1 Dollar And A Dream?

Last month, October 16, 2012, we had a Fiscal Tsunami. Yeah, we did. Mayor Frank Huttle III had Professor Raphael J. Caprio, Phd. from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy-Rutgers University explain it to us in a presentation entitled, The Financial Tsunami Facing New Jersey's Municipalities. 

June 2, 1980

How do we go from a $2.3 million dollar deficit to giving an organization a building for $1 per year? So what they will spend $150,000.00 in renovations. Those renovations will benefit BergenPAC. The City is giving away these facilities in the remote possibility of generating more foot traffic in Englewood. Why? What will that do for the City/Us?

Bennett studios previously paid $90,000.00 plus utilities for these same facilities? Again, how do we justify going from $90,000.00 per year plus utilities to $1 per year. Where is the rhyme and the reason?

January 10, 1962 

Another thing, over 33 lights are out from the tracks to the monument. Many of them are out on Van Brunt Street in this immediate area. At the last Master Plan Hearing, an Englewood resident suggested that the Palisade Avenue area is not safe for pedestrians, especially after dark. The area is NOT being maintained in a manner that attracts people after dark. Therefore, I really must agree with the young lady. It is much too dark in and around Palisade Avenue. The stores. The stores are also closed during this time. So how are businesses making money? We need to see more attention given to upgrading the lighting in the areas where everyone is so dead set on bringing hundreds more people. We are talking about families and children. The average class would take place after 3:30. The latest class generally ends at about 10 pm. It is already dark at 4 pm during the time of year when most schools expect the most students. Yes, now is the busy season for this type of activity. Where is the foresight City planners? Are we taking the safety of these new people that you expect to spend their dollars in restaurants and businesses into consideration? No. You are not. You are neglecting the city and the people already here while marketing to new people in order to sell new programs. Oh wow, that sounds very much like what our school system is doing with School Choice. Get a clue people. More money, time and effort must be put into improving, repairing and maintaining what we have before attracting more tourists.

More over, we have a very fine dance studio on the south side of Palisade Avenue on Van Brunt Street in the 4th Ward. It is called Progressive Dance Studio. Now where is the need for another dance studio to expand? So Progressive Dance Studio must still pay that highly inflated rent while this Mayor's dream studio will pay $1 per year. That scenario smells profusely. Where does our 4th Ward Councilman stand on this albatross of a deal? It is worse than the one that rented St. Cecilia Elementary School building with no ADA accessibility to the Board of Education for $26,000.00 per month. It really does seem as if no one listened to the good Professor Caprio. So what was the point? Sounds a bit bi-polar in the planning.

                       “It’s a way to highlight more of Englewood,” said Councilman 

                                 Wayne Hamer. “I’m excited about the possibility.”

What exactly is in this deal for 4th Ward residents? Where is the balance between the 2 businesses that are less than 1 block apart? How is it fair for one Performing Arts School to rent a building for 1$ per year while another studio that has a long history in Englewood continues to struggle under the high rent that drives many businesses out of Englewood? It should also be noted here that this long standing school of performing arts has already established a relationship with the neighborhood and has awarded numerous scholarships to students from Englewood, Teaneck, Cresskill, Dumont, Tenafly and the list goes on. My 42 year old daughter was one of the recipients. My 23 year old niece earned a partial scholarship there. I paid for classes for my 15 year old granddaughter. There are many other families from Englewood and surrounding towns with like stories. Is this the way we repay the dedicated businesses that have stuck it out and paid Englewood's high rents for over 30 years? It does give one pause. The excitement of the 4th Ward Councilman is as expected. There is a disconnect there. We still want to know how this poor business plan benefits our ward and the other taxpaying residents of Englewood.

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Where is Englewood FAST on this one? I guess we really know where that snooty organization really stands when they have nothing to say at a time like this. Why is there no outcry against this? Fine, I will be outraged for everyone. Who is picking up the tab for this? Why not charge them what they can afford on a sliding scale. If the projection is for so many students, what is the problem. The last time I checked classes were close to $20 per student per class. Why are we giving away the use of facilities and not getting anything in return? 

What is going on here anyway? One month we are deep in debt that was described as a "fiscal Tsunami" and the next we are philanthropists. 

Are we a broke municipality when it is convenient or dramatic? We were told that we have a 2.3 million dollar deficit thereabouts. So how does it compute that we now rent a building for $1 per year to an organization that may clearly pay more? That is not sound business sense. Bennett studios was charged $90,000.00 per year plus utilities. I guess that means this town is not fond of Tony Bennett. What ever happened to that Tsunami that was threatening us with doom and gloom? When the residents want a Community Center there is a Tsunami, but when EEDC wants a deal for Bergen PAC the Tsunami is no longer a problem. Add that one to the things that make you go hummmmmm...

Who and what is EEDC anyway? Is that another word for MUNICIPALITY? Who are the members of this Englewood Economic Development Corporation? So which Englewood are they developing?Identify yourselves. So Adam Brown is one. Where are the rest of you? What are the terms of that sublease? Who will pay for the utilities? Who will pay for Mayor Huttle's dream? How do you go from $90,000.00 a year plus utilities to $1 per year? What is in that deal for the taxpayer's of Englewood? Something is wrong with this picture. Where is our Chamber of Commerce in all of this?

September 12, 2011 http://www.sonicscoop.com/2011/09/12/bennett-studios-closes/

Take a mini tour of Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey. The Lion King sound track was in Production.

November 16, 2012 

http://www.northjersey.com/community/179732601_BergenPAC_may_use_former_Bennett_Studios_for_new_programs.html

November 22, 2012 http://www.northjersey.com/englewood/180469741_Local_studio_gets_new_chance.html

November 23, 2012 http://www.northjersey.com/englewood/Englewood_considering_allowing_BergenPAC_to_lease_train_station.html?page=all

The people making these plans do not stay in Englewood proper after dark. They go home. Those homes are no where near downtown Englewood. Most of the business owners also go to homes outside of Englewood. The day after Sandy hit told the true story of who lives here and near. Those Resident owners of businesses with power were open, giving gas, food, solace, cell phone and laptop charges to residents. There is an obvious disconnect when residents who live in the City do not know the history of which businesses have demonstrated a real commitment to the development of Englewood. DISCONNECT. DISCONNECT. DISCONNECT!

Through A Rapist's Eyes

THROUGH A RAPIST’S EYES” (PLS TAKE TIME TO READ THIS. it may save a life.) Reblog this!

It seems that alot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many people know how to take care of themselves when faced with such a
situation. Everyone should read this especially each n every girl in this world. THOUGHT THIS WAS GOOD INFO TO PASS ALONG…

FYI - Through a rapist’s eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1] The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle.
They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun! , braid, or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who’s clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing.

3] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots.

5] Number two is office parking lots/garages.

6] Number three is public restrooms.

7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don’t have to worry about getting caught.

8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn’t worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you’re not worth it.

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POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:

1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk:
can’t believe it is so cold out here, we’re in for a bad winter. Now that you’ve seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target.

2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would 
not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

4] If someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and
armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.

5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy’s parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you’ll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our
instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he’s out of there.

6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using
much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don’t dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel
little silly at the time, but you’d feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

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FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL ….

I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be some, where you will go “hmm I must remember that” After reading forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.

2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you…. chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or
purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be
hiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB) .
b. If you! u are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it’s better safe than sorry.

If u have a heart or compassion reblog this post.
‘Helping hands are better than Praying Lips’ – give us your helping hand.

REBLOG THIS AND LET EVERY GIRL KNOW
ATLEAST PEOPLES WILL KNOW WATS GOIN IN THIS WORLD.
So please reblog this….Your one reblog can Help to spread this information.
I hope you all will Reblog. Lets See how many of you really care for this. 

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT NOT REBLOGGING THIS! IT COULD ACTUALLY SAVE A LIFE.

My grandma was tied up by Ted Bundy (She got away) so please please be aware

Reblogged from: http://sorenthan.tumblr.com/post/26113337415/larrystylinsoneternal-opal-leaves-through 

What is the Line?

This morning I was asked a very important question about the "line" on election ballots. This was my response. Readers should be aware of the fact that Facebook would not allow me to post the following response on my own profile page. This is the reason that you see it here. The 1st Amendment is still in effect in America.

Reader friendly text of The Bill of Rights

The average person misses the single most important detail in voting. That is the position of the candidate on the ballot. For example, both democratic candidates for 4th Ward council should have been on line 2 clearly showing them as Democrats. The voters should have been instructed to vote for 1. That would have been a true representation of the fair and Democratic process. (taking into consideration that each candidate should have done all that is required to get on the ballot in the first place) Folks who control this know that the average person will complete the process the easy way. As in the general election, they go straight down the line. Most people think that if you are off the line there is something wrong, that you are not a Democrat. People do not understand the significance of what people in the green party are fighting to protect. Even worse, society has taught the aveage person that people off the line might be some type of subversive saboteur of the democratic process. In school board elections, a person with no backing may win if placed on line 1. The further down the line you go the more financial backing you need. 

Now let us get to SEEK. School board elections are supposed to be non partisan. (this means that the candidates do not have to declare party affiliation. A deeper meaning is that no one candidate should be a fanatical follower of any one organization. That is one definition of partisan. SEEK is the very good example of that type of organization. Candidates must deny and detach themselves from all other groups in order to get SEEK's financial backing. (2 of the current board members called me and resigned from a Community Ed. group) At this point, every single person on the board of Education has sworn allegiance to SEEK and not to the taxpaying members of Englewood. Under the covers, we find that SEEK gets much of its funding and support from wards that actually supported Romney for president or just plain old did not vote. Check the election results. The same people just engineered the outsourcing of Paraprofessionals and Secretaries. Is that enough? SEEK actually picks the candidates and funds their campaigns. SEEK does, not the community. The people who now control SEEK have perverted the original mission and made the organization a tool for segregation and union busting. Need I say more here in this open forum? 

Oh and these same people support the candidate who did not follow the Democratic process and still got on the ballot. They ignored Title 19:13-20 NJ Election Law the same as the current school board and supporters ignored 18A:27-10.1-4. This does not bode well. It becomes even more tragic when we trace the money and support to our elected officials on a local, county, state and federal level. Englewood is a petry dish that mirrors the events in America today.

Word on the street is that people who voted in Hackensack had a different view of the ballot than we did in our polling booth. That is an interesting concept since our City Clerk went on a rant on Tuesday morning that supports this allegation. This rant lead to she and the mayor forcing the removal of candidates for 4th ward city council from the polling place  where they were legally allowed to be since their names appeared on the ballot.

Pride of Place: Good Neighbors

Monique's garden

Today was a very good day. I posted a status update on Facebook asking if anyone knew where to get gas. Loads of people responded giving advice of places to purchase gas. There was a great response. One in particular came from another 4th Ward Family. It touched me like I have not been affected in a lot of years. Responses like this are among the reasons why I do this. Oh, did some of you think it was because of the great paycheck I get for wearing this large bulls eye on my back? News Flash. A friend messaged me inbox and told me that I could have some of  her family's gas. At first, I was reluctant, but then I decided to leave pride alone and accepted the offer. Less than 20 minutes later, she and her husband arrived with the children and put the gas in my car themselves. It was a marvelous gift and I will never forget it. 

Monique's 4-1 Garden

I offered to pay, but they refused. The husband said it was the neighborly thing to do. I hugged them both and got all teary eyed as they drove away. That is the kind of thing we work for years to nurture in neighborhoods like ours. That was the best I have felt in years. They live in 4-3. Before today that seemed like a another part of town. 

Pride of Place.