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>Americans brace for next foreclosure wave

>Americans brace for next foreclosure wave
By Nick Carey
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio | Wed Apr 4, 2012 7:09pm EDT

(Reuters) – Half a decade into the deepest U.S. housing crisis since the 1930s, many Americans are hoping the crisis is finally nearing its end. House sales are picking up across most of the country, the plunge in prices is slowing and attempts by lenders to claim back properties from struggling borrowers dropped by more than a third in 2011, hitting a four-year low.

But a painful part two of the slump looks set to unfold: Many more U.S. homeowners face the prospect of losing their homes this year as banks pick up the pace of foreclosures.

“We are right back where we were two years ago. I would put money on 2012 being a bigger year for foreclosures than 2010,” said Mark Seifert, executive director of Empowering & Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), a counseling group with 10 offices in Ohio.

https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/04/us-foreclosure-idUSBRE83319E20120404

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>Emmanuel Vukovich and John McDowell in Concert at Rose Hall in Chestnut Ridge, NY

>

JMcDowell theridgewoodblog.net

EVukovickSmall theridgewoodblog.net



Emmanuel Vukovich and John McDowell in Concert at Rose Hall in Chestnut Ridge, NY: May 4, 2012

A portion of proceeds to benefit the Green Meadow Waldorf School,Rockland Farm Alliance and the Pfeiffer Center.

Chestnut Ridge, NY — Founders of “Music for Farms” Emmanuel Vukovich (violin) and John McDowell (piano, percussion, composition), as well as special guest, young violinist Nicholas Frei, will bring music to the greater community at Green Meadow Waldorf School’s new Auditorium, Rose Hall. The program for this concert, to be held May 4th at 8pm, will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for 2 Violins in D featuring Nicholas Frei, and the Solo violin Partita No. 1 in b, BWV 1002; Sonata No. 3, Op. 27 – Ballade, by Eugene Ysaye; Chant by Ana Sokolovic; Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25, by Pablo de Sarasate; and an original work by John McDowell.

Rose Hall is located at 307 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY. Advance tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for college Students & Seniors; and $10 for students Grade 1-12 Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.threefold.org/events or in person at the Hungry Hollow Co-op, 841 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Chestnut Ridge. Day of show tickets at the door will be $5 extra per ticket. This event is sponsored by Threefold Educational Foundation. Refreshments from Hungry Hollow Co-op will be available at intermission.

The Green Meadow Waldorf School (www.gmws.org) is an independent day school, nursery through grade 12, located 30 miles from New York City in Chestnut Ridge, NY. Founded in 1950, Green Meadow is one of America’s oldest and largest Waldorf schools.  From the young child’s imaginative experiences of discovery and play in their Early Childhood program to the intellectual challenges presented in their High School, Green Meadow students approach their education with interest and joy. The school also opened an Early Childhood Center in Tarrytown, NY in July 2011.

Rockland Farm Alliance (www.rocklandfarm.org) is a community coalition that was founded to facilitate local sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, NY, and to provide educational resources to the community to promote awareness of the need for local food resources. RFA has been called “cutting edge” by state farming authorities in its innovative approach to preserve and revive farming in the lower Hudson Valley and greater NY metro area. Through hands-on learning programs and new community-supported small farms, RFA is striving to raise awareness around local food issues while increasing access to organic, locally grown produce.

The mission of the Pfeiffer Center (www.pfeiffercenter.org), located in Chestnut Ridge, NY, is to practice, teach and spread awareness of the biodynamic method of agriculture and land care. This work takes the form of educational programs for adults and children, agricultural production, work with draft horses, beekeeping, and research.

Canadian Violinist Emmanuel Vukovich has played for audiences around the globe with artists such as Ida Haendel, Anton Kuerti, and Matt Haimowitz. Recipient of McGill University’s Schulich School of Music Golden Violin Award and The Canada Council for the Arts Orford String Quartet Scholarship, he was a member of the Lloyd Carr-Harris String Quartet, winner at the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition. Emmanuel began playing the violin with Danuta Ciring and left his native Calgary at sixteen to pursue studies with Masao Kawasaki and Dorothy Delay at the Juilliard School in New York City. He completed his undergraduate degree with Denise Lupien and André Roy at McGill University. During this time he also pursued studies in Environment, subsequently devoting four years to work in organic agriculture. Having returned to music in 2011, Emmanuel is currently completing a graduate performance degree and teaching at McGill University, and has founded an international chamber music collective called The Parcival Project (www.parcival.ca). He plays a violin made in Montreal by Denis Cormier.

Musician and film composer John McDowell (www.johnmcdowell.net) achieved worldwide recognition with his soundtrack to the Academy Award winning documentary Born Into Brothels. Winner of Best Musical Score at the Bend Film Festival, the score blends Western and Indian music in a mesmerizing mix. Known for much more than just his film scores, McDowell is also a highly gifted pianist, percussionist, producer, commissioned composer and conductor. His work over the past 25 years draws on classical, jazz, pop, and world music. McDowell served as founder, artistic director and leader of several musical projects including The Born Into Brothels Ensemble and the world music band Mamma Tongue. He has toured and recorded with Rusted Root and Krishna Das and has produced several albums including his solo CD Speaking the Mamma Tongue. McDowell’s formal education and subsequent informal global training has made him a largely self-taught ethnomusicologist of widely-ranging scale. John is co-founder of Music for Farms (www.musicforfarms.com).

Nicholas Frei, a 2011 graduate of Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, NY, began his violin studies with Anna Teigen, then continued with Bernard Zeller and Laura Seaton. During high school, Nicholas played with the New York Youth Symphony, several string quartets and chamber groups, and studied with Ann Setzer of Mannes and Juilliard.  His senior year, he attended Mannes-Prep and was a Rockland County Morning Music Club Scholarship Finalist.  Nicholas has spent his last three summers at the Meadowmount School of Music, founded by Ivan Galamian and has played in chamber master classes for musicians such as: Joel Krosnick, Paul Neubauer and Kazuhido Isomura. He is currently in a string quartet coached by Matt Haimovitz and studies with Emmanuel Vukovich at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

Public: for further information contact Katie Ketchum at [email protected]

Media: for further information contact Peter McDowell at [email protected]

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>The ongoing failure of the BOE to reach an agreement with our teachers

>The ongoing failure of the BOE to reach an agreement with our teachers
by Jim Morgan

I am a candidate for the Ridgewood Board of Education running for the open one-year term in the April 17 schools election.

I would like to address the ongoing failure of the BOE to reach an agreement with our teachers. My opponent has led the BOE negotiating team since the summer of 2010. He asserts that his role in these stalled negotiations is the reason he should be reelected. I believe that his record of no real progress in these critical negotiations is reason enough he should be replaced on the BOE.

The negotiations are conducted under strict rules of secrecy. I know no more about the issues than any other resident of the village.

What I do know is that the old contract expired more than nine months ago on June 30, 2011 and that there is no indication that an agreement will be reached anytime soon. Thus far the teachers have continued to work professionally under the expired contract, but there are signs that they are under increasing strain. This unhealthy situation potentially hurts our children and drives a wedge between the district and teachers, our most valuable classroom asset. My opponent’s reliance on rigidly following the “suggested” state framework for negotiating a new agreement delays resolution.

While the fact-finding process that my opponent has followed might produce a contract, it may also be several months before the mediator actually issues a report. If the parties do not agree with the recommendations, the state suggested timetable calls for a round of intense negotiations.

Why wait before intensifying face-to-face negotiations? The state does not require that the board follow the fact-finder process. As management, it is the BOE’s responsibility to set its own timetable. There is no legal reason hard bargaining cannot be initiated now. The oft mentioned “informal contacts” with the union is no replacement for real negotiations.

Once a new contract has been signed, there will necessarily be a healing process between the teachers and the district before everyone is again fully focused on our mutual goal – providing our children with an excellent education. The longer that the process is drawn out, the longer this healing will take.

To be clear, I do not advocate giving into contract demands that are unfavorable to the district. The BOE must protect the interests of the village’s taxpayers in these negotiations and our financial resources are very tight. The final contract must reflect these realities and be one we can all support. A policy of stalling the start of real negotiations, however, is in no one’s best interest.

As with many BOE challenges, we need fresh, creative thinking, not a continuation of business as usual. I will bring this perspective to the board of education. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, April 17, in the school elections.

wine.comshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=209195

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>"Not In Labor Force" At New All Time High

>NFP Big Miss: 120K, Expectations 205K, Unemployment 8.2%, “Not In Labor Force” At New All Time High
Tyler Durden on 04/06/2012 08:32 -0400

March NFP big miss at just 120K. Unemployment rate declines from 8.3% to 8.2%. Futures slide, for at least a few minutes before the NEW QE TM rumor starts spreading. The household survey actually posted a decline in March from 142,065 to 142,034. Considering Birth Death added 90K to the NSA number, the actual number was almost unchanged. And as always, as we predicted when Goldman hiked its NFP forecast yesterday from 175K to 200K saying “if Goldman’s recent predictive track record is any indication, tomorrow’s NFP will be a disaster”, Goldie once again skewers everyone. Finally, Joe LaVorgna’s +250,000 forecast was just 100% off… as usual.

The unemployment rate drops to 8.2% for one simple reason: the number of people not in the labor force is back to all time highs: 87,897,000.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/nfp-big-miss-120k-expectations-205k-unemployment-82

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>ADP report: Jobs increase, but ‘we aren’t stepping up to the next level’

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ADP report: Jobs increase, but ‘we aren’t stepping up to the next level’

Private-sector nonfarm employment grew by 209,000 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in March, according to the national employment report released today by Roseland-based Automatic Data Processingwhich revised its February numbers upward to 230,000, from the initial report of 216,000.

The numbers were slightly above consensus expectations, but held no surprises, said Joel Prakken, chairman of Macroeconomic Advisers LLC, which co-authors the monthly report with ADP.  (Tarbous, NJBIZ)

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>Agenda: State Board of Education

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Agenda: State Board of Education
What they are doing: While school reform and funding issues roil New Jersey’s political scene, the state Board of Education’s agenda is a relatively light one today. One policy area up for vote is a change in the competency testing required for incoming elementary school teachers.
Teacher testing: The board will take up final adoption of a resolution to adjust what incoming elementary teachers need to know to pass the national Praxis exam. The exam is already required for new teachers, testing them on their knowledge and skills. But New Jersey will be participating in a new version that sets more rigorous requirements for passing all four different subject area tests: language arts, math, science and social studies. The board will set the state’s required passing scores on the exam.  (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
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>2012 Celebration Theme Chosen

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ridgewood4tPparade1 theridgewoodblog.net



2012 Celebration Theme Chosen

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is proud to announce their theme for the 2012 celebration. The theme will be “Born in New Jersey ”. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its annual celebration on Wednesday,July 4, 2012.

This year’s theme is “Born in New Jersey,” which includes:
1.  Famous people who were born here (including but not limited to Bruce Springsteen and Frank Sinatra)
2.  Things invented here (for example, Edison’s light bulb)
3.  Events that occurred here that gave new direction to our country (Washington Crossing the Delaware, Morristown encampment)
 Groups are encouraged to use this theme in the design of floats and other entries.

The purpose of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the USA and its history and to honor American Patriots of all times. For 2012, we would like to focus on the history of New Jersey. We will
celebrate the wonderful people, inventions and events that all came from our state.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. It has grown into one
of the largest celebrations in the New York City area.

For many years the Readers of 201 Magazine have named our parade and fireworks as best in their Best of Bergen poll. Additional information
and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer community group. All aspects of this annual Celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, and police and
fire personnel are funded by voluntary contributions from businesses and individuals.

Be a part of the Tradition – Participate in the parade, be a financial supporter or join the committee.

wine.comshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=209195

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>American Express pulls gift cards from New Jersey

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American Express pulls gift cards from New Jersey
American Express has become the first company to pull its gift cards from New Jersey pharmacies, groceries and convenience stores rather than attempt to comply with a new wrinkle in the state’s unclaimed property law.
AmEx spokeswoman Vanessa McCutchen told The Associated Press that the company began pulling gift cards sold through third-party retailers last week. As of Monday, the only way for New Jersey residents to buy AmEx gift cards, which can be used practically anywhere, is directly from the company.  (Delli Santi, Associated Press)
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>A Message from Fairway Master Butcher Ray Venezia Re: "Pink Slime"

>A Message from Fairway Master Butcher Ray Venezia Re: “Pink Slime”
By Mel Fabrikant Saturday, March 31, 2012, 06:11 PM EDT
https://www.paramuspost.com/article.php/20120331181121821

Dear Fairway Market customers:
Some USDA scientists recently revealed that they strongly believe Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) — or “pink slime” as it’s been called by the press — should not be labeled as meat. According to an ABC News source, 70 percent of all ground beef sold at supermarkets contains LFTB. While that may be the case elsewhere, Fairway Market DOES NOT sell LFTB or “pink slime” – WE’VE NEVER SOLD IT AND NEVER WILL! Since this news broke, we’ve received a lot of inquires about it. But you can shop with ease at all Fairway Market stores, knowing that LFTB or “PINK SLIME” ISN’T IN ANY MEAT WE SELL – and you’ve never ever purchased a product like that at Fairway. 


ALL of our meat is the highest quality, is USDA certified, is delivered fresh daily, is custom cut by a professional butcher, AND is ground fresh every day and all day. Fairway Market Butcher Shops never cut corners, and the meat that comes into our stores is approved by me, a third-generation butcher. You expect the best, and we have never and would never give you anything less. This is why Fairway is truly LIKE NO OTHER MARKET®. 


Sincerely,
Fairway Master Butcher Ray Venezia

https://www.paramuspost.com/article.php/20120331181121821

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>Dr. Fishbein: Please Vote on April 17

>Dr. Fishbein: Please Vote on April 17
Friday, March 30, 2012
By DANIEL FISHBEIN
COLUMNIST

One of my primary responsibilities as superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools is to prepare a district budget that is approved by the Board of Education, then presented to the public, each year.

To meet the high standards of both these entities, much number crunching is necessarily involved. But truly solid budgeting starts long before the numbers come into play. It starts first and foremost with a thorough reflection on district and board goals, then a review of programs relative to those goals.

Together, our district administrators, school principals and I have undertaken that process to prepare the 2012-2013 budget, working diligently to assure that it reflects the needs and costs of carrying out our continued commitment to our mission of a tradition of excellence.

I am happy to report that Ridgewood students continue to perform extremely well on all measures of success, both during their time in the district as well as after graduation. Pick up a copy of the local paper, sign on to the district’s Facebook page, or visit our schools and you will see that our students are high achievers in competitive academic activities, athletics, the arts, music and theater. Their accomplishments point to the makeup of a truly outstanding educational system. But, we don’t rest on our laurels; we always work to continue to improve.

In order to foster achievement, it is imperative that our curriculum and programs are reviewed and improved and we make sure to provide for the professional development of our teachers and administrators. The 2012-2013 proposed budget includes funding for new science programs in grades K-8, new textbooks and new courses at the middle and high school levels.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/145045455_Please_cast_a_vote_April_17.html

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>‘Stock Act’ sticks taxpayers with $1.7 million tab

>‘Stock Act’ sticks taxpayers with $1.7 million tab

This wasn’t supposed to happen. In Congress drive to clean up its act and pass the “Stock Act” to provide transparency to Wall Street holdings members have, taxpayers are getting stuck with the bill.

Senate Sergeant at Arms Terrance Gainer reveals that it will cost $1.5 million to develop software and programs to provide the easy-to-use electronic disclosure of lawmaker holdings required in the legislation.

Plus, he adds, when up and running, it will likely cost another $200,000 a year just to operate and maintain.

https://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/washington-secrets/2012/03/%E2%80%98stock-act%E2%80%99-sticks-taxpayers-17-million-tab/408886

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>Experience among BOE members is invaluable

>Experience among BOE members is invaluable
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Ridgewood News

Experience among BOE members is invaluable

To the editor:

I believe BOE candidate Jim Morgan’s recent letter in The Ridgewood News (“Morgan running for BOE seat”; March 2) was misleading and disingenuous. The 2 percent tax increase isn’t “there for the taking” – it’s already taken by contracted salaries, healthcare and special ed tuitions that are all out of the BOE’s hands. Trenton wants you to believe the budget cap serves taxpayers and doesn’t harm our schools, but the truth is, Ridgewood’s BOE has made cuts and eliminated important programs every year to live within the cap….

Jamie DePeau

https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/143926966_Letter__Experience_among_BOE_members_is_invaluable.html

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>BOE Elections: Support for Hutton’s reelection

>BOE Elections: Support for Hutton’s reelection
FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Support for Hutton’s re-election

To the editor:

We are writing this letter to endorse Robert Hutton for the one-year term as a candidate or the Ridgewood Board of Education. Bob has served as a trustee for almost 12 years. He has worked tirelessly for the Ridgewood Public Schools and has been a staunch advocate for the educational needs of its students. He is objective in his thinking, dedicated in his commitment to the needs of the school district and has volunteered tirelessly to represent the community.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/142890635_Letter__Support_for_Hutton_s_reelection.html

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>‘No Knock’ List Would Keep Away Solicitors

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‘No Knock’ List Would Keep Away Solicitors
March 14, 2012 11:21 AM

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) – After the murder of an 80-year-old woman in her home last fall, the City of Royal Oak is looking into possibly adopting a so-called community “no knock” list in an attempt to tighten the limits on door-to-door solicitors.

WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Royal Oak City Attorney Dave Gillam.

“A homeowner would have the ability to have their name and address put on that list. And, essentially, that would make it illegal or unlawful for a solicitor to approach someone at that address for commercial purposes,” Gilliam said.

Nancy Dailey was murdered in her house on November 20, allegedly by two parolees who authorities said did lawn work for her prior to the murder.

https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/03/14/no-knock-list-would-keep-away-solicitors/

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>Residents frustrated by property owners who show disregard for Village ordinances

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Residents frustrated by property owners who show disregard for Village ordinances

I think your comment re “police state” is a bit much. No one is expecting the town to goose-step their way in and demand they comply or else. But certainly many places (NYC included) can levy fines against both residences and businesses that do not comply with their policy’s. That is far from a police state.

Why this town has no policy in regards to litter or basic ordinances regarding distance of cell towers from residences, schools, etc. is extremely disappointing. Especially for a town of Ridgewoods “stature” it truly boggles the mind that the village simply passes the buck on these issues.

While the village leadership continues to shrug their shoulders, these issues will help destroy home values, decimate tax revenues, and turn off new families who would consider moving here to raise a family.I am experiencing some serious buyers remorse because of stories just like these.\

Editors Note: It is important to not that the Village did issue summons to the property owner  and that the proposed cell tower would need a zoning variance which has not been heard nor approved by the board of adjustment or heard nor approved by  the Village council.