Ridgewood NJ, Shop local and benefit Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity on Monday Dec 12th from 2 to 7 PM at Pazzazed Gift & Home in Ridgewood.
“Welcome to Pazzazed! We are a boutique style gift store focusing on made in the USA gifts and home decor. We carry a unique selection of handcrafted gifts from artisans around the country as well as beautiful home decor. We believe everyone can use a bit of inspiration everyday and carry many products with quotes and inspirational words”
Located one block from Whole Foods Market and next to Carlo’s Bakery. Public parking available at the following locations. Street parking is also available. On Saturday, the comuter train lot is open to the public!
Councilman Voigt is a hot head with an uncontrollable temper. He is inappropriate, he is a bully, and he is borderline insane.
The FAC is an incubator for Paul Aronsohn-Roberta Sonenefld’s proteges. Evan Weitz is a snake in the grass, a despicable person who was resoundingly voted down this spring. We do not need the FAC. They long since outlived their very limited value and are now way way WAY overstepping their boundaries. Kill the FAC.
Nothing but a land grab. National Elks see that the value of land it sits on is far more worth than the money they collect from members, fundraising. In other parts of the country Elks clubs sit on property worth $5,000, $10,000 etc. Ridgewood Elks is worth hundreds and thousands of dollars. Interesting also, is that a couple of years ago the Elks got “help” in lowering their yearly tax burden; therefore devaluing their assessment. How convenient for whoever will now be purchasing this property. Stay tuned to see who will be purchasing this land grab. Any guesses who??
By Christopher Baxter and Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 09, 2016 at 11:15 AM, updated December 09, 2016 at 10:15 PM
The state Legislature will hold hearings to examine the conduct of the nation’s leading maker of artificial sports fields, FieldTurf, after a report that the company made millions selling high-end turf for years after knowing it was falling apart.
Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) said Friday the Senate Commerce Committee wants to hear from top officials at the company, Montreal-based FieldTurf, as well as school districts and local officials to determine the extent of the alleged fraud.
“Millions of dollars in taxpayer funds were spent on this product that the company reportedly knew was defective and after its own executives began sounding alarms within the organization about the product failure,” Pou said in a statement.
Ridgewood NJ, The Hoboken Man, Hoboken’s #1 barbershop opened its second location in Ridgewood, NJ on December 2 in coordination with Ridgewood’s ”Downtown for the Holiday’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.” The Ridgewood Man mirrors the services and ambiance of its predecessor and aims to give its clients a classic barbershop experience with all the services of a high-end salon.
Located at 66 East Ridgewood Avenue, The Ridgewood Man is the premier place to go for any man who wants to look his best.
“We are excited to open our second location,” said co-owner and Ridgewood resident, Dan Hood. “So many of our Hoboken clients are moving to Ridgewood that opening a second location simply made sense. As in Hoboken, we saw that Ridgewood men wanted an upscale place to get their hair cut- not the typical, female-centric salons that populate the area. We’re filling that void.”
The shop itself has a modern, masculine feel with richly stained wood panel walls, chrome accents, and historical tin ceiling. Flat panel high-definition televisions hang in optimal viewing areas around the barbershop, as do a collection of vintage Playboy magazine covers.
The Ridgewood Man offers clients everything from classic straight razor shaves with hot lather and precision haircuts, to spa manicures and pedicures, to anti-aging and deep cleansing facials and massages. Clients can choose individual services, or purchase memberships for unlimited haircuts.
“Once men see the benefits of professionally maintaining their appearance, they’re hooked,” said Hood. “We’re here to give them a premium experience every time they visit us.”
The Ridgewood Man owners include Dan Hood, who led the effort to open the new location; Steven Holm, a finance professional; Emily Gonce, a lobbyist; Erik Connaughton, a consultant; and Jennifer Connaughton, a high-end children’s clothing designer and owner of Ferd Kids. Dan and his wife, Dr. Cristina Maniu, an OBGYN physician at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, recently moved to Ridgewood from Hoboken, NJ.
“We understand and believe in our collective vision for both The Hoboken Man and The Ridgewood Man,” says Gonce. “The backbone of any business is highly skilled staff paired with intelligent, strategic, forward thinking management. We look forward to serving the Ridgewood community for years to come.”
For more information about the specific services available and membership options, please visit www.theridgewoodman.com
Ridgewood NJ, They’re here!!!! Please come for a visit to pick out your beautiful freshly cut Christmas tree. Our stock is vast and we anticipate a great season.
Ward’s Farm is a seasonal Farm offering a wonderful array of freshly cut Christmas trees which include Douglas, Nobel, Grand and Fraser Fir trees.
We also have a beautiful assortment of both large and small hand crafted wreaths, table-top trees, super sturdy tree stands, and white pine roping (garland).
We also offer pumpkins, mums and other fall foliage during October and November.
There is also a small petting zoo which is great fun for the whole family.
You are always welcome, so please feel free to stop by and say hello.
Please don’t forget…National Ugly Sweater Day is 12/16 but your ugly sweaters are welcome every day at Ward’s Farm!!!!
The Pomander situation reminds us that All Streets Are Equal but Some Streets Are More Equal Than Others. The Pomander no parking came about based on the CSAC (which did not see the need for no parking) but residents of the street wanted no parking and the previous council made it so without any study. Sherman residents have requested safety changes (with parking remaining intact) – but the Council is requiring an expensive tax payer funded study before even allowing our qualified village staff to make these changes. Pomander had changes with no study – no consideration for how it would affect surrioundings streets. Sherman, with very obvious safety concerns and closer proximity to GW, is being left to wait FOR MONTHS for any of the issues to be simply reviewed by the council.
Some streets in Ridgewood are much more equal than others. Let’s hope you and your children live on a street that is deemed worthy of being safe.
And don’t get me started on how poorly businesses on the west of the tracks are treated. God Forbid anyone not get parking to go to one of the CBD’s high price restaurants – you can get valet! If you want to eat at a restaurant on the other side of the tracks you are just out of luck. Only our fine Mayor cares about them. No solid parking solutions are ever discussed – not at the CBDAC, not at the council meetings, not by anyone except the Mayor. I feel for her having to deal with the short-sidedness of some of the council and committees.
Ridgewood NJ, at Wednesday night’s Council meeting Mayor Knudsen suggested that the missions and bylaws of boards and committees need to be reviewed. Some have cumbersome bylaws some have none, while others overstep beyond the original intent. Some, most notably the Financial Advisory Committee, border on performing management functions.
While the volunteer efforts of committee and board members is greatly appreciated and was duly acknowledged, the fact remains that these hard-working individuals need guidelines under which to function.
Interesting this obvious point resulted in an angry, nasty, vituperative outburst from Councilman Voigt, who made wild accusations about Mayor Knudsen. Were we back in the days of the 3 amigos and their consorts? One could close one’s eyes and think, for a horrifying moment, that the angry quartet of Aronsohn-Pucciarelli-Hauck-Sonenfeld had returned to the dais.
Desperately defending the worthless Financial Advisory Committee, just going on and on about it. The committee that adds nothing to the Village ,has no minutes and no defined responsibilities .The FAC was set up and used by the Aronsohn and Co. to oust former Mayor Kieth Killion and discredit Village Manager Ken Gabbert.
Paraphrasing Shakespeare…….methinks thou dost protest too much. Who is pulling your strings to protect the FAC with such venom??? (and the Jeopardy answer to that question is……).
The other four elected officials (you know, the four that are level headed and do not have people behind the scenes telling them what to do) agreed that Mayor Knudsen’s suggestion is valid and that the review of committee and board bylaws will be worthwhile…..all while Councilman Voigt continued to spew his objections. A template for committee bylaws will be developed, thus providing a framework for each group.
Well that is just not good enough, New council members were well warned about ceding power to nameless special interest run committees. It was a huge mistake not disbanding this “fake” finance committee right from the get go. FAC which only exists to push and justify special interest politics on Village Taxpayers. There is nothing they have to offer about running the Village that could not be found in the comment section of the Ridgewood blog over the last 10 years . FAC is no less of a joke than that ridiculous”civility “committee set up to squash free speech and stifle dissent .
Ridgewood NJ, Acting Village Manager Heather Mailander has announced that the portion of Glenwood Road between Upper Boulevard and the Ho-Ho-Kus train station will be designated one-way eastbound (i.e., all motor vehicle traffic down hill only; no motor vehicle traffic will be permitted to travel from the Ho-Ho-Kus train station up hill) sometime within the coming year.
This change is being mandated by the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) because tractor trailers, buses, and other larger motor vehicles attempting to travel westbound on Glenwood Road from Ho-Ho-Kus are continuing to create hazardous conditions at the grade level railroad crossing just north of the Ho-Ho-Kus train station.
NJDOT gave the Village two (2) options; ban motor vehicle traffic completely between Upper Boulevard and the Ho-Ho-Kus train station, or keep the route open to eastbound traffic only. Village officials chose the later option.
The one-way change will be implemented shortly after the grade crossing itself is rehabilitated, which is scheduled to happen sometime in 2017.
photo Vegan personal pizza with fresh portobello mushrooms, sautéed spinach and garlic, broccoli, green peppers, basil with avocado and hemp seeds!
Tuesday Special 2 Large Pizza’s for $15.95 and Wednesday Special ! Large Pizza choice of Wings, antipasto or mussels $14.95 (After 3pm)
December 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Santoni’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant in Garfield was founded in 1988 by Ed Lewer and Joe Parillo. Both coming from a vast variety of restaurant experience they set out to create mouthwatering food using only freshest ingredients and the highest quality products. Santoni’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant was an instant hit and over the years has become a staple in the town of Garfield. Ed and Joe believed in not only providing a great product as a key to their success but staying involved in the community. For decades they have been highly involved in the community. Santoni’s has sponsorship many fundraising events, nonprofit organizations, and various town sports teams. This community involvement led the business to win Business of the Year in 1994.
Santoni’s Pizzeria has always been a family run and operated business. Joe and Ed’s sons worked in the pizzeria since they young kids and are continuing their father’s principles and philosophy. In 2013, Santoni’s opened its second location in Ridgewood, NJ with the same idea and principles in mind. Since the grand opening Santoni’s has been an instant success in town and has won several awards for best pizza in Ridgewood voted in a blind tasting by the Ridgewood High School pizza club.
Much more than just another pizza joint, Santoni’s embodies what your favorite neighborhood pizzeria should be– A warm, welcoming place where you can have a delicious meal with your friends and family. We pride ourselves on making the only best quality food while using only the freshest ingredients. Santoni’s aims to be your favorite neighborhood pizzeria and restaurant.
Everyone should order pizza from Santonis Pizzeria and Restaurant at 88 Godwin Avenue. This guy has really gotten the shaft from the NIMBY’s in his neighborhood; his business has been unjustly and unfairly affected by the privatization of precious Pomander Walk. His food is delicious, and he is a really nice guy who is just trying to run his business. Call 201-389-6810 Show him that the rest of Ridgewood is filled with nice people who appreciate good food and hard-working shop owners. https://www.santonispizza.com/menus/ridgewood-menu/
Ten points to ponder from the Village Council Work Session of December 7
The Pomander Walk war continues, with people from all sides arguing loudly about why parking should or should not be permitted on this PUBLIC STREET. The Sherman Place residents are totally disgusted that all the cars are now on their street. The Pomander Walk people are as happy as can be with their private street. For now Pomander remains no parking, but a study is commencing that will assess the entire neighborhood in terms of parking, safety, traffic flow, etc.
Everyone should order pizza from Santonis Pizzeria and Restaurant at 88 Godwin Avenue. This guy has really gotten the shaft from the NIMBY’s in his neighborhood; his business has been unjustly and unfairly affected by the privatization of precious Pomander Walk. His food is delicious, and he is a really nice guy who is just trying to run his business. Call 201-389-6810 Show him that the rest of Ridgewood is filled with nice people who appreciate good food and hard-working shop owners. https://www.santonispizza.com/menus/ridgewood-menu/
FORMER (with emphasis on the former) Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck showed up to speak about seniors and to refresh everyone’s memories that she is the savior of all elderly residents. And she indicated that seniors cannot really manage using UBER, you know, because they are old and addled.
A grant is being applied for to finally get the N. Walnut St. lot remediated. Kudos to this council for getting this going.Wonder if a parking deck could go there?5. Councilman Voigt presented a detailed spreadsheet itemizing the restaurants, numbers of employees, numbers of seats in the restaurants, and more. He entitled it Councilman Voigt’s Parking Analysis…..just to make sure that everyone knows that he did this. Listening to him one might have the impression that several hundred cars are prowling the streets of Ridgewood on Saturday nights looking for a parking space, which we all know is far from reality. The mayor indicated that more than a year ago a request was made of the Chamber of Commerce to provide the information presented in Councilman Voigt’s document. The Chamber would not, or at least did not, provide this information; what was with the Chamber’s lack of cooperation? Paul Vaggianos???
Deputy Mayor Sedon talked about smaller parking garage options for Hudson. A long-ago, quickly discarded plan that actually fit on the Hudson Street lot was dug out of the archives, and is now being revisited.Father Ron of Mt. Carmel was contacted and his position reportedly remains the same (not too big, not too intrusive, not messing up the traffic flow, not removing street parking by the church). Question: if they are remediating North Walnut, why not put a garage there?
Councilman Hache talked of all the parking improvements that are being made. The Central Valet plan is moving forward, which will enable people to leave their cars and go shopping, dining, whatever they wish. Drivers will not be restricted to just going to a certain restaurant, but will have the freedom to go anywhere in town. There are plenty of spaces where the valet cars will be parked….including Cottage Place…..because, you know, there ARE plenty of parking spaces in Ridgewood if you are willing to walk a block or two. Councilman Hache also indicated that signs now direct people to lots, a huge and simple improvement. Enforcement is being stepped up to keep employees of the shops from parking on the streets. Lower-priced parking will be available at the Cottage and Walnut lots, with blocks of spots designated just for employees. The UBER-at-the-train plan is still underway, but it promises to be a congestion problem since no area has been assigned for all the anticipated cars.
Mayor Knudsen suggested that the missions and bylaws of boards and committees be reviewed. Some have cumbersome bylaws. Some have none. Some overstep beyond the original intent. Some, most notably the Financial Advisory Committee, border on performing management functions. While the volunteer efforts of committee and board members is greatly appreciated and was duly acknowledged, the fact remains that these hard-working individuals need guidelines under which to function. This resulted in an angry, nasty, vituperative outburst from Councilman Voigt, who made wild accusations about Mayor Knudsen. One could close one’s eyes and think, for a horrifying moment, that the angry quartet of Aronsohn-Pucciarelli-Hauck-Sonenfeld had returned to the dais. Really, Mr. Voigt, cool your jets. You were obnoxious and completely inappropriate and you came off as a total jerk. In particular, Mr. Voigt was desperately defending the Financial Advisory Committee, just going on and on about it. Paraphrasing Shakespeare…….methinks thou dost protest too much. Who is pulling your strings to protect the FAC with such venom??? (and the Jeopardy answer to that question is……). The other four elected officials (you know, the four that are level headed and do not have people behind the scenes telling them what to do) agreed that Mayor Knudsen’s suggestion is valid and that the review of committee and board bylaws will be worthwhile…..all while Councilman Voigt continued to spew his objections. A template for committee bylaws will be developed, thus providing a framework for each group.
The Ridge School Traffic Study was presented. Could the subject of sidewalks on Clinton Avenue be reading its head once again?
No word from Mr. Halaby, guessing he was not there or surely he would have pontificated. Former candidate and current FAC member Evan Weitz was clearly visible on camera…..maybe he is planning to run again in 2018?
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Councilman Jeffery Voigt announced during Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session that the Ridgewood Public Library plans to undertake a massive $5 million renovation, and will close for at least one (1) full year to facilitate construction.
The planned renovations will focus on changing the facility to be more in line with the Library’s new focus as a “community center,” this according to Voigt.
Ridgewood NJ, The holiday season represents the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s been thinking of taking a deep dive into their family history.
All those grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gathering to feast on turkey or exchange gifts possess a treasure trove of genealogical information and family stories.
All you need to do is ask – and perhaps turn on a recording device – and soon you may be learning about great-great grandfather’s treacherous journey across the Atlantic or Uncle Phil’s courageous actions during World War II.
“Interviewing family members is one of the best places to start when you want to learn about or write about your family’s story,” says Ceil Lucas, a sociolinguist, amateur genealogist and author of How I Got Here: A Memoir.
“Older relatives especially may have wonderful tales from decades ago involving people you never heard about. If you’re lucky, you may even learn that they have stashed away somewhere letters, diaries or photographs that belonged to those long dead ancestors.”
But be warned, Lucas says. While people dream about learning they descended from royalty or happen to be distantly related to Benjamin Franklin, genealogical research is just as likely to turn up horse thieves, drifters and scandals of every sort.
“You’re going to find stuff you might not want to know,” Lucas says. “But who knows, those might be your most fascinating finds.”
Lucas began working on her family history three decades ago, about the same time she began making notes on what would become a memoir of her childhood in Guatemala City and Rome, Italy. This upbringing left her with a sense of “I’m not from here” – “here” being the U.S., where she was born.
But her genealogical research, which revealed her first ancestors coming to the U.S. from Scotland in 1654 and England in 1679, showed her just how “from here” she is. Lucas realized that the stories of her ancestors needed to be included in her memoir and the result was a genealogical memoir.
“The thing is, once the genealogical story is learned, it simply can’t be unlearned,” she says.
Interviewing relatives between sips of eggnog is just the beginning. Lucas has other suggestions for those who want to explore their family histories:
• Check census records. Every 10 years since 1790 the census has taken a snapshot of who’s living in the United States. Valuable information can be found in census records, and you might even discover relatives you never heard about. • Sign up for a genealogy class. Many community colleges offer non-credit courses in genealogy that will help you understand how to research your family and interpret what you find. • Consider DNA testing. People often think they know their ethnic lineage, but discover surprises when they have a DNA test. Lucas’ DNA test revealed that she is descended not only from people who hailed from England and Scotland, but also the Iberian Peninsula.
In Ridgewood we have a unique option you can visit the Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Public Library. They offer genealogy help for moments like this. Stop by the Heritage Center during our genealogy consultation hours to get assistance with your research: 12/6 from 11-2pm 12/7 from 7-9pm 12/14 from 10-2pm 12/16 from 1-3pm 12/28 from 10-12pm Questions? Contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-670-5600×135 or [email protected] — at Ridgewood Public Library.
“It also probably doesn’t hurt if you are a nerd about these things like me,” Lucas says. “I found an ancestor who was involved in the Oklahoma Land Rush, so I researched that and found newspaper articles about the land rush. I think it’s important to put your family story in the historical context, especially if you plan to write a memoir.”
About Ceil Lucas
Ceil Lucas, author of How I Got Here: A Memoir, is a sociolinguist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French and Art History, a master’s degree in French and Italian, and a doctorate in Linguistics. She spent 40 years as a university professor and researcher. She began teaching Italian in 1973 and continues to do so. She is the editor and co-author of 22 books.
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
DECEMBER 7, 2016
REVISED
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Public Hearing
a. Brownfield Grant – N. Walnut Street Parking Lot
7. Presentation
a. ITN – Senior Transportation
8. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services
2. Award Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services
3. Award Contract – Water System Divestiture Study
4. Award Contract – Vance Tank Rehabilitation
5. Award EUS – Repairs to Air Stripping Tower – Main Treatment Facility
6. Award Change Order – Water Main Stream Crossings
7. Rejection of Bid – Glen Tank Rehabilitation
b. Parking
1. CBD Parking Improvements
2. Central Valet
3. Parking Garage
4. Amend Valet Parking Fee Ordinance
5. Amend CBD Parking Permit Ordinance – Parking Permit for All Parking Lots
6. Free Last Minute Shopping Parking – December 22nd
7. Rental of Parking Spaces on N. Broad Street – Taxi Stand
8. Discussion (cont’d)
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Purchase of Ammunition
2. Award Contract – Purchase of Bullet Proof Vests
3. Award Contract – Electronic Ticketing Software
4. Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Child Health Clinic
5. Award Contract – Professional Services – 2017 Child Health Conference Physician
6. Award Contract – Two Kenworth Sanitation Trucks
7. Award Change Order – Disposal and Recycling of Vegetative Waste
8. Award Contract – Sanitary Sludge Hauling – Water Pollution Control
9. Award Contract – Edmunds Service Contract
10. Award Contract – 2017 Employee Assistance Program Services
11. Award Contract – 2017 Recreational Program Instruction
12. Award Contract – Preparation of 2017 Village Council Meeting Minutes
13. Budget Transfers
14. 2017 Temporary Budgets
15. 2017 Cash Management Plan
16. Cancellation of Grant Receivables and Grant Reserves
17. Approve RFP for Pilot Program for Ridgewood Resident Commuter
Transportation To and From Ridgewood Train Station
18. Approve RFP for Grant Writer
19. Authorize Application for Brownfield Grant
20. Authorize Application for Bergen County Municipal Alliance Grant
21. Surplus Fire Equipment
d. Policy
1. ITN – Senior Transportation
2. Civility and Sports
3. Establish Regulations for Bird Feeders and Bird Food
4. Short Term Rentals of Private Homes
5. Boards and Committees – FAC, RAC and Planning Board
6. Vacation of Portion of Barrington Road – Paper Street
e. Operations
1. Recycling of Electronics Legislation
2. No Left Turn – Van Neste Square
3. Glenwood Road Railroad Crossing
4. Donation of Generator for Traffic & Signal Building
5. Ridge School Traffic Study
6. Sherman Place, Pomander Walk and Washington Place Traffic Study
7. New Master Plan Budgeting
9. Review of December 14, 2016 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
10. Manager’s Report
11. Council Reports
12. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS personnel responded to aid a pedestrian who was struck at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and Oak Street on Tuesday night, 12/06. The victim, who appeared to have sustained non-life threatening injuries, was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. The driver of the vehicle involved was driving westbound on East Ridgewood Avenue at the time of the incident, and remained at the scene to cooperate with police officers assigned to investigate the collision.
