Morris, NJ August 2023

August 2023 - Kids & Pets

This issue is always one of my favorites. Maybe it is because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are happy to highlight the best for our kids in this issue.

And who could forget pets? They too are members of our families! Their special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

We have two Havanese, Lucky and Max, who like our kids, have very different and distinct personalities. They are a major part of our family and together we have built amazing memories with them and our kids.

In this issue we are highlighting Primrose schools who provides an innovative learning experience from babies to kindergarten children. Also in this issue, you will get to know Dr. Megan Armani, from Symbios Animal Health who offers unique veterinary care, a concierge approach you can only get with Megan as well as the Turtle Back Zoo and all of the things they offer you may not have been familiar with.

We hope this issue inspires you to try something new!

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

August 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifetstyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Courtney Franks | courtney.franks@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photograpy

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Before Rocco Varma and his wife Nisha had a child, they knew they wanted to spend as much time as possible with him or her. So, they became franchisees of a Primrose School in Florham Park. “We actually raised our son Jaiden, now 7 years old, through Primrose’s entire school system,” says Rocco.

After experiencing all that Primrose had to offer their own child, and wanting to provide this same opportunity for other children, they opened up three other New Jersey locations – one in West Orange, one in Paramus and another in Morristown. They also have two more locations in Pennsylvania.

Founded almost 40 years ago, Primrose Schools are nationally accredited early education and care schools serving infants through kindergarten. Today, there are over 450 schools across the United States.

“We have state-of-the-art fully educational facilities with every single age group in separate classrooms,” he says. “They’re warm and welcoming – we want our students and parents to feel like it’s their second home.”

Mom Cynthia Jensen agrees, “As an elementary school educator, I knew this big decision would set our daughter on what I hoped to be a path of positive lifelong learning. Primrose in Florham Park was the

right choice. Over the course of the last ten months, our daughter has blossomed into a confident two-year-old toddler who shares, communicates verbally in five word sentences, holds crayons with a proper grip, and expresses pure excitement for school every morning at drop-off.”

Teachers are trained by VARMAEDGE, an education group, and Primrose, explains Rocco, and they also have teaching experience and/or are fully certified and have educational degrees. “They have to go through about 80 hours of in person and online training where they get acclimated to our curriculum, our processes and our procedures. After that, there’s continuous assessments for the teachers to make sure they’re delivering  what our students need.”

He adds, “We are pioneers in education. Primrose develops its own curriculum - we don’t source it or purchase it.”

Lead kindergarten teacher Janet Delon has been teaching at the Primrose School of Florham Park for seven years. “I have enjoyed teaching the students at Primrose School and watching them become little scholars,” she says. “I love to see the students embrace what they have learned. Primrose School provides a safe, nourishing, environment with a well-rounded education for all children.”

It’s never too early to start your child on a path to academic success

Primrose Schools are accredited by Cognia (previously AdvancED®), a quality-improvement enhancement network made up of the largest community of education professionals in the world. It’s the highest level an early learning school can receive.

The basis of its curriculum is an exclusive, time-tested Balanced Learning® approach which is based on the latest research in early childhood education. Every toy, book, and lesson plan is purposefully chosen to build character, school readiness and life skills. Starting in preschool, students are introduced to technology with iPads.

Not only are children’s mind’s nourished, but so are their bodies. “Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided and everything is organically sourced and made by our in-house chef,” says Rocco.

Adds the Lusquinos, whose daughter Dylan attends the Morristown location. “Primrose provides each class with a delicious and healthy menu each week, and they differentiate themselves from other daycares through their unique learning curriculum; everything about them exemplifies ‘white glove service.’”

Health and safety are, of course, of utmost importance too. Rocco says all facilities are sanitized on an hourly basis and cleaned on a daily basis. They’re also completely secure. “There is no entry from the outside. Only students, parents and staff have access.”

States parent Jessica Campagna, “Our son has been attending Primrose School of Florham Park for just under a year and we absolutely love this school. The staff is amazing, the entire operation is extremely well-organized, and they truly care about your child. My son is excited to go to school every day. His teachers are kind and loving. The office staff is responsive and informative. We love Primrose!”

For older children, Primrose also provides after-school care with homework help for children aged 5 through 12 and a Summer Adventure Club for kids from kindergarten through 5th grade. Every program offered allows parents to pursue their own professional careers.

Another key aspect that makes Primrose Schools stand out is their involvement and support of their local communities. “We do an annual event called the Spring Fling, where we raise funds for a nonprofit, be it a food pantry in Florham Park or a cancer organization in Paramus,” says Rocco. “Every single location finds a charity to partner with, and then all the funds that are raised through these events go to them.”

In order to become a franchisee, he had to go through several hours of onsite and in-person training from learning how the processes work to how the education curriculum works.

CONTINUED >

“We’re not educators,” he says. “Primrose franchises with business entrepreneurs because they want to separate the educational aspect from the business aspect.”

Rocco, who lives in Essex County, was born and raised in India before moving to the United States at the age of 17, was already an entrepreneur at age 20.  After finding success in real estate and retail, he founded VARMA RE DEVELOPMENT, which he operates today alongside his Primrose Schools franchises.

To take a tour of one of the Primrose School locations and see where your child can learn and thrive, call (973) 771-4403 or go to https://www.primroseschools.com/schools/morristown/.

“We are pioneers in education. We’ve developed our own curriculum- we don’t source it or purchase it.”

Concierge Care for Your Pet

Just like with medical care for humans, caring for pets’ health needs can be very complicated and expensive. Many times, we sacrifice on preventative care because the cost can be daunting. But, what if there was a service where pet parents could pay one fee and have almost all of their cats’ and dogs’ needs taken care of by a caring, experienced veterinarian?

Thanks to Symbios Animal Health in Chatham, that option is now available. Founded earlier this year by Dr. Nick Pope and Travis York, who then partnered with Dr. Megan Armani, it’s a membership-based concierge service for pets.

“You can come in anytime with your pet with whatever their needs are,” says Dr. Megan , its head veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer. “For instance, if your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, that’s included. If your pet needs blood work, x-rays, nail trims, dental care, or many other services, that’s included in

the membership fee.” Some medications, especially those related to wellness like heartworm, flea and tick prevention, may also be included.

The membership fee can be paid monthly, or for more savings, annually. “Then, if you want to come in every week and see me because you have some concern, that’s fine,” she says. “I actually have patients that’ll do that and I love it. You have up to an hour for the exam and consults and membership also includes unlimited blood work as often as medically needed.” Anyone who has had a pet that requires regular blood work for a medical condition knows how expensive that alone can be.

If you have trouble getting your pets to the office, and you live within 15 miles of Chatham, someone on staff can pick them up and bring them in for their appointments. And, although not a regular occurrence, Dr. Megan can come to your house to treat your dog or cat if necessary.

“Obviously, end-of-life services are included too,” she says. “It’s really quite extensive what we do include and it allows me to be the veterinarian I want to be. I don’t have to say, ‘Here’s the estimate for the next step.’ Instead, I determine what’s medically necessary and we get it done.”

Ever since Dr. Megan was a young girl growing up in a rural part of upstate New York with a nurse for a mom, she learned how to take care of the many stray cats and injured critters in the area. “I started early nursing fledgling birds or baby squirrels that would fall out of trees, so I got a lot of experience caring for animals.”

Before she came on board with Symbios, she and her husband, Dr. Andrew Armani, ran two veterinarian practices in Pensacola, Florida. With three kids, they decided to come back north and relocate to Mountain Lakes, which they love.

Dr. Megan also loves the atmosphere of the practice in Chatham. “It’s in this cute

A better way of accessing medical care for your four-legged family members

“IT'S A GOOD FEELING WHEN YOU HAVE SOMEONE YOU CAN RELY ON TO TAKE THE BEST CARE OF YOUR PET.”

little house which the founders renovated. It’s an awesome space because it has two exam rooms, hardwood floors, and instead of a huge waiting room, clients just walk into a foyer. It’s a very comfortable, clean, light, bright space that really makes pet parents feel a little calmer than walking into a really clinical setting with a sick pet.”

Says pet mom Chris Farrell of Chatham, who brings her 2-year-old English Spaniel, Piper, to Symbios, “When we drive up to the vet, she knows where she is. I can let her off leash and she runs around the whole place. It’s just another house to her. It’s very homey and everyone comes and says hi to her. They all love her. I’m really so grateful to have them.”

While Dr. Megan can perform most services here, if there’s something she feels would be better handled by a specialist, she will refer the animal out.

“For example, if there’s really bad dental disease, and I don’t feel comfortable doing it because I’m worried about a fracture of the jaw or something like that,  the pet’s best bet is to see a board-certified veterinarian dentist. I’m not going to do things outside of my ability or comfort level, and I would assume that a pet owner would not want me to do that either.”

In addition to Dr. Megan and back-up vet Dr. Nick, there are two patient advocates, or technicians, who take turns being available 24 hours a day/seven days a week. If they

determine that something is serious after hours, they will then call Dr. Megan.

If an emergency happens overnight, clients will be referred to a practice that can see the animal immediately. “The nice part is we can call ahead and also send the records to make that situation streamlined for the owner,” she says.

Adds Chris, “If I have a question or a concern, Dr. Megan will usually get back to me within the hour. It’s that kind of service and it’s really been amazing.”

Piper also recently had her teeth cleaned, which Chris isn’t sure she would have done so early on if it wasn’t included in the membership. “It’s not only concierge care, I feel like it’s also preventative care, which I’m a huge advocate of myself. With other vets, this dental visit alone would have been about $1500.00. So, I think they’re good people with a really good mission.”

In addition to its Concierge Membership, which includes everything previously mentioned and more, in July they launched their yearly Signature Membership, which will include unlimited access and exams. “If some people already have pet insurance and don’t want to add the full Concierge Membership level, this gives them another option,” says Dr. Megan. “With it, we can reach more people and provide more care.”

To find out more, and to sign up for a membership, go to Symbios.Vet .

FROM COZY ALPACAS TO FRAGRANT LAVENDER FIELDS

creatures, learning about their gentle nature and unique characteristics.

EXPLORING THE DELIGHTS OF TWO NEW JERSEY ALPACA FARMS

If you have never been to an alpaca farm, put it on your bucket list. This extraordinary experience is great for kids of all ages, including adults!

In the picturesque towns of Peapack and Skillman New Jersey, two distinct worlds await those seeking an escape from the bustle of everyday life. Bluebird Farm Alpacas and Hidden Spring Alpaca and Lavender Farm, offer visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and engage with alpacas. One promises the warmth and charm of alpacas, the other captivates you with an additional bonus of fragrant fields of the lavender they grow.

Nestled in Peapack, NJ, Bluebird Farm Alpacas greets guests with open arms and curious eyes. As you enter the farm, a sense of tranquility envelops you. The farm’s pride and joy, a herd of gentle alpacas, welcomes you with their fluffy fleece catching the sunlight. Visitors can interact with these adorable

Guided tours take guests through the farm, offering insights into the alpacas’ history, lifestyle, and their incredible fleece. The owners share their knowledge and love for alpacas, weaving stories that leave guests captivated. They sheer their alpacas once a year and their yarn is sent to local artisans where they create products you can purchase at the farm.  Bluebird Farm Alpacas offers farm tours and alpaca walking where you can take an alpaca on a walk using a halter and lead line. The farm is open by reservation on weekends.   https://www.bluebirdfarmalpacas.com/

Another Alpaca farm worth the drive is Hidden Spring Alpaca and Lavender Farm located in Skillman, New Jersey.  A beautiful sight of lavender fields welcomes you as you approach the iconic red barn and stables where the alpacas live. They grow 15 varieties of lavender, used for culinary, floral and oil.   Rows upon rows of vibrant purple blooms dance in the breeze, casting a spell of relaxation over all who visit.

At Hidden Springs Alpaca and Lavender Farm, visitors are encouraged to pet and feed these gentle animals with treats you get from the farm.  They don’t charge to come to the farm but ask for a donation if you can.   They offer alpaca walking tours for a moderate fee and are truly worth the experience!   Each of their alpacas are certified and microchipped through the association Alpaca Owners Association.

The farm boasts a delightful gift shop, filled to the brim with lavender-infused and honey products. They also host outdoor themed “Farm

to Table” dinners with options for every palette. You can visit their award-winning alpacas on weekends and make a reservation to “Walk an Alpaca”  at https://hiddenspringlavender.com/

These two alpaca farms provide you with the opportunity to take an alpaca for a walk, a genuinely therapeutic, fun and memorable experience. We encourage you to visit them both with your kids this summer. You will be glad you did!

FUN FACTS ABOUT ALPACAS:

Alpacas are gentle creatures that belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.

These captivating animals come in 22 natural colors, ranging from pure white to shades of gray, brown, and black.

Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for their luxurious fleece, which is softer than sheep’s wool and hypoallergenic.

Alpacas communicate through a range of sounds, including humming, clucking, and even screaming when alarmed.

ANIMAL ATTRACTION

SPEND THE DAY AT THE ZOO AND EXPERIENCE A WORLD OF FUN

“The World In Your Backyard” is the perfect tagline for the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. For the past 60 years, it has been bringing incredible species from around the world for children and adults to experience up close and in person. With over 400 animals representing 156 species, the zoo draws over 900,000 visitors in an average year.

Two popular attractions include the Africa Adventure exhibit featuring giraffes, lions, hyenas, and penguins, and the Amazing Asia exhibit, with its clouded leopards and red pandas. And of course, the flamingos, with their colorful plumage, receive a lot of attention.

While there, guests can also visit Andy, a 64-year-old Aldabra tortoise, and Adak, a bald eagle estimated to be 33 years old and who’s also the zoo’s longest resident, having arrived in 1997. There are also reptiles, birds, incredible insects and more.

“Most of our animals come from other zoos and facilities,” says Katherine Hartwyk, deputy director of the Essex County Parks Department. In addition to housing and feeding the animals, taking care of their mental and physical health are top priorities. In September of 2006, Turtle Back Zoo was granted accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, which means that it adheres to the highest standards for zoos in the country.

Along with the exhibits, there are other experiences that shouldn’t be missed. “Our train ride takes riders past our giraffe yard, which is always a hit, and the carousel is fun to ride,” Hartwyk says.

When it’s time for a bite to eat, the Savanna Café features a variety of food options and, for adults who wish to relax with a beer or cocktail, there’s a full bar on the second floor.

Turtle Back Zoo also offers rental pavilions for private events such as birthday celebrations, weddings and corporate parties. If the event is held after hours, guests have the whole zoo to themselves.

Many educational programs are held on site too, and the zoo has an outreach team that goes to festivals and other public events, as well as into schools to present programs throughout the year.

In addition to buying tickets and donating, another great way to support everything that the zoo offers is to become a member, which includes a lot of special perks. “When you’re a member of the zoo, you’re also supporting our nonprofit arm, the New Jersey Zoological Society,” says Katherine.

Since Turtle Back Zoo is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, visitors can also find a mini golf course, paddle boats, zip lining, a picnic area, playground and other attractions within walking distance. In the summer, there are free movies on the parking deck every Wednesday night. After a day of fun-filled activities, many people walk over to McLoone’s Boathouse for a nice dinner.

Says Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., “We are proud of how our zoo has grown and been transformed into a respected educational resource and recreational destination.”

To plan your visit, go to TurtleBackZoo.com

PERSONALIZED CARE WITHOUT THE WAIT.

Symbios Animal Health is an entirely new, concierge-style veterinary experience-delivering the highest quality care in the most personalized and authentic way. Our groundbreaking model never limits your time with the veterinarian while capping the patient-to-doctor ratio at 25% of the industry standard. This means with Symbios, there is excpetional care, no wait times, and never any rush to get you out the door.

Backyard Chickens

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.