Millburn & Short Hills March 2025 by Wainscot Media

Millburn & Short Hills

GLOBETROTTERS THE OVCHINSKY FAMILY

THE RIGHT RIDE SHORT HILLS CYCLOPATHS

Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions

Aaron

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Local Style

In our mission to highlight inspiring local stories, this March issue is packed with incredible groups and individuals we’re thrilled to feature. From a dynamic local cycling group sharing their exhilarating adventures, to two unique entrepreneurs pioneering innovations in fashion and food, we’ve got it all. Our cover story shines on Caraa bags, co-founded by Short Hills’ Aaron Luo, with Millburn-based actress

BY MELISSA SPECTOR

Karen Izaguirre-Thorson styled in one of their standout pieces. Featuring a resident for a photo shoot is the ultimate vision-board moment for our team.

If you spun a map of New Jersey and landed on any town other than ours, you’d be hard-pressed to find as many fascinating people living, working and playing as we do here in Millburn-Short Hills. We love amplifying these remarkable stories that remind us how fortunate we are to live in such a vibrant community. Thank you for reaching out and trusting us to honor your story. Special thanks to our talented Editor, Eve Golden, and photographer, Melissa Spector, for keeping Millburn & Short Hills Magazine at the heart of our community’s unique style. Have something amazing to share? We’re here for it and want to know more!

With gratitude,

Mary Lima Publisher

Remember to send us your story ideas at marylima@ millburnandshorthills.com or editor@millburnandshorthills.com!

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima

Editor and Lead Writer

Eve Golden

Writers

Eve Golden

Elaine Paoloni Quilici

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.

PHOTOGRAPH

AROUND TOWN

Millburn in March

The month of March in New Jersey is still cold and gray. The wind can howl, and the rain and sleet can come down. However, Explore Millburn-Short Hills is ready to warm your hearts with community partnerships this month.

BY STEVE GRILLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS AND AMANDA DEAN, MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Started in 2023, Restaurant Week has become a favorite for Millburn-Short Hills shoppers with discounts, promotions and special menu items offered across the five districts of our Special Improvement District. 2025’s event, the third annual Restaurant Week, will start on Monday, March 24 and run through Sunday, March 30.

Restaurant Week is organized and presented by Explore Millburn-Short Hills - the Special Improvement District for Millburn Township. The event not only supports our local restaurants but gives shoppers a chance to visit local retailers and shop local during a traditionally quiet time of the year.

Leaders in the local restaurant commu-

nity have committed to the event with additional restaurants signing up daily. La Pergola, Ms. Lin Chinese Cuisine, La Strada, Splurge Bakery, Boxcar Bar & Grill and Jack’s Surf & Turf are just a few of the restaurants, bakeries and other eateries that are participating. Various meal options will include happy hour specials, prix fixe menus, new menu items, free tastings and more. Menus will become available as they are completed. Some restaurants will feature vegetarian, vegan, kosher and gluten free options.

As in years past, Explore is partnering with Opportunity Project, a Millburnbased non-profit, which provides programs and services for individuals with brain injuries, including work adjustment,

training and supported employment services. Participating restaurants will raise money for the nonprofit and some will also offer Opportunity Project members (survivors of brain injury) opportunities to work in their establishments.

March is Brain Injury Awareness month, and it could not be more fitting to partner with this organization, which trains and reintroduces people back into the workforce after they have suffered a brain injury and are on the road to recovery. Opportunity Project’s Vocational Program has successfully collaborated with over 100 organizations over the past 30 years.

For more information, visit exploremillburnshorthills.org and click the “Restaurant Week” tab.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH EXPLORE?

Explore is a volunteer driven organization. We have a nine member board appointed by the Township Committee, a 15 member Advisory Committee and numerous volunteer positions for events. Contact Steve Grillo at steve@ exploremillburnshorthills. org for more information.

Delicious Eats: Clockwise from top left: Goldberg’s Famous Deli, The Kurry Wala, Millburn Standard, Ms. Lin.

When Life Gives You Chocolate, Add Quinoa

Forget avocado toast—Short Hills snack innovator Diana Levy is rewriting the recipe for success.

BY EVE GOLDEN

In the realm of entrepreneurial fairy tales, Diana Levy’s story reads like a modern, gluten-free version of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” With a healthy dose of quinoa, a tireless entrepreneurial spirit and a lot of hustle, Levy transformed a homespun baking business into a thriving mega commercial operation. The Short Hills entrepreneur and creative force behind Undercover Snacks has changed the game of guilt-free indulgence with her innovative treats.

Crunch Time

Not yet a fantastical factory, Levy’s Undercover Snacks started as a modest operation in her home kitchen, “somewhere between a hobby and a business,” she says, satisfying the sweet tooths of friends and family. But when two of her three teenage daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, instead

of lamenting the loss of their favorite snacks, Levy saw an opportunity. “I wanted to come up with a better-for-you, gluten-free chocolate snack that was truly a snack, rather than just a chocolate bar in a bag,” she explains.

After months of experimentation in the quest for the perfect blend, Levy recalls, “I mixed ingredients in my kitchen for many months, trying to achieve certain protein, fiber and nutrient ratios and hit specific price points on the shelf.” The result? decadently delicious chocolate quinoa crisps—a satisfying crunchy snack that would soon become a major player in the health-conscious snack industry.

Old Grain, New Tricks Success didn’t come without its challenges. Levy recalls the early days of hustle: “I had to go retail door to retail door, pitch to each manager that I was authorized and see if they would take it. I didn’t have a distributor or employees; I’d bake, package and deliver the product to each store throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.”

But shortly after Levy’s Undercover product pitch and demo at a new Whole Foods launch in 2017, her business catapulted into a larger market share. “The team from Whole Foods happened to walk through the store…and they authorized me to sell throughout the Northeast,” Levy recalls.

The increasing buzz pushed Levy to seek large-scale production. After an exhaustive search for a co-manufacturer who could meet her standards, she took a giant leap of faith. With her husband’s background in food finance, they built their own state-of-the-art, dedicated gluten free and nut free production facility. In just a year, Undercover had outgrown their initial 2,000 square foot factory, upgrading to a sprawling 45,000 square foot facility.

Currently, Undercover Snacks graces the shelves of over 25,000 retailers, including giants such as Target, Walmart and CVS. With an already impressive resume of retailers, Levy leveraged the brand into the food service industry, expanding their reach internationally, with United Airlines featuring Undercover Snacks a s a complimentary indulgence on their

flights. “United launched Undercover in March 2023 and has handed out well over 100 million units since then,” Levy shares. These carefully designed snacks have also made their way into corporate cafes of major tech companies like Meta, Bloomberg, LinkedIn and Google.

In Good Company

Levy’s achievements extend beyond the snack aisle; her ingenuity and business acumen have earned her a coveted spot on the 2024 Forbes exclusive 50 Over 50 list, which spotlights trailblazing women over 50 who are pushing boundaries and reshaping cultural perceptions. Levy says, “I had no idea I’d won until it was announced by MSNBC and Forbes, so it was kind of mind blowing.”

Nestled in the esteemed Lifestyle category with fellow honorees including

Brooke Shields, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Celine Dion and Sofia Vergara, Levy has carved out a unique niche for herself, redefining what it means to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.

“I didn’t really think this was going to work on a large scale,” Levy admits, “but I just kept going with it, and I was sort of shocked when retailers started putting it on their shelves.” Despite the challenges of growing and scaling her business, Levy is the real deal in the gluten-free snack space. The most rewarding paths often begin with a simple idea, a lot of heart and a hint of chocolatey indulgence. By transforming simple ingredients into crave-worthy snacks, Levy exemplifies how unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and groundbreaking ideas can flourish at any age, fashioning a story and a snack that are boldly satisfying.

Opposite page: Diana in flight and fueling up with Undercover Snacks. This page, clockwise from top left: Diana and her husband Michael at the Fancy Food Show trade event; Forbes 50 Over 50 Celebration event; Diana, Michael and their three daughters; Undercover Snacks endcap display at Whole Foods; Diana at the Undercover production facility in East Hanover.

Where the Wild Things Are

Set off on an extraordinary excursion with the Ovchinsky family, where nature reigns free and reveals the untamed beauty and remote cultures of the world.

BY EVE GOLDEN

For this globetrotting family, the concept of home stretches from Short Hills to wherever their next adventure takes them. Having traveled to 80 countries and counting, Nadia Ovchinsky and her husband, Alex, grew up in Moscow dreaming of a world that felt elusive.

“During the Soviet era, travel outside the borders was heavily restricted,” Nadia reflects. “It’s probably this lack of access to much of the world that created a strong sense of curiosity and desire to see what lay beyond the borders.”

With only a handful of world knowledge absorbed from books and movies, Nadia and Alex relocated to the States with their families and met soon after. They built their careers in New York City—Nadia as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone and a Professor of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Alex as a facial plastic surgeon and owner of Plastic Surgery of Short Hills— while laying down roots in New Jersey, initially in Newark, then Millburn and Short Hills. “I’ve always considered this

town a home,” Nadia says. “We often travel together with other Short Hills and Livingston families, and our children grew up traveling together.”

As soon as their daughters took their first steps, the Ovchinskys began traveling the world as a family. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to freely roam the verdant jungles of Rwanda, immersed in the local wildlife or explore a pristine Arctic oasis, Nadia and her family reflect on their most unforgettable travels that will spark your inner wanderlust.

Adventures in the Mist:

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Rwanda is a nation renowned for its picturesque rolling hills and natural beauty. “We were surprised by the dedication of the people of Rwanda to embrace clean living and sustainability,” Nadia shares. “The country is now known as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ for its commitment to exceptional cleanliness, safety, rapid economic growth and peace-building.” This excursion was designed to explore the extraordinary Mountain Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes

National Park, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat firsthand. “Connecting with one of the world’s most critically endangered and intelligent species in a unique way was an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Nadia says. Unlike previous trips, the family decided to forgo a travel agent, opting instead for an independent drive through Rwanda’s rugged landscapes—a choice that impressed their local guides.

“Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is carefully regulated to protect the gorillas and their environment,” Nadia explains. Nestled within the Virunga Mountains, treks begin at Kinigi village; visitors, guided by experts, navigate dense rainforests and bamboo groves, tracking their assigned gorilla families. “The hikes can be challenging through dense vegetation, steep slopes and sometimes muddy trails,” Nadia recalls. Despite strict guidelines, young gorillas frequently display curiosity and seek out playful interactions with humans. “We watched the gorillas play, eat and take care of their young ones.”

Opposite page: The Ovchinsky family at Tsingy Rouge in Madagascar. This page: Svalbard icebergs.

Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, a burgeoning hub for art, fashion and technology, left a lasting impression. “The people of Rwanda have revamped their culture since the 1994 genocide, driven by efforts to heal, rebuild and foster unity,” Nadia explains. “Rwanda has also been actively developing its safari offerings to enhance eco-tourism. It’s only over the last decade that Rwanda has focused on developing the parks that offer all the biodiversity of the best safaris in Africa, including the big five: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and Cape buffalo.”

Arctic Escape: Svalbard and the North Pole

In the U.S., street signage often carries whimsical warnings like “Duck Crossing” or “Beware of Dog.” But venture to Longyearbyen, a remote Arctic outpost and the capital of Svalbard, and you’ll encounter a unique warning: “Beware of Polar Bears.” Drawn by the stark beauty of the Arctic, Nadia and her family will never forget their journey to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago positioned halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

“Svalbard has a diverse ecosystem,” Nadia says. “We did not expect to see Arctic foxes roaming freely with Svalbard reindeer and polar bears.” Nadia continues, “Spotting a mama polar bear with her cub and having a chance to observe them from a close distance on a Zodiac was definitely the

high point of the trip. We experienced stunning glaciers and massive icebergs, the rugged landscapes of tundra with blooming wildflowers and the dramatic fjords.” Nadia says if the family returns during polar night, it’s almost guaranteed they will see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis.

Despite its harsh, icy landscapes, Svalbard is a destination of interesting contrasts.

“It was very international, attracting young people from many parts of the world to relocate there to live and work,” Nadia reveals. The family learned that this international appeal stems from the Svalbard Treaty of 1920, which allows citizens from signatory countries equal rights to live and work in the region with minimal taxation, fostering an inclusive and diverse cultural landscape in the Arctic.

“Since it’s so close to the North Pole, people live in darkness throughout the winter and in continuous daylight in the summer; we’d always been fascinated by the idea of a place where the sun never sets,” Nadia shares.

“It’s a surreal experience of time where day/night cycles disappear. We absolutely loved staying up until midnight every night—the sunlight during midnight appears softer, and all the landscapes, especially the glaciers, have a magical golden glow.”

THE TRAVEL BLUEPRINT

A preview of what’s next and new for the Ovchinsky family:

The ultimate remote and pristine landscape, Antarctica is a secluded sanctuary requiring a deliberate journey to reach.

“This is a different experience from the Arctic and the North Pole, and it’s one continent we haven’t visited yet.”

The pursuit of fresh savannas: “Although we have seen the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya offers the highlight of the famous dramatic river crossing— when animals navigate the challenging river currents.”

Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is a dynamic cultural hub, where rich traditions meet modern influences.

“We could explore Kigali culture further since we did not get to stay in the city, and it offers so much more than we imagined prior to our visit.”

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Kigali, the capital of Rwanda; a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park; the Ovchinsky family with native gorillas. This page from left: Up close and personal with Svalbard polar bears. Right: Exploring the Arctic via Zodiac boat.

Wild Evolution: Madagascar

In the heart of the Indian Ocean off the coast of southeast Africa lies Madagascar, an island paradise that sparks the imagination with its unparalleled biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry.

From stays at quaint eco-lodges in national parks to private grand villas with beachfront views, Nadia and her family discovered a world teeming with flora and fauna, including six of the eight varieties of baobab trees in the world. Hosting half of the earth’s chameleon species, they had the incredible chance to hold the Brookesia micra, the tiniest known chameleon in the world, at just one inch long.

“There are no large mammals like you would expect to see in other parts of continental Africa, but it’s home to over 100 species of lemurs—just like in the famous DreamWorks movie,” Nadia says. “They can be seen everywhere!”

Madagascar split from the Indian subcontinent millions of years ago, and its long isolation allowed for the evolution of

unique species, tropical rainforests, savannas and spiny deserts, as well as rare geological features such as the Tsingy formations and eroded sandstone canyons. “Visiting the Tsingy Rouge and the Grey Tsingy de Bemaraha was a highlight,” Nadia says.

“The Red Tsingy, with its tall, clay-like structures carved by landslides, is the only one of its kind in the world. It’s a surreal sight, especially when you realize it’s only accessible during the dry season.”

She continues: “The Malagasy people are known for their warmth and hospitality and welcomed us with open arms, eager to share their culture and traditions.”

However, the stark juxtaposition between the natural beauty and the living conditions in rural areas provided a sobering perspective. During their visit to several villages, they encountered communities struggling without electricity, clean water or access to healthcare.

“Life happens during daylight; things get very quiet after sunset,” Nadia explains. “Having shoes and a change of clothes is a

luxury.” This eye-opening experience left a profound impact on their family.

The coastline, embellished with coral reefs and pristine beaches, offers spectacular diving and snorkeling. “The wildlife, landscapes and beaches are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” Nadia shares.

One of the most unforgettable highlights of their trip was a barbecue on Nosy Iranja Island, where they savored a delicious meal beneath the sway of palm trees.

“We reached it by walking across a sandbar at low tide. It was the most picturesque beach, surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean—Madagascar is in such a remote location that most people only get to go there once in a lifetime.”

“Whenever Alex and I talked about travel after we met, it represented much more than just recreation—for us, it’s a way to explore the world that was once out of reach, connect with different cultures, discover new places, relearn history and perhaps embrace the freedom we didn’t always have.”

This page, left: A special personal encounter with wild lemurs.

Right: Brookesia micra, the tiniest known chameleon in the world. Opposite page: A baobab tree in Madagascar.

The Style Set

Short Hills entrepreneur Aaron Luo, co-founder of Caraa bags, is setting a new standard of elevated functionality and purposeful style.

BY EVE GOLDEN

Style Legacy

He may have grown up in the cultural hub of Madrid, but Aaron Luo’s entrepreneurial spirit was woven into the fabric of his Chinese heritage. His family tree boasts generations of business savvy, starting with his great-grandfather and culminating in his grandfather, a co-founder of Flying Wheel, the titan of Chinese textile threads in the 1950s, and still thriving today. Aaron’s early career was marked by success in finance, managing corporate powerhouse General Electric, before he pivoted to fashion entrepreneurship. “It’s in my DNA,” he says, a passion that stems from a family deeply rooted in the industry.

Form and Function Intersect

The stars aligned in 2013 when Aaron crossed paths with Carmen Chen Wu, his future business partner and co-founder of Caraa bags. “It’s one of those categories within fashion that really fascinates me,” Aaron reveals. “Women’s handbags specifically can really accent what she’s wearing, make an outfit and complement her style extremely well.” Carmen, a CFDA award-winning designer with impressive stints at Alexander Wang, Marchesa and Ralph Lauren, was already creating a buzz in the fashion industry. The New York Times had even recognized her as a rising star with a keen eye for

cinematic style. “After the New York Times piece, I reached out to Carmen and learned that she had the same idea, in terms of how she felt about the handbag market and her desire to start her own brand as well,” Aaron says. Their connection, however, went beyond a shared passion for handbags. As it turned out, both Aaron and Carmen were children of the Chinese diaspora, raised in Spain during a time when their community was remarkably small. “The chance of two Chinese kids growing up in Spain, meeting in New York and wanting to start a handbag fashion brand—the odds have to be one in a million,” Aaron says.

Caraa Co-founders, Aaron Luo of Short Hills and NYC-based Carmen Chen Wu.

Millburn-based actress Karen Izaguirre-Thorson styled with the Caraa Nimbus Bag in Clay.

Elevated Essentials

And so, Caraa—a clever fusion of Aaron’s and Carmen’s names— was born. The brand is built on a foundation of heritage, chance encounters, and a shared belief that luxury should be as functional as it is visually aesthetic. “That was the genesis behind the brand, how we started,” Aaron reflects. “It’s really to give a nod to our customers who are not defined by just one thing; they’re a mom, a business owner, a traveler, an athlete...” This emphasis on functionality extends to Caraa’s signature convertible designs. Backpacks seamlessly shift into totes; duffels adapt to evolving

needs. “The concept behind that is you can accompany an active woman throughout the day,” Aaron explains. “Whether she’s crushing a workout at Equinox or heading out for date night, a Caraa bag effortlessly transitions with her.” Through meticulous craftsmanship, Caraa’s brand trifecta reimagines luxury accessories for the modern woman on the go. “I don’t love the word ‘disruption,’ but when we started the company, the idea was to give our customer something that’s highend, very well made using premium materials and finishes, while making it adaptably functional,” Aaron shares.

Sourcing top materials, like

premium recyclable nylon, “We care about the environment and want to make sure we are contributing as much as we can when it comes to the materials we use,” Aaron says.

Beyond its eco-conscious origins, the materials offer a practicality that aligns with Caraa’s ethos. “Nylon is an engineered, very durable, yet lightweight material,” Aaron says. Inherent water-repellent properties are a major design component, given their diverse collections: Baby, Travel, and Sport. “With all three of our collections, there’s a risk, to a certain extent, of spilling something inside,” Aaron says. “Nylon makes it very easy to wipe and keep clean.”

Left: Behind the Lens: A photoshoot featuring the Baby Bag, one of the brand’s bestsellers. Right: In between takes while shooting on location in NYC.

The New Neutrals

While seasonal pops of color and fresh iterations of beloved styles keep the collections feeling current, Caraa’s core styles transcend the cyclical nature of fashion. “Our concept is evergreen styles—elegant, versatile, muted colors,” Aaron explains. “We have seasonal color infusions, but neutral is something that we really stand behind. When Carmen and I go through design or concept sessions with our team, we always ask the question, ‘Why does the world need that backpack or another tote?’” Each new addition to the collection addresses the question: ‘What will this style bring to the market that doesn’t already exist?’ “If the answer is: ‘We think we can do

it better’ or ‘Ours is prettier,’ usually we end up dropping that style.”

This approach, while unconventional, has proven to be a refreshing departure from the expected ‘newness’ demanded by the traditional fashion world. “When a brand sits down with a buyer from Saks or Bloomingdale’s, their first question is, ‘What’s new?’” Aaron observes. Caraa, however, charted a different course, drawing inspiration from the rise of direct-to-consumer brands like Warby Parker, Everlane and Outdoor Voices. “When we started the brand, it was the height of the direct-to-consumer boom, and there were a lot of brands that started there,” Aaron recalls. “And the idea behind those brands was to create a story

directly with their customers through e-commerce, and we learned a lot about the DTC space from the brands that came before us.” Aaron and his team recognize the power of digital storytelling but also the importance of a product that could speak for itself. “We wanted our product to shine, versus letting the storytelling do the main job,” Aaron shares. Their awardwinning Baby Bag, a favorite among celebrities and discerning parents alike, embodies this philosophy. “The reason we started with the Baby Bag back in 2016 was because we truly couldn’t find a baby bag that’s well-made, durable, high-end, that can go with her, whether she’s taking a trip to the park or flying to Beijing,” Aaron explains.

Serving Style: The Pickleball Bag delivers a fresh reinterpretation of the classic.

Power Players

Beyond their thriving direct-to-consumer business, Caraa has strategically partnered with retailers like Free People, Gap and Athleta, expanding their reach while aligning with brands that share their values. “For the first time ever, we have also opened up distribution to select specialty boutiques that we love and that are aligned with our brand thesis,” Aaron shares. Behind the scenes at Caraa, a team of passionate creatives operates with the efficiency and ingenuity of a well-oiled machine. “We’re still under 20 people,” Aaron shares. “But I always feel, not to geek out too much, like we’re The Avengers, to a certain extent.” With about half of the team focused on design and production, the creative process is central to Caraa’s operations. Aaron continues, “Our office is uniquely structured for visual storytelling, with a dedicated photo and video studio seamlessly integrated into the workspace. Content creation is crucial for us because it educates customers and conveys the right story.”

And while Aaron, his wife Jill, and their two sons love to call Short Hills their home, Aaron spends his Monday through Friday at Caraa’s NYC downtown headquarters. “I’m the General Manager, I like to say,” Aaron shares. “I am very involved, very hands-on, together with Carmen—I just don’t think you can do it any other way.”

Left: Elevate Your Game: The Tennis Duffel and Backpack Tote are designed with premium materials and smart organization for peak performance. Right: Travel Light: Designed for versatility, the Sling Bag offers multifunctional zippers and compartments, effortlessly worn at the waist or as a crossbody.

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Designed & Built By

Crazy About Cycling

Local residents find common ground in adventure with Short Hills Cyclopaths.

Cycling long distances in bad weather and on steep terrain can be a grueling experience. But it can also be therapeutic.

“Cycling gives one the sense of freedom, wind blowing and being outdoors, along with the knowledge you’re getting a good workout in,” says Paul Khan, a retired legal professional who is part of a local cycling group called the Short Hills Cyclopaths.

Khan has lived in Short Hills for the past 12 years with his spouse, Linda, and their daughter, Onelia. The family was drawn to town for its proximity to Manhattan and the school system. Today, he appreciates the tight-knit community he has found, which includes the Cyclopaths.

“My neighbor was a member, and he kept asking me to join, but I generally rode by

BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI

myself,” Khan says. “Finally, I decided to go out with the group and am very happy with my decision.”

Spokes in the Wheel

The group was founded in March 2020 by fellow Short Hills residents Mandar Vadhavkar, Yash Chaudhary, Ankur Jain, Sanjay Wickramasinghe and Pushkar Bedekar. The name was chosen to represent the fact that they were all crazy about cycling.

The Cyclopaths now has about 15 members, all of whom are or recently were residents of town. The members are currently all men ranging from 44 years old to 63 years old. “Most, if not all, of the people in the group are active business folks

with type-A personalities,” Khan says. “Due to their personalities, there can be some competition among members, however, everyone is very considerate of other members’ strengths and weaknesses. We are a cohesive, collaborative and supportive group.”

Life on the Road

The Cyclopaths usually ride on Sundays, but some members also cycle on Thursdays and Fridays in warm weather. The season runs from March to November but is highly dependent on the weather. Almost all of the group rides are “leisurely”—that is, they cycle at a brisk pace often between 35 miles and 60 miles. Rides are tailored according to the planned outing, so organizers adjust

the mileage along with the gradient level of the hills to meet their goals. The group has several rides that start at Hartshorn Elementary and Gero Park. They also drive to other parts of the state, including Morristown and Middlesex County. Though the group doesn’t usually compete in races, they have entered the Highlands Gran Fondo in Butler the past several years. About 62 miles long and with an elevation of nearly 4,500 feet, this is the most challenging ride Khan has completed.

Once a year, the Cyclopaths plan a trip outside New Jersey. In June 2023, they cycled in Glacier National Park in Montana. In April 2024, they travelled to Lake Como, Italy, where they cycled up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cycling. The trip remains one of Khan’s favorites. He looks forward to visiting the South of France this September where the group will

cycle up Mont Ventoux—an iconic climb sometimes included in the Tour de France. Independent of the group, Khan also has cycled in Italy, Spain and Brazil.

Safety First

For all the pleasure cycling provides, the sport isn’t easy on the body. “When we cycled in Glacier National Park, our ride up the Continental Divide was cold and in the pouring rain,” Khan says. “Cycling in the hot weather is also challenging due to hydration and the possibility of cramps.”

He prepares for long-distance rides by drinking plenty of water and eating a carbohydrate-rich meal the night before. The day of the ride, Khan always packs water and other hydration liquids, gels, nuts and energy bars. When it comes to safety, Khan wishes motorists were more careful around cyclists. “A car has seat belts; a windshield to block wind, bugs and other flying objects;

airbags; and cushion zones,” Khan says. “Cyclists have none of those safety features. When we get into an accident, our bodies hit the ground.”

Cyclists are required to follow the same laws as cars, and in 2022, New Jersey instituted a law requiring motorists to remain at least 4 feet away from cyclists. Unfortunately, most motorists don’t follow that law. “Drivers can be inconsiderate and seem unaware of the vulnerabilities we face on the road,” Khan says. “There should be a better marketing campaign to make more drivers aware of the 4-foot law. The perfect ride is a safe ride where we all enjoy the route and company and make it home without any injuries.”

Opposite page: Grand Fondo Race, Highlands, New Jersey. This page, clockwise from top left: Group ride in South Jersey; In Sorrento, Italy on a family vacation cycling with a local guide; Lake Como, Italy.

Elaine Paoloni Quilici is a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Vetted, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.

Cipriano Law Offices

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Writing the Future

Washington School fifth grader and junior journalist Bradley Tsai offers a kid’s-eye view of the Millburn High School Robotics Team, proposes a new school subject and talks all things Shohei Ohtani.

BY EVE GOLDEN

What was your recent experience at Code Day like?

Of all the electives offered at school, why did you choose the Washington School Post?

There were a lot of electives to choose from, like the STEM Museum, Hour of Code, Tinker Time!, MIT Challenge and Stop Motion Slide Project. I chose the Washington School Post because I like creative writing, which can grab the reader’s attention. I first think of what I am writing about and start to build from there. In the end, I will add descriptions and try not to repeat words. There are 29 students in the Post, and each one brings their own voice and ideas. Writing allows us to learn from each other and improve our writing skills. I feel like I will write more in middle school and high school because I like sharing my experiences in a creative way.

Code Day was held at our school, and everyone participated. The Millburn High School Robotics Team was there, and I learned about how computers work and discovered that there are many different programming languages. I even got a taste of what it would be like to be a software engineer, creating cool programs and solving problems. I chose to write about the MHS Robotics Team because I was excited about all the things they were doing—there was so much to explore and share about their projects. It was a whole day full of activities.

INTERVIEW WITH BRADLEY TSAI

If you could write a TV show or movie that’s guaranteed to be produced, what would it be about?

I really like and admire Shohei Ohtani from the LA Dodgers. I think it would be interesting to see what he has been through and all the things he has accomplished to become such a great baseball player. It’s so cool that he’s one of baseball’s greatest hitters and also one of its best pitchers, and I’d love to learn more about his life off the field too, like what he enjoys doing when he’s not playing baseball.

Tell us about an achievement you’re proud of, and why it is important to you.

I am proud to have made it onto the Millburn Millers baseball travel team, because I really enjoy the sport. One of my favorite activities in Millburn is playing baseball at Gero Park in Short Hills. Since I love baseball so much, it would be very cool to go on my dream vacation to an MLB game and meet all the players.

What isn’t a subject in school that you think should be and how would you teach it?

I think esports, a form of gaming competitions, is really interesting because it helps with teamwork, makes new friends and can even improve learning abilities. It is playing video games together while also working towards a common goal. If I were to teach esports, I would make sure to create fair teams, and I’d let them choose all the games they wanted to play. It would be a great way for everyone to have fun while learning how to work together.

Opposite page, left: Bradley at the MLB store in New York City.

Right: At the Liberty Science Center. This page, left to right: Millburn Robotics at MHS, Bradley’s Washington School Post writing project, South Mountain Elementary School graduation ceremony with principal Scott Wolfe.

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Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

For ten years, the crack of the bat and cheers echoing from the Glenwood Elementary School field have signaled the height of summer in Millburn and Short Hills. At the Millburn Township Women’s Softball League, summer evenings from June to August transform the diamond into a haven of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Robin Finkelstein, a Short Hills resident since 1999, had always been a spectator,

cheering on her kids from the bleachers at their school games. However, life, much like softball, threw her a curveball when Hurricane Sandy impacted her Toms River summer home. After this event, an unexpected opportunity to join the Women’s Softball League arose, shifting Finkelstein from sideline observer to spirited Flygirls team member.

The league, hosting players of all skill

levels, highlights the power of community sports to connect and uplift. The Mad Batters, Flygirls, Wonder Women and Batting Divas, some composed of mother-daughter duos, take to the field with a shared passion, transforming friendly competition into lasting bonds. And when the dust settles and the final out is called, the celebration continues at Boxcar, where laughs and shared stories flow as freely as the summer breeze.