Category: Village of Ridgewood

>SARASOTA, FL.- Philanthropist David F. Bolger, President of the Bolger Foundation of Ridgewood, NJ and Longboat Key, FL has donated $1.105 million to fund Phase I of a waterfront landscaping plan at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The gift will be used to make improvements to the Estate’s 66-acre property along the waterfront area by connecting the Ca’d’Zan mansion to the south property line with path ways, seating, lighting and landscaping.

“The waterfront is an important component of the Museum experience,” Mr. Bolger said. “My gift will create a place of tranquility where Museum visitors will be able to sit, enjoy the beauty of the landscaping and the bay, and contemplate life and their place in it.”

The gift will be used to complete the first phase of a larger landscaping improvement plan that will create a usable space providing facilities for outdoor experiences for Museum visitors. Upon completion of the first phase of the plan, visitors will stroll along the bay on a palm lined promenade leading toward Ca’d’Zan. Seating will line the pathway facing west toward Longboat Key. A paved square adjacent to the south end of Ca’d’Zan will be available for rental to the public for social events, dancing, etc. The first phase of the landscape improvement plan is scheduled for completion in late June, 2010.

“The Ringling Museum is deeply grateful to Mr. Bolger for his commitment to the visitor experience of the Ringling grounds,” said Interim Director T. Marshall Rousseau. “Thanks to his ongoing generosity, our visitors will have a place to reflect on the beauty of this unique property and the important role that John and Mable Ringling played in creating a thriving Sarasota cultural community.”

David F. Bolger is the Founder and Chairman of Bolger & Co., Inc. a real estate and investment firm in Ridgewood, NJ. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and received an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA. He is the President of The Bolger Foundation which has made more than $70 million dollars of philanthropic donations since 2000, including $535,000 to InStride Equine Assisted Therapy, a therapeutic-riding facility in Nokomis, FL, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Historic Spanish Point in Sarasota, FL. His generosity is widespread with numerous leadership gifts to organizations in New Jersey including The Valley Hospital of Ridgewood, The Village of Ridgewood, West Bergen Mental Health Care, Ridgewood, Glen Rock and Midland Park Libraries, Christian Health Care Center, Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Center, Holland Christian Home, The Children’s Therapy Center of Fair Lawn, William Paterson University (School of Nursing), Bethany Christian Services, The Bergen County Chapter of Community Blood Center Services, The YMCA of Ridgewood, Northfield Mount Hermon School in Mount Hermon, Massachusetts, The Rainbow Land Preschool/Day Care of Fayette, IA where a bridge is also dedicated to Mr. Bolger known as The Bolger Bridge, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Home, Self-Help International and his most recent donation, “The Lois Coonradt/Bolger Helipad” to Waverly Health Center, in Waverly, IA.

Bolger’s philanthropic interests began at the young age of 15 when he chose to donate money he earned delivering newspapers, shoveling coal, doing landscape work and snow removal, etc. He worked his way through college in the steel mills of Pittsburgh, PA, helping others less fortunate in a variety of ways and supporting organizations working on behalf of the handicapped, disadvantaged youths, churches, senior citizens, mental health programs, conservation activities and education; without regard to race, creed or financial status.

Bolger’s gift to the Museum ensures a continued effort for completion of the Estate Master Plan which includes a historical study presented in 2002 that verifies a 1940’s plan to connect the esplanade to the waterfront.

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A closer look at Christie’s unemployment plan

Gov. Christie laid out his plan to decrease New Jersey unemployment benefits and soften a $1 billion tax hike on businesses last week. Here’s a closer look at some of the details of his proposal, and the politicking to come. The plan, which would impact newly unemployed people only: – Cut maximum unemployment benefits from $600 per week to $550 (saves $295 million) With the reduction, New Jersey’s top benefit would go from being second-highest in the nation to third. Right now Massachusetts pays the most, up to $628 per week, according to the New Jersey labor department. Pennsylvania is third, at $558, and would move up to second. Hawaii ($545) is fourth, followed by Washington ($541) and Rhode Island ($528). Christie said that until the start of 2010, New Jersey’s maximum benefit was $584, so the cut would be only $34 less than the unemployed received in 2009. (Tamari, The Inquirer)

https://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/nj_politics/A_closer_look_at_Christies_unemployment_plan.html

>I was horrified by the arrogance of Vincent Giordano’s comments in this article. He clearly seems to think that education in NJ exists to serve his union’s members. Could he be more out of touch?

The stereotypical union mentality is certainly alive and well in the NJEA. The NJEA obviously doesn’t appreciated that the populist anger has turned on them.

By the way, let’s stop using the recession as an excuse. It may have turned the light on the NJEA and its abuses of the taxpayer in NJ, but the recession is not why teachers should be paid for performance or tenure should be abolished or why bloated benefits packages and 4% annual raises (regardless of inflation or deflation) must end. If not for the recession, would these things be acceptable? Of course not. So, let’s keep focused on the source of the problems with education and not blame the economy.

>Senators Tom Kean (R-21), Steven Oroho (R-24) and Joe Kyrillos (R-13) are hopping mad over one of the less-publicized outrages in President Barack Obama’s health care reform proposal.

If the legislation successfully makes its way reconciliation, Washington would impose a new tax on investment income. The N.J. Republican senate leadership is concerned that that tax “would be borne disproportionately by New Jersey residents.” Their concern is justified. With so many New Jerseyans either working in the investment industry or owning diversified investments individually, a new tax on their income could further hinder economic recovery efforts in our cash-strapped state. If passed, New Jersey’s unemployment rate could be expected to climb well above the current 10.1% mark.

Some key facts and figures from the Senate GOP office:

To help fund his multi-trillion dollar healthcare proposal, the President’s new plan, released on February 22, calls for the addition of a 2.9% Medicare tax on certain income, including that derived from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rent. This new tax would apply to individuals earning more than $200,000 and $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Data from the Tax Foundation show that New Jersey receives back just 61 cents in federal spending for every tax dollar sent by state residents to the federal government, the lowest rate of return of any state. With a rank of 42 out of 50, New York doesn’t fare much better.

Following the release of the President’s plan, an analysis by the Manhattan Institute shows that the residents of New York and New Jersey would pay a whopping 25% of the total revenue generated by the new income tax. When Connecticut is factored in, the residents of the tri-state region would pay almost 1/3 of the total tax. New Jersey’s share is estimated to be up to 9% of the total.

I think Lautenberg, Menendez, and the rest of the Democrat congressional delegation should make their vote for ObamaCare’s final passage contingent on the removal of this tax. Their first duty should always be to fight for the prosperity of the Garden State’s overtaxed citizens. Our voters did NOT send them to Washington to blindly follow Nancy Pelosi over the cliff! Adler, Menendez, Holt, and other potentially vulnerable Dems should be extra careful before they act on this bill, Save Jerseyans.

After all… these clowns fail to get the taxpayers a fair return on their federal tax dollars year after year. Just 61 cents on the dollar! The least they can do is prevent that statistic from getting any worse and vote against this huge new tax levy!

Permalink: blog.savejersey.com/2010/03/01/study-new-york-metro-area-will-pay-25-of-new-obamacare-tax.aspx

>Ridgewood Police Assist at Major Glen Rock Crime Scene

Several Ridgewood Police Department officers were dispatched to assist the Glen Rock PD at a major crime scene late Sunday evening.

Reportedly, a man was deliberately pushed in front of a train near the Glen Rock Main Line Train Station at approximately 10:15 PM.

Although the suspect was quickly apprehended by officers from Glen Rock, Ridgewood officers were need to secure the crime scene and to assist with providing first aid to the victim.

Personnel from NJ Transit PD, the Bergen County Sheriff’s office Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office were also called to assist.

The condition of the victim is not known at this time.

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A Ridgewood ambulance was involved in a head-on collision at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock at 10:39 PM on Sunday evening. The ambulance was responding with lights and sirens to an emergency call in Glen Rock. At least one person was seriously injured in the accident.

>Rockland County, NY — The Rockland Farm Alliance, an organization committed to facilitating local sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, is offering two gourmet organic Pancake Breakfasts as a fundraiser for its ongoing activities. The breakfasts will take place on March 13th and March 28th, 2010, from 9 am to 12 noon.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring than a delicious shared meal featuring locally produced ingredients, in support of an important community cause,” says John McDowell, organic farmer and President of the Rockland Farm Alliance.

The Rockland Farm Alliance’s inaugural “maple syrup festival” pancake breakfasts will take place on 2 separate dates in March, 2010. Locally produced maple syrup from Camp Hill Farm and local eggs will be featured at these yummy, family-friendly, eating extravaganzas. The predominantly organic menu will include pancakes (both regular and gluten free), free-range eggs, potatoes, sausage, coffee and juice. Maple Sap for the syrup will be collected from Rockland County by Camp Venture, a not-for-profit provider of family-like care and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities

DETAILS:

Saturday March 13th, 9am – 12 Noon
Rockland Country Day School, Chef Ula Robertson, At Your Service NY Catering
34 Kings Highway, Congers, NY

Sunday March 28th, 9am – 12 Noon
Threefold Cafe, Chef Anthony LoPinto
285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Because of limited seating and the need to pre-order ingredients, tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting rocklandfarm.eventbrite.com. Prices are $15 per adult and $10 per child. A family package – 4 people costs $45 and a table of 10 costs $125. All proceeds will benefit the Rockland Farm Alliance. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 845-362-0207.

Event Sponsors: At Your Service NY Catering, Camp Hill Farm, Camp Venture, Hungry Hollow Co-op, and Threefold Educational Foundation.

About the Rockland Farm Alliance: The Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) is a broad based community coalition of farmers, community groups, community activists, local and county officials and active citizens. The RFA was formed in early 2007, with the mission to facilitate local sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, NY. This grassroots effort, which started with the passionate vision of a single farmer, has grown into a powerful community force of over 300. With nearly every facet of our community represented, we draw on the expertise of individual members from every walk of life and experience. www.rocklandfarm.org

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N.J. pension fund is underfunded by $46B, as gap continues to grow

By Lisa Fleisher/Statehouse Bureau
February 25, 2010, 2:25PM

TRENTON — New Jersey’s pension system is underfunded by nearly $46 billion, a more than 30 percent increase in a year, and as a result the state’s annual bill has grown to $3 billion, according to a new analysis released today by the state Treasury department.

The state’s decision to skip or reduce annual payments, investment losses and benefit increases granted nearly a decade ago have contributed to putting the state on an unsustainable path, Janet Cranna, an actuary with Secaucus-based Buck Consultants, said at a presentation to state pension boards today.

“We heard this last year. We knew that something needed to be done,” said Ron Winthers, a gubernatorial appointee to the Public Employees Retirement System board. “We’re coming back this year, and we’re in the same position. The bottom line is you’ve got to pay into this pension system, and it has to start now.”

The unfunded liability, assessed at $45.8 billion as of June 30, 2009, is the gap between the state’s investments and what it has promised to workers. The gap had been $34.4 billion a year earlier. The numbers do not address the state’s health care benefits liability.

full story :

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/nj_pension_chris_christie_stat.html

>Forty percent (40%) of voters nationwide give President Obama good or excellent marks for leadership. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 41% rate the president’s leadership as poor.

The current ratings are the lowest yet recorded for Obama. A month ago, 47% gave him good or excellent marks for leadership. A year ago, 56% were positive about his leadership skills.

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/february_2010/40_give_obama_good_excellent_grades_for_leadership_41_say_poor

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N.J. closes loopholes with online diploma mills used by teachers

TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Bill moves to Gov. Christie that provides strict paid-tuition assistance guidelines
Legislation to ensure New Jersey school employees do not abuse school district paid- tuition assistance programs by obtaining bogus degrees was approved 75-0 Thursday by the Assembly.

The bipartisan bill (A-1894/S-826) stems from an episode at the Freehold Regional High School District where three administrators used $8,700 in taxpayer funds to pay for doctoral “degrees” from Alabama-based Breyer State University – an unaccredited online diploma mill. Before the bogus nature of the degrees was uncovered, the district provided each with a $2,500 salary increase, which was commensurate to their being awarded actual doctoral degrees.

The measure is sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-Essex)

“The use of school money to buy a fraudulent degree from a diploma mill is not only academically and professionally dishonest but slap in the face of taxpayers,” Cryan said. “This kind of sham should never be allowed to happen.”

full story:
https://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/nj-closes-loopholes-with-online-diploma-mills-used-by-teachers

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Speak Your Mind ……………………..

>We have Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor, so our neediest are covered.

No one is denied healthcare in this country. If you are poor, and you need treatment, you will get it.

So where are the Republican health care suggestions? Here are a few that could easily pass congress as separate bills with Republican votes.

No one can be denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions.

Allow the public to buy insurance across state lines.

Allow individuals to deduct health insurance costs, no matter what their income levels.

Reduce government and state mandates on what should be covered. (Why can’t you buy health insurance that doesn’t cover fertility treatments or pregnancy if don’t plan on having children?)

Cap the dollar amount of awards for malpractice cases & create separate courts for malpractice suits.

As to Tea Party folks, of whom I consider myself aligned, they are trying to tell you that Obama and congress is spending, spending, spending and spending and the bills will come due soon.

You can tax every person in the country making 250K and over 100% and it won’t make a dent in the deficit.

So we will never be able to retire because in our highest income earning years leading up to retirement, we will be taxed at an over 50% marginal rate. (Remember, we don’t just pay federal taxes; there are state income, property taxes & sales tax.)

Our children will be taxed at even higher rates since entitlements will grow, and they will never be able to achieve the middle class life style we have had.

How do you not see this?

>February 22, 2010

For Immediate Release:

Former Ridgewood Councilman Tom Riche has announced that he will seek re-election to the Village Council.

Mr. Riche served on the Village Council from 1998 to 2002 when he chose not to seek reelection to concentrate on his business. Since leaving the Council in 2002, Tom has remained active in Village affairs. Currently, he serves as a member of the Planning Board, the Historic Preservation Commission, Site Plan Exemption Committee and as Communications Officer for the Office of Emergency Management.

“ Since I left the Village Council”, stated Mr. Riche, “I have continued my service to the Village and it’s residents by serving on several boards. Many residents have approached me and expressed a desire for me to serve again on the Council. After considerable thought, I have decided to seek another term. The Village Council will face many challenges in the coming years and I feel that my business acumen as well as the historical perspective that I have will help to contribute towards the future of our Village. I am humbled by the encouragement and support that many of the residents have shown since I first served on the Council.”

Mr. Riche is currently in the process of obtaining the 165-signed petitions required to certify for a ballot position in May. Any registered Ridgewood voter may obtain a petition by sending an email to [email protected]