HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy in New Village, NJ

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RIDGEWOOD — New Village Manager Keith Kazmark likens his job to conducting an orchestra.

"Once in a while I have to pick up a trumpet and play myself, but for the most part I direct others where to come in, how loud to play," he said.

Kazmark, 44, arrived July 10 and is among four village administrators to take the helm since January, with Mayor Paul Vagianos, Police Chief Forest Lyons and Schools Superintendent Mark Schwarz.

"Technically we are separate from the school district, but we interact," Kazmark said. "For example, we're in the middle of road resurfacing right now, but I'm pushing to get that done before school starts in September to be out of their way."

It took seven years to name a successor after the previous manager, Roberta Sonenfeld, resigned in September 2016. Until then, the village manager and village clerk were separate positions, but Clerk Heather Mailander was tapped to assume both posts.

Vagianos declined to speculate on the thinking of the previous council, under then-Mayor Susan Knudsen, saying only that keeping the manager seat vacant was "penny-wise and pound-foolish."

"Not that Heather didn't do great work," Vagianos said. "She was named Municipal Clerk of the Year by the Municipal Clerks' Association of New Jersey at their annual meeting in March. But you don't save money by combining jobs. These are top-level management positions, and we don't want to shortchange either one of them."

Former Woodland Park mayor

Kazmark knows something about shared posts, having most recently served as both mayor and administrator of Woodland Park in Passaic County. He previously served as business administrator for Parsippany-Troy Hills and clerk/administrator for Elmwood Park.

"I served with Heather on the Municipal Clerks' Associaton of New Jersey," Kazmark said. "We have a great professional relationship."

The Woodland Park native is a Passaic Valley Regional High School graduate. He has an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a master's from the New York Institute of Technology.

He was elected to his first council term in 2001 while still in college. He spent three years as council president before he was elected mayor in 2011. He has resigned from his elected office but remains Woodland Park's Democratic municipal chair.

Kazmark says his focus will be getting an early start on Ridgewood's next municipal budget.

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"The withdrawal of COVID federal relief money after two years is a challenge to all municipalities," he said.

Vagianos praised Kazmark's experience and expertise as "unparalleled."

"Great leadership is hard to come by, and Ridgewood has found a true leader in Keith," Vagianos said.

Kazmark will be holding a "Meet the Manager" night at Village Hall on Monday, Sept. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m.

By Charlie DeLuca

PublishedAugust 16, 2023 at 12:11 PM

Last UpdatedAugust 16, 2023 at 12:11 PM

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – The village's Communication Committee is looking for donations of high resolution photos of Ridgewood for the new Village website. The committee is looking for images of local Ridgewood locations including locations in the Central Business District and more serine destinations that may be off the beaten path.

“Ridgewood is a unique and varied place with a lot of architectural diversity and landscape diversity,” said Councilmember Siobhan Winograd, who serves as the council liaison to the Communications Committee. “We have hills, we have farmland, we have all of it. We are looking for a broad approach to anything that you want to do. We have received several cool submissions. We are really blessed because we have a huge commitment to the arts in Ridgewood, and we have so many local photographers here who are so generous. We are hoping that they take the time to donate, as well.”

The new village website is an undertaking that is near the front of the priority list for the council. Councilmember Winograd remembers her time as a private citizen when in the summer of 2020, all of Ridgewood was looking for information on public safety regarding the ongoing pandemic.

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“Extremely important,” she told TAPinto Ridgewood when asked about the role an updated website will have on the community. “Public information is incredibly important for a whole host of issues ranging from transparency and good governance to public safety. During COVID, our website collapsed several times, you saw an unprecedented demand for public information.”

High-quality photographs will supplement the website once it is launched later this year by grabbing viewer’s attention, providing a preview of all the great things Ridgewood has to offer, explained Winograd.

“Pictures are incredibly important. People really go to pictures, and we are branding our town. If people come to your site and they find it easy and approachable it leaves a good, digital memory for it. That helps sell our town to businesses, consumers, visitors, and it is just very important.”

The area that now makes up New York and New Jersey were some of the first lands settled by white colonialists in the 1600s. It should come as no surprise then that the oldest town in New Jersey is 116 years older than America itself! Curious as to which town we’re talking about? We’ll talk about the history and some other details of this locale now.

The oldest town in New Jersey is Jersey City which was founded in 1660. This means that it is 116 years older than America itself! It is a little more than 21 square miles in size, with about 70 percent of that land being above water.

Jersey City has the second-highest population density of any city in the state. It is also a major banking and financial hub of the United States.

There are almost 20 thousand inhabitants in every square mile of space. It is also a main port of entry for immigrants. This has made it one of the most diverse cities on earth.

Jersey City: Where is the Oldest Town in New Jersey?

Jersey City is located in the New York metropolitan area. The upper part of New York Bay as well as the Hudson River form the city’s eastern border. The west is bound by Newark Bay and the Hackensack River.

It is easy to take mass transit into Manhattan in New York City from Jersey City. Jersey City is situated right across the river from Manhattan which makes it a popular rental spot for city workers. As a result, the rental prices in Jersey City are some of the highest in the nation.

Tensions between the boundaries of New York City and Jersey City have played out over the years. In 1998, the US Supreme Court gave most of Ellis Island to Jersey City. Jersey City also controls the waters around Liberty Island, which contains New York City’s iconic Statue of Liberty.

History of Jersey City, New Jersey

Before the arrival of colonialists from Western Europe, the area that makes up New Jersey was inhabited by indigenous tribes of the Lenape. Some of these tribes included the Tappan, Unami, Acquackanonk, Wecquaesgeek, Manhattan, Rockaway, Raritan, and Haverstraw.

Henry Hudson, an Englishman, sailed the Dutch ship called Halve Maen up the Hudson River in search of a passage to East Asia. In June 1623, the Dutch province of New Netherland was officially established.

A Dutchman named Michael Reyniersz Pauw purchased Jersey City’s land from the Lenape in 1630. However in 1633, after the area failed to be populated, the Dutch West Indian Company that controlled the province forced him to sell his land back to the company.

Unfortunately, the alliances through sale that the indigenous people struck with Europeans were to their detriment. They weren’t able to retain the hunting and fishing privileges they were promised.

New York and New Jersey quarreled over who owned Jersey City, with New York giving up its claim in 1834. Jersey City was the final destination for one of the 4 major routes of the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad existed in antebellum America and during the Civil War. It helped enslaved people escape to territories that allowed them to be free.

The first drinking water disinfection system in the United States was built in Jersey City in 1908. Railyards became one of the economic heartbeats of the city. Coal contaminants from those days still plague areas like Liberty State Park despite cleanup efforts.

After decades of corruption, Jersey City was a victim of urban decay by the 1980s. In response, the industrial waterfront area was redeveloped. This waterfront, which boasts an unadulterated view of the downtown Manhattan skyline, is now a hotspot for tourists and expensive high-rise condos.

What is the Oldest Neighborhood in Jersey City?

The oldest neighborhood in Jersey City is Bergen. It gained its official charter on September 5, 1661. While Bergen is a part of Jersey City today, it was technically the oldest permanent settlement in the state.

On August 27, 1664, the English showed up in the region demanding that the land be given to their crown. The Dutch rulers weren’t very invested in their colony, and they didn’t provide any weapons or reinforcements. As a result, the leader of the Dutch colony surrendered to the English under the stipulation that the current population be allowed to maintain religious and cultural autonomy.

In its founding year, a ferry was established between Manhattan and Bergen. Today, the exact location of the original village in Jersey City is called Bergen Square.

Where is Jersey City Located on a Map?

Jersey City is located in the northeast region of New Jersey on the western edge of New York City, between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River. It has areas of waterfront on the east at the Hudson River.

Wildlife You’ll Find in Jersey City, New Jersey

While Jersey City is a major metropolitan hub, it still has a noticeable wildlife presence. Raccoons, finches, American robins, skunks, opossums, pigeons, mourning doves, squirrels, snakes, seagulls, crows, mice, rats, woodchucks, bluejays, and bats are commonly spotted. These wild animals within Jersey City are protected by state law, so it is illegal to harm them or relocate them without the help of a trained professional.

Less often, other wildlife not usually associated with urbanization are present in Jersey City. These animals include snowy owls, harbor seals, bald eagles, northern harriers, northern mockingbirds, deer, turkey vultures, Cooper’s hawks, ospreys, black skimmers, and long-eared owls. Seeing birds in the city is easiest at Caven Point inside Liberty State Park, or inside the Lincoln Park Wetlands Restoration.

Because Jersey City is a densely packed urban area, it suffers from pest problems in low-income housing and elsewhere. Around 16 percent of the city’s population lives below the poverty line, and some of the homes of this demographic experience infestations of cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents. The most common cockroach found is the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), with some American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), and Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) also making appearances.

The Hudson River is polluted, however, there is still a sizeable fish population. Species present include striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, river herring, menhaden, and American shad.

During the 1940s to the 1970s, two plants operated by General Electric dumped PCBs into the Hudson River. This damaged regional wildlife. PCBs are human-created chemicals that are fat soluble, and they most likely cause cancer in high enough concentrations.

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I'm a fact-driven creative with a love of history and an eye for detail. I graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2009 with a BA in Art History after a STEM-focused high school career. Telling a complex story with real information in a manner that's easy to digest is my talent. When I'm not writing for A-Z Animals, I'm doting on my 3 cats while I watch documentaries and listen to music in Romance languages.

New Jersey is a state filled with history and many small towns that are often overlooked. Clinton in New Jersey may be a small town but it is rich with history and things to do. With a quick one-hour drive from Montclair, Clinton is decorated with stunning Victorian homes to house the tiny population that makes up the town. From places to eat like Designer Dawgs to Juniper Hill, from shopping at Karen’s Dollhouse Shop to Greens and Beans, there is much to do in Clinton. Read on for a complete itinerary when visiting Clinton, New Jersey.

History of Clinton

Built along the South Branch of the Raritan River, Clinton is a picturesque hamlet with Victorian-style houses, sleepy charm, and a tiny population of under 3,000 people. The town was officially founded on April 5th, 1865. The area was best known for its two prominent mills that used the flowing water using water wheels. The Red Mill dates back to 1810 and is the site of a historic village, while the Stone Mill was a reconstruction built in 1836 and then used to mill continuously until 1952. In 1891, an incident known as The Great Fire swept through Downtown Clinton, destroying 23 buildings and 17 businesses on Main Street.

Clinton’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the historical Red Mill that sits across the river from the downtown promenade. It was built by Ralph Hunt sometime around 1810, originally to be used in processing wool. Mills were the centers of the industry during this time, so it was no surprise that the town’s name mimicked The Mill and came to be called Hunt’s Mill. However, when the market for domestic cloth took a downturn, the property was purchased by the Taylors, a merchant family who dominated the local region. They renamed the town Clinton, after the popular New York governor, DeWitt Clinton. While The Mill continued to process wool, the Taylors expanded the business to grind feed, flour, and stone plaster. As industry and demand changed, so did The Mill. It was bought and sold for its milling ability, as well as the property’s mining potential. For a short time, it was even called “Black Mill.”

Because of its importance to the town’s history, locals took it upon themselves to fund the restoration of The Red Mill. Five, community-minded men, known as the Red Mill Five, purchased the building in order to restore it as Museum. It is thanks to them that the waterwheel still spins vigorously after so many years. The Stone Mill, another important building in the town’s history, is on the downtown side of the river and is now home to the Hunterdon Art Museum.

Today, the Clinton Historic District encompasses much of the town, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Here visitors will find significant architecture, history, and commerce in the great state of New Jersey.

Read More: A Day Trip to Cold Spring, NY: A Hudson River Village

Things to Do

This should be the first stop on any trip to Clinton because it is the center of historical importance within the town. Inside The Red Mill, guests can learn about the history of milling, how the waterwheel functions (even seeing it up close), and wander the historic village to see examples of an early American way of life. The village includes a schoolhouse, log cabin, various storage facilities that supported the mill, and even a dynamite shed for storing the old quarry’s TNT. The Red Mill is open most Saturdays and Sundays during the year from 12PM to 6PM. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12, and free for children under six, along with active and retired military families. However, during the month of October, The Mill celebrates Halloween with the Haunted Red Mill, decorating the entire property as a haunted house. It’s a big local attraction and visitors need to buy tickets online here in order to attend.

The Mill also hosts a Holiday craft fair and festival of trees during the last weekend of November which should not be missed.

Located across the river from The Red Mill is the Hunterdon Art Museum. The museum is on the site of The Stone Mill, a grist mill dating back to 1763 when it supposedly ground wheat for General George Washington’s army during its encampment in Morristown. After grinding wheat for more than a century, the mill was closed. The owner at the time was Joseph Kreisler, a man well into his 80s. After a brief talk of converting the mill into a pencil factory, he became interested in a local discussion for turning it into an arts center where studios could be rented and exhibitions hosted. By the time it sold in 1952, the consensus was for the mill to be converted into a museum.

Today, the museum contains important 20th-century art prints from renowned artists, like Salvador Dali, and hosts the works of locally significant artists. The Hunterdon Art Museum showcases contemporary arts and acts as a center for craft and design. It also hosts more than 300 classes and workshops for children and adults, including painting, drawing, history of art, embroidery, and even printmaking. There is even a summer camp on offer if you’re interested in an art experience for your children. Book a poetry or crafting workshop when you visit and enjoy!

The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday with tickets for adults costing $7.

There are so many beautiful streets in Clinton that it is an absolute must to pick a road and walk it. Downtown’s historical storefronts as beautiful, while the nearby homes are detailed with fine wood porches, lush with landscaping, and decorated with classic Americana. Leigh Street, in particular, is known for its prevalence of Victorian buildings, however, there is also a rich history of Folkstyle, Greek Revival themes, and even Italianate-style houses.

Along Center Street, an 1880’s mansion, located at No. 93, is said to have been built by a member of Clinton’s “aristocracy” at the time. Further down the block, visitors will find examples of Colonial Revival houses, along with homes in the Dutch Colonial style at 125 & 130 Center Street. Read here for a more detailed analysis of the homes in Clinton.

Historic churches can sometimes be straight out of a Tim Burton movie, but the steepled houses of worship in Clinton are old and iconic. Make sure you take a wander around the old cemeteries too.

Where To Eat

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Classic coffee drinks and a hip selection of food make Scout’s a great place to grab a snack — or an avocado toast. The cute storefront is just a short stop outside of Clinton in High Bridge, NJ. With a variety of steel-cut oats, delicious toasts, and freshly baked pastries, you eat light or have your fill.

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A family-friendly tapas and cocktail bar, Juniper Hill is a trendy local hot spot. From grilled octopus to pork cheek, there is a fresh dish for every kind of eater. The menu changes depending on what is available and in season, making sure that guests are always served the best offerings from local farms and carefully chosen vendors.

You don’t see gourmet hot dogs on offer everywhere you go (though it would be nice!). The selection is vast, as are the dogs — they even come with a side of yummy popcorn. One hotdog will leave you stuffed, so be prepared to share with friends. And don’t worry, it’s supposed to be served in a doggy dish — hence the “Dawg” in the name.

Where To Shop

This cheese shop carries a wonderful selection of kitchen condiments, oils, bottles of vinegar, honey, and other accouterments for your next charcuterie board. With the variety of high-quality products, there are so many items to choose from. Stop in for cheese and handcrafted home decor items for your next dinner party.

A highly favored spot for locals, Heartstrings is an excellent weekend stop for those that love jewelry and gifts. With high-quality products with vintage 1920s styling, you are bound to find something for yourself or a friend. Check out the selection of home decor to find old-world inspiration or snag a handmade figurine or two. Even if you’re not in the market for anything, stop by to have a peek at the delightfully creative displays.

A whole shop dedicated to pickles? Yep, that’s Kilhaney’s. With rows of local pickles in every kind of flavor, this shop is a must-stop. Grab some salsa, uniquely flavored cotton candy, and a jar of housewarming pickles, and your holiday shopping will be done in one store. Mama Pickles says, “be sure to stop on by.”

A magical plant store and flower shop, the storefront will stop you in your tracks. It’s worth peeking inside the beautifully decorated shop and picking up a weekend bouquet with a plant on the side. Just be sure not to let the shop kitties out when entering.

See More: A Historical Walking Tour Of Jersey City Heights

Collecting dolls isn’t exactly a modern pastime, but trust us, you do not want to miss this shop. Miniature objects and houses are a treasure, and you will find yourself feeling like a kid. Take notice of all the handmade buildings throughout the store and all the fantastic accessories. Everything is so tiny and expertly handcrafted.

While it’s a little bit of a drive, Clinton, New Jersey, is the perfect town for a day trip. Be sure to visit to see all that it has to offer!

For decades, the beloved brick walkways winding through the outlets at Liberty Village in Hunterdon County were a destination for shoppers in the days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.

The outdoor mall — founded as the nation’s first major outlet center in the 1980s — drew shoppers from around New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

Only three stores in the roughly 23-acre complex — the Ann Taylor Outlet, the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory and Brooks Brothers — remain open. Though it was only a few days before Christmas, not a single shopper was anywhere in Liberty Village on Dec. 15.

“People weren’t shopping at it,” said Flemington Mayor Betsy Driver. “The stores have been closing, the retail market has been changing and it’s now basically a ghost town.”

Two Ann Taylor Outlet employees said on Dec. 15 they’ve still been busy on weekends, but business on weekdays has slowed down. The shop is slated to stay open through January, then move to another location in Flemington.

When it opened in 1981, Liberty Village was considered the nation’s first major outlet shopping center. It enjoyed enormous success and expanded in the late 1990s, but has since declined amid a lack of visitors.

Flemington Borough officials declared it an area in need of redevelopment in Dec. 2021, Driver said. The borough council adopted a redevelopment agreement last year with the Hoboken Brownstone Company, a real estate firm based in Hudson County.

George Vallone, owner of Hoboken Brownstone, plans to redevelop the site into mixed-income housing units, he said. The borough council adopted an agreement with Vallone last year, making him the outlet mall’s designated redeveloper, Driver said.

Vallone said he’s getting the property ready for demolition, which he hopes to start by the spring of next year.

He used to go to Liberty Village with his family “all the time,” he said. “It was phenomenal. Literally thousands of people went there.”

At its peak, the outlet mall was assessed to be worth $33 million, Vallone said. Now the property is assessed to be worth $3 million, only 10% of what it was in its heyday, he added.

Vallone plans to redevelop the property into 164 townhomes, three group homes and a set of apartments. It will also include a 7,500-square-foot park and a town hall, which the company will donate to the borough.

Veterans and adults with disabilities will occupy the group homes, he said. The property will also have 27 affordable housing units.

The redeveloped property will “lower the tax burden on all the other taxpayers” in the borough, he said.

The plan is to have construction of the townhomes and group homes, part of the redevelopment’s first phase, complete by 2027.

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