Ridgewood Talks

Ridgewood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz Joins Ridgewood Talks In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Host Jeanne Johnson is joined by Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz. Dr. Schwarz talks about a number of great updates on our schools; including the upcoming RPS budget presentation, the RPS social media efforts, the strategic planning initiatives, school district budget p...

A Conversation with Village Manager Keith Kazmark In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Co-Host Jordan Kaufman sits down with Village Manager Keith Kazmark for a great conversation about many of the most important topics impacting the Village of Ridgewood. Jordan and Keith cover many items, including Veterans Field athletics lighting project, the Ridgewood Mobile App, the Ridgewood Avenue Theater and P...

In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Guest Host Rosie McCooe (in for Jeanne Johnson) sits down with two incredible institutions of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Jamboree and Dads Night.   Part one of this episode features Jamboree 2025, Viva Las Vegas with guests Tom Devita, Ann Wheaton and Dana Feeney.  Jamboree 2025 is happening on February 6th, 7th and 8th at Ben Franklin Middle School.  You can find out...

In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Sheila Brogan, a candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. Sheila shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, focusing on key issues facing the district, her experiences, and her commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for all students. Tune in to hear Sheila’s insights on educational priorities, fiscal res...

In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Mary Lou Handy, candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. With a background in education and a strong passion for community involvement, Mary Lou shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, her stance on key issues affecting our students, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Join us a...

Ridgewood Talks sits down with Muhammed Mahmoud, a candidate for Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education, to discuss his vision for education, student well-being, and community engagement in Ridgewood. Muhammed shares insights into his background, his priorities as a board member, and the changes he hopes to implement to enhance the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Tune in...

MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Paul Vagianos. Visit paulvagianos.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Pamela Perron. Visit perronforcouncil.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choice...

MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Frank Mortimer. Visit MortimerforCouncil.com for more information. Learn more about your ad cho...

In this episode, we sit with the inspiration and powerhouse behind Ridgewood's League of Women Voters. Co-presidents Anne Burton Walsh and Ann Melone are two of the driving forces behind this nonpartisan organization. The LWV empowers local voters, promotes civic engagement, and advocates for fair policies. Learn about the League’s voter education efforts, including the upcoming Ridgewood Village...

Meet Our Leaders - Village Manager Keith Kazmark, Police Chief Forest Lyons, and Superintendent Mark Schwartz share their thoughts about their first year on the job. Learn about their efforts to strengthen community relationships through increased communication. Find out how Ridgewood Public Schools are helping students thrive and flourish, the Police Department’s compassionate approach to patroll...

Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner, discusses the growing issue of food insecurity in Ridgewood and sheds light on how it has escalated in recent years. She shares her ideas for tackling the county's broader challenges, such as affordable housing and mental health services, and highlights the actions she’s taking related to energy and infrastructure improvements. Tune in to this informative int...

Are you hoping to find a stimulating summer program for your child? Look no further than Be Brain Bright! It offers fun, hands-on workshops in engineering, entrepreneurship, neuroscience, teen empowerment, and leadership that stretch kids' thinking. Be Brain Bright has programs for children of all ages, so sign up today and help position your kids for the future. Listen to founder Alina Swanson an...

The 13th Annual Ridgewood Guild Film Festival is in full swing! Listen in and learn about the exciting upcoming events! Get ready to dress up for a Zombie Wedding – a film written and produced by local resident Greg Del Alessandro. Find out more about Harlan Coben, the New York Times best-selling author of thirty-five novels and the creator and executive producer of several Netflix television dram...

Let yourself be entertained by the dynamic duo Rory Kelsch and Kathleen McKitty Harris. They've created something we all crave – entertaining and enlightening evenings focused on fun, community, and connection. Their What's Your Story? events are intimate, casual, moving, and absurdly funny, with a curated lineup of readers sharing stories based on the evening's theme. The next SOLD-OUT event will...

Dr. Karen Latimer is a wellness and parenting coach, family physician, writer, wife, and mother of five. Listen in to learn how this busy entrepreneur stays organized. Here’s a hint: She uses her list’m app, and you can too! Karen is a health & parenting advocate who helps people reach their goals of finding peace and fulfillment. She reminds us that “little hinges swing big doors” and helps us st...

The Ridgewood Arts Foundation is a marvelous organization that celebrates the arts in and around Ridgewood. They host a variety of events to help fund grants and scholarships to benefit deserving artists and organizations. Their signature event and most significant fundraiser of the year is the Honors Showcase. It will be held on Friday, April 5, at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Society on Cottage Plac...

College Club of Northern NJ is hosting famed New Jersey author Joyce Carol Oats on Monday, March 11, 2024. Tune in to find out more about this incredible event and learn more about College Club from their marketing manager, Martha Fickenger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ridgewood YMCA is under new leadership, and lots of exciting initiatives are underway. Executive Director Ramon Hache talked to us about what’s happening and shared information about the terrific programming available for all ages. Pickleball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Wellness, Parent’s Night Out, Bee Keeping and MORE! Log on to ridgewoodymca.org to learn more, and follow them on Facebook to...

What’s new at the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce? We chatted with their newly elected president, Glenn Carlough – proprietor of Steel Wheel Tavern and proud Ridgewood High School soccer coach. Tune in to find out what the Chamber has in store for our downtown and learn more about the spectacular events the Chamber hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Paul Vagianos and Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron share information about the closing of our beloved movie theater. What’s next, and who is in charge? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greatest show in the village is happening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 8, 9, 10. We spoke with producers Andrea Leonarz and Karen Fritz, and cast member David Langan. They helped us understand what all the fuss and fun is about and why everyone in town should support this worthwhile and longstanding Ridgewood tradition. Get your tickets today at rhsjamboree.org Learn more about...

Experience the brilliance of Kristen Plumley, Ridgewood's radiant soprano, a revered figure and trailblazer in our community! Tune in to discover details about Kristen's upcoming holiday performances on December 7 at the Woman's Club of Ridgewood and December 8 at West Side Presbyterian Church. Learn more about her involvement with the Ridgewood Arts Foundation, Ridgewood Friends of Music, and oth...

Holiday Happenings in the Village of Ridgewood Join Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, and Tony Damiano, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Guild, as they share details about the many exciting events their organizations are sponsoring this holiday season. Find out more about the following: Winterfest- November 25 CASH MOBS! – December 7 Free Parking – Thursday e...

Board of Education Candidates Julie Mchedlishvili and Laura McKenna Seven candidates are competing for two spots on the Ridgewood Board of Education. Each took time to chat with us. Please tune in to each episode to gain insights into the contenders and their objectives for the Ridgewood Public School District. Learn more here: vote4jm.org – facebook/Julie Mchedlishvili for Ridgewood Board of Educ...