear where funds to purchase the swim club, or 450 Pascack Road, would come from.

The Township will receive $901,379 from the American Rescue Act COVID-19 relief package, which is to be distributed in two portions, one later this summer and another one likely next year. However, most towns are waiting for state guidelines on how the funds may be spent once received.

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Viviano: Development decades in the making

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REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

efforts, housing could have possibly been reduced by two or three more units. “At this point, all our hands are tied, We did what we could and did it the best we could.”

She agreed that other concerns may include more children in area schools and noted efforts to convert the housing to senior housing were not supported by the administration, despite their request for consideration.

Callea said she wondered if any developer would use the site plan as approved and said that most nearby homeowners had not seen drafts of preliminary and final site plans, despite the agreed-upon reduction in total units.

Callea and at least two other nearby homeowners, Diane Grimaldi and Lou Melendez, noted they had not seen final site plans either despite receiving a notification due to their homes lying within 200 feet of the development.

Pascack Press also could not find applicant documents online via a link in the public notice.

The Planning Board secretary told us on May 24 that they would be online soon.

(May 26, the Planning Board link to “Prelim Final Major Site Plan” for the project was broken, though the link to wall color options was live.)

Previously, concerns were raised about a road running through the development that did not allow a turnaround for fire department or large emergency vehicles. It was not clear whether that situation had been resolved in the new application.

Melendez, a homeowner for 37 years, said he would not be surprised to have the Viviano estate sell off the development rights to a developer should the project receive approval.

He said after the Concerned

Neighbors group hired an attorney and engineer to help them fight against the high-density housing, they got “some assurances in writing” regarding the density and number of lots. He said less density should mean less impact on nearby property values.

He said some residents may be concerned about impacts from school students, but he is more concerned about stopping any impacts from stormwater runoff on his property.

“I feel comfortable right now about it,” said Melendez, of the reduced density development.

“Iʼm not happy with the density but they had a contract with the township. We wanted everything to be above board and for the township to meet its obligations to the community when a property is being developed.”

He repeated that his biggest concern was potential stormwater runoff and impacts. He said that local officials should monitor any development closely and to also make sure it adheres to stormwater management regulations. He urged local officials to “be transparent” about the progress of any development on site.

Grimaldi said though she agreed on a settlement with the property owner she was “not happy” as she is still getting two houses next to her property and losing about five feet of frontage to the new development.

Earlier this year, the Viviano tractʼs farmland assessment status (approved in 2019) that dramatically reduced its property taxes came under fire after tax refund payments were on the councilʼs consent agenda.

Recently, a resolution was worked out between local officials and Viviano/Tomaron Inc. According to state agriculture department rules, if a property

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

tion of seven units from the initial proposal, which breaks out to 42 single-family lots and 24 townhouse lots.

Previously, the development included 73 units composed of 48 single-family buildings and 25 townhouse lots.

Since 2018, the project had been delayed over concerns related to whether to approve an onsite sanitary waste pump house and force main to transmit sanitary waste versus hooking up to an off-site gravity sewer line.

However, according to its latest proposal, an on-site pump station for sanitary waste appears best to solve the wastewater removal concerns and also avoid issues with sewer lines traversing Green Acres-funded park areas.

“The 2004 [Planning Board] approval contemplated an offtract gravity sewer line to serve the subject property gravity sewer line was to traverse township owned parklands to a manhole in Kennedy Boulevard. Such township owned parklands are subject to the restrictions of the Green Acres program and, therefore, traversing such Green Acres parklands with a sanitary sewer line would violate NJDEP regulations. Applicant seeks an amendment to the 2004 Approval to permit an on-site pump station and force main to serve the subject property,” states the applicant public notice.

Katharina Place resident Megan Callea said that her small group, Concerned Neighbors of Washington Township, who banded together in 2018, “did as much as we could, but thereʼs a lot more that the town can do.”

She said her group “had to fight tooth and nail for it [reduction in units] to be achieved.”

She said that had the council offered more support to their

FROM PAGE 1

34

Library Calendar

lawn games, and space to chat or hang out on the libraryʼs lawn. If you have a Nintendo Switch, bring it along. Weather permitting. masks required.

• Monthly Adult & Teen Crafts continue in June with DIY loom weaving. Visit the libraryʼs website to register for the craft kit, then log onto the libraryʼs Facebook, Instagram or YouTube after Thursday, June 10 at noon to watch the instructional video.

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 8

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • During Animal Kingdom Yoga, kids in grades K–5 will learn techniques in breathing, relaxing, stretching while emulat-

ing animal poses. On Zoom every Tuesday in June from 4 to 4:30 p.m., starting June 1. Register online.

• Creative Writing: Aesopʼs Fables, a new series for grades 1–3, is on Google Meet every Thursday in June from 4 to 4:45 p.m. starting June 3. Children will listen to famous fables, watch short animated videos, and learn about fables vs. fairy tales, story sequence, and construction.

Register online.

• Paper Flower Making with Judie, an adult grab-and-go craft, is on Zoom Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Paper and buttons will be supplied; you will need to have a glue gun or glue dots (quick drying glue) and a twig. Sign up online.

• Back by popular demand!

PARK RIDGE

Summer camp seeks counselors

Park Ridge Summer Camp is looking to hire counselors, ninth grade and older, for its 2021 season.

Camp runs June 28–July 30 from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m outdoors.

There is no camp on July 5. The

Call 201.358.9500 to place your classified ad today!

fax 201.664.2109 or email pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

HELP WANTED

TEAM PLAYER WANTED

Professional Junk Removal Company seeks an enthusiastic and energetic individual to help join their growing team.

Drivers license & transportation required. Call (201) 661-4940 for more details.

Lawncare Operator Full & Part time positions available Flexible hours. Call (201) 664 1665.

Help Wanted -F/T office & counter help needed. Invoicing, benefits.

Call (201) 666-4804 for more information.

deadline to apply is May 21.

For applications, the camp calendar, and more general information, visit parkridgeboro.com.

For more camp information, write summercamp@parkridgeboro.com.

Share this with friends!

be silly with Miss Tiffany. If inclement weather, then held on Facebook Live.

• In-person event: The library presents an outdoor country music concert with Nash East on Friday, June 4, from 7 to 8 p.m.

A Nashville-style country band featuring an all-star cast of professional country musicians, Nash East covers a mix of popular country music with an emphasis on the “Honky Tonk” hits of yesterday. Come on down for an evening of music and line danc-

HELP WANTED

McMeekin, accused stalker, arrested here

May 18 at his home in Hillsdale and charged with charges of stalking and contempt of a stalking restraining order. On May 21 he was charged on a count of criminal impersonation.

Francaviglia states that the charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Last year, the authorities asked the publicʼs help in finding McMeekin, who also has lived in Mahwah and keeps or kept a home in Colorado.

McMeekin doesnʼt drive but is known to frequent public places, the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office and Hillsdale police said in a joint release.

Chief Robert Francaviglia of the Hillsdale Police Department announced the arrest of Patrick McMeekin, 53, single and unemployed, of Stever Avenue, on charges of stalking, contempt of a stalking restraining order, and criminal impersonation.

The arrest is a result of an investigation by the Hillsdale Police Department Detective Bureau.

Francaviglia said on May 24 that McMeekin was arrested during a five-week investigation involving a series of emails that contained information about the stalking victim that was emailed to multiple individuals, municipalities, and school districts in Northern New Jersey.

McMeekin was arrested on

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HELP WANTED Cashier & Kitchen helper - (bilingual) wanted for restaurant. P/T and F/T positions. Call (201) 746-6130 for more info.

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ing. Adults only.

• Weather permitting, on June 10, our area will be treated to an amazing sunrise solar eclipse. The sun will not be a yellow-orange circle of light; an 80% solar eclipse will transform the sun into a fiery scimitar! Learn all about this upcoming celestial event during the Sunrise Solar Eclipse webinar with Meteorologist Joe Rao, Tuesday, June 8 from 8 to 9 p.m. on Zoom. Register for access. And check out the library for more info on eclipses!

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MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE

Coffee & Conversation is online via Zoom on Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. Listen to fascinating podcasts and discuss over a cup of Joe. Meets every Friday morning in June. Register on the libraryʼs website to receive the Zoom link.

• In-person event: Boogie Woogie Babies (up to age 5) is live and in-person at the bandstand at Veteransʼ Memorial Park (across from the library) every Friday morning in June from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Little ones will move, dance, spin, twirl and

HELP WANTED Help wanted - Teenager with bike for summer job in Hillsdale. 6 days a week (no Fridays) to skim pool, empty skimmer baskets @ 10 a.m., $40/week. Call (201) 2944623 for interview.

HELP WANTED P/T Personal Assistant Cook, shop, drive, errands. Tenafly, 2-7 p.m., 5 days. Refs. required.

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Help Wanted -F/T office & counter help needed. Invoicing, benefits.

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SERVICES YOU NEED Caregiver seeks evening or overnight position. Care of elderly.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net Cleaning Service - Silva European cleaning service Husband & wife, 35 yrs. exp.

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Freelance or P/T.Are you interested in public affairs? Are you passionate about objective journalism? Newspaper group seeks local reporters to cover area governmental bodies. Experience and knowledge of AP Style preferred. For more information: jobs@ thepressgroup.net

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Tutoring Reading Specialist Tutor, Orton Gillingham Trained, 25yrs. Teaching Exp. All Subjects. Contact Patricia Terrents (201) 724-1588.

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

38

Dr. Phyllis E. DIAMBROSIO

OBITUARIES

Dr. Phyllis E. DiAmbrosio, 76, of Emerson, passed peacefully at home on May 23, 2021.

Phyllis was born on Aug. 22, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming, to Elizabeth and Frank Antonicelli. After returning to Jersey City at 6 months old, she was raised in Hackensack where she would meet the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Alphonse (Chick) DiAmbrosio. Phyllis and Chick were wed on Dec. 4, 1965 and lived in true partnership for more than 55 years.

Next to raising her three precious children, her pursuit of higher education was one of Phyllisʼ most prideful accomplishments. At 36 she began her bachelorʼs degree at Ramapo College.

She received her doctorate in psychology, from Fairleigh Dickinson University, 11 years later.

Phyllis is a graduate and past director of admissions of the National Institute for the Psychotherapistsʼ National Training Program in New York, where she supervised clinical students. She enjoyed a 30-year career as senior staff psychologist at the Bronx VA medical center where she worked in the spinal cord injury unit providing life changing support for

veterans.

In addition, she sustained a thriving private practice in Westwood. Her many professional accomplishments include published articles for the International Journal of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology (“Weeble Wobbles: Resilience Within the Psychoanalytic Situation”).

Dr. DiAmbrosio presented at many conferences including international presentations and was affiliated with several professional associations including NJNCAP, IAPSP, NJPA, and NIP. In 2001, Phyllis was honored as a Woman of Distinction by her alma mater, Immaculate Conception High school.

Phyllisʼ passions did not end with her profession. She devoured books, had a love of traveling, and found joy in cooking—especially when it was with her family. Phyllis found joy in the details. Whether it was creating a menu for a holiday, or an itinerary for a day trip with one of her grandchildren, it was all done with love and passion. Phyllis didnʼt just love unicorns, she was one. She was a unique, bright light who changed the lives of so many.

She is predeceased by her sisters Elizabeth Vecchione and Carlene Zink. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Alphonse (Chick); her sons, Anthony (Christine) and Joe (Diane); daughter, Gina (Frank Celli);

grandchildren, Nicholas, Angelo, Christopher, Harrison, Francesca, Theodore, and Charlie; sisters, Francine and Michelle (Joseph Schettino); and several beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, stjude.org.

Paul PETRIZZO

Paul Petrizzo Jr., 70, of Whiting, formerly of Westwood, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved husband of Betty DelTejo Petrizzo.

Cherished father of Michele Graham and husband Michael, Melissa Petrizzo and Joseph Petrizzo and step-father of Steven and Kevin DelTejo. Proud grandfather of the loves of his life, his 10 grandchildren. Dearest brother of Arlene Mancuso and husband Anthony. Also survived by many other loving relatives and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul Sr. and Ann, and his brother, Dennis.

Paulʼs passion was cooking, especially with his grandchildren.

He had owned Nonnoʼs Restaurant in Glen Rock.

In lieu of flowers, donations

in Paulʼs memory may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Julia A. MURTAGH

Julia A. Murtagh, 84, died Sunday, May 23, 2021 at her home in Westwood.

Born in Manhattan, she was the daughter of Mary and James Higgins. She was raised on Albany Crescent in Bronx, New York.

Julia had many friends she knew from childhood who followed her into adulthood.

She enjoyed spending time with her friends telling stories, playing games and traveling.

At the wedding of a friend, she met her lifelong soulmate, Edward J. Murtagh. The two married in 1960. They resided in Westwood and raised their family as parishioners in St. Andrewʼs Church for over 54 years. They were involved in many aspects of the parish from Parish Council, Eucharistic Ministers and Cornerstone.

Julia loved being with her family and friends, often mixing them together for an evening of Irish dancing in the living room or a game of Clue. She was an avid reader and traveler; with Ed she enjoyed many travels as their chil-

dren had grown; traveling with their church friends they had many adventures as well as interesting and exciting stories to tell.

Julia also worked as a secretary at Langeveld Bulb Co. and Mercedes-Benz in Montvale. She worked hard and made lasting friends who always invited her to luncheons to catch up on life and what their kids were up to.

Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Edward J. Murtagh, a son and a daughter, Edward and Mary Claire, and two grandsons, Chris and Matt Macchione.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Eddie Higgins Scholarship at Calvary Hospital, 170 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461 or the Audubon Society, as she loved her “birdeens!”

Madeline H. AURICHIO

Madeline Helen Aurichio (née Volst), 81, of Montvale passed away peacefully at Spring Hill Acute Care on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Born in Newark and growing up in Nutley, she was the daughter of the late and Alexander Helen Volst. She worked for New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. before marriage and becoming a mother and homemak-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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er. Madeline then devoted the rest of her life to taking care of her five children and many grandchildren. Madeline was famous for her marinara and meatballs, her Sunday dinners, and her handmade cards.

In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her grandson, Dillon Aurichio, and her brotherin-law, Arne Skilbred.

Madeline is survived by her sister Diane Skilbred of Sag Harbor, New York, and her beloved children: David and wife Bonnie of Oceanview; Jeff and fiancee Kate of Highlands; Ken of Washington Township; Beth and husband Jim of River Vale; and Janis and Andrew of New York, New York.

Loving grandmother to Kendahl, Danelle, Brittni, Courtney, Kaley, Cole, Skylar, Mallory, Jackson, Jimmy, Kara and Oliver, as well as her five great-grandchildren. She was a loving aunt to many.

FROM PAGE 38

Dorothy MASON

Dorothy Mason, 78, of Westwood, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

“Bunny Gay,” as she was known to her oldest friends, and “Dot Mason” to her newer friends was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

She was born in New York City in 1943 to parents Dorothy and Jack Gay. Dot grew up in Inwood and moved to New Jersey in the 1960s. She lived in several towns before landing in Closter, where she spent 45 years prior to moving to Westwood.

She loved to travel and sailed on the RMS Queen Mary 2, rode on the Orient Express, and visited Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Austria, and took many adventures here in the U.S. as well. She was warm and outgoing, had an infectious laugh, and made friends wherever she went.

Dot was the beloved mother to her daughter Janice Mason of Union City, and cherished sister to her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Alice Gay of Muscatine, Iowa. Dear aunt to her nieces and nephews, Chris and Alison Gay and their children Jack and Rory, Jon Gay and his children, and the Dolan clan, Sean and Tracy, Barry and Maureen, Dan and Celeste, and their families. Loved cousin to Bob, John, Eddie, and Alice Rose Huttick. Dot also is survived by many close and cherished friends, and predeceased by several treasured feline friends.

Dot was incredibly generous and thoughtful and is sorely missed by those she loved and

In memoriam

who loved her. Her final resting place is the Westwood Cemetery, Westwood.

Joseph F. DEEN

On June 27, 2020 Joe Deen passed away peacefully as a result of complications from heart failure.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions last year, services were postponed.

Friends and family will now gather to celebrate Joeʼs life on June 5 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153, 118 Ridge Ave, Park Ridge.

In honor of Joe this will be an outdoor event, rain or shine.

All are encouraged to come with stories to share and a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Tri-Boro Food Pantry.

Born in 1986, Joe grew up in Hillsdale and Park Ridge. He was a graduate of St. Josephʼs Regional High School in Montvale and New Rutgers University, Brunswick. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2018 with his employer, Mercedes-Benz.

Joe was altruistic; an artist, brother, comedian, confidant, collaborator, friend, godfather, joker, musician, macgyver, outdoors enthusiast, philosopher, photographer, prankster, woodworker, and writer. A true Renaissance Man; Vir Fidelis.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, George and Erma Farrell/James and Nora Deen. Joe is survived by his parents Joyce (née Farrell) and Kevin; as well as his siblings, Nicholas, Julie, and Kerry, along with numerous cousins.

Memorial June 5

Catherine D. BILANCIA

Catherine “Kay” D. Bilancia passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021. A native of Far Rockaway, New York, she lived in Port St. Lucie, Florida, for 35 years, moving from River Vale in 1986.

She was a member of St. Paulʼs Episcopal Church in Montvale and attended All Saintʼs Episcopal Church in Jensen Beach, Florida. Before retiring, Kay was executive secretary to the superintendent of schools in the Hillsdale Public School District for 18 years.

Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She married the love of her life, Leopold, “Leo,” in April 1949.

Kay and Leo had a fulfilling life together in Florida, making new friendships for life, and sharing numerous visits from family and friends.

Letters:

cance the Lenape Indians have played in this area, hence the Indian mascot.

The word Indian, is of course, gender-neutral and in the interest of being inclusive I feel that ignoring the important role that the Lenape Indians have contributed to our area diminishes the history of the Pascack Valley, not to mention the history of the Lenape peopleʼs contribution to the entire Northeast.

The importance of the Indian culture in the Pascack Valley should be more recognized.

Through my own interest in local history I have learned some of

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

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vived by her daughters, Denise (John Vittum) Bilancia-Vittum of Akron, Ohio and Lyssa (Andrew) Benincaso of River Vale; her grandchildren, Alyssa Benincaso, Alexis (Wes Hollendonner) Vittum, Lindsay Benincaso, and Eric (Allison) Vittum; her great-granddaughter, Isla Hollendonner; and her two sisters, Yvonne Ciannella and Lola Ruggiero.

Those who wish may contribute to the St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Marcia COOPER

Marcia Cooper, 99, passed peacefully on May 23, 2021 at her Hillsdale home, where she had resided for the past 70 years.

Marcia is survived by her two sons, James and B. Eric, grandsons Bradley and Alexander, and two great-grandsons.

She and her late husband Elwood were married in 1944, upon his return from the North

that history. Now some want to ignore that aspect of the past completely. I feel sad that the lack of local history is not emphasized enough to our young people but even more disturbed by the idea to completely ignore the Pascack Valley Indian culture.

The Lenape people still exist today, although scattered throughout our country, most locally known as the Delaware

African and European Campaigns, where he had served and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army during World War II. Marcia grew up in Manhattan and could best be described as a “word” person. She graduated as an English major from New York University. A regular patron of the Hillsdale Library, it is estimated that she read more than 8,000 books in the course of her lifetime.

Marcia was an avid and savvy Scrabble player and she could regularly complete the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in less than two hours.

Additionally, Marcia enjoyed producing pillows with needlepoint and participating in a duplicate bridge game twice weekly.

Marcia attributed her longevity to a lifetime of low stress and the inheritance of good genes. As she was known to say, it had nothing to do with a healthy diet or regular exercise. Clearly she was a character and will be greatly missed by her surviving family and friends.

39

MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

OBITUARIES

During her retirement, she enjoyed many activities including playing golf, swimming, going to the movies, eating out, partying at the Camelot Gardens Clubhouse (her Florida family), and traveling to visit family and friends in New Jersey and Ohio. She was also a member of the Port St. Lucie Sons of Italy.

Kay was an avid reader, and an excellent singer and dancer.

She could sing every song recorded by her teenage idol, Frank Sinatra, and danced a mean jitterbug. Her family has fond memories of Kay humming her favorite tunes throughout the day. Kay always had a smile on her face, had an infectious laugh, and saw everything with a “glass half full” optimism. She was a true social butterfly, who enjoyed a scotch with a twist of lemon and a glass of white wine. We will all miss you dearly, and our cherished memories of your indomitable spirit will be in our hearts forever.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Leo. She is sur-

Nation. They were displaced westward by Dutch settlers. I wonder how many of our young people would find our local history very fascinating. A good place to start is the Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge.

Out of respect to and in recognition of our past they will always be the Pascack Valley Indians to me.

Richard Marcellari River Vale

WESTWOOD

BEREAVEMENT GROUP MAY 12–JUNE 16

A virtual bereavement support group is starting on Wednesday, May 12 and will meet weekly concluding on June 16. The meetings will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The group is sponsored by the Westwood Clergy Council and hosted by the Westwood Library.

Area residents suffering the loss of a loved one are invited to join. The program is progressive and asks for participants to attend each of the six sessions.

To register, visit westwoodpubliclibrary.org or call the library at (201) 664-0583.

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MAY 31, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

40