On your healthcare journey, the road to recovery starts in the same place.
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Welcome to the Men's Issue!
June brings a natural moment to pause and reflect— especially on the people who don’t always seek attention, but leave a lasting impact. In this issue, we take a closer look at the many ways men show up, lead, and contribute, both within their own circles and throughout the community.
These roles aren’t always defined by big moments, but by the consistency behind them—the quiet ways they guide and influence those around them.
With Father’s Day this month, it’s a natural time to recognize one of those roles more intentionally. My own dad isn’t the one you’d call when something in your house needs fixing, but when it comes to life decisions or finances, he’s always been someone I can rely on. That kind of guidance has shaped me in ways I’ve come to value more over time. And that influence doesn’t have to come from a father alone—it can come just as easily from an uncle, a mentor, or a friend who shows up in the right ways.
What makes these relationships so impactful is how personal they are. No two are exactly the same, but they often share a common thread: a steady presence and a genuine investment in someone else’s growth.
This month, let’s celebrate the many ways men leave their mark. If there’s someone in your life who has had that kind of impact, it’s worth taking a moment to let them know. And if you are that person for someone else, it matters more than you may realize.
As always, we’re grateful to share the people and stories that make this community what it is. At Denville City Lifestyle, connection is at the heart of everything we do, and each issue is a reflection of the individuals and businesses that shape our area. If you have a story, a milestone, or a business you’d like to spotlight, we’d love to hear from you.
For more local highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on Instagram @DenvilleCityLifestyle .
Wishing all the dads and father figures out there a meaningful Father’s Day!
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Alessandra Guarneri alessandra.guarneri@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Aster Pheonyx aster.pheonyx@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Ellen S. Wilkowe wilkowe@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Blum stephanie@stephanieblumphoto.com
Julian Garcia JulianG922@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mary Griffin/Griffin Social Studios, MJ Salon, Kiwanis Club of Denville, Ethan Gonzalez, Pedersen Makes
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 Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
Brian
A Life Crafted with
Eric
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Spring Into Downtown Denville brought families together to welcome the warmer days ahead 2: Participants at No Labels Boxing's “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” event in Boonton 3: MJ Salon at the “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” event, raising awareness for autism 4: Members of the Kiwanis Club of Denville volunteering at Nourish NJ's kitchen 5: Ribbon & Bloom Co.'s bloom bar was a hit at The Oaks at Denville! 6: Suhair of The Fig & Zaytoun hosted a charcuterie workshop at The Oaks at Denville 7: Try to spot Mary Sheeran in front of one of Sheeran Real Estate's newest listings!
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
MARY GRIFFIN/GRIFFIN SOCIAL STUDIOS
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
KIWANIS CLUB OF DENVILLE
MJ SALON
ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
ETHAN GONZALEZ
business monthly
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Exclusive First Month Offer at Synergy Chiropractic
Start your care journey at Synergy Chiropractic for just $200! This exclusive first-month offer includes a comprehensive three-part examination, a personalized consultation, and all recommended office visits—each tailored to your specific needs. Thoughtfully designed to deliver both value and results, this package makes it easy to take the first step toward better health. To learn more or make an appointment, call (973) 917-8451 .
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Photography by Tidy Red
Photography by Synergy Chiropractic
Photography by Onorati Construction
Likes -celery - going on walks -playing fetch - greeting visitors at "his" office
PET OF THE MONTH Gerald
Fun Facts
- known as Gerald, Geraldo, or Gerry - originally found/rescued in Newark
In celebration of our “Men’s” issue, we ’ re excited to feature Gerald as Denville City Lifestyle’s Pet of the Month for June.
Gerald, an eight-year-old mixed breed, was adopted in 2021 from the Associated Humane Society at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Known as “Gerry,” he works full-time at 104 Broadway, greeting every visitor with enthusiasm He also volunteers with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, bringing comfort to nursing homes, schools, and veteran shelters. If you spot him around town on one of his adventures, be sure to stop and say hello!
Buy ONE day of Daycare or ONE Overnight Boarding for your furry friend and get the SECOND Day or Overnight HALF OFF!
Off the
Leash
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE BLUM, MARQUEE STUDIO
Brian Merrill of Yess Dog blends expert training with trust and connection, guiding dogs and their owners through every stage of life.
As a certified dog trainer, Brian Merrill doesn’t just walk dogs—he walks them down the aisle. And for a growing number of couples, that detail makes all the difference.
“A dog is an extension of a family, and clients want their dog to be part of their special day,” Merrill said.
With more than 78 million dogs across U.S. households, it’s no surprise that a growing number of couples are choosing to include their four-legged family members in their wedding day.
It’s not about taking attention away from the bride or the flower girl, but about enhancing the moment. When paws are involved, weddings become even more personal.
And Merrill knows this firsthand. Yess Dog, based in Morris County, focuses on dog training while also offering walking, wedding handling, and additional services.
He combines hands-on experience with formal training, holding American Kennel Club certification and credentials in behavior, body language, and pet CPR/First Aid, while continuing his education through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy’s Master’s program.
He has also prepared countless canine companions to be just as wedding-ready as the couples themselves. From photo shoots to escorting them down the aisle, no scenario is off the table—even ring-bearing, though that request hasn’t come yet.
Weddings tend to unearth a host of emotions, and sometimes Merrill finds himself just as caught up in the moment as the next guest.
“The emotional part is actually walking the dog down the aisle and understanding the significance of that moment for the client,” he explained.
A niche within his niche, the wedding aspect found him first. What started as a request by one client quickly evolved into a dedicated service within his growing business.
“I’m always taken aback by all the promoting of Yess Dog online,” he added. “It’s like I have a militia of clients supporting my business,” joked Merrill. “The best advertisement to me is word of mouth from satisfied clients.”
It’s a career he fell into almost accidentally after leaving the nine-to-five grind.
A simple stop at Petco for his own dog’s needs changed everything, shifting him from corporate to canine almost overnight. With a dog trainer opening available, he was offered the role and stepped into it with ease.
With guidance from his manager—who helped channel his inner dog whisperer—and a background in theater, he quickly found his footing. “There’s a lot of demonstrating and articulation involved in training,” he said.
That hands-on experience uncovered a dormant calling, and his manager took notice.
“She said, ‘you’re not going to be here long. You’re bigger than what you’re doing here.’”
Then came the pandemic. While much of the world slowed to a halt, he accelerated.
“It was the best thing for me,” he said. “I found my passion and I feel very fortunate to get to do what I do. Most people look for work, but in this case, work found me.”
With his new leash on life, he sees his business less as a job and more as a lifestyle—one that keeps him constantly in motion.
“My business keeps me very busy, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”
At its core is training and the foundational work required to create lasting behavioral change.
“It’s about bonding and respecting, plus meeting the dog where they are.”
That same principle applies to human behavior; the client must also intend to put in the work.
“Dogs need guidance, structure, and a set of protocols with a clear line of communication from their owners for them to be the best dog they can be,” he explained. “My slogan is: Training Dogs, Teaching Humans.”
Dog training goes far beyond basic cues and treats. It’s a process that requires repetition, communication, and patience, along with rewarding the dog.
To date, he has trained dogs across the full life spectrum, from puppies to seniors. His oldest student, Koda, was twelve—so yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Then there are what he calls “miracle moments,” like a pit bull rescue named Lincoln and his comeback story.
“He’d been through a lot, but now he’s the sweetest and kindest boy,” he said. “It just goes to show the power of love and the resilience dogs have to push beyond their trauma to flourish and love again.”
The success stories extend well beyond training.
“The relationship is not limited to in-person time,” he emphasized. “I’ll get texts like, ‘Cooper is doing great—he’s flourishing!’ Or I’ll see a puppy a year or
“My business keeps me very busy, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”
two later, and we recognize each other and there’s still this connection. That’s priceless.”
Over the years, that connection has extended to every dog he works with, and in many ways, he is the true embodiment of a dog whisperer.
“They taught me more about myself than I knew was possible,” he said. “I’m very connected to them. I get to see into the soul of a dog. I have the coolest job in the world.”
It’s a career built not just on commands, but on trust—one that continues long after the leash comes off.
Yess Dog is located in Lake Hiawatha, serving Morris County and surrounding areas.
For more information, visit yessdog.com.
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Amanda Rivera
A LIFE CRAFTED WITH PURPOSE
ERIC PEDERSEN CRAFTS PIECES ROOTED IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, CREATIVITY, AND CHALLENGE.
For Eric Pedersen, woodworking is more than just a craft; it’s a process shaped by patience and a willingness to figure things out. What began as a hobby has now grown into a full-time business rooted in craftsmanship and creativity.
“If you can build a box, you can build anything.”
For Pedersen, that philosophy is more than a starting point. It shapes how he approaches every project.
ARTICLE BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA IMAGES, PEDERSEN MAKES
A woodworker for the past 10 years and the owner of Pedersen Makes for the last two and a half, Pedersen works out of his home in Denville. He creates custom pieces for homes and businesses throughout the area, and increasingly beyond it.
From custom signs for local favorites like Ayres Knuth Farm and Indian Lake Bistro to more intricate, one-of-a-kind builds, Pedersen has developed a reputation for taking on projects that push his limits.
“I like when it seems like I’m not going to be able to figure it out because then it’s challenging.”
That drive to take on the unknown is part of what defines his work. Clients often come to him with inspiration photos and an idea, and from there, Pedersen brings their vision to life—sketching designs, refining details, and ultimately building something entirely custom.
“I’ve been self-taught at everything I do now, like woodworking, machining, and sign making,” Pedersen said. “I’ve always been handy around the house.”
His introduction to woodworking, however, began long before Pedersen Makes existed. His grandfather, a carpenter and woodworker, was an early influence.
“My grandfather built a lot of birdhouses and things and I was always watching him and interested in it,” he added. “My father wouldn’t let me get involved because he thought I would get hurt.”
After his grandfather passed away, Pedersen inherited his tools and a meaningful connection to the craft that would later shape his career. He began by making small signs, using them as a way to practice and improve.
“I started out making signs for the home and it was something I could do and practice with to get better,” Pedersen explained. “Then I started trying to do different things.”
What started as experimentation soon gained traction, thanks in large part to the support of the local community. Pedersen began sharing his projects on social media, not just posting finished pieces, but also documenting the process behind them.
“As I was making things for fun, I would post them on Facebook and the stories behind building them as kind of a ‘Dear Diary’ and people really enjoyed reading them,” he explained.
That openness, both in his work and in his storytelling, helped build a following. Orders began to come in, and what was once a side project slowly turned into something more.
At the time, Pedersen was balancing three jobs, working as a full-time machine shop coordinator, a part-time professor, and alongside a contractor, often logging up to 60 hours a week. It was his wife, Katie, a Denville native he met on a blind date, who saw the potential early on.
“She recognized I was good at building things and encouraged me to start my own business,” Pedersen said.
Today, that leap has paid off in more ways than one.
“I get to spend a lot of time with my kids now that I have my own business.”
Pedersen and his wife now have three children together, and the flexibility of running his own business has allowed him to be more present at home— something he doesn’t take for granted.
While his work continues to expand, his roots remain local. He sources wood from local providers and builds each piece out of his garage workshop.
CONTINUED >
“I have a garage behind my house and I build everything there. I have all of my machines and tools there,” he added.
Among his many projects, one stands out as a personal favorite: a handcrafted cottage he built for Sheeran Real Estate.
“I met the Sheerans through my wife’s family and I built a little Irish cottage for them about two years ago. That was my favorite thing to build.”
Beyond craftsmanship, Pedersen is also deeply committed to giving back. Recently, he built a custom wood table and auctioned it online to support the Dillon Garrity Foundation, raising $850, then personally contributing to bring the total to $1,000.
“When I learned about the Dillon Garrity Foundation, I wanted to do something to give back because that’s such an important cause,” he said. “I was very happy someone was willing to donate so much for that.”
His openness extends beyond his work and into his personal life as well. Diagnosed with OCD and bipolar disorder as a child, Pedersen has been candid about his journey and the role mental health plays in his life.
“I’ve been medicated now for 15 years, so it’s been really controlled ever since then. Mental health is super important to me,” he said. “It’s something I like talking about, I’m very open about my struggles.”
That honesty has become another point of connection with those who follow his work—adding depth to a business that is built not just on skill, but on authenticity.
What began with a simple idea—that if you can build a box, you can build anything—has evolved into something much larger. For Pedersen, each piece is more than just a project; it’s a reflection of persistence, creativity, and the willingness to take on something new, no matter how challenging it may seem.
Aligned For Life
At Synergy Chiropractic, Dr. Pat combines precision and education to restore balance, function, and long-term wellness.
Most people chase pain. Patrick Selimo goes straight to its source. Known as “Dr. Pat,” he approaches the body with an engineer’s precision, focused on correcting what others often overlook.
That precision is rooted in structural chiropractic, a discipline centered on spinal alignment and its impact on the body. Even subtle shifts can disrupt function, often creating symptoms far from the source. By identifying and correcting these imbalances, Dr. Pat works to restore stability, movement, and long-term function.
ARTICLE
ELLEN S. WILKOWE
He places just as much—if not more—importance on identifying the root cause as he does on managing pain. The underlying issues often present as symptoms that bring patients into his Boonton office.
“It’s not all about back or neck pain,” Dr. Pat explained. “From the second you walk in the door, I want you to understand why you’re here and that’s where the educational piece comes in.”
BY
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN GARCIA IMAGES
For Dr. Pat, education is a key part of the process to ensure each patient leaves with a clear understanding of their “why.”
This begins with a deeper look at the spine and the foundational role it plays as the body’s communication pathway. The spinal cord carries nerve signals responsible for breathing, movement, and even sensations like pain.
Dr. Pat likens pain to a built-in alarm system that activates when the body shifts away from its natural baseline.
“A fever tells the body that something is off,” he explained. “Even the warning lights on the dashboard of a car.”
Given the complexity of the spine’s nerve network, the impact goes far beyond the spine itself, affecting systems such as digestion via the gut-brain connection.
“The nervous system controls everything,” he added. “The goal is to enhance bodily functions for optimal living.”
This approach shifts the focus from reacting to pain to understanding how and why the body functions. Rather than chasing temporary relief, patients are encouraged to look at the bigger picture—how alignment, movement, and daily habits all contribute to overall well-being. It’s a perspective that often reframes the way people think about their health, moving from short-term fixes to long-term function. In many cases, what begins as a specific concern becomes an opportunity to better understand how the body works as a whole.
When the body’s systems work together, the result is synergy, or functioning at one’s personal best. That sense of interconnectivity ultimately inspired the name of his practice.
After experiencing its impact firsthand while recovering from a shoulder injury in his youth, he was driven to pay it forward and help others find the same level of relief and function.
He attended William Paterson University for his undergraduate studies and received his doctorate in chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Georgia.
Since opening his own practice, he has worked with a wide range of patients—from infants to older adults, including women before and after pregnancy—with conditions spanning sciatica, lower back pain, postpartum concerns, and more.
Clients consistently report positive results, with one recent review noting, “The adjustments are always smooth and comfortable, and I walk out of each appointment feeling better than when I walked in. On top of that, he’s given me helpful advice on posture and stretches that have made a real difference in my dayto-day life.”
Lasting results come from care over time, often paired with complementary lifestyle changes such as a consistent fitness routine, thoughtful dietary adjustments, and even something as simple as upgrading a mattress.
By presenting specialized care plans, Dr. Pat empowers patients to take an active role in their care, whether they choose chiropractic care or not. A complimentary consultation helps guide that process and determine the most appropriate path forward.
As for his own practice, he prefers to stay within his scope of expertise, working in tandem with specialists such as personal
trainers, physical therapists, and dietitians. While collaboration plays an important role, his approach remains rooted in hands-on care.
Despite advancements in technology, Dr. Pat continues to prioritize manual manipulation, grounded in a personalized, education-driven approach that larger, tech-based models simply can’t replicate.
Outside the office, he is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He has provided care at Elijah’s Soup Kitchen and Family Promise, and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Parsippany. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Parsippany Chamber of Commerce.
In pursuing his own sense of synergy, Dr. Pat recharges through time in nature, reading, and public speaking. At home, he keeps good company with his two cats. It is a balance that reflects the same philosophy behind his work, one rooted in alignment, intention, and long-term well-being.
Synergy Chiropractic
At Synergy Chiropractic, care is centered on a precise, resultsdriven approach rooted in the Gonstead system—one of the most specific methods in chiropractic care. Focused on identifying and correcting structural shifts in the spine, the practice works to restore proper alignment and allow the body to function at its highest capacity.
Each patient is evaluated with careful attention to detail, ensuring care plans are tailored to individual needs rather than a onesize-fits-all approach. By addressing the root cause of dysfunction, Synergy Chiropractic aims to improve overall function, not just alleviate symptoms.
It is their privilege to serve patients from across Morris County and beyond, helping individuals move, feel, and live at their best.
K. Ahmed, Esq. Owner and Managing Attorney
Mohamed
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Gourmet Catering
Custom Party Packages
Themed Menus
Backyard BBQ Parties
JUNE 7TH
43rd Annual Denville Rotary Street Festival
Broadway, Denville | 11:00 AM
Don’t miss the 43rd Annual Denville Rotary Street Festival! Enjoy dozens of food and retail vendors, arts and crafts, live music, children’s rides, a family-friendly beer garden, and more. With free admission and parking, this beloved event draws over 10,000 attendees. Proceeds support local scholarships, Santa Land, and global humanitarian efforts. For more information, visit denvillerotary.org
JUNE 26TH
Denville Library Annual Used Book/Media Sale
Denville Town Hall | 4:00 PM
Denville Friends of the Library will host its Annual Used Book and Media Sale at Denville Town Hall. Preview night for members is Friday, 4–7 p.m. (non-members may join at the door), followed by the public sale Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and a Sunday bag sale, 12–3 p.m. Shop books, movies, and more. Donations accepted (two boxes max).
