1 ZO N E FR MID W Y A LA CK N N O K D F LI N PA F LA R K K ES �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � �� � �� ISSN 2161-8208 ISSN 2161-8194 www.villadom.com Copyright 2013 �� � � � � � � �� �� � � � � � � � � ��� ��� �� � � � � �� �� � � � � �� � � � � ��� � �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � �� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � �� �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Vol. 26 No. 47 SERVING THE HUB OF NORTH-WEST BERGEN December 11, 2013 40¢ ☺ What’s News- Wyckoff On hold Maple Lake purchase on back burner as nego- tiations stall; grants in jeopardy. Franklin Lakes Vote due 3 Comprehensive golf course ordinance will be up for council vote December 17. Midland Park Resignation tendered 4 School district’s fourth buildings & grounds supervisor in five years leaves post. Franklin Lakes Take care Local motorists advised to expect delays while Pulis Avenue is being repaved. Festival fun 7 Students from Roberto Clemente School in Paterson enjoyed the annual Ramapo High School Holiday Festival in Franklin Lakes. This year’s event was coordinated by Angela Rodriguez (third from left). With Rodriguez are students from Ramapo, visitors from Roberto Clemente School, and Mrs. Claus. For information contact: ������������ • • CUSTOM DRAPERIES CUSTOM DRAPERIES • • UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTERY • • SHUTTERS SHUTTERS 201-444-7100 ��������������� www.asbnowmortgage.com Offices in Bergen, Morris & NML#737325 Passaic Counties 3-6-13 Karen/Janine 12-1-10 Karen/Janine AtlanicStewardshipFrPg AtlanicStewardshipFrPg 20 20 E. E. Main St., Ramsey NJ Main St., Ramsey NJ 201-327-4900 201-327-4900 Is Your Insurance Premium Increasing? Call Allen & Allen Representing over 10 companies 201.891.8790 www.Insurance4NewJersey.com Fairway Estate Landscaping of Hawthorne • Wood Floor Refinishing • Area Rugs/Remnants • In Home & Area Rug Cleaning 1030 Goffle Rd. @ Rt. 208 973.427.7900 www.buyabbey.com Beautiful Green Lawns “Reducing pesticides, one lawn at a time.” You Can Help! Call Us Today 201-447-3910 Midland Park What’s Inside Never worry about a POWER OUTAGE again! Schedule a FREE in home estimate today! 201-436-3728 Lic # 13VH07716400 Classified.......37 Restaurant.....35 Opinion.........30 Crossword.....36 Obituaries......32 Entertainment..34 2-20-13 Janine FairwayEstateFrPg(2-20-13) Kim...from Janine • AbbeyCarpetFrPg(7-17-13) Airport Worldwide Locally & Rev1 Service TownGeneratorFrontPage10-30-13 Janine • Nights on the Town Rev2 Free Estimates Fully Insured 201-444-0315 • Sporting Events • Sedans, SUV’s, Limos, Vans, Buses 81 Franklin Tpke., Mahwah, NJ 201-529-1452 P.O. Box 96, Midland Park, NJ 07432-0096 Total Window & Wall Fashions “The ������������������������������ Best Deal In Town” your residential 64 on Franklin Avenue Tpke. 190 ������������������ Waldwick, Ridgewood, loan. mortgage NJ NJ ����������������� 5 Page 2 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • December 11, 2013 Villadom Happenings Newtown memorial to be held The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood will host an inter- faith service on Saturday, Dec. 14 to mark the one-year anniversary of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The service, which is being held in honor of the lives lost at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood is located at 113 Cot- tage Place in Ridgewood. All are welcome. Special needs basketball offered The Upper Saddle River Basketball Association and Upper Saddle River Recreation Commission are sponsor- ing a free structured, small group basketball clinic for chil- dren with special needs. Students in kindergarten through grade six are invited to these one-hour clinics, which will be held in the Reynolds School gym at 391 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. The program will meet at 11 a.m. on the following dates: Dec. 15; Jan. 5, 12, and 26; Feb. 2 and 9; and March 2, 9, and 16. Players will warm up, run drills, and play a brief game. Breaks and any other accommodations will be made. Each participant will require a parent shadow for all clinics. Children from the surrounding communities are wel- come. Contact Joe Abbatiello at (917) 744-4415 or e-mail jabbatiello@verizon.net to register or for details. Y hosts Solstice Yoga Workshop YWCA Bergen County will hold two Solstice Yoga classes for all ages and levels on Saturday, Dec. 21. Classes will be held at the YWCA, 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood. Intro to Yoga, a light-hearted, introductory class taught by certified instructor Colleen Fontes, will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A short break and refreshments will follow. At 4 p.m., Winter Solstice 108 Sun Salutations for regular yoga practitioners will be led by YW instructors Amy Jung and Colleen Fontes along with guest instructors. Each person who participates must bring a yoga mat. Movement@YW members may participate for free. The suggested donation for non-members is $5 per person per class. Participants should be in general good health and able to sit, stand, and lie down. For more information and to register, call (201) 444-5600, extension 351. Men’s chorus to perform Holiday Concert The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus of Ridgewood will pres- ent its annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 Thank you to everyone who donated Thanksgiving food baskets. They were very much appreciated! Mark your 2014 calendar: Our Fourth Annual Bash will be held March 7. Please contact us if you would like to be involved. We need volunteers to sell ads for our journal and get corporate sponsorships and donations of sports tickets and memorabilia. You can help our families during the holidays. We are now serving 70 families in the northern region, which includes five counties in northern New Jersey. Eighteen of those families receive groceries from our pantry each month. We like to give each family a food basket for the holidays. Making a basket is a perfect way for your family to get together to help a family in need. We will need the baskets by Dec. 16 in order to give our drivers time to coordinate their deliveries. Basket items include cranberry or another type of juice, stuffing mix, gravy, bread or muffin mix, Parmalat milk, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cake mix, nuts, mints, and soup. Get creative, and throw in some other items, like a paper tablecloth, some festive napkins, or a $10 gift card. We are also accepting turkeys and we have a freezer to store them. Meet Margarita: In July 2011, after Margarita began to experience frequent nosebleeds, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her chemotherapy treatments offset her diabetes treatments, resulting in frequent, lengthy periods of hospitalization. While she was supposed to be enjoying her teen years, she under went debilitating surgeries on both hips that left her bed bound for several months at a time. She and her family live in a small third floor walk-up apartment. Leaving the apartment unassisted was not an option for quite some time. Margarita was looking forward to her 18 th birthday this summer. She was thrilled that she would finally be able to return to school and see her friends. In mid- August, Margarita learned that the cancer had returned and that there are no longer any treatments that will rid Margarita’s body of the disease. Her mother is the main provider for the family and works long, exhausting hours at the restaurant near their p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. at Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street in Ridgewood. The concert will feature “La Vergine” by Verdi, “In My Life” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heav’nly Light” by J.S. Bach, “Wassail Song,” and other pieces. Opera singer Michele Capalbo will be the guest solo- ist. This Ridgewood soprano has sung many international and domestic performances of Verdi and Puccini heroines, including Tosca, Madame Butterfly, Aida, Desdemona, and Lady Macbeth. Tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets for students and seniors purchased at the door will be $15. Tickets may be purchased at the at Daily Treat, Wine Seller, (continued on page 38) apartment. Since Margarita requires much care and is often sad and physically limited, Margarita’s mother is not able to go to work and the family is suffering tremen- dously. The family received a shut off notice for their utility bills and is unable to afford to purchase gifts for the holidays. Margarita would love to receive some warm leggings in size medium, a book bag from Deb Shops (since she is sometimes able to go to school in her wheelchair), warm sweaters in size medium, and warm bedding. Margarita often feels lonely, isolated, and restricted and would also appreciate any crafts or activities that can occupy her time while she is receiving palliative treatment or is home bound. The cold, short days really affect her ability to stay positive or hopeful. Any help that you could offer to Margarita and her family would be deeply appreciated. ECF does not receive government funding; we rely on donations and volunteers from the community. Call (201) 612-8118 or email Laura at laura@emmanuelcancer.org to see how you can help. • We need volunteers who can deliver groceries to families in Bergen and Essex counties. Spanish-speak- ing drivers are in particularly high demand. • Is your office looking for a community service proj- ect? Holding a drive for our food pantry would be a tre- mendous help. • Does your company have a charitable giving pro- gram? If so, let us know! • Kids can help too! Is your Scout troop looking to earn badges? Ask us for creative ways kids can have fun while learning about philanthropy. • Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is celebrating 30 years of providing services. If you would care to make a contribution to honor this milestone, imagine how much good we could do with $30 from every reader! If you have a few hours a week to spare, consider becoming a volunteer or just stop by and see what ECF is all about. The Northern Regional Center is located at 174 Paterson Avenue in Midland Park. Please call (201) 612-8118 before you stop by. Please do not leave items at the center without checking with us first. Our storage space is limited. For more information, visit http://www. emmanuelcancer.org or “like” us on Facebook: Emman- uelCancerFoundation. As always, thank you for helping the children and their families! Wyckoff December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Maple Lake purchase on back burner for time being by John Koster The Wyckoff Township Committee indicated that a dis- agreement about the fair market value of the Maple Lake property had stalled negotiations to buy the potential recre- ational site for the immediate future. “This will be put on the remote back burner from now on,” said Mayor Rudy Boonstra. The mayor was summing up the consensus of the town- ship committee after the members examined correspon- dence between Wyckoff Attorney Rob Landel and John A. Schepisi of Englewood Cliffs, the attorney for the Sarno family, which owns the Maple Lake site. The property, once a popular recreational area, is now disused and some- what rusticated. “As you are aware, the township will lose its Bergen County Open Space Grant of $1,375,000 if the same is not utilized by Dec. 20, 2013,” Landel wrote to the Sarno family attorney on Nov. 19 -- a letter which, he said last week, has not yet prompted an agreement. “In addition, the township will lose its $450,000 Green Acres grant if the same is not utilized by March 1, 2014. The township will be losing the Bergen County Open Space Grant within the next few weeks.” Landel, representing Wyckoff, had made an offer in August, he said, for the total amount set forth in the com- bined grants, which he said exceeded the appraised value of the land, regarded as not suited for construction due to wetlands issues. “In addition, such amount also exceeds the value which your client set forth, argued, and ultimately secured in connection with their tax appeal for the subject property,” Landel wrote. Schepisi reportedly said Wyckoff’s offer was below fair market value and Landel wrote back to ask what fair market value was considered to be. “As I’m sure you can appreciate, the township commit- tee has an obligation and responsibility to act in the best interest of the residents,” Landel wrote. “The committee cannot ignore their fiduciary responsibilities and therefore, the township is not in a position to pay more than the fair market value for the property...when formulating Wyck- off’s offer, both the value reflected by the township’s certi- fied appraiser and the value argued by your client as part of (continued on page 29) Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Franklin Lakes Comprehensive golf course ordinance up for adoption by Frank J. McMahon The proposed ordinance that would establish a new zone for the development of the High Mountain Golf Club on High Mountain Road in Franklin Lakes will be consid- ered for final adoption at the Dec. 17 borough council ses- sion. The ordinance, a 15-page comprehensive document that covers all aspects of the proposed development, has been reviewed by the planning board at two meetings. The first section of the ordinance identifies the zone as PRD-2 planned residence district 2 and states that the pur- pose of the ordinance is to provide standards to support the borough’s growing demand for a variety of housing types in a manner that is sensitive to the environmental features in the district. According to the ordinance, devel- opment in this district is intended to assist the borough to meet its affordable housing obligation and to implement the affordable housing/COAH mediation agreement for lands within the district. This ordinance, if adopted, would be pursuant to the affordable housing/COAH mediation agreement executed by and among the Galenkamp Brothers Partnership, The Mountain Club, Inc., Toll Bros, Inc., the Borough of Frank- lin Lakes, and the Franklin Lakes Planning Board, collec- tively known as “the parties,” with regard to the zoning of the lands commonly known as the High Mountain Golf Club. With regard to any application or development of the property, the parties intend to include the terms and con- ditions of the affordable housing/COAH mediation agree- ment, which would be applicable to any such application or development. Principal permitted uses allowed in the PRD-2 zone would include detached single-family dwellings, town- house dwelling units, multi-family affordable dwelling units, and municipal buildings and uses. The single-family homes would have to vary in at least three of the following manners from each neighbor- ing home: the number of windows and/or the location of windows and doors visible from a front street elevation; the roofline design; the roof pitch variation; the facade brick or stone treatment on the front elevation; the land- ings, porches, bay windows, porticos, or other prominent ornamentation on the street facade; and the color of the street facade. The term “neighboring home” must include the single- family home to the immediate left or the right of the sub- ject home facing the same side of the street upon which the subject home would front, and the two closest single- family homes that are across and facing the street upon which the subject home would front. The ordinance describes the accessory uses permitted and sets the maximum number of units at 220, while the maximum number of townhomes cannot exceed 160 and the affordable housing units must meet the set aside speci- fied in the borough code. The document also defines the lot areas and widths for the single-family dwellings; the maximum building height of 2.5 stories or 40 feet for the detached single- family dwellings and the townhomes, but the maximum building height of three stories or 45 feet for the multi- family affordable dwellings; the building coverage and lot coverage; the building setbacks for the townhomes and distances between the buildings; and many other details of the various types of buildings. The ordinance also sets the rules for signs on the prop- erty. A homeowners’ association must be established for the purposes of owning and maintaining the common facilities. The development will not be required to provide public parking or public access to the waterfront, and the devel- oper must pay a fee in the amount of $150,000 for any obligation to provide additional open space and recre- ational amenities other than as explicitly set forth in this ordinance. Borough website wins NJLM award The Borough of Franklin Lakes has won the New Jersey League of Municipalities award for the “Best Website/Social Media” in the League’s Municipal Public Information Contest. Representatives from the borough received the award at a luncheon held during last month’s New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. The purpose of the annual contest is stated in league publications as providing “initiatives to increase the public’s awareness of government operations, strengthen community ties, and provide useful information and ser- vices to citizens who deserve to be highlighted. The pur- pose of this contest is to promote the use of successful and innovative techniques that increase government’s ability to meet citizen needs and improve access to government services.” The league, in conferring this award, specifically rec- ognized the borough “E-Blast” e-newsletter system and how it effectively communicates with borough residents. The E-Blast, and all elements of the borough’s com- munications programs, including the website, Facebook page, communication via Twitter, Swift911, cable chan- nels, calendar, resident handbook, and recycling pamphlet, are administered “in-house” by the borough’s “webteam.” The team consists of Borough Administrator Gregory Hart and Tax Assessor Secretary/Assistant to the Borough Administrator Lynette Sidoti, assisted by interns through a successful communications internship program. Residents who register for the E-Blast receive the e- newsletter at least once a week and are kept current on all borough news and information, and they are kept up-to- date during emergencies. Hart said over 2,400 people are now registered for the borough’s E-Blast. (continued on page 27) Midland Park December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Schools’ buildings and grounds supervisor resigns The Midland Park Board of Education last week accepted the resignation of its fourth buildings and grounds supervisor in five years. Christopher Swank, who assumed the position in March, is leaving for per- sonal reasons. His resignation becomes effective Jan. 17. Superintendent of School Dr. Marie Cirasella said the district is accepting resumes through Dec. 20 from per- sons interested in replacing Swank. “We will seek to identify a candidate for board approval as soon as possible,” Dr. Cirasella said. The starting date for a new applicant would be Feb. 1. Swank’s salary was $85,000 per year. According to the district’s website, the position entails the administration and management of the buildings and grounds operation, including transportation, mainte- nance of facilities, custodial operations and construction activities in the district. The supervisor being sought should have working knowledge of architectural plans and specifications, computer literacy and experience in budgeting and financial management. The successful applicant would work hands-on as part of the mainte- nance staff and have certification as an educational facil- ity manager and a fireman’s black seal license. Prior to coming to Midland Park, Swank was a main- tenance supervisor with the Wayne Board of Education. He holds a New Jersey Certified Educational Facilities Manager (CEFM) certificate from Rutgers University. The previous supervisor, Joseph Carretta, was in Mid- land Park less than a year, and was temporarily replaced by Thomas Treta. Prior to Carretta, Thomas Blanchard filled the position for a couple of months. Both men left to take positions in other districts. Sam Schaper, who had held the post for more than 30 years, retired in Decem- ber, 2008. ASB collects gifts for children in need Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s 13 branches are now col- lecting, new, unwrapped gifts for children through the bank’s annual Wish Tree drive. Each branch displays a small Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and gift tags. Bank customers and associates are encouraged to take a tag and an ornament from the tree and return with a new, unwrapped gift. The gift collection will continue through Dec. 20. The gifts collected will be distributed to children in need by several local charitable organizations, including New City Kids, Westwood Cares, CUMAC, Harvest Out- reach Ministries, and New Hope Ministries. Atlantic Stewardship Bank, a subsidiary of Stewardship Financial Corporation, maintains branches in Hawthorne (two offices), Midland Park, Montville, North Hale- don, Pequannock, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Wayne (three offices), Westwood, and Wyckoff. The bank’s website is www.asbnow.com. Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Franklin Lakes Motorists should expect Pulis Avenue delays by Frank J. McMahon According to information released by the Borough of Franklin Lakes, the repaving of Pulis Avenue is expected to cause traffic detours and delays that will last throughout this week. The repaving project will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, weather permitting, and will include milling and paving of Pulis Avenue from Susquehanna Avenue in Franklin Lakes to Chapel Road in Mahwah. Detour routes will be clearly marked and the Franklin Lakes Police Department will be on hand to assist with the traffic, accord- ing to Franklin Lakes Borough Adminis- trator Gregory Hart, who issued the traffic Hoffmann named treasurer Franklin Lakes resident Robert Hoff- mann has been elected treasurer of the New Jersey Municipal Management Associa- tion. Hoffmann holds an MBA in finance. He has been Westwood’s borough administra- tor since 2007, and previously served as administrator in Franklin Lakes. In 2008, he was named NJMMA Outstanding Man- ager. He was among four new NJMMA offi- cers and seven executive board members sworn in at the NJMMA’s annual luncheon and awards ceremony in Atlantic City during the 98 th annual League of Munici- palities Conference last month. Established more than 50 years ago, NJMMA is dedicated to advancing the professionalism, training, and develop- ment of public managers and facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in municipal management. The organization has been instrumental in shaping legislation and policies that affect services to residents and businesses throughout New Jersey. Robert Hoffmann alert to the community. Hart recommended that motorists allow extra time and use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion and delays. Borough residents have complained about the bumpy ride that has existed on Pulis Avenue since the beginning of the sewer project in that area. The completion of that work was delayed due to the incorrect installation of a pipe that had to be removed and replaced at a deeper level to achieve a gravity feed to the sewer on Chapel Road in Mahwah. The current repaving project will elimi- nate the washboard effect on Pulis Avenue that has existed since the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority began to install the new sewer line in 2012. That line is part of the sanitary sewer main in Frank- lin Lakes’ central business district and an interceptor line from the business district to the trunk line in Mahwah. A pumping station will be constructed at the Franklin Crossing Shopping Center and the gravity-fed sanitary sewer main will extend from that area under Route 287 and the railroad tracks east along Susquehanna (continued on page 12) Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 How to get a home ready for holiday guests Hosting family members for the holidays is a great way to spend quality time with loved ones during a special time of year. For many families, the holidays are the one time when everyone can get together regardless of where they live or how demanding their commitments to work and family can be. When families gather for the holidays, many people find themselves playing host to relatives. Accepting such host- ing duties is an act that comes with many responsibilities, including readying the home for overnight guests. The fol- lowing are a few ways hosts can prepare their homes for guests. Take inventory of linens. Overnight guests will need bed linens, blankets, and pillows. Take inventory of the linen closet now, and inspect each set of sheets to make sure they are still usable. If sheets are ragged or the blankets have thinned, purchase new linens so guests feel as if they are at home and don’t get cold overnight. If the linen closet is already fully stocked with quality linens, clean them in the days leading up to the guests’ arrival. Buy some night lights. Purchase a few night lights for the hallways and restrooms so guests can easily get around should they need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Childproof the home if necessary. Kids can be curious, so holiday hosts without children of their own should child- proof their homes before any guests arrive with kids in tow. Move hazardous materials to high shelves that kids can’t reach, and make sure any prescription medications are out of reach of youngsters. If the home has any steep staircases, consider purchasing some child gates or asking the guests to bring their own gates to reduce the risk of young kids falling down the stairs. Stock up on toiletries and other essentials. Replenish the supply of toiletries before guests arrive. Stock up on toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the days leading up to the holidays. In addition, consider buying kitchen items like paper towels, napkins, plastic cutlery, and paper plates. Paper plates may come in especially handy, saving the trouble of having to load up the dishwasher after meals in which paper plates and plastic cutlery would have sufficed. Give common areas a thorough cleaning. Any common areas of the home, including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, and restrooms, should be given a thorough cleaning prior to the guests’ arrival. Be sure to clean any bedrooms where guests will be staying. Less time will have to be devoted to cleaning the master bedroom or home office, but make sure these rooms are presentable. Clean the closets. If the hall closets are largely used for storing miscellaneous items, clean them out for the coming days to make room for guests’ coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and shoes. Moving these items, be it to the garage, a back- yard shed, or the basement, can be temporary, but those closets must serve a more traditional purpose while guests are in town for the holidays. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Maximize time spent on holiday shopping The holiday season encompasses several weeks of fre- netic activity, as men and women look to juggle abnormally busy social schedules with holiday shopping. While there is no way to add hours to the day, there are certain measures anyone can take to make the hustle and bustle of the season more efficient. Shopping swallows up a significant amount of time come the holiday season. According to the latest Con- sumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, the average person will spend 15 hours shopping for presents. Women tend to spend twice as long as men, with women logging 20 hours of holiday shopping compared to the 10 hours the average male spends shopping for holiday gifts. Making the most of holiday shopping trips can free up moments and reduce overall stress. Keep a spreadsheet of your shopping list stored on a computer or smartphone so it can be easily modified year to year. Create a shopping strategy: While some shoppers get all of their shopping finished in just one day, others prefer to divide and conquer over a few weeks. Decide how to arrange those shopping trips so there will be less traveling from store to store wasting precious time. Organize the shopping list into certain categories. Then match up those categories according to the stores that cater to these items. For example, if a list mentions bedding for a new college student’s dorm room, curtains for an aunt, and a set of beach towels for a friend who will be doing some post-holiday traveling, group these purchases together and head to a store that carries all these items. Having such a plan in place can greatly cut down on the amount of time spent shopping. Shop off-hours. Consumer Reports says shoppers expect to wait in store check-out lines for an average of 3.5 to 4 hours this holiday season. Avoiding such situations can save a significant amount of time, so shop during off-peak hours. Take advantage of stores’ extended hours and shop later in the evening, when parents and their children will likely be preparing for bed and not waiting in line in stores. Some retailers entice shoppers with early bird specials and open their doors very early, so shoppers looking to save time can make an effort to be the first person at the door when the store opens. Split up the shopping. Spouses, family members, and even friends can pool their shopping time and help others by tackling some of their purchases. Dividing the work shortens the time spent in stores, and a third party may have a keen eye for a deal or a unique gift when he or she is emotionally removed from the purchase. The average person finds time is of the essence come the holiday season. Prioritizing and organizing shopping can make the season less hectic. Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Remember to ‘Go Local’ when holiday shopping As shoppers budget and make their holiday shopping lists, the Independent Community Bankers of America® and Atlantic Stewardship Bank are encouraging consum- ers to “Go Local” once again this holiday season by doing either a portion, or all of their shopping, at local small busi- nesses. By doing so, consumers will be putting money back to work in their communities, just like they do every time they dine at a local restaurant or choose to bank locally with a community bank. Community banks are huge advocates and supporters of local small businesses. In fact, even though community banks comprise only 20 percent of banking industry assets, community banks with less than $10 billion in assets pro- vide nearly 60 percent of outstanding bank small business loans. Because community banks are small businesses, they are able to partner with their small business custom- ers to help them understand local market dynamics and the opportunities and challenges that small businesses in their area face. “It’s no secret that by lending to small businesses in our area, Atlantic Stewardship Bank helps our local economy thrive and flourish,” said Atlantic Stewardship Bank Presi- dent and CEO Paul Van Ostenbridge. “During the holiday season, you have the same power. I encourage everyone to take time to visit local businesses and see what products you can obtain locally and see the services these companies have to offer.” Bill Loving, chairman of the ICBA and president of Pendleton Community Bank in Franklin, West Virginia, added, “The holidays are all about giving, so it’s the per- fect time to give back to your community by choosing to spend your dollars locally, where it will be used to help (continued on page 14) December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Tips for selecting and lighting Christmas trees Many people harbor strong opinions with regard to which type of Christmas tree they want to purchase. Some cannot live without a natural, freshly-cut tree, while others prefer the convenience of artificial trees. Those who insist on a natural tree might want to consider the following tips when buying what’s likely their biggest decorative item of the holiday season. Ask when the tree was cut. Precut trees may be cut weeks before they are sold. This doesn’t mean the tree won’t make it through the holiday season, but a tree that was cut several weeks earlier should have some of its bottom trunk removed before it is placed in the stand. This will make it easier for the tree to consume water. This step likely isn’t necessary if the tree was cut down the day you bring it home. Have the tree shaken before taking it home. A tree should be shaken in a shaker before you put it in the car and bring it home. A shaker removes any debris or dead needles, which can save you the trouble of cleaning up all of those dead needles from the living room floor. Have the tree wrapped. A tree should be wrapped in twine before taking it home. The twine should be tight enough to keep the tree’s branches from blowing in the wind when the tree is attached to the top of the vehicle. If possible, keep the tree wrapped in twine while it goes into the stand. This makes the tree easier to control. Choose the right location. When looking for the right place to set up a natural tree, choose a spot that is cool and free of drafts. The tree should not be placed near heat sources, including appliances, fireplaces, or vents. Heat sources create a safety hazard and can make it difficult for the tree to retain moisture. There should also be ample space between the top of the tree and the ceiling. Place some covering on the ground beneath the tree. Even a freshly cut natural tree will shed needles over the (continued on page 14) Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 FLOW Area District holds final meetings on laptop program by Frank J. McMahon The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District has four more meet- ings scheduled for students and at least one of their parents or guardians. These man- datory meetings are part of the District’s 1:1 Learning Initiative. The sessions have been offered by the school district during November and December and parents and their students must register in advance to attend one of the meetings. The final four meetings will be held in the Ramapo High School auditorium on Monday, Dec. 16 and Thursday, Dec. 19. Sessions will be held at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days. Parents/guardians and their children only need to sign up for one training session. Each session will be an hour in length. Each session will highlight acceptable use procedures, parent/guardian respon- sibilities, student expectations, laptop use and care procedures, technical sup- port procedures, and security and privacy guidelines. Parents/guardians and their children will learn how to electronically sign the district’s acceptable use policy and laptop agreement forms, and how to pay the insurance premium. Parents/guardians will need to complete the online registration to enroll in a train- ing session. The registration site has been available through the district’s webpage (http://www.rih.org) since mid-November. Parents/guardians also need their child’s student ID number to register for the session, and they will need to bring their student identification card to the training session. Each session will be lim- ited to a maximum number of seats and, as part of the registration process, parents will choose a primary e-mail address that will be used for all future correspondence regarding the district’s 1:1 laptop program. This will expedite the sign-in process upon arrival and serve as verification for atten- dance. According to the school district, the use of educational technology services and access to information are integral parts of the educational program for all students. The district has taken steps to provide every student with the advantage of ubiq- uitous access to information and educa- tional technologies. The overarching goal of the 1:1 laptop program is to prepare students for their future in a global society by enabling teachers to provide a learning environment where they facilitate student empowerment and engagement, student-centered learn- ing opportunities, and student account- ability and responsibility. With the learning opportunities this pro- gram provides, however, comes a respon- sibility for the district, parent/guardian, and student to ensure a safe and produc- tive experience. A handbook will inform parents/guardians and students about procedures and guidelines for the 1:1 pro- gram. As the district moves forward with this program, the handbook may change, according to the school district. However, a reasonable effort will be made to notify parents/guardians and the students that changes have taken place with regard to the handbook, and it is the expectation that the procedures and guidelines set forth in future revisions will be adhered to by stu- dents and their parents/guardians. Pulis Avenue vidual septic systems and six wastewater treatment plants for large commercial or condominium properties and the Frank- lin Avenue Middle School. Henderson said the sanitary sewer line will improve the groundwater quality in the business district and will allow the Franklin Cross- ing, Franklin Square, and Franklin Lakes shopping centers, the Horizon and Moun- tain Shadows housing complexes, and the Franklin Avenue Middle School to abandon their private package treatment plants and eliminate some individual septic systems. He also pointed out that the sewer line will allow for modernization and expansion of the businesses in the borough’s business district. (continued from page 7) Avenue to Pulis Avenue and then along Pulis Avenue ultimately to connect to the gravity sewer on Chapel Road. A force-fed sanitary sewer line has also been installed from Franklin Avenue along Susquehanna Avenue to Pulis Avenue to convey the borough’s flow to the NBCUA system. The sewage is treated at the author- ity’s plant in Waldwick. According to Keith Henderson, an engineer for the NBCUA, the majority of Franklin Lakes is currently served by indi- Midland Park December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Police look to add to first responder equipment The Midland Park Police Department is looking to expand its inventory of first-responder equipment, replace the duty weapons now in use, and switch two of its patrol cars to two-wheel drive vehicles. Police Chief Michael Marra and Sgt. Michael Powderley presented the department’s capital budget requests to the mayor and council last week. Marra is asking for tactical ballistic helmets for each officer as well as an entry shield to protect officers from high power bullets when they respond to an emergency situation. Each helmet is about $436. Officers train annually for the Active Shooter pro- gram, a requirement by the County Prosecutor’s Office, but thus far the 15-member department only has a bal- listic shield, purchased with a Department of Homeland Security grant received after 9-11. “We want the helmets and one more shield to start. Next we’d like additional vests against high power rifles,” the chief said, noting that other area towns are building up their inventories. “We want to be proactive and make sure our guys are protected,” Powderley said. Councilman Mark Braunius questioned the need for the specialized equipment, noting that it might be a dupli- cation of resources already available at the county level. “I have a tough time spending the money. Is every town Rotary seeks funds for typhoon victims The Midland Park-Wyckoff Rotary is seeking dona- tions to assist the residents of the Philippines who were impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. Through Rotary Inter- national, the club is seeking monetary donations for the purchase of Sawyer Water Filters. The victims of Typhoon Haiyan are in urgent need of clean water, food, and temporary shelter. Rotary groups are raising funds to purchase the water filters that can be shared by several families. This small, lightweight filter kit can provide up to 170 gallons of clean water per day. Donations may be sent to: International Humanitar- ian Aid Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Please make checks payable to “International Humanitarian Aid Foundation, Inc.” and note “Philippine Relief” on the memo line, or donate online at http://pas- torandy.us/donate. an island with this special equipment? Where does it stop?” he asked. “I don’t know if we can do it.” “We’re the first on the scene; we neutralize the threat. We don’t sit and wait for assistance from area towns or the county SWAT team to arrive. It goes so fast, and our officers have no protection for the head,” the chief said. Councilman Scott Pruiksma suggested an alternative might be outfitting each car with a helmet and a vest, but Powderley noted the equipment in the car might not fit the officer on duty at the time. Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan suggested each officer pick out his helmet size from a rack at headquarters as he goes on duty. The department is also looking to purchase new duty weapons at a total cost of about $8,300, including hol- sters, clips and magazine pouches, and trade in. He said the accepted practice, standard, and ceiling to replace weapons is approximately 10 years, which will come due in 2015. He told the council that it is not cost effective to make repairs to the firearms currently in use, which wear out due to training, familiarization and annual qualifica- tion exams. The chief said a committee made up of the three fire- arms officers has been trying out loaner weapons from Glock, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer Six Hours and will recommend the weapon that will best suit the depart- ment’s needs. Powderley said the department is recommending replacing two Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles with 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe two-wheel drive vehicles. He said the savings anticipated with the Explorers had not materi- alized and that they are too compact to accommodate the necessary equipment. He also said they are too cramped for some of the taller officers. “The mileage is better on the two-wheel drive, and we still have the four-wheel drive cars for inclement weather,” Powderley said. “We are also looking at safety, and the Tahoes utilize space better,” he added. The two new vehicles are expected to cost about $77,000, including equipment and signage. The borough follows a policy of replacing two vehicles one year, and one the following year. One of the retired vehicles is used for traffic control. Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Midland Park Spreading holiday cheer Highland School fourth graders recently visited Mill Gardens, an assisted living home in Midland Park, to interact with the residents. The students spoke with the residents about where they grew up, what they like to do and how they enjoy living at Mill Gardens. They also worked with them to create a craft for the holidays, arranged by Cynthia and Joanne, the activity directors. The residents and direc- tors showed their appreciation to the students by providing a snack at the con- clusion of the visit. Mrs. Lelinho and Ms. Miller’s classes will be returning to Mill Gardens for another visit. Tips for selecting and lighting Christmas trees (continued from page 11) course of the holiday season. Before placing the stand in the chosen location, put some type of covering, such as a tree bag, beneath the stand so it will be easier to gather all those needles once the holiday season has ended. Remember that natural trees are thirsty. Those who have never had a natural Christmas tree in the past might be surprised at just how thirsty natural trees get. The stand’s reservoir should have lots of water, which should never dip below the stump. If the water dips below the stump, you might be forced to cut a little more off the bottom of the trunk to ensure the tree will make it through the holiday season. That can be a hassle once the tree has been decorated, so be sure to check the water in the reservoir at least once per day to maintain adequate water levels. Lighting a Christmas tree may seem like child’s play, but time and again people struggle with the task. Untan- gling wires and wrapping them around boughs can be nerve wracking, but lighting a tree doesn’t have to be a chore when you follow some tips from the profession- als. Plug in the strands of lights before beginning to check for burned out bulbs and to adjust the spacing of lights to prevent dark spots. Think about varying light bulb sizes to add more dimension. String an inner layer of small LED white lights to produce an inner glow on the tree before adding larger, colored lights on top to increase visual appeal. Be sure to match the same watt- age of the lights so there will not be power surges. Keep in mind that wrapping lights around the tree horizontally is more work and often does not produce a multi-dimensional effect. String the lights from the trunk up to the top, working vertically. This is how the tree decorators at Rockefeller Center in New York City handle the famous tree year after year. This method helps eliminate tangled wires and empty spots. ‘Go Local’ when holiday shopping (continued from page 10) support the local small businesses, which drive jobs and vibrancy in your local community. So go ahead and spread some holiday cheer locally this year. By doing so, you’ll be able to cross items off of your shop- ping list and make lots of folks happy—all the while reinvesting in your community—helping it prosper during the holidays and well into the new year.” To learn more about ICBA’s Go Local initiative and ways everyone can go local this holiday season, visit www.icba.org/golocal. To join the conversation, follow @ICBA’s hashtag #golocal. The Independent Community Bankers of America®, the nation’s voice for nearly 7,000 community banks of all sizes and charter types, is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advo- cacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services. For more information, visit http://www. icba.org. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Easy tips can help ensure a flu-free winter Spending significant time indoors in close proximity to others can make people more susceptible to the flu. As a result, winter, when people typically spend more time indoors than outdoors, is often domi- nated by the sniffling and sneezing synon- ymous with flu. However, men and women can take steps to protect themselves from the flu this season. Get a flu shot. Some people prefer to avoid getting a flu shot because they want to build up their natural immunities or they believe the shots can make them sick. Most flu shots contain an inactive virus that will not make people sick, and will only trig- ger their immune systems’ response to a foreign invader. It can take a couple of weeks for full immunity to develop, so it is possible to still get sick even after a flu shot has been administered. Also, a flu shot does not guarantee recipients will not get the flu. People can still get the flu after receiving a flu shot, as it may be another strain of the virus. However, flu shots are largely effective. Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes and cigars can affect the immune system and compromise the body in a number of differ- ent ways. Smoking can disable mechanisms in breathing passageways that serve as natural repellants to the flu. These include the hairs on the lungs that brush away con- taminants. Smoking also can create holes in the lining of lower air passages, and such holes can make people more susceptible to illness, including the flu. Smokers who get the flu typically find that the illness further complicates their ability to breathe. Avoid sick people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion, people with the flu can spread it to others up to six feet away. Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets of bodily fluids expelled during coughing, sneezing, and even talking. Doctors recommend that anyone who has the flu should stay home from work or school until they are fully recovered. Be especially cautious when pregnant. According to Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infec- tious disease specialist at Duke University Medical Center, women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of complications and even death from influenza. Doctors do not fully understand why, but many feel that because the flu can compromise a wom- an’s ability to breathe well, this makes it difficult for oxygen to be passed on to the fetus. Pregnant women should speak with their obstetricians about the safety of the flu shot. Get plenty of rest and good food. Ade- quate sleep and a healthy diet can bolster the immune system. It is important to stay hydrated, eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, and prioritize getting a good night’s sleep each night. Beware of homeopathic remedies. Always check with a doctor before using any natural remedies. While some supple- ments like elderberry syrup, zinc, and oscillococcinum can mitigate symptoms of the flu, there is no solid evidence that these items offer any preventative value. Homeo- pathic remedies can interfere with medica- tions or may be dangerous to a developing fetus, so do not take these substances with- out first checking with a doctor. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Put a stop to the battle of the holiday bulge The holiday season is dominated by parties, family gatherings, and festive foods. Overindulgence in rich foods and drinks during the holiday season and cold weather, which can make it difficult to exercise, often lead to weight gain by January. Focusing on diet and exercise during the holiday season can help you avoid unwanted weight gain and provide more energy as the season progresses. The following are some effective ways to sail through the season without gaining weight. Don’t scrimp and sacrifice all the time. The body is a powerful machine, but it does not always work the way we want it to. According to nutritional experts, rather than metabolizing food on a daily basis, the body is geared to work over longer periods of time. That means it is possible to balance out a high-calorie day by eating less food and/or lighter fare on the days before and after. Fill up before going out. Those who are concerned about the high-calorie foods and drinks that are often served at parties and holiday gatherings may want to eat beforehand. Hunger can cause people to overeat and fill up on the wrong kinds of foods. Instead, eat a low-calo- rie snack that is high in protein and fiber before leaving the house. That should make it easier to avoid the chips and dips. Get plenty of sunshine when possible. Lack of sunlight can contribute to the winter blues, which may lead some people to rely on comfort foods. Such foods are typically rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. Spending time outdoors in the sun each day is a mood booster. Pick the right mix of foods. Devote more space on the plate to lean proteins, such as roasted turkey or chicken or even lean ham. Devote much of the rest of the plate to roasted vegetables and whole grains. Take only small portions of high-fat foods like candied yams or bread stuffing to satisfy cravings without overdoing it. Skip the spirits for the most part. Alcoholic bever- ages are loaded with empty calories. Many people would rather reserve bonus calories for a piece of pie or a brownie. Those who drink can cut calories by sticking to a one drink per day limit. Exercise every day. When people are busy with holi- day tasks, it can be easy to push exercise aside, but a more sedentary lifestyle can trigger a slowing of the metabolism. That slow down can lead to weight gain. Aim for some sort of daily exercise, and try to park far- ther away from the stores or take the stairs instead of the escalator. Don’t relegate exercise to a New Year’s resolu- tion. Inactivity now will only bring harder work in the future to shed those unwanted holiday pounds. Weight gain may be just another part of the holiday season for many men and women. However, individuals who are concerned about adding extra pounds can stop the pattern of gaining weight during the holiday season by making smart choices throughout the season. Eyeglass wearers have more options Janet Kilroe, owner of Franklin Lakes Opticians, is excited about the enhancements that are now available for eyeglass wearers. “There are many options available today to enhance your vision through your eyeglasses,” Kilroe says. She points to products that include anti-reflective lenses and lenses that darken in the sun. “One reduces glare from computer screens and lights in night time driving, and the other darkens to cut down on bright light on sunny days. They can complement any pair of eyeglass lenses.” Kilroe adds that those who are in the market for sun- glasses should try polarized lenses, which she says offer the best protection from glare. “Unlike tinted lenses that just reduce light, a polar- ized lens reduces glare and enables you to see objects that may not otherwise be seen,” she explains. With the year coming to a close, Kilroe says this may be the best time to see your eye care professional and apply flex spending dollars or use insurance benefits. Franklin Lakes Opticians is located at 801 Franklin Avenue in Franklin Lakes and offers one-stop shopping convenience. Customers are able to schedule a compre- hensive eye examination, which is conducted on-site by an independent doctor of optometry, and get fitted with stylish new glasses at the same location. House/office calls can be arranged for clients who are unable to make it to the store for eyewear repairs due to vision difficul- ties. In addition, local deliveries for contact lens orders are available. Call (201) 848-1184 for additional information. Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 A brief explanation of the gluten-free diet Dietary fads come and go, but the gluten- free movement is one nutritional trend that seems to have staying power. The gluten- free diet was once largely exclusive to suf- ferers of Celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing parts of food the body needs to stay healthy. That damage is the byproduct of the body’s reaction to gluten, a term used to describe proteins found in specific grains. While the gluten-free diet remains a necessity for those who cannot tolerate gluten, nowadays even non-sufferers are embracing the gluten-free diet for a variety of reasons. One such reason is non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, or NCGS. Though NCGS is not as severe as Celiac disease, research has suggested that a gluten-free diet can relieve NCGS symptoms, which include abdominal pain and headaches. Allergies are another reason some people may opt for a gluten-free diet. Unlike Celiac disease or NCGS, both of which are diges- tive system responses to gluten, wheat allergy is an immune-system response and, like other allergies, can be outgrown. How- ever, until a wheat allergy is outgrown, it is best to avoid foods, including those with gluten, that might trigger an allergic reac- tion. While a gluten-free diet is a necessity for people with Celiac disease, NCGS, or wheat allergies, according to Michell Nacouzi, MD, a primary care physician at Duke Pri- mary Care Brier Creek, it may provide little health benefit to those without such condi- tions. That doesn’t mean the popularity of the gluten-free diet is about to wane, though. Those without a preexisting medical condi- tion who are considering a gluten-free diet should know a few things about this diet before making such a drastic change. Gluten-free is not easy. Unlike eliminat- ing sugary soft drinks or cutting back on fried foods, going cold turkey on gluten can be very difficult. Many people who adopt a gluten-free diet find it extremely chal- lenging, as gluten proteins can be found in additives, making something as seemingly simple as reading labels a lot trickier than it looks. Though labels may not list gluten among a product’s ingredients, people must be aware of all additives that contain gluten proteins in order to avoid gluten entirely. Although supermarkets are stocking more gluten-free products, shopping for groceries while on a gluten-free diet can be tedious. Certain foods and drinks must be avoided. Though people considering a gluten-free diet are aware that such a diet requires some sacrifices, they may not know which foods and beverages they will need to avoid until they have instituted the diet. For example, a gluten-free diet excludes any beverages that contain barley, such as beer. Though many gluten-free beers are now on the market, beer aficionados may find such alternatives cannot compare to the real thing. Rye and wheat products also must be avoided, and these include products whose labels list bulgur, durum flour, farina, graham flour, kamut, semolina, and spelt among their ingredients. Though there are now many gluten-free foods on the market, unless labels say gluten-free, the following are a handful of products that should be avoided: • Breads • Cakes and pies • Cereals • Croutons • French fries • Pastas • Salad dressings • Soy sauce • Soups Many doctors also recommend that those on a gluten-free diet avoid oats, as they can easily be contaminated with wheat during the growing and processing stages of production. Be mindful of the dangers of cross-con- tamination. Cross-contamination can occur (continued on page 31) December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Navigating the holidays: Relax and enjoy the season During the holidays, the last thing we need is another to-do list. We really need a few minutes, several times a day, to regroup and rebalance. Here are some ideas to help during this busy season. Get grounded and set your intentions. Know that you have the power to enjoy vs. get stressed. Check in with yourself often to minimize the stress and maximize ease. Set your intentions before going out the door. Decide to relax and enjoy the season. Decide to make good food choices. Noth- ing ruins a good time more than going home with regrets. Staying grounded will help you realize that goal. Wear your mission proudly and stay motivated. If you have been working at being healthier, don’t let peer pressure ruin your hard work. Let others know you are on a mission to improve your health. Tell them how much you care about stay- ing on a healthy track and how well you are doing. Then quietly pat yourself on the back for standing strong. Never starve yourself before a party or gathering. Eat normal sized meals leading up to the party. Skipping breakfast and/or lunch because you have a dinner party is never a good idea. That first drink will go straight to your head and you will end up overcompensating the rest of the evening or continuing to make poor choices. Have a snack of some sort before heading out so you don’t hit the buffet ravenously hungry, but do save room to enjoy and taste the treats being served. Find a buddy. Find someone on the same healthy page as you are and have a plan before you go out. Keep each other on track. Having a friend in the room can make some of the awkward situations easier and less likely to result in nervous eating and drinking. Taste; don’t eat. Do a “recon” of the food before you start, and make choices based on the big picture. Don’t waste calories on everyday items. Take a taste, not a full portion. This lets you try more without piling on calories. Know your trigger foods. These are the foods you want to eat without stopping. Find them, face them, and then and avoid them like the plague. Have a very small taste if you must, then get away from the table. Use veggies to fill in any slow times or if you don’t like to have empty hands or an empty plate. Be thankful for what you have and who you are. Make a new habit this season. Every day, before you start out, make a conscious effort to stop, breathe, and think of five (or more) things for which you are thankful. Remember to be grate- ful for yourself. Whether you are begin- ning your journey to wellness, or at any point along that path, thank yourself for taking care of yourself and decide what is important to you. Live your life to follow that priority. This article was submitted by Eva Conover, Health Coach, AADP of eva@evasfresh.com. Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Sciatica is a painful concern for many people According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, eight out of 10 people have some type of backache. Back pain does not discriminate, and men, women, and even children can find themselves dealing with the unfortunate and uncomfortable side effects of a hurt back. Sciatica is one type of back pain that many men, particularly those who drive a vehicle or carry heavy loads for a living, face on a regular basis. Though a symp- tom and not a disorder, sciatica causes pain that can be quite uncomfortable. But as painful and as prevalent as sciatica can be, and some estimates suggest it affects 10 percent of the population, many men do not know much about sciatica, which makes it harder to effectively address the situation should it suddenly appear. What is sciatica? Sciatica is pain caused by pressure on, or damage to, the sciatic nerve, a nerve that starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg. The pain that results from sciatica can occur anywhere from the lower back down to the sole of the foot. Sciatica can also affect the muscle power in the legs. What causes sciatica? It is not always easy to pinpoint the specific cause of sciatica, but there are many conditions that can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and result in sciatica. Some of those causes include: Herniated disk: A herniated disk in the lower back can compress a nerve root in the lower back and cause sciatica. Disks are pads of cartilage that separate the ver- tebrae in the spine, and gel can seep out and press on a nerve root, causing pain in either the back or leg, or both. Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one of the spine’s vertebra slips forward over another vertebra. This typically hap- pens as a result of degenerative disk dis- ease, and the displaced bone can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. Spinal tumors: Tumors that develop within the spinal cord, membranes that cover the spinal cord or in the space between the spinal cord and the verte- brae can grow and compress the nerves, including the sciatic nerve, or the spinal cord. Trauma: Any trauma to the spine, which can occur after a car accident or a fall, can injure the sciatic nerve and result in sciatica. Are there risk factors for sciatica? Certain things do increase the risk for sciatica. As mentioned above, sciatica can affect anyone. Those who perform physi- cal labor as part of their occupations, however, might be most at risk. A job that requires a worker to twist his or her back or carry heavy loads is one of the risk fac- tors for developing sciatica. Another risk factor is age. Spinal ste- nosis, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, occurs as people age and increases the risk for sciatica. Men who live a sedentary lifestyle are also at increased risk for sciatica. That is because sitting for long periods of time can increase pressure on the sciatic nerve. Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage. As a result, diabetics might be at greater risk of developing sciatica than those without diabetes. Are there complications from sciatica? Many people who experience sciatica fully recover. However, some people experience permanent nerve damage and additional complications, including: • Loss of feeling in the affected leg • Loss of movement in the affected leg • Loss of bowel or bladder function Coping with back pain is seldom easy. However, by learning about certain types of back pain, including sciatica, men can put themselves in a better position to iden- tify the source of their pain and deal with it more effectively. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 21 Take action to prevent frostbite this winter Frostbite is relatively common and can affect anyone who is exposed to extreme cold. Awareness of frostbite and how to prevent it can help people who hope to spend ample time outdoors this winter avoid this potentially painful condition. Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue, most notably the skin. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to frostbite, including the nose, ears, toes, and fingers. Those who have circulation issues or diabetes may be more vulnerable to frostbite and will have to be extra diligent in covering up when venturing outdoors. Many cases of frostbite occur in those who work out- doors in the cold, including soldiers stationed in cold cli- mates. The homeless and winter outdoor enthusiasts are also susceptible, as is anyone who spends time outdoors when the temperatures are very cold. Frostbite is a serious injury to the body that is caused by freezing tissues. It can create a loss of feeling in the affected areas and even the loss of fingers, toes, and limbs. Cases of frostbite vary in severity. They can range from mild frostnip, which is just a temporary cessation of feeling in extremities, to superficial frostbite, where only the outer skin is affected, to deep frostbite, the most severe type of frostbite wherein the underlying tissues also freeze, possibly resulting in permanent damage or even amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frostbite can initiate with redness or pain in any area of the skin. As it progresses, the skin may take on a grayish-yellow hue. Numbness may set in, and the skin could feel very firm or even waxy. Progressed frostbite will appear black, and blistering may be pres- ent. A person experiencing frostbite is typically unaware the condition is occurring because of the numbness. It often takes the trained eye of another person to point out frostbite. Depending on how long the skin has been exposed to extreme weather, frostbite treatment can vary. At the onset, individuals experiencing the primary symptoms of frostbite, including redness, tingling, or numbing, can benefit from moving into a warm room. Removal of wet and cold clothing is also advisable. The affected tissues should be warmed gently with warm water. The water should be comfortable to the touch in areas not affected by the frostbite. Do not use hot water. If warm water is unavailable, use body heat to warm the affected areas. For example, tuck cold hands under armpits. It is unadvisable to use a dry heating source like heat- ing pads or a campfire to thaw frostbitten skin. Avoid massaging or disturbing the tissue on frostbitten skin, which can cause further damage. Prompt medical attention should be sought to deter- mine the severity of the frostbite. A combination of warm therapy and hydration could help salvage damaged tissues. The easiest way to ward off symptoms of frostbite is to be diligent in preventing it from beginning. This includes wearing several layers of clothing. The innermost layer of clothing should be something that wicks moisture away from the body. Mittens provide more protection than gloves, and wool socks can add an extra layer of warmth to feet and toes. Ears and the face can be covered by scarves or special hat-and-mask combinations. Increasing physical activity will help keep warm blood pumping through tissue and help a person to stay warm. Avoid smoking tobacco, which can constrict blood ves- sels and increase the risk of frostbite. By the same token, do not drink alcohol because it may create the sensation of warmth and may lead a person to think he or she is warm, even if frostbite is occurring. Keeping a few chemical hand warmers available and keeping an extra blanket tucked in a car trunk can help one avoid a cold-weather emergency and reduce the risk for frostbite. Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 23 Strength training tips for women starting out Weightlifting has long been an activity associated with men. When asked to describe a typical weightlifter, many people would likely begin to discuss a man. However, more and more women have recognized the benefits of strength training and its impact on long-term health. Studies have shown that increasing muscle mass can reduce a person’s risk of diabetes and help that person, regardless of gender, maintain a healthy weight. But many women are understandably hesitant to begin lifting weights, fearing they may lose their feminine figures or simply because they are apprehensive about visiting the section of the gym dominated by muscle-bound men pumping dozens of pounds of iron. Though beginning a weight training regimen is rarely easy for males or females, the following are a few strategies women can employ to get their strength training off on the right foot. Establish goals. Strength training is similar to any undertaking that requires effort: Without an end goal in mind, any efforts are likely to be fruitless. That is because goals help a person stay on track. Without something to strive for, it’s easy to lose interest and the training program will suffer as a result. Strength training goals will evolve over time as the body changes and grows accustomed to weight training, but there should be some initial goals. An individual who wants to bench press a certain amount of weight after a certain period of time should work as hard as possible to make that a reality without putting herself at risk of injury. Someone who is pursing strength training to give the body a more toned look should monitor her progress in the mirror. Individuals who do not meet their goals will want to reflect on their workouts to see if there is anything that could be done differently – and then make changes going forward. Those who come up empty after careful reflection may find their routine is just fine and positive results are bound to come. Embrace consistency. Consistency should be one’s friend when strength training. It is easy to skip a workout after a long day at the office, but sticking to a consistent workout schedule is almost certain to produce positive results. Skip- ping sessions and only working out sporadically will make it hard to get into a good rhythm, putting goals in jeopardy and increasing the risk of injury. Stick to a consistent work- out schedule and do not go long stretches of time ignoring certain muscle groups while working others. Work out each muscle group equally, avoiding the temptation to exercise only those muscles that others can see. Consistency also comes into play with regard to tech- nique. Book a session or two with a personal trainer (many gyms provide free consultations for new members) to learn the proper form and technique for various strength train- ing exercises. Improper technique can lead to injury or dis- comfort. If at any point a strength training exercise feels uncomfortable, stop the exercise immediately and speak to a trainer or a physician to determine if changes should be made. Build upper body strength. Upper body strength can help women protect themselves against osteoporosis, a disease that results from bone loss, which weakens the bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. The National Osteoporosis Foundation notes that roughly half of all women older than 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, and women lose as much as 20 percent of their bone density in the five to seven years after menopause. Upper body strength training involves the arms and upper back and shoulders, decreasing the risk of poor posture, a problem commonly associated with osteoporosis. Lower- body strength training is also important, but weight-bear- ing exercises like running, walking, and using an elliptical machine may prove adequate for strengthening the lower body. Don’t overdo it. While strength training should play a pivotal role in a workout routine, two to three days per week are enough to produce positive results and reduce the risk of developing health problems like diabetes, cardio- vascular disease, or osteoporosis. Taking breaks between strength training workouts gives muscles time to recover while reducing the risk of injury. Women can benefit from strength training just as much as men. Women who are beginning a strength training regi- men should take steps to ensure they are performing the exercises correctly and doing so in a way that will provide optimal results. Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Counter fatigue with a few dietary changes Winter weather produces more than just colder tem- peratures and snow-covered landscapes. The longer hours of darkness synonymous with winter can promote feelings of lethargy and fatigue. People who leave the house in the early morning darkness, only to return home when the sun has set, often find themselves feeling tired. However, eating foods that provide energy can help counter such fatigue. Energy levels are often affected by diet. The key is to select menu items that will provide a gradual stream of energy throughout the day, eliminating those highs and lows that can lead to dips in energy. Here are some smart food choices to fight fatigue. Oatmeal: This fiber-rich food provides a quick boost of energy from carbohydrates, but will not result in the sugar crash that is common with many breakfast cereals. The fiber in oatmeal will feed the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, helping to keep the digestion system healthy. This means the body can easily absorb the nutri- ents in oatmeal and avoid constipation. Pumpkin seeds: Researchers at the United States Agri- cultural Research Service found that people with mag- nesium deficiencies required more oxygen uptake during physical activity, which then brought on fatigue. Snacking on magnesium-rich foods, such as pumpkin seeds, pro- vides the body with the recommended daily allowance of magnesium. Aim for 310 mg of magnesium for women and 400 mg for men. Lean proteins: When enjoying proteins, opt for leaner meats and seafood that can be quickly digested. Red meats marbled in fat require more energy to digest. Yogurt: The soft texture of yogurt makes it easily digestible by the body, providing a quick source of energy. Unlike other foods, yogurt has a good ratio of protein to carbohydrates, making it a long-lasting energy source. Yogurt also contains a bevy of healthy probiotics that pro- mote healthy bacteria in the digestive tract while eliminat- ing harmful bacteria. Recent research from the University of Toronto suggests that probiotics can help ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, among other conditions. This makes yogurt a good meal or snack to enjoy any time of the day. Whole grains: When choosing carbohydrates, opt for complex carbohydrates, which can be found in whole grains, instead of refined carbohydrates. The body digests and releases complex carbohydrates slowly, moderating blood sugar levels and keeping one’s mood stable. This helps the body maintain adequate energy levels. Spinach: Fatigue may be a byproduct of an iron defi- ciency, which is a common cause of anemia. Red blood cells use iron to carry oxygen to cells. Without adequate iron, the red blood cells cannot do their job well and mental and physical fatigue may ensue. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Walnuts: Walnuts and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate symptoms of fatigue. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that alphalinolenic acid found in walnuts can boost energy and relive depression symptoms. Dark chocolate: Every once in a while, you may crave something a little sweet for a pick-me-up. Rather than selecting just any candy bar or snack, opt for something smart. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and polyphe- nols. The chocolate helps boost the brain chemical sero- tonin, which can alleviate feelings of fatigue. It’s not necessary to give in to the winter doldrums. Selecting an array of healthy foods that provide maximum energy and mood-boosting properties can help banish fatigue. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25 Peanut allergies have become a growing problem Parents tend to be quite familiar with food allergies. In an effort to protect youngsters, schools have begun to crack down more regularly on foods that tend to cause allergic reactions, often placing restrictions on what children can bring for lunches or snacks. Parents and children who grew up around peanut and tree nut allergies are quite familiar with what triggers allergic reactions associated with such foods, and the potential side effects of consuming these foods. Those who are less experi- enced with food allergies may not know what to expect. According to the Mayo Clinic, being allergic to nuts is one of the more common food allergies, especially among children. Many people who are allergic to peanuts are also allergic to other tree nuts, includ- ing walnuts, almonds, and pecans. As with any allergen, reactions vary from person to person. Some may experi- ence mild symptoms, such as light rashes or swelling, while others may have severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock, which is characterized by shortness of breath, a severe drop in blood pressure, constriction of airways, and potential heart failure. According to Spire Health Partners, more than three million people in the United States have a nut allergy, and one-third of them will suffer from a severe symptom if they ingest nuts. A peanut allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something harmful. Just as the body might fight a cold, it releases chemicals from the immune system to fight off the peanut invader. The number of kids with peanut allergies has been increasing over the last 10-15 years, doubling in the last half-decade alone. It is not known why some people are prone to nut allergies while others are not. However, Michael C. Young, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and a practicing pediatrician at Children’s Hospital, has a few ideas. Nursing mothers and very young children are eating more peanuts, particularly in the form of peanut butter, than ever before, something Young feels could be causing a higher incidence of peanut allergies. Young also theorizes that better hygiene may play a role, sug- gesting that because children have fewer infections (due to improved hygiene and routine immunizations), their immune systems are more likely to target other things, such as foods and environmental factors, resulting in allergies. Although peanut allergies are preva- lent and can be dangerous, there is no reason to act rashly. Young notes that approximately 20 percent of children will outgrow their peanut allergies by the age of six, and he advises that it is worth having a child retested as they get older to gauge if there have been any changes in the status of the peanut allergy. When dealing with peanut allergies, it is important to separate myths from facts. Direct contact is the most common cause of a reaction. This results from eating peanuts or foods that contain pea- nuts. Cross-contamination, which occurs when peanuts unintentionally come into contact with other foods, is another common cause. Some people can have a reaction by touching peanuts with their skin. A rash may occur, but a very dangerous reaction will not result unless the peanuts enter the mouth or come into contact with the nose or eyes. An allergic reaction can occur from inhalation of peanut dust, such as peanut flour or ground shells during process- ing. Aerosol cooking sprays that contain peanut oil also can produce a reaction. It is important to note that the smell of pea- nuts will not induce an allergic reaction. Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found that peanut proteins can be detected in some people’s saliva after eating peanuts. A kiss could transfer some of the peanut allergens to another person. Sometimes an allergy is not really an allergy, but an intolerance to a certain food. A food intolerance does not involve the immune system. A person with a food intolerance can eat small amounts of the food with only mild symptoms, such as indigestion, rather than a severe reaction, which would occur with a true allergy. While being diligent in reading food labels and asking what ingredients are in prepared foods at restaurants are impor- tant for people with peanut allergies, so is avoiding potential skin contact. This means thoroughly washing areas where peanuts or peanut butter may have been, and ensuring that other children wash up after lunch. Peanut allergies are foremost on the minds of parents and educators. Under- standing what is involved in a peanut allergy can help everyone make informed decisions about protecting youngsters. Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 27 Wyckoff Legend of the Year named at awards banquet Belinda Buggs, CNA, driver, and activities assistant for Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wyckoff, was recently surprised at CHCC’s 21 st Annual Service Awards Banquet at Macaluso’s in Hawthorne, when she was named the center’s Legend of the Year. Buggs is a resident of Haledon. She was nominated by her co-work- ers. This fall, Buggs was honored as a Legend Quarterly All Star at CHCC. She was honored for exemplifying the mission and values of CHCC in an outstanding and easily recognizable manner, contributing exemplary service for the benefit of those served at CHCC and beyond, and for demonstrating behavior above and beyond expectations. “Belinda truly loves what she does and shows tre- mendous compassion for the clients and their families,” said Hillcrest Director and CHCC Adult Day Services of Wyckoff Administrator Mary Mariconda. “Her positive attitude and sense of humor are contagious. Clients and caregivers consider her a part of their extended family.” On her own time, Buggs picks up medications for housebound clients and brings meals to those she knows do not have anyone to help them. She is often the nurse’s eyes and ears when it comes to detecting whether a client needs attention. For example, she recognized the symp- toms of a urinary tract infection and notified the nurse. This prevented a hospital admission for the client. “Belinda is equally attentive to families,” said MJ Paulison, CHCC Adult Day Services of Wyckoff’s assis- tant administrator/activities director. “She may notice a family struggling to care for a client and suggest that the social worker call to provide information on home care. If she is aware of financial difficulties that the family is facing, she will notify the social worker so that the family can be aware of available grants.” CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior mental-health, elder-care, residential living, and rehabilitation services. As a non-profit organization, CHCC delivers care to the community based upon the Christian principles on which CHCC was founded more than a century ago. Douglas A. Struyk, CPA, LNHA, CHCC president and CEO; Belinda Buggs, CNA, Legend of the Year; Heather Porcaro, MSW, CSW, Heritage Manor Nursing Home social worker and co-chair of the Legends Team; and Sandra Ondrof, gift shop manager and co-chair of the Legends Team. Award (continued from page 4) Mayor Frank Bivona expressed the borough’s gratitude for this award, saying, “It is wonderful to receive this rec- ognition for an area that is such a focus and priority for the borough. Communication is one of the most critical functions of effective government and, in this information age, there is no excuse for coming up short. “In recent years, we have stepped up our efforts, through the extraordinary work of existing staff and our remarkable volunteer internship program. There is no question that this focus has been beneficial to the com- munity and, in particular, our E-Blast has been effective in communicating with our residents, both in day-to-day matters and during emergencies.” Council members also congratulated Hart, with Thomas Lambrix stating, “Greg, well done! You and the webteam should be proud of this achievement.” Council- man Charles Kahwaty said, “Again, Greg, congratulations to you and the team.” F.J. MCMAHON Memorial gift Douglas MacCallum, fourth from left, is pictured with his three daughters donating a watercolor of Wyckoff Town Hall painted by his daughter Lisa Miller (holding the painting), in honor of his wife Betty who passed away earlier this year. Also pictured are Wyckoff Township Committee members Haakon Jepsen, Douglas J. Christie, Brian D. Scanlan, Mayor Rudy Boonstra, and Kevin J. Rooney. Page 28 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Eva’s Village hosts feast for those facing hunger Eva’s Village hosted its annual Thanksgiving lunch for the homeless and the poor in Pat- erson. The Market Basket in Franklin Lakes provided all of the food for the Thanksgiving feast, and volunteers including U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., New Jersey State Senators Nellie Pou and Stephen Swee- ney, Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Paterson Mayor Jeffrey Jones, and Paterson City Council members Andre Sayeah and Julio Tavarez helped serve. Top left: Marie Reger, executive director of Eva’s Village; Darryl Dela Cruz, executive chef, director of The Culinary School at Eva’s Village; Senator Cory Booker; and Peter Ceru, instructor at The Culinary School at Eva’s Village. Top right: Senator Robert Menendez help- ing serve the Thanksgiving meal. At right: Senator Cory Booker serving coffee during the Thanksgiving meal. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 29 Wyckoff Wanderings 2013 White House Ornaments available The Woman’s Club of Wyckoff is offer- ing the 2013 White House Christmas orna- ment, which commemorates Woodrow Wilson, the 28 th U.S. President. The ornaments are $22 each and may be purchased by calling (201) 891-2435 or (201) 934-2991. The ornament sale supports the club’s philanthropic projects. Career coach offers program Michele Meussner, founder of Red Cup Career Services, will present “Ace That Job Interview!” on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Wyckoff Public Library. The 7 p.m. pro- gram will be held in the Monroe Room and will include tips on how to make a strong, positive first impression in job interviews. This free, interactive workshop will give college students and recent college gradu- ates help navigating today’s complex job search process. Preregistration is required. To register, call the reference desk at (201) 891-4866 and select option 2, or e-mail wyckref@bccls.org. The library is located at 200 Woodland Avenue in Wyckoff. Register for softball The Wyckoff Recreation and Parks Department is currently holding registra- tion for its select traveling softball teams. Registration will be held in the recreation office on Woodland Avenue from of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for Wyckoff girls ages nine through 14 as of Jan. 1, 2014. Registration will be ongoing through Jan. 10, 2014 and is open to Wyckoff residents only. A copy of the registrant’s birth certificate is required at registration. The program fields teams at the U10, U12, and U14 levels. Practices for the summer program will begin in late March or early April and games will be played from mid-June through July. For information, call (201) 891-3350. Flortilla collects for ‘Toys for Tots’ The Wyckoff Flotilla 10-13 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is collecting toys for the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Larkin House at 380 Godwin Avenue by Dec. 11. The toys will be distributed to needy children. Flotilla 10-13 meets on Thursday eve- nings at the Larkin House. For more infor- mation, contact Michael Klacik at (908) 240-3645, Michael.klacik@cgauxnet.us or Marjorie Korteweg at (201) 218-0367, mskeg@aol.com. Coldwell Banker Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes at 360 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff is an alternate drop off location. Chanteurs to perform Join the Chanteurs of the New Jersey Choral Society on Dec. 15 as they perform the songs of the season at the Wyckoff Public Library, 200 Woodland Avenue in Wyckoff. The program will held at 2 p.m. in the Shotmeyer Room. Following the concert, refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in advance at the reference desk. This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Wyckoff Library. ‘Peter Pan’ flying to Wyckoff Y The Y Arts Theater Company will pres- ent “Peter Pan” at the Wyckoff Family YMCA. The show will be presented Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. The Dec. 14 shows will be at 2 and 7 p.m., and the matinee on Dec. 15 will be held at 3 p.m. This production is being presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Highlights of the show include the songs, “Never Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “I’m Flying.” When purchased in advance, tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and stu- dents. Tickets are $12 for children ages two through 12. The cost will be higher on the day of the performance. To purchase tickets, visit the Y at 691 Wyckoff Avenue in Wyckoff or online at www.wyckoffymca.org. Wyckoff Police Report Following an extensive investigation by Det. Sgt. Joseph Soto and Det. Sgt. Michael Musto of an attempted burglary of a home on Ravine Avenue in Wyckoff, a 43-year-old North Haledon woman with a criminal his- tory in Wyckoff was arrested. The woman was charged with criminal intent to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft of United States mail, and providing false information to police to implicate another person in a crime who was not involved. The Oct. 27 burglary attempt was reported by a family member who was watching the home while relatives were on vacation. Doors and lights at the home were damaged in several unsuccessful attempts to enter the house. Information developed by Det. Sgt. Soto lead to the questioning of the North Haledon woman, who had been arrested by the Wyckoff police in 2011 for cashing checks stolen from mailboxes, and in August 2013 for shoplifting. The woman was an acquaintance of the homeowners and was aware that they were away. During her initial questioning, she stated that another individual had assisted her in the burglary attempt. That informa- tion was proved to be false following addi- tional interviews, and cleared the second person. The woman was released on her own recognizance and the complaints have been referred to Bergen County Superior Court. Sgt. Michael Ragucci assisted the detectives in the investigation. On Nov. 26 at 1:47 a.m., Ptl. Mark Tagli- areni observed a vehicle driving erratically on Route 208. Following a traffic stop on Eder Avenue, a Wyckoff woman, 19, was arrested for DWI. After being searched fol- lowing her arrest for DWI, she was found to allegedly be in possession of marijuana. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane of travel, obstruct- ing traffic, possession of marijuana, and possession of marijuana in a motor vehi- cle. She was released to her mother and is scheduled to appear in municipal court. On Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m., a patron of the Wyckoff YMCA reported that her car window had been broken and items were stolen. An investigation by Ptl. Kyle Fer- reira determined that a handbag had been left visible on the rear seat, and someone smashed the window and stole the bag and contents, which included cash, identifica- tion, and a bank card. At 3:52 p.m. on Nov. 30, Sgt. Michael DeMaio observed a vehicle driving errati- cally on Sicomac Avenue near Terrace Heights. Following a traffic stop, a 49-year- old Wyckoff man was arrested for DWI. The man was previously arrested by Wyckoff police for DWI in December 2009 and July 2013. He was charged with DWI, refusal to submit to a breath test, reckless driving, and improper U-turn. He was incarcerated in the Wyckoff Police Department hold- ing cell until he was sober enough to be released. He will appear in court Jan. 2. On Dec. 1, an 87-year-old Wyckoff woman reported that she was scammed out of $6,400 in the “Grandparent Scam.” The woman reported that she received a phone call from someone she believed was her grandson. This individual quickly put another person on the phone who claimed to be his lawyer. Their story was that the grandson was under arrest and needed $6,400 to be released on bail. The Wyckoff woman went to the bank and mailed the money in cash to an address in Philadelphia. The woman learned several days later that the person who called was not her grand- son. Ptl. Ryan Tenney investigated. Wyckoff Chief of Police Benjamin Fox advises, “Do not send cash to anyone you don’t know, do not wire money to anyone you don’t know, do not pay a ‘service charge’ to collect a million dollar lottery winning, do not purchase gift cards and tell anyone on the phone the serial numbers. There are many more scams than these.” Last week, an alert resident avoided becoming a scam victim because he recog- nized the danger signs. He received a letter advising that he had won $250,000 in an international lottery. The letter included a check for $3,885. That money was alleg- edly an advance, enabling him to write his own check for $3,885 and mail it to pay the “non resident administrative fee.” The letter states that, as soon as his check was received, the balance of the quarter million would be sent to him. The check mailed to the resident is fraudulent, and it would have taken many days before he would have been notified that the bank rejected it. Had he immediately mailed his own check in a rush to get his prize, he would have been scammed out of nearly $4,000. Maple Lake purchase (continued from page 3) their tax appeal were utilized.” Landel left the door open for an offer provided that it came in at or under fair market value. The members of the town- ship committee concurred that his offer had been the responsible position and noted that, since he sent the letter in November, there had been no offer. Meanwhile, the opening of the Russell Farms recreation area was rated a success and the township committee issued a proc- lamation thanking Michael Almstead of Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Company for donating 130 trees to create a tree nursery at the new park. Almstead was also thanked for conducting seminars on pruning, propa- gation, mulching, and organic pest control. Almstead was praised for his many contri- butions to improving Wyckoff’s landscape and in particular the trees and labor he donated to help improve Russell Farms. Page 30 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Maybe we need Sherlock Holmes Trying to enjoy some early slumber one night, I was alerted by the patter -- actually more like the thunder -- of two pairs of little feet on the staircase. “Dad! Dad! We just discovered a detective show where the detective solves cases by using his brains instead of beating people up!” “What is the name of this newly discovered detective?” I asked suspiciously. “Sherlock Holmes!” “I think I may have heard of him.” Despite my torpor, I was elated that the kids had discov- ered the “new” Sherlock Holmes -- Jeremy Brett, in this case -- because I knew they would watch his adventures voluntarily. If Holmes had been forced on them, they would have done anything in their power, including times tables drills or piano lessons, to resist watching the shows. My logic worked. They became Sherlock Holmes buffs. Holmes seldom made mistakes, but people make mis- takes about Holmes. As portrayed on the screen by every- one from the classic Basil Rathbone with Nigel Bruce, to the Hammer Productions Peter Cushing, aided and abetted by his best friend Christopher Lee, to Jeremy Brett with David Burke as Watson -- they each sent my kids an auto- graphed photograph in response to a fan letter. Some think Holmes is the archetypal stiff-upper-lip Englishman, representing a class-conscious society. That is wrong. Arthur Conan Doyle was Irish, and the real-life characters who inspired Holmes was a Scot, Dr. Joseph Bell, who had been Doyle’s professor in medical school, and taught him how to analyze appearances while making medical deductions. While Holmes is generally shown as imperturbable, Doyle was subject to enormous inner turbulence. Raised as a devout Catholic, Doyle lapsed into disbelief, then into a sort of eclecticism, and finally into spiritualism, which he famously championed in ways that were more emotional than logical. Yet improved research into the paranormal indicates that Doyle was not on ground as shaky as some of his critics asserted. Doyle, above all, was a humanitarian and, in a racist era, he believed, as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote three times in “The Song of Hiawatha,” that “Every human heart is human.” One of his least-read books today is “The Crime of the Congo,” in which Doyle documented Belgian atroci- ties against the Bantu and Pygmy peoples of sub-Saharan Africa with photographs that can still raise a shudder after a century. Holmes wrote the 45,000-word book in eight days and it influenced dignitaries including Winston Churchill, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Theodore Roosevelt -- all of whom were good friends and mutual admirers at the time -- to protest against the grisly Belgian inhumanity toward the Africans. Doyle got most of his information from Sir Roger Case- ment, later sentenced to death for his role in Irish indepen- dence, and Doyle, respecting Casement’s humanitarian work in the Congo and in South America, headed the move- ment to spare Casement the death penalty for “treason,” by which the British meant support for Irish independence in wartime. The British hanged Casement in spite of the appeals led by Doyle. Doyle had no patience with either male chauvinism or class snobbery. The only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes, in Doyle’s first magazine story, “A Scandal in Bohemia,” is Irene Adler. Adler trumps Holmes’ trickery and mastery of disguise, knocks his metaphorical block off, and comes out the winner in the case, sending Holmes a condescending farewell note. In a subsequent story, the mystery revolves around a white American woman’s attempt to hide the fact that her child by a first marriage, living with her in England, is of mixed African ancestry. “(A) nobler man never walked the earth,” the widow says of her first husband, a black man since deceased. In the end, the woman’s second husband kisses and accepts the child as his own. In another story, the presumed villains in the strange behavior of a white man presumed to be an opium addict are a “lascar” -- a lower-caste Hindu -- and a Chinese man. Neither is a bad guy when the case is cleared up. I will not ruin it for the reader. The white guy finds out he can make more money as a street beggar than as a journalist. That ruined it for me. I chose to forget the title. Doyle was not an expert on the British Empire as Rud- yard Kipling, the other most popular British officer of the era was, since Kipling grew up there and returned as a young man. In “The Sign of the Four,” Doyle offers a sinis- ter but reliable Sikh with the name “Mahomet Singh.” The last name “Singh” is given to every Sikh man. “Mahomet” -- Muhammad -- is an impossible name for a Sikh. The Sikhs organized to keep the Muslims out of central India about 500 years ago and most definitely did not name their sons after Muhammad. I once knew a Jewish man whom everybody called by a rather cute first name. I asked his wife about it. The man’s given name was Adolf. He never used it. The same prin- ciple applies. Two of Doyle’s private cases -- not as the author of Sherlock Holmes but as an expert witness -- also revolved around opposition to prejudice. A mixed-blood Indian man named George Edalji had been sentenced to seven years in prison due to maiming horses -- a particularly disgust- ing crime in which the perpetrators harmed animals to take some sort of revenge on the owners. Edalji was convicted against circumstantial evidence. He had alibis and one of the incidents took place while he was in jail. While inter- viewing Edalji, Doyle learned that the accused night stalker was virtually blind and could not have located, let alone mutilated, the livestock on moonless nights. He also found other flaws in the evidence. Edjali was released from jail, but was not formally cleared for 20 years. In another case, a gambler and pawnbroker named Oscar Slater was accused of bludgeoning and robbing an elderly widow. He was caught after he attempted to pawn a dia- mond brooch. The culprit, being both Jewish and an immi- grant from Germany, was convicted despite the fact that the brooch he tried to pawn had never belonged to the victim and that the police in the case had reportedly prompted the housemaid who said she had seen him near the scene of the crime. Slater’s common-law wife had an alibi for him but was not allowed to testify because they were not legally married. Slater spent 17 years in jail. Doyle got into the case and Slater was released with 6,000 pounds compensa- tion for time spent in prison. He thanked Doyle profusely, but later stiffed Doyle for legal costs. Toward the end of his life, Doyle was taken in by “Margery the Medium,” Minna Crandon of Boston, who bamboozled a number of Harvard professors with séance phenomena that were simple tricks. A “spirit” thumbprint she produced in dental wax in a blacked-out room turned out to be -- the thumbprint of her own dentist. Doyle took out a full-page newspaper ad attacking Dr. Joseph Banks Rhine, who had realized after one sitting that Margery was a fake and the elderly professors were romantic dupes. Dr. Rhine later went on to show, after 40 years of exacting research at Duke University, that mind-to-mind communication between the living was a statistically dem- onstrated reality. Doyle had the wrong perpetrator, but his defense of people who were unjustly accused of crimes due to race or religion was definitely on the right track. Perhaps we can convince the schools to make some of his stories required reading. Letters to the Editor Children’s Love Fund requests Christmas gifts Dear Editor: Thanksgiving has passed, and our thoughts now turn to Christmas and all the preparations and excitement of the season. Unfortunately, for some of our Midland Park neighbors, this is a season of anxiety and stress as they wonder how they will fulfill even the smallest Christmas wish for their children. The Midland Park Children’s Love Fund, Inc., collects wishes from our families and displays them on our Giving Trees. This year, the Children’s Love Fund has displayed Giving Trees in the children’s room at the library and at Starbucks. Please stop by and take a wish from one of the trees and make a local child’s Christmas special. You can purchase and wrap a special gift, place the tag from the tree on the wrapped gift, and bring the gift back to the library or Starbucks. A Love Fund volunteer will bring your gift to the child’s family before Christmas morning. Your generosity will make a huge difference in how a child from a struggling Midland Park family remembers this Christmas. If your routine doesn’t take you to one of our Giving Tree locations, but you still feel the spirit of giving, send a donation of any amount to the Midland Park Love Fund, P.O. Box 327, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Earmark your check with “Giving Tree” and a Love Fund volunteer will purchase and wrap a gift for you! There are even opportu- nities to “adopt” a Love Fund family this holiday season. If you have any questions about the Midland Park Children’s Love Fund or about adopting a family this holiday season, call Michelle Nejmeh at (201) 670-7292 or Laurie Kamp at (201) 670-1062. Noreen Desbiens The Midland Park Children’s Love Fund, Inc. Midland Park A writer with another perspective Dear Editor: I have a different take on the board of education meet- ing Mr. Squeo mentioned in his letter to the editor (Nov. 27). I also attended that meeting. First, most members of the board do have children in the school system. All care deeply about the schools. I may disagree with a member’s take on an issue, but the trustees do not attend meetings year round for fun or gain, but to serve the community. Second, I am not offended by Dr. Thomas’s discussion of social economic indicators and test scores. She did not advocate mediocrity. She emphasized that districts where average socioeconomic indicators are higher have heavy advantages when it comes to standardized test scores. This is fact. She stressed how well our students have done, despite not sharing these advantages to the same degree. Dr. Thomas did not want the achievements of the district and its students dismissed. Third, I do not think the board views taxes lightly. The burdens on schools all over America due to the loss of gov- ernment aid are undeniable. We need improvements, not only for the children, but to preserve the town as a desirable community. The board awaits word on state funding and a Honeywell grant. Parents are banding together to help via the education foundation and PTA. Some are forming a guild for repairs. Everyone is trying to reduce the funds needed because they know this is not a deep pocket town. Finally, I reject the idea that only those with children in the schools should serve on the board. With age comes wisdom. Some of the best advice I have received as a parent is from others with grown children. They are blessed with a long-range view. I do echo Mr. Squeo’s call for greater participation from the community in running for the board. I believe a democratic society functions best in a competi- tive environment. I pray we can all work together for the good of Midland Park. Patricia Fantulin Midland Park It is the policy of the Villadom TIMES to have a signed copy of letters to the editor in our files. Fax a signed copy to (201) 670-4745 or mail to Villadom Times, P.O. Box 96, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Signed letters may also be dropped off at 333 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 31 Franklin Lakes Scribe PBA holds Toy Drive Franklin Lakes PBA Local 150 is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys for the Policemen’s Benevolent Asso- ciation’s annual Toy Drive. This collaborative effort that involves 32 PBA Locals in Bergen County will deliver toys to various children and charities throughout the region. This year’s beneficiaries will be children at Englewood Hospi- tal and Medical Center, New Hope, Shelter Our Sisters, Tomorrow’s Children, and The Wounded Warrior Project. New, unwrapped toys may be brought to the Franklin Lakes Police Department, 490 DeKorte Drive in Franklin Lakes, before Dec. 18. Library trustees to meet The Franklin Lakes Library Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, Dec. 16. The 6 p.m. session, which is open to the public, will be held in the Local History Room of the library at 470 DeKorte Drive. Call (201) 891-2224 for details. Story & craft program announced Children’s storyteller Dick Forshay will present a spe- cial reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The program, which will include a craft, will be held at 4 p.m. at the Franklin Lakes Public Library, 470 DeKorte Drive in Franklin Lakes. Children ages five and up are welcome to register. To sign up, call (201) 891-2224 or visit the children’s department. Learn about Gmail The Franklin Lakes Public Library will host Gmail 101 on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The class will be held at 11 a.m. Attendees will learn to compose, format, and respond to e-mails, and how to organize messages. Basic computer skills are required. Gluten-free diet (continued from page 18) during the manufacturing process when gluten-free foods come into contain with foods that contain gluten. Manufac- turers typically include the phrase “may contain” on labels as a warning to consumers looking to avoid gluten and other ingredients. When labels include this phrase, there is a strong chance that cross-contamination has occurred, and such products should be avoided by those on gluten- free diets. Cross-contamination also can occur when gluten-free To register, visit the library located at 470 DeKorte Drive or call (201) 891-2224. Non-residents will be invited to join the waiting list and contacted if space is available. Board of education to meet The Franklin Lakes Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The meeting will be held at 8 p.m. in the music room at Franklin Lakes Middle School located at 755 Franklin Avenue. The public is invited. Press releases for this column may be e-mailed to editorial@villadom.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. foods are prepared on the same surfaces as foods contain- ing gluten. For example, toasting gluten-free bread in the same toaster as regular bread can easily lead to contamina- tion. Preventing cross-contamination can be a difficult task, and that difficulty merits consideration by people who want to adopt a gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet may lead to a vitamin and nutrient deficiency. Grains are often rich in vitamins, and avoiding grains as part of a gluten-free diet can deprive people of these vitamins, weakening their bodies as a result. When adopting a gluten-free diet, speak with a dietitian to ensure your diet has enough iron, calcium, fiber, thiamin, ribofla- vin, niacin, and folate. If the diet is lacking, it will be neces- sary to make adjustments. Page 32 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Obituaries Jacquelyn Brassell Jacquelyn Brassell, nee Leary, of Wyckoff, formerly of Wayne, died Dec. 1. She was 83. She had been a regional sales manager for Bell Telephone. She is survived by her nieces Barbara Mullis of Franklin Lakes and Elizabeth Aspimwall of Florida, and her nephew William Leary of North Haledon. She was predeceased by her parents Wil- liam P. Leary Sr. and Amelia (nee Finkel) Leary. Arrange- ments were made by Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home in Franklin Lakes. Donald J. Ciaffa Donald J. Ciaffa of Franklin Lakes, formerly of East- chester, New York, died Dec. 4. He was 90. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He was a real estate broker for Don Ciaffa Real Estate in Eastchester, New York. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post in New York. He is survived by his wife Louise (nee Durso) Ciaffa of Franklin Lakes and his children Donald Ciaffa Jr. of Ponte Vedra, Florida and Gigi Byrne of Franklin Lakes. He is also survived by four grandchil- dren and his brother Philip Ciaffa of Fairfield, Connecti- cut. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Charles Michael Conti Charles Michael Conti of Franklin Lakes died Dec. 1. He was 98. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Before retiring in 1980, he was an educator with the Engle- wood Board of Education. He was a parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church in Franklin Lakes. As a child, he served as the model for Gaetano Federici’s sculp- ture, “The Dublin Water Boy.” The statue still stands in Paterson near where his parents ran a grocery store on Mill Street. He is survived by his children Charles Conti Jr. of Franklin Lakes, Robert Conti of Parsippany, and Dominic Conti of Paramus. He is also survived by three grandchil- dren and his sister Jean Tullo. He was predeceased by his wife Louise (nee Torgue) Conti, his son Richard Conti, and his siblings Anthony, Rose, Angelina, Samuel, and Mickey. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Vermeulen Memorial Home in Franklin Lakes. Fred Dyksen Fred Dyksen of Wyckoff died Dec. 4. He was 88. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He worked as a lineman and foreman for PSE&G for many years. He was a member of Abundant Life Reformed Church in Wyckoff, where he served as an usher. He is survived by his wife Marie (nee Stelleman) Dyksen and his sister Catherine (nee Dyksen) Conroy of Paramus. He is also survived by a niece and nephew. He was predeceased by his brother Herbert Dyksen Jr. Arrangements were made by Browning-Forshay Funeral Home in Hawthorne. Memorial donations may be made to Abundant Life Reformed Church, 475 Lafayette Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Schroeder and Karen Taylor, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Edward August, and her siblings Muriel and Edmund. Shirley Gay Lake of Wyckoff died Nov. 29. She was 91. She was a Women’s Army Corps (WACS) veteran and served with General MacArthur’s army in the Philippines, attaining the rank of corporal. She attended White Plains High School and the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial College. Afterward, she worked at the Exxon Corporation in Flor- ham Park. She is survived by her sister Joan Lake Hacker of Wyckoff. She was predeceased by her brothers John and Jonathan Lake. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to the Women’s Memorial Foundation at Arlington Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, VA 22211. Carol Todd, nee San Severino, of Franklin Lakes, for- merly of Tewksbury died Dec. 4. She was 60. She was employed at the Community Blood Center in Ridgewood and BioReference Laboratories in Elmwood Park, before retiring 10 years ago. She was a member of the Hawthorne Gospel Church. She is survived by her husband Charles T. Todd Jr., and her sons Jeff and Tim. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and her sisters Linda and Debbie. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home in Franklin Lakes. Memorial donations may be made to the Hawthorne Gospel Church Benevolent Fund, 2000 State Highway 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. Angeline Mavrikos of Wyckoff, formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, died Nov. 29. She was 96. She is survived by her daughter Lambryn Stergiou, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents John and Aspasia (nee Evangelinos) Maschas and her sib- lings Alexandra Courpas, Spiro Maschas, and Helen Mas- chas. Arrangements were made by Leonard J. Ruck Inc. Funeral Home in Baltimore, Maryland. Henry Vanden Berg of Naples, Florida, formerly of Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, and Midland Park, died Nov. 30. He was 86. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was the owner and president of the Henry Vanden Berg Construction Company before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Irving Park Christian Reformed Church and the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church. He is survived by his children Barbara Braunius, Henry, Ronald, Roger, and Carol Lagestee. He is also survived by 14 grandchil- dren, 21 great-grandchildren, and his siblings Henriette Belanus and Gary Vanden Berg. He was predeceased by his wife Minnie (nee Gnade) and his sister Ann Clement. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to the East- ern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Shirley Gay Lake Angeline Mavrikos Tunis Nywening Tunis Nywening of Wyckoff died Dec. 3. He was 97. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Before retiring, he was a carpet installer and salesman for H. Nakashian and Sons in Fair Lawn. He was a member of the Midland Park Christian Reformed Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Evangelism Committee. He is survived by his wife Gar- berdina and his daughter Karen Holmes of Wyckoff. He is also survived by two grandchildren, one great-grand- son, and his sister Violet Schanzenbach of North Haledon. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to World Renew, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560 or the Christian Health Care Center, 301 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. David Terry Rohrbach David Terry Rohrbach of Ridgewood died Nov. 22. He was 67. He studied engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and Rutgers University. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara Cichewicz and his parents Dorothy and Russell Rohrbach. Arrangements were made by Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood. Dorothy L. Schroeder Dorothy L. Schroeder, formerly of Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, and River Edge, died Nov. 24. She was 96. She was a secretary for Pangborn, Inc. in Wyckoff. She was a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Wyckoff, where she served as financial secretary and was a member of the Altar Guild. She is survived by her children Robert Carol Todd Henry Vanden Berg Rose Weiss Wertheim Rose Weiss Wertheim, nee Braunstein, of Franklin Lakes, formerly of the Bronx (NY), Fair Lawn, Jackson, and Morris County, died Nov. 27. She was 83. She will be remembered for her artistic talent, which led to her fashion business, Creations by Rose; her passion for life; and her warm heart. She is survived by her husband Stanley Wert- heim, and her children Darryl Weiss and Terri Gifford. She is also survived by four grandchildren and her and niece Ronna Weinberg. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 33 Religious Notes Bethlehem prepares for Christmas Abundant Life announces events & services The members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Lin- wood Avenue in Ridgewood, invite everyone to spend the Christmas season at Bethlehem. See the birthplace of Christ in a whole new way this Advent season with the Bright Star of Bethlehem weekly Advent series for traditional worship. Each week, parishio- ners will learn more about the little town where Jesus was born, and what Jesus reveals to people today. The series was written by Reverend Tim Runtsch, a recent visitor to Bethlehem. Hymns in the series include “O Little Town of Bethle- hem,” “Hark the Glad Sound,” “Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord,” and “Joy to the World.” The series will continue Dec. 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., and will conclude Dec. 29 at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve celebrations will begin at 4 p.m. with a Birthday Party for Jesus. Children ages three and four and their parents are invited to the church parlor for the festivi- ties. At 6 p.m., a Family Candlelight Service will be held in the sanctuary. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 8 p.m., and pre-service music will begin at 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, the Festival Service of Holy Communion will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. For more information, call the church at (201) 444-3600 or visit www.bethlehemchurch.com. Abundant Life Reformed Church, located at 475 Lafay- ette Avenue in Wyckoff, will present a Choir Christmas Cantata on Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. The youths of the con- gregation will perform a Christmas Program on Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, there will be two services. A Family Candlelight Service will be held at 5 p.m., and the traditional Candlelight Service with the choir will be held at 10 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 29, the 10:30 a.m. service will be cel- ebrated with guest Reverend Christopher L. Jacobsen. Contact Abundant Life at (201) 444-8038 or www.abun- dantlifewyckoff.org. Grace Methodist sets services Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff will host four services on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Services for families will be held at 3 and 5 p.m. Children will have an opportunity to participate in a reenactment of the Nativity. Candlelight services will be held at 9 and 11 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 29, there will be a 10 a.m. service. Nursery care will be available. Grace United is located at 555 Russell Avenue in Wyckoff. For more information, call (201) 891-4595 or visit www.gumc.org. Nativity announces holiday schedule Church of the Nativity in Midland Park has announced its schedule of programs and services for Christmas and holy day Masses. The church will present a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 21, there will be a com- munal penance service with individual confession available at Nativity at noon. Five Masses are planned for Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The Children’s Family Liturgy for families with small chil- dren will be held at 3:45 p.m. A Mass for the differently- Celebrate Christmas at MPCR Midland Park Christian Reformed Church will celebrate the Christmas season with special services. On Sunday, Dec. 22, the church will hold a Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, the worship service will be held at 10 a.m. There will be a New Year’s Service on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. The church, located at 183 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park, offers nurseries at all services and is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call (201) 445-4260 or visit www.mpcrc.org. abled will be held at 5:30 p.m. The 7 p.m. liturgy will be celebrated by the Archdiocese of Newark’s new Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda. At 9:30 p.m., the choir and congregation will sing carols before the 10 p.m. Mass. For Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Masses will be said at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Church of the Nativity is located at 315 Prospect Street in Midland Park. For details, call (201) 444-6362. Page 34 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Dickens with music works its charms at playhouse by Dennis Seulinhg “Oliver!” -- the current production at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse -- is the musical adaptation of Charles Dick- ens’ 1837 serialized novel, “Oliver Twist.” Though the orig- inal tale was a dark look at the underbelly of London with its crime, workhouses, and poverty, writer Lionel Bart has taken off some of the edge with a bright, spirited musical version that focuses on the plight of young orphan Oliver (Tyler Moran) at the hands of those who would exploit him any way possible. He is first seen at a workhouse, a dank, depressing place in which a group of raggle taggle orphan boys must labor for their meager meals of gruel. When hungry Oliver inno- cently says, “Please, sir, I want some more,” he is marked as a troublemaker by Mr. Bumble (John Treacy Egan) and Widow Corney (Jessica Sheridan), the rigidly disciplinar- ian, self-indulgent overseers of the establishment. Bumble sells Oliver to an undertaker and his wife, who intend to have him accompany the casket at children’s funerals, but he escapes and soon comes into contact with the Artful Dodger (Ethan Haberfield), a lad a few years his senior who brings him to Fagin (David Garrison), who trains a group of boys in the art of thievery. If the plot promises to be depressing, it is lightened by the music, which is wonderful. “Oliver!” made its Broad- way debut in 1963, during a golden period of musicals, and The Artful Dodger (Ethan Haberfield, right) welcomes Oliver (Tyler Moran) to a world of crime in a scene from ‘Oliver!’ the songs are peppy, funny, sad, or reflective, as required. A common complaint about recent musicals is that the music is forgettable. This is not the case with “Oliver!” Some of the songs are familiar, but even the less popular tunes sparkle. The best known song in the score is “As Long As He Needs Me,” a plaintive cry of desperation sung by Nancy (Betsy Morgan) about her brutal boyfriend, Bill Sikes (Jose Llana). Both Nancy and Sikes are part of Fagin’s nest of thieves and outcasts, and Sikes is feared by all. Morgan is outstanding as the boisterous, rough-hewn Nancy, a woman who forges on doing what it takes to survive. Her deliv- ery is big and robust, though she manages to infuse her big ballad with unrequited longing. Her other numbers, the bawdy “A Fine Life” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” are performed with a chorus of carousers and showcase Nancy as tough woman who enjoys a good song and a tankard of ale. The two young leads really give this production its heart and charm. Both Moran and Haberfield are true stage pro- fessionals despite their youth and do a great job of selling their characters and their musical numbers. Moran’s floppy mop of blonde hair frames a baby face with rosy cheeks, giving him the appearance of a period engraving. In the ballad “Where Is Love?” Oliver longs for the affection that should be every child’s birthright, and Moran convinces as a child with no family, no home, and no one to care about him. In “Who Will Buy?” he peers from the balcony of the home of the kindly Mr. Brownlow (David Hess), who rescued him from the dangers of the streets, and joins the trades people plying the street below in a rousing anthem of optimism. Moran has a strong voice with a trace of sadness that fits the character perfectly. Tenafly’s Ethan Haberfield brightens the play as Dodger, a Cockney hooligan who fancies himself quite the gentle- man and is one of Fagin’s best young thieves. Haberfield has mastered the Cockney accent admirably with all those dropped H’s and glottal stops. With smudged face, ani- mated movements, and perky demeanor, he is a veritable dynamo on stage as he introduces Oliver to the world of riffraff. In his big number, “Consider Yourself,” he delivers an irresistible invitation to Oliver into that life and is joined by Moran and the ensemble in a rousing production. (continued on Crossword page) December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 35 Let Café Amici handle the cooking this holiday season One of Café Amici’s specialty sandwiches It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and arguably the busiest! Those who want to entertain, but need some extra help are invited to rely on the pro- fessionals at Café Amici in Wyckoff. Owners Brent Castone and George DeLuca and Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Toufayan take pride in serving “exceptional American fare with an Ital- ian heart.” Catering is available all year, including holiday time. All of the fine foods served at the café are also part of the restaurant’s catering menu. Director of Catering Edward Aboyoun offers full- service off premise catering and event planning. Ed will arrange your event, and provide supplies and a professional staff. Those who prefer to dine out are invited to call the café, which is now accepting reservations for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. A special menu will be featured on New Year’s Eve. Located at 315 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff, the original Café Amici opened its doors to the public in 2002. The décor is stylish, but relaxed and comfortable. The atmosphere and the staff members are family-friendly, and all of the café’s creative and delicious dishes are attrac- tively presented. The staff members are attentive to diners’ needs, but are never in the way. In addition to the regular lunch, brunch, and dinner menus, Café Amici features daily specials that highlight fresh local produce along with fish, chicken, meat, and pasta. Lunch options include inventive entrée-size salads, such as the spicy Thai, the quinoa arugula, and the Wyckoff chopped. Choices also include a hearty (continued on Crossword page) Page 36 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 Café Amici (continued from Restaurant page) hamburger or turkey burger, artisanal pizzas, and the soup du jour. The dinner menu includes delectable appetizers such as the rice ball, roasted baby artichokes, and fried cala- mari. Starters also include the Caesar salad and the roasted beet salad, which is made with haricot vert, goat cheese, arugula, extra virgin olive oil, and a balsamic reduction. Entrées include ahi tuna with buckwheat noodles, shitake mushrooms, spinach, ginger, peppers, and a soy sesame reduction; herb roasted organic chicken with sautéed spin- ‘Oliver’ (continued from Entertainment page) Garrison’s Fagin is an enigmatic figure. Though he is a vile character, taking advantage of the boys under his tutelage for personal gain, Bart treats him more as comic villain than outright rogue. When he dispenses his advice to the boys in “Pick a Pocket or Two” and “Be Back Soon,” he does it with panache and some fancy footwork to under- score his words. There is one weak link in the cast and that is Llana as Sikes. Sikes is supposed to be the worst of the worst, a fear- some scoundrel whom no one dare cross. Unfortunately, despite Llana’s efforts to scowl and introduce some gravel into his voice, his sweet face and mild tenor make him an ach, mashed potatoes, and a natural pan reduction; and chicken Milanese. The kids’ menu features favorite dishes sized just for children. Desserts include cannoli, cupcakes, and cakes, and out- standing gelato. This rich, frozen treat comes in a variety of flavors. Beverages include the flavorful, unsweetened mango iced tea and the satisfying cappuccino, which is almost a dessert unto itself. For details and reservations, call (201) 848-0198. Addi- tional information is also available online at cafeamici- wyckoff.com. “Friend” Café Amici on Facebook and receive daily specials. The café is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Brunch is served on Sundays. unfathomable casting choice for a hardened, murderous monster. This production is an ideal family show during the holi- day season. The large cast of talented boys will be espe- cially attractive to children. The show’s opening number, “Food, Glorious Food,” beautifully showcases the children as they complain about the miserable, meager fare at the workhouse. Director Mark S. Hoebee has crafted a Broad- way-caliber extravaganza. “Oliver!” will run through Dec. 29 at the Paper Mill Playhouse with evening performances Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m.; matinees Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.; and a special Christmas Eve matinee on Dec. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are priced from $27 to $98 and may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse box office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 37 �������������������������� SERVICE MART HELP WANTED REAL ESTATE SALES FRANKLIN LAKES Get your license in 2.5 weeks. Start earning money with the busy & bustling Franklin Lakes Weichert Office offering the best training & support in the industry. Call Tamar Joffe, Manager at 201-891-6900 WEICHERT, REALTORS Hairdresser - Busy shop, Allendale area. 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Great in vir- tue and rich in miracles; near kinsman of Jesus Christ; faithful interces- sor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I prom- ise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena has never been known to fail. This novena must be said for 9 consecutive days. My prayers were answered. Thank you, St. Jude. AG continued on next page Page 38 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013 CLASSIFIED RELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never known to fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splen- dor of heaven, Mother of the Son of God. Immacu- late Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein, you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer 3 consecu- tive days. After 3 days, the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thank you for answering my prayers. cd RELIGIOUS Prayer to St. Clare cont. from preceding page Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Ask St. Clare for 3 favors, 1 business, 2 impossible. Say 9 Hail Marys for 9 days with lighted candles. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish the 9th day. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored & glori- fied today & every day.” Request will be granted no matter how impossible it seems. Publication must be promised. Thank you for answering my prayer. ev Thank You St. Jude May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glori- fied, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day by the ninth day, your prayer will be answered. Publication must be prom- ised. Thank you St. Jude. jr Prayer to St. Jude Oh, Holy St. Jude, apostle and martyr. Great in virtue and rich in miracles; near kinsman of Jesus Christ; faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena has never been known to fail. This novena must be said for 9 consecutive days. My prayers were answered. Thank you, St. Jude. kr CLASSIFIED Up to 3 lines .............................. $12.00 $12.50 Each additional line ................... $2.50 Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City/State/Zip _________________________________ Phone _______________________________________ (25 Characters per line including spaces and punctuation) Carefully check your advertisiment the day it appears since we can not be responsible for errors of any kind in subsequent editions of the same ad. Corrections and changes, however, will be gladly made. MAIL TO: CLASSIFIEDS-VILLADOM TIMES P.O. Box 96, Midland Park, NJ 07432 Be sure to enclose your check or money order. ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THURSDAY 12 NOON FOR AD HELP, CALL 201-652-0744 (Never known to fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splen- dor of heaven, Mother of the Son of God. Immacu- late Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein, you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer 3 consecu- tive days. After 3 days, the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thank you for answering my prayers. jw Prayer to St. Jude Oh, Holy St. Jude, apostle and martyr. Great in virtue and rich in miracles; near kinsman of Jesus Christ; faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena has never been known to fail. This novena must be said for 9 consecutive days. My prayers were answered. Thank you, St. Jude. js Prayer to St. Clare Ask St. Clare for 3 favors, 1 business, 2 impossible. Say 9 Hail Marys for 9 days with lighted candles. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish the 9th day. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored & glori- fied today & every day.” Request will be granted no matter how impossible it seems. Publication must be promised. Thank you for answering my prayer. kv ANNOUNCEMENTS Medical Alerts for Seniors- 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Ship- ping. Nationwide Service $29.95/Month. CALL Medi- cal Guardian Today 877- 827-1331 All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing? Fin- ishing? Structual Repairs? Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1- 866-589-0174 CAR DONATIONS DONATE YOUR CAR- FAST FREE TOWING 24 hr. Response - Tax Deduc- tion UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Providing Free Mammo- grams & Breast Cancer Info 866-945-1156 EVENTS Wrap up your Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, delivered-to- the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 67 PERCENT - PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - Many Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1-800-914-0913. 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Free Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. Benjamin Franklin HS WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR CARS: Cars/ trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model, Instant Offer- Call: 1-800-569-0003 Villadom LOTS & ACREAGE 25,000 SQUARE SAVE on Cable TV-Inter- net-Digital Phone-Satel- lite. You’ve Got A Choice! Options from ALL major service providers. Call us to learn more! CALL Today. 866-766-6459 Happenings FOOT BARN-15 ACRES (continued from page ONLY 2) $89,900! Bring and Town and ready to your Apothecary, all of which are located Country go! horses-it’s in Level open land Perry’s beau- Ridgewood; with Florist and HOW IS Ridge Pharmacy in Rock BUSINESS? Need Glen Rock; and Add’l Wine 60 and ac Spirit more customers? Adver- World in Ho-Ho-Kus. tiful views! next Men door interested a in dis- joining the to group 4 may call Bill avail at tise over million homes count! Call at businesses throughout Amazzini (866) (551) 495-8733 404-3976 or and visit http://www.ridge- newyorklandandlakes.com the Mid-Atlantic Region woodorpheusclub.org. for one price with online HELP WANTED and print advertising. Visit YMCA to host Vacation Camp macnetonline.com 2012 Federal Postal Posi- School www. tions Ridgewood HIRING! will 800-450-7227 - NOW The YMCA host a School Vacation $13.00-$36.50+/hr., Camp for children ages Full five through 12. Camp will be in Benefits/Paid Training. No session Dec. 26, 27, Today! 30 1- at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood. and Experience/Call Hours are 9 a.m x141. 5 p.m., and extended hours are available. 800-593-2664 to The cost is $75 per day for Ridgewood YMCA Bouquets Proflowers-Send members, ATTENTION for $60 per day $85 per day for DIABETICS non-members, and Any Occasion. for Birth- 2013 with Medicare. Get a FREE day, Anniversary or Just returning meter and campers. 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Any to a year/ free the community presentation of Skyline Theatre’s make/model. 1-888-PAY- on “A Christmas Carol” www.NewYorkLan REAL Dec. 17. Tuesday, ESTATE/ Performances MAX-5 be (1-888-729-6295) and will held at 12:30 7:30 p.m. FOR SALE LAND Director Sam Scalamoni and actor Dustin Charles will 20 FREE! 40- LOTS ACREAGE bring ACRES Acres. $0-Down of Dickens’ & classic holiday tale this one-man Buy version Get 60 about the sour Money stingy Ebenezer LENDER ORDERED college’s and Back Scrooge to the SALE! $168/mo. EVENTS Anna Maria NO CREDIT show being Certified Guarantee Ciccone Theater. The 5 acres - is $19,900. presented by CHECKS. college’s Department of organic farmland! Views, an the Performing Arts Distin- Beautiful Views. Have Road/Surveyed. Near fields, woods! Just off Want to Ny guished Artists Series. El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537. cities Terms! Talkbacks with Scalamoni and State Thruway! follow both Charles will wwwsunsetranches.com hometown? Call free for one-hour performances. Admission is NOW! (888) this 905-8847 one-day your upstateNYland.com only production. Tickets are required. For more informa- 1 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS- over tion or reservations, VIO- (201) 447-7428 or visit tickets. only call FLUTE, CLARINET, for BUSINESS CARD AD LIN, Trumpet, bergen.edu. The Trombone, is located at 400 500,000 Homes campus SPECIAL! Paramus Road more details in Amplifier, Fender Guitar Paramus. for only $500. You choose $70. ea. Many others at sim- ilar savings. 516-377-7907 450-7227 the area of coverage in free community papers...we do Tour the Hermitage Museum the rest. Call 800-450-7227 READERS & MUSIC LOV- On 100 14, the Nov- will offer special or visit ERS. Dec. Greatest Hermitage Museum macnetonline.com tours (audio those who ONLY to view the holiday décor and els for books) wish items from the h.) Rosencrantz and Hermitage collections. $99.00 (plus s Includes Top Cash for your junk MP3 will & place at Tours Player take Accessories. the museum at Running North not. Franklin 335 or car. Dent BONUS: Turnpike 50 in Classical Music at 1:15, 2:15, and 201-951-1810 CATSKILL Ho-Ho-Kus repairs. 3:15 p.m. Works & year’s tour theme, “Song & Verse: Christmas with 35 Money Back Guar- FARM! This antee. Call Today! 1-877- Farmhouse, the 407-9404. Rosencrantzes,” acknowledges the three generations stream, who lived in the 1847 Gothic Revival home until 1970. views! Near Each tour will begin in the Education Center’s Orienta- hrs NYC! 3 ABANDONED FARM. 60 tion Room, where original Rosencrantz family ornaments Call MISCELLANOUS avail! acres-$79,900. Beauti- are ful trout display along with an early 20 th century red on stream, awesome silk GET Public School dress. Carolers quality hard- Ho-Ho-Kus HIGH-SPEED INTER- will from the valley views, wood timber, greet visitors at great the hunt- door NET the Starting & at get $19.99 where front of Hermitage, up to a a month. Bundle ing! Below market price! docents will WANTED information $100 about the Card! Order provide TO BUY Visa Gift mannequins Call dressed in (888) period 738-6994 dating Now from 800-614-9150 1900, costumes 1880 through newyorklandandlakes.com Victorian-era CASH for sealed, sheet music, and ornaments Christmas cards, unex- pired from the Hermitage DIABETES HOME special house tours collections. TEST IMPROVEMENT The STRIPS! Free Shipping, include two parlors, a dining room, and three bedrooms, all decorated by Top$, Hermitage Curatorial Empire Today® Visi- the 24 hr Payments! Call Call Committee. to 1-855-578-7477, espanol FREE POLE receive Garage kits tors will BARNS 888-440-4001 or of visit one schedule the a on decorated in-home & a postcard of rooms www. estimate Carpeting and a souvenir. TestStripSearch.com today. pole barns, we manufac- as Flooring. Call Today! 1-800- ture, Admission is $7 per person. Reservations are encour- Wanted we ship direct, you save. 955-2716. Strips $22 w w w.apmbuil dings.c o m aged; visit www.thehermitage.org or call the museum By Mail 888-261-2488 WANTED BUY office at (201) 445-8311, extension 36. The TO holiday décor can also be viewed through Jan. Wanted 2014. all motorcycles pre 31, 1980.Running or not. Japa- nese, British, American, European. Top cash paid, free pick up, call 315-569-8094 December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 39 Park Windmill Tree lighting rescheduled for Friday The Midland Park Tree Lighting, which was originally scheduled for last Friday, has been rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Santa will arrive from the North Pole by fire truck, and cookies and drinks will be served under the tent at borough hall, 280 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. All are welcome. Learn about covering college costs Midland Park High School will host a College Financial Aid Information Night for parents on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The 6:30 p.m. program will be held in the media center. Certified Financial Planner Robert Traitz will present information on the FAFSA, CSS profile, and financial aid provided by the institutions. A question and answer session will follow. RSVP to the guidance office at (201) 444-7400, ext. 212. The school is located at 250 Prospect Street. Good Samaritans named Midland Park High School has announced its Good Samaritan Award recipients for November. The following individuals were recognized for their volunteer service, community pride, positive attitude, kindness, and caring: Kaitlin Lelinho, Dana Coppola, Lindsay Scott, Caitlin Neville, Christian Laureano, Jackie Huyhn, Nick Kuka, and Kayleigh McGivney. Winter performances set The Midland Park Junior High School Chorus will perform a Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in Memorial Hall. The Winter Choral Concert will be held at 8 p.m. and will feature the Midland Park High School Concert Choir and Madrigals. In keeping with the school’s tradition, alumni of the Mid- land Park High School Choir will be invited to sing “Carol of the Bells.” All are welcome. The school is located at 250 Prospect Street. PAPS announces fundraiser Midland Park High School Performing Arts Parents will hold a fundraiser to benefit the high school’s theater arts programs. Three prizes will be awarded. The first place winner will receive an iPad mini valued at $350, the second place winner will receive a 19-inch LCD HD TV valued at $150, and the third place winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the beginning of the school concerts on Dec. 12. Tickets are also available from cast, crew, and family members of the drama and musical programs, or by contacting Donna Hal- liwell at Dhalliwell@mpsnj.org. Benefit slated During the month of December, TeamBaker Collections at 74 Godwin Avenue will sponsor a fundraiser to benefit the Midland Park High School Performing Arts Parents. The store will donate 10 percent of proceeds from items purchased this month. Shoppers must present a coupon to the store or mention MPHS PAPS at time of purchase. Cou- pons are online at www.mphsarts.com. Three cheers! The Waldwick/Midland Park Cheer Team recently competed in the UCC Fall Invitational Competition held at Fairleigh Dickenson University in Hackensack. The girls took home seven trophies, two of which were for first place as overall champions in the ‘Cheer’ and ‘Cheer/Dance’ categories. Shayna O’Reilly, Katie Pare, and Bridget Coumbe received First Degree of Excellence in Triples Dance. Emily Borgese and Alyssia Pacheco received Second Degree of Excellence in Doubles Dance. Coaches are Ali Terzini and Mabelle Gomez. (Photo courtesy of Dianne Borntrager.) PAPS is dedicated to enriching the experience of the arts for Midland Park middle and high school students, includ- ing those participating in band, chorus, theater, and broad- casting. The group serves as a liaison between parents and the school’s administration and faculty, provides volunteers to help support programs, and spearheads fundraising for special events and senior scholarships. NHS collecting denim jeans The National Honor Society at Midland Park High School is collecting gently-used denim jeans to benefit Teens for Jeans and the school’s Blue Jean Ball. The com- munity is asked to bring donations of jeans to the entrance of the high school at 250 Prospect Street by Dec. 20. Teens for Jeans is a nationwide initiative that collects jeans for homeless teens. Chamber plans Meet & Greet The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce will host a Holiday Meet & Greet Networking event on Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The group will meet at Fiona’s Ristorante at 118 Godwin Avenue. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance. Tickets purchased at the door will cost $25. Attendees are requested to send a one paragraph business bio to be included in the event program. RSVP to Lisa Plasse at flute76@aol.com. Holiday display contest announced Midland Park residents are invited to participate in the borough’s first Holiday Home Decorating Contest, which is being sponsored by the Midland Park Department of Rec- reation. Residents may sign up to join the competition in the following categories: Best Holiday Spirit, Best Use of Theme, and Viewers’ Choice. Borough residents are wel- come to cast their votes for best display. To enter the contest, submit your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address to: Midland Park Rec- reation, 50 Dairy Street, Midland Park, NJ 07432 or to mprec@optonline.net. The entry deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. Judging will take place the weekend of Dec. 20 and 21. A listing of all participating homes will be available on the town website. Contest participants should indicate if they would prefer not to be included on the list. Winners will be announced Dec. 24. Page 40 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 11, 2013