A Life Rooted in Ridgewood

Take a walk through downtown Ridgewood, and you’ll notice one thing. The stores and businesses may have changed over the years, but the feeling of community remains the same. Both longtime and new residents make up this charming place and continue to bring the neighborhood to life. Margaret (Margie) Downs is a legacy resident of the Village and has been a staple here for her entire life.

History in Ridgewood

Born Feb. 17, 1955, Downs has lived in Ridgewood her entire life as a third-generation resident. Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other, she witnessed Ridgewood’s growth into a bustling community with a strong shopping culture. Downs recalls walking everywhere as a young woman and notes that, although she still sees plenty of pedestrians, she now notices fewer children walking or playing outdoors. She misses the days of regularly seeing all of her neighbors and their kids walking about and enjoying everything Ridgewood has to offer.

She’s also noticed the town’s character evolving with the times. “Changes are the way of the world, but I miss the small retail shops,” says Downs. When she was growing up, her family owned Trilby’s bookstore on Prospect St. (behind Town and Country) from 1959 to 1982. Working there as a young woman, she had the opportunity to get to know many of the town’s residents and merchants. “Ridgewood has always kept up with the times—so, I guess it’s good to keep changing,” she says.

Downs has not only lived in Ridgewood her whole life, but has also been a vibrant member of the community. She attended Ridgewood High School and later William Paterson University. She later participated in Bergen Leads, where she learned about human services and training programs to improve lives and strengthen communities. This program led her to a love of community service and volunteerism. And, Downs has put those initiatives into practice throughout the years for the benefit of the Village of Ridgewood and its residents.

A Life of Service

Locals may have met Downs at the Ridgewood Health Department, where she is an Alternate Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. She enjoys connecting with residents on both personal and professional levels. She’s also worked with Autumn Years magazine during its decade-long run, highlighting news, articles, and information for the 55+ community.

Over the years, Downs has been involved with the Ridgewood High School Band Parents Association, served as a trustee for the Ridgewood Education Foundation, been a volunteer facilitator for Neighbors helping Neighbors, supported Pro Arte Chorale as the group manager, was president of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, and served as the administrative Director and Coordinator of Volunteers for the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. Downs even finds time to serve on the board of the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library and to contribute as an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Wearing all of these hats underscores her love for giving back to the community.

Her fondest memories of growing up in Ridgewood were being a part of the Fourth of July parade. Her church youth group had a float in the parade every year when she was growing up, and she enjoyed either actively participating in the event or just attending with her family to watch it go by. Downs “paid it forward” years later as the president of the parade’s coordinating committee, where she would ensure everyone was in their places and that the entire day ran smoothly. Downs still holds her Fourth of July memories of Ridgewood close to her heart.

Love for Community

One thing that has remained consistent throughout the years is the amazing people and their care for this town and each other, Downs says. A more diverse population and the ever-changing face of culture and business economics have led the Village to continue keeping up with the times. Downs welcomes new improvements and changes and looks to the future with optimism.

Downs continues to fulfill her personal mission, celebrating tradition and serving others.

“I like to think that I have helped improve the quality of life here in town by giving families a chance to be together—whether that’s at a Sunday School class I teach, the Fourth of July parade, or the holiday tree lighting.”

Thanks to her sense of community spirit and volunteerism, Ridgewood is well-positioned to continue its much-loved traditions and embrace the evolving changes in its vibrant downtown, making it a welcoming place for everyone who calls it home!

Photographs by Adam Paray

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