A late speaker at the 2nd session of public comment at the recent Board of Ed spoke of some ‘adults” cyberbullying. If this is true, it would be hypocrisy at its worst and perhaps they should be held accountable if their clear intent was to defame, especially since the question of who actually bullied who leading up to this fight is still being determined by the authorities. High time for some ‘adults” to walk their talk and teach their kids how to respect due process.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving
November 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Department Chief Jacqueline Luthcke presented Certificates of Appreciation from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to Patrol Officers Michael Karcher and Kyle Monton during a meeting of the Ridgewood Village Council held on Wednesday, 11/08. Officers Karcher and Monton led the Ridgewood PD in the number of drunk driving arrests during a recent designated crackdown period. Karcher joined the force late in 2013; Monton has been on the job only since early 2016. Message to all: DON’T DRINK AND THEN DRIVE THROUGH RIDGEWOOD.
You say: “That is not why I voted for him though. I am always willing to pay a little more as long as there are children in this state going to bed hungry every night.” You either are joking or are super naive. How is Murphy better than Guadagno or Christie with regards to poverty? Do you really think handouts work well for the poor? You have never tasted socialism. I come from such a country and it sucks, BADLY. I hope you or your kids don’t get to see it for yourself. You can’t erase poverty by forcefully taking $$ from one side and giving it to the poorer side. Doesn’t work. It only makes it worse for both sides and in the end nobody is better off. By the time you realize it didn’t work all has gone to ruins. To me it seems like people are bored with what they have and want to experiment. Good luck with that.
Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page
November 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The driver of a paramedic vehicle owned by The Valley Hospital accidentally pulled away from a gas pump while the vehicle was being fueled at an Exxon station in Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 11/08. The fuel pump’s hose was ripped away in the mishap, but no fuel was spilled. Ridgewood Fire Department responded as a precaution and Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Raymond Tarino gathered the necessary details in connection with submitting a property damage report. No injuries were reported.
I posted this on the election results topic but also bringing it here because I am very curious:
So Murphy gets 17% more votes than Guadagno in Ridgewood. I just can’t understand for the life of me how people who have a great town (compared to many other areas in NJ) vote so overwhelmingly for someone who promises to basically turn NJ upside down with the sanctuary and “fairer state” promises!!!! I mean this guy basically says I will raise your taxes, I will surround you with illegal emigrants and low income people and I will make you pay for them and in the process I will lower your property value and badly damage your quality of life. How do you vote for him????? How can white, rich people who make their $$$$ in capitalism vote for a socialist?? I understand his promises are very appealing to Paterson, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Clifton etc. but I just don’t get where the appeal is for Ridgewood?? I know many voted against Christie but Christie wasn’t even on the ballot.
Anybody cares to chip in? I am speechless.
November 8,2017
Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen
Ridgewood NJ, Please use the links to access meeting agendas for tonight’s Village Council meeting: https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/…/1622-20171108-village-council-…
Also, tonight the Ridgewood League of Women Voters is hosting a forum about transparency in government. Walter Luers of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government will speak about the fundamentals of the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) and Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
As an elected member of the Ridgewood Village Governing Body, and as a member of the Ridgewood League of Women Voters, I can’t stress enough the importance of transparency in government. Openness, accountability, and honesty define government transparency. Transparency is government’s obligation to share information with citizens. It is at the heart of how citizens hold their public officials accountable!
6:00pm LWV OPMA OPRA FORUM
7:30pmVillage Council Special Public Meeting
8:00pm Village Council Regular Public Meeting
It will be a long night for some of us
November 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 8th @ 6:00pm Former Player for The New York Knicks, BERNARD KING, will sign his new book: Game Face ($27.00).
Click to preorder: www.mkt.com/bookends
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed,
we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.
We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
last pic of the Titanic 1912
In the words of renown local landscape architect James Rose , “the problem is you live here “
November 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, 2017 General Election Results by District for Ridgewood : https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/images/Ridgewood/Departments/Clerk/GEN2017.pdf
While “high taxes” and “opioid crisis” where the key issues, residents voted in overwhelming numbers for the person or persons who promised to raise taxes on everything and create a sanctuary state. From yesterday results it does appear the state has committed fiscal suicide .
file photo by Boyd Loving
Dr. Gorman’s letter is even wordier than Fishbein’s letter but essentially the same.
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I guess the Ridgewood Schools administrators just can’t help themselves… they must feel compelled to paint with a broad brush and send a message blaming all of the students and the parents and everyone else rather than focusing on the small number of “offenders” (instigators, participants, recorders, watchers) by sending a positive message of “bad apples don’t spoil the bunch”.
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I guess if the only tool you have is a broad brush then every problem is treated as a whitewash of communal blame.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Now that Murphy won I hope he will help us build a garage and add more housing for the illegals. Ridgewood needs to share the burden of the sanctuary state. This town is too white and racist. Please Mr. Murphy , use all your support in Ridgewood so we can get on with the program. Can’t wait to see guys with pants below their buttcrack roaming around.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Let me preface by saying what happened to this boy is extremely sad. Nobody should ever have to experience what he is going through.
Every single day we see bullying happening. Whether it is the current over protective idea of bullying or straight up bullying – this isn’t a new thing. Almost everyone on this site “bullies” other commenters on a daily basis, parents are bullying other parents on the Ridgewood Facebook group, other towns are bullying Ridgewood residents on social media by associating every Ridgewood resident with this incident and worse, grown adults are bullying the one who threw the punches to the extent of wishing the worst upon him without knowing the full story.
I’ve seen the expression “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” when referring to the boy who threw punches numerous times. Why don’t we take a minute to stop and think about his parents, about his siblings, his teammates, coaches, etc. People who were ultimately shaping this boys life up until this moment. How dare we point fingers i’m sure i’m not the only one who feels as if I’ve let loved ones down on more than one occasion and wish they didn’t have to deal with the consequences of my own actions. Our children see everything, they hear everything, and even mimic most things (whether we want to believe it or not). The behavior that is going on in this town on all sides is baffling and embarrassing. Words being thrown around, parents who don’t even have children in the school system pointing fingers because they want to be involved, gossiping everywhere like it’s a recreational game of telephone and we’re letting our children think this is appropriate behavior.
As for our children- what are we teaching them? That a girl who sent inappropriate pictures (doesn’t matter to who)is having her honor defended? Because that has got put on the back burner. To believe That one side and only one side only is completely innocent should be assumed bible? Yes violence should not have been involved. 1000%. But let’s all take a second to band together as a community and realize that yelling and accusing isn’t getting us anyone. Let’s take a day to not judge another parent, another child, another administrator.
I’ challenge all of you…let’s try to help each other, lift one another up. Put our trust in the justice system. Go a Day…maybe two with trying to see positive instead of negative. Go a day without checking every social media for the latest town gossip and basing our opinions off one side of the story. We will not get anywhere with the way things are going now. The children of this community are counting on each of us.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page
November 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A major leak in a high pressure gas main forced the entire closure of a portion of East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood on Tuesday evening, 11/07. Ridgewood Fire Department , Police, and Emergency Services personnel responded to the incident. East Ridgewood Avenue was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic between Brookside Avenue and North/South Irving Street, and was expected to remain closed for an extended period until PSE&G crews finished repairs. At this time it is not know whether nearby work on the installation of a new water main is connected in any way with the gas main leak.The gas was venting in the open air and there were no residents evacuated .
photo by Boyd Loving
Village Council Regular Public Meeting
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2017
8:00 P.M.
Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
Acceptance of Financial Reports
Approval of Minutes
Proclamations
NONE
Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
Village Manager’s Report
Village Council Reports
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-331 THROUGH
17-335 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-331 Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments to the Water Utility for 2017 and Set Grace Period for Payment of Water Utility Bills
17-332 Accept Ridgewood Water Annual Maintenance Fee
17-333 Award Additional Contract – Infrared Asphalt Surface and Miscellaneous Repairs
17-334 Award Professional Services Contract – Design Services – Ames Tank Rehabilitation
17-335 Award Change Order – Lafayette Reservoir Improvements
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3623 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Signs at Cliff Street and First Street
3624 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Signs at Cantrell Road and West End Avenue
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3618 – Supervisors Salary Ordinance
3619 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
3620 – Management Salary Ordinance
3621 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – South Hillside Place
3622 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Signs at Hope Street and Gilbert Street
RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-336 THROUGH
17-364 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-336 Approve 2017 Budget Transfers
17-337 Authorize Tax Title Lien Premium to be Deposited into General Fund
17-338 Establish Interest Rate for Non-Payment of Taxes and Assessments for 2018 and Set Grace Period
17-339 Establish Interest Rates for Non-Payment of Other Municipal Liens for 2018 and Set Due Date
17-340 Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments for Significant Sewer Discharge
17-341 Award Contract – Refurbish Leach Body for Sanitation Vehicle
17-342 Award Contract – Recycling of Vegetative Waste
17-343 Award Contract – Emergency Repair of Graydon Pool Chlorination System
17-344 Award Contract – Emergency Generator – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
17-345 Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance Contract – F650 Diesel Crew Cab Chassis
17-346 Award Contract Under State Contract – Steel Dump Body with Salter, Hydraulics, and Snow Plow
17-347 Award Contract under National Cooperative Contract – Two Front End Snowplows and Two Sanitation Truck Snowplows
17-348 Award Contract under National Cooperative Contract – Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader
17-349 Award Professional Services Contract – Pediatrician for Monthly Child Health Conference
17-350 Award Professional Services Contract – Valley Hospital, Department of Community Health – Public Health and Nursing Services
17-351 Award Professional Services Contract – Software Support for Finance Department
17-352 Approve Shared Services Agreement – Child Health Conference (Fair Lawn & Glen Rock)
17-353 Authorize RFP for Hudson Street Parking Garage
17-354 Authorize Cancellation of Public Assistance Trust Fund Reserve Balance
17-355 Authorize Cancellation of Grant Reserve Balance – Local Bikeway Grant
17-356 Authorize Cancellation of General Budget Appropriation – Shared Services Agreement – Fleet Services (Washington Township)
17-357 Authorize Shared Services Agreement – TV Inspection of Sanitary Sewer Mains (Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority) –
17-358 Award Contract – Removal of Portion of Bike Path – Garber Square
17-359 Authorize Encroachment Agreement – 115 Monte Vista Avenue
17-360 Approve Major Soil Moving Permit – The Dayton – South Broad Street
17-361 Endorse Application for Community Development Block Grant – West Bergen Mental Healthcare – Housing Specialist
17-362 Appoint Members to Local Emergency Planning Committee
17-363 Accept Donation of Tree – Lester Stable
17-364 Approve Valley Hospital Settlement Agreement
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-365 THROUGH
17-367, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
17-365 Title 59 Approval – Planting of Trees in Various Locations
17-366 Award Contract – Planting of Trees in Various Locations
17-367 Title 59 Approval – Removal of Portion of Bike Lane at Garber Square
Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
Adjournment
Important Message from Dr. Gorman
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November 7, 2017
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Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Students:
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Two weekends ago, a serious situation occurred involving Ridgewood High School students that is still being investigated by the high school administration and Ridgewood Police Department. The investigation will be resolved as quickly as possible and the consequences for those involved will be appropriate, educational, and, if need be, therapeutic. Because the situation involves minors, the details and consequences of the case cannot be shared and will remain confidential. To protect all RHS students, we ask the public to please refrain from comments, speculation, and judgment. Every day we are trusted by the community to educate the children of RHS, supervise them in their activities, and partner with the parents/guardians when they are in need. We ask you to continue to trust us in this situation to be diligent and thoughtful in our investigation and determination.
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The recent altercation that occurred after school hours but on school grounds, is greatly troubling and upsetting to us on many levels. It saddens me and the entire high school faculty that some RHS students did not use their best judgment regarding this situation. This event now gives us all a chance to pause and reflect upon what is truly important in life. We ask all parents/guardians to please engage in a meaningful conversation with their children and encourage them to be open and honest with you and/or the school about anything that may be on their minds.
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At RHS, we pride ourselves on being a family that shares many of the same values – friendship, trust, appreciation, caring, and open and honest communication. Whether as a member of a team, the band, a club, or an academic class, this is the students’ home away from home. We strive to make Ridgewood High School a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
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Unfortunately, some feel that they can say or do whatever they wish when there is no adult watching over their shoulder. Having this kind of attitude pays a disservice to their family, teachers, religious communities, and classmates here at school. Students know better and should expect better. Remember the Platinum Rule – treat others as they wish to be treated. We teach this to our students as soon as they enter our doors and I am sure it is taught in your homes.
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Parents, as adults we need to model responsible use of social media and to refrain from using disrespectful or threatening language online. We cannot expect our children to behave better than we do. What we are learning about this situation is that it centered around the misuse of social media on the part of some students. We ask parents to take an active role in monitoring their children’s use of social media and to partner with the schools to educate our students about this crucial issue.
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Students, when we adults cannot be with you and you are under your parents/guardians’ care, we expect you to uphold the same values that we, here at RHS, and your parents/guardians, have imparted to you. You are responsible for your actions in school and when you are under your parents/guardians’ care after school hours. In addition, we expect you to hold accountable others who are not living up to these same values. As John Wooden, a famous basketball coach, once said, “The truest test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
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Social media posts that are malicious in nature can be psychologically damaging to all parties involved. Any such post should be reported immediately to an adult so that it can be addressed appropriately. We ask students not to participate in any negative chatter online through social media, to help monitor each other, and to stand up when someone fails to adhere to the value system we embrace when in the classrooms, halls, locker room, theater, or on the athletic fields. Finally, we ask you to keep an open and honest line of communication with the adults in this building. We are here to support you.
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Throughout a student’s experience at RHS, he or she will be exposed to many educational programs, academic lessons, and positive values and messages that reinforce what it means to be a RHS student. Such experiences include, but are not limited to, addressing all students at the beginning of each school year about HIB; participating in the #Day1 Tyler Clementi Foundation Upstander Pledge; exploring many student topics with peer counseling through Freshmen F.O.C.U.S.; educating all athletes about sportsmanship; teaching students about the dangers of texting and driving, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping; teaching students through classroom lessons about respect, tolerance, and conflict resolution; and having students listen to guest speakers presenting first-hand accounts of genocide and the Holocaust. These offerings help to foster positive relationships between students and faculty, allowing students to feel comfortable sharing their problems with staff members. We believe that these programs also have reduced instances of bullying at Ridgewood High School.
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The policies and code of conduct that govern the high school are strong and have served us well. However, in light of recent events, we are revisiting them to determine if changes are necessary. Throughout many of the students’ classes at RHS, they are taught the proper protocols of technology and internet safety and responsibility. We will be revisiting these lessons and protocols to determine their effectiveness. We are also working with law enforcement officials to find appropriate future programs that can help further educate our students on the perils of bullying and harassment and how to stop volatile situations before they go too far.
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One of the school’s responsibilities is to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students and staff. When students experience problems, they are encouraged to seek out a teacher, counselor, or grade advisor. In addition to a student’s parents/guardians, these staff members are excellent resources from whom to get assistance on any issue. To ensure student success of all kinds, the school and community must work cooperatively to inspire and implement this shared vision.
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Sincerely,
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Thomas A. Gorman, Ed.D.
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Principal
November 7,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that they have received numerous reports of an odor of natural gas on the east side of town. We have located a ruptured gas main along the PSEG right of way near East Ridgewood Ave. The odor is traveling south along the Ho-Ho-kus Brook. PSEG is on scene. The gas is venting in the open air there are no residents being evacuated at this time.
