Pascack Chamber Honors Two Local Leaders

The Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce named Theresa “Teri” Capparelli and Dr. Peter Wohl as its Citizens of the Year during a dinner held on Oct. 20 at Seasons Catering in the Township of Washington. The event brought together family, friends, and public officials to recognize the two residents for their long-standing contributions to the local community.

The award program, which began in 1974 with the honor given to Harold Effron, recognizes individuals who demonstrate service without expectation of reward. Recent recipients include Peter Wells and Jennifer Keilly Errity in 2025, Robin Malley and Jeff Jasper in 2024, and Dee Gillen and the Napoletano Vitale family in 2023.

Chamber President Anthony Rizzo, publisher of Pascack Valley City Lifestyle, led the evening’s program. The organization represents 10 Pascack Valley towns and focuses on supporting local businesses while fostering community relationships. Rizzo noted that the chamber’s mission involves bringing people together to build lasting ties.

The dinner served as the chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support the Skip Kelley Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a graduating high school senior from each of the 10 represented communities, along with other local initiatives. A silent auction featuring donations from local businesses and individuals also took place during the event.

Capparelli’s daughters, Lindsey Cinque and Allie Graff, introduced their mother. They described her as an accomplished baker, hostess, and entrepreneur who leads by example. Cinque and Graff noted that Capparelli listens, remembers, and follows through, making people feel valued in her personal and professional life.

Capparelli currently serves as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County. She also works as a development specialist with the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood and volunteers with the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview. Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chair Tracy Silna Zur was present to read her county proclamation.

Wohl, the CEO and owner of The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, was recognized for his work in health care and his support of local entrepreneurs through his LocalBizCast podcast. He joked that the chamber had not conducted proper background checks before giving him a microphone. He spoke about the pleasure of seeing friends, colleagues, and family members from different stages of his life gathered in one room.

Wohl credited his late father with teaching him the value of kindness and humor. He emphasized that success is defined by what one helps others accomplish rather than individual achievements alone. The evening also included a small celebration for Wohl’s son, Hudson, who turned 13, as the family presented him with a cake and a single candle.