JANUARY 8, 2015, 9:16 AM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015, 9:19 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD – The village could impose restrictions on buildings within one of its proposed redevelopment areas to prevent the construction of “ugly” housing complexes downtown, an official said.
Village Planner Blais Brancheau’s comments came at Tuesday night’s Planning Board meeting, under cross-examination by Ira Weiner, an attorney representing Citizens For a Better Ridgewood.
For more than two years, the Planning Board has heard testimony on the master plan change, which, if approved and then adopted by the Village Council, would permit high-density housing complexes.
Three developers are seeking the master plan amendment, and each plans to build multifamily, high-density housing downtown if it is adopted.
Citizens For a Better Ridgewood is a grass-roots organization that says it endorses comprehensive planning, but opposes the village ordinance that allowed the three developers to request the master plan change.
Brancheau on Tuesday night responded to Weiner’s question, saying “standards could be drafted” into the master plan amendment “to avoid” certain design elements in future construction.
Due, Ridgewood Captures One of the year’s 10 best dishes in North Jersey restaurants
DECEMBER 28, 2014 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014, 10:57 AM
BY ELISA UNG
RESTAURANT CRITIC |
THE RECORD
Bucatini and turkey meatballs with braised pork ragu
Where: Due, Ridgewood (18 E. Ridgewood Ave.; 201-857-3231; dueridgewood.com)
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for spaghetti and meatballs. But this dish from executive chef Adam Weiss makes the classic even more deeply satisfying with a stick-to-your-ribs sauce flavored with wood-grilled pork, moist meatballs and luscious fresh ricotta ($25).
Ridgewood, Glen Rock police officers receive Combat Cross
December 24, 2014 Last updated: Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 10:51 AM
The Ridgewood News
Four Ridgewood police officers and one from Glen Rock received the Combat Cross valor award from their police chiefs at the Dec. 16 Village Council meeting
The officers – Ridgewood Sgt. Brian Pullman, Detective Peter Youngberg, Officer Rosario Vaccarella and Officer Raymond Tarino and Glen Rock Officer Murray Yang – were honored for their effective response while facing imminent threats to their life.
On Nov. 18, a disturbance call in Ridgewood became scary when a man in need of psychiatric help pulled a knife and attacked the officers, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward said at the meeting.
“Our officers – with their quick reactions, their excellent training and their cooperative skills – subdued this party without injury to him and clearly in a situation where they would have been justified in using deadly force,” Ward said. “Their actions, their character are examples of the highest standards of law enforcement.
“They’re a testament to the caliber of our officers, the training they receive, and it underscores the dangers that these officers experience,” Ward said.
Ridgewood to give new life to sculpture by Paterson artist Gaetano Federici
DECEMBER 22, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014, 9:08 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Seemingly recent attempts to preserve a priceless village carving of the state seal, by famed Paterson artist Gaetano Federici, actually began decades ago.
But let’s start more recently, when the beautiful sculpture, featuring the two serene ladies of “Liberty” and “Prosperity,” was thought to be forgotten.
More than five years ago, while doing work for the tree department in a wooded area on Prospect Street, formerly used as a police shooting range, village employee Pete Ward saw something made of concrete peaking from beneath the brush.
Ward, who grew up in Ridgewood, recognized the sculpture.
He remembered it had been attached to an entrance of the old municipal building on Hudson Street.
The building, which most recently served as the old firehouse, was demolished in 1993 to make way for parking, despite the contestations of resident Art Wrubel and the Historic Preservation Commission – “a real shame,” noted Ward, who collects historic architectural pieces for restoration.
“I knew it was from that building because of books that I have and photos,” Ward said.
Spend Christmas at Bethlehem Lutheran in Ridgewood
The members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church invite everyone to spend Christmas at Bethlehem. Please join us for any of the services listed below in our sanctuary located at 155 Linwood Ave. in Ridgewood, NJ. We will be celebrating the blessed birth of the Christ child and the love of family and friends. What better place than Bethlehem to spend Christmas! Bethlehem Lutheran Church invites you and your family to join us for Christmas worship.
Our Sunday School will present their Christmas program on December 21st at 9:30 a.m.
On Christmas Eve–Wednesday, December 24th we will host Happy Birthday Baby Jesus at 4:00 p.m. for pre-school children in our parlor. Bethlehem’s Christmas Eve services include a family candlelight worship service at 6:00 p.m. as well as a Christmas candlelight service of festival worship at 8:00 p.m with pre-service music at 7:30.
On Christmas Day–Thursday, December 25th we will hold a communion worship service at 9:30 a.m.
On Sunday, December 28th – we will have one worship service at 9:30 a.m. The Power of Christ (Isaiah 40:10-11): God himself came to live among us & be our Savior, but his power was displayed in the weakness & humility of the manger & the cross.
We end the year with New Year’s Eve worship on Wednesday December 31st at 5:30 p.m.
We truly hope to see you and wish everyone a joyous Christmas season and a beautiful finish for 2014. The members of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgewood want you to know that God has a plan for you and he loves you. Our faith is in Christ. Our guide is in the Bible. Our love is for all. Come celebrate with us. Our regular worship schedulewill begin again on January 11. We offer 2 Sunday services: Contemporary Praise Service at 8:45am and Traditional Worship at 11am with Sunday School and Bible Class at 10am. Please join us at 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood. For your information, please see our website, www.BethlehemChurch.com.
Glen Rock and Ridgewood have experienced a raise of forced entry break ins between the hours of 10am to 3pm
HOME BURGLARY Update:Glen Rock & Ridgewood have experienced increase of forced entry to homes between the hours of 10am -3pm . There are no suspects as of yet
The West side of Glen Rock & West side of Ridgewood have been experiencing an increase in residential burglaries. These break-ins are occurring during the daytime, generally between 10 AM and 3 PM and have been into homes where no one is present, It is possible that the actors are ringing the doorbell and watching the homes prior to entry.
At this time there are no suspects or suspect vehicle information.
Please do everything possible to make your home look occupied when you are out. Keep the radio or TV on, a car in the driveway and lights on timers, as it gets dark early. Consider an alarm and if you have one, make sure it is armed before you go out.
Suspects don’t want to confront anyone. They just want to get in & out quickly.
With the holidays upon us, there is generally more to steal in a home, so try to keep expensive items secured or well hidden. The bedroom is the first place a burglar will look.
We need your help! If you see anything suspicious, out of the ordinary or unusual, call the police immediately. Don’t hesitate or wait. We would rather check out something that turns out to be nothing, then investigate another home that was burglarized.
Thank you for your help and have a healthy and safe holiday season.
December 12, 2014 Last updated: Friday, December 12, 2014, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
Jack Lorenz
As flags flew at half-staff last week, the community remembered the side-by-side relationship it shared with Jack Lorenz, who for years was entrusted with the education of perhaps Ridgewood’s most impressionable citizens.
Written and spoken tributes to Lorenz, 69, who served as Ridgewood High School principal from 2006 to 2011, quickly emerged soon after the brief details of his passing surfaced during the latter half of this past Thanksgiving weekend.
BMW takes out utility pole on West Glen Ave in Ridgewood
December 13,2014
Boyd A. Loving
1:38 PM
Ridgewood NJ, The driver of a 4-door BMW sedan was transported to Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus after losing control of her vehicle and crashing it into a utility pole in front of 239 West Glen Avenue, Ridgewood at 11:40 AM on Saturday, 12/13. Ridgewood PD, EMS, FD, and Emergency Services units all responded to the scene. West Glen Avenue remains closed between North Monroe Street and Alpine Terrace due to the downed pole. No loss of electric power was reported in the area.
Ridgewood continues its efforts to improve building department
December 11, 2014 Last updated: Thursday, December 11, 2014, 5:01 PM By Laura Herzog
As part of an ongoing effort to make the Building Department more customer-friendly, new director Thomas Yotka will hold office hours for Ridgewood contractors and residents next week.
Yotka will be available between 5 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the third floor conference room of Village Hall.
Residents are being asked to schedule an appointment.
According to a village press release, “This is an opportunity to meet Tom and share your thoughts and become aware of departmental initiatives for 2015.”
The sessions will be scheduled at 15-minute intervals. Though walk-ins are welcome, the schedule may already be booked, so residents are encouraged to make an appointment by calling the Building Department at 201-670-5500, ext. 506.
The meetings are “an effort to receive feedback, thoughts and suggestions from our customers, residents and local businesses,” Yotka said.
10-year-old runner from Ridgewood to compete at Nationals
DECEMBER 10, 2014 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY NEIL AMDUR
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD |
THE RECORD
They are as different as night and day. Camryn Wennersten, 10, is quiet and competitive, stubbornly unyielding. Her younger sister Peyton, 7, is outspoken, a “sparkle diva,” according to track coach John Murtaugh, who has worked with the sisters.
But the Wennersten sisters share a common passion, running, that appears to have no limits in a Ridgewood family steeped in sports. Last month their mother and father, Kevin and Taryn Wennersten, completed the New York City Marathon. On Thanksgiving Day, the entire family — Kevin, Taryn, Camryn, Peyton and their older brothers, Bryce and Triston — ran a 5-kilometer race in Upper Saddle River.
On Saturday Camryn, already the best in her age group in the county, state and mid-Atlantic region, will measure her skill and will in a 3-kilometer race at the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country championships in Myrtle Beach, S.C. More than 3,000 runners in categories from 8-and-under through 17-18 will compete.
Breakfast with Santa – Call for reservation 201/652-1070 Visit Santa in the Park – 12Noon to 3PM
Santa is at his house in Ridgewood-bring your list.
8:00am-12:00Noon Breakfast with Santa-The Office Beer Bar & Grill
12Noon-4:00pm Visit Santa at his house – Memorial Park @ Van Neste Square
Kilwins serving hot chocolate Weather permitting
Free Parking in Ridgewood Lots on Saturdays
The Ridgewood Village Council has approved FREE Parking in the Ridgewood metered lots on Saturday, December 13, 20 and 27.
Come shop and dine in Ridgewood!
Menorah Lighting to Celebrate Chanukah
All are Welcome!
Menorah Lighting takes place at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square – Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30PM. Lighting times are posted for the rest of the week on the fence in the park.
Gloria – A Festive Holiday Concert
NJ Choral Society – West Side Presbyterian Church
New Jersey Choral Society presents “Gloria,” a festive holiday concert Bergen and Essex County
Experience festive music of the season as the New Jersey Choral Society presents “Gloria,” a concert of sacred and traditional holiday carols on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair. A third performance will be presented on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30 pm at the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood. The joyous and uplifting program features John Rutter’s “Gloria”, the New Jersey premieres of “Glory to God” by Julian Revie and “Gloria” by Rick Ryan (a member of the Connecticut Choral Society) and David Hamilton’s elegant work of Christmas worship “Gloria.” Excerpts from Daniel Pinkham’s Fanfares, “Sanctus” from Verdi’s Requiem and “Bogoroditse Devo” (“Ave Maria”) by Rachmaninoff will also be featured. Some traditional carols such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” will be included as well. The chorus will be accompanied by organist Linda Sweetman-Waters, a Brass and Percussion Ensemble, and the Junior High School Chorus from the New Jersey Home School Association under the direction of Noelle Dachis. Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, and this past summer in France. Come one hour prior to concert time for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture that provides an insightful and intimate discussion of the music for all ticket holders. Tickets are $25.00 for general admission, $22.00 for students, seniors, and patrons with disabilities and $12 for children 12 and under (add $5.00 at the door). Group discounts are also available. For reservations or more information, visit www.njcs.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719. In support of the Center for Food Action, the New Jersey Choral Society will be collecting nonperishable food items at this concert. The Church of the Immaculate Conception and Westside Presbyterian Church are both wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Breakfast With Santa – Visit Santa House December 20th
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast with Santa – reservations at 201/652-1070 Visit Santa in his house in the park Noon to 3PM www.experienceridgewoodnj.com
YWCA Solstice Yoga Workshop 12/20
Introductory Classes
YWCA Offers Solstice Yoga Workshop on December 20th YWCA Bergen County will be holding two Solstice Yoga classes for all ages and levels on Saturday, December 20, 2014. Intro to Yoga, a light-hearted, introductory class taught by Colleen Fontes, a certified instructor of over 20 years, will be held from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. A short break and refreshments will follow. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a second class, Winter Solstice 108 Sun Salutations for regular yoga practitioners, led by instructors Colleen Fontes, Fran Milde, and Christa Hughes. All participants must bring a yoga mat. Classes will be held at the YWCA, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood. Movement@YW members can participate for free; for non-members there is a suggested donation of $10 per person per class. Participants should be in general good health and able to sit, stand and lie down. For more information and to register, call Colleen Fontes at 201-444-5600 x351.
Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus
Holiday Concert
Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus of Ridgewood Concerts on the calendar. First one is Sat Dec 20 at 7:30 pm at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, and the second is Sunday Dec 21 at 4 PM.
Ridgewood reimbursed nearly $450,000 by FEMA for storm costs
DECEMBER 7, 2014, 6:26 PM LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014, 6:27 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — The village recently received a pair of large checks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, totaling nearly $450,000.
The checks reimburse Ridgewood for overtime costs and damage it sustained as a result of both Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy.
Calling the infusion of cash “excellent” news, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said another check would be sent to the village before the end of the year for $382,900.
Getting the reimbursements from the federal agency has not been easy.
Village officials — working with representatives from Sen. Bob Menendez’s office — have been meeting in recent months with state and federal officials to ensure the money was recouped.
Ridgewood is turning into a powerhouse in Taekwondo
Ridgewood is turning into a powerhouse in Taekwondo thanks to Taekwondo All In, an instructional school for the Korean martial art. The most recent case in point: The students of Taekwondo All In made a strong showing at the 2014 Garden State Cup on November 2, earning 47 medals, along with an award for best school and instructor.
The Tournament was segmented into sparring, forms and breaking. The categories are further separated by level (belt) and age. There were close to 500 participants, all New Jersey residents.
The details of the results from the Tournaments are as follows:
Lucas Woods and Alex Han each earned three Gold medals in the categories of breaking, form, and sparring. Tony An earned two Gold medals in form and breaking and a Silver medal in sparring. Brandon Son and Liam Woods each earned Gold medals in sparring and breaking and a Silver medal in form. Lucas Wang and Yeongyu Lee each earned two Gold medals in form and sparring and a Silver medal in breaking. Arjun Narang earned Gold medals in breaking and sparring and one Bronze medal in form. Jimin Kong earned two Gold medals in form and breaking. Connor Park earned a Gold medal in sparring and two Silver medals in form and breaking. Kevin Park earned a Gold medal in form and two Silver medals in sparring and breaking. Justin Wang earned a Gold medal in sparring, Silver medal in form and a Bronze medal in breaking. Connor Rojas earned a Gold medal in sparring, a Silver in breaking, and a Bronze medal in form. Louise Kim and Samuel Kang each earned a Gold medal in form and Bronze medals in breaking. Abhishek Narang earned three Silver medals in form, sparring and breaking. Michelle Chung earned 1 Silver in breaking and one Bronze in form.
The head coach Youngmin Kim commented “The result is a culmination of hours of dedication and sacrifice for our kids and their parents. I am very proud of our team.”
For Taekwondo All In, excelling at tournaments has become a pattern as the team surged at the US Nationals earlier this year (ranked second of all New Jersey based teams) and last year’s NJ Governor’s Cup. Next major test will be the Pan Am Open International Championships, which will take place in December in Oregon, in which six of Taekwondo All In students are scheduled to compete.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and since 2000, it has been an Olympic sport. Taekwondo All In, located in downtown Ridgewood, started in 2012 by the head coach Youngmin Kim with the primarily focus of educating children, mostly Ridgewood residents, on the martial art.
November 28, 2014 Last updated: Friday, November 28, 2014, 12:31 AM
By Jodi Weinberger
STAFF WRITER |
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood leaders came together this week to discuss the need for more civility in public discourse.
With many divisive issues taking hold of Ridgewood over the last few years – Valley Hospital, multifamily housing, cell tower applications, the Graydon ramp, the Schedler debate, and Skype votes, among others – leaders believe that often conversations about these matters are hijacked by incivility.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn, who called for the meeting and invited community volunteers from various boards and houses of worship, led the meeting along with Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck and the Rev. Jan Phillips, head of the Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock.
A handful of residents also showed up to the Nov. 24 meeting to participate.
“This is not about stifling the conversation,” Aronsohn said. “We think this will enrich the conversation. Ridgewood is a community that thrives on discourse and interaction.”
Hauck said fostering civility is particularly challenging as it is a broader, societal issue that expands well beyond the village.
“How can we be more of a ‘we’ community in a ‘me’ world?” Hauck said. “Even as adults we struggle with cooperation, but we need to work together.”
