September 25, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ho-Ho-Kus Municipalities explore shared service options by Jennifer Crusco Representatives from three local munic- ipalities, who did not wish to be identified, have approached Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli concerning pro- posals for shared service agreements. The outreach came after a state-level official stressed that New Jersey is encouraging municipalities to pursue interlocal service agreements that involve department merg- ers that will result in reduced costs and increased efficiency. Cirulli indicated that he had spoken with New Jersey Department of Commu- nity Affairs Director of Shared Services Nancy Malool. Malool was addressing a joint meeting of mayors and administra- tors from the 13 municipalities that belong to the Northwest Bergen Shared Services Group. In addition to Ho-Ho-Kus, that group includes Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Mahwah, Midland Park, Oak- land, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, and Wyckoff. In his recent report to the Ho-Ho-Kus Council, Cirulli said the director “spoke to us in no uncertain terms about the need to create new shared service agreements on an ongoing basis.” When he told Malool that Ho-Ho-Kus currently participates in 17 shared service agreements, the direc- tor clarified that the state is referring to department mergers. Cirulli further noted (continued on page 19) McKee selected for Jazz at Lincoln Center Workshop Through competitive auditions with high school students throughout the metro- politan area, William McKee of Ho-Ho-Kus was selected to participate in a high school- level jazz ensemble at Lincoln Center for 2013-14. The ensemble will participate in Sunday workshops and will benefit from master classes by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and other world- class artists. This new ensemble will also perform during the year. McKee, who plays the alto saxophone, is a freshman at Northern Highlands. He attri- butes his early musical successes to Ho- Ho-Kus Public School Instrumental Music Director Timothy Takagi, and wind instru- ment instructor Carolyn Talan of Hoboken. Now 15, McKee started to play the alto saxophone in fifth grade at the Ho-Ho- Kus Public School. Over his middle school years, he played in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band under the direction of Takagi. McKee won an Eighth Grade Instrumental Music Award and, in 2013, earned the position of first chair of the alto saxophone section for the 2013 NJAJE Regional Jazz Ensemble. William McKee