Tag: Ridgewood Parks & Recreation

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Ridgewood Water does not add fluoride to your drinking water

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July 1,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water does not add fluoride to your drinking water.Water hardness in our service area is 14 grains or 250ppm.
If your water is discolored, (gray, brown, yellow, orange) this is most likely due to minerals building up in our water mains. These minerals are harmless, but as more people start watering their lawns and turning on sprinkler systems, these minerals can loosen and end up in the water supply. This discoloration can also occur when Ridgewood Water does routine maintenance on it’s facilities that increases the velocity in the mains. Although it is aesthetically unappealing, it is safe to drink. We recommend avoiding doing laundry until discoloration clears.

If your water has a cloudy or milky appearance this is usually caused by air dissolved in the water. We recommend to take a glass of cold water from the tap and set it on a flat surface. If the water begins to clear from the bottom up within a few minutes, it can be concluded that dissolved air is the cause of the cloudiness. If the water does not clear up or you notice particles settling on the bottom of the glass please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526 and notify them of your issue.

If your water has a unusual taste or odor, please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526.
Ridgewood Water does not make recommendations as to water filters or softeners.

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The Spirit of America’s Story: The Wall is a Traveling Exhibit Commemorating Our Country’s Fight for Freedom from 1775 to Present Day

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June 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, “The Wall is a richly illustrated visual story of America’s struggles for freedom, a visual walk through our country’s history and our fight to be free. Our goal is to capture and preserve the spirit, the sacrifices and rich history of the American people. We do this by honoring those men and women in uniformed service who have and are currently serving and protecting our way of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness both here and abroad.” (Quotation excerpted from www.spiritofamericasstory.com/) Courtesy of Stanley A. Kober .

The Wall is a visual timeline of every major conflict our country has ever faced and see the challenges our military had to overcome. Students of every age were impressed as well as the adults that viewed this display. They left with a clearer understanding of our history and a heartfelt response of patriotism. I cannot believe this group came to our school and did this for such a low cost. They were with us all day, presented to every group that dropped by and then stayed for our evening band concert and presented to all parents that attended. Very professional!” —Teacher

 

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In the event of a New Jersey state government shutdown, all NJ TRANSIT services will continue to operate on their regular schedules

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June 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In the event of a potential state government shutdown, all NJ TRANSIT services will continue to operate on their regular schedules.

NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Tuesday, July 3, for the benefit of customers leaving work early in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4. In addition, there will be service changes throughout the NJ TRANSIT system on July 4.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will not be permitted on board train/bus/light rail cars. This policy will be strictly enforced. As a reminder, beverages of any kind are not permitted at any time on board buses regardless of the event.

On Tuesday, July 3:

Starting at approximately 1:00 p.m., extra outbound service will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines to accommodate early customer departures. Visit www.njtransit.com for details.

Many bus lines will feature service adjustments throughout the day. Visit www.njtransit.com more information.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

On Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, with these additions:
Additional Bay Head-Long Branch trains on the North Jersey Coast line (which began service 6/24); see NJCL timetable for details HERE.
An additional train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
NJ TRANSIT will adjust Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) for the Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival at Exchange Place.

Between 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

At the request of public safety officials, beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. light rail vehicles will travel through Exchange Place but will bypass the Exchange Place stop. Customers will not be able to board or exit light rail vehicles at Exchange Place during this time. Customers may use Essex St. or Harborside as alternates.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m.:

Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken Terminal southbound trains will terminate at Harborside.
West Side Avenue and 8th Street northbound trains will terminate at Essex Street.
There will be no direct light rail service from 8th Street to Hoboken Terminal or from Tonnelle Avenue to West Side Avenue.
Normal HBLR service will resume when the New Jersey Transit Police Department determines it is safe to reopen Exchange Place to light rail traffic.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus service levels will vary by line. Visit www.njtransit.com for more information.

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The bike lane to nowhere for no-one

Bike Lane Traffic Easing Ridgewood

June 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on the Ridgewood blog yesterday several readers discussed the,” bike lane to nowhere for no-one” . A  reader asked , “Speaking of the bike lane to nowhere, didn’t the police department recommend portions be removed and didn’t the Village Council pass a resolution to have the work done? Well, it’s still there.”

As far as we know the “bike lane to nowhere or the suicide bike lane” is still there and still leads to nowhere .

While another reader said , “Correction Rutishauser said he would do something and he didn’t. He’s in charge and he as usual, ignored what the residence demanded. And he ignored what the Council told him to do, he should be fired.”

Another reader asked , Please don’t remove the bike lane yet. After all these years, I want to see someone actually use it. Right now, it’s the bike lane to nowhere for no-one. ”

 

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Ridgewood Retail Food Establishments Q2 2018 Inspection Report

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June 30, 2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Retail Food Establishments Q2 2018 Inspection Report . The Q2 report shows no restaurants in the Village  with an unsatisfactory  rating .

The retail food establishment operator shall post the most recent evaluation placard in a conspicuous place so the public may view the placard. The evaluation placard shall identify that the establishment is one of the following:

Satisfactory The establishment has been found to be operating in substantial compliance with N.J.A.C. 8:24 and Chapter 156 of Village Ordinances.

Conditionally Satisfactory The establishment has been found not to be operating in substantial compliance with N.J.A.C. 8:24 and Chapter 156 of Village Ordinances. Due to the nature of these violations, a re-inspection is required and will be conducted.

Unsatisfactory The establishment has been found to be operating in violation of N.J.A.C. 8:24 and Chapter 156 of Village Ordinances and the violation(s) constitute gross unsanitary or unsafe conditions which pose an imminent health hazard. The Health Department shall institute necessary measures provided by law to assure that the establishment does not prepare or serve food until the establishment is reevaluated and the conditions which warranted the unsatisfactory evaluation no longer exist.

Full report : https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/images/RIDGEWOOD_RETAIL_FOOD_ESTABLISHMENTS_Q2_2018.pdf

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EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING

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June 30,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog 

Ridgewood NJ,The Ridgewood Library will be available over the weekend to cool off, on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

The National Weather Servic has issued an Excessive Heat Watch, which is in effect from Sunday afternoon through
Monday evening.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES...In the upper 90s on Saturday afternoon and
  early evening. Up to 107 in the afternoon and early evening
  Sunday and Monday.

* TIMING...Highest heat indices will occur in the afternoon and
  early evening.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-
  risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may
  cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees
for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

An Excessive Heat Watch means that the combination of heat and humidity could create a dangerous situation in which heat
illnesses are possible. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous
activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight
and loose fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk. Homes without air conditioning
can be much hotter than outdoors.

Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members
and neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.


The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Action Day for the following counties...

Bergen...Essex...Passaic...Union...Hudson.

An Ozone Action Day has been declared! Ozone is forecast to reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups category for locations
along the I-95 corridor of New Jersey due to light winds, record high temperatures, and abundant sunshine. Sensitive individuals
including the very young, the elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities
during the afternoon and early evening hours.

For additional information...please visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Web site at...
https://www.njaqinow.net
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Ridgewood Water Meets Erin Brockovich

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June 29,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently released a report raising concerns about the presence of chromium 6 – also known as hexavalent chromium – in public water supplies.  Hexavalent chromium, a suspected carcinogen, is the contaminant made famous by the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich.”

https://theridgewoodblog.net/facebook-water-filter-ads-rattle-ridgewood-residents/

https://theridgewoodblog.net/environmental-groups-report-finds-arsenic-at-ridgewood-water/

Ridgewood Water shares the EWG’s concern for water quality and public health protection. Water utilities currently monitor for “total” chromium, of which hexavalent chromium is a component. Most public water utilities, including Ridgewood Water, are in compliance with the existing standard.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, which was established to protect the quality of drinking water, requires a rigorous scientific approach for evaluating contaminants for regulation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been looking at health effects data on hexavalent chromium. Ridgewood Water has been testing for this substance as part of the unregulated contaminant sampling program which provides data to EPA for scientific evaluation.

It’s important to remember that detecting a substance in water does not always imply a health risk. The key question that researchers seek to answer is whether the substance presents health concerns at the level it is detected. That’s why the federal regulatory process requires EPA to examine potential health impacts of the substance, paths of exposure and occurrence data. A thorough evaluation of all this data increases the likelihood that new regulations will offer meaningful risk reduction.  Ridgewood Water is committed to meeting all regulatory standards for public water supplies including any new requirements for hexavalent chromium that may be instituted.

For more information on chromium in drinking water, please refer to the following links:

Chromium by the numbers

https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/chromium-drinking-water

https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/chromium/en/

https://www.awwa.org/legislation-regulation/regulations/contaminants/hexavalent-chromium.aspx#3329298-recent-research

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HVAC Upgrades at Village of Ridgewood Municipal Building, Ridgewood, New Jersey

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June 29,2018

the staff of the Ridge3wood blog

Sealed bid proposals will be received by the Village of Ridgewood, in the Village Hall Level Four Courtroom, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time, and then publicly opened and read aloud for the following project:

“HVAC Upgrades at Village of Ridgewood Municipal Building, Ridgewood, NJ”

The principal items of the work of the project include: Existing bypass boxes for the RTU’s are to be replaced. The existing Trane Varitrac III DDC controls BMS shall be upgraded to a new BACnet open protocol BMS with new front end workstation. Install new bypass boxes associated with three (3) existing packaged rooftop HVAC units, AC-1-3-5, AC-2, and AC-4. The discharge air pressure of the three (3) RTU’s shall be increased by changing the fan/motor sheaves. Integrate existing HVAC system Trane DDC controls and upgrade the DDC controls to a new web-based BACnet open protocol BMS with new front end computer and provide new graphics for entire HVAC system. Functional performance verification and commissioning of all RTU’s, VAV boxes, and associated reheat coils and bypass boxes. Replace three (3) existing ductless split AC units with new units. Detailed testing, adjusting and balancing of all three (3) RTU’s (in terms of outside air, return air, supply air, economizer, maximum outside air), all air outlets and air inlets on all floors (including balancing partially ducted floor by floor return air ducts). Rebalance outside air for all three (3) RTU’s. Provide one (1) spare fan motor of each type (rating) for all three (3) RTU’s. Replace defective VAV boxes, damper actuators, and other related work for a complete project.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by mail from the office of LAN Associates, Engineering, Planning, Architecture, Surveying, Inc., 445 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey 07432, for a non-refundable fee of $75 per set of bid documents. Documents may be examined or picked up in person between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 445 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432, Monday through Friday. Prospective bidders requesting bid documents be mailed to them shall be responsible for providing their own postage/delivery service remuneration. No Specifications and/or Proposal forms shall be given out after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2018.
A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference & Walk-Through for the purpose of considering questions posed by all Bidders will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Ridgewood Municipal Building, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. It is RECOMMENDED that Bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference for purposes of clarifying specific information concerning the Project work, hearing other Bidders’ questions regarding various aspects of the Project and the answers thereto, and learning the manner of proper completion and submission of the Bid Documents to ensure a responsive Bid. A Bidder’s failure to attend the Pre-Bid Conference is at its own risk.
The contractual obligation of the Village of Ridgewood under this Contract for these items is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for this Contract can be made.

Prices quoted must be net and exclusive of all Federal, State and Local Sales and Excise Taxes. Bids may be submitted in person or by mail prior to the bid opening, addressed to the Office of the Village Clerk. The Village assumes no responsibility for loss or non-delivery of any bid sent to it prior to the Bid opening.

Each bid must be enclosed in a sealed envelope with the name of the bidder thereon and endorsed, “HVAC Upgrades at Village of Ridgewood Municipal Building, Ridgewood, NJ” and must be accompanied by the following: a certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond (Schedule B), drawn to the order of the Village of Ridgewood for ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or $20,000, whichever is less; a Consent of Surety (Schedule A); a Corporation or Partnership Statement (Schedule C); a Non-Collusion Affidavit (Schedule D); a Statement of Responsibility (Schedule E); and the Disclose of Investment Activities in Iran (Schedule I). Any award or awards may be made at a later or subsequent time or meeting of the Village Council. All required schedules, that is Schedule A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I, are required to be submitted on the forms attached to the bid documents. No other forms will be accepted.
The successful bidder shall comply with all applicable provisions of the PrevailingWage Act, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Labor. All contractors, their subcontractors, and material suppliers shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Public Works Contractor Registration Act, pursuant to Public Law 1999 Chapter 238 and the Contractor Business Registration Program, pursuant to Public Law 2004 Chapter 57. Evidence of satisfactory registrations shall be submitted at the time of the bid. All bids submitted shall contain a copy of the bidder’s New Jersey Business Registration Certificate and a copy of the bidder’s Certificate of Employee Information Report.
The successful bidder shall furnish and deliver to the Village of Ridgewood a performance and payment bond in the amount of 100 percent of the accepted bid amount as security for the faithful performance of the Contract. Additionally, the successful bidder shall furnish policies or Certificates of Insurance required by the Contract. In default thereof, said checks and/or bid bond and the amount represented thereby shall be forfeited to the Village of Ridgewood as liquidated damages, not as a penalty.

Proposals submitted by Bidders and/or Bidder’s Insurance Company(ies) not chartered in the State of New Jersey, must be accompanied by proper certificate(s) from the Secretary of State, indicating that such Bidders, Bidder’s Insurance Company(ies), and/or Surety Company(ies) is (are) authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey. The Village of Ridgewood reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informalities or to accept a bid, which in its judgment best serves the interest of the Village. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of sixty-days (60) after the date and time set for the opening of bids.
“BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27). A complete statement as to these requirements is included in the specifications.”
By Order of the Village Manager

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Cool Down at Graydon Pool

Ridgewood Graydon Pool

GRAYDON POOL 2018 SEASON
June 2 through Labor Day, September 3, 2018
Early Season – June 2 through June 21
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends – 10 am to 7:30 pm
Regular Season – June 22 through August 12
Daily 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday**, July 4th, closes 4 pm
Late Season – August 13 through Labor Day, September 3
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm

GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES

RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
***Purchase resident adult and child badges between April 1 and April 30 to receive a 10% discount.***
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
LATE SEASON ADULT MEMBERSHIP – $60.00 (available August 1st)
LATE SEASON CHILD MEMBERSHIP – $55.00 (available August 1st)
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

NON-RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by a current season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

Purchase all badges from the comfort of home via CommunityPass (Visa and Mastercard accepted). In person assistance is available daily at the Graydon Badge Office, on site at the pool facility. Hours vary by season dates.

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HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM EDT SATURDAY

heat stroke

June 29,2018

the staff of the Ridgewod blog

Ridgewood NJ, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM EDT Saturday.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…In the upper 90s. Heat index values will be at least a few degrees higher on Sunday.

* TIMING…Highest heat indices in the mid to late afternoon.

* IMPACTS…Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity
may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees
for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

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What does a 1% hike in the New Jersey property transfer fee mean to you?

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

June 29,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Jim Arakelian of REMAX , “What does a 1% hike in the state property transfer fee mean to you? Selling price $500,000 x 1% = $5000.of your homes value to the State of N.J. add this to the current (see picture below) tax and you will be paying the State of NJ nearly $10,000 to sell your $500,000 house.”

The medium sale price in Ridgewood in 2018 was $760,000.

 

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The Trump administration releases proposed draft of its new shorter 1040 form

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June 29,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, The Trump administration on Thursday released a proposed draft of its new 1040 tax form, which is shorter than the current form but could require additional documentation depending on the financial circumstances of the taxpayer.

Draft 1040

1040

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which eliminated certain deductions, helped the administration shrink the size of the main individual tax form. Items that used to be included on the main form, however, are now moved to subsequent schedules.It should be noted that these documents are just drafts and may not reflect the finished product.

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Dump trucks rumble down South Broad Street from Brogan Cadillac site – Residents furious

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photos by Boyd Loving

June 29,2018

by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood NJ, Despite objections voiced by local residents to Ridgewood Village Manager Heather Mailander, and to members of the Ridgewood Village Council, heavily loaded tandem axle dump trucks are being permitted to use portions of South Broad Street that are primarily residential as a travel route to and from the former Brogan Cadillac site, which is now undergoing demolition in preparation for the start of high density housing construction. The Village had considered the temporary removal of a speed hump in order to reduce the likelihood of noise and foundation damaging vibrations, but as these photos (taken on 06/28) indicate, that did not happen.

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Reader asks What’s your ulterior motive for presupposing an ulterior motive?

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Who does Mena know in RW? Why is this even being posted here? Just to get sympathy? Money? What?

Reader responds , “Ummm, probably because the RW Blog covers local, STATE, and national news? Up there at the top in the header right under the giant title “The Ridgewood Blog”. Also, because it’s a human-interest story, one in line with the laissez-fairs perspective, which is also in big letters up top? Maybe TRWB is just damn good at finding and sharing interesting current events. Also, why does someone have to have an ulterior motive for wanting to conduct themselves peacefully on their own property? If you’re cool with the government coming down on you and your family and your neighbors arbitrarily, then move along. What’s your ulterior motive for presupposing an ulterior motive?

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Ridgewood Public Library : Make your own patio planters

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June 28,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Add some beauty to your summer! Join us this Thurs, June 28 at 6:30pm on the Library Patio to create your own planter. Registration required: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=5615&EventID=345536&PK