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Bank of America’s New Economic totalitarianism

bank-of-america_theridgewoodblog

January 13,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, since the first of the year Bank of America has instituted a series of new policies . One that is particularly disruptive is that you are no longer able to deposit cash in someone else’s account . Those of you with older relatives understand the issue .The old folks sometimes need a little extra cash for issues that arise .

According to a bank representative the bank has been inundated with money laundering and fraud . Many even point to the cryptocurrency movement and Bitcoin as the culprit .

Its funny because several years ago the “coin boy” in Ridgewood toted out of Village Hall over 50 lbs a day worth of quarters and cashed them in at local banks and no one knows anything . So the “coin boy ” could effectively steal close to $1million dollars , yet the writer of this article can not put $500 bucks into his elderly mothers account . The irony was not lost on the bank representative .

So yesterday , I had a day off and “mom” hit me up for $600 , I had to take her with me in the car , there was a line at the ATM machine ,that took 25 minutes and then with only one car in front of us on the drive thru line it took another 45 minutes . By the time I got her home it was a little after 1pm and we had left at 10am . Yuup you herd me 3 hours to make a deposit .

While many curse the creep of Economic totalitarianism , for others its is inching forward at a slow enough rate that people aren’t noticing it.

In the 1960s, you could carry whatever money you wanted in cash on planes, buy houses and cars with cash, or deposit it with no worries.

In the 1970s, $10,000 (then worth $62,000+ in today’s dollars) became the number. Inflation made that number worth less and less without the government needing to change the law.

The US government now requires banks to report transactions as small as $1000 to $2000 if they are “suspicious.”

Then you look at cash seizures. It used to be that cash was only seized from big time criminals. Now half of seizures in Washington D.C. are less than $150. People are getting pulled over and the police will seize $20.

Now Bank of America and Chase need to see ID to process $50 cash deposits.

Imagine 10 years from now. I wouldn’t be surprised if cash is banned entirely in at least one country.

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“Jazz the way you like it” at Temple Israel in Ridgewood NJ on the 21st of January, 2018

"Jazz the way you like it" at Temple Israel in Ridgewood NJ on the 21st of January, 2018

January 12,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Artie Bressler and O.F.E. (Old Farts Ensemble) featuring Sherma Andrews will be performing at Temple Israel in Ridgewood NJ on the 21st of January, 2018 at 3pm. The ensemble features songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and more…

“Jazz the way you like it”

Temple Israel: 475 Grove Street, Ridgewood NJ
For the Benefit of the Temple Israel Music Committee
$18 General Admission, $5 Students, Children are Free

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George Washington Middle School “Fire Alarm” Termed Malicious

ridgewood_fire_department_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

January 12,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that both the Ridgewood Police and Fire Department responded the G.W. Middle School on January 8, to investigate an activated alarm of fire. Upon arrival and it was determined the fire alarm was activated maliciously. The school staff and the Ridgewood Detective Bureau are investigating the false public alarm incident.

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An anti-Trump mania has millions in its grip

north korea

January 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This is a society-wide phenomenon. An anti-Trump mania has millions in its grip. Just not enough millions to outnumber the people openly or secretly supporting him and (obviously) voting for him! An assistant dean of a county college was publicly busted ripping out a neighbor’s pro-Trump lawn signs prior to the general election in 2016, so lawless, biased anti-Trump behavior was never limited to people on the fringe of society. Seemingly well-balanced or respectable citizens who hate Trump can’t even control themselves according to age old law, much less modern political norms. Neither this pro-Trump commenter, nor most other fellow Trump supporters in northern New Jersey, could keep pro-Trump lawn signs unmolested in the grass for more than a few hours from late 2015, when Trump was beginning to dominate the field vying for the Republican nomination for president, straight through to the November 2016 general election. Clearly, freedom of speech, and of political association, have been de facto suspended in this country.

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Ridgewood Resident Threatened by Scam Bitcoin Extortion Letter

Bitcoin

January 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On January 9, a Waiku Road resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report an attempted theft by extortion. The victim reported he received a letter threatening to expose him if he didn’t pay money. The actor requested to be paid in bitcoin and provided instructions. The victim determined the letter was a scam and requested documentation of the incident.

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Ridgewood Resident Gets Fleeced for $1460 in PSE&G MoneyPak Card Scam

MoneyPak

January 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A Kenilworth Road resident reported being the victim of a fraud and theft on January 9. The victim reported she was contacted by a party who identified himself as an employee of PSE&G and threatened to turn off the residential service if an outstanding bill balance wasn’t paid. The victim was instructed to purchase $960 and provide the MoneyPak card serial numbers to prevent the service from being shut off. The victim then purchased the cards and provided serial numbers. The victim was then convinced to purchase an additional MoneyPak card in the amount of $500 before becoming suspicious and realizing this was a scam.

The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind you to be aware of frauds. A common fraud that is currently being performed is the request for payment immediately and using gift cards, MoneyPac cards, other type of pre-paid or wire transfers or bitcoin. Please notify the Police Department if you feel you have been or are in the process of becoming victim to a fraud before payment is made

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No Injuries following rollover crash at the intersection of Garber Square and West Ridgewood Avenue, in Ridgewood

rollover crash at the intersection of Garber Square and West Ridgewood Avenue

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

January 12,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, thankfully no injuries were reported following a Thursday morning, 01/11, rollover crash at the intersection of Garber Square and West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood. The vehicle’s adult female driver was evaluated by Emergency Medical Technicians and declined ambulance transportation to a local hospital. Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS personnel responded to the incident. The flipped 4-door passenger sedan was righted and removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.

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Chloe Lukasiak Star of YouTube and Dance Moms will do a Meet/Greet/Photo-Op in support of her new book: Girl on Pointe in Ridgewood

chole lukasiak

January 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on Tuesday, January 23rd @ 4:30pm- Star of YouTube and Dance Moms, CHLOE LUKASIAK, will do a Meet/Greet/Photo-Op in support of her new book: Girl on Pointe.

Chloe Elizabeth Lukasiak (born May 25, 2001) is an American dancer, television personality, actress and model. She is best known for being an original cast member of Lifetime’s reality television series Dance Moms during Season 1 through Season 4.

Tickets are $25 and include a signed copy of the book. Each Child (regardless of AGE) must purchase a ticket for entry. 1 Photo with ticketed person ONLY. No line saving (complete parties will only be allowed entry) Wristbands will distributed at the event to ticketed person(s)only. ONE Chaperone per family (No ticket purchase for Guardian/Parent required) https://www.mkt.com/bookends

YWCA Bergen County
112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

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 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

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The (interscholastic) sports bill would allow massive consolidation in high school sports and create super all star school districts .

RHS fields

file photo by Boyd Loving

January 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, concerns mounts over S 3447, the (interscholastic) sports bill. The bill would allow massive consolidation in high school sports and create super all star school districts .

If you think this could put Ridgewood High school at a disadvantage , Please call Gov. Christie’s office today! Your courteous message can be as simple as this: “Please veto S 3447, the (interscholastic) sports bill.

Critics claim this bill will hurt small school districts, charter schools, and home schools. After it was mangled by hastily added last minute amendments, not even one Republican lawmaker supported it, not even Democratic Senator Paul Sarlo, and not even its GOP co-sponsor, Diane Allen. Not even the NJ high school sports association (NJSIAA) supports it as it creates big powerhouse teams at the expense of small schools. It was rushed through without thought to its unintended harmful consequences, and it should be VETOED by the Governor.”

If the staff member is hurried fielding calls about 100+ bills awaiting the Governor’s action before his tenure ends in 5 days, just say “Please VETO S3447 – the Sports Bill.” If a longer conversation develops, home schoolers may wish to check out the “Background” below from HSLDA and me. But, noting the diverse opposition, it very seriously affects far more than home schooler’s and should be VETOED!

If the phone is busy, keep calling. Husbands and wives count as separate voters; both should call! It is unnecessary to identify yourself other than as a concerned citizen/taxpayer.

Please pass this on quickly to others. Thank you for standing with us for freedom and liberty! And, similarly, when you end your phone call with the Governor’s Office, please offer your own loud and clear “Thank You.”

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Ridgewood Mayor Accused of Selling Tires From Her Home …huh ?

Michelin Man

January 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at last night meeting resident Rurik Halaby claimed Mayor Knudsen was selling tires form here home and asks if Ridgewood Fire Officials had inspected the sight because it could be a fire hazard as well as an environmental hazard?

While the mayor did her best to hold a straight face and denied it , the peanut gallery was left with ,”where did that come from” moment.

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Ridgewood Resident Says “Parking Garage” down side deeply out weighs the limited upside

bill mccandless

January 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at last nights Village Council meeting during the comment period resident Bill McCandless summed up the economic realities of the Hudson Street Parking garage .

Speaking to the council McCandless said, “The Village taxpayers face a new reality this year one that the fiscal state of the Village has not faced before , the decision and progress around certain issues will need to be reexamined coming into this year and we are going to need to clear the decks on a few things and reexamine how we prioritize things first and foremost are we burdening the taxpayers with new fees and taxes and if we are is the return on that investment greater than those taxes and fees and can we prove it.”

“One place we can not and have not been able to prove this is the proposal for the garage , the case against the garage is strong and is powered by undisputable faces that nee to be considered before plunging the village taxpayers deeper into debt and creating more congestion on are already over crowed and over stressed roads .”

“A recent study done the garage proposal show there is more than enough parking capacity in the CBD and what we have is not utilized , there is no fiscal plan for the garage pays for it self or through increased CBD tax receipts , it is a net loss.”

“Traffic at every intersection in and around the CBD on both sides of the tracks will be worse with the addition.

The intersections in and around the CBD are already over capacity and many are blow standard for the existing traffic .

There is no logical argument for the garage , the only thing the garage will add is tax payer debt and high fees for every shopper dinner and more congestion across an already congested set of intersections .

why add what we don’t need ,cant afford and creates worse conditions on any one who wants to come to Ridgewood.

I’ve listen read and consumed all sides and see no compelling case supported by facts , case studies or logic that benefits the public good.

The coming revolutions of autonomous cars and vehicles this reality is closer than the public realizes , less than 10years away when the need for parking capacity will be hugely impacted .

How does more debt and congestion serve the village , the down side deeply out weighs the limited upside for a few more spots in the most congested part of the Village ?”

Then McCandless proposed the following simple solution :

“lease open new lots were possible
stop the meter feeding by employees
and plan for the driverless future “

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Patient Gets Married at Valley Hospital Ridgewood Before Major Surgery

wedding at valley hospital

photos courtesy of Valley Hospital Facebook Page

January 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Valley Hospital employees and volunteers recently came together to fulfill a patient’s wish to marry his partner right here in the Hospital!

Mark DeBenedectis expressed to Cheel 4 Neuro Charge Nurse Michelle Bower, RN, his wish to marry his partner, Greg, before he was scheduled to have major surgery.

With his surgery taking place just two days away, the entire team jumped into action, transforming the Terrace into a beautiful wedding venue the very next day, complete with decorations, flowers, a harpist, a photographer to memorialize the day and a chaplain to officiate the service. The day was complete with family and friends present to witness the joyous occasion.

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Councilmen Jeff Voigt defends the CRAB

illegals

January 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in the what many residents describe as the ultimate irony Councilmen Jeff Voigt when to the defense of the CRAB or Community Relations Advisory Board in a letter to the editor .In Defending CRAB meetings in Ridgewood ( https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2018/01/09/letter-defending-crab-meetings-ridgewood/1017985001/ ) Councilmen Jeff Voigt attempted to lend his support to an organization and its leader that is not without controversy .

While I am not going to argue the merits of the organization , Voigt went on to complement its leader Jan Phillips , saying “Jan Philips has done over the years in making CRAB inclusive; as a vehicle for educating residents; and in pushing forward issues that make us consider what is right and wrong in how we treat others. We need more “Jans” in Ridgewood “., yea mean like calling residents “grandstanders ” in a Village Council meeting or dismissing Mayor Susan Knudsen by telling people Paul Aronsohn still runs this town? No we defiantly don’t need more “Jans” and of coarse attempting to bully the mayor and the Village council over the “gay pride” flag.

Voigt wasted no time going to the time honored track of attacking “anonymous posters” on the Ridgewood blog . Perhaps if he read posts more carefully and he would see that most of the “nasty” comments are from his and Paul Aronsohn’s supporters, and former members of the FAC . While I am not going to rattle off names at this time , a quick peek at some comments and they read surprisingly similar to things said on several Facebook group pages and of coarse said at Village Council meetings . I also seem to remember several incidents where the councilmen himself used some “nasty comments” , toward several residents ,several council members and the current mayor.

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Crash at the Intersection of Ackerman Avenue and Bellair Road in Ridgewood Send Two to Valley Hospital

ridgewood Police and Fire

Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

January 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police issued at least one (1) summons in connection with a two (2) vehicle crash at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and Bellair Road, in Ridgewood that occurred on Wednesday afternoon, 01/10. Two (2) ambulances were required to transport individuals injured in the mishap to The Valley Hospital. All injuries were reported to be non life threatening in nature. Both wrecked vehicles were removed from the scene by a tow truck. Ridgewood Fire Department personnel attended to a minor crash related fluid spill. A traffic control device was clobbered by one (1) of the passenger vehicles involved in the collision.

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The Four Time Undefeated World Champion and Cooking Personality, Laila Ali, Will Appear at Bookends in Ridgewood

Food_For_Life_COVER[1]

January 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Laila Ali will be at Bookends in Ridgewood on Wednesday, January 24th @ 6:00pm. The Four Time Undefeated World Champion and Cooking Personality, Laila Ali, will sign her new book:Food for Life

Laila Amaria Ali (born December 30, 1977) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1999 to 2007. She is the daughter of legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali with his third wife, Veronica Porché Ali, and is the eighth of her father’s nine children.[2] During her career, from which she retired undefeated, she held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF and IBA female super middleweight titles, and the IWBF light heavyweight title.

Special Instruction for Our Events :Due to the popularity of our events, many of which sell out, we require that you preorder your books ahead of time by visiting our website at www.mkt.com/bookends or calling the store at (201)445-0726.

As always, Books must be purchased from Bookends Bookstore in order to attend events.

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 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