Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reminds you July is #SmartIrrigationMonth. July is Smart Irrigation Month, a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. In the United States, more water is used in July than in any other month. In summer months, outdoor watering accounts for more than half the total water use of a home in our service area. And most water used to irrigate lawns and landscapes ends up evaporating or on paved areas. During #SmartIrrigationMonth take a look into some water-saving tips that will also produce financial savings and preserve our water resources.
Now is a good time to make sure you’re watering efficiently. A rain shut-off device is an inexpensive gadget to add to your sprinkler system to prevent if from running in the rain. Rain sensors are actually required by law in the state of NJ on automatic sprinkler systems. When it’s hot or windy, more than a third of the water can be lost to evaporation.
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey School Boards Association NOVEMBER ELECTIONS: IMPORTANT DATES 2018 School Board Candidacy & Election Dates
DATE – ACTION
May 16
Term begins for newly appointed board members in Type I districts (those with appointed boards) other than cities of the first class (those with a population of more than 150,000). July 30 4 p.m. is the deadline for candidates to file nominating petitions with the county clerk. Aug 13 Deadline for filing in Superior Court to Protect School Election Candidate’s Rights. Aug 3 Deadline for filing objections to Nomination Petitions for School Election Candidates with the county clerk. Sept 7 Last day for a candidate to withdraw from the election. A signed, written notice must be filed with the county clerk Aug 9 Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for School Election Candidates by the county clerk.
Aug 9
Last day to amend a defective petition. The candidate may amend the petition to remedy the defect at any time before the date, but generally may not add signatures. The candidate may add his or her own signature if necessary to provide verification of the signatures on the petition, but only if the petition already contains ten valid signatures.
Aug 13
Date for Drawing of Ballot Position for School Election Candidates by the County Clerk.
Nov 6
Annual School Election NOTE: Board members must undergo criminal history record checks through the New Jersey Department of Education within 30 days of election or appointment.
Jan 1-7
Newly elected board members are sworn in at annual board organizational meetings
Feb 1-7
Last day to file Personal-Relative and Financial Disclosure forms with the Executive County Superintendent and Board Secretary. For newly elected or newly appointed school board members, the deadline is 30 days after taking office
“What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?” For district parents, these further instructions also apply:
1. The best way to communicate with the Board of Education is to butt out and leave everything up to us, your betters.
2. If you must communicate with us, say something nice or don’t say anything at all.
3. Get over yourself. We don’t care how well-educated you are.
4. You scared off notorious constructivist education theory gurus (junkies, really) Martin Brooks and Jacqueline Grennon Brooks when we had almost succeed in handing the district over to them, lock, stock and barrel. We will never forgive you.
Ridgewood NJ, Summer Fun with the Small Business Resource Group!
The Small Business Resource Group (SBRG) is a networking group founded by a panel of professionals well-versed in the varied needs of startups and small businesses. SBRG seek to build a supportive community of professionals who can be a resource for one another, sharing knowledge, experience and referrals.
Join us at Serendipity Labs Ridgewood for this free event:
• Meet your Business Neighbors
• Meet the SBRG Team Members
• No Workshop …Just Wine & Fun!
• Raffles / Games / Door Prizes
• Free Consultations from the SBRG Team Members
RSVP today! We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Below is a link to the registration page:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-fun-with-the-sbrg-tickets-47514716797
For more information please reach out to:
Jed Regen at 201.835.5161
Wed, July 18, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Serendipity Labs, 45 N. Broad St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, since this came up in the last Village council election we thought we would embark on an local civics lesson . Contrary to the misinformation campaign ,the Ridgewood Village Council does not control nor is responsible for school budgets, policy or funding of Ridgewood public schools . It has no say and former Mayor Knudsen had nothing to do with the lack of voter participation in school board elections.
The Ridgewood school budget is in the area of $110,000,000 and yes that is huge . That budget accounts for over 60% of the Village’s property taxes .
From the Ridgewood School website :
About the Board
About the Board/Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Board of Education?
The Board of Education does not “run” the Ridgewood Public Schools. That’s the job of the Superintendent. Rather, the BOE’s job is to ensure that the schools are well run. The Board does this by
1) Setting district policies and goals
2) Communicating policies and goals to the superintendent
3) Overseeing the budget
4) Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
5) Serving as the communications link between the community and the school district.
What is the role of the superintendent?
The Superintendent’s responsibilities fall into three areas:
1) Primary advisor to the Board of Education
The superintendent briefs the board on district issues and provides updates on district operations as well as background information, alternatives, suggestions, and recommendations before Board decisions are made. The superintendent may ask other district staff to attend board meetings to give reports on particular items.
2) Chief Executive Officer of the school district
Responsible for administering the policies adopted by the school board and for running the school system on a daily basis. The superintendent is accountable to the board regarding how well the district is run.
3) Educational leader of the community
It’s the superintendent’s job to evaluate and assess how district policies are being implemented at all levels. The superintendent ensures that all issues on an agenda for board action are accompanied by his/her recommendation, including staff input and study when necessary. The superintendent also acts as the liaison to the Board for all district employees.
What happens at Board of Education meetings?
At public meetings, the Board of Education takes official action on school business, discusses policy and confirms personnel appointments recommended by the superintendent. Board members have the opportunity to discuss items prior to voting on official agenda items. At every public meeting of the Board, there are two opportunities for the public to address the Board.
Where and when can I get minutes from a previous Board of Education meeting?
Minutes of public Board of Education meetings are available on the district website (click here), at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place. Board minutes are presented for approval at subsequent Board meetings, in order to be voted into the public record.
Where can I get a copy of an upcoming Board of Education meeting agenda?
Board of Ed agendas are available on the District website (click here) on Friday afternoon prior to the meeting. The agenda is also posted at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place by Monday afternoon prior to the meeting.
How and when may I address the Board during a Board of Education meeting?
The Board seeks public comment twice during each regular public meeting. The first opportunity for comment is at approximately 7:30 p.m. under the agenda item “IV. Comments from the Public.” The presiding officer (usually the Board president) may limit public comments to conclude at 8:00 p.m. in order for the Board to continue with its scheduled agenda. Later in the meeting, at approximately 9:00 p.m., there is a second opportunity for public comment under the agenda item “IX. Comments from the Public.” The time may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer, taking into consideration a break point in the agenda.
Persons wishing to speak must, upon being recognized, approach the podium, state their name and address and also write their name and address on the sheet at the podium. Each speaker shall be limited to four minutes. The Board Recorder will note the time. A speaker who has not finished in the allotted time will be directed by the presiding officer to summarize quickly and relinquish the floor within 30 seconds.
The public is invited to address the Board on any topic regarding the school district, both subjects on the agenda or general topics. Comments should be limited to issues. If personal remarks or discourteous statements are made, the presiding officer shall require the speaker to stop. No person will be recognized for a second time until all others asking to speak have been heard.
Why does the Board go into closed Executive Session?
The Ridgewood Board of Education may meet in closed Executive Session prior to, or at the end of, a regular public meeting. In accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (aka the “Sunshine Law”), closed Executive Sessions are not open to the public. Although debate may be private, any action taken must be in public session. The Board will indicate that “action may be taken” when they return to public session and before the meeting is adjourned.
Only items that fall under the following topics may be discussed during closed Executive Session:
Collective bargaining agreements/proposals or other contracts
Personnel issues
Matters confidential by law
Items protected by attorney-client privilege
Matters of individual privacy
Specific pending or anticipated litigation
Purchase or lease of real estate
Protecting public safety
How is the Board of Education selected?
Members are elected to three-year terms by the local voters. School board elections are in November. Board members elected in November will be sworn in and take their seats at the Reorganization meeting in January.
If a vacancy occurs between elections, the current Board will appoint a new board member to serve until the next election. Appointed members will be sworn in and take their seats at the next regular public meeting of the Board.
What are the legal requirements to become a Board member?
To become a member of a local Board of Education in New Jersey, you must:
Be able to read and write
Hold U.S. citizenship and one year’s residency in the school district
Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against the Board
Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal government body, or in the case of county school districts, the county governing body
Be registered to vote in the district
What is the Board member’s Code of Ethics?
All school board members in New Jersey are required to abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members:
a. I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
b. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
c. I will confine my board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
d. I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.
e. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.
f. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
g. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.
h. I will vote to appoint the best-qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.
i. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.
j. I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.
L18A:12-24.1
If I have a question or concern about something in the district, whom should I contact?
If you have a concern, we encourage you to talk first with the teacher or principal, next the department supervisor, then the assistant superintendent, and finally the superintendent. Should the superintendent be unable to resolve a problem, and it involves district policy, school board meetings and agenda items, the budget or requests for specific courses or programs, the Board of Education is the final step in the process. Please remember that all personnel items should be referred directly to the administration.
What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?
To communicate with the Board as a whole, we invite members of the public to attend a regular public meeting and share your ideas and thoughts during the public comments period. You may also write a letter to the Board President, care of the Ed Center, which will be shared with other Board members. Individual Board members can be reached via email
Ridgewood NJ, You don’t need citronella candles, DEET spray, or any wonky hacks to keep nasty mosquitoes away from you. The simple solution to repelling these bugs is an electric fan. Yes ,according to the American Mosquito Control Association a large fan on your deck would work because mosquitoes are weak fliers.
The fan will create a windstorm which should provide enough of a gust to keep bugs away. Plus, fans help dissipate the carbon dioxide you exhale and reduce body heat, both of which have been found to attract mosquitoes.
The New York Times also reports that a fan’s breeze “disperses the human emanations that allow female mosquitos [the gender that bites us] to zero in on us.” Entomologists from Michigan State University found that fan-generated wind greatly reduces mosquitoes and they recommend we use it in our backyards to protect ourselves and our pets.
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment, The Ridgewood Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees, The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board (this member must have a child in the Ridgewood School system), and the Shade Tree Commission.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.
The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. The member position open is for a resident with children in the Ridgewood school system.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website by clicking on “Forms”, then clicking on Page 2, and then clicking on “Village Clerk”), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) or committee(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Deadline for submissions is July 17, 2018.
RIDGEWOOD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – REORGANIZATION
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
July 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in the Village Hall Court Room, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. The purpose of the meeting is to hold the Annual Reorganization Meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. A regular business meeting will follow.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library Presents Sunday Concert: Nash East Country Band, Sunday, July 8, 2pm. 4-piece band plays Grande Ole Opry hits by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, more.
All welcome; donations greatly appreciated.
Sun, July 08, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, West Bergen County invites you to their Open House on Wednesday, July 11th, 2018 from 4:30-7:00pm.
Join us as we celebrate West Bergen’s newly purchased building and opening of our first suite!
Stop by to meet Michael Tozzoli, West Bergen’s CEO, and other clinical staff members to learn more about our programs, services and plans for future expansion!
Light refreshments will be served. Please help us to plan accordingly by letting us know if you will be stopping by.
RSVP by July 6th by email to: [email protected] or call for more information at (848)480-0878.
Hope to see you there!
West Bergen Mental Healthcare Open House
Wed, July 11, 2018
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: West Bergen Mental Healthcare, 140 Chestnut St. Suite 202, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood YMCA invites the public to attend our World Service Day Fundraiser featuring food trucks, live entertainment, carnival games and inflatables for the kids and more on Sunday, July 15 from 10:30am until 4pm at the Ridgewood Y!
This outdoor event will be held on the grounds of the Ridgewood YMCA at 112 Oak Street, near the Ridgewood business district. Food for purchase includes food trucks with a variety of tempting dishes, live musical entertainment and performers, carnival games, face painting and inflatables for the kids, a beer and wine garden for the adults! This event is rain or shine and proceeds will support the YMCA World Service Organization’s initiatives!
Admission to this event is $5.00 per person. Children 3 years of age and under are admitted free! Download Flyer and share with your friends!
Interested in learning more about being a sponsor of this event? Contact Megan [email protected] or 201.444.5600 x375.
To learn more, please visit our website at www.ridgewoodymca.org
The Ridgewood YMCA is located at 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Tel: 201.444.5600
Ridgewood NJ , the National Weather Service has once again issued a …HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…In the mid to upper 90s.
* TIMING…Highest heat indices will occur in the afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-
risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity
may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended
exposure.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and
humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees
for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any
length of time.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.
Ridgewood NJ, according to Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital there’s nothing fun about excessive heat for your pets-heatstroke can kill.
-Never leave your pet in a parked car. On a 70 degree day the car temperature can rise above 150 degrees in minutes.
-The most susceptible to heat stress are very young or elderly pets, pets with a history of heat stress, short-nosed breeds, overweight pets and pets with any cardiovascular or respiratory disorders.
-Prevent heat stress by providing plenty of fresh water at all times, provide adequate ventilation and air circulation when pets are confined, provide adequate shad whenever pets are outdoors and avoid excessive exercise of pets in extreme heat.
Ridgewood NJ, On May 25th the USEPA released an updated health advisory on Perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water. The advisory Is not a regulation or enforceable, but meant to be guide for water purveyors such as Ridgewood Water to take action to protect their consumers. The advisory established lower limits on these chemicals than had previously been set. As a result Ridgewood Water determined that one facility was above the new limit. The facility was shut down pending the results of new test samples taken at the facility. The results of the latest tests indicate that the blended output of the facility at its point of entry has levels below the limit. The facility will be restarted if system demand requires us to boost production. The output will be tested monthly to ensure that PFOA and PFOS remain at safe levels. To further reduce concentration, Ridgewood Water will evaluate the feasibility of installing treatment for the removal of these chemicals.
