May 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, I can’t imagine there being much else to do on this rainy Saturday, so why not stop by the big multi-family garage sale at the Ridgewood Co-op and brighten a gloomy day by getting great deals on kids’ toys, gear, clothes, games, books, housewares and more—plus you’ll be supporting the Ridgewood Co-op!
The sale runs from 9 AM – 3 PM, despite the crummy weather! Address is: 100 Dayton Street, right in town.
May 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a coalition organized as the New Jersey Coalition for Diverse and Inclusive Schools, including the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and the Latino Action Network, and Shiloh Baptist Church, the African American Chamber of Commerce and others, decried the existing, still unrectified educational divide in this state and have filed a lawsuit to force integration in New Jersey Schools.
The groups filed the suit yesterday on the 64th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v Board of Education decision, which ruled school segregation unconstitutional. They argue that New Jersey’s segregated school system violates the state constitution and ask the court to stop the further assignment of students solely on the basis of residency. They also ask that the Legislature and education commissioner be ordered to devise a different system for placing students in schools. It is the first lawsuit challenging statewide school segregation filed anywhere in the nation in more than a half century.
The suit is highly critical of the state oversight of charter schools, alleging that segregation in these schools occurs not only because they are predominantly located in communities with large minority populations, but also “results from the failure of the State Commissioner of Education to perform his statutory and regulatory duties.”
The state’s largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, also backs the effort.
“New Jersey’s public schools are as segregated by race and poverty today as they were in 1954,” said Ryan P. Haygood, President and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. “Sixty-four years after Brown, we have important promises to keep and still others to make to New Jersey’s students. This case is about finally making good on our promises.”
Haygood noted that the state’s racial diversity and racial segregation, in combination with its extreme wealth and punishing poverty, has fostered some of the fiercest segregation by race, ethnicity, and poverty in this country:
The median net worth for New Jersey’s white families is $271,402—the highest in America.
The median net worth for New Jersey’s Hispanic and Black families is just $7,020 and $5,900, respectively, together totaling less than 5 percent of the net worth of white families in the state.
Of the approximately 585,000 Black and Latino public school students in New Jersey, 63% of them attend schools that are more than 75% non-white.
Nearly half of all Black and Latino public school students attend schools that are more than 90% non-white.
More than 40 percent of white students attend schools that are at least 75% white.
“New Jersey cannot fulfill the promise of Brown, or the promise owed to our kids, without this lawsuit,” said Haygood. “No amount of good will, well wishes, or optimism will accomplish the systemic relief and fundamental transformation that is required. Integration is possible, it is necessary, and it is long overdue.”
https://www.gnjumc.org/2018-annual-conference/segregation-in-new-jersey-schools/nj-coalition-for-diverse-and-inclusive-schools-njcdis/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/17/nyregion/new-jersey-school-segregation-suit.html
I have lived in NJ all my life and am self employed. My business is not limited to this state, and most of it is in other states. When I discuss the taxes and anti business attitudes of this blue state, they always wonder how anyone can survive and prosper here. I explain to them how our politicians are owned by the unions, and they hand out big salaries pensions and medical benefits that are unsustainable . They chased most of the folks out of the state who had disposable income with the estate tax. Despite it being changed to concur with federal tax amounts, it’s still unfair because unless you give money to a spouse or child, it’s taxable. I will bequeath my $$$$ to nieces and nephews , and the only way nnj can’t tax me is if I change my residence to Florida (which I will)
When the state is run by elected officials who have never run a business they are clueless. Prieto is a building inspection official , Sarlo is employed by the biggest highway contractor (beneficiary of tax $$) and Sweeney is a union steelwork. Granny Weinberg thought she was the smartest one in the room and invested her money with Bernie madoff. That explains the state finances
I think it is too late for NJ to recover and our house will be on the market very soon. NJ offers a lot to people who have good paying jobs but the high taxes just don’t make sense unless you are using the public school system. The debt burden is out of control and while It is not right that the state has not contributed to the public pension system, the public pension system needs an overhaul. Those promises and deals the union struck were unsustainable in the long run. Begin by eliminating the pension abuse of padding in the final years, payouts for unused sick time and eliminating eligibility for part time employees. Long gone are the days when public employees’salaries where lower to compensate for delayed remuneration in the form of a generous defined pension and medical benefits.
May 18,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Join Pro Arte in the last concert of the season, and the last concert with 2017 Grammy nominated Maestro Steven Fox. “Masters of Baroque” – Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel Coronation Anthems. This will be a spectacular concert featuring members of Clarion Orchestra, NYC, and Soloists Esteli Gomez and Mikki Sodergren. Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event, or discounted tickets online: www.proartechorale.tix.com
For more info www.proartechorale.org or 201-497-8400.
June 3, 4pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood NJ
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, 2018 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards – The Dedicated Life honoring Isabella Altano, recipient 2018 Preservation Leadership Award, posthumously. Isabella worked tirelessly to save the historic Zabriskie-Schedler Jersey Dutch framed house.
“Isabella Cirilli Altano, 63, Ridgewood, New Jersey. Born in Molfetta, Italy, she came to America in 1969 at 15, settling in Jersey City, where she met her future husband, Brian Altano. The couple has been married for 39 years. Isabella earned an A.A. from Bergen Community College (B.C.C.), a B.A. from Columbia University, and a Masters in Architecture from Pratt Institute. She practiced architecture in Bergen County, specializing in educational facilities and hospitals. She was also an adjunct professor of Design at B.C.C., where she taught for 20 years. An indefatigable community activist, she spearheaded the drive to preserve the Zabriskie Schedler House in Ridgewood and have a park constructed on the property. She was also on the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Bergen County and a member of the Ridgewood Planning Board and the town’s historic commission.”
Early (Dec. 2016) detection, and accurate characterization, on this blog, of the early stages of Voigt’s politically-motivated demonization of Knudsen and Sedon prepared Ridgewood for what was to come during this past campaign. Subequent exposure by this blog of the coordinated plans and behavior of Voigt, the three amigos (plus Sonnenfeld), Vagianos, and the others mentioned, ensured that Ridgewood residents would stay “in the know” and avoid the enormous mistake of voting for Harwin or Willett. THAT SAID: Absent the salutory intervention ofTheRidgewoodBlog.com, radical progressive tactics would have been successful in deforming Ridgewood’s local political scene and Voigt would now be planning to enjoy his upcoming stint as our mayor. We are really very lucky that free speech is prevailing here. Don’t take it for granted.
May 18,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood Health Department would like to remind residents that 2018 dog license renewals are due during the month of June. A $20 late fee will be charged for all renewals received after June 30, 2018.
The Ridgewood FREE dog rabies clinic and micro chipping event will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Graydon Pool Parking Lot on Northern Parkway.
The health department will be sending renewals notices via email. If you do not have an email address please call our office and request a renewal to be mailed to you.
Renewal applications may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.ridgewoodnj.net or coming in person to the Ridgewood Health Department, 131 North Maple Ave. The office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please call 201 670-5500 ext. 502 with questions.
New Jersey law requires owners of all dogs seven months of age or older to be registered with the town where they live. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination does not expire before May 1, 2019. To receive the discount for a spayed or neutered pet, proof must also be provided.
Village of Ridgewood
Health Department
131 N. Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Ridgewood to Hold Dog Rabies Clinic and Micro Chipping Event
Wednesday, May 23rd
If a council member does not complete his or her four-year term, the four remaining council members may appoint someone to take his or her place. Then, at the next regularly scheduled village council election, the appointed person may run or not.
This is very unusual but it happened only 8 years ago when Annie Zusy (elected in 2008) died in June 2010 after less than two years in office. The council was entitled to appoint a new council member but decided for various reasons to wait until the general election that November, when the slate of anyone who wished to run for village council (and fulfilled all requirements) could be added to the (already jammed) ballot. That election was expected to attract more voters than the usual village council election because it included a representative to the House (Garrett was reelected to District 5 by almost 2 to 1) .
The village council spent the intervening months with four council members. In November 2010, Stephen Wellinghorst was elected to complete Annie’s term, which he began immediately. When Zusy’s four-year term ran out in mid-2012, Wellinghorst could have run for reelection, but to the surprise of many, he didn’t.
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
may 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A Subaru parked on Katherine Road in Ridgewood was a casualty of Tuesday afternoon’s wind and rain storm. A PSE&G trouble shooter had disconnected power to this area moments before these photos were taken.
Ridgewood Police Department ,”There are numerous locations in town with trees and power lines down. Treat all wires as if they are live and stay away. To report a power outage call PSEG 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). “
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police took the adult female driver of a red colored, 4-door, Ford Fusion into custody for suspected DUI after a Maltbie Avenue, Ridgewood resident called 911 to report a vehicle had driven into his driveway and struck his unoccupied/parked car on Wednesday afternoon, 05/16. Midland Park Police assisted Ridgewood officers with the investigation and arrest. As the home’s residents watched from their front lawn, a flatbed tow truck removed the suspect’s seemingly undamaged car from the driveway and took it to an impound facility. No injuries were reported in the incident.
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood police department ,the Touch a Truck event scheduled for today 5/17/18 at Van Neste Square Park has been cancelled to do inclement weather. There is no rain date at this time.
The Touch a Truck event was scheduled to take place from 9am to 2pm .
The dog rabies clinic and micro chipping event scheduled for yesterday 5/16/18 at Graydon pool parking lot was postponed due to weather.
As soon as we know the new dates or any information we will pass it on .
May 16, 2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, An Appellate Court ruled today that the right to request records under the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is not limited to New Jersey residents. The ruling upheld a lower court opinion in Burlington County and reversed lower courts in Cape May and Atlantic Counties. The three cases were consolidated for the purpose of the Appellate Court’s review.
An excerpt from the 5/16/2018 Appellate Court opinion:
“We conclude that the reference to “citizens” — found in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and nowhere else in OPRA — expresses the Legislature’s general intent to make New Jersey government records open to the public, rather than expressing an intent to limit access to only New Jersey residents or domiciliaries. Because the more specific provisions of OPRA refer to “any person,” and because OPRA is to be construed broadly to achieve the Legislature’s over-arching goal of making public records freely available, we conclude that the right to request records under OPRA is not limited to “citizens” of New Jersey.”
Today’s Appellate Court ruling has statewide application. See NJFOG’s website here for background.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho Ho Kus NJ, Numerous summonses were issued to the driver and registered owner of a tractor trailer that got stuck on the Glenwood Road, Ridgewood hill leading up from the Ho-Ho-Kus train station on Wednesday afternoon, 05/16. Police officers from Ho-Ho-Kus Police, Ridgewood Police, and NJ Transit Police were dispatched to the incident. The truck was finally freed from its predicament when a heavy duty tow truck winched it up the hill. Motor vehicle traffic was rerouted until the roadway was clear.
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Anyone interested in running to serve on the Ridgewood Board of Education? Currently the school budget is over $110 million and makes up the majority of the Village of Ridgewood’s property taxes.
Last contested Ridgewood School Board election was in 2012.
If you are considering serving on your school board, take advantage of NJSBA’s online briefings that provide details about the responsibilities of serving on a local board of education. NJSBA’s online briefings include three videos that address leadership, legal issues, and the role of a board member. Candidates can also listen to a recorded online radio broadcast, “What Board Members Need to Know When They’re Elected.”
July 30 4 p.m. is the deadline for candidates to file nominating petitions with the county clerk.
Nov 6 Annual School Election NOTE: Board members must undergo criminal history record checks through the New Jersey Department of Education within 30 days of election or appointment.
https://www.njsba.org/about/membership/membership-school-board-members/school-board-candidacy/
