Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • November 30, 2011 Dear Readers: Finishing touches are now being put on Ridgewood’s 2011 Downtown for the Holidays celebration, which will be held Friday, Dec. 2. This festive event will include our annual tree lighting at the east side of the New Jersey Transit train station. The entire community is invited to gather and enjoy music, local shopping and dining opportunities, and fun with family and friends. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce reminds shoppers and residents that many of the programs they enjoy in downtown Ridgewood are sponsored and organized by Chamber members. In addition to this weekend’s Downtown for the Holidays celebration, Chamber-sponsored events include Santa’s arrival in the park and the Just in Ridgewood Promotion with the Ridgewood Rewards Card. The Rewards Card encour- A Letter from the Desk of the Chamber President ages shoppers and diners to explore the many local gems Ridgewood has to offer. Businesses that participate in this program extend many special promotions to cardholders. This is just one way in which the Chamber gives back to those who support local businesses. While Ridgewood is a great town for a multitude of reasons, a vibrant and healthy downtown business community is high on the list of must haves for Ridgewood to thrive in the future, so please support, your local businesses. For an up-to-the minute list of Chamber events, visit www.experienceridgewood. com. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and a joyous New Year! Thomas Hillmann, President Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce The Ridgewood High School Department of Art and Design is seeking alumni to participate in the Seventh Annual Alumni Art Show to be held Dec. 12 through Jan. 13. The exhibit, which will be held in the Carroll Art Gallery, Room 135 in the high school, will be a show of work created after graduation. An artists’ reception is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2012 from 3 to 5 p.m. Alumni artists sought for upcoming exhibition Students, alumni, friends, family, and staff are invited to the reception and to view the exhibit. The gallery will be open during school hours. Interested alumni may contact the department of art and design at (201) 670-2800, extension 20542, or e-mail to bnoto@ridgewood.k12.nj.us. The high school is located at 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood.