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>My name is Jane Shinozuka and I am running for Village Council

>My name is Jane Shinozuka and I am running for Village Council

My name is Jane Shinozuka and I am running for Village Council. Ridgewood has been my home for 17 years. My husband and I are raising our three children – each in different levels of our school system: RHS, BFMS and Hawes – in a community that enriches our family life. I currently sit as a member of the Ridgewood Planning Board, Officer of the BF HSA executive board as well as BF’s Liaison to the Federated HSA Safety Committee. I participate as a Group Leader for the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel CCD program and also serve on the Board of Governors for the Salem Ridge Association. My association with these and many other groups over the years have strengthened my aspiration to be elected to Village Council.
Ridgewood is undeniably a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It’s filled with intelligent and compassionate residents who consistently contribute time, effort and financial help to important causes. We respond to each other in times of need with genuine help and concern. It is our civic identity and the force that drives our instinct to protect what we have in this Village. Beyond the magnanimous nature of the community, we enjoy lovely surroundings, good schools, comprehensive municipal services and overall safety. But like so many towns in Bergen County, Ridgewood is clearly struggling to maintain the day to day that we’ve all come to expect.  As a Councilmember, I will endeavor to protect and strengthen those things which make Ridgewood special through realistic and prudent management.

To that end, it’s important to prioritize the careful examination of projects that most impact the Village and its residents. We need to focus on reliable emergency management procedures and flood mitigation solutions – determining what already works well and drafting strategies for improvement. Our DPW faced an unusually difficult year and the strain left some residents feeling underserved. The hurricane and the early snow storm heightened awareness of the need for emergency planning that can deliver more consistent service. Reinvigorating our CBD is also a priority and needs an interactive plan to improve efficiency in terms of permit and procedure for new businesses, pedestrian safety and parking issues for anyone visiting or doing business in the CBD.  

I look forward to sharing these and my other ideas with Ridgewood residents over the next two months. Thanks to everyone who signed my petitions and gave me the opportunity to be placed on the ballot. Speaking one on one with residents reinforced my belief that I can be an asset to the community.  I am a firm believer in non-partisan government and if elected I’ll be an ethical and impartial addition to the Village Council.

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>Co-op’s Open House March 22, 2012

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ridgewood co op ten theridgewoodblog.net



Co-op’s Open House March 22, 2012 

The Cooperative Nursery School of Ridgewood (the Co-op), a nonsectarian school, will hold an Open House for the 2012-2013 school year on Thursday, March 22nd from 9:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30. The school is located at 100 Dayton Street in Ridgewood.

The Co-op offers classes for children from 1 ½ to 5 years old.  Classes range from Mommy and Me to four day per week classes for 4 year olds.  Kindergarten enrichment classes are also offered. The school has both morning and afternoon classes.  There are also a variety of different extended day options available to students, including Discovery Fridays, a program designed to supplement the class curriculum.

The school’s seasoned teaching staff guides students toward social, emotional and physical well-being.  Children learn and play in an environment ideally suited to their needs as developing individuals.  The program encourages independence, self-discipline and a love for school.

Setting the school apart from other nursery schools, The Co-op is organized and run by parents. This enables parents to actively participate in their child’s early learning experience.  Music, physical education, field trips, indoor and outdoor play time and an in-house library are just a few of the experiences to which the children are exposed as supplements to the daily education plans.

For more information or to set up a private tour, please call the school at (201) 447-6232 or email [email protected] .

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>Once again, paving threatens Graydon Pool – not the whole pool this time, but an important part of it

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Graydon Pool2 artchick.biz

photo by Artchick.biz
other photos of Graydon https://www.flickr.com/photos/50399832@N06/sets/72157624033262955/


Our letter to the editor, Ridgewood News, March 2, 2012:

To the editor:

Once again, paving threatens Graydon Pool – not the whole pool this time, but an important part of it.

The Village Council has applied to the County Freeholders for a $60,000 block grant for a concrete ramp leading into the 12-foot section of the swimming area. The ramp, including a $12,600 aluminum handrail drilled into the patio wall, would begin with a long concrete sidewalk at the corner of the bathroom building and cover the sand along the front of the Pavilion. It would circle the north spillway, then make two 90-degree turns before entering the water in a 34-foot stretch along the wall below the patio, ending with a landing platform of a few more feet.

In the grant application – posted at preservegraydon.org – the village cites as a basis for the design “our review and discussions with residents and those who use the facility.” Sounds good, but no needs assessment was done. No general discussions with residents were held. And this ill-conceived plan would neither satisfy Graydon patrons nor remove barriers; in fact, it would add some.

The application states that Ridgewood would spend an additional $15,000 in municipal funds on the concrete project. Yet with modern materials and devices, the desired effect could be achieved non-invasively, less expensively and to serve a far broader population.

Allendale’s Crestwood Lake, another municipal lake with a sandy beach, meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements with a beach wheelchair that goes over sand, a floating wheelchair that goes into water and folds flat for storage (https://mobi-chair.com), and removable water-permeable roll-out mats (which Graydon doesn’t need).

At Graydon, a floating wheelchair could easily enter the water at the spot near the lap lanes in the 4-foot area where part of the low fieldstone wall has been removed. This shallower area, close to The Stable’s about-to-be-upgraded parking lot, would accommodate all ages and abilities, whereas a ramp into the deep end would be harder to reach and suit few or none. In any case, a water-safe wheelchair would have to be bought for water entry; metal wheelchairs are not used on sand or in pools.

Among many other problems: A ramp in the northeast corner would catch detritus floating toward the spillway, creating an unsightly safety hazard. Seniors and others desiring a firm, quick foothold into the water would not choose to traverse a 40-foot ramp. They merely want existing ramps upgraded.

Of likely concern to countless residents, whether Graydon patrons or not, is the large amount of impervious material that would be added to the flood hazard area 12 months a year in a pool used three months a year. Our village engineer noted at a recent meeting that we would never reduce flooding until we stopped paving the floodway. What part of Hurricane Irene don’t we understand?

If council members want Graydon kept natural, as four claim they do, and wish to make Graydon more barrier free without exacerbating flooding, they will seek better alternatives and withdraw the application, or if the grant money is offered, refuse it.

Marcia Ringel
Co-Chair, The Preserve Graydon Coalition
https://www.preservegraydon.org/

For a schematic drawing by the Village engineer, click on the link, then scroll to the next-to-last page: Ramp grant application (PDF) 



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Ridgewood Knights of Columbus to Host Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance.

>Ridgewood Knights of Columbus to Host Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance

Ridgewood-NJ-February 20, 2012: The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus are once again proud to be sponsoring their annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 24th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Mount Carmel gymnasium at 52 Passaic Street in Ridgewood.

The Best of Everything will cater a full-course of traditional Irish fare including corned beef and cabbage. The renowned Willie Lynch Band will be playing Irish classics and great dance music. There will also be a special appearance by the Irish Step Dancers from the McLoughlin Dance School.

Tickets are $50 each. Payment can be mailed to: Mark Stappenbeck 452 Hunter Road Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 444 – 3346 Come enjoy this annual celebration as the Knights of Columbus continue the tradition that the People of Ireland started over a thousand years ago.  And what better way to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick then to gather with friends and family, enjoy a fine meal, and dance to great music!

Come out and celebrate St. Patrick’s with the Ridgewood Knights !

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>One Month to Go Until We Have the World’s Highest Corporate Tax Rate

>One Month to Go Until We Have the World’s Highest Corporate Tax Rate

Just one month from today, the United States will have the highest corporate income tax rate in the developed world, surpassing Japan.

Just one month from today, Japan will lower their corporate income tax rate from 39.5 to 35 percent.  When they do so, the United States will officially have the dubious distinction of possessing the highest corporate income tax rate in the developed world, a federal/state integrated rate of 39.2 percent.

To put that in perspective, the average in the developed world (OECD) is only 25 percent.  Our six major trading partners–Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and France–will all have a lower rate than we will have.  As a result, capital and jobs will continue to flow overseas, rather than staying here to create jobs, increase wages, fund pensions, invest in new business, or grow nest eggs.

Read more: https://www.atr.org/one-month-worlds-highest-corporate-tax-a6748#ixzz1ntqDlmvO

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>Your Share of Fannie, Freddie Losses: $1,300

>Your Share of Fannie, Freddie Losses: $1,300
By Jack Hough

Fannie Mae said Wednesday it lost $2.4 billion during the fourth quarter of 2011 and $16.9 billion for the full year.

It has had worse years, remarkably. Fannie lost about $60 billion in 2008 and $72 billion the following year–two of the 10 largest corporate losses ever. Sibling Freddie Mac is responsible for a third, a $51 billion loss in 2008.

Fannie Mae was established in 1938 to promote home ownership by making federal funds available to lenders. In the 1950s and 1960s, it transformed into a profit-seeking corporation, with the goal of purchasing mortgages and selling them to investors, thereby replenishing funds to banks for fresh loans. Freddie Mac was created in 1970 to spur competition.

https://blogs.smartmoney.com/advice/2012/02/29/your-share-of-fannie-freddie-losses-1300/

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>Everyday prices are up some 8 percent over the past year, according to the American Institute for Economic Research.

>Everyday prices are up some 8 percent over the past year, according to the American Institute for Economic Research.
By Kathy Kristof

Forget the modest 3.1 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index, the government’s widely used measure of inflation. Everyday prices are up some 8 percent over the past year, according to the American Institute for Economic Research.

The not-for-profit research group measures inflation without looking at the big, one-time purchases that can skew the numbers. That means they don’t look at the price of houses, furniture, appliances, cars, or computers. Instead, AIER focuses on Americans’ typical daily purchases, such as food, gasoline, child care, prescription drugs, phone and television service, and other household products.

https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505144_162-57387655/inflation-not-as-low-as-you-think/

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>Poll: Most N.J. voters support gay marriage, believe issue should be put to referendum

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Poll: Most N.J. voters support gay marriage, believe issue should be put to referendum
Most New Jerseyans support gay marriage, but they also believe the issue should be put to a referendum, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
The poll showed backing for same-sex marriage in the Garden State climbed to a new high, 57 percent in favor compared to 37 percent opposed. The day after the state Senate passed a bill supporting gay marriage, a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Feb. 14 showed 54 percent of New Jerseyans favor gay marriage compared to 35 percent against.
Renewing his push for a referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage, Gov. Chris Christie conditionally-vetoed the gay marriage bill Feb. 17. Respondents were nearly evenly split, 48 percent to 47 percent, on whether Christie was correct in vetoing the legislation.  (Spoto, The Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/poll_most_new_jerseyans_suppor.html
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>Media finally paying attention to eligibility?

>Media finally paying attention to eligibility?
See which major networks plan on covering Cold Case Posse results

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Poll after poll in recent months has indicated that Americans have a high level of concern over Barack Obama’s eligibility to be president, with one poll showing fully half of the nation wants Congress to investigate the question.

But reporters for the traditional media – networks, major newspapers, major news corporations and conglomerates – mostly have giggled when talk turns to the serious question of just what the U.S. Constitution requires of presidents.

Nevertheless, media organizations from all political persuasions are seeking admittance to a news conference to be held by Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz.

https://www.wnd.com/2012/02/media-finally-paying-attention-to-eligibility/

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>Student Loan Debt Is Crushing The American Dream

>Student Loan Debt Is Crushing The American Dream
Eric Pianin, The Fiscal Times

Megan Curtis put herself through college and graduate school by working part-time jobs and taking out substantial student loans.

The southern California native dreamed of a career in international affairs, but she struggled for more than a year to find a job after obtaining a master’s degree from George Washington University in 2006.

Saddled with $82,000 in college loans and no immediate full-time job prospects, Curtis had to defer payment on her loans during a prolonged job search in Washington, D.C. Finally, she landed a job with a consulting firm as an international trade analyst.

Read more: https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2012/03/01/How-College-Debt-Is-Crushing-the-American-Dream.aspx#page1#ixzz1nsb3Osof

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>US congressmen Robert Andrews, a Democrat, and Scott Garrett, a Republican mark anniversary of 228 Massacre

>US congressmen Robert Andrews, a Democrat, and Scott Garrett, a Republican mark anniversary of 228 Massacre
By William Lowther  /  Staff Reporter in Washington

Two US congressmen issued statements on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to mark the 65th anniversary of the 228 Massacre.

Representatives Robert Andrews, a Democrat, and Scott Garrett, a Republican, made a plea in the Congressional Record for their colleagues to join them in commemorating “this tragic chapter in Taiwan’s history.”

Andrews said that freedom was “not negotiable,” adding that he hoped the massacre would inspire Taiwanese “in their struggle for full independence, international participation and for the continued enhancement of the mutual relationship between Taiwan and the US.”

Garrett added that at least 18,000 people lost their lives during the 228 turmoil.

He said that over the next half-century, the Taiwanese democracy movement paved the way for Taiwan’s “momentous transformation from a dictatorship under the Chinese Nationalists [Party (KMT)] to a thriving and pluralistic democracy.”

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/03/01/2003526719

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>Watchdogs target insurance brokers cashing in on lucrative government work

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Watchdogs target insurance brokers cashing in on lucrative government work
To State Comptroller Matthew Boxer and Citizens Campaign Chairman Harry Pozycki, it’s a simple question: Why are New Jersey’s county and municipal governments and school districts spending tens of millions of property tax dollars unnecessarily on high-priced insurance plans and broker fees?
It’s also a politically sensitive question, because the biggest name in the insurance brokerage business for local governments is George Norcross, the South Jersey Democratic power broker and often ally of Republican Gov. Chris Christie.  (Magyar, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0301/0326/
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>New wording, new funding to keep anti-bullying on the books

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New wording, new funding to keep anti-bullying on the books
With the clock ticking, the lead sponsor of New Jersey’s anti-bullying law said she is close to filing new language — and finding new money — that will help the wide-ranging policy pass constitutional muster.
State Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) said she plans to file the new language on Monday, after final conversations with other sponsors, as well as with Gov. Chris Christie’s office.
The timing of the changes — from subtle to substantial — is critical. The current law could be voided in the next month, following a ruling by the state’s Council on Local Mandates that the measure violated a constitutional prohibition against unfunded mandates.  (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0301/0013/
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>Christie: reopening hospital in Westwood is ‘the right decision

>Christie: reopening hospital in Westwood is ‘the right decision
Wednesday February 29, 2012, 5:46 PM
BY JASON BRAFF
MANAGING EDITOR
Pascack Valley Community Life

Governor Christie called the reopening of the old Pascack Valley Hospital as Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley “the right decision,” in a town hall meeting held in Westwood on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Christie drew a thunderous applause from the 350 people who squeezed into the Westwood Community Center that morning when congratulating the community on the news that the state health commissioner issued a certificate of need to HUMC on Monday.

“I’m confident that the level of clinical services will be excellent at this new facility,” Christie said. “Hackensack University Medical Center North will be a place where you’re going to be able to bring your family and feel confident that they’re going to receive the most excellent care you can receive anywhere in America.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/140949053_Christie__reopening_hospital_in_Westwood_is__the_right_decision_.html

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>Ridgewood search committee to screen candidates for high school principal

>Ridgewood search committee to screen candidates for high school principal
Tuesday February 21, 2012, 10:43 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

School district officials said they will begin screening paper applications for a new high school principal next week, and they expect to narrow the candidate pool to about one dozen prospects by the end of the month. The position is expected to be filled by springtime.

Board of Education (BOE) trustees were updated on the progress of the principal search at their meeting last week, while Superintendent Daniel Fishbein answered a handful of questions that had been circulating throughout the community. Some concern focused on search committees, specifically the ones made up of volunteers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/139827733_Ridgewood_search_committee_to_screen_candidates_for_high_school_principal.html