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What to Expect in a Two-Person Surf Lesson as a Beginner

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A two-person surf lesson is designed to help beginners learn basic surfing skills in a supportive and comfortable environment with another participant. During the lesson, beginners can expect safety instruction, wave practice, balance training, and one-on-one guidance from a surf instructor while sharing the experience with a friend, partner, or family member.

Maui is one of Hawaii’s most famous islands and is located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by neighboring islands such as Lanai and Molokai. Visitors travel to Maui every year to enjoy snorkeling, whale watching, hiking, surfing, and exploring scenic coastal towns spread across the island’s diverse landscapes. 

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California Drivers Ed Online: A Parent’s Guide To Teen Licensing In 2026

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Turning 15.5 is a big deal in a California household. That’s the age the DMV lets a teen apply for a learner’s permit — but only after they’ve finished a state-approved California driver education course. For most families in 2026, that course is online. The classroom alternative still exists, but it eats weekends, costs more, and rarely fits a teenager’s schedule between school, sports, and a part-time job. A California drivers ed online program covers the same DMV-mandated material on a phone or laptop, at the kid’s pace. Here’s what parents actually need to know before signing one up.

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How Fresh Flowers Can Brighten New Jersey Homes During Long Winters

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New Jersey winters regularly bring weeks of gray skies, shorter daylight hours, and indoor-heavy routines that can affect how a home feels day to day. Fresh flowers add color, texture, and seasonal energy that shifts the atmosphere without requiring a major redesign. 

This guide breaks down how homeowners across New Jersey use flowers to make living spaces feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting during the coldest months.

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Project Acorn: How Ridgewood High School Students Are Replanting the Town’s Future

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Project Acorn: Ridgewood High School Students Launch District-Wide Environmental Movement

photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A student-led green movement is taking root across the Ridgewood Public School District. Yuna Kim, a passionate junior at Ridgewood High School, is spearheading an innovative environmental initiative aimed at restoring the town’s local canopy and educating the next generation of ecological stewards.

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Tuesday Heat Alert: Village of Ridgewood Alters Garbage & Recycling Schedules

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Ridgewood Heat Alert: Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Schedules Shift to Early Morning

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood is preparing for a major spike in temperatures. In an effort to protect local municipal workers from extreme heat conditions, town officials have announced an emergency scheduling shift for all sanitation and recycling collection routes.

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After Fire Destroys Local Coach’s Home, Ridgewood Community Steps Up in a Big Way

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Community Rallies Around Beloved Ridgewood Coach Mickey Santiago After Devastating House Fire

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The heart of Ridgewood, New Jersey, is on full display this week. Following a devastating basement fire that displaced a cherished local mentor, the community has shown up in a massive way, raising over $23,000 in just a matter of days to help the family rebuild.

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The New Jersey Exodus: Why Over One-Third of Older Residents Are Considering Leaving the Garden State

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The Garden State Exodus: Why 1 in 3 Older New Jerseyans Are Preparing to Pack Their Bags

file photo by ArtChick Photography 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Is New Jersey becoming a place where it is simply too expensive to grow old? According to a striking new data release from the AARP New Jersey Vital Voices Survey, a growing affordability crisis is putting the state at a severe risk of losing its aging population. High property taxes, soaring utility bills, and the hidden costs of unpaid caregiving are forcing a significant portion of older residents to consider relocating to more affordable regions of the country.

Here is a closer look at the staggering numbers behind the crisis, what residents are demanding from state lawmakers, and why programs like Stay NJ have become a critical battleground for local taxpayers.

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Teaching Math and Literacy to Preschoolers: A Foundation for Success

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The early years are critical for developing math and literacy skills that support long-term academic success. Research shows children with strong preschool skills are more likely to excel in school. Parents and educators can foster learning through fun, interactive activities like games and stories, integrating strategies into daily routines to build number sense, phonemic awareness, and early reading skills.

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Spring Refresh: How to Join Ridgewood’s Massive Volunteer Planting Event This Morning!

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Spring Has Arrived: Join the Ridgewood Beautification Team Today!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

If you’re looking for a fun, rewarding way to spend your Saturday morning while giving back to the community, look no further! The Ridgewood Beautification Team is officially kicking off its seasonal Planting Day, and they need your help to transform the downtown area.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have never touched a trowel in your life, this local tradition is the perfect opportunity to welcome the warm weather and beautify the town we love.

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Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: Ridgewood’s Massive Town-Wide Garage Sale is Happening This Weekend!

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Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: Inside the Ridgewood Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Clear your schedule and grab your reusable shopping bags—one of Bergen County’s favorite community events is officially here!

Whether you are a seasoned thrifter looking for rare vintage finds, a parent hunting for gently used children’s toys, or just someone who loves a great weekend bargain, the Ridgewood Town-Wide Garage Sale is the place to be.

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How Strategic Landscaping Design Improves Outdoor Flow and Everyday Property Functionality

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Outdoor spaces are often designed with a focus on appearance, but visual appeal alone does not guarantee functionality. A yard that looks attractive may still feel difficult to navigate or underused if the layout is not properly planned. True effectiveness comes from creating a space that supports both movement and daily use.

Many homeowners add features such as plants, pathways, or seating areas without considering how they connect. This can lead to a disjointed environment where each element exists independently rather than as part of a cohesive system. Over time, this lack of structure can reduce both usability and overall satisfaction.

Landscaping that prioritizes structure and flow helps create a more organized and functional outdoor environment. With guidance from DeLong Landscaping, homeowners can design spaces that not only look appealing but also improve how the property is used every day.

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Protecting Your Skin: The Power of Preventive Dermatology

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Most people only think about their skin when a problem arises. A sudden breakout, a suspicious mole, or an uncomfortable rash usually prompts a frantic search for medical solutions. Shifting your focus from reactive treatments to proactive care, however, can drastically improve your overall well-being and appearance.

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Laser Strike Near Newark: United Airlines Cockpit Targeted by Dangerous Green Beam

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FAA Launches Investigation into Dangerous Laser Strike Near Newark Liberty International Airport

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, Air safety officials are on high alert following a disturbing incident in the skies over New Jersey. On Wednesday night, a United Airlines flight crew reported being targeted by a green laser while on approach to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), sparking an immediate federal investigation.

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Up to 3.7% of GDP: The economic weight of remittances in Mexico, India and Colombia

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Buena Park, California, May 2026 – For millions of families around the world, financial support from relatives living abroad carries significant economic weight and serves as a primary source of stability for households globally. Ria Money Transfer, one of the world’s leading money transfer companies, has published a new study analyzing the profound impact of remittances in key recipient countries, including Mexico, India, and Colombia. The report explores how these funds are integrated into the daily budgets of households and the critical role they play in both local economies and times of urgent need.

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UPDATE: A Final Goodbye: Chef Kevin Portscher Shares Emotional Update on Village Green Closure in Ridgewood

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We errantly posted Chef-Kevin Kohler when the owner was Chef Kevin Portscher

End of an Era: Ridgewood’s Iconic Village Green Restaurant Announces Sudden Closing

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood is losing one of its most beloved culinary landmarks. After nearly four decades of fine dining and community milestones, the Village Green Restaurant has officially announced it will be closing its doors this June.

The news comes as a shock to loyal patrons who have frequented the establishment since it first opened its doors in 1989. For the past 15 years, Chef and Owner Kevin Portscher has stood at the helm, transforming the space into a destination for celebrated cuisine and intimate gatherings. The current chef/owner Kevin Portscher took over the restaurant in 2011.

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