Ridgewood NJ, This “Scam Of The Week” is a variant on the Microsoft tech support scam where they call PC users and claim they have detected a problem with the person’s computer and need to fix it. End-users gullible enough to give access to their workstations (usually via remote software), are billed hundreds of dollars on their credit card but the scammers of course don’t fix anything — and in some cases their PCs are infected with ransomware until they pay up.
Recently Dell Computers have been singled out.
Several residents in the Village and other local towns have reported this scam .
In October the Dell posted a warning about this type telephone scam on its website.
In the mean time we suggest you send this to your employees, friends and family:
“There is a new tech support scam doing the rounds. This time it is cyber criminals with foreign accents calling you, claiming they are from Dell and they even have the correct service tag of your Dell PC. They will try to manipulate you into giving them access to your computer so that they can “fix the problem” and charge your credit card or worse, infect your computer with ransomware.
If you get called by unknown people claiming to be tech support (any company) and need to get access to your computer, hang up the phone immediately and delete any email they might send you with similar claims.
ONLY give out personal information if you have initiated the call and properly looked up the main company number yourself on the company’s main website you want to reach. Do not rely on a popup, advertisement, or general web search on another website or forum unless you can verify it is a valid source and verify it is a valid phone number for that company.”
Ridgewood Resident and IT professional Greg May says ,”These scams have been going on for years. I get called every other month. As one who works in IT security (White Hat Hacker), the best thing for folks to do is hang up. Microsoft, Dell, HP, Apple or any other tech firm will not call you to tell you they are picking up errors on your system. Please spead the word as these folks are scum that target folks who don’t know much about IT.”
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood Offers guidance for parents, families and school personnel on mold in the Home and School.
What is mold? Molds are fungi, such as mildew, mushrooms and yeast that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows for sure how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. They have been known for centuries.
How does mold grow?
Mold needs water and food. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is water, high humidity, or damp conditions. Molds are often found in homes and schools that have been flooded or have had water leaks. Mold grows faster in warm temperatures and high humidity. Molds can even grow in desert areas if evaporative (swamp) coolers are used. Mold can feed on paper, fabric, wallpaper glue, sheetrock, wood, soap scum, leather, and many other surfaces. Molds grow by producing very small spores that can settle on wet surfaces and grow to the visible forms of mold common in the bathroom of most homes and schools.
How are children exposed to mold?
Children can be exposed to molds in the home as well as at schools. The most common areas in a home are where water is present, such as bathrooms. In schools, bathrooms, shower rooms and laboratories are environments suitable for mold growth. Mold exposure can also occur in any area where water from a leak comes in contact with paper, fabric, wallpaper glue, sheetrock, wood, and other surfaces. In addition, mold can grow on cold surfaces due to condensation of water on cold surfaces, particularly if these surfaces can serve as “food” for molds. There have been cases of children with health effects from mold growth in gyms with wet walls due to condensation.
You can breathe the mold particles if mold is disturbed. You can breathe in mold spores (usually not visible) that mold releases in the air. You can touch mold and get it on your skin. You can also swallow mold if you eat moldy or spoiled food like moldy bread.
What are the health effects of mold?
Some people are allergic to molds. Mold exposure may worsen asthma symptoms, hay fever, or other allergies. The most common symptoms of mold exposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, and trouble breathing. Symptoms usually disappear after the mold contamination is
removed. Exposures to very large mold growth from flooded buildings presents more potential for respiratory problems than common exposures found in homes and schools, particularly if ventilation is on as this may disperse mold spores throughout the building.
Should I have my home/school tested for mold?
Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential for health effects; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Mold testing is expensive and the results are not always related to health risk.
Should I see a doctor if my child has been exposed to molds at home or at school?
If you think that your children have symptoms related to mold exposure in your home, you should see a doctor. If the exposure was from school, you should also notify the school nurse or administrators. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure are also caused by many other illnesses. The extent of mold exposure (small spot in bathtub versus large area of extensive mold growth due to flooding) is also a factor in seeking medical attention.
How can you reduce mold in your home or school?
The best way to reduce mold exposure in your home is to remove water and moisture sources. Fixing leaks, drying damp areas, and removing humidity from the air (e.g., using a dehumidifier in basements; opening a window while taking a shower in bathrooms with no exhaust vent) will help limit mold growth and keep it from coming back. In schools, administrators and maintenance personnel must be notified to correct leaks and remove moisture sources as well as remove moldy ceiling tiles and similar materials.
How do you clean up mold on a surface in your home?
The best way to clean mold from surfaces such as shower walls is to use detergent and water. Diluted household bleach (no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water) may be used to clean hard surfaces; however, you should avoid its use in confined areas (showers and closets) and should never mix bleach with other household cleansers. If you have breathing problems (asthma, emphysema, COPD), you should avoid the use of bleach altogether. If large areas of a home have mold growth, such as might occur from flooding, then a professional mold remediation contractor should be contacted.
In schools, maintenance personnel may be able to clean up small areas of mold and remove stained, wet ceiling tiles and other moldy surfaces. The best way to eliminate mold is to make sure that the source of water is stopped.
Mold spores are difficult to kill and some will remain in a home or school even after a cleanup. It is very important to reduce or eliminate moisture in areas prone to mold growth. This can be done by use of exhaust fans in bathrooms and increased ventilation in school rooms. If moisture remains, mold will grow again from the microscopic spores.
Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood Board of Education the Ridgewood Police asked that our buildings shelter-in-place for a brief period this afternoon. Everything is fine and back to learning as usual!
October 19, 2017
Dear Ridgewood Public Schools Community,
Following is a message from Chief Luthcke of the Ridewood Police Department.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON INCIDENT UPDATE 10-19-17
Yesterday afternoon, Ridgewood Schools were advised to shelter in students in place after a resident reported a man wearing what appeared to be a bullet proof vest gruffly asked for directions to Willard school. The person described by the resident was located by patrol a short time later and it was discovered he was wearing a black weighted vest, which has the appearance of a bullet proof vest. The man was transported to the Ridgewood Police Department for questioning as there was a language barrier with the man. All schools were cleared of the shelter in place at 2:15pm. This shelter in place was issued out of an abundance of caution to the school community. After an investigation, it was determined the man was headed to Willard School to pick up his grandchild and had gotten lost along the way and was attempting to ask for directions. The situation was explained and he understood the confusion. The man was released without any charges.
The Ridgewood Police Department would like to thank all of the surrounding agencies, including Midland Park, Wyckoff and Glen Rock, for their assistance during this incident. We know this incident may have caused stress in the community, but we need to take all incidents, such as this, very seriously as our community’s safety is of paramount importance. Fortunately, this was an innocent misunderstanding and simply was a lost resident.
Sincerely,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
The Ridgewood Police added this afternoon (Wednesday) Ridgewood Schools were advised to shelter the students in place after a resident reported a man wearing what appeared to be a bullet proof vest asked for directions to Willard School. The person described by the resident was located by patrol a short time later wearing a black weighted vest which has the appearance of a bullet proof vest. All schools were cleared of the shelter in place at 2:15pm. This shelter in place was issued out of an abundance of caution to the school community.
What Shelter-in-Place Means:
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency where hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same thing as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) Shelter-in-place means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building. If you are told to shelter-in-place
At School:
Close the school. Activate the school’s emergency plan. Follow reverse evacuation procedures to bring students, faculty, and staff indoors.
If there are visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.
Provide for answering telephone inquiries from concerned parents by having at least one telephone with the school’s listed telephone number available in the room selected to provide shelter for the school secretary, or person designated to answer these calls. This room should also be sealed. There should be a way to communicate among all rooms where people are sheltering-in-place in the school.
Ideally, provide for a way to make announcements over the school-wide public address system from the room where the top school official takes shelter.
If children have cell phones, allow them to use them to call a parent or guardian to let them know that they have been asked to remain in school until further notice, and that they are safe.
If the school has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the school is closed, students and staff are remaining in the building until authorities advise that it is safe to leave.
Provide directions to close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
If you are told there is danger of explosion, direct that window shades, blinds, or curtains be closed.
Have employees familiar with your building’s mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air – these systems, in particular, need to be turned off, sealed, or disabled.
Gather essential disaster supplies, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and plastic garbage bags.
Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit in. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Classrooms may be used if there are no windows or the windows are sealed and can not be opened. Large storage closets, utility rooms, meeting rooms, and even a gymnasium without exterior windows will also work well.
It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
Bring everyone into the room. Shut and lock the door.
Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.
Write down the names of everyone in the room, and call your schools’ designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you.
Listen for an official announcement from school officials via the public address system, and stay where you are until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
WATER MAIN LEAK AT E. RIDGEWOOD AVE. & N. BROAD STREET – WORK TO COMMENCE AT 9:00 PM
October 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water is currently monitoring a water main leak at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and North Broad Street, near the parking lot adjacent to the train station. Ridgewood Water will begin emergency work to address the leak at 9:00pm this evening. Ridgewood Police Department will be assisting with traffic control but residents should expect traffic disruptions/closures in the area.
Ridgewood Water thanks you for your patience and cooperation.
“If you notice some lamps and lights and fireworks tonight at some of your neighbors homes, they are most likely celebrating festival of lights, called Diwali. Tonight the moon is going to be dark and we light lamps to celebrate victory of good over evil. ” Saurabh Dani
A five-day Hindu festival of lights, Diwali is held in Autumn between October and November and marks the beginning of the financial year in India.
Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the dark night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar, on the 15th of the month. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Library is pleased to launch the new On Book Play Reading Series featuring a staged reading of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play GOD OF CARNAGE featuring local actors Christy Baron, Mark Kaplan, Declan Power and Diane Sims. Discussion among cast and audience to follow. Register now
Are you ready to meet the Novaks and the Raleighs? The On Book Play Reading Series launch featuring Mark Kaplan, Christy Baron, Declan Power and Diane Carlin Sims in GOD OF CARNAGE happens this Friday, Oct. 20 at 7pm.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company celebrated 80 years with a beautiful event at the Hackensack Golf Club. The afternoon included lots of singing, amazing food, and getting to catch up with friends old and new.
The event was kicked off with a toast to Jack Strangfeld, who was one of our Life members and beloved by all who knew him. Then, our president, Tim Domini, gave a hysterical speech about his time in the company. Continue reading below for some photos from the event and the entirety of Tim’s speech (and see if you can guess which show each of the G&S references comes from!)
TIM DOMINI GALA SPEECH:
As many of you know I have been singing G & S since the mid nineteen eighties – and after all this time I now am President of a G & S society and must deliver a speech at this most important milestone occasion – the 80th anniversary of our Founding. You have no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself and how little I deserve it. So if I may I want to share my thoughts about how much WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan have affected my life lets us say this is – Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
As I look back at the world of G & S and RGSOC – I see – well – I see a nice dilemma we have here – –that calls for all our wit. REALLY –
There has been very hard work by so many people to keep the flame burning – so much singing and laughter and friendship and eating. Yet, there have been dark times – Times when I thought – Or you , Or I , must yield up our life to Ahrieadnes. I really would prefer it was you – such is the nature of our troupe that we stay a family throughout these conflicts –
Of course the friendship that comes with membership is something that is treasured, something of tremendous value, something beyond value really, something that is never toyed with – Never , what Never? No never…..well Hardly ever…..
And WHAT do we make of the long, long, long , tenure of this organization? Should it have folded long ago? So many have said we sing old music and we do not fit in anymore with the things that the internet and the two career family now makes us obsolete – We go, we go, Yes but we don’t go – (except maybe to the diner). We continue to step out on stage and sing these marvelous works and speak these wonderful words.
Joining a family that is like RGSOC is akin to falling in love – now I know what love is. There was a happy time when I didn’t – but bitter experience has taught me….. we have these flights of soaring music, the appeal of a laughing audience, the joy of working closely with friends’ season after season and sharing the special moments of theater that most strange alchemy of escape.
Of course – I have also been involved in the politics and management of the troupe – as a leader of the company I often think of the Leaders of the House of Peers, it is said that they Throughout the war did nothing in particular and did it very well…. A goal that this organization eschews to and abides by. The board has been a group of Men and Women who work for the good of the company as much as they can. Rarely – there have been issues that created hard feelings over artistic issues – or – financial issues – of course there was the time the feminine members of the board declared MAN is Natures Sole Mistake – yet even these conflicts were overridden by the troupe’s overwhelming friendliness and desire to get out there and sing the wonderful words and music of the dynamic duo Gilbert and Sullivan.
Despite the fact that I wasn’t There, the troupe has ventured into many different formats and ideas towards our long-term survival. All I can say about some of these ideas is that My object – ALL SUMBLIME – I will achieve in time – to let the punishment fit the crime… I too have opinions and ideas, I actually have a Little List, perhaps after lunch –
I will not pretend that the work of the board can not make someone crazy – I often have to find a way to stay calm or like prior board member Margaret find Some word that teems with hidden meaning, like “Basingstoke”. It might recall me to my saner self. For, after all, I am only Mad Margaret! Daft Meg! Poor Meg! He! he! he! – leadership does come with burdens………
Yet through all these hard times one can keep perspective – I always try hard to I’ve jibe and joke, And quip and crank, For lowly folk And men of rank. Yes a gentle sense of humor is the basis of membership in RGSOC – it is the rock upon which the foundation of the troupe is built – let’s face it the boys are funny and the shows stay funny 125 years later.
So despite all the worries and woes of the past years I have been involved with the troupe I find Oh, philosophers may sing Of the troubles of a King, But of pleasures there are many and of worries there are none; And the culminating pleasure That we treasure beyond measure Is the gratifying feeling that our duty has been done.
So as I think back to all the days and times I have spent with my fellow Savoyards and all the meals, and parties and fun occasions yes I think So bumpers – aye, ever so many –The cost we may safely ignore! For the wine doesn’t cost us a penny, Tho’ it’s Pomméry seventy-four! After all It isn’t so much what’s on the table that matters, as what’s on the chairs.
So as I wrap up this discussion I am reminded it is an unjust world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances – so as I look back at my time in RGSOC I am proud that – I did nothing in particular and did it very well – after all wouldn’t the world seem dull and flat with nothing whatever to grumble at.
Respectfully submitted – at the 80th Gala gathering
Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will lead off their 80th Anniversary season with a special production of Iolanthe (which is the first production Ridgewood G&S presented during their founding in 1937). Iolanthe runs November 4-26 in various locations throughout the tri-state area. Ticket info : https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=80233
Performances at Ridgewood United Methodist Church (100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, NJ) Saturday, November 4 @ 7:30pm Sunday, November 5 @ 3:00pm Sunday, November 12 @ 3:00pm
Performance at Heritage Village (Southbury, CT) Sunday, November 19 @ 3:00pm
Museum of Modern Art Educator Petra Pankow highlights museum pieces from Modern and Contemporary Women Artists including Frida Kahlo, Lee Krasner, Eva Hesse and Cindy Sherman. This event is sponsored by the Martha Glaser Culture Series.
Ridgewood NJ, Two (2) summonses were issued in connection with a four (4) vehicle crash in the parking lot of 363 Route 17 southbound, Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 10/18. Witnesses reported that a 4-door BMW sedan traveling on Route 17 southbound left the roadway, drove up a grassy embankment, and went airborne before landing in a strip mall parking lot. The BMW’s adult male driver sustained a minor leg injury, but refused transport to a local hospital. Three (3) vehicles, including the BMW, were wrecked; two (2) were removed from the scene by flatbed tow trucks. The owner of the third wrecked vehicle could not be located. Ridgewood Police, EMS, and Fire Department personnel responded.
What a riot! I just saw Boyd Loving in Rite Aid and he told me that many of the same people who are furious with him posting accident photos are clamoring to have more information and photos posted of the strange looking dude the cops grabbed near Ridge School. Can you believe these people.
Ridgewood NJ, in the second major incident today suspicious activity of an undisclosed nature taking place at the Ridgewood Bus Terminal caught the attention of Ridgewood PD Patrol Officer Jack Knudsen on Wednesday morning, 10/18. Following questioning, an adult male was taken into custody by Knudsen and Patrol Officer Joseph Dibenedetto when a computer check revealed at least one (1) active arrest warrant was associated with the man’s name and driver’s license number. The prisoner was transported to Ridgewood PD headquarters for processing
Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office advises that if you have an elderly parent. A grandparent. Someone who lives alone. Someone who might not question a stranger knocking on their door. These are the people who are selected by scammers and fraudsters…and now burglars too!
Lately across Bergen County, and throughout northern New Jersey, we’ve been hearing of more and more strangers knocking on doors and preying on those who live alone. It is called “Distraction Burglary.”
Basically, someone… impersonating a utility worker (e.g., PSE&G or Suez Water), a town inspector, or even someone pretending to be a police officer (wearing street clothes)…these guys can be clever…he knocks on your door. He talks his way inside, usually spinning a tale about a water leak, a problem with your pipes, or some other “urgent” matter. He talks and walks you around your own home to keep you DISTRACTED while his partner in crime slips into a bedroom to grab valuables, cash, whatever is there for the taking.
But don’t fall for it! Utility workers wear clearly marked uniforms and carry identification. They also drive marked vehicles. You can and should call your utility company to confirm they have a worker stopping by. Make the stranger wait outside (* DON’T INVITE A STRANGER INSIDE! *). Same for police officers…those detectives in plainclothes can have a uniformed officer driving a marked police car join them when in doubt.
So, if you have a loved one who lives alone or who is elderly, make sure they understand this! Swipe through the tips above. Know this stuff. And share it. It’s important.
Check on your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Don’t fall for a trick. Don’t let them fall for a trick like this!! Be vigilant. Call your local police or dial 9-1-1 to report something suspicious. Be safe.
Ridgewood NJ, Jiyoung An and Noah D. Bronowich have been designated as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and 18 others have received letters of commendation in the 2016 competition.
Commended students are: Paul Calvetti, Dhruva M. Chhabra, Luke R. Conenello, William K. Gagan, Audrey S. Gao, Benjamin M. Gluckow, Daniel R. Gnall, Maximillian Horkenbach, Jacqueline Johnson, Kayla L. Kern, Rachel Kim, Joseph O’Keefe, Isaac Peabody, Kumail Raza, Vanita Sharma, Gayeong Song, Lena Yanella, and Bruce Zhang.
About 1.6 million students took the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last October and entered the National Merit Program, a nationwide competition for recognition and awards. Only some 16,000 who qualified as semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for Merit Scholarships to be offered next spring.
Ridgewood NJ, Mindfulness/Meditation Class For Teens & Young Adults (Ages 12-25)
Inclusive and suitable for all levels, especially beginners!
Meditation is simply “exercise for the mind” – it helps us relax and destress!
Tuesday, October 24th 4:00-4:45 PM
$10 per person
Evolved Medicine, Ridgewood 1250 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, Join Racefaster Bagel Run! every Saturday for a social group run. We will meet at 8am at the Racefaster store in Ridgewood, then we will head out for a group run ranging in distance from 2-6 miles, and finish up with some bagels and coffee at the store. Dont miss out on this Free event. All are welcome.
Racefaster 11 N Broad St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450-3801
