Millburn & Short Hills November 2024 by Wainscot Media

Millburn & Short Hills

House of Funk / Photo: Mark Weinberg

Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions

Design: House of Funk / Photo: Mark Weinberg

Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions

Design: House of Funk / Photo: Mark Weinberg

Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions

Savoring Tradition

With the magic of holiday gatherings on our mind this month, we are delighted to feature the Tutela family sharing a glimpse into how they are carrying on delicious family traditions. Coming back home to live in one’s childhood Short Hills residence as Dr. Tutela decided to do, overwhelmingly speaks to the vibrancy of our special community. The same kitchen walls cooking up seasonal feasts provided the perfect backdrop for a story we loved capturing and photographing for our festive cover!

ILLUSTRATION BY DEANNA FIRST

If you attended Rocktoberfest in September, you probably noticed a vibrant banner announcing the Millburn High School 50th reunion gathering. Dr. William Miron, principal of Millburn High School, hailed from that tight-knit class and was the perfect person to lead a tour of the High School as he did with fellow classmates in attendance that day. In this issue we shine a light on Dr. Miron’s long tenure at the helm of Millburn High School and his connection to the community at this milestone of his 50th MHS graduation year.

So many great stories in this issue, especially those covering how members of our young community are thriving in sports and music. Look out for a monthly feature in this area. We also take a bow to one of the community’s most storied centenarians, Dr. Victor Parsonnet.

You might be wondering about my Publisher’s photo, or shall I say illustration. I was intrigued by industry-revered fashion illustrator Deanna First, who showcased her work offering complimentary personalized sketches at the Mall at Short Hills. The glam-up illustration she created of me was so much fun, especially posing with an issue of Millburn & Short Hills Magazine. Check out her Instagram: @Deanna_First. Speaking of Instagram, we are so happy to be on our way to 1,000 followers. Thank you to all of our readers for sharing your stories, following our social media and celebrating the community together during this festive time of year. Keep them coming to marylima@millburnandshorthills.com.

With gratitude,

Mary Lima Publisher

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Publisher

Mary Lima

Editor and Lead Writer

Eve Golden

Writers

Elaine Paoloni Quilici

David Chmiel

Holden Bergam

Photographer

Melissa Spector

Lisa Rayman Goldfarb

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O›Connell

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Around Town

SPECIAL EDITION:

Explore Millburn-Short Hills Winter Events

BY STEVE GRILLO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Winter is a special time in Millburn-Short Hills as the streets come alive with signs of the holidays. From the lights of Diwali and Hanukkah gift shopping to the sounds of Christmas music, Explore Millburn-Short Hills and our partners at the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Township have a host of special events and beautification projects scheduled for November and December.

NOVEMBER 15

HOLIDAY

GLOW PARTY

Our summer “Kids Glow Crazy” dance party was such a success that we had to do it again to celebrate the holidays. DJ LuBrock will be there spinning your favorite tunes. Bring your family and friends to Boxcar Bar in the Short Hills Station district of the SID and enjoy glow sticks, giveaways and more!

NOVEMBER

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

KICKOFF EVENT

As retail and shopping trends continue to change, Explore is responding with a new event that falls before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, which will give Millburn residents and customers from surrounding communities a chance to walk, shop and enjoy the town. Get ready to receive a warm welcome by our “Parking Elves” as they distribute discounts and other special offers along the sidewalks. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with live holiday music performed by a brass quartet, along with DJs spinning your favorite holiday tunes. There will be special opportunities to pose with costumed characters as well as snap pictures with Santa. The Holiday Extravaganza would not be possible without our sponsors: Garden State Dental Design and Garden State Medical Group.

DECEMBER 7 & 14

WINTER VILLAGES

Town Hall Plaza will be alive with the sounds and sights of the Millburn Winter Villages. This is the third year that Explore will be offering fire pits and igloos for visitors to stay warm and cozy. Come down to Town Hall Plaza and enjoy holiday music, free s’mores and so much more. Don’t miss out on the ultimate winter photo op! Grab your favorite person and cozy up in an igloo for some amazing selfies. It’s the perfect way to capture Millburn’s winter moments. The Winter Villages are sponsored by: Garden State Dental Design, Splurge Bakery, The Art of Problem Solving, Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, Home Instead Millburn, Garden State Medical Group, The Footer Financial Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and Oliver’s Nannies.

Left: Escape the cold and create memorable family moments in one of our special pop-up igloos on Dec. 7th and 14th. Right: The magic of the holidays shines bright with a surprise visit from The Grinch, sprinkling joy and mischief all around town!

SHOP LOCAL IN MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Keep our community thriving and Shop Local!

1. Support the Local Economy: Shopping locally helps to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. It keeps money circulating within the community and contributes to its growth and development.

2. Create and Sustain Jobs: Local businesses are the backbone of our community and create job opportunities for our friends, family and neighbors. By shopping locally, you help to sustain these jobs and ensure people in your community have a steady income.

3. Find Unique Products: Local businesses often offer products that are one-of-a-kind, and not easily found in big retail chains. These are often handmade, adding a personal touch and making them perfect for special gifts.

4. Receive Personalized Service: Shopping locally often means receiving personalized and attentive service from the store owners or staff. They can provide recommendations, answer questions and offer a more unique shopping experience than big retail stores.

5. Create Community Connections: Local businesses contribute to the sense of community and create a sense of belonging. They often collaborate with local organizations, sponsor events, and actively participate in community activities. By supporting them, you are also promoting a stronger sense of community.

6. Go Green: Shopping locally reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for long-distance transportation of goods. You can find locally sourced products, reducing the environmental impact of production and shipping.

7. Create a Cycle of Growth: Local businesses tend to purchase goods and services from other local businesses, creating a cycle of economic growth within the community. By shopping locally, you are contributing to this multiplier effect and further benefiting other businesses.

8. Avoid Big Crowds: Shopping locally often means avoiding the chaotic crowds and long lines in big box stores, especially during the holiday season. This can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.

9. Receive Higher Quality Services: Local businesses take pride in their products and services. They are accountable to their community and strive to maintain a good reputation.

10. Give Back: Supporting local businesses allows them to give back to the community in various ways, like sponsoring local charities, contributing to community events or offering financial support to local causes. By shopping locally, you indirectly contribute to these acts of giving.

HOLIDAY DECOR

There is nothing like the holidays in Millburn-Short Hills. From winter blooms and brilliant lighting to captivating window displays, everywhere you look there is a hint of magic. The Township has made a commitment to a multi-year holiday lighting project, which will enhance the holiday atmosphere throughout town. There will be lit trees with sphere lights, meteor lights, trunk wraps, jumbo size winter light displays and more throughout the five SID business districts. Even the Bauer Center at Taylor Park is set to undergo a festive holiday treatment. Explore and the Township are also working with the Chamber of Commerce to add to the holiday cheer.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to support and promote the businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in the town including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.

Music for the Soul

Short Hills native and Montclair State University Music Production undergrad David Silverman harnesses his passion for music as a source for positive impact.

At a very early age, David demonstrated early signs of exceptional abilities. Remarkably, he taught himself to read through exploring the iconic works of children’s author Eric Carle. He not only memorized the books but also creatively intertwined their narratives into one cohesive story. By the age of four, he was already demonstrating advanced mathematical skills, including multiplication.

It was during this time that David’s parents learned he was on the autism spectrum. “Setting the bar high for him was always essential,” shared David’s mother, Liz. “Our ultimate goal was to provide him with every opportunity to explore his passions and nurture his talents.”

David discovered the transformative power of music in elementary school, effortlessly mastering the piano. By middle school, he was diving headfirst into songwriting, and from there, setting the stage for his epic musical journey.

BY EVE GOLDEN

What music style do you enjoy?

I primarily play and record Folk, Folk Rock and Soft Rock on guitar and harmonica and am influenced by artists like James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. I actually enjoy all music genres, particularly jazz. On piano, I typically play classical or popular pieces, often with speed and volume, which my music teacher considers when selecting new material for me to learn.

What do you see as one of your key musical strengths?

I felt a mix of fear and fascination with the school fire drill alarms. My dad once asked me what musical notes the alarms played as a way to help me overcome my fear. I was able to tune in to their pitch and quickly replicate the notes on the piano. I applied the same approach to car and house alarms as well. My parents discovered I have perfect pitch, which is a skill that helps me modify the keys of songs on the guitar and piano. This realization eventually inspired me to write the song, “False Alarm” (on YouTube) for my Intro to STEAM Exploration class at Millburn High School. By the way, not all schools use the same note for their alarm.

In what ways has being neurodivergent shaped your life experiences?

Before entering college at Montclair State University, I frequently faced bullying for being perceived as “different.” It was difficult to understand my experience of being bullied by people I thought were my friends. “Goodbye Bullies” was written for my college songwriting class to voice my personal struggles. This creative process allowed me to express my feelings and gain support from my classmates and professors. I had the privilege of performing my song at the MSU Ensemble Concert, and later collaborated with my music recording mentor and producer, Gabe Gomes, to film the accompanying video in Taylor Park, featuring the “All Together Now” sculpture, which celebrates diversity and inclusion.

In which area of the music industry do you see yourself working?

I love playing music and would enjoy performing for fun, especially in nursing homes or assisted living, where they truly appreciate the music; I love seeing how happy it makes the residents. Long-term, I hope to work in music production, possibly for a non-profit, or a company that values hiring individuals with special needs. Writing jingles could also be an option. I think my sense of humor and skill in sound effects would be valuable in that field.

What are your hobbies outside of music?

Golf, ice skating, chess and cycling: My dad, brother and I covered every road in Millburn on our bicycles. Our travels created a complete street map of the town on a GPS mapping program.

FUN FACT:

I can determine the day of the week someone was born based on their date of birth. I haven’t been wrong yet!

Sunnyside Up

Chef Jay Kim shares his vision and culinary passion behind his vibrant new eatery.

BY EVE GOLDEN

You might have already spotted the colorful signage that’s taken over the former Rock ‘n’ Joe at 63 Main Street. Jay Kim, who previously owned the Millburn ‘Joe’ franchise, is diving into an exciting new chapter in his culinary journey. After spending a decade honing his skills and building a loyal customer base at the former coffee house, he felt it was time to break away and create a flavor-packed dining experience with an expanded menu that reflects his unique personal vision. Jay’s delicious new eatery, Sunny Scrambled, is a burst of fresh energy and excitement to the neighborhood that has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for locals.

Celebrating the Art of Breakfast and Brunch

Sunny Scrambled, named after a memorable family camping trip, reflects Jay’s dedication to curating a menu that extends beyond the limited offerings of the previous franchise. He’s especially proud of how he involves his family in designing the menu together, which adds a personal touch. Each bite and sip is thoughtfully planned, ensuring that it aligns with his vision of the eatery. By focusing on every day-all week breakfast and brunch, Jay has gained a loyal following and caters to even the most discerning palettes. “Everyone

loves my Sunny Avocado Toast, which is two sunny-side-up eggs on thick toast with smashed avocado, arugula and goat cheese, paired with house-made home fries,” he said. “We are also known for our MSG omelet (mushrooms, spinach and goat cheese), decadent french toast and waffles with fresh berries, and our California Burrito, which was my go-to Sunday brunch back when I lived in Los Angeles.”

Sweet Bites and Power Brews

Born in Seoul, South Korea, and having moved to the US at 14 years old, Jay’s career path has been diverse. Starting out in the fashion industry and then pursuing his passion for culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, he’s gathered a wealth of experience. Working as a pastry sous-chef at the W Hotel and as the pastry chef at French-Asian artisan bakery, Tous Les Jours, added depth to his impressive resume. Sunny Scrambled features a delectable selection of homemade pastries, muffins, cakes and cookies. These grab-and-go dreamy desserts are quick and satisfying, thoughtfully designed to pair with the eclectic coffee selection always prepared with fresh roasted coffee beans sourced from a local roastery.

“Our Café Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte (with oat or almond milk) and

Lavender Latte are very popular. I do love drinking coffee and espresso, but my new smoothie, Purple Velvet (mixed berries, banana, nutmeg and coconut milk) is absolutely refreshing,” said Jay.

Fueling a Culinary Vision

What boosts Jay’s mood?

“An empty plate, hiking with his family, an A on his daughter’s report card and a compliment from a customer,” he said. Since its opening, the breakfast and brunch spot has received rave reviews from both regulars and first-timers: - “Jay, your cappuccino brings me back home to Italy.”

- “The best egg sandwich I have ever had”“Thank you for being here every day.”

Understanding the importance of customer feedback, Jay encourages guests to share their thoughts on his dishes. This feedback loop is essential for his growth as a chef and allows him to continually refine his menu. “I try to make everyone smile and feel comfortable while they are dining with us,” said Jay.

He continued, “I’ve had so many familiar faces coming for years, some dining here daily or every weekend, and some are ordering from different states. I asked many of them why they come to my shop, and I get one answer: because I always smile.”

A Sunny spin on classic toast: Jay’s signature Sunny Avocado Toast and Classic French Toast with fresh berries.

All in the Family

Living in the Short Hills home where he grew up, plastic surgeon Dr. John Paul Tutela shares how his family’s customs have influenced his life.

Traditions are important to Dr. John Paul Tutela of Short Hills. The well-known plastic surgeon grew up in an Italian-American family where he learned the satisfaction of providing for others— both at home and at work. He was raised amid large family gatherings, where his grandmother, mother and aunts would cook delicious meals for a thankful table. His father, Rocco, and grandfather Arthur were both local surgeons who taught him to value not only his commitment to his family but to the community. Tutela’s career has been successful because of his inherent servant attitude. In all facets of his life, he has a passion for bringing joy to people.

Traditions Run Deep Tutela’s dedication to others is rooted in his upbringing. He remembers convivial Sunday dinners and holiday feasts with aunts, uncles and cousins in the home his

BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI

parents built in Short Hills. Tutela and his wife, Nicole, now reside in that home with their daughters, Lucy, 11, and Liliana, 8.

“The kitchen was central to all family gatherings,” Tutela says. “My mother, my two aunts and my nonna would cook, and their cooking was always filled with loud conversation. Growing up, I did more watching than cooking.”

As Tutela got older, he realized that someone needed to keep his family’s traditions alive, so he asked his mother and aunts for their recipes and jotted them down in a notebook.

“That’s basically how I learned to cook,” he says. “I still use my notebook that I have those recipes in today.”

Tutela’s favorite dish to make is troccoli, a semolina pasta from Puglia that resembles a fat spaghetti. He also touts his Sunday gravy, which includes pork ribs, sausage and meatballs. He browns the meat, adds

onions, then a little white wine. He removes the onions, adds tomatoes, salt, pepper and basil and lets it simmer for at least two hours.

“A couple years ago, I was making the gravy, and I thought, ‘Something is missing,’” he says. “My kids were off playing, so I was almost by myself, which was different from when I grew up because there were always women arguing about something loudly in the kitchen. So, I called my daughters over to the stove and told them to yell into the pot of gravy. Now every time I make gravy, I pick them up and they yell at the gravy.”

Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a holiday, the celebration usually begins with a table full of appetizers including bread, meats and cheeses, from prosciutto, salami, soppressata and capocollo to parmesan and provolone.

“That alone is a meal,” he says. “You don’t

Time together in the kitchen preparing fresh pasta, family style.

need to eat again after that. Of course, it’s really just the beginning.”

After the antipasti, there’s a first course of pasta, then a second course of meat with sides. Dessert, espresso and after dinner drinks follow.

“It’s really just a never-ending parade of food,” he says.

On Christmas Eve, one of Tutela’s favorite meals of the year, the family doesn’t stop at the traditional seven fishes—they make up to 13 varieties, including fried flounder, pan-seared sardines, spaghetti with clams, shrimp, calamari, scungilli salad and fried eel.

“[No matter the holiday], it’s always

a tremendous amount of food, but Thanksgiving is where it really goes overboard,” he says. “We used to have manicotti before the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, and it was just dizzying. At some point, my dad said, ‘Guys, we do not need pasta at this American holiday.’”

What Tutela enjoys most about the meals is the coming together of friends and family.

“It’s such a comforting feeling to be around the people that you love and to be sharing in these moments,” he says. “You get to think about what’s important in life. Usually, it’s what’s right in front of you— your family, your friends, sharing a meal together, enjoying each other’s company.”

Family Work Ethic

In addition to the fulfillment he feels through serving others, the attention to detail Tutela learned in his family’s kitchen and his ability to work with his hands transfers to his career. Both cooking and performing surgery require practice, precision and a carefully planned process.

“There is something gratifying about creating something, whether it’s a meal or a post-operative result, and then sharing that with others,” he says. “Service to others gives me immense satisfaction.”

A third-generation surgeon, Tutela meets many locals who remember his grandfather’s home/office on the corner of Old Short Hills Road and South Orange Avenue in Short Hills, where his father started his own practice before moving to West Orange. His brother Arthur, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, shared space in his father’s West Orange office until Rocco passed away in 2008. Tutela also has a brother Rocco, who is a general surgeon in California and two sisters with doctorate degrees—Joelle Tutela and Kristi Tutela-Dane, who lives in Short Hills.

After completing his medical training, Tutela worked out of the same location as his brother Arthur, then moved his practice to Livingston in 2014. Last month, he relocated to East Hanover, expanding to include T Spa, a med spa offering the latest services in an elevated atmosphere.

As his practice has grown, so has Tutela’s following. His Instagram account, @tutelaPS, has 479,000 followers. He also has a celebrity clientele, including Nicole “Snookie” LaValle and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore.”

“My relationships with my patients and my staff are very friendly and easy,” he says. “It’s easy to forge great relationships. I’ve been invited to five of my patients’ weddings. It’s heartwarming and reminds me that what I’m doing is the right thing, and I’m doing it well and making connections in service of other people.”

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.

SUNDAY GRAVY for Trocchioli

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cans of tomatoes (peeled plum tomatoes)

• 2 onions sliced

• 1.5 pounds pork sausage

• 1.5 pounds pork ribs

• ½ cup dry white wine

• ¼ cup fresh basil

• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sausage and the pork ribs and cook until browned, adding salt.

3. Add sliced onion and sauté until soft and clear.

4. Deglaze with a 1/2 glass of white wine; let it evaporate.

5. Continue sautéing for a few minutes.

6. Remove the onions.

7. Add tomatoes (peeled plum tomatoes, pulsed in a blender to break up the tomatoes. Be careful not to totally liquefy).

8. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for one and a half hours, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.

9. With 45 minutes left, add fresh basil.

Serves 4

Shoot for the Stars

Local Tennis star Leala Kramer is first in the East, second in the Nation for Girls’ Under 12 Division. Here’s an inside look at her success.

Next Gen Ace

BY HOLDEN BERGAM

The Millburn-Short Hills area has had its share of athletic talent over the years. Some of the most well-known American athletes–soccer players, wrestlers, rowers and the like–have emerged from our community. Recently, a local tennis star has been making a name for herself in the athletic world, just as these other athletes from our town have done in years past. Meet Leala Kramer, a 13-year-old nationally ranked tennis player from Short Hills. This summer, she was honored as the second-best Girls’ Under 12 tennis

player in the country and the top Girls’ Under 12 player in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern section.

Leala’s father, David Kramer, is the owner of Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. She became motivated to pursue her tennis career by watching the skilled and talented players who competed on her father’s courts. She tried out other sports, including soccer, basketball and lacrosse – but Leala knew that tennis was the sport for her, as she was hitting the ball on court by the time she was three years old.

Leala on the court at the Easter Bowl in California, perfecting her game one rally at a time.

A Solid Foundation

For a time, Leala was a karate fighter as well. Unlike many other sports, which she tried out of mere curiosity, karate was invaluable to Leala’s tennis game as it instilled in her the requisite discipline to be a star athlete. Ever since kindergarten, she had done karate under the guidance of Hartshorn Elementary School’s retired principal, Ken Frattini. The discipline she learned from this sport shines through in her training. These days, she practices tennis ten hours a week on the court, and four hours a week off the court. The

time on court is spent honing her technique, and the time spent off court is reserved for agility training, a practice that David believes is important in every sport. Leala’s ranking is especially impressive considering that many tennis players her age are homeschooled, allowing them to dedicate over twentyfive hours a week to the sport. In contrast, Leala balances her tennis commitments with her classes, often fitting agility training in before the school day begins.

Leala competed at a national tournament this past July, and

afterward, she and her father agreed that it was time for her to take a break. They returned home and Leala packed her bags for a threeweek sleepaway camp. Unlike the typical overnight tennis camps, it was a traditional sleepaway camp, with water-skiing, color war and other activities for a kid to enjoy.

“I’m very proud of her. She put in a lot of hard work. I think it’s important to take a break,” said David. Only after she came back did David and Leala travel to the US Open to be honored at the awards ceremony.

Left: Embracing every moment on the first Day of the 2024 US Open in Flushing, NY.

Right: Leala in the ESPN booth chatting with Grand Slam Doubles Champion Luke Jensen.

Live and Learn

Leala’s high ranking wasn’t a result of a superior performance in a single tournament; instead, her ranking is a collection of points won from individual tournaments during the ranking period of July 10, 2024. You may think that being honored at the US Open means that she had a perfect record, but even champions like Leala suffer a number of losses over their career. When asked how she handles losing, Leala responded, “I hate it. Nothing ruins my day more than a loss, but I learn more from a loss than a win.”

Thankfully, the Short Hills rising tennis champion knows how to cope with these losses. She said her mental game–evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of her opponents and formulating a game plan from there–is her biggest strength.

Now that the school year has started, the break is over. Leala enrolled at Newark Academy in Livingston. She is the middle school team’s star tennis player, playing doubles on the first court at the team’s games.

She’s so talented in the realm of competitive tennis that she is already exploring colleges. Every time she travels for a tournament, she visits a college with her father. Some of the schools on her list include Harvard, Duke and Emory, all of which would be lucky to have such

a talented player. “She’s too young to be recruited…but it’s never too early to start looking,” said David.

Aside from the skilled players she grew up watching at the Brooklake Country Club, some of Leala’s biggest inspirations include tennis professionals Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka. When asked whether she wants to be best in the world someday, she answered, “That’s a loaded question. My goal is to keep working hard and see where tennis takes me.”

Holden Bergam is a Millburn High School senior. When he’s not actively engaged in his journalistic duties, you can find Holden practicing the french horn or honing his skills on the squash court.

Looking Back–and Forward–at Millburn High School

Dr. William Miron, Principal at Millburn High School and Class of 1974, has a special perspective on high school life in his hometown that fuels his competitive spirit.

BY DAVID CHMIEL

William Miron was a 158-pound wrestler at Millburn High School when he became the Millers’ first state champion. A year later, he lost in the state finals.

Fifty years later, he gathered with fellow Millers to celebrate the past and catch up on the present with members of the MHS Class of 1974.

“Our best memories center around friends,” Miron says. “The reunion gave us a chance to reminisce and favorably edit many of our memories. In reality, the top recollections centered around coaches, teachers and teammates, usually about their influence and example, but [they] also included mishaps and antics.”

“We were proud of our track team winning the county meet, baseball winning the conference championship over Summit, and our undefeated wrestling team,” he adds. “But we had laughs about being disciplined over some pranks.”

William Miron, now Dr. William Miron, still spends a lot of time in the principal’s office. He began his career at Millburn High School as a mathematics teacher from 1981 to 2000, then he became Mathematics Supervisor from 2000 to 2004. He served as VicePrincipal from 2004 to 2007, when he moved to the other side of the principal’s desk.

“I was happy and content being a teacher and coach,” he says. “But the position of Mathematics K-12 Supervisor opened up, and I thought it would be an interesting position as it enabled me to keep involved with students while helping organize and administer opportunities for others to follow.”

Kindred Spirit

Dr. Miron understands MHS’s environment of competition and achievement in a school community that is high-achieving in academics, arts, athletics and everything in between. He holds the Millburn record with 32 consecutive victories. He wrestled at Princeton University, earning Honorable Mention All-America as a freshman and all-Ivy League honors for three seasons. He coached the Millburn varsity boys’

wrestling team for 20 years, amassing a record of 207-109-1. He’s been inducted into the Millburn High School Sports Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“Our school has been ranked #1 in New Jersey while typically being in the top five other years,” he says. “Our Robotics team won the World Championship in 2019. Girls’ tennis won 150 matches in a row between 2012 and 2019. Our musical productions perform to sell-out crowds. Our Debate team is recognized nationally as a premier program. Our music and arts garner all sorts of state recognition. Yet, what I probably take the most satisfaction from are the countless students who are proud of whatever they accomplished and the improvement achieved.”

“I can relate to the drives and concerns that our students have. Our student population has always had a large range of abilities and motivation,” he says. “Some students come into grade nine having a clear vision of what they want to achieve. Others do not get genuinely motivated until after high school. But nobody can predict every opportunity and hurdle that they will encounter, so we hope we teach them the skills to navigate their future.”

Dr. Miron says the successes motivate him to manage the moments when students realize that, even in Millburn, not every day is perfect.

“[We] support students during times of disappointment, frustration and anxiousness. There are certainly incidents that capture the public eye,” he says. “We have seen hurricanes, pandemics and world events that shake the confidence of the entire school. But we cannot control the wind; we can direct our sails.” He continues, saying, “The pandemic was such a challenging time to keep education moving forward. Last year, we implemented a block schedule that was a challenge at first for both teachers and students, but we are now in our second successful year.”

The high school halls Dr. Miron (right) once walked as a student now present a different landscape as he and physics teacher Ryan Flatley (left) guide the next generation.

Both Sides of 50

When he reflects on the dreams that he and his classmates had, Dr. Miron concedes that he didn’t expect that he’d still be walking the hallways at Millburn High.

“We all were driven with short-term goals,” he says, “but rarely did anyone think years down the road to any particular vocation—including [the] principal.”

He sees differences between the Class of 1974 and the future classes of Millburn High and notes things they

could learn from each other.

“Adapting to change is a challenge in any era,” he says. “I wish ‘back then’ we all would have been more sensitive to other people. And I wish nowadays that students could learn not to overcommit and value downtime.”

He is happy to see some students share his passion for education.

“I want our students to aspire to be successful in whatever avenue interests them,” he says. “An interesting fact: We have a dozen MHS graduates on the high school staff!”

David Chmiel wrestles with words for a living. He is a freelance writer and editor who lives with his family in South Orange.

Left: Unwinding on the weekend at the Millburn Deli, savoring a taste of welldeserved downtime. Photo by Karen Biggos. Right: Enjoying a midday pause to focus on connection and school community.

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Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

The legal team at Cipriano Law Offices has a combined 120 years’ experience helping high net worth individuals work through complex matter concerning business holdings as well as refining custodial arrangements.

Our team understands the importance of negotiation while keeping an eye on the best interest of our clients. We have four court qualified mediators, two statewide approved parenting coordinators and six litigators ready to assist you in all aspects of Family Court representation. Let Cipriano Law Offices help move your family to

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Celebrating 100 Years

Dr. Victor Parsonnet rings in a century in Millburn surrounded by his friends and family.

Above: Ben Pyne, former NJ Symphony General Manager & Trustee, Jonathan Storck, NJS bass, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, Francine Storck, NJS Principal Second Violin. Right: Mike Lipper, Ruth Lipper, NJ Symphony Trustee, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, NJS Chairman Emeritus and Governor Tom Kean Sr.

Dr. Victor Parsonnet recently marked an incredible milestone by celebrating his 100th birthday. This momentous occasion is the reflection of a life filled with purpose and achievement. The Parsonnet family has called Millburn home for nearly five decades. As an internationally acclaimed heart surgeon, Victor is beloved by the countless patients whose lives he has preserved and the many medical professionals he has mentored at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, which his grandfathers, Max Danzis and the Senior Victor Parsonnet, co-founded in 1901. A passionate public advocate in New Jersey, he has dedicated himself to developing clinical standards intended to ensure accessible quality cardiac care at an affordable cost. As a teacher and clinical scientist, he introduced pacemakers and heart transplants to our state. As a musician, he embraced music as cultural and emotional nutrition, serving as Board Chair of New Jersey Symphony for 16 years and was a founding Trustee of NJPAC. As a scion of Newark, he has been a lifetime contributor to healthcare, arts and social outreach. His journey through the decades has touched many lives. Happy Birthday, Dr. Parsonnet!

Top: Ed Zinbarg, NJ Symphony Trustee, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, Al Angel, NJS Vice Chair Emeritus. Center: Karl Herman, former NJ Symphony Principal Clarinet, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, Erika Nickrenz, Eroica Trio. Right: Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, Bonita Hickman, Manager, Public Relations, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

New Millburn Physical Therapy clinic offers 60 min one-on-one sessions

791-5321

A graduate of NYU Physical Therapy, Dr. Mir prioritizes quality over quantity with truly one-on-one, 60-minute sessions. With years of experience in orthopedic and sports medicine, he founded Helios Physical Therapy to provide something different: dynamic, patient-tailored care.

Located in a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Millburn, he is now offering FREE consultations.

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.

Resnick Resnick Law Firm LLC

JFK Parkway, Suite 128, Short Hills, NJ 973.671.5859

www.stevenresnick.com

steven@lawyerres.com

Through the Lens

I developed an interest in photography after spending a day in New York City capturing images with my phone. I was inspired by the light bouncing off buildings, the way shadows stretched across streets and the endless faces of the crowds. I got a professional camera at the beginning of the school year and now take photos for Millburn High School Athletics. I love capturing the emotions of the players on the field, using light exposure and filters to tell the story behind the pictures. I also photograph events and parties and enjoy capturing the special moments of people laughing, dancing and sharing hugs. I feel fortunate to have found my passion and share it with everyone.

-Reese Solomon, Millburn High School Junior