TODAY’S FEATURED WALKTOBERFEST TOUR: THE ED CENTER (49 Cottage Place) Oct. 20th 10am to 11am
Ridgewood NJ, One of the Village’s most important historical structures, the Education Center houses our school district’s administrative offices, along with notable photos of historic Ridgewood and current artwork by our student body.Superintendent, Dr. Dan Fishbein, will lead the tour of this massive Romanesque Revival building.
It has gone through multiple changes through the years. beginning as the Ridgewood School, when it opened in 1895. It has since been the community’s middle school and high school and presently serves as Ridgewood’s Board of Education Center. Meet Dr. Fishbein at the front doors at 10am tomorrow and learn even more!
Register through RidgewoodWalks.com
WATER MAIN LEAK AT E. RIDGEWOOD AVE. & N. BROAD STREET – WORK TO COMMENCE AT 9:00 PM
October 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water is currently monitoring a water main leak at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and North Broad Street, near the parking lot adjacent to the train station. Ridgewood Water will begin emergency work to address the leak at 9:00pm this evening. Ridgewood Police Department will be assisting with traffic control but residents should expect traffic disruptions/closures in the area.
Ridgewood Water thanks you for your patience and cooperation.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Library is pleased to launch the new On Book Play Reading Series featuring a staged reading of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play GOD OF CARNAGE featuring local actors Christy Baron, Mark Kaplan, Declan Power and Diane Sims. Discussion among cast and audience to follow. Register now
Are you ready to meet the Novaks and the Raleighs? The On Book Play Reading Series launch featuring Mark Kaplan, Christy Baron, Declan Power and Diane Carlin Sims in GOD OF CARNAGE happens this Friday, Oct. 20 at 7pm.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company celebrated 80 years with a beautiful event at the Hackensack Golf Club. The afternoon included lots of singing, amazing food, and getting to catch up with friends old and new.
The event was kicked off with a toast to Jack Strangfeld, who was one of our Life members and beloved by all who knew him. Then, our president, Tim Domini, gave a hysterical speech about his time in the company. Continue reading below for some photos from the event and the entirety of Tim’s speech (and see if you can guess which show each of the G&S references comes from!)
TIM DOMINI GALA SPEECH:
As many of you know I have been singing G & S since the mid nineteen eighties – and after all this time I now am President of a G & S society and must deliver a speech at this most important milestone occasion – the 80th anniversary of our Founding. You have no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself and how little I deserve it. So if I may I want to share my thoughts about how much WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan have affected my life lets us say this is – Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
As I look back at the world of G & S and RGSOC – I see – well – I see a nice dilemma we have here – –that calls for all our wit. REALLY –
There has been very hard work by so many people to keep the flame burning – so much singing and laughter and friendship and eating. Yet, there have been dark times – Times when I thought – Or you , Or I , must yield up our life to Ahrieadnes. I really would prefer it was you – such is the nature of our troupe that we stay a family throughout these conflicts –
Of course the friendship that comes with membership is something that is treasured, something of tremendous value, something beyond value really, something that is never toyed with – Never , what Never? No never…..well Hardly ever…..
And WHAT do we make of the long, long, long , tenure of this organization? Should it have folded long ago? So many have said we sing old music and we do not fit in anymore with the things that the internet and the two career family now makes us obsolete – We go, we go, Yes but we don’t go – (except maybe to the diner). We continue to step out on stage and sing these marvelous works and speak these wonderful words.
Joining a family that is like RGSOC is akin to falling in love – now I know what love is. There was a happy time when I didn’t – but bitter experience has taught me….. we have these flights of soaring music, the appeal of a laughing audience, the joy of working closely with friends’ season after season and sharing the special moments of theater that most strange alchemy of escape.
Of course – I have also been involved in the politics and management of the troupe – as a leader of the company I often think of the Leaders of the House of Peers, it is said that they Throughout the war did nothing in particular and did it very well…. A goal that this organization eschews to and abides by. The board has been a group of Men and Women who work for the good of the company as much as they can. Rarely – there have been issues that created hard feelings over artistic issues – or – financial issues – of course there was the time the feminine members of the board declared MAN is Natures Sole Mistake – yet even these conflicts were overridden by the troupe’s overwhelming friendliness and desire to get out there and sing the wonderful words and music of the dynamic duo Gilbert and Sullivan.
Despite the fact that I wasn’t There, the troupe has ventured into many different formats and ideas towards our long-term survival. All I can say about some of these ideas is that My object – ALL SUMBLIME – I will achieve in time – to let the punishment fit the crime… I too have opinions and ideas, I actually have a Little List, perhaps after lunch –
I will not pretend that the work of the board can not make someone crazy – I often have to find a way to stay calm or like prior board member Margaret find Some word that teems with hidden meaning, like “Basingstoke”. It might recall me to my saner self. For, after all, I am only Mad Margaret! Daft Meg! Poor Meg! He! he! he! – leadership does come with burdens………
Yet through all these hard times one can keep perspective – I always try hard to I’ve jibe and joke, And quip and crank, For lowly folk And men of rank. Yes a gentle sense of humor is the basis of membership in RGSOC – it is the rock upon which the foundation of the troupe is built – let’s face it the boys are funny and the shows stay funny 125 years later.
So despite all the worries and woes of the past years I have been involved with the troupe I find Oh, philosophers may sing Of the troubles of a King, But of pleasures there are many and of worries there are none; And the culminating pleasure That we treasure beyond measure Is the gratifying feeling that our duty has been done.
So as I think back to all the days and times I have spent with my fellow Savoyards and all the meals, and parties and fun occasions yes I think So bumpers – aye, ever so many –The cost we may safely ignore! For the wine doesn’t cost us a penny, Tho’ it’s Pomméry seventy-four! After all It isn’t so much what’s on the table that matters, as what’s on the chairs.
So as I wrap up this discussion I am reminded it is an unjust world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances – so as I look back at my time in RGSOC I am proud that – I did nothing in particular and did it very well – after all wouldn’t the world seem dull and flat with nothing whatever to grumble at.
Respectfully submitted – at the 80th Gala gathering
Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will lead off their 80th Anniversary season with a special production of Iolanthe (which is the first production Ridgewood G&S presented during their founding in 1937). Iolanthe runs November 4-26 in various locations throughout the tri-state area. Ticket info : https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=80233
Performances at Ridgewood United Methodist Church (100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, NJ) Saturday, November 4 @ 7:30pm Sunday, November 5 @ 3:00pm Sunday, November 12 @ 3:00pm
Performance at Heritage Village (Southbury, CT) Sunday, November 19 @ 3:00pm
Museum of Modern Art Educator Petra Pankow highlights museum pieces from Modern and Contemporary Women Artists including Frida Kahlo, Lee Krasner, Eva Hesse and Cindy Sherman. This event is sponsored by the Martha Glaser Culture Series.
Ridgewood NJ, The Foundation recently received a check from Wells Fargo for $1000! The check is presented to Jody Irwin by Azhoon Abdulghani, Region Bank President, Felix Ramirez, Ridgewood Branch Manager, and Greg Nasciemento, District Manager.
Ridgewood NJ, Two (2) summonses were issued in connection with a four (4) vehicle crash in the parking lot of 363 Route 17 southbound, Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 10/18. Witnesses reported that a 4-door BMW sedan traveling on Route 17 southbound left the roadway, drove up a grassy embankment, and went airborne before landing in a strip mall parking lot. The BMW’s adult male driver sustained a minor leg injury, but refused transport to a local hospital. Three (3) vehicles, including the BMW, were wrecked; two (2) were removed from the scene by flatbed tow trucks. The owner of the third wrecked vehicle could not be located. Ridgewood Police, EMS, and Fire Department personnel responded.
Ridgewood NJ, An adult male pedestrian dressed in a bright yellow jump suit with multiple bulging pockets asking for directions to the nearest school, aroused the suspicions of a Ridgewood resident living in the Willard Elementary School area on Wednesday afternoon, 10/18. Ridgewood PD received the resident’s 911 call shortly after 1:30 PM and sent multiple patrol units out looking for the individual. Police officers from HoHoKus and Midland Park joined in the hunt.
All Ridgewood Public Schools were placed in “lock down” condition during the search. 45 minutes after receipt of the 911 call, the party of interest was apprehended in front of 299 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, less than 1/2 block from the Ridge Elementary School. He was transported to Ridgewood PD for questioning. Criminal charges, if any, are pending.
Ridgewood Police report :This afternoon Ridgewood Schools were advised to shelter the students in place after a resident reported a man wearing what appeared to be a bullet proof vest asked for directions to Willard School. The person described by the resident was located by patrol a short time later wearing a black weighted vest which has the appearance of a bullet proof vest. All schools were cleared of the shelter in place at 2:15pm. This shelter in place was issued out of an abundance of caution to the school community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
