Schools Sup’t. Dr. Marnie Hazelton on 2026-’27 budget pain, ‘false narratives’
BY JOHN SNYDER OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
Englewood Public Schools officials are warning that a convergence of rising costs, declining or stagnant revenues, and structural limits on funding is placing increasing strain on the districtʼs proposed 2026–2027 budget — even as student achievement and program offerings show measurable gains.
At a March 12 public hearing, the Board of Education presented a detailed overview of the budget and the fiscal pressures shaping it, drawing strong interest from residents, parents, and local stakeholders.
Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton said the challenges facing Englewood mirror those confronting districts across Bergen County, New Jersey, and the nation.
“The financial pressures we are experiencing are not unique to Englewood,” Hazelton said. “Districts across Bergen County and New Jersey are grappling with rising costs and structural funding limitations.”
In a follow-up interview, Hazelton said she is working to correct what she described as a “false narrative” that financial strain is the result of local mismanagement.
STUDENT
‘GENTLE FITNESS’ ON THE MOVE ‘GENTLE FITNESS’ ON THE MOVE
BY JOHNSNYDER OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
HAWORTH
INABOROUGH where senior programming has long been modest and largely volunteer-driven, a new initiative is looking to add something simple but potentially transformative: movement.
Mary Lyons-Kim, a Wyckoff-based certified senior fitness instructor, is preparing to launch a “gentle fitness” class in Haworth, designed to meet older adults “where they are”—physically, socially, and emotionally
Mary Lyons-Kim, a certified senior fitness instructor,is preparing to launch a “gentle fitness” class in Haworth,designed to meet older adults where they are—physically, socially,and emotionally.
Courtesy photo.
The program, beginning on a trial basis this month at the First Congregational Church, represents an expansion of the boroughʼs limited but dedicated senior offerings, which now center on several luncheon gatherings each year.
See HAWORTHpage 24
Englewood’s My Brother’s Keeper mentees take an up-close look at diplomacy, global affairs, and the modern workplace. Page 16
Bergen was lone holdout on roster Republicans targeted statewide; studentsʼnames redacted
BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
Bergen County elections officials have provided the names and party affiliations of poll workers who worked during early in-person voting and the 2025 General Election to the Republican National Committee.
The disclosure followed a legal complaint the RNC filed March 2.
In its Superior Court filing, the RNC said it sought the information to ensure polling sites are staffed with “bipartisan poll workers,” arguing its “legitimate interest in oversight of election integrity” outweighs any confidentiality concerns raised by the Bergen
See RNC on page 9
Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan presents coveted award to Liz Maxwell of Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest
NORTHERN VALLEY
Haider on housing, health care, and food insecurity
SNORTHERNVALLEY
HAMA Haider, a Tenafly resident and Democratic assemblywoman representing the 37th Legislative District, made history in 2021 as one of the first Muslim women elected to the New Jersey Legislature. Now in her second term, she serves as deputy majority leader and chairs the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee. She also serves on the Assembly Health and Appropriations committees.
Long before her election to state office, Haider was active in politics and public life. Born and raised in Pakistan, she attended the University of the Punjab and began speaking out as a college student protesting military dictatorship. After moving to the United States in 1977, she settled in Tenafly, where she became involved
in local boards, parent organizations and Democratic politics. She later served on the Tenafly Borough Council and built a long record of civic and political engagement.
In this interview, Haider reflects on her early activism, her life in Bergen County, the mentors who shaped her path, and the affordability challenges she believes demand urgent attention.
Hillary Viders: From your days as a college student, you were already advocating for human rights. Was it dangerous to protest against the military dictatorship in
“Until we begin to improve the cost of living for Bergen County residents, all of those other sectors will continue to suffer…”
—Shama Haider, Assemblywoman, 37th Legislative District; deputy majority leader, New Jersey General Assembly
Pakistan?
Shama Haider: No matter where you are, it is always dangerous to protest against a military dictatorship. But I felt safer in numbers because there were so many of us. That did not stop them from teargassing us and mistreating our leadership.
HV: What was the outcome of those protests?
SH: Unfortunately, the military brutalized the protesters and arrested the leadership. After many years, that dictatorship ended, but the fight for democracy continues not only in Pakistan, but across the world.
HV: When you came to Tenafly in 1977, did your family come with you?
SH: My husband had lived in the United States for many years. When he was visiting his family in
Pakistan, we met and married soon after. When he returned to America in 1977, I came with him. None of my family came with me. It was just my husband and me.
HV: Was it difficult to adjust to life in America?
SH: Yes, it was difficult at first. I had never been so far from home, and I missed my family deeply. Over time, as I made new friends and built a life for myself here, it became much easier.
HV: Who were your mentors here in Bergen County?
SH: The first person I considered a mentor was a friend in Tenafly who introduced me to New Jersey politics. Through my work in politics, I later met then-Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg. She has been my most influential mentor, and she remains someone whose advice I still actively seek and rely on.
HV: Which nonprofit organizations did you help with fundraising?
SH: For more than 20 years, I worked professionally at Arts Horizons, an arts education nonprofit based in Englewood. I served as development director there for a number of years. I also volunteered for an international organization that raised funds to build hospitals and medical centers in underserved areas of Pakistan.
HV: It was a great honor to become the first Muslim American elected to serve in the state Legislature. Were there obstacles in your path?
SH: I do not really view them as
base of support through years of engagement in Democratic politics. I served on the Tenafly Council, chaired the Tenafly Municipal Democratic Committee, and actively supported a number of campaigns. So when the opportunity arose to run for the Assembly, I was fortunate to have the support of family, friends and my party. Those years of work did not feel like obstacles. They led me to becoming the first Muslim American elected to serve in the state Legislature.
HV: You serve on several important committees, including one focused on children, families and food insecurity. What drew you to that work?
SH: In the Assembly, I serve on the Appropriations and Health committees, and I chair the Children, Families and Food Security Committee. I am actually the first chair of that committee, because it is a new one in the Legislature. I have always prioritized social and environmental justice in my politics, so when I was given the opportunity to chair that committee, I was elated. It aligned perfectly with my priorities and has allowed me to do meaningful work.
HV: What changes in government would you most like to see in Bergen County in the coming years?
SH: There are many issues in our county that public servants need to address. But the single most important issue is affordability. Housing, health care and food insecurity are all part of the affordability crisis. Until we begin to improve the cost of living for Bergen County residents, all of those other sectors will continue to suffer.
This is not just a Bergen County issue. Governments at all levels must make a coordinated effort to ease the cost-of-living crisis in our state. It is a change I would like to see here in Bergen, and one we need
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Historical Society marks 50 years amid glad push to restore Englewood House
ENGLEWOOD—A historic home saved from demolition and moved across Englewood now stands at the center of the Englewood Historical Societyʼs next chapter.
As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is launching a capital campaign to restore Englewood House, a Second Empire–style building relocated to Eleanor Harvey Park on Liberty Road that leaders hope will become a community center for history, culture and education.
The campaign will be formally introduced April 30 during the societyʼs 36th annual dinner, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Englewood. The evening will also recognize preservation efforts across the city and highlight the organizationʼs five decades of documenting Englewoodʼs past.
The celebration comes during the nationʼs 250th anniversary year, adding historical context to a gathering focused on the cityʼs own story.
Over the past 50 years, the Englewood Historical Society has organized exhibitions, community programs, bus tours and publications exploring the cityʼs heritage while honoring residents and places that have shaped its identity.
One of the eveningʼs central recognitions will go to the Nordhoff Firehouse at 491 Grand Ave., which is being honored for its preservation and adaptive reuse. Built around 1903 at a cost of
$4,500, the structure served as Englewoodʼs third fire station during a time when the cityʼs many wooden buildings required multiple firehouses. After it was decommissioned, the building went through
The Englewood Historical Society will honor the historic Nordhoff Firehouse at 491 Grand Ave. during its April 30 annual dinner while launching a capital campaign to restore Englewood House at Eleanor Harvey Park.
several phases, including many years as an antique shop.
Today it has been restored by owner Wes Pierorazio, who renovat-
ed and repainted the building while converting it into office space and an apartment. Pierorazio, owner of Midtown Elevator Company, now uses the property as his business office.
“We are fortunate that Wes Pierorazio, and those who came before him, kept the structure intact,” said Jane Kendall, president of the Englewood Historical Society. “EHS is honoring Pierorazio for adaptive reuse and preservation of a piece of Englewoodʼs history.”
The society will also recognize three individuals who have contributed significantly to preserving and documenting Englewoodʼs history. Among them is Janine Brockie McKee, a longtime Englewood resident and former co-president of the organization who died in 2025. McKee was known for her extensive historical research and played a key role in developing the societyʼs website and preserving archival
SHARE YOUR VINTAGE PHOTOS
NORTHERN VALLEY
Those old black and white photos have been sitting in the drawer for decades. Give those treasures more love by sharing them with your neighbors on this page.
Northern Valley Press welcomes old photographs depicting scenes in any of the towns in the region: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.
Specifically, we’re looking for materials dating to the 1970s and earlier. These can be photos of local buildings, notable people, homes, streets, parks, stores, special events — you name it. Old advertisements for businesses in the Northern Valley are also most welcome.
The submissions are sought for publication in the weekly “Back in Time” local history feature, which appears to the right of this column. Photographs can be submitted by scanning the photo or taking a good digital photo (the highest resolution possible to facilitate clear printing) and emailing a copy of the photographs along with some detailed information to northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net
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Dictator’s
likeness haunted the Hudson
Historic rockslide led ‘keen eyes’ to discern Hitler’s mug
BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
AROCKSLIDE, A TRICKOFTHELIGHT, and a case of pareidolia caused many people to see what looked like Adolf Hitlerʼs face on the cliffs of the Palisades during World War II.
Pareidolia, a psychological phenomenon experienced by many people, causes us to perceive faces in patterns or on inanimate objects. Scientists believe this trait may have had an evolutionary advantage in allowing humans to spot predators.
In modern times it has led to Elvis Presleyʼs likeness being spotted on numerous pieces of toast, and itʼs the reason why in 2012 a woman was able to sell a chicken nugget said to resemble George Washington for $8,100 on eBay
Pareidolia was also the reason why, in the early 1940s, people swore they could see the countenance of one of historyʼs most evil men looking back at them from the face of the Palisades.
It started when the largest rockslide in the parkʼs recorded history took place on July 23, 1938, about a mile north of the Alpine Boat Basin.
The 39th Annual Report of the Commis-
A July 23, 1938 rockslide left what looked like a face on the Palisades cliffs—one that many people said resembled German dictator Adolf Hitler. The “face” can be seen on the light-colored portion of the cliff, towards the left side above the top of the rubble.
sioners of the Palisades Interstate Park (1938) says of the rockslide, “A large portion of the cliff broke away carrying all vegetation with it and burying both the shore path and water line.”
However, it wasnʼt until April 1941, during World War II and shortly before the United States entered the war, that people across the river began claiming the face on the cliffs resembled the German dictator, down to the mustache. People flocked to the riverfront to see the face for themselves and snap pictures. The best view was from Warburton Avenue in Yonkers.
“Keen eyes have just discovered a huge stone portrait of Hitlerʼs face, etched by a recent slide on the side of the Palisades, grimly overlooking the Hudson River,” pemmed the Rockland County Leader on May 1, 1941.
“Said to be the largest natural full stone face in the world, measuring about 150 feet by 60 feet, it resembles Europeʼs dictator even to the lock of hair over the left eye, formed by a mass of foliage on the ledge that serves as the head.”
Six years later, the likeness was wiped off the cliff face in March 1947 due to another rockslide.
“There are those who will see a signifi-
14, 1941.
cant comparison between the two,” wrote The Leaf Chronicle out of Tennessee March 17, 1947. “Hitler rose to power in 1932 and launched a rockslide seven years later that disposed of him as effectively—we hope— as the rockslide did with his image.”
County honors Women’s History Month
BERGEN COUNTY —County officials gathered March 12 at 2 Bergen County Plaza to celebrate Womenʼs History Month and recognize community leaders whose work reflects this yearʼs national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
The ceremony, held in partnership with the Bergen County Department of Human Services, the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women, and the Junior Commission on the Status of Women, highlighted women contributing to environmental, educational, economic and social initiatives across the county
SERVING: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh & Tenafly.
“Across Bergen County and around the world, women are leading the change— through advocacy, public service, education, innovation and community leadership,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III in opening remarks. “Their work is shaping stronger communities and opening doors for the generations that will follow.”
Melissa DeBartolo, director of the Bergen County Department of Human Services, delivered welcome remarks to attendees.
The county presented Certificates of Commendation to six Distinguished Honorees whose work embodies this yearʼs sustainability-focused theme.
“As we celebrate Womenʼs History Month, I am inspired by the remarkable women in our communities whose dedication and vision are driving meaningful change,” said Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz. “From protecting our environment to fostering education and equity, their leadership not only shapes a sustainable future but also empowers the next generation to dream bigger and lead boldly.”
The program also featured a musical performance by Gina Picinic and a poetry reading by Ishika Ranka, a student at Bergen
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
From the Detroit Free Press, April
FROM PAGE 4
County Academies and member of the Junior Commission on the Status of Women.
Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan
Voss.
2026 Womenʼs History Month Distinguished Honorees
• Debora Davidson, executive director, Tenafly Nature Center
• Jess Horan, educator and LGBTQ+ advocate, Dumont High School
•Yansi Fugel, fashion
designer
•Carol Peterson, founding member, Sustainable Bergen County Hub
•Andrea Sheridan, assistant superintendent, Bergen County Technical Schools
•Ana Silvelo, program director, Wonder Girls Lyndhurst High School chapter.
Congratulations! Bergen County officialsstand with the 2026 Women’s History Month honorees during a March 12 ceremony at Two Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack.
N ORTHERN VALLEY P RESS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Mullings on her Ward 2 council run
To the editor:
TISOURTIME. It is time for a new voice. It is time for you to b e heard. My name is Dr. Suzanne Mullings, a 51-year Englewood resident, Englewood Public Schools alumna, mother, and registered nurse holding both a PhD and MSN. I have a lifelong investment in this community and a genuine stake in the future we are building together. My commitment is not to one block, one group, or one interest. My commitment is to all of Englewood.
my neighbor, Englewood residents to be your voice represent-
ing Ward 2. M y goals are simple: to ensure every resident receives responsive, transparent, and ccountable representation, the ind of governance our city deserves and has not always xperienced.
As a member of City Coun-
cil, I will focus on the issues residents consistently tell me matter most:
•Affordability, so Englewood remains a city where longtime residents, working families, and seniors can continue to live and thrive
•Public safety, so every neighborhood feels secure and supported
• Accountability, so city government works for residents, not around them
In every local election, there comes a moment when real issues risk being buried beneath political noise. When a candidate with a clear, community-driven vision becomes the subject of distractions designed not to inform vot-
ers, but to confuse them.
That moment is here.
Civic engagement should never be distorted to suggest positions a person does not hold. A candidateʼs character should be judged by their record of service and their commitment to residents, not by narratives created to shift attention away from the issues that matter most.
Residents should ask a simple question: Who benefits when the conversation moves away from how our city government is working for the people?
It is never the resident waiting for answers from City Hall.
It is never the family concerned about rising costs.
It is never the neighborhood asking for responsiveness and transparency.
Distraction protects the stat us quo. Engagement creates change.
I am running because Englewood deserves leadership that listens, responds, and delivers. I respectfully ask for your support so we can move our city and our community forward together.
Suzanne Mullings Candidate for Englewood City Council, Ward 2
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PARISHOF ST. JOSEPHINVITES COMMUNITYTOLIVELYEVENTS
DEMAREST — The Parish of St. Joseph, 573 Piermont Road, invites parishioners who would like to receive parish news by email—including upcoming events, special announcements, and other news concerning the parish family—to contact Christine in the parish office at (201) 768-2371 or office@sjdnj.org.
More information is available at stjosephdemarest.org.
The parish also announced that its Baking Ministry will again
serve April 27 in support of the Walk-In Dinner Program in Hackensack, overseen by Family Promise. About 160 people are expected to be served, with Demarest Methodist Church providing dinner and St. Josephʼs supplementing the meal with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Volunteers who previously signed up will be contacted with details; others interested in helping may call Ann McDermott at (201) 9563729 or Sue DeSimone at (201)
767-0342.
In addition, the parish is noting an anniversary liturgy for couples from all counties celebrating five, 25, 50, and 60 or more years of Catholic marriage. The liturgy will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Clergy and family members are welcome. The registration deadline is April 14; call the parish office to register.
Black History Month health fair draws cheers
BY HILLARY VIDERS OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
HACKENSACK
More than 600 residents attended the African American Organization of Bergen Countyʼs Black History Month Health Fair Feb. 28 at the Logan Family Center, where free screenings and direct access to medical profes-
sionals were offered throughout the day.
Built around the theme “Ask the Doctors,” the event connected attendees with physicians of color across multiple specialties, alongside representatives from hospitals and health organizations including
JERSEYCANHELP
Meals on Wheels North Jersey, based in Woodcliff Lake, is proud to announce that they are accepting new clients in northern Bergen County. With a mission to support the independence, health, and wellbeing of older adults and homebound individuals, the organization provides more than just a nutritious meal — they deliver peace of mind, friendly visits, and a vital connection to the community.
Every weekday, trained volunteers and staff members deliver hot, balanced meals directly to clients' doors, offering both nourishment and a caring presence. In many cases, the volunteer drivers are the only people clients see that day, making these daily check-ins a lifeline for safety and emotional support.
“If you or someone you know is recovering from illness or surgery, or facing challenges shopping or cooking, weʼre here to help,” Janelle Larghi, executive director, tells Northern Valley Press. “Our goal is to ensure no one has to choose between food and independence.” Enrollment is open and services can be initiated quickly. Meals on Wheels North Jersey also works with families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to ensure seamless coordination and care.
For more information or to sign up, visit http://mealsonwheelsnorthjersey.org or call 201-358-0050
Holy Name Hospital and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
Visitors received services ranging from blood pressure checks and diabetes assessments to HIV screenings, stroke-risk evaluations and take-home colorectal screening kits. A childrenʼs
activity area allowed families to participate while keeping younger attendees engaged.
Organizers said the fair also aimed to address persistent disparities in health outcomes affecting Black communities, including higher rates of hypertension, dia-
betes and maternal health complications. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, County Clerk John Hogan and several county commissioners were among those in attendance.
HILLARY VIDERS PHOTOS
No Kings III draws millions nationwide; approximately 1,200 gather in Closter
LARGECROWDS took to the streets across the United States on Saturday, March for the third “No Kings” protest, with organizers estimating millions participated in demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump and his policies.
National organizers anticipated more than 3,000 demonstrations nationwide and said events were held in every congressional
district, with additional marches organized worldwide. By Saturday night, organizers said at least 8 million people had taken part.
In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered near the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall, while large crowds were also reported in cities including St. Paul, Chicago and New York, according to New Jersey Monitor and affiliated States Newsroom
outlets.
Protesters cited a range of concerns, including immigration enforcement, military action abroad, and what organizers described as an expansion of presidential power.
The White House criticized the demonstrations in a statement released ahead of the rallies. President Donald Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach,
Florida, on Saturday and made no public statements, according to New Jersey Monitor.
Locally, an estimated 1,200 people gathered along Vervalen Street in Closter on Saturday, lining the sidewalk near Closter Plaza as part of the coordinated day of protest, according to organizers. Bonnie Bayardi of Closter Patriots said that exceeded the 950 who attended a No Kings event in October 2025.
Participants held signs and banners and waved to passing motorists, many of whom responded by honking, according to a submitted local account. The submission also described a generally older-skewing crowd and said a small makeshift band moved along the protest line chanting, “No thrones! No crowns! No Kings!”
Demonstrations were scheduled across the area on March 28, including at Schirra Park in Oradell (10–11:30 a.m.), Closter Plaza in Closter (noon–2:30 p.m.), Four Corners in Nanuet (noon–2 p.m.), Nyack Memorial Park in Nyack (noon–2 p.m.), Sunset Park in Rutherford (1–3 p.m.), locations in Teaneck (1–3 p.m.), the Plaza Building in Fair
Lawn (2–3 p.m.), and in Ramsey (3–5 p.m.).
Immigration enforcement was already a local civic concern before Saturdayʼs protest. In an early March letter to the mayor and council, Bayardi urged Closter to provide multilingual “Know Your Rights” cards and business guidance in the event of ICE activity, and asked the borough to make such materials available through Borough Hall, the library, and the municipal website.
That concern also figured prominently in the local protest submission, which said some attendees focused on ICE enforcement and the treatment of immigrant families.
In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill appeared briefly at a rally in Princeton, where immigration policy was among the issues raised by participants, according to New Jersey Monitor. Nationally, the Monitor reported no notable instances of violence or conflict with counterprotesters by late Saturday afternoon, though a bomb threat disrupted the Honolulu rally.
— Staff report, with reporting from New Jersey Monitor
An estimated 1,200 people gathered along Vervalen Street in Closter on Saturday, lining the sidewalk near Closter Plaza as part of the coordinated day of protest. Robert Fisher photo.
RNC:
County Board of Elections. The complaint is on New Jersey eCourts at BER-L-002599-26.
County counsel initially denied the RNCʼs Open Public Records Act request, officials said. The RNC then filed suit March 2. The matter was resolved March 17 with a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice, and the RNC withdrew the complaint March 19.
County election officials told Northern Valley Press that the names of students working Election Day polls—mostly high school students who were 17 years old—were redacted from the files provided to the RNC.
The complaint states the RNC requested the information from all 21 counties in New Jersey and obtained it from 17; it does not explain why the remaining counties were not included.
Board of Elections Chair Richard Miller said the county already works to ensure bipartisan staffing at polling sites, aiming for an equal number of Democratic and Republican poll workers and, when needed, shifting workers between towns.
“To me itʼs a non-issue here. Weʼre always about trying to have the same amount of Republican and Democrat poll workers at polling places,” Miller told Northern Valley Press, adding he has “never before” heard bipartisanship raised as a concern in Bergen County. “My job is to make sure elections run smoothly and right.”
Poll workers are local residents who assist with check-in, monitor voting equipment, and help ensure procedures are followed at polling places. Their role is administrative, and they do not count or tabulate votes, which are handled through separate county election systems.
County officials have said the request reflects continued national efforts to question election integrity, despite repeated findings that U.S. elections are secure, including mail-in and early voting systems. Pascack Press did not receive
GRANT APPLICATIONS
OPENON IMPACT FOR WOMEN
Women United in Philanthropy (WUIP), described as New Jerseyʼs first womenʼs giving circle, has opened its 2026 Impact Grant application process for nonprofit programs addressing chronic problems impacting women in Bergen County
For more information about the 2026 Impact Grant or to join Women United in Philanthropy, email patricia@womensfoundationnj.org or visit womensfoundationnj.org.
Richard L. Miller, chairman of the Bergen County Board of Elections, helps educate teenage poll workers at Westwood Regional High School’s media center on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Such students, who are paid for the technical training, join a growing force of youth supporting voters in Bergen County on Election Day. John Snyder photo.
a response to inquiries to the RNC.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule later this year on whether mail-in ballots received after Election Day may be counted.
“I donʼt see that ruling really affecting the election at all,” Miller said.
He said Bergen County main-
tains nearly three dozen secure ballot drop boxes, with ballots collected daily by bipartisan teams accompanied by a police officer.
“The best way to ensure your mail-in ballot arrives is to drop it in a convenient drop box near you,” Miller said.
Top-drawer Civil War revolver is a keeper
BYJONFELZ R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.
Hi, Jon,
This gun was found in my brotherʼs safe deposit box in Florida more than 15 years ago. We were surprised to find it there and brought it home, where it has remained ever since. I enjoy your antiques column and hope you can tell me its age and possible value. Iʼve included several photos, including the wooden box it was stored in.
Henry
Henry, discoveries like this are why I look forward to opening readersʼemails each week. What you have is an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver, the companyʼs first .32caliber revolver. It was manufac-
Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com
tured between 1861 and 1874 and chambered for .32 rimfire cartridges, with a six-round cylinder. When the Civil War began in 1861, demand for reliable personal sidearms surged. While standard-issue military revolvers were distributed, many soldiers and officers purchased smaller cartridge revolvers as backup weapons.
At a time when reloading a single-shot firearm could cost precious seconds, a compact six-shot revolver could truly mean the difference between life and death. Cartridge revolvers produced by Smith & Wesson quickly became
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Reader rocks an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver, the company’s first .32-caliber revolver.
highly desirable for their relative reliability and ease of use compared with earlier percussion models.
The Model No. 2 Army became one of the most popular privately purchased sidearms of the era. Historical accounts indicate that prominent figures such as President Rutherford B. Hayes, Wild Bill Hickok and General George Armstrong Custer owned examples of this very model, underscoring its appeal and reputation at the time.
What sets your revolver apart, however, is the exceptional engraving. The intricate scrollwork is consistent with the distinctive “New York” style of master engraver Louis D. Nimschke (1832–1904). Nimschke was trained in Germany before immi-
grating to the United States in 1853 and establishing himself in New York City.
Over the course of his career, he is believed to have engraved approximately 3,000 firearms. His work is characterized by flowing foliate scrolls, finely cut backgrounds and beautifully rounded terminals that display both technical mastery and artistic balance.
Finely engraved firearms occupy a special place in collecting because they unite craftsmanship and artistry. As I often say, they represent “art on steel.” Nimschkeʼs work is widely respected and is represented in museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, where examples of his engraving can be viewed today
Equally important is condition. Your revolver appears to retain most of its original bluing,
MOV ING? DOWNSIZING?
which is a major factor in determining value. The original wooden grips, secured with an indexed screw, show minimal handling wear. The rosewood presentation case with fitted compartments enhances both desirability and completeness. The period twopiece cartridge box visible in your photographs adds further historical appeal and display value.
The antique firearms market has experienced steady appreciation in recent years, driven by a dedicated and knowledgeable collector base. Top-tier examples—particularly those with strong condition, documented engraving attribution and original cases—are increasingly viewed as investment-grade collectibles.
Taking all factors into account—rarity, engraving by a recognized master, strong condition and complete presentation case—the market value of your revolver is approximately $8,000.
Given its historical significance and value, it is no surprise that this revolver was once kept in a safe deposit box. It remains a remarkable piece of American firearms history.
R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.
eats Dining & Cooking Guide
Demarest senior Maxwell earns Five-Star Student Award
HACKENSACK — Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan recently presented the Five-Star
Academy of Pediatrics, where she has shared her experiences and research with pediatricians, nurs-
Student Award to Elizabeth Maxwell, a senior at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, recognizing her extensive work in public health, emergency medicine, education, and community service.
Maxwell turned her personal recovery from an eating disorder into a broader effort to improve youth health education. She founded the Youth Eating Disorder Committee under the New Jersey chapter of the American
es, and school professionals across the state. Her service also extends into emergency medicine. Maxwell serves as an Emergency Medical Responder and has logged extensive hours in patient care, training, and equipment inspections. As copresident of her schoolʼs EMS Club, she helped grow the program into one of the schoolʼs largest student organizations while coordinating CPR and Narcan training for students.
Maxwell has also been active in education and environmental outreach. She has taught water safety as a head swim coach and worked as a junior docent at the Bergen County Zoo, helping guide children and families through environmental education programs. Through peer mentoring,
library programming, and youth advisory roles, Maxwell has also helped develop mental health and wellness initiatives that have reached hundreds of students.
Hogan presented Maxwell with a certificate and a $1,000 award from the John S. Hogan Foundation.
The Five-Star Student Award is presented twice each year to recognize Bergen County high school students for exceptional achievements, including community service, entrepreneurship, and overcoming adversity while giving back to their communities. Students interested in applying can find information at bergencountyclerk.gov.
Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan presents the Five-Star Student Award to Elizabeth Maxwell, a senior at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. Courtesy photo
eats Dining & Cooking Guide
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T he approach emphasizes collaboration, with menus s haped around client preferences, event themes, and guest needs.
Catering By Nick offers a range of services beyond traditional event catering. Its fullservice option includes menu planning, food preparation, and on-site staff for everything from
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That private-chef option can also serve as a thoughtful gift: a way to treat parents, thank a b oss, celebrate a couple welcoming a new baby, or simply ease the burden on someone going through a difficult season.
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A separate meal prep service offers ready-to-eat options focused on convenience and balanced nutrition.
Catering By Nick serves clients throughout the Pascack Valley, Northern Valley and surrounding communities.
F or orders or event inquiries, call 201-300-1140or visitcateringbynick.com.
Community blooms via Bergen Volunteers
BY JOHNSNYDER OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
PARAMUS
ASBERGEN COUNTY
shakes off winter, Bergen Volunteers is rolling into spring with a full slate of programs aimed at building leadership, supporting seniors and strengthening community connections.
From teen summer experiences to adult leadership training and hands-on volunteer opportunities, the nonprofit is leaning into what it does best: connecting people who want to help with places that need it.
“Weʼre all happy to welcome warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours,” the organization said in a recent update, noting that even through winter weather, volunteers continued serving residents across the county.
At the center of the spring lineup are two flagship leadership
programs—one for teens just beginning to explore their futures, and one for professionals looking to sharpen their skills and expand their impact.
Teen LEADS returns this
summer with two one-week sessions, Aug. 3–7 and 10–14, offering rising 10th through 12th graders a chance to step outside the classroom and into real-world experiences. Participants will visit
businesses across Bergen County, take part in leadership workshops and work on community service projects designed to build confidence and perspective.
For adults, applications are now open for the next Bergen LEADS class, a yearlong program focused on civic engagement and leadership development. Participants gain behind-the-scenes access to organizations across the county while building connections across public, private and nonprofit sectors. The application deadline is April 15.
Beyond leadership programs, Bergen Volunteers continues to focus on direct community support—particularly for seniors and young people.
A rescheduled Knowledge for Senior Care workshop on April 17 will address fall prevention for individuals with low vision, offering practical strategies to reduce injury risk. Space is limited, and registration is required.
The organization is also
actively recruiting mentors for its youth mentorship program, which pairs adults with young people ages 10 to 21 in one-onone relationships designed to build trust, confidence and longterm support.
“There are many ways to get involved,” the group noted, encouraging residents to consider mentoring, attending workshops or supporting programs through volunteer service or donations.
Additional events this spring include a volunteer appreciation breakfast and community gatherings such as “A Taste of Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” with longer-term plans already on the calendar, including a June fundraiser and a 60th anniversary gala in November.
For Bergen Volunteers, the throughline is strong and sure: connect people, build relationships and make it easier to do good work close to home.
As spring unfolds, the invitation is open.
Graduates of Bergen LEADS take part in a recent speed networking offering held by Bergen Volunteers in partnership with CareOne Senior Living. John Snyder photos.
Pressure:
FROM PAGE 1
“This is a financial crisis that has hit districts across the country,” she told Northern Valley Press, citing rising healthcare costs, contractual salary increases tied to seniority, and escalating special education obligations.
Cost drivers outpacing revenue
D istrict officials outlined several major cost pressures:
•Extraordinary special education tuition that can exceed $87,000 per student
•State reimbursement for those costs declining from 84% to about 52%
•Transportation aid covering only about 30% of actual expenses
• Double-digit increases in employee health insurance premiums
•Contractual salary growth through annual raises and step increases
Out-of-district special education placements alone are approaching $10 million annually, Hazelton said, representing one of the fastest-growing areas of the budget.
At the same time, revenue growth remains tightly con-
decades-old abuse cases, Hazelton said, adding to financial uncertainty.
Complicating matters further, the district continues to recover from a cyberattack that disrupted operations and destroyed or encrypted key financial and grant records, including E SSER reimbursement documentation and internal tracking systems.
D espite these pressures, Englewoodʼs tax levy has increased an average of just 0.51% annually over the past 13 years, officials said — a factor that has provided long-term stability for taxpayers but limited the districtʼs ability to absorb rapidly rising costs.
Tax impact, public messaging
To close the gap, the district is proposing a 5.7% tax levy increase.
programs have been certified by the New Jersey Department of Education as Programs of Study the first time in more than 15 years the entire academy portfolio has achieved that designation, improving access to career and technical education funding.
Student performance data also show steady gains on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), including:
•High school geometry proficiency up 11 percentage points
•Grades 6–7 math up 6 points
•Grades 8–9 English language arts up 7 points
• Grades 5–6 English language arts up 3 points
learning
•Expansion of the Spanish Dual Language Program to PreK4
• A $68,000 International Baccalaureate course expansion grant
• Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School was also named a 2026 Blue Ribbon Beacon School, recognizing strong academic practices and student success.
The district has also expanded experiential learning opportunities, including participation in the My Brotherʼs Keeper Alliance, with students preparing for an educational visit to the Embassy of Sweden i n Washington, D.C.
strained.
The stateʼs 2% property tax levy cap limits local funding increases, while enrollment declines — driven in part by students choosing charter and private schools — reduce state aid tied to student population.
The district is also facing unbudgeted legal expenses, including settlements tied to
Hazelton acknowledged the burden on residents, estimating the increase at roughly $500 annually for the average household, but said it is necessary to maintain programs and staffing.
“We understand that everyone is feeling the pressure,” she said. “However, education is not something you can skip. You can pay for it now, or you will pay for it later if our children are not getting what they need to be competitive.”
Academic gains, program expansion
District leaders emphasized that the budget discussion comes amid significant academic and programmatic progress.
All Academies at Englewood
Officials attributed the improvements to initiatives such as high-impact tutoring, revised pacing calendars, and an expanded partnership with The Algebra Project focused on strengthening math instruction.
According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, Englewood is among only nine low-income districts in New Jersey to exceed pre-pandemic achievement levels in reading, math, or both.
“Renaissance” amid constraints
District leaders described the past three years as a period of renewal, citing investments in facilities and expanded student opportunities.
Recent additions include:
•A new cosmetology learning facility replacing an outdated classroom
•A Cyber Cafe supporting technology and computer science
Balancing progress and pressure
Throughout the hearing, officials emphasized transparency and community engagement, walking residents through the state-mandated budget process and explaining how property values factor into state aid calculations.
“Our focus remains on protecting classroom learning and sustaining the progress our students have made,” Hazelton said.
She added that maintaining that progress will require continued community support.
“Academic improvement is a marathon, not a sprint,” Hazelton said. “Our communityʼs continued partnership is essential as we work to build a responsible budget that protects student learning and ensures Englewoodʼs schools continue moving forward.”
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Englewood PublicSchools
Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton says the challenges facing Englewood mirror those confronting districts across Bergen County, New Jersey, and the nation. File
Englewood MBK students explore diplomacy, career paths
Students in Englewoodʼs My Brotherʼs Keeper mentoring program got an up-close look at diplomacy, global affairs, and the modern workplace during a March 19 field trip that took them from the Swedish Consulate in New York to the corporate headquarters of Magma Math.
The trip was designed to expose mentees to leadership, international relations, and a range of professional pathways as they prepare for college and careers.
At the Swedish Consulate, students met with Erik Ullenhag, consul general of Sweden, and took part in a discussion on careers in artificial intelligence, geopolitics, and foreign service.
The conversation also examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce, including the prospect of job loss in some sectors, transformation in others, and the growing importance of flexibility and futureready skills.
Students also toured the consulate and had an opportunity to
Englewood My Brother’s Keeper mentees visit the Swedish Consulate in New York City and Magma Math headquarters during a March 19 field trip focused on leadership, diplomacy, and career exploration.
see diplomacy at work in a realworld setting.
The program then shifted from public service to the private sector with a visit to Magma Mathʼs corporate headquarters. There, students rotated through
five interactive sessions focused on human resources, customer success, curriculum, sales, and marketing.
Organizers said the sessions were designed to give students practical exposure to the kinds of
roles and skills that drive a contemporary business, while also helping them see how communication, problem-solving, and adaptability apply across many fields.
NORWOOD/ALLENDALE
The Englewood My Brotherʼs Keeper program, established fall 2024, is aimed at empowering young men through mentorship, exposure, and opportunity. School officials said experiences such as this are central to that mission, giving students access to settings and conversations that can broaden their sense of what is possible.
“We are incredibly grateful to Consul General Ullenhag and the Magma Math team for providing our students with such a meaningful and impactful experience,” Superintendent Marnie Hazelton said. “These opportunities are essential in helping our young leaders envision their future on a global scale.”
For more information about the Englewood My Brotherʼs Keeper program, contact Superintendent Marnie Hazelton at mhazelton@epsd.org or (201) 862-6226.
Happy, healthy 102 to Isabelle Magna
ISABELLE Magna has spent a lifetime—a glorious lifetime—under the lights.
At 102, the Norwood native— now a resident of Allendale Senior Living—is still drawing an audience, this time for a birthday celebration that honored not just her longevity, but a life shaped by music, travel and a deep commitment to others.
Born Feb. 1, 1924, Magna grew up as an only child and found her way early to the stage. She studied singing and dancing in New York and performed in school productions, often wearing costumes sewn by her mother, a dressmaker who supported her daughterʼs ambitions from the start.
That early promise carried her far beyond North Jersey.
Performing under the stage name “Judy Martini,” Magna appeared in nightclubs and theaters, on cruise ships, and for U.S. soldiers during World War II. It was during one of those cruise ship engagements that she met her
future husband, Russell—a meeting that would shape the next chapter of her life.
Offstage, Magna remained in motion. She traveled to 40 countries, documenting her experiences through photography, and later brought her love of performance home by opening a dance studio in Hawthorne, where she mentored young dancers and helped them find their footing.
Her community involvement
extended well beyond the arts. Magna served as president of the Womenʼs Propeller Club, where she helped lead decades of fundraising efforts supporting scholarships.
Even into her 90s, she kept moving—traveling, bowling and pursuing photography with the same curiosity that defined her earlier years.
Today, those who know her say that spirit hasnʼt dimmed.
“Isabelleʼs warmth, caring nature and beautiful smile brighten our days,” said Gitana Garbich, specialty program director at Allendale Senior Living. “She is a wonderful part of the community.”
Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide
Move more, sit less — and live healthier
DR. ERIC KAPLAN, DC, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY
Advertisement
WE SIT at d esks, in cars, on trains, at dinner tables, in waiting rooms, in theaters, at bars, and finally on the couch at the end of the day. It is so built into the rhythm of contemporary life that it can feel normal, inevitable, even invisible.
But if there is one lifestyle pattern worth examining more
closely, it may be this one.
The issue is not that people are lazy. It is that modern routines are structured around stillness. Work often demands it. Commuting reinforces it. Entertainment extends it. Before long, a day has gone by with very little intentional movement at all.
That is why so many healthminded professionals now return to a simple principle: move more, and move more often.
One of the most useful ideas is also one of the least glamorous. Call it the “20-minute rule.” After about 20 minutes of sitting, stand up and move for a short stretch.
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Walk to the next room. Loosen your shoulders. Change position. Interrupt the pattern. The point is not to launch into a workout every half hour; it is to remind the body that it was built for motion, not endless stillness.
This idea becomes even more practical when paired with short walks built into the day. A brisk walk in the morning can clear the mental fog before work. Another in mid-afternoon can help break up the slump that so often settles in later in the day.
For those who want to do
more, there is no shortage of options. Some people respond well to steady aerobic activity such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Others prefer resistance work, whether that means weights, machines, or bodyweight exercises that build strength and stability. Still others like shorter, more vigorous interval-style training because it can fit more easily into a crowded schedule.
The point is not that one style of exercise is right for everyone. It is that movement takes many forms, and people are more likely to benefit from the kinds they can sustain.
Eenjoyment is not incidental. It is often the difference between a temporary effort and a lasting practice. If the treadmill feels like drudgery, then maybe the better answer is dancing in the kitchen, taking a fast walk outdoors, joining a pickup game, or making exercise part of a social routine. When movement feels less like punishment and more like participation in life, people tend to come back to it.
There is also a mental and emotional dimension worth acknowledging. Many people notice that regular movement helps them feel clearer, lighter, and more capable of meeting the day. It can break up monotony, shift mood, and restore a sense of momentum. In that sense, movement is not only about muscles or endurance. It can also be a way of resetting the mind.
So much of daily life now unfolds under artificial light, in controlled interiors, with eyes fixed on screens. Taking movement outside changes the experience. Fresh air, daylight, a differ-
ent horizon, a little banter with a walking partner or workout buddy: these things can make a routine feel less clinical and more human. Social movement and outdoor movement are often easier to stick with because they offer more than exertion alone. They add pleasure, connection, and variety.
None of this is a call for perfection. No one is going to eliminate sitting from modern life, nor should that be the standard. The real goal is more modest and more realistic: interrupt long periods of inactivity, build in moments of motion, and choose forms of exercise that make a person more likely to keep going.
That is how change usually happens. Not through one heroic burst of effort, but through repeated, intentional decisions that gradually become part of daily life.
For those interested in taking a closer look at factors that may relate to focus, stress, or overall well-being, Kaplan Brain & Body offers qEEG brain mapping, a non-invasive scan that provides a snapshot of brain activity.
For a limited time, the practice is offering qEEG brain mapping, regularly priced at $600, for $21.
To learn more, call 201-2612150, email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com, or visit kaplandc.com. Dr. Kaplan also hosts a weekly radio show Saturdays at 8 a.m. on 970 AM and 2 p.m. on 710 WOR.
Modern life makes sitting easy. That is exactly why movement has to be chosen.
Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide
Why busy families are choosing evening, weekend care
Advertisement By Dr. Mariliza LaCap, DDS
Washington Dental Associates (Bergenfield, N.J.) & Smile
More Dentistry (Tappan, N.Y.)
For many families in Bergen and Rockland counties, taking care of their health isnʼt about intention—itʼs about time.
Between work, school, activities, and daily responsibilities, dental visits are often delayed. Routine cleanings get pushed back. Minor concerns go unaddressed longer than they should.
But that pattern is beginning to shift.
More families are choosing dental practices that fit their schedules—not the other way around. And that change is making it easier to stay consistent with care.
At offices in Bergenfield and Tappan, that trend has been clear.
Patients arenʼt avoiding the dentist—theyʼre working around full calendars. Parents prefer not to pull children out of school. Professionals hesitate to miss work.
For many, evenings and week-
HP Club 60 Spring Trips
Club 60 of Harrington Park has announced several upcoming spring trips.
•On April 22, the group will attend the play “Sexy Laundry” at Bell Works Theater, followed by dinner at Donatellaʼs. $99 for members and $104 for guests
•A May 13 outing includes lunch at the Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant followed by a 1.5-hour cruise on the Barnegat. $76 for members and $81 for guests
• The June 17 trip features a tram tour of the New York Botanical Garden, followed by lunch at Marioʼs on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and time for shopping. $97 for members and $102 for guests
For information, call Phyllis at 201-768-5753.
ends are the only realistic options.
In response, both locations now offer extended hours Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bergenfield office also offers Sunday hours.
The goal is straightforward: make dental care easier to schedule—and easier to keep.
That accessibility appears to be making a difference. Patients are better able to stay on track with routine visits, and families often schedule appointments together. For many, the experience feels less disruptive to the rest of their week.
One patient recently shared, “For the first time, going to the dentist fits into our schedule.”
When care is easier to access, people are more likely to follow through. And consistency is a key part of maintaining oral health.
Preventive care—regular cleanings, checkups, and early attention to concerns—helps
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Dr.Mariliza LaCap and Dr.Tong are local expert in dental care.Their mission is to have a community of healthy,beautiful smiles through proper dental care and education. Dr.LaCap and her husband are both graduates of Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery we they both graduated at the top of their class.They are owners of Washington Dental Associates,Smile More Dentistry and Smile More Kidz.
reduce the likelihood that small issues develop into more involved problems over time. Making those visits easier to attend can play an important role.
For Dr. Mariliza LaCap, who has practiced dentistry for more than 35 years, the shift reflects a broader philosophy.
“Good dentistry starts with meeting patients where they are,” she said. “If scheduling is a barrier, then itʼs something we need to address.”
That approach has resonated locally. Evening and weekend appointments are in high demand, particularly for families coordinating multiple schedules.
For those who have been postponing care due to time constraints, expanded hours offer another option.
For a limited time, additional evening and weekend appointments are being made available for new patients and families.
To schedule, call the Bergenfield office at 201-453-4867 or the Tappan office at 845-367-7782. Mention this article to receive $50 off any treatment.
About the Practice
Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Tong provide dental care with a focus on patient education and long-term oral health. They operate Washington Dental Associates, Smile More Dentistry, and Smile More Kidz, serving families across Bergen and Rockland counties.
Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Tong are local experts in dental care whose mission is to build a community of healthy, beautiful smiles through proper dental care and education. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules.
Dr. LaCap and her husband are graduates of Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, where both graduated at the top of their class. They own Washington Dental Associates, Smile More Dentistry, and Smile More Kidz.
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Young savers should consider a long-term mindset
FOUR key considerat ions could help young adults create a mindset to succeed with saving and investing for the future.
Michelle Wan, Wells Fargo Investment Institute lead wealth investment solutions analyst, has met many younger clients who have reservations about investing.
“Young investors may find themselves delaying investing for retirement because it seems so far in the future,” Wan says. “Alternatively, they may enjoy trading volatile investment instruments for rapid profits. They underestimate how important it is to methodically develop planning and investing goals at a young age. Time is a young saverʼs greatest ally.”
Here, Wan shares four key considerations for young savers when it comes to prioritizing longterm savings and investment plans.
1.Adopt a planning mindset
One key factor is having a planning mindset — a positive and proactive stance that could set savers on a path to positive financial outcomes. A planning mindset can provide a roadmap that helps strengthen a personʼs financial future.
2. Start with small changes
Small changes in your financial behavior today could have a big impact on long-term success.
and Insurance Products
• 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
Creating a budget, building healthy financial habits, and becoming more comfortable and familiar with investing could go a long way toward achieving longterm financial goals.
Practices to consider include:
•Automatically transferring part of your income into a savings account or an investment account
•Paying down student loans to avoid late fees and damage to credit scores
3. Begin saving and investing now
Start saving for retirement as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the more time every dollar saved has the potential to grow. If dollars saved early in your working years generate investment gains year after year, they can have a much bigger impact on the size of your account balance at retirement than you might think. Thanks to the power of compounding, as invested dollars potentially earn returns, those reinvested returns can begin earning returns as well — year after year.
“For younger investors, compounding returns become especially powerful given their longer time horizon, so an early start can make a dramatic difference in helping investors reach their financial goals,” Wan says.
ment savings plans
If your employer offers a Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP), be sure to participate — and maximize any matching contribution offers. They are the equivalent of free money.
Roth IRAs — to which you contribute after-tax dollars — are also worth a closer look because they offer tax-free growth potential. Investment earnings may also be distributed tax-free in retirement if specific requirements are met.
“Another savings vehicle to consider is a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers tax benefits to qualified investors,” Wan says.
A discussion with an investment professional about your investment goals can help you develop a long-term plan and strategies to potentially help you achieve those goals.
Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
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.
served as prosecutors and also as defenders in the courts for many
If you face charges,
Joseph Lauro maps the many lives of Hoboken
BY JOHNSNYDER OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
NORTHERN VALLEY
HOBOKENHOLDS aunique place in American history that few cities its size can match — a one-square-mile stage where industry, immigration, invention and celebrity all took their turns.
River Vale author and journalist Joseph Lauro makes that case in “Lost Hoboken,” a 112-page paperback published Nov. 11, 2025, by The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing. The book traces the cityʼs arc from a Dutch outpost to an Industrial Revolution hub synonymous with steam-powered ships and trains and, later, to a hard-hit factory town that recovered into a bohemian enclave and a national model for urban renewal.
Lauro is a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor and writer who was born in Hoboken and later covered it as a journalist. A graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Journalism, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, SoHo News, The Village Voice, New Jersey Monthly and The Sporting News, among
other publications. He and his wife, Patricia Winters Lauro, are the parents of three children, and the family has lived in River Vale for more than 30 years.
“I was lucky to be working in Hoboken just as it transitioned from a working class place to the sixth borough of NYC,” Lauro said. “A really exciting time.”
He said he began the project for todayʼs newcomers — including one of his daughters — who
NVP Local Author Spotlight
Title: “Lost Hoboken”
Author: Joseph Lauro
Publisher: The History Press (Arcadia Publishing)
Pub. date: Nov 11, 2025
Pages: 112
ISBN: 9781467159463
Format: Paperback
Lauro is a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor and writer who was born in Hoboken and later covered it as a journalist.
know the Hoboken of brownstones and bustling Washington Street, but may not have a feel for the earlier city of docks, factories, tenements and tough-edged neighborhoods.
“At the same time my publisher, The History Press, had a new imprint of books … designed to tell a cityʼs past by things that were no longer there,” Lauro said. “So it was a good match.”
In “Lost Hoboken,” Lauro moves from the cityʼs early days
into the building of its neighborhoods and institutions, then into the pastimes and public spaces that helped define it. He writes about the waterfront that made Hoboken a port of consequence, the transportation network that tied it to the region, and the industries that left the cityʼs name stamped on products far beyond New Jersey.
Among his favorite discoveries, he said, was how many things people still use — or still eat — trace back to Hoboken. Lauro points to inventions “from the ice cream cone to the zipper,” and notes the strong German influence that shaped a local culture of baked goods and candy-making, with products he cites ranging from Wonder Bread and Twinkies to Sno-Balls and Tootsie Rolls.
He also highlights Hobokenʼs role as a gathering place for famous visitors and residents across eras. Lauro notes that the city hosted luminaries including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jacob Astor, P.T. Barnum and Edgar Allan Poe.
“Everyone knows Frank Sinatra was born there,” he said, “but so were two of the greatest photographers ever — Alfred Stieglitz and Dorothea Lange.”
Hobokenʼs history, he argues, isnʼt just colorful — it is nationally consequential. Lauro writes that when Germanyʼs luxury liners and cargo ships began calling in the 1860s, Hoboken became known as a “German” city whose waterfront connections helped spread the
cityʼs name around the world. During World War I, he said, Hoboken was the main embarkation point for American soldiers sailing to France.
He also touches on the cityʼs enduring reputation as a place where people came to cut loose. During Prohibition, Lauro said, Hoboken was known “far and wide” as a place where you could still get a drink at nearly any hour “not unlike today.”
A recurring theme is what has vanished — and what remains if you know where to look. Lauro writes about the famed Elysian Fields, which he said served as a green haven for New Yorkers through much of the 19th century, long before Central Park was created. While Hoboken has “lost” historical buildings and businesses over time, Lauro said, it still offers “an incredible amount of living history if you look closely enough.”
The book is organized into nine chapters: “Early Days,” “Building a Community and a Castle,” “Sports and Recreation,” “On the Waterfront,” “Creating a Transportation Network,” “Made in Hoboken,” “A World War Comes to the Mile Square City,” “A Taste of Hoboken,” and “An Entertaining Place.”
Lauro said he has been asked to do a reading at the Hoboken Historical Museum. “Lost Hoboken” is available at select Barnes & Noble stores, on Amazon and online through The History Press.
LAURO
Warm interfaith Iftar dinner draws dozens to Emerson
More than 70 people representing multiple faith traditions gathered at Congregation Bʼnai Israel in Emerson for an interfaith Iftar dinner held in partnership with the Peace Islands Institute of Hasbrouck Heights.
The annual event, now in its seventh year, brings together members of the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Unitarian communities to share in the breaking of the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, while reflecting on themes of unity, respect and community.
Before the meal, clergy and faith leaders offered remarks emphasizing connection across traditions.
Esra Tozan, event coordinator for the Peace Islands Institute, welcomed attendees and noted the significance of returning to Emerson for the gathering. Ellen Michelson, interfaith coordinator at Congregation Bʼnai Israel, said, “By gathering together tonight for this Iftar dinner, we are engaging in a small, but vitally important step in what the Jewish tradition refers to as tikkun olam — healing the world.”
Rabbi/Cantor Lenny Mandel of Congregation Bʼnai Israel reflected on
the shared values across faiths.
“We are all hosts of one another,”
Mandel said. “Thereʼs a beautiful teaching across our traditions: that the
Representatives of multiple faiths gather at Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson for an interfaith Iftar dinner during Ramadan. From left: Rabbi/Cantor Lenny Mandel of Congregation B’nai Israel (Emerson); Rev. Andreé Cornelia Moll, Central Unitarian Church (Westwood); Ellen Michelson, interfaith coordinator at Congregation B’nai Israel; Esra Tozan, Peace Islands Institute (Hasbrouck Heights); Rev. Sharon Gross-Gill, Pascack Reformed Church (Park Ridge); Hakan Yesilova, The Fountain Magazine; and Imam Yosuf Mert, Edep Academy (Wayne).
DEMAREST — The Parish of St. Joseph, 573 Piermont Road, invites parishioners who would like to receive parish news by email—including upcoming events, special announcements, and other news concerning the parish family—to contact Christine in the parish office at (201) 768-2371 or office@sjdnj.org.
More information is available at stjosephdemarest.org.
The parish also announced that its Baking Ministry will again serve April 27 in support of the Walk-In Dinner Program in Hackensack, overseen by Family Promise.
Approximately 160 people are expected to be served, with
Demarest Methodist Church providing dinner and St. Josephʼs supplementing the meal with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Volunteers who previously signed up will be contacted with details; others interested in helping may call Ann McDermott at (201) 9563729 or Sue DeSimone at (201) 767-0342.
measure of faith is not what we believe in our hearts alone, but how we treat the person sitting next to us.”
He added, “Fasting teaches us humility. It reminds us that what we often take for granted — time, food, patience — is actually sacred. And breaking the fast reminds us that joy is not complete until it is shared.”
Rev. Sharon Gross-Gill of Pascack Reformed Church in Park Ridge highlighted the broader significance of the gathering.
“The world often tells stories about our differences. But tonight, we are telling a different story,” she said. “A story where Muslims, Jews, and
Christians sit at the same table… In a world that can feel fractured, this table becomes a sign of hope.”
Rev. Andreé Cornelia Moll of Central Unitarian Church in Westwood echoed the call for greater understanding and respect among faith communities.
The program concluded with Islamic teachings and scripture shared by Hakan Yesilova of the Peace Islands Institute, editor of The Fountain Magazine, followed by a formal call to prayer led by Imam Yosuf Mert of Edep Academy in Wayne. A traditional Turkish meal prepared by the Peace Islands Institute followed.
Haworth:
FROM PAGE 1
Classes are set for April 16 and 30.
“This is a new program that we are rolling out, and hopefully itʼs going to take off,”
Deputy Borough Clerk Annemarie Wells told Northern Valley Press last week.
“Thereʼs almost nothing in terms of ongoing senior services,” Lyons-Kim told us in an interview. “This is an opportunity to create something consistent—something that supports health, but also connection.”
Haworthʼs senior programming has historically relied on volunteers, including longtime resident Bonnie Borghi, who organizes several luncheons annually at the church hall adjacent to Borough Hall. Attendance is typically small—often a dozen or so residents—and skews older.
“We donʼt have a senior center,” Borghi said. “Weʼre a small town, so we try to navigate what
we can offer.”
Lyons-Kim said her goal is to complement, not replace, those gatherings by attracting a broader range of participants, including “younger seniors” and those who may not see themselves as part of a traditional senior group.
“I call it ʻgentle fitnessʼintentionally,” she said. “Itʼs not about age—itʼs about accessibility.”
The class focuses on balance, light strength training, and lowimpact cardio, often using chairs for support. Participants are encouraged—but not required—to bring light hand weights. No floor work is involved.
“Thatʼs a barrier for a lot of people,” she said. “If you canʼt get down and up off the floor, you donʼt feel like the class is for you. This removes that.”
Borghi said the format is part of what makes the program appealing locally.
“Itʼs exercise that anybody can do,” she said. “You can do it on a chair, you can do it standing. I think itʼs going to keep our seniors moving—or get them moving.”
Lyons-Kimʼs path to fitness
instruction grew out of years of community work with older adults.
She was a founding partner of ITN North Jersey, a nonprofit affiliate of a national transportation network that provided rides for seniors and visually impaired residents.
The volunteer-driven service connected riders to medical appointments, grocery stores, religious services, and family visits.
“It was life-changing work,” she said. “We had people going to dialysis three times a week, to chemotherapy, to see a new grandchild. It was about independence.”
The program built a waiting list and trained more than 100 volunteer drivers before shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the closure of its national parent organization.
“It was heartbreaking,” Lyons-Kim said. “We lost people—not just to the program ending, but literally.”
In the years since, she has shifted her focus to fitness, earning certification as a group and senior fitness instructor and teaching in
Paramus and Rochelle Park senior centers, as well as in smaller and private settings.
“Itʼs the same mission, really,” she said. “Helping people stay independent.”
Lyons-Kim said the benefits she sees in her classes go beyond exercise.
She points to improved balance, increased bone density, and greater confidence in daily movement—outcomes that can reduce fall risk and support aging in place.
But the moments that stay with her are often smaller
“Someone will say, ʻI almost tripped, but I didnʼt,ʼ” she said. “Or, ʻI got up out of the chair without using my hands.ʼThatʼs huge.”
Music—ranging from Bobby Darin to contemporary tracks— keeps the atmosphere light. Some classes veer into spontaneous dancing.
“I read the room,” she said.
“Itʼs meant to be enjoyable.”
The Haworth program has drawn support from borough officials and community members, including Councilwoman Alanna Davis, who has involvement with
the Seniors Club, and Councilwoman Jane Cabourg, a retired educator active in local programming.
For borough volunteers, the class represents an incremental but meaningful step.
“Weʼve been doing luncheons, weʼve had speakers, weʼre trying different things,” Borghi said. “This is going to be a little slow process—but we hope it grows.”
Wells similarly described the program as a starting point, with the potential for expansion if participation is strong.
Lyons-Kim said she hopes the class can serve as a foothold for expanded offerings.
“This could be a starting point,” she said. “If people come, if they feel good, it builds.”
For now, the focus is on getting the word out and confirming initial dates. Participation is expected to be free, in line with other municipal senior offerings. Residents interested in Haworth senior programs can visit haworthnj.org or call Borough Hall at (201) 384-4785.
Your spring pest control preparation tips
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As trees bud and lawns green up, spring pests are getting active too. And after a snowy winter with plenty of lingering moisture, conditions may be especially inviting for mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and other unwelcome visitors. The good news is that a few simple steps now can go a long way toward helping protect your home and yard.
Here are four smart ways to get ahead of spring pest activity:
1. Seal cracks and entry points. Winter weather can cause small cracks and gaps to form or expand around foundations, walls, windows, and doors. Sealing those openings early helps stop pests before theyfind a way inside.
2. Get rid of standing water.
materials related to the city.
Also being honored is Mike Harnett, a landscape architect whose craftsmanship helped recreate the wooden porch of Englewood House.
Leslie Taylor, head of resources at the Englewood Public Library, is also being recognized for her ongoing work supporting Englewoodʼs historical archives and for her familyʼs longstanding ties to the
Mosquitoes and other pests breed in standing water, whether itʼs in birdbaths, buckets, old tires, or low spots
community.
Founded in 1976, the Englewood Historical Society works to explore and communicate the history of Englewood through programs, events and research projects. The group describes its mission as being “mindful of the past…dedicated to the future.”
That future now centers on Englewood House.
Once fully restored, the historic structure is envisioned as a hub for meetings, exhibits, educational programs and archival work — a place where residents can connect with the cityʼspast while building new
in the yard. Empty containers regularly and fix drainage issues to help prevent your property from becom-
community traditions.
Organizers say the project will help ensure that Englewoodʼs stories continue to be shared for generations to come.
The public is invited to attend the anniversary dinner Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Englewood, 401 S. Van Brunt St.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at englewoodhistoricalsocietynj.org. Additional information is available by emailing englewoodhouse500@hotmail.com or calling 206-992-7069.
Via Irmari Nacht
ing a breeding ground.
3. Trim back branches and move firewood. Branches touching your home can act like a bridge for pests, while firewood stacked too close to the house can offer shelter
and easy access. Trimming back vegetation and moving wood piles away from the home can make a big difference.
4. Clear out wet leaf piles. Damp leaves and other organic debris can create ideal hiding spots for ticks and other pests. Cleaning up leftover leaf piles from winter helps reduce the places pests like to gather.
Spring growth should be something to enjoy, not a signal for pest problems to begin. Taking preventive action now can help you avoid larger issues later in the season. Need help getting ahead of spring pests? Viking Pest Control offers expert inspections and customized treatment plans to help protect your home all season long. Call 800-618-BUGS or visit vikingpest.com to learn more or schedule service.
Bergen County golf in full swing
H ACKENSACK—Bergen
County officials have announced that all six county-owned golf courses are open for the 2026 season, with online tee times now available.
The Bergen County Parks System operates courses in Mah-
wah, Paramus, Teaneck, Rockleigh, Emerson, and River Vale, offering a range of play for beginners through experienced golfers.
County officials said more than 335,000 rounds were played across the system in 2025. “Weʼre excited for this yearʼs
season,” County Executive James Tedesco III said, noting continued strong interest from both residents and visitors. He also pointed to the anticipated late spring opening of the new clubhouse at Overpeck Golf Course in Teaneck.
Commissioner Chairman Steve Tanelli called the countyʼs courses “a true gem,” inviting
golfers back for a season of recreation and outdoor activity.
The county system includes Darlington Golf Course (Mahwah), Orchard Hills (Paramus), Overpeck (Teaneck), Rockleigh (Rockleigh), Soldier Hill (Emerson), and Valley Brook (River Vale).
Officials encourage golfers to register for membership, which
offers discounted greens fees and early access to tee times. Membership registration must be completed in person at the Golf Main Office at Soldier Hill Golf Course in Emerson.
For information, including tee times and rates, visit golfbergencounty.com or call (201) 3367259.
Mayors hear from Gottheimer on funds
Elected and administrative officials from several Pascack Valley and Northern Valley towns were among those attending Congressman Josh Gottheimerʼs recent Fifth District Mayorʼs Day at Bergen Community College.
According to Gottheimerʼs office, the event brought together mayors and municipal officials from across the district to meet with representatives from federal agencies and discuss grants, programs, and other resources available to local governments.
Among local officials listed as attending were Closter Mayor John Glidden; Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Acting Business Administrator Michael Carelli; Harrington Park Mayor
Joon Chung; Montvale Business Administrator Joseph Voytus; Northvale Mayor Joseph McGuire; Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna and Business Administrator Maggie Giandomenico; and Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari and Business Administrator Mark DiCarlo.
Federal participants included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Support Office under the Department of Defense.
Gottheimer said the gathering was intended to help towns secure more federal support for local priorities including public safety, infrastructure, first responders, and other community needs.
“Mayors have the toughest jobs in government,” Gottheimer said in a release. “When a road after a storm floods, when a sewer backs up, when thereʼs a pothole on Main Street, when a tree comes down in a storm — no one calls Washington. They call you.”
According to his office, the event focused on helping municipalities identify ways to bring more federal dollars back to North Jersey communities.
Hardwood Mulch
State officials, local faith leaders on preparedness
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on March 17 convened a meeting with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) and faith leaders from across the state —including the Northern Valley — to address growing security threats facing religious communities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including ongoing hostilities involving Iran.
The meeting brought together NJOHSP Director Thomas Hauck, Director of Preparedness Charles Ambio, and faith leaders to discuss the current threat landscape, coordination between law enforcement and religious institutions, and the urgent need to deliver federal security resources to houses of worship.
During the discussion, participants reviewed the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the threat landscape and resources to strengthen coordination between faith leaders, law enforcement, and state officials.
“Right now, with rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict involving Iran, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant against threats especially against our faith communities,” said Gottheimer. “In recent weeks, there was an attack on a synagogue in Michi-
gan and, right here in Teaneck, where a 19-year-old was shot with a pellet gun outside of a synagogue — a deeply disturbing reminder that antisemitism and hate are alive and well.”
Gottheimer concluded, “No one should feel unsafe walking into a synagogue, church, mosque, or temple in New Jersey or anywhere in America.”
A central focus of the meeting was the urgent need to expedite funding through the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides resources for security enhancements such as surveillance systems, access controls, and trained personnel. Gottheimer has been pushing to increase NSGP funding to $1 billion in FY27 to ensure our faith communities get the protec-
tion they need.
Gottheimer also highlighted alarming national trends in antisemitism, noting that incidents have reached record highs in recent years, with New Jersey among the states most impacted.
Gottheimer was joined by Director Thomas Hauck and Director of Preparedness Charles
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) online with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) and faith leaders from across the state — including the Northern Valley.
Ambio of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Sue Gelsey, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades CEO, Church of the Presentation Father Anthony Randazzo, South Presbyterian Church Reverend Rich Gelson, Second Reformed Church of Hackensack Reverend Dwayne Jackson, Community Church of Harrington Park Pastor Zach Waldis, Saint Anthonyʼs Roman Catholic Church Father Carlos Briceno, Valley Chabad Director of Operations Vivian Davis, Temple Emeth-Reform Congregation Rabbi Steven Sirbu, Assembly of
God Pastor Wes Kenyon, The Almond Branch Church Pastor Nick Padovani, Christ Episcopal Church Father Thomas Matthews, Christ Lutheran Church Marc Stutzel, Congregation Rinat Yisrael Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, Jewish Community Center of Paramus Rabbi Arthur Weiner, Chabad of Hackensack Rabbi Mendy Kaminker, Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Ihor Vorontsov, Hindu Samaj Temple of Mahwah President Jayes Patel, Calvary Lutheran Church Representative Pastor Kara Song, Hillsdale United Methodist Church Representative Julie Lee, Congregation Ahavat Achim Rabbi Ely Shestack, Grace Redeemer Church Revere Peter Wang, Barnert Temple Rabbi Rachel Steiner, Unity of Sussex County Reverend Shea Maultsby and Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Father Raymond Rodruguez.
Hackensack River summit returns with focus on climate resilience, local action
TEANECK—A daylong summit focused on the future of the Hackensack River and the communities along it will return April 28, bringing together environmental leaders, public officials and residents for a series of discussions on flooding, water quality and climate preparedness.
The Hackensack River Nation Summit, hosted by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fairleigh Dickinson Universityʼs Student Union Building. Organizers say the event is designed not only as a conference, but as a working session— connecting participants with ideas, partners and tools to address environmental challenges facing the region.
The Hackensack River water-
shed runs through much of Bergen County, including communities in both the Pascack and Northern valleys, making issues such as stormwater management, flooding and water quality local concerns as much as regional ones.
“With climate change, we expect more intense storms and hotter summers, resulting in more flooding and oppressive heat,” said Leonardo Vazquez, executive director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
“The summit is about helping communities adapt and respond.”
The program will open with a keynote address by Capt. Bill Sheehan of Hackensack Riverkeeper, who is expected to offer an assessment of the riverʼs current condition and the challenges ahead.
From there, the day shifts into a series of interactive sessions covering topics that increasingly shape municipal planning and daily life in North Jersey: flood mitigation strategies, the status of the riverʼs Superfund cleanup, stormwater utilities, environmental health and the role of community-based science and advocacy.
Rather than traditional lectures, organizers say the sessions are designed to encourage participation and collaboration, with attendees able to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others working on similar issues.
New this year is the “ECOllab,” a networking component intended to help participants find partners for projects ranging from river cleanups to policy initiatives
and climate adaptation planning. Speakers and panelists will include representatives from federal and state agencies, Rutgers University research centers and regional organizations such as Jersey Water Works and Sustainable Jersey, alongside local officials from Bergen County communities.
While the summit itself requires registration, a concurrent Environmental Fair will be open to the public at no cost. The fair will feature local organizations and agencies offering information on environmental programs, volunteer opportunities and ways res-
idents can get involved in stewardship of the watershed.
The summit is the signature event of the Hackensack River Nation, a coalition of government, nonprofit, academic and business leaders working to protect the river and expand public engagement with it.
Organizers say the goal is to move beyond awareness and toward practical collaboration. Registration is available online, with tiered pricing based on affiliation.
Early registration discounts are available through April 15.
COUNTYWINS $70K STATE GRANTONAGE-FRIENDLYWORK
Bergen County has been awarded a $70,000 Age-Friendly Community Grant from the New Jersey Department of Human ServicesʼDivision of Aging Services to support planning and community engagement aimed at helping the county remain a place where residents can “grow older with quality of life.”
Officials said the grant will support Bergen Countyʼs participation in the Age-Friendly Communities framework, a model developed by the World Health Organization and facilitated in the United States through AARP.
“This grant reinforces what we have long believed in Bergen County—that supporting our older adults strengthens our entire community,” County Executive Jim Tedesco said. Commissioner Mary Amoroso said the effort will include direct resident engagement to better understand day-to-day needs.
The county said grant funding will be used to conduct a
countywide needs assessment, including surveys and focus groups, with findings to inform an action and evaluation plan and guide future policy and program decisions. Community engagement activities are expected to launch soon, officials said.
The age-friendly framework examines eight “Domains of Livability,” including housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, social participation, communication and access to community and health services.
Bergen County said it provides services for older adults through its Division of Senior Services, including senior centers, transportation assistance through the Community Transportation Ride Connect program, nutrition support through Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs, Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and benefits screening and general assistance.
WANTED- Bather needed, Tuesday thru Saturday at The Woof Furry in Ridgewood. Call Elizabeth 201-444-0656.
DEPTOF PUBLIC WORKS. The Borough of Westwood seeks to hire an individual for full-time position with the Public Works Department. Preferred applicants would have experience and knowledge in tree removal, trimming, tree pruning, while operating a bucket truck. Applicants should have experience in snow plowing and other Public Works tasks. High School diploma required. Must have CDLor temporary CDLlicense and good driving record. May be required to submit to drug testing. Send applications to the attention of Richard Woods Superintendent, Department of Public Works, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. EOE, M/F
Bergen Volunteers Spring Book Drive for K–4
while
At the end of the school year, each participating student receives a book to take home for the summer, reinforcing reading habits outside the classroom. Donations
will help provide those books along with learning materials such as sight word and phonics flash cards.
Organizers said the drive is part of a broader effort to address early literacy gaps and ensure students maintain progress during the summer months, when reading skills can otherwise decline.
To contribute, visit bergenvolunteers.org and look for the Spring Book Drive campaign. Staff report
