Obamacare Call Center Will Not Offer Healthcare Benefits to Employees
By Eliana Johnson
July 26, 2013 6:27 PM
In order to ensure Americans understand how to access the benefits available to them when many provisions of the Affordable Care Act go online October 1, the Obama administration announced last month that it is setting up a call center that will be accessible to Americans 24 hours a day.
One branch of that call center will be located in California’s Contra Costa County, where, reportedly, 7,000 people applied for the 204 jobs. According to the Contra Costa Times, however, “about half the jobs are part-time, with no health benefits — a stinging disappointment to workers and local politicians who believed the positions would be full-time.” The county supervisor, Karen Mitchoff, called the hiring process “a comedy of errors” and said she “never dreamed [the jobs] would be part-time.”
Crackdown on toll cheats heats up
(Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger)
By Star-Ledger Staff
on July 24, 2013 at 9:54 PM, updated July 25, 2013 at 3:00 AM
A pilot program to suspend vehicle registrations of toll violators has been made permanent, the Asbury Park Press is reporting.
The program, which targeted motorists who owe more than $1,000 in tolls from driving on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, has been in effect since April of last year.
Vehicle registrations for 300 violators have been suspended since then and drivers have paid or agreed to pay $650,000 in tolls and fines, the newspaper reported.
Sandy babies flood local hospitals
Posted: Thursday, July 25, 2013 6:45 am | Updated: 3:28 pm, Thu Jul 25, 2013.
By Peg Quann Staff writer
Bonnie Prince George isn’t the only newborn in the news these days.
Sandy’s babies are arriving.
They’re filling hospitals along the Jersey coast, nine months after the superstorm struck last fall.
Those candlelit nights in late October and November, when many couples found themselves without lights or television, have led to a bumper crop of births now at some area hospitals, particularly in areas hit hard by the storm.
“We have seen an increase about 25 percent over what we expected, and some mothers have said their babies were conceived during Superstorm Sandy or during the power and cable outages afterwards,” said Jennifer Tornetta, a spokeswoman for AtlantiCare, the health system that oversees AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s two campuses in Atlantic City and Galloway, Atlantic County.
Maternity wards at hospitals in Monmouth and Ocean counties apparently are bulging. The Asbury Park Press reported that Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch had a 34 percent increase in births, and there was a 20 percent increase at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Brick over last year.
TRENTON – An audit released Wednesday of the Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus recommended ways to reduce delinquent accounts that as of April 30, 2012 totaled $1.3 million. State Street Wire
Restaurant review: Wasabi in Ridgewood
Friday July 26, 2013, 7:12 AM
BY BOB PROBERT
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
The Record
As a kid growing up in Ridgewood, I would never have imagined that Lyon’s Stationery, my favorite corner store and junk food purveyor, would one day be a fine Japanese restaurant and that I’d have the opportunity to review it. Lyon’s is long gone, the space seeing a parade of tenants until head chef and owner Kazuhiko Takahashi opened Wasabi in 2000.
After graduating from high school in Japan, Takahashi entered the merchant marine, but when budget cuts led to layoffs, he found work at a local restaurant. He received no formal culinary education and says that all of his training has been hands-on. Arriving in the U.S. in 1985, he went to work at East Japanese Restaurant in Manhattan before striking out on his own — and we’re fortunate that he did.
Wine Seller of Ridgewood : Pink! It’s the new black.
There’s no getting around it, pink is in. Dry rosé from the south of France is showing up all over the south of Long Island. So don’t be left out – pick up some rosé on your way “down the shore” or to the Hamptons and get in the pink! Our two featured rosé’s each scored 90 points from The Wine Advocate.
Stop in for a free taste before heading to the beach.
This Friday and Saturday from 2PM until 8PM.
Commanderie de la Bargemone, 2012 Rosé, Coteaux d’Aixen-Provence, France
Regularly $18.99, Now On Sale $14.99
“One of my go to Provencal rosés, the 2012 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aixen-Provence Rosé is another beauty. Very pale in color, it nevertheless has loads of flavor, with plenty of melon, orange peel and floral aromas to go with a medium-bodied, racy palate that has both richness and freshness. Buy this beauty by the case and enjoy bottles over the coming year or so.” The Wine Advocate, 90 points.
Villa des Anges, 2012 Old Vines Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc, France
Regularly $13.99, Now On Sale $10.99
“Sporting a light salmon/pink color, the 2012 Villa des Anges Vin de Pays d’Oc Old Vines Rosé is a classic Provencal rosé that has fresh, crisp aromas of orange peel, wild strawberry and mineral water to go with juicy, lively palate. Perfect for a hot summer day and leaning heavily towards the lighter weight style, it is a rock solid bottle of wine meant for enjoying over the coming 6-12 months.” The Wine Advocate, 90 Points.
The Wine Seller, Quality Hand-Picked Wines From A Trusted Source.
Great Wines, Great Discounts. Why Shop Anywhere Else?
Sale ends August 3rd, 2013 or while supplies last.
Wine Seller of Ridgewood NJ
6 West Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Mon – Thu: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 9:30 am – 10:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Resolution Honoring Angelo DeSimone The Board approved a resolution
recognizing the newly retired Business Administrator’s eight-year tenure in Ridgewood.
School Self-Assessment For Determining Grades Under The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and Opportunity The Board is required by the state to undergo a self-assessment of the HIB process at each school, which has been done. The information has been submitted to the state, which will provide an assessment of each school’s safety team.
The Board approved additional 2012-13 salary to Dr. Daniel Fishbein, Superintendent of Schools, in the amount of $4,637.44 (2% of $231,872) in accordance with the superintendent’s 2008-2012 employment contract , which provides for additional annual salary not to exceed 2% of the Superintendent’s then current salary based upon the Superintendent’s annual performance evaluation for the school year and the determination that the Board’s annual goals have been met. The amount will be made payable to the superintendent in a single payment on or before July 31, 2013.
The Board approved the continuation of the contract with Stronge & Associates Educational Consulting, LLC to provide the district’s performance evaluation system for teachers, educational specialists, principals and superintendents for use with a web-based online educator observation and appraisal management system, at the annual fee of
$13,296
The Board approved an addendum to the agreement between Source4Teachers and the Ridgewood Public Schools, covering substitute teacher and substitute aide staffing services. This agreement was originally approved at the June 10, 2013 Board meeting.
The Board approved the employment contracts for district administrators Regina Lemerich Botsford, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment,and for Gary Hall, Manager of Human Resources, each effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
PSE&G asked to address Ridgewood Council about concerns over utility poles
Thursday July 25, 2013, 4:04 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
PSE&G officials are scheduled to meet in a public forum with Ridgewood residents next Wednesday, and are also being asked to publicly address the concerns surrounding the company’s 65-foot tall utility poles at a Village Council meeting next month.
In a letter sent to David Hollenbeck, the utility firm’s regional public affairs manager, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn asked that Hollenbeck or another company representative participate in the Aug. 7 public work session and answer questions brought up by the village staff and residents.
Aronsohn also requested that PSE&G continue its moratorium on the installation of the utility poles, even after next week’s public forum.
Reader challenges Ridgewood News will print the original letter next to the “fact checked” letter so all its readers can judge for themselves
Paul Aronsohn hasn’t a leg to stand on and neither does The Ridgewood News. It’s not a hedge, it’s called Cover Your Ass. “to the extent that any individual or entity has impliedly suggested or explicitly stated that The Ridgewood News succumbed to any pressure from the Mayor or any other public or private figure with respect to publication of the resident’s letter,, NJMG unequivocally denies the accusation”…except that they did.
Let’s see if that vaunted publication will print the original letter next to the “fact checked” letter so all its readers can judge for themselves as to the heinous “discrepancy between the letter writer’s statement regarding the village attorney’s advice and what the village attorney’s actual advice was with respect to handling matters in open or closed session.”
To wit, Mr. Thompson, if there is a “discrepancy” its taken up in the following issue. Paul Aronsohn and everyone involved with this spectacle should be ashamed of their sophomoric, bullying behavior.
Return of Graydon accessibility device makes no sense
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Ridgewood News
Return of Graydon accessibility device makes no sense
To the editor:
After beating the drum of accessibility for years, Mayor Paul Aronsohn made no objection to Parks & Recreation Department Director Tim Cronin’s decision to spurn the Mobi-Chair.
Graydon’s sole enhancement to accessibility for the disabled was returned to the manufacturer on July 17 after a month long free trial (“Village returns Mobi-Chair after trial at Graydon Pool”; The Ridgewood News; July 19, page A5). Did the chair threaten the 90-foot concrete ramp desired by the mayor?
The Mobi-Chair, used enthusiastically at beaches and other swimming areas worldwide by disabled persons of all ages, drew few users during its trial here. This was seen as proof of failure. Might one reason for the low response be that Parks & Rec never publicized the chair’s presence with a sign, press release, announcement or photo on the village website, or email alert to Graydon badge holders? Might another reason be that Access for All Committee members were discouraged from trying the chair by the mayor, their purported advocate?
Mr. Cronin’s arguments against the Mobi-Chair could be remedied. Not for children? “Our” chair, once returned, was shipped to a camp for disabled children in Massachusetts. No access into the water? Easily effected with a small ramp of sand — natural, available, noninvasive, impermanent, permeable to water. Too simple, no cost, no builder’s contract, no monument to greatness.
Introducing accessibility demands creative rethinking and adjustment; that’s why it’s called “accommodation.” This doesn’t mean a vast concrete expanse over the sand and into the deep end of Graydon would make sense. Even if the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved — it allowed the synthetic turf, after all — the ramp would remain a poor idea.
The Mobi-Chair’s final dip at Graydon was a live demonstration by Mr. Cronin for a couple from Englewood Cliffs. They later purchased a Mobi-Chair from the company to use at the Shore. The husband, who receives therapy at the Kessler Institute, was delighted and said he would sing the chair’s praises there. Still no good?
At least two older people said after the Mobi-Chair’s disappearance that they had hoped to use it soon. But let’s say the near-silence of would-be users truly indicates lack of interest by Ridgewood’s disabled community in swimming at Graydon. Why then build a large, high-priced, less-useful structure that would pose a safety hazard, block the spillway, detract from swimmers’ pleasure, redefine a natural site, involve endless maintenance problems, be far too long for the unsteady of foot, further pave a severe flood area, and sit there 24/7/52 — no return possible?
Village government and staff have behaved shamefully and hypocritically in failing to embrace a high-quality, modestly priced device — at a discount, with a free aluminum sign — that would temporarily have satisfied Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines while representing an important first step toward accessibility at our municipal bathing beach.
Return of Graydon accessibility device makes no sense
To the editor:
After beating the drum of accessibility for years, Mayor Paul Aronsohn made no objection to Parks & Recreation Department Director Tim Cronin’s decision to spurn the Mobi-Chair.
Graydon’s sole enhancement to accessibility for the disabled was returned to the manufacturer on July 17 after a month long free trial (“Village returns Mobi-Chair after trial at Graydon Pool”; The Ridgewood News; July 19, page A5). Did the chair threaten the 90-foot concrete ramp desired by the mayor?
The Mobi-Chair, used enthusiastically at beaches and other swimming areas worldwide by disabled persons of all ages, drew few users during its trial here. This was seen as proof of failure. Might one reason for the low response be that Parks & Rec never publicized the chair’s presence with a sign, press release, announcement or photo on the village website, or email alert to Graydon badge holders? Might another reason be that Access for All Committee members were discouraged from trying the chair by the mayor, their purported advocate?
Mr. Cronin’s arguments against the Mobi-Chair could be remedied. Not for children? “Our” chair, once returned, was shipped to a camp for disabled children in Massachusetts. No access into the water? Easily effected with a small ramp of sand — natural, available, noninvasive, impermanent, permeable to water. Too simple, no cost, no builder’s contract, no monument to greatness.
Introducing accessibility demands creative rethinking and adjustment; that’s why it’s called “accommodation.” This doesn’t mean a vast concrete expanse over the sand and into the deep end of Graydon would make sense. Even if the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved — it allowed the synthetic turf, after all — the ramp would remain a poor idea.
The Mobi-Chair’s final dip at Graydon was a live demonstration by Mr. Cronin for a couple from Englewood Cliffs. They later purchased a Mobi-Chair from the company to use at the Shore. The husband, who receives therapy at the Kessler Institute, was delighted and said he would sing the chair’s praises there. Still no good?
At least two older people said after the Mobi-Chair’s disappearance that they had hoped to use it soon. But let’s say the near-silence of would-be users truly indicates lack of interest by Ridgewood’s disabled community in swimming at Graydon. Why then build a large, high-priced, less-useful structure that would pose a safety hazard, block the spillway, detract from swimmers’ pleasure, redefine a natural site, involve endless maintenance problems, be far too long for the unsteady of foot, further pave a severe flood area, and sit there 24/7/52 — no return possible?
Village government and staff have behaved shamefully and hypocritically in failing to embrace a high-quality, modestly priced device — at a discount, with a free aluminum sign — that would temporarily have satisfied Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines while representing an important first step toward accessibility at our municipal bathing beach.
Marcia Ringel
Co-chair
The Preserve Graydon Coalition
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/217053721_Letter__Return_of_Graydon_accessibility_device_makes_no_sense.html?page=all#sthash.VxhTW3yB.dpuf
Special meeting on Ridgewood manager’s office scheduled
Thursday July 25, 2013, 4:06 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood’s elected officials will discuss a personnel matter involving the village manager’s office next week.
The Village Council has scheduled a closed session on Tuesday, July 30, before it opens a special public meeting to discuss “the Village Manager’s Office,” according to the official notice distributed Thursday morning.
The meeting is expected to go into closed session at 6 p.m. in the Sydney V. Stoldt Courtroom.
When reached Thursday, Councilman Tom Riche said he was unable to comment on the upcoming meeting until “the appropriate time,” a notion seconded by Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck.
Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said she learned of next week’s meeting on Wednesday, but previously scheduled commitments will likely prevent her from attending.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn did not speak to the specifics of the special meeting, stating only that the governing body is still working on several details.
Poll: Race relations have plummeted since Obama took office
Public attitudes about race relations have plummeted since the historic election of President Barack Obama, according to a new poll from NBC News and the Wall Street Journal.
Only 52 percent of whites and 38 percent of blacks have a favorable opinion of race relations in the country, according to the poll, which has tracked race relations since 1994 and was conducted in mid-July by Hart Research Associations and Public Opinion Strategies.
That’s a sharp drop from the beginning of Obama’s first term, when 79 percent of whites and 63 percent of blacks held a favorable view of American race relations.
Feds tell Web firms to turn over user account passwords
Secret demands mark escalation in Internet surveillance by the federal government through gaining access to user passwords, which are typically stored in encrypted form.
by Declan McCullagh
July 25, 2013 11:26 AM PDT
The U.S. government has demanded that major Internet companies divulge users’ stored passwords, according to two industry sources familiar with these orders, which represent an escalation in surveillance techniques that has not previously been disclosed.
If the government is able to determine a person’s password, which is typically stored in encrypted form, the credential could be used to log in to an account to peruse confidential correspondence or even impersonate the user. Obtaining it also would aid in deciphering encrypted devices in situations where passwords are reused.
“I’ve certainly seen them ask for passwords,” said one Internet industry source who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We push back.”
file photo of PJ Blogger reading the Ridgewood News
Follow Up Re: The Ridgewood News Letter to the Editor
James J. Foytlin
The Ridgewood Blog
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Dear Mr. Foytlin:
I am writing as a follow up to North Jersey Media Group’s (NJMG) June 28, 2013 letter posted on The Ridgewood Blog in response to several comments left by blog readers concerning a letter submitted by a resident for publication in the Letters to the Editor section of The Ridgewood News. It is kindly requested that you post this letter on the blog as well.
It is my understanding that some were disappointed with NJMG’s June 28, 2013 letter because it was not as forthcoming with details as those interested in this matter would have liked. However, as you likely know, New Jersey has a very strong shield law that is designed to safeguard the newsgathering process and allow our reporters to do their job to the fullest ability. Information obtained by reporters in the course of their professional activities, including discussions with their sources, is privileged. NJMG must be cautious with the information it discloses so as not to unintentionally waive this most important safeguard.
NJMG recognizes that some will likely decry this explanation as a way to simply dodge the underlying issues. However, such complaints are shortsighted. The shield law is designed to protect the free flow of information to the press. If the information obtained and the sources consulted in connection with news articles and editorials, such as letters to the editor, are subject to disclosure at the demand of the public, then the willingness to provide information to reporters will quickly evaporate and have a detrimental effect on the amount and quality of information available to the public at large.
However, in light of the fact that Mayor Aronsohn has already identified himself as having contacted The Ridgewood News and without waiving the right to any otherwise privileged information, NJMG would like to state the following:
· The Ridgewood News was never asked by the Mayor or anyone else in person or by any other means to withdraw, hold, pull or not to publish the resident’s letter;
· As he himself stated, Mayor Aronsohn contacted The Ridgewood News after a June council meeting to confirm what had already been discussed openly during that public meeting covered by our reporter; to wit, that there was a discrepancy between the letter writer’s statement regarding the village attorney’s advice and what the village attorney’s actual advice was with respect to handling matters in open or closed session.
The Ridgewood News was obligated to hold the resident’s letter until the facts could be confirmed. While The Ridgewood News does not fact check every letter to the editor, the newspaper would have been remiss by publishing information that it actually knew was not entirely accurate. Indeed, our courts have held news media liable for publishing letters to the editor that contain inaccurate statements.
As a further point of clarification, the resident was never advised that the letter would be printed in The Ridgewood News in the days immediately following the submission. Rather, newspaper staff contacted the resident for the purpose of confirming the authorship of the submission. The decision to print any news or opinion letters in The Ridgewood News rests in the sole discretion of NJMG and is further subject to space limitations in the newspaper.
In accordance with the privilege afforded The Ridgewood News under the shield law to safeguard its newsgathering activities and editorial process, NJMG is unable to make its editorial staff available for further inquiry, including personal meetings, to discuss this matter.
Finally, to the extent that any individual or entity has impliedly suggested or explicitly stated that The Ridgewood News succumbed to any pressure from the Mayor or any other public or private figure with respect to publication of the resident’s letter, NJMG unequivocally denies the accusation and the actual facts support that position.
We appreciate the community’s interest in our reporting and for bringing these concerns to The Ridgewood News’ attention.
Sincerely,
ROBERT D. THOMPSON
—————————————————–
Robert D. Thompson, Esq.
Corporate Attorney
North Jersey Media Group Inc.
1 Garret Mountain Plaza
P.O. Box 471
Woodland Park, NJ 07424
T: (973) 569-7685
F: (973) 569-7268
‘Real Housewives of N.J.’ cast members set for September court date in Ridgewood fracas
Wednesday July 24, 2013, 6:13 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
RIDGEWOOD — Three cast members from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” are scheduled to appear before a judge in September to face assault and terroristic threat charges.
Court officials confirmed Wednesday that the criminal cases against “Housewives” star Jacqueline Laurita of Franklin Lakes; her husband, Christopher; and Joe Gorga of Montville would proceed in Ridgewood’s Municipal Court on Sept. 5, starting at 4:30 p.m.
The charges — stemming from a fracas at the grand opening of a salon in Ridgewood — had been referred in April to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for grand jury consideration. But two weeks ago, the matter was returned to Ridgewood for resolution.
Also due in court Sept. 5 is John Karagiorgis of Paramus, who is charged with assault and making terroristic threats as well as three counts of harassment.
