<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Passaic County NJ Real Estate Blog</title><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/blog</link><description>Ringwood NJ real estate market news provided by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage</description><lastBuildDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:32:00 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>Living the Good Life on New Jersey's Lakes</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Considering buying waterfront property in New Jersey? Check out this article from <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/realestate/98186904_On_the_lakes__where_living_is_easy.html" target="_blank">New Jersey.com</a> written by Kathleen Lynn.&nbsp; Read on for highlights/inserts and my&nbsp; own quote from Kathleen&rsquo;s article.</p>
<p>"....you don't need to move to the Shore to live near the water. North Jersey has a number of lake communities &mdash; natural havens, hidden away from the highways and shopping malls.</p>
<p>Homes in lake communities don't necessarily cost more than similar properties nearby, but houses right on the water do. Realtors estimate that lakefront properties go for 30 to 35 percent more than similar homes that are landlocked. But many people are willing to pay that price.</p>
<p>In fact, home values range widely among North Jersey's lake communities. You can find small two- or three-bedroom homes in Ringwood or West Milford lake neighborhoods for as little as $200,000 to $350,000 &mdash; or pay more than $1 million for luxurious, newer waterfront homes on Greenwood Lake or Pines Lake or in the Smoke Rise gated community in Kinnelon.</p>
<p>However, there are trade-offs. Many of North Jersey's lake communities were developed in the first half of the 20th century as summer colonies and some started their lives as tiny summer cottages or log cabins. They sometimes lack the size, closet space or multiple bathrooms that buyers crave. And many of North Jersey's lakes are in hilly, remote towns such as West Milford, making for long commutes and a rural lifestyle that might include too many bears for some families' comfort.</p>
<p>The sprawling town of West Milford has many lake neighborhoods that started as summer communities, including Pinecliff Lake, which is near the downtown shopping district and has a lot of log cabins, and Upper Greenwood Lake, where lots were sold in the 1930s for $97.50 each in a marketing gimmick by the New York Daily Mirror newspaper.</p>
<p>The real beauty of Pines Lake is that the real estate is very diverse, from starter homes to bigger homes. It's not like you have to spend a million dollars to get started here&hellip;&rdquo;</p>
<p>"Some people come here because it's affordable and commutable, and they discover a gem of a community and never want to leave," said Orly Steinberg, a Coldwell Banker agent in Ringwood who sells many lake homes.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Click here to view Orly's <a style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</a> and <a style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Click here to <a style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700;" href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</a> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">and the surrounding area.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Living-the-Good-Life-on-New-Jerseys-Lakes</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Living-the-Good-Life-on-New-Jerseys-Lakes</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Kudos to Classroom Gardening in Ringwood, New Jersey</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Compliments to the Robert Erskine and Peter Cooper Elementary Schools in Ringwood, NJ.&nbsp; By establishing the Ramapough Native Gardens&rsquo; into the classroom curriculum these schools have gained the attention of the New Jersey Network (NJN) public television and radio program "<a href="http://www.njn.net/television/njnseries/classroomcloseup/" target="_blank">Classroom Close-Up</a>, NJ". &nbsp; The producers and crew have taped several parents, teachers and their students tending to a native garden (The Three Sisters), grinding corn into flour, and hear a native tale about vegetation.</p>
<p>&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;According to Iroquois legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive together.&nbsp; This tradition of inter-planting corn, beans, and squash in the same mound, widespread among Native American farming societies, is a sophisticated, sustainable system that provided long-term soil fertility and healthy diet to generations.&rdquo;</em><em> </em></p>
<p>To acknowledge the Native American influence at Robert Erskine and Peter Cooper Elementary Schools gardens, artists have designed a mural depicting the Ramapough Mountain Indians Clan sign:&nbsp; the Turtle.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.njagsociety.org/index.htm" target="_blank">New Jersey Agricultural Society</a> (NJAS) named, Christine Schouten, Teacher of the Year for her efforts in promoting gardening with children.&nbsp; &ldquo;<em>The New Jersey Agricultural Society, a 501 C (3) non-profit, is the oldest agricultural organization of its type in the nation.&nbsp; Established in 1781, its mission is to preserve and enhance agriculture, farming and related activities and businesses in New Jersey through educational, informational, and promotional programs.&rdquo; </em></p>
<p>Amy Jolin of the Ringwood Farmers Market; a venue to promote locally grown produce, collaborated with a Board of Education member, Melissa Griegel, about the garden curriculum; designing the curriculum to encompass the school year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So kudos to the students, the teachers, the parents, and to the Board of Education for developing and supporting another way for New Jersey to be &ldquo;sustainable&rdquo; and &ldquo;green&rdquo;.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Compliments of Orly,&nbsp; Neighborhood Specialist</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Orly Steinberg offers homes and real estate for sale in and around <strong>Passaic County</strong>, New Jersey including the towns of <strong>Pompton Lakes</strong>, <strong>Ringwood</strong>, <strong>Wanaque</strong> and <strong>West Milford</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click on the link if you would like to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.onlyorly.idxco.com/idx/5065/contact.php" target="_blank">Schedule a Showing</a> </span></strong>http://www.onlyorly.idxco.com/idx/5065/contact.php to any of Orly's Featured properties or any Properties you may find when you use Orly's handy <strong><a href="http://www.onlyorly.idxco.com/idx/5065/advancedSearch.php" target="_blank">Automated Home Search</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.onlyorly.idxco.com/idx/5065/advancedSearch.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Kudos-to-Classroom-Gardening-in-Ringwood-New-Jersey</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Kudos-to-Classroom-Gardening-in-Ringwood-New-Jersey</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:04:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Lure of Ringwood State Park</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Ringwood, NJ can boast of having a magnificent state park nearby.&nbsp; The <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html" target="_blank">Ringwood State Park</a>,&nbsp;sprawls across two counties, Bergen and Passaic, with several well-known attractions within its boundaries.</p>
<p>The Park consists of 4, 044 acres of fun.&nbsp; Within these 4,000+ acres sits The State Botanical Garden at <a href="http://www.njbg.org/" target="_blank">Skylands Manor</a>,&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ringwoodmanor.com/" target="_blank">The Forges and Ringwood Manor</a>,&nbsp;and <a href="http://findlakes.com/shepherd_lake_new-jersey~nj00498.htm" target="_blank">Shepherd Lake Recreation Area</a>.</p>
<p>The Botanical Garden, Skylands Manor, and Ringwood Manor are opened year round while Shepherd Lake Recreation Area is only open from May &ndash; September (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) from 10 am to 6 pm.<strong></strong></p>
<p>Skylands Manor and the State Botanical Garden host weddings and special events year round.&nbsp; The Garden has thirteen <a href="http://www.njbg.org/gardens.shtml" target="_blank">specialty gardens</a>.&nbsp; All the stone in the Manor was quarried on the estate.&nbsp; St Luke&rsquo;s Chapel, built in 1895 is partnered with Skylands Manor for weddings and other events.</p>
<p>Shepherd Lake Recreation Area is a 74 acre spring-fed lake.&nbsp; With Boating, canoeing and fishing allowed and trails surrounds the lake.</p>
<p>Ringwood State Park has several different trails to choose from:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hiking</li>
<li>Nature trails</li>
<li>Horseback riding</li>
<li>Biking</li>
<li>Mountain biking</li>
</ul>
<p>The State Park also allows hunting, picnicking, winter sports, and skeet shooting at <a href="http://www.thundermt.com/Thunder_Mountain/Thunder_Mountain.html" target="_blank">Thunder Mountain Skeet Range</a>. <a href="http://www.thundermt.com/Thunder_Mountain/Thunder_Mountain.html">http://www.thundermt.com/Thunder_Mountain/Thunder_Mountain.html</a>.</p>
<p>There &nbsp;much to do and see in Ringwood State Park.</p>
<p>Courtesy of Orly Steinberg, Neighborhood Specialist</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/The-Lure-of-Ringwood-State-Park</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/The-Lure-of-Ringwood-State-Park</guid><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:56:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ringwood, New Jersey Library Budget Cuts</title><description><![CDATA[<p>In Ringwood, NJ the <a href="http://www.ringwoodlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Ringwood Public Library</a>, may have to cut services and materials.&nbsp; What does it mean to the public to lose services and materials?</p>
<p>It means a possible loss of the Ringwood Public Library&rsquo;s:</p>
<ul>
<li>Books</li>
<li>CD&rsquo;s</li>
<li>DVD&rsquo;s</li>
<li>Hours of Operations</li>
<li><a href="http://www.jerseycat.org/about/" target="_blank">InterLibrary Loans</a> (ILL&rsquo;s) </li>
<li>Internet Access</li>
<li>Personnel</li>
<li>Programs/Events</li>
<li>Research Databases</li>
<li>Website</li>
</ul>
<p>Access to knowledge hasn&rsquo;t always been available to the general public.&nbsp; For centuries books were considered a valuable possession to be passed down to the next person.&nbsp; A person who could read and write was held in high esteem.&nbsp; And the opposite for the person&rsquo;s who could not read nor write.&nbsp; Women, even from wealth, were not encouraged nor given access to education; people of color even less.</p>
<p>At one time libraries were not a part of the mil&rsquo;s of the tax revenue but, supported through private donations.&nbsp; Now a day&rsquo;s governmental bodies place libraries under Human Services.&nbsp; Human Services departments, unfortunately, are the first to suffer budget cuts when the economy slows.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The State of New Jersey doles their funding on a per capita basis.&nbsp; Gov. Chris Christie proposes a 74 percent budget cut to libraries. &nbsp;If this happens on July 1, 2010 it will take libraries years to recover from this loss of aid; if the libraries are able to recover.&nbsp; Many libraries will close because their local economy can&rsquo;t give them enough support.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What is sad, as the libraries, across the nation, are being downsized and/or closed is the very time that the public needs the library the most. <a href="http://savemynjlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Same my New Jersey Library</a>.</p>
<p>Compliments of Orly Steinberg</p>
<p>Neighborhood Specialist</p>
<p>&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p>Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-New-Jersey-Library-Budget-Cuts</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-New-Jersey-Library-Budget-Cuts</guid><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Help Me Make a Difference! Stop Domestic Violence!</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 4px; float: left;" src="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/violence.jpg" alt="Stop Domestic Violence - World Peace Begins at Home" width="162" height="150" />I wanted to share a cause with you that I hope you will join me in supporting.</p>
<p>On <strong>July 18th</strong> &ldquo;Pick It Up! Pictures&rdquo; and &ldquo;Real Women Real Beauty&rdquo; show and Alexa Prisco from the Style Network hit show &ldquo;Jerseylicious&rdquo; are teaming up with the charitable, non-profit entity, &ldquo;Strengthen Our Sisters&rdquo; (SOS).&nbsp; Their goal is to help raise money and awareness, and to save 8 SOS that are facing being shut down due to lack of funding. Over 50% of homeless people are women and children fleeing abuse and trying to start a new life.&nbsp; Every 9 seconds a woman is beaten in America and over 8 women and children are beaten to DEATH everyday in America due to abuse. This is an epidemic and these voiceless victims desperately need a voice.&nbsp; These non-profits need help <strong>BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE</strong>.&nbsp; They are fighting poverty, gangs, dysfunction, ignorance, abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking, everything, etc. <br /><br />The minds and the inspiration behind this event should be recognized what they are doing will have a direct impact on the lives of so many women and children who need all the help that they can get.&nbsp; WORLD PEACE BEGINS AT HOME was started by Pick It Up! Pictures&rdquo; founder Jacquelyn Aluotto. Because of her vision this event is also taking place in other parts of the country to raise awareness and funds for various social services.</p>
<p>Please join me in supporting&nbsp; this worthy cause by helping me sponsor this event. Click on this link for the <a title="World Peace Begins at Home" href="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/WORLD PEACE BEGINS AT HOME.pdf" target="_blank">Sponsorship Form and additional information</a>.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Help-Me-Make-a-Difference-Stop-Domestic-Violence</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Help-Me-Make-a-Difference-Stop-Domestic-Violence</guid><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Art of Coppersmithing is Still Practiced at The Manor Restaurant in West Orange, New Jersey</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Hans Bru<img style="margin: 0px 4px; float: left;" title="Hans Brueckl, 83 year old Coppersmith" src="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/Orly_COPPER1.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="114" />eckl, an 83 year old coppersmith, is still practicing his art/skill at <a href="http://www.themanorrestaurant.com/flagship-property.html" target="_blank">The Manor Restaurant</a> in West Orange, &ldquo;<em>The Manor is a veritable village of craftsman and artisans&rdquo;.</em></p>
<p>This unique restaurant is a glimpse into the past century of how a self contained property is managed. Today this feudal concept is transformed into a place for artist and craftsmen to showcase their skills.&nbsp; From the kitchen, to the gardens, to the carriage house (mechanics) the Manor&rsquo;s personnel can do it all.&nbsp; It is a &ldquo;living history&rdquo; that is a business.&nbsp; A successful business!</p>
<p>What is wonderful &ndash; the artist get to utilize their skill in a practical manner.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/passaic_morris/96355139_Coppersmith_in_West_Orange_is_last_of_his_breed.html" target="_blank">Hans Brueckl</a>, learned the art of coppersmith as an apprentice in Austria.&nbsp; When the term smithy is used the first thing that comes to mind is the blacksmith.&nbsp; The blacksmith &ndash; think horseshoeing, is still a known skill but, coppersmith is rarer.&nbsp; Even silversmith &ndash; think handmade jewelry, is known more than coppersmith.&nbsp; So what do coppersmiths make and how does one learn the skill?</p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppersmith" target="_blank">Coppersmiths</a> aka redsmiths make many everyday items with copper, hence the name redsmith. This skill in copper began transforming over to sheetmetal work in the late 1970&rsquo;s and early 1980&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Coppersmiths now include working with aluminum and stainless steel.&nbsp; Instead of a forge an acetylene torch is used to transform the raw material into useful items.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, coppersmithing at the Manor may be seeing an end to an era. &nbsp;Hans Brueckl doesn&rsquo;t have an apprentice to train.&nbsp; What he learned more than 50 years ago, the style, the quality of work, the time and patience to work the copper may become a lost art.</p>
<p>Coppersmiths have been around a long time &ndash; it is one of the few trades mentioned in the Bible.&nbsp; Losing this art/skill would be a shame.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Courtesy of Orly,</p>
<p>Neighborhood Specialist</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Click here to view Orly's </span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> and </span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</span></strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Click here to </span><a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> and the surrounding area.</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/The-Art-of-Coppersmithing-is-Still-Practiced-at-The-Manor-Restaurant-in-West-Orange-New-Jersey</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/The-Art-of-Coppersmithing-is-Still-Practiced-at-The-Manor-Restaurant-in-West-Orange-New-Jersey</guid><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:43:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Future Farmers of America Hosts Golf Benefit at Mercer Oaks Golf Course</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border: black 1px solid;" src="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/Orly%20ffa_aged3model.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="133" /></p>
<p>June 22, 2010, the New Jersey FFA Alumni Association is hosting the 9<sup>th</sup> Annual FFA Golf Benefit, Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor, NJ to help raise funds for the FFA.&nbsp; Players and <a href="http://www.jerseyageducation.nj.gov/agriculture/ag_ed/ffa/partners/2010Golfbrochure.pdf" target="_blank">sponsorships</a> are welcomed.</p>
<p>The Future Farmers of America (FFA), was established in 1928, and has grown into The National FFA Organization as of 1988.&nbsp; This 82 year old organization has chapters in every state and usually a part of the Department of Agriculture. The Ringwood High School has an Agriculture program.&nbsp; If you think that FFA doesn&rsquo;t appeal to the kids of today &ndash; think again.&nbsp; Taylor Swift, teen singer, is a former member of FFA.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Why should you support the FFA?&nbsp; Because the FFA offers programs that are much more than &ldquo;down on the farm&rdquo;.&nbsp; According to the National <a href="http://www.ffa.org/index.cfm?method=c_teamaged.TeamAgEd" target="_blank">FFA website</a>,&nbsp;there are three components to the program. The FFA organization is only one piece of the three pronged model that works together to provide students with leadership, academic and career experience in the agricultural field.</p>
<p>The model components:</p>
<ol>
<li>classroom/laboratory instruction (Instruction)</li>
<li>supervised agricultural experience programs (SAE)</li>
<li>student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization, National Young Farmer Educational Association, and National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization).</li>
</ol>
<p>Compliments of Orly,</p>
<p>Neighborhood Specialist</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Future-Farmers-of-America-Hosts-Golf-Benefit-at-Mercer-Oaks-Golf-Course</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Future-Farmers-of-America-Hosts-Golf-Benefit-at-Mercer-Oaks-Golf-Course</guid><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:55:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>What Will it be -Wind or Solar Energy for Ringwood, New Jersey?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="vertical-align: top; border: black 1px solid;" title="Off Shore Wind Energy Plan" src="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/wind_533.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="148" /></p>
<p>Ringwood Library or the Borough Hall could be a testing site for a renewable energy source.&nbsp; At the expense of the company who is proposing this effort the Borough Council is putting this request on their agenda to discuss the possibility.</p>
<p>There are several reasons why the Borough Council will be considering this request.&nbsp; Every state in the union was mandated by the federal government to develop an energy plan.&nbsp; The State of New Jersey, since the 1970&rsquo;s, has an <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/emp/docs/" target="_blank">energy master plan</a> that is required to be reviewed every ten (10) years.&nbsp; The last time the energy master plan was reviewed was in 2008 and is currently being reviewed and revised by the state government.&nbsp;This plan requires 20 percent of <a href="http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/03/offshore-wind-farm-approved-in-new-jersey/" target="_blank">New Jersey&rsquo;s energy</a> to come from renewable sources. There are several points in the master plan that have deadlines:</p>
<ul>
<li>2012 &ndash; 1,000 megawatts of wind energy by offshore wind farms</li>
<li>2020 &ndash; 3,000 megawatts of wind energy by offshore wind farms</li>
<li>2020 &ndash; 200 megawatts of wind energy by onshore wind generators or farms</li>
</ul>
<p>With this in mind, there is $19 million in grant money to off sit the cost of providing a renewable energy source in a community.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2008, New Jersey&rsquo;s first offshore wind farm was approved and since has become a tourist attraction.&nbsp; So the first point of the master plan has been achieved and now reviewing for the other points is underway.</p>
<p>Because of Ringwood&rsquo;s location; there seems to be enough wind to investigate having a wind turbine placed either at the library or the Borough hall. Of course, this company has proposed a power purchase agreement or a contract if there is enough wind to generate a cost effective energy.</p>
<p>The Ringwood Zoning Board will assess the request for a testing tower to be raised in either location.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/What-Will-it-be-Wind-or-Solar-Energy-for-Ringwood-New-Jersey</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/What-Will-it-be-Wind-or-Solar-Energy-for-Ringwood-New-Jersey</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:23:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Health Care Tax Credit for Small Business</title><description><![CDATA[<p>As of March 23, 2010 a new law was signed into existence by the Congress and the President; the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.&nbsp; This new law will give a tax credit to small employers that have health care coverage for employees.&nbsp; On the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, there will be several pages, with different focuses, that will help to explain this new law.&nbsp; The current Q&amp;A page pertains to the tax years 2010-2013, in 2014 the rate will increase.</p>
<p>On the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220839,00.html" target="_blank">Q&amp;A page</a>,&nbsp;you will find the questions group under headings:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Employers Eligible for the Credit: Q&amp;A 1-2</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Calculation of the Credit: Q&amp;A 3-8</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Determining FTEs and Average Annual Wages: Q&amp;A 9-15</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">How to Claim the Credit: Q&amp;A 16-21</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="text-align: left;">Anticipated Transition Relief for Tax Years Beginning in 2010: Q&amp;A 22</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p>April 19, 2010, The IRS started sending out postcards, <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/health_care_postcard_notice.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/health_care_postcard_notice.pdf</a>, to small businesses to inform them of this new law and how much it can save them.</p>
<p>In short, the IRS has simplified the information:</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Eligibility Rules</em></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Providing health care coverage: a qualifying employer must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of health care coverage for some of its workers based on the single rate.</em></li>
<li><em>Firm size: a qualifying employer must have less than the equivalent of 25 full-time workers.</em></li>
<li><em>Average annual wage: a qualifying employer must pay average annual wages below $50,000.</em></li>
<li><em>Both taxable (for profit) and tax-exempt firms qualify.</em></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Amount of Credit</em></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Maximum Amount: the credit is worth up to 35 percent of a small business premium costs in 2010.&nbsp; On January 1, 2014 this rate increases to 50 percent (35 percent for tax-exempt employers.)</em></li>
<li><em>Phase-out: the credit phases out gradually for firms with average wage between $25,000 and $50,000 and for firms with the equivalent of between 10 and 25 full-time workers.&rdquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<p>but, suggest that a small business consult with their tax advisor first or call the IRS.</p>
<p>The IRS even has a 3 Simple Steps pdf form, <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/3_simple_steps.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/3_simple_steps.pdf</a>, to help a small business owner to determine if their business qualifies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check it out &ndash; it may be worth your time and effort.</p>
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<p>What contributed to the invention of hypermiling was the rise in gas prices.&nbsp; With the younger generation having to deal with gas shortages and a strong desire to go green, hypermiling was a natural result.&nbsp; &nbsp;They eventually became &nbsp;a green gear head community known as ecomodders with over 10,000 members. &nbsp;A website dedicated to <a href="http://ecomodder.com/" target="_blank">Ecomodding</a>, states it is &ldquo;an automotive community where performance is judged by fuel economy rather that power and speed.&rdquo;&nbsp; Their goal &ndash; is to &ldquo;squeeze every penny out of the pumps.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The community promotes efficiency in miles per gallon by tweaking their vehicles with weight reduction and improved gear ratios to improve fuel. However, the Ecomodder community frowns on illegal modifications or driving techniques that endangers other motorists.</p>
<p>The green &ldquo;gear heads&rdquo; have their own sport arena. This year, 2010, is the third annual <a href="http://www.njgreenprix.com/" target="_blank">Green Prix</a>. The Geen Prix is a road rally for hybrids and alternate fuel vehicles and their drivers to get the best MPG.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Hypermiling-and-Ecomodding-A-Sport-Whose-Time-Is-Here</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Hypermiling-and-Ecomodding-A-Sport-Whose-Time-Is-Here</guid><pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 22:31:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Hunters Versus Activist on the New Jersey Bear Population – Who’s Right?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Both sides of the <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearfacts.htm" target="_blank">New Jersey bear population</a> issue have valid points about hunting the black bear.&nbsp; I can understand why <a href="http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/the_problems_and_solutions_for_new_jerseys_black_bear_population/" target="_blank">animal rights&nbsp;activists</a> are anti-hunting, and I can also understand why <a href="http://www.bachbio.com/njbears.htm" target="_blank">hunters hunt</a>&nbsp;the black bear. &nbsp;But, has the argument become so heated between the hunters and the&nbsp;activist that they both have lost sight of what is right for the animal?</p>
<p>Will the animal rights activist only be happy when everyone is a vegan?&nbsp; &nbsp;I know that the meat I buy at the grocery store was an animal but, I did not have to kill it, skin it, or butcher it.&nbsp; Like most people I am comfortable with my distance.&nbsp; A hunter is up close and personal with their quarry.&nbsp; The animals can and have turned and attacked the hunter.&nbsp; This is a real risk that hunters take even with high powered weapons.&nbsp; Bears have been known to &ldquo;rise from the dead&rdquo;; attack and kill the hunter &ndash; then die.&nbsp; A good hunter will be responsible in every way for their hunt; from being licensed, to a humane kill, to bringing home the meat.</p>
<p>Expecting an animal to not go into some ones fenced yard or not raid the garbage cans is unrealistic.&nbsp; Expecting an animal not to kill another animal is not realistic.&nbsp; Male black bears have been known to kill black bear cubs just like male lions have killed lion cubs when they take over a pride.&nbsp; Animals have their own natures and it isn&rsquo;t always sweet.</p>
<p>However, man has his nature too.&nbsp; Yes, there are people who have an ego thing when it comes to hunting but, that same ego can be found in other places besides the hunt.</p>
<p>Not all hunters turn into serial killers and not all animal rights groups are Dudley-Do-Right&rsquo;s. &nbsp;I guess it boils down to trust and respect of one another and the animal.&nbsp; To try to do what is right for both species so we can live in harmony; still does not make it an easy decision.</p>
<p>We need both hunters and animal rights activist to keep the rest of us aware and a little uncomfortable.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p>Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Hunters-Versus-Activist-on-the-New-Jersey-Bear-Population-Whos-Right</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Hunters-Versus-Activist-on-the-New-Jersey-Bear-Population-Whos-Right</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Palisades Interstate Parkway –  A Scenic New Jersey Byway</title><description><![CDATA[<p>According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, (<a href="http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/" target="_blank">NJDOt</a><img style="float: right; border: black 1px solid;" src="http://www.homesbyorly.com/agent_files/NJPalisades.gif" alt="" width="112" height="200" />), a scenic byway is a &ldquo;transportation corridor that has outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic or archaeological significance.&rdquo;&nbsp; Also, quoting NJDOT, &ldquo;the byways tell stories about New Jersey&rsquo; history, heritage, recreational opportunities and beauty&rdquo; that is unique to the State of New Jersey.</p>
<p>The Palisades Interstate Parkway in New Jersey is not only a designated state scenic byway but, a <a href="http://www.byways.org/" target="_blank">national scenic byway</a>,&nbsp;too.&nbsp; In 1900, New York and New Jersey started a cooperative effort to preserve the palisades, which is a line of cliffs, along the Hudson River by forming the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC).&nbsp; In 1933, John D. Rockefeller, an oil magnate, donated 700 acres to the PIPC.&nbsp; This land was 13 miles long and was on top of the New Jersey palisades.&nbsp; The Parkway was completed in 1958.&nbsp; In 2005, the Palisades Interstate Parkway was designated as a New Jersey Scenic Byway.&nbsp; There are three (3) lookouts along the New Jersey side of the Parkway which gives great views of the cliffs, the river, and New York skyline.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is a National Scenic Byways Program that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration which &ldquo;recognize, preserve, and enhance&rdquo; by listing certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways.&nbsp; The public can nominate a road for this listing.&nbsp; For more information pertaining to this effort check out the Byways website.</p>
<p>&nbsp; <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Click here to view Orly's </span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> and </span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</span></strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Click here to </span><a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> and the surrounding area.</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Palisades-Interstate-Parkway-A-Scenic-New-Jersey-Byway</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Palisades-Interstate-Parkway-A-Scenic-New-Jersey-Byway</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 09:17:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ringwood do you know your credit score?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_score" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> a credit bureau, &ldquo;provides detailed information on personal credit and payment history of individuals.&rdquo;&nbsp; A credit bureau will also have reports on businesses.</p>
<p>There are three (3) major credit bureaus in the United States.</p>
<ul>
<li>TransUnion</li>
<li>Equifax</li>
<li>Experian</li>
</ul>
<p>Equifax based in Atlanta, Georgia and founded in 1899 is the oldest of the credit bureaus.&nbsp; TransUnion was established in 1968 and located in Chicago, Illinois.&nbsp; Experian is an Irish owned credit bureau with the corporate headquarters in Dublin and two operational headquarters; one in Nottingham, England and the other in Costa Mesa, California, United States.&nbsp; All three of these credit bureaus are listed on stock exchanges.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 1970, when Equifax&nbsp; - then known as Retail Credit Company, began computerizing its records the US Congress held hearings that resulted in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.&nbsp; This Act gives the public rights to know what information is recorded about them with any credit bureau.</p>
<p>What the everyday citizen hears about is not only their credit history but, their credit score.&nbsp; A credit score ranges from 350 &ndash; 850.&nbsp; The credit score is based on a mathematical algorithm of bankruptcy filings, foreclosures, spending, etc. of a consumer. The Fair Isaac Corporation is the predominantly used company to average this credit score.&nbsp; This comes about when a lender is deciding if a consumer is a good risk for a loan.</p>
<p>Each of the credit bureaus focuses on certain elements and will base their scores on what they have recorded.&nbsp; Once a year, an individual can request a free report but, you will have to pay for the credit score.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-do-you-know-your-credit-score</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-do-you-know-your-credit-score</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 09:32:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Jersey is Very Serious About Preserving Its “Open Space”</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The term Green Acres reminds me of the 1960&rsquo;s sitcom Green Acres.&nbsp; The sitcom was a comedy but, New Jersey is very serious about their <a href="http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/" target="_blank">Green Acres Program</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Green Acres is all about preserving open space in the State of New Jersey.&nbsp; Considering that New Jersey has always been an industrial minded place; it is a great idea for the &ldquo;greening&rdquo; of New Jersey for future generations.</p>
<p>According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) the Green Acres Mission is:&nbsp; to achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey's natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.</p>
<p>To achieve this goal, since 1961, New Jerseyites have voted on 13 separate occasions, continued support for the greening of New Jersey.</p>
<p>The New Jersey Botanical Garden at <a href="http://www.njbg.org/" target="_blank">Skyland</a>, in Ringwood, NJ is an amazing place.&nbsp; The Gardens fall under the protection of the Division of Parks and Forestry and the Department of Environmental Protection.&nbsp; Botanical Garden is also on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.&nbsp;</p>
<p>New Jerseyans are very serious about their Green Acres Program.&nbsp; They are so serious about the Green Acres program that they have a second program called Blue Acres. Blue Acres is designed to acquire property along the ocean and/or waterways.&nbsp; Many New Jerseyites have donated their property to these programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ringwood, look for more posts to come about the Botanical Garden and the Blue and Green Acres Programs.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Click here to view Orly's </span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</span></strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Click here to </span><a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and the surrounding area.</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/New-Jersey-is-Very-Serious-About-Preserving-Its-Open-Space</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/New-Jersey-is-Very-Serious-About-Preserving-Its-Open-Space</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 12:42:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ringwood, New Jersey’s Weight Loss Program</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Ringwood&rsquo;s health department has &ldquo;teamed up&rdquo; with Chilton Memorial Hospital to &ldquo;Walk off the Weight.&rdquo;&nbsp; This is a great idea for many reasons but, mostly for overall health improvement. This is a free 12 week program for adults who want to share with peers with similar needs.&nbsp; Mothers with children in strollers and senior citizens can benefit from the support of their group of peers.</p>
<p>The goal is to improve the health of the residents of Ringwood by teaching, educating, informing them of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Nutrition</li>
<li>Food pyramid</li>
<li>Portion control</li>
<li>Calories</li>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>Weigh-ins</li>
<li>Body Fat Analysis</li>
</ul>
<p>It has been proven that a 20 minute walk has a direct effect on reducing weight, heart attacks, diabetes, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and stress.&nbsp; A good walk improves bone and muscle strength, sleep, and a sense of well being.&nbsp; Sharing all of the above has the added benefit of a psychological boost by interaction with others.</p>
<p>Walking off the Weight is designed for different walking surfaces in different municipalities.&nbsp; In Ringwood, the groups will meet at the Center for Family Resources, located at 12 Morris Road, on Tuesdays, 8:30am starting April 6 &ndash; June 22.&nbsp; The education sessions will be held at <a href="http://www.passaiccountynj.org/ParksHistorical/Historical_Attractions/skylandsmanor.htm" target="_blank">Skylands Manor</a> located in Ringwood State Park. Of course, a walk around the Skylands Manor garden is encouraged.</p>
<p>Come out and get fit Ringwood, it is a beautiful day.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-New-Jerseys-Weight-Loss-Program</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-New-Jerseys-Weight-Loss-Program</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Identity Theft</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Since the 1960&rsquo;s, stealing someone&rsquo;s identity by whatever means is considered identity fraud but, is more commonly known as identity theft. Think of the movie, Catch Me If You Can based upon Frank Abagnale&rsquo; life story, a very famous con man. Frank Abagnale once said in an interview that it is easier in today&rsquo;s society to steal someone&rsquo;s identity than it was in the &lsquo;60&rsquo;s.</p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> puts Identity theft into these categories:</p>
<ul>
<li>business/commercial</li>
<li>criminal</li>
<li>financial</li>
<li>cloning</li>
<li>medical</li>
</ul>
<p>Recently, there is a trend toward Synthetic identity theft.&nbsp; This trend uses someone&rsquo;s social security number but, uses another name and birth date.</p>
<p>Criminals have gotten very creative and high tech in getting a person&rsquo;s personal information from you, your home, social media or government sites.&nbsp; Some of the things that criminal&rsquo;s uses are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stealing mail from your mailbox and/or dumpster diving</li>
<li>Pick pocketing</li>
<li>Eavesdropping</li>
<li>Stealing your fingerprints</li>
<li>Sending in an address change to the Post Office</li>
<li>Old PC&rsquo;s hard drives that weren&rsquo;t destroyed</li>
<li>Reading RFID chips from a remote location, i.e.; electronic device that reads credit cards, bus passes, etc.</li>
<li>Public records on-line or at your local library</li>
<li>Hacking into your PC</li>
<li>Advertisements &ndash; on-line or in the newspaper that ask for personal information</li>
<li>Phishing via computer</li>
<li>On-line social networks</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many other ways to steal your identity and it is up to you to protect yourself as much as possible</p>
<p>If your identity is used criminally it is especially difficult to rectify.&nbsp; There are national and local criminal data bases that may or may not remove an incorrect record.&nbsp; So be careful, stay aware, and don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask questions.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
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<p>In New Jersey, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, Dam Safety, <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/nhr/engineering/damsafety/eapform">www.state.nj.us/dep/nhr/engineering/damsafety/eapform</a>, these 2008 revised guidelines have eight (8) chapters of information for anyone who is interested in learning or required to know what to do in an emergency.</p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Emergency Notification</li>
<li>Statement of Purpose</li>
<li>Project Description</li>
<li>Emergency Detection, Evaluation, and Classification</li>
<li>General Responsibilities Under the EAP</li>
<li>Preparedness</li>
<li>Inundation Maps</li>
<li>Appendices</li>
</ul>
<p>Chapters four (IV), five (V), and six (VI)&nbsp;are very informative and, as with all government documents, detailed.&nbsp; But, overall it is an easy read.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">However, New Jersey does have New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) which was established in 1880 and now is a part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.&nbsp; And you ask, &ldquo;What does this have to do with Ringwood?&rdquo;&nbsp; Well, each county has a Cooperative Extension program which is supported by the NJAES and other organizations.&nbsp; And this in turn is where you will find the Master Gardeners Program.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And you ask, &ldquo;What is a Master Gardener?&rdquo;&nbsp; Well, a Master Gardener is a volunteer with 60 hours of classroom and field instructions from Rutgers.&nbsp; The curriculum consists of:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rutgers Cooperative Extension and RCE Master Gardener Program Introduction</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Botany</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Plant Identification</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Soils and Fertilizers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Basic Entomology</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Plant Pathology</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Integrated Pest Management</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tree and Small Fruits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Vegetable and Flower Gardening</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Turf and Weed Management</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Shade Trees and Woody Ornamentals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Conifers and Broadleaf Evergreens</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Household and Structural Pests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Interior and Houseplants</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Introduction to Horticultural Therapy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Composting</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Principles of Pruning and Maintenance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Birds and Wildlife in The Landscape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pesticide Safety and Use</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Volunteerism - Successfully Serving the Public and RCE</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So what do Master Gardeners do for Ringwood?&nbsp;&nbsp; Master Gardeners rehabilitated the Hermitage Victorian gardens to assisting a homeowner&rsquo;s landscaping effort to providing information in a public forum.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So Ringwood &hellip; it is spring and time to think about planning your garden; and if you need help just call your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office and asks for a Master Gardener.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Click here to view Orly's </span></span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ringwood NJ Real Estate</span></span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</span></span></strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Click here to </span></span><a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</span></span></strong></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and the surrounding area.</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/New-Jersey-the-Garden-State-or-is-it</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/New-Jersey-the-Garden-State-or-is-it</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ringwood Farmers Market</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://www.ringwoodfarmersmarket.org/" target="_blank">Ringwood Farmers Market</a>, located at the Cannici Drive off of Skyline Drive Ringwood Park &amp; Ride location will be open on the third Saturday of each Month from 10 am-12 pm.&nbsp; The Winter Market is open from November to April. The last day for the winter market produce is April 17, 2010.&nbsp; Then the regular season begins on Saturday, May 29, 2010 and will be open until October 30, 2010 with the produce and flowers of the spring, summer and fall.</p>
<p>The concept behind the Ringwood Farmers Market is to promote locally grown seasonal produce and give small businesses and artist an outlet to sell their wares. This concept is a great idea for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Supports local economy &ndash; a study done in London by the New Economic Foundation determine that twice as much income is generated for every dollar spent locally</li>
<li>Fresher produce &ndash; usually picked within the last 24 hours before arriving at a local market will have greater nutritional value</li>
<li>Taste better &ndash; do taste test between local and shipped produce.&nbsp; Prove it to yourself!</li>
<li>Riper &ndash; the produce will be at its peak of nutritional value and taste</li>
<li>Seasonal &ndash; produce will have variety, be cheaper, and a lot of it</li>
<li>Environmental footprint &ndash; local foods have less travel time to market</li>
<li>Contamination &ndash; less spoilage and waste</li>
</ul>
<p>So Ringwood come out to support your local Farmers Market and give a treat to your taste buds, listen to great music, and see what local artist are creating.</p>
<p>Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p>Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-Farmers-Market-2</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-Farmers-Market-2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:18:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts will hold the 31st Annual Young Artists’ Expo.</title><description><![CDATA[<p>In just eight days, April 18 &ndash; May 16, Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts will hold the 31<sup>st</sup> Annual Young Artists&rsquo; Expo.&nbsp; The Expo is an art show, showcasing young Ringwood artists working in mixed or same media.&nbsp; The artist, from 3<sup>rd</sup> grade to 12<sup>th</sup> grade can show two pieces of their art.&nbsp; Special education students are also included in the art show.&nbsp; The funding for the project comes from the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State an agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 1966, Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts (RMAA) became chartered as a non-profit organization.&nbsp; RMAA &ldquo;is dedicated to providing visual arts opportunities for interested persons of all ages.&rdquo;&nbsp; At a time when school boards are cutting budgets, art education is usually a victim.&nbsp; Having the Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts sponsor a Young Artist Expo is vital to the encouragement of young artist and the art world.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html#ring" target="_blank">The Barn Gallery in Ringwood State Park</a> will collect the artwork to be shown in the Young Artists&rsquo; Expo on April 16, 3pm to 7pm and April 17, 10am to 1pm.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is an artist reception and awards ceremony May 16, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, which the public is encouraged to attend.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Click here to view Orly's <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Ringwood NJ Real Estate</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.onlyorly.com/myhomes.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Wanaque NJ Homes for Sale</strong></a></p>
<p>Click here to <a href="http://services.yourmlssearch.com/Onlyorly/index.cfm/search/?searchaction=detailed" target="_blank"><strong>Search homes for sale in Ringwood, Wanaque, West Milford</strong></a> and the surrounding area.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-Manor-Association-of-the-Arts-will-hold-the-31st-Annual-Young-Artists-Expo</link><guid>http://www.homesbyorly.com/Blog/Ringwood-Manor-Association-of-the-Arts-will-hold-the-31st-Annual-Young-Artists-Expo</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:32:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>