
Click here for the press release on the series.

Click here for the press release on the series.

This is from the village website
“The Committee shall meet once per month and/or on an as-needed basis. Decisions shall be made by consensus and if necessary, by majority vote. The minutes for regular monthly meetings shall be kept, transcribed, and made available to the Village and Council and such other Village officials as the Village Manager shall direct. Public comment will be requested at the beginning of a meeting and will be capped at 3 minutes per person; public comment will not exceed 15 minutes”
Does this mean that we are not entitled to the agendas in advance and the minutes of the FAC Committee? Thet get to operate in secret?

Ridgewood friends,
If it weren’t for the guidance and extensive knowledge of Renee Steinhagen, Executive Director of NJ Appleseed, we would be dealing with a massive parking garage, encroaching halfway into Hudson Street, being funded, built and run by the BCIA. Renee and her staff gave us the tools we needed to defeat the massive garage proposals. They have extensive knowledge of referendum petitioning, and were incredibly supportive.
When asked to send to send a bill, Renee said she will not, but rather requested our group contribute to NJ Appleseed, so that they can continue their mission:
“New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center is a non-partisan, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. For over 10 years, we’ve striven to correct systemic problems that are at the root of injustice in our state.”
This is the link to donate online. Share this link with your Ridgewood friends!
https://njappleseed.org/donate/

January 1,2017
by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood NJ, As I was leaving the Ridge School playground area with my grandchildren this morning, I noticed that the school’s large trash dumpster was overflowing with materials despite the school having been closed during the past week.
Upon closer examination, it became apparent that the materials dumped within were not generated by school employees – several empty liquor/wine boxes, household trash, a cardboard crate from an electric wine cooler, black plastic trash bags containing ?, and a box from a medical supply company.
So the question is: What individual and/or company is using the Ridge School dumpster (paid for by Ridgewood’s taxpayers) as their personal garbage disposal area, and are they dumping materials.
Has anyone who lives in the area of Ridge seen anyone backing a car or truck into the dumpster area recently?

December 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Its that time again for the New Year’s resolutions, it is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior.So here are our final thoughts on resolutions for 2017.
In a 2009 article for the Wall Street Journal Jonah Lehrer said, Willpower, like a bicep, can only exert itself so long before it gives out; it’s an extremely limited mental resource.Given its limitations, New Year’s resolutions are exactly the wrong way to change our behavior. It makes no sense to try to quit smoking and lose weight at the same time, or to clean the apartment and give up wine in the same month. Instead, we should respect the feebleness of self-control, and spread our resolutions out over the entire year. Human routines are stubborn things, which helps explain why 88% of all resolutions end in failure, according to a 2007 survey of over 3,000 people conducted by the British psychologist Richard Wiseman. Bad habits are hard to break—and they’re impossible to break if we try to break them all at once.

file photo by ArtChick
December 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Doug Bunza, a 22-year-old village resident who set up a go fund me page to help when his favorite Pizza place La Bella Pizza when it burned down. Doug’s actions inspired us to call for 2017 to be the year of the neighbor and a return to neighborliness.

December 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, while consumer confidence set a 13 high , Ridgewood blog readers remain cautious with their spending.In the latest Ridgewood blog poll only 16.2% of respondents said they would spend more than last year . While 37.8% said they would spend the same and a whopping 45.9% said they would spend more .
Will You Be Spending More of Less Money For the Holidays this year?
More 16.2 %
Less 45.9 %
Same 37.8 %

file photo by Boyd Loving
December 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the staff of the Ridgewood blog has assembled the biggest winners and the biggest losers in Ridgewood for 2016.Now for the Village winners;
The biggest winner this year was the Village of Ridgewood’s new Mayor Susan Knudsen and Deputy Mayor Mike Sedon. After years of constant abuse from the “3 amigos”, the two came out victorious with the sweeping victory of Jeffrey Voigt, Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh and Ramon M Hache in the Village Municipal elections. While Jeff Voigt has so far been a bit of a disappointment the new council has full plate attempting to fix the mess of the previous administration.
The other major winner this year were the Village residents who put together the petitions to stop and shut down Garagezilla . The residents mobilized when their voices were ignored and took back the town. As we have learned since motivations for building Garagezilla had little to do with parking for shop owners in the CBD but more for housing development, commuter parking, certain restaurants, schools and of course an “arts center”.
The Ridgewood School system was a big winner with its much pushed for Full-day Kindergarten referendum. While the merits for children remain dubious, it certainly takes a lot of pressure off parents with more convenient hours.
We couldn’t finish the list without this one; Doug Bunza, a 22-year-old village resident who set up a go fund me page to help when his favorite Pizza place La Bella Pizza when it burned down. To the Ridgewood blog thats what Ridgewood is all about ,neighbors stepping up and taking charge. I know this is not the only good deed for the year but this one stuck out in everyone’s minds. It showed us that anyone can make a difference and we all make a difference to someone .
Our final pick this year for the biggest winner is a bit unorthodox, we decided to give it Village employees.Despite turmoil with Village leadership Village employees did a pretty good job at whatever they were doing, I don’t remember the last time no one complained about the police or fire departments for a whole year? We seemed to have no major scandal ie the meter thief and when services were not up to par it was always a management issue.

file photo by Boyd Loving
December 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, the staff of the Ridgewood blog has assembled the biggest winners and the biggest losers in Ridgewood for 2016.First the Village losers;
Far and away the biggest loser was former Mayor Paul Aronsohn, voters rejected not only his future vision of Ridgewood, voters also rejected everything about it from staffing, political appointments, planning and anyone who supported and promoted him. The only upside was that he united the Village against him and his triad of power mad ill-mannered and deceitful proponents. For many, the Aronsohn Mayorship was a huge step backward and marked the low water point for the entire history of the town. Voters rejected Aronsohn by giving his opponents a landslide victory over his chosen Village council slate.
Garagezilla; according to proponents for 80 years the Village has needed parking, looks like it might be another 80. Garagezilla was the victim of an ill-conceived design, dubious motivations and extremely poor execution. What ever happened to Municipal planning?
Other major losers this year were Valley Hospital for their continued failed vision of expansion. Valley’s self-absorbed blindness has also guaranteed it once again the “poor neighbor award”. Valley may someday get their way but they are also assured to be a victim of own arrogance opening the door for a huge property tax assessment.
Ridgewood developers were also big losers, first and foremost by supporting the failed regime of Paul Aronsohn, secondly, by being so ill informed thinking Ridgewood wanted to become Union City. A misplaced support for the former mayor has left Village developers under a cloud of suspicion, tarnishing their names and reputations and failing in their business endeavors.
And finally, the Village Financial Advisory Committee, formed by former Mayor Aronsohn to help push his pet projects through, sabotage opponents, and create a pool of like-minded power made self-absorbed flunkies. Every single FAC recommendation has gone up in flames and now their new attention is set on attacking the new Mayor Susan Knudsen . The attacks follow the same ill-mannered , innuendo driven , and sexist rants that have and continue to make fools of the all the wannabes on the FAC .

file photo by Archick
EXTRA SERVICE AND SAVINGS FOR HOLIDAY WEEK, INCLUDING DECEMBER 3
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is continuing their savings plans through a special extension of the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows up to two children between the ages of 5 and 11 to travel free with each fare-paying customer. Up to three children age 4 and under can also travel free with a fare-paying customer. Usually limited to weekends, the Family SuperSaver Fare is now in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.
“This is the time of year when so many special events take place and many visitors are using NJ TRANSIT to get where they need to go,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “NJ TRANSIT is pleased to offer the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows our customers to stretch their holiday budgets just a bit. So leave the car behind and use NJ TRANSIT to go the mall, get into New York City or gather at a loved one’s home without the hassle of driving.’’
For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com and click on the Holiday Early Getaway Service marquee or call 973-275-5555.
A new, key feature to aid customers this holiday season is “The Commuter Tool Kit – The Tools You Need for a Better Travel Experience,’’ a colorful campaign designed for both the everyday commuter and visitor travelling on NJ TRANSIT’s rail, bus, light rail and Access Link systems. Several features such as the mobile app, trip planner, ticket purchase options, travel information and travel savings are highlighted in the campaign. The brochure is printed in both English and Spanish.
The Commuter Tool Kit is available in brochure form and on the NJ TRANSIT website, in digital displays and delivered through the agency’s social media channels.
Customers can also take advantage of other ways to save money. NJ TRANSIT works with promotional partners throughout the year to offer discounts to many entertainment venues. Customers can go to njtransit.com/deals for special offers on show tickets, admission costs and travel this holiday season.
On Tuesday, December 27, Wednesday, December 28, Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30, the trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule with certain morning peak period trains cancelled and additional mid-to-late morning service on each line. Rail customers are encouraged to visit njtransit.com for details and travel before 9 a.m. on these days, if possible, when ridership is lighter. Buses and light rail lines will operate on a weekday schedule. Select PABT bus routes will have more frequent service operating inbound to PABT on some lines during the late morning hours and outbound from PABT during the early and late evening hours. Consult a timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for details.
On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. In the evening, there will be extra train service to New York. Special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning are available at njtransit.com.
Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule with extra early evening service inbound and extra outbound from PABT after midnight on select routes. Customers are advised to consult a timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for more details.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a Saturday schedule. River LINE and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will both operate some additional trips on a ‘load and go’ capacity after the fireworks displays during the early hours of January 1.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No open containers of alcohol will be permitted on board trains, buses or light rail vehicles or in any NJ TRANSIT facility on New Year’s Eve and after midnight on New Year’s Day. This policy will be strictly enforced.
After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on most rail lines with one-seat ride service available on certain Raritan Valley Line and North Jersey Coast Line trains. Some trains that normally depart New York/Hoboken/Newark between midnight and 1 a.m. are cancelled and will be replaced with later trains. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning. Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. Some routes will be departing from alternate areas within the PABT. Visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for specific schedule details and departure gate assignments.
On New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend schedule. In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Jets vs. Bills game. Customers should visit njtransit.com for more details. River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.
On Monday, January 2 (observed), trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines with additional morning and evening peak trains on most lines. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Consult njtransit.com for additional details.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Travel Early: On December 27-30, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule. Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is light.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return and use the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, which is available for free download on any web-enabled iOS or Android device, to make the purchase even easier. To make a purchase, customers simply install the app and then create an account, which will securely save a customer’s profile information and purchase history for ease of use. Customers can also use ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Reminder: Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal must purchase tickets before boarding.

December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents ,Restaurant Week $25.17!
Sunday-Thursday, January 15-19
Sunday-Thursday, January 22-26
Back by popular demand – RESTAURANT WEEK 2017!!!
FREE parking all day Sunday and after 6:00pm Monday-Saturday.
Come to Ridgewood and treat yourself to a selection of prix-fixe dinners for $25.17
(+tax/tip/beverage not included)
Check out www.experienceridgewood.com for the restaurants participating
Start the New Year with a treat….
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS
WITH DETAILS,PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
ENJOY!
Visit the following participating businesses.
Call for details.
A Mano
201-493-2000
Cravings Tapas Bistro
201-857-8533
Daily Treat Restaurant
201-652-9113
Kids 2 for 1 at $25.17
Finca
201-444-1199
Fish Urban Dining
201-857-5151
It’s Greek to Me
201-612-2600
LaTour, A French-American Grill
201-445-5056 – lunch & Dinner
Leon Mexican Cuisine
201-857-0297
Novo Mediterranean
201-444-4910
Park West Tavern & Loft
201-445-5400
Pearl Restaurant Rustic Italian Cuisine
201-857-5100
Piccolo Bistro
201-882-1111
Raymond’s
201-445-5125
ROOTS Steakhouse
201-444-1922 Lunch only
Sakura-Bana Restaurant
201-447-6525
Steel Wheel Tavern
201-882-1800
The Sensible Fork
201-857-8686
Village Green Restaurant
201-445-2914
White Maple Café
201-447-1953
Catering
Chestnut Catering
201-445-3031
Specialty Offerings
Kilwins Ridewood
sweet treats
201-445-4837
Super Cellars Fine Wines & Marketplace
201-444-0012
Ridgewood Wine Seller
201-444-3300
See you in Ridgewood!
FREE parking on Sunday
Free Parking after 6:00pm
everyday.

HOW CAN WE MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER? A bipartisan discussion on the political path ahead featuring
conservative and progressive political analysts, Guy Benson and Julie Roginsky
Thursday, February 2, 2017 7:30-9:00 pm
113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ
$25.00 per adult
$15.00 per student with ID
Coffee, tea, and dessert from will be served.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2738722
Guy and Julie will be available afterward for…discussion!
This in-person meeting will provide a platform for discussion of often-divisive political issues that matter most to each of us. Their discussion will include insight as to how Guy and Julie work to remain civil while navigating emotionally charged exchanges.
Join us to benefit worthy causes and help reconnect our country, one community at a time.
Proceeds will benefit Family Promise, Helping Hands for the Homeless and the Borough of Montvale
Guy Benson is a Ridgewood High School graduate. He is the Political Editor of Townhall.com, a Fox News Contributor, and co-author of the book End of Discussion. In 2015, Forbes magazine named Guy to its ’30 under 30′ law & policy roster. Guy is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
Julie Roginsky is a Democratic Party strategist and Fox News contributor. Roginsky founded Comprehensive Communications Group, which has worked on behalf of Fortune 500 corporations, elected officials and non-profit organizations. Senators Cory Booker and Frank Lautenberg have been among the firm’s clients. Julie hails from New Jersey, having attended high school in Princeton. She is a graduate of Boston University with a BA in political science and an MA in Russian economics.
For more information please contact: [email protected]/201-851-3262
December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library continues with its oral history project. 2016 may be coming to an end, but our oral history project Storytellers @RPL will continue on. We’ve added two more recordings for you to listen to on ridgewoodlibrary.org/storytellers. Learn about Ali’s Broadway debut and Gwenn’s family ties to Ridgewood. You can also read the transcripts of Roberta’s stories and Bob’s experiences.
We’ll continue to add oral histories to the website, so make sure to check in to hear the different voices that make up Ridgewood’s rich history. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-670-5600 x135 or [email protected]

file photo by Boyd Loving
December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj , you know that real winter weather is coming and the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
reminds us that now would be a great time to review cold weather safety.
If you have a fire hydrant in front of your house, help yourself and help your neighbors by keeping it clear of snow. Ridgewood Police and Fire Departments urge resident to clear a path around the hydrant of 3 feet by 3 feet .
Top Ten Red Cross Cold Weather Safety Tips
Protect yourself, your loved ones and your home with these cold weather safety tips!
Posted February 18, 2015
As temperatures drop this winter, the American Red Cross offers ten steps people can take to stay safe during the cold weather.
1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.
2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.
4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.
7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.
8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.
10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
https://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips

file photo by Boyd Loving
COUNCILMAN VOIGT’S ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MAYOR WERE FALSE!!!
December 28,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
In regards to Councilman Voigt’s accusation against Mayor Knudsen, “Based on the facts and circumstances presented, there was no violation of the law/Faulkner Act.”
During closed sessions, in November, Mayor was cleared of all wrong doing. In December, Councilman Voigt publicly accused Mayor Knudsen of breaking the law. At the time he made this accusation he knew it was untrue. With malice and intent he stated it loudly, clearly, and rudely during a public meeting. A week later, in a room full of firefighters waiting to be promoted, he blew his top again. This time, Councilman Voigt had a message for residents about his ruthless attacks, “I can’t and won’t apologize. I don’t intend to and I just want to make sure people know that.” As if that wasn’t enough, he then turned to social media to expand his smear campaign and started a movement to talk about Mayor Knudsen, behind closed doors, with residents.
We now have documentation that Mayor Knudsen did not break the law. What we do not have is any sort of explanation, apology, motivation, or contrition from Councilman Voigt regarding this malicious character assassination. Why is he so loud when lying, and so silent when faced with the truth?
The question now is, why did Councilman Voigt lie and stoop to such levels; slander, libel, defamation and intentional malice? Why is Mayor Knudsen his target?
Document posted to Facebook, on “It Takes a Ridgewood Village” group, December 28.