Ridgewood Talks

Ridgewood Talks

By Ridgewood TalksSociety & Culture
Download on the App Store

Ridgewood Talks episodes

  • Ridgewood Talks Village Council Candidate Election Special with Siobhan Winograd & Evan Weitz

    Joining from a studio in southern England, Host Jeanne Johnson welcomes incumbent Village Council candidates Siobhan Winograd and Evan Weitz to Ridgewood Talks for 2026 election coverage.  Evan and Siobhan clarify that they are running separate campaigns for two open seats but they do endorse each other, then share personal background and prior public service. Winograd and Weitz discuss major Ridgewood issues including the long-delayed Schedler property plan (historic house, park amenities, and a proposed turf multipurpose field), property taxes and spending priorities, grants and public-private partnerships, downtown economic development through the Special Improvement District and Ridgewood Business Alliance, the pedestrian tunnel remediation and potential public art, efforts to preserve the Warner Theatre via an option agreement supporting a Ridgewood Arts Foundation grant bid, parking policies, and council

    transparency and operational reforms such as improvements to the building
    department. They share campaign contacts and promote the League of Women Voters debate and early voting dates.


     *** Important Episode Background for Transparency: We invited both Board of Education candidates, Mary E. Micale and Anabelle Andon to participate, but because their election is uncontested, they graciously declined.

     

    We extended invitations to all four candidates running for the Ridgewood Village Council. Because of the special production requirements, there was a cost associated with participating. The cost was to strictly to cover production expenses and were in no way payments for favorable coverage or editorial influence. Every candidate was offered the same opportunity under the same terms. In return, we agreed to produce and distribute the interviews and highlights through the Ridgewood Talks podcast and social media channels.

     

    HyunJu Kwak did not respond to our invitation, and Denise Pierce-Lima declined to participate.

     

    Only our two incumbent council members, Siobhan Winograd and Evan Weitz accepted and participated in this episode. Neither candidate received the questions in advance.

     

    Episode Chapters:

    (00:00) Show Setup Abroad

    (00:49) Interview Ground Rules

    (02:21) Meet The Candidates

    (04:21) Not A Joint Ticket

    (05:19) Lightning Round Bios

    (07:31) Public Service Records

    (14:15) Civic Engagement Push

    (14:50) What Makes Ridgewood

    (16:50) Schedler Park Debate

    (27:36) Taxes Spending Plans

    (35:47) Valley Hospital Taxes

    (36:53) Business Alliance Explained

    (39:01) Beautification and Openings

    (42:16) Digital Footprint Push

    (44:20) Pedestrian Tunnel Fix

    (48:32) Saving Warner Theatre

    (55:15) Parking Plans and Passes

    (59:08) Transparency and Access

    (01:03:56) Building Department Overhaul

    (01:06:28) How to Get Involved

    (01:07:44) Final Sign Off

     

    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!

     

    Evan Weitz Campaign Socials and Web

    https://www.evanweitz.com/

    Evan Campaign Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/weitzforridgewood/

    Evan Campaign Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/WeitzForRidgewood

     

    Siobhan Winograd Socials and Web

    https://winograd2026.com/

    Siobhan Campaign Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/winograd2026

    Siobhan Campaign Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593754692177

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks:

    https://www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     Ignite Creator Studios: https://www.ignitecreatorstudios.com/

     Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr 10 min
  • Ridgewood Village Manager Keith Kazmark on Staffing, Taxes, Housing, Water, Parking and more – Part 2

    Jeanne Johnson welcomes Village Manager Keith Kazmark back to Ridgewood Talks to discuss major village updates, including a number of new hires for the village in public works, IT, cybersecurity, building and permits to improve backlogs and improve service for residents and businesses. Kazmark explains the county-ordered property tax reassessment, how values are set, what residents will receive in November, and how to ask questions or later file formal appeals, plus notes on impacts of unpermitted improvements. He outlines senior tax relief programs (PAS application for Senior Tax Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ), expanded senior bus service, community center renovations, and a senior parking pass. Other topics include affordable housing compliance and special-needs housing discussions, environmental testing at the Walnut/Franklin town garage property, Ridgewood Water PFAS treatment progress and funding efforts, rising utility and healthcare costs, parking management recommendations from Walker, new bus shelter plans, and grants to restore the train-station pedestrian tunnel with potential community art.

     

    (00:00) Show Intro

    (01:12) Back with Keith

    (01:28) New Public Works Lead

    (02:56) IT and Cell Coverage

    (04:30) Building Dept Overhaul

    (06:28) Why Reassessment Happened

    (08:17) Appeals and Notifications

    (11:18) Who Goes Up Most

    (12:45) Senior Tax Relief

    (15:10) Senior Services Upgrades

    (20:22) Affordable Housing Update

    (22:31) Protecting Green Space ROSI

    (23:20) Walnut Franklin Site Testing

    (25:02) Ridgewood Water PFAS Update

    (28:27) Budget Pressures Utilities Healthcare

    (29:44) Public Health Plan Cost Surge

    (31:39) Parking Perception and Signage

    (36:07) Bus Shelter and Tunnel Grants

    (37:39) Community Art Tunnel Mosaic

    (39:49) Village Wrap Up and Thanks


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!


    Ridgewood Walks and Talks:

    https://www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     Ignite Creator Studios:

    https://www.ignitecreatorstudios.com/

     

    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology. Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags: #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  • Inside the New Ridgewood Business Alliance & Special Improvement District

    Host Jeanne Johnson interviews Steve Grillo (Executive Director) and Corinne Mahoney (Director of Marketing) of the new Ridgewood Business Alliance about how Ridgewood’s Special Improvement District works and what it will do for our local businesses and residents. They explain that the district is funded by property assessments on commercial properties town-wide, enabling long-term planning, business support services, and potential physical improvements, without a municipal financial role. Drawing on their experience building “Explore Millburn Short Hills”, they discuss priorities including data-driven vacancy and business mix analysis, marketing and branding, streetscape and wayfinding, public art, sidewalks, parking management planning, and partnerships with groups like the Chamber and Guild. They also cover grant opportunities (including Main Street), NJEDA resources, potential future staffing, support for a performing arts center effort, and much more.

     

    (00:00) Meet the RBA Team

    (02:29) What a SID Does

    (05:57) Funding and Assessments

    (09:03) Municipal Role and Nonprofit

    (10:32) Main Street Program Explained

    (12:18) Board and Volunteer Committees

    (13:58) Why Ridgewood Needed This

    (15:42) How Residents Benefit

    (17:17) Working with Chamber and Guild

    (19:55) Vacancies and Parking Strategy

    (25:41) Streetscaping and Wayfinding

    (28:31) Branding and Visitor Appeal

    (29:46) Tackling Business Redundancy

    (32:37) Retail Site Standards

    (33:14) Health Uses Downtown

    (34:17) Streetscape and Branding

    (35:43) Anchor Stores Strategy

    (37:14) Millburn Events Wins

    (39:50) Parking Shuttle Idea

    (40:40) Performing Arts Catalyst

    (42:54) Volunteers and Staff

    (46:19) Business Support Services

    (48:24) Funding and NJEDA Help

    (51:15) Future Goals and Impact

    (55:23) Logo Contest and Social

    (57:56) Closing and Where To Follow

     

    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!


    You can follow the Ridgewood Business Alliance here:

    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/visitridgewood

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18DCNZ3zSA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     

    Ignite Creator Studios: https://www.ignitecreatorstudios.com/

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks:

    https://www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags: #RidgewoodNJ #BergenCountyNJ #NorthJersey #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NJPodcast

     

     

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr 1 min
  • Ridgewood Updates with Village Manager Keith Kazmark: Police, Roads, Grants & Schedler Park

    Jeanne Johnson welcomes back Ridgewood Village Manager Keith Kazmark to discuss current village updates, including summer sidewalk and curb-cut work before school, new bump-in parking by Citizens Park/GW School on South Monroe Street, and the NJDOT-funded South Pleasant Avenue resurfacing and bike lane changes. Keith reports the police department will be fully staffed at 49 sworn officers plus SLEOs in schools, and highlights pedestrian and bicycle safety efforts. They cover Citizens Park baseball field upgrades funded by county open space and capital dollars, Ridgewood’s grant success totaling $4.5 million over three years, the upcoming Glen Avenue sidewalk bid, and a new fully signalized Oak and Glen intersection

    this fall. Keith also reviews county road work on Maple Avenue, increased film production activity and permits, and major Zabriskie-Schedler house and park plans, including remediation completion, a history and culture center, an inclusive playground grant application, and a multi-sport field target of 2028.


    Chapters 

    (00:00) Welcome Back

    (01:48) School Safety Upgrades

    (05:02) Police Staffing Update

    (07:00) Citizens Park Improvements

    (09:40) Grant Funding Wins

    (10:18) Glen Avenue Sidewalks

    (11:48) New Glen and Oak Signal

    (14:23) Maple Avenue Resurfacing

    (17:13) Netflix Comes to Town

    (20:12) Schedler Park Explained

    (25:40) House and Programming Plans

    (27:17) Inclusive Playground Vision

    (29:00) Turf Field and Remediation

    (32:14) Wrap Up and Next Episode


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed

    about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen

    County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     

    Ignite Creator Studios:

    https://www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks:

    https://ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross –

    Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  • Meet the Artist: Eric Santoli’s Journey from Ridgewood to Monet's Garden

    Meet the Artist: Eric Santoli’s Journey from Ridgewood to Monet's

    Garden

     

    Welcome to Ridgewood Talks! In this episode, Jeanne Johnson sits

    down with the talented artist Eric Santoli, a Ridgewood High School graduate who found his passion for painting and has taken it to incredible heights. Eric shares his journey from studying fine art at the University of Pennsylvania to completing his MFA at the Florence Academy of Art. He recounts the unforgettable experience of living and working as an artist-in-residence at Claude Monet's House and Gardens in France and talks about his exciting new travel and painting show, 'Eric En Plein Air,' for American Public Television. Eric also opens up about how art serves as a therapeutic outlet and discusses the importance of experiencing artwork in person. Whether he's painting, skateboarding, or riding his Triumph Bonneville, Eric's adventurous spirit shines through in everything he does. Tune in to hear more about his inspiring journey and how you can support local artists in Ridgewood


    (00:00) Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

    (01:07) Meet Eric Santoli: Ridgewood's Artistic Gem

    (02:19) Eric Santoli's Artistic Journey

    (07:08) The Therapeutic Power of Art

    (17:38) Supporting Local Artists

    (21:26) Exploring Grounds for Sculpture

    (22:59) Creative Sculptures for Kids

    (23:25) Fundraising for Nonprofits

    (23:43) Collaborations and Donations

    (24:34) James Rose Center and Historical Society

    (26:07) Television Show and Local Support

    (26:15) Painting and Travel Show

    (27:27) Celery Farm and Nature Preservation

    (30:20) Colorblind Artist's Journey

    (36:30) Motorcycles and Skateboarding

    (39:12) Family and Returning Home

    (40:29) Conclusion and Future Plans


    You can also learn more about Eric on his web-site: https://www.ericsantoli.com/


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     

    Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks:

    www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram:

    www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it! - on Apple Music Here: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents

    #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast #Art #NJArt #Painting


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  • Ridgewood Talks: Fascinating Insights from Rob Wolcott on Innovation, Community, and AI

    Join host Jordan Kaufman as he welcomes special guest Robert

    Wolcott to Ridgewood Talks. Rob, the co-founder and chair of the World
    Innovation Network, known as TWIN Global… and a professor at Kellogg and Booth Schools of Business, discusses his family's move to Ridgewood, NJ, during the pandemic and their experiences in the community. He also delves into the themes of his latest book, 'Proximity,' exploring how digital technologies are reshaping business, society, and everyday life. The conversation covers topics such as the future of artificial intelligence, the importance of making retail essential in people's lives, and how Ridgewood can embrace its unique charm in an evolving landscape.

     

    00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

    00:24 Meet the Hosts: Jeanne and Jordan

    01:11 Special Guest: Robert Wolcott

    02:08 Rob's Journey to Ridgewood

    03:06 Settling into Ridgewood Life

    06:06 The Ridgewood Coffee Shop Experience

    10:18 Ridgewood: A High School Town

    15:18 Parenting and Education Insights

    22:33 Balancing Technology and Nature

    27:43 The Impact of Screen Time on Children's Development

    28:16 Envisioning the Future of Ridgewood

    32:30 The Role of Technology in Modern Life

    32:49 Debunking Myths About Artificial Intelligence

    37:21 The Cognitive Effects of Technology

    43:57 Proximity Theory and the Future of Digital Technology

    49:37 Making Retail Essential in People's Lives

    54:11 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!


    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!


    Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com


    Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083


    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents

    #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast #AI #Innovation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  • Ridgewood Talks: Celebrating Our Community with Jenny Coates

    Ridgewood Talks: Celebrating Our Community with Jenny Coates

     

    In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, host Jeanne Johnson sits down with Jenny Coates.  Jenny shares her dedication to building a stronger Ridgewood community through her volunteer work with Ridgewood Newcomers, the Ridgewood Library Foundation, and the Kasschau Shell Committee. Tune in as they discuss the history and events of Ridgewood Newcomers, the important improvements to the Ridgewood Public Library, the dynamic concert series at the Kasschau Shell, and the unique 4th of July celebrations. Get inspired to volunteer and connect with our vibrant hometown community!

     

    00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

    00:24 Meet the Host: Jeanne Johnson

    01:09 Exciting Guest: Jenny Coates

    01:35 Jenny's Community Contributions

    02:56 Ridgewood Newcomers Club

    07:01 SSA and Local Charities

    11:18 Sips and Civics Event

    17:48 Ridgewood Library Foundation

    18:26 Library Renovation Updates

    18:31 New Study Spaces and Room Reservations

    19:28 Future Renovation Plans

    19:54 Supporting the Library's Wishlist

    20:07 Libby Licenses and Audiobooks

    20:40 Library of Things

    21:09 Ridgewood Library's Popularity

    21:31 Foundation Events and Fundraising

    22:17 Friends of the Library and Programming

    24:03 Kasschau Memorial Band Shell

    29:11 Volunteering and Community Involvement

    29:40 Ridgewood 4th of July Celebrations

    32:04 Conclusion and Call to Action


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     

    Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Theme music by Dave Gross from the album Mandology.

    Find the song: Cool it!  - on Apple Music Here:

    https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-gross/288722944

    And you can find Dave Gross – Mandology on Facebook here:

    https://www.facebook.com/DaveGrossMandology

     

    Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents

    #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  • Ridgewood Talks with Historian and Antiques Expert Anthony Cavo to Explore Local History and More

    In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, Jeanne Johnson, founder and

    host of the podcast, interviews Anthony Cavo, a Ridgewood High School graduate, physician, author, antiques expert, and member of the Ridgewood Historical Society. Anthony shares his fascinating journey from Brooklyn to Ridgewood, his early interest in antiques, his diverse career in medicine, and his extensive antique collection. They discuss various intriguing topics such as historical artifacts, childhood toys, wedding traditions, and even a detailed exploration of the infamous Jack the Ripper case. Anthony also highlights the unique exhibits at the Schoolhouse Museum and the upcoming plans for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This episode is packed with engaging stories, historical insights, and a deep appreciation for community and history.

     

    00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

    01:30 Welcome to Ridgewood Talks Podcast

    02:34 Meet Anthony Cavo: A Man of Many Talents

    03:31 Anthony's Early Life and Antique Adventures

    11:13 Auctioneering and Medical School Journey

    14:19 Life in the West Indies

    17:05 Returning to Ridgewood and Career Shift

    19:12 Curating at the Schoolhouse Museum

    21:00 Creepy Museum Exhibits

    21:29 History of Punch and Judy

    22:26 Collecting and Storing Artifacts

    24:01 Valuable Museum Items

    25:27 Upcoming Museum Exhibits

    29:38 Fascinating Historical Facts

    30:59 Dogs in History

    34:23 Books and Publications

    41:55 Museum's Role in the Community

    43:27 Conclusion and Farewell


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!

     

    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     

    Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents

    #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  • Exploring Ridgewood Parks & Recreation with Nancy Bigos and Keith Kazmark

    Exploring Ridgewood Parks & Recreation with Nancy Bigos and Keith Kazmark

     

    In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, hosts Jeanne Johnson dives into everything you always wanted to know about our amazing parks, with special guests Village Manager Keith Kazmark and Nancy Bigos, the

    Ridgewood Director of Parks and Recreation. Discover the initiatives, the
    passion, and the hard work that Nancy and her team put into maintaining
    Ridgewood's parks and recreational activities. Hear about upcoming events,
    ongoing community projects, and the impactful public-private partnerships that enhance life in Ridgewood. Whether you're interested in the town's beautiful parks, community building activities, or learning how to get involved, this episode is packed with valuable insights and future plans for our welcoming village.

     

    00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

    00:24 Meet the Host: Jeanne Johnson

    01:16 Today's Guests: Keith Kazmark and Nancy Bigos

    02:51 Nancy's Journey in Parks and Recreation

    03:07 The Historic Stable and Community Programs

    05:29 Katie Fry's Achievement and Summer Job Fair

    08:46 Graydon Pool: A Community Gem

    15:25 Parks and Recreation Initiatives

    22:42 Volunteer-Driven Sports Community

    23:19 Field Maintenance and Responsibilities

    24:18 Green Team and Earth Day Festival

    25:03 Daffodil Festival Highlights

    26:12 Fall Festival Evolution

    27:14 Holiday Events and Fire and Ice

    28:23 Thanksgiving Tradition and Elder Dinner

    30:00 Health Barn Partnership

    32:54 New Stable at Tabernacle

    34:43 Community Gardens and Open Space

    37:02 Future Open Space Initiatives

    38:55 Conclusion and Gratitude


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed

    about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!


    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen

    County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!

     Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     Hashtags:

    #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  • Business Spotlight on Real Estate: An In-Depth Conversation with Vivienne Muldoon on Ridgewood Talks

    Business Spotlight on Real Estate: An In-Depth

    Conversation with Vivienne Muldoon on Ridgewood Talks

     

    In this episode of Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine Present, The Business Spotlight. Host Jeanne Johnson sits down with Vivienne Muldoon, a top real estate agent and community business leader. Vivienne shares her extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, the architectural beauty of Ridgewood homes, and the various challenges and opportunities that buyers and sellers face today. She also discusses her personal journey, including her deep roots in the community and her involvement in local initiatives like the RHS Jamboree. Whether you're interested in the dynamics of the Ridgewood real estate market, looking for tips on buying or selling a home, or simply want to learn more about our vibrant community, please watch or listen to this episode for invaluable insights and a great conversation.  Please be sure to subscribe to Ridgewood Talks and follow us on socials for the latest episode updates!


    00:00 Welcome to Ridgewood Talks

    00:13 Expanding Our Vision in 2025

    00:47 Business Opportunities with Ridgewood Talks

    01:26 Introducing the Business Spotlight

    01:56 Meet Vivienne Muldoon: Ridgewood's Top Real Estate Agent

    02:30 Vivienne's Journey and Community Involvement

    03:54 Exploring Ridgewood's Unique Architecture

    04:48 Real Estate Market Trends and Buyer Preferences

    09:01 The Importance of Walkability in Ridgewood

    13:44 Community Engagement and Jamboree Involvement

    15:24 Vivienne's Family and Entrepreneurial Spirit

    16:49 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Business Building

    17:05 The Importance of Home and Community

    17:41 Navigating the Real Estate Market

    18:38 Highlighting Unique Home Features

    19:42 Client-Centric Real Estate Approach

    23:41 Supporting Clients Through Emotional Transitions

    27:24 Personal Stories and Community Involvement

    29:12 Conclusion and Contact Information


    Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about all things Ridgewood, New Jersey!


    This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Bergen County’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service!


    Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

     

    Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

    Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

    Ridgewood Talks Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

     

    Hashtags: #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #NJPodcast #RealEstate #BergenRealEstate #NJHomes #RidgewoodHomes

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

About Ridgewood Talks

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Ridgewood Talks Podcast, serving as a voice of the village since 2017. Through this podcast we’ll introduce you to the leaders and legends in our village. We'll keep you updated on fascinating local events, we’ll dig into the towns hot topics, and more. The show is hosted by the amazing Jeanne Johnson - founder of Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Walks. Our goal is to create a kinder, more connected and vibrant community. The show is co-hosted by lifelong Ridgewood resident, Jordan Kaufman, and features a growing number of guest hosts to add new perspectives. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on WHO and WHAT you'd like to learn about in our beautiful hometown. Please comment on who you would like us to interview and what topics we should cover next. As always... be kind, do good… and we hope you enjoy these episodes!

More shows like Ridgewood Talks

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,736 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,576 Listeners

Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper

Call Her Daddy

164,613 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,757 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

18,920 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

12,495 Listeners

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace by MS NOW, Nicolle Wallace

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

4,300 Listeners