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Posted on January 16, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 1 Comment

Need help filing out your tax return? Don’t call the IRS

Need help filing out your tax return? Don’t call the IRS

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Filing a federal tax return is about to get more complicated for millions of families because of President Barack Obama’s health law. But they shouldn’t expect much help from the Internal Revenue Service.

Got a question for the IRS? Good luck reaching someone by phone. The tax agency says only half of the 100 million people expected to call this year will be able to reach a person.

Callers who do get through may have to wait on hold for 30 minutes or more to talk to someone who will answer only the simplest questions.

“Taxpayers who need help are not getting it, and tax compliance is likely to suffer over the longer term if these problems are not quickly and decisively addressed,” said a report Wednesday by agency watchdog Nina E. Olson.

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen says budget cuts are forcing the agency to reduce taxpayer services and other functions. The number of audits will decline, technology upgrades will be delayed and the agency might be forced to shut down and furlough workers for two days later this year, Koskinen said.

https://news.yahoo.com/irs-cuts-taxpayer-services-filing-returns-gets-harder-150035056–finance.html

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

JAMBOREE 2015! “Under the Stars”

JAMBOREE 2015! “Under the Stars” will take the audience from Central Park to Times Square to Broadway and includes a variety of music that will be familiar to people of all ages.

The show will be directed by Claudia O’Rourke and will be performed on February 4-7. For more information, or to donate, please visit https://www.rhsjamboree.org/concrete5/.The auditions are over, but Jamboree is not taking a rest! Jamboree is getting ready for rehearsals – arranging the music, working out the dance steps and building the sets. January is a busy month leading up to…showtime!Dates listed below, with showtimesFeb 4, 2015 (Wed), 7:30 pm

Feb 5, 2015 (Thrusday), 7:30 pm

Feb 6, 2015 (Friday), 7:30 pm

Feb 7, 2015 (Saturday), 7:00 pm

Since 1947, Jamboree has presented an original musical revue raising funds for need-based college scholarships for graduating RHS seniors. Over 125 RHS parents and guardians participate and contribute each year by singing, dancing, acting, performing in the band, designing and making costumes, building sets, managing set changes and being back-stage heroes.

The Jamboree Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) qualified charity and all contributions are tax deductible. The entire production and all Jamboree fund-raising efforts are 100 percent voluntary. All Fund revenues are raised through program advertising, ticket sales and corporate and individual sponsorships.

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Project Graduation 2015 Moves Foward

Project Graduation 2015 Moves Foward

Upcoming monthly meetings: March 12, April 9 and May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the RHS Library.
Dues are due. Make $165 check payable to “RHS Class of 2015” and mail to Sharon Walker, 94 Sherwood Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Baby pictures are needed by January 15. Click here for the flyer.

Class of 2015 Project Graduation Representatives
Chairpersons Tara Callaghan 201-803-7778 and Rosie McCooe 201-602-8097
Chairpersons email: [email protected]
Treasurer Sharon Walker [email protected]
Communications Jeff Coster [email protected]

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY IS COMING FEBRUARY 28

SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY IS COMING FEBRUARY 28

The largest science extravaganza in northern New Jersey, this year’s Super Science Saturday will feature the incredible 25-foot egg drop challenge; the traditional great paper airplance contest and the live rocket launch, in addition to project presentations by students.

Admission is Free
Location: RHS
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

1.12.15: Workshop Dates are Announced
A three-session workshop will be held on February 13, 20 and 26 from 4:15-6 p.m. at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. This workshop will provide an opportunity for students to choose a project, set it up and lay it out. Click here for more information.

Full details of the day, including registration forms, can be found on the Super Science Saturday website atwww.supersciencesaturday.org.

Super Science Saturday is proudly presented by The Ridgewood Education Foundation (https://www.ridgewoodedfoundation.org/) and Valley Hospital (https://www.valleyhealth.com/).

Click here for the latest Super Science Saturday flyer.

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 4 Comments

Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools addresses Two issues that have caused significant discussion within the Village of Ridgewood

Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools addresses Two issues that have caused significant discussion within the Village of Ridgewood

January 12, 2015

Dear Ridgewood Public Schools Community Member:

Two issues have caused significant discussion within the Village of Ridgewood over the past week. I would like to address each of them in this letter.

The first of these issues regards the ongoing investigation into the shooting vandalism at Old Paramus Church over the holiday break, when a person — or persons — fired bullets at the building.

This shooting, especially in the context of the recent, senseless, attacks in France, and the bombings and slayings that are in the headlines and news broadcasts seemingly every day, is the cause of great concern to everyone in our community. I can assure you that the Ridgewood Police Department and Village of Ridgewood administrators keep me properly informed on all such incidents and that all necessary precautions are always in place. I have said it many times over that the safety of our students and staff is the top priority of our Board of Education and our school district administration. These words are not idle.

The unfortunate reality is that there are people all over the world, including the USA, New Jersey and Ridgewood, who do conduct criminal and anti-social acts. Our students are inundated with these stories and pictures as reported by pundits through our news and social media outlets, as well as the discussions that take place in our homes. Even in my own home, just before the holiday break, my son announced one morning that for the first time in a month the lead news story was not some kind of mass murder attack.
It is natural to feel especially vulnerable when senseless acts are committed in our own village and when people in our community exhibit anti-social behavior. But we must remember that we also have many, many more citizens who perform important and wonderful acts of kindness and that we live in one of the safest villages anywhere. We are also fortunate to have highly trained and courageous police, firemen and first responders who risk their lives every day to ensure the health and safety of our community.

We have talented educators, too, who not only teach our children academically but also are practiced in ways to make them feel safe and welcome when the world around them is in crisis. We also have many professionals working in our schools and in our larger community to help identify and provide resources to people in crisis.DUCATION CENTER 49 COTTAGE PLACE RIDGEWOOD NJ 07450 www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us

While certainly secondary to the health and safety of our community, the other issue of recent concern to families of school-age children is the 2015-2016 Ridgewood Public Schools calendar. Developing a school calendar is a delicate balancing act that requires much thought and input.

The process involved my submission of five different calendar options to a committee of
parents, students, teachers and administrators. This committee then makes a final
recommendation to the Ridgewood Board of Education, which can endorse it, select another of the drafts, or choose to develop its own calendar.

What I have heard is people want to start the school year after Labor Day, have the customary federal day holidays off, and include full breaks for December, February and April while ending the school year as early in June as possible. Such a calendar is certainly ideal but it an almost an impossible mission to accomplish. Therefore, the committee is tasked with proposing a calendar that is based on a compromise of all stakeholders’ priorities and needs. It is important to remember that the goals of the school calendar are to meet academic and state requirements while addressing our students’ need for family time.

The Ridgewood Board of Education will be discussing – and hopefully approving — the 2015- 2016 calendar at its meeting on Monday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. Soon thereafter, the committee will begin working on the 2016-2017 calendar. I encourage you to come to the Board meeting at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, or to watch the meeting from home via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us, FiOS channel 33 or Optimum channel 77.

Thank you for your time and consideration of the above matters. Please feel free to contact me
if you have any questions.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Posted on January 15, 2015April 9, 2020 by James — 3 Comments

Buzzer sounds on Izod Center: Arena expected to close after years of decline

Buzzer sounds on Izod Center: Arena expected to close after years of decline

JANUARY 14, 2015, 2:55 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015, 1:27 AM
BY JOHN BRENNAN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

The Christie administration wants to close the Izod Center, which has been a key component of the Meadowlands Sports Complex for 34 years, perhaps as soon as the end of this month.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority board will be asked at its monthly meeting Thursday to approve a plan that would shutter the 18,000-seat arena by the end of March. The date would be moved up if acts booked there for February and March can be relocated to the Prudential Center in Newark.

Two influential Bergen County Democrats — state Sens. Paul Sarlo and Loretta Weinberg — were harshly critical of the proposal.

The facility, which since 2007 has borne the name of the clothing maker Izod, lost its sports tenants – the Devils of the NHL, Seton Hall University basketball and the Nets NBA franchise – between 2007 and 2010. Only a handful of concerts have been held at the arena in the past two years, although three dozen schools held graduation ceremonies there last spring and the arena still attracts family oriented holiday shows.

Wayne Hasenbalg, the president of the sports authority, said the decision, though difficult, was a matter of economics and the ongoing transformation of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, highlighted by the American Dream entertainment and retail project.

“Just about everyone in New Jersey and the region has great memories of big-name concerts, basketball or hockey games or other family entertainment at the arena,” said Hasenbalg, who grew up in Oakland.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/izod-center-expected-to-close-schedule-of-events-after-march-31-being-cleared-1.1192590

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — 3 Comments

Kid business concept born in Manhattan to see how it plays in Ridgewood

Kid business concept born in Manhattan to see how it plays in Ridgewood

JANUARY 15, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY JOAN VERDON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

* Early education and play center scheduled to open Saturday in Ridgewood

Michael Pickholz has 20 years of experience working on mergers and acquisitions and venture-capital deals. Now he’s switching from high finance to little kids and betting that a children’s educational and play facility born on Manhattan’s Upper East Side also will be a hit in northwest Bergen County.

Pickholz and his wife, Jessica, are opening a Ridgewood branch of the Manhattan-based franchise chain Kidville on Saturday. It will be the sixth Kidville in New Jersey and the second in Bergen County. An Englewood location opened in 2012.

Kidville centers, which offer developmental early childhood classes in art, music and gymnastics, as well as an indoor play space and birthday party services, have won raves from Manhattan moms and dads, and the Hoboken Kidville classes tend to sell out. However, their success in suburbia is less of a sure thing.

A Kidville franchise in downtown Westfield in Union County that opened in mid-2013 closed this week, with the owners saying the business was not bringing in enough money to balance the high operating costs.

Kidville is competing against similar play space and activity chains, such as The Little Gym, which has three locations in Bergen County, as well as with long-standing enrichment programs at YMCAs and Jewish community centers.

Michael and Jessica Pickholz, however, are confident Kidville is just what parents in Ridgewood and surrounding towns have been looking for.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/kidville-settles-in-the-burbs-1.1194628

38 Oak Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
973-869-9608

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 1 Comment

Two RHS Girls Soccer Players Make All-State Team

Two RHS Girls Soccer Players Make All-State Team

January 14,2015

Ridgewood NJ, Two RHS soccer players, senior Colleen Berry and sophomore Hailey Ricciardi, were selectedby the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association (NJGSCA) to the North 1 Regional All-State team. Both girls were also chosen as two of the elite top twenty players from the North 1 Region. Photo: Coach Jeff Yearing stands with Colleen Berry, Hailey Ricciardi, and Assistant Coaches Jackie Hurley and Sarah Volkomer at the NJGSCA Awards Banquet.

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 13 Comments

Reader says Ridgewood’s Mayor should go on record voicing his support for Charlie Hebdo and the Ridgewood blog in support of Free Speech !

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Reader says Ridgewood’s Mayor should go on record voicing his support for Charlie Hebdo and the Ridgewood blog in support of Free Speech !

By any chance, is Ridgewood’s Mayor on record voicing his support for Charlie Hebdo in the wake of the brutal attack on free speech in France? Or is White Horse Strategies only interested in representing clients who benefit when people are afraid to freely speak their minds?

Events of this nature, if they are to be held at all, should be privately organized. For elected representatives to be the planners, hosts and organizers seems like a tactic employed by the National socialist party. Does anyone know their Great Depression and WWII-era history? Even Roosevelt sought to corrupt and coopt public discourse by secretly training thousands of so-called “four minute men” and quietly dispersing them around the country to attend local public meetings where they would take full advantage of open microphone time to proselytize regarding issues near and dear to the collectivist heart of the executive branch. Are we seeing a return to this tactic, 70 years hence?

If the puerile, atheist, nihilist rag Charlie Hebdo and it’s anemic typical print circulation of 60,000 is to be defended arm-in-arm by 40 world leaders marching in solidarity against attack by Islamist barbarians, certainly free-market, free-speech and We-the-People-oriented theridgewoodblog.net with its 90,000 unique electronic visitors per month can expect to be effectively defended against gratuitous depredation by two and 499/1000ths amigos bent on incessantly holding non-public public meetings calling for “civility in public discourse” until we collectively cry “Uncle” for fear of being bored to death. Hey PJ, by any chance, do you have a cartoonist on staff capable of amateurishly lampooning the prophet Aronsohn in honor of tonight’s gala free-speech-chilling civilapalooza?

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — 5 Comments

Builders testify before Ridgewood board

Builders testify before Ridgewood board

JANUARY 15, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — One developer proclaimed his firm’s apartment building would have “no amenities” for children. Another said some people will pay more for high-end luxury housing in the village. And a third allowed his proposal to speak for itself.

The three developers, who want to bring high-density multifamily housing complexes to Ridgewood, were given the opportunity to testify this week before the Planning Board, which is considering a master plan amendment that would allow such buildings.

Only one developer declined to address the board, saying he didn’t want to be redundant.

Scott Loventhal, the director of development for Garden Commercial Properties in Short Hills, said the development proposals would “fill a void” in Ridgewood’s housing market and help “make the downtown even more vibrant.”

For nearly five years now, the Planning Board has been considering the amendment to allow such projects in three distinct zones in the village. Four developers initially requested the amendment change; since then, one of the projects has been withdrawn.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/builders-testify-before-ridgewood-board-1.1194572

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli details plan for merging County Police and Sheriff’s Office

Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli details plan for merging County Police and Sheriff’s Office

JANUARY 14, 2015, 9:08 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015, 9:14 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli told the freeholders Wednesday that a plan to fold the County Police into the Sheriff’s Office will not only save money but will also make county law enforcement more efficient.

In a presentation at the board’s work session, Molinelli predicted that response times to calls for service will go down because of the way patrol vehicles will be deployed by the new combined department.

The new force will patrol the county by sectors, Molinelli said. That will be an improvement over the current setup where County Police patrol mostly county roads and facilities, he said.

“That’s not a negative on the County Police, they are an outstanding department,” Molinelli said.

But combining the two departments will create other efficiencies that will improve public safety.

When a small municipal department arrests someone in the middle of the night, he said, that town’s patrol officers often have to transport that person to the County Jail in Hackensack.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-prosecutor-john-molinelli-details-plan-for-merging-county-police-and-sheriff-s-office-1.1193360

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Scott Walker sprinkles 2016 themes into Wisconsin address

Scott Walker sprinkles 2016 themes into Wisconsin address

By: Catalina Camia 4 hours ago

Amid Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s State of the State address were subtle messages for a possible presidential campaign.

The Republican outlined his plans to tackle the state’s fiscal challenges in a Tuesday night speech and stressed “more people are working, while fewer are unemployed” and that property taxes are lower now than when they were four years ago when he first took office.

Those points — part of what Walker referred to as the “Wisconsin Comeback” in his remarks — could be repeated often in a national campaign.

He also made references to the need for smaller government and reducing burdensome regulations on business that come from Washington — principles that have long become part of the conservative mantra.

https://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2015/01/14/scott-walker-presidential-themes-wisconsin/

Posted on January 15, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 3 Comments

U.S. retail sales drop biggest in 11 months

U.S. retail sales drop biggest in 11 months

BY LUCIA MUTIKANI

WASHINGTON Wed Jan 14, 2015 2:09pm EST

(Reuters) – U.S. retail sales recorded their largest decline in 11 months in December as demand fell almost across the board, tempering expectations for a sharp acceleration in consumer spending in the fourth quarter.

Economists, however, cautioned against reading too much into the surprise weakness, noting that holiday spending made it difficult to smooth December data for seasonal fluctuations.

“Faulty seasonal adjustments from shifts in holiday spending patterns are probably more to blame for the December decline,” said Steve Blitz, chief economist at ITG in New York. “Looking at the last three months, spending is not collapsing.”

The Commerce Department said on Wednesday retail sales fell 0.9 percent, the biggest decline since last January, after increasing 0.4 percent in November.

Economists had expected only a 0.1 percent drop. Against the backdrop of a strengthening labor market and lower gasoline prices, they said sales should bounce back in January, with some saying December’s decline could be revised away.

Bricklin Dwyer, a senior economist at BNP Paribas in New York, said fewer post-Black Friday shopping days in November than normal threw off the so-called seasonal factor used to adjust the data, resulting in a lower December sales number.

https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/14/us-usa-economy-idUSKBN0KN1HY20150114

Posted on January 14, 2015January 14, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2015

Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2015
Sun, January 18, 2015 – Thu, January 22, 2015
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Restaurants in Ridgewood, Ridgewood NJ

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents Restaurant Week 2015
Sponsored by Valley Hospital

What a great way to start the New Year-
RESTUARANT WEEK in RIDGEWOOD @ $25.15

Sunday-Thursday
January 18-22, 2015
January 25-29, 2015
Fine dining at $25.15

For these ten days, participating restaurants and caterers are offering you the chance to “experience” dining in Ridgewood and or your home, plus a wonderful selection of wines.

Each Chef is preparing a tantalizing 3-course, prix-fixe menu at $25.15
Please add a wine that will enhance the cuisine.

Visit the following participating restaurants and caterers. Call for reservations and details.

A Mano Neopolitan
24 Franklin Ave.
201-493-2000

Bella Notte Italian Bistro
14 Oak St.
201-445-7222

It’s Greek to Me
21 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-612-2600

Latour Restaurant-LUNCH ONLY
6 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-5056

Le Bon Choix
11 Godwin Ave.
201-689-0400

Mediterraneo
23 N. Broad St.
201-447-0022

Novo
37 Chestnut St.
201-444-4910

Park West Tavern
30 Oak St.
201-445-5400

Pearl Restaurant
17 S. Broad St.
201-857-5100

Raymond’s
101 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-5125

Restaurant Memoire
16 Chestnut St.
201-857-8899

ROOTS Steakhouse
17 Chestnut St.
201-444-1922

Sakura Bana Japanese Restaurant
43 Franklin Ave.
201-447-6525

The Office Beer Bar & Grill
32 Chestnut St.
201-652-1070

Village Green Restaurant –
36 Prospect St.
201-445-2914

Home Dining and Specialty Wines

Chestnut Catering
25 Chestnut St.
201-445-3031

From Scratch Ridgewood
www.fromscratchridgewood.com
201-986-6316-Will deliver

Super Cellars Fine Wines & Marketplace
32 S. Broad St.
201-444-0012

The Wine Seller
6 W. Ridgewood Ave.
201-444-3300

Beverages, tax and tips not included. Regular menu will also be available.

FREE Parking all day Sunday and Monday-Saturday after 6:00pm

For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email [email protected] www.experienceridgewood.com

Posted on January 14, 2015January 20, 2019 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood and Glen Rock to Host 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Observance

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Ridgewood and Glen Rock to Host 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Observance
All Are Welecome!

Ridgewood and Glen Rock to Host 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Observance Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Noted Speaker, Preacher and Teacher, will Address the Program’s Theme, “Standing on the Side of Justice” The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock will host its 33rd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King on Monday, January 19, 2015, at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton St., in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Jr., noted speaker, educator, community activist and Senior Minister Emeritus of Manhattan’s Riverside Church, will address the theme of this year’s event, “Standing on the Side of Justice,” during an interfaith worship service beginning at 10 a.m. An 11:30 a.m. outdoor rally, 12 p.m. community lunch, and 1 p.m. performance by Mack Brandon and The Connection will follow the service. The performance will highlight the music that gave voice to the call for action that culminated in the Civil Rights movement.

The program also includes Ridgewood and Glen Rock student speakers and musical performances by the Indian Hills Chamber Choir and Men of Umoja chorus. Guests may attend any or all of the day’s events, which are free and open to the public. “The struggle for racial justice has taken on a heightened sense of urgency, as can be seen in the aftermath of the Ferguson and Eric Garner decisions and the administration’s battle over immigration,” said committee co-chair Alice Newton. “As we celebrate Dr. King’s life and work, we will focus on the vital importance he placed on non-violence, and on standing up and speaking out for justice as a catalyst for creating positive change.” Dr. Forbes served as Senior Minister of the Riverside Church for 18 years, and was named one of the 12 “most effective preachers” in the English-speaking world by Newsweek magazine. He is The Harry Emerson Fosdick Distinguished Professor at Union Theological Seminary and President of the Healing of the Nations Foundation, a non-partisan, interfaith, not-for-profit organization that promotes a holistic understanding of health and wellness. He was the recent host of “The Time is Now” on Air America Radio, and is frequently featured on radio and television. Mack Brandon and The Connection have been inspiring audiences worldwide for 15 years with their entertaining and uplifting renditions of popular gospel music. A composer, pianist, educator, and pastor, Rev. Brandon has been a professor of music at Ramapo College of New Jersey for 20 years and serves as pastor of the Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Ridgewood, N.J. The annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock Martin Luther King Jr. celebration began in 1983 in an effort to unite area residents, regardless of faith or ethnic background, in worship and action as they work towards peace and justice for all. More than 20 religious groups, the Ridgewood and Glen Rock Boards of Education, local government, and civic organizations participate in and support the event each year. For more information contact Alice Newton at 201-951-9903, email [email protected], or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Glen Rock/Ridgewood, N.J. on Facebook.

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