A GLOBAL IMPACT THE EMPATHIC ENTREPRENEUR EQUALITY MISSION
CIGARS AND GOOD SPIRITS THE TOBACCO SHOP
Salt & Sky Wellness blends advanced aesthetic treatments with whole-body wellness, focusing on both outer beauty and inner balance. Services often combine medical-grade skincare, natural therapies, and lifestyle support to rejuvenate the skin, restore vitality, and promote overall health. The goal is not just to enhance appearance, but to nurture mind, body, and spirit for long-lasting, radiant results.
18
and Good Spirits
Ridgewood’s long-standing tobacco shop isn’t just a village mainstay; it has a unique and supernatural story to tell, too.
Global Citizenship Lives in Ridgewood
Meet The Empathic Entrepreneur Equality Mission (TEEEM), a Ridgewood-based powerhouse that supports over 1.5 million people on five continents.
22 Prevention Starts With Education
The Ridgewood Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau is doing more than you know to keep you safe.
EDITOR’S NOTE Cozy up With Feel-Good Stories!
LOCAL TASTES
Sandwich With Flair
LOCAL FUN Fall into Fun
BOOK NOOK Moors, Manors, and Madness
LIVING WELL Sweet Balance
PHOTO OP Taking Flight COVER Lt. John Young (left) and Lt. Vincent Krug lead the Ridgewood Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau.
Photograph by Adam Paray
pCOZY UP WITH FEEL-GOOD STORIES!
PUMPKIN SPICE MAY be everywhere, but in Ridgewood, fall brings its own special flavor (and I prefer pumpkin beer, anyway). From crisp walks under golden leaves to bustling downtown weekends filled with friends and neighbors, October is the season when our village feels brisk and alive.
We begin with the Empathy, Equality & Entrepreneurship Mission (TEEEM), a remarkable
BY MARJORIE RAGGO
Ridgewood-based organization that empowers students to make a global difference. Their work demonstrates that empathy in action can ripple far beyond Bergen County.
Next, we step inside one of Ridgewood’s most storied businesses—The Tobacco Shop— where history, camaraderie, and even a few whispered ghost tales mingle with the aroma of fine cigars. It’s a glimpse into a local landmark that has been part of our downtown fabric for years.
And of course, no issue would be complete without celebrating those who protect and serve. Since October is National Fire Prevention month, we thought we’d honor the Ridgewood Fire Department, whose commitment and courage embody the very spirit of our Village.
So, as you carve pumpkins, sip cider, or cheer at a Friday night football game, we hope these stories wrap you in the same sense of warmth and community that makes autumn in Ridgewood unforgettable.
Warmly,
Kris Pepper Editor
Ridgewood MAGAZINE
Publisher Karen Stires
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Stacey Antine, RD
Rebecca Bleich
Kris Pepper
Lorri Steinbacher
Harris Fleming
Hannah Zimmerman
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
Ridgewood Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ridgewood, 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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
A Sandwich With Flair
This prosciutto and Brie sandwich is the kind of meal that looks impressive but comes together in minutes.
BY HANNAH ZIMMERMAN
WITH JUST A HANDFUL of ingredients, this prosciutto and Brie sandwich delivers big on flavor and texture. The creamy Brie pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto. Arugula adds a peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, while fig jam gives a touch of sweetness. It’s simple, satisfying and just a little bit fancy.
This sandwich works well for a quick weekday lunch, a weekend picnic, or a casual get-together. It doesn’t need sides to feel complete, but it pairs well with a handful of chips, a simple salad or even a cold glass of white wine.
Prosciutto and Brie Sandwich
Time: 10 minutes
Makes 1-2 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 small baguette or ciabatta roll
• 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
• 4–6 slices of prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon fig jam
• ½ cup loosely packed arugula
• Optional: ¼ cup microgreens
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut the bread in half and toast it if you want it crispy.
2. Spread the fig jam in an even layer on the top half of the bread.
3. On the bottom half, layer the arugula, then fold on the slices of prosciutto.
4. Add the Brie slices over the prosciutto.
5. If using, sprinkle on the microgreens and a bit of black pepper.
Hannah is a food photographer, recipe developer and founder of Bite Sized Studio. She creates vibrant, crave-worthy imagery for CPG brands, restaurants and publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes and Eater. Find more information on her Instagram @bitesizedstudio.
6. Close the sandwich, press it down gently and cut it in half to serve.
This recipe is completely customizable to fit your taste preferences. Try using crumbled goat cheese instead of Brie for a different flavor profile, or substitute baby spinach if you don’t have arugula on hand. For a spicier twist, swap the fig jam for hot pepper jelly or some Dijon mustard. Whether you keep it classic or mix it up, the basic formula always delivers.
Fall Into Fun
Take a look at these family-friendly events for the spooky season!
OCTOBER IN RIDGEWOOD is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the season together.
From spooktacular Halloween happenings under the autumn sky to an “all access” fashion and talent show, to a fun opportunity to explore new cultural traditions, the Village has something for every age and interest. So, grab a sweater, gather the family, and dive into a month full of laughter, learning, and memory-making.
ACCESS FOR ALL FASHION & TALENT SHOW
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025; 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Auditorium, Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Ave.
Individuals of all abilities are invited to the library’s Access for All Fashion & Talent Show to celebrate their unique talents and individuality.
All ages are welcome. Check out www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/ for more information.
ARTOBER
Third Annual Celebration of Local Artists by Ridgewood Arts Foundation Oct. 3 to 28 at The Stable, 259 North Maple Ave.
Reception: Friday, Oct. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.
This juried art show is open to all artists—amateur, professional, and high school students. Come and enjoy the submissions from local artists, which include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, photography, and mixed media. Learn more at www.ridgewoodartsfoundation.org.
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square Catch the spirit of the Halloween season at the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce’s Haunted Harvest. Enjoy a “haunted” graveyard, pumpkin patch, pets and kids’ parades, music, and much more.
Visit www.ridgewoodchamber.com for more information.
CELEBRATE DIWALI
When: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025; 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Art Studio, Ridgewood Public Library; 125 North Maple Ave.
The Ridgewood Public Library invites library cardholders to enjoy an evening of creativity and festive fun celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This event is for kids aged 4 to 10.
Registration is required on the library’s website at: www.ridgewoodlibrary.org.
FREE NARCAN TRAINING
When: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025; 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: 131 North Maple Ave.
Registration required; call 201-670-5500.
Be prepared to save a life. Eileen McGinnis, Overdose Fatality Review Team coordinator from the Bergen County Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will demonstrate how to prevent an opioid overdose. Participants must be 18 years old to receive a Narcan kit.
For more information, visit www.ridgewoodnj.net.
KID’S COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARTY
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 112 Oak St.
No tricks, just treats! Celebrate Halloween with the Ridgewood YMCA at a spooktacular morning Halloween party. Wear your costume and march in the festive parade. Enjoy sweet treats, story time, music, games, and crafts. All ages are welcome. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.ridgewoodymca.org.
Where: West Side Presbyterian; 6 South Monroe St. An exceptional evening of music hosted by the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.ridgewoodchamber.com.
Rebecca Bleich is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing.
“good bones”
Cigars and Good Spirits
Ridgewood’s tobacco shop has a story to tell.
BY KRIS PEPPER
RRIDGEWOOD HAS ALWAYS been a spirited town…actually, some spirits may even drift through the walls of a Chestnut Street cigar shop. For nearly half a century, The Tobacco Shop has been a local landmark for fine cigars, warm camaraderie, and, for a time, one mysterious guest from beyond.
Gary Kolesaire’s journey began in 1968, when he received his first pipe as a high school graduation gift. By 1979, he and his wife, Barbara, purchased Ridgewood’s original Wooden Indian shop, relocating to 10 Chestnut St. in 1983 and renaming it The Tobacco Shop. Today, the three-tiered store is a destination for cigar aficionados across northern New Jersey, with a meticulously maintained humidor stocked with world-class names like Davidoff, Opus X, Padrone, Plasencia,
Atabey, and Meerapfel.
While it’s a small space, the Shop’s temperature—and humiditycontrolled humidor is designed to fit a large inventory of rare, sought-after cigars.
“It’s essential to have that marriage between the humidity and the temperature to offer exceptional cigars that are exactly how the industry intends them to be, to get the maximum flavor out of that cigar,” says Kolesaire. “That’s why we can accommodate the very special limited-edition cigars out there—it’s an investment, but we are intentional about preserving our stock
perfectly. We are very different than the other stores.”
“Rare and luxury cigars are the drivers of our success today,” says Kolesaire’s son, Tim, who helps run the family business. “We’ve been here a long time, and we have great relationships with suppliers, so we stock many cigars you can’t get elsewhere. That’s what we’ve built our business on.”
You won’t find Cuban cigars here, since they cannot legally be sold in the United States. But Kolesaire insists aficionados aren’t missing out. “The brands we carry are sourced from the
Opposite page: Gary displays a beautiful box of Davidoff Oro Blanco cigars. Above: A wide range of pipes are in stock at The Tobocco Shop.
Clockwise from top left: The upper balcony is available to anyone who purchases a cigar and doesn’t want to wait to enjoy it! Ask Kolesaire which wall housed their “spirited” guest when you visit! Exquisite leather back chairs and a donated law library grace the upper balcony. A wide selection of outstanding tobacco flavors. Humidor cigar storage.
Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras, and they are all superior to the Cuban cigars. A Cuban cigar can be very good, but these countries put fascinating cigars into production, which can feature varying tastes as you smoke them.”
The crown jewel of the shop is its third-floor members-only Davidoff lounge, one of just four in the country and the only one in Bergen County. Here, loyal patrons enjoy personal humidified lockers, oversize leather chairs, fireplaces, and big-screen TVs—a retreat for watching the big game or closing a deal, all with a fine cigar in hand.
Below, the mezzanine level is open to the public, offering a colonial Williamsburg-inspired space lined with vintage law books, English hunt prints, and a stately grandfather clock, originally belonging to Kolesaire’s parents. The warm, wood-toned setting
invites visitors to slow down, light up, and savor the moment.
But in 1993, as the shop underwent a major renovation, something unusual stirred. While removing an interior wall, Kolesaire witnessed a rush of energy sweep across the room.
“It wasn’t frightening,” Kolesaire recalls, “but it was unmistakable. It continued to happen at random moments. One day, my contractor and I both experienced it. There was definitely something there.”
The friendly spirit continued to appear for about three years, often sweeping through the shop without warning. Then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, the ghost vanished— coinciding with the installation of a rich green carpet in the main area and mezzanine. Kolesaire jokes that perhaps the spirit finally felt at peace in its beautifully renovated surroundings.
Now celebrating 46 years in business,
The Tobacco Shop has become more than just a place to buy cigars—it’s a hub of tradition, friendship, and community. Longtime members gather in the lounge, newcomers discover rare cigars in the humidor, and generations of Ridgewood families continue to make it part of their story.
This Halloween season, when you pass by 10 Chestnut St., take a moment to peek inside. You’ll find the warm glow of leather chairs, the aroma of world-class cigars, and maybe—just maybe—the lingering trace of the most mysterious member of them all.
For more about new cigar releases and shop news, follow @tobaccoshop_NJ on Instagram or visit www.tobaccoshop.com.
Kris Pepper covers Ridgewood life with a keen eye for untold stories. She’s still waiting for an exclusive interview with a local ghost.
Global Citizenship Lives in Ridgewood
Meet The Empathic Entrepreneur Equality Mission (TEEEM), a Ridgewood-based powerhouse that supports over 1.5 million people on five continents.
BY KRIS PEPPER
AAS A DOCUMENTARY photographer for 16 years, Jarret Schecter witnessed refugee camps in East Africa, life in Roma/Gypsy settlements in Europe, and surgeries on a flying eye hospital in Cuba. Eventually, he decided to move beyond documenting life to actively addressing the inequities he had witnessed, so in 2011, Schecter, who grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus, enrolled in the Columbia School of Social Work and began to volunteer with internationallyfocused nonprofits. He eventually founded The Empathic Entrepreneur Equality Mission (TEEEM) in 2018.
Many U.S. students have limited exposure to life outside their own communities and few opportunities to engage deeply in humanitarian work before adulthood. They often are seeking purposeful, real-world learning experiences. That demand is driving schools to offer programs that connect classroom learning to tangible impact. Now, TEEEM, the Ridgewood-based organization, empowers social entrepreneurs and high school students to become innovative and collaborative leaders of global nonprofits.
Executive Vice President Taylor D’Alessio took up the reins with TEEEM alongside Schecter to connect with schools and create a structure
for the grassroots program, bringing its concepts to life through our local schools.
“Ridgewood, Pascack, and Northern Highlands schools have been there from day one,” she says. Their former and current administrators are now part of TEEEM’s educator advisory board. They include: Dr. Tom Gorman (former principal at Ridgewood High School, former supervisor of Ridgewood Public Schools, and currently the superintendent at Montville); Tom DeMaio (former principal at Pascack Valley High School; and Joe Occhino (former principal at Northern Highlands High School).
IMPACT
TEEEM currently has 10 sites on five continents. The organization works with 3,000 students in 100 K-12 schools and universities and is expanding into libraries, institutions, and clubs. Areas that have been positively impacted include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ecuador, Haiti, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Ukraine. In the U.S., TEEEM works with communities in West Virginia and in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation.
By pairing students with underresourced global communities and giving them the tools to lead impactful service projects, TEEEM has become a sought-after model for
Opposite page: TEEEM donated backpacks to its partner, Nyaka, in Uganda, where they were distributed to the most vulnerable students at the primary school. This page, left: Rallying students in Kenya, summer 2025. Right: TEEEM students played a pivotal role in helping the Greater GRACE Academic Center in Kisii, Kenya launch the country’s first robotics program for a primary school (K–8).
teaching global citizenship.
Marc Dwihe, a junior and TEEEM participant at Ridgewood High School, says, “Most students don’t fully recognize the challenges that many communities around the world face— but I’ve seen them firsthand. I was born in Lebanon and have lived across different parts of the world, including two years in Africa, before coming to the U.S. Experiencing life in Africa made me realize just how difficult everyday life can be in underserved areas. It’s shaped the way I see global issues today.”
As an eleventh grader in Ridgewood, Dwihe, realizes that it’s easy to take things like school resources and opportunities for granted.
“TEEEM has helped me appreciate what I have while also motivating me to do something meaningful that supports others. It’s made me realize that even as a high school student, I can make an impact,” he says.
TEEEM’s presence in Ridgewood
schools engages students in youth leadership, cross-generational collaboration, and a culture of giving back. It provides a means to make a difference globally while fostering pride and unity locally. Ridgewood schools have supported TEEEM’s Cambodia community for years, providing access to quality education, ESL training for teachers, and mobile dental care.
“We are reimagining our Cambodia project this year and have great plans for the future,” notes D’Alessio. Currently, a group of Ridgewood students is assisting Ugandan women to gain access to local microloans to launch businesses. Students fill out grant applications and are allowed up to $500 per school year. They then figure out how to maximize that to benefit the local community.
TEEEM also works in Kenya in collaboration with The GRACE Project. This past summer, students traveled to Kisii, Kenya to launch the country’s
first robotics program in a K-8 school. Through their RISE (Robotics in Schools Everywhere) initiative, these students, with TEEEM’s support, created a 35-lesson curriculum, trained STEM teachers, and equipped the school with robotics kits. Their work is now expanding as they help introduce robotics education to schools across Kenya.
GIVING BACK
TEEEM’s presence in the community encourages local businesses, schools, and civic groups to contribute to fundraising and awareness efforts, spreading awareness of the organization.
The Ridgewood Library partnered with TEEEM and The GRACE Project to present virtual reading programs and cultural exchanges. Ridgewood students have come away from the project learning a bit of Swahili, along with traditional songs and dances.
The library is also hosting a Threads of Hope knitting group through
Left: Recipients of Threads of Hope baby caps in Kenya. Right: School children in Uganda.
December to craft caps for babies in Kenya and South Dakota. Fleet Feet of Ridgewood is toeing the line by helping to raise awareness and funds while cheering on D’Alessio as she runs the New York City Marathon in November. Several local businesses and dining establishments have also held special events to dedicate a portion of their sales to TEEEM.
“Students fall in love with the concept of changing the future for themselves and others,” D’Alessio says. “We partner with the Yale UNICEF Club, where students can develop a passion project throughout the year under the guidance of their Yale mentor.”
Dwihe and Naveen Sagaar, also a junior at Ridgewood High School, have been involved in the program for several years and are planning to deepen their commitment to the organization.
“I have witnessed firsthand how much students can achieve when
given the chance to engage with global communities and take action through our school’s TEEEM chapter,” says Dwihe. “I would be delighted to assist in broadening that scope and encouraging even more students to participate.”
TEEEM’s mission reflects everything I value: compassion, global citizenship, and the belief that young people can be leaders of change. Through leadership and personal journey, I’ve committed myself to making sure others don’t just learn about the world—they feel connected to it.”
Sagaar says, “One of my favorite things is the student-led aspect. The idea that, unlike in student government, students get to make real, substantive change with little to no direction from adults is exhilarating— and a challenge. I often find that students of any age are much more motivated and imaginative than most give them credit for. TEEEM provides facilitation and guidance for students
like me who are looking for any opportunity to help out and make a difference. I’d love to host a crosscommunity event with another high school, and I think that TEEEM would be an amazing facilitator for that!”
Is your student interested in joining TEEEM? Sagaar advises, “TEEEM offers a sense of independence and responsibility. It’s for students who want to make a visible and impactful change in the lives of others. TEEEM helps students take on a project and turn it into their own, providing crucial resources, mentorship, and connections to find creative solutions to very real problems.”
Dwihe adds, “It’s an amazing opportunity and a great way to connect with new people who share the same interest in giving back and build new friendships.
Left: The RISE (Robotics in Schools Everywhere) initiative helped create a 35-lesson curriculum, train STEM teachers, and equip a school with robotics kits. The work is now expanding, as they help introduce robotics education to schools across Kenya. Right: TEEEM members appreciate the simple gift of watching children in Uganda at play.
Prevention Starts With Education
The Ridgewood Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau is doing more than you know to keep you safe.
BY HARRIS FLEMING
AANY TEACHER WILL tell you they can never be sure the lessons they’re imparting are being absorbed by their students, much less stored away and ready for recall when needed. The same holds true outside of the classroom—and sometimes remembering or not remembering the lesson can make the difference between life and death.
Lt. John Young, director of the Ridgewood Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau knows this well. Fortunately, he speaks from positive experience when relaying an anecdote about a young Ridgewoodite who found themselves suddenly faced with
a kitchen fire.
The consequences could have been tragic, but when the unforeseen happened, this individual thought back to a memorable day when the Ridgewood Fire Department sent a truck and firefighters in full turnout gear to their elementary school to teach children about fire safety and prevention.
Fast forward to the present—this young person knew just what to do when a fire broke out because of what they learned that day. One: Get everybody out of the house— immediately. Two: Call 911 from the front yard.
EDUCATION IS KEY
Firefighters are rightly heralded for their willingness to run toward the kind of danger most of us flee, but it would be hard to place a value on all the disasters that don’t occur because of everything they do to educate the public, especially the youngest members of our society. That’s actually something Young relishes most about his job.
“I enjoy sharing fire safety strategies with children because their minds are always receptive to learning,” he explains. “We can make a plan in a safe environment on what to do if you are ever confronted by fire.”
Fire safety instructors have even
come up with “a few mantras,” as Young calls them, to help drive the point home and make it easy for kids to remember essential lessons that could turn out to be lifesaving. In addition to “stop, drop, and roll,” which is probably familiar to most adults, there’s “get out, stay out”; “never hide, never stay inside”; and “call 911 from outside.”
“Good advice for everyone,” Young observes. Note, however, that every one of those last three mantras describes what that young Ridgewood resident did when their kitchen caught fire.
It’s not just Young’s Fire Prevention Bureau team, which also includes Senior Fire Inspector Vincent Krug and Administrative Assistant Melanie
Downing, that’s focused on prevention and education. The whole department, which includes 45 professional firefighters, six volunteers, and two civilians among its ranks, as well as the Ridgewood Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 47, reaches deep into the community. That includes Chief John Judge, who says that the department and union are committed to community engagement year-round, supporting events like Super Science Saturday at Ridgewood High School and working with the Junior Police Academy every year. During the downtown winter holiday celebration, they host S’mores in the Park, personally bring Santa to every
This page: Lt. John Young, Melanie Downing, and Lt. Vincent Krug—the RFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau.
elementary school before Christmas, and escort the Easter Bunny through town in the spring.
ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
In order to ensure that fire prevention and education are accessible to all, Judge says, “the department has greatly improved their ability to work with the special needs community,” through their Sensory-Friendly BBQ and Touch-a-Truck event, as well as sensory-friendly tours and educational programs. The department hosts regular fire safety talks with residents of the West Bergen Group Home, answering questions and addressing unique needs in a supportive setting.
They also partner with the Ridgewood Public Library to help educate ESL (English as a second language) families about the customary ways emergencies are handled in Ridgewood and beyond. Prevention efforts are not only limited to education. RFD inspectors enforce codes and inspect every business in town annually. The two Fire Prevention Bureau inspectors enforce fire subcodes and conduct plan reviews for construction
Residents can also request a personal home safety inspection to address fire-related concerns or questions. Firefighters offer recommendations to reduce risks and improve safety.
PLANTING SEEDS
As Young knows well, sometimes those visits to scout groups and schools, which start in preschool, bear fruit beyond young people being prepared to act quickly and responsibly in the face of a fire (or, better yet, to prevent fires altogether).
“One of our [current] firefighters remembers the Fire Prevention team visiting Orchard School during Fire Prevention Month,” Young says. “He enjoyed seeing the fire engine and all the cool tools that we used to keep people safe.”
A house saved, and a career inspired thanks to the RFD’s fire safety education and community
outreach. Who’s to say what fruit 2025’s Fire Prevention Month—this October—will bear?
To learn more about Ridgewood’s Fire Prevention Bureau, or about fire prevention and safety, visit www.ridgewoodnj.net/311/ Fire-Prevention.
Harris Fleming is a freelance writer who lives in Waldwick with his wife (a Ridgewood school teacher) and teenage son. One of the more memorable events of his childhood in the Village was a fire—quickly contained by the Ridgewood Fire Department—in his family’s Highland Avenue home.
prevention.
This page: Ridgewood Fire Department Chief John Judge. Probationary Firefighter Matthew Biagi ensures the equipment is in good working order.
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Probationary Firefighter Matthew Biagi demonstrates gearing up to respond to a call. Lt. John Young (left) and Lt. Vincent Krug lead the RFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau. Educational brochures the Fire Prevention Bureau keeps on hand to help educate children, and the general public, on fire safety and
Expertise You Can Trust: Why Ridgewood Dental Associates & the Ridgewood Implant Institute Are Leading the Way in Dental Implants
The difference is in the dental expert specialists - and the results.
At the heart of the practice are two of the region’s most accomplished implant specialists:
Dr. Jin Ha Joung, one of the few dual specialists in both Periodontics and Prosthodontics, offers unmatched expertise in both the surgical placement of implants and the design of final restorations.
Dr. Mark Samani, a Prosthodontist with 30+ years of implant experience, is known for crafting beautiful, natural-looking smiles that function as well as they look.
Together, they provide comprehensive care - from your very first consultation through to the final reveal of your new smile. The result is a seamless, expertly coordinated treatment process that delivers aesthetic excellence, as well as long-term comfort and function.
What sets Prosthodontists apart?
While many dentists offer dental implants, not all are trained to handle the complexity of full-mouth restorations or advanced cases. That’s where Prosthodontists - dental specialists in the restoration and replacement of teeth - offer a significant advantage.
BOOK NOOK
Moors, Manors, and Madness
The best Gothic reads for October are here.
BY LORRI STEINBACHER
THERE’S SOMETHING
irresistible about a gothic novel. Maybe it’s the brooding atmosphere, the crumbling estates, or the creepy characters with secrets to spare. Whether it’s the ghost of a dead wife or the weight of ancestral guilt, gothic fiction has always walked the line between the psychological and the supernatural. So, light a candle, draw the curtains, and prepare to be haunted.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
by Emily Brontë
A story of love, revenge, and obsession set on the Yorkshire moors. It centers on the intense, destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, victims of vengeance manifesting across generations.
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
by Henry James
It wouldn’t be gothic without governesses and ghosts. Are the children she cares for under the sway of malevolent ghosts, or is the governess going mad? You be the judge.
REBECCA
by Daphne du Maurier
Gothic meets domestic suspense in this immortal tale of jealousy, dead wives, and lingering specters.
MEXICAN GOTHIC
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in 1950s Mexico, Noemí investigates her cousin’s claim that her husband is trying to murder her.
THE LITTLE STRANGER
by Sarah Waters
Dr. Farrady visits the Ayres family in their crumbling estate, Hundreds Hall. Postwar decay and creeping dread in a story that may or may not involve ghosts.
HUNGERSTONE
by
Kat Dunn
A woman unravels (or does she transform?) at the hands of a surprise houseguest that just won’t leave. Based on the classic vampire story, “Carmilla.”
THE DEATH OF JANE LAWRENCE
by Caitlin Starling Jane, seeking independence
through a marriage of convenience, weds and soon discovers her husband’s family manor, Lindridge Hall, is filled with dark secrets.
WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE
by Shirley Jackson
This novella follows two eccentric sisters and their uncle, isolated in a crumbling mansion after the rest of their family was poisoned. Hostile villagers and an unexpected visit from a meddling cousin bring the story to its dark climax.
VICTORIAN PSYCHO
by Virginia Feito
In Victorian-era England, a psychotic governess, Winifred, is not all that she seems. A dark remix of “Psycho” meets “Jane Eyre.”
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.
Sweet Balance
Help your family enjoy Halloween without the sugar overload.
BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN
OCTOBER IS A favorite month for many—the leaves change colors, the air turns crisp, and the scent of apple cider fills kitchens. It’s one of the coziest times of the year. But for dietitians, Halloween brings a unique challenge: children carrying home bags filled with what seems like a year’s supply of candy. The only profession that may get more stressed than dietitians this time of year? Dentists.
The candy isn’t going away (and truth be told, we all enjoy it), but it’s important to plan ahead so Halloween doesn’t turn into a sugar overload. With a little preparation, families can embrace the fun while keeping balance and health in mind.
1. Fuel up before trick-or-treating. Serve a balanced meal that includes protein, whole grains, and healthy fats before heading out. This not only keeps bellies full but also helps control cravings and prevents the sugar spikes that lead to energy crashes.
2. Create a candy plan. Set clear expectations in advance about how many pieces of candy your children can enjoy on Halloween night. Having a plan reduces the chance of power struggles later.
3. Portion for the days ahead. After Halloween, store candy out of sight and let children choose a piece or two after a balanced meal. This helps them enjoy sweets in moderation without feeling deprived.
4. Keep moving.
Trick-or-treating already gets kids on their feet, but add in a family walk, backyard game, or dance party to balance all that energy.
5. Model moderation. Children learn most by watching their parents. Enjoy a piece or two of candy yourself and talk about balance rather than restriction. This helps kids build a positive, healthy relationship with food in general. Halloween is meant to be fun— and with a thoughtful approach, families can enjoy the costumes and festivities while keeping health and happiness in balance.
Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies
Nothing smells better than baking from scratch in the oven! We added pumpkin, a seasonal favorite and nutrition powerhouse, to this blondie mix and got double thumbs up! These blondies are a great grab-and-go nutritional snack that provides an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of dietary fiber and the mighty mineral iron.
INGREDIENTS
• 1½ cups flour, all-purpose, gluten-free (or other pantry flour)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• ½ teaspoon allspice, ground
• ½ teaspoon, sea salt
• ½ cup rice milk, enriched, plain (or low-fat milk, almond, or soy milk)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 cup 100% pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chip morsels
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or use parchment paper in a 9” x 9” square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and sea salt; stir to mix.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine milk, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold chocolate chips into batter.
6. Transfer batter to baking pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow blondies to cool completely, then slice into 12 bites and transfer to a serving dish.
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