James - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG. - Page 3168 of 3731

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 5 Comments

Yes, Record, It’s Sort of Your Fault!

file photo Boyd Loving

Yes, Record, It’s Sort of Your Fault!
May. 30
By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog

Have you read the breathlessly-reported news concerning twenty-seven Christie staffers earning significant raises over the past two months, Save Jerseyans?

Lame. I know. And more than a little sensationalized giving everything that’s going on right now.

For starters, I’m always skeptical of these stories because they usually lack context. Back in 2010, the AP embarrassed itself by claiming that Christie had increased staff salaries over Jon Corzine’s administration by $2 million; the actual number was $440,000 which works out to (buried at the bottom of the correction) approximately $4,286 per employee… ($75,726 vs. $71,440).

Oops.

That relatively modest salary uptick (a little less than 6% per staff member) could easily be explained by cost of living adjustments, but the media rushed to judgment in an effort to land an early punch on a newly-minted Republican governor.

What else is new, right?

The reliably liberal Record also never misses an opportunity to tie a negative story about a Republican to some kind of ideological point that’s almost completely unrelated to the instant story line:

“The raises come as Christie is withholding more than $2.4 billion in payments to the state pension fund because of revenue shortfalls. And Christie has delayed a property tax relief program that averages nearly $500 for seniors and some families.”

They’re not alone. NJ.com reported it the same way. Barf.

Where’s the Fourth Estate’s ability to provide perspective? Or have they abandoned the pretense of caring about providing readers with perspective? I hate to be a buzz kill, guys, but how does a few hundred grand (at most) in salary increases for dozens of people compare to the REAL issues – multi-billion dollar issues – driving New Jersey’s fiscal woes? For starters, the Democrat Assembly’s unwillingness to renew an arbitration cap without which we’re looking at BILLIONS of dollars in property tax increases?

It’s also hard to avoid the irony behind the much more interesting process story here: the extent to which Bridgegate (a story for which the Record expected to win a Pulitzer prize) is making it infinitely harder for the Governor to retain staffers than back in January before the story broke and his presidential future seemed brightest.

– See more at: https://savejersey.com/2014/05/christie-staff-salary-media-bergen-record/#sthash.pjRgr5PW.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 6 Comments

As Healthcare Paradigm Shifts, NJ Hospitals Face Uncertain Future

As Healthcare Paradigm Shifts, NJ Hospitals Face Uncertain Future

New Jersey hospitals are in a bind. Some of them may close in the next few years, experts say, unless they find a way to transform themselves into healthcare systems that focus on keeping patients healthy in an outpatient setting, while dealing with the reality that most revenue is still based on in-hospital services they provide.

Hospitals must have cash reserves and an operating margin of at least 3 percent or they may face a financial crisis, according to current and recent hospital executives.

“If you’re not in a system that has that financial foundation, I don’t know how you manage the next three to five years,” said Judith Persichilli, recently retired president of Catholic Health East-Trinity Health, a national hospital system.

The hospitals that survive this transition period will look very different from the hospitals of the recent past. They will have fewer beds, more links with primary-care and medical specialty providers, and more partnerships with other hospitals in which each hospital only provides specific services.

That was the verdict of a panel assembled yesterday by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in Ewing. (Kitchenman/NJSpotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/05/29/as-healthcare-paradigm-shifts-nj-hospitals-face-uncertain-future/

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

Graydon Pool in Ridgewood opens for season on Saturday

Graydon Pool in Ridgewood opens for season on Saturday

MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER

With opening day coming up this Saturday, the 2014 season at Graydon Pool promises to offer pool-goers several new attractions.

This year, members will be able to access the pool via a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp, which runs alongside an existing stone wall near the pool’s snack stand.

In addition to the ramp, the Parks and Recreation Department is now offering an adaptive aquatics class for children with special needs, through a collaboration with Mayor Paul Aronsohn and the local Community Access Network group representing those with disabilities.

“I think that we’ve just made the facility accessible and available to all residents, including sensitivity to special needs,” said Nancy Bigos, deputy director of the parks department. “I think that Graydon is really an incredible, special place and I think it has a lot to offer our residents just in the sense of community, and socialization and play.”

In addition to the adaptive aquatics class, there will be a new “introduction to diving” class and three new adult classes: an introduction to swimming for adults, an aquatic fitness program and water aerobics.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/swimming-season-starts-saturday-graydon-pool-1.1026259#sthash.kYwzMD7R.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 5 Comments

Ridgewood municipal budget approved

Ridgewood municipal budget approved

MAY 29, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014, 4:01 PM
BY BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

For the second year in a row, there will be no new municipal taxes for the average Ridgewood property owner.

The Village Council approved the 2014 municipal budget and a zero percent tax increase by 3-1 vote Wednesday night. The municipal portion of this year’s tax bills will be $3,959, a figure based on the average residential home assessed at $688,358.

To Mayor Paul Aronsohn, who in the past two years has pushed village finance officers for flat taxes, this year’s $46.2 million spending plan and zero percent increase represents a tax relief for already-burdened residents.

“People aren’t making as much [salary] as they used to or are underemployed. We needed to get away from 7 percent tax increases. We needed to express our commitment and determination to do something about it,” Aronsohn said.

“This is the second year in a row that we will be adopting a budget that does not increase municipal taxes … it sets the way for the future. We can’t do this every year, but when we can we should,” he added.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-municipal-budget-approved-1.1026002#sthash.QRGTV6EN.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 2 Comments

Ridgewood council revises gift ordinance

Ridgewood council revises gift ordinance

MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

Financial donations to the municipality will still be subject to scrutiny by appropriate village officials, but a set of recently approved guidelines has modified the process in which contributions are considered.

Ridgewood Council members unanimously adopted a resolution that created a list of checks and balances when donations fall within specific monetary levels. As in the past, the village manager will enforce the rules and procedures, but now, the governing body will have direct input on potential gifts that meet certain criteria.

During a discussion last month, council members briefly reviewed the revisions to Ridgewood ordinance 3273, commonly known as the “gift ordinance.” Four categories of donations have been established: under $500 in value; $500 to $5,000; more than $5,000; and individual contributions when the total annual donation reaches $7,500.

According to the new procedures, all contributions $5,000 and less must be reported to the village manager’s office, which will accept gifts from known and anonymous donors after full vetting. The Ridgewood Council will review all gifts in the event a donor has a permit or application before a municipal board or agency 90 days before or after the contribution was made.

For gifts exceeding the $5,000 threshold, donors will be required to submit the village’s “Contribution Form” and await review and receive approval from the village manager and council members. The manager and council will receive all reports on a contributor whose individual gifts fall below $5,000 but when the “cumulative value exceeds $7,500 in a calendar year.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/council-revises-gift-ordinance-1.1026206#sthash.1lLcj0Ue.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 3 Comments

Fishbein: Teachers are critical to success

Fishbein: Teachers are critical to success

MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DANIEL FISHBEIN

At a recent Board of Education meeting, the trustees and I had the distinct honor of applauding several of our high school students who achieved perfect scores on the National Latin Examination. We also congratulated members of our own RHS Latin Team, which just took home the distinguished title of New Jersey State Certamen (Latin Quiz Bowl) champions and are now preparing for nationals this summer.

Listening to the eloquent and enthusiastic RHS Latin team captain describe the thrill of competing in the arena with other top high school students drawn to the esoteric realm of Latin language and vocabulary, ancient Roman history and culture, I couldn’t help but reflect on the irony that despite our tech-savvy world, the classics are quietly thriving still, and in a refreshingly old-school kind of way, with opponents carpooling to compete face-to-face using old-school hand buzzers and timers. I am proud of our Ridgewood students, Latin teachers and parents for upholding this discipline and I am thankful to the community for their support of programs such as this.

It so happened that the board’s Latin team presentation came on the heels of a stressful few days in the district after an alert parent raised our attention to an anonymous threat posted on the new Internet social media app, Yik Yak, against one of our buildings. Swiftly resolved, this serious incident now serves as a classic example of how technology, despite its many benefits, can be more damaging and detrimental than constructive if not used wisely and respectfully.

We are also reminded of our serious responsibility as parents and educators to promote strong values in our children and to model good behavior ourselves. Computers and technology are great tools and help us in many ways and places, including the classroom. But only a human being can teach our children the difference between right and wrong and encourage them to be the best they can be.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/teachers-are-critical-to-success-1.1026371#sthash.QJykEP9j.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Common Core critics speak out at forum in Ridgewood

Common Core critics speak out at forum in Ridgewood

MAY 29, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014, 3:50 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER

Christopher Tienken, an assistant professor of education administration at Seton Hall University, questions why some local control in education is being taken away.

This is why he studies standardized school reform, and why he came to Ridgewood High School (RHS) to speak on Tuesday.

“What I see is a whole lot of ‘one size fits all,’ trying to make everyone the same at the end of the day,” Tienken said. “These standards might be great for some. They might propel some schools forward. But that issue should be a local decision.”

Invited by Ridgewood resident and mother Terry Anzano to speak, Tienken gave a presentation titled “Standardized Schooling: Is It Necessary? Is It Effective?” to about 40 parents on Tuesday in the RHS library. Principal Tom Gorman, Assistant Principals Jeff Nyhuis and Basil Pizzuto, Board of Education (BOE) trustee Christina Krauss, Ridgewood Education Association president and RHS social studies teacher Michael Yannone, and a few other teachers also attended.

The presentation was about myths surrounding the national education standardization movement, including controversial mandates known as the Common Core State Standards, which will replace testing standards in New Jersey and 43 other states.

The debate over these standards, which were created by a group of individuals representing both the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, has become a well-known – but still confusing – subject.

New Jersey adopted the standards, which Gov. Chris Christie supports, in 2010. Ridgewood educators, who still design their own curriculums, completed any needed alterations to align lessons to the benchmarks. The district has also implemented a new, more involved teacher evaluation system that replaced Ridgewood’s old system, which administrators supported.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/common-core-critics-speak-out-at-forum-in-ridgewood-1.1025976#sthash.lhaVWXTo.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 6 Comments

Ridgewood will allow changes to road repairs

Ridgewood will allow changes to road repairs

MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Officials say a street-improvement project that has upset some residents is likely to be revised to allow traffic lanes to be restored later if the plan doesn’t work.

Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said at Wednesday night’s council meeting that proposed changes could be made to the $500,000 project based on “residents’ concerns, and some of our own internal brainstorming.”

She was among several Ridgewood officials who met on Tuesday night with residents of the neighborhood where the work, which should be completed in July, is taking place.

Shovels first hit dirt last week on the project, which officials maintain will improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians around Garber Square, as well as along Franklin Avenue and Broad Street.

But a number of residents said work to install bike lanes and an 8-foot-wide median sprinkled with trees and ornate lighting, which is swallowing up two traffic lanes, is already causing backups. They contend the project will only imperil bicyclists, with four lanes of traffic cut down to two.

“We will put traffic plates on certain roads to provide empirical data on traffic flows and speed,” Sonenfeld said, adding these would be installed on Heights Road, West Ridgewood Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Godwin Avenue.

Sonenfeld suggested that cameras be installed temporarily at Franklin Avenue and Garber Square, to film a week’s traffic for analysis.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-will-allow-changes-to-road-repairs-1.1026433

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Christie staffers get hefty pay increases as other areas face cuts

Christie staffers get hefty pay increases as other areas face cuts

MAY 29, 2014, 2:03 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014, 11:31 PM
BY MELISSA HAYES
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD

Nearly all of the state employees responsible for helping Governor Christie craft and promote his image — from his press secretary to the staff that set up his town-hall events and put video clips of his appearances online — got raises in recent months that averaged 23 percent.

Gov. Chris Christie

Some of those who received the biggest boosts temporarily left state government to work on Christie’s reelection campaign last year, then returned with new titles and higher salaries. A deputy press secretary in the governor’s office who earned $75,000 last year before he left to serve as press secretary for the campaign, for example, now makes $110,000 as a deputy communications director.

The raises come as Christie is withholding more than $2.4 billion in payments to the state pension fund because of revenue shortfalls. And Christie has delayed a property-tax relief program that averages about $500 for seniors and some families.

And the raises to the governor’s staff appear to have happened around the same time Christie vetoed the minutes of the commission that oversees the Pinelands after its members voted to increase the budget for its staff by 5 percent. Christie castigated the commissioners and said the decision was a “conscious disregard of the fiscal realities.”

The governor’s office did not answer specific questions about the raises on Thursday, including questions about when they were awarded and whether other non-union employees were given pay increases.

“Changes in salary in the main reflect changes in position, promotions or expanded job responsibilities for these staff members,” Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said Thursday.

The Record sought the salary information in two Open Public Records Act requests. The first, filed in February, was denied and The Record was referred to the website yourmoney.nj.gov, which the state bills as New Jersey government’s “transparency center.” But at the time only salaries for 2012 and 2013 were listed.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/christie-staffers-get-hefty-pay-increases-as-other-areas-face-cuts-1.1025934#sthash.BzkRIji2.dpuf

Posted on May 29, 2014May 29, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Blame Game on Pensions in New Jersey

Blame Game on Pensions in New Jersey

When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced his decision last week to forgo $2.4 billion in state pension payments over the next two years, he blamed his recent predecessors for leaving him a system deep in debt.

Those predecessors have different views. While some take at least part of the responsibility for the looming shortfalls, they also blame each other and Mr. Christie. They said they did what they thought was best at the time, even if they are now concerned about the state’s fiscal health.

“Everybody has to take the blame for this,” said former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco, a Republican.

The state’s pension is currently underfunded by almost $40 billion, and that could rise to $46 billion by 2019, according to a state report.

Faced with a state budget shortfall of almost $3 billion between now and 2015, Mr. Christie last week announced that he would do what many former governors have done: He kicked pension obligations down the road in favor of immediate budget priorities.

The Republican cast his decision as a choice between reducing services and raising taxes, both of which he said he was unwilling to do. Either move could potentially drain his political capital at the national level, at a time when he is struggling to put the George Washington Bridge scandal behind him.

After his decision, the system’s deficit could rise from about $38 billion to $46 billion by 2019, according to a state report, higher than when he took office.

Calling out his predecessors for not paying more into the system, Mr. Christie said his current problems stem from “sins of the past.” (Dawsey and Haddon/Wall Street Journal)

https://online.wsj.com/articles/new-jersey-pension-woes-spur-blame-game-1401331289

Posted on May 29, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Students Excel

Ridgewood Students Excel

Twenty-four GWMS Latin students had perfect scores on the National Latin Exam, given to over 154,000 students worldwide.

Seven RHS students were selected for the 2014-2015 NJ All-State Choir. The students selected were*: Jack Bird, Dan Brennan, Caitlin Crane-Moscowitz, Kenny Crane-Moscowitz, Jeffrey Lampiasi and Morgan Mastrangelo.

* The district does not have parental permission to release one student’s name.

Four RHS students, Sara Golnabi, Victoria Murano, Akash Chaurasia and Olivia Facini, ranked among the top 10 in the nation in their respective levels on the 2014 Grand Concours National French Test, sponsored by the American Association of the Teachers of French.

Thirty RHS DECA students competed in Atlanta at the annual International Career Development Conference. Students competed in role-play events, business presentations and test-taking. Warren Liand Nikhil Mendiratta both achieved top 10 in their respective competitions.

Posted on May 29, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

RHS Bands Featured at the Kasschau Shell on June 5

RHS Bands Featured at the Kasschau Shell on June 5

On Thursday, June 5, the RHS Bands will present their annual “Tunes in June” concert. The free concert, which will be held at the Kasschau Memorial Band Shell at Ridgewood’s Veterans Field, begins at 8 p.m. Featured will be the school’s three curricular bands – the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble – performing a wide array of light and popular selections, along with solo performances featuring some of the band’s outstanding senior musicians. The concert will also be a time for the band to recognize its 35 graduating seniors.

Posted on May 29, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

Dog License Information – Month of June

Dog License Information – Month of June

DOG LICENSE INFORMATION

The Ridgewood Health Department would like to remind residents –

2014 dog license renewals are due during the month of June. A $20 late fee will be charged for all renewals received after June 30, 2014.

The health department will be sending renewals via email. If you do not have an email address please call our office and request a renewal to be mailed to you. Renewal applications may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.ridgewoodnj.net or coming in person to the Ridgewood Health Department, 131 North Maple Ave. The office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please call 201 670-5500 ext. 503 with questions.

New Jersey law requires owners of all dogs seven months of age or older to be registered with the town they live in. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination does not expire before May 1, 2015. To receive the discount for a spayed or neutered pet, proof must also be provided.

In conjunction with the rabies clinic, the Responsible Pet Ownership Committee will also be facilitating free micro-chip implantations and registration to the first 75 dogs at the clinic. Please direct any questions regarding the micro-chipping to Jeffrey Ball at [email protected]

Posted on May 29, 2014May 29, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Fate Uncertain for Bills Aimed at Slowing Down Switch to New State Testing

Fate Uncertain for Bills Aimed at Slowing Down Switch to New State Testing

It’s a big question in New Jersey education circles these days: What is happening with legislation and other efforts to slow down the full implementation of new online testing and the attendant educator evaluations.

And the short answer at this point appears to be — stay tuned.

The chief sponsor of the bill in the Assembly said yesterday that she is still hopeful it will be posted for a full vote in the lower chamber, even after it was passed over for the last voting session.

“I would hope to have it posted,” said state Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-Essex) yesterday. “I think there are a lot of people who would like to see it happen.”

And the likely sponsor of a companion bill in the Senate said he, too, had high hopes — but also wasn’t sure next steps. And the likely sp

“I’d like to see at least a discussion about it,” said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May).

But there does not seem to be much wavering from the Christie administration, at least for the time being, raising doubts as to whether a bill, if ever passed, would have a chance of being signed by Gov. Chris Christie. (Mooney/NJSpotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/05/28/fate-uncertain-for-bills-aimed-at-slowing-down-switch-to-new-state-testing/

Posted on May 29, 2014May 29, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Garage ,Estate ,Yard and Moving Sales

Garage ,Estate ,Yard and Moving Sales

All contents of Ridgewood home for sale (ridgewood village)

Thursday 2014-05-29

Marcrest Stoneware, furniture from end tables, lamps to Thomasville dining room set, art, glassware clocks, vintage oak desk, 1885 sweet writing desk, vintage shoes, silk scarves, toys, dolls, new stuffed animals and more.
Simple send phone number and I will call back ASAP FOR APPOINTMENT TO COME THROUGH anytime or come through. I am available most hours – 965 Barnes Drive Ridgewood. email [email protected]

“RED BARN” Moving Sale 5/29 & 5/30 from 9-3 (RIDGEWOOD)

Dates
Thursday 2014-05-29
Friday 2014-05-30

220 Union Street, Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
Thursday 5/29 & Friday 5/30 from 9-3

Items include: Wicker headboard, mattress, clothes/fur/bags, mirrors, lamps, assorted bedroom sets/bureaus/dressers, framed art, AC, desks, office chairs, books/Dvds, stereo system, Cherry Dining room set, Hutch, HOUSLEHOLD, decorative items, storage shelving, Charbroil B-bcue, outdoor pieces, and so much more. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .
TO VIEW PICTURES: https://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AYuW7Nu5aMWO5

Garage Sale May 31

loads of vintage collectibles and household items 9 Hampton court township washington 9-4 absolutely no early birds

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