REMEMBERING A LEADER
EDUCATOR DR. JACK WOODBURY
DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS CAROL TYLER
Ho-Ho-Kus Decades on the Diamond COMMUNITY
on the Diamond The Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River Softball League has created a community of men searching for camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendly competition. 18 The House that Jack Built Ho-Ho-Kus School dedicated its library in memory of former superintendent Dr. Jack Woodbury, a man who shaped education and lived in the Borough.
oOH HOW I LOVE August in Ho-Ho-Kus. I hope you’re all soaking up the last of these lazy summer days here in town, in what is typically a very quiet month. And yet, there’s an anticipation in the air as we look toward fall: the return to school or a more fast-paced workday and regular routine. This month, we’re both holding on to summer a little longer and looking toward September with our feature stories.
We celebrate America’s pastime by speaking to members of the Ho-Ho-Kus/ Saddle River Softball League—an adult men’s program that has been a beloved tradition in town for more than 50 years. The league provides athletes an opportunity to continue playing ball long after their school years. But Joe Costa, a member from the start, and others agree— it’s not only for the love of the game, but the connections made with teammates, turn lifelong friends.
And as the school year approaches, we’ve taken the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of former Ho-HoKus Public School superintendent Jack Woodbury, who created a family-like culture of love and respect that lives on in the district many years after he left. Dr. Woodbury, as alumni will remember
him, and his wife Janet Woodbury, were both beloved educators, and the school recently named the library for Jack after his passing in May of last year.
This story is particularly meaningful to me, as I attended Ho-Ho-Kus School when Dr. Woodbury was the superintendent and had Janet as a teacher. Not only that, but I was lucky enough to grow up on the same street as the Woodbury family and was friendly with their daughter, Sarah.
As you will read, Dr. Woodbury was a calm and steady leader with a presence that demanded respect, but also made you feel like he truly saw you, even as a little kid. I can vividly remember being in his presence as he walked the halls of the school and have only warm memories of him (and Janet for that matter, who I was lucky enough to sit down with for this story).
Thanks very much for reading and as always, please reach out to me with story ideas and photos. Enjoy these dog days of summer and we’ll see you in September!
Sarah Nolan Editor editor@hohokusmagazine.com
Ho-Ho-Kus MAGAZINE
Editor
Sarah Nolan
Writers
Sarah Nolan
Wendy Lees
Photographers
Joe Nolan
Adam Paray
WAINSCOT MEDIA
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Carroll V. Dowden
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Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
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Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
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Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ho-Ho-Kus, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Last Licks of Summer
The season is winding down, but there’s still plenty to do right here in Ho-Ho-Kus and even more to look forward to come September.
HO-HO-KUS COMMUNITY GARDEN EVENTS
The Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden has a series of events planned to bring community members together in the space for fun and educational demonstrations. Upcoming events this month and next include:
• Make Mozzarella with Jimmy Mozz & Farm Stand: Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the art of making mozzarella and head home with some of your own, along with organic veggies and flowers.
• Ho-Ho-Kus Day Farm Stand: Saturday, Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. The Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden will host a Farm Stand in the garden at the annual Ho-Ho-Kus Day. Grab some organic veggies and celebrate the day with the community.
• Eating for Healing Cooking Demo & Farm Stand: Saturday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. This exclusive cooking demo will offer easy ways to eat healthy. Along with the event is the monthly farm stand that will allow participants and community members to purchase veggies fresh from the garden.
The Community Garden is always looking for volunteers to help plant and harvest organic vegetables, which will be donated to those in need. No experience is required, and all are welcome to join. Visit hhkborough.com/ho-ho-kuscommunity-garden for more information.
HO-HO-KUS DAY
The borough will host its annual HoHo-Kus Day on Saturday, Sept. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. This year is the fourth annual event, which brings residents together after summer for a full day of fun and entertainment. The event will feature tents to learn more about local businesses and organizations, live music, food trucks and plenty of games and attractions for kids. For more information visit hhkborough.com.
CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT AT THE HERMITAGE
Be a part of living history at the Hermitage on Saturday, Sept. 13 when the 6th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers Company C hosts its Civil War Encampment on the grounds. They will perform drill maneuvers in the line of battle. Children can participate with wooden muskets and soldiers will guide visitors through their camp and explain artifacts used at the time. There will be artisans demonstrating their skills as well as discussions on camp life during the Civil War. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children age 6 to 10. Children under 6 are free. Visit thehermitage.org/ events for more information.
ART & CRAFT SHOW
The Hermitage Museum will host an art and craft show on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The event will feature 70 quality art and craft exhibitors. Admission is $5 and includes a tour of the museum. Visit pjspromotions.com for more information.
Rebecca Bleich is a graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing. She writes articles on news, arts, sports and viewpoints.
A TOUCH OF ENGLAND
The New Jersey Triumph Association held its Touch of England car show at the Hermitage in June. Attendees immersed themselves in classic charm, checking out vintage British motorcars and motorcycles on the historic grounds. The event even featured a food truck serving up fish and chips. Mathew Robinson, pictured with his trophy, took home Best in Show.
The car show featured vintage British motorcars and motorcycles and a food truck served up fish and chips for the full experience. Photographs by
Joe Nolan.
A Warm Welcome
St. Eve’s Restaurant hosted an evening of food, wine and neighborly love for residents of 619 North.
BY SARAH NOLAN
THE OWNERS AND staff at St. Eve’s Restaurant believe that great food has the power to bring people together. That’s why they recently hosted a Welcome to the Neighborhood event for residents of 619 North, the new apartment building that’s a stone’s throw away from the eatery.
Guests enjoyed a curated tasting of chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres, wines generously provided by Uncorked Wine & Spirits (also a neighbor)
and live piano music that created a warm, elegant ambiance.
“The event was designed to spark meaningful conversations, new friendships and a sense of community, giving our neighbors a taste of our hospitality and a chance to connect with one another in a memorable way,” says Vanda Ondrus, who owns St. Eve’s along with her husband, Chef Stefan Ondrus.
The couple is also relatively new to town, having taken over the longtime borough gem in
December, with plans to blend tradition and innovation as they got to know their clientele.
619 North, a 67-unit luxury apartment building that developers say blends timeless elegance and modern convenience, is home to many longtime Ho-Ho-Kus residents that have decided to downsize but still want to call the borough home. Now, they’re able to take a short stroll to the many shops and restaurants that downtown Ho-Ho-Kus has to offer.
This page, clockwise from top left: A group of 619 North residents gather at St. Eve’s Restaurant for a Welcome to the Neighborhood event. 619 North residents enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while a pianist played. Chef and owner Stefan Ondrus speaks to some of the event’s attendees.
cdorso@highaccesstravel.com 1-862-684-2907 www.highaccesstravel.com
862-684-2907
Decades on the Diamond
Generations of men have found camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendly competition on the field with the Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River Softball League.
BY SARAH NOLAN
FFUN FACT: Joe Costa’s baseball glove is older than many of the players that now participate on the Ho-Ho-Kus/ Saddle River Softball League. It’s a quip he loves to tell when he meets a new, younger member. Probably because he can place himself in their shoes.
When Costa started with the league more than 50 years ago, it was in its very early days; he was newly married and a recent transplant to the area, having relocated from Queens. On the field, Costa found not only a place to continue playing ball after his school years, but a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that has endured decades and generations.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
The Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River Softball League was originally founded by Les Shenkler and Frank Burr in the early 70s. Shenkler, who hung up his cleats some 20 years ago, says he had recently moved to Ho-Ho-Kus from Brooklyn and met Burr on the train during their daily rides to work in Manhattan.
Burr, who died in 2020, was looking to connect with other athletic men from town who would potentially be interested in starting a league. Shenkler, now 85 and living in Allendale, was in.
Little did the pair know that what they started would continue to be a beloved tradition in the borough for decades to come and expand to
Opposite page: Joe Costa on the pitcher’s mound. This page: The 2025 championship winners.
include residents from other surrounding towns.
Costa says in his first year in HoHo-Kus, 1974, he got wind of the newly established league and would show up to fill in when needed. He had played baseball every year since he was 12 and was even scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals out of high school, but it didn’t work out. The league filled a hole for him—the sense of belonging to a team and leaving it all on the field. By his third season, things were really starting to come together, with enough participants to build 10 teams. It started off as a “let him hit” lob ball league, Costa says. This transitioned to having the catcher call balls and strikes and then eventually hiring umpires
for the games. Now, it’s primarily a modified fast ball league, Costa says; players can throw as hard as they can—some pitching 40 to 50 mile per hour pitches—but they can’t throw windmill.
As the league grew, playoffs became a town event with risers filled with hundreds of people rooting the teams on. But as much as it was and is about the love of the game, what Costa says he has enjoyed the most, and what keeps him coming back at 77 years old, is the connections he’s made.
“The beauty of it is you get to know people. A couple of guys from the early days of the league are still in town and we have a Romeo Club: Retired Old Men Eating Out,” Costa says. “But it’s
also about getting to know the younger guys now, some of them in their 20s. We take it seriously, but it’s fun.”
On a recent spring Sunday at Rindlaub Park in Saddle River, where the games are often held when not at North Field in Ho-Ho-Kus, the spirit of the league was evident. Players, young and not so young, took the field together. The drive to win was evident, but there was an air of camaraderie that trumped any competitive vibes.
That’s what makes the league so special, says Bob Howell, the commissioner. He grew up in Ho-HoKus and started playing when he was 19; he’s now 65.
“It’s a special league,” he says. “There’s still the community spirit that was
Clockwise from left: Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Tom Randall, John Painter and Commissioner Bob Howell with the Commissioner’s Cup; Father and son, Danny and Ryan Valentino; Howell and his wife Maureen.
Players of all ages gather on Sundays during the spring and early summer to play competitive but lighthearted games. The season culminates in a championship game, with the winning team taking home the Commissioner’s Cup.
there 45 years ago when I started. We do compete, we do have playoffs and a championship, but it’s very fun-spirited and that’s what’s most important. We have a lot of laughs.”
Bruce Hamlin, who is now a spectator but played in the league for more than 30 years, says there’s truly nothing like the friends you make on the field. He played lots of sports growing up and jumped at the chance to get back out there after graduating from college and moving to Ho-Ho-Kus.
“You get to know guys differently playing sports; you learn a lot about people on a field—good, bad and ugly,” he says. “You learn how competitive they are, how honest they are.”
Thomas “Sarge” Haschac joined the
league in 2002. He lives in Clifton and connected with someone from the league and was recruited to play.
“It’s a great bunch of guys. There are no arguments,” he says. “I’m a certified umpire for varsity baseball and softball and some games do get contentious and people yell. Not here. I’m not saying you don’t try to win, but at the end of the day we all line up for handshake.”
Randy Darwick, an umpire for the league, can attest to that. He describes the players as a “nice bunch of guys that play good quality ball.” Plus, he says games are interesting because teams are different every year, with captains selecting their players at the start of each season.
One of the most special things
about the Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River league, players agree, is that it spans generations.
Danny Valentino says he joined about 16 years ago when his son, Ryan, would attend games in a stroller. Now, Ryan plays alongside his dad and says he “learns a lot” from the older players.
“I was a high school and college baseball player, and I wanted to keep the competitive juices going,” Danny says. “It’s local, it’s been around for a long time and it’s a great group of people. I’ve made a lot of friends and getting to play with my son is just awesome.”
Kevin Rose, 22, started playing with the league after he graduated from high school and says he was “grandfathered”
Clockwise from above left: Bob Castellano, now in his 80s, is currently the oldest active player. Harry Edelson threw out the first pitch during the championship game this year. Now 92, he played until he was 83.
in, with his uncle and cousins all playing.
“It’s something I look forward to every Sunday,” he says. “It’s nice to see how older generations stay active and I enjoy networking with the players and just hearing their stories.”
Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Tom Randall played on the league for about a decade and says he loves how it creates a sense of community.
“It brought people together of different ages, even generations, who you might not have otherwise met,” Randall says. “There’s also a pretty wide range of athletic abilities, but it always remained competitive and enjoyable. It’s a great spring tradition on Sunday mornings.”
Shenkler says one of the highlights of the season for him was an annual banquet held the night before the championship game, when divisional leaders played for the sought-after Commissioner’s Cup.
The boisterous evening was capped off with the induction of one unsuspecting athlete into the league’s “Hall of Shame,” which came with a gentle roasting that Shenkler carefully penned.
Paging through years’ worth of inductee proclamations, he can’t help but laugh even decades later, recounting details about his friends, none of whom were spared.
“It was a fun group and there was no real squabbling,” Shenkler says. “In 20 years, I had one home run over the left fielder’s head. I surprised myself, as a matter of fact.”
At this year’s championship game, Harry Edelson, a member of the league from the start, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. His son, Vance Edelson, says he played until the 2016 season, the year he turned 83. He’s turning 92 this month.
“In the 1970s, he was drafted in the first round several times and originally played shortstop,” Vance says. “He was also a team captain several times and kept going as long as he could, spending the last 10 seasons in the league as a pitcher and winning the championship once with him on the mound.”
Playing as long as they can seems to be a theme for many of the players, who just can’t stay away from the diamond.
This year’s championship didn’t turn out in Costa’s favor. His team, Green, succumbed to the Black team—2 to 1. Costa says he’s at the end of his career. But something tells me he has another season or two in him and a few more stories to share with the younger players, even if they are younger than his mitt.
For more information about the league, email hhk.sr.softball@gmail.com.
The House that Jack Built
Ho-Ho-Kus School dedicated its library in memory of beloved former superintendent, Dr. Woodbury, a champion for children, education and equality who shaped the culture of the district.
BY SARAH NOLAN
TTHERE’S A STORY about Jack Woodbury that his wife, Janet Woodbury, feels sums him up perfectly. One day, the pair were walking toward Ho-Ho-Kus Public School where they both worked, he as the superintendent, she a teacher. They came upon a forlorn little boy with a quivering chin.
Jack stopped, bent down to the 7-year-old’s eye level and listened intently as he recounted the upsetting start to his day. Janet knew that Jack had a board meeting that night, that the budget was coming up and that he had faculty positions to fill. But in his eyes, this little boy’s
problems were just as important as all the weighty issues that would arise throughout the day.
“That was Jack,” Janet wrote in a tribute to her husband for a memorial service held after his passing at age 84 in May of 2024. “Whether he was working to provide the best education possible for the children under his care; crusading for equal rights for all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or creed; crafting policy that would forward inclusive goals; or simply talking sports and politics, Jack listened and shared openly of himself.”
Jack, or Dr. Woodbury as his former
students will remember him, leaves behind a legacy of love and learning that profoundly shaped the school district he so adored. Now, his memory and convictions will live on in future generations, with the dedication of the school library in his name.
“There couldn’t be a more meaningful place to dedicate to Jack than the library, which was built under his direction as superintendent,” Janet says. “He was an avid reader. And he always said, ‘Work hard, play hard’ or ‘Books and balls,’ as in schoolwork comes first, but get it done and then go play.”
BUILDING A CULTURE OF CARING AND RESPECT
Jack graduated from Wesleyan University in 1961 and went on to receive his master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University in 1964.
Janet says he had ambitions of becoming a diplomat with the Foreign Service but became disillusioned with the government. He pivoted, earning a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts in 1970.
“It’s interesting because diplomacy can come in handy as a school leader,” Janet says. “In order to be a superintendent and principal you
really have to be diplomatic.”
Jack taught and held several school administrative positions, including Chief of Staff for the Chancellor of the New York City School System before coming to Ho-Ho-Kus in 1975 as the superintendent.
Dr. Diane Mardy, who recently retired as superintendent of the Ho-Ho-Kus district, was hired as a teacher by Jack in 1978 and says he had a vision for Ho-Ho-Kus and set about making it a reality.
“I often think of Ho-Ho-Kus School as the House that Jack Built,” Mardy says. “He was that much of a changemaker in shifting the culture of the school. Jack
made everyone feel special, from the students, families and the staff to the community. He forged relationships that were built upon mutual respect and caring for one another.”
It was at the charming school on Lloyd Road where Jack and Janet met. Janet had started off as a substitute teacher but needed a fulltime job as a newly single mother. She interviewed with Jack in the mid-1980s and was hired first as a 4th grade teacher before moving on to teach 7th and 8th grade social studies, a subject she was passionate about.
Allison Danubio, Jack and Janet’s daughter, spoke at the library
Opposite page: Dr. Jack Woodbury was the beloved superintendent of Ho-Ho-Kus Public School from 1975 to 1991. Above: The district dedicated the library in Jack’s name after his passing in 2024. Pictured at the dedication ceremony are, from left, his son-in-law Al Danubio, daughter Sarah Woodbury, wife Janet Woodbury, daughter Allison Danubio and grandson Andrew Danubio.
dedication, saying that the school is truly where the Woodbury family was born. Jack and Janet married and raised their combined five children together in the borough, in addition to working there.
“Ho-Ho-Kus has been so good to us,” Janet says. “It’s a special town. It’s a family.”
In his 16 years at the helm of the district, Jack’s method of management was walking around the school and its grounds, Janet says. He always thought he could solve more problems observing and dealing with any issues before kids made it to his office, she says. He was visible and approachable to both students and staff.
“You could always knock on his door,”
Janet says. “He was also very family oriented and fostered that among staff, families and the board. He had a ‘We’re all in this together’ approach.”
Equality for all people was a cornerstone of Jack’s philosophy in life and education. He hired the first Jewish and black teachers at the school: “If there was a first, he did it,” Janet says. And the teachers he brought on were passionate and enthusiastic, creating a camaraderie amongst staff.
A CALM, STEADY PRESENCE
Ellen Voltzow Theriault, formerly Mrs. Simpson, was hired by Jack in the 1980s and says he encouraged teachers to learn from their colleagues and helped them grow and achieve their potential.
“One of Jack’s best qualities, in my opinion, was his unwavering support of his teachers,” Theriault says. “He was open to innovation. If you could explain why you wanted to try something, he encouraged you to run with your idea.”
Jack’s dedication and leadership were also evident to students.
Chris McVey, class of 1984, says Jack was the “epitome of grace, leadership, kindness, discipline and dignity.” McVey says he could’ve been the boy in Janet’s tribute, with the quivering chin, since he had a challenging home life that coincided with his time at Ho-Ho-Kus School. Jack was a role model to him and he’s sure many others.
“Seeing and engaging with Dr. Woodbury throughout our grammar
Opposite page and left: Jack and his wife Janet enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage and in their retirement, mostly with or to visit family.
school years was truly a gift for so many of us,” McVey says. “Running into him around town or at the bagel store when we were lucky enough, was always a special moment. He would always ask about family, siblings and how we were all doing, remembering all names and past updates, even though we were just a few of thousands of people who had passed through the school he led and loved so amazingly.”
Kelly Franey Fieldhouse, class of 1982, fondly remembers Jack walking the halls, taking the time to stop and talk to students. He wasn’t intimidating, despite towering above the students at 6’3.
“He was always there—in the school, at games, on the playground,”
Fieldhouse says. “And though a gentle and kind presence, you did not want to have to sit across from him at his desk. He was a gentle leader but had a quiet strength. He emanated a ‘Do the right thing’ kind of vibe.”
K.C. Smith, class of 1984, knows what Fieldhouse means.
“He was a calm voice of reason, fair and balanced in how he managed the student body,” Smith says. “He always provided the right dose of discipline and compassion with kids like me whose shenanigans were worthy of correction.”
Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education President Mary Ellen Nye grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus and says Jack was the “tall superintendent always in a suit.”
He would seem stern at times but then crack a smile at the front of the auditorium, Nye says; students knew he was in charge, but adored him.
When Nye grew up and moved back to Ho-Ho-Kus and became a Board of Education trustee, she often turned to him for advice and counsel.
“He tried to get me to call him Jack, but that never worked for me. He was always Dr. Woodbury,” she says. “He was wise and helpful in a number of situations that I had never encountered before.”
Vance Edelson, class of 1982, recalls trying to match Jack’s long strides as he followed him through the schoolyard when the superintendent insisted on seeing for himself how
Edelson’s bike was vandalized during school hours. Edelson remarks that students’ respect for their superintendent was evident, as the crowd of upperclassmen parted for Jack.
“While he couldn’t fix my bike, it made me feel a little better that I had gotten such attention from the very top,” Edelson says. “He was a wonderful person.”
Current Superintendent Linda Bovino-Romeo, who took over for Mardy last month, grew up in Ho-HoKus and attended the school when Jack was superintendent. She says she often reflects on the legacy of Dr. Woodbury as a “calm, steady presence” and “someone who led with both strength
and compassion.”
“What stood out most was how deeply he cared about children and how genuinely connected he was to the school community,” BovinoRomeo says. “He supported his faculty and staff wholeheartedly and was a familiar, reassuring face at school events, whether visiting classrooms, attending play rehearsal or cheering on our teams.”
Bovino-Romeo says when she thinks of Jack, she recalls how, when he needed the students’ attention, he would simply stand at the front of the room with his arms crossed—calm and quiet—and within moments, all 600 kids would fall silent.
“That quiet command spoke
volumes,” she says. “Dr. Woodbury didn’t just hold a position—he had a presence. He truly loved being around the school, and that love was felt by all who knew him.”
Though Jack retired from Ho-Ho-Kus School in 1991, he wasn’t done making a difference for children. He continued his service to students of New Jersey by acting as the state’s Deputy Commissioner of Education.
And even after fully retiring, Jack was sought out as an expert in education leadership and was often quoted in prominent newspapers and influential publications. He never stopped advocating for education.
Janet, a beloved teacher in her own right, retired from Ho-Ho-Kus in 2005
Jack and Janet met at Ho-Ho-Kus Public School when he hired her as a teacher in the mid-1980s. The pair married and raised their children Lynne, Glen, David, Allison and Sarah in the borough together.
and moved on to tutoring; “I just love kids,” she says. She and Jack enjoyed traveling in their retirement, she says, mostly to visit with family. But even at home, Jack was “never bored for a minute in his life.”
“He had so many interests,” Janet says. “He read the New York Times cover-to-cover every day. He was an avid, avid reader. He played sports when he was younger and followed sports when he was older. He was a great communicator, keeping in touch with family and friends. He loved politics. And he had friends he would get breakfast with from time to time, which was important to him.”
Ever humble, Jack would be surprised and touched by the school’s dedication of the library to him, Janet says, adding that he wouldn’t have known that he had made such an impact.
But he did, through the simple but rare acts of listening attentively, inquiring thoughtfully, genuinely caring and making each person he encountered feel important.
“He always taught us that what was most important was how you related to others and how they would then move forward being better for having known you,” Mardy says. “We thank you, Jack, for our being blessed to have known you. And may Jack’s guiding, caring and loving spirit live on and continue to help lead the way for future generations of Ho-Ho-Kus students, staff and community.”
Mocktails
Refreshing sips for all ages
BY JENNA GALLETTI
1 Signature The Citrus Spritz: A
GONE ARE THE DAYS when your only alcohol-free option at a party was sparkling water with a lemon wedge. With health, wellness and mindful living on the rise, more people are skipping the booze, and mocktails are having their moment. They’re stylish, flavorful and hangover-free. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or a game night with friends or just want something that feels festive without the alcohol, mocktails are here to raise the bar (pun intended).
Today’s mocktails are more than just sugar-loaded drinks. Think fresh herbs, coldpressed juices, fancy garnishes and even gutfriendly ingredients like kombucha or apple cider vinegar. These drinks don’t just look good in your hand; they can actually make you feel good too.
Here are three signature mocktails you can easily make at home for everyone to enjoy.
sunny, sparkling refresher
INGREDIENTS
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp honey (optional)
• Sparkling water
• Orange slice and rosemary sprig (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Shake the juices and honey with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish like you mean it.
2Berry Bramble Fizz:
Perfect for porch sitting and gossiping with friends
INGREDIENTS
• ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or blackberries work best)
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Juice of ½ lime
• ½ cup club soda
• Mint leaves (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Muddle the berries and maple syrup in a shaker. Add lime juice and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with club soda and toss in some mint for flair.
3
Cucumber Cooler:
Like a spa day in a glass
INGREDIENTS
• 4 slices cucumber
• Juice of ½ lime
• 4 oz coconut water
• Splash of tonic or soda water
• Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Muddle cucumber and lime juice in a shaker. Add coconut water and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and top with tonic. Garnish like you own a wellness brand.
The best part? You don’t need to be a bartender or own a cocktail shaker to enjoy these. A mason jar and a wooden spoon will do just fine. These easy, feel-good sips prove that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun. So, pour something pretty, take a sip, savor the moment and drink to your health—no hangover in sight. Cheers!
Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer and creative producer who splits her time between New York and Boston. She finds endless inspiration through the energy of urban life. Visit her online at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.
Part of the Solution
Longtime Ambulance Corps volunteer and animal control officer for the borough, Carol Tyler has built her life around helping others.
When did you join the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Ambulance Corps and what called you to volunteer?
I actually joined the Ambulance Corps to win a bet with one of the police sergeants, John Koch. When I moved to town, he told me I’d sit around and eat bonbons; I told him I would make a difference. So, I joined the Ambulance Corps. I didn’t know I’d stay this long!
Tell me about your business, Tyco Animal Control Services. How did you end up going into animal control? What services do you provide and what is your coverage area?
Tyco Animal Control was a simple dream. I love animals; I have for my entire life. I was the animal control officer for three towns in Morris County when I moved to Ho-Ho-Kus. It was a
no-brainer to start doing snimal control for the town. Unfortunately, I guess I did a really good job because the other towns found out and hired me. We now cover 24 towns. Every day I wake up and wonder, “What’s going to happen today?” It’s kind of the same thing being on the Ambulance Corps.
Animal control is a very mixed bag of emotions, very much like being on the Ambulance Corps. Some days are good. Some days are bad. Sometimes I see the worst in people and how they treat their animals and some days I have hope for the people in the world.
What are the most common animal control calls your receive? Do you have any tips for residents?
The most common calls, unfortunately, are animals struck by a car or animals
in a person’s home, both very emotional. Fortunately, there are many funny things that happen in my job, and I try to focus on those.
I spend a great deal of time doing education and speeches on wildlife and people using common sense and being safe around wildlife. Wildlife has survived for centuries, they do need our help, but they also do not need our interference. Domestic pets do need our care; we’ve taken away their ability to survive in the wild. As owners, people must be very aware of their pet’s needs, no matter what kind of pet you love. Every species needs an informed and educated owner. I do love the opportunity to educate people in town. An educated resident prevents the need for unnecessary responses by our officers.
INTERVIEW WITH CAROL TYLER
What do you like about living and volunteering in Ho-Ho-Kus?
Ho-Ho-Kus is an amazing town. In both my functions in the borough, I find that the people are wonderful and giving. Sometimes we forget that volunteering is a lost art. We also forget that the mayor and council members are volunteering their time just like Board of Education and Ambulance Corps and Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department members. When people volunteer, they make the town even better.
The best thing about joining the Ambulance Corps was meeting people. I had just moved into town, and I made so many lifelong friends. Putting yourself out there and becoming part of the solution is the best thing you can do when you move to a new town.
What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering as an EMT?
When I first moved to town, I took the classes to be an EMT. I’ve never regretted a day of it. To have the ability to save lives and change the course of history is a high in itself. Seeing the faces of people I’ve helped in the past makes me remember every day how important what I do is. That’s not bragging, that’s a fact of my work on the Ambulance Corps, Office of Emergency Management, the County CART team and animal control. It gives me the confidence and the ability to solve problems every day.
Tell me about your family.
Fortunately, I feel that I’ve taught my children as they grow to give
back to their communities. I am very proud that my oldest Kimberly serves as an animal control officer with me for 24 towns. Our middle daughter Christina serves as an EMT in Oakland after serving Ho-Ho-Kus for 10 years. Our youngest Julianne has been on the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 10 years and has taken over my role as Captain. My husband Gary joined the Corps more than 30 years ago. Serving with my family makes me proud. I am very proud of the things I have achieved. I feel like I have filled many roles and many needs in HoHo-Kus and other communities. When I finally retire, I know I will look back on these years as a truly amazing time and experience.
Opposite page: Carol Tyler with her husband Gary. They are both longtime volunteers with the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Tyler is also a member of Ho-Ho-Kus’s CERT. This page, clockwise from top left: Tyler with the Ambulance Corps. Tyler with members of her family at an awards ceremony. Tyler in her animal control Officer capacity.
A Legacy of Joy, Laughter and Learning
The new playground at Ho-Ho-Kus School was dedicated to Dr. Diane Mardy in recognition of her many years of service to the district.
THE HO-HO-KUS PUBLIC SCHOOL celebrated Superintendent Dr. Diane Mardy’s retirement by dedicating the new playground to her.
A plaque was unveiled during a special ceremony. It reads: “Dedicated with love and gratitude to Dr. Mardy for all her years of service as a teacher, superintendent and unwavering champion for children. Her dedication, kindness, and leadership have shaped countless young lives. May this playground provided by the generous supporters of the HHK Education Foundation be a place of joy, laughter and learning – as she has inspired in all of us. With heartfelt appreciation from the HHK Community. 2025.”
Mardy retired last month after spending nearly her entire career in Ho-Ho-Kus, the last 10 years as superintendent.
Dr. Diane Mardy celebrates the dedication of the new playground in her name with school officials and students. Mardy retired in July after spending decades with the district, the last 10 years as superintendent.
An Extraordinary Achievement
BY SARAH NOLAN
HO-HO-KUS STUDENT Isaiah Suh’s knowledge, hard work and ingenuity recently earned him second place in the Hardest Math Problem Student Contest—a national competition that aims to energize students’ perceptions of math with fun, challenging story problems that combine math and reasoning skills with writing.
The annual contest is presented by The Actuarial Foundation, the Institute of Competition Sciences and the New York Life Foundation and challenges students in grades 5 to 8 to solve multistep, grade-appropriate math problems with cross-curricular connections and real-world situations.
Each problem in this year’s competition investigated various health and wellness initiatives for the fictional town of Riverwood. Suh’s prompt focused on the metrics of exercise, sleep latency and sleep efficiency to understand the impacts sleep has on overall health.
The runner-up received $1,000 in a 529 college savings account, a tablet and a pizza party for his grade.
Ho-Ho-Kus Principal Martha Walsh says she found each Ho-Ho-Kus student’s submission “incredibly impressive,” with students working hard to clearly explain their mathematical reasons in essay form, which she called “no small feat.”
Walsh says Suh’s achievement is “extraordinary.”
“His passion for mathematics truly shines through,” she added. “Isaiah’s
thoughtful approach and dedication to problem-solving stood out among a very competitive field. His ability to communicate complex reasoning with clarity is beyond his years. We are so proud of him!”
BY THE NUMBERS
On a national level, there were 2,804 entries in Challenge 1; of those, 1,359 qualified for Challenge 2. 40 states and 215 unique organizations were represented.
For eighth grade specifically, there were 807 entries for Challenge 1; 343 advanced to Challenge 2. There ended up being 170 submissions for Challenge 2, 39 of which were correct. The grand-prize winner, runner-up and one honorable mention winner were selected based on the quality of their written reasoning of their solutions.
In Ho-Ho-Kus alone, there were 92 students that entered Challenge 1, with 22 qualifying for Challenge 2.
Kaitlin Reilly, a special education teacher at Ho-Ho-Kus Public School, says this is the fifth year the district has taken part in the competition. The first year she spearheaded the initiative at the school, only one or two participants competed in Challenge 1. She says it’s been “wonderful to watch the momentum and excitement build year to year as students are eager to challenge themselves.”
Last year, Ho-Ho-Kus had two winners: Julian Martinez, the eighth grade prize winner, and Yuna Cho,
who received honorable mention amongst sixth graders.
“I am so incredibly proud of all the hard work participating students have put into writing about their mathematical findings in a way that anyone can pick-up the problem and follow along with their process,” Reilly says. “I absolutely love the process of working with students to refine their writing skills within the realm of mathematics.”
Student Isaiah Suh is the runner-up in a national math contest
Top: Isaiah Suh was the runner-up in a national math competition. He’s pictured with Principal Martha Walsh, teacher Kaitlin Reilly and Superintendent Dr. Diane Mardy. Above: Suh with his family.
Rockin’ Reads
Books that hit all the right notes.
BY WENDY LEES ON BEHALF OF THE WORTH-PINKHAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY
DAISY JONES & THE SIX
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When a producer pairs wildchild singer Daisy Jones with rising rock band The Six, they rocket to fame as the hottest act of the 1970s. But at the height of their superstardom, the group abruptly and mysteriously breaks up. Written like a tell-all documentary, the band feels so real you’ll wish you could stream their greatest hits.
LIVE WIRE
by Harlan Coben
When a pregnant tennis star’s rock star husband vanishes, celebrity agent Myron Bolitar goes searching for answers. What begins as a missing person case spirals into a tangled web of family secrets, fading fame and sudden death. Part of a long-running series, this fast-paced thriller can be read as a solo hit.
MARY JANE
by Jessica Anya Blau
Fourteen-year-old Mary Jane takes a summer nannying job with a psychiatrist whose houseguest is a rock star in recovery. This novel’s main track is a coming-of-age story wrapped in 1970s nostalgia, with a flip side underscored by secrets, found family and finding your own voice.
UTOPIA AVENUE
by David Mitchell
From the bestselling author of “Cloud Atlas,” David Mitchell takes readers on a character-driven trip through London’s 1960s psychedelic rock scene. Like a swirling kaleidoscope, the narrative rotates between three band members as they rise to fame and burn in the spotlight. It’s a wild ride through an era of rebellion and revolution, featuring fictional cameos of music icons like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and John Lennon.
NON-FICTION
I DON’T WANT TO GO HOME: THE ORAL HISTORY OF THE STONE PONY by
Nick Corasaniti
This oral history of The Stone Pony captures the heart of the Jersey Shore music scene. A chorus of voices retrace the rise, fall and rebirth of this iconic Asbury Park venue. You’ll hear from the legends who played there, the locals who worked there and the fans who refused to let the music die.
LOUD AND CLEAR: THE GRATEFUL DEAD’S WALL OF SOUND AND THE QUEST FOR AUDIO PERFECTION
by Brian Anderson
Behind the Grateful Dead’s laid-back vibe was a deep obsession for sonic perfection. Their 75-ton custom-built sound system towered over them on stage and changed live music forever. Anderson, a self-confessed Deadhead, delivers a book that’s part technical deep dive and part grateful love letter to a band whose ripple effect continues to reverberate today.
Summer at the Library
EVENTS FOR KIDS
Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library is offering tons of fun events for children this summer. Registration is required for most events and is now open. Visit bit.ly/hhklibraryevents to secure your child’s spot.
Yoga Storytime with Bendy Bookworm
Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Listen to a special story time and flow through yoga poses as you go. Ages 0 to 4.
Bubbly Beats with Miss Jolie
Monday, Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Community Church. Bubbles, music, movement and fun! Ages 0 to 6.
Magna-Tiles
Thursday, Aug. 14 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Magna-Tiles are magnetic building tiles that encourage creative engineering. Come and use our assortment of tiles to stretch your imagination and creativity. This program aids children in developing problem solving and motor control skills.
LEGO Builders
Thursday, Aug. 21 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. LEGO Builders is a STEM program that
gives children the opportunity to use LEGO bricks to tackle challenges and make inventive creations! This program aids children in developing problem solving and motor control skills.
Kids Craft
Thursday, Aug. 7 and 28 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Crafts help develop fine motor skills and stimulate creative thinking. Registration is encouraged as supplies are limited, but not required.
Toddler Imaginative Play
Imaginative play fosters creativity and problem solving. Children will enhance their social skills, empathy and language in our stimulating environment. This is a great opportunity for toddlers to engage with peers and caregivers to connect with each other. Toddler Imaginative Play is held Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Story Time
Each regular story time is followed by a craft or activity. Story time is valuable for the development of early literacy skills, including sound recognition and vocabulary. It also enhances children’s focus, social interaction, communication and emotional
recognition. Story Time is held on Mondays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Baby
Story Time
Focus will be on developmental skills such as motor control and color and shape recognition. Baby Story Time is held on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
EVENTS FOR ADULTS
Neighborhood Book Club
A book club for adults who live or work in Allendale or Ho-Ho-Kus. Meetings are held at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. To join, please register at: bit.ly/Joinbookclub.
Millennial Book Club
Millennial Book Club, co-sponsored with the Glen Rock Public Library, is geared towards individuals born between 1980 and 1995. New members are always welcome! Our meetings are typically on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Glen Rock Inn in Glen Rock. The next book is announced at the end of the meeting. To stay in the loop and find out what we are reading, join our Facebook group: facebook. com/groups/millennialsbookclub.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE NOLAN
PHOTO OP
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