Ridgewood Talks

Ridgewood Talks: Supporting Bergen County Families in Need with Bergen Family Promise and Bergen CASA

In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, hosts Jeanne Johnson and Rosie McCooe engage in enlightening conversations with leaders from two impactful Bergen County organizations. First, Jeanne interviews Amy Ebling from Bergen Family Promise, a nonprofit providing housing and support to working families facing homelessness and addressing food insecurity. Amy discusses their mission, various support services, and upcoming events like the Hike for Hope fundraiser on May 4th. Later, Rosie hosts a segment with Cathy Skinner and Jen Heit, key figures from Bergen CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), who illuminate the vital role CASA plays in supporting children in the foster care system. They discuss the challenges, successes, and ongoing needs of these programs, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and volunteer support. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference in the Ridgewood community and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

01:07 Today's Guest: Amy Ebling from Bergen Family Promise

01:42 Understanding Family Promise's Mission

02:20 Challenges and Support for Families

04:18 Empowerment Programs at Family Promise

05:59 Success Stories and Community Involvement

08:40 Fundraising Events and Volunteer Opportunities

11:14 Future Plans and Ongoing Support

14:36 Conclusion and Next Segment Teaser

15:02 Introduction and Guest Welcome

15:27 Understanding CASA: Mission and Role

17:00 CASA's Funding Challenges

18:00 History and Personal Involvement

19:20 The Role of an Advocate

22:39 Success Stories and Impact

25:33 Current Needs and How to Help

33:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

Hashtags:

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

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Join Jeanne Johnson and Jordan Kaufman on Ridgewood Talks as they dive into the remarkable story of Mark Kossick, President of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association, and Co-Founder / CEO of GroupSpot. Discover how Ridgewood's community came together during a family challenge, and learn about Mark's dynamic career, including his tenure at the NBA and his successful tech startup, GroupSpot. Mark also shares incredible insights into the transformative initiatives and events spearheaded by the Alumni Association, such as STEAM projects and the Distinguished Alumni Award. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, innovation, and giving back.

00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

00:24 Meet the Hosts: Jeannie and Jordan

00:43 Weekly Updates and Community Engagement

01:32 Special Guest: Mark Kossick’s Journey

03:29 Mark Kossick Career with the NBA

06:44 The Birth of Group Spot

13:10 The Ridgewood Fire Incident

18:45 Ridgewood Alumni Association

24:17 Alumni Reflections and School Funding

25:23 The Importance of Alumni Contributions

25:53 Community Organizations and Their Impact

27:08 Highlighting the STEAM Initiative

31:04 Distinguished Alumni and Their Achievements

33:54 Engaging with the Alumni Association

35:38 Future Goals and Initiatives

42:44 Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

Hashtags:

#RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #GroupSpot #RHS #RidgewoodPublicSchools #RPS

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Welcome to Ridgewood Talks! In this episode, guest host Rosie McCooe interviews New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis about her latest book, 'The Stolen Queen.' Joined by her publicist Kathleen Carter, Davis dives into the intricacies of her historical novels centered around iconic New York City buildings. Discover the inspirations and challenges behind crafting compelling stories about strong female characters, along with the fascinating real-life histories that fuel her fiction. Tune in for insights on the writing process, a peek into her forthcoming projects, and learn about the upcoming author luncheon hosted by the College Club of Northern New Jersey on April 28th. Don't miss this enriching conversation!

00:00 Introduction to Ridgewood Talks

01:07 Meet the Guest Host and Special Guests

02:59 Fiona Davis: Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Author

03:51 The Dollhouse and Building a Readership

05:24 Writing Strong Female Characters

05:39 From Actress to Author: Fiona's Career Shift

07:13 Exploring Historical Settings in Fiction

14:13 The Stolen Queen: Inspiration and Research

19:40 Art Repatriation and Ethical Dilemmas

23:39 Security Measures and Female Relationships

24:39 Annie's Journey to Independence

26:47 Mentorship and Support Among Women

28:59 Architectural Inspirations for Novels

33:06 The Morris-Jumel Mansion: A Hidden Gem

35:27 Literary Love Story and Publicity

38:59 Book Tour and Upcoming Projects

41:00 Conclusion and Final Remarks

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

Hashtags:

 #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #Author #NYT #NYTBestseller #FionaDavis

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In this educational episode of Ridgewood Talks, host Jeanne Johnson and guest-host Rosie McCooe welcome Dr. Melissa Donahue, a licensed relationship and sex therapist, for an open and insightful conversation about intimacy, communication, and building stronger connections in relationships.

Dr. Donahue shares expert advice on navigating challenges in romantic relationships, improving emotional and physical intimacy, and fostering healthy conversations about sex and connection. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, dating, or simply looking to better understand intimacy, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Topics Covered:

·     How to improve intimacy and emotional connection

·     Common relationship challenges and how to overcome them

·     The importance of open communication about sex and desires

·     Tips for keeping passion alive in long-term relationships

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

Hashtags:

 #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #Relationships #Intimacy #SexTherapy #LoveAndConnection #MarriageAdvice #RelationshipGoals #RidgewoodTalks #Podcast #DatingTips #HealthyCommunication

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Join Ridgewood Talks host Jeanne Johnson as she dives into the incredible renovation of a historic Ridgewood home that caught the attention of This Old House! Homeowners Kay Bhothinard and Peter Field share their experience of transforming their 1930s Colonial Revival, while Zack and Camille Detmore of Detmore Home Improvements give us the inside scoop on working with This Old House, overcoming renovation challenges, and bringing new life to an old home.

Topics Covered:

·     How the renovation landed on This Old House

·     Challenges of restoring a historic home

·     The importance of craftsmanship and quality materials

·     The unique architectural blend of old and new

·     Ridgewood’s home renovation process and building codes

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

#RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #BergenCountyUpdates #ThisOldHouse #HomeRenovation #HistoricHomes #RidgewoodNJ #Craftsmanship #HomeImprovement #ColonialRevival #DetmoreHome #JeanneJohnson #RidgewoodTalks #PodcastInterview #HomeRestoration #LuxuryHomes #InteriorDesign

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In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, co-host Jordan Kaufman sits down with long time friend Louis Gerber, a seasoned family attorney at DAME Legal. They discuss essential family law topics for families in Ridgewood. Louis shares insights on navigating legal challenges, protecting your assets, and his journey from New Orleans to Ridgewood.

Louis Gerber is a partner at DAME Legal: Dario, Albert, Metz, Canda, Concannon & Ortiz. You can find DAME Legal at: www.Damelegal.com

🔹 Topics Covered:

✔️ Key legal considerations for families and businesses

✔️ Common mistakes to avoid in legal planning

✔️ How attorneys can help secure your financial future

✔️ Lewis Gerber’s personal and professional journey

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

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

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

Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com

 #RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #BergenCountyNJ #RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews #RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #LocalGovernmentNJ #BergenCountyUpdates #LewisGerber #LegalAdvice #BusinessLaw #FamilyLaw #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness

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🚨 Ridgewood Updates: Veterans Field, Town Garage, Water Quality and more with Keith Kazmark on Ridgewood Talks!

Join Jeanne Johnson on this episode of Ridgewood Talks as she

sits down with Ridgewood Village Manager, Keith Kazmark to discuss major

developments in our town! 🏡

🔹Veterans Field Lighting Project – New upgrades for Ridgewood’s athletes! ⚽⚾

🔹Town Garage & Environmental Cleanup – What's next for Franklin Ave? 🚜

🔹Budget & Village Priorities – How Ridgewood is funding major improvements 💰

🔹Historic Preservation & The Billboard Lawsuit – What it means for Ridgewood 🏛️

🔹Schedler Property & Flood Prevention – Updates on environmental concerns & mitigation efforts 🌱💧

🔹PFAS-Free Water by 2026! – Ridgewood leading the way in safe drinking water 🚰

🎉 Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming community events: Earth Day, the Daffodil

Festival, Memorial Day Run, and the 4th of July celebration! 🇺🇸🎆 🔥

This episode is produced by Ignite Creator Studios, Ridgewood’s premier video podcasting & content strategy service! 🎥 📢

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

Ridgewood Walks and Talks: www.ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ridgewood_talks/

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

  Ignite Creator Studios: www.ignitecreatorstudios.com  

#RidgewoodNJ #RidgewoodTalks #KeithKazmark #VeteransField

#CommunityUpdates #LocalGovernment #WaterQuality #HistoricPreservation

#PublicSafety #TownDevelopment #IgniteCreatorStudios #BergenCountyNJ

#RidgewoodNJPodcast #NorthJersey #BergenCountyNews #NJLocalNews

#RidgewoodCommunity #BergenCountyEvents #NewJerseyPodcast #LocalGovernmentNJ

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Welcome to the Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine Business Spotlight!

Megan Murphy is Transforming Ridgewood Real Estate, Community & More!

Today, we welcome back Megan Murphy, a powerhouse in real estate and community service! Megan, an agent with Keller Williams Village Square Realty, shares her insights on Ridgewood’s housing market, home improvement tips, and the challenges of buying and selling in today’s competitive landscape.

But real estate is just one piece of Megan’s impact! She’s also the founder of 40 Bags in 40 Days, a decluttering movement that helps families donate responsibly, and The Sandwich Club, a support group for those balancing aging parents and growing children. Plus, she writes for Ridgewood Living Magazine and organizes donation drives with Sir Junk to give back to the community.

📌 Topics Covered:

✔️ Home buying & selling strategies

✔️ The best home improvements for ROI

✔️ Decluttering & donation tips

✔️ Resources for caregivers

✔️ Community initiatives & events

Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe now and follow Megan for more insights.

📢 Connect with Megan Murphy:

https://linktr.ee/getmovingwithmegan

📍 Ridgewood Living Magazine

📍 Instagram: instagram.com/getmovingwithmegan

📍 40 Bags in 40 Days Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BasYmQsZg/

📍 The Sandwich Club with Megan Murphy

Be sure to follow Ridgewood Talks on social media for details on all of our new episodes.

Ridgewood Talks is produced by Ignite Creator Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

Ridgewood Walks and Talks ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram instagram.com/ridgewood_talks

Ridgewood Talks Facebookfacebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

Ignite Creator Studios ignitecreatorstudios.com

#RidgewoodNJ #RealEstate #CommunityLeaders #HomeBuyingTips #Decluttering #Caregiving #Podcast #RidgewoodTalks

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Inside Ridgewood Living with Martha Fickinger | Ridgewood Talks

Join host Jeanne Johnson on Ridgewood Talks as she sits down with Martha Fickinger from Ridgewood Living magazine. Discover how this hyper-local publication connects the community, supports local businesses, and keeps residents informed about the latest happenings in Ridgewood. From its unique distribution model to exclusive community stories, Martha shares the magazine’s impact and its growing presence in Bergen County. Plus, Jeanne and Martha explore exciting possibilities for future collaborations and a special announcement!

📍 Don't miss this engaging conversation about Ridgewood’s vibrant community.

🔔 Subscribe for more local stories, insights, and interviews!

Be sure to follow Ridgewood Talks on social media for details on all of our new episodes.

Ridgewood Talks is produced by Ignite Creator Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

Ridgewood Walks and Talks ridgewoodwalks.com

Ridgewood Talks Instagram instagram.com/ridgewood_walks

Ridgewood Talks Facebook facebook.com/groups/1291013971028083

Ignite Creator Studios ignitecreatorstudios.com

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Ridgewood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz Joins Ridgewood Talks

In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Host Jeanne Johnson is joined by Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz. Dr. Schwarz talks about a number of great updates on our schools; including the upcoming RPS budget presentation, the RPS social media efforts, the strategic planning initiatives, school district budget processes, special education efforts and much more.  This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Be sure to follow Ridgewood Talks on social media for details on all of our new episodes.

Ridgewood Talks is produced by Ignite Creator Studios in Ridgewood, NJ.

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