I grew up in Bergenfield and graduated Bergenfield HS in 1990. After attending college in CT, I worked at Liberty Travel for over 10 years where I met my husband, Kevin through one of my co-workers. I moved to Little Ferry and that’s where we started our family. We lived there for almost 10 years before deciding on Mahwah becoming our forever home. I even convinced my parents to move to Mahwah! I joined my family’s grocery business in CT and worked with my dad and my brother until we sold in February 2021. Kevin runs Duffy Movers which is his family business, they have operated in Bergen County for over 60 years. Being part of a community is something we both feel very strongly about. We spend many hours dedicated to volunteering throughout Mahwah. I have served on the Mahwah Schools Foundation for almost 13 years in various positions from Gala Chair Person to President. I have now transitioned over to Mahwah HS and volunteer my time working on the MHS Sports Boosters. Here’s a fun fact, I was even the assistant coach for the boys Travel Basketball team in Mahwah for many years. Kevin has been volunteering for the Youth Football program as a coach for over 9 years. We truly believe one of the most important lessons we can show our boys is about giving back to the community you live in.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to Kevin for 17 years. We have three wonderful boys Nolan (16), Preston (15) and Mason (10). We also have a 2 year old Weimaraner named Ozzy – his nick name is “Crazy Train” and it certainly fits his energetic personality.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
After selling my grocery business I needed something to do while at home. I started working on my crafting again, which had been on a 15 year hold. It has given me an outlet for my creativity and has grown into a great stay at home business, Bink’s Home Made With Heart while I plan for my next adventure.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
MB&G, RP Steak House, Ernie’s Ice Cream, Savini’s, Primo Hoagies
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Mahwah for almost 13 years, but to be honest I feel like Mahwah has always been my home town.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia! It has always been a place I wanted to visit.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Sixteen Candles, The Outsiders, Breakfast Club (I know I am dating myself) I don’t watch much TV but when I do it’s all about The Hallmark Channel.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind to everyone you meet, you never know how your kindness can change someone’s day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
African Safari
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Hands down Kenny Chesney – His music makes me smile even on a bad day.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Mahwah Ford Plant. We are proud owners of a ’55 Ford Thunderbird – the first year they were ever produced.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose my basketball Coach Bob Liviach. He not only taught me a love for the game but lessons that went well beyond the court. I would love to share with him the inspiration he was, helping to mold me into the person I am today.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
For such a big town, we are truly a “small” community. Everyone looks out for each other and helps their neighbor.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working in our new family business. We love working together and can’t wait to get started on our new venture.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My nickname is “Bink”. I was born around Easter of 1972, there was a chocolate bunny called the “Binky Bunny” My dad started calling me Bink and 49 years later I guess you can say the name stuck. I love that my family still calls me by my nickname.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ireland……it is just absolutely beautiful with the nicest people.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is December. My favorite holiday is Christmas Eve. Everyday is a great day on the calendar!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Probably my energy and enthusiasm for life. Don’t get me wrong – I am human and have BAD days but I try to always be positive and give 100%
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My boys inspire to always be a better person for me and for them. When they look back someday I want them to remember they were loved and supported. That even in the worst of times we could make things fun and memorable.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lemon all summer and Peppermint all winter.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, happiness and knowing you can always be yourself.
