Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Ski Team competed in the Ridgewood Alpine Ski Team against Ridge, Morristown-Beard, Highpoint, West Milford, Jefferson, Newton and DePaul. The girls’ team finished in first place: Individual results (top 10): Meg Devir (1st), Kaitlin Devir (2nd), Jane McKinley (4th), Vanessa D’Angelo (8th) and Sarah Pilson (9th). Girls are now 17-3 and have qualified for States. Boys’ team finished in 2nd place: Individual results (top 10): Sloan Ruhl (2nd) and PJ McKenna (5th). Congratulations to all the skiers.
Cross Honoring in Effect starting at 4:00 a.m. Thursday
February 8, 2017
Ridgewood, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is prepared to manage the incoming winter storm forecasted to hit New Jersey over the next several hours. NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open and is monitoring the track of the winter weather and its potential effects on the Tri-State area. Personnel and assets have also been pre-positioned in order to address any issues that may arise during the morning rush hour as quickly as possible.
NJ TRANSIT is expected to operate regular service on its bus, rail, light rail and Access Link services. However, as the storm unfolds, and as conditions warrant, NJ TRANSIT will immediately advise customers of any service disruptions, delays or changes. Customers are strongly advised to sign up for My Transit Alerts, which provide customized notifications via email or text message based on a customer’s preferred mode of travel. My Transit alerts can be accessed by creating a free account on njtransit.com. In addition, customers are advised to monitor NJ TRANSIT’s website and social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook, as well as tune in to broadcast traffic reports for the latest information.
Cross honoring will be in effect beginning at 4 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, February 9 on bus, rail and light rail services.
Current service impacts include:
• Regular weekday service for rail, bus, light rail and Access Link will operate as long as conditions allow.
• All 196 and 197 lines bus service will originate and terminate at West Milford Park and Ride. Rail will Cross Honor on the Port Jervis Line at the Harriman, Tuxedo, and Sloatsburg Stations. Shortline bus will also be Cross Honoring.
• Cross honoring will be in effect across rail, bus and light rail systems.
• Due to the impending storm, Access Link is cancelling all trips between 3am -5 am. Also, for the entire service day ALL transfer trips are cancelled as well.
Snow fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant.
NJ TRANSIT’s preparations for the winter season began long before the first snowflakes began to fall. Over the course of the fall and the months leading up to winter, crews have been busy inspecting and winterizing infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential wrath.
In early December, Executive Director Steven Santoro outlined the following steps NJ TRANSIT has taken in advance of the winter weather season:
NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather
Rail Operations
• Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
• NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
• Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
• NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
• In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.
Bus Operations
• Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
• Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
• NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.
• Vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park/ride facilities.
Light Rail Operations
• Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
• All switch heaters have been tested.
Access Link
• Due to the impending storm, Access Link is cancelling all trips between 3AM-5AM ONLY. Also, for the entire service day ALL transfer trips are cancelled as well. We will continue to closely monitor the upcoming storm and make any service changes as needed. We’re asking customers to allow extra travel time and cancel any rides you may not need. You can now cancel your rides right here on the web. Please call the 800# or check the NJ TRANSIT web site for updates.
Stations and Terminals
• All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
• All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.
Travel Advice:
• Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
• Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
• Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
• Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
• Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
New Milford NJ, A Toyota 4 Runner rolled over on its side following a collision at the intersection of Boulevard and Henley Avenue in New Milford on Wednesday afternoon, 01/18. The 4 Runner’s female driver was successfully extricated from the vehicle (through a sunroof) by New Milford FD personnel, The other vehicle involved in the collision, a Toyota Camry sedan, sustained heavy front end damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by flatbed tow trucks. No information was available as to the nature of injuries sustained, if any, by either vehicles’ occupants. New Milford PD & FD responded, along with a BLS ambulance from Holy Name Medical Center. A MONOC Emergency Physician’s vehicle was also observed at the incident.
Ridgewood NJ, Fox news reports The Pequannock Panthers started their season a week later than expected after a nasty outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) commonly known as coxsackie virus that has been spreading across northern New Jersey.
The Coxsackie virus or HFMD, caused by coxsackie viruses, usually causes fever, malaise, rash, and small blisters that ulcerate. The most frequent locations for the blisters/ulcers are on the palms of the hand, soles of the feet, and in the mouth. Coxsackie virus was first isolated from human feces in the town of Coxsackie, N.Y., in 1948 by G. Dalldorf.
Prevention is difficult; avoid direct contact with anyone with HFMD, and their stool, saliva, and blister fluid. Hand washing and cleaning of items handled by HFMD patients are the best additional methods for prevention.
The virus prompted the cancelation of games and after-school events at a number of high schools including Pequannock, High Point West Milford and Kinnelon, which just reported 8 cases.
Possible cases of the virus have been reported at a half-dozen high schools in New Jersey. But the state’s Health Department says that is not worth panicking over because outbreaks this time of year are common. In fact last year, there were six and the year before that 23.
HFMD usually occurs in children but can occur in adults. HFMD usually resolves in about 10 days with no scarring, but the person may shed coxsackie virus for several weeks. Lab tests for coxsackie viruses can be done, the vast majority of infections are diagnosed by clinical features (HFMD blisters/ulcers), but this may change with the onset of new outbreaks and causes of severe HFMD. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for coxsackie virus infections.
Ridgewood NJ, looks to be a very full plate for the Village Council for tonight’s meeting .The agenda features some changes in public comment at Village council meetings, the repeal of the requirementof notification of audio/video recordings , amending the Valet Parking Ordinance for Chestnut Street, amending the 2016 Capital Budget for Northwest Bergen County Central Dispatch, authorizing the Application for Historic Preservation Grant for Zabriskie-Schedler House, and authorizing the Application for Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant for Kings Pond Park. There are also a host of appointments to the Financial Advisory Committee, Central Business District Advisory Committee and the Ridgewood Arts Council.
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
A. Fire Prevention Week
B. Gold Star Mother’s Day
C. National Breast Cancer Awareness Week
8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 5 minutes per person – 30 minutes in total)
9. Village Manager’s Report
10. Village Council Reports
11. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
12. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
16-285 Award Contract under State Contract – Two Jeep Patriot Vehicles (NTE $42,793) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Hertrich Fleet Services, Inc., 1427 Bay Road, Milford, DE
14. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3548 – Amend Chapter 265 Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Regulations – Brookside Avenue – Amends this chapter to provide for three hour parking, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September 1 through June 30, on both sides of Brookside Avenue from Spring Avenue southward
3549 – Repeal Ordinance 3532 – Audio/Video Recording of Public Meetings – Repeals Ordinance 3532 which requires notification of audio/video recordings of public meetings of Village Boards/Committees which are not usually recorded
3550 – Amend Chapter 275 – Yard Waste Regulations – Amends this chapter to provide new regulations concerning putting leaves out into the street and leaf pick-up as well as new regulations regarding the separation of grass clippings and other types of yard waste
3551 – Amend Chapter 3 – Administration of Government Section 3-13(A) – Order of Business Relating to Public Comment – Amends this chapter to allow for Public Comment at the beginning of the meeting for no longer than 40 minutes; and changing the time for speakers to three minutes each; and allowing speakers to only speak once,
3552 – Various Capital Improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch ($26,000) – Appropriates $26,000 from the Capital Fund Balance for improvement at NWBCD including cameras, doors, computers, air conditioners, emergency generators and alarm panel
3553 – Amend Ordinance #3547 – Sale of Dogs and Cats – Amends Ordinance #3547 to disallow hobby breeders to sell their dogs and cats in pet stores in Ridgewood
3554 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance – Chestnut Street
15. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3542 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Violations and Penalties – Increase Parking Ticket Fines
3545 – Amend Chapter 249 – Streets and Sidewalks – Increase Fines for Paving Moratorium Violations 3546 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal Fees – Increase Annual Service Charge for Out of Village Dischargers
3547 – Regulate/Ban the Sale of “Dog and Cat Mill” Animals in Pet Shops
16. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16-259 THROUGH
16-284 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
16-259 Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Furnishing Laboratory Analysis Services Beginning January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, Inclusive, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-260 Award Contract Laboratory Analysis Services – Graydon Pool & Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $14,316.50) – Awards a one-year extension of the 2016 contract to Garden State Laboratories, Inc., 410 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ, at the same price as 2016
16-261 Title 59 Approval – Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions – Approve the plans and specifications for Furnishing and Delivering of Sodium Bisulfite Solution and Sodium Hypochlorite Solution Beginning January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, Inclusive, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-262 Award Contract – Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions – Water Pollution Control Facility – Awards a one-year extension of the 2016 contract to Miracle Chemical Company, 1151 B Highway No. 33, Farmingdale, NJ, at the same price as 2016
16-263 Title 59 Approval – Property Maintenance Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Rebid Property Maintenance Services (October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017, inclusive) prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
16-264 Award Contract – Property Maintenance Services – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, ConQuest Construction, 20 Carver Avenue, Westwood, NJ at various prices based on the tasks performed
16-265 Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal (NTE $57,416) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ
16-266 Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Pickup Truck – Traffic & Signal (NTE $47,284) – Awards a contract under State Contract to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry NJ
16-267 Award Under State Contract – Electronic Equipment, Software, and Computer Upgrades (NTE $223,248.77) – Awards a contract under State Contract to SHI International Corporation, 290 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ
16-268 Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Brush Chipper – Parks Department (NTE $119,738.36) – Awards a contract under the National Joint Powers Alliance to Northeastern Arborist Supply, 50 Notch Road, Woodland Park, NJ
16-269 Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance – Street Sweeper – Streets Department (NTE $206,896.45) – Awards a contract under the National Joint Powers Alliance to Timmerman Equipment Company, P.O. Box 71, Whitehouse, NJ
16-270 Award Contract Under The Education Services Commission of New Jersey Contract – Two Stump Grinders – Parks Department (NTE $67,504) – Awards a contract under The Education Services Commission of New Jersey Contract to Cherry Valley Tractor Sales, 35 Route 70 West, Marlton, NJ
16-271 Award Extraordinary, Unspecifiable Services Contract – Blower Motor – Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $30,000) – Awards an Extraordinary, Unspecifiable Services Contract to various vendors: Spencer Turbine Co., 600 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT; Carfi Electric, 124 Emeline Drive, Hawthorne, NJ; and Keystone Engineering Group, 590 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 200, Fazer,
16-272 Authorize Extension of Contract – Leasing and Maintenance Program for Police Cars (NTE $30,000) – Authorizes the extension of a contract for the third year of a three-year contract to Enterprise Fleet Management, 1550 Route 23 North, Suite 101, Wayne, NJ
16-273 Declare Property Surplus – Parks Department Dump Truck – Declares a Parks Department dump truck surplus property and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property
16-274 Amend 2016 Capital Budget for Northwest Bergen County Central Dispatch Capital Improvements – Amends the 2016 Capital Budget to indicate that $26,000 from the Capital Fund Balance be appropriated to pay for the Village’s share of capital improvements at Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch
16-275 Approve Shared Services Agreement – Child Health Clinic (Glen Rock and Fair Lawn) – Authorizes a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Glen Rock and the Borough of Fair Lawn to have their residents participate in the Child Health Clinic in the Village of Ridgewood. Each municipality will pay one- third of the cost for the remainder of 2016, which is $1,266.
16-276 Reject Bid – Janitorial Services – Rejects the sole bid for this service due to the fact that its benefits were outweighed by its detriments
16-277 Authorize Application for Historic Preservation Grant for Zabriskie-Schedler House – Authorizes that an application for a Historic Preservation Grant for the Zabriskie-Schedler House be submitted
16-278 Authorize Application for Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant – Kings Pond Park – Authorizes that an application for a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Grant be submitted for various improvements at Kings Pond Park
16-279 Authorize Cleaning of Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond Park by the Ridgewood Wildscape Association and Partners – Authorizes several volunteer groups to clean the Gypsy Pond/Kings Pond Park, along with a Public Awareness Campaign, on October 15, 2016. The Village Engineer has reviewed the proposal, the group has agreed to certain safety precautions, and the resolution is adopted pursuant to Title 59.
16-280 Establish Annual Service Charge and Payment for Guarantee Bond for Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation and Guaranty of Payment of Revenue Bonds – Authorizes the Village Manager to execute an agreement reflecting the annual service charge, in lieu of taxes, for Village services provided to the Ridgewood Senior Citizens Housing Corporation’s housing development. In addition, it requires the payment of $25,000 from the Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation for guaranty of the timely payment of principal and interest of 2005 Revenue Bonds.
16-281 Authorize Letter be Sent to the Planning Board for the Review of Ordinances 3489, 3490, 3491, and 3492 – Authorizes that a letter be sent from the Village Council to the Ridgewood Planning Board requesting that the Planning Board openly discuss and
re-evaluate the zoning criteria which was the basis for regulations found in Ordinances 3489, 3490, 3491 and 3492, specifically the appropriate densities of development compared to floor area ratios and on-site parking in the Central Business District
16-282 Appointments to Financial Advisory Committee – Appoints members to the Financial Advisory Committee
16-283 Appointments to Central Business District Advisory Committee – Appoints representatives of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the Ridgewood Guild, resident members, business owners, Village Council liaison, the Police Chief or designee and the Village Engineer for staggered two-year terms
16-284 Appointments to Ridgewood Arts Council – Appoints members to the Ridgewood Arts Council to terms expiring 6/30/17. Also appoints Audrey Fink as the Chair and Rosemary Gunther McCooe as the Vice-Chair for terms expiring 6/30/17.
17. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced today the arrests of 40 people from August 28, 2016 through Thursday, September 1, 2016, as the result of “Operation Helping Hand” – an innovative and collaborative law enforcement and public health initiative targeting the heroin and opioid crisis in Bergen County.
Ridgewood had two residents Christopher J. O’Brien and Lyndsay A. Paul, both 32, who were charged with possession of heroin.
This investigation was the result of a multi-jurisdictional task force consisting of local and county agencies coordinated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Chief Robert ANZILOTTI. Assisting in this investigation were members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael SAUDINO. These detectives and officers formed the backbone of the multiagency task force. The municipal police agencies participating in this investigation were: Bergenfield Police Department; Cliffside Park Police Department; Dumont Police Department; Englewood Police Department; Elmwood Park Police Department; Fort Lee Police Department; Lyndhurst Police Department; Mahwah Police Department; New Milford Police Department; Saddle River Police Department; Tenafly Police Department; and Upper Saddle River Police Department. In addition, valuable assistance was provided by Bergen County officials, including Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, and Bergen Regional Medical Center.In 2015, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Intel Unit and Narcotic Task Force analyzed overdose data as well as deployments of NARCAN, the overdose reversal drug, in
Bergen County. That analysis revealed the following with respect to 2015:
288 total reported overdoses, 231 of which were heroin/opioid-related;
87 overdose fatalities, 71 of which were heroin/opioid-related; and
187 NARCAN deployments by law enforcement officers, resulting in 170 lives saved.In 2015, the hardest hit municipalities were:
Garfield with 23 overdoses;
Lyndhurst with 20 overdoses;
Fort Lee with 15 overdoses;
Lodi with 15 overdoses; and
Cliffside Park with 14 overdoses.Similar analysis of available data for 2016 year-to-date, revealed the following:
202 reported overdoses, 158 of which were heroin/opioid overdoses; and 48 total overdose fatalities, 40 of which are believed heroin/opioid-related.
In an effort to address this issue in a novel way, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office collaborated with Bergen Regional Medical Center to set aside a number of 5-day detox beds for a one-week period for individuals arrested on drug charges, who were battling addiction. Thereafter, on August 28, 2016, members of the multiagency task force described above began enforcement actions in areas known for narcotics sales, namely heroin sales. As a result of those operations, the task force arrested the individuals reflected on the attached spreadsheet. In addition to arresting them, task force members presented the option of participating in a voluntary detox program at Bergen Regional Medical Center that was available to them. The detox program was not in lieu of criminal charges. Approximately 12 individuals have afforded themselves to the detox option, and task force officers then either transported or are presently in the process of transporting those individuals to Bergen Regional Medical Center to enter into the detox program.
Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that the charges against the defendants identified on the attached spreadsheet are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would also like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Bergen County Executive and Bergen Regional Medical Center, as well as all the municipal departments that participated for their assistance with this initiative.
1st Place winner, Alexandra Gutierrez with Scott Garrett
May 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) announced the winners of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition at Sussex County Community College in Newton this Saturday. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all 9th-12th graders from New Jersey’s Fifth District, and this year’s competition featured 90 pieces of artwork from New Jersey high schools in Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties (full list below).
This year the winners were: 1st Place, Alexandra Gutierrez, “Split Vision,” Bergen County Academies; 2nd Place, Grant Brewster, “Forgotten,” Delbarton School; 3rd Place, Nicole Spangenburg, “Doug,” Wallkill Valley Regional High School; 4th Place, Nicole Spangenburg, “Rasta Man Dan,” Wallkill Valley Regional High School; 5th Place, Sophia Bevacqua, “Landscape,” Northern Highlands Regional High School; 6th Place, Nicolina Kanapinski, “Take Me For a Ride,” High Point Regional High School; 7th Place, Maansi Srivastava, “The Afternoon Glow,” Bergen County Academies; 8th Place, Sarah Vargas, “The Dreamer,” Bergen County Academies.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. The first-place winner from each congressional district is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C., and the winning artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Read more here.
Students from the following schools will be participating (by county):
Bergen County Academies
Bergen County Technical High School (Student lives in district)
RIDGEWOOD, N.J., Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) hosted young legislators from 35 New Jersey high schools in Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties at the third annual Model Congress Saturday in Ridgewood.
This years turnout was significantly larger than last year . Students were well informed and thoroughly debated the issues .There were clearly some future statesmen and women in the room .
The Model Congress is an educational event for students where they will replicate a day in the life of a Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives. It gave an opportunity for naive idealism to met reality of negotiation and compromise. The Congressmen’s very able staff helped organized and run the event.
The Model Congress gives students a first-hand opportunity to learn how Congress works by allowing them to research legislation currently being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives, break into committees to further examine and debate the legislation, and finally bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote.
Students were assigned to represent different states, but not specific political parties. They stated their day by picking committee chairs and amending and voting on bills . Local boy scouts were brought in keep time and enforce time limits .
This is a nonpartisan event. Each school in New Jersey’s Fifth District sent two students for the Model Congress, and awards will be given for best debater, best consensus builder, best speaker, best research, best counterargument, and leadership at the end of the event. The congressmen made his usual low keyed entrance and keep the focus on the students ,letting his staff run the show .
Students from the Following Schools attended the event:
Bergen:
Bergen County Academies
Bergen County Technical High School
Bergenfield High School
Dumont High School
Fair Lawn High School
Glen Rock High School
Hackensack High School
Indian Hills High School
Lodi High School
Mahwah High School
Midland Park High School
Northern Highlands High School
Northern Valley Regional-Demarest
Paramus High School
Park Ridge High School
Pascack Hills High School
Pascack Valley High School
Ramapo High School
Ramsey High School
Ridgewood High School
River Dell High School
St. Joseph Regional High School
Teaneck High School
Waldwick High School
Westwood Regional High School
Passaic:
Lakeland Regional High School
West Milford High School
Sussex:
High Point High School
Kittatinny Regional High School
Newton High School
Pope John XXIII High School
Vernon Township High School
Wallkill Valley Regional High School
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) will be hosting young legislators from 35 New Jersey high schools in Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties (full list below) at the third annual Model Congress this Saturday in Ridgewood. The Model Congress is an educational event for students where they will replicate a day in the life of a Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event is open to all media, but please observe an embargo on this information until Saturday at 9am.
About: The Model Congress gives students a first-hand opportunity to learn how Congress works by allowing them to research legislation currently being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives, break into committees to further examine and debate the legislation, and finally bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote. Students will be assigned to represent different states, but not specific political parties. This is a nonpartisan event. Each school in New Jersey’s Fifth District was invited to recommend two students for the Model Congress, and awards will be given for best debater, best consensus builder, best speaker, best research, best counterargument, and leadership at the end of the event.
Address: Ridgewood High School
627 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
When:Saturday, May 14 9am – 12:30pm
Students from the following schools will be participating (by county):
Bergen:
Bergen County Academies
Bergen County Technical High School
Bergenfield High School
Dumont High School
Fair Lawn High School
Glen Rock High School
Hackensack High School
Indian Hills High School
Lodi High School
Mahwah High School
Midland Park High School
Northern Highlands High School
Northern Valley Regional-Demarest
Paramus High School
Park Ridge High School
Pascack Hills High School
Pascack Valley High School
Ramapo High School
Ramsey High School
Ridgewood High School
River Dell High School
St. Joseph Regional High School
Teaneck High School
Waldwick High School
Westwood Regional High School
Passaic:
Lakeland Regional High School
West Milford High School
Sussex: High Point High School
Kittatinny Regional High School
Newton High School
Pope John XXIII High School
Vernon Township High School
Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Ridgewood NJ, Unlike past years this years Freeholder contest is all about meeting and getting to know Bergen county. Candidate John Mitchell has been making the rounds non stop from months listen to what people in the county are concerned about .
It was a “Win-Win” at the Ridgewood train station this morning…
…It was a “win” that I was able to help a commuter understand the intricacies of the unfair school funding formula and how it impacts his ever rising property taxes. And it was also a “win” that I had a chance to meet hundreds of residents in this beautiful town.
“I’m always nervous when speaking to a large group of women and particularly beautiful women”…
…was my quote at the Republican Women’s Annual Candidates Showcase. In all seriousness though, the Bergen County Republican Women are the BCRO’s heart and soul and I very much appreciate their tireless hard work and support!
What is a Freeholder?…
…That was the operative question of the morning at the Oradell train station. When I explained that the The Board of Chosen Freeholders acts as the legislature for Bergen County and controls what county government can spend, things became a bit clearer…and certainly the commuters were happy to hear that my running mates and I have specific plans on how to reel in the ever burdensome property taxes hoisted on the backs of our hard working citizens.
…The Oradell train station also accommodates surrounding towns including the great town of New Milford. I was joined by New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour along with Oradell Council President Donna Alonso. Our tag teaming of commuters from the various towns was very productive indeed
“The Junior Statesmen of America”…
…were NJ Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi’s and my audience at Dwight Morrow High School. The subject today was how state and county government works followed by a rapid fire Q&A covering everything from the presidential election, Planned Parenthood, to how we entered politics. They kept us on our toes but is was very enjoyable for all.
“I love Bergen County but I know when I retire I will no longer be able to afford to live here.”…
…This has been a common sentiment as I campaign across the county, and River Edge was no exception. For that very reason my running mates and I have made it our top priority to tackle this problem, with property tax reduction at the top of the list.
“Paramus is a great place to live but please help us keep it that way!’…
…That was what I heard from the hard working commuters/voters at the Paramus Park & Ride this morning. Business attraction, business retention and the elimination of unnecessary business regulations summarizes the conversations I had. Will do!
Oradell Council President Donna Alonso and New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour chatting with one of the commuters. — with Matthew S Seymour in Oradell, New Jersey.
Freeholder Candidate John Mitchell Campaigns at Oradell Train Station
September 19,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Oradell NJ, Freeholder Candidate John Mitchell made a campaign stop at Oradell Train Station and answered the $64,000 question, what is a Freeholder?…
…That was the operative question of the morning at the Oradell train station. When I explained that the The Board of Chosen Freeholders acts as the legislature for Bergen County and controls what county government can spend, things became a bit clearer…and certainly the commuters were happy to hear that my running mates and I have specific plans on how to reel in the ever burdensome property taxes hoisted on the backs of our hard working citizens.
…The Oradell train station also accommodates surrounding towns including the great town of New Milford. I was joined by New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour along with Oradell Council President Donna Alonso. Our tag teaming of commuters from the various towns was very productive indeed.
Ridgewood Police Responded to a Whooping 427 calls between June 24th and July 1st
July2,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blogRidgewood NJ, Between Wednesday June 24, 2015 and Wednesday July 1, 2015 the Ridgewood Police Department responded to (427) Calls for Service (30) trauma/medical emergency calls and (17) motor vehicle accidents.
Ridgewood Police had a very busy week :On Thursday June 25, 2015 Officers Colin Donnelly and Joseph DiBenedetto were dispatched to the Central Business District on the report of a disturbance. Upon their arrival they observed a male actor who fit the description provided by the caller later identified as Fransisco A. Andino, 23 of Newark, New Jersey sitting on the sidewalk at Van Neste Square and East Ridgewood Avenue. As the officers were speaking with Andino they were notified that there was an active warrant for his arrest out of Hoboken, New Jersey, for assaulting a police officer. Andino who attempted to flee the area on foot was subdued and placed under arrest by Patrolman Colin Donnelly after a brief foot chase. While at police headquarters Andino assaulted several officers by biting, kicking and spitting at them. He was subsequently charged with obstructing administration of law (2C:29-1A), resisting arrest (2C:29A(3)(a)), disorderly conduct (2C:33-2(a)(1)) and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (2C:12-B(5)(a). Bail was set at $15,000, Andino was housed at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Unit at Bergen Regional Medical Center.During the late afternoon hours on Thursday June 25, 2015, a resident reported observing a group of juveniles acting suspiciously near a vacant home. It was later determined that the homeowners were away on vacation and it was the groups intent to congregate on the property unsupervised without the homeowner’s permission. Annually with the onset of summer and vacations commencing this has become a frequent problem, residents are asked to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods in order to prevent similar behavior.
On Thursday Friday June 26, 2015 a pedestrian crossing East Ridgewood Avenue while in a marked crosswalk reported that she/he was nearly struck a by a vehicle that failed to yield right of way. The driver pulled to the side of the roadway exiting their vehicle entering into a verbal dispute with the pedestrian. The pedestrian reported being assaulted by the driver who left the area prior to the arrival of police. The operator of the vehicle later responded to the Ridgewood Police Headquarters where she reported being assaulted by the pedestrian. Neither party wished to pursue the matter. It is paramount that all drivers cede right of way to pedestrians in the roadway regardless of whether a crosswalk is present as per the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws.
On Monday June 29, 2015 Detective Jeffrey Casson arrested Francis J. Yacopino, 30, of West Milford, New Jersey on a criminal warrant out of Pennsylvania. The warrant was discovered during a background check of Yacopino who had applied for a job with the Village of Ridgewood. Yacopino was housed in the Bergen County Jail on a fugitive warrant pending extradition.
On Monday June 29, 2015 a resident reported that his/her personal information had been used to open a fraudulent Dish Network account, the resident further reported having been the victimized similarly numerous times over the last several years. This type of incident continues to be on the rise and information on prevention and reporting identity theft occurrences is available at the police department.
During the spring months numerous street signs have been removed from roadways in the village. In addition to being both a nuisance and financial burden, the removal of these signs (including traffic signage) creates a danger to the public. Citizens are asked to exercise vigilance in reporting these incidents to police as well assisting in the recovery of stolen signs.
Please remember to register your house and any emergency contacts with the Police Department Records Division when you are planning to go away.
A reminder : All criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
NEWTON, NJ – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) announced the winners of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. This year’s top honor went to Norwood resident and Academy of the Holy Angels student Na Young Lee for her piece, “Crammed.” This year’s competition featured 95 student entries and was hosted at Sussex County Community College in Newton. Meagan Khoury and Sherry Fitzgerald, both of Sussex County Community College, judged the competition. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Saturday, May 16th.
“Congratulations to the winners and participants of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition,” said Garrett. “I am amazed at the quality of work produced by these students. Each student should be very proud of their efforts, and I want to thank their parents and teachers for encouraging and cultivating such exceptional talent.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event held in congressional districts across the country. The first place winner from each congressional district will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning artwork from other high school students across the country. The second, third, and fourth place winners will have their submissions displayed in Congressman Garrett’s Glen Rock, Newton, and Washington, D.C. offices. Click here for more information about the nation-wide contest.
Below is a complete list of this year’s winners and participants. Names without a corresponding link were unable to attend the May 16th ceremony.
2015 Congressional Art Competition Winners
1st Place
Student: Na Young Lee
Title: “Crammed”
School: Academy of the Holy Angels
Residence: Norwood
2nd Place
Student: Cindy Lee
Title: “Bakekujira the Ghost Whale”
School: Northern Valley Regional High School – Old Tappan
Residence: Norwood
3rd Place
Student: Haley Fletcher
Title: “Covetous”
School: Lakeland Regional High School
Residence: Ringwood
4th Place
Student: Yubin Lee
Title: “Bounded”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Haworth
5th Place
Student: Alessandra Ferrari-Wong
Title: “Investigation”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Westwood
6th Place
Student: Laura David
Title: “Looking Ahead”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Hamburg
7th Place
Student: Kara Kovach
Title: “Hot and Beardy”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Franklin
8th Place
Student: Anna Kristofick
Title: “True Colors”
School: Indian Hills High School
Residence: Wyckoff
Honorable Mentions
Student: Hannah Kim
Title: “Yin and Yang”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Upper Saddle River
Student: Melanie Rosenblatt
Title: “Zoe”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Upper Saddle River
Student: Julia Grace Shea
Title: “Indecisive”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Ho-Ho-Kus
Student: Nico Tolinkski
Title: “Mutilation”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Allendale
Student: Anna Allen
Title: “Emotion in Full Color”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Stockholm
Student: Nicole Spangenburg
Title: “Dead End”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Hamburg
All Participants
Student: Na Young Lee*
Title: “Crammed”
School: Academy of the Holy Angels
Residence: Norwood
Student: Lydia Chen
Title: “The Road”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: New Milford
Student: Haine Cho
Title: “Parent”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Northvale
Rep. Scott Garrett with the 2015 United States Service Academy nominees from New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District , including Christopher Lee , Ridgewood High School
(Please see list below for individual photos of nominees)
Apr 28, 2015
PARAMUS, NJ – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) is proud to announce the nomination of 36 Fifth District students to United States service academies, including the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. This year’s nominees were honored by the Congressman at a reception at Bergen County Community College in Paramus on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.
“It’s an honor to nominate this group of talented, intelligent, and dedicated young men and women from New Jersey’s Fifth District to our country’s prestigious service academies,” said Garrett. “One of the United States’ oldest and proudest traditions, our service academies have been training future leaders for a life of service since the late 1700’s. I wish everyone all the best as they move through the final steps of the application process, and I’m proud of their achievements.”
Applications to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy require a nomination by a Congressman or a Senator, however, the Congressional nomination does not guarantee acceptance. To assist with the nomination process, Congressman Garrett established an esteemed committee of military and civic leaders that interviewed potential nominees, reviewed their applications and made recommendations to the Congressman. Click here for more information about Congressman Garrett’s nomination process.
Below is a complete list of the nominees by academy and links to individual photos of the nominees with Rep. Garrett. Names without a corresponding link were unable to attend the April 8th reception.
**Please note: some candidates were nominated to more than one academy.
United States Military Academy at West Point
Olivia Beattie – River Vale, Pascack Valley High School
Shayne Harrell – Hamburg, Bergen Catholic High School
Christopher Lee – Ridgewood, Ridgewood High School
John Lorenz – Glen Rock, Glen Rock High School
Michael McPherson – Dumont, Bergen Catholic High School
Brady Miller – Glen Rock, Glen Rock High School
Danielle Peck – West Milford, West Milford High School
Haley Ann Steele – West Milford, West Milford High School
Edward Yoon – River Edge, River Dell Regional High School
Gregory Zabrodskiy – Ramsey, Green Meadow Waldorf School
APRIL 17, 2015, 3:45 PM LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015, 10:38 AM
BY JAY LEVIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Sol Abrams stopped at nothing to promote Palisades Amusement Park. If that meant having an elephant water-ski with a showgirl on the Hudson, so be it.
“Genius? I’d give him that honor,” Vince Gargiulo, who runs the Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society, said of Abrams, who died Wednesday at home in New Milford. He was 89 and the last surviving member of the park’s management team.
For 20-plus years, until the day in 1971 that the landmark attraction straddling Fort Lee and Cliffside Park closed for good, Abrams, the consummate PR man, dreamed up ways to get Palisades Amusement Park on the airwaves and into the newspapers.
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