By Matthew Stanmyre and Steve Politi | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on April 04, 2017 at 7:03 AM, updated April 04, 2017 at 5:12 PM
Andrea Aquino began her journey in Paraguay. At 6-foot-7, people in her village thought she was a freak — all arms and legs clinging to the motorcycle she and her mother sold clothes from to support themselves.
Selwyn Rodriguez and Christian Ortiz started their odyssey in Puerto Rico. Once in the mainland United States, Ortiz slept on piles of laundry and cold floors, while Rodriguez lived with a stranger who openly used drugs.
And Blessing Ejiofor landed in the U.S. on the fast track to college, via Nigeria, but her dreams were crushed by the adults she trusted most. That trust has cost her a scholarship to Vanderbilt and forced her back to Africa, where she remains a prisoner of immigration rules.
Four players from three continents — all bound by the same dream and pitch: Leave your friends and family behind, travel thousands of miles and use basketball to find a better life.
The Townsend Inlet Bridge between Sea Isle and Avalon has been closed indefinitely after underwater inspections deemed it unsafe. The bridge is shown on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. ( )
By Rajeev Dhir | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on April 04, 2017 at 9:49 AM, updated April 04, 2017 at 11:43 AM
AVALON — The Cape May County bridge linking Avalon and Sea Isle City has been shut down indefinitely for emergency repairs after an underwater inspection deemed the span unsafe, officials said.
An underwater inspection of bridge pilings found structural damage 20 feet below the water.
The dive team found a crack and movement in one piling that appeared to be very recent, along with heavy deterioration in another three-pile cluster that supports one of the piers on the Avalon side of the bridge.
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. Ridgewood Water Presentation – Lead and Copper
7. Discussion:
a. Ridgewood Water
Award Contract – Tree Maintenance Services
Award Contract – Water Main Replacements at Stream Crossings
Award Contract Under State Contract – Materials and Supplies – Water Main Repairs
Authorize Change Order – Rehabilitation of Glen Tank
b. Parking
1. Update on Hudson Street Parking Garage
2. Request for Proposals – Pilot Program – Alternative/Non-traditional Commuter Transportation Services
3. Preliminary Design for Train Station Parking Area
4. Parking on Pomander Walk
5. Cambridge Road and Bogert Avenue Parking
6. Repeat Zone Parking
c. Budget
Reject Bids – School Bus Transportation Services – Summer Day Camp
Award Contract – Professional Traffic Engineering Services – West Side Study Area
Award Contract – Gate House Sloped Entry – Habernickel Family Park
Award Contract – Communications – Police Department
Award Contract – Paving
Award Contract – Central Valet
Surplus of Police Vehicles
Temporary Emergency Budget Appropriations
Temporary Emergency Capital Budget
Capital Ordinances
d. Policy
Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
Sustainable Jersey Actions Regarding Responsible Pet Ownership
Age Friendly Ridgewood – Mayor’s Pledge
Boards and Committees – Structures and By-laws
Historic Preservation Grant Proposal through Bergen County Open Space Trust – Zabriskie-
Schedler House – Phase II
e. Operations
Release of Cash Security Bond – Sludge Hauling Contract
Installation of Bus Shelter/Bus Bench – West Glen and North Monroe
Upgrade of County Traffic Signals
Accept Donation – Restoration of Sally Port – Ridgewood Police Department
Surplus & Donation of Police Equipment
8. Review of April 12, 2017 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
9. Manager’s Report
10. Council Reports
11. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
12. Resolution to go into Closed Session
13. Closed Session
a. Personnel/Contract Negotiations – White Collar and Blue Collar Negotiations;
Boards/Committees
b. Contract Negotiations – Consideration of Purchase of Properties;
Editors note CNN tries the same tactic as the Bergen Record when they came to Ridgewood and told residents its not news till they tell you it is and you have no right to question anything.
‘We will not aid and abet the people trying to misinform you’
Apr 4, 2017
Since news broke Monday that the Obama Administration’s National Security Adviser, Susan Rice, directed the “unmasking” of NSA intercepts of Trump associates, CNN has raced to shoot down the blockbuster report.
CNN Tonight’s Don Lemon went so far as to announce he would ignore the news at all costs.
While interviewing a Democratic congressman, CNN’s Chris Cuomo claimed it was “demonstrably untrue” Rice sought surveillance of the Trump team, even as that’s exactly what yesterday’s reports prove.
Over the last 24 hours, the network has also repeatedly called on its chief national security correspondent, Jim Sciutto, to dismiss the reports as a non-story; Sciutto has even excused Rice claiming ignorance of the unmasking scandal two weeks ago, arguing Rice “wasn’t aware” what unmasking Rep. Devin Nunes (D-Calif.) was referring to.
And on Tuesday’s “New Day,” anchor Alisyn Camerota openly pleaded with Sen. John McCain to write-off the news as unimportant.
Last night, Lemon began “CNN Tonight” with an announcement that the Rice report a “fake scandal ginned up by right-wing media and Trump” that he would not be baited into justifying with coverage.
“On this program tonight, we will not insult your intelligence by pretending,” it’s legitimate, he said. “Nor will we aid and abet the people trying to misinform you, the American people, by creating a diversion. Not going to do it.”
Ridgewood Nj, Author Says U.S. Government Misjudged The Future In 1935
Shortly after the Reagan Administration took charge in Washington D.C., professional investor and author of the book “Roadway to Prosperity” (www.roadwaytoprosperity.com) Al Jacobs essentially opted out of the Social Security System.
From that time on Jacobs has contributed only minimally to the system, while retaining a vested interest in both Social Security and accompanying Medicare benefits from the U.S. Government.
“Social Security provides necessary security for those who have worked until they are 65 and not accumulated enough savings to live on,” says Jacobs, “but for those who have accumulated the means to do without Social Security income, they’d be wise to extract themselves if they are able.”
Jacobs says there are many reasons that the U.S. Social Security System was in trouble from the start. Here’s a look at the Social Security System past, present and future:
• The current Social Security System was part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal that came to fruition in 1935. The measure, meant to implement social insurance for the elderly and unemployed, was enacted as a result of the Great Depression of the 1930s, which wiped out the savings and income of many elderly and retirees. • Initial payments, limited to $30 per year, were made into the system only by employees. If the U.S. Government had a crystal ball, it might have foreseen the problems Social Security would cause. In 1940, life expectancy for all Americans was 63 years of age, thus the government didn’t expect to pay benefits to its citizens very long. Ida May Fuller was the first to receive a monthly Social Security check. She paid $24.75 into the system, lived to be 100-years-old and collected $22,882.92 during her retirement years. • Not all beneficiaries were as lucky as Ida May, but it was an ominous beginning for the system. Throughout the next 70-plus years, amendments were added, employers were forced to pay in and optimism that the system could roll on as it had always done continued well into the 1980s. • As one century faded into another, Americans began to live longer for many different reasons, and as they did, Social Security began to show signs that it couldn’t last. The system soon became a hot item on the political trail, even prompting Donald Trump to tell everyone he didn’t need the $2,663 a month. He even encouraged his fellow billionaires – and those less fortunate millionaires – to stop taking the payment. The message didn’t seem to resonate, however, as these groups of earners are collectively taking in more than $1.4 billion a year in Social Security benefits. • According to a Pew Research Study, since 2010 Social Security’s cash expenses have exceeded its cash receipts. By 2019 the US Treasury will start dipping into its reserves and according to the study, Social Security will pay out its final checks in 2034 if something doesn’t change. • Today the retirement age in the U.S. remains 65-years-old, while the average lifespan for citizens is 78 years.
About Al Jacobs
A professional investor for nearly five decades, Al Jacobs holds a degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Real Estate Certificate from the University of California and a Certified Property Manager designation (CPM) from the Institute of Real Estate Management. He organized his own investment firm in 1968 and has since specialized in development and management of real estate, and has a deep involvement in corporate securities. His written works can be found in the book “Roadway to Prosperity” and also in several newspapers near his hometown of Monarch Beach in Orange County, Calif. Jacobs writes a weekly column for his website (www.roadwaytoprosperity.com) as well.
Ridgewood NJ, Join the men of Orpheus to honor the boys of 1917 and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I, as The Yanks Go ‘Over There.’
Thrill, and perhaps shed a tear or two, to the choral majesty of Orpheus reprising Cohan’s “Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and “Over There;” the heartbreaking “Madame Jeanette,” Thomas Juneau’s “The Parting Glass,” and old time favorites “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” Roses of Picardy,” “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” and “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.”
In true Orphean fashion, there will be something to delight everyone in this performance including, the stirring “Di quella pira” from Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” our Doo Woppers rendition of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” the great Rogers and Hart love song, “With a Song in My Heart,” and so much more!
This is a once in a generation concert. Do not miss it. Do not let your children and grandchildren miss it. Tickets for the concert are $15 in advance and $25 at the door Seniors and students may purchase tickets at the door for $18. Get your advance purchase ticket discount today online at our website, www.ridgewoodorpheusclub.org
The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus has been a keystone of the cultural life of the tri-state region for 111 years. Founded in 1905, it is the oldest cultural institution in all of Bergen County. Now over 50 voices strong, it is directed by John Palatucci and accompanied by pianist Ron Levy.
Grand Opening of Ridgewood Location is its 39th in New Jersey, and 109th throughout Tri-State Area
April 4,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ ,Professional Physical Therapy, a leading provider of physical and hand therapy and rehabilitation clinics throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, announces today the opening of its newest clinic in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Located in the picturesque village of Ridgewood, N.J., this clinic joins 14 surrounding Professional Physical Therapy offices serving Bergen County.
Professional’s elite staff customizes recovery plans based on the needs of each patient and uses proven techniques and best practices to get patients back to doing the things they love faster. Clinical Director, Danielle Post, DPT and her team bring extensive experience to the community and are committed to creating patient treatment plans using evidence-based practices to meet each patient’s goals.
“Professional remains committed to delivering our nationally recognized and industry leading level of service and expanding our presence in New Jersey. As a life long Bergen County resident, I am thrilled to be directly involved in bringing our wide array of patient focused services to the Village of Ridgewood. This new facility complements our existing locations in the surrounding area, and serves as another example of our continued dedication to offering our patients and referring physicians access to the highest quality physical, hand, and occupational therapy services,” said Jeff De Bellis Vice President of Clinical Operations in New Jersey.
“Professional Physical Therapy attributes its success to the personalized, compassionate care we provide, coupled with our outstanding clinical education program. An exceptional patient experience is one of the many reasons we were recognized nationally as Practice of the Year in 2016. We are very excited to become part of the Ridgewood neighborhood,” added Donald Demay, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Professional Physical Therapy.
The opening of the Ridgewood clinic is Professional Physical Therapy’s 109th clinic, and its 39th in New Jersey. The facility is located at 85 South Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. For more information and a list of all of Professional Physical Therapy’s locations, please visit https://www.professionalpt.com.
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY
Professional Physical Therapy, headquartered in Uniondale, New York, is a leading provider of physical and hand therapy, and rehabilitation services throughout the New York metropolitan area, New Jersey and Connecticut. Professional is an award-winning organization, most recently honored as the recipient of the 2016 ADVANCE for Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine magazine’s annual Practice of the Year award, and selected based on its clinical expertise and exceptional patient experience. Founded in 1998, Professional Physical Therapy operates 109 outpatient physical and hand therapy centers: 12 located within Equinox Fitness Centers, five located in Blink Fitness facilities, one located in a STACK Sports Performance Center, one inside a Golf & Fitness Academy, one inside Chatham Club, one inside Strive Fitness, and 88 standalone.
Editors note :Susan Rice, former President Obama’s national security adviser — who is infamously known for her role in misleading the American people about the nature of the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya — is in the middle of another national controversy.
BY OLIVIA BEAVERS – 04/03/17 02:27 PM EDT
White House lawyers discovered last month that Susan Rice, a national security adviser in the Obama administration, requested that identities of U.S. citizens be revealed in raw intelligence reports connected to President Trump’s transition team, according to a Monday Bloomberg View report.
U.S. officials told Bloomberg that the White House discovered Rice’s requests during a National Security Council review of how the government handles the “unmasking” of American citizens whose communications and information are incidentally collected in broader foreign surveillance. Those names are normally redacted in reports.
Foreign officials discussing the Trump transition, as well as conversations between foreign officials and Trump aides, were reportedly monitored during the government’s usual surveillance work.
Nutritional science is too complex to furnish easy answers about what to eat.Illustration by Ben Wiseman
In the early nineteen-sixties, when cholesterol was declared an enemy of health, my parents quickly enlisted in the war on fat. Onion rolls slathered with butter, herring in thick cream sauce, brisket of beef with a side of stuffed derma, and other staples of our family cuisine disappeared from our table. Margarine dethroned butter, vinegar replaced cream sauce, poached fish substituted for brisket. I recall experiencing something like withdrawal, daydreaming about past feasts as my stomach grumbled. My father’s blood-cholesterol level—not to mention that of his siblings and friends—became a regular topic of conversation at the dinner table. Yet, despite the restrictive diet, his number scarcely budged, and a few years later, in his mid-fifties, he had a heart attack and died.
More people are leaving the New York region than any other major metropolitan area in the country.
More than 1 million people moved out of the New York area to another part of the country since 2010, a rate of 4.4 percent — the highest negative net migration rate among the nation’s large population centers, US Census records show.
The number of people leaving the region — which includes parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island — in one year swelled from 187,034 in 2015 to 223,423 in 2016, while the number of international immigrants settling in the tri-state area dwindled from 181,551 to 160,324 over the same period, records show.
The nation’s economy is improving, there are more jobs in cheaper places to live, and retirees are choosing to move to warmer climates, experts say.
The Trump administration’s emphasis this week on quashing sanctuary cities’ efforts to shelter immigrants without legal permission has ricocheted through the New Jersey governor’s race.
By MICHAEL CATALINI, Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The Trump administration’s emphasis this week on quashing sanctuary cities’ efforts to shelter immigrants ( shelter illegal immigrants) without legal permission ricocheted through the New Jersey governor’s race.
Democrats vowed to push back against President Donald Trump, setting up a potential showdown over federal funding that the GOP president says is on the line. Republicans, meanwhile, criticize sanctuary cities and question their purpose.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who is term-limited, has said there’s “no chance” he’ll back Democratic lawmakers’ efforts to require the state to pick up the tab if federal dollars to sanctuary cities are cut.
Ridgewood NJ,recent rains are making head way toward alleviating the drought in Jersey,The Division of Water Supply and Geoscience within the Department of Environmental Protection, regularly monitors various water supply conditions within the state based on the different Water Supply Regions. The water supply conditions aid the Department in declaring the regions as being within one of the four stages of water supply drought, Normal, Drought Watch, Drought Warning, and Drought Emergency.
Bergen County finds is self still under a “drought warning” as of March 26th ,but what does that mean?
A drought warning represents a non-emergency phase of managing available water supplies during the developing stages of drought, and falls between the Watch and Emergency levels of drought response. The aim of a Drought Watch is to avert a more serious water shortage that would necessitate declaration of a water emergency and the imposition of mandatory water use restrictions, bans on water use, or other potentially drastic measures. Under a drought warning, the commissioner of the DEP may order water purveyors to develop alternative sources of water or transfer water between areas of the State with relatively more water to those with less. While mandatory water use restrictions are not imposed under a Warning, the general public is strongly urged to use water sparingly in affected areas.
Friday’s heavy rains coupled with melting snow may help to alleviate the situation, but don’t go out an celebrate just yet :
Mark Krulish , Staff Writer, @Mark_Krulish8:54 a.m. ET March 31, 2017
RIDGEWOOD – In preparation for the potential adoption of permanent two-day-per-week water restrictions, the village’s environmental committee hosted a forum on water conservation Wednesday evening.
An ordinance introduced on March 9 would limit use of automatic irrigation systems to twice per week, from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., for residential and commercial properties. Exceptions are made for hand-held hoses and drip irrigation systems.
The relationship between the U.S. and Russia may be more antagonistic now than it was during the decades-long Cold War, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top spokesman said Friday.
Asked by ABC’s “Good Morning America” host George Stephanopoulos if the U.S. and Russia were in a “new Cold War,” Dmitry Peskov said the current situation may be worse, blaming the U.S. for disintegrating cooperation between the two countries.
“New Cold War? Well, maybe even worse. Maybe even worse, taking into account actions of the present presidential administration in Washington,” Peskov told Stephanopoulos.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police will be cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of New Jersey’s UDrive. UText. UPay. enforcement campaign.
Beginning April 1 and running through April 21, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on hand-held cell phones and sending text messages while driving.
“Distracted driving is a serious issue on our roadways,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014 alone, 3,179 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 431,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.”
Despite the fact that using a hand held cell phone or texting while driving is illegal in New Jersey, the practice appears to be widespread. In a recent survey conducted by the FDU PublicMind Poll for the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, 67% of respondents said they “very often” see people driving and talking on a hand held cell phone. 42% of respondents said they “very often” see driver’s texting.
The campaign is being carried out during the month of April, which the National Safety Council has designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The New Jersey campaign is modeled after similar successful high visibility enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
