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2020 A year that promised perfect vision but seems to be delivering total blindness

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Written by Charles Stampul

Ridgewood NJ, 2020 A year that promised perfect vision but seems to be delivering total blindness.  It is a year that will likely go down in history, just not for a pandemic.  By historical standards, this pandemic is moderate.  What is the real story for the history books then?

Those of us who’ve studied history recognize this moment, this point where the poles seem to flip, and lunatics are given the stage while sensible people are asked to sit down and shut and reluctantly but obediently comply.  It is the start of another cultural revolution.

Continue reading 2020 A year that promised perfect vision but seems to be delivering total blindness

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Ridgewood Celebrates Independence Day !

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photos courtesy of Mayor Ramon Hache

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD NJ, Ridgewood celebrated Independence Day in a big way, putting on one of the biggest parades in the region, complete with some exotic and vintage cars.

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Mayor Ramon M Hache with Tina Hache, David Madden, Grand Marshall of the July 4th Parade, RHS grad, and Jeopardy! champion.
Continue reading Ridgewood Celebrates Independence Day !
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Mishap Shortens Ridgewood Firework Show

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photo courtesy of Steve Kim

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Firework show ended early due to a malfunction that caused shells to explode on the ground in the launch area. No injuries were reported . 

The unplanned detonation did not happen near the crowd.  Ridgewood firefighters were in position when the misfire occurred and quickly responded to and extinguished fire.

This is why safety areas are established and emergency plans in place. There have been accidents before and Ridgewood public safety personnel have been there to keep residents safe.

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KEEP YOUR FURRY FRIENDS SAFE THIS FOURTH OF JULY

ridgewood 4th parade rescuedogs theridgewoodblog.net

July 3,2013
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital

Ridgewood NJ , Many pets are sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, like those in a firework display or a thunderstorm. Because they have more sensitive hearing than us, even a distant firework boom can trigger a “flight or fight” response. If they are outdoors, they will run for miles from the noise at once, even through traffic. They may even break through or dig under fences if necessary since it is quite frightening for them. Once far away from your care, they are most susceptible to being hit by a car or suffering from heatstroke.

Make sure your animals have identification and/or a microchip in case they do run away. When walking your pet, keep a tight grip, as a loud noise may cause them to bolt. Keep them at home during the fireworks because besides scaring them, it is much too painful for their ears. Put your pet in the quietest room of the house and close the blinds so no flashes of light can be seen, which may startle them. To drown out any possible firework crackles and loud noises, you can turn the TV or radio on or play some soothing, classical music. If your pet gets particularly stressed during fireworks or thunderstorms, call to make an appointment to discuss this with one of our veterinarians. There are many things we can do to help, such as offer medication to them.

Whether attending fireworks or not this holiday, it’s a hot time of year, so it is best to keep your pets indoors, in a cool place with plenty of fresh water. If you happen to be traveling to a party, do not leave your pets in the parked car, as it can reach 150 degrees in minutes.

Make this a safe, healthy and happy holiday with your pets. Wish you all a very Happy July 4th from the doctors and staff of Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital!

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Ridgewood’s Parade History

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the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee

Ridgewood NJ, this is the 109th Ridgewood fourth of July parade !

DONATE HERE TO SUPPORT THE TRADITION!

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 among the town’s elementary schools.

The 2019 celebration theme as “ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER.” The theme aims to celebrate all things summer in America – backyard barbeques, baseball games, outdoor concerts, camping, fairs, cross country road trips, or driving to the Jersey shore – we all have a favorite!

Continue reading Ridgewood’s Parade History
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Ridgewood Board of Education Says Ridgewood High School Fields Off Limits for July 4th

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file photo

Notice about Ridgewood High School Fields 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog


Ridgewood NJ, Due to repairs at the RHS Stadium Field, both fields at RHS — Stevens and Stadium Fields — will not be available for 4th of July fireworks viewing. There will not be access to the fields. Sorry for the inconvenience.

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July 4th – Independence Day – Village Hall Closure

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, All Village of Ridgewood offices will be closed Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. The Recycling Center will also be closed.  There will be no Sanitation or Recycling Pick up Collection on that date.  Please check your calendar for the adjusted pick up schedule.

All Village Offices will be open for business on Friday, July 5, 2019, 8:30A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

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NJ TRANSIT Early Getaway Service in Advance of Independence Day Holiday

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Wednesday, July 3, for the benefit of customers leaving work early in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4. In addition, there will be service adjustments throughout the NJ TRANSIT system on July 4.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded of the convenience the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app offers to purchase tickets.

Continue reading NJ TRANSIT Early Getaway Service in Advance of Independence Day Holiday
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Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood celebrates the 4th of July

Volunteer

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is an all volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the tradition of Bergen County’s largest Independence Day Celebration.  There are many opportunities to volunteer to “Support the Tradition.”  If you are interested in joining the committee or volunteering on the day of the event.  Please contact Tara Masterson at 201-602-1922 or ridgewoodfourthofjuly@gmail.com

Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:

  • Fundraising
  • Community outreach/public relations
  • Vendor coordinator
  • Performer coordinator
  • Parade marshals
  • Gate attendants for the fireworks at Vet’s Field
  • Water stations
  • Volunteer and emergency service personnel meal coordinator

We look forward to hearing from you!

We meet the second Monday of each month at 7:30 at The Ridgewood Firehouse located at 201 E. Glen Ave.

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RIDGEWOOD 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

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SPECIAL SPONSORSHIP & UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

2019 Sponsorship Opportunities

2019 Sponsor letter

2019 Sponsor Form

All sponsorship levels include your name listed on our website.  Please see our sponsorship form for more details on all the benefits of becoming a sponsor.  If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or have any questions please contact Leigh Gilsenan at LeighGilsenan@gmail.com or 201-637-2329.  Thank you for contributing to our annual tradition!

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2019 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Theme Announced as “ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER”

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee announces its 2019 celebration theme as “ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER.” The 2019 theme aims to celebrate all things summer in America – backyard barbeques, baseball games, outdoor concerts, camping, fairs, cross country road trips, or driving to the Jersey shore – we all have a favorite!  This will be the Committee’s 109th annual celebration which includes a ceremonial flag raising, parade, and evening entertainment followed by the best fireworks in Bergen County- on Thursday, July 4, 2019.

Continue reading 2019 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Theme Announced as “ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER”
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Evening Entertainment & Fireworks in Ridgewood

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July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration  website ; Gates Open Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 6:00 pm – Veterans Field (Rain Date- Thursday, July 5, 2018).
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
Evening Entertainment – Including:
Treble
Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal
The Dad’s Night Band
50/50 Raffle Drawing 8:30 PM
Gates close – 9:00 PM
National Anthem
Fireworks by Fireworks Extravaganza
Grand Finale:
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.

Parking
We recommend parking in the central business district and walking to Veteran’s Field. There are significant street closures around Vet’s Field, including Maple Avenue.
Limited handicap parking is available for the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks in the northern Graydon Pool parking lot located on Northern Parkway, near Meadowbrook. You can drop off individuals at the Graydon South parking lot entrance and then park your vehicle.

There are many viewing points for Ridgewood’s annual fireworks display, but the best is Vet’s Field where the ground works are set up. Food trucks are on site and local musical groups perform at the Kaschau Bandshell while the crowd waits for the sun to set before the big show. This show-stopping pyrotechnic display brings spectators from miles around, so come early, pack the bug spray and bring a blanket or beach chair. As it grows dark, just sit back and enjoy.

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EARLY GETAWAY SERVICE SET IN ADVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY

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July 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Tuesday, July 3, for the benefit of customers leaving work early in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4. In addition, there will be service changes throughout the NJ TRANSIT system on July 4.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will not be permitted on board train/bus/light rail cars. This policy will be strictly enforced. As a reminder, beverages of any kind are not permitted at any time on board buses regardless of the event.

On Tuesday, July 3:

Starting at approximately 1:00 p.m., extra outbound service will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines to accommodate early customer departures. Visit www.njtransit.com for details.

Many bus lines will feature service adjustments throughout the day. Visit www.njtransit.com more information.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

On Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, with these additions:
Additional Bay Head-Long Branch trains on the North Jersey Coast line (which began service 6/24); see NJCL timetable for details HERE.
An additional train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
NJ TRANSIT will adjust Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) for the Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival at Exchange Place.

Between 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

At the request of public safety officials, beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. light rail vehicles will travel through Exchange Place but will bypass the Exchange Place stop. Customers will not be able to board or exit light rail vehicles at Exchange Place during this time. Customers may use Essex St. or Harborside as alternates.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m.:

Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken Terminal southbound trains will terminate at Harborside.
West Side Avenue and 8th Street northbound trains will terminate at Essex Street.
There will be no direct light rail service from 8th Street to Hoboken Terminal or from Tonnelle Avenue to West Side Avenue.
Normal HBLR service will resume when the New Jersey Transit Police Department determines it is safe to reopen Exchange Place to light rail traffic.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus service levels will vary by line. Visit www.njtransit.com for more information.

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“Operation Summer Octane , ” Statewide Sweep of Gas Stations Finds Most in Compliance with NJ Motor Fuel Act

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July 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  Motorists traveling to New Jersey’s beaches, parks, and other spots to celebrate Fourth of July can fuel up with confidence thanks to a statewide inspection of gas stations to ensure consumers get what they pay for at the pumps during the busy holiday week, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs announced today.

“Operation Summer Octane,” a two-week campaign of unannounced fuel quality tests led by the Division’s Office of Weights and Measures (“OWM”) tested the quality of gasoline at 371 stations across New Jersey – about 10 percent of the 3,000 licensed stations in the state – and found only two allegedly selling fuel with octane levels lower than advertised.

“With the busiest travel holiday of the summer upon us, we want motorists to have confidence that when they purchase gasoline at New Jersey stations, they’re going to get their money’s worth,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Operation Summer Octane was a proactive sweep to let stations know we’re watching to make sure they’re not charging consumers premium prices for low-grade gasoline.”
According to the Automobile Club of America (“AAA”), this year’s Independence Day holiday gas prices are the highest in four years. In New Jersey, consumers are paying an average of $2.884 a gallon for regular gasoline and $3.358 a gallon for premium, a price gap of 47.4 cents a gallon, according to AAA.

“When stations are charging nearly 50 cents a gallon more for premium gasoline the potential for illegal profit can be a temptation for unscrupulous station owners,” Rodríguez said “The good news is, our unannounced inspections found that 99 percent of the stations were pumping the proper grade of fuel. The small minority that weren’t will be held accountable. “

The unannounced inspections, which ran weekdays from June 11 through June 27, were conducted at stations located in all 21 counties within the state, including those on toll roads. An “Octane Task Force” comprised of inspectors from 17 state, county, and municipal Weights and Measures Offices used portable octane testers to field test unleaded gasoline rated from 87, 89, 91, 92, and 93 at each station.
Any fuel sample that appeared to present a violation, presented unclear results, or could not be tested on site for any reason, was sent to a laboratory for comprehensive testing.

A total of 7 samples were sent to the labs. Samples from two stations – Runway Gas on Greenwood Avenue in Trenton and USA Gas on Landis Avenue in Vineland — allegedly failed to deliver the octane levels advertised by the stations.
Operation Summer Octane also resulted in citations against 20 stations for a variety of other alleged violations of OWM and NJ motor fuel laws and regulations:

In Passaic County:
Rose Fuel, 308 Union Ave., Paterson – Failure to display mid-grade pricing atop fuel dispenser. (6 counts)
Delta, 216 Redwood Ave., Paterson – Failure to display credit card pricing atop fuel dispenser. (4 counts)
In Somerset County:
Exxon/Warren Food Inc., 171 Mt Bethel Rd, Warren –Failure to have inspection certificate available. (1 count)
In Morris County:
Shell/Ellahi Fuel, 411 W Main St., Boonton – Faulty 5-gallon test measure.
In Gloucester County:
Mobile/Creative Management, 102 N Delsea Dr., Glassboro – Water in storage drop around fuel storage tank. (3 counts)
Citgo/Clayton Food and Gas, 435 S Delsea Dr., Clayton – Water in storage drop around fuel storage tank. (1count)
In Atlantic County:
Riggins/Hammonton Fuel Stop, 12th & Chew Rd, Hammonton – Water in storage drop around fuel storage tank. (1 count)

In Union County:
Quick Check #90 1999, Routes 1 & 9, Rahway – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (10 counts)
Delta/Sadana Fuel, LLC 104 Westfield Ave., Clark – Pump meter continuing to run after dispensing stops. (3 counts)
Valero/Khalsa Fuel, LLC, 105 Chestnut St., Roselle, NJ – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on marquee. (1 count)
Delta/A-1 Union Gas, 35 North Ave., Crandford – Unregistered weighing and measuring devices. (18 counts)
Conoco/Jersey Mart Inc., 419-431 Routes 1 & 9, Elizabeth – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (3 counts)
In Middlesex:
Sunoco #7013, Thomas Edison Service Area, NJTP, Woodbridge – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (4 counts)

In Essex County:
Fuel 4/NCK Fuel, 1126 McCarter Hwy., Newark – Failure to display security seal on fuel dispenser meter. (4 counts) Failure to have 5-gallon test measure on premises. (1 count)
Speedway, #3485, 895 Springfield Ave., Irvington – No Price Per Gallon signage atop fuel dispenser. (3 counts)
Delta/G & R Fuel Corporation, 822-828 Clinton Ave., Newark – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (9 counts)
JPG Enterprises, 754 Lyons Rd., Irvington – Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (2 counts)
07205 Management, 242 Elizabeth Ave., Newark – Failure to have 5-gallon test measure on premises. (1 count)
Saveway LLC, 221 Central Ave., East Orange – No security seal on fuel dispenser meter. (13 counts) Faulty or illegible L.E.D. Price Per Gallon signage on fuel dispenser. (4 counts) Failure to have 5-gallon test measure on premises. (1 count)
Mobile/1139-1153 Broad St Petroleum, 1139-1153 Broad St., Newark – Improper numeral size on Price Per Gallon signage atop fuel dispenser. (13 counts)
Stations found to be in violation of OWM and NJ motor fuel laws and regulations face civil penalties from $100 to $1,500 per violation. Fines are assessed on a case by case basis in relation to the business history, and the severity of the infraction in relation to deceptive business practices.

The Division of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Weights and Measures thanks Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union county Offices of Weights and Measures, and the Trenton Office of Weights and Measures, for their participation in this statewide effort.
Octane is a hydrocarbon liquid found in gasoline and other fuels. When octane levels are too low, gasoline can self-ignite during compression, causing much higher pressures than engine components are designed for. This can lead to a persistent knocking sound in the engine and, in severe cases can lead to significant engine damage such as broken connecting rods, melted pistons, or other damaged components. The risk is especially acute with high-performance vehicles for which a higher octane rating is recommended, but can affect any vehicle if the octane level is substandard.