Notification from: Mahwah Township School District
Dear Mahwah Families and Faculty, The Mahwah School District is committed to the safety and education of all of our students. Essential to this is a commitment to communication with parents about potential safety issues. For this reason, I want to make you aware of related facts surrounding an ongoing investigation by the Mahwah Police Department. Several months ago, a student made a threat “to shoot up” Ramapo Ridge Middle School, on Friday, February 23. From the onset, school administration has taken this above matter very seriously by investigating the threat and addressing the issue with the student and his parent with urgency. The matter was also simultaneously referred to the Mahwah Police Department who conducted their own thorough investigation that also included meeting with the student and the student’s parents(s) several times. Because of this, a series of interventions were put into place, and appropriate measures have been taken to remove the student from the school for the remainder of the school year. At the end of the school day, on February 22, the school will be secured, and on February 23, the Mahwah Police Department will have officers present in the school throughout the entire school day. Additional policing measures will also be in place, but will remain confidential, in an effort to not compromise these strategic security procedures. There will continue to be a heightened presence of Mahwah Police officers throughout the school district as we work to maintain a safe learning environment for students, parents, staff, and faculty. Our district continues to work with our police department to fully investigate any potential safety concerns, as the protection of our students’ safety is our priority. Ultimately, we understand that situations may arise and are concerning to parents, students, and the surrounding community, and we want to make you aware that we diligently address any and all issues related to your child’s safety.
Sincerely, C. Lauren Schoen James N. Batelli C. Lauren Schoen, Ed.D. James N. Batelli Superintendent of Schools Mahwah Chief of Police
Dear Parents of Wyckoff Families, The shooting and killing of innocent people, especially children in Parkland, Florida, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, or anywhere else, should shake us to our core and make our hearts break. On most mornings in Wyckoff, New Jersey, as we go off to school or work, we anticipate that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the evening. Tragically, for the families in Parkland, Florida this was not the case. Increasingly, even as statistics tell us that we may be safer than ever before, we feel less safe, more exposed, and more vulnerable. As parents, we know that a shooting that occurs in a school makes us all feel even more vulnerable and helpless. Chief David Murphy and I wanted you to be aware that over the past several years, the Wyckoff Police Department and the Wyckoff School District have worked closely together to improve the overall safety and security in our schools. In addition to increased patrols, daily walk-throughs by patrol officers, table-top drills with our Building Crisis Teams, and monthly security drills, we communicate regularly at the administrative level on a variety of issues pertaining to safety and security. Our school staff and the Wyckoff Police Department are also trained in using specific technology to ensure efficient and dynamic communication in the event of an emergency. Additionally, we share the services of the Ramapo Indian Hills School District Security Coordinator, Charles J. Wolff, a retired Lieutenant with the New Jersey State Police and a Certified Homeland Protection Professional. The Parkland, Florida case, like many other school incidents over the years, had fingerprints that were signs of possible future trouble. It is critical to look out for the well-being of each other and to that end, we would stress two main ideas: First, talk with your children about their own safety and the safety of others. If they have a concern or hear something of concern for others, she/he should find a teacher or counselor with whom to share that information. Second, if you as a parent hear something disturbing from your child, report it to the school or the Police Department. We always look into these situations. Simply, if you see or hear something, say something. The well-being of the students in Wyckoff will always be our primary concern. The District is prepared to assist any child who may need support. We are looking for signs of distress in the children and suggest that you do the same. If you have questions, please reach out to me, Chief Murphy, or your child’s Principal. Sincerely yours, Richard D. Kuder Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Paramus NJ, Members of the Paramus Rescue Squad used the “Jaws of Life” to free a trapped occupant from a Toyota Corolla that was involved in a two (2) vehicle collision at the intersection of Forest and Oradell Avenues, Paramus on Sunday afternoon, 02/18. The victim, who appeared to have sustained non life threatening injuries, was transported by a Paramus EMS ambulance to Hackensack University Center’s Main Campus. Both wrecks were removed from the scene by tow trucks. Paramus Police, Fire Department and Oradell Police also responded to the scene.
Ridgewood NJ, GOP Candidate (CD5) Steve Lonegan is advocating returning ‘Prayer To The Classroom’, to stop school shootings. Lonegan says , “Prayer in school is the answer to gun violence.” Lonegan went on “It’s just so disturbing that society has deteriorated to this point morally that we are confronted with this.”
“Why does prayer scare liberals to death? Liberals took God and civics, love of God and love of country, out of schools, now they are surprised at the results? Prayer, love of God, love of country, and love and respect for each other are what we need.”
Lonegan quoted Ronald Reagan ,”If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under ”
Here is the original non-sectarian prayer being so strenuously objected to by the left: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country.”
Ho Ho Kus NJ, the Ho Ho Kus Library will be hosting a , “How to Respond to an Active Shooter Incident” , presented by Ho-Ho-Kus’ emergency services. This event will discuss strategies you can use if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Registration is required, and space is limited.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Attendees will be provided with advice and instruction on three types of a “Civilian Response to Active Shooter or Similar Incident” to aid in their odds of surviving such a life-threatening incident; some background and statistics on Active Shooter incidents; description of “profiles” of an Active Shooter; and time permitting, among many other items, reviewing at least one recent Active Shooter incident.
The presenter is an experienced, Vietnam Infantry, decorated combat Veteran who also has 10 years of managing and coordinating a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the auspices of the municipality’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM); giving many associated, relevant presentations; and receiving certification/training in multiple areas of emergency services and incident command management, while participating and providing CERT leadership in numerous events and incidents in Bergen County.
Sign up : https://bccls.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=139451&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2018%2F03%2F01
Rivervale NJ, since so many in the media are so woefully ignorant on New Jersey gun laws , Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi gave us the run down on what the rules actually are .
In a Facebook post the Assemblywomen explains , “As I know it is a huge discussion and people oftentimes are unaware of their own state’s laws and requirements, New Jersey has the third strictest gun laws in the nation. It is illegal to own or operate certain AR-15 or similar types of weapon in the State of New Jersey. Bump Stocks are also illegal to own or use. Here are the other requirements in order to own or operate a gun within our state.
Among other things, New Jersey:
Requires permits for the purchase of any handgun, as well as a separate permit for persons purchasing long guns, both requiring a lengthy background check prior to issuance (which oftentimes takes longer than several months);
Provides law enforcement discretion when issuing permits to carry concealed weapons (and it is almost impossible to secure such a permit unless you prove that you are in imminent danger);
Prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses, and by persons subject to protective orders;
Requires the licensing of all firearms dealers and their employees;
Limits the number of handguns that may be purchased to one per month;
Imposes a 7-day waiting period prior to the physical transfer of a handgun;
Will require the sale of personalized handguns once such technology is available for retail sale;
Prohibits the possession and transfer of assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines;
Requires firearm owners to report the loss or theft of their firearms; and
Requires all firearms dealers and ammunition sellers to maintain records of all acquisitions and dispositions of firearms and ammunition.”
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police, Fire, EMS and Passaic County HazMat responded to multiple 911 reports of a irritating chemical odor inside of an apartment building located at 55 Westervelt Avenue, Hawthorne on Saturday morning, 02/17. The odor was traced to a contractor’s use of a chemical product that caused combustible fumes inside of the structure. Hawthorne EMS evaluated two (2) residents who complained of illness; both refused ambulance transportation to a local hospital. Hawthorne Fire Department personnel from Companies 2 & 3 assisted in ventilating the building.
Stanley A. Kober, KC2ZXB([email protected]), Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Researcher, A.L.I.C.E. Certified Trainer, Former Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus CERT Program Manager (T-T-T) , Former CERT/Bergen County R.A.C.E.S. Deputy Liaison Officer
Ho Ho Kus NJ, Every organization whether for profit or not for profit, professional, religious, veterans, law enforcement, historical, military, municipal, emergency
services, amateur radio operations, etc., should have the strategy to operate in the most efficient and effective means as possible. Actually, that applies to each
of us as individuals as well. Not only does it have the ability to save money (and possibly lives), it allows us to do more things in the same amount of time. After
all, time is fixed and no one can change that construct.
In order for us to accomplish an organizational or personal strategy we more likely than not use technology, but technology changes over time. The
Washington Post had an on-line article that presented those changes very well at https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/entertainment/tech-generations/?utm_term=.58e805b0d158. Unless you are a Luddite, you use technology every day. [A Luddite as described in the www.UrbanDictionary.com is one “who fears technology (or new technology, as they seem pleased with how things currently are…why can’t everything just be the same?)”]
In this short article, I’m going to address just one aspect of that change which is becoming more and more evident to us on a daily basis through the use of our smartphones. That “new” technology is called “QR Codes” or “Quick Response Codes”. You know, you’ve seen that little square with all the funny black lines and boxes in advertising circulars, newspapers, etc., but don’t be fooled, these ARE NOT BARCODES. On the right is one of my own examples that I have created. If you have a smartphone, iPad, tablet, or similar device with a camera and the applicable software installed to read the code, you should be able to go to this fantastic FaceBook®page. Not all reading software is the same, so some features may not work in the software on your device that will work in other software. In other words, “Caveat Emptor”—”Buyer Beware”.
Allow me to put it in a nutshell why one should use a QR Code in their literature, signage, advertising materials, documents, procedures, manuals, etc.
Let’s take one example that was used earlier in this article—the Washington Post article on technology. In most, if not all paper printing by newspapers,
hyperlinks associated with what was displayed in print (on-line publications are different) are removed. NOTE: A “hyperlink” is the underlined portion of the
reference that allows you to click on it and bring up the article on the website.
Can you imagine how long it would take you to enter that WaPo reference into the address line of your device’s internet web browser and when you make one
wrong character you need to restart? I’m certain you wouldn’t waste your time February 07, 2018 Page 2 of 3 by entering all those characters. There we go again—that fixed construct called “time” rears its head.
In order to save “time”, because “time” is money, one can use a device that has a camera and the appropriate software to read the QR Code and go DIRECTLY to the associated reference, in this case the Washington Post article referenced earlier. Read the QR Code at the right with your smartphone and appropriate software. But, just a point of caution,
newspaper articles may not be in the same place for very long, so the link eventually might not work when going to
the original website of the media.
We know that technology is great and can do many things for us if we have the right tools with which to work. For example, QR Code generating software is all over the Internet and the software to read the codes that are
generated are abounding as well. However, when shopping for the ability to generate or read the QR code you need to have in mind what you really want to do with it—in other words, what is your goal. Remember I talked about “strategy” at the beginning of this article? Well, a “strategy” is the place where we want to be and the “goal” or “objective” is what we need to do to get there.
For example, one “strategy” might be that we want to operate in the most efficient and effective fashion as possible. One “goal” or “objective” to attain that “strategy” would be to utilize technology to the greatest extent as possible. Within “goals” or “objectives” are “tasks” that we do to meet a “goal” or “objective”. Using QR Codes is a “task” that we would use to meet our “goal” of using technology to attain our “strategy” to operate in the most efficient and effective fashion as possible. OK, enough of Management Theory, but I just wanted to put this capability in its proper perspective for
you. Now, let’s get back to QR Codes.
The first tool you need is a smartphone, iPad, tablet or similar device to be able to read the generated code. On that device you need a camera and the appropriate software to
read the code. An excellent listing of that software for many devices is found here at QR Phone Software (click on the link at the left or use your camera device to read the code at the right.)
Once you have the appropriate device and the optimal reading software, you need to have the proper software to create the QR Code that we want to use. Again, “Caveat Emptor”—”Buyer Beware”. There are many software packages on the market, but you need to test for the one you select to ensure that it operates the way YOU want it to do. For example, when I looked for my optimal reading software, one “free” package that I tested allowed me to get to the website that I wanted OK, but when I tried to download an Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format file (PDF), it would not allow me to do so. I deleted that installation immediately and moved on to others. So, in short, in selecting code generator software as well as reading software, compare the “free” packages, (called “free” even though they are coupled with advertising galore, so
they are really not “free” because it takes “time” to cancel them) and those that February 07, 2018 Page 3 of 3 might cost something for the generating software. The optimal one that I have found for my use is found at QR Code Generator. (click on the link at the left or use your device to read the code at the right.) It has many options, capabilities and truly free code generation even for testing. You might want to look at the informational videos and articles as well on that site while you’re there. By the way, if you still get ads in your reads, it’s not the QR Code generator that I am recommending here,
it’s your reading software.
Speaking of the code generator, one quick point I will add is that when you chose a QR Code type, you need to have the ability to select either a “static” OR “dynamic” code. Some software may allow only one, but you need to have both options for testing and live operations. Select “dynamic” even if you have other reasons, but especially if you have any intention of making changes to the code link (remember the news article referenced earlier that might have moved to another location?), even if you can’t think of something now, or you might want to do some analytics on the actions of the code (where did the access come
from; how many clicks were made on the code; etc.). In my opinion, there are very few activities which would require a “static” QR Code.
Before concluding, I’d like to give two examples of QR Codes in which one goes to an on-line website for a senior citizens organization and the other for use by emergency services personnel. The use of a QR Code for those in emergency services is at the right. For example, as a first responder you have a requirement to look at an instructional manual, procedure, or in this example, the latest Emergency Response Guide on line, but no one around you has a computer and you don’t have the time to search online for it on your device. In your preplanning for being an effective first responder, you have created a QR Code Card with your important links on it and you have it/them in your vehicle (POV and ERV), your pocket, your go bag, go kit, your trailer, wherever. Immediately, you can click on the QR Code like the one on the right and go directly to the guide on your device. By the way, you need to think about how you place the QR Codes on the card because if they are not sized and spaced properly you will get wrong launches and errors.
The last example for the Senior Citizens site is located at https://bcscccouncil.wordpress.com/ and the QR Code
for that site is at the right. It saves Seniors keystrokes!
So, in conclusion, if you want to get “ahead of the pack” and do things that will save you time and money, as well as give you broader access to your market or to materials that may be lifesaving, then use QR Codes in your technology goal for your organization. You will be amazed at what they can do for you.
Paramus NJ, Paramus Police and EMS personnel responded to a two (2) vehicle collision at the intersection of Paramus Road and West Midland Avenue on Friday morning, 02/16. The adult female driver of a white SUV involved in the crash sustained non life threatening injuries. Both wrecks were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.
Glen Rock NJ, the Glen Rock Police commented o their Facebook page , “The members of the Glen Rock Police Department extend their deepest sympathies to the community of Parkland Florida. Unfortunately, as we have seen time and time again, schools, religious facilities, shopping malls, night clubs and public buildings continue to be targets of active shooters. No matter where we live, no one has the luxury of saying “this is a quiet town and nothing like happens here”. But this does not mean that we must live in constant fear. We can and will protect ourselves!
In recent years the GRPD has increased training and purchased additional equipment to aid officers in responding to any issue which may arise at our schools and elsewhere in the community. Lessons learned nationwide have shown that local law enforcement needs to be able to respond quickly and cannot wait for assistance to arrive from outside of the community before taking action.
‘Emergency action planning’ and ‘situational awareness’ practices are ever evolving. The GRPD’s training methods, equipment and even uniforms have been modified greatly in recent years as law enforcement adapts to prepare for a potential active shooter response. Like every other law enforcement agency, the GRPD is fully prepared to respond. Likewise, our schools have greatly changed their procedures as well as training for their personnel and drills with students. Our current student body has come up thought their school years with lock-down, hold in place and evacuation drills as common place as fire drills.
What can a private citizen do?
• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
• If something seems out of the ordinary, report it!
If there is an active shooter:
• If you are in an office or class room, stay there and secure the door.
• If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.
• Immediately take cover (hide behind something hard that will stop or slow bullets), or circumstances permitting, enter an unaffected building.
• In the event neither cover nor entering a building is possible, run in a zig-zag fashion away from the sound of gunfire.
• As a last resort, if you have no avenue of escape, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.
CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!”
Allendale NJ, Members of the Allendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps evaluated two (2) individuals in connection with a Thursday morning, 02/15, motor vehicle crash into a building at 111 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale. Two (2) adult females, the vehicle’s driver and an employee of the insurance office located in the building, appeared uninjured and both refused transportation to a local hospital for any treatment. The building sustained moderate damage but was rendered safe for occupancy. The SUV involved in the crash was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.
Washington Township NJ, The New Jersey Choral Society continues its Jubilee Season with The Key of B- Billy Joel, The Beatles and Beautiful. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of artist-in- residence Linda Sweetman-Waters, the NJCS Pops Spectacular highlights iconic music of legendary artists Billy Joel, Carole King and The Beatles. Performances will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 8:00 pm and on Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 pm at the Immaculate Heart Academy, 500 Van Emburgh
Ave., Washington Township.
Ms. Sweetman-Waters will be featured on piano, accompanied by the Pops Spectacular Band.Several talented soloists and a vocal ensemble from the chorus will also perform. The concerts will include classic songs such as Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” “Everybody Has a Dream,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” a medley of hits from The Beatles including “In My Life,” “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Yesterday,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Got to Get You into My Life,” as well as songs from Carole King’s best-selling album, Tapestry, and the Broadway musical, Beautiful.
Advance tickets are $25.00 for adults and $22.00 for students, seniors, and patrons with disabilities (add $10.00 if purchased at the door). A 10% discount for groups of 10 or more is also available. Come one hour prior to performance time for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture for all ticket holders, presented by Seth Saltzman. For reservations or more information, visit www.NJCS.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719.
Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, France and Italy. In 2017, they received “honorable mention” in the Jersey Arts People’s Choice Awards for “Best Choral Group” in New Jersey.
Immaculate Heart Academy is wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Glen Rock NJ, A two (2) vehicle, Tuesday afternoon, 02/13, collision at the intersection of Harristown Road and Prospect Street in Glen Rock injured the adult male driver of a 4-door passenger sedan involved in the crash. Glen Rock Police and EMS responded to aid the victim, who sustained a non life threatening head injury. He was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. A paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted Glen Rock EMTs with patient care. A tow truck was dispatched to remove the wrecked sedan. The other vehicle involved, a small SUV, may have also required a tow.
Allendale NJ, according to Judicial Watch , “the more we learn about the FBI under Allendale native James Comey’s supervision the more we have reason to question the activities of the fired FBI Director. Because he has left a trail of suspicious activities in is wake, Comey now stands out as key figure in the Deep State’s illicit attempts to target President Trump.”
And it looks like the Deep State is protecting Comey still. We were forced to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit for FBI records about former Director Comey’s book, which he signed to write in August 2017 and is set for publication in April 2018 (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice, (No. 1:18-cv-00220)).
Our suit also seeks records of communications between Comey and the FBI prior to and regarding Comey’s controversial June 2017 testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Judicial Watch filed on January 31 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after the Justice Department failed to respond to our August 14, 2017, FOIA request for:
All records of communications between the FBI and Comey prior to and regarding Comey’s testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on June 8, 2017.
All records of communications between the FBI and Comey relating to an upcoming book to be authored by Comey and published.
All records, including but not limited to forms completed by Comey, relating to the requirement for prepublication review by the FBI of any book to be authored by Comey with the intent to be published or otherwise publicly available.
Comey reportedly received an advance in excess of $2 million for his book, Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, reportedly set for publication on April 17th. Former FBI agents and officials intending to write books concerning their tenure are customarily required to submit the entire transcript for pre-publication review.
A month after President Trump fired Comey on May 9, 2017, Comey provided highly controversial testimony before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the circumstances that led to his dismissal, the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s illicit email server. During that testimony, Comey admitted he leaked information about his conversations with President Donald Trump in order to get a special prosecutor appointed. (In November, we filed a separate FOIA lawsuit against the Justice Department for its records about Comey’s testimony.)
Comey seems to have protected status for any misconduct, and we want to know if he had a special deal for his book from his friends in the FBI. The Deep State is in cover-up mode. The FBI, DOJ, and the Special Counsel are stonewalling our requests for Comey documents.
We have several other lawsuits pending for Comey-related records:
Two lawsuits (hereand here) seek specifically the “Comey memos” ((Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice(No. 1:17-cv-01189)) and (Daily Caller News Foundation v. U.S. Department Justice (No. 1:17-cv-01830));
Onelawsuit seeks metadata of the “Comey memos” and related records-management information ((Judicial Watch, Inc., v. U.S. Department of Justice(No. 17-cv-01520));
And anotherlawsuit seeks non-disclosure agreements pertaining to the handling, storage, protection, dissemination, and/or return of classified information signed by Comey ((Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-01624)).
On January 11, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg the FBI to turn over the “Comey memos” for in camera review by the court. In doing so, the court rejected arguments by the Sessions Justice Department to dismiss the lawsuits seeking the Comey information.
Unfortunately, on February 2, Boasberg ruled that the “Comey memos” would not be made public. Judicial Watch and the Daily Caller News Foundation almost immediately appealed the ruling. We don’t intend to let up in our pursuit of the truth about the egregious conduct of the FBI’s former director.
Hackensack NJ , Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi intervenes in a constituents unemployment claim is almost tossed from the building.
According to Schepisi’s Facebook post , “Over the past two weeks I watched through social media the struggles of Monica Brinson as she attempts to have an unemployment claim fixed. Today I went to the unemployment office to see firsthand how it operates. I almost got physically removed for videotaping the attached but afterwards did get a comprehensive tour and analysis of the good, bad and ugly of these offices. First, the State needs to provide additional personnel. There is currently 1 employee working today in this office to service a county of almost 1 million people. They stopped handing out tickets to see people at number 7. That is right, for the entire day they will only be able to service 7 people. The group of people to the far right in the video against the wall are there to try to reach a live person at the Department of Labor. These are “dedicated phone lines” that are supposed to allow people to reach a human being but the minimum wait time on these phones is in excess of 1 1/2 hours. Many of the people I spoke to this morning wait outside in the cold for upwards of several hours because only 5 people at a time are generally allowed in the building. People will wait for 3-4 hours inside and then find out that they cannot be seen that day. We must find a better way to provide staffing. On the upside I was provided with a comprehensive tour of the building, including the employment opportunities, the Bergen One-Stop Career Center and the available training programs. In a separate post I will provide some of the resources given to me today. Finally I am glad that I did not need bail money today. The armed guard with the weapon on his side did tell me that if I continued to hand out my assembly business card to those seeking help that I would be physically removed from the premises. An exciting way to begin a Monday morning.”
