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Got Time, Ridgewood Seniors? Volunteering Fair Arrives March 5

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. -- The Ridgewood Public Library and Age Friendly Ridgewood are reaching out to area seniors, to try to match folks' skills and interests to an array of volunteer opportunities that are availability in the community.

These two gents were among the volunteers at an event at St. Margaret's Church in Little Ferry in late 2012.

These two gents were among the volunteers at an event at St. Margaret's Church in Little Ferry in late 2012.

Photo Credit: Bergen Volunteer Center Facebook
Gail Storero is a volunteer receptionist with Family Promise of Bergen County. She's been working with the organization for over a decade.

Gail Storero is a volunteer receptionist with Family Promise of Bergen County. She's been working with the organization for over a decade.

Photo Credit: Family Promise of Bergen County Facebook

The library is hosting a Volunteer Fair on Sunday afternoon, March 5. 

"It's kind of a matchmaking opportunity," Roberta Panjwani told Daily Voice. 

She and a few of her colleagues at the library have been working with Beth Abbott, co-chair of Age Friendly Ridgewood, a foundation that offers a variety of programs and resources for seniors. 

The library also maintains a page on its website to direct community members to adult and senior services.

"Our goal with this Volunteer Fair is to offer meaningful opportunities that use the skills and talents folks have developed over their lifetimes," Abbott said. "There are options for those at the younger end of '55 and over' and at older stages of that age range as well."

People will be able to meet representatives from at least 20 organizations and potentially sign up. The event also features giveaways, as well as a booklet with the groups' contact information, for future reference.

Panjwani said most of the participating organizations are from Ridgewood and nearby, with some from Paterson as well. 

One of the groups seeking volunteers is Project Linus, which makes homemade blankets for kids in difficult physical or emotional situations. The Hudson/Bergen chapter notes that it has delivered over 37,000 blankets to area kids in its 15-year history.

The Ridgewood Library's English as a second language program is also seeking tutors. "We have a wonderful, extensive program," Panjwani said. 

The ESL program currently has 40 tutors and over 100 students. Panjwani added that would-be tutors don't need any experience: training is provided.

Another service seeking help is the Independent Transportation Network of North Jersey. ITNNorthJersey notes that it "provides a community-based, quality transportation service for seniors and adults with visual impairments."

Other organizations that have already confirmed are 

For more information, call 201-670-5600, ext. 130, or email fiftyfiveplus@ridgewoodlibrary.org. 

The fair will run from 2-4 p.m. in the library's auditorium. The library is located at 125 North Maple Ave. 

To keep up with events at the library, visit its website, or follow it on Facebook or Twitter. 

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