Graydon Pool: Free family day offer expires July 18

Free family day offer expires July 18

Our motto regarding Graydon is “Come see for yourself,” so this spring’s Parks and Recreation flyer included a special coupon for a free day at Graydon, any day, weekday or weekend, through July 18, for Ridgewood residents. Families (up to 6 members) residing in Ridgewood (bring proof of residency) are eligible.

If you or someone you know (Ridgewood residents only) would like to try Graydon Pool for free, this coupon is a wonderful opportunity. If you did not receive the flyer in the mail, ask at the badge office about the spring Parks & Rec flyer containing this year’s coupon.

Come to Graydon and join in the fun! Cool off and bring the kids to Story Time.

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

NJT: Rail Service changes

UPDATED: Rail Service Information for Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Issued: July 07, 2010

Due to equipment problems related to the extreme heat, NJ TRANSIT is advising rail customers to expect delays and cancelations during the morning commute of Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

The following is a list of train cancelations as of 7:00 a.m.:

Northeast Corridor train 3809, the 4:17 a.m. departure from New York. (Passengers to train 3811, departing New York at 4:51 a.m.)
North Jersey Coast Line train 3500, the 6:27 a.m. departure from South Amboy. (Passengers to train 3212, which will make local stops at approximately the same time.)
North Jersey Coast Line train 3503, the 5:51 a.m. departure from New York. (Passengers to train 3217, departing New York at 6:21 a.m.)
North Jersey Coast Line train 3502, the 7:08 a.m. departure from South Amboy. (Passengers may use train 3218, which will hold in South Amboy for 5 minutes to operate on 3502's schedule.)
Northeast Corridor train 3910, the 5:05 a.m. departure from Trenton. (Passengers to train 3810, which will now depart Trenton at 5:05 a.m. and make local stops.)
Morris & Essex Line train 6307, the 6:47 a.m. departure from New York. (Passengers to train 6607, departing New York at 7:07 a.m.)
Morris & Essex Line train 6318, the 8:05 a.m. departure from Maplewood. (Passengers to train 6620 approximately 10 minutes later and will add a Brick Church stop.) Expect crowding.
Morris & Essex train 6343, the 4:43 p.m. departure from New York. (Passengers to train 6643, departing New York at 4:50 p.m. and making all local stops.)
North Jersey Coast Line train 3441, the 6:52 p.m. departure from new York. (Passengers to train 3279, departing New York at 7:08 p.m. and making all local stops.)
In addition:

Morris & Essex Line train 6324, the 8:53 a.m. departure from Summit, will operate with diesel equipment this morning. Customers traveling to New York should transfer at Newark Broad Street for continuing service.
Morris & Essex Line train 6328, the 9:43 a.m. departure from Summit, will operate with diesel equipment this morning. Customers traveling to New York should transfer at Newark Broad Street for continuing service.
To accommodate customers affected by train cancellations, certain express trains will make local stops. As a result, these trains will arrive at their destination 10-20 minuteslater than scheduled.

While we will do everything possible to minimize further delays and inconvenience, customers are strongly encouraged to check njtransit.com for the latest service information before starting their trip.

NJ Tea Party Coalition : Thank you to the Parade organizers for welcoming us back again this year on their 100th Anniversary

Thank you to all who marched with us in the Ridgewood Independence Day Parade. Thank you also to the Parade organizers for welcoming us back again this year on their 100th Anniversary. Although the temperature was high, it was a great day for a parade. The crowd was enthusiastic and we were very well received. (There were a few hecklers, but we fight for their Liberty too - whether they know it or not!) For me, the most touching moments in the Parade were when the servicemen on the sidelines rose to salute us as we passed. (Guys! We should be saluting YOU!)

The state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) plans to push to reform the state's questionable and confusing 'pay to play' law

ELEC to push for 'Pay to Play' law reform

The state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) plans to push to reform the state's questionable and confusing 'pay to play' law to strengthen the measure that took effect in 2006. The commission, which is responsible for tracking campaign finance in the state, called the law "confusing" and said with the inclusion of the "fair and open" provision, which allows municipalities to bypass the pay to play restrictions in awarding contracts so long as the request for bids is advertised on the township's Web site or in a local newspaper, the law has a huge loophole. (Isherwood, PolitickerNJ)

http://www.politickernj.com/elec-push-pay-play-law-reform

Property Tax Reform : How it will work

FAQ: How Gov. Christie's Property Tax Reform Would Work

The historic deal reached this weekend between Gov. Chris Christie and lawmakers over a new 2 percent property tax cap includes several exemptions. And lawmakers will be in session over much of the summer to consider a package of other legislation that could profoundly affect how local governments manage and pay their employees. We've prepared this guide to help you understand the cap, and the proposed legislation. (Celock, Westfield Patch)

http://westfield.patch.com/articles/faq-gov-chris-christies-property-tax-cap-and-proposed-toolkit

Rep. Scott Garrett continues to gain influence despite being long ignored by Jersey Media Establishment

Rep. Scott Garrett's hard-line views gaining more influence

Rep. Scott Garrett literally had a seat at the table when a select House-Senate conference committee put the final touches on the Wall Street overhaul bill the House ultimately approved Wednesday. From that seat, Garrett was able to insert several provisions into the final package, including a new type of bank financing called covered bonds that he has championed for several years, but never could get to a vote. (Jackson, The Record)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/97831409_Rep_Scott_Garrett_s_hard-line_views_gaining_more_influence.html

In a twist of irony Tom Riche's car overheats during the Parade

In a twist of irony Tom Riche's car overheats during the Parade

Car Transporting Deputy Mayor Tom Riche Breaks Down On Parade Route

The 1964 Chevrolet convertible transporting Deputy Mayor Tom Riche overheated during Monday's 4th of July parade and stranded Riche near the Ridgewood train station for at least 45 minutes. The vehicle is owned, and was driven in the parade, by retired Ridgewood Fire Chief James Bombace.

Riche was subsequently given a ride in another convertible (also seen spewing smoke from its front end while rolling down East Ridgewood Avenue), but arrived at the official parade reviewing stand well behind Mayor Keith Killion, Councilwoman Bernie Walsh, and Councilman Paul Aronsohn.

Ridgewood Water - Stage IV Water Restrictions Now in Effect

Ridgewood Water - Stage IV Water Restrictions Now in Effect

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY - STAGE IV WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR GLEN ROCK, MIDLAND PARK, RIDGEWOOD, AND WYCKOFF


EFFECTIVE JULY 6th, 2010 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Due to recent weather conditions and the resulting increase in demand for water, the normal reserve maintained for fighting fires and maintaining pressure in the system has dropped to unacceptably low levels. Ridgewood Water, which serves the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, the Village of Ridgewood, and the Township of Wyckoff, has been forced to impose mandatory Stage IV Restrictions effective IMMEDIATELY.

Stage IV prohibits any type of irrigation at any time.

These restrictions will be in effect until further notice. We apologize for the need to restrict your outdoor irrigation but public health and fire safety are primary responsibilities. Updates to these restrictions will be posted on our website at http://water.ridgewoodnj.net and the Village of Ridgewood website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.

The following is the text for Reverse 911 Calls made to customers - Hello,

This is a message from Ridgewood Water your water provider. Due to the extreme temperatures and lack of rainfall, all outdoor irrigation is banned until further notice. Public health and fire safety are our primary responsibilities. If you have any questions, please call 201-670-5520 or 201-670-5526. Additional information and updates are available on the Village of Ridgewood website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.


http://www.northjersey.com/news/97853229_Neighboring_towns_questioning_Ridgewood_Water_s_rate_increase.html


http://www.ridgewoodnj.net/main_recent.cfm?ArticleID=834


http://www.northjersey.com/news/97855819_Ridgewood_to_lay_off_24_employees.html

Ridgewood 2010 4th July Parade

photos by Andrew Sutcliffe

State Budget : Once again they underestimated the governor.

Hannon: Governor Christie's setting the table

Sitting at what looked like a card table in a South River, N.J., firehouse, Governor Chris Christie signed the 2010-11 state budget into law last Tuesday. The stark surroundings were in character with both the governor's message and his budget. Earlier in the year many political pundits predicted that this spending bill, which represents an 8.8-percent reduction from last year's plan, would never happen. They said that Christie would fall victim to special interest groups, the Trenton bureaucracy, and the Democrat majority. Once again they underestimated the governor. (Hannon, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/97782774_Governor_Christie_s_setting_the_table.html

It was a Hot one...

photo by Adriana

http://www.ex-terminator.org/

Adriana : A Pest control company w/a girly twist! We service Bergen/Passaic/Essex/Hudson & Morris counties-since 2003-FREE ESTIMATES

Send your JPEG photos in of July 4th in Ridgewood and we will credit you and your business: onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com

Story Time at Graydon Pool every Thursday at 2 PM

Meet under the pavilion at Graydon for Story Time! The beloved tradition returns weekly starting THIS THURSDAY, July 8, at 2 PM. Ages 4-8 (approximately). Former longtime Councilman Patrick Mancuso will read the first story. Bring a towel to sit on. No signup necessary.

Information: Dept. of Parks and Recreation, 201-670-5560.

Trenton looks to force residents to register and buy auto insurance in state

Trenton continues to wage war on New Jersey's drivers

TRENTON, NJ -- New Jersey is taking aim at residents who fraudulently register their vehicles or obtain auto insurance in other states.

The Assembly recently passed a measure that makes so-called reverse rate evasion a form of insurance fraud.

Under the practice, vehicle owners register and insure their vehicles in other states to get cheaper premiums, even though the Garden State is their principal residence or the insured vehicle is mostly kept in New Jersey.

Critics say this results in the loss of state revenues and causes higher premiums for those who properly register their vehicles. They also note that many out-of-state policies provide lesser coverage than what's mandated under New Jersey law.

If the bill becomes law, it would make reverse rate evasion a fourth-degree crime, which means violators can be jailed for up to 18 months. Specific fines would be determined by a judge under the state's Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, according to the text of the bill.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/guardin_state_from_fraud_2DEzrYIXYu2x1TRDgz6dCP#ixzz0spuWVle8

Glen Ridge officials will consider converting schools into charter or private schools.

Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger

Education Commissioner Bret Schundler speaks at annual Charter School Association conference. Glen Ridge officials will consider converting schools into charter or private schools.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/diminishing_state_aid_prompts.html

GLEN RIDGE — Faced with burdensome mandates and diminishing returns from Trenton, one of the state’s top public school districts is considering a path that could make it the first to effectively secede from New Jersey’s public education system.

The Glen Ridge school board will enter largely uncharted waters when it gathers at a retreat this month to discuss converting some or all of the four schools in the 1,932-student district to charter or private schools.

In a community where the average property tax bill tops $16,000, the idea of becoming a breakaway district emerged as word spread that Glen Ridge’s already small portion of state aid would vanish and that New Jersey might embrace a new cap limit to tax increases in order to encourage school districts to merge.

Parents in Glen Ridge already aggressively raise money for everything from bleachers and classroom smart boards to paving and roof repairs. Meanwhile, per-pupil spending in Glen Ridge is below the statewide average.

"There’s got to be a better way," said Kathy Weissenberger, who co-chairs the district’s Alternative Funding Committee. "Everyone kind of says they don’t go to public school, they go to a private Glen Ridge school. … That’s the way it feels."

New Jersey will allow a public school to become a charter school if 51 percent of the teaching staff and parents sign a petition for it, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association. That has never happened.

"There have been no conversions to date," said Beth Auerswald, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Education.

Glen Ridge perennially ranks as one of New Jersey’s best school districts. Its high school students average a hearty 1748 on the SAT (out of 2400), and nearly half the seniors are in advanced-placement classes.

The idea of becoming a breakaway district first surfaced in March, at a tense forum in which parents learned of Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed cuts in state aid, which would reduce Glen Ridge’s state school funding to zero.

"The strings are still there, but there’s no money," said John M. Mucciolo, the district’s school superintendent.

By adopting a charter, Glen Ridge would have increased autonomy, but whether enough to make a real financial impact is open to question.

In theory, at least, the district would be spared from such mandates as QSAC, or Quality through a Single Accountability Continuum. "The people hours, the money it costs us," Mucciolo said of the monitoring of schools’ progress. "Why does it have to be every three years? Why not every seven years? … Many times, the money we spend complying with state mandates is diverted from students."

full story:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/diminishing_state_aid_prompts.html

Those Rich Old White Guys

Happy 4th of July

Signers of the declaration of independence:John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon

1723-1794

Representing New Jersey at the Continental Congress

by Ole Erekson, Engraver, c1876, Library of Congress

http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/signers/witherspoon.htm

 

Born:	February 15, 1723
Birthplace:	Gifford, Scotland
Education:	Master of Arts, University of Edinburgh; Doctorate of Divinity, University of St. Andrews. (Clergyman, Author, Educator)
Work:	President of College of New Jersey, 1768-1792; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776-1782; Twice elected to State Legislature of New Jersey.
Died:	November 15, 1794

John Witherspoon brought some impressive credentials and a measure of public acclaim with him when he joined the colonies in 1768, as president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton).
Born in 1723, he received the finest education available to a bright young gentleman of that era. John attended the preparatory school in Haddington Scotland. He proceeded to Edinburgh where he attained a Master of Arts, then to four years of divinity school. At this point he was twenty. In 1743 he became a Presbyterian Minister at a parish in Beith, where he married, authored three noted works on theology. He was later awarded a Doctorate of Divinity from the University of St. Andrews, in recognition of his theological skills. It was only through a protracted effort on the part of several eminent Americans, including Richard Stockton and Benjamin Rush, that the colonies were able to acquire his service. In colonial American, the best educated men were often found in the clergy. The College of New Jersey needed a first rate scholar to serve as its first president. Witherspoon was at first unable to accept the offer, due to his wife's great fear of crossing the sea. She later had second thoughts, and a visit from the charming Dr. Rush secured the deal. He emigrated to New Jersey in 1768.
Dr. Witherspoon enjoyed great success at the College of New Jersey. He turned it into a very successful institution, and was a very popular man as a result. He also wrote frequent essays on subjects of interest to the colonies. While he at first abstained from political concerns, he came to support the revolutionary cause, accepting appointment to the committees of correspondence and safety in early 1776. Later that year he was elected to the Continental Congress in time to vote for R. H. Lee's Resolution for Independence. He voted in favor, and shortly after voted for the Declaration of Independence. He made a notable comment on that occasion; in reply to another member who argued that the country was not yet ripe for such a declaration, that in his opinion it "was not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotting for the want of it." Whitherspoon was a very active member of congress, serving on more than a hundred committees through his tenure and debating frequently on the floor.
In November, 1776, he shut down and then evacuated the College of New Jersey at the approach of British forces. The British occupied the area and did much damage to the college, nearly destroyed it. Following the war, Witherspoon devoted his life to rebuilding the College. He also served twice in the state legislature. In the last years of life he suffered injuries, first to one eye then the other, becoming totally blind two years before his death. He died on his farm, "Tusculum," just outside of Princeton in November of 1794, a man much honored and beloved by his adopted countrymen.

http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/signers/witherspoon.htm

Ronald Reagan : Independence Day Message

Ronald Reagan
Independence Day Message
July 4, 1981

For one who was born and grew up in the small towns of the Midwest, there is a special kind of nostalgia about the Fourth of July.


I remember it as a day almost as long-anticipated as Christmas. This was helped along by the appearance in store windows of all kinds of fireworks and colorful posters advertising them with vivid pictures.


No later than the third of July -- sometimes earlier -- Dad would bring home what he felt he could afford to see go up in smoke and flame. We'd count and recount the number of firecrackers, display pieces and other things and go to bed determined to be up with the sun so as to offer the first, thunderous notice of the Fourth of July.


I'm afraid we didn't give too much thought to the meaning of the day. And, yes, there were tragic accidents to mar it, resulting from careless handling of the fireworks. I'm sure we're better off today with fireworks largely handled by professionals. Yet there was a thrill never to be forgotten in seeing a tin can blown 30 feet in the air by a giant "cracker" -- giant meaning it was about 4 inches long. But enough of nostalgia.


Somewhere in our growing up we began to be aware of the meaning of days and with that awareness came the birth of patriotism. July Fourth is the birthday of our nation. I believed as a boy, and believe even more today, that it is the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.


There is a legend about the day of our nation's birth in the little hall in Philadelphia, a day on which debate had raged for hours. The men gathered there were honorable men hard-pressed by a king who had flouted the very laws they were willing to obey. Even so, to sign the Declaration of Independence was such an irretrievable act that the walls resounded with the words "treason, the gallows, the headsman's axe," and the issue remained in doubt.


The legend says that at that point a man rose and spoke. He is described as not a young man, but one who had to summon all his energy for an impassioned plea. He cited the grievances that had brought them to this moment and finally, his voice falling, he said, "They may turn every tree into a gallows, every hole into a grave, and yet the words of that parchment can never die. To the mechanic in the workshop, they will speak hope; to the slave in the mines, freedom. Sign that parchment. Sign if the next moment the noose is around your neck, for that parchment will be the textbook of freedom, the Bible of the rights of man forever."


He fell back exhausted. The 56 delegates, swept up by his eloquence, rushed forward and signed that document destined to be as immortal as a work of man can be. When they turned to thank him for his timely oratory, he was not to be found, nor could any be found who knew who he was or how he had come in or gone out through the locked and guarded doors.


Well, that is the legend. But we do know for certain that 56 men, a little band so unique we have never seen their like since, had pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Some gave their lives in the war that followed, most gave their fortunes, and all preserved their sacred honor.


What manner of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants and tradesmen, and nine were farmers. They were soft-spoken men of means and education; they were not an unwashed rabble. They had achieved security but valued freedom more. Their stories have not been told nearly enough.


John Hart was driven from the side of his desperately ill wife. For more than a year he lived in the forest and in caves before he returned to find his wife dead, his children vanished, his property destroyed. He died of exhaustion and a broken heart.


Carter Braxton of Virginia lost all his ships, sold his home to pay his debts, and died in rags. And so it was with Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Rutledge, Morris, Livingston and Middleton. Nelson personally urged Washington to fire on his home and destroy it when it became the headquarters for General Cornwallis. Nelson died bankrupt.


But they sired a nation that grew from sea to shining sea. Five million farms, quiet villages, cities that never sleep, three million square miles of forest, field, mountain and desert, 227 million people with a pedigree that includes the bloodlines of all the world. In recent years, however, I've come to think of that day as more than just the birthday of a nation.


It also commemorates the only true philosophical revolution in all history.


Oh, there have been revolutions before and since ours. But those revolutions simply exchanged one set of rules for another. Ours was a revolution that changed the very concept of government.


Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.


We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.


Happy Fourth of July.


Ronald Reagan, President of the United States

RIDGEWOOD INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

RIDGEWOOD INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Please join us for the 100th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, 2010!
The theme this year is "100 Years of Supporting the Tradition."

This year the 4th is on the 5th.
The Flag Raising, Parade, Evening Entertainment & Fireworks will be on Monday, July 5th.

Ridgewood will observe Independence Day on Monday, JULY 5th...this will be Ridgewood's 100th Celebration! For up-to-date details go to www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org

Ridgewood Farmer's Market Open Sunday, July 4th

The Ridgewood Farmer's Market at the Train Station will be open Sunday, July 4th from 9AM to 3PM.


Flag Raising 9:00 am - Wilsey Square

Parade begins 10:00 am (Rain or Shine)


Fireworks Tickets for July 4th Celebration

Celebration is on Monday, July 5

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Evening Activities and Fireworks Tickets www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org Monday, July 5th, 2010 Alternate Date - Tuesday, July 6th Veteran's Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year. In 2010, the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its 100th anniversary with our flag raising, parade and fireworks. This year's theme is "100 Years of Supporting the Tradition.” The committee is an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day's events and does not receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood. July 4th is a Sunday this year, but the national holiday is on Monday, July 5th. Therefore, our celebration will be on Monday, July 5th. We are actively preparing for what we know will be a spectacular 100th celebration, 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. While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet's Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration's largest sources of income. Tickets to the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks will be on sale June 1 at the locations below. Buy your tickets in advance for $5.00 and save 50% off the gate price of $10.00. 1. Backyard Living- 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-689-9111 2. Daily Treat- 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-9113 3. Goffle Brook Farm- 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-652-7540 4. Harding Wines and Spirits- 305 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-445-7122 5. Herold's Farm & Garden Center- 909 Prospect Street, Glen Rock, 201-445-0069 6. Hillman Electric- 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-1045 7. Hogan's Restaurant Diner- 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park, 201-445-2849 8. Hoskins Propane, 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-444-1950 9. Irish Eyes- 1 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, 201-445-8585 10. JT's Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-652-2220

Signers of the declaration of independence:John Hart

John Hart

1711-1779

Representing New Jersey at the Continental Congress

http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/signers/hart.htm

by Ole Erekson, Engraver, c1876, Library of Congress

Born:	1713
Birthplace:	Hopewell, New Jersey
Education:	(Farmer)
Work:	Member of the New Jersey Assembly, 1761-1771; Served on the Committee of Safety, Committee of Correspondence, 1775; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Member of Provincial Assembly 1775; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776.
Died:	May 11, 1779

John Hart was a New Jersey farmer. His exact date of birth is not known. His father had moved from Connecticut to a farm near Hopewell New Jersey. He helped to build, and later inherited, that very successful farm and was a leading member of his community. His first public service was a justice of the peace. In 1761 he was elected the New Jersey Assembly, there annually reelected until the assembly was dissolved in 1771. In 1775 he was appointed to the local Committee of Safety, the Committee of Correspondence, and a judge to the Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to the newly formed Provincial Congress of New Jersey in 1776, and sent as a delegate for New Jersey to the Continental Congress that year. Hart's property was looted in the course of the war. His Wife died on October 8, 1776. When the area was overrun by the British in November of that year, he was forced to hide for a time. He was engaged in public service throughout the war, twice reelected to the Congress and also serving the Commitee of Safety and as Speaker of the New Jersey assembly. On June 22nd 1778 he invited the American army to encamp on his farm. Washington had lunch with him, then had his famous Council of War at the nearby Hunt House. Twelve thousand men camped on his fields-during the growing season. After resting and preparing for battle the troops left on the 24th. On Tuesday, May 11th 1779, he died at the age of 66.

http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/signers/hart.htm

Valley renewal: major concerns about the future of our great Village

I have posted a lot on Valley Hospital’s proposed renewal plans over the last few weeks and I must say, that it is evident that the vast majority of comments come from those tax-paying residents of Ridgewood that do not want Valley Hospital to expand. Most of the pro-Valley comments appear to be from residents of other towns so as far as I am concerned, their comments do not count.

There are a number of issues that have come to light over the last couple of weeks and these may have been in place all along but as intelligent, tax paying residents of this Village, the majority of us were blindsided by those that are put into office to protect and serve the interests of the tax-paying residents of Ridgewood.

1. What did Valley Hospital (corporate) promise to certain entities in return for their support of the hospital’s expansion plans?
2. Why does it appear that the interests of Valley Hospital were put ahead of the interests of the tax-paying residents of Ridgewood?
3. Why did certain members of the planning board not recuse themselves from the voting process knowing that there were conflict of interest issues?
4. In reference to the last planning board meeting;
a. Who changed the venue from BF to GWMS – regardless of what else was planned that night, if the PB meeting was scheduled to take place that night, the venue must have been booked for that night without conflict and therefore the apparent conflict does not appear to have been legit.
b. Who authorized Valley Hospital’s PR director to coordinate with the RPD who could and who could not gain entry to the PB meeting?
c. As the majority of residents that night were all law-abiding concerned citizens, in the company of their children, why was it deemed necessary to bring in police reinforcements? Did the planning board think that it was hosting a mini-G8 summit?
d. Who is footing the bill for all non-RPD deployment that night?
5. What redress do the tax-paying residents of Ridgewood have for the unsightly behavior of the planning board?
a. The appearance of corruption
b. The manipulation of Valley Hospital to direct the terms of procedures of a Village meeting, a village in which Valley Hospital does not pay taxes

There are major concerns about the future of our great Village and very few of those that have been elected to office to protect and serve our interests appear to be doing just what they were elected for.

As per Valley Hospital’s website, out of the five current hospitals in Bergen County, there are currently 300 hundred unused beds on a daily basis, so even if it is state-mandated for hospitals to provide single occupancy rooms, there must be room at all our hospitals to incorporate this provision without the need to change the size of any of the hospitals that are currently operable giving the fact that we currently have an over flow of hospital beds.

Ridgewood Blog Post from The Travel Center / Amex - National Parks

America the Beautiful

“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than a Yosemite, the groves of giant Sequoias and Redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of Yellowstone, its three Tetons. And our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever.” – Theodore Roosevelt, 1905

America’s national parks are some of our country’s greatest treasures and are ready to be explored. Celebrate the birth of our nation by planning a visit. Here are some favorites from the staff of The Travel Center/American Express:

*Yosemite National Park in CA: With enchanting landscapes of deep valleys, alpine meadows, and groves of giant Sequoias, Yosemite also is home to some of North America’s most dramatic waterfalls. Travel consultant Donna Moore suggests including a side trip to Monterey for a unique vacation the whole family will enjoy.

*Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs in WY, ID, & MT: Travel consultant Barbara Kopp visited these great wonders on a Tauck tour from Salt Lake City, UT to Mt. Rushmore in SD. To see more photos of the spectacular trip including Old Faithful, the Continental Divide and a float trip on the Snake River, visit our Facebook page – The Travel Center AE.

*Great Smokey Mountains in NC & TN: The Great Smokey Mts. NP is known for its abundant plant and animal life. It’s also a hiker’s paradise, with rewarding views at all levels-from short jaunts to backcountry treks. Dir. of Marketing Sue Haefner loved Clingman’s Dome, but also recommends time outside the park to visit Gatlinburg and the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

*Everglades in FL: Most of southern Florida is covered by a shallow sheet of slow-moving water, creating the world’s largest saw grass marshland. Bicycle and canoe rentals are perfect for self-discovery while tram and boat tours are great options for narrated exploration.

As you reflect this weekend on our country and its history, remember…this land is your land; this land is my land…from sea to shining sea. Enjoy!


The Travel Center / American Express

50 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

(201) 447-3311

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For the July 5th parade, the Elks Club Of Ridgewood will be offering an outdoor barbecue

For the July 5th parade, the Elks Club Of Ridgewood
at 111 Maple Ave. be offering an outdoor barbecue.
Starting at 9 am, we will have the usual BBQ fare, chips,
and beverages at the cheapest prices in town.
In addition, our bar in open to the public serving ice
cold brews, cocktails & Liz's once in a lifetime amazing
Bloody Mary's. She only makes them once a year.
Stop in, the air conditioning will be cranking since it
will be hot out there. We'll have the World Cup on.
All proceeds help support the running the Elks and
our charitable foundations including Camp Moore.

My chair is in Place ...