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>The village was applying lessons learned from Hurricane Floyd to its preparations for Irene

>The village was applying lessons learned from Hurricane Floyd to its preparations for Irene

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011  
BY KELLY EBBELS AND JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITERS
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

A nearly empty shelf at Stop & Shop in Ridgewood. The store expects to receive more shipments of water tonight.
On Friday afternoon at Stop & Shop, the shelves were empty of 24 packs and gallons of bottled water, though a manager said the store would be receiving more shipments later that evening.

The village was applying lessons learned from Hurricane Floyd to its preparations, Mayor Keith Killion said, including relocating all village-owned vehicles to higher ground and even attempting to ensure residents can bring their pets to evacuation shelters or other locations if needed.

The school district has directed all construction contractors working at schools to clean up their work areas as best as possible. At The Valley Hospital, generators can operate at full capacity for 2 ï¾½ to three days. The hospital was shipping in extra bed linens and food in advance of the storm, and has prepared cots in case staff members must stay overnight.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/128483888_Ridgewood_preparing_for_Irene.html

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>Obama Administration Exempting Schools From Federal Law’s Testing Mandate

>Obama Administration Exempting Schools From Federal Law’s Testing Mandate
Monday, August 08, 2011
By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press

(AP) – State and local education officials have been begging the federal government for relief from student testing mandates in the federal No Child Left Behind law, but school starts soon and Congress still hasn’t answered the call.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he will announce a new waiver system Monday to give schools a break.

The plan to offer waivers to all 50 states, as long as they meet other school reform requirements, comes at the request of President Barack Obama, Duncan said. More details on the waivers will come in September, he said.

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/duncan-states-will-get-school-testing-wa

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>LINKER: JULY JOBS REPORT FURTHER EVIDENCE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICIES INSUFFICIENT TO BOOST SAGGING ECONOMY

>LINKER: JULY JOBS REPORT FURTHER EVIDENCE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICIES INSUFFICIENT TO BOOST SAGGING ECONOMY

(Ridgewood, NJ): Conservative Republican U.S. Senate candidate from New Jersey Ian Linker issued a statement this morning about the latest monthly jobs report:

“The numbers released this morning continue to demonstrate that the Administration’s economic policies have failed – miserably.  Yes, the monthly unemployment rate dipped from 9.2 to 9.1% and the economy added 115,000 jobs last month, but the drop is attributable to the chronically unemployed giving up their job search and the added jobs are insufficient to keep pace with population growth and have a real impact on the labor market.”

“The actual working population in America is at its lowest level since the early 1980s right after Jimmy Carter finished destroying the economy. The similarities between our current President and President Carter are striking. Neither President would embrace pro-growth economic policies that have proven time and again to work by adding jobs and reversing economic stagnation and their only answer to an economic crisis is more government control and more government spending.”

“The Administration and its Democratic colleagues have no idea how to reverse this perilous situation.  Throwing money at the problem has not worked and this President apparently knows of no other way to fundamentally address the abysmal jobs market. The President’s job training and unemployment benefits extension proposals are simply insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.”

“We suffer from a leadership vacuum in this country. Americans need political leaders with courage, principles, and integrity that are more concerned with the current state of the economy, than they are about raising money for their reelection campaign. Until we elect leaders of this caliber we will continue to slide down this dangerous path.”

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>Advocates and Christie administration continue to clash over solar

>

Advocates and Christie administration continue to clash over solar

By the numbers, New Jersey’s solar industry is racking up some pretty impressive milestones. More than 10,000 solar systems installed statewide. A total of 380 megawatts of electricity generated from those panels. A record 42 megawatts installed in June, involving 520 new solar projects.

Citing those milestones, the Christie administration yesterday defended its plans for developing new sources of renewable energy, a commitment called into question by some clean energy advocates ever since the release of a draft Energy Master Plan (EMP) last month.  (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)

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>NWS Excessive Heat Warning – Cooling Center Operations

>
NWS Excessive Heat Warning – Cooling Center Operations

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Bergen County from this afternoon through this evening.

Temperatures are expected to climb to near 100 degrees and with the high humidity, the heat indices will reach 105 degrees. Friday (07/22) is expected to also bring temperatures to near 107 degrees. Please encourage residents to check on neighbors and use caution during any outdoor activities during the intense heat period of 1200PM through 800PM.

The County of Bergen has established regional cooling centers:

– One Bergen County Plaza

Multi-Purpose Room

Hackensack, NJ

– NW Bergen Senior Activity Center

46-50 Center Street

Midland Park, NJ

– Bergenfield Senior Center

239 Murray Hill Terrace

Bergenfield, NJ

– South West Bergen Activity Center

147 Hackensack Street

East Rutherford, NJ

The cooling centers will be open through Friday from 1000 AM through 600 PM as needed. Community Transportation can reached for assistance at (201) 368-5955. Additionally, municipal libraries and shopping malls should also be utilized as places of refuge from high heat.

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>Obama Administration once again threatens seniors

>Obama Administration once again threatens seniors 


Budget Director Won’t Answer If WH Would Prioritize Social Security Payments

White House Budget Director Jacob Lew dodged CNN’s Candy Crowley’s question if the administration would prioritize Social Security payments if a default occurred.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/07/17/budget_director_wont_answer_if_wh_would_prioritize_social_security_payments.html

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>Local governments face loss of N.J. aid if they fail to show improvements to Christie administration

>Local governments face loss of N.J. aid if they fail to show improvements to Christie administration


The Christie administration is sending the governments of New Jersey’s 566 cities and towns and 21 counties to summer school and failure to follow instructions will cost them state aid.

The administration on Thursday issued a 2011 Best Practices Checklist to each local government as part of an effort to make them operate more efficiently, strengthen their accountability, and better manage their finances. This is the second year of the initiative.  (Hester, New Jersey Newsroom)

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Democrats close ranks to review administration’s proposed energy policy,kill jobs

>Democrats close ranks to review administration’s proposed energy policy, kill jobs 


Fresh from opposing the Governor’s decision to pull out of a regional initiative to combat global warming, Democratic lawmakers plan to hold their own hearing on the Christie administration’s draft Energy Master Plan (EMP). (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)

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>Ridgewood July 4th Committe: Thank ALL of you who took part in our 101st Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration

>Ridgewood July 4th Committe: Thank ALL of you who took part in our 101st Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is pleased to announce that we have just received 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS.  This means that donations are now fully tax deductible.  Residents whose companies offer matching gifts can double their support.  Our committee will send each donor a letter for their tax records.

Thank You to ALL who took part in our 101st Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration.  The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee would like to thank our Generous 2011 Sponsors.  These businesses and individuals “Support the Tradition.”  Please thank them by giving them your support.

FOUNDER – Applebee’s, Charles And Susan Snyder; Yankee Doodle Dandies – The Valley Hospital, Yankee Propane; Patriots – Ms. Patti’s School of Dance, Tarvin Realtors, a leader in Ridgewood NJ Real Estate; Minutemen – Aoen Fitness & Gymnastics, Law Office of Matthew Rogers, J.T.’s Wine and Spirits, Ridgewood Fire Volunteer Association, Inc., Ridgewood Press Printing & Copy Center, Terri O’Connor Realtors; Firecrackers – Columbia Bank, Michel Mouravieff, D.M.D., Ridgewood PBA Local 20; Stars – Country Pancake House, Daily Treat Restaurant, David L. Rutherford, Attorney At Law, North Jersey Community Bank, Omega Settlement Services, Inc., Park West Tavern, Ulrich, Inc., C.C Van Emburgh, Flag Wavers – American Legion Post 53; Baumgart’s Café; Belmar Spring Water; Dr. Kevin J. Emery, Fidelity Lodge #113; It’s Greek to Me; Carl Rockermann, D.M.D.; Dr. Tim Santo, Chiropractor; Washington Elm VFW Post 192, The Village Framer.

Our Parade Route Water Stations were coordinated by American Red Cross, Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Van Dyk Manor

Food and Beverage Suppliers for the volunteer breakfast and dinner were the following businesses; Goffle Brook Farm and Garden Center, West Side Bagels & Deli, Whole Foods and Wide World of Bagels,

In Addition to financial assistance, it takes the efforts and cooperation of many, many individuals, businesses and groups to produce our celebration.  Very Special Thanks to: The Village of Ridgewood – Village Council, Village Manager’s Office, Village Clerk’s Office, Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, The Ridgewood Board of Education, and The Ridgewood Library

Our Flag Raising Ceremony was a success because of the efforts of the following people and groups:~ ~ Ridgewood American Legion Post 53, ~ National Anthem sung by Grace Preuninger, ~ Trumpeter – Ridgewood High School Band, Jennifer Schuler,  ~ Guest Speaker – Councilman Stephen Wellinghorst, ~ Congressman Scott Garrett, 5th District of New Jersey and Students representing Ridgewood Elementary Schools who received copies of the United States Constitution.

This year’s parade theme was “Celebrate the Constitution”.  As always, our school floats were outstanding and truly depicted the theme.  It was great to see the RHS Marching Band leading off the parade.

For many years the cost of our tickets remained the same while our costs increased.  This year we have increased our ticket prices.  It was a decision that the Committee did reluctantly in the face of rising costs.  To keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible for attendees, while covering costs, pre-sales of tickets were made available through our Volunteer Ticket Vendors.  The committee thanks the following businesses:  Backyard Living, Daily Treat Restaurant, Goffle Brook Farm, Harding Wines & Spirits, Herold’s Farm & Garden Center, Hillmann Electric, Hogan’s Restaurant Diner, Hoskins Propane Co. Inc., Lacrosse Unlimited, North Jersey Community Bank, JT’s Wine and Spirits, La Strada Delicatessen, Ridgewood Auto Wash,  Ridgewood Cycle Shop, The Wine Seller, Town & Country Apothecary, and the Volunteer members of H.I.L.T.

Our Volunteers for the Day deserve our gratitude.  They help out as Parade Judges, Parade Marshals, Parade Announcer, Banner Carriers and the Evening Gate Attendants.

Our evening entertainment included Illumination Twirlers, Patriot Brass Ensemble, a Welcome by Ridgewood Mayor, Keith Killion, Skydivers the “Fallin’ Angels” Sponsored by Tarvin Realtors, Miss Patti’s School of Dance, The Manhattan Dolls who sang the National Anthem And Fireworks by Fireworks Extravaganza with the Grand Finale Sponsored by Applebee’s.

The Committee thanks Mike Janke for the fireworks flag and Lennie DelDuca for being our stage manager.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc. is an all-volunteer group of patriotic citizens who coordinate the Ridgewood Fourth of July Flag Raising, Parade, and Fireworks events.  All aspects of the celebration, including the fireworks, parade bands, and evening performers, as well as the necessary police and fire personnel, are funded by the sale of fireworks tickets and the generous contributions made by local business and area residents.
The Committee was formed in 1910 to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism.  Today we continue that goal and strive to educate the public of the true meaning of Independence Day.
For information please contact the committee at
201.602.1922 or www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org. or [email protected]

Margie Downs
President
Ridgewood Fourth Of July Celebration

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>The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is pleased to announce that we have just received 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS.

>
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is pleased to announce that we have just received 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is pleased to announce that we have just received 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS.  This means that donations are now fully tax deductible.  Residents whose companies offer matching gifts can double their support.  Our committee will send each donor a letter for their tax records.

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee recognizes and thanks the following businesses and residents for their role in making it all possible.  Without the generous support from donors like these, our celebration would not happen.  Because of their generous support Ridgewood has one of the best small town Independence Day observations and a Parade that brings 30,000 people into the business district.

Applebee’s; Baumgarts Café; Belmar Spring Water; C.C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home; Columbia Bank; Country Pancake House; Daily Treat Restaurant; Dr. Kevin J. Emery; Fidelity Lodge #113, Free Masons; Hillmann Electric; Home, James LLC; It’s Greek to Me; Susan E. and Edwin P. Kane; Miss Patti’s School of Dance; Dr. Michel Mouravieff; North Jersey Community Bank; Omega Settlement; Park West Tavern; Ridgewood Fire Volunteers; Ridgewood PBA Local 20; Ridgewood Press; Carl Rockermann, DMD; David L. Rutherford, Attorney at Law, Dr. Timothy Santo, Charles and Susan Snyder, Tarvin Realtors, Ulrich, Inc.; Valley Hospital and Washington Elm Post 192.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its 101st anniversary parade and fireworks on Monday, July 4, 2011. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Celebrate the Constitution”.

It is vital that we have community support.  Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”.  Because of generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations.  Donations may be made online at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org or by mailing your check Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., P.O. Box 140, Ridgewood, NJ  07451.  Your donations are now fully tax deductible.

Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.

Thank you for “Supporting the Tradition,”

Margie Downs
President
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee

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>Rationalizations justifying the high school’s disappointing placement rate at Ivy and equivalent colleges very disappointing

>Rationalizations justifying the high school’s disappointing placement rate at Ivy and equivalent colleges very disappointing 

I hear a lot of rationalizations justifying the high school’s disappointing placement rate at Ivy and equivalent colleges.

What I don’t hear from most of these comments is an awareness that we have a problem that needs to be addressed. When our top kids can’t get into the nation’s top colleges or earn National Merit Semifinalist status, then alarm bells should be going off and people should start thinking about how to fix the problem instead of trying to act like nothing is wrong

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>Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Evening Activities

>Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Evening Activities
Summer’s Best Entertainment Value


Monday, July 4, 2011
Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Veterans Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey

July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year.  This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Constitution.”  The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day’s events and does not receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood.

While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Veterans Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets are one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Ticket sales cover the evening entertainment which begins at 6:00 P.M., the fireworks at dark, as well as the bands in the parade, additional security and traffic control.  Come early and enjoy some great entertainment.

After performing in our parade Illumination Twirlers will be our first performer of the evening.  They have participated in the parade for over thirty years and are an important part of our celebrations.  We look forward to another wonderful show.  They hold state, regional and national titles including an AA National Team Championship. In 2008, the girls performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as members of the All Star Twirlers. The girls also compete in a wide variety of individual events including Dance Twirl, 2 Baton Twirling, 3 Baton Twirling and Freestyle. They are accomplished in many areas.

Long time sponsor and participant, Miss Patti’s School of Dance, will perform two short dances.  One is a patriotic tap dance with dancers in military costumes.  The other will be the Betsy Ross Rockettes.  Children from ages 2 1/2 through teen are welcome at Miss Patti’s. All children experience the wonder and joy of dance in an environment that nurtures their individual creativity and personal growth.

Sit back and enjoy these timeless classics, or if you’re *In the Mood* get up and dance! The Manhattan Dolls blend beautiful ballads with your favorite toe-tapping tunes, and of course, in classic USO fashion, takes some time to honor our brave men and women in the military.  From boogie woogie to the blues, The Manhattan Doll celebrate the best the Great American Songbook has to offer.

The Patriot Brass Ensemble is the first and only professional brass group dedicated to serving Veterans.  The Patriot Brass Ensemble functions, works, and sounds much like the “premiere” active duty military bands in Washington DC. They spend many hours studying military protocol so they can seamlessly fill in for these bands who, unfortunately, rarely perform for Veterans’ events due to cutbacks and availability. Long-term goals include annual concerts at every Veterans’ Hospital in the United States, and the establishment of mobile groups that perform for individual events, such as fundraisers, ceremonies, parades, holidays, weddings and interments nationwide. The Patriot Brass Ensemble strives to return the humanity to the Veterans who have sacrificed so much serving our county with their full devotion and honor.

We welcome back Doug Angel and The Fallin’ Angels exhibition skydiving team.  Weather permitting their tea will land on Veteran’s Field at 8:00 P.M..  The Ridgewood July 4th Celebration Committee thanks Roy Tarvin and Tarvin Realtors for once again sponsoring the team.  Look for the American flag as well as the Tarvin banner.

At dusk, Fireworks Extravaganza will put on a fabulous show.  Each year we have one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in our area.  The very best viewing area is right on Veteran’s Field.  The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee thanks Applebee’s for sponsoring the finale of our fireworks display.

For many years the cost of our tickets remained the same while our costs increased.  This year we have increased our ticket prices.  It was a decision that the Committee did reluctantly in the face of rising costs.  To keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible for attendees, while covering costs, pre-sales of tickets are being made available through a wide range of local businesses.

Tickets to the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks will be on sale June 1 at various locations as well as on our website, www.Ridgewoojuly4th.org. Buy your tickets in advance for $8.00 and save over 50% off the gate price of $15.00.

For the fifth year, readers of (201) magazine named our parade and fireworks as best in their Best of Bergen 2010 readers poll.  Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.  Please join with the Committee in a very special 2011 Fourth of July celebration as we once again “Support the Tradition!”

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>Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee recognizes and thanks those who make it all possible

>
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee recognizes and thanks those who make it all possible

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee recognizes and thanks the following businesses and residents for their role in making it all possible.  Without the generous support from participants like these, our celebration would not happen.  Because of their generous support Ridgewood has one of the best small town Independence Day observations and a Parade that brings 30,000 people into the business district.

Applebee’s, Baumgarts Café, C.C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home, Columbia Bank, Country Pancake House, Daily Treat Restaurant, Dr. Kevin J. Emery, Fidelity Lodge #113, Free Masons, Home, James LLC, It’s Greek to Me, Susan E. and Edwin P. Kane, North Jersey Community Bank, Omega Settlement, Ridgewood Fire Volunteers, Ridgewood PBA Local 20, Ridgewood Press , Carl Rockermann, DMD, David L. Rutherford, Attorney at Law, Dr. Timothy Santo, Tarvin Realtors, Ulrich, Inc., Valley Hospital and Washington Elm Post 192.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, an all-volunteer community group. The Committee is not part of the Village of Ridgewood government and receives no direct funding from the Village. All aspects of the Celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, some police and fire personnel, are funded by voluntary assistance from businesses and individuals as well as the sale of fireworks tickets.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its 101st anniversary parade and fireworks on Monday, July 4, 2011. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Celebrate the Constitution”.
It is vital that we have community support.  Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”.  Because of generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations.  Donations may be made online at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org or by mailing your check Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., P.O. Box 140, Ridgewood, NJ  07451.
Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.  
Thank you for “Supporting the Tradition,”

Margie Downs
President
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee

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>From Medicaid to managed care: The Christie Administration’s plan to slash NJ healthcare costs

>From Medicaid to managed care: The Christie Administration’s plan to slash NJ healthcare costs 

 Theodora, a 20-year-old Summit resident, is unable to walk, talk or eat on her own. With a tracheotomy that requires careful cleaning and constant monitoring, she even needs help to breathe. (Stainton, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0524/0311/

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