Ho-Ho-Kus July 14, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 11 Junior Police Academy returns to borough by Jennifer Crusco Even last week’s record-breaking heat, which reached triple digits one day, could not stop the 30 cadets enrolled in this year’s Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department’s Junior Police Academy. For the fifth consecutive summer, police officers Sean Leonard, Christopher Minchin, Anthony Balestrieri, and M Mosca provided their intrepid recruits with a sample of police academy life on the grounds of the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School. As in prior years, participants have all completed the fifth grade, and are preparing to enter sixth grade in the fall. “The program has grown tremendously in popularity,” said Ho-Ho-Kus Police Chief Gregory Kallenberg, who brought the program to the borough in the summer of 2006 after he secured a grant to fund the activities. “It’s a challenging week for them, but when they’re done, they know they’ve accomplished something,” Chief Kallenberg added. “We look forward to doing it each year.” The academy program stresses discipline while the cadets are together as a group, and when they are at home. Officers encourage the cadets to make their beds and clean up around the house. Cadets engage in calisthenics, team-building games, a simulated crime scene investigation, a trip to the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute, and end the week with a group field trip. The cost of the program, not including the four police officers who are off schedule for the week, is approximately $7,000 to $8,000. Financial support continues to be provided by the Bergen County Municipal Above Cadets doing push-up’s. Left: Cadets take instruction from an officer. Alliance, the Policemen’s Benevolent Association, the borough, and tuition from the participants. “This year, we received a special donation from (Ho-Ho-Kus resident) Robert Verkerk in memory of his mother,” Officer Leonard reported. Verkerk and his wife, Nancy Vollek Verkerk, previously donated the motorcycle unit to the police department five years ago. Leonard noted that this year’s enrollment had declined somewhat this year because the program was held during the week that began with the Independence Day holiday. During the extraordinary heat, Leonard said the cadets spent limited time outdoors. “The heat was a big factor this year,” he added. “We were in the air conditioning most of the day.” Cadet Sarah Minchin, daughter of Officer Christopher Minchin, said she was enjoying the activities, particularly lefthanded dodgeball. The game, she said, requires players to use their non-dominant hand as a variation on the popular playground game. Leonard stressed that Cadet Minchin had been assigned to his squad and was not receiving special treatment. Cadet Danielle Sun summed up her experience, saying, “It’s hard, but it’s fun and it’s worth it.” She said she and her peers had been doing a lot of pushups, and keeping cool with water, hats, and staying in the shade during the outdoor sessions. Event organizers continue to note the marked increase in the cadets’ confidence as the week progresses. Support continues to be provided by the Bergen County Municipal Alliance, the Policemen’s Benevolent Association, the borough, and tuition from the participants. HARDING WINE&SPIRIT Wow! We knew it was good, but not in our wildest imagination did we think Coastal Vines would become such a success in our store. We have people coming from towns all over Bergen County buying cases of Coastal Vines. Thanks to Coastal Vines and this newspaper, at our last count we have sold almost 3000 bottles. Remember it tastes like a $10 bottle of wine but we are selling it for only $5.01! WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 Coastal Vines $ Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 5 .01 750 ml No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.