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Posted on September 12, 2014September 12, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

West Side longtime minister of music retires

From left: Lisa Stitt, Jim Batura, Joanne Rodland and Neva D. Strom.At Sunday worship on June 1, in honor of Joanne Rodland’s retirement after 45 years at West Side, 140 current and past members of the Chancel and Senior High Choirs raised their voices in song.

West Side longtime minister of music retires

SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY BETSY MURPHY
CORRESPONDENT

It has been a rich and rewarding 45 years.” said Joanne Rodland, who retired as minister of music at West Side Presbyterian Church at the end of July.

“It was a privilege being a part of two such partnerships, Jack and then Debbi, as well as having such a pool of talent and commitment with which to work within the church and most certainly within the community. It has been a gift.”

Her partnership with Jack Rodland, whom she met at Union Theological Seminary, began in 1964.

“He was smart, dedicated, compassionate,” she says.

They worked together at First Presbyterian Church in Rutherford, hired by Melvin Campbell, who claimed “we got two for price of one.” Joanne taught the children’s choir, Jack the adults, before coming to West Side in 1968, with daughters, Cathy, 3, and Carol (Caby), 6 months. West Side let Cathy into nursery school that September, while Joanne brought Carol to church with her. “Jack and I made the decision that this was our family.”

Jack went back to seminary at Union Theological and in 1980 was ordained at West Side becoming associate pastor. During that year, Joanne took on a lot of responsibility, lost both her mother and brother, and also attended Westchester Institution for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and became a therapist.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/music/west-side-s-longtime-minister-of-music-retires-1.1086446#sthash.usU0076K.dpuf

Posted on September 12, 2014September 12, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood plans honor for English Channel swimmer Charlotte Samuels

Ridgewood plans honor for English Channel swimmer Charlotte Samuels

SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
Print

RIDGEWOOD — Village officials intend to celebrate the achievements of Charlotte Samuels, the 16-year-old Ridgewood athlete who this week became the youngest person to complete open swimming’s Triple Crown.

Through tears and frigid waters, she treaded her way across the English Channel to France.

At Wednesday’s Village Council meeting, Roberta Sonenfeld, the village manager, said Ridgewood officials have already been in touch with the Samuels family about plans to honor Charlotte for her feat.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/ridgewood-to-honor-endurance-swimmer-1.1086678#sthash.uc8WOXaI.dpuf

Posted on September 12, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — 14 Comments

Finally – A parking solution that makes sense

Finally – A parking solution that makes sense
September 11,2014
Boyd A. Loving
2:18 PM

Our prayers have been answered – Hallelujah!

Village Manager Roberta Sonnenfeld announced on Wednesday, 09/10/2014 the Village’s intent to lease a portion of the former Ken Smith Motors property, on Franklin Avenue near North Broad Street, for purposes of providing parking for the employees of businesses operating in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD). It is believed that the proposed private/public partnership endeavor will free up many parking spaces on streets in the CBD for shoppers and restaurant goers.

No formal agreement had been reached as of Ms. Sonnenfeld’s announcement, but was revealed that Village parking enforcement agents will patrol the lot for violators, and that the Village will receive 10% of gross revenues. More details are expected to be released once a formal contract is signed. No word on the Village’s contribution, if any, to expenses such as building demolition, line striping, etc.

The announcement came with this advisory – the solution will not be long term in nature because the property owner wishes to develop it at a later date.

Posted on September 11, 2014January 20, 2019 by James — Leave a comment

Bergen County Exec’s race: Dem Chair Stellato rallies troops for Tedesco

Bergen County Exec’s race: Dem Chair Stellato rallies troops for Tedesco

LYNDHURST – Bergen County Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato was house-proud in his hometown before he got down to political business on Wednesday morning. (Bonamo/PolitickerNJ)

https://www.politickernj.com/80886/bergen-county-execs-race-dem-chair-stellato-rallies-troops-tedesco

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

The PolitickerNJ Interview: Senator Gerald Cardinale

FORT LEE – State Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-39) remembers then-Bergen County Democratic Organization Chairman Joe Ferriero jabbing a finger at him and telling him, “The reason network television costs so much, Gerry, is because it works!” (Pizarro/PolitickerNJ)

https://www.politickernj.com/80926/politickernj-interview-senator-gerald-cardinale

Posted on September 11, 2014January 20, 2019 by James — Leave a comment

Donovan formally kicks off fall portion of campaign by burnishing labor support

Donovan formally kicks off fall portion of campaign by burnishing labor support

CARLSTADT – At the head of a local sheet metal workroom, incumbent GOP Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan today kicked off her re-election campaign with the backing of three New Jersey building trades unions and the promise to continue building on the more than $200 million in savings and efficiencies to county residents over the past four years.

https://www.politickernj.com/80911/donovan-formally-kicks-fall-portion-campaign-burnishing-labor-support

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Top 25 NJ special interest groups spent $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending over 15 years

ELEC Analysis: top 25 NJ special interest groups spent $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending over 15 years

The top 25 special interest groups during the past 15 years spent a combined $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending, according to an analysis by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). (Politicker Staff)

https://www.politickernj.com/80871/elec-analysis-top-25-nj-special-interest-groups-spent-311-million-campaign-contributions-lobby

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — 3 Comments

9/11 anniversary remembered near new museum

9/11 anniversary remembered near new museum
By Lorena Mongelli and Post Wires

Heartbroken New Yorkers descended on Lower Manhattan on Thursday, solemnly marking the 13th anniversary of America’s darkest day and the murders of nearly 3,000 innocent souls.

Grieving relatives wore light blue ribbons and many brought pictures – from wallet-sized snapshots to framed portraits – to honor their loved ones at Thursday’s sad gathering near Ground Zero.

There were no speeches at the ceremony, only the reading of 2,983 names, which included victims of 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.

There was a moment silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the moment when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.

After opera star Alaysha Fox sang the national anthem, survivors began reading names.

One of the readers, Diane Massaroli, the widow of a Cantor Fitzgerald vice president killed on 9/11, said she thinks of her late hubby every day.

“My husband Michael Massaroli, we love you, we miss you and not a day goes by that we don’t think of you,” she said.

Another reader, James Gallagher, said he’s sure dad John Patrick Gallagher, heard him on Thursday.

“Dad, even though you’re not on this earth anymore I know you’re looking down at us and smiling,” Gallagher said of his dad, an electricity trader at Cantor Fitzgerald.

https://nypost.com/2014/09/11/911-anniversary-remembered-near-new-museum/

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

As a nation, we must always remember that our freedom isn’t free.

Dear Friends,

Every year on September 11, our country wakes up with a heavy heart. We relive our painful memories, and we come together to mourn the thousands of innocent lives we lost on that terrible day.

Like so many of you, I can remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of the attacks. My thoughts immediately turned to all those—family, friends, neighbors—who were working in New York City. Before long, I too was consumed by the enormous void that was left by the tragic loss of life. When I remember, I still feel the deep sadness, anger, and resolve I felt on that day and the days that followed.

As a nation, we must always remember that our freedom isn’t free. There are evil forces who wish to destroy our way of life. We must remain alert to all threats to our freedom wherever they arise. Thanks to our armed forces and our first responders, we will defend ourselves and bring to justice all those who seek to destroy us.

Today, I join you as we remember those we lost and pray for those who fight to protect our freedom. We will continue to recover, but we must never forget. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett

Posted on September 11, 2014September 10, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

New Jersey Choral Society presents “Bel Canto,” a fundraising Gala

New Jersey Choral Society presents “Bel Canto,” a fundraising Gala

Bergen County – The New Jersey Choral Society will present its spectacular 5th annual fundraising gala “Bel Canto” on Sunday, October 5 at 3:00 pm at the Indian Trail Club, 830 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes..

The festive afternoon includes music from Broadway and the Silver Screen featuring members of the New Jersey Choral Society under the direction of conductor Eric Dale Knapp. Musical selections include hits from “Kiss Me Kate,” “Tarzan,” “Porgy and Bess” and “Memory” from the Broadway musical “Cats.” David Cryer (formerly of Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”) and his wife, actress Britt Cryer, will serve as the hosts. Linda Sweetman-Waters will accompany NJCS on the piano.

This elegant fundraising gala will also include a 50/50 raffle and silent auction as well as a cocktail hour on the patio followed by dinner and wine. 15% of the event’s silent auction proceeds will proudly be donated by NJCS to the Center for Food Action.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups well-known for presenting memorable and uplifting performances that engage audiences, involve youth, enable affordable access to the arts and support various outreach services of northern New Jersey. They perform three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties and have also performed in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England and most recently in France..

Tickets for this special fundraising event are $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.njcs.org, via email [email protected] or by calling 201-379-7719.

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

Standard & Poor’s lowers New Jersey credit rating

Standard & Poor’s lowers New Jersey credit rating

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014, 12:15 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014, 6:00 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD

Another Wall Street ratings agency has downgraded New Jersey’s credit rating as a response to Governor Christie’s decision earlier this year to cut funding for the public employee pension system.

Standard & Poor’s said in an announcement released Wednesday that the lowering of New Jersey’s credit rating by one step to “A” is in response to recent contributions into the pension system that are well below what actuaries say is needed to keep the system solvent.

“The downgrade reflects our view that New Jersey will face increased long-term pressures in managing its long-term liabilities and that the revenue and expenditure misalignment will grow based on reduced funding for the state’s unfunded actuarial accrued liability,” said Standard & Poor’s credit analyst John Sugden.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/standard-poor-s-lowers-new-jersey-credit-rating-1.1084904#sthash.G3QRWVz7.dpuf

Posted on September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 by James — 9 Comments

Grease overflow reached Ridgewood stream

photo by Boyd Loving

Grease overflow reached Ridgewood stream

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, 12:20 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD – A substantial cooking grease spill at the village’s wastewater treatment plant in Glen Rock two weeks ago reached a nearby stream – despite initial claims from Ridgewood officials that no contamination occurred.

Village workers on Friday vacuumed a stream that runs along the rear of the plant, adjacent to where storage trucks dispose of cooking oil grease.

On Aug. 26, a storage truck was bringing the grease to the plant for disposal when a transfer line burst. Ridgewood officials said this week they received instructions Friday from the state Department of Environmental Protection to clean the stream of some of the 200 gallons of fats, oils and greases that spilled.

A DEP spokesman, Larry Hajna, confirmed that an inspector was dispatched to the plant to investigate the stream Friday.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/grease-overflow-reached-ridgewood-stream-1.1084047#sthash.QpujJUGx.dpuf

Posted on September 11, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 11 Comments

Village Of Ridgewood 2013 parking meter & permit revenues vs. expenses

Village Of Ridgewood 2013 parking meter & permit revenues vs. expenses
September 10,2014
Boyd A. Loving
11:01 PM

Ridgewood NJ, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld released a report entitled: “Village of Ridgewood Parking Utility – 2013 Revenue & Expense Summary” on 09/08/2014.

Here are the Cliff Notes:

Total revenues = $1,063,775.55

Total expenses = $902,243.45

Excess in operation (profit) = $161,532.10

The following line items were listed under “allocations/indirect expenses.” That is, a predetermined percentage of total 2013 parking revenues was allocated to each line item:

Municipal Court
Village Attorney
Group Health Insurance
Workers Compensation Insurance
General Liability Auto Insurance
Management Information Systems
Village Clerk
Finance (Accounts & Treasury, Audit Services, Collections)
Engineering
Street Services
Street Lighting
Traffic & Signal
Central Garage
Parks
Police
Gasoline & Diesel
Electricity and Gas
Telephone
Public Employees Retirement System
Social Security
Police & Fire Retirement System
Unemployment Insurance

Indirect expense allocation in 2013 was: $791,455.28

No information was provided regarding direct expenses other than they totaled $110,788.17 in 2013

All year end fund balances PRIOR to EOY 2013 were reduced to zero (yes, nothing left, zilch) because of theft/shortfalls in revenue.

The TOTAL BALANCE IN ACCRUED EXCESS PARKING REVENUES (profit) AS OF EOY 2013 is: $162,070.

Posted on September 11, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 12 Comments

Village’s plan to lease Gilsenan/Gap property falls flat

Village’s plan to lease Gilsenan/Gap property falls flat
September 10 ,2014

Boyd A. Loving
11:17 PMRidgewood NJ, The following resolution was unanimously approved by Village Council members on 09/08:

#14-219: Reject Bids for Lot 12 – The Gap Parking Lot – Rejects the bids for this project due to the fact that revenues did not meet the Village’s financial expectations and there were too many zoning variances required for both bids that were received.

In a nutshell, there will be no building constructed on the Village owned property between Gilsenan Insurance/Realty and The Gap. Those who were interested in the lease proposed offering way too little in terms of annual rent, and wanted to build a structure(s) much larger than what the Village Council had envisioned.

Village Council members, and select Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce members, had hoped a real estate development firm would step forward and offer big bucks to construct a 2-story retail/office building on the property. The revenues would have been earmarked for the construction of a parking deck at the Hudson Street parking lot.

This is the second complete failure associated with this plan

Posted on September 11, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 9 Comments

Reader Gives a brief history of this money-pit debacle.

Reader Gives a brief history of this money-pit debacle.

A brief history of this money-pit debacle.

1. The new Village manager, with the backing of her lefty base, thought it would be the right thing to do, to instal traffic-calming measures on a stretch of road that was badly in need to repair. No public discussion was invited.

2. A contractor was awarded the project and there does not appear to have been language in the contract regarding completion time.

3. Work starts and the public quickly learn of this major change to the Village’s one and only traffic link between the two sides of town. Outrage is the result and work is stopped.

4. Work eventually resumes, whereby much of the original work has to be put back the way it was and the project basically starts again.

5. The Village Manager issues a public statement regarding her displeasure at the length of time the project is taking, and talks of finding a new contractor.

Is it any wonder people don’t want the Government managing their health?

The PolitickerNJ Interview: Senator Gerald Cardinale

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