Area September 7, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 19 Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has announced the formation of the Ridgewood Post Stroke & Disabled Adult Support Group, which will commence on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Ridgewood Village Hall. Those who plan to attend this meeting should take note that Hurricane Irene resulted in extensive damage to the first floor of Ridgewood Village Hall. As a result, the session has been moved to the Courtroom on the fourth floor. An elevator is available. This group will meet Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Some programs that will be offered include chair exercise, memory games, and special guest speakers on a variety of topics. Village forms post stroke, disabled adult support group “This is a great opportunity to offer programs and support not only to stroke survivors and their families, but for any person with a disability,” said Donovan. According to Jim Thebery, M.A., CSW, director of the division on disability services, “This group in Ridgewood will be convenient for many in the northwest area of the county. We can provide a quality program as we do in the other three locations.” The other locations include East Rutherford, Englewood, and Maywood. The East Rutherford group meets Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southwest Bergen Health & Senior Center at 147 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford. The Englewood group meets on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Southeast Center for Independent Living at 228 Grand Avenue, Englewood. The Maywood-based group meets on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Maywood Senior Center at 145 West Magnolia Avenue, Maywood. Individuals with various disabilities are welcome to participate. Those who wish to join a group are encouraged to contact Daniel Kotkin, program coordinator, at (201) 336-6504. For more information on other programs offered through the Bergen County Division on Disability Services, call (201) 336-6500 or (201) 336-6505 (TTY for the hearing impaired). The New Jersey Botanical Garden invites the public to learn more about the garden’s wildlife on a Birding Walk set for Sunday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. September is a prime migration time. The Bergen County Audubon Society will lead this easy walk as participants look for the great birds that visit the NJBG on their fall journey. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain cancels this event. This program is free of charge. NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions, or more information, call (973) 962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the garden is always free. Parking is also free in the fall, winter, and spring. New Jersey Botanical Garden sponsors September Birding Walk In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state’s first acquisition under the Green Acres preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the state’s official botanical garden in 1984. Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the state to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors volunteer gardeners, educational programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the botanical garden. NJBG receives no funding from the State of New Jersey or from on-site operators. Donations and sponsorships are always appreciated. A red-winged blackbird flashes his epaulets. (Photograph by Mike Malzone.)