Tag: The Ridgewood Historical Society

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention

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July 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, When power outages occur after severe weather, using alternative sources of power can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in a home and poison the people and animals inside.
Every year, at least 430 people die in the U. S. from accidental CO poisoning. Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning. There are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your household from CO poisoning.

CO is found in fumes produced by portable generators, stoves, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips
Change the batteries in your CO detector every six months. If you don’t have a battery-powered or battery back-up CO detector, buy one soon.
Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open. Keep vents and flues free of debris. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
When you use a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home too.
Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
If it’s too hot, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 or a health care professional right away.
CO poisoning is entirely preventable. You can protect yourself and your family by acting wisely in case of a power outage and learning the symptoms of CO poisoning.
For more information, please visit the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning website.

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Bergen County : preventing mosquito-borne illness

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July 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, from the office of the Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco ,when it comes to mosquitoes, Bergen County is biting back! Bergen County Mosquito Control works diligently throughout the year to reduce and eliminate the mosquito population through a variety of environmentally responsible best practices. But we also need your help to keep our communities safe and healthy!

I want to encourage each of you to do your part in preventing mosquito-borne illness by taking practical steps in and around your home. Please watch and share this video and visit https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/mosquito-control to download our residential Mosquito Habitat Checklist.

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Ridgewood Firefighters used a Thermal Imaging camera to find Trapped Cat

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

July 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Members of Ridgewood Fire Department Engine Company #35 and Rescue Company #42 responded to a single family home in the 400 block of Dorchester Road, Ridgewood on Saturday night, 07/21 to rescue a kitten who had become trapped within one of the home’s interior walls. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to assist in locating the feline, who was successfully rescued within 30 minutes of their arrival on scene. Ridgewood Police also responded to the incident. Property damage to the home was minimal. The somewhat traumatized kitten, Toby, was immediately wrapped in a blanket and placed in his master’s arms.

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Ridgewood’s downtown and Graydon were featured in News 12’s “On the Road” segment

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photo courtesy of Village of Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache Facebook page

July 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, Marcia Ringel  of The Preserve Graydon Coalition, www.PreserveGraydon.org reports in their latest eblast :

“We’re on TV! Ridgewood’s downtown and Graydon were featured in News 12’s “On the Road” segment last night.

The clip is only a few minutes long. Warning: the opening music is loud:

https://newjersey.news12.com/clip/14505162/on-the-road-ridgewoods-graydon-pool

The first reporter, on a busy Friday night downtown, says he’s on Ridgefield Avenue. Oh well. But the second one, on site at Graydon, extols our village gem, praising its location in the center of town and noting its fortunate escape from a cemented fate. Thank you, everybody–our hard work that started precisely nine years ago, in July 2009, endures. Now it’s a blip in village history, as we had hoped.

Then the reporter jumps off the high dive, calling it “immersive journalism.”

The program shows the 1936 cornerstone of the historic skating shelter, located in the lower right corner of what became the badge office. The building and the low stone walls around the swimming area and tree were created as a WPA project in the 1930s. Fires in the fireplace in the shelter warmed cold skaters.

photo courtesy of Preserve Graydon

The cornerstone of Graydon’s first official building. An ice skating rink was created on the lake, used informally for that purpose for years, in December 1927. The site was adapted for swimming in July 1931. That’s 87 years (and counting) of summer fun. “

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Summons Issued for Saturday morning collision at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and Bellair Road in Ridgewood

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

July 22.2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Jack Knudsen issued one (1) summons to an SUV driver involved in a two (2) vehicle, Saturday morning, 07/21, collision at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and Bellair Road, Ridgewood. Two (2) flatbed tow trucks were required to remove the smashed vehicles from the scene. Ridgewood Fire Department and Ridgewood EMS also responded to the incident. One (1) person sustained a non life threatening injury during the crash. Ridgewood Fire Department personnel attended to a minor crash related fluid spill.

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Never Forget Candidate Harwin was promoted by the Queen of overdevelopment state Senator Loretta Weinberg

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July 21,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, those residents who are concerned with the current level of over development in Ridgewood ,she remain vigilant .the village dogged a bullet during the last election no matter what the Aronsohn and Co. protors want you to think. Candidate Harwin was promoted by the Queen of overdevelopment state Senator Loretta Weinberg.

Don’t think this Village Council Election is all about high density house and forced over development ,think again ,Harwin is bragging all over the internet on her endorsement of “high density” Senator Loretta Weinberg.
Weinberg has continually promoted over development in Bergen County .
Harwin: So grateful to be endorsed by Loretta Weinberg, NJ State Senate Majority Leader and women’s leadership pioneer.
“Now, more than ever, we need to elect strong, progressive women, and it is in that spirit that I hope Alexandra Harwin gets elected to the Ridgewood Council. She’s smart. She’s thoughtful. And she would bring to Village Hall a welcome mix of energy, passion and integrity. Ridgewood is lucky to have Ali Harwin. I hope you vote for her on Tuesday, May 8.”
— Senator Loretta Weinberg — with Alexandra Harwin and Loretta Weinberg.

https://theridgewoodblog.net/weinberg-endorsement-of-harwin-key-to-high-density-development-efforts-in-ridgewood/

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Reader says People are willing to squeeze and financially suffer in order to get into a good school district

high density housing Ridgewood

No, I am not saying that only poor people with lots of kids will move in. Very few apartments are being allowed for low income, and that basically means an income lower than the average Ridgewood taxpayer. Many current Ridgewood residents could qualify. I am saying that, as has been noted before, many houses go on sale at Graduation time and the sale sign is posted near a Congratulations lawn sign. Many potential renters will find these apartments (at regular price) cheaper than either renting or buying in Ridgewood and the 2 bedrooms can handle at least 2 kids and the 3 bedrooms more. The various garden apartments in town have many children in them now.Though the quality of education has declined drastically since we moved in, it is still better than many other towns and Counties can offer. People are willing to squeeze and financially suffer in order to get into a good school district. The first built will have astronomical rents but the more that are built, the more the rents cannot stay that high. They will be reasonable for people with children. The high school is seeing the last of the lower birth rate children. Our lower grades are seeing a larger amount of children currently. Just drive around town and notice all the baby toys and strollers!

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Reader says we voted for least objectionable candidates – not all were necessarily “good” candidates

Village Council election signs

Face it James – we voted for least objectionable candidates – not all were necessarily “good” candidates.
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2016 – Voight and Hache were better than Willett, Weitz and Brooks and I voted for Voight and Hache, because they were the least offensive of the five – not because they were good.
Let me restate that… the candidate list was SO BAD that Voight got my vote.
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2018 – Knudsen was better than Harwin and Willett and I voted for Knudsen. She is a nice person, but is not strong enough (or maybe doesn’t have the desire) to oppose the garage or fight low income housing (like Wyckoff is doing) – again least objetionable vote.
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Sedon and Walsh are the best of the bunch.

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Ridgewood YMCA and YWCA Bergen County Announce Plans to Restructure Their Shared Operations

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July 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,After a productive partnership spanning 70 years in their shared 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood facility, the Boards of Directors of the Ridgewood YMCA and YWCA Bergen County announce plans to restructure their joint operations.

While the Ridgewood YMCA will continue operations at 112 Oak Street, YWCA Bergen County will move its operations and services to a new, centrally located Bergen County headquarters with satellite programs in communities served. The transition period will begin in August 2018 and be completed in September 2018.

“The Ridgewood YMCA and YWCA Bergen County have decided this course of action to better serve our community while preserving the very important missions of our respective organizations,” said Ernest Lamour, CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA.

“We support the Ridgewood YMCA’s essential work as they do ours, and have mutually agreed to end our longstanding partnership so we can deepen and strengthen our commitments to our complementary but distinct missions,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Bergen County. “We believe this thoughtful decision will help ensure that both organizations remain sustainable and relevant to the people we serve well into the future.”
The Ridgewood YMCA will expand its operations at 112 Oak Street and provide the same high-quality services that all members have come to expect and enjoy in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A future capital fundraising campaign will be explored, and with the support of the community, much needed facility upgrades and improvements will be made.

YWCA Bergen County will expand and enrich its core programs and services, including empowering women and girls with the tools they need to learn and grow, advocating for the equality of all people, supporting families with excellent child care and camps, enhancing the well-being of people of all ages and abilities, raising awareness to prevent sexual violence, and helping survivors heal.
Ridgewood YMCA and BFC members in good standing will continue their membership unchanged. YWCA Bergen County members will receive information specific to their memberships, and can contact questions@ywcabergencounty.org for assistance.

Visit Ridgewood YMCA (ridgewoodymca.org) and YWCA Bergen County (ywcabergencounty.org) on the web, and follow them on social media for information and updates.

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The Ridgewood Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the rider of a motorcycle that was last seen riding in the Saddle River County Park

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July 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the rider of a motorcycle that was last seen riding in the Saddle River County Park.
Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance for any information that may lead to the identity of the rider.

In the past a Ridgewood Police Officer observed a motocross type motorcycle travelling at excessive speed on the Dunhum Trail and PSE&G Right-Away in the area of Spring Avenue and Grove Street. We ask you to Call 9-1-1 if you see any dangerous driving practices that could cause personal injury or loss of life. When contacting police, try to note the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, make, model, license plate number and driver’s description.
Racing is dangerous, unlawful and puts innocent people at risk of injury or death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ridgewood Police Detective Bureau at 201-251-4536 or Detective Steven Shortway at 201-670-5500 Extension 423.

 

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New Jersey Wants to Tax Your Water

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July 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  according to State Sen. Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, water pipelines across the state are old, they’re decaying, they pose a serious health risk and the issue is getting worse.

“There is a big problem and it is a problem that affects your health, your kid’s health and your grandchildren’s health,” Smith said.

He has introduced legislation that would impose a 10-cent tax on every 1,000 gallons consumed, which Smith estimates would cost the average New Jersey household about $32 a year and would net the state about $150 million annually.

According to Smith  the proposal being submitted is not actually a tax and  he is marketing it as “user fee” even though you already get a water bill.

A “user fee” would be a flat rate. He wants 10 cents per 1,000 gallons so it functions more like a tax than a fee like getting a driver’s license.

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Ridgewood Art Institute Summer Sessions for Young People 2018

The Ridgewood Art Institute

July 20th 2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Give the gift of Art to a Young Aspiring Artist you love. All students are taught in direct relation to their own personal skill level. For younger students, this could be an introduction to a life long passion. High school students will find these classes useful for creating a portfolio, needed for college application.e staff of the Ridgewood blog

Summer Sessions for Young People 2018

Drawing
August 6-10
2:30-4:30pm
Rebecca Leer
rebecca_leer@msn.com
201-906-6839

Drawing for Young People – ages 8 to 17 (East Studio)

All levels are welcome. Students will learn basic techniques of line, shape, proportion, perspective and shading while working from a variety of still-life objects and the human face. Instruction will be tailored to each student.
Fee: $185 supplies purchased: $35

August 27-Aug 31
2:30-4:30pm
Joel Popadics
joel@watercolorpop.com
(973) 851-0366

Learn How to Draw-People, Landscapes & Still Life -ages 9 to 17 (East Studio)

All levels will discover the basics of drawing with exercises that are designed to be fun and easy to comprehend. Each session will focus on a different subject – everyday objects, people, landscapes and perspective while working in pencil, charcoal and pen & ink. Fee: $185 supplies purchased: $35
Painting
July 30-August 3
2:30-4:30pm
Sue Barrasi
suebarrasi@gmail.com
(845) 548-2305

Oil Painting for Young People – ages 8 to 17 (West Studio)

Students will learn and explore the world of classical painting. Emphasis will be on painting directly from life as students will learn to “see” the beauty of the prismatic flow of light. Students who wish to paint landscapes will be given the opportunity to paint from plein air color studies in order to observe effects of the atmosphere and learn basic principles of landscape painting. Beginner to serious young artists. Fee: $185 supplies for the week: $25

August 6 -August 10
2:30-4:30pm
Diana Gibson
dianakgibson@yahoo.com
(973) 962-6436

Oil Painting for Young People – ages 8 to 17 (West Studio)

Great for beginner and serious young artists. High School students, create a piece for your college admissions art portfolio. Traditional art instruction in a fun encouraging environment. New & returning students welcome! Fee: $185 supplies for the week: $25

August 13-17
2:30-4:30pm
Laura Paray
laura@paray.com
(201) 281-6940

Oil Painting for Young People – ages 8 to 17 (East Studio)

Your child will learn the basic techniques of oil painting and will create still life and landscape paintings to completion. They will learn concepts such as massing in, color and value.
Fee: $185 supplies for the week: $25

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Microirrigation the Next Big Thing

Sprinkler watering the lawn

July 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, July is #SmartIrrigationMonth. If you have you been thinking about installing a dripline system? Check out the article below to start saving money and water. #WaterConservation #Sustainability

Microirrigation is a low-pressure, low-flow-rate type of irrigation that can reduce the likelihood of overwatering a landscape. This form of irrigation delivers water directly to where it is needed most-the root zone of plants. It also delivers the water slowly and over a longer period of time, preventing runoff and reducing evaporation. Microirrigation systems use 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional sprinkler systems and can reduce residential or commercial landscape irrigation water use.
WaterSense has developed two guides to help irrigation professionals and homeowners understand the benefits of microirrigation. The guides also provide design, installation, and maintenance tips, which are the keys to an efficient irrigation system.

Adding Microirrigation to Your Services: A Mini-Guide for Irrigation Professionals(16 pp, 8 MB, About PDF) explains how designing, installing, or retrofitting an existing system with microirrigation can help your customers save water and enhance plant health.

Saving Water With Microirrigation: A Homeowner’s Guide(8 pp, 9 MB, About PDF) describes the types of landscapes where microirrigation works best and suggests how to work with an irrigation professional to design and install a system.

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Reader says The School budget is always over puffed and they know it–that’s why they chose to eliminate the vote

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If it’s true that the council is too ignorant about the school budget to know how to reduce it if it is voted down in the future, they should make an effort to learn about it in advance. They could have a private meeting at which those who are knowledgeable about the budget can educate them. This would be important anyway because the budget probably isn’t finalized until shortly before the April elections (not sure). There is no reason for them to have to thrash through it blindly. The last time the budget was defeated the council was indeed over its head and barely removed anything. That was an important lesson for all subsequent councils. They already have plenty to do but since this is now on their plate, it’s a new thing to learn, long in advance. The only negative part about reverting to April (as has been noted on this blog by others) is that the BOE and Supt. will BOMBARD AND BLAST all parents and residents with entreaties to vote yes, more than they used to do before the age of social media. Nevertheless, we must resist. The budget is always overpuffed and they know it–that’s why they chose to eliminate the vote and popped a spring trying to prevent it from going back. Too bad. The budget is bizarre for a town of this size and driving people away. Just no, school board. Figure it out.

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Reader says if you believe no children will fill those apartments, I have a nice bridge to sell you

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We can’t afford to move but this means that we will never shop anywhere in Ridgewood again. Kings at least has its own parking. Our taxes have more than quadrupled in the time we have lived here. Now I assume they will quadruple again in the next 2 years. Ridgewood will soon be a town of only million dollar incomes because no-one making less will be able to afford to live here. Not only is the garage a financial disaster but the new apartments will require much more school space for all the children who will arrive with them. The quotes of”‘little or no children” were based on the one tall apartment building at the corner of Franklin and Maple. None of the garden apartments were surveyed at all. Why? Because children live in those. And, as someone said before, if you believe no children will fill those apartments, I have a nice bridge to sell you. Our council seems to have believed the hype that they will only be filled with hundreds of very very rich people who either have no children or are retired with a huge pension and who also don’t even have one car per apartment. I guess they were testers of the marijuana product before it comes on the open market. I hope they are planning to greatly increase the police budget because the garage and apartments will require many more police responses than we have police to cover the calls.