December 8,2016
Boyd A. Loving
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Councilman Jeffery Voigt announced during Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session that the Ridgewood Public Library plans to undertake a massive $5 million renovation, and will close for at least one (1) full year to facilitate construction.
The planned renovations will focus on changing the facility to be more in line with the Library’s new focus as a “community center,” this according to Voigt.
file photo by Boyd Loving
December 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, After years of on again off again probation culminating in the seizure of the property and a lengthy court battle, by Executive order the Charter of the Ridgewood Lodge has been revoked .
Basically , the Grand Elks found the Ridgewood lodge had violated too many lodge rules such as meeting times and missing audit deadlines as well as it committed bad business practices leading to the lodges insolvency .
It’s a sad demise to a long time Ridgewood Institution . The Ridgewood blog will be keeping our ears open to see who wants the building and liquor license and follow the money.
photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook Page
December 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Three (3) flatbed tow trucks were required to remove vehicles damaged in a Wednesday morning, 12/07, crash that occurred near 465 Goffle Road, Ridgewood. One (1) driver involved in the collision was transported by a Ridgewood EMS ambulance to The Valley Hospital; the victim’s injuries were reported to be non life threatening. Ridgewood FD personnel attended to a minor crash related fluid spill in addition to providing EMS support. Goffle Road was closed to through traffic in both directions between Rock Road and Ravine Avenue until the roadway was cleared of wreckage and debris. One (1) crash related summons was issued by Ridgewood PD. provided traffic control assistance at the scene.
Gov. Branstad’s relationship with President Xi Jinping dates back to the mid-1980s, when President Xi was a young county official seeking a closer relationship with Iowa’s robust agriculture sector.
“Governor Branstad’s decades of experience in public service and long-time relationship with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders make him the ideal choice to serve as America’s Ambassador to China,” said President-elect Trump. “He successfully developed close trade ties with China while serving as chief executive of the Hawkeye State. That experience will serve him well as he represents America’s interests and further develops a mutually beneficial relationship with Chinese leadership.”
“After long discussions with my family, I am honored and humbled to accept President-elect Trump’s nomination to represent our great country as Ambassador to China,” said Gov. Branstad. “I have known President Xi Jinping for many years and consider him an old friend. I look forward to building on our long friendship to cultivate and strengthen the relationship between our two countries and to benefit our economy. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as Governor of Iowa and I look forward to serving in this extraordinary new role. Chris and I will always keep Iowa close to our hearts.”
Gov. Branstad is the longest-serving governor in American history, having served from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 until the present. Since leading his first delegation to Hebei Province in 1984, the Governor has led six trade missions to China meeting with numerous provincial governors, ministerial leaders and local officials.
Gov. Branstad is considered an “old friend”, a culturally significant title, by President Xi and has a long-standing relationship with the Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai.
Gov. Branstad collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture for China, including meetings with Minister Han Changfu and has worked closely with Madam Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to further relationships between states in America and Chinese provinces.
Gov. Branstad was born, raised and educated in Iowa. A native of Leland, Branstad was elected to the Iowa House in 1972, ’74 and ’76, and elected as Iowa’s lieutenant governor in 1978. Following his four terms as governor, Branstad went on to serve as president of Des Moines University from 2003-2009. On November 2, 2010 he was again elected governor where, under his leadership, the state of Iowa’s unemployment has fallen to 4.1 percent, well below the national average.
Gov. Branstad supports President-elect Trump’s mission to negotiate trade deals that put America’s interests first. He will work with President-elect Trump’s economic team to negotiate fair trade deals that create American jobs, increase American wages, and reduce America’s trade deficit. He will also work with President-elect Trump’s national security team to implement an America First foreign policy that will advance America’s core national interests and promote regional stability.
By Myles Ma | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 07, 2016 at 8:44 AM
Bill Brennan has been an irritant to local officials for more than 20 years.
The activist and retired firefighter is in the middle of a fight to drag Gov. Chris Christie to court on an official misconduct charge, alleging that he knew about the Bridgegate scheme.
On Monday the Wayne resident announced that he would also aim to succeed Christie and join the elected officials he’s been plaguing for most of his adult life by running for governor.
Here are five things you should know about the prospective gubernatorial candidate:
New York NY, “We pause today to remember the 2,403 American heroes who selflessly gave their lives at Pearl Harbor 75 years ago, on a date that will forever live in infamy. We also honor the 1,178 Americans who were wounded, and the countless others who instinctively did their duty, rushing to their posts in the midst of the chaos. Their shared sacrifice reminds us of the great costs paid by those who came before us to secure the liberties we enjoy, and inspires us to rise to meet the new challenges that stand before us today.
“America’s enemies have changed over the past 75 years. But the fact remains, as President Reagan said when first proclaiming National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, ‘there can be no substitute for victory’ in the pursuit of peace.
“Today we are the bearers of the torch of freedom these brave Americans passed on to us. In honor of their faithfulness, and for the sake of generations to come, we will never allow that flame to be extinguished.”
By Alyana Alfaro • 12/05/16 4:45pm
Last week, former firefighter Bill Brennan made headlines for his appearance in court as he attempted to get a Bergen County judge to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate an official misconduct complaint filed against New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for his role in the Bridgegate lane closures. While the judge denied the request, Brennan appeared in Wayne on Monday to claim he will continue to pursue to effort and to make the unexpected announcement that he will run for governor in 2017.
Brennan has never held office before and considers himself a citizen activist. He will be running for the state house as a Democrat. Brennan will now join former Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy and Assemblyman John Wisniewski in the June Democratic primary.
https://observer.com/2016/12/activist-who-filed-complaint-against-christie-to-run-for-nj-governor/?utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics
Lindy Washburn , Staff Writer, @LindyWa5:59 p.m. EST December 5, 2016
About 224,000 New Jersey consumers can get tax credits for plans through the Affordable Care Act in 2017.
The federal government drew attention Monday to the millions of Americans, including nearly 224,000 in New Jersey, who are eligible for subsidies to buy health coverage but apparently don’t know it.
By Susan K. Livio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 05, 2016 at 5:35 PM
TRENTON — The seven-year effort to crack down on surprise out-of-network medical bills was delayed again Monday, the same day a group of doctors urged lawmakers to consider an alternative proposal they say won’t force them out of business.
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), who sponsored the leading legislation that would cap the amount out-of-network doctors and hospitals are paid for emergency treatment, announced Monday he had pulled his bill from a the committee’s agenda for the day. Vitale said is working with the New Jersey Hospital Association to make changes to the bill (A1952) and wants that work to continue.
“I remain confident that efforts of working to build consensus will result in the strongest consumer protection out-of-network bill in the country,” Vitale said in a statement.
December 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The holiday season represents the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s been thinking of taking a deep dive into their family history.
All those grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gathering to feast on turkey or exchange gifts possess a treasure trove of genealogical information and family stories.
All you need to do is ask – and perhaps turn on a recording device – and soon you may be learning about great-great grandfather’s treacherous journey across the Atlantic or Uncle Phil’s courageous actions during World War II.
“Interviewing family members is one of the best places to start when you want to learn about or write about your family’s story,” says Ceil Lucas, a sociolinguist, amateur genealogist and author of How I Got Here: A Memoir.
“Older relatives especially may have wonderful tales from decades ago involving people you never heard about. If you’re lucky, you may even learn that they have stashed away somewhere letters, diaries or photographs that belonged to those long dead ancestors.”
But be warned, Lucas says. While people dream about learning they descended from royalty or happen to be distantly related to Benjamin Franklin, genealogical research is just as likely to turn up horse thieves, drifters and scandals of every sort.
“You’re going to find stuff you might not want to know,” Lucas says. “But who knows, those might be your most fascinating finds.”
Lucas began working on her family history three decades ago, about the same time she began making notes on what would become a memoir of her childhood in Guatemala City and Rome, Italy. This upbringing left her with a sense of “I’m not from here” – “here” being the U.S., where she was born.
But her genealogical research, which revealed her first ancestors coming to the U.S. from Scotland in 1654 and England in 1679, showed her just how “from here” she is. Lucas realized that the stories of her ancestors needed to be included in her memoir and the result was a genealogical memoir.
“The thing is, once the genealogical story is learned, it simply can’t be unlearned,” she says.
Interviewing relatives between sips of eggnog is just the beginning. Lucas has other suggestions for those who want to explore their family histories:
• Check census records. Every 10 years since 1790 the census has taken a snapshot of who’s living in the United States. Valuable information can be found in census records, and you might even discover relatives you never heard about.
• Sign up for a genealogy class. Many community colleges offer non-credit courses in genealogy that will help you understand how to research your family and interpret what you find.
• Consider DNA testing. People often think they know their ethnic lineage, but discover surprises when they have a DNA test. Lucas’ DNA test revealed that she is descended not only from people who hailed from England and Scotland, but also the Iberian Peninsula.In Ridgewood we have a unique option you can visit the Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Public Library.
They offer genealogy help for moments like this. Stop by the Heritage Center during our genealogy consultation hours to get assistance with your research:
12/6 from 11-2pm
12/7 from 7-9pm
12/14 from 10-2pm
12/16 from 1-3pm
12/28 from 10-12pm
Questions? Contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-670-5600×135 or [email protected] — at Ridgewood Public Library.
“It also probably doesn’t hurt if you are a nerd about these things like me,” Lucas says. “I found an ancestor who was involved in the Oklahoma Land Rush, so I researched that and found newspaper articles about the land rush. I think it’s important to put your family story in the historical context, especially if you plan to write a memoir.”
About Ceil Lucas
Ceil Lucas, author of How I Got Here: A Memoir, is a sociolinguist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French and Art History, a master’s degree in French and Italian, and a doctorate in Linguistics. She spent 40 years as a university professor and researcher. She began teaching Italian in 1973 and continues to do so. She is the editor and co-author of 22 books.
file photo
December 7th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
The Symphonic Band, under the direction of John Luckenbill and Jeffrey Haas, will perform Of Time and Change by James Swearingen, a well-established hymn with many joyful themes and expressive sections, and Sundance by Carl Strommen, which is a programmatic piece depicting a day on the prairie.
The RHS Concert Band, also led by Luckenbill and Haas, will present Carnegie Anthem by William Owens, Canticles by James Curnow, and Lords of Greenwich by Robert Sheldon. Carnegie Anthem pays tribute to the renowned Carnegie Hall and the bustling metropolis of New York City, while Canticles is a piece designed to uplift the spirit and enthusiasm of any listener. Lords of Greenwich, inspired by Gustav Holst, is written and performed in the style of a British folk song.
Finally, under the baton of Jeffrey Haas, the RHS Wind Ensemble will perform Beltway Jam by Jack Stamp, Robert W. Smith’s arrangement of Gustav Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter, and The Hounds of Spring by Alfred Reed. Beltway Jam is a piece with an exciting melody and an overall engaging feel. In the Bleak Midwinter is based on a poem by the same name, and became a Christmas carol after many different musicians put the poem to music. One of the versions, written by Gustav Holst, was arranged by Robert Smith, and will be performed at this concert. The last piece to be performed will be The Hounds of Spring, which Alfred Reed composed to convey the youthful delight of love and tenderness.
The Ridgewood High School Band Program is Bergen County’s largest, comprised of more than 230 students who participate in no fewer than 15 varied musical ensembles. The curricular bands, marching band, jazz ensembles, chamber ensembles, winter color guard and twirlers have been acclaimed locally, regionally, and nationally for superior performance. Individually, members of the Ridgewood High School Bands are chosen annually to perform in honor ensembles at the county, regional, and state levels.
FPANJ Applauds A-3396: Creating a Requirement for Financial Literacy Education
Financial Literacy Education has always been part of the pillars in the FPANJ mission; important legislation could help make it a reality in all New Jersey schools
December 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Financial Planning Association of New Jersey (FPANJ) is eagerly watching the New Jersey State Legislature as it considers a bill that would make financial literacy a required subject in coursework taught to all children in grades K-8.
Assembly bill 3396 was first introduced in March, and amended in October. Among its provisions:
Basic financial literacy would be taught in elementary schools to teach students “sound financial decision-making”
Courses would be age appropriate
Course would cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, insurance and investment, among other areas
John Crosby, CFP® and FPANJ Advocacy Director, said, “To say I’m excited about this is an understatement. This bill represents a clear commitment to our children by providing them with a foundation for success in life. Everything we do is impacted by sound decision-making with our finances, and this bill can help our students gain the tools necessary to understand how these decisions impact their lives.”
FPANJ has been a part of many community efforts to educate children on how money works and impacts their lives. Members volunteer their time with Junior Achievement of New Jersey to mentor students at their “Finance Park,” which served more than 11,000 students throughout the regions. They also participate in “Financial Planning Days,” offering information on various financial topics to consumers, including one-on-one sessions to address individual concerns.
“We know there are limited hours in the day for school children, and there is likely to be some debate on how we can add this curriculum, but we are convinced that financial literacy has far-reaching impact on students beyond money,” Crosby added. “We are committed to staying involved in this discussion as it moves through the statehouse.”
ABOUT FPA of New Jersey and FPA:
Financial Planning Association of New Jersey is part of The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®). FPA connects those who need, support and deliver professional financial planning. FPA believes that everyone is entitled to objective advice from a competent, ethical financial planner to make smart financial decisions. FPA members demonstrate and support a professional commitment to education and a client-centered financial planning process. Working in alliance with academic leaders, legislative and regulatory bodies, financial services firms and consumer interest organizations, FPA is the community that fosters the value of financial planning, and advances the practice and profession of financial planning.
December 7th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate General James Mattis, retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general, to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Defense. Among the most decorated and legendary leaders in our country, Gen. Mattis has spent his life defending America in numerous theaters of war.
Gen. Mattis commanded at multiple levels during his 44 year career as an infantry Marine. Before retiring in 2013, he was the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), directing military operations of more than 200,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines across the Middle East. Gen. Mattis has been at the forefront of the development of our nation’s counterinsurgency tactics, and has earned accolades for his ferocity, intellect and dedication, making him one of the foremost defense experts in the world.
“I am proud to nominate General James Mattis to Secretary of Defense,” said President-elect Trump. “He is one of the most effective generals and extraordinary leaders of our time, who has committed his life to his love for our country. General Mattis is the living embodiment of the Marine Corps motto, ‘Semper Fidelis,’ always faithful, and the American people are fortunate that a man of his character and integrity will now be the civilian leader atop the Department of Defense. Under his leadership, we will rebuild our military and alliances, destroy terrorists and face our enemies head on, and make America safe again.”
“I am honored by President-elect Trump’s nomination and his respect for the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States,” said Gen. Mattis. “To the President-elect, our soon to be commander in chief, to our military personnel, to the talented civilians in the Department of Defense, and to the American people, I pledge the best of my abilities to ensuring a strong and secure America.”
Gen. Mattis is a native of Pullman, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Central Washington University and was commissioned a second lieutenant through ROTC in 1972.
As a lieutenant colonel, Gen. Mattis commanded an assault battalion breaching the Iraqi minefields in Operation Desert Storm. As a colonel, he commanded the 7th Marine Regiment and, on Pentagon duty, he served as the Department of Defense Executive Secretary. As a brigadier general he was the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Gen. Mattis, led the Special Operation Forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan. As a major general, he commanded the First Marine Division during the initial attack and subsequent stability operations in Iraq. As a general, he served concurrently as the Commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation.
As a two-star general, Gen. Mattis led the First Marine Division from Kuwait to Baghdad in a matter of weeks in 2003, annihilating Saddam Hussein’s defenses and reaching Baghdad faster and with fewer losses than anyone could have expected.
In November 2007, Gen. Mattis was promoted to four-star general. He became Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2010 and directed operations across the Middle East before retiring in 2013. Working closely with Gen. Petraeus, Gen. Mattis produced the revolutionary Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual, the definitive work on how the U.S. military should deal with Iraqi insurgents. He is co-editor of the book, Warriors & Citizens: American Views of Our Military.
December 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
The Ridgewood blog wishes to commemorate the attack on Peal Harbor , on December 7, 1941 Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and six other military bases on the Hawaiian island of Oahu precipitated America’s entry into World War II.
Pearl Harbor endures as a symbol of American resilience and resolve, and the annual commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor fosters reflection, remembrance, and understanding.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice and dedication of our “Greatest Generation” both civilian and military.
From the Library of Congress :
On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor External, Hawaii Territory, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The U.S.S. Arizona was completely destroyed and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. A total of twelve ships sank or were beached in the attack and nine additional vessels were damaged. More than 160 aircraft were destroyed and more than 150 others damaged.
A hurried dispatch from the ranking United States naval officer in Pearl Harbor, Admiral Husband Edward Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, to all major navy commands and fleet units provided the first official word of the attack at the ill-prepared Pearl Harbor base. It said simply: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL.
The following day, in an address to a joint session of Congress, President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy.” Congress then declared War on Japan, abandoning the nation’s isolationism policy and ushering the United States into World War II. Within days, Japan’s allies, Germany and Italy, declared war on the United States, and the country began a rapid transition to a wartime economy by building up armaments in support of military campaigns in the Pacific, North Africa, and Europe.
