….The problem with weekends after Labor Day is that everyone has pushed past summer and is I to soccer practice and birthday parties and lacrosse and cross country, you name it. Weekends are booked from the moment the school bell rings. Sad, but true……
Glen Rock pool is open after Labor Day on weekends. Correct me if I am wrong.What about adults who want to use Graydon Sept. weekends. Oh, I get it , I am a senior who would love Graydon open anytime in Sept. after Labor Day, but I don’t count. Why is it always the kids and not the adults and NEVER the seniors who are taken into consideration for fun things. That crappy senior center, with dottering exercise classes and trips where the main event is a fattening lunch, SCREW THAT. No healthy senior would join that. I sure in hell wouldn’t. And I am in my mid seventies.
Erica JedynakPublished 11:28 a.m. ET Aug. 22, 2017 | Updated 1:54 p.m. ET Aug. 22, 2017
New Jersey’s pension system is failing, and it is going to take a lot of good people down with it.
That sad fact adds a touch of poignancy – along with a dash of frustration – to the latest bad news on the state’s finances. The Mercatus Center, a think tank based at George Mason University, recently rated New Jersey’s state finances as the worst in the country.
While some of the data might seem obscure to non-accountants, the problems are all too straightforward – over-promising and underfunding. Successive administrations and legislative majorities of both parties have made overgenerous commitments, then failed to fund them, leaving a tab that the state’s future taxpayers cannot possibly cover.
New Jersey’s public pension crisis is a stark case in point. With more than $235 billion in unfunded liabilities – $26,000 for every man, woman and child – the state’s retirement system is among the worst in the nation. And while you’re reading this, the problem – decades in the making – is getting worse.
Ridgewood NJ, It what seems to becoming an all too frequent occurrence, Ridgewood Fire Department personnel were again called to address a spill of cooking grease generated from a local restaurant. The latest spill occurred on Tuesday morning, 08/22 in front of 16 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood. Members of Ridgewood FD Engine Company #35 and Rescue Company #42 applied an absorbent material to the affected area.
Chief of Department James Van Goor, who was on the scene, advised the restaurant owner to hire a private contractor for final cleanup. Ridgewood Health Department officials were also notified of the incident. Ridgewood Police provided traffic control as firefighters worked at the location.
Ridgewood NJ , Special Properties Real Estate Services, LLC, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, has welcomed Cristina (Cristy) Sippel, a Ridgewood resident of more than 30 years, as a Broker Associate at its Ridgewood, NJ office. The addition of Sippel is just part as part of the agency’s ongoing expansion throughout the region.
Cristy Sippel is high-energy and brings deep industry contacts and expertise from her career in advertising to her work in real estate. As a part of the Ridgewood community for over three decades, she brings an extensive knowledge of the Village, and the surrounding region, to her clients. Cristy also brings a larger world perspective, having had the opportunity to live in many different states and countries around the world during her life.
Following a successful career in advertising, real estate was a logical transition. With the diverse knowledge and perspective of the advertising world, Cristy is adept at developing some of the most creative and unique marketing programs for each property listing.
With three children in the Ridgewood schools, and a graduate of Ridgewood High School herself, she can often be found cheering on the local high school sports teams or walking her long-haired dachshund, Oscar, around town.
Cristy is deeply involved in the community, serving in a variety of capacities for the local school system and other charitable organizations in the region. She has also been a board member of the Social Service Association since 2004 and a team member of Raphael’s Life House in Elizabeth since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College in Marketing.
Special Properties Real Estate Services embraces the history and traditions of its flagship brokerage location in Saddle River, NJ, into an expanded, modern presence in Mahwah, Franklin Lakes, and Ridgewood, NJ. With a staff of accomplished real estate brokers, its clients across northern New Jersey and southern New York are provided with customized, personalized services, backed by the luxury real estate brand of Christie’s International Real Estate. Special Properties provides local expertise with global connections. For more information, call (201) 962-9552.
What is the Most Pressing Issue for the Village of Ridgewood
August 21, 2017 at 8:01 AM
We still have five months to go in 2017 and New Jersey has already topped several lists this year we all wish it hadn’t. With long-term liabilities mushrooming to 360 percent of total assets, New Jersey was ranked the state with the worst fiscal health in the country for the third consecutive year by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.
For the fifth consecutive year, New Jersey saw more residents leave than any other state, with 63 percent more departures than arrivals.
According to recent McKinsey study, New Jersey has been among the worst states for economic growth, with GDP increasing an average of just 0.3 percent between 2005 and 2015 – nearly five times lower than national GDP growth over the same period.
There’s not one single explanation for all of these trends, but there is oneparticular list New Jersey sits atop that comes pretty close to providing an answer: our state has the worst business tax climate in the nation, according to the independent nonprofit Tax Foundation, an unfortunate distinction the state has had for the last three years.
High taxes make New Jersey less attractive to businesses and residents. Skeptics often claim this is an exaggeration and that few actually move just because of taxes. But even if we put aside departures like the high profile move made by fund manager David Tepper to Florida a few years ago, those opposed to lowering tax rates have to reckon with the fact that most people are leaving for new job opportunities. Why aren’t these opportunities in our state? Perhaps it has something to do with the uninviting business environment created by unnecessarily high taxes.
The common refrain from opponents of tax cuts, especially cuts for businesses, is that they only benefit big corporations and the wealthy. But in many cases high taxes hurt the middle-class and small businesses more than the rich and powerful. Here are a few examples:
Camden NJ, in a test for New Jersey’s current bail reform laws a US district court will hear oral arguments in the on Tuesday, August 22 at 3:00 PM in the case of Holland v. Rosen. The case concerns a Dallas Cowboys football fan involved in a bar fight, who claims he was denied his constitutional right to bail by a New Jersey judge.
Filed by former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement on behalf of Brittan Holland and Lexington National Insurance Corporation, which represents others in Holland’s situation, the suit maintains that New Jersey’s current bail reform laws are illegal. Clement, widely regarded as one of the greatest constitutional litigators in recent history, contends that bail is guaranteed in the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
The case brings a different perspective to New Jersey’s controversial bail reform laws which took effect on January 1. The outcome of the case may have an impact on bail laws throughout the country.
The class action suit of Holland v. Rosen will be heard in oral arguments in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey before Judge Jerome B. Simandle.
Dallas Cowboys football fan Brittan Holland was arrested and charged following an argument and fight with a Philadelphia Eagles fan in Winslow Township on April 6. He was subsequently ordered to be released wearing a GPS ankle monitor pending his trial.
His release imposed upon him by these specific conditions, Holland claims he was denied the option of bail, to which he should have been guaranteed in the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. Because he was forced to wear the bulky ankle bracelet — “a modern-day scarlet letter,” the suit reads — his “liberty is sharply curtailed…he cannot shop for food or basic necessities and cannot take his son to baseball practice.”
The suit contends that this action reflected the unlawfulness of New Jersey’s bail reform laws, which took effect on January 1. Intended to make things fairer for defendants who lack the financial resources to be bailed out, the new system calls for judges to utilize a risk assessment tool to determine whether to hold defendants in jail or release them on a simple promise to appear.
Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement filed the suit on behalf of the fan and Lexington National Insurance Corporation, which represents others in Holland’s situation. Clement is expected to be present for the hearing.
The recent events in Charlottesville have compelled me to write to you this afternoon. The horrific and
vile images on our screens emphasized the unfortunate and misguided behavior of real people with real
hate in their hearts towards others who look or believe differently from themselves.
Having watched those expressions of hatred and violence with horror and disbelief, I want to stress to
you and reassure you that the Ridgewood Public Schools does not tolerate any acts of hate or negative
speech in our buildings or on our property. Our district is a community of people from many different
backgrounds, nationalities, beliefs and protected classes, and we insist that our students and staff
practice tolerance and respect at all times through clearly articulated goals for respectful and inclusive
behavior. We also go one step further, by finding ways to highlight and celebrate both differences and
similarities.
As we ready for the opening of school and a peaceful and welcoming start to a new year, I encourage
you to talk about the school environment in your discussions with your family about the recent events in
Charlottesville. Please know that we are here to assist you and feel free to reach out to your child’s
principal, or to me, at any time.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Oradell NJ, police remain baffled over the disappearance of talent agent Mark Schlegel, who last was seen leaving his New Jersey home more than a week ago.
“There’s been no contact from him or with anybody who knows his possible whereabouts,” Oradell Sgt. Derek Kahill tells nj.com. “There’s a lot of concern in general.”
Schlegel, 57, who works for CornerStone Talent Agency in Manhattan, has a client list that includes Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), Daniel Sunjata (The Dark Knight Rises) and Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos), among others. He has been with CornerStone since 2002.
Schlegel last was seen at about 3:30 PM Sunday, August 13, leaving his Oradell home, heading toward a road three blocks away, carrying a gift bag. Oddly he did not have his keys, phone or wallet in his possession, police said.
Police have searched several areas of Oradell on foot and also have interviewed his colleagues for any leads. Police Issued two Nixle alerts last week to residents about Schlegel’s disappearance. So far, his disappearance remains a mystery.
Please, if you have any word on where he may be call the Oradell Police Department at 201-261-0200
Our quiet, serene, beautiful and peaceful neighborhood on Van Emburgh Avenue stretching from Washington Township into Ridgewood and made up of 100 percent single family homes is about to be shattered by a court-ordered imposition of a 44-unit apartment complex. This mandate is to satisfy some nebulous rules about complying with Affordable Housing politically-correct social engineering forced on our town by the state.
I spoke against this mandate at a recent Township of Washington Planning Board for the following reasons: Many of the Township and Village residents moved here specifically to get away from densely-packed areas which have multi-family complexes.
The construction mud and noise pollution will disrupt our peaceful lives and enshroud us in a cloud of dust and dirt probably for something like two years. The now-empty land parcel they are plopping this monstrosity in is practically across the street from Immaculate Heart Academy High School. This will mean that the dozens and dozens of parents who drop their daughters off at school each morning will now be competing in traffic with arriving construction workers — excavators, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers, painters, sheetrockers and landscapers, etc.
Since most people nowadays have two cars, and are two-worker households, that will mean that 88 more cars belonging to potential residents will join the traffic during the early mornings; and that number of cars doesn’t even include arriving faculty.
The loud sounds of earth movers, bulldozers, backhoes, bucket loaders, cement trucks and dump trucks as well as huge rigs delivering lumber, massive sanitary and storm pipes, roofing supplies, siding and landscaping materials will disrupt our peaceful existence.
Even if 12 of the residents of the 44-unit apartment complex have children, that means 100 brand new instant neighbors on our street.
The trouble with politically-correct mandated solutions to social concerns is that they don’t take into consideration the impact on the existing local governments. The prime example being the local school system population, police, fire, street sweeping and snow removal.
I want to urge the Township of Washington and The Village of Ridgewood to join Park Ridge and Hillsdale to put the question of “Affordable Housing” rules on the November ballot and put pressure on our state Legislature to straighten out the rules and regulations of these mandated nightmares.
Ridgewood NJ, It seems the Vermont Attorney General’s Office has concluded its investigation into the invoices and billing practices of Dr. Jonathan Gruber, an economic consultant, who contracted with the State of Vermont in July 2014 to provide policy expertise, research and economic modeling relating to the implementation of Vermont’s single-payer healthcare system, Green Mountain Care. The Office’s investigation was opened following a referral by State Auditor Doug Hoffer. The Attorney General’s Office and Dr. Gruber have reached an agreement to settle the State’s potential legal claim that Gruber submitted false claims to the State under Vermont’s Civil False Claims Act.
Gruber, who helped design the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, came under fire in 2014 after he made disparaging comments about voters, calling Democratic voters stupid and saying these voters would believe anything they were told.
According to the Settlement Agreement, Dr. Gruber’s personal services contract with the State was a standard “time and materials” contract which specified that Gruber would be paid only for services actually performed and required Gruber to submit monthly invoices describing the work performed and the amounts billed for such work. The Office’s investigation revealed that Gruber submitted at least two invoices that were false with respect to the amount of work performed by Gruber’s research assistant. Further, the supporting documentation provided by Gruber did not reflect the actual hours worked by the research assistant, nor did the assistant keep records accurately reflecting the hours he devoted to the state project. The Attorney General’s Office concluded that Dr. Gruber’s conduct violated the Vermont Civil False Claims Act. While Dr. Gruber denied that there was a violation, in order to resolve the matter, he agreed to forgo any further payment that might be due from the State under the contract, including $90,000 outstanding for retainage amounts and unpaid research assistant tim
Ridgewood NJ, The Graydon Pool summer late Season Hours of Operation – August 14 through Labor Day, September 4
Weekdays – 12 Noon to 7:30PM
Weekends – 10AM to 7:30PM
AMENITIES at Graydon Pool : Accessibile ramp for entry into the pool, Spray fountains, Adirondack chairs & Shade systems; Volleyball & Basketball Courts; Recreational Games of Shuffle Board, Four Square, Hop Scotch and Ping-Pong; Picnic Tables and Charcoal Grills; Shaded Playground and Sitting areas for Parents with young ones; The Water’s Edge Cafe – Open daily Noon to 7PM.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS: Instructiojnal Swim/Fitness for children and adults; Competitive Graydon Swim Team , ages 8 – 17; Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Yoga, Kayaking Introduction; Storytime Under the Pavilion; Movies on the Beach; Live Concerts Monthly.
Ridgewood NJ, at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. in Ridgewood ,Chef Danny is launching his new menu this weekend, stop by to try it or order in.
Chef Daniel Montoya has over 18 years of experience and oversees the kitchen at the Ridgewood location for Radicchio. He will prepare classic home style Italian dishes for your enjoyment.
There is so much more to Radicchio then fresh Pasta and signature Risottos, chef Danny is prepping up some great meat and seafood as well.
Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co
34 Franklin Ave
Ridgewood, New Jersey
@radicchionj
Call (201) 670-7311
Location: Art of Motion, 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, Art of Motion is currently taking registration for the 2017 Fall Semester! They are proud to announce several new classes including Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates/Yoga/Cardio Barre, Acro, Voice and Musical Theater!
Please visit their website for more information about registration and their new classes! ArtofMotion.org Contact their office at 201-652-5800.
Art of Motion looks forward to seeing you in the fall!
Good question , who is going to pay the safety bill. because how this looks we are going to have a lot of these event’s . we need to come up with a plan , or call in the county police.
Did they fill out the proper paperwork for permit. And to the village manager this is more overtime for police department now. Are we going to have these demonstrations now every week. No went to the overtime want to $600,000 last year, when is this going to stop.
Our Police Chief attends many of the gatherings in Ridgewood. it is a sign of respect for the purpose of the gathering as well as a means to assure that there is no interruption from individuals with violently opposing views. The Police are definitely not there to frighten individuals but to protect them. We certainly don’t need an incident of car into crowd here in Ridgewood.
Ridgewood NJ, 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, 08/20. While waiting for the arrival of a representative from the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro, Officer Donnelly engaged in Community Policing activity by passing out “police officer badge” stickers to several young citizens who had walked over to see the large turtle. The reptile was safely relocated to a more suitable habitat by an animal control officer approximately 90 minutes after Donnelly was dispatched to the scene.
