file photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Guild
The Ridgewood Guild Presents Live Music in Ridgewood – July 3
Come enjoy the beautiful evening in downtown Ridgewood, NJ from 7pm to 9pm while listening to the following artists:
Bill Craig and Mike Casey – Mediterraneo / S. Egidio
Brielle Liebman – It’s Greek to Me
Dom Boresta – Ridgewood Coffee Company
Tim Gysin – Ben and Jerry’s
Take 4 – Malee / La Tour / Due
Johnny Horizon – Kilwin’s
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Police
JULY 2, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 1:32 PM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A police academy named in memory of “the little chief” helped build bonds between officers and village youngsters.
The Second Annual Chief Michael Feeney Jr. Police Academy ran from June 22 to 30.
The academy presents an opportunity for children entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades to get to know police officers while also learning some valuable skills. The program offers the children a chance to have fun while in a learning environment, making them more likely to remember what they are taught, according to village police officials.
Ridgewood Police Lt. Glenn Ender, one of the driving forces behind the academy, noted that “several towns do a youth police academy; it’s a great way for us to interact with the youth of the town, and to show them what it’s like to be an officer.”
The academy’s namesake, Michael Feeney, died in late 2013 after a courageous battle with Ewing’s sarcoma.
Ender said Feeney was “inspirational” to the department and village.
“We gave him a badge, gave him a uniform and he just thought it was the greatest thing,” said Ender. “To see his face, it was just unbelievable.”
After Feeney tragically lost his battle with the disease, Ender decided that he wanted to do something in the “little chief’s” memory.
JULY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Ridgewood music legend Warren Grim, is being honored with a Tribute Concert Under the Stars on Tuesday, July 7 at the Kasschau Memorial Shell. The beloved founder of the Ridgewood Village Band died last September at 91.
“It seems fitting that his life and legacy be remembered in this special way,” said John Palatucci, music director of The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus of Ridgewood. This week marks the 56th anniversary of the Village Band’s first concert at the shell. Many of Grim’s students, former students and other community-minded players became members of the band playing for the annual 4th of July celebration and also on every Thursday evening to large and enthusiastic audiences. Grim directed the band for more than 30 years.
The tribute concert will feature performances by the Orpheus Club as well as by their guests, The Ridgewood Choral and The Ridgewood Concert Band.
The program beings with five pieces by Orpheus: “The Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” and “We Sing As One” by Richard Lane, who had been the accompanist for Orpheus for 42 years.
Ridgewood Choral will sing “Aint Misbehaven,” “Duetto Buffo di due Gatti” by Rossini, “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls.”
In choosing the program, Palatucci and Ridgewood Concert Band director Chris Wilhjelm thought, “What would Warren choose for a summer concert band – Broadway show tunes, great old classical overtures, marches, of course and patriotic music.”
Ridgewood Concert Band will play five compositions: John Phillip Sousa’s “The Invincible Eagle March,” followed by “Italian Girl in Algeria” by Rossini, then “Shenandoah.” “Pennsylvania Polka” was a special request by Grim’s wife Elisa, since he was born in Bethlehem, Pa. “Old Comrades March” by Teike honors Grim’s parents who served in the U.S. Army in World War 1. His father was a sergeant and his mother was an Army nurse.
file photo by Boyd Loving
JULY 2, 2015, 5:47 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 6:51 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — The village’s fire department is receiving nearly $38,000 in federal grant money to pay for wellness education and exercise equipment.
The $37,791 award for the Ridgewood Fire Department was announced Wednesday by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker.
The two lawmakers secured a combined $397,202 in Assistance to Firefighter Grants for fire departments statewide. The grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“It’s a good grant and I was glad to hear it had come through,” said Ridgewood’s Fire Chief James Van Goor, who was notified by a staffer from Menendez’s office early Wednesday.
“Our first responders risk their lives each day to save ours and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the tools they need to protect their residents and communities,” Menendez said. “These grants will allow our fire departments to operate more efficiently and ensure our firefighters are properly equipped to protect themselves and keep residents safe.”
Booker added: “By collaborating at the federal and local levels, we have been able to secure wins for our state’s firefighters amounting to millions of dollars in grants that have translated into more jobs and better protections for those that put their lives on the line to protect us.”
JULY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
This weekend includes one of the highlights of my family’s year: the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade.
Though I am a resident of Waldwick, my family and neighbors have been attending the parade for as long as I can remember; my father was raised in Ridgewood. As such, he knew firsthand how great the parade was, and made sure that we attended.
In a day filled with celebrations, floats, barbecues and fireworks, some of the smaller aspects can get lost in the shuffle.
One of the most important parts of getting ready for the parade seems rather inconsequential, but is very necessary: the laying out of chairs.
My father recounted how he and his friends were amused in the late 70s when people felt the need to put their chairs out the night before; nowadays, people are known to do so two weeks in advance. As the popularity of the parade has grown, so too has the anticipation, causing people to lay out their chairs earlier and earlier.
Considering that my family and friends have been sitting in the same spot for as long as I can remember (across the street from Graydon, near the corner of Maple Avenue), putting out chairs has become an important part of our parade preparation. However, laying out the chairs is just the beginning.
By laying claim to the area with chairs, we are able to set up our inflatable Bud Light couch, which became rather well known. Politicians marching by have complimented it, with a particular highlight occurring when then-Gov. Christie Todd Whitman left the parade route to come over and admire the couch.
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/a-tradition-of-reserving-spots-1.1367868
JULY 2, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 2:26 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Others might claim the title as the county’s oldest or longest running parade, but Ridgewood’s day-long Independence Day celebration might be unmatched in pageantry and spectacle.
That notion is unlikely to change this Saturday, the 105th installation of the village’s Fourth of July festivities.
This year, the Fourth of July Parade – the crown jewel of the celebration – will pay homage to the innovation and ingenuity that became the cornerstone of the country. Much of the parade’s procession will be designed and decked out in garb observing the “American Innovation” theme.
Selecting the parade theme and planning for the event, according to Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee member Tara Masterson, is a lengthy task that begins in September.
“One of our first tasks is to identify a theme, which is a collaborative effort of the entire committee,” Masterson said. “This year, we chose American Innovation to celebrate innovators in our community, New Jersey and throughout the history of America. Each of the six elementary schools will be creating floats that will display various aspects of American Innovation.”
The Fourth of July Committee’s website further describes the theme selection: “On July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, a new nation was invented where with hard work and determination anyone can attain their dreams. Since then, America has seen many great minds that have developed innovations we use in our everyday lives. This year we will be celebrating the innovators and innovations that America has seen throughout its great history.”
file photo by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood Police Responded to a Whooping 427 calls between June 24th and July 1st
On Thursday Friday June 26, 2015 a pedestrian crossing East Ridgewood Avenue while in a marked crosswalk reported that she/he was nearly struck a by a vehicle that failed to yield right of way. The driver pulled to the side of the roadway exiting their vehicle entering into a verbal dispute with the pedestrian. The pedestrian reported being assaulted by the driver who left the area prior to the arrival of police. The operator of the vehicle later responded to the Ridgewood Police Headquarters where she reported being assaulted by the pedestrian. Neither party wished to pursue the matter. It is paramount that all drivers cede right of way to pedestrians in the roadway regardless of whether a crosswalk is present as per the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws.
On Monday June 29, 2015 Detective Jeffrey Casson arrested Francis J. Yacopino, 30, of West Milford, New Jersey on a criminal warrant out of Pennsylvania. The warrant was discovered during a background check of Yacopino who had applied for a job with the Village of Ridgewood. Yacopino was housed in the Bergen County Jail on a fugitive warrant pending extradition.
On Monday June 29, 2015 a resident reported that his/her personal information had been used to open a fraudulent Dish Network account, the resident further reported having been the victimized similarly numerous times over the last several years. This type of incident continues to be on the rise and information on prevention and reporting identity theft occurrences is available at the police department.
During the spring months numerous street signs have been removed from roadways in the village. In addition to being both a nuisance and financial burden, the removal of these signs (including traffic signage) creates a danger to the public. Citizens are asked to exercise vigilance in reporting these incidents to police as well assisting in the recovery of stolen signs.
Please remember to register your house and any emergency contacts with the Police Department Records Division when you are planning to go away.
A reminder : All criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Hundreds of lawn chairs are already lined up in strategic spots inRidgewood, New Jersey, in advance of the town’s big Fourth of July parade.
Some residents started setting out their lawn chairs along the mile-long parade route on Maple Avenue as much as 13 days ago, 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck reported.
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/07/01/ridgewood-4th-of-july-parade-chairs/
By Chris Mooney June 29 at 3:42 PM
In the past several months, a bevy of studies have added to a growing literature on the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors. That includes recent research showing that short micro-breaks spent looking at a nature scene have a rejuvenating effect on the brain — boosting levels of attention — and also that kids who attend schools featuring more greenery fare better on cognitive tests.
And Monday, yet another addition to the literature arrived — but this time with an added twist. It’s a cognitive neuroscience study, meaning not only that benefits from a nature experience were captured in an experiment, but also that their apparent neural signature was observed through brain scans.
The paper, by Stanford’s Gregory Bratman and several colleagues from the United States and Sweden, was published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In it, 38 individuals who lived in urban areas, and who had “no history of mental disorder,” were divided into two groups — and asked to take a walk.
Ridgewood Nj, An early morning rain storm brought down a tree across Linwood Ave. Ridgewood Police issued a traffic alert and set up detours . The heavy rain hit the Village around 4:28 am despite the heavy rains damage in the Village was minimal.
TRAFFIC ALERT – Tree and Power lines are down on Linwood Ave – Between Walthery Ave & N. Pleasant. Detours have been established.
JUNE 30, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015, 9:23 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Farmers’ Market has returned to Ridgewood, setting up shop on the west side of the village’s train station.
Organized by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the market, which is back for its 15th straight year, is one of the very few remaining true farmers’ markets.
“The market only sells food, no candles or anything like that,” said Joan Groome, executive director of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
The market will take place this year every Sunday through the end of October, rain or shine.
“The sellers put their food under tents, so the market will come off unless there are extreme conditions,” Groome said.
Merchants include a mozzarella cheese salesman; a baker; a jelly and jam salesman; Picklelicious, a well-known pickle company that attends many farmers’ markets; and two farmers.
Although the majority of wares for sale have remained static for most of the market’s history, the farmers sell whatever produce is in season, meaning that their inventory will change throughout the year. This gives attendees a variety of options to choose from, and keeps things interesting.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/vendors-keeping-it-fresh-for-15th-year-1.1365636
July 1,2015
Ridgewood NJ, While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $10. Tickets are on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free.
Tickets will be on sale at the following vendors for $10 each. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
•Backyard Living – 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood
•Bergen News Plus – 890 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
•Chestnut Catering & Deli – 25 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
•Connect One Bank – 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
•Custom Cut Salon – 239 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park
•Daily Treat Restaurant– 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 2:00 PM
•Drinks Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM
•Goffle Brook Farm– 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM
•Hillman Electric Inc. – 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
•Hogan’s Restaurant & Diner – 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park
•Hoskins Propane – 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood
•Ridgewood Auto Wash Co. – 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock
•Ridgewood Cycle Shop – 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood
•The Wine Seller- 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 4:00 PM
•Town & Country Apothecary – 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
At the gate tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for Children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Buy your tickets in advance and save.
Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.
Gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM
file photo by Boyd Loving
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
419 AM EDT WED JUL 1 2015
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON NY HAS ISSUED A FLASH FLOOD WARNING
*
PASSAIC COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
CENTRAL UNION COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
HUDSON COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
BERGEN COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
EASTERN UNION COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
ESSEX COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…
QUEENS COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
KINGS COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
NEW YORK COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
BRONX COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
RICHMOND COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
* UNTIL 615 AM EDT
* AT 418 AM EDT…DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A THUNDERSTORM PRODUCING
HEAVY RAIN ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. FLASH FLOODING IS EXPECTED TO
BEGIN SHORTLY.
ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE
WARNED AREA.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
PLEASE REPORT FLOODING TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHEN YOU
CAN DO SO SAFELY.
2015 Kasschau Shell Schedule
Here is the schedule for you to make plans for the upcoming 2015 Entertainment Under the Stars at the Kasschau Shell on Vet’s Field in Ridgewood. All programs are free. Just bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music!
Click Here for 2015 Season Schedule.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Readers say : non binding = if the residents approve great they will move forward. If the residents do not approve it is non binding (on the mayor and council) and they will move forward. It’s a done deal folks.
So let’s get the business owners in the CBD who want this (Fish, Greek to Me) to help pay for the garage if it’s a done deal. If they have skin in the game, at least they’ll help protect Village taxpayers from cost overruns and “slippage” better than the Village ever could or would. Why should taxpayers be liable for 100% of the cost and inevitable overruns when this garage will benefit the businesses in the CBD? C’mon, this is North Bergen in NJ. Everything costs multiples of what it should so that everyone can get their “taste”.
The CBD business interests and landlords like to say that Ridgewood always says no to change. Not true. In the past couple of decades we built a new Village Hall, expanded the High School, built a new library, turfed Maple and the HS fields, upgraded Graydon, built a new track facility at BF, added a new gym at GW, converted Habernickel to public use. Whether you agree with all of these actions or not, Ridgewood has not sat still and has spent when needed. Contrast that with the decades long debate about a parking garage. It has NOT been built because there has been a consistent view by most residents that it is not needed and will detract from the Village. The only thing that has changed is that the commercial interests seem to have gotten a firmer foothold with the VC.
so why aren’t these CBD business interests helping to pay for it? Why should taxpayers be on the hook for 100% of this? Makes no sense.
