Tag: CBD

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Village of Ridgewood Planning Board September 20th Meeting

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PLANNING BOARD AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 20, 1016

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Village Hall Court Room– 7:30 P.M.

(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)

 

  1. 7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.Roll call: Knudsen, Voigt, Altano, Joel, Reilly, Patire, Thurston, Scheibner, Torielli, McWilliams
  2. 7:35 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board
  3. 7:40 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics, Correspondence Received by the Board
  4. 7:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. – Ridgewood/Dayton, Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, 100 & 152 South Broad Street, Blocks 3707/3905, Lots 5.01/1.01 – Public Hearing continued from September 6, 2016
  5. 10:15 p.m. – 10:20 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: October 20, 2015
  6. 10:20 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – Unfinished Business and New Business- Open Space Committee Liaison, Resolution re: Appointment of Alternate Planning Board Counsel, Scheduling of meetings and applications, Committee Appointments, and discussion of any other open items
  7. 10:30 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)
  8. AdjournmentIn accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.

    Members: Susan Knudsen, Jeff Voigt, Joel Torielli, Melanie McWilliams, David Scheibner, Richard Joel, Kevin Reilly, David Thurston, Isabella Altano, Debbie Patire

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Reader says there is a case of FOOT IN MOUTH disease in Ridgewood

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We have a case of FOOT IN MOUTH disease, as in when someone says something completely moronic. Currently on Facebook Rurik Halaby is making a gigantic fool of himself on It Takes a Ridgewood Village. Rurik do you want some salt and pepper with that shoe you are eating?

It is good to see that Rurik’s Facebook posts are challenged. Many people don’t like to get in arguments on Facebook but we have a dedicated group of residents who challenge him with the facts. He just posts misinformation and lies. Any idiot can do that.

It amazes me that a business owner in town can show up at a council meeting and blame them for the PSEG work schedule. Why doesn’t he complain to PSEG?

Why doesn’t he embrace the Ridgewood Fall Craft Fair? It is great to have Ridgewood Ave closed for a pedestrian fair.

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PSE&G Work In Ridgewood and the Blame Game

PSEG

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 19,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog has received the following email  from Tony Damiano of the Ridgewood Guild . It’s odd though no one ever made such a big deal over the “traffic easing ” which greatly reduced the inflow of traffic into the Ridgewood’s central business district. No one also ever brought up these objection with the Hudson Parking Garage  . Funny how best estimates would put many Ridgewood CBD stores under great duress during the construction period .

Subject: Re: fr: Tony Damiano re: PSEG Update

Ramon,
I understand that. What I was referring to was the the recent dialogue from yesterday.
What you are telling me only makes the situation worse. Now I am shocked that the Council knew about this as far back as May and never communicated with The Ridgewood Guild or the business community. At the “wonderful” meeting that took place on Tuesday of this week at the Chamber office, again, nothing was mentioned. The Chamber of Commerce wasn’t even notified. I spoke with Joan Groom yesterday. I thought Council learned about the project a couple of weeks ago. Now you are telling me this was on the table back in May or June and none of us knew???

While I have your ear. I am very disappointed that I cannot be a part of your new Downtown Committee. I know I would have been a great asset, a historian so to speak, on what works and what may not. As I stated at the July meeting and at Wednesday night’s meeting, I need to know who the resident committee members are. It seems Susan is micro-managing the choices. Allegedly, Lorrainne Reynolds and Amy Borque have been selected. I am curious to know who the other 3 are. You need a good mix of people on this committee in order for it to succeed. Committee members who have different points of view, but can work amicably together. These 2 people are huge supporters of Susan’s. Lorraine said she would support the Hudson St. garage if it were taken down a level. Amy formed for Save Ridgewood group and opposed the residential complexes. She is lovely, but I’m afraid to say that this is a conflict of interest. Her family owns a residential complex just on our border. I know Philip Davis is representing the Chamber. He will, no doubt contribute, however he has only been in town for 2 years. Gary Kolsaire is the right choice. His business has been in town a number of years. Also, please do your homework before speaking. At the July meeting you suggested bringing the Christmas tree to the park. You will need to further investigate that one. That created a backlash that business owners and residents are still talking about.
You say you are working to support the business community. Here are 3 examples of how you are not…
1) You have swept the parking deck under the rug, not having it on the past 2 Council Meeting Agendas, even though the past Mayor, past Deputy Mayor, past Councilwoman, Assistant Village Manager, president of The Ridgewood Guild, current president, and 3 past presidents of The Chamber of Commerce, all f which are considered “Community Leaders” were in favor of it. Much time, effort and money was spent listening to professionals and consultants regarding design, financial reports, (which were approved by our Council appointed Financial Committee), and a professional traffic consultant. While I’m on the subject, is it true you have assigned another traffic consultant who is not certified to do, and yet another study?
2) You didn’t inform us of the PSEG work that will greatly effect 4th Quarter.
3) Rumor has it that the Council is looking to raise the parking meters to $.75 an hour.
Best………………..Tony Damiano – President

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Sign of the Times in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Parking signs

September 19,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, No sign in the central business district seems to raise more consternation that the “parkmobile App” only sign at the Chestnut street parking lot. The lot it seems is only accessible for smart phone users with credit cards.

As reported on this blog it all started in May of 2015  , “Starting May 11th the Multi-space meter in the Chestnut Street Parking Lot will be deactivated. The new method of payment for up to 3 hours of parking at .50 cents per hour will be by phone using the Parkmobile App” https://theridgewoodblog.net/chestnut-street-parking-lot-goes-parkmobile-app/

While some find it hard to believe that people actually function in this day and age without a smart phone or a debit/credit card . Others are not fond of giving out credit card information or being tracked by the latest app. Parkmobile has gone to great lengths to assure uses that you personal information is encrypted and safe . Non stop stories of the latest hacking give one pause to think.

So is the latest parking technology a convenience or a nuisance ? Or survival of the fittest and just one more step in the battle for parking in Ridgewood’s central business district ?

And the sign said “Long-haired freaky people need not apply”
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said “You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do”
So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!”
Whoa-oh-oh

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

And the sign said anybody caught trespassin’ would be shot on sight
So I jumped on the fence and-a yelled at the house
“Hey! What gives you the right?”
“To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in”
“If God was here he’d tell you to your face, man, you’re some kinda sinner”

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Now, hey you, mister, can’t you read?
You’ve got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can’t even watch, no you can’t eat
You ain’t supposed to be here
The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside
Ugh!

And the sign said, “Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray”
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
I didn’t have a penny to pay
So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, “Thank you, Lord, for thinkin’ ’bout me. I’m alive and doin’ fine”
Wooo!

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Sign
Sign, sign

Written by Les Emmerson

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W.Glen Ave underpass Utility Work has been rescheduled in Ridgewood

PSEG

file photo by Boyd Loving

Traffic Update 9/16/16

September 17th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The utility work planned for Saturday 9/17/16 at the W.Glen Ave underpass has been rescheduled. The underpass will be open on Saturday.

Other underground construction activities began on or about Monday September 19th, 2016 from approximately 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Construction activities include the installation of manholes and underground pipe.  This work is expected to be complete in November 2016, weather permitting.

Our work locations are expected in the following locations:

– South Broad Street between Passaic Street and East Ridgewood Avenue – North Broad Street between East Ridgewood Avenue and Franklin Avenue – Franklin Avenue between North Broad Street and Chestnut Street – Franklin Avenue and Walnut Street Intersection

Safety is our primary concern. PSE&G will work with the Village of Ridgewood Police Department to minimize any traffic concerns or inconvenience to the public. At this time, we expect to have alternating traffic and/or detours near the locations listed above. During construction, please refrain from going near our construction work zones.

.

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist “Abby” Wambach will sign her new book to night at Bookends tonight

"Abby" Wambach

September 15,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, “Abby” Wambach will sign her new book to night at Bookends at 6pm: Forward: A Memoir ($26.99). *Each person attending MUST purchase a copy of the book.

Click the link below to pre-order:
https://mkt.com/bookends

Mary Abigail “Abby” Wambach is an American retired soccer player, coach, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion.

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

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2016 Ridgewood Car Show Friday night

Ridgewood Car Show
September 10,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,In what has become yet another great tradition in Ridgewood , the Ridgewood Car Show welcomes back neighbors after a long hot summer.

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Mayor Susan Knudsen accompanied by her husband , made the rounds at the 2016 Ridgewood Car Show Friday night . Also Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon was out with the little one.
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Over 400 antique, classic or exotic cars were there to be seen and Ridgewood with now 94 restaurants hat plenty of options to eat.
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Former Councilmen Tom Riche  was spotted showing his ride along with Village Clerk Heather Mailander.
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The Loving’s were out enjoying the evening .

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RIDGEWOOD PLANNING BOARD MEETING TONIGHT 7:30PM

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PLANNING BOARD AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Village Hall Court Room– 7:30 P.M.

(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)

7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.

Roll call: Knudsen, Voigt, Altano, Joel, Reilly, Patire, Thurston, Scheibner, Torielli, McWilliams

7:35 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board

7:40 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics, Correspondence Received by the Board

7:45 p.m. – 7:55 p.m. – Resolutions re: Appointment of Planning Board Counsel

7:55 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Riverside Medical Group Minor Site Plan and Variances, 74 Oak Street, Block 2009, Lot 6

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Ridgewood Dayton, LLC Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, 100 & 152 South Broad Street, Block 3707, Lot 5.01 and Block 3905, Lot 1.01

11:00 p.m. – 11:05 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: August 23, 2016

11:05 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)

Adjournment

In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.

Members: Susan Knudsen, Jeff Voigt, Joel Torielli, Melanie McWilliams, David Scheibner, Richard Joel, Kevin Reilly, David Thurston, Isabella Altano, Debbie Patire

Professional Staff: Blais L. Brancheau, Planner; Christopher J. Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Michael Cafarelli, Board Secretary

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From Scratch in Ridgewood Eating pasta to help quake victims

from scratch Ridgewood

September 3,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, From Scratch in Ridgewood is joining other Italian restaurants around the country in raising funds for Italy’s earthquake victims by offering the signature dish of the stricken region, pasta all’Amatriciana. Owner Claudia Rovegno will cook the dish, made with pancetta and pecorino cheese, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of September. It will cost $20, of which $4 will be donated to earthquake relief. 44 E. Ridgewood Ave., 201-857-5188, fromscratchridgewood.com

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Reader says Town Garage investors should be on the hook for the remediation

Town Garage Ridgewood

The problem with the town garage is that is a pollution nightmare. The property is now owned by a group of private investors who scooped it up to profit from a possible quick sale to the town as a parking garage. The investors should be on the hook for the remediation, but surely own the property in some sort of LLC with no assets. The town should take the property or start proceedings to have the current owners clean it up. the current cost of $1.2 million is an estimate and costs can surely be higher. We have let this pollution continue for too long and based on us having a ground water system need to do something NOW. we have waited wait too long. Hopefully the new council will shift into high gear and get something accomplished. That parking lot along with the town garage would make a nice parking garage. Forget about retail space.

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Time to Clean Up the Town Garage in Ridgewood

Town Garage Ridgewood
September 1,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the residents in Ridgewood reject the idea the town is run by an”anti-development majority opinion”. The objection most have with the proposed development projects is that they do little to help improve the central business district and do almost nothing to address some of the current problems . A typical example is the newly misguided proposal of destroying Van Neste park . The simple fact is that it will like most of the current proposals that will do nothing to fix the town garage property and issues dating back to 2007.

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Readers have previously stated the, “Previous councils also spent over $1.0 million on “environmental studies” with funds raised from the previous Village garage bonding. They were looking to remediate the land on a old gas station site and the site of the old Town Garage. What happened to those studies????”

In 2007 , the Town Garage has a checked past and was featured in a series of articles on the Ridgewood blog ,”The current hot discussion topic among those who monitor Village Hall happenings is how an out of town firm was able purchase the Town Garage property from right out under the noses of Village Council members. Village ownership of the subject property (see posted photo) is seen as key to the successful construction of a municipal parking garage.” https://theridgewoodblog.net/the-town-garage-120-franklin-avenue-the-eye-of-the-storm/

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More Recently the Town Garage was featured prominently in the parking lot discussion for the central business district in Ridgewood .” the Town Garage site and the village owned property in that area.  The DEP declared it a remediation site 10 years ago.  Nothing has been done and their is an underground water stream running through the property that is compromised by seepage from the hydraulic and diesel fuel tanks still buried there,  The village spent 35,000 dollars to identify what needed to be done several years ago and I have not heard a thing until last weeks meeting at the very end where the council discussed briefly the abandoned property ordinance, eminent domain and the fact that there is a toxic flume at the site which is adding to the contamination and needs monitoring so as to minimize the effect on the water and I believe wells were mentioned.  I have more information which I will forward to you.  Saw in old minutes where Keith Killion and Pat Mancuso saw the need to clean the site and put a garage there.  It is so much more centrally located and would be used by employees, shoppers ,diners as well as commuters more readily than HUdson Street.”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/town-garage-site-in-ridgewood-and-the-village-owned-property-in-that-area-still-a-dep-declared-it-a-remediation-site/

The fact remains the Town Garage property must be cleaned up and made safe . It is one of many properties down town that need major rehabilitation . A rehabilitation in keeping with and consistent with the over all small town feel of the Village of Ridgewood .
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Governor Christie Takes Steps to Safeguard New Jersey’s Economic Future

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Vetoes Legislation That Would Impede Economic Gains and Hinder Garden State Businesses

August 30, 2016
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton, NJ , Taking action to protect New Jersey’s economic future, Governor Chris Christie today vetoed Assembly Bill No. 15, which would have raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour by the year 2021. Three years ago, New Jersey residents voted to raise the minimum wage to $8.25, along with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This bill would have made New Jersey only the third state to adopt a $15 minimum wage.

“Despite having a constitutional mandate in place, the legislature now wants to increase the minimum wage by almost 80 percent just three years later,” said Governor Christie.  “While this bill’s proposed increase surely is responsive to demands from Democrat legislators’ political patrons, it fails to consider the capacity of businesses, especially small businesses, to absorb the substantially increased labor costs it will impose, killing jobs and erasing gains of more than 275,000 private sector jobs since 2010. I cannot support a bill that undermines the positive results we have achieved in New Jersey and I am returning A-15 to the legislature with an Absolute Veto.”

Business owners would face added expenses from this substantial wage hike through increased payrolls, taxes and supply costs, leaving them with these undesirable options: laying off workers; reducing employee hours; raising prices; leaving New Jersey; or closing altogether.  Other states and cities ramping up to a $15 minimum wage – California, Seattle and Washington, D.C., for example – are already seeing those negative economic impacts, from fewer jobs to increased costs for goods and services on college campuses, in restaurants and in the manufacturing sector.

Similar outcomes in New Jersey would be a significant step backward on the road to economic recovery and an affront to all of the accomplishments of our private-sector businesses over the past six-and-a-half years.

From offering $380 million in unemployment insurance tax relief to merging the State’s economic development incentive programs through the Economic Opportunity Act, Governor Christie has fought to make New Jersey more competitive and to encourage businesses not only to move to the Garden State, but also to stay here, and to expand their operations and hire new employees.

Governor Christie continues to focus on creating better paying, middle-class jobs in innovative sectors and through small business growth while continuing to build on New Jersey’s economic momentum.

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Y.O. Cigar Event This Saturday at the Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood

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August 31,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Saturday September 3rd ,from 10 am to 2 pm, stop by and meet Yaxel Ortiz and watch the master cigar roller make fresh Y.O.’s.

Yaxel Ortiz the super boutique cigar maker from Cuba has now produced his first blend fro his new factory in Nicaragua available in only a select group of retailers .

The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
10 Chestnut Street
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

Phone: 201 – 447 – 2204

Email: [email protected]

Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10AM – 5:30PM
Thursday Evening: 6:30PM – 8:30PM

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LEON Mexican Opens in Ridgewood

LEON Mexican Ridgewood

 

August 29,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to the website ,”LEON Mexican is a modern Mexican Restaurant offering its customers a large variety of fresh vegetables, meats, pleasing dining area with striking contemporary design. Our Restaurant features Classical Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, ceviche, table side guacamole, tortilla chips and tomato salsa which are freshly prepared on premises. All of our vegetarian dishes contain no meat stock including our rice & beans.”

LEON Mexican is a modern Mexican Restaurant with a fairly simple mission statement.

“We believe in fresh, and we believe in quality. Our ingredients are one of the finest ones chosen from a large variety of fresh vegetables & all natural meats. We never pre-cook or pre-freeze any food on our premises. Everything on the menu is made once order is placed.

Leon features classic Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, ceviche, table side guacamole, tortilla chips and tomato salsa which are freshly prepared everyday. Unlike most Mexican restaurants, all of our vegetarian dishes contain no meat stock including our rice & beans.Colorful rustic walls, antique mirrors, cactus pots and spice jars ,elaborate indoor bougainvilleas add up to a very authentic ambience, along with some folk mariachi music in the background, welcome to our little Mexico in the heart of Ridgewood.”

HOURS

Everyday: 12Noon – 10PM

ADDRESS

16 Chestnut Street
(Between E. Ridgewood & Franklin Avenue)
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

[email protected]

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September is an Exciting Month At Bookends in Ridgewood

Rod Laver
August 28,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ , September is an exciting month at Bookends in Ridgewood .

Tennis Great Rod Laver Tuesday, September 6th @ 7:00pm
Tennis Champion, Rob Laver will sign his new book:
Rob Laver: An Authobography

Jesse Ventura Thursday, September 8th @ 7:00pm
Former Governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura, will sign his new book:
Jesse Ventura’s Marijuana Manifesto

Dr. Terry Dubrow & Heather Dubrow Friday, September 9th @ 7:00pm
From Botched and Star on The Real Housewives of Orange County will sign their new book:
The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to the Best Anti-Aging Treatments

Abby Wambach Thursday, September 15th @ 6:00pm
2 X Olympic Gold Medalitst, Abby Wambach, will be signing her new book: FORWARD

Jamie Lee Curtis Monday, September 19th @ 7:00pm
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author & Actress, Jamie Lee Curtis,  will sign her new book:  This is Me

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