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>the Fly asks has the BOE put our Math program on the Short Bus?

>Parents explain ,that the Math issue is complex and requires reading and research. They have done that, and they now hope that BOE is reading what they have read.

The article linked below is from the New York Times, from years back when TERC and CMP were implemented in the NY city schools.

The parents at VORMATH think that “reformed” math is an incongruous fit for the demographic of Ridgewood.

We deliver bright and engaged children to the schools who don’t need Math to be “fun” and “creative” for them to get it.

Perhaps the crux of our dislike of TERC Investigations and CMP Math is that was created for lower achievers.

https://www.nytimes.com/library/national/regional/042700ny-math-edu.html

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>Will perimeter fencing soon enclose all of Graydon Park/Pool?

>On April 11th, the Village Council authorized $115K for the purchase and installation of perimeter fencing at Graydon Park/Pool.

However, in spite of assurances from Council members that Graydon would not be completely fenced, a legal bid notice for 2000 linear feet of full perimeter fencing, including several gates, was advertised in the May 25th Ridgewood News. Submitted bids will be opened on June 15th.

All fence sections would be 4 feet in height. 1250 linear feet of fencing is proposed to be constructed of black, decorative steel. The decorative fencing would be installed along Linwood Avenue and North Maple Avenue. The remaining 750 linear feet of fencing, specified to bidders as “non-climbable, chain link mesh,” would be installed along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, near the roller hockey rink, and the north beach.

The Fly wonders; if full perimeter fencing and gates are installed, will the Graydon Park/Pool complex be “locked down” during off season

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>Lease of Pease Library Back on Village Council’s Discussion Agenda

>On Wednesday, June 6, Village Council members will again discuss a proposal to lease a portion of The Pease Memorial Library to a commercial tenant. Council members will meet behind closed doors immediately following their scheduled Work Session.

Most recently, Ridgewood Land and Development LLC proposed leasing a portion of the historic library building on Garber Square as headquarters for their firm’s operations. Lease terms were zero rent for a multi-year period in lieu of the tenant making substantial building improvements.

The proposed zero rent arrangement irked many taxpayers, most notably several League of Women Voters members. Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso was successful in demanding unspecified financial guarantees from the proposed tenant in return for Council members continuing to give the draft lease their due consideration.

No information has been released by Village officials as to whether Ridgewood Land and Development LLC has met Mr. Mancuso’s demands. However, rumors are that several key players severed their relationships with Ridgewood Land and Development LLC following receipt of information relative to Councilman Mancuso’s demands.

Jeff Wells, the principal of Oradell based architectural firm Wells Associates, is reported to be a key player in Ridgewood Land and Development LLC. Mr. Wells is also rumored to be a stakeholder in Ridgewood 120 LLC, owners of 120 Franklin Avenue, the former Town Garage property upon which Village officials hope to someday erect a 50 foot high parking garage.

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>Around the Village in June

>uncle+sam
Kasschau Shell Performance Starts at 8pm in the Kasschau Shell at Vet’s Field. Program – Tunes in June – RHS Bands. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music!

The Board of Education is inviting the public to a welcome reception for Dr. Martin Brooks, the incoming Superintendent of Schools at the Ed Center, third floor, 49 Cottage Place, on Monday, June 11, 2007, from 7:30-8:30 PM. The informal occasion is the first opportunity for residents to meet Dr. Brooks who was appointed to the position at the May 14, 2007, Board meeting. He takes over the Ridgewood post on July 1, 2007

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration Fireworks Tickets Available 6/4 “Parade of Heroes”, Ridgewood’s 97th Annual Celebration, will start with a Flag Raising at 9am at Wilsey Square. Parade begins at 10am. Fireworks Tickets fund this All-Volunteer Committee’s work. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the gate (children 5 and under are free). Tickets are avialable at Alice, Alice, Alice; Town & Country Appothecary; Backyard Living; Artventure Gallery; Citizens Community Bank; Daily Treat Restaurant; Goffle Brook Farm; Hillmann Electric; Hoskins Propane; Irish Eyes Imports; Ridgewood Cycle Shop; Wine Seller.

GigaGolf Father's Day Specialsshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=14707

photo by ArtChick “Just more shameless patriotic pandering”

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Meet Dr. Marty Brooks – June 11, 2007 @ 7:30pm Ed. Center

>The Board of Education is inviting the public to a welcome reception for Dr. Martin Brooks, the incoming Superintendent of Schools at the Ed Center, third floor, 49 Cottage Place, on Monday, June 11, 2007, from 7:30-8:30 PM. The informal occasion is the first opportunity for residents to meet Dr. Brooks who was appointed to the position at the May 14, 2007, Board meeting. He takes over the Ridgewood post on July 1, 2007.

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>The Ridgewood Blog endorses the Team of Caliguire, Schweighardt and Ginty in the Republican Primary

>The Ridgewood Blog endorses the Team of Caliguire, Schweighardt and Ginty in the Republican Primary on June 5th ,there are two primary reasons; 1) no elected official in the state of new jersey has demonstrated the ability to focus on any kind of responsible government what so ever ,so this Blog is encouraging everyone democrats or republican to vote against all local incumbents, its time to take this state back folks and 2) I find it extremely offensive for bunch of big government ,do nothing except raise your taxes guys to claim the Regan mantel ,sorry guys you must be joking and I am not laughing one bit!

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.
Ronald Reagan

Man is not free unless government is limited.
Ronald Reagan

Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.
Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald Reagan

Government always finds a need for whatever money it gets.
Ronald Reagan

Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.
Ronald Reagan

Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.
Ronald Reagan

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>Is it time for Ridgewood’s first BOE recall election?

>Tired of TERC? Annoyed by the appointment of a high priced out-of-town superintendent? Disgusted by a decaying high school? Mad about mold? Appalled by atrocious athletic fields? Tapped out from high property taxes? Well neighbor, why not organize a BOE recall election and vote the bums out?

Despite the appeal of an instant house cleaning, it would not be an easy task to get rid of Mr. Bombace and his merry crew. In order for a recall election to take place, 25 percent of the registered voters in Ridgewood would need to sign a recall election petition.

Currently, there are approximately 15,000 registered voters in the Village. So, you’d need 3,800 valid signatures on a petition (figure 5,000 just to be safe, because some people who aren’t registered voters will wind up signing). Remember, only 2,669 voters turned out for the most recent BOE election; almost double that number of signatures would be required on the petition for a recall election.

During a recall election, taxpayers could opt to vote Bombace & Company out of office, or re-elect them all. Thus, you’d need to have a slate of five running against them. Let’s not forget that this year’s BOE election was uncontested. That is, there may not be five other individuals willing to serve on the BOE.

So who’s ready to step up to the plate and get this project underway?

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>THE NATION SALUTES ITS VETERANS THIS MEMORIAL DAY

>Yesterday, I celebrated Memorial Day with veterans and residents in several communities in Bergen County. I hope that you, too, were able to take a moment from your time with family and friends to reflect upon the peace and freedom that America’s veterans have secured on our behalf. Please take some time to thank a veteran, a servicemember, or a military family this week.

I wanted to share with you my remarks from yesterday’s Memorial Day ceremonies as well:

Good morning. Since the time of the Civil War, Americans have marked this day with remembrance and gratitude for our fallen heroes. I appreciate your taking time today to join in community and prayer and remembrance to honor those brave souls who gave that last full measure of devotion to their nation.

Whether participating in a parade or a family picnic or a quiet memorial service, our thoughts turn toward the men and women who breathed life into the adage that “Freedom is not free.” We celebrate their memories by celebrating the lives that they have enabled us to live.

Over the past several years, Memorial Day has taken on an added dimension. As we remember those who have fallen, we should pause to remember the brave men and women who have followed in their footsteps; the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who today serve on the front lines for freedom. Whether they are in combat in Iraq or on air patrol over the skies of New York City, they daily put their lives on the line for our freedom. They have chosen the greater good over their personal interests, and we should not wait for them to perish before we thank them for their sacrifice.

So, wear a red poppy today and this week to mark Memorial Day. But, better yet, honor the memories of those who have passed by thanking a soldier who serves that same grand vision of peace and freedom and opportunity today.

May God bless the men and women of the Armed Services and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

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>Today, Monday, May 28, 2007, is Memorial Day a reminder from ,"Your friendly Village Idiot"

>Today, Monday, May 28, 2007, is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the one day each year that we honor and remember all of the Servicemen and Servicewomen who served in the Air Force, Army, Cost Guard, Marines, Navy and Special Forces who gave their lives for the defense of this Country and our Constitution.

Unfortunately, it’s a day that not many people care about, that is of course if you don’t count the Department and Electronics Stores sales. How many people attended the Memorial Service in Ridgewood today? For those of you that didn’t know, yes, there was a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM in town and the attendance was sparse at best. In contrast, the attendance at the Fred D’elia Run was quite good and a quick ride on Route 17 and Route 4 after the Memorial Service found most parking lots in the Malls quite busy and nearly full. What does this say about our citizens? Simply stated, it shows that most people really don’t appreciate or care about the sacrifice, which has been given by so many others, so that all of us can enjoy the freedoms we have. This could only be described as not very patriotic…. in my opinion.

Which brings me to this blog. Why is it that when there is something controversial or critical of the Village it is not only posted within minutes of the event but in many cases it is posted with pictures. However, when the Village Residents and the members of the Village Council do something noteworthy, such as attending a Memorial Service dedicated to the men and women who gave the supreme sacrifice, we have not a single photo of this service and not a mention of what this day is about on this blog! No mention is made on this blog about the Ridgewood High School student, Eagle Scout candidate, who for the last three years played taps at this service and the wonderful speech he made today. Also, no mention about the U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who has been overseas in various theaters of operations and his speech or the Ridgewood High School band which played various songs and did a terrific job.

I can not help but notice pjblogger62 that you stand in front of an American Flag in your blog photo, obviously to show your patriotism. I can’t help but wonder where you were today…..didn’t see you or any of the Hitmen for your Blog at this Memorial Service. Apparently this event wasn’t controversial enough for you or your blog. Or could it be that you didn’t feel that this would be worthwhile putting on the Ridgewood Blog because it isn’t something controversial, thereby NOT generating more “hits” for your Blog, which could possibly increase your Blog revenue? Being patriotic is more than standing in front of a flag.

Just my thoughts……

Your friendly Village Idiot

A Proud Patriotic U.S Army Veteran

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>Village Council approves amended Municipal Budget – Village Manager James M. Ten Hoeve admits “mistakes were made”

>Following intense questioning by two taxpayers, Village Council members unanimously approved an amended 2007 Municipal Budget at a Special Public meeting held on Wednesday evening. The resultant 2007 Municipal Tax Rate will be 4.66%.

Officials from the State of New Jersey’s Division of Local Government Services had rejected the Village’s original budget submission (a 3.80% Municipal Tax Rate increase) after it was discovered that non-cash surplus was being used to cover emergency appropriations approved by Council members during 2006. The use of non-cash surplus is not, nor was it every, permitted under current New Jersey Statute.

In response to taxpayer questions, Village Manager James M. Ten Hoeve admitted that mistakes had been made in preparing the original budget submission. However, Mr. Ten Hoeve did not identify who was responsible for making those mistakes. Village CFO Dorothy Stikna was present in the audience, but was not called upon with respect to explanations about the budget preparation process.

Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso and Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin both praised Village department heads for their efforts at reducing budgeted 2007 expenses in comparison to 2006 spending levels. However, neither Mancuso nor Ringler-Shagin addressed issues related to the State budget examiner’s three page audit findings report.

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Is the former Town Garage property for sale, again?

Village Council members met behind closed doors on Wednesday evening to
discuss possible options for acquiring 120 Franklin Avenue, formerly home of
the Town Garage. Acquisition of this property is key to the planned
construction of a municipal parking garage at the northwest corner of North
Walnut Street and Franklin Avenue.

It is now rumored that Ridgewood 120 LLC, the site’s current owners, have
offered the property for sale to Village officials at a price much higher
than the $1.265 million paid in November of 2006. Scuttlebutt is that
Ridgewood 120 LLC’s asking price is at least $1.865 million, and possibly as
high as $2.265 million. The current owners have made no improvements to the
property since purchasing it from the Agnello family late last year.

Council members must decide whether to: 1) pay the asking price, or 2) enact
the right of eminent domain, or 3) revise parking garage building plans to
eliminate the need for that parcel. Still unanswered is the question: “How
did Village Council members manage to get themselves in such an expensive
jam? In other words, how was a real estate investment group able to acquire
the Town Garage property from right under the Council’s noses?”

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>The Fly on the Wall has noticed a bit of revisionist history.

>looks to the fly that after being EXPOSED at the BOE meeting for misrepresenting the true intent of the “Common Ground” document the school district is trying to perform a bit of revisionist history. Apparently they are not internet savvy enough to realize their pages have been cached or saved and have attempted to cover their tracks.Their website now reads.

“Math Information for Parents”
school2

school

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>Looking to make a move?

>saltzman
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