Mental health care has become an important part of daily life for many people. Work stress, family responsibilities, financial pressure, and social expectations often create emotional strain that builds over time. For residents of New Jersey, access to New Jersey local support through online therapy has created new opportunities to seek help without the barriers that often come with traditional counseling.
Continue reading The Growing Need for New Jersey Local Mental Health Support
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, We’ve all been there: you wake up, check your calendar, and see it’s Friday the 13th. Maybe you’re extra careful when crossing the street, you avoid walking under ladders, or you decide to skip that big decision you’ve been putting off.
Continue reading The Science of Superstition: Why Friday the 13th Still Freaks Us Out
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
ORADELL, NJ — In what many local residents are calling a “legalized scam,” the Oradell Borough Council has officially surrendered to state-mandated zoning changes. After what officials described as an “exhausting” and “emotional” process, the small Bergen County town has approved high-density rezoning to avoid the looming threat of even more “egregious” development lawsuits.
Continue reading The Death of Small Town NJ? How Oradell Was Forced into High-Density Zoning
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Irish Dance
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, If you’re searching for the perfect Irish dance school in Bergen County, you’ve likely come across two prominent names: the Early-McLoughlin School of Irish Dance and Ridgewood Irish Dance (theJIGfactory).
Continue reading Finding the Right Irish Dance Studio: What Every Bergen County Parent Needs to Know
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — Governor Mikie Sherrill has officially released the state aid figures for the 2026-2027 school year, boasting a record-breaking $12.7 billion in funding. But behind the headlines, a sobering reality is emerging: despite the massive price tag, many of New Jersey’s nearly 600 districts are still facing devastating budget shortfalls, program cuts, and staff layoffs.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — A massive opportunity for New Jersey families is hanging in the balance. As 28 states across the country move to empower parents through a new federal school choice tax credit, New Jersey remains “undecided”—leaving thousands of dollars in educational support on the table.
Continue reading The Federal School Choice Revolution: Why New Jersey Parents Are Still Waiting
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — A routine traffic stop on Old Mill Road turned into a significant law enforcement operation last month, resulting in the arrest of two North Jersey men on drug-related charges and outstanding warrants.
Continue reading Franklin Lakes Police Uncover Drugs During Routine Old Mill Road Traffic Stop
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NORTH JERSEY — The “Hoboken Transfer” is finally coming to an end. After a month of logistical hurdles and diverted commutes, NJ Transit and Amtrak have confirmed that normal rail schedules will resume this weekend, marking a major milestone in the historic Portal North Bridge project.
Continue reading The Wait is Over: NJ Transit Returns to Direct NYC Service This Sunday
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Get ready to feel the power of the oar! The Ridgewood Crew Annual Rowathon is officially back for 2026, and it’s shaping up to be the most exciting year yet. Whether you’re a rowing enthusiast, a local supporter, or just someone who loves a good community bake sale, Van Neste Square is the place to be this March.
Continue reading Ridgewood Crew Takes Over Van Neste Square for Annual Fundraiser
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A routine visit to a local medical plaza turned into a scene of chaos this week after a dispute escalated into a violent confrontation involving an unlikely weapon: a wall-mounted coat rack.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is officially cementing its status as “Hollywood East.” On March 11, 2026, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) announced the addition of 15 new municipalities to its prestigious “Film Ready Communities” (FRC) cohort.
Continue reading New Jersey’s 2026 Film Boom: See the Newest ‘Film Ready’ List
Trauma does not always announce itself. It can show up as irritability, isolation, trouble sleeping, chronic stress, or a constant sense that something is off. For years, many people were expected to push through these symptoms in silence. Now, that is starting to change. More communities are talking openly about mental health support because more people recognize that untreated trauma affects families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, not just the individual.
When a parent or grandparent moves into a nursing home, the emotional weight alone can feel overwhelming. But for many Bergen County families, a secondary and often unexpected burden quickly surfaces: the billing. Between Medicare coverage windows, Medicaid eligibility rules, room-and-board charges, and a stack of explanation-of-benefits statements, skilled nursing facility billing is one of the most confusing areas of healthcare finance a family can navigate.
If you’ve ever stared at a nursing home invoice wondering what you’re actually being charged for, you’re not alone. And as New Jersey’s state budget continues to face pressure with programs like StayNJ on the chopping block, understanding how nursing home billing works is more important than ever for protecting your family’s finances.
Continue reading What Bergen County Families Should Know About Nursing Home Billing
Ridgewood and the surrounding Bergen County communities are home to some of North Jersey’s most desirable real estate. Tree-lined streets, established neighborhoods, and housing stock with genuine character (from early 20th century Colonials to mid-century ranches) attract families who appreciate what newer developments simply can’t replicate.
Continue reading What Bergen County Homeowners Should Know About Maintaining Older Homes
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ — If you’ve ever opened your annual property tax bill in New Jersey and wondered how it compares to the rest of the state, you aren’t alone. As one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, the “school tax” portion—which often makes up the largest chunk of your bill—is a frequent topic of debate.
Continue reading New Jersey School Taxes: Which Towns Pay the Most? (Data Breakdown)
