photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, in a very busy week for Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock Fire and EMS a Saturday afternoon, 10/14, two (2) vehicle crash in front of 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock resulted in two (2) victims being transported to The Valley Hospital by ambulance. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock EMS responded.
![Kenneth_Smith[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10-13-17_Kenneth_Smith1.jpg "Bergen Prosecutor Announces Arrest of Fair Lawn Knights of Columbus Bomber")
October 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ,Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of KENNETH SMITH (DOB: 6/6/1971; single; and employed as a trucking company dispatcher) of Paterson, New Jersey on charges of Aggravated Arson and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Fair Lawn Police Department under the direction of Chief Glenn Cauwels.
On June 27, 2017, the Fair Lawn Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at the Knights of Columbus located at 16-16 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn, N.J. The
subsequent investigation revealed an unknown male threw a Molotov cocktail type device through the front window of the building. Responding police and fire units found the front office area engulfed in flames. The fire was contained to the front office area and did not spread into the remainder of the structure.
As a result of the investigation, Kenneth SMITH was arrested on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Paterson, New Jersey and charged with one count of Aggravated Arson, N.J.S.A.
2C:17-2a, a 2nd degree crime; and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3, a 3rd degree crime. After being processed, Kenneth SMITH was remanded to the Bergen
County Jail pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Judicial Court on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,
and would also like to thank the Fair Lawn Police Department and the Paterson Police Department for their assistance in this investigation
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Rivervale NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi moves to set the record straight . “As a result of having no platform or positions of their own, the women running against us rely solely on running a negative campaign against me. Over the next several weeks I will set the record straight on every negative and false claim made by them against me.”
FACT VS FICTION
Today’s attack – Claiming that I wouldn’t vote on legislation to keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill persons, my opponents state “You deserve a representative that shows up to work, makes tough decisions, and keeps you safe.”
My response – Despite New Jersey having some of the strictest gun safety policies in the nation, more than 49 additional bills have been brought to the legislature for a vote during my five years in the Assembly. Several bills have been proposed regarding mental health. I do not know which particular bill my opponents are attacking me on but in 2015 I had to miss several session days during my recovery from brain surgery to repair a brain aneurysm. Two years later, in 2017, I missed a session to attend my five year old son’s kindergarten graduation. I would certainly hope that the women running against me are not saying I should be penalized as a result of being very ill or for being a mom.
I have long been a proponent of sensible gun safety measures to get weapons out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill. Yet, as a victim of two violent crimes in my early twenties I understand the importance of second amendment rights in order to protect oneself.
With respect to my votes over the past five years on gun safety, I believe in sensible gun legislation. I voted in favor of keeping guns out of the hands of carjackers, gang members, and racketeers among other dangerous people. I voted in favor of stronger background checks and increasing penalties for unlawful possession, improper use, and removing a gun’s identification marks. I am the prime sponsor of a bill to ban bump stocks, as I personally believe their only purpose is to circumvent a 30 year old bipartisan ban on automatic weapons.
Almost all of bills I didn’t support don’t do anything to protect anyone because the laws proposed already exist in New Jersey or cannot be enforced due to lack of technology, such as a bill to require not-yet-invented “smart guns.” There is one recent bill pertaining to mental health and guns on which I abstained because mental health professionals, including the Mental Health Association of NJ, the NJ Association of Social Workers and the NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association asked for substantive changes to the bill in order to protect patient confidentiality and to address HIPPA concerns, but they were ignored.
I am more than willing to listen to any thoughts on how to prevent evil acts like what happened in Las Vegas in the future. Both sides of the aisle feel strongly about protecting our families, our neighbors and our constituents. There isn’t disagreement on providing safety, it’s how best to provide it. We must address better mental health initiatives, common sense legislation for gun safety and we need to come together and have an honest dialogue about a critically important issue, not promote fear and slander for political gain.
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the Bergen County Zoo has officially received its re-accreditation designation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission. This is a major achievement could not have been possible if not for the hard work put in by the Zoo and the Bergen County Department of Parks staff. I stopped by the Zoo this week to congratulate the staff.
To be accredited, the Bergen County Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
October 11, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Research reinforces interest expressed by families and girls nationwide as organization looks to offer programs that meet the needs of today’s families
Irving, Texas , Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.
“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”
Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before [1], making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing. Additionally, many groups currently underserved by Scouting, including the Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family. Recent surveys [2] of parents not involved with Scouting showed high interest in getting their daughters signed up for programs like Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with 90 percent expressing interest in a program like Cub Scouts and 87 percent expressing interest in a program like Boy Scouts. Education experts also evaluated the curriculum and content and confirmed relevancy of the program for young women.
“The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing” said Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman. “I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization. It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.”
Starting in the 2018 program year, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts. Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack. Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.
This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, A reported bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Glen Rock Middle School/High School building located at 600 Harristown Road, Glen Rock on Friday afternoon, 10/13. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the incident. A sweep of the building’s exterior by a Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team yielded negative results. Students were eventually allowed back in to the building, however they were “sheltered in place.”
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, An individual dressed in a bear costume with a GoPro camera strapped to its chest and a large dog in tow, was observed standing outside of a Glen Rock elementary school at afternoon dismissal time on Friday, 10/13. Glen Rock Police received at least one (1) 911 telephone call about the individual from a concerned parent, and dispatched a uniformed patrol officer and a uniformed patrol supervisor to investigate. Responding units located the “bear with dog” two (2) blocks away from the school. The individual was identified as a local juvenile male. He was interviewed and then escorted back to his home and released to his mother. The intent of standing in front of the school dressed in a bear costume with an attached GoPro and dog was not made public.
photo courtesy of Wyckoff Police
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, Wyckoff and Waldwick Police report that a Waldwick Police Officer interrupted a suspect committing a burglary to an unlocked vehicle in their Borough.
Wyckoff Police have also experienced this in the past and would like to remind our residents to please remove all valuable items and especially key fobs from your vehicles and to lock your car doors at all times. Locking your vehicles and removing the key fobs is a simple way to deter criminals. It only takes a second to lock the doors. We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It! Report It!” We encourage all residents to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring in their neighborhoods at any time to Wyckoff Police- County Dispatch (201)891-2121.
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Old Tappan NJ, Bob is an old friend of the Ridgewood blog and he is running for Assembly in District 39. Bob never forgets he is a small business owner . Bob is somone who can fight to set the balance right against ANTI-Business , ANTI-jobs Trenton.
District 39 is (Bergen and Passaic Conties) Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington (Bergen), Westwood, Woodcliff
Unlike most modern day politicians Bob entered into politics to help the everyday people of New Jersey, like himself. After graduating from New York University, Bob opened a small insurance company with my wife, Elsa. While it was prosperous at first, the state of New Jersey began to pass heavy regulations that placed a burden on insurance companies like his. After all but six of my competitors went out of business because of these new laws I realized that it was very possible that I might also lose everything I had worked so hard for. It was at that point that I decided to reach out to my friend Senator Cardinale to see if there was any way that he could help me. With a little negotiation Senator Cardinale was able to get Allstate Insurance to work with me which stopped me from having to go out of business. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both destroy and to aid.
After Senator Cardinale had helped him Bob decided to try and return the favor. Little by little, Bob started to do additional work for him until finally he became an unpaid volunteer aide for him in Trenton. After working for Senator Cardinale for 25 years a seat in the Assembly opened up; and while Bob was hesitant at first to run for office, he realized that this was my opportunity to help people, just as Senator Cardinale had helped him.
So in 2014, against all odds and very tough competition, I won a seat in the assembly. Even after all his time in the New Jersey Legislature I have kept one rule; before Bob votes on anything he must ask himself how would I feel as a taxpayer seeing my own vote? Bob is an Assemblyman because he has witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both impede and to aid, and Bob wants to ensure it will not impede again.
https://www.electrobertauth.com/
photo courtesy of the Westwood Police
October 12,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, A peewee football league has banned a parent and his family for life after the father allegedly snapped when his son was rotated out as quarterback on a flag football team and attacked a teenage coach.
Peter Iappelli, 50, who earns $171,136 a year as school business administrator in Closter, was charged Wednesday by Westwood Police with simple assault and disorderly conduct after allegedly placing the 16-year-old coach in a chokehold.
Westwood Youth Football is for 6 to 12-year-olds and Westwood Youth Football is a founding member of newly created and formed NNJJFL ( The Northern New Jersey Junior Football League). This newly formed league was built with fair competitive play as the cornerstone of its development. Joining Westwood in the NNJJFL are the following programs: Washington Township, Hillsdale, Rivervale, Lodi, Garfield and Hawthorne.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 12.2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,A Wednesday morning, 10/11, single vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of East Midland and Beech Avenues in Paramus sent the vehicle’s adult female driver to Hackensack University Center’s main campus by ambulance. Paramus Police, EMS, and Fire Department Company #2 responded to the incident. Paramus EMS was assisted by a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital. The wrecked vehicle, a 4-door Chevrolet, was up righted and removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. A portion of East Midland Avenue was closed to through traffic while emergency responders worked at the scene. The vehicle appeared to have hit a tree just prior to rolling over.
October 12,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho Ho Kus NJ, according to the Ho Ho Kus Police another burglary was discovered today on Ardmore Rd. Following are some good advice for residents of Ho Ho kus, Ridgewood , Glen Rock , Midland Park , Hawthorne ,Washington Twp, Paramus and so on .
Again, please do not hesitate to call the Ho Ho Kus Police at anytime. Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, you heard a strange noise, or see something unusual, call immediately and we will always check it for you. 201-652-1700 or Dial 911 in an emergency.
Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900
Glen Rock Police (201) 652-3800
Washington Twp Police (201) 664-1140
Paramus Police (201) 262 -3400
Hawthorne Police (973) 427 -1800
Midland Park Police (201) 444-2300
Tips to prevent home burglaries:
Start outside: Burglars target your house by how it appears from the outside. Reformed burglars tell police they avoid houses with good lighting, any crunchy surface on driveways and patios that could make noise, an alarm box, cameras and signs of a dog in the house.
Tips to deter burglars on the outside of your home:
*Keep your home well lit—motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lighting or timers all work
*Keep your shrubs and hedges trimmed—burglars love to hide behind shrubbery Gates, shrubs, etc. should be less than a couple feet high so your house is visible from the street
*Place a brightly colored burglar alarm to the front of your house in a prominent place
Items like prickly bushes and flower pots under windows make a burglar’s life more difficult
*If you have a dog, make sure the burglar knows it, as most burglars won’t target a house that could have dogs
*Install video cameras
*In the backyard, a tall fence is a good security measure, but make sure it is topped with trellising that can’t support the weight of a human—most burglars are athletic and will try to jump a fence if they can, but tend to avoid those that might break underneath them or draw attention to them
*Don’t leave anything outside that would make the burglar’s life easier—this includes tools, gardening equipment, ladders, garden furniture, etc.
Tips to secure your garden shed:
*Make sure your shed is up to the task—if you think the structure won’t stop burglars, don’t leave anything of value in the shed, including tools, lawnmowers and bicycles
*Fit the shed windows with steel grates, if you can
Install a cage inside your shed for valuable tools—but make sure it is securely attached
*Lock down ladders that could be used by a burglar to gain access to your home
cartoon-burglar
*When you’re home, don’t leave downstairs windows open in rooms you’re not occupying; burglaries happen very quickly and the 10 minutes you spend in another part of the house could be a burglar’s chance to climb in, take your belongings and leave before you’ve even realized he was there.
*Single-glazed windows are particularly vulnerable to attack by burglars since plain glass is easily breakable. Consider replacing them if it is within your budget.
*Be sure to add additional locks to wooden and metal windows, sash windows in particular. They’re easy to install and the added safety will help secure your home.
*Regardless of the type of windows you have, they should be locked at all times you’re not using them.
*Don’t forget to shut and lock your windows when you go out or go to bed. Upstairs windows should always be locked when you’re not home, and if you’re not using them when sleeping.
*Doors and mail slots tempt would-be thieves—so if you have a mail slot, use a basket or cage on the inside, making it difficult or impossible for thieves to use a tool such as a fishing rod, stick or metal bar to steal items like your car and house keys. If you use a basket or cage on the inside of your mail slot, remove the bottom to prevent mail theft.
*When it comes to doors, locks are king. Here are some things to look out for:
*Make sure your door frames are strong and fit well
Ensure you have five-lever mortice deadlock (if your door is over 44mm)
*Have an internal security chain or stopper
*Glazed panels on doors should be avoided; if used, they should be laminated glass (two pieces of glass bonded together with a sheet of laminate), as laminated glass is much tougher to break
*UPVC doors normally come with deadlock shoot bolts or a multi-point locking system, adding several bolts from the door into the frame
*Install a peep hole or video camera, so you don’t open your door without knowing who is on the other side
*French doors and patio doors are often the weak link in a house’s security—ensure they have extra locks and security precautions installed; consult your local police or an expert for more information on securing these types of doors
*Keep valuables out of sight, even if you’re leaving the room for just 10 minutes.
*Keep car keys far away from doors and windows, and never on display
*Keep laptops hidden securely when not in use
*Keep mobile phones and tablets away from prying eyes at windows, and when not in use, store them securely
*Don’t leave handbags, wallets, purses, checkbooks, cash or credit cards on display
Other home security and protection considerations
*If you’re going away, don’t advertise it on social media
*When you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to take out your trash
*Stop all deliveries if you’re out of town
*If you’re going on vacation, either leave your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor or friend to park there
*Don’t hide keys to your home outside—burglars know the spaces where people hide them, and it isn’t worth the risk
*Keep suitcases in the attic, as thieves will use these to carry away your valuables.
*Make sure you have sufficient insurance to protect you in case all of your precautions still result in your house being burgled
*Periodically take photos of the inside of your house and date them, so you can prove what items you own should you need to make an insurance claim.
*Mark your belongings with an anti-theft marking pen, as this can help not only with you getting your items back, but also prosecuting the thief.
October 11,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hasbrouck Heights NJ, The Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance in the state’s Department of Education investigated South Bergen Jointure Commission Superintendent Dawn Fidanza after receiving a complaint about her conduct.
Dawn Fidanza of Ridgewood is one of the highest paid public officials in Bergen County and one of the state’s highest-paid superintendents .
The Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance found that Fidanza transferred her daughter, Julia Fidanza, to another job in the district without the board’s approval in early 2016.
Specifically the state Education Department’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance found Fidanza created new job titles and transferred her daughter without board approval. She covered camera lenses so co-workers could not see her daughter’s “comings and goings” and attempted to influence her daughter’s supervisors about her evaluations.
Fidanza submitted her resignation, effective Dec. 31.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page
October 11,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police and EMS personnel responded to a two (2) vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Utter and Ninth Avenues on Tuesday afternoon, 10/10. An adult male victim was transported to The Valley Hospital by Hawthorne EMS; he sustained a non-life threatening arm injury. The wrecked 4-door sedan involved in the collision was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.
October 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on Monday, October 23 at 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM the Village of Ridgewood will host a District 40 candidate forum at the Village Hall in Ridgewood . The 40th Legislative District includes portions of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, including Allendale, Cedar Grove, Franklin Lakes, Ho-Ho-Kus, Little Falls, Midland Park, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Ridgewood, Riverdale, Totowa, Waldwick, Wayne, Woodland Park, and Wyckoff .
Senate candidates Republican Kristin M. Corrado, the Passaic County clerk, and Democrat Thomas Duch will debate, as will Republican Assembly candidates Christopher P. DePhillips and incumbent appointee Kevin J. Rooney and Democrats Christine Ordway and Paul Vagianos.
