Millburn Short Hills April 2026

Millburn & Short Hills

STRINGS

makes her mark as an accomplished harpist and a dedicated community advocate.

IN FULL BLOOM

aAPRIL HAS A WAY of sharpening our focus. The light lasts a little longer, the air feels lighter, and the world around us seems to come back into balance. It’s a season that reminds us how thoughtful design—whether in our homes, our passions, or our communities—can shape the way we live and connect.

Our cover story turns an architectural lens on the work of Short Hills In & Out Design Studio, led by principals Zak Yossry and Sarah Fetouh. Creating a beautiful home is one thing, but designing a space with purpose is another entirely. Their approach blends clean lines, seamless lighting, and an intuitive sense of flow to create interiors that feel as effortless as they are refined. The result is a signature

style where form and function align, and every detail feels resolved. That same spirit of dedication appears in our feature on Millburn High School junior Olivia Shidler, who is an accomplished harpist. Between AP classes and the demanding schedule of Juilliard Pre-College, Olivia is already performing at a level most musicians only dream of. Her recent win at the prestigious “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition is a remarkable achievement—and just one example of how passion and discipline can create extraordinary opportunities.

Music also takes center stage in a different way this issue. Short Hills resident Damini Sood has built a thriving community through the music club Basement Beats. What started with a handful of artists and a karaoke microphone has grown into an intimate, welcoming space where local musicians come together to share their sound. Sometimes the most vibrant stages are the ones hidden in plain sight. Finally, we sat down at the table with Glendi Castillo, owner of Guacamole Restaurant. Taking over a beloved local space is no small task, but Glendi has embraced the challenge with warmth and intention. For her, hospitality is personal, creating a place where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and eager to return.

I hope this issue brings a bit of inspiration as spring settles into our community. As always, please keep those story ideas coming our way at marylima@millburnandshorthills.com or editor@millburnandshorthills.com.

Warm regards,

Mary

Lima Publisher

Millburn & Short Hills

www.millburnandshorthills.com @millburnshorthills_magazine MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima

marylima@millburnandshorthills.com

Editor and Lead Writer Eve Golden editor@millburnandshorthills.com

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Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Spring FEVER

As people head outdoors to enjoy the mild weather, Explore Millburn-Short Hills plans a new season of events in town.

BY MICHELLE LEMIEUX

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, and Millburn-Short Hills is coming alive with energy, color, and enthusiasm. Flowers are blooming, the streets and sidewalks are busier, and everyone’s mood is just a little cheerier as the warmth of sunshine begins to fill the air.

This is also the season when Explore Millburn-Short Hills prepares its programs and events for the whole community. With some familiar favorites, new additions, and once-in-a-lifetime events, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s in the works:

PARENTS’

NIGHT OUT IS FUN FOR EVERYONE

Grab a bite at your favorite eatery and do a little shopping while Explore handles your childcare for the evening. This April, the organization is partnering with local, childfocused businesses so parents and caregivers can enjoy an evening out to shop and dine in town. Let the kids play, learn, and create for a few hours while you enjoy a night out, courtesy of Explore.

This summer, New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup, and Explore Millburn-Short Hills has a lineup of events to celebrate.

GEAR UP FOR GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Girls’ Night Out is celebrating its fifth year, ’90s style, on June 4 in downtown Millburn. The music-themed event will take place along Millburn Avenue and feature shopping promotions, live music, DJs, giveaways, and trivia. Stop into your favorite local businesses while jamming out to some of the best ’90s tunes. Swag bags and experiential events from local retailers and partners will also highlight one of Explore’s most anticipated events of the year.

CATCH WORLD CUP FEVER

This summer, New Jersey will host one of the world’s largest sporting events— the FIFA World Cup—and Explore is giving Millburn-Short Hills a front-row seat. Events include a Kids’ Soccer Skills Day on June 20 and a July 19 World Cup Final Viewing Party in Taylor Park (rain

or shine). The celebration will feature food and retail vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and a giant LED TV to watch the big game, bringing the community together to be part of history right here at home.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD

Enjoy the return of live performances in downtown Millburn now in a new location—Millburn Courtyard—due to renovations at Town Hall. While the venue may have changed, the same great spirit and excitement remain. Spend Friday and Saturday evenings in the courtyard, and enjoy free performances from local bands courtesy of Explore. Grab dinner and dessert from your favorite eateries, bring your own drinks and cocktails, and relax with family and friends under the twinkling lights for a perfect summer night in town.

To learn more about these events, sponsorship opportunities, or how to participate, contact Explore Millburn-Short Hills at corinne@exploremillburnshorthills.org.

Michelle Lemieux is a freelance writer and communications/PR executive and founder of Radiancy Communications. She works in events and marketing for Explore Millburn-Short Hills and co-leads the nonprofit Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors. A born-and-bred Jersey girl, she resides in Livingston with her husband and two daughters.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS

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

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Healing Through Art

Art for Overlook’s Alice in Wonderland theme highlighted the intersection of creativity and behavioral health.

BY STAFF WRITER

INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN PERENCHIO-HERSH

LAUREN PERENCHIO-HERSH and Katy Heavens are Summit residents with a regional impact. On Feb. 28, the women co-chaired Art for Overlook at Willow & Whisk in downtown Millburn, alongside a six-woman committee whose creativity and leadership brought the event to life. Here, Perenchio-Hersh explains why this year’s focus on behavioral health mattered and how an Alice in Wonderland theme helped reframe the conversation around mental wellness.

What sparked the idea for Art for Overlook, and why did you want to co-chair it this year?

The event was inspired by a desire to bring the community together in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging—bridging the impact of art and health care. Created four years ago by members of the Overlook Auxiliary, the event was designed to go beyond a traditional fundraiser, offering an experience rooted in creativity, connection, and purpose. We were also proud to showcase more than 30 local artists through our silent auction, highlighting the power of art to inspire and heal.

Behavioral health can be challenging for communities to discuss—what conversation were you hoping this event would help unlock locally? We hoped this event would help normalize the conversation, so people feel more comfortable acknowledging that mental health is part of overall health. Creating a space that feels welcoming and connected is a powerful first step in reducing stigma and encouraging more open dialogue in the community.

What does the Alice in Wonderland story symbolize for you in the context of mental health and healing?

Alice in Wonderland captures the feeling of navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense, something many people experience in their mental health journeys.

But it’s also a story of curiosity and resilience. For us, the theme reflects both the disorientation and the possibility—the idea that even in unfamiliar or difficult moments, there is a path forward.

Why was it important to bring artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together?

Healing lives at the intersection of science, art, creativity, and human connection. By bringing artists, musicians, and health-care leaders together, we reflected a more holistic view of behavioral health—one that honors both clinical care and emotional expression. We wanted the evening to feel like an experience, not just a fundraiser.

How do you feel music uniquely contributed to the emotional tone of the evening?

Music has an immediate ability to connect people—it shifts the energy of a room and invites emotion without explanation. In a setting centered on behavioral health, that sense of openness is essential. It allowed people to feel connected and more willing to engage on a deeper level. Owls & Lions was the perfect duo to set that tone and create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and uplifting.

Why was it important to include interactive experiences like Simon Mandal’s illusions and Ignite Your Aura’s photography readings?

The illusions are really about perspective. They remind us that what we see isn’t always the full picture—and that shift in perception is incredibly relevant in behavioral health. Our hope was that guests left not just entertained, but thinking differently about how they see themselves and others.

What are the behavioral health initiatives these funds will support, and what impact do you hope that support has in the community?

Art for Overlook raised funds to support the ongoing work of the Overlook Auxiliary across the Overlook Medical Center community, with a focused investment in behavioral health initiatives. These efforts are centered on expanding access; strengthening early intervention; incorporating art therapy; and enhancing care for children, adolescents, and families. Our goal is to make support more approachable and accessible at Overlook Medical Center, so individuals can receive care earlier and communities can grow stronger as a result.

A Smashing Success

Guacamole Restaurant owner Glendi Castillo offers a fresh take on Mexican cuisine in a familiar space.

BY STAFF WRITER

THE ATMOSPHERE of Guacamole Restaurant may still carry the familiar scent of roasted chilies, but inside the former Mariachi Mexican Restaurant space, something new has taken root. Stepping into a location with history is never easy—the former eatery came with a built-in reputation and a community that loved it. To make the transition successful, new owner Glendi Castillo made sure to embrace that legacy while working to build a fresh future.

“Guacamole Restaurant is something very personal to me,” she says. Castillo views her role through the lens of a lifetime in customer service. “From a young age, I found joy in making others feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for,” she says. “Seeing guests smile, relax, and enjoy their time together is what motivates me every day.”

A TASTEFUL TWIST

“The community already had a connection to the Mariachi space and to Mexican cuisine,” Castillo says. “My goal was not to replace what was there before, but to build on that familiarity and offer something authentic, warm, and welcoming in a new way.”

The menu at Guacamole is an intentional bridge between comforting classics and rich, flavor-forward entrees designed for gathering. “We created a balance of traditional Mexican favorites and hearty, flavorful dishes so that everyone can find something they love,” Castillo says. Whether you are diving into fresh seafood, sizzling fajitas, or a plate of street-style tacos, the common thread is freshness. Combined with quality and care, that’s

what separates a truly great taco or fajita from the run-of-the-mill variety, she says. “We focus on fresh ingredients, proper preparation, and consistency,” she adds. “It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the most popular menu items remain the heavy hitters: tacos, fajitas, and of course, the restaurant’s signature guacamole.

ELEVATING THE FAMILIAR

Naming a restaurant after a single side dish takes confidence, but for Castillo, guacamole is more than a dip—it’s a symbol. “To me, guacamole represents everything the restaurant stands for,” she says. “It is fresh, traditional, and meant to be shared. It brings people around the table and creates moments of connection.”

Since opening Guacamole Restaurant, Castillo has been grateful for how the neighborhood has shown its support. “One of the most touching surprises has been how quickly guests embraced us,” she says. “Seeing customers return, having them bring friends and family, and telling us how much they enjoyed their experience means everything to me. It shows that the vision of creating a welcoming, authentic space is truly resonating.”

STEP IN, SLOW DOWN

“I want people to feel at ease, take their time, and enjoy the experience,” Castillo says. “The goal is for every guest to leave feeling satisfied and already planning their next visit. My biggest hope is that Guacamole Restaurant becomes a place people think of as their own— somewhere they celebrate birthdays, casual dinners, milestones, and everyday moments.”

As dining out has become more about convenience than personal connection lately, Guacamole offers a place to pause, share fresh guacamole, and feel at home.

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Designed & Built By

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The Art of Living

Through an architectural lens, Short Hills In & Out Design Studio shapes interiors by aligning form, function, and flow.

BY EVE GOLDEN

AA BEAUTIFUL HOME is easy to recognize. The real challenge is designing a space with intention, where clean lines, seamless lighting, and natural ease make it feel as functional as it is refined.

That finished, resolved feeling is the signature of Short Hills In & Out Design Studio, led by principals Zak Yossry and Sarah Fetouh, both Allied ASID and International Associate AIA members. Together, they approach interiors as inseparable from the surrounding architecture.

INTEGRATED DESIGN

Short Hills In & Out Design Studio began in 2006 with a clear vision to elevate residential design beyond decoration and make it a fully integrated architectural experience. The studio’s philosophy has always centered on designing interiors as an extension of the architecture itself. From the first diagram to the final install, the studio takes a

comprehensive approach to every project—from concept through construction—ensuring that spatial planning, custom cabinetry, lighting, and furnishings work together seamlessly. This integrated process allows every element to be considered early rather than layered in later.

“Our goal from the beginning was to create homes that are refined, functional, and enduring, with every detail feeling intentional rather than assembled in parts,” Zak says.

Sarah explains that when the design is properly resolved, the home feels calm, cohesive, and naturally balanced. “When it works, the home moves like a single thought,” she says. “Transitions between spaces feel effortless, materials relate to one another, and design supports how the family lives without calling attention to itself. This ultimately allows the design to feel effortless rather than staged.”

Zak adds: “It feels cohesive, calm, and considered—never layered as an afterthought.”

Creating cohesion starts at the walkthrough, before inspiration boards and finish schedules are developed. The team always begins by reading the architecture of the home. When the team first walks into a house, they immediately read the proportions, natural light, and spatial flow. “We study how rooms relate to one another, how natural light moves through the home, and whether circulation feels intuitive,” Zak says. Translating those early instincts into clear planning tools helps clients visualize the possibilities

with confidence. To make those instincts measurable and easier for clients to trust, the studio has upgraded its toolkit. “We’ve been incorporating advanced design and planning software like 3D modeling, BIM [building information modeling], and virtual walkthrough tools into our process,” Sarah says.

Zak adds that the studio also has introduced virtual reality, allowing clients to explore their home before construction starts. “The biggest improvement is clarity and precision; clients can experience the scale and flow of the home, decisions are made faster, and coordination with contractors is seamless.”

CREATING FLOW

Short Hills In & Out Design Studio also works from exterior architecture to outdoor living. The team emphasizes that consistency between exterior and interior architecture is essential for a cohesive home. “From the facade to the interiors and outdoor living spaces, we ensure that materials, proportions, and architectural language flow consistently throughout,” Zak says. When indoor-outdoor living is done well, it doesn’t feel like a feature; it feels natural. “The key is designing transitions that feel architectural rather than decorative,” Sarah explains. To make indoor-outdoor design feel seamless, the team focuses on aligning sightlines, materials, and floor levels. Large openings, consistent flooring, and carefully framed views help interiors flow naturally into exterior spaces. Millwork, or custom woodwork, is where the studio’s architectural mindset meets the realities of daily life. Sarah notes that thoughtful millwork should feel integrated into the architecture rather than applied afterward. That process begins with understanding how the space will be used, how people move through it, what storage is needed, and how

elements relate to the surrounding architecture.

“We rely on the expertise of Downsview Kitchens’ engineers and team to ensure every piece meets exacting standards, from construction to installation,” Zak says.

Sarah highlights the importance of precision in these details, from precise joinery and perfectly aligned seams to carefully considered proportions and the thoughtful use of materials. Subtleties such as continuous grain patterns, hidden hardware, and perfectly mitered corners further elevate the result.

Even lighting, often added at the end of a project, is planned from day one by Short Hills In & Out Design Studio. The team understands that it plays a fundamental architectural role in shaping how spaces are experienced. “Lighting is never an afterthought for us— we bring it in at the very beginning of the design process by developing layered schemes that allow architecture, finishes, and art to look their best,” Zak says.

A TEAM APPROACH

Zak describes his partnership with Sarah as two perspectives working toward a single standard. “Sarah and I complement each other by bringing different strengths to every project while sharing the same vision,” he says, adding that Sarah’s background in architecture and art

history strengthens the studio’s sense of proportion and composition.

While clients often start with aesthetics—what they love, what they want—Short Hills In & Out Design Studio’s design process often reveals deeper needs related to daily living and functionality. “By the end, the clients realize what they truly needed was function, flow, and thoughtful integration,” Zak says. “And that’s when a beautiful house becomes a home that functions effortlessly.”

Top right: Zak Yossry and Sarah Fetouh created a striking double-height home bar defined by sculptural stone, sleek lighting, and modern elegance in this contemporary residence in Lebanon.

Bottom left: Zak Yossry and Sarah Fetouh designed a refined yet inviting space in this Short Hills kitchen, balancing crisp white cabinetry and a soft blue island with abundant natural light.

Home Bass

DBY EVE GOLDEN

DDRIVE PAST THE HOMES on

Old Short Hills Road and it might surprise you that one of the most vibrant music scenes is operating just below street level. There’s no neon signage or ticket booth— certainly no bouncer. Yet inside the Sood residence, a simple idea has sparked a special community, growing from a few friends into a must-attend event.

A BACKSTAGE PASS

Basement Beats is a music club that defies the typical definition of a suburban hobby. Sood, who relocated to Short Hills in July 2020

after moving from Mumbai via Jersey City, had always cherished music in her life and simply missed the connection that comes from shared rhythm. In September 2023, noticing a lack of open, inclusive platforms for everyday music enthusiasts, she launched the club. It began modestly with five artists, a karaoke microphone, and a handful of folding chairs.

“The name signals our vibe: intimate, unpretentious, and real,” Sood explains. “There’s no grand auditorium, no velvet ropes—just good sound, warm lighting, and people cheering each other on.”

Basement Beats has evolved over the years. Sood’s basement has been transformed into a tiered, immersive live-music venue where couches and floor seating are arranged to ensure every guest has a clear view of the stage. The lineups, which began as a free-for-all of genres ranging from Bollywood hits to Taylor Swift covers, have matured into curated, themebased experiences.

SOUND CHECK COMPLETE

The club operates on two distinct tracks: monthly “nurturing talent” sessions and public showcases. The monthly events are where the

real work happens. Once a theme is chosen—perhaps the soulful depth of ghazals (lyric poems) or the nostalgia of ’90s pop—Sood and her team appoint a music director. They assemble a lineup of 10 artists, mixing seasoned vocalists with nervous first timers. “Musicians spend time learning the arrangements and beats, followed by live practice sessions to sync everything together,” Sood says. “Typically, it takes five to six rehearsals to bring a show to life.”

Basement Beats is a conscious attempt to change how music is consumed, shifting the paradigm from background noise to active

engagement. The proof of concept came in 2025. After 14 successful monthly events, Sood and her team decided to test the waters with a ticketed public event. They wondered whether the magic of the basement would translate to a larger stage. “We truly didn’t know what to expect,” Sood says. “But as we began sharing news of the event and spreading the word, the response was overwhelming.”

BANDING TOGETHER

The first large-scale production on April 5, 2025, at Sood’s home featured 15 singers and five musicians. Two

back-to-back shows of 100 guests each sold out within three weeks. To prove it wasn’t a fluke, the group did it again in November 2025, selling out during the chaotic holiday party season. “The energy in the room made it clear that this was no longer just a casual meetup,” Sood says. “It was a movement.”

Despite the ticketed success, the heart of Basement Beats remains in giving people a second chance at the stage. “So many people paused for careers and family,” Sood says. “Basement Beats has brought that part of them back to life.”

She describes the culture of the

room as genuinely supportive.

“If someone is nervous, they are never rushed or judged,” she shares. “Applause isn’t reserved only for perfection; it’s given for courage. That shift changes everything.”

This philosophy has rippled out into the broader community. Members are collaborating on setlists, rehearsing in living rooms, and finding a shared language in music. “In a world where social gatherings often revolve around small talk, we’ve created a space where people connect through something deeper,” Sood says. “Neighbors who may have only exchanged polite hellos are now collaborating, rehearsing together, and cheering each other on.”

Basement Beats balances the polish of a production with the warmth of a home. Whether it is a quiet winter evening featuring acoustic sets or a high-energy summer celebration, the basement on Old Short Hills Road has struck a powerful chord.

Strings

Attached

Millburn High School junior

Olivia Shidler makes her mark as an accomplished harpist and a dedicated community advocate.

BY EVE GOLDEN

TTIME MANAGEMENT for Olivia Shidler means balancing her AP courses at Millburn High School with the rigorous demands of Juilliard Pre-College and preparing to solo with one of the nation’s premier ensembles. The high school junior and harpist recently achieved an impressive milestone that few teenage musicians dare to dream of—winning “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition in Washington, D.C.

This April, Shidler will return to the stage to perform Claude Debussy’s “Danse Sacrée et Danse Profane” with the Marine Chamber

Orchestra. Yet, despite the scale of the achievement, she views the opportunity through a lens of artistic maturity that is well beyond her years.

“My first thought went to my teacher, the one-and-only Nancy Allen,” she says. “She has taught me that a competition, like any performance, is an internal journey of discovery, and the result is secondary to how much you grow as a musician and as an artist.”

The evocative Debussy masterpiece she will perform holds a profound personal connection rooted in a childhood trip to France, where she stood on the famous Japanese bridge in Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny. “I tied that feeling to the Debussy piece,” Shidler says. “As the Japanese bridge came to mind in the first movement and the gardens in the second, I fell in love with it. Little by little, I became braver with the piece.”

MUSIC IN MOTION

Shidler credits her foundation to her first teacher, Stacey Shames, and to the inspiration she draws from her peers at Juilliard. “Seeing the way they communicate their music on a weekly basis constantly inspires me to shape my own voice,” she explains.

OLIVIA SHIDLER IN EIGHT BEATS

Here are some habits that contribute to the harpist’s success:

1. Consistency over perfection. Even if she can’t get in her preferred two full hours of practice, Shidler takes the hour she does have and uses it wisely.

2. Routine, routine, routine. Shidler’s practice routine is a system of consistency, focusing on small excerpts until the details lock in.

3. Performance prep. Shidler swears by the basics: eat, hydrate, and keep hand warmers on deck for over-airconditioned halls.

4. A calm-down hack. Teachers, friends, and family keep her grounded—especially the preshow “break a leg” texts with fun emojis right before a performance.

5. The power of visualization. Right before she goes on stage, Shidler imagines her late grandfather—coffee in hand, smiling. Then, once she sits at the harp, her only focus is on the music.

6. A stage for everyone. Shidler founded MHSPAC, Millburn High School’s first online Performing Arts Center, to make arts coverage as accessible as literary magazines, STEM publications, and sports coverage.

7. Recognition culture. One of her proudest MHSPAC projects has been Senior Spotlight, giving graduating performers a long-overdue shout-out from their peers.

8. Larger than music. Shidler leads inclusion work as president of Millburn High School’s Unified Club; runs antibias initiatives through her synagogue; and still finds time for writing, traveling, baking, babysitting, and SAT tutoring.

She began developing her artistic edge on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, performing as an actor and singer in the Children’s Chorus from ages 6 to 12. “I understood what it meant to use time wisely, like doing homework in the car, which continues to serve me well with all my AP courses,” she says.

Her days remain a fluid mix of academics and artistry. “I’ll make sure to weave in my practice time whenever I can, even if it means doing it at 10 p.m. or getting up before school to do it,” she says.

Shidler’s dedication has paid dividends. Beyond winning the concerto competition, she has been selected for the National Youth

Orchestra of the United States of America. The prestigious, allexpenses-paid program will have her touring Berlin, Amsterdam, and the United Kingdom. While the cultural exchange is a draw, she says she’s also “really excited to wear the amazing red pants all members of the group get to perform in.”

Shidler’s music isn’t reserved solely for international stages. She is deeply committed to the MillburnShort Hills community, serving as the student representative for the District Wellness Committee. She launched “Harp for Wellness,” an initiative bringing the sounds of her instrument to the student center to help people de-stress. “It’s not

just students who attend; teachers and administrators do, too,” she says. “I love that it’s building a wellness community.”

A survey at Washington School revealed that fifth graders ranked listening to the harp as their No. 1 social-emotional learning activity.

“When I played for them, it was like they were ‘all in’—like they left all their cares behind,” she recalls.

PULLING STRINGS

By recognizing the educators who have shaped her path, Shidler emphasizes the importance of the Millburn school system’s music faculty.

“Without Mr. Fabrizio and Mr. Vega’s incredible teaching, I would not have the same love of music theory that I do,” she says. “Mr. Fabrizio was my

AP Music Theory teacher last year and has conducted ensembles I’ve been a part of at the high school, including the pit in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”

From a mesmerizing encounter with a harp at the South Orange Performing Arts Center at age 5 to the world stage today, Shidler’s journey is a family affair. She credits her grandmother’s inspiration, her mother’s constant presence, and her father’s logistical support in lugging the harp to her gigs. As she prepares for Europe and the Marine Chamber Orchestra, Shidler remains grounded in the community that has shaped her musical roots.

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TAKING THE LEEP

Matthew Feinstein turns his own local education into a blueprint for low-income and first-generation students to graduate college and launch meaningful careers.

BY EVE GOLDEN

GROWING UP IN both Millburn and Short Hills gave Matthew Feinstein a front-row seat to opportunity. A graduate of Wyoming School (1994) and Millburn High School (2002), he still feels closely connected to where he came from. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up in one of the most idyllic communities conceivable,” he shares.

Yet, even as a student, Feinstein had a distinct understanding of the invisible boundaries surrounding the town. “From a young age, I was very aware that there were so many folks who did not have access to the same opportunities my sister and I, and all our friends, had,” he says.

A LOCAL LENS

As executive director of NJ LEEP, a college-access and success organization serving low-income and first-generation students in

the greater Newark area, Feinstein is working to dismantle those boundaries. The group’s mission is to help students graduate from college and launch careers focused on upward economic mobility. The organization is backed by a hands-on board that includes local residents Jordan Bettman and Elana Wilf Tanzman of Short Hills, and Galit Kierkut of Millburn.

“Everything we do at NJ LEEP is built around ensuring our students have a deep sense of community and connection,” Feinstein explains. He believes that academic rigor sticks when students feel seen.

“When strong connections and community exist, it is far easier to develop the relationships and rapport that can enable high levels of academic performance.”

While NJ LEEP boasts a college graduation rate that is three times the national average for similarly situated peers, approximately a quarter of its high-school

graduates do not obtain a degree. “We try really hard to normalize the idea that there is absolutely no shame whatsoever in college being difficult,” Feinstein says. The organization views its work through the lens of co-creating belonging, ensuring that students feel safe enough to seek help when the road gets rocky.

SCALING THE VISION

NJ LEEP is evolving. Recognizing that its original, cost-intensive model couldn’t scale to meet the massive need, the organization has pivoted toward deep partnerships with Newark Public Schools. By embedding programs directly into schools, it can reach thousands more students. “We don’t want or need any of the recognition for the work being done,” Feinstein says. “We simply want to have the backs of the school counselors, the principals, and the teachers.”

This support is vital at a time when the value of higher education is often debated. “Where there is no

multigenerational financial security, a college degree is still the single greatest equalizer when it comes to economic mobility,” Feinstein says. “We have no idea what the future holds, but a college degree is an opportunity to develop a wide range of academic and interpersonal skills.”

Feinstein also notes, “Our job is to teach our students to surf the waves of innovation and technological advancement,” making the point that a degree builds the agility students will need to face the job market over the next couple decades.

Ultimately, Feinstein wants to change the default setting for Newark students to match the one he grew up with in Millburn and Short Hills—that college is an accessible conclusion. To do that at a state level, he advocates for a massive reinvestment in school counseling. “New Jersey can and should be the leader in college admissions navigation,” he says. “But it would require an investment of resources to achieve that ambition.”

That’s where NJ LEEP is stepping in, reframing college from an exception into an expectation.

THE MAHJONG MOVEMENT

BY STAFF WRITER

A FEW YEARS ago, Rachael Lerner rediscovered her grandmother’s mahjong set, tucked inside its original alligator case, while cleaning out her parents’ garage. The tiles followed her through several New York City apartments, unused, until a post in an East Village parenting group led her to mahjong lessons at Ess-aBagel, just blocks from the Lower East Side where her grandmother grew up. What started as a Monday night diversion quickly turned into a passion.

After Lerner moved to Millburn in 2020, mahjong became her go - to “mind hobby” and a way to build community. Now, through Lern2Mahj, she teaches others in the area how to play the game, helping new players discover a timeless tabletop tradition that blends strategy, connection, and a little friendly competition. Her regular group is celebrating two years at the table, and the circle keeps growing as more local players find their way to the tiles. For more information, follow @lern2mahj on Instagram.

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