Tag: RidgewoodEstateCard

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2017 RIDGEWOOD SCHOOLS PARCC TESTING RESULTS

PARCC?ACT Test Ridgewood

October 18,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, its that’s time of the year and once again the Ridgewood School District is reporting it’s overall success against the standardized test . While we have never been a big fan of standardized tests , we realize that in life there are many that must be overcome to meet licensing requirements , degrees and career requirements.

I guess for the non believers the best that can be said is that you need to excel on standardized test  to gain entrance to top universities and or career vocations.

Assistant Superintendent Ms. Stacie Poelstra gave an overview of results of the spring 2017 PARCC testing and also spoke about upcoming changes to the science assessments coming in spring 2018. Overall, Ridgewood students did very well, indicating performance at a high level. The district utilizes the data to inform best practices to identify and allocate resources towards areas for improvement to meet the needs of the students.

In 2015, New Jersey adopted the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) to replace HSPA and previous assessments in the elementary and middle school in language arts and mathematics.

Students took PARCC English Language Arts and Literacy Assessments (ELA/L) in grades 3 – 11.
Students took PARCC Mathematics Assessments in grades 3 – 8 and End of Course Assessments in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
Students in grades 4 and 8 took the NJASK in Science.
Students who completed a biology course took the New Jersey Biology Competency Test
A new science assessment, replacing the NJASK and NJBCT, will be administered in spring 2018 and will be aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science.

 

Level 1: Not yet meeting grade-level expectations
Level 2: Partially meeting grade-level expectations
Level 3: Approaching grade-level expectations
Level 4: Meeting grade-level expectations
Level 5: Exceeding grade-level expectations

 

Top take aways :

1)Ridgewood students across the district continue to perform at a very high level in all standardized assessments.
2)Analysis of pertinent data is ongoing and is used to inform curricular decisions and advance instructional practice.
3) We will continue to adapt to new testing requirements as outlined by the New Jersey Department of Education, and will be as proactive as we can in communicating with all stakeholders regarding changes to the state’s mandated testing protocols.

 

Click here to access the presentation.https://www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_207516/File/Academics/Curriculum,%20Instruction,%20&%20Assessment/2017%20state%20testing%20report.pdf

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Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Warns of “Distraction Burglaries”

ridgewood police

file photo by Boyd Loving

October 18,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office advises that if you have an elderly parent. A grandparent. Someone who lives alone. Someone who might not question a stranger knocking on their door. These are the people who are selected by scammers and fraudsters…and now burglars too!

Lately across Bergen County, and throughout northern New Jersey, we’ve been hearing of more and more strangers knocking on doors and preying on those who live alone. It is called “Distraction Burglary.”

Basically, someone… impersonating a utility worker (e.g., PSE&G or Suez Water), a town inspector, or even someone pretending to be a police officer (wearing street clothes)…these guys can be clever…he knocks on your door. He talks his way inside, usually spinning a tale about a water leak, a problem with your pipes, or some other “urgent” matter. He talks and walks you around your own home to keep you DISTRACTED while his partner in crime slips into a bedroom to grab valuables, cash, whatever is there for the taking.

But don’t fall for it! Utility workers wear clearly marked uniforms and carry identification. They also drive marked vehicles. You can and should call your utility company to confirm they have a worker stopping by. Make the stranger wait outside (* DON’T INVITE A STRANGER INSIDE! *). Same for police officers…those detectives in plainclothes can have a uniformed officer driving a marked police car join them when in doubt.

So, if you have a loved one who lives alone or who is elderly, make sure they understand this! Swipe through the tips above. Know this stuff. And share it. It’s important.

Check on your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Don’t fall for a trick. Don’t let them fall for a trick like this!! Be vigilant. Call your local police or dial 9-1-1 to report something suspicious. Be safe.

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Eminent Physicist Dr. David Coward spoke to Ridgewood High School Students

Dr

photo courtesy of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association

October  18,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Last week the eminent physicist Dr. David Coward spoke to RHS students. Physicist, Emeritus at Stanford University and a member of RHS Class of 1952, Dr. Howard was part of the collaboration that ultimately led to the discovery of quarks in 1968, for which the 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded. He is also a member of RHS Distinguished Alumni.

David Coward received his Bachelor of Engineering Physics from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University. An experimental physicist at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), he made indispensable contributions to the SLAC-MIT experiments that discovered the quark structure of the proton and neutron. The 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for his work. As a member of CERN’s NA31 Collaboration, he shared the 2005 European Physics Society High Energy and Particle Physics Prize. He is now Physicist Emeritus at Stanford University. Inducted 2008.

David Coward, was awarded the RHS Distinguished Alumni Award during the 60th reunion of the class in October 2012.

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RIDGEWOOD NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALISTS AND COMMENDED STUDENTS

RHS

October 18,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Jiyoung An and Noah D. Bronowich have been designated as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and  18 others have received letters of commendation in the 2016 competition.

Commended students are: Paul Calvetti, Dhruva M. Chhabra, Luke R. Conenello, William K. Gagan, Audrey S. Gao, Benjamin M. Gluckow, Daniel R. Gnall, Maximillian Horkenbach, Jacqueline Johnson, Kayla L. Kern, Rachel Kim, Joseph O’Keefe, Isaac Peabody, Kumail Raza, Vanita Sharma, Gayeong Song, Lena Yanella, and Bruce Zhang.

About 1.6 million students took the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last October and entered the National Merit Program, a nationwide competition for recognition and awards. Only some 16,000 who qualified as semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for Merit Scholarships to be offered next spring.

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Mindfulness/Meditation Class for Teens & Young Adults in Ridgewood

kung_fu

Tue, October 24, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Location: Evolved Medicine, 1250 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Cost: 10

Ridgewood NJ, Mindfulness/Meditation Class For Teens & Young Adults (Ages 12-25)
Inclusive and suitable for all levels, especially beginners!
Meditation is simply “exercise for the mind” – it helps us relax and destress!
Tuesday, October 24th 4:00-4:45 PM
$10 per person
Evolved Medicine, Ridgewood 1250 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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Racefaster Bagel Run Every Saturday in Ridgewood

Racefaster Bagel Run

photo courtesy of Racefaster

October 17,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Join Racefaster Bagel Run! every Saturday for a social group run. We will meet at 8am at the Racefaster store in Ridgewood, then we will head out for a group run ranging in distance from 2-6 miles, and finish up with some bagels and coffee at the store. Dont miss out on this Free event. All are welcome.

Racefaster 11 N Broad St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450-3801

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Coffee and Convo with the Ridgewood Board of Ed members and Dan Fishbein is next Wednesday, October 18 at the Ed Center

Dan Fishbein 10

October 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Remember that Coffee and Convo with the Board of Ed members and Dan Fishbein is next Wednesday, October 18 at the Ed Center. Hope you can stop by for a cup and a chat between 7 and 8:30 p.m.!

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.

 

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Valley Hospital Men’s Health event at the Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Ridgewood

Valley Hospital Men's Health event at the Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Ridgewood

October 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Valley recently held a Men’s Health event at the Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Ridgewood, where men were able to have screenings completed for pulmonary function, sleep apnea risk, blood pressure and depression. In addition, attendees were able to make appointments to have heart screenings and prostate cancer screenings completed at a later date.

Pictured above: Marcus Williams, M.D., Cardiologist, Valley Medical Group; Joe Morris, former N.Y. Giants player; Reverend Thomas Johnson, Pastor, Mount Bethel Baptist Church.

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Two New Jersey Transit Buses involved in “T-Bone” Crash with SUV in Ridgewood’s Centeral Business District

NTJ Ridgewood CBD

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

October 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Two (2) NJ Transit buses were involved in a “T-Bone” collision at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and North Walnut Street on Monday evening, 10/16. One (1) of the buses veered head on into the path of an SUV in an attempt to avoid the collision. The adult female driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries but refused transport to a local hospital. The SUV and one (1) bus had to be towed from the scene. The other bus left on its own power. Ridgewood Police, Fire Department, EMS and Emergency Services units responded to the crash.

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Flood Plains In The Village Of Ridgewood

VillageHall_floods_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

October 17,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Village Of Ridgewood has a number of streams with a flood plain associated with it, Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, Saddle River, Goffle Brook, Diamond Brook, and SproutBrook a nondelineated stream behind Gateway Road.

These streams are limited in capacity and tend to exceed there banks during heavy rain falls similiar to Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999 and Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011 (both of which can be considered a 100 year flood event).  Additionally, the Nor’easter on April 15, 2007 can be considered a 20 year storm event.

As each storm event varies in duration and inches of rainfall, flow varies through each section of the stream dependant on flow restrictions ie, bridges, culverts, dams and weirs. Preventitive maintenance to keep these areas clear is the Village’s primary goal in keeping flooding to the minimum.

Flood information for the Village is available in the Engineering Division Office. Flood maps from FEMA and the New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection are available. Documentation from FEMA is available stating the property and/or structure is located in the floodplain.

Flood Insurance

The Village of Ridgewood participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) and has a rating of Class 7, which is administered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because we participate in the CRS program, anyone in the Village of Ridgewood can purchase flood insurance. Please note that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods. Most homeowner’s who have paid off their homes do not continue the flood insurance as required by most mortgage companies. Here are some common Myths and Facts about the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood Plain Resources

Bergen County Preliminary Flood Map – These are the proposed flood maps for 2017.
Map of Ridgewood Homes in the Flood Plain circa 2006 – link to follow
USGS Saddle River Flood Gauge
USGS HoHoKus Brook Flood Gauge

Community Outreach Resources

Annual Letter to Residents in the Flood Plain 2016
Annual Letter to Realtors 2016
Repetitive Loss Outreach Letter 2016
Flood Plain Management Plan
Flood Plain Management Plan 2015 Annual Report
Elevation Certificates for Homes in the Flood Fringe – link to follow
Open Space Lands within the Flood Plain – link to follow

NEW!!! Hurricane Sandy Mitigation Assessment Team Report 
FEMA P-942, Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and New York
FEMA Building Science & Resources

Flood Plain Regulations

NJDEP – NEW 2016 Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules N.J.A.C.7:13
NJDEP – Division of Land Use Regulation
E-Code for Village of Ridgewood, NJ
International Residential Code 2015, New Jersey Edition – See section R322 on page 59

Links

FEMA
FEMA Flood Guidance Manuals
Flood Insurance: Top 10 Things Every Homeowner Should Know
FEMA – What to do before, during and after
FEMA Fact Sheet – Cleaning Flooded Buildings
FEMA Map Service Center
Floodsmart.gov – Facts & Statistics
National Weather Service
American Red Cross
Bergen County Office of Emergency Management

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RIDGEWOOD YMCA ANNOUNCES HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT FESTIVITIES ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

Halloween like a Charlie Brown movie

ridgewood ymca announces halloween trick or treat festivities
Tue, October 31, 2017
Time: 12:00 AM
Location: Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood YMCA is hosting a free community Halloween event at their location on 112 Oak Street to help families celebrate the holiday in a safe, fun and kid friendly environment. Parents must accompany children to this event. This event is peanut free and is open to the public.

On Tuesday, October 31st, two trick or treat sessions will be held during these times: 11:30am-12:30pm and 3:30-4:30pm to accommodate toddlers and school age youth. Children will have the opportunity to go door to door to our staff offices to collect treats and vote on which staff member has the most creatively decorated Halloween themed door!

Children are also invited to participate in our fun Halloween themed science project and arts and crafts session which will be held in the building’s lobby from 12:30pm until 3:30pm.

“We are so excited to offer this special Halloween event at our Y and have people meet our wonderful, caring staff, experience safe trick or treating and engage the kids in creative Halloween activities,” said Michelle Burke, Senior Program Director. We hope parents will take this opportunity to bring their children to visit the Ridgewood Y on Halloween day!’

The Ridgewood YMCA is located at 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Tel: 201.444.5600

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Reader doubts the Graydon Sycamore is Dying

Ridgewood's Iconic Sycamore Tree on the island at Graydon Pool is dying

file photo by Boyd Loving

There is no way that this tree is dying. I have three sycamores on my property and on that of my neighbors located not far from Graydon and each look the same as the one at Graydon. FWIW, the Almstead folks determined recently that each was healthy and thriving. When the limbs start dying and in danger of dropping, then then time arrives to seek an opinion on its viability; not before

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Ridgewood Water Hydrant Flushing 2017 will begin on Monday, October 16, 2017

firehydrant 001 theridgewoodblog.net

Hydrant Flushing Active

October 16,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water will be performing system flushing. This work will include the operation of fire hydrants at flow velocities sufficient to remove naturally occurring minerals that have precipitated out of the water and settled.  This may temporarily discolor the water so we will be conducting this activity late at night to minimize the effect on consumers.  There are no health concerns associated with the minerals that get stirred up, but residents are urged to avoid doing laundry while crews are working. Ridgewood Water will notify residents using the Swiftreach calling system in advance of the work in their specific areas.  Residents may register to receive these calls by clicking on the SwiftH2O link on the bottom of this page.

-To determine which flushing route you are in, or to see a video on the hydrant flushing process, please click here:
Flushing will begin in Route 1 on Monday, October 16th, between 9:00pm and 4:30am.

Route 1 https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/water/hydrant%20flushing/2017/flush_route_1.pdf

Tips for our customers:
Tap water may be discolored while crews are flushing in your area (9:00pm-4:30am) so you should avoid the use of washing machines and dishwashers during those hours. Even when it is discolored, the water is safe for consumption.
Discolored water may linger in your pipes after the flushing work has been completed.  If so, run the cold water until the water runs clear.
Check at a nearby faucet for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. If your laundry inadvertently becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and a rust remover such as “Red B Gone”.  This product will be available from Ridgewood Water if needed. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets.
If water pressure or water volume at the tap seems unusually low after flushing has been completed in your area, check your faucet aerators for trapped particles.

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NJ TRANSIT DEPLOYS AQUATRACK UNITS FOR FALL LEAF CLEANING

lasttraintoclarksville_theridgewoodblog

October 16,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is once again waging its annual battle against Mother Nature and fallen leaves on the rails.  NJ TRANSIT is deploying its two AquaTrack machines throughout the fall season.

The AquaTrack equipment is a high-pressure power-washing system which removes leaves and oily residue from the tracks in an effort to prevent train delays caused by “slippery rail” conditions.

Last year, NJ TRANSIT unveiled its second AquaTrack unit which allows the cleaning process to maintain a larger coverage area in helping to prevent delays.

“While there is no way to completely eliminate the effect Mother Nature has on the railroad, the AquaTrack units have had great success in managing leaf-related slippage on our rails,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro.  “By utilizing these two highly specialized pieces of equipment, we can keep the rails free and clear of fallen leaves, increasing safety and keeping trains running on time.”

Fallen leaves left on rail tracks can cause a condition known as “slippery rail” – a challenge facing all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent.  The decaying leaves create an oily residue that coats the rails and causes poor traction.  The decreased train speeds, in turn, create delays.

The AquaTrack system has been in use by NJ TRANSIT since October 2003.  It consists of two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab.  Two pressure-pump units dispense water up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch directly to the top of the rail.  The process uses 17 gallons of water per minute.

The original AquaTrack operated primarily on the M&E and Montclair-Boonton lines, which face particular challenges including the hilly areas around Glen Ridge and Summit stations, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday—once overnight and again during midday hours.  On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are usually covered.  The addition of a second unit last year added cleaning on the Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast Lines.

In addition to AquaTrack, NJ TRANSIT strategically spreads sand on the rails in front of peak-period trains to increase traction.  NJ TRANSIT also trims trees to help stem the amount of leaves on the tracks.  The leaf clearing operation runs from mid-October through mid-December.

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The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ Exhibition Opening Reception Today 2-4

The Ridgewood Art Institute

file photo from The Ridgewood Art Institute

October 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewod blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Art Institute invites everyone to please join them TODAY, for our opening reception! 2-4pm

For Art Enthusiasts this is a wonderful opportunity to see the quality of work available for sale at our events. For Artists and Aspiring Artists, this is an amazing opportunity to explore the classes available here at RAI. Light refreshments to be served. Come meet, the highly esteemed Artists who teach at RAI. Art soothes the soul, fill your world with Art.

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 Instructors’ Exhibition features beautiful still lifes, florals and landscapes and wil…l 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.

For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit https://www.ridgewoodartinstitute.org/

The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ 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