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Reader says Ridgewood teachers should realize that the current lack of signs means very few support the teachers.

REA, ridgewoood teachers

The teachers should realize that the current lack of signs means very few support the teachers. Where do we get a sign supporting the Board? The teachers ARE going to cut out writing letters and any extra time w/the students. The Board and the parents are going to have to take a stance and not give the teachers a thing. This has been how the teachers have always won their demands in the past. Parents have to support the Board for once. The teachers have more under their old contract than most communities. And contrary to their theory that they are the cause of Ridgewood’s supposed “Excellence”, they are not. And our rankings, contrary to what many people think, have gone quite a long ways down in the time we have lived here (over 40 years). We long ago reached the point that, unfortunately, a child will get a better education in the private schools–which most of us can’t pay for. A friend sent her daughter to IHA for 9th grade and then had to return her to Ridgewood for the following three. The child basically repeated her entire 9th grade year while she was actually in the 10th. And this was years ago–imagine the differential now!

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Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital hosts Adopt A Pet Day

scott garrett dogs

Congressmen Scott Garrett promoting pet adoption

September 4,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you have room in your home and heart, they will have 30 shelters and rescue groups with 300 pets for adoption. Experience the joy of unconditional love. Someone is waiting for you. . .

Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital hosts Adopt A Pet Day
Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 11:00 AM until 4:00 Pm
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital, 320 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market

RidgewoodFarmersMarket_theridgewoodblog6
Sun, June 26, 2016 – Sun, October 30, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave & W Ridgewood Ave

It is here! Sundays
June 26, 2016 – October 30, 2016
9:00am – 3:00pm

Enjoy “Farm to Table”
Ridgewood Train Station
Parking Lot West Side

or call 201-445-2600

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Ridgewood Education Association and Board of Education Face off in New Contract Negotiations

REA Members come out to greet our Board of Ed
September 4th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Students return to school on Tuesday and as the new school year begins the Ridgewood Education Association members are still working without a contract. The Ridgewood Education Association is looking for the public’s support to settle their contract dispute with the school board which up till now has been tepid at best.

The Ridgewood Education Association is asking the public to please support their members by demanding that the Board settles the contract. They want to make sure Dr. Fishbein knows that their contract is the number one priority. They are also asking residents to place a sign on your lawn to support the Ridgewood Education Association.

Readers agree that a contract settlement is needed but consider REA demands unreasonable  , “Isn’t it obvious the NJEA is forcing the REA to make unreasonable demands and negotiate in bad faith with our volunteer BOE? Settle now.”

Many blog readers also do not share the REA’s enthusiasm ,”The REA thinks that just because Ridgewood schools have a “tradition of excellence”, that they are somehow excellent. That takes hard work. This current bunch of teachers seems to care more about their annual wage increases and health care benefits than they do about excellence for our school system. Shameless greed given a BOE budget already north of $100 million even though the population of Ridgewood is little changed since we did have top rated schools in the 1980s and 90s.”

Some REA supporters think the union should take stronger action , “maybe coaches need to through in the towel . Take away extra curricular activities and you’ll see how fast parents put signs up on their lawn.”

This Tuesday September 6th, the first day of school for students, the Ridgewood Education Association will hold a rally at 4:00pm at the Ed Center. The rally is an attempt to pressure the BOE to give in .That evening there will be a negotiation session and union is looking to let the Board know that 434 days is too long to work without a contract. The REA is also asking residents to come and support your teachers and secretaries by wearing red.

9316268772be0ab04b806c05f92a617e303 8

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Ridgewood Schools Invites all to Coffee and Conversation

Dan Fishbein 10

September 2,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, SAVE THE DATES FOR COFFEE WITH THE BOE AND DAN FISHBEIN: Coffee and Conversation Dates Are Announced

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 Schoolhouse Museum Fall Events

school_house_museum_theridgewoodblog
September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In keeping with the theme of the Schoolhouse Museum’s current “Farm and Home” exhibit, the Ridgewood Historical Society, in conjunction with Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, has a number of events planned for the fall months. These events are a great opportunity to learn about, buy, and in some cases, taste, locally grown produce and fruits, and to support not only the Museum, but also Demarest Farms – a local area farm since 1886!

On September 17th we will be setting up a ‘mini-exhibit’ at Demarest Farms. This mini-exhibit, staffed by board members of the Society, will show some of the museum’s farming artifacts, and will display and discuss a variety of items that are currently available and in season. This will range from red, to plum, to heirloom tomatoes; white peaches and yellow peaches; and, of course, apples. Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Macintosh to name a few. Demarest Farms also has available a “Pick your own” peaches, apples or pumpkins hay ride. This should be a fun filled day.

On October 15, at the Schoolhouse Museum, we will have samples of baked dishes, with produce supplied by Demarest Farms. Details are still being worked out, but save this date, since there will be a limited number of tickets for sale.

On November 19 at Demarest Farms…and just in time for Thanksgiving, we will be offering a discount coupon to our membership. This coupon gives you the opportunity to save money as you begin your Thanksgiving fruit and produce shopping. And Demarest Farms will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Ridgewood Historical Society.

These events not only support the Museum, but also Demarest Farms – a local producer of produce and fruits, with 130 years of history in our area.

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From Scratch in Ridgewood Eating pasta to help quake victims

from scratch Ridgewood

September 3,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, From Scratch in Ridgewood is joining other Italian restaurants around the country in raising funds for Italy’s earthquake victims by offering the signature dish of the stricken region, pasta all’Amatriciana. Owner Claudia Rovegno will cook the dish, made with pancetta and pecorino cheese, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of September. It will cost $20, of which $4 will be donated to earthquake relief. 44 E. Ridgewood Ave., 201-857-5188, fromscratchridgewood.com

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WEST BERGEN OFFERS SOCIAL ANXIETY GROUP FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

breakfest club
September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, a non-profit counseling and psychiatric center, announced a new Social Anxiety Group for high school teenagers. The Group is scheduled to begin in the Fall, 2016 at the West Bergen Center for Children and Youth, One Cherry Lane, Ramsey, NJ. Participation is limited; if it becomes full, West Bergen can place your child on a waiting list or consider starting another group. If you have any questions or wish to enroll, please call Eve Thaler, LPC, Staff Therapist, at (201) 444-3550 ext. 7127. Most insurance plans are accepted.

The Social Anxiety Group will focus on understanding the cognitive, physical and behavioral features associated with social anxiety and applying this knowledge to exposure situations that the students will practice in the group as well as specific social environments. Parents will be involved at the beginning and at specific junctures throughout. Please note: parents and teens will need to commit to weekly sessions for a six-month period to complete the entire program.

Established in 1963 as a child guidance clinic, today West Bergen provides comprehensive services for all age groups with various levels of need. West Bergen Mental Healthcare was voted Number One in Client Satisfaction by the Mental Health Corporations of America’s National Survey for 2015. The Agency has earned this notable recognition ten times since 1998

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Back to School Treats from Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique in Ridgewood

Eat Your Spinach Children's Boutique in Ridgewood

photo courtesy of Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique Facebook page

September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique  sells clothes kids love to wear. Unique, fashionable, and superior quality children’s clothing since 1991. Ages from birth to age 14.

Lets face it its the this is the perfect place for the little fashionista that has almost everything .

Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique has some of the  cutest, most stylish outfits for the little ones.  This is the place you shop at if you want your child to be original. No one else in the school yard will be wearing the same outfit as them. They have everything from play wear, to dress wear, to swimwear and accessories and it all comes wrapped in an excellent shopping experience .

Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique is located at 42 E Ridgewood Ave,Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone number(201) 444-5503 open Tue-Sat:10:30 am – 5:30 pm

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Ridgewood’s New Crossing Guard Program

ridgewood crossing guards

file photo by Boyd Loving

September 3,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Crossing Guard Program is Outlined in Letter from Dr. Fishbein and Police Chief Luthcke
Click below to read a letter to parents and guardians issued September 1, regarding the new service that will assist the Ridgewood Police Department with providing adult school crossing guards through the Village.

https://office-of-the-superintendent.ridgewood.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/923620/955169/File/Crossing%20Guard%20Letter%209_06_17.pdf?sessionid=e9c0b50382b622ce4bfe77ea58c3e139

“The Village of Ridgewood is pleased to announce its recent agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (ACMS) to provide Adult School Crossing Guard services throughout the Village. There are currently employment opportunities available for individuals who would like to work on a flexible schedule as substitute Crossing Guards or for those who would like to work toward becoming a regular guard. Crossing Guards work a short shift before and after school and receive compensation of $35 per day. If you would like more information on serving as a School Crossing Guard for the Village of Ridgewood, please contact Area Supervisor Gene Raffa at (201) 218.4615.”

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Ridgewood Water : Stage 2 watering restrictions still in effect

ridgewood water

Dear Nattering nabobs of negativism,
Although Stage 2 watering restrictions will continue to be in effect, Ridgewood Water will begin to consider waivers beginning on September 6th.

The following guidelines are the basis for granting individual exceptions to restrictions on outdoor water use:

  • 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.

Applications are available on the Ridgewood Water website atwater.ridgewoodnj.net. Your completed application and documentation may be submitted in the following ways:

Village Hall
131 N. Maple Ave.
Fifth Floor
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Waivers cannot be guaranteed and are subject to cancellation if conditions worsen. Residents are still urged to postpone landscape installations when weather conditions are unfavorable.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.  By working together we have been successful in avoiding more stringent restrictions this year.

Have a great Labor Day weekend,
2
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

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The 2016 Ashby Award and Tradition of Excellence Award Go to Two Ridgewood High School Veterans

Photo: (from L) John Domville, Daniel Fishbein, Jeffrey Nyhuis

Photo: (from L) John Domville, Daniel Fishbein, Jeffrey Nyhuis

September 2,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The 2016 Ashby Award and Tradition of Excellence Award were announced at Staff Convocation on September 1. Two RHS veterans, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Nyhuisand now-retired History Teacher John Domville were co-recipients of the Ashby Award. The Tradition of Excellence Award for support staff went to now-retired RHS secretary Sue Wasserman.

 

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Don’t forget, the Ridgewood Public Library is closed for Labor Day Weekend

Ridgewood Public Library by ArtChick

file photo by ArtChick

September 2,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Don’t forget, the Ridgewood Public Library is closed on Saturday 9/3, Sunday 9/4 and Monday 9/5 for the Labor Day weekend.

Visit us until 6pm on Friday to pick up your holds, books and 5 for $1DVD rentals for your downtime this weekend.

Or check out digital magazines, ebooks, or audiobooks anytime athttps://buff.ly/2bY9xEL or https://buff.ly/2bYbIYC

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Test plays greater role in New Jersey teacher evaluations

BOE_theridgewoodblog

Updated: SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 — 5:33 AM EDT

by The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – A standardized test will play a greater role in the evaluation of teachers in New Jersey.

The state Education Department says teachers in grades 4-7 whose students participate in the PARCC math tests or in grades 4-8 whose students take PARCC English exams will have 30 percent of their ratings based on how the students performed on the tests. That’s up from 10 percent.

In a memo, Deputy Education Commissioner Peter Shulman says the test is in its third year and can be used as a tool to improve classroom instruction more effectively than any previous statewide assessment.

https://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160901_ap_d19cb726c33245a2848b8a889d1b5aff.html

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Reader says Town Garage investors should be on the hook for the remediation

Town Garage Ridgewood

The problem with the town garage is that is a pollution nightmare. The property is now owned by a group of private investors who scooped it up to profit from a possible quick sale to the town as a parking garage. The investors should be on the hook for the remediation, but surely own the property in some sort of LLC with no assets. The town should take the property or start proceedings to have the current owners clean it up. the current cost of $1.2 million is an estimate and costs can surely be higher. We have let this pollution continue for too long and based on us having a ground water system need to do something NOW. we have waited wait too long. Hopefully the new council will shift into high gear and get something accomplished. That parking lot along with the town garage would make a nice parking garage. Forget about retail space.