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Today is National Voter Registration Day

Vote Ridgewood NJ

file photo by Dana Glazer

September 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, today is National Voter Registration Day , it is a national holiday celebrating our democracy. It was first observed in 2012 and has been growing in popularity every year since. Held on the fourth Tuesday of September, National Voter Registration Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 26th this year.

To vote in New Jersey, one must be a United States citizen and a resident of his or her county for at least 30 days prior to the election. A voter must be at least 18 years old by the time of the next election in order to register. The registration deadline occurs 21 days prior to the election.

Voter information for Bergen County : https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/499 

Voter registration in Bergen County New Jersey:  https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/1224

OCTOBER 17, 2017    DEADLINE GENERAL ELECTION (9:00 PM)

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New Jersey Ranked the 2nd Most Teacher Friendly State

Ridgewood Teachers

September 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Teaching can be a profoundly rewarding career, considering the critical role educators play in shaping young minds. But many teachers find themselves overworked and underpaid. Historically education jobs are among the lowest-paying occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree, and teacher salaries consistently fail to keep up with inflation. Meanwhile, the law demands better student performance, but some critics argue that it deprives educators of guidance and positive incentive to improve their own effectiveness in the classroom.

This combination of job pressures, low pay and lack of mobility forces many teachers to quit soon after they start, a pattern that has led to a perpetual attrition problem in America’s public schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about a fifth of all newly minted public-school teachers leave their positions before the end of their first year, and nearly half never last more than five. Many teachers, especially novices, transfer to other schools or abandon the profession altogether “as the result of feeling overwhelmed, ineffective, and unsupported,” according to ASCD, a nonprofit focused on improving the education community.

In some states, however, teachers are more fairly paid and treated than in others and therefore less likely to face a revolving door of teacher turnover. To help America’s educators find the best opportunities and teaching environments, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 21 key indicators of teacher-friendliness. Our data set ranges from teachers’ income growth potential to pupil-teacher ratio to teacher safety. Read on for our findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.

WalletHub ranked states that are most conducive to be a teacher , New Jersey placed second . The top 5 were New York, New Jersey, Illinois , Connecticut, Pennsylvania.

Read the whole report :https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159/

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Ramapough Lenape Nation the Anniversary of Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp

Ramapough Lenape Nation the Anniversary of Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp _n

let the healing begin 

September 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ramapough Lenape Nation , Join us for an early celebration of the 1 year Anniversary of Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp on Sunday, October 1st from 12-5pm. Bring food (potluck!), games, family, and friends as we celebrate and recognize the entire community we have built over the last year.

– Tobacco Ceremony (12pm)
– Potluck (bring a dish!)
– Beading workshops (11am and 3pm)
– Artisans
– Community Building

On October 16, 2016, the Ramapough Lenape Nation and supporters erected teepees on their ceremonial grounds at 95 Halifax Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 in solidarity with Standing Rock and to resist the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline.

Since then, indigenous groups from all over the world, environmentalists, and allies have come together in prayer and solidarity for protection of the land and waters. Come out and join us for a huge celebration!

Sunday at 12 PM – 5 PM
Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp
95 Halifax Road, Mahwah, New Jersey

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The Bergen County Board of Elections is currently recruiting poll workers

Cemetery ArtChick

September 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Bergen County Board of Elections is currently recruiting poll workers. This important civic responsibility is open to all registered voters in Bergen County. It is vital to the democratic process to recruit and train reliable poll workers.

In order to be eligibility, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be able to work from approximately 5 AM to 9 PM on election day.
Must be able to read and speak English.
Must be registered to vote in Bergen County.
Must complete a 2-hour Poll Worker Training Class.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Arriving at 5:15 AM to set up machines, poll books and other material at designated polling district.
Sign-in voters and/or activate machine to receive voters.
If necessary, assist voters in the operation of the electronic voting machine.
Answer voter’s procedural questions.
Close polls at the end of the day which may include delivering materials to borough hall.

How to Apply:

Call the Board of Elections at 201-336-6235 or 201-336-6230
Complete the Poll Worker Application available here https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/5997   and fax to 201-336-6242 or mail to
Bergen County Board of Elections, One Bergen County Plaza, 3rd Floor, Room 310, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Upon approval of your application, you will be scheduled for a Poll Worker Training Class.
After successful completion of training class, you will be assigned to a polling site and contacted with this information.

Compensation:

$200 for Primary and General Elections.

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Collision at Franlin Avenue in Midland Park Sends One to the Hospital

Collision at Franlin Avenue in Midland Park Sends One to the Hospital

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

September 25,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Midland Park NJ, A two (2) vehicle, Sunday afternoon, 09/24, collision at the intersection of Franklin and Vreeland Avenues in Midland Park brought out Midland Park Police, EMS, and FD. One (1) person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital; a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted with patient evaluation and care. Both vehicles were rendered undriveable and had to be towed from the scene. Midland Park Fire Department attended to a minor crash related fluid spill.

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Moving Out Costs New Jersey Big

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 25,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Garden State saw a net decrease in population, with the number of people that moved out of the state of roughly 33,700, costing New Jersey about $2.6 billion in taxable income between 2014 and 2015, according to a USA Today Network analysis of IRS migration data.

New Jersey is constantly ranked as the worst business climate in the USA and the state the leads the nation in people wanting to leave .

According to OpportunityNJ, New Jersey ranks dead last in national rankings on the impacts of our four most significant taxes: property, income, sales and corporate business tax.Outmigration of New Jersey residents has had a significant impact on the state’s economy. High taxes and numerous barriers for business operations are causing people to leave the state which has led to the loss of income, economic activity and job creation.

OpportunityNJ (ONJ) is a non-partisan, grassroots coalition comprised of New Jersey interests representing employers, employees, business, trade groups, community organizations and other concerned citizens in the State.

This exodus has become so concerning to New Jersey business leaders that they have championed a campaign to make the state more affordable for its residents and more attractive to out-of-state residents on the move.

“We are at the bottom of every tax ranking. We have an affordability issue. We know why people are leaving,” Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

Her organization estimates that New Jersey has lost over $21 billion in adjusted gross income since 2004 from people leaving the state. That translates to about 87,000 jobs, $13 billion in lost economic activity and $4.6 billion in lost labor income, Siekerka said.

Addressing the affordability issue would help keep seniors and millennials, both of which are the leading demographic groups leaving New Jersey, Siekerka said. When seniors leave, they take with them the bulk of the lost income. But when millennials flee, they take with them a life time of potential earnings. It’s a hit to the state’s future workforce, which means the state sees no benefit from roughly $250,000 per student in public education spending.“We invest in our K-12 education system significantly to have a good product,” Siekerka said. “When millennials leave New Jersey, we aren’t getting a return on that investment.”

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Paramus Officer Reunites lost Engagement Ring with Owner

Paramus Officer Reunites lost Engagement Ring with Owner

photos courtesy of the Paramus Police Department
September 24,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, The Paramus Police Department is ecstatic that Officer Jon Henderson was able to recover the lost engagement ring of Kimberly Garcia. On Sunday, Ms. Garcia was changing a flat tire on her vehicle on Route 4. When she returned home she realized that her ring was missing and called our department to file a report. An initial search by the victim and police failed to find the ring. The next day, Henderson spent his free patrol time scouring the area where she had been and was able to locate the ring near the roadway and return it to Ms.Garcia.

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Drunken Teens Create Havoc in Glen Rock

Glen Rock Police  Boyd Loving

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 24,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, on Saturday night September 23rd, a band of drunken teens swarmed  Glen Rock creating havoc and causing disturbances.
At 10:03pm Saturday night the Glen Rock Police  posted this notice on Facebook :

The GRPD has been receiving a large amount of alcohol related juvenile calls this evening including large groups of juveniles causing disturbances around town. Please be advised that any juveniles caught in possession of alcohol can be charged on a juvenile delinquency complaint. We are advising parents who may be unaware of their children’s whereabouts to reach out to them. Thank you.

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On Sunday Rock Road will be closed in both directions from Valley Rd to Main St for the Glen Rock Fall Festival

glen_rock_theridgewoodblog

September 23.2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, On Sunday 9/24 Rock Road will be closed in both directions from Valley Rd to Main St for the Glen Rock Fall Festival.

The Glen Rock Fall Festival, hosted by the Glen Rock Chamber of Commerce and combined with the Farmers Market, will be held on Sunday September 24th from 10 am to 5 pm in the Central Business District on Rock Road – between Valley Rd and Main St.

Rock Road will be closed to vehicle traffic after 8AM and will not re-open until all vendors are clear from the street, projected to be around 6:30 PM.

Austin Place and the Glen Rock Senior Citizen Building will be accessible via Valley Road, which will remain open to traffic.

PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES.

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Real Estate Author and Accomplished Broker Joins Special Properties’ Franklin Lakes, NJ Office as Broker Associate

Harkins, Cynthia

September 23,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ , Special Properties Real Estate Services, LLC, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, has welcomed Cynthia (Cindy) Harkins, and accomplished real estate author and experienced broker to its Franklin Lakes, NJ office as part of the agency’s ongoing expansion throughout the region.

Cindy Harkins has been a fixture in Bergen County’s luxury real estate market for nearly 20 years. In addition to her agency experience, she is a licensed real estate instructor and teaches the New Jersey real estate salesperson pre-licensure course to aspiring agents. Cindy is also the author of The Savvy Seller: Preparing Your Home for Showings, a handbook and roadmap for sellers to ready their homes for the real estate market. She was inspired to put her tips in print in order to help sellers’ market their properties to their fullest potential.

Cindy attributes her success in the industry to her keen listening skills, attention to detail, personalized service, and superior networking resources. Her network of community contacts is built on her home sales experience and her former law practice (before she entered real estate), as well as her enduring commitment to community service. Cindy is a member of the Board of Governors of Hackensack University Medical Center, and a board member of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Junior League of Bergen County.

Cindy graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor degree from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

About Special Properties Real Estate Services
Special Properties Real Estate Services embraces the history and traditions of its flagship brokerage location in Saddle River, NJ, into an expanded, modern presence in Mahwah, Franklin Lakes, and Ridgewood, NJ. With a staff of accomplished real estate brokers, its clients across northern New Jersey and southern New York are provided with customized, personalized services, backed by the luxury real estate brand of Christie’s International Real Estate. Special Properties provides local expertise with global connections. For more information, call (201) 904-2085.

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Car hits Bridal Store on 17 North in Paramus

Car hits Bridal Store on 17 North in Paramus

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook page

September 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ,  The adult female driver of a 4-door sedan lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the wall of a bridal store on Route 17 northbound in Paramus on Friday morning, 09/22. She sustained non life threatening injuries and was transported by a Paramus EMS ambulance to a local hospital. The wrecked vehicle was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Paramus Police responded to aid the victim and to process the crash report. A light pole was demolished in the incident.

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LANGSCHULTZ: NEW JERSEY’S WORST-IN-THE-NATION BUSINESS CLIMATE MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES LIKE AMAZON

LANGSCHULTZ: NEW JERSEY'S WORST-IN-THE-NATION BUSINESS CLIMATE MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES LIKE AMAZON

SENATOR BOB GORDON AND TRENTON ESTABLISHMENT HAVE INCREASED TAXES, REGULATIONS, AND FEES COSTING NEW JERSEY JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY

September 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Milford NJ, District 38 Amazon’s recent announcement of an RFP for states and municipalities to bid on hosting their second national headquarters, highlights the disastrous state of New Jersey’s business climate.

“With our proximity to New York City, talented workforce, and access to mass transit and numerous airports, North Jersey would serve as the perfect spot for Amazon to open its second national headquarters,” said Kelly Langschultz, candidate for New Jersey State Senate, District 38. “However, Senator Bob Gordon and the Trenton establishment have made it nearly impossible to attract businesses like Amazon, by raising taxes and fees and implementing job crushing regulations, year after year. Our crumbling roads and infrastructure, and the failure of the NJ Transit system contribute to our worst-in-the-nation business climate.”

Amazon’s second headquarters would create nearly 50,000 jobs and provide additional tax revenue to state and local municipalities.
“As a small business owner, I know first hand how difficult it is to do business in New Jersey. If we are to attract multi-national companies like Amazon, we need to act quickly and it starts with changing our elected representation in Trenton,” charged Langschultz. “Bob Gordon has no plans to grow our economy, because Bob Gordon has never signed the front of a paycheck, rather he’s always cashed his tax-payer funded governmental salary.”

“If elected, I will fight to cut taxes, fees, and regulations so that we can attract businesses like Amazon, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and bringing in new tax revenues to our state,” said Langschultz. “We need bold leadership in Trenton dedicated to improving our economy. Unfortunately, our current Senator is more beholden to the special interests and Trenton lobbyists, than he is to you. This November, you can change that by changing who represents you.”
Kelly Langschultz, candidate for New Jersey State Senate, District 38, is a mom of four young children, community leader serving on the New Milford Town Council, small business owner, and former President of the Education Fund.

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The Bob Menendez trial: He may be a sleaze, but he’s our sleaze | Mulshine

menednez_ridgewood trainstation_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Updated on September 21, 2017 at 7:39 AM Posted on September 21, 2017 at 6:27 AM

By Paul Mulshine

Columnist, The Star-Ledger

On the drive up to Newark to view the trial of our senior senator on corruption charges, I heard a radio talker complain that the media are ignoring the proceedings because Bob Menendez is a Democrat.

I wanted to discuss that with the guy who’s been sitting next to me for the past few days of the trial.

Unfortunately, he fell asleep.

When I saw  him in the hall during a break, I mentioned that to him. He replied, “Poke me if I start to snore.”

I could sympathize. The trial has become a war of attrition between the prosecution and defense.

The prosecution seeks to pound into the heads of the juries all of the instances in which the senator got treatment that few of us will ever experience. All came courtesy of  his friendship with a Florida eye doctor who was found guilty last spring of 67 counts of defrauding Medicare of $105 million.

https://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/09/the_bob_menendez_trial_he_may_be_a_sleaze_but_hes.html#incart_river_home_pop

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CWA Union Shop Stewards got Paid to Go To Phil Murphy Event

CWA union phil murphy

September 21,2017
by David Henderson

Ridgewood NJ, form the your tax dollars at work! . State Workers who are CWA Shop Stewards got a paid day off at taxpayers expense to conduct “union business” on Monday. that “business” was a rally for Billionaire gubernatorial candidate Murphy. in addition to their regular state salary, the Murphy machine is paying them $15/hr to show up. Maybe they should be prosecuted as state employees taking a bribe!

Phill Murphy -Sara Medina del Castillo