Ridgewood NJ, Leaf collection has been completed in all areas. If you still have leaves which you wish to dispose of, you may bag your leaves in paper biodegradable bags and place them curbside (not in the street). Once you bag your leaves, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585, and give them your address. The bags of leaves will be picked up through the month of January.
You may also bring leaves to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation at the Recycling Center are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Ridgewood NJ, more people moved out of Governor Murphy’s high tax Sanctuary State in 2018 than any other state, according to a new study by United Van Lines . The United Van Lines’ 42nd Annual National Movers Study, which tracks customers’ state-to-state migration patterns over the past year, revealed that more residents moved out of New Jersey than any other state in 2018.
New Jersey residents looking for sanctuary led in outbound migration with (66.8 percent), Connecticut (62 percent) and New York (61.5 percent) were included among the top 10 outbound states for the fourth consecutive year. Midwestern states like Illinois (65.9 percent), Kansas (58.7 percent), Ohio (56.5 percent) and Iowa (55.5 percent) saw high outbound relocation as well.
The National Movers Study also reveals business data of inbound and outbound moves from 2018. In addition to this study, United Van Lines also conducts a survey to find out more about the reasons behind these moves. A leading motivation behind these migration patterns across all regions is a career change, as the survey showed approximately one out of every two people who moved in the past year moved for a new job or company transfer. Other reasons for the high percentage of moves to the Mountain West in 2018 include retirement (28.1 percent), proximity to family (20.8 percent) and lifestyle change (19.4 percent). Compared to all other states, Idaho saw the largest influx of new residents desiring a lifestyle change (25.95 percent), and more people flocked to New Mexico for retirement than any other state (42.74 percent.
New Jersey (66.8 percent), which has ranked in the top 10 for the past 10 years, moved up one spot on the outbound list to No. 1. New additions to the 2018 top outbound list include Iowa (55.5 percent), Montana (55 percent) and Michigan (55 percent).
TRENTON NJ, Fulfilling its statutory mandate to keep the public informed about the operations of organized crime in New Jersey, the State Commission of Investigation today introduced a new project, “Organized Crime Spotlight,” that will periodically provide up‐to‐date profiles of significant criminal groups impacting the State and region. The inaugural report focuses on La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly referred to as MS‐13, a criminal street gang known for extreme violence.
The State Commission of Investigation is an independent New Jersey watchdog agency established in 1968 to investigate organized crime and corruption, waste of tax money and other abuses of the public trust. Copies of public reports are available at the Commission’s offices or via its Web site at www.state.nj.us/sci.index.shtm
The Commission found that while aggressive law enforcement efforts and prosecutions at the state and federal levels have been somewhat effective in suppressing MS‐13, it remains a persistent threat in New Jersey, preying primarily on immigrant communities through extortion, robbery and street‐level drug sales. With a ceaseless thirst to command respect through fear, its trademark ideology of advancing in rank through violence and its rivalries with other groups, murder is always just a spark away for MS‐13 members, the SCI found.
The most infamous example of MS‐13’s savagery in New Jersey was the slaying of three individuals – and the grave wounding of a fourth – in a Newark schoolyard on the night of Aug. 4, 2007. Six of the gang’s members, including the leader of the Newark clique, are serving long prison sentences for the grisly attack. Such vicious incidents of violence have been less frequent in recent years, and some policing experts believe elements of MS‐13 may be intentionally lying low to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.
Further, the Commission learned that New Jersey is a central command post for the gang’s operations on the East Coast. Over the past decade, an effort by MS‐13 leaders in El Salvador to exert greater control over U.S.‐based cliques, or sets, has taken root. These cliques take orders directly from compatriots in El Salvador for killings and pay tribute by wiring cash to leaders in the Central American nation. New Jersey has played a prominent role in this movement with leaders in Monmouth and Hudson counties directing operations along the East Coast.
Founded by immigrants fleeing war‐torn El Salvador in the 1980s, MS‐13 originated on the streets of Los Angeles. New Jersey law enforcement officials identified the first MS‐13 members in Elizabeth, Union County, in the mid‐1990s. Today, MS‐13 members are scattered throughout the state from Union City to Morristown, Trenton to Red Bank, and Lindenwold to Lakewood.
Along with outlining the gang’s origins, expansion, structure and activities, the report also highlights some of the obstacles facing law enforcement as well as approaches some officials have used to tamp down violence and to prevent vulnerable teenagers from bolstering MS‐13’s ranks.
Combating MS‐13 presents unique challenges to law enforcement due to the insular nature of the gang, which often targets immigrants from El Salvador as both victims and as potential recruits. In some municipalities, outreach is hampered by a lack of Spanish‐speaking officers. Law enforcement officials across the State told the Commission efforts are ongoing to build relationships with these communities but that many people, principally those who are undocumented, are fearful of deportation or of retaliation by the gang.
Notwithstanding these challenges, law enforcement in some jurisdictions, particularly in Hudson County, have adopted strategies that have successfully headed off potential violence and muted the gang’s predatory behavior. Most notably, law enforcement officials in Union City, Hudson County, told the Commission that while many MS‐13 members are present in the city, the gang does not conduct overt criminal activity there because of a zero‐tolerance approach that involves multiple city departments and the school system. Some measures taken in Union City include a midnight curfew on those under 18 and a requirement that building owners swiftly remove graffiti, such as gang‐related tags, or face significant financial penalties.
Ridgewood NJ, The 2019 Annual Commuter (Ridgewood Parking Permits – RPP) are currently for sale at the Reception Desk in the lobby of Village Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. All applicants must bring their driver’s license and vehicle registration(s) for car(s) they wish to list on their permits, as the RPPs allow up to 3 cars on each hang tag. The RPPs allow commuters to park in designated Ridgewood parking lots without having to pay the parking meters. The following is a summary of the Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPPs) and their prices:
Premium RPP – $1,300 annual fee – ALMOST SOLD OUT – A maximum of 155 Premium RPPs will be sold, on a first come, first served basis. There are only 33 Premium RPPs left to be sold – This permit allows Ridgewood residents to park in the Train Station lot, Prospect Street lot, and all Ridgewood lots, including Route 17 Park and Ride lot. A Premium RPP may not be used in the Hudson lot.
Hudson Lot Permit – $1,300 annual fee – allows Ridgewood residents to park in the Hudson parking lot only, with a guaranteed parking space. When the Hudson parking lot is closed, due to the construction of the parking garage, those residents with a Hudson parking lot permit will participate in a ride share program, through December 31, 2019. Residents who purchase Hudson parking lot permits must purchase a premium Ridgewood parking permit at the end of 2019 in order to continue to participate in the ride share program until the parking garage opens in 2020. Hudson Lot permit holders may use their permits in any lot on Saturdays.
Non-Premium RPP – $975 annual fee – allows Ridgewood residents to park in Chestnut Street lot, North Walnut Street lot, Cottage Place lot, and Route 17 Park and Ride lot.
Park and Ride RPP – $975 annual fee – this price is for both Ridgewood residents and non-residents, and allows parking in the Route 17 Park and Ride lot.
Non-resident RPP in Central Business District – $1,950 annual fee – allows non-residents to park in the Cottage Place lot.
Ridgewood Resident Commuter Sticker – Free – All Ridgewood resident commuters who wish to park at the train station must bring in their driver’s license and vehicle registration(s) to obtain a free Ridgewood Resident Commuter sticker. Free Ridgewood Resident Commuter stickers will also be issued to all Ridgewood residents purchasing RPPs and the Hudson Lot permit.
The Village will accept checks, cash, or credit cards (with a 3% transaction fee to the user) for payment.
There are also Central Business District (CBD) Employee stickers and hang tags that may be purchased by those who work in the CBD and allows parking at designated meters in the North Walnut Street and Cottage Place lots.
“Wrestlers have their hair nails and skin checked prior to wrestling. Ridgewood has had wrestlers with hair, the solution or options are 1 – where a hair net (which some wrestlers choose) or 2-cut it to legal length. If a wrestler’s hair in its natural state extends below the earlobe on the sides or touches the top of a normal shirt, it’s required to be secured in a legal hair cover, according to rules set by the National Federation of State High School Associations. In addition, if the hair is longer than allowed, it must be contained in a legal hair cover that is attached to the ear guards. My son who wrestled for RHS has no sympathy for the kid and finds it hard to believe he was not told way way earlier to get his hair compliant to regulations, being that one of his friends did wrestle with a legal hair net for RHS. Also, they cut your nails on the spot if they are too long. Coach failed the kid. Solution to cut it is a reasonable solution at the time. But seems the coach and the kid both should have known the rules. It seems unlikely they did not. His hair will grow back.”
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on December 21st, patrol units were dispatched to 175 Franklin Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress involving multiple actors. Upon arrival a witness reported observing two actors fleeing towards North Walnut Street. Patrol began to search the area and located both actors who fled on foot. The parties were apprehended and arrested by patrol. The stolen property was also recovered. A 38 year-old male from Union Township, N.J. was charged with shoplifting and the obstruction of administration of law and the second arrestee, a 46 year-old male from Paterson, N.J. was charged with shoplifting and the obstruction of administration of law. Both arrestees were served with a copy of the warrants and transported to the Bergen County Jail.
This followed and earlier incident when Ridgewood Police officers took four (4) individuals into custody during a motor vehicle traffic stop made in connection with an alleged attempted shoplifting at the Stop & Shop, 175 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 12/19. The traffic stop was affected by Glen Rock PD officers at the intersection of Glen Avenue and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock. Police at the scene did not reveal the exact nature of criminal charges, if any, pending, or to be made, against the four (4) adults who were being detained.
Twp. of Washington NJ, A vehicle reported stolen from Hillsdale early Thursday evening, 12/27, was spotted by a Ho-Ho-Kus Police patrol officer within minutes after a radio broadcast reporting the theft. A high speed pursuit ensued into Washington Township where the vehicle crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Washington Avenue. Following a short foot pursuit, one (1) individual who had fled from the crashed vehicle was apprehended in the rear of 639 Clinton Avenue, Washington Township. The suspect was transported by a Westwood EMS ambulance to New Bridge Medical Center for treatment of a non life threatening laceration to the head. Officers from Hillsdale Police, Paramus Police, Ridgewood Police, Westwood Police, and Washington Township Police were observed assisting Ho-Ho-Kus Police at the scene. The wrecked vehicle, a 4-door Honda Accord, was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. The car had reportedly been left running with the keys in the ignition.
Allendale NJ, on the morning of December 24th, Allendale Volunteer Fire Department units responded to Mezzaluna Bistro for an activated fire alarm. Upon arrival of Chief 930 and initial units, a smoke condition was found emanating from the front of the building. At that time a second alarm was transmitted and companies stretched in. The fire was located in between the 1st and 2nd floor and required extensive overall after being knocked down. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Ho Ho Kus Fire Department was alerted into the Borough of Allendale for a working fire in a mixed occupancy building on West Allendale Avenue. Truck 741 responded and was put to work on arrival. Members assisted the Allendale Fire Department with fire suppression and extensive overhaul operations. Truck 741 operated on scene for approximately 4 hours. Nice work by the Allendale Volunteer Fire Department and members of the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association.
The Mission of the Northwest Bergen County Mutual Aid Association (NWBMA) is to provide professional, quality and time efficient Fire & Rescue services to all of the citizens of Northwest Bergen County, and other communities who rely upon such services through mutual aid agreements.
The Officers and Firefighters of the Northwest Bergen County Mutual Aid Association (NWBMA) will strive to provide these services through the utilization of highly trained and skilled full-time and volunteer Firefighters.
All Members of the Northwest Bergen County Mutual Aid Association (NWBMA) will be proactive in providing quality training and equipment to our personnel, with the resources available, so as to assure the delivery of competent, caring service. And to always strive to place the safety of our citizens and personnel as our “Number One” priority in protecting our communities from the Loss of Life and Property.
a “black teen” WAS NOT FORCED to cut his hair by a “white referee”. The athlete was not in compliance with the rules. The referee was enforcing the rules. The athlete elected to come into compliance, competed and won. It’s as simple as that. . But rather than write a story about perserverence and the competitive spirit we write a story to gin up racist hatred. . 1. The student athlete was NOT IN COMPLIANCE with the RULES. 2. The referee enforce the rules by giving the athlete the choice to come in compliance with the rules within the specified time limit or forfeit the match. 3. The student athlete was given a choice and he ELECTED to have his own hiar cut and compete since he did not have the proper head gear rather than forfeit the match. He WAS NOT coerced nor FORCED to get his hair cut. . “A wrestling official who required an African-American grappler from Buena Regional High School to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his bout in a match against Oakcrest was acting in accordance with the rules, according to multiple South Jersey referees. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, wrestlers’ hair cannot extend past the earlobes. If it does, they must wear a legal hair cap to cover it. Johnson was wearing a cap, but it wasn’t attached to the headgear as the rule requires, according to Buena graduate Ron Roberts, a wrestling referee of more than 20 years. Johnson would’ve been in compliance in the past, but the rule changed within the past couple of seasons to require the cap to be attached to the headgear, according to Howie O’Neil, who’s officiated for 44 years. “The interpretation of the rule was applied correctly,” said Roberts, who hadn’t seen the video, but had heard of the incident. “The kid had to have legal head cover by rule or he’s got to cut his hair.””
New Bridge Landing NJ, according to the Bergen County Historical Society , “When we look at Christmas traditions we know today, they are truly American, taken from different cultures and blended together for the celebration that we know of today. Sinterklaas comes to us from the Netherlands, leaving gifts in the shoes of good children on Saint Nicholas Day. We can see how this became Santa Claus and the tradition of gift giving. It was Washington Irving who would take the different stories of how people celebrated this time of year and set the foundation we know today. You also can’t have a cookie exchange if it wasn’t for the Dutch. The word is Dutch in origin was originally spelled koekje. Many other regions and groups have contributed to the celebration and you may celebrate your own way with traditions or not at all. Either way, the NY/NJ contributed greatly to the traditions we know today.”
The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1902, promotes preservation, study and appreciation of local history.
The Bergen County Historical Society was instrumental in saving the historic Steuben House in River Edge in 1928. The Society established its museum headquarters there in September 1939 and promoted the establishment of the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission by legislation in 1995. The purpose of the Commission is to unify and coordinate governmental and private efforts not only to preserve the three Bergen Dutch sandstone houses and their unique cultural contents, presently standing on the Revolutionary War battleground at New Bridge, but also to develop the necessary visitor facilities and amenities commensurate with the significance of the site, its importance to Bergen County and the promotion of public enjoyment and appreciation for the lessons of history.
Ridgewood NJ, features Children’s Highlights . Please bring RW Library Card to sign in.
WED-SAT, DEC 26-29 10:30AM | Drop-in Storytimes (All ages) Sign in with Ridgewood Library/KidsCard on arrival.
Children’s Movie Matinees, 2pm. No registration required. WED, DEC 26 | Christopher Robin (2018; PG; 1h44m) THURS, DEC 27 | Incredibles 2 (2018; PG; 1h58m) FRI, DEC 28 | The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear (2017; NR; 1h19m)
MON, DEC 31 11:15AM | Countdown to Noon! (All ages) Make your way around the world to welcome 2019. Sign in with Ridgewood Library/KidsCard on arrival.
THURS, JAN 3 10:30AM | Musical Melodies (All ages) Rock out to favorite kids’ songs with Chris Flynn, his guitar and trombone. Sign in with Ridgewood Library/KidsCard on arrival.
WASHINGTON D.C. , After four years of championing this cause, Congressman Tom MacArthur’s bipartisan bill, the 9/11 Memorial Act, will become law. Yesterday the Senate passed the 9/11 Memorial Act with a minor amendment and this afternoon, the House passed the final bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. It is now heading to the President to be signed into law.
In both the 114th and 115th Congress, MacArthur introduced and led this legislation to provide funding for the security, operation, and maintenance of the 9/11 and 1993 World Trade Center bombing memorial site in New York City. Until now, the memorial has been funded through private donations, creating concern that funding shortfalls could leave the site with inadequate security and expose visitors to danger.
“On what could be my last day of legislating in this Congress, I am glad to see Congress fulfill our commitment to the victims, survivors, families, and heroes of September 11, 2001. I was working in New York City on 9/11 and like so many South Jerseyans and Americans across the country, I shared in the devastation and pain of that terrible day,” said Congressman MacArthur. “This law will provide stable funding for the security and operation of this vital memorial so that future generations may safely visit the site and never forget the 3,000 Americans we lost. It is our solemn duty to honor the fallen and protect the living, and it is humbling to see my House and Senate colleagues come together for a cause so near and dear to the lives of millions.”
RIDGEWOOD NJ, On Saturday, December 22, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) wrapped holiday gifts for North Jersey families at Bookends bookstore in Ridgewood.
“The holidays are such an important time for small businesses across the country and here in New Jersey, ” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I am so proud that there are so many great businesses in my district, like Bookends here in Ridgewood. I want to thank Walter Boyer for having me at his store and I encourage everyone to go check Bookends out, whether for the book selection or the author events they regularly host.”
Congressman Gottheimer went on to say, “Small businesses play a vital role in our economy in the Fifth District and neighborhoods across the country, especially during this key retail season. The federal government shutdown hurt small businesses, because it impacts small business loan applications. We can prevent that by getting folks to the table to finalize a deal to reopen the government, just like business owners do every day.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, New Jersey boasts 1.7 million small business employees working for over 820,000 small businesses. 98.3% of the state’s businesses are small businesses and they employ more than half of New Jersey’s workers.
Bookends in Ridgewood has been a staple in the community and a renowned bookstore for more than thirty years. They have hosted over 1,000 authors in the last fifteen years from politics, pop culture, and fiction. During the holiday season, they wrap gifts in their store free of charge.
Upper Saddle River NJ, for over a year we have covered the story of the devastating impact of the run off from the Toll Brothers site at Apple Ridge. To date nothing as been done to protect the environment of Bergen County , not one politician or DEP official has lifted a hand . So for the talk from the Murphy Administration on “Green” New Jersey, it is nothing but talk and a ruse for tax increases.
Derek Michalski, from the group GreenUSR – (Upper & Saddle River, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities). Wrote yesterday :
“Most people and corporations in this beautiful country end every year on a positive note and with charitable giving activities. With God’s love in someone’s heart you can make a difference with giving. However Upper and Saddle River residents are experiencing another form of giving/receiving or should I rather say ”mud dumping” or “mud receiving“ into their backyards and local aquifer. Apparently Toll Brothers moved their makeshift pump deeper into the “arsenic field” so without the drone no one can see it. How pathetic this situation is when one of the largest construction company in America is allowed to permanently destroy local aquifer in one of the most affluent zip codes in America. Welcome to the land of apathy – zip code 07458. Passing year reminded us during those 12 months of ongoing mud pumping laden with arsenic and lead how close we are to the third world countries in the way behave sometimes. Also did I say Merry Christmas”
Ridgewood NJ, Updated NJSIAA Statement / Buena Regional High School Wrestling from Larry White, Executive Director, NJSIAA , “Following up on yesterday’s statement concerning a Buena Regional High School (Buena, NJ) varsity wrestler and a wrestling referee, the NJSIAA can now confirm that the matter will be investigated by state authorities. The NJSIAA will be working with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, providing all requested information. The State investigation will take precedence over the NJSIAA process.
“Further, NJSIAA can confirm that those groups that assign high school wrestling referees in New Jersey will not assign the referee in question until this matter has been thoroughly reviewed. This will help to avoid disruption of events for student athletes .
“Finally, as an African-American and parent – as well as a former educator, coach, official and athlete – I clearly understand the issues at play, and probably better than most. The NJSIAA takes this matter very seriously, and I ask that everyone respect the investigatory process related to all parties involved.”
The NJSIAA was established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 437 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports.
