RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Many mothers are turning to social media to help each other out, joining virtual communities to get advice on everything from diapers to divorce.
As CBS2’s Cindy Hsu reported, while some moms get to know each other at the playground, many are expanding their circle by joining mommy groups online.
Alissa Meyer has three young children and uses online community sites all the time.
“It’s been great. I don’t know what I would do without it,” she said. “I was able to meet so many people and get so much advice.”
Jen Marchetti is a working mom with three young boys. She started the group Ridgewood Moms on Facebook.
NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 5:43 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 6:16 PM
BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Local officials expect plans to construct a parking garage in the downtown commercial district to progress quickly after the overwhelming support showed by village voters in Tuesday’s referendum.
The referendum was non-binding — meaning it was only meant to take the public’s pulse, said Mayor Paul Aronsohn. But now that the public has okayed it, shovels could hit the ground as early as next spring — even though the project’s size and design haven’t been finalized, he said.
A rendering of the proposed parking garage in the downtown commercial district in Ridgewood.
“We’ve zeroed in a lot of this — we have a sense of what it could look like,” he said, noting the council has been considering a four-story, open-roofed rendering. “We’ve been very aggressive … in the way we approached this.”
The mayor anticipates nine to 10 months of construction for the garage, which is expected to benefit local commuters who use the village’s train station, as well as customers of the downtown’s shops and restaurants.
Although the ballot question asked voters to approve a bonding of up to $15 million to fund construction, Aronsohn said it would likely be more in the $12.5-million range. The referendum gave the question 3,236-1,777 voter approval. Village officials said voter turnout was around 30 percent.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, Patrolman Colin Donnelly was dispatched to the Ridgewood Bus Terminal where he arrested Andrew S, 32, of New Windsor, New York, on outstanding criminal warrants from another jurisdiction.
Subsequent to his arrest Mr. S was found to be in possession of a substance believed to be heroin. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a hypodermic syringe and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
While in police custody Mr. S experienced a medical emergency believed to be related to heroin use necessitating his transport to the Bergen Regional Medical Center for treatment.
It is unclear if the defendant came to Ridgewood to buy the drugs or was in the Village for another reason .
The Ridgewood Police remind residents that all defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law. If anyone has information regarding any of the listed incidents, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-652-3900.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, police were dispatched to the rear of Starbuck’s Coffee (193 East Ridgewood Avenue) on the report of juveniles fighting.
A Starbuck’s employee reported that a group of juveniles had been harassing customers inside the store and were asked to leave. As they exited the rear of the shop they tipped over several planters.
Ridgewood Police remind residents that all defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law. If anyone has information regarding any of the listed incidents, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-652-3900.
Ridgewood Nj , the Ridgewood Police report that on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 12:42 am, police were dispatched to West Glen Avenue on the report of an intoxicated man threatening others with a knife. At the scene Vasudheven Kandasamy, 28, of Ridgewood, was arrested and charged with simple assault. Mr. Kandasamy was released after posting $500 bail pending a Ridgewood Municipal Court appearance.
Ridgewood Police remind residents that all defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law. If anyone has information regarding any of the listed incidents, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-652-3900.
The garage is a done deal. wake up people. the mayor wants this as his legacy. Of course it will be a financial disaster when we take money from NJ transit and Bergen county and the garage will end up being a commuter parking for out of town people. I predict the taxpayers will get stuck footing the bill as the garage will be underutilized and not meet the expected income Keep in mind that the money we now get from the parking garage goes to subsidize other elements of the town budget. Those funds will now be used to subsidize the debt on the garage so the taxpayers will need to fund that shortfall.
The recent report explaining that the income steam from the garage would be insufficient to cover the cost of the bond used to erect it, and that our entire parking fee system (i.e., meters all over town) will be made much more financially and logistically (in terms of having to pay through until 9pm every night) onerous to motorists in order to defray just PART of the added financial burden, should now be made the subject of a village-wide discussion, regardless of what 3000 die-hard supporters of big government wish to say in a “non-binding” way and during an off-year election cycle when for the first time since 1999 the lowly NJ assembly was at the top of the ticket.
NOVEMBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015, 9:39 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A resolution endorsing recommendations made in the Open Space Committee’s 2012 Open Space plan as a guide for the course of action to be taken regarding the Schedler property was brought back for discussion last Wednesday after hearing the concerns of neighborhood residents during recent meetings.
Passed by the council in mid-August, the resolution affirms the plan provided by the Open Space Committee, which states the property should be developed for recreational purposes, which includes a 90-foot baseball field and multi-purpose overlay field for soccer and lacrosse.
Councilwoman Susan Knudsen asked for the resolution to be brought back for discussion to remove language specifically regarding the 90-foot field and add that the village recognizes the need for active recreation fields, but will take a different approach to finding a solution.
“We should take this, revisit it and do a redo on it so we give a more balanced approach and help the neighborhood have what they need and figure out how we can also accommodate what the RBSA needs,” said Knudsen, adding such a change could help to rebuild a relationship that is “a little broken” between the council and residents of the neighborhood.
Ridgewood NJ, November is the start of the annual Ridgewood Emergency Services fund drive. A letter has been mailed to all residents and business in the village.
Ridgewood Emergency Services is seeking the community’s financial support to ensure it is able to provide emergency assistance to the village 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.
The volunteers willingly respond to all types of critical situations the village faces, including snowstorms, hurricanes, floods, power outages and medical emergencies. The squad also stands by at village events including street fairs, the car show, Memorial Day and July 4th festivities, high school football games and more. The department has responded to over 1,375 requests thus far in 2015, which equates to over 15,800 cumulative volunteer hours.
“Please consider supporting our organization with a financial contributions so that the community can continue to count on the volunteers to respond to all of its needs,” said Tony Lillo, Deputy Chief
Please make checks payable to F.O.R.E.S.T. (Friends of Ridgewood Emergency Services Teams), 131 North Maple Ave Ridgewood NJ 07450. Online at www.ridgewood911.org.
F.O.R.E.S.T. is a charitable organization under IRS section 501(c) (3) so all contributions are tax deductible.
Matthew Diebel, USATODAY12:17 p.m. EST November 3, 2015
You’ve probably seen it – a teenager rocking to music blasting from headphones while also texting, checking out Facebook and watching TV.
And, supposedly, doing homework.
For those people who date back to pre-handheld-device days and who found it hard enough to concentrate on homework even without digital distractions, the sight of multitasking teens is mind-boggling.
It’s also more prevalent than you might think.
A new report by Common Sense Media, a San Francisco-based non-profit that tracks children and their technology use, finds that teens age 13 to 18 spend almost nine hours a day – that’s longer than they usually sleep – on “entertainment media,” which includes things like checking out social media, music, gaming or online videos.
USA TODAY NETWORKDan Cassuto, KING
9:32 a.m. EST November 19, 2014
SEATTLE, Wash. — Here’s an excuse to use the next time someone asks you to rake the leaves: Science.
The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging people to leave the leaves.
On its website, the NWF says dry, dead leaves are important habitats for all kinds of critters, reports KING.
Butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and other creatures live, lay eggs in or eat from leaves, according to NWF’s plea with the public to let the leaves stay where gravity left them.
2015 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE – ENFORCEMENT OF SCHEDULE
NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL FOR 2015
Last year the Village of Ridgewood implemented a pilot program to outsource a portion of our leaf removal service. After reviewing and evaluating input that was provided by you regarding the success of this change, we again will be using the services of a third party contractor in Area B. The combined effort of the Village staff and this contractor will enforce our continuing commitment to improve your Village services.
In accordance with last years’ schedule, residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.
Beechwood Rd. Unadilla Rd.
Carlton Terr. Valley View Ave.
Elm Ct. Waiku Rd.
Kemah Rd. Wastena Terr.
N. Monroe St. (house #108 – 412) Windsor Terr.
Palmer Ct. Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)
Sheridan Terr.
Area A
Oct. 19 – 22
Nov. 5 – 10
Nov. 30 – Dec. 3
Area B
Oct. 21 – 27
Nov. 9 – 13
Nov. 30 – Dec. 4
Dec. 14 – 18
Area C
Oct. 23 – 28
Nov. 12 – 18
Dec. 7 – 11
Area D
Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
Nov. 19 – 25
Dec. 14 – 18
Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. If you employ the services of a landscaper communicate these dates to them. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags will be available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately.
The most vocal comment heard from residents last year was on properties who did not comply with the schedule. Therefore enforcement will be vital to the Village’s success to improve this service. An enforcement agent NOW ISSUING SUMMONS to those that violate these guidelines.
As weather is a key component to this operation, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website and to share this information with your neighbors. As a reminder, use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.
NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 10:35 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015, 10:42 PM
BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Village residents voted to support a referendum proposal Tuesday that would bond for up to $15 million to construct a parking garage downtown.
The non-binding referendum, which was meant only to assess public sentiment on the plan, passed by a nearly 2-to-1 margin — 3,236 voted in favor, while 1,777 opposed. Village officials said voter turnout was around 30 percent.
The proposed garage, which officials hope to break ground on next spring, will be built on the corner of Hudson and South Broad streets, the referendum stated, and paid for “principally” with parking revenues. It would add about 300 parking spots to the dense commercial zone.
It is expected to benefit local commuters and residents, as well as customers of downtown shops and restaurants.
Village Mayor Paul Aronsohn said he felt “very good” about the results.
“This is something we’ve talked about in Ridgewood for decades, and it looks like we’re on the verge of making history,” he said. “A parking deck is something we really need. And the folks in Ridgewood came out in large numbers and they spoke with a very compelling voice today.”
Funding for the garage would come from Ridgewood’s parking utility, as well as county and state monies, the referendum said.
Ridgewood NJ, The staff of The Ridgewood Blog just received information from an observant Village resident that milled asphalt from a street paving job taking place off of Grove Street is being dumped at the Village’s Compost Facility on Lakeview Drive.
Our staff wonders whether this is being done with the full knowledge and approval of NJDEP, and if a full review of this incident could assist in answering these nagging questions: 1) who illegally dumped tons of concrete blocks at the same facility earlier this year, 2) why no one seemed to notice the dumping taking place (despite the locked gates), and 3) why the Ridgewood Police Department has thus far been unable to crack the case?
The Ridgewood Blog will bring you further updates as they are made known to us.
