Millburn & Short Hills
PREMIERE ISSUE
BEHIND THE SCENES AT PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE
LEADING OUR SCHOOLS
DR. CHRISTINE BURTON
COMMON LOT FINE DINING WITH A TWIST OF LAISSEZ-FAIRE
The Power of Art Emily Konopinski
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JANUARY 2024
Contents
14
22
18 6 26 IN EVE RY ISSU E
10
4
Publisher’s Note ANTICIPATING A GREAT 2024!
6
Around Town BITE-SIZED UPDATES
10 Q&A MEET LIBRARY LEADER MIKE BANICK 26 Local Tastes NOT-SO-COMMON LOT 28 Better Health AVOIDING WINTER FALLS F E AT U R ES
14 18
The Healing Power of Art
30 Home Front PREPARE TO LIST YOUR HOME 32 Photo Op TAYLOR PARK AT DARK
Artist Emily Konopinski makes her mark at Green Door Studio in Millburn.
Raising the Curtain
A behind-the-scenes look at Paper Mill Playhouse.
22 Head of the Class
With a focus on continuous improvement, Dr. Christine Burton leads Millburn Township Public Schools to success.
O N T HE COVER
Artist and teacher Emily Konopinski owns Green Door Studio. Read her story on page 14. PHOTOGRAPH BY MELISSA SPECTOR
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Anticipating an Excellent 2024!
PHOTOGRAPH BY MELISSA SPECTOR
Steve has helped introduce scores of town enhancements that have positively impacted the local economy, including the upcoming second annual Restaurant Week. In this first issue, we showcase the evolving culinary vision behind local restaurant gem Common Lot, which is enjoying its eighth year of business and continues to offer the community elevated fare in a warm and friendly atmosphere. In another feature, Emily Konopinski, who graces our cover, shares her journey to becoming an artist, gallerist and art educator. Her passion for supporting emerging visual artists and introducing them to the community shines through her words and actions. We also pull back the curtain on the impressive 85th milestone season of the iconic Paper Mill Playhouse. Our article gives you an inside look at the elaborate behind-the-scenes operational and artistic workings that help to create each stellar season. Our vision is for this magazine to be a voice for our community. Dr. Christine Burton says it perfectly in an update on the Millburn schools: Even families whose children have already left the system and those who have not had kids at our public schools are an integral part of their ongoing success. Readers and advertisers, thank you in advance for your support in ’24! We look forward to sharing your stories on our pages. If you have an idea that would make a great feature for Millburn & Short Hills magazine, please email me at marylima@ millburnshorthills.com. Warm regards,
Debuting our new magazine at the start of a new year is a bit of a gift. 2024 just beginning— with all the promise that a new year holds— echoes what my team and I are feeling right now: giddy anticipation. The start of a new year, infused with positivity and hope, energizes the soul. Hopefully, this lovingly crafted first issue of Millburn & Short Hills magazine, which has been in the works for some months, will further energize you by connecting you on a deeper level to our community. We could not have created this first issue without the help of Steve Grillo from Explore Millburn-Short Hills. Steve has contributed to an impressive Millburn-Short Hills achievement: Gaining a whopping 100 new businesses, across five business districts, since 2020. In addition,
Mary Lima Publisher
Millburn & Short Hills MAGAZINE
Publisher Mary Lima Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Writers Sophia Colitti Steve Grillo Elaine Quilici Domenick Reda 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 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.
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WHAT’S NEW
Around Town BY STEVE GRILLO Executive Director, Explore Millburn-Short Hills
NEW BUSINESSES Millburn-Short Hills has seen remarkable business growth since 2020. More than 100 businesses have opened in the five commercial districts of the town, and we have some exciting recent additions!
TBOYchic Living, located at 41 Main Street downtown, is a unique lifestyle brand shopping experience with one of the most beautiful (and relaxing) interiors you will find in town.
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At 752 Morris Turnpike, in the former Calico space, is the new Mattress Warehouse. The showroom is enormous and features dozens of mattresses to select from.
GameChanger Fitness recently opened a new location at 770 Morris Turnpike in Short Hills. It features small, personalized fitness classes that start at your level of comfort and ability.
Finally, Sugaring NYC, which offers more than 40 different organic waxing treatments and service combos, is scheduled to open in early 2024 at 389 1/2 Millburn Avenue downtown.
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WHAT’S NEW
Around Town
ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURNSHORT HILLS
MILLBURN RESTAURANT WEEK In 2023, Explore Millburn-Short Hills launched “Millburn Restaurant Week,” which featured more than 25 restaurants and supported work done by Opportunity Project, a local nonprofit that provides care to individuals with brain injuries.
Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established to support and promote 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.
The event is back in 2024 and will take place between March 17 and March 23. Last year was a phenomenal success and helped raise more than $6,000 for Opportunity Project. Follow Explore Millburn-Short Hills on social media for updates and promotions.
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Q &a
Loving the Library Directing the Millburn Free Public Library means providing a broad array of options, programs and technologies for readers of all ages. BY DOMENICK REDA
The library’s children’s room was renovated in 2021-2022.
MIKE BANICK Director, Millburn Free Public Library
Mike Banick will read just about anything—as long as it is well written. As a librarian for more than 20 years, the last 11 as director of the Millburn Free Public Library, Banick has had a consistent mission: to offer patrons of all ages not only reading and writing but a “robust slate of options.” At the Millburn Free Public Library, Banick says, “The sky is the limit” for adults and children who have a thirst for information.
It just seemed like a natural path for me. There are several factors, including the many folks I have worked for and worked with.
What makes the Millburn Free Public Library so appealing for patrons, and why does it stand out? We try to make it user friendly for everybody. Not everyone is tech savvy. We duplicate all information online so everyone can have access. We have a calendar of events that is colorcoded and can be accessed through a link on our website, www.millburnlibrary.org, but also via a newsletter.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MIKE BANICK
INTERVIEW WITH
What drew you toward being a librarian—and did anyone influence you?
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What significant activities and programs do you have for adults at the library? We have practical initiatives like lectures and classes, including an English language program that we saw a real need for to help people develop their skills. We finalized it in 2022. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. We also have advanced citizenship classes. And we have fun events like movies, murder mysteries and escape rooms. We’re really proud of what we do.
What does the library offer for children and teens? For kids, everything is age appropriate. For smaller children, we have story times and various games as well as outdoor events. For teens, we offer college prep and life skills programs like cooking, with recipes to give to them. They also have an opportunity to do volunteer work.
What do you like to read? I love history, but I’ll read anything as long as it’s well written. I have a wide array of interests.
What books and authors have you read recently? “All the Beauty in the World” by Patrick Bringley. It’s about his experience from the inside, as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s beautifully written. And I’m in the process of reading “Quantum Supremacy” by Michio Kaku, which is about how the computer revolution will change everything.
Domenick Reda is a freelance writer and journalist who lives in northern New Jersey. He is a multiple-time New Jersey Press Association award winner.
JANUARY 2024
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Artist and teacher Emily Konopinski owns Green Door Studio, a gallery, studio and school at 306 Millburn Ave.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR
The Healing Power of Art Artist Emily Konopinski makes her mark at Green Door Studio in Millburn.
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BY DOMENICK REDA
Contemporary artist Ai Weiwei once said: “Art is life. Life is art. I never separate it.” But what about when we need a distraction from life or just a safe space to get away from it all? Art can provide that as well. If you don’t believe it, meet Emily Konopinski. “Art is a tool for coping and healing,” says Konopinski, who opened Green Door Studio—an art studio, gallery and school—in Millburn in 2023. “And I love the joy and happiness that come with it.” Four years ago, Konopinski was working as an art teacher. Then the pandemic hit. “None of us knew what was going to happen,” she recalls. During that time, she spotted a building with a green logo on the door that she fell
in love with. “For me, the color green has always represented the earth and nature,” she says. She thought about how it would look at the entrance of an art gallery. Konopinski, with her love of art and the support of her family, opened her first studio in February 2022. A year later she found a more favorable location on Millburn Avenue. She signed the lease in April and opened the doors in May. “For me, it was a postpandemic return to the world,” Konopinski says. “Now, I’m doing my own thing.” She also noticed a cathartic effect for others dealing with the pandemic’s lasting imprint. “They tell me, ‘I don’t know how to talk to people anymore,’” Konopinski says. “This provides a safe space.”
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From left: The eye-catching Green Door Studio entrance; owner and artist Emily Konopinski; and a pegboard of paint supplies in the studio space.
Exploring the Arts Konopinski’s appreciation for all forms of art goes back to when she was growing up in Maplewood and was a student at Columbia High School, which she recognized for having “a great film and photography program.” After graduating in 1998, she studied political science at Monmouth University, but says, “I didn’t enjoy that environment. I didn’t fit in.” She wanted to get back into film and photography and believed the Air
Force could provide that. “I wanted to be a photographer,” she remembers. While there, she played in the band, got basic military training and “met some great people along the way.” Through several social connections, she produced films with Pete Chatmon, who went on to write and direct more than 50 television episodes. Those connections also led her to rub elbows with several celebrities. But Konopinski wanted to make her own mark.
“Making films is great,” she says. “But until you have your own company, it’s difficult.” Her military experience also left her with significant health issues. Her doctor recommended painting for its therapeutic benefits, and Konopinski was back to being an artist, this time a painter. From there she went on to teach art, including working with special education students, before opening Green Door.
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Supporting Local Artists The studio welcomes children and adults of all ages and backgrounds, including Humberto Ramos, 93, whose retrospective was displayed in December. Then there is Brianne Valentino, who hosted her first solo “Value People” at the gallery in October. Valentino started painting in 2017 to help cope with the death of several family members and “got more serious” about it in 2019. She has sold several paintings and largely credits Konopinski. “The way she displays everything brings the show together,” Valentino says. “Emily is just the best. She is a very kind person.” In September, Konopinski was displaying work at the Newark Museum of Art during the city’s art festival. There she saw a painting that she couldn’t take her eyes off. It belonged to Chima Dennis Dike, who started painting as a 10-year-old growing up in Nigeria. “I noticed his work right away due to the bold use of color and the intense emotion it evoked,” she says. “I didn’t realize he was standing right there.” She chose his work for Green Door Studio, and the exhibit, “Purple Heart,” opened on January 6 and runs through the end of the month. “I was amazed how she was looking at my painting,” Dike recalls. “So, I introduced myself. I normally have my guard up when I first meet someone. But we had so much in common.” Konopinski says she values everyone she has met along the way and, most of all, her family, which includes husband Pete Trunk, their 8-year-old son, Augie (who painted the door green at the current location), and a beloved cat they named Larry David. “I simply could not do any of it without their love and endless support,” she says. “It’s been an exciting journey all the way through.” Green Door Studio is located at 306 Millburn Avenue in Millburn. For more information, call (973) 980-5341 or send submissions and inquiries to info@ agreendoorstudio.com.
“Art is a tool for coping and healing. And I love the joy and happiness that come with it.” - Emily Konopinski, owner of Green Door Studio
Domenick Reda is a freelance writer and journalist who lives in northern New Jersey. After graduating from Seton Hall University, he worked as a staff writer and managing editor. He is a multiple-time New Jersey Press Association award winner.
JANUARY 2024
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Michael Stotts, executive director of Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
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Raising the Curtain A behind-the-scenes look at Paper Mill Playhouse BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR
Paper Mill Playhouse is a
cultural icon in the MillburnShort Hills area. As with any old friend, sometimes that familiarity can be taken for granted. But as the theater celebrates its 85th anniversary this season, this grande dame is as vibrant as ever. “Paper Mill has been a vital
contributor to the cultural, social and economic well-being of Millburn-Short Hills for a very long time,” says executive director Michael Stotts. “Although everyone knows Paper Mill is here, I’m not always sure that they know what Paper Mill is all about and what the significance of the
theater is on a grander scale.” Paper Mill has become one of the preeminent musical theater companies in the country. It boasts a number of shows that have moved to New York and beyond, firmly establishing its role in the development of musical theater.
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A Stellar Local Impact The company doesn’t just stage stellar productions, though. It has a $21 million impact on the local economy. Its impression on the community has been strengthened by its outreach and education efforts to make theater accessible to all. To remain relevant, the company knows it must continually adapt. Producing artistic director Mark Hoebee seeks a diversity of programming, which includes the development of new shows and the revival of important classics. He also aims to bring in the best writers, directors, composers and actors. Scheduling, managing artist availability and deciding the order of the shows generally starts in
mid-November and runs through February, but the planning of some projects can begin two years out. Paper Mill’s annual five-production season starts with the selection of two shows created in partnership with commercial producers, which form the anchors of the season. This year, Paper Mill chose as its season opener “The Great Gatsby” and the spring musical “Gun & Powder.” The company then looks for three additional projects to balance out the season. “Fiddler on the Roof,” “After Midnight” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” round out this year’s offerings. “We get calls all the time that someone would like to bring their show here,” says Stotts. “We go
to readings and workshops to see what material is out there. Because of our proximity to New York, we can’t always get certain projects. For example, we haven’t been able to get the rights to ‘Fiddler on the Roof ’ for 40 years. So we look at what has become available and try to program that. Then it becomes a conversation about the intentions of the show and the creative team, to see if it’s a fit for Paper Mill.” Though this year’s season is composed of all musicals, the selection can include straight plays, including comedies and mysteries. Whatever the production, one thing is for sure: To fill Paper Mill’s Broadway-size stage and almost 1,200-seat theater, it has to be big and broad.
Clockwise from top left: entrance to Paper Mill Playhouse; the lower gallery at Paper Mill; Paper Mill’s lobby, where the season’s upcoming shows are highlighted; and the adjacent Carriage House Restaurant & Bar.
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Recent shows staged at Paper Mill Playhouse include (clockwise from top left): “Rent,” 2022-2023 season; “The Great Gatsby,” 2023-2024 season; “Hercules,” 2022-2023 season; and “The Sound of Music,” 2022-2023 season.
Theater for Everyone Making theater available to everyone is a hallmark of Paper Mill. It was the first theater in the country to offer programs for the visually and hearing impaired. Its Theater for Everyone program presents autismfriendly performances. Paper Mill also brings theater instruction to students in urban areas with its Adopt-a-School program and sends artists to the assisted-living Actors Fund Home in Englewood, N.J. The organization has an interest in developing the next generation of theater artists, too. It recognizes high school up-and-comers in its annual Rising Star Awards, runs a Summer Musical Theater Conservatory training program and offers
classes at Paper Mill Studios downtown. “Our hope is to expand our presence in the downtown area over the next few years,” says Stotts. “Our education programs are busting at the seams, and we don’t have room to accommodate them all on our campus.”
Aiming for Growth With its subscriber base nearly 30 percent lower than what it was before the pandemic, Paper Mill is on a mission to develop programming that attracts a new, larger and wider audience. The organization also is building out its on-site offerings to attract visitors. The adjacent Carriage House Restaurant offers
cabaret, interactive murder mysteries, trivia nights and an illusionist on nights the theater is dark. After having been closed for decades, The Gallery at Paper Mill in the theater’s lobby now features exhibitions by regional artists. “We need the public to support us in different ways—by buying tickets, by becoming donors—and to value having live theater in their communities,” says Stotts. “Our job is to continue to remain relevant to the community that we serve.” Elaine Paoloni Quilici is 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.
JANUARY 2024
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Head of the Class With a focus on continuous improvement, Dr. Christine Burton leads Millburn Township Public Schools to success. BY ELAINE PAOLONI QUILICI
Running a school system in New Jersey, one of the nation’s top states for education, Dr. Christine Burton has her work cut out for her. As superintendent of Millburn Township Public Schools, she oversees the high school, middle school and six elementary schools. But just like the nearly 5,000 students she represents, Burton is up for the challenge. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the top 10 elementary and middle schools in the state. Included on this list were Glenwood School (No. 2), South Mountain School (No. 6), Wyoming School (No. 8) and Deerfield School (No. 9). Millburn Middle School secured the No. 5 spot. In August, the media company ranked the high school No. 19 in New Jersey and No. 457 across the nation.
Burton attributes this success to understanding the current climate and investing in continuous improvement. For example, knowing technology will play an important role in the jobs of the future, the schools have introduced coding and robotics at an early age. The district also started providing greater access to higherlevel courses to address changes in college admissions that have shifted weight away from standardized testing and toward the rigor of a school’s program. “Colleges know Millburn and that students who have been in an accelerated or AP-level course here have been amply challenged,” says Burton. “They know that not only do our kids get into their schools, but our students graduate their colleges and universities.”
Next-Level Learning The district also looks for opportunities to take learning to the next level. It has the resources to provide one-of-akind opportunities, such as digitally connecting students with experts around the world. The creation of the Millburn Innovative Learning Lab, or The MILL, has produced an internationally recognized robotics program. The schools also encourage students to explore their individual strengths and interests within the classroom through arts, entrepreneurship and leadership components. “Our students are incredibly literate and numerate, but we want to provide opportunities to challenge them in many different ways,” says Burton.
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Dr. Christine Burton has been superintendent of Millburn Township Public Schools—a district that includes elementary, middle and high schools ranked nationally for quality—since 2015.
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“Our students are incredibly literate and numerate, but we want to provide opportunities to challenge them in many different ways.” - Dr. Christine Burton, superintendent of Millburn Township Public Schools
Embracing Diversity In spring 2023, Burton helped create One Millburn to embrace the greater levels of diversity in town and help students from all backgrounds feel that they have a place in the school system. In cooperation with local clergy, the township committee and the Chamber of Commerce, the organization offers information sessions, panel discussions, guest speakers, events and opportunities for service projects. The ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are also represented in the hiring process and in the professional development of staff within the district. Burton knows how important it is for everyone to have a voice. “People whose children have come and gone and who no longer have a connection to the schools are still an integral part of this community and
have a vested interest in our schools continuing to do so well,” she says. This past fall, she was delighted to see the third referendum of her tenure passed, which demonstrates the support of the community in return. Burton has a long history in education in New Jersey. Born and raised in South Jersey, she attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) where she received her degree in elementary education and math. She earned her master’s and doctorate in education at Seton Hall University. After teaching math for nearly 12 years in Hillsborough, she became director of mathematics at Montgomery Township School District in 2001. She moved to Millburn in 2010 as assistant superintendent and became superintendent in 2015.
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It Takes a Team Having worked in other districts, Burton recognizes the increased expectations in the Millburn Township Public Schools for both students and staff. “Our students, our staff and our community truly expect a high level of academic support, rigor and opportunities inside and outside of the schools,” she says. “There are many demands across the board.” To get the job done, Burton is thankful for her entire team and makes a point to let them know they are appreciated. She visits each building at least once every two weeks to check in. She wants people to see her and know that she is not part of the proverbial ivory tower. “Everyone has a vital role to play,” she says. “During good times and bad, you have to let people know that.”
Elaine Paoloni Quilici is 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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LOCAL TASTES
Not-So-Common Lot
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELISSA SPECTOR
Common Lot restaurant founders Nadine and Ehren Ryan.
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This Millburn eatery curates fine dining experiences with a laissez-faire twist. BY SOPHIA COLITTI
The irony of Common Lot is written in the restaurant’s name: Everything about the New American hotspot, located at 27 Main St. in Millburn, is perfectly uncommon. For starters, Common Lot founders Ehren and Nadine Ryan have found success working alongside each other as both coworkers and spouses. “We’ve been quite fortunate that we gel really well with each other and have the same ambitions, goals and standards,” Ehren says. “We know how we should execute the whole experience. There’s no one I would trust more to open a restaurant or work with.” Informal Elegance Chef Ehren and manager Nadine met in the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. In opening Common Lot in March 2016, the pair drew on their wealth of experience living internationally and
Ehren’s experience cooking for Michelin-star restaurants, including Aria, Heston Blumenthal and Sketch. Common Lot’s ambiance is one of understated elegance, guided by Studio 1200 architects and Nadine’s creative direction. Industrial and relaxed, its open-space concept incorporates textural elements from woods to metals and leathers. But despite the polished aesthetic and upscale food, there is no dress code. Even the staff dresses in denim. “There is no formality with the restaurant,” Ehren says. “We have nice glassware, plate ware and tables to give it more elegance, but it’s still a very relaxed environment. We want people to feel comfortable no matter what they’ve come in for.”
ingredients possible. Ehren’s dishes are globally inspired by years spent in Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe, incorporating French techniques. Shared plates and main courses are the focus on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while there is an emphasis on the prix fixe menu on Fridays and Saturdays. However, in true Common Lot fashion, Ehren proclaims there are no real rules. “It’s however you feel you want to celebrate,” Ehren says. “We’re still evolving, but we want to keep pushing the boundaries for the taste of our food. We’ve always hoped that people would just enjoy the feel, the food and the service, and come out saying, ‘Wow, that was really good. I can’t wait to go back.’”
International Flavors The restaurant’s menu is seasonally driven, changing five to six times a year to take advantage of the freshest produce and
Sophia Colitti is a Roseland-based writer with a journalism and media studies degree from Rutgers University. She is a former contributor to The Progress newspaper and a believer in the power of the pen.
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BETTER HEALTH
Stay on Your Feet This Winter Smart tips for standing up to cold-weather hazards that can lead to falls Winter is a high-risk time for slips and falls—and the injuries that can result. But most falls are preventable, especially if you’re alert to common hazards. As colder weather makes ice and snow more prevalent, follow this advice for sidestepping winter pitfalls that often contribute to tumbles.
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HURRYING In cold conditions, it’s tempting to walk faster or take more hazardous HAZARD shortcuts to get inside or # reach a destination, but rushing is the underlying cause of many falls.
1
COLD MUSCLES
HAZARD #2
Cold muscles tend to become more rigid. That means chilly limbs could hinder your ability to react quickly if you slip or lose your balance.
FOIL FALLS: FOIL FALLS: • G ive yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. • Walk slowly and carefully, taking slower, smaller steps and keeping your weight over your feet. • Keep hands out of your pockets to help catch or block a fall if necessary.
•P ut on winter clothes such as a hat, gloves and a coat each time you head outside, even to grab the mail. • G ive preference to gear that’s both warm and light, such as down or fleece coats and vests, so clothes themselves don’t restrict mobility.
ICY SURFACES
HAZARD #3
Ice on pavement can be hard to spot—especially under a surface puddle that makes all the water look melted. Awkward twisting while standing can make getting out of a car on ice particularly treacherous.
FOIL FALLS:
• W hen it’s necessary to walk on snowy or icy surfaces (as when clearing the driveway), sprinkle a gritty substance such as sand, salt, cinders or cat litter for traction. • I n parking lots, pull into well-lit spots and scan the ground before getting out of your vehicle. • W hen exiting your car, swing both legs out and plant them firmly on the ground before standing. • Feel around and steady yourself on the doorframe before you start walking.
SLIPPERY FLOORS
HAZARD #4
Melted snow from shoes can make indoor surfaces slick in winter, especially in public areas like stores and offices where many people have trod.
UNWISE TRAVEL Many people think it’s important to keep HAZARD appointments or get # their shopping and other errands done even during hazardous weather.
5
FOIL FALLS: • At home, take off shoes or boots when you come inside—and ask guests to do the same. • B e extra careful in indoor public places, especially near exterior doors, where floors are often wettest. • Wear shoes or boots with good traction and ankle support.
FOIL FALLS: •S tay inside during bad weather unless your task or appointment is an emergency. Very few things can’t wait until after a snowstorm. • Keep tabs on weather forecasts and reschedule commitments for times when conditions are likely to be better.
AVOIDING FALLS AS YOU AGE Falls are more likely as people age due to a combination of factors including a declining sense of balance and reduced muscle strength, along with vision and hearing issues. These steps can help you stay safe. • Practice balance and strength exercises all year. If you do lose your balance, having good muscle strength lets you recover by regaining your footing or grabbing a railing and supporting yourself. •H ave your eyes checked and keep your vision sharp. Go to the eye doctor to make sure contacts or eyeglasses prescriptions are current. •B e mindful about medications. Everyone reacts differently to medications, so any kind can potentially impair your balance or make you unsteady. Be especially cautious when starting a new prescription.
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HOME FRONT
Prepare Now to List This Spring Tips to help sellers get the most for their homes BY SOPHIA COLITTI
COURTESY OF ARLENE GONNELLA
Who better than Arlene Gonnella,
Arlene Gonnella, a real estate agent with Weichert, says clean-looking enhancements such as white walls, updated floors and fresh window treatments can help make homes attractive to buyers.
Millburn and Short Hills’ No. 1 real estate agent for the past 18 years, to share best practices for preparing for a spring home listing? Having been in the business since 1985, Gonnella has just the advice for those looking to do the spadework in the winter months so that by the impending spring season, all is quite literally done and dusted. “What somebody needs to do to make their house as attractive and as new looking as possible is use fresh paint, take down all the window treatments if they’re dated or make sure the windows are done, and take down the shades,” Gonnella says. Flooring is another element that has more appeal when updated or cleaned. In fact, says Gonnella, clean-looking enhancements are critical in every room. “When in doubt,” she says, “white paint is highly recommended.”
Local Expertise In her 25 years with Weichert, Gonnella has become fluent in all things real estate but has become an expert in the local area and its market. This means that she is a highly credible source to vouch for the community’s special charm, which practically sells itself. Buyers will discover an elite school system, an easy commute and beauty everywhere. “The people who live here and the people who want to come here appreciate the schools; they’re highly educated; and they’re great to work with,” Gonnella says. “They usually are very well qualified, and they’re attracted to the community.” Gonnella truly appreciates the knowledgeable company she is in with buyers, sellers and other agents in the area. “It’s a great place to work,” Gonnella says of Millburn and Short Hills, “so it’s a win all around.”
Sophia Colitti is a Roseland-based writer with a journalism and media studies degree from Rutgers University. She is a former contributor to The Progress newspaper and a believer in the power of the pen.
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PHOTO OP
Taylor Park at Dark
A magical image of a lit-up Taylor Park from last season. The lights will be back on in late 2024. Photo by Chris Kurzyna.
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to MaryLima@millburnandshorthills.com.
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(c) 201.306.1357
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In Millburn/Short Hills for 18 Years Including 2023!
In 2023, we have the 4 highest sales in Short Hills, and 8 of the top 10 sales in town. In 4 of those 8 sales, we represent both the buyer & the seller. For the Highest Possible Price, call Arlene Gonnella at 201.306.1357!
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Short Hills Office . 505 Millburn Avenue . Short Hills, NJ (O) 973.376.4545 © 2023 Weichert, Realtors®. If your home is currently listed with a real estate broker, this is not intended to be a solicitation of the listing. Weichert® is a federally registered trademark owned by Weichert Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
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