Tag: shop Ridgewood

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Reader says I urge some of you road warriors to actually spend some time trying to use crosswalks during busy times

DecorativeCrosswalks006_theridgewoodblog

This subject comes up about every two months and the resulting comments are always the same. We get a few sensible comments but they are drowned out with these made-up and exaggerated accounts of dodging pedestrians who run out, some putting on make-up, some are texting. I’m not suggesting that some pedestrians aren’t reckless but these stories are simply untrue. They are the same stereotypical stories of teenagers driving while applying make-up or aggressive, latte-sipping moms from the Heights in their big SUVs.

I urge some of you road warriors to actually spend some time trying to use crosswalks during busy times. It’s not a case of waiting for that one car to pass by before crossing. Traffic is heavy, and it comes in multiple directions. One lane might stop for the waiting pedestrian, but the other lane does not. Stopped driver gets frustrated and thinks the pedestrian is being stupid for not crossing, so he shakes his head and drivers on.

It’s not that simple. It’s easy to say just wait, but that often isn’t practical. The only real safe way to solve this would be to have traffic lights at every crossing. The downsides of this, however, would be massive costs and massive traffic congestion while the generally free-flowing traffic is caught up in multiple traffic lights.

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The Ridgewood Police would also like to warn residents of the increased amount of Thefts, Identity Thefts and Frauds during the holidays

Ridgewood Guild's Winterfest 2016

December 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, As the holidays are rapidly approaching the Ridgewood Police Department would like wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. The Ridgewood Police would also like to warn residents of the increased amount of Thefts, Identity Thefts and Frauds during the holidays. A common scam the Ridgewood Police have become alert to involves Amazon.com. The Fraud Watch Network through AARP has provided a bulletin for awareness for Holiday Shoppers. See possibilities.aarp.org for more information.

Here are three recent examples:

On December 18, a Highland Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report being the victim of a Theft by Deception. The victim reported he received a phone call from an anonymous caller on December 17, who reported a family member had been arrested in Smithfield, Rhode Island and was in need of bail money. The caller advised the victim to contact the “Public Defender,” “Bernie Wall,” to arrange bail. The victim reported he made contact with “Mr. Wall” and then wired $1500 to a Walmart in Warwick, Rhode Island and later discovered the caller created a false impression of arrest.

Ptl. Kyle Monton responded to Garfield Place to investigate a Theft of Impersonation on December 15. Upon arrival the resident reported they were the victim of identity theft. The victim reported receiving a letter in the mail containing an Amazon Rewards credit card with her name on it and immediately contacted Chase Bank to cancel the card. Chase Bank reported there was no balance on the card.

A Linwood Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters on December 16, to report Identity Theft. The victim reported an unknown person opened a T-Mobile account without authorization utilizing the victim’s social security number. T-Mobile is reported to be investigating the incident

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The Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Can Not Fix the “Mess” they Created

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file photo by Boyd Loving

December 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, many continue to speculate on all the recent hubbub around Councilman Jeff Voigt. The Councilman suggested the FAC were trying to “fix” a “mess”. The reality is that the FAC was created by former Mayor Paul Aronsohn to take out Village Manager Ken Gabbert and former mayor Keith Killion and promote Aronsohn’s pet projects in the Village thereby creating the “mess”.

The “Financial Advisory Committee”  aka the “FAC” works in only an advisory capacity ie promoting the former mayor’s agenda whenever possible and was designed to have no mechanism to force their agenda, yet “supposable allow” residents to pool their talents and submit financial advice to the council.
So far the results have been non-existant except to promote Garagezilla and myriad of housing projects for downtown Ridgewood. In order to clean up “the mess”, the first order of business would be to disband the FAC and shut it down as well as anything the former mayor and his “3 amigos” had or have anything to do with.
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Parking changes coming to downtown Ridgewood

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Mark Krulish , Staff Writer, @Mark_Krulish5:37 p.m. EST December 21, 2016

RIDGEWOOD – To free up parking spaces for downtown shoppers, the Village council has made changes to employee and commuter parking.

Cottage Place, the village’s largest municipal lot, will have meters priced at 50 cents per hour.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/ridgewood/2016/12/21/parking-changes-coming-downtown-ridgewood/95696582/

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Three Arrested in Ridgewood Package Theft Ring

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file photo by Boyd Loving

December 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood Police ,Ptl. Patrick Elwood conducted a motor vehicle stop on a white colored Honda on December 14, which matched the description of a vehicle which had reportedly been involved in the theft of packages from front steps of homes in the area.

Upon further investigation the three occupants were arrested at the scene and transported to police headquarters for further investigation. The vehicle was impounded at the scene and transported to Ridgewood Police headquarters. The driver signed a Consent to Search form and within the vehicle many stolen items were discovered. The three male occupants were served with Compliant Summons for Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, and Conspiracy. The driver was also issued three motor vehicle violations and all three arrestees were served with Complaint Summons and released with pending court appearances.

If any residents know they are missing packages, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department.

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LAST MINUTE SHOPPING IN RIDGEWOOD – “SMALL BUSINESS” STORES OPEN UNTIL 8PM THURSDAY, DEC 22

last minute shopping down town

December 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, Need to get some last minute gifts ?For last minute shopping Check out “Small Business” stores in Ridgewood – open  until 8PM – Thursday, December 22   Click Here  for a listing of the Ridgewood stores that will be participating.

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NJ Transit Special Schedules From Christmas Eve thru New Years Day

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NJ TRANSIT OFFERS EXTRA SERVICE AND SAVINGS FOR HOLIDAY WEEK

December 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is offering extra service for the upcoming holidays to give customers more travel options for last-minute shopping at the mall, leaving work early or attending New Year’s Eve festivities.

In addition, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers almost two weeks of continuous savings through a special extension of the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying customer.  Usually limited to weekends, the Family SuperSaver Fare will be in effect for the entire holiday period, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, December 23 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.

“This is the time of year when so many special events take place and many visitors are using NJ TRANSIT to get where they need to go,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “NJ TRANSIT is pleased to offer the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows our customers to stretch their holiday budgets just a bit. So leave the car behind and use NJ TRANSIT to go the mall, get into New York City or gather at a loved one’s home without the hassle of driving.’’

For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

A new, key feature to aid customers this holiday season is “The Commuter Tool Kit – The Tools You Need for a Better Travel Experience,’’ a colorful campaign designed for both the everyday commuter and visitor travelling on NJ TRANSIT’s rail, bus, light rail and Access Link systems. Several features such as the mobile app, trip planner, ticket purchase options, travel information and travel savings are highlighted in the campaign. The brochure is printed in both English and Spanish.

The Commuter Tool Kit is available in brochure form and on the NJ TRANSIT website, in digital displays and delivered through the agency’s social media channels.

Customers can also take advantage of other ways to save money. NJ TRANSIT works with promotional partners throughout the year to offer discounts to many entertainment venues. Customers can go to njtransit.com/deals for special offers on show tickets, admission costs and travel this holiday season.

On Friday, December 23, trains will operate on a weekday schedule on most lines with additional “early getaway” service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal starting at 1 p.m. on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines.  Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a weekday schedule.  Buses will operate on a weekday schedule on all routes, with early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and on selected Jersey City waterfront routes starting around noon until 4 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel.  Visit njtransit.com for details.

On Saturday, December 24, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Saturday schedule. HBLR will operate on a weekend schedule. Customers should consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.

On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, trains will operate on a weekend schedule on all rail lines. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.  Bus will operate on a Sunday schedule and schedules vary by route — Customers are advised to consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.

On Monday, December 26 (observed), trains will operate on a weekend schedule on all lines, with additional morning and evening peak trains on most lines. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.  Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule. Select bus routes will operate offer fewer trips during the traditional morning and evening peak periods. Customers are advised to consult their timetable for holiday schedules or visit njtransit.com for more details.

On Tuesday, December 27, Wednesday, December 28, Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30, the trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule with certain morning peak period trains cancelled and additional mid-to-late morning service on each line. Rail customers are encouraged to visit njtransit.com for details and travel before 9 a.m. on these days, if possible, when ridership is lighter.  Buses and light rail lines will operate on a weekday schedule. Selected PABT bus routes will have more frequent service operating inbound to PABT on some lines during the late morning hours and outbound from PABT during the early and late evening hours. Consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for details.

On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. In the evening, there will be extra train service to New York.  Special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning are available at njtransit.com.

Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule with extra early evening service inbound and extra outbound from PABT after midnight on selected routes. Customers are advised to consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for more details.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Saturday schedule.  RiverLINE and Hudson Bergen Light Rail will both operate some additional trips on a ‘load and go’ capacity after the fireworks displays during the early hours of January 1.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  No open containers of alcohol will be permitted on board trains, light rail vehicles, aboard buses or in any NJ TRANSIT facility on New Year’s Eve and after midnight on New Year’s Day.  This policy will be strictly enforced.

After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on most rail lines with one-seat ride service available on certain Raritan Valley Line and North Jersey Coast Line trains. Some trains that normally depart New York/Hoboken/Newark between midnight and 1 a.m. are cancelled and will be replaced with later trains. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning. Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. Some routes will be departing from alternate areas within the PABT. Visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for specific schedule details and departure gate assignments.

On New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend schedule.  In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Jets vs. Bills game. Customers should visit njtransit.com for more details. RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.

On Monday, January 2 (observed), trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines with additional morning and evening peak trains on most lines. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Consult njtransit.com for additional details.

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Today December 21st is the Winter Solstice the Shortest Day of the Year

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file photo

December 21,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Today December 21st is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.  The Winter solstice (or hibernal solstice), also known as midwinter, is an astronomical phenomenon marking the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere this is the December solstice and in the Southern Hemisphere this is the June solstice.

 

 

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Readers debate Ridgewood Cross Walk Safety

Village of Ridgewood

Too many pedestrians are on their cell phones or concentrating on their music and never even attempt to stop or look before entering a crosswalk. This often requires a car to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting them while hoping that their car does not get real ended at the same time.

The second major problem that I find is that I do stop to let the pedestrian cross–but the car behind me does not and goes around me. This turns the pedestrian into a target. If a car is stopped without a signal, it usually means a pedestrian.

Thirdly, the tall plants at the corners are lovely, but after dark, they could easily be a person or vice versa

I also have no problem letting a pedestrian cross in the crosswalk and will always yield to them. As for jaywalking – good luck. It is nerve-wracking enough just driving thru town trying to get from one end to the other without hitting anything!. Watching for the transit bus, runners, jaywalkers, cell phone users, double parkers, sun glare and other cars not paying attention…..to name a few distractions

I find in Ridgewood a majority of people do not use a crosswalk they just step out from between parked cars children in tow and hope you stop. In the central business area, there is a complete lack of police enforcement of motor vehicle laws and nothing is ever done about dumb pedestrians stepping out where ever they wish.

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Medical Waste Dumped Near Ridgewood High School

Medical Waste Dumped Near Ridgewood High School

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

December 21,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A large plastic garbage bag filled with human medical waste products somehow wound up on a sidewalk near Ridgewood High School on Tuesday morning, 12/20. The improperly disposed of items were spotted by the manager of a garden apartment building located at 535 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, who in turn notified Ridgewood PD. A Ridgewood EMS EMT assisted uniformed patrol officers and their supervisor in bagging the debris in plastic bio hazard disposal bags, which were then transported in the back of a marked police patrol unit to The Valley Hospital. The errant garbage bag contained no identifying material that would have allowed police officers to determine its origin.

more photos: https://www.facebook.com/theridgewoodblog/

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Reader says Ridgewood Councilman Voigt has not said anything by mistake or accident

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood Council

Gave the guy a break. For that matter I gave him money and gave him a coffee and gave him my vote. Told all my friends to vote for him. And then he comes out of the gate shooting from the hip, interrupting Susan, trying to commandeer the meetings. He was terrible from the git-go. Many people tried to make him calm down. Many people. Via emails and phone calls and over coffee. He promised to cool his rhetoric but he did not. He has gotten worse and worse. It is blindingly clear that he hats Susan’s guts. That is his prerogative, but the question is WHY? He has repeatedly gone after her in a totally unprofessional manner using words best saved for the locker room, not the council chambers. He has not said anything by mistake or accident. He has attacked her repeatedly and often and now he has accused her of breaking the law. I am so sorry I supported this guy. He is absolutely insane.

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD – HOLIDAY HOURS

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December 21,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, In observance of the Christmas holiday, Village Hall and the Stable offices will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26, 2016.

Village Hall and the Stable offices will be open Friday, December 30th.  In observance of the New Year holiday, Village Hall and the Stable offices will be closed Monday, January 2, 2017.

SANITATION & RECYCLING SCHEDULE

Sanitation & Recycling Collection – December 23 ; December 30

Recycling Center – Open – December 23 & 24; 30, 31

Recycling Center – Closed – December 26; January 2, 2017

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Stress makes dogs go grey as well as humans – new study

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file photo by William Thomas

Henry Bodkin

19 DECEMBER 2016 • 7:35PM

Going grey due to stress and anxiety is an inseparable part of being human, but new research suggests we are not alone.

A pioneering study of dogs found has found that the famously loyal four-legged animals may be suffering exactly the same fate.

A survey of more than 400 canines established that going grey around the mouth and face was not only a sign of distinguished old age.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/12/19/stress-makes-dogs-go-grey-humans-new-study/

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10 Financial Resolutions for the New Year

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December 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Roughly 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions each January, and since money is our top stressor, it’s clear that many of our pledges will be financial in nature. In recognition of that, WalletHub today announced its 10 Financial Resolutions for 2017 in order to help progress-minded people attain Top WalletFitness in the new year. This report comes on the heels of WalletHub’s 10 Financial Predictions for 2017, helping to provide a roadmap for financial improvement after the ball drops.

Below you can find a quick rundown of our resolutions, which are based in part on conversations with a panel of leading finance and consumer psychology experts.

  1. Thoroughly Review Your Credit Report & Sign Up for Credit Monitoring
  2. Pay Bills Right After Receiving Your Paycheck
  3. Repay 20% of Your Credit Card Debt
  4. Use Different Credit Cards for Everyday Purchases & Another for Debt
  5. Add One Month’s Pay to Your Emergency Fund
  6. Improve Your Credit Score by 20 Points
  7. Get an A in WalletLiteracy
  8. Focus on Your Physical Health
  9. Make a Realistic Budget & Stick to It
  10. Look for a Better Job

For additional context and advice related to each resolution, as well as a complete Q&A with our experts, please visit:  https://wallethub.com/blog/financial-new-years-resolutions/9202/

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Holiday Entertaining Tips from Kings Food Markets in Ridgewood

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December 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This holiday season round out your table with rustic root vegetables and colorful produce – the side dishes and ingredients of the season. From savory to sweet, these sought after vegetables have a ton of natural sugars and are loaded with vitamins, bringing you and your guests a healthy and delicious dish to add to the table.

Kings Food Markets Nutritionist, Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RDN Nutritionist, works closely to select options from Kings that offer a variety of inspirational root vegetable recipes to round out your table this season, including:

Shari explains, “This season has a bountiful array of colorful produce, which provides a wonderful source of beta-carotene, potassium, fiber, and other nutrients.  Enjoy them simply roasted with olive oil, garlic and seasonings or in a beautiful crudité.” In addition to these inspirational recipes and simple basics from Shari, Kings offers a great assortment of classes to further inspire your meals this holiday season taught by some of the area’s top chefs:

  • Elegant Christmas Dinner: Chef Theresa Merges leads this interactive class as guests will learn to make the ultimate elegant Christmas dinner including Oysters Rockefeller, Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Stacks, Prime Rib with Garlic and Horseradish Crust.
  • Celebrate Chanukah with Family Kids/Teens with Parent: Make it a family affair and learn to make classics like Potato Latkes 3 ways – Traditional, Sweet Potato and Spaghetti Squash, Homemade Applesauce, Beef Barley Soup, Grandma’s Rugelach.
  • New Year’s Eve Party: Ring the New Year in the right way with a menu all guests will be sure to enjoy including Spiced Nuts, Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, Creamy Crab and Artichoke Dip.

To complete your holiday table Kings offers fully catered meals in their Catering department, covering all of your bases, including root vegetables as well as holiday staples such as Mini Crab Cakes, Kings Apple Pie, Kings Classic Carrot Soufflé and even custom floral arrangements for all your holiday tablescaping needs.

How To: Spiralized Butternut Squash Ragu with Italian Sausage Ragu