October 30, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES Letters to the Editor (continued from page 18) November. The record shows that both of these men have stepped up to the plate time after time, voiced their opinions on the major issues affecting Waldwick, and moved our town cau- tiously into the future. I have had the pleasure of working on the council with both of these men for the last several years, and I assure you that Waldwick is a cut above the rest because of their actions. I urge you to vote for Don Sciolaro and Greg Bjork this November and allow them to continue to make Waldwick the town everybody wants to call home. Andrew M. Brennecke, Councilman Waldwick Residents urged to vote ‘yes’ to continue open space program Dear Editor: We are writing to ask the voters in Waldwick to vote “yes” on the ballot question to authorize renewal of our local open space program. The program was initiated through this same process 10 years ago. Since it was a new concept, the referendum established a termination date, allowing us an opportunity to review its effectiveness and value. After careful review of the costs and benefits, the council unani- mously voted to place the question on the ballot once again and ask for renewal of this worthwhile program. The mayor and council reviewed the history and success of this program and decided it deserves to be continued for another 10 years. Money from this program has gone toward projects that we have funded and programs that have received grants from the county but require a local match- ing contribution. Some of the projects completed in recent years include: Veterans Park improvements, Ted Bell play- ground equipment, Emmett Park playground equipment, Borough Park playground and many more worthwhile proj- ects. Renewal of the open space program would cost the aver- age homeowner $20 a year for 10 years, at which time the renewal of the program would once again be considered by the council and the voters. However, I want to stress that this is a program that already exists and deserves to be con- tinued just as it is. So you will not see an increase in your property taxes as a result. For now, we urge you to vote “yes” on Election Day to renew this program. Donald Sciolaro, Councilman Waldwick (Note: This letter was endorsed by Waldwick Mayor Thomas Giordano and the entire borough council.) White’s Pond is a community investment Dear Editor: Waldwick citizens know there are countless benefits to living in our small, yet lively community. Waldwick has excellent schools, safe streets, and proximity to great res- taurants and amusements. However, our beloved White’s Pond is one asset that is not living up to its potential, and it is time to do something about that. Sediment is building up in White’s Pond, making it lose depth rapidly. If left untreated, the stagnant waters of White’s Pond will begin to damage the structures of the sur- rounding homes. The wildlife that calls White’s Pond home III • Page 19 Saddle River Valley Notes is becoming scarce. The odors created from the stagnant water are aggravating allergies and creating a haven for disease carrying mosquitoes. If action is not taken in two or three years, there will be no way to reverse the damage, and we will be left with nothing but a swampland. White’s Pond should not be a dangerous eyesore; it should be a destination for residents of the community and the surrounding towns. Yes, dredging the pond is expensive – but it is an invaluable investment in our community. A healthy pond will provide a convenient place for Waldwick High School science students to go and learn about nature in a hands-on fashion. It will provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with local access to boating, fishing, and kaya- king, not to mention a picturesque place to walk and jog. Even if none of this sounds appealing, a healthy White’s Pond will make Waldwick even more desirable - an invest- ment in Waldwick’s community pond is an investment in every home in Waldwick. Tom Johnson Liberty 100 Realty Waldwick Endorses Verducci for BOE Dear Editor: We are writing in support of Dr. David C. Verducci in his efforts to become a trustee in the Upper Saddle River Board of Education. Having children in Upper Saddle River schools and as a veteran teacher, we think Dr. Verducci deserves our votes. Dr. Verducci has a long and distin- guished career in education, including 38 years of service as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and superintendent of schools. We believe in his philosophy of education, “Every child. Every chance. Every day.” This truly defines him as an educator. His 10-year residency in Upper Saddle River has given him the chance to understand the needs of our district. His experience, education, and enthusiasm will be assets to our board of education. Please support quality schools for our children by voting to elect Dr. David C. Verducci on Nov. 5. Thank you. The Chiu Family Upper Saddle River Voting for Sciolaro and Bjork Dear Editor: As the Mayor of Waldwick, I am asking you, my friends, for your support in re-electing to town council Don Scio- laro and Greg Bjork. Both Don and Greg are dedicated people who have the best interests of Waldwick always on their minds. They have dedicated themselves to making sure that the resi- dents of Waldwick have a community of which they can be proud. Don and Greg are always thinking of new ways to keep taxes down without giving up services to the residents. They always look for new ideas to make Waldwick move into the future stronger than ever. They will continue when re-elected to serve the residents of Waldwick with strong, steady leadership. So on Nov. 5, please go to the polls and vote for my friends Don Sciolaro and Greg Bjork. Together, we will all continue to serve you, our residents, with hard work, dedi- cation, and an eye always on Waldwick’s future. Tom Giordano, Mayor Waldwick Margaret Williams to speak Rockland County (New York) author Margaret Wil- liams will be the guest speaker at the Senior Group of the Church of the Presentation’s Nov. 5 meeting. Adults age 55+ are invited to gather at 9:45 a.m. in the Community Room of the church located at 271 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. Williams will discuss her novel “Haverstraw.” The book is based on events in the Hudson River town that was once the brick making capital of the world. Williams has taught college classes in gerontology, and was awarded the Maxwell Anderson Prize for her short story “Cat’s Cradle.” Copies of “Haverstraw” will be available for purchase. For more information, call (201) 327-1313. Foundation announces new officers The Bishop House Foundation has announced its new slate of officers for the coming year. The new officers are: Ferne Lambert, president; Leslie Weiss, vice president; Linda Rea Vernooy, treasurer; Gail Atkinson, secretary; and Louise Simon, membership. The organization is the fundraising arm for the preser- vation, restoration, and maintenance of the Bishop House at 176 East Saddle River Road in Saddle River. Formed in 1990, the foundation, arranged a long-term lease of the house from the Borough of Saddle River. With the help of many volunteers and donations from private individuals, community organizations and local busi- nesses, much has been done since then to restore the house and a historic barn which was saved from demolition and moved onto the property. The house is currently used as a local meeting place and sponsors community events and other programs to serve the community and raise money for improvements and upkeep. For details, contact Linda Vernooy (201) 327-8567. Coat Drive announced The Saddle River Valley Junior Woman’s Club and the Upper Saddle River Girls Scouts have joined forces to collect gently-used, clean coats to benefit Jersey Cares. The drive will continue through Nov. 1. Local residents are asked to go through their closets and donate winter wear they no longer need. Coats may be dropped off in the box marked for donations at the Upper Saddle River Fire Department at 375 West Saddle River Road. This effort is Jersey Cares’ 18th Annual Coat Drive. This non-profit group plans to collect and distribute more than 40,000 winter coats to men, women, and children in need throughout New Jersey. Over the past 17 years, the organization has collected, sorted, and distributed more than 400,000 coats to New Jersey residents through this annual drive. This year, the Jersey Cares Coat Drive is proud to partner with The 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee and New York Cares to create The Super Community Coat Drive, the largest coat collection ever held in the tri-state area. Businesses, houses of worship, fire departments, police stations, schools, and other orga- nizations set up sites across the state to collect coats. For more information, call Lauren Brusco of SRVJWC at (201) 868-4499.