Ridgewood & HoHoKus February 2026

LOVE IN ACTION

WEST SIDE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BRINGING

WORLDS TO LIFE

LEAH TINARI

A Life of ADVENTURE

& HO-HO-KUS

FEBRUARY 2026

12 Driven by an Open Mind and Heart

Harold Conant knows how travel can change a person, but he also knows there’s growth to be found close to home.

16 Bringing Words and Worlds to Life

From fine art to authentically playful portraits and picture books, Ho-Ho-Kus native and artist Leah Tinari’s work sparks a narrative. Her latest book is no exception.

20 Love in Action

West Side Presbyterian Church’s tradition of supporting relief organizations in Ridgewood, across the country, and around the world is going strong.

Harry Conant during one of his many travels. Photograph courtesy of the Conant family. 6

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcoming February 6 LOCAL FUN What’s New! 10 LIVING WELL Love, Dopamine, and why Balance Matters

Q&A With On the Spot Home Improvements

LOCAL TASTES Signature Mocktails

BOOK NOOK Novels Where Letters Shape Lives 32 PHOTO OP A Touch of Bling

fFEBRUARY INVITES US to slow down, look inward, and reconnect—with our neighbors, our passions, and the stories that remind us why community matters so much, especially in the heart of winter.

In this month’s issue, we shine a light on the inspiring outreach missions of West Side Presbyterian Church, whose commitment to service reaches far beyond its walls and into communities near and far. We also share the remarkable

BY MARJORIE RAGGO

adventures of longtime Ridgewood resident Harold Conant, whose curiosity and zest for life prove that adventure has no age limit.

And we’re delighted to feature local author and illustrator Leah Tinari, whose creativity and storytelling bring imagination to life for readers of all ages.

If winter’s shorter days have you feeling the blues, we’ve got you covered. Our local events section is filled with opportunities to lift your spirits—from wellness-focused happenings and family-friendly fun to a truly unique Valentine’s date idea at the Hermitage that will have you guessing, “who done it?!”

As always, we’re grateful to share these stories with you and to celebrate the people and places that make Ridgewood such a vibrant community. Stay warm, stay connected, and enjoy the issue.

Warm regards,

Kris Pepper Editor

Publisher Karen Stires

karen.stires@wainscotmedia.com

Editor

Kris Pepper

Writers

Kris Pepper

Harris Fleming

Jenna Galletti

Lorri Steinbacher

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

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.

What’s New!

Start marking up that 2026 calendar with these events.

FREE RABIES CLINIC

When: Wednesday, Feb. 11; 6 to 7 p.m.

Where: St Luke’s Church, 340 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus

Need to prep your dog for the new year with their shots? Ho-Ho-Kus residents can check one of them off the list with a free rabies clinic.

For more information, visit www.hhkborough.com.

KOREAN LUNAR NEW YEAR: SEOLLAL 2026

When: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 to 3 p.m.

Where: Ridgewood Library, 125 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood

Join the Korean Community of Ridgewood as they welcome the year of the horse. Listen to an exclusive reading by author Anna Kim and learn about different traditional customs. Make sure to register to guarantee your spot. It is open to PreK through 5th grade.

For more information and to register, visit: www.ridgewoodlibrary.org

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC

When: Friday, Feb. 20, 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood

Take on the new year with peace of mind by visiting the free blood pressure clinic. Public health nurses will be available to take your blood pressure. The screening can be done in a matter of a few minutes. Preregistration is not required, and the screening is free.

MURDER AT THE SPEAKEASY

When: Saturday, Feb. 14; doors open at 6:30; show starts at 7 p.m.

Where: The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus

$80 for a ticket and $150 for two

Spend Valentine’s Day with your partner or gal pals solving murders at this entertaining and interactive crime scene experience, “Murder at the Speak Easy.” Dress in your Roaring ’20s best (costumes are encouraged but not necessary). Join the Hermitage at the “Murder Café” in a night of mystery, mischief, and mayhem.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hehermitage.org.

CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING

When: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Ridgewood Library, 125 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at this beautiful Chinese brush painting exhibit with Christal Chang. This event is open to all ages.

For more information and to register, visit www.ridgewoodlibrary.org.

DECORATIVE FLOWER PAINTING

When: Monday, Feb. 23; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Community Church; 32 Sycamore Ave. RSVP required for the event; rsvp to nickiz4154@aol.com

Learn some basic flower painting techniques to freshen up a planter or wall in your home. Nicole Zanetakos will share her expertise and showcase an array of traditional and modern flower patterns to cater to the style of any artist.

For more information, visit www.hohokusgardenclub.com.

MAPLE SUGARING

When: Saturday, Feb. 21 (rain date Feb. 22)

Where: The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus $40 per family

Learn to tap maple trees on the grounds of the Hermitage Museum. Create an unforgettable memory with the family and take home a tree tapping kit so you can try it at home. Enjoy the sweet benefits of your own hard work!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thehermitage.org.

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

LOVE, DOPAMINE, AND WHY BALANCE MATTERS

The “feel good” hormone is essential for well-being—but finding balance is essential.

BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN

VALENTINE’S DAY is often associated with pleasure: chocolate, sweets, gifts, romantic gestures, social media posts, and indulgent meals. At the center of all this feel-good behavior is dopamine, often called the “happiness hormone.”

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, pleasure, reward, and connection. When we experience something enjoyable—receiving a compliment, eating chocolate, falling in love, or even hearing a phone notification— dopamine is released in the brain. It helps us feel excited, motivated, and happy, which is why Valentine’s Day can feel so uplifting. But while dopamine is essential for well-being, more is not always better.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

Dopamine is meant to be released in short, meaningful bursts. Problems arise when we constantly chase pleasure without balance—through excessive sugar, alcohol, late nights, scrolling, shopping, or emotional highs. Over time, the brain can become less responsive to dopamine, meaning it takes more stimulation to feel the same level of joy.

This constant “dopamine chasing” can contribute to fatigue, mood swings, poor sleep, increased stress, and weakened resilience. Chronic stress and overstimulation can also place strain on the heart and immune system, making it harder for the body to rest, repair, and defend itself—

especially during winter months when immunity already needs extra support. In other words, pleasure without pause can quietly backfire.

TRUE FEEL-GOOD CHEMISTRY

The good news? Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about excess to be meaningful.

Some of the most powerful dopamine (and immune-supportive) boosts come from human connection, not overindulgence. Shared laughter, quality time, gratitude, movement, nourishing food, and acts of kindness all stimulate dopamine—often alongside oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

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.

These experiences support emotional health and physical health, creating a more sustainable sense of happiness.

A HEALTHIER VALENTINE’S DAY APPROACH

This Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating in ways that honor balance: Savor treats mindfully instead of overdoing them

• Choose shared experiences over constant stimulation

• Prioritize sleep, movement, and nourishing meals

Put the phone down and be present

• Focus on appreciation rather than perfection

Happiness isn’t about constant highs—it’s about feeling grounded, connected, and well. Dopamine is a beautiful part of being human. It helps us feel motivated, joyful, and connected. But when we rely too heavily on pleasure-seeking to feel good, we risk draining our energy and resilience. This Valentine’s Day, aim for pleasure with purpose and joy in moderation. Because real love—like real health—thrives on balance.

The world seems a bit smaller as Harold

reflects on his travels.

Driven by an Open Mind and Heart

Harold Conant knows how travel can change a person, but he also knows there’s growth to be found close to home.

BY KRIS PEPPER

HHAVING RECENTLY celebrated his 96th birthday, Harry Conant reflects on a life filled with adventure, accomplishment, and deep-rooted family ties that have kept him grounded through decades of change.

GROWING UP

Born in Boston just a month after the start of the Great Depression, Conant spent his early years in Cambridge, Brookline, and Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Life was hard for a young couple with one child,” he recalls, “but we made it through those difficult times.”

After graduating high school in 1947, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Northeastern University, which led to an extraordinary international career.

GLOBETROTTING

In 1952, Conant began his professional journey at Pfizer in New York City, where he rose to become manager of the International Division. His growing fascination with world cultures and global business led him to Crompton & Knowles, where he served as vice president of the chemical division, overseeing acquisitions in Europe. The Conant family relocated to Brussels, Belgium, in 1968, where Conant served as Managing Director of the company’s European operations. He later became president and CEO of Whatman Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the British firm Whatman PLC, and a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

“I was inspired by a love of

chemistry and a strong desire to work internationally,” Conant says. “The history and culture of people around the world always fascinated me.” His business and personal travels took him from England to Egypt, India, China, and Italy, with each country leaving a lasting impression on his worldview.

FINDING HOME IN RIDGEWOOD

In 1972, after returning from Brussels, Conant and his wife, Roberta, sought a place to put down roots and raise their three children, Dana, Bradford, and Evan. Ridgewood quickly captured their hearts.

“We chose Ridgewood because of its schools, its vibrant social and business community, and its beauty,” he says. “It

was the perfect community to raise children.”

Their home on North Murray Avenue became a hub of neighborhood life. “We had wonderful neighbors and so many get-togethers,” Conant recalls fondly. Roberta was active in the Ridgewood Women’s Club, where she later became a life master in bridge. The couple also joined the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club, where Conant served as president in 1996 and 1997.

He also found joy in giving back, coaching Little League baseball and ice hockey. He also managed the successful mayoral campaign of Bob Humphreys.

Family life in Ridgewood was full and joyful. Harry vividly remembers the family’s annual Christmas parties,

where up to 150 friends gathered in their home. Another cherished memory: the wedding of his daughter Dana, held at St. Elizabeth’s Church with a reception for 160 guests under a grand tent in their backyard.

“Those years in Ridgewood truly shaped our family’s story,” he reflects. “We built lasting friendships, and our home became a center for celebrations and milestones we still cherish.”

After 25 years in Ridgewood, the Conants downsized to Saddle River in 1997, but the community remains close to Conant’s heart. “Ridgewood has changed over the years, like any town,” he notes, “but its core strength remains: good people, lovely homes, well-educated children, and a vibrant business district.”

STAYING ACTIVE AND ENGAGED

Now at 96, Conant continues to live life to the fullest. His mind is sharp, and his calendar is full. He plays duplicate bridge three days a week with groups in Ridgewood, Wyckoff, and Midland Park. He also still travels the globe, most recently visiting Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore with family, and taking earlier trips to Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Dubai, and India.

Every two years, his family organizes reunions which may take place anywhere in the world—from Maui and Tuscany to Morocco, Prague, and Vienna.

“All my children have the travel bug,” he says. Even his granddaughter Lauren recently spent three months exploring

Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Reflecting on a lifetime of exploration, Conant offers simple yet profound advice for younger generations:

“Have an open mind about where you live. Seek people and activities that share your values and goals. Change is good. It expands your personality and your world.”

With seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Harry considers himself “very fortunate.” His life story is a shining example of how embracing both the wider world and one’s own community can lead to a truly rich and meaningful life.

Bringing Words and Worlds to Life

Captions here

From fine art to authentically playful portraits and picture books, Ho-Ho-Kus native and artist Leah Tinari’s work is meant to spark a narrative. Her latest book is no exception.

BY SARAH NOLAN

LLEAH TINARI BELIEVES that people never age out of picture books. Sure, as children grow up, they’ll move on to young adult literature, then novels. But there’s no reason to abandon the artwork that brings such joy, she says.

The author and illustrator hopes to bridge the gap between genres with her latest picture book, “How Louise Met Jeez,” a story about selfexploration, leaving one’s comfort zone, and ultimately coming together for the greater good. In this “kind, sweet, and loving” tale, there’s a twist: The words themselves are the characters.

“Picture books are for all ages; art is for everyone,” Tinari, a Ho-Ho-Kus native turned New Yorker, says. “People ask, ‘What age group is this for?’ This book is for everyone; it not only has

beautiful images but a deep meaning behind it.”

In the story, we first meet Louise, a Parisian character recognizable by her exquisite script font and white Chuck Taylor sneakers. The reader follows Louise’s quest to discover her true meaning, eventually leading her to travel from Paris to New York City. At this point in the story, there’s a prompt to close the book and flip it over…and so begins Jeez’s story, six hours earlier in New York City. Jeez, a bold and snazzy serif font that rocks combat-style boots, is also feeling a bit despondent, and goes on his own journey.

Tinari transports readers to reallife landmarks in Paris and New York City (she describes the book as a love note to the two cities she feels deeply connected to) and introduces them

to characters like Louise’s sisters, Ooh and Lala, and Jeez’s parents, Holy and Guacamole.

The end of the story happens in the middle of the book; it’s not so much an ending but the beginning of something transformative and new, Tinari says.

“It’s playful in the way it’s made, but in many ways it’s a metaphor for life,” she says. “We alone are enough, but we need each other for a better society, to be grander.”

As a prolific artist known for exuberant portraiture, Tinari has spent decades documenting her life and the people in it—she knows a bit about finding herself, but also the power of community and how people enrich life. And in many ways, that’s why of the four picture books she’s published, the latest feels truly authentic to who she is.

FINDING HER FOOTING AS AN ARTIST

Growing up in Ho-Ho-Kus, Tinari says she was always drawing. She’s grateful to her parents (including Janice Tinari, owner of Just Janice in the borough) for recognizing her love and talent for creating art and helping to foster it.

When she was in about fifth grade, Tinari’s mom approached local artist Gail Lee about lessons. Tinari began studying with Lee in Lee’s Ho-Ho-Kus basement, where she mainly taught art classes to adults.

“Gail was so fantastic. She would crumple up a piece of newspaper in front of me and say, ‘Draw that,’” Tinari says. “I would say, ‘No, I can’t.’ But she knew I could and would, so she just told me to draw what I saw. She was the beginning of me realizing that maybe I could be an artist. She was a mentor for me.”

Lee was also instrumental in Tinari applying to art schools. Tinari was also an avid soccer player and didn’t know which path she would follow beyond high school. She applied and was accepted to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she chose to attend.

“Once I was there, I was blown away by this community of artists that I had never experienced before,” she says. “I was in classes for eight hours drawing—I was in heaven. It was also really intense and hard, but very exciting, and I felt I was in the right place, and I was glad I pursued art.”

She left with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and moved to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, bartending at night while working her first job creating sets for music videos and fashion shoots. She

was making ends meet, but realized if she continued on that path, she might never have time for her own career as an artist.

She took to the periodicals section of Barnes & Noble, found some of her favorite magazines, including The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, and looked up the names of the art directors and editors. She excelled at making portraits and loved doing it. She sent photocopies of some of her celebrity likenesses to the magazines, and what do you know, she got a call from the art director at The New Yorker.

She was hired to make illustrations of rock bands and celebrities for the publication’s Goings On About Town section; as a young artist, being published was a “big deal,” Tinari says. Around the same time, she signed

with Mixed Greens, a gallery in Chelsea, and began doing fine art shows almost every two years, which she says “jumpstarted” her career.

Tinari says her work has always been a visual diary of her life, and at that time, it was very celebratory and focused on the 20-something rowdy nightlife scene surrounded by friends. Then she had her son, Mars (now 17).

“He was kind of the new director in my life,” Tinari says. “My work very much shifted to motherhood and the stuff and things and objects that come along in your life with having a child.”

INTO THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING

Tinari made a show called Mars’s Planet that was based on this new chapter, and the “hero piece” was a large painting of her refrigerator door, which she says is a storytelling or narrative of the

household, whether it has magnets from travels, invitations, grocery lists, photos, or your child’s drawings.

It was this piece that caught the attention of famed mystery novelist Harlan Coben. The Ridgewood resident frequented Just Janice, and a mural of Tinari’s on the wall was his first exposure to her art. He said flippantly that he’d like to do a picture book with her, and the artist’s mom was more than happy to make the connection.

Once he saw the refrigerator piece, a storybook idea came to life. The pair collaborated on “The Magical Fantastical Fridge,” a story written by Coben about a boy named Walden, based on Mars, who is asked to set the table for Sunday supper. Exasperated, he says he’d rather be anywhere else and is sucked into one of his drawings on the fridge door, then continues on

an adventure through different worlds via the items hanging on the door.

“I had never made a picture book before. I marched into Penguin Random House with Harlan, and we got a book deal,” Tinari says. “He was the reason I got my foot in the door and the reason I was even able to enter this world of picture book making.”

Tinari says she had always made visual artwork, but there was a narrative concept and words behind it; she was excited about this new realm of creativity.

It was Mars’ interest in U.S. presidents that would become the focus of her next major project. Tinari says he wanted a poster of the presidents, but she couldn’t find one that she found visually appealing. She took on an extensive (and at times exhausting) project, painting each president and

artwork.

Tinari’s first picture book, “The Magical Fantastical Fridge,” which she published with writer Harlan Coben. Opposite page: Tinari’s books, “The Presidents: Portraits of History” and “Limitless: 24 Remarkable American Women of Vision, Grit, and Guts.”

hand-stenciling facts about each.

By the end of it, Tinari says she was “really sick and tired of painting white men” (with the exception of President Obama). On top of it, she’d just learned that Carrie Fisher had died.

“I was really obsessed with Princess Leia growing up,” Tinari says. “I was quite the tomboy, and I went to see the movie with my brother and all of his friends for his birthday. I remember being blown away by her and the fact that she was a different kind of princess, fighting for her people.”

Tinari made a portrait of her and posted it to Instagram, including facts about Fisher’s advocacy for mental health. She went on to create one of Louisa May Alcott, then Dolly Parton— other personal heroes. The timing of the project was particularly poignant, she says, because she started it just

before the “Me Too” movement.

With the help of a new literary agent, Tinari presented both projects to Simon & Schuster and got a two-book deal, resulting in “The Presidents: Portraits of History” and “Limitless: 24 Remarkable American Women of Vision, Grit, and Guts.”

Through it all, Tinari continued creating her own fine art, painting commissioned portraits she calls “authentically playful and not so polished,” and even stepped off the 2D canvas to create custom hand-painted apparel, sneakers, and handbags.

“How Louise Met Jeez” is the first book that she’s self-published, and she says she’s still figuring out where it might best fit into the literary world. For now, there are only 500 copies (some signed ones will always be in stock at Just Janice, she says).

Tinari is also planning a book tour to speak at schools about and the process of creating and publishing a book.

“I believe in this book in a way that it doesn’t necessarily need to be mainstream,” Tinari says. “Readers may have to work a little harder with it, and I think that makes some of the best picture books. There are things to be learned, and after you’ve read it, ideas open up that maybe you didn’t think about before.”

For more about “How Louise Met Jeez” and Tinari’s work, visit her Instagram page, @leahtinari.

Sarah Nolan is a writer with a passion for telling people’s stories. A Ho-HoKus native, she believes in the power of local journalism to connect and inform residents and foster a sense of community.

LOVE in Action

West Side Presbyterian Church’s tradition of supporting relief organizations in Ridgewood, across the country, and around the world is going strong.

BY HARRIS FLEMING

TTHE HARDSHIP OF knowing you can’t feed your children, or that the place you call home desperately needs repairs you can’t afford, is a double-edged sword. In addition to the fundamental primary struggles, there’s the despair of feeling unseen or, maybe worse, thinking nobody cares.

The revelation that there are people—strangers—who see, who care, and who are willing to devote their time to helping can be life-altering for both the recipients and those who make the time to offer their support.

Hundreds of such “strangers” can be found among the congregants at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, where supporting humanitarian mission partners means far more than writing a check from afar. West Side has worked directly with countless organizations in its 114-year history. The current roster includes

groups from Ridgewood to surrounding communities and at least one with global impact. Every year, the church selects a couple of them as the focus of a Christmas-season fundraising campaign that augments its year-round support for those organizations.

Marc Oehler, pastor and head of staff at West Side, confirmed that in December, the church’s Love in Action Advent Campaign 2025 exceeded its goal of raising $30,000 for two longstanding mission partners: Rise Against Hunger, which describes its purpose as “growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies,” and Appalachia Service Project, which aims at “making homes warmer, safer, and drier for Appalachian families” with the help of youth and adult volunteers like those at West Side.

RISE AGAINST HUNGER

As many relief organizations do, Rise Against Hunger (RAH) relies on the kindness of strangers to support their efforts to feed the malnourished.

In addition to simply raising both money and awareness, however, RAH conducts events at sites like West Side, where volunteers pack thousands of meals with (some instruction from the organization) to be sent to foodinsecure locales in the U.S. and abroad.

To say the meals are no-frills would be an understatement. Still, they provide the most basic, lifesaving nutrition in a form that can be packaged and transported safely all over the world by RAH, then prepared for consumption in conditions where there might be nothing more than hot water to work with.

Over the course of a two-hour session, 60 to 70 volunteers pack 10,000 meals consisting of a sealed vitamin

packet and a scoop each of soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and rice. Some volunteers team up in groups of four or five to fill the bags assembly-line style, while others weigh, seal, or place the finished meal packs into boxes for shipment. RAH loads the boxes into a truck, and off they go to parts unknown.

West Side hosted three such events last year, including one that consisted of a morning and an afternoon session.

“That was a first for us,” says Christine Park, interim associate pastor for children, youth, and families. All told, West Side packed 40,000 meals for RAH in 2025.

Over the years, the church has been responsible for meals shipped to locations ranging from Ukraine, to Vietnam, to Jamaica, and various sites in the U.S. “We are grateful to be able to support families facing food insecurity and struggling to provide for their children,” Park notes.

APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT

As with Rise Against Hunger, West Side has a long history of supporting Appalachia Service Project (ASP) through members eager to lend a hand. The difference is that, with ASP, volunteers sign on for a solid week away from home and spend long days working to repair or improve homes that might otherwise become uninhabitable.

Construction experience is not required for volunteers. ASP provides a training manual, but also plans the projects. Numerous volunteer groups each contribute a week’s worth of work to a project that might take six to eight weeks to complete over the course of a summer, explains Boyd Lowry, West Side’s chair of mission and social concerns.

The summer of 2025 saw West Side high-schoolers Julia Grant, Allison Impomeni, Devon Jenkins, Lana Jepsen, Olivia Lai, Olivia Schmookler, India Tatem, Lauren Trotta, Poppy Ushewokunze, and Christina Weispfenning head to Clay County, West Virginia, with adult leaders Genevieve Lowry, Nicole Oehler, Gib Warren, Roger Widicus, and Judy Widicus to pitch in on a couple of essential projects.

“One of our groups worked on a wheelchair ramp for a man who had been homebound for a year; the ramp was 78 feet long when completed,” explains Nicole Oehler, West Side’s interim director of youth engagement and one of the adults who made the trip. “The other group put in a header the first day so the roof could be replaced safely, then shored up the foundation under the footers and laid layers of floor from the subfloor up to the laminate floor covering.”

Boyd Lowry says ASP volunteers gain not only the satisfaction of working hard for a good cause, but also a chance to overcome their own challenges. He recalls one young lady a few years ago who was afraid of heights but found herself climbing a ladder to help work on a roof.

“It was an opportunity for her. She was willing, and it was a safe environment. That’s where kids learn,” he says.

Taking part in service projects like ASP can help youth recognize that faith isn’t confined to the inside of a church. “When we talk about growing in the church, we’re not talking about liturgy and sermons,” Lowry says. Rather, a willingness to literally get your hands dirty in the service of others “is what

West Side represents.”

For her part, Nicole Oehler said ASP trips foster genuine connection among individuals who otherwise would probably never be in the same room together.

“One of the families made a hot lunch for our group every day. The other had each of us sign the beam we installed,” she says. “We arrived prepared to work hard and exhaust ourselves, but we could not anticipate the way we would be fully loved in return.”

West Side Presbyterian Church is located at 6 South Monroe St., at the corner of West Ridgewood Avenue, in Ridgewood; for more information, visit their website at www. westside.org. Learn more about Rise Against Hunger at www.riseagainsthunger.org, and about Appalachia Service Project at www. asphome.org.

Harris Fleming is a freelance writer who lives in Waldwick with his wife (a Ridgewood elementary school teacher) and teenage son. He attends West Side Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized way back in what his son refers to as “the black-and-white days.”

West Side high-schoolers and adult leaders

Genevieve Lowry, Roger Widicus, and Gib Warren completed work on a badly needed wheelchair ramp for a family in Clay County, West Virginia.

Right: West Side highschoolers dig in to fix up a family home in Clay County, West Virginia.

All About Your New Home

Thinking of a new addition or renovation?

Jeff Serfaty of On the Spot Home Improvements has the answers to your most-asked questions.

BY KRIS PEPPER

ON THE SPOT Home Improvements has earned a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction by guiding homeowners through every step of the renovation process. A significant part of that success is credited to General Manager Jeff Serfaty, whose philosophy centers on communication, trust, and long-term relationships that extend well beyond a single project.

We sat down with Serfaty to demystify construction timelines and help homeowners better understand what to expect when planning a renovation or addition.

What are the major phases of a typical renovation or addition?

Every project follows a similar framework: planning, zoning, permits, breaking ground, and construction. If a homeowner doesn’t yet have plans, we start with an in-home walkthrough to understand their goals and vision. In some cases, we can reference similar projects we’ve completed. For more customized designs, we work with an architect, who typically completes plans within four to eight weeks. Once plans are finalized, they’re submitted for zoning approval, which usually takes about four weeks. After zoning, we apply for permits, which can take another four weeks. Once permits are issued, we can begin demolition, site work, framing, and construction.

What if the homeowner already has plans drawn up?

That can definitely save time. When plans are already completed, we’re able to start pricing right away and move more quickly into the zoning and permitting process.

How does On the Spot keep things moving during zoning and permit delays?

We encourage homeowners to use that time to make important finish selections such as flooring, paint colors, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, and lighting. Our team provides a clear list of required items and recommends trusted suppliers, which helps avoid delays once construction begins.

That’s a lot of decisions. How do you help homeowners stay organized?

It can feel overwhelming, especially on larger projects involving kitchens, bathrooms, and multiple living spaces.

We often recommend keeping a simple spreadsheet with photos to track selections. On the Spot also has an interior designer who helps homeowners stay organized by creating mood boards and visual renderings.

Our new Ridgewood location on Broad Street will serve as both a design hub and a showroom, making it easier to make selections in one place.

What are some common surprises that come up during construction?

In older homes, we commonly uncover water damage, termite damage, or structural issues once walls are opened. Building codes have also changed over the years, so electrical, plumbing, or framing updates are often required to meet current standards. While these issues can affect timelines, addressing them properly is critical for a successful project.

Are there materials that tend to cause delays?

Supply chain issues have improved significantly since the pandemic. During COVID, availability was limited for items like roofing, siding, windows, appliances, and cabinetry. Thankfully, those widespread delays are no longer common. That said, windows can still impact schedules. Standard windows typically take four to six weeks to arrive and can affect when the home can be fully closed up.

What advice do you give homeowners living in their homes during a renovation?

It really depends on the scope of the project. Some renovations allow homeowners to stay in the home, while others may expose parts of the house to the elements or create safety concerns. We typically complete exterior work before opening up

the interior. Many homeowners use their basements as temporary living spaces. Safety is always our top priority, and it’s often best not to be in the home during initial demolition and framing.

How does weather affect construction timelines?

Cold weather can impact certain phases of construction. Masonry work requires warmer temperatures to cure properly, which is why projects involving masonry foundations are often scheduled for spring. Roofing materials can also become brittle in extreme cold, so we carefully evaluate conditions and always prioritize safety and quality.

How do you keep homeowners informed throughout the process?

Every project is assigned a dedicated project manager who serves as the homeowner’s primary point of contact. Each project also has a backup project manager to ensure continuity. Our management team meets regularly to review project progress, and clear communication is always a priority. In some cases, we even provide video updates for homeowners who are traveling.

Why is working with an experienced, organized contractor so important for timelines?

A well-managed project leads to fewer delays, better coordination, and a smoother final walkthrough. We pay close attention to punch lists and final details to make sure nothing is missed. As a general guideline, additions typically take three to six months after permits are issued, though larger projects can take longer. Experience and organization make a big difference.

For more information, visit, www.onthespothome. com/service-areas/ridgewood.

Mocktails

Refreshing sips for all ages

BY JENNA GALLETTI

1 Signature The Citrus Spritz: A

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 Sunday night football or a relaxing 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.

sunny, sparkling refresher

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.

2Berry 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

• Juice of ½ lime

• ½ cup club soda

• Mint leaves (for garnish)

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.

BOOK NOOK

Novels Where Letters Shape Lives

Letters, emails, and journals let readers listen in as lives unfold.

IF YOU LOVED last year’s runaway hit “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans, you already know the pleasure of epistolary fiction. Stories told this way feel strangely intimate, full of second thoughts, confessions, and the kind of truths that are only possible once you put pen to paper. Here are some titles that use correspondence to a powerful effect.

84, CHARING CROSS ROAD

by Helene Hanff

A 20-year correspondence between a freelance writer and a British book firm grows into an unexpected relationship. It’s funny and provides a window into our pre-internet world and how it was both harder (and easier) to form a relationship.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY

by Mary Ann Shaffer

and Annie Barrows

A postwar correspondence between strangers turns into a lifeline. Letters become a way to rebuild community, identity, and joy after rupture. Warm, humane, and quietly affirming. Also, a Netflix film.

THE COLOR PURPLE

by Alice Walker

Told through letters to God and to a sister, this novel charts a

BY LORRI STEINBACHER

transformation from silence to selfdefinition. The film version was directed by Steven Spielberg.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

by Lionel Shriver

A mother writes to her estranged husband after their son commits an unspeakable crime. Not an easy read, this book examines how tragedy affects a town, a marriage, and a family. A 2011 film starring Tilda Swinton.

LOVE & SAFFRON

by Kim Fay

When Joan writes a fan letter to regional columnist Imogen to thank her for a column she wrote, she encloses a packet of saffron and a recipe that creates a lifelong friendship through letters.

AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE

by Tayari Jones

“An American Marriage” tells the story of Celestial and Roy, newlyweds who are torn apart after Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime. Their letters follow the evolution of their relationship as they struggle to make the marriage work in impossible circumstances.

THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL

by Anne Brontë

The story unfolds through a series

of letters from Gilbert Markham, describing how he came to meet a young widow named Helen Graham. Helen has a past, and Gilbert is determined to find out what it is.

DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS

by Helen Schumacher

Jason Fitger is a professor at a small, prestigious university, and he is at the end of his patience. Watch his tale of woe unfold through a series of hilarious letters of recommendation that Fitger is constantly asked to write.

THE APPEAL

by Janice Hallett

A charity appeal results in a murder, and all the clues are found in the emails, texts, and letters of the Fairway Players community theater group. A whodunit told through correspondence.

MEET ME AT THE MUSEUM

by

Anne Youngson

Oceans apart, an unexpected correspondence between a Danish museum curator and a British farm wife flourishes as they uncover shared passions.

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.

A TOUCH OF BLING

THE STYLISH HEELS of a Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra cellist peek out from underneath a massive Steinway & Sons piano at a 2025 performance at West Side Presbyterian Church.

A little “bling” goes a long way!

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ridgewoodmag.com

Since 1911, it has been our mission to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout your wellness journey. Through our comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for older adults, and rehabilitation, we work diligently to foster physical health and also nourish the spirit.

Heart care is a team effort. At Valley Health System, your heart health is our priority, and you are the focus of every decision we make. Our specialists take the time to understand your unique diagnosis and needs. Using precise cardiac imaging as a guide, we develop personalized treatment plans that combine advanced therapies, leading-edge technology, and surgical expertise with human-centered care. Because high-quality outcomes don’t just come from skill – they come from a team that truly listens, supports, and puts you at the center of your care.

To make an appointment with our heart care team, visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart or call 1- 800-VALLEY 1. And it begins with you at the center.