COVID, Protesters And Police: Ridgewood-Glen Rock Stories Of 2020

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a year headlined in more ways than one by illness and death, finding the bright spots could be challenging.

With vaccines on the horizon for 2021 — and having already started in the last weeks of 2020 — there is skeptical optimism that hope is on the horizon, but before we transition into the new year, it’s worth revisiting the entirety of this one in Ridgewood and Glen Rock.

Even as over 2,000 people died from the coronavirus in Bergen County, Ridgewood and Glen Rock faced other challenges, and reckoned with various aspects of town life.

Police and community tensions were on display over the summer, as an antiracist group was formed shortly after the death of George Floyd, and challenged the Village's view of race. During one protest, one of the group's founders was arrested.

Both video of that arrest, and another, when police arrested a teenage biker, went relatively viral on social media, leading to cries for an investigation into the department.

Ridgewood's businesses were forced to adapt as the coronavirus pandemic continued adding stress to the industries.

A high school football legend also stepped down, calling it a career in 2020.

Patch is looking back at some of the top stories from Ridgewood and Glen Rock in 2020.

Video Of Ridgewood Police Arresting Teen Sparks Outcry

• According to Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke, both officers seen on video have been placed on administrative duty at this time.

Protester Arrested At Black Lives Matter March In Ridgewood

• Video of a young woman being arrested during Saturday's Black Lives Matter protest in Ridgewood sparked an outcry.

Ridgewood Rethinks Downtown Space As Restaurants Begin Service

• The village will close some downtown streets to create an outdoor pedestrian mall on the weekends, giving more space to restaurants.

Dine In At Ridgewood Restaurant's Heated Greenhouses This Winter

• It's Greek To Me has been open in Ridgewood for 25 years, but the coronavirus pandemic forced owner Paul Vagianos to innovate in new ways.

Glen Rock Couple Scammed Out Of $300 In NY Puppy Purchase: Police

• After paying a deposit for a new dog, they arrived at a private home to find no puppies. It's not the first time this has happened.

After A Tense July, Ridgewood Activists Will Rally Again

• A march "in response to police brutality" is scheduled for Thursday after a fraught month of July saw activists and police at odds.

Ridgewood High Football Coach Chuck Johnson Retires

• The legendary coach, who was at the helm of the program for over 30 years, will not return to the sidelines if there is a 2020 season.

Ridgewood's Valley Hospital Gets First Coronavirus Vaccines

• "We are pleased to be able to begin to vaccinate our doctors, nurses, and other staff who continue to battle on the frontlines of the pandemic," officials said.

Judge Dismisses Fines Against Former Ridgewood Mayor, Manager

• The former officials were fined in 2017 by the state Local Finance Board, but a judge overturned the fines and ethics violations.

Ridgewood's Racefaster Making The Most Of Business Slowdown

• In looking at the bright side, Racefaster owner Aidan Walsh thinks coronavirus-related business adjustments will make his company stronger.