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Pinot’s Palette Offers Exciting Summer Classes

Pinot's Palette

photo courtesy of Pinot’s Palette

June 29, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Pinot’s Palette will be painting Wine Glasses at the Steel Wheel Tavern, 51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood on Tuesday July 11th. $25 to paint, and $25 for a buffet. Here’s the link: https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176308

Join them at their studio for these classes. 25 Oak St., Ridgewood

They are painting Beach bags on Wednesday July 9th from 7 to 9pm: https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176295

They are painting on Oversized Canvases in July: 7/9 11-1pm, 7/13 8-10pm, 7/29 7-10pm, and 8/4 (Date Night) 7-10pm.

https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176392
https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176296
https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176300
https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176325

They have Kids Camp all Summer:
July 17-20 https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/174181

Black Light Painting on August 1st https://www.pinotspalette.com/ridgewood/event/176322

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TRYOUTS FOR THE RIDGEWOOD YMCA BREAKERS SWIM TEAM BEGIN JULY 31

breakers-5_theridgewoodblog

June 29, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers competitive swim team will have two try-outs scheduled for the 2017-2018 short course winter season. The early bird try-out offers the opportunity for the swimmer to be evaluated by our coaching staff and receive notification about their result within 48 hours. The dates for the early bird try-outs are July 31 and August 2 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Registration is prior to the try-outs at 4 p.m. All ages are welcome.

A swimmer who attends the early bird try-out and needs to sharpen their competitive swimming skills will be encouraged to register for the try-out prep class and try-out during the regular try-out held in September. Try-out prep class will meet August 7 through August 23 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact Coach Rimbault for more information.

The dates for regular try-outs are September 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 12 years old, September 6 from 5:00-6:45 p.m. for children 8 years old and under and September 7 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. for those children ages 13 and up. This last session date is also a make-up session. A full tryout schedule is available online at www.ridgewoodymca.org/breakers-tryouts.

The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers competitive swim team encompasses swimmers who can properly swim the four competitive strokes; providing youths the opportunity to acquire the skills, self-discipline, confidence, and physical conditioning to become the best swimmers they can be. The program offers instruction, training, and competition to young people from ages 6 through high school. Swimmers will improve their skills while also learning the values of teamwork and sportsmanship and individual responsibility.

For additional information, please contact YMCA Swim Team Coach, Bud Rimbault, at 201.444.5600, ext. 319, or email [email protected]

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White Maple Cafe Is Open For Brunch July 1st-4th in Ridgewood

White Maple Cafe
photo courtesy of White Maple Cafe
Sat, July 01, 2017 – Tue, July 04, 2017
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: White Maple Cafe, 47 E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

June 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, White Maple is Open for Brunch July 1st-4th! Open from 9:30am-3pm each day for walk-ins only (no reservations). White Maple Café is an American restaurant serving contemporary bistro cuisine with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. Created by Ryan Brining, who attended the Institute of Culinary Education and worked at Daniel in New York, White Maple Café provides quality eats and exceptional service in a casual and inviting atmosphere.

We’re also Open for Dinner July 1st-3rd; Closed for Dinner July 4th

Book Your Reservation Here or call 201-447-1953

Wishing everyone a happy 4th of July!

Tell others about your experience:
Rate or Review White Maple Café on Google

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Summer in the Village of Ridgewood no traffic, no sharks and no jelly fish !

Graydon Pool Ridgewood
June 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, summer in Ridgewood , no traffic, no sharks and no jelly fish !The Graydon Pool is opened for the summer. Purchase a day pass or a season pass by credit card, cash or  check.  Details are on the Graydon Pool website.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.

GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES

RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education.  Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
LATE SEASON ADULT MEMBERSHIP – $60.00  (available August 1st)
LATE SEASON CHILD MEMBERSHIP – $55.00 (available August 1st)
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

NON-RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2017 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2017 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

TENNIS BADGES
RESIDENT ADULT – $35.00
RESIDENT CHILD – $30.00
NON-RESIDENT ADULT – $45.00
NON-RESIDENT CHILD – $40.00
DAILY PASS – $5.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

Tennis Rules/Regulations and Badge Memberships

Purchase all badges from the comfort of home via CommunityPass (Visa and Mastercard accepted).  In person assistance is available daily at the Graydon Badge Office, on site at the pool facility.  Hours vary by season dates.

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House passes Kate’s Law, as part of broader illegal immigrant crackdown

ICE Arrests

June 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, in a vote of 257 to 157, with one Republican voting no and 24 Democrats voting yes, the US House of Representatives passed ,”Kate’s Law”.

The House also passed a bill that would deny federal grants to sanctuary cities . Kate’s Law, would increase the penalties for deported aliens who try to return to the United States.

Kate’s Law is named for Kate Steinle, a San Francisco woman killed by an illegal immigrant who was in the U.S. despite multiple deportations. The two-year anniversary of her death is on Saturday.

Statement from President Donald J. Trump on House Passage of Kate’s Law and No Sanctuary for Criminals Act :

“During my campaign, I met many grieving families who all had the same plea: lawmakers must put the safety of American families first.  Today, I applaud the House for passing two crucial measures to save and protect American lives.  These were bills I campaigned on and that are vital to our public safety and national security.  The first bill, Kate’s Law, increases criminal penalties for illegal immigrants who repeatedly re-enter the country illegally.  The bill is named for Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times.  Every year, countless Americans are victimized, assaulted, and killed by illegal immigrants who have been deported multiple times.  It is time for these tragedies to end.

The second bill, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, restricts taxpayer grant money to cities that prevent their police from turning over dangerous criminal aliens to federal authorities.  Sanctuary cities are releasing violent criminals, including members of the bloodthirsty MS-13 gang, back onto our streets every single day.  Innocent Americans are suffering unthinkable violence as a result of these cities’ reckless actions.  The House bill also includes what is known as Grant’s Law and Sarah’s Law.  These provisions, which prevent the release of dangerous criminals awaiting removal proceedings, are named for two slain Americans whose parents I spent time with during the campaign.

The implementation of these policies will make our communities safer.  Opposing these bills, and allowing dangerous criminals back into our communities, our schools, and the neighborhoods where our children play, puts all of us at risk.

Now that the House has acted, I urged the Senate to take up these bills, pass them, and send them to my desk.  I am calling on all lawmakers to vote for these bills and to save American lives.”

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Doctors raked in cash to push fentanyl as N.J. death rate exploded

Prescription-Drugs

Updated on June 29, 2017 at 5:49 PMPosted on June 29, 2017 at 7:00 AM

BY STEPHEN STIRLING AND ERIN PETENKO

NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The most powerful opioid ever mass-marketed was designed to ease cancer patients into death.

It’s ideal for that: the drug is fast acting, powerful enough to tame pain that other opioids can’t and comes in a variety of easy delivery methods — from patches to lollipops.

But a dose the size of a grain of sand can kill you.

Meet fentanyl. It’s heroin on steroids. It’s killing people in droves. And, in New Jersey, you can get it after having your tonsils removed.

In fact, doctors who treat children’s colds and adult’s sore knees are prescribing it with alarming frequency, far more than oncologists easing end-of-life cancer pain.

The surge is stoked by companies that shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to doctors, wining and dining them in hopes of convincing them that their particular brand of fentanyl is the solution to all their patients’ pain problems.

Evidently, it’s working.

https://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2017/06/doctors_raked_in_cash_to_push_powerful_fentanyl_as_nj_death_rate_soared.html#incart_election

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1930 Ford Model “A” Involved in Collision at the Intersection of East Glen Avenue and East Saddle River Road

1930 Ford Model "A" Involved in Collision

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

June 30,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A two (2) vehicle Thursday afternoon, 06/29, collision at the intersection of East Glen Avenue and East Saddle River Road in Ridgewood resulted in a non life threatening elbow injury to one (1) vehicle occupant. Both vehicles involved, a Nissan Rogue and a 1930 Ford Model “A”, were towed from the scene. The injured party was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS responded. Fire Department personnel attended to a crash related fluid spill. Ho-Ho-Kus Police assisted with traffic control.

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Reader says You don’t care about what will be irretrievably lost in Ridgewood, the small town character

CBD Ridgewood by ArtChick

file photo by ArtChick

Blah blah blah , all you care about is VALUE meaning MONEY. That’s why we have this multi family fiasco in the first place and it doesn’t matter if there is a Godzilla garage anymore.

You don’t care about what will be irretrievably lost in Ridgewood, the small town character , feel , charm, that special personality…. that I moved in for in nineteen seventy- eight and that yes, by and large remained, and that idiot planning board member, who said RIDGEWOOD IS A BUSY PLACE, so it’s NOT SO BAD that there will be all this multi family mess, is an example of the majority mind set and lack of aesthetic sensitivity. What in the HELL does he mean a BUSY PLACE. Everyone in the world , basically, raises a family, works a job, does that mean we have to live in an ugly overcrowded , polluted environment. All beauty and charm gone. I spoke at many meetings about keeping Ridgewood THE SAME, wrote many letters. To no avail. You will all be overjoyed to know that this is my goodbye to the blog and to all town meetings. James does a great job with the blog, but the town, as I have known it will soon be transformed into another crowded Joisey mess and I no longer want to be involved. One last point, Earth Day also means living in a pleasing environment without tons of traffic and pollution resulting from traffic. Earth Day is ruined in Ridgewood as far as I am concerned.

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Solution to NYC’s commuter hell could ruin real estate developers

laptop theridgewoodblog.bet

By John Crudele

June 28, 2017 | 10:48pm

Commuters coming into New York City from the north, south, east and west are irate.

The Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and Metro North — not to mention the New York City subway, which moves 5.7 million people every weekday — have all been plagued by dramatic breakdowns and crashes over the past few months.

And as angry as all those commuters are, there is another group of people who should be even more livid — only they don’t know it yet.

That group consists of real estate developers and New York City building owners. And I will give you my prediction of what will happen if the commuting nightmare isn’t straightened out very soon.

As I type this column on Wednesday afternoon, there are 387 new buildings under construction in Manhattan. According to the New York City Department of Buildings, that will add 95.7 million square feet of new space to Manhattan’s already massive real estate inventory.

When you include construction in the Bronx (380 buildings), Brooklyn (1,625 buildings), Queens (1,251 buildings) and Staten Island (713 buildings), the city as a whole will add 225.6 million square feet of new space.

So how is this real estate boom connected with the problems commuters are having? Easy, the attractiveness of telecommuting is going to increase.

https://nypost.com/2017/06/28/solution-to-nycs-commuter-hell-could-ruin-real-estate-developers/

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New computer virus spreads from Ukraine to disrupt world business

Hacked

By Eric Auchard and Dustin Volz | FRANKFURT/WASHINGTON

A computer virus wreaked havoc on firms around the globe on Wednesday as it spread to more than 60 countries, disrupting ports from Mumbai to Los Angeles and halting work at a chocolate factory in Australia.

Risk-modeling firm Cyence said economic losses from this week’s attack and one last month from a virus dubbed WannaCry would likely total $8 billion. That estimate highlights the steep tolls businesses around the globe face from growth in cyber attacks that knock critical computer networks offline.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyber-attack-idUSKBN19I1TD?il=0

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A ‘very credible’ new study on Seattle’s $15 minimum wage has bad news for liberals

McDonalds-Machines

By Max Ehrenfreund June 26

When Seattle officials voted three years ago to incrementally boost the city’s minimum wage up to $15 an hour, they’d hoped to improve the lives of low-income workers. Yet according to a major new study that could force economists to reassess past research on the issue, the hike has had the opposite effect.

The city is gradually increasing the hourly minimum to $15 over several years. Already, though, some employers have not been able to afford the increased minimums. They’ve cut their payrolls, putting off new hiring, reducing hours or letting their workers go, the study found.

The costs to low-wage workers in Seattle outweighed the benefits by a ratio of three to one, according to the study, conducted by a group of economists at the University of Washington who were commissioned by the city. The study, published as a working paper Monday by the National Bureau of Economic Research, has not yet been peer reviewed.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/06/26/new-study-casts-doubt-on-whether-a-15-minimum-wage-really-helps-workers/?utm_term=.ae22e00b1144

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and State Comptroller Philip James Degnan announce initial Lakewood arrests Result on charges of collecting $1.3 million in illegal Government benefits

Lakewood Housewives

June 29, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lakewood NJ, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and State Comptroller Philip James Degnan announced today the first of multiple ongoing arrests within Lakewood, New Jersey by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for defrauding Medicaid and government assistance programs.  The investigations initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Red Bank Office and the  New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller – Medicaid Fraud Division, were expanded to include the US Social Security Administration, New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – Economic Crimes Unit.  Today’s initial arrests include charges of collecting $1.3 million in illegal benefits.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Financial assistance programs are designed to alleviate family hardships for those truly in need.  My office gave clear guidance and notice to the Lakewood community in 2015 of what is considered financial abuse of these programs.  Those who choose to ignore those warnings by seeking to illegally profit on the backs of taxpayers will pay the punitive price of their actions.”

OCPO detectives/prosecutors, along with its collaborating agencies, began the first phase of the operation by arresting two married couples.  Mordechai, 37, and Jocheved, 35, Breskin of Blue Jay Way in Lakewood, were arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $585,662 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD and SSI benefits between January 2009 thru December 2014.    Zalmen, 39, and Tzipporah, 35, Sorotzkin of Olive Court collecting approximately $338,642 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD and SSI benefits between January 2009 and April 2014.  A Detention Hearing is scheduled for 1:30 pm today at Ocean County Superior Court.

The nature of the criminal events investigated and basic charges allege that the defendants misrepresented their income, declaring amounts that were low enough to receive the program’s benefits, when in fact their income was too high to qualify.  The investigations revealed that the defendants’ received income from numerous sources that they failed to disclose on required program applications.  As a result, they received benefits that they were not entitled to under these programs for themselves or family members.

“This operation highlights the success of federal, state and county cooperation in New Jersey’s effort to combat Medicaid and other government benefits fraud,” State Comptroller Degnan said. “My office will continue to ensure that only individuals and families truly in need of benefits receive them, and that those who choose to steal from New Jersey taxpayers are referred for prosecution.”

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office is prosecuting the above arrested individuals at the state level.  The Federal Bureau of Investigations arrested four additional individuals as a part of its’ role in the comprehensive review of financial assistance programs.  Information regarding the FBI facilitated arrests continues below:

Rachel Sorotzkin, 32, and Mordechai Sorotzkin, 35, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiring to steal government funds. Yocheved Nussbaum, 40, and Shimon Nussbaum, 42, also of Lakewood, are charged in a separate complaint with one count of conspiring to steal government funds. The Sorotzkins and the Nussbaums, all of Lakewood, are expected to make their appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court.

According to the complaints:

From 2011 through 2014, Rachel and Mordechai Sorotzkin applied for and received Medicaid health insurance benefits for themselves and their children. After being approved for Medicaid benefits in August of 2011, the Sorotzkins received significant windfalls – including a lump sum payment of $1 million from Rachel Sorotzkin’s business in April of 2013 – which they failed to report to Medicaid officials. Despite earning in excess of $1 million in each of the 2012 and 2013 calendar years, the Sorotzkins continued to use their Medicaid cards, ultimately defrauding the government of approximately $96,000 in taxpayer-funded medical care.

In a separate scheme, Yocheved and Shimon Nussbaum applied for and received public benefits for themselves and their children from 2011 through 2014, despite their significant income. In the years prior to and during the conspiracy, the Nussbaums created a variety of companies that were nominally run by relatives but were actually controlled by the Nussbaums.

They opened various bank accounts in the names of these companies and used funds from these accounts to cover personal expenses.

In applying for Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and SNAP food benefits, the Nussbaums grossly underreporting their true income by failing to include the income from these business accounts. Despite annual income of up to as high as approximately $1.8 million in 2013, the Nussbaums continued to receive taxpayer-funded health, housing and food benefits through August of 2014, ultimately defrauding the government of approximately $178,000.

The conspiracy counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick in his press release credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato; the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of State Comptroller Philip James Degnan; the New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation; under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charles Giblin; Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Grasso;  and criminal investigators of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly S. Lorber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

The investigation by all the participating agencies is continuing and additional arrests are forthcoming.  OCPO and our prosecuting partners may add additional relevant charges (ie. Tax charges) as each case proceeds through the legal process.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Malinowski of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are only allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.  See Photos below courtesy the Ocean County Jail:

BRESKIN, MORTECHAI DOVID

BRESKIN, JOCHEVED ALIZA

SOROTZKIN, ZALMEN

SOROTZKIN, TZIPPORAH

Ocean County Prosecutors office announced on June  28th that, along with its collaborating agencies, continued Monday’s operation by arresting the following three married couples.  Hearings are scheduled for 1:30 pm today (6/28) at Ocean County Superior Court.

Yitzchock, 33, and Sora, 39, Kanarek of Brisk Lane – charged with 2nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $339,002.56 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD, and SSI benefits between January 2009 and July 2014.
Chaim, 40, and Liatt, 39, Ehrman of Twin Oaks Drive – charged with 2nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $185,692.22 in Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, and Sandy benefits between January 2011 and December 2015
William, 45, and Faigy, 40, Friedman of Leigh Drive – charged with 2nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $149,842.28 in Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, and HUDbenefits between January 2011 and December 2015.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and [email protected].

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NO liquid containers of any kind, open or closed, will be permitted on any NJ TRANSIT train or buses on July 4th

Ridgewood Train Station

June 29,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Friday, June 30, for the benefit of customers leaving work early and taking a four-day weekend, in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4th. In addition, there are changes to service throughout the NJ TRANSIT system that will take place on July 4th.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Customers planning to use Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service to and from Liberty State Park for the July 4th Jersey City “Freedom & Fireworks Festival’’ from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. will encounter crowds and possible delays. Customers are strongly advised to purchase roundtrip tickets in advance.

A reminder that liquid containers of any kind, open or closed, will not be permitted on any NJ TRANSIT train or light rail vehicle on July 4. Beverages of any kind are prohibited at all times on board buses.  Extra police patrols will be out on all modes of transit.

On Friday, June 30:

Extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m. to get customers home early. Please visit www.njtransit.com for details.

Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and from the Hudson River Waterfront on several bus routes starting around noon.  If you do not see your bus route listed here: https://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ServiceAdjustmentTo&AdjustmentId=16036, please refer to your bus route timetable, which can be found at www.njtransit.com.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

On Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2:

All light rail systems will operate on regular Saturday/Sunday or Weekend schedules.
Trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule.

As a reminder, Summer Shore service – with direct service between Bay Head and New York and hourly Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle service from approximately 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays – operates each weekend and holiday until September 9.

Please check your bus route timetable at www.njtransit.com for details.

On Monday, July 3:

All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Trains will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Buses will operate on regular weekday schedules with select routes seeing a reduction in service due to anticipated lower-than-normal ridership. Please check the Alerts & Advisories tab on njtransit.com for details on specific buses.

On Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, including:

A special rail schedule on the Gladstone Branch (which is available only via the website’s trip planner and station-to-station features or at: https://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ServiceAdjustmentTo&AdjustmentId=9792).
An extra train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on an enhanced weekend schedule.  Customers using the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service to and from Liberty State Park for the July 4th Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival from 1 to 10 p.m. will encounter crowds and delays. Please build enough time into travel plans.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus schedules vary by routes. Customers are advised to check their timetables, consult the Holiday Service Guide or visit www.njtransit.comfor schedule information.  Please allow for extra time and consult timetable for details.  NOTE: Buses may be subject to detours and service delays in both directions for Independence Day parades through various towns.

Summer Savings

The Independence Day holiday is a great time for customers to take advantage of

NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags, Monmouth Park and Liberty Science Center:

Beach Packages:  Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system, excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations and save up to $5.00 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows.  Beach Packages will be available daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 4.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor:  Save up to $32 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.  NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and Newark Penn Station.

Monmouth Park:  Save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack.  Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows from any NJ TRANSIT station, except Atlantic City Rail Line, and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.

Liberty Science Center:  Save $5 per person for up to four general admission, combo ticket and/or all-access passes when you travel on NJ TRANSIT and show your ticket, pass or fare receipt at Liberty Science Center.  General admission passes include live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities.  Combo and all-access passes provide options for films and premium exhibits.

Visit njtransit.com for more information on NJ TRANSIT summer travel deals.

On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT

Every weekend, families riding NJ TRANSIT can save with the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult.  For the Independence Day holiday weekend, the program will be extended and in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, June 30 until 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.

Travel tips

Check Schedules in Advance:  Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Allow Extra Travel Time:  Traffic congestion during the long holiday weekend may affect bus travel times especially on routes using the Garden State Parkway heading down the shore, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing:  Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return.  Use the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges.  Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Luggage:  Travel as light as possible.  Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces.  On multilevel trains, those with bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.

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Report: Solving NJ Pension Crisis Requires Tax Hikes, Benefit Cuts

legislature

By Christian Hetrick • 06/28/17 4:03pm

New Jersey’s next governor and Legislature must make cuts to retiree health care costs and raise several taxes to diffuse the “fiscal time bomb” created by inadequate payments to the public worker retirement system, according to a new policy report released Wednesday.

The report, “New Jersey’s Prosperity Depends on Immediate Fiscal Reforms,” was produced by The Fund for New Jersey and is aimed to shape the debate during this election year, with the governor’s office and all 120 seats in the Legislature open. The report largely focuses on the huge gap between what the state sets aside each year for pensions and retiree health care and what those obligations actually cost.

https://observer.com/2017/06/report-solving-nj-pension-crisis-requires-tax-hikes-benefit-cuts/

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RIDGEWOOD JULY 4TH CELEBRATION, FIREWORKS TICKETS AND FUNDRAISING

Ridgewood-_4thofJuly_theridgewoodblog

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc. P.O. Box 140 Ridgewood, NJ 07451

FIREWORKS TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

Backyard Living

Connect One Bank

Daily Treat

Goffle Brook Farms

Hillmann Electric

Ridgewood Auto Wash

Ridgewood Cycle Shop

Town and Country

Wine Seller

Sales at the Library June 19-25 – HILT and Hobbyists Volunteer Ticket Sellers

2017 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Launches 50/50 Raffle to Fundraise for its 107th Annual Celebration –

Grand Prize winner will have a chance to win up to $25,000 Ridgewood, NJ – June 14, 2017 – The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee today announced the launch of a 50/50 raffle to help fundraise for its 2017 celebration. The Committee will sell tickets at various community events now through July 3, 2017.

Tickets are $100 dollars each, with a maximum of 600 tickets sold. If the maximum number of tickets is sold, the Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 dollars. There will also be ten $500 prize winners. Winners will be announced at 8:30PM on July 4th, prior to the fireworks display at Veteran’s Field. Visit www.ridgewoodjuly4th.com or contact 201-602-1922 for information on where to purchase tickets.

“We are grateful to have generous and committed sponsors, but we always look for new, fun ways to encourage the community to help Support the Tradition,” said Leigh Gilsenan, president of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee. “Few people realize this is an all-volunteer, community funded event that receives no direct funding from the village – and costs increase every year.”

The 2017 theme for the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The parade will be held, rain or shine, on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. The day’s full festivities include:

• Flag Raising: 9:00AM Wilsey Square (Ridgewood train station parking lot) Short program followed by traditional flag raising: Although the parade and firework portions of the day have on occasion been cancelled, the flag raising has occurred without interruption since the start of the committee in 1910. • Parade: Beings at 10:00AM (rain or shine) Parade runs along Godwin Ave and onto Ridgewood Ave through downtown, turning right on Maple Ave past the grand stand at Village Hall and ends at Leuning Park Follow the line of chairs set up by residents securing their spot. Don’t miss the competitive elementary school float competition and the Grand Marshal for this year, Bob Paoli, American Legion Post 53 Commander.

• Evening Entertainment and Fireworks: Gates open at 6:00PM Veterans Field (on the corner of Maple Ave and Linwood) The field is the ideal place to see the fireworks, which have been named the best in Bergen County by 201 Magazine for 11 years running. Bands and food/beverage vendors keep you entertained until dusk. Tickets are sold in advance at various local stores for $10, tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12 at the gate. Children five years and under are admitted for free. NEW this year –tickets available for sale online. Check the website for more details, rules and regulations.

About the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit community group. All aspects of this annual celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, police and fire personnel are funded by voluntary contributions from local businesses and individuals. The Committee continues to require the generous donations from the community to keep the tradition alive. The Ridgewood tradition began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism.