Millburn Short Hills March 2026

Millburn & Short Hills

HIGHER LEARNING

A MOUNTAIN TREK OFFERS LIFE LESSONS

WORKPLACE WELLNESS

FIND BALANCE WITH DR. ELYSE DUB

Homegrown Expertise

ARLENE GONNELLA

iFRESH PERSPECTIVES

IF MARCH HAD A personality, it would be the optimist of the calendar. It’s that transitional bridge where we trade our heavy wool coats for lighter layers and start believing that the gray skies hanging overhead are merely a backdrop for the blooms to come. In this issue, we celebrate transitions, ambitious climbs, and the sweetness of local success.

Our cover story features a face many of you might recognize. Arlene Gonnella—a Short Hills resident and a top real-estate agent at Weichert— reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, including 20 years as the No. 1 agent in the Millburn–Short Hills market.

Her staying power is a master class in what it means to keep raising the bar, year after year.

Speaking of raising the bar, prepare to have your breath taken away by 15-year-old Short Hills resident Sammit Acharjee. While most teenagers were navigating the treacherous terrain of high school hallways this past winter, Sammit was navigating the actual terrain of Aconcagua in Argentina. Rising nearly 23,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Americas. Alongside his father, Swagato, Sammit completed a grueling 14-day mission that strengthened their family bond.

And because life is all about balance, we come back down to earth for a treat. We’re checking in with ninth grader Justin Sparaga. What started as a fifth-grade TREP$ project for him has evolved into Justin’s Baked Cookies, a venture that proves you’re never too young to build a brand (or satisfy a community’s sweet tooth).

I hope this issue softens the lingering chill of winter. Rest assured, spring is just around the corner, promising longer days and new beginnings.

As always, we welcome your story ideas at marylima@millburnandshorthills.com or editor@millburnandshorthills.com. And check out our new website, featuring current and past stories in one place.

Warm regards,

Mary Lima Publisher

www.millburnandshorthills.com @millburnshorthills_magazine

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima

marylima@millburnandshorthills.com

Editor and Lead Writer Eve Golden

editor@millburnandshorthills.com

Photographer Melissa Spector

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan

Creative Director Kijoo Kim

Art Director Rosemary O’Connell

Executive Editor Elaine Quilici

Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director Catherine Rosario

Production Designer Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

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

Making Her story

Women-run businesses thrive in town, thanks to a sense of community.

BY MICHELLE LEMIEUX

IN CELEBRATING WOMEN’S

History Month, Explore MillburnShort Hills honors the women shaping our economic and cultural future, whether they are running our favorite shops and restaurants or managing community and government programs. In fact, the organization itself came to fruition with women at the helm.

During the pandemic, then-Mayor Jacqueline Benjamin Lieberberg wanted to find a way to support local businesses that were struggling. “Residents were looking for ways to help, and we knew business owners needed a lifeline, but we didn’t have the tools,” she says.

With her experience in local government and a career as an executive recruiter in the financial industry, she worked with various local leaders to launch Explore, and she has served on its executive board since its inception in 2020. “The internet has changed the way we buy goods, but we need to continue supporting small businesses because we are so lucky to have so many of them right here in Millburn,” she says.

Nadege Nicoll

Nadege Nicoll met Lieberberg when she was trying to find a way to build visibility for her own store. In 2018, Nicoll opened The Book House, which has become a staple in Millburn. She connected with other store owners in town to organize events and build brand recognition, affectionately known as Millburn Merchants. “We had such a sense of community, and it was so much fun,” Nicoll says. “But it was also a lot of work. When Jackie came along with the idea of Explore, it all seemed to come together so organically.”

Nicoll served as a board member for Explore during its first year and went on to sell The Book House in 2022 to its current owners. She still owns the building and has since invested in new property at 378 Millburn Ave., home to Millburn Indoor Golf.

“Millburn has so many active and engaged women in our community, and there is such a sense of pride in working with so many of them,” Nicoll says. “As a property owner, Explore has been such a wonderful resource. The team has a wealth of knowledge to share, from zoning rules to grants. They are there for our small businesses.”

Sadije Barca

Restaurant owner Sadije Barca also appreciates the efforts of the organization. She says that since Explore began, there has been a drastic change in the downtown space where she and her family own the Italian restaurant Cara Mia, located at 194 Essex St. “Explore has helped make Millburn a destination, a place that people want to visit,” Barca says.

For the past 15 years, Barca has built a solid foundation as a restaurateur. She’s watched families grow and has felt supported by her loyal customer base. “People here really want to see you succeed, and there’s no greater feeling than that,” she says.

Molly D’Alessio

Feeling supported is exactly how Molly D’Alessio, owner of boutique fitness studios CycleBar and Pure Barre at 351 Millburn Ave., describes her experience of being a local business owner. D’Alessio says the encouragement she’s received from the community is what has kept her and her businesses motivated and thriving for the past 11 years.

“During COVID, we came up with creative solutions,” she says. “We never missed a day of classes, and clients stayed with us. When Hurricane Ida hit, they were helping put the studio back together. There was so much support, and I think a lot of that is because we aren’t a big-box gym—we’re more than just a workout. We take care of our clientele inside and out, and they know they can count on us.”

Siatta Kennedy

Siatta Kennedy has a passion for making comfortable, quality, affordable denim. Since opening her fashion storefront, Siatta Jeans, at 348 Millburn Ave., one year ago, she has built strong networks and felt supported by other local business owners. Kennedy also is working to break down barriers of societal norms and to empower young women by hiring local high-school students to work in her store.

“I love interacting with women of different cultures and people who have been here for years,” Kennedy says. “Having owned three stores in Africa and then coming here, I want to inspire and, most importantly, have people leave my store with a smile.”

Tanya Nachbar

Tanya Nachbar, owner of Sestra, located at 507A Millburn Ave. in Short Hills, opened her boutique last summer. It offers unique, curated European collections, and she says women supporting women is what her business stands for. “In Ukrainian, ‘sestra’ means sister, and that’s what’s at the heart here—sisterhood,” she says. “We want to earn trust from our customers and have them feel taken care of and understood.”

Whether shopping small, attending a local event, or engaging in something bigger, let’s continue to amplify the voices of local women and celebrate all they contribute to our community.

ABOUT EXPLORE

MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 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 the town, including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.

LAWRENCE J. GREENBERG

Under Construction Oceanfront | Summer 2027 Completion - Orchard Hills presents one of the finest homes being offered at the Jersey shore, located on a sprawling 150' wide lot. High end appointments throughout, quality workmanship, and attention to detail is the mark of Orchard Hills. This 8 bedroom, 8/1 bath Shingle style home offers old world charm and the amenities of today. A great home for entertaining offering generous open spaces, rift and quartered oak floors, custom trim/ built-ins, custom inset cabinets with butlers pantry, Lutron lighting controls, full home automation and built in speakers/cameras.

Under Construction Oceanfront | Summer 2027 Completion - Orchard Hills presents one of the finest homes being offered at the Jersey shore, located on a sprawling 105' wide lot. High end appointments throughout, quality workmanship, and attention to detail is the mark of Orchard Hills. This 7 bedroom, 7/2 bath Shingle style home offers old world charm and the amenities of today. A great home for entertaining offering generous open spaces, rift and quartered oak floors, custom trim/built-ins, custom inset cabinets with butlers pantry, Lutron lighting controls, full home automation and built in speakers/cameras.

Designed & Built By

Under Construction | Summer 2027 Completion - Orchard Hills presents one of the finest homes being offered at the Jersey shore, located on a sprawling 120' wide lot. High end appointments throughout, quality workmanship, and attention to detail is the mark of Orchard Hills. This 6/7 bedroom, 7/1 bath Shingle style home offers old world charm and the amenities of today. A great home for entertaining offering generous open spaces, rift and quartered oak floors, custom trim/built-ins, custom inset cabinets with butlers pantry, Lutron lighting controls, full home automation and built in speakers/ cameras.

Smart Cookie

Ninth grader Justin Sparaga is baking his way to the bank.

BY STAFF WRITER

JUSTIN SPARAGA’S COOKIE

business started in fifth grade as part of Washington Elementary School’s TREP$ program (short for enTREPreneur$), which empowers students through hands-on, projectbased entrepreneurship education. But it wasn’t until seventh grade, when the Short Hills resident took a financial literacy class at Morristown Beard School, that his “business brain” really started to tick.

By eighth grade, Sparaga was baking cookies and bringing them to school, where friends became his unofficial taste testers and biggest supporters.

“Friends said I should start a business,” he recalls. “I quickly realized this was a passion that could fund my love for going to concerts.” And just like that, Justin’s Baked Cookies was born.

A WINNING RECIPE

Sparaga’s signature Nutella Sea Salt cookie is a local favorite, and customers routinely swing by his house to pick up orders. His menu delivers serious cookie credentials: Classic Chocolate Chip, S’mores Crunch, Lotus Biscoff, and the trendy Dubai Chocolate. You can find your favorites at @justinsbakedcookies on Instagram.

“I get inspiration by scrolling through social media and looking

at my favorite cookie brands,” says Sparaga, who is now in ninth grade.

He cites Baked SoCal in Los Angeles, Ash’s Bake Shop in Orlando, and local favorite Liv Breads as his creative muses.

Balancing homework with artisan baking, Sparaga has mastered the art of time blocking. He bakes primarily

JUSTIN SPARAGA’S INSIDER BAKING TIP:

“I use cake flour in my cookies, which is very rare. This creates a softer and more tender texture.”

on Sundays, focuses on schoolwork throughout the week, and enjoys his social life on Fridays and Saturdays.

He’s already thinking well beyond his kitchen counter. “I see Justin’s Baked Cookies as a cookie empire,” he says. “I would love to have an original location in the Millburn-Short Hills area, along with locations in the city.”

Sparaga’s vision is big, and his cookie empire is already rising. Currently, he’s testing a “subscribe and save” monthly membership for local families, and he’s even considering cookie birthday parties for kids. But for now, it’s one batch at a time.

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View From the Top

Weichert real-estate agent Arlene Gonnella reflects on four decades of career success.

BY EVE GOLDEN

iIF YOU’VE PASSED a “sold” sign in Millburn-Short Hills during the past 40 years, chances are you’ve seen Arlene Gonnella’s name. She has sold more than $3 billion worth of homes, has been named Weichert’s No. 1 agent in the entire country for two decades, and has been the No. 1 agent in town for all companies for two decades. But behind the record-breaking numbers, Gonnella knows that buying a home is about much more than the transaction. She is a longtime resident who values the sense of community present in town. We caught up with the industry expert to talk market trends, local hidden gems, and the deep community roots that keep her at the top.

What makes buying a home in Millburn-Short Hills such a resilient investment, regardless of any national trends?

The Midtown Direct train line to New York City is one of many compelling reasons why Millburn and Short Hills are so desirable and such an excellent investment. Our public school system, which my five children enjoyed and my grandchildren are now thriving in, is a major draw. We also have access to excellent private schools like Pingry, Newark Academy, Morristown Beard, Kent Place, and Peck School. It is a very inclusive, diverse community. I describe our town as a community of the best and brightest from around the world.

With interest rates and inventory shifting recently, are there any misconceptions you see among buyers right now? Millburn and Short Hills are very special towns. Interest rates are rising, but because this area is so desirable, we have tremendous demand and a shortage of homes for sale. That’s great for sellers, but it makes it very challenging for buyers. To manage expectations, I tell buyers they’ll be competing with as many as 10 other buyers who want to make a house their family’s home, and I show them how to position themselves to win the bid.

Local Loves FROM ARLENE GONNELLA

• Community vibe: “The amazing business owners here make everyone feel so welcome.”

• Morning ritual: “I am a huge fan of Liv Breads. I love their coffee and babka.”

• Grandkid favorites: “My friend just opened Musicologie, and my grandkids love the music classes offered there.”

• Pizza and ice cream: “We love getting pizza at La Strada, followed by Häagen-Dazs for ice cream cones.”

• Trusted service: “Carl at Millburn Camera always gives the best service, and Flor at French Nails & Hair Club gives great manicures—she always makes my granddaughters feel special.”

• Culture: “We are so lucky to have Paper Mill Playhouse. I just saw ‘Frozen’ there, and it was fantastic.”

• Night out: “For a special dinner, I love Basilico.”

You’ve been the No. 1 agent for all companies in the Millburn-Short Hills market for 20 years. What keeps you motivated to break your own sales records year after year? It is tremendously satisfying that families trust me to help them buy and sell their most expensive purchase or asset. They know I will give them the highest level of service and deliver the best result. I’m grateful for the confidence they have in me, and I do everything I can to help families enjoy living here for many years after they purchase. I also advise on improvements and recommend plumbers, electricians, contractors, snow plowers, and everything else to make life more enjoyable.

You support more than a dozen local causes, from Paper Mill Playhouse to the Millburn Education Foundation. Why is it important for you to reinvest in the community you serve?

I love the causes I support: Paper Mill Playhouse, the Millburn Education Foundation, the Sammy Gelband Foundation, and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. We are so fortunate to have an outstanding public school system; it’s the backbone of our community. Paper Mill is an amazing theater, and I love seeing the shows and watching my grandchildren fall in love with theater. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is a world-class hospital—four of my grandchildren were born there, and Dr. Stuart Leitner is a highly respected oncologist there who helped my daughter when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Looking back at the decision to pivot from finance to real estate in 1985, how did balancing a large family sharpen the skills you use today as a top-producing agent?

Raising five children helped fuel my passion for helping people. I have a tremendous amount of empathy and energy, and I became an expert in Millburn and Short Hills because I genuinely love living here. To be most effective, I eat, sleep, and breathe the market because my clients want me to seek opportunities for them before a home even lists. I’m the highestproducing agent here because

buyers and sellers know they can trust me to deliver the highest level of service and the best results.

What is it about the culture at Weichert that has kept you loyal?

It’s an honor to work with Jim Weichert; his son James; Joe McDonald; and our office manager, Joanne Tedesco-Kloud. Weichert has an outstanding reputation for corporate networking, and as a result, I have a tremendous number of highly motivated relocation buyers, which helps the sellers I represent achieve the highest price.

Higher Learning

Teen mountain climber Sammit Acharjee takes us inside his breathtaking mission to summit Aconcagua in Argentina.

BY EVE GOLDEN

MMANY HIGH-SCHOOL

STUDENTS

spend their Saturdays catching up on sleep or debating social plans for the night. Fifteen-yearold Short Hills resident Sammit Acharjee, however, has spent his weekends somewhere between the troposphere and the stratosphere, most recently climbing Aconcagua in the Argentine Andes this past December. At a staggering 22,837 feet, it is the highest mountain in North and South America.

Beside him on this vertical journey was his father, Swagato Acharjee, who has been by his side since their Cub Scout days. The duo recently returned from Argentina, windburned but victorious. We sat down with the climbers to discuss how a family bond can turn into a high-altitude partnership.

ANATOMY OF THE ASCENT

Ask Sammit what it takes to survive the Stone Sentinel, as Aconcagua is

known, and he’ll break it down into three pillars: total dedication, mental grit, and a genuine enthusiasm for the struggle.

Among the difficult parts of training for the adventure was saying ‘no’ to hanging out with friends on Saturdays because he had to train at the Delaware Water Gap.

For two months, Sammit slept in a special altitude simulation tent in his bedroom, mimicking the feeling of thin air. “It meant sleeping in a

hypoxic altitude tent every night, even when I had a test the next morning,” he says. “You have to let the goal run your life for a while.”

Then there’s the mental grit—a constant negotiation between your tired brain and your moving legs.

“Your body starts telling you to stop way before you actually have to,” Sammit explains. “You have to be able to look at a giant wall of sliding rocks and tell yourself to keep moving, even when it feels

like you are sliding backward every other step.”

THE GRIND BEFORE THE GLORY

The idea that his son was ready for a climber’s lifestyle was born on the trail. “It was the grit he showed during our early family hikes and Cub Scout trips,” Swagato says. “He didn’t just do them; he followed the process with a level of discipline you don’t always see in kids.”

The Acharjees have built a

climbing resume that would rival seasoned pros. Sammit summited Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet) at 12 years old and tackled technical ice walls on Chopicalqui in Peru.

“We had to turn around on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador because of bad weather and underestimating the prep needed,” Swagato says. “Those moments were just as important.”

When asked about the safety of taking a teenager to 22,000 feet, Swagato says: “We don’t do anything without years of buildup, from the Adirondacks to the Rockies and the Himalayas.” The logistics always include parental waivers, electrocardiograms, and clearance letters from Sammit’s pediatrician, vouching for his physical and mental fortitude.

“My nonnegotiable is discipline,” Swagato adds. “If hydration or acclimatization schedules aren’t being followed, we stop.”

THE SUMMIT PUSH

Summit day began at 2:30 a.m. in the freezing darkness. “At that height, even just pulling on your double boots makes you feel out of breath,” Sammit says.

By 4 a.m., they were moving beneath a sky that looked like “another planet,” illuminated by the Milky Way. While a teammate had to turn back early, Sammit and his father pushed on to the Independencia Hut, donned helmets for the windy Traverse, and eventually reached The Cave at 21,820 feet.

Then came the Canaleta—a 1,000-foot slope of shifting rock. “Your legs are on fire, and your brain is telling you to stop every 10 seconds,” Sammit says. But the Cresta del Guanaco ridge offered the final needed adrenaline kick. Standing at 22,837 feet, looking down at the curvature of the Earth, Sammit felt a mix of relief and awe. “I realized the Stone Sentinel had finally allowed us to reach the top,” he says.

LESSONS FROM THE EDGE

The mountain offers an education that school just can’t teach. “It doesn’t care how hard you’re trying or what your GPA is,” Sammit says. “You cannot negotiate with weather or altitude. The mountains force you to listen to your body.”

The momumental trek to the summit of Aconcagua was about more than personal achievement for Sammit. He was able to raise $4,485 for pediatric cancer research. “The kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital don’t choose their uphill battle,” he says. “Knowing that every foot of elevation I gained helped them gave me a reason to keep going.”

Sammit and Swagato have since returned to sea level. “We’ve seen each other totally exhausted and totally triumphant,” Swagato says. “Up at Camp Colera, at 19,000 feet, you aren’t just father and son— you are partners in a high-stakes environment. At home, life is full of distractions and screens, but on a mountain, you learn exactly what the person next to you is made of.”

Working Well

Dr. Elyse Dub is setting a new standard for wellness in the workplace.

ABY EVE GOLDEN

AMENITIES HAVE NEVER been better than in today’s corporate life. Some companies offer ergonomic sanctuaries, artisanal coffee on tap, and wellness stipends. Yet, amidst the polished glass and open-concept floor plans, there is a paradox: Workers have never been more professionally connected yet personally isolated. The water cooler, once the village square of the office, has gone digital. Elyse Dub, PhD, a Short Hills resident since 2009 and the founder of Insight Onsite, recognized this dissonance. A psychologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience, she found herself at the receiving end of a trend in early 2020.

“I launched Insight Onsite at a time when I began receiving more and more calls from friends, friends of friends, colleagues—really anyone who knew that I was a psychologist— looking for guidance and reassurance,” Dr. Dub says, noting that many of the inquiries were from high-functioning professionals looking for a lifeline. “What stood out to me was how often people shared that they were stressed and hiding out at work just so they could call me.”

If the stressed-out executive was going as far as retreating to a conference room to find clarity, perhaps the solution wasn’t to

drag them out of the office, but to bring the insight in. “I realized that mental health support can happen anywhere,” says Dr. Dub, who now often “meets people on their turf.”

A PIVOTAL MOMENT

Initially, Dr. Dub envisioned Insight Onsite as a platform for expert-led seminars—a way to disseminate psychological wisdom to the workforce. However, she soon noticed that the audiences were hungry for dialogue. “I quickly realized that group participants really wanted to talk with one another about the topics I was presenting,” Dr. Dub explains.

Recognizing that the collective power and wisdom of multiple voices in the room were just as essential as her own and those of other experts, she pivoted her business model. Insight Onsite evolved from a lecture series into a bespoke facilitation service, creating “meaningful, solutiondriven conversations within workplaces about mental healthrelated topics such as stress and work-life balance.”

The necessity for this service is underscored by the statistic that the average person spends close to 110,000 hours at work over a lifetime. To encourage using that time to recognize the potential for building relationships—and how each of us brings a unique human perspective to the workplace— Dr. Dub notes that in our polarized world, employees feel like they are “walking on a tightrope” about what to say and how to say it.

COLLECTIVE WISDOM

Dr. Dub explains that workplace mental health and talking with colleagues about things that matter is not therapy. She likes to think of it as a curated experience for the professional and human soul. Insight Onsite establishes cohorts that meet once or twice monthly, fostering

trust over time. It’s less gripe sessions and more strategic exchanges on navigating the complexities of being human while maintaining high performance. Whether the topic is the middle-aged generation’s caregiving burden or the nuances of stress management, the goal is to unlock the assets already present in the room.

“My one key message would be that every workplace holds a tremendous amount of knowledge, wisdom, and experience,” Dr. Dub

says. “In fact, it is this collective insight that is an organization’s superpower.”

THE METRICS OF BELONGING

In an era where talent retention is the ultimate competitive advantage, Insight Onsite offers innovative solutions for improving employee connection, productivity, loyalty, innovation, and feelings of belonging. “Engaging Insight Onsite is significantly less expensive than having one person leave your organization,” she says.

Dr. Dub recognizes the importance of her work. One participant shared with her: “This group is what’s keeping me here.” In another instance, the program bridged a gap between colleagues who had previously viewed one another as unapproachable. These are the subtle shifts in culture that data alone can’t capture but that define the success of an organization.

Dr. Dub is fulfilled by helping organizations slow down and truly engage. Insight Onsite not only reframes watercooler conversation but introduces a new standard of workplace engagement with the permission to be human, present, and connected.

A New Lease on Luxury

Casey Ryland, property manager at The Metropolitan, shares why residents are happily trading their toolboxes for concierge services.

BY EVE GOLDEN

INTERVIEW

WITH CASEY RYLAND

THE METROPOLITAN

, located at 92 Millburn Ave. in Springfield, just beyond the Short Hills border, opened in 2023. Offering both apartment living and townhomes, it welcomes a diverse set of residents—from couples to families to people looking to downsize. Here, Casey Ryland, property manager at The Metropolitan, shares what makes the homes and community unique.

What real estate gap was there in the surrounding area that inspired The Metropolitan?

There was a growing need for high-quality rental living that truly matched the lifestyle expectations of the area. Many residents were looking for the space, privacy, and feel of a single-family home, but without the maintenance, longterm commitment, or inventory limitations that often come with ownership in these markets. The Metropolitan was designed to bridge that gap, offering thoughtfully designed rental homes that feel

permanent, elevated, and rooted in the community.

The Metropolitan is known for “luxurious rental living.” What does that look like in residents’ day-to-day life?

Luxury at The Metropolitan shows up in the everyday details. It’s the ease of having an on-site team that’s attentive and responsive, the comfort of well-maintained spaces, and homes designed to support real routines— work, family life, entertaining, and downtime. Residents experience luxury not just through finishes, but through consistency, reliability, and a sense that their home is being cared for at a high level.

The mix of three-story townhomes with garages and apartment residences is unusual. Who were they designed for, and why this blend?

The community was intentionally designed for a wide range of residents—families, professionals, downsizers, and those relocating to the area—who all value space and quality but have different needs. Offering both townhomes and apartment residences allows people

to choose the living style that best fits their lifestyle, while still enjoying the same level of design, service, and community atmosphere.

What was prioritized in the floor plans to make the residences feel like “true homes” rather than typical rentals?

The focus was on livability. That meant larger square footage, defined living and dining areas, generous storage, garages, and multilevel layouts in the townhomes. These are homes

designed for daily life—not just visual appeal. The layouts support comfort, privacy, and long-term living, which is why many residents end up staying longer than they initially expect.

Which amenity tends to win people over during tours, and which one do residents actually use the most?

Parking and private garages are among the most valued amenities. During tours, however, it’s the townhomes themselves that make the strongest impression. Once prospects step inside and see the space, natural light, and layout, it often becomes an easy decision.

If you had 30 seconds to sell a twoor three-bedroom townhome to a family, what would you highlight?

I’d say it offers the comfort and functionality of a house with the flexibility of renting. Families have room to grow, private garages, and quiet surroundings, all within close proximity to schools, transit, and downtown amenities. It’s a place where people can truly settle in and feel at home.

Stories We Love

These top page-turners from The Book House pair perfectly with a quiet afternoon and a strong cup of coffee.

BY STAFF WRITER

GOOD THINGS: RECIPES AND RITUALS TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE

By Samin Nosrat

Samin Nosrat, beloved author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” serves up 125 meticulously tested recipes that transform everyday cooking into joyful get-togethers. From ricotta custard pancakes to saffron roast chicken and Calabrian chili crisp, this cookbook blends her signature warmth with her expert techniques—proving that the best recipes nourish both body and soul.

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE

By Claire Keegan

Claire Keegan’s haunting novella follows coal merchant Bill Furlong through 1985 Ireland as he uncovers a dark secret at the local convent. Caught between his town’s willful blindness and the church’s cruelty, Furlong faces an impossible choice: speak up or stay silent. This highly regarded, award-winning gem captures moral courage at its finest.

HUMOR ME: HOW LAUGHING MORE CAN MAKE YOU PRESENT, CREATIVE, CONNECTED, AND HAPPY

By Chris Duffy

TED podcast host Chris Duffy presents a hilarious guide to laughing your way into a richer life. Inspired by Gary—his fifth-grade student and cafeteria-critic extraordinaire—Duffy journeys from comedy clubs to Navy SEAL helicopters, revealing how humor deepens friendships, sparks creativity, and lightens life’s load. Along the way, he offers practical strategies and genuine laughs.

STRANGERS: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE

By Belle Burden

Belle Burden’s husband of 20 years walked out without warning or explanation. Left reeling, she digs through her marriage for clues she missed, confronts her own complicity as “Belle the Good,” and fights her way from betrayal to something stronger. This raw, compulsively readable memoir focuses on heartbreak—and what comes after.

To learn more about these books and other top sellers, stop into The Book House at 321 Millburn Ave., visit www.thebookhousemillburn, or follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram at @thebookhousemillburn.

RECENT

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Grab a Bite Close to Home

BISTRO & BAR

Moonshine Supper Club

55 Main St.

www.moonshinesupperclub.com

Stylish nostalgia meets culinary precision at Moonshine. You’ll find seasonal cocktails, refined comfort food, and an impressive beverage collection, including 40 beers and an expansive global wine selection.

Millburn Standard

42 Main St.

www.millburnstandard.com

Enjoy classic American fare with contemporary polish. Seasonal menus span everything from casual bites to refined entrees, and a thoughtfully curated bar keeps things interesting well past midnight.

SPICE ROUTE

Saigon Cafe

286 Essex St.

www.saigoncafemillburn.com

Clean and vibrant Vietnamese cooking is served from a family kitchen. Fresh pho variations, perfect banh mi, and summer rolls draw devoted regulars. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

EVOO & Lemon

45 Main St.

www.evooandlemon.com

This chef-owned restaurant serves Mediterranean cooking rooted in Old World tradition. Fresh, made-to-order, vegetableforward plates and quality seafood are accented by herbdriven flavors.

SWEET SPOTS

Mochimoly Donuts

315 Millburn Ave. @mochimoly_millburn

Korean-style, pillowy mochi donuts with inventive flavors such as matcha and cotton candy transform traditional treats into colorful, gourmet masterpieces.

Gong Cha

340 Millburn Ave.

www.gongchausa.com/newjersey-millburn

Gong Cha is known for its velvety milk foam topping on fresh-brewed tea. Drinks are handcrafted with Taiwan’s finest leaves and perfectly chewy pearls prepared throughout the day for peak quality.

THE BRUNCH BUNCH

Sunny Scrambled

63 Main St. sunnyscrambled.square.site

This vibrant cafe serves generous portions of wholesome favorites,

from California burritos to chicken katsu omelets. Fresh ingredients are complemented by artisan smoothies and delectable desserts in a casual but welcoming atmosphere.

Willow & Whisk

35 Main St. www.willowandwhisk.com

Family-inspired culinary vision meets elevated comfort food at Willow & Whisk. Reimagined breakfast and lunch classics feature fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation in every bite.

CORNER TRATTORIA

La Strada

355 Millburn Ave.

www.lastradanuova.com

This neighborhood gem blends casual pizzeria charm with intimate trattoria dining. Homestyle Italian traditions, alfresco seating, and timehonored recipes create an authentic, welcoming culinary experience.

Fiamma Wood Fired Pizza 32 Main St. www.fiammapizza.com/millburn Fiamma blends Neapolitan tradition with artisan cooking. Authentic wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and seasonal Italian specialties showcase premium ingredients and timehonored techniques for pure, unforgettable flavors.

CLEAN CUISINE

Taste Buddy 515A Millburn Ave.

www.tastebuddynj.com

This health-conscious cafe serves 100% gluten-free baked goods made daily. Vibrant bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and

specialty teas balance trendforward flavors with thoughtful, wholesome ingredients.

Springbone Kitchen

321 Millburn Ave.

www.springbone.com

This 100% gluten-free kitchen focuses on clean eating fundamentals. Restorative bone broths and wholesome bowls showcase premium proteins and fresh vegetables, without processed ingredients, refined sugars, and seed oils.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

BY STAFF WRITER

THERE IS NO BETTER antidote to a winter chill than the warmth of community and the aroma of toasted spices. In January, the historic Stone House at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum transformed into a culinary haven for the Fourth Annual Indian Cooking Demonstration and Feast. The event was a complete sellout, thanks to the talents of Board Treasurer Mukta Bhatia. Known locally as a top realtor, Mukta is also a passionate home cook who brought her heritage to the table in support of the 16-acre sanctuary. With Executive Director Tedor Whitman hosting, guests gathered by the fire to watch Mukta demonstrate vegetarian recipes, then sat down to a lavish three-course meal. The evening was a delicious way to support the Arboretum’s mission, reminding guests once again that the sanctuary is the perfect place to get close to nature and close to home.

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