Posted on Leave a comment

the Ridgewood Blog Honors Veterans Day

thankful-for-veterans
November 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.

Posted on 2 Comments

Reader says I lost so-called friends for expressing my opinion during the election season

Clinton vs Trump 2016

I lost so-called friends for expressing my opinion during the election season. I said Trump would win based on the crowds that he attracted to his rallies. The fact that Hillary needed celebs at her rallies and drew fewer people was an indication that she was not the most popular likely to win candidate.

So , I’m pretty smart and everybody hated what I said. I am smarter than the pollsters and the pundits, but get no money for my smartness hence I am stupid.

Posted on 13 Comments

Reader says I am beyond disappointed with the Pomander decision

village Council

I am beyond disappointed with the Pomander decision. It is completely unbalanced and lacks all perspective. That street is probably one of the LEAST driven streets in this whole town. It was done pretty much to punish a local business and I do not understand why the four voted the way they did. We all have problems on our streets, we all deal with safety issues with cars driving too fast creating unsafe conditions for our children. Why are we not all treated equally? And to rub it in, they do not follow the rules so they receive all the benefit and share 0 of the burden. There were no fewer than 4 cars parked on the street this morning. Susan had it exactly right, as usual.

Posted on Leave a comment

Temporary Stay Issued in Ridgewood Planning Board Conflict of Interest Lawsuit

Susan
file photo by Boyd Loving
November 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as has been reported the Ridgewood Planning Board  has a number of multi-family, high-density applications in front of it .
A lawsuit was filed in May by attorney Kevin Mattessich on behalf of a resident’s grassroots organization, Ridgewood Citizens for Reasonable Development Inc. (RCRD).The  lawsuit that claims “conflicts of interest” by multiple former planning board members paved the way for high-density development proposals.

According to Susan Knudsen the motion to stay was adjourned to December 19th, but the judge issued a temporary stay on all applications before the planning board.

Posted on 4 Comments

Ridgewood High School Commemorative Brick

RHS

file photo by Boyd Loving
November 10,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Please help support the RHS Alumni Association by honoring your favorite alum, teacher, local business, coach, team or academic club.

Ridgewood High School is built on a tradition of excellence. You can continue to support and inspire students by purchasing your own brick paver today. Commemorate an event, reunion or significant milestone by purchasing a brick. You can memorialize a treasured individual or simply declare your love of RHS through this program. These bricks will line the walkways of our campus and honor the past and the future of RHS.

To purchase your commemorative brick, first select your brick size from the dropdown option above. Then, you must enter the text you would like to appear on the brick in the Custom Message field to have your message engraved on the brick.

4X8 bricks allow for 3 lines of text, 18 characters per line.
8X8 bricks allow for 6 lines of text, 21 character per line.

This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni and the community to be a part of RHS history and to leave their lasting mark. Also, don’t forget to purchase your commemorative certificate here.

Posted on Leave a comment

“A Day in the life of Police Chief” program at the Ridgewood Public Library

"A Day in the life of Police Chief" program at the Ridgewood Public Library

photo by Boyd Loving

November 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke read a story to, and answered questions for, children and parents who attended the Ridgewood Public Library’s “A Day in the Life of Police Chief” event on Thursday morning, 11/10 at the RIdgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. The “get your photo taken with the police chief” session that immediately followed questions and answers seemed to be more popular with children and parents than when Santa Claus visits the Village!

DSCF5934

DSCF5956

DSCF5953

Posted on 18 Comments

Ridgewood residents felt the post-election let down

van_nest_square_theridgewoodblog

November 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Many Ridgewood residents felt the post-election let down yesterday . Months of acrimonious campaigning has left people feeling blue if they came out on the short end of the vote yesterday . Some wore black to symbolize a funeral . Another Ridgewood resident even offered free hugs to those who were in inconsolable pain .

Ridgewood like much of Bergen County was split about 60/40 in favor of the loser Hillary Clinton and in many ways Ridgewood is the stereotypical Clinton supporting town.

One reader emailed the Ridgewood blog,   “I know you must be elated over the election results. I am happy for you but as a progressive and a woman, I am so sad.  I think you are doing our town a great service with The Blog”

GOP President-elect Donald Trump pulled off one of the biggest electoral upset in decades Tuesday evening, causing Hillary Clinton supporters around the country and in Ridgewood to cry.

It seems that many of Clinton’s supporters may have shared the feeling Clinton expressed in late September when she wondered aloud why she wasn’t ahead of Trump by 50 percent.

As for the staff of the Ridgewood blog we enjoyed a quite afternoon.

5031 1173485101931 4896545 n 1

Posted on 9 Comments

Highlights from the Village of Ridgewood Council Public meeting on November 9th

Ridgewood Village Council

file photo by Boyd Loving

November 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Highlights from the Village of Ridgewood Council Public meeting on November 9th.
1. As always, meeting minutes are prepared and approved in a timely manner, unlike the previous administration, under which minutes were aged for months and in some cases years.

2. Acting village manager Heather Mailander named all employees who are veterans and thanked them for their service during this Veterans’ Day holiday week.  It is so wonderful to have a manager who is pleasant, supportive, and a champion of employees.  Hoping this will be the model when a permanent manager is hired.

3. Parking was discussed, including a long-since dismissed garage plan that actually would fit on the Hudson St. lot.  Really.  The garage was voted down by a massive margin.  So they are back at it?  Also, central valet was mentioned again, an excellent idea.  A discussion of changing times and fees for various parking lots was so confusing that even the council members seemed to not understand what they were aiming for, and an error in their paperwork indicated that the meters would go until 10 PM.

4. Mayor Knudsen will hold office hours quarterly, joined by one of her council colleagues.  This Saturday November 13 she will meet with residents from 11-1 in the 4th floor conference room.  Call Heather’s office for an appointment.

5. Three ordinances regarding salaries were introduced.  Titles are being updated.  Some are being deleted.  Notably the Human Resources Manager position is not scheduled for deletion at least not in this round.  Sharyn Matthews is gone, as is her mother hen Roberta Sonenfeld.  Possibly the HR position will be eliminated for good once the new manager is hired.

6. The public hearing on Ordinance 3556 Parking Restrictions on Pomander Walk was held.  Many residents from The Walk pleaded to keep the street as a zero parking zone.  This prevailed.  The street remains a no parking street.  This is a street that is paid for by public tax money but the public cannot park on it.  OK.  This seems unfair.

7. They authorized studying the feasibility of an Uber Pilot Program.  This may help ease parking around the train station.

8. The Transportation Alternatives  Program (TAP) Grant application was approved. It was made clear that there will be NO BIKE LANES included in this project, if the grant is awarded.  Nope, no bike lanes along very busy thoroughfares, thank God.  The jackass project presented a few weeks ago by a bike-lane advocate and a surly village engineer was scrapped.  The Grant, if approved, will just include new sidewalks and curb cuts.

9. As always the five elected officials were pleasant, professional, and held productive and meaningful discussions for all to hear.  Residents’ questions and concerns were heard and answered with respect and even humor.  Total transparency with total civility.  The absence of Tony Damiano and Rurik Halaby meant that there was not a single dark cloud in the room.

Posted on Leave a comment

This Thursday, November 10th @ 6:00pm Tony Bennett will Sign his New Book at Bookends in Ridgewood

Tony Bennett

TONY BENNETT will sign his new book: Just Getting Started ($27.99).

Click the link below to pre-order:
https://mkt.com/bookends

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (born August 3, 1926), known professionally as Tony Bennett, is an American singer of traditional pop standards, big band, show tunes, and jazz. He is also a painter, having created works under the name Anthony Benedetto that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.

Born and raised in Astoria to an Italian-American family, Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with “Because of You” in 1951. Several top hits such as “Rags to Riches” followed in the early 1950s. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. His career and his personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era.

Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV Generation while keeping his musical style intact. He has won 19 Grammy Awards(including a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in 2001) and two Emmy Awards, and was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

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

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

Posted on Leave a comment

Village of Ridgewood Jobs : MANAGER PARKS AND GROUNDS POSITION

yogi-bear_L01

JOB POSTING – MANAGER – PARKS AND GROUNDS POSITION – DECEMBER 19

 

NOTICE OF MANAGER PARKS AND GROUNDS POSITION

The Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation is internally posting the full-time position of Manager Parks and Grounds.

Job duties and responsibilities include supervision of work involved in maintaining and caring for all park properties and village trees. Applicant must have three (3) year’s experience, in grounds/shade tree maintenance (ISA Certification Preferred) and possess a CDL Class B. The Village of Ridgewood is an EOE and Civil Service Community.

Send resume with letter of intent and copies of all valid licenses to: Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager, Village of Ridgewood, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or by Email to [email protected]. Please note resumes will be accepted through 5 pm, Monday, December 19, 2016.

Posted on 14 Comments

Ridgewood Specific Election Results : Full-day Kindergarten Carries

Vote Ridgewood NJ
President

DONALD TRUMP / MICHAEL PENCE  4,245 36.1%
HILLARY CLINTON / TIMOTHY KAINE  6,958 59.1%

House
SCOTT GARRETT      4,407 37.4%
JOSH GOTTHEIMER  6,444 54.7%

Freeholder
MAURA R DENICOLA 4,574 38.9%
JOHN J DRISCOLL Jr 4,567 38.8%
ROBERT A DI DIO  4,425 37.6%
THOMAS J SULLIVAN 5,158 43.8%
MARY J AMOROSO  5,239 44.5%
GERMAINE M ORTIZ  5,122 43.5%

RIDGEWOOD SCHOOL PROPOSAL
YES 4,580 38.9%
NO  4,444 37.8%

PUBLIC QUESTION # 1 – PERMIT GAMBLING IN 2 COUNTIES OTHER THAN ATLANTIC COUNTY

YES 1,967 16.7%

NO  8,054 68.4%
PUBLIC QUESTION # 2 – CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO DEDICATE ADDITIONAL REVENUES TO STATE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
YES  6,876 58.4%
NO   2,809 23.9%
Posted on 3 Comments

Ridgewood Councilmen Ramon Hache: “Get out there and vote today, regardless of who your candidate is. You can’t complain about what’s wrong if you don’t do anything about it”

Vote Ridgewood NJ
file photo by Dana Glazer

November 8,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Councilmen Ramon Hache reminds everyone to ,”Get out there and vote today, regardless of who your candidate is. You can’t complain about what’s wrong if you don’t do anything about it. And if you think your vote doesn’t count, it actually counts a lot less if you don’t vote. Voting is not just a right, it’s a privilege. If you can vote, it means you have the privilege of being a citizen of the United States. Despite all our problems, this is still the greatest country in the world. We are fortunate to live in a country where there can be an orderly transfer of power every four years. This country is still the number one destination for people all over the world who are looking for opportunities and a better way of life. Don’t throw away your privilege.”
Posted on 2 Comments

Sunday Morning Crash in Ridgewood Transports Three to Valley Hospital

Sunday Morning Crash in Ridgewood Transports Three to Valley Hospital
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
November 8th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A two (2) vehicle crash at the intersection of North Monroe Street and West Glen Avenue in Ridgewood on Sunday morning, 11/06 resulted in three (3) individuals being transported by ambulances to The Valley Hospital with crash related injuries. The crash was reported by members of Ridgewood FD Engine Company #31, whose fire house is located near the intersection. One (1) of the vehicles involved in the collision left the roadway and crashed into a home located at 259 West Glen Avenue. Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS personnel responded to assist the injured parties. Engine Company #31 members attended to a crash related fluid spill. Both vehicles were removed by a flatbed tow truck. There was no apparent structural damage to the home that was hit. Ridgewood PD is investigating the cause of the crash.
Posted on Leave a comment

There’s Still Time to Nominate The Women Who Have Made the Difference to You and Your Organization

Lynda Carter Wonder Women

November 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewod blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County’s Most Prestigious Women’s Recognition Event, Less Than a Month Away
Meet our Newest Honoree

There’s Still Time to Nominate The Women Who Have Made the Difference to You and Your Organization

November 2, 2016—YWCA Bergen County is proud to congratulate our newest Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) 2016 Honoree and to welcome her into a pantheon of extraordinary TWIN women. Roseanne Buscemi, Oritani Bank’s Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, is set to stand among this year’s honorees thanks to a generous sponsorship from Oritani Bank.

Among Roseanne’s many accomplishments, within Oritani Bank and beyond, she is Board of Directors President of the Center for Food Action. In fact, Rosanne gives tirelessly to other nonprofit organizations helping the region’s most vulnerable residents with basic needs. She leads Oritani’s annual summer drive to benefit multiple food banks in its coverage area. She has volunteered with Bergen Habitat for Humanity, and works with Oritani to raise funds and set up workdays for Habitat in the communities the bank serves. Roseanne is also a former instructor, a board member and current President of the North Jersey Institute of Financial Education. She serves as a deacon of the Reformed Church of Closter, and President of the Closter chapter of the American Association of University Women.

“Roseanne is a stunning example of what we mean by an empowered and an empowering woman,” said YWCA Bergen County CEO Helen Archontou. “Her contribution and willingness to help others help themselves set her apart as a woman of admirable generosity and, yes, of great influence in her community. We are so proud to honor Roseanne and our other remarkable TWIN Honorees as we continue this wonderful tradition.”
YWCA Bergen County is now accepting nominations from corporate and community leaders for its Tribute to Women of INfluence (TWIN) program. These honorees will be joining a growing list of “stand out” women, including the YW’s own honorees, founder and managing consultant of KEY HR Consulting, LLC and Mocha Moms member Tanisha Russell Day and owner and President of Belvedere Building and Contracting, Mary Anne Belvedere.

The TWIN 2016 Ceremony is set for December 1, 2016 (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ.

The keynote speaker is Joann Lublin Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and management news editor at The Wall Street Journal and author of Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World

But, as always, the stars of the event are the year’s TWIN honorees! To nominate the deserving women in your life, a company or organization agrees to sponsor YWCA Bergen County TWIN. There’s still time!

For more information and to take part in this important and time-honored celebration, contact Mary Eastwood, [email protected].

Posted on 2 Comments

Ridgewood Artist ,Teams Up With Author To Produce Children’s Fiction Entitled “Little Karl”

martin-l-and-eric-r

November 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Lifelong Ridgewood resident, and local artist E. A. Santoli has teamed up with children’s book author M. Earl Smith to publish their first work of children’s fiction. Entitled Little Karl, the story recounts a day in the life of Little Karl, who, while touring his hometown with his mother, becomes acutely aware of the many injustices in his world. Through several familiar scenarios,Karl attempts to rationalize the world and his place in it, which leads him to embrace the values of fairness and equality in direct challenge to the unhappiness he sees everyday.

Pairing up with Smith was an easy choice, the artist says. “Given the connection we share through our Alma Mater, The University of Pennsylvania, teaming up with M. Earl was a natural choice. We shared a common professor in our different times at the University, and through this contact we were able to share our ideas and visions for the book. Once the creative process began, the rest came naturally.”

Smith agrees, and, in fact, gushes about the illustrative talents of his comrade. “Quite frankly, there is not, in my view, a better illustrator in the business. I simply cannot envision working with any other artist at this juncture. The stylistic attention to detail adds more to Little Karl than my words could ever do alone. I remain forever grateful to both our shared connections and the bond we share as alums at Penn for bringing us together.”

Little Karl is due out from Michelkin Publishing on Black Friday, November 25 th , 2016, in retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Books-A- Million, as well as Amazon and local retailers nationwide. The authors have a small signing tour planned, with stops in Manhattan, the Bronx, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Baltimore, and in nearby Paramus, where they will spend a fun-filled day with the children at the Child Development Center at Bergen Community College, where, after a reading of the book, the children will engage in a series of fun-filled,Little Karl related activities. This event is tentatively scheduled for December 1 st .

More information on the author-illustrator duo can be found at the Michelkin Publishing website below. Little Karl can be ordered online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in both print and e-book format.

About the Illustrator and Author

https://books.michelkin.com/illustrator-profile- e-santoli/

https://books.michelkin.com/author-profile- m-earl- smith/

https://www.facebook.com/EASantoli/

https://www.facebook.com/MEarlSmithAuthor/

https://www.ericsantoli.com/

Where to buy Little Karl

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Karl- M-Earl- Smith/dp/0998067210

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-karl- m-earl- smith/1125041180?ean=9780998067216