The Ridgewood Maroon Vol. 4… No. 2
Thursday, January 4, 2024
“Bringing us all to a place we don't want to lose."
Observer: Christine O’Neill
Macky’s New York: The One Way
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Made For & Inspired By RHS Alumni
Project Arrow: Creating An Online Home For RHS Arrow Yearbooks
Mark Porro: A Cup Of Tea On The Commode
M + A NYC: Mighty Are We As One
Our Classmates: 50th Reunion RHS 1974
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Kathy & Ross Petras: You’re Saying It Wrong
Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Library: 100th Anniversary Year
Observer
Christine O'Neill
Christine O'Neill graciously invited her friends to subscribe to The Ridgewood Maroon, and garnered this publication 5 new subscribers!
We are grateful for all of our readers; however, when someone like Christine goes out of her way to suggest others subscribe to this free newsletter we can’t help feel a bit of pride in the connections which endure because of our alma mater.
We all leave a lot behind during our lives, no greater than when we leave high school. How could it be any other way in the case of RHS Alumni? Just consider the send-off: the magic moment when they announce your name at RHS Graduation, dressed in a white tuxcedo or long white dress carrying a bouquet of roses, and you occupy the stage solo for one brief shining moment.
The rest of your days after this limelight might not be as memorable or dramatic. But you eventually come to realize that you’ll also never again have this many teachers in your corner, rooting for you to succeed at whatever you try to do in life. Never.
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
January 1, 2024 - West Village
The One Way
I was walking west on Canal street making my way to the Ear Inn for lunch with some hometown friends when I came to an intersection that feeds the Holland tunnel and as I stood on an island between Hudson and Canal...I noticed an old mural painted on the concrete and as the traffic sped past into the tunnel to New Jersey....the wind from the series of speeding cars...pushed the water that had gathered ever so gently and just before the walk light went white freeing me from the island life...I shot this into the chipped paint and concrete.
Pure reflection looking west on Hudson Street at Canal.
Time 1245pm
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
Made For & Inspired By RHS Alumni
Visit the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame
Digital Printing for the RHS Hall of Fame provided by Tim Boucher, RHS 1988
Project Arrow
Creating An Online Home For RHS Arrow Yearbooks
A collaborative effort by Ridgewood High School and the Ridgewood Public Library. The Arrow Yearbooks from 1898 through the 1940s are now online.
Digital archiving by Michael Culver, RHS 2002, and his firm 1Row.com
Mark Porro
A Cup Of Tea On The Commode
We were honored by iPain Living Magazine who featured our article "It's an Honor for a Son to Take Care of His Mother" by Mark Steven Porro in their December issue. Click here to read to full text.
M + A NYC
Mighty Are We As One
M + A is a Lifestyle brand known for handcrafted, ethically made, modern home decor and wearable accessories. Artisanal | Small Batch | Designed in NY
Shop home décor and wearable accessories at www.mplusanyc.com
Our Classmates
RHS Class Of 1974 Reunion
We are planning our 50th Reunion for September 21, 2024 at the Woman's Club of Ridgewood. If you might conceivably want to attend, please email us at RHS1974Reunion50@gmail.com so we can send you an invitation. We also are planning other events for the weekend that will be detailed in the invitation.
James Stroker
Hope Coach
As a former high school coach and middle school teacher, I learned that preparation is key to survival. Admiral William McRaven emphasizes this in his book, 'The Wisdom of the Bullfrog,' especially in Rule #16: "When in doubt, over-prepare." We'd spend hours analyzing film, constantly asking, "What if they do this? How do we respond?" Whether it's countering a blitz, implementing a half-court trap, or adjusting to a double steal, the question was always there. And in the classroom, if students don't engage with the lesson plan, what's the backup?
Shane Parrish, in his book 'Clear Thinking,' rightly says that positioning oneself for success is crucial. But life often throws curveballs – unexpected tragedies, a sudden illness, or finding oneself in unimaginable situations. Darwin’s insight rings true here: survival depends not on being the strongest or the smartest, but on being the most adaptable.
How do we handle life's upheavals? To me, resilience boils down to three things: a mindset of optimism, hope, and belief. This mindset, as Adam Grant describes in 'Hidden Potential,' is like a sponge, carefully filtering what to absorb and what to reject. Believing in the possibility of a comeback, even when down by three touchdowns, is vital. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
The second element is the narrative we create. It's about reframing challenges, much like David seeing Goliath not as an insurmountable giant but as a target for his sling. The ability to reframe and embrace challenges is not just crucial – it's black belt material.
The third element, purpose, is the powerhouse. Our actions, watched by those we love, speak louder than words. Our capacity to adapt, to overcome, and to forge ahead impacts everyone around us.
Challenges are relentless. Life may ease at times, but another storm is always on the horizon. Control lies within – in our mindset, perceptions, and effort. It's about mastering that inner voice, practicing mindfulness, creating structure, and shaping an identity that drives action.
As Scott Peck notes in 'The Road Less Traveled,' the first line says it all: "Life is difficult." Unforeseen challenges will arise. But maintaining optimism, viewing problems as opportunities, and understanding that our actions, observed by loved ones, are our greatest motivators, are key.
Embrace Joseph Campbell's wisdom: life isn't happening to you, but for you. It's not events that dictate outcomes, but our responses to them.
Kathy & Ross Petras
You’re Saying It Wrong
Ross & Kathy’s podcast: 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.
Bolger Heritage Center, Ridgewood Library
100th Anniversary Year!
The Bolger Heritage Center would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year!