photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
May 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, John Young, an 18-year career veteran of the Ridgewood Fire Department, was sworn in as a Lieutenant during the 05/11 Public Meeting of Ridgewood’s Village Council. Many of Lieutenant Young’s fellow firefighters were present during the ceremony.
Spotlight on Child Trafficking for Walk-a-Thon
May 12,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Durga Tree International is holding their third annual Lacing Up for Freedom Walk-a-thon on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Since the majority of people Durga Tree serves around the globe are vulnerable minors and their mothers, this year’s
theme is Walking to End Child Trafficking. Registration is complimentary for all,including leashed canine companions. Prizes are awarded to walkers who reach tiered fundraising goals. There will be children’s activities, a live music duo, sponsored
beverages/breakfast snacks and lunch following the walk. This year, Durga Tree is proud to partner with Alleva Construction, our water station sponsor for the second year in a row; Rise Fitness, our backpack prize sponsor; and Antonella Romano Stone & Tile, our Reusable Water Bottle prize sponsor.
The five-mile walk will be held at the Ridgewood,NJ, Wild Duck Pond, rain or shine. Registration and information can be found here:
https://www.wizathon.com/lacing-up-for-freedom/index.php.
At three years old, this collaborative non-profit organization, co-created by Beth and Tim Tiger and Jess Hoertel, has raised over $300,000 to aid in the war against Modern Slavery. As a project driven non-profit organization, they work with grassroot
organizations around the world who are on the ground actively working to end this epidemic. Durga Tree International’s mission is to “take the homework out of becoming involved in this movement by qualifying hardworking, worthy organizations from around the world, and then becoming the fundraising vehicle they so desperately need.”
Additional Durga Tree International events are planned for 2016, including volunteer immersion trips to Guatemala and India, and the fourth annual benefit gala in October 2016. For more information on the gala as well as other events and opportunities, visit
their website, https://durgatreeinternational.org. They can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 973-461-6621.
May 12, 2016
The staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, beautiful weather and great sales drew big crowds for the opening of the Ridgewood Spring Sidewalk Sale .
The sale goes from Thursday May 12th to Saturday, May 14, 2016 ,from 10am to 6pm .
Participating stores:
Savvy chic Consignment – Cottage Ave.
Shopettes – Chestnut St.
Suite 201 – S. Walnut St.
Just Our Shoes/Mepisto – N. Walnut
S. Broad St.
B. Witching & Bath
Alba
E. Ridgewood Ave.
Shoe – Inn
Shelly Glam
Oasis
Ridgewood Eyewear
California Closet
Just our Shoes
Hot Jewelry Box
Beauty Plus
Duxiana
Studio 201
Gardnier & Co.
Loft 41
Hocus Pocus
Pink Bungalow
P. Smith
Femmebot
Kate Spade
Ridgewood Bootery
Gigi’s
Anik Ridgewood
Racefaster
Red Velvet Lux
Eat your Spinach
Alex And ANi
Victor’s
Learning Express
Running Company
GAP
Fox’s
Bookends
Double Take Consignment
Gypsy Warrior
The Green Olive Branch
Pangea
Lucky Brand
Panico Salon
ConnectOne Bank
SALES SALES SALES SALES SALES SALES SALES
Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
Ridgewood Touch A Truck a Major Success
Ridgewood NJ, To the delight of what appeared to be every small child living in Ridgewood, selected Ridgewood EMS, fire, and police personnel (along with about one half dozen of their specialized motor vehicles) participated in the annual Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce “Touch-A-Truck” event on Thursday, 05/12. The event was held in Van Neste Square, the epicenter of RIdgewood’s Central Business District. Several staff members of the Ridgewood Public Library were on hand to conduct a truck related “Story Time” in the park next to the display of Village owned motor vehicles. Ridgewood Councilman Michael Sedon was one of several parent spotted racing from truck to truck during the well attended event.
May 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Make sure you see page B1 of The Ridgewood News, issue date: 05/13/2016 (Friday the 13th of all things).
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood High School was again not portrayed in the best light in the stands or parking lot during the lacrosse tournament. Principal Tom Gorman sent out and email condemning poor behavior and littering.
“Unfortunately, despite previous warnings and pleas for assistance in my November 30 and December 11 letters regarding the conduct of our fans at the MetLife Stadium football championship game, Ridgewood High School was again not portrayed in the best light in the stands or parking lot during the lacrosse tournament. Administrators from Mahwah High School have notified us that the parking lot parent tailgate in the Ridgewood section was left in a very poor state with trash and alcohol bottles strewn about. In addition, we had one Ridgewood adult fan verbally accost the referees after the game, which required police intervention.”
Several Ridgewood parents have now come out and vigorously denied the allegations made by Principal Tom Gorman. Parents claim the messes were not Ridgewood messes and that RHS parents and students cleaned up .
This is not the first time these type of allegations were made at a Ridgewood Sports group. In December
Principal Tom Gorman , sent out and email saying , “Unfortunately, despite previous warnings and pleas for assistance, Ridgewood High School was not portrayed in the best light in the stands or in the parking lot. Administrators and faculty members spent much of the game dealing with students that were under the influence and/or involved in disruptive behavior. In addition, the parking lot in the Ridgewood section was left in a very poor state with trash and broken bottles” https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-high-school-was-not-portrayed-in-the-best-light-in-the-stands-or-in-the-parking-lot-at-metlife-stadium/
A reader at the time commented , “I watched the streaming game on MSG Barsity. The camera panned the Ridgewood crowd and one high school aged boy gave the finger to the camera – for the entire time the camera pointed into the stands. It seemed like forever.
Tailgating is something that adult and college sports fans do. How many Facebook posts of tailgates have you seen this fall? All pics of your neighbors drinking in the parking lot. This is also seen in the Facebook posts from parents traveling to college football games and partying with the kids. Did any of you stop and think how pathetic you look drinking at a frat party? And then you make things worse by posting those photos for the world to see.
So parents, the kids are just mimicking your behavior. Think about that the next time you post your party pics. Some parents think that they look cool, most just look like puffy boozers.”
While we think the truth is somewhere in between the Gorman allegations and the parents denials we do think parents ,coaches and teachers must lead by example and set high standards of behavior . A $103 million school budget would suggest those standards should be equality as high.
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood Budget passed no issues, 5-0 .Yes, the threesome Hauck, Puccrelli and Aronsohnand even Roberta were a bit subdued after their humilating loss and rejection at the polls. Both Ramon Hache and Jeff Voigt attended the meeting.
The discussion of Albert’s proposed resolution/ ordinance regarding filming/ recording of public committee meetings was a bit misleading. The deputy mayor made it sound as if he was protecting members who might be talking about personal issues: children’s grades,etc. This novel interpretation was a bit of a stretch .The issue of taping meetings only occurred after citizens were concerned about what was going on at these meetings ie the treats and intimidation and possible undue influence from council members, the Village manager and others. Sure enough when Dana went to the HPR meeting with Lorraine and others, they witnessed Paul aggressively challenging an attendee and then losing it when he realized Dana was filming it.
Our committees seem to have lost all their independence and act sometimes at the bequest of the mayor. One of our readers has suggested that these meetings ( Financial Advisory Committee) should have available minutes and also that the interviewing process is intimidating and biased. In the past , we weren’t interviewed and members who came often and showed interest often become chairperson, etc. We hope that this can be reviewed with the new council.
As far as our water and sludge! , we have problems and all the feel good forums in the world won’t fix that.
The secret ‘28 pages’ are just the start. The FBI has another 80,000 classified documents, many of which deal with Saudi connections to the 9/11 terror plot. What’s the Bureau got?
The Obama administration may soon release 28 classified pages from a congressional investigation that allegedly links Saudis in the United States to the 9/11 attackers. A former Republican member of the 9/11 Commission alleged Thursday that there was“clear evidence” of support for the hijackers from Saudi officials.
But in Florida, a federal judge is weighing whether to declassify portions of some 80,000 classified pages that could reveal far more about the hijackers’ Saudis connections and their activities in the weeks preceding the worst attack on U.S. soil.
The still-secret files speak to one of the strangest and most enduring mysteries of the 9/11 attacks. Why did the Saudi occupants of a posh house in gated community in Sarasota, Florida, suddenly vanish in the two weeks prior to the attacks? And had they been in touch with the leader of the operation, Mohamed Atta, and two of his co-conspirators?
May 12,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, “Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld will be available for her monthly ‘Meet the Manager’ session in the Village Hall Court Room on Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 12 Noon. You may make an appointment by calling 201/670-5500 x203.”
Anybody who works in H.R. could give her some tips on job hunting. Is it too soon for a farewell party?
May 12,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fourth of July is proud to have been named, for the 10th year in a row, “Best Parade” and “Best Fireworks” by 201 Magazine’s Best of Bergen!!
“As a private organization, we are so proud to continue this strong tradition!! Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who make this event so special and here’s to 10 more years of putting on the best parade and fireworks in Bergen County!!”
Cheers,
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee
Don’t miss your chance to become a Sponsor for the Ridgewood Fourth of July. We offer many advertising opportunities at both the parade and fireworks. What better way to gain exposure for your business than at one of the largest events in the village!
Email us at [email protected] for more information.
Thanks for all those that Support the Tradition!!!
photos by Boyd Loving
GRAYDON POOL SURVEY
We value your opinion. Please take a few moments to complete our survey found in the following link:
Graydon Pool Survey
2016 SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-3376 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5566 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560
[email protected]
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
Ridgewood NJ, Today MAY 12, 2016 is Keller Williams Red Day, the day we give back to our communities around the world.
What is Red Day?
Introduced in 2009, RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, is Keller Williams Realty’s annual day of service. Each year on the second Thursday of May, associates celebrate Mo Anderson’s birthday by spending the day away from their businesses serving worthy organizations and causes in their communities. RED Day is just another example of our commitment to each other and to the cities and towns where we live and work. Join us!
Dear All,
I apologize for being a day late but I was still dizzy yesterday from all the excitement on election night!!!
It really does take a village. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support of so many residents. There are so many people to thank. Their selflessness and tireless efforts made victory possible on Tuesday night. There were people putting up signs, hosting coffees, sending emails, taking pictures, making videos, cooking, baking, talking, handing out flyers, making phone calls, hosting, printing, and cheering. Too many people to name individually but they know who they are. The results on Tuesdaywas a manifestation of their love for our community. THANK YOU!!!!
I am so proud of our community for turning out to vote in large numbers. Over 5,600 residents took time out of their lives to make their voices heard loud and clear.
Although the campaign was an exhausting and arduous process, I really enjoyed meeting so many amazing people whether I was knocking on doors or simply around town. I would like to thank all the candidates for being professional and cordial through this whole process. I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for anyone willing to offer themselves to serving on the Council. That being said, I would also like to thank the outgoing Council members for their service and for their willingness to help ensure a smooth transition with the new Council members. The work is already starting to take shape.
Looking ahead, I am excited to get to work with some great people on the new Council. I am confident we will be able to work through the numerous challenges, by respecting each other and working through our differences, in order to serve the best interests of the community. Make no mistake, although we all get along, the issues are no smaller today than they were two days ago. But by working with each other, and the community through open and transparent dialogue, we will conquer the issues. We will work diligently to ensure reasonable and responsible progress. It feels great to be part of a great team. I am also looking forward to working with all of our Village officials and employees. It is so important to have competent and committed people working for our community.
Thank you again for all of your support. Thank you for your vote and for bringing me closer to making my vision of Ridgewood a reality. This is still one of the best communities in NJ. Together, we will make it even better. I look forward to listening to you and serving you on the Council.
Best
Ramon Hache
Congratulations to the winners and condolences to the losers. In the end, I’m not even sure that Mr. Weitz and Ms. Willet even wanted to be in the race. Mr. Brooks is a nice guy and a good neighbor. He campaigned hard but was just on the wrong side. Next up: Revoke the Pfund ordinance the afternoon the new Council is inaugurated. Valley – fight the lawsuit and sue them to revoke their non-profit status in town. The $4.5 million that their Linwood Ave campus will generate in taxes will pay a lot of legal bills. Apartments – 18 units per acre seems reasonable. If developers can’t make it work with a 50% increase over what’s been on the books for decades that shouldn’t be the residents’ problem. And if they sue us, so be it. Garage – how about a nice 2 or 3 level commuter lot? Keep it small enough so that no developer can incorporate it into his plans for oversized apartment buildings. Schedler – outside of the RBSA brass, I haven’t heard any support for a baseball field there. Plus what’s the hurry to cut down all the trees? Best of luck to the new Council – please remember the grass roots organizations that helped get you elected.
Readers have a laundry list of committees that need to go , Readers suggest the Financial Advisory Committee was created by the mayor solely as a breeding ground for future council members willing to live in his shadow and image. It didn’t work. Disband it.
We would suggest the same for the anti free speech “Civility Committee” .
One reader says First to go…. Gail Price (and her firm), then Chris Rutishauser (sp?). And if Blaise doesn’t start doing some actual planning for Ridgewood’s future, then he can go too.
