A grant for bike lanes under the Complete Streets program led to the Garber Square fiasco and cost us 5 times the amount that the grant was for,. Now we have another grant and we’re using it to fix Van Neste Park which everyone seems to feel is in great shape! What happened to the old adage, ” If it isn’t broke,don’t fix it” ?
The Village Council should not miss a single opportunity to put a firm grip on the comings, the goings, and most importantly, the OPM spending patterns and priorities of the legacy Village Manager. Along these lines, the VC should probably press the pause button, indefinitely, on the contemplated renovation project in Van Neste Square. The next thing we will learn is that a half million dollars has already been spent on landscape architecture plans that will go to waste if the project doesn’t go forward immediately.
Pcd Has Nothing on Me! Paperback – March 28, 2016 by Chloe Fernandez
August 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood N J, Getting sick when you’re a kid is no fun. You can’t always do what other kids can do, or go to school like they do. Sometimes it means spending lots of time in the hospital. She sees the nurses in the hospital almost more than her friends. It can be scary, frustrating and boring. Chloe R Fernandez knows this all too well! When she was just six years old, she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive lung disease due to underlying Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD).
PCD is a genetic disorder. A body with PCD can’t clear its own airway secretions. She’s faced many scary moments when she couldn’t draw a breath and has endured painful and embarrassing treatments. But throughout it all, Chloe has remained positive and upbeat. During her hospitalizations Chloe befriends the nurses, doctors, staff and acts as the “Resident” doctor on call. One of her strongest beliefs is that “life is what you make it,” and her most avid advice is “stay faithful always.” Children of all ages, grappling with any kind of illness or condition, will find both an understanding and comfortable friend in Chloe.
“PCD Has Nothing On Me,” is a 47-page illustrated book, chronicles Chloe’s three-year journey through diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalizations.
Chloe is a vivacious 9 year old who is smart, sassy, kind, caring, loving, a charmer and fashionista. She is an avid reader and writer who has traveled the world via all the books she has read to date. Playing with her American Girl dolls, dress up with her friends and time spent with her family are all her favorite things to do. Chloe has a miniature schnauzer named Abby who she says melts her heart every time she looks at her.
Chloe was diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia at the age of 6. PCD is a rare form of lung disease. Chloe has faced many scary moments when she couldn’t draw a breath and has endured many painful and embarrassing treatments. But through it all, Chloe has remained positive and upbeat.
Chloe hopes that in sharing her story she can bring awareness to PCD, but also be an inspiration for other kids living and dealing with chronic illness. She wants them to know they too can achieve anything they set their mind to. Chloe is a firm believer that her challenges don’t define her. She is often quoted as saying, “PCD is what I have not who I am.”
Chloe is a working actress, aspiring singer, and is signed to bmg Models & Talent. She is currently working on her second book.
August 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital has informed us that we missed “World Cat Day!”
We missed it! It was Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, but cat-owners will tell you that every day is World Cat Day anyway. We all know the world revolves around them, and they probably introduced this day to us. Humans domesticated animals such as dogs, cows, and horses. Cats moved in and domesticated themselves, at first by creating a win-win situation and taking care of the mice that invaded early man’s feed for farm animals. Before long, they realized the comforts of home and moved in, often assuming the position of head of the household. As they say, “Dogs have masters; cats have staff.” So hug your cat today, and enjoy your status as the Egyptians did – after all, they worshipped cats and wrote about them on walls (think Facebook).
file photo by ArtChick
Is everything in this town controversial? People are complaining about every move that the village makes. Moving the podium used for comments at council meetings to the side of the room. – horrors!
And turning in neighbors for sidewalk bumps and lawn watering. Some do not want dogs (cats, rabbits, deer?) urinating on the grass in front of their homes. I think they would prefer doggie diapers!
Why is everyone so mad at everyone else? What has happened to us?
photos by Boyd Loving
August 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood bog
Ridgewood NJ, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said the council was given packets about the 2015 Schedler grant, which includes information from the October and November meetings, updated and complete grant application and responses from the county.
The village submitted a request for a $59,200 grant for Memorial Park and Van Neste Square, which would be used to replace brick pavers with decorative concrete sidewalk, remove aerial electric fixtures with underground electric, install new fencing, among other ideas. Sonenfeld said a finalized plan will be made public closer to the Sept. 14 public meeting.
Is there no tradition left in Ridgewood. When will it stop?
Now they want to remove the decorative brick many of which have names of family (Grandparents, parents children and in memorial of deceased family members any yes and maybe beloved pets) Why? Because we can apply for a grant? At last night meeting the VM said we would relocate them. Where? I know that the VM stated that a plan will be made public at the Sept. 14 meeting but will this be another case that it a done deal before the public has a chance to voice the opinion. They want to use concrete. We all know what happens to concrete that is put down around trees. Just look at the CBD sidewalk cracks not to mention that digging around the trees may kill them. Try going to the engineering dept to get a permit for a brick patio. They will tell you that anything over 12 x 12 feet will need a seepage pit. More digging. So will we hear next that the monument need to be moved? Just upgrade the electric put in a new fence and reset the brick and leave them alone.
Dear Ridgewood Blog,
We would like to share information on the current oppressive heat and humid weather that will continue through this weekend.
Local Cooling Centers –
Ridgewood Library – 201/670-5600
BC Administration Building, Hackensack, NJ – 201/336-7300
NW Bergen Senior Center, 46-50 Center St., Midland Park – 201/445-5690
The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a Heat Advisory…which is in effect until 8 am EDT Saturday. An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued. This Excessive Heat Watch is in effect from Saturday morning throughSunday evening.
* Heat index values into this evening…100 to 103.
* Heat index values Friday…100 to 105 degrees.
* Heat index values Saturday…around 105 degrees.
* Heat index values Sunday…around 105 degrees.
* Timing…highest heat indices in the mid to late afternoon.
* Impacts – The combination of the heat and humidity will increase the risk for heat related health issues…especially for the elderly…those with chronic health problems such as lung and heart disease…those working outdoors…and other heat sensitive groups of people.
Precautionary/preparedness actions – Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 100 to 104 degrees for two consecutive hours.
An Excessive Heat Watch means that the combination of heat and humidity could create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible…reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.
Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends…family members and neighbors.
To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by Heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency…call 9 1 1.
We hope this information is helpful providing information that will make these next few day more comfortable for you.
Best,
Jeremy Kleiman, Coordinator
Office of Emergency Management
Village of Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, Tryouts for the Ridgewood YMCA Breakers competitive swim team will take place Tuesday, September 6 through Thursday, September 8 at the Y’s Oak Street location. A full tryout schedule is available online at
www.ridgewoodymca.org/breakers-tryouts.
The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers competitive swim team encompasses all ability levels, providing youths the opportunity to acquire the skills, self-discipline, confidence, and physical conditioning to become the best swimmers they can be. The program offers instruction, training, and competition to young people of all abilities from ages 6 through high school. Swimmers will improve their skills while also learning the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
For additional information, please contact YMCA Swim Team Coach, Bud Rimbault, at 201.444.5600, ext. 319, or email [email protected]
August 12,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Why would the former council members, who were defeated resoundingly, come to the meetings to attempt to advance their failed agendas? Are they just spiteful? Do they need to grow up?
Clearly, this was an attempt on Ms. Winograd’s part to generate a newspaper headline that the current Council was seeking to limit public comment.
According to the Ridgewood News which slept through the entire election Winograd was “compelled” to speak looking “to relieve the contentious energy that has been brewing for months”. The “contentious” energy was voted out of office and their agenda was resoundingly rejected . Perhaps if the Ridgewood News would have posted a few per election letters to the editor they would know that.
Below is a report from the National Weather Service – Reminder – the Ridgewood Library is open to serve as a cooling center.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 227 PM EDT THU AUG 11 2016 …OPPRESSIVE HEAT AND HUMIDITY THROUGH THIS WEEKEND… …HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SATURDAY…
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SATURDAY. AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH HAS ALSO BEEN ISSUED. THIS EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING. * HEAT INDEX VALUES INTO THIS EVENING…100 TO 103. * HEAT INDEX VALUES FRIDAY…100 TO 105 DEGREES. * HEAT INDEX VALUES SATURDAY…AROUND 105 DEGREES. * HEAT INDEX VALUES SUNDAY…AROUND 105 DEGREES. * TIMING…HIGHEST HEAT INDICES IN THE MID TO LATE AFTERNOON. * IMPACTS…THE COMBINATION OF THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE THE RISK FOR HEAT RELATED HEALTH ISSUES…ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDERLY…THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS LUNG AND HEART DISEASE…THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS…AND OTHER HEAT SENSITIVE GROUPS OF PEOPLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO 104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH MEANS THAT THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY COULD CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. SENIORS AND THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS OR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE AT AN INCREASED RISK. HOMES WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING CAN BE MUCH HOTTER THAN OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES. USE AIR CONDITIONING TO STAY COOL AT HOME OR GO TO A PLACE THAT HAS AIR CONDITIONING. CHECK ON VULNERABLE FRIENDS…FAMILY MEMBERS AND NEIGHBORS. TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.
Dear Village Officials and Citizens,
Having been around forever and remembering all the long battles to increase opportunities for public comment both at the council level and at the Board of Education, I would like to make an observation . Public comment only becomes a bit unwieldy when there are hot button issues. Years can go by when the only people at the mic are the regulars. I can’t remember a time like these last several months when there were so many controversial issues on the agenda at the same time: housing density ordinances, Schedler, Parking Garage, Habernickel Park to name a few. Everyone and there brother had an opinion and felt the necessity to voice it. Limiting public comment in situations like this only leaves people more frustrated and when that happens the tone of a meeting can alter. It was like ” The Perfect Storm”.
I think the council does a great job in allowing multiple opportunities to speak. I would hate to see that change because of the past several months. The council can always allow for more public comment or curtail it due to the late hour or hold special meetings when necessary.If someone becomes somewhat contentious or too personal, that person can be asked to refrain from that behavior. Last, Marcia Ringle made a great point regarding the location of the speakers podium. Many of us have commented that having it directly in the center aisle makes it difficult for those attending the meeting to hear and also for the home viewers. That simple change to place it back on the side wouldn’t cost a penny. How rare! A cheap fix! Thank you to all for your service both at the dais and attendance at meetings.
Sincerely,
Linda McNamara
August 10,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood Council will have its regular public meeting at 8pm tonight with a couple of interesting things on the agenda .
First Ridgewood Water ;
16-233 Authorize Compensation for Participants in Lead and Copper Sampling and Testing Program – Authorizes Ridgewood Water to credit $25 to the water service accounts of the participants in the lead and copper sampling and testing program
16-234 Amend Agreement for Online Credit Card and Bank Account Debit Payment of Water Bills – Elimination of Convenience Fee for Customers – Amends the existing agreement with Metropolitan Communications, LLC for the processing of credit card and bank account debit payments for water bills so that Ridgewood Water will be charged the $.25 convenience fee instead of the customer being charged.
Then there is parking ;
3542 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Violations and Penalties – Increase Parking Ticket Fines
3543 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Overnight Parking Restrictions
3544 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance
3545 – Amend Chapter 249 – Streets and Sidewalks – Increase Fines for Paving Moratorium Violations
3546 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal Fees – Increase Annual Service Charge for Out of Village Dischargers
And of coarse land use ;
3540 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Regulations for Political Signs and Temporary Signs
3541 – Repeal Ordinance 3066
and a few interesting tidbits :
3547 – Ban Puppy Mills
Resolutions:
16-246 Amendment to Central Business District Advisory Committee Resolution – Terms of Members
16-249 Authorize Ridgewood Wildscape Association to Fund Treatment of Noxious Weeds at Kings Pond Park
16-250 Declare Property Surplus – Street Sweepers – Declares two street sweepers surplus property and authorizes the Village Manager to dispose of said property
August 9th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood schools will be open and students will return to school on Tuesday, September 6 (minimum day schedule). Opening Day for teachers and support staff is Thursday, September 1.
file photo
Ridgewood sale days under attack by aggressive parking police .witnessed this last Friday at 12 15 aside the book store cottage place.
Merchants should look into this interms of a ticket amnesty for mid day to 6 pm for special Ridgewood sale days .try to get over ourselves RIDGEWOOD good will be remembered forever…parking tickets on sale days guarantee no repeat visit by that out of Towner…why would they come back..give them a thank you for coming flyer waiver reminder if the Meters can’t be waived.
