Ridgewood NJ, Don’t forget to register and mark your calendars for the 43rd annual Ridgewood Run presented by the North Jersey Masters!
One of the longest running races in the tristate area is returning for Memorial Day, Monday May 28, 2018!
There is something for everyone!
* 10K – USATF 700-Point Masters Men’s and Women’s
Championship Event
* 5K
* Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K
* Elite Mile
* YMCA Mile Fun Run
Technical race shirts to the first 2000 registrants.
We offer special pricing of $50 when you register for the 5K and 10K together!
USATF members receive $3 off online registration for the 10K and 5K.
Visit our website for more information https://ridgewoodrun.com/
See you at the start line!
The following column appeared in The Ridgewood News on April 27, 2018.
Dare I say that springtime is finally here? The crocuses and daffodils have had to push a bit harder to get to the surface due to some late snowstorms but it seems winter is now well behind us as we move from school closures and delayed openings to the spring sports calendar, Earth Day celebrations and the first barbecues of the season ahead … and yes, cutting the grass.
Along with turning our thoughts to the great outdoors, this is also the time of year in which the Ridgewood Board of Education finalizes and approves the next year’s school budget. For the past several months our administrators have been working to develop a 2018-2019 budget that provides resources for our outstanding instructional and co-curricular programs, our fine staff, and for the maintenance and operations of our facilities. Given rising costs and legal mandates, it is a tall order to put together a fiscally responsible budget but I am happy to say that once again we have succeeded.
The 2018-2019 budget, which will be approved by the Board of Education on May 7 and is approximately $110,000,000, maintains our outstanding staff, upholds and improves our excellent and rigorous academic offerings and supports new initiatives. As detailed in our 2018-2019 budget presentation, next year’s budget will also permit us to add new staff and programs, maintain and continue to upgrade our instructional technology equipment, implement new curriculum at all grade levels and undertake some facility renovations and improvements to school security.
How do we develop the budget? We start the process by creating instructional goals, which focus our work on the budget. Those goals for next year are as follows:
• Build capacity to create and implement authentic growth-based, innovative assessment practices to measure progress and foster student success. We do this through a review and update of curriculum and assessments, through formal and informal observations in classrooms, and by continuing to shift and leverage technology integration and learning environments.
• Continue to build capacity for implementation of interventions and instructional strategies for diverse learners to maximize students’ individual success. Examples of this goal are the two-year training of 21-plus staff members in multi-sensory reading strategies, and also curricular improvements such two new A.P. classes (Physics C and Human Geography) at the high school and many other courses in grades K-12.
• Build capacity to foster student wellbeing by focusing on social/emotional learning as an integral component of student health and achievement. We will do this by replicating our Ridgewood High School therapeutic program at our middle schools, by continuing to grow and infuse mindfulness activities into our classrooms and programs, and by fostering building initiatives like the “Choose to be Nice” programs within our schools. In addition, we are adding significant security measures to improve physical safety for staff and students.
Goals aside, some thoughtful residents have asked whether Ridgewood’s tradition of excellence continues to be upheld over the years. I want to share with you here some basic information taken from New Jersey official reports showing how the Ridgewood Public Schools continue to be effective and efficient:
• SAT and ACT scores: The RHS Class of 2017 had an average SAT score of 1272 and ACT score of 27, which exceed the average New Jersey SAT score of 1103 and ACT score of 23.75 and the average national SAT score of 1060 and ACT score of 21.
• Per pupil spending: Our per pupil spending continues to be significantly lower than surrounding districts. According to the 2016-2017 NJ Department of Education Comparative Spending Guide, Ridgewood came in at $15,119, while for example, Paramus was $18,826, Mahwah $18329 and Tenafly $17,049.
For additional information and commentary, I invite you to take a look at the full 2018-2019 budget presentation, which may be found on the home page of our website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us. I would also encourage you to browse through the Program of Studies for the elementary schools, middle schools and high school, which are located on the website under Academics/Departments. I also welcome any questions about the 2018-2019 budget, which may be emailed to [email protected].
The Ridgewood community is a critical partner in financing our mission of educational excellence. Due to the manner in which the State of New Jersey funds schools, the majority of our school funding is generated through the local property tax. Our proposed total budget for 2018-2019 of $110,167,997 will add $250.71 to the local tax bill on the average-assessed Ridgewood home.
In closing, the Ridgewood Public Schools continue to be fiscally prudent and efficient as well as educationally successful. For your support of the budget through taxes, and for the community’s further generous donations that this year exceeded one million dollars for curricular and co-curricular programs, I am grateful.
As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns.
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D., is Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools
20180502 – Village Council Work Session
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
MAY 2, 2018
7:30 P.M.
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Roof Repairs at Various Village Water Facilities
b. Parking
1. Ordinance – North Broad Street Valet Parking & Requirements for Signage for Valet Parking
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Animal Control Services and Waterfowl Management 2. Award Contract – School Bus Transportation – Recreation Department
d. Policy – None
e. Operation
1. Revisions to Skate Park Ordinance – Rules and Regulations
2. Approval of Application for Community Development Grant – Tables for Senior Center
7. Manager’s Report
8. Council Reports
9. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
10. Resolution to go into Closed Session
11. Closed Session – None
12. Adjournment
We endorse Knudsen and Sedon for Village Council Let’s re-elect the dedicated duo on Tuesday, May 8
The Preserve Graydon Coalition enthusiastically endorses Michael Sedon and Susan Knudsen for reelection to the Village Council.
Susan and Mike are in sync with those who support Graydon because they:
Love, respect, and understand Graydon and what it means to the village. In their four years on the Council they have demonstrated a deep commitment to historic preservation and to making positive, fiscally prudent improvements at Graydon. Thanks in part to their efforts, the Graydon bathrooms will finally undergo a long-sought overhaul next year—provided that Susan and Mike are reelected.
Recognize the value of open space. Knudsen and Sedon understand the importance of planning and implementing measures to preserve and increase open space in our community even as pressure has intensified for overdevelopment in Ridgewood. They would never sell Graydon down the river.
Believe that trees are essential and integral to Ridgewood. Mike was instrumental in having the Shade Tree Commission restored to village government. As a result, our trees, which had been sorely neglected by previous councils, are a priority again. In 2014, no new trees were planted; last year, 221 were planted. If a matching grant comes through, a villagewide tree inventory will be done and a plan made to remove and replace any dangerous ones and plant even more. Mike works with the Green Team, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and other landscape-oriented groups to beautify our residential neighborhoods and downtown.
Care, observe, research, respond. Susan and Mike are responsive to all residents to an extent seen in few previous council members. They really look out for us. As the Council liaison to Ridgewood’s special-needs community, for example, Susan made sure that longed-for special-needs housing would be incorporated into the new apartments—as a previous mayor promised to do for years, but did not.
Will make sure the upcoming Master Plan overhaul does not shortchange Graydon—or the village. A significant item at stake in this village council election is who will oversee the upcoming rewrite of our 35-year-old Master Plan. This major effort will begin shortly and take about three years into the about-to-be-elected council members’ four-year terms. Residents will be invited to state their opinions. Susan and Mike can be trusted to do it right, listening to the wishes of the people, not the developers.
Candidates’ Debate
On Monday, April 30, the four candidates participated in a panel at the League of Women Voters’ biennial Candidates’ Debate at Village Hall. Throughout there was no question about which candidates knew what they were talking about and which were all at sea. Of the latter, one has lived here for a long time and one just arrived, but their cluelessness was mutual.
The standing-room-only crowd was treated to the classic squawks of people scrabbling for something to say, hoping catchphrases and hot-button items would attract voters: Taxes are high. (Their solution: Stop blaming the Board of Education even though it controls two-thirds of our property taxes.) Parking is a problem. (Their solution: Shuttle shoppers from the Graydon lots. Ask downtown professionals to share their private parking lots. Build a garage that displaces the sidewalk despite longtime vocal opposition to letting it extend beyond its site.) Safety is paramount. (We know.) “Ridgewood needs a fresh voice.” No, it doesn’t. It needs experienced leaders who comprehend the complex, layered issues that must be attended to immediately.
When near the end of the event one challenger dared to speak of the importance of “tone” and the way council members should treat each other, our jaws dropped. Was this the person who had distributed and/or supported mass communications for weeks that accused her opponents of all manner of dastardly invented deeds? She called herself “respectful and collaborative.” Really? How would she expect to interact with either of them on a shared board?
Both challengers said they would reinstate the Financial Advisory Committee, which has simply been reorganized and renamed. Both said they would fly the pride flag at Village Hall, when it has already been decided that the banner, which is larger, will again be placed in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, far more visibly and with a ceremony. They had nothing to contribute. The challengers’ favored gambit was to mouth platitudes and object to whatever the current council is doing. It was kinda sad, really.
In contrast, Susan and Mike were at the top of their game and conversant with every topic. The evening proved convincingly that unless we re-elect Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon, we will be in big trouble.
Grassroots endorsements
All six grassroots groups in Ridgewood have endorsed the reelection of Susan and Mike. Their full statements, posted at https://www.voteridgewood.com/endorsements.html/, include important points that pertain to the future of Graydon either directly or indirectly.
Here’s a summary.
Ridgewood Wildscape Association
In its first political endorsement since its founding in 1976, the Ridgewood Wildscape Association released a statement that included this: “Finally the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee will have the expertise of a grant writer, something we have asked for in the past but never had; finally the Shade Tree Commission has support to solve the downtown tree problem as well as planting and replacing ‘right tree–right place.’
“For years residents of the King’s Pond area asked for help and received none. Only with this council, and especially the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, has help arrived.
“The opponents do not seem to care about our environment; one has said the Schedler property should be developed, leaving many of our neighbors subject to more noise and pollution. False facts about costs to save the historic home have been issued. They offer no support for anything environmental, which is distressing to us.
“The current council has been so supportive, hearing both sides of every issue relating to things we care about at Wildscape. We have had our best years, and we don’t want to go back.”
Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (resisting Valley Hospital overexpansion)
Susan and Mike have consistently voted against high-density projects and other overdevelopment that would negatively change our landscape. Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (CRR), which has spent over a decade resisting overdevelopment on the Valley Hospital site, says: “We feel their votes demonstrate a strong understanding of the appropriate size and scope of development in Ridgewood and reflect what Ridgewood taxpayers want.”
CRR notes that the Valley issue is far from over: “Last year, Valley finally decided to move their main campus to Paramus, and then agreed that the Village Council can rewrite the hospital zone ordinance to prevent further expansion of the Ridgewood campus. . . . We need the Council to continue to transform the legal settlement into an effective Village Master Plan and Ordinance. If the community lets its guard down before future plans are codified, we believe our Village will NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED against future overdevelopment at the Ridgewood site. The incoming Council will appoint new members to the Planning Board, which is rewriting the Master Plan, and it will finalize our settlement by rewriting and adopting the new H-Zone Ordinance governing the Ridgewood Campus.”
Friends of Schedler
At a recent council meeting, Susan announced that Isabella Altano, who died last September, had posthumously received the 2018 Bergen County Historic Preservation Award. The Preserve Graydon Coalition wrote a letter supporting her nomination. Isabella was a friend to Graydon as well as to the Zabriskie-Schedler house and property. An architect, landscape architect, teacher, and proud Ridgewood resident, Isabella supported and fought for all historic preservation. We are confident that she would have firmly endorsed Susan and Mike’s reelection.
The group that Isabella founded, Friends of Schedler, has done so, saying: “All too often, interest groups either ignore or fail to recognize the many different neighborhoods that comprise the Village of Ridgewood. Susan and Mike have demonstrated a government of inclusion, providing residents from all areas of Ridgewood the opportunity to be heard.”
In a follow-up message, Friends of Schedler wrote: “It is imperative that we all show up on May 8 to vote for Susan Knudsen and Mike Sedon. The other two candidates were seen at the Ridgewood Baseball–Softball Association parade speaking with RBSA officials. The 90-foot field is not dead. If Susan and Mike lose, we will be fighting that battle once again.”
Ridgewood Citizens for Reasonable Development
“The high-density housing issue is far from over,” warns Ridgewood Citizens for Reasonable Development (RCRD), formerly known as Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR). “Right now, outside forces are trying to impose high-density ‘overlay development zones’ throughout Ridgewood, including in residential areas. This could open our Village to more oversized development in the future. We need Susan and Mike’s experience to limit this.” If that doesn’t scare you, nothing will. Among the candidates, only Knudsen and Sedon can be relied upon to fight this proposed incursion into our neighborhoods and threat to our way of life.
RCRD continues: “In just two years as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Knudsen and Sedon have made Ridgewood a stronger and kinder community. Much of the division and negativity we experienced from the prior administration is gone. For a long time, RCRD/CBR had to mobilize supporters to attend every Planning Board and Village Council meeting to ensure that nothing unexpected could happen without notice to residents. For the past two years we have been able to call off that guard. That’s because we know the Council is in such experienced, open and honest hands.”
In an announcement on Monday, the group wrote: “It’s important that Susan Knudsen and Mike Sedon retain their seats so they can finish the thoughtful job they’ve started, putting residents first in all planning and development decisions. The prior administration’s ‘pro big development’ forces are strongly behind the opposing candidates. After so much hard work by citizens’ groups, including CBR/RCRD, Ridgewood is on a calmer, kinder, more open, and more reasonable path. We don’t want a return to the infighting and negative campaigning of the recent past. Sadly, other candidates are trying to do that with a sour misinformation campaign.”
Ridgewood Chinese American Association
“The village should keep its charming style for residents and the generations to come,” says the Ridgewood Chinese American Association. “This vision should be reflected in and protected by the new Village Master Plan.”
The statement continues: “We value inclusiveness in both government and education and encourage better communication of village government with the residents. We support a lean management in the village government in terms of both fiscal and operational effectiveness. We expect an open and transparent village government with a high ethical level.”
The road to our Council cannot be paved with bad intentions
Supporters of the two candidates seeking to assume the incumbents’ seats have issued a long and libelous pack of lies widely disseminated in glossy mailers, via email, and on social media and websites, some signed by the current chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This behavior suggests just how badly the group supported by the former mayor wants to regain control of the Village Council. Candidates with experience and character do not behave in this way. It stinks of desperation.
This shocking and despicable effort has taken local politics to a new low. Around town, residents have expressed their distaste for the mudslinging that has characterized one faction of the campaign. Who knows what fabrications they’ll come up with in the next week? Be wary.
Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon have withstood the barrage of insults with remarkable poise. They could easily have responded by listing the deficits and faults of their accusers, but that is not their style. Instead, they continue to discuss their plans and impressive Council track record at coffees and on their websites and to explain how, if reelected, they will help Ridgewood embrace a potentially troublesome future safely.
Susan and Mike have the hands-on experience, knowledge, integrity, and leadership skills that will be essential in the coming years. We believe a significant motivation for the appalling negativity that has characterized the campaigns of the challengers is desperation to oversee the Master Plan, which is our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and architectural blueprint for the future all in one.
Inexperienced people who seem confused about what ethics means in Ridgewood must not be allowed on our Council.
Please VOTE on TUESDAY, MAY 8.
Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM. Fourteen hours for a five-minute task!
Because turnout is often low around here, even a few votes can sway election results. YOUR VOTE COUNTS.
If you need a ride, please let us know.
Swimmingly,
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!” [email protected] PreserveGraydon.org
photo is Abraham Godwin the Patron Saint of the Ridgewood blog
April 30,2018
the PJ Blogger and the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in Ridgewood It takes a village ,It takes a village to raise a child, It takes a village to worship Groupthink, It takes a village to become a lynch mob, yes it takes a Village . According to Thomas Sowell , “One of the most pathetic—and dangerous—signs of our times is the growing number of individuals and groups who believe that no one can possibly disagree with them for any honest reason.”
In the heat of the political season , the staff of the Ridgewood blog thought it would be a good time to review how the Ridgewood blog actually works .
The guiding principle of the Ridgewood bog can best be summed up by former New York Mayor Ed Koch, “If you agree with me on nine out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.” The second principle can best be summed up with a quote from local landscape architect James Rose, “the problem is you live here” . Meaning that the issues you face in your community are your own fault ,not Trump, Bush, Anonymous posters or anyone else.
The nature of the Ridgewood blog is to generate discussion from a multitude of sources and contributors .We don’t expect everyone to love the blog. It is not a public service . Some of our biggest critics are often the best commentators. The fact that so many people in the Village are so engaged in the schools or the Village Council is part of what makes Ridgewood a great community.
Todays controversial post becomes yesterdays news; for example the blog questioned the use of parking meters ,was berated and years later someone was caught stealing the money from the very parking meters.
Anonymity is used to protect the posters from fear of retribution . Anonymity also equals the playing field forcing the reader to focus on the content rather than the posters standing in life .People only complain about anonymity because they are looking to exact revenge on the poster and stifle dissent. Everyone knows there are occasionally nasty comments , the nasty comments come from the same people that make them in town, at Village Council meetings and at sporting events . People who complain about comments not being represented or posted or censored are the people who make the nasty comments . Trolls and stalkers get blocked .
Just to be clear while the Mayor Knudsen , like other Village Mayors has been the subject of many posts on this blog , she is not a contributor to the blog as has been alleged. She has however on occasion graciously asked us to remove something or complained that a post was inaccurate or unfair to her one of her collogues . She would not be the only resident to do so.
The Ridgewood blog has also run articles and posts on Governor Phil Murphy and he is not a contributor either.
If you are the subject of a post on the Ridgewood blog , no one expects to answer every anonymous comment posted .
The Ridgewood blog is not a Newspaper .You are directly responsible for what you write . There are no protected sources. The Ridgewood blog is a peer to peer forum , with several administrators trying and sometimes failing to keep a balance . Those of you who use Facebook understand how quickly things can get out of control.
We are always promoting diversity in town , the Ridgewood blog represents diversity of thought and opinions.
The Ridgewood blog is not a Republican blog or Democrat blog , doubt it just ask the Bergen County Republican Organization. Yes the blog does have a tendency to represent non mainstream points of view . Its says right on the mast head ” The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues ”
I know totally radical , as bad as Kanye West’s declaration of support for President Donald Trump.
Much of the content is meant to be both informative and provocative, if that’s stirring the pot so be it. Periodically a post causes some public outrage, we suggest you save the outrage for the $110,000,000 school budget .
There are many contributors to the Ridgewood blog ,some write articles, some advertise, some send in pictures and comments, some comments become posts , some people live in the area and some are ex pats.
Because you contribute to the blog does not mean you agree with everything on the blog , once again , “If you agree with me on nine out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.”
Opposing a particular idea ,like turf fields in flood zones, Valley Expansion , Ridgewood Train station expansion , cement bottom pools , high density housing , destruction of historical significant properties, and Garagezilla’s to name a few does not imply the Ridgewood blog is somehow against the organizations that propose theses ideas. We like Ridgewood Sports , just not turf fields in flood zones, we like Valley Hospital but the expansion was just far to big for the lot, we like development but the high density housing projects in the CBD are just too big and too nom conforming with the spirit of the towns downtown.
The Ridgewood blog attempts to focus on issues and ideas, however , bad behavior is bad behavior and no one is above reproach or given a free pass to act like a “jerk” . Unfortunately Some people can not separate themselves from issues they are passionate over and take everything personal.
If you have ever been upset be something on this blog , keep in mind that on this blog a commenter from town defended a child molester , someone defended children buying drugs from an armed drug dealer , many have defended driving 50 mph over the speed limit crashing their vehicle and complained about being photographed , many have defended hitting pedestrians , someone even defended the old parking meter system of stealing all the money , just to name a few things that upset most of the staff.
While the blog has many critics , its amazing how they come running when Valley Hospital or NJT looks to pave over their house for a project.
And finally we don’t confuse critics of content with enemies of the blog. The fact is that the real enemies of this blog are enemies of free speech and free thought .
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Singers proudly presents: NATURE SINGS,Sunday, May 6th at 3:00PM at Ridgewood United Methodist Church. The address is 100 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Susan LaFever is the Conductor
Erik Clark will be the Pianist
The Ridgewood Singers invite you to their spring concert, “Nature Sings,” on May 6. Songs play with aspects of how nature exhibits herself in spring, through water, sky, and that perennial favorite ‘spring fever.’ So, let me “Colour My World” (and hopefully, yours) by weaving a few of our song titles into this invitation, as follows:
For instance, come out of your “Castle on a Cloud” so you can be “Flying Free” while you “Follow Rain and Rivers” to our concert! Our “Serenade to Spring” is in the afternoon, after “Morning Has Broken” and any churchgoers have been “Down to the River to Pray.”
You’ll hear music of the Beatles, Sondheim, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and more… composing a nice variety of light pieces about nature, moonlight…. and (Everything’s Coming Up) roses.
This uplifting spring concert,
TICKETS:
General Admission $18.00
Senior/Student $15.00
Tickets are available in advance
Call: Cynthia at 201-692-9899
Email: [email protected]
At the door: On the day of the performance
The Ridgewood Singers Present Nature Sings Sun, May 06, 2018 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Registration is Open for the Family Promise Hike or Bike event.
April 29,2019
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Join us on Sunday, May 6th as we Hike or Bike to support Family Promise of Bergen County. Choose your route – 3 mile hike or bike OR 15 mile bike. We begin and end at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood. Fun for everyone with food, music, games, prizes, giveaways and more!
Form a team with your family, friends, colleagues, school,
congregation, scout troop, sports team, etc.!
Create your own fundraising page! Have fun!
Family Promise is the only organization in Bergen County that provides shelter and support to homeless, working families with children. Thank you for your support.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 201-833-8009
Family Promise of Bergen County Hike or Bike Event
Sun, May 06, 2018
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Van Neste Square in Ridgewood, Van Neste Square in Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Health Department would like to remind residents that 2018 dog license renewals are due during the month of June. A $20 late fee will be charged for all renewals received after June 30, 2018.
The Ridgewood FREE dog rabies clinic and micro chipping event will be held on Wed. May 16 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Graydon Pool Parking Lot on North Pleasant Ave.
The health department will be sending renewals notices via email. If you do not have an email address please call our office and request a renewal to be mailed to you.
Renewal applications may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.ridgewoodnj.net or coming in person to the Ridgewood Health Department, 131 North Maple Ave. The office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please call 201 670-5500 ext. 502 with questions.
New Jersey law requires owners of all dogs seven months of age or older to be registered with the town where they live. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination does not expire before May 1, 2019. To receive the discount for a spayed or neutered pet, proof must also be provided.
Paramus NJ, on Saturday , May 05, 2018 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the Primrose School of Paramus will host its Grand Opening .
Fore a preview everyone is invited to tour the school, during our Open House, on Sunday, April 29, 2018. We are located, at 639 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ 07652.
Primrose Schools® is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Our Franchise Owners, Leadership Teams and School Staff partner with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life
Primrose School of Paramus, is located at 639 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652
For any questions or to learn more about this school please contact:
Arlene Flores, School Director
201-445-5330
or visit their website www.PrimroseParamus.com
Wyckoff NJ, the Wyckoff Police Department recently completed the Distracted Driving Campaign and they were kind enough to post all the results for the time period.
Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves: they’re a danger to everyone else on the road. The national distracted driving effort focuses on ways to change the behavior of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness, and education.
An alarming trend is that traffic deaths in New Jersey have increased to 635 last year from a low of 542 in 2013.
From April 1st to April 21st the Wyckoff police department conducted a Distracted Driving Campaign. The Police established check points to make sure motorist were operating safely in Wyckoff . 262 summons were issued by police.:
33 were for cell phones, 10 for careless driving ,9 for speeding , 8 for driving with a suspended license , 6 for failure to wear a seat belt , 5 for reckless driving , 5 criminal arrests , 4 DUI’s and 4 traffic warrant arrests.
These details are in place to make sure vehicles traveling in Wyckoff remains safe, drive carefully.
Ridgewood NJ, in their latest campaign pitch , the Willett and Harwin camp have accused Village of Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen and deputy Mayor Mike Sedon of being NAZI sympathizers for among other things posing with the Easter Bunny , planting flags with American Legion Post 53 at Valleau Cemetery for forgotten veterans ,and thanking all those who helped with the Memorial Day Service and Remembers the Fallen military hero’s, on this blog.
While the Willett and Harwin campaign have already been outed for being anti Catholic ,undermining the police and fire department you can now add hating the Easter Bunny and denigrating the US Armed Services and its veterans to the list.
In the mailing the Ridgewood blog was called a “right wing blog “, who dared to state the obvious that using children to make cheap political points is a bit reminiscent of “Hitler Youth” , sorry folks it is what it is.
Still no word from Harwin and Willett denouncing the bigoted Hans Lehmann letter or explaining their position on the anti minority ,white only LGBT flag that they attempted to pressure the council into hosting over Village Hall?
The entire mailing fails to understand how the Ridgewood blog functions and how news is disseminated on this site .
Hackensack NJ, 5th District Republican candidate Steve Lonegan said he was stunned today to learn of allegations of possible illegal actions at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.
As reported in northjersey.com, the Sheriff’s Office is now the target of a lawsuit brought by former finance director, Omid Bayati, who says he was retaliated against after blowing the whistle on alleged unlawful activities, including “inappropriate vendor deals” and a plan to use $7.5 million in federal money “to keep the budget flat during County Executive James Tedesco’s reelection campaign.”
In a lawsuit, filed on April 20, 2018, in Bergen County Superior Court, it is alleged that in violation of State Law, that a meeting was held in “late 2017” in which “ a meeting was called by the County for all Department heads in relation to the budget. At that meeting, the County CFO noted that it was an election year for the County Executive and therefore there needed to be a zero percent increase in the budget. In order to accomplish this, they decided to rely upon funding from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to partially fund the Sheriff’s Office
Bergenfield Mayor, and Bergen County Executive candidate Norman Schmelz has asked the United States Department of Justice to investigate the Bergen County Executive’s Office, including the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Bergen County, for conspiring to use Federal Funds to aid in the reelection of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.
Lonegan noted ,“John McCann was the right hand man of Sheriff Michael Saudino, a Democrat, while these alleged activities were going on. He was his chief counsel and he is implicated in all of this,” Lonegan stated. “If Mr. Bayati is telling the truth, it means John McCann disregarded the evidence presented to him and failed to investigate his claims. His job was to protect taxpayers, not the Democrat he worked for and not the Democratic County Executive.”
“A disturbing pattern seems to be emerging here regarding John McCann. Is it incompetence or is it corruption? The people in District 5 deserve answers. What did John McCann know and when did he know it?”
Mayor Schmelz, wrote, “If these allegations are true, then the public needs to know, who was involved, what was agreed upon, and how much taxpayer dollars are being used for political purposes.”
Schmelz continued, “The allegations are clear that Federal Tax dollars (and possibly state and local tax dollars as well) are being used for political purposes, instead of providing essential services in a proper manner.”
The Schmelz letter continued, “It is inconceivable and outrageous that such illegal activities are taking place in the offices of the Bergen County Executive. Each person who had knowledge of such activities should immediately come forward, divulge what they know, and resign forthwith. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”
Schmelz concluded, “I ask that the Department of Justice investigate these allegations presented in a court of law, that if true contain a clear and compelling picture of illegality at the highest levels of government. This breach of trust, is devastating to hard working taxpayers who demand their tax dollar be spent on essential government services, not for political agendas as is alleged.”
Mahwah NJ, A tractor and attached flatbed trailer rolled over on the Interstate Route 287 “flyover” in Mahwah Wednesday morning, 04/25. The trailer’s load of wooden pallets spilled off onto the “flyover” during the incident.
A “flyover ramp” is an overpass is a bridge, road, railway or similar structure that crosses over another road or railway. An overpass and underpass together form a grade separation. Stack interchanges are made up of many overpasses.
Mahwah Police, Mahwah Fire department, and NJSP Troop B personnel responded to the scene along with NJDOT Emergency Response units. No word on injuries to the tractor driver, nor if there was a passenger in the vehicle. A heavy duty tow truck righted the vehicles before they were removed from the scene. The “flyover” was closed for an extended period while tow truck and NJDOT Emergency Response workers cleaned up the mess.
Ridgewood NJ, The Pro Arte Chorale is very pleased to welcome Bryan Zaros as its new Music Director, effective July 1. The search for a new music director was launched late last year, following the announcement that the Chorale’s music director of six years, Steven Fox, was stepping down having accepted the position of Music Director for The Cathedral Choral Society in Washington DC. After a four-month selection process with several outstanding
candidates that included auditions with members of the Chorale, Bryan Zaros was offered the position which he enthusiastically accepted.
“For over 50 years, the Pro Arte Chorale has been a leading musical presence in the New York metropolitan area,” said Bryan. “With a distinguished history performing the great masterworks, this community of committed
musicians has continued to thrive and inspire audiences under a legacy of great conductors. It is my great joy and privilege to join Pro Arte as their next Music Director and continue the great performance legacy of this
ensemble. I look forward to leading them to a renewed era of artistry, impassioned music making and community engagement.”
“I am delighted that Pro Arte will be in such good hands with Bryan as their new musical leader,” said Steven Fox. “Having had the chance to meet Bryan a little over a year ago in New York, I think that he is just the right person for this special role. I am so happy for both the Chorale and for Bryan.” Bryan is a young conductor recognized for his “strong musical imagination” and “deep sense of musicality and communication.” A native New Yorker, he received a Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Michigan. He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting at the Manhattan School of Music.
Bryan began his professional musical training as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and as a boy chorister at The Church of the Transfiguration NYC. At the age of sixteen he was appointed the
Assistant Choirmaster at Transfiguration while also serving as the Assistant Choirmaster at St. Bartholomew’s Park Avenue. Recent conducting engagements have included invitations with choirs and orchestras in
England, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Greece, Slovenia, Ireland and Romania. Most notably he has conducted concerts at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center and at American Choral Director’s Association
Conferences.
He is a recipient of several conducting awards including an American Prize award in Conducting. Most recently, Bryan served as the Director of Choral Activities at Avon Old Farms School, as the Conductor of the Archdiocesan Choir and Orchestra at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, and as a conductor of choirs at the University of Hartford.
Bryan is the Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and made his conducting debut with the Cathedral’s Choirs at Westminster Abbey, London.
“I am extremely proud of the work Bryan Zaros has done as Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, and also through his doctoral studies at the Manhattan School of Music,” said Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
“He embodies that rare combination of musicality, excellent people skills and a commitment to doing the hard work it takes to truly be a fine conductor. It gives me great joy to see him take on the music director position with the Pro Arte Chorale, and I look forward to witnessing his work with this cherished and esteemed ensemble!”.
The Pro Arte Chorale wishes Steven Fox continued success in his endeavors, and we are grateful for the years of musical excellence he brought to our singers and audience. We look forward to building on this success and level of excellence under Bryan’s new leadership and talent.
VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
APRIL 25, 2018
7:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
MAYOR: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided
by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall,
by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Minutes
5. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-140 THROUGH 18-143 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
18-140 Title 59 Approval – Approves the plans and specifications for Tree Trimming Ridgewood Parkland Crest Road at the View in the Village of Ridgewood, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
18-141 Award Contract – Tree Trimming on Crest Road at The View (NTE $17,450) – Awards a contract to the vendor providing the sole quote, Downes Tree Service, Inc.,
65 Royal Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ
18-142 Award Professional Services Contract – Financial Advisory Services for Hudson Street Parking Garage Project (NTE $25,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to Acacia Financial Group, 6000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 410 North, Marlton, NJ
18-143 Award Professional Services Contract – Green Acres Certified Appraisal – Block 3905, Lot 19 – South Broad Street (NTE $3,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to a Green Acres Certified Appraiser, Mark E. Hendricks, Hendricks Appraisal Company, LLC, 7 Hutton Avenue, West Orange, NJ
Village Council Work Session
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
APRIL 25, 2018
7:30 P.M.
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion – Budget
a. Award Contract – Tree Trimming
b. Award Contract – Financial Advisor – Hudson Street Parking Garage
c. Award Professional Services Contract – Green Acres Diversion Property – South Broad Street
7. Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
8. Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
9. Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
10. Presentation
a. Hudson Street Parking Garage – Epic Management
11. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Year One of Two Year Contract – Landscaping Services
2. Award Change Order #2 – Water Main Stream Crossings
3. Award Change Order #2 – Installation of Backup Power at Critical Facilities
4. Award Contract – Water Smart
b. Parking
1. Payment for Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other
Related Services
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Year Two of Two Year Contract – Disposal of Recyclable Materials
2. Award Contract – Eradication of Bicycle Lane Markings – Portion of Westbound Garber Square
3. Award Contract – Crossing Guard Services
4. Award State Contract – Replacement of Carpeting – Police Department
5. Discuss Contract for Professional Planner – Affordable Housing Planning Consultant
6. New Five Year Lease – Pease Upper Levels
d. Policy
1. Blade Sign Ordinance
2. Amendment to Village Code – Backyards – Bands and Music
e. Operation – None
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
15. Resolution to go into Closed Session
16. Closed Session
A. Personnel – Faulkner Act; Dept. of Public Works; Fire Department; Boards and Committees; Anti-Nepotism
B. Contract Negotiations – Property Acquisition – Green Acres Diversion
C. Legal – Affordable Housing
17. Adjournment
