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Publisher’s Note
July rings in the longawaited summer vacation for the kids; many are off to camp but for the folks in town, in addition to the music series at Greenwood Gardens and so many other fun happenings, the space adjacent to Town Hall is going to be a tricked-up magnet for folks to gather and enjoy the downtown summer vibe.
Explore Millburn-Short Hills shares its pedestrian-friendly vision in this issue. The ’24 Summer Olympics in Paris will find Short Hills native Molly Reckford muscling melodically through the waters with our American Rowing team. We love this month’s cover of Molly! In true town spirit, we cheer her on in this issue.
We love shining a light on a unique three-generation business in town that has evolved and thrived by passing the familial baton. Footnotes’ Marc Hausman tells us how this feat is done. New businesses are popping up— like Gold Medal Gymnastics—and some much-loved ventures—like Liv Breads—have expanded their spaces. We’ve got the pulse of it all and hope you enjoy our coverage.
Oh, and as I mentioned in my June Letter, I participated in the Millburn President’s Cup 5K and came in a humbling 554. But it was so much fun! Kudos to all the volunteers!
Thank you to the community for your incredible support. Keep your local story ideas coming—your stories are our stories. Feel free to email me at marylima@millburnshorthills.com. Happy summer to all!
Fondly,
Mary Lima Publisher
Millburn & Short Hills
MAGAZINE
Publisher
Mary Lima
Editor and Lead Writer
Elaine Paoloni Quilici
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Jill Goldstein
D.W. Hirsch
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
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
Around Town
BY STEVE GRILLO, Executive Director, Explore Millburn-Short Hills
A mix of indoor and outdoor events offers plenty of opportunities to mingle in town, no matter the weather. Here are a few offerings to consider, including some innovative and engaging programs organized by Explore Millburn-Short Hills and its numerous partners.
TOWN HALL PLAZA OUTDOOR SUMMER FUN IS IN FULL SWING
After three years of live music, food and games on Main Street, the team from Explore Millburn-Short Hills has moved the show to Town Hall Plaza The street between Millburn Avenue and Essex Street will be closed through Labor Day. It will be a family-friendly and pedestrianoriented space for everyone’s enjoyment.
Explore has added more yard
games, seating options and seasonal décor, including gazebos and cozy overhead lighting. Special programming includes live music every Friday and Saturday night.
As part of the Open Streets program, there also will be outdoor yoga and exercise classes, chess tournaments and art programs. Local restaurants will offer special takeout menu options and on-site cooking will
GREENWOOD
GARDENS’ GATSBY
DATE NIGHT
On July 25 at 6 p.m., take your date on a romantic stroll through the century-old Greenwood Gardens (274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills). Sip on a glass of bubbly and feast on snacks while you step back in time. The event is an ideal opportunity to imagine how life and nature were celebrated during the 1920s when the Day family lived on the property and entertained guests.
Photograph courtesy of Barbara Storms
be available on select nights. Town Hall Plaza is open dawn to dusk every day, and there are extended hours on certain days for special events. The event schedule is listed on the Explore MillburnShort Hills website and is updated frequently. For more information, visit www.exploremillburnshorthills.org and follow @exploremillburnshorthills on Instagram.
Photograph courtesy of Explore
Millburn-Short Hills
MILLBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Hot summer days are a great time to take a break and visit the public library (200 Glen Avenue, Millburn). There are many interesting programs scheduled this summer, including:
• Spartacus—How Kirk Douglas Fought the Blacklist
July 9, from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Kathe Kollwitz—The Art of Social Purpose with Janet Mandel
July 11, from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Learning the Power of Poetry with author Elizabeth Acevedo
July 23, from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Magic Adventure Show with Magician Steve Woyce
August 2, from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Photograph courtesy of Steve Woyce
NEW VOICES OF 2024: ENDLESS OVATIONS!
Join Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn) on July 26 and 27 for its special New Voices concert. The show will feature 120 of New Jersey’s most talented young performers, including Rising Star Award winners and nominees. The event is a great way to celebrate 85 seasons at Paper Mill Playhouse.
SUMMER CONCERTS AT TAYLOR PARK
The Millburn Township Recreation Department is once again hosting its summer concert series in Taylor Park (100 Main Street, Millburn). Jersey Sound will perform oldies, classic rock and more on July 11, and Twilight Disciples will perform rock and pop covers on July 25. Shows run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Photograph courtesy of Recreation Department of the Township of Millburn
ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS
Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)3 nonprofit established to support and promote businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. It organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs and networking events. The organization also is responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in town, including the Millburn Art Alley.
2023 New Voices. Performers showcase their talents at last year’s ‘New Voices’ event. Photograph courtesy of Tim McDonald
A Kneaded Expansion
Liv Breads expands its downtown café with more space for people to gather.
BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI
All of Liv’s goods are baked on premises. Photo courtesy of Robin & Sue Photography and Styling
It’s usually a good sign when the words “bakery” and “more” share the same sentence. And Liv Breads Artisan Bakery and Coffee Bar now has more to offer.
With two retail locations—a storefront in downtown Millburn and a retail kiosk in The Mall at Short Hills—Liv recently expanded its flagship location at 184 Essex Street. Though it continued to serve customers throughout the renovation, the new space opened to patrons late last month.
Elana Livneh, who co-owns Liv Breads along with her husband, Yaniv, and Millburn resident Bary Yogev, is excited to offer the community an expanded place to gather while enjoying Liv’s selection of fresh baked goods.
Keeping Up With Demand
Though the original retail space at 184 Essex Street seemed huge to the owners when they acquired it in 2018, they almost immediately felt like they were outgrowing it.
“We quickly outgrew our freezer and refrigerator capacity and had to build our dock,” Elana Livneh says. “We opened the Workshop at 257 Essex St. for greater production capacity.”
Although they were able to expand their production space, they were still limited to a small seating area for customers, which included only 25 seats and a handful of sidewalk seats. By expanding to the space next door, they have more than doubled their seating capacity.
“It was important to us to expand into the new area with the same liveliness, atmosphere and décor, while maintaining the feel of a working bakery,” Livneh says. “Everything we sell is made on premises, and we love showing customers what we do. While they love the bustling feel of the bakery, the expansion has removed some of the tight spaces and allows us to display our products better.”
Continued Recipe for Success
Quality, flexibility, consistency and a topnotch customer experience is what drives the business, Livneh says. But quality isn’t just about the final product. It starts with using the best techniques and ingredients and extends to providing quality service. It is something Livneh and her partners pride themselves in.
“Our approach is to train, train, train,” she says. “In this area, it is hard to find staff
with a background in bread, pastry and hospitality. Because of this, we’ve put a strong focus on training and processes from day one. This is how we have maintained the same level of quality for six years, even through some tough spells, such as during COVID-19. By having a flexible attitude, we have been able to navigate any issues that come up quickly and efficiently.”
Serving the Community
The owners aim to provide the community a warm and welcoming experience with delicious, handcrafted products. Among Liv’s top-selling items are babka, rugelach, cookies, sourdough baguettes, country loaves and sandwiches that highlight the bakery’s bread. With a seasonal approach to its menu, there are always new items making an appearance.
“We look forward to introducing a small, made-to-order menu later this summer,” Livneh says. “Stay tuned for shakshuka, warm hummus, all-day eggs and more.”
Customers enjoy the uniqueness,
quality and consistency of the products. Liv’s success is evident in the many repeat customers it has acquired.
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Livneh says. “Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and we constantly hear how appreciative they are to have our establishment in the downtown area. We have many customers who tell us that it feels like coming home when they enter Liv Breads. It’s become a community gathering place for many.”
The bakery has also enjoyed building relationships with other businesses in the community and collaborating with the downtown business alliance Explore Millburn-Short Hills. It also donates to two local food pantries and to many school, religious and community organizations.
Elaine Paoloni Quilici is the editor of Millburn & Short Hills magazine and a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.
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Marc Hausman is the third generation in his family to operate Footnotes.
Keeping Pace With the Times
Three generations of passion, quality and community fuel the Footnotes family business.
Just four miles from the bustling Mall at Short Hills, where every shoe brand imaginable beckons, Footnotes (275 Millburn Avenue, Millburn) stands as a popular local gem offering a more personal experience in shoe shopping.
“Why schlep to the mall when you could easily go to Footnotes,” says Shari Sollender, a loyal customer. “They carry a lot of the same brands without the hassle of parking and crowds at the mall.”
Footnotes, a family-owned shoe boutique for women, has been part of the Millburn community for more than six decades. Its beloved standing is recognized not only in its lasting presence but by its former iconic sign that read: “My grandpa sold your grandma shoes.”
Stanley and Peggy Hausman opened the original Footnotes in Montclair in
BY JILL GOLDSTEIN
1946. The business expanded to a few locations through the years. They opened the Millburn store in 1959 and today have a second store in Englewood. Their son Bruce joined the business in 1972, and his wife, Barbara, came on board several years later. Marc Hausman, the third generation, now carries on the family legacy, working alongside his parents who remain actively involved in the day-to-day operations.
Hausman began working at Footnotes when he was only 17, starting in the stock room during school vacations and summers. In 2003, he was working on Wall Street but felt compelled to return to the family business full-time because it was “in his blood.” He quickly realized that being on the floor and interacting with customers is the only way to learn about and understand the business.
“I got to know the customers and what they are looking for,” he says.
Footnotes prides itself on inclusivity and intentionally offers multiple styles, widths and price points to cater to daughters, mothers and grandmothers alike.
“Most department stores focus on each end of the spectrum when it comes to price and demographic,” Hausman says. “Our sweet spot is someplace in the middle.”
In 2018, Hausman relocated from New York City to Short Hills for a better work/ life balance and to spend more time with his wife, Lauren, and two young children, Ella and Noah. Being a resident and a store owner in the same town has boosted his ability to get to know his customers on a much more personal level.
Retail Resilience
Independent shoe stores are rare these days, yet Hausman’s adaptability and foresight have kept his family business afoot.
The pandemic created one of his greatest career challenges thus far. The store’s spring inventory had just arrived before quarantine was declared and left the store with an excess of stock. But Hausman jumped into action. He and his online team began discounting the shoes online and ran regular promotions. Once people began to leave their homes, they were more than ready to trade in their slippers for real shoes. Business picked up again.
“Survival is a sign of success,” Hausman says. “And we endured.”
Another ongoing challenge is remaining relevant and competitive in a changing sales environment. The practice of popular brands now selling directly to consumers has become a threat to undercutting the profitability of Hausman’s business. Ironically, the very brands he carries are now his direct competitors.
The family-owned business is conveniently located in the middle of downtown Millburn.
HOT FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
Fashion sneakers are the new flats you can never have enough. There are many styles to choose from. Pair them with jeans or shorts.
Ballet flats are everywhere right now, especially fishnet ballets. You can dress them up or down. In any color, you’ll be stepping out in style.
Anything with Raffia is trendy this summer. For the beach, the club or a night out on the town. They go with everything.
Stay in the know all year long. Follow @footnotesonline on Instagram to keep up with all the latest styles and trends for every season.
In response, Hausman made the bold decision in 2008 to create Footnotes’ first proprietary brand, 275 Central. Made in Spain and Italy, the shoes embody quality, style and affordability.
“This is what our customer wants,” Hausman says. “A high-quality shoe that looks great and falls into the inbetween price points. We need to give women what they don’t already have in their closets.”
The move has definitely paid off, as 275 Central is now the store’s most popular and requested brand—it even has its own website. In fact, the future of the business will largely focus on expanding the distribution of the 275 Central brand on a larger scale.
“A lot of retail stores have specifically asked for the brand, so that is something we are looking into,” he says.
The March Forward
Though there are no plans at the moment to open any new retail
locations, Footnotes ships to customers across the U.S., which helps expand its customer base. Looking toward the future, Hausman remains committed to growth and innovation, constantly analyzing sales trends to stay ahead of the game. He understands the importance of offering something new and exciting to customers.
“Women always want something new in their closet, and they need diversity,” he says.
As was famously stated by Marilyn Monroe: “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”
In essence, Footnotes exemplifies resilience and adaptability by giving its customers the quality shoes they want at a reasonable price, all with a friendly neighborhood smile.
Jill Goldstein raised her four children in Short Hills and currently lives in South Orange with her husband, Eric, and two dogs, Izzy and Otis.
Grit and Glory
Local rower Molly Reckford returns to the Summer Olympics in search of gold.
Molly Reckford (left) poses with rowing partner Michelle Sechser and their silver medals at the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.
Credit: row2k/Courtesy of Lisa Worthy
BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI
Traveling the world, away from family and friends for long periods of time, Short Hills resident Molly Reckford has made rowing the focus of her life for the past 16 years.
After placing fifth in the lightweight women’s double sculls (LW2x) at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she returns to the Paris Olympics this month on a quest for gold.
Reckford, who attended Glenwood Elementary School in Millburn, spent her high school years at Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where she developed a passion for rowing.
“I loved getting out onto the water, the team camaraderie and the way that hard work often translated into results,” she says. “The outdoor nature of the sport really drew me in, as well as the time spent on
and near the water.”
Reckford went on to row for Dartmouth College for four years. Over the summers, she trained out of a club in Rutherford, where she learned how to scull—rowing with two oars—and it soon became her favorite sport. She liked that it could be done both individually, in groups of solo rowers, or in team boats of two or four.
After she graduated from Dartmouth, Reckford thought she was done with rowing. She started working in sales and trading in New York City and was focused entirely on her career. In 2018, she moved to Menlo Park, California, where she joined a local club for recreational sculling.
“I was quickly convinced to join the competitive masters program,
and that escalated to entering the Masters National Championships,” she says. “I had a lot of success at that regatta and thought that perhaps I could have a future in lightweight rowing on an international level.”
Reckford trained through the winter of 2019 and attended a selection regatta for the U.S. National Team in the spring. She placed seventh in the LW1x, without any formal coaching or training.
“My current coach, Casey Galvanek, picked me out of the 27 competitors as someone with potential to make the Olympic team,” she says. “That first conversation with him, where he invited me into his training group, was the first time I thought I might have what it takes to be an Olympian.”
Molly Reckford (far left) races at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Credit: row2k
Olympic Dreams
At the 2019 World Rowing Championships, Reckford finished fourth in the LW4x. She won the LW2x at the 2021 World Rowing Final Olympic Qualification Regatta and went on to finish fifth in the LW2x at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which actually took place in 2021 due to the pandemic.
In addition to the worldclass training facilities, elite competition and excellent dining halls, one of Reckford’s favorite memories of the Olympics was being a part of the Olympic Village.
“I enjoyed getting to know other Team USA athletes and other international rowers,” she says. “It’s been said that the Olympic Village is the only place where the possibility
of peace between all nations becomes a reality.”
Following the Olympics, Reckford won in the LW2x at the 2022 World Rowing Cup II, then went on to win in the double sculls at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2022, which she admits has been the highlight of her career.
“It is one of the most spectacular regattas in the world,” she says. “It was my first time racing there, and I hope to race there again. Of course, going to the Olympics was very special, but the pomp and celebration around Henley is unmatched.”
Since then, Reckford has competed in many other international races. She is now eager to return to the Olympics in the LW2x in Paris. Heats are scheduled to begin on July 28.
Top: Preparing for the time trial at Winter Speed Order 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. Credit: row2k. Bottom: Launching for morning practice in Princeton, New Jersey. Credit: Eamon Glavin/Courtesy of Broadridge Financial Solutions’ Elite Athlete Management.
Committed to Excellence
Being an Olympic athlete has taught Reckford many lessons. One of the greatest is that life is all about attitude.
“There are thousands of moments every year where you have the opportunity to quit and walk away, and it’s up to you to keep going and decide if it is still worth it,” she says. “No number of physical gifts could ever replace the grit, determination and dedication that are needed to reach this level. You need luck, genetics and a capacity to handle the pain.”
Reckford spends at least six months per year away from New Jersey, and only a few days a year actually at home. However, her friends and family are understanding when she’s forced to miss special events in pursuit of her sport.
“I am often farther from my family
and friends than I would like to be,” she says. “We train two to three times a day, six to seven days a week, with one week off per year.”
When Reckford is able to return to Short Hills, she looks forward to a few favorite running routes that include Minnisink Road and Hobart Avenue, and a longer loop that takes her past the library and onto Wyoming Avenue.
“My absolute favorite run is through the South Mountain Reservation to do loops around the reservoir on Sundays when there is no car traffic,” she says.
Letting It Run
After the Olympics, Reckford hopes to work full-time and return to a more normal life. There are little things, like sleeping in on Saturdays, being able to take weekend trips to see friends and
going for hikes, that she especially looks forward to.
“I also hope to get back into snowboarding and spend more time road biking, which are both too dangerous to partake in right now,” she says.
Reckford is appreciative of all the residents of Millburn and Short Hills who have rooted for her throughout her career.
“I have spent my entire life living in this town, and I am very thankful for the support of the community,” she says. “I hope to make everyone proud.”
Elaine Paoloni Quilici is the editor of Millburn & Short Hills magazine and a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.
The 2024 World Rowing Cup II medalists pose together in Lucerne, Switzerland. From left to right: silver medalists from New Zealand, Rachael Kennedy and Jackie Kiddle; gold medalists from Great Britain, Emily Craig and Imogen Grant; and bronze medalists from the U.S., Michelle Sechser and Molly Reckford. Credit: row2k.
Fire Up the Chill
Reimagined summer fun comes to Town Hall Plaza with music, games, food, drink, cozy decor and more.
BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI
It’s not uncommon for Millburn and Short Hills to seem quieter during the summer months. Many people leave town to attend camp or relax at their vacation homes. But not everybody goes away. This year, those who remain in town can look forward to some local fun.
Millburn has brought back its Open Streets concept, but this year it will feature a new space and expanded offerings, creating more opportunities for everyone.
For the past three summers, people were able to enjoy the Main Street Pedestrian Mall, which was located on a closed-off section of Main Street between Essex Street and Millburn Avenue. Explore Millburn-Short Hills planned and promoted the programming—including a music series and outdoor games for families and adults to enjoy. Nearby
businesses, such as Millburn Standard, EVOO & Lemon and Starbucks, welcomed visitors with tables and tents.
“Explore received the Excellence in Placemaking award from Downtown New Jersey in 2022 for the Main Street Pedestrian Mall, and the event was a major draw for the community,” says Amanda Dean, Explore’s marketing director.
However, due to traffic and public safety concerns, the town council decided to search for a new location. This year, Town Hall Plaza, the one-way street on the side of Town Hall between Millburn Avenue and Essex Street, has been transformed into the new summer entertainment oasis. The area will be closed to traffic through September 1 and is open all day for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s kids playing games with their friends, couples
listening to live music with a bottle of wine on a date, or families looking for some fresh air and outdoor fun, the space has something for everyone. It is also available to community organizations and businesses, which will host activities such as yoga, chess and Trivia Tuesdays.
“We’re excited to have a safe space to come together and enjoy the weather, our beautiful town and all it has to offer,” says Short Hills resident Claire Brocklehurst.
Garden State Dental Design, a new dental practice currently renovating its space on Millburn Avenue, is this year’s signature sponsor for Town Hall Plaza and the music series. Other event sponsors include The Atlantic Federal Credit Union, which was familiar with past summer closures and wanted to be a part of the new incarnation.
Last year’s Main Street Pedestrian Mall, planned and promoted by Explore
brought residents together for outdoor events and gatherings.
MillburnShort Hills,
Blank Slate
Explore’s vision for Town Hall Plaza was to create a relaxed, upscale environment.
“There’s a bit of a Portuguese style to it,” Dean says. “To make up for the cafe tables and shade that the old location offered, we’ve added brand-new tables and chairs, and gazebos with lighting.”
Because the location is no longer adjacent to restaurants, there will be a rotating list of food vendors, such as Jack’s Surf & Turf, La
Strada and Mariachi Mexican Restaurant. There also is a list of local restaurants and Uber Eats drop-off locations so people can have their favorite dishes delivered. The town council passed a public consumption ordinance that allows people to “BYOB” and have open containers in the plaza during the two months it is closed off.
“We’re thrilled to join a setup that brings local families together for summer fun, allowing us to serve our community and make new connections,” says Greg Markarian, owner of Jack’s Surf & Turf.
Live music will fill the air on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring the bands Big Romance and Mrs. Eller and the Fellers.
Special mini-events will be held periodically, such as a cigar and spirits evening with Tonino Cigars; a kids’ evening with s’mores, laser lights and a local 9-year-old DJ; and a Christmas in July event. A current schedule is available on Explore’s website (www.exploremillburnshorthills. org) under the Town Hall Plaza tab. The group also is posting to social and sending weekly e-blasts about what’s coming up.
The Setup
Town Hall Plaza’s wider space and grassy area allow for a more spreadout configuration.
“We designed the space to be aesthetically pleasing and functional,” says Dean, who has taken the lead on the project.
Town Hall Plaza builds on Millburn’s tradition of summer fun on Main Street (pictured here), which in past years included chalk art, music, food, drink and outdoor socializing.
It is set up with a gazebo for bands at one end with 3-foot marquee lights spelling out Millburn in front. Visitors can sit and relax in a semicircle of seating around the stage.
In the middle of the closure, three more gazebos are set up to look homey with stylish blue-and-white-print rugs underfoot, white tables, yellow chairs and overhead patio lighting. Complementary blue, white and yellow pillows, decorative planters and other unique features are sprinkled throughout the area. After the gazebos is a space for vendors.
At the Millburn Avenue end of the closure, there are picnic tables, benches and games such as oversized Jenga, Connect 4 and chess.
The grassy area between the
road and Town Hall is where people can play cornhole or just relax in blue Adirondack chairs or at vintage orange metal chairs and tables. Patio lights crisscrossed overhead all the way down the closure punctuate the vibe.
“We just want it to be cozy, and for people to treat it like their backyard,” Dean says. “And since we’ve had to create this space from scratch, we are thankful to the township for funding the project.”
Elaine Paoloni Quilici is the editor of Millburn & Short Hills magazine and a freelance lifestyle writer and editor based in Verona. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, amNewYork, New Jersey Monthly and Mommy Poppins.
Left: Explore has purchased a variety of furnishings and accessories to give Town Hall Plaza a homey feel, as these renderings show. Right: Visitors of all ages can play with a variety of outdoor games, including Connect 4 and cornhole.
Going for Gold
We talk with a former state champion in gymnastics about the expansive new gymnastics and ninja training center he’s bringing to Millburn and Short Hills.
BY D.W. HIRSCH
INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN BOHON Gold Medal Gymnastics Center, Short Hills
Justin Bohon became a Missouri State champion as a competitive gymnast at age 12. His unconventional career continued with 30 years on Broadway, then three years in real estate. Now, he has come full circle with the expected opening of a gymnastics center in Short Hills early this fall. Here’s what he has to say about New Jersey’s first Gold Medal Gymnastics Center (750A Morris Turnpike in Short Hills).
You started in gymnastics at an early age. How has it benefitted you over the years?
Gymnastics allowed me an outlet for creativity, a sense of purpose and helped me discover my own power and individuality. One of my first shows on Broadway was “Miss Saigon” because I was doing one of the tracks where they tumble, so gymnastics was sort of the driving force into having a Broadway career.
After working on Broadway and in real estate, what made you want to open a gym?
It’s been a dream of mine for many years. I’ve witnessed the profound impact gymnastics can have on a young person’s life—not only the physical and health benefits but also the building of self-esteem and selfconfidence.
Why did you choose Short Hills to locate your new business?
My partner owns six gymnastics centers on Long Island. We’ve been discussing for a number of years building a facility in New Jersey, but we hadn’t found the right spot. We did a lot of research. This building came along after about a year-and-a-half search, and it was perfect. The location is convenient for all the surrounding towns.
Could you describe your new facility?
What separates us is our highly attuned attention to safety for the kids. We keep our student-to-instructor ratio low; if there are more than eight kids, there will be two coaches.
The vastness of the Short Hills facility is something a little unparalleled, too. We have a full 45-by-45-foot spring floor and an alternate spring floor. We have a couple of vaults and four sets of high bars. We have six beams, two trampolines and a tumble track.
Classes will include Little Explorers for newborns; Bronze Babies, a parent-accompanied class; and Silver Stars for ages 3 to 5 years.
Programs will start at 5 years old and go through 18 years. We will have tumbling, which focuses just on floor work. Our gymnastics classes will focus on all four apparatuses— the beam, vault, floor and bars. We will also have a competitive girls’ gymnastics team.
The Ninja program will include a huge obstacle course with mats to crawl over, a rock wall to climb up and a warp wall to run on. The kids always light up when they’re doing it.
What keeps you motivated?
The real joy for me is seeing the kids’ progression. There’s a cool artistry and confidence building that happens at an age when kids are so struck by being on social media and feeling poorly about themselves.
What has your interaction with the community been like?
Everyone has been awesome and so helpful—from my daughter’s school, Far Brook School, to Maplewood Moms and Happy Millburn on Facebook to Explore Millburn-Short Hills, the community organization that supports small businesses. The best help has been word of mouth. Sept. 1 is our official opening, but during August, we will have several open houses. We look forward to welcoming people from the community to see the facility.
D.W. Hirsch is a feature writer based in Union. She is the author of the memoir “Star Trek, Mom and Las Vegas: A Grand Adventure” and a haiku collection “Haiku in the Life of You.”
Gold Medal Gymnastics Center will offer a variety of equipment and programs within a vast space on Morris Turnpike.
H.O.M.E. Tour Kicks
Off With a VIP
Party
The VIP Preview Party for the H.O.M.E. Tour of Short Hills took place May 30, on the eve of the annual event. The tour, which showcases five local homes with interesting backgrounds, is organized by The Warehouse NJ, which uses money raised from the event to help furnish the homes of people rebuilding after tragedy. VIP ticketholders, homeowners, premier and event sponsors, and dedicated docent volunteers were invited to a bonus sixth local home to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Attendees heard from Kim Sleeman, executive director of The Warehouse NJ, and were given swag bags filled with goodies from the sponsors. Take note now to keep an eye out for next year’s event.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Members of the 2024 H.O.M.E. Tour of Short Hills Steering Committee include (L to R) Juliet Davis, Kara Lawler, Nora Yi, Helen Dwyer, Margaret Santana, Kathy Sartorius and Usha Shah.
Above: Volunteers distribute swag bags to VIP Preview Party participants as they leave. Top left (L to R): Abby Boozan, Sarah Rosen, John Boozan, Mary Heinen and Juliet Davis. Middle left (L to R): Pam Randazzo, Maureen Prout Alvidrez, Rich Uniacke (Bridges Outreach executive director), Jennifer Rooney and Lesley Stiska. Bottom left (L to R): Christina Bowen, Helen Dwyer (H.O.M.E. committee) and Kim Sleeman (TWNJ executive director)
Guests mingle at the 2024 H.O.M.E. Tour VIP Preview Party.
