Ridgewood & HoHoKus January 2026

Ridgewood January 2026

& HO-HO-KUS

A BIG YEAR AHEAD

THE RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

KEEPING BUSY WITH HOBBYISTS UNLIMITED

BUILDING

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New Year个 New You

Call us for a consultation for our comprehensive weight loss program and regenerative Ultherapy, BBL and Moxi treatments to tighten, brighten and lighten your skin. 2026 is your year!

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Tara Briganti, Erin Pruitt, Jennifer Donovan, Peggy Marino

OUR RECENT SALES SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

145 Heights Road

425 Overbrook Road

33 Barrington Road

19 Ware Road

SOLD PRICE $4,750,000

SOLD PRICE $2,915,000

SOLD PRICE $2,700,000

SOLD PRICE $2,475,000

Represented Seller

SOLD

Represented Buyer

SOLD

Represented Seller

SOLD

Represented Seller

SOLD

167 Grant Street

29 N. Saddle Brook Drive

128 Melrose Place

9 Lakewood Avenue

SOLD PRICE $2,400,000

SOLD PRICE $2,750,000

SOLD PRICE $2,100,000

SOLD PRICE $1,188,777

Represented Seller

Represented Buyer

Represented Buyer & Seller

Represented Buyer

Jennifer Donovan

Erin Pruitt

M: 201.906.9138 O: 551.284.0175 jennifer.donovan@compass.com

M: 201.888.4800 O: 551.284.0175 erin.pruitt@compass.com

Principal & Realtor® Sales Associate CNE, PSA

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Founding Principal & Realtor® Associate RSPS

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable, but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description or measurements. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal housing opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Let our team help you SELL in Ridgewood & Ho-Ho-Kus!

12/17/25 2:29 PM

Contents JANUARY 2026

14 F EATU RES

14

A Big Year Ahead

Stronger together: The Friends of the Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation have joined forces to enhance library services.

22 18

Hobby Days are Here Again!

Hobbyists Unlimited offers men of a certain age a chance to pursue their passions while forging friendships and helping their community.

22

Building Community and Culture Through Dance

With the business acumen of Melinda Cheng and the choreography of Andrew Hickman, Latin Heat Moves is more than just a workout class.

6

12

28 I N TH I S I S SU E

4

EDITOR’S NOTE Happy New Year

6

LOCAL FUN Winter Fun in the Neighborhood!

10

LIVING WELL Take Back Your Happiness

12

LOCAL TASTES Signature Mocktails

26

COFFEE GUIDE Bites and Brews

28

Q&A With Dr. James A. Charles

30

RHS HAPPENINGS An Outstanding Student Leader

32

PHOTO OP Snowy Saddle River

COVER

Andrew Hickman in the studio.

Photograph by Adam Paray

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E DITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH MARKS an exciting new chapter for our publication. We are delighted to announce that Ho-HoKus Magazine has officially merged with Ridgewood Magazine, bringing our two vibrant, closely connected communities together under one beautifully expanded publication. As of this issue, Ridgewood Magazine is now delivered to homes in both Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus—with a

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PHOTOGRAPH BY MARJORIE RAGGO

t

HAPPY NEW YEAR, RIDGEWOOD AND HO-HO-KUS!

newly expanded circulation of more than 6,000 households. We couldn’t be more pleased with its success, and we are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support that has made this growth possible.

To celebrate our inaugural combined issue, we’re shining a spotlight on something energetic, joyful, and created right next door: Latin Heat Moves, a dynamic new workout phenomenon founded in Ho-Ho-Kus that’s inspiring locals to dance, sweat, and connect. It’s a story about movement, empowerment, and the contagious power of community-driven wellness.

We’ll also introduce you to Hobbyists Unlimited, a group proving that passion has no age limit—and that creativity thrives when people come together. And in this spirit of connection, we are proud to announce the formation of the Ridgewood Library Friends Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting literacy, learning, and the vital role our library plays in civic life.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the people, ideas, creativity, and community spirit that make Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus such remarkable places to live.

Warmest wishes for a bright year ahead,

Publisher Karen Stires karen.stires@wainscotmedia.com Editor Kris Pepper Writers Jenna Galletti Kris Pepper Harris Fleming Rebecca Bleich Sarah Nolan Stacey Antine, RD Photographer 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

Kris Pepper

Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com

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.

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LOCAL FUN

Winter Fun in the Neighborhood!

Celebrate a fresh start to a new year with these warm and friendly events.

NATURE STORYTIME WITH FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE SCHOOL When: Monday, Jan. 5; 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Where: Art Studio, Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Ave. Registration required Calling all wilderness explorers and their families!

Experience a story time unlike any other hosted by Friends Neighborhood Nature School. Spend the evening listening to stories and participating in a variety of natureembracing activities. The event is recommended for ages 2 to 5 and open to Ridgewood Library cardholders.

For more information, visit: https://ridgewoodlibrary.org.

MAH JONGG LESSONS When: Thursdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12; 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Ho-Ho-Kus Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library Registration required Have you always wanted to learn how to play Mah Jongg? You’ll go from beginner to pro in no time with five sessions at the Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library. All supplies will be provided to get you ready to play on your own. This event is exclusively for Ho-Ho-Kus residents and is catered toward adults and seniors.

For more information visit: www.hohokuslibrary.org.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

ESL LYRIC LOUNGE (WINTER)

When: Friday, Jan. 9; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

When: Friday, Jan. 16; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Art Studio, Ridgewood Public Library, 125 Maple Ave.

Where: Ridgewood YMCA; 112 Oak St. Registration required: $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers per child Looking for a night out without the kids? Ridgewood’s YMCA offers a program one Friday a month to provide a night out for caregivers an evening out while the kids enjoy movies, crafts, games, and more.

For more information and to register www.ridgewoodymca.org.

Registration required.

Learn English through music with the Ridgewood Public Library.

Analyze song lyrics and explore popular American musicians.

Registration is open to students currently enrolled in the 2025 to 2026 ESL program and all levels are welcome to join.

For more information, email jlanzisera@ridgewoodlibrary.org or visit www.ridgewoodlibrary.org.

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LOCAL FUN

WASH GERMS AWAY When: Thursday, Jan. 22; 4 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Art Studio, Ridgewood Public Library, 125 Maple Ave. Registration required.

Learn about germs and the best way to protect yourself from illness with the Ridgewood Health Department.

Understand proper hand-washing methods to ensure you stay healthy throughout flu season. Open to Ridgewood Library cardholders—all ages welcome.

For more information visit: www.ridgewoodlibrary.org.

RIDGEWOOD ART INSTITUTE MEMBER LANDSCAPE SHOW When: Jan. 18; 1 to 2 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 14; 1 to 2 p.m. .

Where: Ridgewood Art Institute, 12 East Glen Ave. Spend an exceptional afternoon exploring the museum-worthy art of local artists at the Ridgewood Art Institute.

For more information visit: www.ridgewoodartinstitute.org.

CREATING A WATER GARDEN When: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Community Church; 32 Sycamore Ave. Dig in to gardening early this year with a water garden presentation with the Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club. Water garden expert and HoHo-Kus native, Al Salerno will speak on how to choose the ideal location and design for this garden. Plant care advice and koi fish will be discussed and a Q&A will follow. Gain new, valuable insights on gardening before the season begins!

For more information, visit www.hohokusgardenclub.com.

Rebecca Bleich is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing.

HO-HO-KUS BURNS NIGHT PARTY When: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Community Church; 400 Warren Ave. Celebrate Scottish poet Robert Burns with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society New Jersey Branch. Experience a night full of Scottish culture and traditions including fun with ceilidh dancing, Highland pipes, neeps & taaties, and songs.

For more information, visit www.rscds-nj.org

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LIVING WELL

Take Back YOUR HAPPINESS Begin 2026 with a social media detox.

BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN

JANUARY ALWAYS feels like a reset.

New planners, new habits, new promises to ourselves. Many of us swear this will finally be the year we eat better, move more, or break a stubborn habit. But what if the most powerful resolution for 2026 has nothing to do with food or fitness—and everything to do with our phones?

your thoughts, and whatever (or whoever!) is right in front of you.

A DIGITAL FAST This year, I’m inviting you to try something surprisingly simple: take a short fast from social media. Not forever. Not even for a week.

Just long enough to see how much it shapes your mood, attention, and well-being.

Start by putting your phone completely out of reach. No notifications, no scrolling, no quick dopamine hits. Just you—your breath,

That little “itch” to reach for your device isn’t personal weakness; it’s design.

Social media platforms are engineered to hook your attention. Practicing presence—even in tiny doses—is a powerful way to check in on your mental wellness.

Then notice what happens: • How long before you feel restless?

• How quickly do you want to check something—anything?

• How uncomfortable does stillness feel?

WHY THIS MATTERS We live in a world with endless ways to connect, yet somehow many of us feel less happy, more distracted, and more

overwhelmed. Comparison, FOMO, and information overload are now daily stressors.

Research continues to show that kids who start social media early— especially around age 12—are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, body image struggles, and inactivity.

Every child is different, but the trends are too consistent to ignore. And parents? We’re not immune. Many of us feel mentally drained from constantly splitting our attention— half living life, half capturing it for a feed. The pressure to be “on” all the time is real.

A digital fast interrupts that habit loop. Even a brief break gives your brain a chance to rest and recalibrate.

THE POWER OF PRESENCE When you put the phone down,

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something shifts. Your attention sharpens. Your thoughts quiet. You can actually hear yourself again.

You might: • notice your breathing • feel your shoulders drop • become aware of the room around you • connect more fully with your partner or kids You may even bump into boredom—a forgotten space where creativity and self-awareness love to live.

HOW TO START No retreat, no fancy program—just a few simple steps: 1. Pick a window of time: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or an hour ) 2. Put your phone in another room (yes, this part matters!).

3. Sit, walk, stretch, or sip tea—without multitasking.

4. Notice the urge to reach for your phone.

5. Let the urge pass on its own.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply

awareness. We’re quick to change our diets or start new workout plans, yet we often forget that mental clarity, peace, and presence are just as essential to our health.

A social media fast may not be glamorous—or Instagrammable—but it may be the reset your mind has been craving. So, this January, instead of adding more to your plate, try subtracting something. Take back your happiness—one quiet moment at a time.

Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, 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.

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LO CAL TA ST ES

Signature Mocktails Refreshing sips for all ages

BY JENNA GALLETTI

GONE ARE THE DAYS when your only alcohol-free option at a party was sparkling water with a lemon wedge. With health, wellness and mindful living on the rise, more people are skipping the booze, and mocktails are having their moment. They’re stylish, flavorful and hangover-free. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or a game night with friends or just want something that feels festive without the alcohol, mocktails are here to raise the bar (pun intended).

Today’s mocktails are more than just sugar-loaded drinks. Think fresh herbs, coldpressed juices, fancy garnishes and even gutfriendly ingredients like kombucha or apple cider vinegar. These drinks don’t just look good in your hand; they can actually make you feel good too.

Here are three signature mocktails you can easily make at home for everyone to enjoy.

1

The Citrus Spritz: INGREDIENTS • Juice of 1 orange • Juice of ½ lemon • ½ tsp honey (optional) • Sparkling water • Orange slice and rosemary sprig (for garnish) INSTRUCTIONS Shake the juices and honey with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish like you mean it.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNA GALLETTI; GETTY IMAGES

A sunny, sparkling refresher

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2

Berry Bramble Fizz:

Perfect for porch sitting and gossiping with friends

INGREDIENTS •½ cup fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or blackberries work best) • 1 tsp maple syrup • J uice of ½ lime •½ cup club soda •M int leaves (for garnish)

3

INSTRUCTIONS Muddle the berries and maple syrup in a shaker. Add lime juice and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with club soda and toss in some mint for flair.

Cucumber Cooler: Like a spa day in a glass INGREDIENTS • 4 slices cucumber • Juice of ½ lime • 4 oz coconut water • Splash of tonic or soda water • Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS Muddle cucumber and lime juice in a shaker. Add coconut water and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and top with tonic. Garnish like you own a wellness brand.

The best part? You don’t need to be a bartender or own a cocktail shaker to enjoy these. A mason jar and a wooden spoon will do just fine. These easy, feel-good sips prove that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun.

So, pour something pretty, take a sip, savor the moment and drink to your health—no hangover in sight. Cheers!

Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer and creative producer who splits her time between New York and Boston. She finds endless inspiration through the energy of urban life. Visit her online at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE FRIENDS FOUNDATION OF THE RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

A Big Year Ahead

A

Opposite and this page: The library’s “Read to a Dog” program, one of the many programs supported by the Friends Foundation. 2025 Author Luncheon with Friends members and author Marie Benedict on April 9, 2025.

Stronger together: The Friends of the Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation have joined forces to enhance library services.

BY KRIS PEPPER

AFTER DECADES OF supporting and championing the Ridgewood Public Library independently, the Friends of the Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation have come together as one unified organization: The Friends

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Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library. This merger empowers the 501(c)(3) to have a stronger focus on fundraising and support activities.

Thanks to donors’ generosity, the Friends Foundation contributed more than $500,000 to the library over the past year, supporting

services like free museum passes, ESL resources, and educational programming. It also funded major improvements to the library, including six study rooms and a community conference room, which are reserved over 300 times a month by Village residents.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT In October, the group hosted its first joint event, a book talk and signing by Jean Hanff Korelitz, New York Times bestselling author of “The Sequel” and “The Plot.” Over 70 guests enjoyed the talk, along with wine and snacks in the library’s auditorium.

“It was another fabulous program at the library,” says Ridgewood resident Linda Kotch. “I wanted to hear more of what Jean Hanff Korelitz had to say, and she gave that courtesy right back to us. Her interest in what we thought was genuine.”

The Friends Foundation’s next event is coming up on Jan. 26—free pizza at the library for students during their stressful mid-term week. Word

spreads fast among teens when free food is involved, so parents should encourage their kids to show up early.

“Library events like this offer that little study break that’s essential when you’re cramming for an important test, but they also provide a sense of community for all Ridgewood High School students,” says Kate Schmitt, a senior at Ridgewood High School.

“These events don’t just give us a free slice of pizza; they bring us all together during times of pressure.”

February brings one of the group’s most cherished events, the Reading Marathon, a fundraiser designed to foster a love of reading while helping support the library’s book and media inventory, along with a wide range of

Top: The newly merged Friends Foundation board.

Left: A wandering mentalist wows event attendees at the Foundation’s Mardi Gras fundraiser last March.

Above: Martina McCarthy and Ann Chase enjoying the Mardi Gras event.

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Left: Reading Marathon pre-K finale event featuring Elephant & Piggie in March of 2024. Right: Free pizza for students during finals is a popular event each June.

educational and cultural programs. All Ridgewood children in pre-K through grade 12 are welcome to participate, and no registration is required.

Children simply set a personal reading goal and track their reading all month long. Then, they submit their reading online at the end of February to be eligible for prizes, such as a free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s or gift cards to local establishments. More information can be found on the Friends Foundation website, including a list of events taking place throughout the month. The program kicks off at the end of January and culminates with a celebratory LibraryCon event on March 14.

The Friends Foundation’s keynote

event of the year is its Author Luncheon, which has been held annually since 1990, featuring renowned authors like Madeline Miller, Jamie Ford, Harlan Coben, Mary Higgins Clark, Geraldine Brooks, Colum McCann, and Marie Benedict.

On April 9, the group will host New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen, author of “After Annie,” “Black and Blue,” “One True Thing,” and “A Short Guide to a Happy Life,” among others.

Her newest novel, “More Than Enough,” will be released on Feb. 27. The event will feature a book signing, a meet and greet, and an author talk over cocktails and a seated lunch.

This year, the Friends Foundation

hopes to raise enough money to expand the auditorium, create a new reading room, and strengthen the library’s collections.

“We work closely with our library director to identify and fund the ongoing needs of our community, and every donation we receive is an investment in the future of our library,” says Joanie Harrington, co-president of the Friends Foundation.

Want to get involved? “We welcome the opportunity to connect with community members who want to learn about volunteer opportunities,” she says.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.supportridgewoodlibrary.org.

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Hobby Days are Here Again!

Hobbyists Unlimited offers men of a certain age a chance to pursue their passions while forging friendships and helping their community.

BY HARRIS FLEMING

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THERE ARE, hobbyists, and then there are Hobbyists.

They have much in common but are not the same. All are engaged in an activity they enjoy and that brings them fulfillment, whether it’s a craft, a sport, or a more cultural pursuit like travel, music, or fine wines. For Hobbyists with a capital H, though, there’s an essential added element of social engagement, fellowship, and opportunities to engage in local humanitarian work with other retired gentlemen in

Ridgewood and surrounding towns.

The Hobbyists Unlimited is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian, nonreligious group that began in Ridgewood with 16 members in 1966. 60 years later, their ranks have swelled to 449 retired or semiretired men from every walk of life—white collar and blue collar, lawyers, accountants, coaches…even a former weatherman—who bond over shared interests and a yearning to expand their circle of friends.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM PARAY AND COURTESY OF HOBBYISTS UNLIMITED

ACTIVITIES ARE APLENTY While membership is men-only, Hobbyists Unlimited’s offerings are anything but gender-exclusive. Many of the activities appeal to couples by design. Peruse the organization’s website, and you’ll see photos of decidedly mixed groups enjoying trips both regional and international, as well as dinners, dances, and picnics in Ridgewood and other nearby Bergen County towns.

Member meetings, held at First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood at 8:45 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month except for July and August, begin with an hour of fellowship, followed by a formal discussion of club business, and conclude with a talk from a scheduled speaker. It’s

not unusual for various groupings of members to head out for a meal at the Daily Treat or another local spot afterward.

In between monthly meetings, there are dozens of opportunities to engage with the club’s activity groups, which are broadly categorized into Sports & Games, Personal Interests, and Social Activities.

For their $60 annual dues, members can take part in as many activity groups as they like—or as many as they have time for, anyway. “If you go on the website and look at the calendar, you see that you can be busy every day of the week,” says Don Peterfriend, whose term as club president ended toward the end of 2025.

That wasn’t just a figure of speech.

The December calendar showed at least one activity-based get-together every day of the month except for Christmas Day. On the most packed day of the month, Dec. 11, a Hobbyist could have started his day by heading to the Duck Pond to join peers in the Walking club at 9 a.m., then go on to play pinochle, bridge and blackjack, followed by a discussion of Italian heritage and finally putting a cap on the day by meeting with the Beer Appreciation group at 6:30 p.m.

New activity groups can be added if there’s sufficient interest among among the membership, with the latest new idea being a discussion group on navigating retirement.

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MORE THAN FUN AND GAMES The opportunity to make new friends while engaged in something you enjoy is its own reward, clearly, but for the core “audience” Hobbyists Unlimited is courting, the benefits can be even more satisfying—and beneficial.

Research published in the scientific journal Nature found that people aged 65 and older who engaged in a hobby were less likely to report depressive symptoms and more likely to report good health, happiness, and overall life satisfaction than peers who did not engage in a hobby.

In turn, those factors have been found to positively influence life

expectancy and promote healthy aging.

Don Peterfriend is one member who can confirm the positive effects of hobbying—particularly in the organization—on his own postretirement life. “When I retired in March of ’19, I’d still get up at like six in the morning, get dressed, and then read every single word in the newspaper from cover to cover,” he recalls. “All of a sudden it was nine, and it was, what do I do now?”

That all changed once he joined the Hobbyists. “Before, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do on a daily basis,” he says. “Now I don’t know what I’m not going to do on a daily basis!”

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GAINING MEMBERSHIP Hobbyists Unlimited does not engage in formal advertising or promotion.

However, accolades like winning gold in a wine competition, as the wine makers have more than once, probably raise the group’s profile a bit.

Typically, prospective members either learn about the club through word of mouth or are invited directly by a member. For his part, membership committee chair Bob Mosher is quick to strike up a conversation with a prospective Hobbyist and ready to hand them a club business card that displays the activity offerings and the web and email addresses (www.hobbyists-unlimited.com and hobbyists1966@gmail.com, respectively). They added 38 new members in 2025, a trend they’d like to see continue.

The process begins when the prospective new member completes the membership application online.

The group then sends them orientation documents. New members can start participating in activities right away after paying the $60 initiation fee at their first meeting, but aren’t officially eligible for induction until their third monthly business meeting.

For more information about Hobbyists Unlimited, including how to become a member, visit the organization’s website at www.hobbyists-unlimited.com.

Harris Fleming is a freelance writer who lives in Waldwick with his wife (a Ridgewood school teacher) and teenage son. When asked, he once told a substitute teacher at Ridge Elementary School that his only hobby was wiggling his ears; she suggested he try woodworking.

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES Sports & Games

Personal Interests

Social Activities

Bocce

Book Club

Dinner/Dances

Bowling

Camera Club

Habitat for Humanity

Bridge

Gourmet Cooking

Chess Fishing

Hobbyists Songs (parodies reflecting club interests)

Hobbyists Concerned (which offers support for members in need)

Golf (indoor and outdoor)

Investors Club

Hiking

Italian Heritage

Pickleball

The Jazz Bunch

Pinochle

Military History

Poker

Movie Lovers

Tennis

Music Lovers

Walking

Science & Technology

ROMEO (aka, Retired Old Men Eating Out) Trips & Tours Volunteer Service

Wine Appreciation Wine Making World Affairs

JANUARY 2026 |

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Fueled by his love for music and passion for dancing, Hickman leads a fun workout incorporating high-intensity cardio with rhythmic dance moves.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM PARAY

Hickman and Cheng at the Fair Lawn studio.

Building Community and Culture Through Dance

With the business acumen of Melinda Cheng and the choreography of Andrew Hickman, Latin Heat Moves is more than just a workout class.

BY SARAH NOLAN

F

FOR MELINDA CHENG, music and dance have always sparked joy and provided an outlet to distract from reality.

This was true when she was 11, and her family fell on hard times after her father suffered a catastrophic stroke that left him disabled. Cheng found herself drawn to Latin music, particularly that of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, even forming a fan club for the group to keep herself busy and focused on something positive despite her life being upended.

And as an adult, with a prosperous career as a marketing and advertising executive, she reconnected with her love of Latin music and movement at an extraordinarily popular LA Fitness class taught by dancer and choreographer Andrew Hickman. There, everyday stressors melted away, and happiness prevailed.

It was a feeling Cheng wanted to share with others. She knew Hickman had something special, and she wanted to help him capitalize on his talents while spreading positivity.

Now, thanks to an unexpected career shift, she does so through her business, LHM Ventures, created as part of an all-in-one solution to help instructors who want to focus on their art rather than running a business. Hickman’s Latin Heat Moves is the flagship class for what Cheng hopes will grow to be a thriving, inspiring community.

“Andrew’s class to me isn’t just exercise; I wouldn’t do it if it felt like exercise,” Cheng says with a laugh. “It’s a spirit boost, both mentally and emotionally— an hour in my day where I feel alive and happy. And it’s truly a privilege to help others feel the same. Lifting others up is what motivates me.”

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Andrew Hickman, the instructor behind Latin Heat Moves.

Melinda Cheng started LHM Ventures to help instructors like Hickman with the business side of hosting classes.

MAKING MOVES Cheng spent more than 20 years in corporate marketing, most recently at Google, until 2024, when layoffs forced her to decide whether to be part of the tech giant’s reorganization or take a severance.

She decided it was time for a break and the possibility to focus on other passions. She reconnected with a friend with whom she attended Hickman’s class at LA Fitness.

Members would show up early to get a coveted spot in the class, called Latin Heat; it was number one in the state at one point and gained some national traction; Hickman even got a call from LA Fitness’s CEO congratulating him and received a

small raise to retain him.

Cheng says she and her friend always encouraged him to go out on his own and create a brand for himself. “But he’s an artist,” she says.

“He wants to focus on dancing, his craft.” With some newfound free time, Cheng decided to approach Hickman about teaming up: She would invest her time and money to build a community and culture around Hickman’s class so he could put all his energy toward teaching and choreography.

“It was really a desire to give him the platform he deserves and show the world something I love,” Cheng says. “In short, I’m the brains behind the business, and he’s the brains

behind the class. Together, we are the heart of Latin Heat Moves—the perfect pair, because we can each focus on our superpowers and have fun while we’re at it. He can show up, teach, and go home. I manage all aspects beyond that.”

Hickman hails from an extensive background in Latin dance instruction and choreography in both Latin and ballroom styles. But dancing wasn’t always his passion.

Though he grew up learning salsa, merengue, and other Spanish rhythms

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from his Puerto Rican and Cuban mother, he actually hated dancing in public.

“I was that kid at parties sitting at the end of the couch with a bowl of chips on my lap while everyone was dancing around me, and I had no problem with that!” Hickman says.

A last-minute request to step in as a substitute dancer at his sister’s best friend’s Sweet 16 party changed things.

Hickman says it worked out well, and the positive reaction he received

boosted his confidence.

He would go on to practice ballroom dance as a hobby in college, then later teach it. He discovered Zumba, a Latin-inspired cardio fitness program, when it was just gaining popularity around 2009. The following year, he began a decade of instructing Latin Heat at LA Fitness, before COVID closed gyms and fitness centers. He reconnected with Cheng in 2021 as he made his way back to teaching.

“I never was a businessperson; I love to dance, I love to teach classes.

The more the merrier,” Hickman says. “It’s high energy, great exercise, and most importantly, fun.

It’s been great relying on Melinda to handle the business side.”

Hickman says the best part is the autonomy LHM Ventures provides him and Cheng. They’re able to create the classes and events they want, and a large part of that is introducing different cultures to attendees. Latin Heat Moves goes beyond celebrating just Spanish and Portuguese styles of music and dance.

A SPACE FOR ALL Cheng says the inclusion of music from countries such as Poland, Japan, China, and Lebanon is intentional, as she wishes to celebrate people from all

backgrounds and promote inclusivity.

Cheng’s parents are immigrants from China, and she says growing up in Bergen County without much diversity, it’s important to her to bring people together to highlight different cultures, harkening back to her Menudoobsessed days.

“Here I was, this 11-year-old Chineselooking, English-speaking girl listening to Spanish music while attending Catholic school—a little Asian girl with a Latin obsession. That’s where my love for culture all started,” she says.

Latin Heat is currently testing new studios in Fair Lawn, Lyndhurst, and Fairfield. Cheng hopes to land a designated studio soon. It has also been a featured activity at fundraisers, corporate gigs, senior centers, and festivals, with a recent “after dark” Dancegiving event at Sycamore Community Church in Ho-Ho-Kus to benefit the Center for Food Action.

Over $1,200 was raised.

Organizer Christina Lontos says she met Cheng at a Latin Heat Moves class and was immediately hooked: “I was relieved to find a local class that celebrates movement, has amazing music, and is very uplifting,” Lontos says. “I thought it was a great, community-based, positive thing.”

She and fellow Dancegiving organizer Keshini MacLaren thought the class would be a fun way to fundraise in the borough. Some 50 attendees danced along with Hickman and enjoyed the offerings of other local vendors, more than doubling their fundraising goal.

Lontos says Latin Heat Moves is a class for all who love to dance.

“Andrew is a very talented dancer; he’s inspirational and able to motivate us as regular, very average dancers in a way that enables us to keep up with his moves,” she says. It’s all positive vibes, and the perfect balance of celebrating music and proper dance techniques.”

For more about Latin Heat Moves, visit www.latinheatmoves.com or the Instagram page @latinheatmoves.

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C OFFEE GUI DE

Bites and Brews Whether you’re in need of a morning pick-me-up, a cozy spot to catch up with a friend or a quiet corner to work with a latte in hand, Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus have no shortage of charming cafés to explore.

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C OFFEE GUI DE

HO-HO-KUS Alt Eats Cafe 622 North Maple Ave. @alteatscafe www.alteatscafe.com 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.

Graze Brunch Kitchen 611 North Maple Ave. @graze_brunch_kitchen www.grazehhk.com A haven for “brunchie things,” sandwiches, soups and salads, and a drink menu that’s sure to delight.

FROM LOCALLY ROASTED brews to perfectly poured cappuccinos, each café brings its own flavor and personality to the village. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite places to sip, savor and stay awhile.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe 222 E. Ridgewood Ave. @tattebakery Founded in Massachusetts, Tatte expanded its locations to Ridgewood earlier this May and offers a variety of tea lattes and juices.

Sook Pastry 24 S. Broad St. www.sookpastry.com The home of French pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups, quiches, coffees, and more.

Pierre & Michel Authentic French Bakery 38 E. Ridgewood Ave. @pierre_michel_bakery Pierre & Michel’s pastries and cakes are handmade using traditional French methods with ingredients imported from France.

Zen Haus Cafe 9 S. Broad St. @thehauscafe Zen Haus offers multiple different vegan options and their own “press’d juices.”

Rey Sol Coffee 22 Chestnut St. www.reysolcoffee.com From the mountains of their family farm straight to your cup, Rey Sol Coffee delivers only the highest quality Colombian coffee roasted fresh in their café weekly.

American Bulldog Coffee Roasters 31 N. Broad St., W. Ridgewood Ave. www.americanbulldogcoffeeroasters.com Stop by for freshly roasted coffee, organic baked goods, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for getting work done.

catchy. cafe & catering 614 North Maple Ave. @catchy.hhk www.thecatchycaterer.com A unique selection of options await customers at the catchy. cafe, including nutritious bowls, sandwiches, and homemade ice cream. Feeling like delivery or catering? catchy. has you covered.

Albert’s 4 Sycamore Ave. @albertshohokus www.albertshohokus.com A charming cafe with new American and Italian food, perfect for a cozy weekend meal.

Ridgewood Coffee Company 133 E. Ridgewood Ave. @ridgewoodcoffeecompany Meet friends for brunch and a cup of coffee that’s crafted to perfection.

Blue Ridge Cafe 37 E. Ridgewood Ave. @blueridgecafenj Relax and unwind with Blue Ridge Cafe’s popular Pistachio & Rose Matcha Latte!

Ridgewood Station Cafe 1 E. Ridgewood Ave. www.ridgewoodstationcafe.com Enjoy Turkish-style breakfast and brunch specialties featuring locally sourced ingredients.

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A Conversation with Dr. James A. Charles James A. Charles, director of the Headache Treatment Program at Holy Name Medical Center and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, gives us an inside look into headaches and how we can treat them.

INTERVIEW WITH

DR. JAMES CHARLES

DR. JAMES CHARLES is a respected neurologist and Ridgewood resident whose work in headache medicine has helped countless patients reclaim their lives from chronic pain. In this conversation, he shares insights on migraine care.

Why do you think migraine headaches are so frequently undiagnosed and under recognized?

Migraine is ranked second in years lived with a disability and is the most common cause of disability in those under the age of 50. Unfortunately, 50% of migraine patients are either not diagnosed, undertreated, or treated incorrectly. Myths such as impacted molars, wrong glasses, sinus headache, and psychic stress are rampant. Once a child or teen reaches six headache days

per month, there is a high risk of progression to chronic migraine, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. Self-medication with OTC drugs like ibuprofen taken 15 or more days per month further perpetuates migraine, and some patients develop refractory migraine.

If one has one to three devastating migraines per month and is not treating them properly, it can lead to further progression of migraine. Four or more headache days per month require preventive therapy.

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What kinds of advances in diagnosis or treatment give you the most hope for patients today?

In 2018, CGRP inhibitors came on the market, which revolutionized the preventive and abortive treatment of migraine. CGRP (calcitonin generelated peptide) is the brain peptide that causes headache pain. Realworld and published studies have proven their safety and effectiveness.

The first CGRP inhibitor was approved for children over the age of six this past summer.

For those who might dismiss migraines as “just bad headaches,” what would you like them to understand about the reality of the condition?

Migraine is a neurological disease that can be profoundly disabling.

It’s not simply a headache—it’s a

complex disorder involving sensory hypersensitivity, nausea, dizziness, and often visual or auditory disturbances. When left untreated, it can severely disrupt education, work, and quality of life. This is why early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are so critical.

If someone suspects they suffer from migraines, what first steps should they take toward getting help?

Go to www.ucns.org to find a neurologist who is board-certified in the field of headache medicine.

Due to my extensive research, I was elevated to the position of Fellow of the American Headache Society, one of only two in New Jersey. It goes without saying that I am a strong advocate for patient access to these life-changing treatments.

For patients struggling with chronic or treatment-resistant migraines, what does your program at Holy Name offer?

For patients with chronic refractory migraine, defined as more than 15 headache days per month and unresponsive to outpatient therapies—and patients who develop a migraine that lasts more than 72 hours and is unresponsive to treatment, also known as Status Migrainosis—the Headache Program at Holy Name is the best in New Jersey and New York. We use infusion therapies for one to five days, and they work!

For more information, visit www. holyname.org/headache to read patient stories or www. jamesacharlesmd.com.

JANUARY 2026 |

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RHS HAPPEN INGS

An Outstanding Student Leader This prestigious honor recognizes Grace Kim as one of the state’s most outstanding student leaders with a demonstrated commitment to public service.

RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL recently announced that senior Grace Kim has been selected as one of five finalists for New Jersey’s delegation to the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

The United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1962 to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government and the importance of public service. The program is funded by The Hearst Foundations and administered in partnership with state departments of education nationwide. The program is a highly competitive, merit-based program, bringing together the nation’s most exceptional high school student leaders for a week-long educational experience in Washington, D.C.

Kim was chosen from among New Jersey’s top high school student leaders based on her outstanding academic achievement and active service in a high-level elected or appointed student leadership position.

As a finalist, she now advances to the final selection process, with New Jersey’s two delegates to be announced in the new year.

“We are incredibly proud of Grace’s achievement in being named a finalist for this prestigious program,” says Jeff Nyhuis, Ridgewood High School principal. “Her selection reflects not only her academic excellence but also her demonstrated leadership and commitment to serving her community. Grace exemplifies the qualities we strive to develop in all our students.”

“I’m honored to have been selected

as a finalist for such an incredible opportunity,” says Kim. “I’m grateful for the support of my teachers and school—especially Mr. Nyhuis, Mrs. Lauria, and Mrs. Kirtane—who guided me throughout the application and interview process.”

If selected as one of New Jersey’s two delegates, Grace will participate in the 64th annual USSYP Washington Week, scheduled for March 7 to 14, 2026, where she will hear major policy addresses from government officials, meet with directors of federal agencies, and participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the Supreme Court.

Additionally, each delegate receives a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BY KRIS PEPPER

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