Category: village of ridgewood

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Ridgewood shows its camaraderie

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JUNE 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Community shows its camaraderie

To the Editor:

The Ridgewood trestle sign — it symbolizes so much of what makes our village unique. Our Wiffle for Cancer trestle sign recently proclaimed to all who journeyed through the underpass that a special town event was in the offing. A friend saw the sign and said it reminded her of how the people of our town come together to support each other in a time of need. It warmed her heart. I could not agree with her more.

June 7 marked the 11th Wiffle for Cancer Tournament. The first event took place to show support for Ridgewood High School graduate Nick Currey as he battled Ewing Sarcoma. The next 10 tournaments served to raise money to fund cancer research to find a cure for the illness that claimed Nick’s life.

What a sense of gratitude the Currey family has toward all the people who make this special day possible. There are unfortunately other families who have lost a child in Ridgewood. We have been so touched by the kindness of those families who have reached out to us in spite of their own loss.

Michael Feeney’s parents, who also lost a son to Ewing Sarcoma, took the time to come to the Wiffle event to make a donation. They have chosen to remember their son with Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever.

Likewise, the Kelly Creegan Memorial Fund reached out to us with its support. The generosity of parents who have also experienced loss is especially heartwarming. We thank them so much for their courage and for making a difference.

To make a success of an event like Wiffle for Cancer, so many elements have to come together in just the right way. We are so fortunate that the Ridgewood High School DECA group, guided by faculty members Karen Mendez and Sean Kase, lead the Wiffle tournament from the RHS perspective. We were delighted that the superintendent of schools and mayor fielded a team! It is yet another example of how the community finds a way to support such a meaningful cause.

Not only is it a day to raise money so that one day the Nicks and Michaels of the future will not have to leave us way before their time, but it is a really fun day. The sense of camaraderie would have made Nick so glad.

And it all started with a sign.

Nancy Currey

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-shows-its-camaraderie-1.1363685

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GEAR UP for Owen!

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photo courtesy of GW
GEAR UP for Owen!
June 28,201the staff of the Ridgewood blogRidgewood NJ, On Wednesday, June 17th (3:15pm)  the teachers and staff at George Washington Middle School waled through Ridgewood to increase awareness of fundraising efforts for Owen Betrus, the son of colleague Rob Betrus (Monroe 8 Math).

Owen was diagnosed at birth with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.  He was also diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment just before his first birthday, and with Intractable Epilepsy at the age of three.  Despite these challenges Owen (6 years old) is generally happy and full of life and energy.  He is curious about the world around him and makes every attempt to participate fully in any task presented to him. He loves to be active and spend time with his parents, twin brother, Liam, and little brother, Quinn.

The “Gear Up for Owen” walk raised money to help the Betrus family fund an adaptive ramp for their minivan.

They have created a GoFundMe page for Owen at www.gofundme.com/gearup4owen   Please visit the site to learn more about how you can help support our efforts.  We also invite you to join the the GW staff and the Betrus family as we walk through town to help bring awareness to the different challenges Owen faces.  We will be gathering at the GW Field at 3:15.

Student were also encouraged  to join in as long as they filled out the proper paperwork before hand .  If you couldn’t join in and were in town after school you were encouraged to give Owen a high five!

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Parking garage interest gauged in Ridgewood

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JUNE 29, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — When it meets on July 15, the Village Council could move to add a non-binding referendum to November’s ballot, gauging public support for the financing of a parking garage downtown.

For well over a year, Ridgewood officials have been implementing various measures aimed at providing additional parking throughout the central business district.

Business leaders agree with the council that constructing a garage on Hudson Street would lure more dollars to the village.

Last week, Ridgewood’s council reviewed a draft resolution regarding the non-binding ballot question; a final version of the resolution will be prepared in time for the council’s July 8 meeting, with a vote likely a week later.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/parking-garage-interest-gauged-1.1364987

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Car hits Utility Pole on North Walnut ,driver unhurt

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Photos Courtesy of Boyd Loving via Facebook

Car hits Utility Pole on North Walnut ,driver unhurt
June 27,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the  Ridgewood Police issued one (1) summons in connection with the crash of a Chevy Sonic into a utility pole near 139 North Walnut Street shortly after 4:30 PM on Saturday, 6/27. The vehicle’s female driver was uninjured in the crash.
A flatbed tow truck was summoned to remove the car from the scene. There were no reported disruptions in utility services as a result of the mishap. The minor fluid spill associated with the incident did not require FD response.
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Road Rage Assault on Ridgewood Jogger

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Photos Courtesy of Boyd Loving via Facebook

Road Rage Assault on Ridgewood Jogger
June 26,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A 41-year old female from Ridgewood was assaulted while jogging on Friday .The alleged assault took place after the jogger yelled at the vehicle the driver of a Subaru Forester  exited the vehicle .The jogger claims she yelled when the Subaru almost ran her over.

It was reported the victim did not require any medical attention. The jogger reportedly snapped a cell phone photo of the assailant. Ridgewood PD is now investigating.
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Ridgewood shows solidarity with Charleston

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file photo Boyd Loving

JUNE 25, 2015    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015, 3:13 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

“You are proof that darkness will lose!” shouted the Rev. Mack Brandon during a joyous, gospel-infused musical interlude. It was the kind of cathartic moment necessary to offset the pain felt by citizens everywhere following a national tragedy that hit too close to home.

“In the midst of our pain we sing, in the midst of our pain we pray,” Brandon said later, characterizing the evening as a sober moment. “In the midst of our pain we speak to each other.”

Balancing the relief of healing and the sorrow of tragedy was at the center of a community prayer gathering at the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Ridgewood on Sunday. Congregants and clergy of all races and faiths packed the church to call for peace and harmony after nine people were killed at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C. on June 17.

As Mayor Paul Aronsohn welcomed the community members to the church, he asked the people to unite as one and chart a new path, using the tragedy as a wake-up call to treat one another as equals.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/ridgewood-shows-solidarity-with-charleston-1.1363305

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Just change the municipality’s name to Ridgewood, and the Mayor’s name to Paul Aronsohn,

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file photo by Boyd Loving

Just change the municipality’s name to Ridgewood, and the Mayor’s name to Paul Aronsohn, and this letter would work perfectly.  It appeared in today’s The Record.

Mahwah mayor

forgets whom he serves

I was coming of age during the Nixon administration, and although I was not old enough to vote, I knew even then that when political wrongdoing goes unaddressed, it compounds exponentially.

Much like President Nixon, Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet seems to have forgotten that he serves the people of Mahwah at the discretion of the people of Mahwah. His actions reflect upon the people of Mahwah. Neither I nor my Mahwah neighbors have abandoned due process.

I have no desire to change the township of Mahwah from a democratic republic to an autocratic government. The actions of the mayor suggest that such a change has taken place.

Mahwah is not a business, and it is not set up to run like a business. We have checks and balances, as do all levels of American government. For reasons that I do not understand, Laforet suggests that he runs Mahwah like a business, forgetting that there are procedures that need to be followed. Perhaps Laforet can save the township the embarrassment of a possible recall and, like Nixon, resign.

Mary Lee Ciminiello

Mahwah, June 24

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Stable Gallery in Ridgewood features Stephanie O’Connor

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JUNE 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Stephanie O’Connor is having her first solo show at The Stable’s gallery this month. The Paramus resident says that Ridgewood, with its strong arts community, is an exciting place to exhibit.

The paintings are in oil, large, bright and full of meaning.

“Since I have such deep ties to my Cuban roots, the suffering the Communist government has forced on the Cuban people inspires me to tell their story,” she said.

On display is “Libertad,” which means “freedom.” Her painting reflects the lack of freedom of speech or thought.

“Para Los Santos” is a painting showing Santeria – a combination of African-derived religion and Catholicism where saints and African gods are worshipped. The painting depicts the sacrifice of a chicken.

https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/art/artist-revisits-cuban-ancestry-with-her-paintings-1.1363765

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Ridgewood Police report street signs are disappearing again

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June 26,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ ,Ridgewood Police report Sometime between daylight Saturday June 20, 2015, and 8:00 am the following morning a sign post at Garfield and Washington Place was damaged and the street sign was taken.

A rash of similar incidents were reported in the fall of 2013 . https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-officials-report-road-signs-are-disappearing/

This is not only a financial burden for tax payers but can create dangerous road conditions, for both motorists and pedestrians.

The village is urging residents to notify officials at Village Hall if they observe road signs knocked from poles. Resident who witness anyone illegally removing signs should call the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-652-3900.

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Reader says Let me make one thing perfectly clear: Paul Aronsohn and Albert Pucciarelli will not, I repeat WILL NOT, be swayed by public opinion, common sense, or realistic facts

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Discussion? No need for discussion! Gwenn, Paul, and Albert are our 3-person council. Ms. Gwenn might want to recall that she won by 6 votes, while Mike and Susan were voted in on a huge margin. It won’t be too much longer before sanity will rule again. No way are the thre of them getting re-elected

Let me make one thing perfectly clear: Paul Aronsohn and Albert Pucciarelli will not, I repeat WILL NOT, be swayed by public opinion, common sense, or realistic facts. They are going to build this god-forsaken garage and look out anybody who gets in their way. They feel this will make their mark in town. Yep, it will be a mark alright, a gigantic debt and a garage with so few cars in it that it will look like an abandoned property. But they won’t care. In a couple of years Aronsohn will be in DC (he hopes) working as a gopher for Hillary, and Pucciarelli will be living in MidlandPark, and we will be left with this mess, their legacy.

maybe, maybe Gwenn will decide to rein this project in and make it mor sensible and less colossal. Say what you will about Gwenn, but she of the three of them truly TRULY cares about Ridgewood. lately there have been glimmers of hope that she might be standing on her own away from the two of them on a couple of issues. Maybe she will back off on this folly. We can hope.

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Ridgewood plans referendum on parking garage

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JUNE 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

On Wednesday night, the Village Council revisited the notion of a non-binding referendum for a municipal garage on Hudson Street and also debated the merits of having a similar vote on the plans for the North Walnut Street redevelopment zone since it could mark a significant change to downtown Ridgewood.

The village is in the midst of doing environmental work at Hudson Street while waiting for results from a parking consultant on a recommendation of a traditional or automated parking garage. A $500,000 bond ordinance for pre-construction activities has been introduced and will be subject to a public hearing on July 15.

Meanwhile, officials are currently working with Kensington Senior Development, which has pitched an assisted living facility for the Town Garage property at Franklin Avnue and North Walnut Street. The village is in the process of reviewing financial information from the developer.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/vote-on-financing-for-garage-planned-1.1363594

Ridgewood might have referendum on downtown parking garage

JUNE 26, 2015, 12:22 PM    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:24 PM

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-might-have-referendum-on-downtown-parking-garage-1.1364140

 

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Anonymous poop smearer loose in the Village of Ridgewood

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June 27,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blogRidgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on Saturday June 20, 2015, an employee at a service station on Goffle Road reported that an unidentified white male, about 5’10” with short blonde hair, 19-25 years of age, wearing shorts and a tee shirt entered the business bathroom where he wiped excrement on the walls, floor and toilet. The suspect left the area in a white van. This is the fourth such incident to occur at a Ridgewood business in the last week and anyone who might be able to identify the suspect is asked to contact the detective bureau at (201) 251-4536.

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Full Ridgewood Council discussion is needed

gwenn hauck

file photo by Boyd Loving 

JUNE 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print

Full council discussion needed

To the Editor:

Re: “HR addition spurs debate in Ridgewood,” The Ridgewood News, June 19, page A1.

I disagree with Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck; a discussion by all Village Council members regarding the addition of a Human Resources department was both warranted and appropriate. Any time taxpayer dollars are being spent, the full council should be given ample opportunity to openly weigh in before a decision is made.

This is not the first time Ms. Hauck has publicly suggested that an open discussion by all council members was not necessary because the majority of council members had already agreed on an issue, and this is not the first time I’ve publicly disagreed with her.

During a public meeting several weeks ago, she harshly suggested that there was no need to reopen council discussions on installing sidewalks along Clinton Avenue because the “council majority” had already agreed not to support such an endeavor. Seriously, there was no need for the full council to participate in a continued discussion on a matter related to the safety of school aged children? I think there was such a need, and so do many other taxpayers.

Councilwoman Hauck’s almost laughable suggestion that the democratic process calls for an end to open public discussion once a majority decision is reached, coupled with her continued public display of contempt and arrogance toward selected council colleagues, makes me wonder if this is the type of individual who should continue to represent the village’s taxpayers.

Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-full-ridgewood-council-discussion-is-needed-1.1363782

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Council sets just 1 date for public hearing on downtown housing

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June 25 2015

Boyd A. LovingRidgewood NJ, In 2011, Village Council members scheduled their official public hearing on The Valley Hospital’s proposed expansion over six (6) separate dates.  The schedule was developed to insure there would be ample opportunity for members of the public to express their views of the issue, and that no individual(s) would miss out due to planned business travel/vacation, family emergency, illness, etc.  The public hearing dates were:  9/13/2011, 9/19/2011, 10/13/2011, 10/24/2011, 11/22/2011, and 11/29/2011.  Current Mayor Paul Aronsohn was a member of that Council.

On July 15 of this year, Village Council members expect to introduce four (4) separate ordinances related to proposed changes in the Village’s Master Plan that would permit high density housing in our Central Business District.  There has been significant controversy associated with the proposed Master Plan revision.

During Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session, Mayor Paul Aronsohn announced the Council’s firm intent to set September 16, 2015 as the one and onlydate for their official public hearing on all four (4) “changes to Master Plan” related ordinances.  That’s right folks, if you’re not around on September 16, or if the meeting room is closed off due to over crowding, you’re SOL.

So I wonder, why is Mr. Aronsohn so hell bent on pushing these Master Plan changes through to the point of scheduling just one (1) official opportunity for residents to comment?  He was a primary proponent of a former Council’s plan to allow multiple opportunities for official public comment regarding The Valley Hospital expansion plan.  Why the change in attitude related to high density housing in our Central Business District?  What’s the rush?  Am I missing something here?

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Another beautiful day at Graydon

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Photo credit:   Boyd A. Loving
Another beautiful day at Graydon
June 24,2015
Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Councilman Michael Sedon and his 17 month old son Hunter enjoyed a morning of play at Graydon Pool on Wednesday, June 24.

Village resident Anne Loving and her grandson Declan, who is 23 months old, joined in on the some of the fun.

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Graydon Pool Memberships and Aquatic Programs

Please visit the Graydon Pool homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/graydon to learn about membership rates, program offerings and pool amenities. Be sure to bookmark our Graydon homepage on your computer for future special events and program offerings. Opening day for Graydon Pool was Saturday, June 6th.

2015 season memberships may now be purchased online via Community Pass at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass. Be sure to refer to your online confirmation when purchase is complete for detailed information on how to obtain your photo identification badge.

Aquatic programs, including the Graydon Swim Team and instructional and recreational swim, are also available online at Community Pass, or you may review levels and print program registration forms from our Graydon homepage referenced above. Meet the Aquatic Staff and learn more on the following dates at the pool: Saturday, June 6th, 10 am to 1 pm, and Saturday, June 20th, 10 am to 1 pm.

American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training (recertification/bridging and new) is available through Ridgewood Parks and Recreation. Details/registration are also available on the Graydon Pool homepage.

For more information please call 201-670-5560.