July 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police, Hawthorne Fire Department Company #4, Hawthorne FD Company #5, and Hawthorne EMS responded to a two (2) vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of Forest and Warburton Avenues on Tuesday afternoon, 07/03. Both drivers were evaluated by Hawthorne EMS; they each refused ambulance transportation to a local hospital. The wrecked vehicles were removed from the scene by two (2) flatbed tow trucks.
photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society
July 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society invites you to cap off your celebrating with us and step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an vintage base ball game in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. This year featuring the Flemington Neshanocks versus the NY Mutuals on July 7th from 11 am to 1 pm!
Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America’s game!
Watch for Casey at the Bat at this first big event in The Meadow, make sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, BCHS
Saturday at 11 AM – 1 PM
Bergen County Historical Society
1201-5 Main St, River Edge, New Jersey 07661
July 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewod blog
West Trenton NJ, The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.
During the July 4th holiday weekend last year, there were 5 fatal crashes that resulted in 5 deaths, with alcohol as a contributing factor for two of them. These types of tragedies can often be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber and Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. During this period, more than 70 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
Motorists are also reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to move over or be ticketed for the violation. According to New Jersey’s Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights must move over to leave an empty lane next to those vehicles. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.
“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Although statewide crash fatalities are slightly down from this time last year, we know we can do much better. We want everyone to get to and from their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with their friends and families.”
The State Police Marine Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend, and troopers will be looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft.
Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. A synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
July 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Portions of a protective overhang and facade of a strip mall located on Kinderkamack Road in River Edge collapsed on Tuesday morning, 07/03. River Edge Fire Department called upon the services of numerous area fire departments to assist with the primary search for any trapped occupants/patrons. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco was on the scene personally leading a team of Bergen County OEM representatives. Several blocks of Kinderkamack Road were closed to vehicular traffic while emergency responders worked. No immediate injuries were reported, but the removal of downed building debris had not yet begun at the time of this post.
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
July 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched to stand by at the scene of a severed 2-inch, high pressure natural gas line on Monday afternoon, 07/02. The incident occurred at construction site on Braen Avenue near Sotnick Street, Hawthorne. No illnesses were reported and the leak was capped by PSE&G within one (1) hour of initial dispatch.
July 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Today, The Bergen County Historical Society announced its participation in the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A list of participating museums nationwide is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
The Bergen County Historical Society is thrilled to partner with Blue Start Museums and welcome them to Historic New Bridge Landing – President, Jim Smith, Bergen County Historical Society.
“Visiting a museum is a great way to get to know a community—whether it’s in your hometown or a stop on a road trip,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “We appreciate the enthusiasm of museums all across the country who open their doors for military and their families to spend time together and have new arts experiences.”
This year’s participating Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, zoos, nature centers, and children’s museums. Museums are welcome to sign up for Blue Star Museums throughout the summer by emailing [email protected].
“As many military families spend the summer months moving from one duty station to another, or reconnecting with a parent who has returned from deployment, Blue Star Museums helps service members and their families create memories,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Blue Star Families has great appreciation for the generosity of the museums across the country who roll out the red carpet for the families who serve alongside their service members. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”
About Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. The program runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2018 through Labor Day, September 3, 2018.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as Active Duty and Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
Follow Blue Star Museums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily, #bluestarmuseums.
About the Bergen County Historical Society
The Bergen County Historical Society, a non-profit, volunteer, 501 (c)(3) organization, promotes preservation, study and appreciation of local history. There are over 4,000 objects in our museum collections, a collection begun in 1902. Public programs include educational events, museum exhibits, monthly lectures, placement of informative historical markers, and an extensive library and rare document collection. BCHS owns and maintains approximately 7 acres of land at #HistoricNewBridgeLanding, River Edge, NJ.
July 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, on June 27th New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal held press conference announcing the results of an innovative five-county collaboration involving law enforcement, county government, and addiction service agencies to connect individuals suffering from the disease of addiction with vital recovery services through “Operation Helping Hand.”
“These results are extraordinary and are a testament to the dedicated work of all who participated in this unprecedented operation in New Jersey. While we know some of these heroin users who accepted detox beds or support services will lapse into drug use again, there can be little doubt with these numbers that lives were saved – that heroin users who would have become statistics of the opioid epidemic will instead recover and reclaim their lives.”
“The results of this five-county operation reaffirm my strong belief that Operation Helping Hand is a program we need to implement throughout New Jersey and offer as a model to other states across the country. We can’t arrest our way out of the opioid epidemic, but we have learned that we can, in fact, save lives by making arrests, if we engage in this type of collaboration among law enforcement, government, and the addiction-service community.” – Attorney General Gurbir Grewal
July 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, on Facebook ,Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer reminds residents that no one is looking to stop you from exercising your free speech rights but these events cost taxpayers in police overtime and municipal services.
Packer said, “At the council work session this past Wednesday, some time was spent talking about rallies at Borough Hall, particularly the ‘Rally for Humanity’ that is occurring this evening at 7:30PM on the front steps of Borough Hall.
The entire council was in agreement that no local governing body should attempt to prevent residents from exercising their First Amendment rights by following the example of those who built this country by speaking out and rallying.
The point was made, though, that residents should know that there is a cost to all of us, as residents, when there are rallies such as this.
When a group of several hundred people gathers in one place, it is necessary to have a police presence and the police personnel that are present, do represent a cost to all of us. It is important to point out that ANY Borough event held in town, that requires police presence has that same cost.
We budget for police overtime each year with the expectation that there will be times when extra coverage is needed. Each year, the amount that is budgeted is determined based on an assessment of how many events are anticipated in the coming year where police overtime will be necessary as well as OTHER possible times when such a cost may be incurred.
As there was at least one grassroots rally at Borough Hall in 2017, this year’s budget was done with the knowledge that there is an increasing likelihood of gatherings that might necessitate a police presence.
While budgeting for overtime is never an exact science, we feel that we did a good job of covering our bases in this year’s budget and, as always, will continue to reassess as we move forward.”
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page
July 1,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, A Jeep Wrangler and a motorcycle collided in front of the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 456 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne late Saturday night, 06/30. Two (2) ambulances and two (2) paramedic teams were dispatched to aid victims of the crash, said to be an adult male and an adult female. CPR was reportedly being administered on the street to one (1) of the crash victims prior to the arrival of emergency medical responders. At least one (1) victim was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. Hawthorne Police requested assistance from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the horrific incident.
June 30,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Just days before the world’s best golfers tee off at the first event of the PGA TOUR’s season-ending FedExCup Playoffs, runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to the grounds of The Ridgewood Country Club for THE NORTHERN TRUST Fore! Miler Community Run & Walk presented by Stryker. The four-mile race takes participants inside the ropes at Ridgewood, with all proceeds benefitting Center for Food Action, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Official Charities of THE NORTHERN TRUST.
All participants will receive a Good-Any-One-Day grounds ticket to THE NORTHERN TRUST (a $75 value) with their $50 entry fee, along with an official event shirt provided by tasc Performance Apparel, a lifestyle brand that will be selling its trendy, athletic apparel at the tournament. THE NORTHERN TRUST features the top 125 players in the FedExCup standings and will be played at The Ridgewood Country Club on August 21-26.
“There’s no better way to kick off tournament week—and the FedExCup Playoffs—than with a four-mile race that gives fans a first-look at the golf course and raises money for charity,” said Julie Tyson, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Championship Management – New York and Executive Director of THE NORTHERN TRUST. “We’re all about a little friendly competition to promote healthy lifestyles, giving back to the community and showcasing Ridgewood’s amazing layout.”
Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, is serving as presenting sponsor of the Fore! Miler. Now in its fifth consecutive year as the “Official Joint Replacement Products of the PGA TOUR® and PGA TOUR Champions,” Stryker is committed to advancing the health and well-being of golf fans by educating them about joint health so they can enjoy their everyday activities. This year at THE NORTHERN TRUST, fans can also stop by Stryker’s Mobility Zone, the premier on-site “joint health” destination, to learn how Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology is transforming hip and knee replacement.
Event beneficiary MD Anderson Cancer Center, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, is one of the world’s most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. As the Official Cancer Center of the PGA TOUR, MD Anderson is dedicated to educating the healthy public about cancer risk and prevention, raising funds for critical cancer research and using its national platform to advance its mission to end cancer. At THE NORTHERN TRUST, MD Anderson Cancer Center will focus on sun safety providing complimentary sunscreen, skin cancer screenings and shaded seating on the 15th Green.
THE NORTHERN TRUST Fore! Miler Community Run & Walk presented by Stryker
When: Sunday, August 19
Where: The Ridgewood Country Club, 96 W Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ US 07652
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Register: www.thenortherntrust.com/foremiler; online registration ends Friday, August 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Entry fee: $50; this includes a Good-Any-One-Day grounds ticket and an official event shirt provided by tasc Performance Apparel; If you sign up on race day, the cost is $60
What’s included: Entry to the race, an official event shirt provided by tasc Performance Apparel and a Good-Any-One-Day grounds ticket to THE NORTHERN TRUST (a $75 value), valid any one day, August 21-26
Charity Beneficiaries: Center for Food Action, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Official Charities of THE NORTHERN TRUST
For more information about THE NORTHERN TRUST 2018, including ticket purchases, please visit thenortherntrust.com.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
June 30,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho Ho Kus NJ, A collision involving three (3) tractor trailers resulted in the temporary closure of Route 17 northbound in Ho-Ho-Kus on Friday morning, 06/29. No injuries were reported by any of the drivers involved. One (1) rig jackknifed across the center and right travel lanes, and a significant amount of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway when a saddle tank on one of the tractors ruptured. Ho-Ho-Kus Police and Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department responded to the incident along with an emergency response crew from the NJDOT. Traffic was backed up for miles on Route 17 northbound south of the incident.
MahwahStrong
Mahwah NJ, Breaking news: The Committee to “Recall Mayor Laforet” has just announced that they obtained and submitted over 5,000 signatures. This number far exceeded the 4,170 required to have the ability for the question to be on this November ballot.
June 29,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair lawn NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of WILLIAM H. JENKINS, JR (DOB: 1/22/1984; single; and employed as a music producer) of 14 Van Saun Place, Fair Lawn, NJ, on a charge of Aggravated Manslaughter.
William Jenkins is the brother of New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins .
The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Fair Lawn Police Department under the direction of Chief Glen Cauwels.
On Monday, June 25, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a deceased male had been found within a private home located at 14 Van Saun Place, Fair Lawn, NJ. An investigation revealed that William H. JENJKINS, Jr. was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, Roosevelt Rene, which resulted in Rene’s death. William H. JENKINS, Jr., fled the area to Ontario County, New York. He was arrested on June 25, 2018, by the New York State Police on an unrelated matter and lodged in the Ontario County Jail at that time.
As a result of the investigation, William H. JENKINS, Jr., was charged with one count of Aggravated Manslaughter, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4A(1), a crime of the 1st degree. William H. JENKINS, Jr., is currently in custody in New York State, and no first appearance has been scheduled.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would also like to thank the Fair Lawn Police Department, Port Authority Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Ontario County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
June 28,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, A traffic light at the intersection of Goffle and Rock Roads in Hawthorne was downed by a tractor trailer on Wednesday afternoon, 06/27. Hawthorne Police units responded to provide traffic control at the busy intersection until a Borough of Hawthorne electrician arrived on the scene to assess damages and clear all the debris. No injuries were reported.
photos by Derek Michalski
June 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, Heavy police presence during Toll Brothers’ Open House in Mahwah at Apple Ridge construction site over the weekend.
Probably never in the history of these three Bergen County towns Mahwah, Ramsey and Upper Saddle River residents who live along East Crescent Road heard so many drivers honking their horns. On June 24, 2018 Saturday afternoon over the course of four hours hundreds of drivers drove by and honked their horns sometimes 3, 4 and even 5 and more times in solidarity with the protesters who were all lined up along the road on East Crescent Avenue in Mahwah. The protest was aimed at Toll Brothers accused by some residents of Ramsey, Mahwah and Upper Saddle River of massive pollution of Pleasant Brook over the course of the past six months. The subject of this pollution was extensively covered by local and regional media. First CBS did a story which aired on April 23, 2018 on CBS NY News, than FIOS NJ one run all day reports from the site on. Also owned by USA Today media concern NJ Bergen Record wrote extensively in an article titled “Residents want backyard stream tested for arsenic, lead because of construction runoff”.
Link to CBS story:
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/04/23/bergen-county-brown-streams/
Link to FIOS NJ One coverage:
Link “The Record” story:
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2018/04/28/residents-want-backyard-stream-tested-arsenic-lead-because-construction-runoff/549503002/
Apparently this matter is not going away anytime soon said Derek Michalski, one of the community organizers of the protest. We are still waiting for our Mayor and Council to show us the results of the water tests and for the assurance that appropriate Superfund is being set up to provide for the cleanup of potential contamination of Pleasant Brook as well as drinking water wells in the corridor of Pleasant Brook. Many residents of bucolic once Upper Saddle River still rely of private wells as a source of their drinking water. Many USR residents scared of potential toxic and carcinogenic contaminants being arsenic and lead allegedly intentionally released into our streams and aquifer by Toll Brothers over the course of the past six months are switching from private wells into the city water but the issue is not should they switch or not.
The issue in my opinion is the following- why environmental disaster caused by cutting corners by one of the largest developer in the country makes our residents’ life more difficult and more expensive as a consequence – said Derek Michalski.
photo above Derek Michalski and Lisa Glick
Mahwah PD cars parked in the “Arsenic Field” at the Toll Brothers construction site – a name coined by GreenUS.org volunteers after CBS run a news story on April 23, 2018.
