July 18, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus Sixty-five cadets graduate from Junior Police Academy The Ho-Ho-Kus Junior Police Academy Class of 2012 with event organizers Anthony Balestrieri, Sergeant Christopher Minchin, Sean Leonard, and M Mosca. by Jennifer Crusco Sixty-five cadets participated in this year’s Ho-Ho-Kus Junior Police Academy, which returned to the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School last week after a one-year hiatus. This year’s record enrollment was the result of the event organizers’ decision to include those students who missed the experience when the program was cancelled due to lack of manpower in 2011. This year’s program was open to students who had just completed fifth grade and those who had just completed sixth grade. Officer Sean Leonard, one of the academy organizers, pointed out that the decision to combine the two grade-levels allowed some siblings to enjoy the experience together. Academy participants, known as cadets, receive a one- week sampling of the police academy experience in their own hometown. Each day, participants receive a dose of discipline before they take on a variety of activities. Crime scene investigation, a visit the Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah, and a graduation ceremony are all part of the program. Academy activities include daily calisthenics led by Officer Anthony Balestrieri and education about police techniques and procedures. In addition to Balestrieri and Leonard, M Mosca and Sergeant Christopher Minchin have been instrumental in organizing the academy program. This year, Minchin’s son, C.J., participated in the experience. “It’s been really fun,” the younger Minchin told Villa- dom TIMES last week. He reported that his favorite activity had been leg lifts. Asked about working with his father, Cadet Minchin said, “He treats all of us the same.” Instructors push the participants “to make sure we pay attention,” the cadet said. Lily Dyrsten, a 2012 cadet who will begin seventh grade in September, missed the academy experience in 2011. Dyrsten said she was upset when she learned that last year’s program had been cancelled because her older sister had enjoyed the experience and had recommended the program. Dyrsten said she was excited when she learned she would have the opportunity to become a cadet this summer. “It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s a little tough because they’re pushing you, but every day I wake up and I want to go back.” The academy program was launched in 2006 by Gregory Kallenberg, who was then the borough’s chief of police. The program then continued for five consecutive seasons. The program offered in Ho-Ho-Kus was based on the academy presented to students in Mahwah. The first year the Ho-Ho-Kus program ran, 15 cadets participated. The following summer, 31 cadets signed up. Enrollment hit 50 participants in 2009. Funding for the program has been provided by the Bergen County Municipal Alliance and the Policemen’s Benevolent Association. Due to the hot, dry weather, the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus has temporarily reduced the watering schedule to one day a week until further notice. Area I, which is west of West Saddle River Road and south of Hollywood Avenue, will be permitted to water on Thursday. Area II, which is west of Saddle River Road and north of Hollywood Avenue, will be able to water on Wednesday. Area III, which is located east of West Saddle River Road, will be allowed to water on Tuesday. No watering will be permitted from Friday through Monday. Borough changes watering schedule The borough reminds residents that outside watering is only permitted between certain hours on watering days. Check www.ho-ho-kusboro.com for details. As of last week, the borough had issued over 70 first offense warnings for watering outside the scheduled days and times, and issued some second violations that carry a $100 fine. Additional violations include discontinuation of water service, and fines of up to $1,000. Borough officials thanked citizens who have been adhering to the local watering regulations.