October 2, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Ridgewood Village considers ban on bagged advertisements by John Koster Ridgewood environmentalist and civic booster Gary Cirillo reinforced the Ridgewood Village Council’s decision to consider banning the distribution of free ad flyers stuffed in plastic bags and thrown from moving cars onto sidewalks and lawns. “This can’t go on,” said Cirillo. “I can’t understand why it’s going on.” Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli said Plastic bags litter a sidewalk in Ridgewood. the council anticipated a full discussion of the matter at the Oct. 2 council meeting. Cirillo stated that every time there is a snowstorm, one or two residents hurt their fingers by trying to extricate the bagged papers from jammed snowblowers. He added that the free papers contain no news and that they are an invitation to burglars and vandals when they pile up in front of houses where the owners are on vacation. “This is tantamount to littering,” Cirillo said. “In the fall, they are going to be picked up as part of the fall leaf pick-up...In that plastic case, they will last for a decade in the leaf composting area.” Pucciarelli, who seemed sympathetic to Cirillo’s argument, added another con- cern. Driving his own car early on a recent morning, he noted the car being used by the person delivering the free newspa- pers swerving from one side of the road to the other as it progressed up the streets of Ridgewood during the early morning hours. The papers are generally thrown out of moving cars about 5 a.m. disturbing some peoples’ sleep. Many residents have urged that the dis- tribution of unwanted ad flyers disguised as newspapers be curtailed for a variety of environmental and safety considerations. Pucciarelli, an attorney, said that the aspect of freedom of the press would have to be considered, but Cirillo pointed out that the bulk of the flyers contain advertising and not news items. Cirillo also noted that Ridgewood’s Proj- ect Pride, which recruits volunteer workers for beautification and environmental activi- ties, will not have enough funding to last through the remainder of the year due to a 35 percent budget cut for materials and backup services. Pucciarelli said that would also be discussed in the near future. Board of education trustees recognize Regina Botsford The Ridgewood Board of Education recently honored Regina Bostford, who is retiring from the district. She most recently served 11 years as the director of curricu- lum and instruction. She previously logged nine years of middle and high school teach- ing experience and 14 years of supervisory experience. Botsford served as acting superinten- dent in 2007 and 2008 as the district transi- tioned between permanent superintendents. She also mentored new principals, assistant principals, and supervisors for 11 years in her own supervisory role. The board offered her a heart-felt thank you on her departure. J. KOSTER