>04/28/09 8:00PM Board of Adjustment Work Session
05/05/09 7:30PM Planning Board Public Meetng
05/06/09 7:30PM Village Council Work Session
05/12/09 8:00PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
05/13/09 8:00PM Village Council Public Meeting
Tag: Ridgewood Moms and dads
>The Fred d’Elia Memorial Day Ridgewood Run May 25th
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The Fred d’Elia Memorial Day Ridgewood Run is a family-focused day of events that provide a fun environment in a festive open-park atmosphere. Seven distinct events provide the center of activity. They start at 8:30 AM and continue until after the conclusion of the Fun Run at noon. The road races are run through the tree-lined streets of the Village of Ridgewood NJ. Ridgewood is located in Bergen County bordering Rockland, Westchester, and New York counties.
The close proximity to New York City gives families from the NY Metropolitan area a chance to celebrate the holiday by spending a fun-filled weekend that concludes with a day of healthy exercise. At the Ridgewood Run, one spouse might run the 10K, the other the 5K, and then accompany the children in the Fun Run.
The Ridgewood Run has established itself as the must-run road race in the NY-NJ-Connecticut area on Memorial Day. The North Jersey Masters (NJM), the premier running club in Northern NJ, has been the organizer of the race since it’s inception in 1976. In those years NJM has built a reputation for hospitality and the ability to put on a quality day for all participants (see Race History).
Race Amenities in 2009 are: a Flat & Fast Course, Chip Timing, a Baggage Check Area, Mile Clocks, Water Stops, Certified Routes, and this year, a Ridgewood Run Tech T-Shirt to the first 2,000 online registrants. These lightweight running shirts feature a fabric that wicks perspiration to keep you dry and comfortable. Other extras are: a Family Team competition in the 5K, Hotel discounts, and Photographs by Ken Shelton Photography.
Awards and Prizes are plentiful: 1) Prize money to the top three finishers in the Elite 1-Mile races, and to the top 5 finishers in the 5K & 10K. 2) New Balance Gift Certificates to the top three finishers in each five-year age-group bracket. 3) Finisher’s Medal to all registered finishers of the Ridgewood YMCA Fun Run/Health Walk. 4) Park Avenue Mountain Bike drawing. 5) Ridgewood Running Company Baby Jogger Raffle.
REGISTER NOW
Mark your calendar to celebrate Memorial Day 2009 at the
Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run!
https://www.ridgewoodrun.com/
>Valley admits it needs higher patent turnover to pay for “Renewal”
>Valley admits it needs higher patent turnover to pay for “Renewal”
In an article in Sunday’s the Bergen Record https://www.northjersey.com/news/health/Hospitals_plead_case_against_Pascack_Valley.html
Valley’s CFO Richard Keenan stated that “while Valley Hospital’s survival would not be threatened by the proposed reopening [of PVH], [Valley] would lose half of the caseload it gained as a result of Pascack Valley’s closure and would reduce income from operations by about $12 million a year. A reduction in operating income of that magnitude would force us to modify or delay essential capital projects [RENEWAL] we had planned.”
From the introduction of the “Case for Renewal” in September 27, 2006, Valley has continually stated that only 3 more beds would cause little increase in patients, visitors or traffic. Keenan’s statements contradict this claim as he admits for the first time that Valley needed to increase revenue, through patient turnover to pay for the Renewal.
It is also interesting that the traffic study was conveniently undertaken one year after the “Renewal” presentation, after Pascack Valley had closed and had traffic increased. This means that the traffic study is flawed as it was calculated on the wrong baseline.
If the Valley Hospital is unsuccessful at stopping the reopening of 128 beds at Pascack Valley hospital, should the Planning Board abandon its proposed changes to the Master Plan H-Zone?
the Best of Bergen from 201 Magazine
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https://www.201.net/resources/Best+of+Bergen+2009
Best of Bergen 2009
Best Downtown Shopping
Ridgewood
Many of Bergen’s 70 communities have bustling downtown shopping districts, but Ridgewood, with its long avenue of boutiques, restaurants and parks, was chosen the favorite. The downtown, notes Tara Diamond-Kule of Glen Rock, “mixes ‘mom-and-pop’ with nationwide-chain shopping in a great balance.” Diamond-Kule also praises the diversity of food offerings to suit every palate. “Every age group can find something to do, eat or buy in downtown Ridgewood, from going to the movies, getting their hunger sated, or buying a new outfit for a night out.”
Runners-Up: Englewood, Westwood
Best Fireworks
Ridgewood Fourth of July
Whether viewed from Vets Field, Van Neste Square Park or the west side of the railroad tracks, Ridgewood’s fireworks continue to delight for this annual Independence Day tradition. “When our children were young,” recalls Barbara Baum of Montvale, “our family’s 4th of July celebration included a drive into Ridgewood to watch the town’s spectacular fireworks.” Way to light up the faces of young and old!
Best Homemade Ice Cream
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream, Ridgewood
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Ridgewood, Van Dyk’s continues to draw ice cream lovers throughout the seasons. Sensational scoopers pile cones and cups high with favorite flavors of choice. Village resident Randy Carson screams for his Van Dyk’s ice cream, which he calls “an outstanding product.” And, like many in this age of the franchise, Carson says he prefers to support family businesses like this one, whose roots on Ackerman Avenue date back more than a century.
Best Chinese Food
Baumgart’s, Edgewater, Englewood and Ridgewood locations
A surprise win this year for Best Chinese Food is Baumgart’s. A three-time winner for Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant, Baumgart’s has, increasingly, captivated the attention of Chinese-food lovers across Bergen. Renee Missbach of Ridgewood waxes eloquent about the homemade noodles (not to mention the homemade ice cream). “Baumgart’s has the most fresh and delicious Chinese food around. Whether it be a quick dinner or a special occasion celebration, it’s our family’s favorite place to eat!”
Best Coffeehouse
Ridgewood Coffee Company, Ridgewood
While ownership of this popular coffee house has changed over the years, there’s certainly no discontent brewing about the quality and popularity of the offerings. Java junkies still flock to the downtown Ridgewood gathering spot for a consistently good cup of joe and some lively conversation. “What it lacks in room or atmosphere, it makes up for in its great coffee,” says Caryn Starr-Gates of Fair Lawn. “The beans are roasted to perfection,” adds Starr-Gates, who also likes the dessert selections. And village resident Jeanette LaRocco applauds the “wonderful small-town feel of a place where they get to know their customers personally and make you feel like they do – even if you’re not a regular.”
Best Gift Shop
Happy Tuesday, Ridgewood
The owners of this eclectic gift shop will be mighty happy to learn that they have reclaimed the top spot in this competitive category. Andrea Glanz of Ho-Ho-Kus calls Happy Tuesday “the kind of store that you can always find something in – I never leave empty handed. Whether it’s holiday decorations, a hostess gift, new baby, teacher, wedding or birthday, they have the perfect thing for every occasion,” she says. “I love shopping there!”
https://www.201.net/resources/Best+of+Bergen+2009
>$84 million just not what it used to be
>The Orchard HSA has emailed parents with the following request list, including social studies books, maps, fax machine, etc. Why don’t we just give them the $84 million and let them run the school system and purchase supplies. Then they could eliminate Cottage Place and really get kids what they need.
Assorted leveled readers
Blackboards with double lines, bucket chairs, assorted leveled readers
Assorted leveled readers, mentor texts
Assorted leveled readers
World Starter map, magnetic white board, steel bookcases
Assorted Social Studies books & DVD’s, reversible markerboard
Easel pads, construction paper
Audio learning systems & tools, assorted books, Lego sets
Fax machine, digital copier
Piano dolly and cover
Heart rate monitors
2 digital cameras & cards, tripod, Apple adapters, power adapters for MacBook
Document camera, projector, movable table
>Reader asks "Should “non-profit” Valley be allowed to block the reopening of the 128 beds at Pascack Valley Hospital?"
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After Pascack Valley Hospital closed in 2007:
* Valley profits jumped from a healthy $22 million to a record $39 million
* Valley patient admissions increases by 959 patients (2007)
* Waiting times at Valley’s Emergency Dept. increases
* Ambulance diverts away from Valley increases
* Traffic increases through Ridgewood streets
Should “non-profit” Valley be allowed to block the reopening of the 128 beds at Pascack Valley Hospital?
>Tenure has the potential to benefit students
>Tenure has the potential to benefit students, but only if the broader community of tenured teachers and tenured school principals is willing to use the relative independence tenure affords to shield their students from the ill-effects of poor administration of schools by outsiders. By ‘outsiders’, I simply mean, individuals who are neither working in, nor directly responsible for what happens in, the classroom.
The question then becomes, are the tenured teachers and tenured principals in Ridgewood using the relative independence tenure affords to shield their students from the ill-effects of poor administration of schools by Cottage Place.
If it can be demonstrated that they are making the proper use of their powers as tenured individuals, and **each** of our students is being given a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of which RHS feeder school serve his or her neighborhood, the taxpayers and voters in Ridgewood should be satisfied. What more can you ask?
On the other hand, if it can be shown that more than a few our tenured teachers or tenured principals are failing to keep up their end of the bargain, and are allowing rotten ideas from Cottage Place to permeate their classrooms, why should dissatisfaction with the tenure system in Ridgewood be looked upon as some sort of aberration, or strange affliction?
I would think the opposite should be the case. Based on recent events, those who blindly support every unwise act and foolish utterance of Cottage Place should be the ones under regular and recurring inspection by the ‘jaundiced eye’.
I would be interested to know the opinions of TRB readers in the Travell district–does the record and recent performance of Travell’s acting principal indicate that an early award of tenure for her will be put to its proper use? If so, why? If not, why not?
>BOE Adds Insult to Grieving Parents’ Agony
>On Thursday April 9th, The Fly reported on the plight of South Irving Street residents Donald and Kathleen Winfield, whose son Ted died unexpectedly at home on July 27, 2008. Ted, a1999 graduate of RHS, was an exceptionally gifted athlete. He had a successful high school athletic career in both football and track & field.
Don and Kathy had requested that friends wishing memorialize their late son do so by sending donations to the RHS Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Ridgewood High School, 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, 07450.
As was reported here by The Fly and in the most recent edition of The Ridgewood News, an unspecified number of donors’ checks received by a high school staff member were misplaced for eight (8) months. When those checks were finally located, they were given to Mr. & Mrs. Winfield.
Now, Don and Kathy have found themselves in the position of having to personally contact donors, and explain the circumstances surrounding checks that were not submitted for deposit. They hope donors will submit replacement checks for any that can no longer be deposited, thus assuring the availability of maximum scholarship dollars.
The Fly wonders why misplaced checks were returned to Mr. & Mrs. Winfield. Why didn’t the BOE take responsibility for contacting donors to explain what happened? The mistake occurred at RHS, not at the Winfield home; why must Don and Kathy explain a BOE mistake? And, is it appropriate for Ted’s parent’s to know how much a donor gave in memory of their son?
Clearly, someone at the BOE made a bad call here. It would appear they were just trying to distance themselves from the mistake instead of doing the right thing.
Some things never change . .
>REQUEST TO DELAY BY ONE YEAR TENURE GRANTING DECISION
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REQUEST TO DELAY BY ONE YEAR TENURE GRANTING DECISION FOR MS. MARGY LEININGER, PRINCIPAL OF TRAVELL ELEMENTARY UNTIL MAY 2010 UPON COMPLETION OF STANDARD 3-YEAR PRINCIPAL TENURE REVIEW PERIOD.
We, the undersigned parents, request that the standard three-year time period for performance as a principal within the Ridgewood school district apply to Ms. Leininger, Principal of Travell Elementary. Travell’s principal’s 3-year performance completion date will be June of 2010. We ask that Dr. Fishbein and the Board delay this tenure decision until May 2010 and allow for Travell community input. We understand that her having teacher tenure was a factor behind offering an expedited tenure decision after her serving only two of the three years required of other principal tenure candidates.
We firmly believe that teacher awarded tenure in no way confers upon them the ability to be an administrator, particularly in the leadership role at the center of a principal’s responsibilities. In fact, the District’s defined job descriptions and responsibilities for a principal and teacher are completely different. The leadership, and interaction skills required between teachers, students and parents to successfully carry out this administrative role are different and many do not exist in the teacher job description. A three-year proving period for all principal tenure decisions is warranted as this District’s administration has so wisely set as the standard. We firmly believe that a decision to delay tenure consideration until May 2010 for the Travell principal position is in the best interest of our children and demonstrates prudence by the superintendent and school board. The superintendent and Ridgewood school board have an obligation and a history of protecting and serving the needs of our children. They need now to follow those same standard guidelines that have proven to be effective for past principal candidates. The Travell students, teachers, parents and community deserve the same three-year time period to vet the performance of their Principal as tha t which is followed by other Ridgewood district schools.
We request that concerned Travell community members meet with the superintendent to provide input in support or in dissent of the tenure decision for Travell Elementary school’s principal. Given time is of the essence, we request this meeting take place no later than Friday, April 24th (1 school day prior to the tenure awarding Board Meeting on May 4th, 2009).
Respectfully submitted by the below Travell Community Taxpayers
>Board of Education Election Unofficial Results
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Board of Education Election Unofficial Results
>School Budget Vote Today !
>ELECTION DAY: 2009-2010 School Budget Vote
THE ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION/BUDGET VOTE IS TODAY, APRIL 21. POLLS IN RIDGEWOOD ARE OPEN FROM 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M. PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!
>Readers Comments on ways for the Village to Raise Money
>Given all the national excitement about a $79,000 bathroom I would bet we could make our $300,000 bathroom at vets a huge tourist attraction ,perhaps a $1.00 gawker fee a $1.50 for number one and $3.00 for number two .What do you think PJ?
>Central Business District Relighting Project
>The CBD Street Lighting Project is starting with the removal of the old PSE&G poles. 4 poles have been removed; additional ones will be removed when the PSE&G (lighting utility) crew is able to mobilize to perform the work.
Once sufficient poles have been removed, the Village’s contractor (Solar-Mite Electrical) will start constructing the new light pole bases.
Each business along East Ridgewood Avenue will receive a hand delivered letter on April 20th to keep them informed about the work. Unfortunately, due to the intermittent pace of PSE&G’s old pole removal, it will be difficult to know precisely where and when the next phases of the work will be on a day to day basis.
Construction activities will cause disruption to the area. Loud equipment will be in operation. On-street parking spaces will be blocked off as necessary to provide construction access to the light poles. Lane or road closures may occur when the underground electrical conduit is installed. The contractor will attempt to keep sidewalks passable. Businesses will have to move outdoor displays and cafes when construction is occurring in their area.
The exact length of the project is unknown due to variables, such as the condition of the existing underground electrical conduit. If the existing underground electrical conduit are found to be in unsatisfactory condition and needs to be replaced, the project length will increase and cause greater disruption. We estimate that it will take about 3 months to substantially complete this phase of the project.
Please notify the Village of dates of any events your business may be hosting that may conflict with construction activities. We will try to coordinate the work to cause the least disruption to you.
Village Contact: 201/670-5500 x238 or [email protected]
>the Ridgewood Public Library Local History and Genealogy Center
>Did you know the Ridgewood Public Library has a …
Welcome to the Local History and Genealogy Center. We have many resources to help you research the history of Ridgewood and its surrounding areas, as well as Genealogical resources for tracing your ancestry. Please browse our links, and come visit our Local History Room, and Genealogy Resource Center at the Library on the second floor.
>Neighbors Just Helping Out
>The DiModugno’s garage sale was ….
“Unbelievable, a huge success!!!
Thank you!”
Andrea
