photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 28,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A voluminous spill of hydraulic fluid at 205 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood (Village of Ridgewood Recycling Center) required the response of trained personnel from Ridgewood FD and the Bergen County Department of Health Services Hazmat team on Thursday afternoon, 10/27. No injuries were reported in the mishap. Ridgewood PD also responded.
photos by Boyd Loving
October 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Wednesday night’s Village Council Meeting led off with a moment of silence in honor of the missing Rurik Halaby . Mo, Larry and Curly a Peter,Paul and Mary cover band sang , “I am leaving on a jet plane”. Women wore black and wept openly during the pledge .
Now a brief rundown of last night’s council meeting. Congratulations to Ramon Hache on the birth of his son on October 15th.
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League of Women Voters President Anne Walsh read a resolution on the Pilgrim Pipeline which stated its negative effects if built on our environment, infrastructure and water.
Later in the evening after comments from Rich Calbi and council members ,it was approved 4 – 0 with councilwomen Walsh recusing herself.
Resident Martin Walker came to the mic in support of the TAP grant which needs to be submitted by November 10th. A discussion on TAP occurred later in the evening.
A presentation from Uber was next. The two women representatives came to the table and discussed a public/ private partnership opportunity for Ridgewood. They were quite professional and friendly. They referenced their relationship with Summit, New Jersey which from all accounts is working well. A pilot program could be introduced rather quickly if they got council approval. Ramon Hache commented that the use of Uber was essentially like building a virtual garage. Estimated arrival times from when the call is first made averages around 5 minutes.There are background checks on all approved drivers and their cars must also pass muster. Uber carries commercial insurance of 1.5 million dollars on every drive which is higher than what is standard for licensed taxis. The council appeared positive in their responses and will be considered after additional information is gathered.
Next was the discussion of the TAP ( Transportation Alternative Program). The dynamic duo if Chris Rutishauser and Jeanne Johnson made a presentation and it became clear that in the last two weeks the council never received copies of the grant or background information that they had requested in order to make a decision. There was no explanation of why this happened. While everyone agreed that pedestrian safety is a top priority, no decision could be made without the requested materials.The mayor asked if they could have it on Thursday but Chris said he was busy with a trial and therefore Friday or Monday would be the earliest he could send it .
Later in the evening,Boyd Loving commented on the absurdity of a paid employee of the village not fulfilling his duties and seemingly getting away with it.
Richard Calbi of the Water Department was on board to speak of the drought conditions in New Jersey due to a long hot summer, little rain and overuse by consumers for lawn and shrub watering/ irrigation. New Jersey relies on winter rain to recover. We will stay in stage 2 water restrictions indefinitely and will looking at additional water conservation methods to introduce to our residents through forums, entices and other forms of communication. A discussion ensued as to whether Ridgewood should privatize the water utility in total, in parts or not at all. I believe Richard Calbi’s preference would be to retain ownership as it is a huge asset and we would have local control which has served us well for the most part. November 1st , is also the water trial begins which is the law suit filed by Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park against Ridgewood for years of overcharging.
In a discussion amongst council members, two great ideas came up and seemingly got full support from the 5. One was the possible hiring of a grant writer and Mike Sedon’s suggestion that they take a second look at a town garage proposal on the Hudson Street site which actually fit the footprint keeping sidewalks and on street parking. Mike had all the information and will make a presentation at Ramon Hache’s CB meeting next week.So far there has been no hard decision on the parking garage ,just more studies and information gathering.
“ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY – MISCHIEF NIGHT AND HALLOWEEN – PARENT ADVISORY”
October 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department will be continuing our Zero Tolerance Policy this year during “Mischief Night” and Halloween (October 30th and 31st respectively). This policy is vital for the safety of our children and the protection of property. We are urging parents to take an active role in order for assist us in this endeavor.
Historically, our community had experienced significant property damage as well as mischievous and criminal behavior by unsupervised juveniles and young adults on these nights. We have also had problems with juveniles congregating in large groups in various areas of the Village. Parents and guardians should be aware of the activity that occurs when their children are unsupervised. Most property damage and criminal activity occurs when seemingly harmless behavior and pranks escalate out of control. Parents are asked to establish dialogue with their children about unacceptable behavior or, more importantly, not allow their children out without adult supervision. Parents must be cognizant of their children’s actions and behavior. Children leaving the home dressed in dark clothing and/or in possession of items such as eggs, shaving cream and other malicious items are traditionally a formula for trouble.
This year, we are recommending that all parents limit their children’s “mischief” to their own property. In the past, homes and moving vehicles have been the target of eggs, rocks and, in some instances, paintball guns. Toilet paper strewn across utility lines has created visibility hazards, which can easily lead to serious danger for the motoring public and our children.
The standards that we will be enforcing this year include:
A Zero Tolerance policy towards acts of Criminal Mischief, Trespassing and aggressive behavior. Anyone found defacing or damaging property will be transported to police headquarters and will face criminal charges.
Any children found with items that we believe pose a significant threat to persons or property will be transported to police headquarters and may face criminal charges. These items include eggs, spray paint, paintball guns, etc.
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle in violation of the law will be issued the appropriate motor vehicle summonses.
We will be confiscating all potentially destructive items, including toilet paper and shaving cream, from children who are wandering unsupervised on our streets. Names of all unsupervised juveniles will be recorded.
We will be supplementing the normal patrol force throughout both Mischief Night and Halloween with additional officers to prevent criminal mischief, criminal activity, and aggressive driving and to ensure the safety of our children. It is important for parents and the community to work in cooperation with the Ridgewood Police Department to deter criminal activity and make both Mischief Night and Halloween safe and enjoyable for all.
photo of Joel McHale
Sierra Furlado,Wed., October 26th @ 6:00pm You Tube Lifestyle Vlogger, Sierra Furlado,will sign her new book: Life Uploaded
Joel McHale Thurs., Oct 27th @ 7:00pm Comedian, Actor & Writer, Joel McHale, will be signing his book: Thanks for the Money
Elise Strachan Friday, October 28th @ 7:00pm You Tube Video Star Elise Strachan, will sign her new book: Sweet Celebrations
Joann Lublin Sunday, October 30th @ 2:00pm Pulitzer Prize Winner , Joann Lublin will sign her new book: Earning It
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change. First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply. Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings. Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
October 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A two (2) rear-end crash at the intersection of Godwin Avenue and South Monroe Street in Ridgewood on Tuesday, 10/25, tied up evening rush hour traffic but resulted in no serious injuries. Ridgewood PD, EMS, and FD personnel were dispatched to the scene. Both drivers refused medical aid, but both vehicles were heavily damaged and towed from the incident location. Godwin Avenue was closed in both directions between South Monroe Street and Garfield Place until wreckage and debris was removed.
Safe Trick-or-Treating:
Tips from the NJ Poison Center
Diane P. Calello, MD, Executive and Medical Director
Bruce Ruck, Pharm.D., Director, Drug Information and Professional Education
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES)
(Newark, NJ) – October 24, 2016 – A 3 year old boy is out trick-or-treating with his parents and big sister when he bites into a glow stick, spilling the liquid inside onto his mouth, face, and hands. His mother calls the NJ Poison Center for help. “Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year for the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists answering calls for help on our 24 hour Poison Help line,” said Diane Calello, MD, executive and medical director of the state’s poison center. “We get calls about many things – from glow sticks to bug bites to belly aches.”
A common exposure during Halloween is the accidental ingestion of glow stick liquid. The liquid inside these glowing items is usually a clear, oily, colorless liquid. It is not toxic but can cause irritation to any part of the body that it comes into contact with, including the eyes, skin and mouth. “Parents often call 9-1-1 or spend hours in the emergency room when they could have simply called our poison experts for immediate medical advice, and stayed home” said Dr. Calello. Although such a situation rarely produces further problems, getting the liquid in the eye can be irritating and painful. This could possibly result in damage to the cornea if not washed out properly.
Another situation which causes a lot of calls are stomach aches/pains. “Parents may be concerned that symptoms are due to altered/tainted candy, when in fact it is usually just eating too much regular candy,” said Bruce Ruck, PharmD, DABT, Managing Director of the NJ Poison Center. “Keeping a watchful eye for signs of tampering or contamination is always important at Halloween.” Signs of tampering may include opened wrappers, wrapping which doesn’t match the candy inside, misspelling on the labels, or a strange appearance or odor of the candy itself.
The NJ Poison Center offers these additional safety tips for a safe and healthy Halloween.
Children should be accompanied by an adult when “trick or treating.”
Go only to homes of people you know.
Avoid homemade treats – there is always a risk of food poisoning.
Teach your child that medicine is not candy. Lock up all medications.
Use non-toxic makeup to paint faces and body parts. Test on a small area of skin to be sure it will not cause an allergic reaction.
Handle dry ice with care because it can cause significant damage (burns) if ingested or touches the skin. Store it safely in an insulated container. Always use protective clothing such as appropriate gloves when handling dry ice.
Any item containing alcohol should be kept out of reach of children and pets. This includes opened bottles, unfinished beverage cups, etc.
Make sure any items that can cause choking, such as hard candy, are given only to children school-aged or older. Throw out candy wrappers before your young children or pets swallow them and choke.
Children should not give treats to pets; chocolates and raisins can be poisonous to animals.
Mishaps can occur at any time. Do not take chances by waiting until symptoms happen. While family members and internet searches may offer some answers, these are not the best ways to get immediate help. If someone is unconscious, not breathing, seizing/convulsing, bleeding profusely, difficult to arouse/wake up, etc. call 911 immediately, otherwise call the NJ Poison Center at 1-(800)-222-1222.
Calling the poison center is always the fastest way to get the medical help or information you need to prevent further injury. Time is important in such situations so program the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) as a contact in your mobile phone and post it somewhere in your home, like on your refrigerator or near your home phone.
Help is available to NJ residents anytime day or night, even on weekends and holidays. Remember, services are fast, free, confidential, and multilingual. Call 800-222-1222, chat www.njpies.org, or text [email protected]; the hearing impaired may also use their TTY and call 973-926-8008.
photo by Boyd Loving of Rurik Halaby the “William Jennings Bryan” of Ridgewood
this was posted on Facebook early this morning
A letter I emailed this morning to the Village Council re this evening’s VC meeting.
Dear All:
I will be unable to attend as I will be on a business trip.
Two comments I would have made:
1. Shedler: I would not spend a penny on the place until you have put together a Committee that includes some hard-nosed non-romantics who would include at least one expert restoration consultant. I would determine the following:
Restore the house to what and as what
Cost of “restoration”
Use following such action
Cost of operation and maintenance
Whatever you do, Mayor Knudsen should recuse herself from any and all deliberations. Her father lives across the street from the property creating a conflict of interest.
2. Replacing Roberta
The silence as to how you are going about replacing Roberta is deafening. Knowing a thing or two about human nature, I say something is afoot. The new VC has been miserably opaque in its deliberation. Something I do not like at all. Have you hired a search firm or are you going to appoint one of your “friends?”
With kind regards,
Rurik Halaby
Sent from my iPad
and a follow up :
Open letter to the Village Council re E&K vs. Uber
A couple of thoughts on the subject.
1. The lack of interest in taxi companies bidding for the business may be indicative of the reputation the town is acquiring as a place that is impossible to do business in.
2. I would keep E&K but also encourage Uber to be more active. Nothing better than competition.
3. My only ax to grind is that I use E&K to transport me back and forth to the airport and I am very pleased with their service.
4. Along with the pathetic discussion you had a couple of meetings ago re parking meter pricing, the Uber discussion is all part of a barrage of red herrings all intended to divert people’s attention from the real problem in Ridgewood. We need a garage, and no sleight of hand by or Mayor will make up for that.
Thank you,
Rurik Halaby
Sent from my iPad
photo by ArtChick
IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL FOR 2016
Last year, in our ongoing effort to simplify the leaf schedule, we invited residents to share their thoughts on how to improve this service. We gathered your comments and have prepared a timeframe in which leaves are to be placed in the street, see below. Once leaves are placed in the street, Village crews will be collecting these leaves AFTER the dates listed for each area. If you employ the services of a landscaper please communicate these dates to them. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags will be available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately. You may continue to bring leaves as well as branches/brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Please note no branches/brush will be collected in the street during leaf season.
PLACE YOUR LEAVES IN THE STREET ONLY DURING THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED FOR YOUR AREA:
Area A Area B Area C Area D
Oct. 18 – 23 Oct. 19 – 25 Oct. 20 – 27 Oct. 25 – 31
Nov. 1 – 6 Nov. 7 – 13 Nov. 7 – 13 Nov. 10 – 17
Nov. 21 – 27 Nov. 23 – 29 Nov. 28 – Dec. 4 Dec. 5 – 11
Dec. 12 – 18 Dec. 12 – 18
Leaves can only be placed in the street, fronting your property, on the dates listed above. Once leaves are removed from your street, no additional leaves may be placed until the next scheduled date for your area. Enforcement will continue this year to insure the Village’s success of this service. An enforcement agent will issue a summons to those who violate these guidelines. Fines for first offenders begin at $85.
Residents in Yardwaste Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.
Beechwood Rd. Unadilla Rd.
Carlton Terr. Valley View Ave.
Elm Ct. Waiku Rd.
Kemah Rd. Wastena Terr.
N. Monroe St. (house #108 – 412) Windsor Terr.
Palmer Ct. Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)
Sheridan Terr.
As weather is a key component to this operation, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. You are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website and to share this information with your neighbors. As a reminder, use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your street. When possible, please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.
Our motto is – “Turning over a new leaf!”
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Ridgewood NJ, Revel in the joyous music of the season as the New Jersey Choral Society presents its annual holiday concerts, “Magnificat,” Saturday, December 3 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair. A third performance will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 pm in the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood.
The festive program, under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, opens with three rousing sacred songs, “Keep Your Lamps,” “The First Song of Isaiah,” and “Een So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come,” followed by two traditional carols “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Do You Hear
What I Hear.” An inspiring rendition of Monteverdi’s “Magnificat,” based on the Marian Vespers or evening prayers, concludes the first half.
Other program highlights include “O Nata Lux” by Morten Lauridsen, two English carols, “The First Noel” and “Nativity Carol” by John Rutter, and the uplifting “Hallelujah” from Handel’s “Messiah.” A new work entitled “Hannah Prays,” written and arranged by NJCS member and Ridgewood resident Rita Blacker, will also be performed.
Linda Sweetman-Waters will accompany NJCS on the organ and a Brass and Percussion Ensemble will also be featured. The NJCS Festival Youth Chorus, directed by Noelle Dachis, will join NJCS as well in this exciting performance Advance tickets are $25.00 for adults and $22.00 for students and seniors (Add $5.00 at the door). A 10% discount for groups of 10 or more is also available. Come one hour prior to performance time for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture for all ticket holders that provides an intimate and entertaining preview of the music. For reservations or more information, visit
www.NJCS.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719.
Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, France and next summer in Italy.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception and West Side Presbyterian Church are both wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
BY ALEXANDRA HOEY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Hearings for the Chestnut Village site plan, a proposed 43-unit apartment building near the YMCA on Chestnut Street, continued during Tuesday’s planning board meeting.
Peter Wells, the project’s architect, and his brother, Thomas Wells, who is the attorney for Two-Forty Associates, LLC, responded to inquiries about the building’s measurements, aesthetics and layout.
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/hearings-continue-for-chestnut-village-1.1680791
October 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, the Ridgewood Public Library is hosting the 14th Annual Reel Voices Film Festival continues on Wed, Oct. 26 at 7pm. Co-Producer Dr. Linda SaPhan presents “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll.”
Check out trailer :
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
October 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, High winds toppled a long stretch of chain link fence in front of a construction site located at 10 Godwin Avenue in Ridgewood on Sunday afternoon, 10/23. The downed fence blocked foot traffic on a long section of sidewalk, which forced passing pedestrians into a busy street. Ridgewood FD personnel were dispatched to assist in making the area safe for pedestrians prior to the anticipated arrival of a construction crew. No injuries were reported. Ridgewood PD Patrol Officer Salvatore D’Amico provided assistance to FD personnel.
file photo by Boyd Loving
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Ridgewood High School (RHS) has a long history and has been a part of the school district’s “tradition of excellence” for the past 125 years.
The school has also made an impact on former students outside of the classroom, partially shaping their lives in addition to giving them a fine educational experience.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/principal-teachers-reminisce-about-rhs-1.1680801
file photo by Boyd Loving
BY ALEXANDRA HOEY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The fate of a lawsuit that claims “conflicts of interest” by multiple former planning board members paved the way for high-density development proposals, has been rescheduled to Monday.
The suit, which was filed in May by attorney Kevin Mattessich on behalf of a resident’s grassroots organization, Ridgewood Citizens for Reasonable Development Inc. (RCRD), was supposed to be decided by Superior Court Judge William Meehan on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/rcrd-lawsuit-decision-should-be-made-soon-1.1680800
Sun, October 23, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Office Beer Bar and Grill, 32-34 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Enjoy music, food, raffle prizes and More !
All money raised goes to the Tomorrows Children’s Fund
Great Music — Good Friends — Lots of Food and Drink — In the Sunshine (we hope!) — And Lots of Motorcycles! The Dads Night Band will be playing outside The Office Bar as the bikes ride into town (village)!
