Tag: Ridgewood NJ

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Improving our Central Business District

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Improving our Central Business District

JULY 11, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014, 8:04 AM
Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli

to the editor:

I had the privilege of serving as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board for almost 24 years. I enjoyed that service. I am grateful for the opportunity. I was, however, disappointed in one aspect of the work, particularly on the Planning Board.

The Planning Board is not a forum where our community-at-large can engage in a discussion of a broad vision for our Central Business District (CBD). The “planning” role has become buried in a mountain of complex applications, including applications to amend the Master Plan by applicants who pursue this route rather than trying to obtain hard-to-get variances. That has placed the Planning Board in a reactive mode. Its generous and very capable volunteer members have no choice but to devote the time required to deal with these applications.

As a quasi-judicial body, in the best of times the Planning Board is not suited for an open exchange of ideas. Instead, our citizens who desire to be heard typically are allowed only to react to testimony of an applicant or an expert. Citizen remarks during the comments period are brief monologues that are respectfully listened to, but unfortunately, this is not an opportunity for open dialogue with our Planning Board.

I was elected on a promise to seek a new vision for our CBD, insisting the status quo is not an option. Lack of parking, poor traffic flow and traffic volume, underutilized parcels, haphazard signage, few desirable residences and the shabby appearance of Franklin Avenue and Chestnut Street. Surely we can do better. Even with these issues, our CBD is the pride of residents and a magnet for new residents. Our business community enhances village life not only by the quality of goods and services, but also by many programs sponsored by the Chamber and Guild. Our home values are dependent in part upon the CBD’s vibrancy.

(Editor’s note: A forum on the CBD will be held from 7:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23 in the Village Hall courtroom. A follow-up session will be announced at the July 23 forum).

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-improving-our-central-business-district-1.1049965#sthash.IbU6Mp7c.dpuf

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Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State at Bookends July 17th

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Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State at Bookends July 17th
She will signs copies of her new book: Hard Choices
Thurs., July 17th @ 6:00pm

Note: 
Books must be purchased in STORE from Bookends.
Your Bookends receipt is your ticket.
 Every person must have at least one book. 
 Maximum 2 books per person.
It is recommended that books be purchased days in advance of the event.
No Refunds or Exchanges.  Sorry, no phone orders

Call Bookends at 201-445-0726 with additional questions.

Bookends is a legendary New Jersey Landmark! We are known for our incredible author events and have hosted well over 1,000 authors in the past 15 years!

All books MUST be purchased from BOOKENDS for any of our events and a valid Bookends receipt must be presented for entry.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt. Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change. 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

Missed one of our events? We have Signed Books from some of our recent signings. Call the store to order 201-445-0726.

See Website for details at www.book-ends.com

If you plan on attending the Hillary Clinton signing, it is recommended that you buy the books DAYS ahead. We are open everyday including Sunday. Sorry no phone or mail orders. Everyone attending, must have their own book purchased at Bookends and have a valid Bookends receipt.

 

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Clean up from overnight storm continues in Ridgewood

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Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
Clean up from overnight storm continues in Ridgewood
July 9,2014
Boyd A. Loving
4:02 PM 

Ridgewood NJ, Clean up from an overnight storm continued into this afternoon in Ridgewood, where a large tree branch took down cable television & telephone lines of a home in the 600 block of Whithill Road, and also smashed the front windshield of a vehicle parked in an adjacent driveway.  Crews from the Village of Ridgewood’s Parks & Recreation Department-Shade Tree Division were observed using chain saws, backpack leaf blowers, and a giant chipper/shredder to clear debris from two (2) homes on the block.  No power outages were reported on the block.  Damage appeared to have been limited to the car windshield, some shrubs, and a wooden fence.

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Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving

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New Jersey Senate to vote on slowing Common Core implementation

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New Jersey Senate to vote on slowing Common Core implementation
July 8, 2014
ALISSA MACK 

TRENTON, N.J. – Another state could put a crimp in the Common Core takeover by the end of this week.

The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill on June 16 with a 72-4 vote with two abstentions to delay the use of new student assessments linked to Common Core by at least two years, according to Capitol Quickies.

The bill (A3081) would create a task force to review the standards and give school districts the option of administering PARCC tests in the upcoming two school years.

Capitol Quickies reports:

The state Senate has scheduled a vote for Thursday afternoon on legislation (A3081) that establishes an Education Review Task Force to analyze the Common Core standards, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments and the use of students’ test results in evaluating teachers…

The bill says that for at least two years, or longer if the task force’s final report isn’t completed within the year it’s supposed to take, PARCC assessments can’t be used as a high school graduation requirement or for other school or students accountability purposes. It also says that growth in students’ test scores can’t be used for at least two years for a teacher’s or principal’s evaluation…

The task force would have 15 members, including acting Education Commissioner David Hespe or his designee and eight members recommended by the following organizations: the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the New Jersey Council of County Vocational Schools, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network.

Three public members would also be appointed to the task force.

The new site did not seem confident that Gov. Christie would sign the bill should it reach his desk this week.

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Man who stole $460,000 in quarters from Ridgewood to be sentenced

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Man who stole $460,000 in quarters from Ridgewood to be sentenced

JULY 9, 2014    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

The former Ridgewood official who confessed in March to stealing $460,000 in loose parking meter quarters from a storage room inside Village Hall is to be sentenced this afternoon.

Hawthorne resident Thomas Rica, who is Ridgewood’s former public works inspector, is to appear before state Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Roma in Hackensack.

It is expected that Rica will receive no jail time.

Under the terms of a plea deal struck by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and his lawyer, Robert Galantucci, Rica will be sentenced to five years’ probation.

Additionally, Rica will be ordered to make full restitution to the village, authorities have said.

“Thanks to the Prosecutor’s Office, Ridgewood residents will get back most, if not all, of the money shamelessly stolen from them,” Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn said on Tuesday.

“That’s important,” he added. “That’s key.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/crime-and-courts/sentencing-today-for-man-who-stole-460-00-in-coins-1.1048167#sthash.7eIaqApx.dpuf

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North Jersey blood banks issue urgent call for donors

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North Jersey blood banks issue urgent call for donors

July 7, 2014    Last updated: Monday, July 7, 2014, 1:21 AM
By EMILY MASTERS
STAFF WRITER
The Record

Blood banks in New Jersey are in critical need of donors this summer, especially now, right after the July Fourth weekend.

“The unfortunate reality is hospital patients don’t get to take a holiday. They still need transfusions,” said Anthony Tornetta, the external-communications manager for the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “It is important that the community rallies around that and donates blood.”

Blood supplies traditionally dip to their lowest levels during the summer months and the winter holidays, when schools are closed and many people are on vacation.

But after harsh winter weather kept many potential donors away, this year’s summer shortage has been more sorely felt.

Community Blood Services, which serves 19 hospitals in New Jersey, has been running 4 percent behind in collections since January, said its community affairs director, Karen Ferriday. “We are definitely falling short of our goal” of 250 donations a day, she said.

Ferriday said blood banks see far fewer corporations and community organizations hosting drives over the summer and also face a decline in the number of donors visiting centers, as people take vacations or visit family.

“This is a nationwide shortage,” she said.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/blood-banks-faced-with-shortage-call-for-donors-1.1047166#sthash.pfz1Vj71.dpuf

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Analysis: N.J. budget can’t shake familiar problems

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Analysis: N.J. budget can’t shake familiar problems

JULY 5, 2014, 11:49 PM    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014, 11:50 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD

Governor Christie’s latest state budget delays property tax relief, offers more tax breaks to businesses and slashes the state’s pension fund payment. It also highlights the fact that New Jersey is still struggling to overcome long-standing fiscal problems nearly five years into his tenure.

The state’s economy has recovered only half of the jobs lost to the last recession and borrowing has increased each year Christie has been in office, to a record $40 billion.

Property tax bills now average nearly $8,000, but revenue shortfalls have forced Christie to delay relief until next year. Sources of funding for transportation upgrades and open-space preservation have run dry.

And after several years of not making full state payments into the public employee pension fund, Christie is now using the poor health of the pension system to compare New Jersey to bankrupt Detroit.

All three major Wall Street ratings agencies have taken notice of New Jersey’s financial predicament with each one lowering the state’s credit rating and warning that additional downgrades may occur. A poor bond rating can compound the state’s fiscal problems by making it more costly to borrow for things such as new schools and bridges that cannot be funded in one budget year.

The state’s $32.5 billion budget, which Christie signed last week, could be thrown further into disarray if public employee unions are able to persuade a judge to block Christie from providing only a fraction of the state payment that actuaries say the pension system needs.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/analysis-n-j-budget-can-t-shake-familiar-problems-1.1046801#sthash.ziRefILg.dpuf

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New housing plans smart, responsible

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New housing plans smart, responsible
Mark Bombace

to the Editor:

Ridgewood is my past, present and future. Born and raised in the village, I went through its public schools, served as a firefighter and brought up my own family here.

I’ve seen Ridgewood improve and adapt with the times over the past 50 years, and the village has the opportunity to do so once again, by bringing much needed high-end multifamily residences to downtown.

While Ridgewood has just about everything, what it lacks is the right housing mix to remain a healthy and vibrant place to live and do business. Ridgewood currently has only two housing options – single family, and 50- to 100-year-old apartments.

What is needed is new modern apartment options – the type of options sought out by today’s millennials, young professionals and empty nesters. As an empty nester myself, I like the option of living in downtown, and new apartments with modern amenities like a doorman and elevator would make that more likely.

New multifamily residences will allow seniors to downsize and stay in town, close to the Central Business District (CBD). They will attract singles and couples with no or few, very young children, who seek access to an easy commute into the city.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-new-housing-plans-smart-responsible-1.1046346#sthash.vlgLpLLS.dpuf

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EQ and IQ critical for children to thrive

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EQ and IQ critical for children to thrive
Lynn Benson, LSW
To the Editor:

The article “Finding a way through the pressure,” which appeared on page A1 in The Ridgewood News on Friday, June 27, states:

“Administrators emphasize that in today’s highly competitive world, teaching Ridgewood’s young people about ‘balance’ is all the more important.”

I believe that in addition to “balance,” enhanced EQ (emotional intelligence) is a necessity to deal with life’s pressures.

Too many children are challenged socially and emotionally, and are engaging in reckless and self-destructive behaviors while trying to cope with their struggles. And, it’s heartbreaking how often our headlines are filled with tragedies involving our youth. As a society, we are failing.

Our school systems are designed for IQ. EQ needs equal attention. Our nation’s schools mandate academic, physical and health education. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is equally important.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-eq-and-iq-critical-for-children-to-thrive-1.1046440#sthash.pZEveEFB.dpuf

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Shakespeare in the Park Sunday , July 20, 2014

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Shakespeare in the Park Sunday , July 20, 2014

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
At Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, East Ridgewood AvenueBring your family, picnic basket and blanket,
sit back and enjoy- “Shakespeare in the Park”
If it is a sunny day bring your umbrella/suntan lotion and hat.FREE FOR ALL AGES!
Porch Light Productions’ and From the Top Music Studio will perform a Shakespearen play which will soon to announced.

For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email [email protected] www.experienceridgewood.com

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Shark Free Graydon Pool Memberships Available

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Shark Free Graydon Pool Memberships Available 

With shark sightings along the Jersey Shore and the Kardashians in the Eastend  a safe ,local and traffic free environment awaits you at Graydon Pool. 

The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are excited to announce memberships are now on sale for the upcoming summer season and all are invited to join the Graydon Pool facility as season members for the 2014 summer season. Come enjoy fun in the sun so close to home! Opening day is Saturday, May 31st. 

Pool features include a shaded playground, water play fountains, shade kites, Adirondack chairs, picnic area, sheltered pavilion, charcoal grills, and The Water’s Edge Café. Additional amenities include a lending library of reading books, volleyball, basketball, ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, four-squares and hop-scotch. Special programs include “Storytime Under a Tree” for the little ones and swim instruction for children and adults, as well as an adaptive swim class. The Graydon Swim Team welcomes youth members, ages 8 to 14. 

Resident fees are $120 per adult, $110 per child (ages 2 through 15) and $30 for seniors. Non-resident adults will be charged $200 and children, ages 2 through 15, will be charged $175 for the13 week season. 

Badges are now on sale and can be purchased from the comfort of home on Community Pass at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass (Visa and MasterCard are accepted). In person registration assistance will be available Saturdays, May 10 and May 17, 10:00 am to 12 noon, at the Graydon Pool Badge Office (onsite at the pool), 259 North Maple Avenue. Badges may be purchased daily throughout the operating season, May 31st through Septemer 1st. 

Details are available at www.ridgewoodnj.net/graydon or you may call the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 with any questions or if special accommodations are needed.

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The man behind the camera, from the woman behind the man.

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Boyd Loving in Action

The man behind the camera, from the woman behind the man.

Anne LaGrange Loving

The rest of the staff of the Ridgewood blog would like to thank Boyd Loving for all his hard work ,  stay tuned more pictures to come from the Ridgewood 4th of July celebration .

 

 

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Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks Named to Ridgewood News All-Suburban Softball Team

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Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks Named to  Ridgewood News All-Suburban Softball Team

JULY 4, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GREG TARTAGLIA
SPORTS EDITOR

RIDGEWOOD — An historic softball season in The Ridgewood News All-Suburban area had it roots in the Big North Freedom Division.

Led by undefeated Bergen County and State Group 3 champion Indian Hills (34-0), four teams from the division combined to produce nine of the 18 players on this year’s first team. The Braves supplied four, Northern Highlands three, and Ridgewood and Paramus one each.

Bergen County runner-up Immaculate Heart (31-2) leads all schools with five representatives, and its Big North United Division rival Paramus Catholic placed one among the 13 seniors, three juniors, a sophomore and a freshman. Ramsey, Midland Park and Hawthorne garnered one spot apiece.

A whopping eight players repeat on the top squad, led by Steph Thomas of IHA, who completed the All-Suburban “cycle” with her fourth first-team bid. The three-time overall honorees are IHA’s Rachel Pollard (2012-14 first team) and Daniella Ibarra (2012 Sophomore of Year, 2013-14 first team) and Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks (2012 second team, 2013-14 first team).

So deep was the talent pool this spring that four others repeat on the second team: Ridgewood’s Kelly Skettini, Ramsey’s Jess Juhlin and Fair Lawn’s Sam Colca (2013-14) and Paramus’ Kelsey Settecasi (2012 and ’14).

Hallie Donofrio of Waldwick is the Sophomore of the Year, while Northern Highlands’ Chris Broking is the Coach of the Year…..

NICOLE PARKS, Ridgewood — This senior right-hander finally was able to put her full pitching arsenal on display and led the Maroons (20-7) to an eight-win improvement over last season. A first-team outfielder in 2013, she showed no signs of the ankle injury that kept her out of the circle and came back with an 18-6 record, 0.86 ERA and .155 opponent’s batting average. She struck out 249 in 150 innings and threw four no-hitters (including a perfect game against Bergenfield), upping her career mark to 24-9 with five no-hitters. Bound for the University of Albany, she hit .375 with three home runs, 22 RBI and had a .648 slugging percentage.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-softball/softball-stars-rewrite-history-books-1.1046366#sthash.rY5IfGZb.dpuf

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Participant falls of float and is injured during Ridgewood July 4th parade

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Photo credit:  Boyd A. Loving

Participant falls of float and is injured during Ridgewood July 4th parade
July 4th 2014

Boyd A. Loving
12:54 PMRidgewood NJ, Ridgewood PD officers, led by Lieutenant William Amoruso (uniformed white shirt with hat in photos), investigate an incident in which a parade participant fell off of a parade float and sustained a serious head injury.  The victim walked on her own power to a nearby ambulance, but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.  The parade was halted while the victim was attended to and police also removed the float and pickup truck that was towing it from the parade.  The incident occurred in the intersection of Oak Street and East Ridgewood Avenue.  Paramedics from The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood also attended to the victim.  Police on the scene were observed checking all paperwork associated with the pickup truck and towed trailer involved.  Both vehicles were observed parked at a nearby Mason’s Hall following the parade’s finish.  No word on whether any summonses were issued in connection with the incident.unnamed-27

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Photo credit:  Boyd A. Loving