The Bergen County Homes Blog

River Vale NJ has a true hero in Rutch Tschudin.  This very energetic and charming woman has been a champion of abused and neglected dogs for decades.  Together with her husband Hugo, Ruth has been an amazing force in the world of animal rescue.  With the sponsorship of Open Doors, Ruth began a celebration of “dogs and the people who love them” called Dog Fest and in a very few years it has become a most special event. 

Ruth founded Open Doors, An Amazing Grace Foundation as a tribute to her mother and father.  Open Doors,  which describes it’s mission as “dedicated to encouraging, empowering, and giving practical assistance to those going through difficult times,” is Ruth and Hugo’s passion second only to their new grandchild. 

River Vale residents for many years, Ruth and Hugo are well known in the community and well loved.  River Vale is a small and intimate community and it is people like the Tschudins who prove the axiom that one person can indeed make a difference.  Dog Fest 2010 was more than a triumph – it was an amazing success.  Held at Beechwood Park in Hillsdale NJ this year, people came by the thousands.  They brought their dogs and their children and spent Sunday afternoon enjoying the day and their dogs.  Even people who didn’t have a pet came just to see all the dogs.

Dog Fest 2010 had everything you could imagine for pets of the canine variety with vendors galore, a dog parade, Champ the Miracle Dog and New Jersey’s own Dog Whisperer.  Rescue dogs needing to be adopted were there in force and I’m told that every one was adopted on Sunday.  Ruth Tschudin is a River Vale treasure.  You can help Open Doors by clicking here and making a donation.   Maybe I’ll see you next year at Dog Fest 2011!

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If you’re in Bergen County next Saturday, come to the Bergen County Zoo and enjoy a special day there – it’s the zoo’s 50th anniversary.  To celebrate, the zoo is offering free admission to all Bergen County residents from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday August 14th.  Non residents will have a small fee.

With over 500 animals, a train, carousel, and pony rides, the zoo is a favorite spot for families.  Over 250,000 people visit the zoo annually and there are educational programs and activities all throughout the year for adults as well as children. 

During the summer the zoo has 3 live animal shows daily in the amphitheater and a unique exhibit called the Budgie Encounter.  Summer months also host Zoo Camp for children from 5 to 15.  Zoo Camp is a popular one week program that is always sold out. 

Located at the north end of Van Saun Park, the zoo is bordered by Paramus and River Edge.  However, people from every town in Bergen County come to the zoo so it doesn’t matter if you live in Tenafly, Dumont, Cresskill or River Vale - no matter where you are here, the zoo is a “must go” location and, if you can’t go to the zoo, the Bergen County Zoo will come to you.  The zoo has special programs for schools, organizations and senior living facilities too.  You can even book a birthday party at the zoo!

So come join us on the 14^th and help celebrate the Bergen County Zoological Park.

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SMA African Art Museum

It is pretty well acknowledged that Bergen County is an extremely diverse, eclectic population, home to many different cultures, races, religions. Here in Tenafly, we are home to the SMA African Art Museum, and it’s a fabulous place to have some fun and celebrate Africa.

Owned and operated by the Society of African Missions SMA Fathers, the museum is located on Bliss Street in Tenafly. It houses collections of masks, prints, sculpture, and fabrics, reflecting a multitude of African cultures. It is one of the few museums in the United States devoted exclusively to African art.

How fortunate we are to have this resource, a windown on the world, right here in Tenafly! Upcoming events include a Festival on September 11, which will celebrate East African culture for the entire family. It’s a great opportunity to have fun and enjoy a great opportunity here at home.

Recently, middle school students from all over northern New Jersey were treated to African and Western music at the museum. They learned dances, tried different instruments, and had a great time. They also were introduced to western classical music at a small concert, and really enjoyed the experience.

Not only is Tenafly a nice place to live, it’s a cultural center. It’s also home to the Thurnauer School of Music at the JCC, a theater company, and many community events at the library. I’ll keep you up to date on the wonderful things happening in the arts.

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What do Mahwah, Paramus, River Vale, Rockleigh and Teaneck have in common?  Each of these towns has a public golf course.  Bergen County supports 5 excellent public golf courses and has an award winning junior golf program as well.  Golf is big here and well supported by the Bergen Couny Parks Department.  

The 5 public golf courses are Darlington in Mahwah, Orchard Hills in Paramus, Overpeck in Teaneck, Rockleigh in Rockleigh and Valley Brook in River Vale.  All are 18 hole courses except Orchard Hills which is a 9 hole course.  Darlington also has a concession based driving range as well as a pro shop and snack bar.  You’ll find a clubhouse at Overpeck, Rockleigh and Valley Brook.  Course fees are very affordable as one would expect with a public golf course and facilities are truly excellent.

There’s an automated tee time reservation system where you can also reserve a golf cart.  Tournaments are scheduled from mid June to the first week of October and run from highly competitive events to golf outings that are geared to beginning players as well as seniors.

A recent addition to the Bergen County golf program is the Pioneer Program.  Begun in 1995 to introduce golf to young people from 8 through 18 years of age, the Pioneer Tour has had a major impact.  Close to 1,000 young golfers participate with more tournaments added each year.  An outstanding program, Golf Digest in 2000 awarded the Pioneer Junior Tour it’s prestigious award for being the best municipal junior golf program in the US.

So whether you buy a home in Dumont, River Vale, Tenafly or anywhere in Bergen County, there’s a golf course and a program just perfect for you.

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There’s a relatively new website that is all about Bergen County and what’s happening here.  Go to www.MyBergen.com and you’ll be amazed at all the information you’ll find there.

Today you’ll find a video on last month’s special Chamber of Commerce event in Westwood at their public library.  Called “A Taste of Westwood” this was a community event to raise funds for the Westwood Public Library and to support hospice.  If you take the time to watch it, you’ll get a real view of what it’s like to live in Bergen County.

I have to admit that as a mother I loved the Kid’s Corner where you’ll find all sorts of activities for children from Robots in Upper Saddle River this August to the New Jersey Children’s Museum in Paramus where they are again having their Summer Fun Workshops.

MyBergen.com also has a great calendar of what’s happening and also tips on where to shop, where to eat and a wonderful section just for people who’ve moved here recently titled New Movers.

Whether you’re a new resident or have been here for years, I’m sure you’ll find www.MyBergen.com a neat website to visit.

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What could be better than buying a home in Tenafly NJ and taking a walk downtown on a Sunday only to find an amazing assortment of fresh produce at the Tenafly Farmer’s Market?

Every Sunday from May through October, Tenafly NJ residents as well as people from neighboring towns come to the local post office parking lot on Tenafly Road where from 10 am to 2 pm there is a wealth of fresh fruit, vegetables and organic items for sale.  You’ll also find wonderful fresh baked bread, pies, muffins and scones as well as bottled jams and honey.  There’s even farm fresh milk.  Many Sundays local artisans have their crafts on display along with local artists.

The Tenafly Farmer’s Market has become so popular that if you’re coming, it’s best to get there early so you don’t miss out on anything.  Without a doubt, one of the special advantages of owning a Tenafly home is the Sunday farmer’s market.  You can check it out online at http://www.tenaflyfarmersmarket.com

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Senior citizens get a lot of breaks in New Jersey; sometimes you don’t even have to be that senior.  Imagine my surprise when I went into the Englewood International House of Pancakes and learned that because I’d crossed the 50 year line I could get pancakes at a discount.  Frankly, being told I get a senior rate at the age of 50 was more than disconcerting!

Property taxes are a major reason why senior citizens sell their Bergen County homes.  The cost of ownership for people who are on a retirement income often becomes a burden they cannot handle.  When they bought their family home many years ago, they had a working income but without that now, it’s just too expensive even when the mortgage is paid off.

Property taxes are a big part of the problem because they often go up every year making it increasingly more dificult for senior homeowners to afford their home.  To help out, the State of New Jersey has a property tax freeze program for those seniors who qualify and the deadline to apply for this has been extended until August 2nd.

Just go to the State of New Jersey’s Property Tax Reimbursement website where you’ll find all the information.  This program, known as the Senior Freeze, stops property tax increases for those who qualify.  As in all things relating to your finances and taxes, I suggest that you contact your accountant for guidance.  You can also call your local Tax Assessor.  But one thing’s for sure – if you’re a senior citizen, you want to check this out before August!

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One of the wonderful things about owning a Bergen County home is how close you are to so many things.  Every season has it’s sports and activities and Bergen County is always within an easy 1-2 hour drive which makes for lots of fun family trips.  When people come here to buy a home in Bergen County they often ask “How easy is it to get to the city?”  They are concerned with transportation to New York City.  Once they live in a Bergen County home, however, they soon ask “How long does it take to get to the beach?”

With the summer season just begining, it’s time to think of going to the Jersey Shore.  Actually, you never say you’re going TO the shore, here in Bergen County we say we’re going DOWN the shore.  That’s because Bergen County homes are north of the shore so our famous beaches are south of where we live.

Point Pleasant NJ is a very popular destination and it’s only a short 90 minutes from your front door whether you live in Tenafly, Paramus or Ridgewood or anywhere else in our county.  Just hop on the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike and sooner than you’d think you’ll be on the beautiful sandy beaches of the New Jersey Shore.

Every year New Jersey Monthly Magazine publishes it’s annual shore guide.  This is one issue you do not want to miss.  From Atlantic City to Sea Girt and beyond you’ll find everything you need to know about what’s happening down the New Jersey shore this season.  Once you read it, you can plan your next trip down the shore from your Bergen County home!

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One of the truly great aspects of buying a Tenafly home is the wonderful shopping district Tenafly residents enjoy.  Although Bergen County is well known for the major shopping malls that line Route 4 and Route 17 in Hackensack and Paramus, the value of a local downtown where merchants and shopkeepers know you by first name is cherished here.

I remember how my mother took all of us children to a very special book store in Hackensack.  Womrath’s was the place where you could browse for hours until you found the perfect book.  If you needed help, Mr. Kutik and his staff would always find what you needed.  My mother would reward us with a trip to Womrath’s.  Today Mr. Kutik’s son Bob has maintained that tradition.

Bob Kutik owns and operates Womrath’s in Tenafly with that same wonderful customer service but he’s also moved into the 21st century – Womrath’s has a website, email newsletter and a page on Facebook.  It remains a treasure for Bergen County book lovers and is another reason why buying a Tenafly home brings you more than living space – it also brings you a great suburban lifestyle.

Small bookstores are rare these days but Tenafly has one of the very best in Womrath\’s.

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