What I find interesting is the ability for the public to fall into a dictated compliance without question. Every year we hear there is a water shortage, every year we hear we need to increase system capacity, every year we hear about lack of compliance.
Do we consider that some of the homes using the water have invested in new landscaping or lawns and may need to water them? How quickly would the town begin to look rundown without a flower in sight? Have we calculated the use of the new apartments and added system capacity or backups to address? Have we added any collection and storage to the system, we had a good amount of snow this past winter, did we store it? Are there any short or long term plans to address this issue other them having neighbors running around looking for the police to ‘rat’ out an neighbor? Seems that if that feels good to anyone, we have a much more serious issue in our neighborhoods
Message from the Village Manager Regarding Stage 4 Enforcement
I have received questions and concerns from several residents regarding the enforcement of Stage 4 restriction. There are ordinances that authorize specific staff in the Village to have the ability to enforce…..I think I mentioned in my E-Notice on Friday that based on Stage 4 and its seriousness, I authorized more staff members to have this capacity. I am hoping that the enhanced enforcement that we had this weekend and the coming days will be more effective than during Stage 2 restrictions. The only way a summons can be written is if the person sees the watering – unfortunately wetness around the area and having a green lawn do not cut it for writing a summons….so we have to be there at the right time. We now have a person dedicated to identifying violators between 4AM through 7AM – a time period that I do not think we were covering adequately…… we also have the RPD out around this time. Our Fire Department was making rounds over the weekend and actually shutting off the water in homes where automated sprinklers were in use if no one was home to shut the water off themselves. The Fire Department will also begin to issue summonses.
It is a bit early to share this news but it does seem to appear that the restrictions are having some impact. On average in August we used 10.2 million gallons per day….yesterday we used 7.2 million. Board of Ed properties as well as Village properties are all in compliance with the restrictions.
From a communications perspective, our first robo call early Friday afternoon was sent to 20,000 phones with 11,000 actually getting it…..we then did a second call in the evening. We do need to extend that list and the team is working on this. Our e-notice went out to about 4,000 email addresses – we have been emphasizing sign up. We also have posted the restrictions on the Village Facebook site, both Village websites (Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water) as well as both tv channels – but these are pull not push means of communicating. We also have posted the restrictions on the movable electronic sign on the west side. I am mentioning this because I think that there is no excuse for anyone not knowing that we are in Stage 4.
Best regards,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
With elegant architecture and high-end restaurants all within walking distance, Ridgewood is both urbane and sophisticated.
By Mary Ann Castronovo Fusco | September 1, 2015
Young parents pushing strollers share the broad sidewalks with friends schmoozing at an outdoor café. Teens hunt for bargains, while grandparents treat their charges to a matinee at the Bow Tie Cinemas Warner Quad or a fresh-made waffle cone at Kilwins. Nearby, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is an oasis of calm. Welcome to downtown Ridgewood.
“I love how walkable it is, and that everything is in one small area,” says children’s book author Ann Malaspina. “I can go to the post office and mail a package, get a coffee at Ridgewood Coffee Company, meet a friend for lunch—all while having my car serviced.” And the town is “family friendly,” adds Malaspina, who raised her two sons in Ridgewood.
East Ridgewood Avenue is the main artery, ending at the sprawling California Mission Revival-style train station, which dates to 1916 and is listed on the national and state Register of Historic Places. Over the past year, elegant way-finding signs—a joint effort by the Village and the local Chamber of Commerce—have sprouted on downtown corners, pointing visitors toward the many shops and restaurants on the side streets. More will come.
“I look at downtown as a destination,” says Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, a 19-year resident. “We have lots of people coming from different directions. It’s a small town feel that is also urbane and sophisticated.”
Ridgewood
September 8,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Recent events once again point to critical weakness in the water supply of the Village of Ridgewood and surrounding towns serviced by Ridgewood Water company . I cannot emphasize enough the importance of obeying these restrictions – this is a public safety issue – our firefighters need to have the necessary water and water pressure to be able to fight fires and we also need to maintain reserves for household use.
As you are aware we have ratcheted up enforcement over the last several weeks issuing over 50 summonses and hundreds of warnings. This has had some impact but unfortunately we need to take this further – so, I have taken the additional step of appointing more Village employees who will have the authority to issue summonses in order to achieve a higher rate of compliance.”Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of obeying these restrictions – this is a public safety issue – our firefighters need to have the necessary water and water pressure to be able to fight fires and we also need to maintain reserves for household use.
As you are aware we have ratcheted up enforcement over the last several weeks issuing over 50 summonses and hundreds of warnings. This has had some impact but unfortunately we need to take this further – so, I have taken the additional step of appointing more Village employees who will have the authority to issue summonses in order to achieve a higher rate of compliance. “Roberta Sonenfeld.Village Manager
Water restrictions could be more effective if the town sent Postal Notice Flyers to all water customers, stage 2 and stage 4, or when Severely Urgent – drive around towns in evenings with loud speakers announcement, as they used to in past years. There are residents who are sincerely not even aware about Stage 4 water restrictions, only by word of mouth by good neighbors. Of course, there will always be those arrogant self entitles who will always defy rules.
* Please take note:
** Reverse Emergency Robo Calls – Not all residents get them, used to, how come? What happened?
** E- Notice – Not all residents get them or sign up.
** Website – Many residents do not refer to.
** Local News Newspaper – Many residents do not subscribe or refer to online.
** Link immediate release notice to BOE school website for more exposure.
** Mention the stiff fine of up to $1,250.00 That Stops Usage Abruptly!!
* Thanks to the Ridgewood Blog for posting – the Stage 4 News Release on Friday 9/4/15
Watercolors – Figures and Portraits – Ridgewood Recreation welcomes outstanding artist Nora Winn to provide new watercolor instruction, specific to figures and portraits, on Wednesday mornings at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. $95/6 classes. Students must bring own materials.
Acrylics with Sandi Chanoch – Individual and personalized attention helps all find their personal techniques. Tuesday afternoons at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. Students must bring own materials. $70/5 classes.
Annie’s Artisanal Cookery – International Inspired Meals Join Annie as she spices up meals with international zing. Enjoy recipe favorites from the Mediterranean, Latin America, Asia, France and Italy with a final session of “good old American desserts”. Friday afternoons at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. $120/6 sessions, all ingredients provided.
Pickleball- Enjoy beginner instruction of this newest popular racquet game at a free clinic Sunday, September 20th. Afterwards, join Ridgewood Recreation for adult instruction on Friday mornings. $30/6 weeks. Held at the Glen Courts, 865 E. Glen Avenue.
Tennis – Adult offerings with All Pro Tennis are on Fridays (beginning September 4th). Morning sessions are 9:30 to 10:30 am or 10:30 to 11:30 am. $115/6 weeks at Bellair Tennis Courts. Seniors (62 and over) can enjoy reduced registration fees, $60/6 weeks – 10:30 to 11:30 am, also at the Bellair Tennis Courts.
***Please visit the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation for more details and to download the registration forms for in-person/by mail signups to the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood 07450. Online registration through Community Pass is available for programs (unless otherwise noted) at www.ridgwoodnj.net/communitypass.
Don’t hesitate to call the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 for more information of if special accommodations are needed. Non-residents may register if space allows; an additional $10 fee will apply.
New program suggestions are always welcome! Please be sure to bookmark the Recreation homepage on your computer for easy access to updated program and special event information.
YWCA Offers Youth and Adult Synchronized Swimming! The YWCA Bergen County is offers synchronized swimming classes for ages 7 to adult at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood. Instructor Laura Alt, certified US Synchronized Swimming coach, invites swimmers with at least Level 3 swim skills (swim the front crawl with coordination of side breathing, elementary back stroke, and tread water for 1 minute) to join in.
Synchronized swimming promotes healthy competition as an individual and as part of a team. It demands strong swimming skill, discipline and commitment on the part of its athletes. The sport develops strength, flexibility and the ability to work cooperatively within the team. Synchro students also learn to act as role models, and to support and respect those around them. The Syncho Swim Program assists young athletes to strive for excellence while enjoying swimming. Synchro swim is a performance sport (similar to ice skating or ballroom dance) which is performed in deep water. A swimmer learns basic swimming strokes, body positions, and stunts that are choreographed into routines that are performed in front of judges or an audience.
The YWCA offers two levels of youth synchronized swim classes, Synchro Stars team, and an adult synchronized swim class. For details about Synchronized Swimming, please call 201-444-5600, ext. 400. Bring a swimsuit, cap, and goggles.
Sarah Knapton, The Telegraph | September 4, 2015 2:56 PM ET
Rudyard Kipling was right. Cats really do walk by themselves, and do not need their owners to feel secure and safe, a study has shown. Although absent owners might worry that their pet is pining, in fact, cats show no sign of separation anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln have concluded that cats, unlike dogs, do not need humans to feel protected.
Before cat lovers start despairing about their aloof pets, however, animal behaviourists said they should take the finding as a compliment. If cats stay, it means they really want to be there.
Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences, said: “The domestic cat has recently passed the dog as the most popular companion animal in Europe.
“Previous research has suggested that some cats show signs of separation anxiety when left alone by their owners, in the same way that dogs do, but the results of our study show that they are, in fact, much more independent than canine companions.
“It seems that what we interpret as separation anxiety might actually be signs of frustration.” To find out if cats needed their owner to feel secure, the researchers observed how 20 cats reacted when they were placed in an unfamiliar environment together with their owner, with a stranger or on their own.
The study monitored the amount of contact sought by the cat, the level of passive behaviour, and signs of distress caused by the absence of the owner.
“Although our cats were more vocal when the owner rather than the stranger left them with the other individual, we didn’t see any additional evidence to suggest that the bond between a cat and its owner is one of secure attachment,” Prof Mills said.
The Park Steakhouse Park West Tavern Golf Classic
Fri, September 25, 2015
Time: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: New York Country Club, 103 Brick Church Road, New Hempstead, NY, 10977
Cost: $200 per person
The Park Steakhouse Park West Tavern Golf Classic
When: Friday September 25th, 2015
Where: New York Country Club
103 Brick Church Road
New Hempstead, NY, 10977
845 362-5800
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Registration, Breakfast
Practice at the Range
12 Noon – Shotgun Start
6:00 p.m. Cocktail
Reception and Awards
Entry Fees: $200.00 per Golfer
We hope you will join us for a fun day of golf at New York Country Club. The day starts with a breakfast, followed by an on the course surprise lunch prepared by both restaurants staff. Capped off with a Cocktail/Dinner reception.
Proper attire & soft spikes required
The Park Steakhouse & Park West Tavern Golf Classic Entry Form
New York Country Club
Name of Golfers:
1. _____________________________________________________ I wish to purchase the
2. _____________________________________________________ following # of $200 tickets
3. _____________________________________________________ # of Golfers_____________
4. _____________________________________________________ X $200= $____________
I/We will attend the Cocktail Reception only. @ $50 per person # of Guests__________
Please make checks payable to The Park Charities
Green Business Recognition Program Now Accepting Applications
Click Here to learn more about the Green Business Recognition Program
The Village of Ridgewood’s Green Team Advisory Committee has created a voluntary Green Business Recognition Program to promote green practices and increase the visibility of those entities that have successfully demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.
All privately owned businesses with a physical location within the bounds of the Village of Ridgewood may participate in the Green Business Recognition Program. Participation in this free program is entirely voluntary.Interested parties may download and complete Ridgewood’s Green Business Application and Checklist. The completed checklist and any supplemental application materials should be submitted to the attention of the Green Team electronically ([email protected]). Businesses are encouraged to contact the Green Team for assistance—a team member will be dispatched for an in-person meeting to facilitate the application process.
Businesses that satisfy the requirements for recognition will be designated a Green Business by Ridgewood’s Green Team. A representative from the Green Team will present each recognized business with a certificate suitable for public display. The name of each recognized business will be posted on social media outlets administered by the Green Team as well as other websites as appropriate. The designation of Charter Participant shall be granted to those businesses that achieve recognition during the inaugural year of this program.
RCNG – Ridgewood Chamber Networking Group
AM – worth getting up early to be part of–
AM Networking in Ridgewood
Tuesday and Thursday
7:30am-8:45am
ConnectOne Bank
171 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-2600 for more information
email: [email protected]
*******************************
PM NETWORKING IN RIDGEWOOD!
27 Chestnut Street
RCNG – Ridgewood Chamber Networking Group
every Wednesday,
Meet/Greet 5:30pm
Networking 5:45-6:45pm
rsvp 201-445-2600 [email protected]
************
RYPE- Ridgewood’s Young Professional Exchange
Networking for ages 40 and under Professionals.
Next Networking
Thursday, September 10th, 6pm
call 201-445-2600 [email protected]
meeting at 27 Chestnut Street.
go through restaurant’s patio and
take elevator to first floor.
Invite your business friends to join us!
rsvp to Allison- [email protected]
*************
Woman’s Networking
BBLB-Brown Bag Lunch Bunch meet on
Tuesday’s – alternating between 9am & 11am
call for dates of times-201-445-2600
women supporting women at its best!
mark your calendar!
chamber office-27 Chestnut St.
This networking is designed to place real value on the advise and wisdom of today’s business women.
Engage, Encourage, Empower!
for more information call 201-445-2600
N E T W O R K I N G
still the best way to do business
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is a
member of the ICC – Inter-Chamber Consortium.
The ICC is an organization of several Bergen County Chambers that come together to work with each other to help build relationships for
the area business owners.
ICC MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE
Cliffside Park Chamber of Commerce
September 14, 2015.
MegaNet Networking date to TBA
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015, 1:27 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
For the past 15 years, the Ridgewood Farmers’ Market has returned to the village every Sunday to sell its fresh, locally grown produce to northern New Jersey customers, who happily peruse the various stands to see which products are available each week.
But when the day ends and the unsold fresh fruits and vegetables are left over, where do they end up?
A few years ago, a group of volunteers from Ridgewood’s First Presbyterian Church found an answer for that question.
Mary Shaw, a church member who coordinates the volunteers, got the idea as she passed the Farmers’ Market on the west side of the train station and wondered if the vendors would donate the leftover food.
“I just had this idea one Sunday a few years ago to ask the farmers to consider giving their leftover produce to food pantries,” Shaw said. “They were very willing and happy to do it. These farmers are incredibly generous individuals to share their goods in this way.”
Additionally, another participant in the Farmers’ Market, Baker’s Bounty, a bakery based in Linden, has been donating large bags of various fresh baked breads to the volunteers.
A group of approximately eight volunteers are gathered from a pool of 35 and meet at the Ridgewood train station each Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
More insight is needed to address Schedler property
To the Editor:
I am in support of the Village Council votes regarding the Schedler property.
The heated debate at the Village Council meeting meant those who had an issue with the resolution gave up an opportunity to positively influence the development of the property. They could have tried to see if a high berm could be built to insulate the property from traffic on Route 17. The berm could be capped with a sound barrier and covered with dense plantings. This would serve as a safety, sound and pollution barrier.
The third of the property left to nature could be converted into an arboretum of native species and pollinator habitats. The walk around the perimeter could be made to appeal to “seenagers,” those of us who are chronologically seniors but mentally can’t outgrow their teen years. A foot bridge could be built over Route 17 to make it easier for pedestrians to walk over from the west side of the highway. I can’t but believe such a park would be a great improvement over a weed-choked lot with fallen trees and mounds of empty beer cans. I have walked around the property and find little salubrious about it.
Regarding the Schedler house, I am a conservationist and a reader of history. Destroying a historical site is an act of vandalism. I thus support giving the preservation committee another year to come up with a plan for the house. My recommendation to the committee would be to add several new members who would add depth to its considerations. For instance, I would add an engineer and an architect with experience in preserving historical homes. Also, perhaps, a realtor with experience in finding uses for such a property. A historian and a fundraiser would be helpful.
If I were a member of the committee, I would try to answer the following questions:
What is the age of the house? Supporters say it was built in the 1820’s. This may not be a true statement in its entirety. Some of it may have been built in the 1820s, but I have a feeling much of it was built much later. Is it truly a “nationally recognized historic home” as some claim?
How sound is the house structurally? With a broken roof and black mold, what else ails it? Rot? Termites? Lead paint? Asbestos?
What uses will there be for the house and thus what will it be restored to? Some mention a library for historical documents. That’s an interesting idea, but what would it take to reinforce the beams to carry the heavy weight of books, and what would it take to fireproof it to protect invaluable documents?
Depending on the use, what would it cost to restore the house and bring it up to code, especially for public use. If it is to be used for public purposes, who will underwrite the future operating costs?
A rational discussion of our options with less heat would be in everyone’s interests.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015, 6:44 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015, 6:49 PM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD – Two cousins have been indicted for firing more than 40 bullets into the Old Paramus Reformed Church, damaging the nationally registered historic structure.
No one was inside the East Glen Avenue house of worship on Nov. 16 and Dec. 26, 2014 when police say Joseph Galli, 22, of Somerville fired a high-powered AR15 at it, breaking a stained glass window dating back to 1875 and sending one bullet careening through the front of the building and out a rear wall. His cousin Alexander Norrell, 23,of Ridgewood, was also charged.
An eight-count indictment says a grand jury found that Norrell unlawfully possessed a large capacity ammunition weapon. Both men were indicted on second degree gun charges for an Mk-4 assault rifle, a sawed-off shot gun and another rifle, a CN Romarm SA/Cugir PSL 7.62x54r. They also were indicted for causing more than $2,000 in property damage and possessing a sawed-off shot gun.
