Category: Village of Ridgewood

>Town hall fan calls NJ governor Chris Christie ’hot and sexy’
Last Updated: 2:54 PM, March 9, 2011

HOPATCONG, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has received an unusually warm reception at his latest town hall meeting — warm enough to make him blush.

During Wednesday’s event at a church hall in Hopatcong in Sussex County, Debra Nicholson from Sparta prefaced a question about affordable housing laws by telling Christie he was “hot and sexy.”

https://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/town_hall_fan_calls_sexy_governor_tbH4EBab1PGiENlb7XMldO

>Light Gate : The Battle goes on

Wow, nice attempt at stirring things up. It might work better if you had some facts straight. “Under the table aggreements” for field lighting and improvements to Village and BOE properties” and “Side deals with the BOE appear to have been struck without the consent of the Village Council or parents” are at best stretches of the truth and pretty much out right mis-information but facts have never gotten in the way of stirring emotions on this blog. (And by the way since when does the BOE need “the consent” Village Council?)

Did Councilwoman Walsh really use the term; “under the table agreements or is that your inflammatory spin?” If she did I would assume she could be at risk as the agreements and discussions about that agreement are all part of the public record of open meetings of the BOE. This topic has been beaten to a pulp and the facts are that the BOE and the sports groups in open public meetings discussed and came to an agreement to fund the purchase of the lights. The BOE discussed it in open meetings and voted to accept the funds in an open public meeting. For decades sports groups in Ridgewood have paid to upgrade facilities for both BOE and Village. This is not something new.

Over the last few months the Fields Committee which has both a BOE Member and a Village Council Member on the Committee has worked on the new lighting policy. The new policy which the BOE passed on Monday night was tweaked many times to address a lot of the concerns expressed by neighbors, potential users, parents, etc… I don’t know if it is pefect, I don’t know if it is the best policy for everyone but it is a good start and I’m sure future issues will arise and they will have to be dealt with. However, the reality is the lights are going to be on later for 1 hour a few nights a week during very defined periods of time during the year and that doesn’t seem like a big deal to me.

There is a process to this whole thing and a lot of assumptions have been made before the process has even been completed. The lights on Stevens haven’t even been turned on yet. It’s only been six months and PSE&G still doesn’t have the lights at RHS or Stevens connected. Let’s get the lights turned on, correctly aimed, see how the new policy works and if changes have to be made, we’ll make them. But let’s stop the hysteria generation with poorly written, inaccurate postings which do nothing to help solve the issue.

>58% Favor Government Shutdown Until Spending Cuts Are Agreed Upon

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 33% of Likely U.S. Voters would rather have Congress avoid a government shutdown by authorizing spending at the same levels as last year. Fifty-eight percent (58%) says it’s better to have a partial shutdown until Democrats and Republicans can agree on what spending to cut.

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/february_2011/58_favor_government_shutdown_until_spending_cuts_are_agreed_upon

>Affordable housing reform: The controversy continues

The quest for affordable housing reform in New Jersey should begin anew next week with the introduction of yet another bill aimed at reforming the current system of requiring New Jersey municipalities to set aside development that is deemed “affordable” for the state’s low- and moderate-income families. Senator Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), who recently saw his latest effort to overhaul the system conditionally vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie, plans to restart the discussion by introducing an entirely new bill from the one that’s been haggled over for the past year. (O’Dea, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0225/0029/

>“Taxpayers United” Rally
Friday, February 25 at 12:00 Noon
Statehouse Annex, 125 West State Street in Trenton, NJ

In states like Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Indiana, the union’s political influence is being challenged like never before. Public opinion is turning against them as more and more Americans catch on to the fact that the interests of state workers and public sector unions are the enemy of taxpayers and limited government.There’s a reason the left is sending out their big guns to the protest this Friday – led by none other than AFL-CIO head Richard Trumka.

Private sector workers are outraged when they learn that their taxpayer dollars are being used to provide their public sector counterparts with better salaries and far more generous pensions and benefits.The lavish compensation packages bestowed on state workers are draining the coffers of states across the country, including right here in New Jersey where our state’s pension system has a staggering $173 BILLION liability and is heading full steam toward bankruptcy.

Governors like Scott Walker are now taking a bold stand on behalf of taxpayers, standing up to the unions and demanding that they “pay their fair share” in order to address their state’s fiscal crises.

But the union bosses know that this is a direct threat to their political power. Big government is the life’s blood that fuels the public sector unions and funds the left’s political machine. That’s why they have unleashed the hordes in Wisconsin. And it’s why the CWA and the AFL-CIO will be out in force on Friday in Trenton.

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Sammy Hagar
Tuesday, March 15th @ 1:00pm
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and former lead singer with Van Halen, will sign his new book: Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock.
Books available March 15th

Harlan Coben
Wednesday, March 23rd @ 6:00pm
International Bestselling Author and Ridgewood Resident, will sign his new book: Live Wire.
Books available March 22nd

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

>Acting N.J. education chief to announce plans for sweeping legislative reform of teacher tenure

The state’s top education official today will unveil sweeping legislation that would change the way teachers in New Jersey are evaluated, compensated, and given tenure, said a person familiar with the proposal. (Calefati and Rundquist, The Star-Ledger)

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/nj_education_chief_chris_cerf.html

>”Lights Out” : As citizens, taxpayers and homeowners we have rights too.
Tom Kossoff

Ridgewood NJ- I did not when I wrote the “Lights Out” intend to comment on any response.
have heard some sports advocates say you are lucky we’re not playing until 11:00. As citizens, taxpayers and homeowners we have rights too.

Quality of life and our families health and welfare. I assume you are a family person. What was “Lights Out” in your home when your children were young. Maybe as early as 7:30 then 8:00 and so on. How can you expect all the neighbors around the fields to be disrupted by later night schedules. You imply I don’t want night games. I do but the schedule needs to be adjusted for 9:00 cut-off. The other towns you mention DO NOT have the same dense situation of homes that we have along with little parking.

You are comparing apples and oranges and confusing the issue for many readers. I am for night games here but not “Lights Out” time night games. I invite you to visit our homes when the games begin and I think you will have a much better idea. It’s all about location, location, location. When they chose to put these many lights in this small neighborhood they were not thinking about the effects.

Nice people, good intent but bad decision. That’s all it is.Yes we moved next to a school and
I love it. I did not move next to a municipal sports park open from early morning to late at night. This change of usage to the degree proposed is not right. Not right for the neighbors or for the kind of town Ridgewood has been and should be. This is not about upgrading the facilities. It’s about the civil, legal and common courtesies we want extended to our neighborhood as you would want to yours. Yes, “Play Ball” at night just not when the kids are trying to sleep and because the field is 20 feet away they can’t sleep! Location, location, location. Always feel free to use your name too. Thanks.

>Alliance of the alliance; Latino leader says Dem stranglehold leaves him with no choice

Behind the buzzwords of packing, stacking and bleaching, there are several strategic takeaways from the last two public redistricting hearings in Newark and Jersey City where an urban underground-GOP establishment alliance dominates. (Pizarro, PolitickerNJ)

https://www.politickernj.com/44852/alliance-alliance-latino-leader-says-dem-stranglehold-leaves-him-no-choice

>Abbott v. Burke in Suburbia

From the heart of New Jersey suburbia, Montgomery’s public schools would seem an unlikely Exhibit A in the epic Abbott v. Burke school equity case. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0213/2116/

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“LIGHTS OUT”
Tom Kossoff

Ridgewood NJ-I am Tom Kossoff, one of the neighbors by the fields. I am sure most of you know me by now on this issue. I wanted to say at this point we all must move beyond some of the vitriolic language and side issues. We also should come foward and go to the next BOE meeting of 2/28 and then the Village Council meeting when they discuss the Fields Committee recommendations.

Whatever your viewpoint if you only blog and do it anonymously, and then don’t participate in the open forums, I don’t see the value at this point in the discussion. We are beyond the initial hurling of rumors, insults and innuendos.The major point right now is everyone’s position on “Lights Out” for sporting events. We live in a very dense residential neighborhood where not so much the lights but the noise that is part of any game plus the limited parking will create a disruptive situation for homes adjacent to the fields.

The proposed 10:00 cut-off does not mean everything goes silent or dark at 10:00. Figure 10:30 at least until it’s dark and quiet again. So the question is what is your opinion. Sports is important but so are neighborhoods and more important the children and adults who will have their sleep disrupted by a game.

I have been involved in the sports programs since I moved to Ridgewood almost 20 years ago. I appreciate them for the kids, the adults and the community. BUT I would never be so
bold to say that my little league baseball game should be more important than the lives, health and welfare of the homes next to the field.

Games that go to 10:00 and then beyond in leaving the fields after the game will in my opinion and many others hurt the neighbors. The homes are just too close to the fields and lights. If nothing else in Ridgewood, we should protect sleep time which I think as a community we can say should be no later than 9:00. There are many good people on both sides of the issue. I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2/28 BOE meeting. State your opinion on

“Lights Out” and the quality of life for our neighborhood which in the future may be yours too. There is a Master Plan and what’s decided now for “Lights Out” here will follow into other neighborhoods, maybe yours. It’s important we then do the right thing now regarding the proposed new Fields Committee policy.

>Antonio Starita, World-Famous Pizza Master, to Share Neapolitan Pizza Techniques at A Mano in Ridgewood, NJ

Ridgewood NJ – Ridgewood New Jersey’s authentic Neapolitan trattoria  A Mano, will proudly host celebrated Italian Pizza chef, Antonio Starita, for a viewing of the craftsmanship of pizza.  Taking place on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM by reservation only, maestro Starita will  teach the art of Neapolitan pizza, including dough making and stretching, traditional recipes and expert techniques.  The  cost  of the demonstration is $ 10 per person, which will be credited towards lunch or dinner
immediately following the events, should guests choose to enjoy a meal at A Mano.

Mr. Starita will visit A Mano  for one day only, as he travels back to Italy after competing in the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.  During his appearance at A Mano, Pizzaiuolo Starita will highlight the secrets of perfecting classic Neapolitan pizza and specialty pizza “Vesuvio”, a delicious stu!ed pizza, filled with fresh ricotta, homemade mozzarella, and Neapolitan salami on the inside, topped with mozzarella, Italian ham, mushrooms tomato sauce and basil on the outside.

A fourth generation owner of one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples, PIZZERIA STARITA a Materdei, established in 1901, Mr. Starita is an icon in the Neapolitan Pizza Industry. During his illustrious career, master Starita has travelled the world spreading the word of  pizza Napoletana, and enjoyed many accolades, including having his pizzeria featured in Sophia Loren’s film “Oro di Napoli”, and being the lead delegate called on by the Vatican to present “pizza” to Pope John Paul II. Mr. Starita is a passionate advocate of the Neapolitan Pizza Industry, who serves as Vice President of the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), the Italian governing body that teaches the art of Neapolitan pizza making, and certifies adherence to authentic procedures.

A Mano is located at 24 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, 201,phone . 493.200 .

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All Aboard from Bayonne

While cruises from Bayonne, NJ are nothing new, the introduction of a brand new ship, The Celebrity Silhouette, has made cruising more amusing. New to 2011, the Celebrity Silhouette offers the cosmopolitan flare and endless onboard activities usually reserved for cruises departing from southern ports. Contact The Travel Center / American Express and learn how you could be one of the first to explore the Caribbean with style and convenience aboard the Celebrity Silhouette.

The Travel Center/American Express
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50 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 447-3311
RidgewoodAmex@gmail.com
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>AOL buys Huffington Post for $315 million
one small voice

Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington announced late Sunday that the site agreed to a $315 million buyout offer from AOL. This deal guarantees AOL will be closely watched not only by media observers but also by Silicon Valley companies.

The very liberal-leaning Huffington Post online news site has been one of the few internet content start-up success stories with over 1000 contributors and sizable ad revenue. AOL is the elder statesman of online access and digital content. It is also the owner of the “Patch ” local blog network which our own local Ridgewood Patch is part of.

It was less than a week ago that a document called “The AOL Way” was leaked showing how serious AOL is about its latest incarnation of the strategy to shift from a “technology” company to media company. Many industry insiders were caught unaware that people were still refereed to AOL as a “technology” company .

Its seems like only yesterday when we heard all this the first time with the much ballyhooed AOL/Time Warner merger. The merger marked the begging of the end of AOL network dominance and some would also suggest the the beginning of the end of the of the dot com boom turning AOL.com into the first dot bomb .
https://onesmallvoice.blogspot.com/2011/02/aol-buys-huffington-post-for-315.html