PASCACKPRESS 8.25.25NEW

Eagles take wing

FLOODING FEARS ON REDEVELOP PLAN

Residents, experts to weigh in Sept. 11 on proposed four-story self-storage facility, parking lot

BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Residents will have their next chance to weigh in on a proposed four-story self-storage building and a 71-stall parking lot in the Patterson Street Redevelopment Zone at a Planning Board hearing Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Officials said testimony is expected from traffic engineer Corey Chase and architect Gretchen Elton of SAA Architects.

At the applicationʼs first hearing, held earlier this month, Hillsdale Self Storage LLC — represented by attorney Jason Tuvel — presented its engineer, Thomas See PLAN on page 12

MOTIVATED TO SUCCEED MOTIVATED TO SUCCEED

Viral speaker Jordan Toma at PHHS Aug.

29;

author of ʻIʼm Just a Kid With an IEPʼ

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

THE PASCACK H

High School Parent Faculty Association says it is beyond thrilled to sponsor renowned motivational speaker

Jordan Toma at Hills on Friday, Aug. 29, to help set the tone for a new school year.

Toma, 35, of Madison, in southeast Morris County, is a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for students with learning disabilities and for mental health awareness.

Viral on TikTok, his message, forged from years of per sonal struggle, centers on resilience, perseverance, and self-belief As he reminds audi ences, “Your past does not define your future. Your choices do.”

Jennifer Wilder-Charnow, one of the event organizers, explained the get online: “One of the many awesome things we get to do as a PFA is fulfill grants submitted by our amazing staff — and this is a shining example! Our fabulous, rockstar principal, Tim Wieland, presented renowned motivational speaker Jordan Toma, and we are beyond thrilled to be able to sponsor his visit to PHHS.”

overcoming personal challenges to find success.”

From struggle to strength

Growing up, Toma says online, he always felt “not good enough” because of his learning disabilities. “I went through the first 18 years of life thinking my

NEW OWNERS

The James, the luxury multifamily development in downtown Park Ridge — named for hometown actor James Gandolfini — has been sold by Veris

learning disabilities would prevent me from simply being normal,” he recalls. “Being successful wasnʼt even a thought. I was too busy focusing on how different I thought I was from every-

Continued on page 19

Tool for developers, businesses aims to unify downtownʼs ʻvisual identityʼ

BYMICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

What should the future of downtown Hillsdale look like? A new draft document circulating among local government officials for feedback may provide some answers.

A ALLSSO O

• Update on George G. White Middle School opening Page 31

A 21page draft Façade Design Guide for future downtown developers and businesses was introduced to the Borough Council Aug. 12 by Councilwoman Melissa Mazza-Chiong, a member of the Façade Design Guide Committee.

The draft, considering Hillsdale as a brand and promoting a vibrant and walkable downtown, was prepared by a committee including Mazza-Chiong, Mayor Michael Sheinfield, and Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk.

Downtown revitalization has been an on-again, off-again topic among councilors for the past five See STONE on page 26

In summer 1930, transporting an ear of corn into New Jersey was a serious offense. The fine was $500—a nearly $10,000 chunk of change in 2025 dollars. But why? Kristin Beuscher reports. PAGE 4

Veris Residential sells The James for loss, at $117M

The James, the luxury multifamily development downtown named for hometown actor James Gandolfini, has been sold by Veris Residential for $117 million, according to CBRE, which advised on the transaction.

The Class A property, at 87 Madison Ave. beside the train station, features 240 apartments and 18,000 square feet of retail space. It opened in 2021 and has been more than 96% occupied, with amenities including a fitness center, yoga and spin studio, coworking spaces, clubrooms, a plunge pool, and outdoor lounges with TVs, firepits and grills.

The buyer was not disclosed. Veris, based in Jersey City, acquired The James from Claremont Development for $130 mil-

lion in 2022. The sale represents a loss for the company, which in

recent years has been selling off non-core assets as it refocuses its portfolio. Veris reported in July that The James and Quarry Place in New York were under binding contract for a combined $180 million.

“Following the $85 million disposition of Signature Place in Morris Plains for Veris Residential last month, weʼre pleased to

advise the company in the disposition of another trophy multifamily asset in suburban New Jersey,” said Jeffrey Dunne, vice chairman of CBRE, in news release last week.

Outside of the Jersey City waterfront, Veris Residential continues to hold multifamily properties in Short Hills, Harrison, Morristown, and Washington, D.C. CBRE is also marketing other Veris holdings, including development sites in Montvale and Jersey City, as well as multifamily communities in Secaucus, Fair Lawn, and Newark.

The James was celebrated at its 2021 debut by nearly two dozen Gandolfini family and friends, honoring the late “Sopranos” star and Park Ridge native.

Wallop to the wallet

Pascack Press reported in 2022–2024 about residential tenant complaints of rent hikes at The James. In 2024, Mayor Keith Misciagna told us he would continue to advocate for The James residents “wherever I can” and said that some rent increases at The

James may make him reconsider rent control locally, though a rent control ordinance could not provide any immediate relief to tenants at The James.

Misciagna said he had had “several heated discussions” with Jamesʼmanagement over increases, noting “people feel like theyʼre being treated unfairly … and I donʼt want to see folks run out of town on obscene increases.”

“To upset somebodyʼs life with such an increase is wrong. Iʼm trying to encourage Veris to rethink this,” said Misciagna.

In May 2022, we reported that some residents at The James had charged that the landlord had hit residents with new leases that called for up to 24% annual increases, adding as much as $600 to their monthly cost of living.

(See “Blowback on Rent Hikes At The James,” May 7, 2022, and “ʻUnreasonableʼ Mayor backs critics on rent hike at The James,” Feb. 26, 2024, both stories by Michael Olohan.)

High hopes

At its ribbon cutting, officials lauded The Jamesʼ development team “for transforming the dilapidated property on Madison Avenue into a vibrant new community that will benefit generations to come.”

It includes street-level retail space, structured parking, and a public plaza. The project, replacing a waste transfer station, is helping the borough meet its statemandated affordable housing obligations. Its developer boasted it

See JAMES on page 16

Borough OK’s interim, part-time administrator

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

EMERSON

The Borough Council approved an agreement with Strategic Municipal Advisors LLC, not to exceed $22,500 that hires a former local administrator part-time basis into October.

Officials told Pascack Press that they were likely to begin hiring soon to replace Rob Hermansen, who left in May.

Interim admin Richard Sheola was to begin work around Aug. 6. Hermansen served the borough for five and a half years.

A separation agreement was approved by council in early June — signed by Hermansen and Mayor Danielle DiPaola — that says that Hermansen was to receive a total of $27,834.35 for salary and wages, which included

WESTWOOD

St. Andrew’s 50+ Club Welcome Back Social

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Clubʼs annual Welcome Back Social is set for Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. in the gym. Organizers say, “Please join us to enjoy an ʻAfternoon at the Track” that will include pizza and refreshments. New members are always welcome. For more informtion call Elaine at 201-664-7037.

—Via Hilda Gonzalez

deductions for his health care c ontribution for three months through July. A cting Borough Clerk Michelle Ryan told us that Hermansenʼs starting salary was $120,000 and when he left the position in May, he was making $135,304.02. He started in 2019.

• A fond farewell to Jill McGuire, who added much to

The contract council approved notes the services Strategic Municipal Advisors LLC will provide through late October:

• Two partial days in office, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., totaling eight hours, likely Wednesday and Thursday.

• One day working remotely, not more than seven hours, from SMA offices

• Fee of $125 per hour; $25 via normal biweekly borough payroll and $100 directly to SMA

• Assignment anticipated to run from July 30 to mid/late October

•Consultant not available Sept. 24 through Oct. 7

•Council attendance not included; if needed, it will be charged at $175 per hour

Craft Show

Over 100 Exhibitors with Arts & Crafts

Veterans Park, 3rd Ave. & Broadway, WESTWOOD

Stained Glass, Resin, Fiber, Apparel, Florals, Woodworkers, Jewelry, Framed Pressed Flowers & Poems, Pottery, Signs, Ceramic, Soaps, Candles, Art, Tie Dye, Chain Saw Animals & More.

ANTIQUE CORNER

Antique & Collectible Dealers

Appraisals by Jon Felz, 11 to 4, $5 Ea.

Festival Foods, Kettle Korn, Pickles, Italian Ice, Desserts Sponsored by the Westwood Heritage Society

Reached on Aug. 19, Mayor DiPaola told us, “We wish Mr. Hermansen nothing but the best and success in the future.”

LATE LT. GOV. HONORED AS ‘TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT’ AT STATEHOUSE PORTRAIT

UNVEILING

TRENTON

State officials unveiled a portrait of the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver at the Statehouse in Trenton on Thursday, about two years after Oliverʼs death.

Oliver, the first Black woman speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, was elected as Gov. Phil Murphyʼs running mate in 2017 and reelected in 2021. Murphy on Thursday said she devoted her life to fighting injustice.

“She was the definition, as they say in baseball, of a five-tool athlete, from fighting to expand affordable housing to supporting community revitalization up and down our state,” he said. “Sheila was the architect behind some of our greatest victories in building a stronger, fairer, and more just New Jersey.”

Murphy pointed to the wall of white, male portraits hanging in the Statehouse, noting that Oliverʼs portrait, along with one of former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno that was unveiled just weeks ago, will bring some diversity to the wall.

Oliverʼs political career started with positions on the East Orange

See OLIVER on page 11

Bckintime... Bckintime...

W WHHEEN N

C COORRN N

B BEECCAAMME E

C COONNTTRRAA-

B BAANND D

N SUMMER 1930, transporting an ear of corn into New Jersey was a serious offense. Caught smuggling the crop?

You faced a fine of $500—a nearly $10,000 chunk of change in todayʼs money.

Why the commotion around corn that summer?

SPECIALTO PASCACK PRESS

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

A pest, the European corn borer, was doing some serious damage in surrounding states after making its way across the Atlantic.

The insect had come from Hungary or Italy in shipments of broom corn (a type of sorghum used to make brooms) and was discovered in Massachusetts in 1917. By the late 1920s it was in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, where the moth—or more specifically, its larvae—was burrowing into stalks and ears of corn and ruining fields.

Bergen County in 1930 had approximately 19,000 acres of farmland. Of that, nearly 3,000 acres were fields of sweet corn. The federal government put in place a quarantine to ensure the infestation wouldnʼt take hold here. That summer, not a single ear of corn was to cross state lines into New Jersey.

“The invasion of the European corn borer has menaced one of the nationʼs important crops. The only way the invasion can be checked is to shut off the transportation of corn from one area to another so that the battle against the borer in the corn fields is not defeated by new invasions of the pest via automobile,” the Jersey Journal wrote on Aug. 9, 1930.

Checkpoints operated on interstate roadways 24 hours a day, and everyone was required by law to stop at them. A uniformed man from the Department of Agriculture would come to your window and ask if there was any corn in your car. (Yes, this really happened, and it caused major traffic backups that summer.) If your answer caused any suspicion, the inspector was empowered by the federal government to search your car and

The U.S. Department of Agriculture raised awareness about the effort to save New Jersey’s corn crop. The public’s cooperation was the key to success. Meanwhile, newspaper headlines from summer 1930 referenced the automobile checkpoints that accompanied the corn quarantine. All drivers traveling into New Jersey were stopped and questioned.

seize any corn he found.

Of course, it was impossible for the inspectors to search every car. In almost all cases, if you said you were not carrying any corn, you were waved right through. The effort relied heavily on the publicʼs honesty— and people generally tolerated the inconvenience, understanding that it was for the greater good.

The Jersey Journal reported, “The trouble of opening the rumble seat of an automobile is little. The job that the corn borer inspector is on is a big one. To object in helping in the big job by doing a little one is petty.”

Of course, there were always those who wanted to flout the law simply for the sake of it. Some would hurl profanity at the inspectors, while others just blew through the checkpoints. There were also the amateur smugglers, who seemed to get a thrill out of risking a $500 fine for 40 centsʼworth of out-of-state corn.

“This may seem farcical to some,” the newspaper continued, “but it is a fact that sane, sensible, moral women, who would not think for one minute of breaking any other law, have been found carrying corn under-

See CORN on page 30

with the new’ in township

Mayor Peter Calamari says heʼs happy to report that the Department of Public Works has taken delivery of a new garbage truck.

“This truck, which was approved as part of our capital budget, will replace an almost-20year-old vehicle that was in constant need of repair. Investing in this new equipment will allow our DPW team to better serve our residents with essential services such as household and garden debris collection, leaf and metal pickup, and brush removal,” he posted on Aug. 19.

He added, “Iʼm proud that we continue to make smart investments in our communityʼs infrastructure to keep Washington Township running smoothly.”

The previous week, Calamari announced that residents can now drop off household recyclables at Town Hall outside of regular curbside collection times, thanks to a no-cost arrangement with Gaeta Recycling.

Under that agreement, Gaeta has placed two recycling Dumpsters at Town Hall for public use. Calamari said the added service is intended to give residents more flexibility in managing recyclables.

An Ecology Permit sticker is

required, and standard separation rules remain in effect: paper and cardboard must be sorted and flattened, and kept separate from bottles, glass, and cans. Plastic bags are not accepted.

Drop-off hours align with the Department of Public Worksʼ debris disposal schedule:

•Tuesdays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Calamari thanked Gaeta Recycling for supporting the program at no cost to the township. Additional details are available on the DPW webpage.

—Staff report

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and news and feature leads from all towns in our dynamic Pascack Valley. Zap yours to PascackPress@ThePressGroup.net

NJranks 50th in study of full-time reporters per capita

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

New Jersey has the fewest local journalists per capita in the country, according to new research released this summer by Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News.

The “Local Journalist Index” developed by Rebuild Local News, a nonprofit coalition advocating for policies to strengthen community journalism, in partnership with Muck Rack, a PR and media database platform that tracks over 600,000 outlets and 3.5 million articles daily — finds that New Jersey and Delaware tie for the bottom nationally, with just 5.1 “Local Journalist Equivalents” per 100,000 residents. The national average is nearly 9.

By contrast, Vermont tops the list with 27.5 LJEs per 100,000 residents, buoyed by nonprofit outlets and locally controlled papers.

The index uses a new metric,

Today, two-thirds of U.S. counties have fewer than 10 per 100,000 — and one-third donʼt even have one.

In New Jersey, the shortage is felt at both the state and county level. Hunterdon and Warren counties are listed among the 10 counties in the nation with the lowest reporter coverage for their population size.

Why so few in New Jersey?

Researchers point to three main reasons:

New Jersey has a lively hyperlocal startup scene, most outlets are small, rely on freelancers, and employ few full-time staff. Those realities reduce their weight in the indexʼs reporting capacity measure.

Local Journalist Equivalents, to measure the actual reporting capacity in a state, factoring in the number of journalists, their beats, and the volume of reporting they produce. By this calculation, although more than 1,400 journalists list New Jersey as home, only about 470 are focused on covering

the state full time.

Local gaps, national crisis

The report underscores a broader national problem: fewer journalists are working in communities than a generation ago. In 2000, there were an average of 40 reporters per 100,000 people.

• Media market shadows: The state sits between New York City and Philadelphia. Audiences, advertising, and journalists are drawn toward those major markets, leaving fewer resources for outlets based in New Jersey.

• Legacy newspaper cuts: After decades of consolidation — including the sale of North Jersey Media Group papers to Gannett and layoffs at NJ Advance Media — coverage shrank dramatically in many towns.

• Startup reality: While

By way of disclosure: Pascack Press, established in 1997 and locally owned and operated in Westwood, is a member of both the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and Montclair State Universityʼs Center for Cooperative Media. The editorial department: our editor is full-time; our senior reporter is part-time; our listed contributing editor, a former editor here, supplies our popular “Back in Time” feature. Other content is submitted by contributors, including the reading public. We also welcome and mentor student voices, and address classrooms and service clubs and associations on request.

Investing in solutions

Despite the sobering numbers, the authors note that infra-

Stop by and say hello! The GFWC/NJSFWC Womanʼs Club of Westwood looks forward to collecting for its annual scholarship fund outside The Fresh Grocer in the Township of Washington on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The scholarship is open to all female graduating seniors residing in Washington Township and Westwood, regardless of which high school they attend.

The club says, “We seek a student with strong academics, a record of community service,

positive contributions to their school or community and demonstrates financial need. Applications can be obtained from the guidance offices or by contacting westwoodwomansclub@gmail .com in spring 2026.”

For more information about the club and its activities visit westwoodwomansclub.org.

WESTWOOD

You’ve got it made in the shade at Westwood library

Westwood library events into August. To register for sessions, and for more info, visit westwoodpubliclibrary.org

Summer Reading

•Color Our World: All-ages summer reading program runs July 22–Aug. 23. Win prizes by participating!

Adult Programs

•Knitting & Crocheting Club: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. & Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

•Meditation Group: Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m.

• ASL Practice Group: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

• Scrabble Club: Tuesdays, 3–4 p.m. (Register for Aug. 26)

•Garden Club: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Children & Teen Programs

• Library Playgroup (0–5 years): Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

•Nintendo Switch Club (Grades 6–8): Wednesday, Aug. 27, 3:15–4:15 p.m.

•Cooking with ShopRite

Eagle soars on Emerson Woods project

Nicholas Milo, a resident of Emerson and member of Park Ridge Boy Scout Troop 80, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement in Scouting.

Milo, who has earned 28 merit badges, has held numerous leadership positions during his years with Troop 80, including chaplain aide, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, and junior assistant scoutmaster

For his Eagle project, Milo organized the construction and installation of two cedar trail benches at the Emerson Woods Preserve.

The benches, made entirely of untreated cedar, were permanently placed at both of the preserveʼs entrances to provide a resting spot for hikers and visitors.

To fund the project, Milo coordinated a car wash that raised more than $1,700. He went on to

Nicholas Milo of Park Ridge Boy Scout Troop 80

plan and lead seven work sessions, overseeing 30 volunteers who contributed a combined 209 hours to complete the effort. Milo was responsible for all phases of the project, from design and fundraising through planning, coordination, and execution.

The benches serve as a lasting addition to the preserve, reflecting Miloʼs leadership and commitment to community service.

(Grades K–3): Tuesday, Aug. 26, 3:45–4:15 p.m.

ESL Programs (via Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley)

Only a small fraction of Scouts reach the Eagle rank: historically about 4% of all Scouts nationwide. The achievement, first awarded in 1912, requires earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership, and successfully completing a community service project.

— Staff report

•ESL Conversation Group: Thursdays, Aug. 28, 7–8:30 p.m.

For more info, visit literacyvolunteerspv.org.

Greco family legacy anchors Veterans’ Park in Eagle project

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

A relic of mid-20th century naval history has found a new home in Veterans Park, thanks to the work of Michael Rocco Greco, a standout member of Troop 321 who has completed his Eagle Scout project.

Michael discovered the large naval anchor through a Facebook Marketplace listing by a hobbyist who restores historic anchors. The seller had found the piece in upstate New York and believed it came from a World War II–era LST (Landing Ship, Tank) used during Allied beach landings in the Atlantic or Pacific theaters.

Discussing his project in February with the governing body, which includes his dad, Anthony, Michael initially explained where he acquired the anchor: “Iknow a guy.” His extensive, well-supported presentation layered in constructive feedback from the mayor and council.

The anchor, heavily rusted, required extensive restoration. Michael devoted four Saturday mornings and approximately 14 hours to sandblasting the metal clean. He then applied a marine epoxy finish: one coat of white primer, followed by three coats of black and three coats of gray.

The restored piece is now installed in Veterans Park, where it honors U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine service members.

Mayor Ray Arroyo noted the project is especially timely as the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on

Top right, Michael Greco presents to Westwood’s governing body in February about his Eagle Scout project restoring a naval anchor for Veterans Park (John Snyder photo). Below that, a World War II photo shows LST (Landing Ship, Tank) vessels, the type from which Michael’s restored anchor is believed to have originated. And above, the restored naval anchor, now installed in Westwood’s Veterans Park, honors U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine service members. (Mayor Ray Arroyo photo.)

Oct. 13.

The anchor sits behind a memorial bench dedicated to Michaelʼs grandfather Alfred, who served as a Navy petty officer during the Korean War. Alfred Grecoʼs Hometown Hero banner also hangs on a nearby lamppost.

The Eagle Scout project continues a family tradition: Michaelʼs older brother, Anthony, created the Hometown Hero ban-

ner program in Westwood for his own Eagle Scout project. Anthony is a Westwood Regional High School student scheduled to graduate in 2026 and hopes to attend

West Point.

Arroyo praised the project online:“We are genuinely proud of Michael. And AJ too! But surely, not half as proud as their grandfather, his avatar looking down from its berth on Park Ave. And ʻPoppy,ʼwatching from his own, forever peaceful billet in the afterlife.”

Residents echoed that sentiment in dozens of comments celebrating the installation. “It found a home in a respectful community where it can be admired and

remembered,” wrote former councilman Christopher Montana. “Spectacular, Michael!” added Rosemary Schmitt, while Ruth Kahrs Gervat thanked him “on behalf of my WWII Navy veteran dad.” Retired U.S. Navy Commander Mike Giorgino called it an “awesome memorial” and joined others in exclaiming, “Go Navy!”

“Fantastic idea and accomplishment! Something that will be honored for years in Westwood,” said Jim Hornidge.

Many others called the anchor a “beautiful tribute,” “an amazing addition to the park,” and praised Michaelʼs hard work and dedication.

Study:

structure exists to rebuild the stateʼs news ecosystem. The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium — created by state law and supported through state and foundation funding — has awarded grants to local news organizations in 18 counties, focusing on underserved communities.

The Consortium also partners closely with the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, which provides training, research, and networking to more than 300 news organizations statewide.

Together, both organizations are working to leverage Press Forward, a national foundationbacked initiative that has raised more than $500 million for local journalism.

Why it matters

With only 5.1 local journalists per 100,000 residents, New Jersey trails every other state in watchdog capacity. Advocates say that without sustained investment, communities will lack the reporting essential for civic engagement, public accountability, and healthy democracy.

Proponents argue that, while the index shows how far the state has fallen, it also provides a roadmap: combine targeted grants, national resources, and collabora-

tive training to grow reporting capacity and expand coverage.

Methodology and authors

Researchers analyzed millions of stories published online from January–March 2025, applying filters to count only local reporters, adjust for part-timers and freelancers, and spread coverage across metro areas.

The result is a new benchmark called Local Journalist Equivalents (LJEs) — a standardized way to measure how many

reporters cover each U.S. county.

The project was led by Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News) and Scott Yates (JournalList.net, RLN advisory board), with data from Muck Rackʼs editorial and analytics team, including Mike Schneider and Matt Albasi. Scholars such as Philip Napoli (Duke University) and David H. Weaver (Indiana University, emeritus) provided key methodological guidance.

This report builds on the State of Local News research from

Northwestern Universityʼs Medill School of Journalism and complements state-level efforts such as

Montclair State Universityʼs New Jersey News Ecosystem Mapping Project.

Surprise! You own Chinese Qing Dynasty jade jars

BYJONFELZ R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.

Hi, Jon,

Your article on the “Fat Man” Chinese silver coin reminded me of two Chinese items my g randparents owned. They were Protestant missionaries in China and Mongolia around 1910. Some of the items they received in China have been passed down to us, including these. The glass is not broken, they stand 7 inches tall, and they are quite old. My grandparents treasured them and kept them in their breakfront since I was a child. Iʼm now 81! What can you tell me about them?

Edward, Washington Township Hi, Edward,

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

Good news: Your pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty covered jars are not made of glass. Rather, theyʼre intricately carved green jade, and quite valuable.

A word about jade: jade refers to two minerals used for decorative items and jewelry: nephrite and jadeite. Your jars are made of jadeite, the more precious type. Most gem-quality jadeite comes from northern Myanmar. Jadeite is a microcrystalline interlocking growth of crystals and magnesium iron. The higher the iron content, the greener the color. Jadeite has

The Asian antiques market is very strong, especially for Chinese antiquities and fine art.

about the same hardness as quartz and is tougher than diamond, though diamond is harder. On the Mohs hardness scale, jade ranks 7,

while diamond ranks 10. (Jade can be scratched, so handle your jade items with care.)

Your antique carved jade Chi-

nese archaistic-style covered bowls were produced around the third quarter of the 19th century. Each features short, rounded sides, carved in low-relief panels rising to a lipped ring, flanked by intricately carved lotus flower heads. The covers are similarly carved with another band of panels and shaped handles at the top.

The Asian antiques market is very strong, especially for Chinese antiques and fine art. Even better, you own a matching pair, which is rare and significantly increases their value. The conservative value of these high-quality carved jade covered jars is $8,000. Continue to take special care of these treasures.

R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River,N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

4th Brookside Bazaar taking shape

Registration is open for the Fourth Annual Brookside Bazaar, a community craft fair and vendor market set for Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center.

Established as a local favorite and a festive kickoff to the holiday shopping season, the Brookside Bazaar welcomes artists, crafters, retailers, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across Bergen County and beyond.

The event has drawn more than

30 unique vendors and over 400 shoppers annually, supporting both small businesses and the Brookside

Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Proceeds from the event benefit Brooksideʼs PTO, helping fund student activities, educational enrichments, and classroom equipment.

An early-bird registration rate of $95 per table is available through Sept. 5. Vendor registration will close on Oct. 3. Follow @BrooksideBazaar on Facebook and Instagram for updates, vendor highlights, and sponsorship opportunities.

Oliver:

FROM PAGE 4

school board and the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, when they were called freeholders. She was elected in 2003 to represent the 34th District in the Assembly, and in 2010, she became the Assembly speaker.

As lieutenant governor, Oliver stepped in as acting governor during key moments, including in March 2020 when Murphy was undergoing

cancer treatment and New Jersey recorded its first cases of COVID19. Oliver was behind numerous pieces of legislation during her time in the Assembly, including measures creating a caregiver task force, strengthening equal pay protections, launching mandatory youth financial literacy education, and starting a program aimed at keeping youth out of detention centers.

“Sheila wasnʼt a politician, she was a true public servant,” Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said at the ceremony.

“Thatʼs who Sheila was – one who saw beyond titles and cared about

the whole person in front of her.”

Oliver led the Department of Community Affairs while serving as lieutenant governor. She died on Aug. 1, 2023, at age 71.

Oliver will soon be inducted into the hall of fame in New Jersey, according to Renee Oliver, the president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation.

Report by Morgan Leason of New Jersey Monitor, https://newjerseymonitor.com, part of States Newsroom, the nationʼs largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. Reprinted with permission

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

FROM PAGE 1

Muller of Dynamic Engineering, who spoke for more than two hours about the projects and fielded questions from board members and residents.

Muller told the board that the projects would reduce storm runoff into Pascack Brook by decreasing impervious surface and installing a stormwater retention area beneath the storage facility.

Residents, however, pressed him on whether flooding could worsen for neighboring properties, particularly St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church across the street, which has experienced flood damage.

Tuvel said attorney James DʼElia, representing the church,

Plan: CLUB NEWS

could not attend the first hearing but plans to cross-examine the applicantʼs experts at the next session.

The Borough Council previously approved allowing a fourstory self-storage facility in the redevelopment zone on Feb. 11, despite parishioner and pastor concerns over flooding, traffic, public safety, cultural sensitivity, and aesthetics.

Officials said the project would generateabout $200,000 annually in PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) revenue, rising to nearly $400,000 when fully occupied.

Over the 30-year agreement, it is projected to generate $10.2 million, according to Councilor John Ruocco, citing an Acacia Financial analysis.

Stormwater plan explained Muller said the stormwater

retention capacity would equal the facilityʼs footprint — about 28,000 square feet — with the first-floor foundation four feet above grade. A gravel base beneath the building would allow infiltration, he said.

The self-storage project at Block 1208 Lot 1 (560 Piermont Ave.) calls for approximately 110,000 square feet of space, eight off-street parking spaces, and a 40by-40-foot internal loading area.

Tuvel said the facility would be climate-controlled, staffed by one or two employees, and feature security access via key fob and code. Cooking, sleeping, and hazardous waste would be prohibited in units.

On Block 1209, Lots 2, 3 and

4 (93–97 Prospect Place), the applicant proposes demolishing the existing structure to create a vehicle storage lot with 71 stalls. Tuvel said it would be limited to vehicle storage only, with no repairs or parts storage allowed.

Both projects request design waivers but no variances, and Tuvel said they meet state DEP regulations for Pascack Brook, a Category One waterway.

Resident questions

Residents questioned whether runoff controls would hold during major storms and how vehicle owners would be alerted to flood warnings. One resident noted the new lot appears two to three feet lower than

the existing one, raising concerns about oil-contaminated runoff. Muller said DEP had approved the lotʼs location.

Ruocco asked if the storage building would alter runoff flows. Muller said water would be redirected to two new storm drain inlets and conveyed to Pascack Brook.

Tuvel said the projects also include new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, utilities, stormwater management, and other site improvements.

An archived video of the meeting is available on the borough website under Hillsdale Meeting or at youtube.com/@hillsdalenj5879/streams.

Still image from “$1,000,” a short film written and directed by PKRG-TV intern and River Vale

Park Ridge on cusp of ‘film-ready’

PKRG-TV is proud to present “$1,000,” a short film written and directed by PKRG-TV intern and River Vale native Mark Welter.

Shot entirely in Park Ridge and River Vale, the film features local and regional actors Teja Rao, Gregory Levine, Lori

Fredrics, Tom Bauer, Eitan Bursztyn, Matthew Zegla, Eric Welter, and Mark Welter.

The story follows Rob, who dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and places a $1,000 bet on his success. His friend John isnʼt convinced he can pull it off and viewers can watch the wager

unfold to its surprising conclusion.

Residents can catch the premiere this week on PKRG-TV (Optimum Ch. 77 in Park Ridge and Verizon FIOS Ch. 22 in Bergen County), as well as on PKRGTVʼs YouTube channel: youtube.com/pkrgtvondemand.

Let us help promote your club or organization. Send your news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

New safety complex change orders; intersection agreement

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

RIVER VALE

Approximately $34,000 in three separate change orders needed for the Public Safety Complex finishing touches were approved by Borough Council at its Aug. 11 meeting.

It was unclear what number the approved change orders constituted, although a fourteenth change order for $34,994.19 was approved in early July. The resolution did not state the remaining balance in the project contingency fund, which started at $750,000.

In July, Administrator Gennaro Rotella told us the nearly $15 million construction project was moving along despite some unanticipated changes and cost adjustments.

Following deduction of the fourteenth change order, approved in July, the contingency fund had a

Expert to

balance of $522,533.56. If that was the last change order, then reduction of change orders 15, 16, and 17 — which total $33,863.55 should leave a contingency balance of $488,670.01.

We asked Rotella for clarification on how many change orders have been approved so far but did not hear back by press time.

Two other approved resolutions began a shared-services agreement with Bergen County to improve intersections and council also approved increased costs for Woodside Schoolʼs Regional Safety Enhancement Project.

Resolution 2025-177 authorized Mayor Mark Bromberg to sign a shared services agreement with the county for future intersection projects, noting “it has been determined to be in the best interest of the residents to maintain a safe environment for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians through improvements to the Townshipʼs traffic intersections”

as part of the countyʼs Intersections Projects in River Vale.

Additional sidewalk work needed at the Woodside School Regional Safety Enhancement Project was approved under Resolution 2025-181 for $55,764.24, leading to a new project contract sum of $334,585.44. The original contract was $278,821.20.

Rotella previously said the project was on schedule for a late 2025 opening. Township Engineer Chris Statile previously reported the complex 70% complete at a late April council meeting. The projectʼs winning bid from Dobco, Inc., Wayne, of $14,778,500 was originally approved in November 2023.

After approving bonding for $13.3 million to finance the complex, and following the first round of bids that ranged $15.5 million to $16 million, which were rejected, the council approved another $6 million in bonds to cover construction costs, bond down pay-

present on deer management

OLD TAPPAN — White-tailed deer are an increasingly common sight across the Northern and Pascack valleys—grazing lawns, damaging landscaping, and, more worryingly, contributing to tickborne illness and vehicle collisions.

Calling it “a growing deer management pandemic in northern Bergen County,” Old Tappan Mayor Thomas Gallagher is convening a regional meeting to hear from NJDEP Senior Biologist Brian Schumm of the Fish & Wildlife Bureau of Wildlife Management. The presentation will take place at the Old Tappan Bor-

ough Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m., and is open to the public. “This meeting is really a first step,” Gallagher told

Pascack Press “Maybe thereʼs no immediate action, but at least we start the conversation.”

—Staff writer Michael Olohan

PERSONAL CHEF

•

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ment, and soft costs: engineering, architect design, legal costs, furni-

ture, and electronics and digital communications equipment.

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WESTWOOD

Learn, practice sign language

plete

and connect with others who share an interest in ASL and Deaf culture.

This

For more information, contact Linda Andresen at LindaAndresen313@gmail.com.

SENIORS SOON TO CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY

Highlights include a 2.5-hour narrated steam train and riverboat tour through the picturesque Connecticut countryside.

Rates per person are $534 for

The Montvale Seniors will host a three-day, two-night trip to the Connecticut River Valley from Sept. 24 to 26, featuring a scenic Essex Steam Train and Riverboat excursion. The package includes two nights' lodging, two breakfasts, two dinners, and visits to Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Seaport Museum, the Connecticut River Museum, and the Florence Griswold Museum.

PARK RIDGE

triple occupancy, $549 double, and $718 single. Cancellation insurance is available and strongly recommended. For more information or to reserve, contact Rosemarie Kelly at Montvale Seniors, 56 Erie Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645, or call (201) 391-8718.

Search on for Owls of 1975 ahead of 50th

The Park Ridge High School Class of 1975 is gearing up for its 50th reunion, and organizers are asking for the communityʼs help in reaching missing classmates.

The reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at The Saloon in Pearl River, N.Y.

All members of the class are invited, and organizers are hoping for a strong turnout to celebrate five decades of memories and connection.

“Weʼre looking forward to a joyful evening of reminiscing, laughter, and reconnection,” said Karen Koehler, who is helping coordinate the event. “But we need help reaching everyone— after all, itʼs been 50 years!”

Class members—or anyone with contact information—are encouraged to reach out to Donna at dlzolla@yahoo.com.

Organizers are especially hoping to locate the following classmates:

Raymond Abate

Jane Ambrosino

Garry Alourdas

Brian Benkert

Karen Borgen

Mike Burrows

Brenda Clark

Michael Dʼerrico

Doug Egli

Bill Flisher

Bernadette Gennone

Ron Gibson

Steven Jacobsen

James Kennedy

Wendy Kerber

Kathy Leonardi

Carol Liebrich

Sandy Levine (Coburn)

Theresa Loughran

Sheila Maloney

Linda Meister

James Mesevage

Janet Nelson

Jill Newhoff (Smale)

Kathleen O'Connor

Ruthann Owen

Eileen Peirano

Bonnie Petterson

Kathleen Schultz

Nancy Short

Mark Smith

Merle Sensing

Graham Taylor

Lillian Thomas

Emily Travers

Glenn Vallespir

Deborah Weston (Hunter)

Linda Wrobleski

¶

If youʼre in touch with any of the folks above—or are one of them—please consider reaching out to help make this golden reunion a success.

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

James:

FROM PAGE 2

was contributing toward a community center.

Misciagna said, “This is a great celebration today. So many people were involved in making this project happen. From Mike DiBella who started talking to me about his vision for redeveloping this area 10 years ago to Don Schwamb and the Planning Board to

WOODCLIFF LAKE — Jack Antonoff, a Grammy Award–winning producer and songwriter who grew up partly in Woodcliff Lake, is planning to build a recording studio in Long Beach Township on Long Beach Island.

Antonoff, 41, is best known for his collaborations with pop superstar Taylor Swift, as well as work with

the Building Department, City Council and of course the Sciaretta family and Claremont Development.”

The mayor said, “To make this day even more special is to have the Gandolfini family here. Jim is the patron saint of Park Ridge, and Michael, youʼre everyoneʼs nephew in town. Jim is such a point of pride for our community and weʼre always looking for ways to honor his legacy.”

James Gandolfini graduated Park Ridge High School, where he

Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde. He has won 11 Grammys, including three Producer of the Year awards, and has produced or co-written 11 songs that reached No. 1 on U.S. charts.

According to Asbury Park Press reporting Aug. 21, Antonoff testified before the township land use board last year about converting the former

played basketball and acted in school plays, in 1979. He later graduated Rutgers University and embarked on an award-winning career in theater and film. His turn as Tony Soprano is hailed as one of the finest performances in television history.

In 2013, at 51, he died of a heart attack in Rome. Later that year a stretch of Park Avenue near the intersection at Kinderkamack Road — by The Ridge Diner — was dedicated to him.

— Staff report

Bikini Headquarters shop into a private studio. The space, he said, will be soundproof and limited to small groups of clients. Board members approved a variance after he assured them the facility would not be open to the public.

Antonoff grew up in New Milford and Woodcliff Lake and spent summers on Long Beach Island.

Carole King karaoke Sept. 6 in Veterans’ Park

The Borough of Westwood and Bergen County Players are teaming up to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Carole Kingʼs iconic album Tapestry with “Carole King Wannabe Karaoke Night in the Park” on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Veteransʼ Park, 50 Madison Ave.

The event will transform the historic park lawn into an outdoor music festival, where participants can take the stage and sing their favorite Carole King song or sim-

ply relax on blankets with friends and family.

A special highlight will be a sneak-peek performance from the cast of BCPʼs upcoming production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

“All those who participate will be entered into a drawing for free tickets to a show during BCPʼs 2025–26 season,” organizers said.

BCP will donate a portion of its 2025-2026 seasonʼs proceeds to Joanʼs Joy Foundation of Hillsdale. The Foundation honors the

DʼAlessandro. Revered as one of the greatest

the Earth Move, and So Far Away BCPʼs season kicks off in September with the area premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, directed by Alyson Cohn with musical direction by Steve Bell and featuring New York City–based Hadar Baron as Carole King.

albums of all time, Tapestry topped charts in 1971 and cemented Kingʼs place as a singer-songwriter legend with enduring hits such as Youʼve Got a Friend, I Feel

Performances will run at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell. More information and tickets are available at bcplayers.org or by calling 201261-4200. The Westwood Recreation Department sponsors special events to promote appreciation of local parks and strengthen community spirit.

More information can be found at westwoodnj.gov.

SEIZE THE MOMENT TO EDUCATE ON MONEY SMARTS

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about finances— and thatʼs true for wealthy families and less affluent families alike.

Kids are smart enough to pick up on signals that their family may have more than others. But if the conversation stops at the benefits that money can bring, youʼre missing out on important life lessons. Theyʼre not really being taught how to be financially responsible once they leave the house and become

independent. What steps can parents take to teach both sensitivity and responsibility about money?

Step 1: Find teachable moments. It can be difficult to find time to sit down and talk specifically about wealth, but natural opportunities to teach pop up every day.

For example, you can incorporate financial responsibility into an impromptu math lesson about money: If you find something that originally cost $100 and itʼs on sale for 30% off, you can ask kids how much the new price is—and, now that they are only spending $70, what they might do with the $30 thatʼs left.

Step 2: Take a lifelong view toward financial literacy. Every child, and especially those who will one day inherit substantial wealth, should have a tool kit of basic financial literacy skills by 18, including concepts such as how to spend, how to save, how to give, and the value of a dollar.

This can start very early with an exercise as simple as a three piggy banks analogy. You encourage the child to divide any money heor she receives into three piggy banks: spending, saving, and community/charity.

This shows the concept of different types or purposes of money as opposed to all being for spending. Repeating this

exercise can help ingrain the habit of saving regularly. By late childhood or adolescence, parents can add concepts such as what it means to invest, what companies one might invest in, and how you assess risk with an investment.

You can encourage children in high school to think about college expenses logically by examining the costs and coming up with a credible college budget. Ask them to consider basic questions: What will you need in order to make this happen? What will the family need to supply, and what is the student expected to supply, in terms of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and normal spending money?

And parents and grandparents can continue to encourage responsible, long-term financial responsibility by giving young adults an incentive to begin saving for retirement early. If youʼre able, and they have earned income, offer to match what they save into a Roth IRA. Itʼs also wise to coax contributions to a 401(k) at work.

Step 3: Show your kids how itʼs done. Your childʼs healthy relationship with money begins with an open and honest relationship within a family that models good money behavior. These discussions can be challenging, but the

fruit is well worth the labor. Stress education and expect them to do well in school. The parents who do really well in teaching financial literacy typically lead by example—they tend to be savers, and theyʼre more careful with spending money. Remember to be that example..

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax consequences. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state.

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

Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDICinsured/not bank-guaranteed and may lose value.

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

Succeed:

FROM PAGE 1 one.”

In school, he struggled with reading, listening, and paying attention. Special lessons often brought teasing from peers. “In my mind the words learning disability became a label plastered on my shirt for everyone to see, laugh at, and know I was different,” he says.

But his turning point came after high school graduation, when he enrolled at Centenary Universityʼs Step Ahead program. Looking in the dorm bathroom mirror the summer he turned 18, Toma made himself a promise: “I was going to change my life and that name tag that had dominated me up to that point.”

From that day forward, he says, he began building “brick by brick” a foundation of hard work, confidence, and self-belief. He now wears his story proudly: “My struggle is my strength.”

Inspiring the next generation

Today, Toma is one of the top motivational speakers in the country, sharing what he calls The Jordan Toma Experience — a highenergy, 80-minute presentation that blends storytelling, humor, and encouragement, followed by time for one-on-one connections with students.

His message resonates well beyond students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).

“Young people, parents, teachers — everyone struggling can relate to my struggle, because your struggle is my struggle,” he says.

Heʼs appeared on NBCʼs “Today” show, “Good Day New York” (FOX 5), CBS News, FOX 29 Philadelphia, and Cuomo.

The PHHS PFA says Tomaʼs visit is meant to energize the school community and remind students that challenges can be transformed into strengths. “We canʼt wait for our school community to experience his inspiring message firsthand and help kick off another successful and inspiring year at Hills.”

Author of ʻIʼm Just A Kid With An IEPʼ

In 2022, Toma published his memoir, “Iʼm Just A Kid With An IEP,” which has earned 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon with more than 800 reviews. In it, he describes the years when his learning disability felt like a permanent name tag

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements an event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley Send all news to pascackpress@ thepressgroup.net

pinned to his shirt — one that read, “Youʼre not as smart as everyone else. You canʼt do this.”

He writes of sitting in class determined to “be a normal student,” yet unable to grasp material at the same pace as his peers, and being made fun of for needing special lessons. “Other students, even so-called ʻfriends,ʼ called me dumb,” he recalls. That self-doubt carried through until he was accepted into Centenary Universityʼs Step Ahead program, where he made a promise to himself in a

dorm bathroom mirror: “I was going to change. I knew I couldnʼt let this label last forever.”

From that moment, he began rebuilding himself “brick by brick,” creating the foundation of belief, confidence, and work ethic that has carried him into a life as a motivational speaker, financial advisor, and real estate investor.

Next stops

Pascack Hills is one stop on a packed calendar for Toma. Just this fall, heʼs slated to keynote opening

day for districts in Scarborough, ME (Aug. 26), Leonia (Sept. 2), Kearny (Sept. 2), Woodland Park (Sept. 2), and Elizabeth (Sept. 3) — before returning to Hudson County later in the month for Hudson Catholic (Sept. 16), Dickinson High School (Sept. 24), and Lincoln High School (Sept. 26).

His reach extends well beyond the region. On Sept. 30, heʼll deliver a keynote for the California Transition Alliance in Sacramento, followed by multiple

events at Paul Mitchell schools in Sacramento and New York City. In October, his stops include a public event at the Palace Theater in Danbury, Conn. (Oct. 3).

Looking ahead, Toma is booked through 2026, with keynote addresses at national conferences including NAPSEC in San Diego (Jan. 19, 2026) and the Courage to Risk Conference in Colorado Springs (Jan. 23, 2026).

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Back to school and kids’ mental health

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

The end of summer means one thing: kids are heading back to school. For parents, thatʼs often cause for celebration—no more “Iʼm bored” chants echoing through the house, no more endless requests for snacks, and finally some quiet mornings without Fortnite blasting in the background.

But behind the sharpened pencils, shiny new backpacks, and Instagram-worthy “first day of school” photos, thereʼs a troubling reality. Todayʼs kids are more anxious, more depressed, and more overwhelmed

than any generation before them— and a new set of school supplies wonʼt fix that. According to the CDC, one in five U.S. children has a diagnosable mental health disorder, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Rates of depression and anxiety in teens have risen by more than 50% in the past decade, with social media and academic pressures leading the charge.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 60% of high school seniors have tried alcohol, and about 30% have experimented with illicit drugs. These are signals that our children are crying out for help.

Unfortunately, the knee-jerk solution has often been to medicate. Prescriptions for ADHD, anxiety,

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and depression are at an all-time high, with more than 6 million American children taking stimulants and antidepressants. Hereʼs the problem: childrenʼs brains are still developing, and these medications can alter pathways in ways we donʼt fully understand. What starts as a “quick fix” for focusing in math class could have long-term consequences for memory, mood regulation, and brain chemistry. Pills are not the answer to every problem a child faces.

The good news: natural, brainbased solutions can help kids thrive without sabotaging their long-term health.

• Sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 70%

of teenagers donʼt get enough sleep. Sleep isnʼt just rest—itʼs when the brain consolidates learning, repairs cells, and rebalances hormones. Parents: set a bedtime, enforce a “no phones in the bedroom” rule, and give your childʼs brain a fighting chance.

•Nutrition. Sugary cereals, fast food, and processed snacks arenʼt just fueling obesity—theyʼre fueling anxiety and attention problems. Research shows that diets high in processed sugar are directly linked to higher rates of depression in adolescents. Replace fluorescent snacks with real food: lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits.

•Movement. Only 24% of kids ages 6–17 get the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise. Sports, bike rides, climbing trees—all help improve mood, focus, and resilience.

•Sunlight. Just 20 minutes of sunlight a day helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosts serotonin, and provides vitamin D, crucial for mood, memory, and immune function.

•Connection. Loneliness affects kids as much as adults. Clubs, music, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends face-toface build emotional resilience.

• And donʼt forget stress: kids are under more pressure than ever, from grades to college admissions to the endless scroll of social media. Chronic stress literally rewires the brain, impairing memory, attention, and emotional regulation.

At Kaplan Brain & Body, we specialize in helping kids and families rewire those stress pathways naturally—through functional neurology, cold laser therapy, oxygen therapy, neurofeedback, brain mapping, and lifestyle changes. Weʼve seen children go from anxious and withdrawn to confident and thriving, not

because of a prescription bottle, but because their brains were given the tools to heal. This back-to-school season, letʼs commit to giving our kids more than just academic preparation. Letʼs give them the physical, emotional, and neurological foundations they need to succeed in school and in life. Math and science are important, but resilience, confidence, and brain health will take them much further.

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For families ready to take the next step, weʼre offering a qEEG Brain Mapping for just $21 this month (normally $600). This noninvasive scan shows exactly how your childʼs brain is functioning— pinpointing stress patterns, attention issues, and areas that need support. Itʼs the ultimate back-to-school supply for your childʼs future. Call Kaplan Brain & Body today at 201-261-2150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to schedule your appointment. Because the best education begins with a healthy brain.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Westwood Regional 45th reunion bash

The Westwood Regional High School Class of 1980 is gearing up for its 45th reunion with a full day of celebration set for Saturday, Sept. 20.

The festivities begin with a 1:30 p.m. tour of the high school, where classmates will meet at the main entrance to walk the halls they once roamed. The official reunion follows from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 79 Pascack Road in Washington Township.

Expect a full open bar, barbecue-style buffet, and a live DJ—plus all the laughter and reconnections youʼd hope for after four and a half decades.

An informal after-party will follow at the Dog House Saloon, just down the road at 270 Pascack Road. Tickets are $75 per person, with payment requested by Sept. 1. Venmo payments can be sent to (201) 264-6263.

Checks should be made out to John Tesoriero and mailed to: John Tesoriero 45 Church St. Apt D-1 Montclair, NJ 07042

For more information, email jbartolophoto@gmail.com.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

Who’s running for school board?

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

SEVENOFEIGHT Pascack

Valley towns feature contested races for local school board seats in the Nov. 4 General Election. Woodcliff Lakeʼs race is uncontested.

For the areaʼs two regional high schools, Pascack Valley Regional High Schoolʼs two seats are uncontested; two seats on the Westwood Regional School District are in play

The two open seats on Pascack Valley Regional High School District , representing River Vale and Woodcliff Lake, are uncontested as incumbents James Stankus and Elizabeth Calderone filed for reelection and face no challenges.

Meanwhile, the K-12 Westwood Regional School District features two candidates competing for one open seat in Washington Township, and three candidates vying for two open seats in Westwood.

In Township of Washington, Frank Romano III, a former trustee, and Anila K. Siraj are competing for one open seat.

In Westwood, incumbent Jason Garcia and newcomers Nicole DeBonis and Sabrina Krawczyk are competing for two

open seats.

Not running for reelection are incumbents Douglas Cusato (Township) and Laura Cooper (Westwood), whose terms expire in 2025.

Overall, the contested school board races mark an especially contentious election season, with disagreements over curricula, a trustee recall effort in one district, and concerns over growing school budgets that drive up local property taxes.

In New Jersey, school board elections are nonpartisan but over the past five years have grown increasingly contentious, with candidates often aligning around “parental rights” issues, including opposition to curriculum addressing sex education, LGBTQ topics, and gender identity.

The school board candidates listed below are taken from the county clerkʼs public unofficial candidate list for the 2025 General Election. All candidates filed by the July 28 deadline.

Hereʼs a rundown of candidates in competitive races. Weʼll feature in-depth coverage and Q&As in upcoming issues. If you have a question youʼd like us to ask the candidates, write to us at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

Emerson

Incumbent Amy Mara is running for reelection. Incumbent trustee Keith Smith did not file for another three-year term. Also competing for the two open seats are Shannon Lucas and Emily M. Fernandez-Justo, according to the Bergen County Clerkʼs Office.

Hillsdale

Incumbent Salvatore Sileo is running for reelection, opposed by Jonathan Braunstein for a threeyear term. For an unexpired oneyear term, Kathleen Puerta— appointed to replace Christina Jennings last year—faces Daniel DeFeo.

Montvale

A three-way race for two seats includes incumbents Anita Bagdat and Alisha R. Foley, challenged by newcomer Katharine R. Arena.

Park Ridge

Five candidates are running for two open seats, with no incumbents seeking reelection. The candidates are Matthew Rozzi, Rosemarie Malloy, Shanai Jensen, Richard Kuiters, and Holly Misley. This yearʼs Park Ridge ballot features a recall question targeting trustee Robert Fisher. (See thepressgroup.net for our reporting on that.)

River Vale

Four candidates are seeking two open seats. Incumbents Louan Austin and Verginia “Ginny” Senande are challenged by newcomers Emily Leffler and Thomas Quinn.

Woodcliff Lake

The race is uncontested, with incumbents Andrew Eisler and Debra Starr seeking reelection.

Whatʼs at stake

School budgets typically consume about 60% or more of local property tax revenue, with municipal budgets accounting for about 25% and county government near 10%.

Although school districts account for the largest portion of local property taxes, school board elections often appear on the second page (or back side) of mail-in ballots, and along the bottom portion of the digital screen visible to voters in polling booths.

Elections officials remind voters to flip their mail-in ballot and to check the bottom of the voting machine screen to cast a vote in school board races.

Early in-person voting runs Oct. 25–Nov. 2 at nine countywide locations. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Vote-by-mail ballots will be sent beginning Sept. 20. Sample ballots are scheduled to be mailed Oct. 22 to all registered voters.

RVPD ‘BLUE ANGEL’ PROGRAM AIMS TO PROTECT TOWN’S MOST VULNERABLE

The River Vale Police D epartment is offering a free service to help safeguard some o f the townshipʼs most vulnerable residents: seniors and medically at-risk individuals w ho live alone.

Called the Blue Angel P rogram, the initiative provides participants with a police-installed lockbox cont aining a spare house key. The lockbox is mounted in a dis-

creet location outside the home and is accessible only to first r esponders through a secure code maintained by the Police D epartment.

In an emergency — whether a medical crisis, accid ent, or welfare check — police and paramedics can enter quickly without having to force their way in. That not only saves valuable time, but a lso prevents damage to doors

a nd locks.

In a post on Aug. 7, the Police Department said, “Every s econd counts in an emergency,” police officials said in a statement. “This program allows our officers and paramedics to enter quickly and s afely without causing damage ensuring you or your loved one gets help fast.”

The Blue Angel Program

is open to:

• River Vale residents age 55 and older who live alone.

•Individuals with serious m edical conditions.

•Residents with limited m obility.

The department will install the lockbox at no cost, and

RIVER VALE

p articipants remain in the program for as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

For more information and t o enroll, visit rivervalenj.org/o/pd/page/ope ration-blue-angel.

Zack Latteri Foundation event Oct. 16

T he Zack Latteri Foundation invites the community to c elebrate a decade of “paying it f orward: one story at a time” at a special anniversary event on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Edgewood Country Club, 449 Rivervale Road.

The evening will feature a buffet dinner and dancing. Tickets are $100 per person, with a cash bar available. Payment is due by Oct. 1, and reservations can be made online at tinyurl.com/ZLF-Event. Proceeds benefit the foundationʼs ongoing mission of honoring the legacy of Zack Latteri by helping others in need.

For more information, email zacklatterifoundation@yahoo.c om.

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WESTWOOD 12U CARDS VISIT COOPERSTOWN,

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — The Westwood Baseball Associationʼs 12U Cardinals are making memories on and off the diamond during their Cooperstown tournament trip.

On Aug. 13, the team toured the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where they viewed plaques honoring the gameʼs greatest players and exhibits showcasing artifacts from some of baseballʼs most iconic moments. Coaches said the visit was a highlight of the week and left the young athletes inspired to keep chas-

ing their own baseball dreams.

“This was one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip,” the association noted in a post. “It was a true walk through history.”

The Cardinalsʼschedule has been packed. Day 4 of the tournament began with two morning games, with another contest scheduled under the lights that evening. Players and families alike have been soaking up the full Cooperstown experience, from spirited competition to trading pins and connecting

with teams from across the country.

The Cooperstown trip is considered a rite of passage for youth baseball players, blending top-flight tournament play with opportunities to appreciate the sportʼs history. For the Westwood 12U Cardinals, it has been a week filled with hard work, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences.

Supporters back home are cheering them on as they continue to represent Westwood with pride. — Staff report

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years. The new guidebook sets out design goals and practical suggestions for future developers, aiming to give Hillsdale a cohesive, attractive identity, down to shapes, brick pattern, and color palette.

“Itʼs really key with all the affordable housing development, and all the businesses, the new housing, the new businesses, some business façade facelifts, this [guide] is really going to help to not only expedite the design process but to beautify the town moving forward,” Sheinfield told Pascack Press

“This [guide] represents the look and feel of our town going forward,” he added. Both the council and the Planning Board are expected to discuss the draft further before releasing a final version to the public. And the guide itself advises, “Before making major changes to exterior features, contact Hillsdaleʼs Building or Zoning Department to ensure compliance with local guidelines.”

Sheinfield noted that at least five developers have already approached the borough with downtown plans. “When a finished guide is available, it will make it a lot easier for developers and owners to have a general set

From Façade Design Guide (draft) Version 2, Borough of Hillsdale. The document, a proposed resource for developers and business owners, aims at a more vibrant and walkable downtown and takes its lead from historic elements that make Hillsdale distinctive. It’s a work in progress. Via Borough of Hillsdale.

of guidelines” to improve and beautify façades and streetscapes, he said.

A guide for design, charm

The draft guide covers topics including Planning Ahead; Façade Elements; Decorative Details; Materials & Colors; Windows & Doors; Awnings & Canopies; Signs; Lighting; Train Station Details; and Specifications.

In its summary, the draft emphasizes that “a well-designed, inviting storefront sends a strong message to the community and visitors alike — it reflects pride, attracts customers, and enhances the overall charm of Hillsdaleʼs downtown. Your storefront is not just the face of your business; for many buildings, itʼs also part of someoneʼs home.”

It stresses that the guide

“offers ideas and inspiration to help business and property owners make improvements that contribute to a vibrant, cohesive streetscape. It is meant to spark creative thinking and assist with design decisions — not replace the expertise of a professional designer.”

Among the highlights:

• Planning Ahead: Owners are encouraged to step back and evaluate their buildings in context:

“What makes your building unique? In what ways can you improve your storefront to better reflect your business and attract attention?”

• Windows & Doors: The guide stresses that “well-designed windows are a simple and costeffective way to draw customers in” and warns that too much solid wall space can make a business “feel closed off.”

• Awnings & Canopies: Awnings, it notes, “do more than provide shade — they enhance the personality and visibility of your storefront while improving comfort for pedestrians.”

• Signs: Businesses are urged to keep signage simple: “Aim for four to seven words — just enough for passersby to read quickly.”

• The Train Station: The guide even highlights Hillsdaleʼs historic train station, with its “pointed arch windows, diamondpaned glass, and ornate wood trim” alongside a Second Empire–style mansard roof, as a landmark that “conveys permanence, civic pride, and architectural refinement.”

Mazza-Chiong said the draft guide is a “living document” that will continue to evolve, stressing that both councilors and Planning Board members would provide input before a final version is made public online.

Corn:

FROM PAGE 4

neath their skirts to escape the inspectors. Corn has been camouflaged in all kinds of packages and bundles to get it across, just the idea of outwitting the inspectors being reason enough for such proceedings.”

As with all jobs that have a graveyard shift, the inspectors working at night encountered some especially interesting individuals.

“Those on the night shift are continually interrupting petting parties and more than one female occupant of a stopped car has shielded her face to prevent recognition,” the Bergen Record wrote on Aug. 6, 1930. “Another bane of the night shiftʼs existence is the wild

party returning home inebriated. Once they get stopped it becomes hard to get them started again. They either want to stay there and make whoopee under government protection or insist on telling the inspector the story of their lives.”

Some Rockland County farmers went out of their way by miles to avoid the main roads in bringing their contraband corn to New Jersey markets. Their trucks would snake

A typical corn

station.

from any

North

through the back roads of the rural Pascack Valley to avoid the checkpoints at the Montvale-Pearl River line. Montvale in 1930 had only 1,200 residents, compared with todayʼs nearly 10,000, and much of the borough was farmland. There were many such routes.

The checkpoints also aggravated the bootleggers. Those were the Prohibition years, when the manufacture, transport, and sale of liquor was forbidden. New Jerseyʼs rum runners, posing as truck farmers going to market, were known to dis-

guise their illicit cargo inside crates of vegetables or under piles of corn. That trick did not work so well in the summer of 1930. The quarantine measures were apparently successful in stemming the spread. While the corn borer did eventually make it to northern New Jersey during the 1930s, and farmers did see some losses, the effects were not catastrophic. In the end, Bergen Countyʼs corn production was toppled not by a tiny pest, but by the loss of agricultural land to suburban development.

Let us announce your achievements. Submissions to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

George White modulars nearly ready; $85K lunch lease set

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

More than two dozen modular classrooms set up on the recreation field across from George G. White Middle School are expected to open Sept. 4 for the districtʼs sixth through eighth graders.

Administrators say the biggest remaining hurdle is the installation of a pad-mounted transformer to power the temporary campus. Superintendent Robert Lombardy told parents recently, “With the arrival of the transformer in the near future, I am confident middle schoolers will start the school year on-time as scheduled. There is no remote/online learning option being considered. If more time is needed we will work to adjust the school calendar only at George G. White Middle School.”

Lombardy said the modulars, including utility hookups, were projected to be finished by Aug. 22—nearly two months later than planned. He attributed the delay to the local code official declining to review plans, requiring state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval. “We were dealt a devastating blow by the delay … [that] will continue to have an impact on our initial timeline for the remainder of the project over the next two years.”

Lombardy said the revised

timeline also delayed the districtʼs place in line for the PSE&G transformer.

“We have exhausted every resource at our disposal to have PSEG begin their portion of the transformer project as quickly as possible, including working with Mayor Sheinfeld and his community liaison contact,” Lombardy wrote. “We are thankful for his help and continued support throughout the project and for being an excellent partner at the Borough.”

The setbacks created a “domino effect,” Lombardy said. “Our original plan had the modular campus being completed in late June/early July and the first stage of our asbestos remediation beginning on or about July 7, 2025. Unfortunately, this was unable to happen and a new timeline has been established with an anticipated start date of September 8th. Once the asbestos abatement work is finished in the multi-purpose room and all necessary environmental testing is complete, our crews will begin demolition of the multi-purpose room.”

The BOE has awarded a $1.29 million asbestos abatement contract to B&G Restoration Inc. of Butler. That work will keep the middle school gymnasium closed at least through January 2026.

To provide lunch service in the meantime, the district has contracted with Hillsdale United Methodist Church, across Hills-

BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE – P/TCONSTRUCTION

OFFICIAL- The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking a parttime Construction Official, HHS Building Subcode Official. Approximately 20 hours per week. Applicants must hold a valid Construction Official license issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Certification in FEMAflood plain regulations and holding multiple discipline licenses are a plus. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of construction codes, management principles, and the ability to enforce regulations and maintain accurate records. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the public, co-workers and local and state officials are essential. Applicants must hold a valid NJ driver’s license. Annual Salary range: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00. To apply, please submit your resume and qualifications to mailto:mghassali@hillsdalenj.orgby EOD August 11, 2025.

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dale Avenue. The lease, approved June 16 for $85,000, will house middle school lunches during the 2025–26 school year. Lombardy said the facility “does not contain any religious markings or signage and is climate controlled with heat

and air conditioning, more modernized when compared to the George White multi-purpose room, and includes a large kitchen to support distribution of food for our lunch program.” Lombardy told parents they would receive

more communication about opening days, the layout of the modular campus, and day-to-day routines. Voters in March 2024 approved a $62.4 million bond to renovate and expand George G. White Middle School.

TWP. OF WASHINGTON - DPW FULL-TIME LABORER POSITION. Please visit www.twpofwashington.us for employment opportunity

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DEPARTMENTOF PUBLIC WORKS LABORER TEMPORARY F/T SUMMER HELP– HILLSDALE BOROUGH.The Borough is accepting applications for Temporary Full Time Help. Duties will include but are not limited to field maintenance, road repairs, grass cutting, heavy lifting & potential storm debris clean-ups.Must have a valid New Jersey Driver’s License. Employment applications are available at www.hillsdalenj.org or at 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ. To apply, please complete a job application from our website and submit to the DPW Superintendent at mailto:bpeterson@hillsdalenj.org or you may drop off your application at 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 by August 11. 2025. The Borough reserves the right to interview candidates prior to the expiration of the job posting.EOE.

PT— Liquor Store. Northvale area. Approx. 15 hr/wk. Eves, wknds, holidays. Cashier/stock. Strong org skills, some deliveries. 201-370-8090.

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Pest Control Technician - F/T, P/T Experience a plus,but will train the right candidate. Call (201) 664-3933.

Falasca’s Friendly Service in Hillsdale is seeking P/T Mechanic Exp. Preferred, motivated, Tires, Oil Changes & more. Call Carl or Rich at 201-666-1414.

Parking Enforcement Officer – Borough of Westwood. Part-time position (10–15 hrs/week) including Saturdays. Responsibilities include identifying and issuing parking citations. Must communicate effectively, handle public interactions, and work outdoors in all weather. Requires standing/walking for 4-plus hrs/day and lifting up to 25 lbs. Valid NJ driver’s license and background check required. Apply by Aug. 8, 2025: Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Carol Knubel, Parking Utility Administrator: cknubel@westwoodnj .gov. EOE. The Borough may interview/hire as applications are received.

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