Issuu

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

MAY 2020

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

DRIVING FORCE: DEBBIE Oâ€™CONNELL THESE LADIES MEAN BUSINESS THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH-JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

The Women's Issue: Inspiration In Spite of Separation AS I WRITE THIS LETTER, WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ALL OF ITS FALLOUT. How life changes on a dime! Schools are closed, events canceled, and residents are staying within their four walls.

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com CREATIVE MANAGER

Jean Terman AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angie Shaghaghi

I hope that as you read this issue, things are beginning to look up, but we may have several more weeks of living in this alternate universe. Now, more than ever, we need to support our local businesses. Northwest Bergen Lifestyle is working tirelessly to continue to support and promote our family of advertisers. Our small businesses are making a concerted effort to be there to serve our community. They all continue to rise above these challenges in innovative ways. Meanwhile, quiet moments at home will afford our readers time to enjoy our May Women’s Issue. Meet Debbie O’Connell and learn about her positive mindset initiatives and Mari Keating Schofield, who creates beautiful jewelry with a meaning as

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

well as a mission. The inspiring women in our “Ladies Who Mean Business” article

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

include Joan Groome, Angie Shaghaghi, and Kim Hewitt Cooper. Check out some

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

fun paddleboard workouts with Alli Chazen.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Finally, a wonderful weekend away sounds good right about now! The Lodge at

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania offers unique health, wellness, and recreational activities. As a special bonus, Northwest Bergen Lifestyle Magazine and JJ Travel Associates have arranged for one lucky winner to receive a 2-night stay for two, courtesy of The Lodge at Woodloch, our feature travel destination in this issue. Check the article for all the details of this fabulous resort/spa! In closing, I want you to know that this issue delivers our very best wishes for all of you. As we navigate the challenges set before us, let’s take a deep breath and keep moving

forward as we overcome each barrier, celebrate each victory, and appreciate each

blessing. After all, that’s just what we women do!

Wishing you peace and wellness, Kris Pepper, Editorial Coordinator

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen ON THE COVER Debbie O’Connell PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 4

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 08 Driving Force: Debbie O’Connell Positive Mindsets for Your Long Game

14 “Paddle Up!” Alli Chazen’s “Back to the Paddle” Yoga

24 The Lodge at Woodloch Just What the Doctor Ordered

24 08

30 Charming Stories Every Piece Tells a Story with Mari Keating Schofield

14 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Hometown Hero

Water & Woods

24 Travel Destination 30 Giving Back 34 Healthy Lifestyle

HOMETOWN HERO ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

DRIVING FORCE: DEBBIE O'CONNELL POSITIVE MINDSETS FOR YOUR LONG GAME

GROWING UP IN A FAMILY OF ATHLETES IN RIDGEWOOD, IT’S NO WONDER THAT SPORTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A MAJOR PART OF DEBBIE O’CONNELL’S LIFE. Whether she was playing basketball or softball with her two sisters, or on a team coached by her mom, she had a talent for all types of sports. “My mom was instrumental in my high school success,” says Debbie, who was inducted into the inaugural Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball and softball. Her mom, who had spent time as a professional bowler, developed competitive softball and basketball teams for girls resulting in solid feeder programs for Ridgewood sports. Debbie’s dad had played minor league baseball and she had an uncle in the major leagues. Debbie played collegiate basketball for Western Kentucky University where she had the opportunity to play in the Final Four as a freshman. “When I was a junior, the college golf coach invited me to play golf with her. She worked with me every day. When she invited me to be in a tournament after playing for only three weeks, I said, ‘Sure!’ I didn’t know the rules, but I did well for a golfer who played for less than a month! That’s how I got started and I found that I really liked the game.” After graduation, Debbie went to Florida to work on her golf game, becoming an LPGA Club Professional. Over the years she played in core professional events and worked at several golf clubs throughout Florida. She started a business called “Ladies Links for Golf,” presenting golf events and clinics. It has been proven that women who

CONTINUED >

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

“I PR ACTICE WHAT I TEACH AND I WAKE UP THANKFUL EVERY DAY. I AM COMMITTED TO USING ALL OF MY GOD-GIVEN GIFTS TO THE FULLEST.”

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

play golf elevate their careers quicker and Debbie believes golf is especially impactful for a woman in business. “A great example is a woman I met who was a manager in a large company. She found out that ideas were being discussed outside of work during golf games, so she decided she needed to play. Two weeks later, she accompanied her co-workers on the course, and that put her in the loop. Women have the choice--they have to put themselves in there. Developing relationships is the key.” Debbie moved back to New Jersey and started Golf Positive, focusing on teaching positive mindsets and mental playing strategies for players of all abilities. She offers individual group lessons and clinics as well as corporate and women’s outings. She moved on to create Live Positive, which focuses on positive mindsets outside of the sport of golf. “I enjoy helping people unleash from what’s holding them back which allows them to create a positive mindset to achieve their goals,” says Debbie. Debbie’s programs for young women also emphasize confidence and positivity. She has a little fun with the superhero component she brings into her presentations and likes to appear in full Wonder Woman apparel--complete with cape and tiara-when she reminds girls to “be your own superhero!” Her programs build leadership, power and confidence using golf skills and imagery. Through the process, Debbie has seen girls overcome shyness, bullying and anxiety. “I believe that you get what you focus on, so we encourage the girls to get excited and emotional about the good things, not the negative things. Consider the negative things a learning experience and move on.” “Golf Positive Live Positive” is Debbie’s book which includes golf tips related to life. She is currently working on her next book focused on women executives. When asked about her own sense of inspiration and motivation, Debbie replies, “I practice what I teach and I wake up thankful every day. I am committed to using all of my God-given gifts to the fullest.” golfpositive.com

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

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WATER & WOODS ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

" PA D D LE UP!" ALLI CHAZEN'S "BACK TO THE PADDLE" YOGA

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

IMAGINE CALM WATERS LAPPING AT YOUR FEET, A SERENE SUNRISE, AND GOOD COMPANY…ALL WHILE GETTING A LOW-IMPACT, STRESS-REDUCING WORKOUT. Alli Chazen’s paddleboard yoga classes provide just that. “The boards are set up along the water’s edge, so you have to be ok with getting a little wet!” The Held on Lake Henry in Mahwah (off Rt.

75-minute sessions offer a workout for the body’s

202 behind Continental Soldiers Park)

stabilizing muscles in a way that you cannot accomplish in a gym. “Just standing on the board requires your muscles to maintain balance,” says Alli. “Paddleboarding also enhances circulation and core strength.” Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own. Classes accommodate five people at a time and are held at Lake Henry in Mahwah. Classes are weather permitting and by appointment only. Sunrise and sunset paddles are available as well as some new events including hike and paddle combos and dog-friendly sessions! facebook.com/kscopesoul/ kscopesoul@gmail.com @backtothepaddle @kscopesoul

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

Find a new way to get fit outdoors! Hammock yoga also available.

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

At Sal Lauretta for Men, we appreciate that no two men are cut from the same cloth. With the proper attire carefully crafted and curated by our master Italian tailors to custom-fit your unique frame, your lifestyle is perfectly styled. After all, a flawless fit is the name of the game. Try on our 2020 spring/summer collections and get the full Sal Lauretta for Men experience with brands like:

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THESE LADIES WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIFE AND WORK

JOAN GROOME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RIDGEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ARE YOU A NATIVE OF NEW JERSEY? No, I was born in Yonkers and later lived in New York City. When I told my mother I was getting married and moving to New Jersey, she said, “Oh you poor thing!” HOW DID YOUR CAREER PROGRESS OVER THE YEARS? I became a partner in Winchell’s Ski Shop in the early ’70s. After Winchell’s, I worked for Talbots and then spent 20 years as the Development Director for the YWCA. Upon “retiring” from there, I volunteered with the Chamber, and they offered me the job as Executive Director. HOW HAS RIDGEWOOD CHANGED? The storefronts have changed, but the integrity of the town remains the same. We’re building a parking garage and apartments, so I hope these changes will lead more people to shop and dine here. DESCRIBE THE SUCCESS OF THE CHAMBER’S NETWORKING MEETINGS. Nine years ago, we had one networking meeting a week. Now we have five. The women’s group is very successful because it is high energy with a lot of caring and participation. They serve as a resource for women to help each other. Men’s groups have great camaraderie, but women’s groups are relational. ridgewoodchamber.com

MEAN BUSINESS! BUSINESS ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN 18

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

ANGIE SHAGHAGHI COOKING INSTRUCTOR/CATERER/ PRIVATE CHEF – CREATIVE COOKS HOW DID YOU GET STARTED COOKING? Growing up in Florida, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. As one of six kids, we rarely ate out! When my parents divorced, I took over the cooking duties. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS? As a single mom on a tight budget, I needed to use my knowledge of the ingredients I had on hand and turn them into a meal. My kids attended Lincoln School in Wyckoff, and I got the idea to offer after-school cooking classes. My daughter made flyers and passed them out at recess. I now run programs at the Wyckoff Y and in several other towns. In 2008, I applied to be a contestant on the “Rachael Ray” Show, and, although I was a runner up, I have been invited back several times. I’ve also appeared on “Cutthroat Kitchen” and “Chopped.” WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? My new cookbook, “Join my Table” was just released in February, and I recently introduced it on the “Rachael Ray” Show. I continue to teach cooking classes and I also cater events and private parties. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS TO LEARN? How to create food by thinking for yourself rather than following a recipe. Use your senses and creativity to discover how you can make your food taste even better! creativecooks123@gmail.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

THESE LADIES MEAN BUSINESS! (CONTINUED)

KIM HEWIT T COOPER, DO VALLEY DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL CENTER IN RAMSEY

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHILOSOPHY? As an osteopath, I am all about preventative care. A healthy lifestyle is the best medicine! WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU TRY TO CONVEY TO YOUR PATIENTS? To take accountability for their health and change their habits to gain better health. HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY LIVE THAT PHILOSOPHY? For my 40th birthday, I wanted to run the New York City Marathon. One of my patients has two children with cystic fibrosis, so he invited me to run for his CF charity, Breathe Team. I was so motivated by his 23-year-old daughter who was on oxygen while waiting for a lung transplant. Her family then asked me to be her primary care physician. She is followed by scores of specialists—yet they chose me to be her primary care doctor. I ran that marathon for her in 2019, and she has since received a lung transplant and is doing well. My husband, Matt, and I are both running for CF in 2020! WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? I see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I want my kids to see how to stay healthy and that hard work pays off. I can’t see myself doing anything else—although my secret ambition is to get a gig as a network medical correspondent! valleydiagnosticmedical.com

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

TRAVEL DESTINATION ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY: THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR TO PUSH STRESS ASIDE AND GET AWAY FOR A FEW DAYS--THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH IS LESS THAN TWO HOURS AWAY IN HAWLEY, PENNSYLVANIA. Set on over 500 pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, the property offers a serene escape; embracing the philosophy of personal awakening and creative discovery. When the time comes to shift gears from isolation to self-improvement and wellness--you may want to bring a few friends along! The Lodge at Woodlock is an award-winning, all-inclusive retreat where you can reconnect to your creative side and enjoy stress-relieving outlets that will stay

T h e Lo d g e a t Wo o d l o c h

with you long after your return home.

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

The exclusive property features 58 finely appointed guestrooms and suites and a 40,000 square-foot Spa. Stays are inclusive of luxurious rooms, three meals per night of stay, fitness and wellness classes, outdoor adventures, creative discovery offerings, speakers and events and use of spa and fitness facilities. An indoor activity pool and infinity-edge whirlpool overlook the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool facilities. Active indoor pursuits take place in the expansive cardio/weight training studio, spinning room, rowing room, yoga/ meditation studio and dance/fitness studios. Spa services are offered in 27 treatment rooms and focus on the use of natural ingredients, incorporating therapies from Europe and the Far East as well as indigenous elements. Nutrition and lifestyle counseling, health and wellness classes and fitness training complement the world-class facilities. Outdoor recreation such as guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more are offered. The spa is staffed by expert personnel who will work with guests to customize programs to meet specific needs. Unique programming and themed weekends help guests reconnect with hobbies or discover new passions. The art program includes sketching, water-coloring, mosaics, pastels and more. “With 35 classes a day, our guests can choose to be as active—or as relaxed— as they wish,” says Brooke Jennings, Director of PR & Marketing.

A l l p a c ka g e s a t T h e Lo d g e a t Wo o d l o c h i n c l u d e : + Lavish accommodations

+ Group fitness classes

+ 3 consecutive artfully-

+ Cooking and

crafted gourmet meals

baking demonstrations

per night of stay

+ Guided outdoor

+ Stimulating speakers

adventure excursions

and workshops

+ Personal Spa Concierge

+ Experiences for the

to help design your program

mind, body, and soul

+ Health and

+ Inspiring creative arts

fitness amenities

AN E X TENSIVE LIST OF SPA TRE ATMENTS, FITNESS CL ASSES, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE E XCURSIONS AND EVENING PROGRAMS OFFERS A VARIE T Y OF E XPERIENCES AND HE ALTHY WAYS TO REL AX AND RECONNEC T WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

TREE, the stunning signature gourmet restaurant, delights diners

time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness and

with its elegant spa cuisine featuring farm-fresh, local and seasonal

happiness. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial

dishes that are creative, tasty and healthy; offering choices to meet

to spend time soaking up the atmosphere of the forest.

every dietary preference. Seasonal menus often feature herbs and

The Lodge at Woodloch is also preparing to unveil a first-of-

vegetables grown in one of the three gardens located on the property.

its-kind Snow Room in the near future. Guests will walk into a

An award-winning selection of beers, wines, and spirits are available.

lounge/relaxation area with a pair of custom-heated loungers and

A walk on the nature trails will find some of the unique property

other seating. Just past the lounge will be a foyer surrounded by

highlights including a custom-designed Lotus Labyrinth Classroom,

the heated sauna and Snow Room which will be reminiscent of a

an archery range, a healing garden, a pollinator garden, hammock

snowy forest with benches, trees, a mural and lighting to enhance

groves, an orchard and the Blackmore Farm-to-Table Garden with

relaxation. The concept stemmed from Sebastian Kneipp, a

five honey bee hives.

Bavarian priest from the 1800’s who was a naturopathic pioneer in

Wellness and mindfulness have never been as important as they are

his time. He taught about the health benefits derived from the alter-

now, and your visit will be the perfect time to explore Forest Bathing.

nation between hot and cold. With its fusion of dry snow and cold

Also known as “Shinrin-yoku,” this refers to the practice of spending

air, the Snow Room will offer a gentle and pleasant cooling effect.

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

Benefits of the alternation of hot and cold include cardiovascular health, fat burning, detox, strengthening immunity, pain relief, revitalization, stress reduction, and more. “We love the natural wellness benefits that come with the Snow Room and that it emulates our seasons and natural habitat. Anything that brings our guests closer to nature and provides natural healing is something we can get behind,” explains Robert Baldassari, General Manager. Once completed, the Snow Room is expected to be the first of its kind available in the United States. How about planning a Girlfriend Getaway to reconnect after a long isolation? An extensive list of spa treatments, fitness classes,

outdoor

adventure

excursions

and evening programs offers a variety of experiences and healthy ways to relax and reconnect with your friends. “The goal of a stay at the Lodge is to create an element of personal awakening,” says Brooke. “You will rediscover hobbies and talents you forgot you had, or haven’t had a chance to enjoy. People come to the realization of who they are again.” thelodgeatwoodloch.com HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! 2 Night Stay for 2 People (midweek) at The Lodge at Woodloch. Valid through May 2021. Check out the JJ Travel Associates ad in this issue for details and requirements.

T i p s fo r Fo re s t B a t h i n g Find a peaceful area of the woods and walk slowly. Use your senses to notice and

appreciate

blooming

plants,

earthy smells, and bird calls. Walk intentionally and mindfully. Keep a journal or photograph your discoveries, feelings and observations. Your perspective will evolve as you reflect back to your feelings spending time outdoors. It’s a stress reliever!

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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GIVING BACK

Mari at work

Charming Stories EVERY PIECE TELLS A STORY WITH MARI KEATING SCHOFIELD ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN Winnie & Belle Shop on Facebook @winnieandbelle on Instagram

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

MARI KEATING SCHOFIELD HAS BEEN

shoeboxes filled with broken necklaces and

MAKING AND SELLING JEWELRY FOR

beads…and I was hooked,” she says.

30 YEARS. “My mom was one of 12 kids

A collector of unique and vintage beads

and grew up in Paterson. Her family didn’t

since the ninth grade, Mari continues to

have a lot of money and bought what they

visit thrift stores to collect beads for

needed at the Salvation Army and local thrift

necklaces and bracelets. “I’ve always

stores. When I began visiting these stores

been a treasure hunter. Rocks, shells, sea

with my mom and grandmother, I discovered

glass…I love garage sales and thrift stores.”

Pearls for Peace

Mari finds vintage beads and pearls and upcycles them with new designs and original combinations. “I tell a story through beads. I have beads that are 50 years old; many are unique pieces from all over the world. I share the history of my beads with my customers and that’s why they love my jewelry!” Winnie and Belle was Mari’s former store location in Midland Park (she now works from her home in Wyckoff). At the time she was opening the store, she saw a news segment on the social and economic challenges of Camden, New Jersey. She was deeply affected by the huge numbers of homeless people in that city. The story narrative mentioned that there was only one homeless shelter in all of Camden for women to shower. She decided to use her new store to be the site of a toiletry drive and the idea took off. Mari ran the drive for five years, collecting and delivering thousands of items to the Camden shelter. Pearls for Peace is also a Camden initiative Mari innovated that promotes seeking alternatives to violence. She has developed a line of necklaces made of hybrid seed beads with a single pearl called “Pearls for Peace.” All proceeds support CURE4CAMDEN which works to heighten community awareness about gun violence and encourages residents and community, business, and faith-based leaders to work together to end violence in Camden. Mari also generously donates her jewelry line to local schools, organizations and fundraisers. “I diligently research my beads, says Mari. “I found an organization in Africa from which I can buy beads made from recycled bottles by impoverished women for fair trade. The beads have wonderful texture and character.” Mari also purchases Tibetan beads from her vendor who is a native and pays a fair price for the work. Mari also honors requests from clients who have mementos, buttons, costume jewelry (even vintage plates!) handed down from family and loved ones. “Clients will visit me with certain pieces, and say, ‘I can’t part with this, but what should I do with it?’” With a little creativity and redesign, her customers have a new, wearable piece of art--a much better alternative than leaving memories in the drawer. “Creating beautiful, custom pieces for my clients and being trusted with their family heirlooms is a privilege,” says Mari. “I like to find the best resources; they are a part of the story. I want anyone who purchases jewelry from me to enjoy it and have it forever.”

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE MAKE A TREAT FOR MOM THIS MOTHER'S DAY

E A SY SHOR T BRE AD WI T H FRE SH FRUI T INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

+ 2 C Flour

Preheat oven to 350F

+ 2 tsp baking powder

Mix all ingredients together except heavy cream and fruit

+ 1/4 tsp baking soda

Form golf-sized balls of dough

+ 2 Tbsp sugar

Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet on a lightly oiled pan

+ 3/4 tsp salt

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown on top

+ 1 1/2 C heavy cream

Enjoy hot with fresh fruit and/or whipped cream!

+ Fresh strawberries or other fruit, chopped

+ T ip: Swap whipped cream out for vanilla or chocolate custard to make a more decadent treat.

ARTICLE ANGIE SHAGHAGHI 34

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | May 2020

Easy Shortbread from “Join My Table” by Angie Shaghaghi

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