The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
photos courtesy of Brookside School
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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.
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood School District
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood High School Green Maroons have officially launched their season with a successful cleanup at one of the village’s hidden gems: Dunham Trail. The dedicated student group put their new waders and trash pickers to good use, helping to preserve a beautiful and historic natural space for the entire community.
Continue reading From Classroom to Cleanup Crew: Ridgewood High School’s Green Maroons in Action!
Celebrating the remarkable life of a twelfth-generation resident, beloved funeral director, and passionate golfer
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Ridgewood, NJ—The community of Ridgewood is mourning the loss of a true pillar, Dirk Van Emburgh, who passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 81. A proud twelfth-generation resident of the village, Dirk was known for his vibrant personality, his deep commitment to service, and the unwavering joy he brought to everyone he met.
Continue reading Remembering Dirk Van Emburgh: A Ridgewood Legacy and a Life Well-Lived
photo courtesy of the Borough of Franklin Lakes
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Franklin Lakes NJ, volunteering is the cornerstone of community development, and few embody this spirit better than Julius Lauber Jr. At 92 years old, Lauber stepped down from the Franklin Lakes Planning Board on January 2, concluding an extraordinary 62 years of consecutive service.
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Ridgewood NJ, Volunteer Program Feed the Frontlines and Helping Those in Need funded through the HealthBarn Foundation 501c3 by public donations in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was awarded the 2021 NJ Governor’s Jefferson Medallion, known as the Nobel Peace Prize of Volunteerism, for outstanding community service as a volunteer group on September 12, 2021 at the Grounds for Sculpture, Trenton, NJ. There were 12 finalists for the Volunteer Program/Group category and Feed the Frontlines was selected to receive the prestigious Jefferson Medallion. Team members accepting the award for over 400 volunteers included Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, Founder, Director of the Foundation, Paul Vagianos, owner It’s Greek to Me and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur who also spearheads the county’s Food Security Task Force. The Jefferson Awards, founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft, Jr., and Sam Beard, is America’s top honor for public service. For 46 years, the Jefferson Awards have honored a who’s who of American change makers and more than 50,000 community volunteers.
Ridgewood students embrace community service
FEBRUARY 23, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015, 9:59 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
When Bergen County Protect and Rescue fell into desperate times late last summer, the general public stepped up with an overwhelming response to assist the county’s only no-kill animal shelter. Though given a crutch, the Cliffside Park-based operation is still in constant need of community support, as it barely covers the monthly $10,000 operating costs to care for some four dozen cats and dogs until they’re ready for adoption.
Ridgewood has taken notice.
The Willard School community took a different approach while planning its annual theme day, which took place earlier this month to rave reviews and overwhelming positive feedback.
A school-wide program, theme days in the past were typically geared toward student enjoyment and learning. Previous theme days incorporated events such as spelling bees or “Amazing Race” style activities that promoted cultural diversity and education.
“They were fun, but we wanted to do something that put the emphasis on the children making a difference during the day rather than another fun event,” said Pam Chmiel, this year’s theme day coordinator. “Willard has a great track record in bringing conscious programs to the school … so we presented our theme as ‘philanthropy’ – giving time, talents and treasure and taking action for the common good.”
Chmiel, together with the Willard Home and School Association, Principal Caroline Hoffman and other parents, rebranded theme day as Willard Service Day 2015, which they hosted on Feb. 4. Student activities still focused on fun and learning, but they also centered on “giving back to those less fortunate or going through a difficult time.”
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/willard-school-students-embrace-service-1.1276474
