With a record number of New Jersey residents holding jobs, Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday announced the state will be able to offer $200 million in tax relief to businesses by cutting their contributions to unemployment insurance. Claude Brodesser-Akner, NJ.com, Read more
I am outraged at the Chamber’s Ad in the Ridgewood News today. They lied from the beginning with the say “yes” and negotiate size later when there is no negotiation. You try and negotiate and they go around you. We are not a small, rogue, nameless group! Most of us speak at meetings, write letters and emails, and stand on the streets with clipboards. So the paper lets them continue to write lies with no rebuttals?
There was an email floating around today suggesting keeping this transaction off the balance sheet will allow Ridgewood to bond more projects. First, what other massive projects are they planning?? Second, anyone who believes in off balance sheet financing needs a lesson in finance. It is still debt, it needs to be paid back and ratings agencies will still recognize it as leverage.
Restaurant Week 2016
back by popular demand
RIDGEWOOD’S own RESTAURANT WEEK 2016!
January 17-January 21,
January 24-January 28,
Sunday through Thursday,
experience fine dining in Ridgewood for only $25.16.
For these ten days, participating restaurants are offering you the chance to experience dining in Ridgewood like never before.
Each business will prepare a 3course, (prix-fixe menu for you at $25.16 +tax/tip/beverage.
Please note: We have added a
Catering, Wine and Specialty offerings.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS
WITH DETAILS,PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
ENJOY!
Visit the following participating businesses.
Call for details.
Fish Urban Dining
201-857-5151
It’s Greek to Me
201-612-2600
LaTour, A French-American Grill
201-445-5056 – lunch only
Mediterraneo Restaurant
201-447-0022
Memoire Restaurant
201-857-8899
Novo
201-444-4910
Park West Tavern & Loft
201-445-5400
Pearl Restaurant
201-857-5100
Planet Swirl FRO-Yo & Grill
201-857-455
Raymond’s
201-445-5125
ROOTS Steakhouse
201-444-1922
Sakura-Bana Restaurant
201-447-6525
The Office Beer Bar & Grill
201-652-1070
Village Green Restaurant
201-445-2914
Catering
Chestnut Catering
201-445-3031
From Scratch Ridgewood
201-981-8606
Specialty Offerings
Ben & Jerry’s
201-689-1122
Carlo’s Bake Shop
201-962-9080
Super Cellars Fine Wines & Marketplace
201-444-0012
The Wine Seller
201-444-3300
See you in Ridgewood!
FREE parking on Sunday
Free Parking after 6:00pm
Ridgewood voted “26th best place to live in America”
Visit historic “downtown Ridgewood”
NJ/NY Transit friendly
experienceridgewood.com
photo by Boyd Loving
DECEMBER 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Tree lighting was another success
To the Editor:
We cannot thank everyone enough for coming out to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Ridgewood’s tradition — Downtown for the Holidays Tree Lighting.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce would like to publicly recognize and thank everyone who generously supported and sponsored this year’s event.
Shopping and dining locally is the best way to say thank you to the Ridgewood’s business district. Thank you to all residents, families and friends who shared the 2015 tree lighting. In alphabetical order, thank you to:
Annie and Mike Hull; Art of Motion; Atlantic Stewardship Bank; B. Witching Bath Company; Bagelicious; Boiling Springs Savings Bank; Bow Tie Warner Cinema Theatre; Canines Can Do; C&C Iacono; CareOne Ridgewood Avenue; Carlo’s Bakery; Christ Church; CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home; ConnectOne Bank; Country Pancake House & Restaurant; Columbia Bank; Cup Cakes by Carousel; Daily Treat; Downes Tree Service and Staff; Duxiana;
Elf on the Shelf; Emily’s Singers; Family Chiropractors; Femmebot; Freedom Bank; From the Top Music Studio; Gold Fish Swim School; Hillmann Lighting; Huntington Learning Center; Lazarath & Williamson; Little Ivy Learning Center; Lt. Ron Gimbert; Life Opportunities Unlimited; Marge Downs; Mark Manke; Mayor and Council; Mr. & Mrs. G. Negrycz; Panico Salon & Spa; Park West Tavern & Loft; Party’s Unplugged; Patty Herman; Pearl Restaurant; Pink Bungalow; PNC Wealth Management; Porch Light Productions
Residents, Friends, Families; Richard Bassler and Family; Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce; Ridgewood CBD; Ridgewood Library; Ridgewood News; Ridgewood Party Rental; Ridgewood Women Gardner’s; Ridgewood YMCA; RHS Marching Band; RHS Orchestra; RHS Carolers; Ridgewood Boy Scouts Troup 7; Ridgewood Police/Fire/Parks/Signal/EMS/DPW; Rob Dowling; Santa Claus; Serene Therapeutics; Sullivan Associates; Taekwondo All In; The Conservatory; The Office Beer Bar & Grill; The Valley Hospital; Ulrich, Inc.; Van Dyk Healthcare; Village of Ridgewood; West Bergen Mental Healthcare; Westside Nursery School; Woman’s Club of Ridgewood
Please stop by and say “Hi” to Santa in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday, Dec. 12 and 19 from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
The Chamber of Commerce apologizes if we missed anyone, we certainly appreciate everyone’s dedication to Ridgewood.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and best wishes to you and your families. Please shop and dine locally, Ridgewood.
Paul Vagianos
President
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
Sun, November 15, 2015 – Wed, November 18, 2015
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Village All, 131 North Maple Ave, Ridgewood NJ 07451
CARE ALTERNATIVES & SOLUTIONS FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER’S
(*)Sunday, Nov 15. 4-6 pm
Ridgewood Village Hall, The Council Chambers Room, 131 North Maple Avenue
LEGAL & FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER’S
(*)Monday, Nov 16. 6-8 pm
Ridgewood Village Hall, The Council Chambers Room, 131 North Maple Avenue
ALIVE INSIDE: A STORY OF MUSIC AND MEMORY
A cinematic exploration to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from Alzheimer’s
(*)Wednesday, Nov 18. 1-2:30 pm
Ridgewood Warner Theater, 190 E. Ridgewood Ave.
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CARE, THE PITFALLS TO AVOID
(*)Thursday, Nov 19. 6-8 pm
Ridgewood Village Hall, The Youth Lounge, 131 North Maple Avenue

Congressman Frank Pallone: Fifteen-Dollar Minimum Wage Is Critical for Economic Growth
$40 hamburger in your future ?
Where is the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce ?
On the eve of the national day of action for the “Fight for Fifteen” movement aimed at increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour, Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6) and the healthcare-focused SEIU union held a phone in tele-townhall to discuss why they believe the proposed hike is a critical one. Currently the minimum wage in New Jersey sits at $8.38 per hour. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
The 7 Most Dangerous Myths About A $15 Minimum Wage
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2015/08/04/the-7-most-dangerous-myths-about-a-15-minimum-wage/
Seattle sees fallout from $15 minimum wage, as other cities follow suit
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/22/seattle-sees-fallout-from-15-minimum-wage-as-other-cities-follow-suit/
We Are Seeing The Effects Of Seattle’s $15 An Hour Minimum Wage
Tim Worstall
Possibly the best starting point of this argument is this rather newer post here.
Some time back I wrote a piece entitled “We can predict the effects of Seattle’s $15 an hour minimum wage.” It’s here. And without going into boring detail it essentially said that we’d see what we would expect to see from a rise in the price of something, that is a fall in the demand for it. Ever since I’ve had comments from people insisting that human labor just doesn’t work that way. That if wages rise then actually more people are going to get employed. An example came in only this morning:
Between January and December of 2014, while Seatac’s business owners (and their customers) were absorbing the cost of paying minimum wage employees $15, unemployment decreased 17.46%, falling from 6.3% to 5.2%. It turns out that you CAN increase the minimum wage (even in large increments) and increase overall employment at the same time.
September 25,2015
Several of the pictured signs were observed on lawns in front of private residences on Ridgewood’s East Side early this morning, including the Mayor’s home on Linwood Avenue and the Deputy Mayor’s home on Cottage Place.
Although the First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects a property owner’s right to display such signs, is it appropriate for both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to be displaying their respective support for the garage not knowing 1) what the final price tag is, 2) what the design will be, nor 3) how the garage will be funded? In short, they both have little if any factual data about the project, but yet they support it? Duh?
Additionally, what taxpayer funded resources, if any, were used to design, print, and/or distribute these signs? The Mayor mentioned during a recent public meeting how pleased he was that promotional material in support of the referendum was being developed (perhaps an inappropriate comment for an official meeting); did the Village’s contribution to the endeavor stop there, or is there more?
They have zero idea how much taxpayers will be on the hook for this pie in the sky project, but they’re happy to be riding the train out of the station. ALL ABOARD!
Ridgewood NJ, it was a beautiful fall evening to host the Annual Fall Car Show, presented by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. The Village was buzzing with energy and filled with a wide variety of cars, from muscle cars and hot rods to current models and unique designs , with cars ranging from the years 1930 to 2015!
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce dedicated the 2015 Car Show to the memory of those who died on 9/11 and a special “Memorial Award” was given out by Duxiana of Ridgewood.
The huge American flag suspended between two hook and ladder fire trucks! The Ridgewood High School Marching Band gave their first performance of the season and the RHS Maroon Men acapella group started the evening off with the Star Spangled Banner.Many of Ridgewood’s fine restaurants were open for business.
more photos will be appearing on the Ridgewood blog Facebook page later today https://www.facebook.com/theridgewoodblog
East Ridgewood Ave in the central business district will be closed beginning at 4:30pm for the chamber of commerce fall car show.
Ridgewood NJ, The Annual Fall Car Show, presented by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday, September 11h, 2015 from 6:00-9:00pm. Don’t miss this FREE chance to stroll through Ridgewood’s historic, bustling downtown area, filled with 400 cars from the years 1930 to 2015! This year, the Car Show will take place around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and on E. Ridgewood Ave. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce 2015 Car Show is dedicated to the memory of those who died on 9/11. A special “Memorial Award” will be given out by Duxiana of Ridgewood. This is the best EVENING car show of the fall! Bring the entire family and take your picture under the huge American flag suspended between two hook and ladder fire trucks! Come see the Ridgewood High School Marching Band in their first performance of the season. The RHS Maroon Men acapella group will start the evening off with the Star Spangled Banner. Listen and dance to a live band, have dinner at one of Ridgewood’s many restaurants, and see the wide variety of cars, from muscle cars and hot rods to current models and crazy designs
GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE FOR 2015
NETWORKING IN RIDGEWOOD
join over a hundred people networking EVERYDAY-
RCNG – Ridgewood Chamber Networking Group
AM – worth getting up early to be part of–
AM Networking in Ridgewood
Tuesday and Thursday
7:30am-8:45am
ConnectOne Bank
171 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-2600 for more information
email: [email protected]
*******************************
PM NETWORKING IN RIDGEWOOD!
27 Chestnut Street
RCNG – Ridgewood Chamber Networking Group
every Wednesday,
Meet/Greet 5:30pm
Networking 5:45-6:45pm
rsvp 201-445-2600
[email protected]
************
RYPE- Ridgewood’s Young Professional Exchange
Networking for ages 40 and under Professionals.
Next Networking
Thursday, September 10th, 6pm
call 201-445-2600 [email protected]
meeting at 27 Chestnut Street.
go through restaurant’s patio and
take elevator to first floor.
Invite your business friends to join us!
rsvp to Allison-
[email protected]
*************
Woman’s Networking
BBLB-Brown Bag Lunch Bunch meet on
Tuesday’s – alternating between 9am & 11am
call for dates of times-201-445-2600
women supporting women at its best!
mark your calendar!
chamber office-27 Chestnut St.
This networking is designed to place real value on the advise and wisdom of today’s business women.
Engage, Encourage, Empower!
for more information call 201-445-2600
****************************************************
N E T W O R K I N G
still the best way to do business
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is a
member of the ICC – Inter-Chamber Consortium.
The ICC is an organization of several Bergen County Chambers that come together to work with each other to help build relationships for
the area business owners.
ICC MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE
Cliffside Park Chamber of Commerce
September 14, 2015.
MegaNet Networking date to TBA
September is a big month in Ridgewood!
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce members invite you to their GRAND OPENING – mark your calendars!
Katie Diamond’s Jewelry
570 N. Maple
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Ribbon cutting 6pm
California Closet
204 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Thursday, September 17, 201
5pmish
Shopettes
22 Chestnut St.
Saturday, September 19, 015
Ribbon cutting 12Noon
Serene Theraputics
555 Goffle Road
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Ribbon cutting 5:30pm
August 30,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Its that time of the year again and the Annual Fall Car Show, presented by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday, September 11th, 2015 from 6:00-9:00pm.
Don’t miss this FREE chance to stroll through Ridgewood’s historic, bustling downtown area, filled with 400 cars from the years 1930 to 2015! This year, the Car Show will take place around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and on E. Ridgewood Ave.
This year the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce 2015 Car Show is dedicated to the memory of those who died on 9/11. A special “Memorial Award” will be given out by Duxiana of Ridgewood.
Promising to be the best EVENING car show of the fall! Bring the entire family and take your picture under the huge American flag suspended between two hook and ladder fire trucks!
Come see the Ridgewood High School Marching Band in their first performance of the season. The RHS Maroon Men acapella group will start the evening off with the Star Spangled Banner. Listen and dance to a live band, have dinner at one of Ridgewood’s many restaurants, and see the wide variety of cars, from muscle cars and hot rods to current models and crazy designs.
It’s also not too late to register your very own car! For more information about registering or just the Car Show itself, call us at 201-445-2600 –
[email protected] – www.experienceridgewood.com. If there is a threat of rain, please check the Ridgewood Chamber website for any changes.
Summer Sidewalk Sale Days
Thu, August 06, 2015 – Sat, August 08, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ridgewood, E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Event Description
Participating Stores:
Alex and Ani 134 E. Ridgewood Ave
Anik 119 E. Ridgewood Ave
Beauty Plus Salon 25 E. Ridgewood Ave
Bookends 211 E. Ridgewood Ave
Brain Balance Allendale
B Witching 130 1/2 E. Ridgewood Ave
DoubleTake Consignment 189 E. Ridgewood Ave
Duxiana 63 E. Ridgewood Ave
Femmebot 203 E. Ridgewood Ave
Fusion Academy Englewood-In front of the Park
Goldfish Swim School
Gypsy Warrior 125 E. Ridgewood Ave
Huntington Learning Center- In front of Park
Just Our Shoes/Mephisto 16 N. Walnut St
kate spade 202 E. Ridgewood Ave
Learning Express 111 E. Ridgewood Ave
Loft 41 Jewelry Studio 41 E. Ridgewood Ave
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 171 E. Ridgewood Ave
Panico Salon & Spa 144 E. Ridgewood Ave
P. Smith & Co. 65 E. Ridgewood Ave
Park West Tavern
Pink Bungalow 185 E. Ridgewood Ave
RACEFASTER 211 E. Ridgewood Ave
Red Velvet Luxe 59 E Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood Bootery 200 E. Ridgewood Ave
Storm Guard Restoration
Town & Country Apothecary 60 E. Ridgewood Ave
VINYASA YOGA BY EQUINOX
Equinox Paramus, the leaders in luxury fitness, bring you Vinyasa yoga with one of our renowned instructors before you hit the Ridgewood Sidewalk Sale. Participate in a more athletic approach to yoga characterized by flowing poses and sequences that are linked to the breath. Mats will be provided and all levels are welcome.
Van Neste Square
August 8
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
RSVP to [email protected]
For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email [email protected] www.experienceridgewood.com
PARKING GARAGE -We are so excited -the Parking Garage got the needed 4 Votes.
Thank you so much!
The Ridgewood Chamber now invites you to a”call to action” meeting to put the facts on paper why this garage will not:
cost the residents more taxes,why it will save their “downtown town”.All businesses have a vested interest in this parking garage.
Ridgewood Parking Garage Facts
Yes No
Parking Garage Needed X
Developer Interest X
Land Study X
Zero Cost to tax payer X
Vote X
First “call to action” meeting…
Thursday, July 30, 2015 9am – Chamber office.
many more meetings to follow.
Please call 201-445-2600,
if you are attending.
Sun, July 19, 2015
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave. at Van Neste Square
PERFORMANCES: Jul 19
Sunday @ 1PM in Van Neste Park, Ridgewood
Directed by Ryan Pifher
Starring PLP’s Summer Interns
A special thank you to our show sponsor: Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
Shakespeare’s classic love story gets a modern update with PLP’s latest adaptation starring our summer interns. Check out this dynamic performance in Van Neste park in Ridgewood and visit Porch Light’s table for discounts and info on our upcoming season.
For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email [email protected] www.experienceridgewood.com
