At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
Letter from the Editor
There’s something special about exploring your own community. The type of travel that doesn’t require a passport or an expensive hotel stay. How many times have you passed a local establishment and thought to yourself—I’ve been meaning to go there! Well, now’s your chance. What better way to start your adventure than in the great outdoors? We’re not talking a brutal hike through the mountains—although that could be fun, too—but a picnic. Grab a blanket, a few sandwiches, and get ready to tuck into something special. You can make it elaborate and romantic, or playful for the kids. There’s something glorious about a meal shared in the sun. Want to stay inside? The Morris Museum has you covered. With ever-changing exhibits and new, fabulous offerings in July, a visit here will thrill kids and adults alike. They even have an outdoor summer music series where enjoying tunes with wine is welcomed.
We bet exploring makes you hungry. I scream—you scream? Yup, we’ve put together the ULTIMATE ice cream crawl, and you’ll want to hit each and every spot. Think bar crawl, but make it sweet.
Let’s not forget about our afternoon pick-me-up. The warm weather makes it a perfect time to try a new coffee shop. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites! Most have outdoor seating, so pull up a chair and sip away at your go-to iced beverage.
So, take a slower walk through your own community. Or take a drive to the next town over. Stop into that café or shop you’ve been meaning to visit. You don’t have to venture far to find something extraordinary.
ALISON LUKIN, EDITOR
@GREATERMORRISTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Kim Cera | Kim.Cera@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Alison Lukin | Alison.Lukin@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jamie Johnson | Jamie@officiallysocial.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Felisha Lynch, Ellen S. Wilkowe, Katie Jesionowski
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Barbora Hindson, Donna Fisk
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Attendees at the Morristown Club event benefitting The Cancer Hope Network. Photography by: Alison Lukin
business monthly
New Jewelry Brand Launches with Emotionally Symbolic First Collection
A local Morristown-area mother/daughter duo is proud to announce the launch of their new jewelry brand, debuting its first collection inspired by the Language of Flowers. Blending sentiment with thoughtful design, each piece captures emotion, connection, and personal meaning. Crafted with care and attention to detail, Statis Design offers a modern approach to meaningful gifting and self-expression. Discover the full collection at http://www.statisdesign.com
Greater Morristown YMCA Still Accepting Campers!
Summer camp season is in full swing, and registration is still open! Our program offers weeklong adventures packed with outdoor exploration, hands-on science, arts and crafts, sports, and teamwork-building games designed to spark curiosity in kids firs-sixth grade. Trained counselors provide a safe, inclusive environment where campers make new friends, try new activities, and build lasting memories under sunny skies. Flexible scheduling, and convenient location. Register today to secure a spot!
New Partnership at Barber & Papa
Attorneys Kevin Barber and RC Papa share a unique bond as former high school teammates who built their firm on trust and advocacy. The firm represents people throughout New Jersey in personal injury litigation, NJLAD discrimination claims, and civil litigation matters. At Barber & Papa, details matter. They combine aggressive courtroom representation with personalized client service, fighting to achieve the best possible results while treating every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
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The Power of the Picnic
ALL THE INSPIRATION YOU NEED TO GET DINING OUTSIDE
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
“A picnic is a state of mind.” -A quote from How to Be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson
Years ago, on a gorgeous summer day, I took my two kids for a picnic on a whim. It was unplanned, unhurried, and to be honest, a bit of a gamble. Parents know that sometimes even the best intentions can go awry. “This is a great idea!” can turn to disaster in a matter of moments.
Nevertheless, I pulled an old blanket off the couch, packed a few PB&Js in Ziploc bags, and off we went to Frelinghuysen Arboretum. My kids went somewhat willingly since they were too young to really know what we were in for. I was smart enough to bring a ball, some games, and plenty of snacks. I’m pretty sure snacks can redeem any scenario that has gone belly up.
“...IN THOSE FIRST FEW MOMENTS, MAGIC HAPPENED. THAT ORDINARY PATCH OF GRASS TURNED INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL. THOSE EVERYDAY SANDWICHES TASTED BETTER. THE AIR FELT LIGHTER.”
Upon arrival, they were immediately excited. The sprawling lawn in front of that gorgeous estate just begged to be run across. I laid the blanket down under the cool shade of a tree, and they kicked off their shoes.
And in those first few moments, magic happened. That ordinary patch of grass turned into something special. Those everyday sandwiches tasted better. The air felt lighter.
We chatted about everything under that warm sun. We played eye spy. We planned our next picnic. And it became our simple tradition.
While I’ve found picnics to be one of my favorite activities with kids, children are absolutely not required to partake. It’s the perfect activity for a romantic date or a get-together with the girls. In fact, the origin of picnics wasn’t centered around children at all.
The word “picnic” comes from the French “pique-nique,” which was an outing in the late 17th century where everyone brought something, like our modern-day potluck. After the French Revolution, many aristocrats migrated to England and brought this pique-nique culture with them. Since the outdoor lifestyle in England was thriving at this time, picnics were supremely in fashion by the 18th century.
It became an event for the English upper class, who sought out countryside estates and parks to host, socialize, and eat. Even the novelist Jane Austen wrote of picnics in Emma as early as 1816.
As leisure became more accessible and travel easier, the middle class began adopting picnics as an escape from their hurried lives in the 19th century. Public parks expanded, giving all people access to green spaces, and dining alfresco became commonplace.
Bill Gelling, owner of Butter & Jam Café in Madison, says, “Nothing beats dining alfresco.” And of course, it all starts with the food. But the beauty is, it can be as simple or as fancy as you want. It all depends on the mood—but dessert
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BEST PICNIC AREAS
MORRIS COUNTY
1. Lewis Morris County Park 270 Mendham Road Morris Township
2. Frelinghuysen Arboretum 353 East Hanover Avenue Morris Township
3. Central Park of Morris County 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive Parsippany-Troy Hills
4. Hedden County Park 124 Reservoir Avenue Randolph
5. Loantaka Brook Reservation 468 South Street Morris Township
6. Silas Condict County Park 100 Kinnelon Road Kinnelon
FOR THIS STORY, WE’D LIKE TO CREDIT: Tableware: South Street Gardens @southstreetgardens
Wine: Gary’s Wine & Marketplace @garys_wine
Colorful blanket: Mesoma Onyeagba @artbymesoma
Food: Butter & Jam Café @butter.and.jam.cafe
is a must. Bill recommends, “A balanced lunch for me starts with something savory and ends with something sweet.”
And your setup can be as unfussy or opulent as the occasion calls for. Like me, a simple blanket and plastic bags were all we needed. You can kick things up a notch and stop for takeout and a bottle of wine, or hire a luxury picnic planner for a birthday or bridal shower like @latas_events.
The point is, get outside, breathe in the air, and feel unhurried for a few moments. It costs nothing! So grab your kids, your bestie, or your significant other and get planning. Pack a basket or cooler with goodies, and watch the delight happen. Bring a deck of cards, a few good books, or just simply be in good company.
At Enriched Aesthetics, our mission is simple: Valuing our commitment to quality care. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience that enhances and compliments your natural beauty, inspiring you to become the best version of yourself.
Located right here in Morristown, our clinic uses the latest innovative technologies and the highest quality treatments-from medical aesthetics and body contouring to skincare and wellness solutions. Our team of skilled professionals collaborates creatively to deliver personalized, effective results in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to refresh your look this summer or embark on a transformative journey, trust Enriched Aesthetics as your premier destination for aesthetic excellence. Because you deserve to look and feel your absolute best.
Visit us and experience the difference. Your beauty, our passion.
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
Ready for a Coffee Roundup?
THE VERY BEST FOR YOUR DAILY JOE IN MORRISTOWN
Lokl Café
80 South St. A favorite among those who know, this spot ethically sources roasts from all over the world. The inviting atmosphere invites you to slow down, find a cool spot to tuck in, and sip away.
70 Speedwell Ave Ste 3. A beautiful spot with a great cause. They employ individuals with special needs and teach them the art of hospitality. Serving ethically sourced roasts with a smile.
21 South St. This vintage-inspired spot celebrates Morristown's history and serves sustainably sourced beverages. Step back in time with their classy decor and grab-and-go mini market.
74 South St. A warm, elevated experience surrounded by rich woods and cozy corners. The perfect spot to meet a friend, make a deal, or simply people-watch. Come for the coffee, stay for the ambiance.
102 Speedwell Ave. Like your brews with exotic flair? This is your spot. Rich roasts and artisanal pastries handcrafted with passion. Their seasonal drinks taste as dreamy as they look.
Roast Coffee House Moqa Brew General Coffee Co
Ethan and the Bean
THE GREAT ICE CREAM CRAWL
beat the heat with deliciousness and don't miss a single sweet spot
Sprinkles or jimmies. Soft serve or scooped. Cone or cup.
The great debate over ice cream glowups has been aswirl almost as long as the Taylor Ham vs. pork roll banter–maybe longer. This is Jersey, where ice cream ranks up there in importance as pizza and the shore itself.
As the dog days of summer intersect with National Ice Cream Month, we decided to take a deep-freeze dive into Morris County to bring you the hottest spots that specialize in staying cool. Think pub crawl, only for ice cream.
ARTICLE BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON AND DONNA FISK
1. Surreal Creamery @surrealcreamery
5 Washington St, Morristown
The Scoop : The surrealist movement has taken over Morristown, and it’s yours for the tasting. It’s where ice cream and art come together as creamy creations are blended in a memorable keepsake mason jar. Since the rollout in 2019, the frozen frenzy has gone viral, as evidenced by franchises nationwide.
Local flavor: Their wordplay is as fun and far-reaching as their flavors. Enter Matcha Made in Heaven, an elevated embrace of green tea, balanced by caramel syrup and Lucky Charms. There’s also the option to combine flavors and toppings to create your own signature jar.
Etc: Bubble tea and ice cream enthusiasts no longer have to play favorites. The Flotea, a creamy combo of bubble tea and ice cream, offers both.
2. Beenies @beeniesicecream
38 Morris St, Morristown
The scoop: A tribute to their beloved pooch, who lives on as the mascot, the humans–Tony and Andrea–behind Beenie’s believe that ice cream begins at the base and builds from there. This means no pre-packaged mixes and blending the finest in milk, cream, and sugar instead.
Local flavor: The menu puts the fresh in refreshments, evident in flavors such as honey lavender and blueberry crisp, part of this month’s seasonal offering.
Etc: For the un-cow crowd, dairy-free options like cookiesand-cream and sorbet crafted with actual mango still stand and deliver on the flavor front.
3. South Street Creamery
146 South St, Morristown
The Scoop: Washington may have camped here, but this shop’s claim to fame is being the oldest in Morristown. The creamery opened its doors in 1999, and while the ownership has changed hands, it remains a family-run operation focused on homemade everything.
Local flavor: It is no surprise to find revolutionary-themed flavors behind the counter, such as Jockey Hollow, a patriotic blend of peanut butter and chocolate-covered pretzels layered within a vanilla malt base. There’s also fun takes on the classic sundae, including the one-scoop Saturdae and kid-sized Weekdae.
Etc: South Street goes all in on gelato, and also meets the Jersey requirement for Italian ice. For the dessert-after-dinner crowd, there’s a full cafe menu on hand.
4. Scoop Station @scoopstationnj
674 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains
The Scoop: What began as a stint running a froyo shop turned into a downtown destination of homemade creations. The backstory features a mom–Jen–who decided to retire her office attire in favor of self-branded merch and ice cream. She also recruited volunteer taste-testers, her three children.
Local flavor: A menu of seasonal offerings, such as Campfire S’mores, delivers frozen nostalgia right down to the graham crackers and gooey marshmallows
Etc: There’s a flavorful Italian Ice menu, and the Disneyesque Pineapple Dole.
Ice cream nachos definitely caught our attention and may warrant a repeat visit.
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@southstreetcreamery
5. McCool’s @mccoolsicecream_official 26 Main St, Madison
The Scoop: It doesn’t get any more OG nostalgic than McCool’s. This long-standing institution on Main Street reminds us that frozen confections can be enjoyed just as well by the spoonful as by the straw. Their website proudly touts, “The best milkshake in New Jersey.”
Flavor profile: A dedicated froyo menu blends flavor names with fresh humor, as in the Green Village People Sensation, the Drew Brew, and our personal GOAT in wordplay— the East Hangover (a coffee and espresso blend).
Etc: Ice cream-topped cupcakes definitely grabbed our attention and would provide novelty single-serve convenience at any occasion.
6. Last Licks @lastlicks_homemade
134 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover
The Scoop: This family roots for their home team as much as their hometown. Inspired by a family of softball and baseball enthusiasts, the Saporitas opened shop in 2013, and the family has been all hands on deck ever since. The name originally refers to the home-team advantage of batting last, but it works equally well when applied to ice cream.
Local flavor: A Jersey staple is reimagined as ice cream, complete with an optional chocolate pastry shell. Meet the Holy Cannoli, one of nearly 40 year-round flavors, that ranks up there in temptation alongside Red Velvet Oreo and Devil Dog.
Etc: Oreo sliders. Need we say more?
7. Meli’s Sweet House @melissweethouseboonton
613 Main St, Boonton
The Scoop: A sweet spot right in the heart of Boonton. Meli’s boasts an entire menu dedicated solely to Dubai chocolate, and yes, waffles and chocolate crepes do indeed count as a balanced breakfast. Not to mention smoothies.
Local flavor: Mississippi Mud Pie is just as imagined: chocolate, cream, coffee, crunch, repeat.
Etc: The wall of vintage candy will have you questioning your life choices.
8. Lake Hiawatha Dairy @lakehiawathadairy
29 North Beverwyck Rd, Lake Hiawatha
The scoop: No strangers to the ice cream scene, this family of Carvel alums has been minding the deep freeze for more than three decades. With a huge indoor space, it’s the perfect spot to bring a group for a special occasion, or all the kids after the big game.
Local flavor: A decision-maker’s debacle, there are 50 flavors on tap. Here, cake identifies as ice cream, like New York Cheesecake, complete with blueberry topping. Their signature Ice Cream Sandwich–an actual flavor–comes with the disclaimer “found nowhere else.”
Etc: Speaking of ice cream sandwiches, theirs are as cute as they are delicious. Can’t decide which flavor? There’s a variety pack for that.
9. Seven Scoops and Sips @sevenscoopsnj
321 Changebridge Rd, Montville
The Scoop: The number seven is steeped in symbolism, but here it represents the seven children of the owners. With ice cream and community at its core, the shop devotes equal time to acai bowls and sippers such as smoothies, milkshakes, and hot drinks. They’ve got plenty of tables inside, so it’s a great place to gather.
Local flavor: No matter what the scoop, kid-inspired flavors are fully embraced here, like Braden’s Birthday Cake and Julia’s Coffeehouse Oreo.
Etc: Smoothie enthusiasts can build their own base from either almond or coconut milks and apple juice, and football fans might give the Super (acai) Bowls a try, especially if their team is represented. The Giant—anyone?
10. Corner Creamery @cornercreamery_ml
5 Romaine Rd, Mountain Lakes
The Scoop: When an ice cream store fills a void in town, word tends to travel at warped speed. Coming up on its first birthday, this beloved store is named for its corner location in the Mountain Lakes Historic district. Owned and operated by a local mompreneur and her business partner, this one-stop shop dishes out nostalgia in both flavor and decor.
Local flavor: A weekly rotation of flavors keeps you coming back for more, but all-star faves like Oscar’s Garbage Can have permanent residency here.
Etc: The inclusive menu provides dairy-free treats, including sorbets, refreshers, plus a number of sugar-free and vegan options.
EXPLORE THE MORRIS MUSEUM
WHETHER YOU'RE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE—THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
We know it’s July, and all of our minds are on the outdoors. But sometimes, a cool day inside hits the spot. Whether it’s raining or you just need to beat the heat, the Morris Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, has something for everyone. And even better news? If you can’t decide whether you want to be inside or out, this premier museum in Morris County has BOTH! Here are our top FIVE reasons to visit the Morris Museum in July.
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
1. Lots for the kids: The amount of engagement this museum provides for local littles is incredible. The Spark!Lab, which is open during most
afternoons, encourages kids to create, innovate, and invent to their heart’s delight. The Mega Model Train Gallery is a favorite for both kids and adults. The nearly 300-square-foot train set holds a new treasure around every corner. And the Earth Science Gallery caters to any kid going through their rock-collecting phase (don’t they all at some point?). Dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, and minerals will keep them fascinated—you can even stop in the gift shop on your way out and contribute to their collection.
2. Step back in time: Want to get lost in history? Passing through the glass doors that house the Guinness Collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata will immediately transport you back in time. The breadth of the collection is overwhelming (750 mechanical marvels spanning 400 years), and wandering through the endless collection of music boxes, mechanical dolls, and the massive orchestrion makes you think—if these specimens could talk, the stories they would tell!
3 . There’s always something new: The Audubon Songbirds Collection—opening June 26th—brings together a rare and detailed group of original Audubon prints depicting bird species from the private collection of New Jersey Philanthropists and Art Collectors Dr. Michael and Elyn Stubblefield. A cache of 71 drawings by Henri Matisse, on loan from the Mourlot Archive, depicting various literary themes throughout his life, is on display through August 9th.
4. Don’t miss outdoor monuments: From the end of May through August, for the first time, large-scale sculptures will transform the Museum’s campus.
Common Ground: NJ Artists Think Monumental includes works in a variety of mediums that respond to light, weather, and the natural environment and reimagine our relationship to landscape and community.
5. Fresh air and live music: The Morris Museum has been a longtime venue for live music and performance. The Back Deck Series is a special opportunity to enjoy dynamic music outdoors. This year’s lineup includes jazz vocalist Alexis Morrast, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, ArcoStrum, the Orpheus Chamber Players, and Little Johnny Rivero & His Giants: Tribute to our Legends of Jazz & Latin Jazz, among many others. They invite you to bring a chair, enjoy a nice bottle of wine, and watch the sunset as you listen and unwind.
Housed in the Twin Oaks Mansion on the territory of the Munsee Lenape people, the Morris Museum is an ever-changing cultural landmark and a testament to local heritage. Located right in Morristown, plan a visit to this exceptional place right in our own backyard. Learn more at: www.MorrisMuseum.org
Our very own photographer, Barbora Hindson, getting ready to explore!
Art by Kathleen Gilje
Past exhibit by Samuelle Green
exploring the small moments that keep our marriage strong
STILL DATING AFTER FIVE KIDS
ARTICLE BY FELISHA LYNCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL INDANO @RACHELINDANOPHOTOGRAPHY
People always ask how we stay connected after almost 20 years together—and five kids later—and honestly? It’s not grand gestures. It’s the small things, the intentional things, the couple of hours when we stop talking about who needs to be picked up and where, and actually talk to each other again.
Somewhere along the way, we realized that spending time together isn’t selfish. It’s actually one of the best things we can do for our family. When our marriage feels strong, everything else in our home feels better, too!
That doesn’t mean date night has to be fancy. Half the time, we’re exhausted and debating whether we should just stay home in sweatpants. But we’ve learned that getting out together, even for a few hours, matters.
One thing we really love doing is trying local restaurants together. It gives us a chance to slow down, talk about something other than logistics, and actually enjoy each other’s company without someone yelling “Mom!” from another room.
A few of our favorite spots lately:
• Nostrana in Boonton @nostranaristorante for a cozy, intimate date night
• Barka in Mountain Lakes @barka__restaurant when we want something that feels a little more special
• Black Rabbit Saloon in Montville @blackrabbitnj for a more laid-back night out
At this point in life, sometimes date night is just eating a meal while nobody asks me for ketchup. But those little moments together matter more than people realize.
Because one day our kids will grow up and leave the house. And when that happens, I still want us to know each other outside of being “Mom” and “Dad.”
And honestly? I think seeing their parents continue to choose to explore life together is one of the healthiest things our kids can grow up around.
Follow along on socials @felishalynchxo
Explore the Writer Within
The feedback, community, and deadlines I needed to uncover the writer I wanted to be
I was looking for a class to work on my writing. A lifelong love, I had never done anything meaningful to pursue. And so it goes with carving out time for a new hobby from the pile of never-ending life obligations. After years of considering it, I finally did an online search. The Writers Circle appeared quickly. A local “creative writing workshop and community for all ages.” Perfect.
I began scrolling through their adult workshop catalog. What kind of writing was I seeking? Up first, “Where Do I Begin?” They were reading my mind already. I kept scrolling, “Writing in Nature”, “Short Stories & Flash Fiction”, “Mystery Writers”, “Poetry”, “Kid Lit”. I read the short descriptions, wondering if the interest I felt in the tiny paragraphs was the pull I needed to commit to an eight-week course.
I glanced through the classes. Each a different day and time. Meeting virtually or in person, spanning several towns that I have easy access to. Verona, Morristown, Summit, Maplewood. I got excited thinking about getting to know a new place, but settled on a virtual Memoir Writers Circle, the most interesting topic to me that fit into my schedule.
ARTICLE BY KATIE JESIONOWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE WRITERS CIRCLE
My teacher, Jill, an award-winning journalist and published author, sent out a welcome email on Thursday before our first Monday class. During the two-hour class, four volunteers would each have 30 minutes to read a chapter or essay and respond to comments.
In my first class, I was the only new member out of the 12 participants. Yikes. Nerves kicked in. This is the sort of moment that can end a new endeavor. What was I thinking? I should back out of this , we tell ourselves. Because we don’t get to practice this feeling too often as adults unless we chase it. I realize now that being uncomfortable and doing it anyway is exactly what makes a great writer.
In that first class, I learned so much just by listening. The smallest moments can make the biggest impact. Humor in tragedy can be extremely effective. The more vulnerable a writer is, the more interesting their story. Show, don’t tell.
Students meeting at The Writers Circle in Summit, NJ
When Jill asked for volunteers for the following week, I raised my hand, not really knowing exactly what I would read. I had written plenty of narrative works over the three previous years, since my business closed, but were any of them memoir-worthy? I landed on writing a fresh take on a story about my height, six feet tall, knowing that if we were an in-person class, it would be the first thing everyone would notice about me. Like it always is. I had never read my writing out loud before. Certainly not to strangers. It felt wonderful and exhilarating, and it helped that they loved it. I heard my own words read back to me as someone shared their favorite line. I answered questions about what it felt
like to be the tallest person in every example I shared from growing up. I heard from Jill, who said, “Everyone has a story inside of them, and this might be yours.”
I just began my second year in the Memoir Writers Circle. I have raised my hand again and again and again, giving myself a new, necessary deadline to actually write something new, expand the story, and share what I have never written down before. And slowly, after weeks and weeks of getting words on a page, I am able to say, “I’m writing a memoir.”
Author, Katie Jesionowski
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
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DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
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SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JULY
JULY 1ST
Hanover Township 2026 Patriotic Celebration
Hanover Township Parks & Recreation, Whippany | 6:00 PM
Hanover Township Recreation invites residents and the surrounding community to join us for our annual Patriotic Celebration on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Hanover Township Municipal Campus. The rain date for the event is Thursday, July 2, 2026.
15 N Jefferson Rd., Whippany
JULY 2ND
Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights Music Series
1776, Morristown | 7:00 PM
Every Thursday night from 7:00 pm - 10 pm, join us in the 1776 Patio Lounge for live music and cocktails.
JULY 2ND
Celebrate the USA's 250th @ 1776!
1776, Morristown | 3:00 PM
Join us for the 250th celebration of the USA on the 1776 Patio on the Green! From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, enjoy BBQ and fun for all! 7:00 pm - 10 pm Live music with BIG HIX.
JULY 4TH
Florham Park Firewords
Emmett Field, Florham Park | 9:30 PM
Fireworks begin at dusk (approx. 9:00 PM), with activities throughout the day including a parade, picnic, and live entertainment. Rain date July 5th.
JULY 5TH
Morristown Farmer's Market
Behind the Morristown Diner, 40 Morris St., Morristown | 8:30 AM
Sundays (July 5, 12, 19, & 26) 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Over 25 vendors, including organic produce, honey, artisan cheese, and flowers.
JULY 25TH
Morristown Marketplace
St Peter's Episcopal Church, Morristown | 12:00 PM
12:00 - 5:00
Take in great live music, and shop a diverse assortment of makers and merchants. Handmade Jewelry, Home Decor, Pet Treats & Products, Trending & Vintage Fashion, Fair Trade Items, Personalized Accessories, Crochet Goods, Children's Items, Art, Photography, Collectibles & much more! Free Admission 121 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960
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Indulge Your Skin Without the Calories! Treat yourself to the ultimate seasonal glow with our Circadia S’mores Indulgence Facial. This decadent treatment combines a warm Cocoa Enzyme exfoliation to gently resurface your skin with a fluffy Marshmallow Whip mask to lock in intense, plumping hydration. It smells exactly like campfire s’mores and leaves your skin incredibly soft, bright, and hydrated.
Power Bowl
Courtesy of the Butter & Jam Cafe in Madison
You know those warm summer days when you just want to eat something light and refreshing? Enter the Power Bowl from Butter & Jam Café in Madison. I can’t tell you how many lunch meetings we’ve had at this darling eatery, and I order this bowl every single time. I know, I know, I should try new things. But this bowl is one of those meals I look forward to eating whenever I go! It’s definitely got a hold on me.
Perfect for a lunch or dinner on warm days, it’s fresh and nourishing, without ruining your bikini bod. The crunch of the walnuts paired with creamy goat cheese and bright beets is perfection. It’s an easy make-at-home bowl that you’ll surely have on repeat this summer.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 oz mixed baby greens and/or romaine
• 1 oz pickled red cabbage
• 2 oz quinoa
• 2 oz walnuts
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 oz red & golden beets
• 1/2 sliced avocado
• 2 oz crumbled goat cheese
• 4 oz honey dijon dressing
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
EXCEPTIONAL DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life-changing treatments including, same day All-on-4 implants, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Schedule a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
