October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Elevate your company’s holiday party this year in our warm and inviting dining room. Let White Maple host a perfect evening with a special menu crafted by Chef Stephen, whether you want a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres or a seated dinner. Contact us at [email protected] today to inquire about our holiday event packages
Tue, October 17, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: ROOTS Steakhouse, 17 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, Enjoy delicious food and drinks while learning about the many ways the Rotary supports the Ridgewood, Ho-Ho-Kus and Glen Rock communities through service and financial support. Be our guest and explore the ways you can get involved.
RSVP – Tammy Butler at [email protected] or visit our website www.ridgewoodamrotary.org
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Rivervale NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi moves to set the record straight . “As a result of having no platform or positions of their own, the women running against us rely solely on running a negative campaign against me. Over the next several weeks I will set the record straight on every negative and false claim made by them against me.”
FACT VS FICTION
Today’s attack – Claiming that I wouldn’t vote on legislation to keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill persons, my opponents state “You deserve a representative that shows up to work, makes tough decisions, and keeps you safe.”
My response – Despite New Jersey having some of the strictest gun safety policies in the nation, more than 49 additional bills have been brought to the legislature for a vote during my five years in the Assembly. Several bills have been proposed regarding mental health. I do not know which particular bill my opponents are attacking me on but in 2015 I had to miss several session days during my recovery from brain surgery to repair a brain aneurysm. Two years later, in 2017, I missed a session to attend my five year old son’s kindergarten graduation. I would certainly hope that the women running against me are not saying I should be penalized as a result of being very ill or for being a mom.
I have long been a proponent of sensible gun safety measures to get weapons out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill. Yet, as a victim of two violent crimes in my early twenties I understand the importance of second amendment rights in order to protect oneself.
With respect to my votes over the past five years on gun safety, I believe in sensible gun legislation. I voted in favor of keeping guns out of the hands of carjackers, gang members, and racketeers among other dangerous people. I voted in favor of stronger background checks and increasing penalties for unlawful possession, improper use, and removing a gun’s identification marks. I am the prime sponsor of a bill to ban bump stocks, as I personally believe their only purpose is to circumvent a 30 year old bipartisan ban on automatic weapons.
Almost all of bills I didn’t support don’t do anything to protect anyone because the laws proposed already exist in New Jersey or cannot be enforced due to lack of technology, such as a bill to require not-yet-invented “smart guns.” There is one recent bill pertaining to mental health and guns on which I abstained because mental health professionals, including the Mental Health Association of NJ, the NJ Association of Social Workers and the NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association asked for substantive changes to the bill in order to protect patient confidentiality and to address HIPPA concerns, but they were ignored.
I am more than willing to listen to any thoughts on how to prevent evil acts like what happened in Las Vegas in the future. Both sides of the aisle feel strongly about protecting our families, our neighbors and our constituents. There isn’t disagreement on providing safety, it’s how best to provide it. We must address better mental health initiatives, common sense legislation for gun safety and we need to come together and have an honest dialogue about a critically important issue, not promote fear and slander for political gain.
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the Bergen County Zoo has officially received its re-accreditation designation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission. This is a major achievement could not have been possible if not for the hard work put in by the Zoo and the Bergen County Department of Parks staff. I stopped by the Zoo this week to congratulate the staff.
To be accredited, the Bergen County Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
October 11, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Research reinforces interest expressed by families and girls nationwide as organization looks to offer programs that meet the needs of today’s families
Irving, Texas , Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.
“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”
Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before [1], making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing. Additionally, many groups currently underserved by Scouting, including the Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family. Recent surveys [2] of parents not involved with Scouting showed high interest in getting their daughters signed up for programs like Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with 90 percent expressing interest in a program like Cub Scouts and 87 percent expressing interest in a program like Boy Scouts. Education experts also evaluated the curriculum and content and confirmed relevancy of the program for young women.
“The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing” said Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman. “I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization. It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.”
Starting in the 2018 program year, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts. Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack. Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.
This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Wildscape Association
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on October 8th the Ridgewood Wildscape Association organized its “Fall Clean-Up” at Grove Park! The group of volunteers hauled out several bags of litter!!! According to the Ridgewood Wildscape Association the majority of the litter brought into this park is through street drainage basins and carried in by storm water. Keeping our streets clean, keeps our forests and wetlands clean too! Its also a good reminder to all of us that the parks don’t clean themselves.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, A reported bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Glen Rock Middle School/High School building located at 600 Harristown Road, Glen Rock on Friday afternoon, 10/13. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the incident. A sweep of the building’s exterior by a Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team yielded negative results. Students were eventually allowed back in to the building, however they were “sheltered in place.”
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, An individual dressed in a bear costume with a GoPro camera strapped to its chest and a large dog in tow, was observed standing outside of a Glen Rock elementary school at afternoon dismissal time on Friday, 10/13. Glen Rock Police received at least one (1) 911 telephone call about the individual from a concerned parent, and dispatched a uniformed patrol officer and a uniformed patrol supervisor to investigate. Responding units located the “bear with dog” two (2) blocks away from the school. The individual was identified as a local juvenile male. He was interviewed and then escorted back to his home and released to his mother. The intent of standing in front of the school dressed in a bear costume with an attached GoPro and dog was not made public.
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Pearl Restaurant Offers 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for only $26.95 per person ;
Sunday-Thursday
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for only $26.95 pp
Our Prix Fixe Menu includes; choice of one appetizer, one entree, one of our delicious desserts and coffee/tea! (Not Available on Holidays, Not to be combined with any coupon/discounts).
Check out our Today’s Special Menu! We have your favorites being featured tonight!
Make your reservation today
(201)857-5100
The Pearl restaurant is as unique as the pearl, blending the old and the new. They provide a superb dinner experience using only the freshest, exquisitely prepared foods with gracious and friendly service in a small, elegant setting, accented with soft lighting and music.
At Pearl Restaurant, your host Maximilian, a second-generation restauranteur, will make you feel at home with warm and friendly service.
There is no microwave and no freezer. The menu will change daily based on the freshness and availability of special meats and fishes selected from the market. We’ll use only homemade pastas and most of our desserts are prepared table-side. So come and indulge!
CELEBRATING SPECIAL EVENTS AT PEARL RESTAURANT
Book your special event today!
Speak to our Event Coordinator, Jackie or Max, Sr.,
Call us for more information
201-857-5100
BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, CORPORATE, GRADUATION, MILESTONE EVENT
& MANY MORE
Get 10% OFF when you sign up EARLY (before Nov. 1st) for your Christmas Party (Min 12 person)
See our website for our private party menu options.
We have a 50 Person Party Room Available for any occasion.
Party menus are flexible !
Spend more time with your family and let us take care of the cooking!
www.pearlridgewood.com
photos courtesy of Midland Park Police
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, Midland Park Police spoke at Midland Park High School Career day . According to the Midland Park Police ,they had an opportunity to meet many students at the MPK HS career day. They had a great time talking to the students and showing them some of the equipment we use.
The career day event was followed by an inspirational speaker. Lt. Joe Torillo (Ret.) FDNY who survived being buried twice on 9/11 detailed his experience on 9/11 and inspired all of us to be the best we can be. His story is miraculous and his message to the students was memorable. The link below is from one of his speaking events it’s worth viewing.
photo courtesy of Wyckoff Police
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, Wyckoff and Waldwick Police report that a Waldwick Police Officer interrupted a suspect committing a burglary to an unlocked vehicle in their Borough.
Wyckoff Police have also experienced this in the past and would like to remind our residents to please remove all valuable items and especially key fobs from your vehicles and to lock your car doors at all times. Locking your vehicles and removing the key fobs is a simple way to deter criminals. It only takes a second to lock the doors. We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It! Report It!” We encourage all residents to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring in their neighborhoods at any time to Wyckoff Police- County Dispatch (201)891-2121.
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Old Tappan NJ, Bob is an old friend of the Ridgewood blog and he is running for Assembly in District 39. Bob never forgets he is a small business owner . Bob is somone who can fight to set the balance right against ANTI-Business , ANTI-jobs Trenton.
District 39 is (Bergen and Passaic Conties) Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington (Bergen), Westwood, Woodcliff
Unlike most modern day politicians Bob entered into politics to help the everyday people of New Jersey, like himself. After graduating from New York University, Bob opened a small insurance company with my wife, Elsa. While it was prosperous at first, the state of New Jersey began to pass heavy regulations that placed a burden on insurance companies like his. After all but six of my competitors went out of business because of these new laws I realized that it was very possible that I might also lose everything I had worked so hard for. It was at that point that I decided to reach out to my friend Senator Cardinale to see if there was any way that he could help me. With a little negotiation Senator Cardinale was able to get Allstate Insurance to work with me which stopped me from having to go out of business. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both destroy and to aid.
After Senator Cardinale had helped him Bob decided to try and return the favor. Little by little, Bob started to do additional work for him until finally he became an unpaid volunteer aide for him in Trenton. After working for Senator Cardinale for 25 years a seat in the Assembly opened up; and while Bob was hesitant at first to run for office, he realized that this was my opportunity to help people, just as Senator Cardinale had helped him.
So in 2014, against all odds and very tough competition, I won a seat in the assembly. Even after all his time in the New Jersey Legislature I have kept one rule; before Bob votes on anything he must ask himself how would I feel as a taxpayer seeing my own vote? Bob is an Assemblyman because he has witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both impede and to aid, and Bob wants to ensure it will not impede again.
https://www.electrobertauth.com/
Friday, October 13 at 10am.
RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Join Dr. Gorman, Principal of RHS, as he takes us on a Walktoberfest tour around the exterior of the school and its grounds. Learn interesting facts about the building’s history, the cupola, the fields, notable alumni and more!
Sign up here: RidgewoodWalks.com
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood High School is one of the most iconic buildings in the village. Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind the facade? Have you ever wondered what’s inside the cupola? How about notable alumni who spent their formative years in this building? Join Principal Dr. Tom Gorman tomorrow, Friday, October 13 at 10am and find out everything there is to know about this stunning structure.
Check out lots of other tours too. Walktoberfest is a great way to learn about Ridgewood, the place we all call home
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, It is a very sad day for Ridgewood. The iconic sycamore tree located on the island within Graydon Pool is dying and will be removed by workers from the Village’s Shade Tree Division sometime during November. Ridgewood Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon made this sad news public during the Village Council meeting held on Wednesday, 10/11. The existing tree is being removed to ensure the safety of Graydon’s many visitors. According to Mr. Sedon, the Village anticipates planting a new tree in the same location within the next 6-9 months
FIRE DEPT OPEN HOUSE – Sunday, October 15th 1:30pm – 3:30pm
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fire Department, 201 East Glen Avenue, invites residents to their Annual OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, October 15th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Events will include Fire Extinguisher Training & Demonstration; Engine Ladder & Rescue Company Demonstrations. Refreshments will be served.
Raindate: October 22, 2017
