Tag: Ridgewood Board of Education

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There’s Still Time to Nominate The Women Who Have Made the Difference to You and Your Organization

Lynda Carter Wonder Women

November 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewod blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County’s Most Prestigious Women’s Recognition Event, Less Than a Month Away
Meet our Newest Honoree

There’s Still Time to Nominate The Women Who Have Made the Difference to You and Your Organization

November 2, 2016—YWCA Bergen County is proud to congratulate our newest Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) 2016 Honoree and to welcome her into a pantheon of extraordinary TWIN women. Roseanne Buscemi, Oritani Bank’s Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, is set to stand among this year’s honorees thanks to a generous sponsorship from Oritani Bank.

Among Roseanne’s many accomplishments, within Oritani Bank and beyond, she is Board of Directors President of the Center for Food Action. In fact, Rosanne gives tirelessly to other nonprofit organizations helping the region’s most vulnerable residents with basic needs. She leads Oritani’s annual summer drive to benefit multiple food banks in its coverage area. She has volunteered with Bergen Habitat for Humanity, and works with Oritani to raise funds and set up workdays for Habitat in the communities the bank serves. Roseanne is also a former instructor, a board member and current President of the North Jersey Institute of Financial Education. She serves as a deacon of the Reformed Church of Closter, and President of the Closter chapter of the American Association of University Women.

“Roseanne is a stunning example of what we mean by an empowered and an empowering woman,” said YWCA Bergen County CEO Helen Archontou. “Her contribution and willingness to help others help themselves set her apart as a woman of admirable generosity and, yes, of great influence in her community. We are so proud to honor Roseanne and our other remarkable TWIN Honorees as we continue this wonderful tradition.”
YWCA Bergen County is now accepting nominations from corporate and community leaders for its Tribute to Women of INfluence (TWIN) program. These honorees will be joining a growing list of “stand out” women, including the YW’s own honorees, founder and managing consultant of KEY HR Consulting, LLC and Mocha Moms member Tanisha Russell Day and owner and President of Belvedere Building and Contracting, Mary Anne Belvedere.

The TWIN 2016 Ceremony is set for December 1, 2016 (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ.

The keynote speaker is Joann Lublin Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and management news editor at The Wall Street Journal and author of Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World

But, as always, the stars of the event are the year’s TWIN honorees! To nominate the deserving women in your life, a company or organization agrees to sponsor YWCA Bergen County TWIN. There’s still time!

For more information and to take part in this important and time-honored celebration, contact Mary Eastwood, [email protected].

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Ridgewood Artist ,Teams Up With Author To Produce Children’s Fiction Entitled “Little Karl”

martin-l-and-eric-r

November 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Lifelong Ridgewood resident, and local artist E. A. Santoli has teamed up with children’s book author M. Earl Smith to publish their first work of children’s fiction. Entitled Little Karl, the story recounts a day in the life of Little Karl, who, while touring his hometown with his mother, becomes acutely aware of the many injustices in his world. Through several familiar scenarios,Karl attempts to rationalize the world and his place in it, which leads him to embrace the values of fairness and equality in direct challenge to the unhappiness he sees everyday.

Pairing up with Smith was an easy choice, the artist says. “Given the connection we share through our Alma Mater, The University of Pennsylvania, teaming up with M. Earl was a natural choice. We shared a common professor in our different times at the University, and through this contact we were able to share our ideas and visions for the book. Once the creative process began, the rest came naturally.”

Smith agrees, and, in fact, gushes about the illustrative talents of his comrade. “Quite frankly, there is not, in my view, a better illustrator in the business. I simply cannot envision working with any other artist at this juncture. The stylistic attention to detail adds more to Little Karl than my words could ever do alone. I remain forever grateful to both our shared connections and the bond we share as alums at Penn for bringing us together.”

Little Karl is due out from Michelkin Publishing on Black Friday, November 25 th , 2016, in retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Books-A- Million, as well as Amazon and local retailers nationwide. The authors have a small signing tour planned, with stops in Manhattan, the Bronx, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Baltimore, and in nearby Paramus, where they will spend a fun-filled day with the children at the Child Development Center at Bergen Community College, where, after a reading of the book, the children will engage in a series of fun-filled,Little Karl related activities. This event is tentatively scheduled for December 1 st .

More information on the author-illustrator duo can be found at the Michelkin Publishing website below. Little Karl can be ordered online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in both print and e-book format.

About the Illustrator and Author

https://books.michelkin.com/illustrator-profile- e-santoli/

https://books.michelkin.com/author-profile- m-earl- smith/

https://www.facebook.com/EASantoli/

https://www.facebook.com/MEarlSmithAuthor/

https://www.ericsantoli.com/

Where to buy Little Karl

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Karl- M-Earl- Smith/dp/0998067210

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-karl- m-earl- smith/1125041180?ean=9780998067216

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Ridgewood Open Houses for November 6th 2016

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

1643943.1 MLS # 1643943
590 Cliff St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Ranch
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1621787.1 MLS # 1621787
379 S Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, C/C
Jee E. Chang, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors, Fort Lee

  • Open House: 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
  • Open House: 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1643983.1 MLS # 1643983
228 Canterbury Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Ranch
Stephanie Langone, Sales Associate
Marron Gildea Realty, Inc.

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1623138.1 MLS # 1623138
182 Mountain Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Frances Blakely, Sales Associate
RE/MAX Hometowne Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1642275.1 MLS # 1642275
211 Bellair Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Kristin Gildea Fox, Sales Associate
Marron Gildea Realty, Inc. Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1642225.1 MLS # 1642225
566 Highland Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Ann Ewell, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1630138.1 MLS # 1630138
143 Kenilworth Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Angele Ekert, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
25

1641999.1 MLS # 1641999
645 Witthill Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Christine Gubb, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
25

1644082.1 MLS # 1644082
676 Terhune Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Ranch
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1643207.1 MLS # 1643207
313 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Margaret A. Marino, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 11/6
25

1643798.1 MLS # 1643798
1090 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
24

1644183.1 MLS # 1644183
650 Wall St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Col
Anne C. Ryoo, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1635581.1 MLS # 1635581
260 The By Way , Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Kimiko Miller, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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1628304.1 MLS # 1628304
123 Woodland Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Jennifer M. Parsekian, Broker
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
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Open Houses for Sun 11/13

1637243.1 MLS # 1637243
286 Highland Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
3 Half Bath, Col
Jennifer M. Parsekian, Broker
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/13
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Annual Members’ Holiday Show and Sale at The Ridgewood Art Institute

Ridgewood_Art_Institute_theridgewoodblog
November 6,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Art Institute is home to many talented artists. We welcome you to visit us and view our Annual Members’ Holiday Show and Sale, usually featuring over 150 pieces of beautiful artwork. In addition, this year we are also including a Small Works Fundraising Exhibition with pieces priced at $150, all proceeds benefit The Ridgewood Art Institute.
What better way to kick off the Holiday Season, than to meet our artists and other art enthusiasts in a festive setting? Please join us for our opening reception on Sunday, November 20, 2016 from 1-4 pm. Work will be on view daily from 11am-3pm till December 24th, 2016.

Art makes a unique gift that can be treasured for a lifetime. Also, your gift helps support this fine institution, which is a gift to so many.

The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at any time. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org

The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201.652.9615

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Reader says Aronsohn Cronies Pushing Full-day Kindergarten

3 amigos

They are definitely Aronsohn cronies. You should have seen them at those civility meetings Aronshon held. Some of those education people, some of the well-known ones were there, who are now pushing for full-day kindergarten, and they really catered to Aronsohm treating him like he was a favored king. I never saw anything like that before, such sycophants; such ingratiation; remember he was the mayor at the time. Yup, they want you to vote “yes” to full-day kindergarten. Well, do you really think that is best for our little kids?

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Ok Admit it You Forgot to Set Your Clock Back One Hour

Barack Obama

Daylight savings just another excuse to work on your Golf Handicap

Ridgewood Distracted by the Election, Did you forget to Fall Back this morning at 2am

November 5,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, its official this morning the time moves back one hour at 2 a.m. local time Nov. 6; unless you are out and about or have a late night rendezvous  you should have reset your clocks before going to bed so you won’t arrive at appointments an hour early today .

While many question whether anyone in New Jersey really knows what time it is , Arizona and Hawaii are now the only two states that do not observe daylight saving time. During daylight saving time, parts of Arizona matchup with Pacific Time instead of the Mountain time zone that the state is in. U.S. territories where time simply does not have the same meaning like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas also do not observe daylight saving time.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act into law, making daylight savings time the law of the land . The U.S. Department of Transportation is the keeper of daylight saving time.

So why does it exist ; one argument for daylight saving time is that fewer accidents happen during daylight hours, so extending morning daylight in winter and evening daylight in summer results in a slight reduction in automobile accidents.

The idea behind daylight saving time is to take advantage of daylight hours and save energy.  This theory has come under debate inn recent years ,with many “daylight deniers ” out there . In 2008 federal Department of Energy study, U.S. electricity use decreased by 0.5% for each day of extended daylight saving time, resulting in a savings of 0.03% for the year as a whole.

While the savings may seem small in percentage terms, in absolute terms, if the theory is true added up to 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours ,which is enough to power about 122,000 average U.S. homes for a year.

Others point to the time change is actually is rooted in an agricultural society. The idea of “extending” daylight was meant to provide more time to work in the fields.Remember humanity spent most of its pre-Edison existence siting around in the dark  .

The staff of the Ridgewood blog would like to put forth one more theory , and that is golf . As we have witnessed through US modern history a good game of golf can not be under estimated by any administration with extended daylight adding much to handicaps .

Most pollsters will tell you that the majority finds it more a nuisance rather than a benefit but,  they secretly take pleasure in their friends and coworkers who show up late or early the next day  and we do too.

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Millennial vs Boomer Generation in 10 Words

Millennial vs Boomer

November 6,2016

by Kristine DiGrigoli Page

Ridgewood Nj, sometimes you just do not understand your millennial ?  The main problem may be that words have different meaning to different generations .

Millennial vs Boomer Generation in 10 Words

1. Diversity – For Millennial’s: Blending of different backgrounds and perspectives within a team. Makes the team better verses Boomers: It’s like eating food at a buffet, getting to pick different things.. It’s just what it is, it defines people.

2. Acceptance – For Millennial’s: The want to blend in and be part of the team. Boomers: They have more confidence in their ability as an individual to change the circumstances, they don’t need to blend in.

3. Work – For Millennial’s: They don’t have confidence that working hard will give them what they want. Boomers: Through hard work you build your individuality. If you work hard you get what you want.

4. Communication -For Millennial’s: Use technology to verify who they are talking to, rather than face to face. Boomers: View it as networking, face to face interaction.

5. Inclusion – For Millennial’s: They believe in the “process” a collaborate participate environment. Boomers: Focus on the goal. They want to get the job done.

6. Career – For Millennial’s: Multiple tracks because they don’t feel confident in the system, so they like to keep their options wide spread Boomers: Would focus on the career goal and will do anything to conquer opticals to meet their goals with confidence.

7. Commitment – For Millennial’s: Idea of commitment doesn’t exist. They don’t have goal focus or feel confident in the process. Boomers: You have to put in an effort be it a relationship or career, and it takes time.

8. Global – For Millennial’s: View the whole world with its big issues such as global warming. If there is pain anywhere and everywhere. If one guy in India is hungry, then we are all hungry. It’s everyone’s problem. Boomers: “global” is a playground, an adventure. Is part of your journey. If there’s a problem in one place of the world it’s not in another, not my problem.

9. Language For Millennial’s: They don’t feel the need to articulate themselves fully. They use acronyms. They don’t assume anything will change. They take things as face value. What you see is what you get. Boomers: More expressive with language and express more of the grey area. Everything is not black and white.

10. Transparency For Millennial’s: There should be an openness all the time. All decisions are group decisions. Boomers: There are somethings better left unsaid. Just a requirement to fill the job.

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My tax dollars PAID for an email influencing a vote?

My tax dollars, PAID ,email influencing a vote, Full-day Kindergarten

Am I seeing things? Or did I just receive an email from my school essentially TELLING me to vote in favor of full day kindergarten?
My tax dollars PAID for an email influencing a vote? That I was already told at back to school night that if it does not pass, mandatory tuition based full day K would be implemented. Which is false last I checked.
Last I checked sending emails like this is actually a violation. It is unethical at LEAST. Our school administration should not have any influence, sway, or opinion on election matters and I will be bringing this to the attention of the state board of elections and any ethics board that could possibly be interested. And NOW I’ll be using my voice to make sure that anyone and everyone I can reach knows I will be voting NO to full day K, and I have a list of reasons why they should as well.
I unequivocally demand an follow-up email be sent to the parents informing them that this is a CHOICE and a tax increase is attached. And that we have already got one of the most expensive school budgets in the state. Find room in THAT budget, or take it off the table. Enough is enough.
This has gone far enough. When my high schooler can attend a full day of classes with all of his teachers in attendance and not one single “free period” because there is not a sub to be found, ask me for more money a school budget.
You all are educated, intelligent, well-paid individuals. I suspect you are qualified to implement and work within a budget. With all the free time you have now that the teacher contracts have been “settled”, go back to the drawing board, take a serious look at your astronomical budget, and find the solution you want.
Sincerely,
Melanie McWilliams

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The Ridgewood News declined to publish this letter to the editor

Ridgewood 3 amigos

Editor, The Ridgewood News:

 Re:  “Planning Board lawsuit dismissed,” The Ridgewood News, October 28, Page A-2.

 Former Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s contention that both his and former Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli’s acceptance of gratis tickets to a political fundraiser, and subsequent attendance at the event, was entirely appropriate based on who else was in attendance, is simply preposterous.

Of those attendees referenced by Mr. Aronsohn (“all five Council members at that time,” “the Village Manager, County Executive, and multiple Freeholders”) only he and Mr. Pucciarelli were full voting members of the Planning Board at that time.  As such, only he and Mr. Pucciarelli were in positions to cast votes on a then pending amendment to the Village’s Master Plan that could have favorably impacted the local real estate developer who provided the gratis tickets.  Neither Mr. Aronsohn nor Mr. Pucciarelli should have set foot in that event venue for any reason whatsoever.

And with respect to Mr. Aronsohn’s claim that Village Attorney Matt Rogers previously advised that “it was both fine and appropriate that we attended as a courtesy to the visiting governor,” you and your reporter should have treated this statement as nothing more than hearsay unless Mr. Aronsohn was willing and able to produce a piece of correspondence or official transcript verifying its authenticity.

Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood NJ

cleardot
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Does the Village of Ridgewood have the authority to regulate landscape contractors?

ridgewood_clean-up_theridgewoodblog

November 4,2016

The Staff of The Ridgewood Blog

It was brought to our attention that many landscapers operating in the Village are doing so without the requisite permits and vehicle decals required under Village of Ridgewood Code 186.

When we started asking some landscapers why they did not have Village of Ridgewood issued permits and decals, several told us that the Village has no authority to regulate their respective operations; the NJDEP is the sole authority with respect to regulating landscaper contractors.

We don’t know if this is true or not.  Can anyone help us understand if Village Code 186 (excerpt noted below) is lawful or unlawful?

Thank you.

[Amended 11-28-2012 by Ord. No. 3357]

All landscapers and landscaping firms depositing yard waste in the street for customers within the Village of Ridgewood shall display an annual decal as evidence of a current annual permit as required by the provisions of this chapter. Proof of being permitted pursuant to this chapter shall be demonstrated by the display of a decal, which will be issued to each permit holder. The decal shall be displayed by the permit holder on each vehicle the permit holder owns or operates within the Village of Ridgewood in connection with the permit holder’s landscaping business.

The sole exception to the above permitting requirement will apply only to landscapers who do not utilize a motor vehicle to transport equipment used to provide landscaping services.

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Police respond to disturbing Ridgewood High School incident

Ridgewood Police at RHS

November 4,2016

The Staff of The Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood NJ, Shortly after 4 PM on Thursday, November 3, the North West Bergen Central Dispatch Center received a telephone call from a female requesting a police response to Ridgewood High School, located at 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood.  The caller informed the dispatch center that she was either sexually assaulted, or was the victim of unwanted sexual contact at the high school (a language barrier hindered communication).

DSCF5573

Two (2) Ridgewood PD uniformed Patrol Officers and a uniformed supervisor were immediately directed to the high school and all arrived on scene within 3-5 minutes of being dispatched.  The officers and their supervisor were observed interviewing two (2) females and two (2) males outside of the school’s main entrance.  It is not known whether the female caller was one of those being interviewed, nor is it known whether the alleged perpetrator was one of those being interviewed.

Within 15 minutes after the arrival of officers, the civilians who were being interviewed were all observed entering the same vehicle, leaving the parking lot, and driving westbound on East Ridgewood Avenue.  They were followed by the Patrol Officers and their supervisor, who had arrived in 3 separate marked police vehicles.  Their destination was unknown.

What we DO know:

What the caller reportedly told the 911 operator

That police were dispatched and responded immediately

That no ambulance was observed arriving at the scene or attending to a victim

That no one was observed being placed in handcuffs at the scene

What we DON’T know:

Exactly what the caller said to the 911 operator

What was said to arriving police officers by those being interviewed

Whether the victim or the alleged perpetrator(s) were among those being interviewed

Where the civilians and police officers were going after they left the RHS parking lot

Whether or not a crime of any sort was committed

Whether RHS administration was informed of the incident and what action, if any, was taken by them

As more details of this incident become available, if they are made public, The Ridgewood Blog will report them to you.

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Majority of North Jersey schools improve PARCC test scores

standardized-testing

BY HANNAN ADELY AND DAVE SHEINGOLD
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

The majority of schools across North Jersey improved their scores in the second year of new state exams, according to state figures released Wednesday, a trend that officials expect to continue as more students take the tests and get used to them.

Of the 367 regular public schools in Passaic and Bergen counties, about 83 percent showed gains in the tests known as PARCC that were given in math and English in Grades 3 to 11.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/majority-of-north-jersey-schools-improve-parcc-test-scores-1.1686453?utm_content=New+Campaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=New+Jersey+Politics

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Ridgewood Council Meeting , Halaby blames New Council for Past Failures , Guild President says he is uninformed , Master plan for trees , Uber moves forward and Cubs win!

village Council
file photo by Boyd Loving
November 3,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, We had the rare treat at last night’s council meeting , hearing from Rurik Halaby not once but twice in one evening.  In opening comments he expressed dismay with all the legal fees this council is incurring (thank you Paul Aronsohn), the “secret” search for a new manager who will most likely be a friend of a current council member (as opposed to a friend of Paul Aronsohn ) and that too much is being done in closed session.

Cathy Quinn spoke in defense of maintaining the no parking on Pomander Walk. lo and behold she is an Episcopal minister at Gwenn Hauck’s church, St. Elizabeth in Ridgewood.  Many remember that Gwenn pushed and pushed for the “no parking” zone on Pomander and now we know why.

Later in the evening, Mr Halaby was in fine form as he praised former mayor Paul Aronsohn for his lovely column in The Ridgewood News and then said that Susan should be doing the same as the “public” (the six people who still like Paul Aronsohn)  is in the dark with this new council.

Thankfully, Anne Loving stepped up to the mic to say that Paul’s self-serving column gave little information and The Ridgewood News was doing a great job with weekly articles dedicated to the council meetings.

Rurik went on to make some muddled comments about a puppet council who in some ways was like or not like Donald Trump based on some notion of over regulation. He also blamed the recent vacancies on some of the boards and committees on the community’s dissatisfaction with the council ( not the removal of incompetent political hacks hired by Paul Aronsohn).  Thankfully, his 5 minutes were up.

His wife, the acerbic Cynthia Halaby of daffodil fame, had admonished the council earlier for the condition of the trees and for making references to Summit, NJ in the Uber discussion when Summit is nothing like Ridgewood.

Mike Sedon gave a praise worthy report on the new Five Year Forestry Management Plan which will allow for numerous grant opportunities and training for village employees and Shade Tree Commission volunteers to address our dwindling stock.

The Uber discussion actually went quite well and it looks as though we will do a 6-month pilot program starting in January.  A resolution is on the table for next week’s meeting and the village CFO will run some projections on expected revenues taking into consideration subsidies and the gain or loss of premium parking passes.

Ridgewood Guild president and town whiner, Tony Damiano spoke way too long on why isn’t he being informed on a regular basis about every project sanctioned by the village.  Susan tried to address his concerns but he was too busy complaining to hear her.Perhaps the Ridgewood Guild needs better more informed leadership?

Boyd Loving once again was great addressing leaf issues with very good suggestions about how we should inform the landscapers of changes in our policies, Village regulation changes and pick up schedule . He also suggested a listing on the village website of the registered landscapers so that residents can make more informed choices , The registered list would also make enforcement easier.

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Accident Blocks southbound Travel on East Saddle River Road in Ridgewood

Accident Blocks southbound Travel on East Saddle River Road in Ridgewood
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
November 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, An adult female driver lost control of her Toyota SUV while traveling southbound on East Saddle River Road in Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 11/02, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and mount a protective steel guardrail. The incident occurred near the intersection of Bingham Road. A hydraulic lift tow truck was summoned to recover the SUV from its predicament. Ridgewood FD personnel contained a crash related fluid spill. The driver was the sole vehicle occupant and she was uninjured. Ridgewood PD provided traffic control during the spill containment and vehicle recovery process, and also investigated the crash.
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Rurik Halaby‎ alleges that Ridgewood Mayor and Deputy Mayor intend to impede your right to vote

VOTE_theridgewoodblog

November 2,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Rurik Halaby‎ alleges that Mayor Susan Knudsen and Deputy Mayor Mike Sedon intend to impede your right to vote and intimidate you at the voting both.

On the Facebook group “It Takes a Ridgewood Village”

Rurik Halaby‎ posted ,“Remember Ridgewood Citizens, we live in Ridgewood, NJ, and not Birmingham-in-Bergen. As a naturalized American Citizen I value my right to vote above every other right I have, and I will be damned if I am letting anyone impede that! Our Mayor and Deputy Mayor supposedly are registered as “Challengers.” What in the world does that mean, if you are not out to intimidate.”

While the Glen Rock Patch called it an, ” ‘Unprecedented’ Situation As Challengers Register To Be At Ridgewood Polling Locations” . Some of you should really vote more often ,challengers have been used at almost every election ,yes even in Ridgewood since I first voted in 1980 .

As a voter Mr. Halaby and others should familiarize with NJ Statute Title 19: ELECTIONS.

A “Challenger” is there to assure the integrity of the election . Challengers (AKA poll watchers) defend voter’s rights and their only interest is the conduct of a fair and honest election.

What a Challenger Can Do

Challengers must be seated near the board workers so that they may hear the names of the voters being processed.
Challengers can write down the names and address of voters.
Challengers can challenge a voter. This process must be done in accordance with state and federal laws.
Challengers may request the public counter numbers on the voting machine from the board workers. The board workers can give this information to the challengers provided they are not busy with voters or their other duties.
Challengers can be present at the close of the polls to witness the opening of the voting machines and hear the unofficial vote totals.

 
What a Challenger Cannot Do

Challengers cannot address the voters. They must inform the board workers when they wish to initiate a challenge.
Challengers cannot challenge a voter based on:

Their race, sex, creed, ethnic origin.
How they think they might vote.
The fact they live in a particular ward, housing complex or section of a municipality or county.

Challengers cannot stand behind the election tables or go near the voting machines.
Challengers cannot look over the shoulders of or sit with the board workers.
Challengers cannot touch the voting machines or registration books.
Challengers cannot use cellphones, blackberries, iPhones, laptops or any other electronic/wireless communicating device while in the polling location.
Challengers cannot wear any partisan/political buttons, pins, hats, clothing, signs, etc while in the polling location. They can only be identified by the county-issued badge and permit.
Challengers cannot campaign in the polling location.
Challengers cannot disturb the quiet and business-like atmosphere of the polling location.
Challengers cannot harass or intimidate any voters.

Perhaps Mr.Halaby could get some info from the League of Women Voters , after all,it has been recently infected by a whole host of former Mayor Paul Aronsohn supporters clearing looking to still hold some sway over Village of Ridgewood politics.