Somerset Hills, NJ April 2024

CITY

TIFFANY SLOWINSKI’S

Dollars and Sense

Welcome to April, where the air is crisp, the blossoms are in bloom and the songbirds herald the arrival of spring.

This month marks a milestone for Somerset Hills City Lifestyle as we unveil our first Investment Issue! We’re excited to invite you on this journey with us. Investment, in its various forms, lies at the heart of our daily lives. Whether we’re investing time in our community, nurturing relationships, managing finances or prioritizing health, each investment holds the potential for meaningful returns.

Investing in our community extends far beyond mere support for local businesses; it’s about actively participating in its growth and development. Through volunteerism and engagement with local initiatives, we plant the seeds for a vibrant future, ensuring that our community remains a place we’re proud to call home.

Our financial investments pave the way for long-term security and prosperity. By setting goals and making informed decisions, we lay the groundwork for our future and safeguard our well-being.

Yet it’s the investments we make in our relationships that often yield the most profound returns. By dedicating time and effort to our loved ones, we cultivate bonds that enrich our lives.

Reflecting on our journey, Jake and I embarked on the City Lifestyle adventure five years ago this month. I recall the mix of excitement and apprehension as we set out on this path. Despite moments of uncertainty, our journey has been one of growth and discovery. In this issue, I share my personal story—a narrative of resilience and reinvention—as a testament to the transformative power of seizing opportunities. Turn to page 44 to see how it all began.

Investing in ourselves, our relationships, our community and our finances may manifest in diverse ways, but the underlying purpose remains constant: to effect positive change and lasting impact. In this issue, we delve into the ways in which we can invest in what truly matters, from nurturing local connections to fostering personal growth.

As I grace the cover of this issue, I’m reminded of the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability and share our stories. Yet I see it as an opportunity to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. It is not easy to put yourself out there.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for embarking on this exciting adventure with us.

Warmest regards,

TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI , PUBLISHERS @BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SOMERSETHILLS

April 2024

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION

Kristin Kosmoski | kristin.kosmoski@citylifestyle.com

Olivia Manning, Nancy A. Ruhling CONTRIBUTING

Donna Gioia Volpe, Liz Polo (Havana Photography), Julianne Reynolds, Jillian Spencer

908.938.2525 Cell

Thinking of Moving?

Think Young!

The real estate market remains decidedly in favor of sellers, as indicated by the chart below However, it's essential for sellers not to become complacent during this advantageous period While some homes are selling swiftly and at premium prices, it is crucial to recognize that achieving such results requires careful preparation and strategy. We are dedicated to assisting you in preparing your home to appeal to potential buyers, ensuring that they see the true value in your property and are willing to pay a premium for it. Call Marie!

Bernards Township, aka Basking Ridge

From the January chart above, while sales were down 11%, new lisitings are down 14%!

At press time, 2/29, the low inventory of available homes continues to insulate our towns from market fluctuations. In Basking Ridge alone, there are only 12 single family homes available for sale. Interest rates are off their highs of 8 percent and are expected to drop further before year end.

What’s your home worth? Call Marie for details

CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE WITH A MID-CENTURY MODERN AESTHETIC

WE HELP PLAN AND TRANSFORM YOUR SINGLE MOST VALUABLE ASSET INTO SPACES OF YOUR DREAMS, FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY OR YOUR TEAM.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR DESIGN DREAMS

MASTER PLANNED, ORCHESTRATED AND EXECUTED THIS MAPLEWOOD NJ WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

LEARN MORE

city scene

1: Music in the Somerset Hills presented The Sebastians at Natirar. 2: Bernards Township recognized the Sharpe Family Singers on their achievements. 3: Fellowship Village celebrated resident Martha’s 100th birthday. 4: Trilogy Repertory performed “Steel Magnolias.” 5: Fellowship Village residents held a Meet and Greet with new physician Dr. Faheem. 6: Residents collected Toys for Tots at the Environmental Education Center.

MUSIC IN THE SOMERSET HILLS

FELLOWSHIP VILLAGE

TOWNSHIP TRILOGY REPERTORY

FELLOWSHIP VILLAGE

The Asch Team Difference

• Listing your home at the time that’s best for your needs, NOT rushing you to market

Last year home sales hit their lowest levels since 1995!

With low inventory and interest rates set to drop, home values are poised to surge yet again this year.

What kind of agent will help you the MOST in such a strong sellers market?

One that puts your need first!

• We make life easy with customized showing schedules, handling all town red tape & more

• Complete/partial staging services

• The agent you meet will stay with you through the ENTIRE process

• Pricing makes all the difference! Alongside all the conventional analysis, we cross reference with an analytical “deep dive” into the details giving you an edge!

the college playbook

How to Select the Right College for Your Student-Athlete

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

With over three decades of giving college recruitment and scholarship advice, Anthony Uva knows how to guide students and parents through the daunting process of college admittance. On his national television show “Secrets of College Planning” he interviews experts in the area of college admissions and other department heads. A former college athlete, Uva specializes in teaching high school students and their parents how to navigate the college application process.

We asked Uva to discuss what student-athletes should consider.

WHEN SHOULD YOU START COLLEGE PLANNING?

The earlier the better. If you start in freshman year, you have four years to learn everything about the college process. Everyone thinks they have a lot of time, but they will be behind if they wait until senior year.

HOW SHOULD STUDENT-ATHLETES NARROW THEIR COLLEGE SEARCH?

I base it on three considerations: geography, education and the sport. Where do you want to live: Northeast, Southeast, West Coast? What schools match your education? For example, a C student will not be attending an Ivy League school. What schools match your sport, whether team or individual?

Look at rosters. If they are filled with juniors and seniors who will have graduated when you enter, you’ll have a better opportunity of playing— and perhaps get scholarship money—when you’re a freshman. Remember, colleges need students who play in non-revenue sports like field hockey, swimming, tennis and golf. You’ll get a better opportunity because there are not as many people who want to play those sports at the college level. While in high school, try out different sports. You may be good at something you did not realize.

WHAT ARE SOME MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE?

Not starting to save early. I tell parents to start saving as soon as their child is born. Also, parents should not push their child to attend their alma mater or a school they think they “should” attend.

WHAT OTHER ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS?

You want to get a sense of what it will be like to live at the school. Visit the campus and talk to the coaches and players. Also, market yourself— as much as you can and as early as you can. Use a recruiting service and create a resume with your picture and information and send it to colleges, coaches and admissions representatives. You need to market yourself and tell the school and coaches who you are, what you’re doing and why you belong at their institution.

Learn more strategies at SecretsOfCollegeplanning.com

We Change Peoples Lives®

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INTERESTED? LET’S TALK TODAY!

908.987.2100 | shsnorthwestnj.com

I N V E STING INYOURHOME

Your primary residence is not just a house. It’s where you live—a place to enjoy and create cherished memories. It is also a significant financial investment that should be chosen wisely and maintained properly to ensure your comfort and maximize its marketability when the time comes to sell.

REALTOR MARIE YOUNG

DISCUSSES HOW TO BALANCE COMFORT AND MARKETABILITY

ARTICLE BY ELLE BRIDGE

“Taking care of the smallest details in a timely way avoids costly repairs longer term,” says Realtor Marie Young, who helps people strike the right balance between making your house a home and a sound investment. “For example, repairing mortar in between the bricks on your steps can prevent them from cracking due to water infiltration.”

Another crucial aspect of any home improvement or renovation project is to obtain the necessary permits. Among the first things a buyer attorney requests is a record of permits for improvements, especially those mentioned in the ad copy. “Many towns, such as Basking Ridge, have these records online,” she notes. “Ensuring that all upgrades are completed to code is vital as the township will require you to further update to the code that is in place in the year in which you move.”

A fresh coat of paint is the among the most cost-effective ways to enhance your living space and home’s marketability. “A well-maintained and attractively presented home is more likely to catch the eye of potential buyers and help them imagine your home as theirs,” she says.

CONTINUED >

Young emphasizes the importance of timeless renovations over trendy ones, as trends can quickly change.

Timing can be crucial when selling. Given today’s supply-driven and year-round real estate market, consider having your home photographed during the spring or summer if you’re planning a move the following winter to best showcase your property.

For prospective buyers, Young advises not rushing into a purchase due to fear of missing out. “People might act on a house that they don’t love or one that is in a less-than-desirable location because they had lost out on a few bidding wars,” she says. “The best value really is buying the home you love. Should the market soften in years to come, prime locations sell much quicker and for a better return.”

If you find a house you love with features that can be easily changed or upgraded at a reasonable cost, don't hesitate to make a move, she notes.

Marie Young with clients Karen Gray and Jordan Stone

In today’s market, sellers often receive multiple offers, but the highest offer may not always be the best one. Young advises sellers to consider factors beyond the sale price. If you are still searching for your next home, evaluate which buyer is willing to offer the smoothest transition with the lowest amount of risk and a timeline that dovetails with yours.

“Your home is both a place of comfort and a valuable investment,” she says. “By maintaining a balanced approach to homeownership, you can ensure your home remains a source of joy while securing its long-term value in the real estate market.”

Learn more at MarieYoung.net

Marie Young reviews the local housing market with clients Karen Gray and Jordan Stone.

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE

money MASTER YOUR

FINANCIAL SECURITY CAN BE SIMPLE. JUST ASK KAREN OSTARTICKI.

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Karen Ostarticki’s response is quick: Sebastian.

The Bedminster mother is speaking of her son Sebastian Sanchez, who is known in the Somerset Hills as a three-sport champion athlete. Sanchez, an honors student, four-year letter winner and 2015 graduate of Bernards High School, was a member of the baseball team and captained the wrestling and football teams. He received numerous state athletic honors, including the prestigious 2015 Maxwell Club New Jersey High School Player of the Year.

“I talked to Sebastian about debt. I told him things like he should rip up his credit card the first time he couldn’t pay off the debt. I taught him the difference between a want and a need.”

Sanchez went on to the Ivy League, playing football for the University of Pennsylvania, where he was the 2016 Ivy League Champion, and earned a BS in Economics from the UPENN’s Wharton School of Business. Today, he is an analyst at Prudential Global Investment Management in Newark.

“He is my rock star,” Ostarticki says.

Sanchez’s work ethic and accomplishments are a testament to the impact Ostarticki, a single mom, had on his mindset, raising him to be driven, financially savvy and a man with a foundation in faith.

Ostarticki, a financial advisor and senior portfolio advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (the wealth management division of Bank of America) in Bedminster, was already working in finance when a divorce put her life into a tailspin. “I know what it means to live in poverty and I know what it means to have abundance. For me, finance is personal; it’s why I’m a bit different than other advisors.”

While Sebastian was growing up, Ostarticki modeled an economically savvy lifestyle, bringing her son to the financial sessions she taught at church-based programs. “I talked to him about debt. I told him things like he should rip up his credit card the first time he couldn’t pay off the debt,” she says. “I taught him the difference between a want and a need.”

Ostarticki brings the same commonsense knowledge to her clients as she helps them manage concentrated stock positions or deal with the changes brought about by transition events like retirement, inheritance or the sale of a business, working in concert as necessary with clients’ attorneys, accountants and other advisors.

“When I first speak with clients, I ask them a lot of questions to help me identify their risk profile and to help them prioritize their goals to complete their Personal Wealth Analysis,” she says. “Understanding clients and forging a relationship is key.”

Major considerations include allocation of funds. Times have progressed from the pandemic era when people were not working or were changing jobs. “People got comfortable sitting on a lot of cash in high yield market mutual funds averaging about 5 percent. They have concentrated stock positions. However, long term those are not good strategies. You need a well-diversified portfolio with equities, stocks and alternative investments based on your risk profile and your timeframe for reaching your goals,” she says.

CONTINUED >

“Pay yourself first and plan for retirement. We do not know what the state of Social Security will be in the future.”

Karen Ostarticki with son, Sebastian

Ultimately, she says, it’s not how much you make; it’s how much you keep. “Pay yourself first and plan for retirement,” she says. “We do not know what the state of Social Security will be in the future.”

She stresses the importance of understanding how investment vehicles in your portfolio are taxed. Employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s will generally be subject to ordinary income tax (because contributions and growth were tax deferred, rather than tax free) upon withdrawal, but Roth IRAs are based on funds that have been taxed, so will grow tax free. “If your employer matches your contribution, you should try to meet that amount if you can,” she says. “Also, consider your legacy: Do you want to contribute now or after your death?”

She also reminds clients with college-age children that they can take out loans for education, but there are no loans for retirement.

Ostarticki is passionate about advocating for women. She is the Membership Director for the Central New Jersey chapter of the LPGA Amateurs and is connected with women’s groups through local Chambers of Commerce and the church.

She empowers women to ask questions about their finances. “Women are not raised to speak about their finances, but it’s key,” she says. “Have these discussions across generations. For example, maybe grandparents who want to reduce tax liabilities can contribute to a 529 plan for their grandkids.”

Where you invest is also important. “Statistics show that companies are more successful with females on their boards,” she says. “This is one reason that 99 percent of my clients are invested with an ESG trait, which is a framework used to evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical impact. If you’re investing your money, let it do good work.”

Learn more at fa.ml.com/New-Jersey/ Bedminster/Karen-Ostarticki

Celluloid Heroes

ARTICLE

Kyle Schickner, Julianne Reynolds and Christopher Dunn-Meynell

BY NANCY A. RUHLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILLIAN SPENCER

FENCESITTERS FILM FESTIVAL RESURRECTS THE GLAMOUR OF BERNARDSVILLE'S SILVER SCREEN

“It’s important that these underrepresented and underappreciated communities get their stories told.

It’s like the plot of a movie.

The old cinema in Bernardsville, which began showing motion pictures over a century ago, gets a new owner and a new lease on life from two strangers.

The cinema, which had been closed during the pandemic and had been hosting only private events during that time, reopened in October 2023 to great fanfare— and the town’s first-ever international film festival.

It had had a great run, debuting in August 1915 as the Columbia Theater, a vaudeville venue with an orchestra. When silent films came in, it started showing movies featuring stars like Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford. In those days, there were subtitles that floated across the silver screen as a live pianist provided accompaniment.

By 1918, the cinema was doing business as the Liberty Theatre, a moniker it retained all the way up until 1970, when it officially became the Bernardsville Cinema. In 1995, it was transformed into a triplex.

Although it had a prime spot in downtown Bernardsville on Mine Brook Road and was dear to the hearts of the residents, as a business, it wasn’t drawing any attention or dollars.

That changed when a new owner, Christopher Dunn-Meynell of Jersey City, bought it last year.

It was about that same time that filmmaker Kyle Schickner came up with a big idea.

Schickner, the owner of the film production and TV production company FenceSitter Films, had always dreamed of creating an international film festival. A native of Highland Park, he lives in Mendham, and he found himself often driving by the Bernardsville Cinema.

“I used to live in Los Angeles and I’ve done the film festival circuit with my own work,” he says. “I had the idea for a film festival, but I never had a venue, so at the end of 2022 or early 2023, I reached out to the owner.”

Meanwhile, Julianne Reynolds, an award-winning international documentary filmmaker, was having the same thoughts.

She had been living in LA and working in India when she returned to her hometown, Basking Ridge.

“I was driving my mother to the doctor and we passed by the theater,” she says. “I had great memories of it—I saw the first ‘Star Wars’ film there when I was a kid. I was looking for a new project, and I wanted to keep the theater alive.”

The idea of a film festival suddenly popped into her head, and when she contacted the owner, she and Schickner connected.

“It was like putting together a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup—one of us was chocolate, the other one was peanut butter—we mixed beautifully,” Schickner says.

Their first film festival, held in October 2023 to mark the official public reopening of the Bernardsville Cinema, featured 28 first-run international films.

“It was a great success: over 800 people attended,” Schickner says.

The duo’s latest event, the FenceSitters Film Festival, will run April 18 to 21 as part of the town’s centennial celebration and will showcase some 40 local and international films that highlight the stories of minorities and underserved communities.

“August” is a film that will be featured

“ ”

It’s about meeting the actors and directors—the people who are passionate about storytelling.

“Paradise

will be featured

Valley”

“We chose this theme because these are the types of films I’ve been producing since the mid-1990s,” Schickner says. “It’s important that these underrepresented and underappreciated communities get their stories told.”

The list, culled from over 100 submissions from around the globe, was selected by a committee of 15 New Jersey residents, many of whom live in the Bernardsville area.

“This is more than just going to the movies,” Schickner says. “It’s about meeting the actors and directors—the people who are passionate about storytelling.”

And, Reynolds adds, the festival will allow people to “take a deeper dive into the art of the films.”

The festival will include a screenwriting competition. Readings will be done of the top three finalists, and the winner will be produced by Schickner’s company and screened at the 2025 FenceSitters Film Festival at the Bernardsville Cinema.

“Our goal is to build on the film festival each year and make the Bernardsville Cinema a destination point for people in the area to enjoy these films and to bring commerce to the town,” Schickner says.

See the lineup of films at bvfsfilmfestival.com.

CONTINUED >

Our goal is to build on the film festival each year and make the Bernardsville Cinema a destination point for people in the area to enjoy these films and to bring commerce to the town. “

Thriving Through Growth

A City Lifestyle Publisher’s Journey to Discovering Her Calling

As a woman business owner, Tiffany Slowinski knows success comes from constantly evolving. Over her journey from college student to young earner to motherhood to successful entrepreneur, she has forged new identities and reinvented herself many times over.

ARTICLE BY ELLE BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ POLO, HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY

Recently, as she embarked on her latest venture—Team Spark Advisors, which employs data analytics to help businesses hire the right people in positions where they will be most effective—she reflects on how the experience that she has built over her decades as a professional informs the work she does today. Where she started is far from where she is now, but in a way she has come full-circle, challenging herself and learning as she went. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and media studies with a minor in counseling from Rutgers University, which is where she met her husband, Jake. Although she initially pursued broadcast journalism, she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University.

“I was fascinated by the developing mind and with a love for working with children, I became a high school counselor,” she says. “Although it was a safe career with perks, there was no upward progression.”

When she was on maternity leave after the birth of her youngest daughter, Violet, she felt it was time to start pursuing her dreams, but she wasn’t sure what they were. She felt pigeonholed in a specific career path and didn’t see how her skillset would translate to something else.

“While scrolling through Facebook, I saw an ad for a managing editor at a hyperlocal parents website. The description seemed tailored to me: a local mom with kids under 12 who was active in the community and had strong communication skills,” she says.

CONTINUED >

Tiffany Slowinski

Jake and Tiffany Slowinski

“Owning a magazine combined my love of journalism, passion for my community and desire for helping local businesses get their message out.”

She applied but was initially passed over due to the fact they didn’t think she would have the time. Her husband convinced her to call and tell them why she would be successful. Filled with renewed confidence, she did and was hired as a “mommy blogger.”

It didn’t take long for Slowinski to recognize the potential for increased earnings through selling advertising space on her website. However, there was a catch: She had absolutely no experience in sales. Undeterred, she decided to teach herself. Early in the morning, on weekends and during Violet’s nap time, she dedicated herself to reaching out to prospective clients, driven by the goal of generating enough income from the website to match her current counselor salary. The ultimate aspiration? To transition to working from the comfort of her home. After one year, her dream became a reality. She quit her job in December 2018 and focused on building her site.

As she was settling into her new routine, her husband dropped some unexpected news: He had sold his business. Though it came as a shock, it was the right move. Seeking new business ventures, Jake learned about City Lifestyle, a national magazine franchise.

“I think you’d be really good at this,” he told her.

“What if we went into business together?” she responded.

“As we looked closer at the opportunity, I fell in love,” she says. “Owning a magazine combined my love of journalism, passion for my community and desire for helping local businesses get their message out.” People have inquired what it is like working with a spouse. “In our case, working together has made us closer,” she says. “We discovered we are the perfect partners: We are aligned, trust each other and know the other is always acting in our collective best interest. Working together also allows us to better balance family life.”

They launched their first magazine, Bridgewater City Lifestyle in August 2019. “Our children were young and kept me busy. I’d rise at 4 a.m. on the weekends to edit articles and get a jump on the day before the girls woke up. In our first six months, I did not take a day off,” she says. Their hard work was rewarded. They grew quickly, and the corporate office named them “Rookies of the Year.” In 2020, City Lifestyle headquarters invited Slowinski to join the corporate team to help other magazines in the franchise of about 190 markets nationwide achieve the same success. As she rose through the ranks to Vice President of Sales, Jake was busy launching their second publication, Somerset Hills City Lifestyle, and growing their local team.

Tiffany Slowinski and Jessica Walker of J.Walker Salon

“Our success continued, but at headquarters, our CEO was looking for a way to recruit stronger publishers. We wondered: Why were some people experiencing incredible success while other smart, capable people struggled?” she says.

They enrolled her in training of a system that used a diagnostic tool that could tell them in about seven minutes who had the internal makings of a good publisher, one who naturally had the drive, vision and follow-through skills. Using this system, they also could easily identify who would be the right support staff for each publisher, people who could fill in their weaknesses. She started working closely with the recruiting department and the publishers on building their teams.

“I realized: When you put the right people in the right seats, they shine. Everyone deserves to be in the right job for them. That is when the magic happens,” she says.

“Then, I realized something else: I was not in the right seat. Although I loved my job, corporate life was taking me away from what I wanted. I had started my own business to be an entrepreneur, work with my husband and be involved with local businesses. I decided to make another adjustment in my life, while still continuing to help grow and build local magazines in New Jersey,” she says.

Inspired by the personnel analytics and team building she did at the corporate office, Slowinski founded Team Spark Advisors to bring these benefits to local businesses. “I feel like I’ve come full-circle: I’m a counselor again, only now for business owners. I apply the diagnostic tools to the business’ team to give them insights on their strengths and weaknesses. This will help them place the right people for precise positions based on the current dynamic,” she says.

Sales is a part of every business, and with her background Slowinski particularly loves working with sales teams. “It’s impactful to see their numbers skyrocket once they make the right hires,” she says. “I also particularly love working with female leaders. When a talented woman is surrounded by the right team, she can be her best self.”

What she is most proud of is that her four daughters can witness their mom pursuing her passion. “We talk a lot about business and entrepreneurship. They see how heavily involved I am in the business community: I am a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization NJ, Patriots BNI and the Somerset County Business Partnership,” she says.

Jessica Walker and Tiffany Slowinski

“I lead by example. I want my girls to know that they are only limited by themselves.”

“I lead by example. I want my girls to know that they are only limited by themselves. They do not have to follow societal norms of what is expected of them,” she says. “They should put in the hard work and never feel that opportunities are limited. I want them to grow and have a life like I have forged, one driven by passion where they wake up every day excited about the work they have chosen to do.”

What lies ahead? “Only time can reveal that, but currently, I take great pleasure in helping businesses build their teams. Furthermore, I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to the launch of new City Lifestyle publications throughout New Jersey,” she says. “I am eager to explore and seize the untapped opportunities present in both of these endeavors. My story isn’t over.”

Discover how Team Spark Advisors can help your business grow at TeamSparkAdvisors.com

Office courtesy of Embrace Home Loans, Basking Ridge

Hair and makeup: J.Walker Salon, Bernardsville

Wardrobe:

Boutique Calia, Bernardsville

Restaurant:

Red Horse by David Burke, Bernardsville

KEYS TO LIFE

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANNE REYNOLDS

Tom Brislin thought his career had died at Bernards High School.  He was 15, performing at a Battle of the Bands with his friends. It was their first gig and they were nervous and excited. They were also green. And not as prepared as they should have been. They were in over their heads.

Tom Brislin’s Lyrical Journey from a Bernardsville Stage to Keyboardist for Iconic Rock Band Kansas

“Being raised with a strong work ethic, I applied a working-class approach to music.”

They went on and were practically booed off the stage. “It was demoralizing,” Brislin says. “I thought, ‘OK, well, I guess my career as a musician is over.’”

As his mind was racing with new career options, competing, older musicians from The Bouncing Souls approached the boys, telling them to persevere. “That gave me a lifeline in the darkness, turning a soul-crushing experience into a moment where I decided I was going to work harder and not give up,” Brislin says.

Brislin grew up in a working-class home in Dunellen—one filled with music. His father, William, sang in bands while he was in the Air Force stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. His older siblings either played music or were avid listeners. As early as age 6, he was mesmerized by albums and would try to create his own music. As he made noise on the piano, his sisters started teaching him the

basics, skills that he further honed through lessons with Anita DeSorbo at Rifino & DeSorbo Music Studio in Dunellen.

Fueled by a clear sense of purpose and drive—“I knew early that music would be my world,” he says— Brislin was always involved in bands or music projects, even as young as age 10. He played percussion in the Immaculata High School Marching Band, then went on to study jazz and classical music at William Paterson University.

“Being raised with a strong work ethic, I applied a working-class approach to music. My phone would ring: Could I play at an art gallery? At a street fair? A church? The answer was always ‘yes,’” he says. “Recognizing that music was my language, I sought likeminded people to collaborate, learn from and grow with. This foundation helped me develop as a musician because it taught me how to be versatile.”

Photo: Todd Jolicoeur

After college, he forged a living as a musician, recording with artists in the studio or out on tour. After college, he fronted the Central Jersey synth-rock band Spiraling before going on to tour with Meat Loaf and Yes and collaborate on stage and in studio with artists such as Debbie Harry, Renaissance, Camel and The Sea Within.

Brislin’s life changed in 2018 when he received a call from Phil Ehart, Kansas’ original drummer and founding member. He and co-founding member Richard Williams, Kansas’ original guitarist, were familiar with Brislin’s work with Yes and Camel. They wanted him to join Kansas as their keyboardist.

“This was very unexpected—and very cool. It was a different level than the work I had done with previous acts as a recording or touring musician. As a member of the band, I had a big part in the creation of Kansas’ next album, ‘The Absence of Presence,’ which was released in 2019,” he says. “I felt honored to be a true part of this iconic group with decades of great legacy and a true story to tell.”

Brislin joined Kansas on their “Point of Know Return” tour and is currently traveling the nation in the “50th Anniversary Tour,” which is continuing through 2024.

Touring does not stop him from composing. “I find time in the cracks—on the plane, in the hotel—to jot down ideas or record voice memos to develop in my home studio when I return,” he says.

Bottom: Photo: Esa Ahola

“From the time I wrote my first song or composed my first piece of instrumental music, I have been on a lifelong quest to find my true sense of self expression.”

“From the time I wrote my first song or composed my first piece of instrumental music, I have been on a lifelong quest to find my true sense of self expression,” he says. “As a musician, you have different goals and phases: At first, you want to be recognized and liked, but as you mature, you strive to find the way to best express yourself and determine your true sound. How can I best communicate with the listener?”

Ultimately, Brislin strives to create music that will stand the test of time and remain meaningful.

“I would like to be remembered as a versatile musician who contributed to the net positive in the world,” he says. “To do this, I continue to work on paying attention to life, observing my experiences and the greater world. From there, I let my imagination run wild and just see what happens.”

Kansas performs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on April 26. Learn more about Tom Brislin at  TomBrislin.com. Photo shoot at Woodrock Studios, Raritan.

Photo: Esa Ahola

Voted Best Med Spa in Somerset Hills

ENTERTAINING OFFICE COLLEAGUES AT HOME?

SERVE UP THIS POWER COCKTAIL.

• 2 oz prune-infused bourbon*

• ½ oz sage simple syrup**

• 5 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Bitters

• Combine. Add ice and stir. Strain over ice.

* 750 ml bourbon, 10 dried prunes, halved. Infuse for 48 hours.  ** 2 c sugar, 2 c fresh sage leaves (lightly bruised), 2 c hot water. Stir. Let sit for 24 hours and strain out sage.

Mocktail

• 3 plum slices

• ¾ oz sage simple syrup

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• 6 dashes Fee Brothers Plum bitters (non-alcoholic)

• Club soda

• Muddle plum, sage simple syrup and lemon juice gentle in glass, add bitters, top with club soda. Add ice and stir.

ARTICLE BY ALTAMAREA GROUP

Sage Fashion

realty report

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 26TH

Jan Huling: Everything is Alive

Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown

“Everything is Alive” taps into the whimsical, mythical elements of Jan Huling’s work and transforms the museum into a living wonderland where visitors can encounter one of her creations around any corner. MorrisMuseum.org

APRIL 4TH, 11TH, 18TH, & 25TH

Tiny Tots

New Jersey Audubon’s Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville

New Jersey Audubon welcomes a new generation of budding naturalists to Lorrimer Sanctuary for this “grown-up and me” style program.  NJAudubon.org

APRIL 6TH

Bugs & Blooms

Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Rd., Bedminster | 10:00 AM

Naturalists guide grown-ups and children through fun, hands-on learning in organic vegetable and flower gardens. RaritanHeadwaters.org

APRIL 8TH

Move, Sing & Play!

Far Hills Country Day School, 697 U.S. 202, Far Hills

Far Hills Country Day School hosts free monthly Family and Me Music Classes. Come with your child to sing and move to songs and play instruments. fhcds.org

APRIL 9TH

Twilight Tales in Basking Ridge

Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge

Kids can wear pajamas, bring a stuffed animal and enjoy fun stories and an activity. BernardsLibrary.org

APRIL 13TH

Joshua Kane’s Borders of the Mind

Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center, 8000 Fellowship Rd., Basking Ridge | 2:30 PM

Mentalist Joshua Kane leads you through a dazzling demonstration of the powers of the mind. SieminskiTheater.org

CONTINUED >

APRIL 18TH - 22ND

Fencesitter Film Festival

The Bernardsville Cinema, 5 Mine Brook Rd., Bernardsville

Watch groundbreaking films focusing on minority and underserved communities and attend exciting parties and staged readings, all culminating in a memorable award ceremony. The event is co-produced by Somerset Hills City Lifestyle  photographer Julianne Reynolds. BVFSFilmFestival.com

APRIL 19TH

Hope Takes Flight to Wellness Luncheon and Spring Market

Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, 811 Rattlesnake Bridge Rd., Bedminster | 10:30 AM

Proceeds benefit the Center for Great Expectations, a safe place, safe presence and a safe path for pregnant and parenting women and their children, and men, seeking treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. llachs@cge-nj.org

APRIL 25TH

Hope Through Education Spring Luncheon

Hamilton Farm Golf Club, 1040 Pottersville Rd., Gladstone

The Spring Luncheon benefits Hope Through Education, a 501(c)3 providing tuition assistance to economically disadvantaged children of central New Jersey. HopeThroughEducationUSA.org

APRIL 26TH

Kansas: The 50th Anniversary Tour

Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown | 7:30 PM

Check out the musical stylings of Dunellen-based Tom Brislin, the keyboardist for Kansas, in his hometown show, playing favorites such as  “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” MayoArts.org

APRIL 27TH

Star Lab: A Planetarium Experience

Somerset County Library, 1 School St., Peapack and Gladstone | 2:00 PM

Discover the Milky Way galaxy, the solar system, constellations and the night sky as it appears that evening. sclsnj.org

APRIL 27TH

Rutgers Day

Rutgers University: New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses | 10:00 AM

Bring the family to enjoy free performances, exhibits, hands-on activities, farm animals and demonstrations at Rutgers University. NewBrunswick. Rutgers.edu/Rutgers-Day

MAIN STREET minute

Welcome to The Main Street Minute! I’m Olivia Manning, executive director of Main Street Bernardsville. Each month, I’ll be your guide to all the exciting happenings in our vibrant commercial district.

For example, we are excited to unveil our longawaited History Walking Tour Marker Project. Check our website for event details and tour times.

Stay in the know! Download the “Discover Bernardsville” app on Apple and Google Play, join our email list at MainStreetBernardsville. org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @MainStreetBernardsville.

NEW BUSINESSES:

Broadway Salon Suites, 24 Claremont Rd. This unique salon concept invites individual entrepreneurial-minded beauty experts in hair, skin, massage and more to operate within its walls, creating a mini Main Street of beauty services under one roof. Make sure to stop by AfterGlo Aesthetics for eyebrow reconstruction and other amazing skincare services. BroadwaySalonSuite.com

That’s My Collectible, 30 Olcott Square. This pop up at Wavelength Audio Video has extended its stay through April 15, offering a treasure trove of ’70s to ’90s vintage action figures, retro games and classic memorabilia. After April 15, visit them online at ThatsMyCollectible.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The Bernardsville Car Show (June 2) has a special Bernardsville centennial focus. Music on Main kicks off on June 20. Every third Thursday from June through October, visit our commercial district for an array of live music and happenings all over Bernardsville’s downtown district.

ARTICLE BY OLIVIA MANNING

Your Guide to What's New and Exciting in Bernardsville