What's Inside - Borough of Ramsey

Volume 4 • Issue 2 Published by the Borough of Ramsey Fall 2010
What’s Inside
Library News 2
Park N’ Play
Opens Registration 2
Ramsey Ambulance Begins
Community Outreach Program 3
Ramsey PBA Comedy Night 3
Board of Health Updates 4
Message from the
Ramsey Fire Department 4
Ramsey D.A.R.E. Rocks! 5
Postcards from Ramsey 5
Ramsey Juniors Host
Casino Night 5
Ramsey Farmers’ Market
Wraps Up Its First Season 6
Veteran’s Day Ceremony 6
Solutions to Stormwater
Pollution 7
Ladies Night Out 8
Woman’s Club Hosts
Military Bridge 8
Recreation Sponsors
Halloween Parade &
Movie Night 8
Ramsey Student Completes
Trooper Youth Week 9
UNICO Sponsors
Wine Tasting 9
Internet Safety Tips 10
Freak Election Bets 11
A Message from Mayor Botta
Dear Ramsey Residents:
I hope everyone is enjoying the beauty and activity of
Fall in our community. It is a great time to get outdoors
and take in all that Ramsey has to offer its residents. From
Friday night high school football games, to the Sunday
Farmers’ Market, to a leisurely ride on the Borough’s
many bike paths, there is something for everybody.
One of the issues that has always been a concern to
myself and the governing body is traffic and pedestrian
safety in the Main Street corridor. This Fall, the Borough
has initiated a safety campaign to improve traffic and
pedestrian safety. The initiative will be a combination of education and enforcement.
We have worked closely with Police Chief Bryan Gurney in implementing this
program, which has increased traffic signage and posted more crossing guards
and patrol officers at busy times on Main Street. These police officers will be
monitoring traffic for vehicles that fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, drivers
that make illegal turns, drivers that talk on cellular telephones while driving, and
illegal parking. Pedestrians must also do their part and only cross Main Street at
dedicated crosswalks. We have taken necessary traffic calming steps and intersection
improvements on Main Street, now it is up to you to obey the laws while driving,
walking or biking on Main Street. It is our goal to educate drivers and pedestrians
on their responsibilities on the road, and to make our streets safer for all us to
share.
In addition, we have initiated traffic and pedestrian safety efforts at Smith
School. The goal of this effort is to make it safe for students and parents at school
drop-off and pick-up, as well as reducing the impact of living next to a busy school
for neighbors. Similar initiatives will continue at our other schools in the community
throughout the school year.
As we struggled through a drier than normal Summer (which then turned into
a very wet Fall) I want to thank our residents for their cooperation in our water
conservation efforts. Through swift action from our dedicated Borough employees
and the public, we were able to avert a serious water supply emergency. Water
is a valuable resource and a difficult one to control due to natural, regulatory
and environmental factors. As these issues continue to confront municipalities
throughout New Jersey, the ability and cost to supply water will become an even
greater concern in the future. In light of these issues, the Borough has begun a
comprehensive analysis of our water system and water utility resources which will
guide us in future decisions and choices about water issues facing our community.
We will keep our residents informed of our discussions and progress on these issues.
Residents are also reminded that our daily activities directly affect our
environment and it is our responsibility to protect our water bodies and prevent
non- point source pollution. Non-Point Source Pollution is pollution that occurs
when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation runs over land, streets or through the ground,
picks up pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters or
introduces them into ground water. Non–point source pollution comes largely from
activities such as improper disposal of pet waste, litter and yard waste as well as
from the feeding of wild life. Other contributing factors to non-point source pollution
are illicit connections to our storm drains and improper storm drain inlet retrofitting.

Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Upcoming Events
Oct 24
Farmers Market
Pumpkin Painting
Oct 24 Old Stone House -
Fall Open House
1pm - 4pm
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Oct 30
Oct 31
Nov 2
Nov 5
Nov 11
R.P.E.F. Ladies
Night Out
Flu Shots
Halloween Parade
Military Bridge
Last Farmers Market
Day with Halloween
Events
Election Day
6am-8pm
Recreation Movie Day
Veteran’s Day
Ceremony
Library News
We are anxious to return to the renovated Ramsey Library, but our project
has suffered from construction delays and we don’t expect to be back in the
building until late fall. We are grateful for your patience. We will continue to
go out of our way to serve you at temporary location in the Pavilion Building at
171 Lake Street. For the latest photos visit our web site: www.ramseylibrary.org
and click on the link for “see our renovations at flickr.”
Check our website for the Cozy Circle story time schedule for children.
Limited to Ramsey residents, all sessions are drop-in, no sign ups required.
There will be take-home crafts and holiday themes so come join in the fun.
Our monthly Teen Café will return this fall. Contact Mrs. Smith on Facebook or
by email: smith@bccls.org to share your ideas for upcoming café themes and
events.
Think “BeAT,” the Bergen eAudio Team, when you want to download audio
and ebooks to your iPod, MP3 or electronic reading device:
http://www.beateaudio.org or click though from the library web site. English as
a Second Language, ESL, services continue this fall with student/tutor matching
and a weekly conversation class. See the library web site for more information.
New tutors are always welcome. Free training is provided.
We encourage everyone to borrow the resources at the library; books, music
CDs, DVDs and magazines for all ages. If we don’t have something on our
shelves we can easily order it for you from one of the other area libraries or you
can place your own request online: http://www.BCCLS.org.
The library has computer access for word processing and the Internet, along
with early literacy interactive computers for young children. Remember to bring
your library card to sign in. The building is a wireless hot spot if you prefer to
bring your laptop or netbook. We are open seven days a week on our regular
service calendar: Monday – Thursday 9-9; Friday 9-5; Saturday 10-5 and
Sunday 12-4. If you need more information please call (201) 327-1445 or visit
our website.
Nov 11
Nov 13
Nov 15
Nov 20
Dec 4
Dec 7
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UNICO Wine Tasting
Ramsey PBA
Comedy Night
Park N’ Play
Open House Week
D.A.R.E. Ziti Dinner
Home for the Holidays
Senior Holiday
Luncheon
The New Park N’ Play Opens Registration
The New Park ‘N Play, an indoor play center located
in Ramsey, has opened registration for the upcoming
winter season (November ’10 – April ’11). Park ‘N
Play is a great way to spend the winter months playing
inside, meeting other kids and parents and enjoying the
best bargain in Bergen county.
The New Park ‘N Play, a non-profit organization
run by volunteer parents, provides a creative, safe, and
clean indoor play center for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The 2,200 sq. ft.
center features a kitchen area, play houses, slides, basketball, dress up/costumes,
train table, dolls & doll houses, tumbling mats, infant area, Legos, cars & trucks,
reading area, video lending library, and much more.
Open to all children from ages zero to six, The New Park ‘N Play offers unlimited
play from Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to 5pm. Membership costs
$225 per family, and registration forms are available online at
www.thenewparknplay.com. During the week of November 15, we will offer a
free open house to prospective families. Located at 15 Shuart Lane in Ramsey (in
the basement of the First Presbyterian Church), parking is located in lot on corner
of Darlington & N. Central Ave. For more information, please visit our website at
www.thenewparknplay.com, email info@thenewparknplay.com or call
(201) 760-8767.

Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Ramsey Ambulance Corps Begins New
Community Outreach Program
In an emergency, seconds count; that is why the Ramsey Ambulance Corps has begun a
new initiative to help emergency responders gain access to critical medical information at no
cost to the public. The File of Life Outreach Program is designed to help emergency responders
to gather your medical data, easily access potentially life-saving information, maximize their
time on scene, begin corrective treatment sooner, and help give you peace of mind during an
emergency.
Each File of Life packet contains a large red envelope with a magnetic strip, a large
information sheet, a small pocket-size red envelope, a small information sheet, and a
sticker. The large information sheet and envelope are intended to be displayed on your
refrigerator door. Emergency responders are trained to look in that location for File of Life
packets. The small red envelope and information packet may be carried in your wallet or
purse. The File of Life sticker is meant to be affixed to the main entry door of your residence
so that emergency responders know that a File of Life is present in your home.
“This is something that is extremely important, and should be in every home for every person in the household. It’s
a proven method that just works,” said Michael F. Adams, Ramsey Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, and
Ramsey Ambulance Corps Vice President. “I’ve personally seen the File of Life make a difference for a positive outcome
during medical emergencies.”
The File of Life is meant to be an updateable information source. New information sheets can be requested from the
Ramsey Ambulance Corps to replace outdated ones. You are encouraged to bring the File of Life with you to your doctor’s
office and pharmacy.
You can request a File of Life packet for free through the Ramsey Ambulance Corps website at
www.ramseyambulance.org. Detailed information on how to use the File of Life can also be found on the website.
To help get the word out about the File of Life Outreach Program, and other initiatives in progress, the Ramsey Ambulance
Corps has set up Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can follow them at www.facebook.com/ramseyambulance and
www.twitter.com/ramseyambulance to keep up with their latest activities.
Join the Ramsey PBA for a Beefsteak Comedy Night
The Ramsey PBA #155 is holding a Beefsteak Comedy Night on Saturday, November 13th, from 7:00 until 11:00
PM, at the Knights of Columbus Council Hall, at 48 Mechanic Street, Ramsey. Beefsteak by Baskingers is catering the
festive evening and Comedian Jeff Morris, from HBO and Comedy Central will be providing the entertainment. Tickets
are $50.00 and there will be a 50-50, with a ‘leg length of tickets.’ For additional information, please call (201) 788-
7441 or visit www.ramseypba.com.
Mayor’s Message Continued...
For more information on the ordinances Ramsey has in place to prevent non–point source pollution, visit our Borough
website. Do your part to prevent Non-Point Source Pollution!
I hope you are able to enjoy all that Ramsey has to offer our residents and friends this Autumn. Please continue to
contact me at (201) 825-3400, ext. 231, or at mayorbotta@ramseynj.com, regarding any ideas or concerns that you
may have about your community. I also welcome and recommend your participation in Borough Council meetings and
other public forums. With your continued interest and assistance, Ramsey will remain a great place to live, work and raise
a family.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Board of Health Updates
Flu season has officially started, and there is some evidence that a new strain of the flu virus—N3N2—is already
making its presence known. To protect against the flu, the most important action you can take is to make sure you and
your family get flu shots. The 2010 vaccine will protect against the new flu virus as well as two other strains, including
H1N1. The Ramsey Board of Health will offer immunizations for residents on Friday, October 29 at Adorno Fathers, 574
Darlington Ave. The cost is $20 for residents age 18 and over but free for those 65 and over with Medicare B. The
Ramsey Senior Bus is available to provide Ramsey residents ages 50+ transportation to Adorno Fathers for the shots. To
schedule a ride please call (201) 825-3400 ext. 277
Project Healthy Bones: Co-sponsored by the Ramsey Board of Health
and the Health Awareness Regional Program of Hackensack University Medical
Center, Project Healthy Bones is going strong at the senior center, with classes
continuing until at least the end of the year, and possibly longer. The program
is for people who have or are at risk of osteoporosis and involves stretching
exercises and work with increasingly heavy arm and leg weights to strengthen
muscles and increase bone density. The program also aims to improve balance.
People on the waiting list will be notified if an opening occurs.
Walking Groups: Mom and
Me walks meet Friday mornings at
the Interstate entrance to the bike
path at 9:15, and will continue until
winter weather makes them no longer feasible. The Tuesday and Thursday
9 AM walking group has resumed and assembles at the Interstate entrance
to the bike path. The Monday-Saturday 8 AM group—meeting at Varka’s
parking lot—and the Monday and Wednesday 10 AM group—meeting at the
Interstate entrance to the bike path— continue uninterrupted year- round. All
are welcome to join one of the walking groups. No sign up is necessary. The
walks take 30-40 minutes.
A Message from The Ramsey Fire Department
Over the past 18 months, Ramsey has experienced multiple fires that have consumed
the structures. The Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department extends it thoughts and prayers
to the families that have experienced loss related to these fires. Two of these fires have
occurred at night with occupants sleeping. These situations have shown how important
it is to have working smoke detectors and an escape plan in place and practiced.
We wish to remind the citizens of Ramsey to routinely check your smoke detectors
and CO 2
detectors, remembering to change the batteries when you change your clocks.
Many people often forget to have their chimneys inspected and cleaned in the fall by a
reputable company, before the winter season.
With all this in mind, it is also important to establish a plan of escape, should your
family experience a fire. Multiple scenarios should be discussed and practiced. If you
need any help planning an escape, or to obtain the new Tot Finder program stickers
available to residents only, contact our Community Education Division (201) 832-0101
and we would be more than happy to assist you.
The Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department has been serving our community for over
100 years. It is only with your support through our annual fund drive that we can
continue to provide community education opportunities. We wish you a joyous upcoming holiday season and look
forward to seeing everyone at the Home for the Holidays parade on December 4, 2010.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Ramsey D.A.R.E. Rocks!
The Ramsey DARE Dream Team is right now setting
up the 2010/2011 schedule of events. While some
of these events are offered to 5th grade families only,
many of them welcome Ramsey residents of all ages
and interests. This year’s schedule will likely consist of
a Ziti Dinner fund-raiser, a Parent’s Education Seminar,
a Skate Night, a Bowling Night, a Ski / Tubing trip, an
exhibition Basketball Game, Season VI of the Award
Winning DARE Idol event, a Pool Party, a Graduation
Ceremony and at least two Teen Canteens.
Postcards from Ramsey
A new project, started by Ramsey resident Daniel
Kennedy, hopes to tell the story of a town through old
postcards but using a new medium: a blog. This summer,
he launched www.ramseyhistory.org, depicting in its first
post the town’s iconic train station. It also reproduces
a 98-year-old letter from Kennedy’s own collection,
regarding the politics of the day, which was sent to
Ramsey’s first mayor, Dr. John B. Finch, a veterinarian
who lived in the home at the corner of Main Street and
Arch Street. The website offers a fascinating look back in
time, featuring these, and many other scenes from our
Borough throughout the years.
Each of these events exists as team building exercises
for our young students and their families. They give our
police officers a chance to interact with the community
in a fun way. They also offer the people of Ramsey
an opportunity to show their support for one of the
best DARE programs in the State. Our first, and most
important fund-raiser takes place on November 20th,
at St. Paul School. This Ziti Dinner will hopefully fund the
first several events on our schedule. To contribute to this
event in some way, please contact Officer Shoemaker
at dare@ramseypd.com. Together, we are making a
difference!
Built in 1868, the Ramsey Train Station is the Oldest Passenger
Rail Station In Use in New Jersey.
The Ramsey Juniors Host Casino Night Again!
The Junior Woman’s Club of Ramsey will host “Bet Your Lucky
Stars Casino Night” on Saturday, February 5th 2011 at 7:00PM at the
Knights of Columbus in Ramsey. Tickets will go on sale November 1st.
To purchase tickets, please contact Mary Liz McGuire (201) 661-8072.
Ticket prices are $65.00 each, which includes beer, wine, soda, hors
d’oeuvres, dessert, coffee and $25.00 in gaming chips. Purchase your
tickets before December 1st and receive an additional $25.00 in gaming
chips. All proceeds will benefit the local community. If you would like to
make a donation to the event or place an ad in the event journal, please
contact Jenn Lessieu (201) 962-3590.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Ramsey Farmers’ Market Wraps Up Its First Season
The Ramsey Farmers’ Market’s will be wrapping up a very successful first season
on October 31st. Each Sunday, from 9AM-2PM at the Main Street train station
parking lot, over 24 vendors set up early in the morning with an abundance of fresh,
locally grown produce and so much more. Our market volunteers have been working
hard greeting visitors, answering questions and assisting vendors with short breaks.
Most of our visitors have now had a chance to meet our friendly vendors and have
made their Sunday visit to the market part of their regular routine. The atmosphere
at the market is relaxed and welcoming, with great musical entertainment donated
by local musicians and featuring a different community organization each week.
We have also received a tremendous amount of donations to the marketsponsored
“Ramsey Pays it Forward” program, with donations of produce from
vendors and non-perishable items from the community. These much-needed items
are brought each Monday to the Center for Food Action. We also have seen a
positive impact on the nearby businesses, which have seen increased foot traffic
on Sundays, making this a win-win for everyone. Next season the market hopes to
feature New Jersey wineries and even more vendors. Our final events of the season
will feature Pumpkin Painting on October 24th hosted by the Junior Woman’s Club
of Ramsey and a Halloween Celebration on October 31st.
The Ramsey Historical Association, sponsors of the Ramsey Farmers Market, and
Nancy Boone, Market Manager, want to thank Mayor Chris Botta and the Ramsey
Borough Council, our Council Liaison, Vanessa Jachzel, the DPW and Ramsey Police
and Fire Departments, and all the wonderful volunteers, including: Joan Bloam,
Francesca Boone, Peggie Breslin, Gina Butler, Lorraine Castellano, Pat Confrancisco,
Toni DeLisi, Evelyn Erli, Jackie Gersht, John Greenberg, Jade Gunver, Suzanne
Haskell, Michelle Kaczorowski, Carrie Kelly, Ellen and Bobby Mass, Kathy Mucignat,
Nancy Napolitano, Paul and Margery Simpson, Beverly Walsh, Carol Watson, and
volunteers from the girl scouts, St. Paul’s civic group and Ramapo College. The
Ramsey Farmers Market is here to stay. Please visit each Sunday through October
31st and watch for us to return next June!
Veteran’s Day Ceremony
The Borough will be holding a ceremony honoring our Veterans on November 11, at 11am in
Veteran’s Park (located between Main and Arch Streets. Please join us as we honor the men and
women of our armed forces who have proudly served our Country. Seniors who need transportation
may call (201) 825-3400 ext 277 to schedule a ride with the Senior Bus.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
fertilizer.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
The Ramsey Public Education Foundation Hosts
Ladies Night Out
Ladies, mark your calendars for another fun night out. This year’s
Ladies Night Out!, hosted by the Ramsey Public Education Foundation,
will once again be filled with fun, food and music. The evening includes
food stations, hors d’oeuvres and Open Bar. Take your chance at fun
filled theme baskets with many to choose from (last year there were over
120 baskets won!). There will also be a Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle.
Last year’s Silent Auctions items included; sports tickets, “Teachers
Treasures” from all the Ramsey schools, the ever popular “Principal for
the Day”, front row seats to school musicals and more. Entertainment
will once again be by the Ramsey H.S. Jazz Quartet, who put on a
great show last year. The most important part of the night…it’s all for a
great cause benefiting enrichment and technology at the Ramsey Public
Schools. Last year, with your support, The Ramsey Public Education
Foundation raised over $48,000 which will go to new Science Labs,
Smart Boards, enrichment programs and more. Come on out and
take the night off, enjoy great company, music, food and support our
Schools! Date: Oct. 28, 7pm, Seasons in Washington Twp. ($75 per
person). Early registrations will be entered into a “Surprise Basket” drawing! For more information and to purchase tickets,
visit WWW.RamseyPEF.org or send a check (made out to RPEF) to: Michele Stecyna, 39 Shuart Lane, Ramsey, NJ 07446.
Woman’s Club Hosts Military Bridge
On Saturday, October 30 the Woman’s Club of Ramsey is once again
hosting Military Bridge! There will be a raffle, door prize and refreshments
at this fun night - hope to see you there. The event will be held at the
Masonic Lodge, 24 N. Franklin Turnpike (corner of Lake Street) from
7-10pm. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance by calling
Helen Mekita, (201) 327-5407 or Paula Bartow, (201) 327-4516 with the
names of the players by Oct. 27.
Recreation Sponsors Halloween Parade and Movie Day
It’s costume time again! The Ramsey Recreation Commission is hosting a Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 30
at 10am starting Finch Park and proceeding through town to the High School (in the event of rain, festivities to held in
the High School Auditorium. Trophies will be awarded for the best costumes, with categories in age groups from
2 through 12; family theme and best overall. Everyone will receive a treat following the costume contest.
Ramsey Recreation is also sponsoring a Morning at the Movies. On Friday, November 5th at 10:00 am, Ramsey
families are invited to a screening of Megamind in 3D! Tickets are $2 per person,
limited to 5 per family, first come, first serve.
Purchase tickets at Borough Hall Thursday,
October 28th at 6pm.
8
For further information, please contact
John Solarino, Recreation Supervisor,
at (201) 825-8299.

Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Ramsey Student Completes Trooper Youth Week!
This summer, Ramsey resident Erin Karpovich attended the 84th Class of the New
Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week program. Trooper Youth Week is a residential
youth education program developed by the New Jersey State Police. It is conducted at
the State Police Academy in Sea Girt, NJ, and is a condensed version of the 25 weeks of
training that candidates for the State Police receive.
This program presents simulated law enforcement programs for male and female
students who have completed their junior year and are entering their senior year of high
school. The week’s activities include lectures and presentations covering many facets of
police work and criminal justice. The program emphasizes courtesy, professionalism,
respect and teamwork. The first program was conducted in 1965.
During the week Karpovich participated in leadership activities ranging from
classroom instruction to physical fitness to military drills. The State Police conducted
dynamic displays of some of their specialized units such as aviation, marine and firearms.
In order to attend Trooper Youth Week the student must be recommended by their
high school guidance counselor and then have the endorsement of another member of
the community. The final decision on who attends is made by the State Police.
Karpovich was honored to have been chosen for the program and said “it was quite a learning experience.” She is a
senior at Ramsey High School this year and is a member of the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management. Her father,
retired Sergeant Glen Karpovich of the Ramsey Police Department, attended the 14th Trooper Youth Week while he was
in Ramsey High School. He is also a Deputy Coordinator with the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management.
UNICO Sponsors Wine Tasting
The Greater Ramsey UNICO Chapter is sponsoring
its annual Charity di Vino wine tasting on Thursday,
November 11, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the
Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah. Featured this year will
be a celebrity guest appearance by Cooking with Nonna
sensation, Rosella Rago, cakes by the “Cake Boss,” raffle prizes, and a live auction for a one-of-a-kind NY Yankee
Stadium Seat from the old Yankee Stadium (1923 – 1977) valued at $2,500.
All proceeds from this event will benefit charitable causes and will be equally shared between Hearts & Crafts
Counseling and the Greater Ramsey UNICO Chapter.
Greater Ramsey UNICO Chapter is a service organization whose members raise funds for cancer research, mental
health counseling, assistance to children and seniors in need, college scholarships for graduating seniors and many other
worthwhile causes. Some specific organizations that have benefited in Bergen County include the Northwest Bergen
Mental Health Center, Center for Food Action, Hearts and Crafts, Meaningful Movements, Ramsey Rescue Squad, Meals
on Wheels and others to name a few.
Hearts & Crafts Counseling is situated in a cozy carriage house in Ramsey, NJ, creating a home away from home for
children and adults coping with the loss of a loved one. They use art therapy, one-on-one counseling, and group therapy
to guide children and adults through the healing process. Thanks to generous donations, Hearts & Crafts Counseling is
able to ensure that no family gets turned away for lack of resources - a gift they dearly need during this most painful and
economically challenging time. Proceeds from the wine tasting will support additional special events such as The Holiday
Memorial Program, Hearts & Crafts Family Gathering, Adult Bereavement Retreat, and Camp Grief Busters - an annual
retreat for bereaved children and their parents described by many participants as “a life-changing event”.
Tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door, to purchase tickets please visit www.grunico.org.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Dater’s Fourth and Fifth Graders Share Internet Safety Tips!
Fourth and Fifth grade students at Dater School have been learning, discussing, blogging and creating
brochures about Internet Safety.
They have put together a Top 5 list and would like to share them with the community:
1. Install an Internet filter safety software on your home computer like we
have at school and keep the computer in a location where it can be shared.
2. Never give out personal information.
3. Never meet face to face with anyone you meet on-line.
4. Don’t click on any pop-ups that say you won something – it will bring you
spam and possibly a virus on your computer.
5. Stop cyber bullying – keep talking with your children.
Safe surfing,
Dater Students
Fifth graders create safety brochures.
Fourth graders blog about Internet Safety.
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Ramsey Journal Fall 2010
Reprinted from the Ramsey Journal - November 9, 1900
Submitted by Thomas E. Dater, Ramsey Historian
FREAK ELECTION BETS
Ramsey certainly did her share toward making the day
after the [Presidential] election [William McKinley defeated
William Jennings Bryan] a lively and memorable one. All
the freak bets were payable and they were paid strictly in
accordance with the terms of the bets.
Shortly before dinner John Jake Serven started to redeem
his numerous bets in which he was loser. After dinner he
underwent a transformation, appearing no longer as a rooter
but as a thoroughbred high stepper ready to do a mile in
2.10 or better. This transformation was made in order to pay
a bet made with C. G. Sargent who he was to ride in a sulky
from Ramsey to Schwartz’s hotel in Waldwick. Shortly after
one o’clock Jake was hitched to the sulky, Sargent mounted
the seat, and at a crack of the whip they started off at a lively
pace. A stop was made at Carman’s Hotel on the turnpike,
and from there the procession proceeded to Allendale. The
level stretch through Allendale was done in record time. A
brief rest was taken there and then the “horse” not dead but
weary trotted onward toward his finish.
Down Prospect Avenue at Waldwick this stylish turnout
went west at a lightning clip. Sargent began to congratulate
him self on having driven so high-blooded an “animal” such
a distance without an upset or mishap, when suddenly the
turn was made from the main street and “horse”, driver and
sulky landed in one heap near the hotel steps. Thus ended
the bet.Bryan’s defeat made it necessary for blacksmith
John E. Christopher to trundle Josiah May to Carman in a
wheelbarrow.
Jack McPeek and Henny Ryerson contributed their share
to the afternoon’s sport also. Henny was mounted on one
of the most fiery steeds in Van Waggener’s stable and with a
huge sign on his back labeled “I won,” he rode up and down
the avenue with Jack leading the horse and also carrying a sign lettered “I lost.”
A little celebration and lark was also indulged in by some
citizens of the town in the afternoon. An old styled coach, painted
white, which was used on Election Day to carry the McKinley men
to the polls, was gaily decked with flags, bunting and brooms; and
with Cornelius May as driver, a trip was taken through the towns
as far as Ridgewood. Sleigh bells and a megaphone helped to
make racket enough for a small army. On the way home a stop
was made at Waldwick and the sulky, with rider and “horse”,
was brought home. All along the route people stood gazing with
wonder at this relic of by-gone days, which has been christened
the Republican Mascot. It is safe to say that a more lively coach
load of people never before passed over the historic old stage line
than this handsome coach.
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Borough of Ramsey
33 N. Central Avenue
Ramsey, NJ 07446
PRSRT STD
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PAID
ALLENDALE, NJ
PERMIT NO. 239
CAR-RT-SORT
Postal Customer Local
Ramsey Borough Hall
33 N. Central Avenue, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446
Phone: 201-825-3400 • Fax: 201-825-1745
www.ramseynj.com
Mayor and Council
Christopher C. Botta
Mayor
Councilman Arthur M. Nalbandian
Council President
Utilities, Buildings and Grounds,
Chairman
Coucilman Bruce Vozeh
Finance and Administration, Chairman
Councilwoman Deirdre A. Dillon
Building, Planning and Zoning,
Chairwoman
Councilman William J. Jones
Public Safety, Chairman
Councilwoman Vanessa Jachzel
Public and Government Relations,
Chairwoman
Councilman Ken Tyburczy
Health Education and Social Services,
Chairman
Municipal Directory
Police, Fire & Rescue Emergencies. . . . . Dial 9-1-1
Police Main Number. . . . . . . . . . . 201-327-2400
Municipal Building Main Number . 201-825-3400
Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.228
Assessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.248
Municipal Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.225
Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.253
Construction Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext.254
Municipal Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201-825-0988
Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.262
Finance Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.239
Fire Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.256
Health Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.245
Planning Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.261
Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.274
Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201-825-8299
Recycling, Shade Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.229
Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.235
Water/Sewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext.234
Presented by
the Borough of Ramsey,
Public and Governmental
Relations Committee,
Vanessa Jachzel, Chairwoman
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