THE I’m Possible CAFE
...A PLACE WE ARE ALL THANKFUL FOR
THAN
November- Time To Give Thanks
November is here, the time we acknowledge those who help make a difference. Fortunately, we find ourselves around so many great people, it’s impossible to highlight them all, so we’ll point out a few of them for you.
But first I will start with the most important thing I bring to the table all year. Usually, in our December issue, but here, a month earlier this year, is our Giving Campaign. For those of you new to Wayne Lifestyle, our Giving Campaign is the opportunity for you to anonymously nominate any individuals or families you know of in need. Our company reads them all and finds the opportunities where we can make a REAL difference in lives. Last year, we gifted nearly $1 million based on YOUR nominations. Some of you reading this right now made those nominations, so let’s keep this going again this year.
Next, we spend some time with Joe and Paulette Rude, who have opened the I’m Possible Café inside of Seven Scoops & Sips. They did this to bring good, productive work opportunities to people who don’t usually get them.
While there, we also took the opportunity to interview their inaugural staff and what each of them is thankful for this year. I am very thankful for people like Joe and Paulette, the café they have started, and the wonderful children they employ.
We also introduce you to Jessica Sprague. Not only is Jessica the type of family law attorney you want in your life should some parts of it go awry but she also shares some pearls of wisdom about managing a work-life balance that may just help keep your life on track.
We brought in everyone’s favorite interior designer, Hannah Kern of NJ Living By Design, to give some easy and elegant ways to Setting Your Thanksgiving Tablescape. Once you learn that, you will know the best way to show off those Acorn Donut Holes we are also giving you the recipe for. See how that all came together.
So, enjoy this issue and be thankful for your life. Be happy for what you and others bring to the table. Be giving because you never know when you will need others to share with you, but most importantly, be the difference.
Happy Thanksgiving, Love You All!
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Officially Social | jamie@officiallysocial.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Don Seaman, Hannah Kern, Phillip Barone, Alison Stanton, Madeline Leblanc
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chad Thompson (Wayne Hills Photo), Hannah Kern, Phillip Barone, Joe Rude
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @WAYNELIFESTYLEMAG
Photography: Chad Thompson (Wayne Hills Photo)
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER 2025
city scene
1: Michael Pascuito hosted his Deanna Pasciuto Golf Outing with help from fiancée, Norina, & kids. 2: The golfers couldn't have had a better day to play at Preakness Valley. 3: Michael addressed nearly 100 golfers to raise money for his annual "Pay It Forward" campaign. 4: Our winning Student Photo Contest photos are on display at Guacamole - go take a look! 5: The North Jersey Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors had their live meeting at Laurelwood Arboretum. 6: John Majeski and Tom Hayden from Servpro hosted another legendary networking get-together.
7: The Servpro event had everything- networking, food, cigar bar, virtual golf, pickleball, and table tennis.
Photography by Phillip Barone
Advisor
LEGAL-EASE you’ll thank us for
JESSICA SPRAGUE ON WORK/LIFE BALANCE, EMPOWERING WOMEN, AND FEELING GRATITUDE
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD THOMPSON (WAYNE HILLS PHOTO)
Like a new sapling found green and growing amid the ruins of a devastating forest fire, there’s one thing that symbolized new growth after the nightmare of our social shutdown a few years ago.
There’s been an easier path to achieving some measure of work/life balance. Most companies were forced to embrace a work from home model, with many still offering at least a hybrid situation to this day. That’s been a seismic shift for many people’s ability to schedule their time, be productive, and keep their lives moving forward.
Jessica Sprague is someone grateful for the opportunity to have that equilibrium in her life. As a family law attorney her time is in great demand, so she’s seen the boon of the change firsthand. Living in West Milford, simply getting to her workplace in Florham Park impacts her already extended workday.
“I’m extremely lucky and thankful that my mom lives so close. She’s been my childcare support, especially when they were younger, before I was able to primarily work from home,” Jessica admits. “Now, despite the long hours, I can be present for my kids – getting them off to school and being there when they get off the bus. It’s not easy, sometimes I have to still take calls in the car, and have some meetings and events at night. The balance still takes work. It’s a matter of being there. That’s the blessing.”
On Empowering Women
Specializing in family law, Jessica has to navigate some intense emotional situations with her clients. She cites something that she learned from one of her mentors, Judge John Selser.
“He taught me so much about the emotional side of this. You know, being a family law attorney, I'm dealing with people at their worst, some of the best people at their worst time. In criminal court, you've got the worst people on their best behavior. And in family court, you have the best people on their worst behavior.”
“I actively encourage all my clients, male or female, to seek a therapist because I'm not a therapist, right? I'm an attorney,” Jessica says. “Women are more likely to actually listen to that advice.”
“A lot of my women clients, especially stay-at-home moms who have not been in the workforce do tend to need more guidance in what steps they’re going to need. Some have never had to pay bills before, so setting them up with a financial planner, or helping to make them aware of other resources to get through those next steps. And sometimes there’s a possibility that maybe they’re not going to have their kids a hundred percent of the time. That’s a very hard thing to get through.”
One of the important things to remember, Jessica says, is to be able to simply ask for help. Especially when it comes to family.
“Looking back and realizing even if it's not always easy to have a relationship with your family, they are still your family. And, except for some unfortunate situations, most of the time, family is going to be there to help you and support you. I think a lot of times we're unable to really ask for that help that we need. But if you ask for it, you can be thankful that they really, truly are there for you.”
On Imposter Syndrome
“I do think women tend to compare themselves more to other women than men versus other men. I think that's just innate in women in general, like whether we're comparing our looks, comparing our families, there's so many things. I just think women in general tend to compare ourselves, not necessarily outwardly, but inwardly. We ask ourselves ‘am I as good enough as that person is?’”
Social media is not helping to get past imposter syndrome, no matter who we are.
“You have to kind of try and distance yourself at points from social media’s influence and not get yourself so ingrained in that. I do think psychologically it's not good, especially for young girls.”
On Encouraging Gratitude With Your Kids
“I think it's a lot of honest and open communication about what's going on in their lives, because I don't think parents necessarily communicate enough with their kids. I think it's easy for all of us to come home from our day of whatever we're doing and sit on a phone or TV and not have honest conversations,” Jessica admits.
“My oldest has been going through a lot this past year. He tore his quad tendon in the winter, had surgery and had to go through the recovery process. Then literally was just about to go back to football and he broke his ankle. So, it's like, that mindset of ‘nothing's going right, nothing's working, etc.’ So I have conversations with him. ‘You know, it's not always going to be that way. Reminding him of the good things in his life, and to be thankful for them. ‘Right now it sucks. But it will get better, you know?’”
That simple lesson of helping the best people at their worst times pays everyday dividends. It’s one that Jessica has mastered.
Jessica Ragno Sprague
Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser, P.C, Jessica Ragno Sprague is a Shareholder in the Family and Matrimonial practice group of Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser, P.C, with offices in Florham Park, Red Bank, and NYC. She can be reached at 973- 845-7640 in her Florham Park office.
Della Fave
Impossible? No, I’m Possible
BREAKFAST - NEVER MORE SPECIAL THAN IN THIS NEW CAFÉ
ARTICLE
BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD THOMPSON (WAYNE HILLS PHOTO)
Joe and Paulette Rude
Nestled within the walls of local legend Seven Scoops beats a new heart of lightness. It’s called “I’m Possible”, a new breakfast café that might make you rethink why breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
I’m Possible is fueled by special needs. And by special people.
The café is hosted inside the Seven Scoops space, before the Seven Scoops business day begins. It’s the brainchild of Joe and Paulette Rude of Wayne, with inspiration from their son, Garrett. The place is a simple bagel/coffee shop, great for a quick morning pickup on your way to work or a place to hang out for a bit to take in the scene.
Because once you go there, you’ll find that the vibe is one you’ll want to be part of every day.
It’s a place where special needs make it work.
Other than Joe and Paulette, the staff is made up primarily of special needs people, particularly those post-21, outside of most systemic programs. And thanks to them being involved from very early on, they’ve become a tight-knit group of friends, all excited to get to work.
“One of Garrett’s music teachers made up a song of activities that Garrett can do, and it's on one of the shirts. So when the kids stop doing what they're doing and ask ‘what else can I do?’, it’s right there on the t-shirt. They're eager to be busy, which is good,” Joe says, with pride.
“We’re here to celebrate these people,” he explains. “It’s a place where not only Garrett can work, but also his peers, and where we can shine a light on their abilities.”
“On Saturdays, we’ll kind of celebrate the kids’ special talents. Garrett happens to be very involved with music. So he’ll get a chance to do some drumming. There's other kids that are artists, so we'll be showcasing some of their artwork. Other kids like to dance and sing. So, you know, besides the work, every hour we're going to be like, okay, it's Matthew's time to sing or it's Sean's turn to, you know, tell his jokes. It’s their opportunity to show all that they can offer, and how unique they really are.”
The Rudes found their epiphany moment in a place they discovered a few years ago while vacationing in LBI. It’s a place called Compassion Cafe with a similar business model. They became friendly with the owners, talking about their son and why it’s so special for them. Compassion Cafe gave them their business plan about two years ago, in case they wanted to spread this sort of joy up north one day.
That joy has arrived, finally landing in Pine Brook. Their prelaunch was a whirlwind of activity of finding their staff, training them, and raising funds to get things going. They hosted a massive cornhole tournament outside Seven Scoops as a fundraiser and to get the word out. “We’re so grateful to the owners of Seven Scoops and Sips for their tremendous support, generosity, and vision to help us get this off the ground,” Joe says.
“Spending time with these kids, seeing them beaming ear to ear and the pride in their parents' eyes as they learn each step - that's the magic of I'm Possible.”
But now they plan to likely limit their public fundraising efforts to a once-yearly event and concentrate upon finding corporate sponsors to help with their supply needs. “There’s so much need in the world,” according to Joe. “Everyone has their stuff. We don’t want to take away from anyone else’s real need to raise money for what they’re going through.”
Longtime readers of Wayne Lifestyle may remember Joe as “Mr. Sunshine” - we talked to him then about his day job as proprietor of Panel The Earth, a solar energy provider. Now, that business is thriving better than ever, as Joe dedicates some of his time to something far more personal. This venture is much more of a callback to his former life as a retired police officer. It seems as Joe has spent his lifetime truly living the motto of “protect and serve.”
His wife Paulette has worked for Tiffany for years. Yes, that Tiffany. As it turns out, she knows that special things don't have to just come in a little blue box.
This is a family that brings sparkle and sunshine to everything it touches.
The bright light of I’m Possible is just beginning to shine.
I’m Possible Cafe is open from 8-11:30AM, September through June on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can find them inside Seven Scoops at 321 Changebrook Road in Pine Brook.
ARTICLE BY PHILLIP BARONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD THOMPSON (WAYNE HILLS PHOTO)
What Are You Thankful For?
THE WONDERFUL TEAM AT THE I'M POSSIBLE CAFE TELLS US WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR
“I'm thankful to have a job."
"I'm thankful for my sister, Riya."
Joe and Paulette Rude, Owners
Joe: “I’m thankful for all the support from everyone in the community.”
Paulette: “I’m thankful for the enthusiasm of all of our wonderful new employees.”
"I'm thankful for math, I really like math."
"I'm thankful for all my friends and family."
"I'm thankful for friends."
Garrett Rude
Joshua Pissott
Sean Jacobs
Patrick Arias
Yuvika Jain
Cheryl Wall, Board Member
“I'm thankful for all of my friends.”
Olivia DeStefano
"I'm thankful for vacations, especially Aruba."
"I'm thankful for a place to belong."
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a community that is welcoming and supportive of my disability."
"I'm thankful for serving delicious coffee."
"I’m thankful for working at the café because I’m able to get out of the house and learn new things."
"I'm thankful for getting to spend time and hang out with my friends while working."
Michael Rivera
Matthew Polifonte
Samantha Ramirez
Ian Abraham
Kathleen Wisnewski
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
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Setting Your Thanksgiving Tablescape
Master Interior Designer Hannah Kern Explains How To Keep It Simple, Festive & Functional
Step 3:
1. Kraft paper tablecloth: Affordable, easy to clean, and perfect for a rustic touch. Bonus: let the kids draw or write what they're thankful for right on the table!
2. Get creative: Use scarves or fabric remnants as table runners, and layer mismatched plates for charming, collected look.
3. Layered plates and napkins: Create visual depth by stacking your plates and folding cloth napkins with a simple ring or a sprig of greenery.
Step 4:
4. Add some texture & height: A few candles instantly elevate the vibe-literally. And touches of foliage: eucalyptus, seasonal leaves, or mini pumpkins for classic holiday charm.
If you are interested in more holiday decorating tips to make your space more festive, contact Hannah Kern at NJ Living By Design at 215-266-1500 or visit @NJ_livingbydesign
