Dr. Salvatore Forcina with his book. Photograph by Adam Paray. 6 14 12 26
14 From War-Torn Italy to Ridgewood
Shaped by war, change, and extraordinary perseverance, Dr. Salvatore Forcina’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of resilience and opportunity.
18
A Colorful Life
After a music career didn’t quite pan out, Jerry Koenig found fulfillment as a rock star in Bergen County’s booming world of home improvements.
22
A Life Rooted in Ridgewood
We take a peek inside the life of Margie Downs, a lifelong Ridgewood resident whose impact on the Village has been—and continues to be— profound.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 EDITOR’S NOTE A New Start
6 LOCAL FUN
Welcome Back, Spring!
12 LIVING WELL
Discover the Power of Nutrition
26 Q&A
Celebrating Literature and Community
28 RHS HAPPENINGS From Cafeteria to Community
30 BOOK NOOK The Emerald Shelf
32 PHOTO OP This Snow is Nuts! COVER
aAS WINTER BEGINS to loosen its grip and we look ahead to longer days and the promise of spring, the March 2026 issue of Ridgewood Magazine celebrates the people and stories that continue to warm the hearts of our community.
This month, we spotlight Dr. Salvatore Forcina, whose personal and professional journey reflects resilience, compassion, and an enduring dedication to care. Don’t miss his story—it’s fascinating. He’s overcome many challenges throughout his life and continues to inspire us today.
BY MARJORIE RAGGO
We also feature Jerry Koenig of Ho-Ho-Kus, owner of Paint Troopers, and a local “rock star” of home improvements. Read on, and you’ll see why!
In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re pleased to include an article by Stacey Antine, who shares practical guidance on good nutrition and making healthy choices that support energy, wellness, and longevity—just in time for spring resets and fresh starts. Rounding out the issue is a feature on Margie Downs, a legacy Ridgewood resident whose decades of volunteerism and quiet leadership have left an indelible mark on the town. Her contributions remind us that community is built by those who consistently show up for others. Together, these stories reflect the heart of Ridgewood—where dedication, service, and human connection continue to define who we are.
Welcome, spring! We’ve been waiting for you!
Warm regards,
Kris Pepper Editor
Publisher
Karen Stires
karen.stires@wainscotmedia.com
Editor
Kris Pepper
Writers
Christine Corliss
Kris Pepper
Harris Fleming
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.
PHOTOGRAPH
Welcome Back, Spring!
In like a lion, out like a lamb; experience all that the towns have to offer throughout the month of March.
BY REBECCA BLEICH
THE RIDGEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ROMANTIC TITANS SPRING CONCERT
When: Friday, March 6; 8 p.m.
Where: West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood
Experience a night full of pure musical delight. Spend the evening embracing the beautiful melodies of the Romantic Titans.
For more information and to buy your tickets, visit: www.ridgewoodsymphony.org
WINE AND BOURBON TASTING
When: Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Registration Required; $75.00 a ticket or $140 for two
Have you always wanted to experience an exclusive wine tasting experience? The Hermitage has got you covered. Spend the evening sampling great wines and bourbons, along with light snacks and food. Leading the flights is Sommelier Chuck Russo of Wine and Spirit World in Ho-Ho-Kus. Come spend the evening experiencing an unforgettable night.
For more information, visit: www.thehermitage.org
GEORGE WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY, AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR LECTURE
When: Sunday, March 15; 2 p.m.
Where: Jaqua Hall at the Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Registration Required; $20 each
Dive into New Jersey history with historian Joel Farkas in talking about Washington’s military career, including the battles and encampments in New Jersey. The talk is a part of the 250th Lecture Series honoring the 250th anniversary of our country.
For more information, visit: www.thehermitage.org
YOGA STORY TIME WITH BENDY BOOKWORM
When: Wednesday, April 1; 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Where: Worth Pinkham Memorial Library; Children’s Room, Ho-Ho-Kus Ho-Ho-Kus residents—are you looking to participate in an active story time with your child that incorporates music and yoga? Enjoy both with Bendy Bookworm’s Yoga Story time. This special event is for ages 1 to 5, and registration is required. For more information or to register, visit: www.hohokuslibrary.org
AN EVENING WITH OSCAR
When: Friday, March 13; 8 p.m.
Where: Park West Loft, 38 Oak St., Ridgewood
Registration Required
Walk the Red Carpet like you’re at the Academy Awards. Spend the evening dining on hors d’oeuvres, pasta, and dessert, celebrity style!
For more information and to register, visit: www.ridgewoodguild.com
RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S SUMMER JOB FAIR
When: Monday, March 16; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Community Center at Village Hall; 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood
It is never too early to start thinking about summer job plans. Come out to see for yourself what jobs you can do this summer and be part of a team that helps create memorable summers for the community. The Summer Job Fair is for young adults ages 16 and older.
For more information, visit: www.ridgewoodnj.net
Bergen New Bridge Health
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: Tuesday, March 17; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St. Ridgewood
The Ridgewood YMCA is partnering with the American Red Cross to host blood drives throughout the year to support the community. This is the first of several blood drives this year to help the community. Registration is required, but donating is free and takes as little as 30 minutes to complete. Make a life-saving impact by donating blood.
For more information, visit www.ridgewoodymca.org
Rebecca Bleich is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing.
RUTTER’S REQUIEM
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026; 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood
Honor the Past with a Concert of Reflection and Hope. As part of Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s 60th Anniversary season, Ars Musica Chorale presents a heartfelt tribute to the generations who have shaped their legacy.
At the center of this moving program is John Rutter’s Requiem—a luminous and contemplative work filled with prayers for peace, comfort, and humanity. Paired with Requiem is the acclaimed all-male vocal quartet, Choir Next Door, featuring some of the East Coast’s finest choral artists. This ensemble brings a fresh and powerful presence to both contemporary pieces and beloved classics. Join in for an evening of remembrance, reverence, and remarkable music.
For more information, visit www. bethlehemchurch.live
Discover the Power of Nutrition
Small habits pave the way toward lifelong health.
BY STACEY ANTINE, MS, RDN
MARCH IS NATIONAL Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” reminds us that the foods we choose everyday shape more than just our personal health—they influence the wellbeing of our families and our community. Nutrition isn’t about strict dietary rules or passing trends. It’s about building healthy habits that support energy, focus, mood, immunity, and long-term vitality.
Every meal and snack are opportunities to fuel the body in a positive way. Colorful fruits and vegetables help protect our cells, whole grains provide sustainable energy, and lean proteins build and repair growing and active bodies. When families cook more meals at home and involve
children in food preparation, they strengthen both their health and their connection to one another.
This message aligns with the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines in January 2026 for Americans, which emphasize the benefits of whole, nutrient-dense foods— such as fruits, vegetables, lean and plant-based proteins, and healthy fats—while suggesting moderation with highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates. In other words, the guidance supports what many families already practice: choosing nourishing foods from nature helps fuel strong bodies, healthy minds, and lasting good habits for wellness.
STARTING AT HOME
One powerful place to start is right at home. Take an inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and kitchen cabinets. What percentage of your food is fresh and whole, and how much comes in boxes, cans, and packages? A helpful goal is to work toward 90 to 95% whole foods, which means gradually reducing heavily packaged, highly processed items, and making more room for foods in their natural form. Think of it as a family challenge— small swaps over time can lead to big improvements in health.
The power of nutrition isn’t about one perfect meal—it’s about patterns. Small, repeated choices shape lifelong health, and when families and communities embrace healthy habits together, the impact multiplies.
Healthy habits are contagious. When families prioritize balanced meals, shared mealtimes, physical activity, and limiting processed foods, they model behaviors children carry into adulthood. Communities grow stronger when neighbors support local farms, reduce food waste, and make nutritious foods more accessible to everyone.
HEALTHBARN’S 7 HEALTHY HABITS
From Stacey Antine’s book “Appetite for Life”
1. Eat fruits and vegetables—Fill your day with colorful produce to fuel growth, energy, and overall health.
2. Exercise daily—Movement strengthens the body, boosts mood, and supports lifelong wellness.
3. Eat breakfast—Starting the day with balanced nutrition improves focus, energy, and metabolism.
4. Get a good night’s sleep—Rest helps children grow, learn, and stay emotionally balanced.
5. Share family meals—Eating together builds connection and encourages healthier food choices.
6. Brush and floss teeth—Oral health is an important part of overall health.
7. Recycle—Caring for the environent supports a healthier world for everyone.
These simple, daily habits empower families to discover the true power of nutrition and healthy living.
This National Nutrition Month, choose one or two habits your family can focus on, whether it’s adding more vegetables, sharing meals together, getting outside for movement, or turning off devices at dinnertime. When we nourish ourselves, we strengthen our families—and when families make healthy choices, the entire community benefits.
Let March be the month you discover just how powerful simple, healthy habits can be, and take the challenge!
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.
THE 90% WHOLE FOOD CHALLENGE
Discover the Power of Nutrition right in your own kitchen
Ready for a simple, eyeopening reset? Start by taking an inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets.
Ask yourself: What percentage of our food is fresh and whole…and how much comes in boxes, cans, and packages?
The goal: work toward 90 to 95% whole, nutrientdense foods.
That means gradually reducing heavily packaged and highly processed items and making more room for foods in their natural form—fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, and lean proteins.
Try it as a family challenge:
• Swap packaged snacks for fresh fruit, veggies, or nuts
• Replace sugary drinks with water or coconut water for natural electrolytes
• Cook one more meal representing all five food groups at home each week
Small changes over time lead to big improvements in energy, mood, and overall health.
Take the challenge—your body (and your family) will thank you.
Shaped by war, change, and extraordinary perseverance, Dr. Salvatore Forcina’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of resilience and opportunity.
BY KRIS PEPPER
DDR. SALVATORE FORCINA was born into the upheaval of World War II in Scauri, Italy. Some of his earliest memories were passed down through family stories—stories of fear, displacement, and endurance. His village, like many others, was forced to flee as war swept through the region. Families hid in the mountains, living in makeshift shelters built from shrubs and bushes, without medicine, adequate clothing, or sanitation.
EARLY DAYS
“Life was difficult,” Forcina recalls. “We lived outside, in shacks made of shrubs and bushes. Severe lice infestations required the shacks be burnt down and rebuilt every two weeks.” These early experiences planted the seeds of resilience that would define his life.
At eight years old, Dr. Forcina left Italy with his family to start a new
life in Argentina—a country that was foreign in every way. The language, culture, and customs were unfamiliar, and the family arrived with no support system. His father had emigrated two years earlier in search of work, leaving Forcina, his mother, and baby brother behind during a period of profound uncertainty. When they finally reunited, the promise of safety came with new challenges.
Argentina offered distance from war but not ease. “We were very isolated,” he says. “We had no friends or family. My father suffered from what we now know as PTSD, and this made life more difficult for my younger brother and me.” His mother, navigating a new country alone with two young children, bore a heavy burden.
The family rented a room from an elderly Italian couple, and he was under constant pressure to avoid the
loud, rambunctious behavior typical of young children. His parents wanted to ensure their living arrangements were not jeopardized by disrupting their landlords. Like many young boys, he longed to play, finding brief joy by fashioning a soccer ball out of socks and newspaper and kicking it around the unpaved streets.
Education, however, would become both his challenge and his escape. Forcina spent much of his youth in a militant boarding school run by Redemptorist priests. He was permitted to return home only for two weeks each year. Discipline was swift and unforgiving, and his education was limited.
“I became extremely introverted and grew to lack any confidence,” he says. Later, he would discover the academic gaps when he was forced to repeat several grades, despite having already lost years due to migration.
Scrapbook memories as Chief of Surgery at Holy Name and Meadowlands hospitals
Top: Salvatore, his wife Roberta, and dog “Buddy”
Bottom: Dr. Forcina and his daughter Vanessa
THE PULL OF EDUCATION
Still, ambition quietly took root. Against long odds and with a language barrier and no advantageous personal connections, he earned his medical degree in Argentina by studying relentlessly. He borrowed textbooks from classmates because he could not afford his own. Yet even with that achievement, opportunity remained limited, and he did not envision a successful future by staying in Argentina. After graduation, he briefly returned to Italy to specialize, but the familiar limitations pushed him onward once more—this time to the United States.
In 1969, at 28 years old, Dr. Forcina arrived in America with a medical degree not recognized in the U.S. and without knowing English. Long before Google Translate, Forcina persisted in his studies, poring over massive medical textbooks in a language he was still learning.
“It took me three years and various attempts to learn English and the concept of answering multiple-choice questions,” he says, before finally passing the Foreign Medical Graduate exam. That milestone opened the door to internships and residencies, followed by five years of surgical training. But it was not just the language that posed a barrier.
“Even though you can learn to speak a language, it takes time to learn to express yourself in a proper, cultural way.”
The struggle, however, sharpened his determination. Along the way, he encountered many immigrants whose medical dreams ended when they could not clear the same hurdles. “I realized how lucky I was to be able to continue pursuing the American Dream,” he reflects.
BUILDING A CAREER
Dr. Forcina’s career flourished. Through years of persistence, he built a reputation grounded in skill, compassion, and patient-centered care. His peers eventually elected him Chief of Surgery at Holy Name and Meadowlands Hospital—a moment of profound significance.
“To be voted and elected by my peers was a tremendous accomplishment for my family and me,” he says. “Being trusted to care for fellow doctors’ and staff members’ families was one of my proudest validations.”
Forcina defines the American Dream not as ease or entitlement, but as the realization of inner potential. “In America, our system makes one’s own personal ceiling limitless,” he says. “You only need yourself. Never give up. It will take years, and many failures, but if you stay determined, you can and will succeed.” He likens it to climbing
Mount Everest—arduous, painful, but transformative.
That philosophy of perseverance and common sense runs throughout his life and his memoir, “The American Doctor.”
In a world increasingly focused on immediacy, he emphasizes patience and long-term effort. “There is no immediate gratification,” he says. “You will fall down more than once, but you have to keep picking yourself up and trying.”
Ridgewood became home when Dr. Forcina and his wife sought a community where both their careers and their families could thrive. Drawn by colleagues, proximity to his work, and the town’s character, they found more than a place to live. “It was a privilege to have found a beautiful town in which my family thrived,” he says, recalling years spent enjoying neighbors, shops, and restaurants.
When readers close the final page of “The American Doctor,” Dr. Forcina
hopes they walk away inspired. His story is not meant to impress, but to encourage. “If I did it without means or connections,” he says, “I don’t see why anyone can’t do the same or even better.”
From war-torn mountains to operating rooms in New Jersey, Dr. Salvatore Forcina’s life stands as a testament to resilience, discipline, and the enduring power of hope—proof that even the most arduous journeys can succeed with determination and hard work.
His extraordinary story reminds us that perseverance, purpose, and hope can be transformational.
Catch Legacy Makers Inside Success production’s portrayal of Dr. Forcina’s story on the insidesucess.tv app or website or on Dr. Forcina’s website at www.salforcina. com. It will also be available on Amazon Prime soon.
A Colorful Life
After a music career didn’t quite pan out, Jerry Koenig found fulfillment as a rock star in Bergen County’s booming world of home improvements.
BY SARAH NOLAN
AA TEENAGE JERRY Koenig might be surprised to learn that decades forward, he not only still resides in his hometown of Ho-Ho-Kus but has become a household name in Bergen County’s world of home renovations and repairs.
Back in the late 1980s, Koenig says he “stuck out like a sore thumb” in the idyllic small town, thanks to his long hair inspired by heavy metal/rock musicians that helped shape his own high school band’s ambitions.
And yet, after a brush with fame, touring and rubbing elbows with bands like Kiss, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, and Matchbox Twenty, Koenig says running his small business fulfills him.
Koenig Contracting, more commonly known as Paint Troopers (a nod to Koenig’s love of “Star Wars”), allows the longtime resident to connect with community members and run a reliable and efficient business that takes pride in meticulous work. And for Koenig, that beats rock and rolling all night.
“It was nothing I ever planned on,” he says. “But I tell people I’m a spoiled brat—I’ve lived here for 50 years. I know everyone, and most of my work is in town. I could probably ride a bike to almost all my jobs. I bend over backwards for Ho-Ho-Kus people because this is my home.”
ART, MUSIC, AND BACK
An artist at heart, Koenig says he was always drawing and doodling as a kid. Having moved with his family from Queens to Ho-Ho-Kus in 1976, he attended Midland Park High School, where his talent grew as he explored an array of media, including handpainting his friends’ jean jackets.
He was set to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn to study graphic design and illustration. But then came music.
“I discovered the guitar and wanted to be a rock star,” Koenig says. “This was toward the end of high school— right when you’re supposed to be focusing on college and getting your life together.”
His band, Black Diamond, went on to open for many large acts that passed through the area, and their connections with roadies and managers landed them backstage and on tour with famous groups like Kiss.
Black Diamond came close to making it, but Koenig says at a certain point he realized the music thing wasn’t going to take off.
“I wasn’t going to be one of those guys in my 60s with a ponytail still trying to make it, thinking I was going to make it,” he says. “It’s a young man’s game. The business will tell you that—they want younger, good-looking people most of the time, and once you start to get past that, you realize that ship has sailed.”
page: Koenig
Koenig says that, though he continued playing music for a time with Black Diamond and then with a group of Ho-Ho-Kus musicians who formed a band called The Mist, it was put on the back burner, and he wasn’t too broken up about it. He had seen every aspect of the industry and had a lot of fun, he says, but it was time to move on and make some money.
He delved back into his art background and took a job at the old Tower Records on Route 17 in Paramus. It was more than a record store— Tower, which closed in 2006, was a cultural beacon for music lovers.
There, Koenig was a display artist for the store, with his own office and the artistic freedom to use his talent to promote new albums, tours, and movies.
It was after he left the job at Tower that his future career began to take shape. He took a summer job with his
Opposite: Jerry Koenig works with color expert Lorcan Cannon, who runs his business Libby Windsor Designs, out of the Waldwick Paint & Wallpaper Company.
This
at Waldwick Paint, where he picks up paint and supplies. Koenig backstage with original Kiss guitarist, Ace Frehley
mom’s boyfriend at the time, a man he describes as a “lovable train wreck.” He was a housepainter—Koenig figured he had an art background. Surely, he could paint a solid color.
“I enjoyed the work. I didn’t have to put a shirt and tie on, or sit in an office,” he says. “The description and views changed a couple of times a week.”
Koenig says the trouble was that his boss was unreliable and dismissed from many jobs. The final “paycheck” he received was a winning OTB ticket stub. Koenig realized there was a large market for house painting.
“If you’re reliable, you answer your phone, and you show up sober, you can succeed,” he says.
DELIVERING ‘EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS’
Koenig struck out on his own, originally partnering with a bandmate and friend. Business took off, and they parted ways, figuring there was no need to split the profits.
The Paint Troopers is Koenig and a team of three full-time employees. The business owner says most days, he’s connecting with clients, scheduling jobs, and picking up materials. But he still picks up a paintbrush and enjoys the nitty-gritty of the job.
“I like working with my hands, whether it’s art, music, or home improvements,” he says. “I usually zone out and get caught up in whatever I’m thinking about when I’m painting; it can be therapeutic.”
While interior and exterior painting are the Troopers’ forte, Koenig says he and his team also have carpentry and handyman skills. And if they can’t do it, Koenig knows someone who can. After decades on the job, Koenig knows professionals in every field of home improvement and says he only recommends the best of the best.
His clients nearly all find him from word of mouth, and thank goodness word on platforms like the Facebook moms’ groups is good—“they can make or break you, and they’re phenomenal to me,” Koenig says.
Megan Fox, a Ho-Ho-Kus homeowner and real estate professional, says she’s used Koenig and his crew personally and
PAINTING 101
How do you know when it’s time to paint the exterior of your home?
Koenig says if you’re not noticing peeling or chipping and you think your house looks OK, a first step to keeping it that way and staying on top of maintenance is to have the house “soft-washed.” The Paint Troopers sprays the house with a cleaning agent and then rinses it. The idea that power washing your home keeps it clean is outdated, he says.
“It does more damage than good. It’s too much water and too much pressure, and it’s very rarely needed,” Koenig says. “It’s like taking a shower without soap.”
Soft washing prolongs the life of a paint job and removes bacteria that can eat away at paint, Koenig says. It also allows you to stay on top of any painting jobs needed, as those doing the work will see every square inch of the home and make timely recommendations.
Tips on narrowing down paint colors: If you have a color family in mind, Koenig says he can tell you the go-to colors in that family. With an art background and decades of industry experience, he enjoys sharing his expertise with clients. Stores like Waldwick Paint & Wallpaper Company also have a color consultant that will work with you for free, Koenig says. And if you want to hire someone to come to your house and make recommendations based on permanent fixtures in your home, like the flooring or fireplace, Koenig works with decorators he can recommend.
When is the time to think about painting your home?
If it’s an exterior job, it’s a good idea to start talking to a professional in late winter/early spring to get on their books. And if you’re selling your home and want to refresh interior paint jobs, Koenig says his company is happy to work with your timeline and has “made miracles happen” for those with a time crunch.
confidently recommends them to her clients.
“His attention to detail, reliability, and workmanship consistently deliver exceptional results,” Fox says. “Jerry always goes above and beyond for his clients.”
Koenig says he feels blessed to do work he takes pride in in a town he loves. He works with a dedicated team that knows what they’re doing and puts homeowners at ease.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and we’re so lucky that we work steadily year-round,” he says.
And while once the idea of leaving Ho-Ho-Kus to tour with his band and make it big was at the forefront of Koenig’s mind, he credits his smalltown upbringing for keeping him and his crew grounded through their journey. He couldn’t imagine a better
place for him and his fiancé to raise their children—two girls and two boys.
But did the band ever get back together? Koenig says they recently did for a friend’s 50th birthday, and (occasional) future shows aren’t out of the question.
“It was so much fun—there were no managers, and no lawyers. It was just for fun, and we weren’t trying to get a record deal.”
For more about Koenig Contracting/ Paint Troopers, visit The Paint Troopers— Koenig Contracting on Facebook, or call 201-280-9198.
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 inform residents and foster a sense of community.
Top: Koenig with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. Koenig helped design guitars for one of the musician’s solo tours. Bottom: Koenig with Black Diamond, his high school band, which reunited several years ago
A Life Rooted in Ridgewood
We take a peek inside the life of Margie Downs, a lifelong Ridgewood resident whose impact on the Village has been— and continues to be—profound.
BY REBECCA BLEICH
TTAKE A WALK through downtown Ridgewood, and you’ll notice one thing. The stores and businesses may have changed over the years, but the feeling of community remains the same. Both longtime and new residents make up this charming place and continue to bring the neighborhood to life. Margaret (Margie) Downs is a legacy resident of the Village and has been a staple here for her entire life.
HISTORY IN RIDGEWOOD
Born Feb. 17, 1955, Downs has lived in Ridgewood her entire life as a thirdgeneration resident. Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other, she witnessed Ridgewood’s growth into a bustling community
with a strong shopping culture. Downs recalls walking everywhere as a young woman and notes that, although she still sees plenty of pedestrians, she now notices fewer children walking or playing outdoors. She misses the days of regularly seeing all of her neighbors and their kids walking about and enjoying everything Ridgewood has to offer.
She’s also noticed the town’s character evolving with the times. “Changes are the way of the world, but I miss the small retail shops,” says Downs. When she was growing up, her family owned Trilby’s bookstore on Prospect St. (behind Town and Country) from 1959 to 1982. Working there as a young woman, she had the opportunity to get to know many of the town’s residents
and merchants. “Ridgewood has always kept up with the times—so, I guess it’s good to keep changing,” she says.
Downs has not only lived in Ridgewood her whole life, but has also been a vibrant member of the community. She attended Ridgewood High School and later William Paterson University. She later participated in Bergen Leads, where she learned about human services and training programs to improve lives and strengthen communities. This program led her to a love of community service and volunteerism. And, Downs has put those initiatives into practice throughout the years for the benefit of the Village of Ridgewood and its residents.
Opposite: Soaking in the light and color at Bethlehem Lutheran
This page: Nestled with a favorite book on Ridgewood history at the library
A LIFE OF SERVICE
Locals may have met Downs at the Ridgewood Health Department, where she is an Alternate Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. She enjoys connecting with residents on both personal and professional levels. She’s also worked with Autumn Years magazine during its decade-long run, highlighting news, articles, and information for the 55+ community.
Over the years, Downs has been involved with the Ridgewood High School Band Parents Association, served as a trustee for the Ridgewood Education Foundation, been a volunteer facilitator for Neighbors helping Neighbors, supported Pro Arte Chorale as the group manager, was president of the Ridgewood
Fourth of July Celebration, and served as the administrative Director and Coordinator of Volunteers for the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. Downs even finds time to serve on the board of the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library and to contribute as an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Wearing all of these hats underscores her love for giving back to the community.
Her fondest memories of growing up in Ridgewood were being a part of the Fourth of July parade. Her church youth group had a float in the parade every year when she was growing up, and she enjoyed either actively participating in the event or just attending with her family to watch it go by. Downs “paid it forward” years
later as the president of the parade’s coordinating committee, where she would ensure everyone was in their places and that the entire day ran smoothly. Downs still holds her Fourth of July memories of Ridgewood close to her heart.
LOVE FOR COMMUNITY
One thing that has remained consistent throughout the years is the amazing people and their care for this town and each other, Downs says. A more diverse population and the ever-changing face of culture and business economics have led the Village to continue keeping up with the times. Downs welcomes new improvements and changes and looks to the future with optimism.
Downs continues to fulfill her personal mission, celebrating tradition and serving others.
“I like to think that I have helped improve the quality of life here in town by giving families a chance to be together—whether that’s at a Sunday School class I teach, the Fourth of July parade, or the holiday tree lighting.”
Thanks to her sense of community spirit and volunteerism, Ridgewood is well-positioned to continue its much-loved traditions and embrace the evolving changes in its vibrant downtown, making it a welcoming place for everyone who calls it home!
Rebecca Bleich is a recent graduate of Ramapo college, where she majored in journalism and writing.
Opposite page: The 100th anniversary Ridgewood Public Library event. Volunteering at the Bethlehem Lutheran “Easter in the Park” Chamber event.
This page: Enjoying blue skies through the library’s beautiful stained glass panels
Celebrating Literature and Community
We chatted with Caroline Oddy and Kathy Cowie, co-chairs of the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library’s 2026 Author Luncheon. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss this year’s event.
BY KRIS PEPPER
The Friends Foundation welcomes Anna Quindlen to Ridgewood this spring. Why is this year’s Author Luncheon especially exciting?
We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Anna Quindlen, a New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, to our 36th Annual Author Luncheon. She’s a writer whose work resonates deeply with readers, and her newest novel, “More than Enough,” is both timely and emotionally powerful.
The fact that this appearance is part of her national book tour makes it even more special for our community. Tickets are on sale now, but they are selling extremely fast, and we expect a sellout.
For readers who may be new to the event, what is the Author Luncheon, and why has it endured for more than three decades?
For over 30 years, the Author Luncheon has been one of Ridgewood’s most beloved literary traditions. Each year, it brings together nationally recognized authors and local residents for an afternoon celebrating books, ideas, and conversation.
Past speakers have included literary icons like Mary Higgins Clark, Khaled Hosseini, Elizabeth Strout, Min Jin Lee,
Jeannette Walls, and Ridgewood’s own Harlan Coben. The event consistently draws more than 400 attendees—a testament to Ridgewood’s strong literary culture and commitment to its public library.
Can you tell us about More than Enough and why readers are responding to it?
“More than Enough” explores what happens when the unexpected results of an ancestry test upend a woman’s life. It’s a story about identity, family, and the friendships that sustain us when longheld assumptions are challenged. Anna Quindlen brings her signature insight, wit, and emotional depth to the novel, and readers across the country have really connected with its themes.
What can attendees expect at this year’s luncheon?
The event is a full, thoughtfully curated
experience. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with a cash bar, a seated three-course lunch, a meet-and-greet and book signing with Anna Quindlen, an extensive silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a moderated conversation followed by an audience Q&A. It’s elegant, engaging, and very much about connecting people through literature.
How does the Author Luncheon support the Ridgewood Public Library?
The luncheon is one of our most important fundraisers. Proceeds directly support the library’s programs, services, and facilities—from free museum passes and ESL resources to educational programming and major capital improvements. Thanks to our donors, the Friends Foundation contributed more than $500,000 to the library last year alone.
What does the Friends Foundation hope the community takes away from this event?
We hope people leave inspired—by Anna Quindlen’s words, by meaningful social interaction, and by knowing that their participation helps ensure the Ridgewood Public Library remains a welcoming, vibrant place for generations to come.
EVENT TICKETS & BOOK INFO
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Terrace, 299 Paramus Rd., Paramus, New Jersey
Tickets are $100 to $250
For more information, visit www.supportridgewoodlibrary.org/authorluncheon.
From Cafeteria to Community
Ridgewood Students are leading the charge against food waste.
BY CHRISTINE CORLISS
IN THE BUSTLING kitchens of Ridgewood Public Schools, the end of the lunch bell no longer signals the end of a meal’s journey. Instead, it marks the beginning of a “rescue mission.”
Ridgewood has officially joined forces with Table to Table—New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization—to ensure that surplus food reaches the hands of those who need it most. As of January 2026, the district has completed 99 food rescues, recovering a staggering 7,489
pounds of nutritious food. This feat places Ridgewood at the forefront of sustainability as the first district in Bergen County—and only the second in the state—to implement the I-Rescue Lunch program district-wide.
The need for such initiatives is clear: nearly 1.1 million neighbors in New Jersey face food insecurity, including 270,000 children, while approximately 3 billion pounds of food is wasted each year in our state. Since 1999, Table to Table’s mission has been to build a more equitable and sustainable
food system by rescuing surplus, healthy food and delivering it for free to communities who need it most— ensuring no good food goes unused, and no neighbor goes hungry.
THE LOGISTICS OF CARE
The success of this program relies on the hands-on dedication of the kitchen staff. Pomptonian Food Service works closely with the schools and Table to Table, driving the daily effort by collecting all unused and leftover food across seven school
cafeterias, including Ridgewood High School and Hawes, Orchard, Ridge, Somerville, Travell, and Willard Elementary Schools.
Rather than allowing surplus items to go to waste, Pomptonian staff carefully organize and prepare the food for pickup. By professionally packaging and staging these meals, they ensure that every donation meets safety standards and is ready for local volunteers to collect.
The heart of this mission is the Ridgecrest Senior Apartments. Whether the leftovers are uncooked ingredients or prepared dishes chilled to safety standards, the priority is feeding Ridgewood’s own community members. When the bounty exceeds what the center can use, Table to Table ensures the surplus is delivered to other nearby partners, such as food pantries and community centers.
TURNING WASTE INTO WORTH
The statistics behind food waste are sobering. Annually, an average student might see 40 pounds of food and 30 cartons of milk go to waste. By participating in the Table to Table I-Rescue Lunch program, Ridgewood students are learning that simple actions—such as packing up excess fruit, juice boxes, and packaged goods—can have a significant environmental and social impact.
As Ridgewood continues to set a high bar for civic responsibility, every tray of food rescued is a reminder that in this community, no neighbor should go hungry while good food goes to waste.
For more information, visit www.tabletotable.org and www.pomptonian.com
Christine
Corliss is the
Public Information Officer of Ridgewood Public Schools
Opposite: Lunch aide Gaetana Lepore prepares surplus food for distribution to food pantries and community centers.
This page, from top: Lepore and Pomptonian Food Service Director for Ridgewood Public Schools, Ashley Ragazzo. Lunch aide Lepore prepares surplus food for distribution to food pantries and community centers.
BOOK NOOK
The Emerald Shelf
Contemporary Irish fiction you’ll want to read now.
BY LORRI STEINBACHER
IRISH WRITERS ARE known for their storytelling, weaving rich narratives that are filled with wit, social commentary, and social observation. These novels move from quiet villages to big cities, from pandemic wards to fractured families, all while capturing lives in transition.
THE RACHEL INCIDENT
by Caroline O’Donoghue
A novel about friendship, ambition, and young adulthood in Cork during the late 2000s. The characters were perfectly drawn and perfectly flawed. No one seemed to be able to get out of their own way. Recommended for those who like stories of messy young women trying to figure life out.
NORMAL PEOPLE
by Sally Rooney
This story traces the intense bond between Connell and Marianne from secondary school to university. The story explores class, intimacy, and what it means to be known by another person.
THE COAST ROAD
by Alan Murrin
A tale of small-town Irish life, focusing on the marriages of three women and how they navigate life given the formal structures of law and the informal (and just as insidious) structures of gossip culture. The characters are believable and nuanced, and the pacing
is excellent. This pairs domestic drama with political and moral tension perfectly.
WHEN ALL IS SAID
by Anne Griffin
An elderly man sits alone in a hotel bar and raises five toasts to the people who shaped his life. This novel unfolds as a series of confessions, exploring regret, love, and the quiet weight of memory. A great lazy weekend read.
FOSTER
by Claire Keegan
A novella about a neglected child sent to live with distant relatives on a farm. We watch a scared child start to become whole through kindness and attention. Claire Keegan always breaks your heart a little bit.
BROOKLYN
by Colm Tóibín
A young Irish woman emigrates to New York in the 1950s and must choose between two homes, two loves, and two versions of herself. This novel captures the ache of migration and belonging.
THE SEA
by John Banville
A grieving widower returns to a seaside town from his childhood, confronting memory, loss, and desire.
TRESPASSES
by Louise Kennedy
During the troubles in Northern Ireland, a young Catholic teacher begins an affair with a married Protestant lawyer. Private lives intersect with political violence.
BIG GIRL, SMALL TOWN
by Michelle Gallen
Majella will win you over. She is a young woman who works at a dead-end job at a chippy, who wolfs down fish and chips every night for dinner alone in her bed, and whose entire life is constrained by a town that has already decided who she is. This is not a story of an ugly, awkward duckling who turns into a swan. It is the story of a duckling who works within her circumstances, realistically and authentically, and ultimately moves ahead without changing who she is.
THE PULL OF THE STARS
by Emma Donoghue
Set over three days in a Dublin maternity ward during the 1918 influenza pandemic, this novel centers on nurses and expectant mothers battling disease, fear, and social constraints in a pandemic environment. Expect to feel déjà vu vibes.
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.
THIS SNOW IS NUTS
WE KNOW FAR too well how this little guy felt this winter. However, rest assured he will be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed once the warmer days arrive!
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