On July 23, 2013, voter registration will be conducted in the lobby of the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Avenue, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is the final opportunity for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the August 13, 2013 Special Primary Election to fill the late Senator Lautenberg’s seat.
All residents of Ridgewood who are at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States are eligible to vote. Residents who have recently moved to Ridgewood, as well as those who have moved within Ridgewood, must re-register to vote even if they were previously registered at another address.
Reader says No rationale explanation offered as to why they just didn’t use the existing PSEG right of way
No rationale explanation offered as to why they just didn’t use the existing PSEG right of way through Glen Rock and Ridgewood.
During the hurricane in October a telephone pole on Melrose Place crashed down in a westerly direction, snapped near the base like a breadstick. It wasn’t even that close to the corner, but it fell all the way across West End Avenue, blocking that important thoroughfare for days. The lights and wires of course went with it and were strewn all over the place. If it had hit a house/car/pet/person, forget about it.
That was the old, “short” kind of pole. If it had been twice as high, it would have hit the house on the west side of West End for sure.
Declaration: Fourth will be fun in Ridgewood
Wednesday July 3, 2013, 9:39 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Some people have a casual interest in family history.
But family history is a bit more serious for the grand marshals of this year’s Fourth of July parade in Ridgewood.
Ridgewood’s Bartlett family and Demarest’s Thornton “Thorny” Lockwood are all related to the founding fathers – the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
According to Margie Downs, a 25-year organizer for the Fourth of July Celebration Committee, the Bartletts, whose daughter is Ridgewood Police Capt. Jacqueline Luthcke, are related to Declaration signers Josiah Bartlett and Benjamin Harrison. Lockwood, who has lectured before the committee in the past, is also a descendant of Bartlett, and a first cousin, eight times removed, of Benjamin Franklin.
These individuals’ prominent participation is part of the village’s 2013 Fourth of July theme celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“That’s how the whole day started … the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Downs said, noting that she believed this was the first time in the celebration’s history that the Declaration was being highlighted.
The 103rd annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on July 4th, 2013!
The theme this year is “Honoring our Declaration of Independence”.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is pleased to welcome Governor Chris Christie and his family to our 103rd parade. As an elected official who represents the citizens of the Village of Ridgewood, our community committee is happy to have the Christie family join us.
The Chairs are out!
Safety and security are always important when there are large crowds gathered. The Ridgewood Police Department continues to assess and improve safety protocols for our Celebration. Please remember that patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field for the Fireworks. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be two lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Delays are possible. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.
While the celebration is fun – we all keep safety as our number one priority. One dangerous aspect of the day is the personal use of fireworks. Please leave fireworks to the trained professionals, we are very lucky in Ridgewood to have an amazing display each year. We hope you can join us with this priority in order to keep the “safe and sane” celebration continuing for years to come.
Each year the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration begins with a flag raising ceremony. It is the one part of the celebration that has always taken place even when the parade or fireworks did not. This year the flag raising ceremony will take place at 9am at the flag pole at Wilsey Square near the westside train station.
Were you born on the 4th of July? Be in the Ridgewood Fourth of July Parade on our Yankee Doodle Dandy Float. This year’s committee float will feature a birthday cake. The first fifteen people to respond will be able to ride on the float. The others can walk along side. If you or someone in your family has a July 4th birthday, please send an email to [email protected]. Please include name, age if the person is a child and contact information. Our committee will contact you in late June to give you the details for the parade.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee is proud to announce its inaugural house decorating contest! The idea is simple, whoever decorates their house with the most patriotic pride in the month of June and has the most likes on our Facebook page will win a gift basket with an American Flag, four Veteran’s Field tickets to the 2013 Ridgewood Fourth of July Fireworks and a flower arrangement from The Little Flower Shoppe.
While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $8. Tickets are on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free.
Flag Raising 9:00 am – Wilsey Square Parade begins 10:00 am (Rain or Shine) – North Monroe and Godwin: Evening Celebration and Fireworks – Veterans Field:Alternate Date- Thursday, July 5th , Gates open – 6:00 PM , Gates close – 9:00 PM
The Obama administration postpones employer mandate requirement for Obamacare until 2015
July 2, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Obama administration will not penalize businesses that do not provide health insurance in 2014, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday.
Instead, it will delay enforcement of a major Affordable Care Act requirement that all employers with more than 50 employees provide coverage to their workers until 2015.Giving Democrats some breathing room till after the 2014 midterm elections.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., a critic of the law, seized on the delay as a “clear admission” that the law is “unaffordable, unworkable and unpopular.”
NJ Senate Candidate Steve Lonegan blasted the Obama administration, “Even President Obama and his administration know that Obamacare is a train wreck waiting to happen, and they are afraid of voters rebelling at the ballot box when they see the higher premiums and loss of coverage that result,” Lonegan went on , “Instead of politically motivated delays, we need to repeal Obamacare completely and immediately.”
The administration claims it decided to postpone the provision after hearing significant concerns from employers about the challenges of implementing it. The the individual mandate was left unchanged.
The Affordable Care Act or Obamacare requires all employers with more than 50 full-time workers provide health insurance or pay steep fines. That policy had raised concerns about companies downsizing their workforce or cutting workers’ hours in order to dodge the new mandate.
In delaying the enforcement of that rule, the White House sidesteps those challenges for one year. It is also the second significant interruption for the Affordable Care Act, following a one-year delay on key functions of the small business insurance marketplaces.
These two changes beg the question over whether the administration will be able to put into effect its signature legislative accomplishment on schedule.
CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION OFFERS EXTRA SERVICE AND SAVINGS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Money-saving Family Super Saver Fare in effect continuously from June 28 until July 8
June 27, 2013
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT today announced a special extension of the Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. Usually limited to weekends and holidays, the Family Super Saver Fare will be in effect continuously from 7 p.m. Friday, June 28 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 8, on all trains (except for travel to/from Metro-North stations), buses and light rail lines in honor of Independence Day.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT will offer extra service in advance of Independence Day and on the holiday itself to give customers more travel options, whether leaving work early to get a head start on festivities or attending fireworks displays on the Fourth of July.
On Friday, June 28, extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Hudson River Waterfront on more than a dozen bus routes starting around 2 p.m. Visit njtransit.com for details.
On Wednesday, July 3, extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m. Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Hudson River Waterfront on more than three dozen bus routes starting around noon. Visit njtransit.com for details.
On Independence Day, Thursday, July 4, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule. Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Service
To accommodate spectators traveling to the New Jersey Waterfront to view the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display over the Hudson River, NJ TRANSIT will supplement existing weekend/holiday rail service with additional trains to and from Hoboken Terminal before and after the event. Certain trains will depart from Hoboken Terminal later than their scheduled times following the event.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate additional trips between Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken starting after 4 p.m.
Also on July 4, extra trips will operate to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on selected bus routes.
Detailed service information is available at njtransit.com/fireworks.
NJ TRANSIT is reminding customers that the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management has announced that due to security concerns in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombing, those entering the public viewing areas for this year’s fireworks display will not be allowed to bring coolers or backpacks or other similar kinds of closed carry bags.
Summer Savings
With the summer season in full swing, now is a great time for customers to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags Great Adventure, Monmouth Park Racetrack and Mountain Creek Waterpark:
Beach Packages: Save up to $6.50 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Customers can purchase the package for $31.50 from New York Penn Station or any station on the Main, Bergen County or Pascack Valley lines (except from Metro-North stations), and for $23.50 from Hoboken Terminal or Newark Penn Station. Beach Packages are now on sale daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 2.
Shore EZride Jitney provides shuttle service to beaches, shopping and dining locations from Long Branch and Asbury Park stations.
NJ TRANSIT customers can ride the jitney for free with a coupon available on njtransit.com. For jitney info and shore activities, go to visitmonmouth.com.
Six Flags Great Adventure or Hurricane Harbor: Save up to $37 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.
NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, Newark Penn Station, Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal, Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, and from Freehold.
Monmouth Park: Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system and save up to $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a round-trip package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows, and receive Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $1 plus round-trip train fare.
Mountain Creek Waterpark: Save up to $8 on the adult admission price when you ride Bus No. 304 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Weehawken, Union City, North Bergen or Wayne Transit Center on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, June 15 through September 2.
Field Station: Dinosaurs: Take the train to Secaucus Junction, less than a 10-minute walk from the outdoor Dinosaur park, and save $1 on the Explorer’s Pass.
Newark Bears Baseball: Buy two tickets for the price of one to see the Newark Bears at Riverfront Stadium when you present your NJ TRANSIT light rail, bus or rail ticket.
Camden Riversharks Baseball: Save $3 when you take NJ TRANSIT light rail, bus or rail service to see the Camden Riversharks at Campbell’s Field.
The Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department invites you to participate in the art exhibit entitled
“A Student’s Celebration of Art” during the month of July at the Stable Gallery, 259 N. Maple Avenue.
Watercolors, Chinese Brush Painting, Acrylics, Pastels, Drawing and Sculpture projects are just some of the pieces to be displayed. All students who have attended an art class at The Stable, through the Parks and Recreation Department, are welcome to bring one favorite piece for display, labeled with your name and class before June 25th. Please call 201-670-5560 if further information is needed.
Please invite your family and friends to attend an Artist Reception, scheduled for Thursday, July 25th, between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Obama Administration: An Uncontrollable Ego
June 22, 2013
By James Lewis
IRS. FBI. NSA… Under Obama they consistently exceed their previously understood legal powers. Yes, there was technical consent by the secret FISA court for massive NSA spying. In times of national threat the FISA court is a pushover; just imagine if they said “No” and we had another 9/11/01. So they drove a dagger into the U.S. Constitution rather than stand for principle, the way Chief Justice John Roberts helped damage the Constitution by voting for ObamaCare, and the Burger Court shafted the Constitution and ruined millions of young lives with unrestricted abortion.
Perhaps the most damaging Leftist assault ever was reverse discrimination to make up for white racial sins going back to the slave trade that ended in 1865; that racialist revenge narrative still drives reverse discrimination, forty years after the start of “affirmative” action. It will never end, as long as there is a penny to be made on racial blackmail.
The equal protection clause is gone. Every time the left imagines another victim group, that gaping wound in constitutional protections grows larger and larger — first on behalf of American blacks, then for all “people of color,” then women and gays, and now, illegal immigrants. Reverse racial discrimination has empowered an unelected political class growing fat and thuggish on a new spoils system. With ObamaCare, racial spoils may capsize our elected ship of state, leaving only an EU-type corruptocracy.
The Left has pushed against the Constitution beginning with the Wilson administration and World War I. What’s different about Obama is his Leninist grandiosity, combined with amazing oppositional-defiant disorder. In street language that means his f-u attitude. Obama takes pleasure in waving his finger in the air while violating our most precious values. Obama’s narcissism and oppositional-defiance therefore control his official actions.
CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION EXPANDS ‘MYBUS NOW’ PROGRAM TO NORTH JERSEY BUS ROUTES
Real-time service information pilot now available throughout New Jersey
June 17, 2013
NEWARK, NJ — Marking the next step in the Christie Administration’s efforts to provide real-time bus information to NJ TRANSIT customers, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein today joined customers and invited guests at Newark Penn Station to announce the latest expansion of MyBus Now, the agency’s first real-time service information system for bus customers, to serve 110 North Jersey-area local/intrastate bus routes—making it available throughout the Garden State.
“MyBus Now places real-time bus location and arrival information literally in the palms of our customers’ hands, enabling them to make informed decisions about their travel, even while on the go,” said Executive Director Weinstein. “This next phase enables us to provide this customer amenity throughout New Jersey. The final phase will include bus service traveling into and out of the Port Authority and George Washington Bridge bus terminals by the end of the year.”
MyBus Now, which first launched in fall 2012 as a pilot program serving Trenton-area bus customers and was expanded in April 2013 to include South Jersey and Philadelphia-area bus routes, uses “smart bus” technology to provide customers with access to real-time bus arrival estimates to a specific bus stop within a 30-minute window. Customers can access the information in three ways: from a desktop computer through njtransit.com, from a web-enabled smartphone through the mobile version of njtransit.com, and via SMS-text messaging directly to their cell phones.
Starting today, customers of local/intrastate bus routes that serve communities throughout North Jersey will be able to use MyBus Now to access real-time service information.
NJ TRANSIT’s Hamilton Garage was selected for the first phase of the pilot program because of the relatively small size of its operations, and the fact that none of its bus routes intersect with other garages, provide an ideal testing environment. The success of the initial phase and the subsequent expansion of the pilot into South Jersey continue NJ TRANSIT’s path toward a full systemwide rollout of MyBus Now later this year.
Currently, the statewide agency is taking delivery of 1,145 new buses that are already equipped with smart bus technology provided by Clever Devices LTD. In addition, NJ TRANSIT has procured additional smart bus platforms to retrofit the remaining buses in the agency’s fleet, including those on routes operated by private carriers under contract to NJ TRANSIT.
The Clever Devices platform offers many operational and customer benefits, including automatic bus stop announcements, vehicle condition monitoring, passenger counting and real-time location reporting. The data provided through this technology will allow for greater efficiency in terms of scheduling, planning and maintenance of the NJ TRANSIT bus network.
MyBus Now builds on NJ TRANSIT’s “MyBus” system, which launched in October 2010. Based on a system of bus stop ID numbers—unique five-digit numbers NJ TRANSIT has assigned to each of its bus stops—MyBus enables customers who have cell phones with SMS (text messaging) capabilities to receive bus schedule information for a specific stop directly to their cell phones. Customers can obtain their bus stop ID online at njtransit.com, or from MyBus signs posted at bus stops statewide.
How to Use MyBus Now
From a desktop computer: Visit mybusnow.njtransit.com. Select either “bus times” or “bus map.”
Bus Times: Enter your five-digit bus stop ID or select your bus route, direction of travel and bus stop from the drop-down menus.
Bus Map: Click “Routes” and select up to 10 routes, or click “Find Stop” and follow the directions in the dialog box to view the real-time location of buses on a Google map. Buses are represented by bus icons that display an arrow to indicate the direction of travel. Hover over the bus icon to display the estimated arrival times for the next four bus stops. Click the bus icon for additional options, including links to “route schedule” (PDF of the bus timetable) and “route progress” (a timeline of the bus trip by stop).
From a web-enabled smartphone: Visit njtransit.com and select MyBus Now to view a streamlined version of the web page. Select your bus route from the list or enter your five-digit bus stop ID.
From a cell phone with SMS-text messaging: Text your five-digit bus stop ID to MyBus (69287). Instead of returning the next scheduled trips, MyBus Now will provide real-time information for routes in the pilot program. For all other routes, MyBus will continue to provide information for scheduled trips.
MyBus Now is also improving the functionality of NJ TRANSIT’s IVR (interactive voice response) system. Now, when customers call NJ TRANSIT at 973-275-5555, they can use the automated prompts to enter their bus stop ID number to receive real-time predicted arrivals 24/7 for stops within the Trenton/Mercer County area, South Jersey and Philadelphia area, and North Jersey local routes. For bus stops outside of these areas, customers will receive scheduled arrival information.
Systemwide Improvement to “My Bus”
As a reminder, MyBus customers can now receive schedule information for a specific route by texting MyBus (69287), followed by a space and the route number. For example, to find schedule information for the No. 73 specifically for the bus stop located at Newark Penn Station (bus stop ID number 18835), text MyBus (69287) the following text: 18835 73. The system will return only scheduled trips on the No. 73 route, even though the bus stop is served by other bus routes
CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION PARTNERS WITH CABLEVISION TO OFFER WI-FI ACCESS FOR NJ TRANSIT CUSTOMERS
Board authorized public-private partnership for first wireless internet connection of its kind in the nation
June 12, 2013
NEWARK, NJ — As part of an ongoing effort to enhance the overall customer experience, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today authorized the agency to enter into a public-private partnership with Cablevision to offer one of the top requested amenities to NJ TRANSIT customers: high-speed wireless internet access at stations and onboard trains. The Wi-Fi access will be provided to NJ TRANSIT customers via a dedicated, trackside Wi-Fi network —–the first of its kind in the nation—at no cost to the agency.
“Through customer forums and surveys conducted as part of NJ TRANSIT’s Scorecard initiative, we know that wireless internet service will be a welcome amenity for NJ TRANSIT customers, enabling those who wish to remain connected during their commute to do so continuously,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman James Simpson.
“This public-private partnership will enable NJ TRANSIT to deliver on one of the top requests from our customers—wireless internet access at stations and onboard trains,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein. “We are thrilled to work with Cablevision to further enhance the overall customer experience on our system by offering a dedicated Wi-Fi connection—which as designed will be the first of its kind here in the United States.”
“Providing NJ TRANSIT customers with access to an unparalleled Wi-Fi network is one of Cablevision’s strategic objectives,” said Cablevision President and CEO James L. Dolan. “We have already built the largest Wi-Fi network in the country to meet the surging demand from our own subscribers and now we look forward to working with NJ TRANSIT to deliver an exceptional Wi-Fi experience to its riders.”
Wi-Fi on the NJ TRANSIT system will be implemented in phases. The initial phase will focus on outfitting major stations like Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal—which together serve more than 100,000 customers on a typical weekday on all transit modes—as well as Secaucus Junction, by the end of this year. Subsequent phases will include equipping additional train stations and ultimately rail cars by line. The project is expected to be substantially complete by yearend 2016.
Sensenbrenner: Obama Administration’s NSA Assurances ‘a Bunch of Bunk’
By Lindsey Grudnicki
June 12, 2013 1:01 PM
Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, who introduced the PATRIOT Act on the House floor in 2001, has declared that lawmakers’ and the executive branch’s excuses about recent revelations of NSA activity are “a bunch of bunk.”
In an interview on Laura Ingraham’s radio show Wednesday morning, the Republican congressman from Wisconsin reiterated his concerns that the administration and the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court have gone far beyond what the PATRIOT Act intended. Specifically, he said that Section 215 of the act “was originally drafted to prevent data mining” on the scale that’s occurred.
Sensenbrenner, the current chairman on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, suggested that the secret nature of the FISA court has prevented appropriate congressional oversight over the NSA’s activities.
License, registration and cell phone: Bill would let N.J. cops search phones after crashes
By Ryan Hutchins and Matt Friedman/The Star-Ledger
TRENTON — License, registration and cell phone, please.
Police officers across New Jersey could be saying that to motorists at the scenes of car crashes if new legislation introduced in the state Senate becomes law.
The measure would allow cops — without a warrant — to thumb through a cell phone to determine if a driver was talking or texting when an accident occurred. It requires officers to have “reasonable grounds” to believe the law was broken.
Supporters say it could be an important tool for cops investigating crashes in a state where distracted driving causes lots of accidents and driving while using hand-held cell phones is illegal.
Opponents say it could touch off a contentious legal debate over whether giving officers such access violates a motorist’s right to privacy or protections against unreasonable search and seizure.
Updated Emergency Planning Guide for Village Residents – Flood Preparations
The Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management (OEM) just published an Emergency Planning Guide for 2013 – the first update of this critical resource in nearly 15 years.
The Emergency Planning Guide is designed to provide residents with basic emergency preparedness information, including tools and checklists that will assist families in preparing for different types of emergencies. It will also help residents to stay informed before, during and after disasters.
Click Here for your copy of the Ridgewood Emergency Planning Guide.
“The Emergency Planning Guide is a must-have resource for all Ridgewood residents and businesses,” explained Mayor Paul Aronsohn. “As we have learned from Super Storm Sandy and other recent storms, you can never be too prepared for a disaster.”
“I applaud our OEM leadership for its proactive approach,” Aronsohn continued.
For the first time, the Emergency Planning Guide is available electronically for viewing and downloading on the Ridgewood OEM website (https://oem.ridgewoodnj.net) as well as the main Village of Ridgewood website (www.ridgewoodnj.net).
The new Emergency Planning Guide was specifically designed as a PDF document to take advantage of current technology. A limited number of hard copies will also be printed at a later date.
According to OEM Coordinator Jeremy Kleiman, “In the past, we would print and mail a copy of the booklet to all village residents and businesses, which is expensive. Budget constraints made us re-think how we communicate emergency preparedness information to the public. We decided to make the Emergency Planning Guide an electronic document to save costs and also to leverage current technology. Residents who are registered to receive E-Notices from the village will receive the document by email.”
OEM asks all residents to register for E-Notices to receive routine information, such as the Emergency Planning Guide, as well as emergency alerts. Please register by visiting either www.ridgewoodnj.net and clicking on the “E-Notices” link, or https://oem.ridgewoodnj.net and clicking on the “Swift911 Notification” icon. Either link will take residents to the same registration portal.
For those residents who do not register for E-Notices or are unable to receive information by email, a limited number of hard copies of the Emergency Planning Guide will be printed at a later date. Ridgewood Councilman Tom Riche is leading a fundraising effort to secure donations that will cover the cost of printing the booklets. Contributions may be made payable to Ridgewood Emergency Planning Guide, c/o Finance Office, Ridgewood Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07451.
July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Honoring our Declaration of Independence.” We are an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day’s events and does not receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood.
Our committee is thrilled to have a descendent of a signer of the Declaration of Independence as our Grand Marshal. Thornton Lockwood, “Thorny”, is a descendant of Declaration signer Josiah Bartlett, and a first cousin, eight times removed, of Benjamin Franklin.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the
Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. It has grown into one of the largest celebrations in the New York City area and has been featured on CNN and Good Morning America as well as local New York stations. The celebration was once again named Best Parade and Fireworks by the readers of 201 Magazine.
We are actively preparing for what we know will be a spectacular celebration, it is vital that we have community support. Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”. Because of generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations, and if every family who enjoys our celebration contributed just $10, the day’s expenses would be covered. Donations may be made online at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org or mailed to Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., PO Box 140, Ridgewood, NJ 07451.
Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of
July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.
‘Operation Swill:’ N.J. raids bars to see if they are passing off cheap liquor as premium brands
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Last updated: Thursday May 23, 2013, 7:45 AM
BY HUGH R. MORLEY
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Is it Grey Goose or Smirnoff? Macallan or Old Smuggler?
MITSU YASUKAWA/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A detective from the state Division of Criminal Justice carries boxes of evidence out from TGI Friday on Route 3 West in Clifton.
That’s what state investigators were trying to find out Wednesday as they raided 29 bars and restaurants, including two in Bergen County and one in Passaic County, suspected of serving cheaper liquor as high-priced, name-brand spirits.
More than 100 investigators from the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control simultaneously entered the establishments — nearly half of them TGI Fridays — around the state at 11 a.m. Among them were The Brick House in Wyckoff, Railroad Café in Rutherford and TGI Fridays in Clifton, the Attorney General’s Office said.
The raids were the result of a yearlong probe dubbed “Operation Swill.”
