The Cooperative Nursery School of Ridgewood Presents Movie Day
Ridgewood NJ, Looking for something fun to do with the kids on December 8?? Join The Cooperative Nursery School of Ridgewood for Movie Day at Clearview Warner Quad at 190 E.Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood.
The featured movies are Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted or Dolphin Tale and both will be starting at 10am.The cost for the tickets is $8. Children under 2 are free. The price includes unlimited popcorn and drinks. All the money raised will go to support the Coop. If you have any questions, please call the school’s office at 201-447-6232 or email ridgewoodcoop@gmail.com
Jackie Russ jrusslv@aol.com
Nothing but Tax Increases , no Spending cuts offered McConnell ‘Burst Into Laughter’ as Geithner Outlined Obama’s Plan
6:14 PM, NOV 29, 2012 • BY FRED BARNES
Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, says he “burst into laughter” Thursday when Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner outlined the administration proposal for averting the fiscal cliff. He wasn’t trying to embarrass Geithner, McConnell says, only responding candidly to his one-sided plan, explicit on tax increases, vague on spending cuts.
Geithner’s visit to his office left McConnell discouraged about reaching a “balanced” deal on tax hikes and spending reductions designed to prevent a shock to the economy in January. “Nothing good is happening” in the negotiations, McConnell says, because of Obama’s insistence on tax rate hikes for the wealthy but unwillingness to embrace serious spending cuts.
Geithner suggested $1.6 trillion in tax increases, McConnell says, but showed “minimal or no interest” in spending cuts. When congressional leaders went to the White House three days after the election, Obama talked of possible curbs on the explosive growth of food stamps and Social Security disability payments. But since Geithner didn’t mention them, those reductions appear to be off the table now, McConnell says.
U.S. Birth Rate Hits Record Low Decline Greatest Among Immigrants. Recession a Likely Factor, Report Says
By Stephanie Czekalinski
Updated: November 29, 2012 | 4:05 p.m.
November 29, 2012 | 2:09 p.m.
The U.S. birth rate dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of the Great Depression, led by a drop among immigrants, according to a report data released Thursday by the Pew Research Center.
In 2011, the overall birth rate was 63.2 per 1,000 women of childbearing age, the lowest since at least 1920, Pew reported, citing numbers from the National Center for Health Statistics. The birth rate reached 122.7 in 1957, the peak of the Baby Boom. After the mid-1970s, the birth rate stabilized at about 65 to 70 births per 1,000 women annually, until the beginning of the Great Recession.
Since 2007, both the U.S. birth rate (the number of live births per 1,000 women ages 15-44) and the number of births have dropped significantly, according to the report.
Overall, the birth rate declined 8 percent from 2007 to 2010. Among U.S.-born women, the birth rate dropped 6 percent. The decline among foreign-born women was 14 percent. Among Mexican women, the birth rate fell even more, to 23 percent.
Port Authority Jacks Up Tolls Again
November 30 ,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Motorists will pay more as the next phase of the enormous toll increases go into effect att Port Authority bridges and tunnels this Saturday.
Cash tolls on the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing will increase $1 to $13.
While tolls for E-ZPass users will go from $9.50 to $10.25 during peak commuting hours and from $7.50 to $8.25 during off-peak hours.The Port Authority last raised tolls in September 2011.
The bistate agency came under heavy criticism for the huge increase but said it needed the increase to offset security-related projects following the 9/11 attacks, a drop in revenue caused by the global economic slump, and the $11 billion World Trade Center complex.
Port Authority will increase tolls again on Dec. 1, 2013 unless a lawsuit against the increase is successful.
New arts council in Ridgewood will consider performing arts center
Thursday November 29, 2012, 4:54 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Even before he became mayor and was elected to the Village Council, Paul Aronsohn took weekend strolls through the Central Business District and marveled at a specific building, which aesthetically stood out from the rest. The building, he recalled thinking at that time, could be used for a different purpose.
And when Bank of America finally moved from the location in 2010 and left the building at the corner of East Ridgewood Avenue and Prospect Street vacant, those thoughts churned even faster.
“My wife and I used to stop at the Bank of America building and peer inside. We used to say that this would be a great theater or arts center,” Aronsohn said earlier this week. Evidently, the thought was not unique to the mayor’s household.
Ridgewood’s “tradition” Downtown for the Holidays & Tree Lighting Celebration
The Celebration will be starting early this year
Friday, November 30, 2012
5:30pm-9:00pm
Ridgewood Chamber Downtown for the Holidays Santa in the Park: Free Trolley Rides
Sat, December 01, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Ridgewood, Ridgewood, NJ
This is a wonderful day in Ridgewood.
8:00am – 10am
Have breakfast with Santa at The Office Bar & Grill – reservations 201-652-1070.
10:00am Santa will be riding up E. Ridgewood Ave. in a big red firetruck heading over to Columbia Bank on S. Broad St. – here all children will receive lovely gifts from Santa.
10:30am – The will be a FREE movie at Warner Clearview Cinema.
2:00-4:00pm Santa will be at his house in the
Park at Van Neste Square.
12N-4pm FREE Trolley rides through town for family fun.
Join us in Ridgewood the best of “boutiques” in Bergen County – you will not find these beautiful shops or restaurants at the Mall.
For more info call 201-445-2600 – info@ridgewoodchamber.com
Baseball scores home run for children’s author, Ridgewood English teacher Louisa Luisi
Author: Susan Kalan, WFMZ.com Arts Reporter
Published On: Nov 29 2012 11:47:24 AM EST
Parents and coaches sometimes aren’t the best partners on the field when it comes to youth sports. For Louisa Luisi, her parents were her best coaches in those formative years, especially when she would be thrown a curve. Even at age 30, she still finds herself turning to mom and dad for the best support.
Now the Northern New Jersey teacher is on a mission to spread a positive message to the younger set as author of the newly-published 24-page, hardcover picture book, “Your Best Coaches,” the story of a young baseball player who discovers his best coaches and role models in life are his mother and father.
The Lincoln Park, Morris Co., N.J., resident and Ridgewood High School English teacher will be doing a book signing and fundraiser in the Lehigh Valley on Sat., Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Giacomo’s Italian Market & Grille, 700 Cattell St., in Easton’s College Hill section.
Ridgewood High School notes increase in chickenpox cases
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2012, 5:32 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Three Ridgewood High School (RHS) freshmen were diagnosed with chickenpox this week, in addition to two more cases already diagnosed this school year, and parents are being urged to take measures as soon as possible to protect vulnerable children from the disease.
“While three cases is not considered an outbreak, this brings the total cases of chickenpox this school year to five,” said RHS nurse Maureen Morgan, in an email alert sent to parents on Thursday. “Please help us to protect your child and the RHS school community.”
2012 Final Brush and Storm Debris Pick Up Schedule
Due to extensive storm brush and debris, the Village Council has determined that an additional collection cycle is needed for bush pick up.
BRANCHES/DEBRIS
“One Final Pass” will be made by the Village to collect Brush and Debris in each Area following the schedule below. Brush and debris material should be placed in a pile between the curb and sidewalk by the first day of collection for your Area– NOT in the street or mixed with leaves. Brush and debris do NOT have to be bundled, tied or put in a container–Brush and debris should be cut in lengths as close to 3 feet x 2 ½ inches diameter as possible.
2012 FINAL BRUSH/DEBRIS Pick Up Schedule
Area B December 3 – 6
Area D December 10 -13
Area C December 17- 18
Area A December 19
This will be the last pick up of brush and debris in 2012. In an effort to keep a positive image of the Village, no branches should be put out after this final pick up. You can bring branches to the Recycling Center or hold them in rear of your property until the Yard Waste Collection begins Spring 2013.
RECYCLE CENTER located at 205 E. Glen Avenue
Open to receive brush and debris (3 feet x 2 ½ inches diameter) Monday through Saturday – 8AM to 3PM. Special Sunday Hours – December 2, 9 from 8AM to 3PM
Click Here for Leaf Area Map.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/engineering/wsu/ActivitiesResources/MapsResources/LeafPickUpZones2012.pdf
BOE GETS $500K BOOSTER SHOT FROM VALLEY FOR STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital has pledged to donate $500,000, payable over five years, to the Ridgewood Public Schools. The donation will support both new and existing initiatives in the areas of health education, fitness and wellness, and disease prevention programs aimed at raising awareness and promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to Ridgewood students, faculty and their families. Examples to be considered include adolescent health and wellness education, diabetes education, injury prevention, and nutrition.
“We truly appreciate Valley’s generosity with this five-year grant,” said Sheila Brogan, Ridgewood Board of Education President. “The Valley Hospital has long been a good neighbor to the Ridgewood Public Schools and a valuable partner in several programs that support the district’s mission of excellence. The Ridgewood Academy for the Health Professions, ongoing classroom speaker series and funding of special projects through the Ridgewood Education Foundation are but a few examples of our ongoing and successful relationship with Valley. Their continued support through this grant will enable us to continue our mutual commitment to the health and wellness of our students.”
Power Companies To Customers With Big Post-Sandy Bills: Read Your Own Meters
Get Ready For A November Bill Based On An Estimate From Last November
November 28, 2012 11:48 PM
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Power customers across the Tri-State Area were thoroughly displeased after getting huge bills for estimated usage this month despite losing power, and then being asked to read their own meters to correct the situation.
As CBS 2’s Jessica Schneider reported, when Gabriella Wilday of Ridgewood opened her electric bill, she was astounded.
“This isn’t gouging,” she said Wednesday. “But this certainly seems unfair.”
Wilday was slapped with a whopping $394 charge, despite nine long days without power.
“Instead of providing a bill based on actual usage, it was based on estimated usage,” Wilday said.
Ridgewood Cancer Surgeon faces Serious Drug Charges
November 2.2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A well known breast cancer surgeon Mary Ann Benigno, 52, of Saddle River who practices both in Ridgewood and Rochelle Park is facing drug charges, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Benigno was arrested Wednesday after a five-month investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and the Saddle River Police Department.
Authorities said that Benigno improperly wrote and filled prescriptions for hydrocodone, oxycodone, amphetamine salts and methylphenidate in the names of several different patients. She picked up the drugs at Gallo’s Pharmacy on Passaic Avenue in Rochelle Park and turned some of them over to the people for whom they were prescribed and kept some for her personal use.
Benigno was charged with one second-degree count of purposely distributing, dispensing or possessing with the intent to distribute greater than one ounce of hydrocodone; and one third-degree count of purposely distributing, dispensing or possessing with the intent to distribute less than one ounce of amphetamine salts and methylphenidate.
In a statement the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is still ongoing pending the review of medical records and patient files for individuals who have filled prescriptions written by Benigno during the past 11 months.
Judge Louis Dinice of the Bergen County Central Municipal Court set bail at $50,000 with no 10 percent option . Benigno posted bail Wednesday, and is expected to appear in Bergen County Central Municipal Court Thursday afternoon.
Benigno is also an attending physician at Holy Name Hospital, Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center, Saint Barnabas Medical Center and Heartland Medical Center in Staten Island. She is also a clinical instructor at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, which includes training surgical oncology fellows at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, according to Total Care’s web site. her office in Ridgewood is listed as 145 Prospect Street Ridgewood, NJ 07450
PSE&G Named America’s Most Reliable Electric Utility for the 5th Time in Eight Years
November 29, 2012
Utility also wins regional award for the 11th straight year
(November 29, 2012 – Newark, NJ) – Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) once again has been named America’s most reliable electric utility, as well as the most reliable electric utility in the mid-Atlantic region. New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility also garnered an award for its response to the two major storms in 2011.
This is good news for the 2.2 million New Jersey homes and businesses that rely on PSE&G for electricity. PSE&G electric customers experience far fewer and shorter interruptions than those who live elsewhere in the country. When there are power outages — often the result of tree and animal contacts or storm damage — customers and community leaders are kept updated on repair and restoration plans.
That was the determination of PA Consulting, the industry benchmarking group that awarded PSE&G its top honor last night– the 2011 National Reliability Excellence Award — for “demonstrating sustained leadership, innovation and achievement in the area of electric reliability.” This is the fifth time in eight years the utility has received this recognition, and 11 straight years that it has garnered the ReliabilityOne Award for the Mid-Atlantic region. PSE&G also won Outstanding Response to a Major Outage Event for its performance during Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm.
“The people of PSE&G work hard every day to provide safe, highly reliable electric service to our customers,” said PSE&G President and COO Ralph LaRossa. “The key is to never get complacent. We are continually looking for ways to improve and enhance our reliability. One way we are doing that is by investing in our electric transmission and distribution systems. Upgrading our infrastructure, coupled with our highly-skilled workforce, allows us to continually deliver on a blue sky day or during history-making storms such as those we have been experiencing in the past two years.
”Storms such as Hurricane Irene and the more recent superstorm Sandy have challenged our people and systems like never before,” LaRossa added. “While I am proud of our performance during each of them, our customers expect more – and we will continue to work hard to meet that expectation.”
The top reliability award is given to the utility that demonstrates the most improved and sustained performance over time, as well as accuracy in predicting its capabilities and communicating with customers and regulators. Planning, preparation and response to major events are also factors.
Companies Move to Avoid Obama driven tripling of dividend tax rates next year
November 28.2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Taking advantage of super-low interest rates, companies have been issuing debt at a record rate this month planing to use the proceeds to fund special dividends before the year is out.
Fearing a tripling of dividend tax rates next year, companies have found one-time payouts and early payments of quarterly dividends as a way to beat some of the impact of the “Fiscal Cliff.” and perhaps avoid giving the government anymore money than necessary .
Costco ,symbol COST is the latest example and whose founder is an avid Obama supporter announced a $7-a-share payout to stockholders Wednesday and is issuing bonds to pay for the $3 billion dividend.
The dividend tax rate, now 15 percent, and is set to expire Dec. 31, The fear of expiration has led many investors to dump dividend paying stocks, like utilities while eyeing a whole other group that are or could be paying special one-time dividends.
The concern is that the dividend tax rate could revert to 39.6 percent for the highest tax bracket if Bush tax cuts are not extended for the wealthy, as proposed by President Barack Obama.The rate increase would also punish seniors, union pensions and company 401K plans as well as obviously taking money away from business resulting in further job market deterioration.
The Affordable Care Act or Obamacare includes a new 3.8 percent tax on dividends and other investment income for wealthy taxpayers, and that would take the dividend tax rate up to 43.4 percent. At the same time, capital gains taxes, now 15 percent, could rise to their former rate of 20 percent.
All these factors make special payouts common sense.for investors.
Fears grow over efforts to govern the web
By Richard Waters in San Francisco, Daniel Thomas in London and James Fontanella-Khan in Brussels
A deeply technical, two-week conference on new rules for connecting the world’s communications networks hardly sounds like a setting for high-stakes international brinkmanship.
But according to the rhetoric it has stirred up from Silicon Valley to Brussels, the event that gets under way in Dubai on Monday will see nothing less than a fight over the future of the internet.
More
The meeting is the first called since 1988 to redraft the treaty that governs the International Telecommunications Union, which operates under the auspices of the UN. For many governments represented at the conference that has amounted to an open invitation to try to extend regulations developed for an earlier era of telecommunications to the internet age.
Prodded by Google and other US internet companies, Washington has warned that there is far more at stake than simple technical rules.
“There is the spectre that some governments will seize on these proposals for all the wrong reasons because they want more control of the internet for anti-democratic ends,” says William Kennard, a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and now the US ambassador to the EU .
