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Dam Secrets Hinder Flood Safety: Westwood Mayor Calls Out Veolia & State Agencies Over Critical Reservoir Study

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Major Obstacle in Flood Modeling: Stevens Tech Team Stymied by Lack of Data

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.

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Copyright Clash: Westwood’s Five Dimes Brewery Sued by ASCAP for Playing Unlicensed Music

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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.

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Westwood Embraces Community Solar Program

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$660/Year Savings: Westwood Cracks the Code to Lower Energy Bills with No-Cost Solar and Park Upgrades

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.

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Anchors Aweigh in Westwood! Eagle Scout Dedicates New U.S. Navy Memorial

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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.

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Westwood Rolls Out FREE 10-Minute Downtown Parking

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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A Gift to the Community: Future Eagle Scout Transforms Westwood School with Outdoor Classroom

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A New Chapter for Brookside: Future Eagle Scout Builds Outdoor Classroom in Westwood

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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Murder in the Stacks! Solve a Roaring ’20s Mystery at Westwood Public Library’s 2025 Fundraiser

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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Westwood Launches Composting Pilot Program With Help From Eagle Scout Project

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — The Borough of Westwood is kicking off a new composting pilot program aimed at cutting down landfill waste, saving money, and creating nutrient-rich soil — with the help of a local Eagle Scout.

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Westwood Eagle Scout Restores WWII Anchor for Veterans Park Memorial

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photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — A piece of World War II naval history has found a new home in Westwood, thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout candidate Michael Rocco Greco of Troop 321.

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Westwood Rallies for Beloved Physics Teacher Henry Chen in Need of Kidney Donor

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — For more than a decade, Westwood Regional High School physics teacher Henry Chen has inspired students with his passion, humor, and endless dedication. Known to his students as their “Chendren,” Chen has built a reputation for staying late to tutor, fostering a tight-knit classroom community, and even hosting fun traditions like the annual Chen Awards.

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Former Westwood & Morris Hills Music Teacher Surrenders License After Sex Assault Conviction

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, a former music instructor who taught in both the Westwood Regional School District and Morris Hills Regional School District has permanently surrendered his teaching credentials following convictions for sexual misconduct with students.

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Hollywood Heroes Inc. in Westwood Temporarily Closes for Renovation—Goes Fully Online Until Spring 2026

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photos courtesy of Hollywood Heroes Inc. in Westwood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJHollywood Heroes Inc., the beloved vintage toy store located in the heart of downtown Westwood, will temporarily close its physical location on September 1, 2025, as its building undergoes major renovations. Owner Jordan Hembrough confirmed the shop will shift to online-only operations until construction wraps—likely by April 2026.

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Westwood, NJ Community Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of 12-Year-Old Girl

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — A wave of grief has swept through the Westwood community following the tragic death of a 12-year-old Westwood Regional Middle School student on Friday, July 25, 2025.

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Westwood Launches “Think Safe, Ride Safe” Helmet Initiative with Sweet Rewards for Kids

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood, NJ – Summer 2025 – Kids in Westwood have a new reason to wear their helmets while biking this summer – free treats and discounts from local businesses!

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Kinderkamack Road Repaving Project Continues in Westwood: Speed Limit Reduced to 30 MPH

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ – Mayor Ray Arroyo announced that Bergen County’s Kinderkamack Road repaving project continued on Friday, July 18, with work scheduled between Westwood Avenue and Old Hook Road.

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