Ridgewood’s Community ACCESS Committee

Meeting Minutes September 22, 2023

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:04 pm.

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Paul Vagianos ,Siobhan Winograd, Joanne Stolfo, Jan Philips, Jaimie Davis, Surbhi Kapadia, Joanne Van Sant, Deanna Schablik, Caroline Meier, Erica Dunckley

Item 1: Welcome

Ines welcomed everyone to the meeting. Minutes from the August meeting were approved. Motion by Robin, Second Ines and motion carried.

Item 2: Report of Village Council, Siobhan Winograd

The decision to place anything (the bakery) in the library is a library board decision. Evan Weitz, the library liaison and the Board of Trustees have now begun conversations with Lorri Steinbacher (director). Both Evan and Lorri had spoken to Sheri (baker). They are trying to sort out the bakery’s business and the renovations at the library. Siobhan checked in and it’s up to the board and Lorri now and they are having those conversations. 

Ines thanked Siobhan for all her work as our liaison to the Village Council. 

Siobhan mentioned that the only other updates were that they have purchased new software for the new website which will be coming soon and that they are grateful for the guidance about online ADA guidelines. The purchase order has been placed and it is being rolled out. Siobhan suggested that our committee think about how we’d like to be perceived on the new website. She said that she will let Robin and Jaimie report on two other meetings and that she was impressed with their organizational skills.

Item 3: SEPAG, Jaimie Davis, President

The State of NJ requires that every school district has a special education parent advisory group. And the acronym SEPAG is how it is known. This is why the LSHSA is now Ridgewood SEPAG. Also the LSHSA was perceived as a support group for the segment of the special ed community of students who are mainstreamed with supports but not for students who have more significant needs. Additionally, she has seen some discord between the parent community and the administration with IEP battles. She doesn’t like when parents have to spend thousands of dollars, all done in private but nothing improves in the program. Feedback from the community needs to be better communicated to the administration. With the new superintendent, this was an opportune time to do this. She has set up coffee events at the  different schools to get the word out about their 2 main goals: improving the relationship between the parents and the district and also a social inclusion piece. She’s been meeting with the HSA presidents to find out what kinds of special accommodations are needed when they have events at their schools. For instance, at Ridge, where Jaime’s son is in the RISE program, the school held their back-to-school picnic with all the families and music. Not an optimal environment for autistic children.  So they were able to go on the playground before the crowds came and gathered in groups away from the speakers. All the schools did this.

The dinner idea came out of this. It’s wonderful for both parents and their special needs child to be able to go out to dinner without feeling like they’re disturbing the other diners. For now she is calling it the “Come as you are” dinner. She wants to make sure that the term isn’t offensive to anyone though. If this goes well, they’d like it to happen more often. It’s also a great market for the business owners. And it’s a great way to teach the kids how to “restaurant.” How to order, etc. She had a good conversation with Michael Kilcullen at the activities fair and the STEPP students could be a part of this. They talked about maybe creating activity kits that they could place on the tables. Jaimie and Siobhan also had a good meeting yesterday with Glenn from The Steel Wheel and he’s on board and had some great ideas. They’re looking at the Wed. evening before the teachers’ convention. Glenn is giving them the non-bar side of the restaurant, but not charging a private event fee. Glenn is also the Pres. of the Chamber. He has room for 60 people to dine. Michael Kilcullen will create the flier. They’re also considering doing something in advance of the tree lighting where they would go at twilight and lead up to the lighting. 

Another idea for the restaurant was to maybe have 2 seatings, one at 4, another at 5. Jaimie’s board members are very excited about the idea. She’s thinking of having a sub-committee to handle community outreach for events like this. Paul thinks this is a terrific idea and would be happy to connect the group with the other restaurants. And Glenn even suggested sending emails from the restaurant offering coupons or a quiet table, etc. Jaimie's also thinking about doing a one-off training for restaurant staff about the special kids.

Another idea was that not all families can go away over vacation breaks so this would be a good time to plan to eat out locally and attend a special event.

Ines brought up the idea of considering our older special needs individuals. She gave an example of her son Dougie going to Applebee’s with his friends and not knowing how to figure out the tip. She said that she hoped the restaurateurs in town would be more sensitive to them, like they are at Applebee’s. Dougie’s group enjoys going back there because the staff is so nice to them. Jaimie said that maybe it could become a joint Chamber/ACCESS initiative, where ACCESS could make the suggestions for restaurant staff and the Chamber could communicate them to the businesses. 

Paul is thrilled at all the work ACCESS has been doing. Any support we need he will be happy to provide. He said that he never realized how difficult it can be for families of special needs kids to eat in a restaurant. Families will become loyal to businesses that support them. It’s a win-win.

Jan Philips thanked Paul for agreeing to come to the Sunday Friends-to-Friends part of ACCESS Weekend. She asked Siobhan and him if they are now considering closed captions at the council meetings and allowing people to move closer to hear. Siobhan said that they did get 

a quote about closed captioning, but it is significantly expensive. But they are improving the audio. During the Schedler discussion they did get a complaint that they weren't compliant because the audio was causing problems and they’re dealing with that. Additionally she has reached out to RHS because ASL is now a curriculum study there and they’ve tried to make some meaningful connections with them, possibly for ACCESS Weekend. They have an arts project. They looked into it and have priced it. She thought it was $34,000/year per contract which was just too much. The ASL students seemed to be very excited to participate. They just weren’t sure how we would incorporate them. Siobhan sent some samples to Ines. Paul said that they are getting better audio equipment. They will keep pushing in the direction of closed captioning.  Hopefully the cost will come down. 

Item 4: ACCESS Weekend

Deanna couldn’t be at the meeting but Ines said that she is always on top of things. She works closely with ACCESS committee members who help on the day of.

Technical issues: Robin and Ashley

Robin said that Siobhan had called a meeting yesterday to review. Rich Tarleton from Signal was there and John Young from Fire, Dawn from Health, Charles from the library. Last year was the first year we had the School of Rock. We didn’t realize then that she needed all kinds of amps, mics, equipment etc. So thank you Siobhan for coordinating that. Charles figured out what they need. No overtime for Rich. Deanna will be there. We have the 2 banners, one on Maple and one facing the parking lot. Surbhi connected us with the train trellis, which will go up on Monday and run for 2 weeks. From Lisa, we did get the confirmation from Freedom Bank for $500. And the ramp is all set. 

Caroline: she got emails from a few parents wondering if their kids could see the ramp before they go on it. Robin said yes early on Sat. a.m., even when Marlene Pillow is on would be OK. It will be installed on Thurs. a.m. so there will be other times as well and Robin will let her know.

Lauren is confirmed to do total captioning. Siobhan mentioned that the ASL kids at RHS need a bit more knowledge. They had admitted they could say hi but not much more.

Caroline said that there will be lots of new, younger kids and from other towns too. 3 performers too. Working with Rachel. Alexandra and Audrey will be the MC’s and they’re very excited.

Robin said that Lela sent her info about Marble Jam, an organization from young kids through adults. They have day programs and do a lot with art and music therapy. They came by the other day. They’re doing the art display.

Deanna: Ready to go with the ACCESS to fun program with the health dept and Age-Friendly Ridgewood. She has a lot of help and some good volunteers. She’ll be there all day Sat. Age-Friendly Rwd is providing the hot dogs for the senior lunch so she wanted to thank them. They’re coming from Mike’s Hot Dogs in Oakland. Siobhan said that the Board of Health is very confident with Deanna. She was certified during Covid.

Project Interact kids will arrive early to help with the Fashion Show. We thought it was a 10:30 arrival time.

Erica: food. Listed the vendors who are participating.

Sun event: Joanne: everything good.

Robin - tabling. If Stigma-free and the Health dept. can’t be there Deanna, Ashley and she will be there. Surbhhi said she will be there and wouldn’t miss it.

Jan asked if anyone from ACCESS will be there on Sunday so we can be acknowledged? Siobhan will be there. 

Ines thanked everyone for all our hard work!

Joanne Stolfo has the 2023 Resource Guide for the State of NJ. There are 5 copies that will be in the library. Next year it will only be online.

The meeting ended at 3:00.

The next meeting will be Friday, November 17 at 2:00 via ZOOM.

Ridgewood’s Community ACCESS Committee

Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:01 pm.

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Siobhan Winograd, Deanna Schablik, Joanne Stolfo, Lisa Gardner, Ashley Loria, Surbhi Kapadia, Jan Philips, Michael Kilcullen, Caroline Meier, Mary Micale, Erica Dunckley

Item 1: Welcome

Ines welcomed all to the meeting. She asked if anyone had any changes to the minutes from May. Deanna mentioned that the Unique Athletics DDD program is in our Parks and Rec program, not Arts & Rec. Minutes were then approved; Motion by Robin; Second by Joanne.

Ines explained to the new attendees that during the summer the focus of our meetings is predominantly on the ACCESS Weekend planning. Everyone is welcome to attend but if some are not able to make the meetings due to vacation plans, there is no need to feel guilty.

Item 2: Report of Village Council Liaison, Siobhan Winograd

Siobhan met with Jaimie Davis, the incoming president of the LSHSA. She and another mother from Ridge School whose children are in the RISE program are very interested in having a Sensory Night. They’re writing an approach letter and they want to begin taking steps to approach the business committee with either pre-events like the walk-thru or silent walk-thru or events specific to them. The general concept would be that they would partner with the Steel Wheel. On a night when the business is slow, it would be from 5-7, and it would allow the families to have dinner and also allow the restaurant’s staff to see people who are hesitant to come when general business is too overwhelming. So those two mothers are working on that. They are continuing the partnership with Federated and they want to be involved with us. They have a lot of energy and they will be back in Sept.

In February, Siobhan had written to the Bergen County rep, Anika, about our committee and invited  her to come to a meeting, and she responded that she will meet with us in the fall. So our committee should think about what we want to address with her. A constant theme that Siobhan has been hearing is, now that we have the housing issue addressed, we have the work issue. And, because several of our roads are county roads, the issue of pedestrian safety is another topic.

She met with the Rising Above Bakery, and Amy Ferrante Martin, who grew up here, and is on the council in Glen Rock and is very supportive of the idea. They ended up at the Ridgewood Public Library, whose space is vacant. But the Council doesn’t make those decisions. It goes to the Library board. She has given the connection to Evan to talk to the library board with no assumption that it could happen. Siobhan likes the train station idea but thought it might be a little overwhelming for our young adults. Sheri is losing her bakery’s lease in Nyack. Siobhan thinks she is scrambling a bit to find a new space.

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This past Wed. Siobhan met with Michael Kilcullen, our transition coordinator with the STEPSS Program. She circulated his presentation to the Council and staff at Village Hall. Siobhan is also on the Shade Tree Committee and this past weekend she organized Mulch Madness, where volunteers spread mulch in the plant beds in the CBD. When she met with Michael he talked about his students making connections in the community and integrating more. He mentioned to Siobhan that he had seen everyone mulching and said that they would love to do that next year. Siobhan was very enthusiastic about the idea. It would be great to have them working right in the CBD to feel ownership in the community. Also, having some aides there as extra adults would be very helpful. He is going to take partnerships with us. Another Shade Tree project, which happens in the fall, is the Adopt a Sapling. Mr. Stroker heard about Mulch Madness and emailed Siobhan and now wants to partner with us as well. Siobhan expressed that she feels that our committee should almost be a subcommittee of every committee that all of the council sits on. She talked about Doha and his newsletter. Michael will send us the link to his newsletter and the form for partnerships and volunteering. Deanna suggested that in the fall we should involve the Civil Youth Corp as well. 

Caroline asked if there might be any paid jobs in the Village for our young people. Siobhan said that we do not have the budget for it this year, as the budget is frozen. A possibility would be a grant. 

Siobhan made a point of saying that in addition to having the young adults helping out, as  with the mulching, it’s great to have their aides as additional adults to assist the organizer. The more adults, the better. And Siobhan also thanked the Parks Dept. for their help.

Ines asked if we had had any success with the vendors in town. Has Glenn from Steel Wheel reached out to anyone for job opportunities for our young adults? Siobhan said she believes he’s taking office on July 1. She has spoken with him. When Jaimie and the  mothers from Ridge have their plans set for the Monday dinners, she will approach him with that idea. His restaurant has 2 spaces which would be ideal for our purposes. When we have the content for an email about this idea, we can send it to the League of Women Voters, the Rotary, Stablehands and then the Chamber and the Guild.

3. ACCESS Weekend - Preliminary Discussion - Robin and Ashley

Robin thanked Surbhi for the railroad trestle contacts. We’ll have it for the 2 weeks before the weekend. The banner is done. Years ago we had a big banner in the auditorium but now we can just have it on the screen. Robin thanked Caroline for doing the hybrid version of the fashion show and entertainment. They decided to continue to have the in-person and virtual. A banner on Maple Ave. and at the parking lot entrance. Our real challenge is the lobby of the library is slated to be renovated but we don’t know when. Even if it is that weekend we can make the patio area accessible. It’s not ideal but we’ll still have accessibility. We’ve never been rained out 

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of the courtyard. We can always do something with the Ann Zusy hall if need be. Caroline said the entertainment is in progress. 

Siobhan asked if we get the banners from Ridgewood Press. Yes. She said we should be asking him for jpeg images of all the stuff we are promoting and we can put them on official social media from the Village. Ashley said she had created the images and she can send them to Siobhan on whatever platform she needs. If she could send them to the entire committee, that would be great. If we could create a new press release on the Weekend and send it to the 2 news organizations and possibly get a story out of it. We could get more donations and vendors.  

With the entertainment, what’s really driving social media now are microfilms because nobody has any attention. If we have the release and some of the performers could give a little video, we could drum up attention in that way. Caroline said absolutely. She can have Manny do it. She’ll get the young adults to help out with that.

We have $500 from Freedom Bank. We did do the banner. Lisa said he gave us a very good price for all the banners.

Do we have the letter for the donors? Siobhan has the original one. She will send it to Paul. 

4. Old Business - no issues.

5. New Business

Deanna said that Katie Frey asked her to mention that, similar to last year, as long as there are enough lifeguards at Graydon, they’re planning to do a LEAP lifeguarding program, where they take the older kids into the pool and let the lifeguards help them out with a little swimming, letting them play lifeguard for a day for a couple of hours in the evening. They really enjoyed that last year. The pool manager is enthusiastic about it. It’s not just for the LEAP program registrants but it is part of the program. So once it’s in place anybody can sign up for it. Katie has also been talking to an ADA specialist to possibly take over the LEAP program. And she is planning to do some socialization programs for younger kids. Most of our programs have been for the 12-24 age group, so this would be something for the younger ones. It probably will start sometime in the fall.

Her seniors would like to do a kind of carnival day rather than listen to a presentation for ACCESS Weekend. Similar to last year. They really enjoyed it and have been asking for it. She may need 3-4 volunteers though because it’s earlier in the day on a Friday - just to man a table.

Jan brought up the 11 residents at Ridge Crest that Deanna has arranged to have free access to Graydon. But they also have people with disabilities that are not 62 or older. Can they have 

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the same opportunity? Deanna said that those folks were overseen by Age Friendly Ridgewood and Sheila Brogan was speaking to each of them. SNAP and PAD programs were mentioned here. Deanna suggested speaking to Sheila and the new Village Manager, Keith Kasmark. Deanna asked Siobhan to speak to him as well. There is a disability badge. Certain qualifications need to be met. Robin said that the SNAP and PAD programs were based on income. Deanna felt Nancy Bigos should be included on that. Siobhan suggested to Jan that when she writes the letter to give an idea of how many people have been helped by the Age Friendly program, which her son Liam initiated back in 2017. She mentioned that Keith’s start date is July 10. Siobhan is feeling very positive about his qualifications and enthusiasm.

Joanne Stolfo - asked if we want to pursue the water from Ridgewood Water this year. It was difficult last year. Joanne described the large board they provided with spigots and they gave us water bottles. Siobhan feels that it’s an important asset for the Village and we have just spent $60 million to improve its quality in bringing wells online. The more we can encourage spigot use rather than plastic bottles, we should. She thinks they will do it. Caroline said that because we’re still having issues with the water and the kids with disabilities may be more sensitive to the contaminants, that maybe we should consider not using it. 

Siobhan then spoke about Ridgewood Water and how the State of NJ has lowered the standards for the PFAS and PFOAS and RW is working to comply with those standards. She said the water is safe to drink. Joanne asked if she should copy Siobhan in her email to Jill F. at the water dept. and Siobhan said yes. Deanna said that if we are not able to get the water board from the water dept. she has large water coolers that she can put the inside water in with ice. We still have cups from ACCESS that we can use. 

Deanna mentioned to Jan that she will speak to Nancy Bigos about the Graydon badges for those under 62.

The meeting ended at 2:50. 

The next meeting will be via ZOOM on Thurs. July 21, 2023 at 2:00.

Ridgewood’s Community ACCESS Committee

Meeting Minutes July 21, 2023

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:03 pm.

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Deanna Schablik, Lisa Gardner, Ashley Loria and Caroline Meier

Item 1: Welcome

Ines welcomed all to the meeting.

Robin made a motion to approve minutes; seconded by Ashley.

Ines reminded the committee that during the summer the focus of our meetings is predominantly on the ACCESS Weekend planning. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 Item 2 :ACCESS Weekend

Ines reported that Siobhan and Paul created the Access weekend letter. The letter was approved by Keith Kazmark. Deanna said that the letter can now be shared on social media. Robin will forward the approved letter to Erica and the members in attendance.

Next week Ashley will update the Access information to include the Seeing Eye Program which will take place on Friday, Oct 6, 4pm.

Deanna reported that the Health Department and Age Friendly will cosponsor the Senior Event on Friday morning.

Robin will reach out to Sigma Free to confirm that they will want a table at the Community Fair.

Siobhan re

A discussion ensued regarding if for-profit organizations will be charged for a table. Deanna will ask if there is an ordinance regarding allowing for-profit entities to table free. It was decided that this year for-profit organizations will be able to table with any donation.

Robin will reach out to Lauren at Total Caption to see if she will provide captioning for the Saturday auditorium event.

Robin will reach out to Nancy Riley regarding Project Interact volunteers.

Caroline has received some videos and is hoping to receive more while people are on vacation. Caroline has been in touch with Rachel. Rachel will get info to Ashley one week in advance. Hopefully the same RHS students will host the fashion show this year.

Caroline will contact entertainers for the auditorium event.

Robin mentioned that the LSHSA Community Fair is Sept 20. The library will have a table and will share a table with Access if no one else from Access cares to attend. Robin will forward the email to Deanna and Caroline.

Ines asked about entertainment at during the meal/community fair portion. Last year Susan Knudsen contacted School of Rock. Ines volunteered to contact them. Robin will send Ines the School of Rock contact info.

Deanna will contact Erica when she returns from vacation to go over paper goods at VH.

The meeting ended at 2:44pm  

                                                                                                                                             The next meeting will be via ZOOM on Fri. August 18, 2023 at 2:00.

Ridgewood’s Community ACCESS Committee

Meeting Minutes May 19, 2023

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:02 pm.

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Deanna Schablik, Caroline Meier, Joanne Stolfo, Ashley Loria, Jan Philips, Michael Kilcullen, Mary Micale, Jaimie Davis, Lela Alter, Colleen Tansy, Erica Dunckley

Item 1: Welcome

Ines welcomed everyone to the meeting. Minutes from the April meeting were approved. Motion by Robin, Second Deanna and motion carried.

Item 2: Report from Village Liaison, Siobhan Winograd

1. Two weeks ago, Jesse Schwartzman and Siobhan attended a needs assessment meeting regarding a global initiative in NJ to see how Ridgewood is doing. They had an hour-long interview and were asked questions about how our government (essentially Siobhan) interfaces with our special needs committee. We scored very high regarding the events we do. They gave us a report and a tool kit with things we could do better. We got very high marks for having our village council meetings have hybrid access. Not every town is doing that. She sent the tool kit to the council. Heather has it and our planning dept. has it as well. Jesse was very helpful as he is such a great advocate himself.
2. On Monday, Siobhan is meeting with Sheri from Rising Above Bakery again. Siobhan feels the Schedler location is still a wonderful idea, but because of all the legalities with the project we cannot bring her in there.  Paul Vagianos, Siobhan and Paula Gilligan from Glen Rock met to discuss it. Siobhan prefers Ridgewood but walkability is important so they will continue to meet to discuss the possibilities in both towns. 
3. Jan had also mentioned a company that produces and sells popcorn. Siobhan feels that that might be better as a pop-up rather than a long-standing business but we can discuss that more,
4. The council has been super-busy. It’s been moving a lot of issues forward. At the last meeting they discussed Schedler and she’s been pushing for accessibility there. We did get a Bergen County grant for a ramp. She went in and saw that all the bathrooms will be accessible. Once that plan is solidified the park hopefully will be built and it most definitely will be accessible.
5. Siobhan reiterated how meaningful and paid work is so valued for our special needs community. Ines mentioned how Paul was very enthusiastic about providing a place of employment and feels strongly that the train station or the library would be perfect for their walkability. Siobhan followed up by saying that she is visiting the train station and the old taxi cab station to see what it looks like now. It’s been empty for so long. Erica brought up the point that Paul had suggested about the more relaxed customer at the library vs the rushed commuter at the train station.  Siobhan said that we also have to consider the commercial kitchen aspect of the business as well.  Both point of sale and kitchen are important here.

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Item 3. Introduction - Michael Kilcullen, Transition Coordinator for Ridgewood district schools

Ines gave an overview of the special needs programs in our village schools beginning with the RED program at the elementary level and continuing through as young adults. She described how when families move to town with a special needs child the child enters the RED program after proper testing. They have always been well taken care of by our BOE and LSHSA. But when they graduate, questions and concerns arise about what the next steps will be. Ines discovered that if your child graduates and takes a diploma at graduation, Ridgewood schools are no longer responsible for your child. It then becomes the parent’s responsibility to guide the child and find a place for him/her. Ines’ son, Dougie, went to Springboard, which at the time was the only option after graduation. Ridgewood has now begun a new program, called STEPS, that Michael Kilcullen is responsible for. Ines introduced Michael who will explain more about the program.

He emphasized how he wants every student to have a unique experience in the program with personal and professional goals. The program is located at 38 Oak St (the Old Post Office). It’s an amazing location because so many resources are walkable so students can connect with our community. It’s also been great for internships as well.

The team: they have a new teacher, Patrick DeFlore, who’s the Transition Coordinator. We also have some wonderful Job Coaches, OT, Speech Therapist, Asst Technology and Counselor as needed.

Michael explained that this is an 18-21 program for students who have met graduation requirements. Students transitioning to the program are not taking their diploma. They’re taking their certification and walking at graduation. The diploma is after graduating from the STEPS program. The focus is on developing short and long-term goals to ready the student for employment and independent living and connecting them with services and supports that they’ll need in adulthood. 

Michael led the committee through the different areas of the program, using his on-screen presentation. 

Ines then introduced Mary Micale, president of the Federated HSA. She said that they have been very happy with the STEPSS program. She said that she is stepping down as president after serving for many years and Carolyn Holt will be replacing her.

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4. New Business

Ines introduced Jaimie Davis, the new incoming president of the LSHSA, who said that she has a 14 year old and a 6 year old in the RISE program at Ridge. She has ideas about bringing younger children into the community. Perhaps the restaurants that are usually closed on Mondays could invite these families to dine. She also reached out to the RHS students regarding their Science Fair. They invited the Ridge students over to their fair. She also mentioned that Unique Athletics in Glen Rock has started their first DDD-certified 1-on-1 fitness training program. Deanna reiterated this and said that this is part of our Parks & Rec program. Ines spoke about ACCESS Weekend to Jaimie. 

Siobhan mentioned that Glenn from the Steel Wheel is now the head of the Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps he would be interested in the Monday family idea.

Regarding moving the ACCESS Weekend activities to Van Neste park, after several discussions we decided to keep it in place at the Library and the patio outside Village Hall.

The meeting ended at 3:27.

The next meeting will be on Friday, June 30 at 2:00 via ZOOM.