Denville, NJ June 2025 by City Lifestyle

Welcome to the Men's Issue!

Welcome to the Men's Issue! Just as we honored women and Mother's Day in our May issue, this month we’re celebrating men and the important role they play in our lives in honor of Father’s Day.

Each June, as Father’s Day nears, we’re reminded of the important role men play in our lives—not just as fathers, but as uncles, grandfathers, godfathers, brothers, mentors, and friends. This issue is dedicated to them—the men who lead with heart, show up when it counts, and make their mark—whether in big ways or simply in the moments that stick with us.

We usually think of strength as something you can see—but the kind we’re celebrating is more about what you feel. It’s the quiet kind. The kind that shows up without needing the spotlight, that works hard, and stays consistent.

Whether they’re fixing a leaky faucet, offering career advice, coaching Little League, or cracking a "dad joke" at just the right time—men enrich our lives in countless ways. As we spotlight local men making an impact in business, community, and family life, we also want to honor the everyday heroes—the ones who may never seek recognition but deserve it.

And to all the men who teach, protect, lead, support, and love—thank you. This month and beyond, we celebrate you. With Father’s Day around the corner, take a moment to reach out to the men who’ve made a difference in your life—whether they’re fathers, mentors, friends, or role models.

In addition to celebrating the men in our lives, we also strive to highlight all of the stories, people, and businesses that make our community special.

If you have an interesting story to share, a business you'd like to introduce to the community, or a special announcement to celebrate, we would love to hear from you! Please send us your photos and details and you might just see your photo or story featured in an upcoming issue. And for more content, follow us on Instagram: @DenvilleCityLifestyle.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and homes.

June 2025

PUBLISHER

Alessandra Guarneri alessandra.guarneri@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Lisa Kintish lisa.kintish@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Brooke Micoletti brookemicolettiphotography@gmail.com

INTERN

Valerie Huidobro valeriehuidobro123@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alessandra Guarneri, MJ Salon, Dan Juan, Brigitte Carucci, Mountain Lakes Country Day School, Michael Ferrante, Garage Experts of Essex County, Diamond Spring Brewery

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

We are a nationally recognized leader in senior housing and care, with a nonprofit mission that is at the heart of everything we do Our 28 communities throughout New Jersey and Delaware offer housing choices to meet diverse financial needs as well as lifestyle and care preferences

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITIES SKILLED NURSING/ REHABILITATION

The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, Red Bank, NJ

Crestwood Manor, Whiting, NJ

Meadow Lakes, East Windsor, NJ

Monroe Village, Monroe Twp., NJ

The Oaks at Denville, Denville, NJ

Stonebridge at Montgomery, Skillman, NJ

Winchester Gardens, Maplewood, NJ

Village Point Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Monroe Twp., NJ

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Springpoint Living at Manalapan Manalapan., NJ

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Communities for income-qualified seniors throughout New Jersey.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Smiles all around at the Denville City Lifestyle launch party at Hilton Garden Inn (Rockaway)! 2: Karen from Music for the Moment posing in between songs while performing at our launch 3: More smiles at our celebration! 4: Partners and guests enjoying their time at Denville City Lifestyle's launch 5: Our publisher Alessandra celebrating Denville City Lifestyle at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockaway! 6: A lucky winner took home our raffle giveaway! 7: Nicole of SpiritHealer Wellness helps entertain at the launch!

BROOKE MICOLETTI

filming

Taste

Denville!

Real Estate Group celebrating Mary K.

being honored by Scouting America 10: Mary

receives the Denville Good Scout Award at the Winnebago Reservation in Rockaway 11: Dr. Paul Lewandowski posing with a pup during "Puppies and Patients" at Lewandowski Chiropractic 12: Smiley's Fresh celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Andes! 13: Mountain Lakes Country Day School students with teacher Walter F. Rodriguez during art therapy class 14: Some of the MJ Salon team during a special Autism Awareness event at the salon

8: Jennifer Lopez spotted

at Hunan

9: Sheeran

Sheeran

K. Sheeran

BRIGITTE CARUCCI

ALESSANDRA GUARNERI

MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

ALESSANDRA GUARNERI DAN JUAN

business monthly

TriTec H2O Offers Free Water Cooler Trial

Say goodbye to heavy water jugs! TriTec H2O is offering a free 1-week trial of their jug-less Wellsys water cooler. This sleek, touchless, bottle-less system connects directly to your water supply, giving you clean, filtered water without the hassle. TriTec H2O also offers sparkling water and ice units, all perfect for homes or businesses. For more information and to take advantage of this free trial, call 973-428-0505 or email sromano@tritecricoh.com. Scan

Viking Opens New Denville Location!

Viking Pest Control has officially opened a new location in Denville, NJ—bringing over 40 years of trusted expertise to the heart of the community. Known for their reliable, eco-friendly solutions, Viking has been proudly servicing Denville residents and business owners for decades. If you're looking for a local exterminator you can count on, Viking is now right around the corner and ready to help. Call Viking at 1-800-618-2847 for a free estimate.

L&J Cleaning Company Is Now Offering Residential Cleaning Services

L&J Cleaning Company, known for their exceptional commercial cleaning expertise, is now bringing that same level of professionalism to homes with their new residential cleaning services. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or recurring home maintenance in Morris County and the surrounding area, L&J Cleaning Company is ready to help. Looking for someone to clean your home? Call 973-722-7319 or email LandJ@outlook.com.

Photography by TriTec H2O

Photography by Viking Pest Control

Photography by L&J Cleaning Company

ARTICLE BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI, BROOKE MICOLETTI

Discover Denville’s Summer Hot Spots

5 OF DENVILLE’S MUST-VISIT SPOTS FOR SUMMER FUN AND SUN!

Denville Dairy

- What says summer better than a classic ice cream cone? Head to Denville Dairy, a local favorite and family staple for over 50 years, and enjoy a scoop (or two)!

Denville Dog & Grill

- Another must-try summer spot! Denville Dog & Grill, a family-owned gem, offers delicious hot dogs, burgers, fries, and other summer favorites, all with plenty of outdoor seating.

Diamond Spring Brewery

- Time for a brew! This local brewery offers a great selection of beers on tap, hard seltzers, and plenty of outdoor seating. Enjoy trivia nights, live music, and a fun atmosphere while sipping on local craft brews with friends and family!

Denville Farmers’ Market

- Make the most of your summer Sundays at the Denville Farmers' Market! Discover over 25 local vendors offering fresh produce, artisan goods, food, and more.

Tourne Park

- Reconnect with nature at Tourne County Park, featuring 550+ acres and 12 miles of trails for hiking and biking— plus access to the Rockaway River for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Where Lashes Meet Luxury

From blank walls to bold visions— Michael J Design brings purpose, precision, and personality to every project.

A Stroke of Artistry

ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL J DESIGN

When it comes to transforming a space, few do it with the artistry and intention of Michael Ferrante. A true triple threat— artist, tradesman, and entrepreneur—he blurs the line between renovation and fine art through his company, Michael J Design. Whether he’s breathing new life into kitchen cabinets, reimagining a room with wallpaper, or refinishing furniture, Ferrante approaches every project with craftsmanship and creativity.

Ferrante’s roots trace back to Rockaway Township, where his journey began by helping his friends’ fathers with various tasks. He quickly fell in love with the work—especially painting—which ignited a passion that never faded. That hands-on experience, combined with his creative instincts, led him to pursue a degree in art—a decision that still colors every corner of his career.

“We do traditional paint projects,” Ferrante said, adding, “We also do decorative paint and plasters, which are more on the artistic side of things.”

Seven years ago, the now business owner turned his passion into a profession, officially founding Michael J Design. What sets the company apart isn’t just the quality of work—it’s the level of communication, planning, and client care that shapes each job.

“We execute our services with professionalism,” he explained. “And it’s always fun. It’s creating an art project versus just putting paint or plaster on a wall.”

From detailed project management to budget-conscious solutions, Ferrante makes sure every client feels heard, involved, and creatively inspired. He thoroughly enjoys sitting down with a potential client and discussing the project while looking at color samples.

“Paint selection is an extremely important part of the process. Painters are always known as the finishers. After the details are in, whether [the client] is getting their

“We execute our services with professionalism and it’s always fun. It’s creating an art project versus just putting paint or plaster on a wall.”

floors redone, new hardware, or designers are coming in and incorporating new furniture, all of the tradesmen look at the painters as the last ones in, as the finishers,” he noted. “The importance of a fresh coat of paint obviously cleans things up if they use the same colors. It ties everything together regarding color scheme and change of color towards overall design.”

Michael J Design serves both residential and commercial clients, with roughly 70% of their work focused on homes and the remaining 30% on restaurants, retail spaces, and offices— inside and out. Regardless of the project, he thrives on helping clients infuse their spaces with personality and purpose.

“We do a lot of restaurants and commercial businesses, retail businesses - interior and exterior,” he explained. “Everyone has their specific desires in regard to design and color, so every client is different.”

At the end of the day, it’s the ability to witness self-expression through design that Ferrante finds most compelling.

“They may want to wallpaper the ceiling or use decorative paint in the powder room,” he offered. “A lot of personality comes from the client and that makes the process exciting

and interesting—it’s the overall creativity and collaboration, throwing out ideas and inspiration at each other to land on a common goal.”

Running a team of seven, the Michael J Design owner splits his time between the field and the front office—balancing the artistry of the work with the responsibility of managing a growing business.

“I have a crew of seven men. I’m responsible for them and responsible for getting jobs so they can earn money and feed their families. A lot of that responsibility is a big stress, but it’s also very fulfilling to know that we’re all doing what we love to do – create and paint,” he revealed.

From bold brush strokes to subtle design choices, Ferrante has built more than a company—he’s built a reputation for turning spaces into works of art.

Whether you’re reimagining a retail space or refreshing your home, Michael J Design is where craftsmanship meets creativity—and where your vision finds its perfect finish.

It’s time to start your next design project—contact Michael J Design at michael@michaeljdesign.com.

ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THERAPY

Are you or your child stuck feeling worried, panicky, experiencing distressing thoughts, or counterproductive behaviors? We here at Northern NJ CBT can help. Our therapists are trained in the best, evidence-based treatments to get you or your child unstuck from unpleasant cycles as quickly as possible. We have helped hundreds of anxious children, teens, and adults and we can help you too!

Denville on Draft

Home-brewed beginnings and small-town charm—Diamond Spring Brewery blends community spirit with every pour.

ARTICLE BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI, DIAMOND SPRING BREWERY

Though it may feel like Diamond Spring Brewery has been a cornerstone of downtown Denville for decades, this beloved local hotspot is only now celebrating its second anniversary.

Its roots, however, run deeper than you might think.

The dream belonged to Chrissy and Craig—the husband-and-wife team and proud Denville locals now behind the year-round brewery. On their regular walks through downtown, they often found themselves drawn to the long-vacant service station, envisioning it as the perfect home for a local brewery they hoped would one day open.

“Craig wanted a brewery in town so badly. We figured, if we wanted it - why not just build it?” Chrissy revealed.

Craig, a mechanical engineer and avid home brewer, took his hobby to the next level during the pandemic, turning their garage into a fullfledged mini brewery. The couple began sharing Craig’s test batches with friends and family around town through a “contactless” growler exchange, receiving rave reviews that confirmed they were onto something special.

With months of research and planning behind them, the couple took the leap. They secured the space in August 2022, partnered with friends Attila Nagy and Monika Kuzmos (also of Denville) to get the job done, and by June 2023, had turned the once-forgotten service station into the vibrant gathering place it is today.

“It was a train we couldn’t stop. We just went along for the ride and never looked back,” She explained.

Today, Diamond Spring Brewery is a beloved, family-owned staple—one many can’t imagine Denville without.

The name “Diamond Spring” often sparks curiosity among patrons, but it’s more than just a nod to the brewery’s location near Diamond Spring Road, or even Craig’s grandfather’s childhood home also located there. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Craig’s family legacy, honoring the generations of entrepreneurs who lived and ran businesses in the area before him.

“Craig’s grandfather owned Diamond Spring Dairy, and his uncle owned Diamond Spring Delicatessen which used to be across the street,” Chrissy shared. “We knew if we opened something downtown, it had to share that name.”

Today, every pint is brewed on-site—from the original “Lakeside” to the fan-favorite “Juice Box,” most named by Chrissy. Beer lovers can also enjoy seasonal selections, hard seltzer, and nonalcoholic options.

“I like to think that every beer [here] has its own personality,” She revealed. “Most of our names have to do with enjoying life and appreciating a moment in time—whether it’s a season, a location, or a mood.”

What sets Diamond Spring Brewery apart is its perfect blend of variety and consistency. While flavors rotate quarterly, fan favorites make a return year after year.

“Craig’s grandfather owned Diamond Spring Dairy, and his uncle owned Diamond Spring Delicatessen," Chrissy shared. “We knew if we opened something downtown, it had to share that name.”

And it’s not just about the beer. With a cozy indoor taproom, a covered all-season pavilion (complete with fans and heaters), and weekly trivia nights, the space buzzes year-round.

Even winter doesn’t slow things down—thanks to the Polar Beer Club, a group of over 100 die-hard locals who bundle up and brave the cold for a frosty pint. Members earn a commemorative pin, exclusive merch—and, of course, bragging rights for sipping through the cold.

“There’s people who hang out in the freezing cold and drink beer with us in order to support us in the winter. It’s the most amazing thing in the world,” Chrissy said with a smile.

Over the past two years, Chrissy and Craig have poured themselves into the community, and the response has been just as warm.

“I love that there are so many community groups that meet here,” She added. “We have a good amount of clubs that come often, whether it’s the Denville Library Book Club or the group that plays Dungeons and Dragons here regularly.”

There’s also no shortage of special events. This month brings “Hoppily Ever After,” a celebration for book-lovers featuring local authors. July’s “Christmas in July” will include adoptable dogs and a surprise visit from Santa. And the calendar doesn’t stop there—“Boots and Brews” (September), “Oktoberfest” (October), and “Flannel Fest” (November) help carry the party from summer straight through to sweater weather.

Live music fills the space every Friday through Sunday during the summer, and guests can order food from nearby spots like The Pasta Shop and Café Crevier—with a dedicated food runner delivering meals right to your table.

Beyond being a local hotspot, Chrissy and her family also give back to the community—supporting charities like Denville S.P.A.R.K. and pet adoption groups.

“There are so many ideas that we haven’t even implemented yet,” She revealed.

Diamond Spring Brewery has quickly established itself as a favorite gathering place for residents of all ages—and Chrissy and Craig are proud to see their vision become such a cherished part of Denville.

With two entrepreneurial daughters and a brewery brimming with possibility, it’s clear this is only the beginning. What began as a small-batch dream now stands as a local landmark—proving that from the first pour to the last, Diamond Spring Brewery is only just beginning to tap into its full potential.

“Craig wanted a brewery in town so badly. We figured, if we wanted itwhy not just build it?”

•

• Compassionate,

•

ELEVATE YOUR GARAGE WITH DURABILITY, DESIGN, AND UNMATCHED FUNCTIONALITY.

“Garages are definitely more than just for cars and storage.”

Garages: the often-overlooked frontier of the home.

Hidden behind a hefty door, they usually turn into catch-all spaces for holiday bins, scattered sports gear, and those tools we keep promising to organize— one day. But what if that dusty, underused space could become your favorite area in the house?

That’s the question Eric Feinstein, owner of GarageExperts of Essex County, is answering—one transformed garage at a time.

Although many don’t think about their garage as part of the home, it’s often the first thing you see before leaving for work and when returning home at the end of the day.

That familiar sight is what prompted Eric Feinstein to take matters into his own hands—literally.

In fact, it was a failed DIY project that kicked off Eric’s garage journey. After his own garage floor started chipping just a year after applying a coating himself, he went deep down the rabbit hole of research. That curiosity became a passion—and then a full-fledged business.

“I wanted to figure out what’s the best way to do it, so I did,” Feinstein explained.

Founded in 2023, GarageExperts brings durability, design, and serious functionality to a space many homeowners overlook. Think sleek cabinets and ceiling-mounted racks for ultimate organization, paired with sleek epoxy and polyaspartic-coated floors that are as durable as they are good-looking. The floors come in a wide range of colors and finishes, tailored to each client’s style—and they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.

But Eric’s services go beyond a tidy garage. He helps homeowners reimagine the entire space, from top to bottom.

He grew up in a family immersed in the construction industry and brings 15 years of service and support experience to every project. From the first 3D-rendered

consultation to the final sweep of a new floor, his hands-on approach and passion for customer satisfaction undoubtedly set him apart.

Now, in a housing market where moving is no small feat, maximizing existing space is more appealing than ever. For many New Jersey homeowners—especially those weathering tough winters—upgrading the garage is a no-brainer. “We have pretty harsh winters here in New Jersey; the floor has salts, dirt, and oil,” he added.

Beyond the floor, there are endless opportunities for the room itself. Garages can serve as extra living space limited only by creativity.

“We see people turning their garage into home gyms, man caves, sometimes the kids just need a place to watch television,” Feinstein said. “Garages are definitely more than just for cars and storage. I think people are reconsidering investing more in their homes [now] because it’s harder to move.”

There is no doubt that Feinstein enjoys his work and working with clients, especially because the result is dramatic and quick.

“Within a day or two, the floor looks beautiful. People can’t believe what it used to look like! So that’s the best part. We see the result very quickly, and they’re really happy with it,” he added.

“We help people start their journey of utilizing the space that they weren’t using before.”

In addition to residential projects, the company also tackles commercial and industrial spaces—proving no garage is off-limits. So whether you’re envisioning seamless storage or a full-blown mancave makeover, GarageExperts of Essex County transforms overlooked garages into standout spaces that surprise, impress, and deliver.

Take the first step toward your dream garage. Begin your transformational journey and contact: Eric.feinstein@garageexperts.com.

553 Openaki Rd, Denville (Listed for $1,100,000)

6 Cherokee Trl, Denville (Listed for $550,000)

18 Arlington Dr, Denville (Listed for $725,000)

43 Tomahawk Trl, Denville (Listed for $600,000)

22 Gardner Rd, Denville (Listed for $525,000)

553 Openaki Rd, Denville (Listed for $1,100,000)

JUNE 1ST

42nd Annual Denville Rotary Street Festival

Broadway, Denville | 11:00 AM

Don't miss the 42nd Annual Denville Rotary Street Festival - a local tradition with free parking and admission. The event features arts and crafts booths, delicious food vendors, retail stands, professional and nonprofit information booths, children’s rides, and an entertainment stage. This fundraising event supports Denville Rotary charities, including scholarships for local students and Santa Land.

JUNE 2ND

2025 Sound Start Babies Benefit

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes | 5:30 PM

Join Sound Start Babies for an evening of cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment—all to support a magical cause. Proceeds from the event help provide life-changing early intervention services for babies and toddlers with hearing loss through the Sound Start Babies Program, empowering children and their families to speak and communicate with confidence. For tickets, visit soundstartbabies.ejoinme.org/2025

JUNE 7TH

Ride for Autism: supporting Celebrate the Children!

Garden State Harley Davidson, 1775 Route 10 East, Morris Plains | 11:00 AM

Riders are invited to participate in a 50-mile motorcycle run in support of Celebrate the Children — a Denville school serving children and young adults with autism and special needs. The route will span approximately 50 miles through Morris County and the surrounding area. Enjoy delicious food, lively music, and more, all while supporting an incredible cause.

JUNE 7TH

The Great Big Book Swap Festival

Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Rd, Parsippany | 11:00 AM

The Great Big Book Swap Festival is a vibrant celebration for book lovers and avid readers alike. Guests are invited to bring their preloved books to swap, discover new favorites, and enjoy a full lineup of author talks, live readings, and creative workshops. This unique festival offers the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and celebrate the joy of reading.

JUNE 7TH

Rockaway Township Day

Peterson Field, Rockaway | 12:00 PM

Come out and celebrate Rockaway Township with a day full of fun for the whole family! Enjoy a lively mix of food trucks, live music, games, and a beer garden at Peterson Field from 12–6pm—rain or shine. Don’t miss the chance to show your community spirit and be part of the festivities!

JUNE 7TH

Rockaway Rotary 5k Run/Walk

Peterson Field, Upper Parking Lot, Rockaway | 9:00 AM

Kick off Rockaway Township Day with a 5K run/walk hosted by the Rockaway Rotary Club. Starting just before the main event at noon, the race supports a range of local and national charitable initiatives. To register, visit www.raceforum.com/rockawayrotary

JUNE 12TH - 15TH

Tri-County Fair

Christ Church, 140 Green Pond Rd, Rockaway | 6:00 PM

The Tri-County Fair returns for its 11th year in Morris County, featuring rides, games, pony rides, and classic fair foods like ice cream, fried Oreos, tacos, and more! Enjoy free family entertainment, including live music, fireworks, and a performance by illusionist Anthony Salazar. The fair takes place June 12-15 with different hours each day. For more info, visit tricountyfair.org.

JUNE 14TH

The Country Jamboree Festival

Rockaway Borough Firemans Field | 11:00 AM

The Country Jamboree Festival brings country charm to life with a mix of bluegrass and modern country music, incredible BBQ, and ice-cold beer. Guests can enjoy line dancing, test their skills on the mechanical bull, explore the hat bar, and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities. This event runs from 11am-8pm.

JUNE 20TH

Denville After Dark

Broadway, Denville | 7:00 PM

Downtown is calling! Denville After Dark, hosted by Downtown Denville, brings Broadway to life with live music, a hot dog eating contest, and entertainment for the whole family. Kick off summer with a vibrant celebration of all things Denville! Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and outdoor fun as the streets come alive for this exciting pedestrian-friendly event.

Priceless Memories

Advice Editorial: Gift Giving Inspiration For Dads

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

Retro Movie Night

Enjoy a movie night together with popcorn, candy and all the fixings. Home movies enable strolls down memory lane, or one of his favorite movies from his childhood makes for fun conversation. Ordering a projector for a large format screening makes the movie night feel extra theatrical.

Learn Together

Learning a new skill together, or sharing a favorite hobby, is a great way to bond. If Dad likes woodworking or fishing, finding a class to attend together goes beyond gifting tools and allows fun.

Blast From The Past

Brainstorm childhood memories together and enjoy a day reliving them. If he chaperoned a trip to the zoo, experience it again together. If short on time, stop at a favorite ice cream stand and tell him how much you cherish the memories.