Meet Larry Tetewsky & Janice Mergenhagen, founding members of The North Ridge!
Larry and Janice started cosplaying in the early 80’s before it was called cosplay. Larry states
STAR WARS wasn’t the gateway for us, rather the next step in a longtime fascination with science fiction across many different media. Having grown up with the 50’s classics such as the Day the Earth Stood Still, Forbidden Planet and then Star Trek in 60’s, we were more than ready for the lean 70s to finally give us something different.
We were adults when Star Wars was released in 1977, and nobody saw the impact it would have people world-wide. Over the years Larry and Janice gravitated to different characters. At one time Janice created Princess Azarra Vader, which lead to her cosplaying the Emperor.
Larry has always found himself drawn to Jed Knights and Obi-Wan.
They both find it gratifying to see The North Ridge last for 20+ years, maybe because we have a goal, a charity to collect for. More than that, our group’s become a family, where we talk as much (or more) about our lives and work than STAR WARS. The North Ridge is beyond grateful to have them. They are the glue that holds the family together.
May the force be with Larry and Janice always.
