Tag: Ridgewood Public Library

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Ridgewood Village Council Responds to Erroneous Assertions Made By Former Village Manager on Village Budget

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

May 9,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Village council responds to erroneous assertions made by former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfled.

IMPORTANT: In response to a recent Ridgewood News letter to the editor written by Roberta Sonenfled: 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 follewed is the same shwas 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 check list and all required documentation. This process is no different than any other year – even during those 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 in 21% NOT 88% – the difference is for possible property acquisition. Remember this is not incurred debt, IT IS AUTHORIZED BUT NOT ISSUED

• Too many error, omissions and misrepresentations to list!!!
Again readers should consider the source. Email if you have any questions: sknudsen@ridgewoodnj.net

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Latest Problem for New Jersey Transit: Collecting Fares

NJT ticket machine

By EMMA G. FITZSIMMONSMAY 7, 2017

New Jersey Transit, one of the nation’s busiest commuter railroads, has been flogged by riders who have suffered through a brutal stretch of travel upheavals. The railroad’s safety record is under scrutiny after a fatal derailment last year.

Now, questions are being raised about how it handles a basic task: ensuring riders pay their fares.

More than 240,000 fares were not collected on New Jersey Transit last year because trains were crowded and understaffed, according to a letter sent in March to the railroad’s executive director from the union representing conductors. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, said uncollected fares could represent more than $5.5 million in lost revenue.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/07/nyregion/latest-problem-for-new-jersey-transit-collecting-fares.html?_r=0

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Reader says The reality is that there really is a declining shopping-in-Ridgewood demand

clock_cbd_theridgewoodblog

It simply won’t work due to parking psychology. The target market for the people who are supposedly in need of extra arking places are the shoppers and diners. These people simply won’t use a parking facility of this kind. First we have the shoppers. The reality is that there really is a declining shopping-in-Ridgewood demand. It’s not a Ridgewood thing but a national thing where people are changing their shopping habits, moving more and more to online, and when they do go brick and mortar, it’s big box places. As for diners, yes, there will always be the dining crowd, however, they will simply go to a different town to eat if they can’t find street, and more importantly, free parking.

This garage will be the equivalent of the Simpson’s monorail.

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Reader Questions Former Village Managers Objectivity

Roberta

file photo of Roberta interfering with petitioners

The same Roberta Sonnefeld who:

>Created a revenue scheme to fine taxpayers during leaf collection season and bragged about the tens of thousands of dollars the village collected?
>Refused to detail how much parking fees would increase under the monster garage plan?
>Took a giant check on behalf of the village from the baseball association to help convert Schedler to a “field” despite residents saying they didn’t want it?
>Ignored residents pleas before and after the “bike lane to nowhere” was painted as congestion overtook the overpass as they predicted then told them everything was fine and they were wrong?
>Actively worked with developer John Saraceno on behalf of the monster garage?
>Sat idly by as the historic commission violated conflict of interest rules when voting on the garage and sought to limit an elected member’s right to speak?
>Resigned saying she didn’t support the council’s agenda?

That same Roberta?

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Record Editor Uses Child’s Suicide to Push “Rainbow Flag” Talking Points

IWO JIMA FLAG RAISING

May 8,2017

PJ Blogger

Ridgewood NJ, in a recent editorial Alfred P. Doblin , NorthJersey media , ( https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/columnists/alfred-doblin/2017/05/07/doblin-its-2017-fly-pride-flag-ridgewood/311938001/ ) attempted to bully the Village council into hanging the “gay pride flag” over the village hall to prove we are an inclusive community .

Mr. Doblin in Ridgewood we are all Americans and the American flag is highest form of inclusion the world has ever known. Sorry if you dont like the American flag .In Ridgewood we are not defined by our race , creed or sexual preferences . Nor are we segregated by it .We are defined by our willingness in invest our energy and debate for our community . We don’t always agree on things , but in the end all the acrimony amounts to the fact that people really care about where they live .

In Ridgewood no one needs to prove anything to anyone , if you want to fly the “pride flag” in your front yard your more than welcome to do so . You see in Ridgewood we respect peoples choices , even if we may or may not agree with them.

However I do take special issue in using a child’s painful suicide as a lame attempt to manipulate pubic opinion . While some would suggest it is desperately “sick” , I will assume you are sadly misguided.

Instead of the focus on flag flying and calling people cowards or racists  I would suggest a change in editorial policy for Bergen Record . If you really want to help the gay community, perhaps embracing  a more aggressive vetting of refugees, might avoid more instances like the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, or the San Bernardino shooting. It would also lift suspicions off of people legitimately coming to our shores in hopes of making a better life.

Or better yet if your looking to raise flags ,there are many Mosques in New Jersey that should as you have suggested for Ridgewood prove they are “inclusive”,  and unfurl the rainbow flag right in front of their welcoming doors .

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Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus Presents Choral Spectacular “Carmina Burana”

Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus Presents Choral Spectacular “Carmina Burana”
May 7,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Westside Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood will be the venue for a choral spectacular of 200 voices from four New Jersey choruses, as the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus presents Carl Orff’s masterpiece “Carmina Burana.”  The concert will be given on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

Conducted by John J. Palatucci, the Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus will be joined in the performance by the Summit Chorale of Summit, NJ, the Columbia High School Chorus of South Orange, NJ, and the J. P. Stevens High School Chorus of Edison, NJ.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance purchase of tickets  may be made online at the Orpheus Club’s  website, www.ridgewoodorpheusclub.org

The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus has been a keystone of the cultural life of the tri-state region for 108 years. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest cultural institution in all of Bergen County. Now fifty voices strong, it is directed by John J. Palatucci and accompanied by pianist Ron Levy.

The Summit Chorale too can trace its lineage to 1909, founded as the Summit Choral Society. It has delighted central New Jersey audiences over the years, never more so than today under the hand of music director Dr. Thomas Juneau and accompanist Beth Robin. The Columbia High School Chorus of South Orange, NJ, performs under the musical direction of Jamie Bunce, and the J. P. Stevens High School Chorus of Edison, NJ. performs under the musical direction of Matthew Lee.

This concert is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Bergen County Division of the Cultural and Historic Affairs from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

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Ridgewood Sidewalk Sale Days-May 18, 19, 20, 2017

Ridgewood side walk sale
Fri, May 19, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Ridgewood Business District, E. Ridgewood Ave., and side streets

Come on down to Ridgewood’s famous
Sidewalk Sale Days,
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
May 18, 19, 20, 2017Shop and dine all day, sales galore,
great deals while strolling through Ridgewood.

for more details check on the Chamber’s website calendar May 18th, for the names of the stores participating.

info: info@ridgewoodchamber.com
201-445-2600

see you in Ridgewood

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The Ridgewood Art Institute’s 58th Annual Young People’s Scholarship Exhibition

Ridgewood_Art_Institute_theridgewoodblog

May 7,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Art Institute’s 58th Annual Young People’s Scholarship Exhibition: Call For Entries
Do you know a Young Aspiring Artist between the ages of 7 and 17? What a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the Ridgewood Art Institute Their work will be hung in our beautiful galleries where family members and friends can view the work at our Opening Reception, where awards will be also be announced. Original artwork, done either independently or at school is welcome. Any size is acceptable, however all artwork must be framed, WIRED and ready to hang. NO computer generated or 3-dimensional artwork will be accepted. Student members of the Ridgewood Art Institute may enter up to two pieces, all others may enter one. Entries must be delivered to the Ridgewood Art Institute on Saturday May 20th between the hours of 11am and 4pm.The following information must be printed on the back of the artwork. Name,Title, Age, Address, Contact Number, School and Grade.In addition you will be required to fill out an empty form on receiving day.


Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony
Sunday, June 4th, 2017 2-4pm
Artwork available for viewing through Friday, June 16th, 2017
Pickup:Saturday, June 17th, 2017 11am-4pm
All entries will be judged by the Ridgewood Art Institute’s Instructors. Scholarships in traditional painting and drawing , cash prizes merchandise awards, certificates of merit and honorable mentions will be awarded.
For more info on this and other events, please visitridgewoodartinstitute.org

 

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Former Village Manager’s Letter to the Editor Generates Flack

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Letter: Ridgewood budget issues remain:
https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/05/03/letter-ridgewood-budget-issues-remain/309712001/

May 7,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in a recent letter to the editor former Village manager Roberta Sonenfeld looked to undermine the current Village Council on the Village budget . Tony Loving of Ridgewood asked “Doesn’t Ms. Sonenfeld have a formal ethics complaint pending against her? For allegedly using tax revenues inappropriately? And didn’t she resign in a huff? Makes me wonder about both the accuracy and intent of her letter.”

While the idea of a lawsuit was refuted by none other than Jan Philips.Anne LaGrange Loving followed up with some hard evidence “Actually, Jan, yes and yes. For those who are interested in the facts, here are three links to information regarding the ethics violation pending against Ms. Sonenfeld:”

https://www.northjersey.com/…/lawsuits-emerge…/94821932/

https://njfog.org/…/ridgewood-mayor-manager-accused…/

https://njrandomgovt.blogspot.com/…/ridgewood-mayor-and…

Loving went on , “I was in touch with the complainant yesterday, and indeed the matter is still outstanding. It can take up to two years for resolution of these complaints.

And as far as “resigning in a huff,” we all read the letter of resignation, which was made public, and it was not exactly a friendly lovey-dovey letter of resignation.”

Ridgewood village manager resigns, citing ‘contentious’ work environment  https://archive.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-village-manager-resigns-citing-contentious-work-environment-1.1655420

Reader says Roberta was a time bomb waiting to explode left behind by the Aronsohn conglomerate
https://theridgewoodblog.net/reader-says-roberta-was-a-time-bomb-waiting-to-explode-left-behind-by-the-aronsohn-conglomerate/

 

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Another Swastika found in Ridgewood

Swastika found in Ridgewood

courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook

May 7th,2017

the staff of the Ridgewod blog

Ridgewood NJ, For the second time in recent memory a Swastika has appeared in Ridgewood .

swas·ti·ka
ˈswästəkə/
noun

An ancient symbol in the form of an equal-armed cross with each arm continued at a right angle, used (in clockwise form) as the emblem of the German Nazi Party.

On March 6th a Swastika was found by resident Dana Glazer at the intersection of Northern Parkway and Overbrook Road. Yesterday Ridgewood PD Patrol Officers Kevin McKeon and Raymond Tarino investigate a Swastika found painted on the retaining wall of a home located at 658 Shelton Road in Ridgewood on the morning of Saturday, 05/06.

 

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Reader Sees Nothing but Doom for Hudson Garage

PIKE Garage

Unfortunately , despite the fact that the new price tag is significantly less than when the Aronsohn cronies were running the show, this parking garage is still destined to become a financial disaster of major proportions. I predict that parking rates throughout the Village will skyrocket and parking times will be extended in an attempt to raise revenues. This will kill the restaurant business for sure, and maybe even some service businesses and retail stores. Unless the garage is filled to the brim, it won’t even break even. The only way to fill it is to force all commuters there. An operational and financial fiasco in the making. Just you wait and see

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Reader predicts the Village council has already decided to move forward on a garage

PIKE garage

photo by Boyd Loving

My prediction is that the council has already decided to move forward on a garage that will fit on the Hudson space. The new garage proposed offers 240 spaces in total. I believe we have something like 80-90 spaces there now so we are picking up 150-160 additional spaces. Will that solve the parking problem?? of course not. I think it will end up being used as a commuter parking garage which will free up spaces in other lots. Adding another level adds about 60 extra spaces.

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Ridgewood Police Department : the 2017 Jr Police Academy class has reached capacity

Pascack Valley Jr. Police Academy Class 13 theridgewood blog.net

May 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police Department reports that the 2017 Jr Police Academy class has reached capacity. We would like to thank all the students for their interest in this year Chief Michael Feeney Jr Police Academy. Unfortunately the class size has reached maximum capacity for the field trips we have scheduled. There is currently a waitlist on Ridgewood Community pass if you would still like to register. Waitlisted students will be given priority registering for the 2018 Academy.

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Ridgewood Concert Band: “Annual Generations Concert”

Ridgewood Concert Band

Friday, May 12th
West Side Presbyterian Church
Ridgewood, New Jersey

7:30pm
Prelude Performance
West Milford High School Wind Ensemble

8:00pm
Ridgewood Concert Band

Featuring:
Youth Soloist Competition Winner Saxophonist Christopher Mantell
and “Side By Side” High School Musicians

Program Highlights:
Angels in the Architecture – Frank Ticheli
Pineapple Poll – Sir Arthur Sullivan
Sun Dance – Frank Ticheli
Rhosymedre – Ralph Vaughan Williams

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Former Mayor Paul Aronsohn is back in the running

Democrats
May 5,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, residents who recieved their absentee ballots for June’s primary noticed former Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s name on the ballot as one of five out of five candidates running for Bergen County Democratic Committee. Some people will never lean ?