U.S. Consulate in Benghazi Bombed Twice in Run-Up to 9/11 Anniversary
Oct 2, 2012 4:45 AM EDT
Jihadists twice set off explosives at the consulate prior to the incident that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens, and announced threats on Facebook about escalating attacks on Western targets in the run-up to the 9/11 anniversary, according to whistleblowers reaching out to House Republicans.
In the five months leading up to this year’s 9/11 anniversary, there were two bombings on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and increasing threats to and attacks on the Libyan nationals hired to provide security at the U.S. missions in Tripoli and Benghazi.
Details on these alleged incidents stem in part from the testimony of a handful of whistleblowers who approached the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the days and weeks following the attack on the Benghazi consulate. The incidents are disclosed in a letter to be sent Tuesday to Hillary Clinton from Rep. Darrell Issa, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the chairman of the oversight committee’s subcommittee that deals with national security.
The State Department did not offer comment on the record last night.
Honor Gold Star Mothers and Families ,Sunday, September 30, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Van Neste Park, Van Neste Sq. & E. Ridgewood Ave
A Gold Star Mother is a woman who has lost a son or daughter in military service to the United States. In honor of these women, the last Sunday in September is observed as a day to show support for mothers and family members of our Fallen Heroes.
In the aftermath of World War I, Washington D.C. resident Grace Darling Seibold formed an organization called Gold Star Mothers to support the moms who had lost sons and daughters to the war. Grace’s son, First Lieutenant George Vaughn Seibold, was an aviator killed in combat over France in 1918. In 1928, the small D.C.-based group decided to nationalize its efforts. In 1936, a joint congressional resolution established the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The Gold Star Mothers grew from a support group of 60 women to today’s extensive nationwide network with tens of thousands of members and hundreds of local chapters.
Join us at Van Neste Park in Ridgewood. Luminaries will be on display 7:00-9:00pm. OR honor our nation’s Gold Star Mothers by placing a luminary at the end of your driveway at sundown away from anything that can catch fire.
Can someone enlighten all of us about Ken Smith property?
September 17,2012
Ridgewood NJ , Readers continue to speculate on the fate of the Ken Smith property. There are lost of theory’s but not many answers .
Who owns it, how is it zoned, are there any concrete plans right now or all speculation? Rumors have it that the person that owns this property is well connected. He is one of the five member of the self appoint parking garage committee. He is also the head of the Library Board and gave a large campaign contribution to our new Mayor. You should see what other names pop up on the Ridgewood Library Board. This is the politics Ridgewood residents wanted.
With Ken Smith Motors closed, I’ve heard the Town of Ridgewood might make a play of Eminent Domain to purchase the property and create a giant parking lot. I believe it may be worth 3 million for the approx. 1.7 acre lot. Should be cheaper than building 2 parking garages in the parts of town the town has discussed.”
I think the price will be higher that is why he published his income. My understanding that the town does not get it for what the property is assessed but rather what is fair and equitable value . Hence the money published in the Ridgewood News. Even with the price of $3 mil then you have to do site remediation because you best better believe that there is oil in the soil from the lifts and what ever else the dump there all those years. Then you have to build that big structure . NJTV money has dried up.
I think the die is already case for the for the plan that is on the table. Deals have been made and promises have to be kept.
We doubt it ,there’s no money in the budget to make such a purchase and having such a huge property off of the tax rolls would prove problematic from a budgeting standpoint.
What seems more realistic at the moment is that All American Ford might be planning to move their used car operation into the Ridgewood property and sell only new cars on Route 17. Looks like work taking place now on the property in terms of painting, spruce up, etc.
Ridgewood Council members offer opinions on parking proposal
Monday August 27, 2012, 1:40 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Preliminary plans to construct two parking garages and a new large anchor store in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) have been met with varying reviews, but the overriding feeling from most villagers is that the existing downtown situation needs improvement.
The proposal, as developed and presented by members of the business community earlier this month, calls for parking facilities at the corner of South Broad and Hudson streets, and another facing the Franklin Avenue corridor in the North Walnut Redevelopment zone.
Along with the parking structures, the group, which includes Chamber of Commerce members, also envisions a new storefront built on the current lot next to The Gap on East Ridgewood Avenue, according to plans unveiled during the Village Council’s work session meeting on Aug. 8.
This week, members of Ridgewood’s governing body offered their initial thoughts about the downtown proposal, weighing in on what they believed was the good, the bad, the ugly and the unknown, while offering some suggestions to make the plan more viable.
The overall pitch is laced mostly with good ideas, some council members told The Ridgewood News this week. They applauded the group for “its innovative thinking and ideas,” according to Mayor Paul Aronsohn.
Ridgewood’s business community pushes a vision for the Central Business District
August 10 ,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As predicted in previous blog posts a plan drafted by seven members of Ridgewood’s business community, all supporters of Paul Aronsohn’s election bid unveiled the village would have not one but two new parking garages and a large anchor store in the Central Business District (CBD) .
The group is made up of landlords, business owners and developers put together an ambitious parking/retail plan that they claim will be the key to revitalizing the village’s downtown. Members of the group include Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce president Tom Hillmann , landlord Ed Sullivan and urbanization promoter , realtor Bill Gilsenan, developer John Saraceno and It’s Greek to Me owner Paul Vagianos, architect Ken Schear, and landlord Rocco Orlando
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce President Tom Hillmann and owner of long time business Hillmann Electric & Lighting led the charge and presented the new parking proposal to the Village Council this past Wednesday.
The new proposal has many aspects of similar parking schemes that have been proposed over the years . The main issues have been and continue to be : Who will pay for it ? Will it fit aesthetically and not detract from the down town shopping district ? And will it be a net gain for the Village costing less and consuming less Village resources than it generates.
Ken Schier Architect and village resident reveled preliminary drawings of the sites and told the Council the parking proposal seeks to be “revenue neutral.” Both parking garages would be between 20 and 30 feet tall. A two-deck parking garage on the corner of Hudson Street, which could offer more than 200 parking spaces, would be constructed to “look like it’s a building, and not just a parking garage,” Schier said. ( https://www.northjersey.com/news/165636206_New_vision_for_downtown_Ridgewood_is_unveiled.html )
The plan calls for a new anchor store that would be constructed in the parking lot next to The Gap, and two new parking garages would be built, one on North Walnut Street and another near the train station, on the corner of South Broad and Hudson streets.
Tom Hillmann, told the Ridgewood News that this latest parking proposal focuses on the central issues of funding and design. Hillman went on “The Village of Ridgewood has no funds for a parking garage,” he said. “And … any structure must fit in within the character of the beautiful historic downtown.”
Household items:
32′ aluminum Extension ladder (closes down to 16′)–no warranties–don’t ask about safety & OSHA labels because it doesn’t have any.
Craftsman 22″ gas-powered snowblower (can be started with pull cord or AC power using conventional extension cord). Starts in 2 seconds. Includes manual
6 Pony (U.S.A.) 3/4″ pipe clamps WITH pipe
Garden tools
Bell & Howell Slide Projector (it works and the bulb lights)
Korvair Lenticular projection screen 40″ x 40″ (has one small tear in black BORDER at upper left)
Kodak Carousels
Collectibles:
many home decor items
banjo clock
costume jewelry
branded bar glasses
bar decor
Holiday items:
Halloween, Christmas, Easter
Furniture:
solid honey maple American-made nightstand
small pine end tables
small solid oak drop-leaf table
Martha Washington sewing table
solid wood white 48″ X 17″ sideboard table with tile top
Books
Women’s accessories (handbags)
Come to Ridgewood for Ridgewood’s Annual Sidewalk Sale Days and visit our Yard Sale on your way in or out of the village. We are conveniently located near Valley Hospital and Travell School. Our sale is at the corner of Bogert and Glen Avenues.
Ridgewood, Paramus enter into shared services agreement for vehicle maintenance
WEDNESDAY JULY 25, 2012, 1:13 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
TOWN NEWS
The Ridgewood Village Council signed a one-year shared services agreement with Paramus, with village’s neighbor providing vehicle maintenance services on an as-needed basis.
The resolution earned unanimous support from council members and was passed via consent agenda last Wednesday; however, it did not go into the books without some uncertainty from the public.
Prior to the council’s vote, resident Boyd Loving questioned the resolution, particularly its necessity while considering that the village has a fully functional public works garage.
“My concern is that the taxpayers are paying for the operation of the village garage. It’s my belief that the village garage is supposed to be repairing all village-owned vehicles,” Loving told the council. “If the garage is staffed, they handle all of our vehicles. And if vehicles are being sent out for repair at another location, does that mean the staff at the garage can be reduced so taxpayers can realize some cost savings?
Urban homogeneity
July 21,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Springing up all over town, a clock, brick work at the crosswalks , vintage street lights and turf fields, some of the things that make the Village unique?
Not so fast towns all across the state from Hoboken to Woodridge all share some of the same features of Village ,why Hoboken even has two clocks .
So why all the sameness ,what happen to home rule and the unique experience that was the Village of Ridgewood ? Is the uniformity mandated from the state ?What about town character and who is making all the money ? We are not fans of urban homogeneity .
Other things spreading like turf fields are down town parking garages , didn’t get a picture of that yet in Ridgewood .
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America’s birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as ‘Flag Birthday’. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as ‘Flag Birthday’, or ‘Flag Day’.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as ‘Flag Day’, and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.
Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.
In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children’s celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: “I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself.”
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
Turf king endorses Aronsohn, Hauck and Puciarell criticizes police and firemen, attacking salary and benefits
Moments ago, after a long day at work I sat down to review my personal emails, check school info and sports emails, kids schedule, etc. In the mix was an email from Brian Abdoo who I know from a number of sports programs my kids are involved in. I began reading the Abdoo’s endorsement of candidates, Aronsohn, Hauck and Puciarelli. The more I read the sicker I became. Abdoo has thoroughly disgusted me with his hypocritical rhetoric.
From 2009-2010 Brian Abdoo repeatedly endorsed the multi-million dollar controversial turf projects at Stadium and Stevens fields. As we all know the turf has been an unmitigated disaster resulting in Ridgewood Taxpayers incurring the burden of costly repairs.
Now, this same Brian Abdoo wants to express concern over taxes? He attempts to peddle Paul Aronsohn’s gimmicky zero based budgeting. Even my 6th grader understands built-in inherent cost increases. Abdoo states he wants more transparency and Village Council should “open the books”. The fact that Brian Abdoo is ignorant should not persuade anyone to his argument. Brian, the books are open. They are a matter of public record and are available for anyone to review. Brian, feel free to visit APP DataUniverse if there is anything you need to know. However, Mr. Abdoo, while doing your research you likely will not find the value of your candidate Aronsohn’s health care costs, at village taxpayer expense, for the past four years. Mr. Abdoo, while Mr. Aronsohn is busy telling you he wants to help Ridgewood Taxpayers, he has been busy helping himself for four years
.
Brian Abdoo proceeds to attack our police and firemen, attacking their salary and benefits. If this is such a concern why on earth would he support Aronsohn who voted for each and every raise, and contract , pertaining to the police & fire department. Maybe he prefers regionalized police and fire departments like Hauck and Puciarelli. Hauck announced the savings for each village taxpayer during the debate: a whopping $ 285 each! For that money I will sleep better at night with Village police and firemen.
Abdoo professes the revitalization of Ridgewood downtown and how committed each of his threesome is to this goal. Mr. Abdoo, Paul Aronsohn is the Council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce. What has he been doing for the past four years? Shopping at the mall? And Hauck and Puciarelli prefer a more urbanized Ridgewood. If they want urbanization let them move to Hoboken.
Best for last, Abdoo states each of these candidates is committed to helping Valley and residents to negotiate a compromise to allow for expansion. For goodness sake, Brian, where has Al Puciarelli been? He has been a member of the planning board forever. Hauck didn’t speak of compromise when she endorsed the massive expansion, as is, over and over again. Valley Hospital is not interested in compromise. The only time that was suggested by Valley was at the last Village Council hearing. Audrey Meyers, seeing the writing on the wall, begged council to hold off their vote so Valley could develop a compromise. Seriously, where was the compromise for six years?
Mr. Abdoo, reconsider and bullet for Killion and Shinizuka before we are in another turf-like drowning mess attributable to the likes of you.
…The fly has learned that Paul Aronsohn supporters are fleeing in droves after last night’s pathetic display of arrogance.
The CRR people have launched a “Dump Aronsohn” campaign behind the scenes. It seems that the mood now is to make sure Aronsohn doesn’t get reelected AT ALL!!
The Ridgewood moms feel strongly that Jane S. will round out the Council with another female voice to compliment Bernie Walsh.
Keith is earning praise left and right for staying above the political fray and really showing his leadership by not getting sucked into Aronsohn’s political ploy.
Aronsohn continues to take outside $ from State political operatives that have no affiliation with Ridgewood (check his ELEC NJ filing). He also continues to reap the benefit of free medical benefits for his entire family with a $5.00 COPAY. Wow don’t we all wish we had a $5.00 COPAY? ALL AT RIDGEWWOD TAXPAYER EXPENSE. That single benefit amounts to a 1000% raise for Paul over his $3000.00 per year Council salary.And he has the nerve to make a big deal about a 6% raise for the Village Manager. Yes that’s right 6%..not 12% as he would like you to believe. Check the records, it’s all public information…
>Curb Appeal: Building Value AND Pride of Ownership By Michael Fidanza
I spent almost all of yesterday taking advantage of the great weather and doing some new planting. It’s amazing what just a few new shrubs can do to change the look of your house. It was a great feeling to step back to the curb and take a look at the new landscaping; it was a beautiful, yet subtitle, change for the better.
During the past couple of weeks, I have toured some properties that are beautiful on the inside but a little tired on the outside. Maybe it’s the weather or avoiding the issue of changing the exterior – sometimes we let things go too long.
Unfortunately, the outside of your home is the first impression a guest sees. Without even a little bit of upkeep, visitors can be turned off before they even reach the door.
You may not even realize that your exterior needs sprucing up! Remember, in one year, we have been through a water shortage, a windstorm, a hurricane and a pre- Halloween snowstorm. The residual effects may have left you with a few things to It’s always a good time to make improvements to your home’s exterior; not just because you may want to sell your house but because it affects how you feel.
Pride of ownership translates into everything you do and creates a synergy that extends into the rest of the house.
These are just a few areas that do not require a lot of work but pay big dividends. Just by having a great lawn instead of a good lawn makes a huge difference.
When it comes time to sell, it’s not like you are in a scramble to get the outside done PLUS you get to enjoy your home more until that day comes.
Don’t let your home become that dull place you spend half you life at. A great looking exterior is the key to a homeowner’s happiness.
Michael is a licensed Realtor here Ridgewood. You may contact him at
Former Ridgewood High School principal Jack Lorenz gives BOE candidate Jim Morgan huge endorsement April 2,2012 the staff of the Ridgewood blog
(Ridgewood-NJ) In what can only be characterized by a lack of confidence in his former colloquies former Ridgewood High School principal Jack Lorenz has come out endorsing the anti-establishment BOE candidate Jim Morgan in the upcoming school board election.
Lorenz who was popular and well respected even by this blog which is frequently critical of the current school board . Lorenz left Ridgewood in what many consider unfortunate circumstances .His tenure at the Ridgewood high school was marked by a revitalization in educational priorities but after much friction with the BOE he called it quits .
Lorenz gave the Morgan campaign a huge boost by lending the endorsement of an educational insider to a campaign that up till now has attracted primarily the dissatisfied and growing “NO” to the budget vote in town. Morgan is seen by many as an outsider who has locked horns with the BOE in the past and while his positions on turf fields and field lighting are well known he is still a stranger to many on other school related issues.
Morgans push for more transparency in BOE affairs has been embraced by critics but viewed with disdain by cottage place and its supporters.Yet with the ever increasing “NO ” to the budget vote in town and the BOE’s support continuing to weaken Ridgewood voters may be more inclined than ever to ad outsider on the school board.
>Village Council Elections :when you go to vote, just ask yourself. Which one of the candidates will speak for the little guy
For the readers that are the fence about Valley ask yourself. Has Valley ever truly met with residents in good faith about the expansion?
Has Valley done everything possible to push this through. Full page adds in the Ridgewood News. Shame of survey published by voting district to intimidate the Village Council.Donating money to any organization in attempt to buy their favor. (Chamber of Commerce) Busing people to the final Planning Board hearing in attempted to intimidate.
Make no mistake about it Valley Hospital is heavily involved with this election. They are put there Trojan Horses. Did you ever hear the saying “Guilty by Association ” And for the readers that say this town is preoccupy with the renewal. Your dam right. This is bigger then housing units , turf fields, lights all together.
So when you go to vote, just ask yourself. Which one of the candidates will speak for the little guy.
