Eastern Morris, NJ April 2026

Letter from the Editor

Investing means so much more than just money. It’s also about family, career, health, education, and relationships. With the warmer weather fast approaching, we get the opportunity to thaw out, take a breath, and look around. We can ask ourselves, are we investing enough energy into the things that are most important to us?

Our first story features Financial Advisor Scott Doyle. Did your New Year’s resolution crash and burn months ago? There’s still hope. Scott talks to us about how tax season is the best time of year to reset your financial goals.

Is it time for some updates in your kitchen? Royal Green Appliance takes us through some of the smartest purchases you can make to keep your kitchen running in tip-top shape. Invest in the best now and save on efficiency for years to come.

Luana Stavar, owner of La Vida Salon and Spa in East Hanover, feels one of the most important ways you can set your business up for success is by investing in your employees. She believes in a hands-on approach, regular access to continuing education, and treating your staff like family.

Just as your skincare or clothing choices may change with age, so should your financial decisions. Financial Advisor Kyle Kaiser takes you through the decades and sheds light on how our mindset towards money should evolve over the years.

Health is a constant investment. One we should be pouring into each and every day. Dr. Marisa Sweeney, owner of Be Well Integrative Health Services in Morristown, is on a mission to teach women the best in health care from prenatal to post-menopause.

What’s more important than family? Not much. Our monthly columnist and Morris County mom, Felisha Lynch, invests in her family in a big way. Trust us. You’re going to wish you’d done this years ago.

If health is wealth, then it all starts with food. Chef Robert Parlegreco, the Dining Services Coordinator at Sunrise of Mountain Lakes, shares one of his favorite recipes that will suit any palate at any age.

If we’re trying to invest in ourselves each day, then this issue will get us on the right track. It’s packed with ideas from our favorite local experts. Take one bit of advice or take them all! Let’s enter this new, glorious season as the best version of ourselves.

ALISON LUKIN, EDITOR @EASTERNMORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Kim Cera | kim.cera@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Alison Lukin | Alison.Lukin@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Felisha Lynch, Lisa Kintish, Kyle Kaiser, Nikki Blance

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donna Fisk, Barbora Hindson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

A NEW STANDARD IN OUTDOOR LIVING.

With high-quality, photorealistic renderings, we bring your vision to life before construction begins— so you can see, shape, and experience your highest outdoor aspirations with clarity and confidence.

Kohut and Son Landscaping provides a multitude of services covering everything from landscape design to snow plowing. We specialize in original planting design and landscaping architecture, custom stonework, natural and mortar stone walls, all types of patio stone and pavers, koi ponds, waterfalls, drainage, full service property maintenance for residential and commercial properties.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Attendees at the Nourish NJ fundraiser at St. Peter’s Church in Mountain Lakes 2: Attendees at a Tai Chi and Qi Gong fitness event held by Fitness Knocking 3: Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, President & CEO, of @partnership_mch participated in the closing bell at the Nasdaq 4: Attendees at the grand re-opening of the Lakeland Hills YMCA 5: Bartender Avante and Kegina Graham Assistant Director at The Funplex, East Hanover 6: Sueanne Sylvester, Donna Fisk, Kristy Shovlowsky, and Barbora Hindson at @easternmorriscitylifestyle launch event at @javasmugglers 7: Attendees at the @morrischambernj Network After Work at The Funplex event

business monthly

Aura Studio Pairs Fitness And Cafe Under One Roof

Aura Studio & Café is a women-owned wellness space in Lake Hiawatha combining Mat Pilates, Yoga, professional esthetics services, and a specialty café all under one roof. This April, we’re highlighting our Glow Pilates classes designed to build strength, flexibility, and confidence in a welcoming community environment. After class, enjoy protein salads, specialty coffee, or gluten-free desserts. Wellness isn’t a luxury, it's a lifestyle.

Scan to read more

Creating A New Perspective For The Wedding Industry

Matthew James Designs has captured an entire vision of clarity with a fully acrylic wedding structure and table set that will light up any wedding ceremony. Available for purchase or rental, the Acrylic Chuppah is the staple product in our ever growing line of acrylic wedding products and designs for over 15 years.

Scan to read more

State Farm Unleashes Medical Insurance For Pets Through Trupanion

When your pets need medical attention, the last thing you should worry about is cost. Unfortunately, many pet owners find themselves facing tough decisions about their dog or cat’s care. We’re here to help. State Farm works with Trupanion® – a leader in high-quality pet medical insurance – to make it easier for pet owners to care for their furry family members. Ask Teri DiGrande in Morris Plains, NJ, about a pet medical insurance quote.

Scan to read more

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Mortgage Lender

Sharif Shamsudin - Cornerstone First Mortgage lendingbysharif.com/ | 973.902.9932

Marianne Jones at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #65355) grarate.com/MarianneJones | 973.775.4332

Shane Force at EMM Loans emmloans.com | 201.377.1978

Jenifer Brennan-Crowley jeniferbrennan.com | 973.867.6184

Tim Alston at Weichert Financial Services weichertfinancial.mymortgage-online.com/TimothyAlston | 973.296.4625

Senior Living Facilities

Sunrise of Mountain Lakes SunriseMountainLakes.com | 973.461.7410

Arbor Terrace Morris Plains arborcompany.com/locations/new-jersey/morris-plains | 973.943.4486

LIVIA Health & Senior Living livia-health.com | 973.995.6700

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

The Delaney At The Green delaneyatthegreen.com | 973.991.9344

Brighton Gardens of Florham Park sunriseseniorliving.com/communities/brighton-gardens-of-florham-park/ overview.aspx | 973.966.8999

ARTICLE BY ALISON

BY DONNA FISK

Financial Advisor Scott Doyle on why tax season is more than a return—it’s a reset

REFRESH YOUR FINANCIAL GAME PLAN

Don’t you just love a good New Year’s resolution? The clock strikes midnight, and it’s the opportunity for a whole new you. A surge in investment for whatever kind of wellness you’re seeking. But alas, we all know these great intentions don’t last. There’s even a new term called “Quitter’s Day” reserved for the second Friday in January. With the death of our resolutions long out of sight in our rear-view mirror, must we wait a whole other year to become the best version of ourselves? Fear not. The best kind of reset is upon us—tax season. Yes, you read that correctly.

Scott Doyle, Founder and Financial Advisor at Horicon Wealth Management, feels people can look forward to tax season as a time not only to review the previous year’s finances, but also to use that information to tweak strategies for the future. Scott explains, “It’s about using tax season as a time to look at the most comprehensive document people have in their lives. And it’s your own fingerprint.”

The tax return isn’t just paperwork; it’s a snapshot of your life. It reflects income, investments, health, and family structure, all in one place. Scott elaborates, “It’s understanding your health. Did you have a kid this year, or did you make a big purchase like a home? Have your family dynamics changed? How much money did you make, or did you

sell anything substantial? It’s more of an opportunity to understand how you contribute to savings. And most importantly, it’s a time to see if your plan evolved with your life. Are you honoring your values and goals, and how that’s changed over time?”

Because tax season brings so many moving pieces together, it can serve as a natural moment to step back, not just to file, but to reflect and adjust. A great place to start is your spending. Scott recommends, “Always know your spend. For my own life, I use the EveryDollar App. A lot of people use RocketMoney. It’s all about tracking what you spend. It’s so simple, but it’s hard.” Taking just a few months to establish a baseline for your spending can make all the difference.

“Old decisions quietly stay in place while life moves on,” Scott says. The need for balance is important. “Don’t think so far ahead and max out your 401K that a house or car seems far out of reach. Sometimes over-saving isn’t right either. It’s not right for your finances or mental health.”

Your finances are part of an ecosystem. Understanding the parts that are intertwined

“TAX SEASON BRINGS SO MANY MOVING PIECES TOGETHER, IT CAN SERVE AS A NATURAL MOMENT TO STEP BACK, NOT JUST TO FILE, BUT TO REFLECT AND ADJUST. A GREAT PLACE TO START IS YOUR SPENDING.”

helps make the ecosystem healthy, because they all affect one another. A small change in one area quietly affects another.

And tax season is the perfect time to bring all of this together. “You’re already gathering statements. You’re already visiting accounts that you may not think of for the rest of the year, or even years down the road. It’s a natural moment as you’re gathering these statements for your accountant or doing them yourself.”

This all culminates in answering the most important question: Does my financial plan right now match how my life looks today?

Financial decisions are rarely made in isolation, regardless of how much you earn. Taxes, investments, estate considerations, and family planning are all interconnected, even when they’re handled by different professionals at different times. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for guidance. What you do once during the year, or even in your life, a financial planner does countless times during the year. Sometimes it’s best just to be pointed in the right direction.”

https://horiconwealthmgmt.com/

ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH

Invest in Kitchen Energy Efficiency

COOKING UP BETTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT APPLIANCES

Induction Reduces Waste

Induction heats pans directly with electromagnetic energy, unlike gas cooking surfaces, which emit 40 to 60 percent of the energy into the kitchen, according to Molly Miller, Sales, The Royal Green Appliance Companies.

Steam is Adaptable

A great feature of steam ovens is installation flexibility. Because they can be either plumbed or used with a reservoir, noted Miller, anyone can easily incorporate steam cooking into their kitchen.

Befriend Smart Appliances

Smart appliances learn our habits! An example is Fisher & Paykel’s ActiveSmart technology, which keeps food fresher longer by adapting the unit to daily usage patterns, thereby saving energy.

Steam is Faster

Steam ovens are a trend, reports Miller, and it’s easy to understand why. Steam transfers heat more quickly, reducing cooking times. Additionally, because these ovens generally have smaller cavities, preheat times are reduced.

Dishwashers can offer significant energy savings. New models detect load dirtiness and adjust cycle time and water usage. The Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher provides a half-load option, running drawers independently.

INVESTING

BEAUTY IN

ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LA VIDA SALON Salon owner Luana Stavar finds that investing in her Team has beautiful results

Luana Stavar didn’t just want to open a salon; she wanted to change salon culture. Reimagining the very method in which she learned her craft, the owner of La Vida Salon in East Hanover was determined to let her stylists shine by offering them a hands-on education. She knew with the right kind of investment, they would flourish.

Recalling her early days as a stylist, Luana shared, “I worked in a very structured salon.” She explained that the owner used a more traditional business model, in which assistants primarily interacted with clients during shampoo services. “It was a different kind of environment,” she said. “Because assistants had limited hands-on experience, stepping into a stylist role later on could feel unfamiliar at first.”

“It’s important because it’s so great to see someone grow as a stylist and to see their potential,” explained Luana. “I have been working with them from the beginning and training them to be aligned with the brand.”

Truly committed to investing in her team, Luana devotes significant time to training and mentorship. She explained, “We teach a few times a week in different formats—short in-salon sessions, hands-on model work, and focused workshops. Classes typically range from two to six hours, depending on the topic. We also do deeper training and masterclasses when introducing new techniques or services.”

The training covers services like keratin treatments, hair extensions, and advanced color techniques, including balayage, gray blending, blonding, and corrective color.

Luana assembled her current team before she found the salon’s space. They were a group of newcomers eager for a career in styling. “I believed in them, and they believed in me.”

There were three months of training prior to opening day. Nearly three years later, training continues. Done both in-house and at outside locations, Luana teaches most classes herself and, when she can, brings in local and international instructors. For one week, an instructor from Brazil was on site. Others have come from California and Florida. She is currently working to bring in someone from Australia.

Everything about the salon was carefully thought out. The name means “the life,” and it represents the fact that “all who work here are the life of the salon and spa.”

The hands-on approach benefits not only the stylists and assistants but also the clients.  Luana said, “This makes the experience 10 out of 10 for guests because we’re all a big team. We’re all friends. They see we’re working together to provide the best experience for them.”

As for her team, Luana enjoys seeing them become their own stylist. “When I see them become proud of what they’re doing, it elevates me.”

Visit https://www.lavida.salon/ to learn more.

Then there are lessons that go beyond hair. Her growing team of twelve also learns consultation skills, pricing, retail sales, client retention, social media content, branding, and time management. “The goal,” said Luana, “is to build wellrounded stylists who are confident behind the chair and successful long-term.”

Mentorship is another aspect of her reimagined salon culture. She said, “We provide one-on-one coaching, support with goal setting, pricing, and scheduling guidance, and regular feedback to help stylists grow. We also mentor on mindset, confidence, and personal brand building. Our team knows they’re supported not just as stylists, but as individuals growing their careers.”

Luana’s husband, Damien, is her partner in life and business. In addition to focusing on back-office work, he helped her create the salon’s rustic yet modern aesthetic. They used wood sourced from the couple’s farm, Goodwood Farms, to build the handcrafted elements that make the space feel inviting.

Smart Finances At Any Age

I am Kyle, a Financial Advisor at Newroads Financial Group. Growing up, jargon money terms that were thrown around made me as confused as a chameleon in a bag of Skittles. The day when it would all make sense to me felt out of reach. A required high school investments class, however, left me ravenous for more knowledge on these wide-ranging topics. Now, when guiding individuals through different life phases, I enjoy being a resource who simplifies complex financial topics and dispels myths about managing money.

THE ASSET ACCUMULATION PHASE:

This phase usually lasts until around age 45. The funds available for saving and investing may increase gradually as one moves through this life stage. For longer-term goals like retirement or saving for a child’s education, riskier, growth-focused investments might be appropriate, since there is generally plenty of time left on your “financial journey.” Starting early is critical because it gives your money more time to compound. Saving for your long-term goals is like rolling a snowball down a hill: the earlier you start, the bigger your snowball is at the bottom.

THE PROTECTION PHASE:

This phase usually lasts from ages 45 to 60, or until retirement. One may become aware of the risks present to their hard-earned savings and become more conservative. However, one should also be aware of the risks of being too conservative, because their savings may not keep up with the continually rising costs of living.

THE GIFTING PHASE:

This phase usually begins at age 60, or one’s retirement date, and lasts the rest of their lives. Here, gifts to heirs and expensive vacations to reward oneself for hard work may be prevalent. However, when withdrawing money in retirement, it is critical to be aware of risks present to your savings, such as sequence-of-returns risk, which is the risk that making withdrawals during poor market performance early in retirement may accelerate the depletion of retirement savings, like draining water from a leaking bucket. A potentially viable strategy to combat this risk may be to create a guaranteed income stream in retirement that will result in more confidence and less reliance on investment portfolios.

Follow Kyle on Instagram: @Kythemoneyguy

General Contractor and Construction Manager for All Types of Projects specializing in:

Structural & Foundation Repairs, Reinforcement & Modifications | Column & Wall Removals

Welding & Structural Steel | New and Repairs to Existing Decks | French Drains/Finished Basements

Carpentry, Masonry, Drywall & Painting | Paving, Flatwork & Landscaping

Permitting, Project Management, Owners Rep, Scheduling and Budgeting

R4 is a General Contractor and Construction Manager founded by Engineers. We work on all types of projects but specialize in new and repairs and reinforcing to foundations, framing, decks, footings and columns as well as professional management of projects, permitting, scheduling, budgeting, and Owners Rep services.

r4constructionnj.com | 973-653-0558

115 Route 46, Suite C24 Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

ARTICLE BY NIKKI BLANCHE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON

INVESTING IN Women’s Health

DR. MARISA SWEENEY, OWNER OF BE WELL INTEGRATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, REVOLUTIONIZES THE SUPPORT OF WOMEN THROUGHOUT THEIR HEALTH JOURNEY

Those who have recently spent time on Bank Street in beautiful and historic Morristown may have been delighted to find a colorful doorway nestled on the corner of a standard brick building. The vivid arabesque images hint at warm sunbeams and suggest a peek through flowered vines and sweeping branches to a lush forest beyond. Unabashedly boisterous and intriguing, the entrance hints at warmth within. Especially here, on a side street blanketed with concrete facades.

Hung above the door is a simple black sign with a bright lotus flower, inviting you to ‘Be Well.’

Nearly 15 years ago, Dr. Marisa Sweeney, a board-certified registered dietitian, envisioned a place where she could devote her energy to helping others invest in their health and wellness holistically, using disciplines from around the world, both old and new. With this iconoclastic theory and an entrance to match, Marisa founded Be Well Integrative Health Services

“I was previously a dietitian in private practice for a few years and quickly realized that health is not based on diet alone. It’s multifaceted.”

I recently spoke with Marisa to learn more about how she defines integrative health, the Be Well ideology, NJ VegFest, and the many ways she encourages others to invest in wellness in all its forms.

You opened your doors in 2012 – what made you take the leap into business ownership?

I was previously a dietitian in private practice for a few years and quickly realized that health is not based on diet alone. It’s multifaceted and relies on mental wellness, meaningful physical activity, and the nutritional quality of the food we eat. We have to address all the pieces universally for true wellness.

Tell me more about your team and how they support your vision for wellness.

I’m not a mental health pro or a personal trainer. I wanted to assemble a team of experts to manage and direct patient care across all aspects of wellness. So we have counselors who are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). This means they must complete supervised clinical hours to counsel patients.  While we primarily focus on women’s health, we serve patients of all genders.

Women’s health is finally getting attention.

I strongly believe that women are underserved in health and wellness. With that in mind, we support our patients holistically, cater to each individual, and view them through the lens of how women experience the world.

When we discuss investments, health and wellness aren’t typically the first words that come to mind. In considering the old saying, “Health Is Wealth,” we are reminded that a sound body not only enriches our enjoyment of day-to-day experiences but also directly enables us to invest elsewhere.

Our health is a lifelong journey. Investing in the different demands of a woman’s body, during each stage of life produces positive results long-term. Dr. Sweeney says, “To truly be healthy, a multitude of mental, physical, spiritual, social, and lifestyle factors must be considered and supported for women of all ages.”

Learn more at: https://bewellihs.com/

Matthew James Designs

INVESTING IN WHAT LASTS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELISHA LYNCH

When most people talk about investing, they mean money. Numbers. Plans for the future. But the most important investment we make as a family every year has nothing to do with a bank account. We invest in time!

Life at home is busy in the way only a house with five kids can be. School schedules, sports practices, dinners, laundry, and the constant feeling of moving from one thing straight into the next. We’re together a lot, but I realized being in the same place doesn’t always mean being present.

That’s why once a year, we do something a little different. We take an extended family trip. Not a quick getaway. Not a rushed vacation. We step away from our normal routine long enough to actually slow down. Last year, it was Puerto Rico. This year, we spent seven weeks in the Dominican Republic. Every time, it changes us for the better.

The pace shifts. Mornings aren’t rushed. Conversations last longer. We sit together without checking the time. The kids play differently, rely on each other more, and just get to be kids.

Education matters to us, but learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. Being in another country teaches our kids things a traditional school day can’t. New cultures, new perspectives, and different ways of life build confidence and empathy in ways books alone never could.

Some of our favorite simple things we do on these trips that rarely happen at home:

• Eating dinner together without rushing off to practice

• Slow mornings with no alarms

• Letting the kids play outside until the sun goes down

• Exploring new places

• Going days without saying “hurry up” (a true luxury!)

People always ask if it’s worth it. Every year, the answer is YES. We come home closer, calmer, and more connected. At the end of the day, our kids won’t remember how full our schedules were. They’ll remember how it felt to be together. And for us, that’s an investment worth making.

Follow along for our family adventures on @felishalynchxo

Protein-Packed Ranch Chicken Bowl

Recipe by Chef Robert Parlegreco, the Dining Services Coordinator at Sunrise of Mountain Lakes

ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

CHEF ROBERT PARLEGRECO

We love bringing you monthly recipes, whether it’s a celebratory cocktail or a hearty meal you can share with family. When seeking delicious dining options, would you consider a senior living facility? We wouldn’t either. But Sunrise at Mountain Lakes isn’t your ordinary place, and Robert Parlegreco isn’t your everyday chef.

Chef Parlegreco has spent a lifetime cooking everywhere from high-end restaurants to cafes. As the Dining Services Coordinator, he’s responsible for curating daily menus for the residents, as well as holidays, special events, and family gatherings. And these residents eat WELL. How does filet mignon, baked cod oreganato, elegant brunches, and homemade baked goods sound?

His love of great food is evident in his community engagement. He hosts interactive food demonstrations with residents, like cheesecake bake-offs. Chef Parlegreco and Sunrise at Mountain Lakes also partner with the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, leading “Junior Chef” cooking classes for kids. He prides himself on promoting fresh, seasonal menus for all ages.

Ingredients:

• ingredients go here

• 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast

• 3 large sweet potatoes

• 1 large red onion

• 2 heads of broccoli

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 pint of grape tomatoes

• 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese

• 1 bottle of ranch dressing

• brown rice (get the boil-in-a-bag rice)

• salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano

• olive oil for marinade, 1/2 cup divided

Directions:

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into cubes, placing them in a mixing bowl with ½ the olive oil, and seasoning them well with salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano.

2. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Peel sweet potatoes. Cube and marinate like the chicken, and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350°F.

4. Cut the broccoli into small crowns and mix with the grape tomatoes. Cube the red onion and add it to the broccoli and tomatoes. In a mixing bowl, add the remaining oil and season with dry spices. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

5. If you prepare everything at once, you can bake it all together. While cooking, place the rice in boiling water. Plan so that everything comes out simultaneously.

6. In 6 large bowls, place the rice on the bottom, add chicken, broccoli, potatoes, onions, & tomatoes. Cut the avocado and divide it among the bowls, then finish with ranch dressing and enjoy!

I

APRIL 3RD

Spring Stroll

Boonton Main Street | 4:00 PM

Come explore the charm of historic Downtown Boonton and enjoy a magical evening of shopping, art, food, and community! Meet amazing local businesses, discover unique finds, and support small shops, all while soaking in the vibrant energy of our town. For more info visit: https://www.boontonmainstreet.org/events/spring-stroll

APRIL 4TH

The Pink Floyd Project Live Show

Alpha Wave Studios, Hanover Twp | 7:00 PM

Relive the magic of Pink Floyd! The Pink Floyd Project, New York's acclaimed nine-piece tribute band (boasting over 1 million views online), brings your favorite anthems to life at Alpha Wave Studios April 4th, 2026. Doors open at 6 PM; music starts at 7 PM. Tickets on eventbrite.com

APRIL 15TH

Small Business Summit by Outsource My IT & Parsippany PAL

Parsippany PAL | 10:00 AM

Join local business owners and decision-makers for an invite-only Small Business Summit designed to help you scale smarter, not harder. Request an invite by emailing info@outsourcemyit.com

APRIL 15TH

Wine & Graze: An Artisanal Five-Course Dining Experience

Jersey Artisan Cafe, Morris Plains | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Artisan grazing board, followed by 5-course small plate menu. Wine & food pairings curated by local wine experts of Three Pour Choices. A relaxed, educational tasting experience celebrating community and craftsmanship. Limited seating available $75 per person. Wine tasting bundle purchases separately from Wine & Whiskey for $20. Total event cost $95. Tickets: https://jac-events.square.site/