aAUGUST HAS A WAY of reminding us to slow down. The days seem to stretch a little longer, the pace is easier, and there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy before backpacks are packed and calendars fill up again.
This month’s issue celebrates the creativity and community spirit that make our area such a special place. You’ll meet Ridgewood teacher Amy Briggs, whose talents extend well beyond the classroom as a member of a local rock band. We also take a look at the colorful transformation happening in Ho-Ho-Kus, where a new mural is bringing fresh energy and artistic expression to the municipal building. And if you’ve noticed vinyl records making a comeback, you’re not imagining it—we explore why today’s teens are rediscovering turntables and
embracing the unmistakable sound (and experience) of analog music.
That spirit of rediscovery inspired us, too. I’m especially excited to share that we’ll be publishing articles tailored to our high school and college readers periodically. We’re kicking things off this month with the abovementioned turntable article by Addison Menzella, and we’re looking forward to featuring more young voices and topics that resonate with this audience in future issues.
Although school’s still out for the summer, there’s plenty of news to share. Check out our heartfelt tribute story in the RHS News section. You won’t want to miss it.
As August unfolds, I hope you’ll carve out a little time to relax—whether that’s by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or in your favorite backyard chair—with this issue in hand. Enjoy these lazy days of summer, soak up every bit of sunshine you can, and savor the season before the excitement and routines of fall return.
Happy reading!
Kris Pepper Editor
editor@ridgewoodmag.com
ridgewoodmag.com @ridgewoodmag
Publisher Karen Stires
karen.stires@wainscotmedia.com
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Addison Menzella
Catherine LaGalia
Christine Corliss
Grey DeLeon
Harris Fleming
Kris Pepper
Sarah Nolan
Rebecca Bleich
Stacy Antine, RD
Wendy Lees
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
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Ridgewood Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained here in do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARJORIE RAGGO
Savor Summer
Make your own summertime fun right with these Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus events.
BY REBECCA BLEICH
SUMMER FENCING CAMP WITH DURKAN FENCING ACADEMY
When: Monday through Friday; August 3 to 7; 10 to 14; 17 to 21; 24 to 28
Where: Durkan Fencing Academy; 597 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$375 per week ($390 for non-residents)
Want to get out this summer and try something new? Durkan Fencing Academy, in partnership with Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, is hosting week-long camps to introduce students to the art of fencing. Camps are open to beginners and new fencers ages 5 to 14.
For more information or to register, visit: register. capturepoint.com/ridgewood.
RIDGEWOOD SALE DAYS
When: Thursday, August 6 to Saturday, August 8: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: East Side, West Side, and all around town
Pick up a map in front of Memorial Park
Ridgewood Sale Days are back again—thanks to the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. With three days of sales, arts & crafts, music, chalk, face painting, and so much more, it will be fun for the whole family. Take out the family and spend the days enjoying the summer weather and shopping around town.
For more information, visit: ridgewoodchamber.com.
TOASTIQUE RIDGEWOOD: TOAST & TROT
When: Wednesday, August 5; 6:30 a.m.
Where: Toastique Ridgewood; 2 to 4 Garber Square, Ridgewood
Looking to join a mini running club that combines food and running? Toast & Trot is for you. Join the group every Wednesday morning for a community run, coffee, toast, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just getting started, all are welcome to join.
For more information, visit: eventbrite.com/e/toast-trot-tickets-1992096564450
15TH ANNUAL HERMITAGE ART & CRAFT SHOW
When: Saturday, August 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 335 North Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; The Hermitage
Admission $5; Held rain or shine
Mark your calendars for the annual Hermitage Art & Craft Show. With over 70 talented artists, festival foods, and an exclusive tour of the museum, this show is one you won’t want to miss.
For more information, visit: thehermitage.org/events.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, August 15; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
Change up your summer Saturday nights with Music in the Park and enjoy music under the stars. It’s sure to bring a melody to your heart and fun for the whole family.
For more information, visit: ridgewoodnj.net
GSBC: YOUR FAMILY HISTORY SHOW AND TELL
When: Monday, August 24; 7 to 8:30 p.m
Where: Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Ave, Ridgewood
Celebrate your family history by bringing a family artifact or photo along with a short story about it to share with the audience at the Ridgewood Library. Enjoy an evening of interesting stories and surprises that you might not expect.
For more information, visit: ridgewoodlibrary.org
MOVIE IN THE PARK
When: Wednesday, August 19; 8 p.m.
Where: Van Neste Square
Fancy a movie under the stars? The Ridgewood Guild has got you covered. On this special night, the Guild will be bringing a Halloween classic to the screen. Wear a Halloween costume and get into the holiday spirit early this year!
For more information, visit: ridgewoodguild.com
PAJAMA STORY TIME & STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER
When: Thursday, August 13; 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Ho-Ho-Kus Worth Pinkham Memorial Library
Registration Required
Grab your stuffies and come dressed in your favorite pajamas for a special story time at the library. Listen to a story and then leave your stuffed animal at the library to sleep overnight. The next morning, come back and pick up your stuffed toy to see photos of all its adventures.
For more information, visit: hohokuslibrary.org
Rebecca Bleich is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing.
When: Thursday, August 13; 6 p.m.
Join the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden at its special Tomato Festival featuring fresh mozzarella with Jimmy Mozz. Take part in an exclusive mozzarella-making demo and shop around the farm stand.
For more information, visit: hhkborough.com
HO-HO-KUS COMMUNITY GARDEN TOMATO FESTIVAL
The Best Souvenir
Isn’t Packed
Travel offers children ways to experience the world that goes beyond material goods.
BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN
AS SUMMER UNFOLDS, many families are packing their bags for vacations near and far. While every getaway offers time to relax and reconnect, international travel offers something even more valuable—a chance to experience the world through a different lens.
Traveling abroad is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children. It invites them to step outside their comfort zone and discover that although people may speak different languages, prepare different foods, or celebrate different traditions, we share far more in common than we often realize.
When children wander through a bustling farmers’ market in France, greet a shopkeeper in another
language, or watch a baker shape fresh bread before sunrise, they are doing much more than sightseeing. They are learning geography, history, nutrition, culture, sustainability, and empathy— without ever realizing they’re in class.
One of my favorite travel memories came while celebrating HealthBarn’s 20th anniversary with families in northern Italy. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the famous landmarks that made the biggest impression on the children—it was the simple, everyday moments.
Watching them eagerly fill their water bottles from centuries-old public fountains fed by pristine Alpine water was pure joy. They were amazed that fresh, delicious drinking water flowed freely for everyone to enjoy.
That simple experience sparked conversations about protecting natural resources and how different cultures value something as essential as clean water.
Another unforgettable experience was a hands-on pasta-making class where parents and children rolled up their sleeves together. As they kneaded dough, rolled fresh pasta, and learned from local chefs, there were no screens or distractions—just conversation, teamwork, laughter, and the satisfaction of creating a meal together.
MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME
Those simple experiences often become the memories that last a lifetime. Children may forget the route they traveled or the names of famous museums, but they remember making pasta with their parents, tasting fresh gelato with new friends, and
HealthBarn travelers at their farewell bus ride in La Cannet, France.
COME TRAVEL WITH US TO FRANCE IN 2027
Join HealthBarn USA as we partner with EF Educational Tours for an unforgettable culinary adventure through France.
Together we’ll experience the country’s rich food culture by exploring vibrant farmers’ markets, neighborhood bakeries, local farms, charming villages, and hands-on cooking experiences—all while discovering the history, traditions, and breathtaking beauty of Lyon, considered the culinary capital of France.
discovering that kindness is a language spoken everywhere.
Food has an extraordinary way of telling the story of a place. Every meal reflects the land, its people, and traditions passed from one generation to the next. Tasting seasonal produce, artisan breads, regional cheeses, and family recipes helps children understand that healthy eating isn’t a diet—it’s a way of life rooted in community, agriculture, and celebration.
It’s no surprise that educational travel continues to grow in popularity. According to the travel industry, experiential travel is one of the fastestgrowing segments of family tourism as parents increasingly seek meaningful, hands-on experiences over traditional sightseeing. Rather than simply visiting a destination, families want to cook with local chefs, explore vibrant markets, meet artisans, hike through nature, and immerse themselves in the culture.
One of the unexpected gifts of group travel is the people you meet. Traveling with families who share a curiosity about the world and an appreciation for healthy living often leads to friendships that continue long after everyone returns home. Children make new friends with ease, while parents connect over shared meals, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable adventures.
As a registered dietitian, educator, and founder of HealthBarn USA, I’ve always believed that some of life’s most valuable lessons happen through experience. Whether children are harvesting vegetables from a garden, baking sourdough bread, or preparing authentic dishes in another country, they gain an appreciation for where food comes from—and for the people whose traditions have shaped it.
In the end, the greatest souvenir isn’t something you buy in a gift shop. It’s the confidence that comes from trying something new. The appreciation
Stacey Antine is the founder of Ridgewood’s HealthBarn USA and author of Appetite for Life. She is a national expert in family nutrition and has appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, CNN, PBS-TV, and hundreds of broadcast, print, and social channels.
This journey is designed to help families experience France not simply as visitors, but through the eyes of the people who call it home.
Learn more: eftours.com/tourwebsite/2969141YB
for another culture. The friendships formed around a shared table. The realization that despite our differences, we are connected by our humanity. Those are the souvenirs that never gather dust—and continue to nourish us long after the journey ends.
ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS
Some of the most meaningful celebrations begin with simple conversations. Children often offer the most thoughtful and inspiring answers:
• What do you love most about your community?
• What freedoms are you most thankful for?
• How can our family help make our community stronger?
• What traditions do you hope future generations will continue?
As fireworks light the sky this July, may they also spark something lasting at home: gratitude, curiosity, and connection. America’s 250th birthday is not only a celebration of the past—it’s an opportunity to invest in the future, one family tradition at a time. Happy Birthday, America. Here’s to the next 250 years of growing.
Left: HealthBarn families learn hands-on how to make the Castelmagno, a renowned Italian mountain cheese. Right: En route to the olive groves, we filled out our water bottles from ancient fountains with water from the fountains free for the public in Liguri, Italy.
The Big Time
Artist Julia Shea transformed a blank wall in Ho-Ho-Kus’ Borough Hall into an inviting mural that welcomes visitors with flair.
BY SARAH NOLAN
TTHE VIEW FROM Ho-Ho-Kus
Borough Clerk Joan Herve’s desk was a bit stark. Outside her office door, near the entrance of the municipal building, was a long, blank wall—a perfect canvas, she thought, for a mural. When the idea struck, she immediately thought of a whimsical postcard created in 2024 by artist Julia Shea as part of fundraising efforts to relocate the borough’s library. Could Shea, a HoHo-Kus native, majorly scale up the tiny work of art?
The artist was up for the challenge, reworking and recreating the original piece, which features intricate drawings of borough landmarks, into a mural that now provides a warm welcome to visitors to Borough Hall. “This is my first time working on something of this scale,” Shea says. “It’s been a full-circle moment, creating the postcard and then having the opportunity to turn it into a mural which will be part of Ho-Ho-Kus for years to come.”
Opposite page: Artist Julia Shea works on a mural featuring Ho-Ho-Kus landmarks in Borough Hall. It’s the first time she’s completed a work of this scale solo.
This page: Shea takes a break from painting to pose for a photo.
A DOUBLE AGENT
Shea, who now lives in Brooklyn, says growing up in Ho-Ho-Kus, she was always an “art kid.” Drawing was a constant, sometimes even getting her in trouble in class when she’d doodle on papers to keep her “active hands” happy.
Though the path to a career in art wasn’t always clear to her, after graduating from Amherst College in 2021 with a double major in Fine Arts and English, she was hired by Simon & Schuster (specifically, imprints of the agency, Little Simon and Simon Spotlight), designing books for children.
At her job, Shea works with artists to make her team’s vision for everything from interactive board books to chapter books come to life. As an artist, it was always her dream to be on the other side of the negotiations, creating art for publishers.
In January, Shea was signed to The Cat Agency Inc. for her freelance illustration work—a big step towards making her dream a reality. She has ambitions to illustrate graphic novels—a genre she loves—or young adult novels and their covers.
“I call myself a double agent,” Shea says of now being on both sides of the business. “It’s not uncommon for people in the children’s book world to move through different roles and capacities. I love the agency I’m represented by. I’ve worked with them on the other side of the table and have been a fan for a long time. I’m just so thrilled to join the bunch.”
Opposite page: The piece in progress and finished.
Above: The mural is based on a postcard Shea created two years ago to fundraise for the upcoming relocation of Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library in the borough.
Opposite page: Shea and her dad, former Ho-Ho-Kus Councilman Kevin Shea, in front of the mural in progress.
This page: Shea took time off from her full time job in publishing to complete the mural. She worked for about eight hours a day.
JERSEY ROOTS
After Herve approached Shea about the possibility of doing a mural, she got to work on a proposal, which was presented to the Mayor and Council and approved.
Shea took a week’s vacation from work to complete the mural. It was the first time in a long while that she had spent a significant amount of time in Ho-Ho-Kus(her parents had relocated to coastal Georgia), and she relished being back.
She has deep Jersey roots—both of her parents grew up in the area and were high school sweethearts at Northern Highlands Regional High School, which Shea also attended. Her father, Kevin Shea, is a former Ho-HoKus councilman.
The artist says that while growing up, the small, close-knit nature of HoHo-Kus could feel a bit claustrophobic; however, with time and distance, she has come to truly appreciate the warmth of the community.
“I love this town. This is where I grew
up, and it’s been really sweet being back,” she says. “I think a lot of things about Ho-Ho-Kus I still experience through the eyes of a child. A lot of things have changed, but a lot of things have stayed the same, and it’s been really nice to be back.”
Shea says one thing she always loved about Ho-Ho-Kus and misses living in New York City is its leafy tree cover, providing shade in the hot summer months. It’s featured in the postcard and the mural.
One change from the postcard is that Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library will not be included in the mural, since the town plans to relocate it and wants the mural to remain relevant long term. Other landmarks, like the Hermitage, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, the school, downtown, and the bridge leading to the train station, remain, along with some deer and imaginary houses, loosely based on homes along Franklin Turnpike.
For just over a week, Shea painted for about eight hours a day. She
says she originally planned to use a projector to help get the scale right, but the hallway was too narrow for that method to work.
Instead, she created 12-by-12-inch grids on the wall and over her sketch, drawing the piece square by square until the entire lined image was on the wall. She then painted all the flat colors before adding details.
The completed mural is a showstopper and conversation piece for visitors to Borough Hall.
“It’s still a surreal experience to be doing this professionally,” Shea says. “I’m excited and honored when I think about the longevity of this mural.”
For more about Shea, visit her Instagram page @jshea_art.
Sarah Nolan is a writer with a passion for telling people’s stories. A Ho-HoKus native, she believes in the power of local journalism to connect and inform residents and foster a sense of community.
From apples to amplifiers—Amy Briggs teaches by day, rocks by night.
With Music in Her Heart
A Ridgewood Public Schools Spanish teacher shares her gift for song throughout the Village and beyond.
BY HARRIS FLEMING
MMIRANDA LAMBERT. AC/DC. Country music royalty and the sometimes raunchy, kinda paunchy, self-proclaimed thunder from down under. If you’re struggling to make the connection, try looking—or rather, listening—closer to home, like Van Neste Square, the Kasschau Memorial Bandshell, or any number of other venues that feature live music throughout the Village and surrounding towns.
That’s where you’ll find Ridgewood Public Schools teacher Amy Briggs tickling the ears of appreciative audiences with songs from not only Lambert and AC/DC, but other disparate artists ranging from Mary J. Blige to Tom Petty to Norah Jones to Melissa Etheridge.
Parents who’ve had a child in Ms. Briggs’s Spanish class at Benjamin Franklin Middle School or Travell and Hawes elementary schools have been known to express surprise over seeing
one of their child’s favorite teachers on stage—as has the songstress herself. Music was always an important part of her life, but singing in a band at this point was not on her dance card.
“I always loved to sing,” she says. “When I was in middle school, I tried out for the spring musical, and I got a part. When I was in high school, I was in the show choir, an a capella performance group. In my senior year, I auditioned for the spring musical and landed a secondary lead role in 42nd Street. I learned to tap dance!”
While she continued to sing in an a cappella group in college, embracing marriage, motherhood, and a career as a postgraduate, young adulthood nudged performing out of the picture for a while. She taught Spanish at BF for 28 years before realizing she needed a new challenge. She’s been splitting her time between Hawes and Travell ever since.
THE WINDING ROAD
It was Briggs’ affinity for education that brought her full circle back into singing. A small part in College Capers, a scholarship fundraising show produced through the College Club in Ridgewood, proved to be the first step back to the stage. A fellow cast member was directing the wildly popular Ridgewood High School Jamboree that year and insisted that Briggs come try out for the production.
“So I did, and I ended up getting paired for a duet with Andy Meyer. We did ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’.” Briggs recalled. “At the cast party afterward, he told me he was putting a band together, that he had a guitar player lined up, and a bass player lined up, and they were good friends of his… and I was totally obtuse. I said, ‘Oh, good for you.’ But he said, “‘No, Amy, I’m saying I want you to be in it.’”
Her gut reaction was comically self-
“Amped” at a recent performance at The Mason Jar in Mahwah.
deprecating: “I thought, oh, no, I can’t do that—I teach!” Meyer persisted gently, though, and Briggs’s husband provided the additional encouragement that convinced her to give it a go.
So, Briggs agreed to attend a rehearsal with the band that grew to become Amped. Even then, though, her vision of her participation was of a different sort from Meyer’s.
“I thought, well, I’m an alto and acapella; I like to harmonize, so maybe I’ll be a backup singer. And he was like, ‘No, no, I want you to share the lead with me. We’ll each sing the lead on an equal number of songs.’”
That took another round of convincing on Meyer’s part, but Briggs put her nerves aside and committed to trying Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” with the band. And that was all she needed to go all in. “I sang it. Then he sang some stuff, and I did some backup vocals—and that was it. It just clicked. Now we’ve been together for ten years.”
HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE
Over that span, Amped has been playing steadily at Ridgewood’s many festivals and music series—Music
Under the Stars, Music in the Park, the Ridgewood Guild’s Music Fest, Ridgewood Unplugged, as well as the inaugural Porchfest event last fall. They also booked gigs in town and at well-known spots around Bergen County, like Shortway’s Barn in Hawthorne and the Mason Jar in Mahwah.
While Briggs pairs off occasionally to perform more intimate sets with former bandmate Joe Oriente, an accomplished guitar player and vocalist, her main singing gig continues to be with the Amped crew—in addition to Briggs and Meyer, Frank Muchel, Gil D’Alonzo, Rob Garcia, Mike Black, and Frank Delvecchio.
“I couldn’t ask to play with six nicer men. They are all such great guys, Briggs says. “They make fun of me for this, but I call it our band family.”
Amy with Frank DelVecchio (drums) and Rob Garcia on bass.
GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME
At her core, it’s teaching that continues to be Briggs’ calling after more than three decades in the classroom. And her efforts continue to be appreciated, apparently, as she was named Travell’s Teacher of the Year for 2026–26—thanks in no small part to her continued willingness to step outside her comfort zone to tackle new challenges.
This school year, she directed her first theatrical production when Travell mounted Moana as its school play. Even beyond wanting to put on a great show for the Travell community in her debut, Briggs’s first priority was to ensure that everyone involved, “from the girl who played Moana to the student who painted the glow-inthe-dark monster faces, to the one who operated the lights,” felt equally important.
“I had a fantastic team of people working with me, 100%, and we all wanted to have a real community feel to it,” she says.
To that end, a literal teachable moment occurred early in the rehearsal process when Briggs asked another teacher to stand alone at center stage. “I said, Okay, guys, look—Ms. Paduano is standing on stage. What’s happening here? And they responded, ‘Nothing, she’s just standing there.’ I wanted to show the students that was because she didn’t have any sets behind her or music playing. We need all of us working together on this, or else nothing happens.”
Proof that the exercise had its intended effect came when the mom of one of the students shared a conversation that took place one day after rehearsal. “One of the girls who was in the stage crew went home and said, ‘Today we talked about this, and this, and basically the stage crew is the most important part of the entire show!’ It was rewarding to hear this and realize that everyone got the message!”
Find out about other upcoming gigs by following the band on Facebook at @ampednj.
Harris Fleming is a freelance writer who lives in Waldwick with his wife (also a Ridgewood school teacher) and teenage son. His own gift for belting out a song is best appreciated from a distance.
Spinning Back in Time
The flip side to streaming music— more and more teens are trying vinyl for the first time and loving it!
BY ADDISON MENZELLA
IN A WORLD dominated by streaming and instant access to music, it might seem surprising that an older form of technology is making a major comeback. Record players, once considered outdated, are now staging a comeback among teenagers and young adults.
Vinyl records first became widely popular in the mid-20th century and remained the primary format for listening to music from the 1950s through the 1980s. Today, they are once again springing to life in bedrooms, dorms, and living spaces, offering a completely different listening experience for Gen Z.
Many of our parents fondly remember stacking several records on the turntable’s stem and lowering the needle to enjoy a couple of hours of uninterrupted listening. They
will also recall the advancement of technology—from vinyl to 8-tracks to cassette tapes, CDs, and eventually digital music. By the early 2000s, many people believed records were a thing of the past.
Despite this decline, vinyl records never completely disappeared—and in recent years, they have experienced a major resurgence. Today, many popular artists, including Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, release their albums on vinyl alongside digital platforms. Special edition records, often wrapped in vibrant designs or exclusive covers, have made vinyl even more appealing to younger audiences. Events like Record Store Day also celebrate vinyl culture, highlighting independent record stores and encouraging fans to support physical music formats.
A UNIQUE LISTENING EXPERIENCE
One of the main reasons for vinyl’s comeback is the unique experience it provides. Unlike simply opening an app like Spotify or Apple Music, playing a record requires intention. Listeners choose an album, remove it from its outer covering and sleeve, and place it on the turntable, making the listening experience more meaningful and personal. Many of the teens we spoke to preferred vinyl’s warm, rich sound quality over compressed digital audio. Another major factor in vinyl’s popularity is its aesthetic appeal. Record players are often seen as both functional and decorative, adding a vintage or artistic vibe to a room. Album covers themselves can also be considered works of art, with largeformat designs that are much more noticeable than digital thumbnails. For many students, collecting records becomes a hobby, allowing them to build a physical connection to their favorite music.
Vinyl can be purchased in a variety of places, including independent record stores and larger retailers such
as Target and Urban Outfitters. Online marketplaces and secondhand shops offer additional options for collectors to find both new releases and older albums. This accessibility has made it easier than ever for students to start their own collections.
However, vinyl is not without its downsides and can be less convenient than digital platforms. Records and record players can be expensive, especially for high-quality equipment. Unlike streaming services, which offer millions of songs instantly, albums must be purchased individually. And, be careful! Records can be scratched or damaged if not handled carefully, so you won’t be bringing them to the beach this summer!
One local high school student shares that she owns a record player because her father has a vast record collection. While she doesn’t use the turntable often, she does enjoy the occasional spin of the vinyls she typically buys from Amazon. Others purchase their music from Barnes & Noble, Target, or vintage record stores.
Other teen turntable aficionados
enjoy the tactile experience of a physical copy of the music, the cover art, and the sense of grasping an album’s theme by listening to it in its entirety. Record players are spinning a new story in a fast-paced, digital world. While streaming services dominate the music industry, vinyl offers something different—an opportunity to slow down and truly engage with music. Whether students are collecting records, brightening their rooms with cover artwork, or simply exploring a new way to listen.
The renewed interest among teens in vinyl’s revival proves there is definitely something special on the “B side”!
Addison Menzella is a rising junior at Northern Highlands Regional High School. She serves as an editor for her school newspaper, assistant director of her school’s morning show, and is actively involved in her local youth group. In addition to her passion for journalism and media, she enjoys performing in theater productions and sharing stories both on stage and through her writing.
Dedicating “Pizzuto Way”
For 24 years, Basil Pizzuto considered Ridgewood High School his second home. Now, his name is permanently woven into its very geography.
BY CHRISTINE CORLISS
A TOUCHING TRIBUTE took place during Ridgewood High School’s annual Celebration of the Arts with a dedication ceremony co-naming Heermance Place “Pizzuto Way,” in memory of Basil Pizzuto, a beloved RHS educator who passed away suddenly in 2022. Students, staff, family members, and community leaders turned out in force, filling the grounds for an afternoon of music, remarks, and camaraderie.
The newly minted stretch of road runs directly between the high school and the stadium field—the exact path RHS seniors walk to and from their commencement
ceremony every year. Flanking the symbolic path is a striking new addition to the campus: a custom, larger-than-life mural of the beloved former assistant principal painted by 2005 RHS alumnus Kyle McCullough, a former student of Pizzuto.
McCullough returned to his alma mater as an artist-in-residence, collaborating side-by-side with current RHS art students to bring the vision to life. The massive undertaking was made possible through the generosity of the Ridgewood Education Foundation alongside private community donations.
A CROWD OF LIVES TOUCHED
Principal Jeff Nyhuis took in the scene before he spoke. When he addressed the gathered audience, he spoke about Basil’s unique character, his effortless ability to connect with students, and how much the vibrant crowd would have meant to him. “He would have been so happy to see all of you here,” Nyhuis shared, looking out over the crowd.
Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos offered remarks on behalf of the Village, and Ridgewood Education Foundation President Paul McCarthy addressed the crowd as well, a reminder that Basil’s reach extended well beyond the school’s walls.
After the event, Basil’s family released a statement that said what many in attendance were already thinking.
“Basil would be thrilled by today’s turnout because he loved people and
Opposite page: A larger than life mural is a fitting tribute to much loved RHS educator, Basil Pizzuto.
This page, top: Heermance Place has now been dedicated as “Pizzuto Way.”
Below: The RHS music department complemented the event with fitting musical selections.
one of his life’s missions was human connections,” the family wrote. “He would belly laugh about the street co-name, Pizzuto Way, and would be so proud and humbled by the talent, time, and effort that everyone contributed to this mural and event on the grounds of Ridgewood High School, his second home. The Pizzuto family is extremely grateful and overwhelmed by this beautiful honor and recognition. Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality, and thank you for this touching acknowledgment.”
A SYMPHONY FOR A FRIEND
The RHS music department provided a powerful soundtrack for the dedication with the Marching Band kicking off the ceremony with the traditional school song, followed by the school’s graduation trumpeters playing a custom Beatles medley arranged by
band instructor Jeffrey Haas.
The school orchestra accompanied seniors Brooke Kantrowitz, Lucia Wilday, Molly Ujszaszi, and Mary Ann Wright, who performed “For Good” from the musical “Wicked,” a fitting choice for a man who left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Pizzuto Way now joins the physical landscape of Ridgewood High School, ensuring that every graduating class will walk past a reminder of Basil Pizzuto as they mark their own milestone. The mural on the graduation path and the street sign bearing his name stand as a permanent acknowledgment of the impact he had on the school and the people in it.
Corliss is the Public Information Officer & Special Projects, Ridgewood Public Schools and an NJSPRA School Communications Award Winner.
A GOOD CUP
We sat down with Hannah Lee, owner of Bergen Coffee Roasters, to get an inside look at one of our favorite coffee shops.
BY GREY DELEON AND CATHERINE LAGALIA
BERGEN COFFEE ROASTERS, located in the heart of Ho-Ho-Kus, offers coffee lovers an experience that extends beyond an exceptional brew. We spoke with owner Hannah Lee to dive deeper into her thought process when founding this favorite local spot.
What drew you to Ho-Ho-Kus as the location for Bergen Coffee Roasters?
Given the town’s small size, did you envision the shop primarily serving locals, or did you expect it to attract customers from across Bergen County as it has?
I moved from California in hopes of opening my own ethically sourced coffee shop. While searching for a location, I was drawn to Ho-Ho-Kus for its warm neighborhood vibes and historic charm. Given its small population, I envisioned fostering a strong sense of community among customers in Ho-Ho-Kus and beyond.
What kind of experience do you want customers to leave with, besides a good cup of coffee?
First and foremost, the coffee should be good, as the quality of coffee equals the quality of service. Beyond this, I wanted to create a place where you can escape, work, socialize, and leave feeling part of a community.
Your website states that you pride yourself on ethically sourced coffee. Can you run us through the process of finding the perfect local producer for your coffee beans?
When contemplating where to source the beans, I considered that many coffee producers choose micro farms to harvest all organic, hand-picked beans. However, I felt particularly connected to a collection of farms in Bolivia. It’s so important to know where the coffee is coming from and who the farmers are to ensure consistency.
We see customers raving about seasonal, fun, rotating flavors on social media. How important is this rotating menu to you, and how do you think it has driven more business?
Seasonal flavors are very important nowadays. They bring fun to the experience, as it makes customers look forward to something when entering, with fun flavors like Coconut Daydream and Banana Bread.
In a region with so many cafes and coffee shops, especially being located just outside of Ridgewood, what do you think it is about your shop that makes people remember Bergen Roasters?
Bergen Coffee Roasters is known for its sense of kindness, a force that creates warmth in the shop. I love people, and the shop gives me a place to make connections with my employees and customers.
For more information, visit bergencoffee.com.
Grey DeLeon is an incoming freshman at Boston College who enjoyed her experience in publishing, gaining new insights into local businesses and the entrepreneurial process.
Catherine LaGalia is an incoming freshman at Indiana University studying psychology. She is passionate about learning how businesses operate and exploring the connection between human behavior and corporate success.
Road Trip Reads
Six books that take the reader along for the ride.
BY WENDY LEES, WORTH-PINKHAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY
AUGUST IS THE time for last-minute road trips. No matter the destination, road trips are always an adventure, even if they don’t go as planned. Check out five novels where the journey, with all its twists and turns, drives the story—plus one timely travel guide with semiquincentennial ties.
THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY
by Amor Towles
Freshly released from a juvenile work farm, Emmett returns to a foreclosed Nebraska home and to the 8-year-old brother he now has custody of. His plans to head west for a fresh start are hijacked by two work-farm escapees who are lured to New York by the promise of riches.
THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE
by Colleen Oakley
Being the subject of a nationwide FBI manhunt wasn’t what Tanner had in mind when she accepted the job as the live-in caregiver for elderly Louise. That prim and proper octogenarian is actually the prime suspect in a decadesold jewel heist, and Tanner gets roped into being her getaway driver.
THE ROAD TO TENDER HEARTS
by Annie Hartnett
Lottery winner PJ Halliday is down on his luck until he finds “good news” in the obituaries: his high school crush is newly widowed. To reconnect with the “one that got away,” he sets off for Arizona with a carload of quirky passengers, including two orphans, his estranged and unemployed daughter, and a therapy cat that can predict impending death.
WE BURNED SO BRIGHT
by TJ Klune
A bittersweet novella by the bestselling author of “The House in the Cerulean Sea.” The end of the world is just weeks away, and husbands Rodney and Don have one last bucket list task to complete. For years, they delayed fulfilling a promise they made to their son, but now they are out of time. Can their RV reach its destination before an expanding black hole swallows Earth?
WEST WITH GIRAFFES
by Lynda Rutledge
A fictionalized account of the 1938 crosscountry transport of two giraffes from the East Coast to the San Diego Zoo. Their journey captured national headlines and brought hope to a struggling Depressionera America. While narrator Woody Nickel, the truck driver, is fictional, Belle Benchley, the world’s first female zoo director, is real.
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH U.S. HISTORY
by Beverly Gage
Ride shotgun with a Pulitzer Prizewinning historian as she travels through American history in her Subaru. Each historic site, from our nation’s birthplace to Disneyland, marks a moment in our nation’s 250-year history. Part travelogue and part engaging history lesson, this timely book explores which past events are celebrated and which spark present-day debate.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @hohokuslibrary
Wendy Lees is the Marketing & Adult Programs Coordinator for Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. She also runs one of the library’s three book clubs, is part of the Book Concierge personalized book recommendation team, and is semi obsessed with talking about books with fellow readers. As the library’s social media manager, she still calls her mom whenever the library goes viral.
My areas of focus include: OCD, trauma, relationship challenges, and emotional well-being. I am fully certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDRIA, and I am trained in a wide range of approaches including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Imago Couples Counseling, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Finding the right senior living option for you or a loved one can certainly feel overwhelming. There are so many options and choices depending on needs, wants, budget, and location. Whether you are looking for independent or assisted living or need memory care, don't navigate it alone. Providing guidance and knowledge at no cost to you.
Overwhelmed: That's the word used by every family that contacts me for help.
Jennifer Lizza Owner/Lead Senior Care Advisor
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ridgewoodmag.com
