NOVEMBER 19, 2015, 7:27 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015, 7:11 AM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
PARAMUS – Gary M., of Park Ridge, clutched a packet of tissues in one hand as he dabbed tears from his cheek with the other.
Listening to a presentation at Bergen Community College, titled “Caught in the Web: Heroin Addiction” the 27-year-old personal trainer blended into the crowd of mostly 20-somethings who stopped into the all-day event between classes.
Then, he moved to take his seat at the panel, where he told the dozens of attendees inside the Moses Family Meeting and Training Center that a weight-lifting injury at 19 got him a prescription for Oxycodone.
“I loved it,” said Gary, who asked that his last name not be published because he is in recovery. “Pills became too expensive and heroin was a whole lot cheaper.”
The tale is one that resonates throughout New Jersey, said the event’s keynote speaker, Michael DeLeon, a Vineland man who has made it his mission to inform whoever will listen about the danger of drugs in general and the heroin epidemic.
Parents don’t start young enough in talking to their children about drugs and they don’t do it often enough, DeLeon said. By the time they’re doing heroin, “you have a problem you might not win,” he said.
DeLeon founded the non-profit Steered Straight back in 2000 after serving 12 years in jail for drug-related crimes.
NOVEMBER 20, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Details on garage were ‘confusing’
To the Editor:
When the village manager and council asked residents to vote on a non-binding resolution to build a parking garage, it did not tell voters what they voted on had little bearing on reality. We were told to look at the village website for a description of the garage, financial plans, the Walker study, etc. for facts before voting. The words “draft” was on the rendering and “preliminary” on the financials, so voters really didn’t know what they were voting on, yet the ballot was specific. On the basis of the wording on the ballot, residents by a 2-1 margin voted yes. The town was very careful to use the words “non-binding,” but I doubt many understood the ramifications, that nothing on the website, in the plans, in the financials was definite. Yet we were told just the opposite.
All the money spent on the plans and financials was only for an “idea” of what was planned. All the details, the explanations, the reasoning taxpayers would not be responsible because of the very detailed financial plan, were not accurate.
Residents were told time and again to look at the website for details before they voted. There was nothing “non-binding” about that. The picture on the “Vote Yes” signs for the garage was a partial rendering of the presentation to the public. Yet in a statement made on Facebook, both the manager and a council member said the vote was just to give an “idea” and in fact there was no decision about size, cost, etc. I don’t think voters knew when they voted. If there was no decision, why spend time, money and signs for this. The goal was to gauge public opinion, but the time, the signs, the letters urging the vote, was time better spent working with neighborhoods on more urgent matters.
It appears we have a council more dedicated to public relations than to good government. This is discouraging to say the least.
Mayor Aronsohn, in his recent Ridgewood News column, excoriated the author(s) of a flyer for what he characterized as inaccurate information. On the other hand, he sent a robo-call to residents urging them to vote yes, stating he was doing this at his own expense as a private citizen. So it was all right for him to do this, albeit he wasn’t anonymous (to his credit) with inaccurate information, but it was not all right for an anonymous flyer to be sent with accurate information? “Non-binding” usually refers to the number of votes pro and con, not on votes based on inaccurate information entirely. The council has turned this on end.
This is a further example of confusing information, vague ideas stated as facts, backpedaling, decisions made without public input. This is not transparency or good government. We deserve better.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all the unsatisfied neighborhoods got together to figure out a way to make our council and manager more transparent?
Ridgewood Residents Voice Concerns over administrative increases in the expenditures at Village Hall
November 20,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, residents continue to voice concern over administrative staff increases at Village hall, specifically the hiring of a full time HR manager. As many remember rightfully or wrongfully that one of the reasons, Gwenn and Albert were elected was because many were unhappy with the compensation package offered to Ken Gabbert, our former Village Manager.
But now with the addition of a full time HR manager we are spending much more money surprise ,surprise. In addition the 95K we are paying, there is also the cost of benefits. Councilman Sedon asked this question in a public meeting. He questioned whether the salary of the Village Manager would be reduced accordingly to compensate for the addition of a new position that encompases what was, previously, part of the Village Manager’s job. The response to Councilman Sedon was pretty much a reprimand for having asked this in the first place.
Its being going to look more and more like the whole “Gabbert” hulabaloo was a well staged coup to replace their guy with your guy .
NOVEMBER 20, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The village’s current financial situation and the results of an independent audit were presented to the council earlier this month as part of the series of quarterly financial updates.
The report focused on areas of the budget in which the village may fall short of expected revenue as well as comments and recommendations made by auditors for the village’s annual financial report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2014.
Village Chief Financial Officer Bob Rooney said revenue for the general fund appears to be on target, although there were a couple of areas that may present budgetary issues.
One area to keep an eye on is in the Building Department, where Rooney said new construction fell short of expectations, possibly resulting in a shortfall. The village also may come up short in administrative charges for outside police services. With a low headcount in the police department, the village is not able to provide the services it normally would, Rooney said.
Rooney also provided three budgetary expenses that need continued monitoring – attorney fees, police overtime and the maintenance of fleet in the central garage.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn asked why expenses for the central garage required additional observance. Rooney responded the village has had to send its equipment out for repairs due to limited staff, and there is a higher cost of maintaining because the equipment is older.
file photo by Boyd LOving
November 20,2015
th staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood is pushing three options for the parking garage design . Village manager Roberta Sonenfeld claims in a recent email to Village Residents that ,”We have already confirmed the economics by commissioning an independent consulting firm whose work was studied and endorsed by the Financial Advisory Committee.”
Sonenfeld went on , “The Council selected an architectural/engineering firm to work with us in designing the deck and putting together the construction bid documents. We are currently in the design phase of building the deck, and have held numerous meetings where input from the community has been received and incorporated into the design. We continue to seek input from you regarding the design, particularly as it relates to the size and height. Below you will find three options for you to peruse and comment upon. Each has pros and cons.” https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/hudson/20151119-PDwPV1.pdf
Many residents however see things differently , “Since the vote, there has been no council meeting with an agenda to discuss the parking garage. The discussion should be at a council meeting. Put it on the record and for all the public to hear. As I said below, it appears that things are being done backwards and in private yet again. You say you want public input. You say you want communication. You say you want transparency. You said, “vote yes to parking, and then negotiate the size and design.” I see none of that.”, Lorraine Reynolds
Ellen McNamara said , “I attended the second of 2 informal forums and I was the only person not on a committee, who had had prior opportunity to review the garage plans at length. I did not have an opportunity to speak publicly, ask questions on the record, or be heard by anyone other than Gwen Hauck, Fire Chief Jim VanGoor, the architect (forgetting his name at the moment), and Nancy Johannsen from the financial committee – only in private conversations initiated by me. I did not feel as though my input was “gathered.” In fact, I was lead to believe the design and size of the garage were still being worked out, and many of my questions had been asked and answered already, so not to worry. I have worried every second since casting my vote for the garage referendum.”
The Village Manager has once again assured everyone that on the December 2nd meeting residents will have an opportunity to ask questions
Photos taken at 12 noon on Thursday, 11/19, 16 days post election day.
Ridgewood NJ, As per Village Code 199-122H6.: Election signs. Temporary signs for elective office shall be permitted in nonresidential zones. Such signs shall be removed no later than 10 days after the date of the election to which they pertain. In the case of a primary election, the signs of all candidates who fail to remain as candidates in the ensuing general election shall be removed no later than 10 days after the date of the primary election. Such signs may be freestanding or attached to a building wall.
In a 289-137 vote, the House on Thursday easily approved legislation that requires new screening requirements on refugees from Syria and Iraq before they can enter the United States.
Forty-seven Democrats defied President Obama’s veto threat and backed the bill — enough to override a presidential veto given the six Democrats and two Republicans who missed the vote.
The 47 Democrats who voted for the bill ranged from centrist Blue Dogs, vulnerable lawmakers in tough reelection races and even one member of leadership: Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), who heads House Democrats’ communications efforts.
Two Republicans voted against the bill: Reps. Walter Jones (N.C.) and Steve King (Iowa).
The outcome suggests the House could override Obama if he vetoes the measure, although there’s no guarantee that Democrats will side against the president if they are asked to sustain a veto.
The big question is whether the House will get a chance at an override vote.
The legislation will now go to the Senate, where it may face a tougher path to passage.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) vowed to block the House bill if it is considered by the upper chamber after the Thanksgiving recess.
Nov 19, 11:54 AM EST
BY HAMZA HENDAWI, QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA AND KEN DILANIAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BAGHDAD (AP) — The Islamic State group is aggressively pursuing development of chemical weapons, setting up a branch dedicated to research and experiments with the help of scientists from Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the region, according to Iraqi and U.S. intelligence officials.
Their quest raises an alarming scenario for the West, given the determination to strike major cities that the group showed with its bloody attack last week in Paris. U.S. intelligence officials don’t believe IS has the capability to develop sophisticated weapons like nerve gas that are most suited for a terrorist attack on a civilian target. So far the group has used mustard gas on the battlefield in Iraq and Syria.
Still, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Thursday warned that Islamic extremists might at some point use chemical or biological weapons.
Of the 31 states that have declared their opposition to taking in Syrian refugees, one state, Kentucky, has a specific reason to be wary of the background check process: previously twoIraqi refugees who settled in Bowling Green turned out to be al Qaeda-linked terrorists with the blood of American soldiers on their hands, an ABC News investigation found. Both pleaded guilty to terror-connected charges after trying to acquire heavy weapons while in America’s heartland.
The 2013 ABC News investigation also revealed that several dozen other suspected terrorist bombmakers, including some who were believed to have targeted U.S. troops, may have mistakenly been allowed to move to the U.S. as Iraq and Afghanistan War refugees, among the tens of thousands of innocent immigrants.
The Obama administration insists now that Syrian refugees are subjected to intense vetting before they’re allowed to settle in the U.S. and that a vast majority of the millions of refugees the U.S. has resettled since the 1970s are normal, peaceful people, but the program has had serious security problems before. In 2009, a flaw in background screening of Iraqi refugees allowed the two al Qaeda-linked terrorists to settle in Bowling Green and led to a temporary suspension of the refugee program, officials told ABC News in a 2013 investigation.
A new ISIS propaganda video makes threats against the New York City — and shows Manhattan streetscapes that include Times Square and Herald Square, The Post has learned.
The slick production includes storefront shots of TGI Fridays in Times Square and the Gap in Herald Square — along with footage of yellow taxi cabs driving past.
The images of New York City are spliced between disturbing clips of suicide bombers preparing for attacks. A fighter also holds a grenade, pulling the trigger as the camera cuts to black.
French President Francois Hollande then appears on screen, giving an address just after the Paris attacks. At the end of his speech, he says, “it’s horrible.”
Then words flash on the screen, saying, “And what’s coming next will be far worse and more bitter.”
Two federal agents operating under the umbrella of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are claiming that eight Syrian illegal aliens attempted to enter Texas from Mexico in the Laredo Sector. The federal agents spoke with Breitbart Texas on the condition of anonymity, however, a local president of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) confirmed that Laredo Border Patrol agents have been officially contacting the organization with concerns over reports from other federal agents about Syrians illegally entering the country in the Laredo Sector. The reports have caused a stir among the sector’s Border Patrol agents.
The sources claimed that eight Syrians were apprehended on Monday, November 16, 2015. According to the sources, the Syrians were in two separate “family units” and were apprehended at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, also known officially as Port of Entry 1.
Border Patrol agent and NBPC Local 2455 President Hector Garza told Breitbart Texas, “Border Patrol agents who we represent have been contacting our organization to voice concerns about reports from other agents that Syrians crossed the U.S. border from Mexico in the Laredo Sector. Our agents have heard about Syrians being apprehended in the area from other federal agents.” Agent Garza added, “At this time, I cannot confirm or deny that Syrians have crossed, for security reasons.”
The kids need a night out – and so do you!
No need to stress over finding a babysitter-send your kids to us and enjoy a child free evening! Don’t consider it babysitting, but a great night for them to enjoy their own age appropriate fun activities. Kids Night Out is staffed by our professional team of childcare providers who excel at creating a stress-free, fun and safe environment. Activities include a Wii console, arts & crafts, beading, games, activities, snacks and much more! Sibling discount applies. Children must wear sneakers. All YWCA activities are peanut free zones. Prices listed are per evening.
Children must be registered and all forms submitted by 5 pm on the Wednesday prior to attendance.
See ywcabergencounty.org for registration form.
To register for the 360 Membership, please call our Membership Office at 201-444-5600 x400.
Local Business Partnerships Now Available to Parents!
YWCA Bergen County is proud to partner with businesses in Ridgewood to ensure parents enjoy a wonderful evening while your children have an awesome night of their own! Offers include:
10% off at:
29 Chestnut Italian Trattoria
A Mano Neapolitan Trattoria
Lisa’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Pearl Restaurant
Super Cellers Fine Wines and Marketplace
East Coast Burger will donate 10% of your order to the YWCA Bergen County
15% off your total order at The Office Beer Bar & Grill
Paramus NJ, Crunch Fitness of Paramus raised over a thousand dollars in support of The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Fund during October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
On Saturday, October 24, the employees and instructors at Crunch Fitness worked together to make and sell pink hair ties and healthy baked goods. They also offered special exercise classes to all members interested in “Sweating it Out” to raise money for breast cancer. Approximately 100 members participated in this event and attended master fitness classes, which included cardio and conditioning, boxing, and a loud, energetic zumba party.
The following week, Group Fitness Manager Sam Aguirre and Club Manager Terri Surdyka of Crunch Fitness presented a check for $1,010 to The Valley Hospital Foundation.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in US women in 2015, and approximately 7,310 of those new cases will be in New Jersey. The Valley Hospital Breast Center, which has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, is the hospital of choice for many newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Valley’s multidisciplinary team of experienced physicians, radiologists, cytopathologists, nurses, researchers and coordinators collaborate on all aspects of breast care for their patient-focused comprehensive breast care program.
The Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful for Crunch Fitness’s generous donation to the Breast Cancer Fund.
Ridgewood NJ, YWCA Bergen County now offers holiday babysitting for children ages 3 to 12 years at YWCA Bergen County, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Holiday Babysitting is now available with dates offered through Wednesday, December 23, 2015.
Let the YWCA Bergen County’s experienced child care staff be Santa’s Helpers during the busy season! Santa’s Helpers are here to watch your children while you get those last minute shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking and appointments done in time for the holidays. It is one less thing to stress about during the holiday season! Your children will be safe and engaged at a place they know and love. YWCA’s reliable and caring staff will help put a little sanity back into your holiday season.
For ages 3 to 5 years: Holiday Babysitting is offered from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each date of Holiday Babysitting is $30 for YWCA 360 Members ($20 for each additional sibling), $40 for YWCA Program/Swim Members ($30 for each additional sibling) and $50 for Non-Members ($40 for each additional sibling). No babysitting will be held on Friday, November 27th.
For ages 5 to 12 years: Holidays Babysitting is offered from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. Each date of Holiday Babysitting is $50 for YWCA 360 Members ($40 for each additional sibling), $60 for YWCA Program/Swim Members ($50 for each additional sibling) and $70 for Non-Members ($60 for each additional sibling).
Children must be registered 48 hours prior to attendance. Registration forms are available athttps://www.ywcabergencounty.org/PLymu. For more details or to register, contact Mary at 201-444-5600 ext. 352 or [email protected].
Why did the “design team” (gimme a break) meet with council members individuall Paul???? Trying to avoid a public meeting where all five could hear each other’s opinions and the public could be present? Hmmm, sounds like you tried to avoid the Open Public Meetings guidelines.
The point is, why have each member come in for a private meeting? They should each have been able to hear what the others are thinking, what plans they are favoring, and their reasoning. This stupid system circumnavigates the open public meeting act, and it does not good. Opinions will form before the December 2 meeting, when in fact they all should have started right out looking together in front of the public. That is not Paul’s way. He proclaims openness and transparency, and then holds these secret one-on-one meetings. Kind of like sliding the Health Barn in before telling the residents in the neighborhood. Kind of like letting the RSBA hand-deliver the ballfield grant application. Everything is done wrong under this regime, but it is deliberately done wrong in order for them to control the agenda. The three of them and Roberta stink.
