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Welcome to the Kids & Pets Issue!
August is all about celebrating the ones who make our days brighter, our homes fuller, and our community stronger. From playful pups to curious kids, this issue highlights the joy, love, and lasting impact they bring to our lives. Their presence inspires connection, encourages kindness, and reminds us what truly matters.
Children are often at the center of those connections, and their impact extends far beyond their own families. Their energy, curiosity, and optimism have a way of bringing people together and adding vibrancy to our community.
Equally special are the pets who share our homes and hearts. They provide comfort, companionship, and unwavering loyalty, enriching our lives in countless ways. For children especially, the bond with a pet can help nurture empathy, responsibility, and confidence while creating lifelong memories and lasting lessons.
As a lifelong dog lover, pugs have always held a special place in my heart. I grew up with a puggle named Duncan, who was a cherished member of our family for 15 years. The love, laughter, and memories he brought into our lives are treasures I will always carry with me.
At Denville City Lifestyle, our mission has always been to celebrate the people, stories, and connections that make our community so special. We love hearing from our readers and discovering the moments worth sharing. If you have a story to tell, a milestone to celebrate, or a business you'd like to introduce, we'd love to hear from you. Send us your photos and details—you might just see them featured in an upcoming issue.
At the heart of this month's theme is a simple truth: children and pets rely on us for love, guidance, and care. Yet in return, they give us immeasurably more than we could ever give them.
I hope this issue inspires you to spend a little extra time with the children and pets who make every moment a bit more special.
For more local highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on Instagram @DenvilleCityLifestyle
Here's to the next generation, the pets who become family, and the countless moments that make life a little brighter. Happy August!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Alessandra Guarneri alessandra.guarneri@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Aster Pheonyx
aster.pheonyx@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Julian Garcia julianG922@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ellen S. Wilkowe wilkowe@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Regan Tyler, Denville Animal Shelter, Denville Police Department, Barks Bed & Biscuit, Saint Clare's Health, Synergy Chiropractic, Mary Griffin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
K. Ahmed, Esq. Owner and Managing Attorney
Mohamed
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Sheeran Real Estate showed off their newest listings at the annual Denville Rotary Street Festival! 2: Saint Clare's also joined in on the fun at the Denville Rotary Street Festival 3: First Bank spent the day connecting with local residents at the festival 4: Dr. Pat of Synergy Chiropractic enjoyed connecting with and educating attendees about chiropractic care! 5: Throttle Racing Club celebrated its grand opening in downtown Denville. Welcome! 6: Chris McCormack celebrated his 10-year business anniversary at Diamond Spring Brewery in Denville 7: Puppies & Patients was a huge hit at Lewandowski Chiropractic with new pup Tatum
MARY GRIFFIN/GRIFFIN SOCIAL STUDIOS
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
SYNERGY CHIROPRACTIC
SAINT CLARE'S HEALTH
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
Likes -ear rubs - salmon-flavored treats -getting brushed - scratches on her bum
PET OF THE MONTH Winter
Dislikes
- thunder - fireworks - going to the vet -broccoli
In celebration of our “Kids & Pets” issue, we ’ re excited to feature Winter as Denville City Lifestyle’s Pet of the Month for August
Winter, an eight-year-old German Shepherd and retired seeing eye dog, has never lost her sense of adventure She loves hiking, exploring, and relaxing in her favorite spot usually with half her body on her bed and the other half on the floor Always eager to start the day, she’s the first one up each morning and often the first one curled up for an afternoon nap Her owner affectionately describes her as “the best dog in the state ”
business monthly
Barks Bed & Biscuit Offers
Special Summer Discount
Planning a summer getaway? Treat your furry friend to a staycation at Barks Bed & Biscuit! For a limited time, receive 50% off a daycare day or overnight boarding stay when you purchase one at regular price. Simply mention Denville City Lifestyle when booking to redeem this special offer. For more information on Barks Bed & Biscuit, visit barksbedandbiscuit.com . Call (973) 625-2200 to learn more or book your pet’s getaway today!
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10% Off Ribbon + Bloom Co.'s Signature Event Cart
Ribbon + Bloom Co. is offering 10% off its signature event cart for bookings made by August 31, 2026. Designed to complement any theme or occasion, the cart can be transformed into everything from a corporate holiday display to a popcorn bar for a child's birthday party. With every detail tailored to your vision, each celebration becomes a memorable experience guests will be talking about long after the event ends. Call (973) 317-8995 to book now.
All Styling Studio Helps Clients Restore Summer-Stressed Hair with Promotion
Refresh your hair before fall arrives! All Styling Studio is offering Davines Natural Tech Treatments to restore moisture, strength, and shine after summer, along with the Davines Scalp Scrub for a healthy, refreshed scalp. Enjoy 10% off any Davines hair treatment through August 31, 2026. Call or text (973) 983-6464 to book your appointment and take advantage of this limited-time offer. Scan
Photography by Barks Bed & Biscuit
Photography by Ribbon + Bloom Co.
Photography by All Styling Studio
EMPOWERING EVERY STEP FORWARD
At Believe in Me, every child receives personalized support to grow, learn, and thrive.
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA
The early years of childhood are filled with important milestones, from learning to communicate and build friendships to gaining confidence and independence. While every child develops at their own pace, having the right support can make all the difference.
That is the mission behind Believe in Me.
Founded by Board Certified Behavior Analyst Cassandra Generelli and Special Educator Bethany Jameson, the Randolphbased developmental therapy center provides individualized support for young children facing behavioral, social, communication, and developmental challenges while giving caregivers something equally important: guidance, understanding, and community.
The facility offers a full-day ABA program for children ages 18 months–6 years, as well as individual occupational and speech therapies for children up to age 12. It also works with a number of insurance providers.
“This is not a school setting,” Bethany explained. “We are a developmental therapy center offering year-round medically necessary services.”
At the core of the center’s services is applied behavior analysis (ABA), an evidence-based therapy that uses positive reinforcement to help children build communication, social, and life skills.
“A lot of what we do is socially based,” Cassandra said. “Kids learn best through play, and we integrate skill practice into fun activities like coloring, building blocks, and pretend play.”
Children served by the program have a wide range of strengths and needs, including communication, social, sensory, self-care, and behavioral challenges. A diagnosis is not required to attend.
Often, caregivers know their child could benefit from additional support but may not know where to begin. Believe in Me provides a place where families can find guidance, answers, and a community that understands their journey. That support extends far beyond traditional therapy sessions.
A typical day pairs individualized therapy with a structured curriculum and enrichment activities. Throughout the year, children participate in events such as a trunk-or-treat, holiday market, annual picnic, and graduation ceremony.
A sample morning includes circle time, songs, and stories.
Along with arts and crafts, children participate in music, movement, and sensory exploration. Lunch and snacks provide opportunities for socialization.
“The activities that we offer are thoughtful and intentional,” Cassandra explained. “They’re very individualized to each specific child.”
“Maybe one child has a paper half cut out and another one has nothing cut out. A third might have the entire paper cut out,” Bethany said. “This is very developmentally based and completely individualized.”
The center’s personalized approach begins with the very first phone call. “When people call to make an inquiry, it’s either Cassandra or me who answers the phone. There’s no receptionist. As the co-founders, we’re the first points of contact.”
From the first phone call through graduation and beyond, Bethany and Cassandra maintain an open-door policy built on transparency and trust. Families are first invited to tour the facility before scheduling a comprehensive assessment for their child. The evaluation provides the baseline for designing an individualized and skills-specific behavioral intervention plan.
The founders believe early support can have a lasting impact, helping children develop skills to thrive now and in the years ahead. Their commitment is deeply personal, as both
women have family members who benefited from similar services.
Bethany and Cassandra met while working on an early intervention case and quickly discovered a shared philosophy: children benefit most when therapy includes meaningful opportunities for social interaction.
“What was missing is the opportunity to work on socialization,” Cassandra explained.
Central to their approach is the belief that children benefit from learning alongside peers.
Believe in Me closes the gap between in-home interventions and the start of elementary school, a critical period of social development that often takes place in daycare, playgroups, or prekindergarten.
“Many children with special needs are evaluated by their pediatricians and then set on the ‘typical’ trajectory of going to school and getting services there,” Bethany added. “Families may not know there are other opportunities for children who aren’t quite ready yet. Not everyone follows the same path and shouldn’t be expected to. Every child deserves to receive the support they need in order to succeed.”
“Every child deserves to receive the support they need in order to succeed.”
Believe in Me works closely with local schools. In the months leading up to graduation, the staff works with districts to provide transitional support and documentation.
With the founders at the helm, the programming would not be possible without a carefully curated, emotionally invested staff who stay current by way of continual training and supervision.
“We’ve been where our staff is at and we equip them with self-care opportunities and education so they don’t get burned out,” Bethany said. “This is a very demanding position, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
At its core, the mission is helping children gain the skills and confidence to thrive long after they leave the program.
As for the long-term plan?
“We have a deep connection to the work we do and the community we serve. We don’t plan on leaving the field anytime soon,” Cassandra said. “We’ll probably be here until we’re 80!”
Believe in Me is located at 791 Route 10 East in Randolph.
“Working
The Dog Behind the Badge
Mac's journey from recovery to community hero is just beginning.
ARTICLE BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT, REGAN TYLER
At 140 pounds, Mac is hard to miss.
The Anatolian Shepherd’s size may turn heads, but it is his gentle nature that has won over the hearts of police officers, students, and residents throughout Denville.
Today, Mac calls the Denville Police Department home, where he serves as the department’s future therapy dog. His journey to headquarters, however, has been anything but ordinary.
“There are no words to describe what a gentle giant he is,” said Denville Animal Shelter manager Meredith Petrillo. “He has captured the love of not only the Denville Police Department but also the community.”
Mac arrived at the Denville Animal Shelter last August after suffering a devastating leg injury that required emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. The six-year-old Anatolian Shepherd sustained a compound fracture after jumping from a deck, resulting in multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery process.
Despite the setbacks, his calm temperament never wavered.
“I’ve never met a dog that is more tolerant,” Petrillo explained. “Every day I’m sticking him, poking him, changing his bandages…I’m putting pills down his throat, and he never growls.”
As Mac recovered, a second chance was quietly taking shape just a few miles away at Denville Police Headquarters.
Captain Fred Jackson had spoken with Petrillo about bringing a department dog to headquarters—one that could boost morale, provide comfort, and eventually serve the community as a therapy dog. The right dog never seemed to come along…until Mac.
The shelter began bringing him to the police station for visits. It didn’t take long for officers to fall in love with the gentle giant,
and soon a plan was put in motion to make him a permanent member of the department.
When Mac met Police Chief Scott Welsch, he made quite the impression.
“Mac came in to meet the chief and automatically handed him his paw,” Petrillo recalled.
Since the end of February, Mac has lived at police headquarters, where officers and staff have embraced him as one of their own. The Department of Public Works even built a special outdoor enclosure so he could safely spend time outside during his recovery.
Anatolian Shepherds are flock-guarding dogs originally from Turkey, bred to protect livestock in open fields. According to Petrillo, Mac’s instincts remain very much intact.
“When Mac is in headquarters, the officers are his flock,” she explained. “If he hears something that he doesn’t like, maybe somebody coming in that’s making a loud complaint, he’ll bark. That’s the only time he barks. He will alert [the officers] and then he goes and lays down.”
While he may look imposing, Mac’s true role is one of comfort.
“He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Petrillo said.
Although his recovery has temporarily delayed his therapy certification, Mac has already passed the Canine Good Citizen test with the help of local trainer Beth Bradley. He was preparing to complete the next step of his certification when doctors discovered another complication with his leg, requiring additional surgery.
For now, the focus remains on healing.
Even so, Mac has already become one of Denville’s most recognizable four-legged residents. He has attended school events, visited local businesses, spent time with children at Denville Dairy, and represented the department at community gatherings.
Children routinely hug him, lean against him, and shower him with affection.
For many residents, Mac has become more than a therapy dog in training. His story has come to symbolize resilience, recovery, and the bond between the police department and the community it serves.
There is just one catch.
“He does have a little stubborn streak,” Petrillo said with a laugh.
One officer learned that lesson firsthand when Mac decided he was perfectly content relaxing outside and had no intention of returning indoors.
For a 140-pound Anatolian Shepherd, that is not a debate many people are going to win.
As Mac continues his recovery, the Denville Police Department and Animal Shelter remain focused on helping him get back on all four paws. Once he is healthy enough to return to training, the hope is that he will continue bringing comfort to the officers, students, and residents who have already embraced him as one of their own.
Until then, the gentle giant remains right where he belongs— watching over his flock.
Residents interested in supporting Mac’s recovery can make donations through the Denville Animal Shelter’s dedicated fund for his ongoing medical care.
Children experience big emotions, too.
Whether they're struggling with anxiety, ADHD, behavioral challenges, school stress, or major life changes, our compassionate therapists provide a safe, supportive space where children and teens can build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive.
Celebrating 25 Years in Denville
A STAY WORTH BARKING ABOUT
AT BARKS BED AND BISCUIT, PETS ARE TREATED LIKE FAMILY.
Meg Latham's guests enjoy many of the comforts of a luxury getaway. There’s room service, outdoor recreation, overnight supervision, and even a salon for a little pampering before heading home.
The only difference? Every guest arrives with four legs and a wagging tail.
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA, BARKS BED & BISCUIT
Welcome to Bark s Bed and Biscuit, a Denville staple providing boarding, daycare, and grooming services for local pets since 2010. The business built its reputation long before the rise of today’s “pet humanization” movement, which has owners treating their furry companions more like family members than ever before.
Latham took over ownership of the business in 2018 and has continued to build on that reputation, providing a trusted home away from home for pets throughout the area.
“I have loved animals since childhood,” Meg explained. “I have three dogs of my own.”
For pet owners, leaving a beloved companion behind can be stressful. But Latham’s lifelong love of animals—and firsthand experience as a dog owner— helps provide peace of mind to clients entrusting their pets to her care.
No two guests are exactly alike. Some arrive bursting with energy and eager to play, while others prefer a slower pace and extra attention from staff. Getting to know each pet’s personality is part of the job, and helping them feel comfortable away from home is a priority from the moment they walk through the door.
The itinerary is pulled straight from the “every dog has its day” playbook. In addition to food, water, and comfortable accommodations, dogs enjoy walks every three hours and playtime with companions of similar size to burn off energy and stay engaged.
“What sets us apart is that we are a family-run business,” she explained.
That hands-on approach extends to the staff, an all-paws-on-deck team of intuitive pet lovers certified in dog and cat CPR.
While food, toys, and bedding are provided with each stay, many owners choose to send familiar comforts from home. Some pack favorite toys, while others bring food to accommodate specific dietary preferences, including raw diets.
Although dogs make up the majority of Barks’ clientele, cats and even rabbits receive the same level of care and attention. Feline guests enjoy playtime, affection, and plenty of opportunities to nap in a quiet environment.
Over the years, the business has built a loyal customer base, with many pets returning throughout every stage of life.
“We’ve had repeat customers,” she said. “I’ve seen puppies grow well into senior dogs.”
Meg has come to know many of her regulars by name, personality, and routine. Some race through the door eager to see their friends, while others head straight for their favorite spot to settle in. For many guests, Barks has become a familiar part of their routine—and a second home.
Families travel from across Morris County and beyond for services, often returning year after year. Those relationships extend beyond convenience and are built on trust, consistency, and the comfort of knowing their companions are cared for by people who genuinely love animals.
Barks has also seen its fair share of four-legged fashion pass through the facility.
CONTINUED >
“I’ve had a Yorkie in daycare dropped off in a sweater and a pitbull in a dress,” she said. “Especially in the winter, the dogs come in all kinds of sweaters.”
Daycare services are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and prospective clients are welcome to tour the facility. Daycare and boarding guests also have access to a pet camera, allowing owners to check in on their companions throughout the day.
For additional peace of mind, a staff member remains on-site overnight to supervise boarding guests.
Barks Bed and Biscuit is located at 267 Route 46 East in Denville.
Gourmet Catering
Custom Party Packages
Themed Menus
Backyard BBQ Parties
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 7TH
YMCA Foam & Pizza Party
West Morris Area YMCA, Randolph | 5:00 PM
Get ready for a fun-filled Foam & Pizza Party featuring a giant foam cannon, music, beach balls, pizza, and ice pops. Designed for children ages 5–10, this high-energy event offers the perfect way to celebrate summer, make new friends, and cool off. Parents are welcome to stay. For tickets and more information, visit wmaymca.org/programs
AUGUST 8TH
Stars & Stripes Summer Social
Veterans Community Park, Randolph | 11:00 AM
Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled community celebration featuring live music, mini golf, inflatables, lawn games, a dunk tank, and more. Food will be available for purchase from local vendors, with face painting and glitter tattoos offered for an additional cost. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
AUGUST 8TH
Chester Summer Food Truck & Music Festival
Municipal Field, Chester | 11:00 AM
Enjoy a summer day of food, music, and family fun at this community festival featuring 17 gourmet food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy inflatables, mini golf, face painting, and more, while adults relax with craft beer, sangria, and specialty cocktails. Proceeds benefit the Chester First Aid Squad and Chester/Mendham Food Pantry.
AUGUST 8TH
Sunflower Festival at Stony Hill Farms
15 North Road, Chester | 12:00 PM
Stony Hill Farms invites visitors to enjoy a day of flowers and fun during its pick-your-own flower experience on August 8, 9, 15, and 16 from 12–6 p.m. Guests can create bouquets from fields of sunflowers, wildflowers, and zinnias while enjoying wine tastings, refreshments, hayrides, and the farm store. Tickets and additional information are available at stonyhillfarms.com
CONTINUED
AUGUST 11TH
Denville Music in the Park
Gardner Field, Denville | 7:00 PM
Enjoy free live music under the summer sky during Denville's Music in the Park series at the Gardner Field bandstand on select Tuesdays. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy performances from 7–9 p.m., along with children's activities provided by the Denville Public Library. Proceeds support the Denville Arts Council's year-round art and music events that enrich the community.
AUGUST 21ST
Next Stop Comedy at Fort Nonsense Brewing Company
Fort Nonsense Brewing Company, Randolph | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a night full of laughs at Fort Nonsense Brewing Company! Next Stop Comedy showcases a rotating lineup of talented stand-up comedians, including performers featured on TV and popular podcasts. With a new lineup at every show, audiences can expect a unique experience each time. For tickets and more information, visit nextstopcomedy.com.
AUGUST 23RD
Movie in the Park (250th Celebration)
Veterans Community Park, Randolph | 8:30 PM
Celebrate Randolph’s 250th anniversary with a movie under the stars! Bring a blanket to Veterans Community Park and enjoy a screening of National Treasure beginning at 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and refreshments and settle in for an evening of action, mystery, and family-friendly fun. For more information, visit randolphnj.org.
AUGUST 27TH
Summer Concert Series at Island Beach with Tourne
Island Beach, Mountain Lakes | 7:00 PM
Tourne will perform at the Island Beach Summer Music Series on August 27 from 7–9 p.m. at Island Beach in Mountain Lakes. The free community event invites guests to enjoy live music, scenic waterfront views, and a relaxing summer evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars.
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