Category: Bergen County

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BERGEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

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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.

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New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal , “We can’t arrest our way out of the opioid epidemic”

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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

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Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer reminds residents there is a cost to all of us, as residents for Rallies and Protests

Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer

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.”

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Motorcycle Crash in Hawthorne Sends at Least One to St. Joes

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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.

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Fore! Miler Community Run & Walk presented by Stryker gives fans sneak preview of The Ridgewood Country Club

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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.

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Jackknifed Tractor Trailer Shuts Down 17 North In Ho Ho Kus Friday Morning

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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.

 

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Breaking news: The Committee to “Recall Mayor Laforet” has just Announced that they Have Enough Signatures to Place the Recall Question on the November Ballot.

William "Bill" Laforet

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.

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Brother of Giants Cornerback Charged With Aggravated Manslaughter in Fair Lawn

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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

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Tractor Trailer Takes Out Traffic Light in Hawthorne

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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.

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Protesters Converge on Toll Brothers’ Open House in Mahwah at Apple Ridge construction site

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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.

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Driver Taken into Custody in Paramus after Sunday Morning Route 17 Crash

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

June 25,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ The uninjured driver of a white colored, BMW, 4-door sedan with NY license plates was taken into custody by Paramus Police after his vehicle crashed head on into a utility pole on Route 17 northbound near Powers Drive, Paramus on Sunday morning, 06/24. The right travel lane and right hand shoulder were closed following the crash to facilitate repairs to the damaged utility pole and electric/communications cables. The wrecked BMW was removed from the scene by flatbed tow truck.

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Cristian Valdez Recovery Fund

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June 24,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, 15 year old Cristian Valdez was struck by a car while riding his skateboard in Englewood and was left, while the car drove off. He is currently in a medically induced coma, and we are hoping he gets better soon. Prayers are needed at this time and we would gratefully appreciate a donation to the fund to help our friend through a speedy recovery.

https://www.gofundme.com/5ob44i0

$1000 REWARD: Authorities are looking for a dark-colored Audi A6 that struck Cristian Valdez on Knickerbocker Road June 11th. Submit a tip anonymously that leads to arrest. $1000 reward at bergencrimestoppers.org

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department are requesting information from the public regarding a hit and run collision which resulted in a pedestrian sustaining serious injuries.
At approximately 9:50 pm on Monday, June 11, 2018, the Englewood Police Department received a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Knickerbocker Road near the intersection of Bilmar Place. Upon arrival at the scene of the collision, officers observed a juvenile male victim lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim’s injuries were consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle. He was treated at the scene and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he in being treated for multiple serious injuries.

The ensuing investigation indicates that the striking vehicle is a 2001-2004 Audi A6, dark in color. The vehicle will have obvious front-end damage, including a broken grille, and possible damage to the bumper, hood, and windshield. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound on Knickerbocker Road towards Tenafly.

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run collision is encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit at 201-226-5595, or the Englewood Police Department at 201-568-2700.

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“High-end vehicle theft” is a continuing problem in Bergen County

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photo courtesy of Allendale Police

June 24,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ, Allendale police report that over the past two days several vehicles in area towns were burglarized while parked on driveways and in unlocked garages, with three being stolen Proceeds from these incidents included items such as purses, sunglasses, iPhones, and EZ passes. Allendale Police would like to offer the following tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of these types of crimes:
• Every vehicle that was burglarized was unlocked. Please lock your vehicle and keep valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, etc.) either out of plain view or inside your home.
• If your vehicle is parked in a garage, keep the garage locked.
• “High-end vehicle theft” is a continuing problem in Bergen County. Every stolen car, without exception, contained a key fob inside the vehicle. Do not leave key fobs in your center console or glove box. Take them with you whenever you are not using your car.
• If you witness this crime occurring, do not confront the actor! These perpetrators work in teams and should be considered dangerous. No piece of property is worth your personal safety. Be a good witness and call 9-1-1.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Allendale Policer Police Department at (201) 825-1900.

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Tenafly Police : Seniors Need to Avoid “Bail Scam”

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June 23,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Tenafly NJ, Tenafly Police Department issue a **** PHONE SCAM ALERT ****Within the last hour we were fortunate enough to stop a scam attempt after a resident came into our headquarters, frantically claiming that her grandson had been arrested in New York City. The elderly resident had just received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the “NYPD 2nd Precinct”, telling her to purchase $1500 in Walgreens gift-cards to pay her grandson’s bail. The resident had already gone to the bank and had the cash in her hands when she made a smart decision to stop at our department to “double-check” if this was the best way to help her grandson. Luckily, we were able to verify that her grandson was fine and that these callers were indeed the lowest-of-low criminals who prey on our most vulnerable populations. These unscrupulous criminals prey on unsuspecting victims by pretending to be members of law enforcement, public utility workers, or other trust-worthy professionals.

Please take time to discuss these types of scams with anyone in your family who you feel may be a potential victim. Remember: Always question why a legitimate business, law enforcement agency, or other suspicious caller would need you to “immediately” purchase gift cards or wire money through Western Union to pay for a relative’s bail, “utility service restoration” charges for your home, or other highly suspicious or unverifiable fees. If you ever have a question about the authenticity of someone claiming to be in law enforcement, or other public sector profession, please call your local police department to verifty their identity before you transfer any money.

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UPDATE: SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN ENGLEWOOD HIT AND RUN INVESTIGATION

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June 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department are requesting information from the public regarding a hit and run collision which resulted in a pedestrian sustaining serious injuries.

At approximately 10:50 pm on Monday, June 11, 2018, the Englewood Police Department received a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Knickerbocker Road near the intersection of Bilmar Place. Upon arrival at the scene of the collision, officers observed a juvenile male victim lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim’s injuries were consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle. He was treated at the scene and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he in being treated for multiple serious injuries.

The ensuing investigation indicates that the striking vehicle is a 2001-2004 Audi A6, dark in color. The vehicle will have obvious front-end damage, including a broken grille, and possible damage to the bumper, hood, and windshield. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound on Knickerbocker Road towards Tenafly.

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run collision is encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit at 201-226-5595, or the Englewood Police Department at 201-568-2700.