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Where Business Executives in New Jersey Go to Unwind

The Edge for September 2018

An Exclusive Article for NJ ChamberEdge
Grounds for Sculpture
At Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, there are sculptures, beautiful landscapes and plenty of quiet places to take it all in.

With deadlines, meetings and reviews, any workplace can get stressful. It can get intense. So we asked New Jersey business executives to share with us the places – the hidden gems – they retreat to in New Jersey to unwind. Here’s what they said.
 

 

Grounds for Sculpture

Aldonna Ambler

I enjoy Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, where the New Jersey State Fairgrounds used to be. Each sculpture is displayed in its own distinct setting. The landscaping and foliage play large parts of the overall immersive experience. There are sufficient walkways, seating and refreshments. Plus there are quiet meditation areas that are exquisite. I enjoy visiting at least four times each year because the seasons make a huge difference in the experience.

– Aldonna Ambler, President, Ambler Growth Strategy Consultants

 

Don Jay SmithA Walk in the Woods

When I need to get away from work for a few hours, I like to go for a hike in the woods. Places like Hacklebarney State Park in Chester and Schooley’s Mountain Park in Long Valley are beautiful. But one of my favorites in Central Jersey is the Ken Lockwood Gorge where I can take my dog and walk along the scenic South Branch of the Raritan River. While it’s very popular on the weekends, during the week it is relatively quiet and provides a refreshing respite from my computer and cell phone. The trail follows an old, one-lane road that has long been closed to vehicles so it is an easy walk with plenty of places to sit by the meandering water. To me, there is nothing better than quiet time in the woods and New Jersey is filled with gorgeous opportunities.

– Don Jay Smith, Partner, LKS Associates Inc.

 

Ralph ThomasThe Picturesque Grounds of Fiddler’s Elbow

My favorite hidden gem in New Jersey is the serenity of Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster. As soon as I step foot inside, I have a feeling of calm, and I begin to decompress from the workday or week. This is thanks to the facility’s picturesque grounds, friendly staff and great dining experiences. They also have a culture of respect on the grounds where cellphones, for example, are expected to be muted to ensure everyone has the same serene experience. Whether I’m spending quiet time or enjoying a meal with my wife and friends, the facility makes you feel welcome. As an avid golfer, Fiddler’s three golf courses, training programs and practice areas are particularly inviting. Playing golf on such wonderful grounds makes you enjoy the sport even more.

– Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and Executive Director, NJCPA

 

Responses for this article were edited for space and clarity.

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Newsmakers

Hackensack University Medical Center has been named New Jersey’s top hospital for a fourth straight year – and the ninth time in the past 13 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. HUMC finished just outside the Top 20 rankings in the country, but it was ranked No. 6 in the New York metropolitan area. Atlantic Health Morristown, the only hospital to break HUMC’s grip on No. 1 in recent years, came in at No. 2. Atlantic Health Overlook came in at No. 3.

RWJ Barnabas Health was one of three systems to land two hospitals in the Top 10 of the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston each ranked No. 6 in New Jersey and No. 23 in the New York Metro Area.

Hackensack Meridian Health was selected to PEOPLE’s '100 Companies That Care' list for 2026, coming in at No. 48. The list recognizes companies for their commitment to employees, communities and the environment.

Atlantic Health has named Dr. Vicki LoPachin to serve as its executive vice president and chief medical officer, the health system announced.

Johnson & Johnson announced a contribution of $300,000 to Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden to modernize its simulation lab and establish scholarships for first-generation nursing students.

Johnson & Johnson named Tom Cavanaugh executive vice president and worldwide chairman of its Innovative Medicine division, effective Sept. 1. Cavanaugh, currently the company group chairman for North America, succeeds Jennifer Taubert, who is retiring after 21 years with the company.

Inspira Health announced it has completed an expansion, doubling the size of its maternity unit at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill. The expansion bumps up the number of maternity beds from 20 to 38.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center unveiled most of a new emergency department following a $10 million, four-year project aimed at addressing rising demand for mental health and addiction services. The expanded facility increases capacity from 19 to 49 beds and will grow to more than 60 beds when the final wing is completed in 2027.

RWJBarnabas Health has been named a ‘World’s Top Disability Inclusive Business’ based on its performance on the Disability Index, the leading global benchmark for workplace disability inclusion. The recognition recognizes the health system’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for its 45,000 employees, as well as inclusive patient experiences.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital has been honored with the American Heart Association’s prestigious ‘Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus’ quality achievement award. It recognizes the hospital’s continued dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive swift, research-backed treatment designed to save lives and mitigate long-term disability.

The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross of New Jersey to support disaster response efforts following recent severe storms.

Bank of America awarded a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to expand mentoring and workforce development programs serving more than 3,000 young people annually.

Moshe Kam, who has served as the dean of NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering since 2014, was named as the university’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Kam succeeds John Pelesko, who is serving as interim president, following the retirement of Teik Lim this summer.

Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business introduced a 30-credit Master of Business Administration pathway, set to launch this fall. It expands options for working professionals and full-time graduate students seeking a more streamlined, efficient route to a high-level business credential without sacrificing academic rigor.

Archer & Greiner announced the elevation of six attorneys to partner, effective Oct. 1. The newly named partners are Eimi Figlio, Timothy Horn, Rafael Llano, Matthew Nicodemo, Amy Pearl, and Scott Sears.

Rizco President & Partner Debra Rizzi has been named an honorary commander of the 305th Operations Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The program connects military commanders with civic leaders to strengthen understanding and relationships between the base and the communities it serves.

Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., is donating more than 200,000 pounds of food to support communities affected by devastating earthquakes in Colombia. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, Goya is helping provide essential food and supplies to individuals and families most urgently in need.

Stockton University has received a $2.4 million grant from the Pro-NJ Trust to upgrade its Marine Field Station and Coastal Research Center in Galloway Township. The upgrades are expected to expand coastal research and educational programming.

MWW, celebrating its 40th anniversary this September, has grown into a global communications firm, with more than 225 professionals across North America, Europe and Latin America, advising organizations on corporate reputation, crisis management, consumer marketing, public affairs and employee communications.

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