This issue of Town Talk highlights some of the services that the Borough of Glen Ridge government offers residents. Of course, we all know that the police and fire protection are professional and top-notch, and most of us moved (or stayed) in town for the wonderful schools. Certainly we appreciate the convenience of twice-weekly backyard trash pickup. But there is more that your town can do for you.

Go green. So many today ask: "What can I really do to cut down on waste and pollution?" One answer is in Glen Ridge's convenient single-stream recycling program. Our discarded items such as bottles, cans, paper, and juice boxes are sorted and sold to customers who will transform them into new products. Everyone who puts their recycling out to the curb helps to relieve the burden on our landfill and our budget. Our innovative Freecycling program allows "one man's trash to be another man's treasure." See page 7 for a wonderful video on recycling by our Ridgewood Avenue School students!

Youth Recreation Programs. The Glen Ridge Senior-Community Center hosts such programs as After-School Drop-In, Open Mic Night and now Martial Arts for Kids, while Ridgewood Avenue School host sports and games on Friday nights in the winter - see page 3 for details.

Senior Activities. Glen Ridge senior programs include both the recreational - such as the Chair Yoga and Studio Seniors' Art classes - and the practical and convenient, such as the weekly jitney ride to the supermarket (page 5).

Library of the 21st Century. The Glen Ridge Library continues to innovate: Not only do they lend out books, audiobooks and e-books; now you can borrow passes to some of New York's most popular museums, or even a "flip" video camera. See page 4 or the Library's website for more information, and don't forget to support them at this year's Glen Ridge Gala!

A helping hand for neighbors. As part of the shared services agreement with Bloomfield's social services, Glen Ridge is joining the Neighbor to Neighbor Network. NtNN is a volunteer corps that helps the most vulnerable among with basic needs Perhaps you'd like to volunteer? See page 5 for details.