Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • June 27, 2012 Ridgewood Teen punches police sergeant at Backwoods Dance by John Koster The Ridgewood Police Department reported that Sergeant Glenn Enders was punched in the stomach by an intoxicated 15-year-old at the Backwoods Dance, held June 15 at Van Neste Square. Sergeant Enders, who was assaulted at 8:34 p.m., was not seriously injured and has returned to duty. The teen was taken into custody and brought to Valley Hospital for treatment for excessive alcohol. At one point, police report, the intoxicated teen blacked out. He later recovered consciousness and was released to his parents pending court action. At 9:30, Patrolman John Chuck observed a different teenaged boy, this one 18 years old, in possession of a bottle of alcohol. The teen was charged with underage possession of alcohol. He was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court. In a third incident, a woman reported that her son had been punched by another juvenile while he was at the dance. No details were available at press time. A reported 928 youngsters turned out to dance under the supervision of eight police officers and 20 chaperones. The dance was sponsored by Backwoods, a group formed by the Municipal Alliance and the Municipal Guild, and was promoted as a high-energy, substance-free dance. The Backwoods group attempts to provide activities for teenagers at the end of the school week and school year to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs. When John Lorenz, former Ridgewood High School principal, assumed that post, he conducted a survey. He reported that, while drugs and violence were not critical problems at Ridgewood High School, underage drinking was a major concern. The Backwoods group was reportedly formed, at least in part, to provide alternative afterschool activities. Most recently, the Municipal Alliance announced that teens would not be charged if they summoned police or emergency personnel to rescue underage drinkers whose lives were threatened by alcohol poisoning when they passed out after binge drinking. The victims of the alcohol poisoning would not be charged either. Mayor Keith Killion, a former police captain, had joined Principal Lorenz in supporting the initiative to allow teens to summon help without being charged as a life-saving measure. In an unrelated incident, an East Ridgewood Avenue business reported that a customer entered her store and purchased four pairs of sunglasses valued at $800. The gift card was later declined as fraudulent. The next day, June 16, a Shelbourne Terrace resident reported that her vehicle had been entered and cash had been removed from her purse. Chorus to host June 27 Guest Night The Harmony Celebration Chorus welcomes guests. The award winning, all-female Harmony Celebration Chorus will hold a Guest Night on Wednesday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Chorus members range in age from 25 through 82, come from a variety of backgrounds, and share a love for music and singing four-part barbershop-style harmony. The group meets at Temple Israel, located at 475 Grove Street in Ridgewood. Those who attend Guest Night will enjoy an evening of song, refreshments, and camaraderie. HCC is always welcomes new members. The chorus, which won the 2011 regional championship, has “mile high” goals as they prepare for the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Denver, Colorado this fall. HCC is working with Master Director Scott Brannon and renowned coach Betty Clipman. Clipman has gained recognition for being a Sweet Adelines International president and a certified judge. She was a member of “Penna-Fores,” the quartet that won a gold medal for its vocal accomplishments. She also directed the Vienna Falls Chorus to its international gold medal. Clipman directed the Houston Horizon Chorus from 1989-2001 and received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She recently co-founded the Woodlands Show Chorus. Harmony Celebration Chorus rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Prospective members do not need to read music to join; HCC provides training. All voice parts are welcome. Auditions for new members are held all year. For information, call (877) 220-1681, e-mail harmonycelebration@gmail. com, or visit www.harmonycelebration.com. Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs.