Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-November 4, 2009 Issue

Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 4, 2009 Ho-Ho-Kus National: Railroad club not authorized to use VFW logos by Jennifer Crusco Lawrence M. Maher, quartermaster general and staff counsel for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has advised that the Ramapo Valley Railroad Club is not authorized by the VFW of the United States to use the organization’s Cross of Malta emblem or any other trademarks, service marks, or logos that represent the veterans’ organization. The club has included VFW logos on its signs for an upcoming event to be held at Post 192’s building. “You are instructed to immediately cease and desist from the production of any merchandise bearing the name, including the acronym VFW, emblem or marks of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,” Maher told the club in an Oct. 22 letter. The model railroad club and the Ho-Ho-Kus VFW Post 192 have been at odds over the use of the local veterans’ group’s building for several years. The railroad club holds a lease that allows its members to use the VFW-owned building on Cliff Street. The terms of the lease, which was renewed in 2002, allow the VFW members limited access to their own building, a situation that has been problematic since the veterans’ organization was reorganized and revitalized with Stanley Kober at the helm four years ago. The VFW purchased the land on Cliff Street from the borough in the early 1950s. That agreement included the stipulation that the borough council must approve any leases. The VFW had planned to build new home for Post 192 after razing the existing Cliff Street structure, but the railroad club did not support those plans. The VFW then approached the borough to buy the neighboring property. When that matter was close to a vote, the state VFW organization said Post 192’s lease with the railroad club was invalid, and the building plans were put on hold. The local VFW’s recent attempt to evict the club from the Cliff Street building went to court, and was dismissed without prejudice. In that case, the VFW alleged that the club violated its lease agreement, and asked the club to remedy the violations earlier this year. David M. Watkins, the attorney representing the club, previously told Villadom TIMES that his client is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the building. During the October council sessions, Ho-Ho-Kus resident Cindy Tharayil asked the council to take an active stand to get the club out of the building. She previously asked the council not to approve the club’s requests to post signs for its railroad enthusiasts’ Open House. The council agreed to table the club’s request, and did not take action on that matter last week. Tharayil asked if other borough ofﬁcials could be brought in with an eye toward condemning the building and its contents. Mayor Thomas Randall cautioned that the club has a lease. Tharayil urged the council to take a stand, saying the governing body should go on record saying it no longer approves this lease. Councilman Gordon Hamm added, “I’m shocked the national VFW can’t see its way to give (Post 192) some ﬁnancial help. They’ve been looking for legal help for years on this.” Tharayil concluded her comments to the council, adding, “Please do your utmost; it’s time.” Area Ski trips planned for local students The Upper Saddle River Recreation Commission will sponsor four all-day Saturday ski trips in 2010. Trips will be to Belleayre Mountain on Saturday, Jan. 9; Windham Mountain on Jan. 16; Jimminy Mountain on Saturday, Jan. 30; and Mount Snow in Vermont on Saturday, Feb. 6. There will be no ski trip on Jan. 23, the day of the SATs. The ski program is open students in grades six through 12 who attend school in Ho-Ho-Kus, Brookside School and Northern Highlands High School in Allendale, Cavallini and Bogert schools in Upper Saddle River, and those students who reside in the Borough of Upper Saddle River and attend other schools. The cost of the program for all four trips, which includes luxury coach transportation, lifts, lunch for all trips, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the Vermont trip, is $425. Students may sign up for individual trips, the cost of which is outlined in the registration form. New this year will be a trip to Jimminy Mountain in Massachusetts. This ski area provides excellent skiing for those at all levels. Registration forms are available at the USR Borough website USRToday.org., at borough hall, or the schools. Seating is limited and will be on a ﬁrst come basis. Any parent interested in chaperoning may contact Chairman Esau Ali at (201) 934-9075. Lynn’s Pet Care Going on vacation? 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