Tag: Ridgewood Board of Education

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Ridgewood BOE waiting for teachers to Ratify

BOE_theridgewoodblog

September 20, 2016

Dear members of the Ridgewood community:

We are pleased to announce that on Tuesday, September 13, the negotiating committees for the Ridgewood Board of Education and the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a three-year contract for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

This MOA lists the new contract terms, which will be made public once the contract is ratified by the teachers and voted on by the Board at a regular public meeting.  The contract becomes effective once the Board approves it.

During this prolonged negotiation, many community members, parents, and students shared their ideas and perspectives with us. While opinions varied, the overriding messages were consistent. Our community cares deeply about the quality of our schools. The educational programs and extracurricular activities offered to our students are highly valued as are our teachers, and the contract should be fair and balanced.

As we complete the tasks needed to finalize the contract, we ask for your continued patience and understanding. The good news is that the disruption caused by the unsettled contract is behind us and we can once again focus our attention 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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Damiano Email to Ridgewood Guild Members fully Discredited

PSEG

September 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This screen shot above was posted on the FB discussion to discredit this email from Tony. This shows clear contradiction in what he is claiming about Mayor agreeing to include him in the conversation or not. Readers say, “He is a habitual liar.”  Remember HPC letter? — please read this email + the screen shot posted in the original article for full picture:

Thank you Susan,

But I am confused. Your last email on Friday afternoon (sent to me only) said, “Tony, can you join me in meeting with PSEG next week.” I replied,”Absolutely.” You never called me so I called PSEG myself at noon today.

The good thing that came out of this is….,Andrew Wesley now has my cell number, and I have his. He will consult with me personally on any and all PSEG matters regarding our CBD.

Also, you and the bloggers need to stop pointing a finger at Roberta, It is on record that she mentioned this project at 2 August Council Meetings and you did not do anything about it. As u know, I do not attend all meetings. I missed both of these meetings or I would have taken action sooner.

Best………………..Tony Damiano

To make matters worse, Damiano sent the message below to Guild members. Clearly/compared to the official transcript above, he lied to his members and distorted what actually transpired. SHAMEFUL!!

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Readers Not Fond of Ridgewood’s Sore Losers

jill-greenberg-crying-photoshopped-babies-end-times-17

September 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Reader says , “You know when Keith Killion lost by just 6 votes to that dimwit Gwenn Hauck, he exited with great grace and dignity. These three who were unelectable in any possible was are going out with absolutely no grace and no dignity. They are all so pissed off that their three replacement candidates were trounced and that their garage to save the world was voted into oblivion. Sore losers hardly describes their behavior. They should take a lesson from Keith, and other very fine council people who left office, and be classy about it.”
Definition of sore loser

:  a person who becomes very upset or angry when he or she loses a game, contest, etc.

I don’t remember Tony, Rurik, et al trashing Paul/Al/Gwenn during their tenure. Sore losers just throwing mud. And yes, Tony is petty because no one chose him to be part of ANOTHER team. If I remember correctly, he couldn’t play nice with the COC so he left to start the guild. Never thought that him as president of the guild would be a lifetime gig.

To be fair, PSEG has been a pain in the azz this summer. That said, Rurik is stirring the pot and is coming across as the latest village troll. TD is a triple sore loser with the garage being voted down, the 3 amigos no longer on the council and now, he can’t play “historian”. All very petty.

Fool us once…Let them just go away. They will never return despite them still hanging around? Chamber of Commerce etc. Sore Loserman ran and lost and they eventually went away. So will these 3. The new Council is awesome and out of the ordinary issues will be attributed to those 3….so we will overcome. They are already off to a great start repealing Pfundwood! Can we get rid of that Gyro Wall next? Tell the sidewalk Nazi he may be next after the wall fall…wasn’t he responsible for the $750,000 coin guy? People have to be held responsible. Thank you 1st amendment…

Aronsohn’s recent op ed piece in The Record and Pucciarelli’s letter to the editor in The Ridgewood News suggest that their plan is to lob hand grenades into the Knudsen administration’s agenda with the hopes of inflicting casualties of some sort. SORE LOSERS.

Clearly, he is the sorest of the sore losers. The two websites, his and Gwenn’s, are pitiful testaments to their longing for a return to power. Good riddance to bad rubbish, the both of them.

He is just an angry sore loser.He needs a hobby.

Clearly, the sore losers are now out in force trying their best to disrespect (got that Gwenn?) those who were able to successfully bring their 4 year reign of terror to an end.

What a bunch of sore losers. Where were all of you when the dirt bag mayor, nit wit Gwenn, fatso Roberta, and full of himself Albert thought nothing of calling Susan every derogatory name in the book? You’re a bunch of losers who just can’t let it go

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Ridgewood Guild President attempts to take credit for Mayor’ Success with PSEG

PSEG
September 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Amazingly Anthony Damiano the Ridgewood Guild President and owner of Mango Jam posted and email yesterday claiming that “I have successfully postponed the debilitating pseg project”.

As if we think or are expected to believe that PSEG took a meeting with, and then rearranged a project timeline at the request and demand of Anthony Damiano, and not the hard work of our mayor, acting village manager, and engineers.

It is rather disturbing that Damiano and his cohorts would attempt to falsely and blatantly takes full credit for getting PSEG to change their start date, especially asking for kudos to be heaped on The Ridgewood Guild. Apparently he and some of the sore loser comrades of the 3 amigos have a serious hang up with Mayor Susan Knudsen and clearly have a hang up with the fact she is a women and good at her job.

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PSE&G AGREES TO RESCHEDULE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WORK

PSEG Gas leak

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G representatives agreed to reschedule work on North and South Broad Street to begin in January after meeting Village officials Monday.

While is was well known that the previous Mayor Paul Aronsohn had issues with PSE&G Mayor Knudsen moved quickly to resolve the situation putting old issues to rest.

Village officials including the Mayor Susan Knudsen and Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser met this morning with David Hollenbeck, PSE&G regional public affairs manager, who along with other representatives from the utility agreed to implement a work-around schedule pushing the start date to on or about January 9, 2017, avoiding a critical fourth quarter impact on businesses in that area.

The rescheduling resulted from a cooperative effort to resolve the issue of work previously scheduled to begin Sept. 26, in the Village’s historic business district.

“The meeting was cordial and professional,” Knudsen said. “PSE&G officials appreciated the vulnerabilities of our small businesses, especially during the fourth-quarter holiday retail season. They responded and we’re most appreciative.”

The Village Council, recognizing the serious nature of the work in upgrading utility infrastructure, expressed gratitude to PSE&G for working collaboratively with Village officials. The Village Engineer is already began planning to ensure both the Village and PSE&G are prepared for the January start date.

 

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Ridgewood new Code Enforcement Officer on the scene in the CBD

itsgreektome2 theridgewoodblog.net
September 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Blog has learned the Ridgewood new code enforcement officer has been making the rounds in the CBD  counting chairs and tables to check if restaurants are in compliance with their the outdoor cafe permits . She has issued several written warning for those that are in violation. We wonder if she is also check for encroachments in to the pedestrian  right of way?  Is she checking for planters and flower pots that made impeded people from walking or parking their car ( and lets nor forget people with disabilities) ? Does she do her checking during her 9-5 work day or does she come out at night and on the weekend when restaurants  load up the sidewalk and tables?

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Mayor Kundsen Announces PSE&G Agrees to Postpone Central Business Work Till After the Holidays

susan village council

file photo by Boyd Loving

Dear Ridgewood Businesses,

This morning at 10 am I had the opportunity to meet with PSEG officials along with Village Engineer, Chris Rutishauser and Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager. The hour long meeting resulted in PSE&G representatives agreeing to reschedule work on North and South Broad Street to begin in January. David Hollenbeck, PSE&G regional public affairs manager, who along with other representatives from the utility agreed to implement a work-around schedule pushing the start date to on or about January 9, 2017, avoiding a critical fourth quarter impact on businesses in the area. The rescheduling resulted from a cooperative effort to resolve the issue of work previously scheduled to begin Sept. 26, in the Village’s historic business district. The meeting was cordial and professional. PSE&G officials appreciated the vulnerabilities of our small businesses, especially during the fourth-quarter holiday retail season. They responded and we’re most appreciative.
The Village Council, recognizing the serious nature of the work in upgrading utility infrastructure, is grateful to PSE&G for working collaboratively with us.As well we appreciate the patience of our businesses while we worked through the details with PSEG. We wish you all the greatest success and many, many sales during the upcoming fourth quarter.

Warm regards,
Susan

Mayor Susan Knudsen
Councilwoman

Village of Ridgewood

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Village of Ridgewood Planning Board September 20th Meeting

DAYTON_092112_RN_tif_

PLANNING BOARD AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 20, 1016

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Village Hall Court Room– 7:30 P.M.

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

 

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

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

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Community Conversation September 21 – MAKING RIDGEWOOD MORE AGE FRIENDLY

CBD traffic ridgewood theridgewooodblog.net

Community Conversation September 21 – MAKING RIDGEWOOD MORE AGE FRIENDLY
WHAT: An Encore presentation of our 55 and Over Survey Data and Age-Friendly concepts. Then A GROUP THINK, a COMMUNITY BRAINSTORMING session- we need YOUR IDEAS about how to Ridgewood more Age Friendly
WHO: Anyone interested in life in Ridgewood after age 55. If you are 55 or over or you are planning for your future or you have parents in this age group or your customers are older please join us.
WHERE: Ridgewood Library Auditorium
WHEN: Wednesday September 21, 3:30-5:30 pm.
WHY: We have wonderful data about both the strengths and needs of the community from our Ridgewood 55 and Over

Survey. We are ready to take the next step and create an action plan. For that we need community input about specific improvements that we should consider implementing, especially in the following areas:
· housing options,
· flexible transportation
· pedestrian safety
· enhanced communication and marketing, directory of resources
· leveraging the expertise of the older population and
· assisting homeowners with difficult tasks.

We want Ridgewood to be as great a place to grow old as it is to grow up and we are interested in what age-friendly means to you and what your priorities are. What would make you remain in Ridgewood after your kids are grown and gone?
Any questions please email [email protected] or call 201-652-1614.
Beth Abbott and Sheila Brogan, of the Age-Friendly Ridgewood Initiative

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“Golden Toilet” by Maurizio Cattelan retrospective at the Guggenheim

"Golden Toilet" by Maurizio Cattelan retrospective at the Guggenheim

Photo: Kris Mckay

“Golden Toilet” by Maurizio Cattelan retrospective at the Guggenheim
September 17,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, Are you sitting down? Maurizio Cattelan: “America” opened yesterday, September 16, in one of the museum’s public restrooms. “America”—the first piece that #Cattelan has exhibited since his 2011 retrospective at the Guggenheim—is a working toilet cast from gold, which museumgoers are allowed to use just as they would any other facility in the building. In a gallery environment where visitors are usually told, “don’t touch,” this is an extraordinary opportunity to spend time completely alone with a work of art.

Its nice to see a Golden Toilet get a appreciation it deserves .

We often get asked great article ,but what does this have to do with Ridgewood ? The Ridgewood blog was inspired by the “Golden Toilet” retrospective.  Many of our readers have accused the Village of flushing money down the toilet years . Recent projects like the idiotic “traffic easing”, or the over priced ramp at Graydon pool ring a bell but for many the “Golden Toilet Fiasco:  was one of the biggest flushes of money down the drain .The $400,000 toilet rivaled  only the “Village Hall Fiasco” . While not quite on the same scope financially as the Village Hall Fiasco ,the “Golden Toilet ” became emblematic for everything wrong with the Village of Ridgewood.

“I was at the field with the $400,000 toilets and decided to go in and see, they looked ok, but the soap was empty the electric was off so the toilets didn’t flush and we couldn’t dry our hands. I guess you don’t get much for $400,000.00 anymore. ” https://theridgewoodblog.net/golden-toilet-i-guess-you-dont-get-much-for-400000-00-anymore/

Absolutely ridiculous. You can build a 2,000 sf house for $375,000 (build not buy land).https://theridgewoodblog.net/the-big-flush-golden-toilet-outrage-grows/

In later years the residents were even promised that there will be “No “Golden Toilets ” for Habernickel” https://theridgewoodblog.net/no-golden-toilets-for-habernickel/

Government has become a self perpetuating beast; enacting regulations (to protect the people!) which require people to enforce, require extra hours and costs to adhere to them and thus driving up costs for everyone else. The private sector has profit as motivation, government has service as its mandate. Government should not be running businesses that private enterprises can provide cheaper https://theridgewoodblog.net/the-golden-toilet-government-has-become-a-self-perpetuating-beast/

So next time you hear that the “Government” , or “Village Hall ” ought to do something remember the “Golden Toilet ” a $400,000 place wher only an 5th grader can go.

“here I sit all Brokenhearted paid a dime and only ….well you know the rest.

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Ridgewood Water Restriction Waiver

ridgewood water

September 16,2016
the styaff of the Ridgewood blog

Rodgewood NJ, September has arrived along with weather that is more favorable for the planting of landscape materials. Water system operating conditions and vital capital projects still limit our ability to sustain reserves in peak demand situations, so Stage 2 Water Restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Beginning on September 6th, however, Ridgewood Water will be able to accept requests for waivers from some of the Stage 2 provisions.

The following guidelines are the basis for granting or not granting individual exceptions to restrictions on outdoor water use. Applicants must provide proof that they meet the criteria listed below. Residents are strongly urged to postpone landscape installations when weather conditions are unfavorable. Waivers cannot be guaranteed and are subject to cancellation if conditions worsen.

  • New trees, shrubs, and perennials – Waivers may be granted, but will be limited to use of soaker hoses or drip irrigation on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only. No automatic irrigation will be allowed for this purpose.
  • New lawns (sod or seed) – Waivers may be granted for automatic irrigation on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only.

Click HERE for an application. Application may be submitted in the following ways:

  • Mail or drop off copy to:

Village Hall

131 N. Maple Ave.

Fifth Floor

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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Another Major Traffic Alert for Ridgewood Saturday

Road_work_theridgewoodblog
September 16th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday morning September 17th the underpass on West Glen Ave will be closed to all traffic from 8am until 4pm for utility work. Detours will be in place at Oak Street and North Monroe Street. Police officers will be stationed at intersections around the detour to assist with keeping the traffic flowing.
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Jamboree Scholarship Fund presents JAMBOREE 2017 – WORLD TOUR CASTING CALL mark your schedules !!

Jamboree Scholarship Fund presents JAMBOREE 2017 , WORLD TOUR CASTING CALL , mark your schedules, Ridgewood Schools

September 15,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, All Ridgewood High School parents and guardians are invited to a CASTING CALL to register to participate in the JAMBOREE 2017-WORLD TOUR! Performances are February 8,9,10 &11, 2017 and Rehearsals begin January 2nd!!

For 71 years, Jamboree has presented an original musical revue, raising funds for need- based college scholarships for graduating RHS seniors. More than $1.4 million has been raised in the last 13 years alone and distributed to hundreds of worthy applicants.

CASTING CALL DATES AND TIMES (SELECT ONE)

MONDAY OCTOBER 17TH, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19TH, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 25th, 7 p.m.

In the Ridgewood High School Campus Center

Producers for this production are Linda Aktar, Gail McCarthy, and Vivienne & Mike Muldoon! They can be reached via email at [email protected].

Rosie Gunther McCooe will be returning as Director, with the incredible creative team of Maggie Devita-Set Construction/Crew, Bronwen Eastwood-Music Director, Steve Friedes- Band Director, Marjorie McConnell-Choreography, Wayne Angelbeck-Costumes and Stage Managers Sibylla Frank and Nick Lewis!

Help is always needed behind the scenes, and non-RHS parents are welcome to join the Stage Crew, or volunteer in many other ways!

The RHS Jamboree Scholarship Committee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please note that ALL SENIORS, not just those with parents/guardians in the show or backstage, are encouraged to apply for the RHS JAMBOREE SCHOLARSHIP! Speak with your guidance counselor for more information.

Select one date in October and come down to RHS!
NO TALENT REQUIRED!
Become a part of this wonderful RIDGEWOOD TRADITION by joining our cast and crew

as we prepare for a non-stop global adventure! Jamboree 2017 – World Tour!

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New Jersey Transit Police charge man with Sexual contact of a women while on board a train

Ridgewood Train Stataion
September 14,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEWARK NJ ,New Jersey Transit Police have charged a man with criminal sexual contact after identifying him from a victim’s description given to police a few days earlier.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday, September 9, 50-year-old Raghavan E. Narayanan of Hillsborough was arrested at Newark Penn Station and charged with criminal sexual contact. Officers recognized him from a description given by a female customer, who reported a man inappropriately touched her while on board a NJ TRANSIT train two days earlier.

“We are grateful that the New Jersey Transit Police were able to act so quickly in apprehending this person,’’ said Interim Executive Director Dennis Martin. “The safety of our customers is paramount to us and we do not take that lightly.’’

“The officers of the New Jersey Transit Police Department are the eyes and ears of the state’s transportation system,’’ said Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. “Incidents like this reinforce how our police department is vigilant when it comes to protecting our customers both in plain sight and behind the scenes.’’

Narayanan was issued a summons and released pending a court date for later this month.

The charges and allegations contained in this release are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Reader Gives Synopsis of Last nights Ridgewood Council Meeting

Ridgewood Village Council

A few high points:

Rurik Halaby called Schedler a DUMP, said any plan to spend money there is STUPID, And with his penchant for big fancy words and historical accuracy, he still cannot pronounce the Mayor’s name. Rurik, it is not KAH-nudsen. It is a silent K. You KAH-now how the silent K works, dontcha?

Tony Damiano made a fool of himself and the entire Ridgewood Guild. First he gets all huffy that his name was put on a committee. Seems he is unwilling to serve on any committee unless he knows all the members beforehand, because, well, he wants TOTAL CONTROL. Then he whines and whines about his mom and pop store and how his 8-hour employee has to lock the store and drive around for 20 minutes after four hours in order to find another parking space to cover the next four hours. Ummm …..start at Cottage Place before your work day begins, park there all day, you never need to leave. It is so simple. Damiano LIED when he said there is nowhere for his employee to park. He just doesn’t want his employee to walk a couple of blocks from the always empty Cottage lot. Duh.

The owner of Roots restaurant mentioned that “Roberta” is a bad word that he hesitates to use in the council chambers.

On a very sad note, Mayor Knudsen acknowledged the passing of Meegan Shevlin, who lost her battle with breast cancer last week. Whether you agreed with Meegan or not, hers was always a lively, passionate, and informed voice on various subjects. She was a wonderful person and a fine example of citizen participation in local issues.

And then there was the continuing revelation that the mystery of the concrete which was illegally dumped at Kings Pond last year remains, well, it remains a MYSTERY. Boyd Loving has attempted to learn what contractor did this dumping, who from the Village enabled it, all with the goal of making sure that such an EPA violation never happens again. And to make sure that this contractor is never hired again. And to make sure that anyone on the inside who enabled this illegal action gets called on the carpet.

The meeting was smooth, efficient, and wow, just amazing how Roberta’s absence is a beautiful presence…..or you might say it is the PRESENT that just keeps on giving.