Issuu

DECEMBER 2019

We are Bridgewater

LifestylePubs.com/Bridgewater

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Kaylee Mitchell LAYOUT DESIGNER

For Auld Lang Syne AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN, AND TIME SURE HAS BEEN FLYING BY. What a year this has been for us as publishers. In March, Lifestyle Publications reached out to us with the idea to bring a magazine to the Bridgewater community. It didn’t take much convincing. We were all in! In April, invigorated with excitement, we packed up and headed to Kansas City for training. We returned home, and a mere 67 days later, we

Emily Stout COPY EDITOR

Hayley Hyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dana Franzese CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Meerloo Photography, Simone Schmetz Photography, Tier One Ventures LLC

wrapped up production on our premiere issue. In August, the first issue was released to the community and in September, we hosted our Launch Party to celebrate our success—check out the Good Times section to see photos from the big event! Now here we are in December, and we can’t believe we’ve just put together the final issue of Bridgewater Lifestyle for 2019! There’s a unique perspective that working in publishing brings. While we certainly don’t want to wish our lives away, we’re always looking toward the future. Whether it’s planning our next issue or developing story ideas for down the line, we often find

CORPORATE TEAM

ourselves plotting out future months before the current month has even begun. The

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

fast-paced lifestyle this industry calls for can often make it difficult to really settle

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

down and absorb what’s going on around us. Before we know it, the current issue

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

is headed to production, and it’s time to move forward again.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

So this December, we hope you take the time to slow down a little bit. With the holiday season upon us, we hope you carve out some time to take it all in. Enjoy outings with family and friends, bask in the magic of the winter season, reflect on past memories you hold close to your heart and keep the new ones you create in the

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ON THE COVER Annelise Golombuski, age 6, of Bridgewater

Proverbs 3:5-6

and Santa Claus of the North Pole.

Bridgewater Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMONE

and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of

SCHMETZ PHOTOGRAPHY 4

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/Bridgewater

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

the US Postal Service to some of the Bridgewater areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles 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 Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 12 Building Community The History of the Martinsville Community Center

18 Holiday Gift-Giving Guide Shop Local This Holiday Season

22 'Merry and Bright Bridgewater' Holiday Lights Contest Will Your House be a Winner This Year?

18 26

26 Peppermint Marshmallows and Holiday Cookies Simply Sweets by Lauren Shares Two Yummy Holiday Desserts

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Inspired By

26 Culinary Creations 30 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 City Scene

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GOOD TIMES

Bridgewater Lifestyle Launch Party Bridgewater Lifestyle hosted its Launch Party and ribbon-cutting at the Bridgewater Manor. The OTHER Mentalist kept the guests on their toes with mind-blowing mentalism, and Simply Sweets by Lauren provided decadent French macarons for party favors. More than 100 businesses and 170 guests attended. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIER ONE VENTURESÂ LLC AND TAPSNAP 1165

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INSPIRED BY MCC Executive Board Members: Back row, left to right: Tim Hurley, John Cronin, Rich Lepik, Steve Barthelmes, Rich Barnett and Al Beronio Front row: Virginia Consalvo, Carole Juth, Jane Gandolfe and Tom Belardo

BUILDING COMMUNITY THE HISTORY OF THE MARTINSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

ARTICLE JAKE SLOWINSKI

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

IF YOU LIVE IN MARTINSVILLE, THEN THERE’S A GOOD CHANCE THAT YOU’VE ATTENDED AN EVENT AT THE MARTINSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER (MCC). A member-owned, volunteer-run, self-supporting organization, the center hosts a variety of classes and activities such as yoga, Zumba, pilates, ballroom dancing, classical Indian dance, robotics and Footlights of Martinsville (musical theater). Additionally, they provide meeting space at no cost for town groups like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, MOMS Club, Stay Strong Tote Foundation, AARP offerings and Friends of Bridgewater History. The MCC has a long history. In the early 1920s, Martinsville suffered a devastating fire that burned half the town to the ground. Recognizing the need for a gathering place, the Bartle family donated the land,

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and residents pitched in to build the community center. The property is a little more than 15 acres and houses

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both the MCC and the Washington Valley Library. The library building was the original Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department. When the current fire-

AT BRIDGEWATER & HILLSBOROUGH

house—Station One at the bottom of Mt. Horeb Road— was built in the early 1950s, the building was converted to a library. Today, the MCC still maintains and staffs the library through volunteers, with the books provided by the Somerset County Library System. Throughout the 1960s, the MCC was the hub of Martinsville, offering many recreational and social activities. Then there was a societal shift, and membership at the MCC drastically declined. Families started to have disposable income and began spending time traveling rather than staying in town. In most households both parents worked, and their time off was spent shuffling children to sports and activities. By the late 1980s, the MCC could no longer sustain itself, and the facility was rented out to a church group. Following an issue with mismanagement, the State of New Jersey eventually took over the property. In November of 2008, members of the community came together and decided to bring the MCC back to life. They formed a new organization and appealed to the state for ownership. It was a struggle since

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funds were limited, but thanks to the tireless effort of volunteers, the MCC was proudly re-opened to the public in October 2011. Since its reopening, the MCC continues to update the facility. To be as inclusive as possible, the price of a family membership is only $25 per year and includes discounted room rentals. A well-known

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December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY (CON TI N U ED)

“WE WANT TO SEE THE COMMUNITY COME BACK HERE. WE WORK EVERY DAY TO FULFILL OUR MISSION.” —JANE GANDOLFE (MCC PRESIDENT)

secret in the community is that the MCC offers one of the most inexpensive room rentals in the area. Options include a large ballroom that houses a stage, a mid-size meeting room and a conference room. All monies from rentals and donations are used to maintain and renovate both the MCC and the Washington Valley Library. Substantial changes have occurred, including updated restrooms, air-conditioned rooms and an upgraded kitchen. Future projects include paving the driveway, outdoor lighting and a covered pavilion for outside events. The MCC is always looking for new ways to support the community and remain self-sustaining. The center hosts two annual fundraising events: the MCC Fall Festival in September and Christmas in Martinsville coming up Dec. 7. Additionally, the MCC published a historical picture book, Martinsville and the Washington Valley, which provides a pictorial history of the area. When asked why she volunteers at the MCC, President Jane Gandolfe gets tearyeyed and says, “I love how many people I’ve met through this process. For so many years, I worked a lot and couldn’t be involved. Since bringing the MCC back to Martinsville, I see people I know everywhere now. We want to see the community come back here. We work every day to fulfill our mission.” To learn more about joining the Martinsville Community Center, visit MartinsvilleCommunityCenter.org 14

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

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December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

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*Free $10 promotional gift card with a gift card purchase of $100 or more. Free $25 promotional gift card with gift card purchase of $200 or more. Not valid towards introductory offers. Not valid online. Promotional gift card valid at issuing location only and expires one year from issue. Offer valid 12/2 – 12/31. Rates and services may vary by location. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Offers may not be combined. Independently Owned & Operated. ©2019 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available.

December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

ARTICLE DANA FRANZESE PHOTOGRAPHY SIMONE SCHMETZ PHOTOGRAPHY

H G G G

O L I D A Y I F T I V I N G U I D E

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

SHOPPING IS A BIG PART OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, WHEN FAMILIES AND FRIENDS GATHER TO RECONNECT AND EXCHANGE GIFTS. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, we challenge you to wait a moment before adding items to your Amazon shopping cart. Why not support local businesses instead? Buying online is not typically eco-friendly or timely. Also, when you shop locally, you are putting money back into the community. You can feel satisfied with the fact that you’ve redirected your own hard-earned money into the hands of other hard-working local business owners. These people are grateful to you for your business because it makes a difference. They rely on your purchases to pay staff, cover rent and put food on the table for their own families. We searched for unique and fun products from the area to put in our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide. Surprise your loved ones with something from this list—or circle your favorite items and leave the magazine conveniently opened to this page so that they can surprise you. 18

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

Stenstroms Shirt, $285, TessutoMensWear.com R2L (converts cell phone radiation into harmless light), $30, NMRNJ.com/R2L My Father Sampler Belicoso with Lighter and Cutter, $65, TheMobileCigarLounge.com PEAK Sphere Ice Mold, $18, GoToPosh.com Honey Gift Box (four-ounce honey jar, beeswax candle and dipper), $15, FromTheHiveNJ.co Holiday Gift Basket, $104, SweetSuccessGiftBaskets.com Stackable Rings (white, yellow or rose gold), Prices Start at $200, TropianoAndSonJewelers.co Tori Belle Magnetic Eyeliner and Lash Bundle, $55, Shop.ToriBelleCosmetics.com/TracyT/Home

Color Street Holiday Collection, $13, (buy three, get one free), MyColorStreet.com/SammyJ Chunky Chain Link Bracelets, $19$45, Shop5E.com Vooray Aria Snow Leopard Bag, $60, PureBarre.com/Location/ Bridgewater-NJ Personalized Water Bottle, $20, Facebook.com/HeritageInspiration Engravable Round Disc Bracelet with Diamond Halo in 14K Yellow Gold, $330, HenrysFineJewelry.com CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING GUIDE

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

(CON TI N U ED)

Otbeat Burn Heart Rate Monitor, $109, Somerville.OrangeTheoryFitness.com Thomas and Friends Lionchief Lionel Train Set, $199.99, Train-Station.com Liquitex Basics Acrylic Starter Set, $39.99, Michaels.com XO Earrings, $32, TouchStoneCrystal.com/ReneeTaveras Frozen II Earth Giant Funko Pop, $9.99 (or buy 3 for $20), Stores.BarnesAndNoble.com/Store/2140 Koala Silicone Teether, $10.99, CuddleBearBottoms.com GUESS: 2-Piece Silver-Tone Pavé Lucky Star Bobby Pin Set, $20, L.Macys.com/Bridgewater-NJ 14K White Gold Multi-Color Saphire and Diamond Bracelet (total weight is 4.25 carats), $6,000, SkiJewelers.com Romeo's Marinara Pasta Sauce, $6.99, RomeosMarinara.com December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

WILL YOUR HOUSE BE A WINNER THIS YEAR?

'MERRY AND BRIGHT BRIDGEWATER' HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS THE POWER TO UNITE BRIDGEWATER RESIDENTS MORE THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF YEAR. A high density of holiday decorations in a town can demonstrate the connectedness of its community. Decorating your house for the holidays is a great expression of neighborliness. Some of the best neighborhoods literally glow more brightly. Searching for ways to strengthen the local community, last year the Friends of Bridgewater History (FOBH) took a cue from the Manville’s Arts Council and launched the “Merry and Bright Bridgewater” Holiday Lights Contest. Manville has successfully run a similar event for several years now. The FOBH is a small, nonprofit corporation that was founded in 2016 with the goal of preserving and promoting the history and cultural heritage of Bridgewater Township. “Friends hopes to lift up the important role that the Township had in the developing history of the Township and, where possible, advocate for the preservation of properties that are key to that history,” says FOBH committee member and Bridgewater Township Councilwoman Christine Henderson-Rose. The FOBH’s goal is to raise $2500 from this event to help support this initiative. Last year, 16 houses participated in the competition. Maps were provided online, and residents enjoyed driving around visiting all of the displays before returning home to cast their virtual votes. This year, the FOBH is hoping to double the number of homes participating in the event. In conjunction with the Heritage Trail Association, a Hot Cocoa Kick-Off Party will

“It made us feel more connected to our community.” —Erica Taylor

be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. at the Van Horne House. Voting will be done through social media and runs Dec. 8 through New Year’s Eve. 22

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

ARTICLE TIFFANY SLOWINSKI

Prizes such as beauty products, restaurant gift cards and free month-long fitness memberships are being donated by local businesses and will be awarded to the top three homes. This competition is open to all homes in Bridgewater Township. The more the merrier! “The benefits of getting involved are twofold,” FOBH

committee

member,

Stephanie

Moench, says, “One, you will support the FOBH and the hard work it does advocating for the Township’s preservation. Two, it’s fun!” Stephanie urges community members to participate in this growing, family-friendly tradition. “Grab the minivan, a family or two, some hot cocoa and drive around town admiring the hard work and pride people put into decorating their homes for the holiday season,” Stephanie says. A participant in last year’s contest, Martinsville resident Erica Taylor, can’t wait for the voting period to start again. “It was great fun,” Erica says. “The whole family got involved. We’ve always loved decorating our house for the holidays, but what we loved even more last year was all the visitors who drove by because of the contest. Some even stopped to say hello! It made us feel more connected to our community.” Township residents who decorate their homes in the spirit of the holiday season are encouraged to enter the contest by registering at FriendsOfBridgewater.org by Saturday, Nov. 30. The cost to register a home is $20.

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CULINARY CREATIONS

PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS AND HOLIDAY COOKIES

SIMPLY SWEETS BY LAUREN SHARES TWO YUMMY HOLIDAY DESSERTS

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS

NO SPREAD SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

+ 1 1/2 cups cold water (split half in mixer and half in pot)

+ 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1/2 tsp baking powder

+ 34 grams unflavored gelatin

+ 1/2 tsp salt

+ 3 cups granulated sugar

+ 1 cup room temperature butter

+ 3/4 cup light corn syrup

+ 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

+ 3/4 tsp salt

+ 2 tsp clear vanilla extract

+ 3 tbs pure vanilla

+ 1 large egg room temperature

+ 1 tbs peppermint extract

+ 3 tbs milk

+ 2 cups icing sugar to coat the marshmallow INSTRUCTIONS Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, blend 3/4 cup of water and sprinkle with gelatin. Set aside.

INSTRUCTIONS Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over high heat add sugar,

Mix with a paddle attachment and beat sugar

corn syrup, salt and 3/4 cup of water. While stirring,

and butter on medium until a paste is formed. Add

bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute.

vanilla, egg and milk; mix for one minute; scrape

Take gelatin and mix on a low setting while slowly pouring in the contents of the saucepan. Once con-

sides and mix until combined. Add flour mixture and mix until dough pulls away from sides.

tents start to blend, turn the mixer on high and whip for

Roll and cut into shapes and chill for 10 min-

10-12 minutes until batter triples in size and thickens.

utes. Bake at 325°-350° F for 9-12 minutes until

Slow down the mixer and add vanilla and peppermint.

golden; do not let them brown. Cool completely

Quickly spread mixture evenly across 9-inch-by-

before icing.

13-inch greased baking pan. Cover with a greased sheet of plastic wrap and press firmly to seal. Leave the marshmallow to set for at least 3 hours. Sprinkle a cutting board with icing sugar and flip the marshmallow slab onto it. Rub icing sugar on marshmallow slab. Cut into squares and coat remaining sides in icing sugar. December 2019 | Bridgewater Lifestyle

We help children with developmental challenges to move better to improve confidence, independence and live their best lives! Does your child have a hard time keeping up with friends or at school? Does your child need more therapy than they can get in school or early intervention? Do you question whether a different kind of therapy would be better for your child? Would you rather be proactive instead of following “wait and see” advice?

• Request a copy of your FREE Report “Core Strengthening for Kids!” • FREE Discovery Visit to learn how you can help your child meet their peak potential. Dr.Joni Redlich PT, DPT, PCS

908-543-4390 info@kidpt.com 28

Bridgewater Lifestyle | December 2019

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MORE YOU NEW STUDENTS: 30 DAYS YOGA $48 Also Offering Reiki Classes, Mindfulness, Massage & Wellness Coaching Holiday Gift Certificates available at Studio or Online 1 Lamington Road, Branchburg

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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Camp Ruach! We offer a nine-week pro-

by Santa Claus himself! Admission is free.

gram with a four-week minimum. Activities

Unique, handmade items will be for sale. All

HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE

include sports, swim (indoor and outdoor

money donated with benefit the 4-H Free

pools), low and high ropes course, karate,

Community Holiday Dinner on Dec 25.

Main St., Somerville

theater, art, cooking, dance, tennis, nature,

SomersetCounty4H.org

Come out for an evening of great fam-

game room, zip line, mini zip line, mini-golf,

ily fun in support of the Somerville Fire

music, musical theatre, cooking, archery,

Department. The event starts at 6 p.m. and

weekly entertainment and more.

will feature a parade of local fire depart-

JCCCampRuach.org

ments decorated with holiday lights. DowntownSomerville.com/Events

REIKI SOUL CELEBRATION

6 BW NICE SOMERSET COUNTY RED SHOE LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

IRMA HOROWITZ FILM SERIES

The JCC, 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater

Come to the film screening of Theodore Bikel, In the Shoes of Shalom Aleichem. A discussion will follow with Aimee Ginsburg Bikel, widow of Theodore Bikel,

Bridgewater Manor, 1251 US-206, Bridgewater

journalist and director of the Theodore

eZential Wellness,

Join us for our Fourth Annual Red

Bikel Legacy Project.

1 Lamington Road, Branchburg

Shoe Luncheon and Fashion Show. An

Join us for a powerful healing experience

estimated 200 guests will gather at the

908.443.9018.

of quartz crystal singing bowls, drum

Bridgewater Manor to meet new friends,

journey, gong, Koshi bells, Peruvian flute,

shop and support local businesses,

tingsha, sacred chants, guided meditation

enjoy a delicious luncheon and a red

and individual short Reiki sessions. The

carpet fashion show. Tickets are $90 and

event is hosted by Insight Holistic Health,

benefit Safe+Sound Somerset.

with guest speaker, Beth Wishbow RMT,

B W N I C E . o r g/B W N I C E - C h a p te r/

Reiki master teacher and therapist. Tickets

Somerset-County-Red-Shoe-Event

InsightHolisticHealth.com/Events

SSBJCC.org

call

14 A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Theatre at RVCC,

118 Lamington Road, Branchburg

This celebrated adaptation of Charles

are $15 at the door. Drop-ins are welcome.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol weaves the

CHRISTMAS IN MARTINSVILLE

Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live

spellbinding fable of a man who is given the rarest of gifts—the chance to change.

The Martinsville Community Center, 1961

WOMEN'S HEALTH WORKSHOP

musicians and Broadway-style scenery

Washington Valley Road, Martinsville

and costumes, this cherished holiday

North Branch Park Headquarters, 355

Come visit the MCC's Christmas in

classic has been touring for more than

Milltown Road, Bridgewater

Martinsville. Gotta Dance will put on a

40 years, delighting thousands of audi-

This presentation is for women to better

holiday performance at 12 p.m. Pictures

ence members each season.

understand and appreciate women's health,

with Santa will run 12:30-2:30 p.m. At

RVCCArts.org

and it will inform attendees on how hor-

2 p.m., Santa will read T’was the Night

mones are designed to impact every aspect

Before Christmas. There will be hot cocoa,

of emotional and physical health. Our bod-

light refreshments and crafts for the kids.

ies are innately designed to heal, repair and

MartinsvilleCommunityCenter.org

thrive. Come learn how to be healthy and strong at any stage in a women’s life. Pre-register online at SomersetCountyParks.org.

5 JCC CAMP RUACH OPEN HOUSE 30

14 HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT United Reformed Church,

100 W. Main St., Somerville

FESTIVAL OF TREES AND CRAFT FAIR