September 9, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 7 Ridgewood Karen Rispoli wins Lloyd Ashby Award for 2009 by John Koster Karen Rispoli, a technology teacher at Ridgewood’s Benjamin Franklin Middle School, was the winner of the Lloyd Ashby Award for excellence in teaching in 2009. The presentation was made at the annual convocation last week. The Ashby Award is conferred based on performance as evaluated anonymously by colleagues and administrators, and has been given to both teachers and administrators since 1967. John L. Archibald, who was then the principal of the Somerville School, was the first recipient of this honor. “Any time you walk into her classroom, the students are engaged, asking questions, and learning,” one fellow teacher wrote of Rispoli. “She is extremely professional in everything she does. She is the type of person that you can ask to do something and she does it exactly how you wanted and often far exceeds your expectations.” Another teacher wrote, “Her kindness, sincerity and compassion to our students are nothing short of amazing. She does not know the meaning of ‘no’ even if it means spending hours after school or on the weekends. She is soft spoken and does not recognize her own modesty.” An administrator pointed out that, in addition to being an excellent classroom teacher, Rispoli conducts workshops for teachers and promotes community and school events as an advisor. “This teacher is a team player and is often in the background making sure each and every staff member has the tools and support they need to be successful in their own work,” Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein said at the convocation. “The staff relies on her to support their technology undertakings and, without a doubt, the teachers effectively use more technology in the classrooms because of her contributions. We congratulate and thank her for her 19 years of service to our school district, and look forward to many more.” Ridge School’s Teaching Garden ready Chris James Landscaping has donated a three-man, garden-enhancement crew to rejuvenate Ridge School’s once beautiful courtyard-teaching garden to its original glory. CJL donated the labor, which included extensive hand pruning of ornamentals and perennials. The crew also removed debris and mulched all of the gardens. Parents have donated money to cover the cost of the mulch and mums, which CJL provided at cost. The landscaper was asked to donate services by one of his Ridgewood clients. “It was a pleasure helping out,” said James. “We had an excellent canvas to work with; it just needed a lot of TLC. We hope the students and faculty enjoy the garden this fall.” For additional information, contact Chris James Landscaping at (201) 670-9000, e-mail info@cjlands. com, or visit www.chrisjameslandscaping.com ��������� Spacious 1BR Available Immediately ������������������ ������������ NOW RENTING Break the Highway Trend! ����������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������� For Convenience: $ We are located right in town. For Competence: ANY A/C SERVICE OVER $150 We are ASE Certified, AAA Approved. Proudly Recycling Refrigerant For Cost Savings: Since 1980 We save you money over dealer prices. With coupon. Most cars. Not to be EXPERT A/C SERVICE 25 OFF combined. Exp. 10-21-09 201-488-5085 Your Friendly Neighborhood Service Center Fast • Trusted • Proven • Since 1935 ������������������������ ������������������������� www.richtersauto.com • e-mail: service@richtersauto.com 201-652-4818 209 South Maple Avenue • Ridgewood, NJ APPROVED AUTO REPAIR Put On A Winter ���������������������� Coat Today! ������������������� ����� � ������������� ��� � � ������������������ ������������������� 9-9-09 RichterAC2x2 2col x 2” Kathy... from Janine Improve Your Driveway’s Appearance And Protect It At The Same Time Driveway E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler/Sealer • Easy to stir • Fills surface cracks up to 1/8” • Dries to touch in 4 hours. Can be driven on in 24-48 hours under normal conditions • 4 year warranty Mon-Wed 7:30-6 Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5 �������� ������������ ��������������� �������� ����������������� � �������� � ��������� ������������� 140 Quality Exhibitors of Arts and Crafts, Kids’ Activities, Great Food and All-Day Entertainment, Be There! Rain Date Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Festival Sunday, September 13 Noon to 5 pm OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 Propane Filled 7 Days A Week 27 Franklin Tpke. • Waldwick • 201-652-5666 www.homehardwaresupply.com ® ��������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� �������������� Located on East Ridgewood Avenue Sponsored by: The Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Dept. Promoted by: P.J.’s Promotions 201-666-1340 • www.pjspromotions.com Next Show: Glen Rock Autumn Craft Street Fair Sunday, October 4th Sept. 20