The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Ridgewood NJ, Students return to school on Tuesday and as the new school year begins the Ridgewood Education Association members are still working without a contract. The Ridgewood Education Association is looking for the public’s support to settle their contract dispute with the school board which up till now has been tepid at best.
The Ridgewood Education Association is asking the public to please support their members by demanding that the Board settles the contract. They want to make sure Dr. Fishbein knows that their contract is the number one priority. They are also asking residents to place a sign on your lawn to support the Ridgewood Education Association.
Readers agree that a contract settlement is needed but consider REA demands unreasonable , “Isn’t it obvious the NJEA is forcing the REA to make unreasonable demands and negotiate in bad faith with our volunteer BOE? Settle now.”
Many blog readers also do not share the REA’s enthusiasm ,”The REA thinks that just because Ridgewood schools have a “tradition of excellence”, that they are somehow excellent. That takes hard work. This current bunch of teachers seems to care more about their annual wage increases and health care benefits than they do about excellence for our school system. Shameless greed given a BOE budget already north of $100 million even though the population of Ridgewood is little changed since we did have top rated schools in the 1980s and 90s.”
This Tuesday September 6th, the first day of school for students, the Ridgewood Education Association will hold a rally at 4:00pm at the Ed Center. The rally is an attempt to pressure the BOE to give in .That evening there will be a negotiation session and union is looking to let the Board know that 434 days is too long to work without a contract. The REA is also asking residents to come and support your teachers and secretaries by wearing red.
September 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, SAVE THE DATES FOR COFFEE WITH THE BOE AND DAN FISHBEIN: Coffee and Conversation Dates Are Announced
The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host residents for coffee and casual conversation on three separate occasions this school year.
The first date for Coffee and Conversation is Wednesday, October 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood.
Future dates will follow on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 and Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
All residents are invited to drop in to share their thoughts, questions, suggestions and concerns
Ridgewood NJ, In keeping with the theme of the Schoolhouse Museum’s current “Farm and Home” exhibit, the Ridgewood Historical Society, in conjunction with Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, has a number of events planned for the fall months. These events are a great opportunity to learn about, buy, and in some cases, taste, locally grown produce and fruits, and to support not only the Museum, but also Demarest Farms – a local area farm since 1886!
On September 17th we will be setting up a ‘mini-exhibit’ at Demarest Farms. This mini-exhibit, staffed by board members of the Society, will show some of the museum’s farming artifacts, and will display and discuss a variety of items that are currently available and in season. This will range from red, to plum, to heirloom tomatoes; white peaches and yellow peaches; and, of course, apples. Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Macintosh to name a few. Demarest Farms also has available a “Pick your own” peaches, apples or pumpkins hay ride. This should be a fun filled day.
On October 15, at the Schoolhouse Museum, we will have samples of baked dishes, with produce supplied by Demarest Farms. Details are still being worked out, but save this date, since there will be a limited number of tickets for sale.
On November 19 at Demarest Farms…and just in time for Thanksgiving, we will be offering a discount coupon to our membership. This coupon gives you the opportunity to save money as you begin your Thanksgiving fruit and produce shopping. And Demarest Farms will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Ridgewood Historical Society.
These events not only support the Museum, but also Demarest Farms – a local producer of produce and fruits, with 130 years of history in our area.
September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, From Scratch in Ridgewood is joining other Italian restaurants around the country in raising funds for Italy’s earthquake victims by offering the signature dish of the stricken region, pasta all’Amatriciana. Owner Claudia Rovegno will cook the dish, made with pancetta and pecorino cheese, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of September. It will cost $20, of which $4 will be donated to earthquake relief. 44 E. Ridgewood Ave., 201-857-5188, fromscratchridgewood.com
Ridgewood NJ, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, a non-profit counseling and psychiatric center, announced a new Social Anxiety Group for high school teenagers. The Group is scheduled to begin in the Fall, 2016 at the West Bergen Center for Children and Youth, One Cherry Lane, Ramsey, NJ. Participation is limited; if it becomes full, West Bergen can place your child on a waiting list or consider starting another group. If you have any questions or wish to enroll, please call Eve Thaler, LPC, Staff Therapist, at (201) 444-3550 ext. 7127. Most insurance plans are accepted.
The Social Anxiety Group will focus on understanding the cognitive, physical and behavioral features associated with social anxiety and applying this knowledge to exposure situations that the students will practice in the group as well as specific social environments. Parents will be involved at the beginning and at specific junctures throughout. Please note: parents and teens will need to commit to weekly sessions for a six-month period to complete the entire program.
Established in 1963 as a child guidance clinic, today West Bergen provides comprehensive services for all age groups with various levels of need. West Bergen Mental Healthcare was voted Number One in Client Satisfaction by the Mental Health Corporations of America’s National Survey for 2015. The Agency has earned this notable recognition ten times since 1998
photo courtesy of Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique Facebook page
September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique sells clothes kids love to wear. Unique, fashionable, and superior quality children’s clothing since 1991. Ages from birth to age 14.
Lets face it its the this is the perfect place for the little fashionista that has almost everything .
Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique has some of the cutest, most stylish outfits for the little ones. This is the place you shop at if you want your child to be original. No one else in the school yard will be wearing the same outfit as them. They have everything from play wear, to dress wear, to swimwear and accessories and it all comes wrapped in an excellent shopping experience .
Eat Your Spinach Children’s Boutique is located at 42 E Ridgewood Ave,Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone number(201) 444-5503 open Tue-Sat:10:30 am – 5:30 pm
file photo by Boyd Loving
Here is another one to the list. Just about a year ago tons of concrete from Village sidewalk projects were dumped at the Lakeview leaf recycling center. It was found by a DEP inspector and the Village was ordered to remove it. So how dumped it? What did it cost the TAXPAYERS to remove it? Was the Village fined for this illegal dumping and how much? The last report the Village Manager told the 3 Amigos that the police were investigation the incident. So Roberta blew off the the taxpayers again or are the police are still investigating this incident for over a year now.
file photo by Boyd Loving
September 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Crossing Guard Program is Outlined in Letter from Dr. Fishbein and Police Chief Luthcke
Click below to read a letter to parents and guardians issued September 1, regarding the new service that will assist the Ridgewood Police Department with providing adult school crossing guards through the Village.
“The Village of Ridgewood is pleased to announce its recent agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (ACMS) to provide Adult School Crossing Guard services throughout the Village. There are currently employment opportunities available for individuals who would like to work on a flexible schedule as substitute Crossing Guards or for those who would like to work toward becoming a regular guard. Crossing Guards work a short shift before and after school and receive compensation of $35 per day. If you would like more information on serving as a School Crossing Guard for the Village of Ridgewood, please contact Area Supervisor Gene Raffa at (201) 218.4615.”
Dear Nattering nabobs of negativism,
Although Stage 2 watering restrictions will continue to be in effect, Ridgewood Water will begin to consider waivers beginning on September 6th.
The following guidelines are the basis for granting individual exceptions to restrictions on outdoor water use:
Applications are available on the Ridgewood Water website atwater.ridgewoodnj.net. Your completed application and documentation may be submitted in the following ways:
Village Hall
131 N. Maple Ave.
Fifth Floor
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Waivers cannot be guaranteed and are subject to cancellation if conditions worsen. Residents are still urged to postpone landscape installations when weather conditions are unfavorable.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. By working together we have been successful in avoiding more stringent restrictions this year.
Have a great Labor Day weekend,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
file photo by Boyd Loving
September 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as previously reported on the Ridgewood blog ,in October 2015 Resident Jacqueline Hone raised several issues pertaining to the Schedler Park Project including the allegation that the applications for Open Space Funds were fraudulent .
Ms Hone basically received the blow off from the Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld and she sent a second email exclaiming ,”A citizen’s complaint should not be viewed as a threat, but rather an opportunity to dismiss wrong doing and restore/gain public trust. As public servants, Village Manager and Council, have a fiduciary obligation to investigate citizen’s complaints and afford the complainant due process. The complainant has a right to receive a panel decision, with detailed explanation, as to whether allegations are sustained, not sustained, deemed unfounded or exonerated.”
As of now the allegations pertaining to the Schedler Park Project still stand and many Schedler area residents are still looking for answers . https://theridgewoodblog.net/october-2015-allegations-on-schedler-park-project-in-ridgewood-still-need-to-be-rectified/
In August we asked Clearly, the time has come for the Village of Ridgewood Manager Roberta Sonenfeld to move on
after an OPRA request turned up”an undated e-mail obtained via a recent Open Public Records Act request, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld refers to taxpayers’ comments about the proposed Van Neste Memorial Park revitalization project as being “ridiculous” and “malicious.” The e-mail was sent by Sonenfeld to all members of the post July 1 Village Council.”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/clearly-the-time-has-come-for-the-village-of-ridgewood-manager-roberta-sonenfeld-to-move-on/
Jacqueline Hone continues to push for clarity on the issue and says there is much confusion with County letter of intent.
“The intent only happened because residents attended a VC meeting and complained. Without any notice to VC or residents, Roberta introduced the idea/grant and pushed for an immediate approval.
Roberta’s usual “oh by the way” management style failed. Mayor Susan Knudsen stepped in and saved the day. Our mayor stressed that things have to be done in a correct manner and the process has to be followed to include residents. Prior to that, Roberta wanted to put the cart in front of the horse (as always). Residents would have been excluded and procedure would have been ignored. Listen to the meeting minutes.
Her email is not looking for VC support of the plan. Her email is “TELLING” VC to cover what she tried to do and publicly come down on residents that blew the whistle and complained.
All is documented and recorded. My heart breaks for residents that have no idea what is truly happening in our village. I urge everyone to seek first to understand.
Replace opinions with facts. There is a reason why thousands of residents petitioned (twice) and won. Our Village Manger is entangled in state ethics violations, citizen complaints and lawsuits. Did you know?
Residents are unaware, if they are moving forward with the grant, the Public Hearing must be appropriately advertised and scheduled for September 14, 2016. I haven’t seen a single thing.
Why isn’t Roberta gone yet? She’s a runaway train, taking out everything in her way, plowing down residents and our quaint village.”
Schedler Field Ridgewood , Everything you need to know but were afraid to ask
https://theridgewoodblog.net/schedler-field-ridgewood-everything-you-need-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/
file photo by ArtChick
September 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Don’t forget, the Ridgewood Public Library is closed on Saturday 9/3, Sunday 9/4 and Monday 9/5 for the Labor Day weekend.
Visit us until 6pm on Friday to pick up your holds, books and 5 for $1DVD rentals for your downtime this weekend.
Or check out digital magazines, ebooks, or audiobooks anytime athttps://buff.ly/2bY9xEL or https://buff.ly/2bYbIYC
Updated: SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 — 5:33 AM EDT
by The Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – A standardized test will play a greater role in the evaluation of teachers in New Jersey.
The state Education Department says teachers in grades 4-7 whose students participate in the PARCC math tests or in grades 4-8 whose students take PARCC English exams will have 30 percent of their ratings based on how the students performed on the tests. That’s up from 10 percent.
In a memo, Deputy Education Commissioner Peter Shulman says the test is in its third year and can be used as a tool to improve classroom instruction more effectively than any previous statewide assessment.
https://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160901_ap_d19cb726c33245a2848b8a889d1b5aff.html
The problem with the town garage is that is a pollution nightmare. The property is now owned by a group of private investors who scooped it up to profit from a possible quick sale to the town as a parking garage. The investors should be on the hook for the remediation, but surely own the property in some sort of LLC with no assets. The town should take the property or start proceedings to have the current owners clean it up. the current cost of $1.2 million is an estimate and costs can surely be higher. We have let this pollution continue for too long and based on us having a ground water system need to do something NOW. we have waited wait too long. Hopefully the new council will shift into high gear and get something accomplished. That parking lot along with the town garage would make a nice parking garage. Forget about retail space.
file photo by Boyd Loving
September 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to the Ridgewood Police on 8/25/16 Ptl. Elwood was investigating a motor vehicle complaint on East Ridgewood Avenue when a party who was not involved became agitated and aggressive towards Ptl. Elwood. The party then assaulted Ptl. Elwood and was arrested at the scene. The 28-year-old Franklin, N.J. resident was then transported to headquarters and processed for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer. The arrestee was released without bail pending his court date.
