Issuu

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Health & Wellness I S S UE

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

SIM PLE SWAPS FO R A H E ALTH I ER H O M E FRO M BE AR M I N I MU M WIN TH E SN ACK WAR AGAINST YOU R KI DS JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor This year feels like the best new beginning we’ve ever experienced. Diving into the community, meeting neighbors and business owners—when you make the right changes, happiness follows. Health and wellness come in many forms. You can seek it in relationships, your career, or in your home, at any age. In this issue, we’re exploring wellness from many angles, all from local experts. Have you heard of Natalie Grabow? If you haven’t yet, you definitely will! She’s the 80-year-old IRONMAN World Champion from Mountain Lakes. Yes, you read that correctly. Not only is she the kindest human to spend time with, but she also gave us PRICELESS tips on keeping lifelong mobility. Trust us, once you get to know her, you’ll want to be just like Natalie. Dr. Alan Rauchberg shared his take on where total-body health begins. Your mouth, of course! He’s a Parsippany Dentist whose practice is celebrating 61 years in business. He taught us some simple shifts and healthy habits that anyone can implement today. Let’s not forget our home. There’s so much information about sustainable materials and clean ingredients that we certainly can’t overlook. Liz Loranger, owner of Bear Minimum in Boonton, a refillery and sustainable goods marketplace, can help get your house in shape. She let us in on the first sustainable swaps she made, and baby steps you can take to live a cleaner lifestyle. And it’s so easy, it’s not a resolution worth quitting. And what about the kiddos? Instead of staying on the struggle bus when it comes to getting your children to eat healthy, take some advice from a mom of FIVE! Morris County mom, Felisha Lynch, discovered a mind-blowing trick to end the snack wars in her house, and she’s not gatekeeping. Lastly, we show our beloved seniors some attention. If someone close to you is suffering from memory loss, Sunrise of Mountain Lakes shares how to support them with care and dignity. Because when someone you love is struggling, we all need uplifting. When it comes to health and wellness, there are many moving parts. We often forget how our whole selves are all connected. We hope some of our experts can help you forge a strong path in 2026 to living your most vibrant life. Cheers to the New Year and many exciting things to come from our team at Eastern Morris City Lifestyle! ALISON LUKIN, EDITOR @EASTERNMORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Kim Cera | kim.cera@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Alison Lukin | Alison.Lukin@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Felisha Lynch, Judy Marano C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Donna Fisk, Michael Cera

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Eastern Morris City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Eastern Morris area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Eastern Morris City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

14 18 Featured

14 18

27 28 6

28 Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home

Making small changes can have a big impact on your home and the environment

On the Cover

Departments

Liz Loranger, owner of Bear Minimum, photographed in her store.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

City List

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Family Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

At Home with Natalie Grabow

How an IRONMAN Champion has kept superior mobility into her senior years—and you can too! Photography: Donna Fisk

Kim’s Healthy Hummus

The most delicious dip from our very own publisher!

Where Total Body Health Starts

Most people don’t realize that wellness starts in your mouth

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

SUNRISE STAFF

KIM CERA

KEVIN MURPHY

SAL PISANI

KEVIN MURPHY

1: Lou Messercola, Shane Force, Joe Valente, and Francesca Messercola outside the new KW in Towaco 2: The Chef at Sunrise of Mountain Lakes makes breakfast for YMCA members. 3: Morris County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business event. 4: Wine & Graze event in Morris Plains by @jerseyartisan & @threepourchoices 5: Kevin Murphy, Tatiana Hilton, & Samantha Rutledge 6: Morris County Chamber of Commerce Business Outlook panelists 7: MCCC New Member Welcome Breakfast: Kevin Murphy, Mary Jo DeFranco, & Michael Harrison

C I T Y SC E N E

KIM CERA

LAUREN MILLS

12 LAUREN MILLS

KEITH BROWN

LAUREN MILLS

ALISON LUKIN

KIMBERLY LITTLE

8: Fil Stunner with Covert Collection Gallery owner and veteran Dennis Maida 9: M&T Bank ribbon cutting event 10: Broadfoot and Broadfoot in Boonton 11: Bocce league with rec director Tracy Gallo Pryer 12: Thriving Stationery at the Bell Works Wednesday Market 13: Holiday Shopping Pop-Up at Depasquale The Spa by Dawn Del Russo 14: Attendees at a cheese-making event at Royal Green Appliance in Parsippany

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city scene CONTINUED

LAUREN MILLS

15: Executive Director Boonton Main Street Natalie Spingold, President Ian Leith, Social Media Manager Lauren Mills 16: Lindsey Weisman, Secretary at Newbury Pottery Studio 17: Live Music on Main in Boonton

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C I T Y SC E N E

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Saiber LLC Launches Family Law Practice, Welcoming Attorney Stacey Cozewith Saiber LLC, a full-service law firm headquartered in Madison, is excited to announce the launch of its new Family Law practice. With a commitment to expanding, Saiber is now providing skilled legal services in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, alimony negotiations, and equitable distribution. As part of this expansion, they are welcoming the addition of Stacey A. Cozewith as a Member of the Firm.

Depasquale Spa Launches New Infrared Salt Cabin January 2026 We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Full Spectrum Infrared Salt Cabin. This transformative wellness experience combines the therapeutic benefits of full-spectrum infrared saunas with the rejuvenating effects of halotherapy. The Full Spectrum Infrared Salt Cabin is not just a treatment; it is an experience designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you seek detoxification, pain relief, improved circulation, or respiratory health, this innovative wellness solution has you covered.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

PICKS FO

Y ’S TOP BU SI

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.

JA AR

CITY LIST

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R OU

Dental Practice Rauchberg Dental Group rauchberg.com/ | 973.334.3777 Caggiano Orthodontics morriscountybraces.com/ | 973.887.8780 Green Tree Pediatric Dentistry greentreepediatricdentistrynj.com/ | 862.286.8895 Morris Plains Family Dentistry mpfamilydentist.com/ | 973.874.1814 Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry metroccd.com/ | 973.822.1200

Spa Artim Studio https://artimstudio.glossgenius.com/ | 973.884.0080 Depasquale The Spa depasqualethespa.com/ | 973.538.3811

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C I T Y LIST

The Body Sculpting Boutique mysite.vagaro.com/thebodysculptingboutique | 973.917.9192 T Spa by Tutela Plastic Surgery http://tspanj.com/ | 973.727.9275 Healing Arts Bodywork healingartsbodyworknj.com/ | 862.399.8029

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SIMPLE SWAPS for a HEALTHIER HOME Making small changes can have a big impact on your home and the environment ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA FISK

A new year certainly warrants a new you—doesn’t it? With all of our resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more, we often forget the place where our health journey starts. The home. Eco-warrior Liz Loranger is the owner of Bear Minimum on Main Street in Boonton. It’s a haven for healthy home and selfcare products, not to mention a refillery. Whether you’re looking to swap out a few products or make a complete overhaul, this shop has everything you need. But there are so many choices! Should you start with cooking utensils? Laundry detergent? Food storage containers? Take a deep breath and relax. Let Liz be your guide. Consider her your eco fairy godmother.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA TO CREATE BEAR MINIMUM?

Bear Minimum was born because I got pregnant and started really paying attention to ingredients in literally everything— food, bed sheets, personal care, all of it. I became ingredient and material crazy. In Europe, there are refilleries like this all around; they're dime-a-dozen. Then, during COVID, I learned about Good Bottle Refill Shop in Maplewood. She was the first woman-owned business of that kind in New Jersey, and I was immediately inspired. It’s a culmination of my passions for children, caring about the earth, and clean products—I thought that makes complete sense.

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CHANGE YOU MADE TO BECOME MORE ECO-CONSCIOUS?

The first thing I wanted to change was paper towels. I had one roll left, so I put it above my refrigerator. The only way for me to reach it was to get a stepladder. I bought a pack of white Swedish dishcloths, and that's how we replaced paper towels. I use them to clean the counter and wipe up small messes, so you're not just grabbing five paper towels to wipe your hands. We had to make it really easy to implement some of these new habits. I moved CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

a basket into the kitchen, and that's where you put the dirty rags. So, you don't have an excuse not to do it.

WHY PAPER TOWELS FIRST?

First off, using paper towels hurts your wallet. Virgin trees are being cut down for absolutely no reason. Deforestation is a huge problem I’m super passionate about. Also, paper towels contain bleach. So yes, it's breaking down, but it’s leaching toxic chemicals into wherever it's breaking down. That's the issue.

WHAT’S AN EASY SWAP THAT WOULD MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN CREATING A HEALTHIER HOME THAT PEOPLE WOULDN’T NECESSARILY THINK OF?

Those black plastic cooking utensils. They're breaking down into your food every single time you heat them up. Instead, use bamboo cooking utensils. Bamboo is technically a grass, and it regenerates quickly. So, it’s one of those resources we don’t have to worry about depleting. And you’re not putting plastics in your food.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO FEELS OVERWHELMED BY MAKING HEALTHY CHANGES IN THEIR HOME? THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES!

One thing at a time! Create that one new habit, for example, replace the paper towels in your kitchen. Give yourself a solid 2-3 months to implement that change. Get used to that, and don't try and do it all at once. Because you're going to overwhelm yourself, even little things make a difference once the new habit is implemented and it sticks. So start slow.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND CREATING A HEALTHY HOME?

Sustainability isn't just an aesthetic. People like the look of pretty brown glass bottles, and yes, sustainability can look a particular way, but you have to keep that open mind. It's a lifestyle, it's not just an aesthetic. Do your best with what you have first. Take your empty plastics to a refillery. Reuse plastic storage containers for your kids’ arts and crafts. Give what you have another life. How can you reimagine it before you throw it in the garbage? The clean products are not for show. Then you're not accomplishing the goal that you think you want.

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Liz’s Favorites Products available in-store or at bearminimumnj.com/ 1. Planet B Paperless Towels – Great for your wallet and the environment. 2. Swedish Dish Cloths – Less waste in the kitchen. 3. Mama Suds Laundry Soap – Top-selling refillable! 4. Friendsheep Eco Dryer Balls – Less waste and toxic chemicals 5. Green Llama Dishwasher Tablets – No nasty chemicals on your food. 6. Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub – Gentle cleaning, no chemical residue. 7. Meliora Solid Dish Soap – Another top-seller! 8. Simple Bare Necessities Room & Linen Spray – Natural scents for your fabrics. 9. DollyMoo Candles – No breathing in synthetic fragrances. 10. Bamboo Switch Kitchen Tools – Plastic-free alternative.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

At Home with Natalie Grabow How an IRONMAN Champion has kept superior mobility into her senior years—and you can too! Ever heard of the IRONMAN? I bet you have. Just saying the name sounds intimidating. It’s a triathlon held about 40 times per year worldwide. Participants need to swim 2.4 miles, complete a 112-mile bike ride, and follow all that up with a 26.2-mile run. That’s right, a MARATHON. The goal is to finish all 140.6 miles in under 17 hours. If you know anyone personally who has completed a triathlon, give them a big pat on the back, because it’s quite a feat. We had the pleasure of meeting lifelong Mountain Lakes resident, Natalie Grabow, who not only completed an IRONMAN—she’s done 16 of them. And she’s 80.

In fact, she’s now in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest woman to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Her final time was an easy breezy 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds. She’s also completed about 50 “half IRONMAN” races, known as 70.3s, not counting 27 short races and sprints. Her basement is adorned with medals, certificates, and trophies that surround her stationary bike. Just being around her is inspirational. She's the kind of person that leaves you thinking, "I want to be like her when I'm 80." Not only is she physically in extraordinary shape, but her positive spirit is contagious.

ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA FISK

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Natalie welcomed us into her home to discuss the topic that’s on everyone’s mind—mobility. How can we maintain a high quality of life with excellent mobility well into our senior years? We’d say Natalie is the expert.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A LIFELONG ATHLETE?

In my mid-30s, when my girls were old enough to attend nursery school, I started playing tennis, taking lessons from time to time. In my late 30s, I added running to the tennis activity. It took me several years to figure out how to run consistently without getting injured. I found that it was important to add cross-training activities, such as Stairmaster, step aerobics, and spin classes. In my 40s and 50s, I enjoyed competing in road races, mostly 5Ks and 10Ks. When my friends started doing triathlons, I learned to swim so that I could join them. I’ve been a triathlete for 21 years and have several 70.3 races on my schedule for next year, when I race at age 81. While I still do the occasional 5K road race, I currently train primarily for long-course triathlons.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN KEEPING YOUR MOBILITY AS YOU AGE?

Keeping my mobility is helped by the rolling, stretching, and strength work I do prior to a workout. I spend about 45 minutes to an hour on this. It's important to pay special attention to any areas of tightness or soreness. Unfortunately, we all get injured from time to time and then need to visit professionals who are able to help in the recovery process with physical therapy and/or Active Release Technique (ART).

AS FAR AS DIET GOES, WOULD YOU SAY YOU'RE A PERSON WHO DOESN'T REALLY OVERTHINK IT?

That's correct. When I'm hungry, I eat what I feel my body needs at that time. I enjoy all types of foods and naturally gravitate towards a healthy diet.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

SO, THERE’S NO MAGIC BREAKFAST?

If I have two workouts in a day, I'll begin my day with breakfast, usually orange juice, coffee, and cereal. Then I'll go through my mobility routine, do my first workout, eat, then my second workout, and eat again. I generally eat 5 times a day. I eat a normal diet but include sweets, such as marshmallows and chocolate!

WHEN YOU'RE NOT TRAINING FOR AN EVENT, AND IT'S JUST YOUR AVERAGE DAY OF MOVEMENT, WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I’ll bike, swim, or run. The amount of time depends on the activity. My coach starts building duration and intensity as the season progresses. My races begin in the spring and go into the fall season.

“Move to stay healthy so you can feel your best.” IS THERE EVER A DAY, BECAUSE YOU KNOW WE ALL— No (smiling).

YOU NEVER SKIP EVER?

Not unless my coach gives me a rest day (laughs). I feel good doing something every day. I don't always look forward to jumping into the pool, but once I start, I'm OK.

FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 40S AND 50S WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT MOBILITY, WHAT'S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THEM?

Just start moving. Find something that doesn't feel too hard and is fun so that you’ll go back to it again. There are so many activities to choose from. Strength training, walking, swimming, spin classes, water aerobics, and pickleball, to name a few. I enjoy watching the water aerobics class at the Y when I’m doing my laps. They seem to be having a great time talking to each other, moving their arms and legs. It’s fun to see.

BEST LIFE ADVICE IN GENERAL?

Find an activity that you enjoy and will be consistent with. Once you feel your body getting stronger, you will be motivated to keep it up. When you feel strong in the body, it helps your mental state, so you feel strong in the mind. Move to stay healthy so that you can feel your best.

“Just start moving. Find something that doesn’t feel too hard and is fun so that you’ll go back to it again.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

START YOUR TEEN OFF RIGHT This Year

PRACTICAL TIPS TO GUIDE YOUR TEEN TOWARD HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS ARTICLE BY JUDY MARANO, COLLEGE PROFESSOR/COUNSELOR

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

It probably does not come as a shock that gym memberships increase by over 20% in January. "New year, new you" is most likely the cause. But as parents, we not only need to take care of ourselves, but we also need to help our kids find the better version of themselves. The new year is an ideal time to start developing better habits. The jury is still out as to whether it takes 66 days or nine months to create better habits. If we start now, we may achieve success as early as spring. This is perfect timing for your kids to start looking for summer employment or prepare for college. With their faces in their phones, eye contact and small talk have become foreign. In a recent conversation with Linnea Berry from the Lakeland Hills YMCA, she supported that finding by stating, "I have noticed that teens' communication skills have diminished over the last few years." As a college professor, I couldn't agree more. Instead of seeing the world right in front of them, teens are more interested in taking pictures for social media posts. I recently saw a couple of teenagers on a date in a coffee shop, and instead of talking to one another, each of them was engrossed in their phone. I never saw them even say a word or exchange a smile. How can we imagine that we will grow and learn about others when the only others we see are on a small screen?

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What can you do? Please encourage your child to balance their time between online and offline activities. I asked Berry what she looks for in the students she hires. She claimed, "One of the first things I look for in an interview is hearing someone confident enough to share their interests. Also, I appreciate teens who have enough self-awareness to be able to talk about themselves." She particularly noted that connection is very important to her. "I also look for engagement and an interest in sharing their interests, whether it's gaming, app design, arts and crafts, etc." Can your teen discuss their hobbies, likes, and dislikes maturely and humbly? These skills are not innate. We need to teach them. How can you help? In your downtime, engage them in healthy conversation. I use a game called Talking Points, which is essentially a deck of cards with conversation starters. If you don't want to invest any money, you can Google "conversation starters for teens." This would be a great activity for the dinner table. Pick a few cards and ask your child to answer the questions. Remind them to use appropriate vocabulary and body language that is positive. Then focus on the eye

contact. Make it a nightly ritual. By the end of a few weeks, you will see a marked change in your child's ability to talk with others. Another proactive step you can take is to be a positive role model. Our children look to us for behaviors they want to emulate. If you don't want your child using their phone at dinner, put yours away first. Perhaps even instituting a no-phone zone around the kitchen table might work. While driving, put your device in the glove compartment. Without making a big deal of these small changes, you can send a subtle message that will be received loudly by your teen. Finally, engage the entire family in community service. Potential employers and colleges love to see students giving of their time with no other reward than that warm feeling of doing something nice for someone else. Summer jobs and college applications are right around the corner. There are numerous opportunities for summer employment or after-school work throughout the year. Camper enrollment at the YMCA begins after the holidays, with employment opportunities starting late winter. For information on the various options, please get in touch with LinneaB@lhymca.com.

The new year is an ideal time to start developing better habits, such as engaging your teen in healthy conversations.

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

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What happened when we served dinner early and finally got our sanity back!

HOW WE ENDED SNACK WARS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELISHA LYNCH

Every day used to be the same. Five hungry kids running through the door yelling, “I’m starving!” before their backpacks even hit the floor. By the time I turned around, the pantry looked like it had been robbed. Crackers gone, granola bar wrappers everywhere, and nobody even wanted dinner anymore! One day, I realized they weren’t being dramatic. They were just actually hungry! So instead of fighting the constant snacking battle, we changed one simple thing. We started eating dinner earlier. Like, right after school earlier. Yep, you heard that right. We eat dinner at 3:30 in the afternoon, and it’s been a total game-changer. The kids eat real food now instead of filling up on random snacks, and they even ask for seconds. If they get hungry later, we let them have a small snack before bed. If an early dinner doesn’t work for you, try this. Keep a plate of veggies already cut up in the fridge. Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, whatever your crew likes. There’s something about a plate full of ready-to-eat snacks that makes kids grab it without thinking. It sounds small, but it works! Having healthy stuff ready makes it easier for them (and me) to make better choices.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

And let’s be real, our kids learn from watching us. If they see us snacking on fruit or drinking water instead of grabbing chips, they’ll start doing it too. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to show them what healthy looks like in real life. Here are a few of our go-to snacks that actually get eaten around here: • apple slices with peanut butter • greek yogurt with blueberries and cinnamon • cucumbers and hummus • popcorn • grass-fed meat sticks It’s not about doing everything right; it’s about making little changes that stick. Try bumping dinner up a bit or cutting up veggies ahead of time this week. You might be surprised how much smoother your nights feel. Follow along @felishalynchxo for more real-life mom wins like this!

Kim’s HEALTHY HUMMUS ARTICLE BY KIM CERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CERA

KIM’S STORY

INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or any olive oil you have on hand) • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (usually 2 lemons, depending on the size) • 1 garlic clove • 1/2 tsp salt

(I use pink Himalayan) • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1/3 cup tahini paste • 1 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas (drained but save the juice) • Smoked Paprika (you can use regular) • Parsley

Healthy Hum m u s

DIRECTIONS: Blend first 6 ingredients together in a blender until smooth (about 30 seconds). Add chickpeas and blend…if it’s too thick, add a little chickpea juice until smooth! I like to mix around with a spoon while blending to make sure it’s super smooth…but be careful not to hit the blades :) Spoon into a bowl and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley. Eat with pita bread, pita chips, or your favorite veggies! Enjoy!

Eating hummus with pita bread from the Syrian stores in Paterson as a child is one of my favorite memories. My Mom’s side of the family is 100% Syrian, and I’m thankful to have grown up learning how to cook Syrian food alongside her and my grandparents. Every Sunday, the ENTIRE family (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins) would gather around a long table eating delicious Syrian food! As a mom to boys (now teenagers), it’s important to me to keep some of these traditions going. Hummus is ALWAYS in my fridge as a “go to” healthy snack for them. How did I start sharing this recipe with others? In March 2020, while stuck at home, I was about to make hummus. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to go LIVE on Facebook while I make it to see if anyone was looking for some adult conversation like me?” I set up my RING light, hit the LIVE button, and shared my hummus story. I received such a positive response from people who watched. They started making it, sending me photos, and telling me THANK YOU! I continued doing that for the next three years, until finally my son told me to start a YouTube channel for all the videos I had created. I did, and continue to share my favorite recipes!

The most delicious dip from o u r ve r y ow n p u b l i s h e r ! JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

Where Total Body Health Starts MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT WELLNESS STARTS IN YOUR MOUTH ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TNT DENTAL

Dr. Alan Rauchberg knows a thing or two about oral health. This month, Rauchberg Dental Group in Parsippany will be celebrating 61 years in business. Taking the practice over in 2002, his father retired in 2015, Dr. Rauchberg proudly serves the community where he grew up. “Some older patients have been with us 50 years.”

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE EATING AND PROCESSED FOOD SUGAR INTAKE. IT'S TOTAL WELLNESS. YOUR MOUTH IS A GATEWAY TO YOUR HEALTH.” In the past 15 years, Rauchberg Dental Group has evolved into a total care practice. “Most popular are the basics, people coming in for their hygiene appointments, and for simple restorations. We can also provide solutions for missing teeth with implants or full mouth restorations. We can straighten teeth with orthodontics and create new smiles with veneers and/or crowns.” Dr. Rauchberg takes total body health very seriously, not only in how patients are treated in the office but also in advising them on how to care for themselves at home. Research is showing it's all about bacteria and the pH level of your saliva. “ We know when you have a low pH, the bad bacteria love that environment and grow quicker. We're talking about what you're eating and processed food sugar intake. It's total wellness. Your mouth is a gateway to your health. Acid reflux is a significant contributor to dental enamel decay and is closely linked to gum inflammation. A lot of this is triggered by food. Some common triggers include eating late at night, too much coffee, or spicy foods. However, some might surprise you, like chips and other simple carbohydrates. “All that breaks down into sugar pretty quickly. If you're having a bag of that every day, people think it's just a snack, but that stuff sits in your mouth. Then every time you eat, your mouth is always acidic. It’s that snacking all day long that can do it.” Aside from adjusting your diet, certain natural remedies can help. “Xylitol is a great plant-based ingredient that’s in mouthwashes now, which gives your mouth a more neutral pH. When your pH is more neutral, the good bacteria in your mouth have a chance to fight the bad bacteria a little bit better.” Dr. Rauchberg encourages simple changes that add up to big results when it comes to oral acidity and inflammation. “You’ve got to take care of yourself; you only have one body. We remind people to do the right things.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N E A S T E R N M O R R I S . NEIGHBORHOOD

SALE PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

17 Grove Ave Morris Plains Boro

$850,000

100%

25 Glenbrook Rd Morris Plains Boro

$899,900

99%

2.2

233 Intervale Rd Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.

$825,000

110%

118 Addison St Boonton Town

$899,000

102%

10 Fairchild Pl Hanover Twp.

$950,000

116%

3.1

8 Eden Ln Hanover Twp.

$1,299,000

96%

5.1

60 Gathering Rd Montville Twp.

$1,499,900

95%

3.2

16 Windsor Way East Hanover Twp.

$1,399,000

104%

3.1

12 Candice Way East Hanover Twp.

$1,399,000

106%

3.1

15 Deer Trl Boonton Twp.

$1,585,000

94%

4.1

42 Silver Spring Ct East Hanover Twp.

$1,400,000

111%

3.1

6 Coventry Ct East Hanover Twp.

$1,249,000

132%

4.1

12 Sunrise Dr Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.

$1,399,900

118%

3.1

10 Coppola Ct Montville Twp.

$1,499,000

112%

5.1

21 Doremus Dr Montville Twp.

$1,588,800

107%

5.1

189 Park Rd Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp.

$1,895,000

94%

Sample of recent sales through October 17, 2025, based on information from the Garden State MLS. Properties were listed and sold by various MLS participating offices.

Live Well. Invest Well.

Be Well Informed with Coldwell.

HOW DOES YOUR HOME’S VALUE COMPARE? SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT.

#1 Coldwell Banker Agent in Eastern Morris Coldwell Banker Realty Sales Associate | 91 Crane Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 Direct 973-219-8845 Office 973-263-0400 | Sueanne.sylvester@cbmoves.com | SueanneSylvester.com

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

Live Well with Coldwell.

The #1 Real Estate Brokerage in Morris County Ranked among the Top 1% of all Coldwell Banker Realty Agents I promise to exceed your expectations buying, selling, and investing throughout Morris County.

Thinking of selling in 2026? With strategic pricing, unparalleled marketing, and expert negotiating skills, my 2025 list to sale price ratio is 107%.

Don’t know where to start? I offer all my clients a complimentary two-hour professional staging consultation.

Call me for a confidential conversation at 973-219-8845.

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Coldwell Banker Realty Sales Associate 91 Crane Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 973-219-8845 Direct 973-263-0400 Office Sueanne.sylvester@cbmoves.com SueanneSylvester.com

ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNRISE STAFF

MEMORY CARE FOR Seniors HOW TO BEST SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONE WHEN THEY BEGIN SHOWING SIGNS OF MEMORY LOSS

The declining memory of a loved one can be a difficult stage of life to endure. Not only for the senior experiencing it, but also for their adult children. There’s guilt, worry, and tough choices to be made. But one thing remains constant: all parties involved want their loved one to be safe and have their wishes honored. Thankfully, communities like Sunrise of Mountain Lakes exist not only to care for the elderly who need assistance but also to support families in making informed choices. They have an entire floor and care managers dedicated to providing services for people with dementia, not only to meet their medical needs, but to guide families with respect and dignity.

“It’s structured activities throughout the day, hydration, nutrition, and really good care. That’s what matters.”

FAM ILY CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Barbara Jones, CALA, is the Resident Care Coordinator at Sunrise of Mountain Lakes. It’s her job to facilitate all aspects of life for memory care residents to ensure a high quality of life. She leads programs that stimulate cognitive function and social engagement. She explains the importance of the partnership between residents and their families. “You can help us understand Mom better, because we’re just getting to know her—likes and dislikes—and all her other preferences. That’s where the partnership comes into play.” Her team collaborates with families to develop individual care plans. “There’s no one-size-fitsall. We’re trying to meet each and every resident’s care based on their needs. We make sure they’re well taken care of, whether it’s painting their nails, talking about the weather, or their families, the staff is really involved.” The best way to care for someone who is showing signs of memory loss is to recognize the decline. The most common early sign is forgetfulness, but it often manifests into more serious situations. When a senior begins having trouble cooking meals, managing bills, or taking their medication, that’s when adult children need to step in, since the ultimate goal is safety. But a common error is taking away too much too fast, which can cause significant frustration. Instead, choose one issue at a time. If you’re concerned about them cooking, lead with care and sensitivity. “Maybe tell them the stove is broken, and you’re going to be bringing them dinner for a while,” explains Barbara. Senior Executive Director Germaine Dignan recommends involving a doctor when bigger issues arise, such as driving. “To avoid straining your relationship with your parent, have a doctor tell them they can no longer drive. Make the doctor the bad person.” Involving professionals in your loved one’s care is the best route. You’re not taking away freedom; you’re providing a safe environment where they’ll be comfortable and well taken care of. Germaine says, “It’s structured activities throughout the day, hydration, nutrition, and really good care. That’s what matters.” Barbara adds, “It’s important to choose to bring your parent to a safe environment and have a good quality of life so that you can spend quality time together without worry.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/E AST E R N M O R R I S

JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 2 N D

Boonton Main Street Restaurant Week Kickoff Main Street, Boonton | 5:00 PM January 2nd kicks off Boonton's Restaurant Week, which goes through January 9th. Participating restaurants will be offering lunch or dinner at a set price. Eateries are giving incredible deals so treat yourself and eat local! JA NUA RY 2 N D

Jack Romano LIVE! Boonton Coffee, Boonton | 7:00 PM Nationally-traveled touring and recording artist, Jack Romano is a growing force in the new wave of authentic American roots music. With an expressive baritone voice, timeless approach, and live showmanship—either solo or with his backing band The Romanaires—Romano sets himself apart with eternal songwriting. Time: 7 PM to 9 PM JA NUA RY 1 0 T H

New Year New You Workshop Virtual | 10:00 AM Begin the New Year with clarity and an actionable plan for 2026—one that supports the life you truly want, not just the one you’ve been defaulting to. This 2-hour workshop gives you the structure and space to pause, reflect, take inventory, and map out what you actually desire for the year ahead. Register at https://www.ivettedesai.com/events Price $47 JA NUA RY 1 6T H

Kids Night Out Greater Morristown YMCA, Cedar Knolls | 4:00 PM Looking for a Friday night out while your kids enjoy an evening of fun? Drop them off at the Greater Morristown YMCA for Kids Night Out—a safe, supervised program filled with games, crafts, sports, and themed activities. Kindergarten–5th Grade 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | $40 Members; $50 Non-Members | $10 off additional child with promo code kidsnightout10 JA NUA RY 1 6T H

Comedian Natalie Cuomo The Dojo of Comedy, Morris Plains | 9:00 PM Natalie Cuomo is an international touring stand-up comedian whose debut album ’Shut Up You Loved It’ was released at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. In 2023, Natalie was named one of New York Comedy Festival’s ‘Comics to Watch,’ and was a finalist in the festival’s ’New York’s Funniest Competition’ the following year in 2024. Purchase tickets online at https://www.tiffscomedy.com/shows/344597 JA NUA RY 2 4 T H

Dessertopia Morristown Armory - 430 Western Ave, Morristown | 11:00 AM Dessert is always a good idea, so prepare for deliciousness, indulgence, and fun. Enjoy the very best desserts in NJ! The event features a specialty dessert drink at our adult beverage bar, vendors, DJ, face painting, games, and a wide array of desserts to purchase. Tickets are $5 online or at the door. Time: 11 am - 7 pm

EVE N TS

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE YOUR ONE-TEAM ADVANTAGE FOR BUYING, SELLING & CLOSING SMARTER

Francesca & Lou Messercola Sales Associates, Wife & Husband Team

1700 Rt 23 N, Suite 300, Wayne, NJ 07470 *each office is independently owned and operated (office) 973.696.0077

(F)201.286.0796 (L)201.696.5077

The

MESSERCOLA

Roman Tabatchouk, Esq. & Joseph C. Valente, Esq.

Serving NY & NJ 973.854.0917 959 Route 46, Suite 503 Parsippany, NJ 07054

Shane Force NMLS ID #227971 Vice President, Mortgage Sales

( O ) 2 0 1 . 3 7 7.1 9 7 8 ( M ) 9 7 3 . 2 1 9. 41 9 5 1950 Route 70 East, Suite 300 Cherry Hill, NJ, 08003 sforce@emmloans.com www.emmloans.com EMM Loans,LLC does business as Fidelity Lending LLC, Ideal Mortgage Group, Maximus Mortgage Advisors, Medford Mortgage,TailorMade Lending, Harris Home Run, and EQ Loans. Please refer to licensing for further details. Company NMLS# 2926 Complete license information disclosed at EMM Licensing and NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/2926

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