Was it a ritual or a prank that led three Wayne teenagers to carry out an incident that involved a drive-by paintball shooting?

Norwood Terrace, situated near the Passaic River in Totowa, has small bungalows that were once used as summer homes. Since being coined "Midgetville" in publications such as Weird NJ, this street has gained unwanted notoriety resulting in constant harassment by those looking for dwellers less than five-feet in height.

Three Wayne teenagers are being charged as juveniles for the incident carried out on Aug. 16 that injured three people on Norwood Terrace, according to the Totowa Police Department. One was charged with aggravated assault and the other two were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.

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New principal works to implement changes

Stand up straight, walk in line, follow the rules and you’ll be fine; that’s one of the first impressions you will get when you enter the doors of Little Falls School No. 1.

As the district welcomes new principal Gary Borges, also seen with school opening this week are many other changes that have taken place during the summer. Apparent changes are all over School No. 1 with many more on the horizon.

"I hope to replicate the family oriented close knit feel of the community right within the school," said Borges.

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LFPD nearing 100 DWIs for 2008

The police force’s anti-driving while intoxicated (DWI) efforts have really been heating up this summer.

As of Aug. 27, the Little Falls Police’s DWI arrest count stands at about 90 since Jan. 1. The number does not include the latest cases, which have not been tabulated. The figure is soon expected to reach three digits and the department may break its all time annual record of 121 DWI arrests for 2000.

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Stassis to head district curriculum office

The school district has a newly created department called the Office of Curriculum and Instruction/Academic Programs for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year.

Implemented by Schools Superintendent Scott Rixford, the department will be led by former English as Second Language (ESL) instructor for the district Narin Stassis and will be located at Memorial Middle School.

"Although I have taught for 19 years within the district, I have had many varied experiences," said Stassis. "Besides teaching ESL and serving this very special group of students, I have had experience of teaching regular elementary education classes and college level as well."

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Soccer program continues to expand

With the onset of the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club (WPB&GC) soccer season underway, many changes to its program is resulting in a growth explosion.

"I expect to have more than 100 kids signed up this year," said Ceaser Nakhleh, in-town league soccer commissioner. "That’s a 15 percent increase from last year. Sam Yodice, who is our club’s president, along with the club’s board members have been very supportive of the program."

According to Nakhleh, some of the additions to the program this year entail having a professional soccer coach doing soccer clinics for the kids as well as clinics for the volunteer coaches.

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ABC aims to make market a yearly event

With the success of its ongoing marketplace, sponsored by the Little Falls Alliance for a Better Community (ABC), many from the community are looking to make the event an annual staple.

"At our recent meeting, Kevin Barry, Lorraine Agostinelli and I were discussing the possibility of having the farmer’s market become an annual event due to its well received first run," said Renea Hoyt, ABC member.

According to Hoyt, the idea to have a farmer’s market came about in late spring during an ABC meeting.

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Picnic, circus, fire drill on busy Totowa schedule

Summer is ending on a sizzling note with these happenings.

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the Borough Council approved an ordinance creating a new street: Cedar Court. The eastside road is on Riverview Drive near the namesake firehouse. The lane will serve some new homes in town, according to Totowa Mayor John Coiro.

"It’s a little cul-de-sac. There are eight houses. It’s not replacing anything that’s there," he said.

In other news, the arrangements for Sept. 14 Republican Club picnic at the Police Athletic League building have been proceeding well. The community unity bash features food, disc jockey and band music, and children’s entertainment, according to Councilman John Waryas.

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Ticket blitz unit hits area traffic arteries

On Aug. 29, the Passaic County Aggressive Driver Task Force (PCADTF) mobilized for its 29th campaign in nine years. A total of 79 officers from 26 jurisdictions issued 853 summonses; 106 of which on seat belt violations. The unit also made 12 arrests and impounded nine vehicles on various transgressions, according to Les Goldstein, Passaic County Officer of Highway Traffic Safety (PCOHTS) coordinator.

The PCADTF, since its September 1999 inception, has produced more than 25,000 citations and 230 apprehensions.

According to Goldstein, the task force fanned out on highways in Passaic County and parts of Bergen, Essex, and Morris Counties. The squad swept Routes 3, 21, 23, 46, and 208, and Interstates 80, 280, and 287, in addition to other roads. The Wayne, Little Falls, Totowa, and West Paterson police were among the departments turning out.

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Pascrell plans veterans fair

Those who have served their country can get some service from the government.

On Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) will be holding his 2008 Veterans Fair at Cedar Grove VFW Post 6255, 970 Pompton Ave. (Route 23 south). The forum will give information to former armed forces personnel about various issues. All veterans are invited and refreshments will be available, according to eighth congressional district sources.

The fair will feature a number of veteran’s organizations. The participants will include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. There will also be representatives from veterans health care and benefits providers.

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