Tag: Ridgewood NJ

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Ridgewood receives federal grant to aid firefighters’ wellness

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file photo by Boyd Loving

JULY 2, 2015, 5:47 PM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 6:51 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The village’s fire department is receiving nearly $38,000 in federal grant money to pay for wellness education and exercise equipment.

The $37,791 award for the Ridgewood Fire Department was announced Wednesday by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker.

The two lawmakers secured a combined $397,202 in Assistance to Firefighter Grants for fire departments statewide. The grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“It’s a good grant and I was glad to hear it had come through,” said Ridgewood’s Fire Chief James Van Goor, who was notified by a staffer from Menendez’s office early Wednesday.

“Our first responders risk their lives each day to save ours and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the tools they need to protect their residents and communities,” Menendez said. “These grants will allow our fire departments to operate more efficiently and ensure our firefighters are properly equipped to protect themselves and keep residents safe.”

Booker added: “By collaborating at the federal and local levels, we have been able to secure wins for our state’s firefighters amounting to millions of dollars in grants that have translated into more jobs and better protections for those that put their lives on the line to protect us.”

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-receives-federal-grant-to-aid-firefighters-wellness-1.1367768

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Ridgewood to celebrate America’s birthday

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JULY 2, 2015    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 2:26 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Others might claim the title as the county’s oldest or longest running parade, but Ridgewood’s day-long Independence Day celebration might be unmatched in pageantry and spectacle.

That notion is unlikely to change this Saturday, the 105th installation of the village’s Fourth of July festivities.

This year, the Fourth of July Parade – the crown jewel of the celebration – will pay homage to the innovation and ingenuity that became the cornerstone of the country. Much of the parade’s procession will be designed and decked out in garb observing the “American Innovation” theme.

Selecting the parade theme and planning for the event, according to Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee member Tara Masterson, is a lengthy task that begins in September.

“One of our first tasks is to identify a theme, which is a collaborative effort of the entire committee,” Masterson said. “This year, we chose American Innovation to celebrate innovators in our community, New Jersey and throughout the history of America. Each of the six elementary schools will be creating floats that will display various aspects of American Innovation.”

The Fourth of July Committee’s website further describes the theme selection: “On July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, a new nation was invented where with hard work and determination anyone can attain their dreams. Since then, America has seen many great minds that have developed innovations we use in our everyday lives. This year we will be celebrating the innovators and innovations that America has seen throughout its great history.”

 

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/community-events-and-announcements/ridgewood-to-celebrate-america-s-birthday-1.1367665

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Ridgewood Police Responded to a Whopping 427 calls between June 24th and July 1st

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file photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood Police Responded to a Whooping 427 calls between June 24th and July 1st

July2,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blogRidgewood NJ, Between Wednesday June 24, 2015 and Wednesday July 1, 2015 the Ridgewood Police Department responded to (427) Calls for Service (30) trauma/medical emergency calls and (17) motor vehicle accidents.
Ridgewood Police had a very busy week :On Thursday June 25, 2015 Officers Colin Donnelly and Joseph DiBenedetto were dispatched to the Central Business District on the report of a disturbance. Upon their arrival they observed a male actor who fit the description provided by the caller later identified as Fransisco A. Andino, 23 of Newark, New Jersey sitting on the sidewalk at Van Neste Square and East Ridgewood Avenue. As the officers were speaking with Andino they were notified that there was an active warrant for his arrest out of Hoboken, New Jersey, for assaulting a police officer. Andino who attempted to flee the area on foot was subdued and placed under arrest by Patrolman Colin Donnelly after a brief foot chase. While at police headquarters Andino assaulted several officers by biting, kicking and spitting at them. He was subsequently charged with obstructing administration of law (2C:29-1A), resisting arrest (2C:29A(3)(a)), disorderly conduct (2C:33-2(a)(1)) and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (2C:12-B(5)(a). Bail was set at $15,000, Andino was housed at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Unit at Bergen Regional Medical Center.During the late afternoon hours on Thursday June 25, 2015, a resident reported observing a group of juveniles acting suspiciously near a vacant home. It was later determined that the homeowners were away on vacation and it was the groups intent to congregate on the property unsupervised without the homeowner’s permission. Annually with the onset of summer and vacations commencing this has become a frequent problem, residents are asked to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods in order to prevent similar behavior.

On Thursday Friday June 26, 2015 a pedestrian crossing East Ridgewood Avenue while in a marked crosswalk reported that she/he was nearly struck a by a vehicle that failed to yield right of way. The driver pulled to the side of the roadway exiting their vehicle entering into a verbal dispute with the pedestrian. The pedestrian reported being assaulted by the driver who left the area prior to the arrival of police. The operator of the vehicle later responded to the Ridgewood Police Headquarters where she reported being assaulted by the pedestrian. Neither party wished to pursue the matter. It is paramount that all drivers cede right of way to pedestrians in the roadway regardless of whether a crosswalk is present as per the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws.

On Monday June 29, 2015 Detective Jeffrey Casson arrested Francis J. Yacopino, 30, of West Milford, New Jersey on a criminal warrant out of Pennsylvania. The warrant was discovered during a background check of Yacopino who had applied for a job with the Village of Ridgewood. Yacopino was housed in the Bergen County Jail on a fugitive warrant pending extradition.

On Monday June 29, 2015 a resident reported that his/her personal information had been used to open a fraudulent Dish Network account, the resident further reported having been the victimized similarly numerous times over the last several years. This type of incident continues to be on the rise and information on prevention and reporting identity theft occurrences is available at the police department.

During the spring months numerous street signs have been removed from roadways in the village. In addition to being both a nuisance and financial burden, the removal of these signs (including traffic signage) creates a danger to the public. Citizens are asked to exercise vigilance in reporting these incidents to police as well assisting in the recovery of stolen signs.

Please remember to register your house and any emergency contacts with the Police Department Records Division when you are planning to go away.

A reminder : All criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Ridgewood Residents Secure Spots Days Ahead Of 4th Of July Parade

4thjulychairs theridgewoodblog

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Hundreds of lawn chairs are already lined up in strategic spots inRidgewood, New Jersey, in advance of the town’s big Fourth of July parade.

Some residents started setting out their lawn chairs along the mile-long parade route on Maple Avenue as much as 13 days ago, 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck reported.

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/07/01/ridgewood-4th-of-july-parade-chairs/

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Tree closes down Linwood Ave. in Ridgewood

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July 1,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, An early morning rain storm brought down a tree across Linwood Ave. Ridgewood Police issued a traffic alert and set up detours . The heavy rain hit the Village around 4:28 am despite the heavy rains damage in the Village was minimal.

TRAFFIC ALERT – Tree and Power lines are down on Linwood Ave – Between Walthery Ave & N. Pleasant. Detours have been established.

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Buy Tickets for the Ridgewood July 4th Fireworks!

ridgewood fireworks theridgewoodblog.net

July 1,2015

Ridgewood NJ, While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $10. Tickets are on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Tickets will be on sale at the following vendors for $10 each. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

•Backyard Living – 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood

•Bergen News Plus – 890 Prospect Street, Glen Rock

•Chestnut Catering & Deli – 25 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood

•Connect One Bank – 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

•Custom Cut Salon – 239 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park

•Daily Treat Restaurant– 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 2:00 PM

•Drinks Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM

•Goffle Brook Farm– 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM

•Hillman Electric Inc. – 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

•Hogan’s Restaurant & Diner – 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park

•Hoskins Propane – 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood

•Ridgewood Auto Wash Co. – 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock

•Ridgewood Cycle Shop – 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood

•The Wine Seller- 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 4:00 PM

•Town & Country Apothecary – 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

At the gate tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for Children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Buy your tickets in advance and save.

Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.

Gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM

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Tonight Music Under the Stars at the Kasschau Shell on Vet’s Field

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2015 Kasschau Shell Schedule

Here is the schedule for you to make plans for the upcoming 2015 Entertainment Under the Stars at the Kasschau Shell on Vet’s Field in Ridgewood. All programs are free. Just bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music!

Click Here for 2015 Season Schedule.

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Readers say Morristown Memorial Hospital Decision suggest Valley should be paying taxes in Ridgewood

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Morristown Medical Center should pay property taxes on virtually all of its 40-acre property in town, a tax court judge ruled Friday in a decision closely watched by other hospitals across New Jersey. https://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2015/06/morristown_medical_center_loses_tax_case_raising_f.html#incart_river

Based on the recent ruling by a tax judge regarding Morristown Memorial Hospital and paying taxes on the property they own in that town, why should Valley continue not paying taxes in Ridgewood ? How is Valley not paying taxes on all of their properties “serving Ridgewood?”

This is just what Valley did not want to hear…and what we’ve been clamoring about for years based on Valley’s behavior. Ridgewood should use this ruling as leverage to convince Valley to drop it’s current lawsuit and adjust it’s growth plans to something reasonable based on its footprint in a heavily residential area.

Can you imagine how much this town would have benefited from Valley paying even a quarter of what they could have over the years ? Instead, they’ve decided to bite the hand that has fed them and file suit.Two words: greed and arrogance.

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Ridgewood shows its camaraderie

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JUNE 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Community shows its camaraderie

To the Editor:

The Ridgewood trestle sign — it symbolizes so much of what makes our village unique. Our Wiffle for Cancer trestle sign recently proclaimed to all who journeyed through the underpass that a special town event was in the offing. A friend saw the sign and said it reminded her of how the people of our town come together to support each other in a time of need. It warmed her heart. I could not agree with her more.

June 7 marked the 11th Wiffle for Cancer Tournament. The first event took place to show support for Ridgewood High School graduate Nick Currey as he battled Ewing Sarcoma. The next 10 tournaments served to raise money to fund cancer research to find a cure for the illness that claimed Nick’s life.

What a sense of gratitude the Currey family has toward all the people who make this special day possible. There are unfortunately other families who have lost a child in Ridgewood. We have been so touched by the kindness of those families who have reached out to us in spite of their own loss.

Michael Feeney’s parents, who also lost a son to Ewing Sarcoma, took the time to come to the Wiffle event to make a donation. They have chosen to remember their son with Michael Feeney’s Best Day Ever.

Likewise, the Kelly Creegan Memorial Fund reached out to us with its support. The generosity of parents who have also experienced loss is especially heartwarming. We thank them so much for their courage and for making a difference.

To make a success of an event like Wiffle for Cancer, so many elements have to come together in just the right way. We are so fortunate that the Ridgewood High School DECA group, guided by faculty members Karen Mendez and Sean Kase, lead the Wiffle tournament from the RHS perspective. We were delighted that the superintendent of schools and mayor fielded a team! It is yet another example of how the community finds a way to support such a meaningful cause.

Not only is it a day to raise money so that one day the Nicks and Michaels of the future will not have to leave us way before their time, but it is a really fun day. The sense of camaraderie would have made Nick so glad.

And it all started with a sign.

Nancy Currey

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-shows-its-camaraderie-1.1363685

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GEAR UP for Owen!

owen
photo courtesy of GW
GEAR UP for Owen!
June 28,201the staff of the Ridgewood blogRidgewood NJ, On Wednesday, June 17th (3:15pm)  the teachers and staff at George Washington Middle School waled through Ridgewood to increase awareness of fundraising efforts for Owen Betrus, the son of colleague Rob Betrus (Monroe 8 Math).

Owen was diagnosed at birth with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.  He was also diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment just before his first birthday, and with Intractable Epilepsy at the age of three.  Despite these challenges Owen (6 years old) is generally happy and full of life and energy.  He is curious about the world around him and makes every attempt to participate fully in any task presented to him. He loves to be active and spend time with his parents, twin brother, Liam, and little brother, Quinn.

The “Gear Up for Owen” walk raised money to help the Betrus family fund an adaptive ramp for their minivan.

They have created a GoFundMe page for Owen at www.gofundme.com/gearup4owen   Please visit the site to learn more about how you can help support our efforts.  We also invite you to join the the GW staff and the Betrus family as we walk through town to help bring awareness to the different challenges Owen faces.  We will be gathering at the GW Field at 3:15.

Student were also encouraged  to join in as long as they filled out the proper paperwork before hand .  If you couldn’t join in and were in town after school you were encouraged to give Owen a high five!

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Councilwomen Gwenn Hauck : “Its our job to speak for all citizens”

gwenn hauck

Its our job to speak for all citizens. Misinformation and vitriol should not be used to intimidate council members. The way this blog attacks only Paul, Albert and myself, and never any of the others, illustrates the hypocrisy of your accusations. Why can’t we all work together to try to serve Ridgewood, instead of attacking people you disagree with?

Gwenn Hauck
[email protected]
108.161.184.122
Submitted on 2015/06/27 at 9:14 am

Councilwoman Hauck: And the fact Chris Harris of The Record bases his articles entirely on what is spoon fed to him by Paul, and never checks nor obtains quotes from any other elected officials, isn’t a form of hypocrisy in and of itself? Your faction controls The Record and the opposing faction controls this blog. Suck it up and get used to it honey.

Your track record indicates that you most certainly do not speak for all citizens. Most citizens were in favor of installing sidewalks on Clinton Avenue. You sided with a small minority. Most citizens disapproved of the Garber Square project. You went ahead with it anyway. Give it a rest. We are onto your method of operation.

So it’s okay for Hauck and the 2 other nitwits to attack Knudsen publicly, but when someone returns the favor, she says we should all work together? Talk about a hypocrite.

Ms. Hauck :From the standpoint of a very long time council observer, you have done little, if anything, to foster the idea you “speak for all citizens.” You backed (and no doubt continue to do so) a non-tax paying entity that is currently suing the town that it made it’s money in. Garber Square and Clinton Ave, very bad jokes, not to mention an insult to the intelligence of most people that reside here.
The primary reason you are intentionally confusing being “attacked” with criticism is simply because you are paying more attention to your personal agenda of keeping your friends happy, and NOT “speak(ing) for all citizens.

Gwen, ARE YOU FOR REAL???? You spew vitriol agains your colleagues whenever it occurs to you. We have seen you attack, belittle, malign Bernadette Walsh, Tom Riche, John Ward, Mike Sedon, Susan Knudsen. You are as nasty as nasty can be. You always attack people you disagree with. What a hypocrite you are. Do you think anyone believes your ridiculous posting? have another drink, honey, and take a nap.

Disagree. She was pulled in as a pawn and a pawn she shall stay. She has lost any vestige of self-respect by sucking up to those monsters, even attacking Mike and Susan along the way. The pre-council Gwenn, who has shown herself to be far less sweet than her blond looks, bland demeanor, and expensive clothes are meant to imply, might have thought such things, but probably wouldn’t have said them aloud in public. Weak-minded people who live for the approval of others are easily swayed to do bad things when in the wrong company, flattered by low-minded manipulators who need a stooge for their “majority vote.”

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Reader Calls full day kindergarten gross overreach for the state to mandate

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Everything that the council is doing affects our schools

Schools are the largest part of our tax bill – that is a fact. That does not mean that the schools are not accountable.

It will be a gross overreach for the state to mandate full day kindergarten. I am starting to agree with Rick Perry that we need to abolish the Department of Education. Government is best which governs least.

Many parents actually enjoy spending the AM/PM with their children. We had activites and time with friends when the kids were in kindergarten. My kids did very well in elementary school, high school and college. Your kids will not go to Harvard because they had full day kindergarten.

NYC has preschool and middle school after care programs. The need for these programs in a city is not the same as for programs in Ridgewood. In the city the schools are the place where many students receive two meals a day and get health screening. Working parents do not have the time for homework and reading to the kids. Children need the time in school as a social safety net.

I paused my career to be home with my kids and never regretted it. If working parents need babysitting then they should hire someone. My taxes should not go to support someone’s child care needs. Maybe dad/mom can work from home or with flex time. You will never look back and say that you wished that you spent more time at work.

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Parking garage interest gauged in Ridgewood

parking

JUNE 29, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — When it meets on July 15, the Village Council could move to add a non-binding referendum to November’s ballot, gauging public support for the financing of a parking garage downtown.

For well over a year, Ridgewood officials have been implementing various measures aimed at providing additional parking throughout the central business district.

Business leaders agree with the council that constructing a garage on Hudson Street would lure more dollars to the village.

Last week, Ridgewood’s council reviewed a draft resolution regarding the non-binding ballot question; a final version of the resolution will be prepared in time for the council’s July 8 meeting, with a vote likely a week later.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/parking-garage-interest-gauged-1.1364987

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Car hits Utility Pole on North Walnut ,driver unhurt

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Photos Courtesy of Boyd Loving via Facebook

Car hits Utility Pole on North Walnut ,driver unhurt
June 27,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the  Ridgewood Police issued one (1) summons in connection with the crash of a Chevy Sonic into a utility pole near 139 North Walnut Street shortly after 4:30 PM on Saturday, 6/27. The vehicle’s female driver was uninjured in the crash.
A flatbed tow truck was summoned to remove the car from the scene. There were no reported disruptions in utility services as a result of the mishap. The minor fluid spill associated with the incident did not require FD response.
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Road Rage Assault on Ridgewood Jogger

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Photos Courtesy of Boyd Loving via Facebook

Road Rage Assault on Ridgewood Jogger
June 26,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A 41-year old female from Ridgewood was assaulted while jogging on Friday .The alleged assault took place after the jogger yelled at the vehicle the driver of a Subaru Forester  exited the vehicle .The jogger claims she yelled when the Subaru almost ran her over.

It was reported the victim did not require any medical attention. The jogger reportedly snapped a cell phone photo of the assailant. Ridgewood PD is now investigating.