Editor’s Note
Are you ready? Regardless of whether or not December brings us a “White Christmas,” most of us are knee-deep in preparation for the big day. No matter which holiday you celebrate, let’s face it: You’re busy cooking, decorating, entertaining and shopping. Thanks for taking the time to read this letter, by the way!
Gifting is a tradition rooted in different types of celebrations throughout history. Ancient Romans exchanged gifts during their feast of Saturnalia. The Three Wise Men brought gifts to baby Jesus. In early modern Europe, rowdy young men would “wassail” (drink and be merry) while soliciting handouts from the upper class. Santa Claus, the most renowned gifter of all, is based on a 4th century bishop known for his generosity and kindness.
How do you gift? This month, we’re covering the tangibles and the intangibles. First, we are pleased to present
Ridgewood Magazine’s first-ever holiday gift guide! It has a two-fold purpose: to inspire you with beautiful and unique gift ideas for the entire family and to do our part to help sustain a thriving and vibrant downtown. Thus, we invited Ridgewood business owners to submit gift ideas for our gift guide without any obligation to advertise. This is our gift to each of them—we’re committed to supporting Ridgewood’s retail businesses in any way we can. Shop Local!
Ridgewood MAGAZINE
Publisher Karen Stires
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Kris Pepper
Lorri Steinbacher
Matt Zorovich
BY MARJORIE RAGGO
Next, we highlight a resident who shares his unique gifts with others. Steve Freides is truly a Renaissance man. Not only is he a talented musician, accomplished weight lifter and a computer genius—he even roasts his own coffee. Watch out, Starbucks! You probably already know Steve; he’s also the admin for Ridgewood Moms and Dads on Facebook.
Our third gifting story covers the importance of giving back and helping others. I want to introduce you to Anastasia Sirotkin, founder of Helping Hands for Ukraine. You will enjoy her inspiring story of how she created a grass-roots organization that provides critical supplies and aid to people living in the war-torn country of Ukraine. This is one jam-packed issue. I hope you find some leisurely moments to relax and enjoy our stories. A few minutes of downtime is a gift, too! As always, if you have suggestions for inspiring and interesting stories about the people of Ridgewood, that would be a gift for me! Send me an email at editor@ridgewoodmag.com, and let’s chat! Happy Holidays!
Kris Pepper Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com
Last month, an article on Stacey Antine of HealthBarn mistakenly noted that HealthBarn offers programs for kids 3-5. It should have read, “kids 3-15.”
Scan the QR code to access the digital version of Ridgewood Magazine.
Photographers
Chris Marksbury
Kris Pepper
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
Ridgewood Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ridgewood, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained here in do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
Holiday Entertaining with a Healthy Twist
“Bowl over” your guests with festive food bowls.
BY STACEY ANTINE
It’s the season for holiday fun and festivities with friends and family of all ages and dietary needs. We’re here to help you plan a beautiful and delicious spread that will warm everyone’s hearts and fill their bellies with tasty and healthy foods.
Food Bowls are trending on social media!
The food bowl trend has exploded in homes and many restaurants because people want to personalize their food choices. By putting a festive twist on the bowl concept, you’ll present healthy choices that accommodate everyone from vegans to carnivores at the same holiday table!
Be bold by dropping the typical appetizers (sorry, Pigs in a Blanket!), and set up your
table display to appeal to your guests’ curiosity and appetites. Be sure to use beautiful serving platters in all shapes and sizes.
Here are the must-have food groups to remember when shopping, preparing and presenting.
Whole Grains: Cook brown rice and quinoa. Both are gluten-free and packed with filling fiber and protein. These grains are easy to cook: one cup water to ½ cup of grains. Scale up based on your guest list and cook in vegetable broth for added flavor.
Fruits: Fresh and dried, such as pomegranates, persimmons, cranberries, oranges, apples, pears, avocado, dates and various pitted olives offer a boost of vitamins, minerals and natural sweetness.
Veggies: Roasted broccoli, carrots, leeks,
Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, green bell peppers and asparagus are essential. Cut veggies into bite-sized pieces, toss in olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Place on a roasting tray at 450 degrees, turning every 20 minutes until fork tender. Add a bowl of greens such as arugula and spinach mix for leafy greens the liver loves.
Dairy: Crumbled feta cheese or grated Swiss cheese are both good choices and can easily be used as toppings without overdoing it.
Lean Proteins: Roasted sliced turkey, grilled shrimp, or chicken breast without the skin massaged with a delicious spice rub (paprika, cinnamon, sea salt and pepper) is always tasty. Also offer plant-based proteins such as a chickpea or black bean hummus. Additional toppings: Consider finely chopped walnuts, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds—all roasted and unsalted.
Top with flavored olive oils drizzled with lemon or lime. Stop by Olive R Twist in town for many excellent selections. Try this delicious balsamic vinaigrette (1/3 balsamic vinegar and 2/3 olive oil) in a mason jar—just shake and serve. Lastly, keep the sparkling and still water flowing in addition to your cocktail selection.
Still room for dessert? Present a beautiful seasonal fruit tart, either home-baked (or ordered from Sook Pastry!) and a few ice cream selections for guests of all ages. Too many small-bite sweets add unwanted calories and sugar because it’s too tempting to try just one.
This simple food approach requires minimum cooking and avoids high sodium and high-fat holiday food choices while creating a fun, festive party. Happy holidays!
Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, is the founder of Ridgewood’s HealthBarn USA and author of “Appetite for Life.” She is a national expert in family nutrition and has appeared on the Rachael Ray Show, CNN, PBS-TV and hundreds of other media outlets. She can personally attest from her experience that the “bowl style” trend has both kids and adults coming back for more!
Pour on the Holiday Spirit!
Selecting the right wines for your holiday meals will uncork the compliments!
The holidays usher in a variety of ways to share the joy of the season. From intimate Christmas and Hanukkah gatherings to raucous New Year’s celebrations, we may wonder if we are serving the right wine to complement our menus. Just remember, wine pairing for holiday events doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few rules of thumb, you’ll always have the right wine to enjoy.
I have two general comments on pairing wines with food. First, drink what you like! I can tell you the best classic wine pairing, but if you don’t like that style of wine, you’ll hate the pairing. Second, accept the fact that some wines and foods just don’t go well together. Avoid wines high in tannins and/or alcohol with spicy foods. Sweet foods work better with wines that are sweeter than the food. Before giving you some ideas, let’s talk about a pairing strategy. Your choices are to either complement or contrast the wines with the foods. It’s a preference thing.
BY JOE RINGWOOD
For example, if you are serving a dish with a cream sauce, a complementary pairing would be a California chardonnay that is rich and creamy. The contrasting choice would be a chablis. Its high acidity will cut through the cream sauce and refresh your palate. Foods high in acid (think tomato sauces or goat cheese) need highacid wines. Barbera or Chianti, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices.
Another important consideration is to match weight to weight. A heavy dish requires a heavier wine and vice versa. Look for balance in the weight of the food and wine.
You can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir for most holiday events. The high acidity makes it a great food wine. It is incredibly versatile, pairing with most meats and heavier fish such as salmon. Zinfandel is another practical choice. Typically, Zinfandels have great fruit and low tannins, so they go with all kinds of foods.
If you’re a white wine aficionado, try one of the many Italian whites available. They are typically light in body and have high acid, making them an excellent pairing for any seafood or high-acid dishes. Try a white wine from the Burgundy Cote De Beaune or a California chardonnay if you’re having a heavier dish.
Add a little celebration with some bubbles. Sparkling wines are perfect for all kinds of foods. If you are heading to a holiday party, a great hostess gift is a bottle of cabernet sauvignon. Prices are soaring for Napa cabernets, but there are some great values from Bordeaux, France, Argentina and Chile.
Follow these simple rules, and your events will be festive and delicious.
Happy Holidays!
Joe Ringwood is the General Manager at Ridgewood’s Super Cellars Fine Wines and Marketplace. Stop by to see Joe for expert advice, an expansive selection of wines and holiday gift ideas.
Helping Hands for Ukraine
All hands are on deck to support the front line.
BY KRIS PEPPER
As the holidays draw near, we tend to reflect on the privilege of peace we enjoy in the United States. Although we may grumble about traffic, taxes and inflation, millions of world citizens would gladly take on our “first world” challenges in exchange for a ceasefire.
The people of Ukraine are no exception. Although for most of us, our awareness of the war consists of soundbites from the evening news, the war is very real to Anastasia Sirotkin and her family.
Anastasia, who moved to America from Kyiv at the age of 14, has a deep personal connection to Ukraine—her father still resides in Kyiv, along with other extended family and friends.
When Russia first invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, the Sirotkins got involved by collecting supplies and delivering them to the Ukrainian church in Clifton.
Konstantin Sirotkin, Anastasia Sirotkin, Elizabeth Sirotkin, Natalie Sirotkin and dog, Dasha.
The Grassroots Effort Grows Anastasia’s personal relationships and direct knowledge of the conflict in Ukraine prompted her to launch a grassroots effort to collect and ship the much-needed supplies that her contacts specifically requested, and Helping Hands for Ukraine was established.
“Because we have friends and relatives in Ukraine, I was hearing firsthand exactly what was needed,” she says. “The soldiers were equipped with guns but didn’t have boots, warm socks, thermal wear or medical emergency kits.”
The whole family, including Anastasia’s husband, Konstantin, and her two daughters, helped organize fundraising events, sorting deliveries and packing shipments. The girls have grown up volunteering with the humanitarian mission.
“They were so young when this all started,” says Sirotkin, “and they are always helping. I’m proud of that—they are involved and committed. Sadly, they have had so much exposure to this war. Over the past several years, they have learned more than the typical person knows about sutures, gauze and medical staple guns— but they’ve also learned that there is a world far beyond Ridgewood and Bergen County—and that’s important.”
A Visit to the Homeland
As a former international journalist, Anastasia’s experience working in war zones equipped her with the confidence and know-how to navigate a visit to her father in Kyiv this past August, but seeing her homeland in person was sobering.
“It’s not safe. Electricity goes on and off all day because Russian bombs target
the country’s infrastructure to damage its power stations. When one station is bombed, the whole country’s electrical services are rationed, so power goes on and off for hours at a time,” she says.
Lights, wifi, refrigeration, heat and air conditioning are unreliable. The high-rise buildings of Kyiv rely on electric pumps to deliver water to the higher floors, so water and plumbing can be out of order for hours at a time for some residents.
“Ukrainians try to time their cooking around the power outages,” says Sirotkin. “Many children cannot attend school because schools without underground bomb shelters are not open. These children began learning remotely during the pandemic, and then the war started. They’ve been learning remotely for five years now!”
Sirens and emergency alerts fill the air
Above: Anastasia Sirotkin and Konstantin Sirotkin. Top right: Jacob Volynsky, Natalie Sirotkin and Elizabeth Sirotkin pack orders. Bottom right: Anastasia Sirotkin and Annabelle Volynsky.
every day in Ukraine, and trauma and stress are rampant. Some cities on the eastern side of the country are bombed every single day; millions of people are leaving the country, and lives are in constant upheaval.
One thing is for sure: After Anastasia visited Ukraine, she was thankful to return to American soil. “I came back such a patriot,” she says. “We are so lucky in the U.S. We forget how complicated things are in other places!”
Helping Hands Ukraine –Accountability and Honesty
This past spring, Helping Hands for Ukraine became an official 501c3 nonprofit organization, making fundraising and soliciting corporate sponsorships easier. The Sirotkins make a point of ensuring that all donations go directly
to those in need. Friends donate legal and accounting services while Anastasia manages the PR and social media, Konstantin takes care of the IT and website development and a small but mighty cadre of teen and adult volunteers pitch in to pack and ship supplies.
“We are a tiny organization,” says Sirotkin, “but because I am directly involved with my connections in the Ukraine, I can say with 1000% certainty that I know exactly where your money and aid is going. Accountability, honesty and transparency are the most important things.”
Sirotkin knows all too well the corruption and black markets that take hold of war-torn countries, so she avoids working with Ukraine-based “volunteers,” working only with people she knows personally or with individuals whom her connections in
If you are considering helping deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, visit the Helping Hands Ukraine website at helpinghandsukraine.org or plan to see one of their upcoming charity concerts.
Sunday, Jan. 5 at 5:00 p.m.
3rd Annual Kids Performance Charity Concert at Unitarian Society of Ridgewood.
113 Cottage Pl #3213, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Sunday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Jazz and Blues for Ukraine
Forte Piano Music Hall
159 Rt. 4, Paramus, NJ 07652
Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
3 Years of War: Ukrainian Music Concert
Forte Piano Music Hall
159 Rt. 4, Paramus, NJ 07652
the country have carefully vetted.
“We never send money directly to Ukraine. For example, when I found out a hospital needed a generator, I bought the equipment and arranged to have it delivered directly to the facility to avoid any chance of theft.”
Helping Hands fundraises through concerts and charity events that support the purchase of supplies and cover shipping expenses. They also post Amazon wish lists on social media.
“Many people send Amazon packages directly to our address—you should see how surprised the Amazon drivers are with the number of boxes that arrive,” she quips. “Sometimes you can’t see my living room!”
Kris Pepper is the editor of Ridgewood Magazine and is always on the hunt for the untold stories about the people of Ridgewood. Reach out to her at editor@ridgewoodmag.com with suggestions!
Volunteers Annabelle Volynsky and Daniel Paley pack supplies.
The Spirit, Mind, Body Trifecta
Steve Freides—life lessons on achievement.
BY MATT ZOROVICH
Age is just a number. You’re only as old as you feel. Steve Freides has embodied those sentiments throughout his entire life. Over the years, Steve set out on his own path to learn what works for him and the importance of putting the time in to achieve your goals.
He’s a teacher by nature. Author. Perhaps even Sherpa or Guru. Steve has never been shy in describing his life’s journey—and he’s not done yet.
From a young age, Steve had a knack for taking on challenges with a unique approach. His recognition of the importance of striking balance in life has led to his expansive and unique resume.
In fact, he firmly believes in the YMCA’s motto of developing in Spirit, Mind and Body. (Not surprisingly, he has even taught swim lessons there!).
My invitation to meet Steve at Starbucks for a short interview was met with an alternative suggestion to meet on his front porch, weather permitting. On this porch sat several small coffee roasters as Steve roasts and grinds his own beans. He even created the vanilla syrup from scratch for my vanilla latte as we sat down to chat.
Not following the status quo has been a constant theme through Steve’s 69 years of seeing and doing things differently.
Nurturing the Spirit
Steve grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He had severe asthma and allergies as a child; however, during his teen years, he began exercising to develop strength and muscle tone. He continues to lead an active lifestyle.
Steve began studying guitar at age eight and later majored in guitar. He taught himself audio recording and, for a time, ran a small studio after transferring to Temple University as a voice major, where he earned his degree and met his wife, Bronwen.
He has perfect pitch—the rare ability to identify a note by ear without any frame of reference. This innate knowledge is further complemented by his ability to “sight–read” a piece of music, enabling him to sing a piece without first hearing it played or sung.
While at Temple, he became the conductor of the Arbel Choral in Philadelphia and toured Israel with the group. Eventually, he graduated with a master’s degree in choral conducting in 1984 from Mannes College of Music in New York City, obtaining a doctorate in choral conducting from SUNY-Stonybrook. He returned to Mannes to teach Theory and Conducting and is now a private music instructor for guitar, bass, piano, trumpet and French horn. He currently serves as choir director for Temple Sinai in Dresher, Pennsylvania.
Freides’ propensity toward music may be because it represents another means of communication and expression for him.
“J. S. Bach famously said that he who sings prays twice. Music is the most abstract of languages. It lets us speak the unspeakable,” he states.
Above: Steve’s freshly ground coffee.
Below: Brass, strings and keyboards—Steve’s music collection knows no bounds!
Developing the Mind
While pursuing his doctorate, Steve became fascinated by computers. Earlier in his life, most thought Steve would move on to become a mathematics or physics professor. His 8th-grade math teacher even directed Steve to teach his algebra class when the teacher called out one day.
As an early adopter of programs Dbase and FoxPro, Steve has authored many articles on computer languages and was a contributing editor to FoxPro Advisor magazine. At 41, he retired from college teaching to run his company,
Friday’s Computers, Inc.
Steve is currently a senior instructor and director of community engagement for StrongFirst, Inc., administering its StrongFirst Forum.
Locally, Steve enjoys being the administrator for the “Ridgewood Moms and Dads” page on Facebook, which hosts three to four dozen posts a day and has 7,000 members. Thus, many of our readers “know” him already!
Strengthening the Body
Ever the open mind, it took a health scare in 1997 to prompt Steve to think about
his physical health differently when he experienced a debilitating herniated lumbar disc, which left him bedridden for two months. While rehabilitating, he began to read Pavel Tsatsouline’s book “Power to the People,” and became a disciple of the kettlebell workouts described within. This led to his becoming an NSCA-Certified personal trainer and eventually joining Pavel’s new “StrongFirst” organization. He became a Team Leader and, in 2014, a senior girya (kettlebell) instructor. Freides is also the organization’s director of community engagement and is tasked
with increasing its social media presence. Not one to sit still, Steve branched out from his kettlebell workouts to begin powerlifting. In December 2004, he became a deadlift world champion in his age/weight class, lifting 347 lbs. He was in his late 40s at the time. Age is just a number, right?
According to Steve, “This kept me out of a wheelchair, deadlifting weight to strengthen my belly and back. Strength is a tangible asset, like money in the bank or food in the cupboard. You can be anything you want. A warrior. An athlete. A hard man or woman ready to handle
whatever life throws at you. But you must be strong first,” he says.
In addition to StrongFirst, Steve is both a student and instructor in Advanced Buteyko Breathing, a technique providing many health benefits, particularly for those who have or have had asthma.
“I was put on this earth to teach,” Steve says. “I am a natural camp counselor, direction giver and leader by example. I’ve realized that what motivates me is seeing the proverbial light bulb go on. No matter the age of the student, I am here to teach musical concepts in a way that anyone can approach, understand and achieve.”
He goes on to say, “Some professional musicians sometimes lose sight of how magical it is, but not me. My goal is to bring the ability to each of my students so that they can make musical magic without me after sufficient study. I bring the same attitude to my strength and conditioning students. It is transformative to become stronger than you ever thought possible, and being stronger improves life in ways most people can’t even begin to comprehend.”
Matt Zorovich is a freelance writer living in Ridgewood who is always looking to experience live music.
Ridgewood’s Got It!
Spread the holiday cheer this season by shopping local in Ridgewood.
BY KRIS PEPPER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
is
perfect for every cool-weather
for high-quality, natural and sustainable ingredients.
complete with box and certificate
1. These beautiful Tiffany Sunglass features a striking temple design in a silver T crafted with crystals for added elegance. Paired with polarized Tiffany Blue gradient lenses, these frames offer style and grace while protecting your eyes from glare. Get them at Levato Eyewear, 21 Oak St. 2. Ultra-comfortable Hoka Bondi Shoes, breathable Hoka Skyglow Half Zip, cozy Hoka Airolite Run Gloves and an insulated Hoka Coldsnap Run Tights are
adventure. Fleet Feet Ridgewood, 258 East Ridgewood Ave. 3. Sisley skincare products, scents and make-up are known worldwide
Blue Mercury, 29 East Ridgewood Ave. 4. Cartier’s iconic love bracelet in 18k gold with four stunning diamonds
currently available,
of authenticity at Pangea Coins & Jewelry at 35 E Ridgewood Ave. 5. Dogtag: 14K yellow gold dog tag featuring a prayer for Israeli soldiers. Available in two sizes. Red Velvet Luxe, 59 East Ridgewood Ave. 6. Diamond ring, 18K white gold 3 row 2 diamond wedding band, 2.49 ct. Red Velvet Luxe, 59 East Ridgewood Ave. 7. Red garnet and blue topaz shine brightly in these festive drop earrings in an 18k gold setting with cubic zirconia edging. D’or Fine Jewelry, 196 East Ridgewood Ave.
kids and teens
1 3 1 2 3 4
1. Holiday-party ready, courtesy of Victors Jacket by Giles & Jasper, shirt by Arnau and tie by Parc. Victor’s Men’s Clothing, 55 East Ridgewood Ave. 2. Light up the holidays for discriminating cigar aficionado with selections from Davidoff. The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood, 10 Chestnut St. 3. Ultra-soft Vuori Strato Tech Tee, versatile Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger and lightweight Salomon Aero Glide 2 sneakers are perfect for staying active or relaxing in style. Fleet Feet Ridgewood, 258 East Ridgewood Ave.
1. The highly giftable balloon dog statue is back at Convey Art Gallery available in blue, pink and red. The sculpture, painted with a metallic finish, completes your perfect desk, tabletop or bookshelf decor! Convey Art Gallery, 9 North Broad St. 2. Pick up a collage kit to create an at-home, DIY art project (custom image kits are available). Convey Art Gallery, 9 North Broad St. 3. Christmas dreams will be cozy and sweet in these adorable PJs from Eat Your Spinach. Complete with The Night Before Christmas for bedtime stories. Eat Your Spinach, 42 East Ridgewood Ave. 4. Capture the heart of your favorite Swiftie with this warm and cozy pullover. Eat Your Spinach, 42 East Ridgewood Ave.
1. First Snow is a beautiful, easy-to-grow, plant that is said to symbolize joy and creativity. A native of Madagascar, these cheery specimens gained notoriety during Victorian times when growing exotic house plants was a way to connect with the natural world beyond England. Deeply Rooted, 14 West Ridgewood Ave. 2. Fill your holiday season with flavor with a variety of fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas and more. Pictured here: mulling spices, mulled cranberry tea and a chocolate candy cane candle. The Spice & Tea Exchange, 256 Ridgewood Ave. 3. The Thyme en Provence gift set includes Herbs de Provence-infused olive oil and dark balsamic vinegar packaged beautifully in a gift box with a festive ribbon. A great gift for the foodie in your life. Olive R Twist Olive Oil Co., 34 Wilsey Square. 4. Lafco fragranced candles create a festive atmosphere in Woodland Spruce, Absinthe Plum and Spiced Pomander. When the candles burn down, re-use the beautiful container! Blue Mercury, 29 East Ridgewood Ave. 5. The Holiday Cookie Platter from the Old St. Nick collection by VIETRI is a beautifully hand-painted 14-inch platter crafted by skilled artisans in Tuscany using Terra Bianca clay. This piece combines festive charm with quality craftsmanship. The Table at Latona’s, 26 East Ridgewood Ave. 6. This glassware collection comes in four distinct shapes and multiple colors. Perfect for everything from water to Champagne! The Hive, 171 East Ridgewood Ave. 7. The Macaroon pillow is designed from an original piece of artwork by Windy O’Connor and handmade in Charlotte, NC. The Hive, 171 East Ridgewood Ave. 1 4 6 7 5 2 3
Meet Bob Leibow
Pet portraits and vintage finds take his art a step “fur”ther.
BY KRIS PEPPER
INTERVIEW WITH BOB LEIBOW
Upon his retirement after a career in graphic design and teaching art in a New York City high school, Bob Leibow decided to do things that make him happy—take one look at his art, and it will put a smile on your face, too. If you visited his October art exhibit at The Stable, you’d know what we mean. Bob’s artwork mainly features a menagerie of animal portraits mounted on unique and unusual vintage items.
How long have you lived in Ridgewood?
We lived in New Milford, but our kids came to Ridgewood for daycare. Many of our fellow daycare families encouraged us to move to Ridgewood, so we did! We’ve lived in the Village for 20 years.
Did you study art in college? Where did you attend school?
I received a bachelor’s of fine arts at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Why do you like to focus on animals in your artwork?
I like animals. There’s something about them. They have a vibe. Since they can’t talk, we don’t know what’s going on in their minds, but they have their own unique personalities, just like people do. As humans, we believe we are so evolved—but we aren’t that different. I enjoy finding online pictures of the exotic animals I portray, printing out the images and processing an artistic evolution of the piece. I also do lots of pet portraits, including my own dog.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRIS PEPPER AND BOB LEIBOW
What prompted you to mount the art on these vintage pieces?
I like the nostalgia of all these old pieces. I see something no longer being used and give it new life. Most people just leave things like that in the back of the garage. I find most of my pieces on Facebook Marketplace. I look for interesting vintage items like ammo boxes, chair seats, sleds and old skateboards. It’s a cool combination of art and antiquing.
What else do you do now that you’ve retired from teaching?
I volunteer two days a week at Habitat for Humanity. Before that, I worked for Stew Leonards and Porsche. Those jobs were OK, but I wanted to do something that would help others. I feel better at Habitat. I work on home projects with four or five other retired guys, and we learn a lot from each other. I also like to surf down at Asbury Park.
You also create commissioned pet portraits, right?
Yes! People reach out to me to get portraits of their pets. I’ve done cats, dogs and even guinea pigs— you name it!
Connect with Bob on Instagram @bobleibow1 or Facebook @bobleibow
Opposite page, bottom: “Wabbit.” This page, clockwise from left: “Sled Bunny.” Leibow poses with some of his art. “Bat Scale,” “Fox Kit,” “Weimerama.”
Bracelets
Go bold with dazzline diamond bracelets, stun with sapphire, or choose a subtle piece you can wear every day.
Mix and match Stackable Rings for a personalized look that is unique for you. Desgined in a variety of gold styles with diamond, precious color stone, and enamel, your stack can grow with time and any style.
Lauren Imbruglia, Founder & Owner
Deeply Rooted -Ridgewood's Little Plant Shop"We Nurture Your Love for Plants"
Our specialty is in curating a wide selection of houseplants, planters, and accessories to suit every plant lover’s needs for seasoned or beginner plant parents. We offer a variety of plant care essentials from fertilizers to tools, ensuring your plants thrive in any environment. Alongside houseplants, our thoughtful gifts allow you to share the "Joy of Greenery" with others. Personal Home Visits & Professional Support for expert plant advice and care is always available! Every plant purchase includes a FREE Plant App with care for our purchased plant(s). Pickup or local delivery is also available!
Steve Opremcak Named NJ Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year
Ridgewood Cross Country Teams and Coach Opremcak go the extra mile.
Steve Opremcak, the head girls cross country coach at Ridgewood High School, has been named New Jersey Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year by the National Federation of High School Athletics.
“I am incredibly humbled to receive this recognition,” said Opremcak, marking his tenth season as the cross country coach at Ridgewood. “Coaching at Ridgewood has been an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for the talented athletes and supportive
community that have made it possible.”
Under Opremcak’s leadership, the Ridgewood girls cross country team has achieved remarkable success, including seven Big North League Titles, eight County Group Titles, seven Bergen Meet of Champions Titles and seven state sectional titles.
At this year’s 2024 Bergen County Meet of Champions, the Ridgewood varsity boys and girls and freshmen boys and girls both placed first, winning gold! Top individual finishers included
Luke Pash, varsity boys champion; Natalie Knowles, varsity girls second place; Jett Lincoln, varsity boys third place; Hunter Witham, freshman girls champion; and Jack Barsa, freshman boys third place.
Opremcak’s running background includes competing for Ramapo High School and Colgate University. His passion for the sport and dedication to his athletes have undoubtedly contributed to the team’s consistent success and this season’s “runner’s high!”
RHS Wins Varsity Yearbook Award
Ridgewood’s yearbook team publishes another winner!
Ridgewood High School has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Varsity Yearbook’s Portfolio, Volume 29. The recognition showcases student and staff dedication and talent in producing outstanding yearbooks.
Of 612 schools that work with Varsity Yearbook, only 77 schools were selected to be part of the current Portfolio, which selects schools based on their innovation
and excellence in yearbook production.
“The recognition reflects the work of the entire yearbook team and the dedication and hard work of our yearbook editors,” said RHS Yearbook Advisor Lisa Valenti. The yearbook was selected for outstanding page layout design; this is the third time in recent years that the high school has been chosen for the honor.
The editors for the award-winning
editions include Hannah Keen ‘19, Audrey Larsen ‘23, Sam Ngai ‘21, Isabelle Oddy ‘23, Hayley O’Marra ‘19, Charlotte Ran ‘23 and Claire Sullivan ‘21.
Winning yearbooks are characterized by their consistency in both verbal and visual elements, exemplary coverage and top-notch photography. Portfolio represents the top 1% of books printed by Varsity Yearbook.
RHS principal Jeff Nyhuis and yearbook advisor RHS teacher Lisa Valenti with their award-winning yearbooks and associated portfolios.
Grab a Bite Close to Home
Why go anywhere else for dinner?
Downtown Ridgewood is a dining experience in and of itself.
Café 37
37 East Broad Street (201) 857-0437
Serving modern American cuisine featuring seasonal items, seafood, meat and pasta dishes. cafe-37.com @37cafenj
Cravings Tapas Bistro
8 Wilsey Square (201) 857-8533
Intimate bistro offering Spanish and international small plates, charcuterie and empanadas. cravingstapas.com @cravingstapas
Daily Treat
177 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 652-9113
A Ridgewood institution, this family-owned restaurant serves an eclectic menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites.
dailytreatrestaurant.com @dailytreatnj
Felina Ridgewood
18 Prospect Street (551) 276-5454
Distinctive, seasonal menu paired with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. felinarestaurant.com @felinarestaurants
Freakin’ Vegan
39 Godwin Avenue (201) 677-2421
Freakin’ Vegan creates vegan versions of all your favorite comfort foods: empanadas, mac and cheese, subs, sliders, pizza and more.
freakin-vegan.com @freakinvegans
From Scratch
44 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 857-5188
Elevated contemporary Italian cuisine and classic baked goods. fromscratchridgewood.com @fromscratchridgewood
La Lanterna Café and Grill
29 West Ridgewood Avenue (201) 444-5520
La Lanterna offers southern Italian cuisine with a hint of Tuscany. Antipasti, veal, chicken, pasta dishes and more.
lalanternaofridgewood.com @lalanternaofridgewood
Latour
6 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 445-5056
Elegant, candle-lit BYOB showcasing French fare with a relaxed vibe. latourridgewood.com @latourridgewoodnj
Le Pancake Café
140 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 444-9090
This petite, bustling diner serves an extensive menu of homestyle eats. @lepancakecafe
MacMurphy’s
8 Godwin Avenue (201) 444-0500
Irish pub featuring classic Irish and American favorites. macmurphys.com @macmurphys
Pardi’s Persian Grill
47 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 652-8000
Family-owned and operated, Pardi’s Persian Grill brings Persian food with a homecooked feel to the Village of Ridgewood. pardispersiangrill.com
Park West Tavern
30 Oak Street
(201) 445-5400
New American cuisine including steaks and seafood with a full bar stocked with craft brews. parkwesttavern.com @parkwesttavern
Piccolo Bistro
29 Chestnut Street (201) 882-1111
Rustic eatery serving Italian plates with signature style in a cozy space or patio. piccolobistro.net @piccolo_bistro
Puzo’s Family Restaurant
16 West Ridgewood Avenue (201) 445-3332
Casual family atmosphere featuring pizza crafted with the finest ingredients along with appetizers, salads and sandwiches. puzos.net @puzos_ridgewood
Raymonds 101 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 445-5125
Upscale diner with buzzy brunches, American comfort food and a fashionable, vintage atmosphere. raymondsnj.com @raymondsnj
Ridgewood Eatery
22 Oak Street (201) 670-7502
A vegan restaurant with vegetarian and gluten-free options. ridgewoodeatery.com
Ridgewood Hot Bagels
110 North Maple Avenue (201) 445-6005
Hot bagels, wraps and more. ridgewoodhotbagels.com @ridgewoodhotbagels
Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut Street (201) 444-1922
Upscale local chophouse serving steak, seafood and sides in a traditional setting. rootssteakhouse.com @rootssteakhouse
S. Egidio Pizza Salumi Espresso 17 North Broad Street (201) 389-3525
Relaxed Italian restaurant
serving pizza, pasta, sangria and espresso in an intimate space. segidio.pizza @s.egidio
Shumi
70 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 345-0808
Japanese eatery with upscale fare and sushi bar. shumiomakase.com @shumiomakase
Sola Osteria 17 South Broad Street (201) 857-5100
Sola Osteria’s authentic taste of Italy brings a variety of dishes that speak the true language of Italian cuisine. solaosteria.com @solaosteria
Stella Artisan Italian 18 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 857-2677
Artisan kitchen featuring hand-crafted Italian specialties made with farm-fresh ingredients. stellaartisanitalian.com @stella.italian.nj
Steel Wheel Tavern 51 North Broad Street (201) 882-1800
Modern American Fare, craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Tabla Fine Indian Cuisine 18 South Broad Street (201)444-4055
Delicious and authentic Indian eats.
@tablaridgewoodl
The Office Tavern Grill 32-34 Chestnut Street (201) 652-1070
Local chain offering a large selection of craft beers and American eats. officetaverngrill.com @theofficetaverngrill
Truly Sichuan 31 Chestnut Street (201) 857-3830
Healthy, authentic Chinese. trulysichuan.com @trulysichuan
Opposite: Stella Artisan Italian Right top: S. Egidio Pizza Salumi Espresso. Bottom: Tabla Fine Indian Cuisine.
Turmeric Indian Bistro
34 Franklin Avenue (201) 574-8777
A modern-day Indian bistro bringing authentic flavorful Indian food to New Jersey. turmericindianbistro.com @turmericindianbistro
Village Green Restaurant
36 Prospect Street (201) 445-2914
Simple and classic cuisine paired with fresh, local ingredients. villagegreenrestaurant.com @villagegreenrestaurant
White Maple Café
47 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 345-9538
A stylish choice for locally sourced American eats with a laid-back vibe. whitemaplecafe.com @whitemaplecafe
Cozy Reads
BOOK NOOK
Settle in with a good book this holiday season.
Is there anything better than snuggling under a blanket with a cup of cocoa and a light-hearted book? If that’s your idea of a good time, try one of these cozy holiday reads this winter. They bring those Hallmark movie vibes without the commercials.
Diwali
Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli Niki leads a type-A lifestyle as an analyst despite having the soul of an artist. When she gets laid off from her job, she takes an opportunity to let loose at a good friend’s wedding/ Diwali celebration. Floating on champagne and good times, she meets Sam, a musician who could just possibly loosen her up and change her life forever. Great for those who love romance but are looking for something a little different.
Christmas
Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony Violet is the Baumgartner family matriarch known for her news-filled holiday letters. Much as she likes to control the narrative of her family, they just will not cooperate. Quirky and fun, this book is for fans of Emma Straub and Carole Lombard.
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
The Birch family is reuniting for the first time in years at the creaky family home, Weyfield Hall, for Christmas.
BY LORRI STEINBACHER
Daughter Olivia has been working as an aid worker in Liberia and has been told to go home and quarantine for a week with her family. Christmas in quarantine means tensions are high, se crets are revealed and long-buried feelings are brought to light. The Birches will need to heal from more than a virus this holiday season.
Hanukkah
Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
Rachel is a nice Jewish girl who, much to her chagrin, loves Christmas. She loves it so much, in fact, that she’s built a career out of writing Christmas romances. Not exactly a career she’s eager to share with her rabbi father. When her publisher asks her to write a Hanukkah romance, instead of tapping into her rich experience, her inspiration dries up. To try to get her mojo back she decides to attend the music festival, the Matzah Ball. Will Rachel find her muse?
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
Abby runs a café in a small Vermont town and is tasked with trying to revitalize the downtown holiday season by organizing a Hanukkah Bazaar. As one of the only Jewish people in her vicinity, she turns to the internet for help and— surprise!—turns out she is not alone. Seth, one of her relentlessly positive, relentlessly annoying café customers, has all the help she needs—if she can stand to be around him for more than five minutes.
Muslim, Jewish, & Christian
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley
Step into this holiday romance with Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan falling at the same time. Maryam and Anna meet on a flight and when turbulence hits, they confess their hopes and fears to one another only to go their separate ways. An unexpected storm strands them—a wedding party, a handsome actor and a cast of quirky characters—at Snow Falls Inn. Will Maryam reignite her romance with her fiancé? Will Anna make a move on the hunky actor? A story about holiday miracles, regardless of what holiday you celebrate.
New Year’s
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Minnie and Quinn are born to different mothers a minute apart on New Year’s Day, 1990. When Quinn’s mother “steals” the name that Minnie’s mother intended for her, Minnie believes that Quinn has jinxed all of her New Year’s and birthdays since. When the two meet up again on the eve of their 30th birthdays, what will destiny have in store for them?
Lorri Steinbacher is the director of the Ridgewood Public Library and facilitator of the Book Circle and Cover 2 Cover book groups at the library.
Holiday Happiness
This year, resolve to invest in yourself and those you love. With a full team of primary care providers, specialists to address your unique health needs, and premier wellness services for lifelong health, Valley offers something for everyone at every age and stage of life. There’s never been a better time to learn how Valley can help
