Ridgewood NJ, Please use the links to access meeting agendas for tonight’s Village Council meeting: https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/…/1622-20171108-village-council-…
Also, tonight the Ridgewood League of Women Voters is hosting a forum about transparency in government. Walter Luers of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government will speak about the fundamentals of the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) and Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
As an elected member of the Ridgewood Village Governing Body, and as a member of the Ridgewood League of Women Voters, I can’t stress enough the importance of transparency in government. Openness, accountability, and honesty define government transparency. Transparency is government’s obligation to share information with citizens. It is at the heart of how citizens hold their public officials accountable!
6:00pm LWV OPMA OPRA FORUM
7:30pmVillage Council Special Public Meeting
8:00pm Village Council Regular Public Meeting
It will be a long night for some of us
Ridgewood NJ, TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 8th @ 6:00pm Former Player for The New York Knicks, BERNARD KING, will sign his new book: Game Face ($27.00).
Click to preorder: www.mkt.com/bookends
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed,
we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.
We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
While “high taxes” and “opioid crisis” where the key issues, residents voted in overwhelming numbers for the person or persons who promised to raise taxes on everything and create a sanctuary state. From yesterday results it does appear the state has committed fiscal suicide .
Dr. Gorman’s letter is even wordier than Fishbein’s letter but essentially the same.
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I guess the Ridgewood Schools administrators just can’t help themselves… they must feel compelled to paint with a broad brush and send a message blaming all of the students and the parents and everyone else rather than focusing on the small number of “offenders” (instigators, participants, recorders, watchers) by sending a positive message of “bad apples don’t spoil the bunch”.
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I guess if the only tool you have is a broad brush then every problem is treated as a whitewash of communal blame.
Now that Murphy won I hope he will help us build a garage and add more housing for the illegals. Ridgewood needs to share the burden of the sanctuary state. This town is too white and racist. Please Mr. Murphy , use all your support in Ridgewood so we can get on with the program. Can’t wait to see guys with pants below their buttcrack roaming around.
Let me preface by saying what happened to this boy is extremely sad. Nobody should ever have to experience what he is going through.
Every single day we see bullying happening. Whether it is the current over protective idea of bullying or straight up bullying – this isn’t a new thing. Almost everyone on this site “bullies” other commenters on a daily basis, parents are bullying other parents on the Ridgewood Facebook group, other towns are bullying Ridgewood residents on social media by associating every Ridgewood resident with this incident and worse, grown adults are bullying the one who threw the punches to the extent of wishing the worst upon him without knowing the full story.
I’ve seen the expression “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” when referring to the boy who threw punches numerous times. Why don’t we take a minute to stop and think about his parents, about his siblings, his teammates, coaches, etc. People who were ultimately shaping this boys life up until this moment. How dare we point fingers i’m sure i’m not the only one who feels as if I’ve let loved ones down on more than one occasion and wish they didn’t have to deal with the consequences of my own actions. Our children see everything, they hear everything, and even mimic most things (whether we want to believe it or not). The behavior that is going on in this town on all sides is baffling and embarrassing. Words being thrown around, parents who don’t even have children in the school system pointing fingers because they want to be involved, gossiping everywhere like it’s a recreational game of telephone and we’re letting our children think this is appropriate behavior.
As for our children- what are we teaching them? That a girl who sent inappropriate pictures (doesn’t matter to who)is having her honor defended? Because that has got put on the back burner. To believe That one side and only one side only is completely innocent should be assumed bible? Yes violence should not have been involved. 1000%. But let’s all take a second to band together as a community and realize that yelling and accusing isn’t getting us anyone. Let’s take a day to not judge another parent, another child, another administrator.
I’ challenge all of you…let’s try to help each other, lift one another up. Put our trust in the justice system. Go a Day…maybe two with trying to see positive instead of negative. Go a day without checking every social media for the latest town gossip and basing our opinions off one side of the story. We will not get anywhere with the way things are going now. The children of this community are counting on each of us.
Ridgewood NJ, A major leak in a high pressure gas main forced the entire closure of a portion of East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood on Tuesday evening, 11/07. Ridgewood Fire Department , Police, and Emergency Services personnel responded to the incident. East Ridgewood Avenue was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic between Brookside Avenue and North/South Irving Street, and was expected to remain closed for an extended period until PSE&G crews finished repairs. At this time it is not know whether nearby work on the installation of a new water main is connected in any way with the gas main leak.The gas was venting in the open air and there were no residents evacuated .
Important Message from Dr. Gorman
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November 7, 2017
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Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Students:
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Two weekends ago, a serious situation occurred involving Ridgewood High School students that is still being investigated by the high school administration and Ridgewood Police Department. The investigation will be resolved as quickly as possible and the consequences for those involved will be appropriate, educational, and, if need be, therapeutic. Because the situation involves minors, the details and consequences of the case cannot be shared and will remain confidential. To protect all RHS students, we ask the public to please refrain from comments, speculation, and judgment. Every day we are trusted by the community to educate the children of RHS, supervise them in their activities, and partner with the parents/guardians when they are in need. We ask you to continue to trust us in this situation to be diligent and thoughtful in our investigation and determination.
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The recent altercation that occurred after school hours but on school grounds, is greatly troubling and upsetting to us on many levels. It saddens me and the entire high school faculty that some RHS students did not use their best judgment regarding this situation. This event now gives us all a chance to pause and reflect upon what is truly important in life. We ask all parents/guardians to please engage in a meaningful conversation with their children and encourage them to be open and honest with you and/or the school about anything that may be on their minds.
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At RHS, we pride ourselves on being a family that shares many of the same values – friendship, trust, appreciation, caring, and open and honest communication. Whether as a member of a team, the band, a club, or an academic class, this is the students’ home away from home. We strive to make Ridgewood High School a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
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Unfortunately, some feel that they can say or do whatever they wish when there is no adult watching over their shoulder. Having this kind of attitude pays a disservice to their family, teachers, religious communities, and classmates here at school. Students know better and should expect better. Remember the Platinum Rule – treat others as they wish to be treated. We teach this to our students as soon as they enter our doors and I am sure it is taught in your homes.
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Parents, as adults we need to model responsible use of social media and to refrain from using disrespectful or threatening language online. We cannot expect our children to behave better than we do. What we are learning about this situation is that it centered around the misuse of social media on the part of some students. We ask parents to take an active role in monitoring their children’s use of social media and to partner with the schools to educate our students about this crucial issue.
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Students, when we adults cannot be with you and you are under your parents/guardians’ care, we expect you to uphold the same values that we, here at RHS, and your parents/guardians, have imparted to you. You are responsible for your actions in school and when you are under your parents/guardians’ care after school hours. In addition, we expect you to hold accountable others who are not living up to these same values. As John Wooden, a famous basketball coach, once said, “The truest test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
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Social media posts that are malicious in nature can be psychologically damaging to all parties involved. Any such post should be reported immediately to an adult so that it can be addressed appropriately. We ask students not to participate in any negative chatter online through social media, to help monitor each other, and to stand up when someone fails to adhere to the value system we embrace when in the classrooms, halls, locker room, theater, or on the athletic fields. Finally, we ask you to keep an open and honest line of communication with the adults in this building. We are here to support you.
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Throughout a student’s experience at RHS, he or she will be exposed to many educational programs, academic lessons, and positive values and messages that reinforce what it means to be a RHS student. Such experiences include, but are not limited to, addressing all students at the beginning of each school year about HIB; participating in the #Day1 Tyler Clementi Foundation Upstander Pledge; exploring many student topics with peer counseling through Freshmen F.O.C.U.S.; educating all athletes about sportsmanship; teaching students about the dangers of texting and driving, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping; teaching students through classroom lessons about respect, tolerance, and conflict resolution; and having students listen to guest speakers presenting first-hand accounts of genocide and the Holocaust. These offerings help to foster positive relationships between students and faculty, allowing students to feel comfortable sharing their problems with staff members. We believe that these programs also have reduced instances of bullying at Ridgewood High School.
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The policies and code of conduct that govern the high school are strong and have served us well. However, in light of recent events, we are revisiting them to determine if changes are necessary. Throughout many of the students’ classes at RHS, they are taught the proper protocols of technology and internet safety and responsibility. We will be revisiting these lessons and protocols to determine their effectiveness. We are also working with law enforcement officials to find appropriate future programs that can help further educate our students on the perils of bullying and harassment and how to stop volatile situations before they go too far.
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One of the school’s responsibilities is to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students and staff. When students experience problems, they are encouraged to seek out a teacher, counselor, or grade advisor. In addition to a student’s parents/guardians, these staff members are excellent resources from whom to get assistance on any issue. To ensure student success of all kinds, the school and community must work cooperatively to inspire and implement this shared vision.
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Sincerely,
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Thomas A. Gorman, Ed.D.
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Principal
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that they have received numerous reports of an odor of natural gas on the east side of town. We have located a ruptured gas main along the PSEG right of way near East Ridgewood Ave. The odor is traveling south along the Ho-Ho-kus Brook. PSEG is on scene. The gas is venting in the open air there are no residents being evacuated at this time.
Reminder: Temporary signs (e.g., campaign signs) are not permitted to be placed in the grassy areas separating sidewalks from curbs/streets.
Village of Ridgewood General Code 190-122 B (1) (j) – All temporary signs, including political signs, shall not be permitted to be placed on any publicly owned property, including, but not limited to, municipally owned property, library property, parks, rights-of-way trees, telephone poles, lighting stations, street or traffic signs, tree wells or planters, water utility property, and/or any other such publicly owned property within the Village.
[Added 9-7-2016 by Ord. No. 3540]
Ridgewood NJ, If you have not heard, fire destroyed the Fr. English Food Pantry in Paterson last Thursday.
OLMC has had a long working relationship with this food pantry. Our pans of food are sent here, the youth group has volunteered here for over ten years and last Lent, we were able to donate over $9,000 from our “Meals in Motion” service project. The pantry feeds approximately 4,500 families each MONTH.
In speaking to Carlos today, ALL food in the pantry must be destroyed due to smoke and water damage and it will take over two months to rebuild.
With three weeks until Thanksgiving, Carlos is worried for these families.
Some good news, Eva’s Kitchen, a few blocks from the current pantry site, has agreed to rent space for a temporary pantry until the new one is built.
OUR FROZEN TURKEY DRIVE THIS WEEKEND WILL TAKE PLACE!!! But we are expanding it to ALL nonperishable food items. Items can be dropped off SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH FROM 9AM TO 12 NOON.
We know that many families will be leaving town for the long weekend with schools being closed. If you wish to drop off nonperishable food TO THE YOUTH CENTER IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING YOU CAN DO SO NOW THROUGH THURSDAY 5PM. PLEASE NO FROZEN TURKEYS UNTIL SATURDAY SINCE WE DO NOT HAVE FREEZER SPACE FOR THEM.
Any questions, please call Glen Mc Call at the Youth Center (201-444-9302). If you need to drop off nonperishable food items because will be out of town on Saturday, you can bring them to the youth center located in the school building through Thursday 5pm (youth center is closed on Fridays.) You can also bring nonperishable items on Saturday between 9am and 12 noon.
cardboard boat regatta at the ymca
Sat, November 18, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Join in the fun, Cardboard Boat Regatta!
Saturday, November 18
11am – 3pm
Ridgewood NJ, Float on… or swim to shore! The Cardboard Boat Race is a favorite part of our Winter Session Program kick off week-end because whether you sink or make it to the finish line, you’re going to have a blast.
Participants (at least 2 people on a team, with a max of 6 people on a team) design and build a human-powered boat at home made of corrugated cardboard and duct tape which is capable of completing a trip down the length of the pool. The assembled boats can be brought to the Ridgewood Y’s Habernickel Pool on Saturday, November 18. Boat check in is 11-11:30 am and the races will begin promptly at noon.
Call 201-444-5600.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on October 28, a Robinson Lane resident reported he was the victim of a theft by deception. The victim reported he provided access to his computer to an unknown party in an attempt to fix problems on his computer. The victim reported he was then convinced to make payment for the service by purchasing ITunes cards. The victim complied and purchased $500 in ITunes gift cards and then provided serial numbers to the unknown caller. The victim realized thereafter, this was a scam and reported the incident.
Question: What do you call a person who rushes to the scene of an unfolding fight, starts recording video and still images of same without otherwise getting involved or trying to de-escalate the situation or protect the person who lost the fight?
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Answer: A reporter!
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The district wants to restrict the spread of facts. It does not want the truth of the matter to be revealed. It is now scrambling to literally bully and thresten all students from telling their parents or the news media what they know, or from showing the fight video to anyone the district doesn’t want to see it.
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Law enforcement in Las Vegas was busy confiscating concert-goers’ cell phones in the immediate aftermath of the Mandalay Bay shooting. Why did they do this? To delete any and video of the “incident” from those cell phoned so they could take control of the “narrative”, and start spreading disinformation and propaganda. This cap has got to stop.
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Ridgewood NJ, in the first Ridgewood Board of Education public meeting since news broke of the series of fights starting at Stevens Field and then on Brookside Field that sent a high school student to the hospital severely beaten , the Board of Education seemed to be in full CMA (Cover my arse ) mode .
While blog readers have understood with the Ridgewood Police Department now investigating,”This is far from cut and dry. Authorities are doing the right thing by exercising due diligence and making sure they have the full story and truth rather than rushing out to appease with a half informed statement that could expose them to a potential suit especially by the accused. Fishbein’s generalized comments are appropriate at this time , the immediate concern should be injured’s recovery regardless of who and what .When the real story comes out then people can assess whether suspensions or penalties are warranted . This is not going away for anyone anytime soon”
The angry crowd of parents and residents wanted answers .
In a message put out by Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools to parents and guardians ,Fishbein wrote “It is important to address and dispel rumors that are circulating in our community and to ask for your understanding that this issue, like all student issues that involve minors and are also part of a student’s record, is, and will remain, confidential. Just as we protect the privacy of your child’s record, we are compelled to do the same for all children involved in this incident. For this reason, we cannot comment on the episode or on the eventual outcome, but I do want to reassure you as both a parent and also as your Superintendent, that I trust the administration to act in the best interest of all the students involved, as well as the entire school community. Anyone found to be involved in this incident will be held accountable in an appropriate way, including possible legal proceedings, school discipline and/or counseling.”
While parents play the blame game the Ridgewood blog will continue to focus on who dropped the ball and who didn’t report the brewing conflict between the kids? Unless this happened over night someone at the school or a parent had to know something .
The policy is that the Ridgewood Board of Education explicitly and unequivocally prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of its students. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds pursuant to law, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students and that:
a. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property;
b. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or
c. creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student. !
More importantly an event must be reported , “Any school employee, contracted service provider, Board of Education member, student or volunteer who has witnessed, or has reliable information that a student has been subject to, harassment, intimidation or bullying is obligated by law to report the incident to the school Principal. !
An act of student harassment, intimidation, or bullying must be reported verbally to the Principal on the same day the person witnesses or receives reliable information regarding the incident. ! The incident must then be reported to the Principal in writing, using the appropriate district form, within two (2) school days of when the incident was observed or the information was received.
As a permanent or substitute school employee, a contracted service provider, a Board of Education member, a student or a volunteer in a New Jersey public school district, one of your responsibilities is to know how to respond if you become aware of harassment, intimidation or bullying that needs to be reported.”
