MyMo-Town September 2026
MIXED MEDIA
INSIDE LOCAL CONTENT BRANDS
WEALTH BUILDING
FOR WOMEN
Cultivating Community GROW IT GREEN MORRISTOWN
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Contents SEPTEMBER 2026
14 F EATU RES
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Cultivating Community
Grow It Green Morristown promotes health, sustainability, and more through its urban farm and community garden. 19
Local Media Mix
Locals are producing podcasts, YouTube channels, newsletters, and more. Here, we spotlight three content creators. 22
An all-female Morristown-based team of certified financial planners is laser-focused on helping women grow their money.
19 6
Women & Wealth
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28
22
I N EVE RY I S SUE
4
PUBLISHER’S NOTE A New Chapter
6
MO-TOWN LOWDOWN Bite-Sized Local Updates
10
LOCAL TASTES The Morris Proper
12
Q&A Susan Brierly Bush, Editorial Director of My Mo-Town
28
WELLNESS WATCH Smart Snacking 101
32
LAST LOOK Ghost Buck
COVER
Shaun Ananko and Andeana Gonzales of Grow It Green Morristown Photograph byAntonietta Henry
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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE
MyMo-Town MAGAZINE
t
A NEW CHAPTER THIS ISSUE MARKS a transition at My Mo-Town. Our talented editor, Christine Bockelman, is moving on to another opportunity. Since we launched in March, Christine has worked tirelessly to build this magazine and fill it with engaging, must-read stories about the community we all love. The September issue is no exception, starting with our cover story about Grow It Green Morristown, an organization that makes local life better in so many
ways—from providing access to farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs at the Urban Farm Stand and contributing produce to local charities to organizing the Grow It Green Winter Market, which offers area residents fresh food while supporting local farms and small businesses. We also explore the local media landscape, profiling three creative content producers. And we talk to Certified Financial Planner Jody D’Agostini about the unique challenges women face when it comes to wealth building, and how she and her team work with women to develop financial plans that will help them retire comfortably and achieve other monetary goals. A visit to The Morris Proper and a chat with My Mo-Town’s new editorial director, Susan Brierly Bush, who is already hard at work on our October issue, round out this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy reading the stories we bring you, and I look forward to seeing you around town!
Publisher Maryam Taghipour Maryam.Taghipour@wainscotmedia.com Editor and Lead Writer Christine Bockelman Writers Kate Cherichello Tente Molly Gregor Antonietta Henry Photographer Antonietta Henry WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden SVP, Group Publisher Edward Burns VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
Maryam Taghipour
Publisher, My Mo-Town
Maryam.Taghipour@wainscotmedia.com @mymotownmag
My Mo-Town magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Morristown and Morris Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
Have a story idea?
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Email the editor: Susan.Brierly.Bush@wainscotmedia.com.
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MO-TOWN LOW DOWN
One of Mo-Town’s most loved traditions, the Morristown Festival on the Green, returns on September 27 from 12 to 5 p.m. Held every year since 1994, the rain-or-shine event will once again bring live music and performances, a kids play area, carnival games, delicious food, and a beer garden to town. More than 165 restaurants, retailers, artisans, and community organizations will have booths, including the MMT Library, which will offer book raffles and prizes for kids. Visit morristown-nj. org/festival2026 or call 973-455-1133 for more information.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE MORRISTOWN PARTNERSHIP
Getting Festive on the Green
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Golfers enjoy Ethan & the Bean’s annual fundraiser
FORE! A GOOD CAUSE Hit the links while supporting some Morristown nonprofits. On September 14, the Alliance for Morris County Parks hosts its 20th annual Team Golf Outing at Berkshire Valley Golf Course. All of the profits will benefit current Alliance projects like planting new trees and installing wheelchair-friendly fitness equipment at county parks. Register and get more information at morriscountygolfcourses.com/20th-annual-team-golf-outing.
Ailey II’s Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña PHOTOGRAPH BY NIR ARIELI
Register now for Ethan & the Bean’s annual golf fundraiser, held on October 1 at Galloping Hill Course in Kenilworth. Ethan & the Bean, which operates cafes in Morristown and Little Falls, works to increase employment opportunities for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Register and get more information at ethanandthebean.com.
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT A packed list of big names hit the MPAC stage this month. On September 9, Melissa Etheridge performs 90s hits like “Come to My Window” and “I Want to Come Over,” as well as songs from her new album, “Rise.” On September 10, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Dion performs 1960s classics like “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer.” Cheap Trick (September 19), Air Supply (September 20), Kenny G (September 24), UB40 (September 26) and David Foster and Katharine McPhee (September 27) round out a month of musical heavy hitters. Fans of modern dance shouldn’t miss Ailey II—The Next Generation of Dance (September 25), which features early-career dancers performing the works of emerging and establish choreographers. Visit mayoarts.org for more information and a complete list of September shows.
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MO-TOWN LOW DOWN
A Show With Real Constitution Following a sold-out run earlier this year, Morristown’s Pioneer Productions is bringing its rendition of playwright Heidi Schreck’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” to the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theater on September 19 and 20. The funny and hopeful play, which in 2019 won both an Obie Award for Best New American Play and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle award for Best American Play, imagines how the Constitution will shape the next generation of Americans. For tickets, visit pioneerproductionscompany.org.
Miriam Salerno as Heidi and Ben Weisman as the Legionnaire in “What the Constitution Means to Me”
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BIG GREEN BARN Curated vintage and antique lamps, mirrors, art, ceramics & furniture � Historic Harding Country Mile
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LOCAL TASTES
A Fresh Chapter at The Morris Proper With Executive Chef Andrew Riccatelli now at the helm, this acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant is entering a new chapter. BY MOLLY GREGOR
LOCATED JUST STEPS from the Morristown train station, The Morris Proper has quickly become a favorite gathering place for local residents, commuters and diners. The restaurant’s warm hospitality, stylish setting and seasonally inspired cuisine have helped it carve out a place in the community’s thriving restaurant scene. As it begins its second year, The Morris Proper welcomes Executive Chef Andrew Riccatelli, a New Jersey native whose impressive resume includes acclaimed kitchens and a win on Food Network’s Chopped. For Riccatelli, however, the
opportunity isn’t about accolades—it’s about coming home. “The Morris Proper already had so many of the things I look for: a beautiful space, a talented team and a genuine commitment to hospitality,” he says. “But what really excited me was the opportunity to cook in New Jersey and celebrate the local ingredients we have right in our backyard. After spending years working in some amazing kitchens around the country, it felt like the right time to come back to my home state and help shape a restaurant that’s deeply connected to its community.”
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Above: Whipped ricotta, house-baked focaccia, citrus marmalade and local prosciutto make an irresistible starter. Top right: Barnegat Scallops paired with corn, summer squash, and basil.
ROOTED IN NEW JERSEY Riccatelli describes his culinary style as seasonal, ingredient-driven and approachable. “My goal isn’t to overcomplicate things,” he says. “It’s to create dishes that feel thoughtful, balanced and memorable, while still being comforting enough that people want to come back again and again.” New Jersey’s growing season influences almost everything he does. “Rather than forcing ingredients onto the menu year-round, I’d rather celebrate what’s at its best in the moment and let the seasons naturally shape what we’re serving,” he adds. For produce, the restaurant relies heavily on Harvest Drop, which connects it with some of the best farms in the region. For seafood, Local 130 supplies day-boat scallops, fluke, tuna and skate from Barnegat. “Having access to that kind of freshness is really exciting,” Riccatelli says. Another ingredient he is especially enthusiastic about is premium Piedmontese beef, which comes from a small farm in eastern Pennsylvania. “It’s not something you see on many menus,” he says. “The flavor and tenderness are exceptional—honestly, it’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever worked with.” WHAT’S NEW THIS FALL Fall is one of Riccatelli’s favorite seasons because the ingredients become a little heartier and more
comforting. “You’ll see beautiful local squash, mushrooms, apples, root vegetables and other seasonal ingredients woven throughout the menu, along with dishes that feel a little richer but let the ingredients take center stage.” Several dishes have already become guest favorites. The Barnegat Scallops are incredibly popular thanks to their freshness, harvested from New Jersey waters and reaching diners’ plates within a day. Riccatelli, meanwhile, has a soft spot for the Pork Secreto. “It’s a beautifully tender cut that eats almost like a steak,” he explains. “We grill it over hardwood charcoal and serve it with New Jersey littleneck clams and a sauce made from fermented local peppers. It’s become a guest favorite, but it’s also a dish I’m especially proud of because it showcases the kind of ingredientdriven, seasonal cooking we’re striving for at The Morris Proper.” MORE THAN GREAT FOOD While exceptional cuisine is at the heart of The Morris Proper, Riccatelli believes memorable dining is about the entire experience. “I want people to feel taken care of from the moment they walk in,” he says.“Great food is essential, but the best dining experiences are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about feeling welcomed, relaxing with friends and family, discovering something new, and leaving
The Dirtiest Martini
already thinking about what you’ll order next time.” Looking ahead, his vision is simple: to continue establishing The Morris Proper as one of New Jersey’s destination restaurants while remaining a place that feels welcoming and accessible to the local community. “Guests will always find something new to discover here,” he says. Originally from Harding Township, Molly Gregor is a freelance writer residing in the Morristown area. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Welcome Editorial Director SUSAN BRIERLY BUSH We sat down with our new editorial director to get a sneak peek at what’s ahead— and how she envisions the magazine’s next chapter. BY MY MO-TOWN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTOPHER SHENISE
Welcome! When will you officially begin your position as editor-in-chief? I’m really enthusiastic about this new role. My first project will be the October issue, which was actually finalized in August. So I’ve been planning, interviewing and writing for a few months. Why are you a good fit for My Mo-Town? It’s a natural match. My Mo-Town’s focus is Morristown, Morris Township, Harding and Mendham. My husband, Robert, and I have lived in Mendham for decades. We also own a Harding Township retail business specializing in vintage and antique home décor, so we collaborate with homeowners and designers throughout the Morristown area. I believe I have my finger on the pulse of the community because I chat with local people every day.
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What are your editorial plans for the magazine? Future issues will feature monthly events, engaging human-interest stories, dining and nightlife, inspiring homes and gardens, and local stylemakers and volunteers. We live in an idyllic part of the world, and the magazine will celebrate the Morristown lifestyle, expand friendships, promote creativity and inspire readers to give back. Which feature are you especially excited about? I’ve planned an engaging monthly feature, called “Three’s a Party,” a virtual cocktail soiree introducing three interesting local personalities. Designed with a retro Mad Men vibe, the spread asks guests to share their signature cocktail, favorite travel destination, interests and hobbies. I hope readers will look forward to each new issue as they meet fascinating neighbors.
In which section of Mendham do you reside? Robert and I call historic Brookside in Mendham Township home. Our house—and the big green barn beside it—are more than 200 years old and listed on the historic register. Together, we’re a bit like the Brady Bunch, with six grown children between us and one rescued fur baby named Jack.
What led up to this new role for you? I first worked for Wainscot Media 18 years ago, helping launch NJ CEO business magazine alongside founder Carroll Dowden. Today, Carroll’s son, Mark Dowden, is the CEO—and now he’s my new boss. It feels like coming home. Mark and I also happen to live a stone’s throw from each other, which makes the experience even more neighborly.
How did you fill your time between working for NJ CEO and accepting your new position with My Mo-Town? I was a freelance writer, editor and photo stylist during that time. For 16 years, I was the style editor of Park Place, NJ Bride and NJ Monthly, focusing on homes, gardens, entertaining, fashion, and health and beauty. During that time, I was
Top: Our new editorial director with husband, Robert, and rescue pup Jack. Bottom: At home in Mendham Township. The family’s 200-year-old home is filled with vintage decor.
fortunate to meet tastemakers like Anna Wintour, Albert Hadley, Jonathan Adler and Bunny Williams. It was all very fun and exciting. Have you always been a journalist? Yes. My undergraduate degree was in public relations and journalism. Then I earned my graduate degree in marketing while working in corporate communications and special events management. Later, I raised my two sons while freelancing as a corporate writer and marketing communications consultant. You have a decidedly artistic focus. Tell us about that. I’ve always been especially interested in visual arts and interior design. Several years ago, I was a content creator for Sotheby’s Fine Art auction house and then earned an art history certificate from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Later, I studied at the New York School of Interior Design and also did coursework through MoMA. I naturally think about words and design together. Even while writing an article, I’m already imagining how it will look on the page. I’m excited to work with the talented Wainscot Media team to tell the stories that make this community such a special place to call home. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Cultivating Community
Farmer Shaun Ananko works with a broad fork to aerate the soil
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Andeana Gonzales with freshly picked goodies
C
Grow It Green Morristown promotes community health, equitable food access, sustainability, and more through its urban farm and community garden.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
CO-FOUNDED BYMyra BowieMcCready, Carolle Huber, and Samantha Rothman, Grow It Green Morristown transformed a vacant lot into a thriving community garden. “The ladies saw the beauty of open space where others saw a junkyard,” says Shaun Ananko (known fondly as Farmer Shaun), executive director and director of agriculture and education at Grow It Green Morristown. “Working with Trust for Public Land and the Town of Morristown, and with the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, Grow It Green led the initiative to preserve the space for recreation and conservation as part of the Green Acres Program,” says Ananko. Now, the Early Street Community Garden provides over 70 individuals, families, and organizations the opportunity to grow their own food and flowers. The best part? The garden goodies are shared with neighbors via a street-side community donation bin. Established in 2009, Grow It Green
planted its roots at 31 Hazel Street in Morristown, behind the Lafayette Learning Center. Today, the farm brings together Morristown residents who might not otherwise cross paths through a variety of programs, including the Urban Farm Stand, the Winter Market, school gardens, fresh food donations, and community supported agriculture (CSA). The staff at Grow it Green is essential to its ability to have so much positive impact in the community. In addition to Ananko, the organization depends on Farm Manager Marley Weaver, Farm Education Manager Kim Haupt, Operation Coordinator and Winter Market Manager Andeana Gonzales, Development Manager Adrienne Novak, Marketing and Operations Manager Jennifer Travers, Communications and Community Gardens Manager Madelyn Fama, Seasonal Farm Hands Tanner Adlard and Lenna de la Cruz, and bilingual Farm Stand Advisor Alison Argeuta. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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ALFRESCO AT THE FARM On September 19, Grow It Green will host Alfresco at the Farm, a free event for all ages that offers educational activities, food, live music and entertainment. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the festivities, including a gazpacho contest featuring local chefs and restaurants. For more information about becoming a sponsor to help keep the event free to the public, contact Adrienne Novak at adrienne@ growitgreenmorristown.org.
From top: Farm educator Kim Haupt leads a group on the farm; local youth lend helping hands.
AN EDUCATION IN FRESH FOOD The Morris School District worked with Grow It Green to create New Jersey’s largest public-school garden in 2010. “This partnership brings farm-based education to the school district and Morristown community. Children learn where food comes from, how to care for our environment and experience locally grown, seasonally fresh food,” says Ananko. Six years later, Grow It Green teamed up with St. Elizabeth University, managing a historic greenhouse on the SEU Campus. For preschool and elementary students, learning begins with exploration and discovery via classroom activities and visits to the farm to plant seeds, care for growing crops, and experience the excitement of harvesting and tasting vegetables that they’ve picked themselves. In high school, students participate in internship programs, environmental science classes, and volunteer opportunities. Interns work alongside staff, helping with weeding, harvesting, and washing and preparing vegetables. Offerings include tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, zucchini, beans, and herbs such as basil, oregano, and dill.
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TO EVERYTHING, THERE IS A SEASON In the spring, the farm works on soil preparation, early planting, and seedling propagation. Early crops consist of cold-hardy greens (spinach, kale, arugula), radishes, peas, and green onion. “Farmer Kim starts hosting second-grade children at the farm in April. We grow extra seedlings and host a Seedling Sale in April to raise money for our farm and summer activities,” says Ananko. Summer brings the high harvest season, the farm stand and CSA. “Our CSA is a seasonal program where members can pay for their seasonal vegetables in the spring, so the farm has the funds to grow their vegetables all summer long,” explains Ananko. Members can visit the farm weekly, June through November, to pick up seasonal produce.
The fall focus is on selling seasonal items like leafy greens and root vegetables. Time is spent winterizing the farm, finishing up the harvest, and planting winter crops. Winter tasks include greenhouse work and seed ordering. Winter crops for sale include garlic, kale, walking onions, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, and beets. The Grow It Green Winter Market occurs December through April at the Convent Train Station in Morris Township and is one of a few weekly winter markets in New Jersey with over 900 visitors per week. “By hosting the Winter Market, businesses are able to reach the public during the slowest part of the year,” says Gonzales, Grow It Green’s Winter Market manager. “It allows businesses to stay engaged and staffed all year long.”
Clockwise from top left: Locally grown at Grow It Green Morristown; up close with a pollinator; The Urban Farm entrance
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GROWING TO GIVE BACK Giving back is a priority for Grow It Green. In 2025 alone, the farm donated 7,500 pounds of produce to local charities and families in Morris County and Newark, including Interfaith Food Pantry, Table of Hope, and nourish.NJ, to name a few. “We are an approved SNAP and Double Food Bucks benefit site, allowing us to provide $2 worth of produce for every $1 spent for SNAP customers at our Urban Farm Stand and our Winter Market,” says Ananko. Grow It Green also maintains beehives at its Early Street Community Garden, about a mile from the Urban Farm. The hives provide essential pollinators that support vegetable production and enhance local biodiversity. “Throughout the garden and farm, we cultivate a variety of native plants that attract beneficial insects and create healthy habitats for pollinators and other wildlife,” says Gonzales. These thriving ecosystems play an important role in supporting sustainable agriculture.” A flock of 20 hens live at the Urban Farm as well; their fresh eggs are sold at the Urban Farm when available. “Our chickens are an important part of our sustainable farming practices,” says Gonzales. “Their manure provides a valuable natural fertilizer that enriches our compost and improves soil health.” “For over 16 years Grow It Green Morristown has served as a cornerstone of food access and environmental education for children and adults in Morristown and the surrounding communities,” says Ananko. “Our goal is to build a greener and healthier community.” Visit growitgreenmorristown.org to learn more about Grow It Green Morristown.
From top: Vegetables and flowers for days; a play on words brings smiles at Grow it Green Morristown; happy hens
Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.
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Local Media Mix Locals are producing podcasts, YouTube channels, newsletters, and more. Here, we spotlight three content creators to check out. BY CHRISTINE BOCKELMAN
PETER BARBOUNIS: Morristown Storyteller
Sometime during the 2023 holiday season, Peter Barbounis, MHS class of 1990, was scrolling social media and noticed that many people were reminiscing about growing up in Morristown. “There was a lot of ‘Does anyone else remember when...?’ and it struck something in me,” he says. “I have always loved this community. I love the history behind it. I love the people here and the stories they have to tell.” Barbounis is executive producer and host of “Beyond the Green,” a podcast that chronicles the people who have made an impact on Morristown and examines issues facing the town today. For instance, he recently interviewed Morris School District Superintendent Dr. Anne Mucci and Business Administrator Anthony LoFranco about the upcoming $158 million bond referendum. He’s also working with the Morris Country Parks Commission to tell the history of all 39 county historical parks. But “Beyond the Green” is really about people, so for Barbounis it’s important that you can see the expressions on people’s faces as well as hear the inflection in their voices when they tell their stories.
ORIGINAL VOICES “When someone is sharing their story,” he says, “it should come from them, in their own words and voice, not filtered into a quote—especially when it’s meant to serve as material for the community’s history. Sitting across from someone on camera for 45 minutes creates a connection that a shorter conversation can’t, and it becomes a lasting archive of this community’s story, not just content people scroll past,” he says. Growing up in Morristown, he says, “we knew the history here. It was ingrained into us what was underneath our feet. But there are lots of new people here who didn’t have that experience. What we’re trying to do is educate and tell the stories of the Silent Generation and the Boomers—the people who have known this town longer than anyone—before their stories are gone,” he says. Find episodes of “Beyond the Green” at beyondthegreenshow.com. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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DANIELLE GALIOTO: Good-News Hound
RELEVANT, TIMELY, AND POSITIVE As for Galioto’s definition of good news? “For me, I didn’t want to write only about fluffy stories, although there is a place for those feel-good, uplifting, put-a-smile-on-your-face stories in each newsletter,” she says. “I wanted the newsletter to be about timely stories that are relevant to the masses.” Recently, she has highlighted examples of kindness by World Cup fans from Japan, Norway, and Scotland; a California start-up that’s battling water shortages by pulling drinking water out of the air; and the sharp decline in roadside and waterway litter in America.
“Bad news is what gets the clicks,” she says. “There’s a saying in journalism: ‘If it bleeds, it leads,’meaning it’s the bad stuff that gets people’s attention. I really want to highlight the good stories, so they don’t stay buried and so people don’t miss them.” Find out more and subscribe to “The Bright Beat” e-newsletter at thebrightbeat.com.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSH GONZALEZ/SLEEPING BEAR PRODUCTION
Morristown resident Danielle Galioto started her career at a now defunct 24-hour cable news network before spending 25 years in corporate communications. Over the years, she wrote a lot of corporate newsletters. She has combined those two experiences into her passion project “The Bright Beat,” a quick weekly e-newsletter detailing good news happening in the world. “I found myself being very depressed every time I turned on the news,” she says. “I felt like I had to brace myself for impact whenever I tried to read a newspaper. Every story was just so negative.” She decided that if she felt this way, there was a good chance a lot of other people did, too. Each week she mines news sites, general newsletters that she subscribes to, and other sources to compile “The Bright Beat.” Before a story makes that cut, she carefully checks her sources. “Finding good stories is not as hard as you might think,” she says. “There’s a lot of good news out there, but it gets buried or kind of ignored by large media companies, so you have to do some digging.”
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KATE CHERICHELLO TENTE: Health Promoter
Two of Kate Cherichello Tente’s favorite things are New Jersey—she grew up here and moved back as an adult—and health—she’s a certified fitness instructor. She’s also a performer who has toured with the USO and appeared in commercials, television shows, and films. She has married those passions and professional experience in her streaming series, “Healthy in the Garden State,” which examines expert-backed ways to live healthier across New Jersey. “When we think of health, maybe the first things that come to mind are doctors’ offices, gyms, or eating vegetables,” says Cherichello Tente. “But there are so many more layers to health, including the mental, social and emotional aspects.” It’s important to Cherichello Tente that the show touches on them all. She points to a segment in Season 2, Episode 1 that covered the Miracle Project at the Mayo Performing Arts Center as a favorite. “Theatre
is incredible. It gets you out of your shell and builds confidence,” she says. “The Miracle Project takes it to a different level because they work with children and young adults with disabilities. On the day we visited, everyone there—students, staff, and volunteers—was smiling the entire time. It was such an incredible example of how to support social and emotional well-being.” THE MANY SIDES OF HEALTH During the series, Cherichello Tente has taken a Jane DO fitness class, talked trail safety at Loantaka Brook Reservation, and explored how smallpox in Morristown impacted the American Revolution. There’s so much health content to cover in New Jersey that Cherichello Tente also hosts “A Dose of Health,” quick, information-focused interviews with local health experts that are all 15 minutes or less. Find out more about “Healthy in the Garden State” and “A Dose of Health” at healthyinthegardenstate.com. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Women & Wealth An all-female Morristown-based team of certified financial planners is laser-focused on helping women grow their money.
BY CHRISTINE BOCKELMAN
The team at Women Owned Wealth, from left: Chelsea Chiswick, Laura Hingle, Jody D’Agostini, Lauren Chanley, Alison Hingle
WHEN THE MEMOIR “Strangers,” about the emotional and financial fallout of a divorce, was published earlier this year, it sparked a national conversation about women and money. But these are subjects Jody D’Agostini has been focused on for a long time. D’Agostini, a certified financial planner, certified divorce financial analyst, and retirement income certified professional, recently founded Women Owned Wealth, a Morristown-based team of female certified financial planners. The team, which is under the umbrella of The Falcon Group, is focusing on helping women navigate—and grow—their money. “A lot of wealth is going to end up in women’s hands simply because we live longer,” D’Agostini says. “A large piece of why I love this job is that I can empower women to take control of their finances.” Women Owned Wealth, she says, is meant to be a resource and safe space for women to take control of their finances.
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PLANNING THE FINANCIAL FUTURE The sooner someone starts financial planning, the more options they have when it comes to reaching financial goals. Careful planning is especially important for women, as they tend to live longer than men. To this end, D’Agostini often recommends women take on more risk when they are young to grow their money and their nest egg as much as possible. “A woman might live 30 years past her retirement, and that requires a lot of planning,” she says. Women’s careers and finances can also be more complicated than men’s, she says. Women tend to have many transition points in their lives, such as stepping back from the workforce to care for children or elderly parents. These times away from the traditional workforce can delay promotions, reduce a woman’s social security earnings and retirement savings, and more, D’Agostini says. “Women have unique needs and should have a solid plan for their finances,” she says. “And it’s incredibly important for women, especially, to think about how life transitions impact finances. Your financial plan should be an evolving document, and it should look at how your decisions and life circumstances determine when you should buy a home, where your kids might be able to go to college, or when you can retire.” The issues are a bit different for women from older generations, she says. “For many Boomer women, financial planning was largely the job of their husbands. But they often find themselves having to suddenly handle their finances due to death or divorce, at times when they face emotional challenges, and they don’t always know what to do.”
Jody D’Agostini
A woman might live 30 years past her retirement, and that requires a lot of planning.” -Jody D’Agostini, founder of Women Owned Wealth
SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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42% Of 455,000 women who left the workforce between January and August 2025, 42% chose to leave because of caregiving responsibilities and challenges like the high cost of childcare. Source: 2026 survey by Catalyst, a nonprofit focused on women’s advancement and inclusion in the workforce
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WHEN TO START “A financial plan should be an integral part of everyone’s life,” says Jody D’Agostini, a certified financial planner and founder of Women Owned Wealth in Morristown. “And it’s never too early for to start planning.” D’Agostini recommends that college graduates talk to someone about how much to put in their 401(k) plans, and that engaged couples ensure they are on the same page about budgeting. She often suggests clients gift their kids financial planning sessions as a wedding gift. “Couples should be having conversations about how much they can afford to pay for their first apartment, when they should buy life insurance, and when they should sign up for disability,” says D’Agostini. “It’s not all about growing assets; it’s about protection as well.” There’s a large educational component to financial planning, D’Agostini says. “Even if you aren’t where you want to be, there’s a lot of comfort in knowing you have a path to getting there. There’s a lot of power in finding the solution.” If you can’t afford to visit a financial planner, there are other ways to educate yourself. “There is a lot of information on the internet that can teach you budgeting,” says D’Agostini. “You can also look at local community colleges or adult learning centers. I used to teach an introductory class that cost $25. You don’t have to go all in, but everyone should know some basics. Then, when you accumulate some wealth, which tends to complicate financial planning, seek help from a professional.”
BUILDING CAREERS Women Owned Wealth is an allfemale CFP team because D’Agostini wants “to pay it forward. I want to enable and empower some of the financial advisors in my group and be a model for other women in financial advising,” she says. Of the almost 110,000 CFPs in the United States, only about 24 percent are women, according to professional demographic data from the CFP Board. “Women are underrepresented in this field, which is why this is so important to me,” D’Agostini says. “I want more women to feel confident going into this field.” Women are extremely well suited to being financial planners, she continues. “We’re great communicators, and this is a communication business. We’re good listeners, and we want to empower everyone to take control of their finances.” It’s also a career with noticeable impact. “We are helping people reach big goals in their lives,” she says. “CFPs are very holistic in our approach. We are trained not just on investments, but insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, budgeting, taxation, and other fundamentals of personal finance. These topics require detailed and ongoing conversations with clients about their financial goals and challenges. It’s a hugely rewarding career.” For more information about Woman Owned Wealth, visit womanownedwealth.com.
SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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PARTNER C ONTENT
FINDING RELIEF FROM DEBILITATING FACIAL PAIN Penny Prosperi’s journey from initial symptoms to diagnosis and successful treatment of a condition that causes severe facial nerve pain was a long one—15 years, to be exact. IT BEGAN WITH occasional ear pain. A few years later, Denville resident Penny Prosperi noticed that the back of her mouth would sometimes feel numb. Or she’d touch her lip and wouldn’t feel anything. She knew something odd was going on, but none of these issues seemed urgent. Plus, life was busy. She was a licensed social worker and an adjunct at Seton Hall University with a passion for pickleball and shopping. Penny also helped administer support groups for rare medical disorders at Saint Clare’s Self-
Help Group Clearinghouse. She remembers her boss talking about setting up a national support group for trigeminal neuralgia. Having never heard of the condition, Penny asked what it was. “Nothing you’d ever want,” her boss replied. As she learned more about this chronic nerve disorder that causes shocklike facial pain, she thought, “Well, I’m glad I don’t have that.” Unaware that she was experiencing the first signs of this condition, Penny visited her dentist, suspecting a TMJ (jaw joint) disorder, which was quickly ruled out.
NUISANCE PAIN BECOMES EXTREME Things took a turn for the worse four years ago when Penny went on a trip with some friends and suddenly found herself in unbearable pain. “I couldn’t eat or drink,” she says. “I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t talk. The pain was excruciating.” She returned to the dentist, who delivered the diagnosis: trigeminal neuralgia. She ended up in the emergency room at Morristown Medical Center, but there wasn’t much the ER staff could do for her. They administered a shot of valium and told her to see a specialist. A combination of several
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medications relieved her pain temporarily, but in October 2025, her symptoms came raging back. By this point, Penny had become the co-leader of the New Jersey trigeminal neuralgia support group for the Facial Pain Association. She knew that most people with this condition end up undergoing surgery, but many people reported side effects like deafness or trouble walking. Now, however, her fear of constant pain outweighed her fear of having surgery. Penny scheduled an appointment with Dr. Gary Heir, an orofacial pain expert at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She had seen Dr. Heir earlier in the year for a general consult and imaging. The MRI revealed a clear vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, with multiple blood vessels compressing the nerve on the right side. Dr. Heir explained this made her a candidate for a microvascular
decompression (MVD), a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by a nearby blood vessel. He also recommended a neurosurgeon— Dr. Stephen Johnson of Atlantic Brain and Spine (ABS), a trigeminal neuralgia specialist and expert in MVDs. Penny met with him a few days later. “Dr. Johnson really listened to me,” Penny says. “I never felt pressured to have surgery. He gave me space, and he was there for me when I was ready.” INSTANT RELIEF, ZERO COMPLICATIONS In February 2026, Dr. Johnson performed a right MVD. An audiologist was present during the procedure to ensure none of the nerves that affect hearing were impacted and confirmed actual improvement of hearing in her right ear—an unexpected bonus. “Trigeminal neuralgia can cause truly debilitating pain,” Dr. Johnson
says. “MVD was the right option for Penny, and I was so happy to be able to give her the relief she deserves so she can go back to enjoying the simple things in life.” After spending one night in the ICU, Penny was cleared to return home. Aside from feeling very tired during recovery, she felt great, with no pain. ENJOYING A PAIN-FREE LIFE Penny gradually returned to the pickleball court and her other favorite activities. Today, she has some lingering numbness on the side of her face and the tip of her tongue, but there is hope those issues will eventually resolve. What’s most important to Penny is being pain-free and back to living life to the fullest. “I wouldn’t think twice about referring anyone to Dr. Johnson,” says Penny. “He even offered to speak to our support group. He is truly wonderful.”
Atlantic Brain and Spine is a New Jersey neurosurgical practice specializing in complex brain, spine, and neurovascular conditions, serving communities across northern and central New Jersey with offices in Morristown, Summit, New Brunswick, Manalapan, and Edison. Learn more at AtlanticBrainAndSpine.org or call 973-993-7100.
I was so happy to be able to give Penny the relief she deserves so she can go back to enjoying the simple things in life.” – Dr. Stephen Johnson, neurosurgeon at Atlantic Brain and Spine
SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Smart Snacking 101
Peanut butter ball at Roast Coffee House
W ELLNESS WATCH
Healthy after-school treats that keep kids going until dinnertime BY KATE CHERICHELLO TENTE
BETWEEN THE FINAL bell and their first activity, most kids make a beeline to the same after-school stop: the kitchen. A full day of thinking and learning can build up an appetite, and the right snack can do double duty—refueling young brains while keeping them satisfied until dinner hits the table. Encourage kids to eat whole foods like fruit over processed snacks, and to embrace foods with a range of colors. This ensures their food has a variety of vitamins and minerals and builds habits that support a lifetime of good health. For example, red fruits and vegetables like strawberries or cherry tomatoes contain carotenoid lycopene, which can help prevent heart disease, and green foods like avocado or spinach can inhibit carcinogens. Be sure to offer foods with a mix of carbs, protein, and fat. Together they work to regulate blood sugar, absorb nutrients, and keep kids full. A few of my make-at-home favorite snacks: • A tray of colorful vegetables with hummus, guacamole—or both! • Toasted Ezekiel bread or nutrientdense crackers spread with cottage cheese, natural peanut butter or almond butter. • Hard-boiled eggs alongside crunchy toasted chickpeas • Raw or dry roasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts mixed with sliced apples or blueberries
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Leftovers make great snacks, too. Create pseudo-pizzas by serving roasted vegetables topped with pasta sauce and a dash of cheese. Combine last night’s salmon with hummus, spinach, and tomato and put it all in a pita for a nutrientdense grab-and-go treat. Shred leftover grilled chicken, chop some avocado, add any spices your kids enjoy, and mash it all together. Youngsters can eat it on its own or in a sandwich. What if you’re out and about? There are still lots of healthy options to pick up around town, including: Toastique (70 Speedwell Ave., toastique.com) has an array of healthy grab-and-go options. Check
out their Salmon Power Bowl with spinach and a hard-boiled egg. Salmon offers great health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and supporting the heart. Roast Coffee House (74 South St., roastcoffeehouse.com) makes peanut butter balls that are not only crave-worthy but made with healthy ingredients. Kings (191 South St., kingsfoodmarkets.com) has plenty of healthy items in its grab-and-go sections to fuel kids during the hours between soccer practice and dinner. Some great choices include pre-peeled hardboiled eggs, cheese or meat sticks, and single-serve bags of raw almonds or walnuts.
Kate Cherichello Tente is a New Jersey native, wellness advocate, and host of the streaming series Healthy in the Garden State, which spotlights local health resources, experts, and practical wellness tips. She has more than 20 years of experience in the fitness and entertainment industries and is both an ACSM-certified Group Fitness Instructor and ACE-certified Personal Trainer. She lives in Morris County with her husband, toddler, and rescue pup. Visit healthyinthegardenstate.com. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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PARTNER C ONTENT
A GLOW-WORTHY CELEBRATION:
FACE FOUNDRIÉ Marks Its Anniversary IN JULY, FACE FOUNDRIÉ celebrated its fourth anniversary with a festive Summer Social. The first 50 guests were welcomed with exclusive swag bags, while attendees enjoyed complimentary drinks, light bites, mini services, and the opportunity to connect with local vendors. Guests also had the chance to enter a giveaway for a twomonth Facial Maven membership. It was a fun-filled evening of celebration, community, and self-care at FACE FOUNDRIÉ Morristown. Photographs by Bruce Koplitz
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PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN DUFF
LAST LOOK
GHOST BUCK THERE ARE MORE THAN 100, 000 white-tailed deer in New Jersey, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, and most of them spend their lives roaming the same square mile. One early morning, Morristown resident John Duff was walking his dog when he spotted this lone buck on Gillespie Hill at Villa Walsh.
Have a fabulous Morristown photo?
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Email it to the editor: Susan.Brierly.Bush@ wainscotmedia.com. It could be featured in an upcoming issue!
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The Art of Customized Body Contouring Following significant weight loss, pregnancy, GLP-1-assisted weight loss, or age-related changes, excess skin and tissue laxity can remain despite a healthy lifestyle. With 30 years of experience and an artist’s eye for proportion, Dr. Scott Spiro develops highly individualized surgical plans designed around each patient’s anatomy and goals. Procedures may include arm lifts, bra line lifts, breast lifting procedures, and mid-body lifting to address concerns of the upper arms, bra line, upper back, and lateral chest wall. Many patients are surprised to learn that areas beyond the abdomen can also be reshaped and refined through surgery. By evaluating the body as a whole rather than focusing on a single area, Dr. Spiro restores balance, contour, and proportion with results that look natural and stand the test of time.
Advanced Skin Tightening & Regenerative Skincare For patients seeking non-surgical improvement, Nurse Practitioner Mikayla offers XERF, an advanced radiofrequency treatment that stimulates collagen production and improves skin firmness with minimal downtime. Combined with Plated™ exosome skincare, these treatments support skin health, enhance surgical outcomes, and provide meaningful rejuvenation for patients not yet ready for surgery.
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