Letter from the Editor
We’re now six issues into our journey with City Lifestyle, and this one has surely been our most anticipated. As women in business ourselves, we simply couldn't wait to celebrate strong ladies making an impact.
We’ve known Sweet Melissa for years, and we chose her for our cover without hesitation. She’s a wife, mother, and entrepreneur who not only executes her craft deliciously but also lives her life with such positivity. She exudes sweetness!
Shining a spotlight on the amazing work of Sue Vorcheimer and her mission, Pass the Crown Around, has been such an honor. We attended her annual event on International Women’s Day and loved being surrounded by so many inspirational stories. Our very own photographer, Barbora Hindson, was one of the honorees, and clapping for her was surely the highlight for us.
Partnership for Maternal and Child Health is the lead planning agency for maternal and child health services in Northern New Jersey. We’re so proud to have them as a partner and are thrilled to spread awareness about their great work. Their programs serve eight counties in New Jersey and reach over 40,000 people annually.
And what can a mother of five (including two adorable daughters) tell us about raising strong little ladies? A heck of a lot. Our monthly columnist and Morris County mom, Felisha Lynch, sheds light on going from boy mom to girl mom and the precious gifts it’s brought into her life.
And Sweet Melissa’s got you covered for Mother’s Day! Her recipe for Lemon Cake with a Strawberry glaze can be made in one bowl with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect sweet treat to make with the kids and will make mom feel spoiled, as she deserves!
So let’s celebrate moms, wives, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, and colleagues (and anyone else we forgot!). Not only for Mother’s Day, but every day. Show the women in your life how much you appreciate every gesture and sacrifice. Let’s raise up our friends and clap for each other. Because when women support other women, there’s always a seat at the table.
P.S. We’d like to add one correction. In our April 2026 issue on page 9, the City Scene caption should read: Attendees at the 2026 @TheOlibOpen Table Tennis Tournament fundraiser organized by Ante Rogic for pediatric cancer.
ALISON LUKIN, EDITOR @EASTERNMORRISCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Kim Cera | kim.cera@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Alison Lukin | Alison.Lukin@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jamie Johnson | jamie@officiallysocial.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Felisha Lynch, Nikki Blanche, Judy Marano
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Donna Fisk, David Quiroga
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
A NEW STANDARD IN OUTDOOR LIVING.
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Kohut and Son Landscaping provides a multitude of services covering everything from landscape design to snow plowing. We specialize in original planting design and landscaping architecture, custom stonework, natural and mortar stone walls, all types of patio stone and pavers, koi ponds, waterfalls, drainage, full service property maintenance for residential and commercial properties.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Nicole Simonowicz and Jen Pizzuti at the APTA Nationals event sponsored by Land Rover 2—3: Singer Tabitha Booth and team for her KashmirLed Zeppelin project doing a photoshoot at @javasmugglers 4: Attendees at an International Women’s Day event at Lilly Menopause & Wellness
5: Opening day at Paul Miller Toyota, GM Jaime Berrios, and EBM Jennifer Pizzuti 6: A morning of movement and momentum with Paul Miller Porsche 7: Horsepower meets core power at the “Porsche and Pilates” event hosted by Paul Miller Porsche
COURTESY OF LAND ROVER
PROVIDED BY PAUL MILLER
PROVIDED BY PAUL MILLER
KIM CERA
KIM CERA
KIM CERA
KIM CERA
LAUREN MILLS
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BARBORA HINDSON
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LAUREN MILLS
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Permitting, Project Management, Owners Rep, Scheduling and Budgeting
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STEP INTO A NEW PAUL MILLER
business monthly
Red Oyster USA at May 2026 TEFAF Art Show
Each year in May, Red Oyster USA runs the oyster & champagne bar at the highend art fair TEFAF in New York City. This year, it runs from Friday, May 15, to Tuesday, May 19. Open to the public, anyone can buy a ticket to see beautiful art in the greatest ambiance while enjoying oysters and champagne. More info on https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/tefaf-new-york
Scan to read more
Tentaciones Colombianas Bakery Café Serves Gluten-Free Empanadas
At Tentaciones Colombianas Bakery Cafe, we make all our products from scratch. Our best-selling empanadas are made with dried corn kernels we process in-house daily, creating a dough that gives them their characteristic intense flavor and a crispy finish. Many of our baked goods are naturally gluten-free, made with cassava starch, cornstarch, white cheese, and aged cheese, such as our cambray empanadas, pan de bono, almojábanas, pandequeso, buñuelos, and cassava empanadas.
Pirello Executive Protection Offers Custom Security Services for All Events
Pirrello Executive Protection provides elite security services tailored specifically for New Jersey’s most prestigious celebrations. Our agency specializes in "white glove" armed security, providing a discreet and professional presence for weddings and large-scale events at the area’s premier venues. We partner closely with families, school administrators, and event vendors to design custom security plans that prioritize the safety of your guests without disrupting the elegance of the occasion.
the CITY LIST
Best Hair Salon
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Artim Studio https://artimstudio.glossgenius.com/ | 973.884.0080
LA VIDA Salon and Spa https://www.lavida.salon/ | 973.283.5003
Depasquale The Spa depasqualethespa.com/ | 973.538.3811
Trendz Color and Design Salon trendzsalon.com | 973.377.5552
Elysium Biodynamic Spa & Salon http://www.theelysiumsalon.us/ | 973.323.1698
Best Boutique Shopping
The Dain Shop thedainshoppe.com/ | 973.539.7586
Robin's Closet robinscloset.boutique/ | 973.335.4015
Walter Bauman Jewelers https://walterbauman.com/ | 973.794.4884
The Pink Pear shopthepinkpear.com/ | 973.437.2132
Heavenly Temptations heavenlytemptations.com/ | 973.316.8909
A LIFE BAKED SWEET
ARTICLE BY NIKKI BLANCHE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA FISK
SWEET MELISSA’S JOURNEY—FROM BAKING IN HAITI TO MICHELIN-STAR KITCHENS PROVING PASSION CAN RISE ANYWHERE.
Pastry chef Melissa Camacho, once featured on Top Chef: Just Desserts, shares a slice of her day and her journey. Born in Portau-Prince, Haiti, she started out baking treats for classmates. Limited by the constraints of industry in Haiti, Melissa had a different plan for herself when she arrived in Manhattan, preparing to earn a degree in fashion and event planning.
Quickly realizing she needed a more creative outlet, Melissa finally allowed herself to return to her original calling and what brought her the most joy. Inspired by her husband, who is also a chef, Melissa dove into her career in baking. Today, she aims for a balance of family, food, and fun every day.
She and her family call Boonton home, where she spends her time mixing up sweet desserts and smiles. You can find her at the Boonton Farmer’s Market this spring and summer!
Q. WAS BAKING A SIGNIFICANT PART OF YOUR CHILDHOOD?
When I was growing up during the 80s and 90s, there was a lot of turmoil in Haiti. But, for a short time, my mom had a little brownie business, and I would help her out. I baked for my classmates. I always loved sharing desserts with people.
Q. BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES A LITTLE TREAT!
That’s right! Unfortunately, career choices were very limited in Haiti, and pastry chef wasn’t one of them. My mom is American, and I spent summers here, so when it was time for college, I enrolled at NYU, but that wasn’t right for me. Then I studied fashion for a while. Finally, I found a job as a flight attendant, which I loved. But then I was laid off after 9/11. And I remember one afternoon, I was watching Food Network, a baking show, and I realized that baking desserts was a job, and I could make money at it.
I applied to the Pastry Arts work-study program at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Q. PASTRY ARTS, A DELICIOUS MAJOR!
You bet! I landed an internship at Buddakan, where everything is made from scratch. They only brought in raw ingredients. It was intense work, 16-hour days, 6 days a week. But such a great experience. Then I was at Morimoto for a bit, bounced around a few Times Square hotels, and a couple of Michelin-starred establishments. The head chefs at that level are very committed, and they want their food to be exactly as they envision it—superb from the first bite to the last.
Q. WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED DURING THIS TIME?
Salt! More than you think you need! And unexpected things can enhance your flavors. Add a little cardamom to your vanilla dishes. Citrus makes berries sing. And there is no substitute for good preparation.
Q. YOU MET YOUR HUSBAND AT THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY EDUCATION?
Yes, and we’re total opposites! But that has helped our success; we balance each other. Restaurant work is hard , with the hours and dedication needed. It’s not for the weak. After we got married and had our kids, I wanted to work fewer hours and be home at night. So, I scaled back a little. I helped a friend at her bakery and did some catering. Then, COVID.
Q. SO YOU HAD TO REINVENT YOURSELF AGAIN
Right! I wanted to keep baking and make people happy with my desserts. I started selling pastry boxes, which I called Pastry Drops. Every week, I posted a menu on Facebook; people would comment with their orders, and I’d ship them or deliver them myself, driving all over. We lived in Brooklyn at the time, but about a year into the pandemic, we wanted to get out of the city and found Boonton. We just loved it here. For a while, I couldn’t find work as a pastry chef until a friend asked me to make dessert for his restaurant. He wanted more elevated options than he could source himself, and it grew from there.
Q. DO YOU STILL DO THE PASTRY BOXES?
Yes. I find inspiration in the seasons. I made cookies this past winter. Spring was tarts. I’m planning hand pies this summer. I post the menus on my Instagram, @sweetmelissabakeshop.
Q. THIS CONVERSATION IS BITTERSWEET FOR ME BECAUSE I HAD TO GO GLUTEN-FREE RECENTLY. My best friend is gluten-free! So for her, I always have at least two gluten-free choices on my menus. That’s been a great experience, learning to make delicious desserts that everyone can have.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTRY?
To eat? A warm cupcake right out of the oven. To bake? Macarons, only because they are such a challenge. When they turn out right, there’s nothing like it. Follow on IG @sweetmelissabakeshop
“I WANTED TO KEEP BAKING AND MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY WITH MY DESSERTS.”
PASS THE CROWN AROUND
SUE VORCHEIMER'S MISSION WHERE WOMEN ARE THE MAIN EVENT
International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually for over one hundred years. The earliest version in New York City was observed in 1909 and has since evolved into a worldwide event that promotes equality and brings to light injustices against women
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY @_SOCIALJACK_
In its modern form, people all over the world gather on March 8th to bring notable women to the forefront and show younger generations what’s possible when our community bands together. It’s a time to celebrate more established females and inspire their daughters to dream big. After all, their dreams are worth it. When women have a seat at the table, anything is possible.
Then there are the women who are building the tables. Sue Vorcheimer, Director of Marketing and PR at 1776 Morristown, is also the founder of the groundbreaking movement, Pass the Crown Around. Her vision is “a platform intentionally created to help women showcase their ideas, companies, brands, and leadership.”
On International Women’s Day 2026, Pass the Crown Around celebrated its 5th annual Women’s Day Experience at the Harborside Building Atrium in Jersey City. Over 200 people gathered to honor eleven trailblazers who are shattering the glass ceiling in their own businesses. Notable recipients include our very own Morristown-based photographer, Barbora Hindson, whose creativity and sensitivity celebrate women with every click of her camera. Also, Dr. Marisa Sweeney, New Jersey Assemblywoman and founder of Be Well Integrative Health Services in Morristown, is shedding light on women’s health in a way that has long been vastly underrepresented.
Vorcheimer opened the event by explaining, “Every year we have a word that encompasses our mission. This year, our word is REWIRED. At the center of REWIRED is our Emotional IQ. It allows us to lead with empathy, read a room, build authentic relationships, trust our instincts, and create meaningful impact.” And the impact that was created in that room was nothing short of extraordinary.
One of our favorite speakers of the afternoon was Deb Balfatto, founder of Let’s Talk Women’s Health and Wellness. She is a two-time breast cancer
survivor whose passion for supporting women was contagious. She proclaimed on stage, “Look someone in the eye and let them know that they matter. Make your words rich, make them matter. I’ve committed myself that every woman has the same access to healthcare that I did. That saved my life.”
Let’s Talk Women’s Health and Wellness was this year’s PTCA charity of choice. Each year, they bring together thousands of women to support education, advocacy, and access to healthcare throughout all stages of their lives. It’s organizations like these that move mountains for women, and Vorcheimer has made it her mission to build a platform to raise awareness of such exemplary charities.
The PCTA Woman of the Year was awarded to Dr. Smita Ramanadham. She is one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons. She spoke about how lucky she felt to be fully supported by her male colleagues. She explained, “We’re in this together. Now I have the privilege to work with women to help them look and feel their best.”
Follow on IG @passthecrownaround
Helping Mothers Thrive Together
Partnership for Maternal and Child Health helps mothers find support, connection, and hope
Parenting is hard. Having a child can be incredibly isolating as your life revolves around this new tiny human. The good news is that the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, a not-for-profit serving Northern NJ, is here to help.
Their dedicated team works with all birthing hospitals in our area to improve maternal and infant care. Their programs include "family success, breastfeeding support, child loss, and teen programs for parents." You can find out about the best program for you through referrals from hospitals, community outreach, their website, or word of mouth.
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let's focus on their mental health programs. Did you know that one in five women deals with mental health issues pre- and post-pregnancy? Becoming a parent brings beautiful life changes, but many parents feel overwhelmed and may be hesitant to speak up. Mariekarl Vilceus,
the President & CEO of PMCH, says, "We want to ensure that people are thriving, not just surviving. Every mother and new parent can use a little support." Their programs are for every person. It doesn't matter where you live or your income; mental health issues are universal. Most of their support groups are available online and led by trained perinatal mental health professionals. Support groups give new mothers the opportunity to share their feelings of depression, anxiety, or general overwhelm, form strong connections, and receive the care they need in a safe, confidential environment.
I know that many of you believe that when you become moms, the title comes with a superhero cape. Although that would be amazing, unfortunately, you are still just a human with more responsibilities. The Partnership encourages you to reach out; you might be surprised to find that you’re not alone.
To learn more visit: www.pmch.org
What Becoming a Girl Mom Has Taught Me
RAISING STRONG LITTLE LADIES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELISHA LYNCH
For the first five years of motherhood, I was a full-on boy mom. Three little boys in three years. Dirt, superheroes, endless energy, and a house that constantly sounded like someone was jumping off furniture—I loved every second of it!
But if I’m being honest, I’ve always hoped that one day we’d have a girl (or two, hehe).
When we got pregnant with our fourth baby, we did a gender reveal. I had convinced myself it was another boy, because that’s all I knew. When the smoke popped, and it was pink, I was so shocked and excited that I didn’t even announce it right away. I actually called my doctor to double-check before telling anyone. I just needed to hear someone confirm it was real.
Becoming a girl mom after being a boy mom for so long has been one of the sweetest surprises of my life.
My girls are still little, but already so different in ways that make me smile. There’s the sweetness, the big emotions, the way they want to copy everything I do. They notice things their brothers
never cared about. My shoes, my makeup, the way I do my hair. They’re watching EVERYTHING.
And that realization changed something in me.
Raising daughters makes me more aware of the example I’m setting. How I talk about myself. How I treat my body. How I handle challenges. Whether I say it out loud or not, they’re learning what it means to be a woman by watching me.
Being a girl mom isn’t about raising perfect daughters. It’s about raising confident ones. Girls who know their worth. Girls who are kind, strong, and not afraid to take up space in the world.
I love the chaos of being a boy mom, but having daughters added a whole new layer to motherhood that I didn’t even know I was missing.
And honestly, watching them grow into themselves might be my favorite adventure yet!
Follow @felishalynchxo on socials <3
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
FEATURING BECKY HILLYARD
ARTICLE BY MELISSA CAMACHO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA FISK
Lemon Cake with Strawberry Glaze
Want a one-bowl recipe that is kidfriendly and will spoil mom on Mother’s Day? Melissa Camacho, owner of Sweet Melissa Bakeshop (and mother of two), has you covered.
FOR THE CAKE:
• ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• grated lemon zest from
1 medium-sized lemon
• ½ cup sunflower, grape seed, or canola oil
FOR THE GLAZE:
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ strawberry/raspberry jam
• ¾ cup of powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS:
01. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray, then rub the inside surface of the pan with a paper towel to coat evenly. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly. Set aside.
02. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, and eggs - stirring until well blended.
03. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and zest, mixing to just combine.
04. Add the oil and stir well. Don’t worry, at first it will seem to separate, but keep stirring till smooth.
05. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
06. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cake feels springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
07. Cool the cake on a wire rack for 10 minutes; then turn it out of the pan onto the rack.
realty report
MAY 1ST
Boonton Main Street Art Walk
Boonton Main Street | 5:00 PM
Stroll along Main Street, pop into wine & cheese receptions, explore art openings, and dive into unique creative experiences. Meet the artists, browse through their work, shop their collections, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of our Arts District! Make it a full night, grab a bite at one of our amazing local restaurants, and sip on something delicious!
MAY 2ND
American Legion Auxiliary Spring Vendor Craft Fair
American Legion NJ Post 249, Parsippany | 11:00 AM 11:00 am - 4:00 pm The American Legion Auxiliary is excited to host our Spring Vendor Craft Fair. This is a great opportunity to shop for your favorite local crafts, products, and support small businesses in our wonderful community.
MAY 3RD
nourish.NJ Hunger Walk & 5K Run 2026
Central Park of Morris County, Morris Plains | 10:00 AM
Your participation helps provide immediate access to healthy food and connects our neighbors to housing and critical support that builds long-term stability. Register here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/hungerwalk
MAY 11TH
Atlantic Visiting Nurse Golf Classic
Rockaway River Country Club, Denville | 10:00 AM
The AVN Golf Classic returns on May 11, 2026, for a day of golf, networking, and community impact in support ofAtlantic Visiting Nurse’s Home Care and Hospice services. This annual tournament brings together community leaders, business partners, and supporters who share a commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care where it matters most—at home. To learn more visit: https://events.atlantichealth.org/event/atlantic-visiting-nurse-golf-classic-3692
MAY 27TH
ArcMorris Awards Gala: A Night of Many Stars
Park Avenue Club, Florham Park | 5:00 PM
The ArcMorris Annual Awards Gala celebrates outstanding impact and raises funding to support incredible programs offered by ArcMorris. Join us in honoring those who are doing exceptional work for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets: https://arcmorris.org/arcmorris-annual-awards-gala-2026
MAY 27TH
Annual Sound Start Babies Benefit
The Mansion at Mountain Lakes | 5:30 PM
This year, the spotlight shines on our true superstars: the infants and toddlers with hearing loss we serve today, the alumni whose stories were shaped by Sound Start Babies, and the families and professionals who have played a starring role over the past 30 unforgettable years. Details and tickets: https://soundstartbabies.org/support-us/benefit/
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