A Ringwood Neighbor’s Story: Linda Zani Thomas and Red Ribbon Academy
If you have lived in Ringwood long enough, chances are you have crossed paths with Linda Zani Thomas. A longtime resident who grew up in Skyline and raised her family in Cupsaw and Kensington Wood, Linda is known not only as a neighbor, but as a mother who saw a gap in care for adults with disabilities and worked to change it.
Her daughter Marisa, now 36, has been a Ringwood resident her whole life. Born severely disabled with cerebral palsy and complex medical needs, she requires a high level of care but has always brought joy and spirit to those around her. She was even named an honorary police officer, thanks to the support of then-Chief Joe Walker and Bob Anderson. “She’s a diva,” Linda says with a smile. “She loves the outdoors, the pool, hikes in all weather, and music. She’s truly a Ringwood girly.”
When Marisa graduated from high school at 21, Linda discovered there were almost no local programs available for adults with severe disabilities. “There was nothing you would send anyone you cared about,” she remembers. Along with four other mothers, including Wanaque’s Lisa Crilly, she spent three years pressing state leaders until Governor Christie’s administration agreed to back the creation of Red Ribbon Academy, the first medical special needs day program of its kind in New Jersey.
Building Something New
In the early days, problem-solving was constant. The Academy’s first 12 participants came from several counties, and many could not communicate verbally. Families tied tags to wheelchairs to explain gestures, while communication notebooks became a lifeline between parents and staff. “Every morning I’d write how Marisa’s night was, and in the afternoon I’d learn what she did during the day,” Linda explains. “It created a family atmosphere.”
Today, Red Ribbon is not just a program, but a community. Linda describes it as part social club and part learning center, where everything is adapted to the needs of the participants. Young staff members, some of them parents themselves, bring energy and connection. “It’s a place where people like Marisa can gather with their besties, learn new skills, and feel at home.”
About Red Ribbon Academy
Red Ribbon Academy was established to meet the needs of adults with the most severe and fragile medical disabilities. The program was designed to improve quality of life in a caring environment that treats each individual with respect, warmth, and compassion while encouraging them to reach their highest potential.
Many of the participants have graduated out of school systems but were denied appropriate adult programs due to the complexity of their medical needs. At Red Ribbon, specialized healthcare staff ensure medical care continues while providing therapeutic, recreational, and social supports that foster growth. Transportation is provided so individuals from across the region can attend.
At its heart, Red Ribbon is about creating a space where individuals can thrive, strengthen relationships, and feel part of a community.
A Fundraiser Born Out of Ringwood Love
Each year, Ringwood neighbors rally to support the Academy through the annual tricky tray fundraiser at Cupsaw Lake Clubhouse. The event provides what state funding does not cover: adapted toys, furniture, communication devices, therapies, and enrichment events.
“Over the years we’ve had Super Bowl parties, Mardi Gras, luaus, pumpkin painting contests, and Thanksgiving celebrations,” Linda explains. “These things bring fun and joy into the lives of our adults.”
This Friday’s tricky tray promises both community and excitement. Ringwood Pizza is catering a meal of eggplant rollatini, penne vodka, Caesar salad, and chicken Francese, with homemade cookies from Annie Mohn of Sussex for dessert. Guests will browse around 100 prizes, from regular baskets to super prizes like a Valentino bag, Tiffany necklaces, a basket of Korean beauty products, and an Apple Watch.
How Neighbors Can Support
For those who cannot attend, there are still ways to get involved. Donations are always welcome, and Linda encourages neighbors to share their talents. For example, Ringwood’s Vince Boland brought his therapy dog, Gary to the program, and others have crocheted blankets, made bibs, and sponsored those in group homes for holiday gifts.
Two Red Ribbon participants, Marisa and Ashley Holland, are from Ringwood, and many of the therapists also live nearby. “It really was born out of Ringwood love,” Linda says.
An Everyday Neighbor Who Made a Difference
Linda insists she and her husband Gary are “regular undercover people”, as she put it, who simply rose to meet a need. But their work has left a lasting mark. Red Ribbon is as homegrown as it gets, created by local families and carried forward by local hands.
Linda stays vigilant, still advocating at the state level and running the Facebook page New Jersey Parents of Developmentally Disabled Adults, where she shares news and resources. And she is clear that if the gap in services ever opens again, she, Gary, and their community will rise once more to make sure families like theirs are not left behind.
For Ringwood, it is an honor to call Linda and Gary neighbors. Their story is a reminder of how much difference regular people can make when they see a problem and decide to do something about it.
If you’d like to attend or support this year’s tricky tray, please see the below details:
