As a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports, Andrew Catalon is no stranger to being on camera. For our cover feature, the sports fanatic takes us behind the scenes of the job.
18 The Suite Life
Eli Heitin is a video producer at the precision-driven production company, Suite Spot. In this issue, see how Heitin is revamping the production industry for the better.
22 Sunny Days
The Director of Content and Curriculum behind beloved children’s show Sesame Street, Jen Sanders, knows a little something about smiles, fun, and of course, cookies.
IN THIS ISSUE
6 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Hall of Fame
8 AROUND TOWN Sunshine State of Mind
10 LOCAL TASTES
Serving up Success
28 Q&A With Lauren Gonnella
30 COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE Artistry in Bloom
32 PHOTO OP Reverb Rising COVER
Andrew Catalon and his son CJ are ready to hit it out of the park.
Photograph by Melissa Spector
wHALL OF FAME
WE’RE EXCITED TO share that Short Hills native Sean Baker won four Oscars this year. It’s amazing to see how The Millburn Library played a key role in cultivating his love of film, watching movies with his mom at this local gem. This inspired us to spotlight our community’s vibrant role in the entertainment industry, featuring some inspiring residents showcasing their unique talents. We didn’t have to look far to find an impressive lineup, from the iconic voice of sports announcing to the
creative force behind beloved children’s show Sesame Street. Whether in front of or behind the camera, these community members offer a glimpse into their exciting entertainment careers, making this our first-ever entertainment issue. Together, their stories reveal our town as a hidden hub of talent and innovation.
June is packed with events, and we’re especially excited for Girls’ Night Out and the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce 44th Annual President’s Cup 5K Race. Unfortunately, I won’t be running this year, but to show my support, I’m sharing a fun photo from last year’s race, where I made it to the finish line, albeit slowly. Whether you’re participating or cheering, the 5K is a family favorite.
We love hearing your story ideas, so please keep them coming! Send them to marylima@millburnandshorthills. com or editor@millburnandshorthills. com. With 2025 already halfway through, we’re excited to bring you more engaging community stories in the coming months. Thank you for your support, and happy June to everyone!
Mary Lima Publisher
Millburn & Short Hills
MAGAZINE
Publisher Mary Lima
Editor and Lead Writer
Eve Golden
Writer
Amanda Dean
Photographer Melissa Spector
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O›Connell
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
Sunshine State of Mind
Millburn is gearing up for an exciting, event-filled summer.
BY STEVE GRILLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND AMANDA DEAN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS
IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, and we could not be more thrilled to announce that Town Hall Plaza is back for another wonderful summer in Downtown Millburn. Many residents and visitors enjoyed this public space, and it became a community hub during the summer and fall of 2024. The Millburn Township Committee voted unanimously to continue the Plaza this summer, starting June 20 and running through August 31.
The Plaza consists of several gazebos with covered seating, dozens of wood chairs, café tables and benches, as well as Adirondack chairs. The space also boasts a food court, a special performance area for live music, planters, hanging baskets and other decor. Adults and children alike will enjoy games
including life-size chess, life-size Connect-4, cornhole, building blocks, chalk and more. We are also excited to note that we will be adding additional gazebos and seating to accommodate all visitors.
It is not just a lovely place to enjoy a quiet lunch in the sun or a stroll with your dog; it is jam-packed with live music and public events all summer. Every Friday and Saturday night, there will be live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. We are bringing back fan favorites including Bad Influence, Candice Lee and Big Romance. The public events this summer will include a movie night, multiple circus nights, glow parties, chalk events, fitness classes, beer gardens and other community events. Buy local takeout or enjoy food from
La Strada, Jack’s Surf & Turf, Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant and other Millburn-Short Hills restaurants in the Town Hall Plaza Food Court. Don’t forget that Town Hall Plaza is BYOB!
This space is open seven days a week and is located at Town Hall Plaza (between Millburn Avenue and Essex Street) across from Millburn Indoor Golf. There is plenty of parking on the street, in Lots 1, 4 and 5, as well as a short walk from the Parking Deck on Essex. Don’t forget when you come to Town Hall Plaza to shop local and support our small businesses.
For the full schedule of events, visit exploremillburnshorthills.org and follow us on Instagram @exploremillburnshorthills for updates and special promotions.
Millburn Free Public Library
The Library’s third annual Pride Celebration will be on June 6 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate and embrace the mental health and acceptance of our youth in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond by providing access to local and regional outreach organizations, local businesses and library resources to deliver a clear message: You are not alone, we are here for you. Have PRIDE in yourself!
Greenwood Gardens
Join the team for a great session called “Photography in Greenwood’s Garden” on Friday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. Join Barbara Storms, an in-house expert, as she reviews a variety
of important photography principles. Her photography has been awarded/featured on the Smithsonian website and more. Enjoy an informative indoor presentation and then head out into the garden to shoot some of Greenwood’s most iconic locations.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
The Arboretum is hosting a summer camp from June to August. Nature Discovery Camp is a place to not just learn about, but also experience nature through hands-on science, themed story time, crafts, songs and an abundance of time outside among the trees. All summer camp sessions require a full week of registration. Pre-registration and health forms are required.
ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS
Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to support and promote the businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in the town, including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza. Down the Block Down the Block is a non-profit corporation created and run by a group of Millburn-Short Hills residents who are concerned that people right here in our town are struggling financially. Since its inception in 2009, Down the Block has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover expenses for hundreds of neighbors in need. Down the Block is the only organization that can step in to pay a bill for a Millburn Township resident experiencing a temporary, unforeseen financial need. If you are interested in donating and supporting, visit them online at downtheblock.org.
Serving Up Success
Beth Greenspan is at the forefront of flavor with Greenplated—a stylishly successful catering brand.
BY EVE GOLDEN
IT’S 3 P.M. on a Tuesday, and Beth Greenspan is elbow-deep in panko crumbs, debating the merits of her famous panko-crusted salmon. Such is life when you’re the unplanned culinary pro behind Greenplated, a catering business that’s both elegant and smart.
SECRET SAUCE
Greenspan and her family have called Short Hills home since 2009, a tenure marked by turkey sandwiches, chaotic bundt pans and a career pivot that transformed pandemic charcuterie into a culinary calling. A self-described creature of habit, she’s ordered the same meal from Millburn Deli every
week for 14 years: “Turkey, Russian dressing and sauerkraut on grilled rye bread.” Liv Breads, meanwhile, earns her undying loyalty. “It’s truly a community treasure,” she says. “I basically eat everything they serve.”
Beth and her husband, Dave, relocated to Short Hills to stay close to family in the Philadelphia suburbs—a decision that unexpectedly anchored her career. Following a career as a litigator and then in commercial real estate, Greenspan’s culinary evolution began humbly.
“I learned to cook by watching Instagram and Ina Garten on Food Network.” When the pandemic hit, a
friend’s offhand suggestion changed everything. “I started Greenplated when my good friend Jordan Rosner suggested I sell the charcuterie boards I was making for our friends,” she explains. “I never really knew I was a creative person until I started.”
THE DIGITAL KITCHEN
What began as artfully arranged cheese and cured meats soon progressed into full-fledged catering. “Through my social media, it was amazing connecting with new people who loved to talk about food as much as I do,” Greenspan says. “Eventually, people started asking me to prepare the recipes I was posting for them.”
FLAVOR FUSION
Beth’s Kid Friendly Candy Chicken Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together until just combined:
• 1 pound ground organic chicken
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3. Microplane 1/3 of a large zucchini into the mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
4. Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs light and fluffy.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 25 meatballs).
6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 2 tablespoons of honey mustard to create a sauce.
8. After 25 minutes, open the oven and brush the meatballs with the sauce. Bake for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Greenspan’s approach blends seasonal ingredients with restaurantworthy style, though milestones are her specialty. Reflecting on an 80th birthday brunch she catered, she says, “I truly felt like I was a part of the celebration. All of the events are a big deal for the hosts, and I feel so proud, honored…and exhausted when they are over.”
PLATE PERFECT
Greenspan’s panko-crusted salmon has garnered a cult following, but her cakes—Nana’s chocolate and a “sugary chocolate chip vanilla pudding” creation—steal the show. “They are both gorgeous and taste like something that came out of your grandma’s
kitchen,” she says. “I have learned that everyone enjoys my presentation as much as the food itself…maybe even more,” she shares. “The same food presented in a gorgeous display feels very different than if you simply place it on the table.”
This philosophy extends to her cooking classes, where she schools clients on the science of aesthetics. Sessions range from meal-prep basics to corporate demos where teams ‘chat and taste’ as they cook. “When I teach classes, I emphasize that colors on a board are super important,” Greenspan says. “Cheeses and meats are neutrals— incorporating other colors will create visual interest while complementing
the flavors. A nice variety of fresh and dried fruits easily accomplish that goal.”
Lately, she’s been wrestling with a collection of intricate bundt pans. “Every time I make a new cake, it gets stuck on the first try,” Greenspan says. “My best friend and I have been eating tons of failed bundt cakes over the last few months!” Yet her menu keeps evolving, with nods to iconic dishes that let clients “taste Los Angeles in New Jersey.”
Greenplated’s success is no accident. It’s a recipe of tenacity, Instagram tutorials and a dash of Ina Garteninduced inspiration—served on a board so pretty, you’ll almost forget to eat it. Almost.
LAWRENCE J. GREENBERG
PRICE UPON REQUEST
Oceanfront | New Home in Bay Head, designed and built by Orchard Hills Design & Construction. This 6 bedroom, 6½ bath shingle style home is available for immediate occupancy. Admire the marble slab kitchen backsplash and countertops. Enjoy the latest flush outlets by Bocci in the kitchen, Wolf, Sub-Zero and Scottsman appliances. The home features Urban Electric & Tracey Glover lighting fixtures throughout. All of the custom tile design was completed by Virtue Tile(Summit) featuring Ann Sacks and Artistic Tile. Hardware designs featured plumbing fixtures by Franz Viegener & California Faucets, throughout the home are custom rift & quartered blonde white oak floors. The home is fully automated by Control4 and a full Lutron lighting system with cameras and a Sonos multi zone sound system. Western red cedar roof shakes & siding shingles complete this shingle style Bay Head home.
BAY HEAD NEW JERSEY Visit our website 2MountSt.com
Lawrence J. Greenberg, Broker Associate
(732) 691-7524 DIRECT (732) 899-0272 OFFICE
Designed & Built By
Prime Time
Andrew Catalon, a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports, delivers grounded and authoritative commentary that captures the raw energy and pivotal moments, bringing the intensity of every game to life.
BY EVE GOLDEN
TThere’s a split second in sports when time slows—a quarterback releases an all-or-nothing throw, a final-second three-pointer arcs toward the rim, or a golfer’s putt teeters on the edge of the cup. In those moments, Andrew Catalon isn’t just calling the play; he’s bottling the emotion, history and chaos into words that will resonate with fans forever.
For CBS Sports’ versatile playby-play announcer, whose voice has narrated everything from Rory McIlroy’s cathartic 2025 Masters triumph to Fairleigh Dickinson’s takedown of Purdue
in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, the journey to those pressurepacked seconds began with a childhood dream.
GAME ON
Long before he was dissecting Cover-2 defenses or analyzing green speeds at Augusta, a sixyear-old Catalon would retreat to his room and orchestrate imaginary showdowns. “He would record himself pretending to announce games between the New York Giants and the New England ‘Pastriots.’” Catalon’s wife, Jessica, shares, “It’s one of the
first things his mom told me about him!”
That early obsession—part fandom, part performance— laid the groundwork for a career built on marrying preparation with spontaneity.
“Sports have always been a huge part of my life,” Catalon says. “I played baseball as a kid, but I quickly realized I wasn’t going to be the next shortstop of the Yankees. Announcing became a way to stay around the games, and I immediately developed a passion for broadcasting.”
Left to right: Andrew Catalon, Jason McCourty and Tiki Barber in Indiana during a September 2024 NFL game between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
Left to right: Evan Washburn, Steve Lappas and Andrew Catalon at the 2025 NCAA Tournament in Providence, RI.
CALLING THE SHOTS
Catalon’s resume reads like a sports fan’s fantasy: NFL Sundays, March Madness and the Masters Tournament. But the unseen work is a bit less flashy. “The preparation for all three sports is very different,” he says. “NFL is the most intense since each team has 53 players. I have to be ready for any of them to make a play—that means watching film, meeting coaches and players and knowing every storyline.”
College basketball demands similar rigor but with tighter
turnarounds. “It’s a similar routine but with fewer players on each team,” Catalon explains. “And the prep for golf focuses on storytelling— golf broadcasts are slower-paced compared to football and basketball, which allows more time to build drama and share interesting anecdotes about the players.”
Shifting from March Madness’s pace to the Masters’ measured drama isn’t just a physical and mental pivot. Catalon works with a vocal coach to recalibrate between the sports. “To help transition between sports, I spend time with a vocal coach,
Arthur Joseph—we work hard on all aspects of my voice, especially going from the craziness of March Madness to one week later being at the Masters.”
Every announcer lives for the ‘Where were you when…?’ moments. For Catalon, few experiences rival Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters victory after an 11-year hiatus from winning a major. “Seeing Woods at the Masters in 2019 was truly an unforgettable event, and to see him win and hug his family was one of the few moments in my career that left me speechless.”
Catalon calling the action live from the booth.
HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE
Catalon’s ‘workplace’ is wherever he unpacks his laptop. “My office is our home. If I’m not traveling to a game, I’m preparing for one there,” he explains. “The offseason for me is mostly in the spring and summer. My schedule slows down during those months, allowing me to recharge and reconnect with people I don’t see as much during the year.”
When Catalon is away from the commentary booth, he’s at home in Short Hills coaching his son CJ’s Little League team. A Short Hills native and Millburn High School
graduate, Catalon shares, “It’s funny to see CJ experiencing many of the same things I did here as a kid. Millburn-Short Hills Little League is truly one of the best parts of this town. I played as a kid and am still friends with the majority of my old teammates, and I’m sure CJ will remain friends with his current teammates for years to come.”
Twenty-four years after graduating from Syracuse, Catalon continues to master the everevolving landscape of sports. Fans no longer wait for the 11 p.m. highlights. “Today, most of us can
see the scores and highlights on our phones whenever we want,” he says. “There’s no doubt technology has changed the way fans consume their favorite teams.”
And for the kid who once whispered play-calls into a recorder, it’s still about the thrill of the unknown. “Late in games, you have to nail the big moment,” Catalon says. “That’s a big focus of mine, and I feel confident in those situations.” The real victory lies in the splitsecond precision under pressure— a skill no algorithm can replicate when the clock hits zero.
Catalon sharing the love of the game with his son, CJ.
The Suite Life
Meet Eli Heitin of Short Hills, the innovative strategist shaping the future of video production at Suite Spot.
BY EVE GOLDEN
EELI HEITIN PREFERS authenticity over flashy origin stories. His trajectory from Temple University film school grad to co-founder of the production company Suite Spot was paved with odd jobs and a refusal to romanticize the grind. After landing in New York City, he became a “production assistant, camera assistant, camera operator, editor…anything I could do for a day rate on set,” he says. His early days at Ogilvy and Mather alongside future filmmaker friends prioritized grit over glamour—an initiation that sharpened his adaptability.
We spent three days buying equipment, carpeting, painting and making the place look professional—it worked, and we were off and running.
THE UNLIKELY LAUNCHPAD
Suite Spot’s origins are refreshingly honest: a cramped office above STOMP’s East Village Orpheum Theater, shared with a partner and transformed into a functional workspace in three frenzied days. “We spent three days buying equipment, carpeting, painting and making the place look professional—it worked, and we were off and running,” Heitin says.
The breakthrough came when National Geographic producers needed an editing hub—an opportunity seized with pragmatic hustle. Soon after, CBS News handed them promo work for prime-time shows, complete with sage advice from a mentor in Walter Cronkite’s former office: “I know you guys are new to this, but you seem sharp—batteries and tapes when we are filming; I never want to hear that you are out of batteries and tapes.”
Top left: From left to right: Jasper, Bree, Eli and Gemma Heitin
Below: Heitin (left) on set for an automotive commercial campaign in NYC with Trevor Noah, the comedian and former host of The Daily Show.
This page, top and bottom: Filming the NBA on NBC’s first campaign in 25 years, featuring actor and comedian Jack McBrayer and NBA players Victor Wembanyama, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo, at Universal Studios. Opposite page: Top: Heitin captured a friendly football game between NBA players LeBron James and Kevin Durant, featured on ESPN, in Akron, Ohio. Middle: Lady Gaga’s final Roseland Ballroom performance, live-streamed by Verizon from NYC. Bottom: Fall Out Boy performing “Here Comes Saturday Night” for NBC’s Saturday Night Football opening at Ohio Stadium
PROCESS OVER PRETENSION
Suite Spot operates on the simple creed: listen first, then engineer. “Every client works differently. We’re soup to nuts, but sometimes they just need execution,” Heitin explains. The team’s strength lies in its adaptive, innovative ethos.
They dissect briefs with forensic attention, balancing creative direction with technical precision. “Smart producing, transparent and tech-forward, accepting that the production world is constantly evolving,” Heitin says. “We are as operationally sound as any group in the business, extremely experienced and savvy with the marketplace— we figure out the best pathway to a
successful piece of content.”
Longevity in video production hinges on outthinking. Suite Spot’s projects—from directing the Washington Capitals’ post-Stanley Cup media day to producing Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project broadcasts—reflect a chameleonlike ability to pivot between sports, music and advocacy.
“It’s about solving problems with smart people,” he notes. The goosebumps come when you see the work click—like their NBC football opener playing to 20 million people. “We filmed the band Fall Out Boy in the middle of Ohio Stadium performing the opening song for Big Ten Saturday Night,” Heitin says.
THE METRIC FOR SUCCESS
Ask Heitin about any glamorous aspects of his work, and he’ll tell you about “hauling the Stanley Cup through Minneapolis baggage claim at 2 a.m., hoping no one steals hockey’s holy grail,” or filming a high-wire act from a tent flap 50 feet up. “It’s all storytelling; brand stories of survival and excellence can sometimes be more interesting than people,” Heitin says. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. “Certainly, with the proliferation of influencers, clients often think it’s a shortcut to exposure and validity,” he says.
“AI is undoubtedly affecting postproduction and motion graphics work as well as set design and virtual sets.” The counterpunch?
“I still go back to the story. We all follow shiny things and cool thoughts, but what is our takeaway? How do we make sure we are memorable—that we are the nobrainer production group for the next endeavor? That’s the win.”
Learn more about Suite Spot at suitespot.tv.
In the Neighborhood: Clockwise from left: Josh, Jen, Zoe (10) and Jordan (12).
Sunny Days
Smiles, puppets and cookies shape education for millions of children on Sesame Street. Meet the inspiring woman behind it all.
BY EVE GOLDEN
AAs the Director of Content and Curriculum at Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, Jen Sanders’ career in childhood education began long before she joined Sesame Street’s iconic team.
“I always knew I wanted to make an impact in the lives of children,” she says, reflecting on her early days teaching preschool. “Eventually, I shifted my focus outside the classroom to reach more kids— especially those in underserved
When asked about her favorite character, her answer is immediate: the ultimate hype feathered friend. “My personal favorite character is Big Bird— I love his curiosity and compassion for others. He is a really good friend.” she shares. Sanders recalls her childhood obsession. “I’d wake my mom up at 2 a.m. asking when he’d be on TV. I loved Sesame Street and still remember the Street Stories and learning my ABCs!”
INNOVATION STATION
Sanders’ portfolio at Sesame Workshop reads like a global adventure, reshaping content development with her innovative approach. “I work on content development across multiple media platforms, such as new spinoffs, podcasts, toys, live shows and theme park activities,” she says. Typical days involve developing curriculum for new shows, ensuring toys are educational, writing teacher guides for the educational play center at American Dream mall and reviewing scripts to meet learning objectives. Her background includes projects like Sesame Street, Baghch-e-Simsim (the Afghan co-production of Sesame Street), Bea’s Block, Helpsters (cocreated by Apple TV), and the Sesame Street Audible series.
SCOOTERS AND SUBURBAN BLISS
For nearly 12 years, Sanders and her family have been soaking up the charm of Millburn. “We moved here because there was a strong sense of community and we loved the walkability,” she says. With her husband Josh and their kids, Jordan (12) and Zoe (10), they enjoy savoring sushi at Sushi Zero, and summers mean ice cream escapades. Spring transforms Taylor Park into their personal playground, with dog walks and the kids buzzing around on their scooters.
PUPPET PIONEERS
In the ever-evolving scope of children’s programming, Sanders stands at the forefront, navigating the digital landscape with creativity and heart.
“How children digest and consume
media is very different now from when Sesame Street first aired or even ten or five years ago,” she says. With kids accessing content from a myriad of sources, Sesame Workshop continuously experiments with different platforms to maximize reach and impact. However, the heart and mission of Sesame have always stayed the same.
Since its debut in 1969, Sesame Street has been a staple in children’s media, now celebrating its 56th season. Sanders fondly remembers the magic of watching Caroll Spinney on set, bringing to life the contrasting characters of Oscar and Big Bird. “He was the puppeteer and voice for both characters (for almost fifty years!), and it was very cool to watch him play both roles,” she shares. New Muppets join
From left: Urban Playground: Filming the show Helpsters on location in NYC. A Sweet Treat: Sanders with Cookie Monster at Sesame Workshop.
From top: Lights, Camera, Learning Magic: On set filming media content for the Sesame Street Learn and Play Educational Center.
the cast to reflect diverse experiences, but classics like Oscar’s grouchiness remain untouched—some things are forever sweet, much like Cookie Monster’s devotion to cookies.
Sanders knows firsthand the enchanting power of a red, furry friend. “I’m always surprised at how mesmerized children are when they see Elmo,” she recalls from a Sesame literacy event. Despite the absence of a screen to hide the puppeteer, “All they saw was a three-and-half year old red furry monster that was their best friend,” she shares. On set, Sanders finds endless amusement in Cookie Monster’s antics. “His ‘nom nom nom’ makes me laugh every time!” she admits.
As the world changes, so does the Workshop. “Sesame Workshop is always evolving to stay relevant and relatable to our audience,” Sanders explains. With a dynamic approach to curriculum and fresh Muppets from diverse backgrounds, Sesame Street continues to captivate and educate new generations, ensuring the laughter and learning never stop.
MUPPET MAGIC
If your IMDb profile boasts: “Jennifer Schiffman is known for Sesame Street: The Very Best of Elmo and Abby’s Flying Fairy School,” you’ve truly worked some magic. After all, if Oscar the Grouch can crack a smile, the magic of childhood is just a Big Bird “ABC-DEFGHI” song away.
Game Changer
Inducted into the Millburn Athletic Hall of Fame, Lauren Gonnella is not only a celebrated athlete but also a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer support, inspiring others to find strength and purpose in adversity.
BY EVE GOLDEN
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN GONNELLA
What was it like being inducted into the Millburn Athletic Hall of Fame?
I was inducted in April after previously earning 12 Varsity Letters at Millburn High School in soccer, basketball and track. Sports were my sanctuary—a place where I could be powerful, tough, fearless and push myself. The time I spent playing taught me invaluable life lessons.
How have sports influenced your approach to challenges in life? One lesson was that no matter how
badly you are losing, you play until the buzzer. This message of never giving up is one that I have called upon many times in my life. When faced with my greatest challenge, fighting for my children’s lives, I remembered to keep fighting for every inch. I fought for every bit of function that they could have for the rest of their lives.
How has your daughters’ battle with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia shaped your perspective on life? My daughters, Jackie and Addison, had
Left: Lauren Gonnella celebrates a proud moment in April at the Millburn High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Right: Her daughters, Olivia, Addison and Jackie, serve up smiles at their lemonade stand.
a very rare, aggressive form of leukemia that doesn’t respond to chemotherapy. The only treatment is a bone marrow transplant, which is risky and very difficult on the body in unpredictable ways. Fighting for your children’s lives changes your outlook on the world and your priorities. The long-lasting effects of their diagnosis and treatment are ongoing for them and for me. I am terrified in ways I didn’t even know I could be. I also love more fiercely than I did before, I think because I know nothing is guaranteed.
What inspired you to write Dear Brave One?
The book came about as a healing exercise with my daughters. We drew pictures, colored and talked about their experiences. I asked them questions like, ‘What helped you in the hospital?’ It took shape as something that could maybe help other kids fighting cancer, and my daughters got very energized by thinking about it that way. At that
stage, about a year into treatment, we were talking about cancer every day. Finding a way for them to help others was empowering; it was for me as well. I received an email from another parent who read our book when their child was first diagnosed, and they said they read it with their child every night. It was a way for them to talk about what they were all going through. I was very moved, and it felt good to know that I could help someone feel seen and validated.
What future plans do you have to support families facing similar challenges?
I started down the path of mental health work while trying to figure out how to better support my children. How do I help them recover emotionally from this trauma? I started reading on my own and then applied to Seton Hall’s master’s program in Professional Counseling. Learning as much as I can has helped me feel like I have some control and some ways to
build resiliency and heal.
I am dedicated to helping the pediatric cancer community. Mental health support for pediatric cancer families is my passion, and I am currently launching a support group, Presence of Mind Therapy (presenceofmindtherapy. com), specifically for pediatric cancer moms in New Jersey. As caregivers, we give so much to our families and can work ourselves to the point of burnout. My hope is to expand and offer support groups for other caregivers as well.
Reflecting on your athletic career, what is an impactful lesson from your coaches? When I first started running track for them, I was running like I did for soccer and basketball, with my shoulders and arms ready to defend myself. They pulled me aside and told me to relax my arms and let my shoulders drop. I still recall their words when I go for runs now. And in life, putting down our armor and letting someone see the real us is the bravest thing we can do.
Lauren Gonnella, Brian Erb, Olivia, Jackie and Addison Erb at the Millburn High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Artistry in Bloom
Discover how the Township Beautification League is transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant community landscapes.
BY EVE GOLDEN
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
If you’ve admired the flourishing daffodils blooming in traffic islands, enjoyed the seasonal planters that brighten the town or taken a moment to unwind on the benches in Taylor Park, you’ve likely experienced the delightful results of the Township Beautification League’s efforts, made possible by the generosity of its members and local donors. This dedicated group of township volunteers, led by President Maggie Morreale, is committed to enhancing and maintaining our public open spaces throughout the community. They engage in a variety of beautification projects that enrich both neighborhoods and commercial areas.
In May, TBL placed over 100 flower-filled planters throughout the township, with enthusiastic volunteers lending their support. Fresh landscaping featuring foliage and flowers has also been newly accented around the township pool area. A standout initiative involved revitalizing the area surrounding the Revolutionary War plaque and flagpole at Town Hall, which had become overgrown. In honor of Lezette Proud, a founding member of TBL, a tree was planted in Hobart Park, and a commemorative plaque will be installed to follow. Last winter, large planters were placed throughout downtown and Taylor Park, further enhancing
the area’s aesthetic. To continue these impactful efforts, TBL relies on the generous donations of the community, which serve as the primary source of funding to cultivate the beauty and charm of Millburn and Short Hills.
The Township Beautification League, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1983, is always seeking volunteers and welcomes anyone interested in contributing their time. The organization invites residents to support the Township Beautification League by making taxdeductible contributions through their website at tblmillburnshorthills.org. Donations can also be made by emailing tblmillburntwp@gmail.com.
Cipriano Law Offices
REVERB RISING
MEET THE PARKERS
Electro-pop renegades rewriting love’s rulebook, The Parkers deliver burning missives on toxic love and searing social commentary. Their namesake is borrowed from their grandfather, who played drums for the Allied Forces before joining the army. After immigrating to the States, he chose the name Charlie Parker in honor of the iconic jazz musician.
The group has mined an aesthetic that draws from the essence of wasted American youth, classic rock swagger, clever punk rock mind games and the styling of modern electro-pop—a fusion that feels both familiar and futuristic.
Short Hills natives Anya Parker-Lentz (vocals and guitar) and Kate Parker-Lentz (vocals and synths) trained classically with the New Jersey Youth Chorus while attending middle and high school in Millburn. After writing music and performing solo shows for a few years, Anya invited her sister Kate to join a writing session with her then-producer and co-writer, Ido Zmishlany (Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello and The All-American Rejects). Since then, the sisters have been writing together, creating music in their New York City apartment where they play piano and guitar in their studio.
The Parkers have received praise for their smoldering live performances, harnessing unfiltered, raw energy. Driving their shows is the dynamically explosive drummer, Henry Kane, a close family friend. Highlights include appearances at Rocktoberfest, festivals like Mondo and Launch and venues such as the Highline Ballroom. The group has garnered press accolades and local awards for their video “Let’s Disappear,” featured at the Millburn Film Festival and the National Film Festival for Talented Youth in Seattle.
Get a glimpse of the band’s new music and upcoming shows at theparkersnyc.com.
Have a great image for Photo Op?
Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@millburn andshorthills.com.
