The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Assemble and pack 10,000 meals in two hours?! That is what 75 members and friends of West Side Presbyterian Church were able to accomplish for Rise Against Hunger, a growing global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.
Continue reading West Side Volunteers Pack 10,000 Meals in Two Hours
file photo b Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR BERGEN, NORTHERN ESSEX, HUDSON AND EASTERN PASSAIC
COUNTIES…
Continue reading FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM
photos courtesy of Glen Rock Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, At 1834 hours on Monday, the Glen Rock Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke on the second floor of a residence on the Boulevard. A second alarm was transmitted in route by 830 upon reports by GRPD of a heavy smoke condition. The main fire area was in the attic space of the home. Crews used a combination of interior and exterior attacks to bring the fire under control. Thanks to all mutual aid towns, including Hawthorne, Fair Lawn, Ridgewood, Midland Park, Paramus, Waldwick, Wyckoff and Elmwood Park. Also thanks to the GRVAC and Glen Rock Police for on scene assistance as well as Northwest and Central Bergen Mutual Aid coordinators and safety officers.
Continue reading Glen Rock Fire Brings In Multiple Towns to Assist
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Fair Lawn NJ, Police from 6 nearby towns responded to the Morlot Avenue home in Fair Lawn to brake up a 300-guest house party at a Morlot Avenue ,Thursday afternoon July 4th .Fair Lawn police officers went to the house at 1 p.m. after getting several complaints about noise and parking violations. Police issued a warning about the noise to security personnel working the event due to loud music.
Continue reading Police Raid 300 Guest 4th of July Party in Fair Lawn
April 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, State Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) is going to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).Bergen sources had speculated for some time on this eventuality and today a source confirmed it.Gordon represents Hawthorne, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Bergenfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Maywood, Lodi, Oradell, New Milford, Paramus, Oradell, Rochelle Park, Paramus, River Edge, and Saddle Brook.
As chairman of the N.J. Senate committee responsible for overseeing public transportation issues Gordon came under criticism ,for seeming out of touch with New Jersey Transits problems and failing to act until far to late.
The departure of the battleground district senator sets up the most likely potential for Assemblyman Joe Lagana (D-38) and Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-38) to challenge for it. Republicans have long eyed the district and have come close to taking it several times.
November 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, the campaign seemed to finally heat up this weekend with America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsing the GOP District 39 ticket, Senator Cardinale, Assemblyman Auth and Holly Schepisi and helping us raise additional money last night.
District 39 – (Bergen and Passaic) Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington (Bergen), Westwood, Woodcliff Lake.
Giuliani also endorsed and campaigned with Kelly Greco Langschultz for NJ Senate. Kelly Landschultz of New Milford is the Republican candidate for Senate, with William Leonard of Glen Rock and Christopher B. Wolf of Saddle Brook the GOP Assembly candidates
District 38 – (Bergen and Passaic) Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook .
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Kelly Langschultz for NJ Senate LD38
NEW MILFORD, NJ – New Jersey once again is grabbing headlines as the worst state to do business in. The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan Washington-based think tank, released their 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index earlier this week, ranking New Jersey 50th overall in tax policy.
“While attempting to start a business and raise a family, all while being a constituent of Bob Gordon’s for the last fourteen years, I have personally experienced the unintended consequences of our Senator’s voting record that has led us here.” said Kelly Langschultz regarding the Tax Foundation’s findings.
“Voters in Bergen and Passaic have seen enough of Bob Gordon’s policies, which is why I’m campaigning aggressively to replace Gordon in three weeks and put our state back on the right track.”
The Tax Foundation rated New Jersey dead last in overall business climate, 42nd in Corporate Tax competitiveness, 48th in Individual Taxes, 46th in Sales Taxes and ranked New Jersey’s Property Taxes the highest in the nation.
“Whenever any legislation is on the Senate floor and Bob Gordon gets the opportunity to stand up for his constituents, the Senator fails every time. Every effort to seriously reform our state’s tax code and put New Jersey on the path to affordability and economic sustainability, Bob Gordon balks at every attempt to save those struggling in the 38th District. The sad truth, Bob Gordon has yet to meet a tax increase he didn’t like.”
While serving as councilwoman in New Milford, Kelly Langschultz presented a fiscal stability plan earlier this year that will continue to contribute towards the borough’s taxes remaining flat and will give New Milford a path towards responsibly paying down its debt while protecting taxpayers.
“The stability plan and financial know-how I’ve been providing to New Milford residents is exactly what Trenton needs, and I plan on providing the same kind of relief to the residents of New Jersey when I’m sworn in this January.”
Kelly Langschultz is a mother of four, small business owner, councilwoman in New Milford and a candidate for State Senate in New Jersey’s 38th Legislative District. Learn more about Kelly on her website, KellyLangschultz.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/kelly4njsenate.
District 38 – (Bergen and Passaic) Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook
photo courtesy of the Westwood Police
October 12,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, A peewee football league has banned a parent and his family for life after the father allegedly snapped when his son was rotated out as quarterback on a flag football team and attacked a teenage coach.
Peter Iappelli, 50, who earns $171,136 a year as school business administrator in Closter, was charged Wednesday by Westwood Police with simple assault and disorderly conduct after allegedly placing the 16-year-old coach in a chokehold.
Westwood Youth Football is for 6 to 12-year-olds and Westwood Youth Football is a founding member of newly created and formed NNJJFL ( The Northern New Jersey Junior Football League). This newly formed league was built with fair competitive play as the cornerstone of its development. Joining Westwood in the NNJJFL are the following programs: Washington Township, Hillsdale, Rivervale, Lodi, Garfield and Hawthorne.
October 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle Brook NJ, its election year and the Ridgewod blog is once again looking at some of the more interesting stories of this election year . We found one in near by District 38 with a gentlemen named Christopher Wolf. Chris’s home town is Fairlawn ,he is the Pastor at First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, and he is running State Assemblyman in District 38.For Glen Rock readers that’s you .
Chris is an author of With You Every Step of the Way (2011) and Giving Faith a Second Chance: Restarts, Mulligans and Do-Overs (2007) and he is the host of radio show ,Walk With Me, Wednesday nights, 7pm Est/6pm Cntrl on WYFN 94.9 FM – NY; yfnradio.com .
Chris has been a pastor for 15 years, 7 here in Saddle Brook. The congregation averages about 70 people on Sundays. Chris said , “As the NJ Legislature is part-time, my main priority is my congregation. There are set days for business in Trenton, Mondays and/or Thursdays so I will adjust my congregation hours around that but will remain at the same they are now. My main issues are making NJ more affordable, helping small businesses , creating a Main Street economy, Social Services reform, and bring the community partnership concept to the other towns in the District.”
Chris got the political bug while working at the state assembly many years ago and now feels that in order to practice what you preach in church you need to go out and engage the community .
We asked Chris has his Christian faith ever been an issue on the campaign trail and he said surprisingly ,”No” .
Christopher Wolf is running for assembly, with Kelly Langschultz for Senate, and Billy Leonard for assembly against long time Senator Bob Gordon, assemblymen Tim Eustace and Joe Lagana.
Chris has been spreading the message of affordability, leadership, and community , in in towns like Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, and Saddle Brook . He love events , but he says ,”going door to door in the D38 towns is the best. I love the purity of it , just meeting and talking neighbor to neighbor. And it’s working. People are responding well to our team. Part of the purpose of New Jersey’s Second Chance is to inspire people to believe in leaders and in government again.”
That’s right Chris calls his platform New Jersey’s Second Chance , and says ” it’s because I believe in redemption for New Jersey (Trenton) and it’s a play on the title of my first book, Giving Faith a Second Chance “.
Chris described his life to us as , “Improbable. So many of my stories could be described as improbable. Where I am now, after growing up in a garden apartment in Fair Lawn. You know, I was the kid who played baseball in sneakers because there were times when we couldn’t afford cleats. Becoming a minister and much more. Now I’m on the brink of the most improbable chapter yet – two months from being elected to represent you in the New Jersey General Assembly. You know me, I’ll bring principled, passionate, honorable, game-changing leadership to District 38 towns and to Trenton. It’s a critical time for the campaign”
Chris summed it all up for us , “I want people to look back on November 2017, and know that they were a part of New Jersey’s Second Chance – the season in which we began to redeem our state from financial and social ruin – and started over with affordability, thriving small businesses, and connected communities.”
September 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, need some exercise ,but don’t like the gym or just cant get away? Meet the GYMGUYZ. GYMGUYZ is a mobile fitness company. Manny has a van with over 300 pieces of workout equipment and will travel to his clients, rather than meeting them at a gym. This provides comfort for those who might be anxious going to a gym. It also allows for flexibility for the clients. If a parent has young children and don’t want to pay for a babysitter while they got to the gym they can have their trainer come to their house while it is nap time! Or, if it is a nice day outside you can meet in a park for a workout.
Manny, a military vet, who always had a passion for fitness but was never at the right stage in his life to open his own business is finally making his dreams come true and becoming a franchise owner with GYMGUYZ.
GYMGUYZ Western Bergen County is # 1 in Home Personal Training! Our coaches focus on individualized one-on-one fitness, group sessions, and corporate fitness. GYMGUYZ has an amazing team of certified coaches that use a unique philosophy that targets all aspects of health and fitness. GYMGUYZ provides Convenient, Customized, and Creative workouts. The GYMGUYZ vans are stocked with state of the art equipment that our coaches bring to clients to provide excellent one-on-one or group workout sessions. Our services include weight loss, body sculpting, bodybuilding, weight training, therapeutic/athletic stretch, strength training, senior fitness, obstacle course training, kickboxing, group training, corporate fitness, post & pre natal exercise, pool workouts, youth and teen fitness training, cardio fitness, professional sports conditioning, nutrition counseling and birthday parties. GYMGUYZ supplies the tools and techniques to get you in shape in the comfort of your own home, office, or setting of your choice. We welcome all individuals of all levels regardless of experience, age, or ability. We follow each client’s progress by assessing their fitness goals, calorie intake, measurements and progress. GYMGUYZ teaches lifelong habits that will keep one looking and feeling their best.
GYMGUYZ service Ramsey, Fair Lawn, Montvale, Mahwah, Allendale, Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Haledon, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park, Hawthorne, Township of Washington, Ho Ho Kus, Waldwick, Saddle River, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Glen Rock and the surrounding areas.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
June 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, A black bear likely to have been the same one seen early Monday morning, 06/12, roaming around outside of the Jefferson Middle School in Hawthorne, was spotted perched (and eating) in a tree of a Goffle Hill Road, Hawthorne home late Monday afternoon, 06/12. Hawthorne PD units along with a representative of Tyco Animal Control Services responded to assess the situation. It was determined that the bear presented no immediate danger to residents of the home, who were asked to stay inside in the hopes that the animal would come down from the tree and wander off if it did not feel threatened by the presence of a human.
Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
February 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, A house fire at 506 Prospect Street in Glen Rock on Monday evening, 02/20, was battled by firefighters from Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Midland Park, and Ridgewood. At least one (1) firefighter was injured while fighting the smokey blaze. Ridgewood EMS assisted Glen Rock EMS at the scene, and Ridgewood PD units assisted Glen Rock PD with traffic control.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
April 17,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A Glen Rock Police Department uniformed patrol officer administered Narcan to the adult male driver of a Toyota Corolla following a head on collision between the Toyota and a Village of Ridgewood sanitation truck in front of 522 Lincoln Avenue, Hawthorne late Friday morning, 04/15. The Toyota driver, who was headed northbound on Lincoln Avenue, reportedly overdosed on an unknown substance just prior to the crash. An adult female driver of a BMW sedan stopped at the scene to assist the victim prior to the arrival of police officers. The occupant(s) of the sanitation truck, which was headed southbound on Lincoln to dump a load in Paterson, were not injured in the crash. The Toyota was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Damage to the sanitation truck was minimal. The overdose victim, otherwise uninjured, was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. Hawthorne PD is investigating the incident.
BY SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
A toxic chemical that recently raised concerns throughout the region when it was found near the Wanaque Reservoir has been detected in several smaller drinking water supplies that serve more than a dozen North Jersey towns.
Test results compiled by the federal government in the past three years show 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen, in Fair Lawn, Garfield, Pompton Lakes and several other towns that rely heavily on wells. It has also been found in almost 80 other water systems in every part of the state, from Shore towns to Highlands communities.
Environmental officials say there is no imminent health threat from the levels of 1,4-dioxane that were detected, but there is still no clear consensus on how much of the chemical can be in drinking water before it makes anyone ill. The federal government has yet to develop a national standard for the chemical in water supplies. New Jersey does not yet have one. And the standards established in other states vary wildly.
Those whose drinking water has 1,4-dioxane are left with little information or guidance about whether it is dangerous.
“We need direction based on good science,” said Ken Garrison, the borough engineer for Fair Lawn, which supplies water to 32,000 residents. “It’s difficult for a water supplier to do anything without getting guidance from the regulators.”
The findings in North Jersey range from a barely traceable amount in Park Ridge to a sample almost 30 times greater taken from some of Fair Lawn’s wells that are in a Superfund site.
While the amounts of 1,4-dioxane found in North Jersey are incredibly small — the highest recording of 3.24 micrograms per liter in Fair Lawn is equivalent to three drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool — they are important to regulators in setting baselines that determine how much exposure creates a health threat.
Unlike arsenic, PCBs and other dangerous substances that scientists have studied for decades, 1,4-dioxane belongs to a group of chemicals the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as an “unregulated contaminant” because the agency doesn’t have enough data to determine all of its health implications and its prevalence in water supplies.
The chemical, 1,4-dioxane, is a clear, man-made substance used in paint strippers, degreasers and varnishes. It is also created unintentionally when mixing certain chemicals. It blends with water very easily and is difficult to remove.
Drinking 1,4-dixoane can cause liver and kidney damage and is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the U.S. Department of Health. In 2010, the EPA determined that 1,4-dioxane is more likely to cause cancer than previously thought: Cancer could occur in one person out of 1 million exposed to 0.35 milligrams per liter of the chemical over a lifetime.
The chemical made news recently after it was discovered in groundwater at the Ringwood Superfund site in the Ramapo Mountains, where Ford Motor Co. dumped tons of paint sludge almost 50 years ago. Although that groundwater is in the watershed that supplies the Wanaque Reservoir, 1,4-dioxane has not been detected in the reservoir, which serves up to 3 million people.
But it has been found in water systems that serve Fair Lawn, Garfield, Pompton Lakes, Oakland, Ramsey, Park Ridge, Elmwood Park, Ridgewood, Wallington, Hawthorne, Mahwah and other towns that receive most of their water from wells, according to an analysis of EPA data by The Record.
