June 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to Councilmen Sedon the Village of Ridgewood shade tree nursery just had a new drip emitter system installed to water the nearly 150 thriving young trees at the recycling center. A special thanks goes out to Shade Tree Commissioner George Wolfson and Junior Shade Tree Commissioner Hunter Sedon for lending a hand to set it up with Parks Supervisor Dan Cramblitt.
photo Village of Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen
June 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, yes we have to admit it ,the new Maple Park Field looks beautiful! The returfed field is ready for play with the newest natural “soil” coconut infill!
As promised in mid May by Councilmen Ramone Hache who said ,according to the vendor, the production and shipping of the new turf is on schedule. In the meantime, crews will be working on the leveling of the sub base and conducting tests to ensure proper drainage. The replacement should be completed by early June.
In September it was recognized by the council the Maple Park turf field is in need of a major update , the Village did apply to Bergen County Open Space funding for the 50/50 matching grant to replace the turf at Maple Field. The Village plans to use Bergen County Open space funds, Village open space funds and money from the capital budget . The decision has been made to replace the 12 year old field due to is heavy use and deteriorated condition.
At the time resident Boyd Loving asked if the Village expected to receive any money from the class action suite filed against the manufacturing over the fields not living up to their expected life span? Village Attorney Matt Rogers explained that there were on going talks with Field Turf to defray costs of a replacement field and will be made public when negotiations are concluded
photo Hendrix at Woodstock
June 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, if you are thinking about “rocken out” at you next BBQ ,better make sure they band is done by 11pm . The Village Council on Wednesday night approved an amendment that adds one more thing to an ordinance banning nighttime noise , “band or music”.
Live bands have been added to the list of nuisances that are restricted after 11 p.m. Ridgewood has long had an ordinance banning nighttime noise, but it specified things like whistles, horns, stereos and ringing bells.
Some have interpreted the action as an attempt to shut down live music , while other see it as another way to control parties but the council seemed to be attempting to say neighbors should just mind their won business and butt out before 11 p.m.
Mayor Susan Knudsen , told North Jersey Media ,”This is to allow someone to hire a band without fear of having it shut down, up to a reasonable hour,”
In the past a phone call from an angry neighbor could have had the police shut down a party at any hour. Now, those guitar solos and pounding rhythms are allowed until 11 p.m.. After 11pm the music can’t be loud enough “to disturb the sleep of persons in the immediate vicinity.”
June 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee announces their 2018 celebration theme as “Rockin’ Ridgewood: Celebrating All-American Music.”
The 2018 theme aims to celebrate the impact of music on American culture throughout history and highlight the talents of many performers from our community.
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration ,Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Schedule of Events :
Flag Raising: 9:00 am – Wilsey Square
Speaker: Paul Felice
Recognition of Special Guest
Kasschau Memorial Band Shell Committee – Celebrating 60 years in Ridgewood!
Recognition of the Grand Marshall
Ridgewood Resident and Irish Tenor – Ciaran Sheehan
Demonstration by NJ Militia Heard’s Brigade
“To the Colors” performed by Sean Zuckerman
“The Star Spangled Banner” performed by Ciaran Sheehan
Parade begins 10:00 am (Rain or Shine) – South Monroe Street and Godwin Avenue: See the Parade route.
Evening Entertainment:
Gates open 6:00 pm – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
Live Entertainment: Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal & The Dad’s Night Band
50/50 drawing at 8:30pm
Approx. 9:15: National Anthem
Fireworks: Immediately following evening entertainment at dusk – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
June 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved a financing agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) which provides up to $600 million toward the construction of a new Portal Bridge. The commitment solidifies New Jersey’s local share of the project cost.
“We’re not going to kick the can down the road any longer,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The time is long overdue for a new Portal Bridge, which is the foundation of many commuter frustrations. The taxpayers of New Jersey deserve a transportation system which will drive the economy and reliably get them to jobs, schools, and recreation.”
“This funding is proof that Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT and the State of New Jersey are firmly committed to advancing this vital transportation infrastructure project,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “A better tomorrow for NJ TRANSIT starts today. Our customers have suffered far too long from the outdated, unreliable Portal Bridge. A new bridge can’t wait any longer.”
The resolution approved by the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorizes the Executive Director in consultation with the Board Chair to execute and deliver the funding agreement with the NJEDA. The EDA will issue up to $600 million in bonds which will be paid back over a 30-year term from the state Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). This same funding structure was utilized in 1999 for the construction of the River LINE light rail system.
BACKGROUND
The existing Portal Bridge, built in 1910, is a two-track, railroad swing-type drawbridge that spans the Hackensack River in New Jersey. The project will replace the existing two-track Portal Bridge with a new two-track fixed structure that will be approximately 2.33 miles long and will have a clearance that accommodates current and forecasted maritime traffic, which will eliminate the need for a moveable span that interrupts rail operations and results in delays due to mechanical failures. When built, the new Portal North Bridge will allow for a 10 percent increase in peak hour passenger capacity.
On July 14, 2016, NJ TRANSIT entered into the Project Development phase of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. The Preliminary Design Phase for construction of the new Portal North Bridge is complete and a Record of Decision was received from the FTA in July 2017. Early Work construction, including utility relocation and Right of Way acquisition is underway. NJ TRANSIT is the project sponsor for the new Portal North Bridge project.
In September 2017, NJ TRANSIT applied for CIG funding that, if approved by the FTA and received by NJ TRANSIT, would cover a share of all project costs. The board actions by NJ TRANSIT and NJEDA will support the application for CIG funds to move forward with an improved rating.
The new Portal North Bridge is fully designed and fully permitted.
June 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Vale NJ , Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi rolled out a list of what will happen if the state of New Jersey shuts down . In parenthesis we editorialized a look on the bright side .
1. All non essential state agencies such as DMV will be closed. Therefore if you need to register a vehicle or get a license renewed do so within the next 2 weeks.
2. Courts will close ( cant go to jail)
3. State beaches & parks may close ( visit the Hamptons )
4. Non essential state employees will be furloughed. (they get a summer vacation)
5. Non emergency road projects will stop. ( less traffic jams )
Statement from Governor (Tax Everything )Murphy on Budget Negotiations (Blame Christie )
“For the past eight years, Governor Christie cut irresponsible budget deals that weakened New Jersey’s economy and hurt our middle class, resulting in 11 credit downgrades. These budgets shortchanged permanent priorities like NJ TRANSIT and our public schools by resorting to short-term gimmicks.
“I refuse to do that. When it came to making the hard choices to fix our problems my predecessor kicked the can down the road – I won’t. New Jersey deserves a real budget that offers real solutions.
“I have a simple approach: Fix what’s broken and make sure that everyone is paying their fair share. New Jersey didn’t elect me to paper over problems with the same failed policies of the past.”
The real question raised by our friend Chris Rogers for the people of NJ:
Will Chris Christie still be able to use the state owned beach house?
June 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, The New Jersey Department of Health is working with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several other states on an outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka associated with Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal.
As of June 14, 2018; 73 people have been infected from 31 states. NJ currently has three confirmed cases associated with this outbreak, one each in Bergen, Mercer and Gloucester. Thirty (77%) of 39 people interviewed reported eating cold cereal and 14 people specifically reported eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. New Jersey cases interviewed so far did not report consuming the product. Additional details on this outbreak can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Mbandaka-06-18/index.html
On June 14, 2018, the Kellogg Company recalled 15.3 oz. and 23 oz. packages of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal that have a “best if used by” date from June 14, 2018 through June 14, 2019. The recalled products were distributed across the United States as well as in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan. Consumers are being advised to not eat any of the recalled Honey Smacks cereal even if no one got sick and to throw the rest away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Any containers that the cereal was stored in should be washed with warm, soapy water before re-using. Additional details on the recall can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm610815.htm
June 15,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The US Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey is advising the public to be aware of a debt collection email and telephone scam in which individuals posing as law enforcement agents or government officials attempt to collect non-existent “debts”. Victims who receive these emails and telephone calls have been threatened with incarceration if funds are not wired and debts are not collected.
Victims have reported receiving emails and phone calls purporting to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office directing them to contact a “Justice Department Officer” to arrange payment of their fine or debt. The callers have sometimes had sensitive identifying information, including social security numbers, of the victims they were calling. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that law enforcement agents and government officers do not threaten to arrest or prosecute people for unpaid debts or fines, and do not communicate in this manner via email or telephone. A real employee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office would never contact you by phone or email to demand payment of a debt.
If you receive a phone call or email from someone purporting to be a representative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office asking for money, please report the call or email to the U.S. Attorney’s Office (973) 645-2700, or local law enforcement officials. In addition, please be cautious about providing any personal information (names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers) to anyone who calls or emails you because it could result in identity theft.
In 2006 bees started disappearing. Beekeepers reported to losing up to 90% of their beehives. And no one knew why. Nearly every news outlet raised the alarm, warning of an imminent beepocalypse that would devastate our food supply. But while alarm bells rang, things turned around. And bee colonies are now at a 20 year high. How did we get the beepocalypse so… wrong?
file photo by Boyd Loving
June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Connecticut has the third-worst credit rating in the country, and its deficit has reached nearly $5 billion. According to a 2017 estimate by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Nutmeg State only has $240 million in its ‘rainy day fund’—only five states have a smaller cushion.
Connecticut like New Jersey has hemorrhaged corporations under two-term Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy, who announced he would not seek re-election this November. Insurance giant Aetna, which was based in the state’s capital since 1853, moved in January to New York City. And General Electric left its headquarters in Fairfield in 2016 after more than 40 years.
June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ramapo Senior pitcher Jerry D’Andrea has signed a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
D’Andrea a Ridgewood native was a four-year member of the Roadrunner team who recently graduated from the College with a degree in Environmental Science. Plans have changed as the 2018 captain will join fellow Roadrunner Cory Heitler with the Reds organization.
During his career at Ramapo, D’Andrea pitched over 188 innings in 50 appearances. He collected a 2.77 career ERA while striking out 176 batters. He collected 13 wins and pitched four complete games facing 822 batters. His name appears numerous times on the all-time records list as he is in the top ten for strikeouts in a season, career strikeouts, innings pitched in a season, and career appearances. He sits at #1 on the all-time list for career saves with ten.
He was awarded NJAC 1st Team All-Conference, D3baseball.com All-Region 2nd Team, and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region 2nd Team during his career and managed a 3.0 GPA .
June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood native Anne Donovan, the Basketball Hall of Famer who won a national championship at Old Dominion, two Olympic gold medals in the 1980s and coached the U.S. to gold in 2008, died Wednesday of heart failure at the age of 56.
Donovan grew up in Ridgewood , played at Paramus Catholic where she became Bergen County’s all-time leading Basketball scorer.
Donovan’s family confirmed the death in a statement :
“While it is extremely difficult to express how devastating it is to lose Anne, our family remains so very grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful human being,” the statement said. “Anne touched many lives as a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and coach. Anne was a person with strong faith, courageous spirit, a giving heart and love for everyone,” her family’s statement continued. “We are so proud of her accomplishments as a women’s’ basketball player and coach, but even more proud of her character, integrity, humility and kindness.”
photo courtesy of Village Council
June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, once again the Village of Ridgewood became a “Bee City ” . At last nights Village Council meeting the council read a proclamation proclaiming the third week of June as , national Pollinator Week .
Bee City USA fosters ongoing dialogue in urban areas to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in our communities and what each of us can do to provide them with healthy habitat.
The Bee City USA program endorses a set of commitments, defined in a resolution, for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet.
June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In a continuing effort to improve the customer experience, NJ TRANSIT is taking steps to modernize the fare payment system and offer additional payment options. The proposed upgrades seek to reduce cash and paper-based tickets while providing customers with quick, easy and convenient ways to pay.
“Improving the customer experience has been at the top of my priority list,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “Giving customers the ability to utilize the latest technology to pay fares offers a major convenience to them and multiple benefits including easier payment options, speeding up boarding and making our collection systems more efficient and up to date.”
A contract renewal approved by the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors earlier this year with Conduent Transport Solutions Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey, includes provisions to accept mobile payments, open bank cards and a NJ TRANSIT fare card.
The contract allows NJ TRANSIT and Conduent to develop the future of fare payment systems within the NJ TRANSIT system including:
The acceptance of mobile payments and open contactless bank cards.
A new contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card with options to add cash value to the card at local retailers.
Customer account management through the NJ TRANSIT App or online.
Installation of more than 2,500 validators on the bus fleet and on light rail platforms to accept the contactless fare card, mobile payments and barcodes.
Upgrades to TVMs, ticket office machines and the MyTix sales feature of the Mobile App.
These emerging technologies will incorporate an account based system where customers can manage their account, view ride and ticket history, check balances and add value. Customers who do not have access to mobile payments or contactless bank cards, will achieve the same level of convenience using a contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card. As a result, all customers will experience greater convenience with a tap and ride feel.
The current electronic ticketing through the Mobile App will continue to be used, upgraded and expanded. The contactless fare card is a great option for our cash customers and would be a complement to the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, MyTix ticketing.
June 13,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, For a fifth consecutive year, The Valley Hospital has been named a Women’s Choice Award® recipient as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care, acknowledging Valley’s dedication to providing exceptional patient care and cancer treatment care for women and their families.
Valley is one of only 452 hospitals nationwide that have earned the 2018 Women’s Choice Award® by meeting the highest cancer care accreditation standards of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, demonstrating excellence in clinical performance with regard to patient safety measures, and having a high recommendation rate.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals for cancer care for the fifth consecutive year,” said Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System. “Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, a partnership between The Valley Hospital and Mount Sinai Health System, continues to develop new and enhanced inpatient and outpatient services. This award affirms our ability to consistently deliver compassionate, world-class cancer care to our patients within the scope of a wider, integrated network.”
To be considered for the award, a hospital must be designated by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Classification (ACS CoC) as one of four specific types of cancer programs. The Women’s Choice Award measures hospitals on the presence of specific cancer-related services offered onsite, infection rates and patient recommendation ratings on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The award is unique in that criteria also include primary research about women’s healthcare preferences.
Delia Passi, Founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, emphasized that Valley and all other hospital and facility recipients of this 2018 recognition deliver on the care that matters most to women. “In addition to our award winners’ high-level performance on a national level, they provide the care that women value most, including easily accessible services onsite to avoid multiple trips for their treatment, which is so important to women faced with a cancer diagnosis,” stated Passi.
