>Ridgewood News editorial: Teachers should attend charity basketball game
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Education Association’s decision to pull teachers from a charity basketball game was a disappointing turn in contract negotiations with the school district.
>Comparing Ridgewood High School to other high schools in the area is just wrong. RHS should always be looking to the top HS in the country to continue giving our students the best education
Rethinking Advanced Placement THE NEW A.P. Caroline Brown, an A.P. student at the Bancroft School in Worcester, Mass. By CHRISTOPHER DREW Published: January 7, 2011
WHEN Joan Carlson started teaching high school biology more than 30 years ago, the Advanced Placement textbook was daunting enough, at 36 chapters and 870 pages. But as an explosion of research into cells and genes reshapes our sense of how life evolves, the flood of new material has been staggering. Mrs. Carlson’s A.P. class in Worcester, Mass., now confronts a book with 56 chapters and 1,400 pages, along with a profusion of animated videos and Web-based aids that supplement the text.
And what fuels the panic is that nearly every tongue-twisting term and microscopic fact is fair game for the year-end test that decides who will receive college credit for the course.
>The fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd
The teachers have every right not to participate as it is purely an optional event. However, it is pretty ironic and very indicative how ignorant they are as a group that they have chosen to boycott a long standing event run by the HSA to raise funds to fund programs and assistance FOR THEM! If I ran the HSA I would absolutely refuse the $500 contribution and explain to them they’re going to need the money when the lay-offs begin because there is not a snowball’s chance in hell the budget will pass this year.
The world is different. Nobody wants to hear bad news but things have changed and they are not going to get better for a very long time despite what the Gov’t is trying to spin. We are in a deflationary environment. Housing prices continue to decline, wages continue to decline, unemployment remains high, taxes continue to rise as no one wants to cut programs. Our area is very close to Wall Street and Wall Street is in big trouble. Jobs are being cut, bonuses are going to be non-existent for the foreseeable future and that is going to affect Ridgewood in a big way. Every $1.5 million dollar house that sells for $850,000 makes every $600,000 house worth $450,000 etc, etc….and that is not good for any of us.
Teachers work hard, they are responsible for our most precious assets, our children. They deserve to be compensated and they should be compensated well as they provide an invaluable service. That being said; the fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd. I laid off people in 2011 and will be laying off more in 2012. I have people who are thrilled that they still have a job. They are not worried about a pay increase or a bonus. They are worried about being unemployed.
It is that fear that has made the teaching profession with tenure such an emotional topic for those in the private sector. We don’t have tenure. We don’t have seniority raises built into our contracts. We don’t have pension plans and health plans for life. Yes, in the good times we have the possibility, more likely the probability to make more money than a teacher but in the bad times we have a tremendous more amount of risk and that is risk that is very real right now and will continue to be for an extended period of time.
The teachers’ union has been a very powerful force over the years because they have always been able to leverage “the children” against BOE’s. Those days are over. We’ve all become very good at saying “no” to our children the last couple of years and we’re going to get even better at it in the future as we all have less and less money for “things.” We’re also going to get very good at saying “no” to tax raises, school budgets, and expenditures on fire trucks and such. Our kids will do fine without Advanced Placement Chinese, Foods Classes and a whole host of the other liberal arts education classes that have built up over the years at RHS as we’re going to realize that not only are they no longer affordable, they weren’t of much value to begin with.
The last group to understand this will be the teachers and administrators because they are just too close to it to see how things are changing and they are too insulated by the current structure to feel it. But they will come to understand it and they will come to feel it when the schools are forced to downsize and “do more with less” just like the rest of us. And I don’t mean just losing an aide for two days a week. I mean really downsizing and streamlining the entire operation. It is going to happen, it is inevitable
A bill that would provide first aid to the state’s emergency medical services was conditionally vetoed on Monday by Gov. Chris Christie. The measure would require licenses and criminal background checks for all EMS workers and seeks to improve 911 care and response times.
Sen. Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex), incoming chairman of the Senate’s health committee, let the measure expire and said lawmakers would retool it in the new session. “I think we’re almost there,” Vitale said. (Fitzgerald, NJ Spotlight)
New Jersey is improving its plans to quickly evacuate large sections of the Shore in the event of a storm or other emergency.
The Legislature approved the recommendations Monday of a task force that studied the state’s ability to move large numbers of people away from the coast.
The plan includes lane reversals on major highways leading away from the Shore; using schools as emergency shelters; and setting up a registry of residents who would need special help in leaving the area. (Parry, Associated Press)
30th Annual Ridgewood and Glen Rock Martin Luther King Jr Observance and Service
The 30th annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012, at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, NJ. This year’s celebration will focus on the theme, “The Power of One, The Strength of Many.” Sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ridgewood/Glen Rock Communities, the celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with an interfaith service featuring speaker Rabbi Neil Tow of the Glen Rock Jewish Center, as well as readings by Ridgewood and Glen Rock students and musical performances by the Indian Hills Chamber Choir and Men of Umoja Chorus. The service will be followed by a rally in Van Neste Square and conclude with a community luncheon at the church. The event is free and open to the public.
Rabbi Tow has been serving the Glen Rock Jewish Center since 2006. He serves on the board of the Jewish Federation Apartments in Paterson, New Jersey and on the Jewish Community Relations Council. Interfaith work has become an important part of Rabbi Tow’s service to the community, and he is a member of the Religious Communities of Glen Rock, the Community Relations Advisory Board of Glen Rock and Ridgewood, as well as the 2011 “Bergen Leads” class, a 10-month learning and leadership experience for community leaders in Bergen County. He co-teaches an interfaith Bible Study class, is a leader of the Glen Rock Interfaith American Cancer’s Relay for Life team, and recently introduced a series of free 30-minute lunchtime webinars on social justice.
The annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock Martin Luther King Jr. celebration began in 1983 in an effort to unite area residents, regardless of faith or ethnic background, in worship and action as they work towards peace and justice for all. More than 20 religious groups, the Ridgewood and Glen Rock Boards of Education, local government, and civic organizations participate in and support the event each year. Financial support is generously provided by many organizations, individuals, agencies, and businesses throughout the area.
>51% See Occupy Wall Street Protesters As Public Nuisance
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Enough is enough as far as most voters are concerned when it comes to the Occupy Wall Street protesters. In fact, 51% of Likely U.S. Voters now view the protesters as a public nuisance. Only 39% see them as a valid protest movement representing the frustrations of most Americans,
>Heed the warnings at Ridgewood High School footbridge
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012 THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood school district reported this week that some students are ignoring signs prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the footbridge that connects Stevens and Stadium fields at Ridgewood High School (RHS).
“This is a serious safety concern,” said RHS Co-Interim Principal Basil Pizzuto in an email to parents.
An engineering report issued in December found deterioration of the bridge’s foundation, and it was shut down until repairs could be made. The bridge has been a topic of discussion at the Board of Education for a number of years, and became an even bigger issue with flooding from the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook caused by major weather events in 2011.
“Biggest Loser” Contestant to Help You Improve Your Health in the New Year
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, along with The Valley Hospital, Van Dyke Health Care, and other local sponsors and vendors, invite you to a Health Fair on January 19 to help you start the New Year off on a healthy foot.
January 19, 2012 (snow date January 26) 5 to 8 p.m. Ridgewood YMCA/YWCA of Bergen County 112 Oak Street Ridgewood, NJ
Amanda Arlauskas from NBC’s “Biggest Loser” will speak at 7 p.m. Visit all of the vendors that have information on wellness and preparing yourself for a healthy future.
For more information call 201-445-2600, or e-mail the Chamber at [email protected].
>‘Occupy Wall Street’ Participation To Earn Class Credit At Columbia U. Announcement Comes As Dozens Are Arrested On New Year’s Eve January 1, 2012 7:00 PM
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Columbia University will offer a new course for upperclassmen and grad students next semester. An Occupy Wall Street class will send students into the field and will be taught by Dr. Hannah Appel, a veteran of the Occupy movement.
The course begins next semester and will be divided between class work at Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus and fieldwork that will require students to become involved with the Occupy movement outside of the classroom.
The course will be called “Occupy the Field: Global Finance, Inequality, Social Movement” it will be run by the anthropology department.
>Some thoughts on the New Year generated by the comments on our current mayor:
I don’t always agree with what Killion does, but I strongly disagree with some of the attacks against him. Yes, he may have a tendency to favor the unions, but who isn’t sympathetic to those whom they know, have worked with, etc?
More importantly, I think he is fair and even handed. Keith took over after two bozo’s had served as mayor. The Mancuso/Pfund years saw a decline in Village standards and services. In those days, Keith sat in the audience night after night, speaking up for what he thought should be done. When he retired, he put his effort where his mouth was and he ran for office. He’s worked his rear end off since that time. It is a thankless task — probably a lot like a fire hydrant having to cater to a number of different dogs.
Keith has not been perfect. But I think he’s handled the hand he was dealt with as best as he can, and frankly as best as most of the rest of us could. I don’t understand the approval of the Gabbert raise. That was stupid. I will say it again, that was stupid. Ketih should be looking into replacing Gabbert, not paying him more.
But, when you look at the larger picture, you see that Keith had done a good job. Pfund passed off the Valley issue to the hand picked planning board that passed a resolution over the objection of the majority of Ridgewood resident’s wishes. That issue took much of the VC;s attention away from other issues. It can never be overstated how damaging the hospital over-expansion would have been to the character of the Village. It is criminal how much time and effort was wasted dealing with what should have been a non-starter.
But, as Valley, the Graydon debate, the Graydon lawsuit and other issues were addressed, other problems were brewing. Most importantly, like every other town in America, our tax base was shrinking as costs increased. Basic economic issues needed and need to be addressed. Keith and the other VC members need to turn their attention to those issues. It is the economy stupid.
My own 7-point wish list for 2012:
1. Village Manager: Fire Gabbert and replace him with a no-nonsense leader who shakes up Village Hall.
2. Departments: Make department heads start working or fire them.
3. Budget: Serious assess where we are heading with our budget, anticipated revenues, expenses etc. What are spending money on in the Village and school board budgets and what will we need to keep spending money on to maintain village standards.
4. Downtown building: Remake the downtown without approving the massive building projects on the drawing board. New housing is only going to add to the Village problems. Don’f fall prey to the argument that only massive building will allow Ridgewood to pull out of the recession.
5. Parking — many people remark that other similarly situated towns have dealt with parking in more creative ways than building a massive parking garage. The suggestion i like the best is making our three main roads one way and changing parking from horizontal to angled, so that you can get three cars in where you only get one now.
6. NJ Transit. Don’t let them turn Ridgewood into a transit hub.
7. Fields — even handedness should be the order of the day. Not every field needs to be turfed and lighted.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2011 BY EVONNE COUTROS STAFF WRITER THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Village officials are confident that the installation of as many as two dozen simulated red brick crosswalks at busy intersections will increase pedestrian and motor vehicle safety in the central business district and near schools.
Pedestrians using Ridgewood Avenue at Cottage Place on one of the crosswalks, which cost $6,800 per intersection. “Ridgewood is a cut-through town,” said Mayor Keith Killion, the council representative to the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee. “People come through town too fast.”
The newly installed thermoplastic crossings — such as those at Cottage Place and East Ridgewood Avenue — also are an asset because of their resemblance to brick, village officials say.
“The more attention we bring to the crosswalks, the safer it will be for pedestrians and motorists,” police Capt. Jacqueline Luthcke said.
>3 Democrats size up facing Garrett Thursday, December 29, 2011 BY ZACH PATBERG STAFF WRITER The Record
The redrawn congressional map is not a week old, and Democrats are already gearing up to challenge Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, in a district that became more Bergen County-centric and less conservative.
State Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, D-Paramus, said she is “seriously considering” entering the 5th District race. A Facebook page created this week — Draft Connie Wagner for Congress — had attracted nearly 250 followers by Thursday.
In Passaic County, Freeholder Director Terry Duffy has formed an exploratory committee to “test the waters” and has reached out to party leaders.
State Sen. Bob Gordon, while calling his commitment to stay in Trenton a “moral obligation,” did not shut the door entirely on a congressional run.
“In politics, you never say never,” said the Fair Lawn Democrat, who emerged victorious from a fierce reelection battle less than two months ago. “But I really feel I need to focus on addressing the state issues here.”
The Cooperative Nursery School of Ridgewood(the Co-op), a nonsectarian school, will hold an Open House for the 2012-2013 school year on Thursday, January 12th from 9:30-11:00 and 12:45-2:30. The school is located at 100 Dayton Street in Ridgewood.
The Co-op offers classes for children from 1 ½ to 5 years old. Classes range from Mommy and Me to four day per week classes for 4 year olds. Kindergarten enrichment classes are also offered. The school has both morning and afternoon classes. There are also a variety of different extended day options available to students, including Discovery Fridays, a program designed to supplement the class curriculum.
The school’s seasoned teaching staff guides students toward social, emotional and physical well-being. Children learn and play in an environment ideally suited to their needs as developing individuals. The program encourages independence, self-discipline and a love for school.
Setting the school apart from other nursery schools, The Co-op is organized and run by parents. This enables parents to actively participate in their child’s early learning experience. Music, physical education, field trips, indoor and outdoor play time and an in-house library are just a few of the experiences to which the children are exposed as supplements to the daily education plans.
For more information or to set up a private tour, please call the school at (201) 447-6232 or email [email protected] .
>50 FACTS ABOUT THE U.S. ECONOMY THAT WILL SHOCK YOU Posted on December 18, 2011 at 3:55pm by
“Even though most Americans have become very frustrated with this economy, the reality is that the vast majority of them still have no idea just how bad our economic decline has been or how much trouble we are going to be in if we don’t make dramatic changes immediately,” writes The Economic Collapse (TEC).
For those unfamiliar with this site, TEC is an economic blog that regularly compiles a comprehensive list of the most startling and unsettling facts about the U.S. economy.
Why? Because Americans need to understand that U.S. economy is precariously balanced on the edge of full-blown collapse.
“If we do not educate the American people about how deathly ill the U.S. economy has become, then they will just keep falling for the same old lies that our politicians keep telling them. Just ‘tweaking’ things here and there is not going to fix this economy,” the site explains.
Indeed, America’s economic situation has become increasingly unstable. However, what’s arguably more disconcerting than the state of the U.S. economy is the fact many Americans are largely–if not completely–unaware of just how serious things have become.
“America is consuming far more wealth than it is producing and our debt is absolutely exploding,” TEC explains. “If we stay on this current path, an economic collapse is inevitable. Hopefully the crazy economic numbers from 2011 that I have included in this article will be shocking enough to wake some people up.”
It might behoove Blaze readers to share the facts listed below with family and friends.
