At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
August 2025 –Adventure Awaits!
Our Kids and Pets issue is always one of my favorites. Maybe it’s because of the immense joy that children bring to our families and the significant impact they make on our communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are happy to highlight the best for our kids in this issue.
And who could forget pets? They too are members of our families! Their special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry, feathery or swimming in a tank friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
We have two adorable little Havanese, Lucky and Max, who like our kids, have very different and distinct personalities. They are a major part of our family and together we continue to build amazing memories with them and our children.
In this issue we are highlighting a few fun adventures to share with your family and friends this summer, as well as top medical and educational experts for our children in our very own communities.
We hope this issue inspires you to try something new!
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.
We look forward to seeing you around town!
August 2025
PUBLISHER
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Maria Jakubek | maria.jakubek@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Stephany Aznar, Benjamin Meyer
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kelsey Harper
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Benjamin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Arron Andrews Photography, Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
In a pocket of New Jersey, there lies a place called Little Portugal where authentic Portuguese cooking can be found on every street corner…
Chef Lauren Covas—champion of Food Network’s Chopped and Supermarket Stakeout—grew up in Little Portugal, and now she’s sharing her gourmet takes on her hometown’s
1: Another beautifully framed story by Chatham's Frames on Main. 2: Mendham's local Chapter One Bookstore framed editorial by Frames on Main in Chatham. 3: Visit Morristown's Farmers Market for Jersey Fresh local produce.
business monthly
Dine Al Fresco With Your Pet At Morristown’s
Portofino’s Restaurant
Dine al fresco with your furry friend at Portofino’s in Morristown! This beloved BYOB Italian eatery offers a pet-friendly outdoor dining area where pups are welcome to relax by your side. Enjoy delicious pasta, fresh seafood, and signature dishes while your four-legged companion lounges comfortably. With warm hospitality and a charming atmosphere, Portofino’s makes it easy to savor a perfect meal—tail wags and all. Visit https://portofinosrestaurant.com/
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Legendary Finds for Little Sports Fans at Chatham's Legends Gallery
Got a young sports fan at home? Legend’s Gallery in Chatham is a dream come true! This local gem is packed with autographed memorabilia, trading cards, and collectibles from the biggest names in sports. Kids can explore wall-to-wall legends—from baseball heroes to basketball greats and more—and maybe even start a collection of their own. It's the perfect stop to spark inspiration in any budding athlete or sports enthusiast. https://legendsgallery.net/
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Smiles Made Simple: Expert Dental Care with a Gentle Touch
Welcome to Helix Dental, your trusted neighborhood dental provider in Florham Park, NJ. We proudly serve families in Florham Park and nearby towns with comprehensive care, from checkups and cleanings to Invisalign and implants. Dr. Rafael Estrella and Dr. Anita Liao deliver expert, compassionate treatment in a modern, spa-like setting. At Helix Dental, your comfort comes first—because a healthy smile starts with a positive experience. Let us care for your family’s smiles!
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Fostering Communication Skills
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARRON ANDREWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Helping children who are struggling in school and in everyday life
Carole Drury
Marcie Fountaine
When a child is having issues with learning, speech clarity, or social interactions, parents may not know where to turn. Helping those with communication issues is the specialty of Princeton SpeechLanguage & Learning Center (PSLLC). Founded in 1989, the center has two locations - one in Princeton and, since 2022, another in Madison.
“We really strive to provide quality, individualized therapeutic services, “says Marcie Fountaine, co-owner and clinical director. The vision of the clinic focuses on helping individuals of all ages, but particularly children and young adults, develop essential speech, language and social communication skills.
One of the big differences that sets this private practice apart from schoolbased services is that the staff works with the whole family. “Of course, we want to support children’s academic needs, but we also want to support them at home and in the community,” says Carole Drury, co-owner and director of business operations.
Parents turn to PSLLC because research has shown that effective speech-language therapy and academic support at the right time can greatly improve a child’s chances of success in school and in life. Early intervention is key and for this reason, the center accepts children as young as two.
“There’s no risk in having your child evaluated,” says Marcie. “However, if there’s a delay that is not identified, the gap in development will continue to grow.”
The clinic treats students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, receptive and expressive language delays, articulation difficulties, and literacy weaknesses. Additionally, PSLLC specializes in supporting social communication, better known as social skills, in a neurodivergent affirming manner. There’s the opportunity to address
“The entire staff at PSLLC stays up-to-date with current trends in therapy to provide the most effective, evidence-based therapeutic approaches,” says Marcie
these skills in either individual or group therapy from preschool through the teenage years. While many people assume social difficulties primarily impact a child’s ability to relate to their peers, it can also impact a child’s awareness of expectations in different environments and perspective-taking skills. Weak perspective-taking skills can influence reading comprehension and/or the ability to follow character motivations in television shows and movies.
To help clients, the center offers a licensed staff who are highly trained with advanced degrees. “The entire staff at PSLLC stays up-to-date with current trends in therapy to provide the most effective, evidence-based therapeutic approaches,“ says Marcie. Instead of a clinical setting, both centers have a welcoming and warm atmosphere, and children (and adults) arrive and leave happy.
“The field of speech-language pathology is incredibly rewarding,” adds Carole. “We build positive connections with families and provide services that enhance a child’s ability to express their thoughts and ideas and improve their abilities to interact with peers. We view our clients like family, and it is incredibly satisfying to witness their progress.”
PSLLC offers free phone consultations and listens carefully to parents to figure out what is going on and to determine the type of services needed. “We want to ensure that whatever the parent is looking for, we’re guiding them in the appropriate direction,” says Marcie. “If they’re calling for a service that we can’t provide, then I make the necessary referral.”
For more information, visit PSLLCNJ.com or call 609-924-7080.
A PLACE FOR BEAUTIFUL SMILES
This practice makes dental care fun and comfortable for both kids and adults
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
When children (and adults) walk into The Smile Den in Florham Park, they feel as if they’re entering a magical place instead of a clinical dental office. With its nature designs, calming colors, reading nooks, and play area, it’s a place where people of all ages can feel welcome and comfortable.
“One of our main goals is to have this feel like a home away from home for our patients,” says Dr. Amie (pronounced “uh-me”) Shah, a board-certified pediatric dentist. As a child, she had a lot of issues with her teeth. “I was always so fearful, so I wanted to work in a field where I could make a difference for children.”
She and her sister, Dr. Purvy Shah, a board-certified orthodontist who treats both adults and children, founded the family practice last May. “I was always interested in healthcare, and I wanted an environment where I could make long-lasting relationships with patients,” says Dr. Purvy.
Although the aesthetics of the office are homey and fun, the treatments and equipment are all state of the art. There’s a dedicated consultation space with comfortable seating, and televisions in treatment rooms so children can watch Disney shows while undergoing procedures. There are also brushing stations for both children and adults to encourage oral hygiene.
Before children leave, they can visit the treasure tree and choose a prize for being good patients. “It’s a really positive experience where kids are leaving happy and want to come back,” says Dr. Amie.
Since children should start dental care and orthodontic care early in life, having a place that truly cares for them and their parents is critical. “I think a lot of adults have their own anxieties about going to the dentist, and they can sometimes unknowingly project these onto their kids,” says Dr. Purvy. “So, we focus on the whole family that walks through the door.”
It’s also really important for both sisters to help others less fortunate. “We started volunteering at a very early age - we were always geared towards giving back,” says Dr. Amie. “While I was
in dental school, I had the opportunity to do a couple of mission trips where I were able to go to another country and do pro bono dental work. Dentistry in general is just a really rewarding profession.”
When not working, she and her husband Aman enjoy traveling. “I love to learn about other cultures and try different foods and cuisines and just learn about the world,” she says.
Dr. Purvy also enjoys exploring with her husband Shan and daughters, 5-yearold Maya and 3-year-old Diya. “We like finding different things to do together as a family such as trying new restaurants and traveling,” she says. “My sister and I also both love performing Indian dances at family functions too.”
To find out more about the doctors and The Smile Den, and to make an appointment, go to TheSmileDenNJ.com .
“IT’S A REALLY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WHERE KIDS ARE LEAVING HAPPY AND WANT TO COME BACK,” SAYS DR. AMIE.
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ALPACA ADVENTURES AWAIT!
FROM PETTING TO WALKING, THESE GENTLE ANIMALS CREATE MAGICAL MEMORIES FOR KIDS AND PARENTS ALIKE.
ARTICLE BY BENJAMIN MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MATTHEW MEYER
Looking for a unique, unforgettable summer outing that both kids and grownups will adore? Add “Walk an Alpaca” to your family bucket list! Right here in New Jersey, two magical alpaca farms— Bluebird Farm Alpacas in Peapack and Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman—offer hands-on fun, furry friends, and fresh air that’ll have everyone smiling from ear to ear.
EACH GUEST IS MATCHED WITH AN ALPACA BUDDY AND GIVEN A HALTER AND LEAD LINE. WALKING BESIDE ONE OF THESE PEACEFUL ANIMALS THROUGH THE SCENIC
FARM PATHS IS NOT ONLY FUN—IT’S SURPRISINGLY CALMING.
At Bluebird Farm Alpacas, the charm hits you the moment you arrive. Peaceful pastures, and wide-eyed, fluffy alpacas greet you like old friends. These gentle creatures, with their big curious eyes and soft fleece, love to be admired—and yes, they love a good walk, too! Families can book a weekend visit (reservations required) and enjoy a guided farm tour where you’ll learn all about alpacas—where they come from, how they live, and why their fleece is so coveted.
And here’s the best part: You can take one of these lovable alpacas for a leisurely stroll! Each guest is matched with an alpaca buddy and given a halter and lead line.
Walking beside one of these peaceful animals through the scenic farm paths is not only fun—it’s surprisingly calming. After your walk, swing by the gift shop for cozy alpacawool treasures crafted by local artisans.
Want to double the magic? Just a short drive away is Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, where two worlds collide in the most wonderful way: alpacas and lavender fields! Picture this: rows of fragrant purple blooms dancing in the breeze, and the gentle hum of bees collecting nectar—it’s a sensory delight before you even meet the alpacas.
This family-run farm invites guests to pet, feed, and bond with their certified herd of alpacas, many of whom are stars
in their own right with ribbons to prove it. While there’s no charge to visit, donations are appreciated—and well worth it. The farm offers alpaca walking tours for a modest fee that gives kids and adults alike the chance to experience pure joy on four legs.
And don’t leave without exploring the farm’s gift shop—packed with lavender goodies, handmade honey, and alpacathemed gifts. If you’re lucky, your visit might even align with one of their outdoor “Farm to Table” dinners.
Both farms are weekend destinations that require advance reservations, and both are packed with wholesome, screenfree fun that’s sure to become a cherished summer memory.
So pack a picnic, grab the kids, and head out for a day of alpaca love and lavender fields—you’ll be so glad you did! bluebirdfarmalpacas.com, hiddenspringlavender.com
Fun Facts About Alpacas:
Alpacas are gentle creatures that belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.
These captivating animals come in 22 natural colors, ranging from pure white to shades of gray, brown, and black.
Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for their luxurious fleece, which is softer than sheep’s wool and hypoallergenic.
Alpacas communicate through a range of sounds, including humming, clucking, and even screaming when alarmed.
THREE LOCAL SPOTS FOR BIG UNDERWATER THRILLS—NO BEACH REQUIRED.
Under the Sea, NJ-Style
ARTICLE BY BENJAMIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“
Whether you’ve got a curious toddler, an animal-obsessed teen, or you’re just looking for a fun indoor day that’ll wow the whole family, these aquariums deliver big on wonder and fun.
Here’s the thing about summer in New Jersey—some days, it’s blazing hot, some days it rains just when you planned to hit the beach, and some days… the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults) just need a break from the backyard. That’s when we say: grab your crew and head under the sea!
We’re not talking about hopping on a flight or making a trek down the shore. We’re talking about three incredible aquariums—right here in our Garden State—that are packed with ocean adventures, playful penguins, and even a few surprising land animals (hello, hippos!). Whether you’ve got a curious toddler, an animal-obsessed teen, or you’re just looking for a fun indoor day that’ll wow the whole family, these aquariums deliver big on wonder and fun.
Here are three of our favorites that we visit all the time—and trust us, they never disappoint.
ADVENTURE AQUARIUM – CAMDEN
The one with hippos, sharks... and a bridge of pure bravery.
If you’ve never been to Adventure Aquarium, make this the summer you go. It’s got over 15,000 aquatic animals and some seriously jaw-dropping exhibits. You can literally walk over a tank full of sharks (on the world’s longest shark bridge!) and then pop over to say hello to their famous Nile hippos who like to nap, swim, and generally steal the show.
Our favorite part? The Little Blue Penguins! These tiny waddlers are adorable, curious, and incredibly entertaining to watch. There’s also a stingray touch tank (yes, you can actually touch them!), a whole realm dedicated to sharks, and a tunnel that surrounds you with sea life. Plus, they go all-out for seasonal events— think Shark Summer the summer, Fintastic Pumpkin
Glow in the fall, and Christmas Underwater featuring Scuba Santa swimming with sharks in the winter. https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER – JERSEY CITY
Where science meets splashy, hands-on fun.
Okay, so Liberty Science Center isn’t technically just an aquarium—but their Hudson River exhibit is one of the coolest things for curious kids who love water and wildlife. It’s designed to be super interactive, with tanks built at kid-level so they can get up close with turtles, river fish, and more. There’s even a water table where kids can direct the flow of the river, build up sediment, and see how it all moves.
Kids love pretending to be scientists in mini lab coats, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a hands-on ecology experiment in progress. Bonus: you’re right across from NYC, so you get skyline views, too. This one’s great for younger kids who love a good splash and a good science moment. https://lsc.org/
SEA LIFE AQUARIUM – EAST RUTHERFORD
Inside American Dream, but feels like another world.
If you haven’t explored the American Dream Mall yet, this is the perfect excuse. SEA LIFE Aquarium is completely indoors (translation: perfect for rainy days or when it’s just too hot to function), and it’s like walking through a living, glowing ocean.
They’ve got over 3,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and jellyfish, all swimming through exhibits themed like NYC. That’s right—sea turtles cruising past a miniature Empire State Building? Only here! The Ocean Tunnel is a total showstopper: you walk through a glass tunnel while sea life swims all around you . Kids love spotting the jellyfish and
CONTINUED >
touching sea stars in the interactive tide pools, and the behind-the-scenes tour gives a fun peek at how the magic happens.
It’s a smaller aquarium than the others, but it’s super stroller-friendly and easy to explore with younger kids. Plus, you can pair it with a ride on the indoor roller
coasters or a stop at the ice cream shop next door. Winwin. https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
So whether your crew is into science, sharks, penguins, or just needs a cool break from the summer sun, these NJ aquariums are a guaranteed hit. This summer, skip the screen time and dive into a day that’s totally splash-worthy.
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ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kid-friendly activity.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
