Tag: Ridgewood Moms and dads

>The Ridgewood blog Special Series: Restoring Honor in Washington, Part II

by Jason A. Vigorito

Part II

Sarah Palin—speaking as a soldier’s mother—best stated Barry’s, mine, and every other rallier’s reason for attending the Restoring Honor Rally: we don’t want to fundamentally transform America, we want to RESTORE America. So how do we do that, we all wanted to know.

First, by returning our focus on God. Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Dr. Alveda King (MLK’s niece), Tony La Russa (the St. Louis Cardinals’ manager), and the other many speakers and presenters all spoke on how God is necessary to strengthen our country. Direct descendants of the Pilgrims and Plymouth’s Indians stood arm-in-arm illustrating that this country’s origins lay in humbleness to God.

Second, that we can all be heroes in our own ways. So many touching veterans’ stories from several wars were illustrated, bringing most in the crowd to tears several times. Three men were presented with Badges of Merit to continue George Washington’s tradition of honoring America’s citizenry: Pastor C.L. Jackson for Faith, Albert Pujous for Hope, and Jon Huntsman, Sr., for Charity (giving $2 billion to charity!). Glenn stated, “Heroes are those who stand and do the right things, even at their own peril.” And the crowd was moved by the many examples on stage.

The thrust of the rally was to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Over $5.5 million dollars was raised through the rally! A staggering number that SWOF’s president, John Kearny, tearfully thanked the crowd for. And many in the crowd joyfully replied, “Your welcome!”

Have you ever cheered alongside 300,000+ people? Have you ever sung with 300,000+ people?? Have you ever prayed with 300,000+ people??? Have you ever even been in a crowd that large?! To hear that many people say the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a Boy Scout, together; to sing the National Anthem in unison; to hold hands with strangers and sing “Amazing Grace” to bagpipes. You’re struck with awe. Wonderment! Looking at the vast sea of folks who were there with the same purpose, the same convictions, the same patriotism for your country…Barry and I were overwhelmed with emotions. And so was everyone else. Everyone cried.

It all coalesced at the end with 240 religious leaders taking the stage—pastors, reverends, rabbis, priests, and, yes, even imams. Glenn called them “The Black Robe Regiment.” And what they did was truly inspirational!

>The Ridgewood YMCA : extraordinary and unique opportunity to lead the FIRST Robotics Competition Team

The Ridgewood YMCA is looking for a professional engineer who would like to volunteer to lead a FIRST Robotics Competition Team. The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program aims to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRCTM) stages short games played by autonomous and remote controlled robots. The robots are designed and built in 6 weeks (from a common set of parts) by a team of 15 to 25 high-school-aged young people and a handful of engineers-mentors. The students remotely control the robots in competition rounds on the field.

Any interested engineers should call Chris at the Y at 201-444-5600 ext. 339 or [email protected].

Chris Wolfstirn

Youth Director

Ridgewood YMCA

112 Oak Street

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

201-444-5600 x339

www.ridgewoodymca.org

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>Ridgewood Street Fair

Sponsored by Village of Ridgewood Recreation

140 Quality Exhibitors of Arts and Crafts will be available at the Street Fair on E. Ridgewood Avenue. Kid’s Activities, Great Food and All Day Entertainment on Sunday, September 12th from Noon to 5PM. Free Admission. Raindate: September 19th. Promoted by: P.J.’s Promotion www.pjspromotions.com

>

Ridgewood’s 17th Annual Car Show

Fri, September 10, 2010 – Fri, September 10, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood

Event Description

The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Car Show will be held around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and along East Ridgewood Avenue. Non-Registration will open at 5:00pm on Walnut Street/Dayton. Parking will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Come early because spaces are limited! Registration fees are not refundable. Music will keep the evening lively and there will be trophies for many categories. Bring your family and friends to admire vintage cars, enjoy some excellent dining and be part of a trademark, fun-filled experience here in Ridgewood.

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>The Top Music Studio Seeking Youth Choir Members

Do you watch Glee? Have what it takes to be the next Rachel or Finn? Join From The Top Music Studio’s Show Choirs! The Studio is currently auditioning students for these dynamic groups. All vocalists ages seven to 18 are eligible. Auditions will be held during the months of July and August. Call (201) 445-8780 if you’re interested and become a part of all of the fun today!

While you’re at it, you can even register for music lessons this fall! From The Top Music Studio provides first-rate music instruction. They offer vocal and instrumental lessons on all instruments, and their teachers are highly qualified with extensive performance experience. Call (201) 445-8780 now to set up your lessons!

https://www.ridgewoodchamber.com/chamber/press-details.php?id=135

>Accepting Gifts : A Slippery Slope

I agree with 7:16, it is a slippery slope to be accepting gifts from people/companies whose business is coming before the town for decisions.

Building and fire inspectors have long been prohibited from accepting even the very smallest of gifts from merchants whose businesses they inspect, so that they can’t be accused of accepting something in exchange for a favor, even when such a favor isn’t asked or expected.

Mr. Bolger has done a great deal for this town and it is clearly appreciated. This ordinance has nothing to do with him personally, it is to protect in general.

>Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Last updated: Thursday August 26, 2010, 1:04 PM
BY MICHAEL SEDON
The Ridgewood News
Staff Writer

https://www.northjersey.com/news/101571578_Foundation_may_sever_donations.html

The Village of Ridgewood may have lost the support of one of its major benefactors due to its current regulation structure regarding gifting.

Local philanthropist David F. Bolger, president of the Bolger Foundation and president of the former Marion and Silfred DePhillips Foundation, has indicated that he may settle his outstanding gift obligations to the Ridgewood Public Library and then stop making charitable donations to the Village of Ridgewood.

“As the president of The Bolger Foundation, I hereby notify The Village of Ridgewood that, under the existing rules and regulations and other than the outstanding commitments to the Ridgewood Public Library to fund the extension of the security system at a cost of about $3,500, The Bolger Foundation will no longer make any gifts to The Village of Ridgewood or any organization which is connected to the Village including, but not limited, to The Ridgewood Police Department and The Ridgewood Fire Department which have also been major beneficiaries of The Bolger Foundation’s giving in the past,” wrote Bolger in an Aug. 19 letter addressed to the mayor, council and village manager.

The council briefly discussed gifts and how the village goes about accepting them at the Aug. 4 work session in light of a gift offered by Wyckoff-based Terraclean Power Washing, which it did not accept, to power wash the sidewalks on East Ridgewood Avenue. The company paid a $100 ticket plus court costs in Ridgewood’s municipal court a few days before making the gift offer. Several gift offers from The Bolger Foundation were included on that same agenda.

The discussion took place because of Ordinance 3132, adopted Aug. 13, 2008, which prohibits anyone with business currently before any of the village’s boards or agencies from offering a gift or donation for 90 days until final action has been taken. A person or business cannot make a gift or donation offer to the village until 90 days after final action on a request for relief or application is finalized.

The council agreed at the Aug. 4 meeting to “tighten up” some of the language in the ordinance, which would be discussed further. The council will revisit the ordinance and hold a “general” discussion at its Sept. 1 meeting, said Village Manager Ken Gabbert in an e-mail. He also expressed the village’s appreciation for Bolger’s generosity.

E-mail: [email protected]

https://www.northjersey.com/news/101571578_Foundation_may_sever_donations.html

>I actually saw the same thing. Not to state the obvious, but it’s been raining nearly nonstop for days. Why would anyone, Valley or otherwise need to water. Seems rather wasteful.

That said, I want to commend the Village workers for the prompt and wonderful job they did removing the huge branch from in front of our house. I had called the Ridgewood Police when it occurred, but was told that if it fell from a tree on our property, it was our responsibility. Not so much.

We did call a tree service, but before they even returned our call, the Village had already sent someone over to take care of it!

Tracy ~ The UnOfficial Witch of Ridgewood

>Newly appointed Police Chief John Ward will continue to keep 2009 salary

New Ridgewood chief will keep his 2009 salary
Thursday, August 26, 2010
BY EVONNE COUTROS
The Record
STAFF WRITER

https://www.northjersey.com/news/101539283_New_police_chief_keeping_old_salary_for_now.html

RIDGEWOOD – Newly appointed Police Chief John Ward will continue at his current 2009 salary of $160,623 until a new salary is approved by the governing body, likely by October, according to Village Manager Kenneth Gabbert.

The 27-year veteran of the department will start Sept. 1.

Ward, 49, has been serving as the senior officer in charge since last month, when Chief John LiPuma announced he was retiring.

Ward joined the department as a patrolman in 1983 and was promoted to sergeant in 1998. He became a lieutenant five years later and a detective captain in 2009.

Police Chief John LiPuma is receiving a terminal leave payout of $15,882 for 2010 and compensation for unused sick time at a 50 percent rate. That amount of $96,223 will be paid out over three years, bringing the total received by LiPuma to $112,105, according to Gabbert.

LiPuma, 50, who was appointed chief in January 2009, is a 1978 graduate of Ridgewood High School and a 1983 graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. State records show he received a pensionable salary of $165,059 in 2009.

Ward, the married father of two grown boys and a teenage son, serves as an adjunct teacher at Bergen Community College teaching police administration, criminal justice, crime prevention and public administration. He has commanded every position in the Ridgewood Police Department.

E-mail: [email protected]

https://www.northjersey.com/news/101539283_New_police_chief_keeping_old_salary_for_now.html

>yes. originally the NJEA was dead set against the Race for the Top application

yes. originally the NJEA was dead set against the Race for the Top application, but there was a backlash because they looked obstructionist to the public. so they went to bret schundler (christie’s education head) and tried to get schundler to agree to submit an app with some key changes, and then the NJEA would support it.

christie was pissed that schundler was going to give in to the demands of the union (i.e. the union was dead set against merit pay for good teachers, which christie supports). so christie said no giving in to the union.

the union pulled their “support”, and NJ was dinged (union support counts for something in the scoring process).

the union never supported the race to the top. they were only going to support it if NJ didn’t propose to change things the NJEA didn’t like.

and now the NJEA’s d’bag head Barbara Keshishian had the balls to say Christie “….owes students and taxpayers an apology for undermining a process that could have brought much-needed resources and genuine reform to our state’s public schools”. That’s a laugh!

if you listened to the NJEA in the past (including up to the application for the race to the top), everything’s fine. No need for reform!

Get real

>

11:50 am Wednesday. When its been pouring for 4 days now Valley has its sprinklers firing away. Not sure if the water restriction is over, if not, they’re flouting the law, but even if it is over – its been raining for 4 days now!!! I just had to pull over to take this picture. Ridiculous.