August 28, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Ho-Ho-Kus Council balks at approving use of Town Green by Jennifer Crusco A local business owner who requested the use of the Ho- Ho-Kus Town Green for a September grand opening event has been edged out by the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Emer- gency Response Team. The Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Council told Darlene Lucchi of Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga and her attorney Russ Anderson that the Town Green is not generally used by for-profit entities. “We welcome you and hope you’re successful,” Ho-Ho- Kus Mayor Thomas Randall told the Lucchi. He also offered to be present at the studio’s official opening. However, he added that the Town Green has not historically been used for private promotion. “It boils down to the policy of the council,” Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Attorney David Bole said. He added that, if the council decided to allow the event, the borough would need to consider a hold harmless agreement to protect the bor- ough in terms of potential insurance claims. Anderson noted that Lucchi specifically wanted to locate her business in Ho-Ho-Kus, and stated that her studio on Sycamore Avenue “is already more vibrant than what was there.” He added that the upcoming event would provide educational information to the community, such as how the human body works and healthy eating habits. He said a panoply of activities would be part of the day. Councilman Kevin Shea, who acknowledged that he recently took a class at Lucchi’s studio, commented that historically, the types of activities being proposed would be part of a broader event. Anderson said the event would be about health and could be considered an outreach. He said the concept is to advance people’s health, rather than simply be part of a larger event. He asserted that the natural aspects of the Town Green are conducive to yoga and well-being in general. Council President Doug Troast expressed concern that granting the use of the public property to a business could (continued on page 15) Citizens urged to be prepared September 2013 has been declared National Prepared- ness Month in Ho-Ho-Kus, and Mayor Thomas Randall urges individuals, schools, houses of worship, business establishments, and households to participate in the activi- ties now being planned to mark the occasion. According to Randall’s proclamation, the Ho-Ho-Kus Office of Emergency Management and its departments will be providing residents with local opportunities to receive emergency response training, participate in com- munity exercises, and volunteer to support local emergency responders. The document also states that on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Ho-Ho-Kus OEM and its departments recom- mend that the community observe a Day of Reflection hon- oring those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and those who provided support during and after those attacks. Stanley Kober, the resident who manages Ho-Ho-Kus (continued on page 15)