“…America faces not only a crisis of confidence among consumers unwilling to spend and businesspeople unwilling to invest, but also a crisis of leadership. So long as our leaders tell us that we must trust them to regulate and redistribute our way back to prosperity, we will not break out of this economic quagmire. One can hope only that this Administration, composed of brilliant academics that have had experience in creating the very regulation and overseeing the very institutions that have failed, has learned from its mistakes and will set us down the right path. Perhaps our leaders will awaken to the fact that free market capitalism is the best system to allocate resources and create innovation, growth and jobs. Perhaps they will see the folly of generating greater deficits by “investing” in programs that lead to corruption and distortions of the system. Perhaps too, a cloven-hoofed, bristly haired mammal will become airborne and the rosette-like marking of a certain breed of ferocious feline will become altered. In other words, we are not holding our breath and are focused instead on navigating these murky waters for the benefit of our funds.”
BAYPORT, N.Y. — Blackman Plumbing Supply, a leading distributor of plumbing, heating and cooling supplies since 1921, has acquired Ridgewood Corp., a supplier of similar products, based in Ridgewood, N.J.
“The acquisition of Ridgewood will allow Blackman to effectively expand our operations throughout New Jersey, from the suburbs of Philadelphia to the lower Hudson Valley in New York State,” said Robert Mannheimer, Blackman’s president and CEO. “We’re very excited to offer trade professionals and consumers in these areas the same level of excellence in plumbing product inventory, service and sales support as we’ve been providing throughout the Metropolitan New York City area for 90 years.”
>The Concerned Residents of Ridgewood filed a lawsuit on Monday in New Jersey Superior Court to challenge the validity of the H-Hospital Zone Amendment to the Village Master Plan
Residents’ group files lawsuit challenging Valley Hospital Renewal project Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Last updated: Tuesday August 31, 2010, 2:04 PM BY MICHAEL SEDON The Ridgewood News Staff Writer
RIDGEWOOD – The Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (CRR), a non-profit group challenging The Valley Hospital renewal project, filed a lawsuit on Monday in New Jersey Superior Court to challenge the validity of the H-Hospital Zone Amendment to the Village Master Plan, which was approved by the Village Planning Board on June 21 despite vigorous opposition by residents.
Named as defendants in the legal action are the Planning Board of the Village of Ridgewood and The Valley Hospital. The hospital is named along with the Village because it sponsored a change in the Master Plan under a 2007 ordinance that was created by the village council under former Mayor David Pfund. The ordinance allowed third parties to also sponsor changes to the Village’s Master Plan, not just the Village itself.
“As so many residents have voiced, the recently-approved Master Plan Amendment, which would allow Valley Hospital to double in size in this quiet residential neighborhood, is simply wrong for Ridgewood, and the residents are asking the court to reverse the decision,” said Paul Gould, spokesperson for CRR.
“From the day Valley made the request, the Village Planning Board appeared fully determined to push through this change to the Master Plan, overriding the views of its residents, and in its haste, tainted the process by making procedural glitches, allowing conflicts of interest to exist and mishandling notifications,” Gould said.
Special message from Concerned Residents of Ridgewood We do need money however to carry the fight through the courts. Please donate at: https://www.stopvalley.com/Donate.html and we take PayPal
>Congressman Scott Garrett :Greater and greater control of our educational system is being wrested from our local school boards and placed into the hands of faceless bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.
Garrett: Race to the Top gaffe is a teachable moment
By Rep. Scott Garrett August 29, 2010
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced the 10 finalists for the “Race to the Top” initiative. Enacted shortly after President Obama took office, this program allows states to apply for federal education funding after they implement educational reforms in line with the goals of the Obama Administration.
As most are aware of by now, New Jersey was not a recipient of the funding.
While my congressional colleagues and I will do what we can to ensure that New Jersey’s application was — and will continue to be — treated fairly, it’s my hope that no matter what happens, we can take a step back and use this experience as a teachable moment.
After all, it is illustrative of a broader problem we face: Greater and greater control of our educational system is being wrested from our local school boards and placed into the hands of faceless bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.
PRINCETON, NJ — Republicans lead by 51% to 41% among registered voters in Gallup weekly tracking of 2010 congressional voting preferences. The 10-percentage-point lead is the GOP’s largest so far this year and is its largest in Gallup’s history of tracking the midterm generic ballot for Congress
>Obama, Democrats got 88 percent of 2008 contributions by TV network execs, writers, reporters
By: Mark Tapscott Editorial Page Editor 08/27/10 3:45 PM EDT
Senior executives, on-air personalities, producers, reporters, editors, writers and other self-identifying employees of ABC, CBS and NBC contributed more than $1 million to Democratic candidates and campaign committees in 2008, according to an analysis by The Examiner of data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Democratic total of $1,020,816 was given by 1,160 employees of the three major broadcast television networks, with an average contribution of $880.
By contrast, only 193 of the employees contributed to Republican candidates and campaign committees, for a total of $142,863. The average Republican contribution was $744.
Disclosure of the heavily Democratic contributions by influential employees of the three major broadcast networks follows on the heels of controversy last week when it was learned that media baron Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. contributed $1 million to the Republican Governors Association.
Read more at the Washington Examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Obama-Democrats-got-88-percent-of-TV-network-employee-campaign-contributions-101668063.html#ixzz0y9CNzk9h
THE world’s leading climate change body has been accused of losing credibility after a damning report into its research practices.
A high-level inquiry into the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found there was “little evidence” for its claims about global warming.
It also said the panel had emphasised the negative impacts of climate change and made “substantive findings” based on little proof.
The review by the InterAcademy Council (IAC) was launched after the IPCC’s hugely embarrassing 2007 benchmark climate change report, which contained exaggerated and false claims that Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2035.
The panel was forced to admit its key claim in support of global warming was lifted from a 1999 magazine article. The report was based on an interview with a little-known Indian scientist who has since said his views were “speculation” and not backed by research.
Independent climate scientist Peter Taylor said last night: “The IPCC’s credibility has been deeply dented and something has to be done. It can’t just be a matter of adjusting the practices. They have got to look at what are the consequences of having got it wrong in terms of what the public think is going on. Admitting that it needs to reform means something has gone wrong and they really do need to look at the science.”
Climate change sceptic David Holland, who challenged leading climate change scientists at the University of East Anglia to disclose their research, said: “The panel is definitely not fit for purpose. What the IAC has said is substantial changes need to be made.”
The IAC, which comprises the world’s top science academies including the UK’s Royal Society, made recommendations to the IPCC to “enhance its credibility and independence” after the Himalayan glaciers report, which severely damaged the reputation of climate science.
It condemned the panel – set up by the UN to ensure world leaders had the best scientific advice on climate change – for its “slow and inadequate response” after the damaging errors emerged.
>The Ridgewood blog Special Series: Restoring Honor in Washington, Part III
Restoring Honor in Washington, DC.
by Jason A. Vigorito
Part III
Barry and I have never attended a rally before. We are two of those Conservative/Libertarian-minded individuals among the masses who cannot regularly attend rallies because we’re busy, hard-working guys. And most rallies occur in the middle of a weekday. The Restoring Honor Rally for both of us, and according to many others who attended, is considered one of the most important experiences of our lives. And the rally’s climax at 1pm was one of the most important moments.
The 240-member “Black Robe Regiment”—a multi-faith group of religious leaders—came on stage at the end for a final prayer session. To see these men and women of diverse religious backgrounds come together shoulder-to-shoulder, singing and praying locked arm-in-arm, was mind-blowing. The scene beautifully illustrated our country’s potential.
Hearkening back to MLK’s eloquent “I Have A Dream” speech, the scene and common thread throughout the rally contributed to King’s statement to not look at skin color but at character. The idea of unity through breaking barriers is inherent in returning our national identity back to God. Racial barriers, ideological barriers, religious barriers, can all be overcome!
A truly inspirational moment, and a truly inspirational message.
Jo Dee Messina, John Rich, and other singers brought a fun end to this historic event. Barry and I spent some time at the Lincoln and other memorials, mingling with the crowd, savoring the moment. We ate some Sabrett hotdogs with some fellow ralliers and hit the road at 5pm. It was a long drive back home to Nutley and Lyndhurst, and on that drive Barry and I realized the event was a national epiphany—how to come together again as Americans. Spirituality and reliance on self-governance were stressed at the rally, only echoing what others—Jefferson, Washington, Whitfield, de Tocqueville, Churchill, King—have said to be America’s successful exceptionalism.
If you are pro-faith, pro-military, pro-individualism, etc., and you feel isolated in your beliefs…don’t. I conclude with Sarah Palin’s reassuring words, “Look around you, you are not alone. You are Americans!”
>The Ridgewood blog Special Series: Restoring Honor in Washington, Part II
by Jason A. Vigorito
Part II
Sarah Palin—speaking as a soldier’s mother—best stated Barry’s, mine, and every other rallier’s reason for attending the Restoring Honor Rally: we don’t want to fundamentally transform America, we want to RESTORE America. So how do we do that, we all wanted to know.
First, by returning our focus on God. Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Dr. Alveda King (MLK’s niece), Tony La Russa (the St. Louis Cardinals’ manager), and the other many speakers and presenters all spoke on how God is necessary to strengthen our country. Direct descendants of the Pilgrims and Plymouth’s Indians stood arm-in-arm illustrating that this country’s origins lay in humbleness to God.
Second, that we can all be heroes in our own ways. So many touching veterans’ stories from several wars were illustrated, bringing most in the crowd to tears several times. Three men were presented with Badges of Merit to continue George Washington’s tradition of honoring America’s citizenry: Pastor C.L. Jackson for Faith, Albert Pujous for Hope, and Jon Huntsman, Sr., for Charity (giving $2 billion to charity!). Glenn stated, “Heroes are those who stand and do the right things, even at their own peril.” And the crowd was moved by the many examples on stage.
The thrust of the rally was to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Over $5.5 million dollars was raised through the rally! A staggering number that SWOF’s president, John Kearny, tearfully thanked the crowd for. And many in the crowd joyfully replied, “Your welcome!”
Have you ever cheered alongside 300,000+ people? Have you ever sung with 300,000+ people?? Have you ever prayed with 300,000+ people??? Have you ever even been in a crowd that large?! To hear that many people say the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a Boy Scout, together; to sing the National Anthem in unison; to hold hands with strangers and sing “Amazing Grace” to bagpipes. You’re struck with awe. Wonderment! Looking at the vast sea of folks who were there with the same purpose, the same convictions, the same patriotism for your country…Barry and I were overwhelmed with emotions. And so was everyone else. Everyone cried.
It all coalesced at the end with 240 religious leaders taking the stage—pastors, reverends, rabbis, priests, and, yes, even imams. Glenn called them “The Black Robe Regiment.” And what they did was truly inspirational!
>The Ridgewood YMCA : extraordinary and unique opportunity to lead the FIRST Robotics Competition Team
The Ridgewood YMCA is looking for a professional engineer who would like to volunteer to lead a FIRST Robotics Competition Team. The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program aims to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRCTM) stages short games played by autonomous and remote controlled robots. The robots are designed and built in 6 weeks (from a common set of parts) by a team of 15 to 25 high-school-aged young people and a handful of engineers-mentors. The students remotely control the robots in competition rounds on the field.
Any interested engineers should call Chris at the Y at 201-444-5600 ext. 339 or [email protected].
140 Quality Exhibitors of Arts and Crafts will be available at the Street Fair on E. Ridgewood Avenue. Kid’s Activities, Great Food and All Day Entertainment on Sunday, September 12th from Noon to 5PM. Free Admission. Raindate: September 19th. Promoted by: P.J.’s Promotion www.pjspromotions.com
Fri, September 10, 2010 – Fri, September 10, 2010 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
Event Description
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Car Show will be held around Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and along East Ridgewood Avenue. Non-Registration will open at 5:00pm on Walnut Street/Dayton. Parking will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Come early because spaces are limited! Registration fees are not refundable. Music will keep the evening lively and there will be trophies for many categories. Bring your family and friends to admire vintage cars, enjoy some excellent dining and be part of a trademark, fun-filled experience here in Ridgewood.
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Do you watch Glee? Have what it takes to be the next Rachel or Finn? Join From The Top Music Studio’s Show Choirs! The Studio is currently auditioning students for these dynamic groups. All vocalists ages seven to 18 are eligible. Auditions will be held during the months of July and August. Call (201) 445-8780 if you’re interested and become a part of all of the fun today!
While you’re at it, you can even register for music lessons this fall! From The Top Music Studio provides first-rate music instruction. They offer vocal and instrumental lessons on all instruments, and their teachers are highly qualified with extensive performance experience. Call (201) 445-8780 now to set up your lessons!
At 8:28pm on August 27, the preparatory phone call was made between me and my travel buddy, Barry Walsky, my former college roommate. I purposely called him at that time. I picked him up at his place in Nutley at 2am. Driving down the Garden State Parkway we discussed our common purpose for heading down to Washington, DC: because we’re fed up with the direction our country is being led in, and we want to do our part to correct that. What can we do? Like many of our fellow ralliers, we were looking for answers.
We arrived in Washington, DC, at 6am. Our destination: the National Mall. The reason: the Restoring Honor Rally. Walking from the parking garage to the Mall was an eerie experience, something out of a post-apocalyptic movie, like I Am Legend or something. Newspapers blowing in the wind, whole blocks deserted. Eventually we spotted people, they all had folding chairs and flags. And they were all headed in the same direction.
Barry and I arrived early to get a good spot. There were already thousands of people on the Mall in the early morning fog. We found one along the barriers, at one of the front corners of the Reflection Pool. 75 feet from the speakers on their dais!!! We made acquaintances with those around us: folks from Chicago, Phoenix, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, Maryland.
The very young and very old, the handicapped, black and white and yellow and red. Some wore local Tea Party shirts, some Restoring Honor shirts. There were state flags, American flags. Picnic blankets, beach chairs, umbrellas. Everyone agreed, easily hundreds of thousands showed up by the 10am start time. They stretched out way past the Washington Monument, and flowed way out beyond the surrounding side fields and monuments. And among all those people, there was no shouting, no arguments, no jostling, no litter even!
The sun came out and beat down on us, heating things way up, when the rally started at 10am with an inspirational video. Glenn Beck came out and the crowd went deafeningly nuts! Holding back tears, he said, “So this is ‘build it and they will come.’” And we sure did…in droves!!!
