I do not buy the “raise the speed limit” argument. The same people who ignore 25 mph limits will ignore higher limits. Perhaps more stringent enforcement, along with public awareness campaigns on speeding and safe crossings would help. When officers forgive speeds of 10 mph over the limit, 35 mph becomes the real speed limit. Speeding on Linwood and Glen Avenues is normal behavior in Ridgewood, but it is very rare to see police out checking. I walk (and drive) past the electronic speed sign in my neighborhood, and regularly see numbers in the high 30’s and even low 40’s, and still some of the drivers do not slow down. All too many of those drivers can be seen with cell phones in hand, including Ridgewood police officers, which is particularly inexcusable behavior. Yes. I have seen this myself on several occasions.
As a pedestrian, I wait until it is safe to cross, but even in areas with signs advising drivers to yield to pedestrians in cross walks, few drivers in Ridgewood do so. Indeed, some speed up when pedestrians enter the crosswalk. I have had a dozen consecutive cars drive past me as I waited to cross before one driver politely (and legally) stopped, only to have drivers traveling in the opposite direction continue.
How do we change the attitudes of the large percentage of drivers in Ridgewood who ignore pedestrian crossing signs and laws? How do we get more of those people to recognize that they would be protecting the lives of their friends, neighbors, and family members by demonstrating respect for the law as well as common courtesy?
Ridgewood NJ, Dr. Kristen Race kicks off the 17-18 Wellbeing series on October 4: Dr. Kristen Race, who will present “From Thriving to Surviving in Your Family” on Wednesday, October 4 from 7:00-9:00 pm at the George Washington Middle School auditorium. This program is made possible through the generosity of The Valley Hospital, the Ridgewood Education Foundation, and the Federated Home and School Association.
Dr. Race is an expert in child, family, and school psychology, as well as the founder of Mindful Life and the author of Mindful Parenting. She will explain why Generation X is now “Generation Stress” and will propose small changes to help break the cycle of stress in your own life and your family’s. Dr. Race has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Parenting, and Real Simple, as well as on CNN and NPR. She has created brain-based mindfulness programs that are used by schools, businesses, families, camps, and youth, athletic, and after-school programs.
Ridgewood NJ, On Friday evening, 09/22, Ridgewood PD Patrol Officer Michael McDermott was assigned to investigate graffiti, reportedly Anti-Semitic in nature, that was affixed to the handrail of a playground walkway at the Irene Habernickel Family Park on Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood. Officer McDermott was able to successfully remove the graffiti, which included a Swastika, after taking photographs of it for evidence purposes.
Ridgewood NJ, its “It’s déjà vu all over again.” ,once again the inspection status has been allowed to lapse on some Village Vehicles . Long time readers will remember in 2011 and 2015 the Ridgewood blog reported on lapsed inspections on village vehicles.
In 2015 we asked , “Does anyone know if the Village of Ridgewood (VOR) is exempt from NJ State Department of Motor Vehicle regulations as they pertain to motor vehicle inspection?” The answer was and is NO.
In 2011 A vehicle owned by the Village of Ridgewood, and being driven by a Village employee, was stopped on South Maple Avenue earlier this week in connection with a checkpoint established by Ridgewood PD and the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV).
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police and Fire units responded to a report of a tree that fell into a home on the 100 block of California Street, Ridgewood on Friday morning, 09/22. The damage caused by the falling tree was cosmetic in nature only; PSE&G was summoned to deal with the downed utility wires. No one was home when the tree fell and no injuries were reported.
Ridgewood NJ, the Staff of The Ridgewood Blog has learned that a parent who requested that an armed police officer be present during a recent one-on-one meeting with the Ridgewood Board of Education’s Business Administrator was asked, by the Business Administrator, to leave the building at 49 Cottage Place prior to resolution of the issue at hand.
We’re truly puzzled as to why a parent would feel that an armed police officer should be present prior to beginning a one-on-one discussion with any Ridgewood Board of Education staff member.
Ridgewood NJ, Mt. Carmel Church’s Homless Retreat Ministry.The OLMC Knights of Columbus Council in partnership with the Run for Hope Foundation will once again support Mt. Carmel’s Homeless Retreat Ministry with their annual stickball tournament.The Homeless Retreat Ministry holds retreats for recently homeless men and women to offer them spiritual and community support. To hear about the experience of these retreats click the photo to the right.
Homeless participants experience the following:
HOPE – in a future that can be brighter than their recent past.
FAITH – by being given the gift of time to discover and explore their relationship with God.
UNITY – through a caring network of men and women from different socio-economic conditions.
All proceeds from the stickball tournament will be donated to the Homeless Ministry.
Dear Friends, Last year I, along with a small group of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishioners, joined forces to launch a Homeless Ministry. Over half a million men and women in the U.S. are homeless. Many of them are suffering from the effects of alcoholism and drug addiction. Our ministry works with homeless men and women who are on the road to recovery by providing spiritual retreats. The work of our ministry will help these men and women to set a new and renewed path in their lives. We held our first retreats earlier this year. Click on the video link below to hear testimonials from some of this year’s participants.
The work we do is only possible through the generous support of our community. Through the overwhelming generosity of the Run For Hope Foundation, the Knights of Columbus, friends, family and parishioners, we were able to launch our ministry. We now need ongoing support to continue our work. The OLMC Knights of Columbus Stick Ball Tournament is a fun and exciting way to contribute. Please consider forming a four-person team for $25 per person or simply donate if you are not able to participate.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Ramon Hache
Tournament Details
When
Date: October 7, 2017
Time:
Registration: 9:30 am
Tournament Start: 10:00 am
Tournament End: 2:00 pm
Add to Calendar
Details: Teams of 4 (co-ed welcome) $100 or $25pp
Picnic lunch included
$120 at Door
FREE T-Shirt guaranteed for registered teams by Wednesday, September 27th.
15 minute intermission with short program describing the charity
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department reminds you that influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007 the CDC states that in the United States range from a low of a…bout 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During recent flu seasons, between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the U.S. population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus.
The CDC recommends for the 2017–18 season, quadrivalent and trivalent influenza vaccines will be available. Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) will be available in trivalent (IIV3) and quadrivalent (IIV4) formulations. Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) will be available in trivalent (RIV3) and quadrivalent (RIV4) formulations. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) is not recommended for use during the 2017–18 season due to concerns about its effectiveness against (H1N1)pdm09 viruses during the 2013–14 and 2015–16 seasons. Recommendations for different vaccine types and specific populations are discussed. No preferential recommendation is made for one influenza vaccine product over another for persons for whom more than one licensed, recommended product is available.
Ridgewood will hold its Annual Flu Clinic on Thursday, October 26, 2017 in the Anne Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall located at 131 N. Maple Ave., between 10:00am and 12:00pm. You Must Call For an Appointment. Please call Valley Community Health at 201-291-6090 to make your appointment.
For those 65 Years and Over the Flu Shot will be Free with Medicare Part B –No HMO Medicare Accepted. For those 6 Months – 64 Years the Flu Vaccine will cost $27.00 (Cash Or Check Only)
Ridgewood NJ, tonight is the opening night of the 15th Annual Reel Voices Film Festival. Film/speaker at 7pm; doors open at 6:30pm. For film trailer and details, visit: https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/reelvoices2017
The Annual Reel Voices Film Festival is an annual showcase of award-winning documentaries and filmmakers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Ridgewood Education Foundation.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela is one of the most misunderstood and intriguingly powerful contemporary female political figures. Her rise and seeming fall from grace bear the hallmarks of epic tragedy. For the first time, this film pieces together and properly considers her life and contribution to the struggle to bring down Apartheid from the inside, with intimate insight from those who were closest to her and with testimony from the enemies who sought to extinguish her radical capacity to shake up the order of things.
The event will also feature as speaker ,Prof. Yvette Christiansë ,Professor of English & Africana Studies Barnard College, Columbia University.
The Ridgewood public Library is located at 125 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Phone: (201) 670-5600
Ridgewood NJ, Environmental Working Group’s drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the EPA (January to March 2017), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
This water utility buys or otherwise receives some or all of its finished water from one or more public water utility systems. EWG research suggests that this water system purchases water from multiple suppliers. The list below includes the names of the original water suppliers, with links to their water quality testing data.
– United Water Nj Franklin Lakes
– Hawthorne Water Department
Ridgewood registered 8 contaminates above health guide levels including Arsenic . Chemicals detected in 2015 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015, for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; perfluorinated chemicals.
EWG also reported that from January to March 2017 this water utility was in violation of health-based drinking water standards. From January to March 2017 this water utility was in violation of monitoring for contaminants or reporting monitoring tests to state agencies as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act and for 6 quarters Ridgewood Water was in violation of any federal drinking water standard from April 2014 to March 2017.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that a William Street resident reported being the victim of a theft by deception and fraud. The victim reported he was contacted by a party reporting to be from Apple’s fraud department and that his iMac computer was hacked. The victim provided access to his personal computer and was advised to purchase $400 in Apple gift cards. The victim purchased the gift cards and provided the serial numbers to the caller and then realized it was a scam and contacted the police department.
How to Avoid phishing emails, fake ‘virus‘ alerts, phony support calls, and other scams
Use these tips to avoid scams and learn what to do if you think your Apple ID has been compromised.
If you see a message while browsing the web that your iPhone, Mac, or other Apple device has a virus, or someone claiming to be from Apple calls and asks for your account name and password, you’re likely the target of a scam.
Scammers use any means they can—fake emails, pop-up ads, text messages, even phone calls—to try to trick you into sharing personal information, such as your Apple ID password or credit card information. Use this information to protect your account and avoid scams.
Protect your Apple ID
Never share your Apple ID password or temporary verification codes with anyone. Apple will never ask you for this information to provide support.
Use two-factor authentication to protect your Apple ID. Learn more about security and your Apple ID.
If you believe that your Apple ID has been compromised, change your password immediately.
If you see pop-up alerts or ads
When you browse the web, you might see a pop-up ad or a page warning you about a problem with your device. It might even look like the alert is coming from macOS or iOS. It isn’t. These alerts are pop-up ads, designed to trick you into calling a phony support number or buying an app that claims to fix the issue. Don’t call the number. Simply close the pop-up ad, or navigate away from that page and continue browsing.
If you get a suspicious phone call or voicemail
Scammers spoof phone numbers and use flattery and threats to pressure you into giving them information, money, and even iTunes gift cards. Always verify the caller’s identify before you provide any personal information. If you get an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Apple, hang up and contact us directly.
If you receive a phishing email or text message
Scammers try to copy email and text messages from legitimate companies to trick you into entering personal information and passwords. Never follow links or open attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages. If you need to change or update personal information, contact the company directly.
These signs can help you identify phishing scams:
The sender’s email address or phone number doesn’t match the name of the company that it claims to be from.
Your email address or phone number is different from the one that you gave that company.
The message starts with a generic greeting, like “Dear customer.” Most legitimate companies will include your name in their messages to you.
A link appears to be legitimate but takes you to a website whose URL doesn’t match the address of the company’s website.*
The message looks significantly different from other messages that you’ve received from the company.
The message requests personal information, like a credit card number or account password.
The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment.
Report phishing attempts and other suspicious messages to Apple
To report a suspicious email, forward the message to Apple with complete header information. To forward the email: In macOS Mail, select the email and choose Forward As Attachment from the Message menu at the top of your computer screen.
These email addresses are monitored by Apple, but you might not receive a reply to your report.
If you receive what you believe to be a phishing email that’s designed to look like it’s from Apple, please send it to [email protected].
To report spam or other suspicious emails that you receive in your iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com Inbox, please send them to [email protected].
To report spam or other suspicious messages that you receive through iMessage, tap Report Junk under the message, or take a screenshot on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac and send it to [email protected].
If you receive a suspicious message about your purchase activity in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store, contact iTunes Support.
*To confirm the destination of a link on your Mac, hover your pointer over the link to see the URL in the status bar. If you can’t see the status bar in Safari, choose View>Show Status Bar. On your iOS device, touch and hold the link.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT has implemented a variety of rail safety upgrades over the past year and is looking at additional enhancements for the future, as part of its commitment to safety.
Rail Operations is currently in the process of replacing all stub end tracks at Hoboken Terminal with new sliding friction bumper blocks as well as advancing a speed control system for trains entering Hoboken Terminal. Other initiatives this past year include enhanced sleep apnea screening and testing, adding additional personnel to the front of trains entering certain stations and reducing speed limits.
“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic incident at Hoboken Terminal, and while the cause has not been identified, NJ TRANSIT continues taking immediate actions to better protect our customers, our employees and the public,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro. “The steps we’ve taken so far are moving us in the right direction and we continually raise the bar higher each and every day. Safety is a demand that I will not compromise or negotiate on.”
NJ TRANSIT hired an outside contractor to conduct a detailed inspection of all of the bumper blocks in Hoboken Terminal, and to provide a recommendation for the type of bumper block to replace the damage block on Track 5.
As a result, a decision was made to replace all of the bumper blocks with sliding friction bumper blocks at Hoboken Terminal, the Atlantic City Rail Terminal and the Meadowlands Rail Station – all stub end stations.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is also advancing the speed control system for trains approaching the end of the platform at Hoboken Terminal.
Over the course of the past year, NJ TRANSIT has implemented the following safety initiatives.
In October 2016, NJ TRANSIT implemented an interim measure where any safety sensitive rail employee who exhibits any indication of potential fatigue symptoms is immediately removed from service until they obtain the appropriate documentation attesting to the satisfactory results or the condition is not present. This initiative was formalized as policy in April 2017.
To date, 350 of 370 engineers and nearly a third of more than a thousand conductors have been screened for sleep apnea. By the end of September, all locomotive engineers will be screened for sleep apnea.
NJ TRANSIT has advanced the installation of forward and inward facing cameras on trains. To date, nearly 84% of trains now have forward facing cameras and more than 73% of the rail fleet has inward facing cameras, which are focused on the engineer’s actions. NJ TRANSIT expects to have both cameras in the entire fleet by year’s end.
Rail Operations implemented a new initiative which requires the conductor to ride in the front cab of trains, along with the engineer, when entering terminals in Hoboken, Penn Station New York, Atlantic City, Princeton, Gladstone and the Meadowlands station.
Speed limits entering Hoboken, Atlantic City, Princeton and the Meadowlands Rail Station have been reduced from 10 mph to 5 mph as a proactive measure.
Rail Operations has increased the penalty for cell phone infractions, now up to a 90 day suspension for a first time violation.
The Office of System Safety (OSS) continues to hire and backfill key safety positions including a Deputy Chief Safety Officer, Industrial Hygienist, Environmental Safety Specialist and Safety Education Program Specialist.
OSS conducted 16 safety blitzes at key grade crossings and stations to educate and reinforce rail safety to customers and the public.
This past year, the New Jersey Transit Police Department worked with a number of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, providing emergency response training for 750 first responders, and rail safety training for an additional 550 first responders.
Ridgewood NJ, The staff of The Ridgewood Blog has just learned that Gannett will be officially vacating their offices on Oak Street, in Ridgewood at the end of December 2017. Those offices had previously served as home base for The Ridgewood News, 201 Magazine, The Glen Rock Gazette, and a number of other weekly newspapers owned by Gannett.
Most, if not all, employees of the aforementioned publications moved out of Oak Steet months ago, but the lease for the office space will terminate in December and will not be renewed. It is expected that all operations for The Ridgewood News and the weeklies will now be centered in Woodland Park, NJ. The future of 201 Magazine is rumored to be uncertain.
Ridgewood NJ, B.GOOD, an international and mission-driven fast casual restaurant chain, unveils its new “Food with Roots” brand campaign today across its North American locations to spark conversation with its customers about the importance of clean food and social impact. Beginning today, Food with Roots will roll out in key markets through targeted digital advertising, point of sale branding, refreshed designs across stores and packaging and a public awareness campaign. Please click here to watch a short story about B.Good “Food with Roots”.
Founded in 2003, B.GOOD has an established mission to spread the transformative power of good food to create positive social impact in communities around the world. “Food with Roots” captures a realized company vision that feeds a virtuous cycle of a new food system that includes sourcing, serving and consuming good, clean, nutritious and delicious food. Further, “Food with Roots” illustrates how B.GOOD connects with the communities in which it operates.
“When we opened our first restaurant, we didn’t consider – or even imagine – ourselves as ‘pioneers’ in the fast food service industry,” reflects Anthony Ackil, Co-Founder and CEO of B.GOOD. “At that time, we followed inspiration from our families and simply wanted to cook and serve good, clean and fresh food – just as my Uncle Faris did for me when I was growing up. However, as we evolved, we discovered ways to create positive impact in our customers’ communities and we developed a significantly unique and deeper meaning than the farm-to-table trend portrayed in today’s QSR and fast casual dining industry. ‘Food with Roots’ celebrates everyone who contributes to having sustainable, local, fresh, clean food find its way onto our customers’ tables.”
Food with Roots begins with farmers who sustainably grow natural ingredients from farms located around B.GOOD restaurants. The effort continues with B.GOOD team members who carefully prepare and serve it fresh each day. Food with Roots also includes customers who enjoy this delicious, heritage-rich food that’s inspired by family members and now shared with new families and friends. Finally, to complete the cycle, B.GOOD returns ongoing support back to the local farms, organizations and individuals who nurture their communities.
As part of the introduction of B.GOOD’s new positioning, the restaurant chain will feature several food promotions in its stores for familiar menu items such as burgers, salads, bowls, shakes and smoothies. And, true to its seasonal cooking roots, B.GOOD is introducing multiple tasty dishes this fall including Avocado Toast and vegetarian Zucchini Spaghetti and Eggplant Meatballs. In upcoming weeks, additional community activities will be announced as part of local store and franchise marketing efforts.
About B.GOOD
Founded in 2003, B.GOOD is an innovative, fast casual, farm-to-table restaurant chain serving “Food with Roots” – sustainably-grown, fresh and wholesome food that is prepared by hand in-house. With 60 locations across the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and Germany, B.GOOD serves a diverse and delicious menu including kale & grain bowls, salads, all-natural local burgers, sides of crisp veggies and oven-finished fries, smoothies and kids’ meals. By sourcing as much as possible from local, independent farmers and being genuinely committed to social and environmental impact, B.GOOD has a unique connection to the communities the brand calls home. Visit bgood.com for more information. B.GOOD has a restaurant at 381 Route 17 South in Ridgewood.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving Blessing of the Animals at Christ Episcopal Church, Ridgewood
September 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM, there will be a Blessing of the Animals celebrating the Feast of St. Francis at Christ Episcopal Church, 105 Cottage Place in Ridgewood. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, goldfish, stuffed animals . . .any beloved “creatures," great or small. A short service celebrating all animals will be followed by individual blessings of each animal. Some orphaned dogs and cats who are eligible for adoption from the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland will also be present. Refreshments will be served. The service will be held inside the church, rain or shine.
For more information, call the church office at 201-652- 2350 or visit the website at https://www.christridgewood.org
