Village Workers' Holiday Party to Again be Held in Hawthorne

Only one of about 20 Ridgewood businesses/non-profits approached to host the annual holiday party for village workers responded, Village Manager Ken Gabbert said Wednesday. With such a lack of interest – and perhaps courtesy – the taxpayer-funded party will again be held at Macaluso's in Hawthorne.

According to Gabbert, of the 20 places approached, only meat haven The Stable responded to the prompt. Because of its relatively small size, the restaurant on South Broad and East Ridgewood Avenue likely could not accommodate for up to 75 people. So it's back to Hawthorne they go, Gabbert said.

Taxpayers will be dropping $2,300 for the December party, which has been held at Macaluso's for years.

As he does every year the discussion comes up, Mayor Paul Aronsohn expressed disappointment the party isn't held in Ridgewood.

"It still boggles my mind we don't do this here," Aronsohn said, noting that there are 104 eating establishments in town. "It just seems wrong to use village money in another town...it's taxpayer money."

He suggested the party could even be held at Village Hall, sans alcohol.

Previous mayor Keith Killion – a former police officer – had suggested in past years that workers already spending 40 hours a week in the village prefer a cold one and a hot meal outside Ridgewood confines.

What do you think? Do you mind taxpayer funded worker parties being held out of town?