November 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in our latest poll readers, were overwhelmingly looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner.
Are You Looking Forward to Thanksgiving Dinner ?
Yes 70 %
No 30 %
Yes, thank you James. Your huge effort in developing, nurturing, marketing, and when appropriate, crowing about the impact and popularity of this forum is a big thing that local individuals and groups who have taken the time to learn about civil society, and who now realize its vital importance as a counterweight to the nanny state zealots who are seemingly all around us, gravely appreciate. Is it too much to say that you have played a significant part in cleaning up our local politics? That you opened the eyes of Village residents to the many virtues associated with our Faulkner Act-inspired tradition of non-partisan decision-making, enough to prompt local voters to take out so much trash in one fell swoop during the most recent round of Village Council elections? If it’s true that all politics is local, then your genuinely local focus is an excellent example to other true patriots operating in your slice of the publishing industry. Please keep doing what you’re doing!!!
Offering Sale from 15% up to 70% off on selective brands.
A promotion on new brand from
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$25 gift card with
Les Georgette purchase of $99.
Loft 41 Jewelry Studio and More
41 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-444-9200
Dparz Shoes November Sale
20% Off Buy One Pair
25% Off Buy Two Pair
30% Off Buy Three Pairs
Last chance to shop with us.
We invite you in, for one last time !
Up to 80% Off .. Storewide
Amazing steal on all new styles
Shopettes
22 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, NJ
November 23,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, This Saturday, November 26 the Ridgewood Guild will be holding Winterfest in conjunction with Small Business Saturday.
“Come join us in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square for trackless train rides, story time, singing, ice sculptures, horse drawn carriage through town, hot chocolate, candy canes and more! It will be a great event for the whole family! So, come support our local Ridgewood businesses. Get your holiday shopping done this small business Saturday, while spending time with your families, and kicking off the season meeting Santa!!”
I’m handicapped (but not yet 80) but I have to totally agree with your statement. “I’m not parked, I’m just waiting for someone.” (Yeah, BUT you’re “waiting” in a handicapped spot making it inaccessible for use.) Funny, that young man (?) cut me off for the handicapped space and just ran up those steps. Gee, is his name really Gracie? That’s what is on the temporary placard. Handicapped spots are regularly abused…..
……Garage issue should be officially dead by now. There are many who have handicapped decals who shouldn’t have them, or have them because a family member is handicapped. Anyone who uses one of these who is less than 80 or is not clearly handicapped should be publicly beaten. I have approached more than one able-bodied handicap space user who was outraged that I questioned their sense of entitlement. they ruin it for all.
file photo by ArtChick Photography
SERVICE ADVISORY:EXTRA RAIL AND BUS SERVICE SET FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS
Kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT all holiday weekend
November 22, 2016
Ridgewood NJ, Whether it’s over the river or through the woods, NJ TRANSIT is offering additional trains and buses this Thanksgiving holiday weekend to make it even easier for customers to unite with family and friends, travel to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, or get started on holiday shopping at various malls throughout the state. Plus, feel free to bring your holiday helpers as kids ride free* the entire long weekend!
NJ TRANSIT will once again offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Wednesday, November 23, for the benefit of customers leaving work early, and to provide additional capacity for customers traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day of the year at Newark Airport’s rail station, with ridership levels about twice that of a typical weekday. Customers are urged to purchase their tickets early – round trip preferably – to avoid lines or download NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app available free at the App Store and Google Play.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, NJ TRANSIT will add extra trains and buses to the schedule in the morning and midday hours to accommodate customers traveling to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Then on Friday, November 25, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, enhanced bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey and additional trains will operate to and from New York.
NJ TRANSIT customer service representatives and volunteers will be deployed at major facilities throughout the holiday weekend to assist customers with their travels.
For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.
Early getaway service from New York, Newark and Hoboken
On Wednesday, November 23, trains will operate on a weekday schedule on all lines with additional “early getaway” service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal starting at 1 p.m. on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines. Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River Line Light Rail service will operate on a weekday schedule. Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information. Selected routes will operate on special holiday schedules to match service with ridership demand, including early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and on the No. 64 and 68 bus routes from the Hudson River waterfront between noon and 4:30 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel, with less frequent service during the traditional rush hour and later in the evening due to lower ridership. Special holiday timetables are available on njtransit.com.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule. To accommodate customers traveling to and from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NJ TRANSIT will add extra trains on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule; Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule. Holiday bus schedules vary by route—bus customers are advised to visit njtransit.com. Selected bus routes will operate extra service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal for customers attending the parade.
Note: Thanksgiving shoppers: Service on the No. 111 bus route from New York to the Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth will begin operating at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, November 24. The No. 40 will operate on a special holiday schedule serving Jersey Gardens all night long. Service on the No. 163, 171, 175 & 770 bus routes to Garden State Plaza in Paramus will operate on a Saturday schedule to serve the mall all day.
On Friday, November 25, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule on all rail lines with additional New York-bound trains between 10 a.m. and noon on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex lines. Customers are encouraged to travel early, if possible, when ridership is light. Select morning peak period trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line will not operate on Friday, due to expected light ridership—customers should visit njtransit.com and use the “Station-to-Station Trip Planner” to find trains on Friday. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. River Line will operate on a weekday schedule. Holiday bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to visit njtransit.com.
Extra bus service to New Jersey malls
Starting Friday, November 25 and continuing through December 26, NJ TRANSIT will offer additional bus service to major New Jersey shopping destinations to accommodate extended store hours and busy shopping times throughout the day. Throughout the holiday shopping season, extra trips or expanded service will be offered on several bus routes serving malls and shopping centers throughout the state, including Garden State Plaza, IKEA Paramus, Jersey Gardens, Livingston Mall, Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek in Secaucus, Willowbrook Mall, Wayne Towne Center Mall and West Belt Mall.
*Kids ride free on NJT
For the Thanksgiving holiday, NJ TRANSIT’s Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult, will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 until 6 a.m. Monday, November 28.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Additional service will be provided on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Travel Early on Friday, November 25: On Friday, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains during the late morning hours. Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is light.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.
Bus Gate Changes: Some gate changes have been made at Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York. Customers are reminded to check the public timetable for new departure gate information.
Downtown for the Holidays and Tree Lighting Celebration- 31th Anniversary
Friday, December 2, 2016
Early event – “for the kids”
5:30-6:45pm – Santa in the Park for the “wee tots”
along with live entertainment by the “clock”, in the stores and restaurant along E. Ridgewood Ave.
Featuring the RHS Marching Band, RHS Carolers, RHS Orchestra, Taekowondo all in.
5:30-7PM BIG DISCOUNT SHOPPING at many stores in Ridgewood, www.experienceridgewood.com
for participating stores.
7-8pm “on stage-live”
Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting Celebration
Featuring: performances by Porch Light Productions, Art of Motion, RHS Marching Band,
Taekowondo all in.
8:00-9:00pm “merriment” on E. Ridgewood Ave.
Shh – Santa will be back in the Park
Lots of music on the Avenue
Restaurant reservations suggested.
Saturday, December 3th, 2016
8am-Breakfast with Santa at The Office reservations 201-652-1070
10:00am-2pm – Santa arrives at Columbia Bank in a fire truck with gifts for all
children attending – 60 S. Broad St.
10:30AM FREE KIDS Movie at the Bowtie Warner Theatre-featuring a classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
2:00-4:00pm Meet Santa at his house – Memorial Park at Van Nest Square-weather permitting
Saturday, December 10, 17 and 24
12/10/16 Breakfast with Santa at The Office reservations 201-652-1070 (12/10/16 only)
12Noon-3:00pm Meet Santa at his house – Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
12N-2pm Meet Santa at his house-Memorial Park at Van Neste Square-weather permiting
For more information call 201-445-2600 [email protected] www.experienceridgewood.com
November 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, It’s that time of year again when beleaguered parents constantly remind disobedient children that it’s more important than ever to do the right thing.
Otherwise, they could end up on Santa’s notorious naughty list – the one specially reserved for kids who fight with siblings, refuse to do their homework, throw temper tantrums and don’t eat their vegetables.
While banishment to the naughty list has long been a handy tool in the disciplinary arsenal, any responsible parent wants their children to be good the rest of the year, too, when the threat of empty stockings holds less sway over those impressionable minds.
“I suspect most children deep down want to do the right thing, but they struggle with temptation,” says K.J. Hales, author of It’s Hard to Be Good, the first volume in the Ellie the Wienerdog (www.elliethewienerdog.com) series of educational picture books for children.
“A lot of it comes down to self-control – being able to control both your emotions and your actions when things don’t go your way or you don’t get what you want.”
Hales, who creates teachers’ guides and educational activities to go along with the lessons in her books, says the earlier parents start teaching children to do the right thing, the better.
She says some of the ways they can reinforce good behavior and discourage bad behavior include:
• Be generous with praise. Don’t underestimate the importance of your words. It’s easy to notice when children do the wrong thing and to chastise them about it. But take note when they do the right thing, too, and praise their good choices or good behavior. “Everyone loves words of approval and children will want to please you as a result,” Hales says.
• Make good choices a fun activity. One way to encourage good decisions could be to set aside one week in which each day you ask your children to write or draw about a good decision they made or they saw someone else make. Hales says this is an activity she suggests for classroom teachers, but it can work in the home as well. Be sure to discuss those good decisions with the children.
• Reward them. Discipline so often focuses on punishments for bad behavior, but children should also be rewarded for good behavior. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or expensive. A reward could be a picnic in the park or a favorite dessert after dinner.
“I’m sure every parent wants their child to gain independence, grow emotionally and learn to make good decisions about their own behavior,” Hales says. “And this is important 365 days a year, not just in the weeks before Santa Claus comes to town.”
About K.J. Hales
K.J. Hales (www.ellietheweinerdog.com) is author of the Ellie the Wienerdog series of educational children’s books for children. The first volume in the series is It’s Hard to Be Good. The Ellie character is based on Hales’ own dachshund also named Ellie.
file photo
November 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Ridgewood Police report spray painted graffiti in several locations in the Village of Ridgewood .Is this just criminal mischief as being reported or is it a form of gang tagging. Gangs have long utilized graffiti as a coded means of communication, but to the untrained eye, it looks like mere vandalism.
Ptl. Sean Amoruso responded to the Lakeview Drive leaf dump on a report of Criminal Mischief in the past. Upon arrival a Village of Ridgewood employee reported between November 11 and November 14 an unknown person spray painted graffiti on a village owned shed and tractor.
Ptl. Michael Karcher investigated a report of Criminal Mischief to a Franklin Turnpike business on November 14. Upon arrival the victim reported discovering spray painted graffiti on the exterior of the building. The victim reported there has been recent suspicious activity in the area. The amount of damage is unknown at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VILLAGE BOARDS – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood is looking for Ridgewood residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Planning Board; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; The Green Team Advisory Committee; the Shade Tree Commission; The Central Business District Advisory Committee (a member of the Ridgewood Guild is needed) and the Stigma-free Task Force.
All interested residents should:
Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website under “Forms”)
Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief explanation as to why the resident chose the particular board(s) or committee(s)
Include a biography or resume
and send them to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2016.
A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:
The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.
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 Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivision applications; prepares, adopts, and amends the Master Plan; makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding amendments to developmental regulations and the official map.
The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities. The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.
The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.
The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.
The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.
The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.
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. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.
The Central Business District Advisory Committee will work with the Village Council, business owners, and residents to evaluate and initiate enhancements to the Central Business District including traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian safety, while creating a more desirable, vibrant and memorable destination for all visitors. In this way, the Central Business District can remain a vital and healthy part of the Ridgewood community. This Committee needs a member of the Ridgewood Guild.
The Stigma-free Task Force aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness so that residents who have the disease, and their families, feel supported by their community and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment without fear of stigma. Resident Members of the Task Force include two residents working within the field of mental healthcare or healthcare; and three other residents who are interested in supporting the Stigma-free program initiatives, including educating residents that mental illness is a disease and must be treated as such; raising awareness of mental health issues; and helping those in need by linking them to local mental health resources.
photos by Boyd Loving
November 16,2016
the staff the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village Ridgewood Christmas Tree delivered yesterday around noon time .The tree came from a home on Oak Street in Ridgewood. An excellent job was done by Downes Tree Service with an assist from Chief Jacqueline Luthcke and the Ridgewood Police Department .
more pictures by Boyd Loving on the Ridgewood blog Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theridgewoodblog/
Mark Krulish , Staff Writer, @Mark_Krulish12:02 a.m. EST November 16, 2016
The hearings for proposed housing developments in Ridgewood’s downtown have ground to a halt in the wake of a Superior Court judge’s ruling to issue a temporary stay while matters in a related lawsuit are resolved.
The Planning Board had been set to resume testimony Tuesday evening regarding The Dayton, a 93-unit luxury apartment complex with some affordable units mixed in, slated for the former Brogan Cadillac site on South Broad Street. However, that application has been continued to Dec. 20, Planning Board Attorney Christopher Martin said Tuesday.
By Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on November 14, 2016 at 9:09 AM, updated November 14, 2016 at 1:26 PM
Many municipalities allow residents to pay their property taxes online.
But at least two New Jersey municipalities aren’t disclosing the fees that are charged to certain online taxpayers.
The lack of disclosure is a big problem.
Josh Needle of Fanwood said he tried to make an online payment on Aug. 1, the date his property taxes were due.
The system gave the option of paying by credit card or by e-check. He chose the e-check.
Needle said a pop-up message warned there was a $1.05 convenience fee.
PSE&G teams with more than 80 North American utilities to stop scams
November 15th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, more than 3 million consumers filed fraud complaints last year. Phone scams are among the most common complaints. To combat these con artists, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, joined forces with more than 80 energy companies across North America to educate people how to spot a scam. The collaborative designated the third Wednesday in November
“Utilities United Against Scams Day.”
How the most common payment scam works:
Scam red flags:
“If a caller directs you to go to a local store to purchase a prepaid card to pay your bill, it is likely a scam,” said Greg Dunlap, PSE&G vice president of customer operations. “If you receive a call and are in doubt, hang up and call us at the phone number listed on our website or your PSE&G bill.”
The only way to protect against these scams is for customers to be cautious. Before terminating service, PSE&G alerts customers in a number of ways: messages on their bill, letters and phone calls. While the utility accepts credit cards, prepaid cards and money transfers to pay bills, PSE&G would never demand a specific type of payment and threaten immediate service termination.
“Hiding behind an untraceable phone, scammers know it is doubtful they’ll be caught,” said Dunlap. “By educating people how to spot a scam, our Utilities United collaborative aims to spare many would-be victims and make the thieves’ underhanded jobs a lot harder.”
Report all scam attempts by calling your utility and local police department, and file a complaint with the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
November 13,2016
Paramus NJ,The Valley Hospital/Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care will present a Medicare Open Enrollment event that’s open to the public on Wednesday, November 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Dorothy B. Kraft Building on 15 Essex Road in Paramus, New Jersey. A state-trained and certified State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Counselor from the Bergen County Division of Senior Services in Hackensack will be available to assist with Medicare Open Enrollment and answer questions related to Medicare, including the following: Medicare changes for 2017, differences between Medicare and HMO Medicare Advantage plans; 2017 prescription plans; benefits to choosing a Medicare plan versus a HMO Medicare Advantage plan; differences between Part A, B, C Medicare; out-of-pocket expenses; social security; and pharmaceutical assistance.
Those interested in attending should RSVP to Gail Johnson, Patient Financial Advocate at The Valley Hospital, at 201-634-5644 or [email protected]
