Pascack Press 5.27.24

IHAjunior Carmella Madlinger raises funds, collcts supplies, for New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center. PAGE 31

BOROUGH WANTS MOREBITE

INFIREARMS ORDINANCE

Hunter triggers legal questions; public hearing May 28

Following a recent police encounter with individuals bowhunting on municipal land off of Summit Avenue, local officials have introduced changes to an ordinance on May 9 that prohibits discharging firearms and hunting in the borough.

The ordinance changes, approved 4-0 on first reading May 9, are needed, said Borough Administrator Joseph Voytus, because officials found out that some parts of the existing ordinance on hunting and discharging

See BOROUGH on page 5

YOUNG FALCONS TEAR IT UP YOUNG FALCONS TEAR IT UP

Township tops at tough Spring Fever Tournament

to back, left to right: Rosalia Reboiro, Daniela DeFina, Charlie Macer, Frankie Galiotti,

HILLSDALE NEXTTO FUNDA BROOK FLYBY

Township of Washington, River Vale, and Westwood have turned up useful data vs. flooding

The Borough Council on May 14 approved funding for a drone study of Pascack Brook that will make Hillsdale the fourth Pascack Valley town to undertake such an aerial study, following Washington Township, Westwood, and River Vale.

The vote to okay funding was 4-0, with council president John Escobar and councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk absent.

Councilors approved $8,500 for the drone study, which will start soon and be conducted by Boswell Engineering.

WWASHINGTON Townshipʼsthird- and fourth-grade Tournament Team won the Park Ridge Spring Fever Tournament on Sunday, May 19 after defeating host Park Ridge, 8-3, at Colony Field in Park Ridge.

The Falcons were the No. 1 seed in the tournament, based on their stellar play in the recreation season in the Kinderkamack Softball League.

The girls opened the tournament defeating Montvale, 14-2, in their first game. OF

LACROSSE FORCE

The sixth grade Pascack Lacrosse boys team crushes the 2024 season, outscoring their opponents 182-46.

Francesca Galiotti and 1B Shyla Shah both had three RBI in the big win. Shortstop Faith Egbert had a two RBI, single in the first inning, as Township opened the scoring. Starting pitcher Jordana Nabhani pitched two shutout

Continued on page 23

Washington Township conducted its study in winter 2023, and both Westwood and River Vale conducted studies over the fall/winter months after area trees had shed their leaves, offering clear views of local waterways.

Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali said that Boswell officials had told him though current tree conditions

See HILLSDALE on page 33

Kristin Beuscher takes us back to a prewar Memorial Day, when the people of Westwood gathered, just as many of us will on Monday, May 27, in solemn remembrance of those lost.

Fenwick, Cozzi for Park Ridge

To the editor:

W E are pleased to announce that we are running for Park Ridge Town Council this year. Throughout our time on the council we have always advocated for transparency in local government and reasonable tax cuts to keep Park Ridge affordable. The events that transpired at Park

Ridgeʼs annual budget hearing this past week have shown that the governing Democratic Party majority makes neither of those goals its priority.

Astoundingly, with little notice, this yearʼs annual municipal budget presentation was moved from its usual 8 p.m. scheduled time to 6 p.m., so that a Park Ridge councilmember and multiple borough professionals could attend a fundraiser held by the Bergen Democratic Partyʼs county chairman later that evening.

Never before in living memory had the budget hearing, the most important council meeting of the

PASCACK PRESS

year, been scheduled to take place while our residents were commuting or having dinner with their families and could not reasonably be expected to attend. Making attending political dinner parties a priority over transparency in our government contravenes every definition of the words good governance

More outrageously, the ruling faction of the council stifled debate at the presentation by effectively limiting public questions and comments on the budget to eight minutes. For decades prior, residents were allowed to publicly question any aspect of the 110-page budget as in depth as they chose. When asked to

postpone the budget hearing, so that it could be rescheduled for a time more convenient to our residents, Council President Ferguson and the governing faction refused and proceeded with the budget vote anyway.

While this abject disdain for transparency is troubling, the good news is that the efforts of restoring Park Ridge to fiscal responsibility taken last year by our former Republican majority council have been successful. The employment decisions we made last year and our efforts at increasing non-tax revenues paid dividends as shown in this yearʼs budget. So much so, that through adjustments in the budgetʼs non-

tax revenues alone, the current council could have easily given Park Ridgeʼs residents a tax cut if they so chose. Such a tax cut this year would not have required any budget cuts or reductions in our surplus. Yet instead, the council presidentʼs governing faction outright refused to entertain any discussion of tax cuts at all and elected to overtax the people of Park Ridge. The complete lack of transparency and disdain towards tax cuts shown by the Park Ridge Councilʼs Democratic Party majority this year is the exact opposite of the “good governance” that the new majority promised in January. If elected to the council this year, we promise to always promote transparency in government and to continue to pursue our long-standing goal of keeping Park Ridge affordable for all our residents.

William Fenwick and John Cozzi Park Ridge

Reporter’s notebook: Michael Olohan on a heck

PASCACKVALLEY

IʼMALONG-TIME municipal reporter in the Pascack and Northern valleys, and a lifelong journalist, who has taken many other jobs along the path of life to help pay the bills.

For nearly the last seven years Iʼve covered the Pascack and Northern valleys as a reporter and staff writer for this newspaper.

And this column is my goodbye (for now) to our regular readers, letter writers, local officials, municipal clerks, school officials, and local supporters whose calls, emails, and texts have so often provided tips, guidance and encouragement when most needed in the pursuit of truth.

Some four-plus decades ago, upon graduating from William Paterson College, Wayne, I joined the Nutley Sun/Belleville Times newspapers, spending three years as a municipal reporter covering Nutley and Belleville governments, school boards, personalities, and politics in Essex County.

And then I took a break from journalism—working in publishing, advertising, public relations, environmental communications, recycling and even airport security—until summer 2013, when I wanted to start doing what I always felt was a calling, working again as a journalist for a local newspaper or website.

In 2013, I joined the Suburban News, a NorthJersey Media Group weekly, and covered municipal government, school boards, and planning and zoning boards, in Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wyckoff, and Waldwick. I had the bug again, and wanted to keep reporting.

Almost seven years ago, I joined the Pascack Press/Northern Valley Press newspaper group, after several years at NorthJersey Media Group. My first day on staff was Sept. 11, 2017, an infamous date, although my new colleagues were welcoming and encouraging.

Oddly enough, my first story for Pascack Press —published Sept. 18, 2017—concerned a nonbinding referendum on affordable housing, an issue that continues to dominate headlines, and rankle residents and public officials. Every Pascack and Northern valley town dealt with the impacts of affordable housing, and we covered most of them, and now round 4 for affordable obligations approaches this July

Headlined “Voters to have say; four towns approve non-binding referendum on affordable housing,” my article explored a referendum question sponsored by then-Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39), which appeared on November ballots in Park Ridge, River Vale, Hillsdale, and Dumont.

Little did I know then but I would write many, many dozens

The Pascack Valley’s loss is pickleball’s gain. Stalwart staff writer Michael Olohan, above, says goodbye — “for now” — to the grind of a newspaper deadline. John Snyder photo.

of articles on affordable housing in the next almost seven years.

In fact, conservatively speaking, writing six articles per week (often, more) would mean that in nearly seven years here, Iʼve researched and written more than 2,000 articles covering local government issues, features, profiles, elections, budgets, controversies, and debates and decisions that matter to residents.

Whatʼs more, most of these stories provided coverage of topics that no other print or digital news site was covering, and readers often told us that they were reading closely to find out what was going on with their tax dollars

and what local officials were saying, or not saying. That is good news, for sure.

In fall 2017 when I joined the Pascack Press/Northern Valley Press newsroom, it featured an editor, four reporters, a few correspondents, and a photographer, along with the advertising director, art director, and publisher. Staff-wise, that is not the case today, following cutbacks required after the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.

Today, the weekly newspaper group—still family owned and based in Westwood—employs one overall editor (John Snyder) and our new reporter (Megan Klepper)

who together cover the Pascack Valley and on a monthly basis, the Northern Valley. [With Kristin Beuscher filing her ever-popular “Back in Time” feature for both papers, and various other contributors making their mark.]

So, after seven years here, I am taking leave from the hustlebustle of reporting on municipal government and school boards, plus scores of other critical weekly news stories that are the lifeblood of communities and community journalism.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Knights’ summer food drive

June 8

Collecting non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to support local food pantries and assist those in need.

TOWNSHIPOFWASHINGTON

The Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 is gearing up for its annual Summer Food Drive, set to take place on Saturday, June 8. This event aims to collect nonperishable food items and personal hygiene products to support local food pantries and assist those in need.

Residents are encouraged to participate by placing bagged donations at their front doors before 10 a.m. on the day of the drive. Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus will then collect the parcels from each residence. A food drive notice will be mailed to all households, and a prominent announcement will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Pascack Press, the eventʼs newspaper co-sponsor.

The drive seeks a wide range of non-perishable food items, including powdered milk, cereals, canned goods

See KNIGHTS on page 17

Marking Memorial Day on eve ofU.S.entry into WWII

THISWEEKWE go back to a past Memorial Day, when the people of Westwood gathered, just as we will on Monday, May 27 in solemn remembrance of those lost. The photos on this page were snapped May 30, 1941.

Kristin Beuscher is president of the Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. For more information call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org

This was the final Memorial Day before America became involved in World War II. That December, the Japanese would bomb Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. would declare war on Japan. A few days later, Germany and Italy would declare war on America. Many young people from the Pascack Valley would head overseas to join the fight, and some would never return. Indeed, just over the horizon lay great change—both glory and tragedy, both victory and loss.

In spring 1941, however, Memorial Day,

or Decoration Day as it was still known to some of the older folks, conjured up images of the heroes of World War I and even the Civil War. Just as the number of World War II veterans in our midst dwindles by the day (less than 1 percent of the 16.4 million who served are alive today), Pascack Valley residents of the 1930s witnessed the same hap-

pen with the men who had served with the 22nd New Jersey Infantry Regiment back in 1862.

At one time, local Memorial Day events had brought out a strong showing from Civil War vets, who were members of a Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) post based in

See BIT on page 11

2:00PM

Borough:

FROM PAGE 1

firearms—codified in Chapter 200—could not be used to charge individuals found to be hunting on borough-owned land.

The individuals charged in the incident were hunting for deer on a 28-acre property at 127 Summit Ave. in late January 2024, Voytus said. That land was then owned by Montvale and was recently sold to Veolia North America, which plans to construct two water towers there to increase town-wide water pressure.

Voytus said the proposed changes should make the ordinance more enforceable by local police. The ordinance changes were recommended by the state conservation officer, said the revised Ordinance No. 2024-1555.

A required public hearing is scheduled on May 28.

Voytus said that “Some indi-

viduals were out there hunting and when they went out and caught them, there were certain things in the ordinance that they couldnʼt charge them with because the ordinance wasnʼt written in a way that was enforceable under state law.”

He said they could only be

charged with certain violations due to the ordinanceʼs language.

Wording revisions are staterecommended, said Voytus. The revised ordinance notes bracketed passages will be deleted and underlined words added.

Under Chapter 200, Section 1, it will read, “It shall be unlaw-

ful for any person to hunt or pursue game or wild animals with firearms or any other type of weapon on municipal property within the Borough of Montvale.” reads one ordinance revision.

Another notes, “Within the corporate limits of the Borough of Montvale no person or persons shall shoot, fire, or discharge any bow-andarrow(s), crossbow, BB gun, spring gun, weapon, revolver, pistol, gun, rifle, shotgun, air gun, or firearm of any description which propels with force a bullet. shot, pellet or other projectile [using cartridges, gunpowder, air pressure or any other explosive substance].

Voytus said some parts of the ordinance were not enforceable but that the changes being made will be.

Voytus said he was not aware of any similar bow hunting incidents previously on municipal land.

One section of the ordinance not being revised states,

“Nothing herein conained shall be construed to extend such prohibition to law enforcement officers or to qualified military personnel while in the legal and proper pursuit of their duties or to target practice in and upon a firing range or site approved by the Chief of Police and governing body of the Borough of Montvale.”

B OROUGHJUMPSONACCESSIBILITYGRANT FORITSMOSTPOPULARPARK

EMERSON

The borough has applied to a Bergen County grant program to increase accessibility at Rosengart Park. The scope of work includes purchasing and installing accessible play systems, swings, slides, climbers, and sensory equipment to increase access for all young residents.

The borough has requested funding through the 2024 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program to cover some of the costs associated with the proposed project.

This county program provides grant funding to local governments to supplement their efforts to improve municipal open space, parks, and outdoor recreational facilities.

The total cost of the proposed

project is $351,000; there is a required 50% cash match for this program. As such, the borough has requested half of the project costs in grant funding and will provide the remaining half in matching funds.

Rosengart Park, also known as Sunset Park, is at 151 Park Ave. As noted during the April 16 public hearing for this application, this is the largest and most often used park in town, with swing sets and playgrounds for ages 2–5 and

6–12.

Council members have expressed support for this application, noting the importance of increasing access at this park for children of all ages and abilities.

PASCACK VALLEY

They noted that accessible playgrounds build social skills, encourage meaningful play, and foster inclusion to meet the needs of children with a diverse range of abilities.

VALLEY BIBLE CHAPEL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Valley Bible Chapelʼs Vacation Bible School runs Monday, June 24 to Thursday, June 27 from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. This childrenʼs program (age 4, Pre-K through entering 6th grade) is “The Great Jungle Journey: An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation.” Kids will learn how to connect the Bible to real life while focusing on seven Biblical

events from Genesis to Revelation. Adventure awaits with games, Bible verse memorization, prizes, and more. Itʼs a jungle out there! Pre-register at v alleybiblechapel.org/vbs. For more information write v bs.valleybiblechapel@gmail.com or call (201) 664-1432. Valley Bible Chapel is at 56 Pascack Road in Washington Township.

O UR LADYOF M ERCY C ATHOLIC C HURCH

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

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 PM

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

DAILY MASS

Monday thru Friday 6:30 am and 8:30 am Saturday Morning: 8:30 AM

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

District loops council in on plans for $61M referendum

HILLSDALE

The local school board president said that if voters donʼt approve both questions in the upcoming $61 million George White Middle School renovation referendum in September, the district will be back soon asking voters to approve funding for renovations or expansion—and most definitely at an increased cost.

At the May 14 council meeting, Superintendent Robert Lombardy and school board president Justin Saxon spoke briefly about the planned fall referendum to renovate the middle school.

Following a referendum defeat in March 2023 in which school officials asked voters to approve an $82.5 million middle school replacement, school officials will pose a two-part referendum question on Sept. 17 requesting voters approve slightly over

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Rendering of “a new look for an old George G.White Middle School”in Hillsdale,via HPSBond Referendum web portal.The district says “This concept drawing shows more defined entrance with two-stage security and no-step access;reconfigured frontage along Magnolia Avenue with 30 to 35 additional parking areas;windows upgraded for efficiency;and roofing replaced to stop leaks It does not show a new,two-story wing with six classrooms to provide more instructional space;complete replacement of old,repair-prone HVAC systems;electrical system upgrades;a rebuilt multi-purpose room;and interior work to replace ceilings,flooring,walls,science labs,etc.”

$61 million to renovate the middle school and add a two-story addition that includes six more classrooms.

Saxon said, “I think we all know that something needs to be done imminently. I think the thinking of the board is if it doesnʼt pass, weʼre going to have to go right back to a vote and look at what we can do differently.

He said, “We listened to the community, we cut down the cost, we saved George White. There is nothing much more we can do with cost, so we would get right back to the drawing board.”

Average Home Tax Impact: $970.85

Lombardy said the district expects to receive $15 million to $16 million in state aid, which was taken into account when assessing average annual tax impacts of $970.85 on a $475,032 home should voters approve the

referendum. District officials post estimated tax impacts on homes assessed at $300,000 to $600,000 on their referendum web page.

Councilwoman Abby Lundy noted that because the $61 million cost will be bonded over a shorter bond term (20 years, not 30 years) the average annual tax impact would nearly be the same on taxpayers as the original referendum.

Saxon agreed with Lundy.

School officials had learned late last year that a renovation bond issue was state-mandated to have a 20-year bond term versus a 30-year bond term for a new building replacement.

T he district conducted an information gathering session in June 2023 following last Marchʼs referendum defeat, and after three subsequent meetings concluded in January 2024, school officials said a public consensus was found for the lowest-cost renovation option of three options presented at the meetings.

The two costlier renovation options, which included moving fifth graders back to their respective elementary schools and building an addition at each school, totaled $65.7 million for Option 1, and $71.2 million for Option 2.

However, officials stressed that most residents attending the three referendum information meetings favored the third option, for $61,258,000, due to increased state aid and the lowest tax impact on residents. Copies of each sessionʼs slide show and YouTube video are posted on the district website for residents to view.

School officials said the special referendum portal will be updated as information becomes available, including the preliminary eligible costs (PEC) letter -

which will offer exact state aid figures on both referendum questions—due from the state educat ion department sometime in July.

Lombardy said a rendering of the middle schoolʼs post-renovation appearance was included on the referendum website recently.

He said district officials are planning public outreach in June and during summer that includes: a future virtual forum, opportunities around town to disseminate informational fliers, district emails and notifications, and regular superintendent updates at board meetings. No future dates or times were made public.

He said a school demographic study conducted in 2022 found that the district could expect 60 new students in the next five years, although that did not account for possible students from a planned 256-unit Patterson Street redevelopment.

He said, however, another demographic study estimated 11 to 17 students from a new Patterson Street multifamily complex. Lombardy noted that the $61.2 million renovation option did not include any upgrade to the recreation field opposite the middle school. This field will house temporary trailers (classrooms) for 18 months to two years, and require rehabilitation following removal of trailers, he said.

Mayor Michael Sheinfield wanted to know how much cost protection was “built in” to the $61.2 million estimate. Lombardy said architects built in approximately 7% to 9% in

‘Huge win for state’ —but what about Montvale?

Mayor Michael Ghassali notified residents May 17 of his outreach to state officials over a settlement involving a former Montvale business, saying the borough ought to get funds from the settlement to benefit natural resources here.

He has two eligible projects in mind:at DePieroʼs Farm (land soon to be borough property) and Pascack Brook.

Ghassali cheers Gov. Phil Murphy, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin, and New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette over a $14 million settlement announced May 16 in the 2019 suit against the Handy & Harman Electronic Materials Corp. and Cycle

Chem Inc., formerly Perk Chemical Co.

“This settlement is a huge win for the state, and for the people of Montvale who have been affected by the natural resource damage caused by these companies. Together, I look forward to helping to restore, repair and preserve Montvaleʼs natural resources with the funds secured as a result of this settlement,” Ghassali says.

The settlement requires the companies pay back the state for using TCE, a hazardous substance linked to cancer, at the Handy & Harman etching and surfacing site on Craig Road. According to Platkin, Cycle Chem supplied and transported the hazardous substance used at the site from approximately 1966 to 1985. This substance and other toxins were discharged on the property, contaminating aquifers. This led to the clo-

sure of several nearby drinking water wells.

The companies did not admit fault in the settlement but did agree to pay the state for the alleged natural resource damages and reimburse expended cleanup and removal costs. Handy & Harman will pay $10.4 million and Cycle Chem will pay $3.5 million, along with an additional $124,400 combined in reimbursement payments.

Ghassali tells Murphy, “Now that the settlement has been finalized, the Borough of Montvale— the most affected community— looks forward to working with your respective offices and departments to ensure that funds are allocated to important environmental projects in Montvale.”

Ghassali says that Montvale “attempted to participate in the recently settled lawsuit in order to ensure that the funds to be paid as

part of the settlement were set aside for natural resource damage projects in Montvale, as required by the New Jersey Constitution.”

Article VIII Section II Paragraph 9 of the New Jersey Constitution explains that the immediate area where damage to natural resources occurred is the priority for funding by the state to repair, restore or place the damaged or lost natural resources and permanently protect those resources.

The borough has identified two projects that would satisfy the constitutional criteria, Ghassali says: at DePieroʼs Farm at 156 Summit Ave., which the borough is in the process of acquiring. As this site is directly across the street from the subject property, the funds from the settlement would be used to remediate contamination on the property and potentially preserve this site as farmland and/or open

space.

The second project, he says, addresses the continuous significant erosion in and around the Pascack Brook during heavy rainstorms. Funds would help clean the brook, restore eroded banks, and help acquire property to prevent property damage.

Ghassali writes that this would be a “worthy endeavor that would provide a benefit not only to the residents of Montvale but also to residents of municipalities downstream from Montvale that see the detrimental effects of the trees, boulders and sediment that washes away during heavy rainstorms.”

He invites the officials to visit the borough, tour the eligible local project sites, and talk with residents and staff who will be involved if the projects are pursued.

Scrimshawed tooth celebrates lovely, doomed ship

Hi, Jon,

This odd thing has been kicking around my house now for quite a while. It had belonged to m y father-inlaw and then to my husband, w ho told me several times it was valuable. As my husband has since passed away, I own it. I would really like to know what it is made of—ivory? How old is it? What might it be worth?

– Renee in New City

Hi, Renee,

The “odd thing” you possess is a finely decorated scrimshaw engraved sperm whaleʼs tooth, dating from the third quarter of the

School:

FROM PAGE 8

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

19th century. Your scrimshaw celebrates the famous three-masted whaling ship Joseph Starbuck, destroyed by gale force winds on its second voyage, in 1842, four miles off Nantucket. I own a painting of this ship in that storm: “Battling Natureʼs Fury.” The Joseph Starbuck was a beautiful and valuable ship for that period, built of solid oak and copper-fastened.

The three-masted whaling ship Joseph Starbuck was wrecked by gale force winds on its second voyage, in 1842.

The other side of your scrimshaw features an elaborate scene of the deep-water commercial port at Bedford, Mass. Once the whaling capital of the world, today the port is the largest fishing port in the Northeast.

contingency costs for the renovation on a 102-year-old middle school. He said a typical new building replacement might budget 1% to 3% of total costs for contingencies.

“When we are talking about renovating a 102-year-old building, there will likely be elements of that building that nobody can speak to until construction and renovation begins,” said Lombardy, adding more money was built in “to address the unknowns.”

Lombardy said the lower-

Typically referring to the artwork created by sailors, scrimshaw is the art of engraving designs onto ivory, bone, walrus tusk and whale tooth. It was an artwork used to help whalers pass the time on long voyages. Life aboard a whaling ship in the 19th century included long stretches of time between whale sightings. The carving is accomplished by the use of a sail needle or small knife. The carving is then dark-

cost renovation option addresses three criteria voiced by most residents at the feedback sessions, including getting more state aid, reducing the cost, and saving George White Middle School.

He said if the bond referendum receives voter approval, construction will likely commence in fall 2025, with construction scheduled to be completed by

September 2027. The tax impacts are likely to begin in 2025, officials previously said.

Adds the referendum website, “The new plan will likely cost around $61 million. The district may not know how much state aid will contribute toward that amount until July. The plan is $20 million less than the 2023 plan. It would resolve long-stand-

MOVING? DOWNSIZING?

ened by means of black pigments, such as tobacco juice and black soot.

The detail on your piece is outstanding, both artistically and historically.

Hereʼs what the piece is worth in dollars and cents:Fortunately, as per the Marine Mammal Protection Act, scrimshaw crafted before 1989 is legal. So unlike ivory, which is prohibited for sale, older whale teeth are not prohibited to buy or sell. I estimate the value of your 19th century scrimshaw at $900.

I trust this answers all your questions. Thank you for submitting this for my appraisal.

R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

ing challenges of the middle school, meet student needs for decades, and allow for potential enrollment increases.”

Registered voters can vote in person on Sept. 17 or request a vote-by-mail ballot. Voter registration deadline for the referendum is Aug. 27. See the referendum website for voter information.

BIT:

One area newspaper lamented in 1927, “Time was, not so long ago, when long lines of men in blue turned out to march on each recurring Memorial Day, but year

by year the lines grew thinner and thinner. The distances that could be covered by the men, who were tireless in the early ʼ60s of the last century, had to be reduced. This Memorial Day, there will be few of them, and most of them will ride.”

The last remaining member of the local GAR passed away in 1934, but by that time the men of Westwoodʼs Ralph W. Lester

VFW Post had Memorial Day events well in hand. The World War I veterans who made up its membership rolls had plenty of years left to march in parades— they were mostly in their 40s.

The morning featured in these photographs began with memorial services at the grave of the late Dr. Benjamin F. Smith, a Civil War veteran, in the Westwood Cemetery. Smith, who had died in

Veterans march, and kids follow along on their bikes, as the 1941 Memorial Day parade makes the turn from Irvington Street to Kinderkamack Road in Westwood.

1931, was well-known in the community. He lived on Jefferson Avenue, where he also had a dental practice.

Volunteers from Westwoodʼs VFW and American Legion worked together to decorate the graves of veterans and change the flags of all graves and monuments. A short parade began at Broadway and went up Irvington Street, looped around on Kinderkamack Road, and came down Westwood Avenue to the park.

The procession included borough officials, police, firefighters, VFW and American Legion members

and their auxiliaries, school children, scouts, St. Andrewʼs Bugle and Drum Corps, and others.

In the park, everyone gathered around the bandstand for songs and speeches. It was an interfaith event, with an invocation by the reverend from Grace Episcopal Church and benediction by a rabbi from Temple Emanuel, which was based in Westwood at the time.

The VFW hosted its annual dinner afterward, welcoming as guests a number of active military personnel who were home on furlough.

Fishing tourney, chamber street fair return June 8 and 9

MONTVALE

Save the dates! The borough is set to kick off a fantastic summer with two events packing the second weekend of June: the return of the fishing tournament and Montvaleʼs annual street fair.

Fish with a First Responder

The boroughʼs annual fishing tournament returns as Fish with a

First Responder on June 8. Originally called the Rich Prado and Ray Woodward Fishing Tournament, Fish with a First Responder invites young residents to spend the morning fishing at Huff Park Pond, 1 Memorial Drive.

From 9 a.m. to noon, members of the Montvale Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, and Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps will welcome and fish with participants. First-timers are welcomed; fishing rods and bait will be provided.

Organizers say the mission of this event is to build trusting and meaningful relationships between young residents and first responders resulting in a safer community for all.

Montvale Chamber of Commerce 12th Annual Street Fair

The next day, June 9, the Montvale Chamber of Commerce hosts the 12th Annual Street Fair. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Paragon Drive will be lined with vendors, rides, and delicious food. With free

entry, live entertainment and more than 100 vendors, the street fair guarantees a day of fun for all ages and interests.

Merchandise such as jewelry, handbags, sports collectibles, clothing and home decor will be for sale. While parents browse the merchandise, kids can enjoy the Special Kids Traveling Shindig section featuring inflatable kiddie rides, train rides, face painting, sand art, temporary tattoos and games.

Food will be available in two food courts. The first features various food trucks. The second food

court features food from hotdogs, cheesesteaks, and fries to zeppole, Italian ice and specialty ice cream.

This yearʼs fair honors the Montvale Fire Departmentʼs 100 years of dedicated service. In addition, the fair celebrates Daveyʼs Irish Pub and Restaurantʼs 50th anniversary, which will add to the festivities and host a beer garden near the second food court.

The borough invites residents and visitors to join the fun during this eventful weekend and honor the long-standing traditions and services in the community.

Glass & Resin Art, Garden Decor, Jewelry, Apparel, Fiber, Chain Saw Animals, Photography, Folk Art, Jeweled Flatware, Ceramics, Pottery, Totes, Turned Pens, Charcuterie Boards, Birdhouses, Wood Planters, Soaps, Candles, Woodworkers & So Much More.

County kicks off summer movies, concerts in the park

Four County Parks to host free movies and concerts this summer beginning on July 10;Pascack Brook County Park to host movie series for the first time

County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of County Commissioners, and the County Parks Department announce the return of the Bergen County Movies and Music in the Park Summer Series.

The series will feature 24 events at four locations across Bergen County beginning on July 10. All concerts and movies are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for viewing.

Five of the summer concerts will be held, in partnership with the Borough of North Arlington, at The Stage at Riverside County Park–South, the countyʼs newest community performance space.

“We are thrilled to bring back the Movies and Music in the Park Summer Series, offering our community a chance to enjoy free summer entertainment in our county park system,” said Tedesco. “This year, weʼre especially excited to host our first-ever

movie nights at Pascack Brook County Park, enhancing our summer tradition with new venues and experiences.”

Commissioner Steven Tanelli said, “We are excited to welcome back movies and concerts in the park this summer, which promises to be our best yet with a diverse lineup of performances across multiple venues.”

He added, “I am especially excited about the events scheduled for the second time at Riverside County Park–South, which is hosted in collaboration with the Borough of North Arlington. The new amphitheater is the perfect place to enjoy a summer concert

and demonstrates our continued commitment to enhance our park system for the benefit of all Bergen County residents.” Movie Schedule (All movies start at sunset, approximately 8:30 p.m.)

Pascack Brook County Park –150 Emerson Road, Westwood Wednesday, July 10 – Past Lives (Rated PG-13)

Wednesday, July 17 – Air (Rated R)

Wednesday, July 24 – Mean Girls (2024) (Rated PG-13)

Van Saun County Park – 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus Friday, July 12 – Migration (Rated PG)

Friday, July 19 – Under the Boardwalk (Rated PG) Friday, July 26 – Wish (Rated PG)

Wednesday, July 31 – Barbie (Rated PG-13)

Friday, August 2 – Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)

Wednesday, August 7 – Blackberry (Rated R)

Friday, August 9 – Teenage

Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Rated PG)

Wednesday, August 14 – Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Rated PG-13)

Friday, August 16 – Elemental (Rated PG)

Wednesday, August 21 –Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

(Rated PG-13)

Friday, August 23 – Wonka (Rated PG)

Concert Schedule (All concerts start at 7 p.m.)

The Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park – 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park

Thursday, July 11 – Dr. Kʼs Motown Revue (ʼ60s Motown)

Thursday, July 18 – Classic Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute Band)

Thursday, July 25 – Mi Gente Live (Latin Jukebox)

Thursday, August 1 – Stone Flower (Rock nʼRoll Tribute Band)

Thursday, August 8 – Xtreme Queen (Queen Tribute Band)

The Stage at Riverside County Park–South – 453 River Road, North Arlington

Thursday, July 16 – SteppinʼOut (10-Piece Party Band)

Tuesday, July 23 – Country Fresh (Modern Country Music)

Tuesday, July 30 – La CaribeЦa (Tropical Latin Music)

Tuesday, August 6 – Step by Step (Johnny Maestro Tribute Band) Tuesday, August 13 – Suit & Mai Tai (Yacht and Corporate Rock) All events are weather-permitting. To keep up with the latest updates, visit co.bergen.nj.us or follow the Bergen County Parks System on social media

HILLSDALEINVITESYOU to its Memorial Day ceremony and parade on Monday, May 27. The day starts with Boy Scout Troop 109ʼs annual pancake breakfast at Trinity Episcopal Church. Emergency services then hold their individual ceremonies honoring their members who served.

The town ceremony, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, starts at 9:30 at Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park. The ceremony is led by the American Legion. Mayor Sheinfield will speak and Msgr. Peter Smutelovich of St. Johnʼs will deliver the invocation and benediction. The Pascack Valley High School Panthers Band under Craig Yaremko will provide patriotic music.

The winners of the annual poster and essay contests will be announced and two of the essays are planned to be read. The theme this year: Democracy and what it means to me

This yearʼs grand marshal is

51-year Hillsdale resident and U.S. Army vet Robert Abbadie, 94. Bob is an active member of Legion Post 162. He served in combat in Korea during the Korean War. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was a frontline radio operator for the 45th Infantry Division, 279th Combat Regiment.

The parade starts at about 10:30 on Magnolia Avenue at George White School. Along the route, youʼll see the many military honor banners honoring Hillsdale veterans. The program, sponsored by the Hillsdale Police Department, added more than 50 banners this year.

The parade will travel north and then over to Broadway, ending in Veterans Park.

DON’T MISS THIS! The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee Presents

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 • NOON-5PM DAVIES FIELD (Behind Borough Hall, 53 Park Avenue) RAIN DATE JUNE 2 Special thanks to DAVEY’S IRISH PUB CELEBRATING THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY & TD BANK And our Premier Sponsors: CAROLEE CHIRICO, KW VALLEY REALTY EMERSON ANIMAL HOSPITAL • SPINE & HEALTH HOUNDS TOWN HILLSDALE KINETIC REHAB & SPINE • MARC’S DELI & PIZZA NAYA RESTAURANT, MONTVALE • NEGLIA GROUP PARK RIDGE CHIROPRACTIC PARK RIDGE ORTHODONTICS PET SUPPLIES PLUS EL TAJIN MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Dining & Cooking Guide

Kudos to movers, shakers at convention

Merci Norwood, president and Kathy Grubb, president-elect, represented the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club at the 130th Annual Convention of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs was held recently in Atlantic City.

Attendees from the 200 clubs throughout New Jersey participated in workshops on topics such as fundraising ideas, membership retention and the impact of volunteers on our communities.

It was announced that the New Jersey Womenʼs Clubs were responsible for contributions of $274,748 in cash and in-kind donations to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation which had been the organizationʼs special project for the past two years.

It was also announced that the New Jersey Childrenʼs Alliance will be the Special State Project for the next two years.

Moreover, the achievement of clubs and their individual members were recognized. The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club and its members were honored to receive awards for work in communications and its pressbook.

Achievements of individual

Merci Norwood and Kathy Grubb represent the Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club at the convention of the New Jersey Stare Federation of Women’s Clubs.

club members featured blue ribbons for quilting by Merci Norwood and for knitting by Kathy Grubb.

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club has been a proud member of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs since 1990. The club welcomes all women who want to make a difference in their

community and in their own lives. Additional information about the Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club—and how you can become involved—is available from Geralyn Cargulia at (201) 694-4440 and GPVWC1990@gmail.com, and is available on the clubʼs Facebook page.

Knights:

FROM PAGE 4

(fruits, vegetables, stew, fish, meats, soups), peanut butter, pudding, Jell-O, jelly, pasta products, rice, baby food, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, and pancake mix. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo are also greatly appreciated, as these cannot be purchased with food stamps.

For those unable to donate items, monetary contributions are welcome and can be sent to the K of C Food Drive at 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Donations can also be dropped off at this address.

For more information, call

PARK RIDGE

Grand Knight Matt DʼElia at (201) 775-4344.

The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney, has grown from a small fraternal benefit society to one of the worldʼs leading international charitable organizations, boasting 2 million members across more than 16,000 local councils.

Last year, Knights worldwide donated over 48 million service hours and $154 million to various causes. Mother Seton Council itself contributed $52,500 to charities and awarded $4,000 in scholarships in 2023.

Applications for membership are open to qualified individuals interested in joining this esteemed organization. For more details, call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com

Dive into Rec’s preschool multisport class

Unleash your little oneʼs inner athlete with Park Ridge Recreationʼs TGA preschool multi-sport class.

“Your child will develop coordination, teamwork, and basic motor skills, all while making new friends and having a blast. Certified TGA nurturing coaches provide a safe and encouraging environment where even the tiniest athletes can shine. Watch your childʼs confidence blossom as they discover their love for movement and play.”

Flyer and registration info is on parkridgerecreation.com. You can also register at bergencounty.playtga.com/prprekw24. For more information call Park Ridge Recreation at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521.

JUNE 24-AUGUST 23 (NO CAMP WEEK OF JULY 4TH) AGES 4-10 9:00AM-12:00PM $300/WK

r reesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

SUMMER CAMP

DEMAREST

AHA athletes, dancers sign with college teams

Varsity basketball ace Samantha Serrano, Bergen Count y Rowing Academy standout Trinity Savage, and world class d ance champions Karis Cho, Alexandra Nicholas, and Gianna Pasquale just told the Academy of the Holy Angels where they will be playing/dancing during their college years.

At their high-energy May 9 signing ceremony, Varsity Dance Co-Captain Karis Cho signed with Penn State, Alexandra

Nicholas signed with Georgia Tech, Gianna Pasquale and Trinity Savage signed with Sacred Heart, and Sam Serrano signed with Florida Southwestern.

Savage said her biggest accomplishment as a crew team member was securing a Division 1 offer after only participating in her sport for a few months. Just a few days before her signing, she received second place honors at the Philadelphia Rowing Association's City Championship.

Serrano made AHAʼs record books on Jan. 2, when she scored her 1,000th career point. She was subsequently named First Team All-County, and was invited to play in the Bergen/Passaic All Star Game on March 23. She also played in the North/South Senior Game at Rutgers Prep.

Athletic Director Jessica Hogan and Head Dance Coach Jenny Sweet organized the wellattended signing, which drew coaches, faculty, staff, and plenty

of friends.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the

S amantha Serrano a nd Basketball Coach Susan Liddy celebrate on Signing Day. Sam will playbasketball for Florida Southwestern.

Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County.

While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestig ious school serves young women from many cultural and r eligious backgrounds. AHAʼs current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: ‘Milk does not do your body good…’

My interest in health started when I was 13. I was a very sick child. I had bad acne, low energy, and worst of all, I was overweight. Actually, the pediatrician said I was clinically obese according to the World Health Organization. In addition, every waking morning I started my day coughing up thick phlegm from my chronic bronchitis partly due to the fact that I had

a horrible diet and was also exposed to second hand cigarette smoke. I had terrible “brain fog” which affected my academic and sports performance due to lack of focus, organization, planning, and motivation.

When I asked the doctor what I should do, his advice was to take antibiotics and steroids. Because I was born in the 1970s and grew up in the 1980s, I never really saw anybody question the doctor, so of course, I decided to take the medications that he recommended. However, I quickly realized that the medications made me super sick. I was constantly nauseous

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and dizzy. These harmful pharmaceuticals made me vomit five to 10 times a day. Because I was embarrassed about always throwing up, I stopped going outside to play with my friends. I became depressed and I felt hopeless. I thought that because I did what the doctor said and felt even worse, then I might have to live like this for the rest of my life.

I was desperate to find a solution. Luckily, I didnʼt even have to leave my own house to find the solution. My father, Dr. Larry Kaplan, changed my life forever

by introducing me to the Natural Hygiene Society. After I showed a deep interest in health and wellbeing, he and my mom began paying for all my health seminars and education; buying me all the health books I could ever imagine, purchasing very healthy food for me to eat, and leading me in the right direction.

You do not need milk to make your bones strong and prevent fractures. Do not listen to those celebrities with their milk mustaches. Milk does not do your body good. To keep your bones strong and healthy, you need movement, sunlight, weight resistance exercises, green leafy vegetables, and high levels of vitamin D.

If you have been enjoying my weekly articles, you should also listen to my radio show BOOST YOUR BRAINPOWER every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 970 AM radio and at 2 p.m. on 710 AM radio. You can also hear it on I Heart Radio, Spotify, as well as the radio stations website and phone apps.

Please like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel “Kaplan Brain and Body,” as well as our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok which are all under the name Kaplan Brain and Body.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about boosting your brainpower without drugs, surgery, injections, supplements, or herbs, please purchase my book, “Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory & Focus.” What better gift to give yourself than the gift of health! You can buy it on Amazon or I can even sign your

book if you buy it at our offices in Emerson, NJ or NYC.

You can receive a special and important neurological evaluation to determine why you have problems with your brain such as mood, energy, memory, focus, sleep, digestion, anger, pain, inflammation, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, balance, posture, anxiety, depression, and many other brain problems. This test is non-invasive and is called a qEEG brain mapping. It usually costs $500, but as our gift to you, you can get the entire brain map for only $21.

However, you must be one of the first seven people that email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or text/call (646) 221-6738 to reserve your spot. Check out our website kaplandc.com to learn more about how to function better, feel better, live better.

Lastly, I will be running a live Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series that begins May 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in River Edge. This first seminar is about the holistic and natural ways to reduce inflammation, help with food absorption, improve digestion, and maximize brain nutrition.

Each seminar, which covers different topics such as mastering nutrition, natural reducing inflammation, learning functional brain exercises, and the Boost Your Brain Power Bootcamp, is $200 each, but if you call or text (646) 221-6738 before May 27, you can go to all the live events, or participate on Zoom, or you can even get all the recordings for a total of $97 (only $32 a module).

Itʼs a no brainer! Hope to see you there.

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Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

WFD Ladies Auxiliary extends respects

L adies Auxiliary of the Westwood Fire Department extends its heartfelt gratitude and respect to the following deceased members, acknowledging their dedicated service and commitment to the community:

Clara Bieth

Mable Mann, 1931

Jennie Gildersleeve, 1935

Florence Kuhn, 1938

Margaret Tuers, 1940

Margaret Blauvelt, 1950

Hazel Housman, 1951

Anna Hagan, 1953

Mary Lillienfeld, 1955

Pearl Allison, 1957

Olga Ludwig, 1957

Mable Vervenne Burke, 1961

Maybelle Fisher, 1966

Marion Secore, 1966

Ethel Volz, 1967

Mary Jane Scharer, 1969

Florence Knowles, 1971

Eva Gilbert, 1973

Christina McInerney Baker, 1974

Theresa Hooper, 1976

Viola Adams, 1977

Mildred Jefferies, 1977

Louise Bohlin, 1980

Mildred Humphrey, 1980

Loretta Kemmlein, 1980

Mary Cannisario, 1981

Lillian Bruns, 1981

Ella Reinhard, 1981

Grace Augsbach, 1981

Jenny Lich Sadie Mann, 1983

Ann Keller, 1985

Lil Sternberg, 1985

Alice Westphal, 1985

Grace Fournier, 1986

Ann Isleib, 1986

Pearl Meisten, 1989

Grace Blauvelt, 1990

Ellen Cole, 1991

Marie Keller, 1993

Ronnie Loennecker, 1993

Eleanor Macker, 1994

Ellie Baehr, 1999

Eleanor Faatz, 1999

Dot Housman, 1999

Helen Butterfield, 2004

Annette Hagan, 2008

Rose White, 2014

Geralyn Voorhis, 2019

Kay Hodges, 2019

Dorothy Voorhis, 2020

Grace Schumeyer-Stringer, 2020

Peggy Mawdsley, 2021

Doris Smith, 2022

Susan DuBeck, 2022

PASCACK VALLEY

Jean Galano, 2023 T heir contributions have been invaluable, and their legacy continues to inspire future gener-

ations. The Ladies Auxiliary is proud to honor these women and their unwavering dedication to the Westwood Fire Department.

Ask the Dentist: Seven reasons to get dental implants

Dental

Implants have been vastly improved during the past few d ecades. Implants have become the standard of care for tooth replacement and are now not only more widely available than in the past but also often considered a covered benefit by many dental insurance plans.

Here are 7 reasons to consider getting a dental implant: Esthetics

Loss of a front tooth is an obvious esthetic issue, but the loss of a back tooth can also become a problem because the loss of one or more back teeth can lead to an appearance of facial collapse.

Back tooth loss can cause a personʼs bite to over close causing the chin and nose to appear to come together during closure resulting in a premature aging appearance. When a person has less than a full complement of teeth to chew on, the remaining teeth tend to wear down more rapidly, which also may lead to a progressive collapsing of the bite.

Function

Most people do not understand the complexity of the masticatory or chewing system. People do not just bite up and down but in a complex, well-choreographed sequence of motions that allow efficient chewing, while also acting to protect the teeth.

Chewing occurs in an arclike manner with the muscles, jaws, and teeth functioning in harmony with one another. When just one tooth is lost, the system does not function with peak efficiency and chewing movements must be altered in order to maintain efficiency.

Think about a complex mechanical watch with one or two gears missing. It may function, but problems will eventually occur if all its parts are not present.

Prevention of bone loss

Realize it or not, bone is a

living organ in our body, and it requires some stress for stimulation in order to maintain a strong healthy state. If the bone is taken out of function it will atrophy or shrink.

Our teeth act to stimulate our jawbones as we eat and chew. When we lose a tooth or teeth, the stimulation of the bone in the edentulous area no longer gets stimulation, and bone and volume density is lost.

Replacement of a tooth with an implant will act to stimulate the bone much the same way as the original tooth and therefore preserve the bone in the area.

Prevention of Tooth Shifting

Many people are aware that when a tooth is lost, teeth in the surrounding area begin to shift because the stability of the dental arch is lost. This phenomenon can be most pronounced when a back tooth is lost. Teeth behind a lost tooth will drift forward and teeth above or below will move down or up into the newly created space.

This shifting can ultimately affect the front teeth as the instability and shifting affect the bite and the changing positions of teeth eventually can cause front teeth to look overlapped or protruded. As teeth move into improper positions, they tend to also wear unevenly.

Prevention of Fracture and additional tooth loss

When people lose a back tooth on one side as an example, they tend to avoid that side during chewing and use the opposite side. By chewing on one side, people have a very high risk of breaking teeth or dental restorations on the side that they are heavily chewing on.

Dentists often see a cascading effect in their patients where once one tooth is lost, others will follow Another reason for accelerated damage to back teeth following tooth loss is that heavy chewing forces are being distributed to fewer teeth.

Think of driving your car on three tires or removing some of the main beams from your house. Forces placed on back teeth can easily exceed a hundred pounds

per square inch during function, which is greatly increased in people with missing back teeth. These overtaxed teeth are often prone to fracture and or nerve problems, necessitating root canal treatment or extractions. The whole process can become a vicious cycle over time as more and more strain is placed on fewer remaining teeth.

Prevention of Jaw Pain/ TMJ Problems

We have discussed the complexity of the masticatory system which is made up of the jaws, muscles, teeth, and the brain along with peripheral nerves supplying neurological input.

As mentioned, when this system is out of balance, we may adapt or if that adaptation is not sufficient, we will often have problems. These problems may range from jaw muscle and joint pain to headaches and in rare cases, devastating debilitation.

In our practice, we have often solved long-term painful jaw and tooth complaints by replacing a missing tooth or teeth and/or adjusting a poor bite often caused by tooth loss.

Implants are not susceptible to decay Tooth decay is and always has been a common disease and the dietary trends of today only act to increase the susceptibility of teeth to decay So many of the foods and drinks that are consumed by people of all ages will act to break down the protective enamel layer of teeth.

Implants are made of titanium and are therefore immune to tooth decay. Implants are not immune to gum disease, however, so they do require maintenance, at home as well as with the dental hygienist.

For all of the reasons mentioned, overall it is often a good idea to explore the possibility of getting a dental implant or implants.

If you have further questions regarding the feasibility of dental implants, or questions about this and other dental procedures contact Dr.Guller at askdrguller@aol.com or call (201) 391-5565.

Westwood Health and Wellness Festival June 1

As summer kicks off, Westwood gears up to host its first Annual Health and Wellness Festival on June 1 at Veterans Memorial Park. From noon to 3 p.m., the park trans-

HILLSDALE

forms into an educational and engaging hub, welcoming attendees of all ages to explore a diverse range of health and wellness resources.

The festival promises an array of activities and informative sessions, with approximately 30 community providers on hand to share insights, services, and demonstra-

Stonybrook Pool registration

Registration for the Stonybrook Pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Enjoy a season of swimming and relaxation at our premier pool facility.

• Online registration: Visit

https://registercommunitypass.net/hill sdale to register online. We accept checks and credit cards (with a 3% fee).

• Drop-off Location: Due to construction at Borough Hall,

use the drop-off box in the Borough Hall parking lot for any registration materials. For more information contact Patty Hughes at (201) 497-1560 or phughes@hillsdalenj.org

tions. Highlighting the event are four distinguished speakers scheduled throughout the afternoon:

• At 12:30 p.m., Teen and Young Adult Psychotherapist Conner Wills will delve into the vital topic of “Proactively Preventing Anxiety in Our Kids”.

•Elizabeth Badaczewski, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Pascack Valley Medical Center, provides valuable insights into “General Nutrition Guidance” at 1.

•Dr. Karen Latimer, a renowned Wellness and Parenting Coach, empowers attendees to “Take Control of Your Happiness” at 1:45.

• The American Red Cross caps the series with an interactive demonstration of “Hands-Only CPR” at 2:15, a life-saving skill for all to learn.

Excitement continues with exclusive perks for the first 100 attendees, who will receive coveted

swag bags filled with goodies generously donated by local Westwood merchants. Everyone present can participate in free hourly raffle drawings for additional prizes.

Engaging activities await around every corner, including a painting clinic, therapy dog meetand-greet, and the chance to discover pickleball—a rapidly growing sport in America. For those with a passion for cycling, there will be a bicycle display along with essential information on safety and maintenance.

Organized by the Health Department and Senior Services Advisory Committee, this festival promises to be an inclusive event for the whole community, rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, festivities will move indoors to the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave.

For more information visit westwoodnj.gov

Club News! Let us promote your organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

Enter Eventbrite Discount Code: PASCACK for $5 OFF TICKET

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-music-festival-2024-tickets-872551754787?aff=oddtdtcreator

Falcons:

FROM PAGE 1

innings, striking out six batters and did not allow one base runner.

In their second game of the tournament, Township defeated rival Emerson, 16-4, behind a stellar game at the plate by infielders Stella Cusato and Nora Yaremko, who had two and four RBI respectively. Infielder Charlotte Macer had two big hits in the tilt, and a hard double by Myla Ercolino broke the game open in the second inning.

Pitchers Jordana Nabhani and Myla Ercolino combined to strike out nine Emerson batters in the win.

In the tourney final, infielders Faith Egbert, Daniela DeFina, Stella Cusato, and Shyla Shah provided clutch hitting and base running to break a 3-3 tie in the fourth inning.

The hard-hitting girls gave the Falcons the offense they needed to get by a tough Park Ridge team. Faith Egbert and Jordana Nabhani each had two RBI in the game. Nabhani started the game for Washington Township, and struck out eight batters over three scoreless innings to notch the win. Myla Ercolino pitched two scoreless innings in the battle for the trophy, striking out three.

Washington Township returns to league play for the remainder of the spring season. All three of Townshipʼs third- and fourth-grade recreation teams have secured spots in the Kinderkamack Softball Leagueʼs playoffs based on stellar play this Spring Season, and all three teams are 1, 2, and 3 in their division at the time of writing.

Coach Ray Nabhani told Pascack Press on May 21 that the townshipʼs strong rec culture went a long way to getting these girls where they are today and where theyʼre going next.

He said, “A lot of these girls train year-round and some of them play club, but a majority of the girls work out together once the fall ball season ends in November right until spring season starts in late March. These girls are working out. They take it very seriously and weʼre one of the better programs every year for a reason.”

Nabhani credited “teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication of the parents and coaches across the board that has township competing year after year and season after season.”

After the Falcons picked clean their tournament competition from Montvale and Emerson, they had to step it up against No. 2 seed Park Ridge, said Nabhani. “It was a hot day and theyʼre playing a much better opponent. The girls had to dig deep and our pitchers — our starting pitcher,

Jordana Nabhani, and our No. 2 pitcher, Myla Ercolino —did not allow any runs in the game. Jordana pitched three innings, three shutout innings with eight strikeouts; Myla pitched two shutout innings, which proved to be the difference. They just couldnʼt catch up with our pitching,” said Nabhani.

Looking ahead, Nabhani said the rec program is a solid start for success-minded studentathletes. “A lot of the girls stay in recreation; they stay in town, play travel. Some of the girls do play various club programs in the area. But the majority stay in town and

play travel and really play three full seasons of softball—spring, summer, and fall—and their dedication to improving, and softball, is just such a big deal in Washington Township.”

He said, “Gardner Field is our home field but you come out to any field from March through November thereʼs a softball game going on. We take it seriously in town, and Falcon Friday is a big thing.”

Kinderkamack softball games are scheduled for six innings. An official game is four innings (three and a half if the home team is winning). No new inning will begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes of play

All players on the roster will bat and 10 play on the field.

The 10th player in the field

must be 10 feet behind second base as a starting point and can move in on the release of the pitch.

For more information visit kinderkamacksoftball.com

Roster

SS/P Jordana Nabhani (4)

1B Shyla Shah (4)

3B/OF Nora Yaremko (4)

SS/OF Faith Egbert (4)

3B/OF Stella Cusato (4)

C Tessa LoRusso (4)

P/2B Myla Ercolino (4)

2B Charlie Macer (4)

Coaches

Sean Macer

Linda LoRusso

Ray Nabhani

Dana Egbert

Andrea McNamara

THE SAVVY SENIOR: Long-term care benefits for vet, surviving spouses

Dear Savvy Senior,

I understand that the Veterans Administration has a benefit that can help veterans and spouses with long-term care costs. We recently had to move my elderly father into an assisted living memory care facility, and my mother will probably need care too in the near future. What can you tell me?

—Searching for Aid

Dear Searching,

The Veterans Administration (VA) does indeed have an underutilized benefit that can help wartime veterans and their surviving spouses pay for a variety of long-term care costs.

WESTWOOD

Seniors’ luncheon

June 11

The Westwood Senior Fellowshipʼs annual luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 11 at Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. The cost is $25 per person.

This benefit, Aid and Attendance, is a special pension paid on top of existing VA pensions for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. In 2024, it pays a maximum of $2,727 a month to married veterans; $2,300 a month to single veterans; or $1,478 a month to a surviving spouse. The money is tax free, and can be used to pay for assisted living, memory care, nursing home or inhome care services.

Currently, around 156,000 veterans and survivors are receiving the Aid and Attendance benefit, but many thousands more are eligible who either donʼt know about it or donʼt think they qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, your dad must have served at least 90 days of active military service with at least one day of service during a period of war, and not have been discharged dishonorably Single surviving spouses of wartime vets are eligible if their marriage ended due to death.

In addition, your dad will also have to meet certain thresholds for medical and financial need to be eligible.

To qualify medically he must be either disabled, or over the age of 65 and need help performing basic everyday living tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing or going to the bathroom. Being blind or in a nursing home due to disability or receiving Social Security Disability or SSI also qualifies him. Single surviving

spouses have no age restrictions, but they must require help with basic everyday living tasks to be eligible.

To qualify financially your parentsʼnet worth, which includes assets and annual income combined, must be below $155,356 in 2024.

To calculate this, add up your parentʼs assets, which includes their personal property (like investments, real estate, etc.) excluding their primary home and vehicles. And tally up their income over the past year (including Social Security, pensions, interest income from investments, annuities, etc.), minus any out-ofpocket medical expenses, prescription drugs, insurance premiums and long-term care costs over that same period of time.

The VA also has a three-year lookback to determine if your parents transferred any assets to ensure

they would qualify for benefits. If so, they may be subject to a penalty period of up to five years.

How to Apply

To apply for Aid and Attendance, youʼll need to fill out VA Form 21-2680 and mail it to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your dadʼs state. Youʼll need to have your dadʼs doctor fill out the examination information section. Or you can also apply in person at a VA regional office near your parents.

For more information or to download application forms see VA.gov/pension/aid-attendancehousebound. You can also call the VA at 800–827–1000 if you have questions.

Need help? You can appoint a Veteran Service Officer (VSO), a VA-accredited attorney or claims

agent to represent your dad. See VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/ind ex.asp to locate someone.

If your dad is eligible, it can take months for his application to be processed—so be patient. You should also know that if your dadʼs Aid and Attendance application is approved, the VA will send a lump sum retroactive payment covering the time from the day you filed the application until the day it was approved. Then your dad receives monthly payments going forward.

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

Fourth Annual Arts in the Park WESTWOOD

Celebrate Westwoodʼs ArtsHub hosts photographers, illustrators, painters, crafters and other creatives from the Pascack Valley at the free 4th Annual Arts in the Park on Saturday, June 8, noon–4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, Broadway and 3rd Avenue.

New for this year, attendees can create their own art with Yellow Door Art Studio, Westwood Girl Scouts, and Mary Brennan, as

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well as the ArtsHub committee, who will be creating an oversized recycled materials weaving project on a giant loom. Children are welcome to create sidewalk chalk art throughout the event. Artists participating include photographers Kyle Lagatol and MAC, painters Jackie Kruk, Gail G. Slockett, Joey Drew, Celia Gollub, Garry Breithaupt, Shantala Kaikini, Anna DeLuca and Stef and Matt Joens; sketch artists/illustrators Caithy Liao, Cassia Walko, Greta Gashlet, Lana Stovbun and Thomas Connell ; Artisans Mary Ellen Handy, Artistically Ashley, Re-Souled Treasures, Vyoma Essentials, Abby Shapiro and Nevine Sharif.

Musicians bringing their talents to the historic bandstand include the Westwood Community Band at noon, Jazz Jane at 1 p.m., Nick DiBari Acoustic at 2, and The Kyle Towey Band at 3.

RETIREMENT PLANS CAN BE SIMPLE

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only.

If you own a small business (or are selfemployed), there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your employees plan your financial future. One popular option for organizations such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to consider is the SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match

Plan for Employees) Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Unlike some retirement plans, there are specific criteria a business must meet to participate in a SIMPLE IRA plan. Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about this type of retirement plan:

Can any business establish a SIMPLE IRA plan?

Self-employed individuals and employers with fewer than 100 employees may adopt a SIMPLE plan. However, the business must not maintain any other employer-sponsored retirement plan where contri-

butions are made or accrued during the calendar year in which the SIMPLE plan is effective. (This does not apply to plans that cover only union employees who are excluded from the SIMPLE plan.)

What is the deadline for establishing such a plan in order for it to qualify for the 2019 tax year?

The IRS deadline for establishing SIMPLE IRA plans for the current year is Oct. 1. Afterward, plans can only be established for the next tax year. An exception to Oct. 1 exists if the business is a newly established company and has never

Lacrosse machine

Left to right, back to front: Coach Chris Pinto, Logan Weaver, Peter Panagiotou, Will Weaver, Johan Van Veen, Niko Pinto, Lucas Haag, Liam de la Rosa, CJ Pinto, Tyler Cassero, Coach Larry Pinto, and Coach Matt de la Rosa; (kneeling): Anthony Costa, Mason Lederman, Harry Barron, James Courtney, Cole Sutton, Chris Beshara, Anthony Marcazo, Jordan Schwartz, Joey DeSantisAmin, and Sean Branchini. Not pictured: Coach James Haag, Alex Cohen, and Will Holmberg.

FOLLOWING ASUCCESSFUL 2023 season, the sixth grade Pascack Lacrosse boys team did not disappoint in their 2024 campaign, posting a 18-2-1 record and outscoring opponents, 182-46.

The attack was led by Lucas Haag, Anthony Marcazo, and Johan Van Veen as they cut to the crease and rang up goals on the opponent. The mid-

dies took charge with Anthony Costa, Niko Pinto, Joey DeSantis-Amin, Mason Lederman, Jordan Schwartz, and Logan Weaver, who won the majority of face-offs through out the season.

The middle group hustled up and down the field to control the tempo all season.

The defense was anchored by goalie CJ Pinto, with Liam de la Rosa and Will Weaver playing tough D in front.

sponsored a SIMPLE IRA plan. Which employees are eligible to participate in this type of plan?

An eligible employee is one who has received at least $5,000 in compensation from the employer during any two prior calendar years (does not need to be consecutive years) and who is reasonably expected to receive at least $5,000 compensation during the current year.

In the planʼs initial agreement, the employer is able to reduce the amount of compensation and the number of years required. However, there is no required participation for this plan – eligible employees can choose whether or not they want to participate and contribute.

How much can employees contribute to the plan through salary deferral?

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

What are the maximum employer contribution limits for a SIMPLE IRA?

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

All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision.

When must contributions be deposited?

Employee deferrals should be deposited as soon as administratively feasible, but no later than 30 days following the last day of the month in which the amounts would otherwise have been payable to the employee.

These rules also apply to selfemployed individuals. The employer contributions deadline is the due date of the employerʼs tax return, including extensions.

Can there be a vesting scheduled with a SIMPLE IRA?

There is no vesting schedule with this type of plan – both employer and employee are immediately 100% vested.

How are withdrawals from SIMPLE IRAs taxed?

Withdrawals from this type of account are taxed as ordinary income. However, if a participant is younger than age 59? and makes a

withdrawal within the first two years of plan participation, he or she will owe a 25% IRS penalty and ordinary income taxes on the amount withdrawn.

After the initial two years of plan participation, the 25% IRS penalty is reduced to 10% for pre 59? withdrawals. Exceptions to the 10% penalty on traditional IRAs are also exceptions to the 25% penalty for SIMPLE IRAs. Direct transfers to another SIMPLE IRA will not be subject to this penalty. Can the assets in a SIMPLE IRA be rolled over?

Participants are able to roll over funds from one SIMPLE plan to another at any time. After two years of participation, employees may roll assets to a traditional or SEP IRA without tax penalties.

As with any investment alternative, you should check with your Financial Advisor to evaluate the best option for your financial situation.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences. Please keep in mind that transferring or rolling over assets to an IRA is just one of multiple options for your retirement plan. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, including investment options and fees and expenses, which should be understood and carefully considered.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax or legal consequences.

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDICINSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE

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

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2024 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

The Park Ridge Junior Police Academy is gearing up for an exciting session this summer, and applications are now open! Scheduled to run from June 24–28, this yearʼs academy welcomes all Park Ridge students entering 7th and 8th grades in September.

To kick things off, an orientation will be held on June 21, offering students and parents the chance to learn more about the programʼs objectives and activities. Interested applicants can secure their spot by completing the application form, available through their respective schoolʼs main office.

For those with inquiries, DSgt. Gerald Powers and PO

Lange are standing by via email at gpowers@parkridgepolice.com and mlange@parkridgepolice.com

respectively. The application process is conveniently accessible at parkridgepolice.com/news/juniorpolice-academy-2024-applications

According to Lt. James Babcock, what makes this opportunity even more special is the unwavering support of local businesses and the community, enabling the program to run at no cost to students or families.

Gratitude is extended to the Park Steakhouse and the Park Ridge Elks, the Park Ridge Junior Police Academyʼs longest tenured supporters!

Spaces are limited, so act now to secure a spot in this yearʼs Park Ridge Junior Police Academy.

WESTWOOD

Summer Program Guide, Playground Program out now

As summer approaches, Westwood residents and neighbors in the Pascack Valley area are gearing up for an exciting lineup of recreational activities and programs offered by Westwood Recreation.

T he eagerly awaited 2 024 S ummer Program Guide and Summer Playground Program handbook are now available for viewing at w estwoodnj.gov/recreation. Registration for residents begins promptly on Wednesday, May 1, with non-resident registration opening on Monday, May 6 (additional fees apply, subject to availability).

Letters: REAL ESTATE

Mayor on a pending tax revaluation

To the editor:

AHANDFULOFRESIDENTS have asked the question of when River Vale would have a revaluation. We have recently been advised by the Bergen County tax board that River Vale, having a

TOWNSHIP

OF WASHINGTON

2024 average assessment–sales ratio of about 86%, does not yet meet all the criteria to be granted the required approval by the New Jersey Division of Taxation to begin a revaluation during 2025. We anticipate meeting the criteria for a future revaluation soon.

A revaluation takes time to prepare and is costly to taxpayers to conduct. We want to make sure that we get the best value from the process for the most residents. This timing will be beneficial as much of the new construction here should be complete to get the most accurate valuations for the longest time to come.

Key highlights of the Summer Program include:

• Summer Playground Program (day camp) for children aged 4 through 8th grade, running from June 24 to Aug. 2.

•Soccer Squirts, Tennis clinics, Adult Yoga, Zumba, Pickleball, and Ultimate Frisbee Clinic

Residents need to be aware that typically, revaluation results i n approximately one third of homes staying in the same “percentile of taxation,” while one third will go up and one third will go down.

I would like our residents to be confident that we are working to the best of our ability with the New Jersey property tax system to equitably receive and utilize our residentsʼtax dollars. We realize this is essential to most efficiently and effectively provide the services to run River Vale in the manner that most residents appreciate and have come to expect.

Mayor Mark Bromberg River Vale

Student raises more funds for New Hope

Carmella Madlinger, a junior at Immaculate Heart Academy, once again demonstrated her commitment to community service by hosting a successful fundraiser for the New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center on Sunday, May 19. Her family says the event brought in substantial donations to support young mothers and their children in the Westwood area.

During the fundraiser, the following contributions were made:

•$500 in checks

•$1,000 worth of diapers

•$300 worth of wipes

•$3,000 in various baby items, including food, clothes, bottles, and bath products.

for various age groups and interests.

• Specialized camps in August, featuring TGA Tennis & Golf, USA Sports Multi-sports, Theatre, and LEGO camps.

•Save the date for Westwood Recreationʼs Summer Concert Series (8 p.m.) starting on June 13 with Danny Vʼs 52nd Street Band, a Billy Joel tribute. The series continues with Tequila Rose (country) on June 20, RIFF (90s cover band) on June 27, Hereʼs Elton (Elton John tribute) on July 3, Soul Groove (R&B) on July 11, Reminisce (oldies) on July 11, and Tramps Like Us (Springsteen tribute) on July 25.

•The Movies in the Park program will run on Thursdays in August and will feature “The Adventures of TinTin,” “Million Dollar Arm,” “School of Rock,” and “Tomorrowland.”

Follow @westwoodnjrec on Facebook and Instagram for more information about the concerts and films all summer long To view special event flyers go to w estwoodnj.gov/348/SpecialEvents.

•Visit westwoodnj.gov/recreation to explore the full program guide and prepare for registration. Physical copies of the guide are available at the Westwood Community Center, at 55 Jefferson Ave.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. on May 1 for residents and May 6 for non-residents. Register via Community Pass (register.communitypass.net/westwood) or in person at the Westwood Community Center.

For more information contact Recreation Director Gary Buchheister at (201) 664-7882 or recreation@westwoodnj.gov

Carmella Madlinger organized a fundraiser for the New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center on Sunday, May 19. Courtesy photo.

Mom MiMi Madlinger tells Pascack Press that besides organizing this event, Carmella manages an Amazon Wish List, which continues to receive thousands of dollars in donations for essential baby supplies such as playpens, strollers, car seats, booster seats, diapers, and clothing. Her efforts include volunteering at the New Hope office and assisting young mothers directly.

Carmellaʼs contributions

FOR ‘WEEKEND

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, N.J. on June 4 for “Weekend Comedy,” a play by Jeanne and Sam Bobrick. Sam wrote for “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Bewitched,” “The Flint-

extend beyond fundraising and daily volunteering: MiMi says she is slated to assist at the New Hope end-of-year gala, further exemplifying her leadership and passion for the cause.

for desserts! Lunch menu includes chicken Francese, Parmesan crusted cod, fried jumbo shrimp, roasted veggie kabobs (gluten free), Yankee pot roast (gluten free), and lasagna roullette.

The bus leaves Stonybrook Swim Club at 9:30 a.m. Hillsdale 50+ Club members $80, others $85. For more information contact Evelyn at (201) 666-7675 or epachner157@gmail.com.

Hillsdale:

FROM PAGE 1

were not “ideal,” the engineering firm could still acquire the stream data necessary by both drone overflights and Boswell employees walking the streams to take photographs, identify problems, and map the streamʼs conditions through the borough.

He did not specify a state date for the study. Ghassali said the funds would come from a local stormwater management fund, part of the municipal budget. He said he heard that it takes several months for a final drone study report to be completed following field work.

When itʼs completed, Ghassali said the Hillsdale stream data will be combined with stream data from the other three towns as part of a study undertaken by a Stevens Institute of Technology professor who is studying the interaction of rainfall patterns, reservoir levels and flooding.

He said the pressure was on to get Hillsdaleʼs stream data because the Stevens professor needed to submit a data report including the four towns by this summer.

BERGEN COUNTY

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Last summer, the council discussed doing a drone study of Pascack Brook. However, due to estimated costs that were much higher, they postponed a decision.

Mayor Michael Sheinfield told councilor Justin Fox that the Stevensʼstudy was being done so that the four towns might get future state or federal funding for regional flood control measures.

Ghassali noted that State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-39) obtained $200,000 in state funding to undertake the Stevens Institute of Technology study, which was announced with much fanfare last August at a special Westwood meeting.

So far, the recent drone studies in Westwood and River Vale have not been publicly released. It was not immediately clear when results would be available.

The Township of Washington

drone study, released in April 2023 after a Pascack Press public records request, detailed eight sections of the Musquapsink Brook as it traversed the township. The study identified 45 downed trees, 33 sediment shoals, and 14 areas with eroded stream banks.

Moreover, the report identified at least two “critical sanitary issues” where the brook either runs near or around an exposed sanitary sewer manhole structure, or sewer line, that could potentially expose human and household wastes to the stream or allow stream flow to enter a sanitary sewer line, notes the report.

Local ladies of British heritage host donation drive for homeless women

The Bergen County-based Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S. recently held a donation drive to benefit a local chapter of the national non-profit I Support the Girls.”

Chapter members led a drive for undergarments, socks and feminine products that ultimately benefitted the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. Items were distributed at their Motherʼs Day event.

More than 5,000 feminine products and more than 400 undergarments were collected in this first time effort by the ladies.

Chartered in 2023, the Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Chapter hosts meetings in the evenings, and virtually. Founded in 1920, the DBE is an American society of women who share British & Commonwealth of Nations heritage, care for seniors, & support local charities.

OIutings and celebrations are hosted throughout the year to foster friendships. Call 201-2644622 for membership information.

At a late April Township Council meeting, officials said Boswell Engineering estimated that repairing the stream banks near the two sanitary sewer manholes could cost nearly $700,000, including $60,000 for Boswell engineering fees.

In April 2023, Pascack Press reported on the townshipʼs study in “Drone study highlights brook obstructions, recommends ways to improve flow, stem flooding.” The township drone study, dated February 2023, can be found on the townʼs website. Articles related to the township drone study can be found at PascackPress.com.

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Clerk Hogan welcomes new citizens at annual Law Day

The Bergen Vicinage's annual Law Day program, themed “Voices of Democracy,” took place on the steps of the Bergen County Justice Center on May 21.

The event was marked by the welcoming of 22 new U.S. citizens from a diverse array of countries, including Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Iraq, Japan, Pakistan, P hilippines, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Superior Court Judge Gregg A. Padovano, chair of the Law Day Committee, commenced the program with opening remarks. Following this, Assignment Judge Carol Novey-Catuogno administered the oath of citizens hip to the new Americans, emphasizing the importance of their new responsibilities and

opportunities.

Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan addressed the new citizens, highlighting the importance of voter registration and partici-

pation in the democratic process. Reflecting on his own familyʼs immigrant history, Clerk Hogan shared the story of his grandparents, Simon and Frances (Mar-

ciano) Iannaccone, who immigrated from Avellino and Naples, Italy, and embodied the “American Dream.”

Hogan also paid tribute to

ONLY2 HOMESLEFT

his Deputy County Clerk, Steve Ching. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ching moved to the United States at 14 and became a citizen at 22. He holds the distinction of being the first and only Deputy County Clerk of Asian descent in both Bergen County and the state of New Jersey. Hogan praised Chingʼs achievements and reiterated the sentiment that “we are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants.”

Township’s Memorial Day activities

The townshipʼs annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade commences at the corner of Washington and Clinton Avenues and proceeds along Pascack Road, culminating at the Washington Memorial Monument in front of Town Hall.

This event honors the sacrifices of our veterans and fallen heroes, with local groups, organizations, and residents coming together to pay tribute. The Memorial Service will take place at the conclusion of the parade.

In conjunction with the parade, young residents are invited to participate in the Bike Decorating Contest. Children in 5th grade and younger can show off their decorated bicycles, trikes, wagons, or strollers in patriotic themes. Registration for the contest is 9–9:30 a.m. at the corner of Clinton and Jefferson avenues on the day of the parade.

Parents are required to accompany their children along the parade route, and helmets are mandatory for all participants. This is not a school-sponsored event.

For more information on this offering write the Public Affairs Office at publicaffairs@townshipofwashington.us

The Friends of the River Vale Library are holding a trivia night fundraiser on June 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the River Vale Country Club There will be hot and cold hors dʼoeuvres, and raffle baskets. All proceeds will support the libraryʼs popular museum program.

Pascack Valley Men aged 21 and up are invited to join Westwood Recreationʼs Open Gym Basketball January–June Program at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The Tuesday and Thursday sessions are held from 9 to 11 p.m.

A registration fee of $75 for Westwood residents and $125 for non-residents is required to join the program.

To register, use Community Pass: https://register.communitypass.net/westwood

O pen Gym Basketball is played pick-up style and is group managed without an instructor. Participants are asked to include everyone in play throughout the evening.

Foradults, regular involvement in a basketball program promotes fitness by improving balance, coordination and building muscle and endurance by providing a cardio workout. The Westwood Recreation Department offers many fitness opportunities for adults including yoga, Zumba, tennis, volleyball and a fitness training program

with partner UFC Gym. Registration for Winter 2024 Programs i s underway via Community Pass.

For more information, consult the seasonal program guides at westwoodnj.gov/recreation or call (201) 664-7882.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

PARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING PARK FLOORING

Olohan:

FROM PAGE 3

I will miss it and I will also miss the colorful and interesting local, regional, and state officials and engaged residents who Iʼve encountered over the years. All of them contribute so much to their communities.

On a local level, residents of both political parties—and Independents—volunteer to serve as council members, school board

trustees, and on other boards and committees that help shape community life now and in the future.

As a reporter, Iʼve tried to tell the stories that readers, and taxpayers, most want to know about and follow them from week to week, and often month to month, and longer. Often, itʼs the human connection, or an offbeat feature, or a funny lead to a story, that makes a story popular.

That takes work, but itʼs work that pays off in informed readers. I hope that readers have enjoyed reading my articles as much as Iʼve enjoyed writing them. I know

ESTATE/YARD SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Saturday, June 1st• 9AM-4PM

(Rain Date: Saturday June 8th) 3944th Avenue, Westwood, NJ

House Hold Items,Toys,Furniture,Kitchen Items,Tools,Books, Small Electronics,Shoes,Purses,Lawn Mower,Leaf Blower,Fish Tanks, Men’s and Women’s Clothing,Accessories & More!

NOW HIRING!

SALES ASSOCIATE

REQUIREMENT: MUST LOVE SHOES FOOTNOTES ENGLEWOOD

FULL/PART TIME • GREAT PAY & BENEFITS IF INTERESTED PLEASE CALL: 201-894-9512 ASK FOR LESLIE

PART-TIME SENIOR VAN DRIVER – BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD - Must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License and have the ability to operate wheelchair lift equipment after completing the required training video: Wheelchair Lift and Securement. Must be able to work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with Senior and Disabled passengers at all times and be able to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations. Hours required are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., one to two days a week with occasional hours for special events. Geography and community knowledge of the local area, including Hillsdale, Emerson, Westwood, River Vale, Township of Washington, etc. required as well as ability to follow GPS, maps and written directions. Candidate must possess effective time management, planning and organizational skills. The Borough reserves the right to review resumes and conduct interviews as they are received. Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume via email to Gary Buchheister atgbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov on or before June 14, 2024 by 4pm. Resumes to be mailed should be sent to Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director, 55 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood NJ 07675. Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

some folks even read our e-newspaper online before it appears in print, often days before it shows up on driveways. That means people, often local public officials, want to read our reporting. Again, good news.

My hat goes off to all the municipal clerks throughout Pascack Valley especially, who have gone out of their way to assist my efforts to shine a light on public documents—documents that residents deserve to view and consider when thousands, often hundreds of thousands, and millions of taxpayer dollars are being expended. Your mutual efforts to be transparent and non-partisan were recognized and appreciated.

Recently, a bipartisan group

of state legislators has attempted to propose legislation (now before Gov. Phil Murphy) that effectively guts the Open Public Records Act. I hope Murphy does not sign it and cooler heads prevail. OPRA helps reporters—and the public— to keep local government honest by keeping the taxpayers informed and aware of government spending and decisions.

To our readers, I may ask you to indulge me for a moment as I approach my soap box. You may not know how truly lucky you are to have a hometown weekly print newspaper—staffed by a dedicated editor and enthusiastic reporter —that covers the Pascack Valley.

Read your weekly newspaper, visit our website to read and

search out prior articles, and keep informed on your own. Many communities donʼt have a weekly newspaper or website to turn to for reliable, well-researched, and timely news coverage. You donʼt know how lucky you are. Journalism—often referred to as a first draft of history—is in a perilous state, and needs your support and engagement. I wish my fellow journalists, John and Megan, much luck in holding down the fort. All the best ... until we meet again!

MICHAEL OLOHAN can be reached at miket.olohan@gmail.com His observations just might reappear around election time…

Ladies and gentlemen, start your

Car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The All American Corvette Club is set to host its 24th annual car show on June 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Panera Bread lot at 165 Route 4 West, Paramus.

In case of rain, the show will be rescheduled for June 30.

This yearʼs show promises a spectacular display of automotive excellence, featuring fully judged Corvette classes alongside an open show that welcomes muscle cars, hot rods, classics, customs, and trucks. Trophies will be awarded to standout vehicles across various categories.

Admission for spectators is free, making it a perfect outing for families and car aficionados alike.

from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Panera Bread lot at 165 Route 4 West, Paramus.

In addition to the cars, attendees can enjoy food trucks, music, and door prizes. Car clubs are encouraged to join and showcase their membersʼ prized vehicles. For more information, call Mario at (201) 270-8321 or Mike at

(201) 960-8211. Further details and the show flyer are available on the clubʼs website at allamericancorvetteclub.com, or via email at aaccpresident2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS? CALL (201) 664-2105

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

Sr. Product & Service Development Engineer for BMW of North America, LLC in Woodcliff Lake, NJ to perform work that is essential to the successful and efficient operation of the technology between the US and Germany for BMW of North America. Requires: Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engg, Mechanical Engg, Business Info Sys., or related scientific field (willing to accept forgn edu equiv.) + 5 yrs’exp in Sr Product & Service Development Engineer or related occupation (engineering-related project management or personnel supervision experience). Or, alternatively: a Master’s + 3 yrs’exp. Email resume to karen.cochran@ bmwsharedservices.com. Reference Position Number: 2400007H. P/T Secretarial, Good filling skills a must, $25 per hour Hillsdale. Call 201-615-9316.

P/T BookkeeperNorwood, weekdays on premises.15-20 hr/wk flexible. Exp. in Quickbook/Excel.Call Sandy (201) 726-2426.

in Westwood. Call Colleen at (201) 664-4663. H

CALL (201) 664-2105

Friendly Service in Hillsdale is seeking P/T Mechanic Exp. Preferred, motivated, Tires,

ENFORCEMENT/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE OFFICER– BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD. 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Duties include rental and resale inspections of residential and commercial properties, investigate complaints, open and close all investigations including appearing in court on behalf of the Borough, answer complaints regarding property maintenance, zoning ordinance complaints/inspections, create and maintain all reports. Familiarity with SDL. Must have strong communication, organization and computer skills. Salary per the Borough ordinance. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Durene Ayer Borough of Westwood Administrator, via email to dayer@westwoodnj.gov on or before June 14, 2024 by 4pm. Resumes to be mailed should be sent to Durene Ayer, Borough Administrator, 101 Washington Avenue, Westwood NJ 07675. Equal Opportunity Employer.

2020 GMC Canyon Denali - 69k miles, has Zurich 100k warrantee, $28,000. Excellent condition. Call 201-6159316.

2002 Ford F-350 - 4x4 Mason Dump with plow hook up, Diesel, runs good, 85k miles. Must see. $8000. Call 201615-9316.

Donald K. ‘Ken’ HASTIE

Donald K. “Ken” Hastie, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, 91, of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on May 18 after a brief illness.

Ken was the youngest of the seven children of George T. and Blanche (Flynn) Hastie.

Born in Jenkins Township, Penn. and raised in Jersey City, Ken graduated from St. Peterʼs Prep and St. Peterʼs College, both in Jersey City.

He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Ken was an accountant for IBM for more than 30 years and enjoyed a long, well spent retirement.

Ken was a dedicated family man, who was devoted to his late wife, Cathy. Together, they lived in Park Ridge for 60 years and this May marks their 68th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his two sons, Ken and his wife Barbara of New Jersey; and Tom and his wife Beth of South Carolina; his beloved grandchildren TJ Hastie and Caitlin (Joe) Donaldson of South Carolina; his sisterin-law Martha Ela of Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken was a good and decent man of faith who always strove to do right by people. He kept a positive outlook on life and had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and home. Ken enjoyed all types of music. He particularly liked singing and dancing, especially to Top 40, Easy Listening, Country and Irish music.

He gladly participated in church activities, including being active in local Catholic churches as a bingo captain; as a church accounting volunteer and as a choir member.

An auto enthusiast from his earliest days, Ken always appreciated a nice car And, he also enjoyed culinary pursuits, cooking delicious meals readily enjoyed by his family.

We will always remember Kenʼs kindness and considerate ways.

As his family, we wish to thank his neighbors, who so kindly took an interest in Ken and Cathy in their later years and kept an eye out for them.

We also wish to acknowledge the good care and kindness of his caregivers during his recent illness, especially that of his long time primary care physician.

Dad, yours was a life lived well. And now we know you will find your peace, being reunited with and at rest with Mom.

The funeral will be private. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date in Kenʼs memory. Please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Ken. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home,

155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. rsfhi.com.

William ‘Bill’ HUHN JR.

William (Bill) Huhn Jr. passed away recently, with his family at his side. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Pauline Huhn. He is survived by his children Ann Goldstein, Mary Romeroand her h usband Robert, Jean Griffith and Peter Huhn. He was the cherished grandfather of Jill Goldstein and her husband John Barry, Thurman Hall, Robert Romero, William Griffith and his wife Sarah, Ann Griffith, Eileen and Shannon Huhn, and greatgrandfather of Mark Barry. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., son of William Huhn Sr. and Anna (Halpin) Huhn. He was predeceased by his brothers George, John and Henry and sisters Mary and Elizabeth.

Bill was a U.S. Army veteran who served his country with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War, 1947–1949 and 1951–1952.

He retired from Chemical Leaman Tank Lines working as a marketing manager for many years.

He was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge and was an active member of the Golden Age Social Club of Park Ridge. Bill was greatly loved and will be missed, however his sense of humor and knowledge of history and trivia will always be remembered.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc. Park Ridge. rsfhi.com.

Jon Clarke KEATES

Jon Clarke Keates passed away on April 19, 2024, at his home in Altadena, Calif.

Jon was a w orld-class charismatic who made an indelible impression on everyone he met. He was vivid, brilliant, loquacious, unrepentant, and entirely unabashed.

Jon was born on April 1, 1944, in Hackensack to Harold Clarke Keates and Margaret Amlung Keates. He graduated from Brown University and conducted doctoral work in English literature at Duke University. Jon had an exemplary career, first as a teacher at Duke and Brown, and then as a fundraiser who led teams at the University of Chicago,

Claremont McKenna College, Occidental, and USC among others.

At the time of his passing, Jon was chief philanthropic advisor to the president at La Salle College Preparatory High School.

No one was more verbally dexterous than Jon, or more wellread. A tremendous wit, ferocious competitor, an athlete with a gift for badinage, Jon accomplished everything he set out to do. He was a beloved pillar of the community and will be missed tremendously.

He is survived by his cherished companion and life partner, Thanh Hoang, his daughters Dages Juvelier Keates and Margaret Bailey Siegmund (Joseph), his brother Dr. James Kevin Keates (Gail), and sisters Shelley Elizabeth Horwath (Thomas), and Joanne Margaret Keates.

Jon was predeceased by his son Henry Clarke Keates, beside whom he will be laid to rest at a private burial ceremony.

There was a celebration of life, followed by a reception, for Jon on May 11 at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Jon Clarke Keates Scholarship at La Salle College Preparatory High School, the Henry Clarke Keates Scholarship at Claremont McKenna College, or your favorite charity in his memory.

George P. FREISINGER

George P. Freisinger, 97, a hardworking, loving husband and father, died peacefully at home on May 21, 2024 surrounded by his devoted family. Born on Nov. 22, 1926. George was raised in the Bronx, N.Y. by his parents, Julia and Martin.

A longtime resident of Park Ridge, he was predeceased by his

wife, Lena, in 2008 and later by his sisters Julia and Anna.

George was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country during World War II. He went on to have a 35-year career with Revlon in their production planning department.

He enjoyed a good martini and would even tolerate a bad martini if necessary. George was a lifelong lover of music as well as a renowned music and movie trivia expert, specializing in the 1930s and 1940s era when movies were in black and white and at their best.

George is survived by his sons George (Deborah), Paul (Kathleen) and David as well as grandchildren Gregory, Brian, Kristen, Edward, Gemma, David, Julia and greatgranddaughter Alexandra. A graveside service is set for George Washington Memorial Park on Friday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Patricia ‘Pat’ A. WALSH

Patricia “Pat” A. Walsh (née Demetrius) peacefully passed away on May 15, 2024. Pat was a longtime resident of the Township of Washington.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband Jack Walsh. Beloved mother to Tina Fego and her husband Dave. Adoring Yaya to Ava Marie (They spent many hours working on puzzles together). Also survived by her loving niece Pat Hensley, nephew Chris Moller, Paul Moller and their families as well as her beloved brother in laws, Garry and Daniel Walsh. Pat was predeceased by her sister Lucy Mary Moller and her husband Adolph and her brother Bob Demetrius.

Pat worked as a dedicated supervisor for many years for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in Manhattan. After, she was happily employed at the Hallmark store in Paramus, where she enjoyed her time with her coworkers and customers. Above all, Pat delighted in the care of the children for her family and friends. In her leisure Pat was skilled with the slot machines. She would often travel to

casinos and was a scratch-off enthusiast. She also loved cheering on her beloved Yankees. Visitation May 18 at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. Prayer service was Saturday, cremation private.

MaryAnn KEENAN

MaryAnn Keenan (n ée Sweeny), 85, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, David Keenan, in 2015. Loving mother to daughter Kathleen Swindells and her husband Paul, daughter Michelle Carucci and her husband Freddie, daughter Jacqueline Palermo and her husband Gary, daughter MaryAnn Martin and her husband, Kevin. Adoring grandma to Nicolette, Kyle, Nicholas, Christian, Jack and Grace. Sister to Jack Sweeny, Roger Sweeny, and Jeanne Etter; predeceased by her sister Patricia Galgano. Sheʼll be deeply missed by her many nephews, nieces, great-nieces and -nephews, friends, and Beech Street neighbors.

MaryAnn was a longtime resident of Westwood and previously Washington Township. She attended St. Andrew's School and Holy Angels High School. After graduation she started her career as a secretary at Union Carbide, Diaglouge, Village Plumbing and retired from Teledyne Isotopes after 20 years. She enjoyed suspense novels and traveling the world with her family on cruise ships. She loved movies, including “Braveheart,” “Funny Girl,” and “Gladiator.” A music enthusiast, her favorites were Barry Manilow and ABBA. Above all, MaryAnn loved time with family. Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Sunday, June 2, noon to 4 p.m. Funeral Mass at Guardian Angel RC Church, Allendale, Monday June 3, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Blackbird Foundation, blackbirdfly.org.