The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, please join us for our annual flag raising ceremony in Wilsey Square at 9am on Tuesday, July 4th followed by parade beginning at 10am. Evening Entertainment with live music, food trucks, beer garden, and fireworks finale begins at 6pm!
Continue reading 113th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023
photos by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, it was a picture perfect day for the 112th annual Fourth of July parade.
Continue reading Picture Perfect Day for the 112th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Ridgewood
Continue reading Bergen County Historical Society : The Second Day of July 1776 – Lantern Tour
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the “Black Lives Matter” protesters made the following demands to create a more “woke” classroom in Ridgewood . The demands clearly put ideology over learning and attempt to drag Ridgewood’s $115 million dollar school budget into the “cultural revolution” ie even more Marxism. We are left to wonder how long Ridgewood residents will continue to pay exorbitant property taxes and what impact this will have on the quality of education.
“Among the demands are four specific ones, related to education in Ridgewood. One, that the village’s “Eurocentric” curriculum be dismantled. Two, that there be “mandatory anti-racist training’s for students and teachers.” Three, that there be “more Black teachers, staff and leadership.” And four, that there be a “Ridgewood Public Schools Resource office” to support students of color.
by JON HARARI
Today is an unusual day, unlike many July 4th’s of years past.
What happened to all of our unalienable Rights, the ones written 244 years ago in our Declaration of Independence of July 4th, 1776, including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness? Well, maybe today is not so unusual, as never before do we have more of our unalienable Rights as we do today.
Life – we are alive, there never has been more live Americans in existance, our life expectancy and health standards have never been historically higher as human beings, and the sacrifices those are making on the front lines and the ones everyone else are making like quarantining and social distancing is helping to further increase the lives of others.
Continue reading What Happened to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?
from Bergen County Historical Society
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” An extract from a letter written by John Adams to his wife Abigail. July 3rd, 1776.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Historical Society:
“We are happy to announce that at last you can see the exhibit that has been waiting for you since March!!!
We will be opening for a sneak preview this 4th of July weekend: Saturday July 4 from 1-3 and Sunday July 5 from 2-4.
We will be taking all precautions for the safety of your visitors and our docents:
-only 4 visitors (plus 2 docents) at a time in the museum. Visitors will be asked to wait outside, come back, or arrange a private time to come in in the event of overcrowding.
-EVERYONE, docents and visitors, MUST wear a mask at all times! NO exceptions!!!
-rest rooms will be closed to the public
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you, in a safe, socially distant way!”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As it gets closer to the 4th, and things are getting slowly back to normal, we know many people are disappointed by the cancelling of the annual 4th of July events. It was a very tough decision for our committee but with public health concerns and economic uncertainty, it was just not feasible this year. As many of you know, the 4th of July in Ridgewood is entirely funded by community donations, and with our local businesses deeply impacted by the shutdown, we felt cancelling this year’s events was the most responsible thing to do.
July 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital reminds us July 4th is usually a great summer holiday for the family – except maybe the furry family. Many people consider this the most stressful holiday for pets. Here are some things you can do to help your dogs and cats get through it.
1. Be prepared. If you know your dog or cat is afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms, ask your veterinarian in advance about products you can use. Tranquilizers, pheromones (in sprays or plug-ins), and thunder shirts are just a few things that may help your pet
2. Play with your pet and reassure him/her all day. Long walks are good, and your pet is less likely to be stressed if he is tired from a day of activity.
3. Keep pets inside at night with an available place to hide to get away from the noise. Human companionship is ideal, but if you want to enjoy the fireworks at least be sure your pets are able to retreat somewhere inside your home. Pets should never be taken to the site of fireworks or left outdoors. There is always an increase in the number of lost pets who bolted out of fear on July 4th, even if they are not prone to escaping normally.
4. 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 if the windows are closed so that your pet does not get heatstroke.
5. Distract your pet from the noise. Associate a great new toy and lots of attention with fireworks and maybe he will learn to tolerate them better.
6. Play music or put on the TV to distract from the noise of fireworks. There are even CDs especially for anxious cats and dogs.
July 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewod blog
West Trenton NJ, The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.
During the July 4th holiday weekend last year, there were 5 fatal crashes that resulted in 5 deaths, with alcohol as a contributing factor for two of them. These types of tragedies can often be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber and Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. During this period, more than 70 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
Motorists are also reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to move over or be ticketed for the violation. According to New Jersey’s Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights must move over to leave an empty lane next to those vehicles. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.
“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Although statewide crash fatalities are slightly down from this time last year, we know we can do much better. We want everyone to get to and from their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with their friends and families.”
The State Police Marine Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend, and troopers will be looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft.
Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. A synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.
July 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, This Fourth of July holiday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) urges everyone to celebrate safely by planning ahead and designating a non-drinking driver if plans include alcohol. Backyard barbecues, fireworks displays and other festivities surrounding the Fourth of July holiday often include drinking, making it one of the deadliest holidays of the year.
Last year, from 6 p.m. July 1 to 5:59 a.m. July 5, 188 Americans were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. During that timeframe, drunk driving deaths accounted for 41 percent of all fatalities on U.S. roadways.
“As we take time to celebrate our nation’s independence, everyone must take personal responsibility to keep this holiday happy and joyous. All too often, celebrations become tragedies because of one person’s careless and deadly decision to drink and drive,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church. “Designate a non-drinking driver, if you plan to drink alcohol.”
MADD is proud to work with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind the public that if you choose to drink and drive you will get caught. MADD supports NHTSA’s campaign, “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” and is grateful to law enforcement for their increased presence by conducting additional sobriety checkpoints to remove drunk drivers from our roads.
Sobriety checkpoints are extremely effective in preventing drunk driving deaths and injuries and can reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by 18 to 24 percent. MADD always supports law enforcement during these high-visibility enforcement events and urges everyone to show their support for this proven countermeasure in their state.
Drunk driving is not only dangerous, it is expensive. When caught, drunk driving can cost an offender thousands of dollars. According to NHTSA, a DUI arrest could cost up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of vehicle and driving privileges. The driver also could face jail time, higher insurance rates and expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs and lost time at work. Most importantly, they can kill others including family members.
Drunk driving remains the leading killer on our roads, yet these senseless deaths are 100 percent preventable, 100 percent of the time. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is helping create a future with No More Victims®. The campaign includes advocacy for stronger drunk driving laws including all-offender ignition interlocks, support for high-visibility law enforcement, support for advanced vehicle technologies and public support for these initiatives.
MADD reminds everyone to take personal responsibility by using taxis, public transportation, rideshare services or calling a non-drinking friend if their plans include alcohol this Independence Day and every day.
June 29,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Friday, June 30, for the benefit of customers leaving work early and taking a four-day weekend, in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4th. In addition, there are changes to service throughout the NJ TRANSIT system that will take place on July 4th.
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.
Customers planning to use Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service to and from Liberty State Park for the July 4th Jersey City “Freedom & Fireworks Festival’’ from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. will encounter crowds and possible delays. Customers are strongly advised to purchase roundtrip tickets in advance.
A reminder that liquid containers of any kind, open or closed, will not be permitted on any NJ TRANSIT train or light rail vehicle on July 4. Beverages of any kind are prohibited at all times on board buses. Extra police patrols will be out on all modes of transit.
On Friday, June 30:
Extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m. to get customers home early. Please visit www.njtransit.com for details.
Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and from the Hudson River Waterfront on several bus routes starting around noon. If you do not see your bus route listed here: https://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ServiceAdjustmentTo&AdjustmentId=16036, please refer to your bus route timetable, which can be found at www.njtransit.com.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.
On Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2:
All light rail systems will operate on regular Saturday/Sunday or Weekend schedules.
Trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule.
As a reminder, Summer Shore service – with direct service between Bay Head and New York and hourly Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle service from approximately 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays – operates each weekend and holiday until September 9.
Please check your bus route timetable at www.njtransit.com for details.
On Monday, July 3:
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Trains will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Buses will operate on regular weekday schedules with select routes seeing a reduction in service due to anticipated lower-than-normal ridership. Please check the Alerts & Advisories tab on njtransit.com for details on specific buses.
On Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4:
Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, including:
A special rail schedule on the Gladstone Branch (which is available only via the website’s trip planner and station-to-station features or at: https://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ServiceAdjustmentTo&AdjustmentId=9792).
An extra train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on an enhanced weekend schedule. Customers using the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service to and from Liberty State Park for the July 4th Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival from 1 to 10 p.m. will encounter crowds and delays. Please build enough time into travel plans.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus schedules vary by routes. Customers are advised to check their timetables, consult the Holiday Service Guide or visit www.njtransit.comfor schedule information. Please allow for extra time and consult timetable for details. NOTE: Buses may be subject to detours and service delays in both directions for Independence Day parades through various towns.
Summer Savings
The Independence Day holiday is a great time for customers to take advantage of
NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags, Monmouth Park and Liberty Science Center:
Beach Packages: Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system, excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations and save up to $5.00 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Beach Packages will be available daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 4.
Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor: Save up to $32 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together. NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and Newark Penn Station.
Monmouth Park: Save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows from any NJ TRANSIT station, except Atlantic City Rail Line, and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.
Liberty Science Center: Save $5 per person for up to four general admission, combo ticket and/or all-access passes when you travel on NJ TRANSIT and show your ticket, pass or fare receipt at Liberty Science Center. General admission passes include live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities. Combo and all-access passes provide options for films and premium exhibits.
Visit njtransit.com for more information on NJ TRANSIT summer travel deals.
On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT
Every weekend, families riding NJ TRANSIT can save with the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. For the Independence Day holiday weekend, the program will be extended and in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, June 30 until 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the long holiday weekend may affect bus travel times especially on routes using the Garden State Parkway heading down the shore, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, those with bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc. P.O. Box 140 Ridgewood, NJ 07451
June 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, 2017 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Launches 50/50 Raffle to Fundraise for its 107th Annual Celebration –
Grand Prize winner will have a chance to win up to $25,000 Ridgewood, NJ – June 14, 2017 – The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee today announced the launch of a 50/50 raffle to help fundraise for its 2017 celebration. The Committee will sell tickets at various community events now through July 3, 2017.
Tickets are $100 dollars each, with a maximum of 600 tickets sold. If the maximum number of tickets is sold, the Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 dollars. There will also be ten $500 prize winners. Winners will be announced at 8:30PM on July 4th, prior to the fireworks display at Veteran’s Field. Visit www.ridgewoodjuly4th.com or contact 201-602-1922 for information on where to purchase tickets.
“We are grateful to have generous and committed sponsors, but we always look for new, fun ways to encourage the community to help Support the Tradition,” said Leigh Gilsenan, president of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee. “Few people realize this is an all-volunteer, community funded event that receives no direct funding from the village – and costs increase every year.”
The 2017 theme for the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The parade will be held, rain or shine, on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. The day’s full festivities include:
• Flag Raising: 9:00AM Wilsey Square (Ridgewood train station parking lot) Short program followed by traditional flag raising: Although the parade and firework portions of the day have on occasion been cancelled, the flag raising has occurred without interruption since the start of the committee in 1910. • Parade: Beings at 10:00AM (rain or shine) Parade runs along Godwin Ave and onto Ridgewood Ave through downtown, turning right on Maple Ave past the grand stand at Village Hall and ends at Leuning Park Follow the line of chairs set up by residents securing their spot. Don’t miss the competitive elementary school float competition and the Grand Marshal for this year, Bob Paoli, American Legion Post 53 Commander.
• Evening Entertainment and Fireworks: Gates open at 6:00PM Veterans Field (on the corner of Maple Ave and Linwood) The field is the ideal place to see the fireworks, which have been named the best in Bergen County by 201 Magazine for 11 years running. Bands and food/beverage vendors keep you entertained until dusk. Tickets are sold in advance at various local stores for $10, tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12 at the gate. Children five years and under are admitted for free. NEW this year –tickets available for sale online. Check the website for more details, rules and regulations.
About the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit community group. All aspects of this annual celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, police and fire personnel are funded by voluntary contributions from local businesses and individuals. The Committee continues to require the generous donations from the community to keep the tradition alive. The Ridgewood tradition began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism.
Every Fourth of July our country comes together to celebrate the signing of the Declaration that would enshrine the principles of what it means to live as free people. But the signing of the Declaration of Independence was not the end of the pursuit for freedom and liberty—it was just the start.
The Revolutionary War was a long, bloody affair that endangered the property, family, and very lives of the Patriots who knew that they had no choice but to fight to defend their rights. And the subsequent years after the American Revolution were filled with many questions for this new fledgling country. It would be 11 years after July 4, 1776 until the United States Constitution was finally adopted to guarantee the rights of all Americans.
The lesson of Independence Day is that freedom is not something you declare one time and hope for the best. It’s a commitment we must, as Americans, fight for just as diligently in 2016 as the revolutionaries in 1776.
Freedom is fought for by the brave members of our armed forces who put their lives on the line to defend us. It’s fought for by our first responders who risk everything to serve their communities right here at home. And it’s fought for by everyone who is proud to live in a country that fights to end tyranny and oppression both here and abroad.
Herein lies the beauty of America. Few of us can trace our heritage in this country back to the colonial days, yet we continue to celebrate the achievements of early America. That’s because the Founders’ cries for freedom and liberty have been adopted by everyone who has made this country their home. This is the American Dream.
Our dream is about more than a place on a map or any specific of group of people. Our dream is a promise that the government is beholden to the people, and it’s a promise that every person is born free and deserves to pursue their own happiness.
That is what July 4th means to me.
Congressmen Scott Garrett
