The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has “clarified” requirements for individuals becoming naturalized citizens by stripping out the requirement of defending the United States through military service.
“Effective July 21, 2015, new guidance (PA-2015-001) in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifies the eligibility requirements for modifications to the Oath of Allegiance. Reciting the Oath is part of the naturalization process. Candidates for citizenship normally declare that they will “bear arms on behalf of the United States” and “perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States” when required by the law. A candidate may be eligible to exclude these two clauses based on religious training and belief or a conscientious objection,” an email from USCIS clarifying the requirements states (bolding is mine).
Donald Trump is holding a massive rally in Phoenix Saturday to take on illegal immigration — an event that generated so much interest that the campaign had to book a larger venue.
Trump will speak at the Phoenix Convention Center, after aides said demand for tickets exceeded space at the original venue, the Biltmore Resort and Spa.
“We received 4,000 RSVPS in 2¹/₂ hours,” said Trump campaign chairman Corey Lewandowski.
Trump has come under fire for his anti-Mexican comments made at his campaign launch last month.
JULY 6, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JULY 6, 2015, 10:27 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A longtime public employee has said goodbye to the Village of Ridgewood. Director of Operations Frank Moritz left his post last week for retirement.
A native of Hoboken and a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Moritz worked for the village for 23-and-a-half years at the Ridgewood Water utility and began in his current role in 2005. He previously spent 19 years working for United Water.
In addition to his work in the village, Moritz has been a member of New Jersey’s chapter of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for 25 years, where he has served on the Board of Directors as well as chairman for the State of New Jersey. In 2004, he received the highest award given out by the AWWA, the George Warren Fuller Award.
During his time in Ridgewood, Moritz was responsible for the water utility and oversaw the Division of Solid Waste, Division of Recycling and Division of Public Works.
One of the biggest challenges he faced during his tenure was to simply keep the water utility evolving along with technological advances. Over the past few years, the utility’s 20,000 water meters were automated. Moritz also had to make sure the utility consistently met regulatory standards and that the village’s facilities continued to improve.
Please join us for the 105th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4th, 2015. The Theme for the Parade this year is “American Innovation.”
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2015 Schedule of Events
Flag Raising: 9:00 am – Wilsey Square
Speaker – Ridgewood Council Member
Recognition of the Grand Marshall and Special Guests
Flag Raising by American Legion Post 53 and Boy Scouts
“The Star Spangled Banner” sung by The Maroon Men
Parade begins 10:00 am (Rain or Shine) – North Monroe and Godwin:
Evening Entertainment: Gates open 6:00 pm – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
Fireworks: Immediately following evening entertainment at dusk – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
After Macy’s announced the company will be joining NBCand severing ties with presidential candidate Donald Trump, Trump has responded by issuing a statement declaring, “Clearly, NBC and Macy’s support illegal immigration.”
In his statement, Trump writes,
“Clearly, NBC and Macy’s support illegal immigration, which is totally detrimental to the fabric of our once great country. Both Macy’s and NBC totally caved at the first sight of potential difficulty with special interest groups who are nothing more than professional agitators, who are not looking out for the people they purport to represent, but only for themselves. It is people like this that are actually running our country because our leaders are weak and ineffective.”
A warning for NJ? In Greece, they are now rationing pensions.
Greek Pension Rationing Begins; Poll Shows Tsipras Backedby Eleni ChrepaElliott GotkinePaul Tugwell
July 1, 2015 — 3:13 AM EDTUpdated on July 1, 2015 — 4:44 AM EDTIt’s a day of fresh indignities for the people of Greece.
About a third of the nation’s depleted banks cracked open their doors after being closed for three days. But all they did was ration pension payments, hours after the country became the first advanced economy to miss a payment to the International Monetary Fund and its bailout program expired.
While Greek retirees receive a fraction of what they’re due, European officials resume efforts to prevent the economy from cratering after more than five years of crisis-fighting. Finance ministers weigh a new aid bid from Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and European Central Bank policy makers discuss whether to maintain their emergency lifeline.
“People are just completely fed up,” said Andrea Montanino, a former IMF executive board member who now heads the global economics program at the Atlantic Council in Washington.
The first poll before a snap referendum Sunday indicated most people back Tsipras. The survey, in Efimerida ton Syntakton newspaper, showed 54 percent would vote “no” — rejecting austerity in exchange for aid — and 33 percent would vote “yes” — accepting austerity as the price of staying in the euro. The poll was conducted by ProRata, which surveyed 1,200 people June 28-29 with a margin of error of 2.8 percent.
Turned Away
On the third day of capital controls, a few dozen pensioners lined up by 7 a.m. at a central Athens branch of the National Bank of Greece, an hour before opening time. They were to receive a maximum of 120 euros ($133), compared with the average monthly payment of about 600 euros. Many left with nothing after the manager said only those with last names starting with the letters A through K would get paid.
“Not only will I have to queue for hours at the bank in the hope of getting 120 euros, but I’ll have a two-hour round trip,” said Dimitris Danaos, 77, a retired local government worker who was making the bus journey from his home outside the Greek capital to the suburb of Glyfada. “And I fear that this situation won’t be over anytime soon.
JUNE 19, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015, 9:52 AM
BY BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The gallery at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood is featuring an exhibit by Johnny J. Keane, a painter and illustrator.
The show is primarily about Keane’s illustrations for the book “Zoe Bowie Sings, Despite All Sad Things” written by Jamie Tripp Utitus.
There are 21 large illustrations from the book as well as the rough draft showing the sketching process. Also on display are small portraits in both ink and pencil.
Johnny Keane met Jamie Tripp 10 years ago, and the fellow teachers became friends.
Newark flights to/from San Francisco and Los Angeles to offer international-style inflight service
Airline will add trans-Atlantic 757s to p.s. fleet and replace them with Boeing 767s on most trans-Atlantic routes
June 16, 2015
NEWARK, N.J., United Airlines, the U.S. airline industry’s transcontinental leader, will bring the airline’s “p.s.” Premium Service to its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport in October. Beginning October 25, all regularly scheduled Newark-Los Angeles and Newark-San Francisco flights will offer:
flat-bed seats in the United BusinessFirst cabin;
premium in-flight service;
more extra-legroom Economy Plus seats than any other carrier; and
modern interiors with in-flight Wi-Fi and personal on-demand entertainment with individual seatback monitors and power ports for customers in every row.
With the addition of p.s. service at Newark Liberty, United customers flying on transcontinental flights to and from Newark in the BusinessFirst cabin will, for the first time, enjoy flat-bed comfort for their entire journey when connecting to and from flights across United’s extensive trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific networks.
United will cement its role as the leader in transcontinental flying with more than 1,250 daily flat-bed seats – the most in the New Yorkmarket – and a 44 percent increase in flat-bed seats year-over-year. The airline will fly up to 17 daily round trips Newark-San Franciscoand up to 15 daily round trips Newark-Los Angeles, leading the industry with a total of up to 10,000 round-trip seats offered per day on the two combined key transcontinental routes.
Manhattan business travelers, particularly those who work on Wall Street and throughout lower and westernManhattan, enjoy easy access to Newark Liberty, the most convenient of the three New York-area airports.
While at Newark Liberty, p.s. customers will have access to the New York area’s best airport experience. The company also announced today that it is making a multi-million dollar investment to renovate United’s Terminal C lobby and to bring its new airport lounge design concept to all United Club locations at Newark Liberty. United already has invested more than $2 billion to build a world-class gateway at Newark Liberty where, with its airport partners, the airline is offering chef-driven restaurants, redesigned lounge-like gate areas and improved United Club locations.
At Newark Liberty, the airline offers a full range of premium services, including a new United Global Services reception lobby for its top frequent flyers, offering personalized check-in and travel services to members of the airline’s invitation-only Global Services program and to customers traveling on long-haul international flights in United Global First. United also offers its Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service, and when feasible, representatives meet Global Services and United Global First customers with applicable itineraries who may have tight connections and will drive them across the tarmac to their connecting flights.
“The introduction of p.s. to Newark Liberty, the New York/Newark region’s premier airport, offers Los Angeles and San Francisco travelers the highest levels of service in the air and on the ground,” said Jim Compton, United’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer. “We are investing in the three critical components of the travel experience for our customers – our network, our product and our facilities.”
With its launch of p.s. services at Newark Liberty, United will cease operations at Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 25. United has entered into two separate transactions: Delta Air Lines plans to acquire United’s JFK slots, and United plans to acquire slots from Delta in Newark. Each transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Schedule for the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Flag Raising: 9:00 am – Wilsey Square
Speaker – Ridgewood Council Member
Recognition of the Grand Marshall and Special Guests
Flag Raising by American Legion Post 53 and Boy Scouts
“The Star Spangled Banner” sung by The Maroon Men
Parade begins 10:00 am (Rain or Shine) – North Monroe and Godwin: See the Parade route.
Evening Entertainment: Gates open 6:00 pm – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
Fireworks: Immediately following evening entertainment at dusk – Veteran’s Field (Rain Date: July 5th)
Join Ridgewood’s July 4th Committee to help with Parade & Fireworks!
The Ridgewood Fourth of July is looking for volunteers for the Parade and Fireworks. Please volunteer as a parade marshall or for the evening program. All volunteers receive a signature Ridgewood Fourth of July t-shirt and a free ticket to the evening entertainment and fireworks. As we are a non-profit we can also offer community service hours to students. Please contact us on Facebook, at RidgewoodJuly4th.com or attend our volunteer meeting Wednesday, July 1st at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is an all-volunteer organization supported entirely by private donations. Support the Tradition.
In accordance with the Codes of the Village of Ridgewood, the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, and the Township of Wyckoff, Stage I water restrictions in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff, New Jersey are in effect beginning June 1, 2015 and ending August 31, 2015.
Residents, businesses, governmental agencies, and all other water users must adhere to the Stages of the restrictions shown on our website.
Ridgewood Water has recently simplified water restrictions. The new plan matches odd and even addresses with days of the week.
If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. A handheld hose may be used at any time including Mondays.
This plan will be in effect each year starting on June 1st and will continue through August 31st. If conditions warrant, irrigation will be prohibited on additional days of the week up to and including a total ban on irrigation.
Compliance with the initial restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Violators will be subject to a fine and court appearance
Ridgewood NJ, Now in its 105th year, the celebration will commemorate the creativity, ingenuity and hard work of Americans past and present. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held Saturday, July 4, rain or shine.
“It’s good for the schools who are participating in the float competition to know what the parade theme is,” said Katie Burns of the parade’s theme announcing. “Also, maybe it’ll give us all something good to look forward to amidst this bleak weather!”
One of the largest Fourth of July events in the New York City area, the day-long celebration will include a flag raising ceremony, followed by the parade, evening entertainment at Veterans Field beginning at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks display at dusk. An estimated 30,000 people are expected to attend the festivities.
Pre-sale tickets for evening entertainment and fireworks (kids and adults) are $10 and can be found at various community offices, local businesses or purchased online. Tickets can also be purchased at the Veteran’s Field gates on July 4 for $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5-11. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning June 1.
Ridgewood has won “best parade” and “best fireworks” in the Best of Bergen poll from 201 Magazine for 11 years running. All aspects of the annual event are funded by donations from businesses and individuals in the surrounding community. For a list of volunteer ticket sellers, more information on how to support the tradition or to purchase tickets online, visitwww.RidgewoodJuly4th.com. Follow the celebration on Facebook for the latest updates from the committee.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration was born out of American ingenuity when, in 1910, local community groups joined forces to create a “safe and sane” July 4th holiday with an emphasis on community and patriotism. The event is organized and put on by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc., an all-volunteer organization.
Ridgewood NJ, The event will open to the public on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center at RHS with music and dance performances. Sharing the Arts will perform A Whole New World from Aladdin, and the advanced dance class will perform to a piece played by the Symphonic Band. Guests will have an opportunity to explore the artwork and displays throughout the first floor before moving to the Little Theatre for a concert of small ensembles.
On Friday, the festivities will continue as high school staff, faculty, and students are immersed in over 1000 pieces of artwork. They may also attend various performances and demonstrations throughout the day. This two-day extravaganza is truly one of the feature events of the Fine and Applied Arts Department.
Thursday evening’s gala is open to the public and free of charge.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Summer Day Camp is best described as days filled with fresh air, sunshine, new friends, fun, games, and special memories. Favorite annual events include a talent show, Graydon Pool splash party, carnival and special theme days. New events will include a visit from EquiShare/PonyShare, complete with pony stations to learn about grooming and feeding, with introduction to instructional riding. U.S. Sports Institute will offer a fun olympic event, Total Golf Adventures will provide golfing instruction, UnderGround Skateshop will provide exciting skateboard demonstrations, and we will offer a Day Camp Movie Night on the Beach at Graydon (free to all campers and their families).
The 2015 summer season will begin on Tuesday, June 30th, and run for six weeks through Friday, August 7th. Village children entering grades 1 through 6 will enjoy arts and crafts, organized games, swimming, special events and optional trips. Camp will be held at The Stable, Graydon Pool, Maple Park, Veteran’s Field, the Community Center at Village Hall and Leuning Park, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children are to bring/purchase* a lunch and beverage. Bus transportation from Village locations is available to all. Locate the Parent Manual on our Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation. This important source of information should be reviewed with your child to avoid confusion and concerns children may have.
*New this year, a variety of healthy sack lunches will be available for purchase from the Water’s Edge Café at Graydon Pool with daily delivery to camp. MUST PRE-ORDER. Visit the Recreation homepage referenced above to view details on how to order, as well as the variety of lunches offered.
The registration fee for camp is $525.00, which includes two camp T-shirts and optional bus transportation. Off-site trips are optional with limited space; prices vary and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. All campers must possess a 2015 Graydon Pool membership badge. Visit www.ridgewoodnj.net/graydon to purchase online via Community Pass.
Don’t wait as camp is filling quickly. Registration will be accepted from April 1 through June 15, 2015 as space allows. You may register online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass (payment by Visa/Mastercard). For registration assistance and/or special needs, please visit the Recreation Office at The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, or call the office at 201-670-5560.
