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Dear Friends:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently seeking to locate 115,478 taxpayers nationwide whose refund checks have been returned as undeliverable because of old or bad addresses. The checks total about $110 million and average $953 each. That breaks down to 3,646 New Jersey taxpayers for a total of $3.42 million unclaimed in the Garden State .
The undeliverable refunds account for less than one out of one thousand refunds (less than one-tenth of one percent). So far, this year, the IRS has processed nearly 105 million refunds, totaling about $240 billion.
If you think that you might be one of the missing refund recipients, you can check with the IRS via their website (click on “Where’s My Refund? on www.IRS.gov) or toll free number (1-800-829-1954). My office may also be able to help you determine if your name is on this list. Call my Paramus office at 201-712-0330 for more information.
Sincerely,
Congressman Scott Garrett
Contacting Rep. Garrett
To send an e-message to Rep. Garrett click here: www.house.gov/formgarrett/contact.shtml
>The recent retirement of Police Lieutenant Philip Weiler and the projected December retirement of Police Lieutenant Richard Whitehead might prompt Village Manager James M. Ten Hoeve to eliminate two lieutenants’ positions from the current police department roster.
It is rumored that Ten Hoeve is considering eliminating the lieutenants’ positions as a cost savings measure. He would instead promote two patrol officers to sergeants and back fill the promoted patrol officers with new hires.
The newly promoted sergeants, lesser paid than lieutenants, would serve as front line patrol supervisors. Under the rumored plan, remaining Police Lieutenants Thomas Landers and John Ward would each be responsible for supervising an entire 24-hour tour instead of a 12-hour tour (as is currently managed).
The extra sergeants would be needed to provide overlapping supervision because neither Landers nor Ward would be expected to remain on duty for an entire 24-hour period. Capitan John LiPuma currently commands the Ridgewood Police Department’s uniformed division; Landers and Ward both report directly to LiPuma.
As of now, Village Manager Ten Hoeve has not publicly discussed police department staffing options with Village Council members, nor has Police Chief William M. Corcoran.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/department_detail.cfm?dept_id=13
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>VETERAN”S DAY CEREMONY – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH
Ridgewood’s Veteran’s Day ceremony will take place on Monday, November 12, 2007 at 11a.m. at Memorial Park in Van Neste Square. Our community is blessed with outstanding men and women who are in harms way on our behalf. They are our neighbors, friends, and relatives. They are America’s veterans of the future. Please join American Legion Post 53 at the ceremony to thank them, as well as those who have served in the past, for keeping us safe and secure.
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1918
World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities—in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.
1919
November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public mettings.
1920
On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
1921
Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
1926
Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
1938
Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.
1941- 1945
1950- 1953
World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
1954
On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day.
1968
Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.
1971-1975
The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
1975
Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.
1978
Veteran’s Day observance reverts to November 11.
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>Citing two instances in which she felt compensation for services rendered was absolutely warranted, Deputy Mayor Betty G. Wiest lobbied during Wednesday night’s Village Council Work Session for the adoption of an ordinance that would permit Ridgewood’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor to pocket fees for officiating at marriage and civil union ceremonies. Ms. Wiest referenced a “hot Saturday” in July ceremony at which she was required to spend two (2) hours, and an event that required her to leave work early.
Mayor David T. Pfund, Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso, and Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin prevailed during the discussion. Saying they considered it an honor to be asked to officiate at such events, and thus felt the adoption of an ordinance would be unwarranted. In short, the issue was promptly tabled.
The Fly wonders if we should take a second look at Ms. Wiest’s proposal, after all weddings could become a significant source of revenue for the village. Why they might even keep that new parking lot full on the weekends. If the weather holds we have nice facilities at the Village hall and library. All the village needs is an easy process and quick turn around time and perhaps ad an advertising campaign with the slogan “what ever happens in Ridgewood stays in Ridgewood”. Mayor David T. Pfund, Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso, and Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin can have even more honor, and the village treasury may receive a much needed benefit and Ms. Wiest can pocket some of the fees as well .Sounds like a win win win.
>As someone new to the blog, I have a question. Are the front page “articles” all written by one person? If not, is it a group that actually knows one another? How does someone get access to contributing? I ask because in my limited experience (3 days) reading the site, I have noticed a few conflicting pieces. I gather that the group is against wasteful spending (not a bad thing), against the math programs at some Ridgewood schools (TERC is not at all of them), and a bit overly critical of the teachers and administrators as a whole. I sense a lot of anger, and I am not sure much is accomplished under those conditions. As someone who teaches and lives in town, I think there is a big “middle ground” that is being overlooked. But, then again, I have only been following the site for a few days.
There are many contributors ,thus the name ..the Fly on the wall. Some comments are picked up by the staff and used as major articles . Some contributors email me things directly and sometimes we run with it. Contruibutions have to meet certain standards , which are loosely as follows: this is the Ridgewood blog ,so it should be about Ridgewood . Please refer to the below reprint of the post “lets clear the air” Email me direct [email protected]
we welcome your input
PJ
Repost from July 21 2007
Lets clear the air….
First, things get published on this blog because I decide to publish them.
This blog carries local news content and 80-90% of the articles are sent in by contributors. Contrary to the critics claims there are a lot of well connected people in town that want to make a statement and remain anonymous. I try keep it an open forum and often publish things I do not agree with but find it to be a valuable or some would say controversial issue.
If you want to criticize this blog please have the courtesy of reading it first, then send me an email or make a comment. If its funny, clever, interesting or just plain stupid I will publish it if it also meets the below criteria (that means its not Bush’s or the “neo-cons” fault you got a speeding ticket in front of GW, I get way to many of these kind of childish comments).
What does not get published are off topic comments, or comments that have nothing to do with Ridgewood (this blog is about Ridgewood hence the name “the Ridgewood Blog”), advertisements for other website with out my permission, cheap skate ambulance chasing lawyers looking to pick up suckers I mean clients, police business for fear of inadvertently interfering, personal indiscretions (these I save in case someone gets some ideas) , comments from stalkers, and comments from people with there own agenda that have nothing to do with Ridgewood ,however secret agendas and conspiracies that do have to do with Ridgewood are encouraged.
Please be advised if you’re a lawyer and get business from a contact made on this blog there is a 50% finder’s fee, and yes I will aggressively enforce it. You have been warned!
Yes from time to time I do publish really stupid comments, just not always.
If you can’t handle disagreement or have no sense of humor, I am sorry for you, and this blog is not for you.
It is not hate speech or harassment when someone exercises their constitutional rights and voices an opinion or concern nor is someone a closed minded, racist, bigot, homophobe simply because they don’t agree with you. You should instead celebrate the vitality that produces all these opinions. For those self appointed people who want to silence others, I have some news for you, sorry not a chance.
I would love to link with your website if you agree to link back otherwise forget it .If your website is lame or spends all its time attacking me and or this blog you need a life not a link.
PJ Blogger
>From the sound of some of the posts it seems we have hit a nerve, so the fly asks is culturalalladay really a positive uplifting experience for students or just another PC anti- American day ? According to a poster “Cultural Alladay was proposed by STUDENTS in 1992 to honor the diversity of cultures on this earth. It helps kids learn about their own heritage and culture while learning from and respecting the heritages and cultures of others.” Buts heres where the fly and other posters smell a rat, the poster continues’” You may not agree with all aspects of a “foreign” culture, but the mindset that allows you to thereby write off complete cultures is what leads to conflicts and wars. Honestly, if other cultures use your standards — and only judge us by the way we treat women (non-equal pay, skimpy maternity leave, etc.) or by our problems with handguns or drugs, or the lack of healthcare for the poor — would you blame them for writing us off? The “culture of freedom”? HAAAAAA you gotta be kidding. Cultural Alladay celebrates the ARTS of different cultures and the use of art to encourage peace and understanding. Your immature, selfish injection of politics into something simple and peaceful is gross.” Apparently this poster is un aware that in many countries women are still considered property, there is no health care, the secret police run your life ,there is dire poverty and there is no individual freedom what so ever .
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MEET SPORTS WRITER MIKE LUPICA Thursday, November 15th Middle grade readers and fans are welcome to join Ridgewood Parks and Recreation for a special evening with author Mike Lupica as he introduces his new series “Comeback Kids”. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., join us at the Community Center in Village Hall for pizza, soda, and desserts. The cost is $5.00 per person (payable to Ridgewood Parks and Recreation). Afterwards, the group will walk to Bookends for Mr. Lupica’s book signing. There will be reserved seating for all who registered and pre-ordered a book. Orders are currently being accepted for two books in his new series “Comeback Kids”; “Hot Hand” and “Two-Minute Drill” can be purchased for $ 10.00 each (checks payable to Bookends). All sales through the Department of Parks and Recreation will benefit the Community Center. A special thank you to Bookends! Register by mail or in person to The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. For further information, please call 201-670-5560.
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>New posters or readers here should keep in mind that there is a small but dedicated cadre of reform math supporters from places far from Ridgewood who take pleasure in masquerading as ‘stakeholders’ in local debates.
True ‘gadflies’, motivated by politics above all else, they are more than willing to interrupt conversations between local debate participants with stink-bomb posts designed to elicit an emotional reaction from you, for which you are then criticized as having somehow demonstrated hypocrisy (read: “check mate”).
I for one find this behavior pathetic. But to each his own. Looking on the bright side, if this is the sum total of all the support the Reform Math movement can muster on a Ridgewood-centric website, it’s probably a good thing. It tends to show that truly local supporters of that curriculum have exhausted their store of potentially persuasive arguments in support of their position, and are now running on fumes, hoping and praying that the tincture of time will relieve them of their current troubles.
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>The Board of Education has re-hired School Leadership LLC to find another new superintendent. They are using the following criteria, which they say was developed with the help of the community. We need a serious intervention or we will end up with another Brooks — cagey, duplicitous, ideologically extreme and smooth as silk. I suggest a complete retooling of these six criteria (listed below) as they are outlined in jargon, education platitudes and gobbledygook. Some suggestions might include the following:
*1. An educator with significant leadership experience, preferably as a superintendent, in a high-expectation school community–
How about: A CEO type individual with experience in business and education (not being a life-long educrat is a big plus) whom others in diverse constituencies have been willing to follow and respect, and who is resilient in the face of diminished expectations emanating from our present school board and curriculum head. A person whose services remain in demand, and for whom we must compete rather than someone who was “let go” by his or her former employer.
*2. An exceptional listener and communicator, with outstanding speaking, writing and interpersonal skills, who has built trust among all members of a school community–
How about: A person for whom honesty is the best policy. One who values forthrightness and frank discussions with parents, students, staff, consultants and the school board. The ability to be a “smooth talker” is not a requirement.
*3. A visible instructional leader, willing to first become intimately acquainted with the Ridgewood schools and community and then share a compelling vision and plan for continued growth–
How about: A person already knowledgeable of the tenets that constituted Ridgewood’s past tradition of excellence, and one for whom that goal would be at the heart of the district’s continued growth.
*4. An administrator who empowers others to carry out the district’s goals but remains accountable for all areas of leadership, including finance and facilities–
Sorry, but an administrator is just another word for a bureaucrat. Administrators do not empower people, rather they employ the leadership survival tools of CYA. No administrator bureaucrat type need apply (see 1).
*5. A strong leader, with demonstrated success in contributing to an effective approach to governance involving the Board, the staff and the school community–
Interesting that parents and taxpayers are notably absent from this particular sentence. How about: Someone who expects to be accountable to parents and taxpayers for the direction of Ridgewood’s schools.
*6. A proven educator, flexible and caring, who will passionately advocate for the learning needs of all (their emphasis) students in the Ridgewood Public Schools–
To whom exactly must this flexible and caring person advocate? How about: A person able to display powerful knowledge of the nation’s education system, including its strengths but, more importantly, its weaknesses so that efforts can be undertaken to limit the system’s harmful byproduct to the education process. Such byproducts include efforts promoted by schools of education to implement more non-academic programs in the classroom; efforts by education publishers to advocate, promote and sell dubious and controversial product; efforts by the teachers union and its supporters to lessen instructional time and add perks to compensation agreements; and efforts to gear curriculum and assessments to merely address statewide standards for proficient student performance.
Adding a 7th:
Someone able to clean up the present inequity and overall weakness of our math program and set our curriculum selections on course to be challenging while ensuring that all students receive the proper support in school to achieve at the standards of a Ridgewood education.
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