photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, In an era where “yearning undefined” and cultural tension seem to be at an all-time high, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Borough Council recently celebrated the opening of a unique venue designed to handle it all: Smash House.
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Westwood NJ, A staple of summer life in Westwood, NJ, is facing its “most serious budgetary obstacle ever.” The Pascack Valley Swim Club, which has served the community since 1963, is struggling with a crushing combination of rising property taxes and expensive, state-mandated upgrades.
photos courtesy of the Rosangelly’s Café Restaurant & BakeHouse
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
The tallest building in downtown Westwood, once the stronghold of local savings and late-night deposits, has traded currency for croissants. The iconic Westwood Trust Building at 1 Westwood Ave. has officially entered its next chapter as the home of Rosangelly’s Café Restaurant & BakeHouse.
Continue reading From Vaults to Vitello: Historic Westwood Bank Reborn as Rosangelly’s Café
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Westwood NJ, A sophisticated nationwide scam has landed in Bergen County, prompting an urgent warning from local law enforcement. If an unexpected package arrives at your door with a mysterious QR code inside, you could be one click away from identity theft.
Continue reading Westwood Police Issue Urgent Warning Over Viral Package Delivery Scam
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Westwood NJ, for Dan DeMiglio, owner of the acclaimed 1950 Originals in Westwood, NJ, a broken pipe felt like a haunting case of déjà vu. Years ago, a similar plumbing disaster contributed to the closure of his previous restaurant. When a pipe burst in his 94-year-old iconic diner building this past October, DeMiglio feared the “American Dream” was finally slipping away.
Continue reading Westwood : 1950 Originals Reopens After Near-Permanent Closure
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Westwood NJ, In the heart of downtown Westwood, a legendary resident is fighting for its life. The iconic Kissing Tree—a towering copper beech that has stood as a silent witness to centuries of romance—has received a terminal diagnosis.
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Westwolod NJ, Bergen County is about to get a major dose of “The Real Thing.” Teresa Giudice, the iconic star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and her daughter Gia Giudice have officially announced their newest venture: an upscale Italian restaurant named Il Vero.
the staff of nthe Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ – A somber cloud has settled over downtown Westwood as borough officials reveal a heartbreaking diagnosis for the town’s most famous resident: the Kissing Tree.
The massive copper beech, a local landmark that has stood for nearly two centuries, has been diagnosed with a terminal case of brittle cinder fungus. While the news is devastating, Westwood leaders aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet, launching a “hail mary” search for a miracle cure to save the historic giant.
photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo (2012)
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood, NJ—The ongoing study into flood mitigation in the Pascack Valley is running into a significant roadblock: a lack of crucial operational data regarding the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
On October 16, 2025, Mayor Ray Arroyo hosted Professor Marouane Temimi and a colleague from the Stevens Institute of Technology at the Westwood Community Center to update about 40 residents on the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operation (FIRO) study.
Playing the Hits, Skipping the Bill: NJ Brewery Faces Massive Lawsuit for Allegedly Stealing Pop & Disco Classics
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ – The music stopped abruptly this week for a popular Bergen County establishment. Five Dimes Brewery in Westwood, NJ, has been hit with a federal copyright infringement lawsuit by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for allegedly playing copyrighted music without a license.
The brewery is one of ten venues nationwide targeted by ASCAP this week in a move to protect the livelihoods of professional songwriters and composers.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood, New Jersey, is shining a spotlight on local energy savings! According to Mayor Ray Arroyo, the Borough’s proactive approach—combining a state-approved Community Solar program with smart municipal upgrades—is putting hundreds of dollars back into residents’ pockets while boosting sustainability.
Westwood’s New Heart: U.S. Navy Anchor Dedicated at Veterans Park in Stunning Eagle Scout Project!
photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ – Patriotism and local achievement converged early yesterday morning as Westwood celebrated a major new addition to its Veterans’ Memorial Park. The Township dedicated a powerful memorial to the U.S. Navy Armed Services, marked by the unveiling of a genuine ship’s anchor.
This significant project was the culmination of an extraordinary effort by fledgling Eagle Scout Michael Greco of Troop 321, making the memorial not just a tribute to the Navy, but a testament to community spirit and leadership.
Continue reading Anchors Aweigh in Westwood! Eagle Scout Dedicates New U.S. Navy Memorial
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Westwood NJ, good news for shoppers on the go! Making a quick stop in downtown Westwood, NJ, just got a whole lot easier. Borough officials have launched a new “Grab and Go” pilot program offering free, short-term parking to draw more customers to the bustling business district.
Continue reading Westwood Rolls Out FREE 10-Minute Downtown Parking
photos courtesy of Brookside School
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, students at Brookside Elementary School in the Westwood Regional School District now have a brand-new space to learn, read, and connect with nature, thanks to a remarkable project by local teen and future Eagle Scout, Noah Perez.
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Westwood NJ, get ready to channel your inner detective at the Westwood Public Library’s thrilling Murder Mystery Party on October 17, 2025! This Roaring ’20s-themed event invites Bergen County residents to don flapper dresses and pinstriped suits to solve a fictional “murder” while raising funds for library programs. With interactive actors, a speakeasy vibe, and a silent auction, this adults-only evening promises suspense and fun. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-attend community event in Westwood.
