Salt & Sky Wellness blends advanced aesthetic treatments with whole-body wellness, focusing on both outer beauty and inner balance. Services often combine medical-grade skincare, natural therapies, and lifestyle support to rejuvenate the skin, restore vitality, and promote overall health. The goal is not just to enhance appearance, but to nurture mind, body, and spirit for long-lasting, radiant results.
Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga offers a welcoming community for experienced yogis and newcomers looking to explore the physical and mental benefits of the ancient practice.
Mind, Body, and Spirit
At St. Bartholomew’s Church, those in need come for food and clothing but leave fulfilled by human connection.
Wingman Has Your Back
Brothers and Marine Corps veterans Jay and John Neagle bring integrity and commitment to the merchant services industry, where clients’ success is their mission.
wWITH THANKSGIVING ON the way, November offers us an opportunity to reflect on what we’re grateful for. And even when the world feels scary, chaotic or isolating, it helps me to focus on the small things: time with treasured family members and more opportunities to gather in the coming months; a warm home and nourishment and a community we can rely on.
This month, we’re featuring several stories that touch on a central theme in November: service to others and the many ways there are to give back and come together as a community.
At St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, parishioners say what they love most about the sanctuary is its take-action approach toward solving problems. Rev. Cathie Sklenar-Studwell says when she realized the immediate need to feed the hungry right here in Bergen County, she and other volunteers started a food pantry.
And in celebration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we feature brothers and Marine Corps veterans Jay and John Neagle who are bringing the integrity and commitment of the Marines to the merchant services industry via their company, Wingman Business Solutions.
The brothers say relationships with clients are key to them—their focus on personalized customer service and wide array of knowledge and connections in the industry, which helps companies find the right technology to process credit and debit card payments, is what sets them apart. Their clients’ success is their mission.
Lastly, we sat down with the owner and teachers of Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga for a lesson in Zen.
Owner Nina Zaltzman says yoga helps her stay in the moment and calm her mind and body. She wants to help her clients find that peace. In addition, she’s specialized in stretch and strength and helps people with conditions like multiple sclerosis or arthritis grow stronger, which she says is a rewarding process.
I hope you all enjoy a month filled with peaceful time to reflect on what brings you fulfillment and joy. I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people that make Ho-Ho-Kus special.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sarah Nolan Editor editor@hohokusmagazine.com
Ho-Ho-Kus MAGAZINE
Editor
Sarah Nolan
Writers
Sarah Nolan
Laney McCrossin
Wendy Lees
Jenna Galletti
Photographers
Joe Nolan
Adam Paray
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor
Elaine Paoloni Quilici
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 MARTIN BENTSEN, CITY HEADSHOTS, NYC
Step into the Holiday Season
From Casino Night to holiday shopping and the festive candlelight tours of the Hermitage, there’s so much to celebrate in Ho-Ho-Kus this November and December.
CASINO NIGHT
The Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department will host a Casino Night on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Sycamore Community Church. This fun-filled night will include table games such as blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps along with catered food, beverages, an open bar, and a DJ. Prizes will be accessible to all levels of playing experience and include tickets to an NBA New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden with a complementary NBA gift basket, a foursome round of golf at the Montclair Golf Club, a weekend stay at a Vermont country condo in Killington, and a large screen TV. There will also be a 50/50 Drawing.
Tickets are $150 and available for purchase at www.hhkfire.com. You must be 21 or older to participate in this event.
BOROUGH HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Get in the holiday spirit at this year’s annual tree lighting, to be held Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in front of Borough Hall. Join friends and neighbors for merriment, light refreshments and perhaps a special visit from a certain jolly old elf.
THE MARKETPLACE AT THE HERMITAGE
Step into a world of wonder and holiday cheer at our Holiday Marketplace Gift Shop, your go-to destination for unforgettable shopping. Featuring a curated collection of handpicked and handmade treasures, our shop promises something magical for everyone on your list.
The grand opening will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at noon. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends (closed Mondays).
Discover unique creations from talented local artisans and beloved brands. Find the perfect present and discover one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting local artisans; every purchase helps uplift small businesses and craftspeople in our community. There’s no admission fee to shop.
To inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Joan Adams at jadams50@aol.com or email the Hermitage office at cblaylock@thehermitage.org.
AN AFTERNOON OF CHANNELING WITH MEDIUM CRAIG MCMANUS
Join Ho-Ho-Kus medium Craig McManus on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. for a powerful and uplifting group gathering devoted to connecting attendees with loved ones who have crossed over. This event is sure to offer messages of love, hope, inspiration, and healing, providing meaningful evidence of life after life. Attendance does not guarantee reading, and seating is limited. The event is not recommended for those under age 16. Light snacks and beverages will be served.
Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at www. thehermitage.org/events.
HERMITAGE TREE LIGHTING
Kick off the holiday season with us at the Hermitage Museum’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Gather with family and friends for an enchanting evening filled with holiday spirit and cheer. Enjoy festive music, hot cocoa and sweet treats as we illuminate our magnificent holiday trees. Admission is free.
“DICKENS PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
In First Flight Theatre Company’s lively musical production of “Dickens Presents A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens and his family come to the Hermitage stage to perform his beloved tale. This charming musical adaptation was originally written and staged at the Hermitage in its early years and ran for several holiday seasons. Charles Dickens plays the narrator and the spirits of Christmas Past and Present, and he is joined by his daughters, sons, nieces and nephews who play the rest of the roles. This fun, interactive interpretation promises to be a fantastic addition to your family’s holiday tradition.
Shows will be on Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21: Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available at www.thehermitage.org/events.
CANDLELIGHT HOLIDAY TOURS: A GILDED AGE IMMERSION
Step into the shimmering elegance of the Gilded Age this holiday season at the Hermitage! Our beloved Candlelight Holiday Tours return with a dazzling twist–each room will be transformed to reflect a unique theme, inspired by the opulence and innovation of this extraordinary era. Celebrate the season while supporting a local historic landmark.
Tours will be held Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 12, 14, 19 and 21. Tickets are $25 each and available at www.thehermitage.org/events. Please note: Tours include walking, and stairs and are dimly lit for atmosphere.
CHILDREN’S NUTCRACKER TEA
Join Perpetual Motion Dance Studio on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 12 and 3 p.m. for a special performance of select numbers from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet and enjoy a proper Victorian tea party with juice and snacks. Children will be given a special goody bag to take home. It promises to be a charming way to celebrate the holiday season.
Tickets are $20 per person. This performance is recommended for audience members aged 3 to 11 years old. (Note: young audience members must be accompanied by an adult.)
Celebrity Sighting
Ho-Ho-Kus resident Albert Salerno snapped this photo with Jamie Foxx, who stopped into borough shop Bergen Coffee Roasters recently. Foxx is on location in Allendale, shooting “Fight for ‘84” about the 1984 U.S. Olympic boxing team.
Rebecca Bleich is a graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing. She writes articles on news, arts, sports, and viewpoints.
20 Years of Richard’s Run
The 5K, named for Richard Stefanacci who lost his life to Ewing’s sarcoma in 2007, raises funds for the Ho-Ho-Kus Education Foundation and Go4theGoal, an organization that aims to improve the lives of children battling cancer.
Hundreds of people turned out for the 20th annual Richard’s Run last month. The Ho-Ho-Kus Education Foundation extended a special thanks to those that planned, volunteered, donated to and sponsored the event to make it a beautiful day in Ho-Ho-Kus.
Students Take THE STAGE
Witches, accusations, and trials unfold at the Northern Highlands Theater Company’s production of “The Crucible.”
AS FALL APPROACHES, residents of the Northern Highlands quad district, young and old alike, relish the opportunity to witness incredible performances on a local stage. And they’re in for a treat this November, as the Northern Highlands Theater Company is set to put on a production of “The Crucible.”
Seniors and Ho-Ho-Kus Public School alums Addie Harrington and Henry Roberts star in this upcoming performance as Abigail Williams and John Proctor.
“My favorite part about playing John Proctor is that he is an extremely morally gray character,” Roberts says. “The writer of the show, and many other people believe him to be one of the most iconic hero characters in fiction, but there is a whole show on Broadway right now called ‘John Proctor is the Villain’. I think getting to navigate how I feel about his actions and then getting to portray him as something of an anti-
BY LANEY MCCROSSIN
hero is super rewarding.”
Harrington similarly plays a complex character. In her portrayal of Williams, she enjoys being able to “explore different parts of [her] emotions.”
“She can be angry a lot, she is in love, and she really explores what it’s like to be a teenage girl throughout all of the really intense things that are happening to her,” Harrington says. “My favorite part about playing her is that I get to explore these different parts of my acting range.”
Both Harrinton and Roberts have been heavily involved in a variety of shows at Highlands and at Ho-Ho-Kus School. While they both had a positive experience participating in the spring musicals in middle school, they say their exposure to spoken plays through the high school has helped further ignite their passion for acting.
“I never got to be a part of a straight play, which I have now learned is my favorite form of theater hands down,”
shares Roberts.
Harrington concurs.
“I had never been in a play before I came to Northern Highlands, and I realized that I love acting,” she says. “I truly love performing text and acting and [through participating in plays] I found my passion for performance.”
Their experience with high school theater instilled a lifelong passion for the arts in both actors. Although they plan to pursue this interest in different capacities, they both emphasize the importance theater has in their future plans.
Roberts, who aspires to be an English teacher, has ambitions of directing and sharing plays with his future students. Harrington wants to study theater and performance in college and dreams of making a career out of it one day.
“The Crucible” is renowned as an incredibly important piece of literature, and the characters and themes which it follows exemplify the complex
ambiguity of humanity.
“My favorite part of ‘The Crucible’ is that there is no person who is ‘right’ in the show,” Roberts says. “There are little to no ‘good’ characters in this story— except maybe Giles Corey and Elizabeth Proctor. This show is only filled with characters who think what they are doing is right. I think that is so much more impactful than a show where one person is meant to be a hero and they fight evil, and they succeed. In ‘The Crucible’ there is no evil, there is fear.”
REAL-WORLD LESSONS
The lessons depicted in this play can be used to develop a broader understanding of the world, Roberts adds. The show was originally created
to represent national panic instilled by McCarthyism—where everyday people who didn’t fit societal molds were hunted for suspicions of communist connections Now, Harrington says, it represents an anthem for all people who don’t align with society’s stereotypes and provides a creative outlet to demonstrate a parallel between the world then and now.
“I think we can learn a lot from the story it tells,” Harrington says. “It’s all about rumors and how dangerous rumors can be, and how susceptible we are to them when we don’t realize what’s going on.”
Roberts says theater, if nothing else, is an art form that can make people feel things and empathize with others.
“I think that everyone should see ‘The Crucible’,” he says. “This show is about innocent people being vilified for something out of their control. They’re being vilified because those in power and the loudest voices in the community say that they are the cause for all of the problems, and people believe them because they are scared. See this show to support local actors and a local theatre company, because we need theater in a time like this, and we need shows like ‘The Crucible’ in a time like this.”
Performances of “The Crucible” will be held on Nov. 20, 21 and 22 at Northern Highlands. Tickets are available at ww.nhtc. booktix.com.
Laney McCrossin is a senior at Northern Highlands Regional High School. She has lived in Ho-Ho-Kus her whole life and is excited to share high school news and feature stories with the town.
Opposite page: Henry Roberts and Addie Harrington practice a scene from “The Crucible,” this year’s fall play. This page, clockwise from top left: Harrington and Roberts read lines during rehearsal. The poster for this year’s fall play. Roberts and cast members rehearse scenes on stage.
Yoga for Every(body)
Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga provides a welcoming community for both experienced yogis and newcomers looking to explore the physical and mental benefits of the ancient practice.
BY SARAH NOLAN
FFOR NINA ZALTZMAN, daily yoga practice is essential to her ability to stay present in the moment and calm her body and mind—particularly during life’s tougher seasons. It’s a gift to her, and one she hopes to share with students at Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga, the studio she opened nearly 13 years ago.
At the peaceful space nestled downtown on Sycamore Avenue, she says all are welcome—from experienced yogis to those hoping to begin their journey in the ancient practice. Each is made to feel comfortable developing at their own pace and, thanks to a group of instructors that are celebrated for their varying teaching styles and specializations, there’s truly something for everyone.
“I recently had a student leave one of our classes and say that she has practiced yoga all over the world, but this is her favorite space,” Zaltzman says. “It’s warm, the teachers are excellent, and we have a beautiful community; it’s like home and such a special place, and I am so proud when I receive feedback like that.”
MORE THAN THE PHYSICAL PRACTICE
Zaltzman, originally from Finland, says she grew up with yoga in her home. Her mother has practiced since 1968 and still does.
Inspired by her mom, Zaltzman did yoga off and on for many years. But about 20 years ago, she really began to rely on it. She was in a rocky marriage and began practicing daily (in fact, twice daily for a time).
“I needed something that would calm my mind,” she says. “It helped. It’s about staying in the moment and trying not to worry about the future or think about the past. I’m not a patient person; I’m more patient because of yoga.”
When she decided to train to become a certified yoga teacher, Zaltzman says it was not with the intention of actually
teaching classes, it was to deepen her own practice.
Friends and fellow yogis eventually convinced her to give it a go.
“I get very nervous in front of people—in my early classes I could hear my voice become shaky. But I overcame the fear just by doing it.”
Specializing in stretch and strength, Zaltzman says she teaches people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis, or those that might be recovering from surgery.
“It’s so rewarding seeing their progress,” she says.
Zaltzman says her spot at 18 Sycamore Ave. was formerly a reiki studio. She took over the space in 2013 and began building a staff, based on referrals and experience.
Each teacher brings something special to the table.
“They teach the way they teach—I don’t tell them what to do,” Zaltzman says. “They can be creative and improve their yoga as well because they’re comfortable and can go to the next level.”
It’s one thing that teacher Tara Merson loves about Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga and working for Zaltzman.
“Nina treats her yoga teachers like artists—she steps back and doesn’t give us guidelines on how to create the art; she gives us the freedom to express and guide yoga classes in a way that’s comfortable for us. She’s really encouraging, supportive and makes me feel valued.”
Much like Zaltzman, Merson was
Clockwise from left: A statue of the Buddha outside of Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga. Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga is located at 18 Sycamore Ave. Nina Zaltzman, owner of Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga.
Opposite page: Zaltzman practices yoga
introduced to yoga early on in life. Her grandmother suffered from migraines and tried everything to ease symptoms, eventually discovering relief with yoga, which wasn’t as ubiquitous in America at the time (the 1970s).
Merson’s first yoga class was when she was around 10 years old, with her grandmother as her teacher. She…didn’t love it.
As she went on to receive an MBA and climb the corporate ladder in business and finance, she kept yoga in the picture but just thought of it as her stretch after more strenuous workouts.
After having children, Merson stopped working in finance and eventually was drawn toward wellness, becoming a certified health coach in 2015—a move she says was more in line with who she really is and what she’s passionate about.
Still, it wasn’t until she was introduced by teachers to the philosophy behind the asana practice (the physical body positions or poses) that her eyes were opened to the
wonders of yoga. This awakening coincided with issues happening in her family; Merson says yoga was the one thing that helped her navigate really hard times.
“Yoga is so much more than the physical practice,” she says. “I sometimes share with students that there are 196 yoga sutras; only three talk about the physical practice. There are 193 other beautiful gems. And HoHo-Kus Yoga embraces that. It’s very cliché to say mind and body but it’s a space that really encourages that.”
She says she strives to create a sacred space that’s very different from the outside world during her classes. She plays the harmonium, which is a keyboard instrument invented in the early 1800s. The sound and vibrations fill the room, Merson says, helping to define the space.
Merson starts each class with the dharma (in Buddhism, the Buddha’s teachings that help people overcome suffering and achieve liberation). She introduces yoga philosophy but in a
very practical way, she says.
“The priority is to look toward the other 23 hours of the day, and can this one hour uplift you?” she says. “It’s a journey—I want to ground you, calm you, and relax you, but then let’s move and build up heat; I want you to get all those physical benefits: cardio, strength and stretching. And I also really want you to have fun.
Sometimes we move from ethereal music to something like Justin Bieber. I think everything has balance.”
Teacher and Ho-Ho-Kus resident Fran Marino knows about balance. She’s an attorney. It’s a lot of work and sometimes really stressful, she says. That’s where yoga comes in.
“Thank God for yoga; I say that every day,” she says. “The 6 a.m. class is my favorite to teach and take because it sets you up for your day. I know it’s going to be a busy day for me and that it won’t end until tonight, and I have a lot of responsibilities and obligations, but yoga gets me ready for my day by giving me lots of energy and a good
Clockwise from left: Tara Merson, a teacher at Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga, does a handstand. Zaltzman and Merson practice yoga together.
in her downtown Ho-Ho-Kus studio.
attitude and it carries through.”
Marino says she’s been practicing yoga since high school, when she opted out of regular gym class to take yoga with a biology teacher that offered to teach it.
“From the minute I understood what it was I loved it,” she says. “I was never good at sports; I never considered myself an athletic person. But yoga allows you to move your body in a way that’s accessible while also soothing the heart and making you feel good.”
Marino says she was taking a class taught by Zaltzman about 10 years ago when she gave her a pamphlet about teacher training. Her kids were getting older and didn’t need her as much, so she decided to go for it and was hired by Zaltzman after becoming certified.
“It was the best experience of my life,” she says of the strenuous training. “Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga is one of the bright spots in an already beautiful town. The teachers, studio and environment are exactly what I need when it comes
to yoga and it’s right in the middle of town.”
MOOD FOLLOWS ACTION
Thinking of trying out yoga? One of Merson’s favorite sayings is, “Mood follows action.” Don’t wait to be in the mood, she says, just act. Baby steps are OK. Maybe start with a 10 to 15-minute-long video or check out a class, she adds.
“Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga is a beautiful place to start,” she says. “You will feel safe and comfortable. It really doesn’t matter what level you are, truly all are welcome.”
Clients agree. Abby Mayer says Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga is a welcoming community and Kristen Voglewede called the space “inclusive.” Kristina Filler says it’s a “judgement-free zone,” which is refreshing in a world where many gyms have a competitive vibe, she says.
“The classes made restarting yoga after many years less intimidating,” Mayer says.
Merson says the physical benefits of yoga are many, but there is not meant to be pressure or judgement in the practice.
“Yoga doesn’t think you need to get stretchier, stronger, or more flexible,” she says. “It looks at you like you’re perfect and whole right now. You’re not broken regardless of whether your head can touch your toes. It’s about healing, rejuvenation, being strong and flexible so you can act in the world as the best version of yourself.”
Mentally, Merson says she believes the biggest benefit of yoga is that it can help people navigate challenges and bumps in the road.
She says:“It doesn’t mean you’re not going to have ups and downs, you are, that’s the human experience. But perhaps you’ll be able to navigate them with a little more clarity, better perspective and with hope.”
For more about Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga, visit hohokusyoga.com or @hohokusyoga_ on Instagram.
Feeding Mind, Body, and Spirit
At St. Bartholomew’s Church, those in need come for food and clothing, but leave fulfilled by human connection.
AABOUT A YEAR AGO, Chris Flug turned to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Rev. Cathie Sklenar-Studwell looking to volunteer.
He had recently returned to college part-time, moving from an engineering major several years earlier to a humanities major with a history/anthropology track at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
He found himself learning a lot about society—how it functions and the ways in which it fails to take care
BY SARAH NOLAN
of people, he says, and began to feel directionless despite enjoying the return to academia.
“It felt very hands off to be reading so much about people’s challenges and struggles and then submitting a homework assignment and that’s it,” Flug, 23, says. “It wasn’t sitting right with me. Even though I live in Bergen County, and have for more than 10 years now, I still wanted to give back. I didn’t feel content taking the resources provided to me by
my parents and not doing anything with it.”
Sklenar-Studwell mentioned the food pantry to Flug, a Waldwick resident and parishioner at St. Bart’s, and he thought it was a good place to start. Since, he’s had the pleasure of helping it grow and thrive, from an operation that simply provided food to those in need to one that also offers them books, clothing, and most importantly, human connection.
student volunteers are essential in keeping the food pantry running.
This page: Stocked shelves at the food pantry. SklenarStudwell and volunteer Steve Bufardeci.
FOSTERING CONNECTION
Sklenar-Studwell says that before the pandemic, St. Bart’s did a monthly food collection to benefit the Center for Food Action. The pandemic interrupted that arrangement. The pastor decided to move the collection outdoors to comply with regulations and keep everyone safe. It had the added benefit of being more visible and open to the community at large, Sklenar-Studwell says. By that time, she knew that parishioner Judy Malhotra had relationship with Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson. The retired art teacher began volunteering
there, working with teen girls to paint a mural and then teaching an art class for the Rise and Shine tutoring and enrichment program. So, the church began collecting food for Oasis.
Sklenar-Studwell says one day, during the collection hours, a woman approached. She had no bags in her hands, and though there was a language barrier—the woman only spoke Spanish—it became clear she was looking for food then and there. Volunteers were able to give her some ShopRite gift cards.
The next month, she returned, the pastor says, this time with more people in need.
“This is Ho-Ho-Kus—it has a certain socioeconomic base, but this woman walked here which means she’s not living that far away,” Sklenar-Studwell says. “We wanted to help but that’s not what the purpose of the food collection was, so we began to take a look at what we could do.”
Sklenar-Studwell says by the summer of 2023, a food pantry began to come together. Word of mouth, flyers, and social media helped get the message out. Since its inception, different groups like the Girl Scouts and other students have volunteered and helped keep the shelves stocked. The pantry has grown from operating once a month to three
Opposite page: A group of students volunteering at the food pantry. Rev. Cathie SklenarStudwell says
times a month: the first, second and fourth Saturday of the month.
And yet, Sklenar-Studwell began to notice areas where more help was needed. Last winter, she says someone arrived at the pantry on a cold day without appropriate clothing to keep them warm.
“Oh—this is another need,” she thought.
Flug says he, Sklenar-Studwell and other volunteers would often sit around after people moved through the pantry and brainstorm how the space and services could be expanded and diversified.
When it became clear those visiting also needed clothing, they reworked the
existing “Bart’s Closet”, so it was more accessible to those coming for food.
Sklenar-Studwell says their offerings expanded once again when they created a small library.
“We have two mottos: ‘Come and See’ and ‘Feeding the Mind, Body and Spirit’,” she says. “We’re trying to provide well-rounded services. It’s great if you eat, but if you’re freezing and illiterate, that don’t help either. We want to do as much as we can to help all around.”
Flug says one of Sklenar-Studwell’s best ideas that at the time seemed tough to execute is now fully functional: a cafélike area amidst the pantry and closet, where people could gather to connect.
Sklenar-Studwell says typically at
food pantries, people come with bags, get food and then leave. She wanted people to get more from their time at St. Bart’s.
“This is about getting to know people. We have in the center of the area a table with a coffee pot and homemade cookies, and we encourage people to come sit and talk,” she says. “Yes, you got the food but what’s going on in your week? That’s what’s filling. We all need sustenance, but if you don’t have the spirit something is missing. Fostering this connection is what makes me happiest.”
These opportunities to volunteer are what Malhotra likes best about being a parishioner at St. Bart’s—a community she calls “totally welcoming.”
Left: Sklenar-Studwell and volunteer Chris Flug. Above: Stocked shelves at the food pantry.
“It’s a very service-oriented church, which is appealing,” Malhotra says. “You don’t feel like you’re just hearing the same thing over and over again. It’s ‘OK, you heard it—now go do something.’ This is the whole purpose of the church being here—it’s not just to look nice and make you feel good about going. It’s about servicing the community.”
Sklenar-Studwell says there are plans to expand outreach even further; she and a group of parishioners are taking Spanish lessons with plans to offer small worship services in Spanish during pantry hours. Next year, she’s hopeful they will be able to offer an ESL (English as a Second Language) class.
The pastor says about 25 to 30 people
typically show up at the food pantry. The volunteers don’t ask questions, but she believes most are food scarce, not homeless. She says it’s noticeable when she shops for the pantry just how much food prices have gone up, making it difficult for people to keep up.
Flug says statistics and academic literature would argue that hunger and food scarcity are not major issues in Bergen County. It would be easy to write it off if that was your only exposure to it, he says, but getting involved with the needs of his local community has shown him that there’s a lot of valuable work to be done.
Volunteering at the food pantry has gone beyond just fulfilling the activity/
engagement he was hoping to get out of it, Flug says.
“It’s taught me more valuable lessons than a lot of my time in academia,” he says. “Helping the community and volunteering your time is not just about giving back. It allows you to become a more engaged participant in your community and work toward solving problems. It’s been tremendously fulfilling, and I’ve loved watching it grow.”
Food and clothing donations can be received on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or during pantry hours, the first, second and fourth Saturday a month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more about St. Bartholomew’s, visit www.stbartshhk.com.
Bart’s Closet.
Wingman Has Your Back
Brothers and Marine Corps veterans Jay and John Neagle bring integrity and commitment to the merchant services industry, where client success is their mission.
BY SARAH NOLAN
IIN THE MILITARY, a wingman refers to the second aircraft in a flight formation. The lead aircraft is responsible for guiding the flight to accomplish the mission; the wingman’s job is to support the lead and have its back by doing everything possible to allow it to focus on completing the task.
It’s in this spirit that United States Marine Corps veterans and brothers Jay and John Neagle named their venture, Wingman Business Solutions, which aims to bring the integrity and commitment of the Marine Corps to the merchant services industry.
Simply put, the merchant services industry refers to the businesses and technologies that help merchants accept and process payments, especially via credit and debit card transactions (think the machines that you tap your card on to pay just about anywhere these days).
It’s an industry that’s not only extremely saturated, according to John and Jay, but they also say it gets a bad rap
Jay in front of the AH1-W SuperCobra.
Jay and John Neagle in North Carolina at John’s promotion to First Lieutenant.
due to lack of transparency and poor customer service.
The brothers saw the need for forthrightness and connection to clients in the industry—they say it’s what sets Wingman apart.
“Wingman will be present to shake your hand, thank you for your business and address questions and issues right when they arise, for as long as needed,” Jay says. “Let your problems become our problems.”
MARINE CORPS VALUES
Before Wingman was founded in 2022, John and Jay each spent time in the Marine Corps.
Jay was motivated to join after 9/11.
He was a junior in college at Villanova University when the planes hit the World Trade Center and was deeply impacted.
He applied and was accepted to the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. Attendees go to “leadership boot camp” in Quantico, Virginia, to experience military life but are not committed to the service. Jay went for 10 weeks after his junior year and says it was an amazing experience, during which he learned a lot about himself and his body’s capabilities, both physically and mentally. He then returned to Villanova for his senior year and went on a couple of job interviews after graduating but was
uninspired.
“I realized sitting behind a desk wasn’t for me—I decided I would serve my country,” he says.
Jay gained experience solving complex problems and leading large teams as a Lt. Col. and helicopter pilot. He did four deployments overseas, two in Iraq, two off a boat in the Mediterranean Sea, and lived with his family in many different locations including for three years in Australia.
He found his experience serving so valuable that he convinced John, who is 10 years his junior, to try Officer Candidates School. John applied and attended the program for six weeks after both his junior and senior years.
Clockwise from top left: Jay and John work with their client at Restaurant A in Ho-Ho-Kus; Jay and John behind the counter at Restaurant A. The brothers’ business, Wingman Business Solutions, runs the point of sale system for the eatery. The owner of Restaurant A Arturo Barrales alongside John and Jay.
John, who lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with his wife Erin and their three children, says he hadn’t thought seriously about joining the Marines up until that point. But he loved the training and decided he would do a four-year minimum contract after graduating from the College of New Jersey.
“We were raised in a household that believes in service; we went on mission trips with the church growing up and we believed in giving back,” John says. “We also had a profound sense of patriotism in our house.”
John was a Marine Corps Logistics Officer. He planned and executed the movement and maintenance of Marine personnel and equipment to support combat operations, as both a tactical convoy commander and an operations director. He had one deployment overseas in the Middle East.
“That’s what the Marine Corps does
to you; John was 24 years old and responsible for, like, 100 vehicles, 200 people, and moving equipment through a warzone,” Jay says. “There’s a huge amount of pressure and responsibility involved and that comes with huge accomplishments.”
John says that’s why they are so successful at what they do now.
“We take all that energy and put it into finding the right point of sale system at a restaurant,” he says.
“Building a relationship with our clients is extremely important to us.”
‘NO LIMIT’
When Jay retired after 20 years in the Marine Corps and settled with his wife and three kids in Robbinsville, he wondered what was next for him professionally. His and John’s father, Bob, has been in the equipment leasing industry and lending arena for the
past 40 years, leasing everything from airplanes to cranes to restaurants.
But for the past 20 years, his focus has been on the point of sale industry, leasing equipment you see for transactions in restaurants. He had formed relationships with many merchant service providers and understood the data behind the hardware.
Their father’s experience and connections helped John and Jay understand that there was a hole in the market that they could fill, and Wingman Business Solutions was born. Bob serves as a lending specialist and executive consultant for Wingman. His sons say he’s “full of wisdom and a great resource” for them.
“Business owners get frustrated: Rates increase over time and customer service drops off or there’s a new agent all the time and they are never able to
Clockwise from top left: John and Jay with their father, Bob in 2013 at John’s commissioning ceremony.
Jay and John at Jay’s retirement ceremony, in front of the helicopter Jay flew. John and his wife, Erin, reunite after his deployment.
build a relationship,” John says. “Many merchants crave that relationship and knowing that someone will come and physically help them and answer the phone when they’re in crisis.”
John says he recalls seeing on social media one night that Restaurant A in Ho-Ho-Kus, formerly Albert’s, was unable to take credit card payments because their system went down. He knew if they oversaw the restaurant’s payments at the time, Wingman would commit to fixing the problem quickly and efficiently.
“This equipment can be a major headache,” he says. “If you’ve got a dinner rush and you can’t take payments, that’s a huge problem. To be able to put somebody at ease so they know they don’t have to worry about that, and they can focus on their passion, their business, is really rewarding.”
The brothers say it took time
and patience to form a trusted relationship, but Restaurant A is now their client—and if their system goes down, Wingman can have another one programmed and brought in within half an hour, they say.
Besides stellar customer service, John and Jay say what helps them stand out is they work with dozens of point of sale systems and online gateways so they can find the right fit for each business. Many times, agents only work with one service (some examples of different systems include Clover, Toast, and Square).
“We don’t want their business to conform to our product,” John says. “We want to conform to their business.”
Jay says the dedication to finding the right fit comes back to their Marine Corps values.
“We learned in the Marines that you accomplish the mission—it’s no fail, you figure it out,” he says. “We put the
time and effort into figuring out what the right product is. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s more complicated.”
Wingman has about 100 clients right now, from Connecticut down to Georgia, with plans to expand. There’s “no limit,” John says.
The pair loves working with family and that includes other military veterans; John and Jay feel Wingman offers them an inspiring place to land after serving.
“They understand that we’re aiming to accomplish a mission and the commitment to seeing it through to the end,” Jay says. “The integrity and all the things we espouse, all of our values are shared.”
For more information about Wingman Business Solutions, visit www.trustwingman. com or the Instagram page @wingman_ business_solutions.
From left: John and Erin with their children, Liam, Winnie and Andrew in their Ho-Ho-Kus home. Andrew and Liam add a garden around the flagpole on the family’s lawn.
Set the for Fall Mood
For relaxed, cozy meals that encourage lingering, create table settings inspired by the natural beauty and warm colors of fall.
BY JENNA GALLETTI
FALL IS THE SEASON in which we cozy up with pumpkin spice lattes, throw on our favorite scarves, and begin thinking about hosting friends and family for indoor gatherings. To set the mood for an uplifting meal at this dark and sometimes dreary time of year, focus on your table décor. Here’s how to style a fall table that’s welcoming, warm, and full of character.
START WITH THE BASICS
The beauty of fall is in the richness of its colors, so think earthy tones as your foundation. Neutral tablecloths or placemats in soft beige or off-white create a calm canvas. From there, add pops of deep orange, mustard yellow, and burgundy through napkins, place mats, or a table runner. Don’t be afraid to mix in some dark greens—they bring a chic, moody vibe that really feels like the season.
THINK BEYOND TRADITIONAL
Miniature pumpkins? Cute, sure. But let’s be honest, they’re everywhere. To add that fall feeling but with a twist of elegance, try including white miniature pumpkins in your table décor. Create a rustic centerpiece with freshly picked apples and small squash, or a playful mix of dried florals that convey ‘harvest’ without the cliché. If space allows, consider running dried branches or
leaves along the length of your table, through its center.
TEXTURE IS KEY
When it comes to fall table styling, texture is just as important as color. We’re talking rich, cozy touches like linen napkins, woven placemats, or even a faux fur throw casually draped over a chair. Mix in ceramic, wood, and copper pieces to add more texture and depth, because nothing says autumn like a table that feels as rich as a creamy hot chocolate. It’s all about creating a vibe that makes your guests want to linger a little longer, whether for another glass of wine or a second round of dessert.
CHOOSE SOFT LIGHTING
In addition to dimmable electric lighting, candles are key to creating a cozy vibe. Now is the time to dig out candlesticks that might feel too formal (or require too much maintenance) for use at other times of year. Whether made of brass, silver, metal or glass, candlesticks add texture and elegance to your table. Sprinkle in your favorite votive candleholders for additional interest. Or choose a series of short, stocky candles—those wrapped in birch bark are easy to find online and add a touch of nature to your table. Regardless of size or shape, warm, flickering light is where it’s at for fall meals.
FINISHING TOUCHES
It’s the little details that turn a table from ‘nice’ to ‘unforgettable.’ Personalized place cards? Instant points for making your guests feel special. You can keep it simple with sprigs of rosemary and handwritten names or get creative with fall favors—think mini bottles of apple cider or tiny bags of caramel popcorn. Who wouldn’t love a festive treat? Fall feasts are also the perfect time to bring out inherited dishes, cutlery or serving pieces that remind you of loved ones, or antiques that you don’t often use because they require handwashing. They’ll spark conversation and add a glow to your table.
Your fall dining décor should reflect the season: warm, inviting, and full of little details that bring people together. So go ahead, get creative with your style, because the best gatherings are those where everyone feels right at home. Here’s to a fall full of delicious food, great company, and a table that creates the perfect setting for both.
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 at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.
Working Hard for the Money
Cleaning garbage cans is a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. And Charlie Ashley is up for the task (and will rake your leaves and shovel your snow, while he’s at it).
BY SARAH NOLAN
EIGHTH GRADER Charlie Ashley is always thinking about his next move as a young entrepreneur.
Last winter, he shoveled driveways. But as spring approached, he began to scheme about what services he could offer in the warmer months.
He likes to wash cars, but customers can be hard to come by, he says. Ashley’s mom would sometimes complain about having dirty trashcans. An idea began to take shape.
Ashley says he used money from his snow shoveling service to purchase gear to clean the bins—a power washer, a bucket, cleaning sprays
and brushes. He created a flyer that he brought door-to-door. Only one person called him, and he hitched a wagon to his bike to hold the supplies, rode over and got the job done.
The customer was so happy with his work that they posted his information on social media and business took off.
Ashley’s mom, Monica, says she’s proud of her son, who loves to keep busy and fill his time outside of school and sports (he plays football, baseball, and basketball).
“He’s creative and has the drive to get out there and make a buck,” she says. “He’s learning that you have to
work to make money, he’s learning how to talk to adults. His work ethic and discipline will take him far in life.”
Ashley charges $10 per can. He expects he can continue the venture through fall, but has already shifted to lawn care, including raking leaves and before he knows it, it’ll be time to break out the shovel again.
For a while, the 13-year-old was keeping his earnings under his bed but has since opened a bank account and is learning to manage his money.
Interested in Charlie’s services? Contact him by emailing cashleycares50@gmail.com.
Left: Charlie Ashley hitches a wagon to his bike and rides to customers’ homes. Above: Ashley in action, cleaning out a recycling can.
Stop for a Bite to Eat in Ho-Ho-Kus!
A meal close to home is one of life’s little joys. As we bustle around this month, take time to enjoy delicious fare at some of our town’s local eateries.
Graze Brunch Kitchen
611 North Maple Ave.
Stop in for “brunchie things,” sandwiches, soups and salads and a drink menu that’s sure to delight.
@graze_brunch_kitchen (201) 543-0144
www.grazehhk.com
Sunny Wok
604 North Maple Ave.
Get takeout or eat in at Ho-Ho-Kus’s authentic Chinese restaurant, which offers an extensive array of meat, vegetarian and seafood dishes to try.
@sunnywokrestaurant (201) 602-8811
www.sunnywokonline.com
St. Eve’s Restaurant
611 North Maple Ave.
Seasonal dining options abound at St. Eve’s, providing Ho-Ho-Kus residents with an elevated dining experience that embraces each stage of the year.
@stevesnjbyob (201) 875-4717 www.stevesnj.com
catchy. cafe & catering
614 North Maple Ave.
A unique selection of options
awaits cutomers at the catchy. cafe, including nutritious bowls, sandwiches and homemade ice cream. Feeling like delivery or catering? catchy. has you covered there, too.
@catchy.hhk (201) 445-6400
www.thecatchycaterer.com
081 Cafe
604 North Maple Ave.
Hearty Italian food is a pleasure for diners here. Dig into specialty pastas, brick-oven pizzas and more.
@081cafe_hohokus (201) 347-9335 www.081cafe.com
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern
1 East Franklin Turnpike
With an expansive menu covering everything from salads to pastas and burgers, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern has something for every eater. But the real star is the drink menu, which boasts an impressive list of wines, beers and specialty cocktails. @hohokusinnandtavern (201) 445-4115 www.hohokusinn.com
Alt Eats Cafe
622 North Maple Ave.
Plant-based, gluten-free and organic eats are king at Alt Eats Cafe, where healthy food is good for you and your tastebuds. Stop in for breakfast, buddha bowls or create your own salad while you sip on a latte. @alteatscafe (201) 444-1300 www.alteatscafe.com
Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Cafe
29 Sheridan Ave.
If you have a craving for sushi, this is the place to go. Enjoy a roll from the full-service sushi bar offering fish, squid, octopus and more or pick up a few rolls à la carte. Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Cafe also has a lunch special, where you can snag a tasty Bento Box to have on the go. (201) 607-7677
www.hohokussushicafe.com
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES in Fiction and Memoir
When home sweet home goes sour.
BY WENDY LEES ON BEHALF OF THE WORTH-PINKHAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY
THANKSGIVING IS A TIME for gathering with family and expressing gratitude to our loved ones. But not every family is as picture-perfect as the image they project to the world. Whether your family truly resembles a Norman Rockwell painting or keeps its mess hidden behind closed doors, these five books might make you even more grateful for your own family, flaws and all.
EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE
By Benjamin Stevenson Dark humor whodunnit
After years of estrangement, the Cunningham family gathers at a remote ski lodge for a tense reunion. When a body is discovered in the snow, each family member is a likely suspect… because all of them have killed before.
THE HOUSE OF MY MOTHER: A DAUGHTER’S QUEST FOR FREEDOM
By Shari Franke
Unflinching behind-thescenes memoir
As the children of an ambitious YouTube vlogger, Shari and her siblings grew up in front of the camera. To their millions of subscribers, they appeared to be a wholesome and loving family. But no one knew what the children endured when the cameras were turned off.
THE LATECOMER
By Jean Hanff Korelitz
Richly layered family drama
When Johanna Oppenheimer conceived triplets through IVF, she envisioned a happy, close-knit family. Instead, her children grew into bitter rivals and her marriage deteriorated. With one frozen embryo left, she pins her last hope of fixing her fractured family on the birth of a latecomer child.
WE DON’T TALK ABOUT CAROL
By Kristen L. Berry
Unraveling family secrets
“We don’t talk about Carol,” was all Sydney’s grandmother would say about the girl in the old photograph she’d found. Now that her grandmother has passed, Sydney is more determined than ever to uncover the truth about Carol and the other girls who went missing around the same time.
The ruthless yet superstitious matriarch of a billionaire Asian American family fears her fortune teller’s prophecy: If she dies without a male heir, she and her ancestors will be tormented ghosts in the afterlife. Will her scheme to coerce her gay nephew into fathering a child save the family’s future or destroy it?
Library Events
EVENTS FOR KIDS
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 and will be held on Nov. 7, 14, and 21 this month.
Story Time
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. This month, Story Time is on Monday, Nov. 10 and 24 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Each regular story time is followed by a craft or activity.
LEGO Builders
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. LEGO Builders is for children ages 8 to 13. The group will meet on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Registration is recommended: www. bccls.libcal.com/calendar/ho-ho-kus to register.
Baby Story Time
Story time for babies! The focus will be on developmental skills such as motor control and color and shape recognition. This month, Baby Story Time will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Sensory Story Time
An inclusive program that includes movement, hands on participation, and sensory tools to accommodate children with sensory needs and concerns. Enhance your child’s motor skills and social skills in a calm and engaging environment. Suitable for all children over 3 years of age. This month, Sensory Story Time will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 10:30 a.m.
You & Me Keepsake Apron Craft
Little ones ages 2 to 6 and their grownups will decorate charming keepsake
aprons with fabric paint. This event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. It’s perfect for visiting family!
EVENTS FOR ADULTS
Jane Austen Book Club
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with us. Registration is required for each meeting. The book for November is “Persuasion” (meeting is Thursday, Nov. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m.).
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. This month, the club will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. To join, please register at: www.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 1996. We will meet at Glen Rock Inn in Glen Rock on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. New members are always welcome! Titles are announced at the end of each meeting. To stay in the loop and find out what we are reading, join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ millennialsbookclub.
SUNNY DAYS
LOCAL ARTIST Kristina Filler snapped this mesmerizing closeup of a sunflower that her young daughter, Fiona, grew in their backyard.
Have a great image for Photo Op?
Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ hohokusmagazine.com.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KRISTINA FILLER
PHOTO OP
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