May 31, 2025

Community Voices

“Community Voices” is a platform dedicated to highlighting the forums, gatherings, and opportunities in our communities that encourage meaningful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and active participation. These spaces—whether town hall meetings, local discussion groups, school board sessions, or neighborhood forums—offer residents a chance to share their views, learn from each other, and collaborate on issues that matter most to them. By drawing attention to these opportunities, “Community Voices” aims to empower residents to engage, advocate, and shape the future of their communities through informed and open conversation.

Wedding bells: Castmates left to right Dan and Melissa Giordano, Tim and Megan Larsen, and BCP president Alyson Cohn and past president Larry Landsman all found each other on the Bergen County Players stage. Courtesy photos.

Love leaps off the page

February 16, 2025 Pascack Press

By Margie Druss FodorSpecial to Pascack Press PASCACK VALLEY—When Melissa Miller of Fort Lee heard that the Bergen County Players in Oradell was holding auditions for Ragtime, her favorite musical […]

The debate over natural sod versus artificial turf continues as Hillsdale officials weigh costs, environmental impact, and long-term maintenance for Memorial Field.

Synthetic turf vs. natural sod; Ruocco, Osso question costs

February 9, 2025 Michael Olohan

HILLSDALE—The borough engineer said he would provide estimates for both natural sod and the proposed artificial turf originally planned at Memorial Field as part of a formal presentation of a revised design concept for the site. […]

The Washington Elementary School community—and then some—gathered in a raucous and heartfelt show of support on Friday, Feb. 7, to celebrate the resilience and courage of 9-year-old Shane McCooe, affectionately known as “Shane the Brave.” John Snyder photo.

Cheers, chants, and a red carpet: ‘Shane the Brave,’ 9, honored at end-of-treatment clap out

February 7, 2025 John Snyder

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Washington Elementary School community—and then some—gathered in a raucous and heartfelt show of support on Friday, Feb. 7, to celebrate the resilience and courage of 9-year-old Shane […]

Mercer County Superior Court Judge Robert T. Lougy.

Motions to dismiss ‘Planning’ lawsuit delayed to May

February 7, 2025 Michael Olohan

MONTVALE—A Mercer County Superior Court judge postponed a decision on motions to dismiss Montvale’s legal challenge to the amended Fair Housing Act until early May. The decision, initially expected on […]

Harvard Researcher Eric Johnson sifts dirt excavated at a site, searching for remnants of production debris from Campbell’s Wampum Mill, which existed near the Electric Lake area.

Noms open for county historic preservation awards

February 1, 2025 John Snyder

HACKENSACK—The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards, honoring exceptional efforts in preserving the county’s vital, rich history. Since […]

Exhibit by local photographer John Mancuso through Feb. 28.

January 29, 2025 Northern Valley Press

DEMAREST—The Demarest Free Public Library is featuring Recent Travel Photographs, an exhibit by local photographer John Mancuso, through Feb. 28. Mancuso’s exhibit showcases photographs from his travels to Tuscany, Sicily, […]

Bergen County’s new superintendent of schools, Patrick Fletcher, speaks at the League of Women Voters of Northern Valley meeting on Jan. 9 at the Westwood Community Center. John Snyder photo.

Bergen County Superintendent of Schools on Civics, School Funding

January 16, 2025 John Snyder

WESTWOOD—Nearly three dozen parents, grandparents, educators, and past and current officials from the Pascack and Northern Valley areas gathered at the Westwood Community Center on Jan. 9 to hear from […]

With the support of his wife, Alissa, and their children, Kristian and Hannah, and many friends old and new — here, the first major DBF fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus in Washington Township — Dennis Burke has embraced his journey with resilience, dignity, and humor. Credit: Mary Evans.

Have friends, will triumph

January 16, 2025 Staff

HILLSDALE—When Dennis Burke was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in June 2023, he faced not only the profound challenges posed by the disease but also the many daunting emotional […]

U.S. Marine Sgt. Chris Hrbek, a Westwood volunteer firefighter, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Jan. 14, 2010. He was 25.

A mayor reflects on sacrifice, community, and history

January 13, 2025 Pascack Press

Ahead of the Jan. 19 memorial service on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Marine Sgt. Chris Hrbek’s death, Mayor Ray Arroyo has asked us to reprint these remarks […]

Martha Urbiel on her and Westwood library’s next chapter

January 2, 2025 Pascack Press

Dear Library Friends. Today, New Year’s Eve 2024, I am especially thoughtful of the last 18 years, my time here as the library director in Westwood. As you may already […]

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