Jeff- Seriously? The Mayor never came out publicly for the garage? She voted YES for funding it, providing a smaller design could be agreed upon. That’s as public as you get..
Design D was no “compromise”- you said it yourself. The first, non-binding referendum was a sham- you said it yourself. You collected signatures. You encouraged people to vote NO, in the BINDING referendum in which people came forward and voted NO overwhelmingly. People were angry at being deceived.
You ran for council with Mayor Knudsen’s support. If you would try to work together WITH fellow council members, and stop playing politics with Paul Aronson and friends, maybe you could make a difference in this village. Put your massive ego aside for one second and do what you were elected to do…WORK WITH YOUR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS, or resign if you are so miserable. We don’t need you.
The following column appeared in The Ridgewood News on September 29, 2017.
Welcome to the new school year! We got off to a great start on September 6, hit our stride early on, and continue to enjoy a positive energy in all our schools.
As is the case each year, credit must be given for our strong start and smooth transition to the effort this summer of many administrators, teachers and support staff who worked hard to ensure that our programs and buildings were in top shape when the opening bell rang. From important changes in our curricula and programs to the hiring of several new staff, from facility projects across the district to technology improvements and implementation, we had a very busy and successful summer.
Here is a snapshot from my Opening of School Report, which may be read in its entirety on the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us:
• We welcomed 5766 students on the first day of school.
• New or revised curriculum was written for 74 courses.
• At Ridgewood High School, new courses were added to the Business, Science, Computer Science and Technology departments.
• Newly hired for 2017-2018 are 49 staff members, representing either new positions due to enrollment or initiatives, or replacements for employees that resigned, retired, or are on leave.
• Renovations across the district included floor tile asbestos abatement, new flooring, painting, electrical work, new bathroom partitions and window replacements. Additional facility projects were completed at each school that ranged from boiler replacements through our Energy Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP) and state-of-the-art drinking fountain replacements featuring water filters and filling stations, to remodeling for the implementation of full-day Kindergarten.
• Technology upgrades in classrooms and buildings, and improvements to building security were completed.
As we prepared to open our doors, schools in other parts of our nation were either temporarily shuttered or transformed into emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Thankfully the devastation was far from Ridgewood, yet I am very happy to report that our schools still sprang into action to help, so that on opening day coin jars for the American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts were prominently on display and filling rapidly in every building. Also there were Soles 4 Souls collection boxes. What a great reminder that our education program goes beyond academics, that we continually seek out opportunities for humanitarian service so that our students may grow their character as well as their minds, and that we can help them learn the value of global citizenship. These things are a critical part of what we do, too.
Last year at this time your Board of Education turned its attention to the goal of implementing full-day Kindergarten in the district, which was approved by Ridgewood voters last November. This September, after remodeling classrooms, writing curriculum and hiring teachers, we joined the majority of New Jersey’s public districts when we welcomed our first full-day K classes. There are several key factors in favor of full-day K, notably the ability to provide more time in the daily schedule for structured play experiences designed to reinforce learning. It is exciting to see our mission of excellence at work in the classrooms of our youngest students, who are now presented with an even stronger opportunity to effectively learn and thrive than ever before.
Another project from last school year, the May 2017 parent-guardian survey report was presented at the September 25 Board meeting. The fifth district-wide satisfaction survey since 2010, the results this time around are again quite positive in areas ranging from the quality of our educational programs to satisfaction with the school facilities, extracurricular offerings, communications and the Chromebook initiative. Thank you to the nearly 31 percent of our parents and guardians who took the time to complete the survey. Your input supports our ongoing efforts to review and refine our programs and practices. Survey results for all schools and the district are posted on our website.
There’s an upcoming opportunity for residents to meet with the Board and me to informally discuss the survey, full-day K, or any other school-related topic of interest to you. On Wednesday night, October 18, we’ll have the coffee brewing at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, from 7-8:30 p.m. for the first of three dates set for Coffee and Conversation this school year. Our work requires the support of our broader community and we are appreciative of your trust, enthusiasm and financial commitment to our mission of excellence. We’d like to know you better, so please drop by on October 18 with your questions, suggestions and concerns.
Thanks to all, we are off to a great start to the 2017-2018 school year. I look forward to updating you throughout the upcoming months on all things Ridgewood Public Schools.
As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns.
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D., is Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools. Dr. Fishbein can be reached at 201-670-2700, ext. 10530, or via e-mail at [email protected]
Ridgewood NJ, Yankees fans in Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Ridgewood , rejoice. Optimum customers will be able to watch the AL wild-card game against the Twins on Tuesday, as Altice USA, which owns the cable provider, and Disney have reached a new deal. An agreement was made by the initial deadline of 5 p.m. Sunday.The two companies were renegotiating their contract and deadlocked over how much Altice USA would Optimum pay to re-transmit Walt Disney Company channels.Disney owns ESPN, which will air the Yankees vs. Twins one-game playoff on Tuesday evening, as well as multiple ABC channels.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736 is once again proud to be hosting their annual stickball tournament on Saturday, October 7, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Passaic Street in Ridgewood.
Enjoy a fun Fall event with friends and family to support a good cause. Now in its eighth year, the Ridgewood Knights of Columbus, in partnership with the Run for Hope Foundation and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, is sponsoring this community stickball tournament to benefit recently homeless men and women who struggle with addiction, through Mt. Carmel’s Homeless Retreat Ministry. The Homeless Ministry Retreat is a spiritual program to help transform lives for the recently homeless. Through the retreats – one for men and one for women – homeless participants experience hope, faith, and unity through a caring network of men and women from varying socio-economic conditions.
The cost for a team of four is $100 in advance and $120 at the door. Non-players are also encouraged to cheer on the teams and enjoy lunch afterward. Corporate sponsors and matching donations also welcome. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Homeless Ministry Retreat.
For an application or questions, email Tony Lupo at (201) 280-4614, or [email protected].
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood water offer a construction Update for the Water Main Replacement Project: Ridgewood Water’s contractor is finishing up the first water main replacement at the East Ridgewood Ave. stream crossing near the Ridgewood High School. The contractor will begin to mobilize materials and equipment to the North Irving St. stream crossing in Ridgewood on or after October 2.
It’s not “weather” Ridgewood overcharged…they did. And that has been proven in a court of law. The real question is once the water company is bankrupt and sold off for pennies on the dollar how will the municapilaty continue to pad the payroll without the residual income of the now defunct utility had provided? Where will the cash come from to pay the mayors sons their salaries? How will we pay for all the booted pensions and absured salaries?
Councilmen Voigt is the biggest liar in town. Lied to friends and neighbors faces. He should be ashamed and his family embarrasses. I would die if he was my dad or husband. But he doesn’t seem to care about anyone !
And he claims to be a numbers guy and aware of town finances. Maybe he should take a second and look at the waste of tax payers dollars at his beloved Healthbarn.
$3800 a month for 6 years. No annual increase!! Use of 11 acres for the businesses own private profit. Maintenance done by parks and rec constantly, security, lights 12 parking spots ( what is that worth in Voight world). And of course the horrible looking garden. What a disaster that was!! A waste of all of our tax dollars. They also offer classes that directly compete with parks and rec programs and other businesses owned by Ridgewood tax payers. So disappointing for the town to allow this in a park!
Does anyone really know what goes on there??? I would love to know. I see the lot full to capacity many times a week, busses coming and going all day long chartered busses lingering and idling on hillcrest. Loud parties on the back porch. Other parties that must be very private because the curtains are closed tightly those evenings!! Why all the security?? What is going on since this business came to the park ???
We all know Jeff and friends go there. He actually hosted a party there that had alcohol. Is that healthy living ?? Were there kids there learning healthy eating habits during this? That’s what was presented to the council at the meeting 2 years ago. The use was changed to educational and recreational. Is this the ” new recreation”?
Oh Jeff and friends when will it end?
Select Bus Routes May See Significant Delays Following Lane Closures on Nearby New Jersey Route 139 Ramp After Fire
October 2, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Beginning Monday, October 2, NJ TRANSIT is adding capacity to select bus routes and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) due to anticipated traffic congestion near the Holland Tunnel as a result of lane closures and emergency repair work on the Rt. 139 ramp. Select bus routes may experience significant delays.
In anticipation of increased ridership on mass transit, NJ TRANSIT is providing additional capacity on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) between the West Side Ave. park-and-ride and Hoboken Terminal between 6:00-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-7:00 p.m. This will provide additional capacity and more connectivity to PATH service at Exchange Place, Newport and Hoboken Terminal.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is adding capacity to bus routes along the Route 9 corridor in/out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York in the morning and afternoon peak periods. Customers may also use the North Jersey Coast Line rail service as an alternate but must purchase those rail tickets. Customers are advised to travel before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 a.m. for optimal seating capacity.
Customers on the 120 and 64J bus routes are being advised to expect potentially significant delays in the morning and evening peak periods and should allow for extra travel time.
Ridgewood NJ, Hosted by Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Public Library , an Author Visit with Dean Cardasis who will do a talk at the Rose Center.
Ridgewood resident, James Rose, has been described as the James Dean of landscape architecture. Expelled from Harvard for refusing to design in the prescribed Beaux Arts style of his day, Rose foresaw residential design in the American suburb as a fusion of flexible indoor and outdoor modern space. Conceived of while stationed in Okinawa during World War 2, the home Rose designed and built in Ridgewood for himself, his mother and sister is an excellent example of important design ideas that challenged the status quo, ideas which are both relevant and revelatory.
Based on his recent book, James Rose: A Voice Offstage, Professor Cardasis’s talk will put Rose’s ideas in the context of his times and present some of Rose’s important alternatives to conventional suburban residential design, with a special focus on Rose’s own home in Ridgewood.
All welcome, no registration required.
A tour of the James Rose Center will immediately follow the lecture.
Monday at 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Next Week · 50–73°Sunny
Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Public Library
125 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Art Institute
Sun, October 15, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition
Opening Reception: Sunday, October 15th, 2017 2-4pm
On view: October 6th – November 2nd, 2017
The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201 652-9615
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a prominent player in the perpetuation of Classical Realism today and is considered one the nation’s best community art associations. It’s origins are based in the 19th Century French Barbizon School and it is closely tied to The Art Students League’s history, as there are many esteemed artists who have taught and studied at both RAI and ASL.
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition features beautiful still lifes, florals and landscapes and will give art enthusiasts a wonderful sampling of the quality of work available for sale at our events. For art students this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium in one of our beautiful studios.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. Our two unique north lit studios as well as our three galleries are just a part of what RAI offers. We also sponsor events and workshops throughout the year, that are of interest to artists and art enthusiasts alike. Why wait? Come see why RAI has become a treasured haven to so many, for more than 70 years.
Thu, October 12, 2017 – Sat, October 14, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Business district, E. Ridgewood Ave. and side streets
Ridgewood’s second annual Blow-Out Sale days
All participating store will be open all 3 days!
October 12, 13, 14th, Thursday-Friday-Saturday
Featuring:
Summer – endings
Fall trending’s and
Holiday comings
outside – weather permitting
Starting with
Art of Motion, Chestnut St., offering a costume exchange for HALLOWEEN with proceeds going to CancerCare. call for details: 201-652-5800 –
17 Chestnut St.
Participating stores-the # next business is their address #.
E. Ridgewood Ave.
GAP – 235
Fox’s – 230
Kate Spade – 202
Bookends – 211
Hot Jewelry Box – 203
Ridgewood Bootery – 200
DoubleTake Consignment Boutique – 189
Pink Bungalow – 185
Little Skye – 171
Little Nest Portraits – 168
Peachy Keen Kids – 136
Anik of Ridgewood – 119
Learning Express Toys – 111
Shelly Glam – 82
Oasis Clothing – 80
Lucky Brand – 67
P. Smith & Co. – 65
Duxiana Bedding – 63
Red Velvet Luxe- 59
Victor’s Mens – 55
GiGi’s Boutique – 48
Loft41 Jewelry – 41
Beauty Plus Salon – 25
Eat Your Spinach – 42
Jekyll & Hide – 7
Cottage Place
Savvy Chic Consignment Boutique – 30
S. Walnut St.
Suite 201 – 11
Chestnut St.
House of Glam Studio – 22
S. Broad Street
Alba Boutique- 10
DPARZ Shoes – 12
N. Broad St
Racefaster – 211
Look for some businesses in front of
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
M&T Bank
Little Ivy Learning Center
Beauty Counter – Rebecca
House of Glam Studio
Ridgewood NJ, An adult female brandishing a full sized sword on public property adjacent to an elementary school caught the attention of Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Michael Karcher early Friday morning, 09/22. After securing the weapon in his patrol vehicle, Officer Karcher enlisted the aid of a Mandarin speaking patrol officer from neighboring Glen Rock and determined that the woman was visiting relatives who lived nearby, and was using the sword as part of a daily religious activity. No charges were pressed and the woman was driven back to her family’s residence and advised not to bring the sword onto public property again.
Ridgewood NJ, the Bamboo House a Chinese Restaurant in Ridgewood’s Central Business District is celebrating 30 years in business today ,October 1st. It is the second oldest restaurant in the Village of Ridgewood after Daily Treat and Bagelicious which tie for oldest. A special thanks for Councilmen Ramon Hache for filling us in .
Sherry was a single mom from Taiwan who didn’t speak English when she arrived. Wow, 30 years in business is quite an achievement and an amazing success story !
28 S Broad St
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone(201) 447-3111
Hours
Tue – Thu:11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Fri – Sat:11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Sun:12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ridgewood NJ, Just published! Results of the May 2017 parent / guardian satisfaction survey are out and posted on our website. Lets see how the “Tradition of Excellence ” faired . Take a look at your school’s responses and that of the whole district at this link: https://tinyurl.com/y94h23eu
Participation Rate In-District 5690 enrolled , 8183 (63 bounced) total emails send , 2498 responded or 30.8% .
Respondents Strongly agree 33.41% or agree 53.59% with the statement I am satisfied with the overall quality of my child’s education.
While Respondents Strongly agree 40.09% and agree 43.85 with the statement I would recommend my child’s school to other parents.
School staff members (teachers / principal / support staff) are responsive to my parental concerns, Scored a 32.49% Strongly agree and a 47.16% agree , the district administration and/or Board of Education are responsive to my parental concerns, scored a very poor 13.73% Strongly agree and 29.72% agree.
Perhaps it is a good time to mark your calendars and grab a coffee. Members of the Ridgewood Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host residents for coffee and casual conversation on Wednesday, October 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place. Residents are welcome to drop in and share their thoughts, questions, suggestions and concerns
45 kilos of fentanyl seized by the State Police could have yielded 18 million lethal doses
September 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino today announced the indictment of four men in connection with the record-setting seizure of 45 kilograms – or nearly 100 pounds – of the super-potent synthetic opioid fentanyl by the New Jersey State Police in June. The State Police also seized nearly 40 kilos of heroin.
Fentanyl is one of the deadliest opioids, with a potency that is 50 times greater than heroin. The 45 kilos of fentanyl could have yielded over 18 million lethal doses, since a dose as small as 2 to 3 milligrams can be fatal. This case shatters the prior record for the largest seizure of fentanyl by law enforcement in New Jersey, which was set in March when the New Jersey State Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations seized 14 kilos of fentanyl in Camden. The fentanyl seized in June – including 40 kilos seized in North Bergen and five kilos seized in the same operation in Willingboro – was initially suspected to be heroin because of the huge quantity, but lab testing revealed it was fentanyl.
“The 45 kilos of fentanyl seized in this case is the largest fentanyl bust in the history of the state, having broken the prior record announced only a few months ago,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Dealers lace heroin with this deadly poison to boost potency, and with these amounts of fentanyl being stockpiled in New Jersey, I am desperately urging heroin users to seek treatment now more than ever, as their next dose could be their last. Fentanyl is so deadly that just these 45 kilos of fentanyl could have yielded enough lethal doses to kill the entire populations of New Jersey and New York City combined.”
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau obtained a state grand jury indictment charging the following three men with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (2nd degree), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute (2nd degree), and possession of fentanyl (3rd degree), in connection with the seizure of 40 kilos of fentanyl in North Bergen:
Jesus Carrillo-Pineda, 31, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
Jesus Yanez-Martinez, 22, of Somerton, Arizona, and
Daniel Vasquez, 28, of Somerton, Arizona.
Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez each face a charge of distribution of fentanyl (2nd degree), and Carrillo-Pineda faces a charge of possession of heroin (3rd degree) related to the North Bergen arrests.
The indictment also charges Carrillo-Pineda and Omar Zeus Rodriguez, 38, of Willingboro, N.J., in connection with the seizure in Willingboro of five kilos of fentanyl, nearly 40 kilos of heroin, and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine. They are each charged with conspiracy (2nd degree), possession of heroin with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of heroin (3rd degree), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute (2nd degree), and possession of fentanyl (3rd degree).
“Cases like this involving the interdiction of major drug traffickers represent just one facet of our efforts to fight the opiate epidemic,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We also have a strike team that has criminally charged six doctors with indiscriminately prescribing opioid pain pills for profit, including two who face first-degree charges of strict liability for a drug-induced death. We are bringing the full force of the law to bear on those responsible for fueling opiate addiction.”
“The unfortunate trend of adding fentanyl to narcotics has created a demand for this deadly opiate, putting not only the lives of users in grave danger, but also the lives of troopers and other first responders who may have come into contact with it,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It is without question that this record-setting seizure of fentanyl preserved life and saved countless families the agony of losing a loved one to this terrible scourge.”
During the investigation, New Jersey State Police detectives from the Trafficking North Unit developed information that a shipment of drugs was being delivered to a location in North Bergen. On June 28, 2017, State Police detectives, assisted by members of the North Bergen Police Department, located and arrested Carrillo-Pineda, Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez in the parking lot of a business in North Bergen after observing an alleged drug transaction, in which the fentanyl allegedly was transferred from a tractor-trailer occupied by Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez to a Mercedes Benz driven by Carrillo-Pineda. The arrests resulted in the seizure of the 40 kilograms of fentanyl, which were individually wrapped and held in two black duffel bags that had been transferred to the trunk of the Mercedes Benz. A search of the car also revealed a handbag containing $1,050 in U.S. currency and a small quantity of heroin. The 40 individually wrapped kilos of fentanyl were initially suspected to be heroin, but lab testing revealed the packages contained fentanyl.
The next day, June 29, State Police detectives of the Trafficking South Unit continued the investigation with assistance from the Willingboro Police Department, conducting a search at Rodriguez’s residence in Willingboro, where Carrillo-Pineda had been staying. As a result, detectives arrested Rodriguez and seized nearly 80 kilos of suspected narcotics. Rodriguez was loading suitcases into a Range Rover outside his residence when he was approached by detectives. The drugs were found in the suitcases and an open Fed Ex box in the vehicle’s trunk. Testing confirmed that the seized kilos included five kilos of fentanyl, nearly 40 kilos of heroin, and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine. Other kilo packages contained cutting agents.
While it has been spotlighted for killing Prince and other celebrities, fentanyl also is responsible for a growing death toll in New Jersey, where there were 417 overdose deaths from fentanyl in 2015, and 394 overdose deaths from fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in just the first six months of 2016. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with heroin or cocaine for sale on the street, or is sold in powder compounds or counterfeit pills disguised as heroin, oxycodone or Xanax. Fentanyl is now found in approximately 30 percent of the heroin specimens tested by the New Jersey State Police forensic laboratories. By comparison, fentanyl was found in only 2 percent of the heroin tested by those labs in the first quarter of 2015. Given the tiny size of a lethal dose, drug users are dying because dealers are careless about how much fentanyl they put in such mixes and pills.
Fentanyl is so potent that medics and police across the U.S. have been sickened by coming into contact with it while responding to overdoses or making arrests. The State Police Hazardous Materials Response Unit assisted with the search in Willingboro to address the concern about collateral exposure.
In addition to fentanyl, seven fentanyl knock-offs have been sold on the street in New Jersey, usually disguised as less-powerful drugs like heroin or oxycodone, triggering overdose deaths. The Attorney General’s Office issued an emergency order last year adding those fentanyl knockoffs to the list of drugs subject to the strictest level of state control.
Deputy Attorney General Norma Garcia presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Annmarie Taggart and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis.
Detective Sgt. Jeovanny Rodriguez was the lead detective for the investigation for the State Police Intelligence Section, Violent & Organized Crime Control Bureau North, Trafficking North Unit. Detective Garrett Cullen was the lead detective for the investigation for the State Police Intelligence Section, Violent & Organized Crime Control Bureau South, Trafficking South Unit. Attorney General Porrino commended all of the detectives and troopers who participated in the investigation for the New Jersey State Police. He also thanked the North Bergen Police Department and Willingboro Police Department for their assistance.
The first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while the third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Hudson County, where the defendants will be ordered to appear in court at a later date for arraignment.
