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Ridgewood Police Department : If you lost power, do not call 911. Call PSE&G at 800-436-7734

Ridgewood Police Snow

Mrch 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,This is an urgent message from the Ridgewood Police Department. There are numerous trees and live power lines down. Many downed power lines are covered in snow and are difficult to see. This creates a life threatening hazard. Stay away from power lines. Stay indoors and off the roads unless absolutely necessary. We are aware that much of the village is without power. If you lost power, do not call 911. Call PSE&G at 800-436-7734

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Village of Ridgewood : Special Winter Storm Alerts

Ridgewood_firefighters_free_hydrants_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village Manager Heather A. Mailander  sent out a Special Winter Storm Alert in it she said , “We are in the midst of a powerful nor’easter snowstorm, with the heaviest snow being from noon through this evening, when the snow will gradually taper off. 8-12 inches of snow is expected, along with dangerous winds”.
Due to the anticipated large amounts of snow, here is what you should know:

GARBAGE COLLECTION

On March 8th and March 9th, all garbage cans must be brought to the end of your driveway (not in the street), for the safety of our Village employees. Backyard collection of garbage will resume on March 12th, weather permitting. Please remember that our crews will not resume backyard collection of garbage unless there is a clear path to the garbage cans. Therefore, if the path is not clear, please continue to bring your garbage cans to the end of your driveway in order to have it picked up.

PARKING ON STREETS PROHIBITED TO ALLOW FOR PLOWING

To allow the Village crews to clear the streets of snow, we ask that as the snow intensifies during daylight hours, that residents refrain from parking their vehicles on the streets. In addition, residents are prohibited from parking on the streets overnight on March 7th into the morning hours of March 8th. Please be aware that there is a protocol for plowing roads, which is as follows: The primary roads into the Village are plowed first, which include the roads into the Village, particularly those by the hospital and the schools. The secondary roads, located off of the main roads, are plowed second. Finally, the tertiary roads, such as cul de sacs and dead ends are plowed. Due to the large amount of snow which will be falling, over a short period of time, the crews may take some time to get to the secondary and tertiary roads.

SNOW REMOVAL

Snow must be removed from all residential sidewalks within 24 hours of it forming. Please do not put the snow into the street, put it back onto your property.

POWER OUTAGES

High winds from the storm may cause power outages. Please stay away from downed wires. If you experience a power outage, please do not call the Police Department unless there is an emergency. Please call PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7734.

FIRE HYDRANTS

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please clear it of accumulating snow. The house you save could be your own!

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING RESCHEDULED

The Village Council meeting, scheduled for March 7th, has been cancelled and rescheduled for March 13th at 8:00 p.m. in the Senior Center, on the ground floor of Village Hall.

OTHER INFORMATION

All Village Offices and the Library are closed today, March 7th. The Recycling Center is also closed. The Police Department, on the second floor of Village Hall, will remain open.

Please remember to check on the elderly and share this information with your neighbors. Stay safe and warm.

For continuing updates, tune into the Ridgewood blog  or see the Village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net 

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Village of Ridgewood keeping it GREEN!

Ridgewood keeping it green k

march 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. By supporting community efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental equity, Sustainable Jersey is empowering communities to build a better world for future generations.
https://www.sustainablejersey.com/

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Ridgewood Firefighters participated in the 30th annual Super Science Saturday at Ridgewood High School

Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

photos courtesy of Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 members participated in the 30th annual Super Science Saturday at Ridgewood High School. This year attendees could have forced a door using our battery powered Hurst tool and viewed various other tools while learning about fire safety.

Pictured here is Lieutenant Young with the Hurst spreaders and Lieutenants Young and Krug speaking to a few of the visitors who stopped by our display. We look forward to next year!

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Democrat N.J. Senate President wants to increase in the state’s corporation business tax rate

Senate President Sweeney_theridgewoodblog

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, New Jersey suffers from the worst business climate in the United States . If not for the close proximity to New York in the north and Philadelphia in the south there would be virtually no business here at all . Jobs and companies have fled the Garden State non stop since the Kean Administration and yes it can only get worse. Democratic state Senate President Stephen Sweeney said on Tuesday that state coffers can get the money they need by enacting a 3 percent surcharge on corporate income.

The increase in the state’s corporation business tax rate from 9 percent to 12 percent on businesses with more than $1 million in income is the Democrats’ latest counterpunch to federal tax reform that slashed taxes on corporations but limited the state and local taxes residents can deduct.

It seems New Jersey Democrats will not rest until the very last business has left the state .

In 2017 the Tax Foundation rated New Jersey’s Business Climate the worst in the nation. The Tax Foundation said “New Jersey, for example, is hampered by some of the highest property tax burdens in the country, is one of just two states to levy both an inheritance tax and an estate tax, and maintains some of the worst-structured individual income taxes in the country.”

In the 2017 Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index , New Jersey scored and Overall Rank of 50 (Dead Last) Corporate Tax Rank 42, Individual Income Tax 48, Sales Tax 45 , Unemployment Insurance Tax 25,Property Tax Rank 50 (Dead Last again) .

So it is no surprise to everyone except New Jersey Democrats , the when moving company United Van Lines released its 36th in 2014 annual study of customer migration patterns, analyzing a total of 125,000 moves across the 48 continental states in 2012. The study provides an up-to-date, representative snapshot of overarching moving patterns in the U.S., and reveals a mass exodus from the Northeast. At No. 1, New Jersey has the highest ratio of people moving out compared to those moving in. Of the 6,300 total moves tracked in the state last year, 62% were outbound.

In 2016 the same annual moving survey from United Van Lines reveals the states where the most people move from and again for 2016, New Jersey holds the top honor in the latter category for the fifth year running.
Far be it from us to speculate, but CNN affiliate News 12 New Jersey suggests the exodus may be related to “common complaints from state residents about high property taxes, the recent gas tax hike and the poor conditions of state roads.”

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Toddler Found Wandering after Ridgewood Police Search

ridgewood police

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
March 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A half dozen uniformed Ridgewood PD Patrol Officers and a uniformed patrol supervisor conducted a door to door canvass of a residential neighborhood in the vicinity of a South Maple Avenue, Ridgewood garden apartment complex at which a female toddler was fortunately found wandering outdoors during Wednesday morning’s, 03/07, snow storm. Within 10-15 minutes, officers located a guardian/parent about one (1) block away from where the child had been spotted by a concerned resident. After being reunited, Ridgewood PD Patrol Officer Sean Amoruso walked the uninjured child and guardian/parent back to the child’s residence.

 

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New Jersey Office of Emergency Management : avoid unnecessary travel today due to winter driving conditions on the roadways

New Jersey State Police

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, New Jersey State Police recommend that if for some reason you’ve not already heard, New Jersey is set to get hit by another nor’easter. Much of the state is expected to get several inches of snow, particularly in the north. We strongly recommend you check you local forecast.

It’s been a rough March. We understand that many of you are still without power, using generators to get by. Meteorologists expect this March snow to be heavy and wet, which could cause branches to fall, taking out power lines and causing additional power outages.

Please plan accordingly now before the snow begins. As far as using generators, please make sure you use caution. Here are a few tips:
-Never use a generator inside your home, basement, garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
-When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
-If conditions are too cold, seek shelter with friends or call NJ 2-1-1 to find a warming center.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation, under authority granted to Acting Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti by NJSA Title 27:7-21.9, is requesting the New Jersey State, County and Municipal Police to remove any abandoned or disabled vehicles on State and Interstate Roadways. This request is effective from 12:01AM 03/07/2018 until 12:00PM 03/08/18.

Motorists are advised to be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel today due to winter driving conditions on the roadways. Be alert when approaching bridges and overpasses as they will freeze before the road surface.
For road conditions and travel updates visit 511nj.org.

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Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

file photo by Boyd Loving

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  Governor Phil Murphy today declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency at 8 p.m. on Tuesday ahead of tomorrow’s anticipated nor’easter, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate response and recovery efforts. Executive Order No. 14 declares the state emergency across all 21 counties in the state, and allows for the extension of resources into other parts of the state as the storm continues to impact New Jersey.

“Following last weekend’s nor’easter and with another destructive winter storm approaching, I am declaring a state of emergency across all 21 counties in the State,” Governor Murphy said. “We are taking every precaution necessary and will continue to monitor and assess the storm throughout the night to ensure all residents are safe and secure.”

The impending storm is expected to produce as many as 4 to 13 inches of snow beginning Tuesday evening and lasting until late Wednesday night. Winds are expected to reach 30 mph causing power outages throughout the State. Roughly 41,000 households remain without power from last weekend’s storm.

In preparation for the winter storm, the New Jersey State Police has activated the State Emergency Operations Center for round-the-clock operations. This activation pulls together multiple departments to ensure the situation is constantly being monitored and assessed from critical angles.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation is prepared to activate more than 2,500 pieces of snow-clearing equipment, including plows, spreaders, and loaders, and the New Jersey National Guard is prepared to respond to requests for assistance from the Office of Emergency Management, and will be positioning vehicles at select armories.

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Village Offices Closed – March 7th, 2018 – Inclement Weather

snow day

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village offices are closed March 7th, 2018 due to  inclement weather.

All Village offices will be closed on March 7th, 2018 due to inclement weather. As always, the Police Department, on the second floor of Village Hall, will be open.

VILLAGE COUNCIL – MARCH 7TH Work Session is CANCELLED
The Village Council Work Session scheduled for March 7th is cancelled. It is rescheduled to March 13th at 8PM.

CURBSIDE BULK PICK UP AND GARBAGE COLLECTION – MARCH 7, 8, 9

EAST SIDE CURBSIDE BULK PICK UP – MARCH 7, 2018 – After reviewing weather forecasts, curbside bulk pick up will be collected on Wednesday, March 7th. Our crews will begin collection earlier than usual, so please have your bulk placed curbside on Tuesday night, for an early morning pick up. We will make every effort to complete the collection, weather permitting. If you are able to wait until the next scheduled East side bulk pick up, scheduled for March 21st, it would be greatly appreciated.

GARBAGE COLLECTION – MARCH 8 AND 9, 2018 – To ensure the safety of sanitation staff, with the forecast of a heavy snow predicted for Wednesday and the early morning hours of Thursday, all garbage cans must be placed at the end of your driveway on March 8th and 9th. Rear yard garbage collection will resume next week, and we remind you that you must have a clear path shoveled to your garbage containers. Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our Village employees safe.

All Ridgewood Public Schools will be closed tomorrow 3/7/18. All afterschool activities will be cancelled as well.

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Ridgewood Curbside Bulk Pick Up and Garbage Collection – March 7, 8, 9

Ridgewood_snow_storm_theridgewoodblog

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Curbside Bulk Pick Up and Garbage Collection – March 7, 8, 9 .

EAST SIDE CURBSIDE BULK PICK UP – MARCH 7, 2018 – After reviewing weather forecasts, curbside bulk pick up will be collected on Wednesday, March 7th. Our crews will begin collection earlier than usual, so please have your bulk placed curbside on Tuesday night, for an early morning pick up. We will make every effort to complete the collection, weather permitting. If you are able to wait until the next scheduled East side bulk pick up, scheduled for March 21st, it would be greatly appreciated.

GARBAGE COLLECTION – MARCH 8 AND 9, 2018 – To ensure the safety of sanitation staff, with the forecast of a heavy snow predicted for Wednesday and the early morning hours of Thursday, all garbage cans must be placed at the end of your driveway on March 8th and 9th. Rear yard garbage collection will resume next week, and we remind you that you must have a clear path shoveled to your garbage containers. Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our Village employees safe.

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Mayhem at the Interstate Shopping Center in Ramsey

Ramsey Mayhem

photo coutesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ramsey NJ, Mayhem of sorts on Tuesday afternoon, 03/06, at the Interstate Shopping Center in Ramsey after a 4-door sedan struck an exterior support column in front of Five Below, striking a passing vehicle in the process, then mounted a curb and wiped out a traffic control sign. A parked tow truck called by police to remove the wrecked sedan was hit by another vehicle. Ramsey Police and Upper Saddle River EMS responded to the incident. All drivers and passengers refused medical aid. At least one (1) vehicle was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. An additional tow truck was observed responding to the area to evaluate another vehicle involved in the crash. Damage to the shopping center structure appeared to have been cosmetic in nature only.

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NJ TRANSIT IMPLEMENTS SEVERE WEATHER RAIL SCHEDULE FOR WINTER STORM

ridgewood Train station

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT is implementing its Severe Weather Schedule Level 1 on its rail system for Wednesday, March 7, as heavy, wet snow is forecasted in the area. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for Wednesday, March 7. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates.

A “Severe Weather Rail Schedule’’ is a limited weekday rail schedule utilized during weather events or other emergency situations. The “Severe Weather Schedules’’ were created last year for customers to clearly identify their travel options. These schedules can be found online and are also available in our printed timetables.

Bus and light rail services are anticipated to operate regular weekday schedules as weather conditions permit.

IMPORTANT: Due to the projected rapid snow accumulation in conjunction with local and county travel bans in place, there is the potential for all North and Central Jersey bus service — including bus service to/from PABT — to be suspended before the afternoon peak travel period. Customers should closely monitor njtransit.com, My Transit alerts, social media and broadcast news reports for the latest status of the system.

For customers of Bus Route Nos. 196/197, on Wednesday, March 7, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions. Bus 196 will operate on a snow detour and will not operate on Skyline Drive. Additionally, Shortline Bus will not be operating in Orange County, N.Y.

Access Link Regions 2 (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem) and 3 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland , S. Ocean) will operate on a regular schedule as long as weather conditions allow. Access Link Regions 4 (Mercer, Middlesex, North Ocean), 5 (Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union), 6(Bergen, Passaic, Hudson) are canceled.

NJ TRANSIT will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which is expected to bring snow totals as high as 12 inches to certain counties in northern New Jersey.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will open during the early morning hours tomorrow and remain open throughout the day as key personnel monitor any impacts on the system throughout the storm’s duration.

Customers are strongly advised to monitor the status of the system by checking njtransit.com frequently. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for My Transit Alerts, which provide customized notifications via email or text message based on a customer’s preferred mode of travel. My Transit alerts can be accessed by creating a free account on njtransit.com. In addition, customers are advised to monitor NJ TRANSIT’s social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook, as well as tune in to broadcast traffic reports for the latest information.

Important Notes:

Cross-honoring will be in effect for Wednesday, March 7 on NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers, rail and light rail services. At this time, it is not anticipated that there will be cross-honoring on PATH or NY Waterway ferries.
Regular weekday service for bus, light rail and Access Link will operate as long as conditions allow.
Stay connected during your commute through Facebook and Twitter. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information. While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, we recommend that you contact our Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.

Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
Facebook: facebook.com/NJTRANSIT

Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

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Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council retreat with Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations

Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council retreat with Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations

March 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council retreat with Rabbi Noam Marans, American Jewish Committee Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations. Ridgewood’s Interfaith Clergy Council works with the spiritual leaders of the Village’s diverse faith communities. Collaborating on a number of programs and activities throughout the year, The Council, including Village officials, works to advance mutual understanding, acceptance of difference and genuine respect among all residents. Rabbi Marans spoke about his experience coming to Ridgewood as young Rabbi in the mid 1980’s; reflecting on his sixteen years at Temple Israel, Village community, family life, and working to foster a strong Interfaith community.

Rabbi Noam Marans – AJC
Minister Nolan Palsma – Upper Ridgewood Community Church
Rabbi David Fine – Temple Israel
Reverend Judy Wheeler and Don Wheeler Emmanuel Baptist Church
Reverend Joan Hoeberichts – Heart Circle Sangha
Pastor Joanne Van Sant – Friends to Friends
Reverend Bruce Ballantine – First Presbyterian Church
Reverend Mack Brandon, Pastor, Metropolitan AME Zion. Church
Chief Jacqueline Luthcke, Ridgewood Police Department
Mayor Susan Knudsen, Village of Ridgewood

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The Ridgewood Historical Society to display a plaster copy of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death mask ‎

Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask


March 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Historical Society & Schoolhouse Museum to display a plaster copy of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death mask in our Memento Mori section of our exhibit “The Thread of Life.” Bonaparte died in 1821 in exile on the British island of Saint Helena. At that time it was a common practice to make a death mask of notable figures who passed away. Napoleon’s physician, François Carlo Antommarchi, cast one mask and later produced copies.
Come and see this fascinating artifact, on loan from Mark Wright, with your own eyes! Opening day of the exhibit is this Sunday March 11, at 2 pm.