Sunday is Father's Day.  Celebrate the father you have now, remember those who have passed and consider whoever was in your life as a father figure.  Not everyone is lucky eough to have this so for those of you who  do, treasure it.  Like Mother's Day, my suggestion is for anyone who know of who will be alone on Sunday, give them a call, perhaps a visit or maybe take them out for a cup of coffee.  

NOTE: A Reading of "Final Day the Musical" on Tuesday 
Readings are test runs of a new play.  Actors read a stripped down script of a new play aloud acting the parts in a casual way without sets or costumes.  These free events are win/wins because playwrights and producers get instant feedback while audiences get a free theatrical experience.  Tuesday 3 & 7 HACPAC (Hackensack Performing Arts Center) has readings of the new dramatic musical, Final Day the Musical.  No one under 16 is allowed because of the adult themes.  Click on the above link for your free tickest and enjoy a very special live theater experience.   

2nd NOTE Special Needs Children and Adults
The Oakland Carnival has a 2 hour period of time on Saturday (2-4) where sounds and lights are dimmed to make it comfortable for sensory sensitive children and adults.  Isn't this great?  Those folks can enjoy a carnival that otherwise would be impossible for them.  Thank you Oakland for this!  

The Bergen Alumni Theater Presents The Complete Works of Wiliam Shakespeare (abridged)
Thursday through Sunday we have The Complete Works of William Shakesspeare (ABRIDGED) at Ender Hall Lab Theater (400 Paramus Rd, Paramus at Bergen Community College) by the Bergen Stages alumni group.  You'll love this hysterically funny romp through all of Shakespeare's works.  Zany, irreverant and wondefully funny, this is sheer joy.  This is the final weekend so if you haven't seen it, don't miss it.

Oakland Carnival
From Wednesday through Saturday, Oakland has a major carnival going on at the Oakland Recreation Complex (20 Lawlor Dr).  Hours are Wednesday/Thursday 6-10, Friday 6-11 and Saturday 5-11.  Information and ticketing is online.  AND there is a special 2 hour time on Saturday where sounds and lights are dimmed a bit for sensory sensitive children and adults.  

Public Viewing Nights
Again this Thursday night is the latest of the Public Viewing Nights at the Emil Buehler Trust Observatory at Bergen Community College.  Time is 8:30-10:30 and it always depens on the weather.  Weather predictions are fine for this week so there should be no issue.

Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday on June 19th; it's Friday this year.  On June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas.  The Commanding Officer, Major General Gordon Granger read a proclamation announcing that all slaves are free ending all slavery in the US.  While years after Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves in 1863, back then news didn't always travel to far out State like Texas.  The Federal Government sent Major Granger to Texas because slavery hadn't ended there.  Today Juneteenth is celebrated in many different ways.  Contact your town to see when your local Juneteenth celebration happens.  Here's some; if you know of more, tell me ASAP please: Bergen Community College Flag Raising, Kids Juneteenth Nature Walk, Bergen County Juneteenth Celebration, Bogota Juneteenth Freedom Night, Englewood Juneteenth Weekend, Hackensack Juneteenth Celebration, Teaneck Annual Juneteenth Observation, Free Movie Friday: The Tuskeegee Airmen, 1-3, at the Fort Lee Historic Park, 

Mamas Who Walk
Mamas Who Walk is a national organization with local chapters.  How I wish this existed when I was a mom.  What a great concept - put moms together for a free walk.  You get healthy, stress free exercise while you make new friends and are with a supportive group of moms who "get you" and where you are in life.  No babysitter needed.  Bring your strollers, your kids, it works.  Mamas Who Walk Ridgewood has a walk Friday morning at 10 for 2 hours (link for details/how to contact the host w/questions).  Location is the Duck Pond Area of Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood. 

Alpine Hill Climb
The Alpine Hill Climb is a 1.3 mile race at 6:30 on Friday night.  This is most definitely a race of endurance.  It begins at the Alpine Boat Basin and goes up to the top of the Palisades.  This is a grueling climb at a steep upward slope and a lot of people love this challenge.  Registration ends Thursday at midnight.

Hello Spring Vendor Pop Up Festival
Saturday, 10-4, is a vendor pop up festival at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus (335 N Franklin Tpke).  More than 75 different vendors will be there with a large selection of gourmet food trucks and live music.  Admission is $5 because this is a fundraiser for The Hermitage.  Vendor pop up festivals like this one are a lot of fun because of the wide variety of items you see both hand crafted and manufactured and fresh.    

Thunderbird Only Car Show
2026 is the 50th Anniversary of the North Jersey Thunderbird Association.  They are having a Thunderbird Only Car Show this Saturday 9-2 at Crossroads Church (649 Franklin Ave) in Franklin Lakes.  This is an all things Thunderbird and if you love classic cars, be there.  It's not easy to find classic Thunderbirds.  I can't remember the last time I saw one at a classic car show.

Wyckoff/Franklin Lakes Triathlon
This is for serious triathlon athletes.  Saturday starting at 6:45 in the morning is this year's Wyckoff/Franklin Lakes Triathlon race.  Although parts of this began on Saturday with a lake swim, I'm including this for those who've been on the fence and now want to race.  You must register by Wednesday at midnight.

Heart of Gold 5k Run/Walk
The Oakland Heart of Gold 5k Run/Walk is this Sunday morning.  Also called The Flow Heart of Gold 5k, this event celebrates and helps to fund Oakland's EMT workers and programs.  Registration ends at 11:59 Saturday morning.

Wallington 250 Celebration
Wallington is pulling out all the stops for it's celebration of America's 250th birthday,  The Wallington 250 Celebration begins with a big parade at 5 on Saturday afternoon (Mt Pleasant Ave) followed by a carnival atmosphere at 6 (Spring St & Centennial Field).  Bring your own picnic or enjoy what's available on the many food trucks that will be there.  Bouncy house, face painting, live music, a costume contest and more will be there for this celebration of our national birthday.

2026 Meadowlands Winefest
While this is a bit more expensive than what I normally have here for you, it's also true that people who love wine sampling events expect this general price range.  Saturday is the 2026 Meadowlands Winefest which has become an extremely popular wine tasting event.  I counted 27 different wine companies with multiple vinyards of theirs for general admission. 

Demarest Nature Center Solstice Trail Walk
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year.  It happens on Sunday, June 21st.  We have the Twilight Trail Walk with Ray Slaman at the Demarest Nature Center Saturday night at 8.  This is free for members and $10 for non-members. 

Solstice Hike in Alpine
Sunday come to the Alpine Boat Basin picnic area for a 2 hour (7-9) five mile hike, rain (and if it drizzles but you can call 201-768-1360 Extn 6108 to be sure).  I think the parking is now metered there but the hike is free.  This is a guided hike.

Father's Day Bird Walk
Lorrimer Sanctuary has a special Father's Day Bird Walk at 10:30-12 on Sunday.  This is a free guided walk where you'll see some birds you may never have known existed here.  If you're lucky, you'll also spot some bald eagles too.  

AND Don't Forget, Yoga For The Soul Saturday morning at 9.

We have a good number of events and a wide variety this weekend.  So there's a lot to look forward to.  The  past weekend was great - the Knicks are World Champions plus both the Yankees and Mets won 2 out of 3.  With the World Cup at Met Life Stadium, we have the cherry on top. 

As for the real estate market, it remains a story of too few houses on the market.  Grid lock is a good way to express it.  There is a growing number of home sellers who are simply stuck in place because no matter how flexible they are, there is nothing for them to look at.  At the same time, you can see subtle signs that the market is indeed shifting.  It's taking a little longer to get a house sold, inventory is a full 15% greater than in 2024 (some towns are at 20% more on the market for sale) and while there are multiple offers, it's not 25-40 any more.  In addition, home buyers are no longer giving up everything. 

While subtle, change is upon us and appreciation is moving at a lower rate.  As a result, it will cost you more to own a house than how much you gain through appreciation.  This is a significant change.

There are 4 buyers in particular who I have and need to find a home.  One is a lady whose husband died a few years ago; she wants to downsize into a 2 bedroom Fort Lee/Cliffside Park condo/co-op with a NYC skyline view.  Budget is up to $800,000 with carrying charges no more than $2,500 monthly.  Third is a 1st time buyer who can spend up to $450,000 looking in the Pompton Lakes/Wanaque or as far out as eastern Morris County above Route 80.  Fourth  is a retiring couple who want to move near their brand new grandchild in Westchester County.  This is up to $800,000  These 4 are the most urgent.  If you know of anyone who's a fit and thinking of selling, call me at 201-741-8490.