Category: village of ridgewood

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Ridgewood’s new finance officer settling in to dual roles

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MAY 27, 2015    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015, 8:56 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The village has brought in a new chief financial officer and its first-ever parking utility director with the hiring of Robert G. Rooney, who began his tenure earlier this month.

Rooney’s first day was May 4, and he “hit the ground running,” said Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld when she announced his hire. Sonenfeld had been temporarily serving as the village’s CFO and parking utility director, in addition to her other duties.

Rooney was ceremonially sworn in at the council’s May 13 meeting.

The new CFO has his roots in Bergen County, growing up in Fairview, Cliffside Park and Rutherford as well as attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. He has spent his entire career in public accounting, most recently working for Manhattan-based McGladrey in its public sector practice.

Rooney said his memories of Ridgewood come from having played basketball for Cliffside Park High School. He said he remembered how beautiful the high school was and the friendliness of village residents.

“When I lived in Bergen County, Ridgewood was always the cream of the crop,” Rooney said. “People always talked very highly of the municipality.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/cfo-to-serve-in-dual-roles-in-ridgewood-1.1343139

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PSE&G Offers Money-Saving Hot Weather Tips

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Utility Prepared for Additional Power Demand

How to Report Outages and Stay Informed

May 26, 2015

Ridgewood NJ, With the hottest temperatures of the season forecasted to begin today, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, reminds customers that higher temperatures can also lead to more usage and higher electric bills. Customers can save energy and money this summer by following a few simple tips.

Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78° F only when you are at home and need cooling.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Use fans to circulate cool air.
Set refrigerators and freezers to the most efficient temperatures. Recommended temperatures are 35°-38° F for the fresh food compartment, and 0° F for freezers.
Run such appliances as clothes washers and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks around window air conditioners with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star® appliances.
Install whole-house fans to bring in cooler night-time air that can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime.

Prepared for Additional Power Demand
PSE&G expects to have no problem delivering the additional power required during the hot-weather months, but utility crews will be ready to respond to service interruptions should they occur. PSE&G’s rigorous, year-round preparedness program for summer includes conducting employee training; developing emergency summer operating plans; performing summer peak reliability analysis; helicopter and climbing inspections of transmission circuits; infrared inspections for “hot-spots” on transmission lines; and system reinforcements and transmission line work.

How to Report an Outage and Stay Informed
If you should experience an outage, PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and informed.  These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the “Outage Center,” under “How you can stay connected.”

Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G’s newly enhance and mobile friendly “Outage Map” displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service territory.
The utility’s Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.

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ART OF MOTION IN RIDGEWOOD HOSTS ASHTANGA YOGA MASTER CLASS TO BENEFIT NEPAL

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PHOTO by Allynn Gooen

ART OF MOTION IN RIDGEWOOD HOSTS ASHTANGA YOGA MASTER CLASS TO BENEFIT NEPAL
May 26,2015

RIDGEWOOD, NJ , On May 30th, 2015, a Master Class will be taught by Annie Hickman at Art of Motion in Ridgewood, NJ from 2:00-4:00 PM.  This Ashtanga Yoga Workshop will introduce an athletic style of classical Indian yoga as taught by the lake Srik Pattabhi Jois.

After dedicating herself to a daily practice of Ashtanga yoga for the past ten years, Annie Hickman, a certified yoga teacher, followed her dream this year to study in Mysore, India. Annie just returned from her 5-month yoga tour through Nepal and India, and she is eager to share the power of Ashtanga Yoga.

Annie will guide students through the Primary Series of Ashtanga – a challenging flow class with therapeutic yoga poses that strengthen and transform the body. This master class will encourage students to experience a higher level in their practice.

All $25.00 donations will benefit relief services in Nepal. All are welcome to practice and/or observe. For information and to reserve a spot, please contact Art of Motion.

Art of Motion is located at The Performing Arts Building, 17 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Ridgewood, NJ.

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Planning Board retroactively approves Ridgewood church’s improvements

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file photo by Boyd Loving

MAY 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015, 9:56 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Ridgewood Planning Board approved the site plan application of the World Mission Society Church of God on Godwin Avenue on May 19.

The plans were approved by an 8-1 vote, with Mayor Paul Aronsohn dissenting. Alternate board member Isabella Altano cast a vote in the absence of board member Kevin Reilly.

Over the course of several meetings, changes requested by the Planning Board and members of the public were included in the site plan, which now includes three 150-watt high pressure sodium lights to be installed on 18 foot poles in place of the current solar lights, car bumpers for parking spaces along the rear of the property and a buffer of trees to protect neighboring properties from excessive lighting.

Engineer Robert Costa said the new lights would be pointed downward, but if they are causing a nuisance to the church’s neighbors, the applicant would work with village professionals to install additional shielding.

The site plan calls for 75 parking spaces on the property, but at the request of the board, perpendicular spaces were scrapped in favor of angled spots. The applicants were concerned that a few more spaces would be lost – the original plan called for 98 – but since the drive aisle would no longer need to be 24 feet, those lost spots could be regained.

The church also agreed to remove planters at the southeastern portion of the building at the request of the Ridgewood Fire Department.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-approves-church-s-application-1.1342441

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Running: Ridgewood Run notes

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MAY 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD

Bank on Brown

For the 40th consecutive year — the entire life of the event — Jacob Brown lent a supporting hand at the Ridgewood Run.

This time it was giving out water and juice to runners not far from the finish line Monday.

He was overseeing quite a few members of his Ridgewood High School girls track team that also were volunteering their services on the refreshment line for the thirsty competitors.

In past years, Brown has done any number of jobs at the race, including patrolling the grounds, picking up trash, using his ever-present camera for photography work — basically whatever assignment that needed to be handled, he did it enthusiastically.

The 69-year-old Brown, who is retiring after 44 seasons as the legendary coach of the Maroons’ track and field squad (and as a health education teacher) was there at the beginning in 1976 when race founder Fred d’Elia turned to him for advice.

“Basically it was all about the logistics of how to put something like this together starting from scratch; I was sort of like an aide-de-camp for Fred,” said Brown.

“He was able to get all the politicians and police and other departments to close the streets off, but he also needed a plan to actually formulate on how and where everything would take place.

“We were very surprised that first year because we thought that less than a hundred people would show up and we got eight or nine times that many entrants.”

https://www.northjersey.com/towns/running-ridgewood-run-notes-1.1342249

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Mike Fisher wins Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run

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photo by norm chester

MAY 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY ED MILLS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — A year ago Mike Fisher was too sick to compete. This time it was a healthy Fisher who made the rest of the field look pale in comparison next to him.

Employing a sound strategy all the way through, Fisher, of Brookline, Mass., earned first place in the Men’s 10K at the 40th annual Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run on Monday with a time of 32 minutes, 17 seconds, as he broke away from Fair Lawn’s Anthony Fatuzzo (32:57) down the stretch to build a solid margin at the end.

“I was supposed to run here last year for the first time but on the eve of the race I came down with food poisoning,” said the 31-year- old Fisher. “This time, I was at full strength and the weather [mid-60s and a small breeze at race time in the morning] was a major boost; the cloud cover overhead helped. And I used my experience in marathons [five, including Boston twice] to pave my way through some of the rolling hills and winding paths in the middle of the course.”

Also taking a clear route to a championship was Roberta Groner of Randolph, who was clocked in 35:53 in the Women’s 10K, with Leonia’s Elizabeth Eickelberg coming on strong in the final couple of miles to place second in 36:22.

“I was happy with my overall performance,” said Groner, who moved from Pittsburgh to Morris County less than a year ago. “It doesn’t get much better than this. I didn’t need to do much sprinting and I kept a pretty even keel throughout. There were some ridges with some slight slopes and then a few dips, but overall the course ran very smoothly.”

https://www.northjersey.com/towns/fisher-s-win-is-worth-the-wait-1.1342285

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Village of Ridgewood Stage 1 Watering Restrictions Begins June 1

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May 26,2015
Ridgewood NJ, Stage I watering restrictions begin on June 1st. Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even numbered addresses may irrigate only on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Irrigation using a hand-held hose is allowed at any time. Details are available on the Ridgewood Water website, water.ridgewoodnj.net.

Compliance with the initial restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

Stage I  (Moderate) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  Irrigation using a hand-held hose shall be allowed at any time. No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays except for the use of a hand held hose.

Stage II  (Severe) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except for the use of a hand held hose. Irrigation using a hand held hose shall be allowed at any time.

Stage III  (Pending/Critical) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to the use of a hand held hose on Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  No irrigation of any kind shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.

Stage IV  (Critical) – Irrigation is prohibited at any time. Exceptions for irrigation using a hand held hose may be allowed under conditions prescribed by the Village Manager of the Village of Ridgewood.

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Ridgewood firefighter beats Guinness World Record time for running in full gear

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MAY 25, 2015, 3:28 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015, 3:35 PM
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Temperatures in the mid-70s couldn’t stop him. A recent bout of bronchitis surely didn’t. And forget about those 25 pounds of firefighting gear — including three and a half pounds of boot on each foot.

In the end, Ridgewood Fire Lt. Brendan Corcoran smashed the Guinness World Record he’d been chasing by more than a full minute on Monday. The previous record for the one-mile run wearing full fire gear was 7 minutes 58.02 seconds. Corcoran unofficially clocked in at 6 minutes 45 seconds on his brother Greg’s watch, a fellow firefighter who ran alongside him at the Fred d’Elia Memorial Day Ridgewood Run.

You might say Corcoran has been training for this run since age 7, when he ran his first 10-kilometer race in Ridgewood with his Uncle Greg. Since then, he’s competed in marathons, half-marathons, triathlons and Ironman Triathlons — including one half-marathon in March in full firefighter gear that’s soon to become the new world record with 1 hour 48 minutes 24 seconds.

Fast forward to 2001, when he was working as a personal trainer and living in Hoboken. Sept. 11 hit and he realized he wanted to step up for his community.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-firefighter-beats-guinness-world-record-time-for-running-in-full-gear-1.1342168

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Ridgewood Guild Presents 2015 Movies in the Park

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May 25,2015

Ridgewood NJ, Join us in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square for family fun and entertainment. We show films great for the whole family on a 25 foot screen and professional sound system. Bring snacks, a picnic blanket, and get ready for a great evening with your community.

2015 Movies in the Park Schedule

All movies are on Wednesdays. In case of rain movies will be shown the next day (Thursday). Follow-us on Facebook for the latest information.

June 10: Star Wars
June 24: Citizen Kane
July 8: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
July 22: Momma Mia!*
August 5: Murder on the Orient Express
August 19: Harry Potter and the Sorcer’s Stone*

*Join us for an event with food, music and more!

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Memorial Day Ceremony, Ridgewood

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Photo credit:  Boyd A. Loving

Memorial Day Ceremony, Ridgewood
May 25,2015
Boyd A. Loving
12:41 PM

Ridgewood NJ, American Legion Post 53 conducted a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 25th 2015 . It took place at 11 am in Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Ridgewood.

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Photo credit:  Boyd A. Loving

more photos https://www.facebook.com/theridgewoodblog

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Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Salutes ‘American Innovation’ with 2015 Parade

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May 25,2015

Ridgewood NJ, Now in its 105th year, the celebration will commemorate the creativity, ingenuity and hard work of Americans past and present. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held Saturday, July 4, rain or shine.

“It’s good for the schools who are participating in the float competition to know what the parade theme is,” said Katie Burns of the parade’s theme announcing. “Also, maybe it’ll give us all something good to look forward to amidst this bleak weather!”

One of the largest Fourth of July events in the New York City area, the day-long celebration will include a flag raising ceremony, followed by the parade, evening entertainment at Veterans Field beginning at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks display at dusk. An estimated 30,000 people are expected to attend the festivities.

Pre-sale tickets for evening entertainment and fireworks (kids and adults) are $10 and can be found at various community offices, local businesses or purchased online. Tickets can also be purchased at the Veteran’s Field gates on July 4 for $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5-11. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning June 1.

Ridgewood has won “best parade” and “best fireworks” in the Best of Bergen poll from 201 Magazine for 11 years running. All aspects of the annual event are funded by donations from businesses and individuals in the surrounding community. For a list of volunteer ticket sellers, more information on how to support the tradition or to purchase tickets online, visitwww.RidgewoodJuly4th.com. Follow the celebration on Facebook for the latest updates from the committee.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration was born out of American ingenuity when, in 1910, local community groups joined forces to create a “safe and sane” July 4th holiday with an emphasis on community and patriotism. The event is organized and put on by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc., an all-volunteer organization.

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Graydon Pool Memberships and Aquatic Programs

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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 is 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. Preseason in-person assistance will be available at the Graydon Pool Badge Office (on-site at the pool) on Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, May 16, 10 am to 12 noon each date.

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.

Summer is fast approaching, so sign up now. For more information please call 201-670-5560.

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Larry Maxam: The real meaning of Memorial Day

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By Dennis McCarthy, LA Daily News

POSTED: 05/21/15, 6:28 PM PDT | UPDATED: 2 DAYS AGO

Larry Maxam was his name, and before we begin filling our propane tanks, roasting the hot dogs and cracking open a beer, I’d like to tell you his story.

Because, to me, he is the perfect face of Memorial Day. The guy we should all be thanking this weekend.

Sometimes we lose track of what Memorial Day is all about. It’s not a patriotic celebration of military might, but a remembrance of the 1 million plus casualties of all our wars who never made it home.

Most of them were still kids, really, like Maxam.

His buddies from Vietnam say he was a friendly, quiet guy who wore his Mormon religion on his sleeve right next to his corporal stripes.

“Other guys would go out, get rowdy, whatever, but not him,” says Larry Clinesmith, who shared a foxhole with Maxam. “He was quiet, always looking to help the new guys coming into the platoon.”

No one ever made the quiet kid from California as a hero.

The night he died, Feb. 2, 1968, Maxam was in charge of a fire team of four men protecting part of a defensive perimeter set up around the Cam Lo District Marine headquarters.

Sometime around midnight, the VC — Viet Cong — threw everything they had at the perimeter. Maxam spotted a hole in the defense where a large group of VC was gathering for a full frontal attack.

He got there before they could break through, set himself up behind an abandoned machine-gun placement, and began firing.

What happened next earns you the Medal of Honor.

https://www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/20150521/larry-maxam-the-real-meaning-of-memorial-day

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Ridgewood Bear Sighting !

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Bear Sighting

May 24, 2015
Dear E-Notice Residents,

The Ridgewood Police Department (RPD) has chased a bear up a tree on Highland Avenue. RPD is working with the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife to handle this situation appropriately.

The current approach is to continue to station officers with the bear until nighttime when we will wait for the bear to descend from the tree. We have decided to wait until nighttime as the area is abuzz with barbecues and activity and do not want this to be disrupted. We will have an RPD unit monitor the bear’s location as best as possible going forward.

To resolve this incident, the most important thing residents in the area can do is not to have garbage out (this bear was in our community to eat) and to take bird feeders in.

Going forward as a community we need collectively to take measures to discourage bears from wandering into Ridgewood. It is really imperative that garbage is secured – rifling through the garbage to find food is the primary reason that bears come into residential neighborhoods. The existence of bird feeders is also a problem and attracts wildlife such as bears. More information on bears and what residents can do can be found at the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website – www.njfishandwildlife.com.

Best regards,

Roberta Sonenfeld

Village Manager

201-670-5500, ext. 203

-PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS-