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National Dog Day is this Saturday, August 26th!

Vicious_dog_theridgewoodblog

photo by William Thomas

August 234,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, National Dog Day is this Saturday, August 26th!On that day we will be celebrating all breeds and honoring all family and working dogs that keep us safe and give us unconditional love!Help us celebrate National Dog Day this Saturday by showing your four-legged friend some extra love with a big hug or an extra treat!

National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. The date of August 26th is significant, as it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” when Colleen was 10 years old.

National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day…
for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they’re detecting cancer and seizures…things even humans cannot do. NDD was adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013.

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We Live in Fear of the Online Mobs

gay flag ridgewood

Internet shaming spreads everywhere and lives forever. We need a way to fight it.
by
Megan McArdle
@asymmetricinfoMore stories by Megan McArdle

‎August‎ ‎22‎, ‎2017‎ ‎9‎:‎06‎ ‎AM‎ ‎EDT

James Damore, the author of the notorious Google memo, has had his 15 minutes of fame. In six months, few of us will be able to remember his name. But Google will remember — not the company, but the search engine. For the rest of his life, every time he meets someone new or applies for a job, the first thing they will learn about him, and probably the only thing, is that he wrote a document that caused an internet uproar.

The internet did not invent the public relations disaster, or the summary firing to make said disaster go away. What the internet changed is the scale of the disasters, and the number of people who are vulnerable to them, and the cold implacable permanence of the wreckage they leave behind.

Try to imagine the Damore story happening 20 years ago. It’s nearly impossible, isn’t it? Take a company of similar scope and power to Google — Microsoft, say. Would any reporter in 1997 have cared that some Microsoft engineer she’d never heard of had written a memo his co-workers considered sexist? Probably not. It was more likely a problem for Microsoft HR, or just angry water-cooler conversations.

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-08-22/we-live-in-fear-of-the-online-mobs

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‘The leading edge of a much larger iceberg’: New Jersey high school disbands football team

RHS football

file photo by Ramon Hache

WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The nationwide forces that are beginning to uproot football have converged at a place called High School North.

Demographic shifts, concussions, single-sport specialization and cost — among the same issues that have caused youth football numbers to plummet around the country in recent years — have led West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North to drop varsity football this season. The Knights, with a roster of 37 players, will play a junior varsity schedule.

High School South, the other secondary school in the district, might have to do the same next year, along with high schools from four other neighboring jurisdictions, West Windsor-Plainsboro Schools Superintendent David Aderhold said.

The moves reflect a crisis for football all over the country, but one that has accelerated in this New York City bedroom community.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/the-leading-edge-of-a-much-larger-iceberg-new-jersey-high-school-disbands-football-team/2017/08/22/e13b6516-836e-11e7-82a4-920da1aeb507_story.html?utm_term=.b48fb86d7c6c

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Reader says I am a senior who would love Graydon open anytime in Sept. after Labor Day, but I don’t count

Graydon_bike_theridgewoodblog

….The problem with weekends after Labor Day is that everyone has pushed past summer and is I to soccer practice and birthday parties and lacrosse and cross country, you name it. Weekends are booked from the moment the school bell rings. Sad, but true……

Glen Rock pool is open after Labor Day on weekends. Correct me if I am wrong.What about adults who want to use Graydon Sept. weekends. Oh, I get it , I am a senior who would love Graydon open anytime in Sept. after Labor Day, but I don’t count. Why is it always the kids and not the adults and NEVER the seniors who are taken into consideration for fun things. That crappy senior center, with dottering exercise classes and trips where the main event is a fattening lunch, SCREW THAT. No healthy senior would join that. I sure in hell wouldn’t. And I am in my mid seventies.

 

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Ridgewood Fire Department addresses cooking grease spill

Ridgewood Fire Department addresses cooking grease spill

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

August 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, It what seems to becoming an all too frequent occurrence, Ridgewood Fire Department personnel were again called to address a spill of cooking grease generated from a local restaurant. The latest spill occurred on Tuesday morning, 08/22 in front of 16 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood. Members of Ridgewood FD Engine Company #35 and Rescue Company #42 applied an absorbent material to the affected area.

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Chief of Department James Van Goor, who was on the scene, advised the restaurant owner to hire a private contractor for final cleanup. Ridgewood Health Department officials were also notified of the incident. Ridgewood Police provided traffic control as firefighters worked at the location.

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It’s the taxes, silly: How high taxes in New Jersey hurt the middle-class and small businesses the most

Ridgewood_Real_estate_theridgewoodblog
file photo by Boyd Loving
What is the Most Pressing Issue for the Village of Ridgewood

August 21, 2017 at 8:01 AM

We still have five months to go in 2017 and New Jersey has already topped several lists this year we all wish it hadn’t. With long-term liabilities mushrooming to 360 percent of total assets, New Jersey was ranked the state with the worst fiscal health in the country for the third consecutive year by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

For the fifth consecutive year, New Jersey saw more residents leave than any other state, with 63 percent more departures than arrivals.

According to recent McKinsey study, New Jersey has been among the worst states for economic growth, with GDP increasing an average of just 0.3 percent between 2005 and 2015 – nearly five times lower than national GDP growth over the same period.

There’s not one single explanation for all of these trends, but there is oneparticular list New Jersey sits atop that comes pretty close to providing an answer: our state has the worst business tax climate in the nation, according to the independent nonprofit Tax Foundation, an unfortunate distinction the state has had for the last three years.

High taxes make New Jersey less attractive to businesses and residents. Skeptics often claim this is an exaggeration and that few actually move just because of taxes. But even if we put aside departures like the high profile move made by fund manager David Tepper to Florida a few years ago, those opposed to lowering tax rates have to reckon with the fact that most people are leaving for new job opportunities. Why aren’t these opportunities in our state? Perhaps it has something to do with the uninviting business environment created by unnecessarily high taxes.

The common refrain from opponents of tax cuts, especially cuts for businesses, is that they only benefit big corporations and the wealthy. But in many cases high taxes hurt the middle-class and small businesses more than the rich and powerful. Here are a few examples:

https://www.njbiz.com/article/20170821/INDINSIGHTS/170829999/its-the-taxes-silly-how-high-taxes-in-new-jersey-hurt-the-middleclass-and-small-businesses-the-most

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Ridgewood Public Schools does not tolerate any acts of hate or negative speech in our buildings or on our property.

RHS_Sign_theridgewoodblog

Dear Parent or Guardian,

The recent events in Charlottesville have compelled me to write to you this afternoon. The horrific and
vile images on our screens emphasized the unfortunate and misguided behavior of real people with real
hate in their hearts towards others who look or believe differently from themselves.

Having watched those expressions of hatred and violence with horror and disbelief, I want to stress to
you and reassure you that the Ridgewood Public Schools does not tolerate any acts of hate or negative
speech in our buildings or on our property. Our district is a community of people from many different
backgrounds, nationalities, beliefs and protected classes, and we insist that our students and staff
practice tolerance and respect at all times through clearly articulated goals for respectful and inclusive
behavior. We also go one step further, by finding ways to highlight and celebrate both differences and
similarities.

As we ready for the opening of school and a peaceful and welcoming start to a new year, I encourage
you to talk about the school environment in your discussions with your family about the recent events in
Charlottesville. Please know that we are here to assist you and feel free to reach out to your child’s
principal, or to me, at any time.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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Graydon Pool late Season Hours of Operation

Graydon Pool Ridgewood

August 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Graydon Pool summer late Season Hours of Operation – August 14 through Labor Day, September 4

Weekdays – 12 Noon to 7:30PM

Weekends – 10AM to 7:30PM

AMENITIES at Graydon Pool : Accessibile ramp for entry into the pool, Spray fountains, Adirondack chairs & Shade systems; Volleyball & Basketball Courts; Recreational Games of Shuffle Board, Four Square, Hop Scotch and Ping-Pong; Picnic Tables and Charcoal Grills; Shaded Playground and Sitting areas for Parents with young ones; The Water’s Edge Cafe – Open daily Noon to 7PM.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS: Instructiojnal Swim/Fitness for children and adults; Competitive Graydon Swim Team , ages 8 – 17; Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Yoga, Kayaking Introduction; Storytime Under the Pavilion; Movies on the Beach; Live Concerts Monthly.

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Chef Danny is launching his new menu at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co

Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co

August 21,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. in Ridgewood ,Chef Danny is launching his new menu this weekend, stop by to try it or order in.

Chef Daniel Montoya has over 18 years of experience and oversees the kitchen at the Ridgewood location for Radicchio. He will prepare classic home style Italian dishes for your enjoyment.

There is so much more to Radicchio then fresh Pasta and signature Risottos, chef Danny is prepping up some great meat and seafood as well.

Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co
34 Franklin Ave
Ridgewood, New Jersey
@radicchionj
Call (201) 670-7311

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Art Of Motion in Ridgewood Open House

Art of Motion, Ridgewood
Thu, August 24, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Art of Motion, 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood NJ, Art of Motion is currently taking registration for the 2017 Fall Semester! They are proud to announce several new classes including Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates/Yoga/Cardio Barre, Acro, Voice and Musical Theater!

Please visit their website for more information about registration and their new classes! ArtofMotion.org Contact their office at 201-652-5800.

Art of Motion looks forward to seeing you in the fall!

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Reader suggests Protest Groups Should Pay Ridgewood Police Overtime

ridgewood police chief

Good question , who is going to pay the safety bill. because how this looks we are going to have a lot of these event’s . we need to come up with a plan , or call in the county police.

Did they fill out the proper paperwork for permit. And to the village manager this is more overtime for police department now. Are we going to have these demonstrations now every week. No went to the overtime want to $600,000 last year, when is this going to stop.

Our Police Chief attends many of the gatherings in Ridgewood. it is a sign of respect for the purpose of the gathering as well as a means to assure that there is no interruption from individuals with violently opposing views. The Police are definitely not there to frighten individuals but to protect them. We certainly don’t need an incident of car into crowd here in Ridgewood.

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Bicycle rider from Glen Rock sustained a minor injury after colliding with a motor vehicle at the intersection of of Godwin and Lincoln Avenues, in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Police Bike Crash

Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

Ridgewood NJ,  A 19-year old female bicycle rider from Glen Rock sustained a minor arm injury after colliding with a motor vehicle at the intersection of of Godwin and Lincoln Avenues, Ridgewood on Sunday afternoon, 08/20. The driver of the passenger car involved fled the scene prior to the arrival of police officers. Ridgewood PD, EMS, and FD personnel responded to aid the victim. Glen Rock PD also assisted in the search for the fleeing driver. Ridgewood PD delivered the seemingly undamaged bicycle back to the victim’s residence in Glen Rock.

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Little Leaguers getting infected by adults’ bad sportsmanship

20120330_baseball_33

By Phil Mushnick

August 19, 2017 | 7:59pm

Kids, by definition, are impressionable. They know only what they know, what they’re given to know and what they’re interested in knowing. And then that knowledge, often in the form of prompts, is applied.

Years ago my family was seated with the Drobnis family at dinner when talk turned toward the Vietnam War. Mike Drobnis said that after he was drafted he joined the Coast Guard.

His son, Danny, about 10 at the time, grew excited.

“Dad,” he said, “you were drafted?”

“I was,” his father answered.

“Wow,” said Danny. “What round?”

But impressionable cuts all ways, thus, by now, Bill Henel should have known better, should have cut himself a break and watched something else. Or read a book.

Henel was a Brick, N.J., Little League umpire for 20 years, and a member of its board of directors for 25 years.

“But this is my last year,” he wrote. “I’m tired of trying to tell kids about sportsmanship. It’s hopeless, and TV shows the worst of them as funny and cool. A sad state.”

His son, Danny, about 10 at the time, grew excited.

“Dad,” he said, “you were drafted?”

“I was,” his father answered.

“Wow,” said Danny. “What round?”

But impressionable cuts all ways, thus, by now, Bill Henel should have known better, should have cut himself a break and watched something else. Or read a book.

Henel was a Brick, N.J., Little League umpire for 20 years, and a member of its board of directors for 25 years.

“But this is my last year,” he wrote. “I’m tired of trying to tell kids about sportsmanship. It’s hopeless, and TV shows the worst of them as funny and cool. A sad state.”

https://nypost.com/2017/08/19/little-leaguers-getting-infected-by-adults-bad-sportsmanship/

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RIDGEWOOD YMCA INTRODUCES NEW INSTRUCTIONAL SWIM PROGRAM LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 5

swimming

August 20, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Nationally, the Y is “America’s Swim Instructor” and the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago, (1909), and each year, the Ridgewood YMCA teaches more than 500 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills.

We have recently updated our swim program to help students at all ability levels progress at their own pace. Created by the YMCA of the USA, the new swim lesson curriculum has been extensively tested at YMCA’s across the nation. Class sizes are limited in number to ensure safety and optimal instruction.

The new swim program is divided into 3 age appropriate class categories The first category is Swim Starters for infants and toddlers age 6 months to 3 years. Accompanied by parents, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills.

The second category is Swim Basics for youth ages 3 up to 14 years. Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning various swim skills.

The last category is Swim Strokes for school age children, teens and adults who have mastered the fundamentals. Students will learn additional water safety skills and build upon their stroke technique.

Parents are invited to attend our information sessions to learn more about the new swim program and staff will be on hand to help guide your decision for class enrollments. Join us on Wednesday, August 23 or Wednesday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Room#2. Light refreshments will be available.

Information, program overview tools and FAQs can be found on our website www.ridgewoodymca.org.

Registration for the new swim classes begins Monday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m. You can register online at www.ridgewoodymca.org or call 201.444.5600 x500. Classes begin September 5.

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The Ridgewood Public Library Presents ,”Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions” by Amy Stewart

Amy Stewart

August 20,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Save the date! Amy Stewart–along with audiobook reader Christina Moore–return on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7pm to present the new Kopp Sisters book, Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions. Bookends will have all 3 books for sale and signing.

Amy Stewart is the author of nine books, including four New York Times bestsellers. She lives in Eureka, California, with her husband Scott Brown, who is a rare book dealer. They own a bookstore called Eureka Books, which is housed in a classic nineteenth-century Victorian building that Amy very much hopes is haunted.

Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions is the much-anticipated third Kopp Sisters novel, following the true story of Constance Kopp, one of America’s first female deputy sheriffs, and her two remarkable sisters.

The Ridgewood Public Library

125 N Maple Ave
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Call (201) 670-5600