Posted on Leave a comment

Ridgewood Walks : TONIGHT is one of our most popular walking tours from last October: “ARTS and ARCHITECTURE”  What Time: 6 pm

James Rose

June 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, TONIGHT is one of our most popular walking tours from last October: “ARTS and ARCHITECTURE”
What Time: 6 pm.

Where We Meet: the “Art Barn” (Ridgewood Art Institute) at 12 East Glen Avenue (at the corner of Oak and Glen).

Join RIDGEWOOD WALKS for an exciting and informative tour through some of the most historic and unique structures in the village, that also house nonprofit art and history organizations. Tour Ridgewood Art Institute’s historic building and learn about many professional and amateur artists who hone their craft inside this spectacular Ridgewood gem. Next, head to the Art Gallery at the Stable, the building that once housed the horses of Ridgewood’s aristocrats. Look around the interior of this rustic structure and enjoy the many pieces of art by local artisans. The next stop is the Bolger Heritage Center for Genealogy and Local History at the Ridgewood Public Library. They house a stunning amount of information about Ridgewood—they may even have historic information about your street or house! The interior walls are covered with photos of our village’s past. Our final stop is the James Rose Center on East Ridgewood Avenue. The JRC is by far the most unique building in the village. There is simply too much to say about the James Rose Center, it is truly spectacular.

SIGN UP HERE: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2329381/false#/invitation

Posted on 6 Comments

Reader Warns of Sidewalk Clutter in the Ridgewood Central Business District

itsgreektome2_theridgewoodblog

June 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, this comes up almost every year. The Village has even gone as far as to press charges on a plastic sheep .

The rules seem to be unevenly applied in the past .

Reader says “The restaurants Ad Hoc sidewalk patio table walls are growing in number
look at chestnut corner burgher restaurant..they are made of steel..try getting up on to the sidewalk from a parked car ..good luck….then add in the flower pot plantings further narrowing the walks ..these are even worse for elders and handicapped pedestrians exiting a car or assist a ride buses even during off hours..are these permitted by town?”

Boyd Loving , “The Village’s Code Enforcement Official has been observed in the past with a tape measure in hand checking to ensure restaurants were not encroaching on the ADA required passage widths of sidewalks. I know of at least one (1) restaurant that was issued a summons for an alleged encroachment. If you have a specific complaint, you could refer it to the Code Enforcement Official. See link to her name, e-mail address, and phone number below.”

https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/building/135-tracy-jeffery

Posted on Leave a comment

CDC: “Leaves of three, Let it be!”

oakBANNER1

Photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture

June 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, its that time of the year again for all gardeners when you may find a little poison ivy growing in your garden , So we posted from the CDC away to identify these poisonous plants.

POISONOUS PLANTS (lead photo)

Plant Identification
The old saying “Leaves of three, Let it be!” is a helpful reminder for identifying poison ivy and oak, but not poison sumac which usually has clusters of 7-13 leaves. Even poison ivy and poison oak may have more than three leaves and their form may vary greatly depending upon the exact species encountered, the local environment, and the season. Being able to identify local varieties of these poisonous plants throughout the seasons and differentiating them from common nonpoisonous look-a-likes are the major keys to avoiding exposure.
Poison Ivy

Eastern poison ivy is typically a hairy, ropelike vine with three shiny green (or red in the fall) leaves budding from one small stem
Western poison ivy is typically a low shrub with three leaves that does not form a climbing vine
May have yellow or green flowers and white to green-yellow or amber berries
Poison Oak

Photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture

Typically a shrub with leaves of three, similar to poison ivy
Pacific poison oak may be vine-like
May have yellow or green flowers and clusters of green-yellow or white berries
Poison Sumac

Photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture

Woody shrub that has stems that contain 7-13 leaves arranged in pairs
May have glossy, pale yellow, or cream-colored berries

Posted on 2 Comments

Ridgewood Water reminds us that lawn watering is a HUGE contributor to summer water consumption

31237167 578587155843715 206087511708008448 o1

June 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reminds us that lawn watering is a HUGE contributor to summer water consumption. You can help conserve water and save money by installing a dripline system or a “smart controller” on your existing automatic irrigation system or even for your hose.

When it comes to a home’s irrigation system, a little maintenance goes a long way. Properly managing your irrigation system can help you reduce your annual outdoor water use by nearly 8,800 gallons, equivalent to the amount of water used to take 500 showers!

If you’re not a DIY type, go with a WaterSense pro. Certified professionals apply specific techniques and technologies to boost water efficiency. Irrigation pros with the skills and knowledge assessed by a WaterSense labeled certification program can help you improve the health and water use of your outdoor space.

Posted on Leave a comment

CDC: Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

35646919 227898341135551 6456944564543422464 o

June 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the CDC offers some helpful tip to deal with the heat in the summer.

Stay Cool
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.
Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying. When traveling with children, remember to do the following:
Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!

Stay Hydrated
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

Stay Informed
Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area.
Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children
People 65 years of age or older
People who are overweight
People who overexert during work or exercise
People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

Posted on Leave a comment

Overcoming the Hand You Were Dealt: One Woman’s Awe-Inspiring Story Of Tragedy To Triumph

51TnH4rNHL. SX311 BO1204203200 1

June 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Raleigh NC, Deja’ was dealt a losing hand, and no one would have blamed her for simply accepting her fate. Her father died before she was born, and her mother chose drug addiction over her daughter. With loneliness consuming her, Deja’ could have folded. Should have folded. But instead, she learned how to recycle her pain, and she began drawing from every source of positive influence that entered her life: a God-loving grandmother, a supportive godmother and a street-savvy godfather who taught her how to redirect her pain and survive in this world.

But the challenges just kept coming, and Deja’ encountered countless betrayals and abuses along the way, which lead to an unhealthy marriage, and ultimately, a pattern of unhealthy relationships with men that lasted for several years. Aware that she is repeating a family cycle of poor choices, Deja’ needs to rally what’s left of her strength and determination to break that cycle. Will her fortitude be enough? Or will this final test break her spirit once and for all?

Overcoming the Hand You Were Dealt is the powerful new book from Kisha Taylor. Cultivated from her personal experience with abandonment, Overcoming weaves an authentic and captivating story of struggle, pain, hope and faith that culminates in a heartwarming climax of healing and restoration.

In addition to the book, Taylor’s website, lifeunlimited1.com, enables her to continue her passion for women’s emotional health, with courses that tap into the warrior in every woman, that cover abandonment issues and that help survivors understand why they act and feel the way they do. The website also houses inspirational items like T-shirts and mugs with messages of empowerment, and a blog with videos and messages of encouragement.

Author Kisha Taylor was born in Brooklyn, NY, and from a young age, she learned how to navigate the real world of hard knocks. She attended Binghamton University and Baruch College, where she studied accounting and psychology. She became counsel to many, sharing principles on surviving abuse, overcoming life’s challenges, healthy ways of handling personal mistakes and how to not surrender to self-defeat.

She is most proud of the lives her journey has impacted, as well as the happiness, confidence and emotional health she now has, which enables her to be a testament of, “You can, if you just don’t give up.”

To read more from Taylor, or to view her motivational videos, please visit www.lifeunlimited1.com.

Overcoming the Hand You Were Dealt
Pendium publishing
Released: February 2018
ISBN-10: 1944348409
ISBN-13: 978-1944348403
Available at www.lifeunlimited1.com, Amazon.com, and all other online outlets.

To view one of Taylor’s motivational videos, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFqKUAhL0w&t=250s.

Posted on Leave a comment

The Alzheimer’s Association Shares Six Tips for Approaching Conversations about Alzheimer’s Symptoms During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June

Ridgewood Police Alzheimer's patient was found

file photo by Boyd Loving Ridgewood PD in search for Alzheimer patient

June 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Ridgewood NJ, June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association together with advocates in the early stages of the disease are encouraging families to talk about memory and cognition concerns sooner. These advocates know first-hand that an early diagnosis offers many benefits, including access to more effective medical and lifestyle interventions and the ability to take an active role in planning with family members for the future.
“Denial and rationalization are common responses to the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s ─ it was a part of my experience,” said Darrell Foss, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group, which is composed of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. “Too often, people experiencing symptoms, or family members seeing them, wait to speak up, even when they know something is wrong. It can be scary, but that is why I’m sharing my personal experience ─ to illustrate why talking about Alzheimer’s concerns early is so important.”

To help people understand early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or behaviors that merit discussion, the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Warning Signs. Should these signs appear, it is important to talk about them with the person experiencing symptoms and encourage them to speak with a medical professional.

“Unfortunately, people often avoid conversations due to denial, fear, anxiety, lack of awareness and difficulty having hard conversations about health issues, particularly with Alzheimer’s or other dementias due to stigma and perceptions associated with the disease,” said Ruth Drew, Director of Family and Information Services for the Alzheimer’s Association.

New findings from an Alzheimer’s Association survey found a majority of Americans would be concerned about offending a family member (76 percent), or ruining their relationship (69 percent), if they were to approach that person about observed signs of Alzheimer’s. More alarming, 38 percent said they would wait until a family member’s Alzheimer’s symptoms worsened before approaching them with concerns. Additionally, nearly 1 in 3 Americans (29 percent) would not say anything to a family member despite their concerns.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and June 21st is The Longest Day, a day focused on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 5.7 million Americans.

It is estimated that by 2050, nearly 14 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis can offer access to more effective medical and lifestyle interventions and the ability to help families plan for the future.
An early diagnosis also means spending time with family and friends before the disease progresses.

On The Longest Day, take the time to review the Alzheimer’s Association’s 6 Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s to talk to a friend or loved one that may be showing symptoms.
The 6 Tips include:
Have the conversation as early as possible
Think about who’s best suited to initiate the conversation
Practice conversation starters
Offer your support and companionship
Anticipate gaps in self-awareness
Recognize the conversation may not go as planned

New findings from the Alzheimer’s Association show that 76-percent of Americans expressed concern about offending family members by raising the issue.
Also, 69-percent feared it would ruin their relationship with the person.
On The Longest Day, don’t be one of 38-percent of people who said they would wait until a family member’s Alzheimer’s symptoms worsened.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s symptoms and resources available for patients and caregivers, visit alz.org.

Posted on Leave a comment

Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Fly Fishing Basics Class for middle school students

35067466 2126909220918281 9042666519145742336 n

photos courtesy of Ridgewood Parks & Recreation

Junes 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks & Recreation , the Fly Fishing Basics Class for middle school students ended with an afternoon in the water! After setting up the rods and reels and tying on their own flies, they took to the brook! Wading through running water, they each found their spot. And one of the participants even landed a fish (and released it back into the brook).

Check out the pics from the day.

Posted on Leave a comment

Ridgewood Art Institute : Call For Artists: Members’ Summer Invitational Show

Ridgewood_Art_Institute_theridgewoodblog

June 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, All members over the age of 18 whose dues are current are eligible to submit up to 2 works for exhibition. If dues are not current, we may accept membership payment along with your work. Artwork must be of a traditional manner, framed (frame not to exceed 40 inches L or W) wired and ready for hanging. Watercolors, drawings and pastels must be under plexiglass.

June 18th,19th and 20th  10am-3pm

Entry fee per piece $5 (checks only)

Ridgewood Art Institute
12 E Glen Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

 

Posted on 4 Comments

Congratulations to the Women Gardeners’ of Ridgewood!

35281616 2128063464136190 6187223491687743488 n

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Parks & Recreation

June 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Garden Club of New Jersey awarded the Women Gardeners’ of Ridgewood for their work with the Green Kids program, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. The children, with the help of the Women Gardener’s of Ridgewood, created a large log planter for the Green Kids Garden and planted it with mums for the fall. The 12′ long recylced log planter was designed to encourage sustainability and can be planted seasonally. Please check out the award and log in the pictures below!

Posted on 4 Comments

Welcome to the New Maple Field in Ridgewood

35417758 2130344510574752 5312221765957582848 n

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Parks & Recreation

June 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Friday afternoon for the new Maple Turf Field! Village Council, Village Management, Director of Parks and Recreation, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, representatives from the Fields Committee, PRC Board and sports groups were there to join in on the celebration!

Posted on 2 Comments

Reader says I too am a voracious reader and believe that a library is all about books books books.

Library-Books

I too am a voracious reader and believe that a library is all about books books books.

But Nancy Greene is a brilliant director, fulling the needs of many different kinds of library patrons. Hence the library having in addition to books many programs, many discussion groups, many different types of resources.

Although I am personally disappointed that the new renovation, if it goes through, will have fewer books, I believe that director Nancy Greene, knows what she is doing, understands the current needs of the majority of patrons, who certainly do not include me.

Now if people like myself are ever going to change the situation we have to convince people of all ages to become more interested in reading books, instead of spending time consuming all the other media vying and getting their attention.

I as a reader, do not have more than two through thirteen for TV. I don’t own a smart phone or a tablet. When I travel I pack books to read. I don’t watch movies although I have a DVD player. Well, seldom do I use my DVD player. I have not joined Facebook. I don’t Twitter nor read Twitter accounts and other social media. I do read this Blog as an interested Ridgewood resident,

Nancy Greene knows that I am not the majority. She is catering to the majority as she should.

Posted on 6 Comments

Pitfalls You May Face Opening Your Business in a Small Town

unnamed-12

June 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, There could be dozens of similar businesses in a big city. When the market is so oversaturated it can be hard to make your brand distinctive from the others. However, in a much smaller village, there is plenty of room for experimentation.

Ridgewood is a village in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the village population was 24,958, reflecting an increase of 22 from the 24,936 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 784 from the 24,152 counted in the 1990 Census. Ridgewood is a suburban bedroom community of New York

Additionally, your business can be the first to appear and find a niche spot: being the only provider of tattoo machines or a flower delivery service can be a perfect way to build a name for your company.

Naturally, less competition means more opportunities for your venture, however, there are many pitfalls that a new company can face during its first few years. Typically, there are fewer industries and they are less diverse compared to the regular cities.

Additionally, the habits of the consumers will be determined by the proximity of the village to other cities. If consumers will have an incentive to travel in order to save money it may bring a small but steady income. Otherwise, you may want to hold sales from time to time in order to attract more customers.

Households in Ridgewood, NJ have a median income of $147,823.

The business volume in the small towns and villages is usually much lower in comparison to larger cities. Even with a good place in a downtown of a village, you won’t be able to reach the same level of sales as similar shops have in cities.

What is more, since the human resources of the small towns are limited and more people would rather go to the big cities where the wages are larger, you might find yourself in a situation when you will have to employ inexperienced staff in order for your venture to become more profitable.

Posted on 3 Comments

Coming Soon the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Farmer’s Market!

Ridgewood Farmers Market

June 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Celebrating 17 years with Farm to table, fresh and delicious produce.

Ridgewood’s Farmers’ Market Every Sunday from 9am-3pm westside of NJ Transit train station…

Enjoy our farmers vegetables and fruit until Thanksgiving.

Stroll and get some fresh Mozzarella.Homemade Jams-with flavors you cannot get any other place.
Fresh baked goods, preservative free.Pickles on a stick for the kids and more.Beautiful flowers for your yard.

FARM – and more – TO your TABLE…for more details – [email protected] 201-445-2600

Ridgewood Chamber Annual Farmer’s Market
Sun, June 24, 2018 – Sun, November 18, 2018
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave and W. Ridgewood Ave

Posted on 3 Comments

the Ridgewood Blog : An Interview with a Librarian

35399203 10155541652928513 4605190975608848384 n

June 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as has been previously reported on the Ridgewood blog , the Ridgewood Public Library is looking to embark on a major renovation . While the renovation was described in glowing terms , the staff noticed the absence of any mentions of books .

Ridgewood Public Library Renovation: What about the books? https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-public-library-renovation-what-about-the-books/

So we asked reader and an old friend who happens to be a librarian and a voracious reader Jason Vigorito the Reference Librarian at Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA. a few questions about books and libraries . Jason has been there for two years and has worked in Libraries for a total of 7 years .

TRB : what is the purpose of a public library?

Jason , “A public library’s purpose is three-fold: it’s an information repository for print, digital, video, audio, and other published mediums; it’s a community center for local residents to gather for various activities; and, it provides community assistance in a variety of ways, including literacy promotion, general education development, charitable work, and connections between various individuals and organizations. ”

TRB : has that purpose changed?

Jason , “Libraries, in the formal community-accessible modern sense, have been around for over a hundred years. Their three-fold purpose has always been standard, however the focus within each has shifted and widened considerably given how times have generally changed. For example, focus on certain forms of print–like newspapers and microfiche–has shifted in a dramatic decrease while digital databases have literally begun from scratch and widened into many niches and accessibility options. ”

TRB: why do people use a library ?

Jason, ” People unfamiliar with libraries tend to think that patrons visit them basically just to borrow books and maybe read newspapers or magazines. That’s only a small percentage of why people patronize libraries. The list is extensive. Some of the many other reasons include: to find a quiet place to study; to grab a coffee and snack (if your library has a cafe, as mine does); to watch performances by musicians and artists; to take a class (like on how to do your taxes, or on personal finance, or work toward a GED, or how to navigate social media); to research local history or one’s family tree; to buy books and other materials at sales; to meet with government representatives in forums; to participate in charity drives; to attend fun activities whether for adults or the whole family; to watch films; to access computer programs and the Internet when they don’t have them at home; to seek refuge when natural disasters hit; and on and on and on.”

TRB : what is the value of books?

Jason , ” If you do an online search, you’ll find some pithy quotes on the power of books. My personal favorite is Dr. Who’s: “You want weapons. We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!” The original Twilight Zone tv show had some great episodes on the subject, as well. It’s possible that books’ value can be broadly applied in two ways:

First, they are travel guides–they take you from the here and now and transport you to the there and/or other times;

Second, they are teachers–they expose you to new ideas and perspectives. Books are the torches that pass ideas down through the ages of otherwise dark ignorance.

In other words, a book’s value is in creating deeper, more cultivated value within its readers. Learning is always forward-moving, and you can’t unlearn what you learn.”

TRB : why do we need books?

Jason , ” We need books in order to prevent history from repeating itself while simultaneously continuing to advance civilization. History shows that with greater accessibility to books in general, society progresses more rapidly and expansively. The best example is Gutenberg and the advent of his printing press–it incontrovertibly proves that civilization took a massive leap forward in every respect thanks to the printed word. Without books, we might very well regress back to some forgotten yet frightening times; just take a look at societies where books were reproached by, or outright prohibited to, the people.”