After an event that drew the likes of Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, gubernatorial hopeful Phil Murphy and state Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-36), members of the Bergen PBA descended on the streets of Bergen County to make a final plea to voters to get out there and vote for Democrats. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Democrats win their largest N.J. Assembly majority in 36 years
Democrats tightened their control of the state Assembly in Tuesday’s elections, wresting at least three seats away from a Republican party ruled by Gov. Chris Christie, a presidential candidate whose popularity has dropped at home. Brent Johnson, NJ.com Read more
Matthew Diebel, USATODAY12:17 p.m. EST November 3, 2015
You’ve probably seen it – a teenager rocking to music blasting from headphones while also texting, checking out Facebook and watching TV.
And, supposedly, doing homework.
For those people who date back to pre-handheld-device days and who found it hard enough to concentrate on homework even without digital distractions, the sight of multitasking teens is mind-boggling.
It’s also more prevalent than you might think.
A new report by Common Sense Media, a San Francisco-based non-profit that tracks children and their technology use, finds that teens age 13 to 18 spend almost nine hours a day – that’s longer than they usually sleep – on “entertainment media,” which includes things like checking out social media, music, gaming or online videos.
Who raised the big bucks in the N.J. Assembly races
Outside money flowed into New Jersey Assembly races at a record rate leading up toTuesday’s election. Samantha Marcus, NJ.com Read more
General Majority, under the name Fund for Jobs Growth and Security, spent more than $8 million to help elect Democrats, according to ELEC.
photo by Artchick https://artchickphotography.com/
USA TODAY NETWORKDan Cassuto, KING
9:32 a.m. EST November 19, 2014
SEATTLE, Wash. — Here’s an excuse to use the next time someone asks you to rake the leaves: Science.
The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging people to leave the leaves.
On its website, the NWF says dry, dead leaves are important habitats for all kinds of critters, reports KING.
Butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and other creatures live, lay eggs in or eat from leaves, according to NWF’s plea with the public to let the leaves stay where gravity left them.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/11/19/do-not-rake-your-leaves/19266079/
NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 11:40 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 11:50 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD.
Bergen County voters swept three Democratic freeholders back into office Tuesday, ensuring that their party will control county government for at least the next two years.
Incumbents Steve Tanelli and Tracy Zur easily defeated Republican challengers John Mitchell and Ken Tyburczy and Green Party candidate Richard Siegel for the pair of three-year seats that were up for grabs.
And Thomas Sullivan Jr. outpolled Republican Daisy Ortiz-Berger and Libertarian Peter Rohrman for the one-year unexpired term that was created when former Freeholder James Tedesco resigned to become County Executive in January.
With all precincts reporting, Zur was the top vote getter with 63,114 tallies. Tanelli was close behind, with 63,059 votes.
Trailing them were Mitchell with 50,805 votes, Tyburczy with 48,879 and Siegel with 4,085.
In the contest for the one-year term, Sullivan led with 62,746 votes, followed by Ortiz-Berger with 45,748 and Rohrman with 4,496.
Reached Tuesday night, Mitchell said he was preparing to call the Democrats to congratulate them on their victory.
“It doesn’t mean that we didn’t get out and work as hard as we can in getting the vote out,” he said. “But clearly, the Democrats have done a better job in doing that.”
Zur said the victory meant that voters approved of the work done by the Democratic majority on the freeholder board over the last three years, including consolidating the Bergen County Police force with the Sheriff’s Office.
“I think we put forward a vision of where we want to move this county and I think that resonated with the voters,” Zur said.
All three Democrats said their biggest challenge will be steering the future of the county-owned Bergen Regional Medical Center, where the contract with the current operator expires in March 2017.
Their victory means the Democrats will maintain a 5-2 majority on the board. The two incumbent Republicans are up for election next year, so county government will remain under Democratic control at least through January 2018.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-democratic-freeholder-incumbents-reelected-1.1447657
2015 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE – ENFORCEMENT OF SCHEDULE
NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL FOR 2015
Last year the Village of Ridgewood implemented a pilot program to outsource a portion of our leaf removal service. After reviewing and evaluating input that was provided by you regarding the success of this change, we again will be using the services of a third party contractor in Area B. The combined effort of the Village staff and this contractor will enforce our continuing commitment to improve your Village services.
In accordance with last years’ schedule, residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.
Beechwood Rd. Unadilla Rd.
Carlton Terr. Valley View Ave.
Elm Ct. Waiku Rd.
Kemah Rd. Wastena Terr.
N. Monroe St. (house #108 – 412) Windsor Terr.
Palmer Ct. Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)
Sheridan Terr.
Area A
Oct. 19 – 22
Nov. 5 – 10
Nov. 30 – Dec. 3
Area B
Oct. 21 – 27
Nov. 9 – 13
Nov. 30 – Dec. 4
Dec. 14 – 18
Area C
Oct. 23 – 28
Nov. 12 – 18
Dec. 7 – 11
Area D
Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
Nov. 19 – 25
Dec. 14 – 18
Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. If you employ the services of a landscaper communicate these dates to them. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags will be available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately.
The most vocal comment heard from residents last year was on properties who did not comply with the schedule. Therefore enforcement will be vital to the Village’s success to improve this service. An enforcement agent NOW ISSUING SUMMONS to those that violate these guidelines.
As weather is a key component to this operation, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website and to share this information with your neighbors. As a reminder, use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.
Our motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
fundraiser/rally for Vagianos at Fish
Russo, David (i) GOP 14,80027%
Rumana, Scott (i) GOP 14,749 27%
Ordway, Christine Dem 12,86523%
Vagianos, Paul Dem 12,84023%
N.J. election 2015: Results of Assembly, local, county, school races
Want to know who won in your town or district? Here are the links to the results. Robert Sciarrino, NJ.com Read more
NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 10:35 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 10:42 PM
BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Village residents voted to support a referendum proposal Tuesday that would bond for up to $15 million to construct a parking garage downtown.
The non-binding referendum, which was meant only to assess public sentiment on the plan, passed by a nearly 2-to-1 margin — 3,236 voted in favor, while 1,777 opposed. Village officials said voter turnout was around 30 percent.
The proposed garage, which officials hope to break ground on next spring, will be built on the corner of Hudson and South Broad streets, the referendum stated, and paid for “principally” with parking revenues. It would add about 300 parking spots to the dense commercial zone.
It is expected to benefit local commuters and residents, as well as customers of downtown shops and restaurants.
Village Mayor Paul Aronsohn said he felt “very good” about the results.
“This is something we’ve talked about in Ridgewood for decades, and it looks like we’re on the verge of making history,” he said. “A parking deck is something we really need. And the folks in Ridgewood came out in large numbers and they spoke with a very compelling voice today.”
Funding for the garage would come from Ridgewood’s parking utility, as well as county and state monies, the referendum said.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-voters-back-parking-garage-proposal-1.1447718
photos by Boyd Loving
November 3,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The staff of The Ridgewood Blog just received information from an observant Village resident that milled asphalt from a street paving job taking place off of Grove Street is being dumped at the Village’s Compost Facility on Lakeview Drive.
Our staff wonders whether this is being done with the full knowledge and approval of NJDEP, and if a full review of this incident could assist in answering these nagging questions: 1) who illegally dumped tons of concrete blocks at the same facility earlier this year, 2) why no one seemed to notice the dumping taking place (despite the locked gates), and 3) why the Ridgewood Police Department has thus far been unable to crack the case?
The Ridgewood Blog will bring you further updates as they are made known to us.
2015 Election Results – Ridgewood
Member of General Assembly (2)
David C Russo – 1,837
Scott Rumana – 1,711
Paul Vagianos – 3,151
Christine Ordway – 3,020
Board of Freeholders (2) (Full Term)
John D Mitchell – 1,981
Kenneth P Tyburczy – 1,901
Steven A Tanelli – 2,429
Tracy Silnazur – 2,476
Richard A Siegel – 128
Board of Freeholders (1) (Unexpired Term)
Daisy Ortiz-Berger – 1,812
Thomas J Sullivan – 2,422
Peter J Rohrman – 166
Board of Education
Vincent Loncto – 2,068
Municipal Question #1 – Support Financing and Building of Parking Garage
Yes – 3,236
No – 1,777
by MAGGIE FOX
More Americans than ever are taking prescription drugs — close to 60 percent of U.S. adults, according to new research.
And most seem to be related to obesity, with cholesterol and blood pressure drugs leading the pack, researchers report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The single most popular drug is Zocor, a cholesterol-lowering drug in a class called statins, said Elizabeth Kantor, formerly of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, and now at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The drug, known generically as simvastatin, is taken by 8 percent of the U.S. population.
Her team used national surveys of more than 37,000 adults to find that the percentage of people taking prescription drugs rose from 51 percent of the adult population in 1999 to 59 percent in 2011.
The population is getting older, but that doesn’t explain it, Kantor said. The pattern looks more related to obesity, which is steadily rising, More than two-thirds of the adult U.S. population is overweight or obese, and many suffer the heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders that go along with being too heavy.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/more-americans-ever-use-prescription-drugs-n456831
Facebook Prods Users to Share a Bit More
Amount of new content posted has slipped, leading social network to try to prompt conversation
By DEEPA SEETHARAMAN
Nov. 2, 2015 10:18 p.m. ET
Sharing isn’t what it used to be on Facebook.
Surveys show users post less often on the social network, which relies on users for an overwhelming majority of its content. In the third quarter, market researcher GlobalWebIndex said 34% of Facebook users updated their status, and 37% shared their own photos, down from 50% and 59%, respectively, in the same period a year earlier.
Facebook users still visit the network often. Some 65% of Facebook’s 1.49 billion monthly users visited the site daily as of June. But these days, they are more likely to lurk or “like” and less likely to post a note or a picture.
That isn’t a problem today for Facebook, which makes money by showing ads to users. The company is expected to report a 36% jump in revenue when it reports third-quarter financial results Wednesday.
But it could be a problem down the road. In a 2009 paper, Facebook researchers said it was “vital” for social networks to encourage a broad range of users to contribute content.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-prods-users-to-share-a-bit-more-1446520723
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
October 30, 2015
the staff of the Ridgewood Blog
Ridgewood Nj, the Ridgewood Police would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and efforts towards another safe Halloween. Our officers distributed over 3200 glow sticks and tubes. We were pleased to observe that the vast majority of trick or treaters were properly illuminated and practicing properly pedestrian safety.
