The announcement earlier this year by state Senator Kevin O’Toole that he will not pursue reelection promptly altered the political landscape in LD40, setting in motion the emergence of a new GOP establishment ticket that surfaced fully formed this morning. Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Perhaps it was fitting that it came up at an event named after New Jersey’s funniest governor. The Auditor, NJ.com Read more
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Lizette Parker. Mayor Parker was a committed and principled advocate for the town she served and the people of Teaneck. Lizette’s role in our community leaves a bright legacy that will shine forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends, her family, and her beloved town during this difficult time.” Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05)
Funeral to be held Saturday for Teaneck mayor
Arrangements have been scheduled for the township’s mayor, Lizette Parker, who died Sunday. Mary Diduch, The Record Read more
Teaneck Mayor Lizette Parker dies at 44
Township Mayor Lizette Parker, the first African American female mayor in Teaneck and in Bergen County, died on Sunday, her family said. She was 44. Jeff Green and Jim Norman, The Record Read more
We live in a world of constant entertainment – but is too much stimulation boring?
Sandi Mann
Sunday 24 April 2016 01.00 EDT
It amazes me when people proclaim that they are bored. Actually, it amazes me that I am ever bored, or that any of us are. With so much to occupy us these days, boredom should be a relic of a bygone age – an age devoid of the internet, social media, multi-channel TV, 24-hour shopping, multiplex cinemas, game consoles, texting and whatever other myriad possibilities are available these days to entertain us.
Yet despite the plethora of high-intensity entertainment constantly at our disposal, we are still bored. Up to half of us are “often bored” at home or at school, while more than two- thirds of us are chronically bored at work. We are bored by paperwork, by the commute and by dull meetings. TV is boring, as is Facebook and other social media. We spend our weekends at dull parties, watching tedious films or listening to our spouses drone on about their day. Our kids are bored – bored of school, of homework and even of school holidays.
There are a number of explanations for our ennui. This, in fact, is part of the problem – we are overstimulated. The more entertained we are the more entertainment we need in order to feel satisfied . The more we fill our world with fast-moving, high-intensity, ever-changing stimulation, the more we get used to that and the less tolerant we become of lower levels.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/apr/24/why-are-we-so-bored
Past practices are what got us in to the mess we’re in now in the state. Nothing about the status quo is acceptable. NJ and Bergen need clearer thinking and smarter decision making, not payments based on “past practices” without written policy or contractual obligation.
When taxpayer funds are involved, the process should be transparent. Let’s remember this man let Tommy Boy Rica walk free after the theft of at least $500,000 in quarters (and most likely much more) from the Village of Ridgewwod, and now his friend Mordaga, who resigned from Hackensack PD, has an unsealed case to deal with.
Apr 25, 2016
Ridgewood NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) today called upon U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck to re-evaluate their decision to place a barrier over the 166,000 tons of contaminated materials at the Ringwood Superfund Site instead of pursuing complete removal of the toxic substances.
Recent discoveries of significant levels of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen that may result in liver, kidney, and upper respiratory damage, at levels close to 100 times the state maximum standard, raises new concerns about the EPA’s decision to cap the site. Congressman Garrett demands that the EPA identify all potential toxic substances that may be present at the Ringwood Superfund Site and ensure that a new cleanup plan rectifies the presence of all hazardous substances once and for all.
“As you know, the Ringwood Superfund Site is a decades old and continued concern for New Jersey residents,” said Garrett in his request to the EPA. “The discovery of an additional toxic substance has increased public concern about the EPA’s decision to approve the plan to cap the site. New Jersey residents deserve to know that a plan to mitigate hazardous substances in their communities will be successful and will permanently remove the public health threat posed to them.”
The Congressman is also demanding answers from a February 2016 letter where he requested information about groundwater tests when it came to light that they had knowledge of the presence of 1,4-dioxane. To date, the EPA has not responded to these requests.
Congressman Garrett’s Specific Requests from the EPA:
1. Is the EPA reevaluating the decision to cap the site instead of a full cleanup due to the discovery of a new toxic substance and the possibility that other toxic substances may be present?
2. What were the reasons behind approving the plan to cap the site despite the EPA initially supporting a full cleanup?
3. What are the criteria for pursuing the plan to cap the site and does the presence of a new toxic substance affect these criteria?
To read the entire letter, click here.
photo by ArtChick
It could be well into the summer shore season before New Jersey residents and out-of-state drivers have any certainty on whether the state’s gas tax is going up to pay for road and bridge work. Associated Press Read more
But did he get paid in quarters ?
Bergen County gave former Prosecutor John Molinelli a day’s pay for every full year he served in the job and he continued on the payroll for two weeks after a new prosecutor came onboard — collecting more than $14,000 as his tenure drew to a close, documents show. Jean Rimbach, The Record Read more
April 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As a resident of New Jersey, you and your family have access to a statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP). Create and print your FREE discount prescription drug card coupon on www.newjerseydrugcard.com. This pharmacy coupon card will provide you with Rx medication savings of up to 75% at more than 68,000 pharmacies across the country including A&P, Pathmark, SuperFresh, Drug Basics, Kmart, Sav-on, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Genuardis, Stop and Shop, Target, ShopRite, Walmart, Wegmans, Weis, and many more. You can create as many coupons as you need. We encourage you to create and send to friends and family members via one of the many available options. This Coupon/Card is pre-activated and can be used immediately!
Ridgewood NJ, Auditions to take place in May-June for Bergen County’s only community youth chorus
open to boys and girls in grades K-5
Ars Musica Chorale announces the formation of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus for children in grades Kindergarten through five. Auditions for the NJSCC’s inaugural season will take place in the after school and evening hours on Tuesday, May 17th, Thursday, May 19th, Tuesday, May 24th, Thursday, May 26th, Monday, June 6th and Wednesday, June 8th at First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ. Requests for auditions can be submitted via the chorus website at www.njstatechildrenschorus.org. Weekly rehearsals will begin in September.
The only community youth chorus in Bergen County, NJSCC will consist of two ensembles. The Apprentice Choir is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten through two, and the Intermediate Choir is open to boys and girls in grades three through five. Both ensembles will feature approximately 40 singers. A third ensemble designed for middle school students is planned for the future.
The chorus will be led by Artistic Director Dusty Francis, accomplished choral singer, conductor, teacher, and current Music Director of Ars Musica Chorale. “Singing in a children’s chorus is a transformational experience, and it’s an opportunity Ars Musica believes every child should have,” said Francis. “Bergen County is fortunate to have many wonderful activities for children, but there is no community children’s chorus in the area. We saw the need and felt we were able to fill it with the formation of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus.”
While auditions for the chorus are required, any child with an interest in choral singing is welcome to participate in the audition process. “I truly believe every child can sing, so our auditions are primarily designed to give children an opportunity to let their personalities and unique musical gifts shine through,” Francis explained. “We’re looking for children with an interest in music and the maturity necessary to participate fully in a weekly choral rehearsal.”
Rehearsals for both the Apprentice and Intermediate choirs will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ on Tuesday afternoons from September through June. The Apprentice Choir rehearses from 4:00–5:00pm. The Intermediate Choir rehearses from 5:30–6:45pm. Two performances are planned for the inaugural season.
Francis appreciates the value that school and religious choirs bring to the community and hopes NJSCC members would continue their involvement in these programs. “There are some truly wonderful existing music programs in Bergen County, and we’re working very hard to position ourselves not as a competing choir but a complementary choir,” said Francis. “Singers in NJSCC will learn valuable skills that can be transferred to their church and school music programs and to the rest of their lives.”
According to Francis, parent organization Ars Musica lends to NJSCC a depth of expertise, experience, and leadership with fifty years of successful artistic and financial operations. “We’re very fortunate to have Ars Musica as a resource as we launch our inaugural season,” he said.
Tuition for the full season (September through June) is $650 for the Apprentice Choir and $750 for the Intermediate Choir. Tuition includes all vocal instruction, rehearsals, music, staff, and applicable facility rental fees. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due once a spot in the chorus is offered and accepted. Payment plans and financial assistance are available for those who qualify.
About the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus
The New Jersey State Children’s Chorus, an initiative of Ars Musica and based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is Bergen County’s only community children’s chorus, fostering camaraderie and leadership through choral singing. Its mission is to achieve choral excellence through musicianship training, community building, and performance, empowering young people from every cultural and economic background to become leaders in their classrooms and their communities. The NJSCC consists of two ensembles. The Apprentice Choir is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten through two, and the Intermediate Choir is open to boys and girls in grades three through five. The inaugural 10-month season of the NJSCC will kick off in September, 2016 and auditions are scheduled for May and June. Weekly rehearsals for both the Apprentice and Intermediate Choirs will be held in Ridgewood, NJ on Tuesday afternoons/evenings under the leadership of Artistic Director Dusty Francis.
For more information about the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus, including rehearsal and performance schedules, audition details and/or to request an audition, visitwww.njstatechildrenschorus.org.
April 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Movies from the 1980s profiled the prototypical “It Girl” – pretty, blond, wealthy, who drove luxury sports cars to high school, was liked by other girls and chased by all the boys.
Jane Zarse was that girl, and the persona continued into the ’90s, when she eventually graduated Boston University on the dean’s list and began acting in New York City and in Hollywood films.
That’s what nearly every young woman wants, right? Unfortunately for Zarse, it was a parallel image of her true self, she says. All the while, she’d been devolving into alcoholism and other self-abuses.
“My folks did very well and thought they were doing all the right things for their kids, but we never – never – spoke about our problems,” says Zarse, author of “Love and Compassion Is My Religion,” (https://tinyurl.com/z5u236t).
“It was more important to keep up appearances, especially how we appeared to ourselves. After punishing myself with substance abuse, doomed relationships and more, I’d finally hit rock bottom.”
It’s the life story for countless Americans. For Zarse, a non-romantic relationship opened her eyes, aiding her to a robust recovery and a new way of experiencing spirituality. She offers insights for those who need help recovering after hitting rock bottom.
• You can’t change or improve what you don’t acknowledge.Spirituality includes more than mental abstractions; it’s about applyingtranscendent insights into everyday life. Admitting problems, for instance, means transcending the powerful forces of pride, habit, complacency, etc. Hitting rock bottom forces you to see what you’ve been hiding for so long – that ugly, desperately addicted side of your self.
• Don’t fall for a false sense of control. When alcohol, serial dating and unsuccessful job prospects gave Zarse the sense that her life was spinning out of control, she developed an eating disorder. It gave her a false sense of security via an unhealthy expression of discipline. While recovering from rock bottom, such temptations may occur. If so, be honest that you may be grasping, once again, at something unsustainable.
• Successful relationships require kindness and respect. As the “It Girl,” Zarse received plenty of attention from men. If she wanted a relationship, she was able to find herself in one quickly. But an entitled mentality, coupled with substance abuse, fostered toxicity in her first marriage. You get back what you put into relationships.
“I remember thinking: What’s the point of quitting drinking? – I’ll still be thinking about it constantly,” Zarse says. “If you find yourself with similar thoughts, it may be time seek help. Remember, that help may come in unexpected people.”
About Jane Zarse
Jane Zarse grew up in the private school world of privilege and excess as she spiraled into alcoholism before joining Alcoholics Anonymous and finding her way back. In “Love and Compassion Is My Religion,” (https://tinyurl.com/z5u236t) she writes about learning to love herself again and how finding spirituality helped her do so.
Garrett on the campaign trail
April 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, On Wednesday, Democrat Josh Gottheimer, challenger in the race for New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District questioned incumbent Republican Scott Garrett’s stance on terror at a campaign event in Bergenfield, New Jersey.
Challenger Gottheimer appeared with United Airline pilots and members of the Air Line Pilots Association who said that Garrett opposes a proposed safety measure for “secondary cockpit barriers” that would prevent terrorists from entering the cockpit.
While Gottheimer’s charges elicited a giggle , especially coming from a protege of Hillary Clinton who has come under heavy scrutiny for her tenure as Secretary of State and a Democratic administration that will not even use the words ,”Islamic Terrorism” who also criticized former president Bush claiming the “war of terror” was nothing more than a made up .
The Garrett campaign responded to Gottheimer’s clueless remarks and characterization that the Congressman is weak on terror.with a litany on anti terror legislation the Congressmen Garrett has worked on .
“Congressman Garrett’s record on the fight against terrorism and protecting the American people is strong and the repeated false attacks from his opponent are nothing but a sloppy attempt to tell a story that simply isn’t true,” said Sarah Neibart, Campaign Manager for Scott Garrett.
In fact, Congressman Garrett was a leading voice against the nuclear deal with Iran–one of the most devious state sponsors of terrorism on the planet–despite support from Gottheimer’s friends in the Democrat establishment like Hillary Clinton and her cronies,” Neibart added.
Garrett , “Iran Nuke deal” saying “As I’ve said since the beginning of these negotiations, any agreement that allows Iran to acquire, build, or proliferate nuclear weapons—now or in the future—is a threat to the United States and its allies. The Iranian regime has done nothing to prove that it has earned the trust or respect of the international community, and therefore should not be rewarded with good faith gestures or sanctions relief.
“With this deal, a timetable is set where Iran can organize, increase military capabilities, raise funds, and prepare for deadlines where they will be able to acquire ballistic weapons and continue their nuclear proliferation. This could create a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and further destabilize an increasingly volatile region. Congress must ensure the terrorist state of Iran never has a chance to threaten the world with nuclear weapons.”
“Additionally, please see the attached list of bills that Congressman Garrett has supported in the 114th Congress that have passed the House. They are related to the issues you wrote about in the published article.”
H.R. 4408 — National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation requires the creation of an implementation plan from the President in order to ensure that our defenses against terrorist travel are streamlined and that existing security gaps are closed.
H.R. 720 – Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015, Rep. John Katko (R-NY) This legislation makes important advancements in enhancing our ability to prepare and mitigate threats in our nation’s airports. It addresses gaps in security at domestic airports by requiring enhanced security and communication at airports nationwide. Specifically, it requires TSA to verify that all airports and high-risk surface transportation hubs have an appropriate security response plan in place to effectively train for and respond to security incidents when they occur. Further, it will ensure that emergency communications equipment is regularly tested and that emergency first-responders are able to communicate with each other and the public during a major security incident.
H.R. 2770 – Keeping our Travelers Safe and Secure Act, Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) This legislation eliminates the risks and threats posed to our aviation sector by ensuring airport screening equipment is properly maintained and kept fully operational. It requires the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance process for airport screening equipment. The process must include specific maintenance schedules, guidance for TSA personnel and contractors on how to conduct and document maintenance actions, mechanisms to insure compliance, and penalties for noncompliance.
H.R. 3144 – Partners for Aviation Security Act, Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) This legislation would ensure robust and continual collaboration between the TSA and aviation stakeholders to identify and understand security concerns. In addition to requiring TSA consultation with key stakeholders, this legislation requires a TSA report on the Transportation Security Oversight Board and makes a technical correction to existing law to ensure that there are no lapses in activity for the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
H.R. 3586 – Border and Maritime Coordination Improvement Act, Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) This legislation addresses the deficiencies that plague our border security efforts, which drive up costs and limit effectiveness according to DHS officials. To address these deficiencies, this legislation requires increased collaboration and communication between DHS’ diverse operational components and gives them the flexibility to utilize public-private partnerships to better secure our borders.
H.R. 4509 — State and High-Risk Urban Area Working Group Act (Rep. Payne, D-NJ) This legislation fixes the lack of coordination between all those involved in community response to a terror attack. This legislation would address this issue by ensuring that decision-makers, including school officials and public health officials, work together to gain a complete understanding of a community’s vulnerabilities so that investments can be prioritized appropriately.
H.R. 4403 — Enhancing Overseas Traveler Vetting Act (Rep. Hurd, R-TX) This legislation helps prevent terrorists from traveling undetected to and from western countries. Specifically, this legislation rapidly increases the United States’ ability to share proven technologies with our allies. It authorizes the United States to develop and share open-source software that will help our European allies vet travelers and identify known or suspected jihadists.
H.R. 2750—Improved Security Vetting for Aviation Workers Act, as amended (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation strengthens the vetting of employees who have sensitive access within our nation’s airports. The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General issued a report in June which found that a stunning 73 aviation workers have ties to terrorism. This legislation would ensure that airport employees are properly vetted to keep travelers safe and secure.
H.R. 1300—First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act, (Rep. King, R-NY) This legislation would enhance the nation’s capability to fight a wide-area anthrax attack by providing pre-vaccinated responders with the ability to immediately and confidently deploy countermeasures with the protections needed for such activities.
H.R. 1634— Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. McSally, R-AZ) This legislation addresses the numerous reports to Congress that DHS acquisition programs are a “high risk” for waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation requires cost control mechanisms for new border technology projects, safeguarding taxpayer dollars and improving the oversight of major DHS acquisition programs.
H.R. 3102—Airport Access Control Security Improvement Act of 2015, (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation is in response to several recent incidents in which airport and airline employees used their security credentials to bypass security screening and transport prohibited items, including illegal drugs and guns, into secure areas of airports and onto commercial flights. The legislation will streamline and strengthen the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) screening procedures for airport and airline employees by requiring the TSA Administrator to establish a risk-based, intelligence-driven screening model that subjects employees to more frequent, more randomized security screenings and minimizes the number of employee entry and exit points.
H.R. 3510—Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015, 2015 (Rep. Richmond, D-LA) This legislation directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law. Improving our nation’s cybersecurity is paramount, and this legislation ensures that DHS is able to defend our nation and its people from cyber-attacks.
H.R. 4314 — Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2016 (Rep. Zeldin, R-NY) This legislation establishes international border security standards to close security gaps that currently exist that allow terrorists and foreign fighters to travel internationally. The plan would establish international border security standards that would be developed in coordination with all relevant U.S. Government departments and agencies in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and Director of the FBI.
H.R. 4401 — Amplifying Local Efforts to Root out Terror Act of 2016, (Rep. Loudermilk, R-GA) This legislation authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to train State and major urban area fusion centers (local and state law enforcement personnel) in the most effective tactics and methods used to counter terrorism. It also provides increased community awareness of ongoing terrorist threats, and directs DHS to notify Congress on the number of security clearances they issue to state and local law enforcement communities.
H.R. 3584 — Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation ensures several Congressional oversight priorities for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are addressed, including the authorization of the PreCheck program, the advancement of risk-based security initiatives, the enhancement of aviation worker vetting, and the improvement of airport screening technologies.
H.R. 4402 — Foreign Fighter Review Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Hurd, R-TX) This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to do an end to end review of all known foreign fighter travel to identify the specific challenges that law enforcement faces in its attempts to stop individuals from joining terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. DHS will then submit their findings to Congress so that appropriate action can be taken to improve the security of our nation
Instead of raising the gas tax, could New Jersey collect tolls on interstate highways in order to fund transportation? Mike Davis, Asbury Park Press Read more
Bergen Line trains to Ridgewood were also briefly suspended then operated on a delayed schedule in both directions, while MidTown Direct rail service will be diverted to Hoboken.
The PATH service cross honored tickets and passes at Newark Penn, Hoboken and 33rd Street in NY. stations.
Rail service between Newark Penn Station and New York was resumed following earlier brush fires. NJT told customers to expect delays of up to 60 minutes.
NOAA cites “CONDITIONS REMAIN FAVORABLE FOR RAPID BRUSH FIRE SPREAD
DURING THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING” in the area .
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page :Glen Rock Police Department uniformed patrol officer administered Narcan to the adult male driver of a Toyota Corolla
Governor Christie on Monday marked the second anniversary of a law that put a heroin overdose antidote in the hands of first-responders, observing that while no program is perfect, this one has saved several thousand lives. John C. Ensslin, The Record Read more
