Sports Gear Up, Bicyclist Hit, Ridgewood Gets Top Cop, Ridgewoodian Talks to Top Court: The Week in Review

Kids enjoying the last bit of summer break likely didn't welcome the rains that lasted the weekend and early into the week, but others found it a welcomerelief. In case you've missed some of what's happened in the Ridgewood over the last seven days, here's a handy recap for you.

Monday

We kicked off the week with a look at the RHS girls soccer team. Though the girls are going to have a lot of fresh faces in the lineup, Patch sportswriter Justin Stofkoper writes that they could again be very successful.

Patch contributor Karen Kleimann (yes, editor James Kleimann's sister) stopped by the Ridgewood Farmers Market on Sunday and saw what some of the vendors had to offer. With good prices and great quality, it's no wonder Village residents and folks from all around stop by each Sunday.

We then said hello to the new police chief in town, John Ward. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Ward's been the de-facto chief since Chief John Lipuma announced his retirement earlier this summer. He plans to put an emphasis on community policing and innovative technology to leverage resources.

Tuesday

Patch met up with a supreme interpreter, Polish native and Ridgewood resident Anna Kipiniak. Read her story to find out how exactly one becomes an interpreter for the New Jersey State Supreme Court.

Justin Stofkoper spoke to longtime Ridgewood High School football coach Chuck Johnson to preview how the Maroons will do in the upcoming season. There's reason for optimism, but it will be a challenge replacing a senior class that accomplished quite a bit last season.

We also took a look to see what the North Jersey Red Cross chapter has been doing to better the world around us. Certainly worth a look.

There was also an accident on South Maple and Spring Avenue. A bicyclist reportedly ran a red light and was struck by a vehicle. The woman on the bicycle was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries. She was released later that evening.  The driver was not found to be at fault; this marks the third accident involving a bicycle in the Village in roughly a month. All three accidents were considered to be the fault of the bicyclists.

To round out Tuesday, Patch had a nice chance encounter with Patch contributor Andrew Nieporent. He was nice enough to sing us a song he'd written last summer. Pay attention to the lyrics, but no one will fault you if you stare out the windows onto East Ridgewood Avenue.

Wednesday

Gloria broke the news that local ballet legend Irine Fokine will be closing the doors to the Chestnut Street ballet studio on the first day of September.

In some good 'ol government news, we found out that the Village will be re-touching over 200 street signs.

To round out Wednesday, the police are reporting a number of thefts under investigation, including a parking meter. Yes, someone stole a parking meter. Well, part of it.

Thursday

Justin Stofkoper got the chance to attend an exclusive "green carpet" affair put on by Children's Aid & Family Services and the PGA Wives Association. All of the proceeds will be going to Children's Aid & Family Services, who have their adoption division based right here in Ridgewood. They're looking for good folks to be foster parents. 

In more Ridgewood arts news, Gloria followed up on the Irine Fokine closing and found out that a popular dance teacher will be moving on to teach in Waldwick beginning in mid-September.

Remember all that rain from earlier in the week? Well, although the state's climatologist said that areas in Bergen and Passaic (including Ridgewood) received a month's worth of rain in a few short days, the state's DEP is still worried about water levels throughout the state.

Friday

Frank Moritz, the Director of Ridgewood Water, told us that the Ridgewood-based public utility did in fact do very well with the recent rains. It did so well that representatives would meet over the weekend to discuss lowering restrictions.

Patch took an in-depth look at one of the deadliest cancers, and how it's affecting one long-time Ridgewood man. Although one of the most fatal cancers, pancreatic cancer is still the most underfunded of any major killer. Joe Grasso and others are trying to put a stop to that trend, and they organized a charity baseball game in Newark to raise funds to go toward some innovative research.

As always, we went grocery shopping with Gloria, who gave us a nice look at ready-to-eat items at the local grocery stores in town.

To close out the work week, Patch found out that a new bus shuttle based out of Ridgewood train station will be taking seniors, the disabled and workers to the Tri-Borough office complex around Montvale. The project is federally funded; County Executive Dennis McNerney held a press conference to discuss the event. Ridgewood is supportive of the project, Mayor Killion said.

Saturday

We took a look at some open house showings this weekend in case some of you are buying, selling or just curious to see what your neighbor's foyer looks like.

DC Stein wrote about the impact of real friendship and the story of how her former friend, "Scarlett," became her enemy in this week's Big D in Bergen C column. Make sure to read this one.

Sunday

Karen Caine, in her Write-Away column, said she's had enough of summer. Find out why!

Contibutor Don Smith gave us a nice story about the stigma of comic books and why that may all be changing.