Lauren Kidd Ferguson

Community Reporter

lkferguson@dailyvoice.com

Lauren Kidd Ferguson began her journalism career in 2004 as a statehouse reporter for Gannett New Jersey. She was a member of a team that covered state government and politics for seven daily newspapers throughout New Jersey. Her coverage of the McGreevey administration and young voters earned her the New Jersey Press Association’s award for best rookie reporter in the state. Lauren also served as a reporter for Gannett’s flagship New Jersey paper, the Asbury Park Press. She covered communities along the Jersey Shore, and won investigative reporting awards for writing about police brutality in Seaside Park. She has also worked as a speechwriter and spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, as well as a communications manager for Children’s Rights, a national advocacy organization that uses the law to reform foster care systems. Lauren graduated from the College of New Jersey. She grew up in Ringwood, and now calls Waldwick home. She believes everyone has a story to tell, and she’d love to hear yours.

Lauren was formerly a reporter at Daily Voice.

Lauren Kidd Ferguson's Contributions

Legacy Of Paterson’s ‘Real Santa’ Lives On In New Fund For Children In Need Legacy Of Paterson’s ‘Real Santa’ Lives On In New Fund For Children In Need
Legacy Of Paterson’s ‘Real Santa’ Lives On In New Fund For Children In Need PATERSON, N.J. – The family of Ray Beesley, the late Paterson man known to many as the “Real Santa,” is carrying on his legacy by doing what he loved best: giving back to children. His loved ones have launched Ray’s Christmas Miracles. The fund will “provide holiday joy to children in need,” according to a GoFundMe campaign set up by the family. As of Tuesday evening, the page had garnered more than $10,500 in donations. Beesley passed away Friday at the age of 65, after spending decades brightening the lives of kids and parents. He is survived by his wife, six children and five grandchi…
Man Kicks Martial Arts Passion Into High Gear At New Elmwood Park Studio Man Kicks Martial Arts Passion Into High Gear At New Elmwood Park Studio
Man Kicks Martial Arts Passion Into High Gear At New Elmwood Park Studio ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – Health-conscious people flock to Elmwood Park’s newest fitness studio to practice tae kwon do, jiu-jitsu, muay thai kickboxing and yoga. But the Wallace Street building that now houses The Art of Self Defense used to cater to a different – more famous – clientele. The space had been used as a recording studio for stars such as  Whitney Houston and Queen Latifah, according to Mike Elayan, who opened the fitness center in September. “As the industry changed, they needed a smaller space,” Elayan said. Many of the remnants of the old tenants are still evident, though, i…
Teens Can Learn Stress-Reducing Tips In Ramsey Teens Can Learn Stress-Reducing Tips In Ramsey
Teens Can Learn Stress-Reducing Tips In Ramsey RAMSEY, N.J. – Being a teenager can be stressful. Anne Marie Scala and Dina Grizzuti understand this. And they also know some techniques teens can use to alleviate their stress. The pair will be presenting a workshop to teens on Thursday at the Ramsey Free Public Library. The program runs from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The program will include a series of activities and discussions to help teens learn simple and effective mindfulness skills that will aid them in dealing with stress. Mindfulness is "the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and n…
Former Saddle Brook Mayor Chooses Painting Over Politics Former Saddle Brook Mayor Chooses Painting Over Politics
Former Saddle Brook Mayor Chooses Painting Over Politics SADDLE BROOK, N.J. – Bridget Lombardo believes “there are no mistakes in art.” Lombardo and her mother, former Saddle Brook mayor Karen Chamberlain, just marked their first anniversary of running Kim-Bridge Ceramic Art Studio, where patrons paint ceramics and canvases. “Everyone’s paintings are going to be a little different, and that’s what makes them original and beautiful,” said Lombardo, who studied art at Montclair State University, the Art institute of Fort Lauderdale, and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Lombardo teaches painting classes and hosts painting parties at the stud…
Wyckoff Chef Out-Bakes Professionals Wyckoff Chef Out-Bakes Professionals
Wyckoff Chef Out-Bakes Professionals WYCKOFF, N.J. – If Nancy Angelici was your friend, neighbor or family member, you might have a difficult time maintaining your weight. The Wyckoff chef spent the last few months baking in preparation for the 2016 World Food Championships – where she had the chance to win $100,000 and the title of World Food Champion. Her taste-testers were been busy eating her creations. “My one friend … she is always coming over, she says, ‘I love everything you make,’” Angelici said.  She also said her son “has some really good after-school snacks.” Last month, Angelici, who bakes out of her home, trav…
Ramsey Farmers' Market Patrons Won't Have To Battle Cold For Fresh Food Ramsey Farmers' Market Patrons Won't Have To Battle Cold For Fresh Food
Ramsey Farmers' Market Patrons Won't Have To Battle Cold For Fresh Food RAMSEY, N.J. – Falling temperatures means it's time to move Ramsey's popular farmers' market to its winter headquarters. On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Ramsey Farmers' Market will be held inside Eric Smith School, 73 Monroe St. Along with the move indoors, organizers have adjusted the hours of the market to 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Although dogs were permitted at the outdoor market, they are not allowed inside. The market will still be brimming with local seasonal vegetables and fruits on Sunday, according to organizers. Other items for sale will include baked goods, honey, organic maple syrup, empanadas…
Bergen, Passaic Mourn Paterson's ‘Real Santa’ Ray Beesley Bergen, Passaic Mourn Paterson's ‘Real Santa’ Ray Beesley
Bergen, Passaic Mourn Paterson's ‘Real Santa’ Ray Beesley PATERSON, N.J. – The man who many considered the “Real Santa Claus” and the most popular Santa in North Jersey passed away Friday, according to numerous reports. Ray Beesley of Paterson had been portraying Santa Claus since the 1970’s, visiting area churches, scout troops and organizations, according to his website www.northjerseysanta.com. He played Santa at the Wayne Towne Center for 18 years, and gained a massive following. More recently, he had donned his red suit at the Christmas Ice Caverns at Fairfield Garden Center. According to his website, Beesley played Santa year-round, “sporti…
Elmwood Park Martial Artist Launches Self-Defense Program For Teachers Elmwood Park Martial Artist Launches Self-Defense Program For Teachers
Elmwood Park Martial Artist Launches Self-Defense Program For Teachers ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – Mike Elayan, who owns The Art of Self Defense in Elmwood Park, believes teachers are the first line of defense for school children. That is why he is hosting a self-defense workshop designed specifically for teachers this weekend. “With everything that is happening in this day and age, teachers can utilize tactics to protect children and themselves,” Elayan told Daily Voice. During the two-hour workshop, participants will learn how to defend themselves and children from various attacks, as well as practical techniques to defuse situations, Elayan said. The physical sk…
Santa To Join Kids For Breakfast At Garfield Boys And Girls Club Santa To Join Kids For Breakfast At Garfield Boys And Girls Club
Santa To Join Kids For Breakfast At Garfield Boys And Girls Club GARFIELD, N.J. – Are your kids aching to meet Santa Claus this year? They can meet the man in the red suit himself at the Boys and Girls Club of Garfield. The club is hosting breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. The event, for kids 13 and younger, includes breakfast, bingo and gifts. The cost is $10 per person in advance, and $12 per person at the door. For tickets or more information, call 973-478-7662. The Boys and Girls Club of Garfield is at 490 Midland Ave.
More Than $125K Raised For Mahwah Restaurateur Following Home Explosion More Than $125K Raised For Mahwah Restaurateur Following Home Explosion
More Than $125K Raised For Mahwah Restaurateur Following Home Explosion MAHWAH, N.J. – People from across Bergen County have been showing an overwhelming amount of support for the owner of a popular Mahwah restaurant who lost his Warwick, N.Y. home in an explosion on Tuesday. By Thursday afternoon a GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $125,000 for Mahwah Bar & Grill owner Craig Kunisch, his wife Denise, and their three children. The comments that went along with the donations were heartwarming. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. You have been generous within our Mahwah community & we hope you feel supported now…
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