On your healthcare journey, the road to recovery starts in the same place.
Around the corner.
Welcome to the Explore Issue!
We all need room to wander—to follow our curiosity, try something unfamiliar, and embrace the humility of being a beginner again. In a world that often rewards certainty and routine, there is something deeply valuable about stepping into the unknown. It is sometimes in those unplanned moments that conversations deepen, memories are made, and relationships grow stronger.
For me, exploration has always been one of life’s greatest joys. I love traveling with my fiancé Paul, and together we hope to visit all 50 states. I’ve had the opportunity to experience 32 so far, and each destination has reminded me that there is always something new to discover. But adventure does not always require a plane ticket. Some of my favorite discoveries happen right here in our own community. The Denville area has so much to offer, whether it’s a Saturday morning spent browsing the aisles at the Book Barn or an afternoon spent hunting for antique treasures at local favorites such as Time’s Tin Cup or Furniture Revival. Adventure typically begins when we take a closer look at the places we think we already know.
This issue invites you to embrace exploration in all its forms. It may be a spontaneous weekend getaway, a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or simply carving out more time with the people who matter most.
When we leave space for the unexpected, we tend to discover something even more meaningful than what we set out to find. Sometimes the richest experiences and the strongest connections are waiting just beyond the edges of our routine.
At Denville City Lifestyle, our mission has always been to celebrate connection, both within our community and beyond. We love hearing from our readers and discovering the stories that make Denville so special. If you have a story to share, 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.
For more local highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on Instagram @DenvilleCityLifestyle
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Alessandra Guarneri alessandra.guarneri@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Aster Pheonyx aster.pheonyx@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Julian Garcia julianG922@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ellen S. Wilkowe wilkowe@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Saint Clare's Health, Believe in Me, Regan Tyler
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
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Members of the EMS Memorial Bike Ride team at the Marine Corps War Memorial 2: Saint Clare's team representing on the EMS Memorial Bike Ride to Virginia alongside Mayor Andes 3: Believe in Me hosted its first ever Sensory Saturday for children six and under! 4: During Sensory Saturday, children created and explored with pediatric occupational therapists in Randolph 5: Mac from the Denville Police Department helping out at the Teddy Bear Clinic 6: Local firefighters gave children a hands-on look at life on the job! 7: MJ Salon presenting their generous donation from Autism Awareness Month to No Labels Boxing
REGAN TYLER
SAINT CLARE'S HEALTH
REGAN TYLER
BELIEVE IN ME
SAINT CLARE'S HEALTH
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
BELIEVE IN ME
Likes -squeaky toys - cheese! -napping while her Mom works - peanut butter - chicken
PET OF THE MONTH Lucy
Dislikes - swimming - trips to the groomer and the sidewalk next to it
In celebration of our “Explore” issue, we’re excited to feature Lucy as Denville City Lifestyle’s Pet of the Month for July. Lucy is a nine-year-old Golden Retriever who is proud to call Denville home. She loves strolling downtown and making her rounds to local favorites like Church Street Bagels and Sisters, where treats are always waiting Taking her role as neighborhood watch seriously, she can often be found barking hello to dogs and passersby from her favorite window perch. If you see her around town while she’s exploring, be sure to say hi!
Buy ONE day of Daycare or ONE Overnight Boarding for your furry friend and get the SECOND Day or Overnight HALF OFF!
business monthly
Skylands Pharmacy Accepting Donations for Scholarship Initiative
Skylands Pharmacy is giving back through the Skylands Future Scholarship Initiative and Charity, a community-driven effort focused on supporting students and families in need. Donations are currently being collected to help provide scholarships for students pursuing their educational goals while also helping local individuals and families access everyday necessities. Skylands Pharmacy continues to create meaningful local impact while helping build brighter futures for the next generation. To learn more or donate, visit SkylandsFuture.com
MJ Salon Welcomes New Clients with 20% Off One Service
Treat yourself to a fresh new look this summer at MJ Salon. New clients can enjoy 20% off one service for a limited time throughout July. Whether you’re looking for a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, the MJ Salon team is ready to help you look and feel your best. Call (973) 265-0662 to book your appointment and take advantage of this special summer offer! Offer valid through July 31.
Believe in Me Unveils New Website
Believe in Me Developmental Therapy Center has launched a new website, created by SCG Advertising and Public Relations, making it easier for families to learn about its full-day, center-based ABA program and in-home supports for toddlers and young children ages 18 months to 6 years old. The Randolph-based center provides personalized, evidence-based care designed to help each child reach their full potential. To learn more and explore the new site, visit believeinmetherapy.com.
Photography by Skylands Pharmacy
Photography by Believe in Me
Photography by MJ Salon
Trusted Legal Advocate
Injury Law and Real Estate Transactions
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Mohamed K. Ahmed, Esq. Owner and Managing Attorney
DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE
RIBBON + BLOOM CO. TURNS MEANINGFUL MOMENTS INTO BEAUTIFULLY STYLED CELEBRATIONS.
After years in the tech world, Christina Mascellino found herself at an unexpected crossroads. What began as a career setback became the spark for something far more creative—a business built around celebration, creativity, and the joy of making people feel special.
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA
Welcome to Ribbon + Bloom Co., Christina’s thoughtfully designed venture where themed carts become showstopping centerpieces for birthdays, showers, corporate events, and everything in between. Part event stylist, part floral designer, and part entrepreneur, she transforms each cart into an experience that is as interactive as it is visually stunning.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I love to get creative,” she said.
While balancing the demands of her career and family life, Christina had little time to nurture her creative passions, including floral design and curated gift baskets.
It took the loss of her job last January to give her the space for a reboot, and the universe delivered. While casting a wide net in the job market, she came across an online listing that had nothing to do with tech and everything to do with a new opportunity: a cart was up for sale. She took it as a sign, trusted her instincts, and followed her heart.
“I said, ‘Maybe I should try this and see where it goes.’”
She first tested the concept at an All American Girl-themed first birthday party.
Leaning into the red, white, and blue, she played up another American staple: popcorn—creating a popcorn bar complete with a selection of toppings.
“I used fresh popcorn and toppings like butter, marshmallows, Fruity Pebbles and white cheddar,” she explained.
The cart served not only popcorn, but also quickly became an instant conversation piece.
“It added a whole other element to the party that I didn't expect,” she said. “It took the need for an icebreaker away.”
That first event gave Christina the confidence she needed to move forward.
From first birthdays to milestone celebrations, she designs each cart to suit the occasion.
One memorable 60th birthday was inspired by the guest of honor’s love of all things lemon.
The result was a full citrus-inspired transformation, complete with a limoncello bar and coordinating dessert station.
Christina incorporated fresh lemons throughout the display and dressed the cart in flowing drapery, finishing the scene with a chandelier that cast a warm glow well into the evening. The event showcased her ability to transform a simple concept into an immersive experience tailored to the guest of honor.
In addition to private celebrations, she styles corporate events. Most recently, a real estate agent enlisted her to create an interactive floral display for an open house.
“The display will be hands-on, so people will see the home, but also have the opportunity to make their own bouquet to take home and enjoy,” she added. “Then when they look at their bouquet they will think back to the open house."
Christina also designs for faith-based celebrations, including communions and baptisms. For one event, she created a playful “holy cannoli” display, complete with angel wings, her signature drapery and chandelier, and, of course, plenty of cannolis.
For a baby shower, she transformed her vintage baby buggy, another item she styles, and filled it
CONTINUED >
with individual bouquets that guests took home as party favors.
She also designs fresh floral arrangements and curated “bloom bars,” where guests create their own hand-tied bouquets. She personally sources premium flowers and greenery to ensure every stem is celebration-ready. For food-centered gatherings, she can coordinate curated treats through a trusted network of local small businesses.
For now, Ribbon + Bloom Co. remains a one-woman operation, with support from her husband and three children, who are often the first to see her newest creations come to life.
“I’m always experimenting on them,” she joked. “They’re like my test subjects and I get to be creative for their parties.”
The company offers a thoughtfully curated collection of rental pieces, including its signature statement cart, a stylish tea cart, elegant floral stands, and a vintage baby buggy. Complementing these rentals are fresh floral arrangements, one-of-a-kind luxury gift baskets, personalized party favors, and custom details designed to make every celebration feel truly special.
“The cart added a whole other element to the party that I didn’t expect.”
As her business continues to blossom, she remains both grounded and grateful.
“I honestly don’t think I would have done this on my own,” she said. “It was always in the back of my mind but I don’t know if I ever would have left my job to do this. And now I am more aligned in my life than ever.”
What began as an unexpected career detour has become a creative calling—one that allows Christina to bring connection and joy to life’s most meaningful moments.
Inside Denville’s Hidden Treasure Trove
Time’s Tin Cup Vintage invites visitors to uncover history and stories around every corner.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALESSANDRA
GUARNERI
Tucked inside a Victorian farmhouse in the heart of Denville, Time’s Tin Cup Vintage invites visitors to do more than shop. It invites them to explore.
Around every corner, there is something unexpected: silver pieces that once graced formal dining tables, delicate vases with stories of their own, Revolutionary War-era artifacts, vintage clothing, toys, sports memorabilia, and thousands of other objects waiting to begin their next chapter. Some guests stop in searching for a specific treasure. Others simply wander, letting curiosity lead the way.
For owner Laurel Durenberger, that sense of discovery is exactly the point.
“You can explore online and you can explore in the shop,” she said.
With between 10,000 and 20,000 items in the store and storage, Time’s Tin Cup Vintage offers an ever-changing collection shaped by estate purchases, consignments, and community drop-offs.
“You never know what things are going to be coming in.”
Many visitors spend hours browsing the two-level shop, where each room reveals another layer of history. Upstairs, shoppers will find everything from toys and music to kitchenware and sports collectibles. A recent acquisition of Mets memorabilia from a Denville resident has been especially popular, often keeping sports fans occupied while others continue exploring the rest of the shop.
“I do have people that come in and spend an enormous time inside because they ask a million questions and want to look all around. It is like a museum,” Laurel added.
That educational component is one of her favorite parts of the business.
“It’s fun to tell people about where things are from and what they actually are.”
The shop has also evolved into something far beyond a traditional antique store.
“I sort of have become a service-oriented antique shop,” she explained.
In addition to retail, Laurel offers appraisals and consignment services, helping families thoughtfully navigate belongings that often represent generations of memories. Her website features more than 2,000 searchable items, allowing customers to browse by time period, purchase online, and arrange shipping or pickup at the store.
In an increasingly competitive industry, Laurel views her online presence as an essential way to make the shop accessible to customers beyond Morris County. Still, visitors regularly travel from across the region—and sometimes from much farther—to explore the shop in person. She welcomes the growing interest in antiques and is delighted to see more people embracing a passion she has loved for decades.
Laurel’s fascination with history began long before she opened her antique business. Growing up in Baltimore, she spent countless hours visiting thrift shops and warehouses with her mother, searching for unusual objects and wondering where they came from.
“I always loved Goodwills and thrift shops.”
Her love of collecting deepened through theater. Laurel’s mother directed a theater department, and she often helped gather props for productions.
“I grew up doing props for my family’s Summer Stock Theater ‘The Gateway Playhouse’ in Bellport, Long Island. I had to collect props and go and get them for shows,” she explained. “It is where my love for finding unique and unusual things began.”
Those early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for objects and the stories they carry.
“I started collecting things really young, and became interested in the history of things.”
Before becoming an antique dealer, she built a varied career that included publishing, theater, art, and running a virtual assistant business.
“I have a background in theater and I used to be a publisher. I’ve done a bunch of different things before I got into this.”
With more time to pursue a lifelong passion, Laurel decided to take her interest in antiques beyond collecting and into business.
“After the kids left home, I really thought it was a nice opportunity to maybe dabble in being an antique dealer, so I started working in other people’s shops, and eventually I decided to open a brick-and-mortar shop myself.”
She first established her business in Boonton, where she spent 10 years building a loyal following. But as her inventory continued to grow, she began searching for a larger space.
That search ended unexpectedly during an outing with her daughter in Denville.
“My daughter and I were having coffee in Denville and went for a walk. We passed the shop and it said ‘for lease.’”
After some encouragement from her daughter, she inquired and eventually decided to move forward.
The building, a charming farmhouse dating to 1900, had previously served as a home, toy store, and salon.
“The house really spoke to me and all of the pieces sort of fell into place.”
Time’s Tin Cup Vintage opened in Denville in January 2024.
The flow of new discoveries continues every day.
“Currently, I’m working with an estate in Dover, that’s three generations worth of stuff. It’s going to be 40 to 50 bins of inventory.”
This summer, she plans to expand the shop’s creative spirit with Art Yard, a program that will invite participants to spend time in the backyard making art from vintage materials such as old vases, stamps, and found objects.
For Laurel, the shop is ultimately about much more than antiques. It is about honoring stories, preserving history, and creating meaningful connections.
“Even though it takes 100% of my life and time, it’s like playing a game. It’s fun. I love doing it.”
In a world that moves quickly, Time’s Tin Cup Vintage offers something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down, look closely, and discover that the most meaningful treasures are often the ones with a story to tell.
RHYTHM, ROOTS,
& Rockaway
Tom Daly of Not Your Average Norm Entertainment keeps New Jersey dancing.
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA
By day, Tom Daly keeps the books balanced. By night, he becomes “Not Your Average Norm,” the energetic force behind a growing entertainment business built on music, line dancing, and unforgettable events.
“Norm is my outgoing DJ personality,” Daly explained.
In many ways, he is the embodiment of “a little bit country, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.”
The name itself has an unlikely origin. Daly drew inspiration from a scene in Meet the Parents in which Greg, played by Ben Stiller, interacts with an airport security officer named Norm after being removed from a flight. The nickname stuck—and later proved especially useful because Daly often worked alongside another line dance instructor and DJ, Tom Dailey of New York, causing occasional confusion between the two.
So how did a longtime bookkeeper develop such a deep passion for country line dancing and the DJ scene?
The answer begins at home, where music was woven into everyday life. Daly grew up surrounded by musically inclined family members, many of whom played instruments. On his father’s side, his grandmother fully embraced the disco era that defined the 1970s. And while Daly may not have inherited the instrumental gene, he most certainly inherited the rhythm and the desire to get people on their feet.
His journey into country culture began with an unexpected detour during a shopping trip with his grandfather.
“We went to this little country store and the owners casually mentioned that they were going to a line dance at the VFW in Dover,” he
said. “The first night I did it, I was told about a hall in Rockaway. I lived in Rockaway all my life and didn’t know about this place.”
That chance encounter opened the door to an entirely new world. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Hibernia Road hall drew more than 200 dancers, all stepping, stomping, and two-stepping late into the evening.
Although the hall has since closed, Daly’s connection to line dancing has only grown stronger. Today, he teaches in his hometown, guiding students ranging in age from 21 to 80. The once-curious newcomer has become a respected instructor, passing along the same enthusiasm and sense of community that first drew him onto the dance floor.
He credits several mentors with helping him find his footing, including his main mentor Stompin’ Sue, Samantha Yankne, Tom Dailey, DJ Wyldman Louis, DJ Tina Foster and many more.
With 25 years on the dance floor, Daly has watched trends come and go, but line dancing has proven it has lasting appeal. Its staying power comes from something simple: a fun, welcoming night out that brings together people of all ages and offers a chance to embrace the culture as much—or as little—as they like.
“Dressing up in boots, hats, shirts, and skirts is still very popular, but it’s not mandatory,” he noted.
These days, there is a steady rhythm to Daly’s schedule. He mainly DJs in Hopatcong, Whitehouse Station, and at private parties and special events throughout the East Coast on weekends, where music and dance continue to shape much of his time.
‘Not Your Average Show’ on Radio Garden State is “about music that has meaning, my upbringing, favorite concerts, and so much more.”
As a DJ, Daly brings the party with him. His fully mobile setup includes professional sound equipment and an expansive music library that spans decades and genres, allowing him to create playlists that resonate with guests of all ages.
“I actually did a 70th birthday party recently,” he added.
Daly stays in step with the latest line dances by attending industry conventions throughout the year, where he connects with some of the biggest names in the dance community, particularly in line dancing, pattern partner dancing, and freestyle.
Among his musical influences, Reba McEntire stands at the top of the list.
“She embodies everything,” he said, describing her as a true triple-threat. “She’s an incredible singer, songwriter and actress.”
He also counts Brooks & Dunn among his favorites, while Bruce Springsteen remains a hometown icon.
Daly’s passion for music extends beyond the dance floor. When he’s not behind the DJ booth or teaching line dancing, he hosts “Not Your Average Show” on Radio Garden State, sharing stories and songs that have influenced his life.
“It’s about music that has meaning, my upbringing, favorite concerts and so much more.”
For Daly, music has become far more than a side pursuit. It has opened the door to a thriving business, a creative outlet, and a close-knit community that feels like family.
“This never feels like work to me,” he said.
More than 25 years after stepping onto his first dance floor, Daly is still doing what he loves most: bringing people together, one song and one step at a time.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE NORM ENTERTAINMENT
Not Your Average Norm Entertainment brings music, movement, and energy to events across New Jersey and beyond. Led by Tom Daly, the business offers DJ services, country line dance instruction, and interactive entertainment for private parties, community events, and more. Daly creates a welcoming atmosphere for all ages by combining decades of music knowledge with a passion for getting people on the dance floor. Whether teaching beginners their first line dance or curating playlists that span generations, Not Your Average Norm Entertainment is focused on bringing people together through unforgettable experiences.
With over 40 years of experience, I have received the NJ Top Doc award annually since 2013 and serve as the Chiropractic Physician for the US Olympic Water Polo Team. Our full-service wellness center focuses on non-invasive, drug-free treatments to help you recover from acute and chronic injuries.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work—birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
SPOT BIRD BEHAVIOR (AND BACKYARD DRAMA)
Once your feeder’s up, the show begins.
“Different species act differently,” Bob explains. “Cardinals are typically the first and last birds of the day to the feeder. Male hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend ‘their’ feeder. Chickadees come to the feeder in a flash; they have a grab-and-go strategy. “In our backyard, orioles and bluebirds battle over live mealworms,” he adds. “The female bluebird often holds her ground.”
Quick Tip: You don’t need to track every species. “Just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch,” Bob says. “You’ll start noticing more than you’d expect.”
SEASONAL CHANGES TO EXPECT
Feeder activity increases in summer, thanks to fledglings. “By July, your bird population has basically doubled,” Bob says. At the same time, some favorites—like male orioles—start their fall migration as early as July.
One common myth? That goldfinches leave in winter. “They stay put,” Bob says. “But the males molt into drab-colored feathers, so people often don’t recognize them.”
Quick Tip: Keep feeding in winter. “Some of the best bird watching happens in the colder months—different species of birds visit us in the winter.”
HOW TO ATTRACT SPECIFIC BIRDS
Want cardinals? Use tray feeders or tube feeders with U-shaped perches. “They’re heavier birds,” Bob says. “Standard tube feeders are hard for them to use.”
Hoping for bluebirds? They prefer park-like settings. If your yard fits, try a nesting box with a 1.5-inch entrance, and offer live mealworms far away from the nest box.
Hummingbirds? Stick to sugar water—no red dye needed. “And expect a show,” Bob adds. “Males are fiercely territorial at the feeder.”
Wild Birds Unlimited carries feeders tailored to specific birds, but Bob and his team focus on fit. “We ask about your yard, your goals, and guide you from there.”
Quick Tip: Not sure what birds are in your area? Ask your local Wild Birds Unlimited shop.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
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events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD
Denville Days - Semiquincentennial Celebration
Gardner Field, Denville | 12:00 PM
Denville Days will transform Gardner Field into a three-day community celebration featuring live music, food vendors, a beer garden, arts and crafts, tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), fireworks, and more. Designed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the event offers a festive and welcoming atmosphere for families to gather and enjoy the holiday. For more information, visit america250denvillenj.org
JULY 4TH
5K Race for Recovery - 4th of July
Central Park of Morris County | 8:30 AM
Start Independence Day with purpose at the Market Street Mission 5K Race for Recovery! The event includes a chip-timed 5K, a two-mile Freedom Walk, and a Kids Fun Run. Participants receive a commemorative tech shirt and bib, with refreshments, music, and giveaways throughout the morning. Proceeds support the Mission’s Life Change Addiction Recovery Program. Register at runsignup.com/msm5k
JULY 9TH
50th Annual Freedom Festival
County College of Morris (Lot 1), Randolph | 6:00 PM
Celebrate 50 years of community spirit at this extra-special three-night festival, July 9–11 from 6–11 p.m. nightly. Enjoy rides, games, food vendors, a beer garden, and live entertainment, plus a parade on July 11 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Please note that the rain date is July 12 if fireworks are not launched.
JULY 13TH
10th Annual “Day of Dreams” Golf Event
Knoll Country Club West, Boonton | 6:30 AM
Support Rose House by participating in or sponsoring this charitable golf outing. Registration and breakfast begin at 6:30 a.m., followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Cocktails are served from 12:30–1:30 p.m., with luncheon from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Proceeds will help fund the organization’s seventh forever home in Chester Township for individuals with special needs.
JULY 14TH
Denville Music in the Park
Gardner Field, Denville | 7:00 PM
Enjoy free live music during Denville’s Music in the Park series from 7–9 p.m. on select dates beginning on July 14. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy children’s activities provided by the Denville Public Library. Presented by the Denville Arts Council and the Township of Denville, proceeds support local art and music programs.
JULY 17TH
Americana Bandstand Cabaret
Veterans Community Park, Randolph | 7:00 PM
Brundage Park Playhouse and Randolph Special Events present Americana Bandstand, a musical celebration of 250 years of American history through song, dance, and storytelling. Performances take place at Veterans Community Park and feature Fort Nonsense Brewing Co., food trucks, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.
