Ho-Ho-Kus June 23, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 17 Establishing communication, attracting people to town, joining forces to provide sales days, working together with other local organizations for mutual benefit, improving the appearance of the town and optimizing parking are some of the areas the newly-revitalized HoHo-Kus Chamber of Commerce hopes to tackle over the coming months. Under the leadership of Charles “Chip” Gildea of Marron, Gildea & Donohue, who was the organization’s founding president some 20 years ago, about 30 merchants and professionals attended last week’s meeting to provide input into areas of mutual interest and help set priorities for the group. The chamber would like to maintain open lines of communication with the mayor and council to stay abreast of ongoing projects and has asked the governing body to appoint a council liaison Business owners offer ideas for revitalized chamber to the chamber. It is also asking that the police and borough advise the chamber through emails of events, problems, future building plans, etc. as they come up. Members stressed the importance of developing ties with local non-profit organizations and perhaps co-sponsoring events, such as Ducky Derby Day or Movie Night. “Young families come into the center of town for those events; our presence should be felt while they are here,” said chamber Vice President Chuck Russo of Wine & Spirit World. “We should reach out to our residents and get them to realize we are an asset to them because they don’t have to drive 10 miles to get what they want, and they are an asset to us,” he added. While the lack of sufficient parking in the business district has been an ongoing concern, Gildea suggested that each member look for ways to improve the situation for shoppers by having employees park on side streets. Another member said that short-term spaces should be maintained and the time limit enforced. Parking is one of the issues the chamber wants to take up with the mayor and council. Margaret Carullo of HoHoKus Flowers suggested the chamber sponsor a shopping day in order to increase traffic to the local merchants. The goal will be to set something up for September. The chamber has divided the business district into sections and assigned a “quarterback” to each area. Their job will be to check in with members in their area and represent their interests and concerns. They are: January Bourke of Oritani Bank, Chuck Russo, Dr. Varallo of Ho-Ho-Kus Dental, Henry Derakjian of Ivy Cleaners, Andrew Ripps of HoHo-Kus Bagel, Jane Sadat of Valley National Bank and Dr. Noel Palsker. The chamber is now on Facebook, and members were encouraged to visit the chamber’s page. If a member does not have a Facebook account and needs assistance to get on the page, they may contact Steve of Stonegate Communications, who is also designing the chamber’s website with the help of a committee. All Ho-Ho-Kus business owners are invited to the chamber’s next meeting on Wednesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at Kevin’s Thyme. Those wishing to become members may send a check for $35 along with basic information about their business to Charles Gildea, 19 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus 07423 or they may call him at 201-447-6100 for further information. Ho-Ho-Kus Jottings Tiger Cubs host recruitment meeting Ho-Ho-Kus Cub Pack 54 will hold a Tiger recruitment event on Saturday, June 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department adjacent to borough hall. Attendees can meet the Boy Scouts, leaders, and Cubs while learning about the program. The Boy Scouts and Ho-Ho-Kus firemen will present a demonstration. Refreshments will be served. Ho-Ho-Kus mugs for sale The Ho-Ho-Kus Branch of the Valley Hospital is selling 14-ounce travel mugs. The mugs, made of stainless steel, sport the Ho-Ho-Kus monogram and swivel tops. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Center for Women’s Health at Valley Hospital. Mugs are $13.50 each and may be purchased by contacting Linda Woodwell at (201) 444-7627. Sewing group meets at library A hand stitching group meets at the Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library, 91 Warren Avenue, in Ho-Ho-Kus the first and third Monday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Those who enjoy needlepoint or any kind of hand stitching is welcome. For more information, call Gail Fayerweather at (201) 652-1599.