NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER
March 3,2013
Ridgewood NJ, Students, parents and staff are invited to nominate a favorite teacher or educational services professional for an award, given annually through the Ridgewood Teacher Recognition Program. The deadline for nominations is Monday, March 18.
Click below for details and forms : https://tinyurl.com/bttg5jq
Deputy Mayor Al Pucciarell urges sale of fleet services building
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Record
Ridgewood’s fleet services building should be sold because it is outdated and inefficient, according to Deputy Mayor Al Pucciarelli.
Pucciarelli told the council that revenue generated from the sale of the 2-acre plot could fund construction of a new facility.
Ridgewood’s 50-plus vehicles are regularly serviced at the Chestnut Street building.
“It seems to me the building isn’t efficient for the number and wide variety of vehicles it services,” Pucciarelli said at Wednesday’s meeting, noting trusses in the ceiling restrict larger vehicles from being put on a lift.
The deputy mayor said ice builds up and falls from the roof, creating a hazard for workers. Furthermore, the lack of back-door bays constricts vehicle flow, he said.
“Maintenance is often being done outside the facility,” Pucciarelli said. “The building wasn’t designed for what we use it for.”
Pucciarelli said recent interest by developers in that part of town indicates that it may be the right time to sell. Two applications pending before the Planning Board seek variances to permit the redevelopment of a pair of properties on Chestnut Street for mixed-use housing.
The village could replace the “clumsy” building, he said, “with something that would be more efficient,” He said he has sites in mind for a new fleet facility.
Reader says There has been disrespectful dialogue on both sides of this discussion, so neither side has any right to point fingers.
When most of Valley’s neighbors bought their houses, there was a Master Plan in place that stated that Valley would not be able to do what they are trying to do now. Valley’s treatment of its neighbors has been deplorable and anyone who so much as raised a question about their plans was dismissed as an ignorant NIMBY.
The process that lead to that Master Plan amendment was so seriously flawed that we now have to do the whole thing over again. Valley tried to cram their plan though on private, back room deals (much like what we’re seeing now with the current proposed developments in the CBD) and by shutting its opponents out of public meetings.
The assumption that you know better than Valley’s opponents about “the best interests of the Village” is consistent with the arrogant and dismissive attitude that Valley has had towards its neighbors for years. Or, as you refer to them, “you people.”
There has been disrespectful dialogue on both sides of this discussion, so neither side has any right to point fingers.
2013 Reassessment Nearing Completion
Valuation letters have been mailed to all residential properties. Commercial letters should be mailed by March 8th. If you would like to meet with a representative of ASI to discuss your new assessment please follow the instructions on your value letter. Upon completion of the hearings the values will be finalized and the assessment notices (postcards) mailed.
For additional information click here to be redirected to the Division of Assessments webpage:https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/department_detail.cfm?dept_id=2
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Presents: Please Walk in my shoes fundraiser at the Woman’s Club of Ridgewood.
Can you Spare a Pair? Now accepting new to gently used women’s shoes!
Drop Off your shoes at the Woman’s Club of Ridgewood during March,
Call 201-586-0926 or email ridgewoodshoeever@gmail.com for more details.
Monday-Friday from 10AM-2PM
Saturday March 16 from 9AM-12PM
Tuesday March 19 from 5PM-10PM
And Don’t Forget to mark your calendars for the Please Walk in my Shoes Fundraiser Shoecase Party (Ladies Night Out- What Fun!)
Friday March 22 7-11PM
Buy Tickets online at www.ridgewoodwomansclub.com or RSVP by 3/8 to ridgewoodshoeevent@gmail.com
$25 per person
Includes: First dibs on the best selection of shoes Cool Libations, tasty treats and great music.
$20 per pair of shoes (Cash or checks accepted)
Bag of Heels Party (The fun continues)
Open to the public – FREE
Saturday, March 23 10AM-3PM $20 per pair of shoes (Cash or checks accepted) NET proceeds will go to local women’s charities
Parents, Coaches: Know the Risks of Concussions in Youth Sports The Valley Hospital is Offering Concussion Testing
February 27, 2013
Ridgewood NJ, To assist parents and coaches in protecting young athletes from the serious head injuries that can result from returning to play too soon after a suffering a concussion, The Valley Hospital Sports Institute offers the ImPACT Concussion Management Test. ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is an innovative computerized evaluation system that assesses the effects and severity of a concussion and helps determine when it is safe for an athlete to return to contact sports following a concussion.
ImPACT testing is suitable for athletes ages 12 and older. It is a 20-30 minute neurocognitive test battery that has been scientifically validated to measure the effects of sports-related concussion. Typically, in the preseason each athlete is given a baseline test. And, when a concussion is suspected during the season, a follow-up test is administered to see if the results have changed from the baseline. This comparison helps to diagnose and manage the concussion. Follow-up tests can be administered over days or weeks so clinicians can continue to track the athlete’s recovery from the injury.
The Sports Institute recently enhanced its Concussion Management Program with the addition of the Biodex Biosway Balance testing unit. The test takes about 5 minutes and provides a psycho-motor assessment of concussion injuries. Athletes should be tested in the preseason to gather baseline information that can be used for comparison in the event of a concussion to assess the extent of the injury and the athlete’s readiness to return to activity.
Since most high schools in the area have the testing in place already, the Sports Institute is providing this service primarily for the recreation and town-sponsored youth sports teams for athletes ages 12 and older.
The next scheduled baseline testing sessions will take place on Thursday, March 21. Two sessions will be held at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Valley’s Kraft Center, located at 15 Essex Road in Paramus. The tests will be conducted in the 3rd Floor Computer Lab.
Pre-Registration is required, as space is limited. The fee is $25. Space is limited. Please call 201-447-8133 for more information and to register.
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are most commonly caused by a bump or blow to the head, but, can also be caused by a sudden deceleration or acceleration of the head. In either scenario, the brain, suspended inside the skull and surrounded by fluid, continues to travel with momentum until it “bangs” up against the skull – causing a brain-bruising injury – or concussion. What may seem to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after the injury, or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away. Common symptoms include: headache, dizziness, feeling foggy, nausea, fatigue and confusion. Common signs include memory loss, a loss of balance and coordination, and changes in personality. Concussion severity varies widely, and the number of signs and symptoms vary also – serious injuries may show few symptoms.
Although less common, bleeding in the brain can occur with some head injuries. Loss of consciousness, mental status deterioration and worsening symptoms raise the concern for a bleeding injury. An athlete does not need to lose consciousness (black out) to suffer a concussion. In fact, less than 10 percent of concussed athletes lose consciousness.
An athlete who suffers a concussion can be at risk for a condition known as Second Impact Syndrome if he or she returns to sports before full recovery. Second impact syndrome is a life-threatening condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling. Second impact syndrome can result from even a very mild concussion that occurs days or weeks after the initial concussion.
“Second Impact Syndrome can be prevented,” Donald Tomaszewski, Director of The Valley Hospital Sports Institute. “Don’t allow an athlete to return to sports after a concussion until their symptoms have completely resolved and they have been cleared by a medical professional experienced in treating concussions.”
It is official: Even Facebook admits that teens are tiring of the social network as they turn to newer ‘cooler’ apps such as Snapchat
By James Nye
Facebook has made the startling admission that teenagers are becoming bored with the social networking giant.
Facing competition from younger, more agile and ‘cooler’ apps such as Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook fears its long-term business could be harmed.
And as Facebook approaches its tenth anniversary the firm published its annual 10-K report last month revealing that its younger users are increasingly turning away from the multi-billion dollar business.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287593/Facebook-admits-teens-tiring-social-network-turn-newer-cooler-apps-Snapchat.html
In New Program RHS pushes exercise to improve Test Scores
March 4, 2013, 10:27 AM
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , we have all known for years from peak performers that regular exercise increases productivity in the the work place , particularly those in high stress ,high pressure jobs. Now that knowledge is being applied to students in hopes of in creasing their test scores.
A recent Danish study released last year, concluded that students who walked or biked to school actually performed better overall on a concentration test than those who were driven to school. Eating regular meals also helped concentration, the study found.
The Ridgewood News is reporting that Ridgewood High School (RHS) educators, have concluded that students need good nights sleep, a good meal and some activity to perform their best. Hoping that more exercise will improve test outcomes at RHS.https://www.northjersey.com/news/194829961_Ridgewood_students_shaping_up_for_test.html
This week, school administrators will launch a new voluntary exercise program for RHS juniors with the idea of improving their High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) testing on March 5, 6 and 7.https://www.northjersey.com/news/194829961_Ridgewood_students_shaping_up_for_test.html
RHS will voluntary exercise classes of about 15 to 20 minutes to be offered before the HSPA tests at 7:05 a.m. in Gym 1 for interested students who are willing to get to school early. Then, whether or not they participate in an activity, immediately before their exams begin, all juniors will be offered water and free snacks of fruit, yogurt and granola bars.https://www.northjersey.com/news/194829961_Ridgewood_students_shaping_up_for_test.html
file photo Boyd Loving Ridgewood FD
Budgets have more North Jersey towns considering shared services
Faced with stringent budget cuts and rising health care and pension costs, a growing number of towns, including Mahwah and Allendale, are on the verge of turning longtime public services over to the private sector. Record
Sen. Robert Menendez at Ridgewood REORG by Boyd Loving
Menendez bill could have benefited donor
WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert Menendez sponsored legislation with incentives for natural gas vehicle conversions that would benefit the biggest political donor to his re-election, the same eye doctor whose private jet Menendez used for two personal trips to the Dominican Republic, an Associated Press investigation found. Associated Press
Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck Engage in Political Grandstanding on pointless gun resolution
Monday, March 4, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck are working to draft a pointless resolution that will take a stance against gun violence, gee is there really anybody for gun violence?
According to the Bergen Record discussions at a recent council meeting were inspired by an equally pointless resolution adopted by the Village Board of Education, which calls for more gun control as well as more funding for educational programs and mental health services.
The Council and the BOE owe it to taxpayers to focus on the business of the Village instead of grand standing on do nothing politically motivated resolutions spurred on by the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook Connecticut.
Looking to capitalize and make cheap political points off this horrific tragedy is both in bad taste and totally disingenuous . With gun crime being disproportionally felt in the Black community and primarily generated by gang violence with young people it boarders on offensive when it only becomes an issue because white kids in the suburbs die. Gangs reportedly operate in 41 percent of urban schools, 26 percent of suburban schools, and 20 percent of rural schools.
According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police ,”The criminal acquisition and use of firearms in the United States continues to plague law enforcement officials and the communities they serve. The increase and spread of violent crime, in particular crimes committed by juveniles, must be specifically addressed to decrease the number of gun-related deaths and injuries that negatively impact the quality of life in our communities. Easy access to firearms by prohibited possessors directly affects the level of violent crime in America today.”
The fact is when it comes to gun crime , “Blacks were disproportionately represented as both homicide victims and offenders. The victimization rate for blacks (27.8 per 100,000) was 6 times higher than the rate for whites (4.5 per 100,000). The offending rate for blacks (34.4 per 100,000) was almost 8 times higher than the rate for whites (4.5 per 100,000).”
“Males represented 77% of homicide victims and nearly 90% of offenders. The victimization rate for males (11.6 per 100,000) was 3 times higher than the rate for females (3.4 per 100,000). The offending rate for males (15.1 per 100,000) was almost 9 times higher than the rate for females (1.7 per 100,000).”
“Approximately a third (34%) of murder victims and almost half (49%) of the offenders were under age 25. For both victims and offenders, the rate per 100,000 peaked in the 18 to 24 year-old age group at 17.1 victims per 100,000 and 29.3 offenders per 100,000.”
(These are all direct quotes from a United States Department of Justice report released by the Obama Administration in November of 2011.)
https://www.redstate.com/2013/01/09/the-real-gun-violence-problem/
https://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/gun_violence/sect01.html
https://www.theiacp.org/PublicationsGuides/Projects/GunViolenceReduction/BJAInitiatives/tabid/320/Default.aspx
Reader says Of course there are some legitimate reasons to stay anonymous
Of course there are some legitimate reasons to stay anonymous as even some Valley employees are questioning this massive proposal. But when some folks get into cheap shots and personal attacks, I’m curious to see if they would ever have the courage to do it in person or at least attach a name to a post.
And I also agree they need to modernize and expand, but not the way it is laid out in this joke of a compromise. I just hope there are bodies in seats at the meetings, and not just the folks bused in from Valley.
Anonymous
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State Appellate Court Upholds Donovan’s Appeal of Sherriff’s Department Contract Negotiation Ruling
A state appellate court has ruled in favor of Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan’s motion to delay the implementation of new contract for the county sheriff’s department until the executive’s appeal of a lower court ruling determining whether the executive’s office has the right to be part of contract negotiations with the sheriff’s department is concluded.
The stay blocks over $10.5 million in raises for the department in a new contract that was negotiated by Sheriff Michael Saudino without participation of the county executive. Donovan has argued that, as county executive, she has the right and a responsibility to sit at the bargaining table for any employee contract negotiations. Donovan was excluded from the negotiations last year by Saudino and the Sheriff’s Department PBA.
“I am very pleased that the Appellate Court took the time to carefully consider the logic of our argument and granted the stay until the appeal process is completed,” said Donovan.
“We want to affirm the right of the county executive’s office to be part of any and all contract negotiations that impact the taxpayers of Bergen County,” added Donovan. “I cannot protect the taxpayers if I am not part of the negotiation process.”
Donovan’s legal intervention seeks to clarify the powers of the county executive in dealing with issues that impact the budget, such as union contract negotiation. Donovan maintains that, as the highest elected officials in the county and the one ultimately responsible for presenting a yearly county budget, her office is entitled to represent the taxpayers at contract talks involving all county employees.
Attorneys for Donovan also argued that the executive, along with the sheriff is a joint employer of sheriff’s department employees, which thereby gives her the right to have a seat at the negotiation table.
Donovan is being supported in her efforts by the state Public Employee Retirement Commission, which wrote to the Appellate Division on February 22 of its intention to intervene in the case. PERC’s letter said the ruling by Superior Court Judge Joseph Conte barring an appeal of his earlier ruling opposing the county executive’s right to take part in sheriff’s department contract negotiations is; “contrary, in all pertinent respects, to the holding of the Commission.”
PERC ruled 6-0 in August of 2012 that the county executive did have the right to sit at the bargaining table.
At the time of the ruling, PERC said, in part, that “…the county executive is authorized, subject to freeholder board approval, to negotiate contracts for the County, of which the Sheriff is but one part.”
DC still spending like drunken sailors
White House retreats from doomsday spending cuts predictions, but keeps blame on Republicans
Published March 03, 2013
FoxNews.com
The White House is retreated from its doomsday predictions about the impact of the $85 billion in federal spending cuts as they enter a second week — with Republican leaders appearing at least satisfied about delivering on their promise to limit government spending and hold down taxes.
Gene Sperling, the White House’s top economic adviser, repeatedly said Sunday the cuts will not hurt as much on “Day One” as they will over the long haul.
“Nobody ever suggested that this … was going to have all its impact in the first few days,” he told “NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “It is a slow grind.”
His remarks are in contrast to weeks of President Obama and his Cabinet warning that the cuts will result in furloughs or pay cuts for middle-class wage-earners such as teachers, Capitol Hill janitors and air traffic controllers, which they said could cause 90-minutes delays at major U.S. airports.
Sperling declined at least twice to directly answer questions about whether the worst-case-scenario rhetoric has hurt the president’s credibility on the issue. He instead stuck to his argument that independent economists forecast the cuts will result in 750,000 fewer jobs and that corporate executives now anticipate slower economic growth.
Commuter towns hold value better
Sunday, March 3, 2013 Last updated: Sunday March 3, 2013, 10:32 AM
BY GUY KIPP
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
The Record
While home values have fallen about 25 percent in the region since the housing boom’s peak in 2006, prices have held up better in towns along commuter train lines.
According to a study by Otteau Valuation Group of East Brunswick, the average price of homes in Glen Rock, for example, fell from $638,854, to $567,174, from 2006 to 2012, a drop of 11.2 percent. In Ridgewood, another community with a train station, prices dropped 12.6 percent from $855,219, to $747,226.
While no homeowner would find a dip of more than 10 percent a source of comfort, these communities fared markedly better than North Jersey communities in more remote locations. Franklin Lakes, for example, saw home prices fall more than 29 percent from $1,487,113, to $1,053,997, while Oakland endured a drop of 22 percent from $554,791, to $432,489, for the same six-year span.
Homeowners in towns along the train lines say that an easy commute influenced their decision to buy.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/194594341_Commuter_towns_hold_value_better.html#sthash.mvDsmwMR.dpuf
