Ridgewood Talks

By Ridgewood TalksSociety & Culture

Ridgewood Talks episodes

May 26, 2023 The Ridgewood Pedestrian Plaza
Destination Ridgewood!
The Ridgewood Pedestrian Plaza is THE place to be this summer. Opening day is Saturday, June 3 - a slate of activities starts at 8 AM in Van Neste Park.
Find out what great things are planned for that day and the weekends throughout the summer.
Deputy Mayor Pam Perron and Jeanette Donnarumma share details about the activities, and Johanna & Linda from Rey Sol Coffee chime in to tell us about opening weekend.
To learn more about the Pedestrian Plaza, go to “Destination Ridgewood” on Instagram and Facebook.
#DestinationRidgewood #welcometoridgewood #07450together #RidgewoodNJ #Ridgewood #PedestrianPlaza

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41 min
May 10, 2023 Megan Murphy - Ridgewood Volunteer Extraordinaire- KW Realtor
Who makes Ridgewood great? People like Megan Murphy. Megan has been contributing to the fabric of our community for over 20 years. She founded Baubles & Bags, an initiative to help the Center for Hope and Safety. The event will be held on Thursday, May 11, from 10 am to 2 pm at 74 Godwin Avenue. Head over and purchase beautiful, gently used costume jewelry and handbags.
Tune in to learn more about it and all the wonderful things Megan has contributed to benefit our village. Her story will inspire you!
Sign up to participate in West Bergen’s Wellness Walk on Sat. May 13. WestBergen.org

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24 min
May 04, 2023 Stigma Free Ridgewood - Jan Bottcher - Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Ridgewood resident Jan Bottcher, a member of Ridgewood STIGMA-FREE, shares information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness about this year’s “theme, “More than Enough.” It affirms that people are inherently worthy of life, love, and healing — no matter what they look like, where they are in their journeys, or what they can or can’t do.
The STIGMA-FREE initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about mental illness and creating a culture where individuals experiencing symptoms feel supported by their community and free to seek treatment without fear of stigma.
*1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children have a mental health condition—and half go untreated.
Questions to ask someone in distress:
Do you need help?
Do you need a hug?
Do you need to be heard?
Do you need a hiatus?
Please help us reduce Stigma in Ridgewood.
Call the Village Health Department at 201-670-5500, visit ridgewoodnj.net, or attend a meeting.

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31 min
April 27, 2023 NO MOW MAY With Michael Faherty
🌼NO MOW MAY!
What is it, and how can you get involved?
Michael Faherty, a Ridgewood volunteer and author, talks about No Mow May and Project 1000 Acres, Green Ridgewood, The Green Team, and other terrific organizations such as the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands, The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, and more.
He also gave us a peek into the book he's written titled "A Step Outside-Understanding the Nature and History of the Lands Around Us."
It's a delightful read with plenty of references to Ridgewood. Enjoy!
For more information about NMM & 1000Acres go to greenridgewoodnj.org

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27 min
April 22, 2023 Ridgewood Historical Society & School House Museum
The Ridgewood Historical Society and School House Museum will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ridgewood’s first schoolhouse and honor the invaluable contributions of three well-respected Trustees, Dacey Latham, Joy Hamburger, and Vicky Herbert, at a gala on Thursday, May 18. It will be a festive Roaring 20’s themed evening with dinner and dancing. Music will be provided by the local band, “Soul’ed Out.” The event will be held at Felina in Ridgewood’s Historic Business District. Everyone is invited. You can purchase tickets ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org
Tune in and learn more about the Historical Society and School House Museum from Vicky Herbert and find out more about the gala from Sarah Faranda.

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24 min
April 11, 2023 Linda Caruso - Director of Bergen for Business
Do you own a small business? Are you lacking the tools and resources you need to succeed?
FREE help is available.
Linda Caruso, Director of Bergen for Business, a program at Bergen Community College funded by the Bergen County Executive’s office, shares details about a terrific program for small business owners.
High-performing BCC students received extensive training to assist small business owners in Bergen County.
If you need help getting attention on social media platforms, a new website, a business or marketing plan, or other support, this episode can steer you in the right direction.
Listen in and go to BergenforBusiness.com for more information.

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30 min
March 26, 2023 Michael Lembo - RPS Board Of Education President
Michael Lembo – Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education president, shares information about the Superintendent search, alternate start times, and community engagement at board meetings.
Mike says, “…an educated community is a better community…” This interview will help you learn more about Mike and why everyone should engage in local politics.

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37 min
March 19, 2023 Newcomers - Kerry White
Ridgewood Newcomers representative Kerry White shares the mission behind the non-profit and their commitment to helping new residents build community through exciting and entertaining events. Ridgewood Newcomers also collaborates with Ridgewood businesses and other local non-profit organizations to help build a more connected and vibrant community. Whether you’re new to town or have lived here for years, this is a must-listen-to episode

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33 min
March 19, 2023 Chief Jacqueline Luthcke
Chief Jacqueline Luthcke shares some highlights and memories of her time in the Ridgewood Police Department. She also gives us insight into the range of emotions police officers experience daily and the stress it can cause. We are fortunate that Chief Luthcke’s philosophy has been to teach, not punish. Her parting words before she retires from the Ridgewood Police Department are to practice good safety and be a kind neighbor.

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38 min
February 10, 2023 Alina Swanson
Alina Swanson – Ridgewood resident, volunteer extraordinaire, and curator of the Art Fusion Exhibit at The Stable Gallery (259 N Maple Ave).
Alina shares her passion for public art and why she worked hard to make this show a reality. It is a do not miss display that features segments titled “Reclaiming Peace Within” and “Inside A Teen Brain.” Local artists and Ridgewood High School students designed the pieces. The sponsors are the Ridgewood Arts Foundation, Be Brain Bright, CharliFi Bakery, and Village Tea Shop. The show will run through February 25.

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18 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!