Author: admin

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>$544K contract for the installation of artificial turf at Maple Park

>Tonight, Village Council members are scheduled to award a $544K contract for the installation of artificial turf at Maple Park to Dakota Excavating Contractors, Inc. of Bergenfield, NJ. The Council had promised that this project would be 100% funded by grants and private contributions. However, the contract with Dakota is being awarded prior to all external monies being received. So, and you guessed it, property tax revenues will be used to offset the “temporary” deficit. Shouldn’t Council members have waited until all money was in hand?

the Fly on the Wall has told the Ridgewood Blog that less than 20% of the money promised has actualy been raised ……

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>Ridgewood Resident Kristine Di Grigoli Paige Solo Exhibit at C.Magor Gallery

>art

Kristine Di Grigoli Paige a Ridgewood resident has been known as primarily a performance artist, having performed publicly since July 25th, 2002. Recently she has put more of her focus and her energies into translating her life’s experiences into art. Her first project was the completion of the “B&W” (Black and White) series and the start of her new square foot series “Eyes”. Her travels, friends, and music all play a significant role in her work, including her life long obsession with mysterious veiled women. She generally works with acrylics, a habit formed by painting in front of live audiences and needing a quick drying time. When studying an image she alters it to borrow its structure, its shadow, and provide her interpretation. The outcome will provide movement of emotions sometimes indescribable but likeable. Currently she is attracted to texture, giving some of her work a three dimensional quality. She often uses bold colors and will challenge tradition in order to express herself. Her work is modern in style but is often more significant by what it makes you feel. A painter by day a Club Photographer by night and once the sun goes down she puts down her brush and pallet and takes up her newest love photography. Frequently on evenings and weekends she can be found in New Jerseys hottest night clubs capturing youthful exuberance on digital images and recording this generations efforts to define itself.

“Life of an Artist” Kristine Di Grigoli Paige Solo ExhibitionWorks from 1997-2006 June 22-July 6th, 2006 First Open Reception Thurs. 6/22/06- 5pm till 9pm

(Kristine will be painting live) Special musical Guests the BloodSugars and Rich and Royal
Second Open Reception Thurs. 6/29/06- 5pm till 9pm Location: C. Magor Gallery 21 Oak Street Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
(201) 670-0555 Gallery
(201) 362-0552 Kristine
Visit this artist portfolio at https://www.thesoundandvision.com/

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>Breaking News – Close Call At Orchard School

>P6130028
Personnel from Ridgewood EMS, Fire, and Police Departments responded to a midday motor vehicle accident in front of Orchard School. Fortunately, no school children were nearby when the accident occurred. The driver, who sustained minor injuries when her car rolled over on its side, was transported to Valley Hospital. Board of Education President Mark Bombace was the responding on-duty Fire Capitan. Fast response and great work by Ridgewood’s Bravest & Finest!

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>Our Congressman Scott Garrett pushes for lower Gas Prices

>Dear Friends:

Last week, the House of Representatives took another step toward lowering the price of gas at the pump. I was proud to support the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act (H.R. 5254), which would increase our domestic supply of gasoline by removing obstacles to the refinery permit process.

Because of an overly burdensome regulatory process, no new refineries have been built in the U.S. since 1976. The total number of domestic refineries has dropped down to a mere 148 and nearly half of all our operating refineries are located in the Gulf states, where they continue to be affected by Hurricane Katrina. The average retail price for gas rose by 46% within one week of Katrina’s landfall. And, production shut-downs in the Gulf have resulted in an estimated 340,438 fewer barrels of domestic oil on any given day.

The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act will help to eliminate needless bureaucratic delay, while preserving high environmental standards. And, by increasing our supply of domestic gasoline, we’re reducing cost to the consumer. Specifically, the bill establishes a Federal coordinator to help manage the multi-agency permitting process, giving special attention to the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.

The bill also directs the President to designate three military bases closed during the recent base closure and realignment process as locations for refineries. And, it ensures that at least one of those new refineries will be specifically designated as a biofuel refinery. H.R. 5254 passed the House by a vote of 238 to 179 and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

Skyrocketing gas prices are putting too much pressure on family budgets, and Congress needs to tackle the issue from all angles. That means passing tax credits and other incentives for expanded alternative fuel research and development. It means increasing domestic oil production. It means supporting enhanced fuel efficiency. And, it means passing gas tax relief, such as that I have drafted in my Surface Transportation and Transportation Equity Act, which would reduce the Federal gas tax for any corresponding increase in state gas taxes.

Furthermore, just a couple of weeks ago, I crossed party lines to support a Democrat amendment to end a subsidy program for oil companies. I am committed to a multi-faceted strategy to end your pain at the pump.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

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Wreck-O-vation or Renovation?

Ridgewood _Train_station_theridgewoodblog

IMG 1803.0
NJ Transit has announced their intention to make Ridgewood’s train station
fully compliant with provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) by
installing high level, wheelchair accessible platforms. Ramps and/or
elevators will be constructed to facilitate platform access from street
level. The platforms will be approximately 700 feet long, and equipped with
canopies to provide shelter in inclement weather. The canopies will also
house lighting, closed circuit television cameras, and loudspeaker paging
equipment.

At the suggestion of Village Council members, NJ Transit has proposed
constructing the platforms and canopies at a location that would shift train
embarkation and disembarkation to a point beginning at, or beyond, Franklin
Avenue and heading magnetic north. That is, the southernmost end of the
platforms would be located at Franklin Avenue (or north of Franklin Avenue);
their northernmost end would be approximately 700 feet further up the
tracks. Constructing the platforms and canopies at this location would
ensure that the vista between North Broad Street and the Garber/Wilsey
Square areas would not be blocked by the high level platforms and canopies.
In conjunction with completion of the ADA related renovation project, NJ
Transit will shift disembarkation for homeward bound commuters to the train
doors facing Pease Library (instead of those facing North Broad Street).
Commuters will exit onto a high level platform, and then make their way to
staircases or elevators, then through pedestrian underpasses to North Broad
Street. Staircase and underpass access will also be provided to the
existing commuter lot opposite Garber Square.

Is protecting the vista between North Broad Street and Garber/Wilsey Square
important enough that commuters won’t mind such a significant shift in the
point at which they will be getting on and off their trains? Also, will
there be evening delays associated with a trainload of commuters trying to
access a limited number of staircases from the high level platform to
pedestrian underpasses? What do you think?

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>No Bid Contract ?

>During their scheduled June 14th Public Meeting, Village Council members plan to approve a $90K “no bid” contract with Environmental Renewal, LLC of West Paterson, NJ for the disposal of grass clippings collected curbside during calendar year 2006. During May’s 2006 Public Budget Hearing, Mayor David T. Pfund advised taxpayers that expenses associated with grass clipping disposal would total less than $80K for the same period.
Why such a large “no bid” contract; is this even legal? What happened in the past 30 days that caused a $10K jump in costs? Should we expect more price increases later this year? Why is the taxpayer base as a whole being saddled with this expense? That is, wouldn’t it be wiser just to charge those who use the service? And finally, who owns Environmental Renewal, LLC and what connection, if any, does he/she have with Council members?

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>Update :back rent due

>During the Village Council’s June 7th Work Session, Village Manager James M. Ten Hoeve publicly provided Council members with an update of the “back rent due” issue involving the VOR owned building at 6 Station Plaza. Mr. Ten Hoeve disclosed that the Social Services Association of Ridgewood, Inc. hadn’t made a rent payment to the VOR in over five (5) years. He further revealed that internal and external audits failed to catch the missing revenue, and the fact that Social Services’ lease for the building had expired in 2002.
Although the VOR’s Finance Department has been successful in collecting rent monies due for YTD 2006, Social Services still owes the VOR approximately $9K in back rent. Representatives of the Social Services Association advised Mr. Ten Hoeve that paying the $9K due would cause significant financial hardship on their organization. On June 21st, Council members will decide whether to forgive the $9K, or force payment.
Should taxpayers be forced to eat the uncollected rent? Should heads roll in the Finance Department?

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>Around the Village

>Free Outdoor Movie Night at Graydon
Rescheduled Date
June 10th at 8pm a free outdoor family movie “Madagascar” will be shown. This fun animation tells the story of four animals that escape from New York Central Park Zoo. They have no idea what wild life is really and their adventures will surprise everyone! Bring your family and a chair or blanket and enjoy!

Greg Caldarone, Kasschau Memorial Shell
Tuesday, June 13th Greg will present Popular and Italian Standards at 8:30pm. Kasschau Shell is located on Veteran’s Field, behind the Ridgewood Library.

Holly Wallack Wien, Expressionism in Oils and Collage at C.Magor Gallery 21 Oak Street
June 8 – June 21,2006
Opening Reception: Thur June 8 5:00-9:30pm 2nd Reception: Sat June 10 5:00-9:30pm This exhibition features work.

Independence Day Celebration!
Click on ridgewoodjuly4th.org for more information
This year is the 96th Annual 4th of July Celebration in Ridgewood! This event is organized by volunteers – to help volunteer, please call 201/602-1922. To purchase tickets, get directions, make a contribution, review the parade route, event weather conditions click on the website. Time Schedule: 9am Flag Raising 10am Parade begins at Godwin & Monroe 6pm Veteran’s Field Gate Opens 7pm Veteran’s Field Entertainment 9:15 pm Fireworks For recorded information call: 201/444-1776

$7 Million Referendum to expand Ridge and Willard – The Ridgewood BOE has tentatively approved the development of a proposal to expand the Ridge and Willard schools if funding is authorized by a referendum in either September or December of 2006.

Ridgewood to Start RevaluationThe Village of Ridgewood has recently been ordered by the Bergen County Board of Taxation to perform a revaluation for the year 2008.

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>bike path extension

>The County of Bergen Parks Department has proposed extending the Saddle River County Park Bike Path to Linwood Avenue in Ridgewood. The bike path’s northernmost terminus is currently located at Ridgewood Avenue, just east of the Wild Duck Pond.
In order to reach Linwood Avenue, the path would have to encroach on 1300 feet of property owned by the Village of Ridgewood. County officials have formally requested a property easement from Village Council members.
Several residents of Jeffer Court, Linwood Avenue, and Solas Court are objecting to the proposed extension, claiming their privacy will be invaded if the very popular bike path is extended into the midst of their now tranquil neighborhood. Concerns have also surfaced with respect to parking on side streets, security, ecological/environmental disruption, and possible declines in property values.
What do you think? Will extending the bike path be good or bad for the residents of Ridgewood? Should the Council bow to pressure being brought to bear by those who live along the 1300 foot right-of-way, or consider the entire community’s needs instead?

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>Move over Bud. College life isn’t just about drinking beer

>Jun 8, 9:06 AM (ET)

(AP) An Apple Computer Inc. salesman holds up the new Apple iPod Nano, center, next to the Apple…
Full Image

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Move over Bud. College life isn’t just about drinking beer.

In a rare instance, Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL)’s iconic iPod music player surpassed beer drinking as the most “in” thing among undergraduate college students, according to the latest biannual market research study by Ridgewood, N.J.-based Student Monitor. Nearly three quarters, or 73 percent, of 1,200 students surveyed said iPods were “in” – more than any other item in a list that also included text messaging, bar hopping and downloading music.
In the year-ago study, only 59 percent of students named the iPod as “in,” putting the gadget well below alcohol-related activities.

This year, drinking beer and Facebook.com, a social networking Web site, were tied for second most popular, with 71 percent of the students identifying them as “in.”

The only other time beer was temporarily dethroned in the 18 years of the survey was in 1997 – by the Internet, said Eric Weil, a managing partner at Student Monitor.

Though beer might soon regain its No. 1 spot, as it quickly did a decade ago, the iPod’s popularity is still “a remarkable sign,” Weil said. “For those who believe there’s an excessive amount of drinking on campus, now there’s something else that’s common on campuses.”
Student Monitor conducted the survey the week of March 6, interviewing full-time undergraduate students at 100 U.S. colleges. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.3 percentage points.

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>Broken Parking Meters

>ridgewood%2001252006%20007.2
Broken Parking Meters
To report a parking meter that you suspect is broken, please call the Village of Ridgewood Violation’s Office at 201/670-5500 ext. 501 with the street location and the number of the meter.

If you have gotten a parking ticket and suspect that the parking meter is not functioning properly, you should call the Violation’s Office, request a meter check, and they will put your ticket “on hold” while the meter is being checked.

Ok so how many of you would report a broken meter? come on fess up I wont turn you in……

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>Did you Vote?

>From politicsnj.com

As it turns out, Ginty wasn’t alone in participating in the process today – fifth district House candidate Paul Aronsohn, also of Ridgewood, was on hand to try and greet people on their way to the polls. Even a volunteer of Aronsohn’s opponent for the Democratic nod, Camille Abate, was on hand to make sure Aronsohn didn’t campaign inside the 100 foot radius as required by state law.
But with all the activity between Ginty’s media spectacle, having a major congressional candidate on hand and someone to keep a close eye on him, and twelve poll workers on hand to watch over and maintain the integrity of the process, one major thing was still missing from the equation.
No one, aside from Ginty and Aronsohn, was showing up to vote.
“I was driving around the district from polling place to polling place hoping to meet some voters, but…” Aronsohn said, trailing off and gesturing at the lack of voters.
Call it a slow start to a slow day – turnout in Primary Elections is traditionally light, and despite the presence of contested races up and down the Ridgewood ballot, even fewer voters seem interested in showing up to decide them this year than last.
The polls opened in Ridgewood at 6AM, but they’ve been quiet all day, say the poll workers.
“We’ve been really swamped,” joked one poll worker sarcastically. “If you see any voters, send them our way.”
After Ginty and the reporters disappeared, the polling station quieted right back down again. Outside, Paul Aronsohn stood outside his car, pondering his next move for the day.
“I think I’m going back to the office to throw the baseball around,” he joked.

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>"Life of an Artist" ,Kristine D Paige Solo Show

>lyingonside.0
“Life of an Artist” Kristine Di Grigoli Paige Solo Exhibition Works from 1997-2006 June 22-July 6th, 2006

First Open Reception Thurs. 6/22/06- 5pm till 9pm Featuring live painting by Kristine D. Paige and live performances by Rich and Royal and the Blood Sugars

Second Open Reception Saturday 6/29/06- 5pm till 9pm

Location: C. Magor Gallery 21 Oak Street Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450Visit this artist portfolio at https://www.thesoundandvision.com/portfolio.html

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>New Jersey is Hostile to Education?

>Whilst lavishing fawning praise all over Dr. Porter, Sheila Brogan made the following statement: “New Jersey is hostile to education.” No Ms. Brogan, NJ is not hostile to education. We are, however, hostile to the haughty rich who think of nothing but themselves and ways to mitigate their own guilt when raising taxes to pay for a school system that is falling each year in quality. We are hostile to a set of administrators who lose $6,000,000,000.00 of tax money in a rat hole know as the School Construction Corporation. We are hostile to a group of administrators who push through dark fiber project which is both unnecessary and out dated. We are hostile to a board of education who squanders millions, then has the unmitigated gall to ask for $7 million more for a capital improvement project on two schools who’s declining population make the improvement unnecessary. People like you Ms. Brogan are making the town of Ridgewood inaccessible to the middle class through yearly increases in taxes. That smacks of bigotry and is something to which the people of NJ are truly hostile.

Whitefang….posted in the rrc forum

followed by…..

Anonymous said…
To Whitefang,
If your so unhappy with the Board of Education run for a position and change it. You will then, and only then, understand how the involvement of the State of NJ in local government is a hinderance and a joke. The state also passed bills that required planning and zoning board members to attend classes on duties and responsibilities. These members are not paid for their (free) service to the community or classroom time. Hey, why don’t you propose these members get paid for their time…then you would have a real reason to gripe!!If you think that the board has contempt for reasonable controls and it demonstrates it’s hostility to taxpayers and their wishes… change it by getting elected. I will even help with your election campain if you like!!Maybe I will be singing your praises when you give this board that well needed attitude adjustment you believe it needs. Until then your just a blogger and a complainer with no knowledge of what you speak about….ajfire@hotmail.com

followed by……

I have to say that I hope that was a slip of the tongue by Ms. Brogan who is normally on top of these things .With the insane levels of spending on public education it is hard for the average person to understand your statement especially given continued decline of quality of public education putting it in jeopardy of making no economic as well as intellectual sense to anyone.

pjblogger

and then ….

kittygirl said…
pj, sadly it was not a slip of the tongue as she said it at least three times during the televised meeting. ajfire, it is interesting that you want anyone to run before they complain. Didn’t Greg May run and was opposed strenously by the sitting board members? He would have been just the fresh level headed voice we needed. The board holds the taxpayer hostage by throwing up the “don’t you care about the kids” flag. I do care about kids. I don’t care about wasted money for pet projects that are politically motivated, How much of Porters package would have paid for security at both elementary schools?You serve without pay at YOUR CHOICE. You obviously get some satisfaction and gain or you wouldn’t do it, that is human nature. Secondly after watching that meeting you do not have the town’s best interest at heart. You are letting Porter get away with stealing from the town. He did not fulfill his contract. He is leaving before it is over, yet is getting all the benefits as if he completed the contract. Thirdly I am working so hard to pay the ridiculous amount of taxes I am saddled with that I don’t have time to run for office I am working to pay for each and every increase you pass. Whitefang is correct. The school board is running the middle class out of town. I am a professional and so is my husband, both college educated. We rent here because we cannot afford to buy here. We are both active in the community yet you dismiss us as “bloggers” and not important. Thanks, that makes me feel part of the process for sure. If you really want to help. Have school go all year so the working stiffs can have a safe place for their children to be while I am working, Or better yet have after school programs so that I can continue to work to pay for the school and not worry about my teenaged son for the hours I am not able to be at home since the taxes do not accomodate one income families.
9:57 AM

Greg May responds…

Thanks for the compliment Kittygirl.
When I ran in 2005, I did hear alot of complaints from folks that think the Board of Ed is hostile towards the public. Is this the reality or a perception by the public? If it is only a perception then what should the BOE do to change what some in the public think? After all, the Board is an elected representative of the public and should be serving in the public’s best interest. As far as the involvement of the State in local government, which way do we want it? No involvement from the State, but we want you give us more money or too much involvement from the State and not enough money for what they have mandated? How many times has the Board stood up and challenged the State and said if you mandate it you must fund it or we will not comply with it. I for one would back the Board in an action like this and if it went to court, wouldn’t mind my tax dollars being spent defending it.This past year there was a lot of talk about the aspect that we have lost home rule, why is that? How has the board fought for home rule? There are realities and perceptions. The public needs to get more involved. The Board of Ed also needs to work to change the public’s perception. People should not fear challenging the Board in a respectful way, just like the Board should show more openness to the different opinions of the public.

To Kittygirl, First,

I believe you are under the mistaken belief that I am a member of the Board of Education. I assure you, I am not an elected member of the School Board or involved in the school system in any way, other than being a taxpayer. Who better to run for an elected office than someone who says things are not running right? I think it was great that Greg May ran, unfortunately voters chose not to elect him. Who’s fault was that, the voters of course!!Regarding your comment about Greg Mays run being opposed strenuously by the sitting board members… The last time I checked the sitting board and their opinion is not how someone gets elected to the Board. The voters, all of about 15% to 20%, are the deciders of who is elected as a Board Member, and until enough voters go to the polls to say enough is enough we will continue with business as usual. I agree that education in any town, let alone Ridgewood, has gotten out of hand. But the only cure is for the public to use their power of vote to change that. I, like you, do care about our children’s education, the only question is at what price? My objection to this forum is the individual who complains about things, which they have every right to do, but doesn’t have the answer to fix the problem. It has been said that our current form of government isn’t perfect, which is true, but it is the best we have found so far…. don’t just complain about the government… offer solutions to the problems you are complaining about, that’s the real way to get things changed!!I really cannot comment on Dr. Porters leaving, because I don’t know enough about his contract or the terms of his leaving. For all I know you are 100% correct.

To Greg May,

I was happy to see you enter the race for the Board of Education, I hope you chose to run again. Regarding the State, I really can’t figure out how the State can know better than our local residents, parents or teaching professionals what is best for OUR schools and students. Worse than that can someone, anyone, tell me what productive roll the Federal Government should be playing in local education? The no child left behind act…unbelievable. Outside of basic guidelines the State should not be getting involved in local education issues. I believe you are right on point when you say the Board should stand up to the State on some issues. As for the money that we get from the State, if I remember correctly that money comes from each and every taxpayer in the form of sales tax, income tax and other taxes. They, the State, are “giving” us back our own money, minus of course processing costs. Isn’t it interesting that the Homestead Rebate Checks are sent out just before election time…coincidence? I don’t think so…..Greg, you said it when you stated “The Public needs to get more involved.” I have taken time out from my day to write to the Governor, State Senators and State Congressmen and yes even the President George Bush. Maybe I am wrong, but believe if more people voted and wrote to their elected officials maybe we could make things a bit better. ajfire@hotmail.com

AJFire
I think many people come to forums like this because they have a complaint that isnt’ being heard (the BOE is a perfect example of not listening, I know because I’ve tried). Many people don’t know the answer but want to share their fustration with others in the hopes that others might have an answer. Sitting silently and suffering is not an answer either. If you have a solution, now would be the time.And one more thing: If you don’t like forums like this why are you participating?

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>Latour de France Wine Dinner

>ridgewood%20blog%20028
Last chance to sign up for:Thursday June 8, 2006″Latour de France” Wine DinnerLatour Restaurant6 East Ridgewood AvenueRidgewood, New Jersey7:30PMCost: $85 members/$95 non- members Welcome aperetif followed by a fantastic 4 course/4 wine meal. Each wine will be from a different region of France. Dinner MenuFirst CourseWine: Champagne

Appetizer: Herb & spinach crepe with medley of fresh seafood, sauce champagneor Lump crabmeat strudel with brunoise of vegetables, lobster sauce and crème fraiche

Second CourseWine: Gewurtztraminer- AlsaceSalad: Frisee salad with julienne apples, honey glazed hazelnuts, apple cider vinaigrette

Third CourseWine: Red BurgundyEntrée: Petite medallions of beef financier wild mushroom ragout, selection of fresh vegetable, garlic whipped potato, white truffle oil with infused demi glace

Fourth CourseWine: Barsac – BordeauxDessert: Grand marnier cheesecake w/ ladyfinger crust or Hazelnut pear crumbcake Please sign up before June 1st to receive discounted price of $75 (members) $85 non-members. Go to www.womenforwinesense.org or contact jackiegreene87@hotmail.com or Zita@allidoiswine.com

Women for Winesense is a national non-profit organization committed to be the premier wine organization offering outstanding programs, member benefits and networking opportunitiues for industry professionals andwine enthusiasts.

Join the New Jersey Chapter today. Latour – A unique fine dining experience featuring the innovative French cuisine of chef/owner Michael Latour, a veteran of many of New York City’s finest restaurants. Fresh, seasonal foods comprise Latour’s menus, making for a cuisine that is light and flavorful. The setting is reminiscent of Southern France, providing an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Latour is a shining star of Bergen County. Cheers! Zita KeeleyPresidentNJ Chapter Women for WinesenseZita@allidoiswine.com