Our Kids Issue!
AU G U S T 2 022
NATIONWIDE * 908.686.1200 | www.MichellePaisGroup.com *MEDIUM TEAM BY VOLUME 2022 Real Trends + Tom Ferry The Thousand -WSJ
August 2022 PUBLISHER
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
MANAGING EDITOR
August: Our Kids Issue!
EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
Frank Dilorgi SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR
As summer begins to wind down and the start of school commences, the carefree days of slower morning routines and spending more time adventuring is exchanged for busier school and sport routines and schedules. The summers tend to progressively feel like they fly by the older we get, as do the years, but the simple pleasures of summer never get old. Although the routine of school for our children is often a welcome friend by the time August rolls around, it is generally a little bittersweet. Our August issue is dedicated to the cutest members of our community— our kids! They both have a way of making us feel special and their loyalty and sense of wonder is refreshing. In this issue, we are highlighting Sasha Crabtree who is making a difference in our community. We also wanted to share a few of our go-to spots to enjoy with kids for a few delicious cold and creamy summer treats. You will also discover what a Feis is and an amazing local school Primrose opening in Morristown. As summer comes to a close, we hope you are able to take some time to relax, spend time with the ones you love and make wonderful summer memories doing the things you enjoy most! If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Benjamin Meyer AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER
Eva Tucker CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Sue Baldani, Frank Dilorgi CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Chris Jorda Photography, Rich Silivanch, Clara Wang
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE
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Proverbs 3:5-6 Morris City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Morris area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Morris City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
AUGUST 2022
inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
12 Get Ready to Dance!
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Trend Setter
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Culinary Creations
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Kids Corner
EDU CAT I O N
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Inspired By
LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Locally Sourced
A place to learn skills and culture, have fun, and make friends.
16 Cool Summer Treats!
The best local spots for the family to enjoy sweet and creamy treats.
22 Excellence in Education
It’s never too early to start your child on a path to academic success.
28 A League of Their Own
Women working side by side to enrich their community.
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Chris Jorda Photography Primrose School kids enjoying reading time with their favorite teacher! Primrose has a school in Florham Park and a recent new construction location in Morristown. primroseschools.com/schools/morristown
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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1: Trendz Florham Park new VIP dedicated space for Bridal parties/birthdays and girls night out. trendzsalon.com 2: Junior League of Morristown new members. Gabby Koller, Michele Heusel, Jennifer Jacobson, Cheryl Bear, Becca Jakubek 3: Junior League of Morristown Co-Sustainer VPs 2022-2023, Katie Skilton and Susan Santomassimo new board members.
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C I T Y SC E N E
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AUGUST 2022
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
TRENDZ Welcomes New Team Member Patricia Maya, Board Certified Aesthetician Patricia Maya, makeup artist and State Board Certified Aesthetician stays up to date with the latest technologies, cutting-edge ingredients in skin care. Skilled in waxing, massages, and skin treatments. Patricia is certified in: Pre-Post Surgery Cares and Treatments, Lifting Facial Points, Medical Cosmetology Techniques, Mesotherapy Without Needles, Use & Benefits of Mandelic Acid / Alpha Soft Peel, Electro – Stimulation, Role of pH and Chemical Cosmetics. Call or visit trendzsalon.com.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
The Junior League of Morristown open house 8/18! The Junior League of Morristown is hosting a recruitment open house on Thursday, August 18th from 6-8. We will be at the Homestead in Morristown wearing red or white! Come learn about the League and how to join while meeting current members! We are recruiting new members for our 2022-2023 League year! Everyone is welcome! Find out more on our social media pages or if you are ready to join, visit our website jlmnj.org!
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G et
Ready to
Dance! A place to learn skills and culture, have fun, and make friends
A feis, a traditional Gaelic arts and culture festival, took place in Morristown over the weekend of June 18th. Over 500 competitors from all over the tri-state area came to show off their Irish dancing skills and win awards at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. “Every year, we host a dancing competition and dancers from all the different schools in the tri-state area, and even those further out, come together,” says Jennifer McGovern, who owns DeNogla Academy of Irish Dance along with her sister, Alison Nagle.
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARA WANG PHOTOGRAPHY
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Although the Irish dancing community is like a family and a place where long-lasting friendships are made, it’s also highly competitive. There are minor competitions - or local competitions – plus regional championship and national championships. Qualified dancers then go on to compete in the world championships held in Ireland every year. When Jen and Alison were children, they danced twice a week. Today, there's a lot more emphasis on training. “Our best students, and even our intermediate students, dance four to five times per week,” says Jen. “They also do yoga, play sports and take ballet - anything to make them better. These kids are extremely fit.” Jen and Alison, certified Irish dance instructors, have been teaching the art of dancing and Irish culture for almost 30 years. The school has produced many regional, national, and world champion dancers. “In our school in Verona, which is our main base, students come from as far away as Philadelphia and New York,” says Jen. Although many people think Irish dancing is only for those of Irish descent, people from all backgrounds take part. She believes the interest in Irish dancing has increased over the years due to the popularity of shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. “It put Irish dancing on the map.” For Jen, Irish dancing is a real family affair. Her children took lessons from a young age (kids often start as young as 4) and her oldest, Ciara, actually owns her own school, O’Riain Academy of Irish Dance, with her fiancé. Her other daughter, 16-year-old Maggie, was among the competitors in Morristown. “Dancers have the nice costumes and shoes from Ireland, and they perform like they’re in the Olympics,” she says. “But, we don't push kids to be competitive. It just comes naturally.” Students compete on their own and in groups. “Groups are really amazing because that's where the choreography comes in and where kids really learn to work together. It builds a lot of friendships.” And, of course, it’s really fun! To find out more and enroll in classes, go to denogla-academy.com or oriainacademy.net.
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T R E N D SE T T E R | A RTS + CULTURE
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Cool Summer Treat s!
The Best Local Spots for the Family to Enjoy Sweet and Creamy Treats ARTICLE BY FRANK DIIORGI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
SW EET
Need to cool off this summer? Are the kids screaming for ice cream? Well, these spots are committed to helping our community and sweet tooth!
MOCHIMOLY IN MILLBURN: Recently opened in March 2022, MochiMoly is the perfect spot to visit if the family wants to try something new for dessert and offers traditional Asian Rice cakes (mochi) with an American twist. Come try their popular Mochi Donuts or Korean Hotdogs! What I enjoyed the most was their spin on Korean street food, Ho-tteok! The Korean street food is a pancake made with rice flour and when paired with ice cream, chocolate syrup, and fresh fruit, your taste buds will be in a frenzy. MochiMoly’s desserts are unlike any I’ve ever had. I can honestly say they’re accomplishing their mission of providing customers with a quality product and a lesson on traditional Korean desserts! mochimoly.com
CR E A MY SCOOPS IN CHATHAM:
TR E ATS From their involvement with The Chatham Fire Department, Educational Foundation, PTO, and Garden Club, you’ve definitely heard of “Scoops”.
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Nothing’s better than ice cream in the park, and that’s exactly what you can find in downtown Chatham at Scoops’ patio. Conveniently next to Memorial Park, Scoops is the perfect spot for families to enjoy creatively named flavors, like Maine Black Bear, Fly Fishing Fudge, and even Vegan Coffee Cake. chathamscoops.com
BEENIE’S IN MORRISTOWN: Beenie’s, named after their family dog, is the pride and joy of Morristown resident Tony Franco and his wife Andrea. The ice cream power couple spent their first moments together opening Beenie’s and setting out to provide customers with “awesome ice cream” in an immersive and welcoming environment. Customers can enjoy unique flavors such as Honey Lavender, Shirley Temple, and Minecraft (named after the popular video game) made from their one-of-a-kind recipe that is sure to leave you speechless. Decorated like Beenie’s home and backyard, enjoy some quality ice cream, and feel the same comfort and care as Beenie! beeniesicecream.com
MENDHAM CREAMERY IN MENDHAM: Owned by local residents, Rosie and Rob D’Urso. The Creamery is part of the Mendham community, as a local meeting spot for kids and families to spend time together, celebrate special occasions, and of course, enjoy great ice cream. In addition, the owners support various local fundraisers and employ a team of local high school kids. Monthly, the creamery provides books fitting a certain theme so kids can enjoy their ice cream with a story. From March to October try popular flavors like Sea Salted Caramel Cookies and Cream, and for the kids, Cotton Candy! They’re also committed to serving those with allergies or dietary issues with gluten-free and non-dairy options. There is no seating inside but a wide stepped entrance; like The Spanish Steps in Italy, people sit outside with their kids and dogs enjoying ice cream and walking around town! The Creamery’s committed to their motto “Making it a better community”. mendhamcreamery.com
“Monthly, the creamery provides books fitting a certain theme so kids can enjoy their ice cream with a story.”
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Excellence in
Education
It’s never too early to start your child on a path to academic success. 22
K I D S C OR N E R | ED U CATION
Before Rocco Varma and his wife Nisha had a child, they knew they wanted to spend as much time as possible with him or her. So, they became franchisees of a Primrose School in Florham Park. “We actually raised our son Jaiden, now 6 years old, through Primrose’s entire school system,” says Rocco. After experiencing all that Primrose had to offer their own child, and wanting to provide this same opportunity for other children, they opened up three other New Jersey locations – one in West Orange, one in Paramus and now its new facility in Morristown. They also have two more locations in Pennsylvania. Founded almost 40 years ago, Primrose Schools are nationally accredited early education and care schools serving infants through kindergarten. Today, there are over 450 schools across the United States. “We have state-of-the-art fully educational facilities with every single age group in separate classrooms,” he says. “They’re warm and welcoming – we want our students and parents to feel like it’s their second home.” Teachers are trained by VARMAEDGE, an education group, and Primrose, explains Rocco, and they also have teaching experience and/or are fully certified and have educational degrees. “They have to go through about 80 hours of in-person and online training where they get acclimated to our curriculum, our processes and our procedures. After that, there are continuous assessments for the teachers to make sure they’re delivering what our students need.” He adds, “We are pioneers in education. Primrose develops its own curriculum - we don't source it or purchase it.” Primrose Schools are accredited by Cognia (previously AdvancED®), a quality-improvement enhancement network made up of the largest community of education professionals in the world. It’s the highest level an early learning school can receive. The basis of its curriculum is an exclusive, time-tested Balanced Learning® approach which is based on the latest research in early childhood education. Every toy, book, and
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA
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“We are pioneers in education. We’ve developed our own curriculum- we don’t source it or purchase it."
lesson plan is purposefully chosen to build character, school readiness and life skills. Starting in preschool, students are introduced to technology with iPads. Not only are children’s mind’s nourished, but so are their bodies. “Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided and everything is organically sourced and made by our in-house chef,” says Rocco. Health and safety are of utmost importance. He says all facilities are sanitized on an hourly basis and cleaned on a daily basis. They’re also completely secure. “There is no entry from the outside. Only students, parents and staff have access.” For older children, Primrose also provides after-school care with homework help for children aged 5 through 12 and
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K I D S C OR N E R | ED U CATION
a Summer Adventure Club for kids from kindergarten through 5th grade. Every program offered allows parents to pursue their own professional careers. Another key aspect that makes Primrose Schools stand out is their involvement and support of their local communities. “We do an annual event called the Spring Fling, where we raise funds for a nonprofit, be it a food pantry in Florham Park or a cancer organization in Paramus,” says Rocco. “Every single location finds a charity to partner with, and then all the funds that are raised through these events go to them.” In order to become a franchisee, he had to go through several hours of onsite and in-person training from learning how the processes work to how the education
curriculum works. “We're not educators,” he says. “Primrose franchises with business entrepreneurs because they want to separate the educational aspect from the business aspect.” Rocco, who lives in Essex County, was born and raised in India before moving to the United States at the age of 17, was already an entrepreneur at age 20. After finding success in real estate and retail, he founded VARMA RE DEVELOPMENT, which he operates today alongside his Primrose Schools franchises. To take a tour of Primrose School’s brand new Morristown facility and see where your child can learn and thrive, call (973) 771-4403 or go to primroseschools. com/schools/morristown.
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K I D S C OR N E R | ED U CATION
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A League of Their Own WOMEN WORKING SIDE BY SIDE TO ENRICH THEIR COMMUNITY ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA
The sky’s the limit when a group of smart, dedicated, and hard-working women come together to support a cause. As president of the Junior League of Morristown (JLM), Melissa Spiotta knows this well. “I love leading an organization and being a part of driving change,” she says. In order to accomplish its goals, more active members are needed, and a class for new members will start in September. “We're a great group of women and we have lots of experience,” says Melissa. “We're also a lot of fun and we just want to get to know new people who also want to have an impact in their community.” Right now, JLM has 150 members, but many of them are what’s called sustainers. They are still with the League, but are very involved in their own or other nonprofits using the skills they learned through the organization. About 30 members are classified as active and it’s they who handle the day-to-day activities and projects.
Ages of the members vary greatly, and consist of single people in their 20s and 30s, older married people with children, and even teenagers. “I love that part of it,” she says. “I never necessarily looked at us as multi-generational, even though, between the active and the sustainers, we are.” The group typically meets once a month, and although it’s in person, they also offer a virtual option for those who can’t make it to a particular meeting. Like Morristown itself, the Junior League has a deep history. “The organization was founded in 1936 and has had a large influence on the community through community projects, grants and scholarships.” It has been supporting the Interfaith Food Pantry Network for many years and has done projects to benefit Jersey Battered Women’s Service, now referred to as JWS, since it doesn't only serve women anymore. “Every year's a little bit different,” says Melissa. “One of our newest partners is
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“Morristown is a great community and there are so many organizations in the area that we can help support while having fun side by side with other awesome women,” - Melissa
Table of Hope. They’ve been doing a lot of work in the community for years, and two years ago, in response to COVID, they started doing outdoor popup food pantries in different locations. They received a grant from us last year and we've also collected items for them.” Money for grants and scholarships comes from the fundraisers they hold. “One of our ongoing fundraisers, which just marked its 20th anniversary, is an event called Lunch with the Authors, which was held in May. It’s specifically for our education scholarships.” These scholarships are available for high school seniors, as well as for women who decide to go back to school later in life through their Women Moving Forward program. In addition to helping others, being a part of the League allows women to share and learn various skills from other members. “We have people who use social media skills, folks who use leadership skills, fundraising skills, organizational skills, event planning skills, and more,” she says. They also have a vice president of finance, a treasurer, and an investment committee, so members who are interested in these fields can learn accounting and money skills. “Morristown is a great community and there are so many organizations in the area that we can help support while having fun side by side with other awesome women,” says Melissa. To become a member, go to jlmnj.org.
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A Center of Discovery
Open your mind to a fun and fascinating experience ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOG R APHY BY RICH SILIVANCH
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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | L IF E + CULTURE
The inventions of Thomas Alva Edison were numerous and changed the way people lived. And, he brought his ideas to fruition right here in New Jersey. The Thomas Edison National Historic Park, located in West Orange, gives its over 60,000 visitors a year a fascinating look into Edison’s life and extraordinary works. Regardless of age or interest, there’s something for everyone. At the Visitor’s Center, watch movies about the inventor and get a helpful orientation to the grounds. Then, take a tour of his laboratory where he developed amazing innovations such as long-lasting light bulbs, phonographs and batteries. Here, you’ll also find his library, heavy machine shop, music room and more. “What I find fascinating is that everything that is on display is really inspirational because he experimented with every single thing, including hair follicles from animals,” says Susan McCartney, a trustee, board member, and educator for over 20 years. “He had his hand in everything.” Another must-see on the property is the Black Maria (pronounced Mariah). “It was the first movie studio, and where the first movie camera was invented,” says Michelle Mihalkovitz, chief of cultural resources. While the all-black structure that stands today is not the original built in 1893, it’s an exact replica and placed very close to the original spot. “As a videographer and a photographer, I personally find a great deal of inspiration from it because I use the tools today every day that he invented and honed,” says board member, Rich Silivanch. “We’re all influenced day in and day out by what this man and his team did, and from an entertainment standpoint, a lot of that comes back to the Black Maria. It really was the birthplace of cinema.” The building, which was built around 1953, is in dire need of renovation, and fundraising for that project is now underway. The roof, which slides open to let in light, needs to be replaced, the electrical system needs updating, the structure itself needs fortification, and many other changes, including accessibility, need to be done. A “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was held in May, and other events are being planned. Of course, straight donations to the non-profit are always appreciated from individuals and corporations. The complex also offers many interesting programs for children and adults. “We have a Junior Ranger program, which is like a learning scavenger hunt,” says Michelle. “At the end they get a National Park Service badge and are sworn in by a ranger.” While in the area, also visit the Queen Anne Victorian-styled Glenmont estate in historic Llewellyn Park, where Edison lived with his wife, Mina. Built in the early 1880s, its lovely gardens and historic bird feeders won’t disappoint.
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Volunteers are always welcome as well. Rich is the volunteer coordinator of the Friends of Thomas Edison Center National Historical Park, and is happy to speak with anyone who has an interest in carrying on its legacy. To date, they have raised $1 million for over 200 projects. “We also have a volunteer program at the Park, and these volunteers assist visitors, present programs, work within the curatorial division, and perform other duties,” says Michelle. “They also help maintain the grounds, gardens and the greenhouse at Glenmont. We couldn’t provide all the services we do without our volunteers.” Another way to support its mission is by becoming a member, which provides many benefits. Depending on the level you choose, you will have access to discounts on tickets and store merchandise, as well as events and parties, and even receive a private tour of laboratory. To plan your visit, attend an event, or volunteer, go to menloparkmuseum.org or friendsofedison.org.
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