>“The Prisoner” Opening credits
>Leaves : people don’t want to do anything that requires them to do more work
>Leaves : People don’t want to do anything that requires them to do more work
Can I just remind people what many said when it was suggested that trash cans be brought to the curb… we don’t want that it would make our town look untidy, like some of those other towns. We are proud of how beautiful our town looks.
Now that the suggestion has been made that bagging the leaves would make the town look better, and merely bring us up to what other towns are already doing, people are saying that dumping the leaves in huge untidy piles in the street is easier and we pay people to take care of it.
These two things have only one thing in common, people don’t want to do anything that requires them to do more work. When you hear people talikng about a lazy sense of entitlement, that is what they are talking about.
You don’t care what the town looks like, you just don’t want to have to do anything yourself. Let’s be honest now.
>Leaves: Reader says Bag them
>Leaves: Reader says Bag them
Bag them or take to recycling or compost them – or a mix of all 3.
We have no trees in our yard that drop any leaves. But most of our neighbors do, and so we get a lot. For years we have bagged them or taken to recycling. We also compost some.
We do it out of common courtesy to others- because if we don’t, the leaves just blow down the street and into everyone’s yards, over and over again.
Just using some common sense and respecting other neighbors can really go a long way.
Unfortunately though, some people don’t do those things, and that’s why putting leaves or anything else in the streets should be made illegal. It creates hazards for everyone as well as being a nuisance.
You do have to enforce it though- even the law about it now (7 days before scheduled pickup) is not enforced. Besides, curr. ordinance is unworkable- the schedule often needs to be changed due to weather and/or storms.
It will also save money and allow what crews we do have to focus on getting to some of the huge amount of other work that’s been left undone time and again, often for years.
So, you get savings to taxpayers, better street conditions, and other benefits if you just stop this “tradition”.
Yet seems some people oppose that idea bitterly, feeling that they shouldn’t be subject to sensible rules for a fully-developed community. Maybe they think they are in the country here or something.
Fact is that nearly anything you do here impacts others, it has been that way for a long time. That’s why rules are necessary about so much stuff- because some people don’t use common sense and courtesy.
>Document drop: What Scholastic is teaching your kids about the Occupiers
>I thought I was reading my daughters’ take home material from elementary and middle school (by HS, they figure that they have been indoctrinated, so they move onto activism)
Document drop: What Scholastic is teaching your kids about the Occupiers
By Michelle Malkin • December 9, 2011 11:30 AM
Scholastic Inc. is a nearly century-old educational publishing company that distributes books, magazines, and other teaching materials through the schools.
If you have kids (or remember from your own grade-school days), Scholastic puts out news bulletins that get sent home weekly or monthly.
One of those items is Scholastic News, which bills itself as “America’s Leading News Source for kids.”
Reader Edward has a daughter in fourth grade who brought home the December issue of Scholastic News — and he wasn’t too happy when he saw the publication’s coverage of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
>Happy Holidays from Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
>Happy Holidays from Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
The holidays are fast approaching! New Shipments
of humidors, lighters, cutters, ashtrays, pens and of
course super premium cigars!
Stop by and see us!
-Gary, Barbara and Collin
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood | 10 Chestnut Street | Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: info@tobaccoshop.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM and Thursday Night 6:30PM – 8:30PM
>Rooting for the American Dream
>Rooting for the American Dream
County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan
Friday December 9, 2011
The Record ~ Op-Ed
I APPRECIATE the opportunity to respond to Carl Golden’s article in the Sunday Opinion section (“Will this Dream Come True?” Dec. 4).
I take exception to his use of the phrase “too big to fail.” There is no benefit in making tortured comparisons of American Dream Meadowlands and the big banks.
The people of Bergen County, many of whom work in the financial services industry, have suffered terribly during this recession. Residents are looking to their leaders to provide solutions.
My administration is dedicated to eliminating economic fear and uncertainty. We are committed to creating a climate that allows for a return to economic growth and prosperity.
To that end, at a time when there is 40 percent unemployment in the construction trades, American Dream will provide employment for more than 9,000 workers.
Furthermore, with overall unemployment approaching all-time highs, American Dream, when completed, will provide some 15,000 full-time jobs on-site. The economic and social ripples will be astronomical. What Mall of America did for Bloomington, Minn., American Dream will do for Bergen County and the region.
Triple Five, in addition to its own considerable investment and previously secured venture capital, has sought other financing mechanisms as well. It has applied for the Tax Increment Financing program, which is incentive to businesses regulated by the state Economic Development Corporation.
A TIF, as this financing instrument is called, does not require the taxpayers of Bergen County to invest anything. It is in effect a loan by New Jersey that is paid for by a portion of the sales tax proceeds generated by the development.
Acting as a pass-through
Triple Five has also informally requested that Bergen County act as a pass-through agency to allow for bonds to be sold to investors in an offering they have negotiated with the State of Wisconsin.
The developers of American Dream have never proposed that the county provide funding or assume risk for the project. And if they had sought to burden the taxpayers of Bergen County for this project, the answer from my office would have been and will always be a resounding “No!”
What distinguishes Triple Five’s realistic and good-faith financing plan from the prior specious economic projections, faulty engineering schematics and inexperienced developers that propelled the failures of Xanadu and Encap is that their business model has already been proven successful – not once, but twice. Unfortunately, politicians like Senator Bob Gordon who sat by and watched as the taxpayers were fleeced for Encap and Xanadu, purposely distorted these facts to serve his own short term political agenda; to get elected, even at the cost of the truth.
The developers of American Dream have identified Xanadu’s fatal flaws and have proposed remedial action. Their formula for success is modeled after the successful Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall – two of the world’s largest and most successful that attract tourists from all over the world.
The amusement/water parks they have proposed are signature components of their other successful ventures and also reflect the ingredients that have made Disney in Orlando one of the greatest tourist draws in the world.
The people of Bergen County know that I have consistently opposed corporate welfare. I was the only public official to criticize the previous administration in Trenton that allowed the owners of the Jets and Giants to sell personal seating licenses and pocket the approximate $800 million gain without paying one nickel of tax to New Jersey. That’s corporate welfare in its purest form. How many jobs did that $800 million windfall create? What are the social and community benefits? There is no comparison to Triple Five’s unparalleled reputation for quality retail experiences, commitment to civic and philanthropic causes and the environment, in addition to a philosophy of supportive integration with local economies.
An environmental role
Triple Five takes its environmental leadership role seriously. For example, Mall of America has utilized cutting-edge environmental technology for decades, recycling more than 60 percent of its waste – an average of 32,000 tons per year.
It converts the fat from restaurant fryers into more than 4,000 pounds of biodiesel per month. The comfortable 70 degrees inside the mall is maintained with passive solar energy from 1.2 miles of skylights and heat generated from store fixtures and lighting and the body heat from mall patrons.
These environmental benchmarks are among the reasons the mall was chosen to host the Big Green Conference in 2010.
When this exemplary environmental record is combined with Triple Five’s philanthropic outreach to many charities and organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Special Olympics and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Bergen County residents will have a willing partner in making our community an even more wonderful place to live.
American Dream is a symbol of economic, social and community renaissance that reflects the best elements of public/private sector partnership.
“Will this Dream come true?” Hopefully, yes!
Most importantly, I support the American Dream Meadowlands not because it is too big to fail, but rather because it is so important it must succeed.
>Town & Country Apothecary is pleased to host a "Sip & Shop"
>Town & Country Apothecary is pleased to host a “Sip & Shop”
Thu, December 15, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Town & Country Apothecary, 60 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ
For your convenience, Town & Country Apothecary is pleased to host a “Sip & Shop” shopping event on Thursday December 15 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM. Gift giving made easy as our personal shoppers do the work for you. Come with your list, sit back, and relax! Light refreshments, complimentary gift wrapping. 10% off all gifts and accessories (excluding cosmetics and prescriptions)
RSVP 201-652-0013 ext 3
>234 mayors endorse Christie plan to alter public employee’s sick leave and vacation benefits
>234 mayors endorse Christie plan to alter public employee’s sick leave and vacation benefits
THURSDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2011 21:34
BY TOM HESTER SR.
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
As Gov. Chris Christie’s office Thursday announced that a bipartisan group of 234 mayors support the governor’s proposal to change how public employee sick leave and vacation pay is allotted, Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) said the legislation is unconstitutional.
The mayors, Republicans and Democrats from every county have joined Christie’s in calling for what he sees as the Democratic-controlled Legislature’s delay in acting on the proposal. The governor argues his proposal would save taxpayer dollars and deliver budget relief to cities and towns.
11 mayors joined the Christie at a press conference in Teaneck, including Bergen County Executive Kathe Donovan and Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin, to call for “action on critical, common sense reforms that will provide significant taxpayer savings and give mayors the tools they need to manage their budgets and hold down property taxes for New Jersey families.”
https://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/234-mayors-endorse-christie-plan-to-alter-public-employees-sick-leave-and-vacation-benefits
>112th Christmas Bird Count
>
112th Christmas Bird Count
Citizen Science in Action
The count period for the 112th Christmas Bird Count will begin on December 14, 2011. Please check the Current Year’s Results link to the right to find out what CBC circles reported on the 111th CBC.
From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission – often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.
https://birds.audubon.org/cbc?gclid=CLHD2dDf9KwCFUbf4AodByK9Rg#
>Leaves: Many Hands make light work
>Leaves: Many Hands make light work
At some point, knowing the difficult situation and unprecedented weather, why not get outside and help clean up the leaves. Rake & bag and transport them. It could not have been a surprise that your thanksgiving guests were coming so why not clean up your area of the street. I mean, if the caterer didn’t come through for a party you would cook your own food, right?
I am not saying I agree with this mess and I certainly don’t agree with the Gabbert raise. Actually, for his level of insubordination towards Paul Aronsohn, I think Gabbert should be fired. And add to that the hefty taxes we pay here Ridgewood there really is no excuse.
All that being said, right now our Village needs our help. Never mind whose job it is or placing the blame for now. If the situation is so dire and dangerous let’s all pitch in. Have a neighborhood clean-up party. Better time spent than writing all these letters and sitting around complaining. Just help clean up.
>I am all for lower taxes, and smarter spending BUT I am not going to support kicking out or making older people feel unwelcome.
>I am all for lower taxes, and smarter spending BUT I am not going to support kicking out or making older people feel unwelcome.
“transform Ridgewood into a thriving semi-urban environment that will offer an array of desirable high wage jobs along with upscale living accommodations that will befit a younger,more upwardly mobile population. “
That is a very scary statement. I am all for lower taxes, and smarter spending BUT I am not going to support kicking out or making older people feel unwelcome.
Additionally, I don’t care if my neighbors are upwardly mobile or stuck in dead end jobs, that is their business. I think Ed needs to review the role of local government. It is not the VC’s role to socially engineer a perfect population.
>NJ Legislators look to eliminate School Budget Vote
>NJ Legislators look to eliminate School Budget Vote
Voting on run-of-the-mill school budgets soon could be phased out in New Jersey.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are supporting a measure to allow school board elections to move to November and to eliminate votes on budgets that fall under the 2% property tax cap.
Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has been pushing the idea for more than a year, saying that the low-turnout April elections often are a rubber stamp that benefit the teachers union. Republican governors in Michigan and Indiana recently signed bills moving school elections to November.
Under the bill, which will get a first airing in an Assembly committee Thursday, school boards, voters or municipalities could choose to move school elections to the general November election date. (Fleisher, The Wall Street Journal)
>Pilot teacher evaluation system slow to gain traction in Newark
>
Pilot teacher evaluation system slow to gain traction in Newark
In New Jersey’s highest-profile school district, plans to test one of Gov. Chris Christie’s highest-profile reform initiatives have gotten off to a bumpy start with the teachers union.
Still, a half-dozen district schools will test a new teacher evaluation system.
Superintendent Cami Anderson plans to formally launch the pilot in the next week, naming a team to oversee the development of the system. She said there would be a heavy emphasis in the beginning on setting clear goals and feedback for teachers.
Anderson said she hoped to put the pilot in place in as many schools as possible, but after what she described as extensive outreach to teachers and the Newark Teachers Union, she was unable to win any buy-in votes. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
New Energy Master Plan explores ways to deploy infrastructure for alternative works
>New Energy Master Plan explores ways to deploy infrastructure for alternative works
The state should explore the possibility of establishing a transportation infrastructure bank to support the increased use of alternatively fueled vehicles, according to the latest version of the Energy Master Plan.
While providing few details on how such a proposal would work, the recommendation is being welcomed by various clean energy advocates. Some of them have been frustrated by the slow pace of developing an infrastructure in New Jersey that would spur people to choose cleaner-running vehicles over those powered by gasoline or diesel.
“It’s a good way to go,” said Chuck Feinberg, chairman of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of alternative transportation fuels. “In the current climate, we’re not going to get any grant program.” (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
>Potential traffic conditions reviewed for two proposed housing developments in Ridgewood
>Potential traffic conditions reviewed for two proposed housing developments in Ridgewood
THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2011, 2:22 PM
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The impacts of two proposed multi-family housing developments on existing traffic conditions in the village would range from minimal to non-existent, according to traffic experts for both projects. Despite recent testimony, however, residents and Ridgewood Planning Board officials remained skeptical, citing pedestrian safety issues and existing transit difficulties in the downtown area.
Testimony on the two projects, Chestnut Village and the Dayton, continued at the planning board on Tuesday. Both are proposed for locations in close proximity to the Central Business District; Chestnut Village would occupy the vacant lot on Chestnut Street from which the Department of Motor Vehicles inspection station used to operate, and the Dayton would be located at the former Brogan Cadillac lot on South Broad Street.
