Issuu

Millburn & Short Hills

OCTOBER 2026

STEM TAKES FLIGHT MHS ROBOTICS TEAM

ROCK, REPEAT

ROCKTOBERFEST IS BACK

Beyond Beauty ESSENTIAL BEAUTY HOUSE

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Contents OCTOBER 2026

13 F EATU RES

Beyond Beauty

At Essential Beauty House, owners Julie Passos and Christianne Neves offer a fresh perspective on the art of beauty.

Rock, Repeat

Rocktoberfest has grown into a beloved tradition and one of the community’s most successful fundraisers. 22

Four Milburn High School robotics students traveled to Kenya to teach robotics—and found themselves learning just as much in return.

22 6

STEM Takes Flight

I N EVERY I S SUE

PUBLISHER’S NOTE In Good Company

AROUND TOWN A Spooky Celebration

LOCAL TASTES Dessert by Design

Q&A Game On

COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE Growing Together

PHOTO OP Serving a Purpose

COVER

The owners of Essential Beauty House, Christianne Neves and Julie Passos. Photograph by Antonietta Henry

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$250 dOersFoFf

N e w O r M o re $1000 or /2026 Offer expir

es on 10/3

FINANCING AVAILABLE

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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE

THERE IS SOMETHING

especially rewarding about seeing an idea take shape and become part of the fabric of a community. It might begin with a new business, evolve into a tradition, or create an opportunity for someone else. At the heart of our cover story is Essential Beauty House, the new downtown studio founded by Julie Passos and Christianne Neves. Their approach to beauty is thoughtful and personal, with individuality taking precedence over trends and self-care treated as an essential part of the experience.

We also look at Rocktoberfest, which began 11 years ago as a simple idea shared by Micole Cohen Richter and Joanna Parker-Lentz and has since grown into one of Millburn’s most anticipated community traditions. Today, the festival draws more than 6,000 people and has raised more than $1 million for Millburn’s schools. Its evolution reflects the volunteers, families and community partners who continue to give their time and energy to make it happen. Thousands of miles from home, four Millburn High School robotics students found a different kind of classroom. Ayden Dai, Karson Jiang, Derek Zhang, and Roger Zhu traveled to Kenya to teach robotics and coding, but the experience ultimately became an exchange, giving the students new perspectives on education, culture and the power of opportunity. Three very different stories, but each offers a reminder of what can happen when people put their ideas into action and make room for others along the way. We hope you enjoy this issue. Share your thoughts and ideas at marylima@ millburnandshorthills.com or editor@ millburnandshorthills.com.

MAGAZINE

Warm regards,

Production Designer Chris Ferrante

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIA MALOOF VERDEROSA

IN GOOD COMPANY

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Publisher Mary Lima marylima@millburnandshorthills.com Editor and Lead Writer Eve Golden editor@millburnandshorthills.com Writer Eve Golden Photographer Antonietta Henry

WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden SVP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Executive Editor Elaine Quilici Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario

Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mary Lima

Publisher millburnandshorthills.com @millburnshorthills_magazine

Have a story idea?

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Millburn & Short Hills

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 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Email the editor: editor@millburnandshorthills.com

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AROUND TOWN

A Spooky Celebration Halloween comes to downtown Millburn. BY MICHELLE LEMIEUX THERE IS NO shortage of things to

love about fall in Millburn: the crisp air, vibrant leaves, cozy eateries, and the simple pleasures of just spending more time outdoors. But when Halloween arrives, our downtown takes on a personality all its own. Each year, the streets of Millburn fill with costumed children and families, decorations galore, and plenty of Halloween spirit as Explore Millburn-Short Hills hosts its annual Halloween celebration. Now in its fifth year, the event has become one of the community’s favorite traditions, bringing neighbors together, as well as those from surrounding towns, for an afternoon of fun. The event is designed with families in mind, turning downtown into a festive destination where trick-or-treaters can

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collect candy (amongst other surprises) from participating businesses and enjoy the excitement of Halloween in a safe and welcoming setting. “Our local business owners are key in helping create an experience that extends throughout the entire town,” says the Explore team. For many, the event has become part of their Halloween tradition; an opportunity to get dressed up, walk through town to their favorite stores through the trick-or-treat trail, and make an entire day and night of it. This year, Explore is intentionally hosting its Halloween celebration on Friday, Oct. 30, rather than Saturday, Oct. 31. With Halloween falling on a weekend, it’s likely to be focused on traditional trick-ortreating, neighborhood celebrations, and family activities. Holding the event the night before creates a separate opportunity to bring people into town, enjoy the Halloween atmosphere, and shop, dine, and

support local businesses without competition. Beyond the trick-or-treat trail, Halloween in downtown Millburn is planning for pumpkin painting, costume contests, a DJ, facepainting, costumed characters, and more. The experience will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., free and open to the public.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS 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 town, including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.

Michelle Lemieux is a freelance writer and communications/PR executive and founder of Radiancy Communications. She is Interim Executive Director for Explore Millburn-Short Hills and co-leads the nonprofit Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors. A born-and-bred New Jersey girl, she resides in Livingston with her husband and two daughters. OCTOBER 2026 |

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LOCAL TASTES

Dessert by Design Roxanne Kam has spent two decades turning a longtime entrepreneurial dream into a successfully sweet dessert business.

FOR ROXANNE KAM, home has long been Short Hills for the past 24 years, and for almost just as long, she was turning a longtime ambition into something tangible. 20 years ago, she co-founded RW Delights with a vision of building both a forprofit and a nonprofit organization. Her professional background had already given her experience on the nonprofit side as CFO of the New Jersey Symphony. The business of sweets became the realization of another long-held dream. A SWEET ENTERPRISE Today, RW Delights is behind two brands, Heavenly Chocolate Soufflé and Heavenly Crème Brûlée, with products available at retailers including ShopRite, Kings, Wegmans, Wine Library, and Whole Foods. Running the business is now Kam’s responsibility, a shift that required her to step into an expanded role. “I had to come out of my comfort zone and be a salesperson,” she says. One of the pivotal moments came when RW Delights began selling to Trader Joe’s for a four-year period. The relationship helped scale the business and ultimately opened the door to nationwide distribution.

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For Kam, quality begins with the ingredients themselves: sourcing high-quality, “clean” ingredients from trusted distributors, complemented by a well-maintained facility and efficient processes that ensure consistency. Whether considering flavor, production, or expansion, the priority remains preserving the standard of quality.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ROXANNE KAM

THE ART OF THE DESSERT The concept behind Heavenly Chocolate Soufflé is simple but intentional. Kam wanted to create a restaurant-quality dessert that was easy to prepare, looked homemade, and could be served directly at the table, giving the customer the feeling of being the gourmet chef. Made with highquality chocolate that cannot be found in a supermarket, the soufflé is intended to be distinctive, airy, decadent, and delicious, with the viscosity of the chocolate playing an important role in its texture. Crème brûlée called for a different level of precision. Developing the recipe involved plenty of trial and error to achieve

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LOCAL TASTE S Roxane Kam with her daughter, Isabel, at a food trade show at the Javits Center.

the desired taste and texture. Today, the process depends on carefully controlling the temperature of the ingredients to get it right. The desserts arrive frozen in reusable ceramic ramekins, an intentional choice that reduces plastic use while keeping preparation simple, with no fuss or mess. That same practical approach extends beyond the desserts. Kam opens her factory to startup food companies, giving entrepreneurs a place to test whether their ideas can become viable businesses before making a major investment. She knows firsthand how

challenging and costly the early steps can be. Having learned from others in the industry when RW Delights was starting out, she wanted to create an opportunity to extend that same support to others. “I thought it would be great to give back and give others a chance,” Kam says. “We learned so much at the beginning from others in the business that I wanted to offer advice and help to others starting out, if they needed it.” PAYING IT FORWARD The spirit of giving back extends to the local community, particularly through

RW Delights’ partnerships with school districts. The program began with a suggestion from Kam’s neighbor, Debbie Kiraly, a social worker at the Development Learning Center in Warren. Kiraly explained that students with special needs were looking for opportunities at local businesses to develop life skills and gain experience before graduating. For Kam, the value of the program goes beyond learning individual tasks. Students build skills, confidence, and independence while gaining a firsthand understanding of what it means to have a job, to show up, be responsible, and complete what is expected of them. It is also a natural extension of what continues to motivate Kam. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves, getting to work, and hearing directly from customers who have enjoyed her products. She also credits her employees, whose positive attitudes make the work rewarding. “I love to get feedback from our customers about how much they enjoyed our product. That makes me happy and always motivates me,” she says. “I am also very lucky to have employees who always have a positive attitude, and I enjoy working with them.” After two decades, the next chapter is taking RW Delights west. Kam sees an opportunity to build the company’s presence in California, Oregon, and Washington. A chain store in Oregon is expected to become a new retail opportunity at the beginning of next year. For Kam, the ambition remains rooted in the same hands-on approach that started it all, continuing to create, work, and build something worth sharing.

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Beyond Beauty

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

Owners of Essential Beauty House, left: Christianne Neves, right: Julie Passos.

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OCTOBER 2026 |

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The team at Essential Beauty House, from left: Christina Kontos, Beatriz Diaz, Christianne Neves, Julie Passos, and Juliana Peralta.

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At Essential Beauty House, owners Julie Passos and Christianne Neves offer a fresh perspective on the art of beauty.

BY EVE GOLDEN THERE IS SOMETHING powerful about feeling at home in your own skin. At Essential Beauty House, that belief is at the heart of the experience. Founded by Julie Passos and Christianne Neves, the new studio draws on more than a decade of experience in brows, permanent makeup, and education. Their work has earned national and international recognition, and their careers have taken them around the world, educating and speaking in countries from France to Brazil. BEAUTY, REIMAGINED Essential Beauty House is the space where beauty, self-care and purpose come together. “To us, beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. It is how a woman feels when she recognizes herself again,” Passos says. “Beauty

Top: Essential Beauty House carries their own line of makeup, including lip oil, lip gloss, and eyebrow pencil.

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Left: Owner Julie Passos. Right: Owner Christianne Neves.

is confidence, self-care, and feeling comfortable in your own skin—not feeling like you need to be fixed.” Essential Beauty House was created around the simple distinction that enhancement should never mean erasure. In an industry where trends can quickly become templates, Passos and Neves wanted to create an environment where individuality comes first. “I saw how easy it can be for the

beauty industry to turn insecurity into a business model,” Passos shares. A client may arrive with a specific treatment or trend in mind, but the recommendation begins with her individual features, lifestyle, and goals. “Sometimes the most professional thing we can do is tell someone, ‘You don’t need this,’” she continues. “We want women to leave feeling more confident, not more dependent on us.”

That commitment extends to the consultation itself. The team looks beyond shape, color, and preference to understand the reason behind a request. A desire for fuller brows, for example, may have less to do with a particular brow shape and more to do with confidence. The approach is equally thoughtful when it comes to micropigmentation. Rather than relying on a single technique or aesthetic, the team considers skin, undertone, facial anatomy, natural asymmetries, lifestyle, healing, color retention, and long-term expectations. “The biggest difference is that we don’t work from trends— we work from individuality,” Passos says. THE ESSENTIALS The studio’s Essential Brow | Mapping + Shaping, which Passos describes as “the foundation of what we do,” is customized for each client, taking into consideration facial structure, bone structure, natural brow growth, and symmetry. From there, the client and artist determine what should be preserved, reshaped, or enhanced. “The brow can

THE BARE ESSENTIALS Three simple ways to bring out your best— no products required. 1. Take Care of Your Body Hydrate, nourish yourself well, move your body, and give yourself enough rest. When we care for our body, it shows—not just in our skin, but in our energy and the way we carry ourselves. 2. Nurture Your Mind and Spirit Create space to slow down, be still, and protect your peace. Beauty is not only about what we put on our face; it is also a reflection of what we are carrying within. 3. Exercise Your Authenticity Your beauty has its own language. It lives in your features, your expressions, your story, and in the things that make you unlike anyone else.

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completely change the expression and balance of the face,” she says. For those interested in enhancement without permanence, The Essential Brow + Tint offers a temporary alternative. The brows are mapped and shaped for the individual face, then tinted to create a fuller, more defined effect by enhancing the natural hairs. It can also offer a first step for clients curious about micropigmentation but hesitant about making a permanent commitment. For lips and eyes, the same individualized approach applies. Lip blush and lip correction take into account natural lip color, undertone, shape, symmetry, and existing pigmentation, while eyeliner enhancement and smokey eyeliner are tailored to eye shape, eyelid anatomy, and lifestyle. “There is no template that works beautifully on everyone,” Passos says. “And natural doesn’t necessarily mean invisible. To us, natural means balanced, intentional, and appropriate for the woman wearing it.”

MORE THAN THE MIRROR Inside the studio, the commitment to a thoughtful, personal approach extends to the team, too. Guest Experience Coordinator Juliana creates a welcoming, seamless arrival, while facial specialists Cristina Kontos and Beatriz bring expertise in advanced facials, Korean facial techniques, lifting massage, and brows and lash lifts. And as Essential Beauty House prepares to launch three new beauty essentials this fall—Lip Oil, Lip Gloss, and Eyebrow Pencil—the same principle carries through. Each product is designed to enhance, from the hydrating glow of the Lip Oil to the polished shine of the Lip Gloss and the versatile definition of the Eyebrow Pencil. The Essential experience extends beyond the treatment itself. Clients are offered complimentary tea and a moment to pause, reflecting the studio’s belief that self-care should create space for restoration as well as transformation. “Women spend

so much of their lives taking care of everyone and everything around them,” Passos says. “Sometimes, they need a place where they don’t have to do anything—just sit, breathe, have a cup of coffee or tea, and allow themselves to be cared for.” Their broader sense of purpose, through Mulher Essencial, Essential Beauty House offers a complimentary permanent makeup service once a month to a woman who has gone through cancer, creating a moment centered on care, confidence, and restoration. “For us, nurturing the soul is about caring for the whole woman—not just how she looks, but how she feels when she leaves our doors,” Passos says. It is also why downtown Millburn felt like the right home. Passos and Neves were drawn to the sense of community and the balance of sophistication and warmth. “We weren’t looking for just a location. We were looking for a community where our philosophy could take root.” Visit Essential Beauty House at 281 Essex Street. OCTOBER 2026 |

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W Rock, Repeat

Today, Rocktoberfest brings together more than 6,000 people, with three stages, dozens of vendors and more than $1 million raised for Millburn’s schools.

Rocktoberfest has grown into a beloved tradition and one of the community’s most successful fundraisers. BY EVE GOLDEN

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WHEN MICOLE COHEN Richter and Joanna Parker-Lentz first envisioned Rocktoberfest, they never imagined it would grow to this scale. 11 years ago, the two community volunteers and fellow music lovers had a simple idea to create a festival where the entire community could come together around music, food, and fun. Today, Rocktoberfest draws more than 6,000 people, features three stages and dozens of vendors, and has raised more than $1 million for Millburn’s schools. A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION Cohen Richter and Parker-Lentz remain at the center of it all as cofounders and co-chairs, working alongside a large volunteer operation, township departments, the school

district, and community partners to bring the annual celebration to life. “We’re supported by a large team of volunteers, many of whom have been with us for years,” Cohen Richter says. “Within that group are our Zone Captains—volunteers who take full ownership of specific areas like the Kids Zone, Beer Garden, vendors and our Low Sensory space, running each one like its own well-oiled operation.” That volunteer spirit has been part of Rocktoberfest from the beginning. The festival launched in 2016 with one stage and food cooked by the organizers themselves. What began as a community-building “friendraiser” quickly developed into something much larger. “11 years ago, a handful of Millburn Education Foundation

(MEF) board members and fellow music lovers sat down with a simple idea: create a community event centered on music that anyone could enjoy together,” Cohen Richter recalls. “Millburn is a town where parents show up for the schools, for the township, and for each other. We wanted an event that channeled that same spirit of involvement into something fun and unifying.” POWERED BY PEOPLE The growth of Rocktoberfest has been fueled by the community itself. More than 50 parent volunteers and an equally strong group of teen volunteers help make the festival happen, with many returning year after year. “What’s been amazing to watch is how our

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MICOLE COHEN RICHTER

Three stages keep the music going throughout the day, with genres ranging from indie and reggae to blues, classic rock, and Bollywood.

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volunteer base has evolved right alongside the event,” Cohen Richter says. Some volunteers have been involved since the first year, while others have taken on increasingly significant responsibilities as their children have grown. Over the years, Rocktoberfest has also become more streamlined, with returning departments, board members and volunteers bringing institutional knowledge and expertise in fundraising, logistics, design and operations. “Everyone brings a different piece of the puzzle,” she says, “and it’s that collective expertise, more than any single new attraction, that’s really transformed the event and made it sustainable.”

Above: Left to right: Rocktoberfest co-founders and co-chairs Micole Cohen Richter and Joanna Parker-Lentz, vendor captains Debbie Tuths and Roseanne Perretti, communications and MEF board member Allie Harwood.

IN THE GROOVE Intentionally designed for all ages, families can spend the day in the Kids Zone, teens can discover emerging musicians on the Riverside Stage, adults can browse artisan and retail

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With something for everyone, families can spend the day in the Kids Zone, teens can discover emerging musicians on the Riverside Stage, and adults can browse artisan and retail vendors or unwind in the Beer Garden. Photograph courtesy of Bruce Koplitz Photography.

vendors or relax in the Beer Garden, and grandparents can enjoy live music and food in a comfortable setting. “We think of Rocktoberfest less as one event and more as several experiences happening in the same space at the same time, so there’s a natural entry point for everyone,” Cohen Richter explains. On Sept. 26, three stages kept the music going throughout the day, with genres ranging from indie and reggae to blues, classic rock and Bollywood. The Bauer Center Stage lineup included Local Heroes, Better Late and Rini before headliner Leon & The Peoples closed out the night. The Riverside Stage, meanwhile, put the spotlight on teen bands and emerging performers. The festival has also expanded its commitment to inclusion. Its Low Sensory Zone provides a quieter space for children and families who need a break from the energy of the

main festival, with support from the Special Olympics of New Jersey and, this year, an expanded partnership with the Paper Mill Playhouse. “We are thrilled that such an esteemed theater has partnered with us to make our event even more inclusive of everyone in our community,” she says. For all its entertainment value, Rocktoberfest has a deeper purpose. It has become the largest fundraiser for the Millburn Education Foundation, helping fund projects and programs throughout the Millburn Public Schools. Among the initiatives supported by Rocktoberfest proceeds are the Millburn High School media and television production studio, VEX Robotics equipment, the new media den at Washington School, and the Millburn Middle School Peace Garden. THE BEAT GOES ON The Rocktoberfest tradition has become a defining part of the

community’s fall calendar. “Families who came as young kids are now coming back as teenagers volunteering or interning with us,” Cohen Richter says. “Neighbors who met at the festival years ago still meet up at the same spot every year.” This year marks the festival’s 10th year and, for Cohen Richter and Parker-Lentz, an important turning point. After 11 years of planning, the co-founders are actively looking for the people who will eventually take over the reins. “We love this event, but we know it can’t depend on just the two of us forever,” Cohen Richter says. Rocktoberfest has come a long way from its one-stage beginnings, growing into a festival powered by volunteers, embraced by families and rooted in community. Now, the co-founders are looking ahead to the next chapter, finding the next generation ready to take the stage. OCTOBER 2026 |

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STEM Takes Flight Four Milburn High School robotics students traveled to Kenya to teach robotics—and found themselves learning just as much in return. BY EVE GOLDEN

AFTER TRAVELING to Kenya last year as members of the Millburn High School robotics program, juniors Ayden Dai and Karson Jiang returned this August, joined by fellow junior Derek Zhang and senior Roger Zhu. Together, the four took on leadership roles through TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission) and the GRACE Initiative, working with Kenyan students and educators.

They arrived with robotics kits, lesson plans, and plenty of technical knowledge. They left with a different perspective on education, communication, culture and the power of simply giving someone an opportunity. CRACKING THE CODE For Dai, robotics has been part of his life since third grade. Now captain of his high school team, he has

TEEEM MHS students and two educators at GRACE Academic Center overseeing robotics soccer practice.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TEEEM (THE EMPATHY EQUALITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP MISSION)

experienced firsthand how much the discipline can teach beyond engineering. “What I love about robotics is that it brings so many different areas of learning together,” he says. “You get teamwork, communication, and strategy, but you also use concepts from subjects like physics and math while actually getting to use your hands and see a product you made.” The partnership introduced the students to Kenya’s efforts to expand access to quality education and gave them an opportunity to bring robotics to students. And the goal was to teach them how to think. “When we partnered with TEEEM, we saw an opportunity to introduce students to robotics at an earlier age, exposing them to problem-solving skills and the engineering process,” Dai says. Jiang was surprised by how hands-on learning could be in Kenya. To demonstrate why precise instructions matter in coding, “One student guided their blindfolded partner through a task, which forced them to make the instructions extremely precise,” Jiang says. “In my opinion, learning this way through firsthand experience is much more effective than just listening to a lecture.” LEARNING TO LEAD For Zhang, teaching meant communicating with students, teachers, and school officials, often people he had just met. With technical knowledge alone not enough, he had to figure out

Top: TEEEM MHS students at GRACE Academic Center, TEEEM’s partner school in Kenya. Bottom: Students at GRACE Academic Center on their lunch break.

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how to make complicated concepts understandable to people with different backgrounds and levels of experience. “I had to introduce myself confidently to staff and officials I’d just met, then immediately shift into explaining robotic concepts in a way

that was clear and easy for the kids to understand,” he says. That meant simplifying his language, reading the room, and changing his approach when something wasn’t landing. “I used more hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step

instructions and checked in with students and teachers more often to make sure everyone was on the same page,” Zhang shares. “Overall, this experience has made me a more adaptable communicator.” He also remembers the deep respect shown toward teachers and elders, the constant greetings and the strong sense of community woven into everyday interactions. “The greetings and respect of teachers and elders, and the rhythmic exchange really emphasized a sense of community that I hadn’t really experienced consistently back in the States,” he says. For Zhu, the most powerful moments came during home visits. Seeing where some students lived and understanding the challenges

Top: Karson Jiang giving welcoming remarks during morning assembly to the students at GRACE Academic Center in Kisii, Kenya. Bottom: TEEEM staff and MHS students visiting GRACE Academic Center students’ homes in Kisii, Kenya. Left to right: Jarret Schecter, TEEEM founder; James Novotny, retired Livingston High School teacher; Kenyan students’ mother; TEEEM MHS students—Roger Zhu, Ayden Dai, Derek Zhang, and Karson Jiang; GRACE Academic student; and Michelle Della Fortuna, TEEEM Vice President of Finance and Strategy.

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Left: TEEEM MHS students helping build a vertical garden at student’s home so they have access to fresh vegetables. Right: Left to right: Karson Jiang, Ayden Dai, and Derek Zhang bonding with students at a school in Kisii, Kenya.

their families faced put the entire experience into sharper focus. Some students were being raised by grandparents or had limited contact with their parents. Some families could afford to send only one child to the Greater GRACE Academic Center. “It made me realize just how important the scholarships offered by the school and STEM education were to the people of Kenya,” he says. BUILT TO LAST Long-term impact is central to TEEEM’s approach. Rather than creating a program that depends on American students returning year after year, the organization is working with the GRACE Initiative and CEMASTEA (The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa) to train Kenyan educators who can continue teaching robotics and coding themselves. The MHS students helped launch the robotics initiative

during the 2025 to 2026 school year. Since then, they have helped recruit students from five additional New Jersey schools, each partnered with a school in Kisii, Kenya. The program is also expanding its focus to coding, using VEX’s blockbased platform to make programming more accessible while connecting coding directly to autonomous robotics. Students can experiment, see what happens, and revise their work. For TEEEM, the students are peer leaders, mentors, and collaborators. The Kenyan educators remain essential to the program’s future, bringing local knowledge and ensuring the lessons continue after the American students leave. MOMENTS THAT MATTER As the trip concluded, five schools competed in a robotics competition, the first STEM competition of its kind for those schools. Zhangs says, “Watching students who had only

recently been introduced to robotics confidently demonstrate what they’d built and show off the skills they’d learned was incredibly inspiring and powerful.” For Zhu, “I went expecting to teach robotics and came home having learned more about Kenyan culture, classrooms, and community than I taught.” For the students who had arrived only recently knowing little about robotics, the competition represented something bigger than winning. “They made the impact of the trip feel real and lasting,” Zhang says. “Not just something that ended when I left. But hopefully the start of something that continues to grow in Kenya.” Dai hopes that is what people take away from their story. “We brought robotics to Kenya thinking we were going there to teach, but we also saw how quickly students could take an unfamiliar idea and make it their own when they were just given the opportunity.” OCTOBER 2026 |

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Game On Jersey Sports Finder brings thousands of New Jersey games, teams and venues together in one place.

What was the spark for Jersey Sports Finder—what problem were you trying to solve when you created it? Sports are a big part of our family’s life. Not just playing and participating, but as a social event. We often head to local high school or college games on a relative whim, in addition to more planned outings. I struggled to find a quick, easy place to scan all the games happening, whether on a weekday evening hours before tipoff or looking ahead. It felt like a gap and a need, as today the information is fragmented and puts the onus on the fan to already have a plan. Jersey Sports Finder brings all the games to you.

Was there a specific moment (a game you wanted to find, but couldn’t) that pushed you to act? Not a single moment, but more ongoing frustration. With all the technology at our disposal, it bothered me that you had to go “digging” in multiple places to discover what should be available and accessible on one site. There have also been numerous times we’ve been identifying potential outings or family activities and were unaware of great matchups happening close by. It’s what specifically motivated the customizable alerts on the site.

Top left: Bonsignore and daughter Ellie watch the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark. Below: A Rutgers soccer match. INTERVIEW WITH

STEPHEN BONSIGNORE FROM HIGH SCHOOL rivalries to college and pro matchups, Short Hills founder Stephen Bonsignore is getting families out of the house and into the stands with Jersey Sports Finder. What is your professional background, and when did you start Jersey Sports Finder? My career has been focused on brand communications, including more than two decades in public relations and marketing. I’ve run my own consultancy for the past seven years, working with brands, agencies, and startups, and currently serve as CMO at a leading advertising agency. Concepting for Jersey Sports Finder began earlier this summer, and the site soft-launched in August.

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How did your background as a sports fan, and as a dad, shape what the platform needed to do? Both have shaped the early-stage build. The ability to search games based on drive time. The breadth of sports across levels, gender, and region. Even showing real logos of college and pro teams. Those details were all sportsloving fan-driven. The dad part reminds me that this is about the power of athletics to bring people together. There are so many positives about watching sports (at any level), in different places with diverse fan bases, beyond simply seeing tremendous players and the inherent drama sports provide. When parents, students, and fans use your site, what are they typically trying to accomplish in that moment—find something nearby, last-minute tickets, or plan a weekend? Early users are parents for whom frequent sports outings are already part of their lifestyle. They’ve enjoyed

the notion of exploring more options in one spot and being able to purchase tickets from the same place. In time, I see the power of Jersey Sports Finder for players, coaches, and fans who want to see teams that they’ll meet on their schedules that season or simply to catch top prospects playing across the state in-person versus via a social media highlight. Are there certain sports and levels you are most passionate about showcasing— high school, college, pro, youth, everything? The goal and the value of Jersey Sports Finder is to bring as many events onto the platform as possible. There’s magic in catching a Devils game at Prudential or seeing the Jets or Giants at MetLife, for sure. But, particularly if you’re the parent of a young athlete, I find it just as exciting to get up close and personal at a Seton Hall women’s hoops game or a Somerset Patriots minor league game. Not to mention classic rivalries

Top left: The New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Top right: Bonsignore’s daughters Ellie and Julie cheer Seton Hall hoops against Georgetown at the Prudential Center. Bottom left: Millburn High School basketball. Bottom right: The New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

like Don Bosco vs. Bergen Catholic in football or Seton Hall Prep vs. Delbarton in lacrosse are all within a short distance. It’s such a great state for sports across the board, both on the men’s and women’s side, that we wanted to go far beyond pro. Why do you think live sports, especially high school and local games, create such strong community connections? The reality of family life today, for better or worse, is a lot of running around. Gathering in the stands with friends, neighbors, and strangers forces community in a way that’s visceral and powerful. High school and local college games offer something different than fancy arenas and elite pros. It’s more attainable and more accessible. Those experiences don’t carry triple-figure price tags, and the lower barrier to entry contributes to something purer. OCTOBER 2026 |

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na tsrsin #1 1 Agents in Millburn / Short Hills f#1 o1 r 1A9ge ye , iM ncillubduirnng /2S0h2o4r!t Hills for 19 years, including 2024!

ein ch t2 R4e!altors for 19 years, including 2024! #1 Agents at Weich ert Realtors for#119Aygeeanrsts, iantcW lud ge2r0 Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking $4,995,000. 8 Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. #1 Agents in Essex County for 14 years!

1 Agents in Essex County for 14 years! #

R EAL ESTATE REPORT

na tsrsin #1 1 Agents in Millburn / Short Hills f#1 o1 r 1A9ge ye , iM ncillubduirnng /2S0h2o4r!t Hills for 19 years, including 2024!

RECENT HOME SALES – AUG ‘26 - SEP ‘26

ein ch t2 R4e!altors for 19 years, including 2024! #1 Agents at Weich ert Realtors for#119Aygeeanrsts, iantcW lud ge2r0 n Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking $4,995,000. 8 Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. # 1 A g e n t s i n E s s e x C o unty for 14 years! #1 Agents in Essex County for 14 years! 3 Winston Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking8 $4,995,000. 8 Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,28 Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking $4,995,000. Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000.

Millburn and Short Hills

Address Price2024! #1 Agents in Millburn / Beds/Baths Short Hills for 19 years, List including

Sale Price

#1 Aggeennttss iinn M Miilllbbuurrnn // SShhoorrtt H Hiilllss ffoorr 1199 yyeeaarrss,,in inccluluddiningg22002244! ! #1 11 A

27 HILLSIDE AVE $5,990,000 #1 Agents years, including 2024! $5,675,000 A tW Weeiicchheerrtt R Rat lttoorr6/6.2 #11 A ggeennttss aatNationally eeaalWeichert ss ffoorr 1144Realtors yyeeaarrss!! for 19 A EsEssex ssseexx C CooCounty 199 yy14 incclu luddin ingg22002244!! #1 Agents #11 A ggeennttss iinninE uunnttyy ffoorr 1for eeaarryears! ss,, in 7/7.1 19 SHELLEY RD $4,095,000 $4,725,851 7/7.1

2 SPENSER DR

$3,899,000

$4,000,000

#1 Agents for #1 A MMillburn orrtt H Hiillls6/5.1 sHills 9 yyee19 inccluluddiincluding 2002244! ! 2024! #1 11DR A ggeennttss iinninM iilllbbuurrnn // SSh/hoShort ffoorr 119 aarrssyears, ,,in ningg2$3,695,000 171 TENNYSON #1 Agents A tW Weeiicchheerrtt R Rat lttoorrss ffoorr 1144Realtors #11 A ggeennttss aatNationally eeaalWeichert yyeeaarrss!! for 19 years, including 2024! 105 Farley Road, Short Hills. Asking $6,599,000. 50 Laura Drive, Cedar Grove. $7,200,000. 105 Farley DR Road, 63 ADDISON A EsEssex ssseexx C CooCounty 197/6.1 9 yy14 incclu luddin ingg22002244!! $3,800,000 #1 Agents #11 A ggeennttss iinninE uunnttyy ffoorr 1for eeaarryears! ss,, in

7/5.2

$3,575,000

$3,450,000

6/4.2 100 BROWNING RD $2,695,000 $3,200,000 Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking8 $4,995,000. 8 Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 995,000. Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 5/4.3 11 CAYUGA WAY $2,795,000 $3,155,000 6/5.1

% Sale

DOM

95%

Custom

115%

171

Colonial

103%

$3,965,000 107% Custom 260 Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 260 Hartshorn Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 105 Farley Road,Drive, ShortShort Hills. Asking $6,999,000. $3,825,000 101% Colonial

9 Bishops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,800,000.

123 HIGHLAND AVENUE

Style Colonial

Colonial

97%

Colonial

119%

Colonial

113%

$2,975,000

Colonial

100%

5/4.18 Sherwood Road, $2,995,000 $2,950,000 Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000.

Colonial

98%

14 DENMAN CT

5/5.1

$2,699,000

$2,450,000

Custom

91%

2 BRIARWOOD DR

6/3.2

$2,499,000

$2,415,000

Custom

97%

24 RIPPLING BROOK DR

4/2.1

$1,700,000

$2,108,108

RanchExp

124%

35 WOODLAND ROAD

5/4

$1,885,000

$1,999,999

Tudor

106%

28 KILMER DR

5/4

$1,999,000

Colonial

100%

19 HILLTOP RD

$2,975,000

2 DENMAN CT ton Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking8 $4,995,000. $4,995,000. Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000.

hort 260 Hartshorn Drive, Short Asking $4,288,000. ar $7,200,000. 260Farley Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. ortGrove. Hills. Asking $6,599,000. 105 Road, Short Hills.Hills. Asking $6,999,000. 5/4.1 Lane, Short Hills. Asking 67 MYRTLE AVE $3,800,000. $2,350,000

123 Highla

123 Highland Avenue, Short Hills. $3,750,000. $2,300,000 98%Asking 40 Colonial

9 $3,800,000. Bishops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,800,000. 123 Highland 111% Avenue, Short Lane, Short Hills. Asking 123 Highland Avenue, Short Hills. Asking 260 Hartshorn Drive, Short Asking $4,288,000. 19 Hills. Asking $3 89 WHITNEY RD$3,800,000. $1,898,000 $2,100,000 Custom Cedar Grove. $7,200,000. d, Hills. Asking $6,599,000. 260Farley Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 105 Road, Short5/4 Hills.Hills. Asking $6,999,000. s Short Lane, Short Hills. Asking 123 Highland Avenue, Short Hills.$3,750,000. Asking $3,750,000. 368 HartshornStreet, Drive, Short Hills. Asking $4,888,000. 95% $1,895,000 Colonial 70 70 Falmouth Falmouth Street, Short Short Hills. Hills. Asking Asking$3,688,000. $3,688,000. 130% $1,880,000 Colonial

4/4.1 Asking $5,988,000. 882 SouthHills Orange ShortAsking Hills. 57 WOODLAND RD Avenue, $1,995,000 25 Clive Road, Short Hills. Hills. 25 Clive Hills Road, Short Asking $4,088,000. $4,088,000. 4/3.2 44 WELLINGTON AVE $1,450,000

21 9

3/2.2 20 KEAN RD $1,595,000 $1,875,000 Lane, Short Hills. Asking Highland Avenue, Short Hills. Asking $3,750,000. 00. 123HILLS Highland Hills. 123 Asking $3,750,000. 106 $3,800,000. SHORT AVE Avenue, Short 5/3.1 $1,699,000 $1,875,000

Ranch

118%

Colonial

110%

184 OLD SHORT HILLS RD

4/2.1

$1,850,000

$1,810,000

Tudor

98%

28 CANTERBURY LANE

4/3.1

$1,450,000

18 SUNSET DR

3/2

ops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,800,000. Highland Avenue, Short Hills. Asking $3,750,000. 00,000. 123 Highland Avenue, Short Hills. 123 Asking $3,750,000.

venue, ShortAsking Hills. Asking $5,988,000. Short Hills. Hills. Short Asking $4,088,000. $4,088,000.

368 HartshornStreet, Drive, Short Hills. Asking $3,688,000. $4,888,000. 70 70 Falmouth Falmouth Street, Short Short Hills. Hills. Asking Asking $3,688,000.

$1,705,000

Colonial

118%

$1,049,000

$1,182,000

Colonial

113%

ge Avenue, ShortAsking Hills. Asking $5,988,000. oad, Short Hills. Hills. 15 EVERGREEN TER oad, Short Asking $4,088,000. $4,088,000.

368 HartshornStreet, Drive, Short Asking $3,688,000. $4,888,000. 70 Hills. 3/2 Hills. $850,000 70 Falmouth Falmouth Street, Short Short Hills. Asking Asking $3,688,000.

$905,000

Ranch

106%

105%

AVERAGE:

$2,539,280

$2,656,798

The accuracy of the statistical data in this table is not guaranteed by Millburn and Short Hills magazine. The listings broadly represent the local real estate market rather than the listings of any single agent or agency. Source: GSMLS: 08/7/26 - 09/7/26

94 Knollwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000.

603 Spring

PRESENTED BY ARLENE GONNELLA YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT.

3 47 Winston Lane,Short Mendham. Asking$2,888,000. $4,499,000. 467 Old Short Hills Millburn. Road, Short Hills. Asking $2,699,000. Barnsdale Road, Hills. Asking 230 Glen Avenue, Asking 94Farm Knollwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. 603 Springfield Summit. Units 102 & ood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. CALL ARLENE AT 201-306-1357 FOR THE PRICE! 603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Units 102$1,788,000. &104. Avenue, Asking $1,399,000. 47 Barnsdale Road, Short Hills. Asking $2,888,000. 230 GlenHIGHEST Avenue, Millburn. Asking $1,788,000.

od Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000.

603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Units 102 &104. Asking

wood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. ARLENE GONNELL A

603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Units 102 &104. Asking $1,399,00

,Short Mendham. Asking$2,888,000. $4,499,000. Short Hills Millburn. Road, Short Hills. Asking $2,699,000. Hills. Asking 230Old Glen Avenue, Asking $1,788,000. od Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. 467 603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Units 102 &104. Asking $1,399,000. SCAN or flip to the 8,000.

Email: arlene@gonnellateam.com | Website: GonnellaTeam.com

Avenue, Summit. Units 102 &104. Asking $1,399,000. Lane, Mendham. Asking $4,499,000. 603 Springfield 467 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills. Asking $2,699,000. Short Hills. Asking $2,888,000. 230 Glen Avenue, Millburn. Asking $1,788,000. |Units oad, Short Hills. Asking $2,888,000. 230 Glen Avenue, Millburn. Asking $1,788,000. llwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. Cell: 201.306.1357 Office: 973.376.4545 603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Units 102 &104. Asking $1,399,000. 3,588,000. 603 Springfield Avenue, Summit. 102 &104. Asking $1,399,000. oad, Short Hills. Asking $2,888,000. 230 Glen Avenue, Millburn. Asking $1,788,000.

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back cover to explore our featured listings and learn more!



#1 Agents #1 1A gents ininMMillburn illburn / S/ hShort ort HilHills ls for for 19 20 yeayears, rs, incluincluding ding 20242025! ! #1 Agents Nationally at Weichert Realtors for 20 years, including 2025! 9:57 #1 Agen11/12/25 ts at11/12/25 WeAMich9:57 erAM t Realtors for 14 years! #1 Agents years! #1 A gents ininEEssex ssex CCounty ounty forfor 1915 yea rs, including 2024!

11/12/25 9:57 AM

9/8/26 10:07 AM

Cipriano Law Offices, P.C. Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

CiprianoLaw_1-2H_MIL_gd0926.indd 1

8/6/26 1:57 PM

Resnick Law Firm LLC Client First, Client Focused

Providing exceptional legal services in areas of family law and matrimonial law, including but not limited to: divorce, custody, equitable distribution, parental alienation, prenuptual agreements, high net worth matters, domestic violence, Appellate Court and Supreme Court, case second opinions, and Co-Counsel for out of state matters.

Steven Resnick

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973.671.5859

www.stevenresnick.com steven@lawyerres.com

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6/9/26ThomasBaio-Arch_1-4P_MIL_gd0726.indd 1:41 PM 1

6/12/2611:08 1:53AM PM 9/9/26

COM MUNITY C OLLEC TIVE

GROWING Together The Millburn-Short Hills Community Garden has turned a small parcel of land into a place for neighbors to grow and connect.

JUST BEYOND Taylor Park on Church Street, garden plots fill with tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, beans, dahlias, and zinnias. For 50 years, the MillburnShort Hills Community Garden has given residents a place to grow, learn, and share. Its roots stretch back to the 1920s, when Mrs. John Taylor donated the property to the Neighborhood Association with the stipulation that it remain undeveloped and available for community use. In 1975, the Garden Club saw an opportunity to put that land to work. The club began developing a community garden, particularly for residents who did not have space at home to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers. The first season, in 1976, featured just 20 plots. Today, the garden

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covers slightly more than an acre and includes 85 plots connected by gravel paths and a central walkway. COMMUNITY IN BLOOM Every plot reflects the gardener behind it with some carefully arranged in rows; others combine flowers, herbs, berries and vegetables in a colorful mix. Seasoned gardeners share advice with newcomers, while seeds, seedlings and extra produce regularly make their way from one plot to another. The Garden Club has managed the site since its creation, overseeing registration, the waiting list, shared spaces, improvements and the many details required to keep the garden thriving. In partnership with the Millburn Township Department of Public Works, the club provides resources such as water, compost, wheelbarrows, and gathering areas. The club has also created a pollinator pathway and Monarch Waystation, while maintaining “Pam’s Garden,” named in honor of Pamela Hulshizer, who chaired the Community Garden for 22 years.

Gardeners participate in community clean-up days and are encouraged to donate surplus produce to local organizations serving neighbors facing food insecurity. A recent Harvest & Share effort brought fresh garden produce to MEND—Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity. Children are part of the garden’s story, where local preschools

use designated space for hands-on learning, discovering how seeds grow, where food comes from, and why pollinators matter. In 2013, the garden’s significance was recognized on a national level when it became the first community garden in New Jersey accepted into the Garden Club of America Collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens. After five decades, the garden remains true to its original purpose by giving residents a place to cultivate something of their own while creating something shared. Every spring, the cycle begins again. Empty plots become green, gardeners return to familiar paths, and conversations start over the soil, watering cans, and first seedlings. By midsummer, the garden is lush with abundance and full of reminders that when a community tends something together, it can grow far beyond what was first planted. Interested in Gardening? More information about the Short Hills Garden Club and its civic projects is available at shorthillsgardenclub.org.

OCTOBER 2026 |

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On August 13, Rally for Tennis hosted its 5th annual RFT-NJ event. (Avery and Lily are to the left of the check) Left: Avery Leibowitz, Right: Lily Schonbraun.

PHOTO OP

SERVING A PURPOSE FOR SHORT HILLS residents Lily Schonbraun and Avery Leibowitz, tennis has become a way to make a meaningful difference in the Newark community. Now rising seniors at Newark Academy and Millburn High School, respectively, the two have been working with a small team of young tennis players since Lily was in seventh grade and Avery was in ninth grade to raise money for Greater Newark Tennis & Education (GNTE). Together, the group has raised more than $280,000 over the past three years, helping GNTE significantly expand its programs

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and reach. The organization has grown from serving 100 children with 10 coaches in 2021 to more than 500 children with more than 30 coaches in 2026. Today, GNTE offers more than 35 tennis and education sessions four days a week from May through mid-August, followed by a sixweek fall program beginning in September. For Lily and Avery, the work extends beyond fundraising. Through Rally for Tennis, they have had the opportunity to teach tennis at the Althea Gibson Tennis Center in Newark, build relationships with local children,

and lead by example. This year alone, they and their teammates raised nearly $100,000 for GNTE, with a goal of at least $125,000. The fundraising culminated in the fifth annual Rally for Tennis–NJ event on August 13 at CenterCourt Chatham. More than 200 children and their parents attended the afternoon, which featured a 90-minute tennis clinic, interactive matches, and tennisrelated games. For the young organizers, the event was another opportunity to turn their passion for tennis into something bigger, creating access and opportunities for children in Newark.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ millburnandshorthills.com

9/9/26 1:54 PM

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST

Dr. Leslie Gerstman, Board certified Primary Care Physician Specializing in Aesthetic Medicine and Women’s Health since 2004

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8/7/26 8:23 AM

#1 forye20 #1 1 AAgents gents ininMMillburn illburn / Sh/ oShort rt HillsHills for 19 arsyears, , includiincluding ng 2024! 2025! #1 Agents for 20 years, including 2025! #1 A gents atNationally Weichert Rat ealWeichert tors for 14 Realtors years! #1 Agents #1 A gents ininEsEssex sex CoCounty unty for 1for 9 y15 earyears! s, including 2024!

3 Winston Farm Lane, Mendham. Asking8 $4,995,000. 8 Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,00 m Lane, Mendham. Asking $4,995,000. Sherwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000.

105 Farley Road, Short Hills. Asking $7,500,000

30 Robert Drive, Short Hills. Asking $5,995,000.

Farley Road, Short Hills. Asking $6,599,000. 260 Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills. Asking $4,288,000. 9105Bishops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,800,000.

45 Great Hills Road, Short Hills. Asking $5,188,000.

123 Highland

6 Grosvenor Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,699,000.

Bishops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,800,000. Highland Avenue, Short Hills. Asking $3,750 e, Short Hills. Asking9 $3,800,000. 123 Highland Avenue, Short Hills. 123 Asking $3,750,000.

25 Clive Hills Road, Short Hills. Asking $4,088,000.

70 Falmouth Street, Short Hills. Asking $3,688,000.

281 Long Hill Drive, Short Hills. Asking $3,995,000

9 Bishops Lane, Short Hills. Asking $3,725,000. *Call Puja Yagnik at 973-432-1081

94 Knollwood Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000.

603 Springfiel

125 Stewart Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,399,000. 298 Main Street, Millburn. Asking $1,800,000. 47 Barnsdale Road, Short Hills. Asking Glen Avenue, Millburn. Asking 94 Knollwood Road, Short $2,888,000. Hills. Asking $3,588,000. 603 Springfield Summit. Units 102 &104 Road, Short Hills. Asking $3,588,000. 603 Springfield230 Avenue, Summit. Units 102$1,788,000. &104. Avenue, Asking $1,399,000.

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9/8/26 10:42 AM