Somerset Hills, NJ June 2024

The Men’s Issue

WILLS, TRUSTS, & ESTATES

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW

Divorce is often complex, but you do not have to face these challenges alone. If you are considering divorce, you need a knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate legal team by your side every step of the way. Call Lyons & Associates, P.C. today.

Proper estate planning can protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones' future. Our skilled wills, trusts, and estates lawyers offer exceptional guidance and objective advice to create a plan that benefits your family for future generations. Peace of mind begins at Lyons & Associates, P.C.

BANKRUPTCY & REAL ESTATE

Whether you are overwhelmed by mounting debt or buying, selling, or investing in real estate, our lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. can help you successfully manage a brighter future. Call us today and make your dreams of property ownership and financial stability come true.

Marissa A. Del Mauro Partner

Theresa A. Lyons Managing Partner

William P. Lemega Shareholder / Partner

Joanna R. Adu Shareholder / Partner

Elise A. Bavazzano Associate

Maureen Vella Partner Alexis Bush Associate

You deserve the perfect home. So when you find it, we’re here to make sure you win the bid. That’s why we’re always pioneering innovative solutions to secure your success.

With our Property Value Certificate*, the seller knows the value on your purchase offer is certified. You can even choose to waive the appraisal contingency, which will help open the door to your dream home.

Count on Embrace for a stress-free and personalized customer experience. And be assured that I’ll provide you with the same top-notch service I give all my clients, making your home-buying journey as smooth as possible.

Don’t let spring showers cause major damage to your home! With temperatures rising & the sun shining this is the best time to schedule your complimentary in depth roof replacement consultation with our staff.

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Dad-venture Awaits: June Edition Hot Off the Press!

Dear Readers,

With summer knocking on our doors, it’s time to crank up the fun-o-meter in the Somerset Hills and dive headfirst into the sunshine season! But before we embark on our sunny adventures, let’s take a moment to celebrate the unsung heroes of the family realm – dads! It’s Father’s Day this month, and this special occasion gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the dads and father figures in our lives.

Personally speaking, witnessing my husband, Jake, embrace his role as a dad to our four amazing daughters fills my heart with even more love and admiration for him. He may not be perfect, but he’s perfect for our family.

Dads are the ultimate architects of summertime shenanigans, infusing our days with laughter. Who can resist a good dad joke? Here are a few classics to brighten your day:

1. Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one!

2. What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta.

3. Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two-tired.

4. Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!

5. I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know Y.

6. Why don’t some couples go to the gym? Because some relationships don’t work out.

7.     What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!

Now that we’ve had our fill of cheesy jokes, let’s raise a toast to the dads who make every moment brighter. To all the dads out there: Thank you for being the sunshine in our lives, the laughter in our days and the true heroes of summertime fun.

Here’s to you, dads! Happy Father’s Day, and let’s make this summer one for the books!

With laughter and sunshine,

June 2024

PUBLISHERS

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kristin Kowalewski | Kristin.Kowalewski@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Carly Mac Manus | carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooks Betz, Amanda Castleman, Richard Hannum, Olivia Manning

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

The real estate market currently maintains a seller advantage, as demonstrated in the chart below. It is critical, however, that sellers avoid complacency during this period. Buyers are increasingly incorporating additional criteria into their decisionmaking process to balance higher interest rates, affordability, a continued shortage of available homes, and higher down payments to offset monthly payments

If you’d like to learn more about ways you can leverage your home sale, whether you plan to move soon or in the future, don’t hesitate to call me It’s a great time to prepare so that when the time comes, you are ready.

Bernards Township, aka Basking Ridge

home in its best light with the

inside the issue

JUNE 2024

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Rowan and Declan Webster, Chester-Mendham Angels, visited senior housing facilities with treats and cards. 2: The Somerset County Library collected items to support the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. 3: Residents enjoyed Ladies Night Out: Galentine’s Edition in Bernardsville. 4: Natalia Hekiert won the New Jersey Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. 5: City Lifestyle photographer David R. Surks presented his work at the Sieminski Theater. 6: Performer Joshua Kane joined the audience during “A Little Night Music” at the Sieminski Theater. 7: Ridge High School wrestling team took home the NJSIAA Group 4 Title.

CHESTER-MENDHAM ANGELS

SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL

MAIN STREET BERNARDSVILLE RIDGE WRESTLING

SIEMINSKI

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!

8: The Madrigals were named Grand Champions, Concert Choir division, at the Roxbury Invitational Choral competition. 9: Music in the Somerset Hills presented TENET Vocal Artists. 10: Linda Lam and Somerset Hills Art Collective Director Jessica Melillo at a closing exhibition.

MAIN street MINUTE

In the heart of our little downtown, an array of local shops cater to gifts and interests for the man in your life. From traditional barbershops offering classic cuts and shaves to home theatre tech, our commercial district is bustling for the modern man. Make sure to step into the Dappermen’s Den for a fresh shave and cut.

Gary’s Wine and Marketplace boasts an array of whiskies and bourbons, alongside other exquisite gifts. Indulge in the savory delights at Red Horse by David Burke at the Bernards Inn, where the aroma of clothesline bacon mingles with the selection of premium steaks, tempting discerning palates.

For the active man, fitness centers and sports clubs stand ready to sculpt bodies and sharpen minds. And for the handyman in your life, head to Bernardsville Hardware for tools, paint and more.

In our downtown, men find not just businesses, but sanctuaries where they can unwind, connect, and cultivate their passions. Come see for yourself June 20 during our first Third Thursday: Music on Main event hosting live music and more all over town. Visit MainStreetBernardsville.org for more and check out the Discover Bernardsville free app for download on Apple and Google play.

ARTICLE BY OLIVIA MANNING

Celebrate the Man in Your Life on Bernardsville’s Main Street

A RENOVATION RE-IGNITES THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE SOMERSET HILLS HOTEL

Historic Hotel Gets a Fresh Face

ARTICLE BY RICHARD HANNUM (SMALL TIME FOODIE) | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE

“We love to be part of the neighborhood and love how we have grown to be a neighborhood hotspot.

The Somerset Hills Hotel, a staple in the community for decades, is home to Tap & Bitters, a chef-driven Cajun restaurant. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, guests and locals can enjoy delicious cuisine, locally curated cocktails and 19 perfectly chilled craft beers on tap.

Built in 1987, the hotel’s facade is an homage to the history of the area, which is home to many sites and monuments that played a major role in the American Revolution. The interior of the hotel is newly reimagined following a major $22 million renovation in 2020 and part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The boutique hotel features contemporary-inspired guest rooms and spacious suites offering leisure and business travelers all the comforts, services and amenities. (If you are not a Hilton member, owner 6R Group also offers accommodation at nearby Delta Hotels by Marriott.)

In addition to offering elevated touches and modern amenities, the hotel caters to corporate groups and social events. The ballroom is flexible enough to fit small affairs or can accommodate up to 150 people. There are several private function rooms, as well as a semi-private space off the restaurant, which is perfect for bridal showers, birthday parties or viewing sporting events.

“Hospitality is important to us,” says Ania Krzanowska, area director of sales. “We love to be part of the neighborhood and love how we have grown to be a neighborhood hotspot.”

The menu at Tap & Bitters is full of Cajun stylings, comfort food and local favorites. This plays right into Chef Emmanuel (“Manny”) Cruz’s wheelhouse, allowing him to incorporate his own culinary influences and cooking style. “Food is comforting, and I always aspire to ensure my dishes give my guests the same comfort I felt when eating my mother’s dishes,” he says.

Family ties and comfort certainly play into Cruz’s kitchen philosophy. Many children dream of becoming an astronaut, a firefighter or a professional athlete. Cruz has wanted to become a chef since he was young. Spending most of his time in his father’s restaurant, Cruz entered the professional culinary world at 15. A graduate of Elijah’s Promise Culinary School, he has worked in a range of restaurants, including large chains as well as local favorites. Having previously served as a line cook, in 2023 he took over leadership of the kitchen at Tap & Bitters. Now holding the reins,

he leads a lean team to create and execute a New Orleans–themed menu for the restaurant, while also supporting the broader catering menu for the hotel’s event services.

“I love the teaching side of being a culinary leader. I like to have fun in the kitchen and try to ensure that my team is also having fun,” Cruz shares while showing me around his kitchen, which is spacious enough for the team to execute a wide array of menu options simultaneously. For onsite events, the team at Tap & Bitters can offer several styles of cuisine beyond the Cajun menu, including Asian, Taco Tuesday and Southern Comfort themes.

Recently, my wife and I were able to visit for a much-needed date night. Walking into the main lobby felt like an escape from our everyday life—as though we were actually on vacation. A calm and sophisticated entry, the warm and welcoming atmosphere put us immediately at ease. Greeted straight away by a friendly face at the front desk, we made our way directly to the restaurant. The long, classically styled bar is inviting, and the open seating offers comfort for quiet dates, group dinners or dinner meetings. Taking in our surroundings, we perused the menus. The craft cocktail menu is vibrant with a unique flare and there is a wide selection of spirits, but the real draw is the 19 seasonally rotating beers offered on draft.

We began with the Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and cleared the plate without any trouble. Wellcooked with the slightest char, the sherry glaze paired nicely with the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. My wife opted for the Steak Frites. A simple, straightforward dish packing a powerful punch, the grass-fed strip loin was wonderfully tender and flavorful. I was unable to resist the draw of the menu’s most popular dish: the Coffee Crusted Pork Chop. Paired with a sweet and spicy bourbon glaze, the nuttiness of the coffee really explodes with flavor. “The picture I’m trying to paint with this dish reflects the comfort that I get from eating my mom’s food,” says Cruz.

Learn more about Tap & Bitters and the Somerset Hills Hotel at SomersetHillsHotelNJ.com

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

I

was unable to resist the menu’s most popular dish: the Coffee Crusted Pork Chop. “

”

Chef Emmanuel (“Manny”) Cruz

COFFEE CRUSTED PORK CHOP

• 1 12 oz bone-in pork chop

Coffee Crust:

• 2 c ground coffee

• 1 c brown sugar

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp kosher salt

• 1.5 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp dry ground mustard

Sweet Bourbon Glaze:

• 3 c bourbon

• 1 c brown sugar

• ½ c Dijon mustard

• 6 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 4 tbsp honey

• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 4 tsp kosher salt

• 4 tsp garlic, minced

• 2 tsp red pepper flake (optional)

Coffee Crust Method:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well.

Set aside.

Sweet Bourbon Glaze Method:

Add bourbon to a pot and flambé to remove alcohol and reduce by half.

Add the rest of ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.

Coffee Crusted Pork Chop Method:

Pat dry pork chop.

Spread coffee crust on a plate or tray.

Press pork chop on coffee crust and be sure to coat all sides.

Add pork chop to broiler and cook halfway (you can also pan sear).

Transfer to 400°F oven to finish cooking.

Take pork chop out of oven at desired temp and let rest for about 10–15 minutes.

Heat bourbon glaze and drizzle over the pork chop.

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with your side of choice.

CONTINUED >

Hospitality is important to us. “ ”

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ARTICLE BY BROOKS BETZ

A SOMERSET HILLS HISTORIAN CELEBRATES THE TOWN’S MILESTONES AND MEMORIES

BERNARDSVILLE AT 100

Photo: Liz Polo

This year is a monumental one in Bernardsville as it celebrates its historic separation from Bernards Township, setting it on a journey to write its own story.

The chapters of this book start when the tiny town was simply called

Mine Mount River. These mines would support the freedom cause.

In 1840, the residents of Vealtown changed the name to Bernardsville. In the spring of 1849, Bishop Edmund Janes, a mining prospector and a Methodist Bishop, settled his family for

THE GILDED AGE WAS THE GRANDEST TIME ON BERNARDSVILLE MOUNTAIN.

“Vealtown.” It is said that Vealtown was settled in 1736. Vealtown and Baskenridge became two of the four main sections of Bernards Township, which was named in 1760 in honor of Sir Francis Bernard, the then–Royal Governor of New Jersey.

Cattle driven from Mendham to Perth Amboy were stopped in Vealtown for watering, and a 1700s slaughterhouse in Vealtown was supposedly near Depot Place.

Vealtown’s notoriety came to the forefront on December 12, 1776, the night before General Charles Lee left his soldiers at Vealtown’s John Parker Tavern and rode to Basking Ridge’s “Widow White’s Tavern.” The next morning, the colonies changed forever as General Lee’s capture by the British secured General Washington’s position to lead the Continental Army.

Bernardsville’s Watchung Mountain —referred to as the “Blue Hills” by soldiers and generals during the Revolutionary War—served as a coveted ore repository, with ore being dug from the mountain mines along the

the summer at the top Bernardsville’s Mine Mountain to capitalize on the air of this hilly region, which was favorable to the health of his wife and children.

In the 1870s, visits to the Somerset Hills were on the rise, facilitated by the railroad that reached Bernardsville. With Essex County growing too crowded, the masses flocked to Morristown and the surrounding area. Bernardsville’s Old Stone Hotel, the Bernards Inn and the Claremont Hotel were opened, but nothing would match the exclusive Somerset Inn at the top of the Bernardsville Mountain.

Bishop Janes’ Mount Wesley home was acquired in 1870 by Francis Oliver, who turned the home into a summer bed-and-breakfast and introduced the area to two guests: influential banker George Seney and world-renowned architect George B. Post. Seney loved the area so much that he acquired Oliver’s boarding house and in 1877 expanded the area into what became the Somerset Inn, one of New York City’s most famous summer escapes.

Photo: Liz Polo

BERNARDSVILLE IS A BUSTLING TOWN WITH NICKNAMED SECTIONS.

Imagine this five-story, 500-guest hotel providing grand views from the mountain’s highest elevation. It boasted some of the most luxurious amenities in the region: grand ballroom, dining halls, parlors, billiards, cafe, barber shop, newsstand, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, equestrian activities, fox hunting, golf course (Somerset Hills Country Club), walking paths, gardens, post office and a telegraph office. Kitchen chefs used the vegetables from the large vegetable gardens off Washington Road for “farm-to-table” dishes.

Then on May 6, 1908, in the middle of the night, a fire of unknown origin reduced the Somerset Inn to 20 chimneys just weeks before the June 1 season opening.

From the late 1800s to the 1930s, the Gilded Age was the grandest time on Bernardsville Mountain. Large chunks of property were sold to wealthy New Yorkers looking for a summer retreat with cool mountain breezes. The Passaic Valley and Peapack Railroad formed the “Millionaire’s Express,” catering to those traveling from Hoboken and often leading to local carriage traffic jams bringing residents to their estates.

CONTINUED >

Photo: Liz Polo

Photo: Liz Polo

Bishop Janes Home

As the wealthy started to take up full-time residence on the mountain, recreation became a focal point. In 1890, Charles Pfizer, son of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company founder, purchased the Essex Hunt Club from West Orange and relocated it to the Bernardsville mountain in 1892, coincidently to a Seney home called “The Maples.” Pfizer would later move the Hunt Club to Peapack where it still exists today. Pfizer’s corporate home was also in the area for over a century.

In 1924, Bernardsville residents became restless about how nearby Bernards Township was spending their tax dollars. After a first vote failed, a second vote was made and Bernardsville was separated from Bernards on April 24, 1924, by an act of the State Legislature.

Today, Bernardsville is a bustling town with nicknamed sections, such as “The Mountain Colony,” “The Downtown Area” and “Little Paraguay,” an area that previously had been coined “Little Italy” after the residents who were employed by those on the mountain.

Today, near the town’s railroad station stands a life-sized bronze statue honoring a local icon: Millicent Fenwick, who was 64 when she took her seat in the 94th Congress in 1975. After her death in 1992, resident, resident Christa O’Connor started a campaign in the local newspaper, which resulted in the statue depicting Fenwick opening her arms to embrace the town, her iconic pipe in her pocket.

Sculpted by Dana Toomey, a former resident of Bernardsville who then lived in Italy, statue was dedicated on October 15, 1995, and was first outdoor sculpture depicting a female in the state.

Enjoy Bernardsville’s history all year long with a variety of town events celebrating the centennial.

Happy Birthday, B’ville! You’ve earned it.

Brooks Betz is the founder and trustee of The Mr. Local History Project, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting New Jersey history with a social twist. Visit  MrLocalHistory.org to learn more.

Photo: Liz Polo

Millicent Fenwick statue

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STREETS OF DREAMS

How Michael J. Badolato Used a Corvette to Build a Community

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILLIAN SPENCER

Michael J. Badolato has fond memories of attending classic car shows on weekends with his father while he was growing up. “I would always try to talk him into getting a classic car, but it never worked out,” he says with a laugh. “But I knew that once I was on my own, I’d buy one for myself.”

Michael J. Badolato and daughter, Isla Rose

“Last year, we had about 160 cars from as far away as New York.”

The opportunity arrived in 2018 when his fatherin-law decided to sell his classic Corvette to buy a different car. “I always gravitated toward Corvettes, especially the C3 body style, which this one had,” Badolato says. “Eventually I would like to own a C1, which is a 1953-1962 Corvette.”

Today, Badolato’s 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod remains a source of pride—and he keeps it well-maintained with the help of the pros at Blue Sky Performance and Restoration in Andover. “They make sure everything is working properly. Last year, they put in a new engine,” he says. “This is why my car is a ‘restomod’: It’s a classic car with new technology. When I go to car shows, I always like to see the cars that people have redone like I have with my Corvette.”

He shows his car at five to seven shows a year—and continues his father’s tradition by often bringing his daughter, Isla Rose, who turns 5 this summer, with him. “I knew before she turned one that she shared my love for cars,” he says. On his horizon is displaying his Corvette at the Lead East car show in Parsippany, which is held around Labor Day and is billed as “the World's Biggest Oldies Festival and Car Event.”

But before then, he has bigger plans: For the fourth year in a row, the owner of Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home in Basking Ridge will share his passion by hosting a classic car show that entertains families and helps the community. “Last year, we had about 160 cars from as far away as New York; we can accommodate up to 200 cars,” he says. “This show really builds a great community.”

As a local business owner, Badolato likes to take care of people in the area. He donates all proceeds from the Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home Car Show to Heartworks in Bernardsville, which is committed to sustaining the kindness and connection witnessed in the wake of September 11, 2001. The organization rallies community members to help bring hope to people experiencing acute needs from unexpected life situations such as a chronic illness, injury, a natural disaster or grief.

“The car show grows larger each year,” Badolato says. “The experience has been extremely rewarding for me. I love sharing this hobby with my daughter and being able to give back to the community.”

The 2024 Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home Car Show is on June 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 101 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. The rain date is June 16. Learn more at GCFuneralHome.com.

Voted Best Med Spa in Somerset Hills

Paving it Forward

Generations of Men Named Sam Hicks Have Forged a Respected Business from Humble Beginnings

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILLIAN SPENCER

Sam Hicks with his son, Sam

To say that Hicks Paving is a family business is an understatement. It was started by Sam Hicks in Hunterdon County in 1959 with one truck and one roller. His son, Sam, took the business to the next level, increasing the area served and clientele around the late 1970s. By 2000, his grandson, Sam, started working in the business and today is joined by his 17-year-old great-grandson who is named—yes, you guessed it!—Sam.

“Paving has been my life since I was young. I’d watch my father and mother work out of our house and over summers, I’d accompany my dad to job sites. I loved the big construction vehicles,” says Sam Hicks, who, to keep score, is the third-generation of Sams to run Hicks Paving. “From that humble beginning, we now have two shops and have advanced quite a bit.”

Today, the Hampton-based company provides residential and commercial paving and maintenance to Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren and Morris counties and beyond.

Among the Sams, the company also includes Sam III’s brother-in-law, Michael, and two nephews, Leonard and Michael, who manage the sealcoating division. “So, no matter what work you’re having done, a family member will be overseeing your project. Some companies have used our name to get business, telling people they are with us, but there is only one Hicks Paving—and if it’s not a Sam calling you, it’s not us,” he says with a laugh.

From the first Sam’s single truck and roller, the company now takes on large parking lots due to their investment in state-of-the-art commercial equipment. “As the paving industry has changed— new types of equipment, new trucks, different techniques—we have likewise grown,” Hicks says. “For example, milling—grinding a few inches off the blacktop to allow room for the new asphalt— has become very popular, so we bought a milling machine, which is expensive. Not everyone has these machines, so we rent our machine and operators out to other contractors.”

The majority of the business is residential. If a driveway is paved, sometimes it can be overlaid and other times the existing driveway has to be removed down to the stone base. “If the base isn’t correct and it’s not stable, the asphalt will not last,” he explains.

Sometimes, too, maintenance is all that is needed to refresh a driveway. “If you can’t afford to repave the driveway or parking lot, we can sealcoat the cracks, which will maintain the asphalt and give it a fresh appearance,” he says.

Since the business is seasonal, it is competitive. Hicks warns homeowners to research any paving company they wish to hire. “People are always interested in the cheapest quote, but you get what you pay for,” he says. “There are many companies in our area that have been in business a long time and are reputable. If you go for a low price, the end product might look good for a while but it won’t last. We are not usually the cheapest, but we will not do a rush job. We have a solid clientele and a great reputation.”

“My grandfather and my father both were big on doing what the customer was expecting. A shake of a hand and a man’s word meant something.”

This is no surprise as Hicks is a company built on a strong work ethic and customer service. “My grandfather and my father both were big on doing what the customer was expecting,” Hicks says. “A shake of a hand and a man’s word meant something. If they said they were going to do something, they tried their darndest to fulfill that promise—and we continue to do that today.”

Learn more at HicksPaving.com

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Winning at Life

Zoned Sports Academy Trains Ballplayers and Their Coaches, Too

Sometimes the heart is willing, but the learning curve is steep. Enter Zoned Sports Academy, which not only helps young athletes excel, but also the relatives and guardians who coach them.

“About 20 percent have never even played the game,” explains Zoned’s CEO and co-founder Malcom “Duke” Baxter III. “And around 38 percent haven’t coached before. It’s amazing they’re donating their time. So we’re trying to help people volunteer for something they may not be good at or have never done.”

ARTICLE BY AMANDA

CASTLEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY LIZ POLO (HAVANA

PHOTOGRAPHY)

Baxter is well-poised to coach the coaches. He was a pre-season All-American at what is now Florida Community College at Jacksonville, where he tied the all-time-hits record with 172 across two years. He then played at the University of North Florida, setting the NCAA record with 31 doubles in a single season.

Next, he spent three years in the minor leagues, first with a now-defunct Wisconsin team (Madison Black Wolf, where he was 1997’s rookie of the year) and then as a utility infielder for the Somerset Patriots. “Since I was six years old, I had a dream to make it to the big leagues,” he says. “While that dream passed me by, I have dedicated my personal and professional life to helping players of all ages, skill levels and body types reach their ultimate potential.”

He holds patents for baseball and softball training aids and co-wrote the book  Taking on the Title of COACH . Baxter also teaches through Zoned’s online program Dominate the Diamond. Its app conveys skills like how to create practice plans, run those sessions and teach throwing, hitting and fielding.

The advice stretches from the physical to the psychological, “the stuff no one ever talks about” like dealing with irate parents and kids throwing their helmets. And sometimes it even means overriding interjections screamed from the stands. “That’s the kind of stuff that makes coaching fun, but very challenging,” he notes.

Recently, Baxter and his team began traveling to teach hands-on workshops for rookie coaches, including some in Maryland and Virginia.

For in-person clinics and training sessions back home, Zoned has welcomed kids to its baseball and softball training ground in Bridgewater since 2002. It boasts a 28,000-squarefoot facility, including two full-sized playing fields, nine batting cages and a pro shop. It acquired a Proteus workout machine that tests balance, strength and power. Launched in 2018, this system allows athletes to train and rehabilitate with “3D” resistance, instead of less fluid and integrated movements like squats or bench presses.

Each winter, the academy does pre-season training for 32 high school softball and baseball teams. “That’s always super fun,” Baxter says. It has also launched Baseball Buddies, a program that lets Little Leaguers trod the turf of pro fields and get autographs from superstar players. Last year, the kids visited the Somerset Patriots’ dugout before the team faced off against the New York Yankees, welcomed the players to the field and stood beside them during the national anthem.

CONTINUED >

Zoned doesn’t stop when the school year does. Instead it welcomes sports fans to summer camps, running Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from the last week in June until the first week of August. “We have baseball and softball programs in different locations,” Baxter explains. “We give motivational talks, bring out special guests and run drills and skills. Then there’s competitions, challenges like water balloons and home run derbies, lunch and all that good stuff. Some weeks are outside and some are inside.” Students can sign up on a weekly basis, though the academy offers discounts for enrolling in multiple sessions.

Baxter is also proud of their new nonprofit, which launched in 2023: the Diamond Dreams Foundation. It now funds scholarships for college-bound players, as well as helping underfunded Little League programs and kids who can’t afford to join the academy’s teams.

“We’re working hard here,” he says. “We’re educating, motivating and inspiring players of all ages and skill levels every day.”

Raritan

As a Troon managed private club, our members also receive exclusive access to extraordinary golf and lifestyle benefits throughout the world with Troon Prive Privileges.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

01. Get

fit for equipment.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

02. Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

03.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella

Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

Practice your short game every day.

04.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

JUNE 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

WEDNESDAYS

Bridge Club

Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge, 202 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge | 9:30 AM

Studies show when people regularly play Bridge, they stimulate the brain to keep it alert and memories active.

JUNE 1ST - 2ND Essex Horse Trials

Moorland Farms, 100 Liberty Corner Rd., Far Hills

Be wowed at this USEA and US Equestrian-sanctioned competition and Peter Chesson Memorial Car Show.  EssexHorseTrials.org

JUNE 1ST

Peony’s Envy Friday Night Picnics

Peony’s Envy, 34 Autumn Hill Rd., Bernardsville

Celebrate the coming of the warmer weather! Bring your own picnic, a picnic blanket and enjoy the bloom!  PeonysEnvy.com

events

JUNE 2ND

Shedfest: Raritan Headwaters Music Festival

Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Rd., Bedminster | 2:00 PM

Shedfest is an outdoor music festival benefiting the Raritan Headwaters Association, the local nonprofit watershed watchdog.  RaritanHeadwaters.org

JUNE 2ND

Bernardsville Car Show

Bernards High School, 25 Olcott Ave., Bernardsville

This special car show shines a spotlight on Bernardsville as it celebrates 100 years. MainStreetBernardsville.org

JUNE 13TH

23rd Annual Flag Day 5K Run and Fun Walk

Lyons VA Medical Center, 151 Knollcroft Rd., Lyons | 7:00 PM

Be a champion for those who honorably served our country by participating in the 23rd Annual Flag Day 5K Run and Fun Walk. Registrants, sponsors and donors will help Community Hope rescue over 1,000 homeless veterans and their families. CommunityHope-NJ.org

JUNE 14TH

Sunangels

Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge | 7:00 PM

Learn about Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, also known as Sunangels, and how to attract hummingbirds to your yard. SomersetCountyParks.org

JUNE 19TH

Bernardsville Summer Flick Night

Downtown Bernardsville

Grab dinner at your favorite local restaurant and then join your friends and neighbors for hot movies under the summer stars.  D owntownBernardsville.org

JUNE 20TH

Music on Main

Downtown Bernardsville

Get ready to kick off your weekend early by grooving and swaying under the open skies with fantastic live music. MainStreetBernardsville.org

JUNE 21ST

Singing Bowl Meditation

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve, 339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham | 7:00 PM

Relax with sound meditation featuring exquisite Himalayan singing bowls, galactic chimes, Koshi chimes, gentle gong, drum and more. SchiffNaturePreserve.org

JUNE 22ND - 23RD

Garden State Comic Fest

Mennen Sports Arena, 161 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown

Do you love Batman, Spider-Man, The X-Men and other amazing comic book characters? If so, you will love spending the weekend at Garden State Comic Fest. GardenStateComicFest.com

JUNE 30TH

About Water with Micheal Innella

Somerset Hills Art Collective, 27 Rte. 202, Far Hills | 1:00 PM

Somerset Hills Art Collective presents new work by local artist Micheal Innella. SHACGallery.com

Tracy and Jason Bruno are knowledgeable and talented professionals delivering unique outdoor living spaces for homeowners in your neighborhood with creativity, innovation, and expert guidance. With us, you will appreciate first-hand the advantage of working with local Master Design & Build Professionals who focus on building an exceptional customer experience!

Tracy Bruno has earned the prestigious Master Level CBP Certification through the esteemed PHTA Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway. She is 1 of 5 women and 1 of 46 total people in North America who hold this elite certification.