Ridgewood NJ, Proving that you just never know where or when you might stumble upon a juicy tidbit, two of our associates stumbled upon one of those can you believe this bits of information while walking together around Vets Field at lunchtime recently. A contractor was repairing the lawn sprinkler system where the walking path exits to Graydon Pool and when our associates stopped to ask what was broken they got quite an earful. Seems according to the contractor that someone forgot to add compressed air to bleed the system of water prior to last winter which resulted in water freezing and breaking several sprinkler heads. How many thousands will this cost residents to fix? Anyone being kicked in the ass for this or is it just business as usual with no one being held accountable.
So you have this guy, Jeff Voigt. He came sort of out of nowhere and he seemed like a reasonable guy. And he went up against Aronsohn and company at a council meeting, losing his temper with them about attending that fundraiser for Chris Cristie. Wow, he really seemed like a reasonable guy. So people got on board with him and spent money and sweat equity to help him get elected. There were a couple of hints along the campaign route that might have tipped us that he is unstable, but not enough to be noticeable. He tried to commandeer the League of Women Voters candidates night, being somewhat heavy handed. But no one took him to task for this. He even joined in the campaign to stop the big garage, collecting signatures along with the commoners. And so he got elected along with Hache and Walsh. And then at the reorganization meeting, the very first meeting of the “new” council, Voigt got really aggressive and tried to run the meeting. Tried to over-run the meeting, actually. This continued, with him being large and in charge and downright obnoxious at the council meetings. And it got worse. He screamed at Heather Mailander one night in a meeting, shouting as he stood over her “I”M F@#*ING PISSED.” Wow, that was scary. Some suggested that Heather should press charges against him, but she declined. Then he was seen yelling at various citizens who disagreed. with him. Then he started in with taking citizens to court for filing OPRA requests. This has happened FIVE times that we know of, yes FIVE times he has taken someone to court in Hackensack because he did not like the fact that they filed LEGAL Open Public Records Act requests. Tying up the courts, taxpayer money, citizens’ time. All for no reason, simply because he does not like anyone looking at his business communications. He has been told by a judge at least FIVE times that there is nothing illegal or harassing about a citizen filing a records request. Then he spoke loudly into the microphone one night at a public meeting and referred to someone as a DOUCHEBAG, for all to hear. Then he was heard calling a citizen a FAT #$%@. And there is word that he got into a road-rage incident with a citizen, and there are rumblings of various other really inappropriate actions. So he is in a questionable relationship with the local paper? No surprise at all. He is constantly head to head with the reporter from The Record, feeding him his own line of BS, which the reporter is happy to take because, let’s face it, it is easier for the reporter to have material spoon-fed to him (even if it is totally slanted crap) than to actually research an article himself. Jeff Voigt is a major failure as an elected official. Major, major failure. If the rumors of a recall action are true, there will be a few thousand supportive signatures within a week.
WASHINGTON DC, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storm and snowstorm from March 6-8, 2018.
Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storm and snowstorm in the counties of Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic and Somerset.
In addition, federal funding is available to the state, tribal, and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in the counties of Bergen and Morris.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures throughout the state.
Lai Sun Yee has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lai Sun Yee said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
# # #
FEDERAL AID PROGRAMS FOR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Donald J. Trump’s disaster declaration issued for the state of New Jersey.
Assistance for State, Tribal, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:
· Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
· Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
· Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:
Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.twitter.com/femaspox, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Brock Long’s activities at www.twitter.com/fema_brock.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will be holding their 91st Annual Installation, Membership, Networking and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 at 6:00pm.
*Dinner and Cash Bar included
Please RSVP by June 8th, 2018 to [email protected] or contact us at (201)445-2600
Tue, June 12, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Park West Tavern and Loft, 30 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Cost: $45.00
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department reminds you that June is healthy homes month. In the U.S. today, people spend close to 90% of their time indoors. National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM), created by HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), is an outreach campaign designed to help people connect the dots between their health and their home. This year’s overarching theme “Check Your Home; Protect Your Family”, was chosen to create awareness of what it means to have a healthy home by educating families of the importance of assessing ones home for potential health hazards; and to empower people to make change in order to create the healthiest home possible for their family.
Currently, millions of U.S. homes have moderate to severe physical housing problems, including dilapidated structure; roofing problems; heating, plumbing, and electrical deficiencies; water leaks and intrusion; pests; damaged paint; and high radon gas levels. These conditions are associated with a wide range of health issues, including unintentional injuries, respiratory illnesses like asthma and radon-induced lung cancer, and lead poisoning. The health and economic burdens from preventable hazards associated within home are considerable, and cost billions of dollars.
National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM) was established to focus national attention on ways to keep people of all ages safe and healthy in their home. It is aimed at boosting awareness and understanding of what federal and local resources are available. The events planned throughout the month will serve as a public communications campaign to promote awareness and advocacy, encourage local events, and provide resources and support to drive families to take action.
This year’s theme, Unlocking the Potential of America’s Children: Check Your Home-Protect Your Family focuses on the opportunity to protect current and future generations of children from the exposures to lead from contaminated paint, dust and soil; through the importance of home assessments and the impact it has on your health.
During NHHM, we aim to:
1. Raise awareness of the importance of home assessments and their impact on health;
2. Educate the public about free, local resources available; and
3. Encourage implementation of local activities and events in target communities.
The OLHCHH developed a 2018 National Healthy Homes Month Digital Resource Toolkit; which contains many online, digital resources and materials, to assist with building awareness and implementation at the local level. Visit their website at www.hud.gov/healthyhomes to download the toolkit.
For more information on National Healthy Homes Month 2018, please visit www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.
Ridgewood NJ, from the Ridgewood Historical Society, “Button, button. Who’s got the button?” We’re hoping YOU do! Here’s an opportunity to clean out your button drawer/jar/box! Did you know that during the 19th century, children would collect buttons as keepsakes? Sort of like collecting pins and badges at Disney parks today. One of the activities our docents do with wee visitors to the Schoolhouse is a button stringing craft. But our supply is rapidly diminishing. If you have any old buttons lying around – and we mean OLD – the older the better! – we would love to take them off your hands! Bonus points if they’re not black or white! You can drop off at the Schoolhouse Thursdays or Saturdays, 1-3, or Sundays 2-4, or by appointment, if necessary. TIA for your help!
The Ridgewood Historical Society is housed in a one-room schoolhouse at 650 East Glen Avenue in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The schoolhouse was built in 1872 and was an operational school until 1905. It now serves as a museum of historic artifacts and is maintained by the Ridgewood Historical Society. Formerly District School No. 45, the Museum features exhibits that emphasize the historic Saddle River Valley area in the 18th and 19th centuries, an area that was primarily Dutch when first settled.
Please visit our website for more information and to donate:
Days/times open:
Thursday and Saturday.: 1pm to 3pm
Sunday: 2pm to 4pm
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation will be hosting a Clambake ,Saturday, June 16th at 7:00pm at the Ridgewood Country Club, 96 W. Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.
The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation will kick off summer with a twist on the classic clambake, hosted at Ridgewood Country Club. Guests will enjoy an open bar, clambake dinner, entertainment and live auction.
Proceeds from this event will fulfill technology, MakerSpace and special needs of the Ridgewood Library, as well as, continue to fund the Foundation Endowment, ensuring the future needs of the Ridgewood Public Library.
The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation
125 North Maple Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone: 201-670-5609 [email protected]
If you’re looking for something fun to do this June please consider taking a free, guided, themed, walking tour with Ridgewood Walks.
Our Step Into Summer campaign is in full swing and we’re having a ball.
Local Ambassadors have created fascinating and fun tours for you to enjoy.
Sign up for one today! www.RidgewoodWalks.com
Check frequently as new tours will be added throughout the month.
You can learn more here. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.northjersey.com/amp/685367002
Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood will be holding an open house for the public on June 11, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room, on the 4th floor of Ridgewood Village Hall to present information about the Hudson Street parking garage. Representatives from EPIC Management (developer), Tim Haahs (architects for design and structural elements), Bohler Engineering (Civil Engineers), and Robert Rooney (Village CFO) will be available in an informal setting to provide additional information and answer questions from the public about the Hudson Street parking garage.
We encourage Ridgewood residents, as well as business owners and those who work in the Central Business District, to attend this open house to learn more about this exciting project.
I’m sure most of us are aware that Harwin did her campaigning and coffees alone. (Or with Paul by her side.) Willet was obviously dragged in because the opposition couldn’t find anyone who would both volunteer for Aronson’s campaign and also do it happily. It was fairly obvious that Willett was dragged kicking and screaming to run. She stayed out of sight and action as much as she could possibly get by with. We didn’t agree with her actions while on the previous Council but she was obviously just a place holder so that others actions could be accomplished through her. We didn’t want her on the Council and she didn’t want to be there. So, please think twice when you include her in Harwin’s campaign. I’m sure she didn’t like her pronouncements any more than we did. I am fully prepared for the terminology that will be directed towards me but I still think Willett really didn’t want to be there. You have to admit, there was a definite lack of willing supporters of the old regimes’ plans.
Ridgewood NJ, the group Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey asks ,Have you attended your local school district’s finance meetings or reviewed your board of education’s budget for next year? If not, you may want to pay closer attention. On average, the largest portion of your property tax bill goes toward educational costs, meaning that your local school districts play a significant role in the amount of property taxes you pay annually.
In 2017, per student spending in NJ averaged $20,385 (14 of the most expensive school districts exceeded $30,000 p/p): fairpropertytaxesforallnewjersey.com
Ridgewood NJ, Fun morning with Ridgewood (Ridge School) third grade students touring Village Hall, Police Department, and learning about Village Government. The Ridge third graders met Mayor Susan Knudsen .
Ridgewood NJ, Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever today 10am – 3pm at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School. Join the fun in support of important medical research for cures and better treatments of pediatric cancer and Type 1 Diabetes. Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever helps provide opportunities that enable families with ill children to enjoy a ‘Best Day Ever’.
Inspired by Michael’s amazing attitude and positive outlook, we established Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever, Inc. in Michael’s memory. Our mission is to provide opportunities that enable families with ill children to enjoy a “Best Day Ever”. With your assistance, we hope to achieve this goal by: Giving experiences that bring happiness to these children and their families, funding important medical research for cures and better treatments in the pediatric cancer and Type 1 Diabetes arenas, and by creating much needed childhood disease awareness.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report A West Islip, N.Y. resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to sign complaints for two incidents in the past on June 6th. The person reported he was assaulted in the Village of Ridgewood while working at the Maple Field on May 22nd and May 31st by a co-worker. The reporting party completed an affidavit of probable cause and signed a criminal complaint which was then forwarded to the Ridgewood Municipal Court for review.
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment, The Ridgewood Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees, The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board (this member must have a child in the Ridgewood School system), and the Shade Tree Commission.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.
The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. The member position open is for a resident with children in the Ridgewood school system.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website by clicking on “Forms”, then clicking on Page 2, and then clicking on “Village Clerk”), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) or committee(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
