Ridgewood NJ, Long time Ridgewood Restaurant Smith Brothers is rumored to be closing February 1st. It will become an Italian restaurant.
We are not surprised. As much as we always tried to like the place you never knew what you were going to get when you ordered. We checked and they only got 2 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
Most of the complaints echoed ours over the years were about service and then the food.Sources tell us not 1 employee will be retained, even those working for over 10 years.Seems the new place will be starting fresh.
For many years they were known for live music and hosted countless local bands .
Readers remarked that they felt management was the problem, they treated everyone like crap. Another Reader said , the wife and I had dinner there some years ago near the table by the bar. Owner berated a poor 16 year old busboy right in front of us.
Fast-growing New York CPA firm O’Connor Davies has merged in Flackman, Goodman & Potter, a New Jersey-based accounting firm that specializes in transaction advisory services for private equity funds.
In business for over 95 years, Ridgewood, N.J.-based FGP provides a wide range of audit, advisory and tax services to businesses and individuals, especially in the merger and acquisitions space. The FGP merger with O’Connor Davies is the latest step in a growth initiative that O’Connor Davies set in motion last year and which the firm plans to continue this year to increase its regional and national presence while building its practice niche areas.
“Our growth strategy over the past year sends a strong message that we will continue to invest the necessary resources to deepen our firm’s expertise in order to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said O’Connor Davies managing partner Kevin J. Keane. “Joining forces with FGP is an exciting next step as we expand our reach across a wide range of business sectors. I’m thrilled to welcome the skilled professionals from the FGP team and look forward to our shared future success.”
JANUARY 15, 2016 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Troubles in Ridgewood
To the editor:
We have troubles right here in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and that rhymes with P and that stands for poor planning.
We voted yes on parking but we didn’t understand that all three garage designs would not fit on the site and would encroach on already narrow Hudson Street by 10 to 12 feet, creating huge traffic and safety issues. Mt. Carmel parishioners came out in large numbers at last week’s council meeting to express their concerns about the effects of such a structure on the church community along with many others with strong objections to the garage proposals.
We live in a small town. I believe we are a mile square which makes all of us close neighbors and thereby connected. My neighbor’s problems are mine. I don’t want a facility that hurts Mt. Carmel.
I don’t want a large baseball field that will result in the removal of many acres of woods, which is the home of at least one endangered species. Residents are worried about noise and particle pollution due to their close proximity to Route 17.
I believe we must reduce the 35 units per acre density changes in the CBD to a more manageable 22-24 up from 12.
Habernickel Park neighbors need to have their traffic and safety concerns addressed. We all travel down Hillcrest Avenue and understand the problems. My fellow residents’ issues are mine.
This is our village. We elected our council members to represent us. I thought that meant they would also listen to us and when possible, act accordingly. I see all of our issues bring resolved with some form of compromise.
We would all benefit from that approach and in the process, we wouldn’t hurt our neighbors or in the long run, ourselves.
Ridgewood NJ, , the Glen Rock Patch is reporting this morning that Mayor Paul Aronsohn said that he “may explore the possibility” of running to fill Kevin O’Toole’s state senate seat next year. (https://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/ridgewood-aronsohn-may-explore-running-senate-seat-next-year ) . This has been a long standing rumor and has been previously reported on the Ridgewood blog . State Senator Kevin O’Toole and the Mayor have been reported friends you some time. While the mayor praised O’Toole , O’Toole had made it clear that he was no friend of the Ridgewood blog .
The announcement in the Patch coincides with the Mayor Aronsohn’s announcement that he would not see reelection in Ridgewood and confirms most residents deepest suspicions about the rush to over develop the Central Business District . The Mayor clearly seeks to leave a legacy , change the demographics and pull in campaign donations from developers . For many this is also proof positive that for Paul Aronsohn , Ridgewood was just a starting point to rejuvenate his sagging political career and gives credence to the true motivations for rushing the massive over development that often seem contrary to residents wishes .
Ridgewood NJ , U.S. Senator Cory Booker will deliver remarks addressing the theme, “We Shall Not Be Silent,” as The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock hosts its 34th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. The community is invited to attend this free program, which will take place on Monday, January 18 at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton St., in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Senator Booker and The Rev. Joseph Ellwanger, Pastor Emeritus of Cross Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, will be guest speakers during an interfaith worship service beginning at 10 a.m. Rev. Ellwanger is best known as a civil rights activist who marched alongside Dr. King.
The morning service will be followed by an 11:30 a.m. outdoor rally, 12 p.m. community lunch, and 1 p.m. screening of the documentary I Shall Not be Silent. The film highlights the work of Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a key figure in the American civil rights movement.
The program will also include Ridgewood and Glen Rock student speakers and musical performances by the Indian Hills Chamber Choir and Men of Umoja chorus.
“We are thrilled that Senator Booker and Rev. Ellwanger will be joining us as we shine a light on the continuing struggle for racial justice in our country,” said committee co-chair Alice Newton. “Each of them embodies Dr. King’s legacy of not only speaking out for justice, but actively advocating for change. At a time when civil rights issues dominate the headlines – locally and nationally – we welcome their insights and inspiration.”
Rev. Ellwanger, a white pastor, led an African American congregation for nine years at St. Paul Lutheran in Birmingham, Alabama. He went on to serve as pastor of Cross Lutheran from 1967 to 2001. Rev. Ellwanger was active in the civil rights movement and shares his experiences in his book, Strength for the Struggle, copies of which will be available for purchase at the event. He was awarded the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in 2008, and continues to work on projects involving social justice and other issues facing communities today.
I Shall Not Be Silentis an award-winning documentary of the life of Rabbi Joachim Prinz, who spoke out for justice from the synagogues of 1930’s Berlin to the 1963 March on Washington. Rabbi Prinz addressed the crowd just before Dr. King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, urging them to actively advocate for racial and social justice.
The annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock Martin Luther King Jr. celebration began in 1983 in an effort to unite area residents, regardless of faith or ethnic background, in worship and action as they work towards peace and justice for all. More than 20 religious groups, the Ridgewood and Glen Rock Boards of Education, local government, and civic organizations participate in and support the event each year. For more information contact Alice Newton at 201-951-9903 or Roann Rubin at 201-704-4650; email [email protected]; or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Glen Rock/Ridgewood, N.J. on Facebook.
As we begin 2016 and this Legislative Session, I wanted to take this opportunity and inform you of a decision I have made.
Being a member of the Legislature has been one of my most satisfying privileges, and having been your State Senator has been my honor and privilege. As with all things in life, I truly believe that there comes a point when it’s time for new opportunities and letting the next generation of public servants have their chance to make a mark on society.
As such, I have decided this will be my last term in the legislature and that I will not seek re-election in 2017.
While I have decided not to seek another term in office, I intend to complete the remainder of my term – which ends in January of 2018. Until that time, please know that my office remains available to assist you and I intend to remain an active member of the Legislature advocating for issues that improve the quality of life for residents here in District 40 and throughout our State.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you at 973-237-1360 or email me at [email protected].
My Bill Fair to Both Non-Profit Hospitals and Host Municipalities
As the last legislative session concluded, I diligently worked on enacting a piece of legislation that will benefit my constituents – and the greater Newark area – by providing additional economic support to municipalities, increased cost certainty to non-profit hospitals, as well as maintaining the existing property tax exemption. Eliana Pintor Marin, PolitickerNJ Read more
Village of Ridgewood Owned Dump Truck Spills Transmission Fluid on South Bound Route 17 ramp
January 14,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A municipally owned dump truck equipped with a salt spreader and snow plow lost its entire load of transmission fluid at the intersection of Linwood Avenue and the Route 17 southbound on ramp at approximately 7:30 AM on Thursday, 01/14. Ridgewood FD personnel were called to contain the spill, while a Ridgewood PD unit stood by until the truck could be removed from the traveled roadway.
JANUARY 15, 2016 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The temperatures have turned a little colder since the start of the New Year, but the weather has remained unseasonably pleasant in northern New Jersey.
Most notably, the past couple of months have lacked the cycle of snowstorms that blanketed the region in each of the past two years with several feet of powder, which can cause havoc for many municipalities as they attempt to keep streets clear and safe.
Instead, the village has been able to focus on tasks not normally associated with this time of year.
Director of Operations Rich Calbi said without snow, village employees can spend more time on routine maintenance, such as fixing potholes. The unseasonable warmth has allowed workers to continue using hot asphalt to fill potholes, which Calbi said tends to have a longer lifespan than a substance known as cold patch.
However, Calbi said the relative lack of potholes in the village is due to the investment made last year in completing numerous paving projects.
“The village put forth a major effort budget-wise with infrastructure,” said Calbi. “They completed miles of road this year and that has a great effect on how many potholes we have had to fill.”
Other such routine maintenance includes the cleaning of catch basins and performing additional cleanups of the roadways beyond leaf season.
In past years, the end of leaf season and the beginning of snowy weather have occurred back-to-back, but a dearth of snow has allowed the village to perform extra sweeps post-leaf collection to pick up extra debris.
JANUARY 14, 2016 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016, 3:17 PM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Village Council decided this week to go forward with multifamily housing impact studies on education, municipal planning, fiscal impact and traffic, hiring three firms to complete the work.
Ross Haber Associates (education), RBA Group (traffic) and BFJ Planning/Urbanomics (fiscal and municipal planning) were selected for the studies.
A special public meeting was held in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium on Tuesday, and featured interviews with five consulting firms.
Presentations
Ross Haber Associates recently conducted a study for the Ridgewood Board of Education on the feasibility of full-day kindergarten.
Haber explained that his studies for the village would be focused on what financial impact the new additions would have on Ridgewood schools.
“Would these new students in any way, shape or form impact the budget?” he asked. “Would it require the hiring of new staff? Might the expansion include construction in the schools if needed? Would you need additional crossing guards?
“This is not to say that any of these things are going to happen,” Haber said, “this is to say these things could happen.”
CORRECTION: Caroline Byrne will appear next Wednesday or Thursday on “American Idol,” not the night of Wednesday, Jan. 13 as written below.
By Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on January 13, 2016 at 4:14 PM, updated January 13, 2016 at 9:46 PM
PHILADELPHIA — As “American Idol” airs its Philadelphia auditions Wednesday night, New Jersey viewers will have a chance to hear one of their own.
Caroline Byrne, a sultry pop singer from Waldwick and Ridgewood, will appear in front of “Idol” judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. during the episode, and while viewers will need to tune in to see whether she advances to Hollywood, if she performs at all like her smoky single”Alive,” she’ll do just fine.
The 26-year-old’s new track boasts a sound similar to pop newcomer Tori Kelly, both in bass-heavy instrumentation and Byrne’s airy delivery.
Ridgewood NJ, New Ridgewood police officers Ryan McAlister, Kyle Monton, and Peter Tuchol, Jr. are sworn in during Ridgewood Village Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 13th at Village Hall.
A not-so-obvious reason is the relativism of modern moral discourse, best expressed in the theory known as “emotivism.”
Daniel Lattier | October 28, 2015
Many in our audience express dismay about people not being able to discuss hot-button issues – politics, religion, race, sexuality – without it devolving into anger and name-calling.
Why is it that people can’t have a disagreement without taking things so damn personally?
Well, one obvious reason is human nature. Our positions on controversial topics are usually the manifestations of some of our most deeply held principles. It can take years of education and growth to meet disagreements with these with magnanimity.
But I think a not-so-obvious reason is the relativism of modern moral discourse, best expressed in the theory known as “emotivism.”
In After Virtue, Alasdair MacIntyre wrote that “emotivism has become embodied in our culture.”
He defined it as “… the doctrine that all evaluative judgments and more specifically all moral judgments are nothing but expressions of preference, expressions of attitude or feeling.” In other words, emotivism holds that there can be no way of rationally justifying one’s claims about those controversial issues mentioned above.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) in conjunction with the Park and Recreation Department is pleased to present a series of environmentally focused programs – Back to Basics – Healthy Lifestyle. The first program will be Monday, January 25th at 7:00pm in the Community Center Senior Lounge and the topic will be
“Understanding Lead Poisoning.” This will be an informational presentation by Dawn Cetrulo, Health Supervisor, Ridgewood Health Department and Danielle Cinnante, Health Educator, Valley Hospital. All are invited to this free program. Future topics in this series will be Beekeeping Basics; Streetscapes – Trees, Sidewalks, Roads and Re forestation; Backyard Composting; From Garden to Table; Recycling – After materials leave the curb. Details to follow.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , YWCA Bergen County now offers babysitting for children ages 3 to 12 years at YWCA Bergen County, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Babysitting is now available with dates offered through Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Let the YWCA Bergen County’s experienced child care staff provide your babysitting needs! It is one less thing to stress about! Your children will be safe and engaged at a place they know and love. YWCA’s reliable and caring staff will help put a little sanity back in your week.
For ages 3 to 5 years: Babysitting is offered from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each date of Babysitting is $30 for YWCA 360 Members ($20 for each additional sibling), $40 for YWCA Program/Swim Members ($30 for each additional sibling) and $50 for Non-Members ($40 for each additional sibling).
For ages 5 to 12 years: Babysitting is offered from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. Each date of Babysitting is $50 for YWCA 360 Members ($40 for each additional sibling), $60 for YWCA Program/Swim Members ($50 for each additional sibling) and $70 for Non-Members ($60 for each additional sibling).
Children must be registered 48 hours prior to attendance. Registration forms are available athttps://www.ywcabergencounty.org/PLymu. For more details or to register, contact Mary at 201-444-5600 ext. 352 or [email protected].
