Dizzying phenomenon of the swastika shaped fidget spinner
Antisemitic graffiti targets WZO in Ukraine
BYDANIELLE ZIRI
AUGUST 6, 2017 09:01
Before being used by Hitler’s Nazi regime, swastikas were commonly known as an ancient sign used by Hindus and Buddhists carrying positive associations such as auspiciousness and good fortune.
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ, Long-time friends and business partners Frank and Valerie O’Brien and Keith Hartig are pleased to announce the launch of their new professional painting business, Fresh Coat of Ridgewood.
Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including interior and exterior painting, wood staining and finishing, and other services for nearly every protective coating application. Their professional painters use quality, environmentally safe materials and the company offers a 24/7 receptionist, online scheduling and detailed quotes. Fresh Coat of Ridgewood serves Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Wyckoff and the surrounding communities.
“We know from our own experience that it can be a real challenge to find a good painter you can trust. At Fresh Coat, every customer is a priority, and we treat you that way. We aren’t just coming in to put paint on walls – we want to make sure it’s done right, done professionally and done on time,” Keith said.
The idea to start a business started when Frank O’Brien, who has been a police officer for almost 9 years, decided he wanted to start planning his next steps. Frank and Valerie have friends in Texas who own the Fresh Coat franchise in Denton, so they started asking questions.
“It all spiraled from there and we asked Keith, who we’ve been friends with for a long time, if he wanted to come on board. Valerie has an office management background and Keith is experienced in customer service and sales, so it’s really a perfect fit for us to be working together,” Frank said.
For the owners, opening Fresh Coat is all about bringing a new, high quality painting business to their community and giving people a new, better option, whether they’re looking to have one wall painted or a whole house painted.
“Valerie and I – and Keith and his wife – bought houses in Bergen County and we’ve realized how subpar the painting industry was in our area. It was nearly impossible for us to get a call back from a quality painter, let alone a decent quote. At Fresh Coat, we offer a different level of customer service and professionalism. We want to change the industry,” Frank said.
As part of their commitment to customer service, Fresh Coat offers a 3-3-3 customer service pledge, so calls will be answered by a live person within three rings, a quote will be delivered within three days (customer schedule permitting) and the job will be started within three weeks.
Fresh Coat was founded in 2004 as part of Strategic Franchising Systems. Since 2015, Fresh Coat has been included in the Bond’s Top 100 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Fresh Coat is also part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Association’s Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran. All Fresh Coat employees are trained, dependable, fully insured and background-checked and Fresh Coat of Ridgewood is bonded and insured.
For more information about Fresh Coat of Ridgewood, call (201)383-4466, email [email protected] or visit www.FreshCoatRidgewood.com.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Traffic Alert road closures beginning the week of August 7th.
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G will begin replacing gas lines on East Ridgewood Ave at Reynen Court and work East towards the Paramus border. This project is expected to take several weeks. East Ridgewood Ave will be closed during the day and detours will be in place.
Gas line construction will also continue on North Monroe Street between West Ridgewood and Woodland Ave. Please follow the detours expect delays in both areas.
Location: Ramsey Country Club, 105 Lake Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its Annual RHS Scholarship
Charity Golf Classic, August 7, 2017 at the
Ramsey Golf and Country Club
105 Lakeside Drive
Ramsey, NJ 07446
The mission of this event is to:
“empower children through education”..
our proceeds go to the kids –
going off to college.
This day is always fun for- serious golfers, beginners, or if you just want to be out on the greens golfers and/or if you just want to join us for the BBQ Lunch or the delicious dinner in the dinning room.
This year will have some, other than golfing
going on…keep checking out the website.
Don’t miss the silent auction, prizes, hole-in-one.
New this year…kids from the RHS golf teams,
are going to play for you…or beat the Kids…
(beat the Pro).
Come and win the “Putting Contest” –
always a challenge and laughs.
If you are a single golfer, join one of our two and or threesomes. If you want to do networking…
the golf course is always the best place.
We have the entire golf course to enjoy…
“two beverage holes” and a “beverage carts”
this will help to keep your score under 90!
For more details call 201-445-2600,
email us [email protected]
I cannot believe that Ridgewood would buy that property without remediation by the present owners. They rushed in to buy it before Ridgewood could finalize their decision to buy. They knew they would make a large profit on it as they knew Ridgewood would eventually buy it from them. They knew massive amounts of remediation were necessary but bought it anyway. If we let them get by with that–and the names of the purchasers should show very familiar names–they have succeeded in proving that Ridgewood can be suckered as they originally believed. Wake up Council! Make them clean it up, or reduce the price by the cost of cleaning. That would probably leave them in the hole on the purchase. The buyers knew what they were doing. Does Ridgewood?
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS aided two (2) separate seizure victims at the exact same time, and in the same location (Tito’s Burritos Restaurant, 166 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood), on Saturday evening, 08/05. The seizures appeared to have been unrelated, with the exception of occurring at the exact same time and address. One (1) victim sustained a serious head injury after collapsing in a restaurant bathroom; he was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital (a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted with this case). The other victim was evaluated at the scene by Ridgewood EMS personnel and declined ambulance transport. The incident drew a response from eight (8) separate vehicles belonging to Police, Fire department, and/or EMS personnel.
I guess I’m in the minority, but buying Town Garage and building the parking garage makes perfect sense and I support the council on taking steps to improve the downtown area, finally taking a financially prudent approach to building a smaller parking garage and working to build up our town using a smart approach, not just sitting back and watching stores close and the town deteriorating. And I think they meant the lot would take 5 months of revenue collection to make up for lost property tax revenue, not the bond. Enough talking, enough procrastinating, it is time to get things done as a collective effort with an in depth parking plan. If we sit back and do nothing our property values will drop and Ridgewood will lose its character as a great downtown. It should also be noted the town would be buying property, something that is of value.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A large tree limb fell onto a passenger car in front of 51 Leroy Place, Ridgewood during a Saturday, 08/05 overnight storm. Telephone, cable, and internet service to a home was severed in the incident. The responding Ridgewood PD uniformed patrol officer detected a natural gas smell in the vicinity of the fallen limb and requested Ridgewood Fire Department be dispatched to investigate. Elevated natural gas readings were isolated to a nearby manhole by Ridgewood Fire Department Engine Company #35 members. PSE&G’s Gas Division was requested to respond. Fire Department personnel also secured the downed FIOS wire.
August 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, this Sunday the Renowned band Blue Plate Special will be performing original bluegrass tunes at Graydon Pool , August 6th from 2pm to 5pm. (Rain date is 8/13)
The band consists of five members who are committed to giving their audiences performances to remember and songs that are sure to please!
August 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Our free, live online webinar will feature Dr. Robert Melillo, co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to speak directly with the founder of The Brain Balance Program!
Register to participate in a discussion about:
– How to Identify a Disconnected Kid
– Understanding the Mind of a Disconnected Kid
– Development Milestones
– Q&A for Parents
Register to attend an exclusive live webinar with expert and author Dr. Robert Melillo.
Thursday, August 10th at 8:00pm ET
REGISTER
ABOUT BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS
We can help. As a parent, it is painful to watch your child struggle socially, behaviorally or academically. Finding the best way to help them is often a confusing and frustrating process. You’ve come to the right place, we have helped thousands of children, and we know how to identify the issues and set a path that addresses your child’s challenges.
More Info
Call 1-800-877-5500
or CONTACT US ONLINE
for more information or to schedule an assessment
for your child.
August 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Registration is Open for the Ridgewood YMCA 44th Annual Charity Golf Outing on September 25th
Proceeds to benefit the Ridgewood YMCA’s Social Responsibility Programs
The Ridgewood YMCA will hold its 44th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, New Jersey. Proceeds from the event will support the Ridgewood YMCA’s Social Responsibility Programs.
As a cause-driven organization with a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA offers everyone an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y’s Social Responsibility Programs address the needs of the community, striving to turn no one away, regardless of their ability to pay. Examples of the Y’s Social Responsibility Programs include Living Strong, Living Well, a strength and conditioning fitness program developed by Stanford University for cancer patients and survivors; Delay The Disease, a program designed to introduce the benefits of exercise to people with Parkinson’s disease; and Rainbows, providing peer support for children who have experienced a painful family transition such as divorce, separation, death of a loved one or abandonment.
The fun-filled day of golf, cocktails, and dinner begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration, brunch, and a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m., followed by the annual Park Avenue BMW Putt-Off Contest. The winner of this contest will get to drive a new BMW convertible for 3 months!
“The Ridgewood Y Annual Charity Golf Outing is a great day for all”, says Ken Levitsky, Committee Chairman. “Participants have the opportunity to play golf, see old friends, make new ones, bid on terrific prizes, and do something good for the community, all at the same time”.
Sponsorship opportunities and online registration for golfers are available at www.ridgewoodymca.org/golf.
For further information, please contact Jen Batelli at 201.444.5600, ext. 320.
“Buy.”
.
Yeah, right. It’s that simple. The VOR will just “buy” the Town Garage lot.
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First things first. The town initially needs to lower the price of the property in question, and simultaneously eliminate the Village’s competition for buying it. This is done by declaring that portion of the VOR business district “blighted” which is defined either narrowly, i.e., by the very borders of the property in question, or a little more broadly, i.e., by the square block defined by Franklin Avenue, Walnut Street, Ridgewood Avenue, and Oak Street.
.
/s (sarc off). Governments these days, be they federal, state, county, or municipal, don’t just wade into fights anymore. For a modern politician, there is no fight worth having unless it is fixed fight, meaning, safely fixed in advance. This is sadly probably true with respect to our current Village Council.
.
How many times does this need to be repeated? Many years ago, Ridgewood borrowed some fifteen million dollars via a formal municipal bond, both to finance the purchase of this same Village Garage site AND to erect a municipal parking garage thereon. This maneuver being undertaken in the immediate aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s notorious “Kelo” decision (the noxious holding of which being that a Constitutionally acceptable public use is any use an elected official can dream up and get approved, however hare-brained the scheme), village residents were actually wise to this trick. They loudly objected to the use of the eminent domain power to deprive a fellow VOR property owner of his/her holdings at an artificially depressed price when the “public use” to which the property was to be put was of dubious future value to the public (in this case, a parking garage boondoggle). In light of this, the spooked Village Council dropped the plan before the parcel was even acquired. The bond money, rather than being used to pay off the bond, was promptly spent on other priorities. What a racket, right? We’re still paying off that debt!
August 4,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Governor Chris Christie is helping transform first responder communications in New Jersey by “opting in” to FirstNet. With his decision, FirstNetand AT&T will deliver a specialized wireless broadband network to New Jersey’s public safety community. This will make New Jersey one of the first states in the country to bring first responders advanced technologies that will help them save lives and protect communities.
“New Jersey is proud to take this important step for first responders in our state. The decision to join this network means FirstNet and AT&T will deliver a highly secure, next-generation solution for our public safety community, building, maintaining and operating it at no cost and no risk to our state,” said Governor Christie.
AT&T, in a public-private partnership with FirstNet, will drive innovation and create an entire system of modernized devices, apps and tools for first responders.
This is one of the most economical and technologically advanced decisions Governor Christie will make for the State’s first responders and the residents they serve. The FirstNet network will transform the way New Jersey’s fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. Specifically, FirstNet and AT&T will:
Connect first responder subscribers to the critical information they need in a highly secure manner when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events, such as game day at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the State during natural disasters. This includes seasonal hurricanes along the New Jersey Shore like Hurricane Sandy.
Enhance network coverage in rural areas. This will benefit first responders and residents throughout New Jersey’s topographically diverse landscape. First responders will also have access to dedicated network deployables for additional coverage and support when needed.
Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the State.
Usher in a new wave of innovation that first responders can depend on. This will create an ever-evolving set of life-saving tools for public safety, including public safety apps, specialized devices and Internet of Things technologies. It also carries the potential for future integration with NextGen 9-1-1 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.
“Opting in to FirstNet underscores New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring first responders are capable of meeting constantly evolving challenges,” said Jared Maples, Acting Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “As one of the first states to opt-in, New Jersey continues to be a national leader of public safety technology innovation.”
The FirstNet solution that will be built in New Jersey was designed with direct input from the State’s public safety community. As a FirstNet early builder participant, New Jersey shared best practices for the network’s implementation, especially as it relates to deployables. FirstNet has also been meeting with New Jersey’s officials and public safety personnel for several years to address their unique communication needs. This includes:
Giving first responders access to a reliable network connection and extending coverage along the Jersey Shore and in the Pine Barrens as well as other areas throughout the state
Taking extra steps to protect the network in hurricane-prone areas
Improving interoperability for public safety across the state as well as with neighboring states
Providing feature-rich services at highly competitive rates
“New Jersey has been at the forefront of public safety broadband, and with Governor Christie’s decision to join FirstNet, the state is once again leading the nation,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. “FirstNet and AT&T are pleased to offer a plan that surpasses the challenges that New Jersey’s bravest face every day, and we look forward to delivering the network for public safety in the Garden State.”
The decision enables FirstNet and AT&T to begin creating an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. New Jersey’s first responder subscribers will have immediate access to quality of service and priority to voice and data across the existing nationwide AT&T LTE network.
Preemption for primary users over the AT&T LTE network is expected by year-end. This means fire, police, EMS and other public safety workers will have dedicated access to the network when and where they need it – 24/7/365, like their mission.
“Governor Christie is making public safety a priority,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T – FirstNet. “His decision will bring an entirely new communications experience to New Jersey’s first responders. And it’s our honor to equip the state’s public safety community with the cutting-edge tools they need to help protect New Jerseyans every day and in every emergency.”
August 4,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, The Department of Education has just released its annual list of teachers and their salaries for 2017. And the list of educators making $100,000 or more ie the $100,000 club. This list barely had any teachers on it more than a decade ago has grown to more than 5,000.
In 2016-2017, the average salary for teachers, librarians, guidance counselors and other non-administrative staff totaled $70,637, according to an NJ Spotlight analysis of salary data for public school districts and charter schools. The increase is about 1.5 percent higher than the previous year.
315 East Glen Ave photo by Denise Pierce Lima
August 4,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the request for variances that allow for two homes where only one exists now.
Ridgewood resident Denise Pierce Lima spelled out the problem on Facebook, “We need you to show up to the August 1st Planning Board Meeting and just say “NO”
We bought our home in Ridgewood, in this specific area because of the beauty of the landscape and the history. This home has helped support and make me survivor of cancer and it is our front porch and looking out to the park like setting that got me through it.
What is really happeing at the property at 315 East Glen Ave. AND the variances they are asking for – and what you really need to know is the following:
This is part of a larger project to sub-divide the property and build 2 McMansions 3600 SQ FT.
– According to the Ridgewood Tax map and assessment online files; this will be 150% larger than the 17 homes surrounding this Lot and Block. And -750 homes surrounding, only 2 homes are larger than 2200 square feet and one is the old “Libby” historical home on Glen Ave.
This property and its surroundings are from the 1830, with what we believe are remnants of a blacksmiths house bordering as well as another home from 1800’s. Especially when they plan to cut down 20+ trees and destroy the complete canapoy of the area, essentially clear cutting. The character and history of the area would be LOST
Request to “double” the easement – is purely to fit 6 cars in the new McMansion Emergency vehicles can get down the current driveway, the expansion will not allow them to “turn around”
Not to mention Several months of digging, noise, construction equipment surrounding Glen, Northern Parkway and Sterling will be impacted. And you thought PSE&G was annoying!”
Only the applicant had an attorney, testimony by professional planner on behalf of applicant was clearly orchestrated to convince the Board that Case Law made their approval inevitable.
There seemed to be an implication from testimony that the Planning Board did not have any discretion whatsoever.
Resident Martin Walker pointed out on Facebook,” Hopefully discussed that attorneys are using case law to eviscerate our zoning regulations, and thus the stated intent of our LAST Master Plan.
In other words, State Law is being manipulated to render out village governance meaningless AND the village doesn’t field any legal opinions capable of countering this.
Without legal resources to translate future Master Planning into enforceable law…there IS no possibility of village governance.”
