R idgewood
STEP INTO THE PAST THE SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM
SHINING A LIGHT ON MENTAL WELLNESS
NFL PLAYER AND RHS GRAD YOUNGHOE KOO
It Takes Two A Tandem Biking Adventure
Editor’s Note
Ridgewood is Front-and-Center This September
Cue the nostalgia. It’s September, a month that brings back memories of school days gone by. It also traditionally signifies a fresh start to a new season.
Some of us are sending our first child off to kindergarten or experiencing that tug of emptiness as we pack off a son or daughter to college. “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end,” said Seneca (or Semisonic, in their 90s hit “Closing Time”)—credit whom you wish!
This month represents a new beginning for our team at Ridgewood Magazine. We are all excited to launch this informative and beautiful Ridgewood-centric publication that promises to put the Village and its residents at the front and center of every issue.
As the editor, I have the privilege of sharing fascinating stories about interesting people, tipping off residents on the grand opening of the newest cafe, and scouting out unique finds at bespoke boutiques. We’ll spotlight local athletes, update readers on the high school sports scene, cover outstanding musical and cultural events and share tips from cutting-edge health and wellness providers.
I aim to find the stories even lifelong residents have not heard! That’s why my email is at the bottom of this letter. I’d love to hear your story ideas and newsworthy thoughts. We will surely select many of them to share with our neighbors. In this issue, you’ll learn about the brand-new Ridgewood Lighthouse Initiative and how it is bringing together local organizations to help residents embrace good mental health strategies.
We’re also getting a peek at Village history with a glimpse inside one of the best-kept secrets in our town: The Schoolhouse Museum
Also, I’m delighted to introduce you to Maiah and Emily, two recent Ridgewood High School grads who enjoyed a big adventure this summer. Read on to learn more.
Our team has put a lot of work into this inaugural issue, and its pages are packed with news specially curated for Ridgewood residents!
We hope you will enjoy the read, learn something new and be inspired to share your own stories with us!
Kris Pepper Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com
Ridgewood MAGAZINE
Publisher
Karen Stires
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Kris Pepper
Marianne Krantz
Andrea Volter
Photographers
Marion T. Brown
Carsten Higbie
Chris Marksburg
Joe Nolan
Kris Pepper
Maiah Riedel
Emily Scharfenberg
Jean Terman Photography
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
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
The
Custom
Welcome the Changing Seasons With a new Recipe
Andrea Volter and Marianne Krantz founded Olive R Twist Olive Oil Company to bring the health and culinary benefits of the freshest, highest quality olive oils and finest balsamic vinegars to their community. The store’s tasting room model allows their clientele a broader experience that includes sampling superior quality pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and aged balsamic vinegars, as well as learning about the value of the powerful antioxidants and other potent healthy components found in their oils and vinegars. The shop’s friendly staff offers recipe ideas, cooking workshops and special guest events to bring a hands-on culinary experience to foodies throughout Bergen County.
Located on the west side of downtown Ridgewood, Olive R Twist Olive Oil Company boasts over 60 different varieties and flavors of the highest quality fresh olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The store delivers in-season olive oils from both hemispheres right to Ridgewood. This ensures that only the freshest available olive oils are always “on tap.” The balsamics produced in Modena, Italy, are barrel-aged for 12 to 20 years and are full of probiotics. A visit to the store is truly a gastronomic experience!
We know you will enjoy this salad recipe which is perfect for early fall!
The founders of Olive R Twist share a recipe fit for fall.
RECIPE CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREA VOLTER AND MARIANNE KRANTZ
Above: Olive R Twist Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsalmic Vinegar make an excellent addition to any meal. Opposite page: The Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing is a must-try dish.
FALL HARVEST SALAD WITH MAPLE BALSAMIC DRESSING
INGREDIENTS
Salad
• 32 ounces pre-washed kale greens
• 2-3 cups butternut squash (or sweet potatoes), cubed
• 2-3 cups brussels sprouts, shredded
• ½ cup unsalted or lightly salted almonds
• 1 red apple
• Approximately ½ cup Olive R Twist (ORTOO) Medium or Robust Ultra Premium Olive Oil of choice, divided
• Salt and pepper
• Shaved parmesan or goat cheese (optional)
Dressing
• ¼ cup ORTOO Medium or Robust Ultra Premium Olive Oil of choice
• ¼ cup ORTOO Maple Infused Dark Balsamic Vinegar (ORTOO Traditional, Black Mission Fig or Red Apple Dark Balsamic Vinegar may be used instead)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat butternut squash in olive oil, salt and pepper and spread evenly onto the baking sheet. Coat the shredded brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Finely chop the almonds. Once the butternut squash has been roasting for 20 minutes, add the brussels sprouts and chopped almonds to the baking sheet and mix well. Allow everything to roast together for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once midway through.
• While the vegetables are roasting, place the kale in a large serving bowl, making sure to remove any thick stems. Add the remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt and massage kale leaves for 5 to 10 minutes until well-coated or just until the leaves begin to wilt. Dice the apple and add to the kale mixture.
• Add all ingredients to a mason jar or small bowl to make the dressing. Close the lid and shake well or whisk ingredients in a bowl for one minute or until well combined.
• Add roasted squash, brussels sprouts and almonds to the kale mixture and toss together. Add dressing as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Note: Massaging the kale will soften and tenderize the leaves and make it easier to digest this wonderfully healthy vegetable. Olive oil helps to break down the fibrous membranes of the kale leaves. Massaged kale will keep in a refrigerator for three days and will become more delicious and tender with time. Just leave the dressing off until it is ready for consumption.
https://www.olivertwistoliveoil.com/
Expert Advice From the Tutor Doctor
Local tutor Jessica Bush sheds light on how to help children and parents feel confident about the upcoming school year.
BY KRIS PEPPER
How can parents ensure their child is prepared and ready for that first day of school?
Jessica Bush, owner of Tutor Doctor of North Jersey, provided us with some timely tips to prepare and empower our kids for success in the coming school year.
The first day of school can be exciting as well as a bit scary. It’s best to have their supplies and backpack ready to go. Help students organize their books and notebooks by color-coding book covers and notebooks for each subject. Seven-subject expandable folders are also helpful. Set up the sections by class and keep a tab in the back for important papers. Effective preparation is their key to success!
What are some of the learning challenges you see as a tutor?
Many kids lack executive function skills such as note-taking, organization and study skills. We assume our kids know these skills, but they do not unless they are taught.
Help your child to learn to plan consistently with large daily or weekly wall calendars. Encourage students to write or re-write notes by hand— studies show that writing engages more brain activity than entering information on a tablet or smartphone. Reinforce good review and study habits with tools such as flashcards.
INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA BUSH
Owner of the Tutor Doctor
Bush reads with one of her students.
How can parents support children who show signs of anxiety about school?
Dealing with our kids’ emotional health is an area that I am very passionate about. Many parents try to protect their kids from anxiety, but over-protection can lead to increased anxiety. Fostering coping mechanisms is essential to help our kids manage their emotions. Validate feelings and empathize but help them acknowledge that they can face—and overcome— their fears.
How involved should parents be in helping children with their homework?
It is important to teach elementaryaged kids to work independently on homework. Provide general monitoring, guidance and encouragement, but allow children to generate answers on their own and complete their homework independently.
When should a parent seek outside help if a child struggles in a particular subject?
Help your child understand that asking for help is a strength! If you wait until they are in the “D-zone or F-zone,” it is a longer process to pull them out. The sooner you can get support for your student, the easier it is to help them increase their grades and build confidence.
Partner with your child’s teacher to stay apprised of their progress in school. Keep your child’s goals in perspective and focus on effort and commitment. Enlist the help of a professional tutor if necessary. Remember, there is no such thing as perfection—some kids simply need direction, guidance or support!
For Jessica, “making learning personal” is not just a slogan, it’s the foundation on which she has built Tutor Doctor North Jersey. For over 13 years, her instinct for uncovering the unique needs and desires of students and their families—and her passion for helping them achieve their dreams—have been the hallmarks of her tutoring practice.
Families know they can count on Tutor Doctor’s highly qualified tutors and Jessica’s accessibility and responsiveness—whether advocating with school administrators on behalf of a student or serving as a liaison with support services. Tutor Doctor of North Jersey provides white-glove, one-to-one academic support from subject-specific tutoring to advanced courses and test preparation for all ages.
www.tutordoctor.com/bergen-rockland
Kris Pepper is the editor of Ridgewood Magazine and is committed to sharing inspiring stories about the Village and its residents.
Bush works with both children and parents to foster a positive and engaging learning environment.
Two Ridgewood high school graduates rolled out an excellent summer adventure. It’s Easy as Riding a Bike!
BY KRIS PEPPER
While most high school graduates spent their summer sunning at the Jersey shore, traveling with the family, hanging out with friends or working, Emily Scharfenberg and Maiah Riedel were gearing up for a little bike riding—across the state of Iowa. The Ridgewood High School classmates have been friends since the third grade and share many common interests. Both have an interest in pursuing environmental science, and both young women have decided to enroll at the University of Minnesota for the fall semester, wanting to branch
out and experience an atmosphere different than the Northeast.
That spirit of adventure is engrained in the pair, evidenced by a bike trip they took across Vermont in 2021. Emily’s wheels began turning when she saw a YouTube video on the RAGBRAI bicycle touring event in Iowa. She knew that she wanted to do it and who she wanted to do it with.
“I heard about the event two years ago,” says Emily. I saw two people doing it on a tandem bicycle, and I thought it would be fun to do with Maiah before college.”
From left: Maiah Riedel and Emily Scharfenberg.
The Road to Iowa
The girls had to convince both sets of parents that this was a good idea. Maiah’s mom, Gabi, was taken off guard—and a bit shocked—when the girls brought up the idea of the event. “The bigger shock was that they wanted to do it on a tandem,” she says. “That’s an extra hurdle!”
The ride has existed since 1974 and is a wellestablished event in Iowa. With some convincing, their parents gave the ok—if the girls figured out all the logistics, which posed a few challenges.
First of all, neither one owned a tandem bike. “My mom sought out a tandem bike on several social media sites. Would you believe we were able to get a bike from someone right here in Ridgewood?” says Maiah.
Miraculously, the bike fit the girls well, but it was about 15 years old, so they brought it to Ridgewood Cycle for a tune-up, including new tires and brakes. The store also provided them with large boxes to pack the bike and ship it back and forth to the race. “There aren’t a lot of tandem boxes around, so we had to combine two boxes,” says Maiah. “Ridgewood Cycle was very helpful!”
This lucky duck gets a birds-eye view of Iowa throughout the tour.
Maiah and Emily will ship the bike a couple of weeks before the event, then fly to Omaha, Nebraska, the nearest major airport to the ride’s starting point. After the ride, the bike gets shipped home, and they will take a train to Chicago to fly home from there.
The RAGBRAI Touring Event
RAGBRAI’s website states, “In the beginning, when a few friends got together for a casual bike ride across Iowa in 1973, no one imagined that a tradition would be born, let alone that it would become the longest, largest and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world.” Now, the ride has come to be known as a “rolling festival of bicycles, music, food, camaraderie, and community” for over 8500 riders each summer.
The week-long ride begins in Glenwood, Iowa, and travels through the southern part of the state, ending in Burlington, Iowa. It will comprise 434 miles and 18,375 feet of climbing. Host towns along the route offer places for camping and even potluck dinners at local churches for the riders. “The ride is in its 51st year. It’s a fundraiser for the state of Iowa, so the towns in the area are very supportive,” says Emily. “There are even bands and concerts along the way. People call it a party on wheels!”
The Scharfenberg and Riedel families are proud of the girls for taking the initiative to make this memorable trip happen. “It will be demanding and hot,” says Gabi. “But I know they will master it—making them more resilient, better athletes and better people.”
Grand finale “wheel dip” in the Mississippi!
From left: Ramon Hache, Sr., President and CEO Ridgewood YMCA; Dr. Karen Latimer; and Danielle Gaglioti
INTRODUCING THE Ridgewood Lighthouse Initiative
Village organizations are shining a light on mental well-being.
BY KRIS PEPPER
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is increasingly recognized as both a critical need and an essential component of overall well-being. No matter our age, as we navigate life, most realize that prioritizing mental wellness is more important than ever.
Dr. Karen Latimer and Danielle Gaglioti are Ridgewood residents with a heart for volunteerism and a conviction to serve the Village and its surrounding communities. As a Board member of the Ridgewood YMCA, Karen was appointed to spearhead new initiatives for community outreach.
“We decided to focus on mental wellness,” says Latimer, who invited Gaglioti to be involved. “There’s a lot of ‘noise’ in the media regarding managing and supporting one’s mental health, and we felt it was time to do something about it at the community level.” Latimer and Gaglioti recruited a robust group of Village organizations to partner together in a movement to educate and encourage residents with practical insights and actionable steps to foster a healthier mindset and lifestyle.
Above: The West Bergen Mental Healthcare building.
The Ridgewood Partnership for Community
Well-Being
The Ridgewood Partnership for Community Well-Being works as a thinktank in affiliation with the Ridgewood YMCA. The organizations are tasked with innovating a thoughtful, positive approach to promote mental wellness for the entire community.
The list of participating organizations is impressive. Along with the YMCA, it includes Ridgewood Public Schools, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Youth Ministry and a contingent of local mental health professionals. The knowledge and experience gleaned from their expertise brought the Ridgewood Lighthouse Initiative to life.
Created as a separate entity from the Partnership, the Initiative harnesses this collective wisdom to explore opportunities and implement strategies toward more robust community mental health. “All efforts will be conducted through the Ridgewood Lighthouse Initiative with the support of the Partnership,” says Latimer.
Mental health resources, support groups and a speaker series will all be accessible through the organization, which will focus on practices that foster good mental health. These efforts include education on the science of mental health, tips on improving daily habits and infusing positive psychology throughout the community.
“Everyone came together,” says Latimer, “We were humbled by the support we’ve
The new community partnership will emphasize the science and importance of mental health.
received. Everyone wants to help do something—but the issue is so big.”
Local organizations supporting the movement include Ridgewood StigmaFree, The Village of Ridgewood, Bethlehem Lutheran Nursey School, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, Ridgewood Library, Valley Health System, Age-Friendly Ridgewood and others.
Monthly Themes Put Everyone on the Same Page
“We will present a different topical campaign each month and position it to be repeated throughout the community so that everyone can be discussing the same thing,” Latimer explains.
Topics will be simple, actionable and digestible. With school starting and kids heading off to college, September’s theme will address life transitions. October will speak to the health benefits
of staying active, November will be centered on gratitude and volunteerism is the heart of December’s outreach. The team will also be tackling the topic of social media in the coming months. “We blame social media for a lot of issues our kids struggle with, but it is a cultural reality, and we intend to show ways it can be used for good,” says Latimer.
A concept as prevalent and overarching as mental health can be overwhelming for one organization to address on its own, but as monthly campaigns are disseminated and promoted throughout the Village, each church, synagogue, school and organization will be able to present relevant information in their own way to their audience.
“Each organization will reach their constituents however they see fit,” says Gaglioti. “Houses of worship may distribute a shared prayer; nursery
schools will deliver the message to their students differently than the high school. Every group will meet their audience where they are. Everyone needs to be on the same page. Parents will know each month’s topic and can use it as a conversational jumping-off point at dinnertime to reinforce it to the kids.”
Spreading the Word
The spirit of partnership and collaboration for positive change is infused throughout the program, and the group hopes that their efforts will also help other communities. “Everything we do can be duplicated in other places,” says Latimer. “We’re ready to share this campaign and want to spread the word on a wider scale.”
Check out @the.lighthouse.initiative on Instagram or The Ridgewood Lighthouse Initiative on Facebook to learn more.
Clockwise from left: The Ridgewood YMCA, the exterior of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the entrance to the West Bergen Mental Healthcare building.
The Schoolhouse Museum and Ridgewood Historical Society
Take a turn through Ridgewood’s past at The Schoolhouse Museum.
BY KRIS PEPPER
Three hundred years ago, before Ridgewood was “Ridgewood,” it was a wide-open wilderness gradually being settled by European immigrants. The Old Paramus Reformed Church, where East Glen Avenue meets Route 17 South was once the heart of civilization for local farmers, millers, farriers and textile workers who were striving to make a life for their families in the new world.
Although it’s not the original structure, (the current church was rebuilt in 1800 following the Revolutionary War), the Old Paramus Reformed Church still stands watch; a sentinel of times past when the site was a strategic military base during the Revolutionary War. And yes, George Washington visited there.
The Schoolhouse Story
The church property accommodates a one-room schoolhouse constructed in 1872 as part of a negotiated land agreement. It was eventually rented out to the public school system, operating as a multi-grade children’s
classroom until 1905. It sat empty for years until a group from the church realized they had collections of artifacts that could be housed and preserved within the building, which became a museum—and eventually, the Ridgewood Historical Society (RHS) was born. The schoolhouse is now the commissioned keeper and preserver of Village history, artifacts and documents. Local families and descendants of early settlers continue to donate significant items that illustrate the Ridgewood of times past. It’s a treasure trove of local history worth checking out on a weekend afternoon.
The museum has an all-volunteer staff and is entirely funded by donations. There is no admission charge to visit, but donations are gladly accepted. Dacey Latham, President of the Board of Trustees of the Ridgewood Historical Society has volunteered with the organization since 2006. “Recently, we were very pleased to receive a generous grant from the Bolger Foundation to fund building improvements,” she says.
Opposite page: An exterior view of the museum. Top left: The Schoolhouse Museum has stood in New Jersey for over 150 years. Top right: Visitors can see objects like antique farming tools on display at the museum.
Exhibits and Guest Speakers
The museum hosts themed exhibits, which include artifacts relating to women’s fashion, farm and home life, wedding apparel and traditions, and most recently, “IT’S PERSONAL: Exploring 300 Years of Obsolete Everyday Essentials,” which include typical items of everyday use from the 17th to the mid-20th century. The exhibition, which completed its run over the summer, explored an array of tools, household and personal items that became obsolete through innovation and technology. Full transparency: This included items like rotary phones for all of you readers aged 40 and over! “It was very funny to watch young children try to figure out how a rotary phone works,” notes Latham.
In addition to special exhibits, the museum arranges for guest speakers to lecture on various subjects. Recent guests have included local artist, Eric Santoli, who spent a summer at Monet’s home and gardens; Mark
Wright, a retired teacher, musician and historian who spoke on the history of handwriting; Anthony Cavo who presented on hats and bridal fashions and rituals throughout the years; and Mike Yannone, a Ridgewood High School teacher who shared the unknown story of the plot behind the
assassination of President Lincoln.
This month’s lecture event will be held in collaboration with the Ridgewood Library and will feature a talk on September 19 at 11:30 a.m. by Jimmy Richardson, an expert on African American history. It will be held at the library. Find future events by checking the website at ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org.
Preserving History for the Generations
“I’ve always been very interested in history,” says Latham. “I believe that preserving it through artifacts that tell stories is very important. Sharing this history with the younger people in the community gives me a great deal of pleasure.”
The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and for groups by special arrangement.
Left: A view from Paramus road where local farmers, millers and textile workers would gather. Right: One of the original “Schoolhouse” classes.
COVERING BERGEN: QUILTS
1840 – 1940
Visit the Ridgewood Historical Society at the Schoolhouse Museum from September 14 – December 1 for a glimpse of the variety of quilts created in Bergen County and the incredible needlework of the women who made them.
The heart of the exhibit curated by Peggy Norris, exhibit curator of the Schoolhouse Museum, highlights a century of quilts made by generations of mostly unnamed women from the Frederick Bogert and Jane Zabriskie families. Some are well-used, but all were stored as family treasures. Most were never seen outside of the immediate family.
The Bogert-Zabriskie collection is supplemented by several loan items and other treasures from the Ridgewood Historical Society. Celebrate the “fabric” of the Village of Ridgewood, and don’t miss this historic collection!
The Suplicki quilt on display in the “Covering Bergen: Quilts” exhibit.
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. www.cafe-37.com @37cafenj
Cravings Tapas Bistro
8 Wilsey Square (201) 857-8533
Intimate bistro offering Spanish and international small plates, charcuterie and empanadas. www.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.
www.dailytreatrestaurant.com @dailytreatnj
Felina Ridgewood
18 Prospect Street (551) 276-5454
Distinctive, seasonal menu paired with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. www.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.
www.freakin-vegan.com @freakinvegans
From Scratch
44 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 857-5188
Elevated contemporary Italian cuisine and classic baked goods.
www.fromscratchridgewood. com @fromscratchridgewood
Green Fusion
22 Oak Street (201) 670-7502
A vegan restaurant with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
www.greenfusionnj.com @greenfusionnj
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.
www.lalanternaofridgewood. com @lalanternaofridgewood
Latour
6 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 445-5056
Elegant, candle-lit BYOB showcasing French fare with a relaxed vibe.
www.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. www.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. www.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. www.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. www.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.
www.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. www.raymondsnj.com @raymondsnj
Ridgewood Hot Bagels
110 North Maple Avenue (201) 445-6005
Hot bagels, wraps, and more.
www.ridgewoodhotbagels.com @ridgewoodhotbagels
Roots Steakhouse
17 Chestnut Street (201) 444-1922
Upscale local chophouse serving steak, seafood and New American sides in a traditional setting. www.rootssteakhouse.com/ ridgewood @rootssteakhouse
Top: Vitello Tonnato from Sola Osteria. Photo courtesy of Sola Osteria. Bottom: Sola Osteria serves authentic Italian cuisine.
Photo by Joe Nolan.
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.
www.segidio.pizza@s.egidio
Shumi
70 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 345-0808
Clean and simple Japanese eatery with upscale fare and sushi bar.
www.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. www.solaosteria.com @solaosteria
Steel Wheel Tavern
51 North Broad Street (201) 882-1800
Modern American Fare, craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. www.steelwheeltavern.com @steelwheeltavern
Stella Artisan Italian
18 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 857-2677
Artisan kitchen featuring hand-crafted Italian specialties made with farmfresh ingredients. www.stellaartisanitalian.com @stella.italian.nj
The Office Tavern Grill
32-34 Chestnut Street (201) 652-1070
Local chain offering a large selection of craft beers and American eats. www.officetaverngrill.com @theofficetaverngrill
Truly Sichuan
31 Chestnut Street (201) 857-3830
Healthy, authentic Chinese food.
www.trulysichuan.com @trulysichuan
Turmeric Indian Bistro
34 Franklin Avenue (201) 574-8777
A modern-day Indian bistro bringing authentic spicy, flavorful Indian specialties to New Jersey. www.turmericindianbistro.com @turmericindianbistro
Village Green Restaurant
36 Prospect Street (201) 445-2914
Simple and classic cuisine paired with fresh, local ingredients. www.villagegreenrestaurant. com @villagegreenrestaurant
White Maple Café
47 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 345-9538
A stylish choice for locally sourced American eats in a bright space with a laid-back vibe.
www.whitemaplecafe.com @whitemaplecafe
World Flats
134 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 797-0134
Great for a light and healthy bite featuring nutrientrich vegetarian and vegan flatbreads. www.flatfoods.com @flatsfood
Steel Wheel Tavern serves modern American fare and an extensive wine list. Photo by Joe Nolan.
BRING DESIGN FREEDOM TO THE HOME WITH A COMPREHENSIVE SUITE OF LUXURY APPLIANCES THAT COMPLEMENT THE WAY YOU LIVE.
Top center: Campers at Koo’s Kicking Camp. Top left: Koo with a young fan. Bottom left: Paris 2024 Olympian and RHS Alumni Mitchell Saron with Koo. Right center: RHS Football Coach Torre Watson with Koo.
Giving Back
NFL player Younghoe Koo creates a training camp to help Ridgewood High School students chase their dreams.
Atlanta Falcons kicker and Ridgewood High School graduate (’13) Younghoe Koo recently hosted a kicking camp at his alma mater to benefit Ridgewood High School’s football program.
Koo was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to the United States at the age of 12. With the help of the Ridgewood community, he quickly adapted to American sports—first soccer and then to football in high school. He continued his football career at Georgia Southern University, earning first-team, AllConference honors.
“Koo’s Kicking Camp” provided
BY KRIS PEPPER
specialized training for aspiring kickers and punters in grades 5 through 12 to help develop their technical skills and elevate their game. It included field time and one-on-one direction with Koo and other coaches, including the high school’s head football coach (also a Ridgewood alumni), Torre Watson.
Koo was excited to return to his hometown and give back to the community. “Bringing this camp back home to Ridgewood was particularly meaningful as it’s where I began my football journey after moving from Korea,” he says. “I looked forward to helping young athletes improve their skills and achieve their goals.”
Koo was joined by fellow Ridgewood High alumni (’19) and fencing champion Mitchell Saron. Saron, a 2023 Harvard graduate, was preparing to head to the 2024 Paris Olympics but stopped by to share some advice with young athletes. He stressed the importance of focus, striving for goals and always believing in your own abilities. The two athletes exchanged signed shirts, and Mitchell presented Koo with a signed saber.
Since joining the NFL, Koo led the league in scoring in 2020 and earned a Pro Bowl selection. He is considered one of the top kickers in the NFL today.
Coaches and event organizers at Koo’s Kicking Camp with Koo (center right).
Back-to-School Book List
These reads will get your kids excited for the new academic year.
As the lazy days of summer wind down and the scent of freshly sharpened pencils and new notebooks fills the air, kids in Ridgewood are preparing for the year’s new academic adventures. For many, it is a time of excitement, new beginnings and perhaps some firstday jitters.
We’ve curated a selection of children’s books with a “back to school” theme, celebrating the wonder and providing reassurance and inspiration for our children as they return to the classroom.
Wemberly Worried
by
Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then, it was time for school to start, and Wemberly worried even more. She worried about spilling her juice, shrinking in the bathtub, and even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon and night. But when she goes back to school, Wemberly realizes that it’s too much fun to waste time worrying! This comforting back-to-school favorite is from Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten’s First Full Moon and Chrysanthemum.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope the dinosaur starts school, but it’s hard to make friends when her classmates are so delicious!
It’s Penelope Rex’s first day of school, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all! Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from awardwinning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.
The
Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing
It’s the night before the Big Day—first grade! Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore’s classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise and delight readers, helping first-graders through their own back-to-school jitters.
First
Grade
Stinks
by Mary Ann Rodman, Illustrated by Beth Spiegel
It’s the first day of school, and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She’s a first-grader! Hayley quickly learns that first grade is different from kindergarten but in all the wrong ways. The classroom isn’t as bright and colorful, Ms. Gray doesn’t seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher did and there isn’t enough time to play outside. Fortunately, her compassionate teacher completely understands. Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley as she struggles—amid unmet expectations, new experiences and disappointment—to find enthusiasm for the new school year.
My First Day
by Phùng Nguyên Quang, Huỳnh Kim Liên
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests, where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination. The folk culture of Vietnam and Asia inspires the beautiful illustrations in this book.
School’s First Day of School
by Adam Rex, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
A New York Times bestselling author (The True Meaning of Smekday) and illustrator (Last Stop on Market Street) team bring you a fresh look at the first day of school—from the school’s perspective.
It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary, and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE NOLAN
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