Week in Review: Muscle Cars, Drunken Teens, Standout Students

The relatively mild weather of the past week or so has given way to stifling heat, a surefire sign that summer is officially in full swing.

And what's more quintessentially summer than American muscle cars, cruising on a warm, sunny night? We recently stopped by the Greenwood avenue shopping center, where classic car enthusiasts regularly hold court, showing off their pristine machines and exchanging notes on their restoration efforts.

If the Corvettes and GTOs weren't enough to get everyone in the spirit of the season, the Wyckoff Family YMCA kicked off its summer concert series with a performance by Jimmy and the Parrots at Spring Lake. Children and parents alike danced on the shores of the lake while the cover band played Jimmy Buffett songs and classic party tunes.

Of course, teens know what summer really means: no school. We recently chatted with Ramapo and Indian Hills' Class of 2010 valedictorians, while also taking a look at Jae Yu, a Wyckoff teen who will be a cadet at West Point in the fall. If you missed our graduation coverage, you can catch up here: http://wyckoff.patch.com/graduation.

Many among us can't enjoy a summer break, including local authorities. Police recently lodged complaints against residents for allegedly hosting drinking parties with minors present, while also making arrests on drug and drunken driving charges.

Work continues at Town Hall, as well. The Design Review Board met this week to continue hearings on Christian Health Care Center's proposed Vista housing development, whose size continues to be of issue. 

We also took a look at a recent decision by an administrative law judge that could scuttle the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education's policy of levying punishment on students for off-campus drug and alcohol offenses. Stay tuned: the ultimate decision is in the hands of the commissioner of education.

On a lighter note, we also went Grocery Shopping with Gloria, as correspondent Gloria Johnson explored the shady world of trans fats. And we welcome Mia Brady, a Wyckoff resident and Elon University student whose column will explore life as an incoming college sophomore, reflecting on a year of great change.

Summer certainly doesn't offer a break for the volunteers among us who work to improve the lives of others. We took a look at the Julia's Butterfly Foundation, which is based in Wyckoff, as well as the Devon Foundation, the charitable arm of Devon Fine Jewelry.

The week culminated in backyard barbecues and family get-togethers for many, as we all paused to celebrate Independence Day. In the spirit of the holiday, we took a look back at a Continental soldier who once called Wyckoff home, as well as local Colonial re-enactors to whom history is a way of life.

What would you like to see in the weeks ahead? Know of an interesting person, organization or business that deserves attention? Let us know at nick@patch.com or 201-208-3348.