High-stakes takeover bid for St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic fraught with politics
Last updated: Sunday March 10, 2013, 3:53 PM
BY LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
On its face, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to buy a money-losing, debt-ridden hospital serving mostly poor patients in one of New Jersey’s poorest cities.
St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic — the last remaining medical center in a declining mill city that once boasted three — has been propped up by state aid since declaring bankruptcy six years ago. Its open-heart surgery program, the first in New Jersey, performs fewer than 90 bypasses a year. Fewer than half of its 269 licensed beds are filled on an average night. At times, the hospital has barely met payroll.
Yet a California-based for-profit hospital chain, founded and owned by an enterprising cardiologist, plans to buy the hospital and turn it around. From Passaic, Prime Healthcare Services plans to expand and take over other New Jersey hospitals, starting with St. Michael’s Medical Center, the last Catholic hospital in Newark.
Prime’s push into New Jersey has sparked rivalries worthy of a novel, based on the perceived potential for profit from the millions of dollars passing through even the most hard-pressed hospitals.
Ridgewood fund manager’s death sparks suit by investors
Sunday March 10, 2013, 11:49 PM
BY KIBRET MARKOS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
When investment fund manager George Swan of Ridgewood died in a car crash in November, he left behind a huge financial mystery now pitting his wife, Kathy, against dozens of investors in a Bergen County court battle.
To Kathy Swan, her husband’s death was a tragic accident that left her and the couple’s four children to grieve.
To dozens of investors who fear they’ve lost millions in what they call a “sham” hedge fund set up by George Swan, his death occurred in a mysterious crash, about the same time their funds vanished.
Police haven’t been able to determine what caused the crash. Swan was driving his wife’s 2011 Lexus in rural upstate New York when it plowed at high speed into the back of a parked tractor-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Even more suspicious, investors say, is that the 53-year-old Swan, who lived in a $1.4 million home and managed millions of dollars for investors, left an estate his wife says is worth just $25,000. Kathy Swan, who was a managing member in George Swan’s Theory Capital Group, meanwhile stands to collect more than $13 million from his life insurance.
Armed with a high-powered national law firm, the investors are now taking Kathy Swan to court, alleging she was a principal in a massive fraud orchestrated by her husband.
Reader says Valley’s argument for expanding is inconsistent.
-Thed
Valley’s argument for expanding is inconsistent. On one hand, they say there’s too many hospital beds in the area (fighting Pascack Valley reopening). On the other, they want to double their size. True, they aren’t adding a significant number of rooms, but the question must be asked: With the significant rise in outpatient care AND shorter hospital stays, as well as the so called hospital bed surplus, if Valley wants/needs single patient rooms and other amenities, they should reduce the number of rooms to keep the expansion to a reasonable size.
If you read the recent Time magazine article, which I’m sure Valley management is cursing due to the unfortunate timing (for them), you would know that it’s all about the money. Hospitals are big businesses and management earns higher and higher salaries as their empires grow.
We appreciate a good hospital here in Ridgewood. We just can’t let an unbridled expansion occur that will disproportionately impact the Ridgewood community.
Educators reverse the war on students’ gadgets
DENISA R. SUPERVILLE The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) (MCT)
Cellphones were once verboten on most school grounds, destined to be confiscated by a principal or stashed in a locker until the end of the school day.
Now, some districts are not only encouraging students to bring the gadgets to school, they are using them and other devices — laptops, tablets, even Nintendo DSs — in class.
The about-face is a growing trend in K-12 districts nationwide, from Georgia and Wisconsin to New Jersey. Cellphones, laptops and tablets are relatively affordable, and rare is the teenager who doesn’t own at least one. As such, more teachers are incorporating Internet-based programs, applications and videos into their lesson plans, the 21st-century equivalent of the chalk and blackboard.
The initiatives come at a time when budgets are squeezed. And some school districts have found it is cheaper for students to bring their own technology than to spend thousands of dollars building computer labs or buying laptops for each student.
At New Milford (N.J.) High School, it is not uncommon to see students finishing homework assignments on their MacBooks in the cafeteria or using cellphones in class to text an answer.
“It’s giving them the freedom and autonomy to use the devices to support what they are doing in their classes,” said Principal Eric Sheninger.
Voice Of the People , ” Main Street USA “
Sue T
March 10,2013
One passer by greets another walking down Main Street, ” Oh. hello, Gertrude. How are you?”
She replies, ” Oh, as well as can be expected. I guess. How about you Millie? “
“Fine, except I just went to fill up the tank in my brand new SUV, and guess what it cost, one hundred and twenty five dollars and some change!” There goes the money I was going to spend on a few extra groceries this week”.
“I know, replied Gertrude, the cost of living is getting out of hand.”
Pretty soon, we’ll just have to stay home more instead of going shopping and eating out from time to time. Otherwise, I won’t be able to afford to pay my new Un-Affordable Obama Health Care Plan. That is projected to cost my family twenty thousand dollars a year to start with! And, if you don’t pay, you’ll be fined at least two thousand dollars! “
“Yes, I know, said Mille, and how about the cost of living eating into our vacation plans? We promised to take the kids somewhere this summer. But, at this rate, we may have to just take a few day trips instead.”
“I know, said Gertrude, it’s tough! I hope we won’t have trouble just getting by. We certainly can’t afford any more taxes!. That is for sure! “
Citizens throughout Bergen County and elsewhere are all sharing the same thoughts ,while attempting to go about their normal activities.
Every household is either facing tax increases, unemployment, rising healthcare cost, housing problems, returning veterans’ challenges or a combination thereof. College students with large tuition loans to pay back are forced to live at home,while a lack of jobs stalls new graduates’ careers.
With a shrinking private sector, along with a bankrupt government that is crying wolf at every turn, one wonders if we are still living in America or in some fly by night, third world colony, on a remote island somewhere in the South Pacific. Where is America?
Meanwhile, there is a strange sense of foreboding and uncertainty spreading about here in suburbia. Could it be that our federal government has lost its’ way? Republicans and Democrats alike have no budget, no constitution and no rule of law currently in use.
Is it time now for citizens to take notice that nothing goes on forever, not even a Republic, unless its leaders are made to follow the rule of law and the constitution for which they have taken an oath?.
Stop and think folks. There is something wrong going on here, and it is up to us to sort it out, and to stop the train of destruction from continuing to move down the track toward its ultimate demise….
So hop on board, and begin to pull on the emergency cord NOW, before it is too late! It’s up to you and me and all Americans to heed the warning whistle and to stop the fatal train before it is too late.
From one citizen and one household to another…………God Bless America and Forever May She Remain Free!
West Bergen Tea Party Presents “A City Upon A Hill”
Proud To Be An American
Save the Date 7 pm, Tuesday, March 12, 2013
We will be showing “A City Upon A Hill”
a star studded DVD on American Exceptionalism
You can find the trailer at:
https://www.gingrichproductions.com/2012/07/a-city-upon-a-hill-2/
Bring Friends, neighbors, relatives to this meeting Help us to organize “Proud To Be An American” showings for friends, neighbors, relatives, Boards of Educations, PTA’s, Town Councils, Freeholders, State Senators, State Assemblymen, Chambers of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Lions Clubs, Elks Clubs, Free Masons, VFW’s, American Legions, Tea Parties, etc
March 12, 7pm at the Larkin House ,380 Godwin Ave Wyckoff
DVD’s will be available, get yours and get going!
More Information: 201 891-5918 conservative_caucus@verizon.net https://www.westbergenteaparty.com/
Former Newark Airport TSA screener says the job does little to keep fliers safe
Last Updated: 10:11 AM, March 10, 2013
Posted: 1:14 AM, March 10, 2013
t is perhaps America’s most unsafe airport. Despite being the launching point for one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 — Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania — Newark Airport has had numerous security violations since. The latest: a fake bomb that made it past Transportation Security Administration officers. Here, a Newark TSA screener who recently left the agency tells how silly policies and lazy workers do little to stop real threats:
A LOT of what we do is make-believe.
I’ve had to screen small children and explain to their parents I had no choice but to “check” them. I would only place my hands on their arms and bottom half of their legs, and the entire “pat-down” lasted 10 seconds. This goes completely against TSA procedure.
Because the cameras are recording our every move, we have to do something. If someone isn’t checked or even screened properly, the entire terminal would shut down, as this constitutes a security breach.
But since most TSA supervisors are too daft to actually supervise, bending the rules is easy to do.
Did you know you don’t need a high-school diploma or GED to work as a security screener? These are the same screeners that TSA chief John Pistole and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano refer to as a first-class first line of defense in the war on terror.
These are the employees who could never keep a job in the private sector. I wouldn’t trust them to walk my dog.
Can you believe this? She was VP of a Valley volunteer organization, her picture has been in numerous papers at Valley events, she spoke adamantly for Renewal at the village council meetings and we are to believe that she won’t give Valley whatever they want? I have a bridge for you if you believe that!
If she votes it will just invite a lawsuit.Do the right thing – for all involved. Save the time and expense of a lawsuit. The village cannot afford prolonged litigation. Do not vote on the valley expansion.
The council is responsible for her conflict of interest. It is shocking that she does not understand what a conflict is. He dad took out full page ads for her election, maybe she owes him a “yes” vote.
Hospitals to pay millions for alleged overbilling
Mar 8 (2 days ago)
See the “article below” on hospitals overcharging in Texas and Florida. ” That ain’t all, folks!”I bet you could pick the same problem up everywhere in the US. This is one of the reasons why HC in America is in so much trouble!
That, along with ,the mishandling of Medicare and Medicaid in Washington, the Pharma $ companies, sloppy bookkeeping by hospitals and some physicians, insurance company charges etc., etc., there is a real story and a half here. We have two levels of billing going on with services, depending on where you go, or if you are paying out of pocket and not through an insurance company. Fun and games………..!
A Texas hospital and radiology group settled a federal lawsuit with the U.S. Attorney’s office Tuesday over illegal double billing, KRIS-TV reported.
According to federal prosecutors, Driscoll Children’s Hospital-owned Children’s Physician Services of South Texas and Radiology Associates each billed the government for the same procedure over five years, resulting in at least $12.3 million in wrongful reimbursement, according to the report.
“Prosecutors said the children’s clinic billed the government twice, once for the cost of taking the genetic ultrasound and once for the cost of interpreting the ultrasound, despite an agreement with the radiology clinic that each office would only bill for one component of the exam,” according to the article. The ultrasounds were ordered for women with risky pregnancies.
The settlement left Driscoll Health with a $1.5 million bill and Radiology Associates with $800,000. Driscoll Children’s Hospital, in a statement, called the claims a “matter of interpretation” and said the hospital system settled “to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience and expense of protracted litigation,” KRIS-TV reported
Meanwhile, a whistleblower lawsuit filed against Florida Hospital continues in federal court even after the nonprofit hospital repaid $3 million in government overpayments, reported the Orlando Sentinel.
Reader says say Good-Bye to Ridgewood, as we know it
Say Good-Bye to Ridgewood, as we know it, McMansion of Valley seems nearer? After years of discussions, now the town, must drop everything and vote before June the 30th? Really?
The hospital sits on a 15 acre site in the middle of a residential neighborhood and next to a middle school. Valley, is claiming that they’ve made this more appealing? Really? Going from four stories of parking to five? Their appealing makes no sense, as does this over expansion. Same plans with some more lipstick? Really?
We are all for a state-of the-art facility with single patient rooms. Just do it with minimal setbacks and building height. If you can’t achieve what you think you need then expand at your Paramus facility! Don’t ruin Ridgewood. You have options Valley, you need to really re-think your plans. You have Pascack Valley as a huge competitor now. Maybe your scope should really properly be adjusted? Valley Hospital, can thrive as a “Community Hospital” and is not endangered as they like us to think.
Valley Hospital now, puts a huge strain on Ridgewood. Doubling the size will double our problems..more traffic, more police, and more taxes. Remember Valley is NOT for profit and pays no taxes. Hey, they just started paying for water.
Readers says Valley’s current location is a poor choice for expansion on so many levels
When Hackensack University Medical Center expanded, they acquired the properties adjacent and surrounding the Main Campus. Why can’t Valley attempt to do the same thing at the site of the Luckow Pavilion? That area is already a commercial area.
Without stating the obvious, Valley’s current location is a poor choice for expansion on so many levels. With the monies they’ve already spent on fighting Hackensack’s acquisition of Pascack Valley, they most likely could have made the owners of the properties adjacent to Luckow, an offer they couldn’t refuse to purchase their properties.
Reader says the vote according to Judge Carver needs to be before June 30th? Anyone have an issue with this?
Hello. the vote according to Judge Carver needs to be before June 30th? Anyone have an issue with this? I see a RUSH to vote as a huge NO for Valley? How can you do due diligence by then? YOU CAN’T so vote is either NO or extended. Prolonged extended studies are fine. Keeps delaying Valley and their ignorance.
YES IGNORANCE, on VALLEY’s part! While you’ve been fighting with Ridgewood for an unfair expansion: Hackensack Hospital, has purchased Pascack Valley and will be opened before you even break ground. Valley, has proceeded in a pig headed manner. Expecting this town to lie down for their requirements which are so unreasonable. There are so many other options they should have taken. First, they should have purchased Pascack Valley. Second, they should explain why they can’t expand at their Paramus location which is a much more appealing location for their future needs. Valley, are you listening? Ask for 700,000 sf in Ridgewood and watch your height. Renew within and privitize your rooms, your not going to need as many now due to Pascack Valley, so don’t over expand. You have plenty of money so don’t waste it. Stop driving that fear of endangered species. We’ll go under if we can’t do this? Nonsense, you have better options and you’re not trapped here on this site, like The Record article said. Your just trapped from over expanding here. GO to Paramus for the changes you require. Do not strain Ridgewood with more police, fire, trafiic, and higher taxes. I don’t even want PILOT. You shouldn’t be able to leverage a planning board, village council, or judge to over expand your structure on this site. I think the Rolling Stones song should be the theme here: “You can’t always get what you want”! Please stop trying beacuse it’s not what Ridgewood needs!
Readers says for Valley three times is not a charm
Valley was told two expansions ago that they were too large for the property and that they should look elsewhere for any expansion. Yet they came back once more and was told that they could expand only if they took down Kraft house. Next they tried to buy Bf fields but the citizens put a stop to that with a loud “No Way”. Next came “Renewal” and the Planning bord said sure but the council said nay and CRR put the icing on the Master Plan amendment and here we go again.
Clearly what needs to happen is the citizens need to come out in force and say “No Way”. We have had enough and we do not have to solve Valley’s business problem. They have had nearly 20 years to figure this out and their business model should not be based on bullying the town into becoming a city.
Ridgewood Open Houses Sunday March 10
March 8, 2013 By Michael Shetler Leave a Comment
Open Houses in Ridgewood, NJ
Starts: 03/10/2013 01:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours:
Ridgewood, NJ
07450
Michael Shetler is a local resident and NJAR Circle of Excellence recipient (2009, 2011) who is happy to serve you in this area. For more information about any of these local homes for sale please call Michael at 201.421.0506 cell or 201.445.4300 office.
Address List Price Bedrooms List Broker
1 451 BERKSHIRE RD $448,000 4 COLDWELL BANKER, TENAFLY
2 610 ROBERT ST $450,000 4 WEICHERT REALTORS RIDGEWOOD
3 443 VAN EMBURGH AVE $579,900 3 GILSENAN & CO.
4 249 CANTERBURY PL $688,000 4 PROMINENT PROPERTIES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY-RIDGEWOO
5 43 ETHELBERT PL $739,000 4 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE RAND REALTY, HARRINGTON
6 695 WALL ST $749,900 4 REALMART REALTY, LLC
7 425 WASTENA TER $799,000 4 WEICHERT REALTORS RIDGEWOOD
8 415 OAK ST $806,000 4 WEICHERT REALTORS RIDGEWOOD
9 198 ORCHARD PL $815,000 4 KELLER WILLIAMS VILLAGE SQUARE REALTY
10 348 QUEENS CT $934,500 6 CENTURY 21 VAN DER WENDE ASSOCIATES
11 206 CLAREMONT RD $949,000 6 COLDWELL BANKER, RIDGEWOOD
12 279 BELLAIR RD $1,249,000 5 TARVIN REALTORS
13 200 N MURRAY AVE $2,295,000 5 TARVIN REALTORS
How New FHA Rules Affects Buyers AND Sellers
Michael Fidanza
The Nuber Team
Keller Williams Village Square Realty
201.248.6605
Michael@TheNuberTeam.com | www.TheNuberTeam.com
Here is how the new rules affect home buyers and those looking to refinance their homes. However, these changes also impact possible home sellers.
FHA buyers tend to be searching for more entry-level homes. Owners of these homes may see potential buyers dry up because the cost of obtaining mortgages is getting more costly.
Currently, we are in the middle of a robust seller’s market – one where well-priced sellers are receiving multiple offers for their homes. This is because the cost of home ownership is still low. The new FHA rules could take out an entire tier of home shoppers and selling a home in this market could shift again.
The solution? Don’t be a victim of the FHA or the Federal Reserve policies! If you are looking for an opportune time to list your home, this is an attractive time and shouldn’t be ignored.
Maybe it’s time to have a conversation with a real estate professional for some common sense solutions in this uncertain market?
