R idgewood
SOLA
OSTERIA
A CHEF’S
AMERICAN DREAM BEYOND PANTRY
SERVING RIDGEWOOD RESIDENTS
Editor’s Note
The month of November always creates a melancholy shadow for me.
I reflect on memories of several friends and family members who passed away this time of year. I begin to stress out as I think about the demands and time crunch of the upcoming holiday season.
However, there’s also an underlying spirit of giving, light and simplicity during these 30 days that does not go unnoticed. We are reminded of our blessings—and inspired to share them with others. I’ve learned through experience that it’s helpful and uplifting to ruminate on these things when the cold winds and the dark days get to you.
I think that’s why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s ok to take the day to decompress. It is a day that highlights food and togetherness—whether you spend the day with family, friends or a mish-mash of people who don’t have anywhere else to go. Delicious food and friendly conversation
tend to lead to a peaceful day of appreciation and contentment, and all things seem a bit better after a big helping of mashed potatoes and gravy. And of course, some football. (ok, that’s another good November thing).
As a result of my mixed feelings for this eleventh month, I wanted this issue to feature varying aspects of the season.
Autumn’s Bounty. Meet Stacey Antine of HealthBarn. You may have attended a class or sent your kids to camp there. But did you know the story behind Stacey’s love of organic farming and how she learned her gardening skills? Read on to find out more. Community service. We’ll introduce you to Megan Nayden, who leads the charge for the Ridgewood Y’s Beyond Pantry program, which serves food-insecure families throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties. Patriotism. You may associate this concept with Memorial Day or perhaps July 4th. However, November shakes us by the shoulders and reminds us of the privileges we have in this country as we exercise our right to vote. In honor of Veterans Day, our Q&A this month features one of our Ridgewood residents who honorably served our country, and the Book Nook section highlights some compelling military reads. I’ll also introduce you to Massimo Sola, local restauranteur who became a U.S. citizen this year and enjoyed the privilege of voting in America for the first time this month.
I’m confident that this month won’t seem so bad after reading this issue. Join me as we endure and celebrate November.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kris Pepper Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com
Ridgewood MAGAZINE
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Kris Pepper
Lorri Steinbacher
Matt Zorovich
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 herein 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 BY MARJORIE RAGGO
Local Happenings
The holidays are heating up here in Ridgewood. We have so many events for you to enjoy!
The Pro Arte Chorale and Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra present:
Saturday, Nov. 23, 8:00 p.m.
West Side Presbyterian Church 65 Monroe St., Ridgewood
Come for an evening filled with music and magic presented by the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra. This show features Hyanghyun Lee, Piano; Bryan Zaros, Conductor and Artistic Director of Pro Arte Chorale; and Kyunghun Kim, Conductor and Artistic Director of Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra.
Performances include:
Beethoven Symphony 6, “Pastoral,” (first movement)
Mendelssohn Psalm 42
Bizet L’Arlésienne Suite 2
Beethoven Choral Fantasy
Tickets are $35 for general admission, $25 for seniors and $5 for students.
Find more information at: ridgewoodsymphony.org/ and proartechorale.org
RIDGEWOOD’S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING –“DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS”
Friday, Dec. 6, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.
It’s “Trucks on Holiday” in Ridgewood!
Join your neighbors for the tree lighting on the east side of the train tracks at the corner of East Ridgewood Avenue and South Broad Street.
The kids will want to “Touch-A-Truck” with the Village of Ridgewood’s biggest and best trucks decorated with thousands of lights from Broad Street to Maple Avenue.
Merriment and music will abound including:
• Jamboree in front of the old movie theater
• Kathryn Schmidt’s production of “Green”
• School of Rock
• RHS Marching Band
Warm up with Ridgewood Parks & Rec and the Fire Department with s’mores at the firepits in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, and be on the lookout for elves—they’ve jumped off their shelves and are sharing candy with everyone!
Santa will also be making his appearance, driving his golf cart up and down East Ridgewood Avenue. Don’t miss this annual Ridgewood tradition!
WINTERFEST IN MEMORIAL PARK AT VAN NESTE SQUARE
Saturday, Nov. 30, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Enjoy music, ice sculptures and storytelling with one of the Guild elves with complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes!
A hayride and trackless train will provide memorable rides around town (tickets are 2 for $5). Even Santa will be on board to welcome all the children and for some great photo ops!
Q & a
Honor and Duty Personified
A Salute to Ridgewood Veteran Brian FitzGerald
BY MATT ZOROVICH
INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN FITZGERALD
Brian FitzGerald is a 21-year Ridgewood resident and Army veteran. Having earned an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business, he has appeared multiple times on MSNBC, CNBC and other media outlets as a stock analyst and known expert within the internet space.
Tell us about your service experience
Well, I was raised all over the world as an Army brat, my dad had a military career and served two tours in Vietnam. At a young age, I developed a sense of what honor and duty mean.
I was accepted into several military schools but chose West Point because it is the oldest academy, steeped in tradition—and I really wanted to fly Army helicopters! I entered in 1987, graduated in 1991, had a few weeks off, then I was off to Aviation Branch OBC (Officer Basic Course) and Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. After Flight School, I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 2-7 Air Cavalry.
This prepared me for deployment to Somalia with Operation Restore Hope as a member of Task Force 4-4, attached to the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York, and later, seven years in the New Jersey National Guard out of Mercer County Airport in Trenton.
Operation Restore Hope was a U.S.-led multinational coalition providing famine relief to Somalia. We provided aerial observation and security to United Nations workers and convoys as they distributed aid. UNOSOM II (United Nations Operations in Somalia II) was a peacekeeping mission from 1993 to1995.
How has your time in the military prepared you for life’s challenges?
I have 3 kids (Colin, Finn and Teagen). Unfortunately, we lost my wife Kathleen to brain cancer in 2017.
Being able to lean on my fellow service members during difficult times was—and still is—a great source of strength to me—not to mention the ongoing support of the Ridgewood community. Knowing someone has your back is comforting, and when called upon, you can return the favor.
What else do you love about Ridgewood?
Living in Ridgewood gives me easy access to work and all that New York City has to offer. It’s been a great place to raise a family. I’m in New York quite a bit with friends, as well as spending time around town here with our dog, Murphy. I enjoy going out to watch a game or see some music.
Matt Zorovich is a freelance writer living in Ridgewood who is always looking to experience live music.
In recognition of Veterans Day, the team at Ridgewood Magazine would like to express our appreciation to Brian and all who served.
Above, center: Fitz on the flight line in Fort Carson, CO. Above: Lt. FitzGerald with Air Cavalry Scout Platoon in Somalia. Opposite page above: Lt. FitzGerald on the Flight Line in Somalia. Opposite page below: Cadet Brian FitzGerald and his father Colonel Joseph FitzGerald at West Point in 1991.
Bringing the Bounty to Ridgewood
Stacey Antine of HealthBarn wants to grow good food and communities.
BY KRIS PEPPER
Most seasoned Ridgewoodians are familiar with HealthBarn, located in Irene Habernickel Family Park at 1057 Hillcrest Road. The public-private partnership between HealthBarn and the Village of Ridgewood has delivered highly successful community programming focusing on culinary nutrition and farm-to-table freshness that helps families avoid pre-packaged and processed foods.
HealthBarn’s camps and classes have benefitted kids and adults throughout northern New Jersey— and word has spread—with summer campers coming to the program from as far away as California and Italy. There are various programs for children ages 3 to 5 throughout the year, as well as summer and holiday camps, birthday parties and school and scout field trips. Adults can enjoy culinary gatherings, nutrition workshops and special events as well.
Stacey Antine, founder and director of HealthBarn, harvests fresh figs.
But how did this brainchild get its roots? We dug deep with HealthBarn Founder and Director Stacey Antine to learn how the concept sprouted.
“I lived in Gramercy Park in New York City during my dietetic internship at Beth Israel Medical Center, and I used to frequent the famous Union Square Farmers’ Market,” says Antine. The farmers would joke with me about nutritionists not understanding how to grow produce, and I realized it was very true.”
Although she had done some gardening with her grandparents as a child, Antine found that she was allergic to carrot greens, which led her to stop spending time in the
dirt. However, while getting her master’s in nutrition at New York University, a professor made a revolutionary statement that stuck with her ever since. “He said that based on their lifestyle, this generation of children would not outlive their parents,” Antine says. “I was stunned.”
During her internship in the hospital, she noticed children coming in with their parents to get weighed and receive counseling about making better food choices, which led to an epiphany: “I could see that the protocols to reverse the statistics were based on treating the disease, not preventing it.”
That’s when the idea of HealthBarn started to take root.
A HealthBarn original recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Curry.
Beginnings
Antine integrated gardening into her curriculum and began growing zucchini from seed. That eventually led to a garden where she and her staff and students now grow over 50 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables in their 50 x 100-foot plot. During this process, Antine’s initial allergy to carrot greens disappeared!
As an expert in nutrition and an accomplished cook, she knew she needed to cultivate her organic gardening talents with grass-roots effort and self-teaching.
“I learned quickly that organic gardening means a lot of weeding--by hand,” she says, “and farmers are always happy to get volunteers to help.”
The farmers who “hired” Antine got more than they bargained for. “I asked so many questions,” she laughs, “but I was a sponge trying to learn the best techniques, soil management and seed quality to grow a successful organic garden and teach the process.”
Antine essentially took two-week blocks of vacation time to learn farming in different regions and climates, traveling to Mexico, Arizona, Vermont and Maine.
In Todos Santos, Mexico, a region known for organic production, Antine visited various small organic farms until an ex-pat farmer from California accepted her offer to volunteer. She worked side-by-side with him for hours.
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When traveling to Sedona, Arizona, Antine visited a small, family-owned resort featuring private cabins surrounded by orchards and gardens which supplied their garden-to-table dinner each night.
“I quickly made friends with the gardener and worked with him every morning in the orchard and gardens. I learned about building tomato cages there,” she says.
While visiting friends in Burlington, Vermont, Antine spent time in East Hardwick, a town that closed the loop of the food-to-table experience within a radius of 15-20 miles, making it more economically sustainable for residents. “It was great to see what is possible on this important subject for small communities,”
PHOTO
Temque
Clockwise from top: (Left to right) Rocco Miller (student), Cali-Cofer Jackson (student) and Stacey Antine. Rebecca Galada, educator, makes homemade dough for dumplings. (Left to right) Rocco Miller, Jillian Fine (educator) and Cali-Cofer Jackson making Yum! Yum! dumplings from scratch from Antine’s book “Appetite for Life,” published by HarperOne.
For HealthBarn’s 20th anniversary next year, Antine is hosting a sustainable STEAM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) trip to Italy and France. All are welcome (including families and children!).
If interested, you can find more information on Antine’s organic gardening-inspired trip at eftours.com/tourwebsite/2791547YU.
A fan of Eloit Coleman, an author known as a legend in the field of organic farming, Antine took a trip to Harborside, Maine, to meet him and enjoy an inspiring visit and tour of his Four Season farm, which is recognized as a successful model of small-scale sustainable organic agriculture.
one year because we brought 25 to 50 yards of organic black dirt from Warwick, New York. Now, we alternate our compost with the black dirt.”
The agricultural knowledge she absorbed was significant in developing the curriculum at HealthBarn, and the experiences and life lessons were just as invaluable.
our food supply and Mother Nature— inspiring and delicious!”
“Soil is everything, and compost is king,” says Antine. “I thought the soil at Habernickel would be rich since it was formerly a horse farm, but a soil test by Rutgers University determined that it was porous and deficient of nutrients. Rutgers told me it would take three years to grow veggies successfully. However, we did it in
“I realized that if I put my mind to something, I could do it—and not only to do it but to love it,” says Antine. “I love gardening and sharing my knowledge and practical skills with children and adults. I want to see people composting and gardening—even in a small area or in a box at home. It’s a great way to connect with
Stacey’s travels and volunteer farming encounters bring a unique garden-to-table experience to HealthBarn. “Growing your own food, cooking with the bounty and learning why it’s best for your body is a homerun to transform picky eaters into veggie lovers,” she says. “I love sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm about growing food and experiencing nature first-hand.” For more information, visit HealthBarn’s website at healthbarnusa.com.
Kris Pepper is the editor of Ridgewood Magazine and has three grown daughters; one of whom happens to be a dietitian. she notes.
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Stacey Antine harvests dinosaur kale, her favorite!
Massimo Sola’s Path to America
A culinary journey to the American Dream.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Massimo Sola has delighted discerning palates throughout France and Italy. Ridgewood locals can now reap the rewards of his vast experience as he brings his culinary mastery closer to home at Sola Osteria, located at 13 South Broad St.
Not only has he embraced Ridgewood as the heart of his latest venture, but Chef Sola has also fully embraced the American dream—proudly becoming a newly minted American citizen!
BY KRIS PEPPER
Putting in the Work
As a teen growing up in Varese, Italy, Massimo worked at a Swiss restaurant, where he cultivated a love for hospitality and fine cuisine. He went on to culinary school in Liguria, Italy landing a job working for the royal family of Monte Carlo.
“For two years, I traveled 50 miles each way between work
and school,” says Massimo. “It was hard, but I loved it.”
After serving his mandatory time in the Italian army, he became a maître de at Du Lac in Switzerland. “I followed all the typical steps in my profession,” he says. “I began my career as a dishwasher, then moved on to becoming a waiter and maître de.”
Chef Massimo and his Michelin Stars Knowing the restaurant industry from the bottom up provided invaluable business acumen for the young chef. With the foundational skills gained from his experiences as a dishwasher, waiter and maître de, Massimo opened a restaurant in his hometown, earning a Michelin Star in 2007. He then moved on to Verona, adding two more Michelin stars to his collection for his work at Arquade.
“Being awarded with a Michelin star is everything,” says Massimo. “Believe me, when I tell you how hard it is to get there—only a few thousand in the entire world receive that honor.”
He was later appointed as the Executive Chef for Eataly, overseeing 28 restaurants in Rome, and later worked in St. Tropez for King Juan Carlos of Spain.
Above: The chef’s jacket represents the pinnacle of a chef’s career—a Michelin star. This jacket was presented to Massimo by the CEO of Michelin in 2007. Above right: Massimo Sola with his American citizenship plaque.
Coming to America
After years of contributing to the culinary fabric of Europe, Massimo made the bold decision to bring his talents to America. He was offered an opportunity— and a visa—to open Mamo, a French-Italian restaurant in New York City. While working there, he cooked for celebrities like Beyonce and JayZ, Rihanna and Madonna.
“I was only going to live in the U.S. for one year,” he says, “but I entered the lottery for a green card—and I won! That was the moment I decided to stay. I was so lucky to win; I didn’t want to waste that opportunity!”
With the exciting new plan to become an American citizen, Massimo realized that it was time to open his own restaurant, but he knew New York City was not the place to do it. On the advice of a friend, he checked out Bergen County and fell in love with Ridgewood.
“I wanted to be in a place where the community would appreciate truly authentic Italian food,” he says.
He worked alongside the former owners of Pearl Restaurant and took over the space when they retired;
Sola Osteria, opened its doors in March of 2024.
The bistro offers beautifully crafted dishes that transform fresh, simple ingredients into gourmet masterpieces, spotlighting authentic Italian meals in a warm and welcoming experience.
“For me, cooking is art, passion, technique— everything,” he says. “But you won’t only find good food here, you’ll find authentic hospitality. I’m out in the dining room, greeting people every evening. I enjoy spending time with my guests. It’s a social experience—if you’ve been to Italy, you’ll know what I mean.”
On May 20 of this year, Massimo successfully completed the five-year process of becoming an American citizen. He is now a proud addition to America’s “melting pot” and will be voting in the presidential election for the first time this month.
“I love everything about America,” he says. “Now, I can give opportunities to my kids to become citizens as well. I am excited to cast my vote in November. This is the land where all dreams can come true!
Above: Massimo and friend Marilaine Grill. Above right: Massimo with Chef Stefano Bosetti, from Trento, Italy.
Clockwise from top: Sola Osteria offers a cozy and intimate indoor or outdoor dining experience. Bruschetta: toasted in thyme on a brioche bun, roasted bell peppers and radicchio, anchovy sauce, ricotta cheese and lemon zest. Veal ragout: vegetables and Tuscan pecorino cheese. The interior of Sola Osteria.
Setting the Table
Beyond Pantry is serving our Ridgewood community one meal at a time.
BY KRIS PEPPER
As we take a few moments to give thanks for our abundance this month, consider the local programs that reach out a helping hand to help food-insecure families.
Since the pandemic in 2020, the Ridgewood YMCA has been integral in coordinating a food distribution program with a weekly pickup initiative in partnership with Table to Table and the Food Bank of New Jersey. The organizations collect and distribute food to 170 families through a drive-up process at the Y, providing food-insecure families with fresh, shelf-stable food every Tuesday. The first 170 families who sign up each Monday morning via email are eligible for the Tuesday pickup.
The need was urgent and unprecedented during those COVID months of 2020; people were sick, laid off and caring for loved ones. However, it is surprising (or maybe not) how many Bergen and Passaic Counties residents continue to need assistance. Some need long-term help; others need support to help them navigate a few challenging months.
As the Tuesday outreach grew, Megan Nayden, the Y’s Senior Director of Membership and Volunteer Engagement, saw that the need spanned far beyond produce and shelf-stable foods.
“People asked for toiletries, feminine care and hygiene products, diapers and cleaning supplies,” she remembers.
To address these additional needs, Nayden and the Y team opened Beyond Pantry, which collects and distributes both food and non-food items—everything a typical household needs to function. Clients make appointments to pick up at their convenience twice a month.
The community has rallied around the organization, which has received community grants from the YMCA NJ State Alliance and the Bergen County Food Security Division. Last year, BMW donated turkeys for Thanksgiving, and other local companies joined the cause by encouraging employees to volunteer each month.
“We can’t do it alone,” says Nayden. “My volunteers are my angels—they’re amazing.”
Nayden makes a point of mentoring
teen volunteers as they get a first-hand look at how a crisis can quickly turn the tables on a family’s financial security.
“They may see a neighbor or a friend coming to pick up food,” she explains. “It can be surprising—clients may drive up in a late-model car, but there’s no stereotype for someone who comes in for assistance. People may get sick or have a critical situation arise, and they need help. Some are laid off from their jobs and fall behind in their mortgage or car payments. It can happen to almost anyone.”
The Y’s “no questions asked” policy ensures that clients are treated with friendliness and dignity. No one is ever turned away. The programs distribute nonperishable and perishable items thanks to a walk-in fridge and stand-up freezer. As a cog in the wheel along with other social service organizations, the Y’s programs partner with Ridgewood Social Services and other area food pantries to ensure supplies are available for all.
Beyond Pantry also holds a treasure trove of toys, books, and stuffed animals to assist families who need gifts for their little ones. Last year’s holiday Teddy Bear Drive garnered a huge collection of new and gently used teddies for children— which surely “bears” repeating this year!
Many local families generously request toy donations to Beyond Pantry instead of birthday party gifts, and the birthday child enjoys the ability to deliver the toys to the Pantry in person.
Nayden acknowledges that Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for many. “It’s my favorite holiday, but imagine how hard it is for those who don’t have enough food for their holiday table,” she says. “I want people to know we are here to help. We want to make the holidays happy, and we are always accepting applications.”
The satisfaction Nayden and her team get by serving others does not go unnoticed. “I love this part of my job,” she says. “I’m a people person, and I enjoy getting to know our clients and their preferences—right down to what kind of breakfast cereal they prefer!”
Thanks to the program’s support, Nayden gets a front-row seat to the progress of local families. “They share their joys and victories with me, and it’s so humbling,” she notes. “It’s wonderful when clients tell me they are back on their feet or have found a new job. Our program is small but mighty, and the success stories are incredible!”
For more information, visit ridgewoodymca.org/programspage/socialresponsibility/food-distribution-program/.
Nayden’s arms brim with donations.
Cozy Cafes
Breakfast lovers can unite at these Ridgewood cafes and coffee houses.
Ridgewood Coffee Company 133 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 389 6444
Traditional coffee fare pairs with an extensive brunch menu, making Ridgewood Coffee Company a great place for commuters and diners alike. ridgewoodcoffeecompany.square.site @ridgewoodcoffeecompany
Rey Sol Coffee
22 Chestnut Street (908) 227 1804
Columbian coffee grounds make for rich and earthy drinks. Pair with a pastry or one of Rey Sol’s tempting desserts. reysolcoffee.com @reysolcoffee
American Bulldog Coffee Roasters
31 North Broad Street (210) 857 4176
A coffee shop and bakery specializing in organic coffee roasting and baked goods. Vegan options available. americanbulldogcoffeeroasters.com
Pierre & Michel Authentic French Bakery
38 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 444 8111
A French bakery offering pâtisseries, macarons, tarts, breads and more. @pierre_michel_bakery
Sook Pastry
24-26 South Broad Street (201) 493 2500
Sook Pastry specializes in French pastries, cakes, crêpes and other desserts. They also have savory options, like sandwiches and quiches, available. sookpastry.com
Village Tea Shop
2 South Maple (201) 857 0230
A variety of tea options are available at the Village Tea Shop, including loose leaf, vegan milk tea and bubble tea. villageteashop.net @villageteashop
White Maple Café
47 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 345 9538
The White Maple Café can feed your family for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Enjoy American food and upscale eats. whitemaplecafe.com
Zen Haus Café
9 South Broad Street (973) 400 0009
With a focus on wellness, Zen Haus Café serves lattes, smoothies and more in a pretty presentation. clover.com/online-ordering/haus-cafe-llcfair-lawn @thehauscafe
Le Pancake Cafe
140 E Ridgewood Avenue (201) 444 9090
Sweet pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles are just a few of the delights on the menu at this breakfast and coffee cafe. lepancakecafeorder.com @pancakecaferidgewood
Rosie’s Bagel Cafe
205 East Ridgewood Avenue (551) 815 1038
Traditional American breakfast and lunches are served here in a warm and cozy atmosphere. rosiesbagel.com
Gong Cha
194 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 272 2102
Enjoy all things bubble tea at this Gong Cha location in Ridgewood. gongchausa.com/new-jerseyridgewood @gongchatea
Baumgart’s Café
158 Franklin Avenue (201) 612 5688
A Pan-Asian diner also serving American Fare. House made ice cream is available. baumgartscafe.com
Archery Hot Shot
Ridgewood resident Paige Lee is just 12 years old—but she’s aiming to be an archery champion, recently breaking an eight-year USA Archery national record held by the current Bronze U.S. Olympic Archery medalist, Casey Kaufhold.
PEOPLE WE KNOW
BY KRIS PEPPER
When the pandemic halted the Benjamin Franklin Middle School student’s regular extracurricular activities, Paige decided to try something new once things began reopening. A friend recommended SW Archery in Paramus, and Paige wanted to try it out.
She took to it very quickly, and here we are,” says Paige’s mom, Angie. “Now she attends JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) classes and practices three to four times a week in addition to a weekly private lesson.”
Paige won a bronze medal in the under 13 division at Indoor Nationals in February while competing for the first time at the national level. She earned two gold medals (Qualifications and Olympic Round) at Outdoor Nationals in July 2024 and broke the national record for her division this past September.
Paige has set her sights on joining the USA Archery Team and, of course, competing in the Olympics one day. She’s a big fan of archery champions Casey Kaufhold and Sihyeon Lim.
In her spare time, Paige is an avid reader and book influencer on Instagram. You can follow her @ pagesforpaige. She is particularly drawn to books that involve archery as part of the story (“The Hunger Games,” and “The Blameless” series are two favorites), as they combine her two loves.
Paige says the sport can be both frustrating and amazing. “Archery is all about form, practice and determination,” she says. “I am only as good as my last arrow, so it’s all about practicing over and over again. It’s frustrating when I can’t make my arrows go where I want them to, but it’s also thrilling when I shoot a perfect 60!”
“I am only as good as my last arrow, so it’s all about practicing over and over again. It’s frustrating when I can’t make my arrows go where I want them to, but it’s also thrilling when I shoot a perfect 60!”
- Paige Lee, Ridgewood resident
Above left: Paige takes aim! Top and bottom: Posts from Paige’s Instagram account; she’s an avid reader and book influencer.
Remember Those Who Served WITH THESE VETERANS DAY READS
Discover books that capture the experiences of those who served, offering deep insights into the realities of conflict and its lasting impact. This Veterans Day, honor their stories through these compelling reads.
BY LORRI STEINBACHER
FICTION:
WORLD WAR I IN MEMORIAM
by Alice Winn
Winn takes us into the trenches of World War I as boarding school friends Henry and Sidney join up to escape their own family and personal histories.
CHER AMI AND MAJOR WHITTLESEY
by Kathleen Rooney
This tale of WWI’s most famous homing pigeon dovetails nicely with Major Whittlesey’s story; you might forget you are getting your most significant information from a pigeon. But don’t let that description deter you: This is very much a book about the horrors of war.
WORLD WAR II
THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD
by Debra Dean
A novel that toggles back between the Soviet Union during World War II and modern-day America, Dean explores the life of Marina, who worked to preserve art from theft and destruction amidst the incessant bombing of 1941’s Leningrad.
MIRACLE OF ST. ANNA by James McBride
In 1944, soldiers of the segregated, all-black 92nd Division are fighting both a war against the Germans in the hills of Italy and a war of racial
prejudice in America. It is a story of survival, despite the odds stacked against them.
WAITING FOR EDEN
by
Elliot Ackerman
VIETNAM WAR
THE WOMEN by
Kristin Hannah
Experience the Vietnam War through the story of a field nurse and what it was like for women who were just as heroic as any soldier and who struggled to return to civilian life.
THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O’Brien
This literary classic relates 20 short stories that capture the realities of being a young soldier in the Vietnam War, written by a veteran of the war.
IRAQ WAR
REDEPLOYMENT by Phil Klay
Klay joined the Marines after his Dartmouth graduation and served in Iraq from 2005-2009. In this collection of 12 short stories, he examines the mind of the modern soldier and the impact of the war in Iraq on service members and civilians alike.
THE YELLOW BIRDS
by Kevin Powers
Powers joined the Army at 17 and served in Iraq in 2004. The book follows two young soldiers struggling to survive in a war they were unprepared for.
This story is narrated by the dead friend and fellow soldier of Eden Malcolm, who was severely burned while at war in Iraq. His wife sleeps at his bedside, waiting for him to awaken. This nontraditional narrative will make you think about what makes life worth living and the ravages of war on both the ones who fight and those left at home.
NON-FICTION:
GRUNT: THE CURIOUS SCIENCE OF HUMANS AT WAR
by Mary Roach
War is not just weapons and military strategy. If you’d prefer a non-fiction read, you can’t go wrong with Mary Roach, who digs deep into the minutiae that goes into keeping humans intact and alive in the extreme conditions of war. Have you ever tried caffeinated meat? What does a paintball team have to do with warfare? What’s the problem with zippers for snipers? Roach answers these questions and much more.
Recommended by Lorri Steinbacher, Director of the Ridgewood Public Library and facilitator of the Book Circle and Cover 2 Cover book groups at the library.
Happy Thanksgiving!
–William Blake
Left to Right:
