PASCACKPRESS 8.24.26

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake VOLUME 30 ISSUE 24

Starring Westwood

T H E 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

AUGUST 24, 2026

REVOLUTION 10U ON FLOODS, NEED ROLLS THROUGH ‘THE IS CLEAR PASCACK VALLEY

River Vale girls lock down a perfect 23-0 summer on ʻrespect, hustle, and heartʼ

AND NOW’

Mayors press for funding of $8.9M mitigation project in four towns; federal, state funds sought

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

Native son Michael W. Gray to debut ‘American Summer,’ with Steve Guttenberg and Christie Brinkley, Labor Day weekend.

PAGE 10

PARK RIDGE

SOLDIER’S SACRIFICE HONORED 84 YEARS LATER

Legion Post 153 tribute recognizes mayorʼs great-uncle, who survived Bataan Death March and died as POW

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN AND JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

More than eight decades after First Sgt. Daniel Proctor died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines, his service and sacrifice came home to his family.

On Aug. 11, American Legion Post 153 presented

See PROCTOR on page 124

The 10U Girls River Vale Revolution summer softball team roster: Brooklynn Mikalouskas, Landyn Thomson, Olivia DiPaolo, Nicole Clarke, Cece Risalvato, Charlotte Laipple, Reagan Sutter, Lily Sousa, Annie Lustberg, Annaliesa Hartigan, Lia Vallejo, and Leah Ortiz. Head coach: Erin DiPaolo. Assistant coaches: Arianna Thomson, Alex Laipple, James Sutter. Team photo.

RIVER VALE—Twentythree games for 23 wins. With three golden championships.

For the River Vale Revolution 10U girls travel softball team, the numbers tell the story of a perfect summer. But head coach Erin DiPaolo says the record is not

what she hopes her players remember most.

Over six weeks of competition, the Revolution went 23-0, won the New Milford Summer Sizzle and Highlands Summer Sizzle tournaments, and capped the season July 30 by defeating

Emerson for the Kinderkamack Softball League 10U championship.

Along the way, DiPaolo tells Pascack Press, a group spanning three grade levels became something more than an undefeated

Continued on page 20

Hillsdale Mayor Michael Sheinfield told residents Aug. 11 that a proposed $8.9 million flood mitigation and brook improvement project — aimed at reducing flooding and improving water quality in four Pascack Valley towns — will seek federal and state funding and has a strong advocate in one area congressman.

The four-town brook improvement and cleanup project stems from four separate drone studies conducted on brooks that traverse the towns. Most of the drone studies occurred in 2023 or 2024.

The studies, conducted by Boswell Engineering, identified hundreds of waterway obstructions, including downed trees, eroded streambanks, sediment shoals and potential contamination sources such as exposed sanitary manholes, in the Pascack and Musquapsink brooks and the Hackensack River.

According to the “Pascack and Musquapsink Brooks Flood

See FLOODS on page 164

KIDS RALLY ON ALS

B ck in time...

Westwood youth spend a summer afternoon turning a neighborhood lemonade stand into a fundraiser for families affected by ALS. PAGE 18

By August 1876, workers on the Pascack Valley line were fed up. For months, they had gone without pay. This week, 150 years ago, the trains stopped running.

PAGE 4

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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FIRST-PERSON: IN MY EXPERIENCE…

What covering community has taught me The Township of Washington’s Emily Kratzer reflects on newspapers, civic engagement, and the value of knowing the people around us

M

SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS Y LOVE OF THE First

Amendment and newspapers informs much of who I am. Iʼm an avid reader of Pascack Press because of its professional coverage of local news.

My newspaper addiction began with the Los Angeles

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career began in high school after the outspoken adviser I admired was tossed out by a vindictive principal and replaced by someone who didnʼt have a clue. So the inmates—er, students—ran the operation.

We wrote stories and opinion pieces, created the pages, laid in the printed galleys, and took the blue-line sheets to the printer. I was hooked.

Over the years, covering local boards gave me an understanding of the human element in government and considerable sympathy for the people elected to serve. Sometimes we need to thank them for the work they do, though many people prefer to peaceably assemble, exercise their right to free speech, and seek redress of grievances.

Pascack Press continues “In My Experience,” an occasional series offering first-person reflections from people with stories and lessons to share.

Our first contributor was Jimmy Wagner, who spoke on self-defense and the relationship between physical training and mental health.

Last week we heard from Anthony Rizzo, publisher of Pascack Valley City Lifestyle and Northern Highlands City Lifestyle and president of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, on the relationships that have shaped his

Before the internet, newsrooms had wire-service printers whose bells alerted us to breaking news: “Patty Hearst Captured!”

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enormously since then. Newspapers lost major sources of advertising revenue just as they faced the cost of building online operations and the expectation that stories should be posted for free.

Publishers also had to persuade local businesses to buy digital advertising, which was a new and uncertain proposition.

For those who complain about paywalls, remember that dependable reporting requires reporters, editors, fact-checking, and time. Many hyperlocal newspapers, including Pascack Press, depend heavily on advertising revenue. Please support their advertisers.

If you think “the media” is bad, read what has been printed since the founding of this country. Partisan attacks, exaggeration, and innuendo are hardly new.

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— Editor

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

PARK RIDGE

The Borough Council approved a $6.75 million bond ordinance Aug. 11 to install treatment systems at Wells 12 and 18 to remove PFAS contaminants from the borough water supply.

The filtration systems are required by the state Department of Environmental Protection and are intended to remove PFAS, commonly called “forever chemicals,” from drinking water.

Councilor Michael Mintz said the borough will apply to the state Infrastructure Bank for low- or nointerest financing. The borough has been pursuing financing through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program, now known as the NJ Water Bank.

Mayor Keith Misciagna previously told Pascack Press, “The Borough has been pursuing financing for this project through the New Jersey Environmental

Infrastructure Financing Program (now known as the NJ Water Bank) since 2022. While the final application documents were submitted in early 2025, the process began earlier as the Borough worked with the State to meet its requirements.”

He added, “We canʼt avoid the need to address PFAS but we can control how responsibly we invest in the solution. Our goal is safe water at the lowest possible cost to our residents. The goal is to use every available resource, including grants, potential finan-

cial assistance, and reduced-interest financing, to complete this required project in the most responsible and cost-effective manner possible.”

Also Aug. 11, the council introduced a $975,000 bond ordinance to upgrade sports lighting at Sulak Field, with $211,338 in grants covering nearly 22% of the project cost.

Chief Financial Officer Connie Carpenter said the grants include $67,000 from the state Department of Community Affairs and $144,338 from the Bergen

County Open Space Trust Fund.

Improved lighting at Sulak Field has been discussed for years, Councilor William Fenwick said.

“Itʼs great to see the project moving forward. Itʼs going to be a great thing for our town and the kids in our town,” Fenwick said.

Misciagna added, “I think everybody up here agrees with

you.”

Officials said the upgraded lighting will allow more young athletes to use the field for evening practices and games.

A public hearing on the $975,000 Sulak Field bond ordinance is set for Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. at Borough Hall.

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TREATING ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’; VOTE ON BOND FOR SULAK FIELD LIGHTS

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B ck in time...

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

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PROPERTY TAX RELIEF APPLICATIONS OPEN; DEADLINE NOV. 2

New Jersey residents can now apply for several state property tax relief programs, including ANCHOR, with applications due Nov. 2.

The programs provide relief to eligible homeowners and renters, with benefit amounts and eligibility requirements varying by program.

Eligible residents age 65 and older can use the stateʼs PAS-1 combined application to apply for three programs — ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ — through a single form, even if they do not qualify for all three programs.

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How the Hillsdale railroad station would have looked at the time of the 1876 workers’ strike, although this photograph likely dates to the 1880s. This week, 150 years ago, railroad workers went on strike after months of not receiving their pay. They pulled the trains into the Hillsdale station and then disabled them, halting travel on the Pascack Valley line for five days. Colorized.

Stiffed on wages, railroad men stopped the trains

B

Y AUGUST 1876, the railroad workers on

the Pascack Valley line were fed up. For months, they had gone without pay.

Now it was time to send a message. This week, 150 years ago, the trains stopped running.

The railroad had come to the Pascack Valley only six years earlier. The lower portion of the line, which included modern-day Emerson, Westwood and Hillsdale, opened in 1870. Construction continued northward the following year, along the east side of the Pascack Brook through Woodcliff Lake (then called Pascack), and continued into Park Ridge and Montvale before connecting to the existing railway in Nanuet. On May 29, 1871, the full Pascack Valley line opened for the first time.

Before the trains, a trip to New York City took hours in each direction by stagecoach and ferry. In 1859, things got a little better with the opening of the Northern Railroad, which went through Closter. A stagecoach ran from Park Ridge to that station, picking up folks along the way as it meandered through Hillsdale, Westwood and Emerson before heading east.

The building of our own line through the Pascack Valley opened up this area to the outside world. A train station was constructed in each village along the tracks. Travel, communication, access to goods and services from outside the area — all of these things became easier. The people quickly grew accustomed to this new convenience, and they relied on it.

In August of 1876, for the first time in six years, railroad service stopped.

“The employees of the New Jersey and

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

SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

By Kristin Beuscher, Historian, Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge.

Call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org

New York Railroad struck yesterday on account of the non-payment of their wages,” wrote The New York Times on Aug. 22, 1876. “For the last eight months the conductors, engineers, brakemen, trackmen, and switchmen have failed to receive any money from the company.”

During those eight months, the men had been paid in written IOUs that railroad officers promised to make good on. The local general stores and other businesses had accepted these notes in exchange for goods for the first few months, but some had never been reimbursed.

The stores needed cash, not promises. They refused to accept the notes any longer.

“In consequence, the families of the men for the past five months have been in great distress,” wrote The Times. “The men informed the officers of the railroad of the condition of affairs, yet no money was given to them.”

The Bergen Democrat wrote on Aug. 25, 1876, “For eight months past the engineers have been promised their pay, and placing confidence in those promises they continued working, although the families of many of them were suffering for the necessaries of life.”

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Staff Writer Editor Contributing Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

Why were the men not being paid? A New York Times reporter did some investigating. He learned that the New Jersey and New York Railroad Company had overextended itself expanding its track and adding to its fleet of locomotives and passenger cars, and now there was no cash to pay the men who made them run.

On Saturday afternoon, Aug. 19, 1876, the first train that left the Jersey City depot did not go farther north than Hillsdale. The second train stopped at the same station, and all the ones that followed did as well, until the track was backed up with locomotives.

This must have been a dismaying sight for the president of the railroad, David Patterson, who lived in Hillsdale and owned a huge part of the land there. He had a beautiful Second Empire-style mansion on Hillsdale Avenue, just west of the aptly named Patterson Street. In the 19th century, this was one of the grandest estates in the area.

Now the railroad workers were making a statement right under the company presidentʼs nose. They didnʼt just stop the trains. They disabled them.

“On Saturday night, the men removed the throttle valves and couplings from the engines and hid them in the woods,” The Times wrote.

“The passengers who resided at Stony Point [at the end of the line] had to pass the night at Hillsdale or walk the other 20 miles, and this very few attempted.”

The trains stayed in place all day on Sunday. On Monday morning, commuters arrived at

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

See TRAINS on page 214

(c) 2026 The Press Group, all rights reserved.

Material is developed independently by Pascack Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is forbidden. Views printed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. We are neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. Email us with correction requests.

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

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

HACKENSACK

Anthony Nicodemo was sworn in Aug. 4 as Bergen County superintendent of elections, succeeding Debra Francica of the Township of Washington, who served in the role since 2021.

Nicodemo, who worked for six years in the county Department of Human Services, was nominated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill and confirmed by the state Senate.

“Anthony has distinguished himself through his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving Bergen County county residents,” spokesman Derek Sands told Pascack Press. “We are proud to celebrate this next chapter in his public service.”

County elections are administered through the superintendent of elections, County Clerk John Hoganʼs office, and the Board of Elections, chaired by Richard Miller. The superintendent is responsible for enforcing election laws, investigating voting discrepancies, overseeing voter registration, and maintaining custody of poll books and voting machines.

Also sworn in was Deputy Superintendent Jamie H. SheehanWillis, who begins a second term.

She joined the Bergen County Board of Elections in 2013 and became deputy superintendent in 2021.

Francica, a township resident with 32 years of public service, congratulated Nicodemo in a statement. “Serving Bergen Coun-

Bergen County elections officials Debra Francica and Wes Wagner in 2025. Mike Olohan photo.

Deputy Superintendent of Elections Jamie H. SheehanWillis and Superintendent Anthony Nicodemo. Courtesy.

tyʼs voters during this pivotal time of change has truly been my honor and one of the biggest joys of my life,” she told Pascack Press.

Francica was appointed Ber-

gen County superintendent of elections in 2021, succeeding Patti DiCostanzo, who had served as superintendent for decades. Terry OʼConnor, the longtime deputy

superintendent, also retired that year. Francica served as chief of staff to then-state Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37).

Francica helped oversee

major changes in county election administration, including the rollout of Bergen Countyʼs first new voting machines in nearly three decades beginning in 2023, along with early in-person voting, electronic poll pads, and voter education efforts.

The new machines create paper voting records for election audits and are not connected to the internet, officials said.

The Bergen County Clerkʼs Elections & Voting page offers links to election results and timelines, the unofficial 2026 general election candidate list, voter registration and polling-place information, vote-by-mail applications and ballot tracking, dropbox locations, candidate petitions, campaign-finance resources, poll-worker information, assistance for voters with disabilities, and other electionrelated forms and contacts.

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

NICODEMO SWORN AS COUNTY ELECTIONS CHIEF, SUCCEEDING WT’S FRANCICA

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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— Pascack Valley News Briefs — IHA gets AI readiness, safety nod

Immaculate Heart Academy has received the Responsible AI in Learning Endorsement from the Middle States Association, recognizing the Township of Washington schoolʼs work in AI literacy, ethics, safety and institutional readiness. The endorsement, known as RAIL, evaluates how schools address artificial intelligence through policies, professional development, strategic planning, governance and classroom practices. Middle States said IHA demonstrated a framework for using AI responsibly while

balancing innovation with student and institutional safeguards.

Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark serving approximately 650 students from New Jersey and New York.

Bergen County Job Fair Oct. 23

Bergen County will hold its 2026 Job Fair on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bergen Community College gymnasium, Parking Lot B, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature more than

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100 employers and employment resources, with opportunities across multiple industries. Job seekers can also attend career workshops, take part in on-thespot interviews and learn how to apply for civil service jobs. Free professional headshots will be available for the first 75 attendees.

Participants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring several copies of their résumé.

Registration and updates are available at BergenCountyJobFair.org.

Emerson Townwide Garage Sale

Residents can turn closets, garages and basements into bargain-hunter territory during the boroughʼs “upcycle” 2026 Townwide Garage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 4. Participants can sell everything from toys, books and records to furniture, electronics, sports equipment, clothing and household goods. For a $15 donation, sellers will be listed in the boroughʼs official “Emerson Upcycle” brochure, which will help shoppers map out their treasure hunting. Applications and donation are due to the Borough Clerkʼs Office by Friday, Sept. 18. The application is available at emersonnj.gov. Late applications will not be accepted.

New Hope gala set for Oct. 7

WESTWOOD — New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center will hold its annual gala Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Seasons in the Township of Washington. The fundraiser begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour and will include dinner, music and dancing, a raffle and tricky tray. Proceeds support the Westwood-based organizationʼs work providing clients with donated baby items, financial assistance and counseling. Gala Chair Kathy Turlick of Park Ridge is leading this yearʼs event with volunteers from communities across the Pascack and Northern valleys. Tickets are $150 through Sept. 9 and $175 thereafter. For information or tickets, contact Turlick at 201-5195149 or visit newhopeprc.org.

Fifth Annual WestwoodFest Sept. 12

Planning is underway for the Fifth Annual WestwoodFest, set for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

Co-hosted by Celebrate Westwood and the Borough of Westwood, the family-friendly event features live

music, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, civic organizations, local nonprofits and businesses, and food vendors. For more information or to register, visit celebratewestwood.org/ westwoodfest or email celebratewestwood@gmail.com.

Parents interested in scheduling a tour or learning more may call the Rec Department at 201-664-7882 or visit westwoodnj.gov.

‘Twelfth Night’ at Woodcliff Park Aug. 21

“All the worldʼs a stage” — and this Friday, part of that stage will be Woodcliff Park.. A free outdoor performance of William Shakespeareʼs “Twelfth Night” is set for Friday, Aug. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Woodcliff Park. The production, presented by True Blue Theater Co., is directed by Woodcliff Lakeʼs own Ellie Falanga.

Admission is free. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of mistaken identities, romance, and Shakespearean mischief under the summer sky.

8 Pascack Press welcomes letters, news and feature tips, and community calendar items. Send yours to PascackPress@ ThePressGroup.net.

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Mayor hears resident sound off on fire siren PARK RIDGE

Mayor Keith Misciagna told a resident concerned about the boroughʼs fire siren Aug. 11 that officials have discussed alternatives but are not prepared to eliminate it.

Resident Peter Stroud told the

mayor and council the siren was a “general nuisance,” saying he had timed it at more than 90 seconds and that its volume interfered with his meditation. He also suggested it could disrupt nearby schools, residents working on Zoom and others.

“Itʼs 2026, we donʼt need it,” Stroud said, noting firefighters can be reached by text message and radio.

Officials said firefighters use pagers, which can operate during internet or power outages, but said the siren provides an additional way to alert firefighters and warns residents that emergency vehicles may be responding.

Misciagna said the council had discussed the issue in work sessions and called it “complicated.”

“I think meditation is great and

UPDATES ON SUMMER FUN, FARM, AND KPMG PROPERTY

Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali highlighted upcoming events, the reopening of the boroughʼs farm stand and the status of the KPMG property in a recent message to residents.

He encouraged residents to participate in community events, fireworks and the boroughʼs Touch-a-Truck event, thanking the rec department, volunteers, and municipal employees who help organize them.

The mayor also encouraged residents to visit the Montvale Farm Stand. He said the farm continues to offer fresh produce, cooking activities, barbecues and other programs, and noted that additional garden plots are expected to become available next year.

Ghassali also addressed discussion surrounding the former KPMG property, where potential redevelopment has drawn public

attention. “As of the writing of this message, no plans have been presented to the Borough for approval for a data center or any other development on the KPMG property,” Ghassali wrote. “The courts have not ruled on anything yet.”

Ghassali said that if proposals are submitted, the governing body will provide opportunities for public input through town hall meetings, smaller group discussions and information sharing.

“Montvale is our home, and we will continue to work together

to protect and strengthen the community we all care about,” he wrote.

Ghassali also referenced the boroughʼs legal efforts regarding the property, noting that the councilʼs challenges proceeded through multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Editorʼs note: Pascack Press welcomes informed opinion on the future of the KPMG site, including the proposed data center option, affordable-housing obligations, land use, infrastructure, environmental impacts, tax implications and other issues raised by the propertyʼs redevelopment. We are interested in factbased commentary from residents, officials, professionals, and others with relevant knowledge or perspective. Pitches may be sent to editor@thepressgroup.net.

itʼs nice to have peace, but if your house is burning down, you want to make sure that people are on the way,” he told Stroud.

Misciagna said officials would continue considering alternatives but added, “Right now weʼre not

prepared to outlaw the siren just yet.”

Borough Clerk Maggie Giandomenico told Pascack Press that the fire chief had opposed silencing the siren in a letter to the council.

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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When should you change your investment strategy?

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take a “set it and forget it” approach to investing. But over time, life ERIC KOHLMEIER events, the timing of when you need the money, and market events are likely to compel you to revisit your strategy. Here are some things to consider when they arise.

Dealing with life events Events — both expected and unexpected — like the following could cause a change in your longterm goals and time horizon: • Graduation • Marriage, divorce or remarriage • Birth of a child or grandchild • Change in health status • Job loss, retirement or early retirement • Death of a loved one These types of events may prompt you to revisit your investment strategy, and in fact, they

may be good reasons to make changes. Do you need to reprioritize your investment goals, spending, or how much debt you need to pay down?

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Responding to market action In addition to life events, you may want to revisit your investment strategy during periods of market volatility. Is that college tuition, mortgage or vacation pay-

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ment nearer than you anticipated, making you realize that you may need to be more conservatively invested?

It is worth noting that your time horizon for needing the money is the key factor here.

Avoid making emotional decisions based on todayʼs 24/7/365 news cycle. It can be tempting to react to headlines when you might

be better off simply riding out volatility if you have a longer time horizon.

That doesnʼt mean you should never respond to market action. However, itʼs often a good idea to think long and hard before you change — or, at the extreme, abandon — your strategy.

This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of FA Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.

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Back 2 Scoop Night set for Sept. 15 The Park Ridge Police Department will host its Back 2 Scoop Night Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Park Ridge Dairy Queen.

The event will include free ice cream cones for Park Ridge children, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, a DJ, photo booth and cotton candy. Parking will be available at Ridgemont Shopping Center.

Misciagna called the event “a great way to kick off the new school year, spend time with neighbors, and meet the officers who serve our community every day.”

Concert series continues Park Ridgeʼs summer concert series continues Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. under the covered pavilion at Davies Memorial Field behind Borough Hall.

London Calling is scheduled for Aug. 20, followed by Karaoke Night — featuring karaoke, singalongs and trivia — Aug. 27.

The North Jersey Concert Band is scheduled to perform Sept.

5 at 6:30 p.m. at Park Ridge High School field, with fireworks at dusk.

Around the borough Girl Scouts in Park Ridge are recruiting girls in grades K–12, with troops available at East Brook, West Ridge and Our Lady of

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The Recreation and Cultural Committee will offer chair yoga Thursdays from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29, with no class Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. at the Community Center behind Borough Hall.

The Golden Age Club remains open to residents 55 and older.

Information is available from club president Brenda Yanni at 201-4107981.

Tri-Boro Ambulance is seeking volunteers; no prior experience is required and training is provided.

Information is available at 201391-2332 or tbvacnj.org.

The Tri-Boro Food Pantry continues to seek donations. Donations may be dropped off Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. or at Borough Hall during regular business hours.

PKRG-TV is also seeking volunteers to help film Park Ridge High School football, basketball, volleyball and other local sports.

No experience is required, and camera training will be provided.

Interested residents may contact pkrg@parkridgeboro.com.

The Recreation Department is looking for middle- and highschool students to assist with community events and earn service hours. Information is available at 201-573-1800, ext. 521, or recreation@parkridgeboro.com.

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PARK RIDGE — Mayor Keith Misciagna says the borough is taking additional precautions to protect its water, electric and municipal technology systems amid recent cybersecurity attacks targeting water infrastructure in New Jersey.

In an update to residents, Misciagna said he and Utility Liaison Michael Mintz have been monitoring developments and working with borough staff to review potential vulnerabilities and safeguards.

“At this time, there are no known credible cybersecurity threats, successful intrusions, or indications that the Park Ridge Water system has been compromised,” the mayor said.

Misciagna said he meets regularly with Director of Operations Jim Leichtnam and IT Specialist Josh Salles to review borough systems. Park Ridge is also following guidance and advisories from the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, state Board of Public Utilities, federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, FBI and other agencies, he said.

The precautions extend beyond the water system to the Park Ridge Electric Utility and municipal technology infrastructure generally.

Misciagna recently joined U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and state Sen. Holly Schepisi at an event focused on cybersecurity threats to critical water and electric infrastructure. Pascack Press covered that event separately; readers

9

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

10

eats

Dining & Cooking Guide

Borough stars with Guttenberg, Brinkley, family in ‘American Summer’

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OLOHAN@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

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A film that explores a lifechanging summer for one youngster growing up in small-town America is the focus of a new movie by a borough native, featuring scenes shot in Westwood and nearby Bergen County towns. The film is scheduled for nationwide release Friday, Sept. 4.

Michael W. Gray, a West-

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Gray is writer, producer, and director of “American Summer,” an independent film that follows

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In Westwood: Filmmaker Michael W. Gray is flanked by actors Steve Guttenberg and Christie Brinkley of Gray’s ‘American Summer,’ set for premiere on Labor Day weekend. The house behind them is on Roosevelt Avenue, and is a location in the film. Courtesy photo.

one memorable summer in the life of Mikey, played by Steve Guttenberg, as he meets a special girl, earns a spot on a travel baseball squad and wonders whether his father will return home after going missing while serving in the U.S. Army.

Blue Harbor Entertainment acquired the U.S. distribution rights, Gray said.

“My film is a slice of life in small-town America that a lot of us have experienced growing up,” Gray told Pascack Press recently.

He said Westwood residents should “know that the heart and soul of my childhood in Westwood is included in American Summer.”

“Iʼm not trying to teach or preach in this movie,” he added.

“Itʼs a story that can be enjoyed across generations.”

Gray said scenes showing a Westwood residence, the downtown and the interior of Five Dimes Brewery will appear in the movie. Other scenes were shot in Ho-Ho-Kus and Allendale.

Westwoodʼs role as a filming location comes as the borough has worked to make itself more accessible to movie and television productions.

In 2024, Westwood was designated a Film Ready Community by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, becoming the only municipality in the Pascack Valley and one of three in Bergen County to complete the state certification process.

The Film Ready New Jersey program trains municipalities on the basics of motion picture and television production, including

permitting, public safety coordination and standards for attracting filmmakers. The designation also allows certified communities to promote themselves as filming destinations through the stateʼs location database.

Westwood has hosted several productions, including scenes for the Robert De Niro and Bobby Cannavale feature Ezra, which filmed at locations including Conradʼs Confectionery and the former Jackʼs Cafe.

Gray was raised in Westwood, living on Dogwood Court with his late parents and two sisters, Alyssa and Ann. His parents, Bob and Miriam Gray, bought their Westwood home in 1966.

Gray now lives in Ho-HoKus with his wife, Stephanie, and four children, Erica, Skylar, Derrick and Jake. Erica and Derrick were extras in the movie.

Derrick also did voiceover work and served as a production assistant, while Jake played a character Gray described as a “nice bully” named Derrick.

The film stars Guttenberg, Christie Brinkley, Logan Gray, Mia Talerico, and Dan Lauria. It also features former Major League Baseball players Lee Mazzilli and Luis Sojo.

According to the filmʼs website, “American Summer” is a coming-of-age family story blending humor, baseball, summer romance, and a puppy who helps save the day.

Guttenberg, a veteran actor whose career includes the “Police Academy” franchise, “Three Men and a Baby,” “Cocoon,” “Diner” and “Short Circuit,” brings decades of film and television experience to “American CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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eats

Proctor:

Mayor Keith Misciagna with a plaque honoring his great-uncle for his “service, sacrifice and enduring legacy” in World War II — months after the U.S. military officially accounted for Proctorʼs remains and ended a mystery the family had carried for generations.

“This would make my grandmother so happy,” Misciagna said.

Visibly moved, he added, “Weʼre very proud of him, obviously.”

Proctor, a career soldier with the U.S. Armyʼs 31st Infantry Regiment, had risen by 1941 to the rank of first sergeant, the senior enlisted leader of an Army company, and was reportedly only months from retirement when war overtook the Philippines.

He was captured after American forces on the Bataan Peninsula surrendered to Japanese forces in April 1942. He survived the infamous Bataan Death March and was later imprisoned at the Cabanatuan POW camp, where he died Nov. 4, 1942, at age 48.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that Proctor was identified Nov. 26, 2025, through laboratory analysis and supporting evidence after decades among unidentified remains.

For Misciagna, the story

Dining & Cooking Guide

FROM PAGE 1

First Sgt. Daniel Proctor, U.S. Army, served with the 31st Infantry Regiment in the Philippines during World War II. Captured after the fall of Bataan in 1942, he survived the Bataan Death March and later died as a prisoner of war at Cabanatuan. His remains were identified more than 80 years later. Courtesy photos.

begins with his grandmother, Maggie (Proctor) Misciagna, Proctorʼs younger sister.

Misciagna said his grandmother lived to 92 and never stopped talking about her older brother Danny — with both pride and sadness — especially around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “She never forgot her brother,” he said.

Family stories kept Proctorʼs memory alive. A sister who

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worked in the film industry once believed she spotted Proctor in newsreel footage of the Bataan Death March. According to family lore, the film was stopped so she could examine the images and determine whether the soldier was truly her missing brother.

Decades later, the Army was still searching.

Misciagna said military officials contacted his father, Thomas “Thom” Misciagna, who served as Hillsdale mayor from 1976 to 1980, several years ago — close to the end of his life — seeking a DNA sample as part of the effort to identify Proctor.

The request surprised the family. After so many years, the search for Proctor was still active.

Misciagna said he had period-

Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, left, and his father, the late Thomas Misciagna, who was a four-year mayor of Hillsdale. ically searched his great-uncleʼs name online over the years, always in vain. Then, last November, he found the announcement that Proctor had finally been accounted for.

“I never thought they would find him,” Misciagna said.

He called his aunt, now approaching 90, to share the news.

She cried.

Thomas Misciagna died March 24, 2024, at age 88, not knowing his DNA sample would prove to be the corroborating evidence.

Even with the identification, Misciagna said the family is still piecing together the story of the man behind the military record.

They know Proctor was a longtime Army soldier — “a lifer,” Misciagna said — and believe his military tenure may have included service in the Great War. Family photographs showing Proctor in a World War I-era uniform have raised questions about whether he also served in that terrible conflict, though that has not yet been confirmed.

Misciagna said the family is also learning more about Proctorʼs personal life. He was married to Sarah, an Army nurse from Texas, and had a daughter, though many details about that branch of the family remain unknown. “Things were different then,” Misciagna said, noting that even some family connections had become complicated over the years.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Proctorʼs remains had originally been buried with other prisoners in Common Grave 707 at the Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery.

After the war, unidentified remains from that grave were relocated to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. Years later, as part of DPAAʼs Cabanatuan Project, those remains were reexamined and one set was identified as Proctorʼs through scientific analysis and supporting evidence.

American Legion Post 153 Commander Ryan OʼHara said Proctorʼs story reflects the sacrifices made by thousands of American and Filipino troops who endured months of hardship following Japanʼs attack on the Philippines after Pearl Harbor.

The 31st Infantry Regiment fought under increasingly desperate conditions before the fall of Bataan, facing shortages of ammunition, medicine and supplies. Its motto was Pro Patria — “for the homeland.”

Councilman Robert Metzdorf said Proctor “served the country with honor and courage during World War II.” “He died a POW, far from home, under circumstances of unimaginable hardship and suffering,” Metzdorf said. “For decades, his final resting place remained unknown.”

At the Aug. 11 presentation, Misciagna said he was moved by the Legionʼs recognition and had not expected to be the focus of the ceremony. He said he did not serve in the military himself, but grew up understanding what Proctorʼs loss meant to his family. He honors service and sacrifice in speeches on patriotic holidays.

Misciagna shared his story during this yearʼs Memorial Day ceremonies, speaking about not

See PROCTOR on page 194

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Kratzer:

Decades ago, however, an Australian family figured out how to turn innuendo, fearmongering, and attacks on the credibility of ethical journalism into a highly profitable business model. As a result, many people have lost the ability to distinguish news from opinion and have retreated into comfortable information silos.

Working in Southern California, I learned that celebrities are regular people who are trying to get on with their lives outside public scrutiny. Ask me sometime

FROM PAGE 2

about Susan Marx, Betty Ford, or astronaut Edgar Mitchell, whose view of Earth from space helped make him an environmental advocate.

In Southern California, I also met a guy. Eventually, I drove my four-cylinder van across this amazing country to be with Fred Voss.

We built a family and became Little League parents and theater parents. We appreciate the work the Woodington Players put into their productions at Westwood Regional Junior/Senior High School. Through our sons, we became involved with WCTV, the all-volunteer public-access television station at the Township of Washington town hall.

Serving on the Township of Washington Community Emergency Response Team from 2015 to 2020 helped me prepare to help during disasters. I strongly recommend the program.

Our local libraries have also enriched my life through conversations, activities, and friendships. Shout-out to the Township of Washington Public Library.

With help from its Friends of the Library, residents were offered CPR and first-aid training. The library also helped organize a community walking group years ago. Some of us still stroll around Schlegel Lake on good-weather days. Exercise and good conversation are precious to us.

Our walk takes us past the home where teenagers Kevin and John Frazza were killed in July 2006. It is always difficult to contemplate. Kevin was in one of our sonsʼ classes at Westwood Regional, and I saw John working as an usher at Westwood Cinemas the afternoon before he died.

Kudos to the high school, which opened its doors for counseling even though the school year had ended. Our community was united in terrible grief then, as it had been following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The sadness and anger of that day, nearly 25 years ago, remain raw.

A more hopeful effort brought the community together after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Residents came to town hall to sort and pack clothing and supplies for people affected by the war.

That kind of camaraderie is why I value this township, Bergen County, New Jersey, and the United States, along with the opportunities we have here.

Ask me about the summer I

spent cleaning hotel rooms in Switzerland. It is a wonderful country, but it was good to come home.

All these experiences taught me to listen and to act with compassion, in keeping with the principles of my Unitarian Universalist faith. I am thankful that the nationʼs founders rejected the establishment of a government-sanctioned religion.

Enough about me. If you see me around, say hi. I would love the chance to listen to you.

Knowing other people enriches my life, and I am always looking for more riches.

Editorʼs note: This series explores the life journeys, lessons, and defining experiences of people in our communities.

We have an exciting lineup set, but weʼre always interested in distinctive and underrepresented local voices. Installments might also explore themes such as faith, work, service, family, and place.

To suggest someone or pitch an idea, write editor@ thepressgroup.net.

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Growing older, growing stronger: a new perspective

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For generations, aging has often been viewed only through the lens of decline — a gradual loss of memory, mobility, independence, and vitality. But a growing body of research shows a more encouraging picture.

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To qualify, homeowners must have been New Jersey residents in 2025, owned and occupied a New Jersey home as their principal residence on Oct. 1, 2025, paid property taxes on that home, and had 2025 New Jersey gross income of $250,000 or less.

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The state also recently changed the Stay NJ program,

FROM PAGE 4

While aging itself is unavoidable, many of the factors that influence how we age are shaped by the choices we make throughout life.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 62 million Americans are now age 65 and older, making seniors one of the fastest-growing segments of the population. Living longer, however, is only part of the goal. Living well — with purpose, independence, and vitality — is what truly matters.

Healthy aging is about adding life to our years, not simply years to our lives. The human body and brain remain adaptable throughout adulthood. Scientists refer to this ability as neuroplasticity and physiological adaptability — the capacity to continue learning, strengthening, and

reducing some 2024 relief payments being issued this year. Residents who previously received a $600 Stay NJ installment, for example, will receive $300 under the revised schedule.

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adjusting over time.

Research from organizations including Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging continues to show that healthy habits can support memory, balance, mobility, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life.

One of the most important principles of healthy aging is simple: the body responds to how it is used.

Movement matters. Regular physical activity supports circulation, muscle strength, bone health, balance, and emotional well-being. Exercise also supports brain health by increasing blood flow and helping maintain cognitive function. Walking, gardening, swimming, strength training, and other activities that

The fourth and final installment of 2024 Stay NJ relief is expected in December and is expected to reflect the reduced payment schedule.

Applicants should have their 2025 property tax information available, including county and municipality codes, block and lot information, tax amounts, and gross income reported on their 2024 New Jersey tax return.

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Send submissions to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

fit an individualʼs abilities and interests can provide meaningful long-term benefits.

Nutrition plays an essential role. As the body changes with age, nutrient-dense foods become increasingly important. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber helps support muscle maintenance, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Staying properly hydrated is also important, as dehydration can contribute to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

Sleep is a foundation of wellness. During sleep, the brain processes memories, clears waste products, and supports the bodyʼs repair systems. Establishing healthy sleep routines — including consistent schedules and limiting distractions before bedtime — can improve both physical and cognitive well-being.

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Understanding your health and addressing concerns early can help individuals make informed decisions about maintaining function and independence. The goal is not simply to respond to illness, but to support wellness throughout every stage of life.

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Growing older should never mean giving up on growth. The human body remains adaptable, and the brain continues to learn throughout life. National Senior Citizens Day reminds us that healthy aging is not simply about avoiding disease — it is about preserving independence, purpose, and the ability to enjoy every stage of life.

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

16

Floods:

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

Mitigation Project,” presented to New Jersey Fifth District Congressman Josh Gottheimer in early August, the four-town project outlines proposed work to improve waterways.

The 11-page proposal estimates a one-year timeline and breaks down costs as follows: about 15% for removing downed trees; 30% for removing brook obstructions; 30% for reconstructing eroded banks; 20% for engineering, permitting and design; and about 5% to 7% for shoreline restoration, including native plants.

Projected costs by town are: Westwood, $2,947,593; Washington Township, $2,195,625; Hillsdale, $1,954,100; and River Vale, $320,958. The proposal includes a 20% fuel adjustment totaling $1,483,655, bringing the estimated project cost to $8,901,943.

Sheinfield said Gottheimer

FROM PAGE 1

told officials he would raise the project as a potential appropriations committee funding request for 2027 and advocate for funding.

Mayors from Westwood, Township of Washington, River Vale, and Hillsdale met with Gottheimer to press for possible funding.

Montvale mayor and Hillsdale administrator Michael Ghassali also attended the meeting.

Region requires ʻimplementation fundingʼ In a letter to Gottheimer, Pascack Valley Mayors Association President Mark Bromberg, River Valeʼs mayor, said recent storms highlighted the need for action.

“Recent storm events and resultant flooding, including those over the July Fourth weekend and subsequent July storms, underscored the systemʼs vulnerability when additional debris enters already constrained waterways,” Bromberg wrote. “At this stage, the need is clear and the need is now: the region requires implementation funding, not additional studies.”

Because the project involves

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four towns, Gottheimer said the effort had a “good opportunity” to receive funding because it is a regional project, Ghassali said.

Ghassali also noted that up to $100 million may be available through state grants for flood mitigation and brook improvements.

“We have a project that weʼd like to get done,” Sheinfield said.

“We came up with a plan to address the flooding situation, which was dredging and removing debris, and general cleanup.”

“No guarantees in any way, shape or form, but heʼs [Gottheimer] supportive of it and understands the issue,” Sheinfield said.

See also “500-plus downed trees block waterways in four towns; state, federal funds sought for removal,” by Michael Olohan, Aug. 2, 2025, at thepressgroup .net.

The mayor credited previous work and study by Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo, including the regional Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) study being conducted by Stevens Institute of Technology. State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-39) secured a $200,000 state grant in 2023 to fund the FIRO study.

Sheinfield said Veolia officials had not cooperated with FIRO researchers in releasing requested reservoir operations data.

“Theyʼre not interested in sharing it [the data], and theyʼre under no obligation to,” Sheinfield said.

He told Pascack Press that FIRO researchers hoped to meet with Veolia officials soon to discuss the project.

Sheinfield noted that flooding has affected commerce in Hillsdale and Westwood, particularly in retail areas. He said the proposed project would include waterway dredging, removal of downed trees and leaves, culvert protection and restoration of eroded streambanks.

Most of the water flows through Pascack Brook, Musquapsink Brook and tributaries connecting the waterways as it travels between Woodcliff Lake Reservoir and Oradell Reservoir, which supply drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Bergen and Passaic county residents.

Resident questions Veolia role Resident James Mallet of Lake Street questioned Veoliaʼs control over water levels in its reservoirs, particularly Woodcliff Lake Reservoir, which he said may contribute to flooding when water is released during heavy storms.

Sheinfield said that under state law, Veolia is required to prioritize water conservation and supplying customers, not downstream flooding impacts from releases.

He said water releases sometimes occur during periods of heavy rain, when flooding is already occurring. He added that a state of emergency or governor involvement is sometimes required before releases are permitted during storms.

Mallet questioned whether legislation could provide better control of reservoir levels and releases in cooperation with local towns.

He said Veolia was guilty of “old school thinking” by not using Doppler radar, FIRO modeling and reservoir levels to guide decisions

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and help mitigate downstream flooding.

We asked Veolia North America spokesperson Debra Vial about council and public comments criticizing Veolia.

Vial said several statements made during the Aug. 11 council meeting were inaccurate.

“On the FIRO Study, Veolia is participating in the Stevens University FIRO study and we are meeting with the studyʼs leader in September,” Vial said. “Weʼre currently finalizing disclosure agreements with the university.”

She said some information, particularly details involving infrastructure security, must remain confidential.

Regarding reservoir management, Vial said the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, not Veolia, establishes storm and reservoir policies.

“As the council is aware, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection — not Veolia — sets the policy about storms and reservoirs,” she said.

Vial said the state does not lower reservoirs preemptively because protecting the drinking water supply remains the priority.

Hillsdale Councilman John Ruocco, immediate past mayor of the borough, said he believed a possible solution to controlling reservoir levels was “more administrative” and something NJDEP might coordinate with the governor.

However, Sheinfield said he had doubts.

Ruocco said advances in weather forecasting, including Doppler radar projections, should provide Veolia more flexibility in managing reservoir levels.

“We have the ability to project and that should allow Veolia to have some comfort that they can release the water 24 hours in advance of a projected storm,” Ruocco said.

“As the storm gets closer and closer, they can either increase or decrease the flow of the water,” he said.

Ruocco concluded, “This is Veoliaʼs problem. Itʼs our problem because we get the water.

But itʼs Veoliaʼs — theyʼre in the catbirdʼs seat to fix the problem.”

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_____ June 9, 2004 • Pascack Press

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Kids stir lemonade stand into ALS fundraiser

BY JOHN SNYDER EDITOR@THEPRESSGROUP.NET

An enterprising group of Westwood children spent a summer afternoon turning a neighborhood lemonade and snack stand into a fundraiser for families affected by ALS. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. It can lead to loss of muscle control and mobility, while often leaving a personʼs ability to think and remain engaged intact. There is no cure, making research, support services, and resources for families affected by ALS especially important.

The children hosted the stand Thursday, Aug. 6, raising money for the Dennis Burke Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting ALS research and providing resources to families navigating the disease.

As neighbors stopped by for fresh lemonade, the young fundraisers also shared the story of Dennis Burke, whose life and legacy inspired

Raising funds for the Dennis Burke Foundation on Aug. 6.

Christine Green photos.

the foundation. Burke, the youngest of six, was known for his sense of humor, love of gardening, and dedi-

cation to his craft. He was the owner of Dennis Burke Fine Woodworking in Hillsdale and was remembered as a

Power couple Michele and Ted Meisten at BSA Troop 350’s Eagle Scout court of honor at Zion Lutheran Church in June. John Snyder photo. devoted husband, father, friend, and community member.

After his diagnosis, Burke turned his energy toward helping others, establishing the Dennis Burke Foundation to support research, provide assistance to families affected by ALS, and encourage the fine arts through scholarships. [See “Have

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friends, will triumph,” Pascack Press, Jan. 16, 2025.]

The fundraiser carried special meaning for the children, who are current BURKE or former students of Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center. Their former teacher Michele Meisten was diagnosed with ALS in 2021. Sale organizer Christine Green reports that despite the physical challenges of the disease, Meisten has continued to inspire her students through her strength, perseverance, and commitment to community.

Backed by residents and police, the fundraiser reflected lessons they learned from her about caring for others and turning concern into action. For information about the Dennis Burke Foundation, including opportunities to contribute to or sponsor its annual fundraiser on Sept. 19, visit dbf4als.org.

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Summer.”

Brinkley portrays adult Kelly in “American Summer.” Best known for her groundbreaking modeling career and more than 500 magazine covers, Brinkley has also worked as an actress, appearing in films, television and stage productions, including “National Lampoonʼs Vacation” and the Broadway production of “Chicago.”

Gray said Blue Harbor Entertainment is handling the nationwide release. He expects the film initially to play in major theater chains before eventually becoming available for purchase or rental

FROM PAGE 10

on cable and streaming platforms.

Ticket information and theater listings are expected to be posted at americansummermovie.com.

Gray also said he hopes a New Jersey opening or premiere can be arranged, possibly with some cast members in attendance, although nothing had been scheduled as of press time.

The film is rated PG for suggestive material, some language, and brief smoking.

Asked what time period the story is set in, Gray declined to name a decade. He said the movie could feel contemporary or from the past, depending on the viewer.

One hint, he added: audiences will not see many electronic devices.

Gray said he is especially proud of the filmʼs cross-generational appeal. By Aug. 9, he said,

the promotional trailer had drawn approximately 3 million views, and social media promoters anticipated that number could climb significantly before the September release.

The idea for the film dates back about 15 years, Gray said, when his late father wondered aloud why more movies were not made to appeal to both children and adults.

Gray said he took that as a challenge and began developing what became “American Summer.”

“I wanted to write a story that can build interest across the generations,” he said. “Maybe thereʼs something we can all sit together as a family and watch together.”

Gray said that theme also connects to the kind of community life he remembers from Westwood — people coming together around volunteer service, youth sports and local events.

That includes EMTs, firefighters, coaches and residents

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The post salutes: From left, Councilmember and American Legion Post 153 3rd Vice President Bob Metzdorf, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, American Legion Post 153 Commander Ryan O’Hara, American Legion Post 153 Trustee Gerry Alexander, and American Legion Post 153 2nd Vice President Dieter Koelling. Post 153 honored Misciagna’s great-uncle, U.S. Army First Sgt. Daniel Proctor, whose remains were identified more than 80 years after his death as a World War II prisoner of war. Courtesy photo.

only the fallen servicemembers but also the families who carried their losses.

“The point is donʼt forget these guys,” Misciagna told Pascack Press on Aug. 18. “Our family didnʼt. The Army didnʼt.” He thanked American Legion Post

FROM PAGE 10

153 for its touching and unexpected tribute.

He noted many other families would be grateful to have word on their MIA relativesʼ remains, that these servicemembers may rest in peace, with closure and all due honors.

“Some 80 years later, they found him,” Misciagna said. “I never in a million years thought they would. It was really an amazing thing.”

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who give their time to community events such as Westwoodʼs summer concert series and holiday festivals, he said.

Gray is a television and film producer working through his company, Relentless Filmz. He helped produce the mixed martial arts documentary “Fightville,” which appeared on Showtime and streaming platforms, as well as “A Birderʼs Guide to Everything,” starring Sir Ben Kingsley. His films have also appeared at Slamdance and South by Southwest.

Gray has produced and directed hundreds of hours of branded content through former production company Gotham Point Films and consulting firm Evoke Content Group.

He produced the cigarettepollution public service announcement “We Hope. We Hope,” distributed by the Surfrider Foundation, Alliance for a Living Ocean, Clean Ocean Action and Keep America Beautiful.

— With some reporting by staff writer John Snyder

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Summer:

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19

PASCACK VALLEY

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

20

Champs:

softball team.

The Revolution roster included Brooklynn Mikalouskas, Landyn Thomson, Olivia DiPaolo, Nicole Clarke, Cece Risalvato, Charlotte Laipple, Reagan Sutter, Lily Sousa, Annie Lustberg, Annaliesa Hartigan, Lia Vallejo, and Leah Ortiz.

Five were fifth-graders, six were fourth-graders and one was a third-grader, giving the team a range of ages and experience that made its cohesion all the more notable.

From the beginning, the coaching staff centered the season on three expectations: Respect. Hustle.

Heart.

DiPaolo said those words were more than a slogan. They were discussed at every practice and every game, with an emphasis on effort, sportsmanship, encouragement and helping each player recognize her own progress.

The team avoided naming MVPs or routinely handing out game balls. The idea, DiPaolo said, was to reinforce that everyone had a role.

Over the course of the season,

FROM PAGE 1

younger players added a dimension to the season, giving them an older player to learn from and look up to.

Families, too, became an important part of the run, showing up through early mornings, late nights, tournament weekends, weather delays and schedule changes.

By the end, the championship trophies and perfect record were secondary. “They genuinely love the game of softball,” DiPaolo said, “but just as importantly, they love playing with and for each other.”

That is what she hopes remains after the details of a 23-0 summer begin to fade.

The 10U Girls River Vale Revolution summer softball team roster: Brooklynn Mikalouskas, The championships will Landyn Thomson, Olivia DiPaolo, Nicole Clarke, Cece Risalvato, Charlotte Laipple, Reagan always be part of the teamʼs histoSutter, Lily Sousa, Annie Lustberg, Annaliesa Hartigan, Lia Vallejo, and Leah Ortiz. Head coach: ry. So will the distinction of comErin DiPaolo. Assistant coaches: Arianna Thomson, Alex Laipple, James Sutter. Team photos. pleting an undefeated season and bringing three titles home to River Vale. every player had a moment when captain, leading the teamʼs inning treated their opponents.

But DiPaolo said the greater “How you play, how you treat she made the big play, delivered at meetings with encouragement and the plate, encouraged a teammate or reminders to stay positive and others, and how you carry yourself accomplishment was the way the helped steady the group when it believe in one another. The rotating are just as important as the final girls got there — together.

“They laughed together, needed her. “They celebrated each role gave each player a chance to score,” she said.

The final scores, nevertheless, encouraged each other, picked other, cheered for one another and speak up and lead her teammates.

The coaches also made sports- reflected how dominant the Revolu- each other up and celebrated each picked each other up,” DiPaolo said. otherʼs successes,” she said.

“Every player truly had her manship a point of emphasis. DiPao- tion could be.

She told Pascack Press, “This River Vale won the New Millo said umpires, opposing coaches moment.”

That philosophy extended to and spectators regularly compli- ford Summer Sizzle championship was also the first time in a while leadership. During games, a differ- mented the Revolution on the way against Saddle Brook on June 28, that one of our teams competed in ent player was designated as rally the girls carried themselves and followed by the Highlands Summer summer tournaments. I knew this Sizzle title against Ridgewood Black team was something special from on July 19. Eleven days later, the the moment of tryouts. We knew Revolution completed its undefeated many of these girlsʼ strengths and season against Emerson in the KSL capabilities from years prior, but bringing together different grade championship.

The team finished the summer levels and this particular group of as the leagueʼs No. 1 seed and never strong, talented girls created something truly special. That combinasurrendered that position.

DiPaolo was assisted by coach- tion was the magic.”

As for next steps, she said, the es Arianna Thomson, Alex Laipple and James Sutter. The team also team will hang its KSL 10U chamreceived help from Cami Greenberg, pionship banner at Upper Grove an Northern Valley Regional High Field as fall training begins. River School at Old Tappan softball player Vale Baseball and Softball Associwho volunteered at Revolution prac- ation officials said they could not tices and games throughout the document comparable past seasons, though they believe it has summer.

DiPaolo said Greenbergʼs will- been some time since a team at this ingness to spend time with the level achieved similar success.

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HELP WANTED RIVER VALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Employment Opportunities 2026-2027 School Year. The River Vale BOE is seeking candidates for: • School Lunch Aides • Special Education Aides View individual postings on the district website: www.rivervaleschools .com To Apply: Email a cover letter, current resume to: HR@rivervaleschools .com River Vale Public Schools Office of the Superintendent. EEO/AA

the men agreed to return to work. 21 Their stipulation was something that we all take for granted 150 years later: They wanted to receive their wages on a regular schedule.

Going forward, payday was to be on the 15th of every month — and this time, in cash.

In addition to this crisp newsprint, you can get your hands on Pascack Press in your inbox via free PDF subscription at PascackPress.com

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Bergen Democrat declared.

The strike lasted five days. As it continued, the railroadʼs financial troubles came to a head. On Aug. 22, 1876, the company went into receivership. After a negotiation with receiver Valentine L. Lary that went back and forth via telegraph,

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the station only to learn that the railroad men were still holding out.

The railroad secretary issued a statement asserting that it was actually the workers who were being unreasonable.

“Almost all of the men have been paid to May 1, and some to date. Measures were being taken to pay them in full when they struck —

FROM PAGE 4

wood, resumed the stagecoach service. He drove the stage back and forth from Westwood to Closter so that people might utilize the Northern Railroad line, which continued running.

A group of men from Park Ridge who had business in the city traveled in their carriages to Allendale to catch the Erie line. One of them did not have a return ride home and had to walk from Allendale to Park Ridge. There were many similar stories.

“Pedestrianism was promoted by the strike on the railroad,” the

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a suicidal piece of business on their part, as it puts it out of the power of the company to do anything,” the statement read. “Practically, the company is not more than three months behind [in wages]. A great deal of the present trouble is owing to the fact that in paying the men, there was some discrimination shown, in order that those who needed the money most might get it.”

With the Pascack Valley line at a standstill, it was back to the old ways of traveling.

Genest Ottignon, a well-known Civil War veteran who lived in West-

AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

22

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AUGUST 24, 2026 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

24