Morris, NJ May 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

A JOURNEY OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SUCCESS

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GIVING BACK BRINGS

GREAT REWARDS

BEAUTY BEAUTIFUL BLENDED EYEBROWS MAY

Our 2023 Women's Issue

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our grandmothers, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends, and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this roleconnecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to local communities’ women.

They are movers and shakers, builders, and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our local community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle. com for marketing opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

Thank you!

ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Clara Wang

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ben Meyer

MANAGING EDITOR

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sue Baldani

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is e ective as of 03/22/2023. The APY is accurate as of the latest dividend declaration date. Dividend rates and annual percentage yield are subject to change after the account is opened at our discretion without notice to you. We do not impose a limit on the amount the dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield on your account may change. The dividend rate on your account is determined by the credit union. There is no initial deposit requirement to open this account. There is no minimum balance requirement for this account. Fees could reduce earnings on this account. One account per member allowed.

If your daily balance is $10,000 or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance will be 3.92%, with an APY of 4.00%. A dividend rate of 1.00% will be paid only on the portion of your daily balance that is greater than $10,000. The APY for this tier will range from 4.00% to 1.12%, depending on the balance in the account.

Earn 1% Cash Back on up to $1,000 in debit card purchases (point of sale purchases can be either a PIN or signature debit card purchase, including online transactions) each month. Up to $120 cash back per year maximum. Cash back earned each month will be credited to your A nity Cash Back Debit Account by the next month’s statement cycle. ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or cash equivalents, loan payments and account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards.

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1: Artist Scott, Teresa Fischer with collector at the Short Hills Wentworth Gallery in person event.

2: Tim and Emily at the artist Scott, Teresa Fischer Short Hills Wentworth Gallery event. 3: Artist Teresa Fischer dedicating a piece of art for her collector.

Welcome Sandra Fava, Family Law Attorney & Partner Fox Rothschild!

Sandra’s clients are as diverse as the issues they face. She provides legal representation at every level, including complex and sophisticated family law matters, often representing high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, professionals and business owners or their spouses. She handles a full range of family law matters, from the negotiation of prenuptial agreements to separation and divorce proceedings, mediations and arbitrations, trials and post-judgment matters and appeals. https://www.foxrothschild.com/sandra-c-fava

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Welcome Noël Hingston, & ART OF THE ARCH & AESTHETICS!

ART OF THE ARCH & AESTHETICS provides an invaluable experience of transformation through the art of permanent makeup. Whether by receiving microblading to help fill in the gaps and create a full, more defined eyebrow shape, a pretty healthy hue from a lip blush procedure or a customized full face beauty plan, our natural, less is more approach, has been changing perceptions that permanent makeup does not have to look like makeup.  https://theartofthearch.com/

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Symbios

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in the most personalized and authentic way. Our groundbreaking model never limits your time with the veterinarian while capping the patient-to-doctor ratio at 25% of the industry standard. This means with Symbios, there is excpetional care, no wait times, and never any rush to get you out the door.

A JOURNEY OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SUCCESS

With its premier in February, 24 Hour Flip is already one of the best rated shows on A&E, and it films right here in New Jersey. Michelle Pais, owner of Signature Realty NJ and the Michelle Pais Group, and her business partner and real estate investor, Jonathan Steingraber, lead a team of professionals to totally renovate a house in 24 hours. The following day, an open house is held to get the home sold.

“I’ve learned that anything is possible and that it’s a matter of man hours, so you don’t have to sit through a six to eight month renovation,” says Michelle. “You just have to be very organized, plan ahead and make sure that the materials are in stock.”

She is not only the real estate broker on the show, but also assists with the design and staging of the home. Michelle says she loves being able to walk into a home and see its full potential, but her favorite part is seeing the incredible transformation that takes place in such a short time frame.

The first episode featured a flip in South Bound Brook and the second episode featured a flip in South Amboy. They’ve also renovated homes on the show in Union County, Morris County, Bergen County and others.

As a business owner, author, wife, mother to 2-year-old Madison Rose, and now a

television personality, Michelle has had to learn how to balance all of her roles, and do it successfully. “I’m not going to lie to you - it’s very hard,” she says. “You can’t be all things to all people, so it’s about prioritizing and leveraging your team and trusting them to get the job done. You can’t do it all on your own.”

She adds, “I’m very focused on the things that make me happy and the things that I’m really good at and for everything else, I rely on my team.”

Part of that team includes the two project managers on 24 Hour Flip, Danny Mariano and Jonathan Borges, who were already working with her husband. “There is a scope of work and everyone has their roles,” says Michelle. “It’s sequenced and our project managers have to make sure that everything is on pace and on time.”

Her journey to success took some interesting turns. Growing up, she watched her parents, Portuguese immigrants, work hard and believes that rubbed off on her. “My parents have a very strong work ethic,” she says. “They worked multiple jobs and extremely long hours, and they’ve owned businesses too. That work ethic, drive and ambition was instilled in me from a very young age and I’m so grateful for that.”

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The woman behind a one-stop brokerage, a top-rated television show, and a loving family

photo credit: A&E Network

(Courtesy of Michelle Pais)

Michelle was also fortunate to have been able to spend her adolescence in Portugal, attending school there and learning more about her culture.

As a young woman, Michelle wanted to be a lawyer, but that changed when she started working for a real estate office while attending college. “I decided to get my real estate license as a backup plan just in case law didn’t work out.  But, after my first sale, I was just euphoric and knew that this was what I was destined to do. I’m obsessed with negotiating and with marketing. I enjoy working with people, helping people, and it never gets old. I’m always privileged and humbled when people choose to work with me.”

She believes we’re constantly changing, evolving and growing, and it’s important to be open to new things and new paths. “I always say, ‘Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.’”

Signature Realty NJ and the Michelle Pais Group, which has already been ranked one of the most successful independently-owned real estate brokerages in the state (Michelle was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, broker that had achieved this level of success), is growing. Filming the show and having all these resources on hand have inspired her to expand the services she offers.

“We are no longer just a brokerage,” she says. “We’re utilizing all of our resources to be able to provide them to homeowners. We are now offering interior design, staging, styling, construction concierge, and moving services - anything that has to do with real estate or the moving process is now under our one roof.”

This one-stop shop concept, she says, is going to save people a lot of time and energy of having to figure out who to hire for different needs.

To watch 24 Hour Flip and see Michelle, Jonathan and their team in action, tune in to A&E every Saturday at 12:00 pm. To learn more about Signature Realty NJ and the Michelle Pais Group, go to www.SignatureRealtyNJ.com and to www.MichellePaisGroup.com

photo credit: A&E Network

(Courtesy of Michelle Pais)

“I could not imagine using any other agent other than Kim! She helped my husband and I sell our home and made the process extremely enjoyable. With her knowledge of the market and expertise the process was quick and easy. Kim is always responsive and supportive. We love working with her!“

- The Tierney Family

The Delaney Delivers

We think you’ll agree: The Delaney at The Green delivers exclusive experiences for a signature lifestyle that’s as unique as you are. Discover the delights that await at The Delaney in Florham Park.

Giving Back Brings Great Rewards

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS GIVING THEIR TIME TO RAISE MONEY FOR A LOCAL HOSPITAL

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA

PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVID GRUOL & DANNETTE MERCHANT

Mansion in May, the signature fundraiser for the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, will take place from May 1 through May 31 in the Borough of Mendham. The monies raised will benefit the expansion and modernization of Morristown Medical Center’s Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation.

Always a much anticipated event, it takes many dedicated volunteers to make it an amazing experience for all those who attend. Two of these volunteers, Mary Courtemanche and Barbara Ruane, are

long-time board members, and this year are co-chairs of the event, leading a team of over 60 individuals.

“I got started in 2008 when a friend of mine who was the then president saw me at a party,” says Mary. “She knew my son had spent a lot of time in the emergency room at Morristown Medical Center, and she told that the next Mansion in May [in 2010] would benefit the emergency room. She asked if I wanted to help.”

The medical center was always there for her and her family when they needed help, and she realized that giving back would be

Photo by David Gruol

enormously satisfying. Mary has been volunteering with the association and the Mansion in May event ever since.

When Barbara joined the Women’s Association 12 years ago, she was extremely impressed by the commitment of the women involved. “Mansion in May is our largest fundraiser,” she says. “Being a part of it is a privilege and very rewarding. We do such a good job fundraising for a wonderful hospital; I’m full of pride about it.”

Mary and Barbara, who are both retired, started planning a year ago and put in over 40 hours a week during the months leading up to the event.

“With the association, I’ve met more incredibly interesting people than I would have otherwise in my daily life,” says Mary. “We all feel the same call to the mission of helping the hospital.”

To buy tickets for this unique and worthwhile event, go to MansionInMay.org .

MANSION IN MAY

WHEN:

May 1 through May 31

WHERE:

Three Fields estate in the Borough of Mendham

WHY:

Tour an estate and support the expansion and modernization of Morristown Medical Center's Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation.

“Three Fields is a stunning setting with a beautiful house sitting on 36 acres,” says Mary. “We'll also have some sculptures out there for people to see. It’s going to be a gorgeous experience.”

Photo by Dannette Merchant

What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

Candid advice from local women leaders and entrepreneurs.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

Have you ever stopped to think about the past? What lessons learned from our experienced older selves can we learn from, if we knew then what we know now? A few of our community members shared their wisdom with us and answered the simple question of “What advice would you give your younger self?” Here are some great insights!

Noël Hingston

Founder and CEO, The Art of the Arch,

https://theartofthearch.com

QUESTION: What advice would you give your younger self?

NOËL’S ADVICE:

• You don’t learn from easy. Choose your hard.

• Say no. Often.

• Boundaries are for you, not them.

• Life is temporary. Live it.

• It’s not about the dream it’s about the execution.

• Ask for what you want.

• You are enough.

• You can buy yourself flowers, and I’m so happy you took yourself dancing!

Alisa Molbert

REALTOR ASSOCIATE®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Zack Shore REALTORS®, www.longbeachislandlistings.com

QUESTION: What advice would you give your younger self?

ALISA’S ADVICE: “The path you are on may not be the path you envisioned. However, you are exactly where you should be.  Never give up.”

Sandra C. Fava, Esq.

Partner & Family Law attorney, Fox Rothschild LLP, www.foxrothschild.com/sandra-c-fava

QUESTION: What advice would you give your younger self?

SANDRA’S ADVICE: “There could be a list several pages long but here are a few things that would go at the top:”

• Be grateful for each day;

• Live life to the fullest;

• Perfection is not the goal nor is it reality;

• Life experiences, like travel, are so much more valuable than stuff;

• It will not always be easy, but I promise it will be worth it;

• Make yourself a priority;

• Never, ever let someone else’s opinion of you shape your thoughts or actions;

• Do all the things you are scared of;

• It feels like the end of the world, but it is just the beginning.

Dr. Megan Armani

Dr. Armani is a veterinarian & Partner, Symbios Animal Health, https://symbios.vet/

QUESTION: What advice would you give your younger self?

MEGAN’S ADVICE: “Trust your instincts......but forgive yourself if you don’t.”

QUESTION: What advice would you give your younger self?

KIM’S ADVICE: “If I could go back and teach my younger self a few things it would be very simple: invest your money, buy real estate, stay out of the sun, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks about you, except you.  Love yourself first and the rest will follow.  Did I mention I’d buy more real estate? XO”

BlendedBeautifullyBrows

TRANSFORM YOUR FACE WITH EXPERT TATTOOING

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

Noël Hingston

ART OF THE ARCH & AESTHETICS

When Noël Del Viscio started out as an aesthetician over 16 years ago, she fell in love with skin, skin anatomy and all that goes along with it. But, there was something special about shaping eyebrows. “I really felt like it was something that could change someone’s entire face and look,” she says.

Eyebrows can convey a lot of different moods and feelings such as surprise, sadness, anger, confusion and concentration. “Eyebrows are literally a form of communication, so the shape of the brows can give someone an impression without even speaking,” says Noël. “They’re also a focal point and a sense of recognition.”

There was a study done, she says, where they removed the eyebrows from famous people’s photos. “Almost 60% of them were unrecognizable to others - they couldn’t name who they were.”

In 2017, Noël  established ART OF THE ARCH & AESTHETICS. Before opening the beautiful and serene high-end salon in Berkeley Heights this

March, she’s been in various locations throughout Northern NJ, including Short Hills and Chatham.

During her career, the process of shaping eyebrows was limited to removing hair or filling in with a brow pencil. “When I started to fill in my brows with makeup pencil, I was taken aback by how much I loved it and how much it changed my face and my confidence.”

Some people, explains Noël, have no brow hairs for various reasons such as medical conditions or age, while others may have really nicely shaped brows, but want them more filled in and defined.

The idea of tattooing on brows didn’t come up until one of her girlfriends had it done. “When she did it, I was blown away because it literally looked like hairs and blended beautifully with her existing brow hairs.”

Noël couldn’t wait to get hers done. “I have fair skin, light eyes and light lashes, but dark hair, so I felt like I could easily get washed out. Tattooing gave me

this natural look, and I no longer had to fill in my eyebrows or wear makeup. For me, being an artist my whole life, I just fell in love with the aesthetic of it and how it helped me feel about myself.”

She set out to learn how to use tattooing for her clients, and to do it right. “There’s an art of creating a specific shape for someone, the placement of the pigment and the strokes,” says Noël. “The technique is important, and knowing and understanding the skin anatomy is crucial. There’s a lot of science that goes into it.” Knowing what you’re putting into the skin, how different skin types are going to heal and react with different colors, and taking into account age and lifestyle are all important factors.

“I’m not creating cookie cutter brow shapes because everybody’s anatomy and facial features are different,” she says. “I really like creating something that will be beautiful for each individual person.”

In addition to making people look fabulous, Noël’s other priority is her family. Owning her own business allows her to give her best to both. Her husband, Leonardo, is a recently retired fire captain, and who she says has supported her every step of the way. Their daughter, Sofia, will be 4 years old in May, and their son, Leo, is 2 and a half years old. “I consider my business my third baby, but it’s always been family first,” she says. “I want to be with my children as they grow up and also have something of my own to build on. I always say, ‘If I’m creating, I’m happy.’”

To make an appointment to enhance your look, go to TheArtoftheArch.com

EXPERIENCE ALL THAT THE NORTHEAST’S LARGEST FOUR-SEASON

A GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY CLOSE TO HOME

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

There’s no need to leave the state to find a great place to get together with your girlfriends. Crystal Springs in Sussex County bills itself as “New Jersey’s Favorite Resort.” Here’s why:

PAMPER YOURSELF

“Reflections Spa at the Grand Cascades Lodge is the epitome of luxury,” says Michelle Abate, director of marketing. “There is fire-red glass throughout, and 8,000 quartz crystals hanging from the ceiling.”

At its sister property, Minerals Hotel, you’ll find Elements Spa, with an ethereal feel set off by a copper color palette. “Both spas offer full-service menus including massages, body treatments, facials, hair, nails and more.”

GOLF ANYONE?

“There are four 18-hole courses and two nine-hole courses,” she says. “One of our courses, Ballyowen, is a links-style course reminiscent of what you would find in Ireland or Scotland. It’s often on many golf media lists as the best public course in New Jersey.”

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Not surprisingly, one of its most popular offerings is its wine tasting classes. “Our wine director is such an amazing talent. The knowledge she imparts, whether someone is a wine aficionado or just a casual drinker, is educational and entertaining.”

One of the most popular outdoor spring activities that guests, especially women, enjoy, is Goat Yoga. Another surprising one is ax throwing. Go ladies!

For nature lovers, there’s forest bathing. “We have a naturalist who leads groups into the forest where people can practice sensory awareness with the elements,” says Michelle. “Afterwards, they can commune with nature. It ends in a guided meditation session.”

DINING AND DRINKS

“We have a very robust foraging program for our four-star Restaurant Latour,” she says. “Our executive chef will also work the foraged ingredients into the menus.”

The resort also uses many foraged ingredients in its libations. “We try to make the cocktails more interesting than your typical spirit with fruit juice or soda.” The resort also boasts a world-renowned wine cellar.

In warmer months, its most popular outdoor dining venue is The Chef’s Garden, which has a plot full of vegetables, herbs, and other produce used in the menu items. “The view is absolutely stunning, and you can often find our chefs in the garden picking for menus at the various resort restaurants,” says Michelle.

FOR KIDS

There’s a rock climbing wall, archery, fishing, stuffed animal building, educational and fun animal shows and lots more to keep children entertained.

Want some time on your own? No problem. The concierge can recommend a trusted babysitting service.

GOLF, SPA AND CULINARY RESORT HAS TO OFFER

ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES

There are many wonderful packages for families, couples and friends. Grand Cascades Lodge has a AAA Four-Star Diamond designation (the only one in the state, boasts Michelle), and the rooms were totally renovated during COVID. “The design style is called biophilic, and the whole premise is to bring nature into the rooms.” The updated Minerals Hotel boasts an impressive AAA Three-Star Diamond.

The resort has also taken sustainability initiatives. “We are the Northeast’s largest solarbased resort,” she says. “In 2019, we opened a solar field comprised of 19,000 panels over 25 acres, which generates enough power to accommodate both hotels.”

At the Grand Cascades Lodge, there is an indoor and outdoor pool complex. Its indoor roof allows ultraviolet light to penetrate through, so you can get a tan in January. This also helps nourish the lush, exotic plants that grow year round.

At the Minerals Hotel, there’s an expansive outdoor pool complex with a cliff jump, spray ground, a little cave, and an outdoor heated pool. “It could be snowing in January and you can be having your cocktail in the pool,”  says Michelle.

Crystal Springs is also a great summer alternative to the Jersey Shore. “We have the mountains and no traffic jams - it’s so peaceful here.”

To schedule a visit, go to CrystalGolfResort.com

Their first years. Our first priority.

A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery. Enrolling Infants-Kindergarten

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