Life in Ridgewood During WWII, Woman Injured in Accident with Fire Truck and More This Week

Thomas Jefferson said he "liked the dreams of the future better than the dreams of the past," but here at Ridgewood Patch we like a bit of both. Check out our top seven stories, ranging from glimpses into Ridgewood past, Ridgewood present and Ridgewood future.

1) Reporter Alex Zawacki spent time at the Bolger Historical Center, piecing together .

Conducting interviews with those who lived through the conflict many say defined the 20th century while also combing through the archives, Zawacki reports that food was in short supply, defense commissions were set up to train women to work as air raid wardens, nurses and therapists, and many residents banded together to buy precious stockings for one beloved teacher.

Citizens had a fearful pride that the men would return.

“The names of the servicemen who died are on the War Memorial in Van Neste Park. That was originally erected as a WWI memorial,” said Historical Librarian Peggy Norris. “People thought that was going to be the last war.”

2) We also reported on the for Veteran's Day, which has support of the council but continues to face logistical challenges. The newest plan envisions a memorial by the porch at Graydon Park, though grassroots group Preserve Graydon Coalition is in opposition.

3) , we reported Wednesday. The village appears to be moving forward anyway, motioning to allocate money from a DOT grant at the Wednesday night council meeting. Still, no concrete plan has been developed as of this week though preliminary plans may include a lift into the pool and possibly a ramp into the actual facility. Ringel favors an idea similar to that of Allendale’s Crestwood Lake, where ADA compliance is achieved through portable rollout access pathways and a beach wheelchair that can roll over sand and into water.

4) Reporter Erin Kelly rounded up the , which is helping classified high school students work in "the real world." While the program may be a huge step in allowing students to explore the world on their own with responsibilities, expectations and hopes, the program is also a boon to taxpayers. Principal Jack Lorenz estimates the 17 students it houses–who in the past would have been sent to alternative schools out of district at considerable cost–saves Ridgewood approximately $300,000. Definitely give it a read.

5) A woman was injured Wednesday afternoon responding to a medical emergency. Officials say the fire truck was traveling at a low rate of speed on Linwood Avenue en route to the Duck Pond when the woman in an SUV moved into the intersection. The fire truck had its lights and sirens on when the woman, who had a green light, was struck. The injuries were not considered life threatening; the truck sustained minor damage to its front bumper.

6) Patch reported Monday that . Accounts will be transferred to the Ramsey branch, at 185 Ash Street. There's been no word on how many layoffs would be felt in Ridgewood.

7) Ridgewood officers got perhaps more hands-on experience than they wanted at the Ridgewood Bus Terminal late Thursday afternoon after . Police took the man to Bergen Regional Medical Facility for evaluation.