TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Popular program seeks haven as deacon board says deal ʻno longer alignsʼ
BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
One of the townshipʼs largest youth programs is forced to regroup after Bethany Church announced it will no longer host the Township of Washington Summer Camp inside the Bethany Community Center, leaving officials working to reorganize the See BETHANY on page 23
Montvaleʼs Brad Faller, 10, is the face of freshwater fishing statewide
BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
AM ONTVALE fourthgrader who prefers fishing to screen time is enjoying a leisurely moment in the statewide spotlight after landing a channel catfish big enough to put him on the cover of the 2026 New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Digest. Brad Faller, 10, a student at
Memorial School, appears on the cover of the annual guide published by the state Division of Fish & Wildlife. The photo shows Brad holding the hefty catfish he caught last year at Wood Dale County Park in Woodcliff Lake.
But the story behind the photo begins with a stranger on a dock, a bent fishing rod—and happy generosity.
Local angler Dave Vollen-
Members of Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson and Hebrew school children recently performed the synagogue’s annual Purim shpiel.
weidar, a retired Passaic schoolteacher, was fishing for catfish when Brad and his mother, Krista Faller, walked onto the dock. Brad introduced himself and her mom, and the fishermen got to talking.
“My rod went over,” Vollenweidar recalled. “So I gave him the rod. It turned out to be a really big catfish; he reeled it in,
Continued on page 14
Mayor says a developer is interested and has the right; affordable housing group cries foul
BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
The borough and Fair Share Housing Center are again at odds over Montvaleʼs affordable housing plan, which would permit either a 250-unit residential development or a “massive data center” on a 34acre property at the KPMG site. Montvale describes the potential site use simply as a data center, with few details available. Fair Share argues the borough should not allow a developer the option to build either a data center or residential housing as part of an affordable housing settlement.
Under a settlement agreement with a developer (SHG Montvale MB VI, LLC) filed with the court for the largest redevelopment site in town — the 34-acre KPMG campus (the company is still there but on a smaller footprint)— Montvale would give the developer a choice: build a small, low-density inclusionary housing project or construct a large data center with no affordable housing and receive special
See HEAT on page 28
A section of River Vale was once known as Leslie It was named for Leon M. Leslie (1862–1937) — landowner, postmaster, and inventor. Kristin Beuscher reports.
4
admission to an all-male press club dinner honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. In response, she f ormed a womenʼs club called Sorosis, a Greek word meaning “an aggregation; a sweet flavor of many fruits.”
To the editor:
INRECOGNITION of March as Womenʼs History Month, the GFWC/NJSFWC Womanʼs Club of Westwood highlights General Federation of Womenʼs Clubs founder Jane Cunningham Croly, a New York journalist also known as “Jennie June.” In 1868, Croly was denied
In 1890, she invited womenʼs clubs from across the United States to a ratification convention in New York City; 63 clubs attended and took action to form the General Federation of Womenʼs Clubs. In 1922, GFWC clubwomen purchased property in Washington, D.C., to serve as the federationʼs international headquarters.
GFWC helped establish more than 474 free public libraries and
i s credited by the American Library Association with helping to found a large share of Americaʼs public libraries. Support for local libraries remains a federation priority. In the 1990s, GFWC supported passage of the Violence Against Women Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and legislation supporting handgun control.
Today, GFWC continues to address issues impacting women and families through programs supporting human rights and combating violence against women. Crolyʼs foresight deserves recognition.
The Womanʼs Club of Westwood welcomes new members. For information on membership and upcoming activities, call 201916-1580 or visit westwoodwomansclub.org.
Madeleine Ciocco for GFWC/NJSFWC Womanʼs Club of Westwood
To the editor:
ON BEHALF of the St. Joseph Regional High School Performing Arts Program, thank you for helping make our recent production of “Pippin” a rousing success! Over the course of two weeks and 10 total performances, your support was instrumental in helping us get the word out.
The feedback from audiences has been wonderful, and the cast, crew and production team really appreciate your efforts.
We are already in preparations for our spring musical, so stay tuned for more information - you wonʼt want to miss it!
All the best,
To the editor:
AS REPORTED by John Snyder in the Pascack Press [“Borough stands up five-year forestry plan,” March 2], Westwood has adopted a new five-year Community Forestry Management Plan that if carried out should remedy many of the deficiencies that have plagued Westwood's street tree canopy for too many years. But as we know, adopting a plan and implementing the plan are not the same thing. I hope Westwood's mayor and council can follow through on these good intentions. Thank you, James P. Drew Westwood
BY MICHELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
A special Joint Planning Board meeting is set for Thursday, March 12, 4 p.m. on Zoom for the board to review an ordinance that amends one of the townshipʼs affordable housing zones to allow a 75-unit development - including 15 affordable units - on the former Forcellati Nursery property.
The next council meeting is Monday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. where the ordinance will be up for public hearing and adoption.A final affordable housing plan and implementing ordinances is due by March 15, or March 16, said local officials.
The Township Council endorsed the fourth round HEFSP at its March 2 meeting. However, this ordinance would change site zoning to implement a major part of the affordable housing plan.
Residents can view and participate in the March 12 meeting
by clicking on the Zoom link highlighted on the Joint Planning Board home page.
According to a special meeting notice, “The purpose of this meeting is to review an ordinance amending Chapter 142 of the Municipal Code of the Township of River Vale to create the “Affordable Housing Zone 2 AH2” Zone District. Section 142236.6 entitled Block 813, Lot 18 Affordable Housing Zone AH-2.”
It continues, “The Township is desirous of adopting an ordinance to rezone the property located at Block 813, Lot 18 which is referred to as the “Forcellati/Incandescent” site in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan of the Township of River Vale.” The site is at 691-693 Rivervale Road.
After the borough reluctantly settled with Intervenor Incandescent Development and Fair Share Housing Center in June 2025 for a 75-unit development on the 5.4acre former nursery property, the township was required to develop
an ordinance that amends local zoning code to allow it. The Joint Planning Board must review the ordinance to make sure it is consistent with the townʼs Master Plan.
Township officials were opposed to such development on the Forcellati site. In September 2024, the Joint Planning Board unanimously rejected a 52-unit proposal on the site, which included eight affordable units.
However, following the Joint Planning Boardʼs denial, Incandescent Development became an objector/intervenor to the township's Fourth Round affordable housing plan in 2025.
In a June 2025 statement on the settlement with intervenor Incandescent Development, Mayor Mark Bromberg wrote, “Faced with the choice of a 95unit development under stateimposed conditions and the legal threat of litigation that could lead to high-rise residential construction beyond our control, the Township is now forced to include in
our affordable housing plan— which must be passed by June 30 and is ordered by the Court—the development of 75 housing units on the Forcellati property, 15 of which (20%) will be affordable units,” wrote the mayor. He noted, “This inclusion of this property with this number of units is not one which was made willingly and was done only after careful consideration of the alternatives, which alternatives were far worse and included legal risks that would significantly alter the
character of our community. By including this site, even though unpalatable, we are trying to safeguard the Township from these risks.”
The Joint Planning Board previously found the Fourth Round HEFSP consistent with the local Master Plan at its February 18 meeting. This ordinance is needed to implement the fourth round plan, officials said. The Township Council also endorsed the fourth Round HEFSP at its March 2 meeting.
$4,000
The Hillsdale Education Foundation has approved four mini-grants for the 2026 grant cycle, supporting learning opportunities for students and teachers across Hillsdaleʼs K-8 schools.
The mini-grants approved for 2026 are:
•Musical Pathways — George White School — $360
•8th Grade Digital Art — George White School — $640
•Battle of the Books — George White School — $2,000
•Code Monkey Computer Programming — Smith School — $1,000
The foundation said the programs support a range of student experiences, including music education, digital creativity, literacy engagement, and computer programming.
The Hillsdale Education Foundation also thanked its sponsors and supporters, noting that their contributions help fund classroom initiatives beyond traditional school budgets.
The Hillsdale Education Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, supports enrichment programs and technology initiatives for Hillsdaleʼs K-8 schools.
Since its founding in 2009, the foundation has funded programs such as Battle of the Books, First Lego League, WeatherBug digital weather tracking, author visits, and various after-school initiatives designed to enhance the districtʼs curriculum and expand learning opportunities for students.
Left, a 1902 map shows the Leslie Post Office on Westwood Avenue,just north of the Hackensack River.The River Vale–Old Tappan border area was known as Leslie at the turn of the 20th century. Above: Receipt for a registered letter sent through the Leslie Post Office in 1901.Its sender,25-year-old Adaline Knoner, lived on her family’s farm on Westwood Avenue in River Vale,just south of Leon M.Leslie. Below: An Illustration of Leslie Loose-Leaf Ledger from an 1895 advertisement.
ASECTIONOF RIVER VALE was once known as Leslie It was named for Leon M. Leslie (1862–1937) — landowner, postmaster and inventor. Born in Ohio, Leslie spent his early years in the Midwest before moving east in the 1890s. He married in New York and settled in what is now Old Tappan. The Leslie family lived in the old Nicholas Collignon homestead on the east side of Westwood Avenue near the Hackensack River. Leslie owned considerable land in what would become Old Tappan and River Vale. Todayʼs Cooperʼs Lane and a portion of Westwood Avenue north of it were once known as Leslie Road. Where Westwood Avenue crosses the river was Leslieʼs Bridge. From 1900 to 1903, he operated the Leslie Post Office from his property. The Pascack Historical Society museum holds a receipt for a registered letter sent July 24, 1901, from Adaline Knoner through the Leslie,
SPECIALTO PASCACK PRESS By Kristin Beuscher, Historian, Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge. Call (201) 573-0307 or visit PascackHistoricalSociety.org
New Jersey, post office. The receipt is signed by postmaster Elizabeth Wheeler, who held the position from 1900 to 1902. Elizabeth and her husband boarded at the Leslie residence.
In the post officeʼs final year, Leon Leslie himself served as postmaster. In 1903 the office closed, and its operations were transferred to Westwood.
In 1901, the Westwood Chronicle announced a new rural free delivery route that would bring home mail delivery to area residents for the first time. The route was
described as running “from Westwood, through Old Hook, to Bogertʼs Mills, Eastwood, Leslie, River Vale, and Old Tappan.” The 1905 New Jersey Census lists Leslieʼs profession as inventor. He devoted years to perfecting an innovation still in daily use: the loose-leaf binder.
Marketed as Leslieʼs Ledger, the product was a boon to bookkeepers. Pages could be removed, replaced and reorganized — a major advantage for businesses with constantly changing accounts that needed to
For information about the foundation or how to support future grants and initiatives, follow the foundationʼs community updates and announcements. See LESLIE on page 19
The Pascack Historical Society will host its annual Curiosity Sale Saturday and Sunday, March 14–15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museumʼs lecture hall, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. Admission is free.
The indoor sale features antiques and collectibles ranging from Victorian-era pieces to mid-century items.
This yearʼs offerings include fine china, glassware, crystal, pottery, artwork, lamps, jewelry, linens, antique books, Easter items and a large selection of American Brilliant Period glass (1890–1910).
Organized and staffed by volunteers, the sale is an important fundraiser supporting preservation work, educational programming and museum operations.
Cash and Venmo will be accepted. PHS members current on 2026 dues receive early access Friday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Membership begins at $40 and includes admission to lectures and a subscription to RELICS, the Societyʼs publication.
For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org or call 201-573-0307.
BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
Westwood Regional School District officials say significant cost increases are shaping development of the 2026–2027 school budget, with possible staffing reductions under consideration as administrators work to balance rising expenses while maintaining academic programs.
In a message to families and community members March 4, Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. McQueeney outlined the financial landscape facing the district as it begins the formal budget process. McQueeney said the economic pressures affecting the district mirror the rising costs many families are experiencing in their own households.
“The economic pressures we are currently facing are not unique to Westwood; they reflect a broader reality being felt by school districts across the state and by families in their own homes,” he wrote. “Just as many of you have seen the costs of utilities, groceries, and insurance rise at your own kitchen tables, our school district is grappling with inflationary pressures that have hit fixed costs at an unprecedented rate.”
Among the largest increases
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Applications are reviewed by an alumni panel, and selected applicants are invited for an interview The deadline to apply is April 15. More information and applications are available through BergenVolunteers.org.
cited by the superintendent are health insurance premiums, up more than 32%, and prescription benefits, up 25%. In addition, the district is facing a 33% increase in out-of-district tuition rates, costs associated with sending students to specialized programs outside the district when required services are not available locally.
McQueeney said that increase largely reflects rising expenses faced by the specialized providers the district partners with, including healthcare and operational costs that are ultimately passed along to school districts.
New Jersey law generally limits annual school tax levy increases to 2%, though districts may apply for certain waivers, including healthcare waivers, when insurance costs rise sharply.
McQueeney said those waivers help address some of the premium increases but do not fully close the gap.
“The total increase does not cover the rise in these three categories alone,” he wrote, noting that the district must also account for contractually obligated salary increases and the operational costs required to keep school buildings functioning safely.
District officials say they are closely reviewing all spending as they prepare the upcoming budget.
Throughout the process, McQueeney said the districtʼs goal is to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining the academic programs that define a Westwood education.
“We are scrutinizing every line item to ensure we are being as efficient as possible,” he wrote, adding that the effort is intended to protect student programs and educational opportunities.
However, the superintendent said the financial pressures mean difficult decisions may lie ahead.
“I must be honest with our community: we are in a position where staffing reductions across our administration, support areas, and teaching staff are a very real possibility,” he wrote, adding that staff members are “the backbone of our childrenʼs success and the engine of our academic rigor.”
The Board of Education will meet Thursday, March 5, for a public work session focused on the budget. District officials are scheduled to present the preliminary 2026–2027 budget on Tuesday, March 24, with final adoption
planned for Thursday, April 30. McQueeney said district leaders intend to keep families and residents informed throughout the process as the board works through the financial challenges.
“While these are unsettling times, I am moved by our strong sense of community and our shared dedication to our students,” he wrote. “I truly believe that in every difficult situation is an opportunity to restructure, restrengthen, and recommit to our mission.”
BY MICHELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
A mayor and councilor provided brief updates Feb. 24 on the status of Mill Pondʼs approved referendum to spend up to $5 million to dredge the silt-clogged, polluted man-made pond.
Mayor Keith Misciagna said the borough has a grant that must be spent on “preliminary work” on the dredging by spring, and that engineer John Dunlea of Neglia
Engineering is overseeing and managing the project.
Misciagna said the borough has identified a Bergen County developer interested in taking the silt that will be dredged from Mill Pond, which he said could reduce disposal and transportation costs.
In addition, Neglia Engineering is evaluating how sediment removal could affect the structural integrity of the Mill Pond dam, Misciagna said.
“The good news” is the borough is “getting very good at getting grants,” Misciagna said,
adding that many are matching grants that require municipal funds to secure a comparable amount. He said the borough has brought in close to $5 million in grant funding over the past five years.
Misciagna said the dredging project, once underway, will make the area around the pond “a mess for a while,” but said the pond and grounds will be “beautiful” once the work is completed.
Councilor Gregory Hoffman said Neglia Engineering has conducted initial soil borings and testing analyses and is now working to complete a structural analysis of the dam, including the potential impact of sediment removal.
“Weʼve got great engineers
working on this project,” Misciagna told a resident. “Weʼre in good hands,” he added, noting that Neglia Engineering will likely design and manage the dredging. Voters previously approved a non-binding referendum to spend up to $5 million on dredging the silt-choked pond, after voters in 2023 defeated a non-binding referendum to spend $15 million.
On the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot, Question 1 asked whether the borough should incur up to $5 million in bond debt to dredge the pond. Voters approved it, 1,694 (55.71%) to 1,347 (44.29%). Borough officials said that level of borrowing would cost the “average” $500,000 homeowner about $101 per year for 25 years.
On Question 2, which asked whether the borough should incur up to $10 million in bond debt, voters said no, 1,615 (55.77%) to 1,281 (44.23%).
On Question 3, which asked whether the borough should dredge the pond at all, voters narrowly backed the idea, 1,443 (52.4%) to 1,311 (47.6%).
Of Park Ridgeʼs 7,314 registered voters, 4,473 cast ballots on Nov. 4, a turnout of 61.16%. Because the referendum questions appeared on the second page of the ballot, not every voter weighed in on the non-binding questions. While the outcome was non-binding, officials generally follow the will of the majority of local voters.
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Mayor Michael Ghassali said the borough has reached tentative settlement agreements with two developers as part of its effort to comply with state affordable housing obligations while maintaining the townʼs legal immunity from builderʼs remedy lawsuits.
In a Feb 27 letter to residents, Ghassali said Montvale has reached agreements with S. Hekemian Group and Over The Hill Holdings, establishing a framework that could allow up to 680 housing units over the next 10 years, including 115 deed-restricted affordable units.
[Related: “Heat over possible
data center in Montvale” by Michael Olohan, page 1.]
The mayor said the borough recently received a 60-day extension beyond the March 15 deadline to submit its housing plan to the state, and that some elements of the boroughʼs proposal remain in litigation.
According to Ghassali, the proposed development framework includes redevelopment at several major commercial properties, including sites associated with KPMG, Reckitt Benckiser and Hekemian, among others.
He said the borough rejected a separate proposal from AvalonBay Communities to build 240 units on a four-acre site on Chestnut Ridge Road.
Ghassali said the settlement agreements were negotiated to
balance state housing mandates with local concerns including traffic, school impacts, and protecting single-family neighborhoods.
Some projects may include payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements, which would direct most revenue to the borough, though officials could share a portion with the school district if necessary, he said.
The mayor said Montvale could have faced a significantly larger housing obligation under state estimates.
“The DCAʼs original estimate of the Boroughʼs obligations could have required the construction of upwards of 1,700 units over this same timeframe,”
Hi, Jon,
This gun was found in my brotherʼs safe deposit box in Florida more than 15 years ago. We were surprised to find it there and brought it home, where it has remained ever since. I enjoy your antiques column and hope you can tell me its age and possible value. Iʼve included several photos, including the wooden box it was stored in.
Henry
Henry, discoveries like this are why I look forward to opening readersʼemails each week. What you have is an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver, the companyʼs first .32-
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
caliber revolver. It was manufactured between 1861 and 1874 and chambered for .32 rimfire cartridges, with a six-round cylinder.
When the Civil War began in 1861, demand for reliable personal sidearms surged. While standardissue military revolvers were distributed, many soldiers and officers purchased smaller cartridge revolvers as backup weapons. At a time when reloading a single-shot firearm could cost precious seconds, a compact six-shot revolver could truly mean the difference between life and death. Cartridge revolvers produced by
The Westwood Womenʼs Auxiliary will host “A Night with Medium April Pope” on Saturday, March 14, at the Westwood Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Road.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program will run 7–10 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person. Beverages will be available for pur-
chase, and guests may bring light snacks.
Organizers said proceeds will support veterans and special children.
For reservations or more information, call Cathy Shrader at 201832-9341 or Rebecca Casey at 201543-9214.
Smith & Wesson quickly became highly desirable for their relative reliability and ease of use compared with earlier percussion models.
The Model No. 2 Army became one of the most popular privately purchased sidearms of the era. Historical accounts indicate that prominent figures such as President Rutherford B. Hayes, Wild Bill Hickok and General George Armstrong Custer owned examples of this very model, underscoring its appeal and reputation at the time.
What sets your revolver apart, however, is the exceptional engraving. The intricate scrollwork is consistent with the distinctive “New York” style of master engraver Louis D. Nimschke (1832–1904). Nimschke was trained in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1853 and establishing himself in New York City.
Over the course of his career, he is believed to have engraved approximately 3,000 firearms. His work is characterized by flowing foliate scrolls, finely cut backgrounds and beautifully rounded terminals that display both technical mastery and artistic balance.
Finely engraved firearms occupy a special place in collecting because they unite craftsmanship and artistry. As I often say, they represent “art on steel.” Nim-
Reader rocks an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver, the company’s first .32-caliber revolver.
schkeʼs work is widely respected and is represented in museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, where examples of his engraving can be viewed today.
Equally important is condition. Your revolver appears to retain most of its original bluing, which is a major factor in determining value. The original wooden grips, secured with an indexed screw, show minimal handling wear. The rosewood presentation case with fitted compartments enhances both desirability and completeness. The period twopiece cartridge box visible in your photographs adds further historical appeal and display value.
The antique firearms market has experienced steady appreciation in recent years, driven by a
dedicated and knowledgeable collector base. Top-tier examples—particularly those with strong condition, documented engraving attribution and original cases—are increasingly viewed as investment-grade collectibles.
Taking all factors into account—rarity, engraving by a recognized master, strong condition and complete presentation case—the market value of your revolver is approximately $8,000. Given its historical significance and value, it is no surprise that this revolver was once kept in a safe deposit box. It remains a remarkable piece of American firearms history.
R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. is based at 132 Dexter Ave., Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 7351313 or visit rzmantiques.com.
BY MICHELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Council members expect a robust discussion with Verizon Communications officials at the March 10 council meeting on whether placing a 150-foot cell tower at Stonybrook Swim Club is the best option for improving cell service in town.
At the Feb. 10 meeting, the council approved a $4,500 contract with Pier Four Enterprises LLC, a telecommunications consultant based in East Hanover, to prepare a report on cellular coverage and recommend options to improve service in the boroughʼs northeast section.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield
FROM PAGE 6
he said.
Ghassali also criticized New Jerseyʼs affordable housing framework, arguing the stateʼs formula encourages market-rate construction and limits municipal control over planning decisions.
told Pascack Press on March 3 that the Pier Four study “will inform” the councilʼs ultimate decision and was expected to arrive before the March 10 meeting.
As of March 3, however, Sheinfield said the borough had not yet received the study.
The council meets March 10 and March 17 at 7 p.m. Meetings are livestreamed on YouTube and archived on the borough website.
“We want to be able to ask knowledgeable questions about what all of our options are at this point to improve (cell) service when we meet with Verizon,” Sheinfield said. He said the Pier Four study should provide data on what option would best improve service.
The mayor said borough officials will continue seeking court approval of the plan while preparing ordinances and resolutions needed to implement redevelopment.
“Our goal remains clear: meet our legal obligations, preserve the character of our community, and strengthen Montvaleʼs future,” Ghassali said.
The area with poor coverage includes parts of Piermont Avenue, the area around Pascack Valley High School and Meadowbrook Elementary School, and the section bordering River Vale, local officials have said.
Residents have said the spotty coverage raises public safety concerns, with first responders sometimes unable to communicate with residents. Others have said remote work is hampered by intermittent or nonexistent service.
Some residents near the proposed tower site have questioned whether radio-frequency emis-
sions could affect health or safety, and others have raised concerns about locating a large tower near single-family homes and multifamily complexes.
At two February meetings, dozens of residents questioned whether the borough needs a 150foot tower and asked whether coverage could be improved by a nearby tower at River Valeʼs new Public Safety Complex.
At the Feb. 10 meeting, council members also raised questions about possible alternatives, including reducing the proposed tower height to 120 feet and
whether smaller facilities, including microtowers, could address coverage gaps.
Administrator Mike Ghassali said at that meeting that Verizon often conducts studies to determine coverage shortfalls. Sheinfield said Verizon would be unlikely to pursue a project that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars if it would not improve service.
For background, see “Yes to cellular study: council eyes tower at Stonybrook,” by Michael Olohan, Feb. 14, 2026.
Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net
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Eric Kohlmeier, a Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Director–Investments with the Park Ridge branch of Wells Fargo Advisors, is celebrating his 28th year of service with the company and 40 years in the financial services industry.
“Serving the needs of my clients and helping them achieve their financial goals has remained the top priority throughout my career in the financial services industry,” said Kohlmeier. “I am honored to continue this service and look forward to many more years.”
Kohlmeier has served on the boards of the Helen Hayes Hospi-
tal Foundation and the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center.
He is also a volunteer with the Rockland County Sheriffʼs Department and supports the Park Ridge Athletic Association.
Kohlmeier lives in Greenwood Lake, N.Y. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons, Justin and Jonathan.
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The Spring Craft Show at Paramus High School will be held Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers can browse 145 exhibitors from three states featuring arts, crafts, and photography.
The show spans two gyms, the vestibule, and the cafe—so plan to visit each area to catch all the vendors and one-of-a-kind finds. The event is sponsored by Project Graduation and organized by P.J.ʼs Promotions.
Expect booths filled with hand-painted flower pots and glassware; home decor and apparel; resin pieces; handcrafted jewelry; table runners and pillows; fiber arts; crocheted animals and soft sculpture; country crafts; porch and door signs; jeweled utensils; heat packs; ceramics; and more.
Shoppers will also find wood bowls and pens, charcuterie boards, birdhouses, bonsai items, soaps and candles, stained glass, chocolates, sports clocks, florals,
pottery, mandala and diamond art—plus plenty of other unique gifts and seasonal items.
Outside vendors will offer treats and specialty foods, including homemade pickles, beef jerky, kettle corn, and desserts, along with chainsaw-carved items and tie-dye.
Admission is $4. A breakfast
HILLSDALE — Stonybrook Swim Club is gearing up for the 2026 season, offering five pools, a 14-foot water slide, kiddie slide, swim lessons and a swim team, along with events and amenities including movies, music, private and birthday parties, picnic tables, umbrellas and a concession stand. Membership registration for the season opens March 17 through Community Pass (register.communitypass.net; select Hillsdale, NJ). The club will host an open house May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A new-member discount is available after May 5; new members should sign up online (without paying) and write
and lunch menu will be available in the cafО. Paramus High School is located at 99 E. Century Road. For information, visit pjspromotions.com or call (201) 4105416.
phughes@hillsdalenj.org to receive the discount.
The Hillsdale Free Public Library marks New Jersey Makers Day with a community showcase of local creativity on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library seeks local artists, crafters, makers and inventors to participate in the one-day exhibition. The event is intended for residents who knit, crochet, sew, build, join, turn, paint, sculpt, bake, code, solder or otherwise create. Applications to participate are due March 14 and may be downloaded from the library website at hfpl.org.
Park Ridge Elks Lodge will hold its annual St. Patrickʼs Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the lodge, 13 Sulak Lane, Park Ridge. Tickets are $65 per person and include a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with dessert, beverages, and live entertainment by the High Strung Band, along with Irish step dancers.
For tickets, call or text Sharon Herman at (201) 280-7602 or Dennis Cosgrove at (201) 7399296.
Submit news tips to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.
The St. Thomas More Council 2188 hosts a Sunday Fish Fry on March 8 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 40 Crest St. Doors open at 2 p.m. The menu includes fried fish with tartar sauce, fries, cole slaw, cornbread, mac ʼnʼ cheese, pickles, and dessert with coffee/tea/soda.
A cash bar will be available.
(Menu subject to change.) Tickets are $20 per person, $35 per couple (age 65+), and $15 for children 12 and under. Proceeds will support scholarships.
For reservations, contact John at (201) 245-7555. Checks should be made payable to “Knights of Columbus 2188.”
R IVER VALE—All are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year atRiver Valeʼs inaugural Lunar New Year CelebrationonSunday, March 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the River Vale Community Center.
While Lunar New Year—the Year of the Horse—was widely celebrated on Feb. 17, organizer Jessica Scully with the townshipʼs office of Social and Cultural Affairs says the event offers another opportunity for residents across the Pascack Valley and neighboring communities to take part, particularly those who may have missed celebrations in their own towns.
The townshipʼs first official Lunar New Year celebration will honor the Asian American com-
The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, which counts Pascack Valley residents as membes, will host its second annual Pi Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, offering hands-on math activities and creative challenges for all ages.
The family-friendly event plays off the mathematical constant pi — 3.14 — and will feature interactive math exhibits, a
parabolic art project, and a variety of food-themed fun, including build-your-own “pizza pi” and sweet dessert pies to sample.
Participants can also take part in a pi-throwing contest or compete in the Express Triominos Tournament, a fast-paced game rooted in mathematical strategy. The tournament is open to players ages 7 and up, with prizes awarded.
Organizers said the event celebrates the beauty of math as it appears in nature and art, while supporting the societyʼs commitment to science literacy.
The celebration will be held at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, 687 Larch Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event runs until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10. For more information visit ethicalfocus.org.
munity in River Vale and nearby municipalities.
Planned highlights include a lion dance performance by the Chinese Community Center of New Jersey (CCCNJ), aTaekwondo demonstration organized by the Korean Parent Group at Roberge School, and acultural display by Mia Wei, president of the Pascack Valley High School Chinese Honor Society
The celebration will also feature local craft and food vendors, along with family-friendly activities including Chinese horoscope readings, spring paper lantern crafts, and complimentary red envelope fortunes and good luck candies.
Admission is free and open to the public.
FROM PAGE 1
and I helped with the net.”
“We all thought it was going to be something little,” Brad said. “Boy, were we wrong.”
The fight lasted several min-
utes. As his catch ran, the line was “whipping drag, like really super hot, there was so much friction he was making … like a thousand head-shakes just to get off the hook. I got worn out pretty quickly,” Brad told Pascack Press by phone on March 4. “It was fighting really hard.”
The fish was brought up —
Brad Faller’s parents learned he’d mde the cover of the 2026 New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Digest in October 2025. They told him the good news that Christmas Eve.
Brad credits Vollenweidar with the assist (“he netted it perfectly”) — relieved of its hook, and, after weighing, was released to fight another day.
Vollenweidar says it was a large circle hook—about a 4/0. “With catfish, when they swallow the bait and you lift the rod, the hook slides out and catches in the corner of the mouth. That way the fish doesnʼt swallow it.”
Brad estimated the catch, complete with barbed spines on its dorsal and pectoral fins, measured just under three feet long. A scale on hand read around 11–12 pounds, though he believes it may have been closer to 15.
Vollenweidar later sent the photo to contacts at the state hatchery, where, after swimming upstream in competition, it was
selected for the 2026 cover of the digest—an annual publication distributed wherever New Jersey fishing licenses are sold.
The recognition quickly made Brad a celebrity at school.
“He brought the magazine in and kids were asking him for signed copies,” said his father, Jason Faller, who owns Village Pine Furniture in Westwood. Mom Krista Faller is a teacher of the visually impaired with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind. Krista told us, of Vollenweidar — who turns out to be a neighbor a mere 10-minute walk away — “How amazing it is as a parent when people take time to interact with and support their children! Dave is a former teacher who clearly has a knack for engaging with children and a passion for
fishing.”
The annual digest provides anglers with a comprehensive guide to New Jersey freshwater fishing. In addition to license information and regulation updates, it outlines trout and general fishing rules, fish identification guides, stocking schedules, special regulations for waters such as the Delaware River and Greenwood Lake, and programs ranging from youth education and volunteer opportunities to the stateʼs Skillful Angler awards. The publication also includes law enforcement contacts, fish consumption advisories, accessible fishing sites, and key dates such as free freshwater fishing days.
Dave Golden, assistant commissioner of the New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife, in his message in the 2026 Digest, says in part: “Letʼs make it a priority this season to encourage kids and new anglers to join us in casting a line and discovering the joys of fishing. Look into NJʼs free fishing days, Buddy License Program, R3 Fishing Program, and our Hooked-on-Fishing Program as ways to entice new anglers.”
Brad, who has been fishing since he was very young, talks about bait and fish behavior —
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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TheWestwood Senior Fellowship next meets Tuesday, March 10 for the members-only annual St. Patrickʼs Day luncheon. The registration deadline is
March 5. To secure your place or for more information, including on membership, call 201-6644538. Club president Mary Cerrati says, “See you there!”
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Take time for yourself
One of the biggest keys to your financial well-being is your own mental health. Investing in yourself can be incredibly important as you invest in your family. Donʼt be afraid to set aside time from work and family commitments for some “you” time. Even an hour a day — reading a book, taking a walk or doing something you love — can pay dividends now and in the future. Taking steps over time with self-care, budgeting and talking
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All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. 1 U.S. Census Data. November 2022.
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2Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, “12 Annual Workplace Benefits Study, 2023.” Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies. This article was written byWells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director – Investments in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472. ©2025 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. PM07272026-7425974.1.15
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By Dr. Eric Kaplan, DC, DACNB, FACFN, FABVR
MA RCH I S Nation al Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to focus on an injury that is often invisible but far from minor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injuries contribute to tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States and result in
many more emergency department visits. Concussions, the mildest form of traumatic brain injury, are frequently dismissed as something you simply “shake off.” Modern research tells a different story.
For many years, patients were advised to rest in a dark room after a concussion and wait it out. Current medical guidance generally recommends a short period of rest in the first day or two, followed by a gradual return to normal activities as tolerated and under appropriate guidance. Research in recent years has suggested that carefully monitored, gradual
activity may support recovery better than prolonged inactivity for many patients.
A concussion can produce a wide range of symptoms. These may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, blurred vision, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Some people experience balance problems. Others struggle with mood swings or difficulty finding words. As different areas of the brain control different functions, symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
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BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. —
Thrive At Home LLC, a nurse-led home healthcare provider specializing exclusively in skilled wound care, has launched services for residents throughout Bergen County.
Founded by registered nurse Danielle Thompson, Thrive At Home provides post-surgical and chronic wound management in patientsʼ homes. The company is designed to support individuals transitioning from hospital or post-acute care settings who require ongoing wound treatment and clinical monitoring.
“As a nurse, Iʼve seen how challenging the transition from hospital to home can be,” Thompson said. “Our goal is to provide focused, specialized wound care that promotes healing, helps prevent complications, and supports
patients during recovery ”
Unlike traditional home health agencies that offer multiple service lines, Thrive At Home concentrates solely on skilled wound care. Services include nursing assessments, evidencebased treatment plans, dressing changes and management, infection monitoring, and coordination with physicians and discharge planners.
Wound-related complications remain a common cause of hospital readmissions. Thrive At Home
said it aims to help reduce preventable complications and improve healing outcomes through early intervention and consistent clinical oversight in the home setting.
Thrive At Home is accepting referrals from physicians, discharge planners, and healthcare facilities.
For more information or to submit a referral, visit thriveathomecare.org.
About Thrive At Home LLC
Thrive At Home LLC is a Bergen County–based nursing provider specializing exclusively in skilled wound care delivered in the home. The company partners with healthcare professionals to support safe transitions from hospital to home while prioritizing clinical excellence and patientcentered care.
That variability is important when evaluating and managing concussion symptoms. Different brain regions are involved in different functions related to attention, memory, balance, and vision, which is why evaluation and treatment plans are often individualized. Some patients may benefit from vision therapy, balance therapy, or other rehabilitation approaches recommended by qualified healthcare professionals.
Repeated concussions raise additional concern. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been associated with those who have experienced repeated head impacts over many years, particularly in contact sports. Research continues to explore how repetitive trauma may affect long-term brain health. For this reason, prevention, proper evaluation, and appropriate recovery time are essential.
Lifestyle factors can also play a supportive role in recovery. Staying well hydrated, maintaining balanced nutrition, and getting adequate sleep are all important for overall health and brain function. Healthcare providers often encourage patients recovering from concussion to maintain regular sleep schedules, eat balanced
meals, and avoid alcohol or other substances that could interfere with recovery.
One tool sometimes used in neurological research and clinical settings is quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), also known as brain mapping. This noninvasive test records brainwave activity and may provide additional information about patterns of brain activity. When used as part of a broader clinical evaluation, it may help practitioners better understand certain aspects of brain function.
In recognition of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are offering the first seven people who call 201-261-2150 a qEEG brain mapping for $21, normally $600. Early evaluation may help guide appropriate care and recovery planning. Visit www.kaplandc.com, listen to my radio show every Saturday at 8 a.m. on AM 970 and 2 p.m. on AM 710, and explore my book, “Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory and Focus,” available on Amazon. Kaplan Brain & Body Function Better, Feel Better, Live Better! info@kaplanbrainandbody.com www.kaplandc.com
The Park Ridge Board of Education has scheduled two special meetings to interview superintendent candidates, according to a notice dated March 4.
The meetings are set for Sunday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m. and Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room.
The board will go immediately into closed session for the interviews. No action may be taken, the notice states.
WESTWOOD — The Pascack Valley Venom 12U baseball team will hold a St. Patrickʼs Day bagel fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, and Saturday, April 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Goldbergʼs Famous Bagels, Westwood. Players will be on site to
greet customers and raise funds toward the teamʼs “Road to Cooperstown” trip in August. Proceeds will support travel and tournament expenses as the team works toward a $30,000 fundraising goal.
WESTWOOD—Registration is open at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center for the 2026–2027 school year. The center is at 64 1st Ave., Westwood. Zion offers programs for children ages 2 1/2, 3 and 4. The school is in a residential area away from main streets and traffic.
In small classes led by certified teachers, the center says each child is viewed as a unique creation with special gifts and talents. Through a Christian-based curriculum, children learn about the world around them through handson activities.
For information, call the school office Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 201-664-8060. Additional information is available at zionlutheranschool.org, and the school can also be found on Facebook.
FROM PAGE 4
remain alphabetized. Before the loose-leaf system, keeping ledgers orderly often required copying information into entirely new books.
An 1896 advertisement explained: “With this ledger a firm can start with 50 accounts and increase to 50,000, or to any number, without having to reopen a single ledger…Inactive closed accounts may be removed and filed…Reopening a closed account…only necessitates its return from the transfer binder to its position in the ledger.”
Leslieʼs Ledgers were used by major firms including American Exchange Bank, National Lead Co., Chicago Daily News, Monarch Bicycles, Elgin Watches and Western Union Telegraph Company National Lead was among the original 12 stocks listed when the Dow Jones Industrial Average debuted in 1896.
Leslie continued refining his design and received additional patents. In 1904 he secured a patent for a binder with rings that could lock open, allowing pages to be added or removed more easily an early version of the three-
The NJSFWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club will host a Military Bridge/Tricky Tray Friday, March 27, at the Montvale Senior Center, Memorial Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7 p.m. Military Bridge is a team-based, WWII-era variation of contract bridge—no bridge experience required, and
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
ring binder found today in nearly every studentʼs backpack.
The Pascack Historical Society will host its annual Curiosity
Sale Saturday and Sunday, March 14–15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museumʼs lecture hall, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. Admission is free.
The indoor sale features antiques and collectibles ranging from Victorian-era pieces to midcentury items. This yearʼs offerings include fine china, glassware, crystal, pottery, artwork, lamps, jewelry, linens, antique books, Easter items and a large selection of American Brilliant Period glass (1890–1910).
Organized and staffed by volunteers, the sale is an important fundraiser supporting preservation work, educational programming and museum operations.
Cash and Venmo will be accepted.
PHS members current on 2026 dues receive early access Friday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Membership begins at $40 and includes admission to lectures and a subscription to RELICS, the Societyʼs publication.
For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org or call 201-573-0307.
help will be available to learn the game. The evening will also feature a large Tricky Tray raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. Tickets $20 per person, with proceeds supporting local charities and scholarships. Seating is limited; the registration deadline is March 20.
To register, mail a check to Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, PO Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, and include name/contact information and the names of your playing group (seating will be assigned). Questions: 551-2365817 or gpvwc1990@gmail.com.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 668 Ridgewood Road, is continuing its parish food collection and announcing details for Casino Night 2026, set for Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m.
The parish said there is a strong need for donations of nonperishable food, paper products, and personal hygiene items. Donations may be placed in the basket at the back of the church.
Casino Night will feature casino-style games along with raffles and tricky tray baskets. The parish said non-players are welcome and can participate in
OF WASHINGTON — The Woodington Players at Westwood Regional High School will present Mean Girls: High School Version March 12–14 in the schoolʼs Campbell Auditorium.
Performances are scheduled for Thursday, March 12; Friday, March 13; and Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. The musical follows new student Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of high school. Through humor and contemporary music, the show explores themes of identity, belonging, friendship and the impact of peer influence.
Drama teacher and Woodington Players advisor Lauren Florek serves as director and producer. The student production team is supported by advisors Joseph Carnevale (set construction),
Joseph Fritz (vocal music direction and stage art), Barry Albert (light and sound), Daniel PeЦa
(instrumental music direction), Sandra Cadorette (choreography), and Casey Kauffman (costume and makeup).
Performances will take place in Campbell Auditorium at Westwood Regional High School, 701 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $13 with student ID. Complimentary tickets are available for invited senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased in advance at cur8.com/39982/project/137264 or at the door one hour before showtime.
The Woodington Players is the high schoolʼs extracurricular theater company, presenting an annual fall play and spring musical while offering students experience in both technical and performing arts.
THE HILLS VALLEY Coalition hosts “Pro-
tecting Our Kids: The Many Dangers of Social Media” on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in Pascack Hills High Schoolʼs auditorium. Billed as a powerful, multi-dimensional conversation—not a lecture—the program is intended for adults and children ages 12 and up and will focus on what children are encountering online, including social media harms, cyberbullying, counterfeit pills and sextortion.
Attendees will hear from four parent advocates who have experienced loss connected to these issues and have since turned their grief into education, prevention and awareness. Local law enforcement officers will discuss what is happening now in area communities, including tactics predators use and practical steps parents
and teens can take to stay safe.
School guidance counselors will also share how frequently social media plays a role in Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) cases, including warning signs, behavior patterns and supports available to families.
The event is held in memory of Emily Michaela Murillo and is associated with Emmyʼs Champions. Registration is requested.
Scan to RSVP
the raffles and prizes.
Tickets will be sold after Mass starting Saturday, Feb. 28. Registration forms with payment may be dropped at the rectory, placed in the collection basket at Mass, or mailed to the rectory addressed to “Casino Night.”
The parish is also seeking donations to support the event, including gift cards, scratch-off lottery tickets, bottles of wine, and new, unwanted gifts. Donations may be brought to Pat at the rectory For more info, call John Brunelli at 201-248-0558.
The Hillsdale Muslim community and guests from neighboring towns gathered Thursday, Feb. 12 at Hillsdale United Methodist Church for a Ramadan welcome celebration held in conjunction
with the boroughʼs Crescent Lighting.
Though cold, dark conditions kept the crescent from being lit downtown, attendees said the program inside the church was
“warm and bright.” Mayor and members of the Borough Council also participated, along with officers from the Hillsdale Police Department. Via Anthony DeRosa
Dear Savvy Senior,
My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but itʼs hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?
Almost 80
Dear Almost,
Your kidsʼconcerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive and growing problem for older Americans. Financial fraud cost older adults an estimated $81.5 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission – a staggering figure that reflects both reported losses and the many scams that go unreported.
While many scams today target people of all ages, older adults are often singled out or disproportionately affected. From urgent phone calls and alarming emails to online romance schemes and fake investment opportunities, criminals use every trick in the book to pressure seniors into handing over money or personal information.
Knowing the most common scams is the first line of defense. Hereʼs a list of scams seniors should watch for:
• Imposter and government scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, the police, banks, or utility companies. They claim thereʼs a problem requiring immediate payment or personal information and may threaten arrest or loss of benefits.
• Tech support scams: Calls, emails, or pop-ups warn your computer has a virus. The scammer offers to “fix” it but instead steals money, personal data, or access to your device.
• Grandparent or family emergency scams: Callers pose as a relative—often a grandchild—in distress and urgently request money Some even use AI to mimic a loved oneʼs voice.
• Investment and cryptocurrency scams: Offers for “too good to be true” investments, including crypto or high-yield
retirement schemes, often promise big returns but lead to large financial losses.
• Romance scams: Scammers build fake online relationships on social media, dating sites and other interactive platforms, then invent emergencies or investment opportunities to get money. Seniors have lost millions to these schemes.
• Medicare scams: Calls or texts claim to be from Medicare, asking you to verify your number, offering special plans, or warning of fraud. Medicare will not contact you this way.
• Sweepstakes and lottery scams: Youʼre told youʼve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes first. Real lotteries never require payment.
• Charity scams: Scammers call or email, asking for donations to fake charities, often after disasters. Always verify before giving.
• Phishing and online fraud: Emails, texts, and pop-ups that look like theyʼre from banks, Amazon, or PayPal try to steal passwords, account numbers, or trick you into clicking harmful links.
• Employment scams: Seniors seeking part-time work or ways to supplement their retirement should watch out for fake job offers on LinkedIn, indeed, and other online job sites. Scammers may promise easy income or work-from-home opportunities but ask for upfront fees, personal information, or involve illegal tasks like package reshipping. Always verify employers and never pay to apply.
How to Protect Yourself
Awareness and caution are your best defense. Slow down when a call, email, or text pressures you to act immediately. Scammers want you to react quickly. Hang up, donʼt click links, and verify requests by calling the organization directly or checking with a trusted family member
Never send money using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations never ask this way. Stay updated with AARPʼs Fraud Watch Network (aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork) or the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov).
Protect your accounts by setting up bank alerts, checking credit reports, and using strong, unique passwords. Some seniors find it helpful to have a trusted family member or financial ally review unusual activity. Report
suspicious calls, messages, or offers at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
B eing informed, cautious, and deliberate can greatly reduce
your risk of fraud – giving you and your family peace of mind. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvyse-
nior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
WESTWOOD — Members of the GFWC/NJSFWC Womanʼs Club of Westwood marked Heart Health Month and Valentineʼs Day at their February meeting by donning red attire.
As part of the monthʼs theme, the club shared heart-healthy reminders for Valentineʼs Day, encouraging residents to consider a home-cooked meal as an alternative to dining out. The group suggested opting for grilled, baked, stir-fried or sauteed dishes and keeping portions in mind, while noting that treats can still fit into a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation.
The club also participated in the Palisades District Arts Performing Day at the Womanʼs Club of Paramus clubhouse. Attendees included
clubs took part in an afternoon of music, dance, poetry and monologues, organizers said. The next event is Achievement Day in March, when members will showcase skills including photography, paper art, baking, knitting and crocheting.
For information on membership and volunteering, call 201916-1580 or visit the Womanʼs Club of Westwood online at westwoodwomansclub.org.
—Via Madeleine Ciocco
Bergen County Players stages Bekah Brunstetter’s timely dramedy
March 14–April 11
ORADELL — A wedding cake might seem like the easy part.
But in Bergen County Playersʼ upcoming production of The Cake, the frosting is the least complicated thing on the table. The dramedy, written by Bekah Brunstetter—producer and writer for the TV series This Is Us—asks what happens when love and loyalty collide with faith and long-held conviction, and whether people can find a way back to one another when the stakes feel personal and absolute.
Directed by Teaneck resident Carol Fisher, The Cake opens March 14 and runs through April 11 at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road.
Inspired by real-life headlines
and a case that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, the play centers on Della, a warm, devout Christian baker in North Carolina. Her world is shaken when Jen—the daughter of Dellaʼs late best friend, and someone she considers almost like family—asks her to create a wedding cake for her and her lesbian partner, Macy.
The premise sounds like itʼs built for argument. Instead, Fisher said, the play aims for something more human: the messy middle ground where people are trying— sometimes clumsily, sometimes stubbornly—to hold onto what they believe while also holding onto each other.
“For me, The Cake is a story of love, understanding and redemption,” Fisher said. “It portrays real people trying hard to find a path back to each other. In a time when we seem to be going backwards in many ways, a play about love and understanding can be very moving and help remind us to have more acceptance of people not like us.”
Let us help promote your club or organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675
A Bergen County Players Life Member, Fisher has directed a range of productions for the company, including Pride and Prejudice, Church and State, The Lion in Winter, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, A Shayna Maidel, Is There Life After High School? and Sordid Lives. She has also appeared on the Little Firehouse Theatre stage in productions including Steel Magnolias, Pippin and One Flew Over the Cuckooʼs Nest
The cast includes Holly Cerelli of Hasbrouck Heights in her Bergen County Players debut as Della. John Klemek of Ringwood, also new to BCP, plays Tim, Dellaʼs husband. Angelina Aragona of Township of
Washington plays Jen, and Kylah Wilson of Paterson plays Macy. Rounding out the cast is BCP veteran Larry Brustofski of Oakland, who voices George, host of The Great American Bake-Off—and, in the playʼs world, a sort of sharpedged conscience running alongside Dellaʼs decisions.
Bergen County Players will donate a portion of its 2025–2026 season proceeds to Joanʼs Joy Foundation of Hillsdale, which honors the memory of 7-year-old Girl Scout Joan Angela DʼAlessandro. The foundation promotes child safety through programs and provides fun experiences for at-risk children.
If you go
The Cake runs March 14–April 11 at Bergen County PlayersʼLittle
Theatre, 298 Kinderka-
Road,
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30 Fridays and Saturdays and $28 Sundays. Purchase online at bcplayers.org, by phone at 201-261-4200, or at the box office during regular hours.
A Questions & Artists talkback session will be held following the Friday, March 20 performance, with cast and crew joined by Dan Daily, who played Tim in the Broadway production of The Cake. Please note: The play contains adult themes, language and content, as well as partial nudity.
LLC.
FROM PAGE 1
popular program before registration opens next month.
Camp director Christopher Pinto informed families this week that the township and church were unable to reach an agreement to continue operating the program at the Pascack Road facility, which
has served as the campʼs base for the past seven summers.
“With the dedication of our staff, the full support of Mayor Peter Calamari, and the collaboration of numerous township employees, we have proudly watched the Township of Washington Summer Camp Program grow from approximately 130 campers to nearly 600 over the past decade,” Pinto wrote in a message to families.
Bethany Community Center, which for the past several years has hosted the Township of Washington's lively and growing summer camp, says it can no longer accommodate the program.
The camp previously operated at Memorial Field and Washington School before relocating to the Bethany Community Center, where the township developed a centralized program serving hundreds of children entering kindergarten through eighth grade.
Camp materials from last summer indicate how heavily the program depended on the Bethany building. While campers typically spend much of the day outdoors, the facility served as the programʼs primary rain and heat backup.
“In case of rain, camp will be held completely indoors at the Bethany Community Center,” the handbook states. Campers are also moved inside during extreme heat for safety.
The program uses nearby Memorial Field for activities as well as before- and after-care services, which run 7:30–8:30 a.m.and2:30–6 p.m.
Pinto said township officials attempted several compromises in hopes of remaining at Bethany.
“In an effort to remain at the facility, Mayor Calamari and I explored multiple accommodations, including reducing enrollment by up to half, limiting the use of entrances and exits, and adjusting drop-off and pick-up procedures,” he said.
St. John the Baptist Church will host a St. Patrickʼs Day Party on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 6 p.m., at the parish center, 69 Valley St.
The evening will feature food,
complimentary Guinness beer, live music by Mary G and Frankie Lees, Irish dancers, and other entertainment. Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. Reservation forms are available by the church
• Programs from 8 weeks - 5 years. We offer year round full day programs.
•Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included.
• Age appropriate curriculum.
•State of the art security system.
• Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground.
Bethany did offer use of its gymnasium at what Pinto described as a fair rate and introduced township officials to a new pool management company. However, Pinto said those options did not meet the operational needs of the camp program.
Church leaders said the decision followed reflection about the community centerʼs evolving mission and programming.
“For the past seven years, Bethany Church and the Bethany Community Center have been grateful to host Washington Townshipʼs Summer Camp program and to build meaningful relationships with many local families,” the churchʼs deacon board said in a statement.
However, officials said the center has expanded ministries, programs, and tenant partnerships in recent years.
“At this stage, dedicating the building to a large daily summer program is no longer aligned with the operational direction and vision of the Center,” the statement said.
The church said it remains open to discussions with township officials about other ways to support local families, including possible use of outdoor facilities.
The Bethany campus has become an important location for several township functions in recent years.
Last fall, Mayor Calamari reached an agreement allowing the township to move itsNov. 4
doors. Completed reservations and payment should be brought to the rectory office.
For more information, call 201-664-3131 or visit stjohnhillsdale.org.
• Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.
general election polling location from town hallto Bethany, giving voters the ability to cast inperson ballots there.
Also in 2025, officials approved an ordinance to lease a 1.25-acre section of the Bethany propertyfor temporary Department of Public Works vehicle storage during construction of a new DPW facility. That proposal, at $104,000, drew significant resident opposition, particularly from neighbors concerned about traffic along Woodfield Road and environmental impacts near Musquapsink Brook.
For now, the immediate challenge facing township officials is maintaining the summer recreation program.
“The Mayor and I are working closely together to reschedule, relocate, and revise our camp plans to ensure that we continue to deliver a high-quality program for our families,” Pinto said.
Registration for the 2026 summer recreation program is scheduled to openApril 3, and township officials said families will receive updated details before that date once a revised plan is finalized.
The camp typically includes daily recreation activities and optional trips to destinations such asTurtle Back Zoo, Tomahawk Lake Water Park, bowling, and entertainment venues. The Township Theater, which all ages of campers enjoyed as a day trip in recent years, has since closed.
Members of Congregation
Bʼnai Israel in Emerson and Hebrew school children recently performed the synagogueʼs annual Purim shpiel in honor of Purim, which commemorates the rescue of Persiaʼs Jewish people as told in the Book of Esther
This yearʼs production, “A Wicked Purim Shpiel — For
Good!,” incorporated songs from the Broadway show and film “Wicked.”
Congregation Bʼnai Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue at 53 Palisade Ave., near the Emerson Public Library. For information, including directions, contact Marie in the temple office at 201-265-2272 or bnaioffice@bisrael.com, or visit bisrael.com.
Mayor Keith Misciagna announced the passing of James G. Donovan (Nov. 24, 1940 – Feb. 21, 2026), a longtime Park Ridge resident and community volunteer. Donovan was a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Waller and USS DuPont. After a 42-year career with Veolia/Spring Valley Water Co., largely at the Lake DeForest Water Filter Plant, he retired and became a borough crossing guard, serving generations of Park Ridge families.
He was a past commander of American Legion Post 153 and a past officer of Park Ridge Elks Lodge 2234. Donovan is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Patricia (nee McDevitt), and his family.
Mayor thanks crews after blizzard
The mayor also thanked General Supervisor of Public Works
Jason Coughenour, CPWM, and members of the Department of Public Works, Electric and Water departments for their response to the 2026 New Jersey blizzard. Crews worked extended hours clearing and salting roads. The borough reported no power outages during the storm. Electric Supervisor Jimmy Leichtman and borough linemen were credited for preventative maintenance and storm readiness.
Pool registration underway
Registration for the Park Ridge Pool opened Feb. 16 via Community Pass. Information is available at parkridgeboro.com under the pool page.
Recreation seeks summer camp feedback
The Park Ridge Recreation Department is asking families to complete a survey regarding its
summer camp program. The camp includes sports, crafts, outdoor activities and themed weeks.
St. Patrickʼs Day celebration
The Park Ridge Elks Lodge will host its annual St. Patrickʼs Day celebration Saturday, March 14, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at 13 Sulak Lane.
Tickets are $65 and include dinner, beverages and live entertainment. For tickets, contact Sharon Herman at 201-280-7602 or Dennis Cosgrove at 201-7399296.
Golden Age Club launches chair yoga
The Golden Age Club has introduced a Chair Yoga and Wellness Program for residents age 55 and older. Sessions are held Tuesdays at 1 p.m. through June 17 at the Elks Lodge.
The club is open to all bor-
The NJFSWC Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club will meet Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the Montvale Senior Center on Memorial Drive.
Tami Azouri, BSN, RN, HNBBC, a public health nurse with the Community Outreach and Engagement team at Hackensack University Medical Center, will present an interactive program on holistic stress management.
Members will also discuss plans for the clubʼs annual Military
Bridge, set for Friday, March 27, at the Montvale Senior Center. The event will include a giant tricky tray and other raffles. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Reservations due March 20. To buy tickets, send a check with your contact information to Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club, P.O. Box 3, Park Ridge, NJ.
The club has served the community for 35 years and meets the second Monday of each month from September through June. The
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club welcomes women interested in community service. Visit gpvwc1990.wixsite.com/gpvwc, call (201) 694-4440 or email gpvwc1990@gmail.com.
ough residents 55+. For membership information, contact club president Brenda Yanni at 201410-7981.
Girl Scouts recruiting
Girl Scouts in Park Ridge are welcoming girls in grades K–12. Troops meet at East Brook, West Ridge and OLMA. For information, contact Carrie Rauschenberger at prgstoolkit@gmail.com.
Historical society lecture series
The Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Ave., will begin its 2026 lecture series March 22 at 2 p.m. with a presentation by Tim Adriance on the Revolutionary War in the Pascack Valley. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Youth programs
• Recreation will offer Youth Tennis Clinics at West Ridge Elementary School (Tuesdays, March 24–June 9, grades 1–8) and Junior Golf Clinics at East Brook Elementary School (Wednesdays, March 25–June 3, grades K–8).
•Community Chess Club continues through March 11 for ages 5–12 and 8–14 (intermediate level). Details are available at parkridgeboro.com or by calling 201-573-1800 ext. 521.
•PRHS Operation Gradua-
tion will host a Dodgeball Tournament fundraiser March 18 at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.
Volunteer opportunities
•Tri-Boro Ambulance is seeking volunteers; call 201-3912332 or visit tbvacnj.org.
• PKRG-TV is seeking volunteers to assist with filming PRHS sports. Email pkrg@parkridgeboro.com.
• The Recreation Department is also seeking middle and high school students to assist with events for community service hours. Contact recreation@parkridgeboro.com.
Recycling reminder Residents should have received the 2026 recycling newsletter. 2025 parking decals remain valid through March 31, 2026. Renewal letters will be mailed mid-February. Information is available at parkridgeboro.com.
Food pantry seeking donations
The Tri-Boro Food Pantry continues to seek donations. Drop-offs are accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9–11 a.m., or at Borough Hall during business hours. For special arrangements, call 201-573-9083.
PARK RIDGE — The Park Ridge High School Little Theater Players will present their spring musical, “Disneyʼs The Little Mermaid,” based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the classic animated film.
The production features wellknown songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” In the story, Ariel — King Tritonʼs youngest daughter — dreams of life above the sea and
FROM PAGE 14
and recipes for fresh-caught fish — with the confidence of someone who has spent a lot of time at the water and in the fresh air
“My dad and I have a rule: I gut them, which Iʼm really good at, and he fillets them. And I cook them. And they taste great. For trout Iʼll gut, no head; I stuff the cavity with lemon, salt, and pepper, and wrap it in tinfoil and grill it or put it over a fire,” Brad said.
“If weʼre talking perch or bluegill, I have a killer recipe that my dad invented: fillet and cut the fish into pieces, swish them in a bowl with panko bread crumbs and Frankʼs RedHot sauce. Butter in a pan and stir them around until theyʼre done to your liking.”
Luring catfish, he said, he experiments. “Sometimes I use hot dogs with Jell-O powder,” he said. “It works really well.”
the human Prince Eric. She strikes a bargain with the sea witch Ursula to trade her tail for legs, but the deal comes at a cost. Arielʼs friends Flounder, Scuttle and Sebastian help her confront the consequences and restore order under the sea.
The show runs approximately 2 1/2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.
A complimentary matinee for senior citizens will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1 p.m.
On this trip, the bait was Vollenweidarʼs chicken gizzards coated in gelatin powder—a pungent mixture that catfish find irresistible.
Brad also fishes at Huff Park in Montvale, where other kids sometimes ask him for advice.
“The kid knows a whole lot more than I do now,” Jason said. “I actually ask him for advice.”
And heʼs proficient with the bow and arrow, eager to grow into deer hunting.
Bradʼs favorite class this year is science, he said. His favorite teacher right now is Miss Walker, the reading teacher. “Sheʼs super nice and funny.”
Fishing, Vollenweidar said, can have a powerful effect on young people. “Hopefully it helps make more fishermen,” he said. “It keeps kids out of trouble. It kept me out of trouble.”
As a teacher, he ran a program called Trout in the Classroom, raising trout with students and releasing them into streams each spring.
These days he still gets the
Public performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 27–28, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available through the online box office at prhsltp.booktix.com and will also be sold at the door.
Accessibility: An elevator is available; patrons who need elevator access should enter around the back of the school, where staff will assist.
same excitement from the sport.
“Iʼm turning 60 this year,” he said. “And every time I go fishing, Iʼm still like a little kid.” He sees the same spark in Brad. “If I can light that fire in a kid like him,” Vollenweidar said, “thatʼs a good thing.”
Vollenweidar agrees Brad is a go-getter and well spoken: “My wife said the same thing. I brought him upstairs to show him some of my fish mounts and equipment, and he looks at me and says, “Can you recommend a good taxidermist?”
“Then he told me his grandparents got him a charter trip in the ocean and asked if I could recommend a good charter boat. Ten years old. I wasnʼt doing anything like that when I was 10.
Vollenweidar made the cover of the digest as well, a few years back: “I take a lot of fishing pictures. Craig Lemon, who runs the Hackettstown hatchery, saw some of my photos and asked if I had one available for the cover. It was a picture of me holding a walleye I caught on Lake Hopatcong.”
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Parents of 3- and 4-year-olds are encouraged to save the date for Westwood Recreation Preschoolʼs
2026–27 registration day on Tuesday, March 10. Residents should attend the 9 a.m. session; non-residents should attend the 11 a.m. session.
A first payment of $550 (PreK-4) or $475 (Pre-K 3) is due at registration. Call 201-664-7882 to book a registration appointment and schedule a tour.
Parents seeking local, affordable preschool options may find the Westwood Recreation Preschool
part-time program a good fit for introducing a child to school when full-time child care is not required.
The three-day-a-week, half-day programs for children ages 3 to 5 are designed to foster kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a nurturing setting.
Westwood Recreation
Preschool is a State of New Jerseylicensed child care facility. Classroom activities support academic and social development by building self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, and listening skills, while pro-
viding a foundation in literacy, math, social studies, and science. Art, music, seasonal activities, and free play round out the program.
The program is open to children ages 3 to 5 as of Oct. 1, 2026. Proof of residency and birth certificates are required at registration. Children must be potty-trained before entering the program.
Annual tuition is $2,400 for 4to 5-year-olds attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Annual tuition is $2,000 for 3-year-olds attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 to
2:30 p.m. Tuition is payable in four installments: at registration, September, January, and February. The 2026–27 preschool year begins Sept. 9.
Parents are encouraged to register in March, as class size is limited to 24 for the Pre-K 4 morning class and 20 for the Pre-K 3 afternoon class.
To schedule a tour or ask questions about the program or registration process, call 201-6647882. Additional information is available at the Westwood borough websiteʼs preschool page.
For more information, contact Gary Buchheister, recreation director, at gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov.
There will be a special meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Westwood on Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood. The purpose of the meeting is to review the 2026 budget. The Council reserves the right to go into closed session, if needed.
PASCACK VALLEY
Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County will host Women Build Week 2026 from March 23 through April 3, bringing women across Bergen County together to help build a new home in Oradell.
Women Build is a powerful initiative that empowers women to step onto the construction site, learn new skills, and directly support affordable housing for local families. More than just volunteering, Women Build fosters leadership, teamwork, and community
impact while raising critical funds to expand homeownership opportunities in Bergen County. There are participation options available for both companies and individuals, allowing businesses, teams, and solo builders to get involved in a meaningful way.
Habitat Bergen is also seeking in-kind sponsors, specifically local businesses willing to provide food for volunteers and/or print and media services to support event promotion and volunteer hospitality. In-kind partners will receive recognition as part of Women Build Week community outreach efforts.
To learn more or register, visit: https://rb.gy/ky2l9h. For sponsorship inquiries: executivedirector@habitatbergen.org.
Exalted Ruler John Maggi and Loyal Knight Ron Kusala, working under the direction of George Osborne, Elks North District Veterans Chairman (Passaic Valley Lodge No. 2111), delivered a donated bed and complete bedding to a veteran in
organizers said.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) notes that it built the first veterans hospital and cites its longstanding commitment to supporting hospitalized veterans.
Pictured, left to right: John Maggi; Michael Miniyev, a local veteran; and Ron Kusala.
—Via John Cangelosi
FROM PAGE 1
benefits, including a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), said Fair Share officials.
The proposed residential option would allow up to 250 units, with 50 units (20%) set aside for affordable housing, according to Fair Share.
March 15 is the deadline for municipalities to submit amended Housing Elements and Fair Share Plans, along with implementing ordinances and zoning changes, to the state for compliance.
On Monday, March 2, the boroughʼs attorney, Surenian, Edwards, Buzak & Nolan LLC of Montville, submitted a 155-page fourth-round settlement complaint to Superior Court Judge Lina Corriston that includes the data center or residential housing option.
Borough attorneys suggested that despite Fair Shareʼs opposition, Montvaleʼs good-faith efforts to meet its fourth-round affordable housing obligations should allow the borough to retain immunity from builderʼs remedy suits — or loss of zoning power — until the dispute is resolved.
They claim Montvale has complied with all affordable housing program deadlines to date.
In a March 3 statement, Fair Share Housing Center said, “Mont-
vale is attempting to use New Jerseyʼs affordable housing process to authorize a massive data center in place of affordable homes — a move that the retired judge reviewing the townʼs plan under the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program has already deemed noncompliant with state law.”
The nonprofit housing advocate added that the proposed data center option would include no affordable housing at all.
The Montvale court filing includes no description of what a potential data center might include, though a data center was initially proposed for the site in the mid1980s but never built.
However, Fair Share notes that a 1980s-era data center would likely be dwarfed by the massive facilities operating today, driven by AIrelated demand for power and water. Such projects can strain local power grids and increase environmental impacts.
Montvaleʼs mayor responds
We reached out to Mayor Mike Ghassali for a response to Fair Shareʼs claims.
Ghassali told Pascack Press, “Fair Share Housing Centerʼs unhinged press release makes abundantly clear why it was so dangerous for Trenton to dissolve COAH and effectively make a private organization the arbiter of disputes involving local housing plans.
I am deeply disappointed —
but not surprised — that Fair Share would continue to run a defamatory smear campaign against a town and elected officials who are trying to navigate an accelerated compliance process that has proven time and again to be unworkable.”
Ghassali continued, “What Fair Share doesnʼt tell you is that Montvale built more affordable units than required in Round 3, and Fair Share even praised our efforts in court. Currently we have 365 affordable units built in Montvale. Thatʼs more than 10% of our housing units.
“For Round 4, we submitted a housing plan that satisfies our RDP, satisfies our unmet need, and again proposes surpluses over and above those obligations. Our plan was and is constitutionally compliant by any objective measure.”
[See “Montvale mayor outlines housing settlement framework, development plan: up to 680 units over next 10 years” by Michael Olohan, page 6.]
Ghassali said that on the KPMG property a developer wants to retain the right to develop the site with a data center, which he said is already a permitted use.
“Montvaleʼs plan would be compliant whether or not that site is used for affordable housing,” Ghassali said.
He added that numerous state and county representatives, including the Governorʼs Office, have been helping facilitate a potential project that could generate hundreds of jobs and produce a substantial development fee to support affordable housing.
“A property owner wanting to retain the right to build a permitted use on a site is not news, and it certainly should not generate the histrionics in Fair Shareʼs press release,” Ghassali said in an email.
voluntarily comply with our objective constitutional requirements.”
Ghassali added that the matter will ultimately be determined by a neutral Superior Court judge.
Montvaleʼs court filing
In the 155-page filing, Montvaleʼs attorneys contend that the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program may allow municipalities with unresolved disputes to retain immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation into the following year if they are working in good faith toward compliance.
They write that municipalities facing ongoing disputes may adopt a binding resolution by the March 15 deadline committing to adopt implementing ordinances once the dispute is resolved.
“On top of meeting and exceeding its obligations, the Boroughʼs settlements envision an option for an additional 50 affordable units in a manner plainly permissible under COAH regulations,” the filing states.
“The data center is an existing, permitted use at the KPMG site. The Borough and KPMG are agreeing that, in addition to the permitted data center use, there will be an option for 250 units, of which 50 would be affordable.”
Montvaleʼs plan also does not require the developer to relocate or compensate for the proposed 50 affordable units if the site is instead developed as a data center.
Fair Shareʼs executive director had strong words for the boroughʼs approach.
“Calling this a housing plan stretches the term beyond recognition,” said Adam Gordon, executive director of Fair Share Housing Center.
“We will continue in the appropriate forum, at the appropriate time, to seek approval of our housing plan. We remain determined to
“Montvale is asking the court to bless an illegal end-run around its own public process, allowing its largest redevelopment site to become a massive data center with no affordable housing at all.”
Gordon added, “Montvaleʼs mayor, Mike Ghassali, is so dead set on blocking affordable housing that he promised special treatment and tax breaks to a developer building a massive data center — without giving residents of Montvale and surrounding towns an opportunity to weigh in on its impacts.”
Fair Share noted that on Feb. 10 the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program rejected Montvaleʼs proposed settlement.
“The dispute over their housing plan will next be heard before a judge in late spring or summer,” said a Fair Share spokesperson.
The center also filed a Feb. 27 letter with Judge Corriston demanding public release of the settlement with the data center developer and stating its intention to challenge any effort to use the affordable housing process to approve the project, according to Fair Share spokesperson Jag Davies.
Recent affordable housing rulings support NJ law
On Feb. 24, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito denied an emergency request from Local Leaders for Responsible Planning — a coalition led by Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali — to stay the fourth-round affordable housing deadline of March 15.
The lawsuit was brought by nine municipalities, though 29 towns are part of the coalition.
Prior appeals seeking to halt the fourth-round housing deadlines were denied by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, a U.S. District Court judge, a state Supreme Court justice, an Appellate Division judge, and a Superior Court judge. Emergency appeals were denied at every state, county, and federal court level.
Related: “Judge: Town must scrap data center plan on affordables” by Michael Olohan, Feb 15, 2026.
Westwood Recreation is inviting residents and neighbors age 55 and older to take part in yoga and tai chi through the departmentʼs Forever Young program.
Forever Young yoga, led by certified instructor Tori Karach, is a 60-minute class for beginners through advanced participants. The class is designed to build flexibility, improve balance and posture, boost mood, increase muscle tone and help ease aches and pains. Yoga meets Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Westwood Community Center. The program is free for Westwood residents age 55 and older; the fee for nonresidents is $20 per month.
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Forever Young tai chi is taught by instructor Hasmig Mekjian. Tai
chi, a Chinese martial art, features slow, continuous movement from one pose to the next and is often practiced to reduce stress and anxiety. Classes meet Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Tai chi is free for Westwood residents; the nonresident fee is $30 per month and includes both classes. To register, adults 55 and older may visit the Westwood Community Center office, 55 Jefferson Ave., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 201-664-7882.
Team of Polish women will clean your home, office, or apartment. Over 25 years experience. Call Teresa at 201-679-5081.
Westwood - large furnished master bedroom, private bathroom & deck, shared kitchen $1,200 per month, 1 month security. Call or Text 201-694-9817.
FOR SALE- Commercial lawnmowers, 36 inch and 48 inch Scag belt drive machines. Very well maintained. Prices between $1,200-$2000. Call or text Larry: (201) 697-3458.
MACHINE. Brother Innovis NQ1600E. Like new, includes magnetic hoop. $750 OBO. Call or text 201-281-4084.
