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Ridgewood September 2026

& HO-HO-KUS BEYOND BOOKS THE LIBRARY OF THINGS

CREATIVITY IN COMMERCE STEVE RISKIND SPOTLIGHTS ARTISANS AT WORK

An ‘AMERICAN SUMMER’ MICHAEL GRAY’S NEW FILM

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Bergen County: Where I Live, Work, and Love Work with the #1 Agent in Bergen County and #8 Agent in New Jersey. 2026 RealTrends Veriﬁed*

Broker Associate M 201.788.6667 O 551.284.0175 Diane@DianeCookson.com Diane.Cookson

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions. *Source: RealTrends Veriﬁed 2026 https://www.realtrends.com/

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2026

12 F EATU RES

Through the Lens of Craft

In two books, Steve Riskind documents where artistry meets industry and innovation.

Beyond Books

The Ridgewood Public Library’s Library of Things is helping residents save money and explore new interests. 22

On Location

Ho-Ho-Kus producer Michael Gray’s latest movie, “American Summer,” taps into small-town nostalgia.

I N TH I S I S SU E

EDITOR’S NOTE Back to Business

LOCAL FUN Fall is Around the Corner!

LIVING WELL Around the Breakfast Table

Q&A Making a Difference

RHS HAPPENINGS VitaFlow Goes Full STEAM Ahead

BOOK NOOK Conversation Starters

PHOTO OP A Summer Patriot

COVER

Writer, director, and producer Michael Gray with actress Callie Reese of Saddle River Photograph by Adam Paray

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E DITOR’S NOTE

Ridgewood

& HO-HO-KUS

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARJORIE RAGGO

SEPTEMBER MEANS it’s time to get back to business. Flip-flops give way to sneakers, backpacks replace beach bags, and the calendar is suddenly packed with activity. As we head back to school and business, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the people, places, and stories that make Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus such special communities. This month, we’re taking you behind the scenes in Ho-Ho-Kus, where a star-studded cast recently descended on town to film a movie. It’s not every day that Hollywood comes to our neighborhood, and we have a front-row look at what happens when a familiar local setting becomes a movie set. We’re also shining a spotlight on Ridgewood resident Steve Riskind, whose passion for craftsmanship, photography, and the industrial arts has resulted in two fascinating books. Through his words and remarkable photography, Steve explores

the intersection of traditional trades, technology, industry, and art—and introduces us to the skilled individuals who continue to keep these crafts alive. And before you run out to buy that one thing you need for a single project, check out our story on the Ridgewood Library’s Library of Things. Need a label maker? A metal detector? Perhaps a leaf blower? Don’t buy—borrow! The library has an ever-growing collection of useful— and sometimes unexpected—items you can check out. It’s a wonderful example of how our local institutions continue to find creative ways to serve the community. As we settle back into our routines this month, I also want to remind you to shop local! When you visit one of our advertisers, please let them know you saw their business here in Ridgewood & Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine. They are the reason this magazine can be delivered to your door each month—and we are grateful for their support. So, welcome back to a busy new season. We hope you’ll turn the pages, discover something new, and most importantly, continue to celebrate and support the people and businesses that make our communities thrive. Got an idea for a story? Drop me an email! Happy September!

Kris Pepper

Editor editor@ridgewoodmag.com ridgewoodmag.com @ridgewoodmag

Publisher Karen Stires karen.stires@wainscotmedia.com Editor Kris Pepper Writers Kris Pepper Rebecca Bleich Stacey Antine, RD Sarah Nolan Lorri Steinbacher 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 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.

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DianeDurocherInteriors.com 201.825.3832

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LOCAL FUN

Fall is Around the Corner! Summer vacation has passed, school’s in session, and everyone is back in the swing of things. But there is still a lot of fun to be had! Don’t “leaf” it up to chance—be sure to mark your calendars so that you don’t miss a thing! BY REBECCA BLEICH

5TH ANNUAL HO-HO-KUS DAY When: Saturday, September 12; Noon to 6 p.m. (Rain Date September 13) Where: Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus This year, Ho-Ho-Kus joins the many communities across the country in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. It’s an opportunity to come together, reconnect with friends and neighbors, and celebrate hometown spirit. Enjoy live music, food trucks, rides, and amusements—you won’t want to miss this! For more information, visit: hhkborough.com.

ART IN THE PARK 9/11 REMEMBRANCE EXHIBIT

When: Saturday, September 19; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Ridgewood Public Library

Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood

During September, residents are invited to view the “Portraits” exhibit as they honor the memories of Ridgewood’s friends and neighbors. The Bekcher Auditorium in the Ridgewood Public Library is open every day and provides a place to reflect and remember.

Take a stroll through the Village and join the Ridgewood Guild for a fun day touring Ridgewood’s Fine Art Fair. This annual event showcases fine art in a variety of mediums from talented artisans around the area. For more information, visit: ridgewoodguild.com.

RIDGEWOOD’S 34TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW 9/11 CEREMONY When: Friday, September 11; 8:50 a.m. Where: Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Hall Tickets required: Kids: $5 and Adults: $10 Join Ho-Ho-Kus in bringing together the community to honor the victims and first responders of the September 11 attacks. This annual ceremony is open to everyone in the community to pay tribute to those affected that day.

When: Friday, September 11; 6 to 9 p.m. Where: East Ridgewood Avenue Join Ridgewood as they pay tribute to the courageous firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, first responders, and all those whose lives were changed on September 11. Spend the night enjoying the car show and a special 9/11 tribute ceremony, and music under the stars. For more information, ridgewoodchamber.com.

For more information, visit hhkborough.com.

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LOCAL FUN POCAHONTAS FACT OR FICTION When: Thursday, September 24; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Ridgewood Museum at the Schoolhouse, 650 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood Members $10, Non-members $15 Looking to learn more about the misunderstood historical figure, Pocahontas? Take a closer look at the real woman behind the legend and separate historical evidence from centuries of mythmaking. This presentation invites audiences to question what they think they know and to discover the remarkable story of the real Pocahontas. For more information, visit: ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org.

ART & SHUI SOULFUL ART FALL RETREAT DAY

FALL HARVEST MARKETPLACE

When: Sunday, September 27; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Center for Mind Body Balance, 96 East Allendale Road, Saddle River

When: Saturday, October 3; 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Van Neste Square; Memorial Park, Ridgewood

Registration required; $175 per person, includes lunch and all art materials. Gather for a one-of-a-kind experience to explore your own “slowing down” at the Center for Mind Body Balance while bridging the vibrancy of summer with the dormancy of winter, opening yourself to new self-expression through art. No art experience or expertise needed. What would you create if you allowed your mind and spirit to open and embrace change? For more information visit: ridgewoodchamber.com, or email jbush0530@gmail.com, lois@loiskramerperez.com.

Enjoy a full day of fun with the whole family at Ridgewood Guild’s Fall Harvest Marketplace. With tractor-drawn hayrides, delicious treats, music all day, pumpkin painting, and a host of vendors, you can eat, ride, dance, and shop till you drop! For more information, visit: ridgewoodguild.com.

CREATING A SEASON-LONG PERENNIAL GARDEN When: Monday, September 28; 7:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Sycamore Church at 32 Sycamore Ave, Ho-Ho-Kus Learn how to create continuous interest from the first signs of spring well into winter by combining perennials with staggered bloom times, colorful foliage, attractive seed heads, and other ornamental features. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: hohokusgardenclub.com.

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

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H ONORED TO BE INCLUDED ON THE 2026 REAL TRENDS

VERIFIED TOP 1.5% OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

S MA L L TEAMS BY VO LU ME IN N EW JE RSE Y Erin Pruitt

Jennifer Donovan

Realtor® Sales Associate RSPS, Founding Agent M: 201.888.4800 O: 551.284.0175 erin.pruitt@compass.com

Realtor® Sales Associate CNE, PSA M: 201.906.9138 O: 551.284.0175 jennifer.donovan@compass.com

Jennifer Donovan and Erin Pruitt are licensed real estate salespersons afﬁliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions.

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LIV ING WE LL

Around the Breakfast Table The best back-to-school mornings begin with breakfast.

AS SUMMER WINDS down and school routines return, one simple habit can make a remarkable difference for the whole family: sharing a balanced breakfast. As a child, dinner together wasn’t always possible because my dad commuted to New York City. But breakfast was sacred. Every morning, my sister and I gathered around the kitchen table while my dad quizzed us with vocabulary flashcards before school. Looking back, those mornings gave me more than a healthy meal— they gave me confidence, connection, and memories that have lasted a lifetime. Breakfast fuels both body and brain. A balanced meal helps stabilize blood sugar, improve concentration, support memory, and provide lasting energy for the school day. Build breakfast around protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and colorful fruits or vegetables. Think eggs with avocado toast and berries, overnight oats with walnuts and

fruit, or a smoothie with yogurt, spinach, berries, oats, and flaxseed. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children isn’t a perfect breakfast— it’s our presence. Put away the phones, gather around the table, and enjoy a few meaningful minutes together. Those ordinary mornings often become the extraordinary memories our children carry into adulthood. Here’s to a school year filled with nourishing breakfasts, meaningful conversations, and strong bodies and healthy minds.

HEALTHY HABIT CHALLENGE: This September, try eating breakfast together at least three mornings each week. Even 15 minutes around the table—without phones—can nourish both bodies and relationships.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEALTHBARN USA AND STACEY ANTINE

BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN, FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, HEALTHBARN USA

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BREAKFAST BOOST: WHY STARTING SAVORY CAN HELP Your first meal of the day sets the stage for your energy, focus, and even your food choices later on.

Crunchy Granola with Walnuts Why buy granola in a box when this homemade mixture tastes better and is so easy to make? We lowered the fat content of traditional granola and still kept the great taste. We chose oats, a whole-grain base, and added flaxseeds and walnuts for healthy polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids. We gave it a naturally sweet taste by finishing it with agave nectar and raisins. We bake this versatile granola in large quantities because it stores easily, and because we use it in our Yogurt Sundae, Apple Crisp, and Raspberry Crumble recipes, too!

3. Add agave nectar, oil, and vanilla, and stir to mix thoroughly. 4. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake 25 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring about every 5 to 10 minutes to make sure it does not burn. 5. Cool completely in the pan. When cool, stir in raisins. Store in a tightly sealed container up to 2 weeks or freeze to last longer.

Makes 20 servings (½ cup per serving).

INGREDIENTS 3 cups old-fashioned oats 1⁄₃ cup ground flaxseeds 1⁄₃ cup hulled raw sunflower seeds 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ cup agave nectar ¼ cup sunflower oil 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts (if using), and cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 140 calories; 6g fat (1g sat fat, 1g mono, 3g poly, 0g trans fat); 0mg cholesterol; 19g carbohydrate (2g fiber, 10g sugar); 3g protein; 0mg sodium; 2% Daily Value (DV) calcium; 6% DV iron.

A breakfast built around protein, healthy fats, and fiber—such as eggs with vegetables, avocado toast, tofu scramble, or Greek yogurt with nuts—helps keep blood sugar steady. Stable blood sugar can help you stay full longer, improve concentration, and reduce cravings for sugary snacks throughout the morning. If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, choose natural sweetness from fruit and pair it with protein and healthy fats. Try oatmeal topped with walnuts and berries, Greek yogurt with peaches and almonds, or whole-grain toast with nut butter and banana slices. Before you reach for something sweet, ask yourself, “Where’s the protein?” Building your breakfast around protein first—and adding whole grains, healthy fats, and colorful fruits or vegetables—creates lasting energy for busy school and workdays. EASY SAVORY BREAKFAST IDEAS • Veggie omelet with whole-grain toast • Avocado toast topped with sliced tomatoes • Hummus with sliced cucumbers on whole-grain toast • Leftover vegetable frittata with fresh fruit • Overnight oats prepared with milk, chia seeds, diced apples, and almond butter.

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.

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Through the Lens of Craft

In two richly photographed books, Steve Riskind documents where artistry meets industry and innovation—from stained glass studios and pipe organ builders to visual arts studios where creativity thrives. BY KRIS PEPPER

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STEVE RISKIND AND his wife, Mary, have been residents of Ridgewood for over 51 years. Originally from Chicago, Steve’s professional journey led him to New York City, and the couple chose to live in the Village because of its beautiful neighborhoods and excellent school system. As his professional career wound down and he headed toward

retirement, Steve reignited his interest in photography, producing two books: “art | commerce” and “Held Beneath Their Hands.” His thoughts and insights on the intersection of art, photography, and workmanship are fascinating. But Steve’s photos, which tend to hone in on the hands of the artisans as they work their craft, truly tell the story.

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PHOTOS: STEVE RISKIND, JOHN BARTLIK (PHOTOS OF STEVE RISKIND)

Steve and Mary Riskind.

What first drew you to photography? When I was young, my parents gave me a Brownie Hawkeye camera. This was my first opportunity to take pictures on my own. My real introduction to photography came in high school at the University of Chicago’s Lab School. I was fortunate to have an arts teacher, Robert Donald Erickson, a skilled photographer who captured the Chicago industrial landscape in great detail, and even built his own cameras. His classes were filled with experimentation, and I spent hours in the darkroom learning photographic theory. I returned to photography in 2008 after years of running my computer database consulting business. I headed to the International Center for Photography in New York City, where I re-learned my craft digitally. My

computer consulting expertise and my in my books. Each of them is trying earlier study of photography both came to earn an income and run a small business based on artistic excellence. into play. And, as a fine arts photographer who became an artist late in life, I can Your work beautifully blends industrial empathize. photography with portraiture. What is it The studios and shops in which about the people behind the craft that they work are fascinating to me. I use captivates you? photography to capture the artists in I strongly identify with the people the act of creating. Often this means I have photographed in both of my close-ups, including close-ups of books. In high school and during hands at work. But there are times summers in college, I worked as an electronics technician at the University when the working environment itself of Chicago’s Argonne Cancer Research captures my attention. The looms in Jerry Valenta’s textile mill in “art| Hospital, where I began to realize that both hand and mind play an important commerce,” and Lester Dunklee’s 100-year-old machine shop in “Held role in learning. Having managed my own consulting Beneath Their Hands” both motivated firm for 25 years, I know the challenges me to wander around and photograph the environment. The tools and the of running a small business, so I have great respect for the artisan businesses surroundings in which the artist works contribute to the creative process. that I wrote about and photographed SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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What especially intrigued you about Paterson as a focus in “art|commerce”? Part of my motivation came from taking an urban landscape photography course, and some of it was thanks to growing up in Chicago. I began exploring sites like the abandoned American Textile Printing buildings and the Colt Mill near the Great Falls. Later, I began photographing the architecture of downtown Paterson. I liked the images I was making. I eventually met Jerry Valenta, who, along with his son, ran a specialty textile mill in Hawthorne. Jerry’s father had started the business in Paterson after World War II, and he agreed to let me photograph the looms at work. The owner of Great Falls Jewelry Making in Paterson found me while I was selling photographs of Paterson

at a crafts fair. Jan Palombo came to my booth and suggested that I take photographs of her business. That became my second Paterson-area business. The third business I located was Paragallo Pipe Organ Company. For many years, I have enjoyed the music of the pipe organ, and for a short time I took organ lessons. I found Paragallo in a directory of organ builders, and I remembered hearing their instruments at meetings of the American Guild of Organists. I reached out to the Paragallos, and I was welcomed to photograph their active business. John Paragallo, III, later told me about the Hiemer Stained Glass Studio, and that became the fourth business in “art | commerce.” Many roads led me to photograph artisan businesses in Paterson!

Left to right One of the fun parts of photographing in Lester Dunklee’s 100-year-old shop was seeing the sparks fly! Kevin Moreau creates replicas of locks and keys that were in use hundreds of years ago. Here, he does the initial shaping for part of a lock. The metal piece was heated in a coal burning forge and then pounded into shape on an anvil.

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Top: A jewelry maker prepares a ring for attaching the stone at Great Falls Metalworks. Bottom: Building a pipe organ is a complex and intricate job, but there is heavy lifting to be done as well. Here, a large bass pipe is being hoisted into position in the organ’s facade.

How does “Held Beneath Their Hands” build upon or differ from “art|commerce?” The focus in “art | commerce” was small, artisan businesses. By the time I had finished that project, my interests in industrial landscape and portraiture had fused. “Held Beneath Their Hands” began as two projects: photographing midcareer visual artists at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York City, and a second project to work with artisans in Vermont, where we spent our summers for many years. I consider both populations to be artists. The pandemic made it very difficult for a few years to photograph NYC artists in their studios, but fortunately, lower COVID rates in Vermont and spacious artist lofts made it possible to keep working there. I finally decided to include both groups in a single book. SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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Opposite page from top: David Holzapfel has so many ways of sculpting sections of trees into pieces of furniture. In this photo, he is using a torch to blacken part of the wood. This will become part of the final piece’s finish. Assembling a stained glass window by gently tapping the pieces into place. A stained glass studio is a joy for a photographer working in color! This page from top: Tamiko Kawata was the first artist Steve photographed at Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York City. Here, she is creating a work out of strips of corrugated cardboard. Clare Churchouse’s artistic process comes to life in “Held Beneath Their Hands.” Here are two studies of her hands as she creates wall installations.

How did the title “Held Beneath Their Hands” come to be? I asked many friends for title suggestions, and one of my walking partners, Bernie Josefsberg, came to my rescue. Bernie, a former English teacher and school superintendent, has a wonderful way with language. He also has great internet search skills. He found Vita Sackville-West’s poem “Craftsmen.” He slightly modified the last line and gave me the expression “Held Beneath Their Hands.” All nine artists in the book work with their hands. The objects of beauty they create are held beneath their hands. After much searching, I had a title! Many of the crafts you photograph have existed for centuries, but now use some modern technology to survive. What fascinates you about the intersection of tradition and innovation? The place where your question becomes compelling is in crafts like pipe organ building and making stained glass windows. In my conversations

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making stained glass windows. In my conversations at Hiemer Stained Glass Studio, Judith Hiemer Van Wie described stained glass making as a profession that uses basically the same tools that were used hundreds of years ago. Electric soldering irons have replaced tools heated over a fire, and electric drills and buffers are seen at all the work tables in the shop. But it is basically the same technology, though more efficient. Pipe organs have evolved since the time of J. S. Bach (1685-1750). Once considered one of the most complex mechanical instruments in existence, pipe organs now have electric blower motors and components. They no longer require manual helpers to pump organ bellows. When you think about technology and tradition, you have to ask whether the technology is a part of the instrument being built or whether it is a traditional instrument built using today’s tools.

As automation continues to reshape manufacturing, why is it important to preserve traditional craftsmanship? Traditional craftsmanship is art for the people I have photographed. Highly skilled, creative people making beautiful objects. I hope this will never disappear. To me, manufacturing is the process of making large quantities of the same object. The goal is to do it efficiently, with as little waste as possible, and to create reliable and attractive products. Large-scale automated manufacturing and traditional craftsmanship are two different worlds. I hope they are not mutually exclusive! If readers take away one message from your books, what do you hope it is? Giving copies of “Held Beneath Their Hands” to the artists who appear in it has been a joy. I have wanted to thank them for allowing me into their studios and shops, and I hope that their appearance in this book will help,

in some small way, to further their artistic careers. As a photographer, I hope my readers love the pictures. But, beyond that, I hope you see the artists and artisans in both books as brilliant, creative people. And I hope readers gain an appreciation for the artistic process. “Held Beneath Their Hands” is available online at everyonesbooks.com. “art| commerce” is available at everyonesbooks.com, Amazon.com, Alibris. com, and selected bookstores.

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Beyond BOOKS From apples to amplifiers—Amy Briggs teaches by day, rocks by night.

Cara Scott (Marketing Librarian), Olivia Esteban (Adult Services Supervising Librarian), and Victoria Schnure (ESL Coordinator/Instructor) show off popular summer items like power washers, ping pong sets, and gardening equipment.

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From hotspots and lawn games to thermal imaging cameras and even an “emotional support chicken,” the Ridgewood Public Library’s Library of Things is helping residents save money and explore new interests.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RIDGEWOOD LIBRARY

BY KRIS PEPPER

WHAT BEGAN WITH STEM kits around 2013 and hotspots in 2020, the Ridgewood Public Library officially began building its Library of Things (LoT) collection in 2021. Funded by the Library’s Friends Foundation, it’s a collection of items that people can borrow for free using a library card, such as tools, electronics, and games. Now, Ridgewood’s LoT has since grown to include more than 150 items. Located in the library’s Reference area, the collection reflects a simple question: What would be useful to the community? “We try to consider what might be beneficial to our patrons, whether for entertainment or practical use,” says Elias Rosner, Reference Librarian. Popular items often inspire additions to the collection, helping the library expand on interests already shared by

patrons. The selection also focuses on items that many people may not own, cannot easily afford, or may only need a few times each year. That philosophy has led to offerings ranging from PA systems and leaf blowers to gaming equipment and specialized technological tools. SURPRISING FINDS ON THE SHELVES The Library of Things is full of unexpected discoveries. Rosner’s personal favorite might be the collection’s most unusual item: an “emotional support chicken,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a rubber chicken wearing a vest. Other standout items include gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch 2, thermal imaging cameras, and even an outdoor heater for colder months.

Left: Justin Kontonicolaou, Young Adult Librarian and mom, with LOT Tonies (featuring Moana) Jeffrey Hoffman, Library Assistant, tries out the label maker.

For younger patrons and families, the collection includes Tonies, small figurines that represent characters or themes and come preloaded with audio content. When placed on a Toniebox audio player, they tell stories and provide an engaging listening experience. “The Library’s mission is to engage the community in the pursuit of lifelong learning,” says Victoria Schnure, ESL Coordinator/Instructor. “We provide an environment and services that enhance the experience of living in a great community like Ridgewood. Our staff keeps this mission top of mind, engaging residents and community partners, and always asking, ‘What can the Library do to make someone’s life easier, more joyful, or more connected?’” SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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The library’s mahjong sets are gaining popularity with everyone—including teens!

SOMETHING FOR ALMOST EVERYONE While the collection serves a broad audience, certain categories consistently rise to the top. Games are among the most popular items, particularly lawn games. Hotspots, however, remain the undisputed favorite, far outpacing any other single item in the collection. The library also offers dementiafriendly kits designed to support memory and recall. Some focus on strengthening memory through games, while others help users reconnect with personal memories. The LoT includes resources for students, such as calculators and MCAT flashcards, as well as equipment useful for videographers and backyard entertainers.

MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS The LoT fills many different needs for residents and patrons throughout the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS), whose cardholders can borrow most items in the collection. For some, the benefit is financial. Borrowing an item can eliminate the need for a costly purchase. For others, it provides access to a tool at exactly the right moment, whether they are tackling a home project, trying a new hobby, or planning a special event. The collection has also proven valuable during unexpected situations. Rosner recalls that the library hotspots were a lifesaver to several new residents waiting for home internet service to be installed. In another case, a business owner

experienced a malfunctioning door lock that seemed unusually warm. After borrowing the library’s thermal imaging camera, the patron discovered part of the mechanism had exceeded 130 degrees. The electrical current was shut off, and the faulty equipment was replaced before the problem could become more serious. SUSTAINABLE SHARING The LoT supports sustainability by reducing waste, encouraging shared use of resources, and allowing people to “try before they buy.” “If 20 people need the same item over the course of a year,” Rosner notes, “that’s 19 fewer devices sitting around gathering dust or eventually ending up in a landfill.” The electric leaf blower provides

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Clockwise from top: Ashley Loria, Youth Services Librarian, doesn’t have to waste her breath with this balloon pump. Elias Rosner, Reference Librarian, keeps his cool on a hot summer day. Hoffman, tries out the metal detector.

patrons an opportunity to try a quieter alternative to gas-powered equipment before deciding whether to purchase one themselves. Other items encourage a repair mindset. A sewing machine can extend the life of clothing, while a phone-cleaning kit helps maintain personal devices. By providing access to specialized equipment, the library empowers patrons to repair and maintain belongings that might otherwise be discarded. While the LoT may seem like a modern innovation, Rosner sees it as a natural extension of the public library’s longstanding mission. Over the years, libraries have provided access to materials that might otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable for many people. In the past, that included encyclopedias, art books, and specialized journals. Soon, VHS tapes, CDs, and DVDs came on the scene. Today, that same spirit of access

includes tools, technology, games, and equipment. “It’s not so much a changing role,” Rosner says, “but an expansion; in fact, the Ridgewood Library even loaned out paintings at one time.” LOOKING AHEAD Even with more than 150 items available, Rosner is still thinking about what could come next. His wish list includes an electric lawnmower, giant UNO cards, and perhaps even a jewelry-cleaning kit. For now, however, Ridgewood’s Library of Things continues to offer something increasingly valuable: access. Whether it’s a hotspot, a thermal imaging camera, a lawn game, or a rubber chicken, the collection proves that today’s libraries are about much more than books. Visit ridgewoodlibrary.org/libraryservices/library-of-things for more information. SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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On Location Ho-Ho-Kus producer Michael Gray’s latest movie, “American Summer,” taps into small-town nostalgia: friendship, love, community, and, of course, baseball. BY SARAH NOLAN

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AFTER YEARS IN the film industry, Michael Gray began to grow nostalgic for the type of feel-good family entertainment that he says has seemingly vanished from cinema and television in recent years. “Where is the content that’s appealing to small-town America, that can inspire and entertain an audience, spanning generations?” asks Gray, a writer, director, and producer who calls Ho-HoKus home. “It doesn’t happen anymore. It used to; I think its absence has left a large population of viewers deprived.” To quote the classic 1989 sports

Writer, director, and producer Michael Gray with actress Callie Reese of Saddle River, who appears in “American Summer.”

fantasy film “Field of Dreams:” If you build it, they will come. And so, Gray did. His film, “American Summer,” hits theaters this month, starring big names like Steve Guttenberg, Christie Brinkley, and Dan Lauria. It’s a coming-of-age story that captures the carefree days of being a kid in the summer—afternoons spent riding bikes down tree-lined streets with friends, first crushes, and of course, America’s pastime—baseball. It’s a storyline Gray first dreamt up more than a decade ago; seeing it released to the world has been exciting and heartwarming, he says.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM PARAY AND COURTESY OF MICHAEL GRAY

Clockwise from left: The “American Summer” movie poster. Gray with Dan Lauria and actress Erinn Ruth. Gray with “American Summer” stars Steve Guttenberg and Christie Brinkley.

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Top: Gray with producer Michael Cuomo and Cullen Moss of “Outerbanks” fame. Bottom: Gray with Dan Lauria, who plays the grandpa in “American Summer,” and Luis Sojo, who plays the coach.

AN ALL-STAR CAST “American Summer” is told from the perspective of Guttenberg’s character, Mikey, looking back on an unforgettable summer from his youth. That year, young Mikey, played by Logan Gray (known for roles on the Apple TV+ series “Surfside Girls” and Disney’s “Just Beyond”), meets “the” girl and scores a spot on the travel baseball team. But he’s also coping with uncertainty as his father, a U.S. Army soldier, is missing overseas. The PG movie might be described as “Stand by Me” meets “Sandlot” with some “Wonder Years” vibes, Gray says. Mikey’s crush, Kelly, is played by Mia Talerico of Disney’s “Good Luck Charlie” fame. Brinkley rounds out the all-star cast as adult Kelly, Lauria as Mikey’s grandfather, Cullen Moss, known for his role in “Outer Banks,” as Coach Eddie, and former MLB players Lee Mazzilli and Luis Sojo. Gray says the cast came together beautifully and organically. He was

introduced to Guttenberg through a mutual friend. The pair hit it off at a dinner meeting. “He’s a phenomenal person; he loved the title and really got what we were trying to do,” Gray says. “So, I had him locked in.” Gray began to think about who a good fit for adult Kelly might be—“someone age 65 or older whose smile gives you the feeling of the sun beaming.” Brinkley fit the bill perfectly and signed on after reading the script and a phone call with Gray. The writer/director/producer says casting Lauria was kismet. “He’s the ‘Wonder Years’ dad; you trust him,” Gray says. “He’s perfect as the small-town grandpa who’s a veteran because he’s actually a veteran.” Gray says the “universe aligned” in casting Logan Gray and Talerico. He says Logan, a “talented actor,” also resembles Guttenberg, and Talerico is an “iconic childhood star.” The unique cast melds to create

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Gray with the “American Summer” kid ensemble.

a world where friendship, love, and community are central. Notably absent are screens. “I remember the days of playing outside until the streetlights went on and it was time for dinner,” Gray says. “Then you went home to be with your family—watched TV, maybe played a board game together. Those days are done. Now kids are sitting around together but looking at their phones. I wanted to remove that device distraction from the movie and exist in the relationships between the people.” BERGEN COUNTY ROOTS And though “American Summer” is meant to be timeless and take place in Anytown, USA, Gray’s upbringing in Bergen County inspired the film. The writer grew up in Westwood in the 1980s and says the movie is a “twinge” autobiographical. “It was an idyllic place to grow up and very humble; both of my parents were teachers,” Gray says. “We’d get on

our bikes, ride up to the field to play ball with our friends. I really wanted to capture some of that idealism of my youth into this content.” The movie was even filmed in Westwood, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Allendale and has some nods to the towns (the final game is Allendale vs. Highlands). Gray says he cast many locals as extras in the film and prioritized hiring local production assistants, caterers, etc. The writer/producer is in the film himself and has a one-line as the baseball commissioner (though he appears more comfortable discussing his behind-the-scenes work on the film). Three of his four children also appear in the movie. He says it’s a special experience and comforting to be surrounded by friends and loved ones during filming. The movie will premiere on Sept. 4 in 50 to 100 theaters across the country, according to Gray. The September timing is perfect, he says, as the film is a retrospective of summer memories.

Plus, with celebrations continuing for America’s 250th anniversary, he feels “American Summer” hits the right notes. The producer, whose previous projects include the documentary “Fightville” and films “A Birder’s Guide to Everything” and “Jamie Marks is Dead,” hopes “American Summer” opens the door for him to create more familyforward content. “I want to foster that nostalgic feeling and create content that focuses on the real lives of people in small-town USA,” Gray says. “I want to create movies and TV shows that kids and adults can truly enjoy together.” For more about “American Summer,” visit americansummermovie.com or the film’s Instagram page @americansummermovie. Sarah Nolan is a writer with a passion for telling people’s stories. A Ho-Ho-Kus native, she believes in the power of local journalism to connect and foster a sense of community. SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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Michael, Christine Kearney, and Lee Schaeffer, WB Chief Clinical Officer, cut the ribbon, welcoming families to the Center for Children and Youth in Ramsey. The Center was completely refurbished to provide more space for clients to wait, accommodating families with multiple children.

Making a Difference We sat down with Michael Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare to discuss mental health, the organization’s mission and successes, and why he’s inspired by his profession. BY KRIS PEPPER IF YOU’VE BEEN around Ridgewood for any amount of time, you may know Michael Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare (WBMH). His passion for helping people and making a difference is felt throughout the organization and beyond, as his community roots run deep. This year, Michael celebrates his 25th anniversary at WBMH, 20 as CEO, where he helped launch the organization’s first Asperger’s syndrome and autism program— and began the trajectory of his professional career. Today, as CEO, Tozzoli continues to build on that mission, leading one of northern New Jersey’s most respected mental healthcare organizations with a focus on innovation, compassion, and community.

What led you to a career in mental health? My middle sister suffered from mental illness. When you see that play out as a kid, it affects you deeply. It was confusing, upsetting, yet, in a way, intriguing. It laid the foundation for the rest of my professional life. What first drew you to West Bergen Mental Healthcare, and what inspired you to dedicate two decades of your career to the organization? West Bergen is the right fit for me because it is small enough to get things done—and large enough to get things done! Having worked in organizations of all sizes, I really appreciate that! It’s a wonderful place with a great staff, strong board, and hard-working volunteers. Even my sister, Susan,

volunteers here—it’s a great new way for us to be connected! This year marks your 25th year of service to West Bergen Mental Healthcare. When you reflect on that journey, what are you most proud of? Three things. Since one of our core tenets of service is to train the next generation of mental health professionals, we launched a training institute for therapists and mental health professionals of all disciplines, including graduates, undergrads, and advanced practice nurses. Organizations like ours struggle to fill open positions, and the demand for services outweighs the number of providers available. Offering this type of training enables mental health professionals to go out in the world and

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Top: From left: Martin Tryka, Chief Technology Officer; Karen Acker, Chief Operating Officer; Michael Tozzoli, CEO; Chrissie Lijoi, Director of Development; Lee Schaeffer, Chief Clinical Officer; Kirsten Rostkowski, Executive Liaison Bottom: From left: West Bergen trustees, Christine Kearney and Jordan Kaufman with Michael

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF WEST BERGEN MENTAL HEALTHCARE

Mental health awareness has come a long way in recent years. What changes have you seen in public attitudes toward seeking help? The stigma of mental health has lessened over the years, thankfully. Teletherapy, which took off during the pandemic, has expanded access for many people who may not necessarily have made an appointment to visit a therapist “live.” However, some statistics show that once an individual thinks they have a mental health issue, it can take an average of five years before they actually make the call for help! My goal is to get that number down!

work—interestingly, most of the people in this program do not end up working at WBMH, but they are exponentially changing lives everywhere. The second initiative is our schoolbased services. West Bergen Mental Healthcare is a big presence in area middle schools and high schools with therapists on-site. I firmly believe that early intervention is key. Addressing issues when a child is in their formative years makes a world of difference because we can begin therapy earlier. This spares the resources and costs required to address issues when children are teens or young adults. We’re in almost 20 schools throughout northern New Jersey. The third thing I’m especially proud of is one that most people don’t know about—our emergency response services for families who experience unexpected death by suicide. First responders know they can call us to

help these families navigate the situation and work through the grief. This extends out to the surrounding community, as well. We have a free warmline to help, offering three sessions to anyone in need. I have literally sat at the dining room table with families in these situations, walking them through the process of telling family members and working through the unimaginable shock and pain. It’s the moral and ethical thing to do—yet no one knows about it until there is a need. What has been the most difficult challenge you’ve encountered as CEO? Being a therapist is very hard. You worry about your clients. I worry about how hard the work is on our staff. It’s a lot to carry. I am fortunate to have a great board of trustees and staff, but at the end of the day, all of the responsibility falls on me, and it can be lonely at times.

Why is it so important for communities like Ridgewood and Bergen County to continue investing in mental health services? Mental health is extremely important. It impacts everyone in one way or another. No other public health issue touches as many people, so as a community, it’s important to invest in programs to address it. The more we can do to intervene at its early stages, the better. How would you like your legacy at West Bergen Mental Healthcare to be defined? Growing the organization to serve more people, but holding tight to West Bergen’s warm, caring, and personalized culture. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice as you began this journey, what would it be? This job is going to be really difficult, but you have to do it. It’s worth it. Treatment works, and people really do get better! For more information, visit westbergen.org. SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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RHS HAPPENINGS

VitaFlow Goes Full STEAM Ahead The RHS Applied Engineering Club “VitaFlow” team claims victory just hours after taking their AP Physics C Exam.

MEMBERS OF THE Ridgewood High School Applied Engineering Club competed at the prestigious Thomas Edison Pitch Contest as Team VitaFlow in May, capturing first-place honors and defeating student teams from around the world. Held annually at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, the event challenges students in grades 4 to 12 to invent solutions to real-world problems and pitch their ideas to a panel of real-life scientists and entrepreneurs. Team VitaFlow consists of seniors Elliott Yi (entering Princeton University), Aarav Motivala (rising

freshman at UC Berkeley), and Ben Soung (headed to Brown University), and junior Mathias Levani. The team previously earned second place at the NJSTEAM Tank competition, demonstrating a consistent record of innovation and excellence. Under the guidance of physics and chemistry teacher Dr. Lillian Labowsky and Mr. Richard Plattel, the team developed a project that the judges deemed exceptional—earning the club its first international first-place finish in five years. The fact that all four members sat for the AP Physics C exam that morning and then headed to West

Orange for the competition made their achievement all the more impressive! The Applied Engineering Club at Ridgewood High School, directed by Dr. Labowsky and co-club advisor Mr. Richard Plattel, has a long tradition of producing student inventors and engineers who go on to top universities and careers in science and technology. The club strives to empower students to become responsible, innovative, and socially conscious engineers who contribute meaningfully to their community and the world. This latest win reaffirms its place among the nation’s premier high school engineering programs.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BY KRIS PEPPER

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THE ANTHROPOCENE REVIEWED

By John Green Green reviews everything from Diet Dr Pepper to sunsets and the QWERTY keyboard on a five-star scale, using each subject as a jumping-off point for history, science, and human behavior.

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By Randall Munroe The author uses real science to answer ridiculous questions: What would happen if everyone on Earth jumped at once? Could you build a jetpack using machine guns? Funny, clever, and practically designed to produce dinner-party conversation.

THE NINETIES

By Chuck Klosterman A look at the decade through music, movies, politics, technology, sports, and celebrity. Klosterman is particularly good at taking something familiar and making you reconsider what it meant culturally.

THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOR

By Kassia St. Clair A cultural history told through individual colors, including imperial purple, Scheele’s green, puce, and ultramarine. St. Clair touches on everything from fashion to politics to art, to chemistry, and more. Perfect source material for cocktail-party trivia.

CONSIDER THE FORK

By Bee Wilson Why do we eat with forks? Why are Chinese knives different from European ones? How did refrigeration change what we eat? Wilson uses ordinary kitchen tools to tell a surprisingly entertaining history of technology, culture, class, and food.

THE ART THIEF

By Michael Finkel A true story about Stéphane Breitwieser, who stole hundreds of artworks from museums across Europe, often in broad daylight. It opens up conversations about why we collect art, who gets to possess it, and what makes something valuable.

BECAUSE INTERNET: UNDERSTANDING THE NEW RULES OF LANGUAGE

By Gretchen McCulloch Examine how texting, social media, memes, emojis, punctuation, and online communities are changing English. McCulloch explains why ending a text with a period can feel oddly severe, how different generations use LOL, and why internet language has developed its own unwritten rules.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AN ORDINARY LIFE By Amy Krouse Rosenthal Rosenthal turns the seemingly ordinary details of her life into a witty, alphabetically arranged encyclopedia of observations, memories, quirks, and small pleasures. It makes a case that everyday life is far more interesting than we give it credit for.

Lorri Steinbacher is the director of the Ridgewood Public.. Library and facilitator of the Book Circle and Cover 2. Cover book groups at the library.

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