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Reader says Roberta and the 3 Amigos ought to be made to reimburse the village for the cost of the video

Ridgewood 3 amigos

They worked so hard to get the garage for their own selfish purposes that it seems unfathomable that we are still talking about doing it. It was a stupid, stupid idea driven by the wrong reasons. Please, NO GARAGE–just repair the surface and rework the spaces to create more (done badly from the get-go). It shouldn’t be hard or expensive. And by the way, besides the wrist-slap fine paid to the state, they ought to be made to reimburse the village for the cost of the video, paid for with property tax dollars. That was the killer part!

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The Ridgewood Historical Society Presents “LETTERS FROM HISTORY” Contest!

schoolhouse museum

November 29,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In cooperation with the Ridgewood High School Social Studies department, Ridgewood Historical Society proudly presents:
“LETTERS FROM HISTORY” Contest!

Open to all RHS students. We challenge students to write a letter inspired by local history and the current exhibit at the Schoolhouse Museum.
• Write a 1-page letter about a war or revolution from the exhibit and an artifact on display. The letter must be from the perspective of a fictional person involved in some aspect of the historic time to a relative back in Ridgewood.
Examples: a soldier in World War I writing to parents; a Civil Rights worker writing to a sibling; a soldier in Vietnam writing to a friend. It should involve emotions people would have experienced—loneliness, fear, excitement, etc.—in the context of the specific time.

The museum is open Saturdays 1pm-3pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm, and Thursdays 1pm-3pm.

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Reader says When you force retirees with disposable income into “exile” for 181 days per year out of state for tax purposes, it will lead to an exponential loss of revenue

snowbirds_and_beach

When you force retirees with disposable income into “exile” for 181 days per year out of state so they are not nnj residents for tax purposes, it will lead to an exponential loss of revenue .
Yes, nnj will still hose them for property taxes on the homes they keep here. But for 6 months they will be buying goods and services from their local vendors in fla . Nnj won’t get sales taxes on those lost purchases . However the grocery stores gas stations restsaursnt won’t be getting revenue here either which is lower profits and less income taxes.
Thank the moron democraps for chasing those of us out of here who pay the bills.

Posted on 17 Comments

Reader says Aronsohn and Sonenfeld had NO RIGHT to spend public funds to promote their agenda

paul Aronsohn

People had a right to be for OR against the garage. They still do. But Aronsohn and Sonenfeld had NO RIGHT to spend public funds to promote their agenda. And let us not forget Ms. Hauck, who actually hired the video company that made the video, paid for it, and then collected reimbursement from public money. Private citizens can send out any mailings they want, such as those Herr Halaby sends from time to time, and those that politicians send, and those that restaurants flood our mailboxes with. But if private funds are used, there is no crime. Surely if you are smart enough to come up with a clever numeric moniker, then you can understand this concept.
And while we are on the subject, what about Ms. Sonenfeld’s interference with citizens who were legally seeking signatures on the referendum petitions. That was grossly inappropriate, and we have videos of her self-righteous blustering performance in Van Neste.

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog
We are so lucky to be rid of Aronsohn, Sonenfeld, Hauck, and Pucciarelli. They were fueled by egos that would not quit, they screwed us with high density housing, Aronsohn attempted to destroy two citizens’ jobs, he edited citizens’ letters to the paper before they could be printed. Sonenfeld, Aronsohn, Hauck, and Pucciarelli berated members of the public loudly and nastily. The list goes on and on. Watch closely folks, whoever these people support in the spring will be tainted with toxins.

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Ridgewood Police : Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign

Ridgewood Police

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Police

November 29,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Law enforcement officials from the Village of Ridgewood will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning December 8, 2017 and continuing through January 1, 2018, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education.
Last year, 20% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for the holiday season:
• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

Posted on 2 Comments

Bergen County Prosecutor : RISE IN THEFT OF HIGH END MOTOR VEHICLES

High_End_MV_Thefts[1]

November 28 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal is issuing a public advisory for county residents. During the past month, there has been a rise in motor vehicle thefts occurring in the overnight hours throughout Bergen County. Residents are advised to be aware of subjects entering their driveways for the purpose of stealing motor vehicles. Local police departments are aware of the crime spree and are actively investigating.

During this crime spree, actors looking to steal vehicles check door handles to determine if a vehicle is unlocked. If the keys are left in the unlocked vehicle, the actor(s) simply enter the vehicle, start the vehicle, and drive away.

If the vehicle is unlocked and no keys are left in the vehicle, actor(s) remove valuable items left in the vehicle by the victim, and then target the next available home.

On two occasions, multiple vehicles have been stolen from the same home. During the last month, there have been 30 incidents in 19 Bergen County towns.

To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, residents should do the following:

1. NOT LEAVE KEYS, or REMOTE KEY FOBS in an unattended VEHICLE.

2. Lock your vehicles.

3. Do not leave any valuable items in plain view inside your vehicle.

If there are any suspicious individuals lurking around a driveway at any time during the day or night, residents should immediately contact your local police department.

 

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Indie Children’s Designer Fashion Show Features Local Models

Little Skye Children’s Boutiqu

November 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Children from Ridgewood and Bergen County walk the red carpet at the winter-themed Little Skye Children’s Boutique fashion show on Saturday, December 2. The show starts promptly at 3 pm and features the season’s hottest children’s styles from the world’s top indie kids clothing designers. Sponsors include 21 Godwin salon in Ridgewood, West Ridgewood Dental Professionals and Little Nest Portraits in Ridgewood.

Little Skye Children’s Boutique is located at 171 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ. The boutique carries quality toys, books, baby and kids’ clothing from around the world at all price levels, ranging from established brands to smaller production lines. More information about Little Skye can be found at https://littleskyechildrensboutique.com. Or, please contact [email protected] or (201) 645-3132.

Posted on 3 Comments

Reader says parents wanting to give their children everything, forgot to give them the tools of life that mattered

kids-on-smartphones

The bottom line is that parents and teachers are giving so much safe space that there is no thinking on the part of the student as they mature to find their way through difficulties and problems. Parents solve the child’s problems immediately and at every turn which sets them up when they are young adults for FAILURE since they have no clue how to interact to a amicable conclusion. Now the idea is just to call your opposing individual names and label them to intimidate or cry for a safe space. Those parents who have taught their children the skills to interact, accept success in a humble manner and accept failure and the consequences as a growth tool to tackle the problem differently in the future….are the ones that will succeed – you know them when you see them. These are the young adults that companies WANT to hire, the others will stumble and fall many times before figuring it out, but it didn’t have to be that way….their parents wanting to give them everything, forgot to give them the tools of life that mattered. Pity.

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Reader says in New Jersey it Pays to Be A Crook

parking+meters_the+ridgewood+blog

So what’s goin to happen to them nottin. Like the guy who stole the quarters from the meters, basically nottin.
Whereas I once mistakenly years ago put quarters in the meter next to me along Van Nest square. The meters are super close together and if you are not used to meters , you can make a mistake. My meter had no time, the one next to me had a half hours worth of time and no vehicle was parked in the space, that was the one I had put the quarters into; I got a ticket; a cop was around, I pointed out the problem. He ignored my plea and I paid a parking fine. I will never forget.
The law is absolutely subjective. If you are rich ; if you drive a fancy car; I don’t, If you are a physically attractive women; If you have influence; if you run for congress against Garrett even if you lose. If you work for the Village, even if it turns out you are a crook; you get a pass. You are welcomed back to work in Ridgewood even if you stole near a million in quarters. If I walk into a shop here, browse and decide not to purchase an item, the next time I walk in I am treated coldly.

Posted on 16 Comments

What’s going on at the Town Garage property in Ridgewood?

Onyx Equities, LLC

November 28,2017

by the staff of The Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood NJ, A van owned by John Saraceno’s company (Onyx Equities, LLC) was recently observed parked in the lot of the former Town Garage property, 120 Franklin Avenue. We wonder if this means that Mr. Saraceno is now involved in a formal business relationship with the owners of this property, just as he now seems to be with the owners of the former Ken Smith property.

If things keep moving the way they have been, pretty soon Mr. Saraceno will control more properties in the Village than the Russo-Ferraro partnership does.

Hmm?

Posted on 3 Comments

Judge Rules Healthy Choice Organic Mattress of Ridgewood,sheep Betsey to Remain Indoors till Further Notice

Healthy Choice Organic Mattress of Ridgewood,

photo courtesy of Healthy Choice Organic Mattress of Ridgewood

November 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Betsey the sheep had her day in court and according to Healthy Choice organic Mattress of Ridgewood, “Betsy was found guilty for loitering, grazing, sunbathing etc. in front of our Healthy Choice Organic Mattress store on Wilsey Square. The judge at the Ridgewood Municipal Court kindly reduced her excessive fines. Being a peaceful and respectful soul, Betsy has agreed to remain indoors until the day the town ordinances allow her to once again roam free.”

Still seems a bit of selective enforcement on the Village’s part . Now if we could only get the Village to follow through with the same action on the walls and planters that litter the side walks of the Central Business District and at times make it impassable as well as represent a fire hazard.

 

Posted on 28 Comments

New Jersey Local Finance Board Finds Against Village of Ridgewood’s former Mayor and former Village manager in Ethics Complaint

Paul_Aronsohn_theridgewood blog

file photo by Boyd Loving

November 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On November 13, 2017, the New Jersey Local Finance Board (LFB) issued Notices of Violation to the Village of Ridgewood’s former Mayor and former Village manager for authorizing and appearing in a video that advocated only one side of a referendum question that was pending before Village voters.

The ethics complaint was filed on June 13,2016 by the New Jersey Libertarian Party’s Open Government Advocacy Project with the Local Finance Board–the agency that enforces the Local Government Ethics Law.

The complaint alleged , “Mayor Aronsohn’s statement in the video that its purpose is to educate and inform the public about this issue, the video goes well beyond providing neutral facts. Rather, the video is clearly an advocacy piece intended to persuade Village residents to vote “yes” on the proposal. For example Mayor Aronsohn made the following statements at the noted times in the video.”

The Notices of Violation, issued against former Mayor Paul Arohnson and former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, both arose out of a June 21, 2016 referendum question which sought $11,500,000 in bonds or notes to finance the cost of constructing a new parking deck. Under New Jersey law, government officials may use public resources to educate ,but not to persuade voters on public issues.

The LFB concurred and found that the one sided video was persuasive and not purely educational because it advocated only one side of the question and “urg[ed] citizens to vote ‘yes.'” Using public resources to persuade voters to vote “yes” on a referendum is unfair because the referendum’s opponents do not have access to those resources and have to use private resources to distribute their message.

Arohnson and Sonenfeld, by supporting and appearing in the video, were found to have “attempt[ed] to use [their] official position[s] to secure unwarranted privileges or advantages for [themselves] or others in violation of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.5(c).”

 

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Nonstick Cookware Cancer Causing Chemical Found in Jersey Drinking Water

glass_of_water_privatisation

November 27,2017

the staff Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey scientists are urging the state to impose a strict limit on a chemical that has been linked to cancer, developmental problems, and changes to the human immune system in the latest move to curb the presence of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in drinking water.

The Drinking Water Quality Institute will this week consider a recommendation to set a limit of 13 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as the level at which human health would be protected over a lifetime of exposure.

The limit, proposed by the DWQI’s health effects subcommittee, would be the strictest set by any state, and would build on New Jersey’s growing status as a national leader in the regulation of a family of chemicals that are found at higher concentrations in New Jersey’s drinking water than in most other places.

The plan to regulate PFOS follows similar recommendations for two related chemicals, PFNA and PFOA, which are being assigned “Maximum Contaminant Limits” (MCLs) by the Department of Environmental Protection after research by DWQI scientists over the past three years.

PFOS and other PFCs were made for consumer products like fabric coatings and nonstick cookware over more than 50 years and were phased out by the main U.S. manufacturer in the early 2000s because of concerns about their health effects.

According to Ridgewood Water , “PFOA and PFNA are contaminants that belong to a class of man-made chemicals called PFASs.  PFASs are not found in the natural environment and have historically been used in nonstick cookware, upholstery, carpets, waterproof materials, fire-fighting materials, and food packaging.  PFASs do not break down easily and remain in the environment for a long period of time. ”

Ridgewood Water has been participating in DEP unregulated contaminant testing for PFASs since 2009.  Ridgewood Water has been proactively working to introduce treatment for PFASs in our system long before this announcement, beginning with the decommissioning of the Carr wells in Ridgewood in January 2017, which possessed the highest level of PFOA in the system.  Ridgewood Water is scheduled to install a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter to strip the water supply of PFASs, and we expect that the Carr facility will be back online producing treated water by the last quarter of 2018.  Ridgewood Water will be initiating a robust testing protocol by the end of 2017 to determine if other system locations require treatment.

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Pro Arte Chorale Christmas Celebration

Pro Arte Chorale presents: A Christmas Celebration

Sun, December 03, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Bethlehem Lutheran church, 155 Linwood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Cost: 25

Ridgewood NJ, Pro Arte Chorale will be joined by members of the NJ Wind Symphony in a concert featuring Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Vaughn Williams’ The Blessed Son of God, favorite traditional carols and more!

For more information and advance discounted ticket sales
please visit: www.proartechorale.org
[email protected] or 201-497-8400
Tickets: Adult $25 / Senior $20 / Student $10

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Community Pasta Dinner at Emmanuel Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Wed, November 29, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 14 Hope Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood NJ, Third Tuesday of each month at 6pm in Heritage Hall Dinner of pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, dessert and coffee.

Suggested donation is $4 per adult and $2 per child.

Looking for an affordable night out?

Please join us for our next monthly non-fundraising Community Pasta Dinner

Save the Date: November 29th

6:00 pm in Heritage Hall

Please contact Emmanuel at 201-444-7300 to reserve your seat.