Tag: Ridgewood Board of Education

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Major Ridgewood Yard Waste Rule Change :Grass clippings must be segregated from other yard waste and cannot be placed in the street with leaves

leaf3_pickup_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

October 13,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Rules change; disposal of grass clippings – Grass clippings must be segregated from other yard waste and cannot be placed in the street with leaves.

Effective immediately per Ordinance #3550, approved by Village Council on 10/12/2016:

A.  Grass clippings cannot be placed in the same container as brush, leaves and other vegetative debris.

B.  Placement of yard waste in the street that is not containerized is only permitted during the placement dates designated by the annualLeaf Collection Schedule Notice, and at all times shall not be placed closer than 10 feet from any storm drain inlet, and may not contain any brush or grass clippings.

No details have been provided yet as to what impact, if any, these changes will bring to the Village’s current yard waste pick up schedule (i.e., once per week during curbside yard waste pick up season).

The changes were made because:

1.  An NJDEP advisory that grass clippings can no longer be deposited in the Village’s Lakeview Compost Facility.

2.  Compost that is free of grass clippings can be sold at a higher price.

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The Valley Hospital Named one of America’s Best Breast Centers for Third Consecutive Year

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Honored for providing exceptional patient care and clinical excellence

October 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, For the third consecutive year, The Valley Hospital has earned the Women’s Choice Award®  as one of America’s Best Breast Centers, acknowledging its dedication to providing exceptional patient care and treatment. This evidence-based designation is the only award that identifies the country’s best breast centers based on robust criteria that considers female patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

To earn this recognition, The Valley Hospital Breast Center, along with 450 other award winners throughout the nation, had to meet the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) standards from the American College of Surgeons and carry the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) seal from the American College of Radiology.  The Valley Hospital Breast Center also had to receive a rating in the top 75% for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) patient recommendation measures.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals for breast care,” said Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System.  “It’s a testament to the priority our Breast Center physicians, nurses and staff place on making sure every patient’s needs are met when it comes to breast care.”

Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer among American women according to the American Cancer Society, and one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

“Whether it’s an annual mammogram or addressing a more serious concern, every woman deserves the best breast care and an opportunity to live a healthy life. By letting women know which breast centers in their area are among America’s best, we are able to reduce their risk by helping them make smarter healthcare choices,” says Delia Passi, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Choice Award.

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Ridgewood Continues to be Hit with Incidents of Identity Theft

Nigerian scam michael-scott-
October 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, more identity fraud incidents have been reported in Ridgewood . The Ridgewood Police have recently reported ;

A Cambridge Road resident responded to the Police department on October 5, 2016 to report a Theft of Identity. The victim reported she received two Chase credit cards in the mail without her authorization. The victim contacted Chase Bank and was informed someone used her personal identity and applied for the credit cards. Chase Bank cancelled the credit cards and is investigating the incident.

On October 7, 2016 a Glenwood Road resident responded to the Police Department to report Identity Theft in the past. The victim reported discovering an unauthorized credit card purchase on his Chase credit card in the amount of $1527 from Bob’s Furniture. The victim reported he was satisfied that Chase reversed the unauthorized charge and he only requested documentation of the incident.

10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Shielding your private information with no risk of a breakdown may be impossible these days. But there are some simple ways to protect you from becoming a victim of Identity Theft.

Simple but very important, tips to protect you and your name.

1. Destroy private records and statements. Tear up – or, if you prefer, shred – credit cards statements, solicitations, and other documents that contain private financial information.

2. Secure your mail. Empty you mailbox quickly, lock it or get a P.O. box so criminals don’t have a chance to snatch credit card pitches. Never mail outgoing bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox and the payee’s name erased with solvents. Mail them from the post office or another secure location.

3. Safeguard your Social Security number. Never carry your card with you, or any other card that may have your number, like a health insurance card. Don’t put your number on your checks. It’s the primary target for identity thieves because it gives them access to your credit report and bank accounts.

4. Don’t leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or gas station receipts behind.

5. Never let your credit card out of your sight. Worried about credit card skimming? Always keep an eye on your card or, when that’s not possible, pay with cash.

6. Know who you’re dealing with. Whenever anyone contacts you asking for private identity or financial information, make no response other than to find out who they are, what company they represent and the reason for the call. If you think the request is legitimate, contact the company yourself and confirm what you were told before revealing any of your personal data.

7. Take your name off marketers’ hit lists. In addition to the national Do-Not-Call registry (1-888-382-1222), you can also cut down on junk mail and opt out of credit card solicitations.

8. Be more defensive with personal information. Ask salespeople and other if information such as Social Security or driver’s license number is absolutely necessary. Ask anyone who does require your Social Security number about their privacy policy and that you do not want your information given to anyone else.

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Ridgewood Honors Law Enforcement with a Blue Line Down North Maple

Ridgewood Police Blue LIne

photo courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook

October 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  The Village of Ridgewood became one of many Bergen County NJ communities to honor law enforcement personnel by striping a main thoroughfare with a blue colored traffic line. Ridgewood’s “blue line” is located on North Maple Avenue, between Franklin Avenue and Linwood Avenue, right in front of Village Hall and Ridgewood Police Headquarters. Village officials gathered in front of Village Hall on Tuesday, 10/11 to commemorate the event.

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New Jersey Governor Christopher Christie attended a political fundraiser in Ridgewood at Park West Tavern

gov christie press lrg2

video courtesy of Boyd Loving’s 

October 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey Governor Christopher Christie attended a political fundraiser in Ridgewood on Tuesday October 11th and flew into the Village on a NJ State Police helicopter. Members of Ridgewood’s police, fire, and Emergency Services departments were on standby at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School for the early evening helicopter landing. The helicopter landed without incident; a two (2) vehicle motorcade (NJ State Police provided) subsequently transported the Governor and his party from the school to the $5,000 per attendee fundraising event, which was held at the Park West Tavern on Oak Street.

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The Ridgewood BOE and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host residents for coffee and casual conversation on Wednesday, October 19 from 7-8:30 p.m

Dan Fishbein 10
Coffee and Conversation Dates Are Announced :
October 11,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host residents for coffee and casual conversation on three separate occasions this school year. The first date for Coffee and Conversation is Wednesday, October 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood. Future dates will follow on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 and Wednesday, May 17, 2017. All residents are invited to drop in to share their thoughts, questions, suggestions and concerns.
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Ridgewood Board of Education Details New NEA Teachers Contract

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October 10, 2016

Dear members of the Ridgewood community:

Tonight the Board of Education (Board) formally approved the three- year contract with the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) that was ratified by the REA on September 28th.

Highlights of the contract include the following:

•Term:3 Years: July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.
•Salaries: A 1% increase for the first year of the contract (2015-16). For 2016-17 and 2017-18, salary increases of 2.7% per year, inclusive of the cost of the incremental movement (vertical step movement) on the salary guides. That is equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 2.13% over the life of the contract. Importantly, the approved contract assures that our salaries will continue to be competitive, allowing our district to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
•Health Benefits: Current REA members may continue to enroll in NJ Direct 10 or in any of the 20 plans offered by the state under the School Employee Health Benefit Plans (SEHBP). Employees hired on or after September 12, 2016 may not enroll in NJ Direct 10 before reaching tenure, but instead shall enroll in the NJ Direct 15 or any other state-offered school employee medical plan.
•Chapter 78 Health Benefit Employee Contributions : The rates by which Ridgewood teachers contribute to their individual healthcare premiums is determined by a graduated structure, with employees at higher end of salary grades paying a greater percentage of their individual premiums than those at the lower end.
Effective January 1, 2017, full-time teachers will pay between 14% and 26% of the premium cost for their medical, prescription and dental benefits; full-time secretaries will pay between 10% and 14% of the total premium cost.As an
example, using an 8.6% increase for the 2017 NJ Direct 10 premiums, teachers enrolling in single coverage would contribute between $1,635(14%) and $3,036 (26%) for the year. Teachers choosing family coverage would contribute between $4,676 (14%) and $8,684 (26%). According to the latest Kaiser Family 2016 survey, the average U.S. worker pays $1,129 peryear for single (employee-only) medical coverage and $5,277 for dependent/family medical coverage.

Last May, the state -appointed fact finder recommended a settlement that would have cost the District $4.4 million over the 2% cap during the life of the three- year contract. The Board rejected this recommendation, believing that the fact finder ignored the district’s ability to fund his suggested settlement.
The contract approved today reduced this excess by almost half to $2.5 million over the 2% cap.The Board and administration are now tasked with the challenge of funding the contract, which will require budgetary reductions next year that will result in changes to staffing and programming. While it would be unrealistic to expect that a spending reduction of this magnitude will be without consequences to the district, when preparing the 2017- 18 budget the Board will work closely with Dr.Fishbein to identify reductions that will have the least impact on the instructional programs and extra-curricular offerings. Notwithstanding the upcoming challenges, we are pleased to be moving forward and are confident that the 2016- 17 school year will be successful as we all focus on what unites us as a community, the education of our children and our excellent schools.
Ridgewood Board of Education
Sheila Brogan, President
Vince Loncto, Vice President
Christina Krauss
Jim Morgan
Jennie Smith Wilson
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Ridgewood Voters Are you Registered to Vote?

Vote Ridgewood NJ

file photo by Dana Glazer

October 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, not sure you are registered to vote ? New Jersey has a system where you can check your status .

https://voter.njsvrs.com/PublicAccess/servlet/com.saber.publicaccess.control.PublicAccessNavigationServlet?USERPROCESS=PublicSearch#

 

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Reader says Unscheduled free time to explore and play as the child chooses,especially time to focus on one activity as long as he wants to, determines a child’s ability to solve all kinds of problems for the rest of his life

"Our Gang" aka The Little Rascals"

“Those who protest that children need more unscheduled time are using a half-baked argument.”

Not according to, The Creative Spirit, written by Goleman, Kaufman and Ray, companion book to PBS series by the same name.

According to these experts and Gardner, children develop their ability to be creative by the age of eight years of age. Unscheduled free time to explore and play as the child chooses,especially time to focus on one activity as long as he wants to, determines a child’s ability to solve all kinds of problems for the rest of his life.
Not only must a half-day kindergarten schedule remain, but learning to read in kindergarten, forcing a developing brain that wants to be free to explore all day is destructive. At least coming home after a half day gives the child time to explore without being exhausted after a full day.

If I were a parent with a young child nowadays, I would home school for kindergarten or send to, only a half-day Montessori type education. I would enter the child in the first grade. And believe me, folks , he would learn to read and understand what he read.

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Readers say the Ridgewood Board of Education seemed to have learned nothing from what happened with the parking garage fiasco

Ridgewood Board of Education ,Unlawful election sign placement, election, vote

file photo by Boyd Loving

Even if their attorney told them it’s okay, as was reported on Facebook, I still think it’s a bad idea. It serves to alienate a significant number of taxpayers for no reason. The sign isn’t going to result in a significant number of yes votes. They seemed to have learned nothing from what happened with the parking garage fiasco. Take the sign down now Dan.

Either someone should go take the damn sign Down, or then its ok to put up a Vote NO to full day kindergarten sign also in the same spot – taxpayer funded public property. Equal voice on public funded property. My voice should count too!

BOE members seem to be clueless/out of touch (i.e., parking garage issue). This will cost them more votes than they’ll gain by the stupid little sign. Arrogance continues to reign at 49 Cottage Place

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Reader says Ridgewood is in the process of taxing itself to death

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Ridgewood is in the process of taxing itself to death. Look at houses at the high end of the market that are already not selling. This will creep down to the middle market as we continue to make avoidable expenditures like this that increase our taxes. Remember that we already have unsustainable union contracts and expenditures legislated by Trenton to swallow every year. We need to be looking for ways to reduce spending – not increase it for the benefit of the few.

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Ridgewood Board of Education Meeting on October 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

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October 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Board of Education will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, October 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place. The public is invited to attend the meeting or view it live via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us using the “Live BOE Meeting” tab on the district website, or on Fios tv channel 33 or Optimum 77.

Click here to view the agenda  for the October 10, 2016  Regular Public Meeting.

Click here to view the minutes of the September 12, 2016 Regular Public Meeting.
.

Click here to view the 2016-2017 Budget presented at the May 2, 2016 Regular Public Meeting.

Click here to view the Full Day Kindergarten Recommendation presented to the Board at their March 7, 2016 Regular Public Meeting.

LSHSA events : Meeting Monday, October 10 9:30 a.m. Education Center, 49 Cottage Place

Hear Dr. Fishbein talk about full-day Kindergarten, learn about new initiatives, review enrichment grant proposals

Coffee Thursday, October 20 9:30 a.m. Learn about LSHSA, local resources and support; meet other parents; become a member.

Click here for details.
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Ridgewood Open Houses for October 9,2016

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1639391.1 MLS # 1639391
653 Robert St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Jane Certo, Broker Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1640155.1 MLS # 1640155
371 S Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Carolee Chirico, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Valley Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

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: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 10/16
25

1634331.1 MLS # 1634331
640 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Theresa Jung, Sales Associate
Realty 7, LLC

  • Open House: 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

1635658.1 MLS # 1635658
30 Maltbie Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, Col
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
23

1640302.1 MLS # 1640302
474 Sheffield Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Col
Laura Gill, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
22

1636142.1 MLS # 1636142
506 Farview St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
William W. Mack, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Kinnelon/Butler

  • Open House: 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639318.1 MLS # 1639318
359 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Jennifer McSherry, Sales Associate
Marron Gildea Realty, Inc. Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
24

1639914.1 MLS # 1639914
165 Kemah Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, Col
Nicholas R. Alutin, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1640554.1 MLS # 1640554
130 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1628041.1 MLS # 1628041
135 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 5 Full Bath, Col
Erin Pruitt, Sales Associate
Frances Ekblom, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639467.1 MLS # 1639467
620 Albert Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Jeff Vander Molen, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Wyckoff

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1636234.1 MLS # 1636234
331 S Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Qizhan Yao, Broker Owner
Realmart Realty, LLC

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1614612.1 MLS # 1614612
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. 10/9
24

1615483.1 MLS # 1615483
200 Claremont Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Till Horkenbach, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
22

1640758.1 MLS # 1640758
145 W Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Cathy Bossolina, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/9
25

1639438.1 MLS # 1639438
285 Manor Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Ranch
Christine Gubb, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/9
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Guest Editorial in favor of full day kindergarten

yes to Full day Kindergarten
I am completely in support of Ridgewood finally moving to All-Day Kindergarten.  It is an embarrassment that we do not have it yet.  Are we the only town left with half-day K?  If you look online, the internet explodes with studies supporting the extended day.  Let’s face it, if a child gets to kindergarten at 8:30, then coats are hung up and everyone settles in for morning circle time on the rug….by the time they get down to any actual learning it might be 9:00.  Add to that art, recess, snack, all wholly worthwhile activities but time-consuming nonetheless, and all of a sudden it is time for pick-up from school.  Meanwhile in every town surrounding us, in fact probably most towns in the entire country, the 5 and 6 year olds are getting three more hours a day.  This means that they get the socialization, the art, music, snack, recess and so on…..but they also get significant time to learn some basics of reading, writing, and “rithmetic.” 

Parents who want their children home for the afternoon (or morning) instead of having them at school for 3 extra hours protest that the time with family (mom?, nanny? younger siblings?) is of more value than the time in school.  Really?  I am going out on a limb here, but not much of a limb, in wagering that many of those kids are spending some of that time on an ipad, or watching mommy (or nanny) texting to God-knows-who.  Or maybe they are being rushed right from kindergarten to karate or ballet.  Staying at school would not be a bad alternative; far from it, staying at school would be infinitely preferable. 

Non-parents who argue that those in favor just want free day care are living in another universe.  For parents who work, full-day K does not include sufficient hours to occupy their children while they are on the job.  Not even close.

Those who protest that children need more unscheduled time are using a half-baked argument.  I am a big fan of down-time, but most kids of that age are up and awake for 13 or 14 hours a day.  Surely adding a half-day more of school for the 180 days a year that they go to school would not preclude plenty of down-time.

The cost?  Well, I for one would rather have my tax money going to the children, the future, than having it go to some of the ridiculous projects that have come up in recent years in Ridgewood.  This would be money well spent.

Come on Ridgewood, let’s vote YES for all-day-K, and catch up with the rest of the country.  Do it for the kids!

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Ridgewood Board of Education :Unlawful election sign placement?

Ridgewood Board of Education ,Unlawful election sign placement, election, vote

photo by Boyd Loving

October 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Does the placement of this sign (vote yes for all day K) on public property violate New Jersey state election laws?  Didn’t we just go through this in Ridgewood?