“Driver seriously injured in late night Ridgewood crash” arrested on drug possession charges
October 29,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Ridgewood Police report that on October 29, 2013 at 11:35 PMa patrol responded to a motor vehicle accident on Fairfield Avenue. The responding officers found a single vehicle that had crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and left the roadway striking a tree. The driver was transported to Hackensack Medical Center by the Ridgewood Ambulance Corp.
During the investigation the investigating officers, Ptl Joseph Dibenedetto, Joseph Youngberg, and Sgt Heath James found what appears to be synthetic marijuana, heroin and hypodermic needles in the vehicle.
The driver Nicholas Demetro 25 of Ridgewood was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin. He was also charged with Drugs in a motor vehicle, failure to maintain lane, Failure to keep right, improper display of plates, and unsafe tires. The accused was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court.
Driver seriously injured in late night Ridgewood crash
10% in N.J. may be forced to switch health coverage
Tuesday October 29, 2013, 11:01 PM
BY LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
One in 10 New Jerseyans will need to change their health coverage over the next year under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, industry experts say, despite repeated assurances from the Obama administration that those who liked their current plan could keep it.
Their policies currently do not include all of the health benefits required by the new law, such as pediatric dental and vision care, and had to be redesigned and repriced before the main part of the law takes effect in January.
Governor Christie added his voice to the mounting criticism from Republicans on Tuesday, saying that “people weren’t told the truth” about the Affordable Care Act.
“They were told they would be able to keep their policies if they liked them,” he said in an interview with “CBS This Morning.” “Now you hear hundreds of thousands of people across the country being told they couldn’t. The White House needs to square that with what was told to the American people and told to the Congress beforehand.”
About 150,000 New Jersey residents who buy their own insurance and 650,000 who get coverage through businesses with fewer than 50 workers have learned — or will learn over the next year — that they need to choose another option, said Ward Sanders, president of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/10_in_NJ_may_be_forced_to_switch_health_coverage.html#sthash.mQPPefjw.dpuf
‘So much wrong’: Aetna CEO blasts Obamacare tech debacle
Published: Monday, 14 Oct 2013 | 12:57 PM ET
By: Dan Mangan | Health Care Reporter
Aetna’s CEO gave a harshly critical review Monday of the federal government’s Obamacare marketplace, saying, “There’s so much wrong, you just don’t know what’s broken until you get a lot more of it fixed.”
Asked on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” if he knew that the rollout of Healthcare.gov would be problematic, the insurer’s CEO, Mark Bertolini, said his giant company’s role as an alpha tester for the system gave it a sense of how many problems the health insurance marketplace faced on the eve of its launch.
“We were pretty nervous as we got further along,” Bertolini said. “As they started missing deadlines, we were pretty convinced it was going to be a difficult launch.”
(Read more: Rx for Obamacare? Feds mull rebuilding website)
His fears have been realized, he said, and the technological debacle seen at Healthcare.gov is one similar to just the handful he’s witnessed in his career.
“It’s nothing you ever like to repeat,” Bertolini said. “Because it’s very difficult. I’ve been there. It’s career-ending in a lot of cases.”
Reader: Valley expert will be invited back to answer to his contradictions an “undue BURDEN” on Valley. What????
When Valley’s experts testified last Spring, no one informed the public that the sessions were “quasi judicial”, and no one was given written information, power points or brochures ahead of time. How could any of us have “objected” or “cross-examined” these experts? And, of course, we could not afford to have legal representation during all of those meetings; we are living beyond our means as it is.
Now when there is the possibility that a Valley expert will be invited back to answer to his contradictions, we are told that this would cause an “undue BURDEN” on Valley. What???? What about the burden on us?
Often by going door to door, we have scraped up the $ to hire a lawyer and and expert for their precious time—time that is wasted by Drill. Many of us have children in college, and face a lousy return on the houses in which we invested–because of Valley. Many of us are caring for aging, ailing parents. We have left our children to the face their homework woes alone countless times to attend PB meetings (these started when my daughter was 8. She is now learning to drive, but still doesn’t understand when I can’t be there for her).
What about the burden on us? What about the burden we will be asked to bear if this ludicrous expansion happens????
Reader says the final decision resides with the Village Council the focus should shift to the Council Members.
One of the first things you learn in business is; “who is the decision maker?” That is the person you need to get to. If I remember correctly no matter what the Planning Board decides the final decision resides with the Village Council. If that is correct then the focus should shift to the Council Members.
Forget dealing with the hired gun Valley has sitting at the table objecting to what kind of coffee is going to be served. Start attending Village Council meetings and in the time allocated for open comments bring the arguments directly to the Council. No one from Valley is going to object, interrupt, or even show up. Let the puppets on the Planning Board continue their charade of “trying to follow the rules.” Focus on the Council Members who are going to have the final say. If I’m not mistaken we have another election in the not too distant future. I would assume the Valley debacle and the Urban Jungle that will be Ridgewood will be items #1 and #1A for anyone running for office or re-election.
Reader says Valley has bought influence at every level of government in town.
Don’t be naive people. The only remaining explanation to the surreal proceedings on the Valley expansion is money. Valley has bought influence at every level of government in town. They also have deep enough pockets to be a threat to the town legally if they don’t get their way.
And where there aren’t direct cash transactions, there are conflicts of interest everywhere. Councilwoman Hauck was a Valley Vice President and ran their black tie fundraisers for several years. PB Member Mr Grant works for Turner Construction and only makes a living when projects like this get approved. Councilman Pucciarelli has done work for Valley as well, and while he has temporarily recused himself, he’s making noise about rescinding his recusal .
Driver seriously injured in late night Ridgewood crash
Boyd A. Loving
12:32 AM
Ridgewood NJ, The driver of a white Nissan Sentra was transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center following the late night crash of his vehicle head on into a tree on Fairfield Avenue near Oxford Place in Ridgewood.
photos by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS units all responded to the scene of the accident upon receipt of multiple 911 calls. A minor fluid spill was contained by FD units as Ridgewood EMS personnel, with the assistance of paramedics from The Valley Hospital, worked to stabilize the victim on scene prior to transport. The wrecked Nissan was removed by flatbed tow truck. The accident remains under investigation by Ridgewood PD. The victim’s condition is unknown at this time.
A black box in your car? Some see a source of tax revenue
The devices would track every mile you drive —possibly including your location — and the government would use the data to draw up a tax bill.
By Evan Halper
October 26, 2013, 7:11 p.m.
WASHINGTON — As America’s road planners struggle to find the cash to mend a crumbling highway system, many are beginning to see a solution in a little black box that fits neatly by the dashboard of your car.
The devices, which track every mile a motorist drives and transmit that information to bureaucrats, are at the center of a controversial attempt in Washington and state planning offices to overhaul the outdated system for funding America’s major roads.
The usually dull arena of highway planning has suddenly spawned intense debate and colorful alliances. Libertarians have joined environmental groups in lobbying to allow government to use the little boxes to keep track of the miles you drive, and possibly where you drive them — then use the information to draw up a tax bill.
RHS Students pursue recycling initiative for the 2013-2014
10/27/13
Ridgewood NJ, The Students for Environmental Action Club (SEA) applied for and were the recipients of an Environmental Awareness Challenge presented by the Bergen County Utilities Authority, worth $1,000. RHS Principal Dr. Tom Gorman and SEA Advisor Alison Reeg attended the grant presentation ceremony and were inspired by many other environmental grant challenges.
Now placed throughout the school are blue recycling bins (for plastic) and green recycling bins (for paper). SEA will continue to pursue their recycling initiative for the 2013-2014 school year in the hope that the RHS recycling program will be truly successful. (l. to r.) BCUA Commissioner George P. Zilocchi, BCUA Commissioner Richard D. Schooler, BCUA Vice Chairman Ronald Phillips, Bergen County Freeholder Tracy S. Zur congratulate RHS Principal Tom Gorman and SEA Advisor Alison Reeg.
Benjamin Britten: A Centennial Celebration
Fri, November 08, 2013 – Fri, November 08, 2013
Time: 8:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood NJ
Cost: $23 per person
The Pro Arte Chorale will honor Benjamin Britten’s Centennial with a performance of several of his best known compositions, including works such as Festival Te Deum, Hymn to the Virgin, and more!
Purchase tickets online at www.proartechorale.org. Email: [email protected]
The Pro Arte Chorale strives to be one of New Jersey’s foremost volunteer choruses and to be among the top rank of regional choruses in America. The Chorale is committed to enriching the lives of its members, its audience and the broader community by exploring many musical traditions in a variety of venues, presenting performances of the highest artistic quality, and supporting educational endeavors.
Founded in 1964, the Pro Arte Chorale is celebrating its 50th season as one of the Northeast’s most prominent choral organizations. The Chorale has appeared in major concert venues across the region including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the South Orange Performing Arts Center. In addition to its own subscription series, the Chorale has appeared with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, Westfield Symphony Orchestra, and the Mark Morris Dance Company. In May 2008 the Pro Arte Chorale traveled to Liverpool, UK to peform with the Liverpool Welsh Choral at Mossley Hill Church, as part of Liverpool’s celebration as Cultural Capital of Europe. In May 2009 the Liverpool Welsh Choral traveled to the U.S. to join the Pro Arte Chorale and Westfield Symphony Orchestra in performances of Verdi’s Requiem in Ridgewood and Westfield, NJ.
The Chorale has been conducted by William Memmott, John Nelson, Roger Nierenberg, Bart Folse, David Crone, and Joshua Greene. In addition, the Chorale has sung under the batons of Nicholas McGegan, Zubin Mehta, Julius Rudel, Hugh Wolff, Zdenek Macal, Yuri Temirkanov, Leon Botstein, Gerard Schwartz and David Wroe.
Be sure to check out our Special Events page for our latest updates on events throughout the year.
Pro Arte Chorale is a proud recipient of funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Brentano String Quartet, Stephen Williamson, Principal Clarinet, NY Philharmonic and Hisn-Yun Huang, Viola in concert at 4PM Sunday October 27, 2013 at Westside Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ. Music performed will include selections by Beethoven, Mozart and Mendelssohn. Tickets available at ParlanceChamberConcerts.org or at the door. Free parking and childcare are provided.
Our October 27th opener will present the magnificent Brentano String Quartet, whose playing was featured in the acclaimed 2012 film drama A Late Quartet. The New York Times has called their playing “exhilarating…this intensely physical quartet is defined by passion.” The Brentano players will be joined by The New York Philharmonic’s new principal clarinetist, Stephen Williamson, and violist Hsin-Yun Huang in an afternoon of sparkling classics by Beethoven, Mozart, and Mendelssohn.
On November 17, it will be my pleasure to introduce the scintillating young pianist Conrad Tao, one of today’s most multidimensional artists. The only classical musician on Forbes’ 2011 “30 Under 30” list of people changing the world, the Chinese-American pianist is also an award-winning composer who was recently commissioned by the Dallas Symphony to compose a work observing the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, which will be performed in November of 2013. Conrad’s panoramic recital will include Ravel’s haunting, quicksilver dreamscape, Gaspard de la nuit, Mussorgsky’s bravura Pictures at an Exhibition, and his own dream-inspired piece, vestiges.
Our December 15th concert will showcase the artistry of four celebrated performers. Met Soprano Susanna Phillips (starring twice this season, both as Fiordiligi in James Levine’s comeback performances of Cosi fan tutte and as Rosalinde in the Met’s new production of Die Fledermaus) will be joined by the Met’s brilliant principal hornist Erik Ralske, the Emerson String Quartet’s violinist Philip Setzer, and the renowned collaborative pianist Warren Jones. Their program will include songs of Schubert and Strauss, a selection of Christmas favorites, and Brahms’s valiant trio for horn, violin, and piano.
On March 30, PCC will welcome back the extraordinary young cellist Nicholas Canellakis, who will be joined by two equally charismatic virtuosos, violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Alessio Bax. Their far-flung musical journey will range from the hot-blooded gypsy world of Ravel’s Tzigane and Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5, to the refined elegance of Mendelssohn’s D major cello sonata, to the full-throated passion of Anton Arensky’s D minor Piano Trio.
The season will culminate on April 27 with the return of the great Stephanie Blythe. She will collaborate with co-reciter Raymond Menard in William Walton’s gem of Jazz Age musical humor, Façade Entertainments. Inspired by the sophisticated, often subversive poetry of Edith Sitwell, Façade brought overnight success to Walton, as well as a reputation as the enfant terrible of modern English music. I will lead a stellar ensemble of principal players from the Met Orchestra.
Also included on the program will be a group of 1920s instrumental solos, including Erwin Schulhoff’s flapper-tinged Hot Sonata featuring Met saxophonist Lino Gomez; Victor Herbert’s touching ‘Songs’ for cello and piano with the Met’s lyrical principal cellist Jerry Grossman; Darius Milhaud’s bluesy flute Sonatine showcasing Met principal flutist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson; and a selection of witty xylophone rags performed by Met principal percussionist Gregory Zuber. All of these works will be accompanied by pianist Warren Jones.
Halloween Safety Tips from The Chief John M. Ward
!0/27/13
With a little luck we should have decent weather for Halloween this year. As our children take to the streets on Halloween to trick-or-treat, I would like to remind everyone of a few safety tips to ensure that the treats are plentiful and tricks fun and safe.
To help ensure that this Halloween is fun and safe the Ridgewood Police Department will be deploying extra officers on both October 30th and Halloween.
Additionally we secured glow sticks and (AAA) Halloween bags which will be available to the public. (glow sticks and bags will be available at our police desk)
Here are some tips for helping keep young ones safe on Halloween:
Motorists -The National Highway Safety Administration and The CDC list Halloween as one of the top days for pedestrian involved accidents especially children. Because excited trick-or-treaters often forget about safety, motorists and parents must be even more alert. While the festivities may start earlier in the day, the most popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
•Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals.
•Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
•Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night.
•Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
•Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
•Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
•Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.
Parents
•Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12.
•Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.
•Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
•Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
•Establish a time for children to return home.
•Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.
•Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
•Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material.
Trick-or-Treaters
•Be bright at night – Carry a glow stick and wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.
•Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint.
•When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
•Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.
•Walking Safety
Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
•Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
•If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
•Look ALL ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street and keep looking as you cross.
•Cross streets only at the corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
•Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
•Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. (Remember STOP LOOK & WAVE)
•Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
the left as possible.
Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
•Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
•Tell your parents where you are going.
We thank you for your cooperation and wish everyone a Happy and Safe Halloween
Published time: October 26, 2013 15:45
Edited time: October 26, 2013 18:02
Hundreds are marching on the National Mall in Washington, DC to protest covert NSA surveillance operations on the anniversary of the Patriot Act. The organizers are planning to present Congress with a petition which has acquired over 570,000 signatures.
Stop Watching Us is a collective of 100 public advocacy groups, among them the American Civil Liberties Union, Freedom Works, as well as individuals like Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwei and Glenn Greenwald, the journalist who worked with Edward Snowden to expose many of the NSA’s surveillance procedures. The rally is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am local time on October 26 – the 12th anniversary of the US Patriot Act.
MAYOR’S OFFICE HOURS FOR RIDGEWOOD RESIDENTS – Saturday, November 2nd
Mayor Paul Aronsohn holds office hours for Ridgewood residents the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in the Council Chambers (Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room) on the fourth floor of Ridgewood Village Hall. The next session is Saturday, November 2nd.
For an appointment to meet with the Mayor, please call the Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500 ext. 206. You may come to the Mayor’s office hours without an appointment, but those with appointments will be given priority
YMCA Camp Bernie
Fri, November 01, 2013 – Sun, November 03, 2013
Camp Bernie, Port Murray NY, 327 Turkey Top Rd, Port Murray NY
Looking for a great family weekend getaway? Come to Camp Bernie in Port Murray, NY for the Amazing Race 2013!
Start the weekend sharpening your crucial race skills in activities such as orienteering, archery, fire building, and canoeing. Relax in the evenings with family themed activities like a critter show, night hike or campfires with s’mores. Then on Sunday, show your competitive side in an adventure quest around Camp Bernie to see who will take home the trophy.
