Bridgewater, NJ July 2023

That Summer Feeling

Lazy Days, Lemonades and Endless Sunshine Rays!

I hope this letter finds you basking in the sun’s rays by the pool or on the beach, soaking in that much-needed Vitamin D. While some folks may revel in the brisk fall air or the sight of the first snowflake in winter, I am unequivocally a summer girl! There’s an undeniable sense of adventure that accompanies this season, wouldn’t you agree?

Our Summer Fun issue’s pages are here to help you make the absolute most of this glorious season in Bridgewater. Even if summer vacation isn’t a three-month extravaganza anymore (hello, adulthood!), fret not. We’ve got you covered with ideas for local micro adventures, courtesy of Gabby Magsino on page 28. And if that’s not enough, there’s always the option of curling up with an enthralling beach read. Oh, and a little shout-out to all the hardworking teachers out there: This break is well-deserved!

In my family, summer is a time of exploration and wonder. With four daughters who absolutely adore the beach, our days are often filled with sun, sand and laughter. There’s something truly magical about witnessing my girls construct sandcastles, ride the waves on their boogie boards and collect seashells along the shoreline. These precious moments spent together are the ones we treasure above all else. As my girls grow older, I know the days of sand burying will soon transition to sunbathing, and while that change may bring a tinge of sadness, I wouldn’t mind having a buddy (or four) to soak up the sun’s glow with me.

Ah, summer! The triumphant season of BBQs, where the kitchen becomes a chamber of culinary torture. Let’s be honest: There are days when firing up the grill seems as appealing as donning socks with sandals. But fear not, my fellow food enthusiasts! I present to you the ultimate solution to keep the family happily fed: pizza, the sacred treasure of universally adored food! Our fearless and pizza-obsessed food critic, Richard Hannum, embarked on a noble quest to discover Bridgewater’s pizza paradise. It’s a mission that demanded courage, determination and an unyielding love for molten cheese. So grab your sunscreen, dust off your beach towel and prepare yourself for a summer filled with adventures, relaxation and moments that will linger in your memory forever.

TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHERS @BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS

July 2023

PUBLISHERS

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Kristin Kosmoski | kristin.kosmoski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Richard Hannum, Nancy A. Ruhling

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donna Gioia Volpe, Media x Marketing, Mensch PR, Liz Polo (Havana Photography), Jillian Spencer

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

city scene

1: Anushka Biswal of Bridgewater won a refurbished guitar for Music In Our Schools Month. 2: Hayden Verbanas of Somerville performed Broadway songs at The Green Room 42 in Manhattan. 3: Jenna Douglas, formerly of Bridgewater and an RVCC graduate, was selected as a Fulbright Scholar. 4: Harry and Jill Brochinsky of Bridgewater enjoyed the Somerset County 4-H annual carnival. 5: The library’s Bridgewater branch celebrated Earth Day with over 90 participants during disabilities social hour. 6: The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center held a triathlon. 7: The Delaney of Bridgewater celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day.

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SOMERSET COUNTY 4-H

DAVID SURKS/CREATIVE EYE

DELANEY OF BRIDGEWATER

SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM OF NEW JERSEY GREEN ROOM 42

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @bridgewater_somerset_hills

8: The Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School band played during Star Wars Day. 9: Valentina Ardila Valens of Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School won a state essay contest. 10: The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District honored Teachers and Educational Service Professionals of the Year. 11: The Bridgewater Police Department celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day. 12: JCC Bridgewater, Bridgewater Commons and RWJ Barnabas Health hosted a successful Bridgewater Carnival. 13: Bridgewater-Raritan High School performed "Anything Goes." 14: Bridgewater-Raritan High School girl’s lacrosse team is crowned Skyland Conference Champion.

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SHIMON AND SARA BIRNBAUM JCC BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT

ARTICLE BY RICHARD HANNUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE

Pizza Perfect

BRIDGEWATER CITY LIFESTYLE FOOD CRITIC GOES ON THE HUNT FOR THE BEST LOCAL SLICES

Wondering where to find the best pizza in Bridgewater? A couple of months ago, I found myself pondering the same thing. So I underwent the arduous task of tasting all the pizza I could in order to create this list.

Overall, I like two kinds of pizza: a classic pizzeria pie and something interesting. Both start as a blank canvas and transform into something special. You’ll find a little of each with this list of local favorites. Each spot hit all my criteria for a classic pie or for thinking outside the box.

Chimney Rock Inn

Let’s start with my take on pizza: The crust should be a little crispy on the outside with a nice chewy finish. A little char from a brick oven is always welcome, but it should not be burnt. You should notice the taste, but it should complement the sauce. Grandma’s pizza and Sicilian crust are obvious exceptions, but there are few others. Sauce should be made on-site, with fresh ingredients—bonus points when they are local Jersey tomatoes. For traditional pies, it’s got to be fresh mozzarella melted on top. For interesting, gourmet pizzas, I love experiencing blends of cheese that add layers of flavor.

There’s no shortage of pizzerias in the Bridgewater area: large chains, small chains and local family-owned spots, each with their own following. They range from neighborhood favorites that focus only on pizza to family restaurants with broader menus—giving you plenty of options.

Located on the north side of the Somerville Circle, Dominick’s has been a local favorite for 45 years. Soprano’s Pizzeria on Adamsville Road has one of the best crusts I’ve ever tasted. Barely more than a mile away, Carlo’s Pizza & Pasta offers a Grandma Vodka Pizza that will make you a regular.

When I started this adventure, I knew I was looking for top-tier pizzerias, but I didn’t know just how hard it would be to choose

a favorite. Several restaurants offered solid pizza, enjoyable to the last bite. But it wasn’t until I visited Joe’s in Martinsville that I felt immediately transported to Sicily. The crust, the sauce, the fresh ingredients. The kind, easy demeanor of the owner, Salvatore. I felt like I was in my Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

I like seeing pizza used as a canvas for something interesting, and I couldn't have been happier than I was sitting in Lombardi’s, just a few doors down from Joe’s. Everything on the menu takes pizza to a new level, and I had a very difficult time choosing what to try first. I went with the “Enzo”: tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pecorino, basil and crispy prosciutto. Each ingredient offered a notable layer of flavor and remarkable balance. Next, I tried the “Maple Bacon Pizza,” which adds fontina and pecorino cheeses to mozzarella to offer a wonderful richness that plays off the sweet and savory notes from the bacon. That was easily the most satisfying bite I had on this journey.

If you’re looking for gluten-free or vegan options, they are almost equally plentiful. Joe’s and Carlo’s offer personal pizzas on cauliflower crust. Dominick’s and Soprano’s have gluten-free crusts on their menus. DeLucia’s has a Vegan Cheese Pizza while Chimney Rock offers “glutenless” crust and also a homemade whole-wheat vegan crust.

Dominick’s

Chimney Rock Inn

Maple Bacon slice at Lombardi Pizza Co.

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER, HERE ARE MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS FOR PIZZA:

Chimney Rock Inn : A family favorite, Chimney Rock, which has a second location in Flemington, offers a broad menu with tavern specialties, an activity-filled kids’ menu and a rotating craft beer list. Even with so much to choose from, you can’t miss the Legendary Pizza selection: thin crust, just crispy enough and well-balanced. The Margherita and Margherita Rosa are the most popular, and they offer one pizza for the whole family: the EPIC. This 28-inch pie, available for dine-in only, is perfect for the whole family.

DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza : Family-owned and run since 1917, DeLucia’s in Raritan still makes pizza in the original brick oven. To maintain the quality of their pizza, DeLucia’s uses a residual heat oven, which limits the number of pies they can make in a day—so call ahead. The crust is thin, crispy and definitely something to write home about.

Joe’s Pizza : This is what I was looking for when I started this journey. A small, unassuming location in the heart of Martinsville, this spot just became my go-to for pizza night. Joe’s offered the most flavorful “plain” pizza I’ve had outside of lower Manhattan. A perfectly crispy crust, sauce made in-house and a balanced ratio of cheese made me want more with each bite.

Lombardi Pizza Co.: If you’re looking for an elevated take on pizza, book a table at Lombardi Pizza Co. Among the most popular pizzas are the “Hadley” (fresh mozzarella, whipped goat cheese, pecorino, mushroom and truffle oil) and the “Franz” (fresh ricotta, fontina, pecorino, crispy bacon, spicy sausage and hot honey). They’ve even taken the classic Margherita to new heights, blending pecorino with mozzarella for an even richer flavor. Need a new spot for brunch? Along with their Maple Bacon pie they also offer a “BEC” (bacon, egg and cheese) sure to waken the taste buds.

Try them all:

CarlosPizzaAndPasta.com

ChimneyRockInn.com

DeluciasBrickOvenPizza.com

DominicksPizzaShoppe.com

JoesPizzaMartinsville.com

LombardiPizzaCo.com

SopranosPizzaNJ.com

Richard Hannum (“Small Time Foodie”) is a food reviewer based in Bridgewater who studied at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Follow him on Instagram @smalltimefoodie.

Lombardi Pizza Co.

Richard samples the Enzo (top) and maple bacon (bottom) at Lombardi Pizza Co.

A Summer to Remember

CHILDREN BUILD LIFE-LONG SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS AT RARITAN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILLIAN SPENCER

Summertime—the days are long and the possibilities are endless. With good times to be had, kids can also achieve personal growth in the process of play. For the past 12 years, Raritan Valley Country Club (RVCC) has partnered with KE Camps, which directs more than 200 camps at clubs nationwide, to present summer day camps that help kids build confidence, develop leadership skills, gain self-awareness and create lasting friendships.

Camp Raritan Valley, which is open to RVCC members and their guests, runs for six weeks and offers an array of activities for children ages 4 to 12. The days begin with Hello Camp, where campers and staff get to know each other, review the day’s schedule and sing a special camp song. The days end with Goodbye Camp, a time for wrap-up activities and reflections. The camp features theme days, including Wacky Wednesdays and Friday Fundays that turn things upside down and Thankful Thursdays that provide opportunities for giving back like packing lunches for Meals on Wheels. During the rest of the day, the counselors plan activities that get kids moving and interacting with others: Golf and tennis (two recreational group lessons weekly for each), swimming, arts and crafts, group games, fun with foods, science projects, STEM challenges and special events.

“The camp gives kids a chance to be outside as part of an organized activity in a familiar environment, making social connections, establishing friendships and trying new things that they may want to continue after camp,” says Jennifer Panaia, Membership and Club Communications Director.

The country club also offers a variety of youth programs, including a junior golf program, a competitive swim team and junior racquets programs.

Golf involves a lot of walking, which allows kids to breathe in the fresh air and establish healthy

habits while socializing and having fun. Golf also teaches children self-confidence and sportsmanship, helps them work with numbers and gives them experience mastering problem-solving skills. In golf, players gain experience analyzing what they did well and where they can improve and accepting critiques from others. “Children can learn from mistakes to improve their skill in a supportive environment — lessons they can take with them into their daily lives,” says Damien Hamlett, Head Golf Professional at RVCC.

RVCC Junior Golf Clinics are offered from May through September for children of social members and both children and grandchildren of golf members ages 7 to 17. “The program consists of coaching, playing and training programs and is designed to teach these young golfers to play the game from a hole-out perspective: Players will start play from 25 yards out and will move back to farther yardages as they are able to maintain a par average per the number of holes played,” Hamlett says. “Our program teaches junior golfers proper etiquette for the game.” More competitive young golfers also have the opportunity to participate in the PGA Jr. League program as part of Team Raritan Valley.

Kids love to swim, but they can get extra benefits from this low-impact activity that boosts mind, body and spirit if they join a swim team. Participating in a competitive group helps children learn teamwork, improves concentration, instills confidence and teaches self-motivation. Plus, it can improve brain function: A groundbreaking study by Griffith University in Australia found that competitive swimmers are more academically advanced than their peers.

RVCC’s Patriots Swim Team is open to all children and grandchildren of RVCC members who are 18 and under. Children of all levels and experience are welcome. “No prior training is necessary. Our mission is to provide a competitive swimming program that teaches the principle of teamwork and good sportsmanship, promotes a love for the sport and advances aquatic skills,” Panaia says.

Last year, the 54-member Raritan Valley Swim Team had an incredible season, going undefeated in seven dual meets against teams from the New Jersey Swimming and Diving Conference.

In addition to providing exercise, racquet sports sharpen coordination, eyesight and motor skills in kids. RVCC’s Junior Racquets Programs include different options for group instruction based on a child’s age and skill level. Sunday Junior Racquets Clinics are offered throughout the season and include tennis and pickleball instruction. The Summer Junior Racquets Programs start in late June with tennis practice, match play and Junior Clinics for tennis and pickleball throughout the week.

Beyond the summer programs, RVCC has a roster of fun family activities. “Summer is when we have our biggest events of the year, starting with our Independence Celebration on July 2, with fireworks, food, DJ, inflatables and children’s activities,” says Panaia. “At summer’s end, we have a back-to-school pool party in August for the kids and a Labor Day picnic with food, entertainment and games.”

To learn more, visit rvcc1911.org .

“The camp gives kids a chance to be outside as part of an organized activity in a familiar environment, making social connections, establishing friendships and trying new things that they may want to continue after camp.”

Membership has its advantages.

Raritan Valley Country Club, a Troon Privé private club, offers our members access to wonderful amenities including golf, racquet sports, a resort-style pool, youth programs, exquisite dining and a full calendar of social events.

As a member of a Troon Privé Club you also receive exclusive access to extraordinary golf and lifestyle benefits around the world through the Troon Privé Privileges program. Our golf members enjoy access to Troon Privé courses and amenities, opportunities to experience Troon Golf resort and daily fee locations at preferred rates, as well as Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Plus, all members of Troon Privé Clubs receive benefits with Avis Rental Cars, Ship Sticks, Entertainment, Marinas and more.

To learn more about membership and our partnership with Troon, please call (908) 722-2000, ext. 207 or email membership@rvcc1911.org.

747 State Route 28 · Bridgewater, NEW JERSEY · rvcc1911.org

Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ

BallenIsles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Kapalua Golf & Tennis, Lahaina, HI

m edi C al C are

Raritan Family Health Care is the most accommodating and accredited family healthcare facility in Central NJ. We provide exemplary personalized service in a welcoming atmosphere.

We proudly offer same day appointments and extended early morning/evening/weekend hours for your convenience.

Welcome, this is our family caring for your family.

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MENSCH PR, FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

ready for lift off

HOT AIR BALLOONS MAKE A MASS ASCENT AND COLOR OUR NEW JERSEY SKIES

There are few moments that are more peaceful than watching a hot air balloon mass ascension, hearing the throaty whoosh of flames licking up from the baskets as one by one the balloons rise from the earth and drift off to the horizon, their fate determined by the ever-shifting wind.

If you have never witnessed the magic of about 100 balloons rising simultaneously, mark your calendar for the 40th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, which will be held this year on July 28 to 30 at Solberg Airport in Readington.

On each day of the festival, weather-permitting, the balloons begin making their ascent around 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.—the times when the air currents are at the most predictable levels for wind speed and direction. From there, they meander the skies over the countryside until the journey ends miles away.

The festival is known for bringing in the best special-shaped hot air balloons from around the world. This year, play I-Spy with the kids and look for these Instagram-worthy backdrops for a family photo: a bright-pink 65-foot-tall, 750-pound Lucky Pig; a 70-foot-tall replica of the first hot air balloon flight complete with a sheep, a duck and a rooster (the first hot air balloon passengers); a pair of 110-foot-tall bumblebees that hold hands and kiss in mid-flight; an 86-foot-tall Darth Vader and a 62-foot-tall Yoda; an 80-foot-tall, 70-foot-wide old-fashioned alarm clock; and the 100-foot-tall Snowbird penguin.

However, some may argue that the best view comes from above: About 3,500 people take a ride in a hot air balloon at the festival each year.

BEYOND THE BALLOONS

In addition to the hot air balloons, the festival books an exciting roster of performing artists. This year’s lineup includes: Laurie Berkner, a Central New Jersey native who is recognized as the “queen of kids’ music” by  People magazine and was the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Nick Jr.; KC and The Sunshine Band, the disco and funk group that is still going strong after 50 years; indie pop and neo soul band Fitz and the Tantrums and alternative rockers Everclear and Lit.

Families can also enjoy a nighttime hot air balloon glow, children’s amusement rides and entertainment, death-defying stunts by the Fearless Flores Family, a variety of vendors, comfort food and more.

See the full schedule and buy tickets at  BalloonFestival.com.

Fearless Flores

Laurie Berkner

The festival is known for bringing in the best special-shaped hot air balloons from around the world.

ARTICLE BY NANCY A. RUHLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ POLO, HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY

Micro Adventures

GABBY MAGSINO SHARES HER LOCAL SPOTS FOR SUMMER OUTINGS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

“The best thing about living in the Bridgewater area is discovering all the interesting and fun things there are for families to do,” says Gabby Magsino, an agent with Keller Williams Towne Square Realty.

“I love Bridgewater because it’s in a convenient location,” says Magsino, a 2023 finalist for the National Association of Realtors’ “30 Under 30” list who covers the Bridgewater/ Raritan area. “It has lots of shopping, recreational options and parks. And it’s only one hour from New York City.”

A native of the Philippines who moved to Raritan Borough at 10, Magsino has been selling houses for six years. “I love to help firsttime buyers who think they could never afford to own a house,” she says.

Magsino, who bought her first home two years ago, lives in Raritan Township with her husband, Bruno Loureiro, a union carpenter, their 2-year-old daughter, Brielle, and their 4-year-old French bulldog, Bella.

“There are so many things to do in the Bridgewater area that it’s hard for me to decide on the top ones,” she says. “Summer wouldn’t be complete without several trips to Duke Island Park, whose main feature, as its name implies, is a river that runs through it. There’s a lot to do there: It covers 343 acres.”

Magsino likes to meet friends at the park, where they walk with their dogs and strollers. She is looking forward to this summer because it will be the first time that Brielle is old enough to go on the swings and slides at the playground. “You can barbeque—we’ve done this several times—and the park also hosts a lot of events, including concerts,” she says. “Everyone brings their own blankets and sits on the ground under the stars.”

She notes that one of Brielle’s favorite places is Life Time Bridgewater. “It’s much more than a gym—there is an indoor and outdoor pool, and Brielle takes Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me gymnastics, music and movement classes. There also are summer and school-break camps and parties, which we will add to her schedule when she’s old enough.”

Beyond Life Time, you’ll likely run into Magsino at Bridgewater Commons, where she browses the more than 100 stores ranging from Lego and Macy’s to Starbucks and Sbarro. “We celebrated Brielle’s second birthday with a party at Build-A-Bear,” she says. “At Halloween, the mall held a trunkor-treat event in the parking lot. We got dressed up: Brielle went as a sushi roll, Bruno was a sushi chef and I was the soy sauce.

It was a great way for the kids to meet members of the community. The police and fire department were there, and Brielle got to ride in the cop car. Next year, she’ll be old enough to go on the fire truck.”

On lovely days, the family will hike a trail in Martinsville. “Brielle isn’t walking yet, but she likes seeing all the birds and the trees when she’s strapped to my chest,” Magsino says.

Learn more about Magsino at ItsSoGoodToBeHome.com

JOE’S MEAT MARKET

Life Through the Lens

CINEMATOGRAPHER

JOEY RAYMUNDO

SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON WHAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITY GREAT

Chances are, if you have seen a video promoting Downtown Somerville or a local retail location, you are looking through the lens of Joey Raymundo.

Since 2016, the dynamic cinematographer has been helping businesses market themselves through Media x Marketing, his video production company based in Middlesex. Clients range from small- and medium-sized community businesses like Downtown Somerville Alliance, Epic Cookies and Evolve Clothing Gallery to national and global brands, such as MAC Cosmetics and Adidas Originals.

Raymundo, who grew up in Bridgewater and graduated in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Class of 2010, recently doubled-down on his dedication to local businesses by moving to Somerville. “I felt the need to live in the community that’s supporting me. It has allowed me to understand the overall vibe—what Somerville really is,” he says. “What makes the area great is the proximity of all the businesses and the homes. You feel like you are part of a community when you can just step out the door and there’s always some going on.”

After graduating from Humboldt State University in California, Raymundo got his start as a marketing manager at a resource company, where he did everything from graphic design, building websites and attending trade shows to shooting photography and video. But the work left him unfulfilled. He knew he could do more. He had a love for video—he worked for BRTV in high school as well as at the college television station—and turned his attention to shooting photos and videos for weddings to build clientele to launch a company of his own.

Today, his top-notch team of creatives includes Thomas Presti, the firm’s lead cinematographer and videographer, who also edits film along with Ben (“Benny”) Lewis.

• Shoot horizontally and vertically to have versatility for future use.

• Shoot people in the shade, which provides a nice, soft light. Shooting in the sun adds a harsh lighting on faces and makes people squint.

• Document the experience for memories, not for social media.

• Don’t be concerned about how you look.

• Experience the experience rather than worry about taking photos.

JOEY RAYMUNDO’S SUMMER ADVENTURE PHOTO ADVICE

“What makes the area great is the proximity of all the businesses and the homes. You feel like you are part of a community when you can just step out the door and there’s always some going on.”

“The Reel Talk” podcast

Joey Raymundo

Raymundo shares his knowledge of content creation through “The Reel Talk” podcast, where he hosts local influencers like Real Estate agent Cory Fandel from Raritan Borough, Hillsborough rapper Dayne Carter and Justin Rabinowitz, owner of Strive2Move in Martinsville.

An important component of Media x Marketing’s business model is giving back. “We have produced videos for nonprofits like Elijah’s Promise, which is a soup kitchen in New Brunswick, and Operation Shoebox, which ships care packages to service members stationed overseas."

When he is not working, Raymundo focuses on his mental and physical health,

working out and practicing yoga at Life Time in Bridgewater, booking float therapy sessions at Quantum Wellness in Bedminster and reading books that focus on self-development. “Grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a book on Main Street is super cool,” he says.

For summer adventures, Raymundo enjoys hiking around Washington Valley Park or at Duke Island Park. “I especially love the waterfall area near Chimney Rock,” he says. “There are so many beautiful places in our local area.”

Learn more about Media x Marketing at MediaxMarketing.com.

Joey Raymundo and Tate on Division Street in Somerville.

Become the Dancer You

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY THURSDAY

Starlit Cinema DIVISION ST., SOMERVILLE

Downtown Somerville hosts the Starlit Cinema outdoor movie series every Thursday in July and August. DowntownSomerville.com/events

THROUGH JULY 30TH

At Home with George Washington’s Morristown Winter, 1779–1780

MORRIS MUSEUM, 6 NORMANDY HEIGHTS RD., MORRISTOWN

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Morristown National Historical Park as the first historical park in the National Park Service. The exhibition features Xiomáro’s photography with its innovative use of natural light and his unique perspective of historical sites. MorrisMuseum.org

JULY 2ND

NJ Z Car Club Annual Show

GREEN KNOLL GRILL, 645 RTE. 202/206, BRIDGEWATER | 12:00 PM

View classic Nissan & Datsun Z cars and enjoy lunch with the family on the patio. NJZClub.com

JULY 4TH

Somerset Patriots

Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza

TD BANK BALLPARK, 860 E. MAIN ST., BRIDGEWATER | 7:30 PM

The Somerset Patriots host an Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza following their game against the Reading Fightin’ Phils. milb.com/Somerset

JULY 5TH, 10TH, & 17TH

Norz Hill Farm Workshops

120 SOUTH BRANCH RD., HILLSBOROUGH

Spending the week at the farm gives children the unique opportunity to experience hands-on learning.  NorzHillFarm.com

JULY 7TH

Whitehouse Wind Symphony

RED MILL MUSEUM VILLAGE, 56 MAIN ST., CLINTON | 7:00 PM

The Whitehouse Wind Symphony, a community band under the direction of Branchburg resident James P. Sheeley Jr., presents a free outdoor concert featuring a range of selections that includes traditional marches, patriotic tunes, classical selections and a medley of rock ‘n’ roll songs by Queen.



EVENTS CONTINUED

JULY 8TH & 9TH

The Doobie Brothers

STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY, 15 LIVINGSTON AVE., NEW BRUNSWICK | 7:30 PM

For over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have been known for delivering mind-blowing, roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock 'n' roll. stnj.org

JULY 11TH

Trivia Night

VILLAGE BREWING, 34 W. MAIN ST., SOMERVILLE | 7:30 PM

Put that random knowledge to the test! Grab your friends every Tuesday and compete against other teams at Village Brewing. VillageBrewing.com

JULY 16TH - 30TH

Guys & Dolls

SOMERSET VALLEY

PLAYERS, 689 AMWELL RD., HILLSBOROUGH

Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, “Guys and Dolls” is an oddball romantic comedy. SVPTheatre.org

JULY 22ND

History on the Green

SOMERSET COUNTY

COURTHOUSE LAWN, 20 N. BRIDGE ST., SOMERVILLE

Join George Washington and his French ally General the Comte de Rochambeau on the Courthouse Green in downtown Somerville for a Popup Encampment. Co.Somerset.NJ.us

JULY 25TH

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

MAYO PERFORMING ARTS

CENTER, 100 SOUTH ST., MORRISTOWN | 7:30 PM

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo perform hits such as “We Belong,” “Love is a Battlefield,” “Heartbreaker” and more with their full band. MayoArts.org

JULY 29TH Na’Bodach

FLOUNDER BREWING CO., 2 CLERICO LN., BLDG. 4, HILLSBOROUGH | 6:00 PM

Have a great time with this Celtic band from New Hope.  FlounderBrewing.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Bridgewater.

& Daycare