Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • December 9, 2009 Mahwah resident John Reiter is the grand prize winner and the wildlife category winner of the 2009 Windland Smith Rice International Awards sponsored by Nature’s Best Photography Magazine and the Smithsonian. Reiter’s winning wildlife images were taken on African safaris. The grand prize-winning image, “Mountain Gorilla,” was taken in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. The mountain gorilla, which is facing extinction, lives only in central Africa. Only some 700 remain. One of the biggest threats to their existence continues to be man’s encroachment into the gorillas’ habitat. With man’s continued destruction of the rainforest, gorillas must move to higher elevations in search of food. This colder climate increases their mortality rate due to illness. “As I came face-to-face with this magnificent creature, I could see that he understood that I meant no harm. Hopefully, through continued education and awareness, his trust in man will not have been misplaced,” Reiter said. The United Nations declared 2009 as “The Year of the Gorilla” in an effort to bring worldwide attention to the critically endangered status of the gorilla and the need for conservation measures. “Lion and Burchell’s Zebra,” photographed at Masai Mara, Kenya, was the winner in the wildlife category. As top winner in the competition, Reiter’s images will Former Willard student earns international award ���� ������ �������� �� ������ �������������� ��� ������ ������������������������������������������������� ������ ������� ���� ���� �������� ������� ������� ������ ������� ��������������� ������� ������ ���� ���������� ��������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� �������������� ���� ������� ����� ��� ������� ����� �������������� ����� ��������� ������ ��� ��������� ������ ����� ��� ����� ���� �������� ��� ���������� �������� ���� ����� ��� ������� ����������������������������������������������������� ���������� Local NJ Doctor Being Questioned An ordinance that would increase the rates of the Ridgewood Water Company is expected to win approval at the special public meeting of the Ridgewood Village Council set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 14. The ordinance was introduced at last week’s special public meeting during a recess in the work session. The Ridgewood Water Company provides water for Glen Rock, Midland Park, Wyckoff, and Ridgewood, and provides contracted water testing services for a number of other area municipalities. The rate increase, which amounts to 21 percent, would take effect Jan. 1, 2010. The water rate would be $4 per 1,000 gallons. The ordinance would also establish the abil- Ridgewood Water rates to increase John Reiter with his grand prize-winning photograph. be featured in the fall edition of Nature’s Best Photography Magazine. In addition, his images will be on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for six months. His images will also be on major websites. “It is one of the greatest thrills of my life to have been selected as this year’s Grand Prize Winner and Wildlife Winner of the coveted Windland Smith Rice International Awards. To be chosen over thousands of incredible images of nature from around the world is a great honor. This is the world’s largest and most prestigious U.S.-based international nature photography competition,” Reiter said. “It is particularly gratifying to know that these images will now be shared with millions through two of the most respected and revered venues…the beautiful imagery displayed in Nature’s Best Photography Magazine and the grandeur of one of the most prestigious museums in the world, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. “I hope, in some small way, that my images, and those of the other winners, will continue the spirit and legacy of Windland (‘Wendy’) in helping people connect with nature and the need for conservation.” Wendy was the daughter of the founder of Federal (continued on page 8) ity to increase water rates up to a maximum of three percent annually, which proponents say will forestall the need for a large water increase in the future. The new ordinance also provides revised metering fees ranging from $21.87 for the smallest meters to $200 for the largest. Water use by landscapers, tree service companies, and liquid chemical applicators would be established at a higher rate of $10 for 1,000 gallons. The fee for bounced checks to the water company would be $35. New water service connections would cost $1,438, with the extension of water mains as necessary established at cost plus 20 percent. J. KOSTER ������������������������������ Boilers Repaired or Replaced in One Day • Oil Tank Abatement • Chimney Liners • Water Heaters • Sewers & Drains • Cast Iron Gas Fired Boilers ����������������������������������������� ������������������ 12-9-09 mike/janine DrJacobs2x3(12-9-09) 2 col x3 rev1 Senior Discounts • N.J. State Lic# 6980 ������������ ��������������������� ��������������������