Meet Kelly Kelly. She is a 36 year old mother of two who was found to have gallstones two years ago. She was on Medicaid. She had frequent abdominal pain that sent her to the ER many times. The solution for gallstones is removal of the gallbladder, but she could not find a surgeon who takes Medicaid. When she was diagnosed, she went to her primary Medicaid doctor and was told that having the gallbladder removed would increase her chances of getting diabetes. Another told her to eat hummus and couscous and take probiotics.
One ER physician told her that with her Medicaid “insurance” she would need to be dying to get an operation– which meant having the gallbladder be on the verge of bursting. Apparently, only a fever, high white cell count and elevated liver enzymes qualified for an admission and emergency surgery. Persistent gallbladder pain only qualifies for 5 days of pain meds.
She called the offices of many surgeons and was always rebuffed– “We don’t take Medicaid.”
Half the patients we see at the Zarephath Health Center are on Medicaid and cannot find a doctor. Most notably, patients who need psychiatrists, pain control specialists and those who need surgery on a non-emergent basis are out of luck. This is especially irksome since the taxpayers of NJ are paying $15 billion on Medicaid per year, up because most newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act are on Medicaid.
We at the Zarephath Health Center work to find solutions. We called a local surgeon and offered to have the Zarephath Health Center pay a fair fee. The surgery is being scheduled for next week and we will follow up.
This demonstrates why we need NJ S239– the Volunteer Medical Professional Health Care Act. Tell Senator Vitale to bring it up before the NJ Senate Health Committee.
Oradell NJ, sad news to report authorities confirmed that the body of Mark Schlegel, the talent agent from Oradell who has been missing for 11 days, has been discovered.
A Bergen County official confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the body of the missing man had been discovered.
Schlegel, 57, who worked for the Manhattan-based Cornerstone Talent agency had been missing since Sunday. Aug 13. He was last seen near Soldier Hill Road. According to reports a bloodhound detected his scent near a bus stop , while other reports suggest and officer found the body near Kinderkamack Road.
Ridgewood NJ, We are very excited to announce New Jersey Choral Society’s 2017-18 Jubilee Season Celebrating Linda Sweetman-Waters’ 30th Anniversary Season! We will be studying Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, join in song with a “Celebration of Carols” and launch our first Global Rhythms youth concert. We will be auditioning students grades 6-12 for two separate youth choirs this year, Choraleers (our treble ensemble) and Chorale (our SATB chorus).
Auditions will be held on Monday, August 28th from 4-6 pm at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 169 Fairmount Road, Ridgewood, NJ. (Please visit our website at https://njcs.org/current-njcs-si…/njcs-youth-chorus-auditions where audition materials are posted. Materials need to be emailed to the director at [email protected] and audition fees can be delivered at audition. Once forms are submitted, an audition time will be assigned by the director. Students must schedule an audition time prior to audition. Feel free to email with any questions you might have. Please share this opportunity with any friend or student that would benefit from study in our program!
One parent remarked after hearing a concert June 2016: “This experience has been amazing for [my daughter] and for us! She loves to sing but was reluctant in the beginning. That reluctance has turned into an absolute love of singing with NJCS and The Festival Youth Chorus!!!” At the conclusion of this concert year, six students were featured on Belle’s recent Pop Single entitled “Unified” (which can be viewed at https://www.bellesongs.com). A number of our families traveled to Italy to watch their students perform in Verdi’s Requiem at Teatro Sociale and remarked that it was a “life-changing experience.” It is our hope to impact the youth of Northern New Jersey in a similar and profound way.
Beverly NJ, In a recent report , “The Great Tech Panic: Trolls Across America” , WIRED magazine cited Beverly, New Jersey as home of the country’s most active internet commenters.
The WIRED article says that Beverly, a tiny city on the Delaware River between Trenton and Philadelphia with a population of 2,513, has 114 residents that were responsible for 150,151 comments in a 16-month period. That’s an average of 1,317 comments each., wow !
While the Ridgewood blog thrives on “comments ” and at times comments have been criticized for being highly controversial in nature , the exchange of information has had a net positive effect in the Village . The debate often centers around the balance between what is appropriate , politically correct and whats just too far .
The Administrators try to balance free expression without letting commentators devolve into 3rd grade name calling.Sometimes it works and sometimes not. With most of the egregious comments coming from allies of the former mayor ,who also happen to be the biggest complainers about the blog.
The Ridgewood blog has been criticized at times for not posting certain comments and of coarse the blog has its share of trolls and creepy stalkers . Several local stalkers seem to be suffering from deep physiological mental disorders and or drug and alcohol abuse issues.
Experience and data have demonstrated that often a troll on a particular topic , is a quality poster on many other topics.
The Wired article analyzed 92 million comments over a 16-month period, written by almost 2 million authors on more than 7,000 forums and did seem to have the traditional media bias .
Ridgewood NJ , when Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Brandon Donnelly was assigned to protect a seemingly stranded turtle at the Bergen County Wild Duck Pond Park on Sunday afternoon,https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-police-rescue-stranded-turtle/, many readers commented that it must have been a slow news day .
However a reader adds , “In case no one noticed, that turtle is not a cute harmless species. Our Police Officer was doing his job protecting the public from a dangerous animal. That creature can take a mean bite out of people. That is why it is called a snapping turtle. Would you have wanted your innocent child losing a finger or worse when he/she went over to “pet the cute turtle”?”
The common snapping turtle is noted for its combative disposition when out of the water with its powerful beak-like jaws, and highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific name serpentina, meaning “snake-like”).
While much new research out there seems an attempt to dispel the myth of a highly aggressive predator , experiences in Saddle River in my childhood would suggest this is one animal like a shark or alligator that one should give a wide birth and not encourage . The dinosaur-ish looks , sharp beak and unpredictable nature make them wholly inadequate as house pets
Paramus NJ, he’s back , speculation swirls as Steve Lonegan will announce his bid for US Congress NJ-5. The New Jersey Fifth Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Josh Gottheimer who defeated long time Congressmen Scott Garrett . The district is composed of parts of Bergen , Passiac ,Sussex and Warren counties.
Lonegan’s announcement comes today August 24,2017 at the Courtyard Marriott in Paramus at 11am and promises to add fireworks to what is being billed as a very expensive and hotly contested seat.
Lonegan has gone up against long odds before when successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the highest mountains in the world in December 2015 on a three week trip to Tanzania, Africa .
Steven Mark “Steve” Lonegan ,born April 27, 1956 is an New Jersey businessman and politician. He served as Mayor of Bogota, New Jersey, from 1995 to 2007. He is member of the Republican Party, Lonegan was named the New Jersey State Chairman for the Ted Cruz for President campaign in June 2015. He also served as a national spokesman for the campaign and appeared on various news outlets such as Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, and MSNBC.
His resume is outstanding ,Lonegan was Director of Monetary Policy for the American Principles Project , where he served as the organization’s national spokesman on monetary policies of the Federal Reserve System and directed the Fix the Dollar project until January 2016.
Lonegan lectured across the country to a range of audiences on the history of money and current monetary policy conditions. On February 27, 2015, Lonegan led a team of economists and conservative think tank leaders into a meeting with Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve officials at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the Federal Reserve System.
In August 2015, through American Principles Project, Lonegan hosted an international monetary conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that included leaders from around the world and was held directly opposite the Federal Reserve’s annual economic symposium.
Lonegan also served as the State Director of the New Jersey chapter of Americans for Prosperity and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Jersey in 2005 and 2009. He was the Republican Party’s nominee in the October 2013 special election to fill New Jersey’s open U.S. Senate seat following the death of Frank Lautenberg.
All of you new arrivals are being subsidized by the seniors. They have no kids in school , many of us NEVER have, but enjoy th ambiance of the village and get nothing for our taxes.
If more seniors decide to bail out for the nice 55 and over communities , our former homes will be filled with new residents with school age children. As such, it will dramatically increase your taxes as the already bloated school budget rises to accommodate the new students.
Ridgewood is a nice place because those of us long time residents care about this place, unlike the new crop of temporary residents that come here for 10 years then bail out when their kids are out of school, and beat feet back to NYC….sticking the rest of us with the tab for all of your “Yes” votes on the school budgets and spending on soccer fields and water park dreams.
Government spending essential to eclipse viewing … Never let a crisis, or, seemingly, an astronomical observance, go to waste. That’s the message of Emily Atkin, who wrote in the New Republic, “Trump’s budget cuts could mess up your next solar eclipse viewing.” Apparently if the government doesn’t spend money it doesn’t have on satellites, you won’t be able to see an eclipse. This is absurd, unless her audience was astrophysicists who use the equipment.
Coverage gap … As I mentioned last week, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., is scheduled for trial on corruption charges on September 6, 2017. The jury selection in that trial starts today. While local newspapers like the NY Times and local television stations have covered jury selection, cable networks have been eerily silent. American Commitment president Phil Kerpen asks an important question on Twitter: “Any networks doing stand ups outside Menendez’s jury selection this morning?” I wouldn’t hold my breath, Phil.
What bombing plot? … Yesterday, a man was arrested for allegedly trying to blow up a confederate statue in Houston. According to NewsBusters, none of the broadcast networks covered the case. If this was someone they could pin to the Right, you know it would have been covered.
With the Rev. Al Sharpton at his side, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy made a campaign stop today at a hi-tech education center in Newark’s South Ward, saying the state needed to support urban youth to succeed in a globalized and digitized economy.
“We’ve got to be here, backing up these kids, to make sure that they can achieve all that they can achieve,” said Murphy, flanked by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Newark native Sheila Oliver, the Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial candidate. “Centers like this are at the very center of our economy. This is the future of our economy.”
Murphy appeared at NAN Newark Tech World, a center dedicated to improving Internet-based technological skills critical for many careers in the increasingly digital economy. A key part of the center’s mission is to provide access to opportunities available through the Internet by offering classes in computer training skills and other technology programs.
Pj Blogger at Constitution Hall at the 1st Amendment
Court: Residents Can’t Mention “Islam” or “Muslim” At Public Hearing on Mosque Construction; Thomas More Law Center Files Federal Lawsuit
August 24, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog and the Thomas More Law Center
Bernards Township NJ, In a settlement agreement, which reads more like an instrument of surrender, Bernards Township (“Township”), New Jersey officials agreed that, in addition to a $3.5 million payment to Islamic Society of Basking Ridge (“ISBR”), residents and citizens of the Township are prohibited from commenting on “Islam” or “Muslims.” at the upcoming public hearing to approve the settlement. Astonishingly, a federal judge approved the prohibition as a fully enforceable Order of the Court.
As a result of this suppression of speech, the Thomas More Law Center (“TMLC”), a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, yesterday, filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Federal District Court on behalf of Christopher and Loretta Quick. The lawsuit was filed by TMLC affiliated New Jersey attorney, Michael Hrycak. Mr. Hrycak was assisted by TMLC staff attorney, Tyler Brooks. The TMLC is representing the Quicks without charge.
TMLC’s lawsuit alleges that Bernards Township’s settlement agreement constitutes a prior restraint on speech based on content, as well as, a violation of the Establishment Clause because it prefers Islam over other religions. The lawsuit asks the court to: declare that the settlement agreement is unconstitutional; and to enter a preliminary and permanent injunction against its enforcement.
Read TMLC’s entire Federal Complaint here.
The Quicks reside within 200 feet of the proposed mosque construction in a zoned residential area. Yet, the settlement agreement prohibits them from describing the many unique features of Islamic worship which will impact design of the building, traffic density, water and sewage, traffic control problems, road construction, and parking arrangements. According to the settlement agreement, ISBR is permitted to make statements concerning Christians and Jews and their places of worship, but in contrast, the Agreement prohibits commentary relating to Islam or Muslims. In fact, ISBR has previously discussed the Christian and Jewish religions and their places of worship.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented: “As we have previously documented, ISBR has taken the extraordinary step of concealing significant links on their website to a radical group named by the federal government as an unindicted co-conspirator in the largest terrorism financing trial in America history, the Islamic Society of North America (“ISNA”). ISNA is claimed by the Muslim Brotherhood as one of “our organizations.” According to internal documents seized by the FBI, the Muslim Brotherhood’s strategy is to engage in a “grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying Western civilization from within . . .”
Thompson continued, “While claiming that the Township had a religious animus against Muslims, ISBR hid from the public view its animus toward Christians and Jews, by not only hiding anti-Christian and anti-Semitic verses published on its website, but also hiding its significant ties to ISNA. Instead of standing up to defend its citizens against ISBR’s hate-filled anti-Semitic and anti-Christian bias, the Township colluded with ISBR’s “Civilization Jihad” by capitulating to payment of millions of dollars to ISBR, allowing the construction of the new mosque and Islamic center in violation of zoning codes, and now even suppressing speech concerning Islam or Muslims at a public meeting.”
In March 2016, ISBR filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Federal District Court alleging that Bernards Township had discriminated against the Islamic Society when it declined to approve the construction of a large mosque on a lot that was far too small to handle the contemplated structure. And in November 2016, the United States represented by the U. S. Justice Department filed a second lawsuit against the Township on similar grounds. The settlement agreement covers both lawsuits.
Read the entire Settlement Agreement and Court Order here.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.
Ridgewood NJ, National Dog Day is this Saturday, August 26th!On that day we will be celebrating all breeds and honoring all family and working dogs that keep us safe and give us unconditional love!Help us celebrate National Dog Day this Saturday by showing your four-legged friend some extra love with a big hug or an extra treat!
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. The date of August 26th is significant, as it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” when Colleen was 10 years old.
National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day…
for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they’re detecting cancer and seizures…things even humans cannot do. NDD was adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013.
Celebrate the last days of summer and support The New Jersey Choral Society at NJCS White Party. Maestro Knapp invites you to enjoy a summer evening at Stella Artisan Italian featuring an inspiring culinary journey by award-winning Executive Chef Heather Bertinetti Rozzi.
Hosted by Eric Dale Knapp and the NJCS Board of Trustees as a fund raising event in support of the Jubilee Season, celebrating Linda Sweetman-Waters 30th Anniversary Season as Artist-in-Residence with NJCS.
Come enjoy passed canapes, four course dinner, complementary wines and prosecco with entertainment by guest artists Metropolitan Opera bass, Richard Bernstein and Linda Sweetman-Waters, piano.
Dress in your favorite white summer attire.
$250 per person
Limited Seating’Tickets available only at www.njcs.org
Internet shaming spreads everywhere and lives forever. We need a way to fight it.
by
Megan McArdle
@asymmetricinfoMore stories by Megan McArdle
August 22, 2017 9:06 AM EDT
James Damore, the author of the notorious Google memo, has had his 15 minutes of fame. In six months, few of us will be able to remember his name. But Google will remember — not the company, but the search engine. For the rest of his life, every time he meets someone new or applies for a job, the first thing they will learn about him, and probably the only thing, is that he wrote a document that caused an internet uproar.
The internet did not invent the public relations disaster, or the summary firing to make said disaster go away. What the internet changed is the scale of the disasters, and the number of people who are vulnerable to them, and the cold implacable permanence of the wreckage they leave behind.
Try to imagine the Damore story happening 20 years ago. It’s nearly impossible, isn’t it? Take a company of similar scope and power to Google — Microsoft, say. Would any reporter in 1997 have cared that some Microsoft engineer she’d never heard of had written a memo his co-workers considered sexist? Probably not. It was more likely a problem for Microsoft HR, or just angry water-cooler conversations.
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The nationwide forces that are beginning to uproot football have converged at a place called High School North.
Demographic shifts, concussions, single-sport specialization and cost — among the same issues that have caused youth football numbers to plummet around the country in recent years — have led West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North to drop varsity football this season. The Knights, with a roster of 37 players, will play a junior varsity schedule.
High School South, the other secondary school in the district, might have to do the same next year, along with high schools from four other neighboring jurisdictions, West Windsor-Plainsboro Schools Superintendent David Aderhold said.
The moves reflect a crisis for football all over the country, but one that has accelerated in this New York City bedroom community.
NEWARK, N.J. – Sen. Bob Menendez said Tuesday that he expects to be exonerated of federal bribery charges, as lawyers began picking the jurors who will decide his fate in a trial set to begin next month.
“Looking forward to picking a good jury,” the New Jersey Democrat told reporters as he arrived at the federal courthouse here, flanked by his lawyers.
His arrival just before 9:30 a.m. set off a day in which U.S. District Judge William H. Walls, prosecutors, and Menendez’s defense team worked to winnow the pool of about 200 prospective jurors to the 12 men and women and four alternates who will hear the case.
Whatever verdict the panel reaches – after a trial expected to last one to two months — has the potential to reverberate far beyond the courtroom. Should Menendez be convicted, it almost certainly would mean the end of his four-decade political career in New Jersey and could dramatically shift the makeup of the Senate.
