Taste of Ridgewood Showcases Local Eateries, Honors Queens Leaders

Staff from Norma’s Corner Shoppe provided baked desserts. Photos courtesy of Ridgewood YMCA.

By David Brand

The Ridgewood YMCA’s annual Taste of Ridgewood event highlighted the neighborhood’s diverse and delicious restaurants and honored two local leaders who have had a tremendous impact in the area.

Ridgewood Y board members and Executive Director La-Vena Francis gathered with more than 130 attendees on on Nov. 15 to recognize State Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Riseboro CEO Scott Short.

“I want to thank the entire Ridgewood Y family, the entire YMCA family, because every day these are dedicated, committed people to helping others. And that’s what I truly appreciate.” Addabbo said.

Short runs Riseboro, an organization formerly known as the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen’s Council, that provides housing, health and education services throughout the area.

Several local businesses donated food and drinks to the Taste of Ridgewood.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Ridgewood YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which enables the facility to provide free or discounted membership to people in need.

“By supporting Taste of Ridgewood, you help our Y spread awareness of our charitable mission and open doors to kids, adults and families in our community who would not otherwise get the opportunity to benefit from afterschool, summer camp and youth enrichment programming,” Francis said.