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Posted on July 18, 2014July 18, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Space Camp in Ridgewood inspires young students

Space Camp in Ridgewood inspires young students

July 18, 2014 Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2014, 12:31 AM
By Jodi Weinberger
STAFF WRITER

Ten-year-old Richard Augustine-Hamilton plans on being an astrophysicist when he grows up.

With his best friend, Connor O’Hara, by his side, the two carefully studied the instructions for a model rocket ship, the culminating project of Ridgewood’s two-week Space Camp.

“This isn’t, like, rocket science or anything. Oh, wait…” Connor joked to Richard.

“Imagine how hard it must be to make an actual rocket,” Richard replied, staring at the rocket parts. “I just can’t imagine.”

Each summer, classroom 141 at Hawes School is transformed into a space station of sorts, with the school’s gym serving as the astronaut’s training center and a neighboring classroom housing a planetarium.

It’s Richard and Connor’s third year at Space Camp, so they build the rockets on their own; meanwhile teachers Tom Harney and Tom Trubac guide the other 9- and 10-year-old earthlings through the process.

“I like getting messy,” said Emma Remis, 10, handling a bottle of Elmer’s glue.

Other girls at the table chimed in with their favorite parts of space camp – including the zip lines set up in the gym and hearing stories of the constellations.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/space-campers-reach-for-the-stars-1.1053597#sthash.fIIhKwdJ.dpuf

Posted on July 16, 2014May 29, 2016 by James — Leave a comment

The Ridgewood News Superintendent’s Corner

The Ridgewood News Superintendent’s Corner
June 2014
by Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools 201-670-2700 ext. 10530
(fax) 201-670-2668

Round-up

The following column appeared in The Ridgewood News on June 27, 2014.

Each June I reflect on the many great opportunities the Ridgewood Public Schools and the Village of Ridgewood provide our youngest citizens, culminating in the Ridgewood High School graduation at the close of the school year.

Posted on July 5, 2014January 20, 2019 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks Named to Ridgewood News All-Suburban Softball Team

Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks Named to Ridgewood News All-Suburban Softball Team

JULY 4, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GREG TARTAGLIA
SPORTS EDITOR

RIDGEWOOD — An historic softball season in The Ridgewood News All-Suburban area had it roots in the Big North Freedom Division.

Led by undefeated Bergen County and State Group 3 champion Indian Hills (34-0), four teams from the division combined to produce nine of the 18 players on this year’s first team. The Braves supplied four, Northern Highlands three, and Ridgewood and Paramus one each.

Bergen County runner-up Immaculate Heart (31-2) leads all schools with five representatives, and its Big North United Division rival Paramus Catholic placed one among the 13 seniors, three juniors, a sophomore and a freshman. Ramsey, Midland Park and Hawthorne garnered one spot apiece.

A whopping eight players repeat on the top squad, led by Steph Thomas of IHA, who completed the All-Suburban “cycle” with her fourth first-team bid. The three-time overall honorees are IHA’s Rachel Pollard (2012-14 first team) and Daniella Ibarra (2012 Sophomore of Year, 2013-14 first team) and Ridgewood’s Nicole Parks (2012 second team, 2013-14 first team).

So deep was the talent pool this spring that four others repeat on the second team: Ridgewood’s Kelly Skettini, Ramsey’s Jess Juhlin and Fair Lawn’s Sam Colca (2013-14) and Paramus’ Kelsey Settecasi (2012 and ’14).

Hallie Donofrio of Waldwick is the Sophomore of the Year, while Northern Highlands’ Chris Broking is the Coach of the Year…..

NICOLE PARKS, Ridgewood — This senior right-hander finally was able to put her full pitching arsenal on display and led the Maroons (20-7) to an eight-win improvement over last season. A first-team outfielder in 2013, she showed no signs of the ankle injury that kept her out of the circle and came back with an 18-6 record, 0.86 ERA and .155 opponent’s batting average. She struck out 249 in 150 innings and threw four no-hitters (including a perfect game against Bergenfield), upping her career mark to 24-9 with five no-hitters. Bound for the University of Albany, she hit .375 with three home runs, 22 RBI and had a .648 slugging percentage.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-softball/softball-stars-rewrite-history-books-1.1046366#sthash.rY5IfGZb.dpuf

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood residents catch World Cup fever

“Thank you berry much. Baseball been berry, berry good to me. Thank you. God bless you. Gracias!”

Ridgewood residents catch World Cup fever

JULY 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014, 2:35 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG AND JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITERS

America’s dream of winning the World Cup was dashed on Tuesday when the team was eliminated 2-1 by Belgium. With no goals on either side until overtime, tension remained high through the last 15-minute halves of the game, with the hope that U.S. could tie it up and go to a shootout.

Although the bars might not have the same feverish soccer crowds now that the U.S. is not in the competition, there’s still at least one place in Ridgewood where spirits remain high.

At Heidi’s Finest Bavarian Bakery last Thursday, the pastries, tortes, cakes, and buns went unattended with all eyes on the flat screen TV on the back wall at the East Ridgewood Avenue eatery.

This was much the scene throughout the village as fans, and those new to the soccer bandwagon, united for 90 minutes to cheer on the United States players competing on the fields of Brazil.

It was a long shot for the U.S. to win against Germany on June 26, but despite a 1-0 defeat, the team advanced when Portugal ousted Ghana in a concurrent game.

Heidi’s owners Agron and Edita Sadikaj perched on stools behind the glass cases of German goods, Edita holding their daughter, Lorena, and Agron bouncing the almost 2-year-old Liron on his lap, while the toddler played peek-a-boo with an adult-sized Deutschland cap in the colors of the German flag: black, red and yellow.

Asked about her thoughts on the German team’s strong reputation, Edita Sadikaj said the Germans “started very early.” Germany takes on France in the quarterfinals on July 4.

“I think to the U.S., it’s kind of a new sport. It’s not so popular. [In Germany] it’s like football in the U.S.A,” she said.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/soccer-kicks-patriotic-passion-into-gear-1.1044793#sthash.dGmXA9cA.dpuf

Posted on June 26, 2014June 25, 2014 by James — 5 Comments

Afternoon Crash in Ridgewood

photos by Boyd Loving

Afternoon Crash in Ridgewood
June 25,2014
Boyd A. Loving
4:46 PM

Ridgewood NJ, The driver of white 4-door sedan lost control of her vehicle on North Van Dien Avenue near Linwood Avenue in Ridgewood shortly after 3 PM on Wednesday, 06/25 and crashed into a utility pole.

No one was injured in the crash, nor was there any loss of electric service in the area, but the vehicle sustained damages necessitating its removal by a flatbed tow truck.

Ridgewood PD investigated the mishap. Uniformed Ridgewood PD officer seen in photos is Patrol Officer Robert Hirsch.

Posted on June 25, 2014June 25, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

At 14, Ridgewood resident set to become an Eagle Scout

At 14, Ridgewood resident set to become an Eagle Scout

JUNE 20, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

With a makeshift shelter collapsed, rain pelted Vaed Prasad square on his face. A once billowing campfire was extinguished by the downpour, leaving Prasad in the middle of nowhere, nothing but darkness and the unknown of the upstate New York wilderness around him.

The worsening conditions even drove a friend and fellow Boy Scout from the secluded grounds in favor of the main camp, where safety and comfort were more readily available. It certainly wasn’t the ideal way to earn the Wilderness Survival merit badge, but Prasad stayed put at a time he could have fled.

“I was all alone in a place known with bears and other dangerous animals, and I might have thought about leaving. But I persevered because it was another milestone that I was excited about,” recalled Prasad. “Looking back … it was a good experience. When I was lying in my bed a week later, I realized how we take some of these things for granted. Sometimes, we forget how important it is to have things such as shelter.”

Prasad has learned a lifetime of lessons, many of them through his scouting experiences. His pursuit for the Wilderness Survival badge, which he eventually earned after that fateful night a few years back, demonstrated a commitment and fortitude uncommon for a teenager, and that type of dedication has paid off.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/at-14-resident-set-to-become-an-eagle-scout-1.1038516#sthash.mhlvmVCd.dpuf

Posted on June 21, 2014June 21, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood joins group seeking return of Open Space Trust Fund

Ridgewood joins group seeking return of Open Space Trust Fund

JUNE 20, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

Ridgewood has joined a group of municipalities that is seeking restoration of full funding to the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund.

Members of the Village Council unanimously approved last week a resolution endorsing the change, and a copy of legislation will be forwarded to the county executive and freeholder board.

The open space trust fund is fueled by the county open space tax, which all property owners currently pay at a rate of a quarter of one cent per $100 of real property valuation. Ridgewood, led by the village’s Open Space Committee, has asked the county to increase the rate to a full one cent per $100.

In a May 20 letter from the Open Space Committee to Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan and the freeholders, Chairman Ralph Currey noted that the county’s open space tax had been set at the one cent figure between 2004 and 2009. During that period, Ridgewood and other municipalities received “vital support” from the trust fund for open space purchases and recreation facility improvements.

The county then slashed the tax by 75 percent in 2010, and “in essence dried up the open space money,” according to Tom Riche, the Village Council representative to the Open Space Committee.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/village-joins-growing-group-seeking-return-of-trust-fund-1.1038614#sthash.nHecbzBn.dpuf

Posted on June 14, 2014June 14, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Storm damage, Willard School area, Ridgewood

Photo credit:Boyd A. Loving
Storm damage, Willard School area, Ridgewood
Boyd A. Loving
7:37 PM

Ridgewood NJ, A late Friday afternoon thunderstorm felled dozens of trees that blocked streets and cut electric power to many homes in the Willard School area of Ridgewood. Similar conditions/damage were also reported in sections of Midland Park and Wyckoff.

Photo credit:Boyd A. Loving

Posted on May 31, 2014May 31, 2014 by James — 11 Comments

Ridgewood ranked as best place to retire

Ridgewood ranked as best place to retire

MAY 23, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER

s Ridgewood the best place to retire in New Jersey? That’s what a blog for real estate agents is suggesting, having recently named Ridgewood the best municipality in New Jersey to retire in.

Though the announcement was meant to tout the benefits of living in the village, the list has been the subject of some immediate criticism for one of its preferred measures: a high cost of living, “higher being better, since you’ve saved for it.”

“Get your head out of the rarified air! Ridgewood is a great place to retire – if your idea of ‘affordable’ starts with a base of $15,000 worth of real estate taxes,” noted one commenter underneath the ranking on the Movoto Real Estate blog, which was posted last month.

But Chad Stiffley, a public relations associate for Movoto, noted that the ranking is composed of “simply the best places to enjoy your retirement years, whether that means moving or remaining there after you retire.” Places with a higher cost of living, he added, got better rankings, “because they generally are viewed by people as nicer places compared to those that have a low cost of living.”

“It should be great news for the Ridgewood community,” he said.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/is-village-best-place-to-retire-1.1022342#sthash.9eu0HoY1.dpuf

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by James — 6 Comments

Ridgewood will allow changes to road repairs

Ridgewood will allow changes to road repairs

MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Officials say a street-improvement project that has upset some residents is likely to be revised to allow traffic lanes to be restored later if the plan doesn’t work.

Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said at Wednesday night’s council meeting that proposed changes could be made to the $500,000 project based on “residents’ concerns, and some of our own internal brainstorming.”

She was among several Ridgewood officials who met on Tuesday night with residents of the neighborhood where the work, which should be completed in July, is taking place.

Shovels first hit dirt last week on the project, which officials maintain will improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians around Garber Square, as well as along Franklin Avenue and Broad Street.

But a number of residents said work to install bike lanes and an 8-foot-wide median sprinkled with trees and ornate lighting, which is swallowing up two traffic lanes, is already causing backups. They contend the project will only imperil bicyclists, with four lanes of traffic cut down to two.

“We will put traffic plates on certain roads to provide empirical data on traffic flows and speed,” Sonenfeld said, adding these would be installed on Heights Road, West Ridgewood Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Godwin Avenue.

Sonenfeld suggested that cameras be installed temporarily at Franklin Avenue and Garber Square, to film a week’s traffic for analysis.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-will-allow-changes-to-road-repairs-1.1026433

Posted on May 25, 2014May 27, 2014 by James — 3 Comments

Driver hits utility pole in Ridgewood after falling asleep at wheel

Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
Driver hits utility pole in Ridgewood after falling asleep at wheel
May 25,2014
Boyd A. Loving
10:28 AM

Ridgewood NJ, Grove Street in Ridgewood between Stevens and South Van Dien Avenues was closed following a 6:44 AM, Sunday, 05/25 crash in which a Pennsylvania driver fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and hit a utility pole in front of 539 Grove Street. Ridgewood police officers at the scene of the incident reported that the driver was uninjured in the crash, but his vehicle was heavily damaged and had to be towed from the scene. Electricity was cut to two (2) homes in the area as a result of the crash. Crews from PSE&G estimated that Grove Street would remain closed until at least 6:00 PM on Sunday, 05/25 due to the extensive amount of work required to replace the pole and related services.

Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving

Posted on May 24, 2014May 24, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Star on the rise for former Ridgewood resident Andy Daly

Star on the rise for former Ridgewood resident Andy Daly

MAY 23, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER

Andy Daly, the star of the new critically acclaimed Comedy Central series “Review,” is making a career out of playing outrageous, absurdly ridiculous characters – one of his favorites being a straight-laced, stuffy suburbanite with a cringe-worthy dark side that spirals out of control.

Ridgewood High School graduate Andy Daly is the star of the Comedy Central series “Review.”

And the star’s Ridgewood upbringing may have something to do with it.

It at least provided some inspiration for his “Review” character Forrest MacNeil, a critic who lives in the suburbs and reviews “life” for viewers of his TV show (within the actual show). In the just-completed first season, he manages to comically end his happy marriage, inadvertently cause the death of a beloved family member, and briefly get addicted to cocaine, among other catastrophes.

“It’s sort of hard to explain exactly, but yeah, the decision to have him be a very suburban guy with a wife and a kid on a tree-lined street … definitely feels like it comes out of my Ridgewood background,” said Daly, who graduated from Ridgewood High School (RHS) in 1989 and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

“Of course – then he ends up being dragged into the gutter,” he observed.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/tv/reviews-are-in-star-on-the-rise-for-rhs-alumnus-andy-daly-1.1022331#sthash.1Mqqr6eb.dpuf

Posted on May 23, 2014May 23, 2014 by James — 11 Comments

Road project in Ridgewood causes traffic, concerns

Road project in Ridgewood causes traffic, concerns

MAY 23, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

Municipal officials maintain that an imminent street improvement project, when completed, will boost overall traffic safety and aesthetics in and around Garber and Wilsey squares. Several Ridgewood residents, however, contend that the finished job might have unintended and unwanted consequences.

Construction preparation is already underway for the Garber Square Complete Streets Project. This week, crews began cutting asphalt along Garber Square and will continue work on Ridgewood’s west side from Godwin Avenue to Franklin beneath the New Jersey Transit train trestle. In addition to a full paving job, the scope of the project includes the addition of bicycle lanes and a median island as well as the reduction to a single lane for each direction of traffic at the underpass.

In an informational letter distributed this week by Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, she explained that the project is intended to address pedestrian safety at Garber Square and at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Broad Street.

“Pedestrians will more easily and safely walk to and from the train station elevator area along the street by the Pease Library,” according to the letter. “We are bumping out the curb at Franklin and North Broad Street to reduce the crosswalk length, while providing better visibility of pedestrians to motorists.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/road-project-causes-traffic-concerns-1.1022335#sthash.QS8t7g77.dpuf

Posted on May 21, 2014May 21, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Toni Braxton tonight at 7:00pm at Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey

Toni Braxton tonight at 7:00pm at Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey

Grammy Award-winning Singer, TONI BRAXTON, will sign her new book: UNBREAK MY HEART ($27.99). Books available: May 20th.

Bookends is a legendary New Jersey Landmark! We are known for our incredible author events and have hosted well over 1,000 authors in the past 15 years!

All books MUST be purchased from BOOKENDS for any of our events and a valid Bookends receipt must be presented for entry.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726

Missed one of our events? We have Signed Books from some of our recent signings. Call the store to order 201-445-0726.

Posted on May 19, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 7 Comments

Readers Question the wisdom of reducing traffic lanes at Garber Square

photo Ridgewood police

Readers Question the wisdom of reducing traffic lanes at Garber Square

Would be interested in knowing how much additional funds were needed to make Wilsey and Garber Squares into one lanes vs. repaving existing setup. Not completely sure what they are trying to achieve at this location with the narrow roadways — is speeding/pedestrian safety a major issue around that stretch?

Starting Wednesday, May 7th, paving construction work will begin on the West Side at Wilsey and Garber Squares from Godwin Avenue to under the train trestle on Franklin Avenue. Expect traffic congestion in this area for the next 3 months during construction. To avoid delays, we suggest the use of alternate streets to get across the train tracks – Ackerman Avenue or W. Glen Avenue.

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