Author: James

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Chris Christie Delivers Major Blow to Party Elites Resisting Trump

trump christie

Trump gained a powerful surrogate responsible for the lowest moment in the campaign of one of his last Republican adversaries: Marco Rubio.

The united Republican establishment front against Donald Trump started to crumble in a potentially profound way on Friday when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie backed the New York billionaire for president with an enthusiastic endorsement.

The move, combined with the endorsement of Maine Governor Paul LePage later Friday, adds the establishment bona fides of two sitting U.S. governors to a devoutly outsider campaign. It also comes just days after Trump’s first two congressional endorsements in Representatives Chris Collins of New York and Duncan Hunter of California.

In Christie, Trump also gained a powerful surrogate responsible for the lowest moment in the campaign of one of his last Republican adversaries: Marco Rubio.

The New Jersey governor also opened a door for other Republican Party elites, who spent recent days rushing to boost Rubio, and invited them to walk through. If beating Hillary Clinton outweighed all other factors, as the New Jersey governor argued, then other objections to Trump’s campaign—such as his bombastic and nativist rhetoric—should take a back seat. As a twice-elected governor of a blue state and former chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Christie could serve as Trump’s ambassador to establishment donors, lawmakers and behind-the-scenes operators across the nation.

https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-02-26/chris-christie-delivers-devastating-blow-to-party-elites-resisting-trump

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Ridgewood’s Society Café Concert Series March 5th we present Jonathan Spitz, cello and Ron Levy, piano, playing works by Bach, Prokofiev and Bartok

Society Café Concert Series

On Saturday, March 5th we present Jonathan Spitz, cello and Ron Levy, piano, playing works by Bach, Prokofiev and Bartok.  Mr. Spitz has established himself as one of the leading cellists in the New York area with his performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral principal.  He is principal cellist with the New Jersey Symphony, and a founding member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.  Mr. Levy is a member of the distinguished instrumental trio Palisades Virtuosi.  He regularly appears in major venues, both as a soloist, and in partnership with many of the world’s leading singers and instrumentalists.

This concert is presented by the family of Barbara Newton Koffel, in her memory.  Ms. Koffel was a long-time friend of the Spitz family.

Music begins at 8:00 pm.  We start serving coffee and refreshments at 7:00 when doors open.

Children 12 years and older are welcome, and pay $5 at the door.  They must be accompanied by an adult.

The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood is located at 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, www.uuridgewood.org. Office: 201-444-6225.

Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased via PayPal on the Society Café website,www.societycafeconcertseries.com. Tickets are $25 the night of the concert.

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YWCA Offers March American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training and Recertification Courses

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YWCA Bergen County is offering its next American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification Course March 15th through 17th and Waterfront Lifeguard Training Module March 22nd and 24th.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Recertification Course, on Tuesday, March 15th through Thursday, March 17th, will review and test all CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard Skills. Participants must present current LGT Certification on first day of class. Classes will be held from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood, and the course fee is $150.
The American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training Module will be held on Tuesday, March 22nd and Thursday, March 24th. Participants must present valid LGT Certification and will be trained and tested in Lifeguard skills specific to murky bottom, non-surf facilities. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood, and the course fee is $100.
For more information or to register call the YWCA Membership Department at 201-444-5600, x400, or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org.

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Rep. Scott Garret Leads Formal Call on Obama to Address Extradition of cop-killer Joanne Chesimard and terrorist William Morales

joanne-chesimard

file photo of Joanne Chesimard

Feb 26, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) today formally called upon President Obama to request the extradition of cop-killer Joanne Chesimard and terrorist William Morales during his upcoming visit to Cuba. These murderous fugitives have been living freely in Cuba and were granted protection by the Castro regime who has refused to extradite them. To date, the Obama Administration has not addressed the extradition of these convicted murderers as a condition of normalizing relations with Cuba and the Castro regime. Garrett was joined on the letter by Rep. Peter King (NY-02) and Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07).

“Over a year ago, your administration announced the reopening of diplomatic channels with Cuba,” said the Congressmen in the letter. “Since then, your administration has continued to take steps towards normalizing relations by relaxing trade restrictions, reopening embassies, and re-establishing scheduled air services. On February 18th your administration announced your trip this March to Cuba citing the significant progress made by normalizing relations. However, we fail to see any progress in extraditing the fugitives like Joanne Chesimard and William Morales, nor any improvement in the treatment of the Cuban people by their government.”

Murderers Living Freely in Cuba:

Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, was convicted of murder of a law enforcement officer, and sentenced to life in prison in 1977. In 1973, New Jersey State Troopers Werner Foerster and James Harper made a routine traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. When the troopers asked the vehicle’s driver to exit the car, one of the passengers, Joanne Chesimard, pulled out a gun and began shooting. During the ensuing firefight, Foerster was hit twice in the chest and Harper once in the shoulder. The injured Foerster was then shot twice in the head—execution style—with his own sidearm.

William Morales was sentenced to ninety-nine years in prison for his participation in the terrorist organization Fuerzas Armadas de Liberaciόn Nacional Puertorriqueña (FALN). William Morales was a chief bomb maker for FALN, and he was linked to the 1975 bombing of Fraunces Tavern in New York City, an attack that killed four people and injured sixty others

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Report: N.J. had record $153.5 billion in outstanding debt last July

New Jersey Democrats Move to Raise Taxes

BY SALVADOR RIZZO
STATE HOUSE BUREAU |
THE RECORD

New Jersey faced $153.5 billion in outstanding debt obligations last July, hitting a new record, according to a report released by state officials Friday.

The cost of public employee benefits, school construction and transportation projects drove the 6.9 percent, or $9.9 billion, increase for fiscal 2015.

But not all of the increase was attributed to new debt.

Treasury Department officials said New Jersey transitioned to a new accounting methodology for pension and post-retirement health benefits last year. Those bookkeeping methods, which are more stringent than what the state used previously, were designed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

Growth in unfunded pension liabilities, unfunded medical benefits for retirees, and the effect of switching to the new accounting standards contributed an $8.5 billion increase in the state’s non-bonded debt.

On the other hand, New Jersey’s bonded debt rose $1.4 billion, or 3.35 percent, according to the report, led by a $755 million surge in borrowing for school construction projects and $609 million in added borrowing for the state’s troubled Transportation Trust Fund.

That fund’s borrowing authority runs out at the end of June, and Governor Christie and lawmakers have not said how it will be renewed – through more borrowing, an increase in New Jersey’s gas tax, or another method.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/report-n-j-had-record-153-5-billion-in-outstanding-debt-last-july-1.1518816

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NJ Transit, unions to meet in D.C. in attempt to avert strike

bike_at_rtrainstation_theridgewoodblog

BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

After five years of occasionally hostile negotiations, NJ Transit and its rail unions will meet on March 4 at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., both sides confirmed Friday. The gathering is one last attempt to avert a strike that could cripple transportation across the region’s.

“The National Mediation Board called a meeting, and NJT will attend,” said Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit.

The sides remain far apart. From the unions’ perspective, NJ Transit’s offer of a modest wage increase would be wiped out by significantly higher health insurance costs for workers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-transit-unions-to-meet-in-d-c-in-attempt-to-avert-strike-1.1518869

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Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream in Ridgewood Open today !

Van Dyk's Homemade Ice Cream

February 27,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Van Dyk’s homemade ice cream, is one of our favorite spots in town ,. It is open for the season today from 11-9. For those who are new to town, put it on your must visit list.

This is “old Ridgewood” at its’ best.  Its not much to look at because its all about the ice cream. Van Dyk’s is probably hands down the best ice cream place we have ever been to. There is not a whole lot of ambiance and the flavor selection may seem a bit old school but they make up for it extremely generous servings, a single scoop is equivalent to a normal double scoop.

No hype just great ice cream . For ice cream lovers it is a taste bud over load . Van Dyk’s is located on 145 Ackerman Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450, Phone number(201) 444-1429 and its open 11 -9 today .

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Reader says the days of “platinum” health benefit coverage for Ridgewood Teachers and other state workers are over

BOE_theridgewoodblog

The unions sure all seem to think the state and municipalities can afford “platinum” health benefit coverage which covers 95% of all essential care with low deductibles and $5-15 copays. For that public workers are paying 35% or less of the premiums. From 2020 those plans will also be subject to a 40% excise tax and who pays for that? Well according to the unions like NJEA and our local PBA, taxpayers should pay that in addition to subsidizing their platinum coverage.

Most large private sector employers offer “bronze” level equivalent coverage with higher co-pays and higher deductibles. It’s time for all public sector workers to face this same reality; taxpayers cannot afford to subsidize your platinum level benefits anymore. Here in Ridgewood the REA and the PBA refuse to accept this and claim were not being “fair”? Let’s be honest: platinum level health benefits for the select few, paid for by the rest of us, are what is not fair. It’s time for these unions -and their full-time labor lawyers from the state unions behind the curtains – to negotiate with the Village in good faith, instead of these hostile negotiations over platinum health benefits.

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Neighbor of Irene Habernickel Family Park Target of harassment campaign by Village of Ridgewood over Opposition to Health Barn

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ
file photo of the Council Majority …ie the 3 amigos
February 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, ,it does appear from recent OPRA requests that the Village harassed a resident who objected to Health Barn USA plan by calling DEP on them and conducting numerous property maintenance inspections.

The attached documents, obtained late Friday afternoon, February 26, 2016, in response to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request dated February 3, 2016, clearly identify who it was that “dropped a dime” on your family.

Screenshot 2016 02 27 at 8.46.56 AM
It’s all public information available to anyone who submits an OPRA request.  You may wish to share this with your friends and neighbors.

Screenshot 2016 02 27 at 8.45.53 AM

We have also filed an OPRA request with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection just to see if anything additional turns up.

It certainly is a shame that your speaking out in opposition to an irrational plan proposed by the Village Council “majority” triggered what appears to be nothing more than a vindictive series of trumped up code enforcement actions directed at your property.

Screenshot 2016 02 27 at 8.36.19 AM
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Gwenn Hauck continues to use Village Hall as a mailing address for her campaign

gwenn hauck

file photo by Boyd Loving

February 27,2016

by Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood NJ, On Friday, February 12 at 9:00 AM and again on Friday, February 26 at 6:44 AM, e-mail messages supporting the re-election campaign of Village of Ridgewood Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck (originating from the domain www.gwennhauck.com), were sent to selected Ridgewood residents/voters.

Clearly, both messages were purely political in nature and substance.  That is, they were not intended to communicate any official Village of Ridgewood matters to the selected recipients.

Included within the body of both messages was this information:

“Our mailing address is:
Gwenn Hauck – Village of Ridgewood Council
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450”

131 North Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 is the address of Village Hall, a building paid for by Ridgewood’s taxpayers and staffed only by employees of the Village of Ridgewood (whose salaries are paid for by taxpayers).

I am flabbergasted that Ms. Hauck could believe her status as a sitting member of the current Village Council would entitle her to use taxpayer funded facilities & services in connection with the receipt and handling of mail related to her re-election campaign.

Perhaps this practice MAY be lawful, but it certainly seems completely unethical, disrespectful, arrogant, and downright STUPID.

Let’s hope that Ms. Hauck just didn’t know any better as opposed to it being a deliberate effort to thumb her nose at us all.

The use an official Village of Ridgewood mailing address for Ms. Hauck’s re-election campaign must cease immediately.

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Ridgewood News, article to try to pressure Mike Sedon and Susan Knudsen to vote for bonding the garage through Ridgewood.

Reading_theridgewood_news_theridgewoodblog

All — On page 3 of the Ridgewood News, there was an article to try to pressure Mike Sedon and Susan Knudsen to vote for bonding the garage through Ridgewood. If you are skeptical of the viability of the proposed garage, please send Mike and Susan an email to let them know to stay firm on their vote and allow the referendum on the BCIA to go forward. Here’s what I sent to them:

Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 4:23 PM
To: ‘[email protected]’; ‘[email protected]’
Cc: ‘[email protected]’; ‘[email protected]’; ‘[email protected]’
Subject: garage

Susan and Michael,

With regards to the full page ad in the Ridgewood News today, I urge you to maintain your position on the bonding of the proposed garage.

I do not believe that a garage in that location will cover its costs and the taxpayers are going to wind up funding it. There is simply not enough demand for parking at the proposed location. There are usually many spots open right across the street. I’d support a smaller structure located more centrally and I know a lot of my fellow residents would too.

Please stay the course and know that most of the residents who voted in support of a garage did not know any specific information at that time therefore there is NO MANDATE to build anything at this time.

Feel free to contact me via email or at 201-445-8222.

Regards,
Derek Schnure

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Bergen County high schools disrupted by Robo-call threats deemed safe

Waldwick Middle School-High School on Lock Down

file photo by Boyd Loving

BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

The FBI is assisting Bergen County in its investigation of bomb threats that disrupted school Friday morning at five high schools and were declared to be hoaxes, said Doreen Holder, a public information officer for the federal agency

Bergen County Sheriff’s spokesman Anthony Cureton said all of the schools received threatening robo-calls. Schools in Bergenfield, Hackensack, Teaneck and Waldwick have been determined to be safe by the sheriff’s bomb squad. Mahwah High School was still being searched by authorities shortly before 11 a.m.

Teaneck High School students were evacuated this morning due to a bomb threat but have since returned, Police Deputy Chief Glenn O’Reilly said. The school was deemed safe after a search. The school’s Principal Dennis Heck said in an audio message to parents that the school was evacuated due to a threat, but he did not characterize the threat. Heck asked parents not to pick up their students. The principal at the Lowell Elementary School, which was not affected, characterized the incident as “swatting” in a message to parents.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-high-schools-disrupted-by-robo-call-threats-deemed-safe-1.1518674

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N.J. looks to cut $89M in hospital subsidies

valley_hospital_theridgewoodblog

BY MARY JO LAYTON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

As more patients become insured by Medicaid, hospitals are providing less charity care, one of the major factors in an $89 million decrease in state subsidies that left some hospitals losing nearly half their funding.

Executives at hospitals throughout New Jersey were digesting the numbers released Thursday afternoon from the state Department of Health, which are based on documented care provided in the previous year.

There were dramatic increases and decreases.

Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, the state’s largest hospital, is receiving $19.9 million, far less than the $36.6 million received last year, while Hackensack University Medical Center’s subsidy more than doubled to $16.5 million this year, according to state data.

“Since HackensackUMC serves as an important safety-net hospital for the state, an increase in funding will enable us to continue our mission to provide world-class healthcare to everyone in the communities we serve,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer of Hackensack University Health Network, the hospitals’ parent company.

A spokeswoman for Bergen Regional said, “We are still in the process of assessing the impact this information will have on the Medical Center.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/n-j-looks-to-cut-89m-in-hospital-subsidies-1.1518351

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No Property Tax Relief in Sight for New Jersey Homeowners

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Why N.J. towns are unlikely to see good news on aid for property taxes

State Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) said Thursday he’d like to restore aid to New Jersey’s municipalities to lower property taxes, but the state simply can’t afford it. Samantha Marcus. NJ.com Read more

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Ridgewood Ladies Soccer Makes the Grade

maple+field1-300x19911
February 25,2016

the staff o0f the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, RHS varsity soccer players Hailey and Riley Ricciardi and Emma LaFrance were named to various All State teams by the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association (NJGSCA). The selections were made by a state-wide coaches vote.

Junior Riley Ricciardi was selected to the All North 1 Regional Team. She was Ridgewood’s leading goal scorer the last two seasons.

Junior Emma LaFrance was recognized as a North 1 All State “Top 20” player in the North 1 section for 2015. Emma has been a work horse for the Maroons as an all-purpose player since she made her varsity debut as a freshman during the 2013 season.

Junior Co-Captain Hailey Ricciardi was named to the North 1 All State “Top 20” team and was also recognized by the NJGSCA as an All Region All-State (North 1, North2, Central and South) “Top 20” pick as one of the top 20 players in the entire state. Hailey was also voted to the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association Of America) Regional All American Team (All East). This is the second consecutive year that she has been accorded these honors as well as being named to the Bergen County Womens Coaches Association All County First team for the 2014 and 15 seasons.