Obamacare Is Really Expensive for Small Businesses. Surprise!
Lousy news for growing the economy, creating jobs, and overall increasing prosperity
“Complying with the health care law is costing small businesses thousands of dollars that they didn’t have to spend before the new regulations went into effect,” reports AP business writer Joyce M. Rosenberg. This should be a surprise to exactly nobody. In general, government mandates have poor track record of making people’s lives less expensive and complicated. Specifically, businesses around the country have reported over the past year that Obamacare raised their healthcare costs and they anticipated more hikes to come. Hiring—especially of full-time employees—has taken a hit as a result.
Writes Rosenberg:
The Affordable Care Act, which as of next Jan. 1 applies to all companies with 50 or more workers, requires owners to track staffers’ hours, absences and how much they spend on health insurance. Many small businesses don’t have the human resources departments or computer systems that large companies have, making it harder to handle the paperwork. On average, complying with the law costs small businesses more than $15,000 a year, according to a survey released a year ago by the National Small Business Association.
Last summer, Federal Reserve Banks around the country surveyed businesses in their regions. In the service sector, about 82 percent of businesses told the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas that the Affordable Care Act raised costs for them in 2014; 91 percent expected increased costs in 2015.
How an ‘expensive’ N.J. community might handle town-by-town minimum wage proposal
MONTCLAIR — A township official says an Assembly proposal that would allow municipalities in New Jersey to set their own minimum wages would be plausible, and likely passable, in Montclair. But, he says he’s not convinced that it’s the most effective way to increase the minimum wage in New Jersey. (Mazolla/NJ.com)
Rachel Brathen
Tuesday, March 24th@ 7:00pm
Inspirational Yoga Instructor on Instagram, Rachel Brathen
will sign her new book:
Yoga Girl
Each Person attending must have a book purchased at Bookends
We are taking RSVP’s for this event. Call us at 201-445-0726 to reserve your book NOW.
Book available March 24th
Bernard Kerik
Wednesday, April 1st @ 7:30pm
Former Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernard Kerik, will sign his new book: From Jailer to Jailed
Books available March 31st
Mariel Hemingway
Tuesday, April 7th @ 7:00pm
Actress from the Woody Allen Film, Manhattan, Mariel Hemingway, will sign her new books:
Out Came the Sun and Invisible Girls
Books available April 7th
Lorraine Bracco
Wednesday, April 8th @7:00pm
Actress from The Sopranos Lorraine Bracco, will sign her new book:
To the Fullest
Books available April 7th
Dan Gutman
Friday, April 10th @ 4:30pm
New York Times Bestselling Author, Dan Gutman, will be giving a talk and sign his new children’s books: The Genius Files and Willie & ME
Rick Bandazian
Sunday, April 12th @ 1:00pm
Former Owner of The Circus Rock Club, Rick Bandazian, will sign his new book:
Rock & Roll Meltdown
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
Camacho Event Tuesday March 24th at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
Come and discover the original Bold Smoke with Camacho Ambassador George Rami
in the Davidoff Lounge
$20.00 (includes 3 Camacho Cigars)
Limited Availability Reserve Your Spot Now!
~Gary, Barbara and Collin
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood | 10 Chestnut Street | Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM and Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM
March 20, 2015 Last updated: Friday, March 20, 2015, 12:31 AM
By Tiffany Katehakis
STAFF WRITER |
The Ridgewood News
New York Times bestselling author and Ridgewood resident Harlan Coben is certainly no “stranger” to the Ridgewood community.
Although his latest novel, “The Stranger” will be released on March 24, Ridgewood residents will be among the lucky few to be able to purchase the book a day before everyone else. Coben will hold a kickoff appearance for his book tour at 7 p.m.. on Monday, March 23 at Bookends, 211 East Ridgewood Ave.
In this page-turning thriller, the plot centers around a suburban New Jersey family whose picturesque life is threatened by a mysterious man. Once protagonist Adam Price learns a secret about his wife Corinne from the unknown man, he is led to a much darker situation than the secret itself. He discovers that if he doesn’t play his cards exactly right, lives may not only be destroyed, but ended.
Coben’s novels capture relatable situations and characters but surprise readers with twists and turns that keep them guessing for what’s to come.
Harlan Coben Monday, March 23rd @ 7:00pm International Bestselling Author, Harlan Coben, will sign his new book, The Stranger Books available March 23rd
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
SPECTRUM FOR LIVING PARTNERING UP WITH ALEX AND ANI FOR CHARITY BY DESIGN EVENT IN RIDGEWOOD, NJ
RIVER VALE, NJ (April 2015) – On Tuesday, April 14th will be hosting a Charity by Design event that will benefit Spectrum for Living. 15% of all sales between the hours of 6P.M. and 8P.M. will go directly to Spectrum for Living to help continue to provide services and care for adults with developmental disabilities.
“CEO, Founder and Creative Director of Alex and Ani, Carolyn Rafaelian, created Charity by Design, which serves as a unique division focused solely on giving and making the dreams of charitable organizations come true. Charity by Design empowers non-profit organizations both on a national and local scale to reach their goals by sharing their mission through the power of positive energy and creative design.” (www.alexandani.com)
If you are interested in shopping and cannot join us on April 14th on Wednesday, April 1st [email protected]. Orders may also be placed by phone at 201-857-0911. All orders placed prior to April 14th in store or by email, do not forget to mention you wish to take part in the Spectrum for Living fundraising event. Orders benefitting Spectrum cannot be placed online.
Currently, Spectrum for Living facilities and services touch the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in over 100 New Jersey communities. Spectrum for Living is one of New Jersey’s most respected and recognized not-for-profit organizations assisting adults with developmental disabilities in Bergen, Passaic, Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Spectrum provides a wide array of housing, medical, clinical, habilitative, social and educational services to more than 200 residential consumers and hundreds of community clients.
For more information, please contact Spectrum for Living at (201) 358-8000 or at [email protected]. in the Ridgewood store or by placing an email order to will be held until the day of the event. *Whether shopping
Taxpayers on hook to fund portion of signs for CBD businesses
March 14,2015
Boyd Loving
Ridgewood NJ, As a result of Village Council approval of Resolution 15-90, Village taxpayers are now on the hook to pay a portion of the expenses associated with installing new “Wayfinding” signs in the Village’s Central Business District (CBD). The “Wayfinding signs are intended to direct pedestrians to businesses located on side streets off of East Ridgewood Avenue in the CBD.
Estimated construction expenses to be paid by taxpayers for additional poles to hold the signs are between $6K – $9K.
Village of Ridgewood employees will also be responsible for the installation of each new sign. Taxpayers will be reimbursed $25 per installed sign by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce (including reimbursement for previously installed signs). The Chamber collects an annual “maintenance fee” from each sign owner, as well as a fee for the signs themselves. 36 signs have been sold to date, this according to the Chamber’s president, Paul Vagianos.
No explanation was offered to the public as to why taxpayers needed to provide funding if installation and annual maintenance fees are being collected by the Chamber. Nor was any explanation offered as to why a private contractor could not be hired to install the signs (as is done in Montclair).
Additionally, no review of the sign project was undertaken by the Historic Preservation Commission nor the Planning Board, and questions regarding ownership of the signs as it pertains to liability insurance coverage in the event of an injury caused by a sign defect were left unanswered (during the Council meeting at which the resolution was passed).
Here’s the full text of Resolution 15-90:
Res. No. 15-90
RESOLUTION NO. 15-90
WHEREAS, the Village of Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce continues to strive to enhance the public’s knowledge of the various stores on the side streets in the Central Business District by means of the installation of”wayfinding” signs at various intersections; and
WHEREAS, each proposed wayfinding sign, identifing the various businesses, would be a plaque no larger than approximately 6 to 8 inches tall and no more than 24 inches in length affixed to a pole at the approved intersection locations, with no more than 8 plaques per designated pole or no more than 4 plaques per PSE&G decorative streetlight pole location, while maintaining a vertical clearance of 84 inches from the sidewalk; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber is seeking approval for additional locations for designated poles for wayfinding signs, in accordance with the location sketch presented to the Village Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood that it approves the installation of wayfinding signs at the various locations along East Ridgewood Avenue, in the Central Business District, to direct patrons to the various businesses on the listed side streets; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Council agrees to install the concrete bases for the new designated poles for no more than 4 locations, have the Village Traffic and Signal Division install the designated poles on the new bases for no more than 4 locations; have the Traffic and Signal Division install new sign plates for a $25.00 per plaque fee paid by the Chamber of Commerce; have the Traffic and Signal Division perform an annual sign plaque maintenance which would remove any invalid sign plaques for a $25.00 per plaque fee to be paid for by the Chamber of Commerce; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce agrees that they will purchase the designated poles in the color black, without a globe, matching the existing PSE&G decorative streetlight poles for the wayfinding signs; agrees to have installed no more than 8 sign plaques on designated poles, and no more than 4 sign plaques on PSE&G decorative streetlight poles; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood agrees to authorize the Village Manager to approve any subsequent locations for wayfinding signs in the Central Business District, upon review and approval by the Village’s Engineering Division and Public Safety Departments.
Christine Nunn of Picnic on the Square on the one technique home cooks should master
March 4, 2015 Last updated: Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 1:21 AM
The Record
Christine Nunn of Picnic on the Square, Ridgewood
Christine Nunn wasn’t always on course to work in the kitchen — the 50-year-old chef and co-owner of Picnic on the Square in Ridgewood was once a journalist, and worked for the Ridgewood News after graduating with an English degree from Montclair State University in 1986.
By 2001, the Fair Lawn resident was working in Manhattan doing technical writing, but after 9/11, she decided that life was “too short to not do” exactly what she wanted to do.
She enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in January 2002 and even lived in the dorms for a semester at age 37 (which was “horrifying”). She graduated in December 2003 and created the catering company Picnic. In 2005, she opened a storefront in Emerson, where she stayed for five years before opening Picnic, The Restaurant in Fair Lawn, which garnered rave reviews. After 2 1/2 years, Picnic served its last meal on New Year’s Eve 2012.
In 2013, Nunn published “The Preppy Cookbook” and worked as executive chef at Grange restaurant in Westwood. Three months ago, she opened Picnic on the Square in Ridgewood. The lovely, brick-walled 34-seat New American restaurant received 2 1/2 stars from The Record last month.
Here, she talks about the technique home cooks should master and the best way to cook fish.
Take home a piece of knowledge!
Do not miss this opportunity to experience Michael Herklots as he
guides you through this component tasting.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 6:30-8:30 PM
Davidoff Lounge
at The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
$20 per person, limited availability
Special deals available at event only
Reserve your spot now
(201) 447-2204
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood | 10 Chestnut Street | Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM and Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Internet Sensation Tuna will be at Bookends Wednesday, March 4th
Wednesday, March 4th@ 7:00pm
Internet Sensation Tuna, will paw print his new book:
Tuna Melts My Heart: The Underdog with the Overbite
The Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital will be here too! Raising awareness about adopting animals and more.
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt
First In Line Certificate use is at the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
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 the author and get their book 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 signings prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
Romeo y Julieta Promotion this Saturday at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
Join Us
Saturday, February 28th
1:00-5:00 PM
Great deals on Romeo y Julieta,
Montecristo, H. Upmann, Vega Fina
and more!
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood | 10 Chestnut Street | Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM and Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Astronaut Ron Garan Tonight at Bookends in Ridgewood 7PM
Wednesday, February 25th @ 7:00pm
Astronaut who was on the International Space Station, Ron Garan, will sign his new book: The Orbital Perspective:
Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles*All books MUST be purchased at Bookends Bookstore*
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
kate spade Ridgewood invites you to
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY
we wanted to personally invite you (plus a friend) to our ladies night out event featuring a preview of our new spring collection.
enjoy sips & snacks (byob) while you shop this special event.
thursday, february 26th
7pm-8:30pm
pop by our shop at ridgewood ave. and receive 20% off your entire purchase!
please rsvp 201.689.6204
hope to see you there!
the kate spade ridgewood team
202 e ridgewood ave.
ridgewood, nj 07450
Davidoff Winston Churchill now available at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood 10 Chestnut Street , Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM and Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Chef Tom Finnelli of Restaurant Memoire , Accountant to Culinary Master
FEBRUARY 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
Chef Tom Finnelli’s path to the kitchen was long and winding. Although he’d worked at restaurants during high school, he went to college for accounting and had a successful 18-year-career in that field. Still, at 32, he turned down the chance to become partner at the fifth-largest accounting firm in the country because he knew that, if he accepted, he’d never work in a restaurant again. That company had massive layoffs in 2009, and Finnelli was “almost happy” to be one of those included.
The 40-year-old Park Ridge native and Rockland County resident already had his degree from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan (now the International Culinary Center) – and in 2013, he bought the spot that would become Restaurant Memoire in Ridgewood. The restaurant, which serves seasonal eclectic fare, received 2 1/2 stars from The Record in January 2014.
Although Finnelli doesn’t regret the two decades he spent in an office, he says he’d be a hypocrite if he told his two young children they should always follow their dreams when he hadn’t followed his. “We only have one life, and at some point, you’ve got to at least try to do what you love,” he says. “If you never [do it], you’ll always wonder, ‘What if?’ ”
Here, he talks about his $1,000 meal and the one thing he’d never eat.
