Washington DC, The New Jersey Department of Health is working with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several other states on an outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka associated with Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal.
As of June 14, 2018; 73 people have been infected from 31 states. NJ currently has three confirmed cases associated with this outbreak, one each in Bergen, Mercer and Gloucester. Thirty (77%) of 39 people interviewed reported eating cold cereal and 14 people specifically reported eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. New Jersey cases interviewed so far did not report consuming the product. Additional details on this outbreak can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Mbandaka-06-18/index.html
On June 14, 2018, the Kellogg Company recalled 15.3 oz. and 23 oz. packages of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal that have a “best if used by” date from June 14, 2018 through June 14, 2019. The recalled products were distributed across the United States as well as in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan. Consumers are being advised to not eat any of the recalled Honey Smacks cereal even if no one got sick and to throw the rest away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Any containers that the cereal was stored in should be washed with warm, soapy water before re-using. Additional details on the recall can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm610815.htm
Ridgewood NJ, The US Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey is advising the public to be aware of a debt collection email and telephone scam in which individuals posing as law enforcement agents or government officials attempt to collect non-existent “debts”. Victims who receive these emails and telephone calls have been threatened with incarceration if funds are not wired and debts are not collected.
Victims have reported receiving emails and phone calls purporting to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office directing them to contact a “Justice Department Officer” to arrange payment of their fine or debt. The callers have sometimes had sensitive identifying information, including social security numbers, of the victims they were calling. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that law enforcement agents and government officers do not threaten to arrest or prosecute people for unpaid debts or fines, and do not communicate in this manner via email or telephone. A real employee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office would never contact you by phone or email to demand payment of a debt.
If you receive a phone call or email from someone purporting to be a representative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office asking for money, please report the call or email to the U.S. Attorney’s Office (973) 645-2700, or local law enforcement officials. In addition, please be cautious about providing any personal information (names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers) to anyone who calls or emails you because it could result in identity theft.
In 2006 bees started disappearing. Beekeepers reported to losing up to 90% of their beehives. And no one knew why. Nearly every news outlet raised the alarm, warning of an imminent beepocalypse that would devastate our food supply. But while alarm bells rang, things turned around. And bee colonies are now at a 20 year high. How did we get the beepocalypse so… wrong?
New Caanan Ct, Realtors in New Caanan, Connecticut, where celebrities and CEOs live side-by-side on well-kempt estates, are so worried about the housing market that they have taken the counter-intuitive step of banning “for sale” signs.The Board of Realtors in New Canaan, Conn., where Harry Connick Jr., Paul Simon and NBC newsman Brian Williams have homes, voted to take down all such signs by July 1, and the Town Council could make it an ordinance after a six-month trial period.
Like New Jersey high taxes and a weak job market is pressuring many residents to seek greener pastures else where.
Connecticut has the third-worst credit rating in the country, and its deficit has reached nearly $5 billion. According to a 2017 estimate by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Nutmeg State only has $240 million in its ‘rainy day fund’—only five states have a smaller cushion.
Connecticut like New Jersey has hemorrhaged corporations under two-term Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy, who announced he would not seek re-election this November. Insurance giant Aetna, which was based in the state’s capital since 1853, moved in January to New York City. And General Electric left its headquarters in Fairfield in 2016 after more than 40 years.
Ridgewood NJ, Ramapo Senior pitcher Jerry D’Andrea has signed a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
D’Andrea a Ridgewood native was a four-year member of the Roadrunner team who recently graduated from the College with a degree in Environmental Science. Plans have changed as the 2018 captain will join fellow Roadrunner Cory Heitler with the Reds organization.
During his career at Ramapo, D’Andrea pitched over 188 innings in 50 appearances. He collected a 2.77 career ERA while striking out 176 batters. He collected 13 wins and pitched four complete games facing 822 batters. His name appears numerous times on the all-time records list as he is in the top ten for strikeouts in a season, career strikeouts, innings pitched in a season, and career appearances. He sits at #1 on the all-time list for career saves with ten.
He was awarded NJAC 1st Team All-Conference, D3baseball.com All-Region 2nd Team, and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region 2nd Team during his career and managed a 3.0 GPA .
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood native Anne Donovan, the Basketball Hall of Famer who won a national championship at Old Dominion, two Olympic gold medals in the 1980s and coached the U.S. to gold in 2008, died Wednesday of heart failure at the age of 56.
Donovan grew up in Ridgewood , played at Paramus Catholic where she became Bergen County’s all-time leading Basketball scorer.
Donovan’s family confirmed the death in a statement :
“While it is extremely difficult to express how devastating it is to lose Anne, our family remains so very grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful human being,” the statement said. “Anne touched many lives as a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and coach. Anne was a person with strong faith, courageous spirit, a giving heart and love for everyone,” her family’s statement continued. “We are so proud of her accomplishments as a women’s’ basketball player and coach, but even more proud of her character, integrity, humility and kindness.”
Ridgewood NJ, once again the Village of Ridgewood became a “Bee City ” . At last nights Village Council meeting the council read a proclamation proclaiming the third week of June as , national Pollinator Week .
Bee City USA fosters ongoing dialogue in urban areas to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in our communities and what each of us can do to provide them with healthy habitat.
The Bee City USA program endorses a set of commitments, defined in a resolution, for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet.
Ridgewood NJ, In a continuing effort to improve the customer experience, NJ TRANSIT is taking steps to modernize the fare payment system and offer additional payment options. The proposed upgrades seek to reduce cash and paper-based tickets while providing customers with quick, easy and convenient ways to pay.
“Improving the customer experience has been at the top of my priority list,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “Giving customers the ability to utilize the latest technology to pay fares offers a major convenience to them and multiple benefits including easier payment options, speeding up boarding and making our collection systems more efficient and up to date.”
A contract renewal approved by the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors earlier this year with Conduent Transport Solutions Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey, includes provisions to accept mobile payments, open bank cards and a NJ TRANSIT fare card.
The contract allows NJ TRANSIT and Conduent to develop the future of fare payment systems within the NJ TRANSIT system including:
The acceptance of mobile payments and open contactless bank cards.
A new contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card with options to add cash value to the card at local retailers.
Customer account management through the NJ TRANSIT App or online.
Installation of more than 2,500 validators on the bus fleet and on light rail platforms to accept the contactless fare card, mobile payments and barcodes.
Upgrades to TVMs, ticket office machines and the MyTix sales feature of the Mobile App.
These emerging technologies will incorporate an account based system where customers can manage their account, view ride and ticket history, check balances and add value. Customers who do not have access to mobile payments or contactless bank cards, will achieve the same level of convenience using a contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card. As a result, all customers will experience greater convenience with a tap and ride feel.
The current electronic ticketing through the Mobile App will continue to be used, upgraded and expanded. The contactless fare card is a great option for our cash customers and would be a complement to the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, MyTix ticketing.
Ridgewood NJ, For a fifth consecutive year, The Valley Hospital has been named a Women’s Choice Award® recipient as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care, acknowledging Valley’s dedication to providing exceptional patient care and cancer treatment care for women and their families.
Valley is one of only 452 hospitals nationwide that have earned the 2018 Women’s Choice Award® by meeting the highest cancer care accreditation standards of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, demonstrating excellence in clinical performance with regard to patient safety measures, and having a high recommendation rate.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals for cancer care for the fifth consecutive year,” said Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System. “Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, a partnership between The Valley Hospital and Mount Sinai Health System, continues to develop new and enhanced inpatient and outpatient services. This award affirms our ability to consistently deliver compassionate, world-class cancer care to our patients within the scope of a wider, integrated network.”
To be considered for the award, a hospital must be designated by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Classification (ACS CoC) as one of four specific types of cancer programs. The Women’s Choice Award measures hospitals on the presence of specific cancer-related services offered onsite, infection rates and patient recommendation ratings on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The award is unique in that criteria also include primary research about women’s healthcare preferences.
Delia Passi, Founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, emphasized that Valley and all other hospital and facility recipients of this 2018 recognition deliver on the care that matters most to women. “In addition to our award winners’ high-level performance on a national level, they provide the care that women value most, including easily accessible services onsite to avoid multiple trips for their treatment, which is so important to women faced with a cancer diagnosis,” stated Passi.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood YMCA invites the public to attend our World Service Day Fundraiser featuring food trucks, live entertainment, carnival games and inflatables for the kids and more on Sunday, July 15 from 10:30am until 4pm at the Ridgewood Y!
This outdoor event will be held on the grounds of the Ridgewood YMCA at 112 Oak Street, near the Ridgewood business district. Food for purchase includes food trucks with a variety of tempting dishes, live musical entertainment and performers, carnival games, face painting and inflatables for the kids, a beer and wine garden for the adults! This event is rain or shine and proceeds will support the YMCA World Service Organization’s initiatives!
Admission to this event is $5.00 per person. Children 3 years of age and under are admitted free! Download Flyer and share with your friends!
Interested in learning more about being a sponsor of this event? Contact Megan mheller@ridgewoodymca.org or 201.444.5600 x375.
To learn more, please visit our website at www.ridgewoodymca.org
Ridgewood YMCA Announces World Service Day Event on July 15
Sun, July 15, 2018
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The Ridgewood YMCA is located at 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Tel: 201.444.5600
(Kevin J. Rooney, a Republican, is an Assemblyman representing parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties in the 40th Legislative District.)
Ridgewood NJ, A Monmouth University poll recently found the unsurprising fact that New Jerseyans are more concerned about their nation-high property taxes than any other issue in the state. The second biggest concern is all the other taxes we have to pay.
Yet, our governor has presented a budget that intends to raise taxes by $1.7 billion, with over $729 million of that tax hike being forced on the low- and middle-class by increasing the sales tax and expanding it to Uber, Lyft, AirBNB and online shoppers.
In the meantime, his budget reduces overall property tax relief by keeping state aid from municipalities and cutting rebates for low-income families, seniors and the disabled in half. But don’t worry taxpayers; the money Gov. Phil Murphy is cutting from property tax relief will be going toward raises for the public unions who got him elected.
For decades the number one issue in New Jersey has been our incredibly high property taxes. So lowering property taxes should be his number one priority.
But it’s not.
Instead, Murphy talks out of both sides of his mouth. First he talks about the state’s budget problems then proposes spending that costs a billion dollars more than his misguided tax hikes. His plan to prop-up his budget is no different than the past governors he criticizes for passing on this mess.
The plan will divert half of the money from an environmental settlement with ExxonMobil to prop-up his budget, in direct contradiction to his campaign promise to use environmental money for environmental purposes. Those New Jersey values he likes to talk about aren’t reflected, because Murphy is not only breaking a promise, he is blatantly disregarding the will of the voters who elected him. Those same voters constitutionally dedicated environmental money for environmental purposes just last year.
Murphy will also use money the state received from a settlement with Volkswagen to prop-up his budget, and he raided affordable housing funds so towns with court-ordered obligations have to put the entire cost burden on property tax payers who are unwillingly being forced to build housing that is not wanted or needed.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver made it clear what the problem is while addressing the Assembly Budget Committee. She said the governor “probably had no idea” as a candidate last year just how bad the state’s budget problems really are.
He seems fine with having no idea of what the state’s budget problems are. New Jersey has been cited as being in the worst fiscal condition in the nation, with our state’s long-term finances having been referred to as “dire.” While we can’t pay for all of the programs we have now, Murphy is piling on with new unaffordable programs.
In addition to free community college, universal pre-K, financial aid for unauthorized immigrants and salary increases for his cabinet officials; Murphy has recently proposed giving science, technology, engineering and math employees, but nobody else, student debt relief. The employers will even be required to match whatever amount the state reimburses.
All of these extravagant programs are well intended, but they are very irresponsible and clearly show that his attention is on an unrealistic New Jersey utopia rather than a state in dire straits whose residents just want somebody to lower their property taxes.
Murphy and his Democrat colleagues have even become somewhat hypocritical about property taxes.
While continually complaining about the federal government capping property tax deductions at $10,000, Democrats ignore that the cap was modeled on what New Jersey already does.
The common-sense response is to eliminate New Jersey’s own $10,000 cap to help residents who get hit by the new federal cap. That would provide immediate property tax relief for our residents. Unfortunately, that idea has been voted down four times by Democrats, who have controlled the legislature since 2001.
In its place is a superficial scheme to create government charities that would give tax credits for contributions. The scheme won’t work because the IRS has to recognize a charitable organization before it becomes legitimate. That is a hard sell when there is no real charitable intent and a public campaign parading this plan as an escape from federal tax policy.
In fact, the IRS has already given notice to states that the scheme won’t work. So Murphy will just entangle the state in another costly lawsuit — there are 30 –against the federal government on the taxpayer’s dime.
Murphy is out of tune with state taxpayers. He is redirecting funds against the public will and using the same gimmicks that he claims got the state in this mess in the first place. And with three weeks left to sign a balanced budget, he still plans to raise taxes and spending and provide less relief.
§ 105-13 Pet solid waste.
[Added 9-26-1978 by Ord. No. 1689; amended 8-14-1984 by Ord. No. 1946; 12-14-2005 by Ord. No. 2964]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for the proper disposal of pet solid waste in the Village of Ridgewood, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.
B.
Definitions and word usage. For the purpose of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their definitions shall give the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this section clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory.
IMMEDIATE The pet solid waste is removed at once, without delay. OWNER/KEEPER Any person who shall posses, maintain, house, be responsible for, or harbor any pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether or not the owner of such pet. PERSON Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal jurisdiction. PET A domesticated animal (other than a disability assistance animal) kept for amusement or companionship. PET SOLID WASTE Waste matter expelled from the bowels of the pet; excrement. PROPER DISPOSAL Placement in a designated waste receptacle, or other suitable container, and discarded in a refuse container which is regularly emptied by the Village of Ridgewood or some other refuse collector; or disposal into a system designed to convey domestic sewage for proper treatment and disposal.
C.
Requirement for disposal. All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately and properly dispose of their pet’s solid waste deposited on any property; public or private, not owned or possessed by that person.
D.
Exemptions. Any owner or pet keeper who requires the use of a disability assistance animal shall be exempt from the provisions of this section while such animal is being used for that purpose.
E.
Enforcement. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the Board of Health of the Village of Ridgewood and the Village of Ridgewood Police Department.
F.
Violations and penalties. Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 in accordance with Chapter 105, § 105-16.
G.
Severability. Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this section is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this section to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this section.
H.
When effective. This section shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.
North Jersey media attempts to put the bill on Mayor Knudsen implying “A dispute over civil service law, which became a driving issue during this year’s council race, has cost village taxpayers $1,377 in legal fees.”, omitting the suit was brought by the usual list of suspects and encouraged by the erroneous reporting by North Jersey Media . In many people eyes the residents who pushed the bogus legal action should be held accountable for the bill of $1377.
North Jersey Media even turned to Councilman Jeffrey Voigt a dubious source at best , who “said he felt the statements affected the election, but added that he is more concerned that Knudsen used “town money to defend herself.” . Voigt is the same councilmen that sues residents who OPRA his council correspondences.
North Jersey Media once gain ignored the fact that New Jersey is a civil service state and Ridgewood is a civil service town . The civil service rules and regulations control the hiring practices of the Village of Ridgewood.
North Jersey Media has also refused to retract earlier reports that misstated hiring practices of the Village. and now they go as far as to misstate Village Attorney Matt Rogers report on a memo written by Labor Attorney Dominick Bratti that clearly put the issue to bed.
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING JUNE 13, 2018 8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
Recognize 60th Anniversary of Kasschau Memorial Shell
8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
9. Village Manager’s Report
10. Village Council Reports
11. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
12. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
18-169 Award Professional Services Contract – Water Rate Study
14. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
NONE
15. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3639 – Amend Chapter 212-31 – Skate Park Rules and Regulations
3646 – Establish Valet Parking Area on North Broad Street
3647 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish Regulations for Blade Signs in Central Business District
3648 – Amend Chapter 172-6 – Nuisances Enumerated – Bands and Music
3649 – Redevelopment Plan – Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13 – Hudson Street Parking Lot
16. RESOLUTIONS
18-170 Waive Fourth of July Vendor Fees
18-171 Grant Permission to Fireworks Company for Fireworks Display
18-172 Reject Bids – School Bus Transportation – Summer Day Camp
18-173 Title 59 Approval – School Bus Transportation – Summer Day Camp
18-174 Award Contract – School Bus Transportation – Summer Day Camp
18-175 Title 59 Approval – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
18-176 Award Contract – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
18-177 Award Contract under State Contract – Carpet Replacement – Police Department
18-178 Award Contract under State Contract – Carpet Replacement – Finance Department
18-179 Award Contract under State Contract – 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV – Fire Department
18-180 Award Professional Services Contract – Phase 1 Archaeological Study – Schedler Property
18-181 Extend Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs in Central Business District
18-182 Authorize Encroachment Agreement – 34 Wilsey Square – Block 3807, Lot 6.01
18-183 Authorize Mailing of Estimated 2018 Third Quarter Tax Bills
18-184 Authorize Joining U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance
18-185 Authorize Joining Somerset County Cooperative Pricing
18-186 Authorize Director of Parks and Recreation to Sign Certain Seasonal Contracts
18-187 Authorize Application to AARP Community Grant for Age Friendly Ridgewood – Pedestrian Safety Improvements
18-188 Endorse Application for Bergen County Historic Preservation Grant for James Rose Center
18-189 Authorize Settlement of Claim – 386 High View Terrace –
18-190 Authorize Execution of Developer’s Agreement – Two Forty Associates
18-191 Authorize Execution of Developer’s Agreement – The Dayton
18-192 Approve 2018-2019 Renewals of Liquor Licenses
17. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
18. Resolution to go into Closed Session
19. Closed Session
Legal – Potential Litigation – Healthbarn
20. Adjournment
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report multiply incidence of identity theft in the Village. On May 29th, an Eastside Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report identity theft. The victim reported an unknown person opened two retail store credit card accounts utilizing his personal information in Syracuse, N.Y. and Hawthorne, N.Y. without his authorization. Both retail stores contacted the victim and they were advised the accounts were fraudulent and both accounts were closed. The victim was then provided an identity theft information fact sheet and advised to monitor his accounts.
On May 29th, a Heights Road resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report a fraud in the past. The victim reported an unknown person purchased an Apple iPhone and added a new line to his account without authorization. The victim reported Verizon was able to cancel the purchase before it was shipped to a location in Philadelphia, Pa. The victim reported he has been a victim of several identity thefts in the past and he will continue to monitor his accounts.
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