UPDATE FOR SANITATION PICK UP – WEEK OF MARCH 20TH
Update on Sanitation Pick-Up
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Due to the recent snow storm and a prediction of additional snow over the weekend , placing solid waste at the curb will be extended into next week. Regular rear-yard pickup will resume Monday, March 27th. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
By Rebecca Everett | For NJ.com
on March 18, 2017 at 8:35 AM, updated March 18, 2017 at 8:37 AM
On Tuesday, the day that Jason “Jay” Eitner ceased to be the Waterford Township school superintendent via a separation agreement, his Twitter and LinkedIn profiles said that he already had a new job.
“Superintendent-in-Residence, U.S. Department of Education,” they read. Both featured the Department of Education’s official seal.
But on that same day a spokesman for the Department of Education said Eitner does not work anywhere in the department.
“There’s not a shred of truth to anything this guy is peddling,” he said.
Eitner, who is active on social media and also maintains a blog on educational topics that he encourages the public to subscribe to, also wrote a post in January about a two-hour meeting he had with Education Secretary Betsy Devos.
“He’s never met with the secretary,” the spokesman said. “I’ve never heard of him and neither has [DeVos’] chief of staff.”
March 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, while the mainstream media made much of the Irish Prime Minister claiming Saint Patrick is the symbol, “the partron of immigrants”. The truth however could not however be further ,and if so illegal Immigrants are in big trouble .
The truth comes from Saint Patrick himself through the chance survival of two remarkable letters which he wrote in Latin in his old age.
The real Saint Patrick was not Irish at all, but a spoiled and rebellious youth of Roman citizenship living a life of luxury in fifth-century Britain. Saint Patrick was kidnapped from his family’s estate as a teenager and sold into slavery across the sea in Ireland.
For six long years he endured torture and brutal conditions as he watched over his master’s sheep on a lonely mountain in a strange land.
Saint Patrick went to Ireland an atheist, but there heard what he believed was the voice of God. When he finally escaped and risked his life to make a perilous journey across Ireland, he found passage back to Britain on a pirate ship.
His family welcomed back their long-lost son with open arms and assumed he would take up his life of privilege, but Saint Patrick heard a different call. He returned to Ireland to bring a new way of life to a people who had once enslaved him.
There he became a warrior ,constantly faced opposition, threats of violence, kidnapping, and even criticism from jealous church officials, while his Irish followers faced abuse, murder, and enslavement themselves by mercenary raiders. But through all the difficulties Saint Patrick maintained his faith and persevered in his Irish mission.
The Ireland that Saint Patrick lived was utterly unlike the Roman province of Britain in which he was born and raised. Dozens of petty Irish kings ruled the countryside with the help of head-hunting warriors while Druids guided their followers in a religion filled with countless gods and perhaps an occasional human sacrifice.
Saint Patrick was not an illegal immigrant but a kidnapped slave forced into servitude , To quote Democrat Senator Bob Menendez says on Twitter what may have felt is the real purpose for illegal immigrants the Senator commented on Twitter, “A #DayWithoutImmigrants means Senators & Senate staff couldn’t get their coffee because immigrants are part of our everyday lives” . Associating Saint Patrick with illegal immigration simply implys the illegals are here as seconclass citizens to shine your shoes, cut your lawn and make your coffee.
file photo by Boyd Loving
MARCH 16, 2017
Ridgewood NJ, You may have seen dramatic TV coverage of manhole covers popping off in the street and hurdling through the air. While rare in our service area, manhole covers sometimes become dislodged. The root cause varies; however, these incidents all have two ingredients: combustible fumes and an ignition source.
During the snowy months and spring thaw, the flammable gases are often caused by the salt we put on roads and sidewalks to keep us safe from slippery snow and ice. Other sources of potentially dangerous fumes include sewer lines, gas pipes, decaying organic matter, and the disposal of combustible materials in the streets.
In the late winter and early spring, salty runoff can make its way down a manhole shaft and compromise the insulation around electric cables. The cables begin to smolder, releasing gases like carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. In high concentrations, all that’s needed to release this energy is a spark.
Manhole covers serve an important purpose. They keep debris from falling into our electric vaults, keep unauthorized people out and ensure we can provide you the safe, reliable electricity service you expect from PSE&G.
We have 28,547 manholes in our system. Underneath their 400-pound cast iron covers are vaults measuring 6 feet high, by 12 feet long and 8 feet wide. The vaults house high-voltage electric cables about the size of your fist in diameter. Multiple cables are bundled together and wrapped in insulation. Those cables feed transformers that step down the high voltage electricity to a level suitable for distribution to homes and businesses.
We have another 11,251 “hand holes” that are covered by the small, rectangular metal covers you most often see in urban areas. These smaller vaults house low-voltage lines that bring electricity to individual customers such as small businesses, apartment buildings, or street and traffic lights. The covers on these hand holes don’t pop often. The lower voltage, combined with a smaller space, make it less likely to trap and ignite gas.
Manhole incidents in our system happen very infrequently. However, if you see something suspicious, like a manhole spewing smoke, it is important to report it. Call 911. Also, be sure to call PSE&G if you see a manhole or hand hole cover ajar or in any way out of place. It could be a sign of a problem lurking underneath.
Thursday, March 23 at 6:45 PM – 9 PM
Namaste Organic Spa
30 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Guess who’s back!
Ridgewood NJ , Namaste Organic Spa is very excited to have Bhante Sujatha .
Rumi says “what you seek is seeking you”… perhaps it’s true. The evidence of the power of our minds is undeniable.. The ancient texts of the Buddha tell us that no external condition can be the cause of our happiness, only the mind has that ability. When people understand how they are influenced, the root causes of struggle and what we can do with our minds to make things better, sustainable happiness and radiant joy are the result. My life as a Buddhist monk has given me a front row seat to incredible transformation within so many people as I teach them how to empower the mind and cultivate the qualities that will help you find strength and happiness, as well as give you a burning desire to add more love to the world. When we understand our mind, we begin to re-shape our behavior and feelings about so many things… it’s the most loving act of service one can do for themselves and the world.
Connect with your natural healing power with the gentle guidance of Bhante Sujatha, Buddhist monk from Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, IL. This 2-hour workshop has been life-changing for many of its participants, regardless of religious background. The teaching is centered around the cultivation of self love, for without healthy self love, you cannot be fully present to love anyone or anything else.
Proceeds go to Bhante’s Incubator Project in Sri Lanka
Bhante will do his book signing after the workshop and his CDs are also avilable for purchase.
Bhante Sujatha, a 35+ year Buddhist Monk, is singularly focuses on adding more love in the world. Bhante teaches loving-kindness meditation to people around the globe for all those seeking the art of happiness and contentment. His approach to meditation is deep and simple, bringing core Buddhist teachings to everyone in a way that is practical and easy to understand. A joyful, radiant, funny and wildly energetic monk, Bhante will help you obtain peace that can only be found in deep silence. He is originally from Sri Lanka and is the head monk / abbot of the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center in Woodstock, IL.
Bhante believes his purpose is not only to teach meditation, but also, “teaching people how to be happy.”
Fee: $35 (Checks or Cash)
*First come, first serve basis*
Space limited. Advanced registration required (cash or check) by Sunday, March 19, 2017. Stop by the spa or mail payments to: 30 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Checks can be made to Bhante Sujatha.
March 16, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, has invited all 214 parishes of the Archdiocese to ring their bells on the morning of Sunday, March 19 in opposition to the incredible fear that is being generated worldwide toward immigrants and refugees.
The Archdiocese is participating in the international Joy of Bells initiative, an effort by people of faith throughout the world to protest against anti-immigrant sentiment. Cardinal Tobin learned about the effort recently from former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, one of its organizers.
In writing to pastors in the Archdiocese about Newark’s participation, Cardinal Tobin stated: “It actually is fitting that March 19 is chosen as the day for this event, since traditionally the Catholic Church observes the Feast of St. Joseph on that day. As we all know, St. Joseph, in whom was entrusted the care of Jesus and his mother, Mary, understood first-hand the trials and terrors of being a refugee and emigrant, forced from his own land by people wishing to do the Holy Family harm.”
Many have also noted that the Joy of Bells also occurs during the weekend of the celebration of the Feast of St. Patrick, who was an immigrant to Ireland, first as a slave, and then as a missionary.
Parishes are free to choose at what time they will join in the demonstration of solidarity with people of faith throughout the world in the Joy of Bells, so long as the ringing occurs during the morning of March 19. The bells of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the mother Church of the Archdiocese, will peal at 10:15 a.m.
The Cardinal ended his letter to pastors with this entreaty: “Let your bells join those in England and Ireland, the Vatican and Canada, Thailand and countless other countries, cities, towns and villages to help people overcome isolation and hatred throughout the world.”
As night follows day, defenders of big government trotted out “Sesame Street’s” Big Bird as the poster child of President Trump’s terrible spending cuts.
The Daily Beast story on Trump’s budget proposal to cut taxpayer funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting features an ax-wielding man about to chop Big Bird’s head off. Politico has a story titled “Can Big Bird Survive Trump?” In a “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” segment mocking Trump’s budget, Donald Trump fires Big Bird.
These folks would do well to find a new mascot. Big Bird is big business, and doesn’t need taxpayer money to survive.
First, let’s take a look at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that produces “Sesame Street.”
Last year, Sesame Workshop had $121.6 million in revenues. Of that, $49.6 million came in distribution fees and royalties and $36.6 million in licensing of toys, games, clothing, food and such. In 2014, only 4% of its revenue came from government grants.
Despite being a taxpayer-supported nonprofit, Sesame Workshop pays its top executives fabulously well.
https://www.investors.com/politics/commentary/big-bird-is-rich-so-why-does-he-need-taxpayer-money/
Michael Price
Mar 16, 2017
In case you’re wondering, microwaves can’t take pictures of you. For starters, they don’t have cameras. But—and I can’t believe I’m writing this—Kellyanne Conway earlier this week was right to raise concerns about the security of “smart” devices connected to the Internet, even if it was an attempt to distract from President Trump’s unsubstantiated claim that President Obama had “wiretapped” Trump Tower.
Had Conway said she was worried about her dishwasher instead of her microwave, she might’ve been on to something. Back in 2012, a Wired headline read, “CIA Chief: We’ll Spy On You Through Your Dishwasher,” describing the clandestine agency’s very real plans to hack the “Internet of Things.” And as we now know, the CIA did find a way to turn Samsung “smart” TVs into covert listening devices.
In fact, the proliferation of Internet-connected devices with poor security is a major problem for at least a few reasons. First, they are indeed capable of exposing personal information—which is precisely why the CIA did it. The words we say in front of the TV are, to put it mildly, quite different from the words we would use on TV. And other “smart” home devices, from thermostats to baby monitors to Wi-Fi-enabled light bulbs, are also vulnerable to hacking.
https://fortune.com/2017/03/16/kellyanne-conway-microwave-hacking/
find the agenda here
Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ
DescriptionThe public is invited to attend the meeting, or watch it live on Fios channel 33, Optimum channel 77, or on the “Link in Live” tab of the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Ridgewood NJ, After at lest 10 years of water restrictions Ridgewood Water is now pushing “environmental changes” as an excuse for poor service.
A series of missteps has led Ridgewood Water from one disaster to another characterized by massive excuse making and under investment.
The fact is that poor management decisions have even resulted in a lawsuit that could have a significant impact on Village finances. A long-pending class action lawsuit of $14M against Ridgewood Water was brought by Midland Park, Wyckoff and Glen Rock and is now in state Superior Court in Hackensack.
Council meeting March 1, 2017 live stream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mX4O8ZhNcY
at the 39:00 mark, 39:14 “several wells down due to contamination issues, historic data back in 1978, there were 61 wells in operation, today 34 wells. Good majority of those that are out, are due to contaminates, not caused by us, but over the years, may be caused by adjacent properties or over pumping the acquifier over the years.”
According the the Village of Ridgewood website there will be a non stop series of events promoting and attempting to establish “climate change” as the reason behind Ridgewood Waters failure to deliver proper service to Ridgewood residents.
2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR RIDGEWOOD WATER
March 29th – The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will be hosting a presentation on issues relating to local water resources. The Ridgewood Water service area is under a State drought warning and continued Stage 2 watering restrictions. Changes in local municipal water restrictions are proposed which will make these conservation efforts permanent. Mike Furrey, Chair of the New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association and president of AGRA Environmental & Laboratory Services will address the audience on the state of the water industry and Ridgewood Water’s “Journey from Rain to Drain”. Information on what customers can do to conserve water will also be presented and made available. The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.
April 6th – The Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood League of Women Voters and the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) will present a documentary screening and discussion on the movie, “Tapped”. This film explores the role of the bottled water industry and its effects on health, climate change, pollution and the environment. Dave Scheibner, Ridgewood Water Business Manager, will also speak at the event which will take place from 7 – 9 pm in the Ridgewood Library Auditorium, 135 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.
April 6th – The Wyckoff Environmental Commission’s FLOW Green Film Festival will feature The Highlands Rediscovered. Following the movie will be a discussion with Sean Gilson of the NJ Highlands Coalition and updates on conservation and contaminants from Ridgewood Water’s Director of Operations, Richard Calbi Jr. The film starts at 7 pm in the Wyckoff Public Library, 200 Woodland Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.
April 23rd The Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) in partnership with Ridgewood Water welcomes your participation at this year’s Earth Day event focusing on water conservation and featuring Ridgewood Water’s “Journey from Rain to Drain” as well as educational exhibits, food, musical entertainment, petting zoo, crafts, dog parade, giveaways and more. The event will be held from 11 am – 2 pm at Van Neste Memorial Park, E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.
Sept. 14th – The Ridgewood League of Women Voters, in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will host a water forum. Discussion topics to be announced this summer. The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.
Oct. 18 th – The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will be hosting a presentation on issues relating to weather and drought. Dr. David Robinson, New Jersey State Climatologist, will address the audience on the changing climate in the state and the effects on utilities like Ridgewood Water. The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.
Dear Friends at the Ridgewood blog ,
Snowstorm Stella brought over eight inches of snow to the Village this week, and many of us are still digging out. I want to thank the residents for staying indoors and not traveling during the storm. Due to your assistance, only two motor vehicle crashes were reported and our crews doing the plowing were better able to manage the snow removal, in an attempt to keep the roadways clear.
Our crews doing the plowing and salting did a good job on the roads, despite the fact that they were challenged by large amounts of snow falling in a short amount of time. In addition, there was sleet mixed in with the snow, and bitter cold temperatures, which turned many streets to ice. Our crews doing the plowing also spent two nights clearing out both the streets and the parking lots of the Central Business District, the train station lot, and the Park and Ride lot. Many of you contacted the Village to let us know where there were ice or snow issues, which allowed us to address them as quickly as possible. We appreciate the feedback, because there is always room for improvement.
Due to the continued cold temperatures and the possibility of more snow in the coming days, all garbage must continue to be brought to the end of your driveway (not in the street), for the safety of our Village employees. This will continue through March 24th. Backyard collection of garbage will resume on March 27th, weather permitting.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Heather A. Mailander
Village Manager
201/670-5500 x202
By Michael Symons March 16, 2017 8:12 PM
TRENTON — Towns and counties would gain another exemption to the spending limits of the cap on property tax increases if a bill passed Thursday by the Assembly makes it into law.
Assemblyman Gary Schaer, D-Passaic, said he has heard from municipalities about having to pass on opportunities to use federal or private grants to hire police or buy fire trucks because of concerns over fitting the required local matching funds under the 2 percent cap.
The Assembly voted 48-26 to exempt matching-funds spending from the cap.
“We cannot hamstring local government from doing necessary things that members of one municipality or another would otherwise want to do but they have their hands tied and vital, vital considerations like police, like fire, like EMS, etc., are being jeopardized right now,” Schaer said.
Republicans opposed the bill.
“Any time we begin to erode away that 2 percent property tax cap level, that’s a problem for taxpayers. There’s no question about it,” said Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, R-Morris.
“We had a property tax cap years ago, but it had a million exemptions,” Bucco said. “We were able to negotiate a new property tax cap and limit the number of exceptions to very few, and I think you have to take very seriously any bill that begins to put exceptions back in.”
Read More: NJ Assembly votes to make it easier for towns to raise property taxes | https://nj1015.com/nj-assembly-votes-to-make-it-easier-for-towns-to-raise-property-taxes/?trackback=tsmclip
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT will operate extra bus service on selected routes to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) on Friday, March 17, to accommodate customers traveling to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail and River Line will also operate regular weekday schedules.
Please note: liquid containers of any kind, open or closed, will not be permitted on any train to and from New York/Hoboken on March 17. Beverages of any kind are prohibited at all times on board buses.
NJ TRANSIT will have Ambassadors will be on hand at Secaucus Junction, Aberdeen/Matawan, Middletown, N.J., and Penn Station New York to assist customers.
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of New York City’s greatest traditions. The first parade was on March 17, 1762 — fourteen years before the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The first NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade was comprised of a band of homesick, Irish ex-patriots and Irish military members serving with the British Army stationed in the colonies in New York. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride but was banned in Ireland. In that 1762 parade, participants reveled in the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were meaningful to the Irish immigrants of that time.
Extra trips to and from New York will be offered on the following bus routes:
No. 163 (Ridgewood – New York) additional local trips from Hackensack (Summit Ave. and Essex St.) to PABT from 8:46 a.m. until 10:42 a.m. operating via the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights, Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, and East Rutherford. Additional Turnpike Express (T) trips from Paramus (Paramus Rd. and Ridgewood Ave.) to NY/PABT at 8:57 a.m. and 9:17 a.m.
Customers are welcomed to taste, learn and explore from an Italian artisan showcase
Featured products, hand selected from almost 100 producers, will feature:
· Olive oils from four different Italian regions including Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria and Apulia
· Giusti Balsamic Vinegars, the oldest producer of balsamic vinegar established in 1605
· Rich and succulent specialty sauces direct from Sicily
· Genuine artisanal pasta from different Italian regions including Marche, Campania and Apulia
Additional Italian delights will be available: marinated vegetables, decadent sweets including chocolates, cookies and coffee/tea. There will even be a selection of craftsman ceramic dishes as well as pots and pans to purchase. Kings customers’ will have the opportunity to vote on the top artisan products to bring to its stores and enter to win one of four $250 gift cards, creating yet another exclusive offering with a brand new line of Italian goods.
To celebrate this distinctive showcase, Judy Spires, chairman and CEO of Kings Food Markets, will kick off the event with an opening ceremony that includes Francesco Genuardi, the General Consul of Italy in New York, as well as partners of Italian Products USA at 11:00 a.m. in the Kings’ Short Hills, NJ location. Following the ceremony and throughout the eight-day event, customers will be able to enjoy:
· An operatic flash mob with young promising talents on the rise
· Two centuries of Italian Music with the musical duo Kristine Massari and Enrico Granafei
· A musical Grand Finale with the Ron Aprea Big Band
Customers will also be able to meet Rossella Rago, the star of the Cooking with Nonna Show, and listen to Julia della Croce, distinguished as one of America’s best cooking teachers and food historians by the James Beard Foundation, talk about the regional differences of pastas and sauces as well as the traditional sweets of Easter. The Kings Short Hills Cooking Studio will also be offering an Italian Boot Camp Class, on Friday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the class can be purchased athttps://kingsfoodmarkets.com/in-store-events/italian-boot-camp.
To help shoppers learn more, Kings will have information posted on its site beginningMarch 17, sharing specific times and locations for each of the in-store events occurring during the eight-day artisan showcase, here: www.kingsfoodmarkets/Italian. Additionally, customers can look to take part in the conversation in real-time on Kings’ social media channels via Twitter (@KingsFoodMkts) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/kingsfoodmarkets).
Attention: Ridgewood Water Customers in the Village of Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water is proposing ,Stage II restrictions (2 days a week irrigation) were imposed in June 2016 and are still in effect in Glen Rock, Midland Park, Ridgewood and Wyckoff. Without these restrictions, the use of drinking water for irrigation will continue increasing toward levels that are unsustainable regardless of drought conditions. To reverse this trend, an ordinance was introduced on March 8, 2017 to amend the provisions governing Water Emergencies in the Village of Ridgewood Code. Changes proposed include:
Making 2 days a week irrigation permanent year round,
Restricting irrigation hours to limit losses to evaporation,
Restricting irrigation using private wells to 2 days a week,
Adding new exemptions, including drip irrigation and smart controllers.
CLICK HERE for proposed ordinance.
