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Reader asks if Ms Harwin Has Any Clue ?

village council meeting

file photo by Boyd Loving

Ms Harwin will suddenly appear at meetings and try to study up on key issues under Aronsohn tutelage. If she hasn’t started attending she should watch last night’s video to see she’s now connected to nasty halaby, ridiculous Shiovan and duche bag Jeff. Of course ms harwin watch the now infamous douche bag video. reviewi old footage to get a better idea of yoir supporters .How about the only man with a day job threatening a resident or Aronsohn intimidating and bullying a female resident. Maybe watch Voight screaming fu*# you at the village manager. Roberta ugh and oy the material. How about when harwins supporter pnched a resident or councilwoman clueless Hauck calling out a poor resident. Harwin have a clue?

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Reader says Harwin using Ridgewood As a stepping stone for Further Political Ambitions

Paul_Aronsohn_theridgewood blog

Graduate Emerge class 2017 alexanda harwin. Emerge new jersey instructs women how to run for higher office by launching political careers at the local level. Emerge NJ graduate Ali Harwin is following the manual. Get elected locally or get yourself appointed to something for the political resume. Uh oh Ridgewood looks like this one is using us. read for yourself and just say no. https://emergenj.ngpvanhost.com/content/emerge-new-jersey-announces-2017-class

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Reader says Having the backing of Halaby, Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sonenfeld, Voigt and Aronsohn is going to be lethal to your career

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

SUGGESTION TO MS. HARWYN: You are probably a very nice person. You are clearly a very educated person. So let me offer you some practical advice – GET OUT NOW. Having the backing of Halaby, Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sonenfeld, Voigt and Aronsohn is going to be lethal to your career. Your candidacy is already tainted beyond repair with their poison ink. But your career as an attorney could be destroyed if you are keeping company with those who have ethics violations, harrassment complaints, etc on their dossiers.

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Ridgewood Youth arrested on two 4th degree charges of False Public Alarm and False Reports to Police in Hoboken

Hoboken Police Rick Toscano

Hoboken Police photo by Rick Toscano

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hoboken NJ, Hoboken Police Chief and Vice-President of the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association reported on twitter that , “Last night, an intoxicated male, 21 years old, from Ridgewood, was rejected admission to go into 1Republik in @CityofHoboken . He proceeded to call 911 to report that a rape was occurring in 1Republik’s bathroom causing an emergency response, a dangerous situation.”

Chief Ken Ferrante followed up , “Great work by @HobokenPD Sergeant Rino Binetti and Officer Anthony Rutkowski who through their immediate work, identified the caller and arrested him on two 4th degree charges of False Public Alarm and False Reports to Police. Sick behavior! “

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SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 21 – 7PM: Village Council will be interviewing the four companies who responded to the RFP for the Hudson Street Parking Garage

Hudson garage

HUDSON STREET PARKING GARAGE UPDATE
Important Message from Mayor Susan Knudsen

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, there will be a SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 21 – 7PM: Village Council will be interviewing the four companies who responded to the RFP for the Hudson Street Parking Garage on February 21, 2018, beginning at 7:00 pm in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of Village Hall. The meeting will be televised on Cablevision 77, Verizon 34, and YouTube livestream.
Each company will summarize their proposals and will present their concept plan(s).
Last fall the Village Council and Village Planning Board identified the Hudson Street Parking Lot as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. A resolution was adopted unanimously by on October 11, 2017. Doing this placed the Village in the best possible negotiating position allowing for direct negotiations with potential garage developers to achieve the best possible outcome on behalf of Ridgewood taxpayers.
Financial Analysis and Parking Allocation studies are expected before February 28 and the results will be discussed during the February 28th Work Session meeting.
I hope you will join us at Wednesday’s (2/21) meeting to learn more about the various proposals, designs, and build cost. Council members will have an opportunity to ask questions during each of the four presentations. Two Public comment periods are scheduled, one at the beginning and one at the end of the meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment at this time.
The process has been open and transparent every step of the way.

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So what exactly did the Zabriskie-Schedler House in Ridgewood actually look like?

Zabriskie-Schedler House , American History ,

February 19,2018

by John Paquin

Ridgewood NJ, So what exactly did the Zabriskie-Schedler House actually look like? Like this! Thought that might help the discussion. And best part is it’s all still right there. This is from a photo taken yesterday. the early and mid-20th C. additions have been stripped away — porches, dormer etc., to reveal the original structure. Chimneys “repaired”. Cedar shake siding that was likely done in the ’30’s removed to reveal the clapboard, corner boards and water board still almost certainly underneath. What you see is a classic farmhouse in the Federal style, popular between 1780-1830 or so. But built in the Dutch manner. in that regard very different from the dutch stone houses of the area. Federal style was typified by a simple clean approach, with broad, plain surfaces and “attenuated” detail — modest and clean. All reflecting the mood of the early republic. So modest details, minimal facia/soffits and overhang, and simple entry with plain transom. But that’s not to say this was a house of modest means! At a time when most houses in the area were a single story with a garret up above, a full second story would have been for someone of affluence. The simplicity is more a reflection of the style of the day. Historian @peggynorris in her great foundational work on this house shows that Mr. Zabriskie bought the land from the church in 1825, and that’s exactly when I would have placed this based on physical evidence. I suspect he began construction that year. But there’s a puzzle! we know the tree is about 230 years old — there since the republic’s founding in 1787! But that’s 35 years before the house. The architects who surveyed the property noted that the smaller wing may actually be earlier. I agree, and think the tree’s age, and this cleaned up image support that view. Simple, one-room houses were common for area tenant farmers. I think the wing is late 18th C., pre-dates the main house (and even Mr. Zabriskie’s ownership) and possibly as old as the tree. To the right there’s a fenced-in corn field across The West Saddle River Rd., and a period hay barrack back in the North Field. There are two liberties taken here: the Tree is it’s present size tho of course it should be much smaller. and the well and well-sweep are in the front year when in fact the remains of the well are in the same approx. position but behind the house. But here’s the thing — this is all present today. Relatively simple to return this house to it’s period correct appearance. I know cause I’ve done it myself.

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The Zabriskie-Schedler House is a text-book example of the inspiration behind one of the most enduring American Vernacular Architectural styles, born right here in Bergen County — The Dutch Colonial

Zabriskie-Schedler House

February 19,2018

John Paquin

Ridgewood NJ,Separated at Birth? Well, actually, yeah. The Zabriskie-Schedler House is a text-book example of the inspiration behind one of the most enduring American Vernacular Architectural styles, born right here in Bergen County — The Dutch Colonial. An example that needs to be preserved so we can tell this story and all the others that go with it. Right now you’re looking at the house on the left, and saying, “I know that house. I think it’s on Spring….or maybe Pleasant, or was it up on Monroe? Trust me, folks in just about every town in the United States would say the same thing. The “Dutch Colonial” became an iconic style as part of the “Colonial Revival” that swept the country from the centennial well in to the 1930’s, when most of these were built, and endures even today. Most of us know the Dutch “stone” houses that dot the region. But it’s actually the frame examples like Zabriskie-Schedler that provided the true inspiration. And because they were not made of stone, far fewer endure today. The style is our gift to the nation; the Zabriskie-Schedler a monument to that style that needs to be preserved for the future

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Village of Ridgewood Offices Closed – Presidents Day February 19, 2018

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

February 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, All Village offices will be closed on February 19, 2018 in observance of Presidents’ Day. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on this day, and the Recycling Center will also be closed. All Village offices will open on February 20, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. As always, the Police Department, on the second floor of Village Hall, will be open on this Holiday.

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Curtain Up Studios registration is currently open for the Spring production of The Addam’s Family

addams family

February 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Curtain Up Studios registration is currently open for our Spring production of The Addam’s Family Musical.
Open to kids ages 8-16
Rehearsals will be in Glen Rock
Please visit www.curtainupstudios.com or send an e-mail for more information to [email protected]

Diana Roth-Fili and Paula Hegyi have both been successfully directing school musicals together since 2010. In addition to school productions, they run children’s theatre summer camps & workshops, and a touring Youth Performance group. Paula & Diana also direct main stage community theatre productions which include adults as well as children with full piece orchestras.

Curtain Up Studios’ mission has always been to introduce and nurture the love of theatre arts to our students. Although we hold high standards for our productions, what we value most is that the children have a fun, positive and educational experience. Whether the student participates on stage, or behind the scenes, we consider this a team effort. Each part and position is vitally important to a successful production.

Paula Hegyi; Founder & Artistic Director, is both a Director and Choreographer. She studied acting and dance in Los Angeles for over 15 years. Worked in New York as a Television Producer for 10 years. For the last 7 years she has instructed dance classes at Glen Rock’s Central School Dance program teaching ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap & Broadway styles. Starting in 2010 Paula began collaborating with Diana Roth-Fili on musical productions at an Elementary and Middle School level. Paula also choreographed main stage productions with an adult company at St. Catherine’s of Bologna in Ringwood, NJ. This summer marks their seventh year running musical theatre camp together.

Diana Roth-Fili; Founder & Artistic Director, is both a Director and Musical Director. She is a classically trained pianist and vocalist. Diana has over 30 years of experience as a private voice and piano teacher, and has directed main stage theater productions for community theaters in the tri-state area as well as children’s theatre groups and regional high school productions for over 17 years. Diana has been Director and Musical Director for Glen Rock Central Elementary School’s yearly musical production for the past 7 years. Most recently directed Annie Jr. for St. Elizabeth’s Middle School production in Wyckoff, NJ. Diana continues to direct musical theatre camps and workshops throughout the year with her partner Paula Hegyi.

 

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WEST BERGEN TO OFFER THE SOAR EXPERIENCE AND SOAR COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) Program

West Bergen Mental Healthcare

February 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  West Bergen’s Social Discovery Program is pleased to announce that it is again sponsoring the SOAR Experience, a program for children and teens, ages 6-17, with solid verbal skills who experience the social communication and social skills challenges seen in Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly known as Asperger’s Syndrome, HFA and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities) and related disorders such as Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder. The SOAR Experience, a therapeutic social skills program in a day camp-like environment, will be held at the Center for Children and Youth, One Cherry Lane in Ramsey. The SOAR Counselor In Training (CIT) Program offers teens and young adults (14-24 years old) with the same diagnostic criteria listed above, vocational training and an opportunity to develop various work and social skills.

This is the tenth summer that West Bergen is able to provide these unique services. The SOAR Experience is a small, nurturing program, specifically designed to help children with social challenges thrive and succeed in a supportive environment.

The Program is held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The six-week program is from July 9 to August 17, 2018. The three-week programs are from July 9 to July 27 and from July 30 to August 17. Other highlights include: social skills training; weekly themes; field trips and fun filled activities.

Under the direction of West Bergen’s professional staff, participants will expand their skills in a number of important areas including: building relationships; increasing flexibility; resolving conflicts; successful transitions; improving social scanning; decreasing anxiety; experiencing newness and change and coping with sensory issues.

Contact Richard Miller, LPC, NCC, Director of The Social Discovery Program, for additional information at 201.934.1160 x7234 or [email protected].

Free information sessions on the SOAR Experience and the Counselor In Training Program will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 7:00 to 7:40 PM; Thursday, April 19, 6:30 to 7:10 PM and Monday, May 14, 7:00 to 7:40 PM at the Center for Children and Youth, One Cherry Lane, Ramsey, NJ. SOAR Counselor In Training (CIT) Program Information Sessions will be the same dates immediately following the general information sessions for 45 minutes. Reserve a spot by calling (201) 934-1160, Ext. 7200.

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Village of Ridgewood protocol on snow and ice events

snow day

February 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, here are some reminders on Village of Ridgewood protocol on snow and ice events :

REMINDER ABOUT GARBAGE PICKUP DURING SNOW AND ICE EVENTS

As a reminder, if it is snowing when you leave your home in the morning or if it is icy, please place your garbage cans at the end of your driveway for collection. The Village will resume rear yard garbage collection as quickly as possible after the snowstorm, but please continue to put your garbage cans at the end of your driveway until you have a clear path to them. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our Village employees safe.

REMINDERS ABOUT SNOW/ICE REMOVAL

All sidewalks in residential districts must be cleared within 24 hours of the snow falling. Please do not place snow into the street; instead, place it back onto your own property. In addition, if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please clear it of any snow accumulation.

Be safe people !

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Reader Accuses Former Mayor Aronsohn of calling Mike Sedon’s employer

paul Aronsohn

Please stop. It was Aronsohn. Everyone knows it was Aronsohn calling Sedon’s employer. Didn’t Knudsen acknowledge it was Aronsohn?
There was no “investigation” because aronsohn wasn’t going to investigate himself. Hauck Puviarelli and sonenfeld were not going to “investigate” aronsohn.. The “investigation” was a sham and a slap in the face to Ridgewood residents.
Not the only election process they interfered with. They have an established pattern of behavior. Petition interference and sonenfeld and aronsohn guilty of ethics violations.

Candidate Harwin is forever linked to Aronsohn and his ilk.

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IRS : Phone Scams Continue to be a Serious Threat

irs

February 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON DC,  Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, headlining the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2016 filing season, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams as scam artists threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation and other things. The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season.

“Taxpayers across the nation face a deluge of these aggressive phone scams. Don’t be fooled by callers pretending to be from the IRS in an attempt to steal your money,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “We continue to say if you are surprised to be hearing from us, then you’re not hearing from us.”

“There are many variations. The caller may threaten you with arrest or court action to trick you into making a payment,” Koskinen added. “Some schemes may say you’re entitled to a huge refund. These all add up to trouble. Some simple tips can help protect you.”

The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Many of these con games peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or hire someone to do so.

This January, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) announced they have received reports of roughly 896,000 contacts since October 2013 and have become aware of over 5,000 victims who have collectively paid over $26.5 million as a result of the scam.

“The IRS continues working to warn taxpayers about phone scams and other schemes,” Koskinen said. “We especially want to thank the law-enforcement community, tax professionals, consumer advocates, the states, other government agencies and particularly the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for helping us in this battle against these persistent phone scams.”

Protect Yourself
Scammers make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or via a phishing email.
Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money.

Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.

Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.

The IRS will never:

Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.

Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do:
If you don’t owe taxes, or have no reason to think that you do:
Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.

Contact TIGTA to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” webpage. You can also call 800-366-4484.

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax:
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you.
Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure. Tax scams can happen any time of year, not just at tax time. For more, visit “Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts” on IRS.gov.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

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Reader says The name of the person who called Mr. Sedon’s employer was never publicly revealed, but many of Mr. Halaby’s cohorts know who did it

mike_sedon_theridgewoodblog

Mr. Halaby seems to have conveniently forgotten that the dirtiest campaign trick of all was put into play by his side during the 2014 Village Council race –
An unnamed person telephoned Mike Sedon’s employer (the Staten Island Advance), spoke directly to Mr. Sedon’s supervisor, and suggested that the Advance force Mr. Sedon to drop his candidacy for Ridgewood Village Council, or be terminated from his position at the Advance. When told of the telephone call by his supervisor, Mr. Sedon chose to resign from his position rather than to continue working for a company willing to violate a NY State law that prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee’s desire to serve as a public official. The name of the person who called Mr. Sedon’s employer was never publicly revealed, but many of Mr. Halaby’s cohorts know who did it.

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Reader says Mutual aid is very commendable as an action IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

ridgewood_fire_department_theridgewoodblog

Mutual aid is very commendable as an action IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. If it is seen as a permanent backup by another town which regularly cannot send out their own force, that means that the sending town is coming “for free” to do a job that should be done alone by the town requesting aid or with mutual aid if the incident requires more help than the aided town can supply. Mutual aid means “mutual”. It means another town will come to your aid if it’s bigger than you can handle. Mutual aid does not mean that the town that needs aid sends no one from their town to the scene. That type of aid should be paid for, especially when the sending town’s citizens have to pay for the same service.