The Ridgewood (NJ) Maroon

August 13, 2025 - Union Square

Standing Outside At Closing Time

Sometimes when I take photos...I enjoy isolating one person and dreaming up a story about who they are and who and I at that moment - in this case she was long lovely dancer in a little club downtown and I was guy who was trying to get his courage up.

This is a pure reflection (with twigs and leaves) shot on the north west corner of Union Square looking east.

Time: 6:15 p.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

Alex Albert

Home

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony

Paul Cortelesi

Tuscany 2026

Tuscany 2026, Day 1

A whirlwind 24 hours. We started with a Macky tour of some of the more interesting back alleys of Manhattan’s Chinatown. This fortified us for the subway ride to JFK and the transatlantic flight to Rome.

Lunch was a simple sandwich of salami, roasted peppers, and mustard on a baguette. The afternoon was spent with a rare nap to reset my clock, followed by an investigation of the olive trees and a fig harvest.

Supper was grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, braised endive, with a salad of local lettuce / onions and an extra endive with the house vinaigrette.

We closed with a first for me: ripe figs in a dry Tuscan white wine. This was an interesting shift from my normal of red wine with a pear.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

Laura M Esquivel & Stephanie Jones

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

With the local river levels being so low due to the lack of rain, lots of rock is exposed at the Eau Claire Dells.

Kathy & Ross Petras

First spritzes of the summer!

Ridgewood Village Manager

New Bus Shelter

v6-26--Homecoming Weekend 2026

Paul McCubbin — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:06:34 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 26

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Homecoming Weekend 2026
Macky’s New York: The Preacher and a Travellin’ Show
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
Alex Alpert: Nana
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Dave Madden: International History Olympiad
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Stay Connected

Observer

Homecoming Weekend 2026

This year, Homecoming Weekend takes place October 9-10, 2026.

The weekend kicks off with a Friday night lights football game and continues into Saturday with the Alumni Square Ribbon Cutting Event, tours of Ridgewood High School, the Distinguished Alumni Ceremony, and Class Reunions for milestone groups, for graduation years ending in 1 and 6.

Macky’s New York

August 2, 2026 - DUMBO

The Preacher and a Travellin' Show

As the waves crash on the granite blocks...I find a lull in the set and jump down on the bottom step and shot this just before the next big wave came in and at that very moment...I felt like a preacher stealin' hearts at a travellin' show.

Shot just east of Pebble Beach looking west.

Time 8:05 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

This is going to take some time...

A friend and former neighbor messaged me last night. They tore down my childhood home yesterday...

Alex Alpert

Nana

My amazing Nana passed away this weekend at 98 years old.

She was the bravest person I’ve ever known. I’m so thankful I had such a long time with her.

She was also a really talented artist, and always encouraged me to pursue my art. Thanks Nana.

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA Board

The Alumni Square capital campaign will continue through Homecoming Weekend on October 9 and 10, culminating with a ribbon-cutting celebration on the morning of Saturday, October 24.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Alumni Square is the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association's new beautification project located outside the Little Theater. This welcoming gathering space is being designed for alumni to enjoy during Homecoming Weekend, class reunions, and visits back to campus. Just as importantly, it will provide current students with a beautiful place to meet, study, and connect throughout the school year.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Mark Porro

For nearly three decades, Mark Steven Porro built a life in Hollywood. Then one phone call sent him home to say goodbye to his mother during what everyone believed were her final days. What was supposed to be a last visit turned into years of moving back into his childhood home at 55 and learning, hands on and in real time, how to care for the woman who once cared for him.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

Dave Madden

International History Olympiad

We stopped off at West Side Presbyterian Church Ridgewood, NJ today before our 9 hour trip north to Vermont. Much to our surprise and delight, the whole pastoral staff was there, along with my choir director for 10 years as a child (and Intl. History Olympiad Music Program Director), Debbi Holden-Holloway! We had a great prayer for Zoë with all 6 of us asking for God's blessings and are looking forward to her baptism around Thanksgiving!

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

The water carved these potholes into the shale at the mouth of the Presque Isle River. Porcupine Mountain State Park, Michigan.

Taken with Nikon Z50 II mirrorless camera. 30 second exposure, on a tripod, while standing on a suspension bridge that shakes, rattles and rolls every time someone walks over it. In order to avoid motion blur in the photo, I needed to wait until nobody else was walking over the bridge before opening the shutter for the long exposure. It was very crowded. Took me half an hour to find one minute when nobody else walked over the bridge.

Kathy & Ross Petras

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Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ridgewood Village Manager

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v6-25--Fireflies, Sunflowers, & Sunsets

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:08:31 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 25

Monday, August 3, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Fireflies, Sunflowers, & Sunsets
Macky’s New York: My Morning With Grandpa & All The Things Between
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
Alex Alpert: Piece Chicago
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Emily Meland: Simple Interactions
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Stay Connected

Observer

Fireflies, Sunflowers, & Sunsets

The sun sets tonight at nine minutes after eight. Early August usually provides enough ambient light to do stuff outdoors until nine PM. This time of year also allows for people watching out any open window, which I have been doing on the regular during my rehab of recent surgeries. My garden this year has mostly been neglected. Though the previous four years of gardening this particular plot appears to be enough to carry me through a quiet year.

I conceived of a garden with only perennials flowers, bushes & herbs. There were also an abundant number of volunteer plants like the sunflowers and the morning glories. It’s been so wet in my neighborhood that I haven’t had to water at all. This gave me a good sized crop of red seedless grapes from the vines I planted on the arbor four years ago.

We also have the occasional gathering of fireflies in our back garden. Tell the truth we have few insects by my estimation, or at least I don’t feel them. I also increase my odds by ripping stems of mint in my hands every day to give me a herd immunity from gnats. The rest of the insects I leave to the birds to keep under control. Except for the bees, who figure prominently in my gardening plans. I grow a variety of flowering plants to entice them to stay put and nose around the garden all they want. I offer the same most favored insect sobriquet to ladybugs & spiders.

Macky’s New York

July 26, 2026 - Hudson River Park

My Morning With Grandpa & All The Things Between

A boy gets to spend the morning with his grandpa and the old gang as they share stories about life and fishing and everything in between.

Shot on the end of the Christopher Street Pier looking west with Hoboken in the distance.

Time: 8:10 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

More Crest Road

Alex Alpert

Piece Chicago

Nothing better than working with family! Was an honor to create artwork for t-shirts and pizza boxes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my cousin Billy’s spot Piece Chicago

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Emily Meland

Simple Interactions

Simple Interactions is a practice-based, strengths-focused, and community-driven approach to support helpers who serve children, youth, and families.

Sometimes it can be hard to see how we fit within a larger system of serving children, youth, and families. For any system or community to encourage, enrich, and empower human interactions and relationships, we must have people working together in support of one another. We all have a role to play in promoting developmental interactions and relationships around children, youth, and their helpers. The following video demonstrates our ideas of how systems and communities can work together to support a relationship-based vision.

Emily Meland is Co-Director, Simple Interactions
Doctoral Researcher and Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023

Cindy Myer

Established in 1966, Ridgewood Moving Services is a woman owned business by Cindy Myer and Northern New Jersey's premiere moving and storage company.

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

James Stroker

Beginning of the year kickoff convocations have filled quick.

Nothing I would rather do this season and visit your team, your business, your school or your group group tonight a message of optimism, gratitude, and the power ofWHY. GO TO COACHSTROKER.COM TO BOOK A HUDDLE UP GATHERING THAT COULD CHANGE THE SEASON.

Jack Zerbe

One of my happiest moments as a former Director of Study Abroad and International education. It happened in Turkey. This wonderful gentlemen shared his love for the USA. And we had the most marvelous meeting marked by genuine interest and mutual respect for our countries. The world needs more folks like this guy.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

That wildfire smoke is insane today. Smells like a barbeque out there.

Kathy & Ross Petras

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This party here in Spain is going to last all night!

Ridgewood Village Manager

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v6-24--Baseball Rule Changes

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:52:33 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 24

Monday, July 27, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Baseball Rule Changes
Macky’s New York: Can’t You Reed?
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
Alex Alpert: A Return To GWMS
Frank Farrell: First Flight Theater Company
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Schedler Site Development Study

Observer

Baseball Rule Changes

Recent Baseball rule changes I like:

Putting time limits on pitchers & batters to emphasize league-wide desire to speed up the play of the game.
Batter & catcher replay challenges of balls & strikes
In extra innings a runner is placed at second base
Relief pitchers must face 3 hitters minimum
Computers employing AI in dugout by managers & players to analyze probabilities & tendencies of game situations.
Wireless communication between the pitcher & catcher currently in the game.
Intentional walks are immediate, no more throwing 4 pitches

Macky’s New York

June 21, 2026 - Midtown

Can't You Reed?

A security guard shouts "library closed...can't you reed the sign" as his henchmen stands by with his trusty hose just in case things should get...ugly.

Shot on the north plaza of the New York Public Library on 5th ave just south of 42nd street looking south.

Time 9:45 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

Alex Alpert

A Return To GWMS

GWMS/RHS alumni and sought after NYC artist Alex Alpert visited his old stomping ground at GW, reconnecting with art teacher Jennifer Manke. He toured the building and made plans for a possible future collaboration. He even found his eighth grade ceiling tile project which still adorns our hallway. Alex is currently collaborating with corporations like Sharpie, Nike, Amex, Red Bull, Adobe and more. His art is popping up everywhere. He even made a custom GW themed drawing during his visit. Check out his incredible journey on his instagram page

Frank Farrell

First Flight Theater Company

First Flight Theatre Company presents two performances of Declaration adapted by Frank Farrell and directed by Lynn Manuell on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 3pm and 7pm at the Hermitage Museum, 335 Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. Admission is $20. For tickets visit

https://www.thehermitage.org

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

2026 Inductees

Stephanie Jones

201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 222-9122

James Stroker

At lunch, coach Chuck Johnson, coach Jeff Yearing, and myself got a chance to sit with the Carolina Hurricanes, strength and conditioning coach former Ridgewood teacher trainer and incredible role model Billy Burniston. Bill brought the Stanley Cup up to his Ridgewood roots.

A great story of a young man who went for it in so many ways and now is considered the top in his field

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Took a drive out to Sturgeon Bay yesterday to check out the new paint job on the North Pierhead Light. It looks great! The lighthouse has been privately owned for the last year or so, and the new owner has done a wonderful job maintaining it, and also giving us glimpses of the inside and the restoration that’s being done. It’s a pretty cozy living space inside the lighthouse now, although I don’t think that it’s lived in full time.

If you’re interested in following the activities in and around the lighthouse, the owner maintains a facebook page simply called “Sturgeon Bay Lighthouse.”

Photo taken with Nikon mirrorless on a tripod. It was pretty windy out there.

Kathy & Ross Petras

https://stores.inksoft.com/rhs_athletic_hall_of_fame_2026/shop/home

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Schedler Site Development Study

Site Development Plans prepared by the Ridgewood Engineering Department.

460 West Saddle River Road

v6-23--2026 RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Inductees

Paul McCubbin — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:33:14 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 23

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: 2026 RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Inductees
Macky’s New York: Me No Likey & The Cleveland Roundabout
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: 2026 Banquet Is 24 October
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Dave Madden: International Geography Bowl World Championship
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Graydon Skate Park

Observer

2026 RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Inductees

The 2026 banquet will be held at The Brick House on Saturday evening, October 24th.

From Jeff Yearing:

I wanted to forward this to you to see if you want to send it out in your next copy of the “The Maroon.”
As you can see when you open up link that we are ready to begin accepting requests for tickets to the event, as well as having advertisements placed in the banquet book for supporting our inductees or for supporting business etc.
We are also open to accepting donations in support of the RHSAHOF which is independently funded through our fund-raising efforts and not through the budget of the Ridgewood Public Schools.
Here is the link to the site:

All major credit cards are accepted.

Macky’s New York

July 12, 2026 - Nolita

Me No Likey & The Cleveland Roundabout

This shot took a few tries. Cars come from all directions at this busy intersection and you know how I feel about cars in my photos...me no likey.

Shot off a Con Ed manhole cover on Cleveland Place just north of Kenmare looking south with the old police headquarters (240 Centre street) in the distance.

Time: 7:35 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

I’ve been thinking about “old neighborhood” stuff...

Everybody complains about how this and that has changed. The thing that younger generations will never understand is.. Growing up in Ridgewood was like... The entire town was your personal park. We routinely hung out on random people’s property. If you had a wooded area behind your house.. If a few garages came together in a way that gave us privacy from adult eyes, perhaps stumps from wood piles to sit on... We’d meet up there, or stop by as we meandered... And short cuts ! All day long I’d walk through people’s yards like I owned the place. If I wanted to ride my mini bike at Kings Pond.. I’d roll right through your Mountain Ave yard.. . And our yard was no exception. I lived near Citizens Park The sight of those filthy 1970’s hippies sent me running inside to my mommy’s skirts, at first.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

2026 Inductees

The RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame is independently funded and not part of the budget of the Ridgewood Public Schools.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Mark Porro

I thought it would be fun to repost this story in honor of Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mel. And thank you for all the laughs!
That Time I Lied to Mel Brooks
Yes, I lied to one of my heroes, but I didn’t lie to get the job.
I enjoyed many highlights in Hollywood. My first and second came when filming an episode of Hill Street Blues, my first television role. Booking that role alone was a highlight, as my goal in coming to Hollywood was to get on that show. And less than two years later, voilà. But that cake came with icing.
During filming, I met a gentleman, an amiable man in his eighties, who sat in the courtroom as an extra. The day was long, well past eleven hours, but this man continued to enjoy himself, seeming to glean energy from the much younger cast and crew. When I asked why he spent his time here and hung in after so many hours, he said, “I love being around all of you young, creative people. And I love coming to this lot. It keeps me close to my daughter.” “Who’s your daughter?” I asked. He said, “Mary Tyler Moore.” Of course. We were filming at MTM Studios, owned by you now-know-who.
Other Hollywood highlights included appearing on a Seinfeld episode alongside my father. Getting the part, working with, and getting fired but still getting paid on The Golden Girls. Yes, still a highlight. But I made the “Girls” look older than they were. So, the producers replaced me with a much older man. I also worked with Tom Hanks in Castaway, directed by Robert Zemeckis, produced by Steven Spielberg.
But right up there at the top was meeting and auditioning for my comedy hero, Mel Brooks. When I was a kid, every time I saw him on Johnny Carson, not only did tell hilarious stories, but he also often jumped on Johnny’s chair, couch, or desk. I thought that guy is so much fun. If I ever had a Hollywood party, Mel Brooks would be the first I’d invite. Though I’m not sure my furniture would feel the same.
My agent sent me out on a casting call for Mel Brook’s latest comedy, Dracula: Dead and Loving It. I stepped into the audition room and was shocked to not only be greeted by Mr. Brooks himself, but by many of the character actors from his movies who flanked him. I stood and stared at the faces of what could be considered, the Mel Brooks Hall of Fame, whom all seemed to have a say in who got the job. Though they put me at ease right away, I still had to settle myself before I began.
My role required a British accent. After, he asked if I was really British. Having a George Washington I cannot tell a lie kind of moment, I said, “No, I’m from New Jersey.” Mel said, “You did great. However, for union reasons, we need a real Brit, but don’t go anywhere, wait outside.” A good sign, I thought, until I saw a room packed with actors who apparently got the same note.
A few minutes later, Mr. Brooks entered the room, hopped up on a table, and graciously thanked all of us for coming in. Then he called out, “Porro.” I stepped forward; all eyes in the room were now on me. Mr. Brooks then asked, “Are you related to Joe Porro?” Being honest just lost me a job in a Mel Brooks film, so the heck with that. I said, “Yeah, he’s my uncle.” Might not be a total lie since we were most likely related in some way. Then Mr. Brooks said, “Tell him he still owes me the ten bucks I lent him when we were stationed at Fort Dix.” “I’ll tell him,” I said.
After arriving home, I made Mr. Brooks a custom Nobodys thank-you card (Just one of my unintentional non-profit endeavors). I added a $15.00 check and a note. “Gave my uncle Joe your message. He told me to send him a check with interest and tell him to get off my back already.”
Le Pièce de Résistance
After receiving it, his office called. “Of course, Mr. Brooks could not accept the check.” I knew that, but that’s not what I cared about. I asked, “Did Mel laugh?” She said, “Yes.” And I pumped my fist in victory. Even though I didn’t get the job, my lie to Mel Brooks was totally worth it because it made my comedy hero laugh. And that just may be the pièce de résistance of all my Hollywood highlights.
To discover more about the author, click here.
#acupofteaonthecommode #melbrooks #hollywood #hollywoodhighlights
Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Another beautiful evening for a swim down by the dock last night.

Dave Madden

International Geography Bowl World Championship

Off to read the International Geography Bowl World Championship Rounds!

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Graydon Skate Park

Last week, the resurfacing work at the Graydon Skate Park began. New equipment will soon be added to the facility as well. All work is begin funded by a $100,000 New Jersey Local Recreation Improvement Grant secured by the Village.

v6-22--Warner Theater Update Summer 2026

Paul McCubbin — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:27:01 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 22

Saturday, July 11, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Warner Theater Update Summer 2026
Macky’s New York: With A World On A String
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
Ridgewood Warner Theater: Update Summer 2026
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Alex Alpert: Fanatics Fest NYC
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Stay Connected

Observer

Warner Theater Update

I favor the redevelopment of the Warner Theater in Ridgewood. Slowly but surely this is becoming a reality.

Firstly, they produced a thoughtful & complete application to the powers that be in NJ state government. This solid first step will likely insure a better outcome. We all look forward to the initial architectural plans.

Macky’s New York

July 7, 2026 - Union Square

With A World On A String

I once had the world on a string...silly string.

This is a pure reflection shot in a light drizzle on Union Square north looking east.

Time: 9 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

So... What goes around comes around and now it’s my turn.....

More on this later, but I ran into my dear old neighbors at the parade and asked them how things are in the old hood...

“I guess you’ve heard..?”

.... heart starts beating faster. I hadn’t, but that’s all he had to say...

They’re tearing down my childhood home and building a 6 bed, 6 bath, 5000 sq/f expletive expletive expletive..

More later..

Warner Theater Update

The Ridgewood Arts Foundation is prepared to submit an application for a $75 million grant through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to help transform the historic Warner Theater into a premier performing arts center. The Foundation is currently awaiting the opening of the NJEDA grant application window. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project moves forward!

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Mark Porro

I thought it would be fun to repost this story in honor of Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mel. And thank you for all the laughs!

“That time I lied to Mel Brooks”

Yes, I lied to one of my heroes, but I didn’t lie to get the job.

I enjoyed many highlights in Hollywood. My first and second came when filming an episode of Hill Street Blues, my first television role. Booking that role alone was a highlight, as my goal in coming to Hollywood was to get on that show. And less than two years later, voilà. But that cake came with icing. During filming, I met a gentleman, an amiable man in his eighties, who sat in the courtroom as an extra. The day was long, well past eleven hours, but this man continued to enjoy himself, seeming to glean energy from the much younger cast and crew. When I asked why he spent his time here and hung in after so many hours, he said, “I love being around all of you young, creative people. And I love coming to this lot. It keeps me close to my daughter.” “Who’s your daughter?” I asked. He said, “Mary Tyler Moore.” Of course. We were filming at MTM Studios, owned by you now-know-who.

Other Hollywood highlights included appearing on a Seinfeld episode alongside my father. Getting the part, working with, and getting fired but still getting paid on The Golden Girls. Yes, still a highlight. But I made the “Girls” look older than they were. So, the producers replaced me with a much older man. I also worked with Tom Hanks in Castaway, directed by Robert Zemeckis, produced by Steven Spielberg.

But right up there at the top was meeting and auditioning for my comedy hero, Mel Brooks. When I was a kid, every time I saw him on Johnny Carson, not only did tell hilarious stories, but he also often jumped on Johnny’s chair, couch, or desk. I thought that guy is so much fun. If I ever had a Hollywood party, Mel Brooks would be the first I’d invite. Though I’m not sure my furniture would feel the same.

My agent sent me out on a casting call for Mel Brook’s latest comedy, Dracula: Dead and Loving It. I stepped into the audition room and was shocked to not only be greeted by Mr. Brooks himself, but by many of the character actors from his movies who flanked him. I stood and stared at the faces of what could be considered, the Mel Brooks Hall of Fame, whom all seemed to have a say in who got the job. Though they put me at ease right away, I still had to settle myself before I began.

My role required a British accent. After, he asked if I was really British. Having a George Washington I cannot tell a lie kind of moment, I said, “No, I’m from New Jersey.” Mel said, “You did great. However, for union reasons, we need a real Brit, but don’t go anywhere, wait outside.” A good sign, I thought, until I saw a room packed with actors who apparently got the same note.

A few minutes later, Mr. Brooks entered the room, hopped up on a table, and graciously thanked all of us for coming in. Then he called out, “Porro.” I stepped forward; all eyes in the room were now on me. Mr. Brooks then asked, “Are you related to Joe Porro?” Being honest just lost me a job in a Mel Brooks film, so the heck with that. I said, “Yeah, he’s my uncle.” Might not be a total lie since we were most likely related in some way. Then Mr. Brooks said, “Tell him he still owes me the ten bucks I lent him when we were stationed at Fort Dix.” “I’ll tell him,” I said.

After arriving home, I made Mr. Brooks a custom Nobodys™ thank-you card (Just one of my unintentional non-profit endeavors). I added a $15.00 check and a note. “Gave my uncle Joe your message. He told me to send him a check with interest and tell him to get off my back already.”

After receiving it, his office called. “Of course, Mr. Brooks could not accept the check.” I knew that, but that’s not what I cared about. I asked, “Did Mel laugh?” She said, “Yes.” And I pumped my fist in victory. Even though I didn’t get the job, my lie to Mel Brooks was totally worth it because it made my comedy hero laugh. And that just may be the pièce de résistance of all my Hollywood highlights.

Cindy Myer

Established in 1966, Ridgewood Moving Services is the premier, woman-owned moving company in Northern.

Stephanie Jones

Alex Alpert

https://alexalpert.com/

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Just some slight pastel colors remain from a not too spectacular sunset the other night at a beach near Silver City, MI. This photo was taken about 20 minutes after the sun had set, which was almost 10:30 PM Silver City time. This beach is one of our favorites. It’s dotted with large boulders sitting in the water. One of the boulders even has a tree growing out of it. The photo is looking west over Porcupine Mountain State Park. Photo taken with Nikon mirrorless. 6 second exposure, ISO 100 at f/22

Kathy & Ross Petras

Sign-up for notifications.

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ajo Negro has become exceptionally cuddly of late. It makes it very hard to get up in the morning

Ridgewood Village Manager

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v6-20--4th of July Remembrances

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:36:48 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 20

Monday, July 6, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: 4th Of July Remembrances
Macky’s New York: A Meadow By Any Other Name
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHSAA: Class Of 1976 50th Reunion
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
Krause Family: 4th Of July
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Paul Cortelesi: 4th Of July
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Bolger Heritage Collection: 4th Of July Parade
Ridgewood Village Manager: Flag Raising

Observer

4th Of July Remembrances

It had been 100 degrees hot in Ridgewood in 2026 leading up to the most anticipated holiday of the year in the Village, the 4th of July. It came on the heals of the RHS graduation ceremony with its girls in white dresses carrying roses and the boys in white tuxedos for the first time in lives. The black shoes the boys all rented in 1977 from Biltmore Tuxedo appeared to be made of cardboard. Though the shoes and the marvelous tuxedo held up through a long day of ceremonies and parties.

The Class of 1977 as per custom for the newest alumni rode through town on a float created by our parents from the decorations from our late night party at BF Middle School.

I was asked to call my friends to fill up the float with graduates. Once people heard of this we filled the float pretty quickly. The float itself was uncovered and the sun beat down on us. The parade moved slowly through town, so much so that David Rorty and I jumped off and went into the old, long gone Piccadilly Bar & Restaurant to grab a six pack of restoratives to consume during the rest of the ride. We shared what we had procured and by the time we reached Ridgewood Avenue we wished we had bought more. Nobody along the parade route seemed to mind our exuberance and treated it as a last blast of excitement from the graduating class.

Macky’s New York

Matthew Cortellesi Photograph

June 21, 2026 - Greenwich Village

A Meadow By Any Other Name

As the sun rises...a meadow by any other name comes to life.

Shot on 7th avenue just north of Grove Street looking north.

Time: 8 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

While I’m at it... I’ve posted these before, These pics were probably taken 20 years apart.. In some ways Ridgewood is over developed and in some ways it’s coming back..

The deer pic is early 2000s. The one on the right is directly across the street a few years ago.. It looks exactly niw like it did when I was 6 years old... Fairytale.. I played in that stream every day, traced its origin to Wyckoff as I got older..

I consider myself an authority on neighborhood charm.

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA Board

Mark Porro

Dad with the first of six

Krause Family

4th of July

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Paul Cortelesi

4th of July

250 for the Union, 45 parades for myself, and likely 20 for Son #3.

Our favorite ride for the annual Lebanon parade is the 1969 Mack Engine that was the prime component of Quakertown Fire Company for decades. It is now relegated to parade and background duties, but it is the preferred ride for me whenever we pull it out of the Bulldog Garage.

I was blessed with the opportunity to sit in this exact same seat for the last Fire it ever responded to.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

He beat me at wiffle ball, basketball and soccer. I taught him a thing or two about a frisbee. I have some catching up to do with the fishing.

Thank to Maverick’s sister, Harper, for the photo she took from the dock.

Bolger Heritage Collection

4th Of July

The Bolger Archives has dozens of photos of past Fourth of July parades...but, for obvious reasons, we've picked this one. It's from the 1947 parade, appropriately showing the library float in front of the old Pease Library. The "Dept. of Streets" truck is decorated with book covers, largely blurred here, but there is one about Norman Rockwell under the "N" in "ENJOY."

Ridgewood Village Manager

Flag Raising

Our Ridgewood 4th of July flag raising and parade this morning! Happy 250th, America - and a BIG thank you to all those who make this event happen!

v6-19--Sons Of Liberty

Paul McCubbin — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:37:22 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 19

Saturday, July 4, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Sons Of Liberty
Macky’s New York: In A Drop Of An Empire
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Siobhan Crann Winograd: 4th of July
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Fireworks Cancelled

Observer

Sons Of Liberty

Today we celebrate the Sons Of Liberty & the Daughters of the American Revolution. It’s a good bet you gave some thought to relatives who settled this country or emigrated here after it was established.

I like to gaze at the long arc of our country’s history and remind myself that the slaves were eventually freed, women were given the vote and child labor was outlawed.

I also believe we are not done with the causes of all mankind.

Macky’s New York

July 1, 2026 - Midtown East

In A Drop Of An Empire

Not knowing that in a few hours a man and woman would be on top of that spiril...I took this as I walked east on 34th.

Shot in the res painted bus path on 34th street just east of 8th Ave looking east.

Time: 9:45 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA

Sixty years ago today June 23, 1966 Barb and I graduated from Ridgewood High School.Little did we know then, that I would spend forty three years working there with both of our children also graduating from RHS.Once a Maroon always a Maroon!

Siobhan Crann Winograd

4th of July

Never looked so good. Thank you to everyone who made our Village so beautiful for the 4th of July!!!

Mark Porro

Paul Cortelesi

Italian Gothic

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 222-9122

James Stroker

Today, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate a freedom no one can take from us—the freedom to choose our response.

Our Founding Fathers understood it. Imagine General Washington crossing the Delaware on that freezing Christmas night. The circumstances were brutal, but their perspective stayed fixed on hope, purpose, and the future.

That same spirit lives today in Joe DiMeo. Every day, Joe reminds us that gratitude isn’t based on what we’ve lost—it’s based on recognizing the gift of what we still have. His perspective has become his superpower.

This Fourth of July, and on July 5th, 6th, and every day that follows, may we remember: we’re incredibly fortunate simply to wake up, breathe, love, and live another day.

The last of the human freedoms is to choose our response to any given set of circumstances.

Happy Independence Day. 🇺🇸

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Took this photo from the dock on the evening of June 24. Lots of activity in the atmosphere on that night that created some dramatic clouds. Merrill got lucky and mostly avoided the torrential rains and hail. Other parts of the state, especially Green Bay, where Mav and I had just visited the day before, got hit pretty hard. It's been a stormy spring and early summer in Wisconsin.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Fireworks Cancelled

Due to the threat of thunderstorms, and in the interest of public safety, tonight’s fireworks display has been canceled.

We understand this is disappointing, but the safety of our residents, visitors and event staff must come first.

Stay safe and have a Happy 4th of July!

v6-18--Ridgewood Maroon Hiatus

Paul McCubbin — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:16:08 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 18

Sunday, June 14, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Ridgewood Maroon Hiatus
Macky’s New York: Tick Tock Tick
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Alex Alpert: Stream of Consciousness Illustrator
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: New Ridgewood Bus Stop

Observer

Ridgewood Maroon Hiatus

A recent surgery limits my ability to publish/edit the Ridgewood Maroon. We’ll be back as soon as possible.

Peace.

Macky’s New York

May 31, 2026 - Nolita

Tick Tock Tick

I spent my morning standing under these sneakers watching them swing back and forth in perfect rhythm in a somewhat trance like Rainman watching the red sock go round and round in the dryer - finally a lady came by and asked me if I was OK to which I replied...two hundred forty six toothpicks...the lady just kept on walking.

I've shot this cluster of sneakers before only now there were a few more pairs on the line - I'll come back in a few months to see what's hanging.

Shot on Centre Market place just south of Broome street looking south.

Time 7:10 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

Antisemitism’s new catchphrase

What “They take AIPAC money” really means

Commentator Amy Siskind recently wrote that she is “simply horrified and disgusted by the rabid antisemitism coming from the fringes of our party right now. It is completely unacceptable, and needs to be publicly condemned by all of us!”

She is absolutely right. The increasingly bold antisemitism we are seeing today—including, alarmingly, in current political discourse within certain corners of the Democratic Party—is horrifying and disgusting.

There is no better example of this than the rising tide of attacks on Democratic politicians for accepting “AIPAC money”—attacks that treat such contributions as a complete dealbreaker that renders a candidate unfit, untrustworthy, and beyond the pale.

When Democrats accuse a candidate of “taking AIPAC money” as a full stop dealbreaker — while forgiving a Nazi-tattooed bigot of all manner of wrongs because at least he hasn’t committed the ultimate sin of accepting AIPAC dollars — they are feeding and spreading an ugly antisemitic trope rooted in the age-old notion that Jews are attempting to take over our politics and society.

“They take AIPAC money” is a euphemism for “they are in the pockets of the Jews”—a polite way of saying “We don’t trust anyone who takes dirty Jewish money.”

This targeting of candidates who accept AIPAC contributions — and the worshipping of those who don’t — may seem innocent to some. It is not. It is nasty, it is rooted in antisemitism, and it is dangerous.

This kind of scapegoating is exactly what helped lay the foundation for the Holocaust. Hitler and the Nazis didn’t start off by threatening to kill Jews. They began with a soft launch — desensitizing “decent people” with veiled, dehumanizing language that gradually led them to see Jews as lesser, as a threat, as not “real” Germans, but outsiders with insidious dual loyalties who threatened to undermine the fragile foundations of their society. They hid behind vaguely innocuous terms that others picked up and spread — and when accused of antisemitism, they went all “Who? Me?”

The language we are hearing now is eerily reminiscent of those voices many thought had been relegated to history’s trash heap. But that language is back, and ringing loud and clear.

There is a reason Jews are terrified and begging the rest of us to speak up in this moment. They are not ok. And if we don’t stand up, we are not ok either — because silence makes us complicit in the horrifying rise of antisemitism happening right in our faces.

So please. Stop ignoring the antisemitism in our midst — and for God’s sake, stop spreading it! Speak up. Call it out. Fight back.

Before it’s too late.

Alex Alpert

Stream of Consciousness Illustrator

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

After two rounds of strong storms yesterday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, another round threatened in the evening as I was pumping all the rainwater out of the boat. Thankfully, this third round fizzled out. Lots of wind damage across the state.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

From KMUW Studios and part of the NPR Podcast Network, You’re Saying It Wrong is a podcast that looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language. Hosted by KMUW’s Fletcher Powell, each episode features a conversation with the sister and brother who wrote the book on it. Literally. You’re Saying It Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse is by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras.On June 24, 2022, You’re Saying It Wrong received first place in Division B for Interview Podcasts from the Public Media Journalists Association. The awards recognize the best work in public media journalism from across the country.You’re Saying It Wrong is available to public radio stations through PRX.

Ridgewood Village Manager

New Bus Stop

This week, construction on the new bus shelter began at Van Neste Square. We are awaiting the delivery of the new structure and look forward to opening this new facility later this spring. A special thank you to the NJ DOT, along with Senator Kristin Corrado, and Assemblymen Chris DePhillips and Al Barlas for securing a $147,000 grant to fund this project!

v6-17--Pizzuto Way

Paul McCubbin — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:54:03 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 17

Saturday, June 6, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Pizzuto Way
Macky’s New York: My Friend With The Dome Head
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Warren Gorlick: OP-ED
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Class of 1956: 70th Reunion

Observer

Basil Pizzuto Way

Yesterday at RHS to honor Basil Pizzuto, Heermance Place was given an honorary name, Pizzuto Way. This occurred along with the installation of a permanent mural at the bottom of the graduation walkway at RHS. It was a well-attended tribute done on the front lawn of the school with large numbers of faculty and staff current and retired ( myself included), students current and alumni whom Basil had interaction with, along with Administration past and present. The mayor and Ridgewood Education Association president both presented while Jeff Nyhuis acted as master of ceremonies. There were musical presentations by choral and instrumental groups with the ceremony concluding with an RHS rock band playing a Beatles and Pink Floyd, two of Basil’s favorite groups. All in all, a very fitting tribute.

Jeff Yearing ‘66

Macky’s New York

May 3, 2026 - Chinatown

My Friend With The Dome Head

After having pork rice rolls on Henry street for $2.50...I decided to my way west and as I came up the hill on the eastern end of Canal street...I saw my old friend - that’s right...my life has come down to this...I now have buildings I refer to as friends - what’s next...bridges?

This is an unusual photo in the sense that there are no cars or people due to the Five Borough Bike Tour shutting Canal Street down - usually, this intersection would be wall to wall with cars and trucks.

Shot just south of Canal street and east of Bowery in the Manhattan Bridge plaza looking west with the old Manhattan Savings Bank building in the distance - for those interested...in the 80s that building was a Dim Sum house where I had my first taste of a rice roll

Time; 8:05 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

It is 1922 and a premonition of things to come appears in the fall edition of the RHS Arrow Quarterly. Marion Delamater, class of 1924, writes an editorial about the lack of opportunity for girls to participate in varsity athletics at RHS! More…

Cindy Myer

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Stephanie Jones

I’m pleased to share some of my work with you.

LIFE IS FULL OF BEAUTY AND SURPRISES!

After thinking my entire life that I had no artistic talent (”I can’t draw a straight line”), I took a drawing class on a whim and discovered that while I still can’t draw a straight line without a ruler, I have a talent for drawing and painting. I began studying in earnest with wonderful art teachers in Washington, DC, Cincinnati and Florence, Italy and am working hard to learn and enjoy my new passion.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

After having a very unpleasant experience trying to buy a new zoom lens for my Nikon D750 DSLR from a major online seller, I ended up returning the lens for a full refund and decided to rethink my options. Priority number one was to find a retail store with knowledgeable salespeople, and I found that with Camera Casino in Oshkosh.

I took the two-hour drive to Oshkosh yesterday, and the salesman spent an hour with me trying to help me figure out what it was I wanted. The end result was I bought a new mirrorless Nikon Z50 II with an 18-300mm zoom. I’ll sell the old one on Marketplace. Now I have a camera that weighs half as much as the old one, and does everything I need with just one lens instead of three.

After taking a little bit of time to figure out the new buttons and stuff, I took the new Z50 out today for a quick trial run. I’m pretty happy with the results. I’ll never get the resolution that I was getting with the full frame D750, but it’s not like I need to enlarge these photos to billboard size, and the resolution is still a heck of a lot better than what I get with the phone camera. Can’t wait to get back up to Duluth and try the new camera out on the ships coming into Duluth Harbor.

Warren Gorlick

Op-Ed

In my latest Washington Post op-ed, I break down why American transit costs are fundamentally broken. WMATA rejected a new metro station because the projected price tag topped $1 billion. That is 500% more than what major European cities pay for a subway station. Unbelievably, WMATA claims that minor upgrades to a station a mile away would cost more than what Madrid recently spent to build an entire station from scratch. WMATA’s proposed alternative - an express bus lane - will only trigger massive gridlock on the narrow H Street corridor. Bogotá’s former mayor famously said, “An advanced city is not one where even the poor use cars, but rather one where even the rich use public transport.” To get there, we must build transit at a cost the public can actually afford. Until the U.S. learns to do that, Americans will be left behind the wheel - and behind the rest of the world. Whatever the cost, it should be shared by the Commanders, the federal government, Maryland and Virginia as well as DC taxpayers.

FULL TEXT

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Class of 1956

70th Reunion

RHS reunion season just kicked off, and who better to lead the way than the Class of 1956, who celebrated their 70th reunion with a brunch at Ridgewood Country Club last Sunday.

v6-16--Graydon Pool

Paul McCubbin — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:14:13 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 16

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Graydon Pool

Observer

Graydon Pool

Coach Years provided the pictures and commentary. The photos were so compelling that this issue is dedicated to Graydon Pool.

With a new Graydon season rapidly approaching I can’t believe that it has been 22 years since I stepped away as manager. My last season was 2004.I began there in 1967 as a lifeguard. I worked there through college and missed the summer of 1971 because of grad school at Ohio State and 1972 teaching in Millburn. I came back to the pool in 1973 when I was hired in Ridgewood. I worked as a shift leader and lifeguard instructor. In 1976 I was promoted to asst head lifeguard and took over as head lifeguard and manager in 1980.All in all I was there for a total of 36 summers, 25 as manager head lifeguard. Through the pictures, it might be fun for folks in town to understand how deep the history is in the pool’s development and longevity.

Graydon Pictures

The first picture is if Linwood Park circa somewhere pre-1909

If you look left, you can see the lines of Linwood Avenue and the HO Ho Kus brook running behind the,,YES COWS..at the top of the picture. Notice the two sycamore trees that would be part of the first two islands that would be developed in the upcoming swimming area.

In picture two you can see Graydon after Samuel Graydon donated the land to the village and damned the brook adding a chlorination system to the pool at a cost of $23,000.00. Quite a hefty sum for the day. That construction started in 1918 and the park was completed in 1921.You can see the two islands which most people don’t realize were there, really only knowing the facility with one island. I can’t find when the front island was removed. The pool was officially named Graydon Pool in 1929 by the village. Until then it was still referred to as Linwood Park. This picture is from the 1929 era. You can see the lifeguard shack on the East side of the pool. There was 1 lifeguard on duty who also served a maintenance worker and police officer! Rowdy crowds..Ha! Adult season pass was 50 Cents and children were 25 Cents.

Picture three is of the WPA work in 1936 for pool improvements. That is when the wall ,office and bath house were built. If you look behind the steam shovel you can make out Maple Avenue at the top of the hill looking West.

Picture four is Graydon how many of us remember the facility from the 50’s and 60’s. Notice the stone houses and walls. Also noticed the bathing caps on the female swimmers. The picnic area next to the brook was consistently in heavy use on most summer nights.

The fifth picture is a photo showing the pool looking West to East. For many years the area beyond the West ropes where the pumps are located were off limits to swimmers and was used by recreational model boat enthusiasts! Dick Flechtner opened it up in the 60’s with a raft ,slide and Kiddie area and two lifeguard stands being added. The floating rafts were replaced with concrete as was the dock. The pool remained very much the same until the late 1980s when the major renovation took place adding the concrete deck, The new snack bar in the old office first aid room. Building a new managers office, first aid room and female lifeguard locker room. The swim team area was also renovated.

Picture six is an aerial view of the facility today. Notice the playground basketball area adder in the Northeast corner with the recreation department now in the old Lester property barn that use to sit directly behind the pool when Mr. Lester operated the property of a working farm. I can remember strong smells of horse manner wafting across the pools North side on hot humid summer days. He kept two huge draft horses in the barn to help play the fields.That is another history for another time. His house burned down after he died and the property was left to be purchased by the village which moved the barn to its current location ( thank you Mr.Bolger) and the farmland became Maple Park. Most importantly the Berm was built to help subside flood waters. Of course, to pool has flooded many times which enabled the lifeguard staff to engage in major clean ups

Picture seven is of our lifeguard staff in 1969.

Picture eight is of myself and my son Tadd and my daughter Nancy when they worked there in 2000.

v6-15--College Club Of Northern NJ

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:46:15 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No.15

Monday, May 4, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: College Club Of Northern NJ
Macky’s New York: Reflections & Shadows Of A Failed Accountant
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
David Madden: International Academic Competitions

Observer

College Club Of Northern NJ

There is nothing quite like a good deal on a used book. Whether you donate or buy something it strikes a similar chord. The College Club Of Northern NJ makes this underrated pleasure a regular occurance with their Used Book Sale Collection at Somerville Elementary School 46 S. Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood.

The College Club was formally organized in 1913-14 at a meeting attended by five graduates and three undergraduates. Miss Nell Doremus is elected President. The aim of the Club is declared to be "to aid in establishing a women's college at Rutgers." The first fundraiser, a pageant held in the Doremus Orchard, netted $37.

You may drop off donations every Monday From March 16, 2026 - June 6, 2026 (except March 30 & May 25) between 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Macky’s New York

April 28, 2026 - Grand Central

Reflections & Shadows Of A Failed Accountant

After telling his wife he is at work...the failed account leaves the Apple store where he spent the morning sending out resumes.

This is both a Reflection and a shadow with the west windows reflecting off the marble and the shadow of a figure captures in the morning sun - shot on the 5thbstep of the east balcony looking east.

Time: 10:25 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

While most residents were sleeping, road work was underway on North Broad Street this past week. Crews milled and paved the section between East Ridgewood Avenue and Franklin Avenue, taking advantage of off-peak hours to minimize disruption while advancing important roadway improvements.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

I'm glad that no one was killed or seriously injured last night at the White House Correspondents Association dinner - and I mean NO ONE, as I never wish for, condone, or cheer the political assassination of anyone under any circumstances. But it is very unsettling that this incident will make it even less likely that the political press will do their j…

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie's Substack

Stephanie’s Substack

Jumping into the Foxhole

4 months ago · 11 likes · 1 comment · Stephanie Jones

Mark Porro

The Porro Family house. 247 Emmett Place in 1950. On a cul-de-sac, second house from the end on the right. It featured one of the rare Birch trees in Ridgewood. We enjoyed that tree for decades before a disease got to it in the 1980s.

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

A farm in the Town of Pine River. This is looking north from the Pine River bridge on Center Road. You don’t get to see this view too often, because in the winter the river is frozen and there is snow on the ground, and in the summer all the leaves on the trees and bushes obstruct the view.

The body of water in the foreground is the Pine River. The piece of water in the middle is a puddle that comes and goes, and the third piece of water is a permanent pond out in the field that is filled to the brim.

Kathy & Ross Petras

A little bit o' Klimt in our backyard!

David Madden

International Academic Competitions

I've run competitions at my high school alma mater since 2010, my undergrad alma mater since 2012, but today was the first time I had ever run a competition at my 2nd alma mater: Willard Elementary School! We had 21 teams from the 6 Ridgewood elementary schools come in for a successful after school Academic Bowl. So now, the only question is can my first alma mater (West Side Presbyterian Church Nursery School) be far behind? We did have the first ever preschooler qualify for Nationals this year!

v6-14--RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Window

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:47:14 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 5

Monday, April 27, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Window
Macky’s New York: The Windmill Inside Me
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Anna Quindlen

Observer

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Window

From Jeff Yearing:

I sent you an updated picture of the HOF window as it exists now. As you can see, we added the sports of girls’ flag football, skiing as well as crew. That covers all the sports offered at RHS. Cheer is represented by the megaphone. Not sure if we will ever see boys’ volleyball at RHS because of budget concerns. Oh well. One sport at a time. Hockey took a long time to establish itself from club to Interscholastic Level. Crew is operating the same way, as a club out of RHS. —Jeff

Photos below.

Macky’s New York

April 16, 2026 - Sag Harbor

The Windmill Inside Me

I've been in love with this windmill ever since I first walked by it as a child - like every kid...I wanted to live in it...I still do and although I know now that I can never live in it the good news is...the windmill lives in me and has ever since that day way back when.

Shot on the southern end of the west dock looking south.

Time: 5:55 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

The James Rose Center – Library of American Landscape History | LALH https://share.google/Z1Z4apYCrXDCB4sAx

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Mark Porro

A son’s multitasking adventures of caring for Mom. And how he survived to tell the tale. Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Can you imagine how good it feels when your crew sends you a picture of a job well done after a move….well let me tell you….nothing better…way to go teamwork

Stephanie Jones

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Things are roaring at the Grandfather Dam. Nothing serious in Lincoln County, but just to the south and east of us there are some concerns about a few dams that may be compromised by the high water.

Taken with a Nikon D750. The second picture is a cropped portion of the original picture. I posted it just to illustrate the kind of detail you can get when you leave the phone camera in your pocket and drag out a heavy, full frame DSLR. Lugging that camera around can be a pain, but sometimes it’s worth it. A friend gave me a nice camera and lens backpack, so now that I have the room for more lenses I ordered a refurbished 70-300 zoom lens that should be arriving today. Looking forward to experimenting with it.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language. The sister and brother who wrote the book on it. Literally. You’re Saying It Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse is by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Anna Quindlen

A great day supporting the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library Annual Author Luncheon featuring Anna Quindlen. Anna, a novelist and journalist, has written for the New York Times and Newsweek, and has appeared on multiple bestseller lists for her work.

v6-13--Van Dyk's Ice Cream

Paul McCubbin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:38:50 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 13

Friday, April 24, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Van Dyk’s Ice Cream
Macky’s New York: A Portrait Of A Portrait In Moisture
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Paul Cortellesi: Pizza Dough Recipe
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Sustainability Roadmap for Ridgewood

Observer

Van Dyks’ Ice Cream

The creamiest little hidden gem in New Jersey is Van Dyk's Homemade Ice Cream. You pull in and step up to the window, and the first thing you notice is that sweet, cold dairy smell and the old-school stand vibe that makes you feel like summer never left. You go for thick scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, or you get bold with mint chip, cookies and cream, and a rich peanut butter swirl that hits just right. You can’t skip a hot fudge sundae, a classic banana split, or a milkshake that comes out frosty, sweet, and filling. Service is quick even when there’s a line, prices feel fair for the huge portions, and the staff stays friendly and patient while you decide. You leave with sticky fingers, a full smile, and a plan to come back before the week is over. —William Peay

Macky’s New York

April 13, 2026 - Central Park

A Portrait Of A Portrait In Moisture

The air had just enough moisture in it to capture all the light and all the colors and all the depth and all the moments just like so.

Shot on the southside of the Lake looking north and west to the Western Bost Landing with cherry blossoms.

Time: 9:35 A.M.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

Caren O’Neill

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

In 1995, I had the privilege of coaching my son Tadd on the RHS varsity baseball team.

Mark Porro

Caregiving with Humor and Heart

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Silver maples in the floodplain at Riverside Park. This is a little side channel of the Wisconsin River that flows around an island. Usually there is very little water in this channel (just enough water for the disc golfers to lose their discs), but the rain and snow melt have caused the river to rise almost 4 feet in the last two days. Spring is coming, right on schedule. Nikon D750.

Paul Cortellesi

Pizza Dough Recipe

The weather finally cleared sufficiently for a day outside with the Oven. Son #1 and family joined and we were able to turn out 17 pies.

Our dough recipe starts two days ahead where we form each batch into six 220 gram loaves that then rise/ferment in the fridge.

750g flour

450g water

8g yeast

15g salt

15g sugar

Let us know when you are in western NJ and we will teach you all we know about pizza!

Kathy & Ross Petras

Sustainability Roadmap for Ridgewood

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Sustainability Roadmap for Ridgewood

Greenridgewoodnj.org is an independently run website that supports the objectives of Green Ridgewood. This website will be used to recruit members and volunteers, support Green Ridgewood and Green Team projects and initiatives, and to educate the public.

v6-12--Reminiscence Therapy

Paul McCubbin — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:21:32 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 12

Sunday, April 12, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Reminiscence Therapy
Macky’s New York: The Power & The Glory
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: A Cup Of Tea On The Commode
Siobhan Winograd: Kingsbridge Lane Foot Bridge
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Princeton University Science Bee
Village: Zabriskie-Schedler Property

Observer

Reminiscence Therapy

A recent attempt to characterize the Observer section of the Ridgewood Maroon suggests that it engages in Reminiscence Therapy. This technique employs prompts from news items and objects of local interest, sometimes both, to spark a conversation about our shared past.

This is all to say I look high and low for topics to write about. The writing is therapy for me and regular Ridgewood Maroon contributors are encouraged to offer their own spin on this process of examining things closely and asking questions of themselves at the same time.

If you have an idea or topic you’d like to see please reply to this missive and send it along.

Macky’s New York

April 5, 2026 - Brooklyn Bridge

The Power & The Glory

The name of this piece was inspired by a song titled Simon the Zealot from Jesus Christ Superstar which I happened to be listening to as I walked across the bridge on this wet and foggy Easter morning.

Shot just east of the west tower looking west.

Time: 6:25 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Nominations for the Hall of Fame class of 2026 are now being taken.

If you are interested in nominating a candidate for consideration, student- athletes must have been graduated 5 years from RHS and have made a significant impact in their years of competition at RHS and beyond, if relevant.

Mark Porro

Happy Easter! Or as we say in France "Joyeuses Pâques!"

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Siobhan Winograd

Kingsbridge Lane Foot Bridge

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

James Stroker

Coach was named Speaker of the Year by Insider Los Angeles for his lasting impact as a teacher, coach, and speaker whose message extends far beyond the stage.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Driving around central Wisconsin today in search of some fine cheeses and found this pretty spot. It was nice to have such an expansive view without any piles of dirty snow.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

You’re Saying It Wrong is available to public radio stations through PRX.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Princeton University Science Bee

Congratulations to GWMS student Chase Park for his 4th place finish at the Princeton University Science Bee! Chase achieved an incredible "3-peat," qualifying for both Nationals and Internationals in all three years at GWMS. Chase is pictured with Dave Madden, Executive Director of the Bee and an RHS and Princeton University alumnus. Congratulations, Chase. We are Maroon Proud!

Village

Zabriskie-Schedler Property

v6-11--Coach Years

Paul McCubbin — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:29:30 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 11

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Coach Years
Macky’s New York: Portrait Of A Fading Subway Rider
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHSAA: RHS Merchandise
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Jeff Geyer: Jeff & Pal
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: My Ridgewood App

Observer

Coach Years

From the Ridgewood Public Schools:

Congratulations to former longtime RHS coach, Coach Yearing! A Ridgewood native and RHS grad, where he was a goalkeeper and captain of the soccer and baseball teams, he returned to RHS as a head girls soccer coach for 31 years! (1987-2017). Early in his career, the Maroons set a Bergen County record by winning 111 straight league games! Congratulations and best wishes, Coach!

Optimism is what makes Coach Jeff Yearing stand out from his peers in my mind. Working with him on civic projects via the Internet these last few years has been a complete joy.

We have one more project we’re looking to complete. It’s provisionally called RHS In Memorium. It’s an online location where we’ll collect the names of classmates who have passed away. I have a good bit of the old site I worked on and have turned this information over to the Ridgewood Board of Education. They were delighted to receive it and no doubt will let us all know when the information is online.

Macky’s New York

March 30, 2026 - Union Square

Portrait Of A Fading Subway Rider

There was a time when I didn't need to use the handrail to get down the steps - now some could call it age while others might call it Bloody Mary's - I'd say perhaps a combination of both.

This is shot on the south side of 14th street just west of 4th Avenue looking down and west with the raising sun behind me casting my shadow on the subway landing below.

Time: 9:40 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

Playa Bowls and a quick pic at The View... w/ Phil Harvey

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA Merchandise Store

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Mark Porro

Went in Blind but Left with Insight
Mark shared his story on Zach Tidwell’s “Going in Blind” podcast. Zach has his own powerful story. He is a completely-blind Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor best known for his lighthearted approach to the hard topics in life and ability to inspire others.
From Zach’s show notes
Mark Steven Porro is a multi-talented creative professional who has lived a remarkably diverse life. His career began in industrial design, then moved to Hollywood, where he spent 28 years building a career as an actor, writer, and director. Mark appeared in shows like Hill Street Blues, Castaway with Tom Hanks, and even Seinfeld alongside his father. He also co-founded the Grandpa Po’s Originals snack food company with his brother to honor their father’s 1963 invention, and building into a national brand.
But his most profound achievement came when he returned to New Jersey to care for his mother during her final three and a half years, chronicled in his multi-award-winning memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode.

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Calling all college students!

Make the most of your summer with Ridgewood Moving Services. We are hiring Drivers, Movers & In-Office Interns — offering flexible hours, competitive pay plus tips, and hands-on training from day one.

Join a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional service every single day. You’ll enjoy a dynamic and welcoming work environment, high-quality equipment and vehicles, and pay that rewards your skills and dedication.

Whether you’re looking to build your resume in logistics and operations or simply earn great money this summer, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

How to Apply:

email to:

dennise.pasichnyk@ridgewoodmoving.com

Call us for more information: (201) 529-2211

Stephanie Jones

201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 222-9122

James Stroker

How will I be generous today?
@alistroker shares how choosing to give to others is what truly sets you apart.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

This week’s project was to cut up a piece of wood I recovered from the river a few years ago. It’s been sitting in my workshop since then and the time finally came when I had to decide whether to throw it on the fire or cut it up and see what happens.

The wood was a very old piece of framing timber. It measured about 8” wide and 3” thick. That is not a normal size for today’s dimension lumber, so that’s the first clue that this wood was very old. It was about 18” long, but it was obvious that some kind of force had caused this piece to snap off of a longer piece. The other major clue to its age were the growth rings. They are very tight and even, which is what you find in old growth timber.

My guess is that this piece of wood ended up in the river because it was part of a structure (probably a sawmill structure) that was destroyed during the 1912 Merrill flood. It could have been from a building, or it could have been from one of the many piles of lumber that were stacked up near the sawmills that were located on the river’s edge. We live about 3 miles downstream from where those sawmills and lumber piles were, so it’s pretty common to still find pieces of wood like this along the river.

I decided to cut the piece up to see what was inside and ended up with just enough salvageable pieces to make a couple of little clocks. I was pleased to see that the wood was not hemlock or white pine. It’s either red pine or tamarack. and I’m leaning towards tamarack because of its natural, rich tan color, but it could be red pine. Either way, it’s very pretty stuff.

Jeff Geyer

Jeff & Pal

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Ridgewood Village Manager

My Ridgewood App

How do I submit an overnight parking request? Where can I renew my passport? When is bulk refuse collected? Get answers to your questions quickly and easily on the MY RIDGEWOOD app.

Plus, if you enable notifications, you’ll receive the latest Village news, events and advisories, making it easier than ever to stay informed and connected with our community.

More than 3,300 people have downloaded the MY RIDGEWOOD app.

v6-10--New RHS Merchandise Storefront

Paul McCubbin — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:19:48 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 10

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: New RHS Merchandise
Macky’s New York: A Bagel, A View & A I love You
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHSAA: RHS Merchandise
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library

Observer

New RHS Merchandise

According the the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association:

Ridgewood High School alumni have been asking for an online store to grab their favorite RHS gear, and they’re excited to say it’s finally here. Starting today, the new Ridgewood High School merchandise store is open for business and ready to serve our vibrant alumni community 365 days a year. Check out the merch and place your online order today.

This is a brilliant move by the RHS Alumni Association. Finally there is a storefront in Northern New Jersey which supplies RHS branded shirts & hats, to name a few of their offerings.

Next up we might see a web site devoted to selling & promoting the wares & services of RHS alumni & RHS parents. Not sure how this might pay for itself but I do believe it would garner significant interest.

See below for the link to purchase shirts & hats in time for graduation 2026.

Macky’s New York

March 22, 2026 - Williamsburg

A Bagel, A View & A I love You

As a lady unwraps the everything bagel with a schmear of scallion creamcheese...a man is so overwhelmed by the moment that he tells her for the first time that he loves her - either that or he was talking to the bagel...hard to tell from my vantage point.

Shot on the western end of North 9th street looking west with Empire State Building in the distance.

Time: 8:15 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Alumni Association

RHS Merchandise

The Ridgewood Alumni Association is excited to team up with RHS parent Dave Ackley and his Big Frog Custom T-Shirts franchise to launch our brand-new, year-round online spirit wear store. Your alumni gear is now just a click away!

• Orders will be ready within three weeks of purchase.

• Orders can be shipped or picked up in our store in Washington Township.

• All items are custom made. All sales final. No refunds or exchanges.

• All logos are custom made and require express written permission from Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More of North Jersey for any use.

All proceeds support the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association and the Ridgewood High School community.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Peter Branigan

St. Patrick’s Day 2026

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

We love adding personal touches

It’s just part of how we do things.

From thank you notes to celebrating one-year “home anniversaries,” we always look for ways to make the experience a little more meaningful.

With our 60th anniversary, we leaned all the way in… groovy postcards, handwritten notes, and even sealing envelopes with our RMS wax stamp

Today’s note is heading out to our friend and realtor Pamela Stetson Real Estate, thank you for the referral, we appreciate you!

Pamela… be on the lookout

Stephanie Jones

201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 222-9122

James Stroker

Sharing space with the incredible Maria Salvatore in the Ignite Studios in Ridgewood today.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

She's back.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

You’re Saying It Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse is by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library

Are you interested in supporting the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library? Their work ensures the continuation and expansion of the many cultural and educational programs that help make the Ridgewood community so special, as well as ensures the library remains a state-of-the-art facility.

Donate here: https://www.supportridgewoodlibrary.org/donate

v6-9--Fix The Job Market

Paul McCubbin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:27:39 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 9

Monday, March 23, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Fix The Job Market
Macky’s New York: Tudor City
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHSAA: RHSAA Store
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: A Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: Village Budget 2026 Highlights

Observer

Fix The Job Market

I say discontinue employing most all electronic intermediaries used by HR departments in Corporate America. These programs are hugely biased, especially concerning age, and need to be sidelined so their software can undergo a technology refresh. In the meantime, to initiate the hiring process, all prospective hirees would include face-to-face meetings. Not some huck-a-buck recruiter but a vetted full time employee of the company.

This is to counter the job web sites which exist to just collect data. It’s clear from the grimm outlook of a significant number of job seekers that there’s not enough people reaching back out to humanize the job search. The usual response from large employers like corporations, gov agencies, and health care companies who are drowning in electronic applicants is we can’t afford to do it. Though they might be better served to meet people first then train them for what you want done.

Initially, it might further include health check-ins with a Nurse Practioner or RN. Take the pulse literally of prospective employees and then on a continual basis once hired. This sounds like a privacy breach along the lines of it’s ok for employers to read employees email. It is also not a new idea either:

Ford’s Sociological Department (1914–1921)

When Henry Ford introduced the $5 workday in 1914, it came with strings attached. Ford created a “Sociological Department” staffed by investigators who made home visits to workers’ residences. These investigators checked on:

Living conditions and cleanliness
Diet and health habits
Whether workers were saving money
Family stability and domestic arrangements
Alcohol consumption
Workers’ neighborhoods and neighbors

What’s old again is new.

Macky’s New York

March 9, 2026 - Tudor City

One photographer's view of another photographer's view

I guess I wasn't the only one who saw potential in today's sunrise.

Shot off the front windshield of a Honda Accord on the 42nd street over pass just west of First ave looking west with Chrysler building in the distance.

Time: 7:20 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA Store

The Alumni Association offers three signature items in its store—commemorative bricks, custom banners, and RHS apparel—all in support of its mission to uphold the Tradition of Excellence.

Bricks can be purchased year-round online, banner orders are collected ahead of each season, and RHS apparel is released around major events like Homecoming Weekend and Graduation.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

The Online Home For RHS Arrow Yearbooks

A team of RHS alumni led by Jeff Yearing RHS 1966, Tom Thurston & Sam Cermack, RHS 1977 and Ridgewood High school Athletic Director Walt Hampson, chose the first group of honorees to the RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame. With this first class and subsequent groups every two years since, there developed an excellent example of how alumni can participate in and influence the day-to-day activities of RHS. Their creation of the RHS Hall Of Fame Wall in the main gymnasium is a stunning illustration of their energy & foresight. The RHS Hall Of Fame Wall acknowledges the accomplishments of student athletes dating back to the earliest days of RHS.

RHS Arrow

The First Varsity Soccer Team at RHS - 1927

Interscholastic soccer was approved as a minor sport by the RHSAA in 1922 and elevated to varsity status in the fall of 1927.

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie J. Jones, President

Stephanie J. Jones brings to the Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation decades of experience as a lawyer, nonprofit executive, policy expert, thought leader, and senior-level government official.

Her dedication to preserving and advancing her father’s legacy and to “Answering the Call” that he instilled in her from childhood, is a driving force behind her work.

201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 222-9122

James Stroker

Huddle Up is Jim Stroker's true story of loss, love, and resilience built around one life-changing idea:

E + R = O — Event + Response = Outcome.

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Some of the finished pendants from last year’s haul of rocks. Of the hundreds of little rocks I bring home every year, only about 10 percent make the cut to become pendants. They look interesting when I pick them up, but after cutting and polishing a lot of them just don’t turn out well.

Except for a couple, all of these were found on a Lake Superior beach, either on the north or south shore. Feldspar, jasper, porphyry, unakite, basalt, carnelian and some others I can’t identify. I think my favorite is that shiny, black as coal piece of basalt. That one required no cutting or shaping. I just threw it in the tumbler as I found it. I love basalt because it used to be hot lava.

Kathy & Ross Petras

Ross & Kathy’s podcast: You’re Saying It Wrong looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language.

Hosted by KMUW’s Fletcher Powell, each episode features a conversation with the sister and brother who wrote the book on it. Literally. You’re Saying It Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse is by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras.

Ridgewood Village Manager

Village Budget 2026 Highlights

v6-8--2026 State of the Village

Paul McCubbin — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:51:30 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 8

Friday, March 13, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: 2026 State of the Village
Macky’s New York: Steam Bath in Central Gotham
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Alumni Association: RHSAA Leadership
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: The Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation
Cindy Myer: Less Clutter, More You
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood Village Manager: The Stable

Observer

2026 State of the Village

I cherry picked three items from Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos recent State of the Village announcement.

The Ridgewood Community Center Foundation received a donation of almost $250,000 to turn the first floor of Village Hall into a premier senior center that will allow the Village to triple their programming for their senior community and provide a place for them to learn, grow and live. Construction should begin over the summer, allowing us to be in full swing by the fall.

The Village, if they haven’t already, plans to engages with AARP about their Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). It appears they are dedicated to creating space for village residents who have decided to age in place, instead of the usual retiree decision to depart for warmer, more senior friendly environs like Arizona or Florida.

Ridgewood established a Special Improvement District - or SID - in the Central Business District (CBD). The SID creates a fund - at no expense to resident taxpayers - to help our CBD grow and thrive in this ever-expanding Amazon economy that has made it so difficult for main street shops to survive.

I like that Pam Perron is leading efforts to create a Special Improvement District (SID) to assist local businesses. Maybe they can figure out how best to fill the gaps that Amazon doesn’t fill reliably. That is a standard practice for small towns when a big box store like Walmart becomes a local neighbor. Amazon is the ultimate big box store.

In November, the voters passed a referendum to increase the open space tax - at an average cost of $37 per household/year. This will allow the Village to acquire, create and develop more parkland to make Ridgewood even prettier and more vibrant than it already is.

Lastly, Village voters approved a tax increase for increasing the amount of open space. This sounds great but I can’t visualize where the open spaces actually are in Ridgewood and/or adjoining towns. Though after the village recently bought the Warner Theater I am optimistic about what sort of future deals might present themselves.

Macky’s New York

March 8, 2026 - Central Park

Steam Bath in Central Gotham

The first warm day in weeks and the ducks enjoy the mist as it blows across the melting ice - hard to believe this is in the center of New York City

Shot on the south end of the Pond looking north towards the Gapstow bridge (hidden behind the fog).

Time: 8:30 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

Woodside

RHS Alumni Association

RHSAA Leadership

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Nominations for the Hall of Fame class of 2026 are now being taken.

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Cindy Myer

Less Clutter, More You

Stephanie Jones

(First published in 2022)

When I was in junior high, our mom treated my sister, brother, and me to a day in New York City during a school break. We started with lunch at Mama Leone’s and then went to see the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of the hit musical “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the St. James Theatre. It was 1972.

We loved the songs, the dancing, the melodic dialogue, the racy lyrics. And while my sister fell madly in love with Clifton Davis, who played Valentine, I was mesmerized by Raúl Juliá, the then-unknown actor who played Proteus.

After the show, we went backstage for autographs (you could do that then) and were ushered up steep, narrow metal stairs to the dressing room Raúl and Clifton shared.

Although they didn’t know us from men in the moon, Raúl and Clifton welcomed us in, offered us apple cider, signed our playbills, and chatted with us as if we were all old friends. We were only there a few minutes, but it was amazing for us. And it changed my life.

A few days later, I looked them both up in the Manhattan phone book (because I did stuff like that). Clifton wasn’t there, but Raúl was.

So, I called him.

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

The Big Dipper was big last night.

Kathy & Ross Petras

From KMUW Studios and part of the NPR Podcast Network, You’re Saying It Wrong is a podcast that looks at what we get wrong—and what we sometimes get right—when it comes to this English language. Hosted by KMUW’s Fletcher Powell, each episode features a conversation with the sister and brother who wrote the book on it. Literally. You’re Saying It Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse is by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras.

Ridgewood Village Manager

The Stable

v6-7--Back Where I Come From

Paul McCubbin — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:26:03 GMT

The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 6… No. 7

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

“Bringing us all to a place we don’t want to lose.”

Observer: Back Where I Come From
Macky’s New York: Tavern On The White
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHSAA: Alumni Square
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Portrait Gallery
Stephanie Jones: Thank you, Rev. Jackson. Love, Nate’s Baby
Mark Porro: Cup Of Tea On The Commode
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Ridgewood: Van Dien House

Observer

Back Where I Come From

It’s probably too late to legislate away the chatbot. Even though there exists a growing public concern & distrust of this newest form of artificial intelligence.

Anecdotal evidence suggests teenagers are spending more time than ever online and also increasing their use of chatbots. This focus is being blamed for increasing rates of emotional troubles like depression and an inability to function reasonably in offline settings. Tik Tok is advertising accounts with restrictions for those under 16, in part to acknowledge responsibility for problems with their platform.

I’m not throwing parents or educators under the bus here. It’s safe to say in most cases they are doing the best they can with what they know. I do believe technology companies are most responsible and need to modify their offerings & limit how long teenagers can use their platforms and verify who they can interact with while online.

Politicians will eventually be asked to do something and outlawing chatbots & social media for children is an easy option they can enact. In this scenario AI is another potential vice, just like cigarettes & alcohol.

Maybe simply keeping certain activities off limits until people reach a certain maturity level is the practical solution for now. In much the same manner as we don’t give a driver a license unless they can pass a written and a practical test of their abilities. Everything old is new again.

Macky’s New York

February 16, 2026 - Upper Westside

Tavern On The White

It snowed just enough last night to add a little twinkle to the twinkle.

Shot on Warner Leroy place just east of Central Park West looking south with Tavern on the Green in the forefront and Central Park south in the distance.

Time 9:15 a.m.

William Peay

Tales From The Wood…

RHS Alumni Association

Alumni Square

Over Homecoming Week 2025, the Alumni Association unveiled its newest capital project, Alumni Square—a beautification project located outside the RHS Little Theater. This new outdoor gathering space will provide a welcoming spot for alumni to come together during Homecoming Weekend, class reunions, graduation, or any visit back to campus. It will also offer current students a vibrant place to meet for class, study, or simply enjoy lunch with friends.

Most importantly, Alumni Square will serve as a place to honor and remember classmates who are no longer with us. The campaign offers several ways to create lasting tributes, including special commemorative blue stone memorial pavers, new tree plantings, and thoughtfully placed benches.

RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame

Stephanie Jones

Thank you, Rev. Jackson. Love, Nate’s Baby

I don’t remember for certain when I first met Rev. Jesse Jackson, but I think it may have been at the 1972 NAACP Convention when, after Rev. Jackson delivered a fiery speech to a youth group, my father introduced me to him and Rev. Jackson kissed my hand. I swore I would never wash it again.

Over the years, I came to know Rev. Jackson as a family friend and colleague of The Good Judge and later as a mentor and colleague of my own.

And over the years, he always called me “Nate’s Baby.”

It drove me crazy because he would say it even in professional settings. Like the time Rev was leading a press conference on the Voting Rights Act and when it was my turn to speak on behalf of the National Urban League, he leaned into the mic and announced, “Now we’re going to hear from Nate’s Baby.”

But that was just him and I knew there was nothing I could do about it. No matter how old I got, where I went, or what I did, to Rev. Jackson, I was always his friend’s little girl.

Mark Porro

Arrived in bookstores everywhere on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

James Stroker

Jim Schoneman

Rock Hound

Our son Joe is out at White Sands Missile Range, Las Cruces, NM, with his coworkers at Hermeus, preparing for a hopefully supersonic flight test of their new vehicle. Here is the Hermeus’ promotional video they just released today.

What makes this so cool for the Schoneman family is that exactly 75 years ago Joe’s grandpa (my dad) was at White Sands building V2 rockets for the US Army with the 1st Ordinance Guided Missile Battalion. Why they put the word “guided” in the battalion title is a mystery. There was nothing “guided” about them at all.

Dad had been drafted into the Army shortly after he and Mom were married and got stationed at White Sands with other engineers to build these rockets from parts captured from the Germans during the war. I’m sure he’s got an encouraging arm around Joe and his team right now.

As I understand it, the end game of this Hermeus project is to get this vehicle to fly at supersonicX5, or Mach 5.

Kathy & Ross Petras