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Sullivan: Former Ridgewood kicker Younghoe Koo pursuing NFL dream

nfl-on-grass

Tara Sullivan , NorthJerseyPublished 10:57 a.m. ET May 11, 2017 | Updated 1 hour ago

At first, it was the confusion. Then it was the loneliness.

Lost in this new American world, Younghoe Koo did his best to navigate the halls of Ridgewood’s Benjamin Franklin Middle School. But the sixth-grader didn’t speak the language, didn’t know the customs and didn’t, perhaps worst of all, know a soul. The lack of connection to kids his own age had built an imposing barrier from his old life in South Korea to his new one in New Jersey, cacophonous confusion by day, quiet solitude by night.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/columnists/tara-sullivan/2017/05/11/sullivan-former-ridgewood-kicker-younghoe-koo-pursuing-nfl-dream/317485001/

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Two Vehicle’s Airbags Stolen in Ridgewood

Ridgewood_Police_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

May 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on May 6, two vehicles parked within the Village of Ridgewood were discovered to have the driver’s side door locks removed and the vehicle’s airbags stolen. One vehicle was parked at the Park-n-Ride located at 575 Route 17 North between 5/5/17 and 5/6/17 and the second vehicle was parked at the Graydon Pool north parking lot on Linwood Avenue on 5/6/17. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incidents.

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Taxpayer Foot $70,000 for ADA Ramp at HealthBarn Building at Habernickel Park in Ridgewood

Habernickel Park Gate House

May 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Questions where raised at Wednesday’s Village council meeting by resident Boyd Loving as to why the Village was agreeing to build a $70,000 ADA ramp for a building a private business HealthBarn  in Habernickel Park.The council looked like deer in the headlights , clearly caught off guard by the question .

It currently appears that HealthBarn is making no contribution and leases the property for $50,000. So the question arises why is the Village paying $70,000 for a property we are only receiving $50,000 ?

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Ridgewood Councilmen Voigt was caught in what appeared to be conspiring with the Alfred P. Doblin of NorthJersey media

Jeff Voigt

file photo by Boyd Loving

May 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Councilmen Voigt was caught in what appeared to be conspiring with the Alfred P. Doblin ,NorthJersey media from the Bergen Record  on Gay Flag issue . Voigt was caught in what looked like an attempt to undermine the council . Sounds like an Aronsohn move.

A reader commented , “Wedge issue, Voigt just fed his council colleagues a cr** sandwich. They willingly ate it and will now need to live with the electoral consequences. Snap prediction: neither Knudsen nor Sedon will end up running for re-election. Four members of the Council just revealed themselves as soft-minded, and the fifth, a devious alinskyite and a dedicated Aronsohn-style progressive. What a disaster.”

Reader says, “He doesn’t have the chops for this and ought to resign. Machiavelli would have deplored his childish outbursts and petulant behavior. Last night, outraged at having been discovered in his supposedly secret machinations that were actually on the public record because he used his official email address, he stormed out of the building before the closed session, probably to the relief of the other four council members who were about discuss items such as…bullying. Jeff, you’re demonstrating precisely the attitudes and alliances we feared. The years when three good council candidates must be found are tough! We did the best we could in 2016, but it wasn’t good enough.”

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Ridgewood Police Continue to Seek Clues “Swastika” Graffiti

Ridgewood Police Continue to Seek Clues "Swastika" Graffiti

file photo by Boyd Loving

May 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ptl. Kevin McKeon responded to Shelton Road at the corner of Pershing Avenue to investigate acts of criminal mischief on the wall of the property. Upon arrival graffiti was observed to have been drawn on the concrete wall at the corner of the property. A swastika was drawn and a figure of a person smoking was drawn in a chalk like substance. Patrol units at the scene investigated, photographed and spoke with the property owner who reported he believed the criminal mischief occurred between 5/5/17 and 5/6/17. The drawings were removed from the wall and the Ridgewood Detective Bureau is continuing the investigation.

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Ridgewood Business Falls Prey to PSEG Phone Scam

Nigerian scam michael-scott-

May 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report on May 5, Ptl. Douglas Busche responded to a business located on East Ridgewood Avenue to investigate a report of fraud and theft. Upon arrival the business owner reported receiving a phone call from a female purporting to represent PSEG. The caller stated the business had an outstanding unpaid balance which needed to be paid immediately or the service would be terminated. The caller instructed the business owner to purchase pre-paid debit cards then give the caller the serial numbers of the cards. The business owner complied and the caller then requested the purchase of additional debit cards which is when the business owner realized the call was a scam and notified police.

The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind citizens and business owners of the increased amount of scams, frauds and identity thefts. Always investigate communications made through postal mail, telephone and/or the internet to prevent fraud and deceptive activity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department to ensure you’re not becoming a victim of these scams.

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2 Ridgewood Teens Arrested for possessing an explosive device, intent to manufacture CDS and obstruction of justice

ridgewood police

photo by Boyd Loving

May 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

olice Blotter 4/10/17

Ridgewood NJ, According to the Ridgewood police as a result of an investigation, two adult males were arrested on May 3 on Olivia Street and one juvenile was released at the scene to a parent. One 18-year-old Ridgewood male was transported to Ridgewood Police headquarters, processed and charged with knowingly possessing an explosive device, possession with intent to manufacture CDS, distribution of CDS., and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 19-year-old Ridgewood male was also arrested at the scene, transported Ridgewood Police headquarters, and charged with obstruction of justice and possession of CDS. Both males were released with a pending court date.

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Support The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration “Honoring Those Who Serve” Tuesday, July 4, 2017 !

Ridgewood Celebrates the 4th of July

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is an all volunteer, community funded event that receives no direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood.  In addition to our generous sponsors and to ensure our tradition continues we need your support! Donate Now at the link below:

SUPPORT THE TRADITION!

RIDGEWOOD FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Please join us for the 107th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee 2017 is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The 2017 theme recognizes and honors the many men and women who dedicate their work and life to others through military, police, fire, ems or civil service.

Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held among the town’s elementary schools.

Thank you for your continued support of this great tradition!

-The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Commitee

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Airbnb rentals in New Jersey may be taxed by next year

Ridgewoodrealestate55_theridgewoodbliog

file photo of Ridgewood Real-estate

By Michael Symons May 10, 2017 5:33 PM

Home-sharing rentals may be taxed in New Jersey beginning next year, under a bill with the blessing of Airbnb that took another step through the Legislature on Wednesday.

The bill would impose the same sales and lodging taxes that hotels and motels already collect. In some municipalities, that adds up to 18 percent, said bill sponsor Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-Union.

“There are many reasons why this bill should be enacted. In a nutshell, it’s really about fairness,” said Quijano.

“The way our laws are right now provide a considerable disadvantage to those who already run hotel and motel businesses and are a considerable hurdle to those contemplating investing in our hotels and motels in this state,” she said.

“I don’t believe that all those who use Airbnb or other services like it are necessarily choosing it because they love the idea of home sharing over a hotel or motel,” Quijano said. “I believe much of the choice is driven by the fact that home sharing services have a huge competitive advantage. They don’t have to pay taxes.”

Read More: Home-sharing rentals in New Jersey may be taxed by next year | https://nj1015.com/airbnb-rentals-in-new-jersey-may-be-taxed-by-next-year/?trackback=tsmclip 

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Why there’s a chance N.J. licenses won’t work as ID at airports this fall

nj MVC drivers licenses

By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on May 10, 2017 at 9:39 AM, updated May 10, 2017 at 11:37 AM

New Jersey may not make an October deadline to have state driver’s licenses conform to stricter security requirements to meet the federal Real ID act.

The state may need a “short extension” past October to meet the standards, said Ray Martinez, Motor Vehicle Commission chief administrator.

“We are very confident it will be done by the end of the year, but it may not be in October,” Martinez said at an assembly budget committee hearing on Monday. “Real ID compliance is top priority.”

New Jersey is one of 12 states that have an extension until October. A first extension was granted in January 2016 by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Not meeting the Real ID requirements would mean New Jersey driver’s licenses and non-license ID cards issued by the MVC would not be accepted at airports for identification. Currently, licenses and other ID issued in four states are not accepted for identification by federal agencies because they don’t meet Real ID standards.

https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/05/why_theres_a_chance_nj_licenses_wont_work_as_id_at_airports_this_fall.html#incart_river_home

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Ridgewood’s Emergency Services Honored by Village Council

Ridgewood's Emergency Services Honored by Village Council

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

May 10th 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , Volunteer members of Ridgewood’s Emergency Medical Services organization were on hand to receive an official proclamation declaring the week of May 21 through 27, 2017 as Emergency Medical Services Week in the Village of Ridgewood. The proclamation was made and presented by Ridgewood’s Mayor, Susan Knudsen, and members of the Ridgewood Village Council during a Village Council Public Meeting held on Wednesday evening, May 10.

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Ridgewood has an all volunteer Ridgewood EMT’s , who answer 1700 calls a year, 21,000 hours of time . Mayor Knudsen and the Village council honored the Village EMT’s . Mayor Knudsen specificity thanked the EMT’s for being so attentive on recent visits to her father house ,twice in the last several weeks. The EMT’s responded that “It was our privilege and pleasure to serve the Village” .

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The Village of Ridgewood Has a Budget

village-hall-theridgewoodblog
May 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  the Village budget was up loaded on April 27th after it was approved by the state on New Jersey . The tax hike over last year is about .04%  ,hardly massive. The previous administration increased the budget 1.6% , this Village council is looking for an increase of 2%.

The council made an effort to balance many competing issues and expenses with an eye on investing in the future of the Village as opposed to the previous administration which used emergency funds to pay for current non emergency expenses .

The Mayor and Council continued their on going battle with the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) which continues its ill informed agenda driven attacks on the Village Council.

The mayor explained the parking pass rate increase , and the overall allocation of parking.  There has been an attempt to push use of less utilized parking through a lower rate and get employees off the street with discounted parking .The parking rate increase of $1000 was proposed by the from the Financial Advisories Committee , but the Council raised the rate to $750.It was important to balance commuters with shoppers with CBD employees.

The recent letter published in the media by former Village manager mirrored a letter that was sent to the Village council by the FAC.

In response to the Ridgewood News letter to the editor written by Roberta Sonenfeld: Residents should be cautious relying on the content due to errors, omissions and misrepresentations.

• Sonenfeld’s suggestion that the process wasn’t transparent is remarkable! The process followed is the same she was required to follow as former Village Manager. AS REQUIRED BY LAW, once the budget is introduced it must be reviewed by the Village auditor and afterwards, again as required by law, must be submitted to the State in THEIR BUDGET FORMAT for review with the completion of a check list and all required documentation. This process is no different than any other year – even during those years she was village manager. When the budget is advertised, it advises the public to contact the Village CFO with the appropriate phone number and extension. No phone calls have been received to date.• Sonenfeld’s feigned surprise about the use of “rainy day” funds is curious since Sonenfeld utilized the surplus over and over again. She need only review her use of $3.032mil in 2015 and $3.3mil in 2016. The 2017 use of surplus, at approximately 10% more, is well within the amounts stipulated by the guidelines of the resolution recommended by Sonenfeld and adopted by Village Council last year for the utilization of “rainy day” reserves.

• Sonenfeld writes, “the budget proposes $7.4 million in authorized general debt for 2017 – an 88 percent increase over last year.” If she had provided the actual 2016 amount of $6.021 million ( authorized general debt) readers would have recognized her math error…. The increase of 21% NOT 88% – the difference is for possible property acquisition. Remember this is not incurred debt, IT IS AUTHORIZED BUT NOT ISSUED

• Too other many errors, omissions and misrepresentations to list!!! The Mayor says you can email if you have any questions: [email protected]

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Ridgewood Comes Out of The Closet on Gay Pride

gay flag

May 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, Mayor Knudsen read a statement addressing displaying the “Pride Flag” in the Village of Ridgewood .The Mayor answered some over the top criticism , name calling and threats toward the Village council over that flag .

The Village Council approved flying a rainbow flag, a symbol of gay pride, at Van Neste Square for the month of June in recognition of Gay Pride Month.

As previously reported by this blog much of the name calling was in clear violation of the spirit of inclusion of ‘Gay Pride ” and motivated by small minded political agenda’s.  Poor behavior of many residents on this issue show how far we have to go in excepting and respecting our differences and differences of opinion.

While no surprise the corporate media fed by failed special agenda politics continues to misrepresent the Village’s position on the “rainbow flag” and the Villages intent .
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Reader says cultural Marxists really want more, and flying a flag is a useful psychological device in asserting power on how everyone should think

McGoohan_Prisoner

Councilmen Jeff Voigt Letter: “Ridgewood must embrace the LGBT community ”

https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/05/09/letter-ridgewood-must-embrace-lgbt-community/312776001/

Editors note: Did Jeff say “must embrace the LGBT community”, ie must seems to imply force ? Are we really going down this road ? Like I said before inclusion comes from how people treat each other ,not from phony pretenses. 

Why not just pass a proclamation saying The Village of Ridgewood, during Gay Pride Month, celebrates all of our LBGTQ citizens, and fully supports their equal rights. Done, everyone happy. However, the cultural Marxists among the supporters really want more, and flying a flag is a useful psychological device in asserting power and how everyone should think. No shades of gray allowed,

As for Mt, Carmel, a nun in my daughters school flies the flag in front of her office. Don’t care, not my business. I think Mt. Carmel will simply stay out of the fray, especially as feelings may be mixed among the priests and elders of the Church.

Of course, the churches in town may be sorry at some point as the Cultural Marxist influence grows

Lot of truly dangerous people on that FB page. Challenge, as I did, you will get booted.

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Reader says Voigt is undoubtedly recruiting like-minded candidates to run

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood Council

file photo by Boyd Loving

Every time he seems to have calmed down, he comes out with another Aronsohn-like outrage. Dissing his fellow council members in public before the issue was even decided was pretty low and only makes him look bad.

Known and unknown detractors and calumniators of our mayor are diligent, working toward her political reduction and the resurrection of the Aronsohn faction. There is a level of sophistication in their machinations that our Village has never before seen or experienced. In some ways this speaks well of ordinary citizens in Ridgewood, in that the big guns of political warfare are now being rolled out to try to disarm and discourage them, and yet our non-political municipal heritage is not really yielding to the pressure. Most towns get caught unawares, leading to easy takeovers by the democratic machine. The reader who posted this is quite astute. Voight is undoubtedly recruiting like-minded candidates to run, win, and serve with him for at least a two-year period as a new majority that would marginalize Councilpersons Coughlin-Walsh and Hache much like the present Mayor and Deputy Mayor suffered at the hands of former Mayor Aronsohn and his cronies. Their treatment was atrocious and they are due a debt of gratitude for persisting and waiting for the dawn the way they did.