Pascack Press 7.26.21

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

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

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 19

GOING PLACES

JULY 26, 2021

ALL THE RIGHT QUALITIES

Funke, of WCL, is first Flower scholar

EMERSON

BOROUGH CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS

Fire Department, under Sotille, is tops for 2020

BY JARED MITOVICH OF PASCACK PRESS

Hillsdale author Shane Svorec is on tour promoting her book, “Broken Little Believer,” which has a relatable message.

SEE PAGE 23

PASCACK VALLEY

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TOWNS OPT OUT

Township of Washington next to consider pot biz

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Despite nearly 2:1 support for licensed adult-use recreational cannabis in the Pascack Valley — and statewide — almost every Pascack Valley town has declined to clear the way for any of six types of pending cannabis licenses here.

Municipalities have until Aug. 21 to pass ordinances opting out of the industry or amending their zoning ordinances to stipulate where such businesses may be be located.

If a municipality does not opt out by Aug. 21 it must accept licensed cannabis businesses in certain zones for five years. If towns opt out, they can opt back in at any time should they decide to.

See TOWNS on page 314

M

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

AYOR CARLOS Rendo and police officials awarded the departmentʼs first annual Nancy Flower Memorial College Scholarship to Julia Funke, a recent Pascack Hills High School graduate, during a July 1 ceremony at Borough Hall.

Speaking on the honor of

joining the Police Department in bestowing the scholarship to Funke, Rendo said the gift will be presented annually to a Woodcliff Lake high school student who best exemplifies selflessness, volunteerism, positivity, and dedication to teamwork.

The $1,000 scholarship honors Nancy E. Flower, a devoted public servant who served 18 years as the chief of policeʼs administrative assistant and who

TOP PHOTOS COURTESY WCLPD

Above: The late Nancy E. Flower, former administrative assistant at the Woodcliff Lake Police Department. At left: 2021 Pascack Hills High School graduate Julia Funke, recipient, July 1, of the inaugural Nancy Flower Memorial Scholarship, backed by family, friends, and Mayor Carlos Rendo and Police Chief John Burns.

often was the first person visitors — of all backgrounds, all requiring professionalism, respect, and sensitivity — would encounter.

It will defray college expenses for Funke, who played varsity basketball at PHHS and plans to take on pre-med studies at the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill this fall. It specifically recognizes her “selflessness, volunteerism, positivity, and ded-

Continued on page 15

An impressive 75 borough volunteers turned out to the senior center on June 30 for the inaugural volunteer appreciation dinner, recognizing all it takes to make borough programs — ranging from recreational to life-saving — so successful.

Prominent at the dinner were members of the Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Corps, Auxiliary Police, and Ladiesʼ Auxiliary.

The first annual Volunteer of the Year Award for 2020 was presented to the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department, led by Chief Anthony J. Sotille.

Certainly not least among the departmentʼs accomplishments in a Covid-stricken 2020 was its professional response to a three-alarm fire in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 23.

A three-family house at 66 Clinton St. was destroyed in the blaze, and the families displaced.

Fortunately, nobody was reported injured.

Mayor Danielle DiPaola expressed her pride at the time in how “the family town” came together to help its own.

Officials said the fire started in a vehicle parked in the driveway and quickly spread to the house. When the Emerson Fire Department arrived on scene See VOLUNTEERS on page 334

SALUTING STICKEL

B ck in time...

The Township of Washington has given its thanks to Eagle Scout James Stickel, who created the moving veterans memorial at the library.

Generations enjoyed summers at Montvale’s 22-acre Murray’s Laurel Lake, swimming and picnicking. Kristin Beuscher has the story.

SEE PAGE 26

SEE PAGE 4

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: 53-UNIT PITCH FOR 188 BROADWAY NIXED

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFF LAKE

After three hours of testimony July 20, on whether a legal principle that says a case cannot be judged again if it is substantially similar to one that was already decided, the Zoning Board voted unanimously to reject 188 Broadway LLPʼs revised application to construct a 53-unit apartment complex at the 188 Broadway site.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted, 7–0, on a motion that the principle of res judicata —

Latin for “the thing has been judged” — applied to the revised application even though it was reduced from 60 apartment units to 53 units, and a proposed second building on site was reduced from 3 stories to 2 1⁄ 2 , thus requiring one fewer variance.

It also voted unanimously to approve a motion to dismiss the application because members did not believe circumstances had changed for the application as a result of the pandemic, as the applicant had asserted in a revised application letter.

“I think that concludes this matter,” said Board Attorney Sal-

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“—For now,” put in Paul Kaufman, the applicant attorney, whoʼd challenged Princiottoʼs presentation of witnesses and claimed he had not received certain documents that Princiotto brought into evidence.

Kaufman told Pascack Press on July 21, “We were hardly surprised by the vote, which was preordained and orchestrated by the board and its attorney, particularly after the board and its attorney would not permit us to question their witnesses, call any witnesses on this issue (including their own planner), accepted statements from (a) previous application taken out of context and prohibited us from submitting either the full statement or contrary statements.”

He added, “The applicant intends to pursue all of its rights and remedies.”

As in previous sessions on the matter, the applicationʼs fourth hearing was held on Zoom, with two dozen virtual attendees watching as the two attorneys

2Off

argued over witnesses and what lines of questioning were appropriate.

Both attorneys clashed with each other, despite an agreement not to talk over each other, over what should or should not be allowed.

At one point board chair Robin Malley had Kaufmanʼs microphone muted so that Princiotto could make a statement without being interrupted by Kaufman.

Kaufman objected to the muting and several times claimed that he was not able to mount the applicantʼs case he wanted to due to Princiottoʼs interference.

At one point, Kaufman called the proceedings “a kangaroo court.”

On a couple occasions, Malley defended Princiotto by stating that he represented the boardʼs interests and should question Kaufmanʼs statements and assertions as well as his witness crossexaminations when not relevant to the focus on whether res judicata applied to the revised application.

Princiotto noted that he has been emphasizing since the first revised application hearing that the Zoning Board would hear the application only to better understand whether the principle of res judicata applied.

He mentioned the issue often during each hearing, often provoking rebukes or objections from

Kaufman.

The revised application still needed a use variance as it proposed to put a 53-unit, two-building apartment complex in a Special Office (S-O) Zone, plus four more variances and six additional site waivers, all unchanged from the previous 2019 application that was also rejected unanimously by the Zoning Board approximately two years ago.

Board member Christina Hembree, who accused Kaufman of giving her a stomach ache due to his “argumentativeness” following three-plus hours of verbal attacks and jousting with Princiotto, moved to dismiss the application, saying it was “very clear to me that itʼs substantially similar to the original application.”

Member Dianna Cereijo said the applicantʼs “blueprint is exactly the same” and that “the criteria has been met for res judicata as itʼs substantially similar.”

Malley said the reduction of seven units and one less variance for a minor height reduction were “not a significant change to me.”

Member Lynda Picinic said after listening to professionalsʼ testimony, “In my mind, itʼs substantially similar.”

Early in the meeting, borough planner Richard Preiss testified briefly on a February letter CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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APARTMENTS, TRAFFIC ARE

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFF LAKE

More than 200 residents who replied to the boroughʼs master plan survey seemed to voice a strong consensus: The community does not want multi-family, high-density rental apartments in town.

Thatʼs according to the boroughʼs Master Plan Committee chair, councilwoman Josephine mayor Higgins, who was 1996–2003 and councilwoman 1994–1995.

Mayor Carlos Rendo appointed Higgins to the committee post this year to help shepherd the first update of its master plan since 2002.

Higgins told Pascack Press the committee was “very happy” with more than 200 resident responses to its survey, collected online and in print.

We reached out to the boroughʼs consultant about the master plan survey and a timeline for revealing and posting results but did not hear back by press time.

The master plan includes elements such as land use, circulation, utilities, community facilities and schools, conservation and open space, sustainability, economic development, and historic preservation.

It falls to the Planning Board to approve a revised plan.

From 1985 through 2002, the borough adopted periodic reexamination reports. In 2002, a complete master plan update was conducted; reexamination reports passed in 2008 and 2019.

Higgins told Pascack Press that, beyond housing, survey

respondents also were “generally concerned” about traffic impacts from new development, including local and nearby developments such as multifamily developments planned or built in Park Ridge and

Montvale.

“Traffic is just so bad now, we really need to be able to get a better handle on it,” she said.

Higgins said though Broadway is a county road and beyond local

control, its traffic affects local streets — and that traffic affects a busy intersection where an NJ Transit train station is located.

Higgins said she hopes the master plan update is done by the

end of the year and, moreover, that a final draft comes before the Planning Board and mayor and council by fall.

She said the plan likely would CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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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 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Face masks are required.

The Societyʼs John C. Storms Museum is located 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.

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SCHOOL NEWS

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DINING GUIDE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS 24 OBITUARIES

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HOME IMPROVEMENT 30 REAL ESTATE

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SERVICES

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B ck in time...

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

MURRAY’S LAUREL LAKE: Montvaleʼs bygone swimming spot

A MID-CENTURY SNAPSHOT at Murray’s Laurel Lake, a popular swimming spot in Montvale for nearly 50 years.

M

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER OF PASCACK PRESS URRAYʼS

LAUREL LAKE was a 22-acre recreation spot stretching from the southwest corner of Summit Avenue and Spring Valley Road in Montvale (the area behind Montvale Market). From the 1930s on, generations enjoyed summers there for almost 50 years before the popular swimming lake and picnic grove were replaced by an office building in the 1980s.

The land had been part of the Murray familyʼs farm since 1897, a time when only about 400 people lived in the newly formed Borough of Montvale. In the 1930s, John Murray decided to expand a shallow pond in a meadow on his property. Formerly a watering hole for his cows, he had a mind to turn it into a place where his grandchildren could go swimming.

Before long, other people from around the area starting visiting the lake, seeking a break from the summer heat in that era before backyard pools and air conditioning. Sometimes they would offer Murray 25 cents in exchange for a chance to swim—and those being the lean years of the Great Depression, he accepted. His lake proved so popular that by the 1940s it was actually generating more money than the farm. Thus, Murrayʼs Laurel Lake was born.

Laurel Lake saw its busiest years in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when membership peaked at 1,500 families. Expanded far beyond that original swimming hole, the swim club had a beach, acres of meadow and woods, a dance pavilion, picnic tables that families could rent with season memberships, a refreshment stand, bath houses, a lifeguard shack, and first aid buildings. The Murray house was also on the property. Many local teenagers made lasting memories during their summer jobs at Laurel Lake.

In the swim clubʼs final summer of 1982, about 600 families took out season memberships, which cost $150 at the time. That Labor Day, Sept. 6, 1982, marked the end of an era for many, as Laurel Lake closed its gates for the final time. After that, the land was redeveloped into an office building and parking lot.

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

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

THEN AND NOW: Above, a 1950s view of Murray’s Laurel Lake.

Below, the same site via Google Earth.

Publisher Editor Assistant Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

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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At the handoff of donations are Sir Knights Peter Revie, Ken Schmitt, Joe Bisi, Bill Kessler, Jen Sailer (from the Tri-Boro Food Pantry), and Nicola Loconsole.

On June 1, Knights from the Joseph F. Lamb Assembly, Knights of Columbus, brought a haul of donated canned goods to the Tri-Boro Food Pantry in Park Ridge.

The Assembly is comprised of K of C councils in Ridgewood,

Westwood, Fair Lawn, Ramsey, Park Ridge, Waldwick, Washington Township, Midland Park, Oakland, Upper Saddle River, Saddle River, and Wyckoff.

The Assembly sponsored a canned food drive in April and May to collect food for the local

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Kmight Tom Kistler wrote, “The Sir Knights from the Assembly were delighted to bring more than 2,000 cans of food. Faithful Navigator Nicola Loconsole

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worked closely with all the councils and inspired them to achieve this monumental goal.”

He added, “The first principle of the Knights of Columbus is Charity, and so participating in

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Been there: ZBA not impressed he wrote regarding whether res judicata applied to an earlier 2021 application for 60 units submitted by 188 Broadway LLP. That application was submitted before the March 2021 application that reduced the proposal to 53 units with one fewer variance.

Preiss made no judgment on whether res judicata applied to the revised 53-unit application, noting he was not familiar with it and was

FROM PAGE 2

Drive-in movie night fundraiser July 27

Join the Paskack Junior Womanʼs Club at Demarest Farms for a drive-in movie night fundraiser, Tuesday, July 27, to benefit local charities.

The feature film is Disneyʼs “Raya and the Last Dragon” (1 hr 30 min). The synopsis: “Walt Disney Animation Studiosʼ Raya and the Last Dragon travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity.

“Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and itʼs up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people.

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sheʼll learn that itʼll take more than a dragon to save the world—itʼs going to take trust and teamwork as well.

“Raya and the Last Dragon features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade, and Awkwafina as the magical, mythical, self-deprecating dragon named Sisu. Characters also include a street-savvy 10-year-old entrepreneur named Boun, the formidable giant Tong, and a thieving toddler Noi with her band of Ongis.”

Demarest Farms is at 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale. Parking and concessions open at 7:30 p.m.

Show time is 8:30. Tickets are $40 per car. Proceeds benefit local charities. Pre-registration is required at paskackjuniors.org.

For more information about the Paskack Junior Womanʼs Club, including the charities it supports, visit paskackjuniors.org or find the organization on Facebook (Pascack Area Events & Activities).

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of what constitutes a substantially similar or substantially different application “is a gray area… thereʼs no black and white line that says, This is a substantial change.”

On July 23, 2019, the then Zoning Board rejected 188 Broadway LLPʼs initial application for a two building, 60-unit apartment complex. An appeal was filed on Sept. 19. 2019 by then-applicant attorney James Delia. That appeal awaits a decision by Padovano.

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only called to testify on his letter.

Preiss said there were five criteria that an application must meet before the board could vote to say the principle applied. He said the principle “does not allow a second bite at the apple” after a prior similar application has been denied.

Preiss said Zoning Board members are allowed to determine when an application is substantially similar or different from a prior application.

Preiss said the determination

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JAY HUTCHINSON

BY RACHEL COHEN OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

Following his official swearing in as deputy police chief at a borough meeting June 22, Capt.

Jay Hutchinson received a larger, and ceremonial, swearing in to the post at the July 20 meeting of the mayor and council.

The role was effective July 1.

“I want to thank the governing body, I want to thank the residents of Westwood, and I want to thank the chief,” Hutchinson said after being sworn in Tuesday.

He said, “Itʼs a great department that I work with, and I thank my family and everyone for being by my side on this 26-year journey.”

The department has not had a deputy chief in recent years. A WWPD spokesperson said the most recent incumbents were Frank Regino, who went on to become chief 2004–2018; and Brad Buschow, who went on to be chief 2002–2004.

Hutchinson has been serving the borough with distinction since 1995 and was a candidate for police chief to replace Regino at the top spot. Instead, he was promoted from lieutenant to captain in 2018 under Chief Michael Pontillo, who rose from sergeant.

Mayor Raymond Arroyo said of Hutchinsonʼs latest promotion, “Jay really stepped up for this department and the people of Westwood. He decided that he was going to help this chief — our first 21st century chief of the police department of Westwood.

He helped them make all the changes that were necessary to implement and the policies that make us all in our town proud of everyone.”

Arroyo clarified to Pascack Press on July 21 that Hutchinson

had been planning to retire at the end of the year and agreed to continue on to assist with the departmentʼs succession plan and to help mentor junior officers.

He also was the sole eligible candidate for the deputy post.

Arroyo said, “And he is the best choice, since he has essentially functioned as the departmentʼs deputy under Chief Pontillo, collaborating on and implementing the chiefʼs vision for a WPD fully prepared to meet the many challenges facing 21st century law enforcement.”

Arroyo said, “The way Jay handled the disappointment of coming in second in the chiefʼs promotional process three years ago says everything about his character.”

And, he added, “It is a lesson to his subordinates that despite personal setbacks their professional contributions to the departmentʼs mission do not go unnoticed. They deserve to be rewarded.”

The captain slot will not be filled while the deputy chief is in place, Arroyo said.

In March, the council agreed that the department should consist of “no more than one chief of

Jay Hutchinson in 2018

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police, no more than one deputy chief, no more than one captain, no more than three lieutenants, no more than five sergeants, and no more than 20 police officers, to be appointed to these positions by the governing body of the Borough of Westwood.”

For promotion to deputy chief, no person shall be eligible for such promotion unless he or she shall have served at least 15 years as a full-time officer in the Westwood Police Department.

The ordinance reads, “In determining such length of service, four or more years of military service with honorable discharge shall be the equivalent of one year of employment as a full-time officer for the Westwood Police Department.”

The ordinance further requires that the person “shall have served at least three years as a full-time lieutenant or has served as a captain for the Westwood Police Department; shall have met or exceeded all Westwood Police Department performance standards in his or her three most recent annual performance evaluations conducted by his or her superiors; and shall possess a bachelorʼs degree or higher.”

It adds, “This education requirement shall not apply to officers employed by the Westwood Police Department as of June 20, 2017.”

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As of July 1, all uniformed patrol officers, including SWAT

Also at the July 20 meeting, the town council accepted a state grant toward body-worn cameras for the police department.

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LIBRARY CALENDAR: VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Emerson Library offers Grab & Go Crafts that can be picked up at the library and completed at home. The week of July 26 brings a craft for grades K–6.

The theme is “Animal Nose!” to accompany this weekʼs StoryWalk book: “What If You Had an Animal Nose?” by Sandra Markle.

Reserve your craft kit by registering online.

HILLSDALE

509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • In-person event: “Summer Caricatures” is Tuesday, July 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. on the libraryʼs patio. Kids can have their caricature drawn by Christine. Hillsdale cardholders only. Registration required and limited to 20 children.

• In-person event: Thursday, July 29 at 3:30 p.m. brings an Abrakadoodle art program outside on the libraryʼs patio. Grades K–6; Hillsdale cardholders only.

Registration required; limited to

30 children.

• Work off those extra COVID-19 pounds in a fun and socially distant way with Zumba!

Every Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Janet Weller, certified personal trainer, leads this dance-based workout via Zoom. Register online.

MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • In-person event: Outdoor Summer Storytime is Tuesday, July 27 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

NO QUARTER ASKED! Pac-Man’s least favorite ghostly pursuer, Blinky — friend of Pinky, Inky, and Clyde — comes to life thanks to the Hillsdale Free Public Library’s MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer. There are a variety of PLA filament colors to select from. What do you want to print? Discuss your project with HFPL staff.

Grab a blanket or towel to sit on and join the library for stories, songs and games for children ages 1–5 with a grownup.

Weather permitting. Register online.

• In-person event: At the Mid-Week Make and Take crafting session, kids age 9 and up can paint and customize their own T-shirt. The library brings the materials, you supply creativity. Wednesday, July 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sign up online.

PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • In-person event: Miss Renee is back with Tuesday morning Storytimes geared towards the libraryʼs youngest patrons. Stories, songs and a craft for toddlers and pre-K. Meets Tuesday, July 27 at 10 a.m. at the

library. Registration required.

• In-person event: Join Miss Eileen for a new weekly program for kids—Science Fun! Grades 1–3 will learn about science through experiments and hands-on activities.

Next date: Tuesday, July 27 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the First Friends room across from the library. Limited registration; masks must be worn.

• The library presents Virtual Magic with Michael Stellman on Wednesday, July 28 from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom/Facebook Live. Michael has been seen in a number of television shows and does over 200 shows a year for kids and families.

No registration required.

• In-person event: Storytime with Miss Sherri takes place in the libraryʼs garden Thursday, July 29 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs for little ones. Register in advance.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Misciagna welcomes businesses; touts events into November

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

10 PARK RIDGE

Mayor Keith Misciagna posted a glowing update on business investment in Park Ridge, and noted lively events were on the calendar for the rest of the year.

“We are finally going to celebrate the Borough of Park Ridgeʼs 125th anniversary, which has been delayed a few times by the pandemic. Our gala is now scheduled for Nov. 19; please watch your email and the borough website for details and information on how to get tickets,” he told residents — “my Park Ridge family” — on June 17.

Misciagna said the rec department is sponsoring an expanded 2021 Summer Concert Series on Thursdays in July and August at the Veterans Park gazebo. For the remaining schedule visit parkridgeboro.com.

On Aug. 7, resident Troy Taber is holding a charity softball and cornhole tournament at Memorial Field to honor his father, Michael, who passed away earlier this year.

said. (See also “Sign up for Extra Innings Tournament,” Pascack Press, June 21, 2021.)

He said the recreation department is hosting fireworks on Saturday, Sept. 4 (with a rain date of Sept. 5) at the high school football field. Music begins at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show begin at approximately 8.

Mayor Keith Misciagna

“Michael contributed his time and talents in many ways to Park Ridge and would be proud that his son is carrying on the tradition of giving back. If you are interested in participating or contributing to the Green Monster, project visit extrainnings1624.com for more information,” the mayor

Businesses in gear Misciagna said, “I want to take a moment this week to celebrate all the new businesses that have opened in Park Ridge in the past year. I am proud of our entire Park Ridge team that works hard to be welcoming to businesses big and small. We made it our goal to support our existing businesses as well as help new ones get started.”

He noted heʼd issued executive orders “to relax some zoning regulations to assist our restaurants and other small businesses through the shutdowns, and our entire borough staff worked hard to expedite anything we could to

help so many new businesses get off the ground.”

Misciagna said, “We had socially distanced ribbon cuttings for Paper Street Play on Park Avenue, and our new supermarket, Lidl. And we enjoyed sandwiches from Jersey Mikeʼs, which immediately contributed to our community by holding fundraisers to help our American Legion.”

And, he said, “Park Ridge Pharmacy also opened in 2020 and came to the aid of our residents during difficult times by providing quick and easy Covid testing and walk-in appointments for vaccines. They went the extra mile and delivered vaccines to some of our seniors who werenʼt able to leave home.”

Misciagna said, “All of these extraordinary businesses opened just in 2020.”

To date in 2021, he said, “We already have two new restaurants, El Tajin authentic Mexican restaurant on Kinderkamack Road — near Pestoʼs, which, incidentally, added a wood pizza oven to innovate during the pandemic — and Bubbakooʼs Burritos in the Ridgemont Shopping Center.”

The mayor said, “I am looking forward to the Empanada Cafe headed for Hawthorne Avenue as well as the exciting new prospects for The James.”

He added, “Hopefully we will be able to make some official announcements on those new businesses soon.”

Finally, he said, the borough officially welcomed PIM Brands, which has already made a $25 million investment in its half of the old Hertz Building on Brae Boulevard and plans to take even more space as it expands its new corporate headquarters. “We are proud to be their new home.”

Borough services updates • Open space fund. Misciagna also encouraged voters to note the November ballot question on renewing the municipal Open Space fund.

“This fund is vital to keeping our parks, recreation facilities, trails and green spaces in the borough safe and accessible to our residents. Each taxpayer pays into the Bergen County Open Space

fund, but only those municipalities with a local fund can use the county funds,” he said.

He explained, “Our new field, our playground, our basketball court, our flowers around town, irrigation for our flowers are just a few things paid for with our municipal open space fund and County open space monies. Please follow on Facebook for pictures and more info.

Facebook.com/Park-Ridge-OpenSpace-Fund-Referendum.

• PSE&G work. PSE&G was scheduled to continue work on the East side of town this week. “PSE&G should have contacted all residents that need appointments for their service upgrades,” said Misciagna. “Our Police Department has been in touch with PSE&G to address any safety issues. If you have a question for PSE&G regarding the work, the hotline is (833) 661-6100.”

• The TriBoro Food Pantry.

The food pantry continues to see an increased need. If you are able to donate, please visit the Pantry on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 and 11 a.m. You can also drop off donations at Borough Hall, in the donation box in the lobby, during normal business hours. If you need to make special arrangements for a drop off time, call (201) 573-9083.

• American Legion Post 153. Misciagna thanked residents who already have donated to American Legion Post 153.

“As you know, the postʼs ability to fundraise was greatly affected by the pandemic. If you havenʼt had the opportunity yet but would like to help, taxdeductible donations can be sent to American Legion Post 153, 118 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Tickets are on sale for the Legionʼs 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 each and the winner will be drawn on Sept. 13. Tickets are available directly from the post or by contacting Lori Woods at Borough Hall: (201) 822-3101 or lwoods@parkridgeboro.com.

• Covid-19 info. For Covid information, visit covid19.nj.gov.

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address changes that may be needed for zoning on Tice Boulevard such as possible residential uses that may be permitted.

Bob Nathin, a Master Plan Committee member and a former Planning Board member, said that “Most people donʼt want to see whatʼs happening in Park Ridge and Montvale happening in Woodcliff Lake.” Nathin was referring to new or under-construction developments such as Park Ridgeʼs The James, a mixed-use 240-unit rental apartment and retail complex, as well as planned multifamily inclusionary developments in Montvale and Park Ridge.

Inclusionary developments include either rental or market-rate units, with a 15% to 20% set-aside of affordable units. Major inclusionary developments are planned in Montvale (185 units) and Park Ridge (448 units) on the former Sony property due to each townʼs affordable housing settlement.

Nathin said that the boroughʼs affordable settlement allows it to mostly build 100% affordable units, and not negotiate with developers who build five rental or market-rate units for every affordable unit.

Nathin, who has lived more than 50 years here, said he was against high-density housing and said he was “glad that most residents donʼt want apartments here.”

He wondered about additional

FROM PAGE 3

traffic stemming from nearby townsʼ developments and what impacts it might have on the boroughʼs quality of life.

He noted that “everything revolves around tax dollars” and pointed out that development has fiscal impacts on local services such as school costs, police, fire, ambulance, waste removal, and county taxes.

He said the impacts of development can outweigh the tax revenues generated by the development, “or whatʼs currently there.”

And he noted that traffic studies also do not fully account for all traffic impacts of a development., adding he was “not much of a fan of them.”

Nathin said traffic from nearby developments such as Park Ridgeʼs The James could add to local and regional impacts and congestion.

The Borough Council hired Preiss, Grygiel, Leheny, Hughes LLC, of Hoboken — which includes longtime planner Richard Preiss — for $50,000 in early February for work on its master plan update.

The boroughʼs plan has long been criticized as “outdated” as well as not taking into account current economic and zoning factors affecting the boroughʼs development.

Preiss also was retained, for $10,000, in 2019 to produce a planning report on the Broadway Corridor for council. He was asked to study and propose amendments to

design guidelines and uses within the Broadway Corridor.

He said then that residents expressed a desire for low-density residential and retail uses such as shops to meet local shopping needs, “and a place for people to meet, spend time and perhaps have a meal or a cup of coffee.”

Some uses Preiss then envisioned included spas, wellness facil-

ities, gyms, coffee shops and restaurants. However, critics pointed out a lack of parking and poor lighting in the area.

Rendo opposed the corridor study and said that the funds would be better spent on a master plan update.

We reached out to Preiss about the master plan survey and a timeline for revealing and posting results

but did not hear back by press time.

A townʼs master plan is a blueprint for its future and represents the goals and values of its residents.

Higgins said that the documents should help guide decisions about land use and development borough-wide, adding her hope that more residents participate.

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JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Survey: Apartments, traffic said among concerns

11

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

12

‘Music in her soul’: Teen releases her first single, ‘I Would’

BY RACHEL COHEN OF PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

As usual, Livy Sullivan came to her private keyboard lesson expecting to test her vocals with her teacher, Brianna Musco. But instead, after hearing lyrics that Livy strung together, Musco knew

it was time to bring it to life.

“Thereʼs a personal pleasure you get from your own creations, so I always try to show that to my students,” she said. “Iʼm doing something similar to what my uncle, who was my guitar instructor, did for me. He taught me that if youʼre going to learn the basics, create your own stuff — thereʼs only so much time we have here.”

A ‘magical twist of fate’ drives Livy Sullivan’s art.

And when presented with the opportunity, Musco said Livy “crushed it”.

“Livyʼs the type of person that if somebody says you canʼt do it, sheʼs going to do it and itʼs going to be 10 times better than you ever expected,” she said.

“Sheʼs very hard working and just an absolute pleasure.”

Together, the two produced Livyʼs first song, “I Would,” in Muscoʼs basement studio. Since its release on Feb. 5, 2021, it has reached more than 30,000 streams on Spotify.

“Recently, I had this magical twist of fate,” said Livy, a Montvale resident pursuing theater arts as a rising Fairleigh Dickinson University sophomore. “When I was 8 years old, I always dreamed that one day, I would have a song of mine.”

Livy first began writing the lyrics to “I Would” in February 2019 about a crush she had on a boy. After its release, she produced an accompanying music video in March 2021, garnering more than 14,000 views on YouTube.

But her passion for music did not begin recently with her first released single — it has been present since she was 6 years old, listening to pop musicians such as Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift.

Livyʼs mom, Doreen Sullivan, recalled that her daughter,

Livy Sullivan’s first single, ‘I Would,’ has a popular video.

then 7, and her friends put on a Taylor Swift concert in their basement — and invited neighbors and sold tickets for the performance.

“Music is in her soul,” Doreen said. “She has the biggest heart on the planet, she is always happy and she tries to make everybody feel good — thatʼs what she wants her music to do to people.”

Along with Livy, music had always been a part of the Sullivan family, as both of Livyʼs maternal grandparents were musicians and her mom took piano lessons and

sang in a church choir. Livyʼs later father sang to Doreenʼs belly before Livy was born as well. (Sadly, he passed away after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.)

When facing a difficult situation or questioning herself, Livy considers herself a spiritual person and feels at peace knowing that she will overcome it. Being born with health complications, she believes God has rewarded her with a strong mindset to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

HILLSDALE

Council overrides veto over fields, community center

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

The Borough Council voted, 4-0, on July 21 to override Mayor John Ruoccoʼs partial veto of up to $100,000 for funding feasibility studies, restoring funds for studies on a community center, and the turfing of one or more recreational fields.

The special meeting, triggered by the veto, lasted seven minutes.

Council President Abby Lundy said that Ruocco knew that the council had the votes to overturn his veto. She complained that being forced into a special meeting to override the veto was “absurd.”

Ruocco was absent for the meeting, as were Frank Pizzella and Zoltán Horváth. Anthony DeRosa and John Escobar, along with Lundy and Janetta Trochimiuk, voted to override Lundy said the mayor and one councilman who voted against the capital funding ordinance had previously voted for a “non-fair and open contract”

about two years ago. Horváth opposed the capital funding ordinance on July 13.

Lundy said she found it “very curious” that they both voted for one consultant that they preferred for a study back in 2019 but that now it was nontransparent and non-competitive when a council majority, not including the mayor and Horvath. voted for such funding.

Pascack Press revealed last week that the proposed feasibility study for a community center and field turfing was estimated

by DMR Architects, Hasbrouck Heights, to cost $24,600, far below the $100,000 that the capital ordinance authorizes.

The study proposal, addressed to Borough Administrator Christopher Tietjen, notes what work DMR will perform for a conceptual design phase.

This includes: reviewing previous consultant reports; conducting a space needs assessment; meeting with Borough officials and professionals to present the proposed program, including budget impacts; based

on needs, DMR will develop a facility floor plan and footprint and site plan for three locations; and upon approval, DMR will develop a final conceptual plan with cost estimates.

Moreover, DMR will develop a conceptual site plan for a turf field for soccer, football and lacrosse at Memorial Park, Beechwood Park and Centennial Recreation Field, including a layout for parking, bathrooms and snack areas.

Ruocco partly vetoed the resolution appropriating $1,121,909 for capital improvements that council approved, 4-1, on July 13. He said the council neither sought competitive bids on the studies nor did it consult three studies funded by council at a $24,000 cost.

Two of the studies were on turfing and one was on a possible community center.. Also, he said the council has not fully exploired alternatives to a community center, such as sharing services with Bethany Community Center in nearby Washington Township.

make an impact on the world.

“Knowing that has made my life easier — having that faith,” Livy said. “Growing up, I was taught to never give up and work for what youʼre passionate for.

Whatever ends up happening, itʼs important to go for what you love,

FROM PAGE 12

and all the rest will fall into place.”

While figuring out the lines to “I Would,” Livy said she had a “lightbulb of inspiration” and heard a melody in her head. Her favorite line became “If I could be your girl, I would,” which sums up the entire song.

“Iʼm telling this person that if I could date them, if I could be all

HILLSDALE

Free yoga before concerts in July, August

theirs and they can be mine, I would totally be all into it — itʼs up to them to reciprocate those feelings,” Livy said.

Now, Livy is working on her second single, “Donʼt Come Around,” forthcoming in August.

She started writing the lyrics to the song in eighth grade at Fieldstone Middle School — and it is the first song she composed.

Livy said the inspiration behind the single was Swiftʼs song “All Too Well” when she was watching a video from her Red album. Similar to her own single,

Swiftʼs album came about from an unhealthy romance she was experiencing.

“My mom and I said that we had to get this song out there, even though it has been a while since I wrote it and still relate to it just as much,” Livy said. “Everyone can relate to being almost discarded by someone they trusted or loved, or thought they would never do that to them — thatʼs what the song is about.”

And mastering the technical aspects of her career is a work in progress. Livy has to re-record her

singing of “Donʼt Come Around” to fit the volume of the song.

However, she sees it as a humbling experience and hopes to produce the highest quality song she can.

“Now was the time to release my very first song, and if it could inspire or resonate with one person, thatʼs really all I care about,” Livy said. “I feel no matter what, Iʼm living my dream because I get to do music some way and somehow. Iʼm blessed for that.”

For more information: Instagram: livsullivan_music.

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JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Music: Livy Sullivan releases her first single

13

Sc h ool News EMERSON’S SCHOOLS CHIEF

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

14

TAKES LONG VIEW ON WHOLE STUDENT

BY RACHEL COHEN OF PASCACK PRESS

EMERSON

The Emerson Public School District now serves as a model for other school districts in an ongoing book series.

Emersonʼs teaching approach of social-emotional learning — a set of principles for students to develop self awareness, self control and interpersonal skills for their careers and life — appears in “Integrating Social and Emotional Learning across a School District: Knowing Our Students, Knowing Ourselves,” edited by Brian P. Gatens, Ed.D, superintendent of schools.

The title is part of the fivebook series Teaching Ethics across the American Educational Experience.

Gatensʼ book, which offers a broad overview of the district for its readers and draws out what makes it special, was written by Gatens and former Emerson resident Dominic P. Scibilia over the course of nearly two years from the summer of 2017.

It was released this past June after production delays stemming from the pandemic.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers says, “With chapters from

experienced teachers and school and district leaders, this text provides a wealth of practical strategies and inspirational guidance on incorporating social-emotional and ethical learning across a district and educational community.”

Scibilia, who is the creator and main editor behind the series, told Pascack Press last week, “A person reading this book would walk away with a sense that Emerson is a community that is very supportive of their educational system.”

He said, “Theyʼll have a clear understanding of the schoolʼs commitment to really help each student develop academically, socially and emotionally. Itʼs partly focused on studentsʼ journeys towards coming to know who they are, beginning to get a sense by the time they get through with high school what they might want to give to the world.”

Being in education since 1990 as a teacher of social ethics, Scibilia said he realized that there was “more going on” in the classroom that expanded beyond his students engaging in a particular subject.

“In order to help them understand why they were learning what they were learning, and have that connect to their real lives, I had to understand the whole stu-

Brian P. Gatens, Emerson superintendent of schools

dent, what they feel and what they see the way they do,” Scibilia said.

“It is significant for a teacher and students themselves.”

With his own experience with social-emotional learning, Scibilia then came up with the idea to write books on the approach, enlisting Rowman & Littlefield as the publisher.

He said that the final book in the series, “Teaching Ethics: Instructional Models, Methods, and Modalities for University Studies,” is forthcoming in September.

For “Knowing Our Students, Knowing Ourselves,” Scibilia met individually with the bookʼs contributors — Gatens, Director of Curriculum Alice Opperman, and school principals and teachers — on a monthly basis to guide them in developing journals of their experiences in Emerson and then write for the publication.

“I closely followed what was happening with the Board of Education and education issues in the town,” said Scibilia, referencing between 2017 and 2019 when he lived in Emerson.

The introduction includes a production timeline, part of which was recorded March 14, 2018: “It has been a month since the shootings and killing of seventeen adults and students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The front page of the New York Times frames the infancy narrative of the student social movement #Never Again.

Like many student movements from around the world (from Colombia, Mexico City, Taiwan, and to the call for public education in Valparaiso, Chile) Parkland

High School students call for social change.”

The editors say in part, “Teaching Ethics across the American Educational Experience gives us pause to consider the moral seeding underway throughout American schools.

Indeed, students are learning how to distinguish right from wrong, to engage reason, emotion, and imagination when acting as moral agents.”

Scibilia said, “In the area of ethics across the country, there is an openness to looking at teaching ethics of the whole person — that means involving their emotions, intellectual abilities, intuition and imagination.

“Thereʼs a good matchup between what was happening in Emerson and what they were beginning to do to what was happening on a national scale.”

During that time, the local school board had completed a strategic plan — including building changes, adopting a global learning focus and implementing social-emotional learning — for the next five years, according to Scibilia.

Gatens told Pascack Press, “The most noticeable impact regarding our students in regards to our social-emotional learning

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Flower: Julia Funke is first scholarship recipient ication to teamwork” throughout her high school career.

The department said, “With an infectious smile, Nancy brightened our days and, maybe more importantly, kept us in line. She was the backbone of our department.”

It added, “We were proud to present Julia with a check this morning to be used for her higher education expenses.”

Flower, 68, died on Feb. 9. Her obituary notes she lived in the borough and was formerly of Westwood.

She is survived by her husband, Vaughn; her son, Matthew and his wife, Stephanie; her granddaughter, Annabelle; her siblings Diane Mone and her husband Dominick, Joanne Gannon and her husband John, Dawn Kranzo and her husband Al, and Gary Quirsfeld; as well as her nieces and nephews Chris, Kimberly, Michelle, and Gregory.

Flower graduated from Westwood Regional High School and Katherine Gibbs College, starting her career in her familyʼs restaurant, The Iron Kettle, in Montvale.

She worked for Blue Mountain Industries in South Hackensack before devoting many years to standing out as the administrator for the Woodcliff Lake Police Department.

FROM PAGE 1

She was heavily involved in the D.A.R.E. and Our Lady Mother of the Church Catholic Christian Doctrine programs, and had volunteered as a teacherʼs assistant for The Forum School, a nonprofit stateapproved private school for students with disabilities, in Waldwick.

At the award ceremony, Funke was backed by Rendo; Police Chief John Burns; police Sgt. Paul Brown; her mom, Jessica Suric Funke; and Vaughn Flower.

Asked to share his views on the award, Vaughn told Pascack Press on July 20, “Iʼll tell you the

View: Gatens work is that they now have the vocabulary and ability to say what they are thinking and feeling while they are living their day to day lives.”

He said, “Experience has shown that when offered the ability to think about and verbalize their internal thoughts they now have the ability to consider the thoughts, feelings and actions of others.”

Over the next several months, Gatens will be presenting the book at regional and state conferences.

“All of the ideas in the book have been directly applied to our students and their school experience,” Gatens said. “The need to know both oneself as well as take others into consideration is neces-

FROM PAGE 14

sary for any member of society, and we take pride in how strongly our students have responded to this vital work.”

truth, John [Burns] came over towards the end — she was on hospice then — and he brought it up while she was still with us and she was very excited about it — and Iʼm very excited about what the Police Department brought up. It was a great idea.”

He added, “Itʼs really taken off. People have already asked me how to donate to it. So I think we should have no issues going for-

ward.”

He said Funke was a good choice among several strong candidates and that he was not part of the final decision. He agreed an annual scholarship was a beautiful legacy for his wife.

“Weʼre very happy; the whole family is. Weʼre very excited about it,” he said.

— With John Snyder

EMERSON

B’Nai Israel Hebrew School enrolling

Congregation Bʼnai Israel is accepting applications for 2021–2022 Hebrew School.

The Hebrew School, which begins in September, offers a strong Hebrew and Judaic curriculum for grades K–8 that is innovative, fun, and educational.

The two-day-a-week program (Sundays and Tuesdays) includes instruction in reading Hebrew, learning to read and chant the prayers, and gaining skills to lead their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and beyond.

The Judaic curriculum

includes the study of Jewish Holidays, Israel, the Holocaust (for older students), and Jewish History, culture, and identity.

The schoolʼs K-2 “Prozdor” program meets on Sundays for two hours.

For more information about the Hebrew School or all that the temple has to offer, write office@bisrael.com or call (201) 265-2272.

Congregation Bʼnai Israel is an innovative Conservative temple at 53 Palisade Ave. For more information visit bisrael.com.

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Sc h ool News

15

16

Library Calendar

• 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,

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 8

science, and more geared towards kids in primary grades.

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • The week of July 26 brings a Craft-to-Go for kids pre-K to fifth grade. Stop by the library to pick up a flamingo glasses craft to make at home. One per child; supplies limited.

• The virtual program Musical Munchkins brings guitar

music, singing, dancing, instrument play, puppets, and animated music boards to your home via Zoom. Ages 6 months to 5 years. Next: Monday, July 26 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Register online.

• Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom on Tuesday, July 27 at 11 a.m. This gentle form of yoga is specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities to help them strengthen, stretch and

tone the body, and to connect body, mind and spirit. Visit the libraryʼs website for details.

• In-person event: The InBeTween Book Club for grades 4–5 will discuss “The Babysitters Club: Kristyʼs Great Idea” (graphic novel, Book 1) by Ann M. Martin when they meet outdoors Wednesday, July 28 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Registration is required.

• The Online Virtual Travel

Series ventures to Buenos Aires with a Zoom presentation on Wednesday, July 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. Buenos Aires was built to rival the great cities of Europe.

Explore its architecture and history from the comfort of home.

Register online.

• Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammersʼ tactics are becoming more complex.

The virtual program “Outsmart

County quilt and coverlet show Oct. 1, 2

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Kay Yeomans, Peggy Norris, and Diane Mateo review quilts for the Bergen County Quilt and Coverlet Show, Oct. 1 and 2.

Check out the Bergen County Quilt and Reformed Church Education Building, 650-660 E. Coverlet Show Oct. 1 and 2. Eighty quilts and 36 Glen Ave., Ridgewood.

The quilts and coverlets are from the colleccoverlets, made 1800–1976, will be on display at the Schoolhouse Museum and the Old Paramus tions of 13 local museums and 16 private collections. Organizers say this is a rare opportunity to view these fragile textiles.

“Quilts and coverlets are not only beautiful reminders of our history, but reflect the lives of Bergen Countyʼs women and men through the years,” reads the event announcement.

Details: Friday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $10 general admission; $5 for those 12 and under.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. No strollers, please.

For more information, visit bergencountyquiltandcoverletshow.com.

— Photo by Marion T. Brown

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Dining & Cooking Guide

PARK RIDGE REC AND TGA SPORTS CAMPS

Park Ridge Recreation is offering TGA Sports Camps at Davies Memorial Field as follows: • August Multi Sports Camps: Aug. 2–20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Full and half day sessions offered.

Non-residents are welcomed as well, and you can sign up for only a week, to fill a gap in your summer schedule.

Sign up at http://bergencounty.playtga.com/go/praug21 or call (201) 375-7406.

For more information call the Park Ridge Recreation Department at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521.

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Wine enthusiasts and nearby neighbors can enjoy the Demarest Farms Wine Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 and Sunday, Aug. 15, when the neighborhood farm will host award-winning wineries from around New Jersey.

The event takes places from noon to 6 p.m. both days, rain or

shine, and features wine tasting, live music, and food.

The cost is $15 per person, which includes a wine tasting glass and sampling of wines from all wineries and admission to the band performances. The Kover Up Band and a Beatles tribute band are scheduled to perform.

Participating wineries include Dimatteo Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villa Milagros Vineyards, and Villari Winery.

For more information, call Demarest Farms at (201) 666-0472 or visit www.demarestfarms.com.

Demarest Farms is at 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale.

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JULY 26, 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 sea-

sonal 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.

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 Farmersʼ 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.

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

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Dining & Cooking Guide

Armenian home’s plans? ‘No comment,’ we’re told

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

There are no answers yet as to plans for the continuation of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) in Emerson or elsewhere, with borough officials saying they have no updates on the 70 Main St. site.

ANRC closed its doors on Easter Sunday after after 83 years in operation. From the outside, the 3.5-acre property, with its 86 beds, still appears neat as a pin. Commons areas appear ready for use.

All residents “were safely and appropriately transitioned” to other nearby facilities, according to an April 23 announcement posted on the homeʼs website.

The message continues, “Fur-

ther, virtually all ANRC employees were offered subsequent employment prior to closing — no small feat.”

Administrator Stephen J. Epstein wrote residents and family members April 2 that the facility “will close its doors for the last time” on Easter Sunday, April 4.

“Started in 1938, caring for the aged and infirm Armenians and soon growing to include all races and religions in America, over the last several years the Home struggled to compete with the growth of assisted living and home health care services and finally succumbed to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he wrote.

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The venerable Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 70 Main St. saw its residents placed elsewhere this year.

(John Snyder photo)

caring for them over these past 83 years as well as their supportive families and friends,” he added.

NJ Spotlight News said in May that according to plans filed with the state on Feb. 8, operators at ANRC “provided residentsʼ families with a list of seven other facilities in the region, five with spots open for Medicaid members.

Follow-up communication with the state indicates all residents did eventually find a new home.”

Until recently the home was embarked on exciting expansion plans. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator reported in 2018 that the board of directors for New Yorkʼs only residential facility for Armenian seniors, the New York Armenian Home, decided to sell their building in Flushing and relocate. They finally agreed with ANRC on a joint venture in Emerson, for which they were

then finalizing the paperwork.

The paper quoted Khoren Bandazian, secretary of ANRCʼs Board of Directors:“Weʼre going to be establishing a new non-profit company that each side will have participation in. And, we are currently talking with the Hackensack Meridian Health Network to be the developer, to build the new building, and also to manage the building going forward once itʼs completed.”

According to Bandazian, construction on the Emerson property was to begin within the next nine months and was expected to be completed 18 months later.

On ANRCʼs website, the message announcing its closure notes that the New York Armenian Home, Inc., and ANRC entered into an affiliation agreement on March 28, 2019. “By helping those in need, our respective

organizations carry out their missions and further the charitable purposes. Despite setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have made great progress, and are now very close to taking the next steps toward our joint venture.”

The message notes both organizations “are now fully focused in moving forward with the actions necessary to further our joint development” at 70 Main St. “It has been an arduous journey for our collective community, and although the Covid19 pandemic created challenges and changes to our vision, the end is in sight and development planning is underway.”

Mayor Danielle DiPaola told Pascack Press on July 21 that she had not heard from ANRC officials in some time. She said it was her understanding that a new facility was approved for construction, and a groundbreaking held in 2019.

She said the original plans included nursing home residents staying in the existing facility while a new facility was built on the adjacent grass field. Then the old structure would be razed, and residents relocated, once the new facility was completed.

At the 2019 meeting, the Land Use Board approved minor changes to an amended resolution for a 118-bed facility in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health.

The amended resolution was approved, 6–0, in 2019, with two abstentions and two members recused. Architect and planning professionals for ANRC said then that delays in construction were due to changes in state nursing home regulations.

— With John Snyder

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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WHICH RETIREMENT PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only.

If you own a small business, there are many ERIC KOHLMEIER retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees save for retirement.

For most closely held business owners, a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) was once the most cost-effective choice. Then

the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) became a viable alternative. Today you may find that a defined benefit or 401(k) plan best suits your needs.

To make an informed decision on which plan is right for your business, review the differences carefully before you choose.

• Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA). This plan is flexible, easy to set up, and has low administrative costs. An employer signs a plan adoption agreement, and IRAs are set up for each eligible employee. When choosing this

plan, keep in mind that it does not allow employees to save through payroll deductions, and contributions are immediately 100% vested.

The maximum an employer can contribute each year is 25% of an employeeʼs eligible compensation, up to a maximum of $280,000 for 2019.

However, the contribution for any individual cannot exceed $56,000 in 2019. Employer contributions are typically discretionary and may vary from year to year.

With this plan, the same formula must be used to calculate the contribution amount for all eligible

employees, including any owners.

Eligible employees include those who are age 21 and older and those employed (both part time and full time) for three of the last five years.

• Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE).

If you want a plan that encourages employees to save for retirement, a SIMPLE IRA might be appropriate for you.

In order to select this plan, you must have 100 or fewer eligible employees who earned $5,000 or more in compensation in the preceding year and have no other employer-sponsored retirement plans to which contributions were made or accrued during that calendar year.

There are no annual IRS filings or complex paperwork, and employer contributions are tax deductible for your business. The plan encourages employees to save for retirement through payroll deductions; contributions are immediately 100% vested.

The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan cannot exceed $13,000 for 2019. If an employee is 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catchup contribution of $3,000 is permitted.

Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019).

All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision each year no later than Nov. 2 for the upcoming year.

• Defined benefit pension plan. This type of a plan may be a good solution for a profitable company with stable cash flow with intentions of benefitting employees over the age of 40. This type of plan can also help build savings quickly. It generally produces a much larger tax-deductible contribution for your business than a defined contribution plan; however, annual employer contributions are mandatory since each participant is promised a monthly benefit at retirement age.

Since this plan is more complex to administer, the services of an enrolled actuary are required.

All plan assets must be held in a pooled account, and your employees cannot direct their investments.

Certain factors affect an employerʼs contribution for a plan, such as current value of the plan assets, the ages of employees, date

of hire, and compensation.

A participating employee with a large projected benefit and only a few years until normal retirement age generates a large contribution because there is little time to accumulate the necessary value to produce the stated benefit at retirement.

The maximum annual benefit at retirement is the lesser of 100% of the employeeʼs compensation or $225,000 per year in 2019 (indexed for inflation). This plan design should only be considered with the intention of funding for a minimum of five years.

• 401(k) plans. This plan may be right for your company if you want to motivate your employees to save towards retirement and give them a way to share in the firmʼs profitability.

401(k) plans are best suited for companies seeking flexible contribution methods.

When choosing this plan type, keep in mind that the employee and employer have the ability to make contributions. The maximum salary deferral limit for a 401(k) plan is $19,000 for 2019.

If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 is permitted.

The maximum amount you, as the employer, can contribute is 25% of the eligible employeeʼs total compensation (capped at $280,000 for 2019).

Individual allocations for each employee cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation or $56,000 in 2019 ($62,000 if age 50 or older). The allocation of employer profit-sharing contributions can be skewed to favor older employees, if using age-weighted and new comparability features.

Generally, IRS Forms 5500 and 5500-EZ (along with applicable schedules) must be filed each year.

Once you have reviewed your businessʼs goals and objectives, check with your financial advisor to evaluate the best retirement plan option for your financial situation.

Written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, senior financial advisor, managing director—investments in Park Ridge, (201) 5050472. Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDICinsured/not bank-guaranteed/may lose value. Wells Fargo Advisors, LAC, Member SIPS, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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22

Library Calendar

the Scammers” will give you the information you need to avoid becoming a victim. Online presentation is Thursday, July 29 from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Register for access.

• In-person event: An Adult Craft will take place in the

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

FROM PAGE 16

library community room Friday, July 30 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Stop by to paint a small birdhouse. Registration is required.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org

MONTVALE

LOCAL MAN HELD OVER SEX ASSAULT OF MINORS

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announces the arrest of Sweeney Court resident Kenneth MacPherson, 58, a divorced contractor, on sexual assault and child endangerment charges.

The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the Montvale Police Department under the direction of Chief Joseph Sanfilippo.

According to the police report, on Tuesday, July 7 the Montvale Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office Special Victims Unit regarding an allegation of a sexual assault of a minor by MacPherson.

During the subsequent investigation, “It was learned that MacPherson [had] sexually assaulted the minor at a residence in Montvale. An additional minor victim was identified who also was sexually assaulted by MacPherson in

both Montvale and Hillsdale.”

As a result of the investigation, on Friday, July 16, MacPherson was arrested MACPHERSON and charged with three counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

MacPherson was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court.

Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He thanked the Montvale Police Department for its assistance in the investigation.

• Tweens and teens grades 3 and up are invited to a virtual Cartooning Class on Monday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m. Have your pencil and paper ready, then join John on Zoom to learn step-bystep how to draw a cartoon.

Register on the libraryʼs website.

• 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: A new book group, Tales and Mocktails Outdoor Bookclub, launches Tuesday, July 27 at 4 p.m. The selection is “The Dinner List” by Rebecca Serle. This club for adults will be meeting one Tuesday per month outside the library. For those with kids in grades K–6, Miss Marie will be running outdoor lawn games at

the same time (see listing below). Register online.

• In-person event: Children and their grownups can play Lawn Games outside the library on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. There will be a nice selection of lawn games for you and your friends and family to enjoy. No registration required. Weather permitting. Call ahead if weather looks questionable.

• In-person event: Snack Chat is every Wednesday at 4 p.m. outside the library. Tweens and teens can drop by for snacks, crafts, lawn games, and a space to hang out. If you have a Nintendo Switch, bring it along.

Weather permitting. Masks required.

• In-person event: Outdoor Story Time meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. Ages 2–5. Register online before attending.

Weekly through Aug. 19.

• Crafty Thursdays for grades K–6 takes place every other week. Register online for the craft kit, then follow along on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to create a craft from home. Julyʼs craft kit includes materials to create an animal print box, and the instructional video will be posted Thursday, July 29 at 4 p.m.

• In-person event: Friday Friends—Stroller Stories Edition meets every Friday at 10 a.m. through Aug. 20. Rhymes, songs, and a short story for toddlers. Held in person outside, weather permitting. Register online.

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • In Junior Animal

detectives as well as officers from the Bergen County Sheriffʼs office, BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Crime Scene Unit] and MENESES While K-9. maintaining a perimeter, an officer was able to locate a male party matching the description provided, walking down the street from the crime scene, who was positively identified as Christo Meneses.”

The report says, “During the investigation, it was learned that “Meneses had entered the business and had stolen money from the cash register after being con-

fronted by the store employee. It was also later discovered through the investigation that [he] was responsible for the theft of the business delivery van, which was used and damaged several hours prior.”

According to police, “officers were able to recover all of the proceeds of the crime belonging to the business owner.”

Madden emphasizes that the charges lodged against the defendant are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

He thanked the Montvale and Woodcliff Lake police departments and the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department for their assistance.

Bergenfield man charged over burglary

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

PARK RIDGE

Police Chief Joseph Madden announces the arrest of Christo Meneses, 20, from Bergenfield, over burglary, two counts of theft, and criminal mischief.

According to the police report, at approximately 3:51 a.m. on July 17, Park Ridge police responded to a local business for a report of a burglary.

“It was determined that about 30 minutes prior, a store worker entered the establishment and located a male party at the cash register. The suspect quickly removed the cash and ran out the front door of the establishment while the worker gave chase, eventually losing sight of him,” the report says.

It adds, “Officers responded, set up a perimeter, and contacted

HACKENSACK

Sheriff’s officers promoted, sworn in

Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton held a ceremony recently to administer the oath of office to officers at a promotions ceremony on the Court Street steps of the Bergen County Justice

Center.

Under clear skies and with evident pride, Cureton swore in four sheriffʼs investigators and promoted three corrections officers to sergeant.

The ceremony was attended by family, friends, law enforcement and county dignitaries.

Corrections officers promoted to sergeant: Jose Fernandes, Christina Mamo, and Matthew

Strauss.

Investigator recruits: Ryan Dingertopadre, Nicholas LaSala, Randy Sabato, and Jonathan Veloz “These new hires and promotions will have an immediate posi-

tive impact on our daily operations by continuing the efficiency of our workforce. We remain committed to providing an outstanding level of service,” Cureton said in a statement on July 19.

Shane Svorec invites you on the ‘road trip’ of your life

HILLSDALE

HANE SVOREC, a lifelong writer who resides in Hillsdale with her husband, three children, rescue dogs, and chickens, has a message that sheʼs delighted to share with readers — and they, in turn, are showing theyʼre eager to take the ride with her.

In “Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Places,” which released on June 29 and shot to the No. 1 spot in its category on Kindle, Svorec shares “pieces” of her life that “are both pretty and painful while beautifully illustrating how they all connect to create purpose.”

Itʼs a true story — names are changed where appropriate, she says — told largely from the back seat of her familyʼs Volkswagen bus.

The bookʼs cover shows that bus — and a little girl, clutching a suitcase and teddy bear, approaching both it and unknown American vistas beyond, the mood perhaps meant to evoke Dorothy and the Yellow Brick Road of Oz. Certainly there is the sense of a threshold, with limitlessness above and the generous heartland of America wide and ahead.

Svorec says the book weaves

Pascack Press LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

church, a staunch public servant, a member of the (Hillsdale) Board of Education, a mental health and crisis intervention worker, and “a perpetual peacemaker and kindness spreader.”

She says best known as someone who searches for light in dark times and made her lifeʼs mission to advocate for those without a voice.

Sheʼs had the delight of seeing her book on display at the Paramus Barnes & Noble, under Personal Growth, and from Hillsdale her book tour, by RV, is taking her far and wide: recently Virginia and Arkansas, and next

Svorec’s book, available electronically and stocked at Barnes & Noble (here in Paramus), is about “believing in goodness.” life lessons with great music and is “like going on a road trip with your best friend.”

“Broken Little Believer” is a journey we can all relate to — “the excitement, the challenges, the acceptance of reality vs. expectation, and finding the beauty in it all,” she tells Pascack Press.

Svorec grew into a good place to tell this story. Her bio notes sheʼs highly involved in her community, an active member of her

Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Ohio, and Florida.

Sheʼs locking down other appearances in New Jersey and New York, as elsewhere, and invites readers to join her along the way on social media at #brokenlittlebeliever.

In addition to the story, which she says is for all ages and backgrounds, Svorecʼs self publisher, Author Academy Elite, says the

book “features reasons to believe in the underdog while showcasing how false perceptions, widely held beliefs, and initial impressions are not only misleading but often wrong.”

She says it “provides a positive pathway to introduce, renew, and stretch that which we believe to be possible” and “creates a mindset of possibilities within readers as they learn to recognize blessings in disguise…”

Svorec says she grew up “unconventionally,” and here she chooses her words most carefully, so as not to give away too much of the bookʼs details.

“That was my family Volkswagen bus, and we lived in that Volkswagen bus and I saw the world from a very different perspective a young girl living all over the country, traveling all across the United States, and not knowing what the future — even the next day — was going to bring,” she says. “There were a lot of circumstances that brought us to that point.”

Those formative years led her to yet more travel, and quite a lot of writerly people-watching and personal reflection, amid a career in global sales and marketing. The book took shape over the past 10 years or so, in the States, in Hong Kong and other Asian places, and all over Europe, in planes, trains, and automobiles.

It came together organically, she says.

Asked whether the book has a religious message — both the title, and a promotional photo of Svorec wearing a cross invite the question — she says although she was raised into Catholic traditions she defines herself simply, and powerfully, as spiritual.

“Throughout my life I have attended Baptist church, Methodist church, I have been to temple with friends, I have Jehovahʼs Witness friends, Buddhist friends. So ʻBeliever,ʼ I think thereʼs not a religion in here that is, ʻOh, this is one of those biblebeating books.ʼ It is not that at all.”

She says, “It is about believing in goodness, and you can find spirituality and faith in many different religions, so itʼs definitely not a pigeonhole Christianity book. Itʼs got a little bit of everything in it.”

Of getting her ideas into print, she tells Pascack Press, “Iʼm sure Iʼm not alone when I liken the process to giving birth: You put all this time and love and effort towards this baby and then you release it to the world, and you hope and pray that everyone else loves it — and that everything that you put into it… that they can feel it, and appreciate and respect it.

Itʼs quite the journey.”

She says, “Itʼs about being really excited about the journey,” and then at the end of the long road trip, with all of its ups and downs, disappointments and surprises, “youʼve learned a lot about people that you never would have known.”

Sheʼs framed the book like

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

S

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

23

Hillsdale author Shane Svorec is on the road.

her life. “There are a lot of tough times and beautiful moments; after each chapter there are reflection points, and itʼs almost like rest stops. So after each chapter, the driver and the passenger get out and switch places — you say, ʻWhoʼs gonna driveʼ — you stretch your legs and you reflect on the journey to that point.”

She says “Itʼs my story but readers are kind of comparing their own journey and their own life to what theyʼre reading. And thereʼs great music — thereʼs a

playlist — and it sets the whole road trip for a journey.”

Hereʼs where she says the bookʼs subtitle, “Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Places,” comes in: “If you look back on the journey as a whole you hardly ever regret going on it. It might not have been everything you expected but it got you to where youʼre supposed to be,” she says.

For more information and to place a book order, visit https://brokenlittlebeliever.com.

LINE DANCE FOR FUN, FITNESS, AND FRIENDSHIP WESTWOOD

Thomas J. Riley Senior Center is offering a new line-dancing program, led by Joyce DeSantis.

Line dancing is a popular and fun form of exercise to music.

It consists of dance steps and routines done in lines, with dancers moving independently with other dancers. No partners or experience is necessary.

DeSantis, a retired high school math teacher, taught line dancing for many years at St. Andrewʼs Church, Westwood, and created and led the SASSY Ladies dance group, which performed many years for the benefit of area nursing homes and senior groups. She is eager to share her love of recreational dance with new comers and experienced dancers.

Lessons start with basic confidence-building steps and footwork and gradually progress to more advanced steps and moves, while incorporating the learned steps into a dance to a popular song.

Steps and routines are choreographed to the beat of new and oldies pop, rock ʻnʼ roll, and country songs. A variety of dance tempos and styles, such as the two step, Charleston, waltz, chacha, polka, rumba and the twist, are included.

Give yourself a chance to enjoy the stress relief, physical and mental benefits of this mildly energetic form of dancing with others. The class motto: Dance for fun, fitness and friendship.

Thomas J. Riley Senior Center is at 100 Madison Ave., Westwood. Space is limited, and tegistration is required for all programming. To register, call (201) 666-0840.

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

24

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: Take care of your body, and your brain will follow

If you want to keep your brain healthy and prevent memory loss, it is important to take care of your body. In my opinion, it is DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & better to work on improving BODY your health and quality of life by getting to the root cause of health problems rather than treating symptoms with pills, herbs, medications, supplements, vitamins, or even surgery.

The five biggest health problems in America today are cancer, heart disease, Alzheimerʼs disease, Covid-19, and diabetes.

The good news is that all five of these diseases can be PREVENTED. So do not wait until you get cancer, you have to work now to help prevent cancer.

If you prevent cancer then you will never have to receive chemotherapy. If you never get chemotherapy then you will never get something called “chemo brain” which may lead to memory loss, trouble with focus, and brain fog.

Interestingly, a lot of the long-hauler Covid patients are also complaining of a brain fog similar to “chemo brain.”

In addition to chemotherapy and Covid-19 brain problems, another condition that leads to memory problems is diabetes.

In fact, scientists are actually going to change the name of Alzheimerʼs disease to Diabetes

Type III. So, it is a good idea to cut out sugar, reduce carbohydrates, and start exercising to prevent your glucose levels from rising above the normal limit which will, in turn, prevent diabetes.

One other common health condition that will lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain which negatively affects memory and focus is heart disease.

Along the same lines, please do not wait until you get heart disease and have to take blood pressure medication or need some sort of heart surgery.

Meditating daily, going to bed earlier, taking vacations, and avoiding sitting are key components in your heart health. Focusing on these strategies will help to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, which is around 120/80 mm Hg. It is extremely important to stop eating dairy and bread products, so you do not get high cholesterol and then have to take prescription medications like Lipitor. These drugs have many side effects that affect the brain and will prevent you from maximizing your human potential.

Furthermore, some medications have side effects that require other medications. For example, I had a patient, “John,” who consumed a lot of bread, cheese, alcohol, and coffee, which eventually led to acid reflux. John was prescribed an antacid to decrease the acid in his stomach.

However, because his stomach acid decreased, he developed an overgrowth of bacteria in his

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stomach, which led to an infection. He then had to go on antibiotics. These antibiotics made him nauseous, so then he had to take a pill for his nausea.

This is how taking one medication can lead to taking multiple medications. In my opinion, the best way of achieving optimal digestive health would be to avoid foods that cause acid reflux so that you never have to start taking medication in the first place.

So how can you prevent the five biggest diseases in America?

Remember that cancer can be prevented by avoiding chemicals, eliminating sugar, focusing on stress reduction, and maintaining your immune system. Heart disease can be prevented by diet, exercise, and reducing inflammation, which in turn decreases the chances of a stroke or heart attack.

The best natural anti-inflammatory is turmeric. Resveratrol also seems to work very well and is anti-aging on top of that. Diabetes can be prevented with proper nutrition and a serious exercise

regime.

Covid-19 prevention occurs by washing your hands with soap and water, not touching your face after a possible exposure, taking your Vitamin D, getting enough sunlight, and focusing on eating healthy, exercising, and weight loss.

If you prevent these five diseases, then you will avoid taking some extremely harsh medications, and in turn, you will also reduce your chances of developing brain issues like dementia or Alzheimerʼs disease. Not only will you reduce your chances of memory loss and developing these conditions, but working on prevention will also result in weight loss and even more importantly, doing it in a healthy manner.

Come in for a FREE consultation — special offer!

If you or someone you know are interested in learning about how to naturally improve memory and focus without drugs, surgery, injections, supplements, or

herbs, please set up a FREE consult in our Emerson office or you may do it virtually as well.

We are also having a special on Aug. 18 and 19 where you can get a qEEG brain mapping which is a non-invasive evaluation method with no radiation or risk that helps to discover areas of the brain that are not working or functioning properly.

It may be appropriate for you if you have ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, concussion, troubles with focus, motivation, autism, have low energy, poor sleep, bad headaches, or dizziness. It is normally $300, but if you sign for one of those two dates, you can receive the complete brain mapping evaluation for only $97.

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PASCACK VALLEY

Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce awards eight scholarships

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Emerson, Northern Valley Old Tappan, Pascack Hills, Pascack Valley, Park Ridge, River Dell, and Westwood regional high schools.

The Chamber is a non-profit organization that supports the local community and has been

raising money for scholarships and other worthwhile causes since its formation in the 1970s.

This year, the Chamber awarded scholarships to William Boyce (Northern Valley Old Tappan), Julia Funke (Pascack Hills High School, Woodcliff Lake), Nicholas C. Goetz (Westwood Regional High School, Washington Township), Jenna Hill (Park Ridge High School), Hope Lein

(Pascack Hills High School, Montvale), Amanda Sallemi (Emerson Junior-Senior High School), Jack Santulli (Westwood Regional High School, and Emma Westwood), Stankus (Pascack Valley High School, River Vale).

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce congratulates all graduates of the Class of 2021.

25

THESAVVYSENIOR: How to Replace Important Lost Documents Savvy Dear Senior, What I need to do to replace a of variety important documents?

Our house burned down a few months ago, and

BY JIM MILLER we lost everything including our home property deed, car titles, old tax returns, Social Security, Medicare and Covid vaccine cards, birth certificates, marriage license and passports.

— Stressed Seniors Dear Stressed, Iʼm very sorry for your loss, but youʼll be relieved to know that replacing important documents

that are destroyed, lost or stolen is pretty easy once you know where to turn. Here are the replacement resources for each document you mentioned.

• Birth certificates: If you were born in the United States, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born (see CDC.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm for contact information). This office will give you specific instructions on what you need to do to order a certified copy and what it will cost you – usually between $10 and $30.

• Car titles: Most states offer replacements through a local department of motor vehicles office. Youʼll need to complete a replacement title application form and pay the application fee, which varies by state. Youʼll also need to

PASCACK VALLEY

STEM CELL DONOR RECRUITMENT EVENT, TO SAVE DOCTOR, IS JULY 25

The Fine-Edelstein family and the Gift of Life Marrow Registry call upon those aged 18–35 in good health to visit Congregation Bʼnai Israel for a stem cell matching recruitment event on Sunday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The drive — just to sign up and take a cheek swab test to join the registry for stem cell donation — is in support of Judy FineEdlestein, 62, until recently chief of neurology at Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, working long hours caring for her own patients and helping Covid patients along with their families.

Focused on her job, she ignored her own coughing and aches, attributing them to stress.

When Judy could barely function anymore, she took a blood test, which revealed she had cancer— acute myeloid leukemia. She was immediately admitted to the hospital to begin her grueling treatments of high dose chemotherapy.

The call to action reaching Pascack Press says Judyʼs survival depends on a stem cell trans-

EE s FR ate im Est

plant. She is receiving aggressive chemotherapy in preparation.

Between treatments, when she feels well enough, Judy FINE-EDLESTEIN escapes into music by playing her cello.

Bʼnai Israel is at 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson. Judyʼs daughterin-law, Rachel, says she hopes that candidates will visit the synagogue to have their cheeks swabbed to find out if they are a lifesaving match for Judy—or possibly someone else.

Donors must meet the guidelines and be willing to donate.

Judyʼs best chance of finding a matching donor is with someone of Ashkenazi ancestry. Those unable to attend in person can request a swab kit to be delivered at home. To order a swab kit, visit giftoflife.org/judy.

For more information, call the synagogue at (201) 265-2272.

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show ID and proof that you own the car, such as your vehicle registration or your license-plate number and VIN (vehicle identification number). To get an application, go to DMV.org, pick your state, and print it or fill it out on the site.

• Property deed: To access your house deed, contact your county clerkʼs office, where deeds are usually recorded – you may be charged a small fee to get a copy.

• Marriage certificate: Contact the vital records office of the state you were married in to order a copy (see CDC.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm).

Youʼll need to provide full names for you and your spouse, the date of your wedding, and the city or town where the wedding was performed. Fees range from $10 to $30.

• Social Security cards: In most states (except in Alabama, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and West Virginia), you can request a replacement Social Security card online for free at SSA.gov/myaccount.

If you live in a state that the online service is not available, youʼll need to fill out form SS-5

(see SSA.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf to print a copy) and take it in or mail it to your nearby Social Security office along with a number of evidence documents that are listed on this form. For more information or to locate the Social Security office that serves your area, call 800-7721213 or see SSA.gov/locator.

• Medicare cards: If you are enrolled in original Medicare, you can replace a lost or damaged Medicare card by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227, or by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account.

If, however, you get Medicare health or drug benefits from a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO, PPO, or PDP, youʼll need to call your plan to get your card replaced. vaccination • Covid-19 card: Your first step is to go back to your vaccination site and see if theyʼll give you a replacement.

Bring an ID and try to recall the date you were vaccinated. If thatʼs not feasible, contact your state health department immunization information system (see CDC.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/co ntacts-locate-records.html) where

you should be able to print out a replacement sheet.

• Tax returns: To get copies of old tax returns start with your tax preparer, who usually keeps copies of your returns on file. You can also get copies of federal returns directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Youʼll need to fill out and mail in IRS form 4506. To download this form IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf or call 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a copy. The cost is $43 for each return requested.

• Passports: You can apply for a replacement passport at a Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Many post offices, public libraries and local government offices serve as such facilities.

You can search for the nearest authorized facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov. The fee is $145.

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

HACKENSACK

74 star in online Art in the Park exhibit

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners along with the Bergen County Department of Parksʼ Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs, invite the public to view the current 2021 virtual Art in the Park visual art exhibit.

The variety of artwork samples the talent of Bergen County.

The exhibit can be found by following the links from the County of Bergen website: co.bergen.nj.us Departments and Services> Parks> Cultural & Historic Affairs> Virtual Art in

the Park Show 2021 74 county resident artists are participating. There are six categories. Cash prizes include 1st place/$175; 2nd place/$150; 3rd place/$125; honorable Mention/$100 in each category and Best in Show.

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

26

Eagle Scout Stickel earns praise, plaque over memorial

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Almost two years after Life Scout James Stickel of Troop 321 oversaw the dedication of his veterans memorial at the public library, he has been recognized for attaining his Eagle Scout rank — and thanked for his service to the community — at a town hall presentation.

With his friends, family, troop, scoutmaster, and other well wishers on hand, Stickel humbly accepted a plaque from the governing body July 12.

It is inscribed in part with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The reward of a thing well done is to have it done.”

Stickel passed his board of review in January 2020, and was made an Eagle this summer at a ceremony in Memorial Park.

The meeting was the governing bodyʼs first in-person session since the pandemic forced a shutdown, delaying — but not stopping — so much of the togetherness Stickel worked for in the township.

Our lead on the dedication story that cold November day in 2019: “The inscriptions in chill brick brought many to their knees, fingers outstretched. Others, some atop canes or clad in motorcycle leather, recognized veteransʼ names and pointed. Of course

seat-height wall, installation of 351 personalized and engraved pavers, and new landscaping.

Stickel paid for the project in part on the strength of his a buy-abrick fundraiser, Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 5427 spaghetti dinner fundraisers,

Proud parents Mary Ellen and Robert Stickel speak at James’s memorial dedication in 2019.

Eagle Scout James Stickel met and exceeded his goals.

aid from the VFW, and donations.

The memorial ʻparkʼ includes flags for each branch of the military, an American flag, an inviting seat wall monument with brick patio, a gazebo that was anticipated for spring 2020, and new land-

A township’s thanks: Mayor Peter Calamari, James Stickel, and Council President Stacey Feeney on July 12.

Councilmember Michael DeSena watches from the dais. cellphone cameras caught the moment.

“An estimated 250 people attended the dedication for the townshipʼs largest veterans memorial, on Saturday, Nov. 9, with Life Scout James Stickel emceeing a program that he made possible.

More than 1,000 hours were recorded during the project, consisting of the construction of a

scaping.

The site was put to work anchoring the townshipʼs Veterans Day service two days after its dedication, taking its part in observations around the Pascack Valley, nationwide, and worldwide, coinciding with holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of

World War I. Stickel and other from BSA Troop 321, which is powered by kids from the township and Westwood, aimed to benefit the community and preserve the past of township vets — there were an estimated 500 veterans living in the township in 2019.

And James, of the Westwood Regional High School Class of 2022, was involved in the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy, sports, and in so much else through school.

Stickelʼs plaque is signed by Mayor Peter Calamari, Council President Stacey Feeney, Council Vice President Desserie Morgan, and members Steven Cascio, Michael DeSena, and the late Arthur Cumming.

Calamari spoke at Stickelʼs memorial dedication, as did the late state Sen. Gerry Cardinale; immediate past mayor Janet Sobkowicz; Library Director Laura Rifkin; Library Board President Cindy Mazanec; and VFW Post 6192 Commander Steve Kohlreiter — who noted the memorial site would take some traffic pressure off Pascack Road — and Jamesʼs parents: Robert and Mary Ellen.

Fellow scouts raised service flags for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, to the recorded official song of each service.

Also gracing the event were the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard, Liza and John Baty with the national anthem, and Antonio Vinagre blowing “Taps.” Josh Baty led the crowd in three turns singing “Taps,” diminishing in volume: Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hills, from the sky; all is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

In his remarks, Calamari said the project, championed by both Sobkowicz and himself in their 2017–2018 mayoral transition, was a testament to Stickel, the team he assembled, and scouting in general.

“Iʼm delighted that itʼs ready for Veterans Day on Monday.

Being outside the library is a perfect location for our veterans to sit and reflect while overlooking the lake or reading a book while having access to a building,” Cala-

contributed to the fundraisers James ran to get the funds for the project,” notably the buy-a-brick fundraisers so obviously integral to the project but also the pasta dinners held at the Knights of Columbus, and other efforts.

On behalf of the community Calamari thanked Stickel “for taking on such an ambitious project to show our veterans how much they are appreciated for their service to our great country.”

Words from Ralph Waldo Emerson ring out on July 12.

mari said.

He added, “I hope it becomes a gathering place for veterans to help each other out if needed and enjoy each otherʼs company and stories.”

Calamari urged, “If you see a veteran here, respectfully ask them if theyʼd like to chat with you. They have so much wisdom to share about their service and life in general.”

He thanked “everyone who

Vito Trauseʼs impact Stickel said heʼd been dreaming of an Eagle project since he joined Cub Scouts in first grade and that the idea owes its inspiration to the late Vito “Pal” Trause.

“After trips to the bagel shop [Davidʼs Bagels at Washington Town Center] each and every morning, and meeting my pal Vito, I knew wanted my project to honor veterans,” he said.

He explained, “There were a lot of people who said the project was too ambitious or too huge an undertaking,” but he powered CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Troop 321 Boy Scout James Stickel presents to the governng body on his Eagle Scout fundraiser in 2018. (John Snyder photo, as with top photo, when the memorial was dedicated)

27

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Thomas W. CELLA

Thomas William “Billy” Cella, 88, of Westwood passed away on July 12, 2021.

Thomas was born on April 22, 1933 in Jersey City and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was president and owner of C&C Ford in Cliffside Park for 31 years and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Beloved husband to Eileen (née) Minerly. Devoted father to Laura Cella. Adored uncle to John Cella, Walter Cella, Pattie Pioli, Mary DiPietro, Maureen Castaldo and Tracey Schettino.

Interment, Fairview Cemetery in Fairview. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 452500301.

Catharine K. ANAGNOST

Catharine Keely Anagnost, formerly of River Vale, passed away peacefully at the Allendale Community Center for senior living in Ramsey on July 2, 2021.

Catharine, affectionately known to family and friends as Kitty, is survived by her husband of 68 years, James Anagnost, also a resident of the Allendale Community Center.

Other immediate surviving family members are daughter Alexandra, her husband James Theriault, and grandchildren Stacy and Spencer of Belgrade, Maine; son Alan and wife Linda of Milford, Pennsylvania, grandchildren Grace Anagnost, Jason Randlett, Jasonʼs wife Katharine, and great-

OBITUARIES

grandchildren Eleanor and Fiona; son Robert and friend Kim of Ocean Point, Maine. Catharineʼs first son, James Bradley, passed away in an automobile accident in 1983.

Catharine was born in Charlestown, West Virginia, on Sept. 7, 1929, the daughter of Robert Archer Keely and Catharine Potter Keely. After the tragic death of her father in a swimming accident, she was raised by her maternal grandparents in Florida and Connecticut and graduated from high school in 1946 and from Mary Washington College (Fredericksburg, Virginia) in 1950 with a degree in chemistry.

After spending a few years working in the health care technology field in Connecticut, she met her lifeʼs soul mate, James, and was married on May 13, 1953.

Catharine and James lived in numerous places and eventually made their home in River Vale, where they raised their family and resided for the next 60 years.

While New Jersey was Kittyʼs primary residence, her emotional and life sustaining home was Ocean Point, Maine, where her family summered for many, many years. It was in the summer of 2015 when Catharine proudly celebrated her 80th summer in her beloved Bayview Cottage. Numerous family gatherings, BBQs, and long walks along the beautiful Maine coast sustained her soul.

Kitty was a passionate patron and advocate of the arts. She loved visiting museums of all types and was a lifelong member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. One of her favorite activities was to take children and grandchildren on museum walking tours to share in the magnificent treasures from the past. She was very well read on various aspects of the arts and loved to share this knowledge with family and friends.

Another important passion for Kitty was her lifelong genealogical study of her familyʼs past as she

spent years researching both paternal and maternal family trees. In scouring various town offices, town libraries, and church archives, she was able to track her family lines back to the 1600s. This was done long before Ancestry.com was available to the public. She was immensely proud of her family history and loved sharing stories with family, friends and anyone interested in the topic of genealogy.

In the end, she was an interesting person who unashamedly lived life on her own terms. At Catharineʼs request, she will be buried next to her mother in Glenville, New York.

Vincenzo CARISI

Vincenzo Carisi, 70, of Lodi, formerly of Westwood, passed away on July 9, 2021.

He was born and raised in Reggio, Calabria, Italy, where he lived for 27 years. After emigrating to the United States, he lived in Garfield for 21 years and Westwood for 20 years, before settling in Lodi two years ago.

Vincenzo graduated from the Instituto Industriale di Reggio in Calabria, Italy, and he owned and operated Autentici Italian Imports in Lodi for 35 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Associazione Marinai DʼItalia and served in the Italian Armed Forces.

Vincenzo is predeceased by his parents, Francesco Carisi and Rosa Romeo, and cousins, Vanni Carisi and Contino Ranieri. He is survived by two loving children, Francesco Carisi and Monica Semancik and husband Michael Jr.; an adored granddaughter, Emily Josephine Semancik; his former wife, Rosella; two sisters, Francesca “Franca” Carisi and husband Franco Elia, and Elisa Carisi and husband Paolo Sidari; cousins, Lynn Maschucci and Franca Ranieri; and he was the

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uncle of Massimo, Rosanna, Maria Teresa, and Rosella.

Inurnment, St. Maryʼs Cemetery, Saddle Brook. In lieu of flowers the family will accept memorial gifts to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org.

Frank E. ARRIGO

Frank Edward Arrigo, 92, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Old Tappan, died July 8, 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Frank attended New York University and the Rusk Institute, where he earned his degree in physical therapy. Frankʼs license is No. 14 in New Jersey for physical therapy, and he owned and operated his own practice in Westwood.

He was an avid golfer at Tara and Fairway Mews.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Cyro and Katherine Arrigo, his first wife Florence Arrigo and his second wife Antoinette Arrigo, his sister Dorothy Galante, his brother Dr. John Arrigo, and his daughter-in-law Amy Arrigo.

Surviving are his children, Dr. Stephan Arrigo of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Katherine L. Lein and her husband Arthur of Brick, Anne Marie Heuchan of Point Pleasant Beach, Francis E. Arrigo (Karin) of Lavallette, and Francine Espanola of Ramsey.

He also leaves 12 grandchildren: Adam, Sarah, Jeremy, Kaitlyn, James, Thomas, Emily, Frank, Robert, Giovanna, Samantha and Kelly, as well as one great-grandson, Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frankʼs name to Alzheimerʼs Association, 23 Vreeland Road #105, Florham Park, NJ 07932 or to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Owen DINNENY

Owen Dinneny, 68, of Long Valley, formerly of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021. He fought cancer for five years with strength and grace.

Owen is surby his vived beloved wife Diane; his loving daughters Kate Lyn and Megan; his dear father John Joseph Dinneny; his siblings Mary Pat Donnalley (Gray II), Katherine Dronzek (James), Nancy Corcoran Davidoff (Barry), John Dinneny Jr. (Susan), James Dinneny, Theresa Ebel, Noreen Rosica (Ray), Margaret Dinneny and Thomas Dinneny (Holly); his sister in-law Karen Harba (Jim) and 19 nieces

and nephews. Owen has been blessed with many special aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his mother Annie Dinneny (née Brennan) and his nephew, Gray Donnalley III. Owen was born in New York City to John and Annie Dinneny who emigrated from Ireland in the late 1940s. Owen, the oldest of 10 children who grew up in Hillsdale, spent his youth loving and playing baseball. He was an altar boy at St. John The Baptist R.C. Church, and loved his weekly paper route. He was a high school wrestler and baseball player.

Owen began his college career as a merchant marine at SUNY Maritime College where he spent a summer traveling the world on a ship before completing his B.S. in civil engineering at Rutgers University. After college he spent time in Los Angeles as a Vista volunteer.

Owen also earned his masterʼs degree in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Owen started his career as a civil engineer working at ITT in the Defense Communications division.

His next job had him working for Rhone-Poulenc, his start with the pharmaceutical industry. He traveled the world to supervise the building and conversion of chemical and drug facilities. This continued into the last 20 years of his career while at Merck & Co., Inc. He held many positions there, ending his career as acting vice president of engineering.

Owen and Diane were married in 1983 and lived in Paramus and Pompton Lakes before moving to beautiful Long Valley with their two daughters. Owen enjoyed the Newcomers Association, YMCA Father/Daughter program and coaching the girls softball teams. He was a self-taught guitar player and lover of early rock and roll.

Owenʼs passion for all things golf was the thread throughout his adult life. He loved watching and playing golf as much as he could.

The connections and strong bonds with his high school buddies meant a great deal to him. It was the love and joy of the game that kept him swinging. In recent years he enjoyed volunteering at many PGA tournaments. His favorite trip recently was to visit St. Andrews in Scotland where he made sure to bring back mementos for the guys.

Owen and the family have loved traveling together, especially their trips to Ireland to visit his relatives. His love of family and friends was always an important part of who he was. A great storyteller who loved to embellish at times like a true Irishman. A great dad, husband, brother and friend, he will always be remembered as a special person that touched many lives along the way. Peace has come, Owen.

A Mass celebrating Owenʼs life and faith was held at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, with interment following at George Washington Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made in Owenʼs name to the John Theurer Cancer CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

through, picking up eager support from officials, local businesses, and so many in the community.

In eighth grade he worked with an engineer on a concept rendering and launched a project website so residents could follow his progress and get involved.

At the dedication he singled out Chris from Eiseleʼs Nursery & Garden Center; Paul Lowenstein of Bullet Electric Inc.; Rifkin, Mazanec, and the library community; WTPD Sgt. [now Lt.] Roy Scherer, Capt. [now Police Chief] Richard Skinner, and former Detective Heather Castronova; Sobkowicz and Calamari and their respective councils; Township Clerk Susan Witkowski and Director of Public Affairs Daisy

FROM PAGE 26

Velez; the Department of Public Works; the VFW; and Knights of Columbus Council 5427.

At the dedication the daughters of the late Trause, 94 — a former WWII German prisoner of war, a township leading light, and a mentor to many — said their father was with the dedication as well.

“This was a very important project to my father. He was so enthusiastic about it; he was so happy as far as getting involved with this and meeting with James and Mary Ellen,” said Victoria Trause.

She added of her father, who died Oct. 31, 2019, that the two things she recalls he said most often of the project were “Wow, that kid works hard! He works hard!” and “I think this is great;

this is great.”

“And my father didnʼt use that as a filler. When he said it he meant it: This is great,” she said.”

Since Trauseʼs passing, James Stickel has applied with the regional school board to name the high school stadium in Trauseʼs honor, alongside the countyʼs honorary renaming of Ridgewood Road, with support from the township and the Borough of Westwood, “Vito ʻPalʼ Trause Way.” He marshaled skills he honed in scouting to rally supporters. He organized. He worked with the media. He had a goal.

This June 21, the school board fell short of a required supermajority vote for part of its naming policy to be set aside and his application to be approved.

RIVER VALE

RIVER VALE FARMERS’ MARKET THURSDAYS THRU OCT. 28 Bring the family, friends, and pups! The Township of River Vale is pleased to announce that its farmersʼ market is operating again!.

The market runs Thursdays through Oct. 28th from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot (behind the tennis courts), 406 Rivervale Road.

The Township of River Vale Social and Cultural Affairs Committee says “Enjoy shopping in the great outdoors for the finest local produce and products. This year we will have lots of new vendors and favorite staples.

Vendors are full-time, part-time, and guests.”

• Our farmer will bring delicious produce, microgreens, meats and eggs raised from Hope Cress Farms.

• We will have foodies and

special artisan vendors. Shop for fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, lunch, dinners, stuffed breads, sides, baked goods, ice cream, desserts, gifts, body products and so much more!

• Clydeʼs Homemade Italian Ices • Picklelicious – pickles, olives etc.

• The Empanada Lady – a variety of overstuffed breakfast, lunch and dinner empanadas and Cuban sandwiches • Kay and Kay Catering – Caribbean foods: jerk chicken, oxtails, tacos, chef special, mac and cheese • Pie Eyed Bar pies – pizza, rolls, soups, dinners, mozzarella • Pies and Quiches – breakfast, lunch and dessert pies • Buon Antipasto – stuffed breads, pierogies, meats and

cheeses • Kimchi Smoke Barbeque – fresh brisket, ribs, signature sandwiches and sides • Strawberry Lembeck – Jewelry • Chillology – teas and honey • Voyager Espresso – Coffee and lattes • Kurly Kurtosh – Hungarian chimney cakes • Knot of This World Pretzels – gourmet pretzels • Sawdust Unlimited – repurposed and reclaimed wooden gifts The market looks forward to nutritionist days, balloon twisting, story and crafts, music, pet adoptions, blood drives, etc. weather and Covid permitted.

Visit .rivervalenj.org and on Facebook for updates.

Stickel had written in part, “I believe it is important that the board approve my application to name the stadium after Vito Trause because of how important he was to the WWRSD community and athletic programs. Vito has impacted many students over the past several decades, including

me. Action should be taken now so that students who played during his lifetime will have the opportunity to play at the stadium. He supported them at all these years. This is a great way to give back to our No. 1 fan!”

Doubtless the work continues.

PASCACK VALLEY

‘Finding Ourselves’ on Zoom Aug. 2

The Rev. Mack Brandon of the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Ridgewood present a discussion, “Finding Ourselves in Community,” on Monday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

He will cover such questions as where will our faith lead us?

What is our role as community stakeholders? and Shall our histories join or separate us?

This hour of discussion is an opportunity to open dialogue about issues, both local and beyond, through the lenses of culture and faith.

This webinar is part of Temple Israel & JCCʼs ongoing lecture series. Participation is free and all are welcome. For the Zoom link, visit synagogue.org/calendar.

Brandon has been pastor of the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Ridgewood since 2010.

He has also been a professor of music on the faculty of Ramapo College since 1994.

He has for the past year hosted a Wednesday evening commu-

The Rev. Mack Brandon

nity zoom conversation interviewing diverse village, state, and national personalities, whose work has promoted goodwill and social justice.

At 475 Grove Street in Ridgewood, Temple Israel & JCC offers two worship alternatives within one community: egalitarian Conservative and Reconstructionist. Service schedules and more information are available at synagogue.org.

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Powerful thunderstorms full of lightning can occur at any time of the year, but they are most prevalent when the weather is warm.

Moisture and warmth are crucial to thunderstorms, and they form when the air is unstable.

According to The Weather Channel, as the sun heats up the air near the Earthʼs surface, air rises and cools. At this point, it condenses to create moisture and forms a cloud. If conditions are right, the cloud will continue to build. Mois-

ture is carried up high and forms ice crystals or hail.

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The following are some common myths about lightning, and what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Insurance Information Institute have to say about them.

1. Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

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3. Myth: If the sky is clear you 5. Myth: You are completely Fact: Itʼs actually the metal are safe from lightning. safe in your home. car that protects occupants. The Fact: Lightning can strike Fact: While you are much lightning travels through the car more than three miles from the more safe in a sturdy home, light- frame to the ground. Donʼt lean on center of the thunderstorm, far out- ning will travel toward the ground doors during a thunderstorm. side the rain or thunderstorm cloud. via the fastest route possible. That Lightning is a considerable can mean along pipes, cables, gut- hazard and should be treated as 4. Myth: Lightning victims ters, water, wires, and metal win- such. There is no completely safe carry an electrical charge and dows. Using a corded electronic place to be during a lightning another person can be electrocuted device or even washing the dishes event. However, there are ways to if he or she touches them. while a storm is overhead can put reduce risk of injury.

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After Aug. 21, the stateʼs Cannabis Regulatory Commission can accept proposals for licenses for grower, processor, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, and delivery ventures.

Proponents have said they see a big upside on revenue and a more just criminal justice system.

The Township of Washington Township passed an ordinance in June prohibiting retail cannabis sales. It plans to vote, Aug. 9, on a measure that prohibits all six classes of cannabis licenses. If this passes, the township would be the last in the Pascack Valley to opt out altogether — though elected leaders valleywide are watching to see how the issue shakes out Under new laws signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in February, adult use or possession of up to 6 ounces of marijuana (or 17 grams of hashish) is no longer a crime, as long as itʼs a state-licensed retailer and grower.

Separate from this, there are 20 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries statewide, with another 24 pending approval by the CRC. As Business Insider noted this month, “Recreational marijuana is legal for adults in 18 states and Washington, D.C. Medical marijuana is legal in 37 … meaning a majority of Americans have access to cannabis, whether medically or recreationally.”

Pascack Press reached out to the mayors of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake for their views on the future of the recreational industry here.

Only Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco replied: “Declining to opt in now to any licenses gives us more time to assess how municipal-

FROM PAGE 1

ities who do opt-in fare. Optionality is a valued commodity in this case.”

He added, “The potential for additional revenue through taxation is a sweetener; whether it becomes a primary motive to grant licenses remains to be seen.”

Recently, Mayor Janice Kovach of Clinton in Hunterdon County, president of New Jerseyʼs State League of Municipalities, spelled out concerns and issues that municipalities have with the rollout of legalized cannabis rules while testifying before the CRC. She said municipalities were “on the front lines of enforcement” and wanted to keep maximum local control and flexibility to manage cannabis businesses. She said the standards being developed by CRC, “should be minimum and not maximum standards.”

Kovach said towns have concerns about traffic, parking, security and “standard quality of life issues.” She said the state has “565 different personalities” that need to be represented. (New Jersey has 565 towns, boroughs, townships, cities and villages.)

While a half-dozen Montvale residents at an April forum strongly supported the siting of a local dispensary, the Borough Council opted out of cannabis enterprises, noting a lack of state guidance.

Councilman Timothy Lane noted that he believed marijuana was mostly an all-cash business and wondered why a consumer would buy from a legal dispensary if they could pay less and buy cannabis illegally.

Before legalization was approved via statewide referendum last November, most local mayors, council members and police chiefs were strongly opposed to legalization. The public question passed in every Pascack Valley town following failed multi-year efforts by the

state Legislature to pass measures approving legalization.

In Woodcliff Lake, two candidates running for and elected to council urged consideration of a possible cannabis enterprise locally, noting that potential revenue from local taxation (the state permits up to 2% local tax on certain cannabis sales) might be worth evaluating further.

The candidates, councilwoman Josephine Higgins, a former mayor and councilwoman, and councilman Richard Schnoll, expressed a willingness to learn more about the possible licenses.

The State League of Municipalities said its unofficial tally shows more than 160 towns opting out, 20 or so opting in for some types of cannabis business, and others yet to decide.

Towns must adopt ordinances to opt-out of hosting cannabis enterprises, which generally includes ordinance introduction and then a second reading (public hearing) to finally adopt the measure.

Schnoll suggested that since Woodcliff Lake is updating its master plan, the time might be right to consider where a cannabis business could be zoned.

It was not immediately clear if a Master Plan Committee, or planner Richard Preiss, who is updating the plan, intended to consider a possible cannabis zoning designation.

Under current guidelines, the cannabis legalization law allows for a local 2% tax on receipts from each sale by a cannabis cultivator, manufacturer and retailer and one percent on each sale by a cannabis wholesaler.

“We should see whether or not it makes sense to reconsider it in town,” said Schnoll, noting that a projection of likely tax revenues might be found by looking at dispensaries operating in western states

and Massachusetts where legal marijuana markets exist.

He said there is a public perception that marijuana is bad and that some people still think of “reefer madness” scenarios when the topic of marijuana is raised.

He said that cannabis establishments “may actually be a bit nicer” than the physical appearance of certain liquor stores, which residents accept and are permitted by zoning.

He said while the borough opted out of cannabis operations before the Aug. 21 deadline, “that doesnʼt mean that we cannot revisit it. If we did not opt out by Aug. 21, then we would lose the right to control it.”

He said he would hope borough officials and residents have a further discussion on cannabis, but noted that such a dialogue, “may become a highly politicized discussion” with many people strongly against cannabis use.

“I donʼt think weʼll ever have it in Woodcliff Lake,” he told Pascack Press.

He said that people opposed to hosting a cannabis business often cite alleged lower property values,

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increased crime, and children getting access to drugs as likely outcomes should cannabis come to town. However, under state legalization, no town can prohibit cannabis deliveries within its borders.

He said negatives cited by people opposed to cannabis businesses or cannabis in general, “may or may not have any validity” but these views color their outlook.

He said whether any cannabis business may be considered in a future land-use zone, that question also would most likely be put before voters in a public referendum.

Lori Buckelew, assistant executive director of the State League of Municipalities, said about 30 public officials, with more scheduled, will tour cannabis dispensaries in towns such as Maplewood and Woodbridge to get a better understanding of their operations.

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REAL ESTATE Towns: Licensed adult-use cannabis faces climb

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JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

The differences between real estate agents and brokers

Real estate transactions often involve significant amounts of money. As a result, itʼs common for both buyers and sellers to enlist the services of a host of professionals with real estate experience.

Both buyers and sellers may work with real estate agents and/or real estate brokers en route to buying or selling their homes. Agents and brokers are not one and the same, and there are some important

distinctions between the two.

Real estate agent According to Realtor.com, real estate agents are professionally licensed individuals who can help both buyers and sellers. Agents also may help property owners rent their homes. The amount of training real estate agents need to earn their licenses varies by state. Once individuals finish their required

training, they must take a written exam that tests their knowledge of federal real estate laws and general principles as well as the laws specific to the state in which they want to become licensed.

Only after passing this exam do individuals become recognized real estate agents. Investopedia notes that achieving agent status is the starting point for most real estate professionals.

Real estate broker Real estate brokers are those professionals who have continued their education past the agent level TERMITE & PEST CONTROL and obtained a brokerʼs license.

Each state has its own require“You’ve Seen Our Yellow Trucks” ments in regard to becoming a licensed broker, but education and examinations are necessary regardCALL FOR A FREE INSPECTION & ESTIMATE less of where a person lives.

Realtor.com notes that the extra coursework to earn a bro- Agents and brokers are not one and the same; knowing the kerʼs license focuses on various difference will save you time, headaches, and money. www.twin-boropestcontrol.com topics, including ethics, contracts, taxes, and insurance. Agents may learn about these topics as well, but coursework for prospective brokers goes into more depth than it does at the agent level.

Brokers also will study and learn about legal issues in regard to real estate. The legal issues brokers may learn about include 55 PLUS COMMUNITY. (12 Homes Remaining) brokerage operations, real estate investments, construction, and property management.

Requirements vary, but Realtor.com notes that brokers often must work as licensed real estate agents for no less than three years before they can earn their brokerʼs license.

There is more than one type of real estate broker.

Principal/designated brokers oversee all agents at a given firm and ensure the agents act in compliance with all real estate laws.

Managing brokers tend to focus on the hiring and training of agents. Associate brokers have their brokerʼs license but work directly under a managing broker.

Real estate agents and brokers can help buyers, sellers and investors successfully navigate real estate transactions, and each can serve their clients in different ways.

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For more information and to sign up for the service, visit bergencountyclerk.org, go to the “services” drop down, select “land records” and click “Property Alert.”

Volunteers: Emerson celebrates those who help

33

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

lies. Hundreds of articles of clothing, shoes, coats, games, toys, food and other items were collected. All families are safe for the evening and tomorrow we will send out a message as to the times the gift cards can be dropped off again.”

She praised all who rushed to the familiesʼ aid, saying at the time, “God bless every single one of you that I saw today down at the senior center and everybody who texted, phoned, or emailed to lend their help and support.”

She also lauded the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department, the DPW, and

borough staff.

At that same senior center June 30, the fire department humbly accepted its Volunteer of the Year award.

Costco donated a $100 gift card for the departmentʼs use.

Local businesses also donated, including ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Jersey Mikeʼs Subs, Wegmans, and Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. DiPaola called the appreciated dinner a “very small token of appreciation for the volunteers who are always so giving of their time.”

“It was fantastic. It was over-

whelmingly attended. We had sent out invitations to all of the coaches. Any volunteer that is funded by the borough –– that the board commissions for emergency services –– all those volunteers were invited.”

She said, “We werenʼt really sure how many to expect with our first go-around with this. But I thought it was an overwhelming success.”

Sotille could not be reached for comment on the Volunteer of the Year honor. Likely heʼs too busy. On Facebook, Emerson Volunteer Fire Department Co. 1 was showing off images from the recent water training “evolutions” on the Emerson Woods Preserve Oradell Reservoir. EFD participated along with departments from New Milford, Westwood, River Vale, and Old Tappan.

“Firefighters who attended the [also recent] rescue boat operator course were able to put their

skills to the test and share what they learned with others.

Another great day of training.

Thanks to all who helped bring it all together,” the department said.

It also was lamenting the loss of Timmy Rice, an Emersonian formerly of Paramus, who passed away on Saturday, June 12. Rice was most recently a lieutenant for the Hackensack Fire Department and a captain for the Paramus Fire Department. He also was a dispatcher for the Paramus Police Department.

Meanwhile, the EFD is actively seeking residents who are interested in serving their community by volunteering with the department. For more information, visit emersonfire.org.

— With some reporting

by John Snyder

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members saw flames licking out from the roof.

There were approximately 13 people in the house, including eight children, said Fire Marshal Rich Silvia. Joining the fight were fire crews from Hillsdale, Oradell, Westwood, and Paramus.

DiPaola wrote on the boroughʼs Facebook page in the aftermath, “I am so proud of this town and how everybody pulled together to help these three families. Thousands of dollars of gift cards were collected today and will be distributed to the fami-

FROM PAGE 1

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

34

38

NORTHERN VALLEY

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Tenafly Summer Concert Series celebrates artists

The Borough of Tenafly and Tenafly Presents announce this yearʼs Summer Concert Series, Tuesdays and Thursdays in downtown Tenaflyʼs Huyler Park across from the historic Tenafly Railroad Station, corner of Hillside Avenue and Piermont Road, starting at 7 p.m.

The concerts are free to the public. Twelve performances are lined up, including rock, Latin, jazz, classic, reggae and Celtic.

Tenafly is one of the few towns in Bergen County to have held a full concert line during the pandemic. This yearʼs concerts series is a celebration of the artists who have struggled this past year and of the loosening of restrictions.

In case of rain, no concerts will be held indoors; instead, every effort will be made to reschedule those performances on rain dates that have been reserved.

Concertgoers should bring their own seating.

Led by Councilman Jeff Grossman, the Tenafly Presents committee has curated this yearʼs series to include a variety of musi-

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HELP WANTED DPW P/T Seasonal Laborer: Township of Washington (Bergen County) E.O.E. has the need to hire P/T Seasonal Laborers for the Department of Public Works. All applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED, possess a valid N.J. Driver’s License and be capable of lifting heavy objects or equipment. Salary $16 to $18 per hr. Submit resume by email to William Lawlor at dpwsuper@twpofwashington.us or mail to the Township of Washington, 350 Hudson Ave., Twp. of Washington, NJ 07676.

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cal styles. The lineup of exciting acts ranges from jazz drummer Richard Barattaʼs Gotham City Latin/Jazz ensemble and the Anthem reggae band to original acoustic trio End of America and the Screaming Orphans bring Celtic-Rock all the way from Ireland.

“We are thrilled to be presenting a concert series again this year,” says Mayor Mark Zinna. “It has been a tough year for live entertainment; this yearʼs lineup is designed to get people safely out of the house and to enjoy some great sounds and talent.”

The bands and dates for Tuesdays concerts: • July 13. Anthem (summertime reggae beats) • July 20. Divinity Roxx (hip-hop bassist and rapper) • July 27. Gotham City* (Richard Barattaʼs Septet, featuring Vincent Herring, Paul Bollenback, Bill OʼConnell, and Rogerio Boccato) • Aug. 3.

Screaming Orphans (fusion of pop/folk from Donegal, Ireland) • Aug. 10. End of America

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HELP WANTED PART TIME TEMPORARY SECRETARY TO HEALTH DEPT – WESTWOOD, BERGEN COUNTY. Seeking responsible, dependable individual with strong communication and customer service skills, professional demeanor, and excellent writing and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and deal effectively with residents and members of the public in a professional office environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Email resume to mbnetzer@westwoodnj.gov or send resume to Mary-Beth Netzer, Health Department, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.

The Borough reserves the right to review resumes and conduct interviews as they are received.

Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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(amazing original acoustic vocal trio) • Aug. 17. Abby Zachko* (contemporary jazz funk) • Aug. 24. Keith Kenny (singer/songwriter and multiinstrumentalist) • Aug. 31. Van Martin (salute to the Rat Pack) The bands and dates for Thursdays concerts: • July 8. Odelia Abergel (singer/songwriter) and Nelson Riveros Trio (contemporary Latin/jazz) • July 15. Hadar Baron (singer/songwriter-indie/pop) and Allen Farnham (jazz pianist/composer) • July 22 and 29. Open rain dates • Aug 5, 12. Open rain dates • Aug. 19. Rennie 2 Pincus (indie alt and classic rock) and The Cart Boys (metal/pop and punk) • Aug. 26. Open rain date • Sept. 2. Open rain date For more information about the 2021 Tenafly Presents Summer Concert Series, visit tenaflynj.org.

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Westwood Charity Golf Outing Sept. 9 anticipated fall tradition.

Over the past 24 years, the WCGO has raised and distributed more than $125,000 for local charities. Since 2006, it has been presenting college scholarships to deserving Westwood resident high school seniors who are Westwoodʼs future leaders.

Despite the Outing being cancelled last year, the WCGO received contributions from Richard Breitweiser, David Rutherford, Thomas DeVita, John Colin, Beth Dell, Ray Albano, Grace Damino (a nonparticipant who simply wanted to help out), and Gary Vinci, as well as co-founders Skip Kelly

Activists, kids grades 3–5 discover different ways to help animals by learning about animal rights, watching videos, learning about the work of activists, and more. Meets weekly on Monday afternoons via Google Meet, 3:30–4:15 p.m., through Aug. 9.

Sign up online.

• In-person event: Pop-Up Story Time is at the bandstand at Veterans Park (across the street from the library) Tuesday, July 27 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Stories, songs, and finger plays for chil-

dren up to 5. No signup required.

• In-person event: Jiggly Wiggly, a music and movement program for little ones up to 5, is outdoors in Veterans Park every Thursday in July at 11:30 a.m. If itʼs raining the program is virtual on Facebook Live. Register online.

• In the new four-week series Story Telling Math, kids grades 1–2 listen to a story with a specific math unit and work on a related math activity. Via Google Meet every Thursday in July from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Register

online.

• The Bee Club for grades 3–5 meets via Zoom on Thursdays at 4 p.m. to teach children about bees and beekeeping.

Games, crafts and more. Next date: July 22. Register online.

• In Intro to Debate, kids grades 4–5 learn the basics of debate and boost skills in critical thinking, organization, public speaking, logic, and conflict resolution. Google Meet. Fridays through Aug. 6 from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Library Calendar FROM PAGE 22

OBITUARIES Center, 92 2nd St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

FROM PAGE 28

Dr. Noel L. BANSIL

Dr. Noel L. Bansil, a beloved husband, father, brother and award-winning pediatrician from Hillsdale, passed away on July 9, 2021. He was 57.

Among family and friends, Noel was cherished for his constant devotion to his wife and their two daughters. The medical community, his patients and their families revered him as a caring pediatrician who dedicated himself to the childrenʼs health and well-being.

He and his wife Joann met in college as members of UPSCA, a Catholic student organization at the renowned University of the Philippines. Nearly eight years later, he kept his promise to marry her soon after he graduated from medical school. They raised two daughters, Samantha and Andrea, both of whom Noel was most proud.

A hands-on parent, he made sure his girls were fed and he often cooked for them during their childhood years. When they became adults who lived away from home, he checked up on them often, especially during storms and made sure they always had their favorite technological devices, among many ways to show his love. Knowing his self-worth as a family man, he gave this advice to his daughters: “Marry someone like me.”

Noel had many interests and hobbies, including history, music, gardening and photography. He enjoyed reading biographies of U.S. presidents and making and sharing music playlists. He loved baseball and movies about baseball and was a lifelong Dodgers fan.

Noel had a quiet personality and chose his words carefully, but also knew when to deliver the occasional dry or witty remark or make a corny Dad joke. He was a selfdescribed feminist who believed women have the power to change the world. He also advocated for marginalized communities and those in need.

In preparation for his dream of becoming a physician, Noel attended the University of The East College of Medicine in the Philippines after receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of the Philippines. He completed his residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center—Elmhurst Hospital Center in New York. He was Board Certified in Pediatrics and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Before joining Riverside Medical Group, Noel was a pediatrician and partner at Guthrie Clinic in Pennsylvania.

As a testament to the high quality of medical care he provided to his patients, Noel, “Tong” as he is lovingly nicknamed, received prestigious awards. Most recently, he was recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Many patients saw him since they were babies and visited with him before they headed off to college. This gave him great satisfaction as a pediatrician.

His work philosophy was to communicate with patients and parents in a direct manner and con-

and Peter Grefrath.

Said the Outingʼs Peter Grefrath, “The result permitted us to give out a $2,000 scholarship to a senior from the class of 2020.”

This yearʼs winner is Abigail Hill of Westwood High School.

Grefrath said the committee plans to distribute its annual letter to former participants in early

WWPD: Hutchinson teams, tactical and proactive enforcement groups, K-9 units, and others groups, are required to wear body-worn cameras, according to a mandate by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

Councilmember Erin Collins, deputy liaison for police and Office of Emergency Management, added that the police

FROM PAGE 7

department will be participating in a Pizza Positivity Project on Aug. 9 for Bergen New Bridge Medical Centerʼs detox and rehabilitation units by including positive messages with each pizza to patients.

She added a “Paw Patrol” project is now in its planning phase: police officers will help in fostering animals up for adoption.

— With John Snyder

Club News?

Let us promote your organization.

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

the Korean War. He met his first wife, Barbara Anne Lert Chapman, who predeceased him in 1983. They moved from the Bronx to Rochester, New York, where he attended and graduated from the School of Printing at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Bill went on to work as a plant manager in the printing and thermoplastic industry, eventually forming and owning PTP Industries of Baltimore, Maryland. Bill retired from the industry in 1997.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Dorothea Chapman. Bill is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jane, his son, Steven and wife Donna, of Freehold, Russell of Hillsdale, Laura Anne and her partner, Jamie L. Whelan, of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Debra Anne of Montvale.

Beloved grandfather of Amanda and her husband, Lester Parada, Jennifer and her husband, Eric Vanartsdalen, Travis Chapman, Brian Hensley, Sabrina Chapman, and Steven Hensley. Cherished great-grandfather of Luca William Parada and Ella Marie Vanartsdalen.

He also is survived by his step-sons, George, Peter and Michael and their wives, Janet, Traci and Judy, and step-grandWilliam A. sons, Eric, Tyler and Justin.

CHAPMAN Bill had a full life of civic and William Arthur Chapman, 88, leisure activities. He served as formerly of Montvale, passed away commander of American Legion on July 12, 2021 at his home in Lit- Post 153 of Park Ridge, as well as tle Egg Harbor, commanding the American Legion with his wife, Jane, Color Guard, marching in many and daughter, area parades and competitions, and Debra Anne, at his presenting the colors at Shea Stadium. side.

He was a member of various Bill was a graduate of the School local bowling leagues, Vale Pontiof Machine and ac and American Legion softball Metal Trades in the teams, serving as a coach and playBronx, New York, er where he could out-hit both his before entering the U.S. Army sons.

Bill was also a devout longwhere he served stateside during

vey his thoughts in a clear and simple way, making sure everyone could understand.

“Being sincere and showing sympathy to the patientʼs plight has always been my credo ever since I started my career,” he said. “Honesty never fails to break down walls and eliminate barriers to a successful and lasting doctorpatient relationship.”

Noel is survived by his beloved wife Joann; his daughters Samantha and Andrea; his sisters Rizalina Garcia and Perla Bansil; his sisters and brothers-in-law Karina and Antonio Cabrera, Clarissa and Tom Palma, Noel and Daisy Pangilinan as well as his nieces, nephews, friends and many people at work and in the community whose lives he touched.

One of Noelʼs favorite sayings is poignant today: “Memories are all weʼve got.”

Noel has left many beautiful and wonderful memories of a life well-lived and a life well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that those who want to honor Noel consider donating to causes that promote childrenʼs health such as UNICEF and Save the Children.

July.

For an application or information about the WCGO, write westwoodcgo@gmail.com.

The WCGO organizers would like to maintain the Outingʼs positive momentum, thank everyone for their continued support, and look forward to a successful 2021 Outing.

time member of Holy Trinity Church in Hillsdale, serving on the vestry and church warden for many years. He was also a member of Holy Spirit Church in Tuckerton.

Bill was probably best known for his devotion to the New York Giants and creating a legacy of family tailgate traditions that morphed into a social tradition looked forward to by many attendees for years. His “shrimp dogs,” Taylor ham sandwiches and filet mignon sandwiches will remain legendary.

A devoted father and grandfather, he never missed a dance recital and attended as many school events, graduations and competitions as he could, their proudest fan.

Memorial donations in Billʼs name can be sent to Angelic Health & Hospice, 81 E. Water Street, Suite A, Toms River, NJ 08753; Kisima Childcare Academy & Orphanage, friendsofkisima.org; or to the charity of your choice.

Constance BLISCHAK

Constance (DeScisciolo) Blischak, 67, of Emerson passed away peacefully on July 14, 2021.

She was the beloved wife of Michael Blischak (predeceased).

She was the daughter of Thomas and Helen DeScisciolo (both predeceased). She was a devoted sister to Anthony DeScisciolo and Karen Kolb. She was an aunt to Melissa Woyshner married to Greg Woyshner, Michele DeScisciolo, and Nicole DaSilva married to Marcelo DaSilva. She was a great-aunt to Madison Woyshner, Conrad Woyshner, Anna Descisciolo, Jayden DaSilva, Marcelo DaSilva Jr. And, she was a dear sister-in-law to Bill Phillips (predeceased) and Susan Muller.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinsonʼs Foundation, parkinson.org.

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

The Westwood Charity Golf Outing will return in 2021 and the 25th annual Outing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Valley Brook Golf Course.

The committee says that members are planning on hosting the Outing in the same manner they have for many years: in a manner that has made it an

39

JULY 26, 2021 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

40

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