Valley Health System is comprised of The Valley Hospital, Valley Home Care and Valley Health Medical Group.
More than 4,300 professionals are employed by Valley Health System. There are more than 1,000 physicians on Valley’s active medical staff. More than 51,000 individuals were admitted to Valley in 2010. More than 3,000 babies were born at Valley in 2010. More than 72,000 people were treated in the Emergency Department in 2010. More than 1,000 babies have been born with the assistance of our Fertility Center. More than 1,600 Volunteers and 2,000 Auxilians donated more than 195,000 hours to Valley Health System in 2010.
>I’m glad to see that nobody was fooled by that article: Readers remain very skeptical of the Bergen Records Sunday piece ,”In North Jersey, teacher tenure is no sure thing”
All I can say is “That’s nice, but irrelevant”. The discussion is not about the three years spent busting your butt to get tenure, it’s about the next 40+ spent being essentially unfireable. At the High School level, no less.The article quoted is probably a plant by, the NJEA to build sympathy.
Readers were also highly skeptical of the use of the term ‘highly qualified”. It is a misnomer that many of our teachers are categorized as ‘highly qualified’, unless by qualified, you mean “compensated”.About half my children’s teachers each year are no longer effective and some are just biding time.Thank you, ‘no sure thing’ tenure.
The problem with tenure is not who gets it, but the fact that once a teacher gets it they are guaranteed a job for life. People change,needs change, and there is no way to guarantee that your best performers on day one, will be your best performers in 5, 10, 20or 30 years. Tenure needs to go. Teachers should be evaluated based on performance every year, just like other professions, which is the only way to keep standards up and costs down.
When it comes to tenure most readers thought critical results based annual evaluations are needed for teachers – no tenure, no guaranteed job for life. Teachers who work in more challenging districts should have evaluations different from those who teach in districts like Ridgewood where there is parental support for the schools and parental involvement in education…not all kids are so lucky.
Nearly 190,000 residents fled New Jersey for other states in 2009, accelerating a trend that has seen tens of thousands leave the Garden State in the past decade. (Mike, Gannett)
>Assembly Education Committee: Wins one for the NJEA
Assembly Education Committee approves bill requiring charter schools to win voter approval
A bill that would require charter schools to win voter approval in their communities was voted out of the Assembly Education Committee today, after a number of charter school advocates testified that requiring a referendum could divide communities and doom some schools. (Rundquist, The Star-Ledger)
>From Medicaid to managed care: The Christie Administration’s plan to slash NJ healthcare costs
Theodora, a 20-year-old Summit resident, is unable to walk, talk or eat on her own. With a tracheotomy that requires careful cleaning and constant monitoring, she even needs help to breathe. (Stainton, NJ Spotlight)
The New Jersey Supreme Court will issue today its 21st ruling in the long-running Abbott v. Burke school equity case, with the decision set to be posted on the court’s website at 10 a.m. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
>Poll: Fox, O’Reilly Most Trusted News Sources By PAUL BEDARD Posted: May 20, 2011
In a stunning rejection of network news and nightly news anchors, cable news, driven by the Fox News Channel and mouthy Bill O’Reilly, is now the top most trusted source—by a mile.
In a new poll from Boston’s Suffolk University, more than a quarter of the nation says Fox is tops when it comes to who they trust the most and O’Reilly is the most believable.
“This poll shows two things: first, the network news have completely lost their brand. Second, the only network with any intensity is Fox News,” says Brent Bozell, president of the conservative Media Research Center. “Bottom line: the more they attack Fox, the stronger it is getting,” he adds.
I know, liberal heads will explode over this post. They just can’t stand the fact that “Faux News” is number one in the ratings. According to a poll by Suffolk University, Fox News is also the most trusted news source.
The University polled 1,070 people which included democratics (39%), republicans (34%), independents (22%) and other (5%). Question 58 (on page eight) asked: What political news source do you trust the most? The results:
Fox News – 28% CNN – 18% Undecided – 12% NBC – 10% Other – 10% MSNBC – 7% ABC – 6% CBS – 6% C-SPAN – 3% Guess that “Lean Forward” concept isn’t working so well for MSNBC!
>Time for a boycott: Towns make up revenue loss with more tickets
With the summer driving season quickly approaching us this is a good reminder for drivers to slow down and also avoid towns altogether that write excessive tickets due to budget constraints perhaps even boycott towns all together that are looking to raise revenue through excessive ticket writing schemes .
Towns make up revenue loss with more tickets 6:24 AM, Mar. 6, 2011 Column by BOB INGLE
TRENTON — Last week we discussed how so many towns have so many cops and so little crime and pondered what they all do. The answer is they write a lot of tickets to make up for lost municipal aid from Trenton.
In an impressive investigation, the Asbury Park Press found the top 20 ticket-writing towns and cities lost an average of $2.9 million in state aid last year. You think that’s a coincidence? The investigation showed each municipality wrote an average of 8,300 additional tickets in the last half of 2010 which could translate into $830,000 more per town from fines.
This story is a must read. It’s in print today, on line Tuesday, March 8.
When asked about the ticket increase, officials said the sped-up activity has nothing to do with a dwindling flow of cash from the state treasury. They would have us believe it was stepped up because they’re concerned for our safety.
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) annual report tracks the state’s progress in achieving its goals to shift New Jersey’s reliance on fuels contributing to global climate change to newer and cleaner ways of producing electricity. The reporting year ended May 31, 2010
77 million megawatt hours: The amount of retail electricity sold in New Jersey during the reporting year, down from 81 million megawatt hours the previous year.
$122 million: The one-year cost of complying with the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, expenses primarily associated with the cost of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and solar renewable certificates (SRECs), which owners of renewable energy systems earn for the electricity the systems produce.
24: The number of megawatts of solar capacity installed in December 2010, an all-time monthly high.
8,037: The total number of solar systems installed since the clean energy program began in 2001, as of December 31, 2010.
17: The total number of biomass systems, which burn renewable sources of fuel, such as wood chips, to produce electricity, installed since the program began.
8: The total number of fuel cells funded since the program began. Fuel cells create energy by converting a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electricity.
$373,192,234: The total amount of rebates handed out to help develop solar, wind, biomass and fuel cell projects.
$349,578,777: The total amount of rebates handed out to help develop strictly solar capacity in New Jersey.
132: The amount of megawatt capacity installed from solar projects in reporting year 2010, which is more than the cumulative capacity of solar since the inception of the program in 2001.
>State Senate panel’s tenure bill would add mentoring for new teachers
New teachers would need a first year of on-the-job mentoring plus three consecutive years of good evaluations to earn tenure under a new bill described Sunday by the chairwoman of the state Senate’s education committee. (Brody, The Record)
President Obama’s re-election campaign is trying to dig up dirt in the Garden State.Despite New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s repeated pronouncements that he will not seek the GOP presidential nomination, Obama operatives are compiling a dossier of what they call “opposition research” — material that could be used to damage Christie if he changes his mind, The Post has learned. (Margolin, New York Post)
> Ridgewood’s unlimited parking pass included in revisions to rate structure
Friday, May 20, 2011 BY MICHAEL SEDON THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS STAFF WRITER
Commuters and downtown workers can stop saving bags full of change by getting a new unlimited parking pass, village officials said this week.
“The idea for unlimited parking was adopted to better meet the needs of customers, downtown workers and commuters,” said Councilman Paul Aronsohn, the liaison to the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. “Currently, many are forced to move their cars or illegally feed the meters. This new approach recognizes and accommodates those that need more than two hours of parking.”
The “Unlimited Prepaid Parking Permit” (UP3) was part of revisions in the village’s parking rate structure approved by the Village Council last week.
The UP3 will cost $650 on an annual basis; the cost will be prorated if it is purchased later in the year. A parking pass purchased in June, for example, will cost $400 for the year.
The permit is a hangtag that will be displayed from a vehicle’s rearview mirror. The UP3 can be used on different days in different approved cars, allowing households with multiple vehicles to alternate.
>Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Evening Activities and Fireworks Tickets Summer’s Best Entertainment Value
Monday, July 4, 2011 Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 5, 2011 Veterans Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey
July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Constitution.” The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day’s events and does not receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood.
We are actively preparing for what we know will be a spectacular celebration, and it is vital that we have community support. Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”. Because of generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations.
While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Veterans Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets are one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Ticket sales cover the evening entertainment which begins at 6:00pm, the fireworks at dark, as well as the bands in the parade, additional security and traffic control. Come early and enjoy some great entertainment.
For many years the cost of our tickets remained the same while our costs increased. This year we have increased our ticket prices. It was a decision that the Committee did reluctantly in the face of rising costs. To keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible for attendees, while covering costs, pre-sales of tickets are being made available through a wide range of local businesses.
Tickets to the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks will be on sale June 1 at the locations below. Buy your tickets in advance for $8.00 and save over 50% off the gate price of $15.00.
1. Backyard Living- 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-689-9111
2. Daily Treat- 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-9113
9. JT’s Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-652-2220
10. Lacrosse Unlimited of Ridgewood- 206 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-670-3515
11. La Strada- 231 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park- 201-670-9233
12. North Jersey Community Bank- 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-670-8484
13. Ridgewood Auto Wash Co.- 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock, 201-444-6037
14. Ridgewood Cycle Shop- 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood, 201-444-2553
15. The Wine Seller- 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-444-3300.
16. Town & Country Apothecary- 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood- 201-652-0013.
Many thanks to our ticket vendors! All ticket vendors are volunteers and make no money for their efforts.
17. At the Ridgewood Library –Saturday, June 25 from 9:00am to 3:00pm; Sunday, June 26 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, and Monday June 27 through Friday July 1 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Thank you HILT for being our volunteer ticket sellers!
18. At the gate tickets are $15.00. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge.
Patrons and belongings are subject to security checks when entering Veterans Field.
Handicap parking for the Parade is available on Dayton Street behind Van Neste Park.
Handicap parking for the Evening Entertainment is available at the parking lot to the east of Veterans Field. Approach Veterans Field on Linwood Avenue from the east. Turn left onto Northern Parkway. Turn right into the parking lot. There are 20 spaces available on a first- come, first-serve basis. A police officer will be posted there to direct you. Those who park in the handicap spaces will not have access to their cars during the fireworks due to the location of the
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. It has grown into one of the largest celebrations in the New York City area and has been featured on CNN and Good Morning America as well as local New York stations. The celebration was once again named Best Parade and Fireworks by the readers of 201 Magazine.
Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org. Thank you for “Supporting the Tradition”.
>Junior New Players Summer Program registration deadline Friday May 27th
There are still some spaces available for the Summer Junior New Players program. The Junior Company is an intensive theatre program for Ridgewood students who have completed Grades 5-8. The three-week summer session will take place from July 5 – August 2. More detailed information and registration forms are available at www.rhsnewplayers.com. The deadline to register is Friday, May 27.
> In North Jersey, teacher tenure is no sure thing
Sunday, May 22, 2011 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011, 9:41 AM BY LESLIE BRODY THE RECORD STAFF WRITER
Five out of 20 teachers in the Leonia school system found out this spring they won’t get tenure after three years on the job because they weren’t making the grade.
At schools throughout North Jersey, officials say tenure is not a sure thing. In Wayne, four teachers out of 41 eligible didn’t cut it.
And in Fort Lee, two teachers out of 15 hopefuls got the bad news.
In all, districts throughout North Jersey are denying the prize of tenure to some educators who, school officials say, aren’t performing up to standards, based on interviews with the leaders of more than a dozen North Jersey districts.
What percent of eligible New Jersey teachers are denied tenure for cause each year has long been a murky subject, and the New Jersey Education Department keeps no tally statewide. Teachers get tenure on the first day of their fourth year in a district, but reaching that point is by no means automatic, local leaders say, because they don’t want to get stuck with long-term teachers who can’t succeed.
