Community Service Awards - Teaneck Chamber of Commerce

14th Annual
Community Service Awards
Honoring
Public Service:
Auxiliary Police Sgt. Gladis Lizardi, Police Dept.
Firefighter Robert Cammarano, Fire Dept.
Glenna Crockett, DPW • David Barach, TVAC
Scott Pleasants
Teaneck’s Military Veterans
Lizette Parker
Woman of the Year
Nancy Edelman
Educator
Beverly Withers
Cultural Arts
Jeremy Lentz
Man of the Year
Chopstix
Business of the Year
Dr. Benjamin Rosenbluth
Healer of the Year
Yasmeen Al-Shehab
Community Service
Rochelle Shoretz  James Smith
Presidential Awards

October 29, 2015
Marriott - Glenpointe
Teaneck, NJ
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PO Box 224
Teaneck, New Jersey 07666
Tel: (201) 801-0012
Fax: (201) 907-0870
www.teaneckchamber.org
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
Each year I am amazed of some of the folks that I do know that are being honored, to find that
there is a whole other side, their involvements outside of what I would naturally associate with them,
their interests, their passions. One thing I found from all my years living in Teaneck, and it is
probably the same in any other smaller community, except here is where I had chosen to make my
home, where I conduct my business, where I volunteer and get involved and boy what a difference it
makes, and what a difference you can make as well.
Being part of Teaneck is a thrill. You participate in a 4th of July Parade that is yours! The Memorial
Day Street Fair on Cedar Lane is yours1 First remembering those that have served followed by strolling
the Lane in the sun, the vendors, the different displays, games for kids, folks walking their dogs, kids
having fun, seniors out and about, meeting neighbors, greeting neighbors, a day spent safely at home
and off the roads, in Teaneck and supporting our community. National Night Out. Our police
department really goes out of their way for our community providing fun and entertainment for the
whole family, right at home. We have the states largest historical society right in our back yard as
well as a historical site that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. We have an
International Film Festival that has grown and became well known in film festival circles. We have
wonderful educators, doctors, in terms of culture, we probably have a who’s who right here in Teaneck
alone. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Our Community Service Awards Dinner is a way for us to bring business, government and community
together, what a coincidence as that is the tag line that goes together with our new logo unveiled
earlier this year.
With the holidays approaching, please consider doing as much of your shopping as possible with our
local merchants for it is they that help our community in a variety of ways and it is this money that
comes back to our community in a variety of ways.
Thanks to my fellow officers and board members: Jenny, Yolanda, Handan, Tamarha, Allen, Patrick, Joel,
Grace, Garry, Liz and Fernando. And thanks to you for sharing your evening with us.
With best wishes,
Larry Bauer
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;
working together is success. -Henry Ford
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The Teaneck Chamber Of Commerce
Would Like To Thank:
National Anthem
Ja’Neil Humphrey
Our Sponsors
Five Star Premier Residences of Teaneck
Torah Academy of Bergen County

Signage
Kunath Sign Co.

Photographers
Ray Turkin
Janet Joyner

Kosher Meals
Ma’adan

Media Sponsor
The Jewish Link of New Jersey
& The Jewish Voice and Opinion

DJ
Robert Jones

Additional thanks
Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe
and
You
For joining us to make this a most memorable evening
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;
working together is success.
Henry Ford
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Teaneck Chamber of Commerce
2015
Larry Bauer
Bauer Printing Company
PRESIDENT
Jennifer Glass
Credit Cards, NJ
VICE-PRESIDENT
Yolanda Andrews
Five Star Premier Residences of Teaneck
SECRETARY
Handan Koch
Oritani Bank - Teaneck
TREASURER

Tamarha Ellerbe
Homewatch CareGivers
Allen Ezrapour
Citibank - AVP, Area Business Manager
Patrick Finnegan
Holy Name Medical Center-Gift Shop
Joel Goldin
Heritage Pointe of Teaneck
Grace Ramsey
Bogota Savings Bank
Garry Salomon
Davis, Saperstein & Salomon PC
Liz Santos
Residential Home Funding Corp.
Fernando Sosa
HaonTech.com LLC
Mohammed Hameeduddin
Council Liason
Web-Site
www.teaneckchamber.org
info@teaneckchamber.org
www.facebook.com/teaneckcoc
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Facebook
Teaneck Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
The founders of the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce were aware that
an organization of this type is only as strong as the combined voice of
its members. To maximize the Chamber’s influence, we actively seek
the participation of every potential member, business owner,
professional, services, non-profits and home based business. As well
as reach out to the Township and community at large.
The Teaneck Chamber of Commerce are the eyes, the ears and the
voice of Teaneck’s business, professional and industrial community.
Purpose
To represent the business community of Teaneck in an ongoing effort
to maintain and expand the business environment.
To act for and on behalf of the business community of Teaneck
municipal affairs representing the common interests of the business
people in Teaneck.
To favor legislation that is in the best interest of the business
community at the municipal, county, state and national levels and to
oppose legislation that is not.
To take whatever steps are deemed necessary to portray Teaneck as
an attractive community that serves the needs of the business
community as well as it’s residents.
To organize and sponsor events or promotions to benefit the various
businesses, not-for-profit community organizations and professions
in Teaneck and to give new businesses the opportunity to establish
relationships with colleagues in the community.
To welcome new residents to Teaneck and to acquaint them with the
business and professional advantages of their new community and to
help ease their transition into the community.
To promote integrity and good faith, just and equitable principles in
business and professional activity and to acquire, preserve and
distribute civic, social, commercial and economic statistics and
information of value on behalf of the Teaneck business and
professional community.
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Community Service Awards Dinner
October 29, 2015
Marriott - Glenpointe • Teaneck, New Jersey
As a courtesy to our honorees and guests, kindly turn off all cell phones, refrain from making or
receiving calls in the ballroom while the program is in session. Kindly avoid speaking or texting
(unless an emergency) while speeches or presentations are given. Thank-you
PROGRAM
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem
Scott Pleasants, Teaneck’s Military Veterans
Invocation
Introductory Remarks
Sponsor Acknowledgments
Presidential Awards
Rochelle Shoretz  James Smith
DINNER
Awards Presentation
Auxiliary Police Sgt. Gladis Lizardi, Police Dept.
Firefighter Robert Cammarano, Fire Dept.
Glenna Crockett, DPW
David Barach, TVAC
Yasmeen Al-Shehab, Community Achievement
Dr. Benjamin Rosenbluth, Healer of the Year
Beverly Withers, Cultural Arts
Nancy Edelman, Educator
Chopstix, Business of the Year
Jeremy Lentz, Man of the Year
Lizette Parker, Woman of the Year
CONCLUSION
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Auxiliary Police Sgt. Gladis Lizardi
Teaneck Police Department
Gladis Lizardi is a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt
and grandmother. Born in the Bronx to American parents of
Puerto Rican and Italian descent, she received her
Associates Degree in Business Administration from Baruch
College. Shortly after that, the family moved to Teaneck,
New Jersey where she has been a resident for over 40
years.
For the last ten years, Gladis has worked as a manager in
the accounting and collection department of a prestigious
physician billing service. Prior to that, she was the principal
accountant in The Food Emporium franchise in New York
City. A goal oriented person, she always maintains a
disciplined work ethic. A reliable co-worker and friend, she
often works overtime to accomplish her tasks.
Gladis is a parishioner at Saint Anastasia’s Roman Catholic Church where she
donates clothes, time, and food for the many fund drives and organizations. She
participates annually in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The American Cancer
Society George Washington Bridge Challenge. Gladis volunteered in a nursing
home for two years, talking to and feeding Alzheimer’s patients. Always willing to
help, and trained in CPR, she helped a senior citizen recover from a near choking
death by using the Heimlich maneuver.
Gladis considers the needs of others before her own and feels great pride and
fulfillment when she helps others. She generously uses her time to serve the public.
As an advocate for her community, she has served in many leadership roles such as
Treasurer for her neighborhood committee, cheerleading coach, and a teacher of
Tae Kwon Do to teen girls and women. Gladis was a Girl Scout leader for over
eight years, where she received several awards recognizing her service. She
volunteers weekly at the START II animal rescue shelter.
In 2002, Gladis joined the Auxiliary Police program in order to serve and protect
her neighborhood and the residents of Teaneck. Her enthusiasm and reliability
make her a standout representative of the Teaneck Police Department. Due to her
moral character, conduct and behavior, she was promoted to her current position of
Auxiliary Police Sergeant. 
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Robert A. Carney, Chief of Police
To Report an Emergency: 9-1-1
General Business: 201-837-2600
Detective Bureau: 201-837-2565
Community Policing: 201-837-8759
Juvenile Bureau:
201-833-0495
Crime Stoppers:
201-833-4222
Address: Police Headquarters
900 Teaneck Road • Teaneck, NJ 07666
For additional information, visit: http://www.teanecknj.gov
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Robert Cammarano
Firefighter, Retired, Teaneck Fire Department
The Teaneck Fire Department is proud to congratulate
retired Firefighter Robert Cammarano on receiving the
Chamber of Commerce award.
Firefighter Robert Cammarano retired from the Teaneck
Fire Department on February 1, 2015, after dedicating
25 years to the department.
Robert grew up in Teaneck, where he attended public
schools from Longfellow all the way through Teaneck
High School where he graduated in 1982. He joined the
Teaneck Fire Department in January 1990 at the age of 25. Robert’s parents
still reside in Teaneck in the house he grew up in.
Over the course of his career he has received a number of commendations and
was presented with a unit citation award for actions taken during an auto
extrication. He attended numerous training seminars and hands-on courses in
order to better himself throughout his career and stay current on firefighting
technique and safety protocol.
Most recently in January 2014, Robert showed extreme bravery and
camaraderie when he put himself in harm’s way when during a motor vehicle
accident in an ice storm, his Lieutenant and a civilian both fell onto the icy
roadway as another vehicle approached. Firefighter Cammarano dove to push
his Lieutenant and the civilian out from underneath the wheel path of the
oncoming car. While doing so, Cammarano sustained a broken finger and
bruised back, but his heroic actions prevented any injuries to the others
involved.
Robert continues to be a member of the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department
Company No. 1 since 1997, and has served as the treasurer since 2004.
Robert is married to Barbara and currently resides in Paramus with his wife and
son, Jesse. 
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Anthony Verley, Fire Chief
Phone: Non-emergency: 201-808-8080
To report a fire: 9-1-1 or 201-837-7783
Address:
Fire Headquarters
1231 Teaneck Road • Teaneck, NJ 07666
For additional information, visit: http://www.teanecknj.gov
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Glenna Crockett
Department of Public Works
Glenna Crockett, a Certified Park
and Recreation Professional and a
Certified Recreation Administrator,
has led the Teaneck Recreation
Department for the past 37 years.
Ms. Crockett graduated from
Montclair State College with a B.A.
Degree in Health and Physical
Education. After teaching in her home
town of Rutherford for two years, Ms
Crockett accepted the Recreation Supervisor position with the Township
of Teaneck under Richard Rodda, Teaneck’s first Superintendent of
Recreation.
Under Ms. Crockett’s stewardship the recreation department has grown
from 6 full time employees to 11, and 2 permanent part-time
employees with over 200 seasonal employees. The department has had
over 450 individual classes, activities, and camps for ages 18 months to
those over 90 at and for over 13,000 registered participants.
When not working, Ms. Crockett is very much involved with bowling. Her
love for the sport came into being when hired in 1978 as Teaneck’s
recreation supervisor, overseeing a four day a week bowling program.
In the years that ensued she has racked up a few 300 point perfect
games, national titles, state championships and in 2000 was inducted
into the Bergen County Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. 
While nominated by DPW, Glenna Crockett is the Superintendent of Recreation. Both departments work very
closely together.
DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS
Fran Wilson, Director
Phone: DPW (201) 837-1600, Ext. 1727
Recycling Information (201) 837-1600, Ext. 1946
Address:
Public Works
1600 River Road • Teaneck, NJ 07666
For additional information, visit: http://www.teanecknj.gov
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David Barach
Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC)
TVAC’s honoree, Life Member David Barach,
moved to Teaneck in 1998 with his wife Judy
and their five children. His interest in being a
first responder goes back many years. David
was a founding member and first captain of the
MERT (Medical Emergency Response Team) at
his AT&T location in Bedminster, NJ, and sought
out a similar volunteer activity in Teaneck,
joining TVAC in 2001. Since then, David has
balanced his volunteer activities at TVAC with
family, work, and community activities at his
synagogue, Congregation Beth Aaron.
David has been the Chairman of the TVAC Blood Drive Committee since 2002,
running the TVAC annual Memorial Blood Drive every October with an
occasional special blood drive in the spring. These blood drives have produced
well over 800 units of blood, treating illnesses and saving lives of Teaneck’s
residents in local hospitals. He strongly believes in giving of himself, both
figuratively and literally. Over his lifetime, he himself has donated well over
100 units of blood. The Memorial Blood Drive was established in 1995 in
memory of three TVAC Life Members who gave of themselves for the communal
good. That is a tradition that TVAC members continue to uphold, responding to
over 3000 emergency calls per year for Teaneck residents and visitors.
David is also the Chairman of one of the TVAC fundraising committees, bringing
in much needed funds to purchase ambulances and cover operating expenses.
As a volunteer organization, TVAC does not invoice for services, and is
dependent on contributions from the public and local businesses. Residents
never have to worry about receiving a bill from TVAC after they have been
treated or transported to the hospital in their hour of need.
David is a big believer in community service, which is what attracted him to the
Ambulance Corps in the first place. People must be themselves and know what
they believe in, but that’s not where it stops. In the words of the great Jewish
sage Hillel, who lived two thousand years ago, “If I am not for myself, who will
be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?” . 
TEANECK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS (TVAC)
Phone: (201) 837-2600 (This is the Teaneck Police Dept. phone
number. Simply ask for TVAC) - EMERGENCY call 9-1-1
For additional information, visit: http://www.teaneckvac.org/
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Scott Pleasants
Teaneck’s Military Veterans
Scott Pleasants honorably served our country as a
Sergeant in the United States Air Force. His service in
our armed forces assisted towards preserving our way
of life and protecting our liberties.
Scott is the son of a lifelong educator and career
social worker who served in the United States Army,
during World War II. He credits this union with
instilling the values that motivate him to further his
involvement with our military veterans and the youth in
the community. He would like to acknowledge all
members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and
National Guard. Also, his niece Letia Dash, (US Navy) and nephew Robert
Morris, (US Air Force). In addition, a special acknowledgement to his son
Michael, who has recently received his call to serve and is proudly on active
duty with our United States Navy.
Scott’s primary military service included supporting the USAF Strategic Air
Command’s, Civil Engineering Squadron, 384th Air Refueling Wing, and
maintaining two 12,000 feet runways. Within his four years of active duty, he
was recognized for several commendable accomplishments, including, citations
for Airman and Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter; Outstanding Unit
Award; Good Conduct Medal and various other awards. Upon his discharge
in 1987 he worked for Boeing Aircraft Company and shortly thereafter began
his career at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit.
Scott is presently a twenty six year transportation professional who brings
unique experience to his profession as a Senior Director at New York City
Transit. His responsibilities include supporting four major divisions operating 24
hours a day, with over 40,000 employees that have a hand in moving over 7
million people a day, with the largest train car fleet in the world.
Closer to home Scott is the father of two sons and two daughters, he has
devoted himself to ensuring his children understand the importance of
education, community and service. This dedication has led to various academic
accomplishments that include four Teaneck High School Diplomas and recent
degrees from Rutgers and Kean Universities.
Scott is also the recipient of the Bergen County Military Service Medal. He has
reached out in the community, advocating and volunteering on different
aspects. He served eight years as an advisor on the Teaneck Youth Advisory
Board and currently serves as a member of the Teaneck Patriotic Observance
Advisory Board. As a military veteran he hopes that his involvement in the
community will lead towards others understating the importance of serving,
patriotism and protecting the liberties that we all enjoy. 
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Lizette Parker
Woman of the Year
Lizette Parker is a dedicated public servant who distinguishes herself as a conscientious and
active community leader in Teaneck, NJ. She was first elected to the Teaneck Town Council in
May 2006. In May of 2010 and 2014 Parker was reelected to the Teaneck Township Council
with the honor of earning the most votes. Subsequently, May 2014 Parker garnered the
esteemed distinction of being the third female Mayor of Teaneck as well as the first AfricanAmerican female Mayor of Teaneck and Bergen County.
Mayor Parker has taken a special interest in making government more accessible to the
people, readily addressing the needs of the varied communities represented in Teaneck. A
positive role model and youth advocate, Parker’s hard work, and commitment to her community have earned her
the respect and confidence of her colleagues and constituents. She is known as a fair, approachable and actionoriented public servant working to foster a consensus to improve the efficiency of the Council as well as Teaneck.
As a councilwoman, her proudest accomplishment was the reestablishment of a Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
Parker noticed that the township had various boards that advised the council on multiple issues, but none that
addressed the needs of the township’s most precious residents, its youth. Mayor Parker continues to mentor
former YAB members into young adulthood.
Mayor Parker began her career in public service as a caseworker for the Bergen County Board of Social Services
where she has moved up the ranks; she currently serves as a Social Work Supervisor. Her duties include
managing an Emergency Assistance Unit that helps salvage and secure housing for public assistance recipients.
She has been employed by the board for 21 years.
Parker is the former chairperson of the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Organization. Under her leadership, the
organization delivered the largest democratic plurality in Bergen County, NJ, to elect the then Governor in
November 2005. She is also the former Secretary of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1089; she
held this position for six years. She is a current member of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1031.
The Mayor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Montclair State University, and a Master’s in Administrative
Science from Fairleigh Dickerson University. She is a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack.
Lizette Parker is also a member of various community-based organizations which include: the National
Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., National Coalition of One Hundred Black
Women Bergen/Passaic Chapter, Bergen County Branch of the NAACP, and the Bergen County Chapter of Mocha
Moms, Inc.
She has been recognized for her service by various community organizations and boards not limited to: Teaneck
Board of Education and PTSO Council and the Bergen County NAACP. She was the youngest recipient of the
National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., Sojourner Truth Award. In January
2013 Lizette received the Rev. Lee Reid Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance
Committee of Bergen County.
Mayor Parker’s leadership philosophy is described best by the words of Dr. Maya Angelou. “I've learned that
people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made
them feel." Her favorite scripture is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.
Lizette is married to Anthony and in May of 2014, they celebrated their 16th anniversary, they are the proud
parents of their daughter Alyssa Mariann Parker. Mayor Parker enjoys spending time with her family and
friends, especially her brother Timothy. She also loves to travel. 
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Nancy Edelman
Educator
More than any other award being considered by the
Chamber of Commerce, Educator of the Year seems
to me to be the most important – because the
primary definition of being an educator is not only to
be a great teacher, but to care deeply about the
educational path of each and every student that
comes into her classroom above all else. Nancy
Edelman possesses just that, a strong dedication to
her students, and unique ability to impart knowledge
and her love of learning to guide each of their
individual educational journeys in her classroom each
year. Nancy has been an English teacher for 23
years, and for 17 at Teaneck's Torah Academy of Bergen County, imparting a
strong knowledge of world literature and love of the arts to hundreds of young
men at all grade levels – teaching such courses as Introduction to
Literature; British and World Literature; American Literature, AP English Literature
and Composition, and Art Appreciation.
Nancy Edelman graduated from UCLA with a degree in English, and then
achieved her Masters’ Degree at Teachers College at Columbia University,
where she also studied interdisciplinary curriculum design. She has continued
her love of lifelong learning and professional development at Manhattan
College’s A.P. Summer Institute, the Roundabout Theatre’s Theatrical Teaching
Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art’s course in Connecting Collections:
Integrating Modern and Contemporary Art into the Classroom; and most
recently attended Bard College’s Writing and Thinking Institute. She serves as
the Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology, bringing many
instructional initiatives to TABC and has also enriched the curriculum of the Torah
Academy as coordinator of Re-imagining Jewish Education Through Art, a
program connected with Yeshiva University’s Museum. In addition, she is the cochair, along with Rebecca Lopkin, of the new Envision Shakespeare program, a
rapidly growing competition designed for the Yeshiva League of high schools in
the tri-state area. She is also a mentor -in- training with the New Jewish
Teacher Project.
In recent years, Nancy’s Art Appreciation class has exposed her 11th grade
students to a deep knowledge of various periods of art in the classroom -- but
in addition, Nancy leads them on meaningful field trips to a number of New
York City’s well-known museums, enriching their appreciation of the fine
arts. Her enthusiasm for these trips is contagious as she demonstrates to her
students how to value wonderful works of art that reflect the history of our times
and the perspective of those who created these masterpieces. These days,
when the arts are under fire for distracting from basic curriculum in public
education, Nancy continues to broaden her students’ perspectives as they move
through high school into adulthood. 
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Beverly Withers
Cultural Arts
BEVERLY WITHERS, Soprano, made the Metropolitan
Opera her principal artistic home for thirty seasons from
September 1982 until May 2013. As a member of the
fulltime Chorus, she performed in over one hundred thirty
operas, also singing numerous minor supporting roles
heard both at Lincoln Center and on the Company’s
national and international tours.
Ms. Withers began her career with the New Jersey State
Opera after winning that Company’s Career
Achievement Award under the baton and tutelage of
Principal Conductor and Artistic Director Alfredo Silipigni.
She performed throughout New Jersey with the
Company’s Young Artist Quartet in the concert series “An
Introduction to Opera.” She has also been seen in performances for television
commercials and heard in movie voiceovers.
Mentored by Dorothy Maynor, famed concert soprano and founder of Harlem
School of the Arts, and by the President of Manhattan School of Music George
Schick, Ms. Withers’ concert, recital, opera, and musical theatre repertoire has
been performed with the New Jersey State Opera, Metropolitan Orchestra
Society of New Jersey, New York Grand Opera, Essex Chorale, Bergen
Chorale, New Jersey State Repertory Opera, Opera Ebony, Hofstra University
Orchestra, New Jersey Schola Cantorum, Long Island Choral Society. She has
premiered the works of contemporary composers such as Lou Rodgers, Noel
DaCosta, Olatunji at Symphony Space/New York, Manhattan Theatre Club,
and at cathedral venues. She has also been a featured soloist at Carnegie
Hall, the United Nations General Assembly, Gracie Mansion, and New York
City’s Young Audiences Program and has written adult contemporary songs in
collaboration with Grammy Award winning lyricist Denise Rich.
With credentials from Westminster Choir College-Rider University Vocal
Institute, Beverly Withers uses a philosophical approach to teaching her private
voice students which reveals to them her love and respect of their unique talents,
while helping them realize their own inner splendor, confidence, creativity, and
joy in singing.
Ms. Withers married Ellsworth J. Gibbs in 2013, and is the proud mother of
Andrea Andrade, Esq., and grandmother of Zoe Andrade, who recently
graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Art History. She resides in
Teaneck, New Jersey. 
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Best Wishes to our friends at the
Teaneck Chamber of Commerce
And congratulations to all the honorees
Senator Loretta Weinberg
Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle
THE TEANECK VOLUNTEER
AMBULANCE CORPS
SALUTES TONIGHT’S UNSUNG HEROES
& WE ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD
OF OUR OWN UNSUNG HEROES
David Barach
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Jeremy Lentz
Man of the Year
Jeremy Lentz has served as Executive Director of the
Teaneck International Film Festival for the past six
years. Under the leadership of Mr. Lentz, The Teaneck
International Film Festival made a commitment to the
theme of "Activism: Making Change" in 2010 and this
theme has ultimately become a permanent fixture
within the festival.
Over the past six years, the festival has grown in
stature and is considered one of the largest in the
state of New Jersey and was dubbed the "Film
Festival with a Social Conscience" by The Star
Ledger. Mr. Lentz was also the Executive Producer of the TIFF gala
concert Cinema and Song I and II which featured the talents of world
renowned vocalists Vivian Sessoms and Clinton Daniel.
Prior to the Teaneck International Film Festival, Mr. Lentz served as
Programming Chair for the Teaneck Festival of Arts, where he was
responsible for programming the sold out off-Broadway transfer of the
musical Piaf: Love Conquers All along with three other sold-out
productions that included live performances in dance, opera, classical
music and comedy.
Mr. Lentz along with the Teaneck International Film Festival were the
proud recipients of the Lee Reid Award given by The Martin Luther King,
Jr. Observance Committee, received a Joint Legislative Resolution by
The Senate & General Assembly of the State of New Jersey , the
Matthew Feldman Community Relations Award and most recently The
Racial Justice Award given by the YWCA of Bergen County. Mr. Lentz
also serves as co-Director of Lentz & Lentz SAT Prep a family owned
business founded over 41 years ago which provides affordable, quality
college preparatory classes at Teaneck High School and throughout
Bergen County. 
Teaneck the Focus of the Film World
10th Annual Teaneck International Film Festival
November 5th - 8th
ACTIVISM:MAKING CHANGE
www.TeaneckFilmFestival.org
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Chopstix
Business of the Year
All of us at Chopstix are thrilled to be honored by the
Teaneck Chamber of Commerce as Business of the
Year and love being a vital part of the small-town
atmosphere and camaraderie of Teaneck.
In our twenty years of business, Chef Peter, Elie Katz
and Uri Herzog have not only been serving authentic
Chinese food to our Teaneck community and beyond,
but we have also actively given back to our
community. We feel that we and our customers are
part of one big family, and believe that we all can
help each other.
Every spring, Chopstix collects unopened food goods to donate to Teaneck
Helping Hands, and in the years before then these items were donated to the
Center for Food Action. These programs deliver food to the needy in our area,
and we are proud to be a part of it.
Every summer we participate in Teaneck’s National Night Out, held at Votee
Park, as well as donate food to the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corp
(TVAC) for every blood drive they hold. We have got to make sure the donors
replenish their energy!
We claim neighboring Votee Park as our own via the Township’s Adopt-A-Park
program, and were one of the local sponsors of the Adopt-A-Highway
program, along Route 4. For 10 years Chopstix has hosted an annual Holiday
Party across the street from our restaurant in mid-December, bringing together
food, music, magicians, and games for the whole family to enjoy. The only
thing we ask of attendees is to bring a children’s gift, which we deliver to
Tomorrow’s Children at Hackensack, a well-known center for treating children
with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Uri Herzog grew up in Minneapolis, MN as the youngest of five, where his
mother instilled in his brothers and sisters a hearty work ethic along with an
enjoyment of cooking, and his father taught him the value and importance of
serving the community. Putting his degree in psychology to good use in owning
Chopstix, Uri manages the finances, personnel, and operations of the store, as
well as helped in building up the Chopstix brand over twenty years, all of
which has been an exciting and gratifying challenge for him. Working
together with Elie Katz and Chef Peter brings its own buzz, and we’re looking
forward to continuing to be a part of the Teaneck landscape for years to
come.
Chopstix is located at 172 W Englewood Ave in Teaneck. 
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172 West Englewood Ave
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Ph: 201.833.0200
Fax: 201.833.8326
Let Us Cater Your Next Event
We Deliver!!!!
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Dr. Benjamin Rosenbluth
Healer of the Year
Trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute in
New York and a graduate of Harvard Medical School
in Boston, during the day Chief of Radiation Oncology
at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, Dr. Benjamin
Rosenbluth actually leads a dual life!
As a physician, Dr. Rosenbluth uses innovative
techniques including high-dose rate brachytherapy and
stereotactic body radiotherapy to deliver highly
targeted radiation while preserving healthy tissue. He
was also one of the first physicians nationwide to use
prone breast therapy, which helps protect organs and healthy breast
tissue during breast cancer radiation treatment. He treats all kinds of
cancers and has a passion for communicating clearly and empowering
his patients with appropriate and relevant information.
Long before he wore his lab coat, Rosenbluth received his master's
degree in music from the Juilliard School in New York. He composes
music with other book writers and lyricists and has presented in various
professional forums in the New York metropolitan area.
His latest piece, "Wallenberg," is a collaboration in which he composed
the score. This epic musical drama tells the story of Raoul Wallenberg, a
Swedish businessman, who left the safety of Sweden, went into Nazioccupied Hungary and managed to save more than 100,000 people
from the Holocaust.
"Wallenberg" had its premiere public presentation in March 2004, in
January 2005, another reading was presented at the Jewish Community
Center in Manhattan in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of
Wallenberg's mysterious disappearance. In September 2006, a staged
reading played to full houses at New World Stages as part of the New
York Musical Theatre Festival. The world premiere in 2010 at the White
Plains Performing Arts Center.
Rosenbluth, a Rutgers graduate with a degree in music, said his passion
for medicine is just as strong as his passion for musical theater. "It's all
about problem solving," he says of both jobs. "That is what has always
attracted me to composing, and to taking care of patients. I will
ruminate over the puzzle, until it is solved. It's like doodling, thinking
about how I work this out. There are steps — theoretical steps, and
practical ones," he says. 
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Yasmeen Al-Shehab
Community Achievement
Yasmeen Al-Shehab is life-long Teaneck resident.
Volunteerism began well before her Teaneck High
School days. Where there was a cause, she was
there. Whether it was Amnesty International or
Shelter or Sisters of Feeding the Homeless the desire
to help those less fortunate was instilled from an
early age.
As of Daughter of immigrant parents from
Hyderabad India, Al-Shehab attributes her success
and empathy to the kindness and hard work of her
parents Mohammed and Shakira Hameeduddin.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University, AlShehab worked for corporate America in NYC. She then decided to take time
off to raise her three children, Ihsaam (14), Zareena (12), and Ameera (9). It
was during this time her husband, Sayeed, labeled her a “full-time volunteer”
and not a stay at home mom. Al-Shehab has devoted countless hours to the
Teaneck Public Schools as PTO Co President for both Bryant and Whittier
Schools, Book Fair Chairs, Holiday Party Chair, Fourth Grade Committee, Eight
Grade Committee, team parent and the list goes on. She has singlehandedly
put together two yearbooks for Whittier school. For the last 3 years she has
been a troop leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop who collected personal
hygiene and school supplies for 60 students in Haiti.
During this time, Al-Shehab embarked on new career path and decided to
become a Registered Nurse. She is currently employed at Chilton Medical
Center through Atlantic Health Systems in Pompton Plains on an Oncology Unit.
“Being an R.N. is so much more than a job, it’s a calling. There is so much I have
the privilege of doing when I am serving people during a very vulnerable time
for them. It is a very rewarding profession that often goes under recognized.”
Al-Shehab is currently matriculating full-time at Rutgers University School of
Nursing to further her education while balancing work, family and volunteer
schedule. 
Dropping Names - In support of the Teaneck Community
Robert & Joyce Giddens
Teaneck Road Business-Community Alliance
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Rochelle Shoretz
Presidential Award
Sharsheret was founded in November 2001, four months after Rochelle Shoretz, a 28
year old young Jewish mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Immersed within
a close-knit Jewish community in northern New Jersey, Rochelle had many offers to
help with meals and to transport her sons to after-school programs. What she really
wanted, though, was to speak to another young mom who was going to have to
explain to her children that she was going to lose her hair to chemotherapy, and
what it would be like to prepare for the High Holidays knowing she was facing a lifethreatening illness. Though her grandmother had died of the disease, cancer was a
taboo subject still not discussed within her family and, she soon recognized, within
the Jewish community at large.
Rochelle found information about her disease in many places, but she could not find
resources to help her live with breast cancer as a young Jewish woman. Literature and support groups did not
target her age group nor did they address her unique concerns about breast cancer as it related to her
ethnicity. Rochelle reached out to everyone she knew to help her find someone like herself. A friend of a friend
introduced her to Lauryn Weiser, 31 years old, a Jewish mother of three children, and six months further along
in her breast cancer journey than Rochelle. Soon, the two women were speaking every day. Realizing the
positive impact of linking with a young Jewish woman like herself, someone who truly understood what she
faced, Rochelle wanted to make the experience better for the young women who followed them by emulating
their connection and the help they were able to give each other. She wanted a place for young Jewish women to
turn during their darkest hours no matter where they lived, to find strength to face their fears, resources to
address their questions, and “sisters” with whom to share in their cancer journey in ways that transcend blood
ties.
Rochelle, Lauryn, and three other young women gathered around Rochelle’s dining room table and Sharsheret
was born. Rochelle, calling upon her experience serving as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg, assumed the role of Executive Director, and the other women volunteered in a variety of capacities
for the first two years until Sharsheret had grown to a point necessitating a professional staff. Rochelle
received critical training and support for her new role as a resident in Bikkurim and as a Joshua Venture
Fellow. From its inception, Sharsheret received overwhelming support and recognition from the cancer,
medical, psychosocial, and genetic counseling communities. What helped the organization grow, Lauryn noted,
was “a tacit agreement from everybody that Sharsheret was filling a tremendous void.”
In recognition of her pioneering efforts, Rochelle was appointed a seat on the Federal Advisory Committee on
Breast Cancer in Young Women, named a Yoplait Champion in the Fight Against Breast Cancer, and appeared as
a resource on The Today Show, national news programs, and in more than 100 media outlets across the
country.
In 2007, Rochelle transitioned from her role as Sharsheret’s Executive Director to once again pursue her law
career. It was a recurrence of her breast cancer that prompted Rochelle to return as Sharsheret’s Executive
Director in 2009. Now living with metastatic breast cancer, she brought a new perspective to the leadership
that guided Sharsheret’s next chapter.
On May 31, 2015, Rochelle passed away from complications of breast cancer, a disease for which she created a
community of support for thousands. The Sharsheret community has lost our Founder, our leader, our mentor.
The Jewish world and the cancer world have lost a true champion of women and their families. Rochelle’s
legacy is her children and an incredible organization that only she could have built. Her passion and drive will
forever remain the foundation of Sharsheret. 
www.sharsheret.org
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James Smith
Presidential Award
James Smith is currently serving in his third year as President of the Bergen
County Historical Society. During his presidency, the Society has hosted large
scale events like a wine festival, beer festival, Bergen 350 event, which
celebrated NJ’s 350th birthday with Bergen County’s role highlighted, as well as
countless educational events and free lectures at Historic New Bridge Landing.
The complete restoration of the Thomas-Westervelt Barn occurred, along with
tackling invasive species and replacing them with native plants to benefit the
wildlife on the banks of the Hackensack. His focus has been to continue to raise
awareness of this important site and the impact that it can have on the
surrounding communities and County as whole. The Society’s library was also
reopened, due to a joint agreement with Bergen Community College, allowing all to benefit from this
amazing resource. The Bergen County Historical Society is a 501c3 organization that was founded in 1902
to preserve and promote Bergen County’s rich history. It receives no public funding and relies solely and
the generosity of its members and supporters. Currently, the Society’s major focus is the building of
proper museum building to house and care for its extensive collection of over 4,000 artifacts.
Mr. Smith currently serves as the Chairman of the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission. Under
his leadership, Commission members have begun working together toward a common vision for this
important historic and economic engine, located in the heart of Bergen County. The Historic New Bridge
Landing Park Commission was established in 1995 by New Jersey State law N.J.S.A. 13:15B-1-5 to tie
together the stakeholders, (Bergen County Historical Society, Blauvelt Demarest Foundation, Borough of
River Edge, Borough of New Milford, Teaneck Township, County of Bergen, and the NJDEP), to act in good
faith, for the purpose of coordinating and implementing all federal, State, county, municipal, and private
development policies and other activities relating to the historic preservation and recreational use of the
property under the commission’s jurisdiction. He received a Bachelor of Arts from The Catholic University
of America, concentrating in European history and minoring in philosophy. He received his Master’s
Degree in Education from Saint Peter’s University. Mr. Smith currently teaches Social Studies and is
married to his college sweetheart, Katie, a life-long Bergen County resident. They reside in the Village of
Ridgewood with their daughter Julia and son, James Paul. 
The Bergen County Historical Society, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization, was
founded in 1902 to develop public appreciation for Bergen County's remarkable history through
the preservation and study of its material culture. We are the only historical association to focus
on the Bergen County as a whole, from its prehistory to the present day.
www.bergencountyhistory.org
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Ja’Neil Humphrey
Miss Ja’Neil Grace Marie Humphrey is a New Jersey
born, outgoing- 17 year old. She is the daughter of Neil
and Pamela Humphrey and sister of 14 year old brother,
Javon Humphrey.
Ja’Neil is a Teaneck High School Senior. She is enrolled in
the TEAMS program for Math, Engineer, Computer Science and Science. Ja’Neil has been an honor student
throughout her academic experience, currently holding a
4.8 cumulative GPA (June, 2015). This past school year
(2014-2015) Ja’Neil was inducted into the National Honor Society and was voted president of the National Honor Society at Teaneck
High School.
Being committed to her faith, Ja’Neil is a member of the youth choir, “Echoes
of Zion” and “One Voice” quartet at her church. Ja’Neil is a junior counselor in
the Pathfinder Club at her church.
Ja’Neil loves to sing and dance; gracing audiences of all sizes and interests
with her soulful, original sound and graceful moves. A highlight performance
was when Ja’Neil sang the National Anthem at the U.S. Open Tennis tournament two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). While Ja’Neil has collected
several talent contests awards, she finds voluntary service such as singing for
the sick and shut-in to be most rewarding.
Ja’Neil has been a member of the Teaneck Terpsichoreans Dance Group for
the past eight years and studied dance at Nunnbetter Dance Company, Bergenfield NJ. She performs ballet/ point, jazz, modern, African and hip hop.
Ja’Neil teaches dance classes at Greico Elementary School during the summer
months.
Ja’Neil is a varsity member of Teaneck High School Track and Field team. This
spring June, 2015) Ja’Neil won Track and Field NCAA gold as a member of
the sprint relay.
Most recently, (June 12, 2015) Ja’Neil won the New Jersey Elks Beauty and
Talent Pageant and will be competing for the national title this August. As a
“pageant girl’ Ja’Neil’s platform is about youth attaining and maintaining positive self esteem. Her motto for young girls in particularly is “beauty is more
than skin deep”. She cultivated this motto as a direct result of having severe
eczema early in life.
Ja’Neil cherishes her family and above all Ja’Neil loves the Lord and is thankful for the gifts He has given her. Her favorite scripture is “I can do all things
through Christ which strengthens me”. 
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Barbara Ostroth
THE TROPHY KING
Listing & Selling Homes in
Bergen County for 30 Years!
309 QUEEN ANNE RD.
TEANECK, NJ 07666
201-965-3105 (cell)
Office: 201-262-6600
www.BarbaraOstroth.com
Tel: (201) 836-1482
Fax: (201) 836-6763
©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell
Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal
Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.
JAMES M. WALSH
PRESIDENT
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Coming Soon
3rd Annual Ladies Night Out
For more information and/or to be a vendor, contact info@teaneckchamber.org
BAUER PRINTING COMPANY
10th Annual
“Where making you look good,
makes us look good”
CONGRATULATIONS
To This Years Honorees
Nov 5th to Nov 8th
201.837.8783
www.bauer-printing.com
Activism: Making Change
www.sendoutcards.com/bauerprinting.com
www.teaneckfilmfestival.org
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CONGRATULATIONS
To each of this year’s
Community Service Awards Recipients
from
The Cedar Lane Management Group
555 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ
t: (201) 907-0493 • f: (201) 907-0870
www.cedarlane.net
NATURE, RECREATION, THE ARTS, HISTORY and DIVERSITY
ALL IN ONE LOCATION
ALL IN TEANECK
31 Fairview Avenue
Bogota, New Jersey 07603
Phone: 201.488.2505
Fax: 201.488.6701
Toll-Free: 877.242.2200
reservations@apollolimo.com
www.apollolimo.com
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The Teaneck Chamber of Commerce is an active and vibrant participant in the
Inter Chamber Consortium. The Inter Chamber Consortium (ICC) is a group of
approximately 18 local chambers of commerce dedicated to helping each other promote programs and provide assistance to one another. Programs consist
of individual chambers doing projects and programs within their own community
welcoming outsiders and also hosts joint chamber events as well. The biggest of
the events are a twice annual 3 Minute Speed Networking event, held at the
Garden State Plaza at the food court around March and August and the other
is MegaNet which is held in November. These events are designed for businesses to make new opportunities and for consumers, the opportunity to meet new
businesses. The events are always full of fun and you are bound to run into
someone you know!
One of the benefits of being a Teaneck chamber of Commerce member is that
your membership entitles you to participate in any of the ICC member events
and pay the member prices.
Historic Landmarks
DID YOU KNOW Several Homes in Teaneck date back to the colonial era or the
period after the American Revolutionary are and have been preserved
and survive to this day?
Adam Vandelinda House
The Brinkerhoff-Demarest House
(The second oldest house in Bergen County. Built in 1678)
Casper Westervelt House
(Dutch-Colonial architecture. Built in 1763)
David Demarest House
(Oldest in the county)
TEANECK CHAMBER
of COMMERCE
Real Estate Committee
Will again be presenting
An information packed
Real Estate Seminar
on November 10th
targeted to both buyers and sellers.
For more information or to register,
please contact:
info@teaneckchamber.org
The Bergen County Historical Society, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization, was
founded in 1902 to develop public
appreciation for Bergen County's remarkable
history through the preservation and study of
its material culture. We are the only historical
association to focus on the Bergen County as
a whole, from its prehistory to the present day.
www.bergencountyhistory.org
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