Millburn Short Hills May 2026

Millburn & Short Hills

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON SPRING STYLE

SURGEON BY TRADE, ARTIST AT HEART

DR. SCOTT SPIRO

14 A Healthy Obsession

At Pilates Addiction, Lance Podell introduces a new fitness standard, where the most effective routines are the ones you actually want to repeat.

18 A Fresh Perspective

Renew your spring style with some help from our favorite local shops.

22 Form and Function

Plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spiro elevates the ‘mommy makeover,’ blending artistic vision with structural precision. IN EVERY ISSUE

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE The Wellness Issue

6 AROUND TOWN The ’90s Return

LOCAL TASTES Scaling Simplicity 26 Q&A Walter Bauman 32 PHOTO OP The Fast Track

Lance Podell, owner of Pilates Addiction

Photograph by Melissa Spector

THE WELLNESS ISSUE

aAS MAY UNFOLDS, there is a clear sense of growth and renewal in the air, a feeling that invites us to not only appreciate the beauty around us but to actively cultivate it within our lives and our community. This month, we are inspired by those who bring vision to life, whether it’s by creating spaces for wellness, advancing the art of care, or reimagining the way we present ourselves to the world.

Our cover story turns to an exciting new chapter for local wellness, as resident Lance Podell brings Pilates Addiction to the first retail space at Harth on Millburn

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Avenue. The studio is designed to emphasize precision, core strength, and mental clarity, offering a refuge for those seeking to cultivate resilience from the inside out. It’s a welcome addition to the fabric of our town, reflecting a growing desire for practices that nourish both body and community.

We also take a thoughtful look into the practice of Dr. Scott Spiro, a plastic surgeon specializing in the “mommy makeover,” a combination of body contouring procedures often sought after pregnancy or weight loss. His approach focuses on natural-looking, personalized results that help patients feel renewed and confident in their own skin, with a philosophy rooted in enhancing natural beauty and helping individuals feel more authentically themselves.

And as spring settles in, our local shops are embracing a refined approach to spring style, focusing on timeless pieces, soft textures, and looks that balance sophistication with ease. It’s a celebration of dressing with intention, embracing looks that are both functional and expressive.

We hope this issue encourages you to explore new avenues for growth, to invest in what brings you joy and strength, and to take inspiration from the passion and creativity flourishing throughout our community.

Warm regards,

Mary Lima Publisher

www.millburnandshorthills.com

@millburnshorthills_magazine

Have a story idea?

Email the editor: editor@millburnandshorthills.com

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.

The ’90s Return

Shop, stroll, and dance your way through downtown Millburn at Explore’s Fifth Annual Girls’ Night Out.

BY MICHELLE LEMIEUX

THE ’90S ARE HAVING a moment and will take over downtown Millburn for one of Explore Millburn-Short Hills’ most iconic events—Girls’ Night Out. It’s time to round up the crew, plan your outfits, and get ready to party and shop in retro style as this themed annual celebration returns for its fifth year.

This year’s festivities will be held June 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Millburn Avenue, with DJs, giveaways, shopping specials, swag bags, live music, and more. Held rain or shine, the free event encourages attendees to shop locally and visit participating businesses offering exclusive discounts, cocktails, mocktails, and prizes.

“Girls’ Night Out showcases the spirit of our community and is a great way to support local businesses,” says Vicky Powell, Girls’ Night Out committee member and co-owner of Shala’s Boutique on Millburn

Avenue. “We’ve been here for 41 years, and this is one of the events that really brings people into your store; it’s very community focused. We’re lucky because Millburn is one of the few places with a walkable downtown, which draws people from surrounding areas and gives business owners a chance to showcase their latest merchandise and meet new customers.”

A WIN-WIN FOR ALL

This year, Explore is piloting a new program to drive attendance by collaborating with local children’s businesses to provide childcare, allowing parents and caregivers to enjoy Girls’ Night Out to the fullest. Simply register with one of Explore’s partners, such

as Genius Gems, and while adults shop and dance their way through downtown, children can enjoy an evening of creativity with dedicated staff.

“From a business development standpoint, Girls’ Night Out has become one of Explore Millburn-Short Hills’ most impactful initiatives,” says Steve Grillo, executive director of Explore. “Each year, this event attracts more than 750 attendees from over 60 communities across multiple counties, making it a powerful regional

draw. Beyond driving foot traffic, it elevates the visibility and appeal of our commercial districts as a whole.”

What makes Girls’ Night Out such a special event is its unique blend of community, commerce, and celebration. Whether attendees come for shopping, socializing, or just a fun night out with friends, the event offers something for everyone. It showcases the spirit of entrepreneurship while fostering empowerment, meaningful connections,

and the exchange of ideas—especially among women-owned businesses, which represent over one-third of the business improvement district. It’s also a chance to rediscover favorite local spots, check out new businesses, and experience downtown Millburn in a vibrant, energetic way while taking advantage of great deals.

“Girls’ Night Out is one of my favorite events of the year,” Powell says. “We’re shopping, dancing—everyone is coming together and having a great time with friends. Who doesn’t love a good party?”

For more information about Girls’ Night Out, sponsorships, or how to participate, contact Explore at corinne@ exploremillburnshorthills.org.

Michelle Lemieux is a freelance writer, 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 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.

SCALING Simplicity

Blending authentic Indian heritage with modern café culture, The Simple Fare unveils a fresh look and an expanded menu.

BY STAFF WRITER

GROWTH IN THE CULINARY

world is a delicate balancing act. When a newly minted neighborhood favorite decides to expand, the challenge lies in maturing without losing the soul that drew people in to begin with. The Simple Fare’s recent expansion is rooted in thoughtful, intentional growth.

A THOUGHTFUL EVOLUTION

Founded by local couple Ashima and Saurabh Mehra, The Simple Fare began as a pandemic-era passion project. Ashima, an architect with a

master’s degree in urban design, and Saurabh, a pastry chef who trained at the French Culinary Institute, set out to create beautiful, cleaningredient baked goods free of the artificial dyes and preservatives so prevalent in modern food. They leaned into their heritage, utilizing the natural vibrance and aromatic warmth of saffron, rose, cardamom, and pistachio. That ethos now has blossomed into a fully realized, allday dining destination.

The Simple Fare’s new aesthetic is clean and undeniably inviting.

“We’ve recently unveiled a beautifully updated interior along with an entirely new breakfast and lunch menu,” Ashima shares. The redesign offers a sophisticated canvas that allows the restaurant’s layered, spice-forward menu to take center stage, inviting guests to linger over a cortado.

A MENU REIMAGINED

Moving beyond their renowned pastry case, the culinary team has introduced a savory lineup that reimagines traditional Indian flavors through a refined lens. The new Samosa Puff is a comforting blend of spiced potatoes encased in housemade pie dough. Baked to a golden finish and served with a bright chutney, it bridges the gap between classic bakery techniques and Indian street food.

For a midday meal, the Aloo Tikki Burger is a standout. Two golden potato patties are tucked into a toasted all-butter brioche bun, then balanced with crisp onions, tangy tamarind chutney, and an herbaceous mint mayo. Diners seeking dietary accommodations are met with equally thoughtful options, including the gluten-free Masala Quiche, made with flavorful, crustless masala eggs and cheese.

ELEVATED OFFERINGS

When it comes to scaling up, the Mehras have tightened their standards.

“As a one-of-a-kind Indian-inspired café, we remain committed to being 100% seed-oil free and prioritizing

organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible,” Ashima explains. “Everything is made from scratch, with food prepared the way it would be at home—fresh, wholesome, and thoughtfully crafted.”

The Simple Fare has managed to capture nostalgia and serve it on a distinctly modern plate. The Mehras have successfully blurred the line between a quick-service coffee shop and an upscale, conscious dining room. “Our offerings continue to feature a unique combination of house-made bakes, artisanal coffee, and a diverse selection of made-toorder dishes,” Ashima says. For those who haven’t visited lately, stepping into the new iteration is highly recommended; stay for a while and enjoy a dining experience that feels as good as it tastes.

A Healthy OBSESSION

At Pilates Addiction, Lance Podell introduces a new fitness standard, where the most effective routines are the ones you actually want to repeat.

BY EVE GOLDEN

AAFTER DECADES SPENT IN Fortune 500 boardrooms refining corporate strategies, Lance Podell chose a different kind of reset. With the opening of Pilates Addiction, he now brings that same level of discipline to a focused fitness concept rooted in his community.

A REFINED RITUAL

Billed as a curated lifestyle destination, Podell’s flagship studio is the first retail location in the newly minted Harth apartments on Millburn Avenue. Clad in a striking gold-and-black aesthetic, it represents a pivot from Podell’s corporate past toward a more personal mission, building a wellness community that feels closer to a five-star hospitality experience. His approach to the business is as disciplined as the workout he advocates, shaped by 10 years of private Pilates practice at home.

“It finally felt like the right time to start my own venture and build something in my community,” Podell says.

ABOVE THE ORDINARY

Pilates Addiction is a new franchise, with Millburn among the first five locations in the country, built on the idea that the market was missing a more contemporary, athletic edge. The word “addiction” in the name is intended to capture the magnetic pull of a familiar routine that yields results.

In a fitness space often associated with quiet, minimalist environments, Podell’s approach feels decidedly more modern. The philosophy moves away from the predictable by empowering instructors with the freedom to get creative with sequencing and music, ensuring that no two sessions are identical.

“Key to the philosophy is allowing instructors greater creativity in sequencing and movements so that no student can ‘phone it in,’” Podell says. “Each class will feel a bit different so that the programming never becomes rote.”

The hardware is equally considered. The studio features 12 patented Aurum Reformers, sleek machines that integrate a ballet barre, jump board, and Wunda Chair. This all-inone approach allows for a seamless

flow of movement that challenges even seasoned athletes.

ATHLETIC EVOLUTION

The studio serves as both a sanctuary for those seeking a “me time” reset and a training ground for longevity. Podell points to a growing number of professional athletes, including NFL players, who have integrated the reformer into their routines to extend their careers and prevent injury.

“Most people assume Pilates is only for women, but this couldn’t be further from the truth,” Podell says. “Whether the goal is improving a golf swing, staying agile on the pickleball court, or simply keeping up with grandchildren, the focus is on muscle-

based conditioning that supports the body over the long haul.”

Podell has also been intentional about creating an environment where a beginner and an expert can share the same room without a hint of pretension. Success, in his view, is about both physical transformation and the mental victory of walking through the door. “For many, progress is as simple, and as difficult, as getting up each day, signing up, and showing up,” he says. “I want everyone to believe you don’t have to be the strongest, the fastest, or the fittest—you just have to show up.”

COMMUNITY AT THE CORE

The decision to open in Millburn was equal parts logistics and community. As a longtime resident whose three children grew up in the local school system, Podell knows the town’s distinct rhythm.

Finding a location that offered one of the rarest suburban luxuries, convenient parking, was paramount.

Situated just a block from downtown and along the route to the train station, the Harth space serves as a blank slate for his vision. The studio offers ample room for a welcoming check-in experience, a curated retail area featuring brands like Spiritual Gangster and Lucky Honey, and a spacious private studio for one-on-one instruction. To lead the charge, Podell tapped studio manager Rachel Andrews, a respected figure in the local fitness community.

Following its soft opening in late April, Podell is already looking ahead, with the opening of a Livingston location slated for this summer and another area expansion planned for 2027. But for now, the focus remains on the first time a client walks through the door of the Millburn flagship. The goal is to build a consistent member base that views the studio as an essential part of their week and to create a space where the addiction isn’t just to the workout but to the feeling of being welcomed, understood, and challenged.

“When people walk into a Pilates studio, they are often on some kind of journey,” Podell reflects. “They seek a supportive, healthy environment led by positivity and inclusivity. They are also driven by the understanding that they have chosen your studio to become part of their lifestyle.”

In a town where high standards and busy schedules go hand in hand, Pilates Addiction sets a new standard, offering an experience where you can simply arrive and everything else is thoughtfully taken care of.

A Fresh Perspective

Renew your spring style with some help from our favorite local shops.

BY EVE GOLDEN

This cotton fedora is an easy and stylish way to frame your face while keeping sun exposure in check. Available at K+Co Living (36 Chatham Road, Short Hills).

An archival sunglass silhouette from 1993, the Finley returns to Oliver Peoples with its original proportions revisited. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

This oversized palm-print dress in verdant tones from Anthropologie brings depth to an airy, unfussy shape. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

These woven leather flats in muted gold reflect the season’s play on texture while allowing for breathability and ease. Available at Footnotes (275 Millburn Ave., Millburn).

a lightweight feel and multiple ways to carry. Available at The

(1200

This Veronica Beard eyelet twill vest from Neiman Marcus is designed to define your waist while keeping warm-weather dressing polished and light. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

The bandana treatment gives this carryall a fresh edge; the bucket shape handles the practical part. Available at Jia Boutique (359 Millburn Ave., Millburn).

Veronica Beard’s flared jeans with floral-embroidered side insets from Neiman Marcus bring texture and movement to a classic shape. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

Aritzia’s rework of the classic baseball tee is made for off-duty dressing that still looks intentional. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

Gem-set with labradorite and strung on a leather cord, this Chan Luu fish pendant from Bloomingdale’s offers an instant finished look. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

Polished metal and tinted lenses bring these Ralph Lauren sunglasses from Sunglass Hut a sharper point of view, with full UV protection built in. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

Cut with a drop waist and flouncy A-line fit, this mini dress from Veronica Beard is the kind of piece that does ease without losing shape. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

White mother of pearl and wood bring soft contrast to these Gas Bijoux earrings from Everything But Water, which are finished with a hammered ring for subtle texture. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

A sleek silhouette with a sporty side, this strapless jumpsuit from Anthropologie takes the question out of getting dressed. Available at The Mall at Short Hills (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills).

Form and Function

Plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spiro elevates the ‘mommy makeover,’ blending artistic vision with structural precision.

BY EVE GOLDEN

MMAY BRINGS WITH it the familiar Mother’s Day celebrations— bouquets, brunches, and honoring the physical and emotional journey of motherhood. For decades, the aesthetic world has echoed this sentiment with the concept of the “mommy makeover.” But as medicine evolves and the cultural conversation around body transformation shifts, the

traditional definition of this procedure is being rewritten.

THE NEW STANDARD

Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spiro is changing the narrative. To him, the term mommy makeover feels too narrow for modern reality. “It shouldn’t be called a mommy makeover,” he says. “At Spiro Plastic Surgery, we refer to

this as a mommy and weight loss makeover. There are many patients beyond mothers who now seek body improvement or restorative procedures, given the proliferation of weight-loss medications. Furthermore, it is no longer limited to women. We treat male weightloss patients seeking similar restorative procedures tailored to them. Generally speaking, body

makeovers involve treating more than one distinct body area surgically at the same time.”

Whether a patient is stepping back into Dr. Spiro’s office after welcoming their last child or achieving a monumental milestone with weight-loss treatments, the physical toll on the body is often similar. Sagging skin, volume deflation, and separated abdominal muscles are realities that even the most rigorous Pilates routine cannot fix.

When it comes to postpartum mothers, the focus remains on the areas that bear the brunt of pregnancy. “In this group of patients, the most common changes relate to the most significant pregnancy and post-pregnancy body changes—namely, the breasts and abdomen,” Dr. Spiro says. “Typically, a breast reduction, a breast lift alone or with implants, combined with a tummy tuck

procedure, are by far the most common combinations.”

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

For many, there is a lingering misconception that sheer willpower in the gym should be enough to reclaim a pre-baby or pre-weight-loss physique.

Dr. Spiro dispels this myth, noting that structural restoration often requires a surgical approach.

“Abdominoplasty can deliver abdominal wall contour far exceeding anything that can be achieved through diet and exercise after pregnancy,” he says. “Exercise cannot reverse muscle separation or restore core strength. Diet cannot eliminate excess, inelastic, or stretch-marked skin. In abdominoplasty, I restore, enhance, and modify the abdominal wall shape (a ‘snatched’ waist) in a manner far superior to what can be achieved through diet and exercise in many post-pregnancy patients.”

By engineering a foundation of strength, this structural philosophy is a cornerstone of the practice. Decades ago, Dr. Spiro created the concept of RETAF, which stands for restoration and equalization of tone across fascia. “This approach goes beyond addressing surgical diastasis and anatomic muscle separation—it treats the entire spectrum of physiological abdominal wall weakness to maximize long-term strength and tone,” he says. “Patients often tell me after they have healed that they feel more fit and stronger than ever. I even have patients who had tummy tucks in their 30s and 40s and

national recognition as a

medical journal articles, book chapters, and patient education materials for national societies.

Above: The results of a post-weight-loss body lift with abdominoplasty, flankplasty, hip and thigh plasty, buttock lift with auto-augmentation, puboplasty, and brachioplasty

Right: Dr. Scott Spiro, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs advanced cosmetic surgery with precision and expertise, specializing in breast, body, and deep-plane face-lift procedures.

return 20 years later for face-lifts, proudly showing off abdomens that still look incredible in their 60s.”

AN ARTIST’S CANVAS

Today, this level of comprehensive contouring is increasingly sought after by patients who have experienced significant weight loss. “More and more patients benefit from circumferential body contouring (lifts) of the midsection, combining a tummy tuck with flank liposuction, as well as lateral thigh and buttock lifts (mid-body lifts),” Dr. Spiro says. “Additionally, I combine arm reduction/lift surgery with lateral torso and back lifts, along with breast lifts (upper body lifts).”

For these patients, surgery is the final, vital step in a long health journey. “They come to realize and experience the frustration and futility of diet and exercise alone in restoring their bodies,” he says. “Rather, they come to respect the combination of diet, exercise, and surgery as perfectly complementary in improving their mental and physical health.”

What sets Dr. Spiro apart, however, is his unique vantage point. As a painter, sculptor, and photographer outside the office, his approach to the human form transcends

the purely medical. “I’ve been told by patients, residents, nurses, and colleagues that I see things differently than other surgeons,” he says. “It’s a combination of being able to look with an artist’s eye, having an exceptional knack for diagnosing problems and quickly developing solutions, and then being able to surgically execute the plan with precision.”

Ultimately, whether you are celebrating Mother’s Day or a

well-earned health transformation, the goal of these procedures is a profound return to self. “The most misunderstood or underestimated aspect of this process is the sense of well-being and peace patients truly feel about themselves after a mommy or weight-loss makeover,” Dr. Spiro says. “Feeling good about oneself—whether it restores confidence, strength, fitness, sensuality, or proportion—is, in itself, priceless.”

Good as Gold

The contents of your jewelry box might be worth more than you think.

BY STAFF WRITER

INTERVIEW WITH WALTER BAUMAN

GOLD SEEMS TO BE having a moment right now. To find out what’s driving the rush and why some of your own jewelry and other precious metals might deserve a second look, we spoke with Walter Bauman, a thirdgeneration owner of Walter Bauman Jewelers. Whether a piece is destined to be melted down or resold for its vintage charm, he explains why now is the perfect time to sell.

What is it like behind the counter with a rush of customers coming in to buy or sell gold each day?

It’s been great fun. Every day is like Christmas. The customers are thrilled with the payments they get, and many turn right around to buy something new.

What are some of the most memorable pieces you’ve seen come through the door?

It’s fun seeing the great craftsmanship from 100-plus years ago. It’s amazing what people were able to create without the technology and modern tools we have today.

When people bring in items that they inherited—maybe a diamond brooch from a grandmother or jewelry from the 1950s or ’60s—do those older pieces tend to hold more value than people expect?

It depends. Some people have been told for years that grandma’s brooch is worth a fortune, and it may turn out not to be the best quality. On the other hand, people with heavy gold jewelry from the ’50s and ’60s can’t believe how much money they’re getting.

When you examine a piece of gold, what goes into figuring out its worth?

Things like weight, purity, brand, and craftsmanship are all important. We try to figure out if we can resell an item and for how much.

Are people often surprised by the value of their pieces once you weigh and test the gold? They are surprised 99% of the time.

Are there certain vintage or designer pieces that you keep intact because they’re worth more as jewelry than as gold?

Not everything that comes in is just melted down for value. We keep about 200 pieces a week to sell. Any brand name definitely helps. We sell online through our website to people all over the world who search for different brands on Google and find us.

While gold is the main focus, you also accept silver and platinum. How does the demand for those metals compare to the strong interest in gold right now?

Gold is No. 1. Silver is at a great price for silver, but it’s not nearly as exciting as gold. Platinum is good, but there isn’t as much of it out there for us to buy.

For someone who has old jewelry sitting in a drawer and is wondering whether it’s worth bringing in, what advice would you give them before they decide to sell or trade it?

If you wear it, keep it. If not, sell it and get paid ASAP.

Jim Van Arsdale, mayor of Green

Township, New Jersey, is back to the fast-paced life he loves after successful brain tumor surgery.

A LIFE IN MOTION, INTERRUPTED

A New Jersey mayor’s unexpected brain tumor and his return to full speed

Mayor. Mentor. Actor. Father. Husband. For Jim Van Arsdale, staying active and involved has always been a way of life.

A modern-day Renaissance man, the Green Brook Township, New Jersey, mayor volunteers in his community, mentors graduate students at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, and even appears as a background actor in television and film productions around the New York region.

Over the years, Jim has volunteered with organizations including United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters, helped lead his son’s Boy Scouts of America troop, and served on the township’s Land Use Board before deciding to run for

elected office.

“If something’s interesting and I have the time,” Jim says, “I’m all in.”

Then came an unexpected development that temporarily slowed his fast-moving routine.

AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS

A few years ago, Jim’s shoulder began bothering him, and his doctor ordered an MRI to rule out a tear. The scan showed his shoulder was fine. But it revealed something unexpected: a brain tumor.

Doctors identified the tumor as a benign frontal parasagittal meningioma. Because Jim had no symptoms, his neurologist recommended monitoring the tumor with periodic scans. During that time, Jim continued living normally—working, mentoring students, acting, and serving as mayor.

Eventually, the tumor began to grow. Jim was referred to Atlantic Brain and Spine (ABS), where he met neurosurgeon Dr. Yaron A. Moshel.

“Dr. Moshel was very calm, which was good because I had a ton of questions,” Jim recalls. “He took his time and walked me through everything.”

Dr. Moshel explained the tumor had grown to a size where it needed to be removed before symptoms like seizures or paralysis began, but he told Jim he had some time to plan the surgery. “You don’t need to manage your life around this,” said Dr. Moshel. “Ideally, we do the procedure within the next six months.”

“I never felt pressured,” Jim says. “But I understood why it needed to be done.”

In January of 2025, Dr. Moshel performed a craniotomy and microsurgical resection at Overlook Medical Center in Summit to remove the tumor. Pathology confirmed a World Health Organization Grade I benign meningioma.

Shortly after surgery, Jim experienced paralysis in his right leg caused by postoperative swelling and pressure. Dr. Moshel adjusted his medication, and the paralysis resolved within a day.

Jim returned home and focused on recovery. Physical therapy helped him steadily regain strength and mobility.

“The team was phenomenal,” Jim says. Within two weeks, he was cleared to drive. He had missed only one mayoral meeting.

A SETBACK AT SEA: CARE FROM AFAR

The following month, Jim and his wife, Connie, were preparing for a long-planned cruise. The night before boarding the ship, he suddenly experienced paralysis on his right side.

Because of the upcoming trip, Dr. Moshel had already given Jim his personal cell phone number. Jim reached out immediately. Confident this was a minor setback, Dr. Moshel prescribed the same medication Jim had taken following surgery.

Connie rented a wheelchair, and Jim boarded the cruise as planned.

Dr. Moshel remained in close contact with Jim throughout the trip to make sure he was responding to the treatment. Within two days, the medication began working. Jim moved from a wheelchair to a cane. By the midpoint of the cruise, he was walking independently again.

BACK TO THE LIFE HE LOVES

By March, Jim was off all medications and feeling fully recovered. Followup imaging showed no evidence of residual tumor, so radiation treatment was not recommended. His care team

advised routine annual imaging.

Today, Jim has returned to his usual routine. He serves as mayor of Green Brook Township, mentors students, spends time with his family, and occasionally appears in television productions. “I feel like myself again,” he says.

“It’s great to see Jim back to the life he enjoys,” Dr. Moshel says. “That’s always the goal.”

Looking back, Jim describes the experience as an unexpected journey, one that ultimately brought him back to the life he loves. For someone who has always believed in staying active, it’s a return to exactly where he wants to be.

Dr. Moshel says cases like Jim’s reflect the approach taken at Atlantic Brain and Spine.

“This surgery exemplifies how innovation and experience converge to transform outcomes,” he says. “Our goal at ABS is not just to remove the tumor, but to protect the brain’s intricate networks so patients can return to their lives with minimal disruption.”

Atlantic Brain and Spine is a New Jersey neurosurgical practice specializing in complex brain, spine and neurovascular conditions, with offices across northern and central New Jersey. Learn more at AtlanticBrainAndSpine.org or call 973-993-7100.

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THE FAST TRACK

BY STAFF WRITER

Team USA brought the Olympic energy straight to Millburn last month. Students at South Mountain Elementary and Washington School welcomed short-track speed skaters Andrew Heo, Kristen Santos-Griswold, and Clayton DeClemente as part of a nationwide tour designed to inspire the next generation.

The athletes gave students an upclose look at their specialized skates and aerodynamic uniforms, showing the kids exactly what it takes to compete on the world stage. To give the room a true sense of the sport, they even challenged

students to hold a classic speed-skating stance for the exact duration of a race, which was a fun test of endurance. During an engaging Q&A session, the Olympians shared how they first stepped onto the ice and the daily grind required to reach the highest level. Beyond being able to check out the gear, students received a practical lesson in goal setting and perseverance. U.S. Speedskating’s outreach tour is all about connecting elite competitors with local communities. For Millburn students, it was a memorable afternoon of sportsmanship and dreaming big.

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