At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
November - Giving & Thankfulness
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
I am personally grateful for the opportunity to connect with you every month. We love hearing from you and how much you look forward to receiving our publication! We feel blessed to share with you inspirational, fun, and engaging stories to help us enjoy our everyday lives. We love what we do!
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our communities who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our towns the vibrant communities that we are. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and fun, engaging content directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
JOHN
MEYER, PUBLISHER & ANA MEYER, CO-PUBLISHER @CHATHAMSHORTHILLS
November 2025
PUBLISHER
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Stephany Aznar, Ben Meyer
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kelsey Harper
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Brian Boyer, Ben Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs 3:5-6
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Relax in our chic lounge with a coffee, explore our curated boutique, and indulge in our full menu of services— from Brazilian blowouts and lashes to nails and gift-worthy finds. At GLAZE, it’s not just about looking beautiful—it’s about feeling it, too. Book your appointment today and let us elevate your everyday!
Claudia Lima Senior Stylist
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Disney’s FROZEN
Music & Lyrics by KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ & ROBERT LOPEZ
Book by JENNIFER LEE
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Music Direction by GEOFFREY KO
Choreographed by SHEA SULLIVAN
Directed by PAIGE PRICE
Imagine waking up, stepping into your closet, and being greeted by a space that feels like your favorite boutique—everything perfectly in place, thoughtfully displayed, and designed just for you. No more digging through drawers or searching for a missing shoe. With a custom closet from One Day Doors and Closets, your mornings become seamless, your evenings calm, and your home a reflection of your best self.
For homeowners, families, and professionals alike, an organized closet is more than a luxury—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. “Your closet is the first place you start your day and the last stop before heading to bed,” says Kelsey DiLorgi, a lead designer at One Day Doors and Closets. “It should inspire you, not stress you. That’s why every design we create is built around how you live—your style, your routine, and even the little things that make your day easier.”
Whether you have a spacious walk-in you’d like to transform into a personal dressing room or a reach-in closet that needs a smarter layout, One Day Doors and Closets can design a system that maximizes every inch. Choose from a wide range of premium finishes, stylish hardware, and accessories that elevate your space while reflecting your personality. With thoughtful features like
jewelry drawers, shoe shelves, and lighting accents, even a simple morning routine feels like a luxury experience.
And here’s the best part: the entire transformation happens in just one day. After collaborating with their experienced designers, you’ll see a realistic 3D rendering of your dream closet before you buy. Every shelf, drawer, and hanging rod is placed with intention, ensuring your new closet perfectly fits your needs. On installation day, their team delivers a seamless, mess-free experience, taking your closet from cluttered to curated in just hours.
Innovative design details, like their proprietary rounded corner hanging spaces, ensure no inch is wasted. “I love seeing a client’s reaction when they realize they now have more space, not less, even in a small closet,” Angela says with a smile. “It’s not just
about building shelves. It’s about designing a system that makes your life easier, saves you time, and brings a sense of calm every time you open that door.”
Studies show clutter can increase stress and waste hours of your life, but a custom closet system simplifies your daily routine, encourages intentional living, and makes your home feel more spacious and serene. This is organization elevated: functional for families juggling busy schedules, stylish enough for design-conscious homeowners, and built to last for years to come.
“Your closet should feel like you ,” Kelsey says. “When everything has a place, and that place is beautiful, you’ll start and end every day feeling inspired.”
Because when your surroundings are beautifully organized, every day begins with calm, confidence, and just a little bit of indulgence. Visit https://onedaydoorsandclosets.com/pine-brook-nj/custom-closets an get organized before the new year!
Spiced Orchard Cocktail
As the air turns crisp and Thanksgiving tables fill with the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh herbs, this Spiced Orchard Cider Cocktail offers the perfect sip of the season. Crafted with sparkling hard apple cider, a splash of bourbon for warmth, and
INGREDIENTS
(SERVES 1)
• 4 oz hard apple cider (chilled)
• 1 oz bourbon or apple brandy
• ½ oz maple syrup (or honey)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Dash of ground cinnamon
• Dash of ground nutmeg
For the rim:
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Garnish:
• Fresh apple slice
• Rosemary sprig
a kiss of maple syrup, it’s a celebration of fall in a glass. The cinnamon-sugar rim, rosemary sprig, and fresh apple slice garnish elevate this cocktail into something both rustic and refined—an impressive yet easy addition to your holiday gathering.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Rim:Mix sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks or stemmed cocktail glass, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a festive sparkle.
2. Mix the Cocktail:In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine bourbon (or apple brandy), maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Shake well until chilled.
3. Build the Drink:Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice. Top with chilled hard apple cider, gently stirring to combine.
4. Garnish & Serve:Slide a thin apple slice inside the glass for a pretty presentation, and tuck in a rosemary sprig for a fragrant finish.
Pro Tip:
For an extra touch of drama, lightly torch the rosemary sprig for a second or two before adding it to the drink—the subtle smoky aroma will complement the cider’s crispness beautifully.
Crafted with sparkling hard apple cider, a splash of bourbon for warmth, and a kiss of maple syrup, it’s a celebration of fall in a glass.
ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER
GOLDEN HARVEST MASH
Sweet potatoes whipped smooth with fragrant butter, herbs, and festive flair.
Nothing says Thanksgiving comfort quite like a bowl of creamy mashed sweet potatoes—but this version elevates the classic side to something
truly unforgettable. Velvety smooth, kissed with aromatic brown butter and crowned with crispy sage leaves, it’s a dish that feels like a warm
ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER
embrace yet looks like it belongs on a five-star menu. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or contributing to a family potluck, this sweet potato masterpiece will steal the show.
SERVES TIME
6 people
Ingredients:
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk) – warmed
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp sea salt, more to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional) For the Topping::
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 6–8 fresh sage leaves
• 2 Tbsp toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
• Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the sweet potatoes:Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.Drain well and let them steam for a minute to remove excess moisture.
2. Infuse the butter:In a small pan, melt 3 Tbsp butter with olive oil over medium heat.Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; swirl until butter turns golden and fragrant (3 minutes).Remove the garlic and herbs, set infused butter aside.
3. Mash until silky:Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or ricer for extra smoothness.Stir in warm milk, infused butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon/nutmeg if using.
4. Make the crispy sage topping:In the same pan, melt 2 Tbsp butter.Add sage leaves and fry for 30–60 seconds until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble & serve:Spoon the mash into a warm serving bowl. Drizzle with sage-infused butter, top with crispy sage leaves, sprinkle with toasted nuts, and finish with flaky salt.
Serving Suggestion
Imagine passing around a glowing, rustic bowl of sweet potatoes so smooth they look like silk. The rich aroma of brown butter and herbs floats across the table, mingling with the crisp scent of fried sage. With every spoonful, you get creamy, slightly sweet potato, a pop of crunch from toasted pecans, and the earthy perfume of sage. It’s cozy, it’s elegant, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—just the way Thanksgiving should taste.
MAKING MOMENTS MATTER
Giving back and living a life of gratitude
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY & CARLY STORM BRANDING
Sandra Fava has a lot going on. As a wife, mother, daughter, and family attorney, she doesn’t have much downtime. But, she is extremely grateful for the life she’s living.
Now celebrating her fifth anniversary since her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, she’s also thankful
“We can't change what happens to us, but if you embrace it instead of fighting it, you can have a much more positive experience.”
that a year after opening her own firm, Fava Law in Morristown, her business is thriving. In April, she was joined by the Honorable Thomas Manahan, a retired New Jersey appellate division judge. “He was one of my mentors when I first began my legal career,” says Sandra. “We became friends, and I now have the privilege of working with him.”
Judge Manahan is providing mediation, arbitration services, and counseling on some of the firm’s more complex legal issues. “He’s just been a tremendous resource, and it’s such an honor to have him on the team.”
Sandra, an award-winning lawyer for over 20 years, realizes that no matter how busy life gets, it’s essential to take time out to have fun and relax. “We have our jobs, our children, our spouses, and I have aging parents. If you’re the person who’s quarterbacking, which women oftentimes are, and you don’t take care of yourself, the team’s going
to lose. There’s only so much stress humans are meant to endure.”
Some of her favorite things to do for stress relief are playing pickleball with her friends, having her nails done, getting a massage, and going on an annual spa weekend with her best girlfriend. “To be honest, sometimes it’s just sitting on the couch and watching mindless television,” she says.
Being with her family also brings Sandra a lot of joy, and she loves the “mommy and me” weekends she spends with her children, ages 12, 10, and 8. “Since I completed my treatment for breast cancer, every Columbus Day weekend, I take turns taking each child on a short trip somewhere that we haven’t been before. It’s just the two of us doing whatever we please.”
When you have multiple kids, she says, it can be hard to give each one the attention they might always want or need. “After I got sick, I really wanted to do
something consistently that would give them something to hold onto for many years to come when they thought of me.”
Sandra also still makes time to do something else that’s very meaningful in her life: volunteering, especially with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which she has been doing for the past nine years. “CASA, a non-profit serving the needs of children removed from their birth families,” she says. “It supports kids whose parents are in the legal system for varying periods of time, and tries to give them support and some normalcy in their lives.”
In order to accomplish all that she does every day, she’s truly thankful for her health. “During treatment, I definitely was one of those people who at one point wanted to give up,” says Sandra. “But, I think if you can accept the process, while focusing on your future at the same time, that’s really important. We can’t change what happens to us, but if you embrace it instead of fighting it, you can have a much more positive experience.”
To learn more about Sandra and her firm, visit FavaLawNJ.com.
SWEETNESS, Service, and Community AT JT’S Confections
After retiring from a demanding Wall Street career in 2009, John Tompkins (JT) spent three years reconnecting with family, friends and himself. “I really didn’t do much for the first few years,” he recalls. “I just needed to get well and enjoy life.” But one morning, inspiration struck: he would start a candy company.
What began as a casual venture—reaching out to 20 friends to share the news—quickly snowballed. “I thought it would be a few hours here and there,” JT says. “Then momentum kicked in. Packaging, sales, corporate orders—it all happened on the fly.” As the business grew, his wife suggested channeling their good fortune into charitable giving. From that moment, philanthropy became central: all profits go to charity after covering equipment and overhead.
JT’s Confections now supports a wide range of causes. Locally, they partner with Homeless Solutions in Morristown, programs for special-needs students at Randolph High School, and local VFWs, providing chocolate gift boxes and financial donations.
Retired executive turned chocolatier combines exquisite treats with charitable giving and community impact
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Most of JT’s attention goes to the Summit Speech School in New Providence, which benefits directly from his ongoing commitment. Nationally, JT Confections contributes to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and military appreciation initiatives, sending boxes of chocolate with thank-you cards to active and retired service members. “We write checks from our own account and involve students and volunteers in the process,” JT notes.
Corporate partners also participate: A percentage of proceeds from clients’ chocolate purchases goes to their chosen charity, amplifying the impact. The approach is simple yet meaningful: no politics, no religion—just giving back.
The holiday season heightens the appeal. JT explains, “People love gifting our chocolates because they’re fresh, high-quality, beautifully packaged and also give back. A card in the box tells them their purchase helped a charity, and that resonates.”
Looking forward, JT’s Confections continues to evolve. New equipment enhances production, while experimental treats—like mint marshmallows, coffee caramels and homemade s’mores—are on the horizon. “We’re always learning and growing. Quality stays consistent, but creativity keeps us excited,” JT shares. For JT, the combination of sweet indulgence and purposeful giving has created a business that delights palates while enriching lives—one chocolate at a time.
JT’s Confections at a Glance
• Founded by: John Tompkins (JT), retired Wall Street executive
• Location: 1206 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, NJ
• Phone: 908-377-9199
• Mission Statement: Helping those who help others
• Community Focus: Homeless Solutions, Randolph High School, VFWs, Summit Speech School, St. Jude’s and others
• Unique Approach: 10 percent of gross sales on corporate Holiday orders are directly donated to charity. All other profits on annual sales are donated to charity.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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