PASCACKPRESS 9.15.25NEW by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

PARK RIDGE

TOWNSON MARCH TOMARK AMERICA’S 250th

Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake lead push; year of celebrations on tap nationally

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Three Pascack Valley boroughs are joining forces to help mark the nationʼs 250th anniversary — the nationʼs semiquincentennial planning a year-long slate of events that will tie local history into a countywide commemoration of Americaʼs Revolutionary past.

Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna announced this week that Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake are collaborating on a regional initiative that will launch in January 2026. Organizers say the calendar of events will blend history, education, and community celebration while also boosting tourism and the local economy

“This is a unique opportunity to come together as a region and celebrate our shared history in a meaningful and memorable way,” Misciagna said.

Overall, the nationʼs milestone birthday will involve national, state, and local initiatives, including historical commemorations, public events, and stellar, world-class spectacles — with FIFA World Cup matches here, and the MLB All-Star Game to be held at none other than MetLife Stadium.

The celebration aims to reflect on the nationʼs past, honor its diverse people, and look toward the future.

Kickoff meeting

A kickoff session last week

See 250TH on page 14

‘ART, BEAUTY, COMPASSION’ ‘ART, BEAUTY, COMPASSION’

Empty Bowls comes to Woodcliff Lake to fight hunger — and youʼre invited

ON SATURDAY, Sept. 27, from noon to 2 p.m., Meals on Wheels North Jersey brings the Empty Bowls Project to Christ Lutheran Church, 32 Pascack Road—a

JUST GRAND!

on Wheels North Jersey.

community gathering that pairs handcrafted bowls and simple meals to raise funds and awareness for hunger and isolation prevention.

Part of an international

grassroots movement, Empty Bowls invites guests to select and keep a bowl made and donated by local artists and

Continued on page 13

BOROUGH CHEERS RULING ON OFFSITE HOUSING

Appeals court decision may shape next phase of Emersonʼs downtown project

BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A state appellate court has handed Emerson a decisive win in its fight with downtown redeveloper Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal (ERUR), rejecting an effort to force the borough to rezone 129 Kinderkamack Road for seven offsite affordable housing units.

In a Sept. 5 decision, Appellate Division judges Greta Gooden Brown and Morris Smith stressed that nothing in Emersonʼs housing agreements guaranteed ERUR the right to build at that location. “Nowhere in either the November 2017 settlement agreement or the January 25, 2019 judgment does it require or specify that the seven off-site units from the Block 419 project were to be built at 129 Kinderkamack Road,” they wrote.

The panel added that ERUR had failed to show the boroughʼs actions violated its housing obligations. “Without such a provision, [the developer] cannot show the boroughʼs noncompliance to

See RULING on page 16

Montvale’s Octagon House, on West Grand Avenue, is a stately relic. Three mayors have called this wonderful structure home. And it used to sport a giant chicken on the roof.

EMERSON

Scenes from the 2024 Empty Bowls Project at Christ Lutheran Church, Woodcliff Lake, benefiting Meals on Wheels North Jersey The fundraiser returns Saturday, Sept. 27, noon–2 p.m. Photos courtesy Meals

PASCACK PRESS

Let’s re-elect

Jay Garcia to WWRSD BOE

To the editor:

IHOPE this letter will remind people to pay attention to upcoming BOE elections. We all should know about the candidates to make informed decisions when we cast our votes. We have learned that who we vote for to serve on the Board of Education in Westwood Regional School District is not a decision to be taken lightly. Please watch for information about candidates and

go to meet them if the opportunity arises.

That said, I am writing to endorse Jason (Jay) Garcia for reelection to the BOE of WWRSD as the candidate from Westwood.

Jay demonstrated grace and courage under fire in his first two years on the BOE. Never in more than 30 years of involvement and interest in the education of our students have I ever seen such vicious, unfounded public attacks on a fellow board member as Jay endured. He continued to do his job serving the community. Those who followed the contentious BOE meetings of the recent past know this was a difficult time for him. But he remained profession-

al, ethical and dedicated to the office to which he was elected. In the third year of his term, with several newly elected trustees, WWRSD BOE returned to civility and a great deal of positive work has been accomplished since.

I have been serving with Jay on the board since January. As the board president, he has shown himself to be a great communicator and leader. He is a tireless advocate for our entire school district and community. He is fair, he keeps members of the board informed and has worked very well with the new superintendent during a difficult transition. Jay is respectful to everyone he encounters. He is responsive to concerns brought to his attention. He follows up and he follows through. He is a champion for the high standards we all want to see in our schools. He is exactly what a school board member should be.

Jay has my full endorsement. I will be very pleased to continue working with him on the BOE.

Please give him your support and vote for him on Nov. 4.

Carol

Mountain Trustee, WWRSD BOE Westwood

Back NJ’s

Immigrant Trust Act

To the editor: I URGEREADERS and our state legislators to support the Immigrant Trust Act (ITA), now stalled in our Legislature. Why do I write — a 70-year-old white Jewish woman with resources enough for a comfortable life? Because the ITA makeseveryone in New Jersey safer, and because too much misinformation clouds this issue.

The ITA would codify into law the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which clarifies the roles of local law enforcement

and federal immigration authorities. State, county, and local officers enforce state criminal law. I mmigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. The Directive—and the ITA—limit voluntary cooperation between local police and ICE, while expanding protections around data privacy.

With a new governor soon to be elected, and one candidate already pledging to revoke the Directive, codifying it into law is vital to maintaining public safety.

New Jersey agencies beyond law enforcement collect personal data that, if shared with ICE, could result in detention, deportation, or family separation—even for citizens and legal residents. Fear of these consequences keeps people from using public benefits or reporting crimes.

When immigrants avoid health care, schools, and police, all of us are less safe. If I am a crime victim, donʼt I want witnesses—documented or not—to step forward? If someone is sick, donʼt I want them treated so the illness does not spread?

One in four New Jerseyans is of immigrant background, and immigrants without documentation contribute significantly to our shared economy. A recent study found undocumented residents pay over $1 billion in state and local taxes—often at higher effective rates than the wealthiest 1%. The vast majority of immigrants are hardworking, law-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

250th celebrations will rock — let’s meet the moment

COMMENTARY

TWOHUNDREDFORTY-NINE

years ago, ordinary people here in Bergen County and across the colonies risked everything for a radical idea: that a free people could govern themselves. Far more comfortable, and familiar to many, was the idea of remaining loyal subjects of the Crown. Loyalists wanted order, stability, and the security of empire.

The Revolution wasnʼt inevitable. It was fragile and deeply uncertain, and perhaps nowhere more so than here in Bergen County. Families were divided, fortunes lost, lives upended. Washingtonʼs army retreated through Fort Lee and Hackensack in 1776; Continental soldiers were cut down in River Vale two years later, while Loyalist and Patriot neighbors lived side by side.

For ordinary families, the war sometimes arrived literally at their doorsteps. British troops were billeted in private homes, part of what later inspired the Third Amendmentʼs ban on quartering soldiers.

That tension played out on the page as well. In 1775, a 19year-old Alexander Hamilton published The Farmer Refuted, answering a loyalist pamphleteer who argued against independence. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays the exchange for laughs on stage, but in real life Hamiltonʼs words were a deadly serious defense of the radical experiment that would become America.

As our towns prepare to

BY JOHN SNYDER

mark the nationʼs 250th anniversary — our semiquincentennial, in 2026 — alongside Bergen County, New Jersey, and our wider American family, we have an opportunity to look back with pride and look forward with clear eyes. Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake are already at work on a year-long commemoration. (See story, page 1.) Others in the Pascack Valley will add their talents and voices. Together, these efforts will connect our Revolutionary history to our present day in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.

And it will be fun. The Pascack Valley at its bunting-best is something to savor: neighbors out on summer evenings, schoolchildren learning local history, redwhite-and-blue parades, even the small-town pageantry that reminds us community is not an abstraction but a lived experience.

These celebrations will be as much about joy as about history.

Yet this isnʼt only about history. On Sept. 17, Constitution Day, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters Northern Valley will host a public panel in Westwood on protecting democracy — with voices from journalism, law, and academia. Theyʼll be talking about issues at the heart of civic life: voting rights, presidential powers, civil rights, even the role of independent media. Itʼs one more reminder that anniversaries like this arenʼt just pageantry; theyʼre an invitation to keep testing — and correcting — whether we are still the citizens our Constitution requires us to be. (See “League panel on protecting democracy set for Sept. 17 in Westwood” at pascackpress.com.)

The Revolution was about beginnings, and it resolved into a legal framework that still carries us: checks and balances, separation of powers, the rights of individuals, the duty of government to act by consent. James Madison warned in Federalist No. 10

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A 75¢ chicken dinner in Montvale BERGEN COUNTY 2026 HISTORY GRANT PROGRAM

Bckintime... Bckintime...

HACKENSACK

The Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs announces the 2026 Bergen County History Grant Funding Program. The 2026 grant cycle is for history projects or programs taking place Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026.

All Bergen County non-profit history organizations and other nonprofits that present Bergen County based history programs are invited to apply. Municipalities and libraries interested in presenting history focused programs are also invited to apply.

An applicant organization must have its official base and mailing address in Bergen County. Applicants should be tax exempt, 501(c)3 organizations with current state reports.

The History Grant Program is administered by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, Bergen County Department of Parks, and is funded by an Operating Support Grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

This year, 24 county organizations shared in $81,600 in grant funding administered by the DCHA.

The Declaration of Intent, application packet, and general information may be found via the Department of Parks, Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs website: bergencountynj.go v/grant-programs/historygrant-program.

For answers to questions on eligibility, guidelines, and the application process, contact DCHA History Grant Coordinator Elaine Kiernan Gold at egold@bergencountynj.gov or 201-336-7294.

The application form will automatically be emailed to organizations

See GRANT on page 13

ONTVALEʼS ICONIC Octagon House on West Grand Avenue is a stately relic of a bygone age in the borough. Three mayors have called this wonderful eight-sided structure, built in the mid19th century, home. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Montvale and is featured on the borough seal.

At one time, it boasted a giant chicken on the roof

SPECIALTO PASCACK PRESS

By Kristin Beuscher, president of the Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge. Call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org

On Sept. 14, 1935—90 years ago this week—a new eatery opened its doors in Montvale. Operated by Eddie Bisner and George Merton, Ye Olde Octagon House was a fried chicken restaurant. From the outside, there really was no mistaking it for anything else. A large wooden cutout of a hen, followed by a chick, stood in front of the restaurant along West Grand Avenue. Another chicken was perched atop the belvedere on the roof.

“Look for the rooster on top of the tower” the restaurantʼs advertisements proclaimed.

Heavy-handed advertising tactics aside, it is remarkable the amount of food a person could get for 75 cents in those days. In 1940, a dinner included four pieces of homemade fried chicken, hot biscuits with butter and honey, French fried potatoes, a vegetable, salad, a slice of homemade pie, and coffee, tea, or milk.

Now some people are probably thinking that 75 cents was worth a lot more in 1940, and thatʼs certainly true. Still, calculated for inflation, an equivalent sum in 2025 would

be about $17—and if any restaurant in the Pascack Valley were offering all that food for

$17 today, there would be a line around the block.

Fried chicken received top billing at Ye Olde Octagon House, but they did serve other types of food. The prime roast beef dinner was 65 cents and the porterhouse steak dinner was 75 cents. The most expensive menu item was filet mignon on toast at 90 cents.

The dining room at Ye Olde Octagon House presented a homey atmosphere typical of a country inn, with its wide wooden floorboards, crisp white tablecloths, and bold floral prints. The basement was a cozy tap room where the walls and bar were paneled in cypress, the floors were flagstone, and the ceiling had antique beams. Across from the bar was a large open fireplace—a popular place to have a drink on a cold night.

Look for the rooster on top of the tower. As though anybody could miss it! This was the view outside Ye Old Octagon House on West Grand Avenue in Montvale in the late 1930s. At the time, it was a fried chicken restaurant.

The dining room at Ye Olde Octagon House presented a homey atmosphere.

‘Fair Share’ nonprofit targets Montvale, Park

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACKVALLEY

Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) is challenging the Fourth Round affordable-housing plans filed by Montvale and Park Ridge, accusing both towns of using “procedural games and bad-faith arguments” to avoid their obligations.

The Cherry Hill–based group is also asking that both towns immediately lose their legal immunity from builderʼs-remedy lawsuits.

It was not immediately clear when the challenges will be heard by a mediator or retired judge through the stateʼs Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Officials said only a Superior Court judge can rule on a request to end a townʼs immunity, which could suspend local zoning while the matter is litigated.

FSHC filed challenge letters against each town, citing specific alleged deficiencies in their Housing Element and Fair Share Plans (HEFSPs). Montvale and Park Ridge are two of 16 municipalities statewide facing formal challenges; Pascack Press has obtained both letters.

“The vast majority of towns across New Jersey are working in good faith to meet their affordable housing needs, including many in Bergen County. However, Montvale and Park Ridge stand out for all the wrong reasons,” says Adam Gordon, FSHCʼs executive director. “Instead of identifying viable sites to allow

affordable homes as required by state law, both towns are relying on procedural games and bad-faith arguments to avoid creating new homes over the next decade. Ultimately this litigious strategy wastes their local taxpayersʼdollars and hurts their own communities.”

Gordon ads, “These towns cannot have it both ways — telling courts that this new law requires them to do too much, and then when it comes time to implement their plans, pretending that the law requires them to do nothing. We plan to hold them accountable and ensure we create the affordable homes New Jersey desperately needs.”

Park Ridge: FSHC calls plan ʻabsurd approachʼ

FSHC says Park Ridgeʼs Fourth Round HEFSP and its Vacant Land Adjustment (VLA) are “woefully inadequate” under legal standards and decades of precedent.

According to the challenge, “Park Ridge seeks [a] vacant land adjustment wherein it claims its RDP for the Fourth Round is 3 (units). The Program should require Park Ridge to conduct a new Fourth Round vacant land adjustment in accordance with the law.

“In addition, the Borough now asserts that a municipally sponsored site from its Third Round HEFSP (Bearʼs Nest) is no longer viable, and incredibly, demands a vacant

land adjustment for its Third Round prospective need obligation. The Program should reject this approach. The Borough should not be permitted to neglect and dispose of its municipally sponsored site by downwardly adjusting its Third Round RDP.”

FSHC continues, “The Boroughʼs Fourth Round HEFSP confirms that it intends to continue the

same pattern of obstruction that defined its conduct in the Third Round… On top of this, it attempts to triple count mechanisms. Despite these clear violations and its ongoing failure to meet its constitutional obligations, it wants to be rewarded with immunity from builderʼs remedy suits for the next decade. This is an absurd approach and a perversion of what this process and the Mount

Laurel Doctrine is designed to achieve: a realistic opportunity for each townʼs fair share of affordable housing.”

Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna said, “This is very disappointing news as Park Ridge continues to do everything in its power to reasonably meet its affordable housing obligations. We have and will continue to support reasonable development but will not be bullied into allowing overdevelopment of our community without

Trustee-recall allies file appeal to get question on fall ballot

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A committee seeking to recall Robert Fisher Jr. from the board of education has filed an appeal in Superior Court, Hackensack, hoping to overturn the Bergen County Clerkʼs rejection of their recall petition over missing notarizations. Under state law, the County Clerkʼs Office must begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots Sept. 20.

The 60-page filing, submitted Sept. 5 by recall leaders Laura Clark and Theresa Hollers, argues that the Clerkʼs Office gave them incorrect information stating that individual recall petitions did not require notarization. The committee is suing County Clerk John S. Hogan in his official capacity as countywide elections official and recall elections official.

The appeal contends that rejecting the recall petitions would disenfranchise more than 2,100 residents who signed in support of recalling Fisher. The committee also argues that the rejection

undermines the recall right guaranteed under the New Jersey Constitution.

Lori Fredrics, who joined in filing the appeal, called the Clerkʼs decision “an unconstitutional attack against votersʼright to

recall.” She added that if state law does require notarization, “it must be overturned by the Court on the grounds that it is void for vagueness, as nowhere in the NJ law does it say that notarization of circulator signatures is required.”

In a Sept. 10 statement, recall spokesperson Kelly Epstein noted the committee submitted 2,141 signatures—more than 700 above the number of votes Fisher received when elected. “Initially, the Bergen County Clerk advised via email that the petition pages did not have to be notarized. Acting in good faith, the committee followed these instructions,” she said.

“However, after Fisher challenged the petition citing the absence of notarization, the Clerk reversed course and upheld his objection, discounting the petition on procedural grounds. The committee argues this reversal, based on misleading official guidance,

effectively disenfranchises over 2,100 Park Ridge voters,” Epstein added.

“This is a time-sensitive matter. If the court delays, the recall cannot appear on the ballot and voters will be silenced. We are calling on the judiciary to defend the constitutional rights of Park Ridge residents and allow this recall to proceed.”

Fisherʼs attorney, Michael Collins of King Moench & Collins, objected to the recall petitions, citing state law that requires notarization. On the advice of County Counsel Paul Kaufman, Hogan rejected the petitions for lack of notarization.

Fisherʼs term runs January 2024 through 2026. The recall committee launched its effort in May, alleging Fisher misses committee meetings, spends most of his time out of state, rarely attends community events, and fails to adequately represent his constituents.

UNCLE FRANK’S

BARBER SHOP UNCLE FRANK’S BARBER SHOP

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(See “County nixes Fisher recall effort—petition wasnʼt notarized; Petition leaders say Superior Court challenge is next,” by Michael Olohan, Aug. 26, 2025, thepressgroup.net.)

Park Ridge school trustee Robert FIsher Jr. is a college student in Tennessee. His local residency is in question.

‘Thank God, we’re finally getting it done’ on DPW HQ

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

After years of delay, a unanimous Township Council has approved a $4.9 million contract to build a new Department of Public Works facility on the footprint of the former DPW site, behind Town Hall.

The Sept. 8 vote awarded the $4,933,000 base bid to Premier Building & Construction Management Inc. of Midland Park, the lowest qualified bidder. The borough received 15 bids, listed on its website under public notices

“Thank God, finally after eight years or 10 years of being up here, [weʼre] finally getting it done,” said Council President Michael DeSena.

Mayor Peter Calamari thanked DPW employees for their patience since the old facility was demolished as an EPA remediation target nearly four years ago.

In the meantime, workers have labored under a tent, exposed to the weather; heavy equipment has been staged at leased space at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, and at the former private Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club, a town property acquired for passive recreation.

Contract details

Administrator Mark DiCarlo

Council OKs $4.9M contract toward overdue facility; enviro costs in flux

told the council that the contract includes a $400,000 contingency allowance for potential change orders. He stressed the township does not want to rely on change orders, but DeSena suggested the funds could eventually be applied to a needed salt shed if left unused.

The base bid does not cover $19,740 in environmental work by Lisko Environmental or $70,000 in required engineering services by Beckmeyer. DiCarlo said those costs would come from leftover funds from a decades-old school building sale.

Lisko will complete final groundwater sampling at five of the 20 monitoring wells onsite, to be covered by the new facility. If results are clean, the wells will be closed. If not, five new wells may be required, raising the environmental cost to $177,000.

Alternates left out

Two alternate bids were included in the specifications: Alt #1, an improved rear access driveway; and Alt #2, a salt shed.

DiCarlo said the township could not fund either at this time, though bidders were asked to price them. He explained that if the township awarded alternates, it would have to award them in order, beginning

with the driveway.

As only the base bid was awarded, Premierʼs emerged as the lowest responsible bid. DiCarlo noted that if both alternates had been included, another

vendor would have been lowest overall. He said the salt shed project will likely berebid later. Council Vice President Steven Casio reminded DiCarlo

‘Home stretch’ on GSP Grand Avenue ramp work

Work at the Grand Avenue ramp is entering its final phase, with the borough on track to reopen the ramp within the next couple of weeks, Mayor Mike Ghassali announced on Sept. 8.

No major changes have occurred since the last update; contractors remain focused on completing several key tasks:

• Parapet curing: The parapet at mile marker 171.4S (over Grand Avenue) needs several more days to cure before a light pole can be installed.

• Lighting installation: Wiring for the new lighting sys-

tem is underway and progressing.

• Paving: Paving alongside the new parapets is scheduled for Friday night.

• Guide rails: Connection work was expected to wrap up by the end of the week.

Once those tasks are complete, the contractor will begin removing temporary barriers and restoring original striping configurations over several nights next week. After striping is finished, the ramp will be reopened, weather permitting.

A final coordinating step remains with Orange & Rockland Utilities, which must remove old poles and wiring near the southbound entrance ramp, northbound

exit ramp, and along the mainline. Crews will be scheduled once new poles are powered.

To avoid further delays, borough officials are considering a nighttime work schedule that would allow the ramp to reopen during the day and close temporarily overnight while utility crews complete their work.

“Additional bridge work will follow a similar pattern — performed during nighttime closures, with daytime access maintained,” Ghassali said.

The mayor thanked residents for their patience and said the project is in “the final stretch.”

—Staff report

PUMPKINS/GOURDS BULBS

ORNAMENTAL

ORNAMENTAL GRASS HARDY MUMS

HARDY MUMS

KALE / CABBAGE PANSIES

CORNSTALKS

CORNSTALKS HAY BALES

CORNSTALKS

HAY BALES

SCARECROWS & OTHER FALL DECOR

A West Ridge Elementary School playground request became a flashpoint in the local Board of Education race this week, after two candidates said the board had denied funding and the schoolʼs PTO issued a statement saying the matter is still under review.

On Sept. 8, Board of Education candidates Rich Kuiters and Holly Misley published an article on InsiderNJ criticizing the board for what they described as a refusal to

provide $25,000 toward a new West Ridge playground. They contrasted the situation with East Brook Elementary, which they said received a $25,000 contribution for its playground.

“The PRBOEʼs decision to refuse a $25,000 commitment to

the new playground is a slap in the face to West Ridge students and parents,” Kuiters and Misley wrote. They also said the West Ridge Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has raised more than $100,000 toward the project.

But West Ridge PTO president Caley Svensson said the characterization was inaccurate. In a letter to parents and the community, Svensson emphasized that while the PTO did make a $25,000 request to the BOE over the summer, the request was removed

Park Ridge Board of Education candidates Rich K uiters and Holly Misley. Campaign photo

from the boardʼs consent agenda in August — not rejected outright.

“It has not been denied, and we remain in active, ongoing discussions with the BOE,” Svensson wrote. “We would like to take the time to commend the BOE for taking their time for being fiscally responsible and hope we can continue to work together for the children.” Svensson added that the PTO has not spoken with either candidate about the playground matter, and cautioned that “any statements made outside of the PTO leadership do not represent our organization or the facts of this matter.”

The PTO has said it will continue to update families as discussions with the BOE move forward.

Park Ridge launches pickleball program Brilliant finale

PARK RIDGE’S annual concert and fireworks show on Sunday, Sept. 7. Below:councilmen Goldsmith and Hoffman, and PRPD Lt. Babcock and Chief Rampolla.

PARKRIDGE

The boroughʼs annual Concert and Fireworks Show on Sunday, Sept. 7 drew a large crowd and turned into a resounding success, despite an initial weather delay.

The North Jersey Concert Band, with 60 musicians, delivered a spirited performance that captivated the audience. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky and brought the community together in celebration.

Officials credited the eventʼs success to the dedication of recreation volunteers, the Park Ridge Department of Public Works, Park Ridge Police, and the Park Ridge Police Reserves.

Special thanks also went to Brian and Jose from the Park Ridge Board of Education for support “above and beyond the call of duty.”

“It was incredibly rewarding to witness our community unite for an evening of music, entertainment, and celebration,” said rec director Liz Falkenstern

Get ready for pickleball fun! The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee has teamed up with the New Jersey Sports Academy to launch a new community pickleball program for all ages and skill levels.

Pickleball — one of the fastest-growing sports in the country — combines exercise, friendly competition, and community connection.

Instructors from NJ Sports Academy will guide players from the basics to more advanced skills, helping everyone build

confidence and enjoy the game. Classes begin the week of Sept. 14 at the Park Ridge Pool courts.

Offerings include: •Little Pickleballers (Ages 7–10): Tuesdays, 4–4:50 p.m.

• Tween & Teen Titans (Ages 11–14): Tuesdays, 5–5:50 p.m.

• Adult Aces (Ages 15+): Tuesdays, 6–6:50 p.m.

Additional classes, levels, and times are available on Thursdays and Sundays. Full details and registration information are posted at parkridgeboro.com.

Spots are limited. For questions, call Park Ridge Recreation at 201-573-1800 ext. 521. Staff report

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

Generous donation

PARKRIDGE

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool recently received a heartfelt donation from longtime member Dorothy “Dot” Bozzone, given in memory of her late husband, Dick Bozzone.

Pool manager Andrew Lewis accepted the gift on behalf of the pool community, praising the couple’s decades of support for the borough. Dot and Dick have been champions of Park Ridge youth, active boosters of veterans, Americanism, and history education, and beloved figures at the pool each summer.

“Mrs. Bozzone, you’re a treasure to the pool community,” officials said. “We always enjoy seeing you at the pool and watching you and your friends have fun together. Thank you for being a friend!”

Dot’s thoughtful donation not only honors Dick’s memory but also reflects the enduring civic spirit that she and her husband shared — one that continues to enrich the Park Ridge community.

O UR LADYOF M ERCY C ATHOLIC C HURCH

T WO F REMONT AVENUE PARK R IDGE , N EW J ERSEY 07656

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 PM

Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM (no music) 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM - Spanish Evening: 6:15 PM

DAILY MASS

Monday thru Friday 6:30 am and 8:30 am

Saturday Morning: 8:30 AM

Rectory: 201-391-5315 • Religious Ed: 201-391-3590 Academy: 201-391-3838

WestwoodFest returns Saturday, Sept. 13

Games, Attractions, Music & More at Westwood’s Community Celebration

Residents are invited to spend the afternoon celebrating community at the fourth annual WestwoodFest on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Veteransʼ Memorial Park.

The event is co-hosted by Celebrate Westwood and the Borough of Westwood, featuring a new collaboration with the Westwood Police Department as they bring the features of their annual Emergency Services Night to this free, family-friendly event. WestwoodFest will feature live music of the Westwood Community Band at 2.

Fest-goers can also anticipate inflatable attractions, opportunities to create art, and the chance to sample fitness offerings from the Westwood Recreation Department and local businesses. A variety of lawn games, such as oversized chess, giant Jenga, and cornhole, will be scattered throughout the park.

Westwood non-profit organizations have been invited to setup information tables or host their own activities for fest-goers.

Organizers Lauren Letizia & RoseAnn say they look forward to welcoming Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Westwood Girl Scouts, Knights of Columbus Council #2188 Westwood/Hillsdale, The Crochet Flower Project, Elisabeth Maul Troop 321, Caring About the Strays (CATS), Westwood Regional Middle School PSO, Cardinal Tip Off Club, Temple Assembly #32 - International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Westwood Recreation Department, and the Church of St. Andrew.

The Borough of Westwood will be present with information from the clerkʼs office, Police Department, Health Department, Flood Committee, and DPW.

Additionally, the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department, Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Department of Public Works will be present with information in an expanded touch-a-truck style area hosted by the Westwood Police Department and featuring the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department with a K-9 and Bomb Squad demo, Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office, and Bergen County Communications.

The WPD will have a large presence through their Community Outreach Unit, Bike Safety Rodeo in partnership with Westwood Cycle, car seat installation information, demos, and much more.

Local businesses include Alpha Fit Club Westwood, The Silva Cascade, Flawless Finish Power Washing, Historical Speakers for Seniors, Fire Shaper Hot Yoga, 1950s Originals, Solar Landscape, Rough Round Golf, and YellowDoor Art Studio.

Also that day, the Westwood Heritage Society will open the Westwood Museum at the train station and the Friends of the Westwood Library will host their monthly book sale until 2.

A food court will be open throughout the duration of Westwood Fest, featuring a selection of foods for sale from Brusterʼs Real Ice Cream, Conradʼs Confectionery, Lots of Meat Barbecue, and Maxineʼs Bakeshop.

Additional funding for West-

woodFest has been provided by Gold Sponsors Alpha Fit Club Westwood, Fire Shaper Hot Yoga, and Flawless Finish Power Washing; Silver Sponsors Flex Dance Experience, Johl & Company Insurance, Westwood Family Chiropractic, and Visions Federal Credit Union; Bronze Sponsors: Brusterʼs Real Ice Cream, Conradʼs Confectionery, Derner Construction, Historical Speakers for Seniors, and Zion Lutheran Church and Early Childhood Center.

Volunteers are welcome. Connect with LaurenLetizia or RoseAnn Ciarlante at CelebrateWestwood@gmail.com. Visit celebratewestwood.org.

RIVER VALE

Senior Friendship Club meets Sept. 17

Following its July–August summer break, the River Vale Senior Friendship Club resumes meetings on Wednesday, Sept. 17 [An incorrect date was furnished in this space last week.] The doors open at noon; the meeting begins at 12:30. A light lunch will be served for members. New members are welcome; the membership fee is $7.50 for the remainder of the year For information about joining, call Angie at 201-666-3888.

Tammy Levinson photo

eats

Bowls:

FROM PAGE 1

crafters—a lasting reminder of the many “empty bowls” in the world. In exchange for a $30 donation, attendees are served a variety of freshly prepared soups in their chosen bowl, with bread, dessert, and coffee.

All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels North Jersey and its mission to deliver nutritious meals and human connection to vulnerable seniors across northern Bergen County.

“This event is a beautiful blend of art, community, and compassion,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Janelle Larghi. “Each bowl tells a story, and each donation helps feed homebound seniors in our community.”

Organizers say the afternoon aims to be as restorative as it is practical: a warm meal shared, a piece of local art to take home, and a direct line of support to neighbors who rely on daily deliveries and check-ins. Registration is encouraged at mealsonwheelsnorthjersey.org.

If You Go

• What: Empty Bowls Project benefiting Meals on Wheels North Jersey

• When: Saturday, Sept. 27, noon–2 p.m.

Grant:

FROM PAGE 4

participating in current and last yearʼs funding cycles. Emailed forms may be requested. All forms, including the Declaration of Intent form, are supplied by the DCHA.

2026 grant cycle timeline:

•Grant Information Session (recommended for all applicants or their grant writers) Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025

•Declaration of Intent due Friday, Oct. 3.

• Grant Application Workshop Thursday, Oct. 9.

• Completed grant applications due Friday, Nov. 7.

• Notification of Awards: Late December.

The DCHA actively seeks the participation of all communities in its programs and services and encourages organizations serving ethnic and culturally diverse communities, and special constituencies.

The Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs is dedicated to supporting the arts, history, and historic preservation. The DCHA plays a leading role in building a flourishing cultural environment that benefits and distinguishes Bergen County as a New Jersey cultural destination, offering programs, services, and resources in all three areas.

Dining & Cooking Guide

Fossner Timepieces

• Register: mealsonwheel-

Meals on Wheels North Jersey Meals on Wheels North Jersey is a nonprofit that delivers

fresh meals and warm connections to adults in need throughout northern Bergen County, powered by community support and a dedicated team of volunteers.

• Where: Christ Lutheran Church, 32 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake

• Donation: $30 (includes handcrafted bowl to keep, soups, bread, dessert, coffee)

Staff writer John Snyder

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

250th:

brought together representatives from the three boroughs, along with Park Ridge Historian Ralph H. Donnell Jr. and Kristin Beuscher, president of the Pascack Historical Society, at 19 Ridge Ave. Beuscher— well known to Pascack Press readers as the author of the popular “Back in Time” feature and a past editor here—will help guide the project.

Bergen County Commissioners Tracy Zur and Tom Sullivan also attended, offering insights on how the townsʼplans can dovetail with a broader countywide celebration.

The tri-town initiative aligns with Bergen250, a county effort designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through the diverse lens of Bergen Countyʼs people, places, and culture.

•

Bergen County played a pivotal

role in the Revolution. George Washingtonʼs retreat across New Jersey in late 1776 passed through Fort Lee, Englewood, Teaneck, New Milford, River Edge, and Hackensack.

In September 1778, River Vale was the site of the Baylor Massacre, where dozens of Continental dragoons were killed in a surprise British attack.

And in 1781, the Continental and French armies marched south along present-day Route 202 in Mahwah and Oakland on their way to the decisive victory at Yorktown, Va.

Through Bergen250, the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs and dozens of partners—from historic sites and schools to libraries, community groups, and businesses—are planning to promote 250 years of history through education, engagement, conversation, and tourism.

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and the Board of Commissioners are backing the

•

GATHERED AT THE Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge for the kickoff meeting of a tri-town initiative to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,from left:PHS President Kristin Beuscher,Park Ridge Councilman Bruce Goldsmith, Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna,Woodcliff Lake Councilwoman Jen Margolis, PHS Treasurer Ralph Donnell,Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur,Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali,and County Commissioner Thomas Sullivan. Park Ridge.

programming begins

Moment:

FROM PAGE 3

(1787) that factions united by passion or interest could trample the rights of others. George Washington, in his 1796 Farewell Address, cautioned that “the unity of government… is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence.” By unity he meant fidelity to the republic

For Pascack Valley towns, the challenge now is to create a vibrant local calendar that ties into the big-

itself, not obedience to a single person. Those reminders remain sharp.

What excites me most, as a father, patriot, veteran, and journalist, is that so many passionate, talented, creative volunteers are leading the charge. They are laying the groundwork for something bigger than any one event: a year of remembrance, connection, illumination, inspiration, and, ultimately, empowerment.

I look forward to covering

ger story. The organizing committee will draw from schools, businesses, nonprofits, and historical groups across the three boroughs.

The Pascack Historical Society (PHS), which Beuscher leads, has already scheduled a series of lectures to set the stage for the anniversary.

Topics range from Jersey Dutch culture and the Lenape to Revolutionary War history and portraits of founding figures brought to life by historical interpreters.

PHS Upcoming Lectures (2 to 4 p.m. at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge):

• Sept. 7: Jersey Dutch Culture

• Nov. 9: Native American Culture – the Lenape

•March 22, 2026: Tim Adriance on The Revolutionary War & Pascack Valley

•April 26: Jack Sherry as Ben Franklin

• June 14: Carol Simon Levin as Abigail Adams

• July 12: Joel Farkas on The Declaration of Independence

Nov. 2: Billy Neumann on Robert Erskine Misciagna urged residents to “stay tuned for ways to get involved,” noting that further details will be announced as 2026 approaches.

this journey in all its facets — from lectures and history programs to parades and reflections. I look forward to hearing your perspective as neighbors, families, and citizens help shape what this milestone means.

THESEARE the authorʼs views, and not necessarily those of Pascack Press, The Press Group, or its partners. John Snyder can be reached, and letters submitted for consideration, at editor@thepressgroup.net.

DPW:

FROM PAGE 7

to alert the council immediately if any change orders arise.

Councilman Michael Ullman asked whether delaying the alternates could expose the township to risk, since another bid was lower overall with alternates. DeSena said the specifications allow the township to accept or reject alternate bids.

“Weʼre confident and we feel good about this bid award tonight,” DiCarlo said. He added he will provide the council with a project timetable and penalties for noncompliance.

Road work contract

In other business, the council unanimously approved a $905,541 contract with Frank Macchione Construction of Rochelle Park for 2025 milling and resurfacing of Bergen Avenue, Carriage Court, Fern Street, and Salem Road. Five bids were received, and Macchione emerged as the lowest qualified bidder.

Local

FROM PAGE 1

Early morning fire contained at auto shop

An early morning fire at an auto-body shop on Woodland Avenue filled the building with smoke on Wednesday, Aug. 20, but quick work by Westwoodʼs volunteer firefighters and mutual aid crews kept the blaze from spreading.

The alarm came at 3:58 a.m. on a Battalion 7 Box Alarm reporting heavy smoke in the one-story commercial building. The box alarm also summoned an engine from River Vale and a Hillsdale Fire Department FAST (Firefighter Assist and Search Team).

Deputy Chief Bryan Wiecenski arrived to find smoke throughout the building. Engine 1-2 quickly stretched a 2?-inch hose line to the rear, while Truck 1ʼs company forced entry into the main garage.

Within minutes, firefighters discovered a small, closed-off workbench area that had caught fire but had mostly smothered itself. Crews knocked down the remaining flames, while Truck 1 and River Valeʼs engine opened walls and ceilings to check for hidden extension.

Once overhaul confirmed no further fire, the blaze was deemed under control. Firefighters were on scene for about 90 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The cause was under investigation by the Westwood Fire Marshalʼs Office.

Hillsdale firefighters stood by as the FAST Team, prepared to rescue trapped or injured firefighters if needed. Mutual aid units from River Vale and Hillsdale assisted with ventilation, overhaul, and checking the roof for extension.

Chief Brian Kronewitter praised the coordinated response, noting that crews prevented what could have been a much more destructive fire.

“Great job by all,” the department posted afterward.

A busy August

The Woodland Avenue fire was one of 23 emergency calls answered by the Westwood Fire Department in August 2025, alongside one drill and three work/maintenance sessions. Together, these activities required more than 280 hours of volunteer time.

Among the calls:

• Restaurant fire A blaze broke out in the kitchen of a local restaurant, but employees used an extinguisher to knock down the flames before firefighters arrived. Crews checked the appliances and walls to confirm no spread.

investigated. While no dangerous readings were found, firefighters reminded residents that carbon monoxide isodorless, colorless, and potentially lethal.

• Natural gas calls Four incidents included: no gas detected; a leak near an outdoor meter (gas shut to the building, interior checked); a small leak in a gas dryer (dryer disconnected, line shut); and a struck gas pipe, where

firefighters assisted PSE&G technicians. Department policy is to turn such incidents over to utility crews once the scene is safe.

Community reminder

Fire officials stressed to Pascck Press the importance of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Every alarm, they noted, triggers a full fire department response until the cause is

confirmed.

The department also reminded residents that business and nonemergency inquiries should be directed to wwfdchief@westwoodnj.gov or 201-664-0526, and fire prevention questions to dblankenbush@westwoodnj.gov or 201664-7100 ext. 308.

For fires or other emergencies, always call 911. Staff report

• Brush fires Two small brush fires were quickly extinguished.

• Automatic fire alarms Nine responses were made to alarms. Though no actual fires existed, firefighters performed full building checks. Six alarms stemmed from system malfunctions; one from an accidental sprinkler activation; one from aerosol spray too close to a detector; and one from incense burning.

• Carbon monoxide incidents — Two CO alarms were

With Hillsdale and River Vale companies staged alongside Westwood units, overhaul continued

justify granting the requested relief,” the judges wrote. They noted ERUR still had other means of meeting its affordable housing obligations.

Borough Attorney John McCann called the ruling “a complete repudiation” of testimony by former Mayor Louis Lamatina in support of the redeveloper. “He did not vet this redeveloper, and there were no documents indicating this offsite development was to be built,” McCann told Pascack Press.

Rendering of the proposed

Asked to comment on the boroughʼs appellate court win, Lamatina said that during his administration it was “agreed and understood” the redeveloper would buy the property and the borough would amend its redevelopment plan to allow the seven u nits. “The amendment would serve two purposes. First, satisfying the Boroughʼs Third Round affordable housing obligation, and second, eliminating an eyesore in the center of town.”

of Emerson

k inds of ways of providing a ffordable housing that both nonprofit and for-profit entities are ready and willing to build,” spokesperson Jag Davies asserted. “Fourth Round compliance necessarily involves and implicates Third Round sites, so there will need to be a resolution for this—one way or another. While the Appellate Division rejected the developerʼs particular proposal, it did recognize the issue ultimately had to be resolved.”

He provided no written a greements to that effect and blamed Mayor Danielle DiPaola who as a councilwoman voted against the Block 419 project and campaigned for mayor against “overdevelopment” — for “throwing every roadblock in the way of the redeveloper” and stalling the project.

Cherry Hill-based Fair Share Housing Center, which was not a party to the case, and soon is celebrating its 50th year with a gala in Hamilton, said the ruling does not relieve Emerson of its longterm obligations.

“Emerson has said ʻnoʼto all

The appellate ruling comes just days after the Borough Council voted 5-0 on Sept. 2 to revoke ERURʼs designation as redeveloper, citing defaults, unpaid property taxes, and stalled construction on the Emerson Station project.

Officials have already filed notices of default and termination, and said condemnation of the property is now on the table.

McCann said any new developer would be required to reimburse Emerson for legal costs and for the $500,000 former ambulance property deeded to ERUR. He declined to specify the total sum sought.

ERURʼs attorney did not respond to our invitations to comment.

When to claim your Social Security benefits

WHENIT comes to Social Security and retirement, you may have conflicting viewpoints: On one side, you may hope to collect your benefits as soon as you are eligible due to cash flow needs or other goals. On the other side, you know that if you wait, your monthly benefit amount will be greater.

While it may make sense to wait as long as you can, Sherman Hohen-

berger, lead business growth strategy consultant at Wealth & Investment Management, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., recommends you reevaluate your situation every year in retirement before deciding whether to continue delaying the beginning of Social Security benefits.

“Because each individual, couple, widow, and widower has a unique lifestyle and unique income needs, I believe a year-by-year evaluation prior to beginning benefits is the best approach,” Hohenberger says.

One item you need for that annual retirement review is a current copy of your Social Security benefit estimate

from ssa.gov. This provides personalized estimates of future benefits based on your real earnings and lets you see your latest statement and your earnings history. Here, Hohenberger outlines a comparison of claiming now vs. later and offers key considerations as you review your strategy each year.

Comparison:

Claiming sooner vs. later

Letʼs start with a hypothetical example: John Doe was born in 1960, is retired, and he decided to claim benefits as soon as he became eligible at age 62, or five years before his full retirement benefit age of 67. His

monthly benefit in todayʼs dollars is $2,106. If he had delayed receiving benefits until he was 70, heʼd receive $1,625 more a month, or $3,731. And he would make up for the eight-year delay in not taking any benefits in about 10 years. “Unlike personal assets that can be exhausted, Social Security is a vast resource provided by the U. S. government. As long as you are alive, you should continue to receive your Social Security benefits and with a cost-of-living adjustment throughout your retirement years.”

Make wellness a deciding factor

Your health can play a big role in helping determine when you should start taking benefits. Do your loved ones live long lives, or have most succumbed to illness before age 65? “Itʼs not the most accurate indicator of whatʼs going to transpire in the future, but it can have some bearing, and therefore should be taken into consideration,” Hohenberger says.

“If youʼre in reasonably good health and anticipate a continued healthy lifestyle, that usually counsels in favor of waiting,” he continues. “If, on the other hand, youʼre in poorer health and have concerns about longevity, that counsels toward drawing benefits sooner rather than later.”

Do you have enough income?

Another key factor is having other sources of income to help you live comfortably in retirement without needing Social Security benefits. He says you should consider the rate of return Social Security offers: 6.25% –8.00% (plus a cost-of-living increase).

“I ask: ʻIs that an attractive return to you over the next 12 months?ʼ” he says. “And given the current interest rate environment and unpredictability of the securities markets, the response is typically a resounding yes.”

Considerations for married couples

Hohenberger suggests married clients look at multiple factors when determining the timing for each spouse to claim Social Security benefits.

For example, if youʼre working part time or seasonally, your Social Security benefits may be dramatically lower if your partner is working fulltime. It still may be wise for both of you to wait, if possible.

“Not only does waiting to claim increase the size of the benefit that the [higher earning] individual personally receives, but it also increases the size of whatʼs known as the survivorʼs benefit that the [lower earning] spouse could

draw if the other spouse passes away,” Hohenberger says.

Keep in mind that the current average life expectancy of a 65-yearold man is about 84 years, while a woman that age can expect to live until around age 87, according to the Social Security Administration.

What about taxes?

When it comes to when to claim Social Security benefits, Hohenberger advises not to focus primarily on the tax ramifications. “For the vast majority of people, their marginal tax rate in retirement will likely be fairly constant,” Hohenberger says. “If retirees were to take their Social Security benefit at 62, we typically see that their marginal tax rate is the same or approximately the same as it would be if they claimed the benefit at age 70. We want [them] to focus instead on working to help maximize the net cash flow over the remainder of their lifetime.”

Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM) offers financial products and services through affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.

Investment and Insurance Products are:

• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency

• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate

• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

Letters:

FROM PAGE 2

abiding neighbors who strengthen our communities.

T he Immigrant Trust Act would:

•Ensure local resources support local priorities, not federal enforcement.

•Protect personal information from misuse.

• Require schools, health facilities, libraries, and shelters to adopt model policies so people feel safe accessing services.

•Prohibit local police from voluntarily cooperating with ICE.

As a Reform Jew, I support the ITA in keeping with the biblical call to welcome the stranger, repeated 36 times in the Torah. Leviticus 19:33–34 commands:

“The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

A s the Jewish High Holy Days approach, may we remember that we are all made in Godʼs image.

Nilene R. Evans Township of Washington

Endorsing Garcia for WW BOE

To the editor:

in Westwood Regional School District is not a decision to be taken lightly. Please watch for information about candidates and go to meet them if the opportunity arises.

That said, I am writing to endorse Jason (Jay) Garcia for reelection to the BOE of WWRSD as the candidate from Westwood.

In the third year of his term, with several newly elected trustees, WWRSD BOE returned to civility and a great deal of positive work has been accomplished since.

I have been serving with Jay on the board since January 2025. As board president, he has shown himself to be a great communicator and leader. He is a tireless advocate for our entire school district and community. He is fair, he keeps members of the board informed and has worked very well with the new superintendent during a difficult transition.

Jay is respectful to everyone he encounters. He is responsive to concerns brought to his attention. He follows up and he follows through. He is a champion for the high standards we all want to see in our schools. He is exactly what a school board member should be.

Jay has my full endorsement. I will be very pleased to continue working with him on the BOE. Please give him your support and

vote for him on Nov. 4.

Carol Mountain Westwood Trustee, WWRSD BOE

Huge thanks on Park Ridge fun

To the editor:

tary), Greg Hoffman (council liaison), and Carolee Chirico, Maureen Howell, Laurie Wharton, Rosemary Happ, and Jason Roth whose leadership was instrumental in the eventʼs success.

My thanks also to Jason C oughenour, Ken Reynolds, Brian and Jose from PRHS Building and Grounds, Chris Brown (PRHS athletic director), and Fire Inspector John Hansen for their invaluable support.

Finally, we are deeply g rateful to the Park Ridge P olice Department, Police Reserves, Fire Department, DPW, and the Park Ridge Board of Education. Their collaboration ensured a safe and smooth event and went above and beyond expectations.

Liz Falkenstern, director Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee

C oncert and Fireworks

T HE PARK RIDGE Recreation

Extravaganza was a resounding success, exceeding expectations and receiving enthusiastic feedback from attendees. This memorable evening was made possible through the dedication and teamwork of many in our community.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and effort. Your commitment in planning and execution created an unforgettable experience for Park Ridge.

Special recognition goes to the recreation team — Paul Whart on (chairman), Rob Nicolich (vice chairman), Paul Scarduffa (treasurer), Kelly Epstein (secre-

Targets:

FROM PAGE 5

considering proper established planning practices.”

He added, “The borough must be entitled to comply in a manner that is reasonable and consistent with sound land-use planning and the long-term goals of this community… From my view, I am concerned that affordable housing and overdevelopment have become the

defining characteristics of New Jersey planning and the doctrine has reached an unsustainable level.”

Misciagna said “housing advocates and developers have recently commandeered the process and have too much influence over the policymakers and court proceedings. We are confident that our submittal is proper and we will be deemed so by the courts.”

Montvale: FSHC says borough ʻradically reinterpretsʼthe law

In its challenge to Montvaleʼs

HEFSP, FSHC notes the boroughʼs leadership in a 30-town coalition contesting the amended Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Fourth Round framework.

“Montvale, having repeatedly lost its attempts to overturn the Amended Fair Housing Act in court, claiming that it would place untenable burdens on the Borough, now radically reinterprets the Fair Housing Act to require the Borough to do practically nothing,” the letter states. FSHC asks the program to deny Montvaleʼs request for Compliance Certification and to terminate its builderʼs-remedy immunity “until it is determined to come into constitutional compliance.”

The letter continues: “Ultimately, the [Montvale] HEFSP fails the most basic standards: it proposes

almost no new affordable housing…

The Borough has rejected six proposed redevelopment sites that were expressly volunteered by builders— sites that could provide more than sufficient affordable housing to satisfy the Boroughʼs remaining prospective need obligation.”

Given Montvaleʼs assertion of “almost zero realistic development potential (RDP),” FSHC argues, the borough is “obstructing opportuni-

ties to create affordable housing” while seeking immunity.

Borough Administrator Joseph Voytus countered that critics “ignore the fact that the Borough comes into Round 4 with a surplus of 44 units. That means we facilitated the construction of and/or extension of controls on affordable units before we were even required to.”

He said Montvale has proposed 18 new affordable units on borough owned property with “a well known developer who is in the process of building six disabled veteran homes in town – very-lowincome units for a particularly vulnerable population,” and noted past state trust-fund support for a 25-unit family development in Round 3.

Join our email list for more updates: http://www.musicalmunchkinsnewjersey.com

“If Fair Share believes this doesnʼt prove Montvaleʼs goodfaith efforts at compliance, then this system is irreparably broken,” Voytus said. “We are disappointed that despite Montvaleʼs demonstrated commitment to actually developing affordable housing within the Borough, Fair Share Housing Center would rather issue threats and press releases, instead of working collaboratively with a municipality proceeding in good faith to satisfy its constitutional obligations.”

In a June 25 email to residents titled “348 to 3 – Housing Plan,” Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote, “Our obligation number was 348, while our submitted number was just 3,” attributing the reduction to limited buildable land. He said Montvale and its Local Leaders For Responsible Planning coalition continue to challenge “flaws and corruption inherent in this system.” He did not cite sources for those claims and declined to elaborate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

The St. Thomas More Council 2188 and Valley Charities Inc. will host a Friday Night Dinner on Friday, Sept. 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 40 Crest St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The menu includes chicken Parmesan, sausage with peppers and onions, pasta, salad, dessert, and coffee, tea, or soda. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $20 per person; $35 per couple for those age 65 and over; and $15 for children 12 and under The reservation deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 16. For reservations, contact Frank Mariconti Sr. at 551-579-1123 or fms12250@aol.com daily 4–8 p.m. Checks should be made payable to Valley Charities Proceeds will support student scholarships.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: It’s September, but no magic pill on Alzheimer’s

Every September, World Alzheimerʼs Month reminds us just how many families are touched by memory loss. The Alzheimerʼs Association estimates more than 6.9 million Americans over 65 are living with Alzheimerʼs today, and global figures exceed 55 million. The condition carries a heavy personal and economic toll and despite ongoing research, there isnʼt a single pill that prevents or cures it.

•Move regularly. Aerobic activity is linked with better memory and brain structure in older adults. Even brisk walking several times a week can help lower overall dementia risk. If the treadmill isnʼt your thing, aim for routines youʼll actually stick with — walks, swimming, cycling, or dancing.

• Eat for your brain. Dietary patterns like the Mediterranean or MIND diets — built around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts, and olive oil — are associated with lower dementia risk in observational studies. Limiting added sugars and ultraprocessed foods is a smart baseline. Think simple, mostly whole

That doesnʼt mean weʼre powerless. A growing body of research shows there are practical steps that support brain health across the lifespan.

foods.

Advertiser Content

• Protect your sleep. Consistently getting 7–8 hours is associated with better cognition. Good sleep supports many processes that keep the brain functioning well; chronically short sleep does the opposite.

• Manage stress. Persistent stress can impair attention and memory. Mindfulness, breath work, prayer, time in nature, and simple breaks in the day are lowcost tools many people find helpful. If formal meditation isnʼt your style, start with five quiet minutes and build from there.

• Stay connected. Strong social ties are linked with healthier aging. Community groups, hob-

bies, volunteering, faith communities, and time with family and friends all count.

• Start earlier than you think. Changes related to Alzheimerʼs can develop over many years. Habits built in your 30s, 40s, and 50s matter for how youʼll feel in your 70s and beyond.

None of these steps replace medical care, and they donʼt “prevent” Alzheimerʼs in a guaranteed way. But together they form a sensible plan to support your brain.

A Special Offer for World Alzheimerʼs Month

At Kaplan Brain & Body, weʼre offering qEEG Brain Mapping for $21 (normally $600) during September. Call or text 201261-2150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to choose a convenient time.

A quick note on what this is — and isnʼt:

What qEEG does: records and analyzes brainwave patterns to help

identify areas that appear over- or under-active, which can inform a personalized program of neurofeedback, lifestyle, and cognitive strategies.

What it doesnʼt do: qEEG is not a diagnostic test for Alzheimerʼs disease and doesnʼt replace medical evaluation. If you have concerns about memory or thinking changes, please speak with your physician or a neurologist.

The assessment is non-invasive and comfortable, and many people find it useful for understanding how their brain is functioning right now so they can make targeted changes.

If youʼd like more practical strategies, tune in to my radio show, Boost Your Brain Power with Dr. Eric Kaplan, every Saturday at 8 a.m. on AM 970 and 2 p.m. on WOR 710 AM.

There may never be a single “magic pill” for brain health. But there are smart steps you can take starting today.

‘10 WARNING SIGNSOF ALZHEIMER’S’ SEPT. 25

The Alzheimerʼs Association will host a free community program, 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimerʼs, on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 32 Pascack Road, Woodcliff Lake.

The program will help participants learn the difference between normal aging and Alzheimerʼs disease, recognize common warning signs, and understand the importance of early detection.

It will also cover the distinctions between Alzheimerʼs and dementia and outline next steps for those who may have concerns about themselves or a loved one.

The session will be presented by Alzheimerʼs Association Community Educator Terry Ciulla and is hosted by Pastor Marc Stutzel of Christ Lutheran Church. Light food and refreshments will be provided.

Organizers encourage residents to bring a friend or family member The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is free to attend. To register, visit action.alz.org/mtg/735298497 or call the Alzheimerʼs Association at 800-272-3900.

Are you supporting a loved one through a suspicion or diagnosis disease of the brain (such as stroke, Parkinsonʼs, Alzheimerʼs or one of the dementias)? Join others in a kind, supportive and nurturing group that meets to offer support, advice, ideas and guidance through open communication.

The next meeting is Sept. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Westwood Public Library, 49 Park Ave. All are welcome to attend. Drop in. Sessions have a facilitator from the Alzheimer's Association of Bergen County.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, DC, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, DC

OBITUARIES

Rana (Amir) HADDAD

With profound sadness, the Haddad family announces the passing of Rana Haddad, who left them far too soon on Friday, Aug.

29, 2025, at the age of 47. Born in Damascus, Syria, Rana is the cherished daughter of Khalil and Amira Al Amir (n√©e Abouhanna). She was raised in Syria, surrounded by the love of family and tradition, before immigrating to the United States in 1989. She first made her home in Brooklyn, then in Clifton, and later settled in Woodland Park.

•

For more than 25 years, Rana was a dedicated member of the Amir Jewelry family in the Township of Washington. She was deeply loved and passionate about her workвАФshe truly loved going to work. She also enjoyed praying, spending time with family and friends, shopping, going on walks, and hosting. Down to earth, caring, and nurturing to everyone around her, Rana loved life to the fullest. Throughout her lifeвАФand especially during her illnessвАФshe brought those around her closer to God. She was surrounded by loved ones during her final days. She will be remembered as an amazing, loving mother and wife.

Predeceased by her parents, she is survived by her beloved husband, Maher Haddad; her two cherished daughters, Joelle and Angelina Haddad, the lights of her life; and her loving siblings, Hanin, Fadia, Bashar, and George Amir.

Family and friends were invited to honor her memory during visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 2,

Targets:

FROM PAGE 20

FSHC says a record 423 New Jersey towns filed HEFSPs by the June 30 deadline.

Hillsdale notes objections, too

2025, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Little Falls, N.J. A funeral ceremony was held on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the church, with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.

Thomas P. CHONG

Thomas P. Chong, 74, of Woodcliff Lake, born July 26, 1951, passed away peacefully at home, and surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Thomas lived a life defined by selflessness and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Thomas immigrated to the United States at 19 in pursuit of opportunity and a better life for his future family.

He earned his degree in computer science at City University of New York. His career journey took him to Los Angeles and back to New York, then to Connecticut,

RDP after conducting a VLA.

The League urged towns to meet with adjudicators to resolve challenges before they reach the state dispute-resolution program staffed by retired judges, Ruocco said.

At the Sept. 9 Hillsdale Council meeting, Councilor John Ruocco reported that the Bergen County League of Municipalities was told more than 400 objections were filed statewide—including against Hillsdale—by FSHC and developers. Mayor Michael Sheinfield later said FSHCʼs objection concerns how Hillsdale calculated its Round 4

Sheinfield predicted Hillsdaleʼs plan will land in Superior Court due to its RDP methodology. Hillsdaleʼs Fourth Round obligation was found to be 190 units; after a VLA, the borough calculated its 2025–2035 RDP at four units. He noted the rising 156-unit Patterson Street Redevelopment is expected to generate some 20 affordable units; other projects might add more. Patterson Street complex is eyed slated to open in spring/summer 2026.

before he found his forever home in New Jersey, where he spent the remainder of his life. He built a 40year career as an information technology programmer at KPMG, where his loyalty and dedication earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues. His professional success was always viewed through the lens of what it could provide for his family—his greatest motivation and source of pride.

Above all, Thomas was a family man. His greatest joy came from providing for and caring for his loved ones, especially in his later years when he delighted in playing with and nurturing his five grandchildren. He was the kind of father and grandfather who was always there—steady, reliable, and generous with his time and love.

Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Elena, his daughters Loretta and Kristie, sons-in-law Karl and Bill, and his five cherished grandchildren: Noah, Lucas, Emily, Sandra, and Evie. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his fami-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Whatʼs next

• By Dec. 31, 2025: Challenges should be resolved or towns must explain why requested changes will not be made.

• By March 15, 2026: Municipalities must adopt revised HEFSPs (with required changes) and pass implementing ordinances.

• Anytime: Requests to end immunity are decided by Superior Court; a ruling against a town could suspend local zoning while the case proceeds.

Under the amended Fair Housing Act signed in March 2024, HEFSPs were due June 30; interested parties—including FSHC, developers, and residents—had until Aug. 31 to file objections.

I am also a proud Emerson volunteer who, in the early 2000s, served on the Library Board of Trustees, including as president.

‘Walk,run, or roll together’ Sept.28

To the editor:

THISYEAR I was honored to receive the Six Star Medal for completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York (See “Seven medals, one message: best to keep it moving,” by John Snyder, July 7, 2025).

That Six Star Medal represents years of training, travel, and effort. But as your feature noted, I find just as much inspiration closer to home, running with athletes f rom Achilles International, a nonprofit that helps people with d isabilities through running, friendship, and community. As a volunteer I guide cyclists and runners.

Watching them cross the finish line is amazing. Running with them shows that this sport is not just about speed or medals — it is about inclusion, strength, confidence, and breaking down barri-

ers.

That is why I invite everyone to the Seventh Annual Achilles New Jersey Hope & Possibility 5K, 10K, and Wheeler Half Marathon on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 9 a.m. in nearby Saddle River Park, Rochelle Park. Athletes of all abilities are welcome to walk, run, or roll together. Every mile helps support Achillesʼs mission.

Letʼs celebrate possibility, and perseverance, and stand with athletes who show us what true strength looks like. Together we can make a difference.

For more information visit Achilles New Jersey on Facebook.

RVPL September and October events

The Park Ridge Police Department invites the community to “Back to Scoop Night,” a family-friendly event hosted by the Park Ridge Dairy Queen on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 176 Kinderkamack Road.

Residents are encouraged to stop by and enjoy an evening of treats and activities while getting to know their local officers.

Highlights include a free ice cream cone for every local elementary school student, courtesy of Dairy Queen; bounce house fun for kids; and music and a photo booth to capture memories with family, friends, and officers

Back to Scoop Night is designed to strengthen community connections in a relaxed and fun setting. Officers will be on hand to chat with residents, answer questions, and share safety information—all while serving up cones and smiles.

The River Vale Free Public Library has announced its lineup of adult programs for September and October, sponsored by the Friends of the Library All events are held at the library, 412 Rivervale Road.

Registration is available online at rivervalelibrary.org.

• Concert: A Touch of Pops with the Chanteurs of the New Jersey Choral Society — Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

• Lecture: The Marvelous

MET — an exploration of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. Lecture: Medicare Basics with financial professional Fred Ciccone, Friday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m.

• Concert: Trio Fontē s Chamber Ensemble with violinist Yevgeniy Dyo, cellist Suji Kim, and pianist Sojung Lee, Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m.

For more information, call 201-391-2323 or visit rivervalelibrary.org.

William Bierman Emerson

RIVER VALE

Left: Emerson resident William Bierman with Achilles International, in a courtesy photo. Above: Members with the New Jersey chapter,via Facebook.

Police seizing illegal electric motorcycles; parents urged to act

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACKVALLEY

Both Park Ridge and Westwood police went on Facebook Sept. 3 with the same warning: those dirt-bike-style electrics zipping around town arenʼt e-bikes— and officers are taking them off the street.

Park Ridge said impounds have piled up so fast the garage “is starting to look like a used electric motorcycle dealership.” Westwood said recent seizures followed use on municipal fields and unsafe speeds on park paths.

The rule of thumb from both departments is simple: if it doesnʼt have pedals, itʼs not an e-bike. In

New Jersey that makes it a motorized cycle, which means license, registration, and insurance—none of which the typical 12–16-yearold rider has.

News12 reported Friday that Park Ridge has confiscated six of these machines in the past two weeks. Police there said the model theyʼre seeing is the Talaria TL2500—sold as a roughly $3,000 motorcycle best used off-road— and capable of speeds up to 60 mph.

“We want to educate these parents on what theyʼre allowed to have and what theyʼre not,” Park Ridge Lt. James Babcock told us, adding most parents donʼt realize what their kids are operating.

In a July crash in Montvale, a 15-year-old on one of these vehi-

cles survived a collision with a car; a string of deadly e-bike crashes statewide has some lawmakers floating ideas such as mandatory training and insurance.

Resident reaction has been loud and mixed. Many thanked police and described packs of teens popping wheelies, cutting through lots, and riding on sidewalks at startling speeds. Veteran riders said the machines can be a blast but argued riders need real training and clearer statewide standards.

Others pressed for car-driver vigilance around quiet bikes. A few pointed to the gray area— some models ship with tiny “token” pedals that rarely get used—and asked for a straightfor-

ward path to register the dirt-bikestyle electrics for permitted teens, moped-style.

Several wanted to know if impounded bikes will be auctioned; as of the posts, neither department said so.

For clarity: New Jersey treats

Class 1/2 e-bikes (pedals, less than or equal to 750W, up to 20 mph) and e-scooters differently from motorized bicycles/mopeds. The former donʼt need plates or insurance; the latter do, and a licensed, helmeted rider.

Obits:

FROM PAGE 24

ly: hard work, selflessness, and the importance of always being there for one another.

In every way, Thomas embodied the American Dream while never forgetting the importance of family, love, and service to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his gentle spirit and generous heart.

A visitation and celebration of life for Thomas was held Friday, Aug. 29 at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood.Interment was Saturday, Aug. 30 at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y. Becker-FuneralHome.com.

Carole CARDILLO

Carole Cardillo, 84, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Carole is survived by her beloved children, Lisa, and Michael and his wife, Maribel; as well as her

granddaughter, Amanda. Carole was born in Youngstown, Ohio and was a longtime resident of the Township of Washington before retiring to Pocono, Pa.

In her early years, Carole was secretary to the president of Medical Economics in Oradell.

As an active parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Carole was a CCD teacher, administered the lunch program and was a member of the Rosary Society. Carole volunteered at The Valley Hospital. Services will be private. Becker-FuneralHome.com.

Christopher R. STAHL

Christopher R. Stahl, 60, of Montvale, passed away suddenly on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Beloved husband for 30 years of Kristie (n ée Kafafian). Devoted father of Erik and Benjamin Stahl. Loving son of Margaret Stahl and the late Olaf. Dear brother of Kurt Stahl. Also survived by many other loving relatives and friends. Chris, owner of Chris Stahl

Interior Trim, was a longtime carpenter and trimmer. Known for his skill, work ethic, and dedication to his craft he was not just a carpenter, he was a master of his trade whose work has touched many lives. He will be missed by all.

Visitation was Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., Park Ridge. Donations may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, stjude.org. rsfhi.com.

Richard James BOLTON

Richard James Bolton, 82, of Westwood, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 1, 2025. Born in Brooklyn to a loving family, he is reunited in heaven with his younger brother Frederick and their parents, Frederick Bolton and Anne Loftus.

Growing up on Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn, both Bolton boys were surrounded by the love of Grandparents Martin and Anna Loftus, Aunt Sally and Uncle Marty Loftus, and Aunt Eileen and

Uncle Jimmy Loftus.

Richie was a graduate of Brooklynʼs own Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and St. Francis Prep, where he played football.

In 1967, he was drafted into the Army and attended bootcamp in Fort Jackson. He was sent to Louisiana before being deployed to Vietnam. While serving in the Army, he attained the rank sergeant first class and earned a Bronze Star for heroically leading his men in ground combat.

When he returned from Vietnam, his life changed when he met Mary Ann Moeser on a skiing trip arranged by friends. After years of dating, she would become his loving wife of over 51 years, and mother to their children: Ryan, Kelly, and Sean.

He joined his Uncle Marty and Uncle Jimmy at Martin J. Loftus Carpets, where he spent many happy and successful years as a carpet salesman. In 2000, he bought the company from his uncle and ran it until retiring in 2022. His son, Sean, joined him and they worked side by side for many happy years.

In 2015, his world changed again with the arrival of his grandson, Dylan Lyam Pacheco Bolton. The two spent many happy days together, most often at a lake, on the beach or tucked into a diner

booth.

In 2018 the full effects of his time in the Army and exposure to Agent Orange became known. An optimist, he dealt with every new challenge with a smile backed by faith in God and more strength than humanly possible. He spent his last years under the careful care of his daughter Kelly the nurse, enjoying the boardwalk and breezes of Ocean Gate.

He leaves behind his wife, three kids, son-in-law Joseph Pacheco, grandson Dylan, sisterin-law Kathleen, his goddaughters Anne and Jeanne, many cherished cousins and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all but left behind a lifetime of lessons on faith, love, strength and the value of hard work and patience.

Viewing will be held at Anderson Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday, Sept. 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Josephʼs Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Burial follows at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider having a Mass said in his memory.