Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 23, 2010 Franklin Lakes Mayor’s support of Independent draws GOP concern by Frank J. McMahon The signature of Franklin Lakes Mayor Maura DeNicola on the nominating petition of Independent mayoral candidate Lisa Sciancalepore has caused critical reactions from borough Republicans and apparent surprise from the chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization. Both Frank Bivona, the Republican Club-backed candidate to replace DeNicola as the borough’s mayor, and Franklin Lakes Republican Club President Peter Swist voiced criticism of DeNicola for not supporting the Republican candidate in her own municipality while she is seek- ing Republican support in her November bid for a seat on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Bivona criticized DeNicola for her action, which he said could negatively impact the Republican Party locally and in the county election. “This is certainly not a surprise. In fact, it is consistent behavior on her part,” Bivona said of DeNicola. “This unprovoked divisiveness weakens our party efforts both in the county and the borough. As Republicans, we have a great opportunity to take control of the Bergen County Board of Freeholders and to secure our position in Franklin Lakes. Despite these events, I am confident in our ability to win decisively in November and look forward to expressing our views on the issues: controlling property taxes, smaller government, reducing debt, and improving service.” Bivona said he believed Sciancalepore was a registered Democrat for many years before she switched to the (continued on page 18) Renewing interest in life’s joys Board names new curriculum director The Franklin Lakes Board of Education has hired Cheryl Best as director of curriculum and instruction. Best will assume the director’s position, which had been vacant, on Aug. 9. Best was previously the K-12 director of curriculum and instruction in the Fort Lee public school district. She was approved for the position in Franklin Lakes at a special meeting. Best began her career in education as director of education and recreation at the Central Park Conservancy in New York City. She first entered the classroom as a science teacher and elementary science chair at the Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair and then as science teacher and curriculum coordinator at the Essex Fells school district. She entered public school administration as director of math, science, business, and technology at the West Essex regional district in North Caldwell, and became an elementary school principal in the Fort Lee district. Best holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. She earned her two master’s degrees, one in school administration and supervision and another in public administration, from Baruch College. She has done additional graduate course work in curriculum at Columbia University. “The board of education welcomes Ms. Best to Franklin Lakes and is confident that she will continue to improve the record of excellence in our district,” said Kathie Schwartz, president of the board of education. “She has a clear vision for educators and for students and one that engages them in creative and critical thinking. Ms Best shares with the board and our new superintendent a vision of forward momentum for all stakeholders, the faculty, parents, community and, most importantly, the children of Franklin Lakes. The school board also announced this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program Teacher of the Year awards. They are Andrea Brown of the Colonial Road School; Christa Consolini of the Woodside Avenue School; Virginia Kosch of the High Mountain Road School; and Katy O’Malley of the Franklin Avenue Middle School. The teachers were recognized for their use of effective instructional techniques and methods, establishment of a productive classroom climate and rapport with students, development of feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students, use of creativity and efficiency in the classroom, ability to increase student achievement through a learning-focused environment, ability to contribute to the quality of professional development in the district, and ability to use educational technology in an effective and efficient manner. The Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program was established in 1985 to acknowledge outstanding public school educators. Every school district in New Jersey may nominate one teacher from each school for recognition. Selection panels include district teachers, administrators, parents, and other community representatives. F.J. McMAHON To ease the pain of spinal stenosis, sciatica, and lumbar issues, Richard Kuiken received an epidural at a local hospital. He then selected The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit (PACU) at Christian Health Care Center for his physical and occupational therapy. “I was in the PACU for about five weeks. The therapy was good, and the nursing staff was wonderful. My wife volunteers at Christian Health Care Center, and we know a lot of people who work there. Overall, I was impressed and pleased with the whole facility. It was good and clean and that is important to me. The dietitian was excellent. At the time I wasn’t eating very well. She evaluated me like I was her son. With the PACU’s therapy, I’m back to spending time as an amateur radio operator… I love speaking to people in foreign countries!” – Richard Kuiken ����������������������������������� Regain your lifestyle at the PACU. For more information, call (201) 848-5855 or visit www.chccnj.org. T H E D A V I D F. B O L G E R Post-acute Care Unit