�� 3 ZO A N LL E PP S HO A - E ER D H N D D W SA L E O - A L A D R KU E LD D I S W LE V E IC R R K IV ER �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � � U � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � �� � �� ISSN 2161-8208 ISSN 2161-8194 www.villadom.com Copyright 2013 �� �� � � � � � � � � � � �� �� � � � � � � �� ��� �� � � � � �� �� � � � � �� � � � � ��� � �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � �� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Vol. 26 No. 28 SERVING THE HUB OF NORTH-WEST BERGEN July 31, 2013 40¢ ☺ What’s News- Waldwick Plans revised Lack of funding leads council to delete health center from generator project. Ho-Ho-Kus Exchange eyed 3 VFW Post, borough discuss land exchange that could lead to new building for vets. Allendale Recognition received 5 Teen earns Gold Award for organizing benefit for young readers in New Orleans. Area Property sold Restaurateur from Legends Steakhouse pur- chases Wortendyke hotspot Pete’s Corner. Mangia! 12 Campers have fun making pizza during Cooking Week at Archer Cooperative Nursery School’s summer program in Allendale. J&J Auto Maintenance Total Window & Wall Fashions • • CUSTOM DRAPERIES CUSTOM DRAPERIES • • UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTERY • • SHUTTERS SHUTTERS 20 E. E. Main St., Ramsey NJ 20 Main St., Ramsey NJ 201-327-4900 201-327-4900 Franks Barber Shop Ramsey Train Station 3 Station Plaza Ramsey, NJ 201-529-2063 TIRE SALE 500 Rte. 17 South Ridgewood, NJ 201 652 2300 Ask for Scott! 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The fair offers something for everyone in the family, including six barns of livestock, a milking parlor, and hands-on activities such as scarecrow making and a scavenger hunt. Families can get up close to the animals participating in best of breed shows. The family entertainment area features acrobats and jugglers, a petting zoo, diving dogs, chainsaw artists, and racing pigs. An outdoor entertainment area features mon- ster truck rides, demolition derbies, bull riding, and horse show tournaments. Horse show classes run day and night in the area’s three rings. The carnival area comes to life every day at noon. Fair hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 2 through 10 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 11. For admission pricing and schedules, visit www.njstatefair.org. Swim team announces tryouts Tryouts for the Ridgewood YMCA Breakers competi- tive swim team will take place Aug. 5 and 7 at 4 p.m. at the YMCA located at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood. Tryouts are open to all swimmers ages six and up. Additional try- outs will be held Sept. 3, 4, and 5. The Breakers Swim Team encompasses all ability levels, providing participants the opportunity to acquire the skills, self-discipline, confidence, and physical conditioning to become the best swimmers they can be. Instruction, train- ing, and competition are provided as swimmers learn to improve their skills and to value teamwork and sportsman- ship. August and September tryouts are for the short course season, which runs from September through October. For details, visit www.ridgewoodymca.org/break- ers or contact YMCA Swim Team Coach, Bud Rim- bault at (201) 444-5600, extension 319 or e-mail brimbault@ridgewoodymca.org. Singles plan Potluck Dinner Christian Singles of North Jersey will host a Barbecue Potluck Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 3. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Faith Community Christian Reformed Church Barn at 530 Sicomac Avenue in Wyckoff. Attendees may bring a favorite main dish, salad, soup, or appetizer to share (to feed approximately six people). Desserts, coffee, tea, soda, and snacks will be provided. The cost to attend is $4. For more information, call (201) 337-7492. Survivors welcome to HealingSPACE HealingSPACE at YWCA Bergen County, formerly the YWCA Rape Crisis Center, offers free and confidential group counseling as part of its support program for sur- NJBG to hold Summer Craft Fair Shoppers enjoyed the beautiful array of craft items and the splendid surroundings at last year’s Craft Fair at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. (Photo courtesy of NJBG.) New Jersey State Botanical Garden will host a Summer Craft Fair at the garden on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. The fair will feature jewelry, pottery, sculpture, photography, art, kids’ stuff, and many unusual good- ies. The crafters from The Craftique have a reputation for excellence and it shows in their many fine prod- ucts. Visit thecraftique.com for details. Attendees are invited to view the beautiful, for- mally planted gardens or take a leisurely walk in the shady woodlands. Admission is free for the Craft Fair and the garden. There is a $5 per car state park parking fee. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Sky- lands, which appears on both the state and national registers of historic places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the garden vivors of sexual assault. Two therapist facilitated support groups are available: Survivors of Abuse and Rape for adult women who have experienced sexual abuse as chil- dren and/or sexual assault as adults; and the Men’s Group for adult male survivors of child sexual abuse. Both groups are held in Bergen County. A phone screening and intake are required prior to joining a group. For more information, call (201) 881-1733. As the county’s only sexual violence resource center, HealingSPACE offers a free and confidential 24/7 hotline -- (201) 487-2227 -- to survivors of sexual abuse/assault, their family and friends. Help is available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, whether it happened (continued on page 20) is always free. Parking is also free in the fall, winter, and spring. NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ring- wood. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions, or more information, call (973) 962-9534 or visit njbg.org. In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state’s first acquisition under the Green Acres preser- vation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the state’s official botanical garden in 1984. Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incor- porated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the state to preserve and protect Sky- lands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors vol- unteer gardeners, educational programs, concerts, and events throughout the year. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Waldwick Health center will not get generator connection Higher than anticipated costs will prevent the Waldwick Health Center from being connected to an emergency generator when the project is undertaken later this summer. At budget time last winter, the council budgeted $84,000 to equip the Fire Company No. 2 and the vol- unteer ambulance corps buildings with an emergency generator as protection against future crippling storms. Subsequently, it was decided that it would make sense to tie in the health center as well. The low bid for the job, however, was $95,800, $11,000 above budget. The health center component came in at $9,300. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz recommended last week that the council award the contract to the low bidder and then eliminate the health center and make other reductions through change orders. Kratz said he recommended awarding the contract now because of the timing and because rebidding would offer no guarantee that the bids would come in lower. The administrator said the engineer looked into other options to bring down the cost, but none generated suffi- cient savings and/or was deemed desirable. Among these options were: cutting power to the lift to the second floor in the ambulance building during an emergency, selecting a cheaper, less powerful unit or one that is not as quiet. The specified unit is Onan-Cummins similar to others the town already has which have proven dependable and not a problem when parts and service are needed, he said Kratz explained that the health center is not a large electric user, and during times of emergency the only thing that needs power is a small refrigerator that keeps vaccines cool. But he said adding this structure to the project involves a good bit of additional electrical work, and the installation of a transfer switch which kicks the generator on and off – thus the relatively high cost for powering a single outlet. “If eliminated they could use an extension cord from the ambulance building that would be powered by the generator,” Kratz said. Public Health nurse Carol Shepard said another option would be to move the refrigerator inside the ambulance building, since she already has access to that location. Kratz said the underground conduit has already been installed as part of the parking lot repaving project, so the job may still be done at a later date if the council so decides. Welcome to the neighborhood Dr. Angela Aaron celebrated the grand opening of her dental office in Waldwick recently with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Pic- tured above, from left: Office Manager Gary Aaron, Mayor Thomas Giordano, Dr. Aaron and Erik Grizi. In her modern office, Dr. Aaron provides all phases of dental care: dental cleanings, white tooth colored fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures, extractions, gum treatment, invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, botox and dermofillers, whitening, and much more. The office is located at 20 Franklin Turnpike, Suite 210. Call 201-857-2842 or visit draarondental.com. Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 31, 2013 Waldwick Council to seek open space trust reauthorization The Waldwick Borough Council decided last week to ask voters in the November general election to reauthorize the open space municipal trust fund for another 10 years. The official resolution approving the wording to be placed on the ballot will be voted upon at the council’s next meet- ing. Funded through a half-cent tax approved by referendum in 2003 also for 10 years, the current fund expires at the end of 2013. Currently, the owner of a home assessed at $416,000, the borough’s average, contributes $21 a year towards the open space trust. Since the amount is already included in the tax base, continuation of the fund would result in no increase in taxes to property owners. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz initially recom- mended that the reauthorization have no sunset clause but rather run indefinitely. Councilman Frank Palladino said, however, that he felt the tax to be revisited periodically. “It’s the right way to go, allowing voters to choose. It’s been good for the beautification of our parks, and we should continue this way,” said Councilman Anthony Celeste. “It’s money put to good use giving back to the commu- nity, and it adds beauty to the town,” agreed Mayor Tom Giordano. Kratz said that the moneys raised over the past ten years, coupled with county open space grants, had gone to make improvements to all the borough’s parks, as well as to maintain those areas in which substantial investments in landscaping had been made. “Are we finished? No,” said Kratz emphatically.” There are other areas we’d like to do. When people move to town, they look for recreational opportunities. Waldwick does a good job providing recreational opportunities,” he added. Municipal trust fund moneys may be used “solely for the acquisition, development, maintenance and preserva- tion of lands for recreation and conservation purposes as well as acquisition of farmland and historic properties for restoration and preservation purposes and for the payment of debt service for any of these purposes.” Waldwick projects undertaken with those funds have included rebuilding Veterans Park, installing new play- ground equipment at Emmet Park, and upgrades at Bor- ough Park, among many others. A special needs playground and the rehabilitation of the comfort station at Borough Park will be done with open space trust funds this year. Residents allowed to opt-out of new meters Waldwick residents may opt out of having smart water meters installed at their home for medical reasons, the Waldwick Council decided last week. Those availing themselves of the exemption will have to pay $25 per quarter to have the meter manually read. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz said the charge would pay for the reader to visit the house, enter the readings into the system. The remote meter would have to be hard-wired to the side of the house, he said. John and Roxanne Surless had asked for the exemption, claiming that the radio frequency meters “are not as safe as previously thought … and they interfere with the electrical systems within our bodies.” “Even if you don’t see it, it has a cumulative effect. The public is not informed. We had a gas meter put in, and we were affected. We had it taken out,” Roxanne Surless told the council to illustrate her objections. Resident Ted Sanzo said he did not agree to the opt-out option. “The town can give the residents a paper card, as in the old system, and the homeowner can give you a reading, then once a year someone can read it manually,” he said. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus VFW, borough consider exchange of property by Jennifer Crusco The Washington Elm VFW Post 192 (Ho-Ho-Kus-- Ridgewood) and the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus are discussing an exchange of property at the borough’s municipal park- ing lot near the train station. The exchange would allow the veterans to construct the new building the group approved several years ago. After the new building is in place, the borough would receive the VFW’s building and property on Cliff Street. Although the VFW already owns a building and prop- erty, a lease with the Ramapo Valley Railroad Club has An artisit’s rendering of the proposed VFW building. restricted the veterans’ access to that building. The original lease was signed in the 1990s, before the VFW underwent a significant revitalization eight years ago. Once the VFW became more active, limited access to the building became a significant issue. Under the terms of the lease, the veter- ans are allowed to use the building once a month and once a week before Memorial Day. Several years ago, the VFW planned to raze the Cliff Street building and construct a new home for Post 192, but the railroad club did not support those plans. The VFW then approached the borough to buy the neighboring prop- erty for a construction project. When that matter was close to a vote, the state VFW said the local post’s lease with the club was invalid, and the project was put on hold. Post 192 later attempted to evict the club. The VFW claimed that the club violated the lease, and asked the club to remedy the violations. The case went to court and was (continued on page 10) Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 31, 2013 Allendale Bridge now open to motorists Allendale Councilwoman Elizabeth White reported on July 25 that the Brookside Avenue Bridge is now open after reconstruction, which should restore traffic flow between Allendale and Wyckoff in short order. White also reported that the paving of Forest Road is now completed. The council members had substantial praise for D&L Paving, the contractor who finished the work despite 100-degree temperatures during the last part of the job. The closing of the Brookside Avenue Bridge at the same time Bergen County was reconfiguring Myrtle Avenue and adding a stoplight in the center of Allendale led to conster- nation on the part of motorists all over the northern part of northwest Bergen County and led to gridlock traffic in the center of Allendale until alternate routes were phased in. In other business, the council introduced a capital ordi- nance to provide $195,000 in funding for additional road Traditional gift Recently, as is tradition, Highlands Presbyterian Church in Allendale presented its third graders with their own Bibles. This year’s recipients were Elle Checkwood and Alexander Sansom. Highlands Church is located at 270 Franklin Turn- pike. Services are held at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Child care is provided and services are followed by Coffee Hour. For more information, visit online at www.highlandschurch.net or call (201) 327-4466. repairs. Mayor Vince Barra explained that the New Jersey Department of Transportation had provided a $150,000 grant for the repaving of parts of a number of roads, and that Allendale would put up an additional $45,000 from the capital surplus to cover the engineering expenses for the project. “There is no additional debt,” said Mayor Barra, indicat- ing that all the Allendale money is already on hand. “It really is critical that we do the ordinance that year,” White said. The ordinance will be considered for adopted on Aug. 8. Introduction was unanimous. The council also unanimously adopted an ordinance to provide a part-time salary range of $18 to $22 per hour for a building department technical assistant. J. KOSTER Jim Wright of Allendale, author and photographer for the Meadowlands Nature Blog, will address Highlights in Leisure Time on Thursday, Aug. 8. The group meets at 10 a.m. at the Ridgewood Village Hall Community Center, 131 North Maple Avenue. Wright’s latest book is “The Nature of the Meadowlands.” HILT will travel to the Trolley Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania for a tour of the museum and trolley ride on Thursday, Aug. 15. Lunch and a show at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel will follow. The bus will depart from the Graydon Pool parking lot at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $50 for HILT members and is $55 for non-members. Ridgewood residents who are 55 and older are invited to join Highlights in Leisure Time, a senior organization under the auspices of the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation. Monthly meetings include entertainment and/or infor- mational presentations, followed by refreshments. Annual membership dues are $15. For more information, contact the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department at (201) 670-5560 or visit 259 North Maple Avenue. Borough resident to address HILT July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Allendale Borough teen earns Girl Scout Gold Award Lauren Richardson of Allendale recently received her Gold Award by organizing a Book Drive for school children in New Orleans. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the high- est award a Girl Scout can earn and requires the completion of a leadership project of at least 80 hours. Each girl must address an issue, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change. Pursuit of the Gold Award pro- motes leadership, career exploration, and community service. After visiting New Orleans on a youth mission trip last summer, Richardson was inspired to help the local children, who are still suffering from the devastation of Hur- ricane Katrina. “After discovering how limited their resources were and being a very avid reader myself, I wanted to expose the children to more books and an awareness of the world around them,” Lauren said. “The books will aid in both education and entertainment and the citizens of New Orleans should enjoy them for generations to come.” Richardson set up collection sites at the Hillside and Brookside schools in Allendale. She spoke with local community groups and made posters and flyers to advertise her collection. Richardson has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and is a member of Troop 94126. This fall, she will be a senior at Northern Highlands Regional High School, where she is a member of the marching band and the varsity swim team. Within Girl Scouts of Northern New Rotary welcomes new members The Allendale/Saddle River Rotary Club welcomes new members to its weekly meetings. Sessions are held at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays Louie’s Place, 29 West Allen- dale Avenue in Allendale. On July 31, the club will host James The- bery from the Bergen County Division on Disability Services. For more information about the club, visit www.AllendaleSaddleRiverRotary. org or contact Joseph Chinnici at joseph. chinnici@td.com or (856) 266-7647. Lauren Richardson with some of the books she collected for children in New Orleans. Jersey, 12 percent of eligible girls earn their Girl Scout Gold Award, compared to the national average of six percent. Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development program for girls. In Girl Scouts, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to create posi- tive change. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey serves 20.5 percent of girls ages five through 17 in 160 municipalities, including all of Bergen, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties and the northern half of Warren County. There are currently 33,968 girl members and 17,463 adult members. Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 31, 2013 Waldwick Watch Free spinal health classes set Free spinal health classes will be offered on Saturdays in July and August at Day Family Chiropractic, 24 Wyckoff Avenue, Suite 2 in Waldwick. Classes will be held at 11 a.m. Participants will learn exercises that strengthen the body’s core, spinal stabilizers, and tips for alleviating back pain and stiffness. Question and answer sessions are included. For more information, call (201) 391-0805. Chamber holds Family Fun Night On July 31, the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce will host a Family Fun Night at Center Court Plaza at 10 Frank- lin Turnpike. The event will feature games, crafts, music, dancing, and more. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. Sponsors include Center Court Café, Pascack Com- munity Bank, and Entertainment on Wheels. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call (201) 444-0045. Junior Cheerleading Camp set Waldwick Junior Cheerleading camp will be held Aug. 12 through 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus. The program is open to girls in grades one through eight. Participants will learn new cheers and gym- nastic skills. The cost is $70 per cheerleader and includes an ENA/ Waldwick T-shirt. The deadline for registration is Aug. 5. Registration forms are available at www.waldwickjrfoot- ball.org. Municipal Pool open The Waldwick Municipal Pool will be open through Labor Day, Sept. 2. The facility includes a main pool, a wading pool, a concession stand, and a swing set for young patrons. The municipal pool, located at Hopper Avenue and West Prospect Street, will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Swim lessons are available Monday through Friday. The fee for a two-week session is $30 for one student, with a family maximum of $75. Residents who wish to renew their badges may down- load the registration form at www.waldwicknj.org/forms/ poolrenewal.pdf. The completed form and fee may be mailed to: Waldwick Borough Clerk, 63 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463. A limited number of non-resident badges are available on a first come basis. Tennis badges available Waldwick residents who are age 18 or older may obtain a tennis badge from the Waldwick Borough Clerk’s office at 63 Franklin Turnpike. The tennis badge fee is $20 and is valid for one calendar year. Needleworkers sought Knitters, crocheters, and needlepointers are invited to the Waldwick Library, 19 East Prospect Street in Waldwick, on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. to practice their craft and socialize with other needlework enthusiasts. The Wicked Stitches group will meet in the library’s new meeting room. Needlework- ers at all levels of mastery are welcome. The group plans to periodically include a professional guest instructor. For more information, call (201) 652-5104. Ambulance corps seeks volunteers The Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps is seeking new members for its ranks. The corps provides emergency medical services to Waldwick residents and businesses and the surrounding communities. Residents may apply to the corps at age 16. The 120-hour emergency medical training course, pro- vided to the volunteer at no cost, qualifies for three college credits. Visit waldwickems.com to download an application, or call (201) 445-8772 for additional information. One Box-One Soldier campaign held The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 57 in Waldwick is collecting supplies for its One Box-One Sol- dier program. In an effort to remind troops serving abroad that they are not forgotten, the auxiliary is collecting items to be shipped overseas. Suggested items for donation include small individually wrapped hard candies, cookies, and crackers, peanut butter and jelly in plastic bottles, drink powders, mouthwash, toothbrushes and toothpaste, disposable razors and shaving cream (non-aerosol), magazines, and puzzle books. A com- plete list of suggested supplies may be found at Walgreen’s stores in Waldwick, Wyckoff, Ramsey, and Oakland. Dona- tions may be dropped off at the American Legion Post 57 located at 46 Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick after 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturday or after 1 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call Jan and Steve at (201) 519- 8269, or Nancy at (201) 827-9177. Local bank supports WEF The Waldwick Education Foundation, in an effort to raise money for Waldwick’s public schools, is asking resi- dents to link new or existing TD Bank accounts to WEF through the bank’s Affinity Program. There is no cost to any member. At the end of the year, TD Bank will make a donation to WEF based on the bal- ance held by participating members. All funds raised ben- efit educational programs at Waldwick’s schools. For more information, contact TD branch manager Joe Chinnici at (201) 825-1011 or joseph.chinnici@td.com. Reflective patches promote safety Waldwick CERT is now selling Flashbrite reflective patches that may be affixed to jackets, backpacks, luggage, briefcases, bicycles, helmets, and other items. Patches are $3 for a pack of two, and are available in decorative shapes. To purchase the patches, contact Jean Paras at (201) 481- 3333, or Jennifer Sheffield at (201) 638-1260. CERT is part of the nationwide Citizen Corps initiative. Members work to make local communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for any emergency or event. Citizens interested in volunteering for year-round efforts are invited to contact Paras or Sheffield. Press releases for this column may be e-mailed to editorial@villadom.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Ho-Ho-Kus Suit remains in judge’s hands by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus officials are still awaiting Tax Court Judge Patrick DeAlmeida’s ruling on the Ramapo Valley Railroad Club’s lawsuit. Arguments were heard in Trenton earlier this year, but a decision has yet to be made. The issue of the ruling was raised last week, as VFW Post 192 announced that the veterans and the borough are now engaged in a land-swap discussion that could allow the veterans to construct a new building. The railroad club’s suit against the borough concerns the building at 620 Cliff Street, which the VFW owns and leases to the club. The suit was filed due to the Ho-Ho-Kus tax assessor’s assertion that the club should pay property tax on the portion of the VFW’s building the club uses. The borough first requested payment from the club in 2010, but the club has declined to pay. There is an order on record that stays any action against the club for non-payment of taxes while the suit is pend- ing. However, if the court ultimately rules in the borough’s favor, the club would be required to pay back taxes. Steve Irwin, Esq., who represents the model railroad club, previously asserted that the club is not required to pay taxes on the building for its qualified exempt use of the property. The club’s members have cited the organization’s educational and charitable functions, including the annual holiday event, which is open to the public. In late 2011, Irwin said the club had “done nothing to imperil the exemption from taxation that the VFW has.” He said there had been an exemption for “20 years, until, out of the clear blue, the assessor decided to make it taxable.” He claimed that nothing has changed. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Attorney David Bole, who is han- dling the lawsuit for the municipality, told Villadom TIMES last week that the impact of the possible land exchange on the current lease is up in the air. Another interested observer noted that the railroad club’s suit could be settled before the land exchange and construc- tion of a new VFW building could be effected. Bole said the judge must determine whether the club meets the “moral and mental improvement of men, women, and children” standard included under the exemption stat- ute. He added that his opponent has indicated that the build- ing might qualify as a museum, since it houses artifacts related to model railroading. In 2009, Ho-Ho-Kus Tax Assessor Marie Merolla advised Stanley Kober, who was then commander of VFW Post 192, that she had reviewed the lease and property tax exemption forms and found that a change should be made on the VFW building’s tax-exempt status. Merolla said the change was warranted due to the lease with the club and the fact that the veterans have access to the building for meet- ings only once a month and one week before Memorial Day. Merolla noted that the property is being entirely leased to the club, with limited access to the veterans. While the rail- road club is a non-profit, Merolla said it does not meet the statutory requirements for property tax exemption. According to the law covering taxation in leasehold situations, Merolla found that the exemption should be pro-rated and the area used by the veterans should remain exempt. She determined that the remaining portion of the building is taxable, with the tax payable by the lessee. Originally proposed in the 1990s, the lease was pro- moted as a solution to issues being faced by the railroad club and the VFW. The club had recently lost its layout space in Ramsey, and the VFW had approached the council for assistance with building maintenance. In recent years, the club and the VFW have been at odds over the use of the building due to the restrictions placed on the VFW. The terms of the lease, which was renewed in 2002, allow the VFW limited access to the building, a situation that has been an issue since the VFW has become more active. Tiernan will retire this fall Pete Tiernan, the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department’s motorcycle officer, has confirmed that he will retire as of Oct. 1. He has served the department since 1981. In 2005, Tiernan, a long-time motorcycle enthusi- ast, passed the training course for motorcycle officers. The course is offered at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah and is taught by the Maryland State Police. Tiernan signed up for the course in order to prepare for the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department’s acquisition of a motorcycle unit. The motorcycle was later donated by two borough residents. The course is for individuals who possess motor- cycle licenses. Participants receive instruction specific to law enforcement situations, such as maneuvering in emergencies. The course is popular, but is physically demanding and has a high dropout rate. The motorcycle allowed Tiernan to ride in areas where a patrol car cannot be used, or might be dif- ficult to use, such as behind buildings, along railroad tracks, and in heavy traffic. No other Ho-Ho-Kus officers are certified to use the motorcycle, and its fate remains unclear. Tiernan is currently not working due to a knee injury for which he recently had surgery. He explained that he missed three steps while walking into the locker room at work. Despite a pending discrimination lawsuit, which he filed this year, Tiernan said he has enjoyed his career, which has been highlighted by various Meritorious Service Awards, and the respect of the residents. J. CRUSCO Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 31, 2013 Saddle River Valley Notes door and will ask for money upfront for “material expenses.” These thieves will often advertise themselves as “hurricane specialists.” A resident should not accept the services of contractors who ring their doorbell. Fitness classes available The Upper Saddle River Library offers weekly fitness classes. Yoga for all levels meets on Tuesdays at 9:45 a.m. Gentle stretch yoga is available on Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. Zumba classes meet on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and Fri- days at 10 a.m. A ChiKung class is held on Thursdays at 10 a.m. The library is located at 245 Lake Street. For more information, call (201) 327-2583. Property exchange Party Dolls to perform Upper Saddle River residents are invited to a free out- door concert in Lions Park on Wednesday, July 31. The concert will feature The Party Dolls, which is comprised of three female vocalists who sport mini-skirts, go-go boots, and funky diva garb. The show includes medleys from the ‘60s (Supremes, Aretha Franklin), ‘70s (Donna Summer, Earth, Wind and Fire) and ‘80s (Madonna, The Go-Go’s) and more. The concert will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the Upper Saddle River Library at 245 Lake Street. The event is sponsored by the Upper Saddle River Recreation Commis- sion and the Friends of the Upper Saddle River Library. Police warn of scams The Upper Saddle River Police Department warns resi- dents of charity and contractor scams circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Citizens are urged to be cautious of anyone aggressively soliciting donations over the phone. Call the charities reg- istration section at Consumer Affairs, (973) 504-6215, to check the legitimacy of a charity. Unscrupulous contractors solicit their services door-to- (continued from page 5) dismissed without prejudice. Mayor Thomas Randall said the property exchange was proposed by the VFW and the discussions are preliminary. “It’s something we felt we should pursue,” Randall told Villadom TIMES last week, adding that the exchange includes what the mayor called attractive options for the borough, such as the possibility of a net increase in com- muter parking spaces. The mayor said the borough would consider the pro- posal, including whether it would make sense from an eco- nomic standpoint. VFW Post 192 Commander Matt Bombace said, “We’re hoping it works out.” He added that a new building would allow his organization to attract additional members and would provide the VFW with meeting and recreational space. Bombace plans to name a committee to handle the dis- cussions related to the exchange proposal. While all the committee members have yet to be named, Kober revealed that he will be the borough resident liaison member of the Post 192 group. Asked if the borough would form a similar committee, Randall said, “When their committee is formed, I will try to have some sort of reciprocal committee.” The mayor said his committee would include members of the borough council. He added that public input would be sought before any formal action might be taken. The exchange, Randall pointed out, would have to be effected in court. The exchange proposal was made by Kober, who was commander of VFW Post 192 until Bombace took over on To find a listing of New Jersey licensed contractors, visit njconsumeraffairs.gov. Contact the Upper Saddle River Police Department at (201) 327-2700 if contacted by con- tractors and charities soliciting door-to-door or by phone. July 10. Kober said he approached the borough with the idea several months ago. He believes the proposal could benefit both parties. The borough would gain property that could be used for approximately 12-15 much-needed park- ing spaces, and the veterans would get their new building. He also said he wished he had pursued the exchange years ago so the veterans who have passed away would have had the opportunity to see the new building in place and not just one on the engineering drawings that were approved several years ago by the members of Post 192. VFW Post 192 owns the current Post Home at 620 Cliff Street in Ho-Ho-Kus and the land on which the building sits. Kober said the lot is approximately 4,000 square feet and the building is approximately 2,800 square feet. The building, which was constructed in 1954, was always Post 192’s home. Kober added that the building was also the first place the local ambulance corps stored its ambulance, as the corps’ captain at the time was also the VFW commander. Kober noted that the VFW continually receives calls regarding the rental of space in the VFW Building. The callers, he noted, must be turned away due to the existing lease. He pointed out that the meeting area for the VFW is a 12-foot by 12-foot space. Much of the remaining square footage within the building is now in use by the railroad club, Kober explained. Plans for the VFW’s new building call for a pre-fabri- cated Colonial-style structure with two floors and a total of 4,096 square feet. Construction costs are now being researched on an unofficial basis, although a recent press release indicated that the VFW will need approximately $500,000. Kober said the VFW will be working to arrange sup- port from the community in terms of monetary contribu- tions and in-kind donations. Additional information will be released to the public in the near future. (See related story on page 9.) July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • Page 11 Council mulls options as Gaeta seeks reinstatement Midland Park officials remained silent on the issue of reinstatement for police officer Joseph Gaeta. Gaeta was suspended without pay in 2011 after pleading guilty to driving an all-terrain vehicle while drunk. The inci- dent took place in Wyckoff. On July 17, the appellate division overturned Gaeta’s sen- tence and remanded the case to municipal court in Hackensack. That court found that his sole penalty should be a fine of $150. The officer is now seeking reinstatement. “We fully expect and hope he will be quickly reinstated and continue his career,” said Joseph Rem Jr., Gaeta’s attorney. Rem characterized the 2011 incident as a minor offense. Gaeta reportedly had been involved in DWI training at the Law & Public Safety Institute on Dec. 15, 2011, and volunteered to drink beer and undergo field sobriety tests performed by trainees. Four hours later, when Gaeta was off-duty, he had an accident with an ATV. He was reportedly driving the ATV along Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff, and turned onto Greenhaven Avenue, where the ATV overturned and crashed. Gaeta’s blood alcohol content was mea- sured at 0.135 percent. The state’s legal limit is currently 0.08 percent. Wyckoff police filed various charges, including DWI. In municipal court, Gaeta noted that this was his first DWI offense, and requested that his sentence only involve a fine. At that time, Gaeta was fined $306, and compelled to pay court costs and surcharges. His driver’s license was sus- pended, and he was sentenced to a dozen hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. The sentence, however, remained on hold while Gaeta pursued an appeal. In his appeal, Gaeta claimed that, because he was driving an ATV and not a car, truck, or similar motor vehicle, the penalties were illegal. At the time of his offense, New Jersey law limited the penalty that could be imposed to only a fine of up to $200, Gaeta said. In ruling in Gaeta’s favor, the appeals court found that the stricter statute adopted in 2009 had not yet taken effect in 2011, and opted to reverse the original sentence. “We are waiting for the administrative wheels to grind together,” Rem said last week, noting that Gaeta looks forward to returning to his work in Midland Park’s police department. “I have no doubt he will be quickly reinstated,” Rem concluded. Borough officials, however, declined to comment on what action might be taken in this case. Midland Park’s labor attorney, Ray Wiss, said Gaeta had initially been found guilty of DWI, conduct unbecoming a police officer. Had the charges been upheld, Wiss noted, Gaeta would have lost his driver’s license and, therefore, could not have fulfilled his duties as a police officer. Wiss noted that Police Chief Michael Marra would be responsible for making the recommendation as to whether Gaeta should return to the department. Gaeta joined the Midland Park Police Department in 2006. Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • July 31, 2013 Legends owner buys Pete’s Corner building One of the owners of Legends Steakhouse in Midland Park purchased the former Pete’s Corner Luncheonette building in the Wortendyke section of town in a Sheriff’s sale last week. Legends closed in December following a lease dispute with the landlord and needed a location in town to reactivate its alcoholic liquor license. “It’s a homerun for us,” said Robert Corcoran Sr. of the purchase. “Now we won’t have to deal with a greedy landlord ever again.” He said the new business will lease the space from him. Corcoran said plans call for opening a liquor store and small bar with some tables for light fare but no full service restaurant. He said it is up to the zoning officer to decide exactly what will be allowed. The site is zoned for retail business, and the restaurant use is an existing non-con- forming operation there since at least the middle of the last century. The parking adjacent to it is owned by the town, with the driveway used as the access to the playground and the NJ Transit parking lot behind the building. Corcoran said the building, which has a couple of apartments on the second floor, will be gutted and remod- eled, and the new business, which will likely be known as Legends Pub & Spirits, should be ready to open before the holidays. Pete’s Corner closed unexpectedly in March after the business’ owner at the time failed to reach an agreement on purchasing the property with the finance company that held the $600,000 note on the building, which was in fore- closure. The luncheonette was popular with residents of all ages who patronized it, not only to eat, but also to see friends, share the latest gossip, or conduct business. On hearing of Corcoran’s purchase of the building to use for liquor sales, one regular Pete’s Corner patron said, “I hope they’ll also serve coffee.” Work begins on new office building in Wortendyke Work started last week on the construction of Atlan- tic Stewardship Bank’s new office building at the corner of Godwin and Myrtle avenues in Midland Park. Though approvals for the building were obtained in 2008, bank officials said the project is getting underway at this time because the bank has outgrown its commercial lending facility on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. The 6,390 sq. ft. building, which is in the B-1 business zone district, will be entirely occupied by the bank. The bank will relocate its commercial lending division and loan processing department to the new site. “We are pleased to bring more of our associates to the Borough of Midland Park, endorsing our commitment to the borough and its immediate surrounding commu- nities,” said Paul Van Ostenbridge, Atlantic Stewardship Bank president and CEO. “The new professional build- ing will enhance the neighborhood by complementing the row of like structures located at the northern section of Godwin Avenue,” he added. The two-story brick structure at 612 Godwin Avenue has been designed to match the bank’s corporate head- quarters next door, though the brick color will be slightly darker. A third level will be used for storage only under a deed restriction. The main entrance and parking lot will be located at the rear of the building, with the entrance driveway from Myrtle Avenue. A total of 25 parking spaces are pro- vided. Landscaping will be provided along the front line of Godwin Avenue, with a double row of planting along Myrtle Avenue and trees and shrubs interspersed through- out the parking area. A decorative windmill may be erected at the property similar to the one currently along- side the bank’s main office. The sidewalk will continue the streetscape design. Mechanical equipment will be located in the attic, and the building will be sprinklered. Atlantic Stewardship Bank originally received borough approval for a slightly larger building in January, 2007. The proposal failed to get Department of Environmental Pro- tection approval, however, due to the building’s proximity to the brook, so a brand new application was required. The structure now under construction was reduced in size and relocated closer to the front of the property, which resulted in the shift of most of the parking to the rear. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • Page 13 Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 31, 2013 Obituaries Elias DeBel Elias DeBel of Wyckoff, formerly of Wayne and Clifton, died July 25. He was 93. He was raised in the Netherlands. He was the owner of DeBel’s Dairy, which delivered dairy products in northern New Jersey. After retiring, he was the janitor at the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Pompton Plains. He retired from the school at about 71 years of age. He was a member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Clifton. He is survived by his children Abe DeBel, Martina Newton, Jackie Mol, John DeBel, and Jake DeBel, all of Wayne, and Rick DeBel of Lincoln Park, and his stepchildren Allan Dob of Clifton, Ken Dob of Ham- burg, Janet Dob of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Carolyn Van Grouw of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. He is also sur- vived by 33 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Lien Lavooy of Florida, and Fina Neels and Nel Van Stee, both of the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his first wife Wilhelmina, his second wife Alice (nee Dob), and all of his brothers. Arrangements were made by Vander May Wayne Funeral Home in Wayne. Joan Freeman Joan Freeman, formerly of Mahwah, died July 21. She was 70. She was a retired sixth grade science teacher at Eric E. Smith Middle School in Ramsey, where she taught for 39 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Glassboro State College in Glassboro and received a master’s degree from William Patterson University in Wayne. She is sur- vived by her husband Robert W. Freeman and her children Brett of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, and Jessica of Drums, Pennsylvania. Arrangements were made by Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. in Drums, Pennsylvania. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or Big Cat Rescue, www.bigcatrescue.org. David Kirk Hakins David Kirk Hakins of South Burlington, Vermont, for- merly of Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes, died July 23. He was 66. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard in Alaska, Vermont, and New York. He attended Rutland High School in Vermont and Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. He managed group travel programs and marketing events as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Hakins Meetings and Incentives since 1986. Before that, he served as vice president and director of corporate promotion and vice president and director of internal communication for Chase Manhattan Bank. His prior career included corporate writ- ing and editing positions for Pfizer, General Foods, JC Penney, and Schlumberger. He began his career while still in high school as a sports writer and photographer for the “Rutland Herald” and was promoted to the editorial staff. He later moved to Alaska and served in editorial positions at the “Anchorage Times.” He returned to Vermont in 2005 to serve as director of sales and promotion for the Ver- mont Department of Tourism and Marketing. He has since served as executive director and COO of the Vermont Con- vention Bureau and as director of business development for the Essex Resort & Spa. He joined the “Vermont Life” team and was named publisher and CEO. He also directed “Vermont Life’s” advertising and bulk subscription sales and new business ventures. He had been an adjunct fac- ulty member at Champlain College. He is survived by his wife Jane Wilbur Hakins and his children David W. Hakins of Aldie, Virginia and Bradley Hakins of Oakland. He is also survived by four grandchildren and his sister Martha Thompson of Arcadia, California. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Isabelle Hakins. Arrangements were made by Ready Funeral Service in Burlington, Vermont. Memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conser- vancy (www.natureconservancy.com: specify state of Ver- mont), the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame, c/o Rick Milliken, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT 05403, or Pre- vent Child Abuse Vermont (www.pcavt.org). John R. McCann John R. McCann of Waldwick died July 23. He was 85. He was a U.S. veteran of World War II. He was a Man- hattan advertising executive, the former proprietor of The Cheese Shop of Ridgewood, the owner and founder of Aqua Man West Pool and Spa service in Los Angeles, and in the last decade, was with Leslie Pools. He is survived by his children Robert William, Denise Marie, Debra Ann, and Kristin Candice, one grandchild, and his sister Alice Con- nolly. He is also survived by his companion Grace Kelly of Waldwick and her daughters, Patty and Rini, and his former wife Marilyn J. McCann of Keyport. He was prede- ceased by wife Carol L. Spier. Arrangements were made by Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood. Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Dog Rescue of New Jersey, P.O. Box 610 Allendale, NJ 07401 or Gilda’s Club of New York, 195 W Houston Street, NY, NY 10014. Claire Marie Uher Claire Marie Uher of Ridgewood, formerly of Midland Park, died July 18. She was 83. She is survived by her chil- dren Susan Lazzari, Gary Uher, Craig Uher, and Laurie Katasipis, and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Richard L Uher. Arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of New Jersey. Vera Urgo Vera Urgo, nee Marinelli, of Ramsey, formerly of Queens, New York, died July 5. She was 94. She is sur- vived by her daughter Joanne Lehr, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her hus- band Sal and her daughter Lynn. Arrangements were made by Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. John William Verhovnik Senior John William Verhovnik Senior of Upper Saddle River died July 22. He was 85. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He graduated from Purdue University and worked at ITT, Hazleton, Western Union, and Chemical Bank. He is sur- vived by his children John William Jr. of Upper Saddle River, Neva Juanita Verhovnik of Mansfield, Texas, Justin of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Melissa Jo Sterner of Castle Rock, Colorado. He is also survived by five grand- children. He was predeceased by his wife Neva Juanita Verhovnik (nee Wanderone) and his sister Johanna Pavcic. Arrangements were made by Van Emburgh-Sneider-Per- nice Funeral Home in Ramsey. Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777. John A. Weber John A. Weber of Allendale died July 18. He was 92. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Before retiring in 1974, he was a sales engineer with Westinghouse Elec- tric International in New York City for 29 years. He was a parishioner of the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. He was a member of the I.E.E.E. and the American Marketing Association, both in New York City. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and his cousin Geraldine Stiefel. He was predeceased by his wife Kath- erine (nee Rodden). Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to MaryKnoll Mission, Department for Mission Education and Promotion, P.O. Box 301, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0301 or the Oblate Missions, P.O. Box 659432, San Antonio, TX 78265-9432. Vito Bernard Zinzi Vito Bernard Zinzi of Franklin Lakes, formerly of Bogota and Little Ferry, died July 23. He was 90. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Before retiring, he was a financial planner and life insurance agent for New York Life Insurance Co. in Saddle Brook for 50 years. He is survived by his daughters Jo Ellen Zinzi of Huntington Station, Long Island, New York, and Julie Zinzi and Lydia Zinzi Kennelley, both of Franklin Lakes. He is also sur- vived by two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Marion (nee Nicholson) Zinzi. Arrangements were made by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. Memorial donations may be made to the Columbia University Medical Center, Office of Development, Attention: Tania Cruz, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 29D, New York, N.Y. 10032. Checks may be made payable to “Trustees of Columbia University – Dr. Smalls Research”. Joan Zuidema Joan Zuidema, nee Hommes, of Lincoln Park, formerly of Midland Park, died June 22. She was 74. Before retiring, she was a clerk with A&P food stores working at several of their locations, including Midland Park. She was a member of Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church in Pequannock for over 30 years. She is survived by her husband Robert W. Zuidema and her children Lynette Leegwater, Paul, and Steven. She is also survived by five grandchildren and her brother Harry Hommes. Arrangements were made by Browning Forshay Funeral Home in Hawthorne. Memorial donations may be made to Christian Health Care Center 301 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 074814. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 When America’s history becomes popular history I recently saw the Ken Burns PBS special, “Lewis & Clark: The Corps of Discovery,” which was splen- didly filmed. The narrative, written by Dayton Duncan, was largely based on the book “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen E. Ambrose. My envy of the amount of money Ambrose made writing popular history has to be consid- ered a factor in the following analysis. Other historians who teach for their subsistence, however, tend to agree with me. Ambrose, who died in 2002, was perhaps the most pop- ular historian in the United States during the last decades of his life. That title carries a lot of baggage. While some people are interested in being told what really happened, most people want to be told that what they want to have happened actually happened. Americans are no more culpable than other people. For example, the mainland Chinese desperately want the Japa- nese army to have killed 300,000 people after the fall of Nanking in 1937. The fact that the population of the city was about 200,000 at the time and that most of the people survived, some eating Japanese-issued rations, doesn’t shake the Chinese from that number. Some Japanese want there to have been no atrocities. They obfuscate. They also say that one key witness, John Rabe, was a Nazi and another, Harold Timperley, was a paid Chinese propagandist. The Germans want Nanking to have been a second Holocaust, but not by them. They have made six movies about it featuring good Germans and many Europeans who saw the aftermath. Their final numbers justify a death count of about 26,000, most of them Chinese sol- diers killed in battle or shot when they were caught out of uniform. Burial squads report that only 1.2 percent of the 26,000 people they buried were women or children. Bad as that is, comparison of Nanking to the premeditated mass murders in far greater numbers by Mao, Stalin, or Hitler is in bad taste. But it’s a great justification for a U.S. mass area bombing that killed 800,000 Japanese civilians. It’s also a great way for the modern Chinese to stir up opposi- tion to modern Japanese rearmament, which is supported by all Asians except the Chinese because the rest of Asia thinks we are about to flop on them or sell them out. Speaking of Hitler, does anybody remember the “Hitler Diaries”? These were supposedly rescued from a World War II plane crash in a cow pasture and preserved by a covert Hitler admirer until, in 1983, he brokered them to a couple other covert admirers, who sold them to “Der Stern,” a West German news magazine. The renowned British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper said, “I am now satisfied that the documents are authen- tic. . . and that the standard accounts of Hitler’s writing habits, of his personality and even, perhaps, of some public events, may in consequence have to be revised.” The West German historian Gerhard Weinberg, a German Jewish Holocaust fugitive who later returned to West Germany, said, “On balance, I am inclined to con- sider the material authentic.” But the 60 books of the diary offered the world a kinder, gentler Hitler who was never told about the Holocaust. This flunked the sanity test. Former West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who won the Iron Cross serving in an anti-aircraft battery with the Wehrmacht, said he thought the diaries were fakes. Incredibly, it was David Irving -- an Englishman dis- missed by leftists and liberals as a right-wing nut -- who said the diaries were forgeries. Irving was, as they say, “right” in both senses of the word. The pages had been aged with tea stains and the handwriting was not Hitler’s. The two crooks who forged the diaries got four years apiece in prison. Then both retired and did well on their notoriety. Conversely, I remember reading a French textbook some 50 years ago that reported: “France won the second world war with the help of her allies.” The South Korean textbooks say they could have beaten Japan without our help. Quite. America has also seen some wild departures from peer-reviewed history. The smoking pistol in the Ambrose version in “Undaunted Courage” is the one that killed Meriwether Lewis. Ambrose says the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition undoubtedly committed suicide due to depression brought on by heredity and by ingratitude. He cites Thomas Jefferson as accepting the suicide and that, as they say, is that. In fact, the majority of contempo- rary scholars understand that Lewis was almost certainly a murder victim. James Dillon, who wrote the best biogra- phy of Lewis in the 1960s, summed it up. “Was Meriwether Lewis murdered? Yes. Is there proof of his murder? No. The Burns version has Lewis (and Clark) in 1804 very much at odds with the Lakota -- the Sioux as the narra- tive calls them -- and portrays the tribe as powerful, scary, arrogant, sometimes obnoxious, and definitely treach- erous. Francis Parkman, who lived with the Lakota 40 years later described them as powerful and arrogant but also generous, honest, immensely hospitable, and reliable. Parkman was not unduly fond of Indians in general but he rated the “Sioux” as an exceptional people, not the scowl- ing villains Ambrose and Burns serve up. The biographer Dillon, who was not quoted in the documentary, leaves viewers with one fact: In 1811, Lewis got along so well with the Lakota that, when they were approached by British agents before the War if 1812, they remained committed to Lewis and to the United States. Had the Lakota fought for the British in 1812, the Ameri- cans would have done about as well as Custer did 50 years later. Among the people who wanted Lewis dead, the Brit- ish government deserves at least a nod. That, however, is conspiracy theory. The more prob- able criminal suspects include John Pernier, Lewis’s ser- vant; James Neelly, agent to the Chickasaw Indians; or the Grinder family, who operated a roadside inn where Lewis spent his last night – Oct. 10-11, 1811. Lewis owed Pernier money, and when Lewis was dead, Pernier helped himself to Lewis’s coat and, quite possibly, the $120 Lewis was known to have been carrying. Lewis was found with sixpence in his pocket. Pernier committed suicide with laudanum a year after Lewis died. Neelly, a sometime rival, supplied most accounts of Lewis’s despondency in the days before his death -- and helped himself to Lewis’ prize rifle and pistols. Neelly had worked as a subordinate of Lewis, and the Indians he supervised -- who respected Lewis -- asked for Neelly’s dismissal, which was granted. One version has Neelly get- ting Lewis drunk and then deliberately leaving so some- one else could do the dirty work while he had an alibi. The Grinders seem to have come into some money right after Lewis died, and moved soon afterwards. The Natchez Trace, the road where Lewis died, was a known haunt of road and river pirates. Significantly, expedition co-leader Willam Clark, a close friend who named his son after Lewis, first accepted Lewis as a suicide but later believed he was murdered. Vardis Fisher, who authored “Murder or Suicide: The Strange Death of Meriwether Lewis” in 1962, said almost nobody since the 19 th century accepted Lewis’ death as sui- cide. Dillon believed the killer or killers were anonymous rogues and that the name-brand suspects and the landlady simply failed to take good care of a friend, employer, or guest while he was in his cups. Nobody admits to seeing Lewis shoot himself once in the abdomen and once in the forehead. Mrs. Grinder heard the shots, but did not help until Lewis crawled out into the yard. The forehead and abdomen are odd targets for suicide, and Lewis had been around guns all his life and knew something of anatomy. Reports indicate he was also heavily slashed with a knife or straight razor. There was no formal autopsy and nobody who was not a suspect ever saw the body. Requests for a modern autopsy by James Starrs, a retired professor at George Washington University have been approved by Lewis’ collateral relatives -- and rejected by the National Park Service. Ambrose mentioned Pernier, but never questioned his conduct. He also mentioned Neelly as being off looking for a lost horse when Lewis was killed -- and beyond sus- picion. The disappearance of Lewis’ personal property was not mentioned. The possibility of murder was brushed off with no discussion of the odd facts of the “suicide.” But besides Lewis -- a real hero for most of his life as Ambrose says -- the other hero of all of Ambrose’s books is “the American people” and their great leaders, which is why his books are so popular. Ambrose dismissed the allegation that Jefferson kept a black slave girl as his mistress. DNA has since proven that Sally Hemings’ children were fathered by Thomas Jeffer- son or his brother -- and the brother wasn’t around when the children were conceived. Ambrose dismissed George Armstrong Custer’s affair with a captive Cheyenne girl named Monasetah as a rumor. Read Custer in “My Life on the Plains” or Elizabeth Custer in “Following the Guidon,” or the account by Monasetah’s aunt, which is explicit. That rumor also appears to have been a fact. These parts of Jefferson’s and Custer’s lives would not have played well with Ambrose’s perceived Middle Amer- ican audience. The idea that a great and worthy Ameri- can like Lewis could have been murdered by “common man” types -- anonymous thieves, a greedy servant, a crooked Indian agent, or a frontier couple running a road- side tavern -- reflects badly on the population as a whole. Ask a “Sioux” about Indian agents or about stalwart fron- tier families of the early 19 th century. Those who ask will get a view of history that is a little different from that of Ambrose. Ho-Ho-Kus Jottings Club announces fundraiser The Contemporary Club of Ho-Ho-Kus is selling bags and hats sporting the Ho-Ho-Kus logo to benefit the club’s charities. The hats, available in adult and youth sizes, are $20 each. Totes are $40 each. The navy and white items may be purchased at BB Clover at 181 East Franklin Turn- pike in Ho-Ho-Kus. Summer hours at borough hall During the summer months, hours at Ho-Ho-Kus Bor- ough Hall will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Hours will remain 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. Cub Scouts welcome new members Registration for the 2013-14 Ho-Ho-Kus Cub Scout pro- gram is in progress. Boys who will be entering grades one through four are invited to join. Scout programs foster lead- ership, confidence, and character as participants embark on a variety of adventures. For a registration form, or more information, contact Michael Holt at mjholt9@gmail.com. VFW welcomes new members The Ho-Ho-Kus VFW Post 192, which serves Ho-Ho- Kus and Ridgewood, welcomes new members. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home, 620 Cliff Street, Ho-Ho-Kus. For additional information, call (201) 675-7669. Memorabilia sought Area residents are asked to provide photos, newspa- per clippings, post cards, maps, aerial photos, and simi- lar items featuring the area surrounding VFW Post 192 on Cliff Street and the Hopper-Zabriskie Cemetery on First Street in Ho-Ho-Kus, prior to 1966. These items will be used for a local history project. All materials will be returned after scanning and copying. Contact Stanley Kober at (201) 445-1121. Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • July 31, 2013 Housing crisis affects family in ‘The Conjuring’ Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) examine unexplained occurrences in a newly purchased house in ‘The Conjuring.’ by Dennis Seuling “The Conjuring” is based on a true story, specifically a case investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), parapsychologists who made a career of examining and finding reasons for otherwise unexplainable occurrences. They have also participated in exorcisms. Carolyn and Roger Perron (Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston) have just moved into a new house with their five daughters. Initially thrilled with their large home, they gradually dis- cover that all is not right with it. Creepy noises abound, a series of bruises appear on Carolyn with no apparent cause, one of the daughters has conversations with a new, unseen “friend,” and birds dive, kamikaze-like, into the windows and walls. Concerned for the safety of their family, the Per- rons seek out the Warrens, pleading with them to visit the house and see for themselves what is happening. The Warrens sense an evil presence and agree to help Carolyn and Roger clean house. With their assistant Drew (Shannon Kook), and loads of cameras, microphones, tape recorders, and movement-sensors, they stake out the numerous rooms of the house. It doesn’t take long for ever more dramatic incidents to transpire. Does the plot so far sound suspiciously like “Polter- geist”? It is. The film is essentially a haunted house tale given an interesting spin by its basis in fact. The tendency of a viewer, even a fan of horror, is to be skeptical until a movie establishes suspension of disbelief. This never quite happens in “The Conjuring,” but direc- tor James Wan definitely knows how to build suspense and take his time developing tension. The Perrons are a normal family -- no wife beaters, ax murderers, or telekinetic kids among them -- so viewers can identify with them fairly quickly as Wan unfolds the beginning of what turns out to be an unforeseeable living nightmare. The fact that there are so many children in the household amps the stakes. Is the house possessed or are dark forces targeting this family in particular? Often, a haunted house film is greeted with the apt criticism, “Why don’t they just leave?” This question is addressed in one exchange of dialogue. Roger tells the War- rens that the family does not have the financial resources to go to a hotel and, when asked if they could stay with friends, asks, “Who’s going to take in a family of seven indefinitely?” The two female leads provide standout performances. Taylor’s Carolyn is a caring mother with a great relation- ship with her kids and husband. As incidents and danger within the home escalate, she seems to be especially sin- gled out by whatever is tormenting the house and family. She morphs from protector to victim and vividly projects the abject terror she feels. Farmiga, so excellent as the crazed mother on TV’s “Bates Motel,” turns in the kind of nuanced performance seldom seen in horror movies. Her Lorraine is intelligent, devout, and dedicated to helping others. Her clairvoyant ability makes her a valuable colleague for Ed, but the work has taken its toll in the past and the current case promises to be one of the most dangerous of their careers. As horror films go, “The Conjuring” depends more on psychological terror and growing tension than monsters, gore, and gross-out images. The story commands full attention and envelops viewers in its carefully woven web of eeriness, the other worldly, and human vulnerability as it builds to a climax, at which point director Wan pulls out the stops to shock the audience with startling images and the characters’ reactions. Despite a climactic scene that con- tradicts rules established earlier, the movie is a powerful exploration of the supernatural. Rated R for some violent scenes, “The Conjuring” is the latest in the creepy old house sub-genre of horror films, without many of the clichés. There is no ominous stranger warning the family away, nothing trapping the family within the house, no monsters, and no last-minute natural explanation of seemingly supernatural events. Instead, this is a thoughtful picture with solid characters who act intel- ligently despite encroaching terror. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • Page 17 ‘Lord of the Flies’ depicts the original ‘lost boys’ by Dennis Seuling “Lord of the Flies” (The Criterion Col- lection) is Peter Brook’s adaptation of the William Golding novel, a staple of high school English classes. The film is the first of two big-screen versions, this one in black and white. A color version was made in 1990, but the Brook version is defini- tive. A plane crashes near a deserted island and all the adults die. A group of English schoolboys, ages 10 to 12, survive and hope to be rescued. They establish a make- shift but initially workable government that soon degenerates into anarchy. Tribal strife occurs based on class differences and a power play ensues as the boys evolve from decent kids to savage survivalists. Director Brook strived for a documen- tary look and selected for his cast mostly British boys who had grown up with structure, parental guidance, and societal law to reflect the characters in Golding’s novel. On location without parents, the boys loosened up. A lot of the action was improvised. The film metaphorically illustrates what happens when civilization breaks down and man’s true nature is revealed. Because the boys are stranded in a tropi- cal paradise, they have plenty to eat, fresh water, and a temperate climate, so the dis- Piggy (Hugh Edwards) and Ralph (James Aubrey) are among a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island in ‘Lord of the Flies.’ solution of morality is planted squarely on human flaws and frailty and the lack of moral leadership rather than solely on environment. The Blu-ray edition contains audio commentary by Brook, audio recordings of Golding reading from his novel, a 2008 interview with Brook, never-before-seen footage, and a booklet featuring a critical essay. “The Bronte Sisters” (Cohen Media Group) is a bio-drama nominated for the top prize, the Palme d’Or, at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival. Director and co- writer Andre Techine achieves an authen- tic depiction of the bleak, lonely existence of the Victorian-era Bronte sisters, Emily (Isabelle Adjani), Charlotte (Marie-France Pisier), and Anne (Isabelle Huppert). The young women live in a Yorkshire village under the stern eye of their minister father (Patrick Magee, “A Clockwork Orange”), and also must deal with their troubled, opium-addicted brother, Bramwell (Pascal Gregory). While all four siblings have artis- tic ambitions, their dreams are thwarted by romantic disappointments and tragic ill- ness. However, against all obstacles and using pseudonyms, the sisters publish their poetry and novels. Through beautiful cinematography and highly atmospheric music by Philippe Sarde, Techine contrasts the sisters’ hum- drum lives with the wildly romantic fantasies they created in such novels as “Wuthering Heights” and “Jane Eyre.” Blu- ray extras include a 60-minute documen- tary featurette and audio commentary. The film is in French with English subtitles. “Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Fourth Season” (Paramount Home Enter- tainment), new on Blu-ray, offers deeper character development than earlier sea- sons, making this season one of the best. The six-disc set contains all 26 episodes, beginning with the Season 3 cliffhanger, “The Best of Both Worlds (Part 2),” an exciting episode in which Riker (Jonathan Frakes) is promoted to captain and com- mands a fleet of starships to confront the Borg. Filled with neat visual effects, rous- ing music, phaser fights, and outer space (continued on Crossword page) Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • July 31, 2013 DVD releases (continued from Restaurant page) battles, this installment often looks more like a big-screen motion picture than a TV show. Other notable episodes include the “Manchurian Can- didate”-inspired “The Mind’s Eye;” the comedy-laced “Data’s Day;” and the creepy “Night Terrors,” in which the Enterprise crew finds the missing starship Brittain and discovers that the crew members murdered each other. Special features include the multi-part documen- tary, “Relativity: The Family Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation,” a gag reel, deleted scenes, archival mission logs, and audio commentary on two episodes. “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (Paramount Home Entertain- ment) finds the G.I. Joes successfully fighting terrorist forces around the world. Led by Duke (Channing Tatum), the team emerges from many of its battles unscathed. The team, however, is betrayed by the government, and Snake Eyes (Ray Park) is framed for the death of the Pakistani president. After an intense attack on the G.I. Joes, the surviving soldiers -- Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Jaye (Adrianne Palicki), and Flint (D.J. Cotrona) -- must find out who has betrayed them and retaliate for the murder of their comrades. Their investigation leads them all the way up to the president of the United States (Jonathan Pryce). Based on a series of toys, the film is more a living comic book than a feature picture, with action abound- ing, muscled heroes proliferating, and a streamlined plot geared to discourage too much thought. It seems aware of its own silliness and geared to 10-year-old boys or anyone who values mayhem over plot. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack contains behind-the-scenes featurettes and director and producer commentary. “The Demented” (Anchor Bay) follows six college friends meeting for a carefree weekend in a beautiful home in Louisiana. A terrorist missile attack on the Gulf Coast infects many of the townspeople with a deadly virus that induces rabies-like symptoms with devastat- ing consequences. The area is quarantined as the mad- ness spreads. Ravenous and fast-moving, the infected, rage-crazed townspeople turn their sights on the vacation home where the friends are now barricaded. Despite a slow opening geared to offer some background, the main characters are hardly engaging, largely because the actors are wooden. With so many zombie films being turned out, a director should put a unique stamp on his, but Chris- topher Roosevelt, who also wrote the screenplay, resorts to one cliché after another, though he does know how to handle the action and gore sequences. There are no extras on this film, which is available in both Blu-ray and DVD formats. July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • Page 19 �������������������������� 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. Some fol- lowing pref. 201-747-1496 Pharmacy Technician - certified for full time position in busy Bergen County location. Must have minimum 2 years retail experience. Require great customer service skills. 401 K, benefits. Send resume to dmiller@ millerspharmacy.com SITUATION WANTED SERVICE MART ACCOUNTING ELECTRICAL Accounting, bookkeeping, payroll. Exp’d, reasonably priced. 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SAME DAY SERVICE 201-447-5887 continued on next page Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES CLASSIFIED RELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS (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. PD RELIGIOUS Prayer to St. Jude cont. from preceding page Prayer to the Blessed Virgin III & IV • July 31, 2013 Prayer to St. Clare 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. Thank you, St. Jude. RDS 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. mr 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. js 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 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. jc 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 AUTOS WANTED 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. ts 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. kr CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! PayMAX pays the MAX! One call gets you a TOP DOLLAR offer! 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Get a Job! No Strips $22 Computer Needed. Free By Mail Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 21 Allendale Notebook Chamber plans meeting The Allendale Chamber of Commerce will host a dinner meeting on Aug. 13. The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be held at the corporate office of Terrie O’Connor Realtors, 300 G Lake Street in Ramsey. RSVP to Adrienne Tenbekjian at jumbleiah2@aol.com. School announces new program Archer Cooperative Nursery School recently announces its new program for two-year-olds. The class will meet two days a week from 9 to 11 a.m. Children will learn, play, and socialize in a safe environment with a small class size. Archer already offers programs for young children, including Mommy & Me, which is open to children eight months to two years and their caregivers. The preschool classes have adopted the High Scope Curriculum and a Lunch Bunch option, which extends the school day, is available. The kindergarten enrichment program is open to chil- dren enrolled in a half-day kindergarten in surrounding towns. The program is taught by a certified teacher and centers around the StarFall curriculum and includes liter- acy, math, creative art, science, and technology. The school is located at 37 East Allendale Avenue in Allendale. For more information, contact Tiffany Notaro at (201) 327-6016 or archerns@verizon.net or visit www. archernurseryschool.com. ‘Henry V’ to be performed “Henry V” will be performed on Friday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. The play, which is being presented by the Lee Memorial Library, will be performed in the lobby of the Atrium at the Allendale Center for Mature Living, 85 Harreton Road in Allendale. This live performance by the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey’s Next Stage eNSemble concerns the coming of age story of a new king and his nation. The young and inexperienced Henry of England, threatened by rebellious nobles and the military might of France, leads a ragtag band of soldiers in a desperate attempt to save his throne and consolidate his power. Shakespeare’s play is a stirring commentary on patriotism, courage, and the qualities that make a great leader and nation. This performance is made possible by the David J. Brusco Memorial through the Allendale Library. The public is invited, and a reception will follow. For more information, call (201) 327-4338. Church announces events On Aug. 25, the members of First Presbyterian Church will join Highlands Presbyterian Church of Allendale for a joint service and picnic at Crestwood Lake, 360 West Cres- cent Avenue in Allendale. The service will begin at 10 a.m. and the picnic will follow. Community invited to activities at Fell House The John Fell House, located at 475 Franklin Avenue in Allendale, will host several events over the coming months. A John Fell House Summer Night will be held at the Allendale Bar & Grill on Aug. 26. Members of the com- munity are invited to enjoy a meal with friends and family at AB&G, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the John Fell House. The John Fell House will host “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Aug. 10. The Saddle River Youth Theater will perform on the Great Lawn at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tick- ets are $14 each for general admission. There will be lim- ited chair seating available. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a little Shakespeare in the Park right in Allendale. To order tickets, contact the SRYT at (201) 825-8805 or srytheater@aol.com. The next John Fell House Afternoon Tea will be held Sept. 10 from noon to 2:30 p.m. All Afternoon Teas are held in the historic John Fell House in the tradition of Lady Anna Maria Russell Stanhope, Duchess of Bedford. The Duchess, a life-long friend of Queen Victoria, is credited with evolving the Afternoon Tea from a simple meal to the social event of the day. The September tea will include a luncheon of tea sand- wich towers and scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a decadent dessert all prepared by the Passport Café of West Milford. To RSVP, contact Theresa Salameno at (201) 825-2840 or Linda Schropp at lschropp@optonline.net. A check for $45 made out to Concerned Citizens of Allendale will hold a reservation and is non-refundable. Additional upcoming dates include Oct. 5 and the Annual Holiday Tea on Dec. 6, when the Fell House will be beautifully deco- rated for the holidays. The John Fell House is owned, operated, and maintained by the Concerned Citizens of Allendale, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the preservation of the John Fell House as a self-sustaining community center through grants, fund- raisers, and private donations. For more information about these events, or anything related to the John Fell House and the CCA, e-mail Susanne Lovisolo at TheFellHouse@gmail.com. VBS features ‘Operation Overboard’ The First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey and Highlands Presbyterian Church of Allendale invite children from age three through fifth grade to Vacation Bible School, which will be held Aug. 19 through 23. Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God will meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon at First Presbyterian Church located at 15 Shuart Lane in Ramsey. Participants will explore and experience God’s underwater universe. Adventures will include regu- lar Deep Sea Voyages into Bible fun and creative crafts, hands-on mission work, water science, and great music. The cost to attend is $20 per child. To register, call Meg at (201) 327-3879. Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • July 31, 2013 Nine ways to improve indoor air quality own domain. Often, people do not realize how polluted the air in their homes and businesses can be. Cigarette smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, lead-laden dust from old paint, dirt-filled carpets, household cleaners, and furniture made with wood glue containing formaldehyde are all sources of indoor air pollution. Even cooking on a gas stove may introduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide into the air, causing respiratory problems. The National Safety Council says that Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so poor air quality can greatly affect personal health. There are several steps that can be taken to improve the quality of indoor air. • Open the windows and let fresh air circulate. It is important to change the air inside of the home several times a day to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Even opening windows a crack can help. • Change the filters on home heating and cooling sys- In April 2012, a wildfire broke out in a compost pile in an area on Staten Island, New York, that formerly housed the Fresh Kills Landfill. Residents across the island wor- ried if the billowing smoke rising into the sky was toxic in nature as a result of the years of trash that had been buried in the soil. While it is understandable to worry about contami- nants that could be polluting outdoor air, it is also impor- tant to consider indoor air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air inside people’s homes can be two to five times more polluted than air outside the home. Although the EPA regulates the quality of outdoor air and monitors poten- tial contaminants, the air inside one’s home is his or her tems as the manufacturer suggests. • Routinely clean the exhaust vents in kitchens, bath- rooms, and laundry rooms. • Consider the installation of an air purification system in the home. Or purchase in-room HEPA filters. • Routinely clean bedding used by pets and groom animals to remove fur that has been shed. • Avoid the use of toxic cleaning products. Thor- oughly cleanse the air by opening windows after doing any cleaning. • Use natural pest control procedures inside when possible. • Introduce more houseplants, which naturally filter air. • Use detectors to test for radon and carbon monoxide in the home. If there are high levels present, go outside and investigate ways to identify the problem and remedy the situation. Bob Malgieri, tree and shrub care manager at Borst Landscape & Design in Allendale, recently received a cer- tificate of accomplishment in natural turf and landscape management from Rutgers University. Only a select few in the state are certified. Malgieri attended several different Rutgers University continuing education courses in order to receive this certi- fication. The courses were taken over a three-month period and included organic pest management and landscape turf, reducing pesticide impacts and exploring organic options for sports turf, and integrated pest management. Borst Landscape & Design is an award-winning, full- service landscape design/build firm specializing in large- scale residential and commercial projects throughout northern New Jersey. Founded in 1989, the company has received recognition from numerous national and industry organizations including the New Jersey Landscape Con- tractors Association, the Associated Landscape Contrac- tors of America, and Landscape Management magazine. Borst Landscape & Design is also the Grand Award winner of 40 th Annual Environmental Improvement Awards from PLANET (Professional Landcare Network). The landscaping firm focuses solely on “green” practices with Borst Organic ® . This private-label line of organic products for lawn, tree, and shrub care avoids synthetic fertilization and harsh chemicals. The holistic approach promotes opti- mum growing conditions and natural resistance to pests and diseases. For more information, visit www.borstland- scape.com or call (201) 785-9400. Bob Malgieri Malgieri earns honor from Rutgers July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • Page 23 Stay safe when using candles in the home Candles add aroma and ambiance to a home. Scented candles are just one compo- nent of the larger science of aromatherapy, which is an alternative treatment that uses scents to alleviate physical and psycho- logical disorders. Nurses and doctors at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston offer classes in aroma- therapy to deal with cancer and other ail- ments. Certain scents can make a person feel more alert, while others may reduce stress and relax a person. It is estimated that candles are used in seven out of 10 American households and that people annually spend around $2 bil- lion on candles, according to the National Candle Association. Candles can be used for aromatherapy or to make a room feel more cozy. People who are anticipating a weather event that may knock out electrical power also rely on candles as an alternative light source. Although using candles can lead to fires, the NCA reports that candle-related fires have dropped to their lowest level in roughly 10 years. Data shows candle fires dropped by nearly 50 percent between 2001 and 2010. That is due, in part, to the indus- try’s safety standards and consumer educa- tion efforts. According to a Home Candles Fires report issued by the National Fire Protec- tion Association, there were approximately campaign have been pivotal in reducing candle fires.” While candle fires tend to peak during the holiday season, when candles are an integral part of holiday decorating, candles are widely burned throughout the year, including during outdoor gatherings in the summer. To reduce the risk of fire when using candles, consider these guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. • Trim the wick to 1/4 inch each time before burning. Long wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, or flaring. • Use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be sturdy and heat-resistant. • Avoid drafts, vents, or air currents 9,600 accidental candle fires in 2010, the latest year for which figures are available, compared to a peak of 18,900 in 2001. The statistics are based on data reported by the federal government’s National Fire Incidence Reporting System and NFPA’s survey of fire departments. “We are extremely pleased that candle fires are continuing to drop,” said NCA executive vice president Carol Freysinger. “We believe there’s no question that the industry’s safety standards and educational that can cause rapid or uneven burning and excessive dripping. • Never leave a burning candle unat- tended. • Do not burn candles by or on anything that might catch fire. • Keep candles out of the reach of chil- dren and pets. • Follow the manufacturer’s recommen- dations on burn time and proper use. • Don't touch or move a burning candle or when wax is liquefied. • Discontinue burning a candle when just two inches of wax remain. • Always keep a candle within sight. • Extinguish all candles before bed or if you feel sleepy. Most candle fires occur in the bedroom. Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • July 31, 2013