Ridgewood Water Proposes 21% Rate Increase - Summer Surcharge Fees Also Proposed

During Wednesday evening's Village Council Work Session, Frank Moritz, Director of Ridgewood Water, publically outlined his utility's need for a 21% rate increase to offset increased operating expenses.

In addition to the proposed 21% jump in basic rates, Moritz also detailed a plan to impose surcharges for "excessive" water consumption during summer months. The summer surcharge plan is specifically directed at reducing the amount of water currently being used for lawn irrigation purposes.

Ridgewood Water's last rate increase was granted during 2004. The proposed 21% increase would translate into an average $80 per year hike in costs for the average Ridgewood homeowner.

Mr. Moritz claimed that even with at 21% increase in rates, Ridgewood Water still charges less than the United Water Company, which serves most of Bergen County.

Valley Hospital : Raymond Skorupa recommendations look like a Win / Win for all Parties

Looks like for the first time in many years, Ridgewood residents are coming together on Valley Hospital’s $750 million " Renewal" expansion plan. Raymond Skorupa, of Medical Planning and Research International in Pelham, N.Y.,a consultant hired by the village Planning Board to look at Valley’s plans, reviewed and offered alternatives to Valley’s 10-year “renewal” plan.

It looks like neighbors and many local critics have a proposal they like, one that reconfigures the ambitious project. Raymond Skorupa’s recommendations have been called “community friendly" by Paul Gould of Concerned Residents of Ridgewood ,a group that has opposed Valley's expansion plans since the very beginning.

Among many recommendations Raymond Skorupa, suggested moving the hospital buildings farther back from residential streets and putting most of the parking underground rather than in new parking decks. He also suggested surrounding the Hospital with a "green buffer" zone and installing air conditions in the basement instead of on the roof tops lowering the overall height of the structure.

Valley came away with the retention of single-patient rooms,the national standard, and for “enhanced space for necessary medical, surgical and diagnostic technology.”

Paul Gould seem to best sum up the overall feeling,“I’m feeling very positive that there’s an opportunity here for a win-win situation to occur”

the Ridgewood blog Staff

Porch Light Productions :debut production of Woody Allen’s “Play it Again, Sam.”

Porch Light Productions, New Jersey’s newest resident theater company, has opened for business at 555 Broad Street, in Glen Rock. The curtain raises on the new company with an entertaining debut production of Woody Allen’s “Play it Again, Sam.”

Porch Light, founded by Artistic Director Ryan Pifher, has operated in Glen Rock, New Jersey for four years. Pifher, who also directed the introductory production, has realized his greatest professional dream in opening the theater space. With Managing Director and co-owner Jenn Boles, he has envisioned a theater company that offers a full spectrum of offerings to artists from New Jersey and beyond.

In addition to its professional productions, Porch Light will offer children’s theater, studio classes, sketch comedy and open-mic events, and musical performances, in addition to using the theater’s public areas as an art gallery for local artists.

For its grand-opening production, which opened on September 25, Pifher selected Woody Allen’s romantic comedy “Play it Again, Sam.” The play is a good choice to welcome Porch Light to the neighborhood, with a recognizable playwright, but not an overdone script. Most people have heard of it, but many 2009 theatergoers haven’t seen it.

Pifher has designed the production as it was originally intended. It’s set in the seventies, and the details of the show practically make it a period piece – from the gold chains and turtlenecks worn by the cast to the set itself, an airy New York apartment of the type that can only be afforded in the seventies.

The story is simple on the surface. Allan Felix, the playwright’s namesake and protagonist, has been dumped by his wife. He embarks on a mission to embrace being single – and to find love again – with the help of his best friend Dick and Dick’s wife Linda. He also gets unsolicited advice from his imaginary mentor, Humphrey Bogart. The plot thickens, in that neurotic way that is Allen’s expertise.

Martin Glyer, as Allan, brings a nice blend of self-deprecating nebbish and lonely vulnerability to his role. As the only character who spends the entire show on stage, he shows impressive energy. Barbara Klayssen, as Linda, brings out the best in Glyer, just as her character does for Allan.

Matt Malloy nearly steals the show as Dick, the would-be tycoon who sees life as a business. And Bill Porterfield does a head turning characterization of Bogart. Rounding out the cast is Casey Kauffman, who plays all the women of Allan’s past, present, and possible future. Rather than cast six women for these roles, Pifher had Kauffman take on all six, from the nagging ex-wife to the German dominatrix. The audience cannot help but laugh with each new entrance.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said Pifher of the production. “It’s a wonderful first cast in the first show in our new theater.” Porch Light Productions and “Play it Again, Sam” is the product of Pifher’s dream, and the work it took to make it a reality. Now, according to Pifher, “the next challenge is to make it last.”

“Play it Again, Sam” runs for one more weekend, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 1. Tickets are available at Porch Light’s website, porchlightproductions.org.

Josh Kauffman

Update: Village Ford Open for Business !!!

The sevice department and body shop are still open.... both have a good reputation for quality repairs by Ford trained technicans with many years experience. The only thing that has changed is there is no longer a Ford franchise. Some dealers in the area directed a portion of their advertising to Village Ford clients advising them not to panic, that they would service their cars in the absense of Village Ford, trying to lead people to believe that the business is closed.

People are too quick to write properties off as a ball field or for low income housing. Long time employees are fighting hard to keep their jobs and in this economy does the Village of Ridgewood really think they need to lose another business? Many other businesses are affected by the closures due to the "domino affect", not the just the business that has closed.... luncheonettes, coffee trucks, tool suppliers, not to mention other local establishments who are patronized by the employees working at Village Ford , their families and by clients who take their vehicles there for repairs. Work something out to help save local businesses and the jobs they provide in this tough economy.

Ridgewood Intermodal Station ADA Improvements Project Recieves $4,370,801 to support construction activity

LAUTENBERG ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN NEW FEDERAL FUNDING TO IMPROVE MASS TRANSIT IN NEW JERSEY By Michael Pagan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded New Jersey more than $8 million in new federal funding to improve intermodal stations and expand local bus service throughout the state. The funds will provide for construction and the expansion of existing stations.

"It is critical that New Jersey residents have access to safe, reliable and efficient mass transportation options. Expanding bus service and modernizing facilities will help attract riders and alleviate congestion," said Sen. Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. "This funding will improve mass transportation for thousands of New Jersey riders and encourage a new wave of commuters to leave their cars at home."
The following is a breakdown of the federal funds awarded throughout New Jersey:

· Freehold Township Bus Facility Terminal and Repair Shop Project
$1,287,440 to support development of the Freehold Township bus facility terminal and repair shop project. Monmouth County is constructing a new passenger transfer facility and bus garage for its SCAT (Special Citizens Area Transportation) service in Freehold Township. Monmouth County currently operates 55 demand response vehicles to provide public transportation throughout the county. The transfer facility would serve as a primary transfer point for bus to bus transfers.

· Newark Penn Station Platform 'D' Rehabilitation Project
$1,756,280 to repair and restore a series of platforms specifically to the passenger-boarding side and to improve building elements at Platform 'D'. Platform D serves both NJTRANSIT and AMTRAK for both passenger loading and offloading.

· Ridgewood Intermodal Station ADA Improvements Project
$4,370,801 to support construction activity at the station on NJ TRANSIT's Main Line/Bergen County Line in the Village of Ridgewood in Bergen County. The station serves as a transfer point between the Main Line (serving Passaic County) and the Bergen Line (serving Bergen County) as well as various bus routes.

· South Brunswick Shuttle Service and Bus Shelters
$1 million to install bus shelters along the Wynwood Drive Club House to the Jersey Avenue Commuter Rail Station SMART route. The project includes striping, signage and other amenities associated with the shelters. The funds will also be used to support planning and environmental work associated with the proposed parking facilities and technology improvements for the bus network.

In 2008, Americans took nearly 11 billion trips on public transportation, the highest ridership level in 52 years. NJ TRANSIT also reports that bus ridership for fiscal year 2008 increased 2.2 percent, to 162,591,200 trips.

###

MICHAEL PAGAN can be reached via email at Michael_Pagan@Lautenberg.Senate.Gov.

Robert C Villare, M.D.: Mandate Free Healthcare

James,
I'm not saying I'm an expert at debates on healthcare, but I really could help Chris Christie craft a better healthcare message. I have some ideas from the real world that can resonate with the patients! Everyone in NJ is a potential patient. The mandate free message is just an opener. He needs the "knock out' punches to put Corzine in his place. Sometimes the little mouse can truly help the lion.

Mandates are a farce and failure of the Democrat leaders way of thinking that results in harm to the very people they proclaim to help. No transparency in health benefits. The people are duped as some politicians get rich on commissions selling insurance at higher rates! Wonder why no one in Trenton is screaming about the 21% plus increase planned by Horizon for all government workers, including teachers. Guess who sells insurance to a huge number of government entities and public workers? The name Codey ring a bell!

Corzine made Chris look like he didn't care (about mom's delivering babies and mammograms). chris then tried to defend himself and thereby lost that round. He needs to attack and disgrace them. They TAX health insurance! They TAX goods and services at hospitals! They TAX GROSS receipts on health facilities and plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The TAX radiology/imaging GROSS receipts at 3%. Democrats from Corzine to Burzichelli (my opponent) are responsible for the poor and underinsured not being able to afford health insurance. NJ is ranked 50th in the nation in their health delivery system. The worst! It is because of a decade of THEM. They are to blame for the Obstetrics crisis in this state. They don't help moms. They help moms go thru an entire pregnancy with no prenatal care, as a result they help drive up the % of learning disabilities and birth defects in this state, which drives up the ongoing costs associated with the health disparity that those Democratic leaders helped to create. Their regulations drive up cost on those who struggle while yielding no benefit! Shame on them!

They are driving the union labor workers out of business!!!! The industry/companies that hire them are being driven out of business by global competition, yet the leaders don't get it. Yes, these Democrat leaders are hurting unions while professing to support them for jobs. They drive the jobs out of this state with all the mandates and regulations. Thier own county operated nursing home, run by the county government in Salem was shut down for deficiencies and problems!

I could write a book and all Chris said was to remove mandates!
Come on guys.....time to communicate with one of your own. Chris needs to disgrace them on healthcare if given another chance. I can help him.

More info when, and if, we talk.
Respectfully,

--
Robert C Villare, M.D.
District 3 Assembly Candidate
MS in Public Administration and Health Policy
Global Medical Informatics, Inc
(Ph) 856-423-4500 (Fax) 856-423-4594
http://votedoctorrobertvillare.wordpress.com/

My Boss’ Boss Is My Brother? – My Boss Is My Father? - Makes No Sense to The Fly

Ridgewood Police and Fire Departments a family run business?

Ridgewood Police Officer Sean Amoruso reports to a Ridgewood Police Sergeant, who in turn reports to Sean’s brother, Ridgewood Police Lieutenant William Amoruso. Duh? What’s the likelihood that Sean will ever be disciplined by his Sergeant?

And things aren’t much better down the road at the Ridgewood Fire Department, where it’s rumored that Firefighter Matthew Bombace’s Tour Commander is his father, Captain Mark Bombace. Double duh?

These sorts of reporting relationships would not be allowed in the private sector (exception, of course, a family run business); so why are they permitted by the Village of Ridgewood?

The Cartel Opens in NJ Theaters This Week!

AMC Loews Menlo Park 12
Running Friday, October 9 - Thursday, October 15
Edison, NJ
(732) 321-9093

AMC Loews Jersey Gardens
Running Friday, October 9 - Thursday, October 15
Elizabeth, NJ
(908) 289-1855

AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24
Running Friday, October 9 - Thursday, October 15
Cherry Hill, NJ
(856) 486-7420

The Showroom
Running Thursday, October 8 - Wednesday, October 14
Asbury Park, NJ
(732) 502-0472

10AM, Village Hall, Mr. William J. Walsh, Director of Governmental Affairs, PSEG, will present the NJ Energy Master Plan

On Thursday, October 8, at 10AM, Village Hall, Mr. William J. Walsh, Director of Governmental Affairs, PSEG, will present the NJ Energy Master Plan and what it means to every homeowner, business and governmental agency in Ridgewood and neighboring towns. The State is giving monetary rebates for energy efficient improvements, such as: home energy audits, Energy Star appliances, insulation, lighting. The State of New Jersey is serious about cutting our energy costs and improving our environment. Mr. Walsh has the latest information of how our utility, PSE&G plans to help with the Energy Master Plan.

There is no fee to attend, and coffee and muffins will be served. All are welcome.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood, and the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee.

$48 million dollar Referendum:Taxpayers have reached their 'bubble limit'

hello,,Of Course, if I recall, the new computers were on the last Big 84 Mill budget! or prior big budget.

"yr after year the budget gets passed";,, property values are tied to the strength of school system"..

,,of course, if it gets defeated or not, it goes to the council for trim and approval. Remember - Budgets that have been defeated before, send a message.

,,ALL property values everywhere skyrocketed during the 'real estate Bubble', and then we all got hit with the new assessments, higher taxes, followed by the 'Bust' dropping all real estate values everywhere. But no correction in assessments or taxes my friend.

Taxpayers have reached their 'bubble limit' and its time to say Education is Academics First. Let us cut out the waste and trim the fat!

VOTE on Our Poll : Can Ridgewood Really afford a $48 million School Referendum?

VFW Program of Outstanding Law Enforcement, Firefighter, and EMT Recognition for 2009-2010

Saturday, September 19, 2009
VFW Program of Outstanding Law Enforcement, Firefighter, and EMT Recognition for 2009-2010
News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: August 17, 2009
CONTACT: Stanley A. Kober

The Washington Elm VFW Post 192 is one of the oldest organizations in Ho-Ho-Kus and Ridgewood. The Post members have enjoyed a log-standing relationship with many organizations in both communities such as the Police Department, Ambulance Corps, and the Fire Department. In fact, some of the members of these agencies have been or are VFW Post 192 members.

As we near the 70th anniversary of the Post on September 23, 2009, we are reaching out to you as the head of one of the Ho-Ho-Kus or Ridgewood Law & Safety organizations to provide us with an individual or individuals who you believe should be considered as outstanding in your organization and who should be considered for recognition by the VFW according to the guidelines below.

Eligible candidates for each award are as follows:

Law Enforcement National Award
Any individual who serves in a municipal, county, state, or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. This award does not apply to individuals employed by private companies or security services.

Firefighter National Award
Any individual who actively fights fires as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires and give assistance to our nation’s citizens.

Emergency Medical Technician National Award
Any individual who actively gives emergency medical treatment, provides rescue service or civil disaster assistance as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provide rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.

Criteria for all National Awards:
Candidates must have demonstrated:
• Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve.
• Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties.
• Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

The following documentation required for all candidates needs to be sent to: Commander, Washington Elm VFW Post 192 at the above address NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2009:

• Nomination letter containing the candidate’s name, title, address, telephone, and identification of the award for which the individual should be considered.
• One page resume of the candidate’s overall background.
• One page resume of the candidate’s background in their field.
• One page listing of the candidate’s accomplishments and awards in their field.
• Photograph (preferably a head shot) of the candidate.

All of us in VFW Post 192 thank you for your professional services to us and our communities as well as your continued cooperation and assistance in supporting and encouraging our troops and their families locally and throughout the world.

If you have any questions regarding this VFW program or any VFW matters such as membership, needy veterans or their families, etc., please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at 201-445-1121.


May God continue to Bless America,

/s/ Stanley A. Kober
Stanley A. Kober
Commander

TEL: 201-445-1121 FAX: 201-445-2091 E-MAIL: sakober@yahoo.com

$48 Million Referendum: I just don't see voting yes

This may be sound, or it may be bloated. How are we to know? Who among the elves at Cottage Place put it together?

Look at the shoddy, unsupervised work we got at RHS when we approved the last bond referendum. Will anything be different this time?

Is it possible that instead of giving this money to our hapless BOE, we hire a private entity to get the job done and to come in under budget.

I just don't see voting yes to further empower Angelo and Daniel. They're not just up to it and never will be. Yes, we're stuck with them but do we have to give them 48 Mil?

VOTE on Our Poll : Can Ridgewood Really afford a $48 million School Referendum?

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Commuter/Neighbor Advisory - Ridgewood Train Station - Updated: October 1

Commuter/Neighbor Advisory - Ridgewood Train Station - Updated: October 1

NJ Transit will be taking the following action:

1. Ridgewood Station: Ticket Vending Machines Out of Service October 5-13, 2009

Beginning Monday, October 5 and continuing through Tuesday, October 13, the two existing Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at Ridgewood Station will be taken out of service as the station building plaza is repaved. The TVMs will be returned to service on Wednesday, October 14.

During this time, customers can purchase tickets aboard trains without incurring a $5surcharge.

2. Quiet Night Work - October 5,6,7 10PM to 5AM

NJ Transit is in need of placing a large crane in Franklin Ave., west of the Train Trestle, to lift large sections of steel beams, girders and columns to form the high level platform. The work will be limited to lifting, placement and manual securing the steel. In the interest of safety and local traffic at this important access route, NJ Transit will perform this quiet work from 10PM to 5AM. Lighting will be focused only on the work zone of the tracks. This work is weather sensitive and will have to be rescheduled if there is a rain event.

$48 million dollar Referendum, BOE: "We are a community and must share the burden of improvements in our collective community"

Comrade:

"You have a distorted sense of perspective. The fields represent approximately 2.5% of the total budget ($1.2mm). Installing turf at RHS and Stevens will have a dramatic positive impact on the RHS wellness programs and will, once and for all, solve the over-crowding issues that exist on our fields all over town. Furthermore, the full cost is paid for through debt service provided by the state. PLUS, the state is committing an additional $1mm of debt service to offset other areas of the referendum.

Yet, you would urge voters to vote the entire referendum down, unless the field portion is separated from the rest of the referendum, because you don't like the idea! How selfish and narrow-minded can a person be?

Should we also separate the portions allocated to each school district, so that a person who lives in Willard (and does not benefit from or care about improvements in Hawes or Somerville) can vote against the portions in those districts? Of course not. But, that is precisely what you propose.

We are a community and must share the burden of improvements in our collective community, whether they be to our classrooms or to our athletic facilities, which improve their functionality and accessability, regardless of whether you benefit directly or have a personal interest.

Unfortunately, as our needs expanded, we failed to address small problems for years and now face a larger price tag than had we been more diligent. This is like a homeowner, who neglects a leaking roof for too long that would have cost a few thousand dollars to fix, only to find that the structure of the house has been damaged and now faces a serious repair that costs tens of thousands of dollars. When that time arrives, the homeowner doesn't have the luxury of putting it off anymore. This is the circumstance, in which, we now find ourselves. Just as our classrooms are over-crowded and in disrepair, so are our athletic facilities. Both are important and must be addressed now. Some might say that it is a poor time in the economy to be considering such expensive projects. Others might say that, with historically low borrowing costs, this is the ideal time to consider such projects. Fiscal responsibility and the facts about our shared facilities favor the latter. But, regardless, of your perspective, we don't have the luxury of putting this off for another 5-10 years, only for you to object again, then.

You may have no interest in the physical well being of thousands of Ridgewood children or their opportunity/need to participate in sports. But, frankly, your selfish apathy does not supercede the need that exists for those children and hundreds of Ridgewood families.

The referendum should not be split up and should be passed, in its entirety, for the benefit of our collective community.

If you choose to vote against the referendum, that is your choice. If you do so, you will have to look yourself in the mirror every day and look your fellow residents' children in the eyes, knowing that you are the reason that the referendum failed. Perhaps you are willing to live with that shame. I am not. "

VOTE on Our Poll : Can Ridgewood Really afford a $48 million School Referendum?

They are talking about our Pizza .....

Best New Jersey Pizza & Where You Can Find It

http://philadelphia10.cityspur.com/2009/10/03/best-new-jersey-pizza-where-you-can-find-it/

The Best Pizza Restaurants in New Jersey

Northern New Jersey

Amano, Ridgewood, NJ -Serves thin crusted pizza with close to authentic Neapolitan style, with soft, chewy, crispy, and tasty crust.

http://philadelphia10.cityspur.com/2009/10/03/best-new-jersey-pizza-where-you-can-find-it/

Dont forget to vote in our Poll for :The Best Pizza in Ridgewood 2009

H1N1 Vaccines and Your Children: The details are in the fine print!

http://connectivetissue.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/h1n1-vaccines-and-your-children-the-details-are-in-the-fine-print/

WARNING: Safety and effectiveness of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine have not been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers or children

Why this topic is important and what this means:

I’ve received a surprising amount of heat from my colleagues, and lot’s of support from many, many areas for posting on swine flu vaccine dangers. I honestly wonder if the professional smack-down will be delivered to me soon from the “powers that be”. My twitter account has already been turned off and I can’t access it or any of the addresses in there to get the word out. Sadly, given the current standards, statements regarding questions of vaccine safety are viewed by many as quite heretical and even dangerous. Up is down, and right is left!

The REALLY BIG QUESTION is where are the studies documenting the safety of vaccines in Healthy Children? Seriously. Where are all of the safety studies of flu vaccines and children? We’re going to be vaccinating millions of them and there are legitimate safety concerns. Nobody is promising families that this vaccination program is safe or won’t harm their kids. Flu shots = money, not safety. Additionally, none of the patient inserts from the vaccine manufacturers claim the vaccine will prevent us from getting the H1N1 Swine Flu. Parents will be able to read this for themselves and see that there are no claims for either safety or effectiveness in the handout. This is not a conspiracy. Families want and need to know this information.

For me this a question of: Can we as individuals make our own choices in this world? Can I as a man think deeply about an unclear situation (vaccines and H1N1) and choose what I feel is best for me and my family?

http://connectivetissue.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/h1n1-vaccines-and-your-children-the-details-are-in-the-fine-print/

$48 million dollar Referendum:The State of NJ is picking up part of the tab. Grab that money now, as you'll never see it again from Trenton

With all respect, I believe you are still missing the point. I cannot stand the BOE and their bloated budget. I was shocked to see my tax bill for 2009. But that doesnt change the need our school system faces. There are massive improvements needed to the physical buildings and grounds. We are trying to make up for years of poor planning and neglect. The State of NJ is picking up part of the tab. Grab that money now, as you'll never see it again from Trenton, regardless of who is the next Governor.

I cannot say that I attend each BOE meeting and give them feedback/protest about their wasteful spending. I cannot therefore now try to pull the plug when they're raising money to correct problems that should have been addressed years ago.

Our taxes are too high. I see too much waste. I've not done anything about it, so why now destroy the one chance to correct many issues? I'll make an offer to the Village of Ridgewood: I'm willing to give up my curbside garbage pick-up. I can drag the can to the street. You dont have to come by every 2 weeks to take away items that I'm too lazy to take to the recycling center. I dont need so many people on the BOE payroll, other than teachers and a few key administrators. I will give that all up. In return, I'd rather have proper classrooms for my HS student, air conditioners where needed, and yes... upgraded facilities for our sports and wellness programs.

Dont forget to Vote in the Ridgewood blog Poll Can Ridgewood Really afford a $48 million School Referendum?

Village Ford Over $80K in Arrears on Property Taxes

Village Ford Over $80K in Arrears on Property Taxes

A legal notice published in this week's The Ridgewood News reveals that Village Ford owes the Village of Ridgewood over $80K in past due property taxes for the property at 555 North Maple Avenue.

Block 2904, Lot 20: BFPR PROPERTIES $ 78,945.52 tax & assmt $3,372.64

Corzine:"no concept of what a dollar means to a regular 'earner'."

READER : Corzine throws money around which would serve to silence any critics if he donated to their favorite 'cause' or 'foundation'. someday a book should be written on his 'playbook' of how to 'buy' a job. It has been widely reported that he spent over $65 million for his senate seat, and he never did anything for NJ. Not able to stand being a 'junior' senator, he resigned so he could 'annoint' Bob Menendez to the remainder of his term and run for Governor. Corzine is so out of touch. Can you imagine 'forgiving' a loan of close to $1 million to an EX- girlfriend (Karla K the union boss). So it should come as NO SUPRISE to you FOOLS who voted for this FAILURE of a governor. He has no concept of what a dollar means to a regular 'earner'.

Another Pedestrian Struck by Motor Vehicle on East Ridgewood Avenue

A pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle on Friday evening at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and Cottage Place. The victim was reported to be alert and conscious when Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS personnel arrived on the scene. He was transported to The Valley Hospital for treatment.

Local Church In Upheaval - 75% of Vestry Resigns

JOBS: Ridgewood News FT Reporter --- Entry Level position (Ridgewood, NJ)

As a journalist for the Ridgewood News, you will provide news and information that add value to readers in Ridgewood, who want to read about municipal and school board meetings and feature stories that keep them informed and entertained.

Our ideal Reporter has excellent written communication skills along with enthusiasm, creativity, energy, and an intellectual curiosity. In the right person, these skills equal and perhaps trump the importance of journalism experience.

In return, we offer a team environment, an opportunity for professional development and competitive salary and benefits. The right person will have an opportunity to help shape the direction of the paper and its relationship with the community.

If interested, send your cover letter, resume and three of your best clips.

North Jersey Media Group embraces diversity in our workforce, our products and the communities we serve. We offer competitive salaries, flexible benefits and an inclusive work environment.

virgin@northjersey.com

TELL THE YOU READ THIS AD ON THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG

Thank you ..............

We haven't shown this in a while, once again thank you for all your support in making the Ridgewood blog the Number One local News blog in the State of New Jersey !!!

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Ridgewood Firefighter Seriously Injured While Investigating Smoke Condition

A Ridgewood firefighter was seriously injured on Thursday evening while attempting to locate the source of smoke that filled a home on Lotte Road. It is rumored that the firefighter suffered a broken leg when he fell down the basement stairs; he was transported by Ridgewood EMS personnel to The Valley Hospital.

POLL: The Best Pizza in Ridgewood 2009

POLL: The Best Pizza in Ridgewood 2009

2009 Nomination list

Puzo's (2008 Winner)
Ridgewood Pizza
Brooklyn Pizza
Renato's Pizza
Sicilian Sun (by popular demand)
La Bella Pizza
Lenny's Pizza
Pizza fusion
Roma Pizza
A Mano

*Sicilian Sun had so many nominations it could not be ignored.

Readers continue to debate the effectiveness of school math programs

BF graduates who have gone on to Bosco or Bergen Catholic in recent years have discovered the hard way that they have been left unprepared for a real math curriculum. Straight A's at BF translates into way behind students from other districts with meaningful math programs. Where is the outrage?

I know it is sometimes hard to swallow the truth pill... Many RPS students have left to attend both private and parochial schools and have been given math placement tests before acceptance. They ARE NOT PREPARED by the district's choice of CMP2. Just ask those parents that had to pay for tutoring to teach their kids REAL algebra before entering
9th grade someplace other the RHS.

If you want a real eye-opener, ask the 9th grade math teachers at RHS what THEY think of the math skills of those kids transitioning from one of the middle schools to the high school.

We were appalled to discover how ill-prepared our daughter was for high school math when she reached the high school. After receiving A's and B's at BF, why did we need to be concerned about 9th grade Algebra? Reality was a shocker.

One math teacher in the middle school tutored his advanced geometry students over their 8th grade to freshman summer, on his own time, because the students did not have a solid enough understanding of algebra coming to him from the 7th grade. He did this because he wanted them properly prepared for Algebra II as in coming Freshmen.

Guess who their 7th grade Algebra I teacher was who hadn't prepared them? Answer: Ms. Debra Ives, the district's math administrator, now gone but hired by Regina Botsford to oversee our math curriculum and by the way, the person responsible for introducing connected math to our district.

So, if our administrators at Cottage Place can not teach math to our kids, why should we trust their judgment when it comes to selecting math programs?

I feel sorry for Principal Lorenz. Parents are going to go nuts when their kids' scores suck on the math portion of the SATs. No fault of his of course, just the guy who happens to be on the front line while Regina hides in her office.

I was not commenting on the perception of math teachers at either school, but the experience of the students themselves. as noted by other posters, the deficiency is so stark that it is in fact a topic of common discussion among parents in Ridgewood who have sent their kids to other high schools. You need not believe me. The test scores should validate this point emphatically so long as the current regime is in place.

Governor Corzine : Gets a Free Pass

Politicker NJ ( http://www.politickernj.com/ ) part of The Observer Media Group |New York, New York seems to have only one rule when it comes to posting press releases for political candidates : You can publish anything you want but you have to be a “Liberal Democrat” to do it.

Like most of New Jersey Politics the media seems to be dominated by the Democratic Party. While Democratic Politicians garner around the clock wall to wall coverage ,Republicans barley have a voice . Much in the pattern of the national media ,in New Jersey you only hear someone is a Republican if they have done something wrong . While Democratic wrong doing often conveniently omits the “ D” or the Democrat moniker.

We knew immediately that “44 had been arrested “ on corruption charges ,and it was pointed out over and over how one was a Republican with little or no mention of the fact that 43 were Democrats .While the FBI has characterized New Jersey as the most corrupt state in the nation. It is a corrupt state dominated by Democratic politics .

The current Gubernatorial Election is typical ,after spending months on dissecting Republican Chris Christie’s driving record with no mention of Governor Corzine own high speed hy jinks. The New Jersey media has continued to give Jon Corzine a free pass to run on his “record” with no questions asked or to allow the Governor to run against former President Bush which does nothing to address the sad state of affairs in this state.

So lets take a look :

New Jersey is rated the worst business climate in the country.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes.
New Jersey Loses 79,000 of it citizens a year who leave the state.
New Jersey has one of the largest budget deficits of any state.
New Jersey corruption continues to define the states image .
New Jersey has the highest individual tax burden in the country.
New Jersey’s unemployment has reached 9.7%.
New Jersey has one of the highest sales taxes in the country.
New Jersey has almost zero private sector job growth in the last 4 years.

Well at least we have the “purest heroin” in the country according to the DEA.

Without a doubt this is the worst record of any sitting politician in the country.It seems to many of us that the New Jersey media is as complicate in this fiasco and has for too long acted as a propaganda arm Democratic Party. To be fair its been very hard to discern the difference between Republican and Democratic candidates in this state and for too many the Republicans look all to willing “to take the fall” .

My point being that Chris Christie may or may not be the answer but at least lets start asking the questions.

PJ Blogger

Village Council Debates Providing Free Beer Next July 4th

In conjunction with the possible participation of Budwiser's famed Clydesdale Horses and Carriage in next year's 4th of July parade, Village Council members were asked by members of the 4th of July parade committee to consider allowing Budwiser to dispense free beer following the parade.

Deputy Mayor Keith Killion voiced the strongest objection to such a plan, citing potential liability issues and concerns related to the prevention of underage consumption.

Further discussion about this issue will take place during an as yet to be announced Village Council Work Session.

Border Collie May Soon Become Village of Ridgewood's Newest Full-Time Employee

Acting Village Manager Heather A. Mailander asked Village Council members to consider purchasing a dog, which would be used to keep all Village parks, athletic fields, and the Village's Water Pollution Control Plant free of Canadian Geese.

Ms. Mailander and Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser proposed that the dog be kept at the Village's Water Pollution Control Plant in Glen Rock, and driven to his/her work sites on an as needed basis.

Council members directed Mailander and Rutishauser to provide more specifics regarding potential costs, and report back to the entire Council during a future meeting.

Waterfowl management in the form of dog intervention, is currently being provided to the Village by Tyco, Inc. of HoHoKus, on a contract basis.