Issuu

Get Out & Explore! LI F E + C U LTU R E

OU R BE AUTIFU L SO M ERSET COU NT Y: BU CO LI C PARKS & FARMS PL AN A STAYCATIO N TO REM EM BER E D U C ATI O N

BRI DGEWATER BOY SCOUTS TAKE I N NOVATIVE STEPS TO SAVI NG TH E PL AN ET

A P R I L 2 022

Our doctors are in your neighborhood Some of the region’s best doctors are right here in your area. Whether you need care for a cold, a routine checkup, or help managing a chronic condition, our primary care specialists are here for you. BRIDGEWATER Hunterdon Family Medicine at Bridgewater Route 28 908-237-4135

CALIFON Hunterdon Family Medicine at Hickory Run 908-832-2125

CLINTON Hunterdon Family Medicine at Riverfield 908-735-4645

FLEMINGTON Hunterdon Family Medicine at Cornerstone 908-237-6910 Hunterdon Family Practice & Obstetrics 908-788-6535

Hunterdon Internal Medicine Associates 908-237-4072 Hunterdon Medical Associates at Flemington 908-782-5100

HAMPTON Hunterdon Family Medicine at Highlands 908-735-2594

HILLSBOROUGH Hunterdon Family Medicine at Your Doctors Care 908-685-1887

LAMBERTVILLE Hunterdon Family Medicine at Phillips-Barber 609-397-3535

LONG VALLEY Hunterdon Medical Associates at Long Valley 908-876-5300

MILFORD Hunterdon Family Medicine at Delaware Valley 908-995-2251

PENNINGTON Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley 609-730-1771

WASHINGTON Hunterdon Family Medicine at Riverfield 908-237-4144

WHITEHOUSE STATION Hunterdon Medical Associates at Whitehouse Station 908-237-4155

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April 2022 PUBLISHER S

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Patti Zielinski | patti.verbanas@citylifestyle.com

April Showers Bring May Flowers

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Dina Sultan | dina.sultan@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Spring symbolizes new beginnings. Nature reveals its beauty through budding trees and flowers, and the fresh temperate air invites us to spend more time outdoors. As we prepare our garden and flowerbeds, new life awakens joy in the beauty of our world and the desire to explore it. And for those of us without a green thumb, the local farmer’s markets are gearing up for a busy season of visitors to enjoy fresh produce from local farmers. There are a multitude of diverse spots in the area to discover, whether it is a new restaurant with a great patio to enjoy with friends and family, a hiking trail to take in nature and the surrounding scenery or a niche boutique hotel for a relaxing staycation—there is something for everyone. For our April issue, we wanted to share with you how some of our neighbors are getting out to explore both locally and globally. We would love to hear from you about your favorite hidden gems in town and your go-to travel destinations, so drop us a line or share it with us on Facebook or Instagram. We hope that the destinations featured this month give you something to dream about visiting in the near future. Here is to a happy spring full of adventure and peace and sunshine.

Nancy A. Ruhling CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Donna Gioia Volpe Photography, Rachel Gallic Photography, Samantha Anderson Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHER @ B R I D G E WAT E R _ S O M E R S E T_ H I L L S

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Bridgewater City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bridgewater area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bridgewater City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

APRIL 2022

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 If You Build It They Will Come

Lifestyle Letter

Explore Carriage Farm, Where Sustainability, Conservation, Organic Farming

City Scene

and Adorable Goats Reign Supreme

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Must See

Athlete Life

FI T NES S

Inspired By

A RTS + C U LT U R E

Culinary Creations

Hometown Hero

Our Town

Local’s Choice

Events

Realty Report

26 Icing the Competition

How Sports Medicine Doctors Give Elite US Figure Skating Athletes a Competitive Edge

32 Romancing Somerset County

Amateur Photographers Capture the Beauty, Majesty and Mystery of Our Parks

50 Coming Full Circle

World Travelers Jane and Ted Settle Celebrate the Riches of a New Community

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Tyler Grimm Free-roaming goats naturally maintain the lawn at Carriage Farm in Hillsborough.

LI FE + C U LT U R E

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

EDU CAT I O N

LI FE + C U LT U R E FO O D + B EV ER AG E

R EA L ESTAT E

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APRIL 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

PATTI ZIELINSKI

SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE BRIDGEWATER JCC

BRIDGEWATER COMMONS

7 5

PATTI ZIELINSKI

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP

1: Bound Brook High School Robotics Team 56 found a new home at the Bridgewater Commons. 2: The Bridgewater-Raritan Winter Guard team competed at the MAIN show hosted by Somerville High School. 3: The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its newest officers. 4: The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center celebrated National Squirrel Appreciation Day. 5: Patrons line up outside DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza after a rave review by Barstool Sports. 6: The Somerset County YMCA Somerville branch collected shoes to support micro businesses in developing countries. 7: Bridgewater Township hosted a Lunar New Year celebration.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bridgewater_somerset_hills

C I T Y SC E N E

YOUR LIGHTHOUSE IN THE STORM ™ At Lyons & Associates, our attorneys understand that family law, criminal law, estate planning, business litigation, and other complex legal matters involve more than just a resolution. While we aggressively pursue your goals and protect your interests in court, we will also take a holistic approach that focuses on helping you recover from the legal crisis you may be currently encountering. Call for a free consultation.

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APRIL 2022

business monthly BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TRAINING FACILITY

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Sarah Dahnke

Somerset County Libraries Welcome Artists-in-Residence The Somerset County Library System, in partnership with coLAB Arts, welcomes two expert artists and educators into the Somerville and Manville branches throughout 2022. Conceptual artist, photographer and educator Diane WahZuercher is the featured Artist-inResidence for the Manville branch and performance artist, choreographer and educator Sarah Dahnke (shown) is the featured Artist-inResidence for the Somerville branch. SCLSNJ.org

Scan to read more.

N O W

O P E N !

Somerset County

Somerset County Agriculture Development Board Wins Governor's Award The Somerset County Agriculture Development Board received a 2021 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for implementing outstanding environmental programs and projects supporting healthy and sustainable communities. “Because of the Ag Board’s public outreach, farmers have reported unparalleled sales in 2020 and 2021,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. “These marketing efforts have resulted in more young people becoming interested in farming, and our county is being recognized as the state leader for femaleowned and operated farms.”

What are you waiting for?

You’ve found senior living where you can be you. You’ve had a successful career. Enjoyed independence. Maybe it’s time to ask what’s next. Time to relax more and manage less. Come experience The Delaney of Bridgewater. Here the living is easy and maintenance-free in a freestanding villa or inviting apartment residence. The food is fabulous, the social calendar enticing and the opportunities for lifelong wellness abundant. You’ll have more time to pursue what you really want to do, because The Delaney simply allows you to be you—your best you!

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CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Announcing the newest Academy of Early Education in Bridgewater  Proprietary Curriculum  Physical Fitness  Enrichment Programs  Technology

 Fun with Phonics®  Foreign Language  Sign Language  Philanthropy

NOW OFFERING

Kindergarten Program

Shutterstock

JCC Offers Soccer Training Program The JCC Cyclones FC is offering a new youth Soccer Training Program beginning in April. The 10-week, outdoor training program is a collaboration of the NJ Cyclones and the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center. It is open to children in grades three to five. Find out more by emailing Coach Ryan Marchese, principal with NJ Cyclones, at ryan@njcyclones.com.

Scan to read more.

Ages 6 Weeks to 6 Years Open daily from 6:30AM - 6:30PM

OUR NEW LOCATION IS OPEN! 1940 US 22 East • Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (732) 646-6540

The Learning Experience Raritan 121 US 202 Raritan, NJ 08869 (908) 707-2088

www.TheLearningExperience.com 16

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

APRIL 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Explore the city for a weekend staycation full of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy the many hidden gems in our area without the need to travel that allow you to unwind and feel like you are on vacation right in your own city’s backyard.

Staycations OLDE MILL INN: Escape for a few relaxing, magical days to the Olde Mill Inn. 225 Route 202, Basking Ridge AC HOTEL BY MAR R IOTT BR IDGEWATER : A vacation close to home awaits you with staycation packages at the AC Hotel by Marriott Bridgewater. 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater LOR D STIR LING STABLE: Plan an exhilarating outdoor group activity at Lord Stirling Stable. 256 S Maple Ave., Basking Ridge DUKE FARMS: Lace up your walking shoes or grab the bikes and explore over 1,000 acres of bucolic majesty at Duke Farms. 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM OF NEW JERSEY: Cozy up on the couch with a good read from the Bridgewater Library. 1 Vogt Dr., Bridgewater Township

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Duke Farms

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIAGE FARM

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

The carriage that is the farm's namesake

EXPLORE CARRIAGE FARM, WHERE SUSTAINABILITY, CONSERVATION, ORGANIC FARMING AND ADORABLE GOATS REIGN SUPREME For over three decades, Ed and Sue Clerico have been the caretakers of a Somerset County treasure: Carriage Farm. Dating back to the 18th century, the historic dairy farm and Dutch-style structures on 20 acres in Hillsborough have been in Ed’s family for generations. When the property came up for auction in 1986, Ed and Sue, who have backgrounds in bio-resource engineering and land use planning, jumped at the opportunity and began a reinvention that made the farm a model for sustainability and conservation. Their initiatives have created a unique business environment: They restored the historic Dutch Barn, which is now the home of Flounder Brewing; dismantled and repurposed the wood from the 150-year-old Granary Barn and erected a similar structure in its place that now houses Bellemara Distillery; and renovated a farmhouse that is the cornerstone for a 20,000-square-foot office building. An antique carriage the couple found in one of the barns on the property is the farm’s namesake and was refurbished by Amish craftsmen. In 2007, Carriage Farm was awarded the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification for a new office addition, making it the first commercial office building in Somerset County to earn this distinction. LEED is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance, green buildings. Today, that building, which maintains the Colonial-style architecture of the original farmhouse, is CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

The back of the English and Dutch Barns

Sue and Ed Clerico

home to an array of tenants that range from technical and financial services to health and wellness and food innovation. “The LEED certification was a stretch for us, but it has paid off in the long run. By lowering our energy costs, we have saved a significant amount of money and now with the pandemic, the high indoor air quality makes our tenants comfortable knowing that they are in a healthy work environment,” Sue says. The Clericos first purchased the farm to serve as the headquarters for Applied Wastewater Technology, a water resource business that Ed founded in 1984 and together with Sue saw the

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

potential it offered for innovation and the integration of agriculture with current commercial property development. Ed fondly recalls working with Professor Mark Singly to pilot an on-farm composter developed by Rutgers and New Holland, a farm equipment company. “We composted everything from cow manure to food waste and used it to nurture our soil,” Ed says. Achieving a high level of energy efficiency was critical in the office building’s design. By using green building principles, the

Clericos were able to conserve natural resources, reduce energy costs and provide a healthy working environment for tenants. Due to their efforts, the property uses 51 percent less energy and 20 percent less water. During construction, they diverted 140 tons of waste from landfills. The visual integrity of the farmstead was equally important. “We wanted to keep the ambience of the farm intact as much as possible, so when you look from the lane, you see the old farmstead, not the new buildings,” Sue says. In addition, the Clericos incorporated sustainable design elements and preserved open space: Close to 75 percent of the land

is open and incorporates natural farming practices. The landscape design uses plants native to New Jersey and drought-tolerant species that do not require irrigation. “This alone saves over 25,000 gallons of water per year,” Ed says. “We built a rain garden instead of putting in a drainage basin to improve the quality of stormwater run-off and provide habitat for wildlife.” They placed emphasis on indoor air quality for the health of the buildings’ occupants, which included using non-toxic materials in construction, using hospital-grade MERV-13 filters and installing windows that tenants can open for fresh air. CONTINUED > AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

The English and Dutch Barns now house Flounder Brewing

And much to the delight of the building’s occupants, free-roaming goats naturally maintain the lawn. “Our tenants enjoy the farm environment and adore the goats. They bring them treats and go out to pet them at lunchtime,” Sue says. “Families often stop by as well.” The opening of Flounder Brewing and Bellemara Distillery has put Carriage Farm on the map as a Central New Jersey destination, allowing people to enjoy the ambiance that the Clericos have created. On the horizon, they are working with Tom Molnar, a professor in the Plant Biology Department at Rutgers and a hazelnut expert, on starting the first commercial hazelnut orchard in New Jersey.

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

The Clericos say stewardship of the land—even on a residential scale—is important. “Once people have a better understanding of its benefits, it'll become more widespread,” Ed says. “There are many easy lifestyle changes that people can make to help the environment: compost; take advantage of financial incentives to add solar panels and low-flow water fixtures; separate recycling from garbage; and plant vegetation that will support bees and bats, both of which are struggling now. Stewardship makes you feel good because you're in a healthier environment and because you’re helping improve the world.” Discover more about how Carriage Farm is changing Somerset County at carriagefarm.com.

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AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

Icing the

Competition How Sports Medicine Doctors Give Elite US Figure Skating Athletes a Competitive Edge

Sports medicine, declares Dr. Robert Monaco, is a game changer. “It’s not just about injuries,” says Monaco, who is part of the medical team for US Figure Skating and former longtime director of sports medicine at Rutgers University. “It’s about comprehensive care: from injuries to nutrition and psychology. It’s everything athletes need to keep them in the field, in the game or on the rink.” Monaco, who works with patients at Atlantic Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Bridgewater, says that for athletes, finding the most qualified medical specialists is as important as hiring the best coach. “We have a robust sports medicine service offering,” he says. “Olympic competitors, Olympic hopefuls and elite athletes in all sports seek us out. We see athletes from all over the country when they are in the New Jersey area.” Injuries are like opponents: The right treatment, delivered promptly and strategically, is crucial to conquering them. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY NANCY A. RUHLING PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

AT H LE T E LIF E | FITNESS

Sports medicine physician Robert Monaco is part of the medical team for US Figure Skating AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

Dr. Robert Monaco's son, Antonio

In the field of figure skating, Monaco, who travels with US Figure Skating’s key athletes to select events and sees some of the ice skaters in his private practice, treats a lot of stress fractures, tendonitis and bursitis. He mentions treating a 15-year-old Bridgewater skater in the second junior nationals for ankle and foot pain. “She had trouble landing jumps because of it,” he says. “We gave her a special insert for her skate, a specialized boot for her to wear when she wasn’t on the ice and physiotherapy. In one to two weeks, she was back on the ice and went on to finish top in her competition.” Monaco, who is board certified in sports medicine, family medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound by the American Board of Family Medicine, began working with figure skaters five years ago when his son, Antonio, became interested in the sport. At that time, they occasionally would skate together. (“We don’t do it anymore; he’s too advanced,” Monaco says, adding that for his part, he skips the dangerous jumps like axels and flips and sticks to the more sedate pastime of recreational ice skating.) Living in New Jersey gave Antonio a skate up in the sport. “There are pockets of good figure skaters around the country, and our state is one of the top areas,” Monaco says. “It has great rinks, programs and well-known coaches.” Being the best on the ice requires a lot of dedication, time and money. “It’s four hours a day on the sport over 15 years or so,” he says, adding that the rigorous training is quite expensive and requires extensive dedication. In the 2022 Winter Olympics, which played out in Beijing, China, throughout the month of February, he says it was great to see figure skating highlighted and to watch many of the skaters he sees at the national events. Although none of his skaters competed this time, he says that some have an “excellent chance” of going to the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy. He has hopes that Antonio, who is 16, and some of the other New Jersey skaters will be among them. “He’s on the national development team, but he has a way to go,” Monaco says. “He’s definitely in the pool of people from New Jersey who skate well that they hope to develop.”

TRAINING TIPS THAT TIP THE SCALES Whether you’re an Olympic competitor or a weekend warrior, Monaco offers these tips for staying in the game (and out of the doctor’s office and hospital): • Take it slow and steady. Start with the basics and hone your skills so you can work up to the difficult moves and poses. • Take classes or work with a coach who is an expert in your chosen sport. • Learn to fall and get up without getting injured. • Use the proper equipment. It should fit well and be appropriate for your sport. • If you do need medical attention, don’t delay. See a sports medicine specialist who has an excellent track record in the field and who understands the intricacies of your sport. Learn more about Monaco at atlanticmedicalgroup.org/ orthopedics-bridgewater.

AT H LE T E LIF E | FITNESS

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

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SPRING IS IN THE AIR …and summer is just around the corner! With wonderful amenities including golf, racquet sports, a resort-style pool, youth programs, exquisite dining and a full calendar of social events, Raritan Valley Country Club provides a welcome respite for our members. Please call (908) 722-2000, ext. 207 or email membership@rvcc1911.org to schedule a personal tour and explore our membership opportunities today!

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AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

Romancing Somerset County

"Scenic," First Place: Pien Nagy, Leonard J. Buck Garden

"People," First Place: Concepcion Caravana, Colonial Park

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURE THE BEAUTY, MAJESTY AND MYSTERY OF OUR PARKS

The Somerset County Park Commission recently challenged amateur photographers to “Show Us Your Best Shot” for its annual photo contest. This collection of winning images are a love letter to the county we call home, showcasing the wonder that exists just a short drive from our doors. CONTINUED >

"Horticulture," First Place: Mary Ann Hnidj, Colonial Park

"Wildlife," First Place: Joni McKelvey, Duke Island Park

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

This year’s top entries are just a snapshot of the wonder of nature present in Central New Jersey. Somerset County alone offers over 300 square miles of landscapes, 14,000 acres of county-owned parkland, 8,000 acres of preserved farmland and 3,000 acres of greenways—so

"Events," First Place: Aldona Vesce, Colonial Park

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

many places to explore! So, what are you waiting for? We encourage you to visit favorite parks and venture out to discover new locations. Share your photos with us on Instagram (@bridgewater_somerset_hills) or Facebook (@ BridgewaterSomersetHillsCityLifestyle).

"Horticulture," Second Place: Aldona Vesce, Colonial Park

"Wildlife," Second Place: Shona Erlenborn, Duke Island Park

"Scenic," Second Place: Nancy Gale, Colonial Park

"Wildlife," Third Place: Stephen Napholtz, Colonial Park

CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

"Horticulture," Third Place: Hank Goldenberg, Colonial Park

"People," Third Place: Lino Gottardo, Lord Stirling Stable

"Scenic," Third Place: Joni McKelvey, Natirar

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Close to Home BRANCHBURG’S BEST SERVES UP FROMSCRATCH FARM-TO-TABLE FARE IN A COZY, COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE

Pat Tucker and Nicole Kravitz, owners of Branchburg’s Best

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY NANCY A. RUHLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Branchburg’s Best, the latest breakfast/lunch hotspot on U.S. 202 North, serves home-cooked meals with heaping portions of homespun hospitality. “We know everyone’s name and the names of their husbands and wives and children,” says Nicole Kravitz, who, along with her fiancé, Pat Tucker, opened the establishment in July of last year on the site of a previous eatery. “We treat everyone like family.” Indeed, the café has made such an impression that Tucker says, “we have some people who like the food so much that they come in two to three times a day.” The couple, who consider it an honor to put in 16- and 17-hour shifts seven days a week, serve farm-to-table dishes using produce and meat from Hillsborough–based Norz Hill Farm & Market and locally made foodstuffs, such as honey and honey-preserved apples from apiarists in town. “We make everything in-house, down to the salad dressings and home-fried potatoes,” Tucker says. For them, Branchburg’s Best, which is the home of the hearty Biggie (bacon, pork roll, sausage, ham and American cheese with two eggs and hash browns served on a thick-cut brioche) and the brash Jersey (pork roll, American cheese, hash browns and tomato served on a Kaiser roll) as well as the svelte Goddess (egg whites, turkey bacon, light Swiss cheese, avocado, spinach and green goddess dressing on multi-grain toast) is a labor of love. The couple, 30-year-old natives of Central New Jersey, met six years ago through a mutual friend. “We just clicked,” Kravitz says. Tucker adds that “people always ask us when we’re going to have kids, and we always tell them that we already have this big one called Branchburg’s Best.” The employees, Kravitz explains, are like their extended family. “We want to start serving dinner and add more catering,” Tucker says. “We have a dining room space that can be used for events like cooking and painting classes. And we’ve even talked about hosting off-site events and opening a second location.” Oh, there’s something else: Branchburg’s Best wants to being selling Etsy-style products made by local artists and artisans, turning the café into a community center of sorts. Tucker and Kravitz have issued an invitation for product samples, asking interested parties to drop by and leave their business cards. “We named it Branchburg’s Best because we want to bring the best of Branchburg together all in one spot,” Tucker says. View the menu at branchburgsbest.square.site.

Elvis Bread

Elvis Bread Inspired by Elvis Presley’s infamous diet, this moist banana bread is filled with peanut butter chips, crispy bacon and topped with toasty marshmallows. • • • • • • • • • • •

4 large, overripe bananas (the browner, the better) 1/3 c unsalted melted butter 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 pinch salt 1 c sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips Bacon crumbles 1 c marshmallows

Preheat oven to 395° F and prepare a 4 x 8 loaf pan using butter and flour. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Add the baking soda and salt, then mix. Stir in sugar, vanilla extract and egg. Mix in flour. Fold in peanut butter chips and bacon crumbles and cover the top with marshmallows. Pour batter into the pan. Place in oven for 7 minutes, then turn the temperature down to 350° F for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick stuck into the center of the loaf comes out clean with crumbs only. Loosely place foil over the loaf if it looks dark on the edges but remains wet in the center. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove the bread and cool completely before serving.

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ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex and Andrew Noviello

KEEPERS OF THE WILD HOW SCOUTING TAUGHT ALEX AND ANDREW NOVIELLO TO SAVE THE WORLD

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ED UCATI ON

“Being a Boy Scout is more than doing ‘outdoorsy’ things, like learning how to camp,” says Andrew Noviello. “I took so much more from it, like learning how to effectively communicate.” “Plus it teaches leadership, life skills like juggling commitments and provides a fantastic social experience,” adds his twin brother, Alex. To say the Noviello brothers, Bridgewater residents and juniors at The Lawrenceville School, are model Scouts is an understatement. They achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019 as high school freshmen—and then raised the bar even higher, attaining the William T. Hornaday Award for distinguished service in natural resources conservation, a distinction achieved by only six to eight Scouts annually, the following year. But these star members of Troop 46 in Martinsville are setting their sights even higher.

Tell us about your Eagle Scout projects. Alex: My project was building two stations on the therapeutic riding trail at the Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge. The first station was a small, elevated herb garden with a roof and chicken wire to protect the plants from deer. Each of the herbs had a different smell, which is useful for sensory applications. The second station consisted of a vertical frame on which six large, rotating boxes were mounted. Each of the sides of these boxes represent shapes, colors or textures, which help to mentally engage the participants and physically challenge them to interact with the stations while riding. Andrew: I built a floating dock at Esox Pond at the Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge for hands-on education on topics like wetlands ecosystems and conservation. It’s a great way for young students to learn more about wetlands ecosystems. Owl box built by Alex

ALE X AND ANDREW NOVIELLO

How did you earn the William T. Hornaday Award? Andrew: To earn this medal, Scouts must do four large Eagle-sized projects in areas of conservation. At the Environmental Education Center, I added on to my Eagle Scout project by planting aquatic flora in the center of the docks. I also created predator guards to protect wood turtle eggs and removed autumn olive trees, an invasive species, from the banks of Esox Pond. For my final project, I designed a sustainable way to reduce litter in Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater by providing places to dispose of trash and recycling in bins that are protected from animals and the weather. I also created places for posting educational content about recycling. Alex: I created a vernal pond at the New Jersey Audubon Society in Bernardsville, owl nesting boxes at the Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, a stream buffer at the Great Swamp Watershed Association’s Conservation Management Area in Harding and removed invasive vines at the Raritan Headwaters Association’s Fox Hill Preserve in Tewksbury. CONTINUED >

Vernal pond created by Alex AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

Alex stands on a trail he built near the vernal pond

Dan Ross (left), Environmental Education Center Stewardship Coordinator, and Andrew Noviello (right)

Conservation is certainly your passion. Andrew: Yes! And our conservation journey definitely is rooted in our experience with the Scouting program. While doing our projects, we established the nonprofit Grassroots Conservation to provide expertise and funding for conservation projects throughout the state, including Eagle projects. Alex: We created that nonprofit to assist local community-based conservation projects. We feel that it is imperative to involve local communities in conservation efforts. Without that involvement, it’s more difficult to make progress. Andrew: We also co-founded the National High School Climate Forum. Our mission is to bring together sustainability and climate-action focused high schools from around the country to exchange ideas. We have about 60 high schools from 25 states. We’ve secured top speakers such as senior executives at General Motors Conservation International, which is one of the biggest conservation nonprofits in the world, and the acting chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among others. What is next on your horizon? Andrew: We’re very passionate about technology. We both work for a software development company in our free time and want to study computer science and finance in college. However, we want to continue to do conservation work. Last summer, we were in South Africa doing work including land management, erosion control and data collection on animals. We’re hoping to go back this summer for more conservation efforts. Since technology is key to solving conservation issues, we can merge our two interests. Learn more about the Noviello brothers’ initiatives at grassrootsconservationusa.org and nhsclimateforum.org.

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Coming Full Circle

Jane and Ted Settle

World Travelers Jane and Ted Settle Celebrate the Riches of a New Community ARTICLE BY NANCY A. RUHLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA GIOIA VOLPE PHOTOGRAPHY

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

To say that retirees Jane and Ted Settle like to keep busy is a vast understatement. Ted, whose last job involved doing research and budget analysis for the New Jersey Legislature, and Jane, a longtime high school biology and environmental sciences teacher in Middlesex, are devoted to volunteer work, specifically with the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook. “Our pastor’s motto is ‘love local,’” says Ted, who in cooperation with the Branchburg Rotary Club, makes trips to Costco every weekend to collect food for the pantry. Jane has led a Bible study group for working women at the church for over 30 years. The couple—he’s 84, she’s 80 and they’re celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary in August—met at church at the beginning of summer in 1962 in Berkeley, California, when Ted was in the seminary. “It was love at first sight for me,” Ted says. “When I proposed at the end of the summer, though, she said she had to think about it.” Jane laughs, adding, “I was oblivious about all this, but said ‘yes’ the next morning.” After marrying in Berkeley in 1963, they drove their VW Bug to Chicago, where Ted was enrolled in McCormick Seminary. They moved to New Jersey in 1971 and bought a home in Bound Brook where they raised their daughter and three sons and continued to live until 2018 when they moved to Laurel Circle, a 28-acre life plan community in nearby Bridgewater. Their two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has a porch with a balcony where they enjoy the sunsets. Jane says Laurel Circle was ideal because they knew and had visited several people from the church who lived there. They quickly immersed themselves in the community, which was established in 1996 and is undergoing an $8-million renovation. They particularly enjoy the

communal evening meals in the dining room and the Sunday brunches at the so-called “Church Table,” where they sit with others who worship with them. “I found the stories of the lives of the people at Laurel Circle so amazing that I started an oral history project,” Ted says. Ted and Jane, who are lifelong travelers and learners, are avid participants in Laurel Circle’s classes. Currently, Ted is taking creative writing and Jane participates in a short-story reading group. In addition, Ted staffs the center’s heirloom shop, which sells what he calls an “amazing assortment” of furnishings donated by residents, for a couple of hours each week. Perhaps one of Laurel Circle’s greatest assets, Jane says, is its physical therapy department. She recently had knee replacement surgery and was delighted that she could have physical therapy at Laurel Circle instead of staying in an outside rehabilitation center. The couple says that finding activities outside of work that they enjoy doing together are their key to a successful marriage. In their case, that has included making several trips to Brazil to explore the Amazon after Jane got her certificate in systematic botany from the New York Botanical Garden. They’ve also made trips to Syria, Australia, Costa Rica, the American Southwest and the Middle East. In addition, they drive to Billings, Montana, to see their daughter and their two grandsons and are getting ready to head to St. Petersburg, Florida, for the wedding of their eldest granddaughter. To document their travels, they took up photography, a hobby that has more than come in handy for Ted, who is working on a picture book of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. As Jane’s knee is healing nicely, she’s eager to get back to her regular full-time routine of helping others. Learn more about Laurel Circle at laurelcirclelcs.com.

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

Eats & Treats BLUE SHEEP BAKE SHOP

Blue Sheep Bake Shop is a dessert boutique and ice creamery specializing in artisan confections and custom cakes. Its daily menu includes decadent cupcakes, French macarons, gourmet and stuffed cookies, a full ice cream bar, to-go cakes, dessert bars, bundt cakes, gluten-free items and more! bluesheepbakeshop.myshopify.com

MARTINSVILLE TAVERN

Martinsville Tavern welcomes guests to enjoy its modern American/European cuisine, warm hospitality and unparalleled service. With live music, entertainment and outdoor seating, it’s a great atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family. martinsvilletavern.com

DE MARTINO RESTAUR ANT

De Martino serves American breakfast and lunch, complemented by a selection of creative Latin-inspired plates, like the Tres Leches French Toast. Our dishes are prepared using high-quality and fresh ingredients. Everything is made on premise by our classically trained chefs. Each dish is full of flavor and will never disappoint. At De Martino, it’s all about the food! demartinolatin.com

ROMEO’S MARINAR A SAUCE

A hobby that has grown into a small business, Romeo’s Marinara Sauce continues to sell at all New Jersey Wegmans locations, Kings supermarkets, Spirits Of the Valley in Martinsville and Malanga Farm Market in Warren, as well as online. It is great for a delicious quick meal to throw over a bowl of pasta—or use it in your favorite Italian dishes. Romeo’s sauce is sure to delight. Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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Local Eats and Treats

Martinsville Tavern

1979 WASHINGTON VALLEY RD, MARTINSVILLE

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(732) 563-1717 | MARTINSVILLETAVERN.COM

11/22/21

2:47 PM

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APRIL 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

A P RIL 3 RD

JCC Camp Ruach and Blaustein Early Childhood Center Open House

A PR I L 3R D

SHIMON AN D SAR A BIR N BAUM J E WI S H C O MMUNI T Y C E NT E R , 7 7 5 TA L A MI NI R D., BRIDG EWATER | 1:00 PM Camp Ruach accepts children from age 3 to the 9th grade. Preschool and childcare is provided for children from 6 weeks to kindergarten, including kindergarten enrichment. Open house attendees can save $100 on new camp registrations and new preschool registrations. ssbjcc.org A P RIL 9 T H

A PR I L 9 T H

Soul Of America: A Tribute To Aretha Franklin

RA RITAN VALLEY COMMUN ITY C O L L E G E , 1 1 8 L A MI NGTO N R D., B R A NC H B UR G | 2:0 0 P M This star-studded ensemble has performed and recorded with such greats as Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and over 40 other Hall of Fame legends. rvccarts.org A P RIL 2 4 T H

AP R I L 24 T H

Project E.A.R.T.H – Swamp Search!

E NVIRON MEN TAL EDUCATION C E NT E R , 1 9 0 LO R D ST I R L I NG R D., B AS K I NG R I DG E | 1 2: 00 P M Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt on the Environmental Education Center trails to learn about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource. somersetcountyparks.org A P RIL 2 8T H

Non-Toxic Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World

AP R I L 28T H

SOMER S ET COUN TY LIBRARY, 1 VO GT DR ., B R I DG E WAT E R | 6 :30 P M Dr. Aly Cohen discusses evidence-based data on everyday chemicals that we put in, on and around our bodies and how they contribute to human health conditions. sclsnj.org

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F A M I LY O W N E D & O P E R A T E D • P R O F E S S I O N A L • A LW A Y S O N T I M E

Call Andy,

He’ll Get it Done Right. 54

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Rutgers Day

R UTG E R S UNI V E R S I T Y, N E W B R UNS WI C K A ND P I S CATAWAY CA MP US E S | 1 0 :0 0 A M Enjoy free performances, exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations at Rutgers University's Piscataway and New Brunswick campuses. newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/

Advocating for the business community, executives and entrepreneurs.

rutgers-day MAY 1ST

The Bubble Brunch

MI MO SA MA R K E T I NG , A L L E Y 1 4 , 1 3 J O H N ST., B O UND B R O O K | 1 1 :0 0 A M Enjoy a buffet brunch with bottomless mimosas, DJ dance party, vendor market and games and prizes. Tickets on sale through April 15. thebubblebrunch.com

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(208) 557.8705 lgarzalaw.com Len@LGarzaLaw.com 56

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191 Church Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 email: bfsc05@verizon.net AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R

AP RIL 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Bridgewater. N EI GH B O RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

116 Mountainside Lane

$850,000

$800,000

94.12%

B AT H S 2.1

690 Country Club Road

$699,000

$755,000

108.01%

2.1

9 Decker Lane

$699,000

$741,088

106.02%

2.1

1163 Delaware Drive

$625,000

$650,000

104.00%

2.1

914 Brown Road

$600,000

$630,000

105.00%

2.1

1301 Roger Avenue

$575,000

$615,000

106.96%

2.1

1346 Crim Road

$549,900

$608,000

110.57%

2.1

1756 Mountain Top Road

$695,000

$600,000

86.33%

2.0 1.2

476 Rolling Hills Road

$529,900

$585,000

110.40%

207 Marcia Way

$557,000

$572,500

102.78%

2.1

71 Hillcrest Road

$600,000

$565,000

94.17%

2.0

25 Morgan Lane

$525,000

$560,000

106.67%

2.0

706 Hawthorne Avenue

$559,000

100.00%

1.1

25 Frohlin Drive

$495,000

$520,000

105.05%

1.2

62 Claire Drive

$539,900

$512,500

94.92%

2.0

205 Crestview Road

$485,000

$512,000

105.57%

2.2

362 Greenfield Road

$499,900

$510,000

102.02%

2.2

1045 Ricky Drive

$469,999

$506,500

107.77%

121

2.0

338 Greenfield Road

$465,000

$495,250

106.51%

2.1

980 Vosseller Avenue

$549,000

$485,000

88.34%

2.1

474 Somerville Road

$450,000

$475,000

105.56%

2.1

189 Victoria Drive

$489,900

$475,000

96.96%

2.0

317 Country Club Road

$469,900

100.00%

2.0

2405 Vroom Drive

$449,900

$455,000

101.13%

2.1

109 Edgewood Drive

$490,000

$435,000

88.78%

117

1.1

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Garden State Multiple Listing Service (GSMLS), LLC which does not guarantee nor is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data provided by the GSMLS, LLC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. This data is a sampling of sales from 1/25/21-2/23/22. DOM is Days on Market.

AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R I D G E WAT E R