Ridgewood NJ, It takes a lot of effort to host a parade and fireworks ,the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee who oversees yesterdays 106th annual Independence Day celebration in Ridgewood had its first meeting way back in September.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee, a private all-volunteer group. The Committee is not part of the Village government and receives no funding from the Village.The Committee, was originally called the Ridgewood Independence Day Association, was formed in 1910.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee was up at the crack of dawn to deliver water to the parade route, put markers at the staging area and set up for a volunteers’ breakfast that starts at 7 a.m. Groups lineup around 8am .
Ridgewood’s parade has over 100 groups that march in it and, together with a fireworks display in Veterans Memorial Field later that night, and can cost over $100,000 . Security and the fireworks themselves are some of the biggest costs, with all of the money for the celebration coming from ticket sales, business sponsorships and private donations.
And of coarse in Ridgewood in time honored tradition , eager residents begin reserving spots along the parade route weeks in advance marking their spots with folding lawn chairs.
Ridgewood NJ, Thousands lined the down town streets as pride and patriotism were on display in Ridgewood on Monday.
The 106th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July parade,was once again a star-spangled extravaganza , officially kicked off at 10 a.m. With the new Ridgewood council well represented .
A patriotic procession of marching bands and flag wavers wound their way trough the village before a crowd that had been eager to see the parade.
As previously reported people had begun putting out chairs nearly two weeks ago , but some were slowed down do to some strange weather conditions that preceded the parade. Many residents would not be deterred and tied down chairs and locked them up nearly two weeks before the big event, lining the street with seats. It is a fun eccentric tradition in Ridgewood some say it gone on for more than 50 years and people determined to sit in the exact same spot, their spot, year after year.Residents in Ridgewood often say it is but one of the many things that gives the parade its unusual charm and a very small town feel.
Of course, everyone in town is looking forward, to the Village’s fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Evening Entertainment & Fireworks
Gates Open Monday July 4, 2016 at 6:00 pm – Veterans Field
Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed are on the field. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. Gates will close at 9:00 PM.
Schedule:
Gates open – 6:00 PM
Entertainment-
Illumination Twirlers
Patriot Brass Ensemble
Eugene Thomas & No Big Deal
Gates close – 9:00 PM
National Anthem by Sherma Andrews
Fireworks by Fireworks Extravaganza
Grand Finale: Sponsored by Dorehty Enterprises
Food and beverages are available for purchase on the field.
No dogs are permitted on the field per town ordinance.
No refunds or exchanges will be given.
For directions to the Evening Entertainment use your favorite map website and enter 131 N. Maple Avenue.
Fire protection for the fireworks display is by The Ridgewood Fire Department.
Security is by the Ridgewood Police Department.
Limited handicap parking is available for the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks in the northern Graydon Pool parking lot located on Northern Parkway.
The parade Begins 10AM (Rain or Shine) at South Monroe Street and Godwin Avenue
The theme of our 106th annual celebration is:
“America the Beautiful – Celebrating 100 Years of our National Parks”
This years theme honors the creation of the National Park Service through the Organic Act of 1916 signed by President Woodrow Wilson and originated by President Theodore Roosevelt. Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held during the parade.
Although national parks have existed since 1872, the creation of the National Park Service established a unified organization to oversee the natural and historic treasures of the United States and ensure their continued preservation and enjoyment for future generations. According to the National Park Service, there are more than 400 parks, monuments, recreation areas and other federal sites under its management. Other notable facts include:
The first national park was Yellowstone National Park founded March 1, 1872
292 million people enjoyed the nation’s national parks in 2014
The National Park System covers more 84 million acres across US States and territories
President Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not what we have that will make us a great nation; it is the way in which we use it”
While America’s birthday has always been “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other” as John Adams anticipated, these revelries were once paired with other traditions that kept the cause for celebration front of mind.
Independence Day orations, often lasting an hour or more, were once delivered in town squares and fraternal halls across the country. Politicians like Daniel Webster and Charles Sumner, activists like William Lloyd Garrison, prominent local attorneys, even defeated Native American warriors gave speeches that were well attended and widely disseminated thereafter.
These speeches delved deeply into the principles expressed in our declaration, often summarizing the major works of the Enlightenment that shaped our founders’ view of government.
An 1824 oration delivered by a local reverend to a gathering of New York City firemen referenced Hume, Voltaire, Paine, Bolingbroke, Shaftsbury, Locke, and Bacon all in the space of about two minutes.
Patriotic toasts were also common during the 19th century. After the day’s festivities concluded, revelers would raise their glasses for 13 toasts, one for each of the original states.
The topics of these toasts were wide ranging. Participants drank to everything from “the American Revolution: founded upon principle, its origin the source of lasting happiness to millions left unborn” to “kingcraft, on its last legs on the Western continent.”
Dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence were also a staple of Fourth of July celebrations in most cities and towns around the country. These readings took place before the day’s parade kicked off, preceding the evening’s fireworks, or any point in between. Like the oration, the reading of the declaration was often conducted by a town notable, but occasionally the honor was bestowed upon a local young person.
Some of these traditions have faded completely. While fraternal organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Elks still hold Fourth of July cookouts in many towns, few begin with the once-customary 13 patriotic toasts.
Others still exist if in much diminished form. For instance, today presidents still typically give a short oration on the Fourth of July though these speeches are not widely watched or read. Nor do they deserve to be. Typically the president takes a moment to thank members of the military for their service, praises the founding generation for their courage, and wraps things up before the flies get to the potato salad.
At least one tradition of the past is making a comeback. This Independence Day, towns like Gadsden, Alabama; Dover, Delaware; and Bell Buckle, Tennessee will hold recitations of the declaration in town squares and local parks.
This is a good sign. Americans should work to ground pageantry in principle. True, attending an hour-long lecture on Enlightenment philosophy might be a little much to ask.
Instead, read the Declaration of Independence just as the first fireworks ignite overhead. Give a toast to those who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to our new nation. Say a short prayer to the God who granted our founding generation one of the most improbable victories in military history.
Ridgewood NJ, in it recent news letter the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital says July 4th is the most stressful holiday for pets.
They remind us that your dog or cat could be afraid of fireworks and as well as thunderstorms. Play with your pet and reassure him/her all day. Keep your pets inside at night with an available place to hide to get away from the noise. Human companionship is ideal, Pets should never be taken to the site of fireworks or left outdoors.Keep windows, blinds, and curtains closed. Even if your pet can’t hear fireworks, visual stimulation is just as frightening to some. Keep the temperature comfortable and distract your pet from the noise. Play music or put on the TV to distract from the noise of fireworks. There are even CDs especially for anxious cats and dogs.
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital goes on to say “A little love and advanced thought goes a long way to help your pet through the celebrations. If none of these suggestions works and your pet is terrified, simply comfort him as best you can, go back to number one, and be prepared for next year.”
Ridgewood NJ, Fifty-Eight Years Free Summer Entertainment Under the Stars 8:30pm at the Band Shell Veterans Field, Ridgewood, N.J.
Behind the Ridgewood Public Library N. Maple Ave. Between Franklin and Linwood Aves. Please bring a chair or blanket. Please do not cross over the baseball field if a game is in progress.
Thursday, July 7 “The Kootz” – Classic 60’s through 90’s Rock, Pop and Blues Sponsors: Wostbrock Home & Design Fish Urban Dining
Tuesday, July 12 THUNDERHILL – Country & Western Sponsors: Boiling Springs Savings Bank Village of Ridgewood
Thursday, July 14 The McVey Family Sponsors: West Ridgewood Dental Professionals Tarvin Realtors
Tuesday, July 19 Bucky Pizzarelli Quartet Sponsors: Daily Treat Restaurant Valley National Bank Thursday, July 21 North Jersey Concert Band Sponsor: Care One at the Cupola and Care One at Ridgewood Avenue Tuesday, July 26 Andy Cooney & His Band – Irish Night Sponsors: Boiling Springs Savings Bank Feeney Funeral Home
Thursday, July 28 TREBLE – Popular Rock Sponsors: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill The Valley Hospital.
Tuesday, August 2 Bishop of Jazz and His Abbotts (Rio Clemente) Sponsors: Columbia Bank The Village of Ridgewood
Thursday, August 4 Mack Brandon & The Connection – Popular Gospel Sponsors: One Shop Wireless, Inc. BRANDfog
Ridgewood NJ, lets face it ,its convenient, there is plenty of parking , no jelly fish or sharks and when mother nature turns up the heat Ridgewood residents continue to flock to Graydon pool to cool down.
2016 SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pmand when mother nature turns up the heat
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7002 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7003 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560 [email protected]
GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
July 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A 4-door Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck rolled over on its roof after colliding with a 4-door Alfa Romeo sedan at the intersection of Linwood Avenue West and Route 17 in Paramus on Saturday afternoon, 07/02.
The adult male driver of the pickup sustained an arm injury but refused to be transported to a hospital. The Alfa Romeo’s adult male driver was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital with an unspecified non life threatening injury. An adult male passenger in the pickup was uninjured. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Paramus and Ridgewood PD & FD units responded to the scene along with Ridgewood EMS. Paramus PD issued one (1) accident related summons to the pickup truck’s driver.
photo courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook
July3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Ridgewood firefighters assisted a representative from Tyco Animal Control Services in freeing a baby deer that became trapped in a fence on the grounds of the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood on Saturday afternoon, 07/02. The deer was uninjured and after being freed and examined by rescuers, ran away to rejoin its mother.
Ridgewood NJ, according to state Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia Ridgewood now has 90 days to clear way for Valley Hospital expansion . The local reactions were swift.
CRR ‘s Pete Mckenna said , “I think this decision should have a chilling impact on municipalities across the state. If this decision is upheld it would indicate that localities have no say in controlling land-use within their borders if a hospital is involved.”
Ridgewood Attorney John Hersperger said ,” What was perhaps most disappointing was Judge’s remark (paraphrased) from the bench, in which she described that last decade of Valley’s applications as a “saga” for Valley, but just “history” for Ridgewood. Clearly, the judge saw the Village as the bad guys in this case . Honestly, after 60 or so public hearings and all the time and stress that residents endured, it was most painful to hear that kind of comment from a presiding Judge of this County.”
Councilmen Jeff Voigt said at the Village REORG, “Valley Hospital needs to be a better neighbor and come up with solutions that actually make sense for our neighbors in the surrounding Valley area.”
Which brings us once again back to the question of Valley Hospital being assessed property taxes.
In June of 2015 a tax court judge ruled that Morristown Medical Center should pay property taxes on virtually all of its 40-acre property in town.Tax Court Judge Vito Bianco ruled that the hospital failed to meet the legal test that it operated as a non-profit, charitable organization for the tax years 2006 through 2008. Only the auditorium, fitness center and the visitors’ garage should not be assessed for property taxes, he said.
The ruling noted that President and CEO Joseph Trunfio, who recently retired, made more than $5 million in 2005 and other executives made well more than $500,000 a year during the period under review.
Bianco ruled that the hospital failed to establish the “reasonableness” of the salaries it paid to executives. By comparing hospital executive salaries only to those of its peer group hospitals creates a “wholly self-serving” justification for its executive salaries.
Bianco went on , “Non-profit hospitals have changed significantly, however, from their early origins as charitable alms houses providing free basic medical treatment to the infirm poor,” he wrote. “Today they are sophisticated centers of medical care, and in some cases, education, providing a litany of medical services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.”
Furthermore Bianco’s ruling said,” the medical center failed in its legal burden to show where its non-profit activity ends and where it for-profit activity with physician groups begins.
“The hospital had intermingled interests with other for-profit operations as well, he said, saying it failed to draw a clear line between those operations.”
Clearly Valley Hospital would meet all the court litmus tests to be required to pay property taxes in Ridgewood.
Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia, told the Bergen Record , “the council ordinance must be consistent with April Planning Board approvals allowing the hospital to nearly double in size, from 565,000 square feet to 961,000.
If the judges ruling holds the hospital should be paying taxes on the new assessed value of the hospital after construction .
Ridgewood NJ, All Village offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on that day. The recycling center will also be closed. All Village Offices will reopen on Tuesday, July 5th at 8:30 a.m. and Village services will resume.
Ridgewood NJ, According to the Attorney Generals office , a Ridgewood psychiatrist agreed to have his license temporarily suspended amid allegations he “indiscriminately” prescribed drugs to patients and allowed his wife to use his pre-signed prescription blanks to dispense drugs like Adderall and Xanax to his patients.
Dr. James Cowan Jr., 72, of Ridgewood ,practiced from his home office, was also charged with failure to document medical reasons for prescribing the medications he did.
The NJ State Board of Medical Examiners filed a consent order barring Cowan from practicing medicine and writing prescriptions until it takes further action.
In a statement , “The Board takes allegations of doctor misconduct very seriously, especially when they involve the overprescribing of CDS,” said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Prescription drug addiction is a nationwide issue and we will not tolerate members of the medical community contributing to the problem by putting drugs into the hands of patients who don’t legitimately need them.”
If you are a patient or know a patient who believes that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling973-504- 6200.
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE 10AM TO NOON – FIREWORKS – TICKETS ON SALE –
Fireworks Tickets
Monday, July 4, 2016
Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 5th
Veteran’s Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey Entrance gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM
While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $10. Tickets will be on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ridgewoodjuly4.net/evening-entertainment-fireworks/buy-tickets/ for $11.00 each including shipping and handling.
Tickets will be on sale at the following vendors for $10 each. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Uncorked Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM
The Wine Seller – 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.
Gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM. No Dogs allowed – Village Ordinance 1689
Ridgewood NJ, This will be the fifth summer that summer sessions will be held at Ridgewood Art Institute. Young artists enjoy working intensively for a week developing their work to a higher level.
“It is exciting to see the progress the young students make within one week. In my class, they paint from still life’s and from landscapes previously created en plein air. There is no better way to learn then from real life set up. The landscape sketches help them see colors used to create atmosphere in an outdoor scene. Eventually they can paint outdoors using the information that is given and will help them translate the complicated outdoors into an understanding of colors and reasoning behind the palette of the Ridgewood Art Institute”, says Laura Paray
Since there has been growing interest within the past years, Instructors Rebecca Leer and Joel Popadics have added drawing sessions and Diana Gibson an oil painting session. The combination of drawing and oil painting sessions works well together. The kids benefit from taking both of these sessions. As the medium is different the end result is the same – creating beautiful pieces of art in the traditional manner of painting and drawing.
