Ridgewood, NJ - Aloysius Donohue, a Partner at Marron & Gildea, announced today that Ana O'Callaghan joined the firm's Ridgewood office. "We are very excited to have Ana on board", said Donohue. "Ana is an energetic, tech-savvy agent with a sterling reputation and an excellent track record.  She will be a great addition to our rapidly expanding Ridgewood office". O'Callaghan settled in Ridgewood 8 years ago with her husband and young daughter and is very active in the Ridgewood community.  Ana entered real estate several years ago after a successful career in corporate America and quickly became an extremely successful agent.  Ana attributes her quick rise up the real estate ranks to her customer centered approach, her thorough understanding of the Ridgewood market and her ability to ma... 02/03/2008

This article was printed on the front page of the Sunday Real Estate section. Bergen County Real Estate has been affected by Short Sales. Fortunately I have been able to help people successfully negotiate Short Sales. For more information on Short Sales or any other topic, call Sal Poliandro, Realtor, ePRO, SRES at 201-259-2187, or visit our website: http://www.salanddawn.com/ or www.shortsaleguy.org Sal can be reached by snail mail at RE/MAX Properties 73 East Allendale Road Saddle River, NJ 07458 01/28/2008

$175 million sale sets new U.S. residential sales recordMost expensive property for sale in Ridgewood: $3,529,900The U. S. housing market overall may be suffering from the doldrums, but wealthy home buyers continue to invest in homes at the very top of the market. Evidence of the strength of the luxury home segment was revealed in late November with the sale of the Trinchera Ranch in Colorado for a record-setting $175 million.  This sale breaks the U.S. residential sales record of $103 million set earlier this year in New York's Hamptons.  By comparison, the most expensive property currently on the market in Ridgewood is $3,529,900 (listed by Weichert Real Estate) according to Aloysius Donohue a real estate professional with Marron & Gildea - Ridgewood.  "This property is certainly more... 01/26/2008

One of the most highly anticipated and entertaining Ridgewood fundraisers of the year kicks off on February 6th.  The event is organized by parents and supporters of Ridgewood High School students who put on a different stage production each year.  With a cast of more than 160 people, the Ridgewood Jamboree is one of the largest productions of its kind in the country.  Tickets are on sale now, volunteers are still needed, and there is still time for Ridgewood Residents and businesses place an ad in the program. For more information about this great event click here Ridgewood JamboreeAloysius Donohue is a Ridgewood resident and an award winning real estate agent with Marron & Gildea Realtors in Ridgewood New Jersey.Click here for more information about Ridgewood NJClick here for more inf... 01/21/2008

Come one, come all....for great food and friends at a reasonable price.  Ridgewood, New Jersey's Restaurant Week 2008 has almost arrived!  The event kicks off on Thursday, January 28th and runs until January 31st than again on February 4th thru the 7th.  For these eight days, participating restaurants in Ridgewood will offer patrons a special three course menu all for the price of $20.08...notice the 2008 resemblence?Participating restaurants include:Blend Restaurant,  Café Tulip, Dim Sum Dynasty, GEN Hibachi & Asian Cuisine, It's Greek To Me, LaCambusa, LaPiazza Bistro Italiano, Latour, A French American Grill, Lisa's Turkish Kitchen, Mediterraneo Restaurant, Natalie's Special Café, The Office Bear Bar & Grill, Sushi Sakurabana, Wasabi Restaurant, Wild Ginger, Winberie's, The Wine Sell... 01/18/2008

The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and Valley hospital are sponsoring a great event called Ridgewood Restaurant week.  It kicks off on January 28th.  For 8 days Ridgewood restaurants are offering the chance to experience  the finest dining Ridgewood has to offer - at a steep discount.  Each chef will prepare a tantalizing 3 course, prix-fixe menu. Diners can choose from 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 3 desserts for only $20.08! I definitely plan on tasting a few off the menus.  Unfortunately, I have entered the Ridgewood Dad's Night Biggest Loser contest so I won't be able to taste too much.  I really want to be a Big Loser. Click here for details and a list of Ridgewood Restaurant Week ParticipantsAloysius Donohue is a Ridgewood resident and an award winning real estate agent with Marron &... 01/10/2008

Parents won't have to worry about where their children are on Saturday, January 12th from 7-10pm when the Ridgewood Community Center hosts "Girl's Night Out."  Middle school students are invited to bring various items and design their own personalized and unique fashion to model.  In addition, a fun make-up demonstration will be offered and dance instructor Marisa Catena will teach hip-hop dancing to the latest songs.  Participants will enjoy pizza, soda and desserts.  The program will cost $5.00.I believe this is a great idea.  Middle school girls will be able to get together and have fun on a Saturday night in a safe, community environment.  I think the town should host more of these events for local teenagers.  In the upcoming weeks the Community Center will also be hosting a Boy's N... 01/08/2008

Here in Ridgewood the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee have been awarded a federal grant of $158,000 to improve pedestrian education and help fund improvements to pedestrian routes throughout town.  A large portion of these funds will be applied toward capital improvements to improve the safety of children commuting to school.Projects include:- The improvement and enhancement of 81 crosswalks in the vicinity of 8 Ridgewood schools to make the crosswalks more visible.- New "School Zone" markings on roads around Ridgewood schools to inform drivers they are approaching a school zone.- Flashing Beacon Warning Lights to alert drivers they are approaching a school zone and should be aware of crossing pedestrians and obey the reduced speed limit.  In addition, a Safe Routes to School Coordin... 01/07/2008

Here is your 2007 Ridgewood Real Estate Market Recap  There were 337 Listings Sold! An average list price of $864,636An average sold price of $821,230Sale price as a percentage of list price was 94.98%So overall in 2007 sellers were only coming down about 5% from their asking price. The average home selling price was within a few thousand dollars of 2005. 2007 proved to be a year where people were still buying and selling.   Let us compare these numbers to previous years...  In 2006  There were 315 Listings Sold! An average list price of $927,965An average sold price of $871,627Sale price as a percentage of list price was 93.92% In 2005There were 368 Listings Sold! An average list price of $831,970An average sold price of $818,518Sale price as a percentage of list price was 98.38% Ridge... 12/30/2007

Based on Trenton's proposed new funding formula, Ridgewood Schools are slated for a 10% increase in state aid or about $365,000.  Sounds good, right?  Maybe not...According to Ridgewood Board of Education member Sheila Brogan, $290,000 of the $365,000 in aid would be used for direct tax relief NOT for funding new programs or to offset increased costs for Ridgewood special education programs, health insurance premium increases, or increased costs for heating Ridgewood schools.This new funding formula is complex and it will take some time for the public and the legislature to fully understand its impact.  However, the details of the plan have only been available for 10 days or so and the Governor is pushing for a vote on January 8th.   If the formula makes sense in January why wouldn't it... 12/30/2007

The Third Annual Ridgewood High School Art Show opened recently and will run through Jan. 8, 2008.  There will be a reception for the artists on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, from 3-5 pm at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, NJ.  All students, alumni, friends, family and staff are invited to the reception as well as to view the exhibition.Over 20 Ridgewood grads are exhibiting their work in the show, which is sponsored by the Ridgewood High School Department of Art and Design. The exhibit is open to the public."Last year's show was a great success and the hope was to reach even more of the alumni this year," said Denise Sivulich, art supervisor for the Ridgewood Public Schools. With over twenty former Ridgewood High School students participating, that goal has been successfully met.Click her... 12/27/2007

If you are new to Ridgewood NJ, or thinking about moving here, be sure to check out the Ridgewood Newcomers Club.  The newcomers club is a great way to make new friends and hook up with other new Ridgewood residents that have similar interests. We have lived in Ridgewood for several years and couldn't be happier here.  My wife still attends the Lunch Bunch and really enjoys it. Below is some additional info on upcoming events and a link to the Ridgewood Newcomers Club website. Ridgewood Newcomers Website - http://ridgewoodnewcomers.com/ Afternoon Social -  January 9, 2008Come on over for an intimate lunch at a Club Member's home in Ridgewood. Enjoy good food and great conversation with old friends and new Ridgewood residents in a personal and cozy setting. Click here to send e-mail to g... 12/23/2007

We decided to spend the evening in Ridgewood this Friday. I work in town and really enjoy the people and the quaint downtown. The evening started by walking around town and taking some photos. We made our way back to the movies to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. We really enjoyed the movie, it felt like Indiana Jones for my son's generation. My kids wanted hot chocolate, so we stopped in Starbucks. There was a guy named Steve who was playing guitar and singing some songs. He played some Billy Joel, James Taylor and The Beatles. My favorite song of the night was Jingle Bells, mostly because my 5 year old daughter became a star at the Ridgewood Starbucks she really brought down the house. Fortunately I was able to capture the moment on my Palm Treo. Here it is for your enjoyment. ... 12/21/2007

Below is the response I received from Assemblyman Dave Russo regarding the new funding formula's impact on Ridgewood Schools.  I am sure it is a form letter but at least he took the time to craft a form letter and stated that he shares our concerns and "questions the necessity of rushing this bill through the lame duck session".  He also mentions addressing provisions that may be harmful to suburban and rural districts which obviously include the Ridgewood School District. From: Russo, Asm. D.O. [mailto:AsmRusso@njleg.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 9:36 AMTo: Al Donohue - Marron & GildeaSubject: RE: Opposition to New School Funding FormulaThanks very much for your email. Although we have some information regarding the new formula, the Legislature is currently waiting for a bill... 12/19/2007

To all Ridgewood Parents,If you care about the quality of education in Ridgewood, NJ please take the time this busy holiday season to e-mail your representatives in Trenton with concerns about how the new school funding formula will affect Ridgewood Schools.  Even though there is a proposed funding increase for next year, we do not know where Trenton will find $532,000,000 to fund it.  Remember the state already has a $3 billion deficit.  In the long run, the new formula for special education aid distribution will mean less money than what the Ridgewood School District would have received with the old formula if it had been properly funded. Finally, rushing to enact legislation that the politicians have not even read, analyzed, or debated makes little sense.  The politicians will receiv... 12/16/2007

The new report released by Standard & Poor's confirms what we here in Ridgewood NJ already knew...Ridgewood has some of the top schools in NJ. There may be a lot of debate in town over the Ridgewood School Budget, or the type of Math programs that are being taught (Traditional vs Terc vs Everyday Math, etc.) but that just shows how passionate the parents, teachers and administrators are about education here in Ridgewood, New Jersey. See below for more details. S&P Names Ridgewood a Top "Outperforming School District"Standard & Poor's named the Ridgewood School District one of the top five "Outperforming School Districts" among its peers in the State of New Jersey. The designation identifies school districts that consistently outperform demographically similar school districts. The analy... 12/15/2007

Governor Corzine's new school funding formula will almost certainly negatively impact the children in Ridgewood who need the most help - our special needs students.   I am a Ridgewood resident, a parent of a special needs child, and the chairman of Somerville School's Advocacy Committee so obviously I am upset but...Do not ask for whom Governor Corzine's bell tolls, it tolls for every child in Ridgewood - not just special needs children. The new formula will not only negatively impact Ridgewood's special needs students.  As funding for special needs programs in Ridgewood dries up due to Governor Corzine's misguided plan some resources from other areas will undoubtedly need to be siphoned off so we can at least meet the bare minimum for the special needs children.   This is a zero sum ga... 12/12/2007

A fierce battle is raging in my happy little hometown of Ridgewood, New Jersey.  It has pit neighbors against neighbors, parents against educators and educators against their colleagues.   No, it's not a battle over drugs, or violence in the school system, or anything as mundane as that.  It is a far more sensational topic...Ridgewood MATH!Obviously, I say this with tongue firmly in cheek but this really is a serious matter - especially to me. This may seem like a dry topic but just Google "Ridgewood Math" and you will see how passionate folks are about it and how much press it has received. I have some serious skin in this game given that I have 2 children just beginning their trek through the Ridgewood school system.  I have read a lot on the topic and both sides seem to make valid po... 12/11/2007

A colleague recently introduced me to this site and I've found it to be very interesting.  It's a local site that posts clips of local sports highlights, a "question of the week" that is relevant to those who live in Ridgewood NJ, info on Ridgewood real estate and clips of all sorts of community events.http://www.ridgewoodtv.com Admittedly, my company (Marron & Gildea) advertises in the real estate section of this site but that is not the reason for my post.   I just thought this was a neat way to keep abreast of what was going on in Ridgewood and surrounding towns.  Ridgewood is somewhat of a social hub in this area and this site keeps folks informed of what is going on. I want to be clear that I do not have some hidden interest in promoting this site.  I have never met or even spoken ... 12/10/2007

Ridgewood had it's annual Christmas Tree Lighting this past Saturday December 1, 2007. It was really cold, but worth it. Here is a picture of my kids in front of Fratelli Trattoria.  Of course we had to stop at the Ridgewood Starbucks for Hot Chocolate (It was cold!). We also looked in the window of Biltmore Tuxedos. They have a really great old time train going in the window. No evening in Ridgewood during this Christmas season would be complete without visiting Santa. My oldest daughter said to me, "I didn't realize the big man was going to be here"  Come to Ridgewood, NJ and enjoy how we celebrate this time of year. Here of course is the Ridgewood Christmas Tree.  Please come and visit this great town in Bergen County. 12/05/2007