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Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee hosts the Northeast New Jersey Beekeepers Association

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BACKYARD BEEKEEPING – HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SERIES

Saturday, February 13th; 10am to 12:30pm, The Stable, 259  North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood

Backtard Beekeepping – Presented by the Northeast New Jersey Beekeepers Association, this introductory program is for those interested in keeping honey been and wanting to learn the very basics of this hand-on hobby.   INcluded with be discussion on equipment and supplies, the care and handling of bees, clothing, colony health, costs involved and where to go for resources, support and learn more…

Sponsored by Ridgewood Environmental  Advisory Committee – REAC

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Village of Ridgewood Releases Hudson Street Parking Garage Financial Summary Comparison and Drawings

parking garage cbd

BCIA RIDGEWOOD PARKING FINANCIAL SUMMARY

This document produced by BCIA Professionals contrasts BCIA County Guaranteed Financing with Village of Ridgewood Stand Alone Financing for debt associated with the Parking Deck Project.  Please note that the estimated differential between the two scenarios has changed since last week, due to changes in BCIA issuance costs amended by the BCIA on Friday, January 29, 2016.  Now, there is an estimated differential of $22,248 which averages less than $900 per year. Click Here for the document.

DESMAN HUDSON STREET DECK DRAWINGS – 1/29/2016

These drawings represent the site plan, floor plan & building sections for the revised design of the Deck at Hudson Street.  This Deck design was first considered in October 2015.  There will be 325 parking spots.  The height to the roof is approx. 43′ and 46′ 8″ to the parapet. Click Here for Drawings

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Arturo Fuente Casa Cuba Tasting Event at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood

Arturo Fuente Casa Cuba Tasting Event at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood

Dont miss our next event in the Davidoff Lounge!

The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood & Davidoff Lounge

10 Chestnut Street • Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 • 201-447-2204
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM • Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM

2,500 sq. ft. • Personal Humidified Lockers • Private Conference Room • HD TV’s • WIFI • Extended Hours
Personal & Corporate Memberships Available • Day Passes Available

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Deputy Mayor Moves to Stop Video Taping of Public Meetings in Ridgewood

Deputy_Mayor_Albert_Pucciarelli_theridgewoodblog
file photo by Boyd loving
February 1,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ ,Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarell at a recent council meeting said   “Im going to introduce an Ordinance” In regards to video taping of council meeting. Seemed after his recent out bursts he was not happy with being taped by outside sources .

You might want to run that one by the NJ Supreme Court .

At Village Council Meetings There are no expectations of privacy in a person in a public place.The meeting is already being videotaped, why is personal video a problem?

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey praised a New Jersey Supreme Court decision released today that protects an individual’s right to videotape public meetings.

“Videotaping is an invaluable method of documenting government activities or misconduct,” said ACLU of New Jersey Legal Director Ed Barocas. “We are pleased that the Supreme Court recognized that American freedom and democracy depend on the people having a right to access government information.”

So whats the problem ?

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BCIA Hudson street Garage Option , great for out of Town Commuters , not so great for Ridgewood

Hudson Street Parking Garage
February 1,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The reason why the project has been studied and studied but never actually built is because at the end of the day, although we need more parking, it does not make sense from a practical, logistical or financial sense to build one in the downtown proper

Going to the BCIA , once the money is approved, it tends to appear almost instantaneously, accruing interest long before the project can even get started. That is a significant reason to reconsider this plan or ploy and an excellent reason, if it does happen, not to ask for a cent more than is needed. But losing control over the way commuter spaces are priced is a huge problem and there are undoubtedly more.

There will be approximately 320 car garage. 4 levels. The mayor said in the last meeting that 2 levels may be dedicated to commuters. That’s about 160 cars for commuters. We currently already have one level, which is mostly used by Ridgewood commuters. Lets say the second level is used by Bergen County commuters at no extra money compared to Ridgewood commuters. So, 2 levels are either used by out of Ridgewood commuters or commuters who are already using this lot today without the garage.

With remaining 2 levels, we will get 160 new spot, presumably for non commuters. Cost – 12.3 million in new bond, 500K bond has been already spent + 450k already spent on environmental studies in 2014 & 2015 on this lot. = 13.25M.

That’s 82,800 for every new parking spot created for CBD. This assumes that the project will not go over the budget. With the way this council and village manager are spending the money, this is highly unlikely to stay in the budget.

How does putting a garage at one end of the CBD really help the rest of the downtown area ? This proposal, like Valley, is over the top and in no way needed. This country goes into a slowdown/recession and you can kiss going out to the real beneficiaries of this (the restaurants) good bye.

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Ridgewood Residents are starting to think the Village has ” lost its Luster “

Clock CBD
January 31st 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Sorry but the consensus is just that. The Village of Ridgewood is losing its allure. It’s a shame, so many people talking about moving because the town falling apart, crappy horrible water issues, not listening to its high tax paying residents, teacher issues, high density issues, parking issues.
The negatives of high taxes used to always be balanced out by great schools and a community that offered a lot of opportunities.

But with and increasing hostile council majority dead set in many residents opinions of destroying the very nature of the Village , with massive over development  residents are left to wonder what happened to their town. The village has simply turned into everything many residents were trying to get away from .

It’s a constant theme heard all around the Village , at cocktail parties, student activities and other social gatherings ; the Village has lost its luster. From harsh notices on an outstanding summons for “failure to comply with leaf removal requirements.”

 Residents expresse frustration with a political process that ignores voters wishes as well as common sense .

Residents also feel harnessed and  ask themselves ,”What the hell is going on with all these tickets lately? 600 or so so we have been told . No comfort when the notice threatens to arrest you and revoke oury license if you dont respond with guilty and pay the $85, or not guilty and go to court.

New residents say , “our experience so far has us feeling an awful lot like generating revenue is more important than making sure we’re safe.”

To many the excessive use of ticketing sounds like a scam or typical New Jersey .Many residents complain that despite following the rules they were ticked anyway with no reasonable recourse . Contrary to the Deputy Mayor other people have jobs as well.

“Sorry to hear all those troubles, welcome to Ridgewood” is the now the new greeting in town.
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Ridgewood High School English Students Excel in New York Times Learning Network’s Review Contest

RHS

January 31,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This past fall, RHS juniors Catherine Keating and Emily Holmquist received honorable mentions in the New York Times Learning Network’s Review Contest.

All students of Lynn Moore and Colleen Contreras’ English 11 class participated in the contest, which asked them to write about experiencing works of culture new to their daily life. Out of over 1600 entries, there were only nine winners, nine runners-up, and 23 honorable mentions.

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Franklin and Oak Street Crash backs up Ridgewood’s Central Business District

Ridgewood Crash oak street
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
Franklin and Oak Street Crash backs up Ridgewood’s Central Business District 
January 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,  A motor vehicle crash with reported injuries at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Oak Street in Ridgewood drew response from PD, FD, and EMS personnel late Saturday afternoon, 01/30.
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Both drivers in the crash refused medical attention, however the two (2) vehicles involved sustained damages that required their respective removal from the scene by tow trucks.
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Jersey’s Grace Helbig signs new book in Ridgewood

Grace Helbig

JANUARY 30, 2016    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016, 1:21 AM
BY VIRGINIA ROHAN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

BOOKS

WHO: Grace Helbig.

WHAT: Signing “Grace & Style: The Art of Pretending You Have It.”

WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday.

WHERE: Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-0726, book-ends.com.

HOW MUCH: Must purchase book ($19.99) at Bookends.

Jersey girl and YouTube star Grace Helbig sought a very specific balance in her new “Grace & Style: The Art of Pretending You Have It.”

“I wanted to make a book that felt sort of like a hodge-podge vision-board variety show all in a book sort of thing, that kind of ran the spectrum of serious and completely silly,” says Helbig, who now lives in Los Angeles but grew up in South Jersey and got her start in comedy when she was a student at Ramapo College.

“You know, beauty and style and how you see yourself aesthetically, they’re a really personal experience that you have. So I wanted to put in more serious stories so there’s a context that kind of gives permission to make fun of the beauty world in a way, but not in a mean-spirited way. I think it’s always important to understand someone’s perspective and point of view, especially when it comes to comedy, so I really wanted to have a balance there of serious and completely stupid.”

https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/books/jersey-s-grace-helbig-signs-new-book-in-ridgewood-1.1502446

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The Ridgewood Art Institute 36th Annual Regional Juried Art Show

CLAIR - Oil painting by Rebecca Jean Leer
Sun, January 31, 2016
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood Nj, An Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held at the Ridgewood Art Institute. Light refreshments will be served. Over $5,000 in awards and prizes, including a $1,000 grand prize, will be presented by the RAI President. Prize winners or representatives must be present at the awards ceremony.

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Sunday, January 31st, 2 -4 pm is the “Opening Reception” for RAI 36th Annual Regional Juried Show – the show is a “must see” in the tri-state area. We are giving out over $5,000 in awards. Here is a sneak preview of some of our Award Winners.

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Nasty Outbursts by Council members Now the Norm at Ridgewood Village Council Meetings

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

January 31,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Other than by possible anonymous postings, we have not heard a word from Paul, Albert or Gwenn. Sadly, this is not surprising. Paul and Albert lost their tempers and spewed innumerable nasty adjectives to discredit a resident who was acting completely in accordance with the law, and Gwenn sat quietly and allowed this verbal onslaught to carry on. This is one of many, way too many, such meetings at which Paul, Albert, and Gwenn have allowed and enabled the public crucifixion of an elected official, an appointed official, or a member of the general public.

Whether a resolution is inserted into the code at a future time to require that all recording by private citizens must be announced, the fact is that at this time such an announcement is not required. Thus, their nasty characterizations were way, way out of line. It is entirely possible that they went over the line into libel and slander. Lawyers can decide about that. Well, lawyers other than the one who calls himself Deputy Dawg.

We, the people, have all the dates and transcripts of their vicious outbursts dating back 4 years, and in Paul’s case 8 years. For Albert and Gwenn, who are running for reelection, we will be happy to replay these over and over and over for the voting public to be reminded of your true colors. We do not need to say anything; your own words will say it all.

To use one of Albert’s favorite catch words – GOTCHA!

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Ex-Ridgewood man accused of molesting college softball players takes plea deal

kurt-ludwigsen

JANUARY 30, 2016, 12:21 PM    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016, 1:13 PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SOUTH NYACK, N.Y. (AP) — The former women’s softball coach at a suburban New York Christian college charged with sexually harassing his players won’t have to register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of forcible touching, his attorney said Saturday.

But former Nyack College coach Kurt Ludwigsen still faces a civil lawsuit from three members of his team who say he at one point also invited them to get life coaching from an adult film star.

Ludwigsen will serve three years of probation and complete community service following his guilty plea earlier this month, attorney David Goldstein said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ex-ridgewood-man-accused-of-molesting-college-softball-players-takes-plea-deal-1.1502581

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Join the B.Witching team for a fun class of Love Potion Crafting

B Witching Ridgewood
Join the B.Witching team for a fun class of Love Potion Crafting

The Ultimate Valentine’s Celebration!
Join the B.Witching team for a fun class of Love Potion Crafting
Class includes instruction and all crafting supplies. Learn to mix herbs and fragrances to formulate your own bath salt potion & roll beeswax and blend fragrances to create a Valentine’s Day candle.
Class dates:
Thursday Feb 11, 2016 from 5-7pm
Friday Feb 12, 2016 from 5-7pm
Saturday Feb 13, 2016 from 12-2pm
Saturday Feb 13, 2016 from 3-5pm
Saturday Feb 13, 2016 from 6-8pm (Adults Only—BYOB)
$25 per person paid in advance – $30 per person day of event.
Space is limited to 10 people per class and they sell out quick! Reserve space in person or by calling our Ridgewood Store. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. The perfect Valentine’s Day Ladies Night Out, Girl Scouts or Mommy & Me Event!
B.Witching Bath Co. LLC
11 S. Broad Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07506 Tel: 201-444-0333
www.bwitchingbathco.com

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Alban Roberts Albert Retrospective at The Ridgewood Art Institute

Ridgewood_Art_Institute_theridgewoodblog
Alban Roberts Albert Retrospective

The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue,
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 652-9615

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 14th from 2-4pm
Exhibit on view February 14th-27th
10am-5pm Monday thru Thursday
10am-1pm Friday thru Sunday

After a decade of work in commercial design and advertising in New York City and Columbus, Ohio, Alban R. Albert turned his full attention to the area of fine arts. Born in Paramus, New Jersey and a graduate of the Mechanics and Tradesmen’s Institute (NY) with additional studies at Pratt, he enrolled at Ohio State University. In 1956, he graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree in art education. He was also elected to Delta Phi Delta, the national art honorary, while at Ohio State. After years of teaching, in the mid-70’s he obtained his M.A. with a focus on ceramics from Montclair State College.
Albert was first introduced to oil painting in his youth by Otto Benz of North Haledon. He pursued the study further with Frank Vincent Dumond and Arthur F. Maynard of Ridgewood, N.J. Albert believes strongly in the principles of light and that is reflected heavily in his work. Albert served as president of The Ridgewood Art Institute in 1962 – 1964 and was also an instructor for eight years.
For a major part of Albert’s career, he was the head of the art department at Ramapo Regional High School. Starting as one of the original faculty members in 1956, he retired in 1985 after almost 30 years. In addition to teaching at Ramapo, he also served as an instructor in both the Adult Education Program (run at Ramapo) and the Ridgewood Art Institute. He ended his formal participation in the Ridgewood Art Institute in 1965, when he opened his own studio. He acquired the Old Wortendyke R.R. Station in Midland Park and, along with his partner, Janis Schlenz, started the Albert & Schlenz Studio Gallery. John P . Osborne, recently retired instructor and board member of the Ridgewood Art Association, would later become a student of Albert’s and a partner in the Albert & Schlenz Studio Gallery. Besides extensive teaching, Albert served frequently as judge, lecturer and demonstrator for various art groups in the NY-NJ metro area as well as Pennsylvania.

Albert has won numerous awards in local, county and state-wide exhibitions in his native New Jersey. In addition, his oil paintings have been accepted by juries in national shows under the aegis of the American Artists Association (Spring-field, MA) and of the American Artists Professional League. Diverse distinctions included the Landscape Prize in the 7th Regional Show of the Ridgewood Art Institute.
Albert’s works hang in private collections around the world and are especially prevalent in the northeastern United States.
Albert currently resides in Wyckoff, with his wife Sue.

The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue,
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 652-9615

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Local author Helen Ellis at Bookends this Sunday January 31st @ 2:00pm

Local author Helen Ellis, Bookends , shop Ridgewood , American Housewife

Ridgewood NJ, Helen Ellis, will be signing her new book at Bookends , American Housewife , This Sunday (January 31st) at 2:00pm

HELEN ELLIS will sign her new book: American Housewife ($24.00)

A sharp, funny, delightfully unhinged collection of stories set in the dark world of domesticity, American Housewife features murderous ladies who lunch, celebrity treasure hunters, and the best bra fitter south of the Mason Dixon line.

Meet the women of American Housewife: they wear lipstick, pearls, and sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. They casserole. They pinwheel. They pump the salad spinner like it’s a CPR dummy. And then they kill a party crasher, carefully stepping around the body to pull cookies out of the oven. These twelve irresistible stories take us from a haunted prewar Manhattan apartment building to the set of a rigged reality television show, from the unique initiation ritual of a book club to the getaway car of a pageant princess on the lam, from the gallery opening of a tinfoil artist to the fitting room of a legendary lingerie shop. Vicious, fresh, and nutty as a poisoned Goo Goo Cluster, American Housewife is an uproarious, pointed commentary on womanhood.

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