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>Americans recall Reagan legacy on his 100th birthday
Ronald Reagan – 40th President
At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore “the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism.”
On February 6, 1911, Ronald Wilson Reagan was born to Nelle and John Reagan in Tampico, Illinois. He attended high school in nearby Dixon and then worked his way through Eureka College. There, he studied economics and sociology, played on the football team, and acted in school plays. Upon graduation, he became a radio sports announcer. A screen test in 1937 won him a contract in Hollywood. During the next two decades he appeared in 53 films.
From his first marriage to actress Jane Wyman, he had two children, Maureen and Michael. Maureen passed away in 2001. In 1952 he married Nancy Davis, who was also an actress, and they had two children, Patricia Ann and Ronald Prescott.
As president of the Screen Actors Guild, Reagan became embroiled in disputes over the issue of Communism in the film industry; his political views shifted from liberal to conservative. He toured the country as a television host, becoming a spokesman for conservatism. In 1966 he was elected Governor of California by a margin of a million votes; he was re-elected in 1970.
Ronald Reagan won the Republican Presidential nomination in 1980 and chose as his running mate former Texas Congressman and United Nations Ambassador George Bush. Voters troubled by inflation and by the year-long confinement of Americans in Iran swept the Republican ticket into office. Reagan won 489 electoral votes to 49 for President Jimmy Carter.
On January 20, 1981, Reagan took office. Only 69 days later he was shot by a would-be assassin, but quickly recovered and returned to duty. His grace and wit during the dangerous incident caused his popularity to soar.
Dealing skillfully with Congress, Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen national defense. He embarked upon a course of cutting taxes and Government expenditures, refusing to deviate from it when the strengthening of defense forces led to a large deficit.
A renewal of national self-confidence by 1984 helped Reagan and Bush win a second term with an unprecedented number of electoral votes. Their victory turned away Democratic challengers Walter F. Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.
In 1986 Reagan obtained an overhaul of the income tax code, which eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. At the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression.
In foreign policy, Reagan sought to achieve “peace through strength.” During his two terms he increased defense spending 35 percent, but sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union. In dramatic meetings with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, he negotiated a treaty that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Reagan declared war against international terrorism, sending American bombers against Libya after evidence came out that Libya was involved in an attack on American soldiers in a West Berlin nightclub.
By ordering naval escorts in the Persian Gulf, he maintained the free flow of oil during the Iran-Iraq war. In keeping with the Reagan Doctrine, he gave support to anti-Communist insurgencies in Central America, Asia, and Africa.
Overall, the Reagan years saw a restoration of prosperity, and the goal of peace through strength seemed to be within grasp.
>The Ridgewood Guild
The Ridgewood Guild is an exciting new organization dedicated to making Ridgewood a more enjoyable place to shop, dine and visit. Our board is made up of a group of high-energy, hard working individuals who plan to make a difference. Because we have no rent, overhead, or salaries to pay, our annual dues are minimal. This gives us the opportunity to give back to the community via a carefully planned out series of events, fundraisers and marketing strategies.
The Guild’s membership includes retailers, restaurateurs, non-profits, professionals and residents who have an interest in seeing our village thrive. We are always looking for ideas and suggestions, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope you will join us!
201-493-9911 • [email protected]
>HILT Senior Citizen Meeting Open House and Speaker Peter Fenzel
Ridgewood residents 55 and older are invited to join Highlights In Leisure Time (HILT), a senior organization under the auspices of the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation. Monthly meetings include entertainment and/or informational presentations, followed by refreshments. Also, a variety of monthly trips are offered.
In February, HILT will be hosting an Open House for new members on Thursday, February 10 at the Ridgewood Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Annual membership dues are $15.00. Peter Fenzel, a loyal supporter of the Concerned Citizens of Allendale (instrumental in the acquisition of the Fell House), will be the featured speaker. The Fell House, a national historic treasure, was purchased by the town through fund raisers and donations. Fenzel will discuss John Fell’s life in Bergen County as a merchant and also his involvement in the American Revolution.
On February 17th, a HILT trip has been planned to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. The Playhouse is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the presentation of a new musical revue entitled, “The Great American Songbook.” The program will consist of music and songs that immigrants brought with them from their native lands. The bus departs from Graydon Pool at 9:45 a.m. (boarding at 9:30 a.m.) and returns at 5:30 p.m. The cost for HILT members is $48.00; non-members $53.00. For more information, please contact the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department at (201) 670-5560
>N.J. population shifting from heavily Democratic North
By Shane D’Aprile – 02/04/11 12:32 PM ET
New detailed Census data released Thursday for New Jersey shows population growth concentrated in the central and southern parts of the state, which could make it harder for Democrats to ensure the loss of a single congressional seat comes at the expense of a Republican.
The state must shed a congressional district this year, and two potential Republican targets will use the new data to bolster the argument to leave their districts alone.
Seniority tends to rule the roost in the state’s congressional redistricting process, so speculation has centered on GOP Reps. Leonard Lance and Jon Runyan, who was just elected in November.
But Runyan’s district contains Ocean County, which saw the largest population growth of any county in the state, further bolstering the case that he won’t be a redistricting target
>Assembly panel unanimously passes school-choice bill
A startup program that would allow businesses to help finance the private and parochial education of some students in failing public schools was approved Thursday by an Assembly panel after hours of often passionate testimony on school choice. (Delli Santi for The Associated Press)
>N.J. lawmakers advance bill allowing towns to post legal notices only online
State lawmakers Thursday advanced a bill eliminating the requirement for governments, businesses and citizens to run legal notices in newspapers and instead allow them to only be posted on government websites. (Megerian, The Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/nj_lawmakers_advance_bill_allo.html
>Gov. Christie says N.J. tax structure makes for poor business climate
Gov. Chris Christie said he will act on business leaders’ concerns that the state’s tax structure is keeping companies from expanding in New Jersey. (Gibson, The Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/gov_christie_says_nj_tax_struc.html
>Panel: NJ facing possible budget shortfall of $15 billion
A blue ribbon panel of former government officials and public servants said New Jersey residents face a fiscal crisis so severe it could restrict the state’s ability to function and thrive, with a combined budget shortfall of up to $15 billion in public spending forecast by 2016. (Jordan, Gannett)
>Electronic Waste Management Act : Disposal Ban on Electronics – Jan 31 2011
The State of New Jersey has significantly revised its regulations to enact a disposal ban on electronics as solid waste. Effective January 1, 2011, the Electronic Waste Management Act (NJSA 13:1E-99.94 et seq.) requires that all “used covered electronic devices” be recycled. The law defines a “used covered electronic device” as a desktop or personal computer, computer monitor, portable computer, or television sold to a consumer.
Electronic equipment is accepted at the Ridgewood Recycling Center at 205 East Glen Avenue. The computer and electronic recycling program provided at the Recycling Center, is at no cost to the Village, and provides an easy option for residents to recycle their computers and electronics. Upon arrival at the Recycling Center, each resident may place their computer components and electronic devices into our convenient walk-in container.
Accepted items (which must NOT be placed in household trash) include:
• Computers (Desktop or Portable) • Printers
• Televisions • Keyboards
• Monitors • Scanners
• Fax Machines • Keyboards
• Televisions • Speakers
• Stereo Equipment • Modems
• Electronic Mouse • Cell Phones
• Desktop Copy Machines • Power Sources
• Hard Drives • VCRs
• DVD players • Video Game Consoles
The Recycling Center at 205 East Glen Avenue has the following, convenient hours:
Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ridgewood residents have always embraced recycling for its cost avoidance and environmental benefits. As a result, Ridgewood has enjoyed a savings of over $12.8 million, since New Jersey mandated recycling in 1987. As a community, may all continue to work together towards the goal of responsible environmental practices and greater reductions in solid waste.
If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Frank Moritz at 201/670-5500 x272 or [email protected],or Johanna Luttrell at 201/670-5500 x266 or [email protected]
>Village Car Wash?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ- The Village of Ridgewood is looking to get into the car wash business , it all depends on the kind of return on investment the village can get from installing such a facility.
At Wednesday night’s Village Council workshop while discussing a $71,000 budget reserve transfer resolution, Deputy Mayor Tom Riche pointed to a $3,500 line item for the annual payment for washing vehicles in the town’s fleet.
The washing charge covers vehicles ranging from garbage trucks to police cruisers, Riche raised the possibility of Ridgewood installing its own car washing facility, which could then be used, not only for Ridgewood vehicles, but also as a shared service for other towns’ municipal vehicles.
Critics suggest that the real problem is that the Village only wastes $3,500 annually when doing it themselves the could wastes hundreds of thousands of dollars. Given these are the guys that brought us a $400,000 toilet at Vets field and the Village still manages significant revenue loss from the parking meters in the central business district it doesn’t seem like a very good idea .

>Senate repeals part of health care law
By JENNIFER HABERKORN | 2/2/11 6:10 PM EST
The Senate voted Wednesday for the first time to repeal a piece of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, rolling back a new tax reporting requirement that’s been universally panned by business owners.
The amendment to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement passed 81-17 with broad bipartisan support.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/48726.html#ixzz1CwV0x9b9
>Virginia to seek expedited Supreme Court review of suit over health-care law
By Rosalind S. Helderman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 3, 2011; 6:07 PM
RICHMOND – Virginia will ask that the U.S. Supreme Court immediately review the state’s constitutional challenge to the federal health-care overhaul, a rare legal request to bypass appeals and ask for early intervention from the nation’s highest court, Attorney General Ken T. Cuccinelli II said Thursday.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/03/AR2011020305532.html
>The next Planning Board meeting is at 7:30pm on Tuesday, February 15th
The next Planning Board meeting is at 7:30pm on Tuesday, February 15. There is time allotted at the beginning of the meeting for residents to comment on items not on the agenda. If you do not like the idea of subdivisions and excessive variances for development, go and say so. You don’t need to comment on a specific project; saying you don’t like subdivisions with huge houses on substandards lots goes a long way to protecting the integrity of all neighborhoods in Ridgewood. No one benefits from these behemoth houses on tiny lots except for the developers and please be respectful.
02/08/11 7:30 PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
02/09/11 8:00 PM Village Council Public Meeting
02/15/11 7:30 PM Planning Board Public Meeting
02/22/11 7:30 PM Board of Adjustment Work Session
02/23/11 7:30 PM Village Council Work Session

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