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UPDATE: WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 8 AM EDT THURSDAY…

breaking_news[1]

UPDATE: Winter Storm Warning URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

 

March 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the National Weather Service has issues a …WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 8 AM
EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed winter precipitation transitioning to heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches
and light ice accumulations are expected.

* WHERE…Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including during the evening commute on Wednesday.
Expect significant reductions in visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Check
local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions.

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Ridgewood High School Principal Calls “Student Led Walkout ” a “powderkeg”

tom gorman

Sounds like the high school administrators and the soon-to-be student protest “leaders” were working hand in glove to bring Ridgewood residents a slick, smoothly produced protest event. But wait…isn’t this the same Principal Gorman who on Monday, 3/12 referred to the anticipated student walkout as a “powderkeg?” You can’t have it both ways, Principal Gorman. So which was it? Why would you characterize it as a powderkeg if you had such a significant hand in bringing it to fruition? And how does all of this square with your solemn responsibilities as the leader of one of the biggest high schools in the county?

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The Thread of Life exhibit Hosted by The Ridgewood Historical Society

ridgewood Historical Society

March 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Historical Society presents “THE THREAD OF LIFE—Exploring the fabric of family over the centuries through fashion and style”.
According to the Ridgewood Historical Society , “Much of our life and personal history is woven into the fabrics of an era. This exhibit recreates the intimate journey of an imagined New Jersey family as they navigate the milestones of life: birth (christening dresses), marriage (wedding gowns), and death (mourning attire)—and many familiar events in between. For this exhibit we showcase some of our most priceless antique garments, and accompany them with historic artifacts and ephemera from our own collection.”

“This is a beautiful presentation of generations of a family’s milestones illustrated by the clothing they wore and the artifacts that surrounded them. We will arrange special group tours and we encourage all teachers to bring their classes. Contact us at 201-447-3242.”

Schoolhouse Museum
650 E Glen Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

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Reader says “ The Three Amigos” was funny , Paul, Gwenn and Al were definitely not funny

Ridgewood 3 amigos

I am a liberal and I think the term, “ The Three Amigos” is too good a label for the infamous three. As far as it having racist connotations, that is really a stretch. I think of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase. They were funny. I don’t think Paul, Gwenn and Al have a sense of humor and they definitely are not funny.

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Reader suggests IRS Could Target Tax Exempt Status for Overly Political Local Church

Emmanual Baptist Church

“The ban on political campaign activity by charities and churches was created by Congress more than a half century ago. The Internal Revenue Service administers the tax laws written by Congress and has enforcement authority over tax-exempt organizations. Here is some background information on the political campaign activity ban and the latest IRS enforcement statistics regarding its administration of this congressional ban.”

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
.
Civil Action No. 95-0724 (PLF)
.
BRANCH MINISTRIES, INC., et al., Plaintiffs,
v.
CHARLES O. ROSSOTTI,
Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service, Defendant.
.
Opinion
.
This case is about the decision of the Internal Revenue Service to revoke the status of plaintiff Branch Ministries as an organization exempt from taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3). Before any discovery was conducted, the government filed a motion to dismiss or for
summary judgment. Plaintiffs sought discovery on their claim that they were victims of selective prosecution, and the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion to compel. The case now is before the Court on the renewed motion of the government for summary judgment and on plaintiffs’ cross-motion for summary judgment. Upon consideration of the cross-motions, the Court concludes that the government has established that there are no material facts in dispute and that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
.

.
3. Political Expression Claims
.
Plaintiffs argue that the IRS engaged in content-based viewpoint discrimination in
violation of their Fifth Amendment right to equal protection and in violation of their First Amendment right to free speech. The Fifth Amendment equal protection claim mirrors plaintiffs’ Fifth Amendment selective prosecution claim.
.
Plaintiffs contend that the IRS targeted the Church for revocation because the Church had expressed its political views. Because plaintiffs have failed
to provide any evidence of similarly situated churches that have not had their Section 501(c)(3) status revoked, see supra at 11-14, plaintiffs’ Fifth Amendment claim fails.
.
“Congress is not required by the First Amendment to subsidize lobbying.” Regan
v. Taxpayers With Representation, 461 U.S. 540, 546 (1983). Plaintiffs contend, however, that churches are different. Plaintiffs maintain (1) that churches are open fora, (2) that the IRS decision to revoke the Section 501(c)(3) status of the Church constitutes viewpoint
discrimination, and (3) that the IRS therefore must demonstrate a compelling interest in order to
justify the revocation. See Perry Educ. Assn. v. Perry Local Educators’ Assn., 460 U.S. 37, 45-46 (1983). There are a number of problems with plaintiffs’ argument. First, it is not at all clear that private churches in fact can be deemed open public fora. See id. (citing, as examples of open fora, numerous public or government spaces).
.
Second, even if a church is an open forum, that would be irrelevant to the revocation at issue in this case. The Section 501(c)(3) status of the Church was not revoked on the basis of any expressive activity that occurred on the property of the Church, the purportedly
“open” forum. Instead, the Section 501(c)(3) status was revoked because the Church took out a full-page advertisement advocating against a partisan political candidate. In this case, the relevant forum is the channel of communication, the newspaper advertisement itself, rather than the
property of the Church, the messenger. See Cornelius v. NAACP Legal Defense and Ed. Fund, 473 U.S. 788, 800-02 (1985) (“in defining the forum we have focused on the access sought by the
speaker. . . . [where plaintiffs] seek access to a particular means of communication,” the channel of communication rather than the physical site is the relevant forum). Even if the property of the Church itself is considered an open forum and the IRS could not constitutionally revoke the
Section 501(c)(3) status of a church on the basis of statements made in the church, the IRS clearly may revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization that publishes an advertisement in
opposition to a candidate for public office. See Regan v. Taxpayers With Representation, 461U.S. at 546.
.
Finally, plaintiffs contend that the IRS viewed the Church as “militant right” and
that revocation of its Section 501(c)(3) status therefore constituted viewpoint discrimination. See Pls’ Motion for Summ. J. at 30. As discussed supra at 14-16, however, plaintiffs have
provided absolutely no evidence that the IRS revoked the Section 501(c)(3) status of the Church on the basis of its political views. Plaintiffs therefore have failed to establish a First Amendment violation. An Order consistent with this Opinion shall be issued this same day.
.
SO ORDERED.
.
PAUL L. FRIEDMAN
United States District Judge

https://theridgewoodblog.net/emmanual-baptist-church-holds-a-community-peace-and-justice-forum-to-host-ridgewood-high-school-walkout-leaders/

 

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Reader asks What ever Happened to the Company that Was Investigated for Faulty Turf Field Construction?

maple+field1-300x19911

Maple was FieldTurf- the subject of that giant investigative journalism story and hearings.. whatever came of that?

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2017/01/30/artificial-turf-not-faulty-maker-tells-senate-panel/97238208/

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JOLT Group Accused of Hijacking the “Student Led” Walkout

Alexandra Harwin

March 19, 2018

the staff  of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood JOLT is being accused of hijacking the “student led” protests with the help of a sympathetic school administration and principle Tom Gorman .  The new poster boy for the group is Laurence Fine who is 14. He finished eight grade at the Solomon Schechter of Westchester and is entering ninth grade at Ridgewood High School, where he will be on the cross-country team.

He runs a politically themed Instagram account, @Democrats_for_2020, which doesn’t mention his age or name, and bills itself as “This liberal news feed supports Democrats for 2020 and resisting GOP agenda. Together, we can take back the House, Senate, and presidency!” He was instrumental in getting Alexandra Harwin to speak at the school and rounded up many kids to help on her campaign.

Ridgewood JOLT according to there Facebook page is a community organization activating citizens to JOIN ORGANIZE LEAD and TEACH. Our mission is to protect and fight for our democracy through active participation in upcoming elections, monitoring and acting on legislative activity, educating ourselves and others as to our rights and our laws, and using the power of our purse to affect change and require accountability from corporations dependent on our economic participation.

They are the same people looking to push the anti conceal and carry  the , “Oppose Legislation for H.R. 38 and S. 446 – Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 ” .

The fact is it is another far left organization looking to get Paul Aronsohn and his group of unloved misfits back into control of the Village of Ridgewood and continue the job of destroying the town for profit that they started.

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Mayor and State Assemblymen Pay Tribute to Eagle Scout

Mayor and State Assemblymen Pay Tribute to Eagle Scout

March 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen and Assemblyman Chris DePhillips paid a visit to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor, to congratulate Eagle Scout Max !

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Emmanual Baptist Church Holds a Community Peace and Justice Forum to Host Ridgewood High School “Walkout Leaders “

Emmanual Baptist Church

emmanual baptist church holds a community peace and justice forum
Tue, March 20, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Emmanual Baptist Church, 14 Hope Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

March 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Emmanuel holds a Community Peace and Justice Forum to discuss High School Student Action Against Gun Violence.

Emmanuel Baptist Church will hold a Peace and Justice Forum entitled, “High School Student Action Against Gun Violence” on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00-8:30pm in the Peace Lounge. Laurence Fine and Alana Benson, Ridgewood High School Student Leaders, will speak followed by a discussion.

The Forum is preceded by a non-fundraising Community Pasta Dinner, which starts at 6:00pm in Heritage Hall. Suggested donation is $4 per adult and $2 per child. Since there is limited space, it is suggested that you reserve your seat by calling the Church office at 201-444-7300.
Emmanuel, founded in 1891, is celebrating its 126th Anniversary Year and maintains a tradition of community outreach. Emmanuel is located at 14 Hope Street, at the corner of Hope Street and East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. The building is ADA accessible and all are invited to attend.

For immediate release:
Contact: 201-444-7300
[email protected]

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Parlance Chamber Concerts Presents Danish String Quartet

parlance chamber concerts presents danish string quartet

parlance chamber concerts presents danish string quartet
Sun, April 08, 2018
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood NJ 07450
Cost: 40

March 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Parlance Chamber Concerts Presents Danish String Quartet: On April 8, it will be a thrill to introduce the sizzling Danish String Quartet to our community. The Danes’s rare combination of rock star charisma, ensemble perfection, and consummate artistry have made them one of the most in-demand quartets of our time. Their All-Beethoven concert will feature three masterpieces from his early, middle and late periods.

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in D, Op. 18, No. 3
Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in F, Op. 59, No. 1
Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in C# minor, Op. 131

Parlance Chamber Concerts:

West Side Presbyterian Church
6 S. Monroe Street, Ridgewood, NJ
Adults $40, Seniors $30, Young Adults $20, Students $10.
for more info call 800-838-3006
https://www.parlancechamberconcerts.org/2017-2018-season/april-8-2018.
https://www.parlancechamberconcerts.org
Visit Parlancechamberconcerts.org for ticket info

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Rebecca Leer & Bill Angressano Student Art Show at the Ridgewood Art Institute

ridgewood art institute

March 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Students of Rebecca Leer and Bill Angressano have been invited to submit three framed pieces of artwork for the first in a series of exhibits, showcasing student work done in classes here at the Ridgewood Art Institute. Students enrolled in both classes, may have submitted up to three pieces for EACH class. All levels of expertise will be represented, as classes at the Art Institute are taught on an individual basis and each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. Work will either be offered for sale, or not. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to see the beautiful work that is being generated here at the Ridgewoood Art Institute.
What better way to inspire others to join our RAI Family…
And quite frankly, what better way for our members to inspire each other?

The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Our two unique north lit studios as well as our 3 galleries are just a part of what RAI offers. We also sponsor events and workshops throughout the year, that are of interest to artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Why wait? Come see why RAI has become a treasured haven to so many, for more than 80 years.

For more information on class scheduling, this and other events please visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org

Ridgewood Art Institute
12 E Glen Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

 

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Mayor and Deputy Mayor Take A Lesson at the JIG Factory for St Patty’s Day

the Jig Factory

March 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village of Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen and Deputy Mayor Mike Sedon celebrated St Patrick’s Day in the Village with the JIG Factory home to Ridgewood Irish Dance .

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Louisiana Lightning Ron Guidry will be appearing at Bookends in Ridgewood on Wednesday, April 4th

Ron Guidry pitching

March 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Louisiana Lightning Ron Guidry will be appearing at Bookends in Ridgewood on Wednesday, April 4th @ 7:00pm(NEW TIME)
Former New York Yankees Star Pitcher, Ron Guidry will sign his new book: Gator

Ronald Ames Guidry, nicknamed “Louisiana Lightning” and “Gator”, is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the New York Yankees of the American League, from 1975 through 1988. Guidry was also the pitching coach of the Yankees from 2006 to 2007.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726

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Ridgewood Irish Dance Group to Perform on Good Day New York at 9 a.m Today !

Irish Jig

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Irish Dance The Jig Factory 

March 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The JIG Factory home to Ridgewood Irish Dance. Ridgewood Irish Dance was founded in 2004 by Susan Daly Stanek. In 2012 we opened a larger studio offering more classes for competitive and non competitive dance,(the JIG factory, owned by Susan Daly Stanek.

Susan Daly Stanek and her dancers will appear on Good Day New York at 9 a.m., on Fox 5 kicking off St Patrick’s Day.

The JIG Factory
580 N Maple Ave
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Call (201) 988-2795

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“Three Amigos is a racist term, ” NO, IT IS NOT claims reader

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

file photo by Boyd Loving the 3 amigos ; Gwen, Paul and Al the absolute low point in Ridgewood History 

“Three Amigos is a racist term, ” you write. NO, IT IS NOT. Here is the origin from Wikipedia:

Three Amigos (marketed as ¡Three Amigos!) is a 1986 American western comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, and Randy Newman. Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short star as the title characters,[4] three silent film stars who are mistaken for real heroes by the suffering people of a small Mexican village and must find a way to live up to their reputation.Critical response
¡Three Amigos! received generally mixed reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 46% of 35 film critics gave the film a positive review, with a rating average of 5.1 out of 10.[10] Film critic Roger Ebert awarded the film one out of four stars and said, “The ideas to make Three Amigos into a good comedy are here, but the madness is missing.”[11] Janet Maslin of The New York Times gave the film a mixed review, writing that it was “likable” but lacked a “distinctive style”, and then certain jokes are crafted with “enjoyable sophistication”.[12] Caroline Wetsbrook of Empire awarded the film three out of five stars and wrote that it was “good-natured enough to sustain its ultimately thin premise”.[13]

Despite this, the film has since been reviewed more favorably and has become a cult classic. Neil McNally of the website Den of Geek noted that the film was “unfairly overlooked” when first released, and praised the performances of Martin, Chase, and Short; the comedic scriptwriting of Landis; and the “sweeping, majestic” score by Bernstein.[14] The film was ranked #79 on Bravo’s list of the “100 Funniest Movies”.[15
I actually took the film out of library and watched it. It is not racist.

What I hate is misinformed people jumping on a politically correct bandwagon, without thinking and using political correctness to the detriment of the issue. The issue here is RACISM. You probably don’t give a damn about racism or you would have taken the time and thought to research the term Three Amigos that has been so frequently used on this blog. Don’t you think , ASSHOLE, (how about that for an expression) that the intelligent , educated and well-informed Ridgewood residents who contribute to this excellent blog would not have already years ago called out the term by now if it was racist since it has been used for about four years or more on this Blog.
Do you think we need an idiot who thinks he is trendy and politically correct to tell us something about racism. I have a suggestion for you: Start reading excellent nonfiction in history and the classics in fiction. Are you even literate?