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Celebrating Women

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May 2022 PUBLISHER S

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Behind Every Successful Woman is Herself

Patti Zielinski | patti.verbanas@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Dina Sultan | dina.sultan@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

Our May issue is dedicated to celebrating the women in our lives. As we reflect on the many women in our lives, we are thankful for each one and the impact they have made. One of the best qualities a woman can possess is having confidence in oneself, but at the same time being able to see the beauty and talent in other women and call out greatness in them, too. Women celebrating women and encouraging each other to succeed rather than competing with each other is so beautiful and rewarding. Encouraging and empowering the people in our own life can be something that comes naturally to do, but the impact of intentionally looking for ways to build up those in our greater community is so powerful. We all want to be seen, and when we share encouragement and consideration to those around us, barriers break down and warmth follows. We are so proud of the women here in the Somerset Hills, and we want you to know that no matter your age or occupation, you are a unique and crucial part of who we are as a whole. We are the parents of four daughters, and it has always been our goal to be role models for them and to lead lives that make them proud. It is why we work so hard producing our publications; why we prioritize our health; why we choose to be inclusive and kind to others; why we wake up every morning ready to conquer the world. If our girls grow up to emulate those choices, then we will consider ourselves a success. In this month’s issue we are sharing stories of women who have made their mark in one way or another. In a world that thrives on competition, let’s take time to encourage each other, appreciate the beauty in everyone and lift each other up, perhaps even a stranger. We also encourage you to take time to reflect on the inspirational women in your own life and reach out to them to thank them for their impact on your life. You won’t regret it.

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHERS @ B R I D G E WAT E R _ S O M E R S E T_ H I L L S

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Nancy A. Ruhling CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Donna Gioia Volpe Photography, Helen Lawler, InspiorMX and Samantha Anderson Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Proverbs 3:5-6 Somerset Hills City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Somerset Hills area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Somerset Hills City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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M AY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Ladies’ Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Leading with Kindness

Lifestyle Letter

Jessica Walker Discusses How to Unlock the Power in Yourself and Others

Business Monthly

Through Simply Caring

Local Experiences

Local Limelight

Local’s Choice

Our Town

Education Corner

Inspired By

A RTS + C U LT U R E

Open House

HO ME + DES I GN

Realty Report

Lisa Brown Relocated Often—Until She Saw Basking Ridge and Knew She Was

Events

Finally at Home

House Call

34 Montessori Mom

Ti Patel Brings Her Love of a Montessori Education to the Somerset Hills

44 The Enclave at Dewy Meadows

Visit a Brand-New One-Of-A-Kind Luxury Residential Community

52 Planting Roots

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Helen Lawler, InspiorMX Jessica Walker, owner and president of the J. Walker Salon Group.

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M AY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Somerset County Welcomes New Correctional Police Captain Somerset County Sheriff Darrin J. Russo (center) congratulates new Captain Lorenzo Moye Sr. (right) on his promotion. Captain Moye is the first African-American to be promoted to the rank of Correctional Police Captain in the past 30 years. Joining them is Captain Moye’s son, Sheriff’s Officer Lorenzo Moye Jr. Photography Somerset County Sheriff’s Office

Somerset County Spelling Bee Champs Somerset County Library System of New Jersey hosted the 6th annual Somerset County Spelling Bee Spectacular. The first place winner, who will be representing Somerset County at the National Bee in Washington, D.C., was Rutgers Preparatory School eighth grader Nitya Kathiravan. The second place winner was Atharv Narvekar from Skillman. Somerset Hills participants included: Sophia Crum, School Of Saint Elizabeth, Bernardsville, and Tingting Luo, The Pingry School, Basking Ridge.

Brian Woltman Honored as Top Producer for Retail Lending Brian Woltman, Branch Manager of Embrace Home Loans in Basking Ridge, has been named the top producer of 2021 and a new recordholder for retail lending at the company, which has 35 locations nationwide. “The culture at Embrace is something that every company should strive for,” Woltman says. “The bonds and friendships that we have will last forever.” Photography Brian Woltman

Photography Somerset County Library System of New Jersey

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

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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M AY 2 0 2 2

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab a friend and enjoy a day out brunching, shopping, enjoying the outdoors and visiting the many things to do in our city. Whether it’s an outdoor patio, an art gallery or boutique shopping you prefer, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Gals on the Town THE BR ADFOR D: Meet up for cocktails and tasty bites at The Bradford. 600 Somerset Corporate Blvd., Bridgewater J. WALKER SALON: Have a “blow out party” at J. Walker Salon. 111 Morristown Rd., Bernardsville B BOUTIQUE: Boost your style sense at B Boutique. 27 Olcott Square, Bernardsville R ENEW SALON AND SPA: Be a queen for the day at Renew Salon and Spa. 550 Mountain Ave., Ste. 1, Gillette GR AIN HOUSE R ESTAUR ANT: Enjoy a fun-filled happy hour gathering at the Grain House Coppertop Pub. 225 Morristown Rd., Basking Ridge

Scan for more photos and the full list.

The Bradford

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

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Jessica Walker and "Diva for a Day" Maria Luzaj

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | BEAUTY

Leading w ith Kindness JESSICA WALKER DISCUSSES HOW TO UNLOCK THE POWER IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS THROUGH SIMPLY CARING Jessica Walker understands the power of building others up. As a child, she had the benefit of being raised in a family business where she learned through keen observations of how her parents managed their enterprises and dealt respectfully with others. From a young age, she honed her entrepreneurial skills and with this foundation confidently launched her own business at 19. Twenty-five years later, Walker is the owner and president of the J. Walker Salon Group of Bernardsville, Basking Ridge and Mendham, which includes three J. Walker Salons and J. Walker Wellness in Bernardsville. She is also a mother to three girls and two boys, who range from age 10 to 27. Walker is at the pinnacle of success, but she did not get there alone. She is quick to credit the role that mentors and trusted advisors have played in her business’ growth. Giving back both personally and professionally is paramount to Walker, who offers her services and expertise to a number of charitable organizations. She also fosters a company environment that prioritizes mentoring employees and others in the community. Walker talks to Somerset Hills City Lifestyle about life as a female business owner and how empowering others can enhance your life as well.

WHAT CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of how far we’ve come since I first started my business at 19. At that time, I had little by way of capital, but I possessed a burning desire to succeed and convince skeptics that I could become a successful businesswoman. Since then, I’ve gone from owning one small salon with four employees to becoming the proud owner

of three thriving salons, an on-location bridal and event division, along with a full-service wellness center employing more than 70 staff composed of doctors, aestheticians, cosmetologists and support staff. I also launched my own signature skincare brand, which is available in-store and online. The path wasn’t always a straight one, and I encountered many setbacks and challenges, but I believed in myself and learned to feel comfortable while being uncomfortable. I’m proud of the workplace I have created where staff are encouraged to achieve their goals on their own terms. We offer robust continuing education opportunities and a flexible workplace. I feel a sense of reward in helping the people who work for me, mentoring them, coaching them, seeing them hit their goals and then creating a new goals.

HOW DID YOUR UPBRINGING SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH? My earliest influences came from my parents—in particular, my father. He had an incredible work ethic and has inspired me to achieve things I never thought were possible. I was fascinated by watching my father conduct business. I didn’t realize it, but I was learning. My emotional intelligence started to grow as a young child because of watching my parents. My father always said that “giving up was not an option” and instilled in me a belief that by using whatever resources we have, we can create opportunities to connect and influence others—perhaps even change the world. He taught me to do the right thing when no one was watching. I learned from him that believing in yourself first is the key to living a successful, fulfilled and happy life. You can make money or excuses, but you can’t do both. Thanks to my dad, my daily mantra is “Get up, get dressed and show up.”

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HELEN LAWLER, INSPIORMX

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

THAT MANTRA HAS BECOME YOUR COMPANY TAGLINE. Yes! Our tagline is “When your outer looks good, your inner feels better.” The concept is: When you’re dressed a little nicer and you take care to do your hair and makeup, you get an extra boost of energy.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSPERSON AND A MOTHER? Delegation of tasks and scheduling your time is key. You want to be present in work and in your personal life. Carving out time to be with your family is a gift.

DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK. Giving back shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a foundation. My staff and I use our talents and skills to support many charitable causes. Most notably I provide services to and am on the boards of two organizations: Heartworks, which was founded to replicate the kindness seen after 9/11, and Diva for a Day, which is a beautiful organization that gives women who have cancer a spa day. I have been connected with Heartworks from the beginning as I knew founder Megan McDowell, who lost her brother-in-law on 9/11. Their mission is to offer hope to people who have experienced tragedy and hardships through compassionate help for the next 14 months. I have hosted Diva for a Day since 2012. The women come to the salon and receive a manicure, pedicure, facial massage, have their hair and makeup done, enjoy a nice lunch and also receive flowers. It is a relaxing day that we make as normal as one can be for these women during a time of crisis.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW INITIATIVES THAT PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO BUSINESSPEOPLE. I benefited from my mentors, and now I’m honored to likewise share my expertise through a mentorship program and a coaching program for entrepreneurs. I also created an “Action Planner,” which is a PDF that people can download from my website or videos on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. This document gives people inspiration, tools, tips and tricks. It can help them track their priorities, follow a passion and develop a plan to achieve a goal.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE WOMEN STARTING OUT IN THEIR CAREERS? Jessica Walker and "Diva for a Day" Maria Luzaj

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | BEAUTY

Dream big, dream often! Have audacious goals and realize there are many ways to accomplish them and fulfill your dreams. Hard challenges will come but listen to your inner voice and take calculated risks. Also, realize the path you take may not be the one you originally intended. Find a mentor and a trusted group of advisors, use your contacts, grow your network and never stop learning. I never miss an opportunity to continue to grow and learn, even at this stage in my career. The best advice that anybody ever gave to me was to find time to be quiet, clear your mind and breathe. In this quietness you can set goals— then watch those goals manifest.

Read more about Walker and her team at jwalkersalon.com.

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

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Celebrating the Launch of Somerset Hills City Lifestyle PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Local business owners and residents came out to celebrate this year’s launch of Somerset Hills City Lifestyle magazine with publishers Jake and Tiffany Slowinski. Guests mingled and enjoyed the cuisine at Blu Crete Bistro in Basking Ridge, while listening to the elegant sounds of harpist Merynda Adams, provided by Music in the Somerset Hills. After a ribbon cutting, Daniel Fahrer, director of business services for the Somerset County Business Partnership, spoke about the sense of community that this hyperlocal magazine inspires.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | L IFE + CULTURE

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Tony Gallo of Mariano Printing Press, Lisa Brown of Coldwell Banker and Jake Slowinski

Stephanie Ossioro and Desiree Mazzarese of Guest House Jake Slowinski, Tiffany Slowinski, Jessica Walker and Helen Lawler Felicia and Jeanine Laviola of Renew Salon and Spa

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THE MORRIS BERNARDS MOMS NETWORK SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES RUN BY ENTERPRISING MOMS

Melissa DeSanti

O UR TOWN | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S

MORE THAN “MOMMY” MELISSA DESANTI As the senior marketing manager for Omega Watches, Melissa DeSanti loved her career. She enjoyed being the liaison between her company and local jewelers, working with them to find ways to connect with their communities and boost sales. But then, in one whirlwind weekend, life as she knew it came to a grinding halt. It was on a Friday in April 2015 when she found out she was pregnant with her first child. On Monday, she was diagnosed with a tumor. On Tuesday, she was laid off from Omega due to restructuring. “I was stunned and heartbroken. I loved my job,” DeSanti says. “But I was pregnant with health issues and needed to focus on that.” Today, DeSanti is a healthy mother of three children—Georgia, 6, Freddie, 4, and Paige, 2— who fills her days with another job she loves: Being the force behind the Morris Bernards Moms Network. “I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a friend’s post about a website called ‘Hamptons Moms.’ I learned that it was part of an organization called the Local Moms Network, which was started by two moms in Greenwich, Connecticut, who wanted to provide a hyper-local resource for other mothers and fathers,” she says. DeSanti, who lives in Mendham, launched Mendham Moms in 2018. Then, seeing the interconnectivity of the towns in the area, expanded the scope to become Morris

Bernards Moms, focusing on southern Morris County and the Somerset Hills. “These are towns that feed into each other, with their own unique qualities. They mesh,” she says. “The site’s main goal is to be the go-to resource for area parents who want recommendations on all things local—from birthday party ideas to summer camps, contractors, fitness spots, doctors, weekend activities and beyond.” Morris Bernards Moms, like the other 130plus websites connected to the Local Moms Network, prides itself on connecting local business owners to their network of parents through their website and social media platforms. DeSanti’s most sought-after feature is its “Meet a Mom” series, which highlights local moms and their businesses each month. “When you become a mom, that becomes your title—who you are—but there’s so much more to be recognized. You see these moms at school drop-off and pick-up or cheering on the sidelines at sports games, but what you don’t realize is that they are entrepreneurs who have exciting lives beyond being the homework-helpers, dinner-makers and bath-givers,” she says. “They have thriving businesses that provide jobs in the community and bring visitors to town to stimulate the economy.” DeSanti, who was raised in Westfield and whose husband, Fred, grew up in Mendham,

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

delights in how her resource page has provided an opportunity for her to learn more about the area she now calls home. “That’s my favorite part: People tell me about businesses to check out, and I’m constantly learning something new,” she says. She encourages women who are interested in starting a business to take the leap. “If you think it’s going to be too hard, do it anyway. You’ll balance it out,” she says. “The busier you are, the more you are able prioritize. You’ll find the way to achieve that dream.” Connect with DeSanti and share your favorite area businesses at morrisbernardsmoms.com.

O UR TOWN | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S

3 GREAT EVENTS Sunday, May 1

Bridgewater

Spring CARNIVAL

Held outdoors at Bridgewater Commons. (Lord & Taylors Parking Lot 9)

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Free Admission includes Rides, Inflatables & Carnival Games

Presented by the JCC Bridgewater in Partnership with Bridgewater Township and Bridgewater Commons.

YOUR COMMUNITY SOURCE FOR CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BLINDS & REUPHOLSTERY.

Saturday, May 14 4-8 PM

on the JCC Campgrounds

$40/Disc. Member $60/Person

Receive $15 off Eventbrite registration. Use Discount Code: Beer

OVER 40 BEERS Food Trucks Live music Wednesday, May 18

at the JCC $35/person in advance $40/person at door

& Basket Auction

$3,000 in Designer Handbag Prizes! Brands include Kate Spade, Coach Michael Kors and much more!

Bridgewater

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center 775 Talamini Road • Bridgewater

AND MORE!

OFF

fabrics, select blinds & plantation shutters

+ COMPLIMENTARY in-home design consultation

Admission includes 8 games.

Scan to Register!

A lot has changed since our humble beginnings in 1949 as a fabric store. What remains the same is our commitment and passion for working with the community. So, we’re passing along savings to make it easier for you to do some of the things you may have been putting off. Whether you’re working from home or simply spending more time at home, there’s never been a better time to make your surroundings more comfortable. Let’s work together to transform your home into a space that reflects who you are.

 Reupholstery ◆ Window Treatments ◆ Blinds & Shades Custom Bedding & Pillows ◆ Chair Seats & Cushions

Must present ad to receive discounts. May not be combined with other offers.

Office & Workroom: 9 Mount Kemble Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 Call: 908-688-9416 | Email: info@thedecoratingstore-tme.com Visit: www.thedecoratingstore-tme.com MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

HARDSCAPING PATIOS FENCING OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS NOW B O O KING PROJ ECTS FOR SPR ING AND EAR LY SUMMER

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FIND WHAT MOVES YOU Wellness Events Inclusive Group Fitness Holistic Health Coaching Personalized Nutrition EGYM Smart Strength & Personalized Training On Demand Classes Included

SOMERSET HILLS YMCA

A branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA

THE ULTIMATE BROW THERAPY YOU DESERVE Renew Salon and Spa’s

BROW RENEWAL A TINT, LIFT & WAX ALL INCLUDED FOR $50 (NORMALLY $75)

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Boutique • 908.766.6688 MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

MONTESSORI

TI PATEL BRINGS HER LOVE OF A MONTESSORI EDUCATION TO THE SOMERSET HILLS

MOM

Ti Patel, owner, Montessori Kids Universe Chester

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE PHOTOGRAPHY

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

Ti Patel always wanted a Montessori education for her children. After she and husband, Dipen, moved into the Somerset Hills area in 2018, they began investigating schools, but were dismayed to discover the closest ones would require a 45-minute commute or the school closed too early in the day. Another challenge for Patel, who worked full-time, was finding care after the school closed. “My friends had the same pain: Everyone was trying to find babysitters for those few hours while they were still working and that was an added cost,” she says. “So, Dipen and I thought: ‘We can do this! We can make a difference in the community.’” The mother of two—Naya, 3, and infant Layla—set about finding the perfect location for a Montessori school to serve the Somerset Hills: A former school building in Chester. “We did a complete renovation inside and out,” she says. “That way we know it is up to par, the air is clean and the grounds are safe.” Hearing parents’ concerns about aftercare, Patel extended the school’s hours to 5:30 p.m. at no additional cost. “This stays true to the whole reason why we opened the school: to provide an amazing authentic Montessori education to our students and provide assistance to our parents where they need it,” she says. Montessori Kids Universe Chester, which opened in February, can serve up to 115 children from six weeks to six years old. The day is filled with working on Montessori materials and activities such as music, yoga and outdoor time. “The afternoon program is our propriety curriculum, DaVinci Kids, a Reggio-inspired art and science enrichment in S.T.E.A.M [science, technology, engineering, art and math],” Patel says. A Montessori education is an individualized, independent approach to learning. Students learn at their own pace and follow their interests, rather than focus on group learning or depend on activities that are initiated by the teacher. “Montessori/Reggio education uses hands-on materials and firsthand experiences, so students understand their work, creating naturally goal-oriented students,” Patel says. Instead of standardized tests, students use self-correcting teaching materials and evaluate their individual work with the teacher, which promotes self-confidence. “This has become one of the most important projects of my life,” Patel says. “It’s exciting to know you’re making a difference in a child’s and parent’s life.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT MONTESSORI KIDS UNIVERSE CHESTER AT:

MONTES SORIKIDSUNIVERSE.COM/ OUR-SCHOOL S/MKU-CHE S TER. MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

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Lepp, Mayrides, & Eaton, LLC, located in the heart of downtown Somerville, Somerset County, is a family law-focused firm committed to providing the highest quality representation to all clients in the most professional manner. As experienced family law attorneys, we understand that a divorce can be difficult, both emotionally and financially. Heidi Ann Lepp, Mark T. Mayrides, Sarah M. Eaton, and Jane R. Altman are here to help you carefully and thoughtfully navigate every step of the process. Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, provides counsel in many areas of family law including, but not limited to: • Divorce

• Enforcement of Orders

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• Same-sex Marriage/Dissolution

• Modification of Support Orders

• Pre- and Post-nuptial Agreements • Domestic Violence • Adoption

If you or someone you know is impacted by or contemplating a divorce, or is involved in a related family law issue, the firm of Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC, stands ready to assist. Please call 908-800-7676 to schedule a consult today or visit us on the web at www.LMEfamilylaw.com to learn more about our practice and our attorneys.

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MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

O R L A N D O F O R

Louis Comfort Tiffany, Morse Museum

Richard Anuszkiewicz, Rollins Museum of Art

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

A R T L O V E R S ART ENTHUSIASTS CAN DELIGHT IN ANOTHER “MAGIC KINGDOM” JUST NORTH OF THE THEME PARKS ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

Louis Comfort Tiffany, Morse Museum

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

Orlando is considered a playground for the young and young-at-heart, but beyond the theme parks, there’s another area of magic to explore: One for lovers of art. Take a break from the crowds to a world just north of the entertainment mecca, where art collections and well-appointed homes with lake views reside, where Spanish moss–draped cypress trees line brick roads and where boutiques and restaurants staffed by cheerful college students await. Your first stop: The Orlando Museum of Art. This year, the museum rocked the art world with its exhibition “Heroes & Monsters: Jean-Michel Basquiat, The Thaddeus Mumford, Jr. Venice Collection,” which showcased 25 never-before-seen paintings by the celebrated Neo-Expressionist. The permanent collection boasts more than 2,400 objects, including contemporary art, American art from the 18th century to 1945, art of the ancient Americas and African art. About 10 minutes north, discover the city of Winter Park, a treasure trove of art collections. At the top of your list is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including the artist and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows, as well as art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. You can even step inside the breathtaking chapel interior he created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The museum’s holdings also include American art pottery, late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, graphics and decorative art. Explore the campus of Rollins College—which fronts glistening Lake Virginia and is often ranked as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation— and the art collection in its museum. The Rollins Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions and an extensive permanent collection that includes the only European Old Master paintings in the Orlando area and a sizeable American art collection. Its forward-thinking contemporary art collection is on view both at the museum and in its on-site boutique hotel, The Alfond Inn. Proceeds from the Inn, which was named after art collector and alumnus Theodore Alfond and his wife, Barbara, fund student scholarships. Spend an afternoon at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, which is located on a stunning waterfront property on the banks of Lake Osceola. The museum’s collection focuses on American representational sculpture, with over 200 works by the Czech-born sculptor.

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

Get a novel view of the Polasek Museum and other grand estates in Winter Park—including the home Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood had built when he was a student at Rollins College—by booking a tour with Scenic Boat Tours. Marvel at the architecture, the flora and fauna as you sail across three of Winter Park’s seven lakes and two narrow manmade canals. “Winter Park offers so many unique experiences like having a meal at the Alfond Inn in the company of world-class contemporary art or touring Sir David Adjaye’s spectacular new Winter Park Library & Events Center,” says Ena Heller, Rollins Museum of Art director. “You’ll soon understand our moniker as ‘The City of Arts and Culture.’”

WHERE TO STAY Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Orlando 730 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando marriott.com Travel 15 minutes north, and you’re in Winter Park; travel 20 minutes south, and you’re at Universal Studios. At the conveniently located Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Orlando, you’ll find the friendliest staff: From the front desk, to the Bistro, to housekeeping and the shuttle service, the employees clearly love working here. This Marriott property, with its hip, modern décor, is impeccably clean and offers pillows so comfortable you’ll be asking where you can buy them for your bed at home. From breakfast to dinner, the Bistro offers fast, delicious fare and has a full-service bar with signature cocktails and craft beers. But whatever you do, order the fries. Trust us. You’ll want seconds. Relax at the end of the day in the courtyard with cocktails, in the heated outdoor pool or by the fire pit.

WHERE TO EAT Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Dr., Orlando cafetututango.com Café Tu Tu Tango serves up a vibrant, festive dining experience surrounded by a robust art collection and working visual and performing artists. Where else can you enjoy drinks with names like “Starry Night” and “Banksy Smash” and share inventive tapas—the Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls are a flavor you’ve never before experienced—while sitting next to a painter immersed in his canvas? On your way out, purchase an artwork to support the local arts community as the perfect souvenir of your tour of Orlando’s art scene.

Mary Heilmann, Orlando Museum of Art Courtyard by Marriott

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Orlando Museum of Art

Louis Comfort Tiffany, Morse Museum

Café Tu Tu Tango

Botticelli, Orlando Museum of Art Clyde Butcher, Orlando Museum of Art

Café Tu Tu Tango Rubens, Rollins Museum of Art Louis Comfort Tiffany, Morse Museum James E. Ransome, Orlando Museum of Art

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

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Membership has its advantages. Raritan Valley Country Club, a Troon Privé private club, offers our members access to wonderful amenities Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ

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

Ballenisles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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

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EXECUTION MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

H O M E 44

T H E E NC L AV E AT DE W Y M E A D OWS

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

VISIT A BRAND-NEW ONE-OF-A-KIND LUXURY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY

The Enclave at Dewy Meadows is a brand-new, one-of-akind luxury residential community built and developed on the site of the former A&P supermarket in Basking Ridge by premiere developer Garden Communities. While the residential component, comprised of a total of 198 homes, opened at the end of last year, Dewy Meadow Village has been a thriving and vibrant destination spot for residents of Somerset Hills and visitors alike. The two sister buildings offer one- to three-bedroom apartments, expansive loft-style two- and three-bedroom residences with 10-foot ceilings and covered parking garages. "Entertainment, dining and lifestyle services are moments away," says Joe Korn, the developer of The Enclave at Dewy Meadows. "Fabulous cafes, delicious restaurants and a liquor store anchor the residences, and beauty and lifestyle activities are all outside the residents' doors. It's not your typical multi-family space. Instead, it's a relaxed environment—you can get food from one of the restaurants and eat in the village green or the gazebo." He notes that these conveniences, amenities and the village concept with expansive outdoor green spaces make The Enclave at Dewy Meadows "unique" in Somerset Hills. "We have designed everything to attract every age group," Korn says. "And our apartments, which range from 945 square feet to 1,943 square feet, are larger than the average ones in the area. They don't feel like typical apartments because the ceilings are nine feet high, instead of eight, and in the loft apartments, they are an impressive 10 feet."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAS.PHOTOS

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

C O M M U N I T Y U N I Q U E A

It is not surprising that the first building is 70 percent leased, while the second building is opening this summer. The second building is distinctive and features a comprehensive amenity package for all residents to enjoy, which includes an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, yoga room, conference room, business center, game room, dog wash, an entertainment lounge with large televisions, a fireplace and a kitchen. In addition, the rental residences feature gourmet kitchens with custom cabinetry and quartz countertops with oversized islands and counter seating for entertaining. The homes also include in-suite washers and dryers, oversized windows, and in select homes, spacious walk-in closets. The community green space, distinguished by a great lawn, features a clock tower, a gazebo, a walking/jogging path, cascading fountains, EV charging stations and a children's playground. Family, Korn says, is the operative word at the development. "We just opened, and the school bus is already stopping at the front door," Korn says. "This is becoming an established community very quickly." The rents start at $2,500 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom to $4,200 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom. The loft-style two-bedrooms start at $4,400 and three-bedroom residences begin at $4,995. Joe Korn adds that "our leasing office is open daily and our leasing agents are on-site to welcome and tour the one-bedroom and two-bedroom model homes.” To schedule an appointment, call (908) 460-8417. Garden Communities, established in 1954, owns and manages developments in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, California, and Massachusetts.

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SOM E R S E T HI L L S

MAY 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Somerset Hills N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

31 E Craig St

$1,649,000

$1,725,000

4.61%

35 E Craig St

$1,499,000

$1,550,000

3.40%

122 Juniper Way

$1,329,000

$1,403,122

5.58%

3.1

61 Darren Dr

$1,245,000

$1,275,001

2.41%

3.1

62 Morgan Ln

$1,250,000

0.00%

4.1

10 E Craig St

$1,249,950

$1,210,000

-3.20%

6 Laurel Ct

$940,000

0.00%

156

4.1

10 Austin Dr

$819,000

$825,000

0.73%

3.1

88 Lyons Rd

$720,000

$770,000

6.94%

24 Mount Airy Rd

$625,000

$701,000

12.16%

6 CHARLESTON COURT

$589,999

$620,000

5.08%

2.1

74 Winding Ln

$620,000

$610,000

-1.61%

67 Sycamore Ct

$435,000

$445,000

2.30%

2.1

211 English Pl

$419,000

$408,000

-2.63%

2.1

112 Alexandria Way

$374,500

$380,000

1.47%

161 Woodward Ln

$369,000

$375,100

1.65%

2.1

64 Jamestown Rd

$300,000

$285,000

-5.00%

222 Irving Pl

$289,500

$280,000

-3.28%

25 Countryside Drive

$232,000

$226,000

-2.59%

Brian Woltman | Branch Manager

As per GSMLS for Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills and Peapack Gladstone

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

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M AY 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. MAY 1ST

They’re Playing Our Song

F E L LOWS H I P V I L L AG E C ULT UR A L A RTS C E NT E R, 8 0 0 0 F E L LOWS H I P R D., B AS K I NG R I DG E | 2:30 P M Fellowship Cultural Arts Center and Trilogy Repertory present Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song.” fellowshipculturalartscenter.org

MAY 1ST

Historic District House Tour

MAC C UL LO C H H A L L H I STO R I CA L MUS E UM, 4 5 MAC C UL LO C H AV E ., MO R R I STOWN | 1 1 :0 0 A M Explore select interiors of some of Morristown’s most beautiful private homes including the Thomas Nast House, a National Historic Landmark. maccullochhall.org

MAY 14 TH A C R E AT I V E D E S I G N - B U I L D C O M P A N Y

Truly transform the way you live. Cabinetry for every room.

World Series of Birding 2022

NE W J E R S E Y AUDUB O N , 9 H A R DS C R A B B L E R D., B E R NA R DS V I L L E | 9 :0 0 A M The World Series of Birding is the country's largest and most prestigious birding competition and provides participants and sponsors with a fun and interactive way to raise money for critically needed conservation priorities. njaudubon.org

134 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-766-2006 | www.trueleafkitchens.com

EVE N TS

N O W

O P E N !

M AY 1 6T H

Saint James School Golf Outing

FIDDLE R’ S ELBOW COUN TRY C LU B, 811 RATTLES N AKE B RID GE RD. , BEDMIN STER | 9 : 0 0 AM Reserve your foursome for a beautiful day on the links at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. sjsbr.org/advancement

M AY 2 1 ST

Annual Grilling Event

B ARRY’ S APPLIAN CE 565 UNIO N AVE . , B R IDG EWATER | 1 1: 0 0 AM Join us at Barry’s Appliance for our Annual Grilling Event on Saturday May 21st from 11am to 3pm. Meet with representatives from the leading grill manufacturers, such as, Viking, wolf, Weber, Napoleon, Green Mountain Grill & Kamado Joe. We will have the grills going, so bring your appetite. barrysappliance.com

M AY 2 9 T H TO J U NE 5TH

Projected Intersectional Peony Bloom

P E O NY’ S E NVY, 34 AUTUMN HILL RD. , BE RN AR DS VILLE Intersectional Peonies extend the peony bloom, flowering alongside mid- to late-blooming herbaceous peonies. Buds tend to have two or three flushes of flowers, with waves of bloom that last for two to three weeks. peonysenvy.com

What are you waiting for?

You’ve found senior living where you can be you. You’ve had a successful career. Enjoyed independence. Maybe it’s time to ask what’s next. Time to relax more and manage less. Come experience The Delaney of Bridgewater. Here the living is easy and maintenance-free in a freestanding villa or inviting apartment residence. The food is fabulous, the social calendar enticing and the opportunities for lifelong wellness abundant. You’ll have more time to pursue what you really want to do, because The Delaney simply allows you to be you—your best you!

Why wait? Call (732) 733-4568 now. 901 Frontier Road | Bridgewater, NJ 08807 BridgewaterLIFE@TheDelaneyofBridgewater.com

TheDelaneyofBridgewater.com

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

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ARTICLE BY NANCY A. RUHLING PHOTOGRAPHY BY HELEN LAWLER, INSPIORMX

LISA BROWN RELOCATED OFTEN—UNTIL SHE SAW BASKING RIDGE AND KNEW SHE WAS FINALLY AT HOME

Planting Roots

Lisa Brown

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Lisa Brown has moved a lot. She had lived in six states before she settled in Basking Ridge 22 years ago and, as part of the process of starting over so many times, she has bought and sold a total of nine houses. “Any move is hard and stressful, especially with children, but moving to New Jersey was my toughest because of the expense,” she says. “I sat in the real estate agent’s car and cried because I was buying a fixer-upper for $700,000, which was double the cost and half the house I was leaving in Yardley, Pennsylvania.” At that time, she and her husband, Michael, who is in the pharmaceutical business, were being relocated every eight months to two years because of his work, uprooting their three young sons in the process each time. (Their fourth son entered the picture shortly before they got to Basking Ridge.) The New Jersey relocation, Brown says, was the right move because the agent persuaded her to make real estate her career. “She told me that I should come to work for her office once I got settled in because it was an extension of what I was doing: researching the area, looking for sports teams, piano teachers and schools for my children and nurturing family members through the process.” It was, she adds, “something I was destined to do.” Since she joined Coldwell Banker’s Basking Ridge office 16 years ago, Brown has sold 400 houses in Somerset, Union, Morris and Hunterdon counties, averaging 30 to 35 per year. She also handles rental properties. Relocations, which have been so much a part of her own life, are her specialty. “I love everything about selling real estate,” she says, adding that it gives her an opportunity to use her sales and negotiating skills and to meet people and help them get settled comfortably in their new homes. “I’m constantly in my clients’ lives. I send them holiday gifts and home- anniversary gifts and keep in touch with them. I’ve done three to four transactions with some of them, and I’ve also worked with their children.” Brown has owned three homes in Basking Ridge, which she says has the feel of a small town, and takes pleasure in showing her clients “how beautiful the area is” and acquainting them with its amenities, which include top-notch schools, parks and downtown shops. “I also love the access to New York City,” she says, “because it supports my hobbies and interests. I love New York City theater.” Reading is a major form of relaxation for Brown; she’s partial to novels and current works of fiction. So is walking. She logs three to four miles every day (except in wintery weather when she hits the gym instead). Brown, an active advocate for the community, is a volunteer patient advocate for Cancer Hope Network, a volunteer at the Morristown Community Soup Kitchen and serves on

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the board of the Somerset Hills YMCA, where she frequently goes to work out. Her work for Cancer Hope Network is particularly poignant. At 30, right after she gave birth to her third son, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “I’m proud of my age—I’m a 61-year-old cancer survivor,” she says, adding that while she was a stay-at-home mother, she spent a lot of time volunteering at her sons’ schools. Brown, who is originally from the Chicago suburb of Naperville, began her career in sales: first for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. and then for the investment bank and financial services firm Oppenheimer & Co. Real estate was a natural transition. Like the agent who took her under her wing all those years ago, Brown mentors her younger peers. “To be successful,

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you have to find something you love and know your strengths and weaknesses,” she tells them. “There’s no secret; it’s just working hard.” At the end of last year, Brown and her husband moved into their third Basking Ridge house—a large Cape they share with their lovable two-year-old Red Fox Labrador, Lucy. “She’s named after my mother, Lucille, who died of COVID-19 in 2020 while she was in assisted living,” Brown says. They aren’t planning on moving any time soon. “We’re empty-nesters, and we’re on a 10-year plan,” Brown says. “It’s a wonderful place for us to entertain our children and three grandchildren, and it has a first-floor primary suite so we can get old in it.” Learn more about Lisa Brown at lisabrownrealestate.net.

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Specializing in Exterior & Interior Renovation, Decorative Millwork & Fine Carpentry

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Kitchen & Bath Renovations Interior & Exterior Painting Decorative Moldings & Columns Fine Carpentry & Custom Wall Units Basement Finishing/Remodeling Hardwood/Tile Flooring Installation Serving Your Area for Over 25 Years

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908-723-1533 • 908-647-3010 marvelouspainting@hotmail.com

www.marvelouspainting.com NJ State Licensed 13VH01982100

Thinking of Moving? Think Young!

Marie Young Sales Associate

"We selected Marie Young as our Real Estate agent when we wanted to sell our home after considering several others, and we are thrilled we did! Professionally, Marie stood out among her peers from the first meeting in terms of how well she prepared, her knowledge of our neighborhood, understanding of the pricing, integrity, accessibility, follow-through, work ethic and attention to details. She didn't delegate to others on her team. When another agent left our garage door open and lights on in the house when we weren't there, she left her home at night and personally went to our home to secure it! Way above the call of duty!! She is simply the best! And we would use her again if we ever move again! You would make a mistake not to select her in Bernards Township for sure!!"

908.938.2525 Cell

908.766.0808 Office My listings below have all received multiple offers after the first weekend of showings As of Press Time, 3/26

Attorney Review 1002 Timberbrooke Dr., Bedminster

Sold 46 Independence Dr., Basking Ridge

Under Contract 17 Woodstone Rd., Basking Ridge

Under Contract 40 Canter Dr., Basking Ridge

Under Contract 10 Pitney Ct., Basking Ridge

Under Contract 8 Wolf Ln., Basking Ridge

Coldwell Banker Realty 1 So. Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920