Saturday, November 07, 2009

$48 million dollar Referendum: NJEA/REA salaries ARE part of BOE irresponsibility

I hear what you're saying, but NJEA/REA salaries ARE part of the irresponsibility.

I negotiated 4 Teamsters union contracts for management. If the numbers are too high, the responsible thing to do is negotiate and make it fair for both sides. To have a BOE and elected board poop their pants and capitulate to the union hurts us all. Why? Because it drains funds that would otherwise go to running the district and then we have to bond for things we would have otherwise had reserves for.

The Ridgewood News said salaries alone next year are at $68 million. Divide that by a student population of 5600 and that's over 12 grand per student alone.

Friends, it's time to make some tough decisions. The well is running dry and 2010-11 is going to be a drought. If we don't stop the madness now, they will come again next year and it will NOT be pretty.

Vote NO and tell them that the status quo no longer works. Dr. Fishbein, I respectfully suggest you work on a 'Plan B'.

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$48 million dollar Referendum : BOE needs to consider steps like hiring a tough professional negotiator

I would like to see major changes in the way our schools sytems operate. However, I know how the NJEA operates and I have to disagree with you that the BOE has been "irresponsible" in their negotiations. The need to consider steps like hiring a tough professional negotiator and eliminating the staggered negotiation schedule, by establishing collective bargaining with other towns in Bergen County.

But this is not a quick fix. And, the truth is that I am not willing to have my children suffer the consequences while you "fix" the system. So, I am voting "YES". Anyone with school-age kids or kids about to enter school should think twice before voting against the referendum, to "make a point". You will be doing a disservice to your children that won't be corrected until your children are out of the Ridgewood school system, if ever. And the problems with our buildings, over-crowded classrooms, and inadequate recreational facilities gets worse every year that we don't deal with them.

While I agree with the "spirit" of those, who would like to see reform to the educational funding system, we should recognize that Ridgewood is not unique. This is a state and nation-wide issue. I can't describe the resentment I feel toward those of you who are attempting to "make a statement" by voting "no", at my children's expense. You are a disgrace to this community!

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Hot Offers

Friday, November 06, 2009

Speak Out Say 'No' to Nationalized Medicine

New Jersey is home to eight House members of the Democrat party. Days ago they witnessed their blue state turn red for the first time in over a decade, to say that they are worried would be an understatement. While they often stay loyal to Pelosi, they understand that you, not the Speaker, will be casting the crucial votes for, or against, them in 2010.

Take a moment out of your day to keep government out of our health care. Call your representative and remind them that if they don’t help to kill this bill, they can look forward to joining Jon Corzine in the unemployment line! Below are House members’ contact information:

RRepresentative Robert E. Andrews (D - 01)202-225-6501
RRepresentative Frank A. LoBiondo (R - 02)202-225-6572
RRepresentative John Adler (D - 03)202-225-4765
RRepresentative Chris H. Smith (R - 04)202-225-3765
RRepresentative Scott Garrett (R - 05)202-225-4465
RRepresentative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D - 06)202-225-4671
RRepresentative Leonard Lance (R - 07)202-225-5361
RRepresentative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D - 08)202-225-5751
RRepresentative Steve Rothman (D - 09)202-225-5061
RRepresentative Donald M. Payne (D - 10)202-225-3436
RRepresentative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R - 11)202-225-5034
RRepresentative Rush Holt (D - 12)202-225-5801
RRepresentative Albio Sires (D - 13)202-225-7919

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Apple iTunes

Wednesday Night's Council Meeting

I have been involved over the last month in collecting signatures for a Petition to rescind the parking meter increase and provide more commuter parking. This Wednesday I participated in a presentation before the Council. As those who were there, and as been reported in today’s RIDGEWOOD NEWS, the presentation became highly confrontational.

Later in the meeting, after most of the audience had left, I was allowed to again address the Council. The following is in essence what I said:

The part of the presentation that went before did not reflect what was my intent. There was obviously a misunderstanding between myself and the Chamber of Commerce, since my intent was for the entire presentation to solely relate to the parking issue. My goal was to present to the Council what we considered to be a problem and what we considered to be its solution. I had intended for the individual business owners to come up before the Council and state that they were supportive of the suggested change.

Instead, what occurred after my presentation, certainly did not reflect my intent or the tone that I wanted. I feel personally embarrassed by what happened and want you, the members of the Council, to know it. I have known each of you personally and have the highest regard for you. Certainly in this forum things should never get personal. Unfortunately they did. For that I want to apologize.

These are our elected officials, who put in countless hours for very little money. Whether we personally like them or not, whether we agree with them or not, they are entitled to our respect. What happened at the Council meeting was inexcusable and as I said to them at the meeting, I am personally embarrassed and want to apologize again.
Eugene Rose


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The Right Gift at the Right Price

$48 million dollar Referendum : Irresponsible spending will compound the problem.

"Remember: If you arent helping, you're in the way. If you arent offering a solution, you are part of the problem."

Geez! I didn't know it was that simple! In the way because I am not helping to foist a greater tax burden on my neighbors due to fiscal mismanagement?

Solution? Tell the BOE that the combined bond is not acceptable and demand why there are no capital maintenance accounts funded each year (NO, I am not speaking about ongoing maintenance.) To continue to vote 'yes' over and over only fuels complacency at the BOE - elected and staff.

We are just a few months into new fiscal year and we are already projecting almost a $3 million deficit, as reported in TRN. Salaries and benefits up over 7% - approaching $68 million alone!! 1) When did DeSimone plan on telling us? 2) When are some responsible grown-ups going to take some responsibility??

We're in a crapstorm folks and irresponsible spending will compound the problem.

Still voting NO.

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NJEA looks to thwart Chris Christie's urban education agenda

AFTER CORZINE LOSS, NJ EDUCATORS CONCERNED ABOUT FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Jennifer Husko ( jhusko@nbc40.net ) - 11/5/09 04:42 pm

http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=11176

ATLANTIC CITY-- Thousands of New Jersey Education Association members from across the Garden State converged on the Atlantic City Convention Center for the start of their annual two-day conference. Their focus is on success for every child but these public school teachers don't think our newly elected governor agrees.

Recognized as the largest educational gathering of its kind anywhere in the world, the NJEA convention's goal is harboring success of every child, but members are not too sure our newly elected governor, Chris Christie is on the same page. "Hopefully he can bring some good changes...I'm not very hopeful...from things I've heard," said Nicole Gizzi, 1st through 5th grade resource room teacher in Ridgewood, Bergen County.

After giving their unanimous endorsement, the powerful state teachers union is considering Corzine’s loss a major upset for public education in the Garden State.

The NJEA said during his first term, Corzine increased education funding and expanded the states preschool program to help close the achievement gap between urban and suburban students.

Meanwhile, governor elect Chris Christie’s urban education agenda includes increasing the number of charter schools and introducing state funded vouchers for parents to enroll them in.

Teachers in those areas aren't too happy. "I just hope they realize vouchers are a piece of garbage and that the only thing it does is absolutely nothing at all," said Anthony Beatini who has been teaching for 33 years in West New York, Hudson County.

Christie, who's own children attend Catholic parochial schools says he believes children do better in urban charter schools they attend 11 months out of the year than they do at urban public schools and public school teachers here at the convention have a different opinion. "There are really strong educators and to work in an urban area you have to really care about what you do I really don't think he knows what he's talking about," said Gizzi.

Christie defends his position by saying charter schools in Newark are teaching children at a third the cost of regular public schools.

He plans on asking for an audit of every school district in an attempt to uncover spending that doesn't directly help educate students.

Christie says he expects problems with the NJEA when he moves forward with his plans and members of the NJEA say bring it on. “I don't think he knows a lot about us, he doesn't know our strength."

The NJEA says New Jersey has been named one of the four smartest states in the country based on the quality of its public and elementary schools.

http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=11176

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H1N1 swine flu shot clinics Bergen Technical School, Paramus

Just an information post regarding the H1N1 swine flu shot clinics, limited supply in Bergen County can be found on the Bergen County Dept Health website at bergenhealth.org

For CDC priority groups preregistration online is required with confirmation printout,for the limited supply 1,000 shots clinic at Bergen Technical School,Paramus Nov 13 & 17 4:30 -8:30pm no walkins must have the preregistration form to hand in.
link:

http://www.bergenhealth.org/docs/healthtopics/H1N1%20Flu/H1N1%20Flu%20Clinics2.html


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Playboy

Ridgewood Attorney Snared in 'Octopussy' Inside-Trade Probe


Hedge Fund Managers, Traders Charged in Galleon Trading Probe

By David Glovin, Bob Van Voris and Joshua Gallu

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ajLR2o1hcbTY

Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. prosecutors charged 14 people, including hedge fund managers, lawyers and an ex-Galleon Group employee, for using the methods of “drug dealers” and “common criminals” to profit on insider data from deals involving firms such as 3Com Corp. and Alliance Data Systems Corp.

The charges, brought as part of a wide U.S. probe of Galleon founder Raj Rajaratnam, bring the illicit profits in the case to as much as $53 million. Five of those whose cases were unsealed yesterday have pleaded guilty and are cooperating in the investigation, prosecutors said.

At the center of a new insider trading ring are Zvi Goffer, 32, a former Galleon employee who sought tips, and Arthur Cutillo, 33,(Ridgewood N.J.) an attorney at Ropes & Gray LLP and the ring’s key source of information, federal officials said. Goffer, founder of Incremental Capital LLC, paid tipsters including Cutillo for information on mergers and acquisitions, giving them pre-paid mobile phones so they could avoid surveillance, the U.S. said.

The defendants behaved like “common criminals” who took a “page from drug-dealer handbooks,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said yesterday at a press conference. The probe is focused on hedge funds and their sources of information, he said, adding that more arrests may be coming.

As with Rajaratnam, investigators used wiretaps, data- mining and surveillance to target the ring. Authorities have struggled to build cases against large institutional investors such as hedge-fund managers, who often seek to deflect regulatory queries about suspiciously timed bets by arguing they’re statistical flukes amid millions of trades.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ajLR2o1hcbTY

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H.R. 3962 - Affordable Health Care for America Act

The text of H.R. 3962 - Affordable Health Care for America Act as introduced can be found here:

http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf

It will also be posted on our website – www.njteapartycoalition.org

Here are just a few of the offensive items found in this 1990 page monstrosity of a bill…

Page 94—Section 202(c) prohibits the sale of private individual health insurance policies, beginning in 2013, forcing individuals to purchase coverage through the federal government

Page 110—Section 222(e) requires the use of federal dollars to fund abortions through the government-run health plan—and, if the Hyde Amendment were ever not renewed, would require the plan to fund elective abortions

Page 111—Section 223 establishes a new board of federal bureaucrats (the “Health Benefits Advisory Committee”) to dictate the health plans that all individuals must purchase—and would likely require all Americans to subsidize and purchase plans that cover any abortion

Page 211—Section 321 establishes a new government-run health plan that, according to non-partisan actuaries at the Lewin Group, would cause as many as 114 million Americans to lose their existing coverage

Page 225—Section 330 permits—but does not require—Members of Congress to enroll in government-run health care

Page 255—Section 345 includes language requiring verification of income for individuals wishing to receive federal health care subsidies under the bill—while the bill includes a requirement for applicants to verify their citizenship, it does not include a similar requirement to verify applicants’ identity, thus encouraging identity fraud for undocumented immigrants and others wishing to receive taxpayer-subsidized health benefits

Page 297 - Section 501 imposes a 2.5 percent tax on all individuals who do not purchase “bureaucrat-approved” health insurance - the tax would apply on individuals with incomes under $250,000

Page 313—Section 512 imposes an 8 percent “tax on jobs” for firms that cannot afford to purchase “bureaucrat-approved” health coverage; according to an analysis by Harvard Professor Kate Baicker, such a tax would place millions “at substantial risk of unemployment”—with minority workers losing their jobs at twice the rate of their white counterparts

Page 336—Section 551 imposes additional job-killing taxes, in the form of a half-trillion dollar “surcharge,” more than half of which will hit small businesses; according to a model developed by President Obama’s senior economic advisor, such taxes could cost up to 5.5 million jobs

Page 520—Section 1161 cuts more than $150 billion from Medicare Advantage plans, potentially jeopardizing millions of seniors’ existing coverage

Page 733—Section 1401 establishes a new Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research; the bill includes no provisions preventing the government-run health plan from using such research to deny access to life-saving treatments on cost grounds, similar to Britain’s National Health Service, which denies patient treatments costing more than £35,000

Page 1174 - Section 1802(b) includes provisions entitled “TAXES ON CERTAIN INSURANCE POLICIES” to fund comparative effectiveness research, breaking Speaker Pelosi’s promise that “We will not be taxing [health] benefits in any bill that passes the House.”




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Tea Forte, Inc.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

$48 million dollar Referendum: BOE budgets have been defeated before. Defeated budget do and have sent a strong message.

The original poster, exclaims at the surprise to the opposition of turf fields added in the education budget, refers didn't believe turf fields issue would become a lightening rod of opposition to the budget. Another post referred to Ridgewood as being 'anti-jock', and yet said not surprised from previous opposition, as when they did Maple Park. So then if they already knew strong opposition exits, why attach the turf on the referendum? Hoping to slide it through. Separate it before it goes to poll. It should be dealt with separately. Period.
You say you haven't seen a boe budge ever defeated before? Been here long enough to say Yes, boe budgets have been defeated before. Defeated budget do and have sent a strong message.

Heads up, the opposition to turf fields, is not just a Ridgewood issue as you'd like people to believe. Statewide, in other towns, communities, and in other states, there also was, and has been the same opposition to turf fields. So, lets stop the negative accusation that the Ridgewood taxpayers are being just unreasonable, whether it be due to finances, or to their strong preference in wanting the real natural grass.

By the way, a previous post replied to a rotation replacement of turf fields question; by saying the rotation would be done with Maple when that time comes and that should satisfy the need for rotation replacement of fields, yet says the HS and Stevens fields would need to be done, installation at same time for cost savings. Not the answer I was looking for. IF there might be turf fields at HS and Stevens, those should be staggered years apart, so not to cause a big bite on the taxpayers down the road for replacement.

As far as Maple - that was not taxpayer dollars funded, as we all know. It was privately funded not costing the taxpayers a dime. It should not then fall in the lap and cost the taxpayers a dime either IF when it might need to be removed, disposed and IF replaced. The neighborhood kids that have played on both grass and turf, have told me last year, that they do prefer the grass, the turf is just an 'ok'. No spin needed on the background of lack of play fields, etc., we all already are aware of whats been said. thank you. By the way, what happened to all that money that was saved by using turf at Maple? Last town budget was in the hole.

Have read that Christie plans, will be asking the state to perform audits on the costliest school districts to ensure the money is spent efficiently, in an attempt to uncover spending that doesn't directly help educate students. Its reported his plan for reducing property taxes will target the costliest school districts in NJ to be held more accountable. Oh!-"fiscal responsiblity by the BOE". He should read this blog, ha. Also read plans to eliminate positions in the DEP. Wait till he audits Ridgewood - stampede! They'll be running for nearest exit. It's also about time, haveing someone to stand up to the NJEA. If the teachers go on strike - so be it, they'll be replaced, many waiting in the wings, things happen for the better, maybe its time.

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Microsoft Store

$48 million dollar Referendum: I think what sucks here is the fact that the field is on the same referendum as the school repairs.

So are you saying that the installation of the new turf a/k/a "the carpet" is going to prevent everyone from getting hurt? Don't you think that is grasping at straws? If the stands are so bad then why aren't they being condemned by the state? And as for the field itself, I hate to break it to you, but there isn't a surface known to man that could prevent an injury. Furthermore, the students playing on that field are not there against their wishes, they are there well knowing the assumed risks associated with heavy contact sports that are played on A FOOTBALL AND LAX FIELD. And as much as I agree that we live in a litigious society and anyone can sue for any reason, it would be very difficult to make the argument that the injury incurred during practice and/or game in a high impact sport such as football or lacrosse is the result of the field when there are THOUSANDS of fields out there in MUCH, MUCH worse conditions.

So you may not want reconsider using that argument because, quite honestly is sucks! As for the schools, there is NO doubt that they are in dire need of repair. And how can you compare Graydon pool to a football field? The percentage of residents that would get the use out of the field is a tiny fraction to the percentage of people that would get the benefit of the use of Graydon.

I think what sucks here is the fact that the field is on the same referendum as the school repairs. They should be two separate issues, it's this "all or nothing" approach that the general public is not pleased with. And quit blaming the teacher's compensation. Have you ever heard of the saying "what you pay for is what you get?". Well in this case I assure you it applies 100%. "Fire them and start over?".. Oh that is a BRILLIANT IDEA! Look what that approach did to the airline industry, which is arguably the most inefficient and financially unstable industry in the WORLD today. But there's one difference here, we are not talking about a vacation to Wally World from being ruined, we are talking about out CHILDREN'S FUTURE. Besides, what do you think that firing the entire Village's teaching staff and hiring all new ones is going to be cheap? Ha! And you're worried about being sued for a bumpy football field or bleachers? You terminate an entire staff of teachers and you will have so many lawsuits complaints coming at you from so many directions we will be paying the town's plow drivers O/T just to clear the streets of them! Get real!

Craig

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3balls Golf Bargain Basement

Graydon Pool: The problem lies in the fact that one segment prefers nostalgia to the proposed Ridgewood Aqualand Project.

And the personal attacks have bubbled over from the bod referendum issue to the Graydon issue.

12:59 - you are not dense, and just because 3:22 wants to attack you just reinforces the problem here.

Graydon is a beautiful place. Back in the 1930's and 40's, it was state of the art. Even as an 'urban' boy from Southeast Bergen County, I would travel out to Paramus and swim at Old Mill and Paramus Bathing Beach on Paramus Road as well as MacDonalds Beach in Wayne on Rt 23.

Time marched on and as you can tell, these locations and many like them are no longer there. Such is life.

My family used to go to Graydon when we first moved here but like so many others, stopped after a couple of years due to the gross factor. These days, folks don't want to swim in a swimming hole. In a town where European vacations are no strangers, we are looking for a more upscale aquatic experience. Doesn't make us bad people, but it doesn't make the swimming hole people bad either.

The problem lies in the fact that one segment prefers nostalgia to the proposed Ridgewood Aqualand Project. Any attempts to advance either idea will further polarize the two groups. Plain n simple.

I like the pastoral look of Graydon, but I don't think of it as a place to swim. Should they ever replace a portion of Graydon with a concrete pool, I may go - I haven't given it much thought, but I'm sure that it would attract more families who currently go out of town (like Paramus and Washing Twp) to enjoy a fecal-free swim.

I think I'll have to agree with 3:22 - don't do anything to Graydon and offer no alternative by having a concrete pool. The entire Village can gaze upon the dozens-to-a-couple-hundred people who go there some days during the summer. (I hope the Village charges enough in membership fees to make Graydon break even without having to close!)

On the other hand, I know of a horse farm where we could install a pool...
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CCS.com

"fiscal responsibility" by the BOE does not have anything to do with a $48 million bond referendum for capital improvements

You mention you will continue "to vote no time after time." Question for you; when was the last time a budget got voted down in Ridgewood? Not since I can remember. Everyone is entitled to their vote but all this crap about "fiscal responsibility" by the BOE is complete B.S. Does it have anything to do with a bond referendum for capital improvements, no. The money being raised will be for specific projects that will be put out to bid, awarded and built according to State law, the BOE will not have any leeway in how they will spend the money. When 85% of your annual budget is fixed costs associated with salaries and benefits there is simply not enough money to effect all of the necessary repairs and physical plant upgrades on school buildings as old as ours in the annual budget. It just isn't possible. And if you've been in any of the schools or if your kids have ever had to practice on the parking lot at Stevens Field you would know the things proposed are needs not wants. By the way, that field is so bad, that all it is going to take is one severe injury linked to the condition of that field and the resulting lawsuit to make the fields upgrades look really cheap.

The only thing that is going to hold our taxes level or meaningfully reduce them is a restructuring of compensation and benefits of the administrators, teachers and staff. So far no one, and I mean no one has had the stomach to call the NJEA's bluff during contract negotiations and let the teachers strike and then fire them and start over. Until that happens we are stuck with 3 to 4% annual raises, exhorbinant health care costs and life long retirement packages.

Bond referendums are a fact of life for school districts (and taxpayers) as it is the only way to raise enough money to do significant capital improvements. I find it sad that the turf field items have become such a lightening rod. (Although the last time we did this the pool at the HS served the same purpose. Since the Village is now contemplating a $10 million dollar renovation of Graydon, the $400,000 for the pool that was proposed for the HS now looks like it would have been money well spent, huh?) The people who are all fired up about the $5 million for the fields and track probably don't understand the math. The actual price will be significantly less (just look at what those fields are costing in other towns) and the State of NJ is giving us $2.1 million of the cost!

People are trying to turn this into a "$48 Million Dollars for Turf" headline story and that is not even close to being accurate. The total cost to the taxpayers after the State contributions is closer to $36 million and most likely it will be less than that as construction costs have been significantly reduced by the economic situation. Of that $36 million probably less then $4 million will go to the upgrades of three fields and a track. Consider Maple Park was a million bucks on its own and the cost is not out of line.

The proposal is projected to cost the average house $300 bucks a year. The fields portion is $25 bucks of that $300, effectively only 7% of the total cost. The whole thing is a lot of money but the whole thing isn't about turf fields, its about upgrading and renovating our facilities almost across the board, facilities that have fallen so far into disrepair that if we don't fix them now we're going to be talking about $50 to $60 million a few years from now to do the same thing.

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TriCityNewBalance.com (Southern Sports LLC)

The Ridgewood blog calls for a full and formal investigation of "absentee ballots" .

The Governor Elect meet with Newark's Mayor Cory Booker yesterday and repeated his commitment to charter schools and to improving public education, especially in urban areas. Mr. Christie also said his first executive order as promised in the campaign will be to freeze unfunded mandates and new regulations for ninety days. He also said he will ask the state comptroller to conduct an audit of government spending.Christie also took time to remind members of the Legislature that people have voted for change.

With the voters overwhelming rejection of the Corzine administration the Ridgewood blog would like Mr. Christie take a strong stance to assure the fairness of the electoral process and begin an investigation of the flood of absentee ballots received this past election . The state received a 180,000 absentee ballot requests and some 3,000 forms were submitted where signatures didn't match the one on file with county clerks. New Jersey voters have a right to expect their votes are counted fairly without concerns that they the voters would not be disenfranchised.This would go a long way to assure the sanctity of the electoral process in the future.

the Staff of the Ridgewood blog

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the "NEW" BLEND


***LADIES FREE ALL NIGHT / PALS HIT ME UP 4 COMPS***

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If your coming with friends write plus (+) how many people you will attending with.
(Email JoeElite@hotmail.com or Text/Call 201-650-5712)

photos on : www.artchickphotos.com

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New Jersey sends 2 Busloads of people to Washington, DC for a "Congressional House Call"

Congress will vote on Healthcare Reform this week. Today, we have sent 2 busloads to Washington, DC for a "Congressional House Call"

If you were unable to attend the trip to Washington, please consider making a “Congressional House Call” locally. Tell Congressman Rothman and Senators Lautenberg and Menendez to vote NO on the Obama/Pelosi/Reid health care takeover. The goal is simple: today, activists like you show up at key Senate and Congressional offices in your state with your own message telling them to keep their "hands off your health care."

The procedure will be: Arrive, go into the office and register your opposition in writing. As we do not know how many people can participate during the work week, consider putting your request in writing ahead of time if you are pressed for time. If you cannot visit, please FAX your letter or CALL during the afternoon beginning at noon. A FAX is more effective than an email. A personal visit is more effective than a FAX.

If you need help composing a letter, several letters have been written that you can use “as is” or as a template for you to personalize. http://www.njteapartycoalition.org/Contact-Your-Congressman.html


Many who intended on visiting local offices have made the trek to Washington. We do not have a “group” attending, but please attend with a friend or as an individual. The suggested schedule is as follows:

12:00 noon
Congressman Steven Rothman
Hackensack, NJ Office
25 Main Street, Suite 101
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-646-0808
201-646-1944 (fax)
OR
Congressman Scott Garrett
266 Harristown Road Suite 104
Glen Rock, NJ 07452
(201) 444-5454
(201) 444-5488 (fax)

1:30 p.m.
Senator Bob Menendez
One Gateway Center, Suite 1100
Newark, New Jersey 07102
973-645-3030
973-645-0502 (fax)
AND
Senator Frank Lautenberg
One Gateway Center
Newark, New Jersey 07102
973-639-8700
888-398-1642
973-639-8723 (fax)


If you cannot make both location and times, at least show up at ONE. If you are not from the immediate area, go to: http://americansforprosperity.org/nov5 for your congressional representative and their office nearest to you. Time grows short and opportunities to make a difference are important especially now.
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Congressman Scott Garrett hosts live Web Townhall Tonight



















Please join Congressman Scott Garrett for a live Web Townhall this Thursday night at 7 p.m. to discuss H.R. 3962, the health care legislation currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

RSVP by clicking here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rep-garrett-live-from-washington-dc


Email your questions in advance or during the townhall to congscottgarrett@gmail.com.

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Garage Sales

One day only. Saturday 11-7-2009 9AM to 5PM All nice stuff. priced right. Some furniture. lighting ; books ,clothes. nick knacks etc.
No early callers please.

570 Barnett Place ( off Mulberry place )
Ridgewood, NJ


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Chil­dren and na­ture...and Gray­don

Chil­dren and na­ture...and Gray­don

Our strug­gle to pre­serve Gray­don has in­spired a pa­per pre­sent­ed at a con­fer­ence and sum­marized on a Psy­chol­o­gy To­day blog by Uni­ver­si­ty of Wash­ing­ton psy­chol­o­gist Peter H. Kahn, Jr., PhD. His book The Hu­man relation­ship with Na­ture ex­plores the deep sig­ni­f­i­cance of chil­dren’s in­ter­ac­tions with na­ture and the un­for­tu­nate long-term conse­quences for both them and the en­vi­ron­ment when th­ese are lost. Read his blog en­try here or from a link on our home page. Click on Read­er Com­ments (be­low the text of the blog en­try) to check out Mar­cia’s exchanges with Dr. Kahn and the coau­thor of his pa­per.

In the past few years an en­tire move­ment has grown around the pre­cepts of sim­i­lar­ly mind­ed ex­perts, such as Richard Louv, au­thor of Last Child in the Woods: Sav­ing Our Chil­dren from Na­ture-De­fic­it Di­s­or­der and six other books. Louv is chair­man of the Chil­dren & Na­ture Net­work. The im­por­tance to chil­dren’s de­vel­op­ment of na­ture and un­struc­tured play has been stressed by the Amer­i­can Acade­my of Pe­di­atrics, the Amer­i­can Public Health As­so­ci­a­tion, the Cen­ters for Dis­ease Con­trol and Pre­ven­tion (CDC), and many other or­gani­za­tions of high re­pute.

Louv writes in the book, for ex­am­ple: “A wi­den­ing cir­cle of re­search­ers be­lieves that the loss of na­t­u­ral habi­tat, or the dis­con­nec­tion from na­ture even when it is avai­l­able, has enor­mous im­pli­ca­tions for hu­man health and child de­vel­op­ment. They say the qual­i­ty of ex­po­sure to na­ture af­fects our health at an al­most cel­lu­lar lev­el.”

Among many fas­ci­nat­ing studies on the Net­work’s web­site is a sum­mary of a re­cent re­port from the Uni­ver­si­ty of Illi­nois. The re­search­er cites doc­u­men­ta­tion, for ex­am­ple, that chil­dren with AD­HD have few­er symp­toms af­ter out­door ac­tiv­i­ties in na­ture-filled en­vi­ron­ments and that col­lege stu­dents achieve bet­ter re­sults on cog­ni­tive tests when their dor­mi­to­ry win­dows view na­t­u­ral set­tings. This is clear­ly an al­ready-rich area that is ripe for greater study.

Coali­tion sup­port­er Diane Pala­cios, who spott­ed a link to Kahn’s ar­ti­cle on the Ridge­wood Blog, in­s­tant­ly rec­og­nized its im­por­tance and de­liv­ered or sent copies to all mem­bers of the Vil­lage Coun­cil and its Gray­don Pool Com­mit­tee. Aware­ness, ini­tia­tive, com­mu­ni­ca­tion—a fine way to get the mes­sage out.

We’ll be back soon with more au­tumn pic­tures of Gray­don. If you’d like to share your best Gray­don pho­tos, tak­en in any sea­son, send them to us in dig­i­tal for­mat. The park is so pic­turesque that we’re con­sid­er­ing pro­duc­ing a 2011 Gray­don cal­en­dar. It’s love­ly through­out the year at the beach in our back yard.

Swimmingly,

Suzanne Kelly and Marcia Ringel, Co-Chairs
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”
info@PreserveGraydon.org www.PreserveGraydon.org

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

$48 million dollar Referendum : Vote on December 8

The Ridgewood Board of Education
bond referendum vote on December 8th

E-mail questions to referendum09@ridgewood.k12.nj.us

COME TO A COMMUNITY PRESENTATION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
7:30 p.m.


GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

Learn about the proposed projects for the entire district - View the plans -
Get your questions answered

Election Results for Ridgewood

Registered Voters: 16,486

Turnout: 8,111



Governor/Lt Governor

Corzine/Weinberg : 3,631

Christie/Guadagno : 4,002

Dagget/Esposito : 397

General Assembly

Bombace : 3,375

Agostinelli : 3,010

Russo : 3,870

Rumana : 3,589

Freeholders

O'Brien : 3,115

Walton : 2,959

Driscoll Jr. : 3,812

Hermansen : 3,733

State Question #1 - Green Acres Preservation Bond Act of 2009

Yes : 3,636
No : 2,305



Apple iTunes

Incumbents Ruman and Russo Take 40th District Assembly Seats in decisive victory

State Assembly - District 40

Name Party Votes Vote %

Rumana, Scott (i) GOP 42,053 33%
Russo, David (i) GOP 41,800 33%
Agostinelli, John Dem 21,458 17%
Bombace, Mark Dem 20,974 17%


Congrats to Scott Rumana and David Russo !!!




Apple iTunes

Ridgewood PD Vehicle Involved in MVA

2 sent to hospital after crash involving police car

An accident involving a police vehicle sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries this morning, officials said.

A police SUV going west on Linwood Avenue just before Van Dien Avenue apparently rear-ended a Toyota Matrix at about 7:30 a.m.. Two people in the Matrix were taken to The Valley Hospital after they complained of pain, police said.

The police officer, Lieutenant William Amoruso, was not hurt.

The police vehicle had front-end damage but the Matrix did not seem to be damaged, police said.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/incidents/2_sent_to_hospital_after_crash_involving_police_car.html

So what did your kid do today in school ?

More Obama Propaganda videos surface

More disturbing videos of young school children singing praises to President Obama, quite a shock. What seemed like an aberration now appears to be a troubling pattern. Maybe “epidemic” is a better word. Here is just a sample with each video creepier than the last.



ELEMENTARY EPIDEMIC: 11 Uncovered Videos Show School Children Performing Praises to Obama

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjmnolte/2009/11/04/elementary-epidemic-11-uncovered-videos-show-school-children-performing-praises-to-obama/

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All towns vote overwhelmingly 'yes' to reopen Pascack

All towns vote 'yes' to reopen Pascack

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
BY LINDY WASHBURN
The Record
STAFF WRITER

http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/69043827.html#

Voters in 13 northeastern Bergen County towns showed support for the reopening of Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood.

Ballot questions passed in each town by wide margins, showing voter approval for efforts by local officials to help Hackensack University Medical Center win state approval to reopen the facility as a 128-bed community hospital.

"It's a mandate," said Mayor John J. Birkner Jr. of Westwood, where 85 percent voted "Yes."

"There's no mistake about it. The people up here — thousands and thousands of them — recognize there's a need for the hospital."

"Trenton, take notice," said Mayor Lou Lamatina of Emerson, where three-quarters of the voters indicated support for the hospital reopening. "This vote overwhelmingly illustrates that the residents of our borough want Trenton to know that we need our hospital to reopen.

"Our elected and appointed officials must listen to the will of the people rather than cater to special interests such as the corporations that run Valley and Englewood hospitals, which are more concerned with their bottom lines as opposed to the public's well-being."

The public question was also included on the ballots in Closter, Dumont, Harrington Park, Hillsdale, Northvale, Norwood, Oradell, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, River Vale and Washington Township. Approval ranged from 57 percent in Old Tappan to Westwood's 85 percent. Of nearly 28,000 votes cast on the issue, 72 percent supported efforts to reopen the hospital.

Ultimately, the state Commissioner of Health will decide whether or not the hospital opens. But officials in the towns hope that the expression of public support will influence the commissioner's decision.

"Chris Christie promised several times while in Westwood that he would support the reopening," said Westwood Councilwoman Cindy Waneck. "We will hold him to his word."

Hackensack applied last year for state permission to reopen the hospital in partnership with Texas-based LHP Hospital Group. This summer, the hospital asked the state Department of Health to put the application on hold after executives learned that the department's staff was prepared to recommend denial of the application.

Both The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center oppose Hackensack's proposal to reopen the hospital, saying it will cause them financial harm.

E-mail: washburn@northjersey.com
http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/69043827.html#

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Christie Gives GOP Stunning Win In N.J.




the Ridgewood blog staff

Congrats!!! Chris Christie


now its time to drive the dirtbags into the sea lol !!!!!



"Tomorrow we will take back New Jersey back for our families. Tomorrow we will take back New Jersey for our friends," Christie said. "Tomorrow we begin to build that greater New Jersey for our children and grandchildren. I want my children to raise their children in this state. I want your children to raise their children in this great state.

"I will tell you, the campaign we just went through was easy compared to the tasks that will face us to fix this state. There are no easy answers to these difficult questions.

"Starting tomorrow, we are going to pick Trenton up and turn it upside down."


Chris Christie

FieldTurf : environmentally friendly?




That is not at all what the post said. The point was not that cutting grass realeases "too much CO2". It simply said that when grass is cut, the clippings decay and release CO2 back into the atmoshphere. The "anti-turf" crowd would have people beleive that grass is environmentally better than turf because it absorbs CO2. While this is true. It is also true that, by cutting grass and releasing the CO2, the "environmental" is lost. In fact, the only place where this "environmental" argument actually has merit is in large areas of wild grassland, where the grass is allowed to grow.

I don't recall reading anything that said artificial turf is "more natural than grass". However, it is absolutely true that the surface at Maple Park has numerous environmental advantages. This is why FieldTurf is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenscapes program. Installing a FieldTurf field can earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) credits under the Green Building Rating System. And the EPA has partnered with FieldTurf because of the innovative approach to recycling millions of tires a year and oreventing them from going to land fills.

At our existing field at Maple, we have already seen an important reduction in the storm water run-off into the brook and the obvious elimination of pesticides.

So, is FieldTurf natural? Obviously not. Is it environmentally friendly? Absolutely YES.

I hope that explanation wasn't too difficult for you to follow.

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The Sports Authority

Rumors Swirl around "Booze Party"

...sounds suspiciously like the "anonymous parent" who went onto Facebook, printed out photographs of RHS seniors drinking at parties, and stuffed them into the mailboxes of administrators and coaches at RHS with a note saying that "my child doesn't drink". Whoever was responsible for that should be truly ashamed of themselves. Lorenz is wonderful and is trying to do the right thing - binge drinking is becoming a serious problem in all communities. That being said, the punishments are quite severe, especially for those attending the parties to be social and not drinking themselves. Not an easy solution.....


Yes, it is most definitely true that a parent printed out the Facebook photos, evidently with kids circled in specific pictures, and sent them to coaches and administrators at RHS. While some pictures were recent, others were from events over the summer and last spring. The kids believe it is a parent of a senior who is looking for any edge in the college admissions process and would love to see some kids "dethroned" and their applications marred. It's a very sad commentary to be sure on the state of affairs and to what lenghts some parents will go to to give their kids a leg up.
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