Ridgewood Talks

By Ridgewood TalksSociety & Culture

Ridgewood Talks episodes

February 08, 2025 A Conversation with Village Manager Keith Kazmark
A Conversation with Village Manager Keith Kazmark

In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Co-Host Jordan Kaufman sits down with Village Manager Keith Kazmark for a great conversation about many of the most important topics impacting the Village of Ridgewood. Jordan and Keith cover many items, including Veterans Field athletics lighting project, the Ridgewood Mobile App, the Ridgewood Avenue Theater and Performing Arts Center Project, Schedler Park, the Town Garage… and so much more.

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 min
February 08, 2025 Ridgewood Talks Presents Jamboree 2025 and Dads Night 81
In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Guest Host Rosie McCooe (in for Jeanne Johnson) sits down with two incredible institutions of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Jamboree and Dads Night.

Part one of this episode features Jamboree 2025, Viva Las Vegas with guests Tom Devita, Ann Wheaton and Dana Feeney.  Jamboree 2025 is happening on February 6th, 7th and 8th at Ben Franklin Middle School.  You can find out more information by visiting RHS Jamboree.org.

Part two of this episode features Dads Night 81: DadBoys, with guests Ahmad Oloumi (New Dads Chair) and Dads Night 81 Chairman, Steve Pi.  Dads Night 81 is happening on March 14th and 15th, also at Ben Franklin Middle School.  You can find out more information by visiting DadsNight.org.

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 3 min
October 29, 2024 Mary Lou Handy Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education Candidate
In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Mary Lou Handy, candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. With a background in education and a strong passion for community involvement, Mary Lou shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, her stance on key issues affecting our students, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Join us as we explore her plans to bring positive change to our district and hear firsthand what drives her dedication to our schools. If you’re a parent, educator, or community member interested in the future of Ridgewood’s schools, this episode is a must-listen!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39 min
October 29, 2024 Sheila Brogan Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education Candidate
In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Sheila Brogan, a candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. Sheila shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, focusing on key issues facing the district, her experiences, and her commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for all students. Tune in to hear Sheila’s insights on educational priorities, fiscal responsibility, student well-being, and how she plans to bridge communication between parents, teachers, and the broader community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
49 min
October 28, 2024 Muhammed Mahmoud Ridgwood Public Schools Board of Education Candidate
Ridgewood Talks sits down with Muhammed Mahmoud, a candidate for Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education, to discuss his vision for education, student well-being, and community engagement in Ridgewood. Muhammed shares insights into his background, his priorities as a board member, and the changes he hopes to implement to enhance the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Tune in to hear about Muhammed’s goals for academic excellence, student support services, and building a more inclusive school environment.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min
October 22, 2024 Paul Vagianos Village of Ridgewood Council Candidate
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council.
Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them.
You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information.
In this episode, we chat with Paul Vagianos.
Visit paulvagianos.com for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
October 22, 2024 Pamela Perron Village of Ridgewood Council Candidate
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council.
Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them.
You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information.
In this episode, we chat with Pamela Perron.
Visit perronforcouncil.com for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45 min
October 22, 2024 Frank Mortimer Village of Ridgewood Council Candidate
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council.
Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them.
You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information.
In this episode, we chat with Frank Mortimer.
Visit MortimerforCouncil.com for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
October 16, 2024 Ridgewood League of Women Voters
In this episode, we sit with the inspiration and powerhouse behind Ridgewood's League of Women Voters. Co-presidents Anne Burton Walsh and Ann Melone are two of the driving forces behind this nonpartisan organization.
The LWV empowers local voters, promotes civic engagement, and advocates for fair policies. Learn about the League’s voter education efforts, including the upcoming Ridgewood Village Council Candidate Forum on 10/16 at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on the Village of Ridgewood YouTube channel. Visit Vote411.org for personalized voting information and learn how to get involved with the League by attending their monthly meetings at Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of the month. To learn more about the League, visit LWVRidgewoodNJ.org and the Facebook page League of Women Voters of Ridgewood, NJ.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 min
October 11, 2024 Meet Our Leaders
Meet Our Leaders - Village Manager Keith Kazmark, Police Chief Forest Lyons, and Superintendent Mark Schwartz share their thoughts about their first year on the job. Learn about their efforts to strengthen community relationships through increased communication. Find out how Ridgewood Public Schools are helping students thrive and flourish, the Police Department’s compassionate approach to patrolling, and the Village’s initiatives to address flooding and improve the water supply. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the steps being taken to build a safer, more supportive, and connected community in Ridgewood.
Contact Superintendent Schwarts and learn more about RPS by reading the State of the Schools Address here: https://www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/our_district/about_us/state_of_the_schools_addresses
Contact Manager Kazmark and Chief Lyons here: https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
56 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!