Millburn & Short Hills February 2024 by Wainscot Media

Millburn & Short Hills INTERIOR DESIGN, PERSONALIZED RISHA WALDEN

A LANDMARK LOCAL DELI

GETS A NEW TWIST

February 2024

FROM CHEF TO CURATOR JESÚS NÚÑEZ

Two Families Forever Connected

0 MILL_Cover_0124_Final.indd 1

2/5/24 2:56 PM

Let’s Make Your Home an Oasis This Spring Call to Learn About Custom Awning Design and Installation

OFF 0 0 7 $ otorized Awning

A ny M

ires o O f fe r e x p

Window Treatments— Beautifully Customized to Your Preferences • Integrate state-of-the-art motorization • Beautify your home • Endless custom options available • Have it all: privacy, light control, elevated decor and more!

n 0 3 /2 9 /2

024

38 East Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ

www.windowworksnj.com

Schedule a FREE Virtual or In-Home Consultation 973-535-5860 FINANCING AVAILABLE

EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE, EXCELLENCE. Untitled-1 1

1/30/24 10:25 AM

Untitled-4 1

2/1/24 8:43 AM

FEBRUARY 2024

Contents

18 14 IN EVE RY ISSU E

Publisher’s Note LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Around Town BITE-SIZED UPDATES

10 Q&A FROM CHEF TO CURATOR 28 Local Tastes WHEN THE BONES ARE GOOD... F E AT U R ES

30 Book Nook WE LOVE OUR LOCAL AUTHORS!

32 Photo Op THE TIME OF HER LIFE

Everything Old Is New Again

At Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagel Chateau, Yvonne and Chris Kurzyna blend tradition with great food.

Brave New World

How a children’s show helped forge a strong connection between an Israeli family, homeless after the recent invasion, and a Short Hills family.

22 Expressions in Living

Risha Walden designs homes with an eye toward individuality and beauty inside and out.

O N T HE COVER

The Cohen and Braverman families—forever changed and connected. PHOTOGRAPH BY MELISSA SPECTOR

2 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 2 MILL_TOC_0224_Final.indd 2

2/5/24 3:00 PM

Untitled-1 1

1/30/24 9:05 AM

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Love Is in the Air

PHOTOGRAPH BY MELISSA SPECTOR

Our coveted mainstay businesses sometimes pass the baton, and we are delighted to share the labor of love that has become the new Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagel Chateau. Thank you to the Kurzynas for sharing their story. In another feature, 25-year resident and interior designer Risha Walden graciously opens her home, where she lives and works, to us. She has made the 1890s Victorian her own in all its “maximalist” glory (as she likes to say). We have a new monthly department, Book Nook, that features great reading recommendations from our very own independent store, The Book House. In this issue, manager Abigael Good shines a light on some terrific local authors perfect for young and old. One of the more endearing sights on a weekday afternoon in town is seeing the school children empty into the coffee shops, delis and other establishments, often passing by the dynamic gallery windows of J. Nunez with their eyecatching canvases. In this issue, the man behind the namesake gallery shares his creative trajectory. Thank you, readers, for receiving the new monthly Millburn & Short Hills magazine with open arms. Love is truly in the air, and we look forward to embracing your stories with great warmth and integrity. Email me today at marylima@millburnandshorthills.com. Be well,

In February, our hearts and minds turn to love, and I know our readers will be moved by the generosity of spirit captured in our cover story about the Braverman family. They opened their home to a young family affected by October 7, and it is a beautiful story about the ripple effect we have on one another. Who does not want to be healthier in the new year? As I spend much time in town getting to know so many of our long-standing and new business owners, my on-the-go fix is sampling the various healthful broths at Springbone Kitchen. In this issue, we learn from Springbone partner Jordan Feldman about the involved technique that amplifies the health benefits of their nutrient-dense offerings—at their only New Jersey location!

Mary Lima Publisher

Millburn & Short Hills MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Writers Sophia Colitti Steve Grillo Elaine Quilici Domenick Reda Photographer Melissa Spector WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

4 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MILL_Letter_0224_V2_Final.indd 4

2/5/24 1:49 PM

JoeDs_FP_MSH_0224_V2.indd 1

1/29/24 11:17 AM

WHAT’S NEW

Around Town BY STEVE GRILLO Executive Director, Explore Millburn-Short Hills

VALENTINE’S MONTH IN MILLBURN Love is in the air throughout February in Millburn-Short Hills! We have everything you need for a romantic month of love. The Special Improvement District offers intimate restaurants, cool bars, plenty of jewelry and gift shops, boutiques and even a top-notch florist. Visit the Explore Millburn-Short Hills website and select “Business Directory” to sort by service and location and put together an incredible Valentine’s experience. Make Paper Mill Playhouse part of your date night and check out “After Midnight”—an electrifying musical revue set in the Cotton Club during the Harlem Renaissance. The show runs through February 25.

NEW BUSINESSES Millburn-Short Hills has seen remarkable business growth since 2020. More than 100 businesses have opened in the five commercial districts of the town, and we have some exciting ones that have recently opened or are on their way. We are thrilled to welcome a new concept at the former Lee’s Asian at 318 Millburn Ave. downtown. Sushi Zero is a great new spot for delicious sushi with fresh ingredients at an affordable price. Don’t forget to check out its sister restaurant as well–Millburn Ramen–directly next door. For parents looking for high-quality and engaging early childhood education, the newest spot to check out in town is Curious Kids, which recently opened on Spring Street downtown. The team has a passion for providing a developmentally appropriate environment where children will learn how to thrive in school and life as well-adjusted and kind individuals. Curious Kids offers Baby and Me, Toddler and Me, drop-off and summer camp programs for children up to 5 years old. Longtime Millburn paint shop Suburban Paint has recently been replaced by Rossi Paint Stores, a leading Benjamin Moore retailer throughout New Jersey. We are fortunate to have a local paint store in town,so make sure to visit them at 8 Main St. and welcome them to downtown Millburn. Finally, Sugaring NYC, which offers more than 40 different organic waxing treatments and service combos, is scheduled to open in early 2024 at 389 1/2 Millburn Ave. downtown. This concept has been a huge hit in Manhattan, and we are excited for their expansion to Millburn. Follow them on social media for updates and promotions.

6 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 6-7 MILL_AroundTown_0224_Final.indd 6

2/5/24 1:55 PM

MILLBURN FOOD PANTRY Millburn is fortunate to have a great team that manages our food pantry for residents in need. Operated out of Town Hall, the pantry is available by appointment only and is mainly stocked with nonperishable foods. For those interested in donating, please visit the Township website and search “Food Pantry.” The pantry also accepts monetary donations, which are exchanged for gift cards to local supermarkets and then distributed to food pantry recipients. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Township Social Worker Ana Millan at 973-535-7961 #7102 or amillan@millburntwp.org.

MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS VOLUNTEER FIRST AID SQUAD On June 14, 1958, the Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad (MSHVFAS) answered its first call and has served the community continuously since that day. The squad is looking for local heroes who want to learn how to save lives and help members of our community. The volunteers who staff this team are part of a 64-year community tradition that covers our town 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, including holidays. If you are at least 21 years old and want to become part of the MSHVFAS, please email info@mshvfas.org.

MILLBURN RESTAURANT WEEK In 2023, Explore Millburn-Short Hills launched “Millburn Restaurant Week,” which featured more than 25 restaurants and supported work done by Opportunity Project, a local nonprofit that provides care to individuals with brain injuries. The event is back in 2024 and will take place between March 17 and March 23. Last year was a phenomenal success and helped raise more than $6,000 for Opportunity Project. Follow Explore MillburnShort Hills on social media for updates and promotions.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURNSHORT HILLS Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to support and promote businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in the town including the Millburn Art Alley.

FEBRUARY 2024

6-7 MILL_AroundTown_0224_Final.indd 7

|7 2/5/24 1:55 PM

Specializing in Custom Fireplace Screens and Glass Enclosures for Over Thirty Years. 49 Summit Ave., Summit, NJ 07901

908.273.3273

info@summitfireplacecentre.com

SummitFireplace_1-2H_MSH_0124_GD.indd 1

1/2/24 3:23 PM

Resnick Law Firm LLC Providing exceptional legal services in areas of family law and matrimonial law, including but not limited to: divorce, custody, equitable distribution, parental alienation, prenuptial agreements, high net worth matters, domestic violence, Appellate Court and Supreme Court, case second opinions, and Co-Counsel for out of state matters.

51 JFK Parkway Suite 128 Short Hills, New Jersey 07078 (973) 671-5859 Fax: (973) 576-8700 Steven Resnick www.stevenresnick.com steven@lawyerres.com

Client First, Client Focused

Providing exceptional legal services in areas of family law and matrimonial law, including but not limited to: divorce, custody, equitable distribution, parental alienation, prenuptual agreements, high net worth matters, domestic violence, Appellate Court and Supreme Court, case second opinions, and Co-Counsel for out of state matters.

Steven Resnick

Resnick Law Firm LLC 51 JFK Parkway, Suite 128, Short Hills, NJ

973.671.5859

www.stevenresnick.com steven@lawyerres.com

Resnick_1-4p_ShortHills_1223_GDrev0224V2.indd 1 Untitled-5 1

 Let’s Get Social! Join our online community.

 @millburnshorthills_magazine Have a photo or story you think should be featured? Want to learn more about advertising in our pages?

2/2/24 10:36 AM MILL_Social_1-4P_CVR.indd 1

2/5/24 3:30 3:05PM PM 2/5/24

OUTDOOR LIVING DONE RIGHT! BE READY TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS ALL YEAR ROUND » LUXURY SHADE SOLUTIONS

» LUXURY LIVING AT ITS BEST!

» C USTOM OUTDOOR KITCHENS

»O UTDOOR FURNITURE

Let our design team help you create the ideal outdoor living space and put the comforts of the indoors in your next outdoor space!

» CUSTOM SPAS BY BULLFROG

Full Outdoor Design & Project Management ◆ Outdoor Kitchens Appliances ◆ Fire Pits ◆ Pergolas ◆ Furniture Pizza Ovens ◆Hot Tubs ◆ Decking & Hardscape and many more products that can turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis!

AWARD WINNING SHOWROOM AND DESIGN CENTER » LARGEST DECKING & RAILING DISPLAY IN NEW JERSEY »

3713 Route 46 East, Parsippany, NJ 07054 ◆ (973) 828-1288 ◆ info@distinctivelyoutdoors.com ◆ DISTINCTIVELYOUTDOORS.COM

Distinctively_FP_ShortHills_0124_CVR_v1.indd 1

1/8/24 10:18 AM

Q &a

From Chef to Curator At the J. Núñez Art Gallery, supporting local artists is the mission. BY SOPHIA COLITTI

INTERVIEW WITH

JESÚS NÚÑEZ

Jesús Núñez spent two decades as an internationally renowned executive chef, having had a hand in elite restaurants from Spain to New York City. When COVID-19 affected the restaurant world in 2020, Núñez lost his job. From a time of uncertainty emerged an opportunity for Núñez to pour his creativity into a different medium. His passion project, J. Núñez Art Gallery, came to life with a purpose to add even more beauty and love to the Millburn area.

10 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 10-11 MILL_Q&A_0224_Final.indd 10

2/5/24 1:59 PM

How did you get your start as an artist? I started with graffiti when I was 13 years old. From the beginning, I was creative; I saw the world with the eyes of an artist.

As a chef, were you able to express yourself artistically? I worked in the kitchen my entire life as a chef. I discovered that with food they were doing incredible things, like little bites of heaven. At this time, I realized that food gives me a different medium to be an artist. Clients said that the food was “too beautiful to eat.”

Why was Millburn the place to put down roots? My wife grew up in Millburn; her family lives here. When I was ready, Hurricane Ida hit the town, destroyed the space and I had to rebuild it again. I created the “Millburn Strong” posters so people were able to donate to a GoFundMe page to support businesses in town affected by Ida. I like to be part of the community and have a collection called Love Always, where I partner mostly with local nonprofits and donate proceeds from the paintings in this collection.

What is the creative direction of your art gallery? I specialize in abstract, modern and contemporary art. The heart and soul of the gallery is to support women artists and local artists. I change the gallery walls every month and clients stop by to see what is new.

How does the ambiance of your art gallery feel? I’m trying to run a different business model for my art gallery. It has music. I am always smiling. I always try to engage with the people who come in. I think that we are missing kindness in this world, and I truly believe that love is the answer.

Sophia Colitti is a Roseland-based writer with a journalism and media studies degree from Rutgers University. She is a former contributor to The Progress newspaper and a believer in the power of the pen.

After losing his job as an executive chef due to the pandemic, Jesús Núñez opened J. Núñez Art Gallery, which specializes in abstract, modern and contemporary art.

FEBRUARY 2024

10-11 MILL_Q&A_0224_Final.indd 11

| 11 2/5/24 1:59 PM

ScenicLandscaping_FP_MSH_0324.indd 1

1/18/24 9:58 AM

Cipriano Law Offices Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

The legal team at Cipriano Law Offices has a combined 120 years’ experience helping high net worth individuals work through complex matter concerning business holdings as well as refining custodial arrangements. Our team understands the importance of negotiation while keeping an eye on the best interest of our clients. We have four court qualified mediators, two statewide approved parenting coordinators and six litigators ready to assist you in all aspects of Family Court representation. Let Cipriano Law Offices help move your family to a bright new tomorrow, call us today! 175 Fairfield Avenue. Suite 4C/D West Caldwell, NJ 07006

973-403-8600

www.ciprianolaw.com

CiprianoLaw_1-2H_MSH_0224_GDV4.indd 1

2/5/24 11:49 AM

Got a great image for Photo-Op?

Offering excellence in dentistry to the Essex County community for over 30 years! Short Hills Smiles is conveniently located on Millburn Avenue and is accessible via all the major highways. We provide gentle, family oriented dental care to the adults and children of the Millburn-Short Hills community. You can rest assured that you’re in great hands at Short Hills Smiles. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barker, please feel free to contact our office!

JUDITH BARKER, DMD

Email your photo and a short description to

marylima@millburnandshorthills.com

ShortHillsSmiles_1-3sq_MSH_0224_gdV3.indd 1 Untitled-5 1 MILL_PhotoOp_1-6V_CVR_0224.indd 1

2/5/24 2:42 PM

(973) 467-8877 shorthillssmiles.com 96 Millburn Ave, #100 Millburn, NJ 07041

2/1/24 10:34 AM 2/5/24 3:34 PM

14 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 14-17 MILL_Goldberg'sDeli_0224_Final.indd 14

2/5/24 2:02 PM

Everything Old Is New Again At Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagel Chateau, Yvonne and Chris Kurzyna blend tradition with great food and a welcoming atmosphere. BY DOMENICK REDA

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR

whole business. We took what was there and freshened it up.” As the world was adjusting to postpandemic life, Yvonne was seeking a new opportunity. At the time, one of her daughters was working at a Goldberg’s in Ringwood near their home. Then a lightbulb went on. “I had been looking to get back in the workforce for a while,” she says. “It just felt right.”

When you step into Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagel Chateau in Millburn, you notice that the nearly 50-year-old eatery has received a 21st century facelift. Despite its new look, the traditions and family culture remain the same. “Goldberg’s has been around for a while,” says Yvonne Kurzyna, who became owner in December 2022 with the support of her family. “We stepped into a

A Welcoming Atmosphere Equipped with many years of business experience and homegrown cooking skills, Yvonne wanted to create a place where the community could not only enjoy delicious food but also feel welcome like guests. Yvonne says that the deli’s welcoming spirit has been reciprocated by customers she meets every day. “I’m not really the corporate type,” she says. “I enjoy the face-

to-face part of it. We have so much love for them and want to give back, just as they have given back to us.” Yvonne credits her husband, Chris, their four children, Lilly, Julia, Emily and Chris Jr., and the deli’s employees for helping to grow the business and make it a happy place for customers. Chris, an IT manager with a background in real estate and a love of photography, added family photos and other cultural references to the sandwich shop. He also brought in new signage and steel shelves to jazz the place up. “He does so much behind the scenes; all the stuff I stress about,” Yvonne says. “He really is my rock.” Chris said he stopped flipping houses after the pandemic and had time on his hands to focus on modernizing Goldberg’s.

FEBRUARY 2024

14-17 MILL_Goldberg'sDeli_0224_Final.indd 15

| 15 2/5/24 2:02 PM

Yvonne Kurzyna became owner of Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagel Chateau in December 2022 with the help of her family. Her husband, Chris, pictured with Yvonne above, revamped the classic deli while retaining much of its original character.

16 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 14-17 MILL_Goldberg'sDeli_0224_Final.indd 16

2/5/24 2:02 PM

PHOTO C BERG’S

Updated With Care Using all his creativity and inventiveness, and as if inspired by Millburn’s nearby art district, Chris revamped the classic deli while still holding on to what made it a legendary eatery dating back to July 1977, the year it was opened by Tina and Marty Goldberg. The original store was located a few buildings away and moved to its current location in September 2013 by the Goldbergs. “It has meaning and character,” Chris says. “I didn’t really feel like we were buying a deli, but like a baton was being passed. One guy came in recently saying he just drove up from

Florida and stopped here for bagels before doing anything else; even before going home to see his family in Jersey.” Chris didn’t point to any single reason for choosing Goldberg’s but says its desirable area, in the heart of the art district, surely helped. “It has a great energy to it. When you come in here, it has a great vibe.” The location, along with Yvonne’s business smarts and years of providing the family with tasty home-cooked meals made Goldberg’s a natural fit. “Kids run up to her, ‘Miss Yvonne, Miss Yvonne,’” says Chris. “She brought love and true caring and attention to

a business that is all about cold cuts. I wanted to help build a place where my wife could shine. She is the owner, 100 percent. She is the reason Goldberg’s is what it is.” Goldberg’s, located at 325 Millburn Ave. across from Taylor Park, is open seven days a week.

Domenick Reda is a freelance writer and journalist who lives in northern New Jersey. After graduating from Seton Hall University, he worked as a staff writer and managing editor. He is a multiple-time New Jersey Press Association award winner.

FEBRUARY 2024

14-17 MILL_Goldberg'sDeli_0224_Rev1.indd 17

| 17 2/5/24 4:33 PM

Brave New World How a children’s show helped forge a strong connection between an Israeli family, homeless after the recent invasion, and a Short Hills family.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR

BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI

18 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 18-21 MILL_CoComelon_0224_Final.indd 18

2/5/24 2:05 PM

Living in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on

October 7, 2023, the Cohen family clung to each other and to their faith. As Hamas and the Israeli army fought outside their bedroom shelter, Itamar Cohen held the doorknob tight with one hand and a gun to protect his family in the other. His wife, Dorin, was in charge of keeping their sons, Adam, 3, and Jonathan, 7 months, quiet. To do this, she let Adam watch his favorite animated children’s show, CoComelon.

“I was sure that we were going to die,” says Dorin. “Itamar was optimistic. He was thinking of how we could get out, but I just started to think what I was going to do after they got into the shelter.” For 28 hours, the family of four remained as quiet as possible, especially during the 10 hours when soldiers from both sides were inside their home. Miraculously, no one ever entered the bedroom.

“They burned our home,” says Dorin. “All the houses were destroyed. We had no roof, no walls. Only the bomb shelters remained.” The family escaped through a bedroom window with nothing. They were brought to Kibbutz Mishimar Ha Negev where they received food and clothes, then moved on to Kibbutz Shefaim, where they remained until they received a message from across the ocean.

Itmar and Dorin Cohen and Rachel and Jeff Braverman, with their children.

FEBRUARY 2024

18-21 MILL_CoComelon_0224_Final.indd 19

| 19 2/5/24 2:05 PM

The CoComelon Connection The Braverman family of Short Hills first heard about the Cohens through Jeff Braverman’s mother, who forwarded them a news article about the Israeli family’s ordeal. The oldest of Jeff and Rachel’s four children, Cody, 11, is the voice of JJ on CoComelon. “We felt a personal connection because there was this little boy who our little boy could help from a million miles away,” says Rachel. “I

texted Cody: ‘Just in case you think what you’re doing doesn’t make a difference to people, you made a difference in somebody’s life.’” Touched by how their son’s work had helped the Cohens cope, the Bravermans sent Adam a message from Cody, but they were inspired to do something even more meaningful. “It was heartbreaking to think of this young family and what they had been through,” says Rachel. “We asked them what they needed. At the time,

it seemed very much that they just needed a break.” That was something the Bravermans were more than happy to offer. Within a few days, they helped the family book flights, and the Cohens have been guests of the Bravermans since January 3. “For us, this was a calling,” says Jeff. “We already were donating money to organizations to help. But there was this connectivity with CoComelon. And there was this family in need.”

20 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 18-21 MILL_CoComelon_0224_Final.indd 20

2/5/24 2:05 PM

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DORIN COHEN

The Cohen and Braverman children bonded quickly. Eleven-year-old Cody Braverman (second from left) is the voice of JJ on CoComelon, the YouTube children’s show that connected the two families.

It Takes a Village The Bravermans weren’t the only ones willing to assist. The generosity of others was evident from the start. Three days after arriving, Dorin spoke at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, where an 85-year-old couple who are both widowed offered to let the family live in one of their homes. Other people have donated items and have asked if there are other families to take in. Though the Cohens appreciate all the donations of clothing, food, toys and more, Rachel and Jeff felt setting up a GoFundMe account would be the

best way to help Dorin and Itamar start to rebuild their life. To date, they have raised close to $94,000. Both families have been humbled by the outpouring of assistance. “It’s really amazing that we have so many good people in the world,” says Dorin. “In Israel and here, people want to help. And we don’t take it for granted.” Dorin and Itamar have a long road ahead of them to figure out how to rebuild. They have family and friends still in Israel and a friend being held hostage in Gaza, and Dorin needs

to finish her degree program in child development, which requires a practicum in Kibbutz Shefaim. “Finding and making a clear path for yourself when there’s so much survivor guilt and things are still unresolved is a really big challenge,” says Rachel. “It’s very much one day at a time, but I think they’re doing an amazing job. Being able to have these moments with them has been some of the most rewarding and special times. It just feels like it’s a beautiful miracle. Our families are forever changed and connected.”

Elaine Paoloni Quilici is a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.

FEBRUARY 2024

18-21 MILL_CoComelon_0224_Final.indd 21

| 21 2/5/24 2:05 PM

Expressions in Living 22 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 22-25 MILL_InteriorDesign_0224_V5_Final.indd 22

2/5/24 2:09 PM

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RISHA WALDEN

Risha Walden, principal designer and founder of Walden Interiors, showed Millburn & Short Hills magazine her beautiful home, an 1890s Victorian in Millburn, which she has transformed since buying it in 2017.

Risha Walden designs homes with an eye toward individuality and beauty inside and out. BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI

“Everything that I’ve done comes together in interior design,” says Risha Walden, principal designer and founder of Walden Interiors in Millburn. A creative soul and world traveler, Walden worked mainly in the performing arts as an actress, classical musician, can-can dancer and vaudeville performer before enrolling in classes at the New York

School of Interior Design. In 2009, Walden launched her interior design career in Short Hills. In 2017, she bought an 1890s Victorian in Millburn, where she now lives, working out of her home studio. Walden continues to design in the surrounding area, as well as in Vancouver, Canada (where she grew up), on the West Coast and in New York City.

FEBRUARY 2024

22-25 MILL_InteriorDesign_0224_V5_Final.indd 23

| 23 2/5/24 2:09 PM

Personalized Design “I design for my clients,” Walden says. “I love maximalist, colorful, vibrant interiors that lift me up. But not everybody feels that way. Other people have elements that represent them and make them feel safe, abundant and important. I find it hard to do boilerplate designs because it’s really about the client and what their idea of beauty is.” Walden appreciates the diversity of the Millburn-Short Hills area. She loves folding in different cultural influences and ideas of beauty into people’s homes. She prides herself in quickly understanding a person’s aesthetic and knows that there’s not just one path to achieving it. She considers a client’s needs, functionality and budget to determine the right path to take. “I can make a beautiful room with my eyes closed, but it’s not going to be beautiful if it doesn’t function for you,” she says.

Transformed to Fit Inside Walden’s own home, there isn’t a surface that has gone untouched. The previous owner’s version of a Vermont country house wasn’t the look Walden wanted for herself, so there was much to transform. Outside, she painted over the white exterior with deep blue paint. Inside, she painted, opened up the kitchen, added a bathroom and hung wallpaper. A maximalist at heart, Walden is driven by color and pattern. She also enjoys using modern shapes to complement traditional elements. In her living room, large-patterned monochromatic wallpaper abuts a striking red ceiling from which a spiderlike light fixture hangs. Her vintage 1940s lusterware collection is displayed on a wall of teal-colored shelving in her dining room. A modern, golddomed light fixture suspended over her dining table is lined on the inside with an unexpected layer of decorative plaster.

24 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 22-25 MILL_InteriorDesign_0224_V5_Final.indd 24

2/5/24 2:09 PM

A Personal Twist on Trends Walden enjoys thinking outside the box, even when using straightforward elements such as wallpaper or paint. She loves experimenting with wallpaper in new ways—for example, on ceilings and inside cabinets. If clients ask to follow a specific trend, she suggests putting a twist on the look to make it their own, such as adding some colored cabinets or interesting materials to an all-white kitchen. In addition to aesthetics, Walden, a vegan, infuses a high degree of social consciousness into her work. Realizing her design was rife with animal products a few years ago, she decided to align her business and

personal principles and become a vegan designer. Because there is no such thing as a totally vegan manufacturer of home goods, Walden must be intentional in her product choices. People often don’t think about “unseen” materials such as down, which is hidden in upholstery and bedding; lacquer, which is a secretion from lac bugs; furniture glue, which is often made from animal hide; and paint, which could include animal-based color elements or dairy. Despite her convictions, Walden always defers to her customers. She’s willing to buy a leather sofa or use a specific paint, but she won’t profit from using those items. She knows she

can’t change the industry overnight but aims to bring as much awareness to the cause as she can. “Design is about beauty and energy,” Walden says. “Creating beautiful energy isn’t just about how it looks. It’s also about how it’s acquired and brought into your home. For me, the whole point of interior design is to have a home that is an expression of the life you live and who you are. It is your opportunity to create your space exactly how you want it to make you feel good.” Elaine Paoloni Quilici is a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.

FEBRUARY 2024

22-25 MILL_InteriorDesign_0224_V5_Final.indd 25

| 25 2/5/24 2:09 PM

FEDERATION WAS MADE FOR THIS It’s our 100th year and we’re committed to being there for those who need us now, for the next 100 years, and beyond. In the wake of the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7, we’ve remained a beacon of hope for Israel and its citizens. Since the war broke out, our Jewish Federation has supported victims of terror, aided in community rebuilding on the ground in Israel, advocated for Israel among elected officials and other leaders, provided a forum for our community to come together in meaningful conversations about the crisis, and much more.

We are only able to do this important work through the support of our UJA Annual Campaign by community members like you. Your support helps us respond immediately in times of crisis like this because we’re there day in and day out, all year long. It also ensures that we’re able to do the continual work of ensuring that Jewish people here in Greater MetroWest, in Israel, and around the world get the assistance they need and that we all benefit from the power of a strong, united, and welcoming community. DID YOU KNOW? $12 can provide a package of diapers or a baby-food bundle to a family in one of our partner communities.

$200 can provide food and basic needs to a family impacted

DONATE NOW

by the attack on our partner community of Ofakim.

$1,500 can provide a security training session for a Greater MetroWest synagogue or Jewish social service agency. For the latest information and happenings in the Jewish community, visit us at jfedgmw.org

Untitled-6 1

2/5/24 11:46 AM

If Only It Was This Easy Complex, high-net-worth divorce cases can get messy. You need an attorney with the national firm resources and legal know-how it takes to solve the toughest family law challenges. Dedicated. Driven. Committed to helping you achieve a fresh start.*

Eric Solotoff esolotoff@foxrothschild.com 973.994.7501

Certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys

Morristown | Princeton | Atlantic City *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. Attorney Advertising

Untitled-2 1

Reach

1/30/24 12:39 PM

virtually EVERY home in Millburn & Short Hills with your business message.

To advertise, contact Mary Lima at MaryLima@millburnandshorthills.com or 917-969-0924.

M&S_Advertise_1-2H_0124_GD.indd 1 Untitled-5 1

1/8/24 PM 2/5/24 3:53 3:39 PM

LOCAL TASTES

When the Bones Are Good... Springbone Kitchen’s bone broth offers multiple health benefits—and great taste.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR

BY SOPHIA COLITTI

28 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 28-29 MILL_LocalTastes_0224_Final.indd 28

2/5/24 2:13 PM

Springbone Kitchen co-founders, Sam Eckstein and Jordan Feldman.

North Jersey natives and Springbone

Kitchen co-founders, Jordan Feldman and Sam Eckstein, swapped suits and ties for bone broths and bowls, leaving their office jobs behind to open a healthful haven. “Whenever I’d ask about anything beyond the surface level of what restaurants were marketing, I was always disappointed in the answers. I saw an opportunity to try to make fast, truly healthy food that tasted really good and wasn’t cutting corners,” Feldman says. Feldman initially began drinking bone broth to relieve a knee injury and was hooked once he found it to be a helpful, portable and nutrient-dense remedy. The duo went on to open their first spot in Greenwich Village in 2016 and have been expanding their business since, with eight locations and counting.

Their only New Jersey establishment is at 321 Millburn Ave., which is symbolic of the pair’s shared suburban roots.

Millburn—a Good Fit “Because of our childhood experiences, we thought Millburn would be a great fit. It’s a health-conscious community, and we love that it’s this quaint and pretty town full of people who care about what they eat,” Feldman says. Springbone Kitchen’s broth is a standout, made with high-quality ingredients through specific processes that amplify health benefits and sustain satiety. Feldman credits the collagen found in the broth for improving skin, hair and joint health, and digestion. “The difference is in the volume of bones, the quality of bones that you use and the time that you cook it,”

says Feldman. “Those three elements combined make a much richer broth than you would get in a regular supermarket stock.”

Beyond Broth While the renowned broth is Springbone Kitchen’s claim to fame, the menu offers traditional dishes that deliver the same health-centric food ethos. “For anyone who is coming in, if it’s not their cup of tea, or cup of broth, we have normal food like a bowl with veggies, rice, chicken and delicious sauces,” Feldman says. However, for curious, self-proclaimed “health nuts,” the Liquid Gold is a Feldman favorite. The chicken broth with coconut milk and turmeric is a creamy, Thai-influenced choice, among several other nourishing varieties.

FEBRUARY 2024

28-29 MILL_LocalTastes_0224_Final.indd 29

| 29 2/5/24 2:13 PM

BOOK NOOK

We Love Our Local Authors! The Book House recommends engaging reads from fantastic area writers. BY ABIGAEL GOOD

The Millburn-Short Hills area is full of talented authors, and The Book House has had the privilege of hosting many of them. You may have met these authors at our events or seen signed copies of these books in the store, or they might be completely new to you! Either way, I hope you find something you want to read in this small selection of books by authors who might live just down the street.

“With Regrets” By Lee Kelly A thriller with a touch of sci-fi set at a lifestyle influencer’s dinner party at the end of the world. It’s suspenseful and funny and features inserts from fictitious news reports and social media posts.

“Flying on Broken Wings” By Phyllis Bivins-Hudson With determination and her passion for learning, Bivins-Hudson survived poverty, abandonment and abuse growing up in foster homes. Her memoir narrates painful episodes as vividly as if they happened yesterday, with the wisdom gained from growing beyond them.

“Second Term”

“The Mice Who Came to Story Time” By Claire Sinclair Illustrated by local artist Amir Achitoov, this sweet picture book about students who learn to accept a pair of mice as classmates is the perfect story-time read and a great gift for kids.

“Everybody Has a Body” By Molly Jackson Ehlert Ehlert’s picture book introduces children to body neutrality, meaning the appreciation of your body for what it can do rather than what it looks like. An author’s note for adults provides parents and teachers resources to talk to the children in their lives about having a positive, healthy body image.

By J.M. Adams This political thriller takes the premise of a lame-duck president desperate for a second term to its natural—and dramatic—end. Can Defense Intelligence Agency agentturned-press secretary Cora Walker save American democracy? Adams, an Emmy-nominated journalist, draws on his experience covering both danger zones and court cases in his debut novel.

Abigael Good is the manager of The Book House in Millburn. To hear about author events and more, follow this community hub and bookstore @thebookhousemillburn or visit its website at www.thebookhousemillburn.com.

30 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 30 MILL_BookNook_0224_Final.indd 30

2/5/24 2:19 PM

We’ve got New Jersey covered. VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4 | SEPTEMBER 2023

Bergen VOLUME 22 ISSUE 10 | OCTOBER 2023

BergenMonmouth HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

SEPTEMBER 2023 | $6.95 | MONMOUTHMAG.COM | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4

The Best of 2023

OCTOBER 2023 | $6.95 | BERGENMAG.COM | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 10

HOME STYLE

YOUR FAVES IN 90+ CATEGORIES

THE HOME ISSUE

THE READERS’ CHOICE ISSUE

COFFEE & COCKTAILS

BLACK & WHITE

FOOD & FASHION GYMS & JEWELRY

AND MUCH MORE!

IN WOODCLIFF LAKE

FINE FARE AT PASCAL & SABINE IN ASBURY PARK

RAMSEY HOME CATERS TO 3 GENERATIONS 5 PROS REVEAL THEIR FLOORING SECRETS 4 DOCS ON WHAT’S NEW IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

5 SMART LOOKS FOR THE CLASSROOM FARMHOUSE FLAIR IN HOLMDEL 10 TEENS MAKING THE GRADE

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4 | SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4 | SEPTEMBER Morris&Essex

Morris&Essex

BERG.1023.coverFIN.indd 2

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

9/25/23 9:14 AM

MON.coverFIN.indd 2

WINTER 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 | $6.95 | MORRISANDESSEXMAG.COM | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4

I T A LY I N S P I R E D

AT ARTURO’S PIZZA IN MAPLEWOOD

STAFF SELECTS OUR PICKS FOR DELICIOUS DISHES

ITALIAN STYLE IN NORTH CALDWELL RIDGEWOOD RENO HITS A HIGH NOTE 1930s MONTCLAIR TUDOR GOES MODERN

MODERN IN MONTCLAIR

FOODIES’ FAVORITES WHERE TO FIND PICTURE-PERFECT PLATES CHEFS’ CHOICE 8 CULINARY PROS SHARE THEIR GO-TO EATERIES

RIDGEWOOD RENO

THE BEST OF MORRIS & ESSEX ISSUE

Best

of 2023

PERFECT PIZZA

8/8/23 9:49 AM

SERVING UP COLOR IN

TOWACO HOME GOES MODERN MSX.coverFIN.indd 2

2023

9 TEENS MAKING THE GRADE

WINTER

5 SMART LOOKS FOR THE CLASSROOM

8/24/23 9:00 AM NJH.w23.cover FIN.indd 2

SOUTH ORANGE

11/1/23 3:18 PM

From the top of Bergen to the bottom of Monmouth, we cover New Jersey like nobody else. If you want to reach the most affluent households and influential businesses in these counties and places in between, contact Publisher Tom Flannery today at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

We'veGotNJCov_TownMags_FP_1123.indd 1

11/9/23 9:03 AM

PHOTO OP

The Time of Her Life

In 2017, long-time Short Hills

resident Ceyan Birney, pictured above with his wife Cynthia and their daughter, lost his younger sister Mayling, a distinguished professor at Princeton University and the London School of Economics. The ultimate plan was for Mayling to run the Birney Family Foundation, affectionately called BFF, before she was lost too young. BFF supports educational endeavors

and local community charities, such as the great Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills. There, the foundation is funding the annual Music and Dance in the Garden series, which in 2024 will run from May to September and feature two jazz concerts, one classical concert and one dance performance. Learn more at www.greenwoodgardens.org. To honor Mayling’s love of art, life and travel, the family dedicated a beautifully sited area at The Grounds

for Sculpture in Hamilton to her. The site includes a spacious, lyrical bench (pictured above) by acclaimed artist Bruce Beasley. They invite the community to enjoy this serene setting and take a moment to remember to live each day passionately, as Mayling did and as she inspired others to do. After all, Mayling’s favorite song was “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life,” the theme song from the film “Dirty Dancing.”

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to MaryLima@millburnandshorthills.com.

32 | MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS 32 MILL_PhotoOp_0224_Final.indd 32

2/5/24 2:22 PM

Untitled-1 1

1/4/24 4:20 PM

MILLBURN

SHORT HILLS M A R K E T U P D AT E

2024 #

1 Team presented by the

In Millburn/Short Hills for 18 Years Including 2023!

In 2023, we had the 4 highest sales in Short Hills, and 8 of the top 10 sales in town. In 4 of those 8 sales, we represented both the buyer & the seller. For the Highest Possible Price, call Arlene Gonnella at 201.306.1357!

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING...

ARLENE GONNELLA Sales Associate

GonnellaTeam.com

Untitled-2 1

Short Hills Office . 505 Millburn Avenue . Short Hills, NJ (O) 973.376.4545 © 2023 Weichert, Realtors®. If your home is currently listed with a real estate broker, this is not intended to be a solicitation of the listing. Weichert® is a federally registered trademark owned by Weichert Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

1/31/24 9:18 AM