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NJ agency paying millennials to throw parties and discuss transportation

Millennials_theridgewoodblg

file photo by ArtChick

By David Matthau February 20, 2017 3:49 AM

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The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority wants you to throw a cocktail party — and they’ll foot the bill!

According to David Behrend, department director of communications and government affairs for the Authority, the Set the Table initiative is one part of a broad public outreach effort to update their long-range transportation plan for 13 counties in Central and North Jersey.

“The idea is to look at how we can better involve younger people who maybe haven’t traditionally been involved in some of these public meetings and this process in the past,” he said.

Behrend said participant hosts who should be between the ages of 18 to 29 will be asked to get together a group of six to eight friends. They’ll get a small stipend, around $100, “to get some pizzas or other foods, however they want to organize their particular event.”

He said each group will be given cards with questions about different subjects like transportation safety, technology and the environment.

“These are the folks who are going to be experiencing and using the transportation network 30 years down the road, so we want to hear their input, we want to see what they have to say.”

Behrend says the Set the Table meetings will help to shape what happens in the future

Read More: NJ agency paying millennials to throw parties and discuss transportation | https://nj1015.com/nj-agency-paying-millennials-to-throw-parties-and-discuss-transportation/?trackback=tsmclip

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Powerball jackpot goes winless again, jackpot up to $403 million

Lottery_theridgewoodblog

By Dan Alexander February 19, 2017 8:56 AM

TRENTON — Nobody won the jackpot in Saturday night’s Powerball drawing, but New Jersey remains a lucky place to play the game.

One ticket sold in New Jersey matched five numbers, but not the power ball, good for $1 million. Another four tickets matched 4 numbers and the power ball worth $50,000 each.

The Powerball jackpot displayed on a lottery machine at a Wawa in Toms River (Dan Alexander, Townsquare Media NJ)

The winning numbers drawn Saturday were: 3,7,9,31,33 and the power ball was 20 giving the jackpot an annuity value of $403 million for the next drawing on Wednesday with a cash value of $243.9 million.

Read More: Powerball jackpot goes winless again, jackpot up to $403 million | https://nj1015.com/powerball-jackpot-goes-winless-again-jackpot-up-to-403-million/?trackback=tsmclip

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19 year old UNF reporter from Fair Lawn Gets Presidents Attention during President Trumps Press Conference

Kyle Mazza

photo from Kyle Mazza’s Facebook page

February 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, a UNF News Reporter Kyle Mazza Asks President Trump A Question At White House News Conference — (VIDEO CREDIT: FOX NEWS) https://t.co/Hivt4UpRyp #UNFNEWS

Kyle Mazza is a 19 year old from Fair Lawn New Jersey and studied at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Hasbrouck Heights.
Mazza’s question focused on the first lady during President Trump’s freewheeling news conference on Thursday.

“Mr. President,” a reporter began, “Melania Trump announced the reopening of the White House Visitors Office. And she does a lot of great work for the country as well. Can you tell us a little bit about what first lady Melania Trump does for the country?”

Mr. Trump lowered his combative tone. “Now, that’s what I call a nice question,” he said. “That is very — who are you with?”

The answer — UNF News — barely registered with Mr. Trump.

“Good,” the president said. “I’m going to start watching, all right?”

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Birders want to keep Meadowlands mall from being bird-killer

xanadu_theridgewoodblog

By SCOTT FALLON
Posted: Feb. 18, 2017 8:00 am Updated: Feb. 18, 2017 11:54 am

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — When the owners of American Dream unveiled their latest renderings of the Meadowlands mall and entertainment complex in December, some saw the new glass facade as a significant upgrade from the much reviled boxy exterior.

Don Torino, however, saw only death.

The president of the Bergen Audubon Society feared the glass exterior could be deadly to the barn swallows, marsh wrens and dozens of other bird species that migrate through the Meadowlands each year.

Birds slam into buildings at alarming rates. Studies by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimate that buildings with reflective glass kill 303 million birds each year, ranking second only to cats in bird kills. Birds can’t see reflective glass well, mistaking it for clear air space. Like moths, they are also attracted to bright lights at night when they migrate and often cannot sense that those lights are part of a larger structure.

“It’s pretty simple: If you put a glassy building in a place where birds migrate, like the Meadowlands, the likelihood of a bird hitting it is high,” Susan Elbin, director of conservation and science for New York City Audubon, told The Record (https://bit.ly/2m8fdi6).

https://www.njherald.com/article/20170218/AP/302189899

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N.J. needs a water plan, or it may be tears that will flow

ridgewood water

February 19, 2017 at 3:00 AM

Smart companies (and states) make long-range plans based on the most accurate data available. But New Jersey’s real estate and home-building industries, the state’s water utilities and, indeed, any N.J. company that depends on a reliable water supply can’t do that right now. The Statewide Water Supply Plan — a document that details where the water for New Jersey’s future is and is not — has not been updated since 1996, despite a state statute requiring that an updated report be provided every five years.

Certainly, the Department of Environmental Protection has been working on an update. But, as Rutgers professor and former DEP official Daniel J. Van Abs said in a Feb. 7 column for NJSpotlight, a new draft plan was “last seen” in 2012, when it was presented to the Water Supply Advisory Council — a panel of water company officials, academic scientists and various nonprofits that advises the DEP on water issues. Since then, nothing has happened.

The DEP says it is still collecting data, but Van Abs and others believe Gov. Chris Christie is sitting on the report because the news is not likely to be good. Their theory is that an updated report could stymie development in the state, and the Christie administration does not want to be bound by it.

https://www.njbiz.com/article/20170219/NJBIZ01/170219830/editorial-nj-needs-a-water-plan-or-it-may-be-tears-that-will-flow

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Art Brainz Academy Announces Summer Art Camp Offerings

Van Gogh Doctor Who
file photo

Special Rates for Early Summer Art Camp Registration!

Summer Art Camp
EARLY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Walk Ins Welcome!

Half Day 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Full Day 8:30 – 4:30PM

Cost: 1/2 Day: $35 or Full Day: $65 (Best Value)

Summer Early Registration
Reg. $325 Sale: $275 Full Week

Making Art like Matisse
June 19 – June 21
Join us as we paint, draw and create
colorful art inspired by Matisse!

Fun with Picasso
June 26 – June 30
Young artists explore a fun filled, color
and shape learning experience
as they dive into Picasso’s world
drawing, painting and more!

Where does the time Van Gogh?
July 10 – July 14
From starry nights to rich and colorful
landscapes, students will enjoy drawing
and painting in the impressionist style.

Doing it like Da Vinci!
July 17 – July 21
Explore this master of the Renaissance
as we build, paint and draw many of
Da Vinci’s most famous creations!

Making All Things Monet
July 24 – July 28
Explore this master of the Renaissance
as we build, paint and draw many of
Da Vinci’s most famous creations!

Create Your Own Tees and Hats
August 7 – August 11
Custom tees and color filled hats
will be created using fabric paints. Fun
filled days with exciting themes. Wear
your own artwork and have fun!

Get Hopping With Haring
August 14 – August 18
Pop art is alive and well as we
learn about Keith Haring and his colorful
creations. Paintings and drawings in
mixed media to be created.

Mad About Emojis
August 21 – August 25
We love emojis and so will you as
we create our favorite ones in clay,
paintings and drawings!

Call 201-932-0202 or visit https://www.artbrainz.com/summer-camp.html

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Allendale Woman’s Club Fashion Show to benefit West Bergen Mental Healthcare

Fashion Show Flyer

Allendale Woman’s Club Fashion Show
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 6:30 to 11:00 PM

SEASONS, 644 Pascack Road, Twp. of Washington, NJ
Healthy Mind, Hopeful Future: A Benefit for West Bergen Mental Healthcare
Cocktail Hour, Dinner, Open Bar, Basket and 50-50 Raffles, Fashion Show by Fig Leaf of Maywood
$80 per person, deadline April 4, 2017.
Allendale Woman’s Club
201-694-6805
[email protected]
•       Business Website – www.allendalewomansclub.org
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Major Gas Leak in Allendale Closes West Crescent near West Maple Thursday Night

Major Gas Leak in Allendale

photo courtesy of AVAC

Homeowners Evacuated 

February 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ, At this time, emergency repair on the gas main is still ongoing. Schools are closed and detours are still in place. Please continue to avoid the area.

Last night Allendale Fire Department and Allendale Police are on scene at a natural gas leak on West Crescent near West Maple. W. Crescent Avenue is closed by Crestwood. Keep away from area. Because of numerous road closures residents were asked to please try and avoid this area of Allendale if possible. Still an unknown timeframe as to when emergency work will be completed.

USRVAC 926 is operating on scene of a natural gas leak in Allendale in the area of W. Crescent and Hillside. USRVAC is supporting AllendaleOffice of Emergency Management, AVAC, AFD and fire units from Ramsey, Waldwick, Wyckoff and Saddle River. Additionally Upper Saddle PD is on scene for support to APD. ,AVAC 208 is operating on scene of a natural gas leak in the area of W. Crescent and Hillside. AVAC is supporting Allendale Office of Emergency Management, AFD and fire units from Ramsey, Waldwick, Wyckoff and Saddle River. Additionally Upper Saddle River EMS is on scene along with THV EMS. Also on scene is PSE&G.

Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Crews were standing by at Allendale Fire HQ to assist their town on a major gas leak

Due to gas leak and road repairs, Allendale schools will be closed today February 17th. Archer Cooperative Nursery School is also closed today due to a gas leak in Allendale.

Residents ,as the process of repairing the gas leak is completed there may be residual gas odor in areas around town. Please be patient as may roads have been closed off in an abundance of caution.

The gas leak emergency repair is still ongoing, but good news, if you were evacuated as a result of this, you MAY return to your residence at this time!

PSE&G repair is still going on. W Crescent Avenue from Borough Hall to W Allendale Ave and Hillside from W Crescent to Forest Rd will remain closed until the repairs are completed.
Allendale Borough Hall and The Lee Memorial Library will be opened today. Please access these building via Brookside Avenue.
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NJ Gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rudy Rullo: Illegal immigration destroyed the Landscaping industry

Joseph Rudy Rullo,

February 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, According to NJ Gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rudy Rullo Illegal immigration destroyed the Landscaping industry for legal businesses following the laws, and is just as devastating to NJ jobs. It’s dificult to compete with a business not paying payroll taxes, employee comp, and not following the same rules. All the jobs lost are directly proportional to NJ unemployment. Just ask business owners following the rules. Ask the employees unemployed or underemployed. Imagine the losses to employee comp insurance revenue and state income taxes. The impact on rates for businesses following the law!

Many illegal immigrants are now running businesses themselves with illegal employees charging less than half of what a job is worth. This summer I couldn’t do a job for cost what an illegal competitor was charging. One of these illegal business owners drives around with a fraudulent license from Mexico with a New Jersey address. He built his business stealing accounts from his former employer for 10 plus years who also used illegal immigrants. The company was fined 13k for failing to have a home improvement license last year. The courts are buried in old warrants from illegal immigrants who never show up to court. They don’t exist.

Our police are overburdened with hands virtually tied because NJ is a sanctuary state. Out of state license plates and DMV fraud are the law of the land. As Governor I will implement E- Verify for all employees working in New Jersey and work with President Donald Trump to eliminate sanctuary cities across NJ. Everyone must follow the same rules in business and follow the law. Our veterans will of NJ will be first priority in NJ hospitals not illegal immigrants. (https://rullo2017.com/ )

NJ needs an outsider candidate like Joseph Rudy Rullo. Straight forward, honest and not afraid to stand up to the politician as usual. NJ has been rooked for too many years. Time for a different approach. https://www.facebook.com/Rullo2017/videos/1261051353930210/

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10 biggest boom and bust towns for real estate in N.J.

realestate_forsale_theridgewoodblog

Updated February 16, 2017
Posted February 14, 2017

Housing prices in New Jersey have suffered from the recession, and have yet to hit pre-recession levels. Most housing prices fell between the 2005-2009 Census and the 2011-2015 Census. To balance out those effects, NJ Advance Media looked at Zillow data comparing the 2012-2013 average home sale price with the 2014-2015 sale price.

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/02/the_10_biggest_real_estate_boom_and_bust_towns_in_nj.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_stryheadline

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The New Jersey pension crisis | IN 60 SECONDS

Christine Todd Whitman

February 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the New Jersey pension crisis in 60 seconds . Reader says ,” the unions rule NJ and the politicians are at their beck and call. They’re bankrupting the state and municipalities, and taxpayers get screwed at every turn. Benefits should be diminished big time, but the unions get the vote out to keep the good times rolling. You keep voting in theives and you’re gonna get robbed. Any time the unions want something, assume it’s bad for state and local tax payers”

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Bergen County will be Brooklyn

CBD high density housing

State Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, who attended the meeting, said she is preparing new legislation that would potentially help towns, especially densely populated communities like Dumont, address their affordable housing obligations.

“Every municipality in Bergen County is struggling, having no idea how to address it,” Schepisi said. “My biggest concern is, if they have their way, if we don’t stop this now, by 2026 Bergen County will be Brooklyn.”

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High Winds Toppled tree on Bedford Place in Glen Rock

High Winds Toppled tree on Bedford Place in Glen Rock

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

February 14,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, High winds on Monday took their toll and toppled a tree in front of 51 Bedford Place, Glen Rock on Monday morning, 02/13. Glen Rock PD responded to assess damages and to cordon off the area. No injuries were reported and structural damage to two (2) homes nearby was minimal.

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NEW JERSEY RESCUE accused from buying pups from Puppy Mill

NEW JERSEY RESCUE accused from buying pups from Puppy Mill

February 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Tenafly NJ, the group Reformers – Advocates for Animal Shelter Change in NJ exposes a NEW JERSEY RESCUE for buying PUPPIES from JUST PUPS OWNER VINCENT LOSACCO!!!!

from their facebook page Reformers – Advocates for Animal Shelter Change in NJ:

It seems that a certain person from a local PETRESQ, mainly the owner and one cronie, can not keep her nose out of business that isn’t hers, and is inserting herself into the Just Pups situation that occurred the other night in East Hanover even though she was no where in site.

For those of you that are unaware she has been dealing with Vinny LaSocco for years, buying puppies from him. YES!!!! That’s right, SHE BUYS PUPPIES FROM HIM, through his BROKERS BUSINESS called Canine Commerce that is incorporated in Delaware.

The other night when the NJSPCA called in Husky House to come help with the situation in East Hanover at Just Pups, the owner of a North Jersey PETRESQ was all over the internet having a hissy fit that she didn’t get to sneak puppies out, again, under cover of darkness like she did in East Brunswick when the State of New Jersey quarantined those puppies.

She also called the Daily Voice newspaper Thursday night when this happened and inserted herself again, telling the newspaper that Husky House paid $475.00 per dog, which was a complete and total lie. The reporter retracted the story and wrote a new piece. NO MONEY EXCHANGED HANDS AND NO MONEY WILL EVER EXCHANGE HANDS, as Lorraine Healy of Husky House will never support a puppy mill by purchasing a puppy.

However, with that being said, the owner of this North Jersey PETRESQ does in fact pay Vinny LoSacco for puppies, and has been doing so for nearly 3 years now. AND WE HAVE THE PROOF!!! Look at the “memo” section of the check where she clearly writes “puppies”!

The owner of PetResq is telling people (as you will see in the screenshot below) that Lorraine Healy has been taking puppies from Vincent LoSacco for years. Husky House has taken a few puppies that the ONWER OF PETRESQ asked her to take because the puppies were too big. In total Husky House took approx. 6 dogs, and again NO MONEY EXCHANGED HANDS.

Vinny LoSacco has admitted that the owner of this North Jersey PETREQ has in fact, and I quote, “made tens of thousands of dollars off me”, and he believes it may even be into the hundreds of thousands. She has paid him $200 per dog and then sells them for 7 or 8 hundred dollars. THIS MY FRIENDS IS NOT RESCUE!! This is supporting the proliferation of PUPPY MILLS!!! This is puppy flipping….this is NOT rescue….

Don’t believe me?? That’s fine!!! The proof is below!!! Enjoy!!

This is just another liar and “looser”!!! (Yes, I know I spelt it wrong it’s an inside joke to the REFORMERS).

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DEMOCRATS WANT YOU TO PICK UP TAB IF NJ’S SANCTUARY CITIES LOSE FUNDS UNDER TRUMP

Sweeney & Prieto

JOHN REITMEYER | FEBRUARY 13, 2017

Governor says officials from communities that lose federal funding will have to explain revenue loss to local residents

President Donald Trump has threatened in an executive order to strip federal aid from so-called sanctuary cities that harbor undocumented immigrants, meaning some communities in New Jersey could stand to lose millions of dollars.

But Democratic legislative leaders, harking back to New Jersey’s historic role in welcoming immigrants to the United States, want to make sure state funds are available to replace any resources that would be lost if the new president follows through on his threat against sanctuary cities.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/02/12/democrats-want-state-to-pick-up-tab-if-nj-s-sanctuary-cities-lose-funds-under-trump/