North Hunterdon, NJ April 2026

Investing in Real Success

Happy April, North Hunterdon! After a winter like that, we’ve earned this spring.

One of my favorite Easter traditions is watching our daughters during an egg hunt. Their personalities show up immediately. Our youngest is determined to collect the most eggs. Our oldest is focused on what’s inside, evaluating her candy haul before the hunt is even over. And our middle daughter? She’s the one making sure younger kids nearby have enough, sometimes handing over an egg or two without being asked.

It’s a simple moment, but it reminds me that we all define success differently. That idea anchors this month’s issue. Turn to page 14 for Investing in Community, where Mayor Janice Kovach reflects on Clinton’s future. A lifelong resident now serving in her fourth term, Kovach leads with steady stewardship. From downtown revitalization to recreation improvements and cherished traditions, her focus remains clear: progress works best when it protects what makes a town special.

Investment also means financial intention. Turn to page 18 for Money Talks, where local business leaders share the advice that shaped their success. From paying yourself first and setting written goals to understanding cash flow, their insights reinforce that stability is built with discipline and long-term thinking.

Investment shows up in wellness as well. Turn to page 10 for A New Path Forward, featuring Nirvana Recovery Center’s expansion into Bound Brook. By offering structured outpatient recovery care that allows individuals to remain connected to work and family life, the center reflects a growing commitment to accessible mental health and substance use treatment.

Turn to page 32 for Redefining MVP: Tim Tebow’s Life Beyond Football. As you’ll see in our publisher photo above, we met Tebow at our City Lifestyle National Conference, and two lessons stayed with me: choose the one person you believe in, and never let success replace growth. With our daughters watching how we define success, Jake and I are reminded that the greatest returns rarely show up on a scoreboard.

Finally, turn to page 22 for The Art of Tartare at COVO. Chef Felix Gonzalez’s disciplined approach reminds us that excellence comes from intention and attention to detail.

Here’s to longer days, meaningful traditions and investments that truly matter.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Carly Mac Manus | carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kristin Kowalewski | Kristin.Kowalewski@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com

Rose Balisi | rose.balisi@citylifestyle.com

INTERNS

Alaina Borgh, Sadie Brown Riley Burns | riley.burns@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patti Zielinski, Emelia Stedman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Barbora Hinson, John Bohnel, Hunterdon County, Christopher Sztybel - That Werks Photography, Best Tile and Wood

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Kevin

Dickens

celebrated his engagement to Emily Bucher. 2—5: EPIC dancers take the court at a Philadelphia 76ers game, kicking off competition season strong. 6—7: Governor

convened her first roundtable with business leaders and chambers from across the state, starting here in Hunterdon County.

A NEW PATH FORWARD

Nirvana Recovery Center expands access to outpatient recovery care in Somerset County

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLY MAC MANUS

In Somerset County, where conversations around wellness and mental health continue to evolve, a new recovery center is bringing accessible, structured care closer to home. Nirvana Recovery Center, now open in Bound Brook, is designed to meet individuals where they are—offering flexible, evidence-based treatment programs that support long-term recovery while allowing clients to remain connected to their daily lives.

Located at 2121 U.S. Highway 22, Suite B1, Nirvana Recovery Center specializes in outpatient levels of care for individuals navigating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. The center’s model reflects a growing shift in health care: investing in recovery as an essential foundation for individuals, families and communities alike.

“At Nirvana Recovery, we recognize that no two recovery journeys are the same,” the team shares. “Our goal is to provide structured support that fits into real life, not the other way around.”

A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Nirvana Recovery Center offers a range of programs designed to bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient therapy. These include partial care, intensive outpatient programming (IOP), outpatient services and aftercare planning. For individuals requiring detoxification, the center also coordinates placement with trusted detox facilities across New Jersey, ensuring continuity of care from the earliest stages of recovery.

The Intensive Outpatient Program is a cornerstone of Nirvana’s offerings. Designed for individuals who need

consistent clinical support without 24-hour supervision, the program allows clients to attend therapy sessions several times a week while maintaining responsibilities such as work, school or family life. Most participants engage in IOP for six to eight weeks, depending on individual needs and progress.

Partial care provides a higher level of structure during the day while allowing clients to return home in the evenings, offering the benefits of intensive treatment without residential stay. Outpatient services and aftercare planning support clients as they transition into sustained recovery, reinforcing skills and accountability long after formal treatment concludes.

PERSONALIZED, EVIDENCE-BASED CARE

At the heart of Nirvana Recovery Center’s approach is personalization. Treatment plans are tailored to each client’s history, goals and circumstances, recognizing addiction as a complex condition that affects both mental and physical health.

Therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, family therapy and holistic practices that address emotional regulation, coping strategies and relapse prevention. Life skills development is also emphasized, helping clients rebuild routines, relationships and confidence beyond sobriety.

Family involvement is encouraged throughout the process, acknowledging the role loved ones play in both healing and long-term accountability. By incorporating family therapy and education, the center aims to strengthen support systems that extend well beyond the treatment setting.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY HEALTH

As communities across New Jersey continue to prioritize wellness infrastructure, facilities like Nirvana Recovery Center represent an investment not only in individuals but in the broader social and economic fabric of the region. Accessible outpatient treatment helps reduce barriers to care, supports workforce stability and fosters healthier families and neighborhoods.

Nirvana Recovery Center works with most major insurance providers, helping clients access care that may be covered up to 100 percent, depending on benefits. This focus on affordability and accessibility reflects a commitment to making recovery attainable, not aspirational.

The center’s Bound Brook location places it within reach for residents throughout Somerset County and surrounding areas, offering local access to programs that historically required long commutes or residential placement.

A SAFE SPACE FOR HEALING

Beyond clinical programming, Nirvana Recovery Center emphasizes confidentiality, comfort and respect. The facility is designed as a safe environment where clients can focus on healing without stigma, judgment or unnecessary disruption to their lives.

Testimonials from clients highlight themes of connection, trust and renewed hope—markers of a recovery model that prioritizes dignity alongside treatment outcomes.

As conversations around addiction continue to shift toward compassion and prevention, Nirvana Recovery Center enters the local health landscape with a clear mission: to empower individuals to reclaim control of their lives through professional, client-centered care.

Recovery, the team emphasizes, is not a single decision but a longterm investment—one that pays dividends for individuals, families and communities alike.

NIRVANA RECOVERY CENTER

2121 U.S. Highway 22, Suite B1, Bound Brook, NJ (973) 434-5870 | nirvanarecoverycenters.com

ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS

BY BARBORA HINSON, JOHN BOHNEL

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

In Clinton, Mayor Janice Kovach is more than a public official—she is a lifelong resident deeply rooted in the town she now leads. Raised in Clinton and a graduate of Clinton Public School and North Hunterdon High School, Kovach returned in 2002 to raise her family in the same community that shaped her. After beginning her career in corporate project management, she entered public service in 2003, first as a council member and later as director of the New Jersey Division on Women. She has served as mayor since 2012 and is now in her fourth term.

Kovach says Clinton’s greatest strength has remained constant over the years: its people. She points to the everyday interactions that define small-town life—from officers playing basketball with neighborhood kids to residents rallying around local events and causes. The atmosphere, she notes, is both welcoming and personal.

“It really is a Hallmark community,” Kovach says, describing a place where neighbors know one another and families feel comfortable letting their children bike downtown.

That sense of connection extends into the business district, which plays a central role in Clinton’s identity. Several storefronts have operated for decades, including Heartstrings, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this spring. At the same time, newer additions—boutiques, coffee shops and a recently opened bookstore—continue to bring fresh energy to Main Street.

Kovach says local merchants operate less like competitors and more like collaborators. Seasonal promotions, cross-shop events and shared celebrations help create a unified experience for visitors and residents alike.

“All of the stores come together to create a community—not just a shopping experience,” she explains.

Long-term investment in infrastructure remains a priority for borough leadership. After years in limited quarters, the Clinton Police Department is preparing to move into a new, community-focused station designed to better serve both officers and residents. A ribbon cutting is anticipated next year.

The town has also secured support through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to purchase the former Old A&P property, a long-underused site near the center of town. Kovach says the goal is to redevelop the space in a way that complements Main Street rather than competes with it.

Concepts under discussion include community-oriented retail or hospitality uses—possibly even a craft brewery, she notes with a laugh.

“I’ve got two more years to make it happen,” she says.

Recreation and accessibility are also shaping current planning efforts. The borough recently completed an inclusive playground designed to serve children of all abilities. Officials are pursuing additional grants to modernize the community center and upgrade outdoor basketball courts and shared recreation spaces.

Community events continue to be a major driver of local pride and economic activity. Annual traditions such as Dickens Days, the Winter Village and the growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw thousands of visitors and reinforce Clinton’s reputation as a destination town with year-round appeal.

“These events bring people downtown and keep traditions alive,” Kovach notes. “They’re part of what makes Clinton feel special.”

Despite the visible projects and public milestones, Kovach emphasizes that progress is never the work of one office alone. She credits volunteers, business owners and engaged residents as the real engine behind the borough’s momentum.

“It takes a village,” she says. “While I may get credit for what happens, none of it is possible without our businesses, our volunteers and our residents who continue to show up and support one another.”

Her hope, she adds, is that residents recognize both the shared effort and the shared reward.

“I hope people know that I love Clinton as much as they do,” she says.

MAYOR JANICE KOVACH — BOROUGH OF CLINTON

Mayor since 2012 | Fourth Term

Clinton Roots:

Raised in Clinton

Graduate — Clinton Public School & North Hunterdon High School Returned in 2002 to raise her family locally

SIGNATURE COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• Dickens Days

• Winter Village

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade

“IT REALLY IS A HALLMARK COMMUNITY—A PLACE WHERE NEIGHBORS KNOW EACH OTHER AND FAMILIES FEEL AT HOME.”

—Mayor Janice Kovach

SMART COMFORT, SMARTER PAYMENTS

Backed by over 20 years of experience, Protocol Electric delivers trusted comfor t with Carrier and Rheem’s reliable, energy-efficient systems. Our team makes it simple to keep your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer, with skilled technicians who treat every client like family We install only the latest technology designed for long-lasting performance and effi ciency From fast service to guaranteed satisfaction, we handle every detail so you can relax and enjoy peace of mind

MONEY Talks

Local Business Leaders Share the Financial Advice That Shaped Their Success

Investing in financial health goes beyond buying stocks or saving for retirement. We asked local business leaders to share the best financial advice they have received—and the guidance they now offer based on personal and professional experience. Here is what they shared.

Audra Giese

president, MSI Plumbing & Remodeling, Lebanon

Some of the most impactful advice I received came from my mom, though it wasn’t framed as financial guidance: “Don’t buy it unless you love it.” That lesson taught me to think long term and look beyond what is immediately appealing.

That mindset carries into how I view investments today—especially those you cannot see. It is easy to prioritize finishes and décor, but the true protection of a home often lies behind the walls. Plumbing, electrical systems and insulation may not be glamorous, but neglecting them can become costly over time.

Before returning to my family’s business, I spent three years working in banking. One habit I strongly encourage is regularly checking your accounts online. Fraud and errors happen more often than people realize, and catching them early makes resolution much easier. Setting up balance or transaction alerts is a simple way to stay informed.

Michelle Heide

private wealth advisor, Gentlestone Wealth, Ameriprise Financial Services, Clinton

Two people gave me great financial advice early on. When I got my first job in seventh grade working at an apple orchard, my mom told me to pay myself first. Save a set percentage—15 to 20 percent of net pay—before spending anything else.

My high school psychology teacher taught us to set goals and write them down. We were encouraged to be specific, even cutting out pictures of what we wanted and placing them where we would see them daily. The more specific the goal, the more committed we become.

I encourage people to focus on what they can control: saving and spending. If you think you cannot save, track every expense for a month. It often reveals opportunities to cut back. Never let emotions drive investment decisions, and always maintain a cash cushion for emergencies.

If your employer offers a retirement plan with matching contributions, contribute at least up to the match—it is free money.

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

For children, use “buckets”: save, spend and give. Teach the difference between needs and wants early.

Amanda Maddalena

owner, AM Salon, Flemington

One of the most important financial lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is to price and spend based on your reality—not someone else’s. Understand your true overhead, including rent, utilities, education, insurance, payroll and the cost of delivering quality service.

Pricing should reflect what it takes to operate sustainably. Copying competitors without knowing your numbers often leads to burnout or failure.

Personally, the same principle applies. Know your income, expenses, goals and values. Financial health comes from clarity—not comparison.

Vic Fiore

owner, Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, Union

Start saving early and reinvest profits back into your business. Capital improvements, talented employees and incentives all require investment. Paying for quality—vendors, installers and service—leads to long-term rewards.

Nick Berezansky

owner, Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning Services

A mentor once advised me to use financial “buckets”—checking, savings, insurance and investments—and consistently fund each one. Starting early matters because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Business owners should find a mentor in their industry and listen. Learn from their failures and successes. Your network truly is your net worth.

Gerri Perez

Realtor, Coldwell Banker, Basking Ridge

Buy property. Building wealth often starts with real estate. I told my son to invest instead of paying rent. Three years later, he made a $105,000 profit.

My mother-in-law always said small daily expenses add up. Skipping that $7 coffee can help build a future down payment.

Ti Patel

owner, Montessori Kids Universe, Chester

The most impactful advice I received was to create a detailed budget and sales forecast. Understanding financial statements—the profit and loss statement, balance sheet and cash flow—is essential.

Regularly review expenses without sacrificing quality, and closely monitor cash flow. It is the lifeblood of any business.

Luca Blessent

owner, K9 Resorts of Hillsborough

After losing his parents at a young age and growing up in a poor family in a small Italian town, Luca Blessent learned early financial discipline. His father’s advice—“Don’t spend money you don’t have, but pursue your dreams”—shaped a conservative, long-term approach.

Blessent believes borrowing can be appropriate when tied to clear goals and a solid repayment plan, but never without forethought or accountability.

5

5

The Art of Tartare

A refined balance of richness, brightness, and texture at Covo.

Covo Beef Tartare

A refined take on a classic, Covo’s Beef Tartare balances richness and brightness in every bite. Hand-diced beef is layered with charred red onion marmalade and horseradish crema, then finished with fresh chives, fried capers, cured egg yolk, and pickled mustard seeds for texture and depth.

Ingredients (Per Serving)

• 2½ ounces hand-diced beef

• 1 teaspoon charred red onion marmalade

• 1 tablespoon horseradish crema

• 1 teaspoon fresh chives

• 1 teaspoon pickled mustard seeds

• 5 fried capers

• Grated cured egg yolk, to finish

Preparation

1. Prepare the base: Using a ring mold, gently press the hand-diced beef into an even layer at the center of a chilled plate. Avoid overworking the meat to maintain its delicate texture.

2. Layer the flavor: Spoon the charred red onion marmalade over the top of the beef, spreading lightly to create a thin, even layer.

3. Add creaminess: Place a generous dollop of horseradish crema on top or alongside the tartare for balance and brightness.

4. Finish with texture: Sprinkle fresh chives and pickled mustard seeds evenly over the top. Garnish with fried capers for a crisp, briny contrast. 5. Final touch: Grate cured egg yolk over the tartare just before serving for added richness and depth.

Serve immediately with toasted crostini or house-made crisps.

About Chef Felix Gonzalez

Felix Gonzalez, a New Jersey native, brings a disciplined, ingredient-driven approach to Italian cooking grounded in tradition and craftsmanship.

Trained at The Italian Culinary Academy in Colorno, Italy, and shaped by years with the Charlie Palmer Group in Manhattan, his background blends classical technique with steakhouse precision. Most recently, he served as Chef de Cuisine for Heritage Hospitality Group. At COVO, his cooking centers on scratch preparation, handmade pasta, prime meats, and trusted relationships with local New Jersey farms, simple, honest food executed with intention.

ARTICLE BY EMELIA STEDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEST TILE AND WOOD

Best Tile and Wood pairs three decades of craftsmanship with full-service remodeling support

BUILT TO LAST

For more than 30 years, Best Tile and Wood in Flemington has served homeowners and commercial clients throughout Hunterdon County and surrounding communities with flooring and remodeling services focused on durability and design.

The family-owned and operated business specializes in tile and hardwood flooring, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, custom tile installations, stair upgrades and entryway design. The company also provides complete installation services through its in-house team, allowing projects to move from selection to completion under one roof.

At its newly expanded showroom on Route 31 in Flemington, customers work directly with knowledgeable staff who stay current on product lines, materials and remodeling trends through close relationships with manufacturers and distributors. The showroom features a wide selection of tile, stone and wood products for floors, kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.

Company representatives say customer collaboration is central to the design process.

“We will ask our clients what kind of look they are going for,” says John Bench of Best Tile and Wood. “From there, we guide them through materials and layout options that match both their style and how the space will be used.”

Entryways and foyers are among the most requested upgrade areas. Designers at the store help homeowners select tile and wood combinations that create a durable, visually strong first impression while handling heavy foot traffic and seasonal weather conditions.

Bench says stair and railing renovations are also a growing category.

“Some of the biggest changes we see are replacing carpeted staircases with wooden stair treads, replacing outdated painted spindles with metal options, and updating posts and handrails,” he says.

Beyond materials and installation, the company connects customers with a broader network of industry professionals when needed, including tile contractors, architects, interior designers and builders. Customers can begin planning in person or by reviewing product styles and inspiration galleries online before visiting the showroom.

Durability remains a leading factor in product selection, particularly in New Jersey’s variable climate. Porcelain tile designed to resemble marble and natural stone continues to grow in

popularity, Bench says, offering the look of luxury materials with greater resistance to wear.

“Many people choose porcelain tile designed to look like marble for an elegant yet durable product,” he says. “Because the tile is fired and glazed, you don’t need to worry about staining or wear and tear. Whether it is rain, snow, ice or muddy shoes, tile can last a lifetime.”

The company also provides hardwood floor refinishing and color changes for existing floors, particularly in open-concept homes where continuity between spaces is important.

Best Tile and Wood has been repeatedly voted “Best Of” by readers of local publications and is frequently recommended by property managers and homeowners seeking long-term remodeling value. Ownership remains active in daily operations, and customers are often greeted by one of the owners when visiting the showroom.

Staff members say that hands-on approach helps keep quality and customer satisfaction at the center of each project—from first consultation through final installation.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN NORTH HUNTERDON.

Providing Peace of Mind for Over 40 years, ser ving Somerset and Surrounding Counties

2nd Generation Family Owned and Operated HVAC and Refrigeration Company, ser vicing Residential and Commercial Proper ties

MAKING MATH Add Up

HOW GABBI FLACHS IS HELPING STUDENTS—AND FAMILIES—INVEST IN MATH MASTERY AT MATHNASIUM OF FLEMINGTON

For Gabbi Flachs, investing in education means investing in confidence, consistency and long-term growth. As the owner of Mathnasium of Flemington, Flachs has built a business rooted in the belief that math success is not about memorization or speed, but about understanding.

Mathnasium of Flemington is part of a national, math-only learning center franchise, but Flachs says the strength of the model lies in how personalized it feels. Every student begins with a comprehensive assessment designed to identify not only where they are academically, but how they think.

“We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all curriculum,” Flachs said. “Each child receives a customized learning plan based on what they know, what they don’t know and how they learn best.”

That individualized approach is what initially drew Flachs to Mathnasium. With a background in education and a strong interest in how children build confidence through learning, she saw an opportunity to bring a proven academic model to the Flemington community while creating meaningful impact.

At Mathnasium, students receive individualized instruction from trained instructors. Each student learns new concepts directly from an instructor, then practices independently for short periods while the instructor works one-on-one with another student. This structure allows for focused, personalized attention while encouraging independence and confidence.

Sessions are structured but flexible, allowing students to move at their own pace. The goal, Flachs said, is not just to improve grades, but to change how students feel about math.

“Many of our students come in feeling anxious or defeated,” she said. “Once they start to understand the ‘why’ behind math, everything shifts. Confidence grows, and that confidence carries into the classroom and beyond.”

From an investment standpoint, Mathnasium of Flemington represents a growing segment of the education market—supplemental learning services that support classroom instruction rather than replace it. As academic expectations rise and classroom resources remain stretched, many families view tutoring and enrichment as essential.

Flachs said the center works closely with families to complement what students are learning in school. Instructors reinforce classroom concepts while addressing learning gaps that may have developed over time.

“Math builds on itself,” she said. “If a student misses something early on, it can create challenges later. We go back and strengthen those foundations so students aren’t constantly playing catch-up.”

That approach resonates with families across Hunterdon County. Mathnasium of Flemington serves students from elementary school through high school, including those preparing for standardized tests and advanced coursework. The center also supports students who excel in math and want to move ahead, offering enrichment that keeps them challenged and engaged.

From a business perspective, Flachs said owning Mathnasium has allowed her to align professional growth with personal values. She remains hands-on in daily operations, working closely with instructors, families and students to maintain high standards.

“Our instructors are carefully trained and supported,” she said. “They’re not just teaching math—they’re building relationships and helping students feel capable.”

That emphasis extends into the community. Mathnasium of Flemington participates in local events and collaborates with schools and organizations to stay connected to the families it serves.

“When a student comes in struggling and leaves believing in themselves, that’s the return on investment.”

— Gabbi Flachs

Beyond academics, Flachs emphasizes structure and accountability. Students attend regularly scheduled sessions, creating routines that reinforce discipline, consistency and follow-through.

“There’s real value in showing up, putting in the work and seeing progress over time,” she said. “Those habits are an investment in a child’s future.”

“Parents want to know who they’re trusting with their children,” Flachs said. “Being visible and accessible matters.”

As education continues to evolve, Flachs believes demand for personalized learning will only increase. While technology plays a role, she said human interaction remains essential.

“Math is personal,” she said. “Students need someone who can listen, adjust and explain concepts in a way that makes sense to them.”

For families, enrolling a child at Mathnasium of Flemington is both an academic and financial decision—an investment in skills that support long-term success.

“When a student comes in struggling and leaves believing in themselves,” Flachs said, “that’s the return on investment.”

Mathnasium of Flemington - Serving students throughout Hunterdon County Learn more at mathnasium.com/flemington 276 Route 202/31, Suite 110, Flemington, NJ 08822

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

APRIL 4TH

Columbia Trail Spring Cycling Day

79 Main St., High Bridge, NJ 08829 | 10:30 AM

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided outdoor experience along the Columbia Trail and Ken Lockwood Gorge. The program features scenic views and nature interpretation in one of the county’s landscapes. Registration details available at eventbrite.com

APRIL 18TH

Earth Day Festival

Echo Hill Park, 42 Lilac Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 9:30 AM

Celebrate Earth Day in Flemington with live animal presentations, recycled-instrument music and interactive 4-H club activities. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Environmental exhibits are featured. Schedule details available at co.hunterdon.nj.us

APRIL 18TH

Frenchtown Spring Arts and Music Festival

Bridge St., Frenchtown, NJ 08825 | 11:00 AM

This annual spring festival in historic Frenchtown celebrates local artists, live music and artisan vendors along the Delaware River. The event blends visual and performance art with outdoor dining. Full lineup and details available at explorehunterdonnj.com

APRIL 25TH

Bloom Fest Wellness Expo

Gemini Sisters Farm 105 Fairview Rd, Skillman, NJ | 10:00 AM

Bloom Fest Wellness Expo brings together wellness practitioners, artists, musicians, and makers for a day of mindfulness, creativity, and community at Gemini Sisters Farm, offering immersive experiences, local vendors, and meaningful connections rooted in nature. For more information visit geminisistersfarm.com

APRIL 26TH

Historic Red Mill Museum Village

56 Main St., Clinton, NJ 08809 | 10:00 AM

Visit the Red Mill in Clinton for spring tours, exhibits and riverside strolls at the historic site. The attraction offers insight into local history and industrial heritage. Ticket details available at theredmill.org

APRIL 29TH

Safe in Hunterdon Denim Day Fashion Show

119 Main St., Flemington, NJ 08822 | 5:00 PM

This fashion show supports survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Denim Day campaign addresses victim-blaming myths through community advocacy and local boutique fashion. Ticket details available at hunterdon-chamber.org.