Ridgewood YMCA Casino Night - Fri May 21 Stony Hill Inn Hackensack

This event benefits the Strong Kids Good Works Program.

An evening of good food, an open bar, and great fun - tons of prizes.

For information or tickets call Jan Batelli at the Ridgewood YMCA 201-444-5600 x320

Haiti: Local NJ soccer coach knew of hardships

 

James Delia learned about the logistical problems of shifting people and goods around Haiti well before the Jan. 12 earthquake shattered the impoverished country.

Delia, giving a presentation Sunday about his experiences in Haiti to the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County in Teaneck, recalled a trip he took last July with a group of soccer players in a YMCA program in Haiti.

NorthJersey.com: Soccer coach knew of hardships

All clear? Head injuries get attention from states

In New Jersey, there's no state law to regulate how head injuries should be handled for athletes, but the legislature has allowed a commission to look into brain injury research.

All clear? Head injuries get attention from states - Yahoo! News

Bergen Dems chair says he'll consider pay-to-play proposal by GOP freeholders

 

Bergen County Democratic Organization Chairman Michael Kasparian told a liberal-leaning civic group Wednesday night that he intends to seriously consider a pay-to-play resolution being proposed by two newly-elected Republican county freeholders.

NorthJersey.com: Bergen Dems chair says he'll consider pay-to-play proposal by GOP freeholders

N.J. ski resorts see increase in visitors during recession

As reported on NJ.com

Mike Motejl, general manager of the 45-acre Campgaw Mountain in Bergen County, said last year was one of its best years. He did not have exact figures for comparison but said more than 1,000 people in an average weekend would crowd Campgaw Mountain’s six ski runs and six tubing lanes.

Laurie Goodman's Blog: Schools referendum passes 51% to 49%

Laurie Goodman's Blog: Schools referendum passes 51% to 49%: "Schools referendum passes 51% to 49%
It was very close, but Referendum 09 was approved by voters. Now the real work will begin as we mobilize for the many renovation and expansion projects throughout the school. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process.

The unofficial totals we got were:
2129 Yes
2047 No

This represents about 25% of the registered voters participating."

Eating Out: Blend in Ridgewood

 

In some ways, the fact that Blend is open at all is a success story.

STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KARAS

Blend offers a tapas menu in the lounge, above. On executive chef Bruce Nubile's dinner menu, two appetizers of note are the grilled chicken arepa, right, and dumplings stuffed with crimini, porcini and shiitake mushrooms. On the dessert menu, flourless chocolate cake is a standout.

The popular nightspot on Chestnut Street in Ridgewood abruptly declared bankruptcy and closed last year amid a mess of unpaid taxes and millions owed to creditors. It eventually emerged with a pair of new owners, Zvia Barlev, owner of the nearby La Piazza restaurant, and landlord Edward Sullivan. Both pledged to keep Blend's name and enhance its reputation as a bar, lounge and restaurant.

In June, the 14,000-square-foot facility reopened with a facelift. Its restaurant and lounge were reversed, so that the lounge is now the dim, spacious spot that you walk through to get to the more intimate restaurant (there also is a rear entrance into the adjacent back bar). You can choose from a sassy cocktail list with drinks called the Desperate Housewife, the Cougarita and the Ridgewood Express. And your dinner is under the direction of executive chef Bruce Nubile, who was the executive chef of the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Legends Steakhouse in Midland Park, as well as a veteran of such big local names as Café Panache, the River Palm Terrace and Valentino's.

NorthJersey.com: Eating Out: Blend in Ridgewood

NorthJersey.com: Holiday lights will 'glow' downtown

 

The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will kick off the 24th annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration in the village's Central Business District (CBD) next Friday. The celebration is held each year to promote downtown businesses and entertain village residents and visitors.

Greg Gallo of the Ridgewood Signal Department hangs lighted holiday ornaments from a lamp post in the Central Business District in preparation for the season.

The downtown holiday season will start Dec. 4 with a variety of events, including the lighting of the village's permanent holiday tree in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

NorthJersey.com: Holiday lights will 'glow' downtown