Ho-Ho-Kus
Teaching the Art of Dance LAUREN GAUL
FEATURES
Photograph by Adam Paray 8 16 24 26
12 Reaching New Heights
Ed Havens spent years tending to planes that soared across the skies. Now, he’s being recognized for his sky-high achievements.
16 Peace, Contemplation and Community
The labyrinth at St. Bartholomew’s Church is more than an amazing project built by high school student Austin Hintz; it’s a place for reflection, peace and community.
20 From the Kickline to the Classroom
A longtime Rockette dancer, Lauren Gaul has shined both on stage and in her role as the founder of Pace University’s dance program.
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcoming June
6 AROUND TOWN A Busy Time in the Borough
8 LOCAL TASTES
Good Vibes & Good Coffee
24 Q&A With Dr. Noel Plasker
26 PEOPLE WE KNOW A New Beginning
30 BOOK NOOK
The Neighborhood Book Club
32 PHOTO OP Blooms for Days
COVER
Lauren Gaul with items from her time as a Rockette.
tTHERE’S A CERTAIN energy and excitement in the air as we enter June. Lazy summer days are on the horizon, but my guess is many of you are very busy right now, with kids in your lives wrapping up the school year.
Perhaps it’s also a bittersweet time, with some watching their children graduate from high school or the eighth grade (or in my case, pre-K. I plan to sob). But overall, it’s an exhilarating chapter, and in Ho-Ho-Kus, one packed with activity before many take off on vacations throughout the summer.
This month, we’re celebrating several residents that have flourished in their accomplished careers and endeavors.
First up is Ed Havens, who was recently elected to the Aviation Hall of
Fame of New Jersey for his contributions to the industry as a longtime mechanic for multiple airlines. Havens joined the United States Airforce as a teenager and was selected to attend jet engine school while serving. Now 87, Havens shares his knowledge with attendees at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey in Teterboro, where he volunteers several days a week.
Speaking of sharing knowledge and expertise, Lauren Gaul was a Rockette for 10 years before working full-time at Pace University, where she’s a professor and Associate Director of the Sands College of Performing Arts. Here, she’s found fulfillment in inspiring the next generation of dancers.
We also feature Boy Scout Austin Hintz and his work to complete a labyrinth at his congregation, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. He and church leaders hope it will provide a peaceful haven for the community at large to reflect and enjoy nature.
And meet Hannah Lee of Bergen Coffee Roasters, a new addition to town. A longtime love and passion for coffee led her to expand her education in the industry and roasting beans. She’s thrilled to open her first business here in Ho-Ho-Kus and hopes you’ll stop by for a great cup of coffee with a side of very good vibes.
We hope you enjoy this issue! Please reach out to me with your story ideas and photos. Our Photo Op page is begging to see what you’ve been up to during these spring days. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sarah Nolan Editor
Ho-Ho-Kus MAGAZINE
Editor
Sarah Nolan
Writers
Sarah Nolan
Wendy Lees
Photographers
Joe Nolan
Adam Paray
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
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.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE NOLAN
A Busy Time in the Borough
As we wrap up spring and head toward summer in Ho-Ho-Kus, there are so many events to look forward to. Take a look!
HAWAIIAN LUAU SPRING FUNDRAISER
The Contemporary Club will host its Spring Fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the Brookside Racquet & Swim Club in Allendale. The event will be a night full of dancing, drinks, food and Hawaiian fun. Visit contemporaryclubhhk.com/happenings for more information and tickets.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT
Be a part of living history at the Hermitage’s Revolutionary War Reenactment on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Actors will reenact when George Washington and his troops actually stayed on the Hermitage grounds in 1778. There will also be a blacksmith, a lacemaker, cooks and more doing demonstrations and recreating this historic time. It’s a fantastic interactive day for the whole family. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children under 6 are free. Visit thehermitage.org/events for more information.
Rebecca Bleich is a senior at Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing. She writes articles on news, arts, sports and viewpoints for her college newspaper and beyond.
MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA
JUNE JAMBOREE
The 61st Annual Mercedes Benz Club of America’s June Jamboree will be held at the Hermitage on Saturday, June 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, June 15). Attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 100 different classic vintage Mercedes Benz vehicles. Food trucks will be on site. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. Visit thehermitage.org/events for more information.
A TOUCH OF ENGLAND 2025
The NJ Triumph Association will host a gathering of classic British motor cars and motorcycles on the Hermitage grounds on Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Sunday, June 8). Fish and chips from an English food truck will be available for purchase or bring your own picnic to enjoy. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 to 12 and free for kids under age 6. Visit njtriumphs.org or thehermitage.org/events for more information.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden is looking for volunteers from spring through late fall to plant and harvest organic veggies, which will be donated to local food shelters. Dates and times may change based on weather and harvesting needs. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome to join. Visit the borough website, hhkborough.com/ho-ho-kuscommunity-garden for more information and to sign up.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE PATIO
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern hosts live entertainment on its patio, where you can dine alfresco while listening to smooth jazz, soft rock and a little country music. Acts on the lineup this spring/summer include the Nicole & Marco Show, Rob Spampinato & Brandy and John Moroski & Amanda Leigh. Visit hohokusinn.com for more details.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
This summer, WorthPinkham Memorial Library challenges kids aged 0 to 18 to read or listen to books for 20 minutes every day. Building a reading habit can have lifelong benefits! A few lucky readers will win the grand prize of a WWF (The Worldwide Fund for Nature) honorary wild animal adoption to help protect animals and their habitats. Registration at the library begins on Friday, June 20.
SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY
Angel Messages + Mediumship with Rosemarie Capiello
Curious about mediumship? Find out more about how it works, reading signs from loved ones and understanding grief when medium Rosemarie Capiello visits the library on Tuesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. Some lucky attendees will get to experience spirit connections through Capiello. Advance registration at bit.ly/ hhklibraryevents is required. This event is hosted by the library in conjunction with Sycamore Community Church.
Summer Library Events for Children
Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library is offering tons of fun events for children this summer. Registration is required and is now open. Visit bit.ly/hhklibraryevents to secure your child’s spot.
• Unique Creatures – Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Community Church. A live animal show presented by Unique Creatures that gives kids a chance to meet and learn about some of the most interesting animals from all over the world. Ages 6 to 11.
• Miss Carly Music – Wednesday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Community Church. We will sing, move and play our way through the day with music educator Miss Carly from Saddle River Song. Ages 3 to 5.
• MP Music Show – Wednesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Community Church. Move, dance and sing along with special guest Michelle from MP Music. Ages 2 to 5.
• Alexander Calder STEAM Challenge –Tuesday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Sycamore Community Church. Participants will learn about artist Alexander Calder and engineer their own balancing sculptures, using a variety of items with different weights. Presented by Challenge Island. Ages 6 to 11.
• 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.
Hannah Lee, owner of Bergen Coffee Roasters, outside of her shop, located at 20 Sheridan Ave.
Good Vibes & Good Coffee
Hannah Lee brings her passion and expertise in creating the perfect brew to the borough with the opening of Bergen Coffee Roasters.
BY SARAH NOLAN
THERE’S JUST something about a local, independent coffeehouse. When the vibes are welcoming and the beverages smooth and flavorful, it’s the perfect spot to hunker down for a bit. It’s a winning combination that Hannah Lee is determined to capture with her new specialty shop, Bergen Coffee Roasters, located on Sheridan Avenue in downtown Ho-Ho-Kus.
Lee, a longtime coffee enthusiast, began to explore roasting her own beans around five years ago in search of the perfect medium blend. She fell in love with the process and the results and decided to continue her education via coursework with the Specialty Coffee Association, for which she’s been certified in both coffee roasting and barista skills.
Lee believes a great cup of joe can make any day better. And at Bergen
Coffee Roasters, which uses carefully sourced beans from around the world that are roasted in-house to create its signature blends and single origin options, she’s sure any customer can find something they love.
She’s hoping they’ll come for the coffee and stay for the warm and inviting atmosphere.
FROM HOBBY TO HO-HO-KUS
Lee always found comfort in taking a break at a good coffee shop. Her first foray into working in the business came in high school, when she took a part-time job at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a chain akin to Starbucks with its headquarters in her hometown of Los Angeles.
She learned there was a lot that went into running the store—it wasn’t all
whipping up delicious and beautiful drinks behind the barista counter. But her appreciation and love for coffee began to flourish there, as she was exposed to and began to develop a pallet for single origins (coffee grown within a single known geographic origin, vs. blended coffees from multiple origins).
Her love for coffee and the coffeehouse experience remained after her time at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ended. But it wasn’t until 2020 that she began to explore roasting her own beans.
A stay-at-home mom to two young boys living in Los Angeles at the time, Lee found herself with some extra time on her hands amid the pandemic lockdown. Her husband grew up in Bolivia and a friend had sent them
some raw beans from the South American country. She purchased a relatively cheap, old-school roaster and found the process of the beans turning from green to brown fascinating.
As she got her groove, she discovered the coffee from the beans she roasted was so delicious, it was becoming hard to find a comparable cup in her search around L.A.
Lee also began to research how coffee beans grow and are exported, learning that in countries like Bolivia and Ethiopia that aren’t giants in the industry like Brazil and Colombia, farms are quite small, and everything is done by hand.
“I became passionate about it, and it was just so good and so fun,” Lee says. “I began to think about maybe selling wholesale beans; breaking into the
industry was always in the back of my mind, I just wasn’t sure what form it would take.”
A move to the East Coast to find a more community-based upbringing for her family proved serendipitous when a For Lease sign on Sheridan Avenue caught Lee’s eye. “I called right away to see the space, along with my husband who has been so supportive. I thought ‘This is it,’” says Lee, an Upper Saddle River resident. “It even has a charming, outdoor nook for people to enjoy.”
Bergen Coffee Roasters uses a sustainable, electric coffee roaster to roast beans in-house. Lee plans to include a rotating variety of origins on the menu (but Bolivian roasts will be a staple, as Lee says that’s where her heart is).
In addition to drip coffee, Bergen offers classic cappuccinos and lattes,
along with seasonal lattes, refreshing iced beverages and chai and matcha options for non-coffee drinkers. Lee also plans to sell beans in the shop.
Pastries from Balthazar Bakery in Englewood are delivered daily, and the shop has seating indoors and out front.
Lee says opening Bergen Coffee Roasters has fulfilled a longtime dream for her and she’s eager to become a part of residents’ days, providing a sweet spot for them to take a break.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity—I have so much energy and so many ideas, and I feel so fortunate to bring them into real life and start this business in a town like Ho-Ho-Kus,” Lee says. “This is something I knew would be hard, but I had to do it, and I’m so proud of the outcome and excited for the future.”
Lee discovered a passion for roasting her own coffee beans and would go on to continue her education, becoming certified by the Specialty Coffee Association in roasting and barista skills. Bergen Coffee Roasters will serve a variety of drinks, from drip coffee to cappuccinos and lattes, matcha and much more.
Reaching New Heights
Ed Havens is The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey’s latest inductee, recognized for his mechanical expertise that kept planes worldwide in tip-top shape.
BY SARAH NOLAN
IIT WAS AN off-the-cuff remark from a friend that would end up shaping Ed Havens’ life so significantly. He was 18 and had just graduated from high school, class of 1955.
“I was out with two guys and one of the characters said, ‘Let’s go join the Air Force,’” Havens says.
And so, they did. After three weeks of bootcamp, Havens was pulled out from the crowd; testing revealed his mechanical aptitude, and he was sent to Texas to attend jet engine school.
A long career as an aircraft and powerplant mechanic for multiple airlines would follow, taking him to dozens of countries where his talent and ingenuity kept planes flying safely worldwide.
Now, his contributions to the field are being recognized as he’s been elected into to the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey—the museum for which he’s been a longtime beloved volunteer, spending countless hours sharing his vast
knowledge with visitors young and old. “You’ve heard the expression: Find a job you like, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Havens says. “Every time and every place I’ve ever worked on airplanes, it was so easy because I enjoyed it. It’s the same way with the museum—I’ve always raised my hand to do more because I truly love talking to people and explaining things.”
‘PACK YOUR BAGS’
As a kid growing up in New Milford, Havens says he had a knack for mechanics and enjoyed tinkering. Instead of car posters on his walls, he had airplane posters.
The world really opened up for Havens when the United States Air Force sent him for special training, he says. He spent four years in the service, fixing planes in Bermuda and the Azores.
To work commercially after leaving the Air Force, he needed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license, which he obtained at Teterboro School of Aeronautics.
He would go on to be a mechanic for airlines including American, Eastern, People Express, Flying Tigers and FedEx, mostly working with cargo airlines shipping anything from animals, like horses and monkeys, to fruit (Havens can’t stand the smell of strawberries to this day).
Now 87, Havens says he was never shy about raising his hand to accept bids or contracts to work on planes in other states or countries. He and his wife of more than 50 years, Carol, didn’t have children until 10 years into their marriage, when they adopted their son, then daughter, both born in Bogota, Colombia.
newly
Opposite page: Ed Havens in the flight simulator at the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey, where he’s a volunteer and
inducted member of the Hall of Fame. This page, top right: Havens in uniform during his career as an airplane mechanic. Right: A display at the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey.
“There was always someplace to go, something to do,” Havens says of those early years. “I’d come home and say to Carol, ‘Pack your bags.’”
The couple spent six months living in Israel and traveled within the states living for periods in Boston and Charleston while maintaining their home in Ho-Ho-Kus. But mostly, Havens “wandered the world” solo, doing rotations traveling to places like Australia, Italy and Saudi Arabia to keep aircrafts flying. Carol says he’s always loved what he does.
“Once an aircraft was on the ground it was mine—I made sure it was fixed and ready to go for the next flight,” he says. “It was my life. You could never make a mistake, and I’m geared that way—I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, and you had to be.”
As Havens’ kids entered elementary school, he was able to work closer to home at Newark Liberty International Airport. He retired in 2000 but couldn’t stay far from the planes. He took on a part-time job as
a limo driver, transporting people to and from tri-state area airports (he was an expert at navigating them, after all).
He gave up the limo gig after about 10 years. Carol joked that he was “rattling around the house, on her turf.” She felt compelled to suggest he volunteer at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Teterboro.
“He has so much knowledge to pass on,” she says. “He’s the kind of person that when he does something, he does it 100%. He’s very committed to the museum.”
HALL OF FAME STATUS
Founded in 1972, the museum preserves New Jersey’s aviation and space heritage, displaying historic aircrafts, space equipment, artifacts, photographs, art and an aircraft model collection.
A top-ranked museum in New Jersey, Carol calls the wellmaintained destination “a little gem.” Havens started off as a volunteer
in 2009, then became a docent and is now President of the museum’s executive committee. He especially enjoys sharing aviation history with kids and veterans that come in and say, “I was there.”
Ralph Villecca Sr., executive director of the museum, says he and Havens hit it off from day one.
“Whatever needs to get done, Ed is always there with his technical expertise and general enthusiasm to help out,” Villecca says.
And though Villecca knew some aspects of his colleague’s background, he says he didn’t realize how extensive Havens’ aviation maintenance experience was until his daughter Elizabeth, a trustee of the museum, sent him more information about her dad, inquiring if he would be a good candidate for the Aviation Hall of Fame.
“His career might not be considered as glamourous as some of our Hall of Fame pilots, but if not for the Ed Havens of the world, we would
not be flying reliably and safely on the 45,000 flights that occur every day worldwide,” Elizabeth wrote.
“And our youthful visitors to the Aviation Hall of Fame are very likely to find successful and satisfying aviation employment in the jobs Ed had, and I believe our Hall of Fame should acknowledge that important aspect of aviation.”
Villecca said he was blown away by all of the things Havens has done, which were documented in his extensive records, including letters of commendation and awards from employers, along with personal diaries documenting his work and travels.
“Ed is extremely humble,” Villecca says. “He’s done remarkable things. If he needed to get something working on a plane, whether he was in Australia or Southeast Asia, he managed to do it.”
And among world famous astronauts and aviators from New Jersey in the Aviation Hall of Fame, including Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Buzz Aldrin and Mark Kelly, Villecca says Havens has earned his spot.
“We didn’t have anyone that contributed significantly to aviation mechanics and maintenance until Ed,” Villecca says. “Pilots can do amazing things, but they can only do amazing things if the plane can fly. And that’s what Ed did—he kept planes flying all over the world for so many years.”
For more about The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey, visit njahof.org.
Clockwise from top left: Havens worked on cargo planes that shipped animals, like the horses pictured. Havens spent time working in Australia. He’s pictured holding a koala. Havens with friend and Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey Executive Director Ralph Villecca Sr. Havens in the museum, where he loves sharing his knowledge and expertise with visitors.
Peace, Contemplation and Community
BY SARAH NOLAN
A labyrinth constructed by Boy Scout Austin Hintz at St. Bartholomew’s Church offers an open space for reflection outside the parish’s four walls.
IIN A DAY AND AGE that seems to be rife with chaos, Cathie SklenarStudwell, the reverend of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, began to ponder how her parish could be more of an open space for community and healing.
She wanted to get back to the roots of authentic spirituality but admitted that doesn’t always happen within the walls of a church building.
She had come across a labyrinth while on a retreat—in Christianity, the circular series of pathways has deep significance, representing a journey of faith, contemplation and spiritual growth.
She, along with an outreach discernment team, felt it would be a meaningful addition to St. Bartholomew’s grounds on Sheridan Avenue. The project seemed kismet when lifelong parishioner Austin Hintz came to her seeking a project to complete as part of the requirement to become an Eagle Scout—the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America.
“We want it to be open to everybody,” Sklenar-Studwell says of the completed labyrinth. “The tagline of the Episcopal church is: All are welcome. We wanted to take that to the next level, outside the doors.”
Austin Hintz stands in the center of the labyrinth he constructed for his Eagle Scout project.
Counterclockwise from top right: Hintz and a friend work on the labyrinth. A fellow Scout helps construct the labyrinth. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church is located at 70 Sheridan Ave. Opposite: Hintz as a young Scout. He’s expected to officially become an Eagle Scout this month.
CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY
Labyrinths have a unique appeal that speaks to the human soul, Sklenar-Studwell said, adding that their beauty lies not just in their intricate design but also in the journey they represent.
“Labyrinths can transform a simple walk into a meditative experience,” she says. “As you navigate its paths, you are reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination. With each step, the labyrinth invites you to contemplate, to reflect on the choices you’ve made and the paths you’ve taken. It’s a metaphor for life’s journey where each decision leads you closer to self-discovery.”
Hintz always knew he wanted
to work with the church for his Eagle Scout project; it’s a loving community that has supported him throughout his life, he says. He was also proud to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Trevor, who painted the church’s Fellowship Hall for his Eagle Scout project years ago.
After doing some research on labyrinths, the idea appealed to the Scout, 17, and a junior at Northern Highlands Regional High School.
“It provides a great place to practice mindfulness and general religious wellbeing outside of the church sanctioned services and events,” Hintz said. “People don’t have a lot of time; there’s lots going on—it’s giving the greater community a place that they can practice religious faith or general spirituality when they can’t actually get to church.”
Sklenar-Studwell says she had worked with Hintz during his confirmation process back in 2022 and was excited he agreed to take the project on. She was blown away by his commitment.
“I’ve never seen such professionalism,” she said. “He was the general contractor of this project, and it’s phenomenal work.
PATH TO COMPLETION
Hintz said he began the process by watching tutorials on how to build a labyrinth on YouTube to understand what he was getting into.
After meeting with town officials to get any necessary permits in place and survey the area where he planned to build, he made a plan to gather materials, including bricks from Home Depot (which offers a discount to Boy Scouts) and sand from Winters Supply.
The Scout used mathematical equations and CAD (computer-aided design) software to map out the labyrinth and calculate the amount of materials needed.
Along with church officials and members, Hintz decided on a labyrinth that would have seven rings and pathways just under a foot wide, with one entrance and exit that faces the setting sun.
He relied on help from his fellow Scouts to get the job done. They started by using stakes and rope to measure out the pathways then marked them with spray paint. They laid the bricks out to kill the grass underneath and visualize the labyrinth before using an edger and other tools to dig a trench.
Before laying the bricks, they poured carefully measured sand into the trench and patted it down to create a
stable, long-lasting foundation. They used a mallet to secure the bricks and poured more sand on top to seal the cracks.
“It was a lot of manual labor, but everyone pitched in to get it done,” Hintz said. “It was a really fulfilling project, and I enjoyed the work and this opportunity to give back to the church.”
A commemorative sign celebrating Hintz’s work was placed next to the labyrinth and parishioners Ghada Harb and her husband Mike Egbert decided to donate a peace pole to the area.
“The last few years, we’ve been hearing a lot about people needing peace,” Harb says. “Anxiety is at an all-time high, and we thought a peace pole that invites the whole community to reflect and celebrates diversity as a whole would be a perfect complement to the labyrinth.”
Harb and Egbert worked with the organization May Peace Prevail on Earth International to create a special 8-foot peace pole for St. Bartholomew’s that includes the word “peace” in 17 languages. Harb, a Palestinian American, says it has been an incredibly tough time for her people, and to her, the labyrinth and peace pole represent hope.
“Peace is what connects us to hope in humanity,” she says. “If you don’t have peace within yourself, you can’t be full of humanity. If we’re able to really give one person peace, it has served its purpose.”
Sklenar-Studwell agrees. St. Bartholomew’s is a church that has long celebrated inclusion and helping neighbors. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has used the building for weekly meetings for many years. The church has a food pantry and Bart’s Closet, where those in need can come for free food and/or clothing. It donates to Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson and House on the Hill, an early childhood and migrant seasonal head start center that provides education, family engagement, health, nutrition and community partnership services.
“We have to be able to expand the church and the meaning of church,” Sklenar-Studwell says. “The labyrinth is in nature where you can breathe the fresh air, and it’s really designed to help you detach from everyday worries and obligations so you can be open to the God of your understanding. We hope all members of the community will come enjoy it.”
For more about St. Bartholomew’s Church, visit stbartshhk.com.
Lauren Gaul performed with the Rockettes for 10 years. She is pictured in her Ho-Ho-Kus living room with a photo from her days on stage at Radio City Music Hall.
From the Kickline to the Classroom
Lauren Gaul, a longtime Rockette turned founder of Pace University’s prestigious dance program, shines on and off the stage.
BY SARAH NOLAN
FFOR MORE than 10 years, Lauren Gaul lit up the stage at Radio City Music Hall and beyond as one of the famed Rockettes.
And though she looks back on those dazzling and demanding performance days fondly, it’s as a professor and program director at the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University, where she co-wrote and co-founded the BFA Commercial Dance program in 2012, that she feels most at home.
“Teaching is the best part of my career,” the Ho-Ho-Kus resident says. “As much as being on stage and
being with the Rockettes was really important and something I loved while I was doing it, I always knew I wanted to move into teaching, inspiring the next generation of dancers and nurturing talent.”
ROAD TO ROCKETTES
Gaul says, like many, she began dancing at a young age. She joked that “nobody is good when they’re four.” But she stuck with it and began to become more committed and serious about the art as she grew.
Raised outside of Philly, she would
spend every day after school at the dance studio honing her skills.
“I would go to school, come home for a quick hour break and then go to dance for most of the rest of the night,” she says. “That was every day of the week, and I did that all through high school.”
As a teenager, Gaul says she began taking part in national conventions to explore different training programs, though she was primarily a tap and jazz dancer.
When it came time to go to college, Gaul says her choices for dance programs were limited; many at the time focused on concert-based styles, like ballet and modern dance. She would end up attending the wellregarded Oklahoma City University, where she graduated with a degree in dance performance.
Many of Gaul’s peers in dance school aspired to become a Rockette or perform on Broadway or national tours, she says. Gaul wasn’t sure it was for her, but despite being too short for the height requirement (she’s 5’4 and ¾; Rockettes at that time were required to be between 5’6 and 5’10.5) she decided to give it a go.
She appeared tall, even next to three 5’9 friends who auditioned alongside her and booked the job on her first try.
“It made my mom and dad really happy,” Gaul laughed. “But of course, I was excited, too. You work your
whole life as a dancer and sometimes you could be the best dancer and not be able to book anything; it’s not always about that. To book this highprofile job right out of school was extremely validating.”
Gaul says that though she had doubts that the Rockette life was for
her, once she became a part of the legendary troop, she fell in love and would end up staying for a decade— that’s a long run for a Rockette!
The dancer says the Rockettes’ season for the infamous Christmas show is from September through January. But she participated in other year-round events, like promotional media tours, parades or special events/television appearances.
The job looks very glamorous, but it’s also grueling. In a way, Gaul says, that’s what she liked about it.
“Sometimes you’d do four shows a day, and it’s exhausting,” she says. “It was rigorous work and it’s incredibly physically demanding. I liked the challenge of it.”
Gaul was also part of the Rockettes’ national touring company, which would do 21 shows in a week (for reference, Broadway casts do 12 per week).
“All you did was go the theater, dance, try to sleep or eat and repeat,”
she says. “In those moments it was hard, because you’re also missing family and holidays. I didn’t have Christmas with my family for 10 years, but the cast really became part of my extended family; we became incredibly close.”
NEXT STEPS
Gaul said in 2007, she began teaching at Pace University in her off-season. At the time, the school didn’t have a dance program, only an acting and musical theater program, which she was hired to teach dance for.
The musical theater program was relatively new, Gaul says, but gaining momentum and would become topranked nationally within five years.
She decided if she wanted to continue teaching at a high level, she would need a master’s degree. She applied and was accepted to SUNY Purchase and took a two-year leave from the Rockettes to complete the full-time, demanding coursework.
She returned to the Rockettes after
receiving her master’s and would teach as an adjunct or choreograph for Pace when she could. She got wind that the school wanted to implement a BFA program for dance; writing curriculum for such a program had been her final project at SUNY Purchase. She tailored the program to Pace, submitted it, and it was approved.
Gaul said she knew around then that it was time to step down from the Rockettes into a more sustainable yet equally exciting full-time career for her.
“I wasn’t one of those people that always loved performing,” she says. “I found it kind of stressful. But I always loved teaching and knew eventually it’s what I wanted to do. Pace offered me that opportunity. I learned to be a really good teacher and apply pedagogy and methods and doing that at a high level for a university was really my dream.”
Gaul says creating the BFA program at Pace and being able to play an integral role in the direction and vision of it has been incredibly fulfilling for her.
She’s currently the Interim Program Head of the BFA Commercial Dance program, where she teaches courses in everything from Jazz Pedagogy and technique to dance history and the Senior Seminar. Her choreographer and teaching credits are truly too many to list here. A career highlight, Gaul says, is teaching other dancers pedagogy, or how to teach dance to all age levels.
Gaul says in her 17 years with the University, she’s held many roles.
Along with teaching, she’s now heavily involved in running the program and writing curriculum. She recently revamped the college’s Los Angeles semester, where students have the opportunity to study in California with Emmy-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, whose credits include Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and So You Think You Can Dance among many others.
“It’s fun because I get to collaborate with people like Mandy,” Gaul says. “The faculty are stars in their own right.”
Opposite page and left: Photographs from Gaul’s days as a Rockette. Above: Gaul at home with her daughters.
He’s Got Your Back
For more than 25 years, Dr. Noel Plasker has run his chiropractic office in Ho-Ho-Kus, helping patients young and old achieve holistic healing and overall wellness.
Tell me about your background. What inspired you to become a chiropractor?
When I was 10 years old, I began having epileptic seizures. After going through many medical tests and scans, I was put on Dilantin (a medication that suppresses the nervous system), which resulted in no relief of my seizures and many uncomfortable side effects, including bleeding gums. I was immediately taken off of the drug. My mother’s friend referred her to a local chiropractor.
After two months of gentle adjustments by Dr. Ernie Landi, not only did my seizures go away, but my entire body felt more relaxed. I was able to play and live without fear of having a seizure. It was life changing. Chiropractic care became a family event. My brothers are both chiropractors also.
What conditions or symptoms can chiropractic care help with??
Although people come to me with a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, from acute pain to chronic health issues, chiropractic care addresses interferences within the nervous system, which truly addresses the whole body. Through specific and gentle adjustments, the
body’s ability to heal improves— often dramatically. It is a noninvasive/whole body approach and can be an integral part of the healing process.
What can a patient expect for their first visit with a chiropractor?
A first chiropractic appointment usually consist of a thorough intake of a patient’s health history and a face-to-face conversation about their health concerns and reasons why they’ve come in. I’ll explain what it is I’m looking for, what they can expect, do a thorough chiropractic exam, and we decide together if this is the right place for them. Further testing, including x-rays, MRIs or referrals to other health practitioners are recommended accordingly. When appropriate, a patient will receive their first adjustment to their spine and nervous system on day 1.
What age range do your patients fall within?
My youngest patient was about 30 seconds old. My oldest patient was 101 years old. Chiropractic care is good for all ages.
Do you practice a specific type of chiropractic care?
I received my doctorate degree
from Life University in 1992 and have technique certifications in both Gonstead and Network Spinal Analysis. My techniques are gentle in nature.
I am trained and certified in the Webster Technique by Dr. Larry Webster and Dr. Jeanne Ohm, two of my mentors who were responsible for running and advancing the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association).
We involve breath work and movement as well as specific spinal adjustments.
How do you respond to people who are skeptical about chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a 130-year-old profession. It has proven to be effective over and over again. If you have any interference to your nervous
system, you don’t want it there. My advice to a skeptic would be to try it (a healthy nervous system is vital for your body to function and heal, at every stage of life). Listen to your body; it is trying to tell you what it needs.
How long have you lived/worked in Ho-Ho-Kus and what do you like about the borough?
I’ve lived in Ho-Ho-Kus since 1997. I opened my office here in 1999. I had always dreamed of practicing chiropractic and raising my family in the same small town. Ho-Ho-Kus has helped me realize that dream. There are always great opportunities to be involved: Chamber of Commerce, Richard’s Run, coaching, committees. It has been nothing short of remarkable. I’ve never taken for granted my ability to walk to work,
or my kids’ and their friends’ ability to stop by after school and say hi.
Tell me about your family.
My wife, Laurie Ciulla, is a writer and counts being able to raise our family in Ho-Ho-Kus as one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. My daughter Chloe is 27, my son Ethan is 26 and my son Leo is 22. All three happily and successfully went through the public schools, went on to graduate from great colleges and are well and happy.
For more information about Plasker Family Chiropractic, visit PlaskerFamilyChiropractic.com or find the practice on social media: @plaskerfamilychiropractic on Instagram, Plasker Family Chiropractic in Ho-Ho-Kus on Facebook or @drnoelplasker on TikTok.
Opposite page: Dr. Noel Plasker in his chiropractic office at 25 Sheridan Ave. Above, left: Plasker works on patients of all ages, including babies. Above, right: Plasker does a gentle adjustment on a patient.
Two churches merged to form the Sycamore Community Church.
A New Beginning
THE COMMUNITY CHURCH and the Upper Ridgewood Community Church have merged to form the new Sycamore Community Church.
Parish and town officials gathered on Warren Avenue for a ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the official launch, with Mayor Thomas Randall calling the congregation, formerly The Community Church, “an integral part of the fabric of the community” and a “great gift to the town.”
Rev. Richard Bierwas said he and church leaders were deliberate in their desire to create an entirely new church, vs. simply blending the two during the merger. He said it’s their express intent to create a church “whose common life together provides a living testimony to the faith we profess.”
a ribbon
to celebrate the
as a meeting place. Randall spoke at the ceremony. Members from Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s staff presented the church with a proclamation.
Opposite page, top: Rev. Richard Bierwas and Mayor Thomas Randall unveil the new Sycamore Community Church sign. Bottom: Church and town officials held
cutting
merging of the two churches. This page, clockwise from top: Troop 54 Boy Scouts attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. They’ve long used the church
Student Spotlight: A Visit from a Hero
Students had the honor of meeting World War II veteran Dominick Critelli and helping him celebrate his 104th birthday.
CONTRIBUTED
BY
RINA MIRAGLIA, WORLD LANGUAGE TEACHER AT HO-HO-KUS SCHOOL
EIGHTH GRADERS at Ho-Ho-Kus Public School had the honor of meeting a hero this spring. Dominick Critelli, a veteran of World War II, met with the students to celebrate his 104th birthday and speak about his time overseas serving with the United States Army, 95th Infantry Division, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Artillery Aviation Unit.
Critelli’s unit, under General George S. Patton, raced north 100 miles with 200,000 men and less than 250 tanks to rescue 80,000 American troops that were encircled by Germans in Bastogne, in what is known as Battle of the Bulge.
In November of 1944, Critelli was one of the brave men from the 377th Regiment to fly behind enemy lines to drop much needed supplies to isolated American troops. Over a four-day period, brave Americans flew 120 resupply missions, of which Critelli volunteered to fly 14.
Critelli also entertained students with his soprano saxophone playing, performing the National Anthem for the school’s annual student-staff volleyball tournament (for which he threw out the ceremonial volleyball).
Last year, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, Critelli was one of 11 knighted in the order of the Legion of Honor by the President of the
French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
The visit included a workshop where students looked up American soldiers who lost their lives battling for our freedom. Students made connections with the brave men and women who served our country, with direction from Elizabeth Bettina, author of “It Happened in Italy” and co-producer of the documentary “My Italian Secret.”
It was a gratifying experience for students to put a name to a picture of these soldiers, who were not much older than they are. The quote, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” by General John J. Pershing resonated with students.
The Neighborhood Book Club
Where “group chat” means chatting about books in person.
BY WENDY LEES ON BEHALF OF THE WORTH-PINKHAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY
BOOK CLUB POPULARITY in the U.S. is surging. Maybe it’s the chance to disconnect from doomscrolling and connect with others in person, to have conversations beyond “What’s for dinner?” or “Did you finish your homework?” People are taking “me time” away from their 24/7 to-do list and going out on a guilt-free weeknight.
Thinking about joining the “oh, so reading is cool now?” club? The Neighborhood Book Club meets right here in town.
Officially titled The Allendale & Ho-Ho-Kus Neighborhood Book Club, the group is cosponsored by Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library in Ho-Ho-Kus and Lee Memorial Library in Allendale. As the name suggests, the group is exclusively for Ho-Ho-Kus and Allendale residents. We typically meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. The setting offers a relaxed, social atmosphere where members can enjoy tasty food and refreshing beverages while chatting about the book. While the club’s summer books have a light, beachy vibe, selections throughout the year span multiple genres.
Is the book club accepting new members?
Yes! We just ask that you sign up in advance. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is graciously providing space for our meetings, and we need to give them a headcount ahead of time. To join or learn more, visit hohokuslibrary.org/bookclubs.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE BOOK CLUB?
Scan here to be directed to the club’s web page!
WHAT WE’RE READING THIS SUMMER
FUNNY STORY
by Emily Henry
After getting dumped by their exes, Daphne and Miles hatch a fake dating scheme that doesn’t quite go as planned. Meeting Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. at The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn.
THE HAZELBOURNE LADIES MOTORCYCLE AND FLYING CLUB
by Helen Simonson
When Constance loses her job to a soldier returning from the Great War, she finds friendship and renewed purpose among a group of rule-breaking riders and fearless flyers. Meeting Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn.
THE ROSIE PROJECT
by Graeme Simsion
To quirky genetics professor Don Tillman, finding a wife is the next logical step in his life. But his scientific approach to self-matchmaking didn’t factor free-spirited Rosie into the equation. Meeting Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at The Ho-HoKus Inn.
Love Your Age, Adjust Your Lifestyle
At Plasker Family Chiropractic Center, we focus on the spine and nervous system to help your body heal, regulate, and perform at its best. Misalignments (subluxations) can disrupt communication between the brain and body; chiropractic adjustments restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and promote overall function.
Dr. Plasker is dedicated to helping you and your family reach your health goals through every stage of life.
• Supporting pregnant moms throughout pregnancy and delivery
• Caring for everyone—from newborns to 101-year-olds
• We work with athletes of all ages
• Keeping people Happy & Healthy as they age for the past 33 years
• Respected lecturer and speaker at chiropractic seminars, corporations, and local schools including Ho-Ho-Kus and 25 Sheridan Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 (T) 201-444-4408 | (F) 201-444-4497
By Appt. Only - Mon thru Thurs 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
PlaskerFamilyChiropractic.com
@PlaskerFamilyChiropractic @drnoelplasker
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ hohokusmagazine.com.
PHOTOGRAH BY JOE NOLAN
PHOTO OP BLOOMS FOR DAYS
HO-HO-KUS MAGAZINE photographer Joe Nolan captured the magnificent cherry tree in his backyard during its brief but stunning bloom.
Care That’s Authentically You
The Center for LGBTQ + Care
At Valley Health System’s Center for LGBTQ+ Care, we’re more than just healthcare providers we’re advocates for your total well-being. Our approach ensures that every individual who walks through our doors feels welcome, respected, and valued.
From primary and gynecologic care to programs for sexual health, HIV testing and prevention, adult transgender care, and behavioral health, you’ll find the services you need in an environment where you can be your authentic self.
Experience care that not only meets your healthcare needs, but celebrates your identity. Your journey to wellness starts here, with us.
