A great school district is built on the hard work and knowledge of its teachers and administrators. Research shows that continuity of leadership goes hand-in-hand with school achievement. When elected to Ridgewood’s Board of Education, we will support our leaders with clear and consistent goals to focus on student achievement and make concrete and timely decisions that respect their professional expertise.
Last weekend, we participated in Ridgewood’s many great activities and solemn moments for Memorial Day, as we celebrated our heroes. We both wrote a little about our experiences on our Facebook pages, and I’ve included those thoughts below.
We’re also finalizing our campaign efforts with professional pictures and Venmo accounts. Next week, we’ll be ready to go with campaign donations. We’ll have more information about our professional backgrounds in education and our priorities, too.
Please share this newsletter with friends and neighbors. Also follow us on Facebook. (Laura’s page and Julie’s page).
The Ridgewood Run
On Memorial Day, we honor all those who bravely serve us both abroad and at home. It’s a day for remembering these heroes, who help preserve our safety and enrich our lives.
It’s also about squeezing into athletic gear and running/walking through the streets of Ridgewood.
Yesterday, I participated in the Ridgewood Run, a series of races that were organized for the first time in 1976 by local resident, Fred d'Elia, and are now run by the North Jersey Masters. This year, this event attracted 2,400 runners. Many are from Ridgewood. Others came from around the tri-state area and were later seen enjoying the many wonderful restaurants in our downtown.
Joining me at the starting line for the 5K race were runners from all ages (9 to 94), all backgrounds, all fitness levels. I waved at two of my son’s former classmates, because this event and this organization are supportive of the neurodiverse community. This race is inclusivity at its best.
It was also a hot morning, so thank you to all the residents who sprayed us with hoses and cheered us on.
Linda Pursiano Ferraro is the president of the North Jersey Masters Club. A long time resident, Ferraro (RHS, 1973) not only worked with her team to organize this massive event, but she also ran five beginner running groups this spring. She helped 108 new runners from all ages and fitness backgrounds reach new fitness goals. 65 of those runners crossed the 5K finish line yesterday, which is incredibly impressive.
This year was extra special because both of her daughters (RHS 2005, 2006) completed the race. Her husband was a wheelchair cyclist escort. All four of her grandchildren did the Fun Run.
Linda is truly one of my hometown heroes.
RHS Bands
When I moved to Ridgewood more than two decades ago, after turbulent years of immigration, attempts to settle in and find the sense of belonging, Ridgewood brought the feeling of community, reciprocal support, and the possibility to find a permanent home.
The feeling of gratitude and appreciation lives through the fabric of our village. The communal events and celebrations always bring the feeling of optimism and opportunity to honor those who dedicated their lives to the service of our village and of our country. Yesterday's the 104th Memorial Day Service at Van Neste Square was another reminder how stronger we are when we are together, and how remembering the heroes gives hope to the future generations.
On a very personal note, I was immensely touched to have my daughter, a percussionist in RHS Band Wind Ensemble to have a chance to give back and be part of the event, and very grateful to our amazing RHS Band program that in addition to strengthening kids' musical skills, also teaches what it means to be part of the community. It truly takes a village!