>You get what you pay for. If you want second rate teachers with a high turn over, then pay less and reduce benefits. If we want our schools to be nothing more than day care centers with minimum wage workers your taxes will be reduced. However, the value of you house will also be reduced. Even if you don’t have children in the school system this will cost you in the long run. I think the BOE has made some poor business decisions and that the administration is top heavy. BUT, I still believe that we get above average service from the hands on class room teachers.
Don’t forget, no one is breaking down the school house doors in the nation looking for teaching jobs. Most of us in Ridgewood could not afford to live on $100,000 a year, even with the top level health benefits and a good pension.
>Ladies Night Out Networking: Holiday Baking Mon, December 07, 2009 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Location: Ridgewood Culinary School, 223 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood Cost: $35 per person
You are invited to Networking – Holiday Baking Style Food provided by Whole Foods Market Chefs Nancy and JoMarie
While you are Networking, enjoy cooking, eating and take home goodies to share at the office and/or home.
$35 per person. Reservations only, limited space. Door prizes! Bring your favorite wine to share a glass with someone else. Do not forget the business cards and 30 second commercial.
RSVP to the Chamber Office, (201) 445-2600 or email [email protected].
Networking in Ridgewood Tue, December 08, 2009 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Location: Artis Gallery, 11 Prospect Street, Ridgewood Cost: $10 per person
Start the holiday season by networking your business! Enjoy wonderful hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a lot of holiday spirit!
FREE PARKING AFTER 6PM.
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Please RSVP to the Chamber by 12/7. Call (201) 445-2600 or email [email protected].
>We thought your readers might want to know about a promotion we are running this Holiday season. We are giving prizes away amounting to over $2000 over as 12 day period. Starting on Monday 11/30 and ending on Saturday 12/12 we will be raffling off one prize each day. We attached our ad that ran in the Record this week.
“On the First Day of Christmas Irish Eyes gave to me…..” NOV 30th………Belleek CELTIC MINI CACHE POT 2009 Annual Piece $40 DEC 1st…………………………..Belleek ARTIST SIGNED KILKENNY CASTLE $45 DEC 2nd………………………………………..Men’s OR Women’s WOOL SCARF $49 DEC 3rd……………………………………………..ORNAMENT of CHOICE Up To $79 DEC 4th………………………………WATERFORD MARQUIS Quadrata Bowl $99 DEC 5th………………………MULLIGAR PEWTAR Tankard with Shamrock $100 DEC 7th………….….WATERFORD Mondavi Pinot Noir Set with Carafe $100 DEC 8th………………………………………FOUR BELLEEK Trademark Mugs $120 DEC 9th………………………………SOLVAR Sterling Silver Heart Pendant $128 DEC 10th…………………MEN’s or WOMEN’s Fisherman Wool Sweater $175 DEC 11th………………………………………………..BRANNIGAN’s TARA CAPE $215 DEC 12th…………………………………………..14K GOLD CLADDAGH RING $575
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at Irish Eyes.
Sláinte,
Tara and Gene Callaghan Celtic Pride LLC dba Irish Eyes Imports Ltd 1 Cottage Place Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201.445.8585 – Phone 201.445.8597 – Fax [email protected] www.celticpride.com
>Holiday Bazaar to benefit The Preserve Graydon Coalition Sunday, November 29, 2009 10 AM–4 PM 250 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood (private home, directly across Maple from the Stable) Free admission
What you’ll find: “Save Graydon Pool” car magnets and “Keep Graydon Natural” lawn signs
Christmas/holiday cards featuring Graydon ice skating scene by Dorothy Warren (custom imprinting available);
original oil paintings by late Ridgewood artist Dorothy Warren (above: “Roses in Abundance”)order Cheesecake Aly cheesecakes, choc. chip cookies for delivery Dec. 19
The Key lime is crustless, sugar free, and gluten free—delicious for all! photos of Ridgewood’s downtown clock in all seasons, matted for framing delicate origami constructions, original jewelry, unique pottery home-baked cookies, Dove Chocolate Discoveries Christmas ornaments, wreaths, flameless candles And much more from over 20 vendors!
Park on Mastin Pl., Brookmere Ct., or Meadowbrook Ave. (or other streets off Maple) or in the Stable parking lot.
If you are volunteering at the bazaar, please leave the best parking spots for customers.
See you at the bazaar, 10am–4pm, Sunday, Nov. 29, at 250 N. Maple Ave. Note: Many vendors require cash or check.
Swimmingly, Marcia Ringel and Suzanne Kelly, Co-Chairs The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation “It’s clear—we love Graydon!” [email protected] www.PreserveGraydon.org
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln William H. Seward, Secretary of State
>Regarding the teachers benefits for health care plan, transition to a managed care plan likewise known as a HMO, will be made by the end of 2009. Back in March of 2009, an agreement concession for a transition grace period was made by the State Health Benefits Commission and the NJEA, for active and retired teachers. The concession will allow them to delay moving into the cheaper managed care health care plan Horizon Blue Cross PPO, from their more expensive plan, until the end of this year 2009. About time, join the rest of us. Past reference news article..
Your suggestion for a freeze on salaries, should be given consideration, even though our BOE acknowledges the state of the economic recession, they made no concessions this year with regard to salary increases. Its beyond comprehension of what justifies, (aside it being tenure) why many of our Kindergarten to 8th grade teachers salary ranges are $100,000.00. For example, Travell, K-8 has 2 each @ $102,000.; 1 @ $106,000.; 1 @ $90,000.(Kindergarten); Somerville K-8 has 2 each @ $102,000.; Hawes K-8 has 5 @ $102,000.; and 1 Kindergarten @ $102,000.
With all due respect, acknowledging the fact, many teachers have Masters degrees, you have to ask what Do You Really learn in Kindergarten that requires a public paid teacher at this substantial sum $102,000.? In this respect, the tenure system has lead to overqualified and overpaid positions which was intended to be a Public system and not a private system. In the private business world, when one reaches a “salary ceiling” for a position, they are considered overqualified and overcompensated for further raises.
On the proposed $48 Million Budget, everyone should look at this spreadsheet of costs projected over the next 25 years, on the boe site, with regard to the yearly school percentage tax rate, it increases within a couple years, and does not stay at the $37.47 per $100,000 assessed value. Proceed with caution.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many of us begin to ponder the things for which we are thankful. This year has been a particularly tough one for the economy and for Congress:
Over 120 banks have failed this year, and continued bailouts have seen the government become a significant shareholder in multiple banks, as well as a majority of the American auto industry. The House of Representatives passed a failed stimulus package to the tune of $787 billion, along with Cap-and-Trade legislation which many say will kill jobs and a trillion dollar health care package. The Financial Services Committee is also considering a bill that will establish a permanent bailout fund to continue to bail out failing financial companies. I was concerned about this in January (see my January 27th Garrett Gazette, “Incurring Massive Debt is Not a Stimulus Plan”), as I believe massive spending does little to stimulate economic growth. I even wrote a letter to President Obama on January 27, encouraging him to consider additional stimulus options. Unfortunately, Congress passed a “stimulus” that has done nothing to stimulate the economy, and we are currently facing an unemployment rate that is over 10%.
You may ask what this has to do with Thanksgiving. I am writing to let you know that what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving: I’m thankful that it’s not too late to fix our economy. It’s not too late to turn the unemployment trend around. It’s not too late to stop contributing to our country’s massive debt. We’re in a hole right now, so let’s stop digging.
As Congress explores options of yet another stimulus, I would encourage my colleagues to consider an option we haven’t tried yet: tax relief for small businesses that will enable them to create jobs for Americans.
In January, I introduced H.R. 470, The Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act, an economic stimulus package designed to provide short-term stimulus, while encouraging long-term economic growth.
This legislation focuses on broad, growth-oriented, permanent incentives for economic activity across all sectors and industries, with immediate application and sustained, long-term implications. Provisions center around three main themes: support for families through tax relief, economic relief for American businesses and entrepreneurs, and protection for future generations from a crushing debt burden.
I’m sure that by now, you’ve seen the stories about the millions of stimulus dollars that went to create jobs in congressional districts that don’t exist (i.e. New Jersey’s 80th district – as a reminder, we only have 13 representatives. See the Wall Street Journal editorial, “The Phantom Jobs Stimulus: ‘Who knows, man, who really knows’” for an in depth discussion of this issue). Rather than spend taxpayer dollars on programs the government might have great difficulty administrating effectively, The Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act is a tax relief program which allows businesses and individuals to keep more of their own money. I have confidence that you know how to manage your money more effectively than the government does.
I will continue to work to protect your taxpayer dollars from government abuse: I have opposed ALL bailouts, as well as Congressional spending that grows our federal deficit. I will also continue to work with my colleagues to propose taxpayer-friendly alternatives. With your continued support, we can spread the message of fiscal responsibility throughout Washington, DC. It’s not too late to fix our economy, but we need to act now to change our course.
Imagine your child going off to college and you give him or her a credit card with an unlimited credit limit. Each month the bill comes in and each month your little high-roller is spending as though he or she has no responsibility for paying the bill. As a matter of fact your child doesn’t have to pay; you do.
Next week during Thanksgiving break you decide you need to set down your child and explain that this unlimited spending must be stopped because the debt is becoming so large that you will not be able to pay it off and all you have will be lost.
You pick the perfect moment, take your collegian into your office, and show your prodigal all the spending that has left you on the brink of bankruptcy. The apple of your eye looks at you, listening intently and finally says,
Dad, it is important though to recognize if we keep on adding to your debt, even in the midst of this economic recovery, that at some point, your creditors could lose confidence in your ability to pay back this debt.
Do you think to yourself, “My goodness this college stuff is really catching on with my child. Look at how much he has already learned about economics!”
No, you don’t think that; you think, “I need to take a walk so I don’t wring his scrawny, irresponsible neck!” (Figuratively speaking, that is)
Undoubtedly the frustration of a parent with a spendthrift child running up his credit card debt requires immediate action, such as taking away the credit card.
That was my feeling yesterday watching Barack Obama’s interview with Major Garrett of FOXNews.
The most amazing part of that interview was that Obama said the following with a straight face:
I think it is important though to recognize that if we keep on adding to the debt, even in the midst of this recovery, that at some point, people could lose confidence in the US economy in a way that could actually lead to a double-dip recession.
My question for Barack Obama is, “Who do you consider as ‘we’?”
The Ridgewood blog will sponsor Ridgewood’s first Annual “Festivus” on December 23rd
Festivus was created as an alternative holiday in response to the commercialization of Christmas. Or perhaps it was created by cheap skates looking for a good excuse to duck present buying !
Festivus is traditionally celebrated on December 23rd.
Rituals
Festivus Pole The tradition of Festivus begins with an aluminum pole. During Festivus, the Festivus Pole is displayed unadorned.
Festivus Dinner A celebratory dinner is held on the evening of Festivus prior to the Feats of Strength and during the Airing of Grievances. The meal is to be some sort of meatloaf.
Airing of Grievances The celebration of Festivus begins with Airing of Grievances, which takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. It consists of lashing out at others and the world about how one has been disappointed in the past year. Every household has its own traditions; in one house, the Airing of Grievances consisted of writing the grievances on the fridge in marker.
Feats of Strength The Feats of Strength is the final tradition observed in the celebration of Festivus, celebrated immediately following the Festivus dinner. Traditionally, the head of the household selects one person at the Festivus celebration and challenges that person to a wrestling match. The person may decline if they have something else to do, such as pull a double shift at work
Festivus Miracles Although it is not an official element of the holiday or its celebration, the phenomenon of the Festivus Miracle !
>Craig Hueneke said… I propose we just put a Festivus Pole where they used to put the tree. God knows this Village can use a good Airing of Grievances! Then we all start the new year with everything off our chests! Just putting it out there!
> Our Holiday Bazaar is this Sunday, November 29, from 10 am to 4 pm, at 250 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, in a lovely private home across from the Stable. Information: PreserveGraydon.org/bazaar and Patch.com
NEW! Our bazaar is honored to host the sale of paintings by Dorothy Warren for the first time since her death four years ago. Come see the work of a beloved Ridgewood artist.
Volunteers needed. Please step up!
Distribute bazaar flyers Take a shift on Nov. 29 at the bazaar Tell your friends about the bazaar Shop at the bazaar
1. DISTRIBUTE FLYERS Can you spare an hour or more before Thanksgiving, preferably immediately?
Contact Terri Isik, Flyer Distribution Coordinator, at 201-445-4130 or [email protected] to volunteer to post flyers. We want them not only in Ridgewood but also in neighboring towns, from Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts to libraries, supermarkets, dry cleaners, hair and nail salons, and laundromats as well as storefronts.
2. TAKE A SHIFT AT OUR HOLIDAY BAZAAR Contact Jane Rymer, Bazaar Schedule Manager, as soon as possible at 201-444-0776 or [email protected] to sign up for one or more shifts at our Graydon Store table on Nov. 29. Dispense our business cards and fact sheets…sell our hot-off-the-press car magnets, yard signs, note cards/Christmas cards…talk to people about Graydon…accept donations. We’ll show you what to do.
3. TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE BAZAAR Send your friends and acquaintances within reasonable driving distance of Ridgewood the following link. They’ll see our event listing on Patch.com, which includes photos, parking information, and a map: https://ridgewood.patch.com/events/holiday-bazaar-for-the-preserve-graydon-coalition
4. SHOP AT THE BAZAAR Take a big bite out of your holiday shopping with the beautiful crafts and art and the delicious treats we’ve gathered for you. Have aches, stiffness, pains? Try a mini-session at the bazaar with certified Feldenkrais practitioner Alan Seiden, who is also our webmaster.
See you on Sunday!
Swimmingly, Marcia and Suzanne Marcia Ringel and Suzanne Kelly, Co-Chairs The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation “It’s clear—we love Graydon!” [email protected] www.PreserveGraydon.org
