Ridgewood NJ, Law enforcement officials from the Ridgewood Police Department 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 11, 2015 and continuing through January 1, 2016, 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. This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent. People that choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this important issue.
Last year, 27% 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 2015 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for 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.
There’s a reason why hoverboards are the hottest holiday present of the year— they explode, US and UK officials warned.
Both the National Association of State Fire Marshals and the UK’s National Trading Standards are raising a red flag on hoverboards, claiming that they are blowing up across the world.
The national Fire Marshals organization issued an advisory on Friday, warning that these explosions are “not a unique occurrence,” H. Butch Browning Jr., the president of the group’s Board of Directors said in a statement.
“The sheer number of incidents occurring around the country, and abroad, is what prompted our organization to address this serious issue on a national level,” he said.
Generation Cry Baby: Why Millennials Are a F**king Joke
DECEMBER 2, 2015 ~ RACHEL
We’re raising a generation of pussies. There. I said it.
When I was a junior in high school, I had the most amazing AP English teacher. Her name was Ms. Wei. She prefaced the class by saying that she would grade us fairly, and that these grades would not always be A’s.
“I get that you and your parents all think you all are ‘special snowflakes,’ but I will grade you based on your writing, and if your parents email me complaining about these grades, I will ignore them.”
Now Ms. Wei was a little blunt for some (I freaking adored that woman, and I don’t know anyone who didn’t), but she brought up a good point.
Millennials: your parents won’t say it, and your peers won’t say it because it seems every little thing is sending you all to a therapist because you’re just sooooooo victimized, but
Get. The. FUCK. Over. Yourself.
I won’t even say pardon my French, because you know what? Don’t pardon it. I hope it offends you. Although honestly, I could say just about anything and it would offend you. Because that’s just how our generation is.
And this isn’t just some backless rant. Oh no, it’s backed by psychology and science.PsychologyToday has gathered information from colleges saying that teachers are essentially giving up and grading easier because they are AFRAID OF STUDENTS’ EMOTIONAL REACTIONS ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!
TEACHERS ARE AFRAID TO DO THEIR FREAKING JOBS BECAUSE YOU’RE SO DAMN DELICATE?!
I was a camp counselor this summer, and the next generation is worse than ours. These kids are being raised on so much organic, special snowflake bullshit that they’ll probably have a psychological breakdown the second someone tells them they’re not as perfect as they think they are. And it’s nauseating.
Newsflash: Not every single criticism is an attack on your character. Sometimes, you just suck. And people tell you SO THAT YOU CAN IMPROVE. NOT SO YOU CAN GO HOME SOBBING ABOUT HOW THE WORLD IS UNFAIR AND YOU’RE SUCH A VICTIM AND YOU’RE SO DEPRESSED NOW.
Now, I get college is stressful. I get life is stressful. And yes, words can hurt. But we have gotten to a point as a generation where people can’t even make a joke without someone going all #ThisIsACauseNow.
Please, shut up.
Most likely, you are not a victim. Everyone’s been bullied at some point. Everyone’s gotten a bad grade at some point. Everyone’s been sh*t on and hurt and imperfect AT SOME POINT.
But Rachel, everyone reacts and feels things differently.
No, no, no. Shut up. Listen. Because if you’re pissed off at this point in the article, you are EXACTLY who I am talking about.
photo courtesy of Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus Facebook page
December 6,2015
the syaff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus will present its annual Holiday Gala Concerts on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 4:00 pm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ.
This year’s concerts will feature a diverse selection of carols and songs including “Do You Hear What I Hear,” Brian Wilson’s “Little Saint Nick,” Handl’s “ O Magnum Mysterium,” Joseph Turrin’s “Credo,” “Ani Ma’amin,” “I’ll be Home For Christmas,” “The First Nowell,” and
many others. This year’s guest soloist is the celebrated concertmaster for scores of performances at the Metropolitan Opera, violinist Laura Hamilton..
Tickets for the concert are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Seniors and students under 17 years of age may purchase tickets at the door for $18. Advance purchase may be made online at the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus website www.ridgewoodorpheusclub.org and at any of the following local businesses: Daily Treat Restaurant, Wine Seller and Town and Country
Apothecary in Ridgewood; Lewis Drug in Westwood; Perry’s Florist and Rock Ridge Pharmacy in Glen Rock; Wine and Spirit World in Ho-Ho-Kus; and Benny’s Luncheonette in Fair Lawn. The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus has been a keystone of the cultural life of the tri-state region for 106 years. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest cultural institution in all of Bergen County. Over 50 voices strong, it is directed by John Palatucci and accompanied by pianist Ron Levy.
Roselle Park NJ, Borough councilwoman Charlene Storey quits over the word ‘Christmas’ in tree lighting ceremony. The resignation was applauded by many in the Borough with residents commenting on Facebook ,”The squeaky wheel has gotten the grease too often in this country the last 25 years and I, along with millions, am tired of the American Culture being denigrated. Charlene has her priorities backwards – wasn’t she representing Roselle Park, not her atheist beliefs?” and other saying “Good Riddance Charlene …. You’re an absolute disgrace. Enjoy your 2 minutes of fame. She is EXACTLY what is wrong with America. She is an absolute filthy disgrace.”
Unfortunately for many of her detractors the Councilwoman rescinded her resignation from the council under an agreement with Mayor Carl Hokanson, the two officials announced. Hokanson will create a new committee on diversity in the borough and Storey will chair it and the new name of the event will remain in place.
Once again its seems the scourge of political correctness, coupled with weak willed cowardice has been allowed to trample on our local institutions . After all is not a menorah a menorah then a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree whether you celebrate those holidays or not ;It is what it is as they say .
In Ridgewood we have long since come to terms with our Christmas tree and called it as it is . All are welcome and all have enjoyed the celebrations be they Jew or gentile, Protestant or Catholic , young or old , black and white ,monotheist, deist, humanist , east side or west side,old timers or newbies, witch or warlock .And that my friends is what makes Ridgewood such a great place to live .
3489 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish AH-2 Zone District
3490 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish B-3-R Zone District
3491 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C-R Zone
3492 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C Zone District
3493 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Amend Various Sections – Multiple Zone Districts and General Affordable Housing Regulation
RESOLUTIONS
15- Approve Village Cash Management Plan
15- Designate Official Newspapers for 2016
15- 2016 Annual Meetings Statement
15- Establish Interest Rate for Non-Payment of Taxes, Assessments or Other Municipal Liens for 2016 and Set Grace Period
15-Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments to the Water Utility for 2016 and Set Grace Period for Payment of Water Utility Bills
15- Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments for Significant Sewer Discharge Bills for 2016
15- Approve Budget Transfers
15- Approve 2016 Temporary Budget
15- Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source
15- Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source
15- Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering Sludge Dewatering Polymer
15- Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sludge Dewatering Polymer
15- Title 59 Approval – De-Silting and De-Snagging of Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River
15- Award Contract – De-Silting and De-Snagging of
Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River
15- Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services – Ridgewood Water
15- Award Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services – Ridgewood Water
15- Title 59 Approval – Dewatered Sewer Sludge Hauling Services
15- Award Contract – Dewatered Sewer Sludge Hauling Services
15- Award Contract – Financial Computer Software
15- Award Contract – Preparation of 2016 Village Council Meeting Minutes
15- Award Contract – Valley Hospital, Department of Community Health – Public Health and Nursing Services
15- Award Extraordinary Unspecifiable Services Contract – Field Investigation Study and Purchase of Replacement Parts for Non-Potable Water System – Water Pollution Control Facility
Ridgewood NJ , Here’s a question for those so eager to sink millions of taxpayer dollars into the construction of a massive parking garage in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD):
Why not offer any developer who would like to build luxury (not high density) housing in the CBD, an incentive of some sort if public parking is included as a component of their project?
If the need for public parking is as bad as those promoting the construction of a taxpayer funded garage say it is, wouldn’t it make sense to have each developer offer public parking in their respective buildings? Especially any developer(s) who want to build near the train station and/or concentration of restaurants along Oak and Chestnut Streets?
Readers say Record Article Paints and Inaccurate Picture of Hudson Parking Garage Meeting
Ridgewood NJ, the question was asked “Could you say more about what is inaccurate in the article? I wasn’t able to attend the meeting and only saw about 15 minutes of the video stream. I believe of the three public comments I saw, two were in favor of Option C/No Garage, and one was in favor Option A.”Inaccurate –
1. one sentence about public comment at the very end of the article, when the public spoke for hours.
2. indicates that most favor plan A, when many public members spoke about related issues and not about which plan they favor. No discussion of related concerns.
3. completely omitted that Mayor Aronsohn intends to disregard the STATE law and do an end-run around the requirement that FOUR council members must vote for a bond. In the event that two decide not to vote for the bond, Aronsohn will go directly to the county to get them to issue the bond. He has already met with them and already has this in place with them just waiting for his call. This is despicable. Gwenn and Albert are going right along with this. Even though it is LEGAL to do this, it is completely disrespectful to our local government and flies in the face of the spirit of good governance.
Local Bond Law N.J.S.A. 40A:2-1 et seq. November, 2009 Page 1 Local Bond Law N.J.S.A. 40A:2
A bond ordinance shall be finally adopted by the recorded affirmative votes of at least 2/3 of the full membership of the governing body. In a local unit in which the approval of any officer is required to make an ordinance or resolution effective, such bond ordinance shall be so approved, or passed over veto before it shall be published after final adoption.
This law, above, is a state law and requires 2/3 majority to issue a bond. Three out of five is only a 60% majority. Here goes out elected officials all set up to break the law.
The public comments were certainly not “binary”, and the council’s opinion wasn’t really the focus of the time.
Would Ridgewood be “legally on the hook” for any bond the county issued? I agree that seems like a major end-run around the law!
DECEMBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Editor’s Note – This historical background, timeline and pictures were provided by Marie DeNoia Aronsohn, YWCA director of Development and Communications
Ninety-five years ago the world, the nation, and Ridgewood were very different places. In 1920 Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States Congress approved The Eighteenth Amendment which prohibited alcohol (as one historian notes, “Not only did the Amendment fail to be heeded; it often failed to be acknowledged with a straight face.”) and finally, after a crusade that began as far back as 1638, the states ratified the Nineteenth Amendment legalizing a woman’s right to vote. Ridgewood had a lot going in on in 1920 as well. One resident, in particular, was inspired to make an addition to her community – one that stands as a valuable resource to this day. Her name was Nell Doremus.
Born in 1891 to Ridgewood parents, Doremus was a local girl with an abiding commitment to serving her community and more specifically was an avid advocate for safe affordable housing, better working conditions, and improved wages for young women in industry. In 1920, as a leader of a group called the “Girls Patriotic League,” Doremus applied to the national YWCA and received a charter to form the YWCA chapter which is now the YWCA Bergen County. This year the YWCA Bergen County is celebrating its Ridgewood roots, reflecting on its legacy, while also embracing a new call to action: recommitting to the YWCA’s mighty mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.
This month, as part of its Giving Tuesday appeal, the YWCA Bergen County is sharing specific stories about the power and promise of its mission-driven programs: from girls’ leadership seminars to sexual violence intervention, to special needs and therapeutic swim classes, the YWCA Giving Tuesday site will be featuring true stories that illustrate what we mean by “living our mission” to promote the self-empowerment and social justice of the families and individuals throughout Bergen County.
The now international YWCA, formed in its earliest incarnation in 1858, is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Throughout our history, YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women. The YWCA Bergen County’s history is also richly reflective of the international organization’s spirit and traces Ridgewood’s own community history.
Traffic Alert Friday 12/4/15 Downtown for the Holidays
East Ridgewood Ave will be closed Between North Maple Ave and Broad Street starting at 4:30PM for the Downtown for the Holidays-30th Anniversary Celebration. Expect heavy traffic delays surrounding the business district due to the road closures.
Event Description
30th Year Celebration !
Santa is in Ridgewood-bring your list!
Lots of Music and entertainment !
Early Event – “for the kids”5:30 – 6:30 – Santa in the park for the “wee tots” along with live entertainment by the “clock”, in the stores and restaurants along E. Ridgewood Ave featuring the RHS Marching Band, RHS Ridgewood Carolers, RHS Orchestra, Taekwondo All In
NEW THIS YEAR –
5:30-9pm Special Feature-Holiday Express Train-bring the family and ride this fun train up and down E. Ridgewood Ave.
7-8 – “on stage live”Live entertainment and tree lighting Celebration featuring performances by Porch Light Productions, From the Top Studio, Art of Motion, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Santa and Much More!
8-9 “Merriment on E. Ridgewood Ave Shh – Santa will be back in the parkLots of music on the avenueRestaurant reservation suggested
Specials going on during the Tree Lighting…
Femmebot has music and 10% store wide sale until 9pm on 12/4/15
Alex and Ani having in-store events-
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORSfor the 30th Anniversary Celebration
Columbia Bank
Valley Health System
Van Dyk Health Care
Freedom
BankCareOne at Ridgewood
Ridgewood News
Boiling Spring Saving Bank
PNC Wealth Management
Park West Tavern & LoftWest
Bergen Mental Healthcare
ConnectOne Bank
Ulrich, Inc.
C.C. VanEmburgh Funeral Home
Pearl Restaurant
Daily Treat Restaurant
Atlantic Stewardship Bank
Bagelicious
Country Pancake House and Restaurant
Life Opportunities
Unlimited
Pink Bungalow
Hillmann Lighting
Lazarus & Williamson
The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood
Christ Church
Cupcakes by Carousel
Femmebot Clothing
Beauty Plus Salon
Gold Fish Swim School
Ridgewood Public Library
West Side Nursery School
Ridgewood YMCA
Ridgewood Party Rental
Re: “Planned garage a plus for Ridgewood,” The Ridgewood Blog, November 29.
Mr. Don Delzio’s letter fails to state the obvious; the reason there has been no progress for decades on the construction of a parking garage in downtown Ridgewood is the repeated inability to cost justify such a project. And the current plan to fund a new garage by significantly increasing metered parking rates and extending the times during which municipally provided parking must be paid for, has not yet been fully vetted. This leaves a very strong possibility that Ridgewood’s predominantly residential taxpayer base could wind up footing the bill for a project that would do absolutely nothing to increase residential property values.
With regard to a controversial “anonymous mailer” that opposed construction of the garage, Mr. Delzio failed to mention that the hundreds of lawn signs and flyers promoting construction of the garage, displayed at publicly and privately owned properties throughout Ridgewood, were also anonymous in that no sponsoring individual, organization, nor business name was printed on any of them. Only after Election Day was it revealed that those printed materials were paid for by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. And despite Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s claim that “no one was willing to take responsibility for the mailer . . . ,” at least one (1) individual who contributed to its production and distribution has come forward publicly on two (2) separate occasions.
Finally, Mr. Delzio’s suggestion that no member of the Village Council should consider voting anything but yes to bond a parking garage because there was “overwhelming voter support for the project,” implies that there is no room in Ridgewood for dissenting opinions. I say let those who we elected base their decisions on the facts and data at hand and not be swayed by opinions from voters, some of whom may have been misinformed, or who voted based on perceptions, not facts.
Ridgewood NJ, Don’t these photo simulations look a lot like the ones on the “anonymous mailer” Mr. Aronsohn can’t seem to shut up about?
More, and more importantly:
During the Wednesday evening, December 2nd Ridgewood Village Council Work Session, Mayor Paul Aronsohn vowed that the parking deck (garage) will be built, even in the absence of a 4 vote “super majority” vote of the Village Council, which would be required to bond the debt service.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli revealed that “they” have already discussed an alternate (and completely legal) plan of having the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA) issue bonds for the project if the 4 vote “super majority” isn’t obtained.
At a minimum, this would add an additional $750k in BCIA fees to the project, plus an as yet to be determined interest fee each year for 30 years.
The staff of The Ridgewood Blog will attempt to keep you fully abreast of developments along this front, although we are sure a person or persons at Village Hall will do everything in their power to keep information away from us.
MAGIC SHOW FEATURING JOE FISCHER – Monday, December 28th, 11:30 am at the Anne Zusy Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. Tickets are $5 for all attending (under 2 free).
A show that is sure to amaze.
Be sure to watch for “Secrets of Magic” during our winter session – a 6 week class of behind the scene magic with Joe Fischer, with take home tricks each week.
ARCTIC ANIMALS ART CAMP WITH ABRAKADOODLE – Monday and Tuesday, December 28 and 29, 10 am to 12 noon each day, at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. Grades K-3. $90, all materials provided ($100 non-residents).
Calling all animal lovers! Students will use clay and paint in this camp while learning about some snowy friends! From igloos and polar bears to chilly moose, a fun time will be had by all!
CHILDREN’S CRAFT WORKSHOP WITH MRS. C. – Monday, December 28th, 1 to 3 pm, at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. Grades 2-6. $30, all materials provided ($40 non-residents).
Use your creativity and imagination while learning simple techniques required to draw, paint, and finish a project of your choice. All materials included. Bottle dolls, wood painting, basket weaving, tile painting, beads, jewelry, and a lot more!
TRIVIA MANIA WITH MAGIC CUBE – Tuesday, December 29th, 1 to 2:15 pm, at The Anne Zusy Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. Grades 3-6. Tickets are $5 for all attending.
Come enjoy a live interactive trivia game show with buzzer system, lighting and sound effects, fun contestant games, musical competitions, audience participation activities, prizes, and two exciting co-hosts.
MYTHBUSTERS WITH EDUCATION EXPLORERS – Tuesday, December 29th, 1 to 3 pm, at The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. Grades 1-5. $45, all materials included ($55 non-residents).
Explore science the Busters Way! Children will participate in a variety of hands-on experiments that put common “myths” to the test. Using scientific method and children’s innate curiosity, they will have fun exploring many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles.
Purchase of tickets for the shows or registration for the program offerings may be made either online at Community Pass, www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or in person at The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For additional information, or if special accommodations are needed, kindly contact the Recreation office at 201-670-5560
Ridgewood NJ, In just under 2 weeks, Patrolman John Ward Jr will be running the Honolulu Marathon in memory of Officer Chris Goodell of Waldwick Police and Officer Chris Birch of Midland Park Police. Thanks to dozens of generous donations, he is on track to reach and exceed his goal of raising $5,000 to be donated to the Christopher Goodell Scholarship Fund and Special Olympics New Jersey in Chris Birch’s name. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation.
