Village of Ridgewood: Operation “One Final Pass”
November 02.2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Employees from the Village of Ridgewood Parks Department using heavy equipment to facilitate the disposal of brush/tree debris generated by Superstorm Sandy from curbs along South Irving Street, on Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Photos by Boyd Loving
Due to extensive storm brush and debris, the Village Council determined that an additional collection cycle is needed for bush pick up.
Photos by Boyd Loving
All part of the “One Final Pass” being 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
Rep. Scott Garrett Helps Hand Out Thanksgiving Meals to Sandy Victims in Paramus
Nov 21, 2012
PARAMUS, NJ – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) joined staff and volunteers from Boston Market and Lowe’s in Paramus this afternoon to hand out Thanksgiving meals to families affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“I want to thank Lowe’s, Boston Market, and the millions of New Jerseyans who have donated time, money, and food to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.” said Garrett after handing out meals. “I hope these warm Thanksgiving meals provide some comfort during this difficult time. Together, we will rebuild the Garden State.”
President’s “Fiscal Cliff” Plan Not Serious ,Punishes Small Businesses, Increases Spending
DECEMBER 2, 2012 | VIEW ONLINE
Speaker John Boehner comment od White House weak proposal to avert “Fiscal Cliff”
“The White House has to get serious,” said Speaker John Boehner after the White House offered a fiscal cliff plan that raises tax rates and increases government spending. The plan protects “too big to fail” businesses and special interest tax breaks while punishing small businesses. Republicans, on the other hand, are working to protect middle class taxpayers and small businesses, and pave the way for long-term job growth.
“This is not a game,” said Speaker Boehner. “Jobs are on the line. The American economy is on the line.” Read the latest below:
SOLVING THE FISCAL CLIFF: “Solving the fiscal cliff in a manner that addresses the true drivers of our debt and saves American jobs would be a great way for the president to start his second term,” says Speaker Boehner. ” For the good of the country, and my colleagues, we’re ready to work with the president to achieve those goals.”
A BALANCED FRAMEWORK: But with the barrage of automatic tax hikes and defense cuts just weeks away, Speaker Boehner says Republicans are “the only ones with a balanced plan to protect the economy, protect American jobs, and protect the middle class from the fiscal cliff.” Click here to watch Speaker Boehner outline this balanced framework on November 7.
VS. A NON-SERIOUS PROPOSAL: On Fox News Sunday, Speaker Boehner said the White House offer is a “non-serious proposal” that demands more in new spending than it offers in (unspecified) spending cuts, and punishes small business owners with higher tax rates.
“HE’S GOING TO SPEND IT”: President Obama wants $1.6 trillion in new taxes — double what he campaigned on. “If we gave the president $1.6 trillion of new money, what do you think he’d do with it?” asked Speaker Boehner. “He’s going to spend it” — not pay down the deficit.
COULDN’T PASS CONGRESS: The president’s proposal has been described in news reports as “a particularly expansive version of the White House’s wish list,” “loaded with Democratic priorities and short on detailed spending cuts.” The Wall Street Journal says this plan “couldn’t get through the House, and maybe not even the Senate.” Again: it’s not a serious plan.
CUTTING SPENDING: “In order to try to come to an agreement, Republicans are willing to put revenue on the table” from tax reform that closes tax loopholes and lowers rates, says Speaker Boehner. But “we all know that we’ve had this spending crisis coming at us like a freight train,” and “it’s time for the president and Democrats to get serious about” cutting spending.
PROTECTING SMALL BUSINESSES: “One thing Republicans won’t be party to is a deal that protects big businesses and preserves special-interest tax breaks while raising tax rates on the small businesses we’re counting on to create jobs,” Speaker Boehner said after meeting with former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles and the “Fix the Debt” Coalition.
“SMALL BUSINESS AMERICA”: In a new video, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) office talked with a small business owner facing higher tax rates under the president’s plan.
REMINDER: In addition to the bipartisan framework outlined by Speaker Boehner, the House has passed legislation to avert the fiscal cliff. Back in August, the House passed a bipartisan bill to stop tax rate hikes on middle class families and small businesses, and voted to expedite the process of fundamental tax reform. The House also voted to replace the defense sequester and save entitlement programs like Medicare from bankruptcy. Senate Democrats have done none of this, and the president’s plan is based on his budget, which received zero votes in Congress.
Online sales may bring holiday fear for some U.S. malls
By Ilaina Jonas
NEW YORK | Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:44pm EST
(Reuters) – When it comes to the internet, David Simon’s kids can look but not buy.
“They are not allowed to shop on the Internet or I won’t pay for their room or board,” Chief Executive and Chairman of Simon Property Group Inc, the largest U.S. owner of malls and outlet centers joked at a the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts investor forum in June.
Although his kids and their generation still go to the mall, Simon worries what the habits of his grandchildren will be.
If online sales continue to grow and take away a bigger and bigger slice of the U.S. consumer spending pie, the future doesn’t look good for some malls. Yet in a weird twist, it looks brighter for others.
Last week’s starting gun for holiday shopping speaks volumes.
Valley’s Cardiac Surgery Program Once Again Recognized for Clinical Excellence
November 29, 2012
Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiac surgery program has once again received the highest designation of quality — a three-star rating — by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for coronary artery bypass procedures and aortic valve replacements. The current designation, a recognition of quality and clinical excellence, covers the time period of July 2011 to June 2012.
This prestigious designation was conferred as part of a comprehensive rating system that compares the quality of cardiac surgery among hospitals across the country. Nationwide, only 14 percent of cardiac surgery programs received a three-star rating for bypass procedures, and only 5.9 percent received a three-star rating for aortic valve replacement.
“This three-star designation is just further evidence that patients who undergo cardiac surgery at Valley receive outstanding clinical care along with the wonderful caring environment that we are known for,” says Alex Zapolanski, M.D., Director of Cardiac Surgery. “The three-star rating conferred by the STS, a society of heart surgery specialists, is widely regarded by clinicians as the gold standard by which to evaluate cardiac surgery programs.”
For a free copy of Valley’s Cardiac Surgery Outcomes brochure, please call 201-291-6330
Ridgewood Library is having a children’s book drive
Ridgewood Library is having a children’s book drive to help schools and libraries hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. We are collecting new and gently used children’s books for babies up to 8th grade.
If you have any books lying around that your children have outgrown or if you’d like to purchase new, either would be greatly appreciated. You can drop them off in the children’s room at the library now till the end of December. Any questions please e-mail ltrent@ridgewoodlibrary.org Thanks!!
Ridgewood Library 125 North Maple Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450 ,(201) 670-5600
The Ridgewood Singers Winter Concert-Sing Noel
Sun, December 09, 2012, 3:00 PM
Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
For our winter concert, we will be performing a variety of light, joyful seasonal music with innovative versions of old favorites as well as the beloved “Gloria in Excelsis” from Vivaldi’s “Gloria”. Ticket prices are: $18.00 General $15.00 Senior/Student ,Contact information: theridgewoodsingers.com
What parent hasn’t said or thought, “Am I talking to the wall?”
For years we have urged the Village Council to appoint an expert task force to explore creative, minimally invasive, fiscally responsible ways to comply with Americans with Disabilities “Act guidelines to enhance accessibility into Graydon, with the first step a community needs assessment.
Not done. Now the passage of time is being used by Mayor Aronsohn as a driving force for a request for proposals leading to a $95,000-plus contract for a gigantic concrete ramp into the deep end that will destroy Graydon as we know it: the sight lines, the natural appearance, the ever-shrinking swimming area, part of the beach.
Being ignored:
• Graydon patrons have repeatedly stated that a gigantic ramp would co-opt too much swimming area, with seniors refusing to walk 40 to 60 feet to get into the water, yet their fictional enthusiasm for the ramp was the basis of Ridgewood’s successful application for a county block grant;
• The proposed ramp has been sharply criticized by architects, engineers, recreational therapy professionals, and those who would welcome easier entry into the water, including people using wheelchairs;
• Children and most physically challenged adults could/would not use a ramp into the 12-foot area;
• The ramp would block the spillway and be littered with slippery detritus;
• Neither entry to the premises (the No. 1 ADA priority) nor the bathrooms are ADA compliant;
• ADA does not require a ramp and barely mentions sandy-bottom pools, encouraging creative solutions sensitive to the setting – even Darlington County Park has no such ramp;
• Paving exacerbates flooding, a particular danger in the flood hazard area where Graydon and many homes and public buildings are located.
When we raise legitimate concerns about the ramp and propose alternatives, we are accused of disliking the disabled. Yet we have been the only group to thoroughly research the issue, interview experts, and locate appropriate products, such as a hydraulic lift off the T-dock with the “bridge” section widened – a fine use for the “concrete-only” $55,000 grant.
Last spring we supported the candidacy of Albert Pucciarelli, who led us to believe that he loved and understood Graydon. He encouraged the Planning Board to add Graydon to Ridgewood’s list of historic sites. Although we’d shared our concerns about the ramp, and his campaign mailing stated “No more concrete,” he now says he meant only that a concrete pool was unacceptable – a proposition that was already history.
Next Wednesday the mayor and the two council members who often join him as a voting majority are likely to approve building the ramp in the spring. They won’t mind spending at least $40,000 in municipal monies – originally $16,000 – having just floated a $3.8-million-plus bond and facing over $1.2 million in storm cleanup, not all reimbursable by FEMA.
Each council, the steward of natural beauty we have inherited, determines what future generations may enjoy. Meet the Ridgewood Parking Lot. Schedler, you’re next.
Reader Responds to Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s recent blog post.
With time constraints keeping me from the mayoral coffee klatsch, I was wondering if you might be able to provide insight into the proposed construction at the Ken Smith location. Supposition is swirling about as to the project and its participants. Perhaps you could assure the residents that you and other Village Council members have not already struck a deal with Paul Sarlo (that Woodridge connection just won’t quit) to install a 6-story behemoth in exchange for downtown parking spaces. That would be wrong on so many levels not the least of which is the ethical conundrum of meetings taking place between a majority of the concil and developers and no “sunshine”.
Could you also let us know why the “Sealfon’s” development proposal you are involved with (Saraceno et al–there’s Woodridge again) should be more acceptable to the taxpayers (who would have to bond it) than the proposal made several years ago by a firm that was fully funding it privately at no expense to the citizens of Ridgewood? Seems to me that a “serious” solution was made and entirely ignored because the principals were not contributiors to a political war chest. That would then lead to my final question (for now) Mr. Mayor, have any of the individuals involved in that development contributed to your political campaign? Additionally, I would extend that query to any member of your “Tiger Team” including our new municipal judge.
Duty calls, but many more questions remain…..0% BUDGETING was the battle cry while campaigning but post election 4% raises to union library employees (and 2% for non union….so very generous with other people’s money). Couldn’t Onyx have paid that instead of village seniors and those struggling to pay their mortgages? Using Dr. Gabbert’s raise as political fodder when you knew it was promised for the good work he did in cutting payroll and future union packages is not only deceitful, but the worst kind of political pandering.
It seems one question begets so many more. Looks like I’m going to have to get to a Village Council meeting. Coffe klatsches are nice, but I’d like my questions “on the record” and with input from your colleagues.
Looking forward to your response and to seeing you at the next meeting,
As a Realtor, a question I am constantly asked by family, friends and people I meet is “How’s the market?” Many are just curious in general but some ask because they may be interested in buying or selling a home. For them, depending on their position, I have different answers because their personal motivation is a key factor in helping them accomplish their goal.
When I speak to someone who is serious about buying or selling now or in the next few months, certain external factors have a strong impact on whether a buyer can afford a home or a seller gets their home sold. Today, I am refering to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
The FHA insures many home mortgages and insured around 16% of all mortgages last year alone. Lingering aftershocks of the housing crisis over the past few years have taken its toll on the FHA forcing the possibility of a taxpayer bailout for the first time in their 78-year history.
To offset the FHA’s losses, a program of premium hikes and rule changes that could affect buyers for years after they buy a home may be enacted. Sellers need to be aware that if these changes take place, some of the buyers who are currently looking in today’s market may have to sit on the sidelines a little longer.
The second external factor is the Federal Reserve’s current fiscal policy known as quantatative easing, round 3 (QE3). Specifically, since September, The Fed has pledged a monthly purchase of $40 billion of mortgage bonds until early Spring 2013. Their belief is that the fragile housing recovery in 2012 will be in a better position next year to stand on its own. At that time, we will likely see 30-year mortgage rates rise above the 4% mark for good.
Is this bad? Not necessarily but it means that some buyers won’t be able to afford more house for the money and may have to settle for less.
Depending on whether you are buyer or seller, these two major factors will play a part in your personal strategy. For buyers, the mortgage will start to rise, as will home prices. Sellers, if you’re waiting for 2006-07 home values to return, the trend is pointing to 2016-18.
So, should you stay or should you go? If you’re serious, don’t ponder too long or you will be leaving money on the table.
The plot against the Internet
By ELIZA KRIGMAN | 12/1/12 3:15 PM EST
Bureaucrats from around the world will gather behind closed doors in Dubai next week to plot an end to the Internet as we know it — or so Washington would have you believe.
Hill lawmakers warn that the 120-plus U.S. delegation needs to fend off efforts by China, Russia and developing nations to use a United Nations branch organization to censor or tax the Net. Google is orchestrating an online petition drive, and even Grover Norquist is involved.
The hype is a perfect storm for Matt Drudge: The U.N. will take over the Internet — unless you act fast.
Saying No to College
By ALEX WILLIAMS Published: November 30, 2012 107 Comments
BENJAMIN GOERING does not look like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, talk like him or inspire the same controversy. But he does apparently think like him.
Two years ago, Mr. Goering was a sophomore at the University of Kansas, studying computer science and philosophy and feeling frustrated in crowded lecture halls where the professors did not even know his name.
“I wanted to make Web experiences,” said Mr. Goering, now 22, and create “tools that make the lives of others better.”
So in the spring of 2010, Mr. Goering took the same leap as Mr. Zuckerberg: he dropped out of college and moved to San Francisco to make his mark. He got a job as a software engineer at a social-software company, Livefyre, run by a college dropout, where the chief technology officer at the time and a lead engineer were also dropouts. None were sheepish about their lack of a diploma. Rather, they were proud of their real-life lessons on the job.
“Education isn’t a four-year program,” Mr. Goering said. “It’s a mind-set.”
The idea that a college diploma is an all-but-mandatory ticket to a successful career is showing fissures. Feeling squeezed by a sagging job market and mounting student debt, a groundswell of university-age heretics are pledging allegiance to new groups like UnCollege, dedicated to “hacking” higher education. Inspired by billionaire role models, and empowered by online college courses, they consider themselves a D.I.Y. vanguard, committed to changing the perception of dropping out from a personal failure to a sensible option, at least for a certain breed of risk-embracing maverick.
Ridgewood Police: Safety tips to protect your mobile device
When purchasing a smartphone, know the features of the device, including the default settings. Turn off features of the device not needed to minimize the attack surface of the device.
Depending on the type of phone, the operating system may have encryption available. This can be used to protect the user’s personal data in the case of loss or theft.
With the growth of the application market for mobile devices, users should look at the reviews of the developer/company who published the application.
Review and understand the permissions you are giving when you download applications.
Passcode protect your mobile device. This is the first layer of physical security to protect the contents of the device. In conjunction with the passcode, enable the screen lock feature after a few minutes of inactivity.
Obtain malware protection for your mobile device. Look for applications that specialize in antivirus or file integrity that helps protect your device from rogue applications and malware.
Be aware of applications that enable geo-location. The application will track the user’s location anywhere. This application can be used for marketing, but can also be used by malicious actors, raising concerns of assisting a possible stalker and/or burglaries.
Jailbreak or rooting is used to remove certain restrictions imposed by the device manufacturer or cell phone carrier. This allows the user nearly unregulated control over what programs can be installed and how the device can be used. However, this procedure often involves exploiting significant security vulnerabilities and increases the attack surface of the device. Anytime an application or service runs in “unrestricted” or “system” level within an operation system, it allows any compromise to take full control of the device.
Do not allow your device to connect to unknown wireless networks. These networks could be rogue access points that capture information passed between your device and a legitimate server.
If you decide to sell your device or trade it in, make sure you wipe the device (reset it to factory default) to avoid leaving personal data on the device.
Smartphones require updates to run applications and firmware. If users neglect this, it increases the risk of having their device hacked or compromised.
Avoid clicking on or otherwise downloading software or links from unknown sources.
Use the same precautions on your mobile phone as you would on your computer when using the Internet.
If you have been a victim of an Internet scam or have received an e-mail that you believe was an attempted scam, please file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
Democrats took control on a platform of fiscal responsibility and cost controls
Democrats name next Bergen County freeholder chairman
Friday, November 30, 2012 Last updated: Friday November 30, 2012, 4:36 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Bergen County Freeholder David Ganz has agreed to serve as the next chairman when Democrats take control of the board in January.
Ganz, a Fair Lawn Democrat who is the senior freeholder with 10 years on the board, confirmed Friday that his Democratic colleagues have tapped him to serve as chairman and that Freeholder Joan Voss of Fort Lee to serve as vice-chairwoman.
“I hope that 2013 is a year of bipartisanship, of lower taxes and hard work by all the freeholders on the behalf of the people of Bergen County,” said Ganz, who has served longer than any Democrat in the history of the board.
The Democrats regained control of the board for the first time in two years with a 4-3 majority as a result of the Nov. 6 election of Tracy Silna Zur of Franklin Lakes and Steve Tanelli of North Arlington.
