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Former Yankee WILLIE RANDOLPH will be appearing at Bookends Tonight 7pm

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Former Yankee WILLIE RANDOLPH will be appearing at Bookends in Ridgewood 
Tonight , May 15th @ 7:00pm

Bookends is a legendary New Jersey Landmark! We are known for our incredible author events and have hosted well over 1,000 authors in the past 15 years!

All books MUST be purchased from BOOKENDS for any of our events and a valid Bookends receipt must be presented for entry.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726

Missed one of our events? We have Signed Books from some of our recent signings. Call the store to order 201-445-0726.

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Ridgewood Police: Part Time Village Parking Enforcement

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Ridgewood Police: Part Time Village Parking Enforcement 

P/T Parking Enforcement Officer for Ridgewood Police Dept., NJ. P/T position, up to 20 hours per week starting at $16.98/hr. Applications are available at the Police Dept. Send resume, cover letter and application to Police Chief John Ward, Ridgewood Police Dept, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 by May 19, 2014. The Village of Ridgewood is an EOE and civil service community. All hiring is provisional and subject to Civil Service and residency requirements.

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The story behind the Godwin bust in Ridgewood

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The story behind the Godwin bust in Ridgewood

MAY 15, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY JEFFREY PAGE
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
THE RECORD

Who was Lee of Fort Lee, Votee of Votee Park and Merritt of Camp Merritt? The Name-Dropper gives you the lowdown on some of the people whose names you see on public statues, memorial plaques, park signs, highways and even some local streets around North Jersey.

Have suggestions? Email them to [email protected] and put Name-Dropper in the subject field.

Among the youngest patriots in Revolutionary America were the Godwin brothers: Abraham, 13, a fifer, and David, 11, a drummer. In the fateful year of 1776, with their mother’s permission, they traveled to New York to enlist. They arrived about four months after the Colonies declared their independence from Britain and its king.

Their older brother Henry, a captain and company commander in a New York regiment, was stationed upstate at Fishkill, N.Y., overlooking the Hudson. The boys traveled north to be with him. For the next five years, Abraham would find himself at several of the places and events that changed history forever.

He was at the early Battle of White Plains late in 1776 and retreated with George Washington and his beaten army when all looked grim. He was also with Henry’s regiment, known as the Fifth of the Line, when it was ordered to Fort Montgomery, near Bear Mountain, to lay a chain across the river and thus prevent the easy movement of British troops and supplies.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/young-patriot-fondly-remembered-1.1016876#sthash.RCmvVWCX.dpuf

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Fishing: Fly-casting made easy, and not just for the guys

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Fishing: Fly-casting made easy, and not just for the guys

MAY 15, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY MARK CZERWINSKI
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

Several readers stopped by to chat at the Bergen County baseball tournament last weekend, sharing stories of fish they’ve caught this spring and asking for some tips on potential spots they can try in upcoming weeks.

A couple of young anglers were telling me about the trout they caught — and the ones that got away — at Barbour’s Pond in Passaic County, and showed off some great pictures. They also said they wish they could learn how to fly-fish because it looks like a lot of fun.

Well guys, don’t fret. It just so happens that there’s a perfect solution.

The Joan Wulff Fly Fishers are hosting a free fly-casting clinic 6:30 p.m. until dusk on June 5 at the Ridgewood Duck Pond on East Ridgewood Avenue. If you’re looking to learn about the finer points of the sport, you couldn’t find a better starting place.

All equipment will be provided, but you can bring your own. There will be specific lessons targeted for novice to experienced fly-caster.

The group encourages women to attend, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is requested, and you can do so by contacting [email protected].

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/recreation/fly-fishing-made-easy-for-men-and-women-1.1016864#sthash.wk0P2hlr.dpuf

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Seeking Residents to Volunteer Deadline for submissions is May 16, 2014

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Seeking Residents to Volunteer Deadline for submissions is May 16, 2014.

TO SERVE ON THE COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD, PLANNING BOARD, ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, RIDGEWOOD ARTS COUNCIL, AND RIDGEWOOD SHADE TREE COMMISSION.

The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the Community Center Advisory Board, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Financial Advisory Committee, the Ridgewood Arts Council, and The Shade Tree Commission.

The Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. Membership includes: Senior Citizen residents; adult residents with children in the school system; and adult residents with no children in the school system.

The Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivision applications; prepares, adopts, and amends the Master Plan; makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding amendments to developmental regulations and the official map.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.

The Financial Advisory Committee assists in the review and understanding of the financial considerations necessary to the operation of the Village and the Village’s preparation of the Annual and Capital Budgets; provides review, advice and recommendations to the Village Council on Village financial and budgetary matters; and prepares an annual report for the Village Council to assist the Councilmembers in their budget preparation. Members will preferably have strong finance, accounting, government and/or business backgrounds.

The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.

The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.

All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:

Heather Mailander, Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451

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Follow Up the threat that was posted on Yik Yak late last night against Ridgewood High School

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file photo Boyd Loving

Follow Up the threat that was posted on Yik Yak late last night against Ridgewood High School

May 14, 2014 
 
Dear Ridgewood Parent or Guardian, 
 
As a follow-up to my earlier emails concerning the Yik Yak app, the threat that was posted on Yik Yak late last night against Ridgewood High School has been thoroughly investigated and  deemed not credible by the Ridgewood Police DepartmentThis incident was treated as a serious threat that required professional police involvement at the local, state and federal levels. It also included the cooperation of Yik Yak officials, who worked with these agencies to determine the I.P. address and the GPS location of the person who posted the threat. I have been informed by the Ridgewood Police that they have taken into custody this person.
 
There is no doubt that apps will continue to cause problems for schools and parents. However, despite these challenges, technology is an overall positive enhancement to our lives that is here to stay. As parents and educators we need to keep our lines of communication open and work together to teach our children what is appropriate and what is not. We are committed to making sure that our students understand the serious impact of the misuse of technology on individuals and our community.
 
In closing, I would like to thank the Ridgewood Police Department for their immediate response and hard work mobilizing state and federal authorities through the night and into today. I want to also thank the RHS administration and staff for their professionalism, excellent communication skills and coordination with officials through the night to ensure that the high school had significant police presence in place for this morning’s opening. Administrators, agencies and officials acted swiftly and tirelessly to assure that our building was secure.
 
I speak for all district administrators and the Board of Education on this very important topic of student and staff safety. Please be assured that safety is our number one priority and that any and all threats will continue to be taken very seriously.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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Yik Yak is just the latest we may be able to limit it use or get rid of it altogether but there will be another one just like it along 5 minutes later

Yik-Yak

Yik Yak is just the latest we may be able to limit it use or get rid of it altogether but there will be another one just like it along 5 minutes later

Unfortunately Yik Yak is just the latest mole to whack. We may be able to limit it use or get rid of it altogether but there will be another one just like it along 5 minutes later. Maybe as parents we should step up and teach our kids about respect, responsibility and self confidence instead of focusing our fear and rage at this and other social media outlets.

I installed Yik Yak a couple weeks ago to see what it was about and 99% of the posts are pure sophomoric drivel. Hopefully this should dilute some of the sting associated with the other 1% assuming it’s at all dangerous or hurtful. Comments like “Jimmy is a poopy head” should raise as much concern for our kids collective intelligence level as anything else.

A notice went out that some kid posted something about shooting up a school and the police didn’t seem to give it any credence whatsoever. After reading a couple of days worth of posts myself I have to say that I’m not very concerned either.

I don’t disagree with the doctor here in that the Ap, like any social media outlet, has the potential to be used as a vehicle for hate and bullying. I also agree that social media in general has begun to replace real human interaction and conversation with horrible consequences.

As parents it’s our job to teach our kids about responsible, moderate use of social media since it’s probably here to stay. As for Yik Yak, my message to my kids is why would you want to associate with the morons that post on it in the first place?

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Anonymous threat made to Ridgewod High school.

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Anonymous threat made to Ridgewod High school.

We would like to reassure our parents and the community that there is no current threat to the safety of our children related to the Board of Eduction alert earlier this morning.

Upon receiving the information late last night from an alert parent, the board of education under the direction of Dr. Fishbein and the Ridgewood Police Department took immediate actions to ensure the safety of our children, conduct an extensive investigation into the matter and locate the source of the internet posting. As this is an ongoing investigation we are only able to confirm that the poster has been identified and we are proceeding with a joint investigation between the school and police department.

We would like to make clear that the Village takes any potiental threat to the safety of our children very seriously and will employ all resources to ensure their safety.

We do our best to provide timely and accurate information to the public without causing undo alarm.

Finally we would like to thank the various local, county, state and federal agencies who have and continue to provide assistance with this investigation as well as our parents for their vigilance and support.

Thank you

Chief John M. Ward

Dr. Daniel Fishbein

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Ridgewood teen charged in anonymous threat against high school

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Ridgewood teen charged in anonymous threat against high school

MAY 14, 2014, 2:19 PM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014, 6:31 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — A 17-year-old village teen has been arrested for making an unspecified, anonymous threat against the high school, authorities said.

In an email sent home to parents on Wednesday, Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein said the threat, made Tuesday evening through a Smartphone app known as Yik Yak, was eventually “deemed not credible” and that the person responsible was in police custody.

The teen has been charged with third degree terroristic threats, said Capt. Jacqueline Luthcke. He has been released.

According to a village official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the teen had threatened to bring a gun to the high school.

After being notified of the threat by a parent on Tuesday, school officials issued an alert and said that there would be a higher police presence at the school on Wednesday to “ensure the safety of our children.” An investigation by school officials and police led to the source of the threat, made on the popular Smartphone app that lets users post comments anonymously.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-teen-charged-in-anonymous-threat-against-high-school-1.1015804#sthash.h2IKXrq6.dpuf

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Judicial Watch Obtains New Documents Showing IRS Targeting Came Directly From Washington D.C.

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Judicial Watch Obtains New Documents Showing IRS Targeting Came Directly From Washington D.C.

Katie Pavlich | May 14, 2014

New documents obtained and released through a Judicial Watch lawsuit show the targeting of tea party and conservative groups came directly out of Washington D.C., not a rogue IRS office in Cincinnati.

On July 6, 2012, former Director of the IRS Rulings and Agreements Division and current Manager of Exempt Organizations Guidance Holly Paz sent an email to IRS Attorney Steven Grodnitzky asking for an explanation of how tea party group applications were being handled. Grodnitzky responded by confirming the cases were being handled in Washington.

“EOT is working the Tea party applications in coordination with Cincy. We are developing a few applications here in DC and providing copies of our development letters with the agent to use as examples in the development of their cases. Chip Hull [another lawyer in IRS headquarters] is working these cases in EOT and working with the agent in Cincy, so any communication should include him as well. Because the Tea party applications are the subject of an SCR [Sensitive Case Report], we cannot resolve any of the cases without coordinating with Rob,” Grodnitzky wrote.

When the IRS targeting scandal broke last year, officials in Washington immediately pinned the blame on the Cincinnati office. This documentation proves not only that direction was coming out of Washington, but that Washington instructed Cincinnati about how to handle tea party applications.

A new email from Lois Lerner also details how BOLO lists (be on the look out) were specifically created for tea party groups or groups with issues related to government spending, debt, taxes and “how the country is being run.”

“Because the BOLO only contained a brief reference to “Organizations involved with the Tea Party movement applying for exemption under 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)” in June 2011, the EO Determinations manager asked the manager of the screening group, John Shafer [IRS Cincinnati field office manager], what criteria were being used to label cases as “tea party ” cases. (“Do the applications specify/state ‘ tea party’? If not, how do we know applicant is involved with the tea party movement?”) The screening group manager asked his employees how they were applying the BOLO’s short –hand reference to “tea party.” His employees responded that they were including organizations meeting any of the following criteria as falling within the BOLO’s reference to “tea party” organizations: “1. ‘Tea Party’, ‘Patriots’ or ‘9/12 Project’ is referenced in the case file. 2. Issues include government spending, government debt and taxes. 3. Educate the public through advocacy/legislative activities to make America a better place to live. 4. Statements in the case file that are critical of the how the country is being run. . . ” Lerner wrote on April 2, 2013. “So, we believe we have provided information that shows that no one in EO “developed” the criteria. Rather, staff used their own interpretations of the brief reference to “organizations involved with the Tea Party movement,” which was what was on the BOLO list.”

Judicial Watch also found the IRS put red and orange alert symbols on tea party issues for heightened awareness. Here are two slides from a “Heightened Awareness Presentation” used at the IRS.

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2014/05/14/new-documents-show-irs-targeting-came-directly-from-washington-dc-n1838128

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Report: 36K criminals freed while awaiting deportation

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Report: 36K criminals freed while awaiting deportation
BySTEPHANIE SLIFERCBS NEWSMay 13, 2014, 12:45 PM

NEW YORK – The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released 36,007 convicted criminal aliens last year who were awaiting the outcome of deportation proceedings, according to a report issued Monday by the Center for Immigration Studies.

The group of released criminals includes those convicted of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to the report, which cites a document prepared by the ICE.

A majority of the releases were not required by law and were discretionary, the organization says.

According to the report, the 36,007 individuals released represented nearly 88,000 convictions, including:

193 homicide convictions
426 sexual assault convictions
303 kidnapping convictions
1,075 aggravated assault convictions
1,160 stolen vehicle convictions
9,187 dangerous drug convictions
16,070 drunk or drugged driving convictions
303 flight escape convictions

In a statement which accompanied the findings, Jessica Vaughan, the director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, called the number of criminal aliens released “shocking.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-36k-criminals-freed-while-awaiting-deportation/

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GOP candidates seeking Senate nomination speak to Bergen Republicans

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GOP candidates seeking Senate nomination speak to Bergen Republicans

MAY 13, 2014, 10:35 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014, 11:06 PM
BY MICHAEL PHILLIS
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD

All four Republican candidates vying to be their party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate introduced themselves and answered questions before the Bergen County Republican Organization on Tuesday evening.

Whoever becomes the Republican nominee will face off against Democratic incumbent Cory Booker, who gained the late Frank Lautenberg’s seat in a special election  last year. Booker  won by double digits and has access to funding at the national party level.

Before about 60 people, candidates emphasized different points, but the general focus was on the economy. Each candidate was given five minutes to introduce themselves to the audience before a short question-and-answer session.

Ideas ranged from downsizing the federal government to strengthening the military and creating jobs. The target wasn’t on each other but focused on Booker.

“What is Cory Booker’s program for economic growth?” asked one of the candidates, Jeff Bell. “I do have an answer. His program is the same as President Obama’s for economic growth: nothing.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/gop-candidates-seeking-senate-nomination-speak-to-bergen-republicans-1.1015242#sthash.85QnAls4.dpuf

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Old horse barn in Ridgewood has ‘the right feel’

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Old horse barn in Ridgewood has ‘the right feel’

MAY 12, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014, 6:08 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

Representatives from two architecture firms sang similar praises for the cosmetic appearance of a former horse barn in Ridgewood. Now the Village Council is hoping that one of the companies will determine whether that structure, located at the Irene Habernickel Family Park, can be repaired and repurposed for use by recreation officials as well as the general public.

The horse barn project is the next phase of the village’s multi-step plan to convert the entire 10-acre property on Hillcrest Road, which Ridgewood purchased from the Habernickel family in 2004, into a public facility. Over the years, county and state grants helped fund the installation of playing fields, a parking lot and passive recreation areas at the site.

With the public’s increasing use of the land, Ridgewood safety and recreation department supervisors have said the park lacks certain amenities, but those accommodations could potentially be housed in a renovated horse barn. Officials said the building, which has weathered over time, could be restored to include adequate shelter from rain and lightning as well as provide space for restroom facilities.

At a council meeting last month, two separate architects briefly outlined their proposals for work on the barn. The architects recently responded to the village’s request for proposals and were identified by engineering and recreation officials as the viable bidders.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/old-horse-barn-in-ridgewood-has-the-right-feel-1.1014606#sthash.jdXOyHGo.dpuf

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Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital Adopt-A-Pet Day, Sunday, May 18th

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Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital Adopt-A-Pet Day, Fun for the Whole Family!  Join us this Sunday, May 18th from 11am-4pm! 

On Sunday, May 18th, from 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital will be holding its 8th Adopt-A-Pet Day at 320 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. 

Normally held in September, the events have been so successful in finding homes for pets, Dr. Dean J. Cerf, Hospital Director, now holds the event twice a year. Dr. Cerf says, “There is nothing like experiencing the joy of a pet’s unconditional love, and we hope to help as many pets as possible get a second chance to share that love.” The hospital opens its doors and parking lot to over 30 shelters and rescue groups, who will bring dogs, cats, birds, and exotics for adoption.
The entire staff of the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital is passionate about this cause and volunteers hours before and during the event to make it run smoothly. At the last event, over 1000 people attended and more than 300 animals were placed with loving families. Keith Harris, Hospital Administrator, says, “Our slogan is ‘Open your heart and home to a friend for life,’ and we invite people to help us adopt more pets at this event than ever before.”
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Moody’s downgrades New Jersey credit rating

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Moody’s downgrades New Jersey credit rating

MAY 13, 2014, 8:45 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014, 8:46 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD

For the third time this year a major Wall Street ratings agency has lowered New Jersey’s credit rating, citing revenue shortfalls and other budget problems.

Moody’s Investors Service announced Tuesday that it was downgrading the state’s credit rating by one step because of New Jersey’s “weakened financial position resulting from recurring revenue shortfalls and ongoing reliance on non-recurring resources.”

Last month, the state Department of Treasury made public an $807 million budget shortfall and said it was largely due to income tax collections falling short of the estimates used to support state spending. The gap between what officials expected to collect in taxes and what people actually paid is the latest in a series that Governor Christie has had to deal with since taking office in early 2010.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/moody-s-downgrades-new-jersey-credit-rating-1.1015225#sthash.Zvl9HiI4.dpuf