Tag: Summer fun

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It’s the Best Summer Ever at Ridgewood YMCA’s Day Camp

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The Y encourages parents to sign up kids for day camp beginning June 20.
May 21,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This summer, the Ridgewood YMCA’s day camp program is offering kids the best summer ever through an enriching and learning experience to help kids get more out of the summer break – more learning, more exploration and more achievement. Through a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving well-being, kids will try new adventures, learn and master new skills, share and trade interests with friends, and get plenty of high-fives along the way.

Working with SEER Analytics to find out how camp benefits kids, the Y recently surveyed nearly 30,000 parents and caregivers with kids enrolled in camp at nearly 190 Y associations nationwide. Ninety-two percent of parents/caregivers said they agreed the Y’s day camp program helped kids make new friends. In addition, 83 percent said they agreed the program helped their kids discover what they can achieve, while 87 percent agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.

“At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish things, make friends and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected and supported,” says Gary Imhoff, Director of Marketing and Membership at the Ridgewood YMCA. “We are focusing on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed that they can’t wait to come back the next day.”

The Y’s day camp activities focus on helping kids grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. These activities include team-building games, swim lessons, youth sports, creative projects and more.

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, the Y offers so much more than a place to play and have fun. Through a holistic approach to youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of children and teens from birth to career to help them achieve in school and life. Through day camp and other youth development programs, the Y is working to keep kids active and address gaps in learning when school is not in session.

Ridgewood YMCA’s Summer Day Camp Program begins June 20 and registration is now open. Online registration is available at www.ridgewoodymca.org/camp.

To learn more about the Ridgewood YMCA’s day camp program, please contact John Duke atjduke@ridgewoodymca.org, phone 201.444.5600 x500 or visit www.ridgewoodymca.org/camp.

The Ridgewood YMCA is located at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood.

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Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool Opens June 4th

Graydon pool ridgewood

photos by Boyd Loving

GRAYDON POOL SURVEY
We value your opinion.  Please take a few moments to complete our survey found in the following link:
Graydon Pool Survey

2016 SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm

CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-3376 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5566 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560
recreation@ridgewoodnj.net

 

WP 20160509 002

 

GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education.  Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD GRAYDON POOL SURVEY

Graydon-_Crowded_baby_beach_water_2012_theridgewoodblog

GRAYDON POOL SURVEY   https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/news/862-grayson-pool-survey

2016 SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm

CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-3376 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5566 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560
recreation@ridgewoodnj.net

INFORMATION – GRAYDON

GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education.  Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00

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American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Starts April 5 at the Ridgewood YWCA

Life Guards at Graydon Pool theridgewoodblog.net

file photo by ArtChick

Pre-test held April 2 in Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, YWCA Bergen County is offering an April American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course. Students must take and pass a swim test, which will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m with a $10 swim test fee due at registration. Course will begin on April 2 and run through April 21, 2016 with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood. The course fee is $350.

Participants must be 15 years of age or older. This course prepares students with the CPR, First Aid and lifeguard techniques necessary for employment as a professional lifeguard. For more information or to register call the YWCA Membership Office at 201-444-5600, x400, or visitwww.ywcabergencounty.org.
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Daylight Saving Time: Why Does It Exist? (It’s Not for Farming)

Ben Franklin(Barry Stevens)

Ben Franklin(Barry Stevens)

By DANIEL VICTORMARCH 11, 2016

Spring forward, fall back.

But why?

The reason the United States and many other countries, mostly in the West, shift to daylight saving time is contentious and confusing, and some of the more popular explanations are not grounded in reality. (It isn’t for farmers, as you may have learned in school.)

The general concept is to move an hour of sunlight from the early morning, when many would sleep through it, to the evening, when you could most likely do more with the light.

“For most people, an extra hour of daylight in the evening after work or after school is much more usable than the hour of daylight in the morning,” said David Prerau, the author of “Seize the Daylight.”

But since the idea was put in place, it has faced detractors and debate. Several states, including California and Rhode Island, are considering abolishing the practice. As with many other congressional acts, it’s worth considering who the beneficiaries are.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/12/us/daylight-saving-time-farmers.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FDaylight%20Saving%20Time&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=collection&_r=0

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Committee to look at rules for public access to NJ beaches

artchick_jerseyshore_theridgewoodblog

JANUARY 25, 2016, 1:10 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016, 1:12 PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Environmentalists and business leaders will try to agree on what New Jersey’s beach access regulations should look like.

State Sen. Bob Smith, a Middlesex County Democrat, appointed a committee Monday to study the state’s coastal access rules and recommend ways to make them better.

The issue has been fought over for years. Some shore towns use the lack of parking and restrooms to discourage outsiders from using their beaches.

“It’s always been a gnarly problem,” Smith said.

The right to access river shorelines in heavily developed urban areas is also part of the discussion.

The group will include representatives of the American Littoral Society, NY/NJ Baykeeper, the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, and the state Business and Industry Association. The recommendations will be presented to the Legislature by April 25.

The committee arises from longstanding complaints from environmental and beach access groups that the state’s regulations do not do enough to protect the public’s right to reach New Jersey’s waterfronts. They favor previous rules generated by the administration of former Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine that imposed uniform access requirements along the shoreline, including access points every quarter-mile.

When Republican Chris Christie succeeded Corzine, the DEP rewrote the rules to give communities more latitude in granting beach access, letting each community decide for itself what level is appropriate.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/committee-to-look-at-rules-for-public-access-to-nj-beaches-1.1498825

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Struggling swim clubs seek to buoy membership amid changing times

Graydon_bike_theridgewoodblog

JANUARY 18, 2016    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016, 1:21 AM
BY DEENA YELLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Swim clubs around North Jersey are treading water against a wave of declining membership by reaching out to new members and retooling their programming to appeal to a broader demographic.

Club managers say they’re trying to counter the national trend of waning interest, which they attribute to changing demographics, alternative recreational venues and working parents who lack the time to sit by a pool all summer.

“There’s no question we’re seeing a decline,” said Lauren Syre, manager of the Harrington Park Swim Club, whose membership has dropped over the past decade from 350 families and a long waiting list to 280 families and no waiting list. To attract new members, Harrington Park has added a snack bar and more activities, such as family barbecue night and movie night.

Like other swim clubs, it also has opened membership to a wider audience, including out-of-towners and those who want to come on a part-time basis.

The Stonybrook Swim Club in Hillsdale, Brookside Racquet & Swim Club in Allendale and the Teaneck, River Edge, Alpine, Palisades and Leonia swim clubs and Woodside Swim and Tennis Club in Edison also have implemented promotional ventures such as yoga, adult-only lap lanes, paddle boarding, live band shows, campout parties, ice cream socials and lower membership fees.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/recreation/swim-clubs-fight-a-tide-of-falling-membership-1.1494087

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Another great season at Graydon Pool

Graydon Pool Can you say HAPPY-

file photo by Boyd Loving

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Another great season at Graydon

to the editor:

Labor Day was the last day of another great season at Graydon Pool.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the village for continuing to operate Graydon — and for finding a way to keep it open on Labor Day weekend — as well as to thank the lifeguards and other staff for their professionalism and courtesy throughout the season.

This summer may not have been great for our lawns, but all those hot, sunny days were terrific for hanging out at Graydon. Some highlights: watching groups of children in the deep end play what looked to be a very fun game whose rules I never quite figured out but which involved guessing names of movies and swimming very fast; looking across to the “kiddie” side and seeing young families with small children splashing in the water or building sand castles; listening to groups of kids establish and administer the rules during volleyball games (we should all be proud—they are models of fair play); watching first-timers go off the high dive, or dazzling displays of prowess by high-dive veterans of all ages; reading undisturbed for hours on end with my feet in the sand; the hymns on the church bells every evening at 6:30 p.m.; the guards’ sincere-sounding announcement at closing time that they look forward to seeing us the next day; sunset swims late in the season as the days got shorter.

The only negative was the dreaded sound of the lightning-detection system at Vet’s field.

Is Graydon pristine clean? Perhaps not — but what lake is? Still, it’s treated and there’s a constant flow of water. Could the bathrooms use updating? Sure — but they work, and they have a certain old-school charm. I had a backyard pool, and it was lovely, but I was constantly running back into the house for more snacks for everyone or to throw another load of laundry in. At Graydon, my only responsibilities are to stay sunscreened and keep my library book dry.

I know that many of you don’t go to Graydon anymore, but it’s truly a gem. There’s a certain camaraderie — and at the end of the season, as at high-school graduation, people who haven’t spoken to each other all season commiserate about it being the last day and wish each other a good year. It’s a place where everyone is happy — and it’s my “happy place.”

In fact, next year will be the 50th anniversary of my first afternoon at Graydon.

See you next summer!

Janice Willett

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-another-great-season-at-graydon-pool-1.1407686

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NJ TRANSIT OFFERS EARLY GETAWAY SERVICE FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

ArtChick_jersey_shore_theridgewoodblog

September 3,2015

the staff of the Rdiegwdoo blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Friday, September 4, for the benefit of customers leaving work early for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

On Friday, September 4, extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m.  Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on more than a dozen bus routes starting around noon.  Visit njtransit.com for details.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 7, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines.  Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.  River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information.

Customers are reminded to check njtransit.com for their individual bus timetables for the weekend as departure times will vary by route.

For complete schedules and fares, visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

Summer Savings

With summer winding down, there is still time to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags Great Adventure, Monmouth Park Racetrack and Wildwood and Cape May:

Beach Packages:  Save up to $6.50 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows.  Customers can purchase the package for $31.50 from New York Penn Station or any station on the Main, Bergen County or Pascack Valley lines (except from Metro-North stations), and for $23.50 from Hoboken Terminal or Newark Penn Station.  Beach packages are now on sale daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

Shore Express:  Enjoy a shorter trip and one-seat ride to the Jersey Shore with NJ TRANSIT’s express service, departing New York Penn Station at 9:01 a.m. and 10:01 a.m. and stopping at Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, Elizabeth, Rahway, Aberdeen-Matawan, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head without having to change trains in Long Branch.  Return trips will depart Bay Head at 4:54 p.m. and 6:54 p.m. This express service will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through September 12, supplementing NJ TRANSIT’s hourly rail service between Long Branch and Bay Head.

Shore EZride Jitney provides shuttle service to beaches, shopping and dining locations from Long Branch Station.  NJ TRANSIT customers can ride the jitney for free with a coupon available on njtransit.com/shore.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor:  Save up to $35 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.
NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, Newark Penn Station, Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal, Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, and from Freehold. Hurricane Harbor is open Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7.

Monmouth Park:  Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system and save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack.  Simply purchase a round-trip package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows, and receive Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $1 plus round-trip train fare.  Trains stop at Monmouth Park Station on weekends and holidays through September 27. Trains will also stop at the station for Friday racing on September 4.

Wildwood and Cape May: Express bus service continues through September 7 between Philadelphia, Wildwood and Cape May. Bus No. 316 departs from the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Philadelphia. Save up to 25 percent with a new promotional fare. A round-trip ticket at the promotional fare is $30 between Philadelphia and Wildwood and $33 between Philadelphia and Cape May.

For details on NJ TRANSIT’s Summer Services and customer discounts, visit njtransit.com/summer.

On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT

Every weekend, families riding NJ TRANSIT can save with Family SuperSaver Fares, which allow two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult.  For the Labor Day holiday weekend, the program will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, September 4 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 8.

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Ridgewood Library offers summer reading club for adults

Pile-of-Books

AUGUST 21, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Ridgewood Public Library has hosted a number of interesting events aimed at all age groups over the summer.

A brand-new program that proved to be very popular was the Summer Reading Club for Adults.

“We had 100 adults register within the first week,” said librarian Kerri Wallace.

In addition to being a good place for adults to meet and discuss literature, the club also served as an opportunity for its participants to earn rewards for reading.

“Participants received a raffle ticket for every book/magazine/ audiobook/ebook that they read or listened to,” Wallace said. “We had weekly drawings for prizes like a new bestselling novel and computer class passes.”

While the club didn’t follow an exact theme, it did offer a few events focused on famed author Harper Lee.

“We ran a week-long series to celebrate the release of ‘Go Set a Watchman,’” Wallace said.

The club also hosted a book discussion on “To Kill a Mockingbird” and showed the film.

For children, the library has been following a theme for many of its events called “Every Hero Has a Story.”

 

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/reading-club-joins-adult-league-1.1396017

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Senator: Tax breaks for performers would boost Atlantic City

Tom Kean - High Quality

 

Large crowds at a weekend beach concern have a state lawmaker more convinced than ever that his bill to give tax breaks to A-list performers that commit to multi-night stands in Atlantic City would give the struggling city a financial boost. (Wayne Parry, Associated Press) https://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150817_ap_5b8ab34c3a8f414889158e24aef122c4.html#tjimZpzBaPGSiQTu.99

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Ridgewood Summer Time Bicycle Safety

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The Summer Months Seems a Good time to review Bicycle Safety , and a reminder to Observe Bike Safety Every Day
NHTSA urges bicyclists and motorists to coexist on roadways with a ‘Safety First’ FocusWASHINGTON – With good weather heralding the start of the summer bicycling season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding bicyclists and motorists alike to share responsibility for roadway safety. This includes respecting each other’s rights and obeying traffic laws when on streets or roads.

“We encourage bicycling as a great way to get to work, get in shape or just have fun, and encourage a ‘safety first’ mentality for all who share America’s roads,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Whether it’s drivers who keep an eye out for cyclists, or cyclists who wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road, putting safety first will save lives and reduce injuries for everyone.”

NHTSA statistics show that in 2012, 726 bicyclists were killed and an additional 49,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, an increase of 6 percent from 2011 (682). The average age of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes was 43. The vast majority of these deaths occurred in urban areas (69 percent) and at non-intersections (60 percent) and involved mostly male riders (88 percent). About half of these fatalities (48 percent) occurred from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

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“Our agency is committed to increasing safe riding behaviors among bicyclists, and heightening awareness and personal responsibility among motorists and others about safely sharing the road with bicyclists,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman. “All cyclists should always wear their helmets, as it is the most effective way to prevent head injury in a crash.”

This safety message is being kicked off as the agency joins the League of American Bicyclists and other bicycle advocacy groups and highway safety organizations across the country in celebrating May as National Bike Month.

NHTSA offers bicyclists the following “safety first” tips:

Wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
Check your bike before heading out: check all equipment and parts for proper fit and function, including tires, brakes, handlebars and seats.
Ride as a vehicle on the road; always travel in the same direction as traffic.
Obey traffic signs, signals and lane markings; signal all turns; and follow local laws.
Be predictable by riding in a straight line and use hand signals at every lane change or turn. Look ahead for traffic and obstacles.
Be visible: wear bright colors, reflective materials and lights on your bicycle at night.
Ride focused and alert: don’t use electronic devices, and never ride impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Drivers of motor vehicles must share the road with bicyclists:

Respect designated bicycle lanes.
Allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road.
Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
Look for cyclists when making turns, either left or right.
Never drive distracted or impaired. Always buckle up.

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GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS and AQUATIC PROGRAMS in Ridgewood

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Graydon Pool Memberships and Aquatic Programs

Please visit the Graydon Pool homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/graydon to learn about membership rates, program offerings and pool amenities. Be sure to bookmark our Graydon homepage on your computer for future special events and program offerings. Opening day for Graydon Pool was Saturday, June 6th.

2015 season memberships may now be purchased online via Community Pass at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass. Be sure to refer to your online confirmation when purchase is complete for detailed information on how to obtain your photo identification badge.

Aquatic programs, including the Graydon Swim Team and instructional and recreational swim, are also available online at Community Pass, or you may review levels and print program registration forms from our Graydon homepage referenced above. Meet the Aquatic Staff and learn more on the following dates at the pool.

American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training (recertification/bridging and new) is available through Ridgewood Parks and Recreation. Details/registration are also available on the Graydon Pool homepage.

For more information please call 201-670-5560.