HoHoKus April 2025 by Wainscot Media

Ho-Ho-Kus

CAMERA CONFIDENCE WITH MARTIN BENTSEN

EXTRAORDINARY ME

SYDNEY CARCHI

The Art of Cheese Boards

Gina Lee

Ad courtesy of RENO'S APPLIANCE - Signature Sponsor

Editor’s Note

Have we finally made it to spring? It was a long cold winter, and while I’m hesitant to say it’s over (I was actually born during an unprecedented April snowstorm, so I am especially skeptical), hopefully you are beginning to thaw out and get outside to enjoy the longer, warmer days.

In Ho-Ho-Kus, there’s so much beauty to enjoy as the seasons change. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the borough and outdoor dining becomes a possibility in the quaint downtown.

With spring comes a feeling of renewal, hope and perseverance, as dormant plants begin to grow again. And this month, we are excited to share with you a variety of stories that touch on those themes.

I sat down with 16-year-old Sydney Carchi and her parents, Jerry and Virginia to hear her story. Sydney was born with Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the shape of the head and face. She has had more than a dozen surgeries aimed at correcting skull abnormalities,

and her parents say her courage and resilience throughout her life amazes them every day. Sydney is already a strong advocate for herself, standing up for inclusion, and it’s an honor to tell her story.

We also spoke to Joe Parisi, son of Domenic Parisi of the infamous Domenic & Pietro’s Barber Studio. It’s been tough for Joe to continue running the shop without his father since Domenic’s passing from complications of COVID-19 in 2020, but carrying on his legacy and continuing to provide longtime customers with good haircuts and good conversation is his passion.

BY JOE NOLAN

And speaking of passion, Martin Bentsen developed a love for filmmaking early in life. He attended film school at New York University, but when taking headshots to make some extra money turned into a successful business, his career ambitions shifted. City Headshots now has offices in Manhattan and Ho-Ho-Kus, and Bentsen still enjoys working with actors via his second venture as a consultant that helps them succeed in the business.

As spring and summer celebrations and parties approach, perhaps you’ll garner some inspiration from Gina Lee, featured on our cover. She runs a cheese and charcuterie board business, Le Tiger Queen, not only creating beautiful and delicious platters for her customers but teaching them the fun side of entertaining by showing them how easy and accessible it can be.

Thank you for reading our April issue! Enjoy the spring warmup, and I look forward to hearing from you. As always, don’t be shy about sharing your stories and photos with me.

Sarah Nolan Editor editor@hohokusmagazine.com

Ho-Ho-Kus MAGAZINE

Editor Sarah Nolan

Writers

Sarah Nolan

Wendy Lees

Photographers

Joe Nolan

Adam Paray

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director Kijoo Kim

Art Director Rosemary O’Connell

Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ho-Ho-Kus, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

In the February issue of Ho-Ho-Kus magazine, the photo on page 24 of Allie Lim was taken by Rich Silivanch.

PHOTOGRAPH

Spring has Sprung

Ho-Ho-Kus is coming alive as the weather becomes more favorable. Discover what your town has to offer this spring.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S LABYRINTH

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church’s outreach ministry is offering the community the opportunity to experience times of reflection and peace with our labyrinth. Labyrinths have a unique appeal that speaks to the human soul. Their beauty lies not just in their intricate design but also in the journey they represent and its ability to transform a simple walk into a meditative experience. As you navigate its paths, you are reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination. With each step, the labyrinth invites you to contemplate, to reflect on the choices you’ve made and the paths you’ve taken. It is a metaphor for life’s journey, where each decision leads you closer to self-discovery.

Our labyrinth was constructed by one of the members of our congregation, Austin Hintz, as part of his Eagle Scout project.

In addition, the church will hold Holy Week and Easter Services on Good Friday (April 18) at 7:30 p.m., Easter Eve (April 19) at 7:30 p.m. and Easter Sunday morning (April 20) at 10 a.m.

JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB

The Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library will celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday by reading all of her novels this year. Meetings will be held at the library. Attend whichever dates strike your fancy; the library kindly requests that you register for each at hohokuslibrary.org/jane-austen-book-club. Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on April 3 (“Pride and Prejudice”), May 1 (“Mansfield Park”), June 5 (“Northanger Abbey”), Sept. 11 (“Emma”), Oct. 9 (“Sense and Sensibility”) and Nov. 13 (“Persuasion”).

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Ho-Ho-Kus Public School is excited to meet its youngest cubs. It’s time to register eligible students for kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year. An information evening for parents only is scheduled for April 10 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium and screening for students will be held April 24 and 25. Visit hohokus. org for more information and for forms.

GARDENS OF THE VICTORIAN ERA

Learn all about the gardens of the Victorian Era including butterfly, clock, crystal, fairy and kitchen gardens as well as the meaning of the flowers and herbs. The lecture will be held Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at the Hermitage. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20. Visit thehermitage.org/events for tickets and information.

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SHOW

The Friends of the Hermitage presents the Vintage and Antique Show on Sunday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 at the gate. Over 60 exhibitors will be selling a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more. A certified appraiser will be available to value your antiques and treasures from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a cost of $10. The event will also feature food trucks, music and entertainment for kids. For more information, visit thehermitage.org.

TOWNWIDE GARAGE SALE

The Ho-Ho-Kus Contemporary Club will host its Townwide Garage Sale on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register and purchase a ticket to participate as a garage sale host by visiting contemporaryclubhhk.com. There is no registration or fee required to shop.

VEGETABLEGARDENING: LESSONS LEARNED

The Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club will host Allie Lim of Hungry Harvest Garden on Monday, April 28. She will be speaking about veggie garden successes and the challenges in creating public vegetable gardens. Come for a special talk that could put you on the right path to success with gardening! The free event will be held at The Community Church, 400 Warren Ave., at 7:30 p.m.

Visit hohokusgardenclub.com for more information.

Queen of the Cheese Board

Gina Lee has mastered the art of creating a beautiful and delicious cheese and charcuterie display. Now, she hopes to share the fun side of entertaining with clients by making it easy and accessible.

BY SARAH NOLAN

When Gina Lee moved from New York City to Ho-Ho-Kus in 2021, the increased square footage in suburbia (plus a pool in the backyard) saw her entertaining guests much more frequently. And almost always at the center of gatherings was the consummate crowd-pleaser: a cheese and charcuterie board.

Lee, always intrigued by versatile and artistic boards, said at first, she missed the mark with her plates.

“I didn’t know what I was doing.

I tried to freestyle it on my own and thought I did such a great job, but looking back it was not good,” she said.

After seeing a particularly inspiring board on her friend’s Instagram page, she was pointed to the book “That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life” by Marissa Mullen—almost a “Cheese boards for Dummies,” Lee said. She followed the “cheese by numbers” method presented by the author and it began to click.

Fast forward to 2025, and Lee is

becoming known locally for creating beautiful and delicious cheese and charcuterie displays for clients under her business name, Le Tiger Queen.

But more than that, she has a vision of making the entertaining experience fun, easy and accessible by sharing her skills with others through in-person and online classes with the potential to expand infinitely.

She said the dream is, “almost like a modern-day, Korean American Martha Stewart with a millennial/Gen Z appeal.”

Getting ‘Gouda’

Once Lee got the knack for creating aesthetically pleasing and delicious boards, she took every opportunity to practice, gaining inspiration and tips from social media accounts like Ain’t Too Proud To Meg on Instagram, among others.

“Every family event, every gathering for friends or work associates, whenever we would have guests over, I would make a board,” she said. “I wanted the practice, I wanted to master it. At that time, I didn’t have the idea of a business in mind, I just thought: ‘I want to get good at this.’”

But people began to take notice of her

burgeoning skills and suggest she start a side hustle. Lee has a demanding job as Associate Vice President in product management at The Lifetime Value Company, which helps people discover, understand and use data about people, homes, vehicles and more.

Still, she said her ability to work from home and a somewhat flexible schedule would allow her some time to focus on the passion project—even with two children at home—Sebastian, 10, and Colette, 6.

Business Beginnings

It was support from co-workers that pushed Lee to move forward with the business

earlier than anticipated. She had won a company poker tournament under the name Tiger Queens; she would give the “Tiger mom” look when going head-to-head with opponents and won on a pair of Queens, Lee explained.

She joked that she should use the name for her “fictional cheese board business,” but her wheels began spinning after a meeting with her boss turned to talk about the side hustle and he used AI to generate logo ideas.

Lee went home inspired and discovered that while the Instagram handle and website Tiger Queen was taken, Le Tiger Queen was available. She felt it was a cute nod to

Opposite page: Gina Lee puts the finishing touches on a cheese and charcuterie board for her business, Le Tiger Queen. Left, Lee slices cheese for a board.

Above: Lee with her family: husband Tommy, son Sebastian and daughter Colette.

France, known for its cheese. She created the Instagram page and website that night, using one of the AI logos.

She would go on to ask her friend Mary Lai, an up-and-coming Los Angeles-based artist, for help with the logo design. Lee noticed a “modern and stunning” painting of Lai’s featured a tiger and asked if she could use that motif as a logo for the business. Lai suggested she design one just for Le Tiger Queen instead.

“I love the logo so much because it came from Mary, and I feel like the brand name and the logo gives the business infinite possibilities of pivot and expansion, versus pigeonholing it into something that’s specific only to cheese and charcuterie boards, because I do think it can be a lot more than that in the future,” Lee said.

Never ‘Board’

Since officially launching Le Tiger Queen in August, Lee’s had 18 client projects, including ones for the Ho-HoKus Contemporary Club, a wedding, a doljanchi (a Korean celebration for a baby’s first birthday), several Halloween parties, corporate events and more.

“What I love most about making the boards is the pleasure it brings everyone,” Lee said. “It always brings a smile to see the joy the artistic creation brings and then it being enjoyed and eaten.”

Lee has also hosted four in-person workshops, including most recently a Galentine’s Day event for the Contemporary Club, for which she’s on the board of communications. In addition, she has created and released two digital courses since launch.

For the holidays, Le Tiger Queen released a small production of custom branded cheese boards by Montezuma Woodworks, a woodworker from Costa Rica where Lee sometimes travels for business. Purchase of a board came with Lee’s first digital course along with a printed booklet. She sold out within a week during pre-sale orders.

All the boards made in Le Tiger Queen’s digital courses are customized to the 13-inch round board from the starter kit; Lee’s hope is to continue to sell it in the future as an entry-level product into her online courses.

“It brings me so much happiness to see the lightbulbs in my students’ heads go off and the pride they feel about the boards they’ve made from the techniques I’ve taught,” she said.

Perfecting the Craft

As for what makes a beautiful and delicious board? Lee said it starts with a good base of ingredients and variety of colors and composition. She recommended a stark contrast in hues—for example strawberries next to a Manchego cheese.

You also want to strive for a variety of textures (soft vs. firm/hard cheeses) and flavor profiles. Same with the meats, Lee said. Hard salami mixed with thinner sliced varieties, which she often shapes into roses or a river, are appealing to the eye. And many times, she’ll add unexpected cold cuts, like mortadella, which she said is beautiful and tasty.

Once you have the base of meats and cheeses, you move on to consider

the accoutrements and how they fill in the board in an organic way, Lee said. It’s also important to consider who will be eating, she said. If there are a lot of kids, Lee may not include anything too complex: more cheddar, thin-sliced salami and strawberries are always a crowd pleaser with the younger group.

“It’s a lot of fun and a good creative outlet,” Lee said. “Doing this honestly brings me a lot of the same satisfaction that I get from my product development career—to be able to build and make experiences that make people’s lives better in some way, and to be able to use my creative muscle and make something in the process.”

For more about Le Tiger Queen, visit letigerqueen.com or the business’s Instagram page @letigerqueen.

Opposite page and above: Pictured are some of Lee’s creations for Le Tiger Queen, including a Taylor Swift-themed board, a popular Halloween plate featuring a skeleton and a Valentine’s Day board.

A Cut Above the Rest

Joe Parisi in his barber chair.

Domenic & Pietro’s Barber Studio has seen generations come through its doors for good haircuts and good conversation. Domenic’s son Joe reflects on decades working alongside his beloved dad.

BY SARAH NOLAN

Joe Parisi grew up in his father Domenic Parisi’s barber shop.

“From the age of seven, I would come to get out of my mom’s hair,” he said, no pun intended. “My dad would give me little jobs: I’d sweep the floor and clean the barbers’ stands. During the summers, I would come here every day, and those were long, 10-hour days.”

And despite missing out on afternoons spent playing with friends, Joe said he’s thankful for that time with his dad. Now running Domenic & Pietro’s Barber Studio since Domenic’s passing in 2020, Joe said he learned so much from his father during those early years—but more than how to give a good haircut, he learned how to handle people.

“My dad always had a smile,” Joe said. “There was just a way about him and how he conversed with people. He had a low, subtle

voice that kind of sucked you in. He was so calm. I think he raised his voice to me maybe four times in my life, and I drove him nuts! I don’t know how he did that.”

Path to North Maple Avenue

Domenic & Pietro’s is a fixture in Ho-HoKus, where generations of boys and men have come for haircuts since its opening on Maple Avenue in 1970. Its founders, Domenic and Pietro Maugeri were both born in Italy before emigrating to the US, where they would meet and establish an incredibly strong partnership.

Domenic, one of eight children, was born and raised in Sicily where he apprenticed under a blacksmith to learn the trade of shoeing horses, Joe said. His father emigrated ahead of his family to the United States when Domenic was 12 to find work. He settled in Hackensack, and in his first

letter home, he informed his wife that there were no horses in Hackensack, there were cars. Domenic would have to learn a new trade before coming to the US. He suggested barbering.

Domenic began training to become a barber in the years before he joined his father in America and perfected the craft on the boat across the Atlantic, Joe said, studying a friend’s techniques and making some extra cash en route to his new life.

When he arrived in Hackensack, he attended and graduated from the local high school while working at a barbershop in town in the afternoons before moving on to work full-time at a shop in River Edge.

He met his wife, Linda, when they were both 18, and they married two years later. With the idea of starting a family in mind, Domenic took a job at Little Joe & John’s Barber Shop in Glen Rock for double the

Joe Parisi, son of Domenic Parisi, welcomes customers to the borough institution.

salary of what he was making in River Edge. That’s where he met Maugeri.

The pair hit it off and decided to open their own place, landing in Ho-Ho-Kus. At first, they modeled Domenic & Pietro’s after Little Joe & John’s: Domenic cut men’s hair and Maugeri cut women’s. That would shift as beauty salons for women became more prevalent.

“My dad and Pietro were so similar; if you were to meet them, you’d think ‘Are they twins? Brothers?’” Joe said. “They both had this subtle way and great respect for each other. I’ve never seen them argue, not once since I was a kid. They were on the same page and really very close friends.”

From Hard Rock to Hairdressing

Though Joe grew up in the barbering world, it didn’t occur to him as a career possibility immediately after graduating from high school.

He was the guitarist in a talented heavy rock band and was going to take a year post-

graduation to travel to California and see if they could make it.

“It was so much fun it was out of control,” Joe said. “We lived out of a truck in California for almost four and a half months. We didn’t shower, we were eating scraps and living that experience that you remember hearing about from your rock idols. It was all about the music.”

But despite coming close to fame, in the end, things didn’t pan out for the band (though Joe continues to write and record music, calling it a very important part of his life and a creative outlet). Joe returned to New Jersey and began to mull over his next steps. Would he go to college? If so, what would he study? He had no idea what he wanted to do.

A friend suggested he follow in his father’s footsteps. Joe wasn’t sure, but he was curious enough to invest $1,200 in attending Parisian Beauty School in Hackensack. He didn’t tell his dad of his plans.

“I wasn’t sure this was what I wanted

to do,” Joe said. “If I had said to my father, ‘I want to do what you do’ and then I disappointed him…that’s the last thing I wanted. I wanted to make sure I wanted to be in this business.”

After graduating, he worked two jobs in the industry—both of which he kept hidden from his father. At the time, Joe was also working with his uncle doing masonry work, which his father thought was his main source of income (he helped complete the trademark stonework outside of Domenic & Pietro’s).

But the day came when Joe was ready to come clean. He popped into the shop on a busy Saturday and casually left his hairdressing license on top of his dad’s counter before heading a few chairs down to say hello to Maugeri.

Let’s just say his dad’s reaction included a rare expletive before shock and joy spread amongst barbers at the shop.

Joe joined the team of five other barbers in 1986 and said it was immediately clear to

him that this was what he wanted to do. At first, he was a hairdresser in the shop, doing perms and color. But as that part of the business faded, he perfected the art of barbering by watching his dad and his colleagues.

“I was the youngest, and it was so much fun being around these older guys and, of course, being here with my dad and Pietro every day and watching how they were with people and how they worked as a unit. It was just amazing to me,” Joe said.

Sadly, Maugeri died in 2004 at age 61. Domenic continued on as owner of the business.

Seeing Joe’s passion for the art of barbering grow, Domenic said to his son one day: “Just wait until you do generations.” And indeed, after about 18 years, Joe began to experience the magic of cutting hair for a customer’s son, then his grandson.

“That’s really one of my favorite parts of working here,” Joe said. “That and

the closeness we shared as barbers— the friendships.”

Domenic died in 2020 after a “short but grueling” battle with COVID-19, according to his obituary. He was 76. Joe says some days it’s still hard to come into the shop—a space where he’s shared so much of life with his father. Still, his passion for keeping the borough institution going and being there for its customers persists.

Through the Years

Throughout the years, Joe says obviously, hairstyles and preferences have changed. When he started at Domenic & Pietro’s in 1986, the bowl cut was the “biggest thing in the world.” Then came the reinvention of the flattop. And now fades are the style to go with.

“These new styles, even though they’re actually old styles that are making a comeback, keep things fun and interesting,” Joe said. “We’ve come a long way from the classic barber/businessman’s haircut.”

Joe, who lives in Pompton Plains with his partner Kim and their teenage daughters, said he truly enjoys cutting customers’ hair from the time they’re two years old until they’re adults.

And of course, Domenic & Pietro’s has had some famous clientele over the years— most notably former President Richard Nixon, who had his hair cut by Domenic every two weeks for years when he lived in Saddle River and Park Ridge. However, the barber was tightlipped about his infamous customer.

“He didn’t tell anybody,” Joe said. “I found out by reading ‘The Record.’ They did a story on Nixon and there’s my dad’s name. I said ‘You’re cutting Nixon’s hair? For how long?’ It had been almost a year.”

Other recognizable names include, Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli and Harlan Coben.

“Famous or not, my dad had a way about him that appealed to customers, a demeanor,” Joe said. “I’ll never forget that or take for granted bearing witness to it.”

Opposite page, clockwise from left: Domenic & Pietro’s Barber Studio is located at 616 North Maple Ave. A newspaper ad from the shop’s early days. Pietro Maugeri and Domenic Parisi outside the shop. This page, left: Loyal customers left notes on the shop window after Domenic’s death from COVID-19. Above: Parisi with multiple awards bestowed upon Domenic & Pietro’s through the years.

Lights, Camera, Action!

From a passion for filmmaking to a successful headshot business and career coaching actors to help them succeed, Martin Bentsen aims to help people feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera.

BY SARAH NOLAN

When Martin Bentsen started taking professional headshots for actors and businesspeople back in 2009, he did so from his dorm room at New York University. The film major would hang a sheet up as a background and use cheap work lights to create optimal lighting for clients.

“It was an interesting setup,” Bentsen said with a laugh. “But it worked.”

More than 15 years down the road, Bentsen’s talent and ingenuity have led to the success of his business, City Headshots, with studios in Manhattan and right here in Ho-Ho-Kus, where he lives with his family. He’s also the

creator of a consulting service that helps actors grow their film and TV acting careers.

Though he’s come a long way from that tiny dorm room, the goal of helping people feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera and put their best foot forward remains.

Martin Bentsen

A Passion for Filmmaking

When Bentsen was around 9 years old, he received a Nintendo 64 for Christmas, along with the James Bond game, GoldenEye 007. The game sparked his interest in classic films and before long, Bentsen was borrowing his dad’s video camera to film his own movies (usually featuring himself and his sister as secret agents completing their own missions).

Innovative from the start, Bentsen describes connecting the VCR, camera and video game console, allowing him to pull sound effects from the game for his movies. Eventually, he upgraded his equipment, getting a Mac computer along with video

editing software.

It was around this time that he was asked to shoot video at a friend’s sister’s wedding. The couple loved his work, and Bentsen said he began receiving lots of referrals.

He continued his side business as he began official studies for his passion of film directing at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. And because he was involved in the film program, he interacted with lots of actors.

“Friends started coming to me and saying, ‘Hey, you have a nice camera, can you take a headshot for me?’ I really didn’t even know what it was at the time,” Bentsen said. “I looked online and saw that people

were charging something like $800 for the service. And most websites weren’t optimized for the search engine to receive web traffic. I saw a business opportunity.”

Bentsen had some marketing experience from promoting his wedding/event filmmaking services and said he began delving deeper into strategies by reading all kinds of books focused on Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

“I wanted to understand how I could get on the first page of Google when people searched for headshots,” he said.

He would write articles and blog posts for his website from his phone as he rode the subway to class, using keywords to boost

Above: In addition to City Headshots, Martin Bentsen works as a consultant, helping actors grow their careers. He’s pictured teaching a class to clients.

Right: Bentsen behind the camera for his company, City Headshots.

them. After two years of learning and hard work putting strategies to the test, he met his goal: City Headshots appeared on the first page of Google when people searched for “headshots NYC” and Bentsen was getting more and more business from actors and businesspeople alike.

In the meantime, Bentsen wrote, directed and filmed an independent feature film while at NYU called “Mozart of Rap” about a composer who writes symphonic music and raps to it.

It was a fun project, Bentsen said, but as his headshot business began to gain momentum his path shifted.

Shooting to Strategizing

Bentsen graduated and moved to the Upper West Side into a typical first New York City apartment—a tiny but affordable studio, with “roaches and the like.” He hung up a sheet in front of his bed and

continued to grow City Headshots and his business acumen.

He made several moves, each time upgrading apartments, enabling him to provide a better client experience until he was finally able to afford a separate studio in the financial district and then one in midtown where business really picked up due to the convenient location. He hired a team, including an hourly makeup artist and photographers, along with someone to manage the schedule.

“Over time I learned what matters most to our clients: a personalized, guided session that allows us to capture great photos of you in a relaxed environment,” Bentsen said. “We’ve been fortunate to have had our headshot work in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, we’ve been featured on the ‘Rachael Ray Show,’ and we’ve shot numerous times for well-known companies like American

Express, Facebook and LinkedIn Corp. We’ve collectively shot over 25,000 clients since 2009, including some sports and TV stars like Serge Ibaka, David Shuster and Brian Kelly.”

But Bentsen began to think about how he could make the most of his studio in the evenings when it wasn’t in use and tap into his love of directing and working with actors.

“At times actors I did headshots for would say ‘OK I have the headshots; now how do I get work?’” Bentsen said. “It made me curious about learning more to help them and marketing that kind of business.”

He began running a class called Get Cast at his studio in the evenings.

And when the pandemic hit and City Headshots was forced to shut down for three months, Bentsen, who had recently moved to Ho-Ho-Kus with his wife and newborn son, saw the benefit of having

Clockwise from top left: Bentsen shoots a headshot for his business, City Headshots. Bentsen works with colleagues on recent headshots. A team member at Bentsen’s company helps a client feel comfortable in front of the camera.

a second stream of income, and one that could be done online.

He began creating online classes and coaching actors, helping them reach new milestones, including signing with successful agents and managers, booking their first major speaking roles on film or television, or gaining admission to prestigious acting programs and becoming SAG-eligible.

“The biggest challenge that most actors have is they feel like they can’t get good auditions,” Bentsen said. “This leads to them searching for solutions: Maybe they need an agent or manager, maybe they need better headshots or a better reel, maybe they need access to a better casting website. All of this is related to getting better and/or more auditions.”

Bentsen analyzes actors’ online casting profiles and figures out what needs to change so his clients can start getting more

consistent and better-quality auditions that will lead them to booking bigger network television and film roles.

He has seen a huge uptick in visitors to his Actor Marketing Consultant website, with 50 to 60 new subscribers a day and 30,000 actors on his email list.

He wrote a book on the subject called “Get Cast: Book More Acting Work by Thinking Outside the Industry” and hosts a podcast called “The Actor’s Career Compass,” which explores topics like what casting directors are really looking for in screen actors and how to build strong industry connections.

Actors on Bentsen’s website provide positive testimonials, many times touting that after just months of working with the consultant, they’re landing roles like never before.

“Since working with Martin, I’ve performed at the Apollo theatre with

rapper Drake, I’ve become eligible and joined SAG-AFTRA, a long-term goal of mine, and I’ve even worked as a CORE background actor in numerous TV shows including ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU,’” actor Ronald Barshop said.

When asked if Bentsen hopes to return to his roots of filmmaking, he said it depends.

“Down the line, 15 to 20 years, if my businesses continues to grow and I can fund my own films, which is a long-term goal of mine, I would love to,” he said. “I love working with actors, directing them and giving them feedback, and I’m lucky that right now I get to do that in a way that also helps lead to more success for people that dream of one day hitting it big.”

For more about Bentsen, visit the City Headshots website, cityheadshots.com and his actor consultant page, martinbentsen.com.

Bentsen and his wife Erika and son Patrick.

Sydney Strong

Born with a syndrome that affects the shape of her head and face, Sydney Carchi has met adversity with a level of courage and resilience that astounds those that know and love her.

BY SARAH NOLAN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOE NOLAN AND COURTESY OF JERRY CARCHI

Soon after Sydney Carchi was born, her parents Jerry and Virginia Carchi learned that she has Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare genetic mutation that affects the shape of her head and face. She would have the first of more than a dozen surgeries aimed at correcting her skull abnormalities at just four months old.

Still reeling from the shock of the diagnosis and the unknown path ahead, the new parents were faced with the agony of sending their newborn into surgery. Again and again, the baby, then toddler, then child would be wheeled back for surgery, put under for hours at a time.

“As we were going through each stage—the surgeries and procedures— Virginia and I would be panicked,” Jerry said. “‘She’s going under again; here we go again.’ But she would come out of the surgery, and we’d go see her, and it

was amazing to watch how quickly she’d bounce back and how resilient she was.”

Even the nurses would comment on how fast Sydney rebounded, Jerry said.

Now 16, Sydney inspires her parents daily with her strength, courage and tenacity. Jerry wrote a book based on his daughter’s story called “Princess Sydney Strong” and is launching Zen Salto—a wellness initiative he created to promote positive self-image and belief in oneself, convictions he and Virginia instilled in their daughter.

Sydney, already a strong advocate for herself, has ambitions of writing her own book to help others understand what she’s gone through and to stand up for inclusion.

“Sydney has had a lot to overcome and persevere throughout her young life,” Jerry said. “Our journey is one of resilience, empowerment and holistic well-being.”

A Powerful Mantra

Ho-Ho-Kus residents Jerry and Virginia realized there was something different about Sydney as soon as she was born. Her eye shape was atypical, and at first, doctors thought maybe she had Down’s syndrome, Virginia said. But genetic testing would reveal the Pfeiffer syndrome diagnosis.

The condition occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 births and is characterized by the premature fusion of certain bones of the skull, which affects the shape of the head and face.

Sydney began to see doctors that specialized in craniofacial surgeries and her parents moved her case to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) early on. The level of care from her team there has been “lifechanging,” they say.

They watched in awe as their daughter overcame surgeries and recovery periods,

Sydney with her parents, Jerry and Virginia.

but as a particularly big one approached, they worried about how she would handle it.

Children with Pfeiffer syndrome have underdeveloped bones in the midface, between the eyes and the mouth. The bones do not grow forward as they should. Midface surgery helps to move the bones forward, and, afterward, patients wear a Rigid External Distraction Device, often called a halo, for several months to help with the process and healing.

“Many kids fall into a depression because they are limited in what they are able to do physically,” Jerry said.

Jerry and Virginia prepared Sydney for what was to come by showing her YouTube videos of another child that had gone through the surgery and creating a mantra to help build her confidence: I am beautiful. I am smart. I am funny.

I am caring. I am brave. I am strong. I believe in me.

“She knew it by heart,” Jerry said. “She was four years old and could rattle it off, to the point where she’d get annoyed when we asked her to say it again.”

The mantra worked wonders. Sydney, 5 years old at the time, rocked the recovery. When she came out of surgery, she wore her halo like a trophy or accessory, her parents said. She drew a self-portrait of herself with her device and asked to go to one of her favorite places, the mall, shortly after her release from the hospital. Her parents were hesitant, worried people might stare or ask questions. But they took her, and Sydney confidently strode the walkways, posing for photos along the way.

“That’s when I knew there was something so special about this girl,” Jerry said. “She is so resilient. She just has this way about her.”

Clockwise from top left: Sydney reads a copy of the book “Princess Sydney Strong,” which her dad wrote to celebrate her story. Sydney with her parents, Virginia and Jerry. A proud Sydney gives the thumbs up as she poses with the book.

Sharing Sydney’s Story

Jerry penned “Princess Sydney Strong” in just two weeks’ time. He said the whole world disappeared as he wrote his daughter’s inspiring story.

In the self-published children’s book, Sydney is a princess in the Kingdom of Resilience, which has bounced back from hurricane floods, attacks from other kingdoms and earthquakes. She has a syndrome called Extraordinary ME that causes her to look different and requires her to have multiple surgeries on her head and face. Her parents, the king and queen, shield her from the kingdom at first, to protect her from unwanted attention. But they soon begin to realize that people can see beyond her differences and recognize how incredible she is. The story features the mantra, which has helped Sydney and her family through dark times.

Sydney, a freshman in the Bergen County Special Service SHIP program, which runs

out of Midland Park High School, said she always knew she looked different, but for many years it didn’t get to her. It was around age 11 or 12 that she became incredibly self-conscious, avoiding mirrors and slipping into depression.

The emotions she was experiencing were partly a product of entering adolescence, when young people often become more aware of their looks and what others might think of them, but she also had an abnormality in the back of her brain called a Chiari malformation that sometimes occurs with Pfeiffer syndrome. It caused her pain and affected her mental health. It would require yet another surgery.

With the physical and emotional symptoms subsiding post-surgery, Sydney once again relied on the mantra to move through the tumultuous time. Today, she said she’s past focusing on her physical differences and doesn’t find that her peers treat her differently because of them.

One frustration is that adults sometimes speak to her and her teenage peers and classmates as though they’re five years old, Sydney said. She isn’t afraid to tell them it’s not appropriate.

“I’m tough,” Sydney said, with her mom adding that she “knows how to read a room” and her dad calling her “feisty.”

Looking to the Future

A self-described “performing arts girl,” Sydney is passionate about music and theater, performing in Midland Park’s productions and writing her own lyrics and songs. She’s a cheerleader. This summer she’ll be a counselor at the Wyckoff YMCA. The honors student has ambitions to go to college in California, so she can be close to Hollywood and pursue a career in the arts.

“Since I was 12, I’ve been looking forward to going to college,” Sydney said. “The work is hard, and I’ll have more responsibilities, but I’ll also have more freedom, more friends and more experiences.”

Left: After her midface surgery, Sydney came home and drew a self-portrait of herself wearing the external device needed for her recovery. Her parents say she wore it like a trophy or accessory. Above, Sydney with her parents Virginia and Jerry.

Talking to Sydney, it can be easy to forget all she has been through. She’s a teenage girl, experiencing life and rites of passage alongside her friends. And while her differences don’t define her, she wouldn’t want you to ignore them necessarily. She is extremely passionate about advocating for people with special needs and thinks it’s important to talk about inclusion openly.

She wants to write her own book, detailing her experiences with Pfeiffer syndrome.

“I want to bring awareness,” Sydney said. “If someone insults a person with special needs, they’re insulting me. It hurts me. We’re all on the same team.”

Jerry, who works with adults with special needs, said he prefers to say, “adaptive needs.”

“ We have to adapt to them, or they have to adapt to the situation,” Jerry said. “Anything can be done, you just have to be caring, compassionate and patient.”

Inspired to help others feel driven and confident like Sydney, Jerry created Zen Salto—a program that combines positive energy and fun dance routines to encourage people of all ages and abilities to build confidence, positive self-image and belief in oneself.

Jerry has always loved dancing, but when he began teaching Zumba at the Wyckoff YMCA, where he works, he was a bit intimidated. He began saying the mantra to himself before class and soon realized that participants could use the boost, too.

“We called it Zen Zumba and people loved it,” he said. “I thought maybe I could combine the power of the mantra and Zumba into a program. Zen kept sticking with me and Salto is the Latin word for dance.”

The 8-week program can be adapted for anyone from preschool to seniors, Jerry said, adding that he’s currently looking for a home to teach it.

“The mantra is just so universal for me—I really want to get it out to as many people as possible,” Jerry said. “It’s all inspired by Sydney. I’m in awe of her.”

“She’s ready to conquer the world,” added Virginia.

“Princess Sydney Strong” is available on Amazon. For more information about Zen Salto, visit zensalto8wkprogram.com.

Jerry Carchi was inspired by his daughter to create Zen Salto, a course that combines positive energy and fun dance routines to help attendees gain confidence. Above, left: Jerry is pictured ready to teach a class. Above, right: Sydney poses at the mall after her midface surgery, wearing her external device.

A Passion for Educating

Ho-Ho-Kus School Principal Martha Walsh says a community and staff dedicated to providing a positive and supportive learning environment for students is her favorite thing about the district.

Do you recall when and why you wanted to go into education?

I first realized I wanted to go into education when I was in 6th grade. My science teacher really inspired me with her passion for teaching and her ability to make the subject come alive for us. She made me realize how impactful a good teacher could be, and I found myself

wanting to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to others. At the same time, my parents, who immigrated here from Italy, always emphasized the importance of education. They saw it as the key to a better life, and they worked hard to instill in me a deep respect for learning. Their journey and sacrifices made me even more determined to give back by helping others realize the value of education.

What path led you to Ho-Ho-Kus and how many years have you been with the district?

The path that led me to Ho-Ho-Kus is one I will always truly treasure. After having my third child, I made the decision to pause my teaching career and stay home to raise our children. I later reconnected with the Ho-Ho-Kus School superintendent, Loretta Bellina at the time, who had been my former principal in another district. She reached out to me with an opportunity to teach a class following a recent retirement at the school. That call, 23 years ago, marked the beginning of my return to the classroom. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a variety of subjects: basic skills reading/ math, middle school science, Italian, enrichment, technology and TV Studio. Each role allowed me to grow as an educator and expand my ability to connect with students in different ways. Ten years ago, I transitioned into administration, first serving as assistant principal for six years. I’m proud to say that I am now in my fourth year as principal at this amazing school, where I continue to be inspired by the dedication and passion of our students, staff and community.

INTERVIEW WITH MARTHA WALSH

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in education and/or the Ho-Ho-Kus School in your tenure with the district?

Over the years, I’ve witnessed significant changes in education, both in the broader field and specifically at Ho-Ho-Kus. One of the most impactful shifts has been the Oneto-One initiative, which has transformed the way students engage with learning. The integration of technology in every student’s hands has not only enhanced access to resources but has also allowed for a more personalized learning experience. However, it’s equally important to maintain a balance between embracing new tools and ensuring that face-to-face interactions, critical thinking and social-emotional development remain at the forefront of our educational approach. Our teachers blend both types of learning beautifully.

Another major development has been the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach. It’s been incredible to see

how the focus has shifted toward early intervention and support for students who may need additional help. This proactive strategy has been instrumental in ensuring that all students have that targeted instruction they need to succeed, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Equally important has been the growing focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which has become a vital part of the classroom experience. Recognizing that academic success is tied to emotional well-being, SEL initiatives have been infused into the curriculum to foster resilience, empathy and self-regulation in our students.

Additionally, the shift toward collaborative, interdisciplinary teaching has been a game changer. Our teachers work together across subjects, helping students make connections between different areas of learning. This approach has helped students see the bigger picture and better understand how knowledge from various disciplines can come together in real life.

You mentioned Social-Emotional Learning. Ho-Ho-Kus (along with other districts statewide) has placed more emphasis on educating the “whole child” in the past decade.

Can you tell us more about why you feel it’s so important to focus on emotional/mental health in addition to academics?

This shift acknowledges that academic achievement is just one aspect of a student’s growth. A key part of this effort in Ho-Ho-Kus has been the creation of our new Wellness Center, housed within Duffield Hall, which supports our commitment to nurturing both the minds and well-being of our students. This addition speaks to the broader recognition that emotional and mental health are crucial components of a child’s overall development. Focusing on emotional and mental health is more important than ever, especially when we consider the

Above: Duffield Hall at Ho-Ho-Kus Public School includes a Wellness Center, which Walsh says is integral to helping teachers educate the whole child. Right: Walsh reads to students.

many challenges our students face today are challenges that didn’t exist years ago. Technology, particularly the widespread use of smartphones and social media, has introduced a new dynamic in the lives of young people. Students are constantly connected, with access to social media, online interactions and even bullying outside of school hours. The pressures of this digital world can significantly impact their emotional well-being, making it crucial that we address these concerns alongside their academic needs.

As a school community, we recognize the importance of this, which is why I was inspired to relaunch our parent community book club. We meet remotely, and our current read is “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. This holistic approach—addressing both mental health and academic needs— ensures that students are well-equipped to face the challenges of school and life. At Ho-Ho-Kus School, we strive to be proactive in equipping our students with the tools they need to cope with these challenges, offering them resources to foster emotional resilience, social awareness and self-regulation. When we focus on the whole child, we help them not only succeed academically but also grow into wellrounded, healthy individuals.

What are some of your favorite things about working in Ho-Ho-Kus?

One of my favorite things about working in Ho-Ho-Kus is the sense of community. We have an amazing staff who are deeply committed to our students’ success, always going above and beyond to create a positive and supportive learning environment. The children here are incredibly curious and eager to learn. Watching them grow, not just academically but as individuals, is one of the most rewarding parts of my

Q & a

job. Equally important are the parents— their involvement and dedication to their children’s education make a huge difference. The partnership between school and home is strong, and it’s clear that everyone values the education we’re providing. We all work together to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. From the supportive Board of Education to the Home & School Association and Education Foundation, each group goes above and beyond to support the school’s efforts, ensuring that we have the resources and community backing necessary to thrive. Their dedication plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our shared vision for student success. Another aspect I love about being in a PreK-8 building is the unique opportunity to see students evolve over a long period of time. I have the privilege of watching young children grow into young adults and being a part of that journey from the very beginning through middle school is incredibly rewarding. It creates a strong sense of continuity and allows for meaningful relationships to form between students, teachers and

families. It is the combination of these elements that makes working in Ho-Ho-Kus so special.

What are you most looking forward to at Ho-Ho-Kus School in the next few years?

In the next few years, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly with the arrival of our new superintendent. While I know I’ll deeply miss Dr. Mardy, who has been a great mentor, leader and friend, I believe that change brings fresh ideas and perspectives. I’m eager to collaborate with our new superintendent to continue building on the strong foundation we have established here at Ho-Ho-Kus. I believe this new leadership will help guide us toward even greater success, ensuring that we remain a school that fosters growth, innovation and a deep sense of community. We will continue to focus on providing students with the best possible educational experience, while also embracing initiatives that support the whole child, from their academic progress to their emotional and social development. I’m also excited to explore new opportunities for professional development for our staff, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to stay at the forefront of education. Overall, the future of Ho-Ho-Kus is incredibly exciting, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it as we continue to adapt, grow and ensure that our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Tell me a little bit about your family and what you enjoy doing during your time away from the school?

I’ve been married to my supportive husband for 36 years, and we have three amazing adult children. I enjoy reading and spending quality time with my family. I am also passionate about learning and am always eager to explore new ideas and experiences.

BOOK NOOK

Uplifting Literature

“Uplit” books backed with humor and hope.

WENDY LEES

Uplit, short for uplifting literature, is popularly known as feel-good fiction. The storylines are weaved around themes of kindness, resilience and human connection and end on an optimistic note. With their quirky but lovable characters, uplit novels can have you laugh out loud one moment, then tug on your heartstrings the next. While the books have a lighthearted tone, they often tackle heavy topics with humor and heart.

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, uplit may be the perfect comfort food for your brain.

“THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLEMAKERS”

by Samuel Burr

At just four days old, Clayton Summer was left on the doorstep of the secluded Fellowship of Puzzlemakers. Now in his 20s, he must leave the isolated community to solve the greatest puzzle of all...the mystery of his own past. He’s always relied on logic and reason, but now he must put his trust in others and embrace the unknown.

“THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA”

by TJ Klune

In this fantasy novel, loner Linus Baker

is a by-the-book caseworker who inspects orphanages for magical children. Are the six children on Marsyas Island truly dangerous threats to society, or are they simply kids his government agency fears it can’t control?

“HOW TO AGE DISGRACEFULLY”

by Clare Pooley

When a police officer pulls over their senior center minibus, each passenger is convinced she’s there to arrest them. As they confess their long-harbored secrets and recent misdeeds, the criminal the police are actually after slips away. Will they ever be found, and does every crime deserve punishment?

“NOSY NEIGHBORS”

by Freya Sampson

A cantankerous busybody and a pinkhaired rebel become unlikely allies when a fellow neighbor is attacked and the entire building faces eviction. Can they set aside their petty squabbles and unite against a common foe?

“REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES” by Shelby Van Pelt

An aquarium octopus becomes the sole

confidant of a widowed night shift janitor. Perhaps this remarkably bright creature can help her process her grief, reconnect with other humans and unravel the decades-old mystery of her 18-year-old son’s disappearance.

UPCOMING RELEASES

“MY FRIENDS” by Fredrik Backman (May 6, 2025)

An unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a stranger’s life 25 years later.

“RUN FOR THE HILLS” by Kevin Wilson (May 13, 2025)

A cross-country road trip brings together four half-siblings who never knew one another existed. Infused with deadpan wit, zany hijinks and enormous heart, it’s a novel about a family forged under unlikely circumstances and united by hope in an unknown future.

“BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB” by Freya Sampson (May 27, 2025)

In this mystery, a dysfunctional book club must pull together when one of their members goes missing and a dead body is discovered in his home.

Photo Credit of Brian Marcus Photography

Snow blankets one of the most picturesque places in town, the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, making for a beautiful winter scene in February. Here’s hoping we’re past the cold winter days as we welcome April and the blossoming trees.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@hohokusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN DOYLE