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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com

Leading Ladies

EDITOR

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com CRE ATI VE MANAGER

Jean Terman

AS I WRITE THIS LETTER IN MARCH FOR OUR MAY “WOMEN’S ISSUE,” IT’S CURRENTLY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. During a recent conversation with my oldest daughter, I shared that I remember my mom’s credit card did not have her own name on it. Prior to 1974, banks required a man’s co-signature for a woman to open a credit card account. The plastic inside my wallet now bears witness to the fact that we’ve come a long way! The women featured this month are elevating their corner of Bergen and Passaic far beyond credit scores. They are successes in business, philanthropy, and community service. They contribute beauty, knowledge, wellness, and compassion, enhancing the quality of life for all of us.

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lauren Cali STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sarah Flannery AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

Let me introduce you to Jennifer Brady, Executive Director of Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson. You’ll enjoy catching up with Jen and learning about her incredible staff at Oasis, whose mission is to empower families by guiding them to self-sufficiency through an array of educational, occupational, and child care programs. Leading the charge to support organizations like Oasis, Christy Bisgrove has her own philosophy of philanthropy. She takes the responsibility of investing in a charitable community seriously. Her thoughtful comments are inspiring and, to be honest, made my job of writing about her quite easy! Donna Dorsey’s farming family established Goffle Brook Farm & Garden Center in the 70s, providing our community with the freshest produce, flowers, and plants available. The legacy established by her grandfather lives on today—through both the

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

business and their family foundation.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Kelly Evans is a local celebrity who boldly takes on the role of CNBC correspondent and

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

mom of three little ones head-on. Being a part of CNBC’s business news team hosting “The

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Exchange” and “Power Lunch” while raising a young family is not for the faint of heart, but

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

it’s apparent that her work ethic, grace, and sense of humor see her through.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

As better weather and COVID vaccines hopefully allow us to get out and about a bit more, KD Boutique’s Kristin Dahl offers her top “must-have” picks for your summer wardrobe. Freshen up your look with a visit to her shop on Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. It’s been my privilege to interview the ladies featured this month. We’re fortunate to have a wealth of caring, intelligent, and successful women in our corner of Bergen

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County, and I know there are many more I have yet to meet. Do you have an idea for a person or story for our magazine? Let me know. I’d love to find out more. Meanwhile, Live Local!

Best,

NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Kris Pepper, Editor

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen ON THE COVER CNBC’s Kelly Evans in Her Home Studio PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 4

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

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 2021

FEATURES 10 The Real Kelly Evans Taking Power Lunches to New Heights

18 Goffle Brook Farm & Garden Center Donna Dorsey's Family Legacy

24 A Foundation for Change Jen Brady and Oasis Are Laying the Groundwork

18 10

28 Investing In Impact Christy Bisgrove's Philosophy of Philanthropy

28 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Local Limelight

Trend Setter

28 Giving Back 34 DIY

AROUND TOWN

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

THE REAL K E L LY E VA N S

TAKING POWER LUNCHES TO NEW HEIGHTS

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

Kelly in her home studio

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

HAVING THREE YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME,

estate at the very beginning of the credit crunch in 2007.”

RIDGEWOOD RESIDENT KELLY EVANS KNOWS HOW

The recession events caused chaos in the newsroom as

TO MANAGE DAY-TO-DAY, TYPICAL MOM DUTIES.

reporters were assigned and reassigned to cover various

What’s not typical is that she also hosts CNBC’s finance

aspects of the economic meltdown. “Because of that, at

and economic shows, “The Exchange” and “Power Lunch.”

times as an intern, my daily reporting became the story

Along with her colleagues on “Power Lunch,” Tyler

of the day. As a result, I was hired as a full-time member

Mathisen and Melissa Lee, Kelly advises viewers with

of the team and became a columnist. It was a challeng-

information and insights on the latest stock market and

ing role because I had to take an opinionated stance on

real estate trends, the economy, and political news. As

economic indicators, stock picks, and so on.”

of this writing, Kelly is on maternity leave, broadcasting

In 2009, the Wall Street Journal decided to move

from her home in Ridgewood while caring for her three

toward more of a video model. “They asked me if I was

children, aged two-and-a-half, 17 months, and 3 months.

familiar with video reporting. The Journal launched an

Kelly was born in Syracuse and moved to Virginia at

online television show in 2009, and I was to fill in as a

the age of 12. She stayed close to home for college and

host until they found someone permanent. However,

attended Washington and Lee University, located in her

they decided to keep me, so I recorded the show and

hometown of Lexington. The school’s reputed business

wrote my columns simultaneously,” says Kelly.

journalism program and a scholarship sealed the deal

One of her memorable accomplishments was co-host-

for Kelly. As a sophomore, Kelly was awarded an intern-

ing the 2012 presidential debate at the young age of 24 for

ship with Bank of America and worked on the trading

the Wall Street Journal. “They wanted a female co-host

floor. She absorbed knowledge on news outlets like

and felt I could handle myself in the situation,” says Kelly.

Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal while

Kelly’s manager invited her to join him when he moved

completing her business journalism degree.

to CNBC in 2012, and she’s been there ever since. She

“I received a post-grad internship with The Wall Street

spent a year in London hosting “Worldwide Exchange.”

Journal because they ‘wanted to put a girl on the team,’”

“It was a great learning experience,” says Kelly, “but I was

notes Kelly. “I began reporting on economics and real

ready to come back to New York.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Since September, Kelly has been working remotely from a studio in her attic. When Eric was Her CNBC career led her to host “Closing Bell”

reporting remotely for CNBC, they would toss the

for four years with Bill Griffith. “The end of that

story back and forth to each other—she from the

run coincided with having my first son,” says

attic and he from the main floor.

Kelly. “I was then able to launch “The Exchange”

“It was great being home on maternity leave

from 1-2 pm and co-host “Power Lunch” from 2-3

after the birth of my third child, but I miss the

pm. It’s wonderful. I work in Englewood Cliffs at

environment in the studio,” says Kelly.

CNBC Studios. I also launched a newsletter in 2019,” she says. Kelly met her husband, Eric Chemi, six years

environment and how it affects the federal

ago, when she was an anchor, and he was a

government and the economy in general. “It’s

reporter with CNBC. They have been married for

compelling to understand how it all connects to

four years and have three children together. Eric

a larger development or trend in society,” says

recently transitioned from the news business to

Kelly. “The pieces that connect what’s going on

launch an insurance agency with Kelly’s dad in

in our lives as far as world events are fascinating.”

Ridgewood called Team and Total.

Kelly loves studying macro-economics and understanding the big picture of the economic

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

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Goffle Brook Farm &

garden center DONNA DORSEY'S FAMILY LEGACY

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH FLANNERY

FARMING, PLANTING, AND GARDENING GO BACK A LONG WAY

our corn from a farm in Wayne and cauliflower

FOR DONNA DORSEY OF GOFFLE BROOK FARMS ON GOFFLE

from Allamuchy. To get the best of the best

ROAD. Her grandfather, Clinton Carlough, had been the largest apple

means outsourcing the farming.”

grower in the state of New Jersey. He owned farmland in Upper Saddle River and developed Apple Ridge Country Club in Mahwah.

Throughout much of the spring and summer, the couple works every day of the

Donna’s mom and dad, Dancy and Richard Osborne, worked for

week. Kurt starts his day at 5:30 am to pick

Dancy’s father, Clinton. They loved being on the farm but decided

up plants from growers. “We are one of the

to make a change when Clinton told Richard that he wanted him to

only stores that handpick their inventory to

run the golf course.

ensure that it’s perfect,” says Donna. She’s

In 1968, the couple bought the Goffle Brook Farm property for

at the shop by 8:30 am to check in with the

just $8,000 and further expanded it in 1977. “Coming from a farming

manager and plan out the day, reviewing

background made the gardening center a natural for my parents,”

orders for hard goods like sprays, weed

says Donna. “They loved it.”

killers, and fertilizer.

When Donna came into the picture, she was not quite as engaged

Deer repellent is a big seller these days.

in the business as her mom and dad. “I tried to do as little as possible

“Ten years ago, no one asked about it—I

at the farm. I wanted to be a flight attendant,” says Donna. “However,

wouldn’t have known what they were talking

I found I needed the comfort level of being close to home. I also

about. Now, we carry 25 different kinds!”

realized I could have the winters off! My husband, Kurt, came on

Donna’s advice for gardeners suffering from

board in 1989 and loves it more than anyone!”

deer rampage: plant native species, which

Donna and Kurt enjoy their camaraderie throughout their day-to-

tend to be more deer resistant. Certain

day business dealings and interact together regarding running the

plants also repel deer. “Use the repellent if

business, displaying items, and purchases from vendors.

needed,” says Donna. “Everything works

Together, they scour the region to buy the best produce, plants, and

hand-in-hand. Plant one native thing a

flowers from suppliers. “We find it is much better to buy from the grower

year—it would do so much to help the bees

who produces the best of each specific item,” says Donna. “So, we get

and the surrounding environment.”

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

Owner Donna Dorsey

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

GOFFLE BROOK FARM & GARDEN CENTER (CONTINUED)

Take it from an expert. Donna is a Master Gardener after completing a Rutgers course. “It’s a wonderful program for anyone who loves gardening,” says Donna. “I learned about all types of gardening, soils, germination, and planting schedules. Most people don’t know that each county in New Jersey has a service you can call to get help if you have a problem with your plants. Check out Rutgers Bergen County Extension Service at bergen.njaes.rutgers.edu. It’s a great resource.” If you need gift ideas for Mother’s day, consider a beautiful hanging basket from the farm. “Our Drop and Grow planters are wonderful,” says Donna. “All you do is place them on the ground with some mulch and add water. They are a simple way to add color and texture to your garden, and they’re easy to care for.” Donna shares her expertise by speaking to various gardening groups as well as the Ridgewood Women’s Club, of which she is a member and past Vice-President. “It’s a wonderful organization concentrating on charities which benefit children,” she says. Donna carries on the family torch by serving as a trustee for her grandfather’s foundation, supporting various local initiatives, including Boys and Girls Clubs. She also supports local fundraisers for schools and non-profits through the store’s giveback program. Donna also prioritizes employing young adults who have been challenged in finding a job. “Some of our employees have been with us for 30 years, and we hope that shows our commitment to being good employers.” Donna strives to live by a favorite quote of her parents by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” gofflebrookfarms.com

“To k n ow t h at eve n o n e life h a s b re a t h e d e a sie r b e ca u se yo u h ave l ive d . Th is is t o h ave su cce e d e d .”

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

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ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

FO U N DATI O N 24

a fo u n d a t i o n fo r c h a n g e

Jennifer Brady

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

A LIFELONG “JERSEY GIRL,” JENNIFER BRADY GREW UP IN GLEN ROCK AND WYCKOFF,

ATTENDING

RAMAPO

HIGH

SCHOOL AND RUTGERS UNIVERSITY. “I always knew I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector and be involved with organizations that help people,” says Jen. Years ago, she was approached by her friend, Sue Buchanan, who asked if she would be inter-

years ago was a big decision. “The thought of

ested in helping organize special events for Oasis,

taking on the position was scary, but it’s the best

a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson.

decision I ever made. Having this job allows me

Although Sue was leveraging her friend’s fund-

the opportunity to understand the needs of this

raising expertise, she unknowingly opened the

community and address them.”

door for Jen’s greater involvement with the orga-

Oasis provides critical services to women and

nization, supporting thousands of underserved

children by providing a “hand-up” rather than

women and children each year.

a “hand-out.” Their programs are designed to

“I met the board members and joined the gala event committee. Later, I was asked to join the

give women the resources they need to become self-sufficient and provide for their families.

board, and I never looked back,” says Jen. Making

“Our mission is to help lift women and children

the jump from volunteer to Executive Director six

out of poverty through education,” says Jen. “We work to alleviate the burdens that prevent them from succeeding. We provide child care so that

Prepping 'grab-and-go' bags

moms can take classes like ESL, GED, computer education, and employment training. Our afterschool, educational, and recreational programs provide children a safe place to continue learning and growing. We have social workers on staff to help our clients navigate issues like drug addiction, domestic violence, and learning disabilities. We provide the wraparound services that give women the ability to get back on their feet.” Although Oasis is only a few miles away from northwest Bergen County, it is worlds away when considering Paterson’s economic, educational, and cultural environment. For example, when schools went virtual last spring, very few families had computers or devices, so parents had to pick up packets of worksheets for their students. For many, this meant taking time off from a job and CONTINUED >

FOR CHANG E

JEN BRADY AND OASIS LAY THE GROUNDWORK

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

A FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE (CONTINUED)

traveling by bus to their child’s school. If they were unable to speak English, they could not help their children with their work. Oasis saw this critical need

New expansion underway

and procured 100 devices for students. Eventually, all students received Chromebooks from the school district. However, it was soon discovered that many parents did not know how to operate a computer or use a mouse. Oasis quickly developed an instructional class for parents to help jumpstart the process. Because many low-income families are essential workers or cannot work remotely, there is a significant economic impact when parents need to resign to stay home with their children. “Families are being evicted out of apartments because they are unable to pay their rent,” says Jen. “Another serious side-effect of remote learning is a significant drop in the reporting of child abuse, which a child’s teacher usually reports.” “We are grateful that the residents of north-

Oasis becomes their support network,” says Jen.

west Bergen County have been so supportive

Oasis is now in the midst of a $6 million capital

of Oasis; they are invested in helping their most

campaign which will enable the organization to

vulnerable neighbors,” says Jen. “But, there is a

expand their child care programs, double their

chasm growing between towns in Bergen and

capacity for after-school programs, and help more

Paterson. Economically and opportunistically,

women find the pathway to self-sufficiency through

these kids are falling farther and farther behind.

adult education classes.

The rebound from the pandemic will be years slower in a city like Paterson.”

Fundraising during a pandemic is a challenge. They’ve raised $5 million of the campaign and hope

Last year, when her staff realized the oncoming

to reach their goal by Memorial Day. “We are well

pandemic’s severity, they swiftly organized a feed-

underway, but it will be the hardest million dol-

ing program. By the time schools were shut down on

lars we’ve ever had to raise,” says Jen. “Speaking

March 16, Oasis had instituted their “grab-and-go”

engagements, meetings with supporters, and spe-

program to help feed those in need.

cial fundraising events cannot happen now. We are

“We purchased food with generous donations from supporters and went from providing 150 meals

hoping to have the project completed by July 4 in time for summer camp and summer school.”

a day to 1900 meals per day. We pivoted quickly to

“We are going to be here bigger and better when

give the community what it needed,” says Jen. The

this is over. This project gives us hope. We are plan-

community continues to pick up grab-and-go meals,

ning and being proactive. We have a committed

diapers, wipes, clothing, and personal care items.

group of staff, volunteers, and supporters. Once we

Housing is another critical issue. “If a mom

identify a need, we make it happen. It doesn’t matter

doesn’t feel safe due to drug dealing or gun vio-

what your role is here at Oasis; your job is to create

lence, she can’t focus on anything else. It’s hard to

a brighter future for women and children,” states Jen.

keep and hold a job living in that type of environment. We see women with no safety net or support network of friends or family to help out. They don’t

know one person they can ask to watch a child.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

“I’m so glad to be here. There’s never a day I don’t wake up excited to get to work!” Oasisnj.org

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GIVING BACK

investing in impact

CHRISTY BISGROVE'S PHILOSOPHY OF PHILANTHROPY

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH FLANNERY

Valerie Fund, Oasis, Community Foundation of New Jersey, Pony Power Therapies

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

"The dirt on my hands has to be equal to the green on my tree."

CHRISTY BISGROVE GREW UP WITH

heartbeat for a reason, and if we can’t tap into

ONE CENTRAL RULE. Nobody goes it

it, we may miss the message!”

alone. “It’s a pretty special value,” Christy

Christy believes that non-profits need

says. “As a child of divorce, I hold that dear

to work alongside each other, as well. “It’s

as it is what unites my family.”

a circular approach,” she says. “One thing

A lifelong northwest Bergen resident,

touches another. For example, I support

Christy grew up in Upper Saddle River and

Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children in

now resides in Ridgewood. Thanks to the

Paterson (see the article on page 24), and

seeds planted by her parents, she has a big

Pony Power in Mahwah. We’ve encouraged

heart for philanthropy. “Both parents were

teens from Oasis to come to Pony Power

hardcore about giving back quietly,” says

for a day away from the city streets.” This

Christy. “It was always an expectation that

philosophy allows inner-city teens to expe-

we would somehow give back. It was part of

rience a beautiful day in the country working

our family’s fabric.”

with the horses while providing additional

Christy has a sound philosophy about

helping hands for Pony Power. They leave

philanthropy throughout her years of com-

with a better understanding of individuals

munity involvement. “It’s an investment of

with special needs or circumstances, horse-

time and treasure; I don’t like to think of it

manship, and a sense of how therapeutic

as a ‘donation.’ I want a holistic knowledge

equestrian services can help individuals

of the organizations I support, and I have a

mentally, physically, and developmentally.

vested interest in them. If there’s something

Christy’s main areas of support include

to celebrate, I feel it; and if something goes

education, emergency funding, research, and

wrong, I feel that, too.”

therapy. “When we have those things, the fam-

She makes a point of knowing the organi-

ily system is fed from head to toe,” she says.

zation’s financial numbers, reviewing reports,

In addition to serving on the Oasis board

and communicating with the staff and partic-

and underwriting their evening GED program,

ipants. “I encourage them to tell their stories

Christy is also involved with the Valerie Fund,

in layman’s terms. That way, it’s easy for me

supporting children with cancer and blood dis-

to share their message with others. If they

orders. “I support an emergency fund there for

don’t have a story that people can grasp on

hematology patients and their families. Blood

to and feel the emotion behind it, they should

disorders like Sickle cell anemia or Immune

go back and learn how to develop one so

Thrombocytopenia (ITP) don’t receive as much

that they can tell us their ‘why.’ God gave us a

attention or support as other types of cancers.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) Christy’s “circle” also embraces The Community Foundation of New Jersey in Morristown, which implements and manages foundations and other types of giving vehicles for individuals, families, and corporations. The organization serves as a resource for supporting their philanthropic interests, tailoring solutions, and creating a way to set up their legacies into perpetuity. “People want to do good…but they don’t know how. This organization helps to do just that,” she says. “It’s amazing the impact people can make. When people tell me that they can ‘only’ give a certain amount, I stop and address that word ‘only.’ We are all part of a team, and whatever you give is the piece of a puzzle that adds up to a great impact. Think about it. If you gave $200 a month for two years, along with 200 other people, that raises almost one million dollars.” Christy has strong feelings on what constitutes true investment and involvement in a charitable organization. “It’s all about the total holistic investment. The dirt on my hands has to be equal to the green on my tree. My parents always taught me to know my lane. There will always be people with more—or less—than you.

Lori Abrams, Director of Development & Barry Kirschner, Executive Director

Everybody can make an impact.”

Margarethe Laurenzi, Chief Philanthropic Officer, CFNJ Christy M. Bisgrove, Christine M. Bisgrove Family Foundation, Hans Dekker, President, CFNJ

Wendy Lupo, Director of Development & Leigh Vaccaro, Program Development Director

thevaleriefund.org ponypowernj.org oasisnj.org cfnj.org

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

Christy Bisgrove

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER

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BLUEBERRY BUSHES

NEPETA Probably one of our favorite peren-

Native to New Jersey, these plants

nials; this plant just keeps thriving.

make a great addition to any garden

A native species and deer resistant,

or container. They bloom in May and

Nepeta blooms in May or June. If you

offer valuable nectar for native bees.

cut them back, they’ll bloom again

Blueberries are usually harvested in

later in the summer. The plant resem-

June through August; however, after

bles lavender but isn’t subject to the

planting, you need to wait a couple of

drainage issues of lavender.

years before they will bear fruit. This superfood is worth the wait!

CALIBRACHOA HYDRANGEAS

HERBS

Also known as Million Bells, these small petunia-type flowers thrive in

What is not to like about this

What’s better than going out into

full-sun or part-shade. They are great

shrub? It can take partial shade

the garden and picking fresh herbs

for containers or hanging baskets, are

and is drought-tolerant. The newer

for the meal you are preparing? You

deer-resistant, and need no dead-

varieties bloom from mid-June until

will find basil, rosemary, tarragon,

heading. What more could you ask

September. They aren’t deer resistant,

parsley, oregano, stevia, cilantro, and

for in a plant that blooms non-stop all

many others in May. Best of all, they

summer? Hint – Calibrachoa needs

are deer resistant.

to be fed every other week with a

so spray them with a repellent.

water-soluble fertilizer.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | May 2021

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