Summer's Second Half Begins

August 16, 2026

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FEATURED LOCAL PARTNER

Hello Wyckoff,

Hello Wyckoff, this week we feature Dr. Gardan Speights of Ramapo College, whose mentoring has quietly shaped a decade of social workers. We also hear from Dr. Pammer on why summer leaves so many of us running on empty. And that old swing set in the backyard does not have to sit there gathering rust once the kids outgrow it. Get inspired to take action and build a four season pergola! Plus the library's reading list for America's 250th, Iman Kwoka's caramel apples, live music at the Y, and a fishing derby turning 44. Enjoy.

Doug Drohan

Publisher

From the Publisher:

The Connections That Matter Most

Lauren Ferguson

Academics often top the list when families evaluate colleges, but faculty mentors matter just as much. Dr. Gardan Speights, assistant professor of social work at Ramapo College, has spent over a decade mentoring students, helping them navigate challenges, explore careers, and build confidence. Guiding the next generation of social workers is both her research focus and her passion.

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One Fish, Two Fish, Wyckoff Fish

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Written by:

Lynn Bruggemann

The 44th annual Wyckoff Fishing Derby brought young anglers to Zabriskie Pond on June 6 for a fun catch-and-release competition open to children 15 years and younger. Find out how the event unfolded and what made this year's derby another memorable tradition for the Wyckoff community.

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Home Inspiration

Turn a backyard swing set area into a stunning living space

Written by:

Doug Drohan

photos BY:

What do you do when your kids outgrow the backyard swing set? The team at Effective Construction has a stunning answer — transforming an aging playground into a beautiful, four-season pergola the whole family can enjoy year round. Discover how you can reclaim your backyard space before Labor Day!

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Carbon Health & Wellness

The Hidden Health Cost of Summer

A Mid-Year Checkup

Written by:

Dr. Jeffrey A. Pammer

Carbon Health & Wellness

Dr. Jeffrey A. Pammer

Carbon Health & Wellness

photos BY:

Summer should be the season of energy — yet many of us feel exhausted, sluggish, and unlike ourselves. A quiet buildup of dehydration, poor sleep, and unmanaged stress may be to blame. As we reach the midpoint of the year, it's the perfect time for a personal health audit. Here's how to check in with your body before summer slips away.

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LOCAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Celebrate the Red, White & Blue

Written by:

Brielle Bleecker

Wyckoff Free Public Library

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Wyckoff Library has curated a reading list for all ages celebrating our nation's history. From picture books and middle-grade adventures to adult histories, discover titles that bring the American story to life — including works spotlighting Wyckoff's own centennial milestone.

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Caramel Apples

Written by:

Iman Kwoka

Learn how to make professional-quality caramel apples at home with this tried-and-true recipe from Kwoka Caramel. With just a handful of simple ingredients including heavy cream, brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract, you can create the perfect glossy caramel coating for crisp fall apples. Customize your creations with toppings like toasted pecans, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate.

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August

29

Band on the Sand: Spare Roots

Wyckoff Family YMCA

4:00 PM

Band on the Sand: Spare Roots

<div>Live music performance featuring Spare Roots at the Wyckoff Family YMCA's Band on the Sand series. Creating original Americana | Rock | Folk | Funk music and curating favorite covers fit for an evening jam session. Free! No Registration Required.  Questions? Contact: <a href="mailto:LauraT@wyckoffymca.org"><strong>LauraT@wyckoffymca.org<br></strong></a><br></div><div><br></div>

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That's all for this week. Plenty of August left, so make the most of every long evening.