ENTERTAINMENT
JAMES “MURR” MURRAY: BEYOND THE JOKES
RETRO ARCADE FUN BRINGS DADS AND KIDS TOGETHER
FROM SOUTH JERSEY STAGES TO GLOBAL ARENAS, GERSHOWITZ SHAPES ENTERTAINMENT
Providing Peace of Mind for Over 40 years, ser ving Somerset and Surrounding Counties
2nd Generation Family Owned and Operated HVAC and Refrigeration Company, ser vicing Residential and Commercial Proper ties
Happy June, Bridgewater! In honor of our Gentlemen’s Issue and Father’s Day this month, I thought I’d open with a classic dad joke about construction, but unfortunately, I’m still working on it. If that earned an eye roll, I’d say we’re off to the right comedic start. Last month, our pages were filled with incredible women. This month, we’re celebrating the men. For me, that starts with Jake—the ultimate girl dad to our three daughters and now coach of our youngest daughter’s soccer team. Watching him balance encouragement, very little listening from the players and a whole lot of sideline energy has been a pretty perfect picture of fatherhood in real time.
That same mix of humor, heart and showing up really comes through in this month’s stories. Head to page 32 for my cover story on James “Murr” Murray, which was such a fun one for me to write. Sitting down with him, I was reminded pretty quickly that behind the quick wit and familiar TV presence is someone incredibly thoughtful, hardworking and grounded. He was exactly as funny as you’d hope, but also sincere in a way that made the conversation feel easy from the start.
Then flip to page 14 for our feature on Brian Conz and Zach Misischia of The Makeshift Project. Their story is a great reminder that big things do not always start with a polished plan. Sometimes they start in a basement, with a microphone, a friendship and the decision to finally go for it. From their New Jersey roots to a growing digital media brand with millions of followers, their success feels both impressive and refreshingly real.
Be sure to check out page 42 for Readers’ Choice: Gents Edition. Bridgewater residents helped spotlight the local businesses that keep men looking sharp, feeling confident and moving through life with ease. I’m proud to be sharing this month’s winners with you. Follow along with us at @bridgewater_somerset_hills as we continue celebrating the people and businesses that make our community so special.
Here’s to the dads, father figures and everyday role models who lead with humor, patience and love—and to the men who show up, pitch in and make life a little better, dad bods and all. We hope this issue makes you smile and maybe even send a few Father’s Day compliments where they’re due.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Brooke Boyer | brooke.boyer@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Rose Balisi | rose.balisi@citylifestyle.com
Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Emily Labdon | emily.labdon@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Riley Burns | riley.burns@citylifestyle.com
Ashwin Bidani, Sadie Brown
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carly Mac Manus, Richard Chachowski, Kristi Sellers
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Lago Creative Company, The Makeshift Project, Raquel Brennan, Jordan Gershowitz, YESTERcades of Somerville, Brandon Herman, Joe Papeo, Jack Morgan, Olga Kolleeny, TBS, Angelone's Florist
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN JUNE 2026
1: Bridgewater-Raritan High School football team honored by Board after winning its first state championship. 2: Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School hosted its 26th Big Nick Classic, students and staff competing for scholarships. 3: Law & Public Safety students competed in Saturday’s SkillsUSA Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl state competition. 4: Eisenhower Drama Club brought “The Addams Family Musical” to life in March, entertaining the school community. 5: Eight Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School students earned All-State Choir honors this year in New Jersey. 6: Bill Spadea of NJ101.5 visited Giovanni’s in South Bound Brook featuring Chef Gio, a 22-year-old running an impressive kitchen. 7: Monty & Milo celebrated grand reopening in Main Street space, beginning a new chapter in Somerville.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Cedar Hill Preparatory School’s middle school team earned second place at the Regional Future City Competition, presenting an innovative city design to professional engineers and more than 300 attendees. Guided by Dr. Nandini Menon and educators Sangeeta Lekhi and Yasmeen Villafranca, students developed critical problem-solving skills through the school’s International Baccalaureate framework. 152 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ | 732-356-5400 ext. 67 | cedarhillprep.com
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Bridgewater welcomed Patidar Supermarket with a grand opening celebration near the Somerville Circle, attended by Mayor Matthew Moench and Councilmembers Bucko, Isla and Kirsh. The vibrant new location features colorful displays, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of fresh foods and specialties, including highly recommended samosas. The store adds to Bridgewater’s growing selection of grocery and specialty markets, offering both community appeal and a flavorful shopping experience.
• 1 pound busiate, or similar pasta
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
ARTICLE BY BROOKE BOYER
Chef Bill’s love of cooking began early—in his father’s pizzeria in Garfield, where he started working at 11 and learned the values of hospitality, hard work and tradition. Long before he launched Piatto Di Pasta, the kitchen was already home.
Over the years, Chef Bill worked across the food industry, from line cook to restaurant management, while studying hotel and restaurant management at Bergen Community College. He later worked in high-volume kitchens serving corporate facilities, private schools and universities, building the kind of versatility and consistency that only comes from experience.
But some of Chef Bill’s most meaningful lessons came from home. He learned traditional Italian and Sicilian recipes from his mother and grandfather, where food was never just about the meal—it was about family, memory and bringing people together. That spirit still shapes the way he cooks today.
1. If desired, lightly toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden; let cool.
2. In a food processor, blend garlic with a pinch of salt into a paste. Add almonds and process until finely ground.
3. Add tomatoes and blend until smooth. Add basil and pulse briefly.
4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and emulsified.
5. Transfer to a bowl and stir in grated pecorino. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
7. Add pasta to the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until evenly coated.
8. Finish with olive oil and extra pecorino, if desired. Serve immediately.
A Sicilian Classic—Fresh, Emulsified, and Rooted in Tradition
After surviving a heart attack and undergoing open-heart surgery, Chef Bill decided to fully pursue his passion. He founded Piatto Di Pasta to create hands-on cooking experiences centered on fresh pasta, shared stories and genuine connection.
For Chef Bill, dishes like Pesto alla Trapanese reflect the simple, rooted flavors that first inspired his love of cooking.
NOTES:
This Sicilian pesto from Trapani offers a fresh twist on the version many readers know. Made with almonds, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and pecorino, it is bright, rich and deeply tied to the flavors of the region.
To learn more about Chef Bill’s private cooking classes, pasta parties and events, visit piattodipastanj.com
Raritan Valley Country Club has been named Best Country Club in Bridgewater City Lifestyle’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor, voted on by the local community, reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and delivering an exceptional Member experience.
Thank you to our Members, Guests, and supporters for making Raritan Valley Country Club the place to be.
FROM BASEMENT BANTER TO A SIX-MILLION-STRONG BRAND
Every empire has an origin story.
For Brian Conz and Zach Misischia, it began in a suburban basement in New Jersey—childhood desk, old gaming setup, random memorabilia on the walls. Not a sleek studio. Not a polished launch strategy. Just two best friends and a microphone.
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL LAGO CREATIVE COMPANY, THE MAKESHIFT PROJECT
Before the 6 million followers. Before the sponsorship deals. Before the brand expansion. There was a banner they bought on a whim and a decision to stop talking about creating—and actually create.
Brian and Zach met in first grade, growing up making videos and experimenting with creative projects long before content creation was a career.
“Brian does this every day for other people,” Zach says, referencing Brian’s professional work in sports media. “Let’s do it for ourselves.”
At the time, it was less business plan and more instinct. They filmed once. It flopped. They hesitated. Then they filmed again.
The first intro video pulled roughly 50,000 views. The second—a video game bracket—surged past half a million.
“I guess we’ve got to keep doing this,” Zach recalls.
That moment wasn’t viral luck. It was validation.
The Makeshift Project is not niche in the traditional sense. It is deliberately broad—sports debates, pop culture commentary, entertainment breakdowns and the kinds of arguments that spiral at a bar long after they should have ended.
“It’s two best friends starting a podcast in a basement,” Brian says. “Everything you didn’t know you cared about.”
The brilliance lies in its simplicity. The show captures the cadence of real friendship—interruptions, laughter, sharp takes and ridiculous hypotheticals that somehow become serious conversations.
It feels unfiltered because it is.
Five years later, The Makeshift Project has grown into a multiplatform ecosystem spanning TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. Across platforms, the brand reaches more than 6 million followers.
But the real evolution is strategic.
Underneath the main channel, Brian and Zach have launched subchannels focused on golf, football, basketball and music—content verticals that allow them to speak directly to specific audiences while maintaining a larger umbrella brand.
The long-term vision resembles a modern media network model—one central, personality-driven brand expanding into specialized lanes.
“We’re not co-workers. We’re friends having a good time creating content together,” Zach says.
Their team includes childhood friends, former teammates and siblings. It is a tight circle by design.
Viewers. Fans. Community.
Success in digital media is often measured in numbers—views, impressions, subscribers. But Brian and Zach are focused on something deeper.
“I feel like we have the viewership,” Brian says. “Now it’s going from viewers to fans to community.”
That progression is intentional. Viewers scroll. Fans return. A community builds alongside you.
The Makeshift Project is about participation—creating a space where debates continue and listeners feel part of the conversation.
Despite the growth, the basement remains central to the brand’s identity. It is not a gimmick. It is a reminder.
The microphones are better. The cameras are sharper. The reach is global.
But the foundation remains unchanged—two lifelong friends pressing record and letting the conversation unfold.
In a digital landscape obsessed with polish and production, The Makeshift Project proves something refreshing: authenticity scales.
From a childhood basement to a 6-million-strong audience, Brian and Zach did not reinvent themselves. They amplified who they already were.
And that may be the most strategic move of all.
Visit themakeshiftproject.com for podcast episodes, platform links and more. You can also listen to The Makeshift Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow @themakeshiftproject on Instagram, and watch on YouTube.
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL LAGO CREATIVE COMPANY
By the time most people were figuring out sourdough starters, Giancarlo Truppi was chasing something hotter.
During the early months of the pandemic, Truppi, founder, CEO and pizzaiolo—the Italian term for a professional pizza maker—at Và Fa Napoli Pizza, and his family leaned into a ritual they’d practiced for years at home in Annandale: making pizza. An Ooni oven became the spark. Once or twice a week, they tested dough, learned heat, tweaked timing and invited friends and family, safely and outdoors, into what quickly became the most popular “social distancing” hangout on the calendar.
“It turned into this thing everyone wanted to come back for,” Truppi says. “We’d make pizza, and people kept saying, ‘You should sell this.’”
Four years later, that backyard obsession has grown into Và Fa Napoli Pizza, a catering-first business based out of a commercial kitchen in Frenchtown that brings a full “pizzeria on wheels” to weddings, birthdays, graduations and backyard parties across New Jersey and beyond. Their calling card is a wood-fired, dome-style Neapolitan oven mounted on a trailer—the kind of setup that turns dinner into a show.
You don’t just taste it. You feel it.
When Và Fa Napoli pulls up, the air changes: crackling wood, the quick blur of flour-dusted hands, the smell of blistered dough and bubbling mozzarella. Guests gather around the oven the way they would around a fire pit, watching pies launch and land in minutes.
“We want it to be an experience,” Truppi says. “The sight and smell of real woodfired pizza, that’s the ambiance.”
The name Và Fa Napoli Pizza is intentional, and layered with history.
Literally translated, the phrase means, “Go to Naples.” Over time, it became a dismissive slang expression, rooted in a period when Naples was unfairly portrayed as dirty or dangerous. Pop culture has repeated it for decades, from sitcom punchlines to mob dramas, often using it as a sharp brush-off.
Truppi wanted to reclaim it.
“Naples is beautiful,” he says. “It’s the land of love, music, culture, art, the bay of Napoli, Mount Vesuvius and it’s the birthplace of pizza. We want people to taste that in every bite.”
That philosophy—honoring heritage while rewriting the narrative—runs through every part of the business.
The leap from passion project to profession came naturally, fueled by steady demand. Friends came over, told other friends, and soon the requests weren’t casual, they were consistent.
At the time, Truppi was working alongside Chef Keith Taylor in Pennsylvania, a relationship he describes as mentorship. The experience deepened his love for cooking and sharpened his understanding of what it takes to run a food business.
In 2022, the family bought a used trailer online from a seller in Detroit. The timing is etched into their story: The trailer arrived on Mother’s Day weekend. By June, Và Fa Napoli Pizza was officially in business.
That family detail matters, because this business is truly multigenerational.
“PEOPLE
REMEMBER HOW IT made them feel.”
—GIANCARLO
The Truppi family’s connection to food traces back well before the pandemic, or even the U.S.
In 1969, Pasquale Truppi left his hometown of Airola, Italy, to create a better life for his growing family. Raised in a family tomato business, Pasquale understood the value of fresh ingredients. His wife, Civita, cooked everything from scratch. Leaving Italy, and his wife and four young children was not easy.
Pasquale arrived in New York, first working in a factory before taking a job at a pizzeria in Raritan, where the family eventually settled. In 1971, they were reunited, and New Jersey became home.
Their son, Carlo Mariano Truppi, was born in Naples and raised in a household where family and food were inseparable. Like many children of Italian immigrants, Carlo and his siblings learned to cook young, helping prepare meals while their parents worked long hours in pursuit of the American dream.
Civita made homemade pizza in the family’s kitchen oven—simple, soulful and reminiscent of Naples. Carlo absorbed those traditions, learning recipes and techniques from his parents and his grandfather, Natale Poccia, affectionately
Giancarlo Truppi
known as Nonno. Visits to Italy exposed the family to the iconic Neapolitan ovens that still define restaurants across Naples today.
Those memories now live on in Giancarlo’s work.
Và Fa Napoli specializes in traditional Neapolitan-style pizza—thin, airy crust, blistered char and simple toppings, with a subtle American adjustment to suit event crowds.
“We want to avoid the wateriness you sometimes get with very fresh mozzarella in Italy,” Truppi says. “It’s about balance.”
The foundation is precision. The dough is made with imported double zero flour, mixed slowly in a spiral mixer with water added gradually to build gluten strength. It’s fermented for a lighter, more digestible crust. The sauce is uncooked, made with imported San Marzano tomatoes from the Campania region near Naples, where volcanic soil lends a distinct sweetness and depth.
For cheese, Truppi turns local. Và Fa Napoli proudly uses mozzarella from Lebanon Cheese Factory, a longtime New Jersey business that supported the brand early on.
“They believed in us from the start,” he says. “And it’s incredible cheese.”
Behind the oven, Truppi leads. Behind the scenes, the family keeps everything moving.
His mother, Faith, manages bookings and scheduling, handling the steady stream of inquiries that often come months after guests experience the pizza at another party.
“She’s the reason we can do what we do,” Truppi says. “She keeps it all together.”
His father, Carlo, continues to support the business creatively and operationally—often serving as the sounding board for new ideas and seasonal pies.
Ask Truppi how Và Fa Napoli markets itself, and he won’t mention algorithms.
Most bookings come through word of mouth—guests who attend one event and later decide they want that same experience.
“It’s the long game,” he says. “People remember how it made them feel.”
Looking ahead, Và Fa Napoli plans to open its first physical storefront within the next year, with leasing conversations already underway. A permanent location would allow the public to enjoy the pizza more regularly and give the team space to experiment and grow. They’re also exploring the addition of a second, more traditional food trailer to expand into festivals and fairs.
For now, though, the heart of Và Fa Napoli remains exactly where it started: outside, surrounded by people, with wood smoke in the air and a pizza passed hand to hand.
Because for Truppi, pizza has never just been about food.
It’s always been about family and the fire that brings people together.
For more information, visit vafanapolipizza.com
Julio Solano brings a personalized approach to massage therapy in Hillsborough
For Julio Solano, wellness has never been about quick fixes. It is about time, attention and understanding the body as a whole.
That philosophy guided Solano from an early interest in holistic therapy to building a massage practice rooted in care, consistency, and connection.
His introduction to wellness began at home. Growing up, sports injuries were not treated with medication, but with hands-on care.
“My mom always took me to massage therapists instead of relying on painkillers,” Solano says. “That stuck with me.”
Initially, Solano pursued a path in physical therapy, but quickly realized the model did not align with the level of care he wanted to provide. The structure, often dictated by insurance, limited the one-onone connection he valued.
That realization led him to massage therapy school, where he found a better fit—one that allowed for both clinical skill and personal interaction.
After working in a high-volume setting, Solano went out on his own, building an independent, quality-focused practice and opening a studio in Hillsborough.
“I wanted more control over the experience,” he says. “Not just for myself, but for my clients.”
That control extends to every detail of a session. While many chain establishments advertise 60-minute massages that translate to closer to 50 minutes of hands-on work, Solano prioritizes delivering the full hour.
“People deserve that time,” he says. “It makes a difference.”
His massages are also all-inclusive. Clients do not pay extra for hot stones, cupping, prenatal massage or sports massage, as they often do elsewhere. Online booking helps him prepare, but pricing is based only on session length.
His approach goes beyond relaxation, targeting pain and tension with customized treatments that combine full-body work, neuromuscular techniques, and assisted stretching.
He also adapts his work for a wide range of clients, including those seeking prenatal massage.
“I don’t treat people like they’re fragile,” he says. “I treat them based on what their body needs.”
That attention to detail defines his reputation, with his business growing largely through word of mouth.
“Reputation is everything,” he says.
That reputation recently earned him the 2023 Central Jersey Community’s Choice Award for best massage therapy, Google’s Best of Business Rate 2025 Massage Therapist in Hillsborough and Fresha’s 2026 Highly Recommended Award. Both the Google and Fresha awards were based on having the most five-star reviews in his area. Fresha is also the booking app he uses for his business, making the recognition especially meaningful.
While advertising is a newer step for the business, Solano views it as a complement to what he has already built.
“You have to have the foundation first,” he says. “Then you grow from there.”
Continuing education is central to his work. While required every two years in New Jersey, Solano embraces it as a chance to keep learning and deepen his knowledge.
“Things change,” he says. “You have to keep learning.”
He has pursued certifications in oncology massage, prenatal care, neuromuscular therapy, assisted stretching, cupping and lymphatic drainage, allowing him to work with a broad range of clients while staying current with evolving best practices.
That mindset extends to self-preservation as well. In a physically demanding profession, Solano actively trains to protect his own body, including techniques that reduce strain on his hands and joints.
“It’s about longevity,” he says.
Alongside his own practice, Solano works part-time with a seasoned therapist in Flemington, gaining valuable mentorship.
“It’s not competition,” he says. “It’s learning.”
Looking ahead, Solano plans to continue growing his practice while maintaining the level of care that defines it. While expansion and hiring may be part of the future, the core of the business remains the same: personalized, intentional treatment built on trust.
For a men’s issue centered on discipline, purpose and performance, Julio’s approach offers a clear perspective. Wellness is not about shortcuts. It is about consistency, attention and showing up— both for clients and for yourself.
As he often tells clients, “Massage is not a luxury. It’s body maintenance and wellness.”
For more information, visit solmassagenj.com.
Designed for sharing, our Epic Meat Board for 7 is fully loaded with Brazilian lobster tails, prime bone-in ribeye, lamb chops, scallops, shrimp, and grilled octopus plus lobster mac & cheese, spinach, and mashed potatoes
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN GERSHOWITZ
Before he was writing for one of the most iconic live entertainment brands in the world, Jordan Gershowitz was a kid in South Jersey staging a one-act play about the trial of Benedict Arnold.
Born in New Brunswick and raised in Westampton, Gershowitz credits New Jersey with shaping his creativity. In middle school, he wrote and directed his first production, complete with improvised effects and a one-night performance, and by eighth grade, he was student director.
High school brought a new stage. Gershowitz performed in a punk band that toured New Jersey, playing venues like The Stone Pony and sharing bills with the Plain White T’s and a rising Justin Bieber in 2009. The group was later nominated for a VMA for Best Breakout Artist.
“That really increased my love for live performance and storytelling,” Gershowitz says.
JORDAN GERSHOWITZ
Westampton native and two-time Emmy-nominated writer, Gershowitz has shaped iconic brands including Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends and Ringling Bros. Now based in Los Angeles, he serves as a showrunner and creative producer, blending nostalgia and reinvention across television, publishing and arena-scale live entertainment.
After college, Gershowitz transitioned from performing to writing, carving out a career in children’s and family entertainment. He has earned two Emmy nominations and worked on major properties including “Tom and Jerry,” “Peanuts,” “Thomas the Tank Engine” and “Monster High.” He also serves as a creator and head writer on Netflix’s animated “Hot Wheels Let's Race” series.
Live productions became a natural extension of that work. Gershowitz developed shows for Disney on Ice and wrote a “Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic” stage production. Most recently, he wrote the 148th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, helping revive one of entertainment’s most iconic brands.
The modern circus reflects changing audience expectations, focusing on storytelling and spectacle without animal acts. For Gershowitz, seeing it performed at venues like Newark’s Prudential Center is a full-circle moment.
“It’s cool to know something I helped bring to life is now in an arena I grew up going to,” he says.
Now based in Los Angeles, Gershowitz is stepping into his first showrunner role, focused on building momentum and continuing to grow.
As AI advances, Gershowitz stresses the irreplaceable value of human creativity—technology can help, but instinct and emotion drive storytelling.
He sees his success as an extension of New Jersey, with a consistent focus on performance, connection, and craft.
For this Jersey-born creative, big stages can start in small towns.
For more information, visit jordangershowitz.com
At YESTERcades Somerville
In an era when most video games are played at home, arcades can feel like a relic from another time. But places like YESTERcades in Somerville make a strong case for why the experience still matters—especially for dads who grew up on joystick battles, pinball runs and the kind of friendly competition that does not happen through a headset.
For a Father’s Day outing, that nostalgia is part of the draw. At a time when so much entertainment happens on the couch, YESTERcades offers something more hands-on: the chance to play side by side. Dads can revisit the games they grew up on while introducing their kids to a different kind of gaming culture—one built around the sounds of arcade cabinets, the rhythm of pinball and the simple satisfaction of trying to beat the person standing next to you.
The Somerville space captures that old-school energy with rows of classic arcade cabinets, a strong pinball lineup and enough variety to keep everyone moving. Familiar titles like Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man tap into the retro appeal, while Skee-Ball, air hockey, billiards and bubble hockey bring out the kind of friendly rivalry that tends to define a good family outing. It is easy to picture dads showing off a little, kids keeping score and everyone staying longer than they planned.
That focus on the games themselves is intentional.
“We focus on being the best arcade that we can be,” assistant manager Liam Martin says. “There are a lot of places that try to mix things up. We’re focused on the games and making sure what we have works well. What you think an arcade should be— whether you were going 20 or 30 years ago—we want to be that when you walk in.”
ARTICLE BY RICHARD CHACHOWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY YESTERCADES OF SOMERVILLE
The flat hourly pricing adds to the appeal. Instead of fumbling with tokens or feeding a machine one play at a time, guests can pay one rate and settle in, with the freedom to bounce from game to game without thinking about the cost of every round. It makes the whole experience feel easier, especially for families.
For Bridgewater readers looking for a Father’s Day outing that feels playful without trying too hard, Somerville’s YESTERcades is a nearby option with just the right mix of retro charm and hands-on fun. Sometimes
the best plans are the ones that let Dad relive his glory days—while making a few new memories in the process.
YESTERcades is located at 29 Division St. in Somerville. For hours of operation and pricing, visit yestercades.com
Still loyal to Pac-Man, pinball or Skee-Ball?
Head to @bridgewater_somerset_hills and vote for your favorite arcade game.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
A LOOK AT JAMES “MURR” MURRAY’S QUIETER STRENGTHS— PATIENCE, FRIENDSHIP AND THE WORK OF BUILDING SOMETHING THAT LASTS.
When I sat down with James “Murr” Murray, one of the stars and creators of “Impractical Jokers,” I asked him whether he sleeps with one eye open.
He laughed and told me that, after all these years, he was skeptical of almost everything. In fact, before agreeing to our interview, he said his team thoroughly vetted both me and City Lifestyle. In his world, a perfectly ordinary interview was exactly the kind of thing that could turn into a setup, and with a new season of “Impractical Jokers” in the works, he was not taking any chances. I told him that, should he ever need a willing participant for a future punchline, I would be more than happy to volunteer. Consider that my official hint—my offer stands.
It was a funny exchange, but it was also a revealing one.
The version of Murray most people know is the one on screen— quick-witted, charismatic, game for almost anything and always one beat from disaster. What people do not always see is the man underneath that amplified persona: a producer, writer and creative force who spent years working, pitching and waiting to bring his dream to life.
For all the chaos “Impractical Jokers” sells, Murray’s career tells a much steadier story. It is a story about patience, friendship and staying with the work long enough to create something that lasts.
That is what makes Murray a natural fit for our Men’s Issue. He is not just a familiar face from a hit show. He is someone who builds.
Long before “Impractical Jokers” became a success, Murray and his lifelong friends were doing improv together, sharpening the chemistry that eventually became the foundation of an entire franchise. The roots of that friendship go all the way back to high school. What audiences see on screen is funny because it is real. These are friends who grew up together and understand exactly
how to push, challenge and support one another. There is real trust there, and that trust is the backbone of everything they have built together.
Murray is also quick to point out that none of it happened by accident. “It was a very calculated business decision,” he says. Before “Impractical Jokers” ever landed on television, he spent a decade working in TV development, learning how shows were made and what networks wanted. He eventually went on to pitch his own show.
That kind of patience says a lot about a person.
It also says a lot about why the show has lasted. Nearly 16 years after its debut, with season 13 in the works, “Impractical Jokers” proves that meaningful success does not come from luck alone. It comes from consistency and caring long after it’s easy to coast. One of the most compelling things about Murray is that he does not sound like someone phoning it in. He still talks about the show with energy and sounds invested in what comes next.
When Murray talks about success, what comes through most is perspective. He tells me they were 34 years old when they finally got on TV, old enough to understand what it took to get there and wise enough not to take it for granted. By then, they were not just aspiring comics—they were adults with real jobs and responsibilities, which may be part of why the opportunity never seems lost on him. “It keeps us humble,” he says.
He also seems especially proud that “Impractical Jokers” is a show grandparents, parents and kids can all watch together. In a culture where shared entertainment is rare, that connection clearly matters to him.
That history gives weight to the advice he offers now. He knows what it’s like to work tough temp jobs in New York, paying bills by day and writing at night. So when he says, “Find what you love and do it and don’t give up on it,” you believe he means it.
That same groundedness feels especially clear when the conversation turns to New Jersey. Murray lives in Princeton now, and some of the work he cares about most is happening just minutes away in Rocky Hill.
In 2025, Murray purchased the iconic Rocky Hill home that houses Pacific Southern Railway, a nonprofit model railroad club he was determined to help save. The property is the longtime home of the club’s legendary HO-scale railroad, a 5,000-square-foot layout with more than 12,000 feet of hand-laid track that has been a cornerstone of model railroading since 1964. After the passing of longtime steward Carl Pate III in 2024, the future of the layout was uncertain. Murray, a lifelong train enthusiast, stepped in and bought the property to secure its future.
That detail matters because it says so much about who he is. He did more than appreciate the railroad. He invested to preserve it.
When Murray talks about the railroad, what comes through is a real sense of care. This is not simply an interesting side project. It is a way of preserving wonder, protecting local history and keeping something tactile and imaginative alive in a world that increasingly lives behind screens. As Murray puts it, “You have to protect that and save it and grow it.”
The house itself becomes part of that vision. Under Murray’s ownership, Pacific Southern is expanding its reach with virtual memberships, a refreshed online presence and more community-facing events, including open houses and fundraisers.
He is also not done taking big swings.
Beyond “Impractical Jokers,” Murray continues connecting with audiences through Murr Live, his solo comedy tour, where fans get to see more of his off-screen storytelling and personality. He is also the author of several novels, continuing to stretch into a very different creative lane. His thriller, Don’t Move, originally published as a novel, has now grown into a film project set to be released soon. Murray is not coasting on one successful idea. He is still creating, still evolving and still building what comes next.
That forward momentum is what ties everything together—friendship, patience, creativity, longevity and local impact. Murray comes across as someone who understands that meaningful success rarely happens quickly. Sometimes it takes years of rejection, years of work and years of belief. The real gift is staying with it long enough to see what it can become.
James “Murr” Murray may be best known for making people laugh, but that is only part of the story. The fuller picture is even more interesting. He is still creating, still taking risks and still building something lasting—just with one eye open at night.
MURR LIVE AND OFFICIAL UPDATES jamesmurrayofficial.com
PACIFIC SOUTHERN RAILWAY pacificsouthern.org
In the heart of Raritan sits a business that has shaped life’s most meaningful moments for generations: Angelone's Florist.
Angelone’s Florist has been far more than a flower shop. It has served as a lasting expression of family, resilience and community connection. More than seven decades ago, James and Lena Angelone planted the first seeds of what would become a lasting legacy. Founded in the late 1940s, the shop began as a small, family-run endeavor that has survived many challenges along the way.
Today, that same philosophy remains, only now it’s carried forward by the next generation. The business remains family-owned, eventually passed down to their son, Lynn Angelone, and continues to reflect the values it was built on: passion, dedication, creativity and connection.
According to Lynn, “I became involved in the business at a young age and, over time, grew alongside it, eventually taking ownership. What began as a family business quickly became a personal passion, and I found great satisfaction in serving and connecting with our local community.”
ARTICLE BY KRISTI SELLERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELONE’S FLORIST, MICHAEL LAGO CREATIVE COMPANY
Across four generations, the Angelone family hasn’t just maintained a business, they’ve evolved into a true presence in the community. From weddings to farewells, birthdays to “just because,” their work has become woven into the rhythm of everyday life.
“We also participate in initiatives like “Petal It Forward,” a program founded by the Society of American Florists. Through this effort, we give each person two bouquets—one to keep and one to pass along to someone else. It’s a simple gesture that creates powerful emotional moments. We’ve seen firsthand how impactful it can be, especially for people receiving or giving flowers for the very first time. The response has been incredibly moving, and the program even received national news coverage.” says Lynn. Through this program and initiatives tied to International Women’s Day, the team extends its reach beyond the shop, sharing flowers as acts of kindness and recognition.
Each day, Lynn works alongside his children—Jessica, John and Matthew. All three play a pivotal role in Angelone’s, bringing their unique talents to the legacy.
“Over the years, Angelone’s has evolved from a small neighborhood flower shop into one of the premier florists in Somerset County. While we started by simply offering flowers and plants, our services have expanded to include personalized designs, special events, charitable work, specialty plants and more.” says Lynn.
Their reach now extends far beyond their small-town beginnings, delivering across central New Jersey and even nationwide. But despite that growth, the experience remains deeply personal, rooted in the same hands-on care that defined its earliest days.
According to Lynn, “The most rewarding part of running Angelone’s Florist has been the opportunity to serve our community with the freshest flowers, plants, and beautifully designed event florals. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing we play a role in our customers’ most meaningful moments and celebrations in their life.”
“Just as important is our ability to give back by supporting local charities and organizations. Being a trusted, dependable presence in the community, rooted in care, creativity and human connection, and contributing to it in meaningful ways, is something I’m truly proud of.”
There’s something rare about a business that spans generations without losing its identity. At Angelone’s, that legacy is not only preserved, but thoughtfully nurtured each passing year.
If you would like to place an order at Angelone’s Florist, you can call them at (908)725-5078, visit them in person at 101 2nd Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869 or through their website AngelonesFlowers.com
SUNDAYS
1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater | 11:00 AM
Shop local produce and specialty goods at the Bridgewater Farmers Market, held Sundays from June through October. Learn more at nfmd.org
JUNE 4TH
BizFest 2026
TD Bank Ballpark, 860 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | 2:00 PM
This large-scale business expo brings together more than 100 vendors for networking, live demonstrations and community engagement. BizFest 2026 showcases regional businesses in an energetic, open-air setting designed for both residents and professionals. View event details at scbp.org/bizfest
JUNE 6TH
Colonial Park Gardens, 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset, NJ 08873 | 11:00 AM
Celebrate peak bloom season at one of Somerset County’s premier rose gardens with guided tours, live music and food trucks. The annual festival offers a scenic, family-friendly day surrounded by thousands of roses in full bloom, rain or shine. Learn more at somersetcountyparks.org
JUNE 12TH
Game Changer, 2 Schlinder Ct., Hillsborough, NJ 08844 | 11:00 AM
Epoc Fitness will host a self-defense and empowerment seminar focused on practical safety techniques, confidence-building and situational awareness. Open to all experience levels, the session will include instruction and hands-on training in a supportive environment. Learn more at epocfitnessnj.com.
JUNE 14TH
Washington House, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 | 3:00 PM
Curbing Hunger hosts the Can Challenge, where participants help build a replica of the Washington House using more than 10,000 canned goods. Designed with local architects and builders, the event raises food donations for area food banks and pantries. More information at curbinghunger.org and facebook.com/CurbingHunger.
JUNE 28TH
41 N. Bridge St., Somerville, NJ 08876 | 12:00 PM
Step into the 18th century with interactive storytelling, period games and historical reenactments that bring Revolutionary-era tavern culture to life. This immersive program offers an engaging blend of education and entertainment in an intimate setting. Learn more at visitsomersetnj.org.
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
Strength, style and precision define this month’s celebration of the modern gentleman. From grooming and wellness to hospitality, recreation and everyday essentials, Bridgewater residents recognize the local businesses that help men look sharp, feel confident and move through life with ease.
Our Readers’ Choice: Gents Edition reflects the voices of locals who value quality, consistency and trusted service. With that, we’re proud to announce the June 2026 Readers’ Choice winners for Bridgewater.
CELEBRATING MEN’S STYLE, WELLNESS AND EVERYDAY CONFIDENCE
Readers’ Choice winners represent the businesses Bridgewater residents trust for grooming, wellness and lifestyle needs. From barbers and chiropractors to hospitality and tailoring, these professionals help men look sharp and feel confident every day.
Follow us for upcoming categories and voting at @Bridgewater_Somerset_Hills
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGEWATER CITY LIFESTYLE
BEST BARBER
Stay Sharp
Clean, detail-focused grooming and modern cuts keep clients looking polished and confident. staysharpnj.com | (732) 200-5310
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
McAdam Chiropractic
A focus on personalized care supports mobility and alignment, with voters noting effective treatments and attentive service. mcadamchiro.com | (908) 218-0800
BEST BAR
The Bradford Rooftop
An elevated setting with craft cocktails and skyline views makes this a standout, as readers pointed to its atmosphere and experience.
thebradfordrooftop.com | (732) 384-6831
BEST GOLF COURSE/COUNTRY CLUB
Raritan Valley Country Club
Voters cited a well-maintained course, strong community feel and a classic country club experience. rvcc1911.org | (908) 722-2000 ext. 207
BEST DRY CLEANER/TAILOR
Giorgio’s Dry Cleaning & Tailors
Precision tailoring and reliable garment care keep wardrobes looking sharp, with readers recognizing consistent quality.
giorgiosdrycleaners.com | (908) 218-1891
