Ridgewood
EMPOWERING CHILDREN
SHARI HARPAZ
STEP INTO HISTORY
THE BOLGER HISTORY CENTER
Editor’s Note
I recently discovered that February is International Correspondence Writing Month, or InCoWriMo for short. The intent is to celebrate the joys of receiving a handwritten, snail-mailed letter.
Handwritten communication has almost become a thing of the past. Our heads are buried in screens as we respond to texts and emails, e-cards replace a crisp Hallmark in the mailbox, and students are no longer being instructed in cursive.
I must admit, my typing skills far exceed my handwriting skills, and I have been known to type and print a note to insert into a card. Cards, letters and written messages touch the heart far more than a “Happy Birthday!” comment on your bestie’s Facebook page (guilty again).
This month takes me back to my school days of passing along Valentine’s greetings in school, looking forward to a day off for Presidents Day, and tuning into 1010 WINS on a snowy morning, hoping we could hear school was closed.
If you enjoy reminiscing (like I do) and are interested in vintage photos and local history, check out the Ridgewood Library’s Bolger Heritage Center. It’s a tremendous resource that uncovers what life was like in Bergen County before E-Vites, Microsoft Outlook and Instagram. The Center houses a treasure trove of Village history, maps and ancestries for patrons to dig into, and its knowledgeable, friendly staff are happy to help guide your search.
During this month of love, we will examine how dating practices have changed over the decades. Meet Michelle Frankel, founder of New Jersey Matchmaking, and learn how she and her team advocate for singles seeking partners in today’s world. The agency offers various services to suit its clients with an emphasis on taking the work out of dating while helping clients better understand what aspects of their lifestyle should—and should not—be considered when looking for a mate. The answers may surprise you!
Lastly, we’ll introduce you to Shari Harpaz, a new face in Ridgewood’s Central Business District. Shari recently moved her speechlanguage practice to East Ridgewood Avenue from Manhattan and has a passion for helping kids communicate clearly and efficiently—both through her practice and as the author of delightful children’s books.
As always, we’ve included a wonderful list of book recommendations from the Ridgewood Library staff. Pick a few out to warm the spirit and the soul during these chilly weeks.
I hope you enjoy the upcoming month and that it’s filled with lots of love, groundhogs, Super Bowl excitement, candlelit dinners, handwritten greetings and chocolate!
Warm heartedly,
Kris Pepper Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com
Ridgewood MAGAZINE
Publisher Karen Stires
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Stacey Antine
Kris Pepper
Lorri Steinbacher
Photographer
Carolyn Herring
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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARJORIE RAGGO
Local Happenings
An Evening with Oscar
A sparkling night awaits.
Join the Ridgewood Guild for “An Evening with Oscar” at Park West Loft on Friday, Feb. 28 at 8:00 p.m. Walk the red carpet and dance the night away to DJ entertainment. Indulge in a four-hour open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, pasta and dessert and bid on the basket raffle.
The event is sponsored by Super Cellars and Park West Loft. Silver Sponsors are Coldwell Banker Realty, Columbia Bank, Park West Tavern and Steel Wheel.
Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, March 12, the Guild features its second annual Bunco Night. Call for more information and to reserve at 201-493-9911.
Preserving History for Generations to Come
The Ridgewood Historical Society and Schoolhouse Museum thanks generous donors and preps for the 2025 Exhibit.
The Ridgewood Historical Society and Schoolhouse Museum proudly closed out 2024 with an unprecedented number of visitors experiencing the “It’s Personal” exhibit, curated by Anthony Cavo and featuring Peggy Norris’ stunning quilt presentation, “Covering Bergen.”
The organization also marked the completion of several significant capital improvements made possible through a generous $54,500 grant from the Bolger Foundation. Rossi Paint Stores graciously provided paint supplies to complete the projects.
In appreciation of this exceptional support, the Board of Trustees hosted a special dedication
ceremony to honor the Bolger Foundation and Rossi Paint Stores. As part of the improvements, Trustee Dan Fishbein took the initiative to refurbish the Bergen County Historic Preservation sign and repaint the museum’s flagpole, adding a polished touch to the property. Trustee Vice President Jeanne Johnson expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I am continually moved by the dedication and generosity of our residents and community partners. Their commitment ensures the preservation of Ridgewood’s rich history for generations to come.”
Looking ahead, the Ridgewood Historical Society and Schoolhouse Museum is excited to
reopen its doors in March 2025 with another captivating new exhibit by Anthony Cavo titled “200 Years of American Childhood,” offering a unique exploration of the evolving experiences of children in the United States over two centuries.
Childhood in the 19th and early 20th centuries was a far cry from the idyllic image we hold today. Life was particularly harsh for urban children, who faced daunting odds of survival. Only 40% of live births reached the age of sixteen, with mortality rates even higher for females, urban children and those born to unwed mothers.
Most children, except those from the
wealthiest families, were expected to contribute to family finances. Their lives were characterized by hard work, inadequate education and strict discipline, with minimal time for play. Gender roles were clearly defined, with girls learning domestic skills and boys learning trades.
Child labor was rampant and exploitative. Many children worked without pay, receiving only meager room and board. When paid, their wages were typically less than ten percent of an adult’s. The life expectancy for child laborers in high-risk jobs such as mining, factory work, and chimney sweeping was less than 25 years. Children were chosen for these dangerous occu-
pations due to their small size, which allowed them to navigate tight spaces in chimneys, mines and machinery. This work often resulted in severe health issues, injuries and even death.
Rural children generally fared better than their urban counterparts. Although they performed similar work, they were spared from the overcrowding, disease, accidents and violence common in urban areas.
Child labor laws in the 19th century were inadequate and difficult to enforce. The protection of children’s rights lagged behind that of animals in the United States. In New York, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866, nine years before the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) was established in 1875. This contrast highlights the delayed recognition of children’s welfare as a distinct societal concern during the 19th century.
“200 Years of Childhood,” will cover themes such as health, education, labor, gender roles and playtime, featuring photographs and toys from different eras, some of which are shown here.
For more information about the Ridgewood Historical Society and upcoming exhibits, please visit ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Schoolhouse Museum at 201-447-3242.
Step Up for Heart Health
February is a great time to explore Ridgewood’s walking trails.
BY STACEY ANTINE
February marks National Heart Health Month, and it’s a great time to commit to a daily exercise routine, such as walking. Walking is considered the first step to cardiovascular disease prevention, and it can help reduce the risk of other common health problems such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and depression—and it’s free!
How many steps do you get a day? Counting steps is a popular way to track how physically active people are. The Center for Disease Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities recommend getting 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day for good health, equivalent to approximately 4 to 5 miles. However, the average American only walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day. On average, 2,000 steps is equivalent to one mile. Let’s lace up and get moving!
One of the things I love about Ridgewood is that it’s a walking Village with accessible sidewalks and hiking trails in beautiful local parks—most are dog-
friendly, too! A local trail for every age and activity level is ready for exploration. I caught up with regular resident walker Seamus, a 15-year-old labradoodle who leads Councilwoman Siobhan Winograd on a daily walk that clocks over 3,000 steps a day. Their favorite walk starts at Ivy Place, runs through the Ridgewood historic district into Van Neste Park, and then loops around the Central Business District. They both love the exercise, but the social part of greeting their neighbors is what they look forward to most.
Where to get started
Here are a few recommended paths:
1 The Irene Habernickel Family Park, a former 10-acre horse farm located on the west side of the Village, is a nature paradise that’s perfect for a day walk any time of the year. Four times around the loop is approximately 4,000 steps (this is my daily routine, too!).
2 The Dunham Trail is a good combination of grass and pavement for a great day walk. If you want to do an entire loop, take the Dunham Trail to Grove Street, turn right on Grove, then to South Irving to Spring and back on Dunham Trail.
3 Veterans Memorial Field is good no matter what time of day because it’s well-lit and has a nice, even walking surface. Just 2 ¼ laps around the track is equivalent to a mile.
4 Ridgewood Central Business District (CBD) is another excellent way to get your steps in during the day or early evening, with many restaurants, shops and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Stop in at the cozy American Bulldog Café for a cup of tea to warm up!
5 Your neighborhood! Whether you live in the Ridgewood historic district, Willard, Somerville or any other local neighborhood, set aside some time to walk. It provides the perfect opportunity to chat with neighbors,
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 broadcast, print and social channels.
bring the kids to school or just see what’s going on around you.
Here are some great resources to inspire you:
1 Ridgewood Parks and Recreation just updated its website, which lists parks, trails, points of interest and wildlife finds: ridgewoodnj.net/facilities.
2
Ridgewood Walks offers free, guided themed walking tours! Learn about the people, places and stories in our Village. Local ambassadors lead groups. For more information visit: ridgewoodwalks.com.
Don’t let the February chill keep you inside. Bundle up to burn extra calories, process your thoughts in nature and connect with the environment. Whether it’s a power walk or a leisurely stroll, those steps count!
Offering a Personal Touch to Home Health Care
Interim HealthCare is available for all of your home care needs.
As we all age, many of us may require additional assistance with daily tasks and personal care. Interim HealthCare in Ridgewood located at 27 Chestnut St., provides a range of services, from support after hospital visits to specialized home health care, ensuring clients receive personalized care tailored to their needs. Interim Healthcare has been in Ridgewood for over 10 years and services Bergen County, not just Ridgewood. Interim Healthcare is private duty home care. Care services at Interim HealthCare include non-medical support from caregivers who assist with activities such as bathing, toileting, meal preparation, laundry, dressing, getting to appointments and taking
medication on time. Caregivers prioritize risk management to ensure clients’ safety.
When a client begins services with Interim, they first receive an assessment from the Director of Healthcare Services, Fran Bakker, who has been with the company for 10 years. She meets with the family and does a nursing assessment and then creates the Plan of Care. After this, the team of professionals works together to match an aide with the client. Interim has a high retention rate of more than 80% of caregivers, a rarity in this industry. Interim HealthCare takes pride in the fact that they provide their client with continuity of care rather than offering a revolving door of caregivers.
Service can be either live-in or
hired hourly in 5, 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts. Compared to assisted living facilities, home health care services are often more affordable and can provide additional support, such as personal care, that facilities may not offer. Some residents of assisted living facilities still rely on personal caregivers for specialized help. Looking ahead at 2025, Interim HealthCare is focused on ensuring both clients and caregivers feel healthier and happier than ever. We want clients to know we care about your family, too. We are here to do whatever is best for them and to help you out also.
For further information, please visit our website: interimhealthcare.com/ridgewood or contact us at 201-299-4243.
Uncork the Perfect Valentine's Day Uncork the Perfect Valentine's
Listed Left-to-Right 1 2 3 4 5 6
1: Petite Sirah – It’s a rich, velvety wine that’s being championed by several American producers around the country and it pairs well with chocolate – perfect for Valentine’s Day. | Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah - $34.99
2-3: Pinot Noir – Pinot Noir from France, Oregon, and California is a perfect food wine. An aromatically seductive intermingling of Bing cherries and rose petals introduces a silky palate of layered red fruits and savory flavors, leading to a long, spicy finish. It pairs perfectly with rich dishes such as filet mignon, mushroom risotto, or duck confit. | Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir, Thea’s Selection, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $39.99 | Bedford Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma California, $24.99
4: Chardonnay – Yes, chardonnay may be widely available but knowing just which one to pick can make or break your ideal Valentine’s tasting. Decide whether you’re looking for stone fruit, punchy grapes grown from warmer climates, the restrained mineral elegance of Chablis, or even a bubbly iteration of the white grape. | Flowers, Sonoma Coast, $49.99
5: Barolo – Make it a night of velvety Italian reds with the king of Piedmont: Barolo. Nebbiolo-based wines produce some of the most beautiful, thrilling reds. Powerful and vivid, with floral, smokey and bright red fruit notes, it’s the perfect wine to drink while celebrating with your special someone. | Cantine Povero Priore Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, $29.99
6-8: Sparkling Wine – Whether it’s Prosecco, Champagne, or Domestically Produced, bubbles are always in order! Great as a predinner aperitif or with your meal, you cannot go wrong. | Taittinger Champagne, France, $69.99 | Domine Chandon, Napa California, $24.99 | Rive Della Prosecco, Brut, Italy, $17.99
9: Rosé – Many calls Valentine’s Day rosé’s shining moment. Bone dry, bright and crisp, rose has delicate green strawberry notes, with an elegant svelte sophisticated finish. Pair it with a lavish charcuterie board that includes goat and sheep cheese, beautiful briny olives, amazing bread, fruity-floral olive oil, prosciutto, rillettes, and fresh melon. | Gerard Bertrand Cote de Roses, Languedoc, France
10-11: Albariño/Alvarinho – Hailing from Spain and Portugal, a great white wine variety to look for on Valentine’s Day. Flavors of white peach and lemon mingle with a subtle saltiness, giving the palate a mouth rush of lively citrus notes. Perfectly pairs with seafood such as oysters, as well as truffle-dishes, which are known aphrodisiacs. | Camaleao Alvarhino, Portugal, $17.99 | Burghans Albarino, Spain. $15.99
Uncorked
& Spirits
Hours Mon-Thur 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Empowering Children
Shari Harpaz helps kids find their voices in more ways than one.
BY KRIS PEPPER
As a native of Suffern, New York, Shari Harpaz grew up knowing Ridgewood as that “cute town” where you could spend a pleasant Saturday lunching and shopping. When she decided to move her speech-language therapy practice to Bergen County from New York City, she wanted Ridgewood to be its new home.
“My eight-year-old daughter, Casey, told me that she didn’t want to grow up in the city,” says Harpaz, which prompted her to move to Upper Saddle River. “Ridgewood is the central core of Bergen County and an easy drive from any neighboring town. It’s also nice to know that parents can relax and grab a cup of coffee while I work with their child.”
Growing up, Harpaz always had a desire to work with kids. Eventually, speech pathology was the career that spoke to her. With a master’s degree in language disorders, she offers services including articulation therapy, language skills therapy and reading counseling to kids of all ages. “Children who have difficulty processing language tend to have trouble following directions,” she says. “They miss cues and struggle to organize their thoughts into words. By working with children to overcome speech and language challenges at an early age, we can enhance the skills they need for success in the future.”
Child’s Play
Storytelling is one activity Harpaz uses to help kids organize their thoughts and ideas. Another is child’s play. Literally.
Play is the precursor of learning language, and it’s essential for advancing language skills. “The more advanced a child’s play is, the more advanced their language becomes,” states Harpaz.
With the bombardment of technology, kids need to learn to
play “pretend” again.
“It’s essential for kids under five to play with toys or action figures that encourage storytelling,” says Harpaz. “Puppets, dolls and toys help a child narrate a story, which facilitates the organization of ideas, sequencing storylines and expressing them in language.”
Harpaz is now taking storytelling to the next level by writing a series of children’s books about a little girl named Molly to help empower
children in new ways.
“I like to equip kids with a toolbox of strategies,” she says. “They deal with social issues, fear of the unknown, friendship dynamics and bullying. Knowing how to navigate those situations with language is crucial. If you are emotional during a crisis, it’s harder to access the appropriate language and know what to say. These books are meant to help prepare kids for those situations.”
Reading at Montclare Children’s School, New York City.
Storytellings
Her first book, “Molly Make Yourself Big,” is about friendship, bravery and believing in yourself. Molly, the main character, navigates attending a new school and discovers the true power of friendship. She learns to stand tall when facing a bully and to use a strong, confident voice to remain brave yet kind. “When I read that book to classrooms, I can see kids sitting up taller in their seats,” says Harpaz.
“Molly Find Your Voice” relays Molly’s fears of getting onstage. She learns that coping with her worries can help her step into the spotlight and share her musical gift with the world.
In “Three Can Be Tricky,” Molly and her friends navigate the joys and challenges of young friendships. Her excitement for her first sleepover takes a turn when an unexpected third guest arrives. She learns that she can allow the unpredictable to spoil her fun or that she can opt to open her heart and mind to discover new adventures.
The books were inspired by Harpaz’s experience guiding the children she works with—as well as her own daughter—on navigating intense personalities and challenging situations at school.
“The books are a great resource for parents to discuss these types of topics with children,” she says.
With her fourth book in the works, Harpaz regularly visits schools to share the stories along with accompanying activities with young students. She also provides in-services for teachers and parents and hosts workshops for kids covering topics such as speech and language development, the importance of open-ended, imaginative play for language development and the connection between social-emotional learning and language skills—along with a workshop for young writers looking to become a published author.
Reading fun at Wise Wonder, Ridgewood.
“One Child at a Time” Whether through the books or sessions with her patients, Harpaz has always had a mission to empower “one child at a time.”
“I’ve always wanted to write children’s books; it puts my years of working with children into a practical way of reaching more of them.”
“When you fill a child’s toolbox with the right tools, it makes a difference. It’s empowering for them,” she says. “I love seeing the moment it ‘clicks’ in our sessions. I feel lucky I get to do what I do—I’m passionate about helping children in collaboration with their parents and teachers. We’re all one team for that child.”
Floortime play improves language development.
Strike a Match With Michelle Frankel
If you are single and sick of swiping, consider working with a matchmaker to make a meaningful connection during Valentine’s season!
BY KRIS PEPPER
Anyone participating in today’s dating scene will tell you it’s not for the faint of heart. Although reality television portrays the process via dramatic romance, gorgeous hair, killer abs and stunning locales, dating in today’s post-pandemic, smartphone-filled world can be better compared to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Finding a new partner can be overwhelming, time-consuming and even fear-inducing to some—whether you’re 25 and seeking a life partner with the intention of building a home and family or 55 and wanting a fresh start after the loss of a spouse through death or divorce.
Online dating has significantly impacted our social culture and has secured its place over the past decade as the number one way individuals find each other. Years ago, couples met through school, church or
Aunt Lois’ introduction of her favorite next-door neighbor. However, stories of meeting your spouse in the produce aisle at Whole Foods are increasingly infrequent as dating apps and professional matchmaking agencies continue to bring efficiency and success to the process.
From Law to Love
Michelle Frankel, founder of New Jersey Matchmaking on East Ridgewood Avenue, has honed the dating process into a highly personalized experience for her clients.
As a certified matchmaker, dating coach and relationship expert, she’s an authority on relationships and is passionate about helping people find lifelong love through her boutique matchmaking agency, founded in New York City in 2011. Surprisingly, it was her early career as an
attorney that led her into the matchmaking career. “The woman I reported to in my job was single and absolutely fabulous—a Harvard grad, smart and beautiful, yet she struggled with dating relationships,” says Frankel. “We talked about it one day, and I offered to manage her dating life behind the scenes and introduce her to potential dates. She was in a committed relationship within three months, and they later married.”
Word traveled quickly, and others were soon asking Frankel for assistance in their dating lives. “I soon realized that I didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day drafting legal documents,” she says.
Eventually, Frankel opened her own agency with offices in New York City and Ridgewood. She now leads a six-person team committed to striking the perfect match for people throughout the NYC/Metro area.
Thorough client interviews are part of the process.
Michelle and two of her team members.
Streamlining the Search
As opposed to the time-consuming practice of swiping through dating apps, professional matchmaking provides clients with a highly personalized and proactive approach with an emphasis on privacy and security for the client.
“We start with an initial video or inperson consultation,” states Frankel, “and we ask concrete questions to learn why the client isn’t reaching their dating goals. We learn about their lifestyle, values, upbringing, priorities and goals. We also find out what they are looking for in a partner—the must-haves and the deal breakers in a potential relationship.”
Frankel and her team then offer the client a collection of services ranging from a concierge-style, full-service approach to extra support for those who wish to manage their own online dating presence and/or dating and relationship coaching. Their process works well—and Frankel has the wedding invitations to prove it!
New Jersey Matchmaking’s bespoke personalized matchmaking service is uniquely designed to suit discerning clients with experienced professionals specifically “matched” with that individual. With a cap of 25 clients at a time, all aspects of the agency’s premium dating experience are managed by the assigned matchmaker and backed by the rest of the team.
“We personally curate the date,” says Frankel. “We find the location, set it up and get each person’s feedback afterward. Many times, we discover that they both liked each other, but each had doubts about the date’s success. I love encouraging my clients to go out and try it again—after all, first dates can be a little awkward.”
Over the years, New Jersey Matchmaking has successfully worked with CEOs, celebrities, musicians, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and many typical Ridgewood residents. “People want to date with intention,” notes Frankel. “We cut through all of the noise and do the heavy lifting for them. We find and vet possible matches, make introductions and even set up the first date so that all the client needs to do is show up. We maximize our clients’ free time— that’s the one thing you can’t buy!”
Forget the Fairytale
Author Sam Keen wrote, “We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but
by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”
Being proactive and having a healthy, balanced mindset on dating is key to finding the best match—but her clients to steer clear perfection. She has seen sporting rose-colored glasses seek Cinderella or Prince
“I frequently remind dating isn’t a Disney movie,” “Nor is Richard Gere going pick you up in a Lotus. essential value propositions success, and they sometimes to be discussed with clients unrealistic expectations. and kismet only work about the time in real life.”
Frankel’s team helps client crystallize what they to be happy in a relationship. Although she clearly states not a licensed therapist, spends a lot of time digging with her clients to discover disseminate what’s essential—and not—for potential couplehood.
“It’s important to have you are looking for without she says. “Specific requests possessing a graduate degree, high salary or enjoying shouldn’t be roadblocks. interests is okay; however, couples have the same basic values and enjoy similar lifestyles. For example, a person who loves living in the city won’t be happy in the suburbs and vice versa.”
Put me in, Coach
engaging online profiles and email messages and feedback from prior dates.
Date coaching services can reinforce good dating etiquette and reveal some not-soappealing behaviors. Clients may be set up on a mock date to reveal how they are being perceived. “Many people come across as if a date is a business meeting or an interview,” says Frankel. “We advise them on how to make fun banter, improve body language and suggest compelling conversation starters to elevate their dating skills and optimize their chance for success.”
Coaching services may also include referrals for professional stylists and photo shoots, custom writing services to craft
Frankel encourages her clients to go on dating apps to see what’s out there— starting putting themselves out there.”
It’s a Journey of the Heart
Having a heart for matchmaking and a deep-rooted investment in her clients has been instrumental in Frankel’s professional success. Although a long-term relationship can never be guaranteed, clients are promised qualified opportunities and a journey of growth in better understanding themselves. “You will be at a different point than where you started,” says Frankel, “and will better understand your goals. Go on a date. Rather than worry and wonder if ‘this is the right one,’ just enjoy the moment!” For more information, visit newjerseymatchmaking.com.
Kris is the editor of Ridgewood Magazine and an avid fan of surprise bouquets and candlelit dinners.
The Bolger Heritage Center
Preserving history and stoking the curiosity of Ridgewood residents.
BY KRIS PEPPER
‘Tis the month of February, when presidential portraits and legendary stories of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, cherry trees and log cabins are shared in elementary schools throughout the nation in celebration of President’s Day. Our educational system requires that students learn about the birth of our country and how it established itself as a democratic republic. Exploring these stories leads to a better understanding of our country’s history and fosters a sense of pride and patriotism in our hearts.
All that is true, yet, I’m sure many of us can attest that sometimes the historic people and places we studied in school days past seemed distant and irrelevant while sitting in a 5th-grade classroom. However, learning local history is different. It embeds a hometown pride that aligns with familiar places, well-known landmarks and even street names. There’s a fascinating draw to learning about the prior generations who have lived in the same town, walked the same paths or attended the same schools—and perhaps changed history as we know it.
This page: A historic shot of downtown Ridgewood. Opposite page, top: Exterior Pease Library, circa 1921. Bottom: Interior Pease Library, circa 1929/1930.
The Bolger Heritage Center
A wealth of community history is available at every resident’s fingertips through the Bolger Heritage Center at the Ridgewood Public Library. And it’s fascinating.
The Heritage Center was established in 2010 through the generosity of David Bolger’s philanthropic giving. An internationally renowned businessman, Mr. Bolger, who passed away in 2019, had a heart for supporting the enhancement of local educational and cultural services.
In addition to his lead role in the restoration of the original Pease Memorial Library, Mr. Bolger’s leadership gifts, along with the generous support of other
Ridgewood residents and Library
Foundation Board member Dan Cummings and his wife Maureen, led to the creation of the Bolger Heritage Center.
This herculean effort provided an invaluable reference and research resource unique to Ridgewood. The Bolger Center partners with the Genealogical Society of Bergen County, ensuring a vast resource of genealogical information about Ridgewood, Bergen County and New Jersey is available to residents and patrons.
Photos, Maps and Home Histories
Sarah Kiefer, Local History Librarian, has headed up the Bolger Heritage Center since
2015 and shares the vast array of services the Center provides. “We assist with questions on Ridgewood’s history, how the Village was developed and how it evolved. We have historical maps in our archival collection, and we can provide digitized access to articles, obituaries, photos, business information and sporting event news from past local newspapers, including Ridgewood News from 1891 to the present day.”
If you live in one of Ridgewood’s stately older homes, the team at the Center can help you research the property’s prior owners. “We can find out when your home was built, who lived there and what the property looked like. Sometimes we have photos on file as well,” states Kiefer. “I enjoy it when people come in to research their house histories because we always uncover interesting information. Some homes have a lot of easily accessed information; others take some digging around!”*
Kalpani Eud, Library Assistant, worked on a genealogy project on Ridgewood’s Blockus and Grimley families. She sorts and digitizes documents and the family’s donated items for cataloging and prepares them for preservation in the archive room of the Heritage Center.
“I love working in archives because I get an opportunity to connect and immerse myself into the past lives of people who have lived through a different generation and time—seeing the world from their perspective,” says Eud.
“The role of an archivist is to be the custodian of society’s memories,” she adds.
“Knowing our history gives residents a sense of pride,” says Beth Potter, Local History Assistant. “I hope that this will lead to awareness of the impacts we all make now. That pride is especially important to instill in the school groups that visit.”
In 2016, the organization received a grant to initiate an oral history project, collecting spoken stories and first-hand accounts of life in Ridgewood. Kiefer notes: “It’s been a fascinating project— and so interesting to hear those stories.”
The Center offers community programs such as local history lectures and co-sponsors events with the Schoolhouse Museum. Kiefer and her team even innovate unique educational programming, such as an escape room using replicated materials from the archive to create a World War I theme.
Reflections of Bonawit’s Stained Glass Artistry
A favorite research and restoration project of Kiefer’s was a project focused on stained glass windows created by past resident artist George O. Bonawit, who lived in Ridgewood from 1927 to 1941. Because of his extensive artistic skill with stained glass, Bonawit was retained to work on installations at the Yale Library. He was in the ranks alongside legendary artists such as La Farge and Tiffany. Seven stained glass windows from his former home on West End Avenue were donated to the library several years ago. Kiefer and her team secured a grant to restore and install them in the Ridgewood Room on the third floor.
“They are beautifully crafted— depicting the nursery rhyme, ‘Old King Cole,’ and were restored by J&R Lamb Studios in Midland Park. Overall, it was a fascinating project, and the results were incredible,” says Kiefer.
Researching, managing and preserving valuable archived materials and helping patrons with digitized and non-digitized resources can be addictive. Kiefer and her staff have all admitted to going “down the rabbit hole” of research due to the intriguing nature of the people and stories they are asked to uncover, and all acknowledge the fascinating and rewarding aspects of their work— especially when they can help provide their patrons answers to longtime “mysteries.”
Center: The Library’s view through Bonawit’s stained glass windows.
Above: Bonawit’s Old King Cole Fiddler. Right: Library staff from left: Beth Potter, Sarah Kiefer and Kalpani Eud.
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN ARCHIVE
Monday, Feb. 3, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or Thursday, Feb. 13, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Take a backstage tour of the Ridgewood Public Library’s hidden gems with Local History Librarian Sarah Kiefer. In this rare opportunity, you’ll get a glimpse at what the Bolger Heritage Center has to offer.
Uncover the historic artifacts and materials in the archive that relate to the history of the Village of Ridgewood.
Registration required. Register at ridgewoodlibrary.org/ programs-newsletter.
For more information, visit localhistory.ridgewoodlibrary.org.
Watch for More Historic Features in Ridgewood Magazine
As a collaborative initiative between the Bolger Heritage Center and Ridgewood Magazine, we are pleased to bring “bite-sized” pieces of Ridgewood’s history to life with periodic features contributed by the staff of the Bolger Heritage Center. It’s our way of celebrating the legacy of the Village and sharing the stories that make living here even more special. Look for our next upcoming feature on World War II hero, Varian Fry an upcoming issue!
“I hope residents appreciate just what an unusual jewel this place is,” says Potter. “We answer their questions and stoke their curiosity about families and this town. Very few towns have an actual place that holds their accumulative history, and even fewer have the depth of documents, books, photographs, postcards, etc., that the Bolger Heritage Center does. Ridgewood’s lucky. Very lucky.”
*Appointments are required for any local history or genealogy reference assistance, as well as requests to view any archive materials.
Every Story is a Love Story
February is the month where National Library Lover’s Month and Valentine’s Day meet, so what better way to celebrate a month of love than with love stories chosen by the staff of the Ridgewood Library? Let them set you up with the next book-love of your life!
BY LORRI STEINBACHER
FROM SCRATCH: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, SICILY, AND FINDING HOME
by Tembi Locke
Locke meets a professional chef from Sicily on a trip to Florence. They fall in love and marry, defying the expectations of his family, who disapprove of him marrying a Black woman. They move to the U.S. and build a happy life until cancer derails their plans. Follow Locke as she travels to Sicily with their daughter to renew and rebuild her life. This is now a miniseries on Netflix! Recommended by Theresa Callaghan, Library Assistant.
THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA
by TJ Clune
Linus Baker leads a quiet life. He is a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, where he is responsible for the well-being of children with magical talents in government orphanages. This is a book about found family, self-love and finding love later in life told in a unique way. Audiobook lovers will not want to miss this one. Recommended by Brittin Clark, Children’s Librarian.
HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS
by Katherine Center
Sometimes, the only way to find yourself is to get lost. Join newly divorced Helen Carpenter for a three-week hike in the remote Wyoming wilderness, where she runs into everything from mosquitos to blizzards to the most annoying people imaginable. Will Helen dig deep and find the strength to change her
life? Will the most irritating people have something to teach her after all? Recommended by Sarah Kiefer, Local History Librarian.
ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE
by Benjamin Alire Saenz
A young adult story about love for all ages. Two 15-year-old loners who could not be more different come together and discover who they are meant to be. It’s also a movie available on Hoopla. Recommended by Olivia Esteban, Library Assistant.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This is a love story told over the span of 50 years. Young Fermina is courted only by letter by Florentino, who catches a glimpse of her and falls in love instantly. Fermina marries another man she doesn’t quite love but has a successful marriage anyway. We watch as Marquez tells the story of Florentino’s faithful love for Fermina through the lens of his many affairs. Recommended by Robin Ritter, Manager of Youth Services.
LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE
by Laura Esquivel
Tita has always known that she is destined to spend her life caring for her aging mother when love unexpectedly finds her. Each chapter of this book begins with a recipe, and Esquivel tells the story of love, frustration and hope expressed through family cooking.
Recommended by Susan Eckardt, Library Assistant.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AN OR DINARY LIFE
by Amy Kraus Rosenthal
This is a non-linear memoir told ingeniously as encyclopedia entries. Recommended by Laura Juppé, Library Assistant.
BROOKLYN
by Colm Toibin
Ellis Lacey lives with her little family in a small Irish town in the early 1950’s. Ellis longs for new opportunities and finds herself in Brooklyn, where she struggles to find her footing in a new land while desperately missing her family and country. Ellis makes a go of it, finding friends, going to school and excelling at work until the worst happens back home. What will this mean for Ellis’ burgeoning confidence and new life? Recommended by Janine Lanzisera, ESL Educator.
THE FLATSHARE
by Beth O’Leary
Tiffany works days, Leon works nights. Both need a place to stay, so they come up with the perfect arrangement—the flatshare. Communicating only by post-it note, the two start to forge a friendship (and more?) despite never having met. If meet-cute is your thing, you will love this. Recommended by Theresa Goratowski, Library Assistant.
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.
CENIA
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RHS Unveils Inspirational Mural
From a drab hallway to an inspirational Tunnel of Positivity, Ridgewood High School has found a new way to energize, inspire and share messages of positivity with its students.
Initiated by the Ridgewood High School Home and School Association (HSA) in collaboration with the high school, artist Marco Santini transformed a hallway between the cafeteria and the main hallway of RHS. Santini’s signature style, blending graffiti art with messages of love and positivity, incorporates studentwritten words that express what RHS means to them.
Collaboration Creates a Special Connection
“We were drawn to Marco’s use of powerful words in his art,” said Kelly Nakasone, RHS HSA President. “His willingness to involve students in the
project made it even more meaningful.”
Students were invited to describe RHS in one word, capturing their feelings on creative notecards. These studentcreated words were then integrated into the final mural.
A Lasting Impact
The mural is a vibrant explosion of color encompassing walls, ceilings and even the hallway handrail. Student-written words like “love,” “family” and “community” hold a prominent place. It honors a beloved assistant principal who passed away and a current student who is battling cancer with related icons hidden among the art.
“I believe my purpose is to spread
love and positivity,” said Santini. “Art is storytelling, and people connect with positive narratives.”
About Marco Santini
Marco Santini is an award-winning, international Impact Artist, mentor and inventor based in Bergen County, New Jersey. A 2003 Bergen Catholic High School graduate, in 2018, Santini found his life’s purpose to spread love and positivity through art and education. He draws inspiration from inclusion, positivity and language. His work has been covered in the New York Times, Forbes, the New York Post and the Chicago Tribune.
RHS Class of 1974 Makes Green Donation
Led by Reunion Committee Co-chairs Pam Perron and Gail Leach Ansheles, the Class of 1974 was able to meet and surpass its goal of donating $2,000 to RHSAA on the occasion of their 50th reunion.
Earlier this fall, over Homecoming Weekend, 140+ members of the Class of 1974 returned to their alma mater to walk the halls one more time, honor their school’s Distinguished Alumni and celebrate their class reunion.
The class requested that the bulk of these funds go towards the student-led environmental efforts at Ridgewood High School under the direction of RHS Environmental Sciences teacher Mr. Miles Luo and the RHS Green Club.
The Alumni Association, working together with Mr. Lou and the RHS Green Club, will tackle one of the following projects this spring:
• The Grass Study - Pearl’s Premium Grass is a new strain of grass sold as having roots that grow eight feet deep and requires much less watering than regular grass. Students want to demonstrate how Pearl’s Premium Grass might look attractive while consuming far fewer resources. They would focus on water demands, appearance,
and root length. The funds would be used to buy growing containers, soil and potentially lights.
• Meadow signage - The Green Club planted a meadow on East Ridgewood Avenue by the RHS tennis courts this past spring. It bloomed beautifully and was a delight to behold. The students would like to get a proper sign explaining the benefits that meadows bring to RHS property.
• Tree Fencing - Students planted several new trees along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook by Stevens Field last year. In order to protect them, and any of the new trees they intend to plant, protective fencing is advisable.
• A fourth initiative came to our attention directly from two students in the Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences class, rather than from the Green Club. This proposal entails planting sedge plugs along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook to mitigate erosion of the banks due to flooding.
With several viable options to pursue, the group has their work cut out for them,
and we’ll report back in a few months with which project was chosen and how the project turned out.
The Green Team program advisor, Miles Luo states, “So much of Ridgewood’s flooding can be attributed to a loss of riparian vegetation and an abundance of impervious surfaces. While sedges along a relatively small area are not going to solve our significant problems on their own, they will stabilize the banks, absorb water and provide a great example of how residents throughout the village can make additions to their own properties to help improve our resilience against stormwater and flooding issues.”
Feedback from the students is positive. Many commented on benefits, including increased environmental awareness, connecting with the community and creating change for residents and wildlife.
If you would like to donate to the RHS Alumni Association and support projects like this, please visit: rhsalumniassociation.org/page/giving.
Pat Perron and Green Team Advisor/ Teacher Miles Luo.
A Winter Joy
Calling all professional and amateur photographers—want to share your great shot with your Ridgewood neighbors? Email them to editor@ridgewoodmag.com, and perhaps you’ll see your work in print! A recent blanket of snow is the perfect backdrop for this little guy as he grabs a snack. Many believe that seeing a cardinal signifies those who have passed from us are here in spirit. Cardinals represent positivity, hope and reassurance.
PHOTOGRAPH
BY JOE NOLAN
The 2025 Volvo XC60
